Presence Of Potassium Chloride Research Articles

Probabilistic modeling of the growth of Listeria monocytogenes: effect of nisin, temperature, and strain in the presence of potassium chloride or potassium sorbate

ABSTRACT The effects of temperature and nisin with either potassium chloride (KCl) or potassium sorbate on growth boundaries of three different Listeria monocytogenes strains in broth were studied. One ATCC7644 strain and two ready-to-eat food (RTE) isolates at different temperatures (4, 20, and 37°C) and nisin (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) levels with either KCl (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% w/v) or potassium sorbate (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20% w/v) were used. Highest and lowest growth probabilities were obtained for ATTC7644 and 120 (meat-based RTE isolate) strains, respectively with KCl and strain 137 (vegetable-based RTE isolate) was in between. However, the growth probabilities of the strains were just the opposite with the use of sorbate: strain 120 had the highest, whereas ATCC7644 strain had the lowest growth probability. Our results showed that nisin in combination with other preservatives may lead to diverse growth responses for different strains of L. monocytogenes. Validation studies performed in UHT whole milk and meat broth at 8 and 12°C and nisin levels of 25, 75, 150, and 250 μg/mL with either KCl (1.5%) or sorbate (0.125%) indicated 46% and 73% accurate predictions for milk and meat broth, respectively. Although a quick growth estimate was possible with the use of broth, we concluded that a model developed in a laboratory medium should not be extended in real food systems.

PH-responsive wormlike micelles formed by an anionic surfactant derived from erucic acid

An erucic acid-based anionic surfactant, AdEr, was synthesized by a simple neutralization reaction, and AdEr constructed a novel pH-responsive wormlike micellar viscoelastic system in the presence of potassium chloride (KCl). The viscoelasticity and pH-responsiveness of the pH-responsive wormlike micelles have been investigated using rheology, and its corresponding mechanism has been analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. The zero-shear viscosity (η0) of the AdEr/KCl system dramatically increases by 5 orders of magnitude as the pH increases from 6 to 10. The viscoelastic fluids and dispersion system with white precipitate can be converted by tuning the pH between 10.46 and 6.03, and the corresponding aggregates also transform between wormlike micelles and spherical micelles. Furthermore, by directly adding acid and alkali, the AdEr/KCl system can be precisely reversibly controlled in the pH range 6–10, and the viscosity stays unchanged after three reversible cycles, exhibiting strong pH reversibility. The pH-responsive behavior can be attributed to the manipulation of carboxylic acid protonation. This study promotes new applications of erucic acid resources in smart viscoelastic solutions.

Synthesis and colloidal-chemical properties of manganese dioxide hydrosols synthesized in the presence of sodium thiosulfate

In this paper, the possibility of obtaining manganese dioxide hydrosols by condensation in the presence of sodium thiosulfate is considered. The main properties of hydrosols, including particle size and shape, phase composition, electrophoretic mobility, and the pH range of the dispersion medium in which sols are aggregatively stable, are determined. The sol coagulation thresholds in the presence of potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, and potassium sulfate were determined. It was found that the hydrosols coagulation is reversible. The nature of the aggregative stability of obtained manganese dioxide sols is discussed.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone influences intracellular alpha-synuclein aggregates

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder clinically manifesting in uncontrolled motor symptoms. There are two primary hallmark features of Parkinson’s disease—an irreversible loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta and formation of intracellular insoluble aggregates called Lewy bodies mostly composed of alpha-synuclein. Using a clinical improvements-first approach, we identified several clinical trials involving consumption of a specific diet or nutritional supplementation that improved motor and nonmotor functions. Here, we aimed to investigate if and how pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) compound disrupts preformed alpha-synuclein deposits using SH-SY5Y cells, widely used Parkinson’s disease cellular model. SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, incubated in presence of potassium chloride (KCl) to induce alpha-synuclein protein aggregation, were treated with PQQ for up to 48 hr. Resulting aggregates were examined and quantified using confocal microscopy. Overall, nutritional compound PQQ reduced the average number and overall size of intracellular cytoplasmic alpha-synuclein aggregates in a PD cellular model.

