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PloS One 2019Although the relationship between the incorporation of an element into otoliths and the concentration of the element in water has been extensively investigated in many...
Although the relationship between the incorporation of an element into otoliths and the concentration of the element in water has been extensively investigated in many fish species, the interactive effects of multiple elements in water on the otolith incorporation of an element are not adequately explored or well understood. In this study, 16 treatments in triplicate using strontium (Sr; 1, 2, 3 and 4 times the ambient baseline, 6.5 mg l-1) and barium (Ba; 1, 2, 4 and 6 times the ambient baseline, 40 μg l-1) as categorical variables in an orthogonal design were established to evaluate the relative or interactive effects of water elements on otolith elemental incorporation in juvenile flounder Paralichthys olivaceus (from 15 to 116 days post hatching). The results revealed that otolith incorporation (Me:CaOtolith) of Sr and Ba were positively dependent on the concentrations of the elements in water (Me:CaWater). Overall, Sr was incorporated into otoliths more efficiently than was Ba, and the partition efficiency (DMe) of both elements decreased with increasing water elemental concentrations. Increasing Sr concentrations in water appeared to negatively affect the uptake of Ba into otoliths rather than facilitate it, as previously reported in fish reared in freshwater and brackish water, or showed no effect on fish in seawater. Conversely, the Ba concentration in water did not influence the otolith uptake of Sr, which agrees with the findings for other fish species. When applying otolith microchemistry to fish ecology studies, it is essential to cautiously address the interactive effects of multiple elements in the environment on otolith elemental incorporation.
Topics: Animals; Barium; Body Size; Flounder; Fresh Water; Otolithic Membrane; Salinity; Strontium; Temperature; Water
PubMed: 31199846
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218446 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Sep 2010A 2-year-old 14.9-kg (32.8-lb) neutered female Shetland Sheepdog was admitted to the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital for evaluation of acute...
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 2-year-old 14.9-kg (32.8-lb) neutered female Shetland Sheepdog was admitted to the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital for evaluation of acute collapse.
CLINICAL FINDINGS
At admission, the dog was tachypneic and had reduced limb reflexes and muscle tone in all limbs consistent with diffuse lower motor neuron dysfunction. The dog was severely hypokalemic (1.7 mEq/L; reference range, 3.5 to 5.8 mEq/L). Clinical status of the dog deteriorated; there was muscle twitching, flaccid paralysis, and respiratory failure, which was considered a result of respiratory muscle weakness. Ventricular arrhythmias and severe acidemia (pH, 7.18; reference range, 7.35 to 7.45) developed. Intoxication was suspected, and plasma and urine samples submitted for barium analysis had barium concentrations comparable with those reported in humans with barium toxicosis. Analysis of barium concentrations in 5 control dogs supported the diagnosis of barium toxicosis in the dog.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
Fluids and potassium supplementation were administered IV. The dog recovered rapidly. Electrolyte concentrations measured after recovery were consistently unremarkable. Quantification of plasma barium concentration 56 days after the presumed episode of intoxication revealed a large decrease; however, the plasma barium concentration remained elevated, compared with that in control dogs.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
To our knowledge, this case represented the first description of barium toxicosis in the veterinary literature. Barium toxicosis can cause life-threatening hypokalemia; however, prompt supportive treatment can yield excellent outcomes. Barium toxicosis is a rare but important differential diagnosis in animals with hypokalemia and appropriate clinical signs.
Topics: Animals; Barium; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female
PubMed: 20807132
DOI: 10.2460/javma.237.5.547 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Sep 1987Amphibian spinal neurons in culture possess both rapidly inactivating and sustained calcium-dependent potassium current components, similar to those described for other...
