Bromine
Bromides
Kelp
Chlorine
Halogens
Laminaria
Bromobenzenes
Bromine Radioisotopes
Polybrominated Biphenyls
Iodine
Disinfectants
Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
Flame Retardants
Swimming Pools
Comparison of two in vitro activation systems for protoxicant organophosphorous esterase inhibitors. (1/242)
In order to perform in vitro testing of esterase inhibition caused by organophosphorous (OP) protoxicants, simple, reliable methods are needed to convert protoxicants to their esterase-inhibiting forms. Incubation of parathion or chlorpyrifos with 0.05% bromine solution or uninduced rat liver microsomes (RLM) resulted in production of the corresponding oxygen analogs of these OP compounds and markedly increased esterase inhibition in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Neither activation system affected cell viability or the activity of AChE or NTE in the absence of OP compounds. Although parathion and chlorpyrifos were activated by RLM, bromine activation required fewer steps and produced more esterase inhibition for a given concentration of chlorpyrifos. However, RLM activation of OP protoxicants produced metabolites other than oxygen analogs and may, therefore, be more relevant as a surrogate for OP biotransformation in vivo. This methodology makes the use of intact cells for in vitro testing of esterase inhibition caused by protoxicant organophosphate compounds a viable alternative to in vivo tests. (+info)Reactive airways dysfunction and systemic complaints after mass exposure to bromine. (2/242)
Occasionally children are the victims of mass poisoning from an environmental contaminant that occurs due to an unexpected common point source of exposure. In many cases the contaminant is a widely used chemical generally considered to be safe. In the following case, members of a sports team visiting a community for an athletic event were exposed to chemicals while staying at a local motel. Bromine-based sanitizing agents and other chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, which were used in excess in the motel's swimming pool, may have accounted for symptoms experienced by the boy reported here and at least 16 other adolescents. Samples of pool water contained excess bromine (8.2 microg/mL; ideal pool bromine concentration is 2-4 microg/mL). Symptoms and signs attributable to bromine toxicity included irritative skin rashes; eye, nose, and throat irritation; bronchospasm; reduced exercise tolerance; fatigue; headache; gastrointestinal disturbances; and myalgias. While most of the victims recovered within a few days, the index case and several other adolescents had persistent or recurrent symptoms lasting weeks to months after the exposure. (+info)Identification and molecular characterization of BP75, a novel bromodomain-containing protein. (3/242)
We here describe the identification and characterization of a novel bromodomain-containing protein, the bromodomain protein of 75 kDa (BP75). Initially, we identified BP75 in a two-hybrid screening for proteins that interact with the first PDZ (acronym for post-synaptic density protein PSD-95, Drosophila discs large tumor suppressor DlgA and the tight junction protein ZO-1) domain in protein tyrosine phosphatase-BAS-like (PTP-BL). We found that BP75 is expressed ubiquitously and show that both BP75 and a PTP-BL deletion mutant consisting of the first PDZ domain are located mainly in the nucleus, although cytoplasmic localization is also evident. Full-length PTP-BL, on the contrary, is predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, although some basal nuclear staining is observed. The described molecular interaction may reflect a mechanism of coupling submembraneous signalling events and nuclear events. (+info)Actin filament organization is required for proper cAMP-dependent activation of CFTR. (4/242)
Previous studies have indicated a role of the actin cytoskeleton in the regulation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) ion channel. However, the exact molecular nature of this regulation is still largely unknown. In this report human epithelial CFTR was expressed in human melanoma cells genetically devoid of the filamin homologue actin-cross-linking protein ABP-280 [ABP(-)]. cAMP stimulation of ABP(-) cells or cells genetically rescued with ABP-280 cDNA [ABP(+)] was without effect on whole cell Cl(-) currents. In ABP(-) cells expressing CFTR, cAMP was also without effect on Cl(-) conductance. In contrast, cAMP induced a 10-fold increase in the diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC)-sensitive whole cell Cl(-) currents of ABP(+)/CFTR(+) cells. Further, in cells expressing both CFTR and a truncated form of ABP-280 unable to cross-link actin filaments, cAMP was also without effect on CFTR activation. Dialysis of ABP-280 or filamin through the patch pipette, however, resulted in a DPC-inhibitable increase in the whole cell currents of ABP(-)/CFTR(+) cells. At the single-channel level, protein kinase A plus ATP activated single Cl(-) channels only in excised patches from ABP(+)/CFTR(+) cells. Furthermore, filamin alone also induced Cl(-) channel activity in excised patches of ABP(-)/CFTR(+) cells. The present data indicate that an organized actin cytoskeleton is required for cAMP-dependent activation of CFTR. (+info)3,4-Dihydrocoumarin hydrolase with haloperoxidase activity from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus F46. (5/242)
