Percentage Of Absorption Research Articles

POTENTIALS OF SAWDUST AND DISPOSED WATER SACHET WASTES FOR WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITE PRODUCTION

The study investigated the potential of sawdust and disposed water plastics for the production of wood plastic composite. The sawdust was obtained from the plank market in Yola, while, the water sachets were hand-picked within the Modibbo Adama University premises. The gathered sawdust were sieved into 1.0 and 2.0 mm particle sizes, thoroughly mixed with already melted water sachet plastics at a ratio of 1:25 (100: 2500 ml) and 1:30 (100:3000 ml) respectively,. The mixtures were heated at (105.20 C,) and then filled into an already constructed oiled Aluminum mold of size 1.5 x 6 x 15 cm. Pressure was applied for two hours to compress the composite before removal from the mold. The samples were then trimmed according to sample size requirement, for mechanical and physical property properties tests. The results revealed that, the plastic composite produced from 2mm sawdust particles and mixed at ratio of 1:25 has the highest mean hardness (14.99 ± 3.54 MPa), The mean highest impact strength (1.24 ± 0.12 J) was obtained in the sample with particle size 1 mm and plastic ratio of 1:30, while, the highest mean water absorption percentage (2.27 ± 0.132 ) was obtained in particle size 2 mm and plastic ratio of 1:25.The Analysis of variance conducted shows that, sawdust particle size and mixing ratio had significant effect on both physical and mechanical properties of the produced plastic composite (p < 0.05). The study had demonstrated that the use of disposed sachet water plastics and sawdust waste

PSAT364 High-Dose Levothyroxine to Exclude Malabsorption as a Cause of Refractory Hypothyroidism in Hospitalized Patients: Two Cases

Abstract Introduction Levothyroxine malabsorption is one of the causes of refractory hypothyroidism. Administration of a single large dose of levothyroxine can help distinguish this from refractory hypothyroidism due to other causes, but little is known about the utility of this test in patients hospitalized for severe hypothyroidism. Case 1 A 42-year-old woman with Hashimoto's thyroiditis presented with symptomatic hypothyroidism. She reported being compliant with 150 mcg of levothyroxine daily. However, in the past year, her free T4 remained < 0.10 ng/dL on several occasions with TSH > 80 uIU/mL. On admission, free T4 was 0.58 ng/dL, total T4 was 4.9 ug/dL, and TSH was 57.06 uIU/mL. We administered 1000 mcg levothyroxine and found an increase in total T4 at 4 hours (12.1 ug/dL from 4.9 ug/dL). Absorption was found to be 100% at 4 hours implying that she was not taking her levothyroxine appropriately. She was counseled to take levothyroxine at 150 mcg on an empty stomach. At outpatient follow up in 3 weeks, free T4 improved to 1.44 ng/dL and TSH decreased to 1.050 uIU/mL. Case 2 A 42-year-old woman with hypothyroidism, alcohol hepatitis, chronic pancreatitis and previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was admitted with progressive lower extremity edema and shortness of breath. She reported taking levothyroxine 175 mcg each morning with her other medications that included omeprazole and magnesium oxide, along with coffee and milk soon after. Her admission labs showed free T4 0.61 ng/dL, total T4 2.8 ug/dL and TSH 84.4 uIU/mL. After 1000 mcg of levothyroxine her total T4 increased from 2.6 ug/dL to 7.8 ug/dL in 4 hours, indicating 100% absorption. The reason for her inadequate outpatient response was probably the combined use of omeprazole, magnesium oxide and coffee with milk, being taken with levothyroxine. She was asked to continue levothyroxine 150 mcg on an empty stomach. Method: Patients were made NPO at midnight prior to the morning of the study. Baseline total T4 was obtained at 6: 00 AM and 1000 mcg of oral Levothyroxine was administered while the patient was monitored on telemetry. Total T4 was measured at 2 and 4 hours after administration. Percentage absorption (% absorbed) = [[Increment TT4 (mcg/dL)×10 (dL/L)]/[total administered LT4 (mcg)]]×Vd (L)X100; Increment TT4 = [Peak TT4] - [Baseline TT4]; Vd (volume of distribution) = 0.442×BMI1 Conclusion These cases indicate that a 1000 mcg T4 absorption study is safe and reasonable to perform in patients who are hospitalized for profound hypothyroidism when outpatient evaluation has been ineffective or challenging. 1 Gonzales KM, Stan MN, Morris JC 3rd, Bernet V, Castro MR. The Levothyroxine Absorption Test: A Four-Year Experience (2015-2018) at The Mayo Clinic. Thyroid. 2019 Dec;29(12): 1734-1742. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The estimation of biomass and carbon stocks in mangrove forest ecosystem of Karawang Regency, West Java

