Presence Of Organic Compounds Research Articles

Medicinal potential of mycelium and fruiting bodies of an arboreal mushroom Fomitopsis officinalis in therapy of lifestyle diseases

Fomitopsis officinalis is a medicinal mushroom used in traditional European eighteenth and nineteenth century folk medicine. Fruiting bodies of F. officinalis were collected from the natural environment of Świętokrzyskie Province with the consent of the General Director for Environmental Protection in Warsaw. Mycelial cultures were obtained from fragments of F. officinalis fruiting bodies. The taxonomic position of the mushroom mycelium was confirmed using the PCR method. The presence of organic compounds was determined by HPLC–DAD analysis. Bioelements were determined by AF-AAS. The biochemical composition of the tested mushroom material was confirmed with the FTIR method. Antioxidant properties were determined using the DPPH method, and the antiproliferative activity was assessed with the use of the MTT test. The presence of indole compounds (l-tryptophan, 6-methyl-d,l-tryptophan, melatonin, 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan), phenolic compounds (p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, catechin, phenylalanine), and sterols (ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide) as well as trace elements was confirmed in the mycelium and fruiting bodies of F. officinalis. Importantly, a high level of 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan in in vitro mycelium cultures (517.99 mg/100 g d.w) was recorded for the first time. The tested mushroom extracts also showed antioxidant and antiproliferative effects on the A549 lung cancer cell line, the DU145 prostate cancer cell line, and the A375 melanoma cell line.

Development of Electrochemical Sensor Based on Thiolated Calixarene-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for the Selective Recognition of Anthracene

In this work, an electrochemical sensor for anthracene detection was constructed based on a modified electrode consisting of thiolated calixarene (TC4)-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO). Firstly, graphene oxide GO) was reduced on screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCE), followed by the immobilization of AuNPs and TC4 through a self-assembly process to form TC4/AuNPs/ERGO-SPCE. The molecules’ structure was characterized using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, the sample’s morphology and topology were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and electrochemical performance of developed sensor was characterized using electrochemical method. Owing to the outstanding supramolecular recognition of anthracene by TC4, the target analyte was detected accurately with a linear range of 1- $7~\mu \text{M}$ and limit of detection down to $0.0625~\mu \text{M}$ (S/N = 3). Additionally, the sensor was acknowledged for its excellent anti-interference properties in the presence of organic compounds as well as inorganic metal ions. The proposed sensor also yielded comparable results to conventional HPLC method, with a satisfactory recovery of 92–98% in environmental samples.

Next up: a phone powered by microbial wires?

The discoverers of electric microbes have been quick to think about how these bacteria can be put to work. One potential use is to detect and control pollutants. Cable microbes seem to thrive in the presence of organic compounds, such as petroleum, so their presence may reveal undetected pollution. They might also aid cleanup, not just of organic compounds, but also nuclear waste. Electric bacteria are also giving rise to new technologies. Some have been genetically modified with the goal of making sensitive, wearable sensors. And fashioned into a film, nanowires also generate electricity from the moisture in the air. Now that researchers have coaxed a common lab and industrial bacterium, it should be easier for researchers to mass produce the structures and explore these and other practical applications.

Impact of pH and protein hydrophobicity on norovirus inactivation by heat-denatured lysozyme.

Norovirus, the leading cause of non-bacterial food poisoning, is responsible for several outbreaks associated with bivalves and ready-to-eat food products worldwide. As norovirus is resistant to alcohol, which is commonly used in food manufacturing processes, sodium hypochlorite is used for its inactivation. However, sodium hypochlorite has two disadvantages: it cannot be added to foods, and its effect is significantly reduced in the presence of organic compounds. Thus, a novel disinfectant against norovirus is urgently required for food hygiene. Thermally denatured egg white lysozyme inactivates norovirus; however, the optimal inactivating conditions and the underlying mechanism are unclear. In the present study, the inactivating mechanism of heat-denatured lysozyme against norovirus was analyzed using murine norovirus strain 1 (MNV-1). We found that the inactivating effect was enhanced by adjusting the pH of the lysozyme solution before thermal denaturation to 6.5 or higher. The reaction of heat-denatured lysozyme and MNV-1 was irreversible, and norovirus was completely inactivated after exposure to heat-denatured lysozyme. Furthermore, it was found that lysozyme residues 5-39 contributed to the norovirus-inactivating effect. Notably, the hydrophobicity and positive charges in this region contributed to the norovirus-inactivating effect, as evidenced by the norovirus inactivation test using mutated residues 5-39. These findings are novel and highlight the possible application of heat-denatured lysozyme as a disinfectant against norovirus in a wide range of food processes.

