[The method of determination for 2, 3-Butanedione in the air of workplace by high performance liquid chromatography with derivatization]

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of 2, 3-Butanedione (BUT) in the air of workplace, which including the process of collection by absorption in phosphoric acid aqueous solution and the process of analysis and detection by high performance liquid chromatography with derivatization. Methods: In October 2022, a porous glass plate absorption tube containing 10 ml of 0.01% phosphoric acid solution was used to collect BUT in the air of the workplace at a flow rate of 0.2 L/min. The absorption solution was derived by 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine for 75 min and separated on a SB-C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) . At the column temperature of 30 ℃, the mixture of acetonitrile-water (V∶V, 1∶1) was eluted at the flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. It was detected by UV detector (λ=365 nm) , qualitatived by retention time and quantitatived by external standard. Results: It showed that BUT in phosphoric acid aqueous solution could be stored for at least 7 d at 4 ℃. There was a linear relationship within the determination range of 0.05-6.00 μg/ml, the linear regression equation was y=89.610x+0.133, r=0.9999. The sampling absorption efficiencies were 98.33%-100.00%, the detection limit of the method was 0.005 μg/ml, the minimum detection concentration was 0.016 mg/m(3) (based on V(0)=3.0 L) . The recovery rates were 95.96%-102.44%, the intra batch precision were 4.36%-7.78%, and the inter batch precision were 4.96%-6.06%. Conclusion: The method has the advantages of simple operation, high sensitivity and good accuracy. It can prevent the loss and degradation of BUT. It can be used for the determination of BUT in the air of workplace.

Formulating an altered dentin substrate to improve dentin bonding

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Secondary caries is a major factor in the failure of dental restorations. However, studies on the fabrication of acid-resistant and antibacterial dentin to improve dentin bonding are sparse.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effects of 2 types of fluoride-containing etchants on dentin bonding and explore the feasibility of formulating an altered dentin substrate to improve dentin bonding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

NaF-containing and SnF2-containing etchants were developed by adding sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride to a 35% phosphoric acid aqueous solution. Two groups (N1 and N2) containing NaF, 10 and 30 mg/mL respectively, and 2 groups (S1 and S2) containing SnF2, 18.6 and 55.8 mg/mL respectively, were formulated. The etchant of the control group (C) was 35% phosphoric acid gel. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), microhardness, antierosion, and antibacterial tests were performed on the treated dentin. Moreover, the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of each group was tested, and the fracture mode was determined after testing. Statistical analysis was performed with the 2-way ANOVA test (α=.05).

RESULTS

The exposed collagen fiber was observed in group C, and minerals were formed on the dentin in the experimental groups. SEM, FTIR, and the microhardness test indicated more remineralization in the SnF2-containing etchant groups. The µTBS of S1 (77.5 ±10.36 MPa) was the highest in all groups, and group C (38.5 ±9.01 MPa) was the lowest. Moreover, the antierosion and antibacterial properties of the S2 group were the best among all groups (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with NaF-containing etchant, SnF2-containing etchant could improve the dentin substrate, increase remineralization, improve bonding strength, and enhance antibacterial ability, especially by increasing resistance to acid erosion.

Nutrient enrichment during shrimp cultivation alters bacterioplankton assemblies and destroys community stability

Intensive shrimp farming is generally accompanied by nutrient enrichment and gradual eutrophication, which impose major threats to shrimp culture ecosystems. However, little is known about how the bacterioplankton community in a rearing environment responds to increased eutrophication during shrimp culture processes. In this study, we used the MiSeq sequencing technique to explore the impacts of nutrient enrichment on the assembly and stability of the bacterioplankton community. Our results showed that magnitudes of the changes in the bacterioplankton community compositions (BCCs) and diversity were closely associated with eutrophication level. Moreover, a phylogenetic-based mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD) analysis revealed that increased eutrophication significantly (P < 0.01) changed the bacterioplankton ecological processes from deterministic to stochastic. A structural equation model showed that eutrophication indicators affected the BCCs either directly by controlling resources or indirectly by modifying other environmental variables of the shrimp ponds in complex pathways. Furthermore, association network comparisons revealed that nutrient enrichment increased the complexity of interspecies interactions and the proportion of cooperative interactions and decreased the proportion of generalists, which suggest that nutrient enrichment destroyed the community stability. These findings suggest that minimizing nutrient pollution, especially at the end of cultivation, could be an important management tool for establishing a microbially mature water system.

[An unusual bodily injury]

In most cases, bodily harm results from the use of sharp objects or blunt force. This paper deals with a 42-year-old pharmacist who was known to the police and the courts because of several previous convictions for bodily injury. The man had visited a pub just before it closed and was therefore not served any drinks. He got angry about this and returned to his pharmacy (within walking distance) to fetch three disposable syringes which he filled with phosphoric acid (85%). Through the open pub window, he splattered the acid from the syringes on two guests and the host, who were hit on the upper part of their bodies and the arms. All the victims developed dermal alterations such as focal erythema and small blisters (pemphigus-like efflorescences, as already described by Weyrich). At first, the pharmacist denied the use of phosphoric acid and claimed to have used a mixture of urine and water. Examinations of spots on the still unwashed clothes revealed very low pH-values (ca. 2.0; pH-Indicator-Stripes, Merck; Medi-Test, Machery & Nagel). Tests for substances typical of urine produced completely negative results. However, very high phosphate concentrations were found on the spots in question. Thus, the probability that the pharmacist had used phosphoric acid to commit the offence was very high. The pharmacist was sentenced to one year and two months' imprisonment for dangerous bodily harm according to Section 224 German Criminal Code. In accordance with the law, phosphoric acid was classified as "poison", for which application on the skin is sufficient.

Isotopic Fingerprint for Phosphorus in Drinking Water Supplies

Phosphate dosing of drinking water supplies, coupled with leakage from distribution networks, represents a significant input of phosphorus to the environment. The oxygen isotope composition of phosphate (δ(18)OPO4), a novel stable isotope tracer for phosphorus, offers new opportunities to understand the importance of phosphorus derived from sources such as drinking water. We report the first assessment of δ(18)OPO4 within drinking water supplies. A total of 40 samples from phosphate-dosed distribution networks were analyzed from across England and Wales. In addition, samples of the source orthophosphoric acid used for dosing were also analyzed. Two distinct isotopic signatures for drinking water were identified (average = +13.2 or +19.7‰), primarily determined by δ(18)OPO4 of the source acid (average = +12.4 or +19.7‰). Dependent upon the source acid used, drinking water δ(18)OPO4 appears isotopically distinct from a number of other phosphorus sources. Isotopic offsets from the source acid ranging from -0.9 to +2.8‰ were observed. There was little evidence that equilibrium isotope fractionation dominated within the networks, with offsets from temperature-dependent equilibrium ranging from -4.8 to +4.2‰. While partial equilibrium fractionation may have occurred, kinetic effects associated with microbial uptake of phosphorus or abiotic sorption and dissolution reactions may also contribute to δ(18)OPO4 within drinking water supplies.

