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Treatment of wastewater contaminated with high sulfate concentrations is an environmental imperative lacking a sustainable and environmental friendly technological solution. Microbial electrochemical technology (MET) represents a promising approach for sulfate reduction. In MET, a cathode is introduced as inexhaustible electron source for promoting sulfate reduction via direct or mediated electron transfer. So far, this is mainly studied in batch mode representing straightforward and easy-to-use systems, but their practical implementation seems unlikely, as treatment capacities are limited. Here, we investigated bioelectrochemical sulfate reduction in flow mode and achieved removal efficiencies (E sulfate , 89.2 ± 0.4%) being comparable to batch experiments, while sulfate removal rates (R sulfate , 3.1 ± 0.2 mmol L -1 ) and Coulombic efficiencies (CE, 85.2 ± 17.7%) were significantly increased. Different temperatures and hydraulic retention times (HRT) were applied and the best performance was achieved at HRT 3.5 days and 30°C. Microbial community analysis based on amplicon sequencing demonstrated that sulfate reduction was mainly performed by prokaryotes belonging to the genera Desulfomicrobium, Desulfovibrio, and Desulfococcus, indicating that hydrogenotrophic and heterotrophic sulfate reduction occurred by utilizing cathodically produced H 2 or acetate produced by homoacetogens (Acetobacterium). The advantage of flow operation for bioelectrochemical sulfate reduction is likely based on higher absolute biomass, stable pH, and selection of sulfate reducers with a higher sulfide tolerance, and improved ratio between sulfate-reducing prokaryotes and homoacetogens., (© 2022 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The crystal structures of bis[1-ethyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-7-(piperazin-1-ium-4-yl)-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylato]copper(II) sulfate heptahydrate, [Cu(C 16 H 18 FN 3 O 3 ) 2 ]SO 4 ·7H 2 O or [Cu(nor) 2 ]SO 4 ·7H 2 O (nor is norfloxacin), and bis{1-[2-(ethylsulfonyl)ethyl]-2-methyl-5-nitroimide}dinitratocopper(II), [Cu(NO 3 ) 2 (C 8 H 13 N 3 O 4 S) 2 ] or [Cu(NO 3 ) 2 (tnz) 2 ] (tnz is tinidazole), were solved by X-ray diffraction. Both complexes crystallize in the space group P2 1 /c, with Z = 4 (for nor) and Z = 2 (for ntz) molecules per unit cell. In [Cu(nor) 2 ]SO 4 ·7H 2 O, the Cu II ion is at the centre of a square-planar environment, trans coordinated to two independent norfloxacin molecules in the zwitterionic form acting as bidentate ligands through one of the carboxyl (cbx) and the carbonyl (cb) O atoms. The solid is further stabilized by an extensive network of N-H...O(sulfate), N-H...O(cbx), N-H...OW, OW-H...O(sulfate) and OW-H...OW hydrogen bonds. The [Cu(NO 3 ) 2 (tnz) 2 ] complex is centrosymmetric, with the Cu II ion in a square planar environment, coordinated to a tinidazole molecule acting as a monodentate ligand through its imidazole N atom and to one nitrate O atom. The vibrational FT-IR absorption spectra and thermal behaviour of the complexes were also studied and are briefly discussed based on the crystal structures.

Fourteen new belousovite-related compounds, AZn(TO 4 )X (A = K, Rb, Cs, Tl, NH 4 ; T = S, Se; X = Cl, Br, I) have been prepared via melt and evaporation techniques by reacting AX and ZnTO 4 either at high temperatures or in hot aqueous solutions. They adopt the layered structure of the belousovite archetype, and constitute a morphotropic series. The apophyllite-type layers in these structures undergo different corrugations, most pronounced in the case of CsZn(SO 4 )I. In addition, during the study two species unrelated to belousovite, namely Na 4 Zn(SO 4 ) 2 Cl 2 and Cs 2 Cd 3 (SO 4 ) 4 , were found with framework crystal structures having different topology and belonging to new structure types.