Quantifying the spontaneous emulsification of a heavy hydrocarbon with the presence of a strong surfactant

The rate of spontaneous emulsification phenomenon of heavy hydrocarbon in a non-ionic surfactant solution was studied experimentally. The size of a diminishing oil droplet was monitored photographically with the presence of an electrolyte. The obtained data were analysed using Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis (ADSA) software to measure the flux of emulsion droplets formed spontaneously. In contrast to all previous reports, a stable layer confined between the oil and aqueous solution was observed with a relatively constant thickness, ∼ 100 µm. The result shows that the rate of emulsification is reduced with the presence of electrolytes and is inversely correlated to its concentration. Considerable variation of the influence of electrolyte type on the kinetic of the spontaneous emulsification process for a given condition has been observed. Consequently, a new diffusion-control mechanism has been proposed, creating an extendable model to describe the process theoretically. The experimental data of emulsifying hexadecane in Triton X-100 micellar solution with the presence of potassium chloride and sodium chloride was well fitted to the proposed model. The results have important implications for surfactant-based cleaning processes.

A sensitive visual DNAzyme-based strategy for Cronobacter sakazakii in PIF by aRPA

Cronobacter sakazakii, as a most important foodborne pathogen in powdered infant formula (PIF), can cause diseases with high mortality in infants and young children, and has become a key monitoring target in dairy industry. In this study, a visual detection strategy based on DNAzyme and asymmetry recombinase polymerase amplification (aRPA) was developed for monitoring C. sakazakii in PIF. A large amount of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) rich of guanine (G) was produced in this process and ssDNA could bend and fold into intramolecular parallel G-quadruplex in the presence of potassium chloride. The complex of G-quadruplex and hemin, described as DNAzyme, has strong peroxidase-like activity and catalyze the reaction of H2O2 and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), making the color of solution blue. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt in the detection of C. sakazakii based on aRPA and DNAzyme. The limits of detection (LOD) of this method for C. sakazakii were as low as 2.2 CFU mL−1 in pure culture and 5.4 × 101 CFU g−1 in artificially contaminated PIF, respectively. Besides, good stability of the method was shown in the on-site simulation evaluation, which was realized by only warm water, indicating that such strategy may have bright application prospects for field test without heating equipment.

Proximate analysis, HPTLC finger print analysis and multi spectrometric analysis of Strychnos nux-vomica nuts.

In alternative medicine, plants pay a major role. Some plants are known for their poisonous nature but still have some importance in the herbal drug industry for their medicinal value. Strychnos nux-vomica is one such plant. Its nuts are called as poison nut due to the presence of alkaloids. Both the nut and its minerals are having medicinal properties and hence the present study was indented to understand the nature of primary metabolites and multi elemental composition. The nuts of S.nux-vomica were procured, authenticated, powdered and subjected to proximate analysis parameters, visualization of thin layer chromatographic separation (TLC) and finger print profiling through high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC); surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, powder X-ray diffractometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. In HPTLC, 7 spots each under 254nm, 366nm, derivatization with vanillin sulphuric acid (VSR) reagent appeared and 2 spots with Dragendorff's reagent. In HPTLC, 12 peaks at 254nm, 9 peaks at 366nm, 7 peaks at 520nm after derivatization with VSR reagent detected. Elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, aluminium, iron, manganese, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, copper, zinc, sulphur and silicon were identified. PXRD revealed that the presence of potassium chloride, calcite and dolomite as major elemental composition. The presence of all the above elements has vital roles on human physiology. Potassium, calcium, chlorine, aluminium, nickel, phosphorus, sulphur and silicon are reported for the first time in this study.

