Excretion of (14)C-fumonisin B(1), (14)C-hydrolyzed fumonisin B(1), and (14)C-fumonisin B(1)-fructose in rats.

14C-Fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) was produced by Fusarium proliferatum M-5991 in modified Myro liquid medium and purified to >95% purity with a specific activity of 1.7 mCi/mmol. Nine male and nine female F344/N rats were each dosed by gavage with 0.69 micromol of (14)C-FB(1), (14)C-hydrolyzed FB(1), or (14)C-FB(1)-fructose/kg body weight. Urinary excretion of (14)C-FB(1) and (14)C-FB(1)-fructose was 0.5% and 4.4% of the total dose, respectively, and was similar between male and female rats. Urinary excretion of (14)C-hydrolyzed HFB(1) was significantly greater (P > 0.05) in female rats as compared with male rats (17.3% vs 12.8% of the total dose, respectively). There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in biliary excretion of the three fumonisin compounds with a mean of 1. 4% of the dose excreted at 4 h after dosing. Lesser amounts continued to be excreted up to 9.25 h after dosing. Although biliary excretion of the (14)C-FB(1), (14)C-hydrolyzed FB(1), and (14)C-FB(1)-fructose was similar, increased urinary excretion of the (14)C-hydrolyzed FB(1) as compared to (14)C-FB(1) and (14)C-FB(1)-fructose indicated a greater absorption of the hydrolyzed form.     

Identification of oxidation products of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate and (-)-epigallocatechin with H(2)O(2)

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) are two important antioxidants in tea. They also display some antitumor activities, and these activities are believed to be mainly due to their antioxidative effects. However, the specific mechanisms of antioxidant action of tea catechins remain unclear. In this study are isolated and identified two novel reaction products of EGCG and one product of EGC when they were reacted separately with H(2)O(2). These products are formed by the oxidation and decarboxylation of the A ring in the catechin molecule. This study provides unequivocal proof that the A ring of EGCG and EGC may also be an antioxidant site. This study also indicates an additional reaction pathway for the oxidation chemistry of tea catechins.     

PCR-RFLP authentication of meats from red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), cattle (Bos taurus), sheep (Ovis aries), and goat (Capra hircus)

PCR-RFLP analysis has been applied to the identification of meats from red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), cattle (Bos taurus), sheep (Ovis aries), and goat (Capra hircus). PCR amplification was carried out using a set of primers flanking a conserved region of approximately 712 base pairs from the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Restriction site analysis based on sequence data from this DNA fragment permitted the selection of MseI, MboII, BslI, and ApoI endonucleases for species identification. The restriction profiles obtained when amplicons were digested with the chosen enzymes allowed the unequivocal identification of all domestic and game meat species analyzed in the present work.     

Zinc regulation in Blackbeans (Phaseolus vulgaris (L.))

Abstract

Blackbeans (Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) var ‘Black Turtle') were grown on a Lakeland soil in a factorial growth chamber experiment with 0 and 8 ppm added Zn; 0, 20, 40, 80, and 160 ppm added P; and under two temperature regimes ‐ a 28°C/23°C (day/night) temperature and a 20°C/15°C (day/night) temperature. Blackbeans were also grown at two field sites in Southern Manitoba which were selected for their low supply of available zinc. Zinc, at 0 and 15 kg/ha, and phosphorus, at 0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 kg P₂0₅/ha vere disced into the soil in a factorial experiment.

Blackbean zinc uptake was much greater at the higher temperature, while phosphorus uptake was not similarly affected by temperature. Blackbean phosphorus uptake was regulated by the plant when sufficient Zn was present but was not regulated at low plant Zn levels. At low blackbean Zn levels, plant uptake of phosphorus further decreased blackbean Zn uptake. Blackbean Zn uptake was not affected by phosphorus concentration as long as Zn levels remained sufficiently high.     

Synthesis of (Diethyl-d(10)) coumaphos and related compounds

Two deuterated insecticides were prepared for use as internal standards for gas-liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses. Diethyl chlorothiophosphate-d(10) was prepared by reaction of ethanol-d(6) with P(2)S(5) to give labeled diethyldithiophosphoric acid, followed by chlorination. Treatment of the acid chloride with 3-chloro-4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin and potassium carbonate in acetone at reflux gave labeled coumaphos. An analogous reaction with 4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin gave labeled potasan, and the technique should be usable for synthesis of labeled forms of other dialkyl thiophosphate insecticides.     

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of homochiral (R)- and (S)-karahanaenol from (R)-limonene

Terpinolene oxide, a monoterpene belonging to the p-menthane group, is easily derived from naturally abundant (R)-limonene. It was isomerized with montmorillonite clay catalyst to karahanaenone (2,2, 5-trimethylcyclohept-4-en-1-one) by ring enlargement. The enantiomers of the corresponding alcohol, karahanaenol (2,2, 5-trimethylcyclohept-4-en-1- ol), known for their individual organoleptic properties, were resolved through Pseudomonas cepacia lipase mediated enantiospecific alcoholysis of its acetate derivative.     

Ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa (Wedd.) Parodi) in Bolivia

A field survey/collection trip to Bolivia was carried out in 1994 in order to examine the present status of the leguminous tuber/root crop Pachyrhizus ahipa. The germplasm available prior to the field trip was very limited, only one accession of known origin and two of unknown origin were available for genetic analysis and agronomic evaluation. However, in order to ensure that information on cultivation practices, genetic variation and the need for conservation initiatives would become available to the biosystematic Yam Bean Project (funded by the EU/STD3 Programme), a detailed questionnaire was developed and used in the survey. The field trip succeeded in establishing the urgent need for conservation measurements, the considerable genetic variation available within the extant landraces, and the objectives of any future breeding programme. This species possesses numerous agronomically attractive traits.     

Competition from Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) in Pb(II) Binding to Suwannee River Fulvic Acid

This is a study of trace metal competition in the complexation of Pb(II) by well-characterized humic substances, namely Suwannee River Fulvic Acid (SRFA) in model solutions. It was found that Cu(II) seems to compete with Pb(II) for strong binding sites of SRFA when present at the same concentration as Pb(II). However, Cd(II) and Zn(II) did not seem to compete with Pb(II) for strong binding sites of SRFA. These two metals did compete with Pb(II) for the weaker binding sites of SRFA. Heterogeneity of SRFA was found to play a crucial role in metal–SRFA interactions. The environmental significance of this research for freshwater is that even at relatively low Pb(II) loadings, the metals associated with lead in minerals, e.g. Cu(II), may successfully compete with Pb(II) for the same binding sites of the naturally occurring organic complexants, with the result that some of the Pb(II) may exist as free Pb²⁺ ions, which has been reported to be one of the toxic forms of Pb in aquatic environment.     

(三唑基-~(14)C-)粉锈宁的标记合成

本文报道了(三唑基-14C)-粉锈宁的制备。由14C-甲酸和重碳酸氨基胍形成(5-14C)-3-氨基-1,2,4-三唑,再经重氮化脱氨得到(5-14C)-1,2,4-三唑,最后再与对氯酚和二氯片呐酮反应得到(三唑基-14C)-粉锈宁。放化收率为26％(从甲酸-14C计),放化纯度大于95％。     

Use of Gisenyi Volcanic Rock for Adsorptive Removal of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) from Wastewater

Volcanic rock is a potential adsorbent for metallic ions from wastewater. This study determined the capacity of Gisenyi volcanic rock found in Northern Rwanda to adsorb Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn using laboratory scale batch experiments under a variety of experimental conditions (initial metal concentration varied from 1 to 50 mg/L, adsorbent dosage 4 g/L, solid/liquid ratio of 1:250, contact time 120 h, particle size 250–900 μm). The adsorbent had a surface area of 3 m²/g. The adsorption process was optimal at near-neutral pH 6. The maximal adsorption capacity was 6.23, 10.87, 9.52 and 4.46 mg/g for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively. The adsorption process proceeded via a fast initial metal uptake during the first 6 h, followed by slow uptake and equilibrium after 24 h. Data fitted well the pseudo second-order kinetic model. Equilibrium experiments showed that the adsorbent has a high affinity for Cu and Pb followed by Cd and Zn. Furthermore, the rock is a stable sorbent that can be reused in multiple sorption–desorption–regeneration cycles. Therefore, the Gisenyi volcanic rock was found to be a promising adsorbent for heavy metal removal from industrial wastewater contaminated with heavy metals.     

原子力显微镜研究Pb2+在黑云母表面吸附的形貌

吸附行为是土壤中最常见、最重要的物理、化学现象之一.已有研究主要涉及土壤及不同组分对离子吸附容量的大小、吸附形态、吸附动力学等.由于测试手段的限制,关于被吸附态离子在土壤固相表面的形貌少有报道.随着表面测试技术及纳米技术的发展,原子力显微镜(AFM)被应用到土壤学领域.此技术是通过测量物体表面和挠性针尖之间的原子力来绘出表面图像.AFM是扫描隧道电镜(STM)的主要拓展,但与STM不同,AFM不仅能观测导体与非导体物质表面结构,还可研究物质表面微观的反应过程^[1,2].     

Simultaneous determination of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) in citrus essential oils by derivative potentiometric stripping analysis

Citrus essential oils are widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, so the determination of heavy metals content is of great importance to guarantee their quality. The present work deals with the quantification of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) in different varieties of citrus essential oils, using derivative potentiometric stripping analysis. Two different metals extraction procedures, involving concentrated hydrochloric acid treatment and acid-alcoholic dissolution, are tested on lemon, mandarin, sweet orange, and bergamot essential oils, and they give very similar results. Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) recovery tests spanned from 95 to 100.50%, providing evidence that metals quantification remained unaffected by the cleanup steps of the two procedures. The repeatability of the hydrochloric acid extraction method, applied on different varieties of essential oils, is >95.00% for Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II), whereas the repeatability of the acid-alcoholic dissolution method is >93.00% for Cu and Cd only in lemon oil. Detection limits obtained for the four analytes, using both procedures, ranged from 0.10 to 0.98 ng g(-)(1) in lemon, mandarin, sweet orange, and bergamot essential oils.     

