Extraction Of Sb Research Articles

Speciation of inorganic antimony (III & V) employing polyurethane foam loaded with bromopyrogallol red

In this work, the speciation analysis of inorganic antimony (Sb(III) and Sb(V)) is proposed using polyurethane foam loaded with bromopyrogallol red (PUF-BPR) as a selective sorbent for Sb(III). The quantification of Sb in the solutions was performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS), and several variables that could affect the performance of the method were carefully evaluated. The best conditions for the sorption of Sb(III) were achieved by shaking 50mg of PUF-BPR with the solutions containing Sb(III) at pH 4.0 for 90min. In this condition, the retention of Sb(V) was not significant, whereas the removal of Sb(III) from the solution was higher than 95%. The desorption of Sb(III) from loaded PUF-BPR was possible by shaking the loaded foam with 7.5mL of a 2.5molL−1 HNO3 solution for 30min. No interference of metal cations was observed on the solid-phase extraction of Sb(III) by PUF-BPR. The developed method was applied in the speciation analysis of antimony in river water samples fortified with different concentrations of Sb(III) and Sb(V). Also, we performed the determination of Sb(III) in a sample of a Sb-based drug utilized in the treatment of leishmaniasis. The results show that Sb(III) can be separated from high concentrations of Sb(V), since recoveries in the range of 81–110% were obtained in the analysis of the samples. The method presented limits of detection and quantification of 0.6 and 2µgL−1, respectively, for Sb(III) and 1 and 3µgL−1 for Sb(V), respectively.

A novel molecularly imprinted method with computational simulation for the affinity isolation and knockout of baicalein from Scutellaria baicalensis

A novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized by precipitation polymerization with baicalein (BAI) as the template and used as solid-phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent, aiming at the affinity isolation and selective knockout of BAI from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB). We used computational simulation to predict the optimal functional monomer, polymerization solvent and molar ratio of template to functional monomer. Characterization and performance tests revealed that MIP exhibited uniform spherical morphology, rapid binding kinetics, and higher adsorption capacity for BAI compared with nonimprinted polymer (NIP). The application of MIP in SPE coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography to extract BAI from SB showed excellent recovery (94.3%) and purity (97.0%). Not only the single BAI compound, but also the BAI-removed SB extract was obtained by one-step process. This new method is useful for isolation and knockout of key bioactive compounds from herbal medicines.

Purification of niobium from antimony by the extraction with tributylphosphate

The effect of the concentrations of HF and H2SO4 and organic-to-aqueous phase ratio Vo : Vaq on the distribution of Sb and Nb in their extraction with tributyl phosphate has been studied. It has been determined that, under the best conditions (HFfree 150 g/L, H2SO4 100 g/L, and Vo : Vaq = 0.3 : 1), and the extraction of Sb within one step is 72%, which is followed by the coextraction of Nb at 25%. The flow diagram of extraction and separation of Ta, Sb, and Nb from model solutions, which are close in composition to the reprocessed tantalite-columbites, has been suggested.

Oral administration of Sauce llorón extract to growing lambs to control gastrointestinal nematodes and Moniezia spp.

To explore anthelmintic effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Sauce llorón (Salix babylonica; SB) against gastrointestinal nematodes and Moniezia spp. Sixteen Pelibuey male lambs of 3-4 months of age and (23.7±3.3) kg body weight were used in a completely randomized design to be fed a total mixed ration (Control; SB0), or Control plus SB extract using 20 (SB20), 40 (SB40) and 60 (SB60) mL/lamb(/)day for 45 days. Lambs had a natural gastrointestinal nematodes and Moniezia spp. infection and had never been treated with chemical anthelmintic drugs. Individual faecal samples were collected for ova counting using McMaster procedure after 0, 7, 14, 21, 30 and 45 days post extract administration. No extract dose×day interactions for both gastrointestinal nematodes and Moniezia spp. egg count were found. Administration of SB extract had a higher effect (quadratic effect, P=0.006 4) at dose of 20mL SB/lamb/day for gastrointestinal nematode eggs during the first 21 days; however, the dose of SB40 tended (linear effect, P=0.089 7) to be more effective than the others for Moniezia spp. egg during the first 7 days. Sampling day had a linear (P=0.043 6) effect on Moniezia spp. egg count. The aqueous extract of SB could be more effective against nematodes at 20 and at 40mL/lamb/day for Moniezia spp. The use of the SB extract could represent a promising alternative to synthetic anthelmintics for the treatment of gastrointestinal nematodes and Moniezia spp. in small ruminants from organic and conventional production systems.

