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Distribution of colloid particles onto interfaces in partially saturated sand.

Colloids have long been known to facilitate the transport of contaminants in soils, but few direct observations have been made of transport and retention in unsaturated porous media. Studies have typically been limited to evaluation of column breakthrough curves, resulting in differing and sometimes conflicting proposed retention mechanisms. We carried out pore scale visualization studies of colloid transport in unsaturated quartz sand to directly observe and characterize colloid retention phenomena. Synthetic hydrophilic (0.8, 2.6, and 4.8 microm carboxylated polystyrene latex) and relatively hydrophobic (5.2 microm polystyrene latex) colloidal microspheres were added to steady-state water flow (0.15 mm min(-1)) applied to an inclined infiltration chamber. Bright field microscopy was used to determine the positions and movement of water and colloids. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to determine water film geometry in an unsaturated horizontal chamber. We determined mechanisms of hydrophilic colloid retention at what is generally termed the air/water/solid (AWS) interface. Based on our observations, the AWS interface is here more accuratelytermed the air/water meniscus/solid (AWmS) interface, denoting the region where between-grain water meniscii diminish to thin water films on the grain surfaces. Colloids were retained at the AWmS interface where the film thickness approximately equaled colloid diameters. The greater retention for hydrophilic colloids at this interface (compared to elsewhere in the solid/water interface) can be explained by the additional surface tension capillary potentials exerted on colloids at the AWmS interface. While some 0.8-microm colloids were observed in thin water films, film straining played no significant role in the retention of larger colloids. Mechanisms for slightly hydrophobic colloids differed slightly. In addition to primary retention at the AWmS interface, hydrophobic colloids attached to others already present atthat interface resulting in apparent retention at the air/water (AW) interface. Attachment of hydrophobic colloids was also observed at water-solid interfaces, as hydrophobicity impelled the colloids to avoid water. Factors contributing to retention of slightly hydrophobic colloids were sand grain roughness and possibly a tendency for these colloids to flow near surfaces and interfaces, consonant with the enhanced retention of hydrophobic colloids (relative to hydrophilic colloids) observed in the literature.

Air↗

Almost all infiltrating colloid carcinomas of the pancreas and periampullary region arise from in situ papillary neoplasms: a study of 39 cases.

Colloid carcinomas of organs such as the breast, colon, and prostate have been well characterized. However, up until now there have been only a few studies of colloid carcinomas of the pancreas and periampullary region, and the number of colloid carcinomas in these studies has been limited. A search of our files revealed 39 resections for pancreatic and periampullary carcinomas with colloid differentiation. All neoplasms were extensively sampled. "Carcinomas with colloid differentiation" were defined as tumors associated with abundant extracellular mucin containing free-floating mucinous epithelial cells. Cases with >50% colloid differentiation were classified as "colloid carcinomas," whereas those with less were termed "carcinomas with focal colloid features." Cases with no colloid differentiation at all were designated "carcinomas without colloid differentiation." Of the 39 carcinomas, 31 were colloid carcinomas, and eight were carcinomas with focal colloid features. Twenty-seven were centered in the pancreas, seven were in the duodenum, and five were in the ampulla of Vater. Remarkably, 38 of the 39 carcinomas (97%) arose in association with an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm or a tubular/tubulovillous adenoma. Of the patients with colloid carcinomas, the 2-and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 69% and 29%, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival rates between patients with colloid carcinomas and patients with adenocarcinomas without colloid differentiation, whether or not the latter arose in association with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms or tubular/tubulovillous adenomas. In a multivariate model colloid differentiation was not an independent predictor of patient survival, while other factors such as tumor location, perineural invasion, vascular invasion, and margin status after resection independently influenced patient survival. Most colloid carcinomas of the pancreas and periampullary region arise in association with a well-defined in situ papillary neoplasm. The diagnosis of a pancreatic or periampullary colloid carcinoma should encourage the pathologist to search for an associated low-grade in situ component. In addition, colloid carcinomas of the pancreas and periampullary region do not necessarily have a better prognosis than carcinomas without colloid differentiation. Instead, other factors such as tumor location, perineural invasion, vascular invasion, and margin status after resection are far more important.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗

Colloid and heavy metal transport at landfill sites in direct contact with groundwater.

