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Early-stage detection of subclinical obesity-driven systemic changes is a challenging area of medical diagnostics, where the most popular existing measures - such as body mass index - BMI - often fall short of providing a realistic estimate of adiposity and, therefore, of ongoing pathologies at the systemic, tissue and cellular level. In the quest for identifying new more robust diagnostic markers, whole-organ analysis of chemical elements is a promising approach for identifying candidate proxies of obesity status in the system.Total Reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) coupled with biochemical assays, chemometrics and statistical validation was used as a new integrated pipeline for marker identification in external ear samples of obese animals. The specimens were taken from obese animals fed a high calorie diet as well as from lean intact animals fed a standard diet.The most significant differences in the content of K, Fe, Br, and Rb between the studied groups of the animals were identified. However, with the methodology applied Rb was found the most robust biochemical discriminator of early-stage obesity effects, as validated by the logistic regression model. We observed no relationship between the levels of the elements consumed by the animals and their apparent content in the earlobe tissue samples.Our preliminary study confirms that obesity alters tissue trace metal metabolism and shows the proposed new approach as an accurate and reliable methodology for detecting tissue elemental obesity-related alterations.This result can be of practical significance for designing new point-of-care systems for obesity screening tests, taking advantage of direct/indirect Rb measurements.

This work is the first attempt to evaluate suitability of Callitriche cophocarpa Sendtn. (water-starwort) to remove Cr under real-world conditions. Our earlier laboratory-scale studies demonstrated outstanding hyperaccumulation properties of this aquatic higher plant (macrophyte) toward chromium in solution. We introduced C. cophocarpa plants into the watershed with sediments heavily polluted (on average 1400 mg/kg d.w. of Cr) by a tannery. The plants grew vigorously and exhibited no physiological or anatomical disorders. Based on chemical fractionations of bottom sediments, we found low Cr bioavailability. The element was strongly associated with the sediments and could be classified into the following fractions (%): oxidizable III (68.2) > residual IV (28.8) > reducible II (1.6) > exchangeable I (1.4). Despite this, Cr content in plant organs at the contaminated sites was 33 up to 83 times greater than in the control leaf/stem and roots, respectively. Altering redox potential during, i.e., sediment deposition on land may change chemical forms of bound metals in a solid phase, and thus further increase Cr phytoextraction by plants. With this in mind, we concluded that the species, being an outstanding Cr accumulator under laboratory conditions, can be useful in the reclamation of Cr-polluted sediments under controlled, oxidizing conditions.

The metal accumulation and antioxidant contents in flowers of wild specimens of European elder (Sambucus nigra L.), a famous medicinal plant and valuable component in the urban landscape, were determined. The total reflection X-ray fluorescence revealed the presence of K, Rb, Ca, Sr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn associated with flowers. A typical, large, non-industrial city with considerable traffic and atmospheric pollution resulting from smog was chosen as a place of sampling. Obtained results were correlated with selected parameters of soil and the intensity of surrounding traffic. The flowers were relatively rich in elements K, Ca, Cu, Rb, and antioxidants, while it did not accumulate heavy metals potentially bioavailable in the soil. The correlation between street traffic and the content of Fe, Cr, and Zn in elderflowers was revealed; the metal quantities were below levels harmful to humans. Flowers from the city center exhibited higher antioxidant and radical scavenging capacities comparing to plants from the areas of little traffic. The antioxidant parameters were negatively correlated with the silty fraction content and positively with the potentially bioavailable levels of Ti and Mn in soils and increased with the amount of Rb in the flowers. It was proven for the first time that the urban specimens of wild S. nigra can perform as a local source of beneficial flowers providing cost-effective support in disease prevention and treatment.

Lentinula edodes (shiitake), an edible and medicinal mushroom, was chosen for this study with the aim of evaluating the possibility of release of bioelements into artificial digestive juices and analyzing the anti-inflammatory properties. The extracts were prepared from fruiting bodies and biomass enriched with copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se). The content of bioelements was analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence method. Relatively low content of elements was observed in the fruiting bodies: Cu–1.6, Zn–7.6, and Se–0.12 mg/100 g d.w. compared to mycelial cultures. The anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells. Based on the levels of cyclooxygenase 2 protein, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ determined using Western blot technique, it was found that the addition of bioelements enhanced the anti-inflammatory properties of mycelium. This indicates that L. edodes cultured on a suitable medium may be used as a potential component of anti-inflammatory products.