Crystallization pathways in the Great Artesian Basin (Australia) spring mound carbonates: Implications for life signatures on Earth and beyond

AbstractRecent studies of continental carbonates revealed that carbonates with similar fabrics can be formed either by biotic, biologically‐induced, biologically‐influenced or purely abiotic processes, or a combination of all. The aim of this research is to advance knowledge on the formation of carbonates precipitated (or diagenetically altered) in extreme, continental environments by studying biotic versus abiotic mechanisms of crystallization, and to contribute to the astrobiology debate around terrestrial analogues of Martian extreme environments. Both fossil (upper Pleistocene to Holocene) and active carbonate spring mounds from the Great Artesian Basin (South Australia) have been investigated. These carbonates consist of low‐Mg to high‐Mg calcite tufa. Four facies have been described: (i) carbonate mudstone/wackestone; (ii) phytohermal framestone/boundstone; (iii) micrite boundstone; and (iv) coarsely crystalline boundstone. The presence of filaments encrusted by micrite, rich in organic compounds, including ultraviolet‐protectants, in phytohermal framestone/boundstone and micrite boundstone is clear evidence of the existence of microbial mats at the time of deposition. In contrast, peloidal micrite, despite commonly being considered a microbial precipitate, is not directly associated with filaments in the Great Artesian Basin mounds. It has probably formed from nanocrystal aggregation on colloid particulate. Thus, where biofilms have been documented, it is likely that bacteria catalyzed the development of fabrics. It is less certain that microbes induced calcium carbonate precipitation elsewhere. Trace elements, including rare earth element distribution from laminated facies, highlight strongly evaporative settings (for example, high Li contents). Carbon dioxide degassing and evaporation are two of the main drivers for an increase in fluid alkalinity, resulting in precipitation of carbonates. Hence, although the growth of certain fabrics is fostered by the presence of microbial mats, the formation of carbonate crystals might be independent from it and mainly driven by extrinsic factors. More generally, biological processes may be responsible for fabric and facies development in micritic boundstone whilst micrite nucleation and growth are driven by abiotic factors. Non‐classical crystallization pathways (aggregation and fusion of nanoparticles from nucleation clusters) may be more common than previously thought in spring carbonate and this should be carefully considered to avoid misinterpretation of certain fabrics as by‐products of life. It is proposed here that the term ‘organic‐compound catalyzed mineralization’ should be used for crystal growth in the presence of organic compounds when dealing with astrobiological problems. This term would account for the possibility of multiple crystallization pathways (including non‐classical crystallization) that occurred directly from an aqueous solution without the direct influence of microbial mats.

Peptide mass mapping in bioapatites isolated from animal bones.