Colloids are ubiquitous in aquatic systems and are suspected of facilitating contaminant transport. At sites where the disposed waste is in direct contact with ground water, two main prerequisites for colloidal transport are fulfilled: these two prerequisites are a high concentration of colloids and many different contaminants, some that are very unlikely to be transported in an aqueous solution. In our investigation, three landfill sites with different historical background and hydrogeological conditions were examined. The colloids upstream, downstream, and inside the waste disposal sites were characterized with respect to their size distribution and chemical composition. The particle concentration upgradient and downgradient of the sites were 2-23 and 8-80 mg/L, respectively. Inside the waste disposal sites the particle concentration was 160-870 mg/L. The particles upgradient reflected the mineral composition of the aquifer, with calcareous colloids and silicates dominating the composition. Downgradient of the sites, we saw an increase of iron-precipitates and salt colloids, together with organic colloids. However, the downgradient colloids were significantly different from the colloids and particles inside of the disposal sites with respect to their size and chemical composition. Colloids inside the disposal sites reflected the waste composition and degradation. The association of heavy metal ions to colloids and particles showed a surprisingly high fraction of dissolved metal ions. We determined that the lowest metal ion concentrations (less than 20% of the total concentration) were associated with the colloid size class between 10 nm and 1 microm, which is considered most mobile in porous systems. The association of Fe and Mn to colloids was dominated by the redox conditions inside the disposal sites, where there was a reducing environment, Fe and Mn were dissolved. Outside the disposal sites, where there was an oxidizing environment, these metals formed colloids and particles >1 microm. Together with these particles, As was precipitating. For other metal ions (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn), we determined an association to colloids coinciding roughly with the colloid size distribution. The results suggest that the change of hydrochemical conditions at the interface, from a reducing, high ionic strength environment inside of the disposal sites to an oxidizing, low ionic strength environment in the groundwater together with physical filtration effects for the larger particles, is an effective chemical barrier for colloids. Field observations suggest, that the colloids form a rather persistent coating around the aquifer matrix that reduces the hydraulic conductivity and enhances the sorption capacity of the aquifer close to the waste disposal sites. In every case, there was an increase of the contaminant concentrations downstream of the waste disposal sites, but the increase was less than expected from the initial transport calculations, which were under the assumption that there was a direct contact between the waste disposal site and the groundwater. It seems more than likely, that under the given conditions, colloids are contributing to a self sealing layer at the landfill bottom. The results of this study are relevant for the assessment of many landfills without appropriate landfill sealing systems.