Quantification of competing H3PO4 versus HPO3 + H2O neutral losses from regioselective 18O-labeled phosphopeptides

Abundant neutral losses of 98 Da are often observed upon ion trap CID-MS/MS of protonated phosphopeptide ions. Two competing fragmentation pathways are involved in this process, namely, the direct loss of H3PO4 from the phosphorylated residue and the combined losses of HPO3 and H2O from the phosphorylation site and from an additional site within the peptide, respectively. These competing pathways produce product ions with different structures but the same m/z values, potentially limiting the utility of CID-MS(3) for phosphorylation site localization. To quantify the relative contributions of these pathways and to determine the conditions under which each pathway predominates, we have examined the ion trap CID-MS/MS fragmentation of a series of regioselective (18)O-phosphate ester labeled phosphopeptides prepared using novel solution-phase amino acid synthesis and solid-phase peptide synthesis methodologies. By comparing the intensity of the -100 Da (-H3PO3 (18)O) versus -98 Da (-[HPO3 + H2O]) neutral loss product ions formed upon MS/MS, quantification of the two pathways was achieved. Factors that affect the extent of formation of the competing neutral losses were investigated, with the combined loss pathway predominantly occurring under conditions of limited proton mobility, and with increased combined losses observed for phosphothreonine compared with phosphoserine-containing peptides. The combined loss pathway was found to be less dominant under ion activation conditions associated with HCD-MS/MS. Finally, the contribution of carboxylic acid functional groups and backbone amide bonds to the water loss in the combined loss fragmentation pathway was determined via methyl esterification and by examination of a phosphopeptide lacking side-chain hydroxyl groups.

Influence of different acid and alkaline cleaning agents on the effects of irrigation of synthetic dairy factory effluent on soil quality, ryegrass growth and nutrient uptake

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of replacement of phosphoric acid with nitric or acetic acid, and replacement of NaOH with KOH, as cleaning agents in dairy factories, on the effects that irrigation of dairy factory effluent (DFE) has on the soil-plant system. A 16-week greenhouse study was carried out in which the effects of addition of synthetic dairy factory effluent containing (a) milk residues alone or milk residues plus (b) H(3)PO(4)/NaOH, (c) H(3)PO(4)/HNO(3)/NaOH or (d) CH(3)COOH/KOH, on soil's chemical, physical and microbial properties and perennial ryegrass growth and nutrient uptake were investigated. The cumulative effect of DFE addition was to increase exchangeable Na, K, Ca, Mg, exchangeable sodium percentage, microbial biomass C and N and basal respiration in the soil. Dry matter yields of ryegrass were increased by additions of DFE other than that containing CH(3)COOH. Plant uptake of P, Ca and Mg was in the same order as their inputs in DFE but for Na; inputs were an order of magnitude greater than plant uptake. Replacement of NaOH by KOH resulted in increased accumulation of exchangeable K. The effects of added NaOH and KOH on promoting breakdown of soil aggregates during wet sieving (and formation of a < 0.25 mm size class) were similar. Replacement of H(2)PO(4) by HNO(3) is a viable but CH(3)COOH appears to have detrimental effects on plant growth. Replacement of NaOH by KOH lowers the likelihood of phytotoxic effects of Na, but K and Na have similar effects on disaggregation.

Tissue distribution of (Lipocurc™) liposomal curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin following two- and eight-hour infusions in Beagle dogs

This study interrogated whether different durations of intravenous infusions of lipocurc™ would alter curcumin metabolism, tissue distribution and whether treating necropsied tissues of Beagle dogs with phosphoric acid prior to measuring curcumin and its metabolite, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), would stabilize the compounds allowing for accurate analytic measurements. Two cohorts comprising two male and two female dogs were infused each intravenously with 10 mg/kg lipocurc™, either over two hours or over eight hours. Tissue data from each cohort was averaged from four dogs. Curcumin and THC distributed among all 13 tissues were examined at necropsy. The highest curcumin level was observed in the lungs followed by the liver. Tissue levels of curcumin in the lung, spleen and liver increased substantially following the eight-hour infusion compared to the two-hour infusion. The pancreas, kidney and urinary bladder also contained relatively high curcumin levels. Tissue partition coefficients for curcumin and THC were also higher for the eight-hour infusion than the two-hour infusion. The tissue THC/curcumin ratio varied in a tissue-specific manner and was lower for the eight-hour compared to the two-hour infusion. In conclusion, this raised the possibility that prolonged infusion of curcumin may facilitate distribution into tissues via a transporter-dependent mechanism and elevated tissue concentrations of curcumin may inhibit or saturate a putative reductase enzyme converting curcumin to THC. The addition of phosphoric acid stabilized the levels of curcumin and THC in some but not all the examined tissues, raising issues of tissue-specific curcumin and THC stability.

Estimates of the occupational exposure to tenorm in the phosphoric acid production plant in Iran

Phosphate rock is used world wide for manufacturing phosphoric acid and several chemical fertilisers. It is known that the phosphate rock contains various concentrations of uranium, thorium, radium and their daughters. The subject of this study is the evaluation of the radiation exposure to workers in the phosphoric acid production plant due to technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials that can result from the presence of naturally occurring radioactive materials in phosphate ores used in the manufacturing of phosphoric acid. Radiation exposure due to direct gamma radiation, dust inhalation and radon gas has been investigated and external and internal doses of exposed workers have been calculated. Natural radioactivity due to (40)K, (226)Ra and (232)Th have been measured in phosphate rock, phosphogypsum, chemical fertilisers and other samples by gamma spectrometry system with a high-purity germanium. The average concentrations of (226)Ra and (40)K observed in the phosphate rock are 760 and 80 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Annual effective dose from external radiation had a mean value of ∼0.673 mSv y(-1). Dust sampling revealed greatest values in the storage area. The annual average effective dose from inhalation of long-lived airborne was 0.113 mSv y(-1). Radon gas concentrations in the processing plant and storage area were found to be of the same value as the background. In this study the estimated annual effective doses to workers were below 1 mSv y(-1).

Radionuclide concentrations in raw and purified phosphoric acids from Brazil and their processing wastes: implications for radiation exposures

Radionuclides from the U and Th natural series are present in alkaline rocks, which are used as feedstock in Brazil for the production of raw phosphoric acid, which can be considered as a NORM (naturally occurring radioactive material). As a result of the purification of raw phosphoric acid to food-grade phosphoric acid, two by-products are generated, i.e., solid and liquid wastes. Taking this into account, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the fluxes of natural radionuclide in the production of food-grade phosphoric acids in Brazil, to determine the radiological impact caused by ingestion of food-grade phosphoric acid, and to evaluate the solid waste environmental hazards caused by its application in crop soils. Radiological characterization of raw phosphoric acid, food-grade phosphoric acid, solid waste, and liquid waste was performed by alpha and gamma spectrometry. The (238)U, (234)U, (226)Ra, and (232)Th activity concentrations varied depending on the source of raw phosphoric acid. Decreasing radionuclides activity concentrations in raw phosphoric acids used by the producer of the purified phosphoric acid were observed as follows: Tapira (raw phosphoric acid D) > Catalão (raw phosphoric acids B and C) > Cajati (raw phosphoric acid A). The industrial purification process produces a reduction in radionuclide activity concentrations in food-grade phosphoric acid in relation to raw phosphoric acid produced in plant D and single raw phosphoric acid used in recent years. The most common use of food-grade phosphoric acid is in cola soft drinks, with an average consumption in Brazil of 72 l per person per year. Each liter of cola soft drink contains 0.5 ml of food-grade phosphoric acid, which gives an annual average intake of 36 ml of food-grade phosphoric acid per person. Under these conditions, radionuclide intake through consumption of food-grade phosphoric acid per year per person via cola soft drinks is not hazardous to human health in Brazil. Considering these annual additions of (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K, and since these radionuclide should be homogeneously distributed in the upper 10 cm of soils with an assumed apparent density of 1.5 g/cm(3), a maximum increase of 0.19 ± 0.03 Bq kg(-1) of soil is expected for (238)U and (234)U. Thus, the addition of solid waste as phosphate fertilizers to Brazilian agricultural soils does not represent a hazard to the ecosystem or to human health.