Mangrove forest has a role in reducing carbon levels through the absorption from the atmosphere and its storage in several compartments such as plants, litter, and soil organic matter. It is important to estimate biomass and carbon stocks in mangrove forests, because mangroves are able to store three to five times more carbon than lowland tropical forests. The estimation of biomass and carbon stocks was carried out in Karawang Regency. The Calculation of stand biomass was carried out using a non-destructive method, and the data was converted into above-ground biomass values using allometric equations according to tree species. The results showed that the mangrove ecosystem at the tree level has the largest percentage of CO2 absorption, which is 54.55%, sapling level of 44.49%, and 0.96% for the seedling level. The location that has the most significant estimated average value of carbon stock is Sedari Village; meanwhile, the lowest average carbon stock value was found in Pusakajaya Utara Village. Based on the area of the mangrove ecosystem in Pusakajaya Utara Village, with a mangrove area of 39.62 ha, the total estimated upper carbon in the mangrove ecosystem in Pusakajaya Utara Village is 1264.67 tons C.

Tensile Strength and Water Absorption of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites: Effect of Volume Fraction of Fiber

Oil palm fiber has been developed for application of composite reinforcement. This fiber can be produced from the fruit of oil palm like mesocarp and empty fruit bunch fibers. In this paper, the oil palm mesocarp fiber used as reinforcement of composite was focused on the variation of volume fraction of fiber in the composite related to tensile strength and water absorption properties. The variation of volume fraction of fiber includes 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. The unsaturated polyester was used as a matrix. Prior to the use of fiber, it was immersed in sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) with 12wt % during 120 hours. Composite fabrication method is hand lay-up with compression molding. The composite samples were tested by the tensile and water absorption tests. Then, the fracture of tensile test was analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The result shows that the tensile strength of composite increases with increase in the volume fraction. Meanwhile, the percentage of water absorption decreases with rise in the volume fraction.

Optimum conditions for bioadsorption of lead (Pb) by durian skin waste biomass (duriobzibethinus)

The purpose of this research is to figure out what the optimum conditions are for durian skin biomass to absorb Pb from its solution. The optimum conditions were determined by determining the optimal weight, pH for biosorption, contact time for lead biosorption, and initial concentration. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to determine the adsorbed analyte. The durian skin used in this study came from local durian skin waste in the Parigi district of Central Sulawesi. The weight of the adsorbent was varied between 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 mg. The contact time was varied between 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 minutes. The pH was varied between 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and the concentration was varied between 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ppm to determine the optimum conditions for Pb adsorption. The results showed that the optimum conditions for biosorption of durian peels were 120 mg with a 92.2 percent absorption capacity, 60 minutes of contact time with a 97.89% absorption capacity, pH 5 with a 99.81 percent absorption capacity, and a concentration of 50 ppm with a 99.59% absorption capacity.

Simultaneous Evaluation of Dissolution and Absorption Study of Compound Danshen Tablets and Capsules Based on Cellular Electrical Sensing Model.

This study explores the dissolution mechanism and absorption process of compound Danshen tablets (CDTs) and compound Danshen capsules (CDCs) in vitro. Taking the cell index as the evaluation index of dissolution and absorption of multi-component solid preparations of CDTs and CDCs, it breaks through the idea of traditional research. We used real-time cell-based assay (RTCA) to provide a new idea and method for the consistency evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound preparations. The drug dissolution and absorption simulation system (DDASS) was established to obtain the dissolution and absorption samples of compound Danshen solid preparations at different time points. The cell index (CI) of the sample to H9C2 cells was detected by RTCA technology, and the dissolution and absorption percentage were calculated based on this index to obtain the dissolution and absorption kinetics model. Meanwhile, one batch of tablets and one batch of capsules (batch numbers ZKC1816 and 202101001) were selected to conduct the overall animal pharmacodynamic experiment to verify the feasibility of drug effect evaluation with cell index as an indicator. The best fitting model of dissolution curves of each batch of CDTs and CDCs is the Weibull model. There was a good correlation (r > 0.86) between the dissolution-absorption-pharmacodynamic curve. Based on RTCA technology, we have established the comprehensive evaluation method for cell biology of compound Danshen solid preparations in line with the overall concept of TCM and a synchronous evaluation system of dissolution and absorption in vitro of new TCM compound solid preparations.