Colloids↗

Silane-coated silica particle colloid processing of human sperm.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in the quality of human sperm processed through different lots of silane-coated silica particle colloid solutions. The objectives were to compare (a) sperm kinematic parameters, (b) the sperm acrosome status, (c) the membrane integrity of the head and tail regions, (d) the DNA normality, and (e) the heat-inducible hyperactivation motility after processing sperm through either a Silane-coated silica particle colloid solution, a Percoll solution, or a simple centrifuge sperm wash (control). METHODS: Sperm cells were derived from pooled cryopreserved-thawed specimens of several donors (n = 10). The pooled sperm were divided and processed through either the centrifuge wash, the 90:47% two-layer Percoll, or one of three lots of silane-coated silica particle colloidal solutions from three vendors. Aliquots of sperm cells were analyzed using the Hamilton-Thorn HTM-C motility analyzer for differences in kinematics and hyperactivation. Sperm were also analyzed for membrane integrity at both head and tail regions, normal morphology, acrosome status, and viability. Sperm undergoing apoptosis were determined using the acridine orange stain. Processed sperm were also incubated at 40 degrees C for 4 hr and the quality of the sperm was assessed using the heat-induced hyperactivation and motility parameter. RESULTS: The data showed that after sperm processing, the number of sperm recovered was higher for the three lots of colloids (silane-coated silica particle colloid solutions) compared with Percoll processing. Total sperm motility was higher in the colloidal washes compared with the control. There were no differences in motility between Percoll- and colloid-processed sperm. In contrast, the percentages of sperm exhibiting progressive motility or hyperactivation varied among the different lots of colloid solutions. The Percoll wash solution yielded the highest percentage of sperm with intact tail membranes, whereas some lots of colloid solutions disrupted sperm head membranes. The percentages of sperm undergoing apoptosis varied for the different lots of colloid solutions. There was a marked increase in hyperactivation associated with one colloid solution after heat induction. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated variability in the different lots of silane-coated silica particle colloid solutions for processing sperm. Each lot of colloid solution excelled at improving different sperm parameters. The silane-coated silica particle colloid solutions were shown to be effective in recovering motile sperm compared with Percoll but the types of motility and sperm quality varied for the different lots of colloid solutions. Due to the variability in lots of silane-coated silica colloid solutions, reported studies based on only one lot or one source of colloid solution may be difficult to interpret. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to select the best lot of silane-coated silica particle colloid solution to produce the highest number of sperm exhibiting the ideal parameters for use in assisted reproduction technologies.

Acridine Orange↗

Laboratory migration experiments with radionuclides and natural colloids in a granite fracture.

Natural colloids in groundwater could facilitate radionuclide transport, provided the colloids are mobile, are present in sufficient concentrations and can adsorb radionuclides. This paper describes the results of a laboratory migration study carried out with combinations of radionuclides and natural colloids within a fracture in a large granite block to experimentally determine the impact of colloids on radionuclide transport. The 85Sr used in this study is an example of a moderately sorbing radionuclide, while the 241Am is typical of a strongly sorbed radionuclide with very low solubility. The natural colloids used in this study were isolated from granite groundwater from Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL) Underground Research Laboratory (URL), and consisted of mostly 1-10 nm organic colloids, along with lesser amounts of 10-450 nm colloids (organics and aluminosilicates). The measured coefficients for radionuclide sorption onto these colloids were between 3 x 10(2) and 1 x 10(3) ml/g for 85Sr, and between 7 x 10(4) and 7 x 10(5) mg/l for 241Am. The 85Sr sorption on the natural colloids appeared to be reversible. Migration experiments in the granite block were carried out by establishing a flow field between two boreholes (out of a total of nine) intersecting a main horizontal fracture. These experiments showed that dissolved 85Sr behaved as a moderately sorbing tracer, while dissolved 241Am was completely adsorbed by the fracture surfaces and showed no evidence of transport. However, when natural colloids were injected together with dissolved 241Am, a small amount of 241Am transport was observed, demonstrating the ability of natural colloids to facilitate the transport of radionuclides with low solubility. Natural colloids had only a minor effect on the transport of 85Sr. In a separate experiment to test the effect of higher colloid concentrations on 85Sr migration, synthetic colloids were produced from Avonlea bentonite. The introduction of a relatively high concentration of bentonite colloids actually reduced 85Sr transport because, compared to natural colloids, the bentonite colloids were less mobile and they sorbed 85Sr more strongly.

Americium↗

Mesoscopic dynamics of colloids simulated with dissipative particle dynamics and fluid particle model.