Background Magnesium supplements may have beneficial effects on arterial stiffness. Yet, to our knowledge, no head-to-head comparison between various magnesium formulations in terms of effects on arterial stiffness has been performed. We assessed the effects of magnesium citrate supplementation on arterial stiffness and blood pressure and explored whether other formulations of magnesium have similar effects. Methods and Results In this randomized trial, subjects who were overweight and slightly obese received either magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, or placebo for 24 weeks. The total daily dose of magnesium was 450 mg/d. The primary outcome was carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity, which is the gold standard method for measuring arterial stiffness. Secondary outcomes included blood pressure and plasma and urine magnesium. Overall, 164 participants (mean±SD age, 63.2±6.8 years; 104 [63.4%] women) were included. In the intention-to-treat analysis, neither magnesium citrate nor the other formulations had an effect on carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity or blood pressure at 24 weeks compared with placebo. Magnesium citrate increased plasma (+0.04 mmol/L; 95% CI, +0.02 to +0.06 mmol/L) and urine magnesium (+3.12 mmol/24 h; 95% CI, +2.23 to +4.01 mmol/24 h) compared with placebo. Effects on plasma magnesium were similar among the magnesium supplementation groups, but magnesium citrate led to a more pronounced increase in 24-hour urinary magnesium excretion than magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate. One serious adverse event was reported, which was considered unrelated to the study treatment. Conclusions Oral magnesium citrate supplementation for 24 weeks did not significantly change arterial stiffness or blood pressure. Magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate had similar nonsignificant effects. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03632590.

There is a worldwide interest in the development of processes for colorants production from natural sources such as microorganism. The aim of this study was to optimize red colorants production by Penicillium purpurogenum DPUA 1275 and to evaluate the effect of pH, temperature, salts and polymers on the stability of these colorants. Under optimized conditions, a 78% increase in red colorants production was achieved. The best pH and temperature conditions were obtained at pH 8.0 and 70°C, respectively. In the presence of salts NaCl and Na2 SO4 , both at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 M in Mcllvaine buffer (pH 8.0), the red colorants showed good stability. In the presence of both polymers polyethylene glycol and sodium polyacrylate, the red colorants kept their color intensity. Thus, this study presents characteristics of red colorants produced by P. purpurogenum that can be applied in different industries after toxicological examination., (© 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.)

Objective: Articular chondrocytes are surrounded by an extracellular pool of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). We undertook this study to investigate the possible role of FGF-2 in aggrecan catabolism by aggrecanase in human articular cartilage., Methods: Aggrecan catabolism was induced by interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) in normal human articular cartilage and assessed by measuring the release of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and aggrecanase-dependent fragments by Western blotting with antibodies against neoepitopes. ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 3, and 13 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) 1 and 3 was measured by Western blotting. IL-6 and IL-8 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Proteoglycan synthesis was monitored by 35S-sulfate incorporation., Results: IL-1alpha caused cleavage of aggrecan in cultured human articular cartilage explants, with release of GAG and aggrecan fragments containing ARGS and AGEG neoepitopes. This was inhibited by FGF-2 (1-100 ng/ml). Tumor necrosis factor alpha and retinoic acid also stimulated release of neoepitope, and this was also suppressed by FGF-2. IL-1alpha induced ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 mRNA in primary human chondrocytes, and this was inhibited by FGF-2. IL-1alpha-induced aggrecan breakdown was inhibited by TIMP-1 or by the N-terminal portion of TIMP-3, although FGF-2 did not affect production of the inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 when IL-1alpha was present. FGF-2 did not prevent IL-1alpha suppression of proteoglycan synthesis and did not negate its ability to stimulate the production of IL-6, IL-8, and MMPs 1, 3, and 13., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that FGF-2 may play a chondroprotective role in human articular cartilage by controlling the expression and activity of the aggrecanases ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5.

