Flow-injection chemiluminescence determination of formaldehyde in water

A modification of the Trautz-Schorigin reaction into a flow-injection analysis configuration is described. Different approaches were used at the optimization of chemi luminescence determination of formaldehyde in water based on the reaction of formaldehyde, gallic acid and hydrogen peroxide in an alkaline solution. Detection system with a 218 mu l chemiluminescence cell was optimized by both a one-variable-at-a-time method, and a modified simplex method. A calibration graph is linear in the concentration range 4 x 10(-8) to 1 x 10(-5) M HCHO. The detection limit of formaldehyde for a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 is 4 x 10-8 M. The relative standard deviations for 15 repeated measurements of 1 x 10(-6) and 5 x 10(-6) mol l(-1) HCHO are 4.32 and 3.33%, respectively. The analysis time is 1.5 min. The method was applied to the determination of formaldehyde in urban rainwater. A comparison of results found by proposed method with those obtained by fluorimetric reference method provided a good agreement

Monitorowanie ultradrobnych cząstek w pomieszczeniach na terenach czeskich sił zbrojnych

Ultrafine particles and nanoparticles in the air are evaluated as a risk factor for the development of respiratory and other health symptoms due to their inhalation from the ambient air. The Czech Army professionals are expected to have frequent presence in a polluted environment and regular exposure to air with increased concentration of airborne pollutants. The report evaluates the presence of ultra-fine particles (in the range of about 7.6–299.6 nm) in rooms often used by soldiers during their working hours when they are not deployed. The purpose is to assess whether the presence of troops in these workplaces is safe and does not pose a risk of adverse health effects in itself. Testing took place in three military rooms (classroom 1, classroom 2 and exercise flight simulator room). Seven samples of air were analysed in time by the scanning mobility particle sizer in succession. Mean particle concentrations were found at 1.79×104, 7.53×103 and 8.39×103 N·cm-3 for the classroom 1, classroom 2 and exercise flight simulator room. Conclusions of the research have shown that particle concentrations in the places of the Czech Army can reach values that border the immission limits stated by the World Health Organisation.Najdrobniejsze cząstki i nanocząsteczki w powietrzu są oceniane jako czynnik ryzyka dla dróg oddechowych i innych objawów zdrowotnych spowodowanych ich wdychaniem z otaczającego powietrza. Oczekuje się, że specjaliści z czeskiej armii będą często obecni w zanieczyszczonym środowisku i będą regularnie narażeni na kontakt z powietrzem o zwiększonej koncentracji zanieczyszczeń. Raport ocenia obecność ultradrobnych cząstek (w zakresie około 7,6–299,6 nm) w pomieszczeniach często używanych przez żołnierzy w godzinach pracy. Celem jest ocena, czy obecność wojsk w tych miejscach pracy jest bezpieczna i sama w sobie nie stwarza ryzyka negatywnych skutków zdrowotnych. Testowanie odbyło się w trzech pomieszczeniach wojskowych (sala 1, sala 2 i sala do ćwiczeń). Siedem próbek powietrza analizowano w czasie przez separator cząstek. Stwierdzone średnie stężenia cząstek 1,79 × 104, 7,53 × 103 i 8,39 × 103 [N · cm-3] w sali lekcyjnej 1, klasie 2 i sali do ćwiczeń. Wnioski z badań wykazały, że stężenia cząstek w wybranych pomieszczeniach czeskiej armii mogą osiągnąć wartości graniczące z limitami imisji podanymi przez Światową Organizację Zdrowia

Interaction of Cucurbit[7]uril with Oxime K027, Atropine, and Paraoxon: Risky or Advantageous Delivery System?

Antidotes against organophosphates often possess physicochemical properties that mitigate their passage across the blood–brain barrier. Cucurbit[7]urils may be successfully used as a drug delivery system for bisquaternary oximes and improve central nervous system targeting. The main aim of these studies was to elucidate the relationship between cucurbit[7]uril, oxime K027, atropine, and paraoxon to define potential risks or advantages of this delivery system in a complex in vivo system. For this reason, in silico (molecular docking combined with umbrella sampling simulation) and in vivo (UHPLC—pharmacokinetics, toxicokinetics; acetylcholinesterase reactivation and functional observatory battery) methods were used. Based on our results, cucurbit[7]urils affect multiple factors in organophosphates poisoning and its therapy by (i) scavenging paraoxon and preventing free fraction of this toxin from entering the brain, (ii) enhancing the availability of atropine in the central nervous system and by (iii) increasing oxime passage into the brain. In conclusion, using cucurbit[7]urils with oximes might positively impact the overall treatment effectiveness and the benefits can outweigh the potential risks