We report results of numerical simulations of complex fluids, using a combination of discrete-particle methods. Our molecular modeling repertoire comprises three simulation techniques: molecular dynamics (MD), dissipative particle dynamics (DPD), and the fluid particle model (FPM). This type of model can depict multi-resolution molecular structures found in complex fluids ranging from single micelle, colloidal crystals, large-scale colloidal aggregates up to the mesoscale processes of hydrodynamical instabilities in the bulk of colloidal suspensions. We can simulate different colloidal structures in which the colloidal beds are of comparable size to the solvent particles. This undertaking is accomplished with a two-level discrete particle model consisting of the MD paradigm with a Lennard-Jones (L-J) type potential for defining the colloidal particle system and DPD or FPM for modeling the solvent. We observe the spontaneous emergence of spherical or rod-like micelles and their crystallization in stable hexagonal or worm-like structures, respectively. The ordered arrays obtained by using the particle model are similar to the 2D colloidal crystals observed in laboratory experiments. The micelle shape and its hydrophobic or hydrophilic character depend on the ratio between the scaling factors of the interactions between colloid-colloid to colloid-solvent. Unlike the miscellar arrays, the colloidal aggregates involve the colloid-solvent interactions prescribed by the DPD forces. Different from the assumption of equilibrium growth, the two-level particle model can display much more realistic molecular physics, which allows for the simulation of aggregation for various types of colloids and solvent liquids over a very broad range of conditions. We discuss the potential prospects of combining MD, DPD, and FPM techniques in a single three-level model. Finally, we present results from large-scale simulation of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability and dispersion of colloidal slab in 2D and 3D. Electronic supplementary material to this paper can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00894-001-0068-3.

Colloids↗

Effects of hydrodynamic chromatography on colloid-facilitated migration of radionuclides in the fractured rock.

The performance assessment of high level radioactive waste disposal has emphasized the role of colloids in the migration of radionuclides in the geosphere. Previous literature [Nagasaki S, Tanaka S, Suzuki A. Fast transport of colloidal particles through quartz-packed columns. J. Nucl. Sci. Technol. 1975;30(11):1136] indicates that owing to hydrodynamic chromatography the colloid velocity may not be equal to that of groundwater. Using hydrodynamic chromatography, this work investigates the effects of the size of colloidal particles on the radionuclide migration facilitated by colloids in a single fractured porous rock. Also, a methodology is proposed to develop a predictive model to assess transport within the fracture rock as well as various other phenomenological coefficients, particularly the size of colloidal particles. In addition, a fully developed concentration profile for non-reactive colloids in the fracture is developed to elucidate hydrodynamic chromatography of colloids in geological media. The external forces acting on colloidal particles hypothesized in the model proposed herein include inertial force, van der Waals attractive force, double layer force as well as gravitational force. The dispersion coefficient of colloids and the distribution coefficient for radionuclides with colloids are also considered as they pertain to the size of the colloid. In addition, the size distributions of colloids are utilized to investigate the effects of polydispersed colloids.

Chromatography↗

Characterization of submicrometer aqueous iron(III) colloids formed in the presence of phosphate by sedimentation field flow fractionation with multiangle laser light scattering detection.

Iron colloids play a major role in the water chemistry of natural watersheds and of engineered drinking water distribution systems. Phosphate is frequently added to distribution systems to control corrosion problems, so iron-phosphate colloids may form through reaction of iron in water pipes. In this study, sedimentation field flow fractionation (SdFFF) is coupled on-line with multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS) detection to characterize these iron colloids formed following the oxygenation of iron(II) in the presence of phosphate. The SdFFF-MALLS data were used to calculate the hydrodynamic diameter, density, and particle size distribution of these submicrometer colloids. The system was first verified with standard polystyrene beads, and the results compared well with certified values. Iron(III) colloids were formed in the presence of phosphate at a variety of pH conditions. The colloids' hydrodynamic diameters, which ranged from 218 +/- 3 (pH 7) to 208 +/- 4 nm (pH 10), did not change significantly within the 95% confidence limit. Colloid density did increase significantly from 1.12 +/- 0.01 (pH 7) to 1.36 +/- 0.02 g/mL (pH 10). Iron(III) colloids formed at pH 10 in the presence of phosphate were compared to iron(III) colloids formed without phosphate and also to iron(III) colloids formed with silicate. The iron(III) colloids formed without phosphate or silicate were 0.46 g/mL more dense than any other colloids and were >6 times more narrowly distributed than the other colloids. The data suggest competitive incorporation of respective anions into the colloid during formation.

