Search

Titanosilicate zeolites are a prominent class of catalysts applied in various oxidation reactions, including epoxidation of alkenes. Numerous studies have been performed to understand the influence of Ti sites structure (‘open’ vs. ‘closed’) and their distribution between internal and external surface of zeolite on the catalyst performance, although the effect of Ti location in micropores of different sizes remained unrevealed. Here, we report the application of ADOR synthesis strategy for the preparation of model ‘isoreticular’ titanosilicate zeolites with the same topology but continuously tunable porosity for addressing the influence of micropore confinement on the activity and selectivity of the catalysts in alkene epoxidation reaction. A set of ‘isoreticular’ Ti-IPC-n (n = 2, 4, 6, 7) zeolites were synthesized by post-synthesis of Ti-substituted UTL germanosilicate. Structural, textural and acidic properties of the prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, nitrogen physisorption, FTIR spectroscopy of adsorbed d3-acetonitrile, while their activity and selectivity were compared in the epoxidation of 1-hexene and cyclohexene as model linear and cyclic alkenes with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The obtained results confirmed the successful preparation of Ti-substituted IPC-n zeolites with similar total concentration of Ti sites (0.15–0.17 mmol/g). For both 1-hexene and cyclohexene epoxidation, the specific activity of a Ti active center (TOF) gradually decreased with the micropore size in a sequence Ti-UTL (TOF1-hexene = 126 h−1; TOFcyclohexene = 227 h−1) > Ti-IPC-7 (124; 143) > Ti-IPC-2 (124; 130) > Ti-IPC-6 (90; 67) > Ti-IPC-4 (64; 37). In line with reducing diffusion limitations of substrates and products, the site time yield of both targeted epoxides increases with increasing the size of the pores in ‘isoreticular’ zeolites reaching the maximal value for Ti-UTL (586 and 491 h−1 for 1,2-epoxyhexane and cyclohexeneoxide, respectively).

The contamination of fresh meat and meat products like sausages with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a worldwide health concern. Consequently, the related investigations concerning the levels of PTEs in sausages among databases such as Scopus, Cochrane, and PubMed were investigated 1 January 2000 to 20 August 2020. Furthermore, the concentration of PTEs in sausages was meta-analyzed based on the random effect model (REM). The findings indicated that the rank order of PTEs in sausage was Fe (432.154 μg/kg) > Cu (152.589 μg/kg) > Zn (93.813 μg/kg) > Cr (6.040 μg/kg) > Pb (1.524 μg/kg) > Ni (0.525 μg/kg) > Cd (0.115 μg/kg) > As (0.066 μg/kg). Our results showed that the PTE concentration in sausages was lower than the permitted limit except for Pb in samples reported from Nigeria, China, and Turkey. Therefore, continuous monitoring of PTEs in such products was recommended.

An advanced and newly developed severe plastic deformation (SPD) method called accumulative fold-forging (AFF) was applied to produce layered nanostructured MgNi alloys exhibiting superior hydrogen storage capacity. Microstructural developments and storage properties were characterized in depth to correlate the structure and performance of this advanced material. The enhanced hydrogen storage performance of the magnesium-based layered composite material was investigated in comparison to the pristine state by conducting hydrogenation and dehydrogenation testing. It was also shown that the hydrogen uptake and release characteristics can be controlled by adjusting the layered structure or the Mg: Ni stoichiometry ratio. Refining the grain structure of the magnesium alloy down to the nano-scale range (∼400–900 nm) by applying high cycles AFF consolidation to promote creation of multi-million nanometric interfaces led to superior storage performance with a remarkable hydrogen absorption capacity of up to ∼1.425 wt%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the hydrogenated products revealed the formation of MgH2 that indicates the dominance of the magnesium matrix for controlling the hydrogen storage behavior of the layered Mg/Ni composite material. Finally, the relationship between the directional hydrogen storage behavior and the induced structural features upon AFF treatment were also established using quantitative characterization and analytical tools.

The Lake Michigan Ozone Study 2017 (LMOS 2017) was a collaborative multiagency field study targeting ozone chemistry, meteorology, and air quality observations in the southern Lake Michigan area. The primary objective of LMOS 2017 was to provide measurements to improve air quality modeling of the complex meteorological and chemical environment in the region. LMOS 2017 science questions included spatiotemporal assessment of nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission sources and their influence on ozone episodes; the role of lake breezes; contribution of new remote sensing tools such as GeoTASO, Pandora, and TEMPO to air quality management; and evaluation of photochemical grid models. The observing strategy included GeoTASO on board the NASA UC-12 aircraft capturing NO2 and formaldehyde columns, an in situ profiling aircraft, two ground-based coastal enhanced monitoring locations, continuous NO2 columns from coastal Pandora instruments, and an instrumented research vessel. Local photochemical ozone production was observed on 2 June, 9–12 June, and 14–16 June, providing insights on the processes relevant to state and federal air quality management. The LMOS 2017 aircraft mapped significant spatial and temporal variation of NO2 emissions as well as polluted layers with rapid ozone formation occurring in a shallow layer near the Lake Michigan surface. Meteorological characteristics of the lake breeze were observed in detail and measurements of ozone, NOx, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, VOC, oxygenated VOC (OVOC), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) composition were conducted. This article summarizes the study design, directs readers to the campaign data repository, and presents a summary of findings.