Background The discovery of the zinc-sensing receptor, has provided new possibilities for explaining the neurobiology of zinc. Recent studies indicate that the GPR39 zinc receptor may play an important role in the pathogenesis of depression as well as in the antidepressant mechanism of action. Methods In this study we evaluated the time-course of the antidepressant response of the GPR39 agonist (TC-G 1008), imipramine, ZnCl2 and MK-801 in the forced swim test in mice 30 min, 3 h, 6 h and 24 h after acute drug administration as well as after 14-day treatment. Zinc level was measured in serum of mice. BDNF protein level was evaluated in hippocampus following both acute and chronic TC-G 1008 treatment. Results A single administration of the GPR39 agonist caused an antidepressant-like effect lasting up to 24 h following the injection, which is longer than the effect of imipramine, ZnCl2 and MK-801. Chronic treatment with these compounds caused a decrease in immobility time in the FST. Serum zinc concentrations showed an increased level following chronic ZnCl2 administration, but not following administration of TC-G 1008, imipramine or MK-801. We also observed some tendencies for increased BDNF following acute TC-G 1008 treatment. Limitations TC-G 1008 is new drug designed to study GPR39 therefore additional pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties in preclinical studies are required. Conclusion This study shows for the first time the long-lasting antidepressant effect of the GPR39 agonist in comparison with imipramine, ZnCl2 and MK-801. Our findings suggest that GPR39 should be considered as a target in efforts to develop new antidepressant drugs.

In the paper, the results of the first regular studies of ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) toxicity in vitro were presented. The influence of PEG-coated NPs with 5 nm magnetite core on six different cell lines was examined. These were: human bronchial fibroblasts, human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T), two glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines as well as GBM cells isolated from a brain tumor of patient. Additionally, mouse macrophages were included in the study. The influence of IONPs in three different doses (1, 5 and 25 µg Fe/ml) on the viability, proliferation and migration activity of cells was assessed. Moreover, quantifying the intracellular ROS production, we determined the level of oxidative stress in cells exposed to IONPs. In the paper, for the first time, the effect of Fe in the form of IONPs was compared with the analogical data obtained for iron salts solutions containing the same amount of Fe, on the similar oxidation state. Our results clearly showed that the influence of iron on the living cells strongly depends not only on the used cell line, dose and exposure time but also on the form in which this element was administered to the culture. Notably, nanoparticles can stimulate the proliferation of some cell lines, including glioblastoma multiforme. Compared to Fe salts, they have a stronger negative impact on the viability of the cells tested. Ultra-small NPs, also, more often positively affect cell motility which seem to differ them from the NPs with larger core diameters.

Release of bioelements and phenolic compounds from edible mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus, Cantharellus cibarius, and Lentinula edodes) enriched with zinc, selenium, l -phenylalanine, alone and as a mixture was examined using a simulated human gastrointestinal digestion method. Due to the extensive amount of data obtained, in order to interpret them more precisely in the work, the methods of chemometric analysis (Cluster Analysis—CA and Principal Compenent Analysis—PCA) were additionally applied. The results showed mycelium of L. edodes has the best health-promoting properties and addition of mixture to the media increased significantly the synthesis of p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acid (267 and 16.3 mg/100 g d.w.). After extraction into artificial digestive juices, 97.4 mg/100 g d.w. p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 15.6 mg/100 g d.w. of protocatechuic acid were released. The greatest amounts of Se and Zn were extracted from enriched A. bisporus mycelium (32.3 and 342 mg/100 g d.w., respectively). This study confirmed that mycelium might prevent nutritional deficiencies in the diet through use of functional foods.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a primary brain tumor with a very high degree of malignancy and is classified by WHO as a glioma IV. At present, the treatment of patients suffering from GBM is based on surgical resection of the tumor with maximal protection of surrounding tissues followed by radio- and pharmacological therapy using temozolomide as the most frequently recommended drug. This strategy, however, does not guarantee success and has devastating consequences. Testing of new substances or therapies having potential in the treatment of GBM as well as detection of their side effects cannot be done on humans. Animal models of the disease are usually used for these purposes, and one possibility is the implantation of human tumor cells into rodent brains. Such a solution was used in the present study the purpose of which was comparison of elemental anomalies appearing in the brain as a result of implantation of different glioblastoma cell lines. These were two commercially available cell lines (U87MG and T98G), as well as tumor cells taken directly from a patient diagnosed with GBM. Using total reflection X-ray fluorescence we determined the contents of P, S, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se in implanted-left and intact-right brain hemispheres. The number of elemental anomalies registered for both hemispheres was positively correlated with the invasiveness of GBM cells and was the highest for animals subjected to U87MG cell implantation, which presented significant decrease of P, K, and Cu levels and an increase of Se concentration within the left hemisphere. The abnormality common for all three groups of animals subjected to glioma cell implantation was increased Fe level in the brain, which may result from higher blood supply or the presence of hemorrhaging regions. In the case of the intact hemisphere, elevated Fe concentration may also indicate higher neuronal activity caused by taking over some functions of the left hemisphere impaired as a result of tumor growth.

Local differences in structural properties of biological specimens pose a major limitation to quantitative X-ray fluorescence imaging. This is because both the various tissue compartments of different density and variation in the sample thickness upon frequently used freeze-drying come up with the different values of the sample mass per unit area to be taken into account. Even though several solutions to tackle this problem based on the home-made standards for quantification in terms of thickness- and density-independent elemental mass fractions have been proposed, this issue is not addressed enough due to the samples' heterogeneity. In our recent study, we propose a calculation scheme based on combined external-standard micro X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) imaging and internal-standard total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis to determine the corrected elemental mass fraction distributions in commonly analysed rat tissues: kidney, liver and spleen. The results of TXRF analysis of digested large tissue sections together with the mean values of elemental masses per unit area obtained with micro-XRF were employed to determine the average masses per unit area of the samples. The correction for variation of the tissue thickness and density was done through with the use of Compton intensities. Importantly, by its versatility, our novel approach can be used to produce elemental contrast in a variety of biological specimens where local variations in either the sample density or thickness are no longer the issue.