Chemical Fractionation↗

Humic colloid-borne natural polyvalent metal ions: dissociation experiment.

The natural association nature of the humic colloid-borne trace elements is investigated. Rare earth elements (REE) Th and U are chosen as naturally occurring representatives and chemical homologues for actinides of different oxidation states present in nuclear waste. Tri- and tetravalent elements in two investigated Gorleben groundwaters (Gohy-532 and -2227) almost exclusively occur as humic or fulvic colloid-borne species. Their desorption behavior from colloids is examined in the unperturbed groundwater (pH approximately 8) under anaerobic conditions (Ar/1% CO2) by addition of a chelating cation exchanger resin. Particularly, the dissociation process of naturally occurring Eu(III) in the groundwater is compared with the Eu(III) desorption from its humate complex prepared with purified Aldrich humic acid in a buffered aqueous solution at pH approximately 8. The Eu(III) dissociation from the groundwater colloids is found to be considerably slower than found for the humate complex synthesized in the laboratory. This suggests that under natural aquatic conditions the Eu(III) binding in colloids is chemically different from the simple humate complexation as observed in the laboratory experiment. The colloid characterization bythe size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and the flow field-flow fractionation (FFFF) indicates that natural colloid-borne trace elements are found predominantly in colloids of larger size (>15 nm in size), while Eu(III) in its humate complex is found mainly in colloids of hydrodynamic diameters <5 nm. The slower desorption kinetics and the larger colloid size suggest that the polyvalent metal ion binding in natural humic colloids is associated to polynucleation with other co-present trace metal ions. Radiotracer experiments reveal that isotopic equilibria with the naturally colloid-borne trace elements are not attained within a period of more than 100 days, indicating irreversible binding of at least a part of colloid-borne polyvalent trace elements. The different kinetic properties of colloid-bound Eu(III) are discussed taking the aqueous speciation based on thermodynamic data into account.

Chromatography, Gel↗

Modeling of simultaneous exchange of colloids and sorbing contaminants between streams and streambeds.

Contaminant transport in streams can be significantly modified by both stream-subsurface exchange and the presence of colloidal particles, but the interaction of these effects is notwell understood. Exchange with the hyporheic zone exposes contaminants to surface-chemical reactions with streambed sediments, while colloidal particles have a large reactive surface area that allows them to carry pollutants that would otherwise be transported primarily as dissolved species. A new theoretical model is developed to predict the role of colloids in mediating advective contaminant exchange between streams and streambeds. Bedform-induced pumping theory is applied to model physical transport, and colloid filtration and reversible contaminant sorption are used to calculate the local distributions of colloids and contaminants within the streambed. Residence time functions of both colloids and contaminants in the bed are then used to link contaminant concentrations in the pore water and streamwater. Model simulations indicate that, under conditions of low colloid filtration and strong contaminant sorption to colloids, contaminants are mobilized by colloids and there is less retention of contaminants in the streambed. This is the case of "colloid-facilitated contaminant transport" commonly considered in groundwater transport. On the other hand, when colloid filtration is high and contaminants still sorb strongly to colloids, contaminant mobility decreases and there is greater contaminant retention in the streambed. We term this case "colloid-impeded contaminant transport". Thus, we find that a variety of contaminanttransport behavior can occur depending on the concentration and mobility of suspended particles in the system and the relative affinity of contaminants for colloids and other solid phases.

