-
MBio Feb 2023Barium and strontium are often used as proxies of marine productivity in palaeoceanographic reconstructions of global climate. However, long-searched biological drivers...
Barium and strontium are often used as proxies of marine productivity in palaeoceanographic reconstructions of global climate. However, long-searched biological drivers for such correlations remain unknown. Here, we report that taxa within one of the most abundant groups of marine planktonic protists, diplonemids (Euglenozoa), are potent accumulators of intracellular barite (BaSO), celestite (SrSO), and strontiobarite (Ba,Sr)SO. In culture, accumulates Ba and Sr 42,000 and 10,000 times higher than the surrounding medium, forming barite and celestite representing 90% of the dry weight, the greatest concentration in biomass known to date. As heterotrophs, diplonemids are not restricted to the photic zone, and they are widespread in the oceans in astonishing abundance and diversity, as their distribution correlates with environmental particulate barite and celestite, prevailing in the mesopelagic zone. We found diplonemid predators, the filter-feeding zooplankton that produces fecal pellets containing the undigested celestite from diplonemids, facilitating its deposition on the seafloor. To the best of our knowledge, evidence for diplonemid biomineralization presents the strongest explanation for the occurrence of particulate barite and celestite in the marine environment. Both structures of the crystals and their variable chemical compositions found in diplonemids fit the properties of environmentally sampled particulate barite and celestite. Finally, we propose that diplonemids, which emerged during the Neoproterozoic era, qualify as impactful players in Ba/Sr cycling in the ocean that has possibly contributed to sedimentary rock formation over long geological periods. We have identified that diplonemids, an abundant group of marine planktonic protists, accumulate conspicuous amounts of Sr and Ba in the form of intracellular barite and celestite crystals, in concentrations that greatly exceed those of the most efficient Ba/Sr-accumulating organisms known to date. We propose that diplonemids are potential players in Ba/Sr cycling in the ocean and have possibly contributed to sedimentary rock formation over long geological periods. These organisms emerged during the Neoproterozoic era (590 to 900 million years ago), prior to known coccolithophore carbonate biomineralization (~200 million years ago). Based on reported data, the distribution of diplonemids in the oceans is correlated with the occurrence of particulate barite and celestite. Finally, diplonemids may provide new insights into the long-questioned biogenic origin of particulate barite and celestite and bring more understanding of the observed spatial-temporal correlation of the minerals with marine productivity used in reconstructions of past global climate.
Topics: Barium; Barium Sulfate; Strontium; Oceans and Seas; Plankton; Minerals
PubMed: 36645306
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03279-22 -
The Journal of the American Osteopathic... Aug 2019
Topics: Administration, Oral; Aged, 80 and over; Barium Sulfate; Bronchoscopy; Deglutition Disorders; Female; Humans; Pneumonia, Aspiration; Radiography; Suction
PubMed: 31355893
DOI: 10.7556/jaoa.2019.097 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Jun 2022Most threshold limit values are based on animal experiments. Often, the question remains whether these data reflect the situation in humans. As part of a series of...
BACKGROUND
Most threshold limit values are based on animal experiments. Often, the question remains whether these data reflect the situation in humans. As part of a series of investigations in our exposure lab, this study investigates whether the results on the inflammatory effects of particles that have been demonstrated in animal models can be confirmed in acute inhalation studies in humans. Such studies have not been conducted so far for barium sulfate particles (BaSO), a substance with very low solubility and without known substance-specific toxicity. Previous inhalation studies with zinc oxide (ZnO), which has a substance-specific toxicity, have shown local and systemic inflammatory respones. The design of these human ZnO inhalation studies was adopted for BaSO to compare the effects of particles with known inflammatory activity and supposedly inert particles. For further comparison, in vitro investigations on inflammatory processes were carried out.
METHODS
Sixteen healthy volunteers were exposed to filtered air and BaSO particles (4.0 mg/m) for two hours including one hour of ergometric cycling at moderate workload. Effect parameters were clinical signs, body temperature, and inflammatory markers in blood and induced sputum. In addition, particle-induced in vitro-chemotaxis of BaSO was investigated with regard to mode of action and differences between in vivo and in vitro effects.
RESULTS
No local or systemic clinical signs were observed after acute BaSO inhalation and, in contrast to our previous human exposure studies with ZnO, no elevated values of biomarkers of inflammation were measured after the challenge. The in vitro chemotaxis induced by BaSO particles was minimal and 15-fold lower compared to ZnO.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate that BaSO as a representative of granular biopersistent particles without specific toxicity does not induce inflammatory effects in humans after acute inhalation. Moreover, the in vitro data fit in with these in vivo results. Despite the careful and complex investigations, limitations must be admitted because the number of local effect parameters were limited and chronic toxicity could not be studied.