A pair of isomeric and unreported complexes, [Pd(daf)(Leu)]Cl (I) and [Pd(daf)(Ile)]Cl (II) (daf, Leu and Ile are dafone, leucine and isoleucine respectively) have been prepared and characterized. ...

Water splitting will become important to store excess renewable electrical energy into hydrogen. Although the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) by water oxidation is a critical reaction for water splitting, further investigations are needed to find the details of the OER mechanism for various electrocatalysts. More in particular for homogeneous electrocatalysts, the Randles-Sevcik equation has been extensively applied to determine the turnover frequency (TOF). Herein, using vitamin B12 as a case study, we show that the dynamical deposition/dissolution of the heterogeneous catalyst during OER makes the Randles-Sevcik equation too complicated to be used for calculating the TOF. Indeed, the conventionally applied post-characterization methods do not provide sufficient accuracy to prove the homogeneity of OER mechanisms; thus, using the Randles-Sevcik equation to calculate the TOF is not necessarily correct.

Objectives Diabetes mellitus associated cognitive impairment is suggested to be due to oxidative stress. Considering the anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effects of Zingiber officinale, the present study aimed to investigate its effect on memory and oxidative stress factors in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods The rats were allocated into five groups: Control, Diabetic, Diabetic + Ginger 100, Diabetic + Ginger 200, and Diabetic + Ginger 400. Following diabetes induction by STZ (60 mg/kg), 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg Ginger was given for eight weeks. Passive avoidance test (PA) was done and thiol, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) measurements were carried out in the brain. Results The latency into the dark compartment decreased (pZ. officinale extract reduced hippocampal and cortical MDA (p Conclusions Z. officinale extract could improve memory by reducing the oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetes model.

Background Septic arthritis (SA) due to Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of lameness in poultry with improper response to antimicrobial therapy. Objectives The study evaluates the effect of prophylactic administration of vitamin C on SA induced by methicillin resistant S. aureus in chickens. Methods One hundred and twenty chickens were randomly assigned into four groups: I. Negative control (NC), II. Positive control (PC) with SA induced at the age of 35 days by intra articular injection of S. aureus. III. Vehicle control (VC) and IV. Arthritic vitamin C‐treated (VitC) group (15 g/100 L of drinking water from day 25 to the end of the experiment). Samplings were performed on day 44 (sampling 1) and day 54 (sampling 2) of age. Results Arthritic birds showed an obvious decrease in body weight with severe clinical arthritis and lameness which were not significantly affected by vitamin C administration at both samplings. Moreover, marked increase in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of the PC group was observed in sampling 1. Administration of vitamin C successfully reduced MDA concentration at both samplings. In sampling 2, birds in the VitC group showed significantly higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than NC birds (p, Prophylactic administration of vitamin C especially for relatively longer period can ameliorate oxidative stress and histopathological changes due to staphylococcal arthritis in chickens.

In this research, we used a fast and simple method for synthesis of calcium titanate (CaTiO3) and calcium ferrite (CaFe2O4) nanostructures: microwave assisted co-precipitation method. The effect of time, microwave radiation power and type of solvent on the morphology of magnetic nanoparticles was studied. Calcium ferrite/calcium titanate (CaFe2O4/CaTiO3) nanocomposite was prepared by the same method. The morphology and particles size of samples were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The porous nanostructure of CaTiO3 and CaFe2O4/CaTiO3 were ideal for photocatalytic behavior. The crystallographic properties of products were analyzed using X-ray diffraction technique. The purity of the samples confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The magnetic property of CaFe2O4 and CaFe2O4/CaTiO3 nanoparticles was determined by vibrating sample magnetometry. Both products had ferromagnetic properties with nanocomposite being a hard ferromagnetic sample. The photocatalytic behavior of CaTiO3 and prepared nanocomposite was studied by measuring degradation efficiency of three different acidic dyes irradiated under UV–Visible light in different initial conditions. The results confirmed that both products have photocatalytic properties, but the CaFe2O4/CaTiO3 has a higher photocatalytic activity due to coupling of two semiconductors, which can be employed for effective charge separation and increase of lifetime in the charge carriers.