A novel lactonohydrolase, an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of 3,4-dihydrocoumarin, was purified 375-fold to apparent homogeneity, with a 22.7% overall recovery, from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus F46, which was isolated as a fluorene-assimilating micro-organism. The molecular mass of the native enzyme, as estimated by high-performance gel-permeation chromatography, is 56 kDa, and the subunit molecular mass is 30 kDa. The enzyme specifically hydrolyzes 3,4-dihydrocoumarin, and the Km and Vmax for 3,4-dihydrocoumarin are 0.806 mM and 4760 U.mg-1, respectively. The N-terminal and internal amino acid sequences of the enzyme show high similarity to those of bacterial non-heme haloperoxidases. The enzyme exhibits brominating activity with monochlorodimedon in the presence of H2O2 and 3, 4-dihydrocoumarin or an organic acid, such as acetate and n-butyrate. (+info)Efficient introduction of aryl bromide functionality into proteins in vivo. (6/242)
Artificial proteins can be engineered to exhibit interesting solid state, liquid crystal or interfacial properties and may ultimately serve as important alternatives to conventional polymeric materials. The utility of protein-based materials is limited, however, by the availability of just the 20 amino acids that are normally recognized and utilized by biological systems; many desirable functional groups cannot be incorporated directly into proteins by biosynthetic means. In this study, we incorporate para-bromophenylalanine (p-Br-phe) into a model target protein, mouse dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), by using a bacterial phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (PheRS) variant with relaxed substrate specificity. Coexpression of the mutant PheRS and DHFR in a phenylalanine auxotrophic Escherichia coli host strain grown in p-Br-phe-supplemented minimal medium resulted in 88% replacement of phenylalanine residues by p-Br-phe; variation in the relative amounts of phe and p-Br-phe in the medium allows control of the degree of substitution by the analog. Protein expression yields of 20-25 mg/l were obtained from cultures supplemented with p-Br-phe; this corresponds to about two-thirds of the expression levels characteristic of cultures supplemented with phe. The aryl bromide function is stable under the conditions used to purify DHFR and creates new opportunities for post-translational derivatization of brominated proteins via metal-catalyzed coupling reactions. In addition, bromination may be useful in X-ray studies of proteins via the multiwavelength anomalous diffraction (MAD) technique. (+info)Eosinophils generate brominating oxidants in allergen-induced asthma. (7/242)
Eosinophils promote tissue injury and contribute to the pathogenesis of allergen-triggered diseases like asthma, but the chemical basis of damage to eosinophil targets is unknown. We now demonstrate that eosinophil activation in vivo results in oxidative damage of proteins through bromination of tyrosine residues, a heretofore unrecognized pathway for covalent modification of biologic targets in human tissues. Mass spectrometric studies demonstrated that 3-bromotyrosine serves as a specific "molecular fingerprint" for proteins modified through the eosinophil peroxidase-H(2)O(2) system in the presence of plasma levels of halides. We applied a localized allergen challenge to model the effects of eosinophils and brominating oxidants in human lung injury. Endobronchial biopsy specimens from allergen-challenged lung segments of asthmatic, but not healthy control, subjects demonstrated significant enrichments in eosinophils and eosinophil peroxidase. Baseline levels of 3-bromotyrosine in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) proteins from mildly allergic asthmatic individuals were modestly but not statistically significantly elevated over those in control subjects. After exposure to segmental allergen challenge, lung segments of asthmatics, but not healthy control subjects, exhibited a >10-fold increase in BAL 3-bromotyrosine content, but only two- to threefold increases in 3-chlorotyrosine, a specific oxidation product formed by neutrophil- and monocyte-derived myeloperoxidase. These results identify reactive brominating species produced by eosinophils as a distinct class of oxidants formed in vivo. They also reveal eosinophil peroxidase as a potential therapeutic target for allergen-triggered inflammatory tissue injury in humans. (+info)Permeabilization via the P2X7 purinoreceptor reveals the presence of a Ca2+-activated Cl- conductance in the apical membrane of murine tracheal epithelial cells. (8/242)