Topics: Animals; Barium Sulfate; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Inhalation Exposure; Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Zinc Oxide
PubMed: 35710385
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-02021-y -
World Journal of Emergency Surgery :... 2017Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a congenital abnormality, rare in adults with a frequency of 0.17-6%. Diaphragmatic rupture is an infrequent consequence of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a congenital abnormality, rare in adults with a frequency of 0.17-6%. Diaphragmatic rupture is an infrequent consequence of trauma, occurring in about 5% of severe closed thoraco-abdominal injuries. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic cases to serious respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosis depends on anamnesis, clinical signs and radiological investigations.
METHODS
From May 2013 to June 2016, six cases (four females, two males; mean age 58 years) of diaphragmatic hernia were admitted to our Academic Department of General Surgery with respiratory and abdominal symptoms. Chest X-ray, barium studies and CT scan were performed.
RESULTS
Case 1 presented left diaphragmatic hernia containing transverse and descending colon. Case 2 showed left CDH which allowed passage of stomach, spleen and colon. Case 3 and 6 showed stomach in left hemithorax. Case 4 presented left diaphragmatic hernia which allowed passage of the spleen, left lobe of liver and transverse colon. Case 5 had stomach and spleen herniated into the chest. Emergency surgery was always performed. The hernia contents were reduced and defect was closed with primary repair or mesh. In all cases, post-operative courses were uneventful.
CONCLUSION
Overlapping abdominal and respiratory symptoms lead to diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia, in patients with or without an history of trauma. Chest X-ray, CT scan and barium studies should be done to evaluate diaphragmatic defect, size, location and contents. Emergency surgical approach is mandatory reducing morbidity and mortality.
Topics: Aged; Barium Sulfate; Diaphragm; Female; Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic; Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; Male; Middle Aged; Radiography; Rupture; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 28529538
DOI: 10.1186/s13017-017-0134-5 -
American Journal of Speech-language... Sep 2022Prior studies suggest there may be differences in videofluoroscopic measures of swallowing across different barium concentrations. Whether different barium products of...
PURPOSE
Prior studies suggest there may be differences in videofluoroscopic measures of swallowing across different barium concentrations. Whether different barium products of identical concentration result in similar swallowing physiology remains unknown. This is important, as barium intended for videofluoroscopy (i.e., Bracco Varibar) is not available globally. Our aim was to identify differences in healthy swallowing across five different barium stimuli.
METHOD
Twenty healthy adults (10 women), aged 22-54 years, underwent videofluoroscopy including comfortable sips of thin liquid barium: two sips of 20% weight-to-volume (w/v) barium prepared with E-Z-HD powder, and two sips each of 20%w/v and 40%w/v barium prepared with Liquid Polibar Plus and E-Z-Paque powder. Recordings were analyzed according to the Analysis of Swallowing Physiology: Events, Kinematics and Timing Method. Measures of timing, kinematics and residue were obtained. Chi-square, Friedman's, and Wilcoxon signed-ranks test were used to identify differences across stimuli.
RESULTS
Significant differences were seen across barium stimuli for upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening duration, UES diameter, pharyngeal area at maximum constriction, and residue. In all cases, smaller values were seen with the 20%w/v E-Z-HD stimulus; however, this stimulus had questionable opacity for visualization. Patterns of residue severity were not explained by barium concentration.
CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms that some measures of swallowing are influenced by barium product and/or concentration. Measures are not necessarily similar across different barium products at the same concentration. This study illustrates the importance of using standard and appropriate stimuli in videofluoroscopy, and for clinicians to report not only the product but also the concentration of stimuli used.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20669712.
Topics: Adult; Barium; Barium Sulfate; Cineradiography; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Female; Fluoroscopy; Humans; Powders
PubMed: 36044958
DOI: 10.1044/2022_AJSLP-22-00017 -
British Medical Journal (Clinical... Sep 1982
Topics: Aged; Barium Sulfate; Digestive System; Family Practice; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Radiography, Abdominal; Radiography, Thoracic; Radiology; Referral and Consultation; Spine; Ultrasonography; United Kingdom
PubMed: 6809200
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.285.6343.701 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2019We have shown that barium [from BaSO nanoparticles (NPs)] was cleared from the lungs faster than other poorly soluble NPs and translocated mostly to bone. We now studied...
We have shown that barium [from BaSO nanoparticles (NPs)] was cleared from the lungs faster than other poorly soluble NPs and translocated mostly to bone. We now studied barium biokinetics in rats during Study 1: two-year inhalation exposure to 50 mg/m BaSO NP aerosols, and Study 2: single intratracheal (IT) instillation of increasing doses of BaSO NPs or BaCl. Study 1 showed that lung barium content measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry increased during 360 days of BaSO NP aerosol exposures. An equilibrium was established from that time until 2 years. Barium concentrations in BaSO-exposed animals were in the order (lungs > lymph nodes > hard bone > bone marrow > liver). In Study 2, there was an increase in lung barium post-IT instillation of BaSO NPs while barium from BaCl was mostly cleared by day 28. Transmission electron microscopy showed intact BaSO NPs in alveolar macrophages and type II epithelial cells, and in tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Using stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, specific BaSO Raman spectra were detected in BaSO NP-instilled lungs and not in other organs. Thus, we posit that barium from BaSO NPs translocates from the lungs mainly after dissolution. Barium ions are then incorporated mostly into the bone and other organs.