Adsorption↗

Maternal and fetal colloid osmotic pressure following fluid expansion during cesarean section.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the changes in colloid osmotic pressure during delivery and to determine the relationship between maternal and fetal colloid osmotic pressures. DESIGN: Clinical, prospective study. SETTING: Obstetrical operating theater in a tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty healthy parturient patients, at term gestation receiving spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Maternal colloid osmotic pressure samples were obtained at the time of intravenous insertion and delivery. Fetal umbilical vein and umbilical artery colloid osmotic pressure samples were measured from the umbilical cord at delivery. The volume of intravenous infusion and dose of ephedrine were recorded for each patient. Maternal colloid osmotic pressure at delivery was significantly less than that value measured at the time of intravenous catheter insertion in each patient (15.8 +/- 0.3 vs. 23.1 +/- 0.3 mm Hg; p < .0001). Umbilical artery colloid osmotic pressure was consistently higher than umbilical vein colloid osmotic pressure (21.0 +/- 0.4 vs. 19.4 +/- 0.3 mm Hg; p < .0001). Both umbilical artery colloid osmotic pressure and umbilical vein colloid osmotic pressure were significantly higher than maternal colloid osmotic pressure at delivery (p < .0001). The volume of intravenous infusion and the dose of ephedrine both correlated inversely with maternal colloid osmotic pressure measured at delivery (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in maternal colloid osmotic pressure during delivery is, in part, related to intravenous fluid expansion and the amount of vasopressor administered. Despite the significant fluctuations in maternal colloid osmotic pressure, the placenta and fetus possess the capability to alter colloid osmotic pressure.

Adult↗

Efficacy of Re-188-labelled sulphur colloid on prolongation of survival time in melanoma-bearing animals.

UNLABELLED: In this study, the effectiveness of a 188Re labeled sulfur colloid with two particle size ranges was used to evaluate the effectiveness of this agent on melanoma tumors in mice in terms of animal lifespan. METHODS: Two separate group of animals were used for investigating biodistribution and survival time. A total of 188 B16F10-melanoma-bearing BDF(1) mice were injected intraperitoneally with 3.7 MBq (0.1mCi)/2mL of radiolabeled sulfur colloid ten days after intraperitoneal inoculation of 5x10(5) B16F10 melanoma cells/2ml. For group 1, 30 mice were sacrificed at 1, 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours for biodistribution studies. In group 2, 158 mice were divided into 9 groups (n=16 approximately 18/groups)each receiving respectively tumor alone, tumor with normal saline, cold colloid or hot colloid with 16, 23, 31, 46, 62, or 124 MBq activity. Each of these colloid groups was further divided into two groups, one receiving smaller particle sizes (<3 microm:80.4 +/-7.2%, colloid 1) and the other receiving larger particle sizes (<3 microm:12.3+/-1.0%, colloid 2). The animals were checked daily until death and their survival recorded. RESULTS: Colloid 2 showed higher accumulation in almost all tissues, the highest accumulation organ was tumor ( approximately 40%), then spleen ( approximately 20%), stomach ( approximately 15%), diaphragm ( approximately 3%), and liver ( approximately 2%). There was a significant increase in survival time with increasing amount of the larger-particle-size colloid. Administered levels of 16-31 MBq/mouse were most efficacious and with higher amounts the survival times decreased significantly below that of the controls. There was a significant difference in the dose-response curves for the two preparations. Protection factors (1/Relative-risk) of nearly 5 were achieved using the larger colloid size, and nearly 30 using the smaller colloid size. An amount of 16-31 MBq of the colloid 2 was the optimal activity in these studies. On the one hand, the survival data agreed well with the biodistribution data, where higher accumulation was found in tumor with colloid 2. CONCLUSION: Rhenium-188 offers on-site availability, medium half-life, higher beta-particle energy of 2.12 MeV for therapy and emission of 155keV gamma photon suitable for imaging. The present study demonstrated that 188Re-sulfur colloid is an effective agent in controlling tumor cells in the abdominal cavity in animals.

Animals↗

Colloids in the mortar backfill of a cementitious repository for radioactive waste.