A simple method for the isolation of leaf epidermis from graminaceous species for studying stomatal physiology

Brachypodium distachyon has been gaining traction as the model annual species for economically important temperate grasses such as wheat and barley. Methods for tissue culture and genetic transformation have been developed for this model grass as a resource for functional genomics and reverse genetics. More recently, B. distachyon has been used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms regulating stomatal development in monocotyledons. However, there is a paucity of methods for facilitating the use of B. distachyon for studying stomatal physiology. We developed a simple and easy method for the isolation of intact leaf epidermis from B. distachyon with minimal mesophyll contamination. Our results showed that stomatal guard cells remain viable in the isolated leaf epidermis and that stomata can open in the presence of potassium chloride and light, and that this opening response can be inhibited by abscisic acid in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we also showed that the method we have developed can be used for isolating leaf epidermis from a range of graminaceous species with minimal mesophyll contamination, including Triticum aestivum, T. macha, T. uratu, and T. aethiopicum, Hordeum vulgare, Avena sativa, and Aegilops tauschii.

Carnallite synthesis from magnesium and potassium chloride solutions

The influence of the main parameters on the process of obtaining artificial carnallite and its quality has been established. It is shown that to obtain a product with a high content of the carnallite phase and a low content of bischofite and KCl, it is necessary to use magnesium chloride solution with the concentration of 27-30 % and preheated ground potassium chloride. The process should be carried out at the temperature of 80 °C. The formation of synthetic carnallite, close in composition to the enriched one, occurs when the ratio of potassium chloride to magnesium chloride in the initial mixture is equal or close to their stoichiometric ratio in carnallite. With an excess of potassium chloride in the reaction mixture, an increased content of potassium and sodium chlorides in the product is observed, and with its deficiency, the product contains an increased amount of bischofite phase. To reduce the hydrolysis of magnesium chloride during dehydration, a slight excess of potassium chloride should be maintained in the mixture entering the synthesis. It is shown that the most advantageous scheme for producing artificial carnallite provides for incomplete evaporation of desulfurized liquor in the presence of potassium chloride with the return of circulating carnallite liquor to the desulfurization stage.

Revision of Flor's Gene-for-Gene Theory for the Phenomena of Interaction of Cereals Seedlings with Rust Pathogens.

Monopustule isolates of wheat, oats and barley rust pathogens reproduced under different environmental conditions were used to infect experimental samples of these crops. Differences in the types of reactions after infection of one plant genotype with one pathogen genotype reproduced at different temperatures, as well as in the presence of potassium chloride, ammonium nitrate and maleic acid hydrazide indicate the impossibility of explaining the phenomena of plant-pathogen interaction within the framework of Flor's classical gene-for-gene theory. Each gene of the host resistance corresponds to several complementary virulence genes, or to several different alleles of one same gene for virulence.

Chlorocob(II)alamin Formation Which Enhances the Thiol Oxidase Activity of the B12-Trafficking Protein CblC.

CblC is a chaperone that catalyzes removal of the β-axial ligand of cobalamin (or B12), generating cob(II)alamin in an early step in the cofactor trafficking pathway. Cob(II)alamin is subsequently partitioned to support cellular needs for the synthesis of active cobalamin cofactor derivatives. In addition to the β-ligand transferase activity, the Caenorhabdiitis elegans CblC (ceCblC) and clinical R161G/Q variants of the human protein exhibit robust thiol oxidase activity, converting glutathione to glutathione disulfide while concomitantly reducing O2 to H2O2. The chemical efficiency of the thiol oxidase side reaction during ceCblC-catalyzed dealkylation of alkylcobalamins is noteworthy in that it effectively scrubs ambient oxygen from the reaction mixture, leading to air stabilization of the highly reactive cob(I)alamin product. In this study, we report that the enhanced thiol oxidase activity of ceCblC requires the presence of KCl, which explains how the wasteful thiol oxidase activity is potentially curtailed inside cells where the chloride concentration is low. We have captured an unusual chlorocob(II)alamin intermediate that is formed in the presence of potassium chloride, a common component of the reaction buffer, and have characterized it by electron paramagnetic resonance, magnetic circular dichroism, and computational analyses. The ability to form a chlorocob(II)alamin intermediate could represent an evolutionary vestige in ceCblC, which is structurally related to bacterial B12-dependent reductive dehalogenases that have been proposed to form halogen cob(II)alamin intermediates in their catalytic cycle.