Bioapatite ceramics produced from biogenic sources provide highly attractive materials for the preparation of artificial replacements since such materials are not only more easily accepted by living organisms, but bioapatite isolated from biowaste such as xenogeneous bones also provides a low-cost material. Nevertheless, the presence of organic compounds in the bioapatite may lead to a deterioration in its quality and may trigger an undesirable immune response. Therefore, procedures which ensure the elimination of organic compounds through bioapatite isolation are being subjected to intense investigation and the presence of remaining organic impurities is being determined through the application of various methods. Since current conclusions concerning the conditions suitable for the elimination of organic compounds remain ambiguous, we used the mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach in order to determine the presence of proteins or peptides in bioapatite samples treated under the most frequently employed conditions, i.e., the alkaline hydrothermal process and calcination at 500 °C. Since we also investigated the presence of proteins or peptides in treated bioapatite particles of differing sizes, we discovered that both calcination and the size of the bioapatite particles constitute the main factors influencing the presence of proteins or peptides in bioapatite. In fact, while intact proteins were detected even in calcinated bioapatite consisting of particles >250 µm, no proteins were detected in the same material consisting of particles <40 µm. Therefore, we recommend the use of powdered bioapatite for the preparation of artificial replacements since it is more effectively purified than apatite in the form of blocks. In addition, we observed that while alkaline hydrothermal treatment leads to the non-specific cleavage of proteins, it does not ensure the full degradation thereof.

Reversible Ionizing Radiation Sensors Based on Carbon Nanotubes

Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes (VA-CNTs) were grown by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) on a silicon substrate with alternating layers of TiN and SiO2. VA-CNTs were exposed to X-ray radiation to study the change in resistivity later. Preliminary results show an increase in the resistivity of CNTs as a function of radiation exposure time, which means that the structure responds successfully to radiation exposure. The variation of resistivity has been associated with the presence of organic compounds that, during exposure to radiation, can generate species capable of interacting with the material by modifying its conductive properties. The first evidence indicates that the changes observed are reversible under heat treatment, which also supports the fact that it is the adsorbed organic species that, in the presence of radiation, modify the resistivity of the material and possibly allowing the material to be recyclable.

Visible and UV photocatalysis of aqueous perfluorooctanoic acid by TiO2 and peroxymonosulfate: Process kinetics and mechanistic insights.

The global occurrence and adverse environmental impacts of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have attracted wide attention. This study focused on the PFOA photodegradation by using photocatalyst TiO2 with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. Aqueous PFOA (50mgL-1) at the pH 3 was treated by TiO2/PMS under 300W visible light (400-770nm) or 32W UV light (254nm and 185nm). The addition of PMS induced a significant degradation of PFOA under powerful visible light compared with sole TiO2. Under visible light, 0.25gL-1 TiO2 and 0.75gL-1 PMS in the solution with the initial pH 3 provided optimum condition which achieved 100% PFOA removal within 8h. Under UV light irradiation at 254nm and 185nm wavelength, TiO2/PMS presented excellent performance of almost 100% removal of PFOA within 1.5h, attributed to the high UV absorbance by the photocatalyst. The intermediates analysis showed that PFOA was degraded from a long carbon chain PFOA to shorter chain intermediates in a stepwise manner. Furthermore, scavenger experiments indicated that SO4•-radicals from PMS and photogenerated holes from TiO2 played an essential role in degrading PFOA. The presence of organic compounds in real wastewater reduced the degradation efficacy of PFOA by 18-35% in visible/TiO2/PMS system. In general, TiO2/PMS could be an ideal and effective photocatalysis system for the degradation of PFOA from wastewater using either visible or UV light source.

Influence of phyllosilicates on the hydrothermal alteration of organic matter in asteroids: Experimental perspectives

The origin of the diverse organic compounds present in carbonaceous chondrites (CC) remains uncertain. We aim at investigating the role that hydrothermal alteration may have had on the molecular evolution of organic matter (OM). In particular, within CC matrices, OM is intimately embedded within phyllosilicates down to the nanometer scale, which raises the question of the influence of phyllosilicates on OM transformation during hydrothermal alteration on parent bodies. We conducted hydrothermal experiments at 150 °C and alkaline pH, using a well-known molecule present in processed interstellar ice analogues, the hexamethylenetetramine (HMT), in the presence of Al- and Fe-rich smectites. Experimental products were characterized by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Within 31 days, the HMT + smectites + H2O system leads to (1) the formation of a diverse suite of soluble organic compounds, yet less abundant and less complex than in the absence of smectite, (2) carbon-rich smectite residues (3.8 wt.% and 2.6 wt.% of carbon for the Al- and Fe-rich smectite residues, respectively). In addition, the abundance and molecular composition of the final organic compounds depend on the nature of the phyllosilicate (Al vs. Fe-smectite). Various and complex interaction mechanisms could occur between OM and smectite. Physisorption, chemisorption and intercalation processes have likely entrapped a significant portion of the organic compounds, thereby altering their chemical evolution. The present work demonstrates that the presence and the nature of phyllosilicates influences the reaction pathways of organic compounds during hydrothermal alteration and that the presence of organic compounds may impact the mineral assemblage. This could have had significant importance for the co-evolution of OM and mineral phases in primitive bodies during hydrothermal alteration.

