Variation in the Distribution of Trace Elements in Renal Cell Carcinoma

The development of cancer is a complex, multistage process during which a normal cell undergoes genetic changes that result in phenotypic alterations and in the acquisition of the ability to invade other sites. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy was used to estimate the contents of Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Pb, and Zn in healthy kidney and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and significant differences were found for all elements. Along with the progression of the malignant disease, a progressive decrease of Cd and K was observed. In fact, for Cd, the concentration in stage T4 was 263.9 times lower than in stage T1, and for K, the concentration in stage T4 was 1.73 times lower than in stage T1. Progressive accumulation was detected for P, Pb, and Zn in stage T4. For P, the concentration in stage T4 was 11.1 times higher than in stage T1; for Pb, the concentration in stage T4 was 232.7 times higher than in T1; and for Zn, the concentration in T4 was 8.452 times higher than in T1. This study highlights the marked differences in the concentrations of selected trace metals in different malignant tumor stages. These findings indicate that some trace metals may play important roles in the pathogenesis of RCC.

Evaluation of the use of multiple lines for determination of metals in water by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry with axial viewing

Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometers (ICP DES) allow fast simultaneous measurements of several spectral lines for multiple elements. The combination of signal intensities of two or more emission lines for each element may bring such advantages as improvement of the precision, the minimization of systematic errors caused by spectral interferences and matrix effects. In this work, signal intensities for several spectral lines were combined for the determination of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Pb, and Zn in water. Afterwards, parameters for evaluation of the calibration model were calculated to select the combination of emission lines leading to the best accuracy (lowest values of PRESS-Predicted error sum of squares and RMSEP-Root means square error of prediction). Limits of detection (LOD) obtained using multiple lines were 7.1, 0.5, 4.4, 0.042, 3.3, 28 and 6.7 mu g L(-1) (n = 10) for Al, Cd. Co, Cr, Mn, Pb and Zn, respectively, in the presence of concomitants. On the other hand, the LOD established for the most intense emission line were 16. 0.7, 8.4, 0.074. 23, 26 and 9.6 mu g L(-1) (n = 10) for these same elements in the presence of concomitants. The accuracy of the developed procedure was demonstrated using water certified reference material. The use of multiple lines improved the sensitivity making feasible the determination of these analytes according to the target values required for the current environmental legislation for water samples and it was also demonstrated that measurements in multiple lines can also be employed as a tool to verify the accuracy of an analytical procedure in ICP DES. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exploring the emission intensities of ICP OES aided by chemometrics in the geographical discrimination of mineral waters

A rapid method for classification of mineral waters is proposed. The discrimination power was evaluated by a novel combination of chemometric data analysis and qualitative multi-elemental fingerprints of mineral water samples acquired from different regions of the Brazilian territory. The classification of mineral waters was assessed using only the wavelength emission intensities obtained by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES), monitoring different lines of Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cl, Cu, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Si, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn, and Be, Dy, Gd, In, La, Sc and Y as internal standards. Data acquisition was done under robust (RC) and non-robust (NRC) conditions. Also, the combination of signal intensities of two or more emission lines for each element were evaluated instead of the individual lines. The performance of two classification-k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA)-and preprocessing algorithms, autoscaling and Pareto scaling, were evaluated for the ability to differentiate between the various samples in each approach tested (combination of robust or non-robust conditions with use of individual lines or sum of the intensities of emission lines). It was shown that qualitative ICP OES fingerprinting in combination with multivariate analysis is a promising analytical tool that has potential to become a recognized procedure for rapid authenticity and adulteration testing of mineral water samples or other material whose physicochemical properties (or origin) are directly related to mineral content.

Use of Sugar Cane Vinasse to Mitigate Aluminum Toxicity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Owing to its toxicity, aluminum (Al), which is one of the most abundant metals, inhibits the productivity of many cultures and affects the microbial metabolism. The aim of this work was to investigate the capacity of sugar cane vinasse to mitigate the adverse effects of Al on cell growth, viability, and budding, as the likely result of possible chelating action. For this purpose, Fleischmann`s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was used in growth tests performed in 125-mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing 30 mL of YED medium (5.0 g/L yeast extract plus 20 g/L glucose) supplemented with the selected amounts of either vinasse or Al in the form of AlCl(3) center dot A H(2)O. Without vinasse, the addition of increasing levels of Al up to 54 mg/L reduced the specific growth rate by 18%, whereas no significant reduction was observed in its presence. The toxic effect of Al on S. cerevisiae growth and the mitigating effect of sugar cane vinasse were quantified by the exponential model of Ciftci et al. (Biotechnol Bioeng 25:2007-2023, 1983). The cell viability decreased from 97.7% at the start to 84.0% at the end of runs without vinasse and to 92.3% with vinasse. On the other hand, the cell budding increased from 7.62% at the start to 8.84% at the end of runs without vinasse and to 17.8% with vinasse. These results demonstrate the ability of this raw material to stimulate cell growth and mitigate the toxic effect of Al.