Possibility of bacterial leaching of antimony, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, and zinc from contaminated sediment

There is an environmental risk of Sb becoming a major pollutant due to the quick increase in the production of Sb industry. However, there have been few investigations on interactions between Sb and microorganisms and bioremediation of Sb this paper presents an investigation on bioleaching of Sb from contaminated sediment which is collected in the vicinity of a Sb processing plant using the iron-oxidizer, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The bioleaching of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn in the sediment was also investigated to compare with that of sb. Duplicated batch-type experiments based on different incubation time, on the presence or absence of Fe2+ and/ or Ag+, were conducted to compare the efficiency of metal extraction. After bioleaching, 97.4% of Ni, 95.2% of Mn, 65.8% of Cr, 36.2% of Cu, 34.8% of Zn, and 2.2% of Sb were extracted from sediments. The extraction efficiency of Sb was the lowest in comparison to those of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn. This result indicated that Sb is difficult to solubilize by bacterial leaching. The catalytic effect of Ag+ was not observed, which could be due to the inhibition of Ag+ on the activity of A. ferrooxidans and formation of Ag jarosite precipitation on the surface of sediment particles. Though the extraction of Sb was not efficient, this study demonstrates the potential for Sb to be bioleached and a feasible technique in remediation of Sb.

Dissolution of Thermoelectric Materials Containing Te with Acidic Solutions

An attempt to dissolve thermoelectric materials such as Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 has been made with acidic solutions in order to separate tellurium from those materials. The chemical reagents of Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 were used for the dissolution tests. As a result, it was found that percent extraction of Te increased considerably with the concentration of nitric acid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide when Bi2Te3 was dissolved with nitric acid. It was found that the addition of oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide may be essential for dissolution of Bi2Te3 with acidic solutions. It was also remarkable that percent extraction of Sb was extremely lower than that of Te when Sb2Te3 was dissolved by nitric acid. As far as the effect of temperature on dissolution of Sb2Te3 was concerned, extraction of Te was considerably increased with increase in temperature.

Effects of cellulase and xylanase enzymes mixed with increasing doses of Salix babylonica extract on in vitro rumen gas production kinetics of a mixture of corn silage with concentrate

An in vitro gas production (GP) technique was used to investigate the effects of combining different doses of Salix babylonica extract (SB) with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EZ) based on xylanase (X) and cellulase (C), or their mixture (XC; 1:1 v/v) on in vitro fermentation characteristics of a total mixed ration of corn silage and concentrate mixture (50:50, w/w) as substrate. Four levels of SB (0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mL g−1 dry matter (DM)) and four supplemental styles of EZ (1 μL g−1 DM; control (no enzymes), X, C and XC (1:1, v/v) were used in a 4×4 factorial arrangement. In vitro GP (mL g−1 DM) were recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h of incubation. After 72 h, the incubation process was stopped and supernatant pH was determined, and then filtered to determine dry matter degradability (DMD). Fermentation parameters, such as the 24 h gas yield (GY24), in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME), short chain fatty acid concentrations (SCFA), and microbial crude protein production (MCP) were also estimated. Results indicated that there was a SB×EZ interaction (P<0.0001) for the asymptotic gas production (b), the rate of gas production (c), GP from 6 to 72 h, GP2 (P=0.0095), and GP4 (P=0.02). The SB and different combination of enzymes supplementation influenced (P<0.001) in vitro GP parameters after 12 h of incubation; the highest doses of SB (i.e., 1.8 mL g−1 DM), in the absence of any EZ, quadratically increased (P<0.05) the initial delay before GP begins (L) and GP at different incubation times, with lowering b (quadratic effect, P<0.0001) and c (quadratic effect, P<0.0001; linear effect, P=0.0018). The GP was the lowest (P<0.05) when the highest SB level was combined with cellulose. There were SB×EZ interactions (P<0.001) for OMD, ME, the partitioning factor at 72 h of incubation (PF72), GY24, SCFA, MCP (P=0.0143), and pH (P=0.0008). The OMD, ME, GY24 and SCFA with supplementation of SB extract at 1.8 mL g−1 DM were higher (P<0.001) than the other treatments, however, PF72 was lower (quadratic effect, P=0.0194) than the other levels. Both C and X had no effect (P>on OMD, pH, ME, GY24, SCFA and MP. The combination of SB with EZ increased (P<0.001) OMD, ME, SCFA, PF72 and GP24, whereas there was no impact on pH. It could be concluded that addition of SB extract, C, and X effectively improved the in vitro rumen fermentation, and the combination of enzyme with SB extract at the level of 1.2 mL g−1 was more effective than the other treatments.