Preparation and Characterization of ZnO & TiO2 Nanocatalysts For Photo Degradation of Bentazon existing in Polluted water

One of the most important scientific research activities in both of energy and environmental sectors is synthesizing of composites such as nanocatalyst powders of zinc oxide and titanium oxide. The reason why is the best to use this combination of composites, as they are available in the market, with low cost, they have powerful optical,electric properties, high stability, and nontoxicity,these composites are classified as one of the best promising photocatalysts. They show high level of light absorption range and wide range of charge transfer from ZnO to TiO2 their composite has a superior photocatalytic activity. The goal of this investigation is to prove the applicability of ZnO–TiO2 composite as a photocatalyst for degradation of Bentazon in polluted water. Many various parameters will be studied, to see their effects on the process of the degradation of the Bentazon, examples of that are the initial catalyst dosage, pH level, initial Bentazon concentration, purging of oxygen gas, adding of hydrogen peroxide of a multiple concentration and total organic compounds on the removal efficiency of Bentazon.The best guaranteed removal of Bentazon is at neutral pH,and the reason for that could be due to the photo-corrosion of ZnO composite for both acidic and basic conditions. While it is noticeable that degradation of the Bentazon decreased in the presence of organic compounds. Removing the Bentazon by UV/ZnO/TiO2 process shows greater Efficiency than that by UV/TiO2 process, UV/ZnO, and UV alone.

Development of a fast UHPLC-MS/MS for the analysis of selected priority micropollutants in wastewater samples

ABSTRACT In recent years, there have been many reports on the presence of organic compounds in different compartments of the aquatic environment. The subject of our research was the development of a new method for the determination of selected organic micropollutants and their transformation products in wastewater samples. A rapid and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic method coupled with tandem mass spectrometry has been developed and used for the separation and determination of 1H-benzotriazole, imidacloprid and clarithromycin in wastewater samples. The analytes were separated on a ZORBAX SB-C3 column with a gradient elution within 3.0 min. The analytes were isolated from wastewater samples by solid-phase extraction. Extraction was carried out on the Oasis HLB cartridges and methanol:acetone (1:1, v/v) was used for elution. The working ranges of the developed method were 1–100 ng L−1. The recovery ranged from 62% to 102% and intra- and inter-day precision was lower than 13% for all analytes. Finally, the optimised method was applied for the determination of the organic micropollutants in wastewater samples: (artificial) raw wastewater, wastewater treated using aerated activated sludge method and wastewater from an Upper Silesia wastewater treatment plant. In addition, transformation products of the analytes in the treated wastewater samples were tentatively identified.

Occurrence of organic compounds in groundwater of Saudi Arabia.

The presence of organic compounds in drinking water is well recognized in many developing countries; however, the occurrence of organic contaminants in the groundwater of Saudi Arabia, which is the main source of drinking water in the country, is not well documented. A national comprehensive study was carried out to assess the occurrence of organic compounds in groundwater wells used for drinking water purpose, in different regions of Saudi Arabia. A total of 993 well water samples were collected from all 13 administrative regions of the kingdom. Samples were analyzed for a total of 131 organic compounds using the standard methods. The results indicated that total organic carbon values were in the range of 0.01 to 84.13 mg/L with an average weighted value of 12.61 mg/L. Organic compounds were detected in only 9 regions, with 19.84% of the samples containing organic compounds. Only 96 wells (9.67%) showed contents of organic compounds above the safe limits. Pesticides were not detected in any of the well water samples. Overall, organic compounds were found in only 197 out of 993 wells (19.84%) in the whole country. Most of the wells containing organic compounds were located in residential, industrial, and agriculture areas. Riyadh region and Eastern Province were found to have the most affected wells as compared to other regions. Several regions did not show any organic compounds in the well waters.It can be said that the problem of groundwater contamination with organic compounds in Saudi Arabia is not acute and is manageable at present. It is, however, recommended that a regular monitoring of drinking water wells of all regions should be carried out by the competent authorities for organic compounds to know any contamination if and when it happens. Preventing such contaminants from reaching drinking water sources and protecting drinking water well heads from such contaminants remains a priority.

