Influence of heavy metals, especially lead, on lipid metabolism, serum alpha-tocopherol level, total antioxidant status, and erythrocyte redox status of copper smelter workers

An assessment of influence of the occupational exposure to heavy metals, especially lead, on serum lipids (including lipid peroxides), total antioxidant status, erythrocyte redox status, and serum alpha-tocopherol level was performed in a group of 141 healthy male copper smelter workers. The following parameters were measured: blood lead and cadmium levels, serum manganese, copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium levels, free erythrocyte protoporphyrins (FEP), total cholesterol, HDL₂-, HDL₃-cholesterol, triglycerides and lipid peroxides in serum, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD_E), catalase (Cat_E) and glutathion peroxidase (PxGSH_E) activities, erythrocyte reduced glutathione level (GSH_E), serum alpha-tocopherol level, and serum total antioxidant status (TAS). Mean Pb_B was within the norm range (328.2 ± 141.7 μg/L), but mean Mn_S concentration slightly exceeded 10 μg/L (11.04 ± 3.79 μg/L). Mean cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations were near the highest borderline values. We found a significantly negative correlation between lead levels and HDL₃-cholesterol (r = 0.253, P < 0.05). Erythocyte catalase activity and TAS were lowered. TAS showed significant negative correlation with Pb_B. A group of workers with Pb_B≥ 400 μg/L had significantly lower Cat_E, lower TAS, and lower HDL₃-cholesterol, compared to the workers with Pb < 400 μg/L. We have also found positive correlation between alpha-tocopherol and total cholesterol (r = 0.267, P < 0.05) and between alpha-tocopherol and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.207, P < 0.05). Received: 28 July 1997 / Revised: 6 November 1997 / Accepted: 4 November 1997     

Prediction and assignment of site occupation and energy levels for Pb ions in crystal hosts

The environmental factor h_e of the host was calculated quantitatively in Pb²⁺-doped 23 compounds based on the dielectric theory of chemical bond for complex crystals. The relationship between the A band energy E_A of Pb²⁺ and the environmental factor h_e was intensively studied. The results indicate that E_A of Pb²⁺ decreases linearly with increasing of h_e. A linear model was proposed which allows us to correctly predict and assign the site occupations and the position of A band for Pb²⁺-doped compounds if the crystal structure and the refraction index were known. Applied to SrGa₂O₄:Pb²⁺, CaAl₂B₂O₇:Pb²⁺ and SrAl₂B₂O₇:Pb²⁺, the theoretical predictions are in very good agreement with the experimental data. In SrGa₂O₄:Pb²⁺, the excitation spectrum of Pb²⁺ from two different cation sites was identified: the higher energy band of A (265 nm) from the site of Sr2, and the lower ones (280 nm) from the site of Sr1.     

Myocardial infarction patients show altered lipoprotein properties and functions when compared with stable angina pectoris patients

Several parameters and risk factors were compared between Korean male myocardial infarction (MI) patients (n = 10) and angina pectoris (AP) patients (n = 17) to search unique biomarkers for myocardial infarction (MI) in lipoprotein level. Individual serum and lipoprotein fractions (VLDL, LDL, HDL₂, HDL₃) were isolated and analyzed by lipid and protein determination and enzyme assay. The MI group was found to have a 25 and 30% higher serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol (TG) level than the AP group, respectively, however, their body mass index (BMI), LDL-cholesterol (C), HDL-C, and glucose levels fell within the normal range. MI patients were found to have an approximately two-fold higher level of serum IL-6 and an 18% lower serum apoA-I level than that of the AP group. LDL and HDL₂ fraction of the MI group were more enriched with TG than those of AP group. The increased TG was correlated well with the increased level of apoC-III in the same fraction. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity and protein level were greatly increased in MI patients in the LDL and HDL₃ fractions. MI patients showed more severely oxidized LDL fraction than patients in the AP group, as well as the weakest antioxidant ability of serum. Conclusively, MI patients were found to have unique serum and lipoprotein characteristics including increased IL-6 and TG in serum, with CETP and apoC-III in the LDL and HDL fractions, as well as severely impaired antioxidant ability of HDL.     

