The characterization of metal oxide - Mangifera indica L. matrix and its potential as scavenger of heavy metal pollutant

Widespread pollution by heavy metals requires an efficient, cheap and eco-friendly removal technique. This paper reports the use of discarded leaves of Mangifera indica L. modified to enhance their adsorption efficiency in the removal of heavy metal pollutant. The adsorbent was then characterized through X-ray diffraction study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and application to mathematical models. The adsorption process was found to fit the Langmuir’s isotherm model and pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The intra-particle diffusion model was found to be the rate limiting step for the adsorption process. Its rapid kinetics, high hydrophilicity, and easy regenerability with mild mineral acid (like 0.005 M HCl) make this adsorbent suitable for the fixed bed column technique.     

Multiscale characterization of pathological bone tissue

Bone is a complex natural material with a complex hierarchical multiscale organization, crucial to perform its functions. Ultrastructural analysis of bone is crucial for our understanding of cell to cell communication, the healthy or pathological composition of bone tissue, and its three-dimensional (3D) organization. A variety of techniques has been used to analyze bone tissue. This article describes a combined approach of optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy for the ultrastructural analysis of bone from the nanoscale to the macroscale, as illustrated by two pathological bone tissues. By following a top-down approach to investigate the multiscale organization of pathological bones, quantitative estimates were made in terms of calcium content, nearest neighbor distances of osteocytes, canaliculi diameter, ordering, and D-spacing of the collagen fibrils, and the orientation of intrafibrillar minerals which enable us to observe the fine structural details. We identify and discuss a series of two-dimensional (2D) and 3D imaging techniques that can be used to characterize bone tissue. By doing so we demonstrate that, while 2D imaging techniques provide comparable information from pathological bone tissues, significantly different structural details are observed upon analyzing the pathological bone tissues in 3D. Finally, particular attention is paid to sample preparation for and quantitative processing of data from electron microscopic analysis.     

Black Nickel Coatings for Solar Collectors

Black nickel alloy coatings suitable for solar collectors were produced by electrodeposition from baths containing Ni and Zn sulfates and thiocynate. Variables having the greatest influence on optical properties of the black deposits are: pH-value, temperature, zinc and thiocyanate concentration. Of particular importance is the plating current which is related to the cathode potential that controls the composition, and alternatively, the optical properties of the deposited coatings.

The mechanism of blackening of the Ni coatings was attributed to the deposition of sulfide particles with Ni-Zn alloy. It was shown that, in absence of thiocyanate, co-deposited Zn causes a degree of blackening to Ni coatings due to the deposition of Ni₃Zn₂₂ as identified by x-ray phase analysis. Considerable blackening can be achieved by sulfur, which is deposited as Ni₃S₂. In a modified composition it was possible to replace sulfur by phosphorous supplied to the coating by the addition of sodium hypophosphite to the plating solution.

The coatings were of optimum optical properties as far as maximum absorptance and minimum emittance. Absorptance values as high as 0.93 could be obtained for selective coatings (2-3 microns thick) deposited under optimized conditions. Performance tests for coated solar water heater panels showed that the coatings are well qualified. The endurance of the coatings was evaluated in actual service conditions with regard to thermal degradation and corrosion resistance.     

Dietary supplementation of flaxseed oil ameliorates the effect of cisplatin on rat kidney

Cisplatin (CP) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent widely used in the treatment of many malignant tumours. However, its therapeutic utility is limited by dose dependent nephrotoxicity. Several agents/strategies have attempted to prevent CP nephrotoxicity but were not found suitable for clinical practice. Dietary flaxseed oil (FXO), a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to prevent/reduce the progression of certain types of cardiovascular and renal disorders. The protective effect of FXO on CP induced nephrotoxic and other deleterious effects was investigated. Rats were prefed experimental diets for 10 days and then received a single dose of CP (6 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally while still on diet. Serum/urine parameters, enzymes of brush border membrane (BBM), oxidative stress and carbohydrate metabolism in rat kidney were analyzed. CP nephrotoxicity was recorded by increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. CP decreased the activities of metabolic enzymes, antioxidant defense system and BBM enzymes. In contrast, FXO alone increased enzyme activities of carbohydrate metabolism and brush border membrane. FXO feeding to CP treated rats markedly enhanced resistance to CP-elicited deleterious effects. Dietary FXO supplementation ameliorated CP induced specific metabolic alterations and oxidative damage due to its intrinsic biochemical antioxidant properties.