Intravenous (IV) sodium bicarbonate is considered standard therapy for high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) urine alkalinization. Due to a national IV sodium bicarbonate shortage, an oral (PO) sodium bicarbonate protocol was implemented by Alberta Health Services (AHS) for HDMTX urine alkalinization. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the PO sodium bicarbonate protocol compared to IV sodium bicarbonate for HDMTX urine alkalinization. A retrospective chart review of adult patients who received HDMTX (> 500 mg/m2) with sodium bicarbonate for urine alkalinization at 4 hospitals in Alberta was conducted. Patients who received IV sodium bicarbonate between January and June 2017 and PO sodium bicarbonate between July and December 2017 were compared for the primary outcome of time to methotrexate clearance. A total of 84 and 78 HDMTX cycles were included in the IV and PO cohorts, respectively. No difference in time to methotrexate clearance was seen between the IV and PO cohorts, 91.6 (± 35.4) hours and 95.2 (± 44) hours respectively; p = 0.5. The proportion of HDMTX cycles that experienced a > 25% increase in serum creatinine was not statistically significant, IV protocol 12% and PO protocol 5%; p = 0.13. Nausea and emesis occurred more frequently in the PO cohort than the IV cohort, though rarely resulted in refused doses or change to alternate sodium bicarbonate formulations. The results of this study indicate that the AHS PO sodium bicarbonate protocol was no different in time to methotrexate clearance or rates of increased serum creatinine when compared to IV sodium bicarbonate.

Non-disperse solvent extraction is an effective technique for the extraction of metal ions from aqueous solution. In this study, uranium extraction using n-dodecane solvent containing tributylphosphate extractant in a membrane contactor was investigated. A 2D mathematical model was developed for the fluid flow and mass transfer in the hollow fibre membrane extractor. The equations of the created model were solved using the finite element method. The uranium concentration distribution in the extractor at different extractant concentrations as well as feed acidity was studied. The results showed that there is reasonable good agreement between experimental uranium extraction and modelling outputs at different extractant concentrations. Increasing extractant concentration from 5 to 30% led to the enhancement of uranium extraction from 2.60 to 34.13%. Also, there was an increase in the uranium extraction with increasing feed acidity in the range of 1–3 M. Furthermore, based on the radial uranium concentration distribution, it was found that the main mass transfer resistance in the system was microporous membrane section. Finally, it was obtained that the uranium extraction efficiency could be improved significantly by increasing porosity-to-tortuosity ratio. It was concluded that the membrane specification plays the most important role as the dominant mass transfer resistant was in the membrane subdomain.

In this study, we report for the first time application of magnetic ionic liquid (MIL), (Z)-octadec-9-en-1-aminium tetrachloroferrate (III) in the simultaneous preconcentration and quantification of 3 different categories of pharmaceutical products clomipramine, ketoprofen and loperamide from wastewater and human urine samples using dispersive micro-solid phase extraction detected and quantified in high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector. The MIL was characterized by magnetic property measurement systems, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman scattering spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. First, a specified amount of the sorbent was successfully added to the sample solution containing the analytes. Afterward, the sample pH is adjusted and stirred at a constant rate of 700 rpm for 45 min. After the adsorption of the analytes, the sample is then sonicated for desorption then centrifuged and decanted for analysis. After optimization, the limit of detection (LOD) was within 2.3–2.9 μg/L and the linearity range was within 1–750 μg/L for all the analytes. The correlation coefficients (R2) obtained were in the range of 0.9967–0.9974, and the relative standard deviation (RSD, %) for intra-day and inter-day was within 2.7–3.3 and 2.6–3.7, respectively. Finally, the applicability of the method on real wastewater and human urine samples was examined and the preconcentration and quantification of the drugs at microgram levels were confirmed with satisfactory results.

