Synthesis and characterization of novel poly(ester carbonate)s based on pentaerythritol

Novel poly(ester carbonate)s were synthesized by the ring-opening polymerization Of L-lactide and functionalized carbonate monomer 9-phenyl-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecan-3-one derived from pentaerythritol with diethyl zinc as an initiator. H-1 NMR analysis revealed that the carbonate content in the copolymer was almost equal to that in the feed. DSC results indicated that T-g of the copolymer increased with increasing carbonate content in the copolymer. Moreover, the protecting benzylidene groups in the copolymer poly(L-lactide-co-9-phenyl-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecan-3-one) were removed by hydrogenation with palladium hydroxide on activated charcoal as a catalyst to give a functional copolymer, poly(L-lactide-co-2,2-dihydroxylmethyl-propylene carbonate), containing pendant primary hydroxyl groups. Complete deprotection was confirmed by H-1 NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The in vitro degradation rate of the deprotected copolymers was faster than that of the protected copolymers in the presence of proteinase K. The cell morphology and viability on a copolymer film evaluated with ECV-304 cells showed that poly(ester carbonate)s derived from pentaerythritol are good biocompatible materials suitable for biomedical applications.

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled phase II study of AGI004 for control of chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea

Background: AGI004 is a controlled-release transdermal patch preparation of mecamylamine. We conducted a randomised placebo-controlled phase II study of two dose levels of AGI004 in chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea (CID).

Methods: Adult patients receiving chemotherapy who had experienced diarrhoea (NCI grade 1-2) during previous cycles of chemotherapy were eligible. In all, 64 patients were randomised to receive AGI004 4mg then 8mg per 24 h transdermal patch or placebo for two sequential cycles of chemotherapy. Patients' severity of diarrhoea was physician-assessed using NCI grade of diarrhoea and patient-assessed using information recorded in daily diaries of bowel movements.

Results: Overall AGI004 doubled the odds of a response to treatment on the first day of chemotherapy based on physician assessment of NCI grade of diarrhoea compared with placebo (odds ratio = 2.0, 90% confidence interval: 0.9-4.5) and there was a trend to improved response rates for AGI004 for the full treatment cycle although these results were not statistically significant. There was also evidence of significantly improved response rates based on patient assessment of diarrhoea both overall (P = 0.05) and at the 8-mg dose level (P = 0.02) compared with placebo.

Conclusion: AGI004 demonstrated effectiveness in reducing chemotherapy-associated diarrhoea, with results suggesting response across multiple measurements of diarrhoea. Treatment was well tolerated with no drug-related adverse events. Further evaluation of this agent in the management of CID is warranted.

Biosensor based toxicity dissection of tannery and associated environmental samples

Kenyan tannery and associated environmental samples were selected for ecotoxicological assessment. A tool-kit of techniques was developed, including whole-cell biosensor and chemical assays. A luminescence based bacterial biosensor (Escherichia coli HB101 pUCD607) (via a multi-copy plasmid) was used for toxicity assessment. Samples were manipulated prior to biosensor interrogation to identify the nature of the toxic contaminants. Untreated samples (before any manipulations) showed a strong toxic effect at the discharge point in comparison to other sampling points. Sparging was used to identify toxicity associated with volatile organics. The toxicity of contaminants, removed by treatment with activated charcoal was identified for all the sampling points except for those upstream of effluent discharges. Filtration identified toxicity associated with suspended solids. Changes in availability of toxic contaminants due to pH adjustment of most samples from the tannery effluent treatment pits were also associated with the extreme pH values (4.0 and 8.0). The approach used has highlighted the complexicity of toxic pollutants in effluent from the tanning industry and the dissection of toxicity points to possible remediation strategies for effluents from the tanning industry.

The impact of the Multicolor Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) on wine quality /