Phototrophic bacteria are metabolically diverse microorganisms that attract substantial attention due to their growing potential in scientific and industrial applications. In the present study, total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry was applied to perform a comprehensive analysis of the trace elements content of purple non-sulphur phototrophic bacteria, their chromatophores and selected photosynthetic structures in response to alterations in oxygen growth conditions. There is a lack of consistent information on the content of microelements, their distribution and in particular correlations between them. This analysis, carried out on the Rhodobacter sphaeroides species aims to rectify this. Qualitative examination revealed the presence of microelements generally not considered as basic in the bacterial ionome. Quantitative inspection pointed to Fe as the major trace element in this phototrophic species irrespective of growth conditions (sample type). The K/Rb and Ca/Sr ratios were determined for the first time for bacteria and their photosynthetic membranes. Finally, the ionomic approach to elemental accumulation followed by statistical analysis revealed intriguing relationships between the elements within cells and phototrophic membranes. The vast potential and usefulness of the TXRF technique in a wide range of biological and environmental applications is underlined.

Edible mushrooms are classified as a functional food. The study aimed to initiate in vitro cultures of selected species of Pleurotus: P. citrinopileatus, P. djamor, P. eryngii, P. florida, P. ostreatus, and P. pulmonarius and to optimize the method of cultivation of these species to obtain raw materials characterized by pro-health properties. Another objective was to analyze the biologically active substances in the obtained mushroom materials. By determining the organic compounds and bioelements present in the species selected for the study, it was found that the fruiting bodies obtained by cultivation were characterized by a high content of phenolic and indole compounds. Similarly, the mycelia obtained from in vitro culture were found to contain significant amounts of organic compounds exhibiting biological effects such as lovastatin. The study revealed that the composition of biologically active substances varied between the mycelia obtained from in vitro cultures and the fruiting bodies obtained by cultivation.

Lentinula edodes (shiitake), an edible and medicinal mushroom, was chosen for this study with the aim of evaluating the possibility of release of bioelements into artificial digestive juices and analyzing the anti-inflammatory properties. The extracts were prepared from fruiting bodies and biomass enriched with copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se). The content of bioelements was analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence method. Relatively low content of elements was observed in the fruiting bodies: Cu-1.6, Zn-7.6, and Se-0.12 mg/100 g d.w. compared to mycelial cultures. The anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells. Based on the levels of cyclooxygenase 2 protein, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ determined using Western blot technique, it was found that the addition of bioelements enhanced the anti-inflammatory properties of mycelium. This indicates that L. edodes cultured on a suitable medium may be used as a potential component of anti-inflammatory products.

The development of high quality nuclear data, radiation detectors and instrumentation techniques for fusion technology applications in Europe is supported by Fusion for Energy (F4E) and conducted in a joint and collaborative effort by several European research associations (ENEA, KIT, JSI, NPI, AGH, and CCFE) joined to form the "Consortium on Nuclear Data Studies/Experiments in Support of TBM Activities". This paper presents the neutronics activities carried out by the Consortium. A selection of available results are presented. Among then a benchmark experiment on a pure copper block to study the Cu cross sections at neutron energies relevant to fusion, the fabrication of prototype neutron detectors able to withstand harsh environment and temperature >200 °C (artificial diamond and self-powered detectors) developed for operating in ITER-TBM as well as measurement of relevant activation and integral gas production cross-sections. The latter measured at neutron energies relevant to IFMIF (>14 MeV) and the development of innovative experimental techniques for tritium measurement in TBM. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The process of carcinogenesis may influence normal biochemical reactions leading to alterations in the elemental composition of the tissue. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis (TXRF) was applied to the elemental analysis of different brain tumors. The following elements were present in all the neoplastic tissues analyzed: K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Rb. The results of the analysis showed that the elemental composition of a relatively small fragment of tissue represents satisfactorily the biochemical “signature” of a cancer. On the basis of the element concentrations determined, it was possible to differentiate between some types of brain tumors.