Objectives: The surface coating of a synthetic surface is currently investigated to decrease the harmful effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study was designed to study the effects of the surface coating of a hollow fiber membrane oxygenator on coagulation, inflammation markers, and clinical outcomes. The biomaterials used to coat the membrane include heparin, polyethylene oxide chains (PEO), and sulfate/sulfonate groups. The coated membrane was compared to an uncoated oxygenator made of polypropylene., Methods: Two hundred patients who were scheduled to undergo valve repair and/or replacement surgery with or without coronary surgery were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized to undergo CPB with either the Avecor oxygenator with Trillium (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA), a biopassive surface, or the Monolyth (Sorin, Irvine, CA, USA) oxygenator without coating. The primary and secondary endpoints were the differences between these oxygenators in regard to patients' biochemistry, coagulation profiles, inflammatory mediators, and clinical outcomes, including blood loss and neurological events., Results: There were no differences between the two groups in terms of biochemistry, coagulation profile, inflammatory mediator release, and blood loss. Five patients in the Avecor group showed clinical evidence of a stroke confirmed with computerized tomography (CT) scan imaging, and none in the noncoated oxygenator group., Conclusion: The oxygenator Avecor offers similar results in terms of inflammation and coagulation profiles and blood loss during valvular surgery compared to a standard uncoated control oxygenator. The rate of neurological events was unusually elevated in the former group of patients, with only speculative explanation at this point. Further studies are warranted to clarify this aspect.

Crystals of the title compounds, namely 1-(diaminomethylene)thiouron-1-ium perchlorate, C2H7N4S+.ClO4-, 1-(diaminomethylene)thiouron-1-ium hydrogen sulfate, C2H7N4S+.HSO4-, 1-(diaminomethylene)thiouron-1-ium dihydrogen phosphate, C2H7N4S+.H2PO4-, and its isomorphic relative 1-(diaminomethylene)thiouron-1-ium dihydrogen arsenate, C2H7N4S+.H2AsO4-, are built up from a nonplanar 1-(diaminomethylene)thiouron-1-ium cation and the respective anion linked together via N-H...O hydrogen bonds. Both arms of the cation are planar, but they are twisted with respect to one another around the central N atom. Ionic and extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions join oppositely charged units into layers in the perchlorate, double layers in the hydrogen sulfate, and a three-dimensional network in the dihydrogen phosphate and dihydrogen arsenate salts. This work demonstrates the usefulness of 1-(diaminomethylene)thiourea in crystal engineering for the formation of supramolecular networks with acids.

1. The aim of the present study was to assess the protective effect of Sargassum polycystum (sulphated polysaccharide) extract against paracetamol-induced DNA strand breaks and modulation of membrane-bound phosphatases, protein thiols and inorganic cations during toxic hepatitis. 2. Seaweed extract (200 mg/kg per day for 21 days) was administered to male Wistar rats against paracetamol challenge. Serum and liver tissues were used to assess levels of ATPase, protein thiols and inorganic cations using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The fragmentation of DNA was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. 3. Paracetamol induced intracellular stress, accompanied by changes in the structural and functional characteristics of liver cell membranes, which affected DNA integrity, membrane-bound ATPase and inorganic cations homeostasis. Rats intoxicated with paracetamol (800 mg/kg, i.p.) showed significant impairment in activities of total ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase, Ca+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase, with concomitant changes in the levels of tissue protein thiols and inorganic cations, such as Na+, K+ and Ca2+. These changes were prevented in animals pretreated with S. polycystum extract, which indicates that S. polycystum supplementation could exert some protective effect against paracetamol-induced toxic hepatitis in rats. 4. The protective effect of the seaweed extract may be due to the presence of sulphated compounds that have free radical-scavenging activity.

