Mitochondrial dysfunction associated with ascorbate synthesis in plants.

Mitochondria are the major organelles of energy production; however, active mitochondria can decline their energetic role and show a dysfunctional status. Mitochondrial dysfunction was induced by high non-physiological level of L-galactone-1,4-lactone (L-GalL), the precursor of ascorbate (AsA), in plant mitochondria. The dysfunction induced by L-GalL was associated with the fault in the mitochondrial electron partition and reactive oxygen species (ROS) over-production.

Monitoring of ammonia concentrations from coir-husk litter of Brazilian poultry house using diode laser photoacoustic spectroscopy.

Ammonia (NH[Formula: see text]) from manure is a concern in raising broiler due to possible damages to production and the environment. Brazil is the main exporter of chicken meat in the world and is also responsible for large waste of poultry litter. The country, likewise, figures as top 5 producers of green coconut, which results in considerable volumes of waste, since 80%-85% of the fruit is unusable.

Photoacoustic detection of ammonia exhaled by individuals with chronic kidney disease.

Ammonia (NH) has been reported as a breath biomarker for chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually detected at concentrations greater than 0.25 parts per million by volume (ppmV). NH was detected in breath of individuals with CKD through gaseous photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS).

Environmental impact of combustion of ethanolic biodiesel/diesel blends from several feedstocks on the gas emission levels in the atmosphere.

The aim of this work was to evaluate simultaneously the effect of produced ethanolic biodiesel from several feedstocks (soybean, crambe, macaw, sunflower, and waste cooking oil) and engine operational conditions (low and high engine speed) during combustion of biodiesel/diesel blends on the NO, NO, NO, CO, and CO emission levels in the atmosphere. The biodiesel samples were prepared in one and/or two reaction steps, according to the acid index of each raw material, by esterification using HSO and/or chemical transesterification using sodium ethoxide, both, through ethanolic route. The quality of the produced biodiesels was confirmed by ASTM/EN specifications.

Photodegradation of ethylene by use of TiO sol-gel on polypropylene and on glass for application in the postharvest of papaya fruit.

The papaya is a commercially important fruit commodity worldwide. Being a climacteric fruit, it is highly perishable. Thus, for the transportation of papaya fruit for long distances without loss of quality, it is necessary to avoid the autocatalytic effect of ethylene in accelerating the ripening of the fruit.

Histological and biochemical serum effects of alpha-tocopherol on ischemia/reperfusion-related injuries induced in the pelvic limb of rats.

Purpose: To evaluate the protective action of alpha-tocopherol in ischemia/reperfusion injuries of pelvic member of rats.

Methods: Thirty adult male rats of the Wistar strain were randomized into three experimental groups of 10: Group I--control group with no ischemia or reperfusion. Groups II and III--four hours of ischemia and of hours of reperfusion by means of clamping of the infrarenal aorta.