Liquid scintillation (LS) technique applied to direct measurement of tritium activity produced in LiPb eutectic in Frascati HCLL TBM mock-up neutronic experiment has been tested so far in the case of LS measurement after long period since irradiation. LiPb samples irradiated in neutron filed show, except of tritium, meaningful activity of other radioisotopes (parasitic). Parasitic activity, mainly from isotopes of lead ( 209 Pb, 204m Pb, 203 Pb) calculated with the use of FISPACT, exceeds ca 5 times tritium activity 1.4 h after irradiation. We propose to remove disturbing radioisotopes in a chemical way to avoid long “cooling” of the irradiated samples before tritium measurement. Samples (1 g of LiPb) irradiated in reactor fast neutron flux were diluted and metallic cations removed by chemical precipitation. For this purpose we used: potassium iodide (KJ), strontium chloride (SrCl 2 ), APDC (C 5 H 8 NS 2 ·NH 4 ), NaDDTC (C 5 H 10 NNaS 2 ·3H 2 O), and PAN (C 15 H 11 N 3 O). Precipitation procedure in each case lasted ca 5–25 min, and the following filtration next 10–20 min. In each filtrate (ca 120 ml) we measured Pb concentration in total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analyzer and parasitic activity (left after 21-day “cooling”) applying HPGe gamma spectrometer. Pb cations precipitated by SrCl 2 and than by PAN lowered activity of Pb isotopes to less than 1% of the initial tritium activity. Another combination of reagents: NaDDTC followed by SrCl 2 in a single and double step filtration reduced Pb concentration 10 2 and 10 4 times, respectively. Reduction of this order allows tritium radiometric measurement ca 3 h after irradiation with acceptable accuracy. This time can be shortened by applying correction for decay of known parasitic activity. Input of 76 As and other less abundant radioisotopes can be eliminated using high purity LiPb. Tritium activity of the filtrates measured in LS spectrometer showed no dependence upon used reagent being, within measurement error, the same as for analyzed LiPb samples.

Validation of the calculated Tritium Production Rate (TPR) in the Test Blanket Modules (TBMs) needs relatively simple measurement procedure. Measurement system in TBM based on Tritium determination directly in LiPb and/or in Li compound(s) with application of the Liquid Scintillator Counting (LSC) is proposed. Expected high temperature in TBM while ITER operation in sample not less than 150 °C when cooled irradiated material, and 300–400 °C without cooling, impose constraints on the possible methods and technical design. Preliminary results performed on irradiated LiPb eutectic pellets housed at controlled conditions of elevated temperature showed remarkable loss of Tritium. Observed escape of Tritium ranged from ca. 91% (temp.: 300 °C, t = 60 min) to ca. 52% (temp.: 370–390 °C, t = 10 min) being in fair agreement with calculated values by use of dedicated code (rCADiff). Basic limitation of direct radiometric measurement of Tritium activity in LiPb is parasitic activity induced in Pb, predominantly coming from 203 Pb and also from impurities present in Pb. Demand of obtaining information on TPR in relatively short time points to other lithium compounds used as monitors which after irradiation, followed by an easy preparation procedure, can be measured using simple version of LSC. Most promising monitors seem to be Li 2 O and LiF. Two different possible versions of the proposed systems were considered: (1) LSC measurement starts after long period of time since irradiation (not less than 20 days); (2) LSC measurement starts shortly after irradiation (an hour or less to several hours).

Two novel methods of tritium production rate (TPR) measurements applied in HCLL TBM mock-up neutronic experiment are described and discussed. In the first method LiF TLD detectors used for gamma radiation dose measurements are applied as detectors of −β decay of tritium (T) produced by neutrons. TL signal expressed as mGy/h is proportional to energy accumulated in self-irradiation process (SI). However, the TL signal is proportional to tritium activity generated in detector material, recalculation to Bq/mg requires calibration by independent measurement of T activity in the TLD. In our experiments determination of this activity was performed by LSC technique. Good correlation between the 3H activity and TLD signal was observed. The second presented method is based on direct measurement of T in LiPb material with the use of LSC spectrometer. Dissolution of LiPb in nitric acid, and than composing aliquot containing well known mass of irradiated LiPb mixed than with scintillation cocktail, is measured in LS spectrometer providing signal proportional to the T activity. It was proved by series of experiments that procedure performed at controlled conditions ensures no loss of tritium while preparation. Optimization measurement conditions with respect of type of the scintillator used and composition of aliquot/scintillator mixture provide counting efficiency above 22%. Sample material for testing the both techniques was irradiated by neutron flux either at nuclear research reactor “Maria”, Świerk, Poland or at the Frascati Neutron Generator Laboratory in HCLL TBM neutronic experiment. Li2CO3 pellets used as reference were irradiated in the same experiment with TLDs, and samples of LiPb-eutectic and then analysed by modified Dierckx method, a well established technique. Measurement results obtained applying the both techniques described above as well as the control Li2CO3 pellets were in very good consistency. Direct measurements of T produced in LiPb at different depth in HCLL TBM mockup agrees well with MCNP simulation results. Parameters of the simulation provide additionally information on 6Li abundance and Li content in the LiPb mixture. Spread of the T activity observed at the same depth for different samples correspond with inhomogeneity of the eutectic composition investigated and reported. Direct measurement of T activity seems to be the very promising and relatively simple method of validation of neutronic codes and nuclear data capabilities for calculation TPR in fusion relevant materials provided parameters of the irradiated material are well known.

