A Probable Mechanism for Recurring Outbreak of Respiratory Syndrome During Autumn Season in Ahvaz City, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Dayer ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ammonium Nitrate ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Chest Tightness ◽  
Chromatography Method ◽  
Outbreak Management ◽  
Airborne Pollutants ◽  
Hemoglobin Oxidation ◽  
Methemoglobin Formation ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Indoor Spaces

Background: Recurring annual asthma or asthma-like outbreak in Ahvaz City, Iran, has become a serious public health problem. A toxic gas, a chemical compound, or an allergen with unknown nature and mechanism leads to severe asthma outbreaks each year. Bronchospasm, cough, dyspnea, chest tightness, and wheezing are the main symptoms of these attacks. Oxygen and anti-asthma therapy are effective treatments in outbreak management. Based on our findings, it is hypothesized that vast amounts of ammonium nitrate used in agriculture underlay high concentrations of nitrate. This substance is transported by PM10 and is the main cause of the respiratory outbreak. Methods: The concentration of nitrate was determined by the ion chromatography method in dust samples during 2015-2016. Using spectroscopic methods, the effect of nitrate ions on hemoglobin oxidation and methemoglobin formation was studied. Results: Our results indicate that the concentration of ammonium nitrate in dust collected from indoor spaces is five times higher than the levels allowed amount in airborne pollutants. Our findings also indicate that this concentration of nitrate in the bloodstream can instantly increase methemoglobin percent to 18% with symptomatic consequences. Conclusion: The exact mechanism proposed by this study is that inhaled nitrate or nitric acid finally increases the nitrate in the circulation of affected individuals. Hemoglobin oxidation and methemoglobin formation are the subsequent events leading to methemoglobinemia with asthma-like reactions seen in Ahvaz respiratory syndrome. Restricting or even prohibiting ammonium nitrate application in agriculture seems to be an urgent measure to stop Ahvaz's recurring respiratory syndrome.

scholarly journals Hemoglobin Oxidation in Stored Blood Accelerates Hemolysis and Oxidative Injury to Red Blood Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (04) ◽  
pp. 244-249
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Mustafa ◽  
Tameem Ali Qaid Hadwan
Keyword(s):  
Red Blood Cells ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Hemoglobin Concentration ◽  
Red Cell Membrane ◽  
Rbc Membrane ◽  
Hemoglobin Oxidation ◽  
Rbc Indices ◽  
Methemoglobin Formation ◽  
Stored Blood

Abstract Introduction Maintaining blood supply is a challenge in blood banks. Red blood cells (RBCs) stored at 4°C experience issues of biochemical changes due to metabolism of cells, leading to changes collectively referred to as “storage lesions.” Oxidation of the red cell membrane, leading to lysis, contributes to these storage lesions. Methods Blood bags with CPD-SAGM stored at 4°C for 28 days were withdrawn aseptically on days 1, 14, and 28. Hematology analyzer was used to investigate RBC indices. Hemoglobin oxidation was studied through spectrophotometric scan of spectral change. RBC lysis was studied with the help of Drabkin's assay, and morphological changes were observed by light and scan electron microscopy. Results RBCs show progressive changes in morphology echinocytes and spherocytes on day 28. There was 0.85% RBC lysis, an approximately 20% decrease in percentage oxyhemoglobin, and a 14% increase in methemoglobin formation, which shows hemoglobin oxidation on day 28. Conclusions Oxidative damage to RBC, with an increase in storage time was observed in the present study. The observed morphological changes to RBC during the course of increased time shows that there is progressive damage to RBC membrane and a decrease in hemoglobin concentration; percentage RBC lysis is probably due to free hemoglobin and iron.

scholarly journals Estimation of the Inhaled Dose of Airborne Pollutants during Commuting: Case Study and Application for the General Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6066
Author(s):  
Francesca Borghi ◽  
Giacomo Fanti ◽  
Andrea Cattaneo ◽  
Davide Campagnolo ◽  
Sabrina Rovelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Pulmonary Ventilation ◽  
Ventilation Rate ◽  
The Other ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Airborne Pollutants ◽  
Traffic Conditions ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
The City