Absorption Dominated Directional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding through Asymmetry in a Multilayered Construct with an Exceptionally High Green Index.

Fabricating green electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields is the need of the hour because strong secondary reflections in the vicinity of the shield adversely affect the environment and the reliability of the neighboring devices. To this end, the present work aims to maximize the absorption-based EMI shielding through a multilayered construct comprising a porous structure (pore size less than λ/5), a highly conducting entity, and a layer to match the impedance. The elements of this construct were positioned so that the incoming electromagnetic (EM) radiation interacts with the other layers of the construct before the conducting entity. This positioning of the layers in the construct offers a high green shielding index (gs) and low reflection coefficient (R ∼ 0.1) with an exceptionally high percent absorption (up to 99%). Polyurethane (PU) foams were fabricated using the salt-leaching technique and strategically positioned with carbon nanotube (CNT) papers and polycarbonate (PC)-based films to obtain symmetric and asymmetric constructs. These structures were then employed to gain mechanistic insight into the directional dependency of shielding performance, gs, and heat dissipation ability. Interestingly, maximum total shielding effectiveness (SET) of -52 dB (88% absorption @8.2 GHz) and specific shielding effectiveness/thickness (SSEt) of -373 dB/cm2g were achieved for a symmetric construct whereas, for the asymmetric construct, the SET and SSEt were -37 dB and -280 dB/cm2g, respectively, with an exceptionally high gs of 8.6, the highest reported so far. The asymmetricity in the construct led to directional dependence of the absorption component (% SEA, shielding effectiveness due to absorption) and heat dissipation, primarily governed by the electrical and thermal conductivity gradient, respectively. This study opens new avenues in this field and reports constructs with an exceptionally high green index.

Absorption capacity and porosity percentage of geopolymer concrete with varying percentage of source material and alkalinity ratio

The main objective of this study is to determine the absorption capacity and porosity characteristics of geopolymer concrete with the variation in percentage of source material such as fly ash of 350 kg/m3, 450 kg/m3 and 550 kg/m3 respectively. Twelve mixes with different alkaline liquid (NaOH/Na2SiO3) ratio from 2 to 3.5 with increment of 0.5 was considered for evaluation. The quantity and effect of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate in these twelve mixes were considered for evaluating the characteristics of concrete. M - Sand was used as fine aggregate and recycled coarse aggregates were taken for this study. Cube specimens of 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm were cast and cured at 60°C temperature with oven curing for 24 hours. It was found that absorption percentage of concrete increases by increase in porosity. And compressive strength of concrete gets increases by increase in percentage of porosity up to alkaline ratio 2.5 beyond that more increase in porosity reduces the strength of concrete. It was found that absorption and porosity percentage of mixes increase with increase in source material. Thus compared to 350 kg/m3 of flyash, 550 kg/m3 of flyash shows enhanced compressive strength results. More compressive strength was achieved with mixes of alkaline liquid ratio (NaOH/Na2SiO3) and source material 550 kg/m3. Since more amount of NaOH and water were added to these mixes compared to other mixes and more amount of alumina and silica present in source material helps to enhance the polymerization process. Increase in more percentage of alkaline liquid (NaOH/Na2SiO3) ratios reduces the strength of concrete due to more liberation of heat.