The dusty surfaces of post-flotation wastes contain high concentrations of toxic compounds and spread widely if appropriate vegetation is not introduced. It has been previously established that effective restoration of such waste areas are best met by xerothermic, mycorrhiza-assisted plants (Turnau et al. Plant and Soil 305:267-280, 2008). The aim of the current study was to improve phytostabilisation practices by gaining insight into the elements uptake in plants after their change of habitat. Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) was employed to evaluate element concentration in the leaves of 23 plant species growing in the wild and on Zn-Pb waste. Higher levels of heavy metals (Zn, Y, As, Pb, Cu) in plants from tailings were usually accompanied by increased Ca concentration, suggesting a possible role of this element in detoxification mechanisms. Also, when compared to grassland specimens, plants from the tailings, exhibited potassium-deficiency. Thus, K-supplementation of the waste substrata should be considered to improve plant growth. Among all the introduced plants, three grass species (Melica transsilvanica, Bromus inermis, Elymus hispidus) and one legume (Anthylis vulneraria) were the most suitable for phytostabilisation. Heavy metal-accumulating properties of Verbascum thapsus need further investigation.

Industrial waste substrata, rich in heavy metals, are poorly suited for plant growth. Efforts are made to establish an appropriate plant cover to reduce erosion and further contamination. Grasses are the usual solution, as they grow fast, thrive on poor substrata and have well-developed root systems. Some of them are also highly dependent on mycorrhizal symbiosis that supports their growth especially on poor and polluted soils. However, the commercially available grasses often meet a lack of well established mycorrhiza on the site and the introduced plant populations dramatically decrease with time, despite large financial input including covering the substratum with soil and intensive watering. The aim of this paper was to select proper plants together with mycorrhizal fungi that could accelerate the establishment of the vegetation and improve its diversity under these extreme conditions, minimizing the financial costs of the reclamation (no use of soil layering and watering). The experiments were carried out under field and laboratory conditions. The plant seeds used originated from dry calcareous grasslands. The seeds were germinated under field conditions or in pots filled with soil supplemented with substratum from the industrial wastes. The seedlings were inoculated with AM fungi and introduced on the field plots a few weeks after germination. The inoculum consisted of either crude inoculum harvested from the dry calcareous grasslands or strains originating from polluted areas. Plants colonized by mycorrhizal fungi established well in the experimental plots. The results suggest that inocula from dry calcareous grasslands are potentially useful in revegetation of industrial wastes. Although in several cases the photosynthetic activity of plants was lower than at the natural sites, almost all plants survived and formed seeds. In all experiments the plant vitality was estimated on the basis of chlorophyll a fluorescence and was useful to show differences between waste substrata, inocula and coexisting plant species. The interactions between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants were studied under greenhouse conditions and at least no negative effect of this coexistence was found.

Our previous study showed that dietary zinc restriction induces depression-like behavior with concomitant up-regulation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Because metal ions, oxidative stress, and inflammation are involved in depression/NMDAR function, in the present study, bio-elements (zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium), oxidative (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances; protein carbonyl content), and inflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1β) factors were measured in serum, hippocampus (Hp), and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of male Sprague–Dawley rats subjected to a zinc-adequate (ZnA) (50mg Zn/kg) or a zinc-deficient (ZnD) (3mg Zn/kg) diet for 4 or 6weeks. Both periods of dietary zinc restriction reduced serum zinc and increased serum iron levels. At 4weeks, lowered zinc level in the PFC and Hp as well as lowered iron level in the PFC of the ZnD rats was observed. At 6weeks, however, iron level was increased in the PFC of these rats. Although at 6weeks zinc level in the PFC did not differ between the ZnA and ZnD rats, extracellular zinc concentration after 100mM KCl stimulation was reduced in the PFC of the ZnD rats and was accompanied by increased extracellular iron and glutamate levels (as measured by the in vivo microdialysis). The examined oxidative and inflammatory parameters were generally enhanced in the tissue of the ZnD animals. The obtained data suggest dynamic redistribution of bio-elements and enhancement of oxidative/inflammatory parameters after dietary zinc restriction, which may have a link with depression-like behavior/NMDAR function/neurodegeneration.

The zinc deficiency animal model of depression has been proposed; however, it has not been validated in a detailed manner. We have recently shown that depression-like behavior induced by dietary zinc restriction is associated with up-regulation of hippocampal N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Here we examined the effects of chronic administration of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine (FLX), on behavioral and biochemical alterations (within NMDAR signaling pathway) induced by zinc deficiency. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed a zinc adequate diet (ZnA, 50mg Zn/kg) or a zinc deficient diet (ZnD, 3mg Zn/kg) for 4 weeks. Then, FLX treatment (10mg/kg, i.p.) begun. Following 2 weeks of FLX administration the behavior of the rats was examined in the forced swim test (FST) and the spontaneous locomotor activity test. Twenty four hours later tissue was harvested. The proteins of NMDAR (GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B) or AMPAR (GluA1) subunits, p-CREB and BDNF in the hippocampus (Western blot) and serum zinc level (TXRF) were examined. Depression-like behavior induced by ZnD in the FST was sensitive to chronic treatment with FLX. ZnD increased levels of GluN1, GluN2A, GluN2B and decreased pS485-GluA1, p-CREB and BDNF proteins. Administration of FLX counteracted the zinc restriction-induced changes in serum zinc level and hippocampal GluN1, GluN2A, GluN2B and p-CREB but not BDNF or pS845-GluA1 protein levels. This finding adds new evidence to the predictive validity of the proposed zinc deficiency model of depression. Antidepressant-like activity of FLX in the zinc deficiency model is associated with NMDAR complex.

