Comparative Photocatalytic Performance on the Degradation of 2-Naphthol Under Simulated Solar Light Using α-Bi<Subscript>4</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>11</Subscript> Synthesized by Solid-State and Co-precipitation Methods

In this investigation, the photocatalytic activity of α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ in the degradation of 2-naphthol under simulated solar light was evaluated. Bismuth vanadate α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ was synthesized by the solid-state reaction method and by co-precipitation in aqueous media, with the aim of comparing their performance in the photodegradation of the aromatic pollutant. The latter method (co-precipitation) has not been previously reported for the synthesis of α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁. Structural evolution of the oxides precursors was determined by X-ray diffraction. Morphology and optical properties of the solids were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis), respectively. The results showed that at 800 °C, only α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ was formed in both preparations. The SEM micrographs revealed that the powders were composed of agglomerates with sizes between 0.8–2 μm for those synthesized by co-precipitation and 2–10 μm for those obtained by solid-state reaction. The optical properties indicated that α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ was activated with visible light during the photocatalytic process. The photocatalytic degradation of 2-naphthol was largely influenced at basic pH, degrading 79% of the contaminant in 240 min, with the powder obtained by co-precipitation; meanwhile, for the solid-state preparation, the degradation reached only 55%.     

The impact of conservation on the status of the world's vertebrates

Using data for 25,780 species categorized on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, we present an assessment of the status of the world's vertebrates. One-fifth of species are classified as Threatened, and we show that this figure is increasing: On average, 52 species of mammals, birds, and amphibians move one category closer to extinction each year. However, this overall pattern conceals the impact of conservation successes, and we show that the rate of deterioration would have been at least one-fifth again as much in the absence of these. Nonetheless, current conservation efforts remain insufficient to offset the main drivers of biodiversity loss in these groups: agricultural expansion, logging, overexploitation, and invasive alien species.     

Phage Therapy is Effective in Protecting Honeybee Larvae from American Foulbrood Disease

American foulbrood disease has a major impact on honeybees (Apis melifera) worldwide. It is caused by a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium, Paenibacillus larvae. The disease can only affect larval honeybees, and the bacterial endospores are the infective unit of the disease. Antibiotics are not sufficient to combat the disease due to increasing resistance among P. larvae strains. Because of the durability and virulence of P. larvae endospores, infections spread rapidly, and beekeepers are often forced to burn beehives and equipment. To date, very little information is available on the use of bacteriophage therapy in rescuing and preventing American foulbrood disease, therefore the goal of this study was to test the efficacy of phage therapy against P. larvae infection. Out of 32 previously isolated P. larvae phages, three designated F, WA, and XIII were tested on artificially reared honeybee larvae infected with P. larvae strain NRRL B-3650 spores. The presence of P. larvae DNA in dead larvae was confirmed by 16S rRNA gene-specific polymerase chain reaction amplification. Survival rates for phage-treated larvae were approximately the same as for larvae never infected with spores (84%), i.e., the phages had no deleterious effect on the larvae. Additionally, prophylactic treatment of larvae with phages before spore infection was more effective than administering phages after infection, although survival in both cases was higher than spores alone (45%). Further testing to determine the optimal combination and concentration of phages, and testing in actual hive conditions are needed.     

Bioavailability and tissue distribution of sesamol in rat

Sesamol, generally regarded as the main antioxidative component in sesame oil, can be generated from sesamolin by roasting sesame seed or bleaching sesame oil. This paper reports the bioavailability of sesamol in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Biological fluid was sampled following a dose of sesamol of 50 mg/kg by gastric gavage (p.o.) or by intravenous injection. The pharmacokinetic data of sesamol were calculated by noncompartmental model. The tissue distribution of sesamol (p.o., 100 mg/kg) in SD rats was also investigated. The concentration changes of sesamol were determined in various tissues and plasma within a 24 h period after oral administration of sesamol. The results showed that the oral bioavailability of sesamol was 35.5 +/- 8.5%. Sesamol was found to be able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and go through hepatobiliary excretion. Sesamol conjugated metabolites were widely distributed in SD rat tissues, with the highest concentrations in the liver and kidneys and the lowest in the brain. It is postulated that sesamol is incorporated into the liver first and then transported to the other tissues (lung, kidneys, and brain). The major metabolites of sesamol distributed in the lung and kidney were glucuronide and sulfate.     

Effect of a proanthocyanidin-rich extract from longan flower on markers of metabolic syndrome in fructose-fed rats

Recent evidence strongly suggests that oxidative stress due to redox imbalance is highly associated with metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of longan flower water extract (LFWE), which showed powerful antioxidative activity in vitro, on markers of metabolic syndrome in a fructose-fed rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: group C, fed with standard Purina chow; group F, fed with high-fructose diet (HF) alone; group L, fed with HF plus LFWE 125 mg/kg bw per day by gavage; and group H, fed HF plus LFWE 250 mg/kg bw per day by gavage. The dietary manipulation lasted for 14 weeks. Results of our study showed that rats fed with HF resulted in oxidative stress and affected the antioxidant status including plasma thiobarbituric acid and liver antioxidant enzyme activity. Treatment with LFWE significantly augmented the antioxidant system. HF was able to cause insulin resistance and elevation of the blood pressure. The supplementation of LFWE ameliorated insulin resistance by enhancing the expression of insulin signaling pathway related proteins, including insulin receptor substrate-1 and glucose transporter 4. LFWE supplementation was also found to decrease systolic blood pressure. These findings indicate that longan flower water extract may improve the symptoms of metabolic syndrome in fructose-fed rats.     

Vibration on poultry transporters

1. This research established the magnitudes and frequencies of vibration acceleration on two typical broiler bird transporters, one with leaf and the other with air suspension.

2. Vibration measurements were made using triaxial accelerometers mounted on the chassis and in the bird containers, with vehicles both loaded and unloaded.

3. In the vertical axis the fundamental vehicle frequency is between 1 and 2 Hz with a secondary peak at 10 Hz.

4. In the lateral axis with air suspension, the maximum level of vibration on the chassis occurred at 12 to 18 Hz; this was less evident with leaf suspension.

5. The magnitudes of vibration acceleration occurring in the bird containers would be fairly uncomfortable for the seated human. Frequency weightings and response to different axes and magnitudes of vibration must be established before the response of birds can be predicted.