Podzolization as a deferralitization process: dynamics and chemistry of ground and surface waters in an Acrisol-Podzol sequence of the upper Amazon Basin

Hydrochemical processes involved in the development of hydromorphic Podzols are a major concern for the upper Amazon Basin because of the extent of the areas affected by such processes and the large amounts of organic carbon and associated metals exported to the rivers. The dynamics and chemical composition of ground and surface waters were studied along an Acrisol-Podzol sequence lying in an open depression of a plateau. Water levels were monitored along the sequence over a period of 2 years by means of piezometers. Water was sampled in zero-tension lysimeters for groundwater and for surface water in the drainage network of the depression. The pH and concentrations of organic carbon and major elements (Si, Fe and Al) were determined. The contrasted changes reported for concentrations of Si, organic carbon and metals (Fe, Al) mainly reflect the dynamics of the groundwater and the weathering conditions that prevail in the soils. Iron is released by the reductive dissolution of Fe oxides, mostly in the Bg horizons of the upslope Acrisols. It moves laterally under the control of hydraulic gradients and migrates through the iron-depleted Podzols where it is exported to the river network. Aluminium is released from the dissolution of Al-bearing minerals (gibbsite and kaolinite) at the margin of the podzolic area but is immobilized as organo-Al complexes in spodic horizons. In downslope positions, the quick recharge of the groundwater and large release of organic compounds lead to acidification and a loss of metals (mainly Al), previously stored in the Podzols.

Deciphering the weathering processes using environmental mineralogy and geochemistry: Towards an integrated model of laterite and podzol genesis in the Upper Amazon Basin

This article reports major results from collaborative research between France and Brazil on soil and water systems, carried out in the Upper Amazon Basin. It reveals the weathering processes acting in the partly inundated, low elevation plateaus of the Basin, mostly covered by evergreen forest. Our findings are based on geochemical data and mineral spectroscopy that probe the crystal chemistry of Fe and Al in mineral phases (mainly kaolinite, Al- and Fe-(hydr)oxides) of tropical soils (laterites). These techniques reveal crystal alterations in mineral populations of different ages and changes of metal speciation associated with mineral or organic phases. These results provide an integrated model of soil formation and changes (from laterites to podzols) in distinct hydrological compartments of the Amazon landscapes and under altered water regimes. (C) 2010 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Determination of heavy metals by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry in fish from the Piracicaba River in Southern Brazil

A total of 202 fish, representing 16 species, were collected during 2008 (March-October) in the Tanquan region of the Piracicaba River using nets. Flesh samples were collected and analyzed, using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy for Al, As, Cd, Co Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Ph, Se, Sn, Sr, and Zn. The results showed that the flesh of these fish all contained extremely high levels of Al and Sr, and moderately high levels of Cr, As, Zn, Ni. Mn and Pb. The metals were higher in these fish during rainy season, with fish collected during the months of March and October being the highest. In addition, the accumulation of metals was species-dependent. Cascudos (Hypostomus punctatus) and piranhas (Serrasalmus spilopleura) exhibited high levels of almost all of the metals, while curimbata (Prochilodus lineatus) had moderate levels. A few species, including pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and dourado (Salminus maxillosus), had very low levels of most metals. The results show that the Piracicaba River Basin is widely contaminated with high levels of many toxic heavy metals, and that human consumption of some fish species is a human health concern. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Relationship between occurrence of Panama disease in banana trees of cv. Nanicao and nutrients in soil and leaves