Heavy metals and organic compounds contamination in leachates collected from Deir Kanoun Ras El Ain dump and its adjacent canal in South Lebanon

Environmental pollution generated from uncontrolled dumping is a major problem in Lebanon due to the lack of proper waste management plans. Deir Kanoun Ras El Ain is the village that harbors the worst dumps in Lebanon. Wastewater leachates of this dump influx into an adjacent nearby canal used for irrigation and drinking purposes. The aim of this study is to assess the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, and Hg) and the presence of organic compounds (phthalates, bisphenol A, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)) in water samples collected from two different sites around the dump and two canal sites during winter and summer seasons. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while the identification of the extracted organic compounds was performed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (HPLC–MS). The carried analyses revealed that water samples collected from dump and canal were heavily polluted by Cd, As, Hg, phthalates, bisphenol A, and PAHs caused by pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. The concentrations of the found heavy metals were far above the maximum tolerable levels set by different guidelines. The findings suggest that the studied water sources are not safe for irrigation and drinking. The serious implications of dumping wastes on the health of inhabitants recall for an immediate employment of efficient waste management policies to resolve this problem.

Effect of the thiourea incorporation velocity and RTA post-deposit treatments, on the properties of CdS films deposited by CBD

In this work the influence of the thiourea incorporation velocity, or drip time (td), on the properties of the CdS films deposited by chemical bath deposition technique (CBD) was studied. The thiourea was employed as the sulfur source in the bath solution. The films were deposited on glass substrates keeping the bath solution temperature (Tb) at 90 °C and varying the td from 10 to 60 min. The other reagents used were cadmium acetate, ammonium acetate, ammonium hydroxide and deionized water as an aqueous medium, whose concentrations were constant. The dependence of the thickness with td showed three regions associated with three growth stages: i) induction period, ii) linear growth and iii) saturation stage. The best structural, optical and electrical properties were obtained in the linear growth region (20 min ≤ td ≤ 40 min). These films exhibited a crystallite size around 35 nm and a resistivity value of ∼100 Ω-cm. With respect to their optical properties, an average transmittance value of 70% for λ ≥ 500 nm and Eg of 2.35 eV were obtained. The presence of organic compounds was determined by FTIR spectra. The main organic compound identified was cyanamide, whose concentration was greater and constant at linear growth region. Afterwards, the effect of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatments on the properties of the CdS films, was evaluated for three films of the linear growth region. Such treatments did not modify the thickness, crystalline structure and crystallite size of the films. However, there was a change of color from light orange to dark orange, and a shift of Eg to 2.27 eV without the detriment of the transmittance. The CdS optical constants (n, k, ε) obtained from an optical model, confirmed the shift. In addition, photoluminescence spectra after RTA treatment showed a decrease of the defects associated to the radiative bands: green (2.21 eV), red (1.88 eV) and nanoparticles (2.94 eV), this without a change in the orange band (2.04 eV). The cyanamide, main organic compound present in the films, decreased significantly with thermal treatment, producing a resistivity drop from ∼100 to 4 Ω-cm. The drop of resistivity was attributed to the decrease of both, cyanamide and radiative defects concentration. The RTA treatments lead to CdS films with low resistivity and good transmittance, making them appropriate to be used as window material in solar cells.