Assignment of the electronic transitions in benzene

The problem of the assignment of π-electronic transitions in benzene is discussed using all criteria presently available. It is shown that based on this information a few different assignments are impossible to exclude. The correct assignment ³B_1u < ³E_1u < ¹B_2u < ³B_2u < ¹B_1u < ³E⁺_2g < ¹E_1u < ¹E^?_2g < ³E^?_2g has been selected as result of theoretical considerations based on a new approach to the semi-empirical π-electron theory. The results confirm the adequacy of the π-electron model for energy level calculations, and emphasise the fundamental importance of multi-excited configurations.     

Synthesis of Zwitter-Ionic Conjugate of Nido-Carborane with Cholesterol

9-HC≡CCH₂Me₂N-nido-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁, a previously described carboranyl terminal alkyne, was used for the copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition with azido-3β-cholesterol to form a novel zwitter-ionic conjugate of nido-carborane with cholesterol, bearing a 1,2,3-triazol fragment. The conjugate of nido-carborane with cholesterol, containing a charge-compensated group in the linker, can be used as a precursor for the preparation of liposomes for BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy). The solid-state molecular structure of a nido-carborane derivative with the 9-Me₂N(CH₂)₂Me₂N-nido-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁ terminal dimethylamino group was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Etude par R.M.N. du 19F de la mobilite anionique dans la solution solide Pb1−xZrxF2+2x (0,025 ⩽ x ⩽ 0,18) de type fluorine excedentaire en anions

In order to establish correlations between the transport and structural properties of the disordered fluorite-related Pb_1−xZr_xF_2+2x (0.025 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.18) solid solution and of the ordered compound Pb₅ZrF₁₄, ¹⁹F wide-line and pulsed NMR experiments have been performed in the temperature range −150°C, +350°C.Anionic movements begin at relatively low temperature (⋍ −40°C) but at low and moderate temperatures (generally less than 180°C) only F_i interstitials (i.e. F′, F″ interstitials and relaxed normal fluorine anions F‴ and paramagnetic impurities contribute to the relaxation mechanism. Two kinds of activation energies have been deduced from respectively spin-lattice T₂ and spin-spin T₁ relaxation times. The first E_A ⋍ 0.2 eV is characteristic of fast local motions within the clusters. The second E_B ⋍ 0.4 eV, is of the same order as the activation energy obtained by conductivity measurements, and then is characteristic of long-range diffusive motions.At higher temperature all the fluorine atoms become mobile, the exchange between F_i interstitials and normal F atoms leading to a homogeneous 3-D conduction with a higher activation energy (E_C ⋍ 0.73 eV).All these results, and especially the evolution, with the extent of substitution X, of the electrical conductivity and the activation energies E_A and E_B (both are minimum for the x = 0.10 sample which exhibits the best electrical performances) can be explained on the basis of our previously proposed short-range and long-range order motels. Moreover, the evolution of E_A and E_B with ordering (E_A increases whereas E_B decreases with increasing order) perfectly confirms the validity of these structural models.     

Anodic Stripping Potentiometric Determination of Cu,Pb, Cd and Zn In Natural Waters on a Novel Combined Electrode System

Abstract

A method is described for the reliable determination of copper, lead, cadmium and zinc in natural waters by anodic stripping potentiometry with the use of a novel combined electrode. The method involves two stripping cycles during which copper is initially determined on its own, followed by simultaneous determination of lead, cadmium and zinc after addition of gallium (III) ions. The optimum conditions include 0.01 M HCl as supporting electrolyte, 10 mg/L Hg (II) as chemical oxidant; E_dep(Cu) -700 mV vs Ag/AgCl; E_{dep(Pb,Cd,Zn)} -1200 mV vs Ag/AgCl; t_dep 10s; 150 μg/L Ga (III); sample rotation rate 5 and rest period 30s. Under these conditions, as low as 0.06 μg/L Cu (0.7% RSD); 0.2 μg/L Pb (13% RSD); 0.04 μg/L Cd (7.8% RSD) and 0.06 μg/L Zn (5.5% RSD) can be determined reliably. A linear concentration range of 0–110 μg/L was obtained for the four metals. The successful application of the method to reference fresh water, creek water and tap water is demonstrated.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and electrochemical studies of ferrocenyl heterocyclic carbonylhydrazone receptors

Two new novel ferrocenylaclyhydrazone-based receptors FcL₁ and FcL₂ were prepared and characterized by ¹H NMR, IR, elemental analysis. X-ray crystallographic reveals that FcL₁ belongs to Monoclinic system, with space group P2(1)/c, and FcL₂ belongs to Hexagonal system with space group P6(5). It forms a novel helical chain by self-assembly. The electrochemical studies reveal that the formal potential (E ⁰) of FcL₁ and FcL₂ show a gradual decrease in the order Fc(Ferrocene) < FcL₁ < FcL₂ and FcL₁ is responsive to Pb²⁺. The maximum electrochemical shift of FcL₁ for Pb²⁺ is about 44 mV. FcL₁ shows selective potential response to Pb(II) ion.     

