Transfer of Metal(loid)s from Soil to Leaves and Trunk Xylem Sap of Medicinal Plants and Possible Health Risk Assessment

The objective of the present study was to investigate metal(loid)s in soils, in the trunk xylem sap and in the leaves of the Dipteryx alata plant located near the highway with high vehicle traffic in agricultural regions and near landfills, and to assess the transfer of metal(loid)s from soil to plant and possible health risk assessment. Trunk xylem sap, leaves and soil samples were collected at three sites near the highway. The analysis of trace elements was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES). In the three soil sampling sites far from the highway edge, 15 elements were quantified. The concentrations of elements in the soil presented in greater proportions in the distance of 5 m in relation to 20 and 35 m. The metal(loid)s content in the study soil was higher than in other countries. The concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Se and Zn in the xylem sap were much higher than the leaves. The values of transfer factor of P, Mg and Mn from soil to the xylem sap and transfer factor of P from soil to leaf were greater than 1, indicating that the specie have a significant phytoremediation and phytoextraction potential. This plant has a tendency to accumulate As, Cd and Cr in its leaf tissues. The chronic hazard index (HI) values recorded in this study were above 1 for adults and adolescents. It is concluded that the soil, the trunk xylem sap and leaves of this plant are contaminated by heavy metals. Ingestion of the trunk xylem sap of this plant can cause toxicity in humans if ingested in large quantities and in the long term; therefore, its consumption should be avoided.

HEAT TRANSFER ENHANCEMENT USING HELICAL PIPES

The enhancement of laminar forced convection inside helical pipes is studied numerically and compared with plain pipes. The study is achieved numerically using the (Fluent-CFD 6.3.26) software program for solving the governing equations. The heat transfer factor and friction factor are calculated using the enhancement technique and compared with the plain tube. In this research the factors that affect the enhancement technique using helical pipes are studied, these factors are the ratio of (pitch /pipe length) (SL), Reynolds number and the heat flux applied to the external surface of the pipe. The results showed that there is an increasing in the heat transfer factor is related to the decreasing of (SL), increasing of Reynolds number and heat flux. The performance of the helical pipes is evaluated depending on the calculation of (Enhancement ratio), and its found that the enhancement ratio increases as Reynolds number increases and (SL) decreases. It is found that the best enhancement ratio was (200%) at (SR=0.05), (Re=2000),(Heat flux=3000W/m2).The results are compared with the literature and there is a good agreement.

Variations of some Metallic Elements in Different Parts of Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)

The aim of the research was to evaluate the content of metallic elements in different parts of lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) depending on their place of growth and evaluate the transfer factor values from between different parts of plants (fine roots, leaves, berries). Obtained results show that there are no significant differences between the content of Fe, Cu, Zn and K, and there are similar element transfer factors between different parts of lingonberries independent from which site the samples are taken.

Protective activity of specific transfer factor against Salmonella typhimurium infection

Specific transfer factor (TF) extracted from spleens of sensitized and non-sensitized guinea pigs to study the efficacy of transfer of cellular immunity specific for salmonella . Two groups each of five guinea pigs were used for in vivo TF preparation. The First group was inoculated with 1 ml of aromatic dependent Salmonella typhimurium SL 1479 vaccine at a dose of 10' cfu/ml intramuscularly twice at two weeks intervals. The second group was injected with trypticase soy broth similarly . These two groups used as a donor for TF, and TFn respectively. Twenty one recipient guinea pigs were divided into three groups, the first group was TF at a dose of 1 ml equivalent to 5X10 cell intramuscularly three times/2 days intervals, Similarly the second group was given TF, where as the third group was given PBS- Cell mediated immunity in recipient animal was evaluated by delayed type hypersensitivity - skin test, Macrophage migration inhibition test (MIF) and then challenged with virulent Salmonella typhimurium. The TFt recipient group induced skin test and showed migration indices less than 0.8 and overcome the challenge organism. Contrary to TFn & PBS recipient groups which did not show any response for skin test and given migration indices more than 0.8 and did not show resistance for virulent Salmonella typhimurium .

IMMUNOPATHOLOGICAL EFFECT OF SENSITIZED TRANSFER FACTOR ON THE ORGANS OF WHITE MICE AGAINST SALMONELLA TYPHI CHALLENGE INFECTION.

In an experimental study to evaluate the immunopathological effect of transfer factor on the reticuloendothelial organs of white mice and their protection against their challenge infection with Salmonella typhi. The results of this study were showed the followings: 1. Transfer factor recipient group: it was showed an early granulomatous lesions in the liver. Reactive hyperplasia in the T cell regions of the spleen and mediastinal lymph node. The early granulomas were persisted during 7th day and slightly regressed on 14th day postinoculation. 2. Infected group with S. typhi: It was showed a multifocal microabscesses consisted of aggregates of neutrophils in the focal area of necrosis, which was evident during 7th day and gradually transform into granulomas on 14th day postinoculation. 3. Transfer factor recipient and challenge infection group: It was showed well developed granulomatous reactions, which indicate an emergence of cellular immunity (delayed type hypersensitivity reaction). These granulomas were more evident on 7th day and slightly regressed on 14th day postinoculation; providing a transfer factor role in tissue reaction and termination of infection.