Influence of exogenous enzymes in presence ofSalix babylonicaextract on digestibility, microbial protein synthesis and performance of lambs fed maize silage

SUMMARYSixteen Suffolk lambs with 29 ± 2·0 kg body weight were housed in individual cages for 60 days and allotted to four treatments in a completely randomized design to determine the effect of administration ofSalix babylonica(SB) extract and/or exogenous enzymes (ZADO®) on lamb performance. Lambs were fed with 300 g/kg concentrate (160 g crude protein (CP)/kg, 13·4 MJ metabolizable energy (ME)/kg dry matter (DM)) and 700 g/kg maize silage (80 g/kg CP, 11·7 MJ ME/kg DM) as a basal diet (control). Another three treatments were tested; the SB extract was administered at 30 ml/day (SB) and exogenous enzymes ZADO®(i.e. an exogenous enzyme cocktail in a powder form) directly fed at 10 g/day (EZ), while the last treatment contained ZADO®at 10 g/day + SB extract at 30 ml/day (EZSB). Lambs of the treatment EZSB had the greatest average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion throughout the period of the experiment. However, during the first 30 days SB was more effective for ADG than EZ andvice versaduring the last 30 days of the experiment. Water consumption was greater for SB, followed by EZ and EZSB compared to the control. Intakes of DM and organic matter (OM) were the highest in EZSB followed by EZ, which had the greatest neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and nitrogen (N) intakes. The EZSB treatment had the greatest DM and OM digestibilities compared to the other treatments; however, SB had the greatest ADF digestibility. Combination of EZ and SB had the best N balance. Allantoin, total purine derivatives (PD), allantoin : -creatinine ratio, and PD : creatinine ratio were increased in EZSB compared to the other treatments. However, EZ supplementation increased uric acid concentration, whereas the microbial N (g N/day) and metabolizable protein (g N/day) were increased in EZSBversusthe other treatments. It can be concluded that addition of 10 g ZADO®in combination withS. babylonicaextract at 30 ml/day in the diet of lambs increased feed intake, nutrient digestibility and daily gain, with a positive impact on the use of N and microbial protein synthesis.

Feasibility of Using Di-Dodecyl-Di-Octyl Diglycolamide for Partitioning of Minor Actinides from Fast Reactor High-Level Liquid Waste

The unsymmetrical diglycolamide, di-dodecyl-di-octyl diglycolamide (D3DODGA) is a modifier-free extractant proposed for partitioning of trivalent actinides from nitric acid medium. D3DODGA has been evaluated for the feasibility of using it in the absence of a phase modifier, for the partitioning of minor actinides from fast reactor high-level liquid waste (FR-HLLW). The extraction behavior of various metal ions present in the simulated FR-HLLW was studied in a solution of 0.1 M D3DODGA/n-dodecane from nitric acid medium. The distribution ratio of about 20 metal ions was measured as a function of concentration of nitric acid and other interfering ion. The extraction was found to be strongly dependent on the oxidation state of the metal ion. The extraction of Am(III) from 3–4 M nitric acid medium was quantitative in a single contact. However, it was accompanied by the quantitative extraction of fission products such as trivalent lanthanides (Ln(III)), Y(III), and Zr(IV). The extraction of Sr(II), Pd(II), and Ru(III) in 0.1 M D3DODGA/n-dodecane was not insignificant, but quite low. The extraction of Ba(II), Ni(II), Mo(VI), and Fe(III) was marginal and the extraction of Co(II), Sb(III), Mn(II), and Cs(I) in 0.1 M D3DODGA/n-dodecane was negligible. Our results indicated that 0.1 M D3DODGA/n-dodecane is a promising candidate for the separation of trivalent actinides from fast reactor high-level liquid waste containing significant quantities of trivalent lanthanides and actinides.