ETAAS method for the determination of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Se in blood fractions and whole blood

An electrothermal atomic absorption method (ETAAS) for the direct determination of trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Se) both in blood fractions (erythrocytes, plasma and lymphocytes) and whole blood was developed. Zeeman background correction and graphite tubes with L’vov platforms were used. Samples were ¶diluted with HNO₃/Triton X-100 and pipetted directly ¶into the graphite tube. Ashing, pretreatment and atomization steps were optimized carefully for the different fractions and elements applying different matrix modifiers ¶for each element. For the lymphocyte fraction a multi-fold injection technique was applied. Low detection limits ¶of the ETAAS method (Cd 0.13 μg/L, Cr 0.11 μg/L, ¶Cu 0.52 μg/L, Mn 0.13 μg/L, Se 0.7 μg/L of whole blood) combined with small quantities of sample necessary for analysis allow determination of trace elements in this matrix. Verification of possible differences in the trace element status of humans was performed with statistical significance (P < 0.05). In addition, a contribution to the determination of normal values of essential elements was achieved. The method was applied for determination of trace elements in human blood and blood fractions of two groups (n = 50) different in health status.     

End-labeling of peptide nucleic acid with osmium complex. Voltammetry at carbon and mercury electrodes

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA), the DNA mimic with electrically neutral pseudopeptide backbone, is intensively used in biotechnologies and particularly in single-base mismatch detection in DNA hybridization sensors. We propose a simple method of covalent end-labeling of PNA with osmium tetroxide, 2,2′-bipyridine (Os,bipy). Os,bipy-modified PNA (PNA–Os,bipy) produces voltammetric stripping peaks at carbon and mercury electrodes. Peak potential (E_p) of one of the anodic peaks of PNA–Os,bipy at the pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) differs from E_p of the reagent, allowing PNA–Os,bipy analysis directly in the reaction mixture. At the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) the PNA–Os,bipy yields a catalytic peak Cat_p, in addition to the redox couples. Using Cat_p it is possible to detect purified PNA–Os,bipy down to 1 pM concentration at accumulation time 60 s. To our knowledge this is the highest sensitivity of the electrochemical detection of PNA.     

On the stability of Pb n m+ -clusters

The stability of multiply charged Pb _n ^m+ -clusters (n ≤ 3;m=0, 1, 2) was studied by solving exactly for the valencep-electrons a many body Hubbard-like Hamiltonian with intra- and interatomic Coulomb interactions. Particularly we obtain that Pb ₃ ²⁺ has a metastable ground state, in which Pb ₃ ²⁺ has isosceles shape (bond lengthR=3.2 Å, bond angle θ=124°) and a positive binding energyE _B =3.4 eV. The activation barrier against dissociation into Pb ₂ ⁺ + Pb⁺ is 0.13 eV, yielding a very long lifetime. This is in agreement with recent experiments [1] in which the lifetime of Pb ₃ ²⁺ was determined to be at least 10^?6 s. Comparison with self consistent Hartree-Fock calculations shows that the metastability of Pb ₃ ²⁺ is due to electronic correlations within the paramagnetic ground state.     

The Liquid Junction Potential in Potentiometric Titrations. IX. The Calculation of Potentials Across Liquid Junctions of the Type, AY|AY+BY z(B)+HY+ A y L, for Emf Cells where Strong or Weak Complexes are Formed, Respectively, at [Y−] = C mol⋅L−1, Constant and −log 10[H+]≤ 7

In the present part, potential functions are derived for the calculation of the total potential anomalies, Δ E _B and Δ E _H, for Emf cells where strong or weak complexes are formed, respectively. A weak or strong electrolyte is considered to be used as complexing agent (A _y L), respectively, at the experimental condition, [Y^?] = C mol?L^?1, constant. The cells have indicator electrodes reversible to B ^z(B)+ (cell B) and H⁺ ions (cell H), respectively. The system, HY–BY _z(B)-A _Y L-AY and the protolysis of the acids HL and H₂L in the ionic medium (A⁺, Y^?) are studied. Here, y = |z _L |. Moreover, some useful Emf titrations are suggested for the experimental determination of the slope functions SL(H, L^?), SL (H, L^2?) and SL(H, HL^?). The usefulness of the derived potential functions is established using the H⁺-acetate^? (CH₃COO^?) system as an example.     

MnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/3MgO Nanocomposite for Preconcentration and Determination of Trace Copper and Lead in Food and Water by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The presented study investigates the application of MnO₂/3MgO nanocomposite, as a new sorbent for solid phase extraction and determination of trace amounts of Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ from various samples using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. After extraction, the analytes were desorbed using 0.01 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The effects of various parameters were studied and optimized. Under optimized experimental conditions the linear dynamic ranges for Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ were 10?900 and 30?900 μg/L, respectively, with a preconcentration factor of 20. The detection limits of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ were 4 and 11 μg/L, respectively, and relative standard deviations for eight determinations of 100 μg/L were 3.6 and 3.8% for Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺, respectively. The method was successfully applied for determination of copper and lead in mushrooms, rice, tap water and refinery wastewater with good spike recoveries ranging between 95?106%.     

Lead-strontium borate halides with hilgardite-type structure and their SHG properties

Lead-containing members of the hilgardite family of borate halides, M₂B₅O₉X (M=Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb; X=Cl, Br) exhibit an abnormally large nonlinear optical response. In order to establish any underlying crystal-chemical rationale for this we have carried out detailed crystallographic characterisations of the representative members of this series, Sr₂B₅O₉Cl and Pb₂B₅O₉Cl, using powder neutron diffraction. Both adopt the orthorhombic hilgardite structure type, in space group Pnn2. The full solid solution range Pb_2−xSr_xB₅O₉Cl has also been prepared, and studied by X-ray Rietveld and second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements. The SHG response shows a linear decrease with increasing x, whereas the unit cell shows an increasing orthorhombic distortion. However, the crystallographic results suggest no significant or systematic changes in the nature of the borate sublattice between Sr₂B₅O₉Cl and Pb₂B₅O₉Cl. We conclude that the enhanced SHG response in Pb-containing hilgardites is due predominantly to the presence of the polarizable nature of Pb²⁺, in particular the presence of a stereochemically active lone pair.     

Cluster bonding and energetics of the borane anions,BnHn2− (n = 5–12): A comparative study using bond length—bond enthal

Cluster bond enthalpies, E_L(BB), and orders, n?(BB), for the structurally characterised closo anions, B_nH_n^2? (n = 6 and 8–12), have been estimated using the logarithmic length—enthalpy and enthalpy—order relationships E_L(BB) (kJ mol^?1) = 1.766 × 10¹¹ [L(BB)]^?4.0 and E_L(BB) (kJ mol^?1) = 318.8[n?(BB)]^0.697, respectively. In a parallel study, the molecular-orbital bond index CNDO-based calculation method has been used to give BB and BH bond indices, I(BB) and I(BH), from which bond index based bond enthalpies, E_I, have been calculated using the relationships E_I(BB) = 297.9 I(BB) and E_I(BH) = 374.8I(BH) (enthalpies in kJ mol^?1; lengths in pm). From these, total skeletal bond enthalpies Σ E(BB), and total bond enthalpies, Σ E(BB) + Σ E(BH), have been calculated. Although calculated values of E_L and Σ E_L generally exceed those of E_I and Σ E_I by some 8% and calculated values of I generally exceed those of n? by a greater amount, the trends in these parameters for the series of B_nH_n^2? anions are very similar, showing the greater efficiency with which the n + 1 skeletal electron pairs are used as n increases. However, the two approaches differ in that, whereas the Σ E_I values suggest that the anions are all of comparable stability, the ΣE_L values clearly show B₆H₆^2?, B₁₀H₁₀^2? and B₁₂H₁₂^2? to be more stable than B₈H₈^2?, B₉H₉^2? and B₁₁H₁₁^2?. The interatomic distances in B₇H₇^2? and in the unknown B₅ H₅^2? are estimated and used to assess their relative stabilities. The E_L values suggest that B₇ H₇^2? is of comparable stability to B₈H₈^2? etc., but show B₅H₅^2? as relatively unstable. The E_I values suggest that both of these anions should be relatively stable members of the series of closo anions.     

