Aggregation Test Research Articles

PENGGUNAAN BAHAN ADITIF MASTER GLENIUM ACE 8595 UNTUK MEMINIMALISIR POROSITAS PADA BETON

<p><em>Concrete has now become the most essential material in modern construction. The strength and durability of concrete are vital factors that influence the strength and stability of buildings and infrastructure. Porosity refers to the degree to which concrete has voids or voids within its structure. Concrete porosity has a significant impact on concrete compressive strength. The higher the level of porosity, the lower the compressive strength of the concrete. In this research, we conducted a concrete formulation experiment by adding a type F additive to MasterGlenium Ace 8595. This research investigates the effect of adding the additive Master Glenium Ace 8595 on changes in concrete porosity and increasing concrete compressive strength. The results of the research show that from the aggregate suitability testing, it was stated that all the aggregates tested were suitable for use as a building material for concrete, workability testing obtained results with dilute criteria, porosity testing obtained an average porosity of 8.05%, and compressive strength testing obtained an average compressive strength value. -an average of 23.56 MPa indicates an increase of 8.69% of the planned concrete quality. This research concludes that concrete porosity is one of the factors that must be considered to increase the compressive strength of concrete because it significantly influences its density and compressive strength. Keeping the porosity at a low level and the compressive strength of the concrete at a high level can ensure that the concrete structure has good resistance to loads and the environment and reduces the risk of damage and maintenance.</em></p>

A Hemagglutination, serum resistance, cell surface hydrophobicity and ESBL production among uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Abstract
 Background
 Bacteria have adapted themselves with increased pathogenesis and drug resistance mechanisms to overcome host defense systems. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) responsible for symptomatic Urinary tract infections (UTIs) carry diverse virulence factors and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production which play pivotal role in pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the phenotypic expression of virulence factors; i.e. Hemagglutination, serum resistance, cell surface hydrophobicity and resistance factor ESBL production among UPEC isolates. Methods: In this prospective study 50 drug resistant UPEC strains were evaluated for hemagglutination by slide method, cell surface hydrophobicity by salt aggregation test, serum resistance by serum bactericidal assay and ESBL detection by double disc synergy test. Results: Among 50 UPEC strains 46 (92%) showed mannose resistant hemagglutination, 48 (96%) were found to be serum resistant, 40 (80%) isolates were positive for cell surface hydrophobicity, while 43 (86%) were ESBL producers. Most of the UPEC that expressed virulence factors were ESBL producers as well. Conclusion: Over all, this study indicated that MDR UPEC isolates have expressed a number of virulence factors with ESBL production, which explains how pathogens have increased their virulence and resistance repertoire resulting in treatment failures.

Experimental Analysis on Partial Replacement of Cement by Glass Powder and Using of Steel Fiber

Abstract: Concrete consists of fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, water, and optional admixtures, such as Portland cement or another hydraulic cement. Because of its massive resource consumption, the concrete industry poses a serious danger to the sector's long-term viability. The concrete industry is struggling in part because of concerns about the environment and the economy. Many studies are currently being conducted on the utilisation of waste materials like Pulverised Fly Ash (PFA) and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) as supplemental cementitious materials. Similar to PFA and GGBS, waste glass powder can be used to partially substitute cement during the hydration reaction. To some extent, waste glass can substitute cement in concrete and contribute to strength development if it is ground to a very fine powder and demonstrates pozzolanic properties due to its high SiO2 content. This research examined the Compressive, Tensile, and Flexural strengths of concrete that had been aged for up to 60 days with concrete that had been partially replaced with Glass Powder at percentages ranging from 0% to 40%. The aggregate test findings suggest that Waste Glass Powder could be used as a suitable cement replacement in construction projects. Fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) is a composite building material made from small, discontinuous fibres that are randomly distributed throughout the concrete part. Steel, glass, and polymer fibres, as well as fibres originating from natural sources, are the most common types of fibre used in cement-based composites. The tendency of fibres to be more closely spaced than traditional reinforcing steel bars makes them more effective at preventing cracking. It's important to note that fibre is not a suitable replacement for steel bars when reinforcing concrete.