Heterogeneous Oxidation of SO2 in Sulfate Production during Nitrate Photolysis at 300 nm: Effect of pH, Relative Humidity, Irradiation Intensity, and the Presence of Organic Compounds.

Heterogeneous oxidation of SO2 is one of the promising mechanisms to account for high loading of sulfate during severe haze periods in China. Our earlier work reported on the SO2 oxidation by OH and NO2 produced during 250 nm nitrate photolysis (Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett. 2019, 6, 86-91). Here, we extend that work to examine sulfate production during nitrate photolysis at 300 nm irradiation, which can additionally generate NO2- or HNO2, N(III). Flow cell/in situ Raman experiments showed that the reactive uptake coefficient of SO2, γSO2, can be expressed as γSO2 = 1.64 × pNO3-, where pNO3- is the nitrate photolysis rate in the range of (1.0-8.0) × 10-5 M s-1. Our kinetic model with the pNO3- predicts that N(III) is the main contributor to the SO2 oxidation, followed by NO2 contribution. Furthermore, the addition of OH scavengers (e.g., glyoxal or oxalic acid) does not suppress the sulfate production because of the reduced N(III)-consuming reactions and the high particle pH sustained by their presence. Our calculations illustrate that under characteristic haze conditions, the nitrate photolysis mechanism can produce sulfate at ∼1 μg m-3 h-1 at pH 4-6 and pNO3- = 10-5 M s-1. The present study highlights the importance of in-particle nitrate photolysis in heterogeneous oxidation of SO2 by reactive nitrogen (NO2-/HNO2 and NO2) under atmospherically relevant actinic irradiation. However, the nitrate photolysis rate constant needs to be better constrained for ambient aerosols.

Phosphorus sources associated with organic compound in broccoli production and soil chemical attributes

ABSTRACT Phosphorus is a finite natural resource and the use of gradual-release phosphate sources, associated with an organic compound may favor a more rational use of this nutrient, since organic matter protects P from soil fixation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of phosphorus sources application, associated with organic compound at planting, on single inflorescence type broccoli production and soil chemical properties at the end of the cycle. Eight treatments were evaluated, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, using four phosphorus sources [thermophosphate (TM), natural phosphate (NP), reactive natural phosphate (RNP) and triple superphosphate (TSP)]; in the presence (55 t ha-1) and absence of organic compound Visafértil® at planting. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replicates. TSP source presented higher P contents. TM source showed, in the absence of organic compound, higher pH and contents of organic matter, Ca, Mg, SB and V%. In the presence of organic compound, NP source provided higher contents of organic matter and K. The addition of organic compound increased pH and resulted in higher contents of P, K, Ca, SB, CEC and V%. The presence of organic compound favored higher productivity for the sources TM, NP and TSP. Among these sources, TSP provided the highest production both in the presence or absence of organic compound, considering that NP source was the only one which did not differ from TSP for inflorescence fresh weight and productivity, both in the presence and in the absence of organic compound. We concluded that TSP and NP are the best P sources, associated with the application of organic compound.

Structural, optical, electrical and morphological properties of CdS films deposited by CBD varying the complexing agent concentration

Abstract CdS thin films were deposited on commercial glass substrates by CBD technique at constant temperature and deposition time of 90 °C and 50 min, respectively. The reaction was performed by mixing cadmium acetate, ammonium acetate, ammonium hydroxide, thiourea, and deionized water as an aqueous medium. The S/Cd ratio in the solution was kept constant at 4.46 to make sure that the films were as stoichiometric as possible. Optical, electrical, structural properties and the presence of organic compounds in the films were studied modifying the concentration of ammonium hydroxide (complexing agent) in the bath solution. X-ray diffraction patterns show that all films have the cubic phase with a preferential orientation in the plane (1 1 1). An increase of the film’s resistivity from 102 to 107 Ω-cm is observed by increasing the ammonium hydroxide concentration in the solution in the narrow interval of 0.18–0.36 M. Transmittance values up to 70% are obtained at the lowest concentrations of this reagent, obtaining from these spectra the highest value of the direct bandgap, 2.37 eV. Results about the presence of organic compounds and their influence on the photoluminescence properties are shown, which have not been reported to date. The main organic compound identified by FTIR is cyanamide, whose concentration is higher at the lowest ammonium hydroxide concentrations. Photoluminescence spectra of the films show green, red and orange bands, located at 2.27 eV, 1.78 eV, and 2.02 eV, respectively. An additional band was observed with low intensity at 2.99 eV associated with the presence of nanoparticles in some films. The films with the lower presence of defects, higher uniformity and best optical, electrical and structural properties for their use as window material in solar cells are those deposited from a bath solution with a 0.24 M concentration of the complexing agent.