Promising TiOSO₄ composite polybenzimidazole-based membranes for high temperature PEMFCs

Composite membranes were prepared from poly[2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole] (polybenzimidazole: PBI), and titanium oxysulfate (TiOSO₄) with the aim of using these systems as electrolytes in high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The presence of TiOSO₄ was confirmed by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping of titanium and sulphur revealed that the titanium salt was homogenously distributed on the surface of the membrane. The presence of the titanium salt did not change the thermal behaviour of the doped membranes. The composite membrane was used as an electrolyte in an actual fuel cell operating at 150 °C. The cell showed a lower performance than a cell operated with the standard PBI membrane, but this was attributable to the electrodes rather than the membrane. The most remarkable result was that the fuel cell operating with the composite membrane showed the best stability during the preliminary long-term test because of the better acid retention capability of these titanium-based materials.

Assessment of the occupational exposure at a fertiliser industry in the northern part of Greece

In the northern part of Greece, close to the city of Kavala, a phosphoric acid production industry has operated since 1965. The raw material used is the phosphate rock imported from the foreign countries. During industrial processes, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) deposits exist in many facilities in the industry, causing increased levels of radiation exposure. Additionally, increased levels of NORM concentrations are also detected in the waste material of the production process, the phosphogypsum. According to the Greek Regulations for Radiation Protection (no. 216B, 5/3/2001), which is in accordance with the 96/29/EURATOM 31/5/1996, the action levels concerning the effective dose to workers at workplaces due to natural radiation sources are 1 mSv y(-1). Work activities where the corresponding doses exceed 6 mSv y(-1) are under the control of the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC). The mean yearly radon concentration action level at workplaces is 400 Bq m(-3), while the corresponding concentration limit is 3000 Bq m(-3), respectively. GAEC, according to its constitutional law, is the responsible organisation to enforce and to implement the law by means of in situ surveys and laboratory measurements. The first inspection of the area was performed in 2002 and the first measures were proposed. Periodic inspections were performed every 2 y in order to extend the operation licensing of the industry. In this work a dose assessment of the workers based on in situ and laboratory measurements is presented. In order to assess the doses to the workers the external and the internal doses are estimated.

[Determination of phosphoric acid in the air of workplace by ion chromatography]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a method to determine phosphoric acid in the air of workplace by ion chromatography.

METHODS

Phosphoric acid was collected by millipore filter and washed by deionized water then detected by ion chromatography.

RESULTS

Linearity range of test was 0 ∼ 20 µg/ml, relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.95% ∼ 3.31%, the elution efficiency was 103.0% ∼ 109.6%, determination limit was 0.1 µg/ml (when sample size was 20.01) concentration limit was 0.01 mg/m(3) (when the collected air was 75 L).

CONCLUSION

This method is convenient for air collection, simple, with high sensitivity and good precision, is a good method for determination of phosphoric acid in the air of workplace.

Resonance Rayleigh scattering spectra, non-linear scattering spectra of malachite green-12-tungstophosphoric acid system and its analytical application in fish

In 0.1 molL(-1) (pH 1.0) HCl medium, 12-tungstophosphoric acid (TP) reacted with malachite green (MG) to form an ion-association complex. As a result, the new spectra of RRS, SOS and FDS appeared and their intensities were enhanced greatly. The maximum wavelengths of RRS, SOS and FDS were located at 334 nm, 586 nm and 330 nm, and the scattering intensities were proportional to the concentration of MG. Based on it a new method for the determination of MG has been established. The detection limits (3σ) of these methods were in the range of 3.7-27 ng mL(-1). The RRS, SOS, and FDS characteristics, absorption spectrum characteristics and optimum reaction conditions of the system were discussed. Effects of coexistent substances were tested, and the results demonstrated that this method had good selectivity. It has been applied to the determination of malachite green residues in fish flesh with satisfactory results. The reaction mechanism and reasons of RRS enhancement are discussed.

Two-step biodiesel production from Calophyllum inophyllum oil: optimization of modified β-zeolite catalyzed pre-treatment

In this study, a two-step process was developed to produce biodiesel from Calophyllum inophyllum oil. Pre-treatment with phosphoric acid modified β-zeolite in acid catalyzed esterification process preceded by transesterification which was done using conventional alkali catalyst potassium hydroxide (KOH). The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the reaction temperatures, reaction time and methanol to oil molar ratio in the pre-treatment step. Central Composite Design (CCD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were utilized to determine the best operating condition for the pre-treatment step. Biodiesel produced by this process was tested for its fuel properties.

Decommissioning a phosphoric acid production plant: a radiological protection case study

During a preliminary survey at the area of an abandoned fertilizer plant, increased levels of radioactivity were measured at places, buildings, constructions and materials. The extent of the contamination was determined and the affected areas were characterized as controlled areas. After the quantitative and qualitative determination of the contaminated materials, the decontamination was planned and performed step by step: the contaminated materials were categorized according to their physical characteristics (scrap metals, plastic pipes, scales and residues, building materials, etc) and according to their level of radioactivity. Depending on the material type, different decontamination and disposal options were proposed; the most appropriate technique was chosen taking into account apart from technical issues, the legal framework, radiation protection issues, the opinion of the local authorities involved as well as the owner's wish. After taking away the biggest amount of the contaminated materials, an iterative process consisting of surveys and decontamination actions was performed in order to remove the residual traces of contamination from the area. During the final survey, no residual surface contamination was detected; some sparsely distributed low level contaminated materials deeply immersed into the soil were found and removed.

Environmental benefits of using magnesium carbonate minerals as new wildfire retardants instead of commercially available, phosphate-based compounds

A serial batch leaching experiment has been carried out to evaluate the release of elements from the ash of Pinus halepensis needles burned under two test conditions-with and without treatment of the forest species with the carbonate minerals (huntite and hydromagnesite) in aqueous solution (pH 6). The ash (before and after leaching) and leachates were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Compared with data from samples treated with the commercially available, phosphate-based fire retardant diammonium phosphate (DAP), we found that use of huntite or hydromagnesite was much more successful in obstructing the release of the toxic elements present in the ash, probably because of the alkaline conditions resulting from decomposition of the minerals during burning. In contrast, DAP tended to be more able to facilitate the extraction of some toxic metals (e.g., Zn, Cu, Mn), probably because of the acidic conditions resulting from its decomposition to phosphoric acid. Data from this study thus lend strong support to the use of magnesium carbonate minerals as new wildfire retardants, because they were shown to be more friendly to the environment (e.g., soil, ground, and underground water streams) than those currently in use (e.g., phosphate or sulfate salt type).

Radiological, chemical and morphological characterizations of phosphate rock and phosphogypsum from phosphoric acid factories in SW Spain

In this work, radiological, chemical, and also morphological characterization was performed in phosphate rock and phosphogypsum samples, in order to understand the behavior of toxic elements. Characterization was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), gamma spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). Our results show that the phosphate rock was mainly composed of fluorapatite, calcite, perovskite, quartz, magnetite, pyrite and kaolinite, whereas phosphogypsum only exhibited dihydrated calcium sulfate. The activity concentration of U-series radioisotopes in phosphate rock was around 1640 Bq/kg. (226)Ra and (210)Pb tend to be distributed into phosphogypsum by up to 80%, whereas the fraction of U-isotopes is 10%. The most abundant trace elements in phosphate rock were Sr, Cr, V, Zn, Y, Ni and Ba. Some elements, such as Ba, Cd, Cu, La, Pb, Se, Sr, Th and Y, were enriched in the phosphogypsum. This enrichment may be attributed to an additional input associated to the sulfuric acid used for the phosphoric acid production. Furthermore, results from SEM-EDX demonstrated that toxic elements are not distributed homogeneously into phosphogypsum. Most of these elements are concentrated in particles <20 microm of high porosity, and could be easily mobilized by leaching and/or erosion.