Inhaled Cadmium Oxide Nanoparticles: Their in Vivo Fate and Effect on Target Organs

The increasing amount of heavy metals used in manufacturing equivalently increases hazards of environmental pollution by industrial products such as cadmium oxide (CdO) nanoparticles. Here, we aimed to unravel the CdO nanoparticle destiny upon their entry into lungs by inhalations, with the main focus on the ultrastructural changes that the nanoparticles may cause to tissues of the primary and secondary target organs. We indeed found the CdO nanoparticles to be transported from the lungs into secondary target organs by blood. In lungs, inhaled CdO nanoparticles caused significant alterations in parenchyma tissue including hyperemia, enlarged pulmonary septa, congested capillaries, alveolar emphysema and small areas of atelectasis. Nanoparticles were observed in the cytoplasm of cells lining bronchioles, in the alveolar spaces as well as inside the membranous pneumocytes and in phagosomes of lung macrophages. Nanoparticles even penetrated through the membrane into some organelles including mitochondria and they also accumulated in the cytoplasmic vesicles. In livers, inhalation caused periportal inflammation and local hepatic necrosis. Only minor changes such as diffusely thickened filtration membrane with intramembranous electron dense deposits were observed in kidney. Taken together, inhaled CdO nanoparticles not only accumulated in lungs but they were also transported to other organs causing serious damage at tissue as well as cellular level

Dynamics of Fine Particles and Photo-oxidants in the Eastern Mediterranean (SUB-AERO)

As part of the European project SUB-AERO, comprehensive aerosol and gaseous pollutant measurement campaigns were performed at the Finokalia station (July 2000 and January 2001) on the island of Crete (Greece) in combination with boat measurements in the eastern part of the Mediterranean area. The measurements were performed with the participation of nine European research institutions. The objective of the measurement campaigns was to evaluate and assess the spatial and temporal variability of photochemical pollutants and fine particles. The current overview paper presents the framework and main results of the measurements and modelling studies performed during the project. Extensive measurements of gaseous and atmospheric-aerosol physical, chemical and optical characteristics were performed during the measurement campaigns in conjunction with detailed chemical analyses of the aerosol species. Along with the experimental work mesoscale modelling, using a combination of the UAM-AERO air quality model together with the RAMS prognostic meteorological model, was used to reveal the dynamics of particulate matter and photo-oxidants. Furthermore, regional chemistry transport models were applied to determine the background and initial conditions for the mesoscale modelling. r 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.JRC.H.4-Transport and air qualit

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Stimulate the Immune Response and Decrease Antioxidant Defense in Mice After Six-Week Inhalation

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are increasingly used in various industry sectors. Moreover, medical application of CuO NPs as antimicrobials also contributes to human exposure. Their toxicity, including toxicity to the immune system and blood, raises concerns, while information on their immunotoxicity is still very limited. The aim of our work was to evaluate the effects of CuO NPs (number concentration 1.40×106 particles/cm3, geometric mean diameter 20.4 nm) on immune/inflammatory response and antioxidant defense in mice exposed to 32.5 µg CuO/m3 continuously for 6 weeks. After six weeks of CuO NP inhalation, the content of copper in lungs and liver was significantly increased, while in kidneys, spleen, brain, and blood it was similar in exposed and control mice. Inhalation of CuO NPs caused a significant increase in proliferative response of T-lymphocytes after mitogenic stimulation and basal proliferative activity of splenocytes. CuO NPs significantly induced the production of IL-12p70, Th1-cytokine IFN-γ and Th2-cytokines IL-4, IL-5. Levels of TNF-α and IL-6 remained unchanged. Immune assays showed significantly suppressed phagocytic activity of granulocytes and slightly decreased respiratory burst. No significant differences in phagocytosis of monocytes were recorded. The percentage of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, and CD3-CD19+ cell subsets in spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes did not differ between exposed and control animals. No changes in hematological parameters were found between the CuO NP exposed and control groups. The overall antioxidant protection status of the organism was expressed by evaluation of GSH and GSSG concentrations in blood samples. The experimental group exposed to CuO NPs showed a significant decrease in GSH concentration in comparison to the control group. In summary, our results indicate that sub-chronic inhalation of CuO NPs can cause undesired modulation of the immune response. Stimulation of adaptive immunity was indicated by activation of proliferation and secretion functions of lymphocytes. CuO NPs elicited pro-activation state of Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes in exposed mice. Innate immunity was affected by impaired phagocytic activity of granulocytes. Reduced glutathione was significantly decreased in mice exposed to CuO NPs