ISTH bleeding assessment tool and platelet function analyzer in children with mild inherited platelet function disorders.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of platelet function analyzer (PFA) and The International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis bleeding-assessment-tool (ISTH-BAT) in detecting mild inherited platelet function disorders (IPFDs) in children with suspected bleeding disorders. Prospective single-center diagnostic study including consecutive patients <18 years with suspected bleeding disorder and performing a standardized workup for platelet function defects including ISTH-BAT, PFA, platelet aggregation testing, blood smear-based immunofluorescence, and next-generation sequencing-based genetic screening for IPFDs. We studied 97 patients, of which 34 von Willebrand disease (VWD, 22 type-1, 11 type-2), 29 IPFDs (including delta-/alpha-storage pool disease, Glanzmann thrombasthenia, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome) and 34 with no diagnosis. In a model combining PFA-adenosine diphosphate (ADP), PFA-epinephrine (EPI), and ISTH-BAT overall performance to diagnose IPFDs was low with area under the curves of 0.56 (95% CI 0.44, 0.69) compared with 0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.92) for VWD. Correlation of PFA-EPI/-ADP and ISTH-BAT was low with 0.25/0.39 Spearman's correlation coefficients. PFA were significantly prolonged in patients with VWD and Glanzmann thrombasthenia. ISTH-BAT-scores were only positive in severe bleeding disorders, but not in children with mild IPFDs or VWD. Neither ISTH-BAT nor PFA or the combination of both help diagnosing mild IPFDs in children. PFA is suited to exclude severe IPFDs or VWD and is in this regard superior to ISTH-BAT in children.

Assessment of Aspirin and Clopidogrel Resistance in Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

We aimed to investigate antiplatelet drug resistance utilizing light transmission-lumiaggregometry (LT-LA) and the Platelet Function Analyzer-100 (PFA-100) in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. The study included 60 patients diagnosed with stable coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular diseases that required surgery. Participants were divided into three groups: patients receiving aspirin (ASA) (n=21), patients receiving clopidogrel (CLO) (n=19), and patients receiving dual therapy (ASA+CLO) (n=20). Aggregation and secretion tests by LT-LA and closure time by the PFA-100 were used to measure antiplatelet drug resistance. Based on the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced aggregation test, 43% of patients were resistant to ASA, 22% to CLO, and 15% to dual therapy. Diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were the most commonly identified comorbid disorders. In patients with comorbid risk factors, the median value of platelet aggregation response to ADP was significantly higher in the ASA group than in the CLO and dual therapy groups (p=0.0001). In patients receiving ASA monotherapy, the maximum amplitude of aggregation response to platelet agonists was ≥70% in 43% of patients for ADP and 28% for collagen by LT-LA. Elevated ADP (≥0.29 nmol) and collagen (≥0.41 nmol)-induced adenosine triphosphate release were found by LT-LA in 66% of patients utilizing an ADP agonist and 80% of patients using a collagen agonist undergoing ASA therapy. Closure times obtained with the PFA-100 were normal in 28% of patients using collagen-ADP cartridges and 62% of patients using collagen-epinephrine (CEPI) cartridges who received ASA. Recurrent thrombosis and bleeding were observed in 12 (20%) patients with cardiovascular disease. Three of these individuals (25%) showed ASA resistance with normal responses to ADP-induced aggregation (≥70%) and secretion (≥0.29 nmol), as well as normal CEPI closure times. Our findings suggest that antiplatelet drug monitoring by LT-LA and PFA-100 may be useful for high-risk and complicated cardiovascular patients.

Disintegration characteristics of sodic–saline loessial soil after freeze–thaw and wet–dry cycles

