Arsenosugar phospholipids and arsenic hydrocarbons in two species of brown macroalgae

Fourteen arsenolipids, including 11 new compounds, were identified and quantified in two species of brown algae, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) and Hijiki (Hizikia fusiformis), by high resolution mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Both algal species contained arsenosugar-phospholipids as the major type of arsenolipid, and arsenic-hydrocarbons were also significant components, particularly in Hijiki. The origin of the various arsenolipids, and the possible significance of their relative quantities, is briefly discussed

Determination of water and lipid-soluble arsenic compounds in the commercial edible seaweed Hijiki (Hizikia fusiforme)

Se presentan los resultados obtenidos en los estudios de especiación de arsénico realizados sobre el alga comestible Hijiki. Los análisis se realizaron a través de métodos analíticos desarrollados en la UPM (España) y en la Universidad de Graz (Austria). La determinación de especies hidrosolubles se realizó mediante HPLC-(UV)-HG-AFS, previa extracción mediante MAE con agua desionizada. Por otro lado, la identificación y cuantificación de arsenolípidos se llevó a cabo mediante HPLC-ICPMS/ESMS, previa extracción con cloroformo:metanol y purificación mediante SPE

The qualitative characteristics of the water of Lake Habbaniyah

The presence of lakes has some advantages and disadvantages, which are reflected on the quality and quality of water, and then restrict it to some different uses. Lake Habbaniyah worked on changing the properties of the water in it and raising the values ​​of most of the elements, and it affected the water quality of the Euphrates River, as the value of the salts increased from (431) mg / liter at the entrance to the lake, to reach (597) mg / liter when it exited the lake at the canal The flies regulator, as all sites indicated bacterial contamination of the lake water, the number of colon bacteria ranged between (930-300) cells/mm. Most of the water ions fall within the permissible limits for drinking purposes (human-animal), as for biological pollutants (colon and fecal bacteria), their presence is conclusive evidence of microbial contamination of water, which restricts the use of lake water for drinking purposes. For agricultural purposes, and for building and construction purposes, as for industrial purposes, there is a limited restriction for some industries that require water of certain specifications that are not available in lake water. As for the presence of coliform and fecal bacteria, it restricted the use of lake water for some uses, especially for drinking purposes

Rituximab efficacy in pediatric patients with refractory nephrotic syndrome

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children is a disease of glomerular filtration barrier failure, manifesting with severe proteinuria leading to hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, and generalized edema. it could be primary or secondary. In primary NS, also known as idiopathic NS, the histological findings of Primary NS include minimal change disease which mainly respond to steroids (steroid sensitive NS), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis which are usually steroid resistant or membranous nephropathy. Rituximab has been shown to be effective for patients with complicated FRNS/SDNS and refractory SRNS. While the incidence of nephrotic syndrome (NS) is increasing, the morbidity of difficult-to-treat NS is significant.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study that took place in King Abdulaziz University Hospital from 2012 to 2016. Patients included: Any patient under 18 years, and diagnosed with steroid resistant and dependent nephrotic syndrome. Patients excluded: Any patient above 18 years, and known to have secondary Nephrotic Syndrome.Results: Present study consists of 24 children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) were recruited in the study. In the population 8 patients (33.33 %) were diagnosed with SDNS, while the other 16 patients (66.67%) were diagnosed SRNS. Also, patients who were treated with Rituximab we found that (the mean) number of relapses per year before rituximab was about 2.67±1.49 (standard deviation 1.49), while patient who relapsed after rituximab was about 1.09±1.38 (standard deviation 1.38).Conclusions: Rituximab is a biological agent that started to be widely used in difficult nephrotic syndrome cases. The effectiveness of rituximab is most observed in steroid depended nephrotic syndrome patients since it decreases the frequency of relapses and steroid dependency. However, it has been shown that it is less effective in steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome cases and was associated with significant numbers of relapses

Thrive: Success Strategies for the Modern-Day Faculty Member

The THRIVE collection is intended to help faculty thrive in their roles as educators, scholars, researchers, and clinicians. Each section contains a variety of thought-provoking topics that are designed to be easily digested, guide personal reflection, and put into action. Please use the THRIVE collection to help: Individuals study topics on their own, whenever and wherever they want Peer-mentoring or other learning communities study topics in small groups Leaders and planners strategically insert faculty development into existing meetings Faculty identify campus experts for additional learning, grand rounds, etc. If you have questions or want additional information on a topic, simply contact the article author or email [email protected]://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/facdev_books/1001/thumbnail.jp

The flavonoid 4,4′-dimethoxychalcone promotes autophagy-dependent longevity across species

Ageing constitutes the most important risk factor for all major chronic ailments, including malignant, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. However, behavioural and pharmacological interventions with feasible potential to promote health upon ageing remain rare. Here we report the identification of the flavonoid 4,4′- dimethoxychalcone (DMC) as a natural compound with anti-ageing properties. External DMC administration extends the lifespan of yeast, worms and flies, decelerates senescence of human cell cultures, and protects mice from prolonged myocardial ischaemia. Concomitantly, DMC induces autophagy, which is essential for its cytoprotective effects from yeast to mice. This pro-autophagic response induces a conserved systemic change in metabolism, operates independently of TORC1 signalling and depends on specific GATA transcription factors. Notably, we identify DMC in the plant Angelica keiskei koidzumi, to which longevity- and health-promoting effects are ascribed in Asian traditional medicine. In summary, we have identified and mechanistically characterised the conserved longevity-promoting effects of a natural anti-ageing drug

Establishing Validity and Reliability of a New Power Ergometer When Compared to Wingate Anaerobic Power Testing and Cybex Isokinetics

Purpose: This study was designed to establish the reliability and validity of a new method to evaluate anaerobic power output when compared to Wingate Anaerobic Power Testing and Cybex Isokinetic Testing in college age athletes and active individuals. Methods: Twenty-nine (n = 29) healthy college aged individuals, 14 male (23.5 ± 2.22 yrs) and 15 female (22.8 ± 2.34 yrs), representing Division II athletes participating in soccer, basketball, baseball and football, graduate exercise science students and Athletic Department Faculty participated in this study. Anaerobic power output was evaluated during a 30 s Wingate cycling test with a resistance of 0.75 kp/kg bw, dominate leg Cybex Isokinetic testing at a velocity of 180° / sec and Double and Single Leg Plyo Press testing with a resistance of 1.25 lbs/lb bw and 0.75 lbs/lb bw. All participants were evaluated twice using each modality within a 2 I-day period. Results: Very significant correlation coefficients for MPP and TPW were seen during DLPP and SLPP following two evaluations with in a 21 day period in a combined group, males and females. When compared to W AnT and CYI testing, significant correlation coefficients were measured between various variables. % Dec consistently presented the lowest correlation for both reliability and validity testing. Conclusion: The Plyo Press is a reliable and valid modality when compared to Wingate Anaerobic Power Testing and Cybex Isokinetic testing for evaluating anaerobic power output in healthy, active college aged males and females