Relationship between occurrence of Panama disease in banana trees of cv. Nanicao and nutrients in soil and leaves The objective of the present work was to verify if the incited symptoms in banana trees cv. Nanicao, belonging to the subgroup Cavendish, in Vale do Ribeira, are related to levels of nutrients in soil and leaves. Sixteen areas in Vale do Ribeira were selected, one half with symptomatic plants and the other with healthy plants. In those areas the third leaf of five plants and the soil near those plants were collected, at depths from 0 to 20 cm and from 20 to 40 cm. At both depths of the sampled soil, levels of Ca, Mg, PO(4)(-3), S and cationic exchange capacity (CEC) were significantly different among the areas, and the low values of these elements were present in the areas containing symptomatic plants. At both depths, Mg, Al and H in relation to CEC were significantly different among the areas, and the low values of Mg and high of Al and H were present in the areas with symptomatic plants. The N, K and S in the leaves were significantly different among the areas. These elements showed low values in the areas containing symptomatic plants. Despite the fact that some amounts of macronutrients of the soil and of the leaves are present only in the areas containing plants of Nanicao with symptoms similar to fusariosis, proof of a possible occurrence of race of the pathogen should be looked for in Vale do Ribeira.

Evaluation of aluminium tolerance in grapevine rootstocks

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major worldwide agricultural problem. At low pH, Al speciates into the soluble and phyto-toxic form Al(3+), inhibiting the root growth and affecting plant development. In Brazil, agriculture in acidic soils with elevated concentration of Al has significantly increased in the last decades. Therefore, in order to achieve efficient agriculture practices, the selection of plant cultivars with improved Al resistance has become crucial in this type of soils. In this work we have evaluated the Al resistance of six genotypes of grapevine rootstocks. The grapevine hardwood cuttings were grown in nutrient solution in the absence and presence of 250 and 500 mu M Al at pH 4.2. The phenotypic indexes of relative root growth, fresh and dry root weight, root area, hematoxylin staining profile, and Al content were evaluated for all six genotypes. These phenotypic indexes allowed us to identify the `Kober 5BB`, `Gravesac`, `Paulsen 1103`, and `IAC 766` grapevine rootstocks genotypes as the ones with the highest resistance to Al. Likewise, `IAC 572` and `R110` genotypes were the most Al-sensitive cultivars. We evaluated the root organic acid exudation profile in the most Al-resistant (`Kober 5BB`) and most Al-sensitive (`R110`) in plantlets cultivated in vitro in the absence and presence of 100, 200, and 400 mu M of Al. Among several compounds detected, citrate was the only organic acid related to the Al resistance phenotype observed in the `Kober 5BB` genotype. The high constitutive citrate exudation observed in `Kober 5BB` strongly suggests that exudation of this particular organic acid may impart Al-resistance/a melioration in grapevine.

Rhizotoxicity of aluminate and polycationic aluminium at high pH

Although monomeric Al species are often toxic in acidic soils, the effects of the aluminate ion (Al(OH)4-) on roots grown in alkaline media are still unclear. Dilute, alkaline (pH 9.5) nutrient solutions were used to investigate the effects of Al(OH)4- on root growth of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.). Root growth was reduced by 13 % after 3 d growth in solutions with an Al(OH)4- activity of 16 μM and no detectable polycationic Al (Al13). This decrease in root growth was associated with the formation of lesions on the root tips (due to the rupturing of the epidermal and outer cortical cells) and a slight limitation to root hair growth (particularly on the lateral roots). When roots displaying these symptoms were transferred to fresh Al(OH)4- solutions for a further 12 h, no root tip lesions were observed and root hair growth on the lateral roots improved. The symptoms were similar to those induced by Al13 at concentrations as low as 0.50 μM Al which are below the detection limit of the ferron method. Thus, Al(OH)4- is considered to be non-toxic, with the observed reduction in root growth in solutions containing Al(OH)4- due to the gradual formation of toxic Al13 in the bulk nutrient solution resulting from the acidification of the alkaline nutrient solution by the plant roots.

Aluminophosphate-based mesoporous molecular sieves: synthesis and characterization of TAPOs

Mesoporous Ti-substituted aluminophosphates (AlPOs) with a hexagonal, cubic and lamellar pore structure, characteristic of MCM-41, MCM-48. and MCM-50, respectively, were synthesized. The stability of these mesophases upon template removal was studied. The pore structures, surface properties, and local atom environments of Al, P, and Ti of the hexagonal and cubic Ti-containing mesoporous products were extensively characterized using X-ray diffraction, magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, AAS, XPS, ultraviolet-visible, and adsorption of nitrogen and water vapor techniques while the lamellar mesophase was not further characterized due to its very poor thermal stability. Ti-containing mesoporous AlPO materials show a reasonable thermal stability upon template removal, a hydrophilic surface property, and high porosity showing application potentials in catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B,V. All rights reserved.