Topics: Aerosols; Animals; Barium Sulfate; Inhalation Exposure; Lung; Macrophages, Alveolar; Nanoparticles; Rats; Tissue Distribution
PubMed: 31160608
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44551-2 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... May 2017
Topics: Barium Sulfate; Bronchography; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumonia, Aspiration; Tonsillar Neoplasms
PubMed: 28483848
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.160969 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Feb 2018Understanding the molecular mechanisms of nanomaterial interacting with cellular systems is important for appropriate risk assessment. The identification of early...
BACKGROUND
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of nanomaterial interacting with cellular systems is important for appropriate risk assessment. The identification of early biomarkers for potential (sub-)chronic effects of nanoparticles provides a promising approach towards cost-intensive and animal consuming long-term studies. As part of a 90-day inhalation toxicity study with CeO NM-212 and BaSO NM-220 the present investigations on gene expression and immunohistochemistry should reveal details on underlying mechanisms of pulmonary effects. The role of alveolar epithelial cells type II (AEII cells) is focused since its contribution to defense against inhaled particles and potentially resulting adverse effects is assumed. Low dose levels should help to specify particle-related events, including inflammation and oxidative stress.
RESULTS
Rats were exposed to clean air, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/m CeO NM-212 or 50.0 mg/m BaSO NM-220 and the expression of 391 genes was analyzed in AEII cells after one, 28 and 90 days exposure. A total number of 34 genes was regulated, most of them related to inflammatory mediators. Marked changes in gene expression were measured for Ccl2, Ccl7, Ccl17, Ccl22, Ccl3, Ccl4, Il-1α, Il-1ß, and Il-1rn (inflammation), Lpo and Noxo1 (oxidative stress), and Mmp12 (inflammation/lung cancer). Genes related to genotoxicity and apoptosis did not display marked regulation. Although gene expression was less affected by BaSO compared to CeO the gene pattern showed great overlap. Gene expression was further analyzed in liver and kidney tissue showing inflammatory responses in both organs and marked downregulation of oxidative stress related genes in the kidney. Increases in the amount of Ce were measured in liver but not in kidney tissue. Investigation of selected genes on protein level revealed increased Ccl2 in bronchoalveolar lavage of exposed animals and increased Lpo and Mmp12 in the alveolar epithelia.
CONCLUSION
AEII cells contribute to CeO nanoparticle caused inflammatory and oxidative stress reactions in the respiratory tract by the release of related mediators. Effects of BaSO exposure are low. However, overlap between both substances were detected and support identification of potential early biomarkers for nanoparticle effects on the respiratory system. Signs for long-term effects need to be further evaluated by comparison to a respective exposure setting.
Topics: Alveolar Epithelial Cells; Animals; Apoptosis; Barium Sulfate; Cells, Cultured; Cerium; DNA Repair; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Inflammation; Inhalation Exposure; Nanoparticles; Oxidative Stress; Rats, Wistar
PubMed: 29463257
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-018-0343-4 -
Dysphagia Oct 2016When assessing swallowing in infants, it is critical to have confidence that the liquids presented during the swallow study closely replicate the viscosity of liquids in...
When assessing swallowing in infants, it is critical to have confidence that the liquids presented during the swallow study closely replicate the viscosity of liquids in the infant's typical diet. However, we lack research on rheological properties of frequently used infant formulas or breastmilk, and various forms of barium contrast media used in swallow studies. The aim of the current study was to provide objective viscosity measurements for typical infant liquid diet options and barium contrast media. A TA-Instruments AR2000 Advanced Rheometer was used to measure the viscosity of five standard infant formulas, three barium products, and two breastmilk samples. Additionally, this study measured the viscosity of infant formulas and breastmilk when mixed with powdered barium contrast in a 20 % weight-to-volume (w/v) concentration. The study findings determined that standard infant formulas and the two breastmilk samples had low viscosities, at the lower end of the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD) thin liquid range. Two specialty formulas tested had much thicker viscosities, close to the lower boundary of the NDD nectar-thick liquid range. The study showed differences in viscosity between 60 % w/v barium products (Liquid E-Z-Paque(®) and E-Z-Paque(®) powder); the powdered product had a much lower viscosity, despite identical barium concentration. When E-Z-Paque(®) powdered barium was mixed in a 20 % w/v concentration using water, standard infant formulas, or breastmilk, the resulting viscosities were at the lower end of the NDD thin range and only slightly thicker than the non-barium comparator liquids. When E-Z-Paque(®) powdered barium was mixed in a 20 % w/v concentration with the two thicker specialty formulas (Enfamil AR 20 and 24 kcal), unexpected alterations in their original viscosity occurred. These findings highlight the clinical importance of objective measures of viscosity as well as objective data on how infant formulas or breastmilk may change in consistency when mixed with barium.
Topics: Barium Sulfate; Contrast Media; Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Infant; Infant Formula; Milk, Human; Rheology; Viscosity
PubMed: 27412005
DOI: 10.1007/s00455-016-9726-6