Analytical strategies to determine antibiotic residues in fish

The accelerated growth of aquaculture has resulted in a series of harmful effects to human health. The widespread and unrestricted use of antibiotics in this industry, to prevent bacterial infections, leads to remaining amounts in the aquatic environment. This has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in aquaculture environments, in the increase in antibiotic resistance in fish pathogens as well as in the transfer of these resistance determinants to human pathogens. Moreover, the use of large amounts of antibiotics may lead to the presence of residual antibiotics in fish tissue and fish products. Fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, penicillins, sulphonamides and other antibiotics, exhibiting activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, are widely used for the treatment and prevention of diseases in fish. An extended and comprehensive review on the recent analytical methodologies concerning antibiotic residues in fish reported in the literature is provided in the present article. Emphasis is given on sample preparation regarding isolation and purification, chromatographic conditions and method validation according to legislation. Results of published assays are comparatively presented and criticised.     

UNDERSTANDING THE HYDROPHOBIC EFFECT

The hydrophobic effect is the common expression for processes where nonpolar groups in molecules are spontaneously removed from water. Thermodynamic analysis of hydrocarbon solubility in water, micellization and adsorption of surfactants show that the hydrophobic effect can be understood in terms of two contributions. The first contribution is attributed to the structuring, or rearrangement, of water molecules in the vicinity of a hydrophobe. This contribution is favorable, and hence increases the solubility of hydrocarbons in water, increases the cmc, and decreases the adsorption of surfactants. The second contribution is attributed to the formation of a cavity in the water in order to accomodate the hydrophobe. This contribution dominates over the first one and is unfavorable, i.e. it decreases the solubility of hydrocarbons in water, decreases the cmc, and increases the adsorption of surfactants. Thus, the cause of the hydrophobic effect is to be found in the large energy required to form a cavity in the water. On the other hand the temperature dependence of the hydrophobic effect is entirely determined by the water structuring, or rearrangement, in the vicinity of a hydrophobe.     

Species differences in the metabolism of arsenic compounds

Humans are exposed via air, water and food to a number of different arsenic compounds, the physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of which may vary considerably. In people eating much fish and shellfish the intake of organic arsenic compounds, mainly arsenobetaine, may exceed 1000 μg As per day, while the average daily intake of inorganic arsenic is in the order of 10–20 μg in most countries. Arsenobetaine, and most other arsenic compounds in food of marine origin, e.g. arsenocholine, trimethylarsine oxide and methylarsenic acids, are rapidly excreted in the urine and there seem to be only minor differences in metabolism between animal species. Trivalent inorganic arsenic (AsIII) is the main form of arsenic interacting with tissue constituents, due to its strong affinity for sulfhydryl groups. However, a substantial part of the absorbed AsIII is methylated in the body to less reactive metabolities, methylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), which are rapidly excreted in the urine. All the different steps in the arsenic biotransformation in mammals have not yet been elucidated, but it seems likely that the methylation takes place mainly in the liver by transfer of methyl groups from S-adenosylmethionine to arsenic in its trivalent oxidation state. A substantial part of absorbed arsenate (AsV) is reduced to AsIII before being methylated in the liver. There are marked species differences in the methylation of inorganic arsenic. In most animal species DMA is the main metabolite. Compared with human subjects, very little MMA is produced. The marmoset monkey is the only species which has been shown unable to methylate inorganic arsenic. In contrast to other species, the rat shows a marked binding of DMA to the hemoglobin, which results in a low rate of urinary excretion of arsenic.     

煤烘玉米和饮水为介质地氟病区骨畸形病人全血尿多元素含量的分析

采集了贵族个煤烘玉米为主要介质和河北２个饮水为介质氟病区内骨畸形病人的全血、尿、检测了其中８种元素含量,结果表明,贵州各氟病区少儿骨软化与成年骨硬化畸形病人的全血铝、钙、磷、铁和尿氟、铝均显著高于同龄对照组,尿磷均低于同龄对照组。少儿骨软化病人全血锌均下降,尿锌多下降。某水型氟病区骨软化经产妇尿氟、全血铜升高;骨软化少年全血铝显著升高,锌、铁下降,尿氟升高,尿锌,磷下降。海边的典型氟骨症病人全血、     