Production of technical grade phosphoric acid from incinerator sewage sludge ash (ISSA)

The recovery of phosphorus from sewage sludge ash samples obtained from 7 operating sludge incinerators in the UK using a sulfuric acid washing procedure to produce a technical grade phosphoric acid product has been investigated. The influences of reaction time, sulfuric acid concentration, liquid to solid ratio and source of ISSA on P recovery have been examined. The optimised conditions were the minimum stoichiometric acid requirement, a reaction time of 120 min and a liquid to solid ratio of 20. Under these conditions, average recoveries of between 72% and 91% of total phosphorus were obtained. Product filtrate was purified by passing through a cation exchange column, concentrated to 80% H(3)PO(4) and compared with technical grade H(3)PO(4) specifications. The economics of phosphate recovery by this method are briefly discussed.

[Effect of soil radiation pollution on the plant content of 137Cs and biogenic elements]

The paper presents the data of many years' studies of the effect of different soil radiation pollution levels on the plant accumulation of different types of 137Cs and potassium and phosphorus salts. With increased soil radiation levels, not only the plant content of 137Cs becomes higher, but that of potassium and phosphoric acid also changes. The amount of potassium is decreased in the topinambour and increased in the lentils, but only in its seeds; that of potassium and phosphoric acid is increased in all parts of rape.

Radiological impact of almost a century of phosphate industry in Flanders, Belgium

In Belgium, since about 1920, the phosphate industry has been an important industrial activity. It is principally situated in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium, and produces mainly phosphoric acid, fertilizers, and cattle food. At its height, between 1980 and 1990, it processed between 1.5 and 2.0 Mt of phosphate ore of varying origin per year. In total, more than 60 Mt of ore were handled, containing about 72 TBq of 226Ra and 3.5 TBq of 232Th. Three different processing techniques in six large production sites gave rise to 50 Mt of phosphogypsum and 2.7 Mt of calcium fluoride sludge, all mainly stored on large deposits. In addition, limited recycling of phosphogypsum as building material has occurred in the past. Also, 10 Mt of phosphogypsum was discharged into a large tidal river. One plant still produces 0.25 Mt of gypsum per year. Liquid effluents, containing 13 TBq of radium chloride, were discharged into two small rivers, thus contaminating over 200 ha of land. Approximately 8 TBq of 226Ra and 0.6 TBq thorium ended up in finished products such as fertilizers. Despite these large production figures, so far the radiological impact for the Flemish population has been limited, but this might worsen in the future. The major risk consists in establishing residential areas on land that is contaminated with 226Ra because of liquid effluents or on forgotten gypsum deposits. Doing so might lead to enhanced indoor radon concentrations. In three isolated cases, we found houses built on gypsum deposits where the increased indoor radon levels raised the annual radiation dose to the inhabitants by about 4 mSv.

Raman and infrared spectroscopic investigations on aqueous alkali metal phosphate solutions and density functional theory calculations of phosphate-water clusters

Phosphate (PO(4)(3-)) solutions in water and heavy water have been studied by Raman and infrared spectroscopy over a broad concentration range (0.0091-5.280 mol/L) including a hydrate melt at 23 degrees C. In the low wavenumber range, spectra in R-format have been constructed and the R normalization procedure has been briefly discussed. The vibrational modes of the tetrahedral PO(4)(3-)(aq) (T(d) symmetry) have been assigned and compared to the calculated values derived from the density functional theory (DFT) method for the unhydrated PO(4)(3-)(T(d)) and phosphate-water clusters: PO(4)(3-).H(2)O (C(2v)), PO(4)(3-).2H(2)O (D(2d)), PO(4)(3-).4H(2)O (D(2d)), PO(4)(3-).6H(2)O (T(d)), and PO(4)(3-).12H(2)O (T), a cluster with a complete first hydration sphere of water molecules. A cluster with a second hydration sphere of 12 water molecules and 6 in the first sphere, PO(4)(3-).18H(2)O (T), has also been calculated. Agreement between measured and calculated vibrational modes is best in the case of the PO(4)(3-).12H(2)O cluster and the PO(4)(3-).18H(2)O cluster but far less so in the case of the unhydrated PO(4)(3-) or phosphate-water cluster with a lower number of water molecules than 12. The asymmetric, broad band shape of v(1)(a(1)) PO(4)(3-) in aqueous solutions has been measured as a function of concentration and the asymmetric and broad band shape was explained. However, the same mode in heavy water has only half the full width at half-height compared to the mode in normal water. The PO(4)(3-) is strongly hydrated in aqueous solutions. This has been verified by Raman spectroscopy comparing v(2)(H(2)O), the deformation mode of water, and the stretching modes, the v(1)OH and v(3)OH of water, in K(3)PO(4) solutions as a function of concentration and comparison with the same modes in pure water. A mode at approximately 240 cm(-1) (isotropic R spectrum) has been detected and assigned to the restricted translational mode of the strong hydrogen bonds formed between phosphate and water, P-O...HOH. In very concentrated K(3)PO(4) solutions (C(0) > or = 3.70 mol/L) and in the hydrate melt, formation of contact ion pairs (CIPs) could be detected. The phosphate in the CIPs shows a symmetry lowering of the T(d) symmetry to C(3v). In the less concentrated solutions, PO(4)(3-)(aq) solvent separated ion pairs and doubly solvent separated ion pairs exist, while in very dilute solutions fully hydrated ions are present (C(0) < or = 0.005 mol/L). Quantitative Raman measurements have been carried out to follow the hydrolysis of PO(4)(3-)(aq) over a very broad concentration range. From the hydrolysis data, the pK(3) value for H(3)PO(4) has been determined to be 12.45 at 23 degrees C.

Neutral loss-based phosphopeptide recognition: a collection of caveats

The standard strategy for analysis by tandem mass spectrometry of protein phosphorylation at serine or threonine utilizes the neutral loss of H3PO4 (= 97.977/z) from proteolytic peptide molecular ions as marker fragmentation. Manual control of automatically performed neutral loss-based phosphopeptide identifications is strongly recommended, since these data may contain false-positive results. These are connected to the experimental neutral loss m/z error, to competing peptide fragmentation pathways, to limitations in data interpretation software, and to the general growth of protein sequence databases. The fragmentation-related limitations of the neutral loss approach cover (i) the occurrence of abundant 'close-to-98/z' neutral loss fragmentations, (ii) the erroneous assignment of a neutral loss other than loss of H3PO4 due to charge state mix-up, and (iii) the accidental occurrence of any fragment ion in the m/z windows of interest in combination with a charge-state mix-up. The 'close-to-98/z' losses comprise loss of proline (97.053/z), valine (99.068/z), threonine (101.048/z), or cysteine (103.009/z) preferably from peptides with N-terminal sequences PP, VP, TP, or CP, and loss of 105.025/z from alkylated methionine. Confusion with other neutral losses may occur, when their m/z window coincides with a 98/z window as result of a charge state mix-up. Neutral loss of sulfenic acid from oxidized methionine originating from a doubly charged precursor (63.998/2 = 31.999) may thus mimic the loss of phosphoric acid from a triply charged phosphopeptide (97.977/3 = 32.659). As a consequence of the large complexity of proteomes, peptide sequence ions may occur in one of the mass windows of H3PO4 loss around 97.977/z. Practical examples for false-positive annotations of phosphopeptides are given for the first two groups of error. The majority of these can be readily recognized using the guidelines presented in this study.

