Melinda S. Schaller

Surface complexation modeling of Cd(II) adsorption on mixtures of hydrous ferric oxide, quartz and kaolinite.

Cadmium adsorption was measured as a function of ionic strength (0.001-0.1M NaNO(3)), and spanning a range of sorbate/sorbent ratios, on pure hydrous ferric oxide (HFO), kaolinite, and quartz and also on binary and ternary mixtures of the three solids. Diffuse- layer surface complexation models (DLMs) were parameterized to fit Cd sorption data for the pure kaolinite and quartz systems. Cd adsorption on kaolinite was modeled using a two-site DLM, with formation of a monodentate Cd complex on a variable charge site and Cd binding to a permanent exchange site; Cd adsorption on quartz was described using a one-site DLM with formation of a mondentate Cd complex on a variable charge site. These DLMs, together with the Dzombak and Morel DLM for HFO, were used to predict Cd adsorption on the binary and ternary mineral mixtures using a simple component additivity approach. In general, the predicted adsorption edges were in good agreement with measured data, with statistically similar goodness of fit compared to that obtained for the pure mineral systems. However, in some cases the model overpredicted Cd sorption, possibly indicating that interaction of the solids may prevent Cd from accessing all of the sorption sites.

Surface complexation modeling of Cu(II) adsorption on mixtures of hydrous ferric oxide and kaolinite

BackgroundThe application of surface complexation models (SCMs) to natural sediments and soils is hindered by a lack of consistent models and data for large suites of metals and minerals of interest. Furthermore, the surface complexation approach has mostly been developed and tested for single solid systems. Few studies have extended the SCM approach to systems containing multiple solids.ResultsCu adsorption was measured on pure hydrous ferric oxide (HFO), pure kaolinite (from two sources) and in systems containing mixtures of HFO and kaolinite over a wide range of pH, ionic strength, sorbate/sorbent ratios and, for the mixed solid systems, using a range of kaolinite/HFO ratios. Cu adsorption data measured for the HFO and kaolinite systems was used to derive diffuse layer surface complexation models (DLMs) describing Cu adsorption. Cu adsorption on HFO is reasonably well described using a 1-site or 2-site DLM. Adsorption of Cu on kaolinite could be described using a simple 1-site DLM with formation of a monodentate Cu complex on a variable charge surface site. However, for consistency with models derived for weaker sorbing cations, a 2-site DLM with a variable charge and a permanent charge site was also developed.ConclusionComponent additivity predictions of speciation in mixed mineral systems based on DLM parameters derived for the pure mineral systems were in good agreement with measured data. Discrepancies between the model predictions and measured data were similar to those observed for the calibrated pure mineral systems. The results suggest that quantifying specific interactions between HFO and kaolinite in speciation models may not be necessary. However, before the component additivity approach can be applied to natural sediments and soils, the effects of aging must be further studied and methods must be developed to estimate reactive surface areas of solid constituents in natural samples.

Resolution of vascular injury: Specialized lipid mediators and their evolving therapeutic implications

Acute vascular injury occurs in a number of important clinical contexts, including spontaneous disease-related events (e.g. plaque rupture, thrombosis) and therapeutic interventions such as angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery. Endothelial cell (EC) disruption exposes the underlying matrix, leading to a rapid deposition of platelets, coagulation proteins, and leukocytes. A thrombo-inflammatory response ensues characterized by leukocyte recruitment, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation, and the elaboration of cytokines, reactive oxygen species and growth factors within the vessel wall. A resolution phase of vascular injury may be described in which leukocyte efflux, clearance of debris, and re-endothelialization occurs. VSMC migration and proliferation leads to the development of a thickened neointima that may lead to lumen compromise. Subsequent remodeling involves matrix protein deposition, and return of EC and VSMC to quiescence. Recent studies suggest that specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM) modulate key aspects of this response, and may constitute an endogenous homeostatic pathway in the vasculature. SPM exert direct effects on vascular cells that counteract inflammatory signals, reduce leukocyte adhesion, and inhibit VSMC migration and proliferation. These effects appear to be largely G-protein coupled receptor-dependent. Across a range of animal models of vascular injury, including balloon angioplasty, bypass grafting, and experimental aneurysm formation, SPM accelerate repair and reduce lesion formation. With bioactivity in the pM-nM range, a lack of discernible cytotoxicity, and a spectrum of vasculo-protective properties, SPM represent a novel class of vascular therapeutics. This review summarizes current research in this field, including a consideration of critical next steps and challenges in translation.