Evaluation of durability performance of rice husk - cement bonded particleboards

Alternative resources as substitute for wood raw materials has increased in the particleboard industry because of the depletion of forest resources. Studies of particleboard using wood residues and agricultural by-products have examined wheat straw, rice straws, husks, bagasse, walnut/almond shells, and palm trunks. Rice husk is the by-product in rice milling operation with an approximately 20 percent of the total weight of the paddy grain being processed. Despite the abundant nature of this waste product and its unique physical and chemical properties, it is not being fully harnessed in Nigeria. Only a little portion of the rice husk produced is utilized in a meaningful way, the remainder is burnt into ashes or dumped as a solid waste with little being used in animal feed formulation.
 Particle board was produced from rice husk, an agro-waste and cement as binder. Physical and mechanical properties of the board were determined. The results show that, the percentage of thickness swelling and water absorption increased with increase in proportion of the binder to the rice husk. The Modulus of elasticity (MOE) values increase with increased mixing ratio for both the board thickness, while MOR values decrease with increase in mixing ratio for both particle sizes. Since the construction industry is a growing one, the use of renewable resources such as rice husk can reduce the strain on forest resource and form an excellent replacement for wood and wood based composite materials.

Experimental investigations on mechanical and water absorption properties of epoxy resin matrix treated sugarcane and tamarind shell powder reinforced bio-Composites

Synthesizing hybrid bio-composites has come a long way thanks to the use of multiple types of natural materials as reinforcement and filler in recent years. To test the mechanical and water-absorbing properties of a composite, this experiment blended epoxy resin with powdered tamarind shell and short, chemically-treated sugarcane fibres. Powdered tamarind shell and short, chemically processed sugarcane fibres are employed as reinforcing elements. By adjusting the percentage of epoxy resin used while changing the amounts of the reinforcing components, scientists created hybrid bio-composite samples. To make hybrid bio composites boards, manufacturers turned to hot injection moulding. Specimens of hybrid bio-composite are cut from the boards using water jet machining to undergo a variety of mechanical and water absorption tests in accordance with ASTM standards. The aforementioned studies demonstrate that the mechanical stress resistance and water absorption capabilities of hybrid bio-composites can be enhanced by the addition of very small amounts of fine sugarcane powder and tamarind shell powder to an epoxy resin matrix. Experimental results showed that the maximum compressive, flexural, ultimate tensile, and yield strengths for C4 composite specimens were 36.17, 38.53, and 34.63 MPa, respectively. These specimens contained 50 wt% epoxy resin, 35 wt% treated sugarcane fibre, and 15 wt% tamarind shell particles. Similarly, the maximum flexural modulus (10.96 GPa), elongation percentage (3.3%), impact strength (13.51 kJ/m2) and water absorption percentage (7.15%) were noticed in C4 composite specimens accordingly.

Virtually selected phytochemicals from edible seeds as possible potential medicaments for hypercholesterolemia: an in silico approach

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major health concerns in today’s time. Bioactive compounds from various sources have been implicated in managing the conditions of Hypercholesterolemia. With advancements in research, several edible seeds have been explored in managing the disease. This study employs in silico approach to gain insights into the binding interactions of the bioactive compounds which are reportedly present in Edible seeds, against the protein HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism. The bioactive compounds were virtually screened and selected based on molecular docking studies which revealed the strong binding interactions of HMG-CoA reductase with Acacetin (-7.6 kcal/mol), Irilone (-7.5 kcal/mol), Orobanchol (-7.5 kcal/mol), Diadzein (-7.4 kcal/mol) and Malvidin (-7.4 kcal/mol). These compounds largely conformed to drug likeliness criteria and ADME properties with lesser mutagenic, hepatotoxic effects and higher absorption percentage in human intestine. Moreover, we performed molecular dynamics simulation studies for docked complexes to explore their stability under simulated conditions. Data gathered from this study will support the future in vitro and in vivo research in development of potential medicaments using the bioactive compounds from edible seeds for management of hypercholesterolemia. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