Staudinger reaction at in-bridgehead positions of phosphorus macrobicyclic compounds

Reaction of in,in-phosphite 1 with thiophosphoryl azide 2 affords in,in-dithiophosphate 3, in,in-thiophosphate-imidophosphate 4, and in,in-phosphite-imidophosphate 5. Compounds 4 and 5 are the first examples of the modification of in-bridgehead positions in macrobicyclic compounds with groups larger than methyl. The benzaldehyde arms of the in-substituent in 4 and 5 jut out of the cage bars. In 4 they are trapped between the macrocyclic arms to give the NMR spectra of a Cs-symmetric solution-state structure. In contrast, in 5 the benzaldehyde arms can move between the gaps of the cage. This results in 1H and 13C NMR spectra which are consistent for a compound with C3v symmetry. In,out-diimidophosphate 7 is obtained in moderate yield by reaction of in,out-phosphite 6 with thiophosphoryl azide 2. Its in-benzaldehyde moieties are not fixed between the cage arms, but can freely move from one gap to the next as is indicated by NMR measurements.     

青藏高原湖泊影响锂元素迁移和富集的矿物、元素及环境因素——以西藏郭扎错钻孔沉积物为例

作为我国战略性矿产的锂矿,主要赋存于青藏高原盐湖中。湖泊系统中,锂的富集和迁移规律关系到锂矿的高效提取和未来锂矿的储量估算。本文以西藏咸水湖郭扎错的钻孔沉积物为例,结合AMS14C年代和Mg元素含量变化,系统分析了孔隙水、碳酸盐矿物和硅酸盐矿物的锂含量变化,探讨了矿物、镁元素、环境变化和早期成岩作用等对锂元素迁移和富集的影响。郭扎错沉积物中锂和镁大部分存在于硅酸盐矿物中,锂和镁较高的相关性说明二者存在于相同的硅酸盐矿物中,如粘土矿物。大约90%的锂赋存在硅酸盐矿物中,约8.5%的锂赋存在碳酸盐矿物中,孔隙水中的锂含量占比仅约1.5%。碳酸盐矿物中Mg/Li摩尔比值为78–270,是孔隙水中10多倍,而硅酸盐矿物中的Mg/Li摩尔比值稳定在24–29之间。水–沉积物相互作用促进硅酸盐矿物中锂的释放,咸水环境下释放的锂多于淡水环境下。碳酸盐矿物中,锂和镁主要存在于方解石中。镁离子对锂离子的迁移具有阻碍作用,低温、高盐度下的阻碍作用更强。湖泊沉积物可能是湖水锂的一个重要来源。     

Phosphaalkynes—Syntheses,Reactions, Coordination Behavior [New Synthetic Methods (73)]

Organophosphorus compounds have been applied in two ways in chemical synthesis. They can either be used as a reagent in a step of the synthesis (for example, in the Wittig reaction) or they can be incorporated directly into the target molecule. This second application, in particular, has expanded greatly in the last few years with the preparation of low-coordination phosphorus compounds. These include the phosphaalkynes, which are of great interest to organic and inorganic chemists. Phosphaalkynes have been employed in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, phosphaarenes and their valence isomers, and polycyclic compounds. Further applications have been the use of phosphaalkynes as new ligand systems in complex chemistry and their cyclooligomerization with organometallic reagents. While the chemical properties of phosphaalkynes have little in common with those of nitriles, they are in many ways very similar to those of the isoelectronic acetylenes.     

Pesticide residues in groundwaters and soils of agricultural areas in the Águeda River Basin from Spain and Portugal

This research has evaluated the agricultural impact of the use of pesticides in small agricultural areas in the Águeda river basin, which straddles the Spanish-Portuguese border. Sixteen pesticides frequently used in the area, including herbicides, fungicides and insecticides and some of their degradation products, were monitored in 52 groundwater samples and 42 soil samples taken around them, using a developed multi-residual analytical method based on SPE-LC-MS. Sampling was carried out in two different seasons (winter and summer). The results indicated the presence of pesticides at several levels, both in groundwaters and soils. Thirteen of the pesticides studied were detected in one or more of the groundwater samples analysed, but only three pesticides were detected in the soil samples. Terbuthylazine, cyprodinil, tebuconazole and chlorpyrifos were the pesticides most frequently detected in groundwaters, whereas terbuthylazine, metalaxyl and tebuconazole were the sole compounds detected in soils. The distribution of the concentrations in groundwaters indicated that up to 80% and 70% of the samples collected in the summer on the Spanish and Portuguese sides, respectively, exceed the quality standards of 0.1 µg L^?1 for one or more individual compounds and, in turn, up to 64% and 40% exceed the quality standards of 0.5 µg L^?1 for all compounds. The presence of pesticide residues in the groundwaters and soils analysed may well be explained by the use of these compounds in agricultural practices.     