Nano-alumina based (alpha and gamma) drilling fluid system to stabilize high reactive shales

Most of water based drilling fluids easily penetrate into shale formations and cause serious problems such as well instability, destruction of the formation, wall pipe folding and pipe adhesion. The present research aims to assess the effects of alumina nano-particles (alpha and gamma) on shale/clay stability due to the unique specifications of alumina (alpha and gamma) nano particles. The SEM, XRD, EDAX and AFM analyses of recovered shale samples indicate that the average size of alpha alumina nano-particles coating the shale surface and the pores existing in the shale is between 25 and 35 nm, whereas the average size of gamma alumina nano-particles coating the shale surface and the pores present in the shale is between 20 and 30 nm. In addition, samples recovered by nano-alpha reveal more porosity remained in the shale sample in comparison with the nano-gamma nano-sample. Furthermore, the results obtained from EDAX illustrate a suitable nano-gamma alumina over the recovered shale. The experiment with five types of drilling fluid without the presence of potassium chloride as an inhibitor salt designed. Thus, the water based drilling fluid containing nano-gamma alumina with less than 1 %wt was chosen as the best sample. Generally, the presence of alumina nano-particles optimizes the stability of formations containing ions like shale.

Preparation and FTIR, Raman and SEM characterizations of konjac glucomannan-KCl electrogels.

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) electrogels were successfully prepared under alternating current (AC) in the presence of potassium chloride (KCl). The structure of the gels was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A single-factor experiment was performed to optimize the preparation of the gels. Our results showed that KGM was degraded under AC and partially deacetylated. KGM and KCl formed the structure , and electrogels with porous structures retained some acetyl groups. Furthermore, as the KCl concentrations, voltages, time, and KGM concentrations increased, the viscoelastic moduli of the gels increased; the moduli decreased when the KCl concentrations, voltages, and time exceeded critical values.

Comprehensive monolayer two-parameter isotherm and kinetic studies of thiamine adsorption on clay minerals: Experimental and modeling approaches

Abstract One of the main reasons for shale swelling is the interaction between the montmorillonite (Mt) and water molecules. Using shale inhibitors is a principal method for preventing shale swelling when drilling shale formations with water-based drilling fluids. In the present study, for the first time, thiamine is introduced as a new shale inhibitor and as an ecofriendly substance in water-based drilling muds. The adsorption amount of the shale inhibitor onto the shale formation is an important parameter affecting the performance of the shale inhibitor. In the present study, firstly, the adsorption of thiamine onto shale formation is investigated. Batch experiments were carried out to investigate the adsorption of thiamine on sodium bentonite. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of thiamine in the aqueous solution was obtained as 2.3 g/L. Various isotherm and kinetic adsorption models have been fitted to the experimental data and the parameters of the models have been determined. Results showed that the Jovanovich isotherm adsorption model with squared correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.96 and pseudo-second order kinetic model with contribution of intraparticle diffusion can predict the adsorption of thiamine on montmorillonite. The inhibitory properties of thiamine were investigated by various dynamic tests such as particle size measurement, consolidation test, cutting dispersion test and dynamic linear swelling test. The particle size of clay in the presence of thiamine increased from 574 to 7920 nanometer (nm) in comparison with deionized water. The consolidation test results showed that in the presence of thiamine, the compression index decreases from 0.2681 to 0.2172 and the swelling index decreases from 0.0954 to 0.0389. In the presence of thiamine, the reduction in the indices is higher than that in the presence of potassium chloride. The results indicated that the amount of recovered shale cuttings in the presence of thiamine with the concentration of 10 g/L is larger by 24.19% and 7.41% in comparison with that in deionized water and potassium chloride, respectively. The linear swelling of thiamine is lower than the potassium chloride and deionized water. In addition, thiamine enjoyed marked morphological characteristics, elemental analysis and specific surface area revealed via scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. In addition, the artificial neural network (ANN) was used to model the adsorption experimental data. The developed ANN model with R2 = 0.97 is accurate enough to predict the kinetic adsorption behavior of thiamine onto montmorillonite. Hence, 10 g/L is the optimum and economical concentration of thiamine as the shale inhibitor. Based on the results obtained in this study, thiamine has a high potential to prevent swelling and hydration of water sensitive shale. Also, the results from this study are applicable in determining the optimum concentration of thiamine in drilling fluids and selecting the best shale inhibitor concentration in drilling operations.