Calcium-activated Cl(-) secretion is an important modulator of regulated ion transport in murine airway epithelium and is mediated by an unidentified Ca(2+)-stimulated Cl(-) channel. We have transfected immortalized murine tracheal epithelial cells with the cDNA encoding the permeabilizing P2X(7) purinoreceptor (P2X(7)-R) to selectively permeabilize the basolateral membrane and thereby isolate the apical membrane Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) current. In P2X(7)-R-permeabilized cells, we have demonstrated that UTP stimulates a Cl(-) current across the apical membrane of CF and normal murine tracheal epithelial cells. The magnitude of the UTP-stimulated current was significantly greater in CF than in normal cells. Ion substitution studies demonstrated that the current exhibited a permselectivity sequence of Cl(-) > I(-) > Br(-) > gluconate(-). We have also determined a rank order of potency for putative Cl(-) channel blockers: niflumic acid > or = 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid > 4, 4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate > glybenclamide >> diphenlyamine-2-carboxylate, tamoxifen, and p-tetra-sulfonato-tetra-methoxy-calix[4]arene. Complete characterization of this current and the corresponding single channel properties could lead to the development of a new therapy to correct the defective airway surface liquid in cystic fibrosis patients. (+info)Bromine is a chemical element with the symbol "Br" and atomic number 35. It belongs to the halogen group in the periodic table and is a volatile, reddish-brown liquid at room temperature that evaporates easily into a red-brown gas with a strong, chlorine-like odor.
Bromine is not found free in nature, but it is present in many minerals, such as bromite and halite. It is produced industrially through the treatment of brine with chlorine gas. Bromine has a wide range of uses, including as a disinfectant, fumigant, flame retardant, and intermediate in the production of various chemicals.
In medicine, bromine compounds have been used historically as sedatives and anticonvulsants, although their use has declined due to the availability of safer and more effective drugs. Bromine itself is not used medically, but some of its compounds may have therapeutic applications in certain contexts. For example, bromide salts have been used as a mild sedative and anticonvulsant in veterinary medicine. However, their use in humans is limited due to the risk of toxicity.
In medical terms, "bromides" refer to salts or compounds that contain bromine, a chemical element. Historically, potassium bromide was used as a sedative and anticonvulsant in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, its use has largely been discontinued due to side effects such as neurotoxicity and kidney damage.
In modern medical language, "bromides" can also refer to something that is unoriginal, dull, or lacking in creativity, often used to describe ideas or expressions that are trite or clichéd. This usage comes from the fact that bromide salts were once commonly used as a sedative and were associated with a lack of excitement or energy.
Bromine compounds refer to chemical substances that contain bromine, a halogen element with the atomic number 35 and symbol Br. Bromine is a volatile, reddish-brown liquid at room temperature that evaporates easily into a red-brown gas with a strong, chlorine-like odor.
Bromine compounds can be formed when bromine combines with other elements or compounds. These compounds have various properties and uses depending on the other elements or groups involved. Some common examples of bromine compounds include:
1. Bromides: These are salts of hydrobromic acid, which contains bromide ions (Br-). They are commonly used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and in photography.
2. Organobromines: These are organic compounds that contain bromine atoms. They have various uses, including as flame retardants, fumigants, and intermediates in the production of other chemicals.
3. Bromates: These are oxides of bromine that contain the bromate ion (BrO3-). They are used as oxidizing agents in water treatment and bleaching.
4. Bromine pentafluoride (BrF5): This is a highly reactive and corrosive compound that is used as a fluorinating agent in chemical reactions.
5. Bromine trifluoride (BrF3): This is another reactive and corrosive compound that is used as a fluorinating agent, particularly in the production of uranium hexafluoride for nuclear reactors.
It's important to note that some bromine compounds can be toxic, corrosive, or environmentally harmful, so they must be handled with care and disposed of properly.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Kelp" is not a medical term. It is a type of large brown seaweed that grows in underwater forests called kelp beds or kelp forests. Kelps are important in the aquatic ecosystem as they provide food and shelter for many marine organisms. They are also used in various industries such as food, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. If you have any medical term or concept you would like me to define or explain, I'd be happy to help!
Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a member of the halogen group of elements and is the second-lightest halogen after fluorine. In its pure form, chlorine is a yellow-green gas under standard conditions.
Chlorine is an important chemical compound that has many uses in various industries, including water treatment, disinfection, and bleaching. It is also used in the production of a wide range of products, such as plastics, solvents, and pesticides.
In medicine, chlorine compounds are sometimes used for their antimicrobial properties. For example, sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is a common disinfectant used to clean surfaces and equipment in healthcare settings. Chlorhexidine is another chlorine compound that is widely used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in medical and dental procedures.
However, it's important to note that exposure to high concentrations of chlorine gas can be harmful to human health, causing respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to chlorine can also lead to more serious health effects, such as damage to the lungs and other organs.
Halogenation is a general term used in chemistry and biochemistry, including medical contexts, to refer to the process of introducing a halogen atom into a molecule. Halogens are a group of non-metallic elements that include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At).
In medical terms, halogenation is often discussed in the context of pharmaceuticals or biological molecules. For example, the halogenation of aromatic compounds can increase their lipophilicity, which can affect their ability to cross cell membranes and interact with biological targets. This can be useful in drug design and development, as modifying a lead compound's halogenation pattern may enhance its therapeutic potential or alter its pharmacokinetic properties.
However, it is essential to note that halogenation can also impact the safety and toxicity profiles of compounds. Therefore, understanding the effects of halogenation on a molecule's structure and function is crucial in drug design and development processes.
Halogens are a group of nonmetallic elements found in the seventh group of the periodic table. They include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). Tennessine (Ts) is sometimes also classified as a halogen, although it has not been extensively studied.
In medical terms, halogens have various uses in medicine and healthcare. For example:
* Chlorine is used for disinfection and sterilization of surgical instruments, drinking water, and swimming pools. It is also used as a medication to treat certain types of anemia.
* Fluoride is added to drinking water and toothpaste to prevent dental caries (cavities) by strengthening tooth enamel.
* Iodine is used as a disinfectant, in medical imaging, and in the treatment of thyroid disorders.
* Bromine has been used in the past as a sedative and anticonvulsant, but its use in medicine has declined due to safety concerns.
Halogens are highly reactive and can be toxic or corrosive in high concentrations, so they must be handled with care in medical settings.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Pentanones" is not a recognized medical term. It is a chemical term that refers to a class of compounds known as ketones, where the parent compound contains five carbon atoms and a ketone functional group. Ketones are organic compounds containing a carbonyl group (a functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom: C=O) with the carbon atom also being bonded to two other carbon atoms.
If you have any questions related to medical terminology or concepts, please feel free to ask!
"Laminaria" is a genus of brown algae that grows in cooler waters and is often used in medical procedures as a preparation for dilating the cervix. The dried and sterilized form of Laminaria japonica, a species of this seaweed, is known as "Laminaria tents" or "Laminaria sticks." These are gradually inserted into the cervix where they absorb water and expand over a period of hours, dilating the cervix. This is most commonly done in preparation for a surgical procedure such as a dilation and curettage (D&C) or an abortion. It's important to note that this process should be performed by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
Bromobenzenes are a group of chemical compounds that consist of a benzene ring (a cyclic structure with six carbon atoms and alternating double bonds) substituted with one or more bromine atoms. The simplest and most common member of this group is bromobenzene itself, which contains a single bromine atom attached to a benzene ring.
Other members of the bromobenzenes family include dibromobenzene (with two bromine atoms), tribromobenzene (with three bromine atoms), and tetrabromobenzene (with four bromine atoms). These compounds are used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of flame retardants, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals.
It is important to note that bromobenzenes can be harmful or toxic to humans and other organisms, and should be handled with care. Exposure to high levels of these compounds can cause a range of health effects, including irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and damage to the liver and kidneys.
Hydrobromic acid is not typically considered a medical term, but rather a chemical one. However, it can have medical relevance in certain contexts, such as in the production of some pharmaceuticals or in chemical peels used in dermatology.
Medically, hydrobromic acid might be defined as a strong mineral acid that is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns and tissue damage upon contact with skin or mucous membranes. It is typically produced by the reaction of bromine with water, and it consists of hydrogen bromide (HBr) in its aqueous solution form.
It's worth noting that exposure to hydrobromic acid should be avoided, and medical attention should be sought immediately in case of accidental contact or ingestion.