Asymmetric Catalysis: Science and Opportunities (Nobel Lecture)

Asymmetric catalysis, in its infancy in the 1960s, has dramatically changed the procedures of chemical synthesis, and resulted in an impressive progression to a level that technically approximates or sometimes even exceeds that of natural biological processes. The recent exceptional advances in this area attest to a range of conceptual breakthroughs in chemical sciences in general, and to the practical benefits of organic synthesis, not only in laboratories but also in industry. The growth of this core technology has given rise to enormous economic potential in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, animal health products, agrochemicals, fungicides, pheromones, flavors, and fragrances. Practical asymmetric catalysis is of growing importance to a sustainable modern society, in which environmental protection is of increasing concern. This subject is an essential component of molecular science and technology in the 21st century. Most importantly, recent progress has spurred various interdisciplinary research efforts directed toward the creation of molecularly engineered novel functions. The origin and progress of my research in this field are discussed.     

中性溶质在反相毛细管电色谱中的保留行为

分别在以甲醇、乙腈、异丙醇和四氢呋喃为有机改性剂的４种二元流动相体系中对中性溶质在反相毛细管电色谱中的保留行为进行了研究。不仅考察了有机改性剂的种类和浓度对电渗淌度的影响,而且建立了溶质容量因子与有机改性剂在流动相中体积分数间的定量关系,此外还对样品在反相毛细管电色谱和反相毛细管高效液相色谱中的保留行为进行了比较,发现中性溶质在这两种分离模式中的容量因子基本相同。     

Spectroelectrochemical Properties of Some Polymers of Polythiophene Series

The spectroelectrochemical behavior in situ of some polymers of polythiophene series, polybithiophene (PBT) and poly-3-phenylthiophene (P3PhT), is studied in the processes of anodic and cathodic doping. It is confirmed that in the case of PBT and P3PhT, the cathodic evolution of the absorption spectra, which is characteristic of the cathodic doping process, occurs in solutions of tetrabutylammonium salts, but not in solutions of lithium salts. It is shown that polymers of a more complicated structure than that of PBT, e.g. P3PhT, feature additional absorption bands, as compared to PBT, which demonstrates a single absorption band. Moreover, in the case of P3PhT, two color transitions can be observed by sight in the process of doping-undoping, unlike the single transition observed in the case of PBT and most other electron-conducting polymers. On the basis of quantum-mechanical calculations, an assumption is made that such a behavior of P3PhT is due to the decrease of the local symmetry of polythiophene chain in the presence of a bulky substituent, which causes the activation of the transitions in the electronic spectra that are forbidden in more symmetrical structures.__________Translated from Elektrokhimiya, Vol. 41, No. 6, 2005, pp. 755–765.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Erenburg, Popov, Semenikhin.     

Neobavaisoflavone May Modulate the Activity of Topoisomerase Inhibitors towards U-87 MG Cells: An In Vitro Study

Despite many advances in therapy, glioblastoma (GB) is still characterized by its poor prognosis. The main reason for this is unsuccessful treatment, which slightly extends the duration of remission; thus, new regimens are needed. One of many types of chemotherapeutics that are being investigated in this field is topoisomerase inhibitors, mainly in combination therapy with other drugs. On the other hand, the search for new anti-cancer substances continues. Neobavaisoflavone (NBIF) is a natural compound isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L., which possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NBIF in human U-87 MG glioblastoma cells in comparison to normal human NHA astrocytes, and to examine if it influences the activity of irinotecan, etoposide, and doxorubicin in this in vitro model. We demonstrated that NBIF decreases U-87 MG cells viability in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that it inhibits cell growth and causes glutathione (GSH) depletion more intensely in U-87 MG cells than in astrocytes. This study also provides, for the first time, evidence of the potentialization of the doxorubicin effect by NBIF, which was shown by the reduction in the viability in U-87 MG cells.     