Association between arterial stiffness and peripheral artery disease as measured by radial artery tonometry

Objective Arterial stiffness and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are both associated with an elevated risk of major adverse cardiac events; however, the association between arterial stiffness and PAD is less well characterized. The goal of this study was to examine the association between parameters of radial artery tonometry, a noninvasive measure of arterial stiffness, and PAD. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 134 vascular surgery outpatients (controls, 33; PAD, 101) using arterial applanation tonometry. Central augmentation index (AIX) normalized to 75 beats/min and peripheral AIX were measured using radial artery pulse wave analysis. Pulse wave velocity was recorded at the carotid and femoral arteries. PAD was defined as symptomatic claudication with an ankle‐brachial index of <0.9 or a history of peripheral revascularization. Controls had no history of atherosclerotic vascular disease and an ankle‐brachial index ≥0.9. Results Among the 126 participants with high‐quality tonometry data, compared with controls (n = 33), patients with PAD (n = 93) were older, with higher rates of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking (P < .05). Patients with PAD also had greater arterial stiffness as measured by central AIX, peripheral AIX, and pulse wave velocity (P < .05). In a multivariable model, a significantly increased odds of PAD was associated with each 10‐unit increase in central AIX (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.1‐3.9; P = .03) and peripheral AIX (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2‐3.2; P = .01). In addition, central and peripheral AIX were highly correlated (r120 = 0.76; P < .001). Conclusions In a cross‐sectional analysis, arterial stiffness as measured by the AIX is independently associated with PAD, even when adjusting for several atherosclerotic risk factors. Further prospective data are needed to establish whether radial artery tonometry could be a tool for risk stratification in the PAD population.

Lower Extremity Revascularization With Transmetatarsal Amputation Improves Healing and Reduces Major Amputation

Results: Eighty-seven patients who underwent TEVAR for type B aortic dissection were reviewed; 57 of 87 would have required zone 2 TEVAR. Indications for TEVAR were malperfusion (12), aneurysm (15), persistent pain (22), rupture (3), uncontrolled hypertension (5), and other (3). Mean followup was 19 months (range, 1-72 months). Only 17 patients (30%) met all the requirements for anatomic suitability (Fig). The reasons for failing anatomic suitability were covered stent graft length proximal to the branch portal (61%), aortic diameter at the proximal seal zone (11%), left subclavian diameter (16%), left subclavian length to its first branch (14%), and access vessel diameter (40%). Conclusions: Although the standard TSSB endograft can allow a more proximal seal zone and eliminate the need for open aortic arch debranching, only 30% of patients with type B dissection who require zone 2 TEVAR meet all the anatomic requirements for this device. The most common reason for failure of anatomic suitability is the proximity of the left carotid to the left subclavian origin.

Serum resistin is associated with impaired endothelial function and a higher rate of adverse cardiac events in patients with peripheral artery disease

Objective Resistin is a hormone that has been associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The role of resistin in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) has not been fully explored. This study seeks to understand the relationship between serum resistin, vascular function, and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with PAD. Methods There were 106 patients with PAD who were recruited between 2011 and 2016. Patients attended a baseline visit during which a comprehensive vascular physiology assessment including medical and surgical history, radial artery tonometry, and flow mediated‐vasodilation (FMD) was completed. A blood sample was drawn, and serum resistin was assayed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Using the time of study enrollment as the time of origin, incident major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were identified by subsequent chart review and defined as a composite end point of myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, transient ischemic attack, stroke, or death from a cardiac cause. Results Patients had a mean age of 68 ± 8 years, were largely white (75%), and had comorbidities commonly associated with PAD including hypertension (92%), hyperlipidemia (87%), coronary artery disease (37%), and diabetes mellitus (38%). After stratification by resistin quartile, higher resistin quartiles were significantly associated with an older age, a greater number of pack‐years smoked, and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. Despite similar comorbidities and medication use, endothelial function, as measured by FMD, was significantly lower with increasing resistin quartile (I, 9.1% ± 3.3%; II, 7.1% ± 3.5%; III, 5.8% ± 4.0%; IV, 5.6% ± 3.5%; P = .002). In multivariable linear regression, higher resistin quartiles (III and IV) were associated with lower FMD relative to quartile I after adjusting for several patient characteristics, medications, and comorbidities (III, −2.26 [95% confidence interval (CI), −4.51 to −0.01; P = .05]; IV, −2.53 [95% CI, −4.87 to −0.20; P = .03]). During a median follow‐up period of 36 months (interquartile range, 29‐45 months), 21 patients experienced the primary end point. In a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for smoking status, coronary artery disease, and age, each 1 ng/mL increase in resistin was associated with a 10% increased risk of MACEs (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.20; P = .04). Conclusions In patients with PAD, higher levels of resistin were associated with impaired endothelial function and an increased rate of MACEs. These results suggest that resistin may be a marker or effector of impaired vascular physiology and adverse cardiac outcomes in patients with PAD. Further research is needed to determine the potential mechanisms by which resistin may impair endothelial function and increase MACEs in this population.