The bioremediation of sewage sludge, containing potentially toxic elements (heavy metals), by the hyperaccumulator sunflower (Helianthus annus L.), was determined in greenhouse (G) and field (F) conditions in Isfahan, Iran. The soil pots, mixed with dried sewage sludge at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg, were planted with sunflower seedlings and kept in the greenhouse (G) and in the field (F). Different soil physicochemical and plant biochemical properties including heavy metal uptake of nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were determined. In contrast with the soil pH, soil salinity, organic matter, nitrogen, and not soil CaCO3, were significantly enhanced by increasing sewage sludge. Sewage sludge was significant on plant uptake of Ni (2.27–4.25 mg/kg), Cr (3.27–4.75 mg/kg), Cd (13.85–15.27 mg/kg), and total chlorophyll (1.69–1.99 mg/g) in the greenhouse, and plant uptake of Ni (1.75–2.75 mg/kg) and Cd (1.37–2.25 mg/kg), and chlorophyll b (0.06–0.26 mg/g), total chlorophyll (0.57–1.16 mg/g), and carotenoids (1.10–1.61 mg/g) in the field. Although Pb was not significantly affected by sewage sludge, it showed the highest bioaccumulation factor of 0.96 at 15 mg/kg. Interestingly, the heavy metals were all positively and significantly correlated with each other and with plant carotenoids, similar to the positive and significant correlations between Pb with chlorophyll a and b. Accordingly, the increased levels of carotenoids, acting as antioxidant, may be an indicator of oxidative stress. Sunflower plants can be used as an efficient method for the bioremediation of the soils polluted with sewage sludge including Ni, Cr, and Cd.

A new palladium(II) complex entitled [Pd(phendione)(8Q)]NO3, (PdPQ), where phendione is N,N-donor heterocyclic 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dion and 8Q is 8-hydroxyquinolinate, has been synthesized and then characterized by molar conductivity, CHN analysis and spectral data (UV–Vis, FT-IR, NMR). DFT/ TDDFT procedures were also performed to determine the electronic structure and the nature of the electronic transitions of PdPQ. Moreover, the affinity and binding properties of DNA to the desired complex have been studied in details using electronic absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopies, and viscosity measurement in combination with molecular docking technique. The obtained results exhibit relatively high DNA binding values with a static quenching mechanism, which suggest that an intercalative mode plays a peridominate role in interaction process concluded by experimental/theoretical measurements. As a result of drug exposure, in vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated the antiproliferative activity of the PdPQ against leukemia cancer cell line, K562.

Background: In the Azna-Aligudarz plain, the drinking water is mainly supplied from groundwater. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the concentration of nitrate and nitrite and determine the groundwater vulnerability potential and related risks in the plain to guarantee the health of consumers. Materials and Methods: The vulnerability potential of the studied plain to pollutants was investigated by the drastic method. To estimate the concentration of nitrate and nitrite, 25 water wells in the study area were sampled within 2018-2019 and analyzed by standard method. Human health risk related to groundwater in the study area was assessed using the USEPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency) index. Results: The results of the DRASTIC method demonstrated that 45% and 65% of the region has a high (southern part of the plain) and a medium vulnerability potential (northern part of the plain), respectively. According to the obtained results, nitrate in Chaqataram and Ashrafabad villages with 56 and 65 mg/liter, respectively, and nitrite in groundwater of Chamzaman, Aliabad, and Darreh Bagh villages with 3.5, 3.3, and 3.4 mg/liter, was higher than the standard of World Health Organization. According to the health risk assessment results, 83%, 8%, and 4% of children, women, and men are prone to health threats due to nitrate concentration (HQ>1). The accuracy of the vulnerability results was confirmed by calibrating the results of the health risk assessment and the results of the nitrate map. Conclusion: As e evidenced by the obtained results, improper use of nitrate chemical fertilizers and unsafe disposal of human wastewater (urban and rural) is the main cause of increased nitrate and nitrite concentrations in agricultural lands. Based on the results of the present study, the use of contaminated drinking wells is not recommended and continuous monitoring of drinking wells in the study area is essential to protect the health of consumers, especially children. Keywords: Nitrate, Nitrite, Environmental pollutants, Groundwater, Health risk assessment.

Minimal information is available on treatment strategies with anti-inflammatory drugs in systemic inflammation of birds. The present study was conducted to evaluate the comparative effects of meloxicam and dexamethasone at different single doses on clinical outcome and cardiovascular parameters in broilers with experimental systemic inflammation induced by E. coli lipopolysaccharide)LPS(. A total of 36 Ross broiler chickens were divided to six groups (n = 6 males/group): (NC) negative control; (PC) positive control: LPS (from Escherichia coli O55:B5, 0.5 mg/kg, intravenously); (T1) LPS + meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg; intramuscular (IM)); (T2) LPS + meloxicam (2 mg/kg, IM); (T3) LPS + dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, IM); and (T4) LPS + dexamethasone (4 mg/kg, IM). Anti-inflammatory drugs were administered right after the induction of endotoxemia. LPS significantly influenced clinical signs’ severity scores and increased nitric oxide (NO) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity in the PC group. A biphasic response of body temperature was observed in LPS-induced birds. Administration of both drugs in low or high dose improved the therapeutic outcome as shown by reduced clinical signs’ severity scores in treatment groups. The higher dose of dexamethasone was more effective in hypothermic phases. Meloxicam or dexamethasone induced a decrease in serum CK-MB activity and cTnI level, whereas no change was observed in serum NO levels and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity. In conclusion, a single administration of meloxicam or dexamethasone was effective in the acute management of a systemic inflammatory process in chickens. Considering both effects and plausible side effects, dexamethasone at 2 mg/kg appears to be preferable in terms of therapeutic effects.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamic parameters correlating the removal of 60Co2+ radioactive ions from waste water of the primary cooling circuit of the Nuclear Uranium Reactor (Nur / Draria-Algeirs) on Fe(III)-modified Algerian bentonite. Characterization was done using X-ray diffraction, SEM analysis, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and BET method. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best fit to experimental data. The two-parameter adsorption model of Langmuir and both of the three-parameter models Langmuir–Freundlich and Toth are the most appropriate for fitting experimental results. The adsorption process was found to be endothermic in nature.