Amphibian spinal neurons in culture possess both rapidly inactivating and sustained calcium-dependent potassium current components, similar to those described for other cells. Divalent cation-dependent whole-cell outward currents were isolated by subtracting the voltage-dependent potassium currents recorded from Xenopus laevis neurons in the presence of impermeant cadmium (100-500 microM) from the currents produced without cadmium but in the presence of permeant divalent cations (50-100 microM). These concentrations of permeant ions were low enough to avoid contamination by macroscopic inward currents through calcium channels. Calcium-dependent potassium currents were reduced by 1 microM tetraethylammonium. These currents can also be activated by barium or strontium. Barium as well as calcium activated outward currents in young neurons (6-8 hr) and in relatively mature neurons (19-26 hr in vitro). However, barium influx appeared to suppress the sustained voltage-dependent potassium current in most cells. Barium also activated at least one class of potassium channels observed in excised membrane patches, while blocking others. The blocking action may have masked and hindered detection of the stimulatory action of barium in other systems.
Topics: Animals; Barium; Calcium; Cells, Cultured; Electric Conductivity; Embryo, Nonmammalian; Ion Channels; Neurons; Potassium; Strontium; Xenopus laevis
PubMed: 2442762
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.84.18.6577 -
Abdominal Radiology (New York) Aug 2016The clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are well characterized; however, there have been very limited data regarding the...
PURPOSE
The clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are well characterized; however, there have been very limited data regarding the radiologic findings of pediatric EoE. We report on the radiologic findings of pediatric EoE observed on barium esophagram and correlate them with the endoscopic findings.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
We identified children diagnosed with EoE in our center from 2004 to 2015. Two pediatric radiologists met after their independent evaluations of each fluoroscopic study to reach a consensus on each case. Clinical and endoscopic data were collected by retrospective chart review.
RESULTS
Twenty-six pediatric EoE cases (age range 2-13 years; median 7.5 years) had barium esophagram done as part of the diagnostic approach for dysphagia. Thirteen children had abnormal radiologic findings of esophagus (50%): rings formation (n = 4), diffuse irregularity of mucosa (n = 8), fixed stricture formation (n = 3), and narrow-caliber esophagus (n = 10). Barium esophagram failed to show one of 10 cases of narrow-caliber esophagus and 10 of 14 cases of rings formation visualized endoscopically. The mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis of EoE was longer (3.7 vs. 1.7 year; p value 0.019), and the presentation with intermittent food impaction was commoner in the group with abnormal barium esophagram as compared to the group with normal barium esophagram (69% vs. 8%; p value 0.04).
CONCLUSION
Barium swallow study is frequently normal in pediatric EoE. With the exception of narrow-caliber esophagus, our data show poor correlation between radiologic and endoscopic findings.
Topics: Adolescent; Barium; Child; Child, Preschool; Eosinophilic Esophagitis; Esophagus; Female; Fluoroscopy; Humans; Image Enhancement; Male; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 27010937
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-016-0712-0 -
Chemosphere Nov 2023Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) can be found in decommissioned oil and gas infrastructure (e.g. pipelines), including scales. The effects of NORM...
Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) can be found in decommissioned oil and gas infrastructure (e.g. pipelines), including scales. The effects of NORM contaminants from offshore infrastructure on benthic macroorganisms remain poorly understood. To test the potential ecological effects of NORM-contaminated scale, we exposed a marine amphipod, a clam and a polychaete to marine sediments spiked with low level concentrations of barium sulfate scale retrieved from a decommissioned subsea pipe. Only amphipods were included in further analysis due to treatment mortalities of the clam and polychaete. Barium (Ba) and copper (Cu) were elevated in the seawater overlying the spiked sediments, although no sediment metals exceeded guidelines. Po was the only NORM detected in the overlying waters while both Po and Ra were significantly elevated in the scale-contaminated sediments when compared with the control sediments. The whole-body burden of Ba and Ra were significantly higher in the scale-exposed amphipods. Using experiment- and scale-specific parameters in biota dose assessments suggested potential dose rates may elicit individual and population level effects. Future work is needed to assess the biological impacts and effects of NORM scale at elevated levels above background concentrations and the accumulation of NORM-associated contaminants by marine organisms.
Topics: Animals; Amphipoda; Barium; Barium Sulfate; Biological Products
PubMed: 37625489
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139939 -
Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny 2013A method of the classification of natural mineral and spring waters and maximum admissible concentration (MAC) levels of metals present in such types of waters are...
