Effects of electrode gap and electric current on chlorine generation of electrolyzed deep ocean water.

Electrolyzed water is a sustainable disinfectant, which can comply with food safety regulations and is environmental friendly. A two-factor central composite design was adopted for studying the effects of electrode gap and electric current on chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzed deep ocean water. Deep ocean water was electrolyzed in a glass electrolyzing cell equipped with platinum-plated titanium anode and cathode in a constant-current operation mode. Results showed that current density, chlorine concentration, and electrolyte temperature increased with electric current, while electric efficiency decreased with electric current and electrode gap. An electrode gap of less than 11.7 mm, and a low electric current appeared to be a more energy efficient design and operation condition for the electrolysis system.

Effects of electrolysis time and electric potential on chlorine generation of electrolyzed deep ocean water.

Electrolyzed water is a sustainable disinfectant, which can comply with food safety regulations and is environmentally friendly. A two-factor central composite design was adopted for studying the effects of electrolysis time and electric potential on the chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzed deep ocean water (DOW). DOW was electrolyzed in a glass electrolyzing cell equipped with platinum-plated titanium anode and cathode. The results showed that chlorine concentration reached maximal level in the batch process. Prolonged electrolysis reduced chlorine concentration in the electrolyte and was detrimental to electrolysis efficiency, especially under high electric potential conditions. Therefore, the optimal choice of electrolysis time depends on the electrolyzable chloride in DOW and cell potential adopted for electrolysis. The higher the electric potential, the faster the chlorine level reaches its maximum, but the lower the electric efficiency will be.

Hypolipidemic and Antioxidative Effects of Glossogyne tenuifolia in Hamsters Fed an Atherogenic Diet.

Glossogyne tenuifolia (GT) Cassini is a special herbal tea in the Penghu Islands, Taiwan, and has a long history of being used as an antipyretic, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory remedy in folk medicine among local residents. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hot water extracts from GT on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in animals. Five- to 6-week-old male Syrian hamsters were divided into four groups (n = 14) for different treatments, that is: control group (C), high-fat/cholesterol (HF) group, HF diet containing 0.5% (GT0.5) and 1.5% (GT1.5) GT extracts for 4 weeks. Hamsters fed with 0.5% GT powder as well as 1.5% GT powder exhibited reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), conjugated diene of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased serum antioxidant capacity, but 1.5% GT powder was more potent at lowering serum LDL cholesterol and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations than 0.5% GT. GT extracts significantly lowered liver triacylglycerol (TG) concentration by diminishing activities of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH). In addition, fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acids were increased in GT extract groups. In conclusion, GT extracts increase the antioxidative capacity, decrease serum TC, inhibit the activities of FAS and G-6-PDH, and further reduce liver TG accumulation in hamster fed on atherogenic diets.

Effects of electrode gap and electric potential on chlorine generation of electrolyzed deep ocean water.

Electrolyzed water is a sustainable disinfectant, which can comply with food safety regulations and is environmentally friendly. A two-factor central composite design was adopted for studying the effects of electrode gap and electric potential on chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzed deep ocean water. Deep ocean water was electrolyzed in a glass electrolyzing cell equipped with platinum-plated titanium anode and cathode. Results showed high electric efficiency at a low cell potential, and a high current density and high chlorine concentration at a high cell potential and low electrode gap. Current efficiency of the system was not significantly affected by electrode gap and electric potential. A small electrode gap reduced the required cell potential and resulted in high energy efficiency. The optimal choice of electrode gap and cell potential depends on the chlorine level of the electrolyzed deep ocean water to be produced, and a small electrode gap is preferred.

Effects of electrode settings on chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzing seawater.

Electrolyzed water has significant disinfection effects, can comply with food safety regulations, and is environmental friendly. We investigated the effects of immersion depth of electrodes, stirring, electrode size, and electrode gap on the properties and chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzing seawater and its storage stability. Results indicated that temperature and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the seawater increased gradually, whereas electrical conductivity decreased steadily in electrolysis. During the electrolysis process, pH values and electric currents also decreased slightly within small ranges. Additional stirring or immersing the electrodes deep under the seawater significantly increased current density without affecting its electric efficiency and current efficiency. Decreasing electrode size or increasing electrode gap decreased chlorine production and electric current of the process without affecting its electric efficiency and current efficiency. Less than 35% of chlorine in the electrolyzed seawater was lost in a 3-week storage period. The decrement trend leveled off after the 1st week of storage. The electrolyzing system is a convenient and economical method for producing high-chlorine seawater, which will have high potential applications in agriculture, aquaculture, or food processing.

Effects of process conditions on chlorine generation and storage stability of electrolyzed deep ocean water.