Mutations in SLC26A4 cause Pendred syndrome, an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by sensorineural deafness and goiter, and DFNB4, a type of autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness in which, by definition, affected persons do not have thyromegaly. The clinical diagnosis of these two conditions is difficult, making mutation screening of SLC26A4 a valuable test. Although screening can be accomplished in a variety of ways, all techniques are not equally accurate, timely or cost effective. We found single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis (SSCP) to be 63% effective in detecting mutations a panel of different SLC26A4 allele variants when compared to data from direct sequencing. Because direct sequencing can be time consuming and expensive, especially for a gene with 21 exons, we studied DHPLC as an alternative screening method. We found DHPLC as accurate and reliable as direct sequencing but to be more rapid and cost effective. In addition, we report 11 novel disease-causing allele variants of SLC26A4., (Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The nucleation of horse spleen ferritin (HSF) crystals on substrates was investigated using a new modification of the double pulse technique. The influence of three different structureless substrates (glass, glass covered by methyl groups and poly-L-lysin template) on the nucleation was studied. The boundaries in the phase-diagram, which separate zones of crystal nucleation and growth were obtained by keeping pH = 5.0, and using CdSO(4) as crystallizing agent. The steady-state nucleation rates were determined. The energy required for critical nuclei formation was evaluated (10(-13) erg) and the sizes of critical nuclei were found (5 and 2 molecules).

Protamine is unable to completely reverse the anticoagulant effect of the low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH), a fact of clinical importance given the rapid increase in use of LMWH in clinical practice. This investigation sought to determine the mechanism by which LMWH were able to resist protamine-mediated inactivation. Affinity fractionation of LMWH by passage through a protamine column, with subsequent determination of molecular mass and sulphate charge density, demonstrated that the protamine-resistant fraction in LMWH is an ultra-low-molecular-weight fraction with low sulphate charge density. This group of molecules was not found in unfractionated heparin, even when species of similar molecular mass were compared. We then determined that different commercially available LMWH varied in their ability to be neutralized by protamine, and that this variability correlated with the total sulphate content of the LMWH. We conclude that reduced sulphate charge, not molecular mass, is the principle reason that protamine is unable to fully inactivate LMWH. Furthermore, different LMWH vary in their ability to be neutralized by protamine, suggesting that product-specific recommendations for neutralization might be developed.

Undecaprenyl diphosphate synthase from Micrococcus luteus B-P 26, one of the Z-prenyl chain-elongating enzymes, was crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method with ammonium sulfate and lithium sulfate as precipitants. The crystals belong to the monoclinic space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 127.2, b = 60.2, c = 75.7 A, beta = 105.6 degrees. The crystals diffract X-rays to at least 2.2 A resolution using synchrotron radiation and are suitable for high-resolution crystal structure analysis.

The Feulgen-like osmium ammine-SO2 method developed by Cogliati and Gautier (CR Acad Sci Ser D 1973, 276, 3041-3044) stains the DNA at the ultrastructural level. Compared to several other techniques for detecting DNA, this method remains the only one revealing the configuration of the DNA molecules within the cell whatever their compactness. In the present article we summarize the results we obtained with the osmium ammine method in the study of the fate of viral genomes along the infectious cycles in several DNA virus infected cells including adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, simian virus 40 and poxvirus. The results are discussed in relation to the replicative and transcribing activities of viral DNA.

A six-year-old boy with severe intermittent diarrhoea was subjected to extensive diagnostic investigation and treatment before the administration of a laxative (sodium sulphate) by his mother was discovered. Early suspicion and analysis of faecal fluid for electrolytes and known laxative substances would have prevented the hazardous clinical course of this case.

The relationship between zinc sulfate turbidity test (ZTT and thymol turbidity test (TTT), and IgG subclasses, especially IgG1 and IgG2, was studied. Serum colloidal reactions of specimens from patients with IgG-myeloma usually show abnormally high values in ZTT and low values in TTT. But in some cases, values in ZTT and TTT are both low, and in a few cases both values are abnormally high. In order to see the reason why IgG-myelomas are classified into these three groups according to serum colloidal reactions. IgG subclasses of monoclonal proteins (MPs) isolated by zone electrophoresis were determined by immunodiffusion with anti IgG-subclasses. Results revealed that IgG1-myeloma showed high ZTT and low TTT and IgG2-myeloma showed low ZTT and TTT. Only two out of our 29 cases with IgG-myeloma showed high ZTT and TTT. MP from one of them belonged to IgG1-kappa and that from the other to IgG2-lambda. We checked the relationship between turbidity tests and electrophoretic mobility of MP and also that between these tests and L-chains' type of MP, but did not find any relationship between them. These findings suggest that IgG1 innately reacts with ZTT but not with TTT, while IgG2 does not react with any of these tests. MP from cases showing high values in both ZTT and TTT may have a special idiotype.