KCl flux suppresses surface recombinations of hematite photoanode for water oxidation

Hematite is a promising photoanode for solar water splitting because of its favorable bandgap, excellent chemical stability and low cost. However, it suffers from both severe bulk and surface-charge recombinations, resulting in photoactivities much lower than the theoretical value. In this work, a facile new strategy is proposed by annealing hematite in the presence of potassium chloride (KCl) flux at 800°C. The photocurrent density of the annealed hematite, denoted ‘KCl-hematite’, increases from 0·34 mA/cm2 for pristine hematite to 0·54 mA/cm2 at 1·23 VRHE and further to 0·90 mA/cm2 after cobalt–phosphate (Co-Pi) deposition. Moreover, the photocurrent onset potential of KCl-hematite shows a cathodic shift of 120 mV compared with that of pristine hematite. It is demonstrated that potassium chloride flux can enhance the crystallinity and orderliness of hematite on the surface, reducing surface recombinations. This facile strategy by a flux offers a new insight to passivate surface recombinations of photoelectrodes and can be easily extended to other materials to enhance their photoactivities.

The influence of deacetylation degree of konjac glucomannan on rheological and gel properties of konjac glucomannan/κ-carrageenan mixed system

The rheological and textural properties of κ-carrageenan (CAR) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) with definite deacetylation degree (DD) mixed system in the presence of potassium chloride (KCl) were investigated to study the influence of deacetylation degree on KGM, CAR and KCl mixed system. The results revealed that the zero-shear viscosities of the mixed sol system increased firstly and then decreased with the gradual increase of DD. Besides, the sols had the capability of being transformed into irreversible gel by heating them at 80 °C for 30 min and then cooling to room temperature. The DD of KGM did have impacts on the characteristics of the ensuing hydrogels. That is, the mixed gels showed an initial increase and ensuing decrease in gel strength over DD, reaching the maximum with a DD of 21.07%. Overall, by controlling the deacetylation degree of KGM, the gel behaviors of the mixed system can be regulated.

A rhodium(iii)-catalyzed tunable coupling reaction of indole derivatives with alkylidenecyclopropanes via C-H activation.

We herein report a rhodium(iii)-catalyzed cross coupling of indole derivatives with alkylidenecyclopropanes (ACPs) in the presence of KCl, affording the alkene products exclusively with E-selectivity via C-H bond activation. The beta-H elimination to afford the conjugated diene derivatives has been suppressed by the addition of KCl. A plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed along with derivatization of the obtained product to demonstrate the practical usefulness of this synthetic protocol.

Chronic Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia (4600 M) Attenuates Pulmonary Vasodilation Induced by Acetylcholine or Sodium Nitroprusside.