Electrolyzed water is a sustainable disinfectant, which can comply with food safety regulations and is environmentally friendly. We investigated the effects of platinum plating of electrode, electrode size, cell potential, and additional stirring on electrolysis properties of deep ocean water (DOW) and DOW concentration products. We also studied the relationships between quality properties of electrolyzed DOW and their storage stability. Results indicated that concentrating DOW to 1.7 times increased chlorine level in the electrolyzed DOW without affecting electric and current efficiencies of the electrolysis process. Increasing magnesium and potassium levels in DOW decreased chlorine level in the electrolyzed DOW as well as electric and current efficiencies of the electrolysis process. Additional stirring could not increase electrolysis efficiency of small electrolyzer. Large electrode, high electric potential and/or small electrolyzing cell increased chlorine production rate but decreased electric and current efficiencies. High electrolysis intensity decreased storage stability of the electrolyzed seawater and the effects of electrolysis on DOW gradually subsided in storage. DOW has similar electrolysis properties to surface seawater, but its purity and stability are better. Therefore, electrolyzed DOW should have better potential for applications on postharvest cleaning and disinfection of ready-to-eat fresh produce.

Aluminum overload increases oxidative stress in four functional brain areas of neonatal rats.

BACKGROUND: Higher aluminum (Al) content in infant formula and its effects on neonatal brain development are a cause for concern. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution and concentration of Al in neonatal rat brain following Al treatment, and oxidative stress in brain tissues induced by Al overload. METHODS: Postnatal day 3 (PND 3) rat pups (n =46) received intraperitoneal injection of aluminum chloride (AlCl3), at dosages of 0, 7, and 35 mg/kg body wt (control, low Al (LA), and high Al (HA), respectively), over 14 d. RESULTS: Aluminum concentrations were significantly higher in the hippocampus (751.0 ± 225.8 ng/g v.s. 294.9 ± 180.8 ng/g; p < 0.05), diencephalon (79.6 ± 20.7 ng/g v.s. 20.4 ± 9.6 ng/g; p < 0.05), and cerebellum (144.8 ± 36.2 ng/g v.s. 83.1 ± 15.2 ng/g; p < 0.05) in the HA group compared to the control. The hippocampus, diencephalon, cerebellum, and brain stem of HA animals displayed significantly higher levels of lipid peroxidative products (TBARS) than the same regions in the controls. However, the average superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and brain stem were lower in the HA group compared to the control. The HA animals demonstrated increased catalase activity in the diencephalon, and increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and brain stem, compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Aluminum overload increases oxidative stress (H2O2) in the hippocampus, diencephalon, cerebellum, and brain stem in neonatal rats.

Aluminum alters NMDA receptor 1A and 2A/B expression on neonatal hippocampal neurons in rats.

BACKGROUND: High aluminum (Al) content in certain infant formula raises the concern of possible Al toxicity on brain development of neonates during their vulnerable period of growing. Results of in vivo study showed that Al content of brain tissues reached to 74 µM when oral intake up to 1110 µM, 10 times of that in the hi-Al infant formula. METHODS: Utilizing a cultured neuron cells in vitro model, we have assessed Al influence on neuronal specific gene expression alteration by immunoblot and immunohistochemistry and neural proliferation rate changes by MTT assay. RESULTS: Microscopic images showed that the neurite outgrowth of hippocampal neurons increased along with the Al dosages (37, 74 µM Al (AlCl3)). MTT results also indicated that Al increased neural cell viability. On the other hand, the immunocytochemistry staining suggested that the protein expressions of NMDAR 1A and NMDAR 2A/B decreased with the Al dosages (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treated hippocampal neurons with 37 and 74 µM of Al for 14 days increased neural cell viability, but hampered NMDAR 1A and NMDAR 2A/B expressions. It was suggested that Al exposure might alter the development of hippocampal neurons in neonatal rats.

Information system equality for food security--implementation of the food safety control system in Taiwan.

Food security plays a central role in governing agricultural policies in Taiwan. In addition to overuse or the illegal use of pesticide, meat leanness promoters, animal drugs and melamine in the food supply; as well as foodborne illness draws the greatest public concern due to incidents that occur every year in Taiwan. The present report demonstrates the implementation of a food safety control system in Taiwan. In order to control foodborne outbreaks effectively, the central government of the Department of Health of Taiwan launched the food safety control system which includes both the good hygienic practice (GHP) and the HACCP plan, in the last decade. From 1998 to the present, 302 food affiliations that implemented the system have been validated and accredited by a well-established audit system. The implementation of a food safety control system in compliance with international standards is of crucial importance to ensure complete safety and the high quality of foods, not only for domestic markets, but also for international trade.

Vitamin B2 inhibits glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals.

We examined the effect of riboflavin, vitamin B2, on the release of endogenous glutamate from nerve terminals purified from rat cerebral cortex. The release of glutamate evoked by 4-aminopyridine was inhibited by riboflavin. Further experiments indicated that riboflavin-mediated inhibition of glutamate release (i) results from a reduction of vesicular exocytosis, not from an inhibition of nonvesicular release; (ii) is associated with a decrease in presynaptic N-type and P/Q-type voltage-dependent Ca channel activity. These findings are the first to suggest that, in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals, riboflavin suppresses voltage-dependent Ca channel activity and in so doing inhibits evoked glutamate release. This finding may explain the neuroprotective effects of vitamin B2 against neurotoxicity.

Effects of peritoneal aluminum overload on polyamines and nitric oxide contents of testes and epididymis in the mice.