During rush hours, commuters are exposed to high concentrations and peaks of traffic-related air pollutants. The aims of this study were therefore to extend the inhaled dose estimation outcomes from a previous work investigating the inhaled dose of a typical commuter in the city of Milan, Italy, and to extend these results to a wider population. The estimation of the dose of pollutants inhaled by commuters and deposited within the respiratory tract could be useful to help commuters in choosing the modes of transport with the lowest exposure and to increase their awareness regarding this topic. In addition, these results could provide useful information to policy makers, for the creation/improvement of a mobility that takes these results into account. The principal result outcomes from the first part of the project (case study on a typical commuter in the city of Milan) show that during the winter period, the maximum deposited mass values were estimated in the “Other” environments and in “Underground”. During the summer period, the maximum values were estimated in the “Other” and “Walking (high-traffic conditions)” environments. For both summer and winter, the lowest values were estimated in the “Car” and “Walking (low-traffic conditions)” environments. Regarding the second part of the study (the extension of the results to the general population of commuters in the city of Milan), the main results show that the period of permanence in a given micro-environment (ME) has an important influence on the inhaled dose, as well as the pulmonary ventilation rate. In addition to these results, it is of primary importance to report how the inhaled dose of pollutants can be strongly influenced by the time spent in a particular environment, as well as the subject’s pulmonary ventilation rate and pollutant exposure levels. For these reasons, the evaluation of these parameters (pulmonary ventilation rate and permanence time, in addition to the exposure concentration levels) for estimating the inhaled dose is of particular relevance.

scholarly journals Quantification of Ethanedinitrile in Air Using a New and Accurate Gas Chromatography Method

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Brierley ◽  
Anthony Adlam ◽  
Matthew Hall
Keyword(s):  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Regulatory Agencies ◽  
Limit Of Quantification ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Chromatography Method ◽  
Sulfuryl Fluoride ◽  
Flame Ionization ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
The World ◽  
High Concentrations

Compared to previously tested fumigants such as methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride and phosphine; ethanedinitrile (EDN) is a new fumigant which is being trialled around the world as a pre-plant soil treatment and as a quarantine and pre-shipment (QPS) treatment of commodities. To collect the data necessary to assess the effectiveness of this fumigant, an accurate analytical method is needed across a wide concentration range. We reviewed the methods of detection for EDN described in recently published fumigation studies and have developed and validated a method to quantify EDN in air using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC–FID). Our tested method has a linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of R2 0.9988, 1.36%, 98.8%, 0.750 ppm and 1.073 ppm, respectively. These values were determined using internationally recognised guidelines for the validation of non-standard analytical methods, which means that our method can be applied to the different validation requirements of regulatory agencies and countries. Our method can be used for experimental conditions that require detection at low and high concentrations simultaneously because it is accurate, fast (0.6 min) and repeatable across a concentration range of 1 to 40,000 ppm. This method will help to standardise the quantification of EDN by research groups and facilitate acceptance of data by regulatory organisations around the world.

scholarly journals Flagella, Type I Fimbriae and Curli of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Promote the Release of Proinflammatory Cytokines in a Coculture System

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2233
Author(s):  
Rubí Vega-Hernández ◽  
Sara A. Ochoa ◽  
Ricardo Valle-Rios ◽  
Gustavo A. Jaimes-Ortega ◽  
José Arellano-Galindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Type I ◽  
Upec Strain ◽  
Coculture System ◽  
Type I Fimbriae ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Tract Infections

Background. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a public health problem in Mexico, and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is one of the main etiological agents. Flagella, type I fimbriae, and curli promote the ability of these bacteria to successfully colonize its host. Aim. This study aimed to determine whether flagella-, type I fimbriae-, and curli-expressing UPEC induces the release of proinflammatory cytokines in an established coculture system. Methods. The fliC, fimH, and csgA genes by UPEC strain were disrupted by allelic replacement. Flagella, type I fimbriae, and curli were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HTB-5 (upper chamber) and HMC-1 (lower chamber) cells cocultured in Transwell® plates were infected with these UPEC strains and purified proteins. There was adherence to HTB-5 cells treated with different UPEC strains and they were quantified as colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. Results. High concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 were induced by the FimH and FliC proteins; however, these cytokines were detected in low concentrations in presence of CsgA. Compared with UPEC CFT073, CFT073ΔfimH, CFT073ΔfimHΔfliC, and CFT073ΔcsgAΔfimH strains significantly reduced the adherence to HTB-5 cells. Conclusion. The FimH and FliC proteins are involved in IL-6 and IL-8 release in a coculture model of HTB-5 and HMC-1 cells.