The influence of the atmosphere on the sintering of aluminum

Alloys of Al, Al-0.15Mg, and Al-12Sn made using air atomized aluminum powder and pressed to green densities of 75 to 98 pet were sintered under argon or nitrogen. Sintering in argon is only effective at high green densities when magnesium is present. In contrast, highly porous aluminum can be sintered in nitrogen without the need for magnesium. The oxygen concentration in the gas is reduced by the aluminum through a self-gettering process. The outer layers of the porous powder compact serve as a getter for the inner layers such that the oxygen partial pressure is reduced deep within the pore network. Aluminum nitride then forms, either by direct reaction with the metal or by reduction of the oxide layer, and sintering follows.

Evaluating the use of predatory insects as bioindicators of metals contamination due to sugarcane cultivation in neotropical streams

Streams located in areas of sugarcane cultivation receive high concentrations of metal ions from soils of the adjacent areas causing accumulation of metals in the aquatic sediment. This impact results in environmental problems and leads to bioaccumulation of metal ions in aquatic organisms. In the present study, metal concentrations in different predatory insects were studied in streams near sugarcane cultivation and compared to reference sites. Possible utilisation of predatory insects as bioindicators of metal contamination due to sugarcane cultivation from 13 neotropical streams was evaluated. Ion concentrations of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn in adult Belostomatidae (Hemiptera) and in larvae of Libellulidae (Odonata) were analysed. Nine streams are located in areas with sugarcane cultivation, without riparian vegetation (classified as impacted area) and four streams were located in forested areas (reference sites). Metal concentrations in insects were higher near sugarcane cultivations than in control sites. Cluster analysis, complemented by an ANOSIM test, clearly showed that these insect groups are good potential bioindicators of metal contamination in streams located in areas with sugarcane cultivation and can be used in monitoring programmes. We also conclude that Libellulidae appeared to accumulate higher concentrations of metals than Belostomatidae.

Aluminophosphate-based mesoporous molecular sieves: Synthesis and characterization of TAPOs

Mesoporous Ti-substituted aluminophosphates (AlPOs) with a hexagonal, cubic and lamellar pore structure, characteristic of MCM-41, MCM-48, and MCM-50, respectively, were synthesized. The stability of these mesophases upon template removal was studied. The pore structures, surface properties, and local atom environments of Al, P, and Ti of the hexagonal and cubic Ti-containing mesoporous products were extensively characterized using X-ray diffraction, magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, AAS, XPS, ultraviolet–visible, and adsorption of nitrogen and water vapor techniques while the lamellar mesophase was not further characterized due to its very poor thermal stability. Ti-containing mesoporous AlPO materials show a reasonable thermal stability upon template removal, a hydrophilic surface property, and high porosity showing application potentials in catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons.

Modelling of microstructure formation and evolution during solidification

A comprehensive probabilistic model for simulating microstructure formation and evolution during solidification has been developed, based on coupling a Finite Differential Method (FDM) for macroscopic modelling of heat diffusion to a modified Cellular Automaton (mCA) for microscopic modelling of nucleation, growth of microstructures and solute diffusion. The mCA model is similar to Nastac's model for handling solute redistribution in the liquid and solid phases, curvature and growth anisotropy, but differs in the treatment of nucleation and growth. The aim is to improve understanding of the relationship between the solidification conditions and microstructure formation and evolution. A numerical algorithm used for FDM and mCA was developed. At each coarse scale, temperatures at FDM nodes were calculated while nucleation-growth simulation was done at a finer scale, with the temperature at the cell locations being interpolated from those at the coarser volumes. This model takes account of thermal, curvature and solute diffusion effects. Therefore, it can not only simulate microstructures of alloys both on the scale of grain size (macroscopic level) and the dendrite tip length (mesoscopic level), but also investigate nucleation mechanisms and growth kinetics of alloys solidified with various solute concentrations and solidification morphologies. The calculated results are compared with values of grain sizes and solidification morphologies of microstructures obtained from a set of casting experiments of Al-Si alloys in graphite crucibles.