Emulsion and miniemulsion polymerizations with an oil‐soluble initiator in the presence and absence of an aqueous‐phase radical scavenger

Butyl acrylate conventional emulsion (macroemulsion) and miniemulsion polymerizations were carried out with an oil‐soluble initiator (azobisisobutyronitrile) in the presence or absence of an aqueous‐phase radical scavenger. For macroemulsion polymerization, in the presence of an aqueous‐phase radical scavenger, no particle nucleation occurred, whereas in the absence of an aqueous‐phase radical scavenger, particle nucleation proceeded as expected. For miniemulsion polymerization, the rate of polymerization was much higher in the absence of an aqueous‐phase radical scavenger than in its presence. Furthermore, in the absence of an aqueous‐phase radical scavenger, the miniemulsion polymerization rate increased with reduced droplet size, whereas in the presence of an aqueous‐phase radical scavenger, the trend was reversed. It is concluded that (1) for macroemulsion polymerization, the contribution from free radicals originating in the aqueous‐phase is predominant in the micellar nucleation of particles; (2) free radicals originating in the particle phase contribute to the rate of polymerization and the contribution increases with an increase in the particle size; and (3) for polymer particles with diameters of up to approximately 100 nm, polymerization is initiated from free radicals originating in the aqueous phase. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 3200–3211, 2002     

Self-assembly in magnetic supramolecular hydrogels

Most recent advances in the synthesis of supramolecular hydrogels based on low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) have focused on the development of novel hybrid hydrogels, combining LMWGs and different additives. The dynamic nature of the noncovalent interactions of supramolecular hydrogels, together with the specific properties of the additives included in the formulation, allow these novel hybrid hydrogels to present interesting features, such as stimuli-responsiveness, gel-sol reversibility, self-healing and thixotropy, which make them very appealing for multiple biomedical and biotechnological applications. In particular, the inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles in the hydrogel matrix results in magnetic hydrogels, a particular type of stimuli-responsive materials that respond to applied magnetic fields. This review focuses on the recent advances in the development of magnetic supramolecular hydrogels, with special emphasis in the role of the magnetic nanoparticles in the self-assembly process, as well as in the exciting applications of these materials.     

Sol-gel Transition of Methylcellulose Solution in the Coexistence of Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide and Sodium Chloride

The sol-gel transition of methylcellulose (MC) solution in the presence of NaCl and hexade-cyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), together with MC/NaCl solution in the presence of HTAB and MC/HATB solution in the presence of NaCl, was investigated by the rheolog-ical measurements. It has been found that the sol-gel transition temperature of MC solution decreases linearly with the concentration of NaCl in solution but increases linearly with the concentration of HTAB in solution, respectively. However, the sol-gel transition temperature of MC/NaCl solution in the presence of HTAB keeps the same value, independent of theconcentration of HTAB in solution. On the other hand, the sol-gel transition temperature of MC/HTAB solution decreases linearly with the concentration of NaCl in solution. The experimental results suggest that, for MC/NaCl solution in the presence of HTAB, the salt-induced spherical micelles of HTAB should have formed in bulk solution. For MC solution in the absence of NaCl, no spherical micelles have been formed in bulk solution, though the concentration of HTAB in our experiment is almost one order of magnitude higher than the critical micelle concentration of HTAB in polymer-free solution. In fact, due to adsorption of HTAB on MC chains, the realconcentration of HTAB in bulk solution, is much less than the apparent concentration of HTAB dissolved in MC solution.     

GC-MS analysis of penta- and tetra-cyclic triterpenes from resins of Pistacia species. Part II. Pistacia terebinthus var. Chia