BACKGROUND
A method of the classification of natural mineral and spring waters and maximum admissible concentration (MAC) levels of metals present in such types of waters are regulated by Commission Directive 2003/40/EC, Directive 2009/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Ordinance of Minister of Health of 30 March 2011 on the natural mineral waters, spring waters and potable waters. MAC of barium in natural mineral and spring waters was set at 1.0 mg/l, while World Health Organization determined the Ba guideline value in water intended for human consumption at the level of 0.7 mg/l.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of the study were: the determination of barium in natural mineral and spring waters (carbonated, non-carbonated and medium-carbonated waters) produced and bottled on the area of Poland, and assessment of human exposure to this metal presents in the above-mentioned types of waters.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
The study concerning barium determinations in 23 types of bottled natural mineral waters and 15 types of bottled spring waters (bought in Polish retail outlets) was conducted in 2010. The analyses were performed by validated method of determination of barium in water based on inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, using modern internal quality control scheme.
RESULTS
Concentrations of barium determined in natural mineral and spring waters were in the ranges from 0.0136 mg/l to 1.12 mg/l and from 0.0044 mg/l to 0.43 mg/l, respectively. Only in the single case of natural mineral water the concentration of barium (1.12 mg/l), exceeded above-mentioned MAC for this metal, which is obligatory in Poland and the European Union - 1.0 mg/l. The long-term monitoring of barium concentration in another natural mineral water (2006 - 2010), in which incidental exceeding MAC was observed in 2006, was conducted. All measured barium concentrations in this water were lower than 1.0 mg/l and therefore, it is possible to state that the proper method of mixing waters taken from six independent groundwater intakes applied during production is actually used. The estimated Hazard Quotient indices were in the ranges: 0.0019 - 0.16 (natural mineral waters) and 0.00063 - 0.061 (natural spring waters), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The natural mineral waters are usually characterized by higher Ba concentrations than those observed in the cases of natural spring waters. The presence of a high concentration of HCO3- in such types of natural waters ensures the existence of Ba2+ in solution as Ba(HCO3)2, which is a highly soluble salt. Taking into account the concentrations of barium determined in above-mentioned waters and the available toxicological data for this metal no long-term risk for human health could be expected (estimated Hazard Quotient indices < or = 0.16).
Topics: Barium; Drinking Water; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; European Union; Humans; Maximum Allowable Concentration; Mineral Waters; Poland; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Supply
PubMed: 23987076
DOI: No ID Found -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Nov 2014Paired vegetable/soil samples from New York City and Buffalo, NY, gardens were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and barium (Ba). Vegetable aluminum (Al) was measured...
Paired vegetable/soil samples from New York City and Buffalo, NY, gardens were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and barium (Ba). Vegetable aluminum (Al) was measured to assess soil adherence. Soil and vegetable metal concentrations did not correlate; vegetable concentrations varied by crop type. Pb was below health-based guidance values (EU standards) in virtually all fruits. 47% of root crops and 9% of leafy greens exceeded guidance values; over half the vegetables exceeded the 95th percentile of market-basket concentrations for Pb. Vegetable Pb correlated with Al; soil particle adherence/incorporation was more important than Pb uptake via roots. Cd was similar to market-basket concentrations and below guidance values in nearly all samples. Vegetable Ba was much higher than Pb or Cd, although soil Ba was lower than soil Pb. The poor relationship between vegetable and soil metal concentrations is attributable to particulate contamination of vegetables and soil characteristics that influence phytoavailability.
Topics: Barium; Cadmium; Food Contamination; Gardening; Lead; New York City; Plant Roots; Soil; Soil Pollutants; Vegetables
PubMed: 25163429
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.07.036 -
Radiology Mar 2016To quantify the computed tomographic (CT) image contrast produced by potentially useful contrast material elements in clinically relevant imaging conditions.
PURPOSE
To quantify the computed tomographic (CT) image contrast produced by potentially useful contrast material elements in clinically relevant imaging conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Equal mass concentrations (grams of active element per milliliter of solution) of seven radiodense elements, including iodine, barium, gadolinium, tantalum, ytterbium, gold, and bismuth, were formulated as compounds in aqueous solutions. The compounds were chosen such that the active element dominated the x-ray attenuation of the solution. The solutions were imaged within a modified 32-cm CT dose index phantom at 80, 100, 120, and 140 kVp at CT. To simulate larger body sizes, 0.2-, 0.5-, and 1.0-mm-thick copper filters were applied. CT image contrast was measured and corrected for measured concentrations and presence of chlorine in some compounds.