The Impact of the Multicolor Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) on Niagara Wine Quality The possible influence of Harmonia axyridis (the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle) on the sensory properties of wine was investigated. H. axyridis beetles were added to white and red grape musts at a rate of 0, 1 or 10 per L, and a trained panel evaluated the finished wines using flavor-profiling techniques. Significant modification of both wine aroma and flavor characteristics were observed in the 10 beetlelL treatments, with smaller effects noted at the 1 beetlelL rate. Vinification in the presence of H. axyridis gave higher intensity scores for peanut, bell pepper and asparagus aromas and flavors in the white wines, and peanut, asparagus/bell pepper, and earthy/herbaceous aromas and flavors in the red wines. In addition, sweet, acid and bitter tastes were affected in red wines, and a general trend of decreasing fruit and floral intensities with increasing beetle rate was observed in both white and red wines. 15 ngIL Isopropylmethoxypyrazine was added to control wines and sensory profiles similar to high beetle treatments were obtained, supporting the hypothesis that methoxypyrazines from beetles are implicated in the taint. A trained panel evaluated the treated wines after 10 months of aging using the same sensory methods described above. Sensory profiles were very similar. Fennenting in the presence of Harmonia Axyridis (HA) had little influence on the chemical composition of the ftnished wine. The notable exception IS Isopropylmethoxypyrazine content, which was assessed usmg GC-MS analysis and showed increased concentration with increasing beetle nwnber for both white and red wmes. The influence of potential remedial treatments on the sensory properties of white and red wines tainted by Harmonia axyridis were also investigated. Bentonite, activated charcoal, oak chips, de-odorized oak chips, and UV or light irradiation were applied to tainted wine, and these wines evaluated chemically and sensorially. Both white and red wines treated with oak chips had strong oak characteristics, which masked the Harmonia axyridis-associated aroma and flavour attributes. In red wine, asparagus/bell pepper characteristics were decreased by bentonite and charcoal treatments. Only activated charcoal significantly decreased methoxypyrazine levels and only in white wine.

Ecotoxic Metal Records and its Degree of Geochemical Symphony in the Niche of Cochin Estuarine System- A Theraptic Perspective

The heavy metal contamination in the environment may lead to circumstances like bioaccumulation and inturn biomagnification. Hence cheaper and effective technologies are needed to protect the precious natural resources and biological lives. A suitable technique is the one which meets the technical and environmental criteria for dealing with a particular remediation problem and should be site-specific due to spatial and climatic variations and it may not economically feasible everywhere. The search for newer technologies for the environmental therapy, involving the removal of toxic metals from wastewaters has directed attention to adsorption, based on metal binding capacities of various adsorbent materials. Therefore, the present study aim to identify and evaluate the most current mathematical formulations describing sorption processes. Although vast amount of research has been carried out in the area of metal removal by adsorption process using activated carbon few specific research data are available in different scientific institutions. The present work highlights the seasonal and spatial variations in the distribution of some selected heavy metals among various geochemical phases of Cochin Estuarine system and also looked into an environmental theraptic/remedial approach by adsorption technique using activated charcoal and chitosan, to reduce and thereby controlling metallic pollution. The thesis has been addressed in seven chapters with further subdivisions. The first chapter is introductory, stating the necessity of reducing or preventing water pollution due to the hazardous impact on environment and health of living organisms and drawing it from a careful review of literature relevant to the present study. It provides a constricted description about the study area, geology, and general hydrology and also bears the major objectives and scope of the present study.

In vitro investigation into the potential prebiotic activity of honey oligosaccharides

The effect of honey oligosaccharides on the growth of fecal bacteria was studied using an in vitro fermentation system. Prior to treatment, glucose and fructose (31.73 and 21.41 g/100 g of product, respectively) present in honey, which would be digested in the upper gut, were removed to avoid any influence on bacterial populations in the fermentations. Nanofiltration, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) treatment, and adsorption onto activated charcoal were used to remove monosaccharides. Prebiotic (microbial fermentation) activities of the three honey oligosaccharide fractions and the honey sample were studied and compared with fructooligosaccharide (FOS), using 1% (w/v) fecal bacteria in an in vitro fermentation system (10 mg of carbohydrate, 1.0 mL of basal medium). A prebiotic index (PI) was calculated for each carbohydrate source. Honey oligosaccharides seem to present potential prebiotic activity (PI values between 3.38 and 4.24), increasing the populations of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, although not to the levels of FOS (PI of 6.89).

A novel regeneration system for a wild passion fruit species (Passiflora cincinnata Mast.) based on somatic embryogenesis from mature zygotic embryos

The objective of the present work was to induce somatic embryogenesis from zygotic embryos of Passiflora cincinnata Masters. Zygotic embryos formed calli on media with different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4.5 mu M benzyladenine (BA) after 30 days of in vitro culture. A concentration of 18.1 mu M 2,4-D resulted in the largest number of somatic embryos. Embryogenic calli were yellowish and friable, forming whitish proembryogenic masses. Morphologically, embryogenic cells were small and had large nuclei and dense cytoplasm, whereas non-embryogenic cells were elongated, with small nuclei and less dense cytoplasm. Calli cultured under white light on basal Murashige and Skoog`s medium with activated charcoal produced embryos in all developmental stages. There were differences among the treatments, with some leading to the production of calli with embryos and some only to callus formation. Some abnormalities were associated with somatic embryos, including fused axes, fused cotyledons and polycotyledonary embryos. Production of secondary somatic embryos occurred in the first cycle of primary embryo development. Secondary embryos differentiated from the surface of the protodermal layer of primary embryos with intense cell proliferation, successive mitotic divisions in the initial phase of embryoid development, and a vascular system formed with no connection to the parental tissue. This secondary embryogenic system of P. cincinnata is characterized by intense proliferation and maintenance of embryogenic competence after successive subcultures. This reproducible protocol opens new prospects for massive propagation and is an alternative to the current organogenesis-based transformation protocol.