AbstractGeological hazards such as gully erosion, collapse and slope failure occur frequently in loess areas, which are closely related to the soil disintegration characteristics. Understanding the impact of freeze–thaw and wet–dry action on soil disintegration in the context of climate change is essential to establish effective soil and water conservation strategies and prevent engineering geological hazards in loess areas. In this study, sodic–saline loessial soils with different clay content were subjected to freeze–thaw and wet–dry cycles, followed by aggregate durability tests, direct shear tests and disintegration tests to investigate the effects of the two natural processes on soil disintegration characteristics. The results showed that the samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles primarily exhibited rapid and stable disintegration, followed by slow disintegration, whereas the samples subjected to wet–dry cycles revealed weight gain, continuous slow disintegration and eventual sudden disintegration. Freeze–thaw action continuously deteriorated the disintegration resistance of soil, while wet–dry action improved the disintegration resistance of soil after the first cycle, and gradually weakened it in subsequent cycles. Statistical analysis showed that, for samples undergoing freeze–thaw cycles, the number of cycles and clay content were positively correlated with the disintegration rate, while the aggregate durability was negatively correlated with the disintegration rate. For samples undergoing wet–dry cycles, the number of cycles had a positive effect on the disintegration rate, while the clay content, shear strength and cohesion had a negative correlation with the disintegration rate. At a certain clay content, there was a positive correlation observed between the surface crack ratio, crack length and width with the disintegration rate of the wet–dry samples, while shear strength and cohesion had a negative correlation with the disintegration rate of both freeze–thaw and wet–dry samples. Furthermore, the study outlined the disintegration mechanism of loessial soils based on internal factors, driving factors, resistance factors and evolutionary factors. This study contributes to the in‐depth understanding of the catastrophic mechanism of geological hazards in cold and arid areas and provides experimental evidence for its control and management.

Determination of Resistance to Water-İnduced Damage of Bituminous Mixtures Containing Hydrated Lime Prepared with Different Contents of PVC Waste

Increasing commercial mobility throughout the world has increased the need for roads and as a result, new road networks have emerged. The pavement type of the highways constructed in our country consists of flexible pavements to a significant extent. Parameters such as the number of heavy vehicles, repeated loads as well as environmental and climatic conditions cause different deformations on flexible pavements. One of these deformations is water-induced damage. In particular, changing climatic conditions cause some regions to experience intense precipitation in a very short period of time, which they should receive throughout the year. As a result, flexible pavements are damaged and their service life becomes shorter than expected. With increasing environmental awareness, the use of some waste materials in bituminous mixtures has become an extremely important issue. In this study, bituminous materials modified with different Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) contents were mixed with properly graded aggregates and their resistance to water-induced damage has been evaluated. In addition, several performance tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of hydrated lime addition on the resistance of the samples to water-induced damage. In this context, the properties of the modified bitumen and aggregates were determined by performing conventional bitumen and aggregate tests. As the final objective of the study, Modified Lottman Test (AASHTO T 283) was performed on the mixtures to determine the effect of PVC addition to bituminous materials on resistance to water-induced damage.

A genetic association study of circulating coagulation factor VIII and von Willebrand factor levels

AbstractCoagulation factor VIII (FVIII) and its carrier protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) are critical to coagulation and platelet aggregation. We leveraged whole-genome sequence data from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program along with TOPMed-based imputation of genotypes in additional samples to identify genetic associations with circulating FVIII and VWF levels in a single-variant meta-analysis, including up to 45 289 participants. Gene-based aggregate tests were implemented in TOPMed. We identified 3 candidate causal genes and tested their functional effect on FVIII release from human liver endothelial cells (HLECs) and VWF release from human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Mendelian randomization was also performed to provide evidence for causal associations of FVIII and VWF with thrombotic outcomes. We identified associations (P < 5 × 10−9) at 7 new loci for FVIII (ST3GAL4, CLEC4M, B3GNT2, ASGR1, F12, KNG1, and TREM1/NCR2) and 1 for VWF (B3GNT2). VWF, ABO, and STAB2 were associated with FVIII and VWF in gene-based analyses. Multiphenotype analysis of FVIII and VWF identified another 3 new loci, including PDIA3. Silencing of B3GNT2 and the previously reported CD36 gene decreased release of FVIII by HLECs, whereas silencing of B3GNT2, CD36, and PDIA3 decreased release of VWF by HVECs. Mendelian randomization supports causal association of higher FVIII and VWF with increased risk of thrombotic outcomes. Seven new loci were identified for FVIII and 1 for VWF, with evidence supporting causal associations of FVIII and VWF with thrombotic outcomes. B3GNT2, CD36, and PDIA3 modulate the release of FVIII and/or VWF in vitro.