Accurate mass-driven analysis for the characterization of protein phosphorylation. Study of the human Chk2 protein kinase

We describe the data-dependent analysis of protein phosphorylation using rapid-acquisition nano-LC-linear quadrupole ion trap Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (nano-LC-FTMS). The accurate m/z values of singly, doubly, and triply charged species calculated from the theoretical protonated masses of peptides phosphorylated at all Ser, Thr, or Tyr residues of the human checkpoint 2 (Chk2) protein kinase were used for selected ion extraction and chromatographic analysis. Using a kinase-inactive Chk2 mutant as a control, accurate mass measurements from FTMS and collision-induced dissociation spectra, 11 novel Chk2 autophosphorylation sites were assigned. Additionally, the presence of additional Chk2 phosphorylation sites in two unique peptides was deduced from accurate mass measurements. Selected ion chromatograms of all Chk2 phosphopeptides gave single peaks except in three cases in which two closely eluting species were observed. These pairs of phosphopeptides were determined to be positional isomers from MS/MS analysis. In this study, it was also found that ions due to the neutral loss of phosphoric acid from the parent peptide ion were not prominent in 18 of 36 MS/MS spectra of O-linked Chk2 phosphopeptides. Thus, accurate mass-driven analysis and rapid parallel MS/MS acquisition is a useful method for the discovery of new phosphorylation sites that is independent of the signature losses from phosphorylated amino acid residues.

Determination of verapamil hydrochloride with 12-tungstophosphoric acid by resonance Rayleigh scattering method coupled to flow injection system

A flow injection analysis (FIA) method coupled to resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) detection for the determination of verapamil hydrochloride (VP) was proposed. In pH 1.0 acidic medium, 12-tungstophosphoric acid (TP) reacted with VP to form an ion-association complex, which resulted in a significant enhancement of RRS intensity. The maximum scattering peak was located at 293 nm. RRS intensity was proportional to the concentration of VP in the range of 0.017-13.0 microg mL(-1), and the detection limit (3sigma) was 5.1 ng mL(-1). The proposed method exhibited satisfactory reproducibility with a relative standard derivation (R.S.D.) of 2.1% for 11 successive determinations of 5.0 microg mL(-1) VP. Therefore, a novel method for the determination of VP by FIA-RRS was developed. The optimum reaction conditions and the parameters of the FIA operation such as flow rate, injection volume, reactor length, and so on had been optimized in this paper. The present method had been applied to the determination of VP in serum samples and pharmaceuticals with satisfactory results. The maximal sample throughput in the optimized system was 80 h(-1).

Determination of alkaline phosphatase based on affinity adsorption solid-substrate room temperature phosphorimetry using rhodamine 6G–dibromoluciferin luminescent nanoparticle to label lectin and prediction of diseases

In the presence of heavy atom perturber LiAc, the silicon dioxide nanoparticle containing rhodamine 6G (R) and dibromoluciferin (D) (R-D-SiO(2)) can emit strong and stable solid-substrate room temperature phosphorescence signal of R (lambda(ex)/lambda(em)=481/648 nm) and D (lambda(ex)/lambda(em)=457/622 nm) on the surface of acetyl cellulose membrane (ACM). R-D-SiO(2) is used to label triticum vulgare lectin (WGA). Then two types of affinity adsorption reactions, R-D-SiO(2)-WGA- alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (direct method) and WGA-ALP-WGA-R-D-SiO(2) (sandwich method), are carried out on ACM. The conditions and the analytical characteristics for the determination of ALP using affinity adsorption solid-substrate room temperature phosphorimetry (AA-SS-RTP) were studied. For a 0.40-microl drop of sample, results show that the detection limits of the sandwich method are 0.16 ag spot(-1)(457/622 nm) and 0.17 ag spot(-1)(481/648 nm), and the detection limits of the direct method are 0.41 ag spot(-1) (457/622 nm) and 0.44 ag spot(-1) (481/648 nm). The contents of ALP in human serum correlated well with those obtained by enzyme-linked immunoassay. This study shows that AA-SS-RTP whether by the sandwich method or the direct method, can combine very well the characteristics of both high sensitivity of SS-RTP and specificity of the immunoreaction. Simultaneously, whether the phosphorescence excitation/emission wavelength of either R or D in R-D-SiO(2) is chosen to determine ALP, this can promote the agility and widen the adaptability of AA-SS-RTP.

Muon spin relaxation study of Zr(H2PO4)(PO4).2H2O

Muon spin relaxation has been used to study the muon dynamics in the layered zirconium phosphate Zr(H(2)PO(4))(PO(4)).2H(2)O as a function of temperature. Radiofrequency decoupling was used to establish the origin of the local dipolar field as coupling with (1)H spins. Muons were trapped at two sites, one identified as HMuO and the other consistent with PO-Mu on the basis of their zero-field second moments. Although a small decrease in the local nuclear dipolar field was seen with temperature, the muons remained essentially static over the temperature range 20-300 K.

Effect of chemical and microbial amendment on phosphorus runoff from composted poultry litter

Environmental impacts of composting poultry litter with chemical amendments at the field scale have not been well quantified. The objectives of this study were to measure (i) P runoff and (ii) forage yield and N uptake from small plots fertilized with composted and fresh poultry litter. Two composting studies, aerated using mechanical turning, were conducted in consecutive years. Composted litter was collected at the completion of each study for use in runoff studies. Treatments in runoff studies included an unfertilized control, fresh (uncomposted) poultry litter, and litter composted with no amendment, H3PO4, alum, or a microbial mixture. An additional treatment, litter composted with alum plus the microbial mixture, was evaluated during the first year. Fertilizer treatments were applied at rates equivalent to 8.96 Mg ha(-1) and rainfall simulators were used to produce a 5 cm h(-1) storm event. Composted poultry litter, regardless of treatment, had higher total P concentrations than fresh poultry litter. Composting poultry litter resulted in reductions of N/P ratios by as much as 51%. Soluble reactive P concentrations were lowest in alum-treated compost, which reduced soluble P concentrations in runoff water by as much as 84%. Forage yields and N uptake were greatest from plots fertilized with fresh poultry litter. Composting poultry litter without the addition of C sources can increase P concentrations in the end product and surface runoff. This study also indicated that increased rates of composted poultry litter would be required to meet equivalent N rates supplied by fresh poultry litter.

Distribution of natural radionuclides in the production and use of phosphate fertilizers in Brazil

The Brazilian phosphate fertilizer is obtained by wet reaction of igneous phosphate rock with concentrated sulphuric acid, giving as final product, phosphoric acid and dehydrated calcium sulphate (phosphogypsum) as by-products. Phosphoric acid is the starting material for triple superphosphate (TSP), single superphosphate (SSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP). The phosphate rock used as raw material presents in its composition radionuclides of the U and Th natural series. Taking this into account, the main aim of this paper is to evaluate the fluxes of natural radionuclides and radioactive disequilibria involved in the Brazilian industrial process of phosphoric acid production; to determine the content of radioactivity in several commercial fertilizers produced by this industry; to estimate their radiological impact in crop soils and the long term exposure due to their application. Radiological characterization of phosphate rock, phosphogypsum and phosphate fertilizers was performed by alpha and gamma spectrometry. The fertilizer samples, which are derived directly from phosphoric acid, MAP and DAP, presented in their composition low activity concentrations for 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb. As for U and Th, the concentrations found in MAP and DAP are more significant, up to 822 and 850Bqkg(-1), respectively. SSP and TSP, which are obtained by mixing phosphoric acid with different amounts of phosphate rock, presented higher concentrations of radionuclides, up to 1158Bqkg(-1) for (238)U, 1167Bqkg(-1) for (234)U, 1169Bqkg(-1) for 230Th, 879Bqkg(-1) for 226Ra, 1255Bqkg(-1) for 210Pb, 521Bqkg(-1) for 232Th, 246Bqkg(-1) for 228Ra and 302Bqkg(-1) for 228Th. Long term exposure due to successive fertilizer applications was evaluated. Internal doses due to the application of phosphate fertilizer for 10, 50 and 100 years were below 1mSvy(-1), showing that the radiological impact of such practice is negligible.