ADMET Prediction of synthesized Heterocyclic derivatives to treat renal cancer

A library of 121 potent, synthesized, and characterized compounds from different heterocyclic derivatives such as pyrimidine, phthalazine, benzothiazole, benzpyrazoline, indoline, benzimidazole, phthalazine, indole, quinoline, quinazoline were selected based on their anti-renal cancer activity. The Drug likeness, Bioactivity, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity of all the screened compounds were predicted through Molinspiration, PreADMET, and Osiris software. After screening 121 compounds, 19 compounds showed drug-like properties and an absorption percentage better than the standard drug Sorafenib. These compounds were further assessed based on their distribution parameter and the compounds that showed plasma protein binding equal to or below 90% and blood-brain barrier penetration below 1.000 were selected, i.e., compounds 3, 23, 64, 65 were then further assessed for the toxicity. Osiris property explorer was used to predict drug relevance and toxicity of the synthesized compounds. Compounds 3 and 23 were non-toxic similar to the standard drug Sorafenib. Compounds 3 and 23 were found to be active as Kinase Inhibitors, with a bioactivity score of 0.2 and 0.6 compared to standard drug sorafenib, which scored 0.44. Therefore Compound 3 N-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenyl)-7-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido [4',3':4,5] thieno[2,3-d] pyrimidin-4-amine and compound 23 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-N-phenyl-3a,7a-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d] pyrimidin-4-amine belonging to pyrimidine derivatives were considered as best and suggested to be taken further for preclinical and clinical trials. The pyrimidine derivatives with anti-renal cancer activity can serve as a scaffold for the design of renal cancer targeting agents and motivates the further development of effective and safer compounds.

Experimental investigation on compressive properties of three-dimensional five-directional braided composites in hygrothermal environment

Abstract This article describes work concerning the compressive properties in hygrothermal environment of three-dimensional (3D) five-directional braided composites. Hygrothermal aging tests at temperatures of 40, 60, and 80°C and compression tests were carried out on the specimens with three braiding angles of 15, 25, and 35°. The surface morphologies of the samples taken using scanning electron microscope before and after the hygrothermal aging test were used to analyze the influence of the hygrothermal environment on the internal structure of braided composites. The experimental results indicate that the hygrothermal environment has a more influence on the specimens with a braiding angle of 15°, and the greater the moisture absorption percentage, the lower the retention ratios of compressive strength and modulus. Compared with room temperature, the compressive strength and modulus of specimens with a braiding angle of 15° reduced by 72.2 and 82.7% as the water bath temperature increased from 40 to 80°C. Moreover, the failure mechanisms of 3D five-directional braided composites in the hygrothermal environment were analyzed.

Absorption and translocation of [14C]2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in herbicide-tolerant chromosome substitution lines of Gossypium hirsutum L

Upland cotton is sensitive to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and spray drift from adjacent crops can cause yield loss. The identification of potentially 2,4-D-tolerant cotton chromosome substitution (CS) lines with well-characterized tolerance mechanisms could provide a significant step into the development and genetic improvement of upland cotton. Experiments were conducted to understand the possible mechanism of herbicide tolerance in CS-T04-15, CS-T07, and CS-B15sh, 2,4-D herbicide-tolerant cotton CS lines compared with TM-1, the 2,4-D herbicide-susceptible recurrent parent of the CS line. Using [ 14 C]2,4-D, the percent absorption rate and the translocation patterns of the 14 C-labeled herbicide at 6 to 48 h after treatment (HAT) were determined. The tolerant cotton CS lines showed 15%–19% [ 14 C]2,4-D uptake, while TM-1 exhibited a reduced uptake of only 1.4% [ 14 C]2,4-D at 24 HAT. Distribution of the absorbed [ 14 C]2,4-D showed that 2%–5% was translocated outside the treated leaf in the tolerant CS lines. In contrast, 77% of the herbicide was translocated above and below the treated leaf in line TM-1. Interestingly, CS-T04-15 showed a restricted movement of 14 C below the treated leaf at 6 to 48 HAT, suggesting novel information on the mechanisms of herbicide tolerance to 2,4-D in cotton. This finding is the first report on upland cotton demonstrating a complex differential uptake and translocation associated with herbicide tolerance for [ 14 C]2,4-D in cotton CS lines.

Thermodynamic analysis of a metal hydride hydrogen compressor with aluminium substituted LaNi5 hydrides

The operating conditions of a Metal Hydride Hydrogen Compressor (MHHC) is often dictated by the hydride used to build it. This research focuses on finding the appropriate operating conditions for MHHC to get the ideal throughput and efficiency using aluminium based hydrides. For this, hydrogen absorption and desorption characteristics of LaNi5-xAlx (where x is 0, 0.2 and 0.4) hydrides were studied for estimating the suitability of these materials for developing hydrogen compressor. From the Pressure Concentration Isotherms (PCIs) and van't Hoff plot, an estimate of the reversible hydrogen weight percent attainable, equilibrium pressure and absorption and desorption temperature range were collected and the effect of aluminium concentration on these properties was studied. Further thermodynamic analysis was made by calculating the performance parameters like thermal efficiency, isentropic work required, theoretical heat supplied and pressure ratio by varying the operating conditions like supply pressure (3–5 bar), absorption temperatures (20–40 °C), and desorption temperature (80–140 °C). It is observed that the higher aluminium content in the hydride allows the hydrogen compressor to be operated at a lower supply pressure. Whereas lower aluminium content in hydrides give higher thermal efficiency and discharge pressure for a particular desorption temperature, while requiring a higher supply pressure to perform efficiently. The maximum thermal efficiency within the studied operating conditions was found to be 0.24 for LaNi5 at 3 bar supply pressure, 30 °C absorption and 140 °C desorption temperature with a pressure ratio of 8.97.