In vitro morphogenesis and cell suspension culture establishment in Piper solmsianum C. DC. (Piperaceae)

In vitro morphogenesis and cell suspension culture establishment in Piper solmsianum C. DC. (Piperaceae)). Piper solmsianum is a shrub from Southeast Brazil in which many biologically active compounds were identified. The aim of this work was to establish a cell suspension culture system for this species. With this in mind, petiole and leaf explants obtained from in vitro plantlets were cultured in the presence of different plant growth regulator combinations (IAA, NAA, 2,4-D and BA). Root and indirect shoot adventitious formation, detected by histological analysis, was observed. Besides the different combinations of plant growth regulators, light regime and the supplement of activated charcoal (1.5 mg.l(-1)) were tested for callus induction and growth. Cultures maintained in light, on a 0.2 mg.l(-1) 2,4-D and 2 mg.l(-1) BA supplemented medium, and in the absence of activated charcoal, showed the highest calli fresh matter increment. From a callus culture, cell suspension cultures were established and their growth and metabolite accumulation studied. The achieved results may be useful for further characterization of the activated secondary metabolites pathways in in vitro systems of P. solmsianum.

Revestimento de sementes de milho superdoce (sh2)

A semente de milho doce é leve e rugosa. A rugosidade torna difícil a classificação das sementes quanto à forma e ao tamanho e isso dificulta a semeadura. Uma solução para esse problema seria a utilização da técnica de revestimento. Assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar diferentes materiais de enchimento, cimentantes e corantes na peletização de sementes de milho superdoce e verificar quais combinações de materiais seriam eficientes na manutenção da qualidade fisiológica das sementes após o armazenamento e que permitissem vazão e distribuição uniformes durante a semeadura. Foram então testados doze materiais de enchimento (calcários 1 e 2, caulim, carvão vegetal ativado, areia, vermiculita, fubá de milho, farinha de trigo, polvilho de mandioca, amido de milho, celite e terra de diatomáceas), dois cimentantes (goma arábica e cascorez extra) e seis corantes (tintas guache, acrílica, plástica e para tecido, corante para alimento e gelatina). As avaliações da qualidade física e fisiológica das sementes revestidas e nuas foram efetuadas por meio dos testes: teor de água, fragmentação, peso de mil sementes, volume aparente e plantabilidade, germinação, primeira contagem da germinação e emergência de plântulas em campo. O revestimento de sementes de milho superdoce proporciona homogeneidade de forma e tamanho às sementes, melhora a vazão e a distribuição dos péletes na semeadura e não compromete a emergência de plântulas em campo depois de quatro meses de armazenamento.

Micropropagation of fig (Ficus carica L.) 'Roxo de Valinhos' plants

An in vitro protocol for Ficus carica cv. 'Roxo de Valinhos' was optimized. Nodal explants containing two buds were excised from field-grown mature plants, and transferred to different proliferation media consisting of combinations of distinct concentrations of activated charcoal with benzyladenine (BA), kinetin with gibberellic acid (GA(3)), and WPM (woody plant medium) with kinetin. The regular strength of WPM in combination with 0.5 mg l(-1) kinetin was the best condition for shoot proliferation of Ficus carica 'Roxo de Valinhos' plants. The addition of activated charcoal in the medium completely inhibited shoot proliferation. The inclusion of BA in the medium induced excessive callus formation as well as small and vitrified shoots, while GA(3) induced excessive elongation associated with vitrification, chlorosis, and tip-burned shoots.