Designing and preparing new dressing are encouraged to repair wounds in the hospitalized patients. In the present study, a new sandwich configuration, the polyurethane-polyvinyl alcohol (PU-PVA) dressing containing ferula gum (Fg) and bromelain (Br), was prepared with antibacterial property for bedsore treating. PVA nanofibers containing bromelain were contained between two adjacent layers of the PU nanofibers containing Fg. Ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury was induced to the back region of rats on the left shoulder by five cycles per day for 5 days. The synthesized dressing was used for 10 days and was exchanged each day. According to the histological images using H&E staining method, the epidermal and dermal damages, bleeding and infiltration of monocytes, and neutrophils were observed in the PVA-Br and PU-Fg groups. The granulation, infiltration, bleeding, and inflammation were significantly decreased in the PU-F/PVA-Br/PU-Fg group. This group had more regular collagen fibers than the other groups, and the tissue was seemed to be the negative control group. The sore area in the PU-F/PVA-Br/PU-Fg group was significantly decreased compared with the other groups (p

The present study aimed to assess the potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in refined, rock, and sea salt samples collected (n=60) from Tehran’s local market by the aid of an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Besides, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults were estimated with the aid of the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The rank order of PTEs in refined salt was Pb (13.378 μg/g) > Cu (6.448 μg/g) > Zn (0.363 μg/g) > As (0.184 μg/g) > Hg (0.049 μg/g); in sea salt was Pb (22.972 μg/g) > Cu (3.963 μg/g) > Zn (0.986 μg/g) > As (0.387 μg/g) > Hg (0.224 μg/g); and in rock salt was Cu (31.622 μg/g) > Pb (22.527 μg/g) > Zn (0.638 μg/g) > As (0.235 μg/g) > Hg (0.095 μg/g). It was concluded that the average concentration of some of the investigated PTEs was higher than the national standard limits and Codex’s guidelines. A significant non-carcinogenic risk (TTHQ > 1), except for adult consumers, was noted based on the health risk assessment who consume refined salt. All consumers were also at the threshold carcinogenic risk of As (between 10−4 and 10−6). Given the considerable health risks due to consumption (refined, rock, and sea salt), approaching effective monitoring plans to control the PTEs concentrations in salt distributed in Tehran are recommended.

MoS2 has been well established as a promising two-dimensional candidate for optoelectronic applications, due to its unique optical and electrical properties. Here, we report fabrication of a novel heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) based on MoS2/Si heterojunction for the first time. Optoelectronic properties of the fabricated MoS2/Si-based HBT confirm the high-sensitivity of the device to a broad range of incident wavelengths from 380 nm to 810 nm. A Responsivity of about 400 A/W, one order of magnitude higher than the previously reported MoS2 based photodetectors, and a gain of about 1200 are obtained in response to the incident wavelength of 380 nm by the fabricated device. Our results open up a way to fabricate highly sensitive broad band photodetectors with a simple and low cost fabrication process, suitable for Si-based integrated electronics.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of beeswax coating and cold storage condition on the shelf life of nectarine fruit. A total of 240 nectarine fruits were collected and divided into six treatments, each with 40 fruits. The treatments consisted of coated fruits stored at 6°C (T1), coated fruits stored at 1°C (T2), coated fruits stored at ambient temperature (T3), uncoated fruits stored at 6°C (T4), uncoated fruits stored at 1°C (T5) and uncoated fruits stored at ambient temperature (T6). Physico-chemical data and sensory attributes were taken at five days interval. The results showed that there was a significant difference between treatments (p≤ 0.05) for both physico-chemical properties and sensory attributes during the storage time (50 days). The result showed that the highest percentage of titratable acidity (1.45± 0.06) and total soluble solids (15.32±0.91°Brix) as well as highest mean scores of sensory parameters such as flavor (4.23±0.06), sourness (4.12±0.07), appearance (4.49±0.05), taste (4.27±0.06), texture (4.19±0.07) and overall acceptability (4.25±0.05) were recorded for coated nectarine fruits stored at 6°C followed by coating and storage at 1°C. On the other hand, the highest weight loss percentage (25.27±3.67) and pH value (4.29±0.16) and the lowest mean scores values for sensory evaluation were recorded for uncoated fruits stored at ambient temperature (22°C). The shelf life of beeswax coated fruit stored at cold storage was extended by 50 days following the deterioration of uncoated fruit stored at ambient temperature after three days. Therefore, nectarine fruits coated with beeswax and stored at temperatures of 1 and 6°C had prolonged shelf life without affecting its nutritional quality. Key words: Attributes, bee, coating, nectarine, physico-chemical, properties, sensory, wax.