Determination of herbal combinations based on mucoadhesive properties

Mucoadhesive properties of herbs are the herb’s ability to strongly interact or penetrate in binding to mucin components in the mucus. The oral preparation of polyherbal made for therapeutic purposes must have a mucoadhesive capability. This in vitro study aims to determine herbal combinations that have a potential stable interaction with MUC2. The screening of 10 herbal namely, a flower of tembelekan (Lantana camara), rosela (Hibiscus sabdariffa), and asam jawa (Tamarindus indica); rind of jeruk nipis (Citrus aurantifolia); leaf of sirih merah (Piper crocatum), kelor (Moringa oleifera), and meniran hijau (Phyllanthus niruri); rhizome of kencur (Kaempferia galanga), temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), and jahe (Zingiber officinale) based on the changes in MUC2 viscosity, interaction percentage and absorption percentage. Kencur, rosela, kelor, and meniran hijau maintains the viscosity. Therefore, the interaction process occurs without significantly changing the physicochemical properties of the mucin. While the other herbs, especially jeruk nipis, tembelekan dan asam jawa, caused an increased viscosity of MUC2. Kencur or temulawak can also reduce the possibility of asam jawa changing the viscosity of mucin. Based on these results, we recommend kencur-temulawak mix or kencur-asam jawa mix as a polyherbal because both have a positive interaction percentage value that indicates an additional percentage of precipitated mucin compared to pure mucin (MUC2).

515. EXOCRINE PANCREATIC FUNCTION IN PATIENTS AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY; IS TREATMENT WITH PANCREATIC ENZYMES NECESSARY?

Abstract Symptoms of malabsorption, such as diarrhea, steatorrhea, or unintended weight loss, are often reported by patients after esophagectomy for cancer. The etiology of these symptoms is hypothesized to be multifactorial, with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency being described as one of the possible contributing causes. Symptoms of malabsorption are therefore often treated with pancreatic enzymes. This study aimed to measure the exocrine pancreatic function to determine whether there is an indication for pancreatic enzymes after esophagectomy. This prospective study included patients after esophagectomy for cancer in a stable postoperative situation (≥6 months after surgery) without signs of recurrent disease. Patients with and without pancreatic enzymes or symptoms of malabsorption were included. Exocrine pancreatic function was measured by fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) and fecal fat excretion. Three-day stool collections were performed to measure mean daily fecal fat excretion (g/d). Combined with a four-day (weighted) nutritional diary, to determine the mean daily fat intake (g/d), the percentage of fat absorption was calculated. Patients who were already treated with pancreatic enzymes stopped at least two days before stool collection. This study included 38 patients after esophagectomy for cancer. Exocrine pancreatic function was measured after a median postoperative follow-up of 20 months (range 6-45). Low FE-1 (<200 μg/g) levels were found in seven patients (18%). Of these patients, one patient also had fat malabsorption (fat absorption <85%). Prior to participation in this study, 11 patients (28%) already received treated with pancreatic enzymes because of symptoms of malabsorption. In one of these patients (9%) low FE-1 levels were found and in three patients (27%) fat malabsorption was diagnosed. These preliminary results indicate that, based on FE-1 levels, the secretion of pancreatic enzymes after esophagectomy is only impaired in a subgroup of patients. Most often this did not lead to malabsorption of fat. Based on these results routine prescription of pancreatic enzymes is not recommended in patients after esophagectomy, however a trial prescription can be considered in patients suffering from gastrointestinal complaints of malabsorption.