scholarly journals ANALYTICAL PERFORMANCE OF PROCALCITONIN LEVEL BETWEEN CHEMILUMINESCENCE AND QUANTITATIVE IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHY METHODS IN SEPSIS PATIENTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 297
Author(s):  
Mario Mario ◽  
Betty Agustina Tambunan ◽  
Hardiono Hardiono
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Sepsis Group ◽  
Chromatography Method ◽  
Procalcitonin Level ◽  
Healthy Group ◽  
Resuscitation Room ◽  
Intensive Observation ◽  
Diagnosis Criteria

Sepsis is a public health problem in many countries. The latest diagnosis criteria are quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment  (qSOFA). Procalcitonin (PCT) could be used to aid the diagnosis of sepsis. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of PCT between CLIA and quantitative immunochromatography tests in sepsis patients. Samples were obtained from the resuscitation room, intensive observation room, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Dr. Soetomo General Hospital between December 2017-February 2018. One hundred and one subjects were examined and classified into sepsis group (n=71) and healthy group (n=30), based on qSOFA and SIRS criteria. Procalcitonin test with CLIA and quantitative immunochromatography method were performed in all subjects, followed by culture examination in sepsis group using PhoenixTM 100. The diagnostic value of the two methods was analyzed by 2x2 table with a Confidence Interval (CI) of 95%. There were significant differences of procalcitonin level between CLIA and quantitative immunochromatography method in the sepsis group (p=0.009) and in the healthy group (p=0.002). The diagnostic value of procalcitonin level by CLIA method with a cut-off value ≥ 0.27 ng/mL (AUC=0.839, sensitivity (Sn)=74.6%, specificity (Sp)=86.7%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV)=93%, Negative Predictive Value (NPV)=59.1%) had the same sensitivity but higher specificity, PPV, and NPV rather than by quantitative immunochromatography method (AUC=0.786, Sn=74.6%, Sp=66.7%, PPV=84.1%, NPV=52.6%). Procalcitonin examination with CLIA had a better diagnostic value than quantitative immuno-chromatography method.

The effect of early superphosphate toxicity on the subsequent growth of wheat

1970 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 881 ◽  
Author(s):  
AS Bhatti ◽  
JF Loneragan
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Ammonium Nitrate ◽  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Cereal Crops ◽  
Subsequent Growth ◽  
Phosphorus Toxicity ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Complete Nutrient Solution

The effects of 19 days' treatment with three rates of superphosphate and four rates of ammonium nitrate application on the growth of wheat in a siliceous sand have been studied both during and after treatment. Severe necrosis of leaf tips developed after 7 days at high superphosphate and no ammonium nitrate. Plant tops with symptoms had high concentrations of phosphorus. Decreasing superphosphate or increasing ammonium nitrate gave lower phosphorus concentrations and fewer symptoms in plant tops. Ammonium nitrate depressed phosphorus concentrations by promoting top growth relative to root growth. Symptoms were ascribed to phosphorus toxicity. When plants with severe symptoms of phosphorus toxicity were transplanted to siliceous sand and watered with complete nutrient solution containing adequate phosphate, tillering was delayed and dry weights of tops, roots, and grains were depressed about 30%. Plants with symptoms of only moderate intensity recovered and grew as well as plants which initially had mild or no symptoms. The results suggest that the intensity of phosphorus toxicity reported to occur in cereal crops in the field is not likely to depress yields seriously.

CONDUCTANCES, DENSITIES, AND FLUIDITIES OF SOLUTIONS OF SILVER NITRATE AND OF AMMONIUM NITRATE AT 35°

1953 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 617-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. N. Campbell ◽  
A. P. Gray ◽  
E. M. Kartzmark
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nitrate ◽  
Ammonium Nitrate ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Probable Error ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Normal Manner ◽  
Conductance Method ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Negative Viscosity ◽  
The Individual

The equivalent conductances of concentrated solutions of ammonium and silver nitrates have been determined up to saturation at 35.00 °C. with a probable error of 0.1%. The equivalent conductances behave in a normal manner for strong electrolytes in aqueous solution, being approximately linear with the first power of the concentration, though slightly convex to the concentration axis. The viscosities and fluidities of these same solutions have been determined both at 25.00 °C. and 35.00 °C. with a probable error of 0.2%. Ammonium nitrate solutions exhibit the phenomenon of "negative viscosity" which tends to disappear at higher temperatures, the viscosity minimum or fluidity maximum shifting towards higher dilution. The silver nitrate fluidities decrease continuously with concentration, the curve showing less tendency to linearity at high concentrations than that for ammonium nitrate. The densities of the solutions at both temperatures have been determined with an apparent error of 0.02%. Apparent molal volumes have been calculated from these figures at 35.00 °C. The concentrations of the saturated solutions of both salts at 25.00 °C. and 35.00 °C. have been determined by the conductance method and are in good agreement with the published data. The average temperature coefficients of fluidity and conductance for both salts have been evaluated between 25.00 °C. and 35.00 °C. and an approximate constancy of the ratio of fluidity coefficient to conductance coefficient has been observed beyond 2 molar. The ratios appear to have the mean value of 1.12 for both salts in spite of a considerable difference in the individual coefficients.