RESULTS
Each element tested provided higher image contrast than iodine at some tube potential levels. Over the range of tube potentials that are clinically practical for average-sized and larger adults-that is, 100 kVp and higher-barium, gadolinium, ytterbium, and tantalum provided consistently increased image contrast compared with iodine, respectively demonstrating 39%, 56%, 34%, and 24% increases at 100 kVp; 39%, 66%, 53%, and 46% increases at 120 kVp; and 40%, 72%, 65%, and 60% increases at 140 kVp, with no added x-ray filter.
CONCLUSION
The consistently high image contrast produced with 100-140 kVp by tantalum compared with bismuth and iodine at equal mass concentration suggests that tantalum could potentially be favorable for use as a clinical CT contrast agent.
Topics: Barium; Bismuth; Contrast Media; Gadolinium; Humans; Iodine; Phantoms, Imaging; Tantalum; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ytterbium
PubMed: 26356064
DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2015150577 -
Biomaterials Jun 2012Microencapsulation is a commonly used technique for immunoprotection of engrafted therapeutic cells. We investigated a library of capsule formulations to determine the...
Microencapsulation is a commonly used technique for immunoprotection of engrafted therapeutic cells. We investigated a library of capsule formulations to determine the most optimal formulation for pancreatic beta islet cell transplantation, using barium as the gelating ion and clinical-grade protamine sulfate (PS) as a new cationic capsule cross-linker. Barium-gelated alginate/PS/alginate microcapsules (APSA, diameter = 444 ± 21 μm) proved to be mechanically stronger and supported a higher cell viability as compared to conventional alginate/poly-l-lysine/alginate (APLLA) capsules. Human pancreatic islets encapsulated inside APSA capsules, gelated with 20 mm barium as optimal concentration, exhibited a sustained morphological integrity, viability, and functionality for at least 3-4 weeks in vitro, with secreted human C-peptide levels of 0.2-160 pg/ml/islet. Unlike APLLA capsules that are gelled with calcium, barium-APSA capsules are intrinsically radiopaque and, when engrafted into mice, could be readily imaged in vivo with micro-computed tomography (CT). Without the need of adding contrast agents, these capsules offer a clinically applicable alternative for simultaneous immunoprotection and real-time, non-invasive X-ray/CT monitoring of engrafted cells during and after in vivo administration.
Topics: Alginates; Animals; Barium; Capsules; Cell Line, Tumor; Cells, Cultured; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Islets of Langerhans; Mice; Polylysine; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 22444642
DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.03.008 -
Marine Pollution Bulletin Jan 2023Barium (Ba) in recent marine sediments can originate from natural and anthropogenic sources including discharges from the oil and gas industry. In this study, we use...
Barium (Ba) in recent marine sediments can originate from natural and anthropogenic sources including discharges from the oil and gas industry. In this study, we use data from the Norwegian and Barents Seas to assess whether Ba in recent marine sediments has increased due to these discharges. To account for Ba in detrital material, we normalise all samples with respect to aluminosilicate by calculating an enrichment factor. We use statistical modelling to control for parameters related to sedimentation. We present results that suggest increased Ba levels in recent sediments that coincide with the timing of hydrocarbon drilling and production. This is supported by geographical differences on a large scale that relate to proximity to hydrocarbon drilling and production. Among 243 sampling stations, we identify 73 locations exhibiting enrichment of Ba in the upper 6 of sediment. At these locations, Ba is 1.55 to 3.55 times higher than the levels that can be expected from the shale average when Ba in detrital matter is accounted for. Excess Ba is reported in sediment surface samples in areas important to fisheries like the Lofoten area and the western Barents Sea.
Topics: Barium; Geologic Sediments; Environmental Monitoring; Oceans and Seas; Norway; Hydrocarbons
PubMed: 36529019
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114478