Bożena Gładyszewska

Effect of Solvent Polarizability on the Keto/Enol Equilibrium of Selected Bioactive Molecules from the 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Group with a 2,4-Hydroxyphenyl Function

Three novel 1,3,4-tiadiazole-derived compounds with biological-activity, i.e., 4-(5-(methylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)benzene-1,3-diol (MDFT), 4-(5-(phenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)benzene-1,3-diol (PhATB), and 4-(5-(4-chlorophenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)benzene-1,3-diol (4-CIPhATB) were characterized with the use of several spectroscopic methods. Detailed UV-vis studies revealed keto/enol tautomerism of the examined compounds. The absorption spectra recorded in nonpolar solvents exhibited bands that were characteristic of keto tautomers, while in polar solvents the enol form is predominant. A number of spectra revealed the presence of both tautomeric forms in the solution. The keto/enol equilibria observed were both solvent- and temperature-dependent. The keto/enol equilibrium was also observed using FTIR spectroscopy. A detailed analysis of the spectroscopic data leads to a conclusion that the solvent-induced tautomerism of the selected compounds from the 1,3,4-thiadiazole group does not depend on the electric dipole moment of the solvent but more likely on its average electric polarizability. Additionally, a clear effect of the substituent present in the molecule on the tautomeric equilibrium in the selected 1,3,4-thiadiazole analogues was noted.

Comparison of the effect of dietary copper nanoparticles with copper (II) salt on bone geometric and structural parameters as well as material characteristics in a rat model

Copper is required for normal functioning of all basic biochemical and physiological processes in the body. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of two different chemical forms (carbonate and nanoparticles) of Cu administered in feed mixtures to growing rats on bone geometric and structural parameters as well as material characteristics in a rat model. For this purpose, five experimental treatments were used to evaluate the effects of different levels of Cu applied in the diet as a mineral mixture (the standard dose of 6.5mg/kg diet, half the standard dose, and no Cu in mineral mixture as a negative control) and two Cu sources (CuCO3 - commonly used in rodent laboratory diets and a Cu-NP nanoparticle preparation, 40nm). There were no changes in body weight and bone morphology, but significant alteration was noted in the geometry and mechanical parameters, which was Cu-NP-dose dependent. Our study showed an increase in the ultimate load and toughness in Cu-NP-treated rats at the standard concentration. The higher values of the studied parameters prove that there was a change in bone mineralization. Although bone mineral density and content were not changed, bone tissue density and ash increased. The XRD analysis revealed that some peaks did not originate from hydroxyapatite, and they indicated existence of other mineral phases. No studies conducted so far have provided a detailed mechanical X-ray diffraction analysis of bone tissue of growing rats administered with diet containing Cu nanoparticles. This study showed that Cu-NP given in low dose increased mechanical endurance of bone, without the changes in strain and stress compared to low dose of Cu given in traditional form.

Changes in the germination process and growth of pea in effect of laser seed irradiation

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pre-sowing helium-neon (He-Ne) laser irradiation of pea seeds on changes in seed biochemical processes, germination rate, seedling emergence, growth rate, and yield. The first experimental factor was exposure to laser radiation: D0 - no irradiation, D3 - three exposures, D5 - five exposures, and the harvest dates were the second factor. Pre-sowing treatment of pea seeds with He-Ne laser light increased the concentrations of amylolytic enzymes and the content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in pea seeds and seedlings. The exposure of seeds to He-Ne laser light improved the germination rate and uniformity and modified growth stages, which caused acceleration of flowering and ripening of pea plants. Laser light stimulation improved the morphological characteristics of plants by increasing plant height and leaf surface area. Irradiation improved the yield of vegetative and reproductive organs of pea, although the effects varied at the different growth stages. The increase in the seed yield resulted from a higher number of pods and seeds per plant, whereas no significant changes were observed in the number of seeds per pod. Both radiation doses exerted similarly stimulating effects on pea growth, development, and yield.

Influence of water addition on mechanical properties of thermoplastic starch foils

Abstract The aim of this paper is to study the influence of water on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic starch films. Experimental observations of Young modulus and the breaking force of thermoplastic starch foils with different percentages of polyvinyl alcohol and keratin additives and screw rotation speeds are reported. Thermoplastic starch foils are prepared by the extrusion method with the bowling from potato starch and glycerol as a plasticizer. Young modulus and the breaking force were determined by the random marker method. Measurements of Young modulus and the breaking force of the films were performed after their production and after dosing with water. It was observed that in all cases Young modulus decreases after dosing with water, but the breaking force lied in the same range. Thermoplastic starch foils produced at the screw rotation speed equal to 60 r.p.m. have the best mechanical properties. The highest value of Young modulus and the breaking force were obtained for samples with a 1% keratin additive.

Evaluation of the Moisture Change Ability of Selected Crop Seeds

Abstract The objective of the paper was to investigate the moisture change ability of bean, broad bean, pea, lupine, radish, beetroot, winter wheat, maize, cucumber, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Seeds absorbed water in the system for measurement of the water absorption kinetics with the capillary and weighting method. The research results were presented in the form of plots of the relation of kinetics of the moisture change of seeds in the time for the first and second stage of the process which precedes germination. Moreover, the water content in seeds for the time of the end of the second stage of water absorption was determined and the maximum water absorption speed coefficient and the time of its obtaining was calculated. The water content for the end of the 2nd stage of its collection was the highest for seeds which include a hard caryopsis and for broad bean plant seeds. The maximum water absorption speed coefficient was the highest for seeds with low initial moisture - radish, beetroot, cucumber and pumpkin. The measurement of the water absorption speed with the use of the capillary and weighting method enabled investigation of seeds with a varied size, construction of a seed coat and chemical composition for a long period of time to the moment seedlings were obtained.