Virucidal activity of a new hand disinfectant with reduced ethanol content: comparison with other alcohol-based formulations

A new formula with reduced ethanol content (55%) in combination with 10% propan-1-ol, 5.9% propan-1.2-diol, 5.7% butan-1.3-diol and 0.7% phosphoric acid exhibited a broad spectrum of virucidal activity. In quantitative suspension tests, with and without protein load, this formulation reduced the infectivity titre of seven enveloped (influenza A and B, herpes simplex 1 and 2, bovine corona, respiratory syncytial, vaccinia, hepatitis B, bovine viral diarrhoea) and four non-enveloped (hepatitis A, polio, rota, feline calici) viruses >10(3)-fold within 30s. In comparative testing, only 95% ethanol showed similar levels of activity. In fingerpad tests, the formulation produced a log10 reduction factor of the titre of poliovirus type 1 (Sabin) of 3.04 in 30s compared with 1.32 by 60% propan-2-ol. Testing against feline calicivirus produced a log10 reduction factor of 2.38 by the test formulation; in contrast, the log10 reduction factors with 70% ethanol and 70% propan-1-ol were 0.68 and 0.70, respectively.

Biological assay and liquid chromatographic method for analysis of moxifloxacin in tablets

A microbiological assay and a liquid chromatographic method were validated for quantitation of moxifloxacin in tablets. The microbiological method consisted of a cylinder-plate agar diffusion assay using Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 as the test microorganism and phosphate buffer (0.1M, pH 8.0) as the diluent solution. The response graphs for standard and sample solutions were linear (r = 0.9479), and no parallelism deviations were detected in the tested levels of concentration (4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 microg/mL). The interday precision was 2.73%. Recovery values were between 96.25 and 100.5%. The chromatographic analyses were performed using a Shim-pack CLC-ODS column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with a mobile phase consisting of (A) a mixture of phosphoric acid (0.17%, v/v) with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (0.05M) and acetonitrile (95 + 5, v/v) and (B) methanol (55 + 45, v/v) adjusted to pH 3.0. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, and detection was made at 294 nm. The method was linear in a range from 12.0 to 42 microg/mL (r = 0.9999), and the interday precision was 1.39%. Recovery ranged between 101.9 and 103.81%. Both validated methods were used to quantify the moxifloxacin content in tablets exposed to ultraviolet radiation, and similar results were obtained.

Fast and simultaneous measurement of longitudinal and transverse NMR relaxation times in a single continuous wave free precession experiment

The purpose of this communication is to describe a method for rapid and simultaneous determination of longitudinal (T1) and transversel (T2) relaxation times, based on a single continuous wave free precession (CWFP) experiment which employs RF pulses with a pi/2 flip angle. We analyze several examples, involving nuclei such as 1H, 31P, and 19F, where good agreement with T1 and T2 measurements obtained by traditional methods is apparent. We also compare with the more time-consuming steady-state free precession (SSFP) method of Kronenbitter and Schwenk where several experiments are needed to determine the optimum flip angle. The role of an inhomogeneous magnetic field on the observed decays and its effect upon the accuracy of relaxation times obtained by these methods is examined by comparing numerical simulations with experimental data. Possible sources of error and conditions to minimize its effects are described.

Determination of main low molecular weight antioxidants in urinary bladder wall using HPLC with electrochemical detector

The aim of the present work was to develop validated HPLC method using electrochemical detector for simultaneous detection of low molecular weight antioxidants (LMWA) in urinary bladder. Furthermore, the method was applied to study the distribution of LMWA in urinary bladder wall. The ascorbic acid (AA), glutathione in reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) form and uric acid (UA) were resolved by isocratic elution from C18 reversed-phase column. The bladder tissue sample preparation involved extraction with meta-phosphoric acid solution for LMWA stabilization. The AA, GSH and UA tissue peak was identified by different approaches. The obtained method validation parameters were in acceptable range: intra-day precision (<4.4%), intra-day accuracy (<8.4%), inter-day precision (<9.4%) and inter-day accuracy (<15.6%). Additionally, the method provided good linearity (r2>0.99) and recoveries (98.9-112.6%). The distribution of LMWA in urinary bladder was determined by measuring their concentration in bladder wall layers: urothelium, lamina propria, muscularis and serosa. The validated method was able to quantify the reduced form of all three LMWA in all four bladder wall layers. The LMWA concentrations were decreasing from urothelium to serosa except of UA. The developed HPLC method with electrochemical detection of LMWA is simple, fast and can be used for simultaneous quantification of LMWA in tissues, which contain low concentrations of antioxidants.

Analysis of flunarizine in the presence of some of its degradation products using micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) or microemulsion liquid chromatography (MELC) - Application to dosage forms

The separation of flunarizine hydrochloride (FLZ) and five of its degradation products--1-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-4-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)piperazine, 4-oxide (A), bis(4-fluorophenyl)methanone (B), bis(4-fluorophenyl)methanol (C), 1-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)piperazine(D), and 1-[bis-4-fluorophenyl) methyl] piperazine (E)--could be accomplished by reversed phase liquid chromatography using either micellar or microemulsion mobile phases. Cyanopropyl-bonded stationary phase has been used with UV detection at 254 nm. Microemulsion mobile phase consisting of 0.15 M SDS, 10% n-propanol, 1% n-octanol, and 0.3% triethylamine in 0.02 M phosphoric acid of pH 7.0, has been used for the separation of FLZ and its degradation products (B, C, D, and E). Micellar mobile phases consisting of 0.15 M sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), 10% n-propanol, 0.3% triethylamine (TEA) in 0.02 M phosphoric acid of pH values either 4.0 or 6.8 have been used for the separation of FLZ from its degradation products, i.e. either from (B, C, D, and E) or from (A, B, C, and D), respectively. Micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) was applied to the determination of FLZ in pure form as well as in dosage forms; the calibration graph was linear over the concentration range of 0.15-50 microg/mL with detection limit of 0.02 microg/mL (4.19 x 10(-8)M).

Determination of chloride and sulfate in semiconductor-grade etchants comprised of acetic acid, nitric acid and phosphoric acid

The variable-capacity Dionex Cryptand A1 column was used for the determination of low-ppm levels of chloride and sulfate in etchants comprised of acetic acid, nitric acid and phosphoric acid. All possible ratios of the three acids could be analyzed for chloride and sulfate, if the samples were first diluted 1:100. However, a suitable eluent program was found to be needed for each mixture. A proprietary formulation was chosen to undergo this suitability determination. The resulting gradient was 10 mM KOH with a step to 30 mM NaOH at 15 min, flow-rate=0.5 ml/min; column temperature=29 degrees C; sample loop=7.5 microl. Under these conditions, a low-ppm calibration study (using the proprietary mix as the matrix) was performed and the associated prediction intervals were determined. At 50 ppm (in the original etchant), the +/- prediction interval was +/- 7 ppm for chloride and +/- 20 ppm for sulfate, both at the 95% confidence level. This step gradient was found to be a good starting place for separating the five components in all other ratios of these three acids.