Re-testing as a method of implementing external quality assessment program for COVID-19 real time PCR testing in Uganda.

Significant milestones have been made in the development of COVID19 diagnostics Technologies. Government of the republic of Uganda and the line Ministry of Health mandated Uganda Virus Research Institute to ensure quality of COVID19 diagnostics. Re-testing was one of the methods initiated by the UVRI to implement External Quality assessment of COVID19 molecular diagnostics. participating laboratories were required by UVRI to submit their already tested and archived nasopharyngeal samples and corresponding meta data. These were then re-tested at UVRI using the WHO Berlin protocol, the UVRI results were compared to those of the primary testing laboratories in order to ascertain performance agreement for the qualitative & quantitative results obtained. Ms Excel window 12 and GraphPad prism ver 15 was used in the analysis. Bar graphs, pie charts and line graphs were used to compare performance agreement between the reference Laboratory and primary testing Laboratories. Eleven (11) Ministry of Health/Uganda Virus Research Institute COVID19 accredited laboratories participated in the re-testing of quality control samples. 5/11 (45%) of the primary testing laboratories had 100% performance agreement with that of the National Reference Laboratory for the final test result. Even where there was concordance in the final test outcome (negative or positive) between UVRI and primary testing laboratories, there were still differences in CT values. The differences in the Cycle Threshold (CT) values were insignificant except for Tenna & Pharma Laboratory and the UVRI(p = 0.0296). The difference in the CT values were not skewed to either the National reference Laboratory(UVRI) or the primary testing laboratory but varied from one laboratory to another. In the remaining 6/11 (55%) laboratories where there were discrepancies in the aggregate test results, only samples initially tested and reported as positive by the primary laboratories were tested and found to be false positives by the UVRI COVID19 National Reference Laboratory. False positives were detected from public, private not for profit and private testing laboratories in almost equal proportion. There is need for standardization of molecular testing platforms in Uganda. There is also urgent need to improve on the Laboratory quality management systems of the molecular testing laboratories in order to minimize such discrepancies.

Clinical recurrence and antiplatelet drug resistance among patients with lower limb ischemia.

There is a high prevalence rate of peripheral artery disease worldwide, with estimated cases exceeding 200 million. Most patients are under-diagnosed and under-treated, and there is a lack of knowledge regarding the best therapeutic regimen and therapy duration, which leads to many cases of recurrence, complications, and amputations. This study aims to explore clinical recurrence, which was defined as the worsening of chronic peripheral artery disease requiring hospital admission, and its relationship with antiplatelet drug resistance among patients with lower limb ischemia. This cohort study includes both retrospective and prospective recruitment of patients with chronic lower limb ischemia. Platelet aggregation tests were offered to the patients. Between February 2018 and November 2020, 147 patients were recruited from King Abdullah University Hospital and followed up for at least 1 year. Platelet aggregation tests were done for 93 patients who agreed to participate in this part of the study. The prevalence of chronic lower limb ischemia was higher in young male patients who are current smokers with co-morbid diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and/or dyslipidemia. There was a significant association only of clinical recurrence with younger age (P = .011) and with low platelets count in severe stages of the disease (P = .047). No significant association was found in terms of laboratory resistance. The clinical recurrence rates of chronic lower limb ischemia were higher in younger patients and among those with low platelet counts in the severe stages of the disease. Despite the laboratory responsiveness to anti-platelet therapy, we observed significant clinical resistance and increased recurrence rates.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Thiadiazole Derivatives as Antiplatelet Agents.

A novel series of thiadiazole compounds was synthesized through the reaction of thiosemicarbazone intermediates with 2, 3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ). The antiplatelet activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated using an aggregation test with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid (AA) as platelet aggregation inducers. Among the synthesized analogs, compound 3b exhibited the most potent inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by ADP (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 39 ± 11 µM). Molecular docking studies of 3b revealed hydrogen bonds between the nitrogen of the thiadiazole ring and Lys280. The tolyl ring exhibited hydrophobic interactions with Tyr105, similar to the antagonist co-crystallized with P2Y12 (PDB ID: 4NTJ). These compounds have the potential to serve as lead molecules for designing P2Y12 inhibitors.

