Colloidal Carbon-Based Nanoparticles as Heavy Metal Adsorbent in Aqueous Solution: Cadmium Removal as a Case Study

Hydrophilic carbonaceous nanoparticles (HNPs) of uniform sizes with a good degree of dispersion in water were produced from a commercial carbon black by nitric acid treatment. The surface treatment, performed at different reaction times, generates a variable number of oxygen functional groups, mainly carboxylic, which enhance the nanoparticles hydrophilicity and heavy metal adsorption capability. The HNPs were characterized by a number of analytical techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy, thermal and elemental analysis, N₂ adsorption, dynamic light scattering, and zeta-potential measurements. The acid–base properties of the functional groups on the HNPs surface were also investigated by coulometric–potentiometric titrations. Cadmium adsorption tests were carried out in stirred reactors containing colloidal aqueous suspensions of HNPs and HNPs supported over silica. The effects of several parameters, such as the cadmium concentration, the temperature, and the solution pH, were studied. Sorbents showed an appreciable cadmium adsorption capability at different temperatures and in a wide range of pH values comparable or superior to several carbon-based sorbents, indicating a feasible use in commercial units.     

The recycling of brewer's processing by-product into ready-to-eat snacks using extrusion technology

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is the main by-product of the brewing industry. The incorporation of BSG into ready-to-eat expanded products and its effects on the textural and functional properties of extrudates have been studied. Dried and milled BSG at levels of 10–30% was added to the formulation mix made of wheat flour, corn starch and other ingredients. The results obtained from the analysis of the extrudates are discussed in terms of the interaction between the ingredients and effects of processing conditions. The samples were processed in a twin-screw extruder with a combination of parameters including constant feeding rate of 25 kg/h, process temperatures 80–120 °C and screw speeds of 150–350 rpm. Pressure, torque and material temperature during extrusion were recorded. The extrudate properties of nutritional and textural characteristics were measured. Image technique investigations provided useful information on internal structure of the extruded products, total cell area, and their contribution to the appearance and texture. It was found that addition of BSG significantly increased protein content, phytic acid and bulk density, decreased sectional expansion index, individual area and total area of the cells. The higher level of BSG resulted in cells with thicker walls with a rougher surface.     

Digitization of farinogram plots and estimation of mixing stability

Twenty-four farinograms and accompanying flour characteristics obtained from a bakery were used to get additional information for baking characteristics of flours. Farinograms were digitized and four novel parameters were included for comparison: a and b were extracted from an equation of the form y = ae^−bt; the height of the upper curve and the width of the farinograph curve at a time value equal to the dough development time. Stepwise multiple regressions were carried out relating bread volume to novel and existing parameters (water absorption, development time, arrival time, departure time, stability and degree of softening). Results indicated that four farinogram parameters, resistance, water absorption, a and b were related to bake height with an overall value of 61%. A relatively weak correlation (R = 0.44, P < 0.05) was detected between specific loaf volume and bake height.     

Genetic diversity of flax accessions originating in the Alpine region: a case study for an ex situ germplasm evaluation based on molecular marker

Agro-biodiversity is currently experiencing severe genetic erosion due to mankind’s unsustainable activities. Because of initiatives following the goal of the conservation of biological diversity, so far seven million crop accessions are being conserved ex situ in gene banks worldwide. Many of these accessions are landraces being rich in gene diversity, silently awaiting their proper characterisation. This is a very critical part of any long-term strategy to enhance the productivity and resilience of crops and agricultural systems and—most importantly—to ensure the preservation of our cultural and biological heritage. In this study of an ex situ germplasm evaluation we analysed 27 flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) accessions originating in the Alpine region, provided by five local gene banks/providers. Based on genomic microsatellite markers (gSSRs), a varying extent of accession-specific gene diversity (expected heterozygosity, H_E) was revealed ranging from 0.05 to 0.51. Admixture of individuals between accessions was uncovered, pointing towards past processes related to gene bank management activities (e.g. intentional selection, unintentional cross-pollination during regeneration) or towards the evolution of the landrace itself (e.g. same regional origin, traditional naming), highlighting the co-existence of cultural and biological diversity. Such an genetic analysis of accessions stored ex situ not only produces valuable agronomic and breeding data, but also is useful for the clarification of past processes leading to duplicates within and between collections or mislabelling, contributing to the potential for rationalisation of collections, which in turn can help ensure that the limited resources available for regeneration are used most efficiently and effectively.     

A scoring system for risk assessment of the introduction and spread of bovine viral diarrhoea virus in dairy herds in Northern Italy

To support a voluntary disease control program, this study aimed to develop an integrated scoring system for the risk assessment of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection in dairy herds in Northern Italy. Sixty-two dairy herds were classified according to their BVDV serological status. Farmers were interviewed using a questionnaire on potential BVDV risk factors. Scores were used to define risk levels for factors related to (1) BVDV introduction (through livestock trade, attendance of animals at shows/exhibitions and grazing common pasture), (2) within-herd spread of BVDV and (3) the results of initial serological testing. The calculated odds ratios were significant for all categories, except for livestock trade. The application of the screening test, the questionnaire and the related risk assessment showed this to be a practical approach to predicting BVDV herd status.     

Desaturation times between dogs preoxygenated via face mask or flow-by technique before induction of anesthesia

Objective

To compare time to desaturation after induction of anesthesia following administration of oxygen via face mask or flow-by for 3 minutes.

Effects of two fentanyl constant rate infusions on thermal thresholds and plasma fentanyl concentrations in awake cats

Objective

To determine the pharmacokinetics and effects on thermal thresholds (TT) of two fentanyl constant rate infusions in awake cats.

Sperm cryopreservation in the Far‐Eastern wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus)

The Far‐Eastern wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is a rare and poorly investigated nondomestic felid species. An attempt of freezing and cryopreserving Far‐Eastern wildcat spermatozoa in CaniPlus Freeze (CPF) medium is reported. Sperm was collected by electroejaculation from five adult Far‐Eastern wildcat captive‐born males. Epididymal spermatozoa from five adult randomly bred domestic cat males were used as a reference. The viability of frozen–thawed spermatozoa evaluated by double staining with SYBR Green I and PI followed by the subsequent confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was 38.2% ± 3.0% for the domestic cat and 38.0% ± 10.2% for the Far‐Eastern wildcat. The motility of frozen–thawed spermatozoa was 30.8% ± 9.8% for the domestic cat and 33.7% ± 15.1% for the Far‐Eastern wildcat. Sperm morphology was assessed by light microscopy. The total percentage of normal spermatozoa after freezing and thawing was 51.9 ± 5.9 for the domestic cat and 55.0% ± 6.4% for the Far‐Eastern wildcat. Defects of flagella were the most frequently observed abnormalities in both species (32.2% ± 4.8% and 30.8% ± 4.4% of all reported anomalies for the domestic cat and Far‐Eastern wildcat, respectively). Domestic cat epididymal and Far‐Eastern ejaculatory spermatozoa fertilized in vitro‐matured oocytes of the domestic cat (30.0% ± 5.5% and 35.5% ± 15.0%, respectively). Taken together, these results suggest that the freezing of Far‐Eastern wildcat spermatozoa with CPF medium is a suitable method for Felidae cryopreservation.