Strukturaufklärung sesquiterpenoider Pflanzeninhaltsstoffe

In the essential oil of Asarum europaeum L. the four sesquiterpene alcohols α-eudesmol, β-eudesmol, selinane-7,11-diol and seline-6(7)en-11-ol have been isolated and identified. For limiting the possibilities of structure the dehydrogenating TAS method (sulphur dehydrogenation) has been employed. Good results have been obtained with unsaturated C₁₅-alcohols. Saturated sesquiterpene alcohols with decalin structure could be better dehydrogenated by the selenium method. UV spectra have been recorded of the naphthalene derivatives formed directly from the thin-layer plate and employed for identification. By this combination of micro methods the basic structure of the alcohols could be determined unequivocally with μg amounts.     

Mξ, Mαβ, Mγ and Mm X-ray production cross-sections for elements with 71⩽z⩽92 at 5.96 keV photon energy

The M_ξ, M_αβ, M_γ and M_m X-ray production (XRP) cross-sections have been measured for the elements with 71⩽Z⩽92 at 5.96 keV incident photon energy satisfying E_M1<E_inc<E_L3, where E_M1(L3) is the M₁(L₃) subshell binding energy. These XRP cross-sections have been calculated using photoionization cross-sections based on the relativistic Dirac–Hartree–Slater (RDHS) model with three sets of X-ray emission rates, fluorescence, Coster–Kronig and super Coster–Kronig yields based on (i) the non-relativistic Hartree–Slater (NRHS) potential model, (ii) the RDHS model and (iii) the relativistic Dirac–Fock (RDF) model. For the third set, the M_i (i=1–5) subshell fluorescence yields have been calculated using the RDF model-based X-ray emission rates and total widths reevaluated to incorporate the RDF model-based radiative widths. The measured cross-sections have been compared with the calculated values to check the applicability of the physical parameters based on different models.     

The Mechanism of Acid-Catalyzed Nucleophilic Substitution in Decahydro-closo-Decaborate(2–) Anions

The reactions of salts formed by the B₁₀H^2– ₁₀anion with carboxylic acids were studied. From the model systems Cat₂B₁₀H₁₀+ HCOOH (Cat = Et₄N⁺, Bu₄N⁺, Ph₄P⁺, Ph₄As⁺), several intermediates were isolated and characterized. A mechanism was proposed for the replacement of the exo-polyhedral hydrogen atoms in B₁₀H^2– ₁₀by carboxylate groups in the reactions of Cat₂B₁₀H₁₀with carboxylic acids.     

Empirical equations for the bond energies and vibrational frequencies at chemisorptive bonds on surfaces

Empirical equations derived for bond energies and force constants of gaseous molecules are applied to chemisorptive bonds on surfaces. For two adsorbed atoms from the same family of the periodic table, A and B, the chemisorptive bond energies, E, to the same metal, M, can be approximated by E_A–M/E_B-M ≈ (E_A2/E_B2)^{$\text{1}\text{2}$}, where E_A2 and E_B2 are the bonds energies of diatomic molecules A₂ and B₂, respectively The corresponding vibrational frequencies, ν, can be approximated by ν²_A–M/ν²_B-M ≈ (m_B/m_A)(F_A2/F_B2)^{$\text{1}\text{2}$} · m_A and m_B are the masses of atoms A and B, respectively;F_A2 and F_B2 are the force constants of molecules A₂ and B₂, respectively. These relations are applied to the chemisorption of halogens on metals and showed good agreement with experiment.     

Fermionic and bosonic coupled channel calculations in momentum space for electron-positron pair creation in relativistic heavyy-ion collisions

Electron-positron pair creation in relativistic heavy ion collisions is non-perturbatively described by coupled channel equations in a coordinate system with equal constant, but opposite velocities of the ions. The basis states are obtained by discretizing the states of the free Dirac equation in the positive and negative continuum. With the standard (fermionic) coupled channel method the free pair production in Pb⁸²⁺ on Pb⁸²⁺ atE _1ab=10 GeV/nucleon is calculated. In order to treat multiple pair production with a reduced number of states we introduce a bosonic formalism for the electron-positron pairs in the framework of coupled channels including the rescattering of the electrons and positrons by the electromagnetic field of the ions. We apply this formalism to collisions of Pb⁸²⁺ on Pb⁸²⁺ atE _1ab=200 GeV/nucleon.