Bromine radioisotopes are unstable forms of the element bromine that emit radiation as they decay into more stable forms. These isotopes can be used in various medical applications, such as diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment. Some commonly used bromine radioisotopes include Bromine-75, Bromine-76, and Bromine-77.
Bromine-75 is a positron-emitting radionuclide that can be used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans to image and diagnose various diseases, including cancer. It has a half-life of about 97 minutes.
Bromine-76 is also a positron-emitting radionuclide with a longer half-life of approximately 16.2 hours. It can be used in PET imaging to study the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of drugs, as well as for tumor imaging.
Bromine-77 is a gamma-emitting radionuclide with a half-life of about 57 hours. It can be used in various medical applications, such as in the labeling of antibodies and other biomolecules for diagnostic purposes.
It's important to note that handling and using radioisotopes require specialized training and equipment due to their potential radiation hazards.
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) are a group of chemically related compounds that were widely used as flame retardants in various consumer products, such as electronics, appliances, and textiles. Structurally, they consist of two benzene rings with bromine atoms attached to them in different positions. PBBs have been banned or restricted in many countries due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential adverse health effects.
Here is a medical definition for Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs):
A class of brominated aromatic compounds that were historically used as flame retardants in various industrial and consumer applications. Due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity concerns, their production and use have been significantly restricted or banned in many countries. Exposure to PBBs can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact and may lead to a variety of health issues, including endocrine disruption, reproductive and developmental effects, neurodevelopmental toxicity, and immune system alterations. Long-term exposure to high levels of PBBs can result in skin irritation, liver damage, and thyroid hormone disruption.
Iodine is an essential trace element that is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones in the body. These hormones play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, and brain development during pregnancy and infancy. Iodine can be found in various foods such as seaweed, dairy products, and iodized salt. In a medical context, iodine is also used as an antiseptic to disinfect surfaces, wounds, and skin infections due to its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents that are applied to non-living objects to destroy or irreversibly inactivate microorganisms, but not necessarily their spores. They are different from sterilizers, which kill all forms of life, and from antiseptics, which are used on living tissue. Disinfectants work by damaging the cell wall or membrane of the microorganism, disrupting its metabolism, or interfering with its ability to reproduce. Examples of disinfectants include alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and quaternary ammonium compounds. They are commonly used in hospitals, laboratories, and other settings where the elimination of microorganisms is important for infection control. It's important to use disinfectants according to the manufacturer's instructions, as improper use can reduce their effectiveness or even increase the risk of infection.
Halogenated diphenyl ethers are a group of chemical compounds that consist of two phenyl rings (aromatic hydrocarbon rings) linked by an ether group, with one or more halogens attached to the rings. The halogens can include chlorine, bromine, fluorine, or iodine atoms.
One of the most well-known halogenated diphenyl ethers is polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), which was widely used in electrical equipment and industrial applications until it was banned due to its toxicity and environmental persistence. PCBs are known to have various adverse health effects, including cancer, reproductive disorders, and endocrine disruption.
Other halogenated diphenyl ethers, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have also been used as flame retardants in consumer products, but their use has been restricted or phased out due to health and environmental concerns. Exposure to these compounds can occur through contaminated food, air, dust, and water, and may lead to similar health effects as PCB exposure.
Flame retardants are chemical compounds that are added to materials, such as textiles, plastics, and foam furnishings, to reduce their flammability and prevent or slow down the spread of fire. They work by releasing non-flammable gases when exposed to heat, which helps to suppress the flames and prevent ignition. Flame retardants can be applied during the manufacturing process or added as a coating or treatment to existing materials. While flame retardants have been shown to save lives and property by preventing fires or reducing their severity, some types of flame retardants have been linked to health concerns, including endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental toxicity, and cancer. Therefore, it is important to use flame retardants that are safe for human health and the environment.
I'm not able to provide a medical definition for "swimming pools" as it is not a term that is typically used in the medical field. However, swimming pools are bodies of water designed for swimming and other recreational activities. They can be found in various settings such as residential homes, community centers, hotels, and fitness clubs. Swimming pools can contain either chlorinated or saltwater and should be properly maintained to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and algae that can cause illnesses.
If you have any medical concerns related to swimming or using swimming pools, I would recommend consulting with a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.