Study of Ni(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) Removal Using Sludge and Minerals Followed by MF/UF

This work examined the removal of heavy metals in a system consisting of ultrafiltration (UF) or microfiltration (MF) membranes combined with sludge and minerals. The metals under examination were Ni(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II), while the system performance was investigated with respect to several operating parameters. Metal removal was achieved through various processes including chemical precipitation, biosorption, adsorption, ion exchange, and finally retention of the metals by the membranes. The pH had a profound effect on metal removal, as the alkaline environment favored the metal removal process. The use of sludge resulted in increased levels of metal uptake which was further enhanced with the addition of minerals. The metal removal mechanisms depended on the pH, the metal, and mineral type. The combined sludge?Cmineral?CUF system could effectively remove metal ions at an alkaline environment (pH?=?8), meeting the US EPA recommended long-term reuse limits of lead and copper and the short-term reuse limits of nickel and zinc for irrigation purposes, provided that specific mineral dosages were added.     

Theoretical speciation of ethylenediamine-N-(o-hydroxyphenylacetic)-N'-(p-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (o,p-EDDHA) in agronomic conditions

The presence of ethylenediamine-N-(o-hydroxyphenylacetic)-N'-(p-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (o,p-EDDHA) as the second largest component in commercial EDDHA iron chelates has recently been demonstrated. Here is reported the speciation of o,p-EDDHA by the application of a novel methodology through the determination of the complexing capacity, protonation, and Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Cu(2+), and Fe(3+) stability constants. The pM values and species distribution in solution, hydroponic, and soil conditions were obtained. Due to the para position of one phenol group in o,p-EDDHA, the protonation constants and Ca and Mg stability constants have different values from those of o,o-EDDHA and p,p-EDDHA regioisomers. o,p-EDDHA/Fe(3+) stability constants are higher than those of EDTA/Fe(3+) but lower than those of o,o-EDDHA/Fe(3+). The sequence obtained for pFe is o,o-EDDHA/Fe(3+) >/= o,p-EDDHA/Fe(3+) > EDTA/Fe(3+). o,p-EDDHA/Fe(3+) can be used as an iron chelate in hydroponic conditions. Also, it can be used in soils with limited Cu availability.     

Binding studies of oxovanadium(V) with ovalbumins (OA)

The effect of protein oxovanadium(V) ion concentration and pH on the ratio of diffusion current (id/id₀) was studied in vanadium(V) ovalbumin-S and denatured ovalbumin systems. In both the cases marked decrease in diffusion current was observed at the respective pH values, indicating that binding takes place with cationic groups of the proteins. The binding sites (n) were found to be pH dependent. The uniformity of logK and ΔG ⁰ value at all pH values indicated the involvement of same sites in interaction. Furthermore, the linear scatchard plots in both the systems supported the involvement of single class of independent sites in oxovanadium(V) anion interaction. The difference in binding sites (n) has been attributed to the folded structure of ovalbumin-S while unfolded one of denatured ovalbumin.     

Batch Chromium(VI), Cadmium(II) and Lead(II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Horticultural Peat

The selectivity and uptake capacity of horticultural peat available in Romania was evaluated with respect to the removal of Cd(II), Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution. The kinetics, sorption capacities, selectivity and pH dependence of sorption were determined. The influence of metal concentration in solution is discussed in the terms of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm and constants. Sorption capacities increased with increasing metal concentration in solution. For solutions containing 300 mg/l of metal, the observed uptake capacities were 20 mg Cd(II)/g peat, 15 mg Cr(VI)/g peat and 30 mg Pb(II)/g peat. The study proved that horticultural peat is a suitable material for the removal of the studied heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions, achieving removal efficiencies higher than 90%, and could be considered as a potential material for treating effluent polluted with Cd(II), Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions.     

Chemically Modified Silica Gel with N-(2-aminoethyl)-Salicylaldimine for Simultaneous Solid Phase Extraction and Preconcentration of Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) in waters

In this study, N-(2-aminoethyl)salicylaldimine bonded silica gel was synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared and C, H, N elemental analysis. The analytical conditions such as the pH and volume of the solution, flow rates of the sample solution and the type of eluent to achieve the simultaneous preconcentration of Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) were optimised using the modified silica gel loaded column using a solid phase extraction technique. Samples (50?C500?ml) containing metal ions at optimal pH of 8 were passed through the column filled with the modified silica gel at 7?ml min^?1 and then elution was achieved using 5?ml of 0.25?M HCl. The concentrations of metal ions in the eluates were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The effects of matrix ions were also studied and none of the major ions interfered to the proposed method. The accuracy of the developed method was validated using a certified reference water sample (Ontario Lake water, NWTMDA-54.4). The method was successfully applied to the analysis of various natural water samples. The adsorption capacities of the modified silica gel for Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) ions were determined and found to be 0.332, 0.261, 0.130 and 0.375?mmol g^?1, respectively.