Colloids are present in groundwater aquifers and water-permeable engineered barrier systems and may facilitate the migration of radionuclides. A highly permeable mortar is foreseen to be used as backfill for the engineered barrier of the Swiss repository for low- and intermediate-level waste. The backfill is considered to be a chemical environment with some potential for colloid generation and, due to its high porosity, for colloid mobility. Colloid concentration measurements were carried out using an in-situ liquid particle counting system. The in-house developed counting system with three commercially available sensors allowed the detection of single particles and colloids at low concentrations in the size range 50-5000 nm. The counting system was tested using suspensions prepared from certified size standards. The concentrations of colloids with size range 50-1000 nm were measured in cement pore water, which was collected from a column filled with a highly permeable backfill mortar. The chemical composition of the pore water corresponded to a Ca(OH)2-controlled cement system. Colloid concentrations in the backfill pore water were found to be typically lower than approximately 0.1 ppm. The specific (geometric) surface areas of the colloid populations were in the range 240 m2 g(-1) to 770 m2 g(-1). The low colloid inventories observed in this study can be explained by the high ionic strength and Ca concentrations of the cement pore water. These conditions are favourable for colloid-colloid and colloid-backfill interactions and unfavourable for colloid-enhanced nuclide transport.

Colloids↗

Modeling colloid attachment, straining, and exclusion in saturated porous media.

A conceptual model for colloid transport is developed that accounts for colloid attachment straining, and exclusion. Colloid attachment and detachment is modeled using first-order rate expressions, whereas straining is described using an irreversible first-order straining term that is depth dependent. Exclusion is modeled by adjusting transport parameters for colloid-accessible pore space. Fitting attachment and detachment model parameters to colloid transport data provided a reasonable description of effluent concentration curves, but the spatial distribution of retained colloids at the column inlet was severely underestimated for systems that exhibited significant colloid mass removal. A more physically realistic description of the colloid transport data was obtained by simulating both colloid attachment and straining. Fitted straining coefficients were found to systematically increase with increasing colloid size and decreasing median grain size. A correlation was developed to predict the straining coefficient from colloid and porous medium information. Numerical experiments indicated that increasing the colloid excluded volume of the pore space resulted in earlier breakthrough and higher peak effluent concentrations as a result of higher pore water velocities and lower residence times, respectively. Velocity enhancement due to colloid exclusion was predicted to increase with increasing exclusion volume and increasing soil gradation.

Colloids↗

Synthetic colloids attenuate leukocyte-endothelial interactions by inhibition of integrin function.

BACKGROUND: It has been suspected that synthetic colloids may interfere with leukocyte adhesion by down-regulation of endothelial cell adhesion molecules. Although inhibition of endothelial inflammation might reduce leukocyte-related tissue injury, the same mechanism may be detrimental for host defense during severe infection. Regarding the widespread use of colloids, the authors performed a laboratory investigation to determine the mechanisms by which synthetic colloids interfere with leukocyte-endothelial interactions. METHODS: Adhesion molecule expression on native and cytokine-activated endothelium from umbilical veins was measured after pretreatment with gelatin and various preparations of dextran or hydroxyethyl starch. Inhibition of neutrophil adhesion to activated endothelium was examined in a flow chamber by perfusion of untreated and colloid-treated neutrophils over colloid-pretreated endothelium at 2 dyn/cm. Comparisons were made between untreated controls, colloid-pretreated endothelium, and colloid-cotreated neutrophils. RESULTS: Intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, E-selectin, and P-selectin were not attenuated by any colloid. Accordingly, colloid pretreatment of endothelium alone did not reduce neutrophil adhesion. In contrast, when neutrophils were cotreated by addition of colloids to the perfusate immediately before perfusion, adhesion decreased by 31-51% (P < 0.05) regardless of the colloid type. As indicated by the twofold increased rolling fractions, this reduction was due to an inhibition of neutrophil integrins. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that synthetic colloids inhibit neutrophil adhesion by a neutrophil-dependent mechanism rather than interfering with endothelial cell activation. This suggests that inhibition of leukocyte sequestration by volume support is a common and transient phenomenon depending on the colloid concentration in plasma.

Cell Adhesion↗

Radiolabelling of egg meals for gastric emptying studies: a comparison of 99mTc sulfur and 99mTc stannous colloids.