Effects of replacing soybean meal with chickpea seeds in the diet on mechanical and thermal properties of tendon tissue in broiler chicken

Abstract The efficiency of the musculoskeletal system of broiler chickens, in particular during locomotion and in ensuring its supportive function, depends directly on the adequate function and mechanical endurance of soft tissues, including tendons. However, little is known whether the properties of musculoskeletal soft tissues can be influenced by changes of dietary protein. We substituted soybean meal with raw chickpea seeds as the primary protein source in the diet and studied the effects it had on the mechanical and thermal properties of drumstick tendons in broiler Ross 308 chickens. In the experiment, 160 chicks were divided into 2 groups, receiving in their diet either soybean meal (n = 80) or chickpea seeds (n = 80). The experiment lasted 42 days. The physical condition of the drumstick tendons was analyzed on the basis of a tensile test and the results of thermal denaturation as measured by a differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical evaluation of tendon tensile strength of the broilers fed with chickpea seeds demonstrated an increase in the ultimate strain (for over 22%, P < 0.04) and total energy absorbed by the tendon until rupture (for over 57%, P < 0.05) as when compared to the group fed with soybean meal. Thermal analysis demonstrated alterations in tendon collagen cross‐linking as transition onset temperature decreased (from 63.8 to 61.8°C, P < 0.001), whereas the calorimetric enthalpy increased (from 16.2 to 22.1 J·g−1, P < 0.05) in the group fed with chickpea seeds. In summary, this study demonstrated that dietary protein source can impact the physical properties of tendons and showed that thermal analysis can be a useful tool for studying the effect of nutrition on the development and structural changes in tendons of broiler chickens.

Effect of PVA and PDE on selected structural characteristics of extrusion-cooked starch foams

The aim of this work was to determine selected physical properties of biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS) filling foams manufactured by extrusion-cooking technique from different combinations of potato starch and two additives: poly(vinyl alcohol) PVA and Plastronfoam PDE. Foams were processed with seven starch/additives combinations at two different extruder-cooker’s screw rotational speeds. The densities of starch foams depended significantly on the additive type and content. The linear relationship between the Young modulus and the ultimate compression force and apparent density was found. The foams processed with the addition of PVA had low density, porosity and lower values of the Young modulus than the foams prepared with PDE.

White tea is more effective in preservation of bone loss in adult rats co-exposed to lead and cadmium compared to black, red or green tea

Abstract Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are toxic metals occurring commonly in the human environment that show mutagenic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Dietary components could prevent heavy metals intoxication by reducing their accumulation in the body. The purpose of the study was to check possible protective effect of regular consumption of white, black, red, or green tea on bone metabolism during long-term exposure to Pb and Cd in adult rats. The 12 week-long exposure to Pb and Cd (50 mg Pb and 7 mg Cd/kg of the diet) in a rat model was studied. Twelve-week-old adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a negative control group (Pb and Cd exposure without tea), a control (without Pb and Cd and teas), and groups co-exposed to Pb and Cd and supplemented with green, red, black, or white tea (n=12 each group). The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. The co-exposure to Pb and Cd led to the increase of bone resorption depending on the tea treatment, which was confirmed by the mechanical testing and histomorphometrical examination of cancellous bone. Pb and Cd influenced mechanical strength, reduced the densitometric and geometric parameters and the thickness of growth plate and articular cartilages. Concluding, white tea exerted the best protective effect on bone tissue and hyaline cartilage against heavy metal action.

Fast Fourier transform analysis as a new tool for Olympic rifle coaches

The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of using data collected with an electronic training system to determine the influence of a shooter’s heartbeat on shooting precision. Shooting sessions of a rifle in prone position were studied with the use of an electronic training system. As a case study, results of an experienced shooter were analyzed. Fast Fourier transform was applied to raw data extracted from the system and then results were interpreted. The spectrum obtained revealed a wide peak at the frequency f = 2.6 Hz that was considered as the second harmonics of the average frequency corresponding to the heartbeat decreasing down to 69 beats/min when releasing a shot. The session finished with a very modest score of 611.3 points. When a small intentional change in the shooter’s equipment (a sling position) was introduced, the spectrum obtained did not reveal any peaks and the shooter reached a much better score of 621.8 points. The use of fast Fourier transform analysis is proposed as a new tool for Olympic rifle shooters and coaches. This new tool does not require any complicated procedures and provides quantitative information on the influence of a heartbeat on the stability of a shooter’s aim.

Moisture sorption characteristics of extrusion-cooked starch protective loose-fill cushioning foams

Abstract The aim of this work was to determine the water vapour sorption properties of thermoplastic starch filling foams processed by extrusion-cooking technique from various combinations of potato starch and two foaming agents: poly(vinyl) alcohol and Plastronfoam, in amount of 1, 2 and 3% each. Foams were processed with the single screw extruder-cooker at two different screw rotational speeds 100 and 130 r.p.m. The sorption isotherms of samples were determined and described using the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer model. Also, the kinetics of water vapour adsorption by foams, as a function of time, was measured and fitted with Peleg model. On the basis of the analysis the influence of the applied foaming agents, as well as the technological parameters of extrusion-cooking process in relation to water vapour adsorption by thermoplastic starch foams was demonstrated. There was no difference between the shapes of the isotherms for poly(vinyl) alcohol foams while for Plastronfoam foams a notable difference among foams extruded at 100 r.p.m. was observed in the regions of low and high humidity content. The analysis of the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer model parameters showed that the water molecules were less strongly bound with the foam surface when extruded at a lower screw speed.