Pistacia species contain oleoresins with bioactive triterpenes. In this study triterpenes, including minor components, were identified and quantified in both neutral and acidic fractions of Pistacia terebinthus var. Chia resin, grown exclusively in Chios island (Greece), collected traditionally, as well as using stimulating agents (liquid collection). It was proved that these two resin samples were composed of several different minor triterpenes, while major constituents were similar but in different proportions. Compounds that differentiated two resin samples of P. lentiscus and P. terebinthus var. Chia, both traditionally collected, were detected, in order to identify the nature of resins present in archaeological materials. In the traditionally collected resin, 37 triterpenes were identified, 12 in the acidic and 25 in the neutral fraction. In the liquid collection resin 10 compounds were identified in the acidic and 23 in the neutral fraction, while 16 compounds were not contained in the traditionally collected resin. The main triterpenes in both resin samples collected traditionally and using stimulating agents were: isomasticadienonic acid (23.6 and 26.3% w[sol ]w of the triterpenic fraction, respectively), 28-norolean-17-en-3-one (16.3 and 17.5% w[sol ]w of the triterpenic fraction, respectively) and masticadienonic acid (5.8 and 6.0% w[sol ]w of the triterpenic fraction). In this study the qualitative and quantitative composition of triterpenes was compared in the Pistacia lentiscus and P. terebinthus var. Chia resin samples collected with the traditional and new liquid techniques, and also triterpenes in resins of P. terebinthus obtained by the traditional technique and using stimulating agents. The aim of the study was also to examine whether the collection technique influenced the triterpenes contained in P. terebinthus var. Chia resin samples.     

The effect of Moringa oleifera polysaccharides on the regulation of glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis: In vitro and in vivo

One of the common challenges in using glucocorticoid in the long term is the development of femoral head necrosis. To address this challenge, the use of glucocorticoid suppressors like plant polysaccharides has been considered. In this study, Moringa oleifera polysaccharide was isolated through hot water–ethanol precipitation method and purified by DEAE-Sepharose fast flow column. Then, they were characterized by FT-IR, NMR, methylation, and chromatography assays. The polysaccharide biocompatibility was investigated by MTT assay and its effect on osteoblasts was evaluated by controlling gene expression. Also, the effect of polysaccharide on dexamethasone-induced femoral head necrosis in rats was assessed by hydroxyproline, hexosamine and morphometric parameters. The results show that 2 Da molecular weight polysaccharide is mainly composed of Rha, Ara, Fru, Xyl, Man and Gal in the molar ratio of 1.7:2.1:3.4:5.9:5.8:1.3. Meanwhile, MTT results on osteoblasts cells showed polysaccharide biocompatibility, while significantly reducing the negative effects of glucocorticoid. Likewise, polysaccharide significantly reduced the levels of apoptosis and intracellular ROS of glucocorticoid-induced femoral necrosis. Moreover, the results of gene expression indicated a decrease in the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 genes using polysaccharide, which is very effective in preventing apoptotic activity. Also, Polysaccharide increased bone density, bone volume per tissue volume, trabecular thickness, and the hexosamine to hydroxyproline ratio in the rat serum in the presence of glucocorticoids, which are very effective in the process of femoral head necrosis. Furthermore, polysaccharide significantly increases the OCN, RUNX2 and COL-1 genes expression in cartilage tissue, which is in line with the result of morphometric parameters. Overall, this study suggests that the use of polysaccharide could result in the treatment of femoral head necrosis.     

The Behavior of Trivalent and Pentavalent Methylarsenicals in Lake Biwa

Seasonal changes in the distribution of arsenic species were observed in a dredged area in the southern basin of Lake Biwa, Japan. The concentrations of dimethylarsenic acid [DMAA(V)] became comparable with those of inorganic forms during a stratification period. DMAA(V) increased not only in the photic zone but also in the hypolimnion. In the photic zone, an increase in DMAA(V) was observed with the yearly maximum of water temperature. In the hypolimnion, the seasonal changes in methylarsenicals differed from those in surface waters. DMAA(V) maxima appeared seasonally under sub-anoxic conditions and developed regionally at the redox boundary and above the sediment surface. The DMAA(V) concentrations increased in the initial period of oxygen depletion and just after the disappearance of anoxia, while they diminished in the anoxic hypolimnion by midsummer. The seasonal behavior of trivalent methylarsenicals, which are readily oxidized in oxic environments, was similar to that of DMAA(V). The total arsenic concentration in the surface layer rose to a maximum in late summer. Methylarsenicals did not increase in such a way that the total arsenic concentration increased during summer. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analytical methods for locating modifications in nucleic acids

We reviewed and summarized the established methods and the breakthrough of the techniques for locating modifications in nucleic acids. In addition, we discussed the principles, applications, advantages and drawbacks of these methods.