Effect of Compatibilizer on the Properties of Areca-Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

ABSTRACT Areca fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared at 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% loading levels in the presence of compatibilizing agent, MAPP (maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene). The influence of compatibilizing agent and filler concentration on the mechanical properties of the resulting composites was studied. At 50% areca fiber loading, tensile, flexural strength, and modulus of the coupled samples were found to be superior when compared to the uncoupled samples. Coupled composites exhibited effective coupling/interfacial adhesion between the surface of areca fiber and polypropylene phase as evidenced by SEM microphotographs and FTIR spectroscopy. Increase in fiber percentage led to an increase in brittleness and stiffness of composites. A considerable increase in strength was noticed upon the addition of compatibilizing agent, due to proper incorporation of areca fiber into the polypropylene matrix and the efficient transfer of load from matrix to the fiber. Higher moisture absorption in case of composites with higher fiber content was found. Addition of MAPP reduces the percentage of water absorption as a result of encapsulation of areca fiber. Areca fiber can be effectively utilized to develop artificial wood with better properties to replace natural wood as a waste-to-wealth approach.

Characteristics and Safety Profiles of a Hydrocolloid Polyester Dressing Incorporated with Herbal Extract: In Vitro, in Vivo and Randomized Clinical Studies.

The polyester dressing containing herbal extract had been used for several years. However, some properties had not been investigated. This study examined three parts including in vitro studies, skin irritation in an animal model, and the pilot clinical study in traumatic wounds. In in vitro studies, six different wound dressings consisted of hydrocolloid polyester containing herbal extract (SI-HERB®), hydrofiber (Aquacel®), hydrocolloid polyester (Urgotul®), soft paraffin gauze (Bactigras®), foam (Mepilex®), and biocellulose (Suprasorb® X + PHMB) dressings were comparatively evaluated in physical properties including the fluid absorption, desorption, and fluid drainage ability. The skin irritation test was examined in a rabbit model using SI-HERB® as a tested group. In a clinical study, traumatic patients with leg wounds were randomly assigned to six wound dressings. The primary outcome was the pain level and the secondary outcomes were non-adherence and peri-wound reaction evaluating score. From the study, Bactigras® had the largest pore size but the total area of pore size per field of it was similar to SI-HERB®. There were no significant differences between SI-HERB®, Urgotul®, and Bactigras® in the percentage of absorption and desorption. No dermatologic effect was found in the animal study. In the irritation test on leg wounds, pain level, and peri-wound reaction in hydrocolloid polyester dressing group were significantly lower compared with Aquacel® and Bactigras®. The polyester dressing had the pain level after removal lower than before application while the Mepilex® and Suprasorb® presented that insignificantly increase the pain level. Erythema could be observed in Bactigras®, Aquacel®, and Suprasorb® but the edema scores were not different. A hydrocolloid polyester dressing containing herbal extract had good drainage ability. No skin irritation was reported. Pain scores, removal ability, and peri-wound reaction were also significantly lower with other types of wound dressings. These results suggested that this dressing be an alternative in wound treatment.

Experimental hydrogen sorption study on a LaNi5-based 5 kg reactor with novel conical fins and water tubes and its numerical scale-up through a modular approach

Hydrogen sorption characteristics of 5 kg-LaNi5 reactor featuring conical fins and heat transfer tubes is experimentally studied at various water flow rates (Vs:2.5, 5, 7 LPM), inlet temperatures (Ts:30, 25, 20 °C), hydrogen pressures (Ps:10, 15, 20, 25 bar). Higher Vs, Ps, and lower Ts yield faster absorption through higher driving force (∝ln (Ps/Peq), Peq: equilibrium pressure). Ninety percent absorption takes ∼12.3 and ∼13.7 min at Vs:7 and 2.5 LPM (Ps:15 bar, Ts:30 °C). Faster atmospheric desorption needs higher Ts and/or Vs offering higher driving force (∝ (1-(1/Peq)). 90% desorption takes ∼20.1 and ∼21.8 min for initial bed temperatures of 60 and 30 °C, (Vs:5 LPM, Ts:60 °C). Absorption of this ‘Single Reactor’ and five/ten (25/50 kg) such reactors in series and parallel are studied numerically. Series configuration stores five/ten-times hydrogen than ‘Single Reactor’ within the same duration by doubling/tripling Vs (same Ps, Ts). Parallel configuration requires proportional water supply.