Pilot-scale counter-current acid leaching process for Cu, Pb, Sb, and Zn from small-arms shooting range soil

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of a counter-current leaching process (CCLP) on 14 cycles with leachate treatment at the pilot scale for Pb, Cu, Sb, and Zn removal from the soil of a Canadian small-arms shooting range. The metal concentrations in the contaminated soil were 904 ± 112 mg Cu kg–1, 8,550 ± 940 mg Pb kg–1, 370 ± 26 mg Sb kg–1, and 169 ± 14 mg Zn kg–1. The CCLP includes three acid leaching steps (0.125 M H2SO4 + 4 M NaCl, pulp density (PD) = 10 %, t = 1 h, T = 20 °C, total volume = 20 L). The leachate treatment was performed using metal precipitation with a 5-M NaOH solution. The treated effluent was reused for the next metal leaching steps. The average metal removal yields were 80.9 ± 2.3 % of Cu, 94.5 ± 0.7 % of Pb, 51.1 ± 4.8 % of Sb, and 43.9 ± 3.9 % of Zn. Compared to a conventional leaching process, the CCLP allows a significant economy of water (24,500 L water per ton of soil), sulfuric acid (133 L H2SO4 t–1), NaCl (6,310 kg NaCl t–1), and NaOH (225 kg NaOH t–1). This corresponds to 82 %, 65 %, 90 %, and 75 % of reduction, respectively. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure test, which was applied on the remediated soil, demonstrated a large decrease of the lead availability (0.8 mg Pb L–1) in comparison to the untreated soil (142 mg Pb L–1). The estimated total cost of this soil remediation process is 267 US$ t–1. The CCLP process allows high removal yields for Pb and Cu and a significant reduction in water and chemical consumption. Further work should examine the extraction of Sb from small-arms shooting range.

Anthelmintic effects of Salix babylonica L. and Leucaena leucocephala Lam. extracts in growing lambs

Twenty Katahdin × Pelibuey crossbreed male lambs, 3 to 4 months of age and 24 ± 0.3 kg of body weight, were used to study the anthelmintic effects of administering extracts of Salix babylonica L. (SB) and Leucaena leucocephala Lam. (LL). Lambs had not been treated with anthelmintics previously and were randomly allocated into four groups of five lambs each in a completely randomized design. Treatments were as follows: control (lambs fed on total mixed ration without extracts), SB (as control plus S. babylonica L. extract at 30 ml/day), LL (as control plus L. leucocephala Lam. extract at 30 ml/day), and SBLL (as control plus 30 ml/day of S. babylonica L. and L. leucocephala Lam. extracts in a 1:1 (v/v) mixture) for 63 days. Extracts were orally administered before the 8:00 a.m. feeding to each lamb. Rectal fecal samples were collected from each lamb at day 22 (P1), day 43 (P2), and day 63 (P3) of the experiment. Adult worm and egg counts were determined in each fecal sample immediately after collection. Plant secondary metabolites of total phenolics, saponins, and the aqueous fraction were 50 % lower in the SB versus LL extracts. Overall, the oral administration of extracts has improved the egg and worm count reductions in lamb feces by 54, 47, and 40 % for LL, SB, and SBLL, respectively, versus the control lambs. Reductions of worm egg counts in lamb feces were higher (P < 0.05) in P2 and P3 versus P1. Extracts of SB and LL or possibly isolated bioactive compounds could be a promising alternative to conventional anthelmintics to treat gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants. Such treatments could be used in control strategies against gastrointestinal nematodes in organic and conventional production systems.

Counter-current acid leaching process for the removal of Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn from shooting range soil

This research explores the performance of a counter-current leaching process (CCLP) for Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn extraction in a polluted shooting range soil. The initial metal concentrations in the soil were 1790 mg Cu/kg, 48,300 mg Pb/kg, 840 mg Sb/kg and 368 mg Zn/kg. The leaching process consisted of five one-hour acid leaching steps, which used 1 M H 2SO 4+4 M NaCl (20°C, soil suspension = 100 g/L) followed by two water rinsing steps. Ten counter-current remediation cycles were completed and the average metal removal yields were 98.3±0.3% of Cu, 99.5±0.1% of Pb, 75.5±5.1% of Sb and 29.1±27.2% of Zn. The quality of metal leaching did not deteriorate throughout the 10 remediation cycles completed for this study. The CCLP reduced acid and salt use by approximately 68% and reduced water consumption by approximately 60%, exceeding reductions achieved by a standard acid leaching process.