OBJECTIVES: To establish whether 99mTc stannous (Tc-Sn) colloid is a suitable alternative to 99mTc sulfur (Tc-S) colloid for gastrointestinal studies, we compared the per cent binding to egg solids (%BS) and radiochemical purity (RCP) of both colloids in digesting media. METHODS: Egg white and yolk containing colloids were cooked separately and mashed. Samples of 4-5 g were digested over 2-3 h (37 degrees C) in excess simulated gastric juice (SGJ: 15 ml of 0.1 M HCl and 0.5 g.l-1 pepsin) or water, centrifuged, imaged with a gamma camera and the %BS computed. RCP was determined in aspirates taken from these preparations and from solutions of colloid added directly to SGJ. RESULTS: The %BS in egg white after 3 h in SGJ for both colloids were similar: Tc-Sn, 62+/-8 (n=12); Tc-S, 61+/-6 (n=8), but markedly lower than 95% (the often quoted literature value). Egg yolk was digested more rapidly than egg white: %BS after 2 h in SGJ for Tc-Sn colloid was 55+/-10 (n=5) in the yolk, compared to 77+/-4 (n=5) in the white (P<0.01). The RCP for Tc-S colloid alone in SGJ was >94% over 3 h but for Tc-Sn colloid was as low as 14%. For egg white, the RCP in SGJ was 91-96% for Tc-S and 80-91% for Tc-Sn. For egg yolk the RCPs in SGJ were similar for both colloids (>90%). The RCP in water digesting egg white or yolk containing either colloid was always lower than in the corresponding SGJ aspirates, indicating a leakage of small amounts of non-colloidal 99mTc. CONCLUSIONS: Although 99mTc-Sn almost completely dissociates in SGJ, once cooked in egg it is digested similarly to 99mTc-S. Variations in the size of digesting egg fragments and in SGJ composition can reconcile the lower %BS values obtained with previously reported higher results. 99mTc-Sn colloid cooked in egg appears suitable for gastrointestinal studies.

Eggs↗

The function of a colloid in liver cold-storage preservation.

The value of colloid in preservation of the liver by cold storage has not yet been fully clarified. Therefore, we studied the effects of colloid on cell swelling, liver weight, and bile production after cold storage in rat liver tissue slices and isolated rabbit liver. In rat liver tissue slices cold-stored for 24 hr in UW solution, total tissue water (TTW) was the same as in the control freshly unpreserved tissue and omitting the colloid (hydroxyethyl starch) from the UW solution did not affect the TTW. However, after cold storage for 24 hr in Perfadex, TTW was markedly increased (by 100%, P less than 0.001). Omitting the colloid in this solution, dextran, or replacing it with hydroxyethyl starch, did not affect this increase in TTW. Thus, the hypothermia-induced cell swelling evident after preservation in Perfadex was not prevented by colloid. Rabbit liver cold-stored in UW solution for 24 hr lost 15.4 +/- 4.7% of weight, but omitting the colloid from UW solution decreased this weight loss to 3.1 +/- 3% (P less than 0.01). In contrast, rabbit livers cold-preserved in colloid-free Perfadex gained 23.3 +/- 5.7% in weight. Adding colloid, either dextran or hydroxyethyl starch, decreased significantly this weight gain, to 9 +/- 3.7% and 10.4 +/- 1.8%, respectively (P less than 0.01), probably as a result of colloid osmotic pressure, preventing the interstitial edema. Rabbit livers preserved for 24 hr in UW solution, with or without colloid, produced the same amount of bile as control unpreserved livers. In contrast, livers preserved in colloid-free Perfadex for 24 hr had a markedly impaired bile production (3.9 +/- 0.9 ml/100 g) as compared with control livers (15.5 +/- 2.6 ml/100 g, P less than 0.01). Colloid partially restored this impaired bile production, to 8 +/- 1.4 mg/100 g by dextran and to 8.5 +/- 1.7 ml/100 g by hydroxyethyl starch, respectively (P less than 0.01). Thus, although colloids do not prevent the hypothermia-induced cell swelling, they prevent the development of interstitial edema, and, hence, improve the liver function.

Adenosine↗