Role of phosphoric acid on the corrosion performance of Pb-1.7%Sb gridof lead-acid batteries

The corrosion behavior of a commercial Pb-1.7% Sb gridof lead-acid batteries under open circuit conditions in 5M H 2SO4 in the presence of phosphoric acid is studiedby electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclicvoltammetry. Dependence of corrodibility of the alloy onH 3PO4 concentration is weak up to 0.7M. After days ofcorrosion, the corrosion rate in the presence of H 3PO4 isslightly higher than in its absence, due to retardation of the growth of an insulating PbSO 4 layer that acts as an effective diffusion barrier of the corrosive species. The electronic and diffusion properties of the passive layer formed in the presence of H 3PO4 are substantially inferior. Cyclic voltammetry indicates a decrease in amounts of PbSO 4 and Sb 2O3 formed in the presence of H3PO4 and with increasing its concentration. Also, the amount of PbO formed beneath the PbSO 4 layer increases with increasing H3PO4 concentration on the expense of the amount of PbSO 4

Electrochemical Performance of Grids of Lead-acid Batteries made from Pb-0.8%Ca-1.1%Sn Alloys Containing Cu, As and Sb Impurities in the presence of phosphoric acid

Electrochemical performance of grids of lead-acid Batteries manufactured from Pb-0.8%Ca-1.1%Sn alloys containing Cu, As and Sb impurities at 0.1 wt% level were studied in 4.0 M H2SO4 without and with 0.4 M H3PO4. The presence of impurities in the alloy or addition of H3PO4 was found to suppress the corrosion rate. H3PO4 increased the rates of both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions at high overpotentials for all alloys. Except for Cu-containing alloy, H3PO4 had a slight positive effect on PbO2 formation.The self-discharge of PbO2 under polarization or opencircuitconditions increased in the presence of H3PO4 but the positive grid corrosion decreased, except for the As-containing alloy. Impurity-containing alloys showed significantly lower self-discharge rate in the presence of H3PO4 than in its absence. Impedance measurement was able to detect and quantify the formation of the highly insulating inner PbO layer beneath the outer PbSO4 layer and its transformation to the conducting PbO2, during the oxidation of alloys under constant current conditions.H3PO4 significantly enhanced the formation of PbO in thepresence of impurities, especially Sb

Effect of Nano-Silica on The Thermo-Physical Properties of the Thermal Eutectic (Na0.6K0.4)NO3 System

Here, we investigate the effect of adding nano-silica particles on the thermo-physical properties of the (Na0.6K0.4)NO3 based thermal energy storage systems. Five different systems tagged as M00, M01, M02, M03 and M04, with different nano-silica percentage of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt%, respectively, were prepared. Various experimental techniques were employed to study the thermo-physical properties of the systems during (solid-solid) phase P1, (solid-liquid) phase P2 and (liquid-solid) phase P3, and to clarify the effect of nano-silica on the thermal energy storage efficiency during both charging and discharging processes. According to the Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) thermal analysis, it was found that the system M02 whose nano-silica addition rate of 2 wt%, has the most favorable thermal characteristics (i.e., highest specific heat and lowest enthalpy change). Moreover, the addition of 2 wt% represents the optimum distribution of nano-silica inside the principal base system M00. This leads to an improvement in the porosity of the system due to the degree of homogeneity caused by the thermophoresis effect distribution, the high surface area of the nano-silica with the activity of the M00 matrix alongside the degree of the alkalinity of nano-silica. Besides, the electric conductivity measurements showed that the 2wt% percentage is the optimum one for thermal energy storage systems

Effect of vitamin B17 on experimentally induced colon cancer in adult male albino rat

Background: Colon cancer is considered to be the third most common cancer worldwide. At diagnosis of colon cancer, 3.7–11% developed bone metastasis. Diet based strategies are important for prevention and treatment of colon cancer. This study investigated the effect of vitamin B17 on a DMH induced rat model of colon cancer. Materials and methods: Eighty young adult male albino rats were divided into five groups: group I (control group), group II (vitamin B17), group III (colon cancer), group IV (protected) and group V (treated). Distal colon sections were prepared for light and scanning electron microscopic examination. Lumbar vertebrae specimens were prepared for light microscopic study. Morphometric and statistical analysis were done. Results: In comparison with the control, both colon cancer and treated groups showed invasion of the colonic tissue by pleomorphic branching colonic glands of variable shapes and sizes lined with dysplastic elongated hyperchromatic nuclei with frequent mitotic figures or stratified multi-layered crowded nuclei with an extremely significant (p < 0.0001) reduction of goblet cell number when compared to the control together with major pathological bone changes were observed in colon cancer and the treated groups. Conclusions: While the protected group showed impressive improvement of all previously mentioned diameters