The hydrochloride, sulphate and ethylcarbonate salts of quinine were given in single oral doses (600 mg base equivalent) to nine healthy male subjects according to a cross-over design. No statistically significant differences were noted in the plasma drug concentration-time profiles although inter- and intra-subject variation in AUC, Cmax and tmax values was appreciable. The ethylcarbonate salt may be preferred for use in paediatric patients because of its neutral taste.

Although activated charcoal and alumina have been used extensively as sorbents in uremic patients, the following problems remain to be solved: 1) elution of SO4--from activated charcoal which does not adsorb it; 2) production of methylguanidine from creatinine on the surface of activated charcoal; 3) production of lipoperoxide from fatty acids by chemical reaction of activated charcoal; 4) adsorption of Ca++ and Mg++ when alumina adsorbs inorganic phosphate. These problems are studied in vitro and clinically.

Side effects with coated, rapidly dissolving lithium carbonate tablets, medium-slow-release and slow release lithium sulphate tablets, all administered twice a day, were compared in a double-blind, cross-over study in 27 patients who had only used lithium carbonate tablets. The relation between medication and meals was not standardized. The repidly dissolving tablets and the medium-slow-release tablets had a similar tendency to produce side effects, while slow-release tablets more often produced purgative side effects than the other two preparations did.

Side effects of two lithium salts of the sustained-release type were compared in a cross-over double-blind study. Eighteen patients with uni- or bipolar type of manic-depressive diseases were included in the trial. The drugs compared were lithium citrate (Litarex, Dumex Ltd.) and lithium sulphate (Lithionit Durettes, Hässle Ltd.). After the patients had been adjusted to a serum concentration of 0.8-1.2 mmol/l, self-assessment of the frequency and intensity of 16 side-effect variables was performed during a period of 4 weeks. The most common side effects were tremor, fatigue, polyuria, polydipsia, and reduced power of concentration. There was no difference in the frequency or intensity of the side effects between the two drugs. The side effects are, accordingly, considered an effect of the lithium ion, rather than of the lithium salt. The difference in the size and appearance of the tablets was of very little practical significance.

In a cross-over study in 10 subjects, rapidly dissolving coated lithium carbonate tablets and medium-slow-release lithium sulphate tablets were compared. Both preparations were administered twice a day. They gave similar post-absorptive concentrations of lithium in plasma and similar standard deviations of these concentrations. The medium-slow-release tablets gave smaller increases of lithium in plasma, and postponed the absorption peaks. They also gave less interindividual variation of lithium in plasma during the first few hours after administration.

The effects of d-amphetamine on punished responding were studied in two experiments. In Experiment I, pigeons responded under a multiple fixed-ratio 30 response fixed-interval 5-min schedule of food presentation with 60-sec limited holds in both components. Each response was punished with electric shock, the intensity of which was varied systematically. In Experiment II, another group of pigeons responded under a multiple fixed-interval 5-min fixed-interval 5-min schedule of food presentation with 40-sec limited holds. Each response was punished with shock during one component, and every thirtieth response was punished in the other component. d-Amphetamine increased overall rates of punished responding only rarely under any of the punishment conditions; however, response rates within the fixed-interval when rates were low were increased by d-amphetamine when the shock intensity was low (Experiment I), or when responses produced shock intermittently (Experiment II). The data suggest that the effects of d-amphetamine on punished responding depend on the control rate of responding, the punishment intensity, the punishment frequency, and the schedule of food presentation.