Antiallergic effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on inflammation in vivo and in vitro

Ethnopharmacological relevanceScutellaria baicalensis (SB) is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs for the treatment of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the antiallergic effect of SB in vivo and in vitro. Materials and methodsSprague–Dawley (SD) rats received intradermal injections of anti-DNP IgE at each of three dorsal skin sites. Forty-eight hours later, each rat received an injection of DNP-HSA in saline containing 4% Evans blue through the dorsal vein of the penis. One hour before injection, SB extract was administered orally. The dorsal skin of the rats was removed and the pigment area measured. In addition, rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were cultured and purified to investigate histamine release. In vitro, human mast cells (HMC-1) were pretreated with SB extract for 30min before stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187. The effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase expression were investigated using TNF-α and IL-8 assays, and Western blotting analysis of HMC-1 cells. Results and conclusionsSB treatment inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction compared to the control group, and histamine release decreased significantly following treatment of RPMCs with SB. In HMC-1 cells, SB restored IL-8 and TNF-α expression and inhibited MAP kinase expression in compound 48/80-induced HMC-1 cells. These data suggest that SB may prove to be a useful anti-inflammatory agent through its downregulation of the expression of various inflammatory mediators.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of antimony and cobalt from inorganic environmental samples using a cup-horn sonoreactor prior to their determination by electrothermal-atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple, fast and reliable method is described for the quantitative extraction of Sb and Co from inorganic environmental matrices containing variable amounts of silicates prior to their determination by electrothermal-atomic absorption spectrometry. The method is based on the ultrasound-assisted extraction of both elements using the mixture 20% v/v HF + 20% v/v HNO3 as extractant. The extraction procedure was carried out in closed Eppendorf vials immersed in a cup-horn sonoreactor for 20 min. Once extraction has been accomplished, the supernatant liquid is separated from the solid phase and subsequently transferred into the autosampler of the instrument. A two-level full factorial design (24) was applied for screening optimisation of the variables influencing the ultrasonic extraction. These variables were: sonication time; amplitude of the ultrasound energy; nitric and hydrofluoric acid concentrations. MLDs were 0.20 and 0.06 µg · g−1 for Sb and Co, respectively. Between-batch precision values, expressed as relative standard deviations (n = 3), were less than 5.5 and 9.6% for Sb and Co, respectively. The method was evaluated using a wide variety of inorganic certified reference materials, such as SRM 2702 (Marine Sediment), SRM 2782 (Industrial Sludge), BCR 176R (Fly Ash), SRM 1633b (Coal Fly Ash) SRM 2710 (Montana Soil) and SRM 2711 (Montana Soil).

Extraction of Sb(V) from fluoride solutions with n-octanol: New aquafluorohydroxoantimonates(V)

Extraction of Sb(V) from fluoride solutions with n-octanol: New aquafluorohydroxoantimonates(V)

Impact of legume seed extracts on degradation and functional properties of gelatin from unicorn leatherjacket skin

Trypsin inhibitor was extracted from the seed flour of soybean (SB; Glycine max), mung bean (MB; Vigna radiata), cowpea bean (CP; Vigna unguiculata) and adzuki bean (AB; Vigna angularis) using 0.15M NaCl, followed by heat precipitation at 70°C. The extract from SB showed the highest specific trypsin inhibitory activity, followed by those from MB, CP and AB, respectively. Based on inhibitory activity staining, molecular weights (MWs) of trypsin inhibitor from SB, MB, CP and AB were 20.1, 14, 10 and 13kDa, respectively. The SB extract powder (SBEP) containing trypsin inhibitor in the range of 10–100TIU/g effectively prevented the degradation of γ-, β- and α-chains of collagenolytic proteins of leatherjacket skin subjected to incubation at 50°C for 30min. The impact of SBEP on the extraction yield, physical and functional properties of gelatin from leatherjacket skin was investigated. The gelatin extracted in the presence of SBEP contained α1 and α2 chains as the predominant components with some degradation peptides. FTIR spectra indicated the significant loss of molecular order of triple helix and higher degradation was found in gelatin extracted in the absence of SBEP. Gelatin extracted in the presence of SBEP had the higher gel strength (232.8–268.5g) than that extracted in the absence of SBEP (90.4g). Higher foam stability (FS) but lower emulsion stability index (ESI) was observed in the former. Therefore, the addition of SBEP effectively prevented the degradation of gelatin from the skin of unicorn leatherjacket, thereby yielding the gelatin with improved gel strength and foam stability.

Extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Root Exerts Protection Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of death in the world. Common therapies, such as primary coronary angioplasty and thrombolysis, are applied to restore blood supply to the heart, limit infarct size and reduce mortality. However, the restoration of blood supply would generate reactive oxygen species in damaged sites of the myocardium, intensifying the damage to the cardiac tissues. Radix Scutellariae baicalensis (Huangqin) is a well-known herb in traditional Chinese medicine with high antioxidant power. In this study, extract of the dry root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Sb) was confirmed to have a high content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The cardioprotective effects of the Sb extracts (3, 30 and 300 mg/kg) were evaluated in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injuried rats. The results showed that animals that had received five-day pretreatment of the Sb extract (30 mg/kg) had a significant reduction in myocardial infarct size and a marked increase in the activity of catalase in the liver. The Sb extract could additionally enhance acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation. It was proposed that the Sb extract exerted its cardioprotection by stimulating the catalase activity and improving vascular elasticity.

Book ReviewT. Nuttall, R.G. Harvey, P.J. McKeever, Skin Diseases of the Cat and Dog: A Colour Handbook, second ed., Manson Publishing, 2009, ISBN9781840761153, 320 pp.; £37.95 (hard)

Raw ingredients of pet food are often contaminated with mycotoxins. This is a serious health problem to pets and causes emotional and economical stress to the pet owners. The aim of this study was to determine the immunotoxicity of the most common mycotoxins (aflatoxin, fumonisin, ochratoxin A and zearalenone) by examining 20 samples of extruded dry dog food found on the South African market [10 samples from standard grocery store lines (SB), 10 from premium veterinarian lines (PB)]. Pelleted dog food was subjected to extraction protocols optimized for the above mentioned mycotoxins. Dog lymphocytes were treated with the extracts (24 h incubation and final concentration 40 μg/ml) to determine cell viability, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and markers of cell death using spectrophotometry, luminometry and flow cytometry. Malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress showed no significant difference between SB and PB, however, GSH was significantly depleted in SB extract treatments. Markers of apoptosis (phosphatidylserine externalization) and necrosis (propidium iodide incorporation) were elevated in both food lines when compared to untreated control cells, interestingly SB extracts were significantly higher than PB. We also observed decreased ATP levels and increased mitochondrial depolarization in cells treated with both lines of feed with SB showing the greatest differences when compared to the control. This study provides evidence that irrespective of price, quality or marketing channels, pet foods present a high risk of mycotoxin contamination. Though in this study PB fared better than SB in regards to cell toxicity, there is a multitude of other factors that need to be studied which may have an influence on other negative outcomes.

Trojan Horse Method: A tool to explore electron screening effect

Owing the presence of the Coulomb barrier at astrophysically relevant energies, it is very difficult, or sometimes impossible to measure reaction rates for charged particle induced reactions. Moreover due to the presence of the electron screening effect in direct measurements, the relevant nuclear input for astrophysics, i.e. the bare nucleus S(E)-faetor, can hardly be extracted. This is why different indirect techniques are being used along with direct measurements. The THM is an unique: indirect technique which allows one to measure reactions cross sections of astrophysical interest down the thermal energies typical of the different scenarios. The basic principle and a review of the main applications of the Trojan Horse Method are given. The applications aiming at the extraction of the bare Sb(E) astrophysical factor and electron screening potentials Ue for several two body processes are discussed.

Fermentative hydrogen production from pretreated biomass: A comparative study

The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of employing biomass resources from different origin as feedstocks for fermentative hydrogen production. Mild-acid pretreated and hydrolysed barley straw (BS) and corn stalk (CS), hydrolysed barley grains (BG) and corn grains (CG), and sugar beet extract (SB) were comparatively evaluated for fermentative hydrogen production. Pretreatments and/or enzymatic hydrolysis led to 27, 37, 56, 74 and 45 g soluble sugars/100 g dry BS, CS, BG, CG and SB, respectively. A rapid test was applied to evaluate the fermentability of the hydrolysates and SB extract. The thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus showed high hydrogen production on hydrolysates of mild-acid pretreated BS, hydrolysates of BG and CG, and SB extract. Mild-acid pretreated CS showed limited fermentability, which was partially due to inhibitory products released in the hydrolysates, implying the need for the employment of a milder pretreatment method. The difference in the fermentability of BS and CS is in strong contrast to the similarity of the composition of these two feedstocks. The importance of performing fermentability tests to determine the suitability of a feedstock for hydrogen production was confirmed.