In this study, the relationships of integron 1 element, formaldehyde dehydrogenase, and orfF genes with the level of formaldehyde resistance of isolated E. coli were investigated. E. coli bacteria were isolated from apparently healthy and colibacillosis-affected broilers of Fars Province, Iran. Formaldehyde resistance level and the presence of genetic markers were measured using MIC, and PCR tests, respectively. The prevalence of integron 1 element, orfF, and formaldehyde dehydrogenase genes in E. coli isolates were 61%, 8%, and 94%, respectively. In addition, according to our cut off definition, 15% and 85% of isolates were resistant and sensitive to formaldehyde, respectively. None of the genes had a statistically significant relationship with the formaldehyde resistance; however, the isolates containing integron 1 were significantly more sensitive to formaldehyde in the MIC test than those without integron 1. Integron 1 gene cassette could carry some bacterial surface proteins and porins with different roles in bacterial cells. Formaldehyde could also interfere with the protein functions by alkylating and cross-linking, and this compound would affect bacterial cell surface proteins in advance. Through an increase in the cell surface proteins, the presence of integron 1 gene cassette might make E. coli more sensitive to formaldehyde. As integron 1 was always involved in increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants such as QACs, this is the first report of bacterial induction of sensitivity to a disinfectant through integron 1. Finally, integron 1 does not always add an advantage to E. coli bacteria, and it could be assumed as a cause of vulnerability to formaldehyde.

The emergence of antibacterial resistance has significantly increased. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with nosocomial infection and difficult to control. Artocarpin, a flavonoid from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. exhibits several pharmacological properties including antibacterial. The study was performed to evaluate interaction between artocarpin and antibiotics including tetracycline against P. aeruginosa. Its mechanism of action on membrane permeability was also investigated. Broth microdilution was conducted for the susceptibility assay. The interaction of artocarpin and antibiotics was evaluated using checkerboard method, the effect on alteration of membrane cell was investigated using bacteriolysis and the released of 260 nm materials. Artocarpin showed moderate to weak activity against the Gram-negative bacteria including P. aeruginosa with MIC values in the range of 31.25–250 μg/mL. A synergistic effect against P. aeruginosa was produced by the combination of artocarpin (31.25 μg/mL) and tetracycline (1.95 μg/mL) with FICI of 0.37. The time-killing assay showed that artocarpin enhance the antibacterial activity of tetracycline against P. aeruginosa by completely inhibiting the bacterial growth. Additionally, the mixture of artocarpin (31.25 μg/mL) and tetracycline (1.95 μg/mL) disrupted membrane permeability and lead to cell death. These results proposed that the combination of artocarpin and tetracycline may be used to overcome P. aeruginosa infection.

The seed-borne fungi are serious parasitic pathogen that invades the quality and health of seeds. The objective of this study was to determine dominant seed-borne fungi in market stored sorghum seeds in Mogadishu Somalia. Health seeds acts an important role in successful farming, the detection of a crop Fungi are the main part of microflora connected with seeds. Methods. The study design was experimental research using standard blotter methods, the study was conducted in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. Four samples of sorghum seeds were collected 250gs per sample from different market place In Mogadishu, like Bakara Market, Suuqbacad market, Seybiyano Market, and Dayniile market, the samples were used for the finding of seed-borne fungi. The first group was washed with distilled water and rubbed before planting, while the second group was not washed directly planted. Five hundred seeds were put on wet plastic soft tissue and then placed in a Petri dish at the rate of 25 seeds/plate. The result: The totality of positive sample in all seeds (n=100 washed, n=400 unwashed), was 106 seeds with (21.2%). The two serious fungi species, Fusarium spp, and Aspergillosis spp with percentages of 25(6.25%) and 11(2.75%) respectively. The occurrence of the seed-born fungi in sorghum seeds is a primary sign of the existence of other seed-borne pathogens which can affect the seeds and consumer health. The recommendation is to start farmers learning the safe storage techniques of seeds, and safe seed treatment before use.

Salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) are key metabolic regulators. The imbalance in SIK function is associated with the development of diverse cancers, including breast, gastric, and ovarian cancers. Chemical tools to clarify the roles of SIK in different diseases are, however, sparse and are generally characterized by poor kinome-wide selectivity. Here, we have adapted the pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one-based p21-activated kinase (PAK) inhibitor G-5555 for the targeting of SIK, by exploiting differences in the back-pocket region of these kinases. Optimization was supported by high-resolution crystal structures of G-5555 bound to the known off-targets, MST3 and MST4, leading to a chemical probe, MRIA9, with dual SIK/PAK activity and excellent selectivity over other kinases. Furthermore, we show that MRIA9 sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to treatment with the mitotic agent paclitaxel, confirming earlier data from genetic knockdown studies and suggesting a combination therapy with SIK inhibitors and paclitaxel for the treatment of paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer.

Fly ash dan bottom ash (FABA) merupakan limbah hasil sisa pembakaran batubara dari pembangkit listrik tenaga uap (PLTU). FABA yang dihasilkan akan terus meningkat seiring dengan meningkatnya kebutuhan energi listrik yang harus dipenuhi. Komposisi FABA secara umum berupa silika, alumina, oksida besi, dan senyawa oksida lainnya. Abu yang dihasilkan dari pembakaran batubara berpotensi secara ekonomis karena mengandung beberapa unsur berharga antara lain Ge, Ga, unsur tanah jarang (REY), Nb, Zr, V, Re, Au, Ag, dan logam dasar seperti Al. Karakteristik fisik dan kimia FABA merupakan aspek penting yang dapat memengaruhi, baik potensi penggunaan maupun metode pembuangan atau penyimpanan limbah yang akan dilakukan. Potensi pemanfaatan FABA telah banyak digunakan pada bidang geoteknik, salah satunya diaplikasikan sebagai material geopolimer. Selain itu, FABA juga mengandung cenosphere yang merupakan salah satu material bernilai ekonomis tinggi dan telah banyak diaplikasikan pada berbagai bidang industri. Berbagai teknik pemisahan material untuk meningkatkan potensi nilai guna FABA telah berhasil dikembangkan, antara lain metode ektraksi cenosphere, logam berharga serta unsur jejak seperti REY, juga unburned carbon.

An ultrasonic-assisted demulsified dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplet (UA-DE-DLLME-SFO) technique was considered for the preconcentration o...

Long-term drought effect is one of the main factors of global climate change, with consequences for soil biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen and the function of soil ecosystem under drought conditions. We hypothesized that 1) the Bromus inermis, Dactylis glomerata and festuca arundinacea species would differ in their rhizosphere responses to drought and 2) combined plant species and drought would have offsetting effects on the soil biological traits. We tested these hypotheses at the long-term drought field expreiment at the Lavark Farm of Isfahan University of Technology by analyzing soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen and activity of β-glucosaminidase in the rhizosphere of Bromus inermis, Dactylis glomerata and festuca arundinacea species. Soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen responses to drought depended on plant species, such that the highest MBC was recorded in the Bromus inermis rhizosphere, while the lowest was in the Dactylis glomerata rhizosphere, thereby suggesting the greater microbial sensitivity to drought in the Dactylis glomerata rhizosphere. Genotype variations (drought tolerate and sensitive) mostly affected the change in the β-glucosaminidase activity, but they were not significantly affected by drought treatment and plant species. In general, the positive effects of the plant genotype could offset the negative consequences of drought for soil microbial biomass and traits.

Abstract The present research studies the effectiveness and efficiency of solutions such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium acetate on asphalt pavement to reduce the damage caused by moisture on asphalt pavement in winter. To prevent the stripping problem in asphalt, Nano-Zycotherm with three quantities corresponding to 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% weight of bitumen is used in this study. Under the saturated condition with the above solutions, the indirect tensile test performs by applying a freeze–thaw cycle as a means to measure the amount of moisture susceptibility. The results indicate that the asphalt mix containing 0.3% Nano-Zycotherm has a higher indirect tensile strength and tensile strength ratio than asphalt mix containing 0.1% and 0.2% Nano-Zycotherm. Accordingly, Magnesium chloride solution is the most effective deicing material to improve the indirect tensile strength and durability of asphalt pavements when faced with moisture and ice. Article highlights The presence of Nano-Zycotherm in asphalt leads to its increased resistance against stripping. The use of Sodium chloride and potassium acetate deicing solutions causes some damages in asphalt. Considering different solutions, magnesium chloride has the best performance against asphalt stripping.