Background: Zinc may act as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system by activation of the GPR39 metabotropic receptors. Methods: In the present study, we investigated whether GPR39 knockout would cause depressive-like and/or anxiety-like behavior, as measured by the forced swim test, tail suspension test, and light/dark test. We also investigated whether lack of GPR39 would change levels of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB),brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin related kinase B (TrkB) protein in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of GPR39 knockout mice subjected to the forced swim test, as measured by Western-blot analysis. Results: In this study, GPR39 knockout mice showed an increased immobility time in both the forced swim test and tail suspension test, indicating depressive-like behavior and displayed anxiety-like phenotype. GPR39 knockout mice had lower CREB and BDNF levels in the hippocampus, but not in the frontal cortex, which indicates region specificity for the impaired CREB/BDNF pathway (which is important in antidepressant response) in the absence of GPR39. There were no changes in TrkB protein in either structure. In the present study, we also investigated activity in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis under both zinc- and GPR39-deficient conditions. Zinc-deficient mice had higher serum corticosterone levels and lower glucocorticoid receptor levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Conclusions: There were no changes in the GPR39 knockout mice in comparison with the wild-type control mice, which does not support a role of GPR39 in hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. The results of this study indicate the involvement of the GPR39 Zn2+-sensing receptor in the pathophysiology of depression with component of anxiety.

Trace elements play an important role in the human central nervous system. Significant variations of the concentration of trace elements in body fluids may occur in neurodegenerative diseases. In the present work an investigation of the elemental composition of the serum, and the cerebrospinal fluid in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and a control group was performed. For the analysis of the body fluids Total reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry was used. The samples were taken during routine diagnostic procedures. Na, Mg, Cl, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, and Br were determined in both fluids. In order to validate the results of analysis a serum standard reference material was measured. A t -test was applied to check if the mean concentrations of the elements are different for ALS and the control group. For the serum samples higher values for Br were found in the ALS group, for the cerebrospinal fluid lower values of Na, Mg and Zn as well as higher Ca values were found in the ALS group compared to the control group.

Total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry was applied after sequential leaching for the speciation of selected elements in particulate matter, in order to complete the knowledge of the mobility of the selected elements and to determine which components are harmful to works of art. Samples were collected on filters in two churches, one situated in a rural area and the other in an urban area. A five-stage sequential leaching scheme for the speciation of K, Ca, Fe, Zn and Pb was applied, the fractions obtained being as follows: exchangeable elements; elements bound to carbonates; elements bound to Fe and Mn oxides; elements bound to organic matter; and the digested insoluble residue. It was found that, in the case of the church in the urban area, much of the K, Fe and Zn appeared as mobile elements, whereas for the church situated in the rural area, the amounts of Ca and Fe were most mobile. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The aim of this work was to study the deterioration of various kinds of sandstone due to acid rain and SO2 gas. The samples were taken from three quarries in Poland and one sample was from a tomb about 100 years old. To elucidate the mechanism of stone deterioration, simple experiments were performed. The sandstone samples were immersed for several weeks in SO2 aqueous solution of pH ≈ 4. Similar experiments were performed using SO2 aqueous solution of pH ≈ 1.5. The concentrations of Ca, Mg and Fe leached from the sandstone samples were measured with TXRF. An additional experiment was carried out with the use of radioactive 35 SO2. The samples were exposed to both 35 SO2 aqueous solution and to 35 SO 2 gas. The autoradiograms obtained from the sample cross-sections indicated that sulfur penetrated to the interior parts of sandstone samples, especially from SO2 gas. Copyright  2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The total reflection X-ray fluorescence technique was applied to the determination of the elemental composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Samples of the CSF from two groups of patients, ALS and control, were analysed. Two methods of sample preparation were tested in order to improve the detection limits of the analysed elements. The elements Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb and Rb were found and determined. Differences in the concentrations of Zn and Cl were found between the ALS and the control group.