Multi-charged oligonucleotide ion formation in sonic spray ionization

An oligonucleotide tends to release hydrogen atoms from a phosphoric acid group and to form negative ions that can be detected by mass spectrometry. Usually, with a solution-spray based ionization technique, the negative ions are present in different charge states. Ion formation for the nucleotide is quite complicated and is easily influenced by matrix and other constituents in a sample solution, as well as by the operating parameters for a mass spectrometer. In this work, we studied oligonucleotide ion formation by using an ion trap mass spectrometer combined with a sonic spray ionization (SSI) source. An oligonucleotide with 20 bases was measured. Effects from contaminants and parameters affecting the ion production, such as a high voltage applied to the ionization source and sample solution-flow rate, were investigated. Our results showed that an ion with about one charge for every three bases was most abundant. However, the signal intensity and the mass spectrum pattern were sensitive to the matrix and operating parameters. One of the reasons for such sensitivity is that there are various ion states for an oligonucleotide. Any change in the matrix or an operating parameter may shift the balances between the ion states. Adding Tris, or (hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, enhanced the signal intensity of the oligonucleotide and promoted formation of the oligonucleotide ion with higher charges, while adding acetic acid favored the ions with lower charges, compared with that obtained in the medium without adding Tris and acetic acid. The effects on charged droplets and chemical enhancement were investigated. The mechanism for oligonucleotide ion formation is discussed.

Evidence for altered hepatic gluconeogenesis in patients with cirrhosis using in vivo 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Alterations in gluconeogenesis in the diseased liver can be assessed non-invasively using magnetic resonance spectroscopy by measuring changes in phosphomonoester resonance which contains information regarding several metabolites, including the phosphorylated intermediates of the gluconeogenic pathway.

METHODS

31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine changes in phosphomonoesters following bolus infusions of 2.8 mmol/kg L-alanine in five patients with functionally compensated cirrhosis and in five patients with functionally decompensated cirrhosis.

RESULTS

Compared with six healthy volunteers, baseline phosphomonoester values were elevated by 35% (p<0.05) in the compensated cirrhosis group and by 57% (p<0.01) in the decompensated cirrhosis group. Following alanine infusion, phosphomonoesters in healthy volunteers increased by 46% from baseline values (p<0.01), in patients with compensated cirrhosis by 27% (p<0.02) but those with decompensated cirrhosis showed no increase from baseline. There was a reduction in the percentage of inorganic phosphate signal in all subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

By analysing changes in phosphomonoester and inorganic phosphate resonances it is possible to discern clear metabolic differences between healthy volunteers and patients with cirrhosis of varying severity using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Those patients with functionally decompensated cirrhosis have higher percentage baseline phosphomonoester values but the absence of phosphomonoester elevation following L-alanine infusion suggests that they are unable to mount a significant metabolic response with a progluconeogenic stimulus.

Development of a method for the simultaneous determination of phosphoric and amino acid group containing pesticides by gas chromatography with mass-selective detection optimization of the derivatization procedure using an experimental design approach

An integrated gas chromatographic-mass-selective detection method for the analysis of the phosphoric and amino acid group containing pesticides is presented. The analytes are derivatized using a single-step procedure for the simultaneous esterification and acetylation of the active groups of analytes (-OH, -COOH, -NH2) by means of acetic acid and trimethyl orthoacetate. An experimental design approach based on the central composite design is used to investigate the dependence of the derivatization variables with the total yield of derivatization of pesticides. The variables selected for study were: the amount of reagents, the temperature and the reaction time. When considering the total pesticide derivatization yield, the amount of acetic acid, the reaction temperature and the reaction time are found to be statistically significant. The electron impact ionization mass spectra of the resulting derivatives are acquired and properly interpreted. Under the chromatographic conditions employed, acceptable peak separation is attained. When the selective ion monitoring mode is used for quantitation purposes, low detection limits in the range 0.05 to 14 microg/l are achieved. Recoveries of spiked water samples range from 96 to 103% and the mean RSD of the method do not exceed 3.5%.

Statistics aided optimization for high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of organic acids in tobacco

HPLC analysis for organic acids in tobacco was optimized with the aid of statistical experimental design, a central composite face-centered design. In the design, only thirteen HPLC analyses were needed for identifying two optimal separation parameters. A Bio-Rad Aminex HPX-87H column was used for the analyses. An optimal separation for seven acids in tobacco was found at a temperature of 57 degrees C and a mobile phase of 0.032 N sulfuric acid solution, or at a temperature of 70 degrees C and a mobile phase of 0.024 N sulfuric acid solution, with a flow rate of 0.6 ml min(-1).

Evaluation of the EPA exposure assessment for phosphoric acid

The philosophy of this paper is that the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 1990 exposure assessment for phosphoric acid is not based on sound science and therefore does not accurately characterize the eutrophication potential of phosphoric acid releases from Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting facilities. This error propagates the myth that eutrophication is triggered by the release of phosphoric acid from facilities reporting releases in the TRI. A detailed evaluation of EPA's 1990 exposure assessment for phosphoric acid reveals critical flaws in their applied methodology. Significant methodological improvements detailed in this paper fundamentally alter EPA's 1990 exposure assessment and demonstrate that, contrary to EPA's conclusion, these sources of phosphoric acid do not have the potential to trigger eutrophication in surface waters. Therefore, when sound scientific principles are applied in this comparative exposure assessment, EPA's policy maintaining phosphoric acid on the TRI list is inappropriate.

Environmental pollution and the occurrence of congenital defects in a 15-year period in a south Moravian district

We have made a simple 15-year retrospective epidemiological study of a part of South Moravia, district Breclav, on the basis of genetic documentation of 245 congenital defects and 28 spontaneous abortions. The whole area was worked up by computer-geographical methods, and the occurrence of congenital defects was compared both in areas of severe chronic air pollution and in less contamined areas. There were three municipal areas, Mikulov, Breclav-Postorná, Velké Bilovice and their surroundings, in which an increased number of congenital defects was recorded. In the municipal area of Breclav-Postorná there was also a greater occurrence of organic solvents and phosphoric acid and a significantly higher occurrence of spontaneous abortions and at the same time a higher occurrence of heart defects.

Signal profile measurements of single- and double-volume acquisitions with image-selected in vivo spectroscopy for 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The volume-selection performance was studied for single- and double-volume-of-interest (VOI) acquisition with the volume-selection method image-selected in vivo spectroscopy for 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. High-resolution signal profiles were measured using a phantom simulating a brain. Inside the phantom there was a small, remotely controlled, movable signal source filled with ortho-phosphoric acid. Signal profiles of the VOI were measured in three perpendicular directions for 1VOI (single VOI) and 2VOI (double VOI) acquisition. The measured signal profiles for both acquisitions were very similar, but they showed a discrepancy with regard to the intended VOI (iVOI). The transition regions were on average 3.8 mm and the average full width at half maximum of the signal profile was 30 mm for an iVOI size of 30*30*30 (mm3). No displacement was observed in the signal profiles. To avoid overlapping signal profiles, the minimum separation between two iVOIs was found to be 10 mm in our magnetic resonance (MR) system. A substantial negative signal contribution from regions outside the iVOI was measured in the y-direction for 1VOI acquisition and one of the two VOIs in 2VOI acquisition. The other VOI in 2VOI acquisition exhibited only minor contamination. The measurements presented underline the importance of detailed knowledge on the volume selection performance in in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

[Structure of teichoic acids from marine microorganisms Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis]

Teichoic acids from the cell walls of marine bacilli Bacillus subtilis CMM (Collection of Marine Microorganisms) 234 (R-1) and B. licheniformis CMM 454 (1-1G-2) were isolated and characterized. These teichoic acids were found to have identical structures and are composed of the glucose, ribitol, and phosphoric acid residues. On the basis of 13C NMR and 31P NMR spectra of the teichoic acids and the products of their dephosphorylation, we established the following structure for the biopolymer: poly[-->5)-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylribitol-(1-phospho].