Abrasion susceptibility of roadway pavements has a significant effect on the skid resistance, and consequently accident rate. In this study, the mechanical properties of concrete pavement were inve...

Introduction: Further development of magnetic-based detection techniques could be of significant use in increasing the sensitivity of detection and quantification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The present work addresses the fabrication and characterization of a new bio-nano composite based on the immobilization of goat anti-HBsAg antibody on modified core-shell magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) by (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), named Fe3O4@SiO2/NH2, and magnetic NPs modified by chitosan (Fe3O4@CS). Methods: At the first step, Fe3O4 was modified with the silica and APTES (Fe3O4@SiO2/NH2) and chitosan (Fe3O4@CS) separately. The goat anti-HBsAg antibody was activated by two different protocols: Sodium periodate and EDC-NHS. Then the resulted composites were conjugated with activated goat anti-HBsAg IgG. An external magnet collected Bio-super magnetic NPs (BSMNPs) and the remained solution was analyzed by the Bradford method to check the amount of attached antibody to the surface of BSMNPs. Results: The findings indicated that activation of antibodies by sodium periodate method 15-17 µg antibody immobilized on 1 mg of super magnetic nanoparticles (SMNPs). However, in the EDC-NHS method, 8-10 µg of antibody was conjugated with 1 mg of SMNPs. The resulting bio-magnetic NPs were applied for interaction with the HBsAg target using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). About 1 µg antigen attached to 1 mg SMNPs, which demonstrated that the fabricated materials are applicable in the detection scope of HBsAg. Conclusion: In the present study, we developed new antibody-conjugated magnetic NPs for the detection of HBsAg using an efficient conjugation strategy. The results demonstrated that the binding capacity of Fe3O4@SiO2/NH2 was comparable with commercially available products. Our designed method for conjugating anti-HBsAg antibody to a magnetic nanoparticle opens the way to produce a high capacity of magnetic NPs.

Minyak sawit merah murni (virgin red palm oil, VRPO) merupakan minyak mengandung asam lemak jenuh dan tak jenuh seimbang, serta senyawa bioaktif tinggi (seperti karoten, tokoferol dan tokotrienol). Sementara itu, minyak zaitun (olive oil, OO), minyak jagung (corn oil, CO), minyak kedelai (soybean oil, SBO) dan minyak bunga matahari (sunflower oil, SFO) merupakan minyak mengandung asam lemak tak jenuh tinggi. Pencampuran dua atau lebih jenis minyak dapat menghasilkan minyak sehat dengan profil asam lemak, stabilitas oksidatif dan senyawa bioaktif yang diinginkan. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengkaji karakteristik campuran VRPO dengan OO, CO, SBO atau SFO pada rasio berat 100:0-0:100 meliputi kadar asam lemak bebas, karoten dan vitamin E, komposisi asam lemak, bilangan iodin, titik leleh, dan kandungan lemak padat. Peningkatan jumlah VRPO meningkatkan kadar asam palmitat, karoten dan vitamin e, titik leleh dan kandungan lemak padat. Peningkatan jumlah OO, CO, SBO atau SFO menurunkan kadar asam lemak bebas dan meningkatkan bilangan iodin. Campuran VRPO dengan CO, SBO atau SFO menghasilkan minyak sehat dengan rasio asam lemak jenuh: asam lemak tak jenuh tunggal: asam lemak tak jenuh ganda mendekati 1:1,5:1,0. Campuran VRPO dengan OO juga menghasilkan minyak sehat dengan rasio asam linoleat: asam linolenat sebesar 5-10:1. Campuran-campuran minyak tersebut dapat digunakan sebagai bahan baku untuk minyak goreng, baking shortening dan margarin yang kaya senyawa bioaktif.

In this study, friction stir processed (FSP) pure copper sheet was equal channel angular pressed (ECAP). The purpose was to investigate the influence of ECAP on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the FSP-treated copper sheet. The dynamically recrystallized grained structure with the average grain size of ∼13 µm was found in the stir zone of the FSP. It was also revealed that FSP caused the enhancement of ultimate tensile strength compared to that of the base metal. Also, it was observed that ECAP led to further grain refinement and a tighter distribution of grains. A refined microstructure with an average grain size of ∼ 2 µm was achieved in copper sheets through FSP, followed by ECAP. The tensile strengths of the ECAP specimens were significantly increased to about 61 and 50% compared to the strengths of base metal and FSP, respectively. An overview of the results of this study showed that combined FSP/ECAP is an effective method for the mechanical improvement of the pure copper sheets.