Previous studies performed in rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH), at a simulated altitude of 4600 m, showed reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, increased arginase activity, and increased oxidative stress. However, studies on vascular function are scarce. Our aim was to measure plasma nitrate and nitrite (NOx) concentration and study pulmonary vascular function in rats exposed to CIHH in the presence of potassium chloride (KCl), acetylcholine (Ach), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: A control group (normoxia (N), n = 10) and a CIHH group (2N × 2H × 30 days, n = 20). CIHH exposure was performed in a hypobaric chamber at 428 Torr (4600 m). Noninvasive systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate, and body weight (BW) were measured. Blood samples were obtained to measure NOx levels and hematocrit (Hct). CIHH animals that gained BW and presented a Hct <20% and maintained SBP were classified as tolerant, and animals that lost >30% of their BW, increased Hct and SBP >20% were classified as intolerant. Animals were sacrificed and small pulmonary arteries (SPA) were obtained to perform concentration-response curves to KCl, Ach, and SNP. Intolerant rats (30%) had decreased NOx levels. SPA had a larger vasocontraction response to KCl and a lower dilation response to SNP in the SPA compared to tolerant and control animals. In addition, SPA had a lower dilatation response to Ach compared with the control. Together, these results show that CIHH alters endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

Application of Electrocoagulation Process for Continuous Coal Stockpile Wastewater Treatment System

Coal wastewater is characterized by high total suspended solid (TSS), heavy metals, and low acidity (pH). The purpose of this study was to research the effects of the operating parameters such as applied voltage, the number of electrodes, and reaction time on a real coal stockpile wastewater in the continuous electrocoagulation process. For this purpose, aluminum electrodes were used in the presence of potassium chloride as an electrolyte. It has been shown that the removal efficiency of TSS and heavy metals content increased with increasing the applied voltage and reaction time. The results indicate that the electrocoagulation process is efficient and able to achieve 88.67% TSS removal, 95.65% ferrous removal, 99.11% manganesse removal, and pH increased until 7.1 at 24 volts during 120 min, respectively. The experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of electrocoagulation methods for the treatment of coal stockpile wastewater. Key words : coal stockpile wastewater, electrocoagulation, electrode

Ursodeoxycholic acid, in contrast to other bile acids, induces Ca2+-dependent cyclosporin A-insensitive permeability transition in liver mitochondria in the presence of potassium chloride

The effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic bile acids as inducers of Ca2+-dependent permeability of the inner membrane were studied on isolated liver mitochondria. It is shown that in the absence of the inorganic phosphate (Pi)–a modulator of the mitochondrial pore–hydrophobic bile acids (lithocholic, deoxycholic, chenodeoxycholic) at concentrations of 20–50 μM, as well as a hydrophilic cholic acid at a concentration of 800 μM, induce swelling of liver mitochondria loaded with Ca2+. This effect is completely eliminated by a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial pore cyclosporin A (CsA). The effect of the bile acids as inducers of Ca2+-dependent CsA-sensitive mitochondrial pore is not associated with the modulation of the Pi effects. In contrast to other tested bile acids, a hydrophilic ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) at a concentration of 400 μM is able to induce Ca2+-dependent CsA-sensitive pore opening in liver mitochondria only in the presence of Pi or in the absence of potassium chloride in the incubation medium. In the presence of potassium chloride but in the absence of Pi, UDCA effects associated with the induction of the inner membrane permeability (swelling of mitochondria, drop in Δψ, and Ca2+ release from the matrix) are also observed in the presence of CsA. This Ca2+-dependent permeability of the inner membrane, in contrast to the “classical” CsA-sensitive pore, is characterized by a lower intensity of the mitochondrial swelling, a total drop in Δψ, and Ca2+ release from the matrix and is blocked by Pi. We suggest that the induction of the CsA-insensitive permeability in the inner mitochondrial membrane by UDCA is associated with activation of electrophoretic influx of K+ into the matrix and Ca2+ release from the matrix in exchange to H+. The effect of Pi as a blocker of such permeability is discussed.