Generation and properties of a Streptococcus pneumoniae mutant which does not require choline or analogs for growth

A mutant (JY2190) of Streptococcus pneumoniae Rx1 which had acquired the ability to grow in the absence of choline and analogs was isolated. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and wall teichoic acid (TA) isolated from the mutant were free of phosphocholine and other phosphorylated amino alcohols. Both polymers showed an unaltered chain structure and, in the case of LTA, an unchanged glycolipid anchor. The cell wall composition was also not altered except that, due to the lack of phosphocholine, the phosphate content of cell walls was half that of the parent strain. Isolated cell walls of the mutant were resistant to hydrolysis by pneumococcal autolysin (N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidase) but were cleaved by the muramidases CPL and cellosyl. The lack of active autolysin in the mutant cells became apparent by impaired cell separation at the end of cell division and by resistance against stationary-phase and penicillin-induced lysis. As a result of the absence of choline in the LTA, pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) was no longer retained on the cytoplasmic membrane. During growth in the presence of choline, which was incorporated as phosphocholine into LTA and TA, the mutant cells separated normally, did not release PspA, and became penicillin sensitive. However, even under these conditions, they did not lyse in the stationary phase, and they showed poor reactivity with antibody to phosphocholine and an increased release of C-polysaccharide from the cell. In contrast to ethanolamine-grown parent cells (A. Tomasz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 59:86-93, 1968), the choline-free mutant cells retained the capability to undergo genetic transformation but, compared to Rx1, with lower frequency and at an earlier stage of growth. The properties of the mutant could be transferred to the parent strain by DNA of the mutant.

In vitro comparative fluoride release, and weight and volume change in light-curing and self-curing glass ionomer materials

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare in vitro fluoride release from and weight and volume changes of Photac-Fil, a light-curing polymaleinate restorative glass ionomer, with Ketac-Fil, a self-curing glass ionomer, and Ketac-Silver, a metal reinforced glass ionomer. Five discs of each material, measuring 2 mm height and 5 mm diameter, were suspended in separate vials of distilled water and laboratory artificial saliva. Fluoride release into the solutions was measured using a calibrated fluoride-sensitive ion meter initially at 24 hr and then weekly from 1 to 9 weeks. These results were evaluated statistically using repeated measures analysis of variance. Volumes and weights were recorded at the start and end of the experiment and analyzed using the paired t-test. Photac-Fil released similar amounts of fluoride to Ketac-Silver, but significantly less than Ketac-Fil in distilled water (P < or = 0.05). In artificial saliva, Photac-Fil released similar amounts to Ketac-Fil, but significantly more than Ketac-Silver (P < or = 0.05). Photac-Fil volume increased in distilled water and artificial saliva (P < or = 0.05) as did Ketac-Fil and Ketac-Silver in artificial saliva (P < or = 0.05). The only material that demonstrated significant net weight increase was Ketac-Silver in artificial saliva (P < or = 0.05). In summary, differences in fluoride release between these three glass ionomer materials varied as a function of the media in which they were stored. Whereas Ketac-Fil exhibited significantly greater fluoride release than the other materials in distilled water, in artificial saliva Ketac-Fil and Photac-Fil exhibited comparable fluoride release. Dimensional change, as evaluated by volume and weight differences, was also affected by storage media.

[Determination of orthophosphoric and orthophosphorous acids in the workplace air using ion chromatography]

The authors elaborated a method measuring air level of orthophosphorous and orthophosphoric acids by means of ion chromatography within the range of 0.1-25 mg/cu m. The samples are extracted through concentration on a filter. The analysis regime includes depression of the background levels. The separating column (4 x 200 mm) is filled with anion exchanger BT IAN, the suppressing column (6 x 150 mm) is filled with cation exchanger Dowex 50 x 8, the elutriating agent is 1.5 mM of sodium carbonate, the detector is conductometric. Minimal amounts of ions that could be detected in the analyzed solution are 7-10 ng (HPO32-), 10-15 ng (HPO 42-). The method is designed to analyze the air of workplace.

Reversible structural changes of octacalcium phosphate and labile acid phosphate

Acid phosphate is one of the major impurities incorporated into bioapatites, and its quantity and environment in forming mineral have been used as diagnostic probes to pursue acidic precursor(s). Currently, little is known about the structural feature of nonstoichiometric octacalcium phosphate (OCP), which has been advocated to be, most plausibly, mineral salt initially formed during amelogenesis. In the present report, we attempt to define the state of acid phosphate in OCP crystals which were Ca-deficient and contained 40% total phosphate as acid phosphate. We assessed fractions of acid phosphate in discrete environments by extracting the crystals in either deionized water, 10 mmol/L NaOH solution (initial pH 11), or 150 mmol/L Tris buffer at pH 7.4. Solid samples before and after the treatments were examined by chemical analyses and x-ray diffraction. The results indicated that successive extractions with use of the alkaline solution brought about a reversible change (not hydrolysis) in the interior structure of OCP, which accompanied a marked decrease in acid phosphate. A substantial part of the lost acid phosphate was restored during subsequent treatments at neutral pH, and, intriguingly, this restoration accompanied a re-ordering of OCP structure. The data suggested that the acid phosphate in OCP is separated into three pools: (a) a stable pool corresponding to roughly 50 to 60% of the total acid phosphate, (b) a reversibly exchangeable pool corresponding to 25 to 30% of the acid phosphate which may exist either in the water layer or on crystal surfaces, and (c) an unstable (or irreversibly lost) pool corresponding to 15 to 20% of the acid phosphate, a part of which might be explained by the presence of excess hydrogen in OCP. The present work supports the concept that protons and, to a lesser magnitude, phosphate species can diffuse into and out of the OCP lattice prior to initiation of its hydrolytic transition into apatite.

Phase behaviour of novel phospholipid analogues

The phase behaviour of phospholipid analogues containing a phosphoramide moiety was investigated using polarized light microscopy. A complex liquid-crystalline polymorphism consisting of lamellar, and normal topology hexagonal and intermediate phases was observed and found to depend on the structure of the phosphoramide headgroup and its methylation. In addition, a lower consolute phase boundary in the micellar solution part of the phase diagram was observed in some systems. The aggregation behaviour of these novel amphiphiles was compared with that of quaternary ammonium and oligo-ethylene oxide amphiphiles.

Phosphoric acid entrapment leads to apparent protein heterogeneity

Recombinant proteins produced in prokaryotes or eukaryotes show certain types of heterogeneity due to post-translational modifications. Some preparations of a soluble interferon gamma receptor, produced in Escherichia coli, appeared as a double band with slightly different mobilities in non-reducing sodium dodecylsulfate and native polyacrylamide gels. Ion spray mass spectrometry showed that the two forms had a mass difference of one to three multiples of 97 +/- 2 D. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of phosphoric acid in the hydrolysate and in the intact protein. The more slowly migrating protein species had trapped molecules of phosphoric acid during the protein extraction. Most of the trapped phosphoric acid was loosely associated with the protein. One to three molecules were tightly, but non-covalently linked per receptor molecule. Phosphoric acid entrapment did not affect biological activity and most likely did not affect protein conformation. The species carrying phosphoric acid showed higher solubility. Trapping of phosphoric acid by proteins may be a general phenomenon and the results reported here thus useful in the characterization of other recombinant proteins.