Mycobacterial CYP121 as a target for anti-TB drug discovery

Despite the introduction of the first line treatment regimen forty years ago and the continuous trials since that time to introduce new regimens, tuberculosis (TB) is considered to be the cause of considerable mortality worldwide. Recent research highlighted the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)CYP450s as potential drug targets. This article reviews mycobacterial CYP121 as a target for anti-TB drug discovery

HPLC-DAD-MS/MS profiling of phenolics from Securigera securidaca flowers and its anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic activities

AbstractSecurigera securidaca (L.) Degen & Döefl., Fabaceae, has been widely used in the Iranian, Indian and Egyptian folk medicine as antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic remedy. Phenolic profiling of the ethanolic extract (90%) of the flowers of S. securidaca was performed via HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis in the positive and negative ion modes. The total polyphenols and flavonoids in the flowers were determined colorimetrically, and the quantification of their components was carried out using HPLC-UV. Total phenolics and flavonoids estimated as gallic acid and rutin equivalents were 82.39±2.79mg/g and 48.82±1.95mg/g of the dried powdered flowers, respectively. HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis of the extract allowed the identification of 39 flavonoids and eight phenolic acids. Quantitative analysis of some flavonoids and phenolics (mg/100g powdered flowers) revealed the presence of isoquercetrin (3340±2.1), hesperidin (32.09±2.28), naringin (197.3±30.16), luteolin (10.247±0.594), chlorogenic acid (84.22±2.08), catechin (3.94±0.57) and protocatechuic acid (34.4±0.15), in the extract. Moreover, the acute toxicity, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the extract were investigated using alloxan induced diabetes in rats in a dose of 100, 200, and 400mg/kgbwt. The ethanolic extract was safe up to a dose of 2000mg/kg. All tested doses of the flower extract showed marked decrease in blood glucose level by 31.78%, 66.41% and 63.8% at 100, 200 and 400mg/kgbwt, respectively, at p<0.05. Regarding the anti-hyperlipidemic effect, a dose of 400mg/kg of the flower extract showed the highest reduction in serum triacylglycerides and total cholesterol levels (68.46% and 51.50%, respectively at p<0.05). The current study proved the folk use of the flowers of S. securidaca as anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic agent which could be attributed to its high phenolic content

Efecto hepatoprotector del insaponificable de los aceites de oliva, linaza y sésamo contra la lesión hepática inducida por tetracloruro de carbono en ratas

In the present study, the hepatoprotective activity of the unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP) of olive oil, linseed, and sesame oils against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rats was investigated. In a preliminary antioxidant study, UNSAP showed pronounced DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 6.2-10.8 mg/mL). The constituents of UNSAP were determined by GC-MS. The subcutaneous administration of CCl4, caused liver injury. The hepatoprotective effect of UNSAP was comparable to that of α-tocopherol, a standard antioxidant agent. The co-administration of the investigated UNSAP normalized the activities of serum marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Furthermore, the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level were found to be alleviated by pre-treatment with the UNSAP. A histopathological evaluation showed marked improvement in the liver of UNSAP- and α-Tocopherol-treated animals. The hepatoprotective effect could be attributed to the antioxidant characteristics of UNSAP.En el presente estudio, se investigó la actividad hepatoprotectora de la materia insaponificable (UNSAP) de los aceites de oliva, linaza y sésamo contra la toxicidad hepática inducida por CCl4 en ratas. En un estudio preliminar de antioxidantes, UNSAP mostró una pronunciada actividad de captación de radicales DPPH (IC50 6.2-10.8 mg / mL). Los constituyentes del UNSAP fueron determinados por GC-MS. La administración de CCl4, por vía subcutánea, causó lesión hepática. El efecto hepatoprotector del UNSAP fue comparable al del α-Tocoferol, un agente antioxidante estándar. La administración conjunta del UNSAP normalizó las actividades de las enzimas marcadoras séricas, alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y aspartato aminotransferasa (AST). Además, se encontró que la actividad de la fosfatasa alcalina en suero (ALP) y el nivel de malondialdehído hepático (MDA) se mitigan con el tratamiento previo con UNSAP. La evaluación histopatológica mostró una mejoría notable en el hígado de los animales tratados con UNSAP y α-Tocopherol. El efecto hepatoprotector podría atribuirse a las características antioxidantes de UNSAP