Rationale Data indicated that zinc deficiency may contribute to the development of depression; however changes induced by zinc deficiency are not fully described. Objectives In the present paper we tested whether the dietary zinc restriction in rats causes alterations in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits in brain regions that are relevant to depression. Methods Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed a zinc adequate diet (ZnA, 50 mg Zn/kg) or a zinc deficient diet (ZnD, 3 mg Zn/kg) for 4 or 6 weeks. Then, the behavior of the rats was examined in the forced swim test, sucrose intake test and social interaction test. Western blot assays were used to study the alterations in NMDAR subunits GluN2A and GluN2B and proteins associated with NMDAR signaling in the hippocampus (Hp) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Results Following 4 or 6 weeks of zinc restriction, behavioral despair, anhedonia and a reduction of social behavior occurred in rats with concomitant increased expression of GluN2A and GluN2B and decreased expression of the PSD-95, p-CREB and BDNF protein levels in the Hp. The up-regulation of GluN2A protein was also found in the PFC, but only after prolonged (6 weeks) zinc deprivation. Conclusions The procedure of zinc restriction in rats causes behavioral changes that share some similarities to the pathophysiology of depression. Obtained data indicated that depressive-like behavior induced by zinc deficiency is associated with the changes in NMDAR signaling pathway.

Zinc is one of the most important trace elements in our body. Patients suffering from depression show lower serum zinc levels compared to healthy controls. Zincs antagonism to the glutamatergic system seems to be responsible for mood recovery. Recent years have shown that zinc may regulate neurotransmission via the metabotropic GPR39 receptor. Activation of the GPR39-Zn(2+)-sensing receptor (GPR39) triggers diverse neuronal pathways leading to a cAMP-responsive element binding the protein (CREB) expression, which then induces synthesis of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and, in turn, activation of the Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor. In the present study, we investigated the alteration of the GPR39 in different models of depression, such as zinc deficiency and olfactory bulbectomy and in suicide victims. Additionaly, we focused on CREB-BDNF/TrkB under zinc deficient conditions in mice. To demonstrate depressive-like behaviour, a standard and modified forced swim test (FST) was performed. To evaluate expression of GPR39, CREB, BDNF and TrkB, Western Blot analysis was used. Zinc deficient mice and rats showed decreased GPR39 expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. A decreased level of hippocampal and cortical GPR39 was also observed in suicide victims. In contrast, increased GPR39 in the hippocampus of olfactory bulbectomized rats was observed. Additionally, we found a decreased expression of CREB, BDNF and TrkB only in the hippocampus of zinc-deficient mice. Our present study demonstrates the associacion of the GPR39 Zn(2+)-sensing receptor in the pathomechanism of depression. Down-regulation of CREB, BDNF, TrkB and GPR39 receptor found under zinc-deficient conditions in the hippocampus, may play an important role in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, since most of patients suffering from depression show lower serum zinc.

A European nuclear-fusion technology program is currently, except of other acivities, on the stage of validating the capability of neutronic codes and nuclear data for use in the ITER project. This requires a technique for reliable measurements of tritium produced by a neutron flux and these estimates must have a qualified uncertainty. The application of LiF TL detectors, calibrated by the direct measurement of tritium activity using the Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) technique, is a new approach to the assessment of the tritium production rate in fusion related benchmark experiments. Lithium Fluoride Thermoluminescent Detectors (TLD) are commonly used for measurements of thermal neutron dose using the 6 Li(n,α) 3 H reaction. The accumulation of radioactive tritium in the LiF detectors is usually considered as an undesired effect to the detectors, increasing intrinsic background after high-dose neutron exposure. The same effect may be exploited for the measurement of generated tritium activity. A TL signal corresponding to the energy deposited in the − β decay of 3 H, expressed as mGy/h to be recalculated to Bq/mg, requires calibration by an independent measurement of 3 H activity. This calibration can be performed by applying e.g. LSC-technique. A good correlation was obtained in the tested range of tritium activity: 17–25 Bq/mg of LiF (0.080–0.118 mGy/h) with a slope of regression line: 1.75 × 10 −4 [mGy/h]/[Bq], r 2 = 0.94. The thermal treatment of the TLDs after irradiation (annealing: 400 °C, 1 h) leads to a loss of 37% of the initial tritium content. Prolonged storage of the irradiated TLDs at room temperature, pressure and humidity causes the escape of less than 5% of the accumulated tritium after 100 days. Thus LiF TLDs after calibration can be used as one of techniques for the assessment of tritium production in neutronic experiments.

Speciation determination of Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cu and Pb in undersurface ombrotrophic peat was performed. Five fractions consisting of exchangeable elements, elements bound to carbonates, elements bound to Fe and Mn oxides, elements bound to organic matter and insoluble residue were separated. Total reflection x-ray (TXRF) spectrometry was used for the determination of the concentration of the elements studied in particular fractions.

An intercomparison survey has been carried out in order to evaluate the performance of two related X-ray fluorescence techniques as compared to the achievements of several other analytical techniques applied for trace elements determination in drinking water. A relatively new technique, total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and a novel related technique, grazing emission X-ray fluorescence (GEXRF) have been used for the analysis of a mineral water sample. The concentrations of the following elements have been determined: Na, Mg, K, Ca, Ni, Cu, Zn and Sr. The mineral water sample has also been analyzed by a number of other analytical techniques, routinely utilized in drinking water quality control. The analyses were performed in eleven laboratories which reported 286 individual determinations producing 75 laboratory means. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the TXRF technique is suitable for a direct determination of heavy elements in drinking water (above potassium, Z = 19). This technique can compete with other analytical techniques routinely used in water quality monitoring. First results obtained with GEXRF spectrometry show that this technique can be successfully applied for the determination of low-Z elements in drinking water. However, results for sodium and magnesium were systematically too low, indicating that modifications of the quantification procedure may be required to improve the accuracy of determination for these light elements.