Crescimento in vitro e aclimatização de Cattleya loddigesii Lindley (Orchidaceae) com carvão ativado sob dois espectros luminosos

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Development of globular embryos from the hybridization between 'Pêra Rio' sweet orange and 'Poncã' mandarin

Objetivou-se estudar a influência de diversas concentrações do meio MT, sacarose, vitaminas, carvão ativado e ácido giberélico no cultivo de embriões imaturos oriundos do cruzamento entre laranjeira 'Pêra Rio' x tangerineira 'PONCÃ' . Os embriões foram excisados sob condições assépticas e inoculados em 15 mL do meio de cultura MT, de acordo com cada experimento a seguir: 1) concentrações do meio de cultura MT (0%, 50%, 100%, 150% e 200%) combinados com 0, 30, 60 e 90 g.L-1 de sacarose; 2) concentrações de vitaminas do meio MT (0%, 50%, 100%, 150% e 200%) combinados com 0, 30, 60 e 90 g.L-1 de sacarose e; 3) concentrações de carvão ativado (0; 0.5; 1; 1.5 e 2 g.L-1) combinados com GA3 (0; 0.01; 0.1; 1 e 10 mg.L-1). Após a inoculação, os embriões foram mantidos por 90 dias em sala de crescimento à temperatura de 27±1ºC, fotoperíodo de 16 horas e irradiância de 32 µmol.m-2.s-1. A utilização de 50% e 100% do meio MT associado a 60 e 90 g.L-1 de sacarose, respectivamente, acrescido de 0.01 mg.L-1 de GA3, proporcionou melhor desenvolvimento de embriões globulares. Não houve necessidade da adição de carvão ativado e vitaminas no meio MT para o cultivo de embriões globulares.

Purificação da glicerina bruta obtida a partir da transesterificação do óleo de algodão

The crude glycerine is a raw material that can be used in a wide variety of products. Even with all the impurities inherent in the process of being obtained, the crude glycerin is already in a marketable product. However, the market is much more favorable to the commercialization of purified glycerine. The glycerin is a byproduct gotten from the process of transesterification of waste oils and fats in the production of biodiesel. More recently, the deployment of the new Federal Law of Brazil, related to the implementation of energy resources, forces, from 2008, the increase of 2% biodiesel in diesel common with prospects for 5% (B5). Therefore, it is indispensable that new routes of purification as well as new markets are developed. The objective of this work was to purify, through ion exchange, the crude glycerin, obtained from the reaction of transesterification of cottonseed oil. The cottonseed oil was characterized as the fatty acid composition and physical-chemical properties. The process of ion exchange was conducted in batch. In this process were used strong cation, low anion resins and a mixed resin used to de-ionize water. The purified glycerin was characterized as the content of metals. Tests were performed with activated charcoal adsorption, and for this, it was made tests of time contact with coal as well as quantity of coal used. The time of activation, the amount of the activation solution, the contact time of the glycerol solution in resins, the amount and type of resin applied were evaluated. Considering the analysis made with activated charcoal, when the glycerin solution was treated using the resins individually it was observed that in the conditions for treatment with 10 g of resin, 5 hours of contact with each resin and 50 mL of glycerin solution, its conductivity decreased to a cationic resin, increased to the anionic resin and had a variable value with respect to resin mixed. In the treatment in series, there was a constant decrease in the conductivity of the solution of glycerin. Considering two types of treatment, in series and individually, the content of glycerol in glycerin pre-purified solution with the different resins varied from 12,46 to 29.51% (diluted solution). In analysis performed without the use of activated charcoal, the behavior of the conductivity of the solution of glycerin were similar to results for treatment with activated charcoal, both in series as individually. The solution of glycerin pre-purified had a glycerol content varying from 8.3 to 25.7% (diluted solution). In relation to pH, it had a behavior in accordance with the expected: acid for the glycerin solution treated with cationic resin, basic when the glycerin solution was treated with the anionic resin and neutral when treated with the mixed resin, independent of the kind of procedure used (with or without coal, resins individually or in series). In relation to the color of the glycerin pre-purified solution, the resin that showed the best result was the anionic (colorless), however this does not mean that the solution is more in pure glycerol. The chromatographic analysis of the solutions obtained after the passage through the resins indicated that the treatment was effective by the presence of only one component (glycerol), not considering the solvent of the analysis

Rapid determination of desorption efficiency, and analysis of solvent mixtures for occupational exposure studies

An analytical procedure has been developed for simultaneous determination of solvent mixture vapors to enable evaluation of occupational exposure. To determine the desorption efficiency the volatile components of the solvent mixtures were generated from a glass tube filled with glass wool. This device is easy to prepare and use. These vapors were then collected in activated charcoal tubes and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography. The method was tested with a mixture of 22 solvents, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, esters, and ketones, oil at low concentrations. All the components were defected. When a 99: 1 mixture of carbon disulfide-dimethylformamide was used for desorption the efficiency was > 75% for most of the solvents.