DISSIPATION OF MALATHION IN DILL AND CORIANDER PLANTS AND THEIR OILS

The insecticide malathion (57% E.C.) was applied at the rate of 712.5 gm active ingredient per feddan on dill, Anethum graveolens L. and coriander, Corianderum sativum L. for controlling aphids infesting these plants. An analytical method, using gas chromatography equipped with flame photometric detector was used for detecting the insecticide residues. A field trial was conducted to determine the rate of dissipation of malathion in dill and coriander plants and in the resulting oil. Residue analysis showed that the initial deposits determined one hour after application were 35.81 & 22.7 ppm in dill and coriander plants, respectively. Rates of dissipation of malathion were 4.72, 51.1, 68.39, 88.41 and 93.49% in dill plants and were 13.61, 43.22, 66.78, 86.26 and 91.85% in coriander plants at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days post treatment, respectively. The pesticide was decayed quite rapidly in and on dill and coriander plants and detectable residues (1.62 and 0.93 ppm) were observed in these plants 28 days after treatment. At harvest 46 days for coriander and 70 days for dill after application malathion was found at average levels of 0.78 mg/kg and 0.54 mg/kg in dill and coriander dry seed, respectively. The volatile oil extracted from the seed by steam distillation process was contaminated with the insecticide at a higher levels than in the seed [about sevenfold in dill oil, 5.21 mg/kg and ninteenfold in coriander oil 10.16 mg/kg]. This means that malathion had tendency to co-distill with the dill and coriander oil throughout steam distillation process

Actividades antioxidantes, antiinflamatorias y citotóxicas de la fracción insaponificable de aceite de oliva virgen extra

The health benefits of olive oil are well-known. In this study, the unsaponifiable fraction of extra virgin olive oil (Unsap) was investigated for reducing power capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, fer-rous chelating activity and nitric oxide inhibition. The present study was also designed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effect of the Unsap against human carcinoma cells. The anti-inflammatory potential of Unsap has been determined via the inhibition of Human Cyclooxygenases. The results showed that Unsap is efficient for ferric reducing antioxidant power and nitric oxide inhibition. Unsap has a selective effect as anti-inflammatory agent. The results showed moderate to good in vitro antitumor activities of Unsap against human liver, lung and pancreas cancer cells with IC50 ranging from 19.6 to 30.4 μg/mL and good selectivity index (≥ 2). In conclusion, Unsap represents a promising and safe antitumor and antioxidant material that supports the need for further investigation.Los beneficios para la salud del aceite de oliva son bien conocidos. En este estudio, se investigó la fracción insaponificable del aceite de oliva virgen extra (Insap) para reducir el poder antioxidante férrico, la actividad quelante ferrosa y la inhibición del óxido nítrico. El presente estudio también fue diseñado para evaluar el efecto citotóxico in vitro del Insap contra las células de carcinoma humano. La potencialidad antiinflamatoria del Insap se ha determinado mediante la inhibición de las ciclooxigenasas humanas. Los resultados mostraron que el Insap es eficiente para reducir el poder antioxidante férrico y la inhibición del óxido nítrico. El Insap tiene un efecto selectivo como agente antiinflamatorio. Los resultados mostraron actividades antitumorales in vitro del Insap de moderadas a buenas contra células de cáncer de hígado, pulmón y páncreas humano con una CI50 que varía de 19,6 a 30,4 μg/ml y por su buen índice de selectividad ( ≥ 2). En conclusión, el Insap contiene material antitumoral y antioxidante prometedor y seguro que será respaldado por investiga-ciones adicionales

Changes in growth patterns and intracellular calcium concentrations in Aspergillus awamori treated with amphotericin B

© Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. Growth patterns and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in the mutant strain Aspergillus awamori 66A containing a recombinant aequorin gene were studied in the presence of a permeabilizing fungicidal agent amphotericin B. The cell response, i.e., changes in the growth and development of the fungus (initiation of spore germination, mycelial growth, and intensity of sporulation) was dose-dependent. Low concentrations of amphotericin B (2.5 μM) stimulated spore germination: the number of germinating spores was 2–3 times higher than in the control (without the fungicide). At higher amphotericin concentrations (20 μM) spore germination was inhibited. Amphotericin B had a dose-dependent effect on mycelial growth and sporulation intensity on solid Vogel medium. Intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in the presence of amphotericin B were investigated using the luminescence of the photoprotein aequorin. High concentrations of amphotericin B (10 and 20 μM) were shown to cause an instantaneous increase in Ca2+ concentrations compared to the control and lower amphotericin concentration (2.5 μM). Ca2+ concentrations remained elevated throughout the experiment and correlated with the inhibition of mycelial growth and development