The performance has been compared of two different quantification methods — namely, the commonly used empirical quantification procedure and a fundamental parameter approach — for determination of the mass fractions of elements in particulate-like sample residues on a quartz reflector measured in the total reflection geometry. In the empirical quantification procedure, the spectrometer system needs to be calibrated with the use of samples containing known concentrations of the elements. On the basis of intensities of the X-ray peaks and the known concentration or mass fraction of an internal standard element, by using relative sensitivities of the spectrometer system the concentrations or mass fractions of the elements are calculated. The fundamental parameter approach does not require any calibration of the spectrometer system to be carried out. However, in order to account for an unknown mass per unit area of a sample and sample nonuniformity, an internal standard element is added. The concentrations/mass fractions of the elements to be determined are calculated during fitting a modelled X-ray spectrum to the measured one. The two quantification methods were applied to determine the mass fractions of elements in the cross-sections of a peat core, biological standard reference materials and to determine the concentrations of elements in samples prepared from an aqueous multi-element standard solution.

With the ultimate objective in contributing to the improvement of the quality control of drinking water and to facilitate the checking of its compliance with the respective regulations, an inventory of analytical techniques used in water supply companies in Eastern and Western European countries is presented. The existing regulations for drinking water and bottled mineral water quality with respect to trace elements in these countries are compared to regulations of the World Health Organisation. The data obtained can be useful for further harmonisation of the respective regulations in Europe.

Preclinical and clinical data indicate the involvement of zinc in the pathophysiology and therapy of depression. A relationship between zinc-deficiency and depression symptoms was recently proposed. The present study investigated alterations in spontaneous locomotor activity and zinc concentrations in the serum, hippocampus and frontal cortex; these alterations were induced by subjecting rats to a zinc-deficient diet, prior subjected after birth to zinc-supplemented diet. Body weight was significantly reduced in animals subjected to the four-week zinc-deficient diet compared to those subjected to the zinc-adequate diet. The two-week zinc-deficient diet induced a significant increase in locomotor activity in all measured time periods (5, 30 and 60 min by 44–62%). The four-week zinc-deficient diet did not affect locomotor activity, while the six-week zinc-deficient diet resulted in a 45% increase in the 5 min time period. Serum zinc concentrations were significantly reduced (by 29%) in animals subjected to the four-week zinc-deficient diet but not in those subjected to the two- or six-week zinc-deficient diets. The zinc-deficient diet did not influence the zinc concentration in the examined brain regions regardless of the length. These results indicate that post-birth supplementation with zinc may protect zinc-deficient diet-induced rapid alterations in zinc homeostasis.

The elemental composition of spores, peridium walls, and lime nodes of Physarum compressum sporocarps, cultivated on rabbit dung as a natural growing environment for the slime mold and on artificial agar medium, was compared to evaluate differences that may be dependent on substrates. Whole fruiting bodies and samples of both experimental media were extracted with nitric acid or Parr digest bomb, respectively, and analyzed by means of total X-ray reflection fluorescence (TXRF). Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) of spores, peridium walls, and lime nodes structure was carried out with the scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive spectrometer. Because of minute sizes and roughness of investigated structures, Monte Carlo simulations were utilized to establish analytical conditions of EPMA. Biological and geological standards were used in the quantification of element concentrations. According to TXRF, the fruiting bodies from agar medium revealed lower concentrations of K, Ca, Cr, Mn, and Fe in relation to fruiting bodies from the dung, reflecting elemental relationships in the experimental media. According to EPMA, the highest Ca concentration was found in the lime nodes followed by the peridium and the spores. Culturing of the slime molds on the rabbit dung indicated higher concentration of Ca in the lime nodes and peridium walls when compared with those obtained from the sporocarps grown on agar media. The opposite relation was found for the spores. The concentration of Na, Mg, P, S, and Cl was generally lower in all structures of the sporocarps harvested from the dung than from the agar medium. K was in higher concentration in analyzed structures from dung than from agar. Different element uptake (except for Ca and K) was revealed by the two methods: TXRF and EPMA.

An investigation on the contamination by heavy metals of the surface layer of soil in the area around steelworks located in an industrial quarter of Krakow and in several locations in the city centre was carried out. Particular attention was paid to soil contamination by Pb, Zn and As. The EDXRF technique with radioisotope excitation was applied with the emission-transmission method for matrix correction. Analyses of over 140 samples of soil were performed. The concentrations obtained of Pb and Zn were 15-200 and 40-650 μg g −1 , rrespectively, whereas that of As was 0-30 μg g −1 . The distributions of Pb contents in two regions of Krakow were similar whereas the distributions of Zn contents were different. Higher concentrations of Zn were observed in the industrial area. Such results suggest that there are different sources of contamination of the soil: the Pb content is from transportation and Zn is mainly from industry