Polyamines are involved in cellular growth, differentiation and regulation of oxidative stress. The present investigation was to determine the effect of aluminum (Al) toxicity on the nitric oxide products (NO(x)) and metabolism of polyamines in mouse testes and epididymis. Aluminum chloride, AlCl(3,) was administered intraperitoneally to CD-1 adult male mice at dosages of 0, 7 or 35mg Al/kg body weight/day for 14 days (C, LAL and HAL groups). Results obtained show that the weights of epididymis in HAL animals are significantly decreased due to Al administration. Al treatment significantly induced higher Al concentrations in serum, testis and epididymis tissue. In addition, the serum and testicular and epididymal NO(x) production in HAL and testicular NO(x) in LAH groups were increased remarkably compared to the control animals. On the contrary, the contents of putrescine and spermine in testis were significantly lower than the values of controls and LAL groups. The epididymal spermine levels of HAL animal also decreased significantly. It is suggested that the polyamine biosynthesis in the mouse testis and epididymis can be affected by Al, which is associated with the NO(x) production in the male reproductive toxicity.

Aluminum-induced suppression of testosterone through nitric oxide production in male mice.

Excessive nitric oxide (NO) production in mice serum and testis due to aluminum (Al) exposure has been shown in previous studies. The aim of this study was to further investigate the role of NO on aluminum-suppressed testosterone level in male CD-1 mice. Each animal in six groups, was given intraperitoneal injections of either saline, aluminum chloride (AlCl(3)), l-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl) lysine (NO synthase inhibitor, l-NIL), or Al chloride along with l-NIL for a period of 12 days. These groups were denoted as C (control, saline), AL (35mg Al/kg/day, saline), NIL240 (total 240mg l-NIL/kg, saline), ALNIL240 (35mg Al/kg/day, total 240mg l-NIL/kg), ALNIL60 (35mg Al/kg/day, total 60mg l-NIL/kg), and NIL60 (total 60mg l-NIL/kg, saline). Results indicated that serum/testicular aluminum levels increased significantly in aluminum-treated animals compared to the controls, whereas the values observed from groups ALNIL240 than AL/ALNIL60 were markedly lower. Aluminum administration significantly increased NO production and decreased both testicular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and testosterone levels. A lower level of NO and higher concentrations of cAMP and testosterone observed in the ALNIL240 group indicated that the protective effect of NO synthase blockage was significant, although incomplete. In addition, aluminum induction significantly elevated the testicular cholesterol, but the values were lower in the ALNIL240 group than the AL or the ALNIL60 group. Finally, it was suggested that aluminum compounds exerted a significant adverse effects on the steroidogenesis and cAMP, which aided in the transport of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Furthermore, nitric oxide synthase blockage prevented aluminum-induced reproductive toxicity.

The influence of aluminum exposure on male reproduction and offspring in mice.

The dominant lethal assay was utilized to assess the reproductive performance in male mice, possible genetic hazards, and persistent damage of aluminum (Al). Al chloride, AlCl(3), was administered subcutaneously to CD-1 adult male mice at dosages of 0, 7, or 13mg Al/kg body weight/day for 2 weeks of pre-mating periods. Females were not dosed at any time during this study. At the end of the exposure period, each male was caged with three virgin females each day. The mean mating frequencies of the Al-treated groups reduced consistently from week 4 to 6, and a dramatic reduction in male fertility was also observed. However, the mating frequency restored to near normal control levels as the experiment terminated. Results showed significantly higher numbers of post-implantation losses, foetal mortality, and induced petechial haemorrhage; also significant decreases in body weights of viable foetus throughout weeks 3-8 in the Al-treated groups. The weights of the reproductive organs of the Al-dosed animals decreased significantly as Al accumulation increased in the testes. The spermatogenetic impairment within the seminiferous tubules was also apparent. Nevertheless, these disturbances disappeared at the end of the experiments. In summary, the results demonstrated that Al exerted substantial hazards on male reproductive function and produced genetic toxicity. However, these effects were found to be reversible.

Alteration of trace element distribution and testis ACE activity in mice with high peritoneal aluminum.

The present investigation was conducted to assess the effects of subacute aluminum (Al) exposure on testicular zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) distribution in mice. Animals were intraperitoneally exposed to 0, 13, or 35 mg Al/kg body weight/d for a period of 14 d. Al concentrations in serum and testis in Al-treated animals were significantly higher than those of controls. The serum concentrations of Fe were lower, whereas serum Zn and Cu showed a pattern comparable to that of controls. The accumulation of testicular Fe and Cu remarkably increased in Al-exposed groups, whereas the Zn concentration in testis was significantly reduced only at the highest dose of Al exposure. The values of testicular thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were also increased after Al administration, indicating increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. In addition, when the testicular Al was increased, the testis-specific angiotensin-converting enzyme (testis ACE) was noted. The results of this study indicated that part of the effect of Al intoxication on testis might contribute to abnormal metabolism of other minerals, such as Fe, Zn, and/or Cu. It was also suggested that reduced testis ACE activity presumably plays an important role in oxidative damage of Al-induced testicular toxicity.