Effects of different land uses on soil physical and chemical properties in Odeda LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria

The study investigated the effect of different land use systems on soil physical and chemical properties in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. A total number of nine composite samples were collected each from the sampling locations at three depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) using a soil auger from three different locations; abattoir wastewater area, farmland area, and automobile workshop area. Some physicochemical properties that reflect soil nutrients content and fertility status (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, C, N, P, pH, ECEC, particle size, electrical conductivity, and hydrocarbon content) were determined using standard physicochemical techniques. Results from the oil-spill affected (Automobile workshop) and non-oil affected soil were compared. The result shows that land use type affects soil properties differently; bulk density was low in farmland due to the penetration of roots into the soil, but was high at abattoir because of the abattoir effluent on soil that decomposed and reduced the pore space in the soil. The bulk density also high at the mechanic workshop because of the movement of vehicles which vary from light to heavy. Chemical properties like organic matter were more in mechanic village and abattoir than farmland because of the abattoir effluent, which decomposed to increase the organic matter in the soil and the presence of organic compounds from vehicles at mechanic village increased the level of organic matter in the soil. The organic matter was present in large quantity in the farmland, but was reduced by consumption by the plant.

Steel Electropolishing in the Presence of Organic Compounds

Steel Electropolishing in the Presence of Organic Compounds

Povidon-iodine (betadine) in modern obstetric-gynecological practice

The article describes the pharmacocodynamics of povidone-iodine, the release form under the brand name Betadine, pharmacological benefits, as well as evidence of its effectiveness in preventing infection in the field of surgical intervention. Povidone-iodine is indicated to be a depot of iodine, constantly releasing elemental iodine, which has strong oxidizing properties, and therefore most microorganisms are destroyed in vitro in less than a minute, and the main destructive effect of the drug occurs in the first 15–30 seconds. Povidone-iodine has a wide spectrum of antimicrobial and antiviral action. The data on medications of povidone-iodine in the form of vaginal suppositories, antiseptic solution and ointment under the trade name Betadine are presented. Own data on the effective use of vaginal suppositories in symptomatic vaginal dysbiosis caused by mixed opportunistic bacterial flora (facultative and obligate anaerobes) with the presence of Atopobium vaginae in diagnostically significant amounts are presented. In the presented comparative studies, the advantages of Betadine compared with other antiseptics in the spectrum of microbiological effects, resistance of microorganisms, effects on wound healing, dependence of the effect on the physico-chemical parameters of the environment, side effects, the purpose of application – prevention and/or treatment are shown. The results of recent comparative studies on the treatment of the surgical area with chlohexidine-alcohol and povidone-iodine, according to which povidone-iodine should still be considered acceptable for the preoperative treatment of the caesarean section, are highlighted. It is indicated that the irrigation of the wound cavity with an aqueous solution of povidone-iodine during surgery and before suturing the surgical wound is one of the WHO recommendations for the prevention of infection in the field of surgical intervention. The authors conclude that povidone-iodine, including Betadine, has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial and antiviral activity; high activity in the presence of organic compounds (blood, pus); ability to penetrate through biofilms, necrotic tissue, eschar; low incidence of antiseptic resistance; positive dynamics of wound healing by preventing the spread of inflammation and increasing the ability to heal; well tolerated by patients; low cost; ease of use.