scholarly journals Application of a solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography method to quantify phenolic compounds in woodwaste leachate

2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Najat Kamal ◽  
Rosa Galvez ◽  
Gerardo Buelna
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Solid Phase Extraction ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Noise Analysis ◽  
Phase Extraction ◽  
Chromatography Method ◽  
Synthetic Solution ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Method

Woodwaste produces large volumes of leachate, which often contains high concentrations of phenolic compounds. These compounds are environmental contaminants whose proper management and treatment are mandated to reduce associated environmental impacts. Quality diagnostic and treatment efficiency assessments necessitate the development of rapid, accurate, and reproducible methods of detection and analysis to accurately quantify phenolic compounds. Liquid chromatography (LC) analysis with ultraviolet (UV) detection and solid-phase extraction (SPE) sample preparation on Oasis HLB cartridges were performed and adapted to quantify eight priority phenolic compounds in woodwaste leachate. The method was validated on a synthetic solution simulating the woodwaste leachate, on spiked real woodwaste leachate to 1 μg mL−1, and applied to quantify phenolic compounds in the real woodwaste leachate. Calibration curves were linear for all compounds in the range of 1–30 μg mL−1, and high recoveries varying between 93.5% for 2-chlorophenol and 112.8% for 4-nitrophenol were obtained. Detection limits ranged from 0.06 μg L−1 for 2-chlorophenol to 0.129 μg L−1 for phenol. The proposed method reduced interference, background noise, analysis time, amount of organic solvents and is less costly when compared with other methods.

Pollutant inputs from the atmosphere and accumulations in soils and vegetation near a nickel–copper smelter at Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Freedman ◽  
T. C. Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Forest Litter ◽  
Copper Smelter ◽  
Nickel Iron ◽  
Airborne Pollutants ◽  
Nickel Copper ◽  
Organic Horizons ◽  
Sampling Intervals ◽  
Calcium Magnesium ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Mineral Soils

The inputs of the airborne pollutants nickel, copper, iron, and sulfur were determined in bulk dustfall–rainfall collection and in snow samples taken along transects originating at a large nickel–copper smelter near Sudbury, Ontario. Determinations were made from 1975 to 1978, which was subsequent to the building of a 380-m smokestack at the smelter in 1972. Atmospheric SO2 was also monitored, using sulfation plates. Higher levels of all smelter pollutants occurred at sites closer to the smelter, compared with sites as far as 60 km SSE. All bulk rainwater samples collected along a 60-km transect SSE of the smelter were found to be acidic, most with a pH of less than 4.0. Since there was no clear gradient of acidity with distance from the smelter, it appears that the acidic precipitation problem is a severe regional one. Simple deposition budgets based on data collected on six 30-day sampling intervals in 1976 and 1977 indicate that less than 3% of the sulfur emitted from the smelter was deposited within a 60-km radius. In contrast, about 42% of the nickel, 40% of the copper, and 52% of the iron emitted from the smelter were calculated to be deposited within a 60-km radius.The contamination of forest soils, soil litter, and vegetation by copper, nickel, iron, and sulfur at sites closer to the smelter has been caused by past as well as ongoing emissions. In soil profiles, the metals were concentrated in the surface organic horizons, relative to deeper mineral soils. Surface soils up to 70 km from the smelter showed elevated nickel and copper concentrations. Elevated concentrations of these same metals in the foliage of a number of tree species were detectable at least to 12 km from the smelter. The horsetail Equisetum sylvaticum showed especially high concentrations of sulfur, while the moss Polytrichum commune was an accumulator of nickel, copper, and sulfur at sites up to 6 km. No consistent trends with distance occurred for foliar levels of the bases calcium, magnesium, and potassium. However, higher calcium concentrations occurred in forest litter collected at control sites, compared with sites closer to the smelter.

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