Enhancing protein stability under stress: osmolyte-based deep eutectic solvents as a biocompatible and robust stabilizing medium for lysozyme under heat and cold shock.

In biomedical and biotechnological domains, liquid protein formulations are vital tools, offering versatility across various fields. However, maintaining protein stability in a liquid form presents challenges due to environmental factors, driving research to refine formulations for broader applications. In our recent study, we investigated the relationship between deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and the natural presence of osmolytes in specific combinations, showcasing the effectiveness of a bioinspired osmolyte-based DES in stabilizing a model protein. Recognizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of osmolyte-based DES stabilization capabilities under different storage conditions, here we broadened the scope of our osmolyte-based DES experimental screening, and delved deeper into structural changes in the enzyme under these conditions. We subjected lysozyme solutions in DESs based on various kosmotropic osmolytes (TMAO, betaine, sarcosine, DMSP, ectoine, GPC, proline, sorbitol and taurine) paired either with another kosmotropic (glycerol) or with chaotropic osmolyte urea to rigorous conditions: heat shock (at 80 °C) and repetitive freeze-thaw cycles (at -20 and -80 °C). Changes in enzyme activity, colloidal stability, and conformational alterations were then monitored using bioassays, aggregation tests, and spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR and CD). Our results demonstrate the remarkable effectiveness of osmolyte-based DES in stabilizing lysozyme under stress conditions, with sarcosine- and betaine-based DESs containing glycerol as a hydrogen bond donor showing the highest efficacy, even at high enzyme loadings up to 200 mg ml-1. Investigation of the individual and combined effects of the DES components on enzyme stability confirmed the synergistic behavior of the kosmotrope-urea mixtures and the cumulative effects in kosmotrope-glycerol mixtures. Additionally, we have shown that the interplay between the enzyme's active and stable (but inactive) states is highly influenced by the water content in DESs. Finally, toxicity assessments of osmolyte-based DESs using cell lines (Caco-2, HaCaT, and HeLa) revealed no risks to human health.

Assessment of platelet functional activity in healthy individuals and patients receiving antiplatelet therapy. Possible inconsistencies between aggregation and flow cytometry tests.

Platelet functional activity was assessed in healthy volunteers (HV, n=92), patients with stable angina pectoris (SA, n=42) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS, n=73), treated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) + clopidogrel and ASA + ticagrelor, respectively. In all HV and patients we have compared parameters of platelet aggregation (maximum light transmission and velocity, Tmax and Vmax) and parameters, characterizing exposure of platelet activation markers, evaluated by flow cytometry. HV platelets were activated by 10 μM, 1 μM TRAP, and 20 μM, 5 μM, 2.5 μM ADP; patient platelets were activated by 10 μM TRAP and by 20 μM and 5 μM ADP. Strong and significant correlations between the aggregation and flow cytometry parameters (the r correlation coefficient from 0.4 up to >0.6) most frequently were registered in HV platelet during activation by 1 μM TRAP and in SA patients during platelet activation by 20 μM and 5 μM ADP. However, in many other cases these correlations were rather weak (r < 0.3) and sometimes statistically insignificant. In HV the differences in PAC-1 binding parameters between platelets activated by 10 μM TRAP (the strongest agonist) and all ADP concentrations were negligible (≤ 10%), while CD62P binding (at all ADP concentrations) and LTA parameters for (5 μM and 2.5 μM ADP) were significantly lower (by 40-60%). Antiplatelet therapy in patients decreased all parameters as compared to HV, but to varying extents. For 10 μM TRAP the MFI index for PAC-1 binding (40-50% decrease) and for both ADP concentrations the Tmax values (60-85% decrease) appeared to be the most sensitive in comparison with the other parameters that decreased to a lesser extent. The data obtained indicate a possibility of inconsistency between different LTA and flow cytometry parameters in assessing platelet activity and efficacy of antiplatelet drugs.

Effectiveness of problem-based learning compared to conventional lectures as a teaching–learning method for medical students

Background: Problem-based learning (PBL) is based on adult learning theory which provides a better understanding of the problem through self-directed learning. During didactic lectures, students are receiving the information and they are memorizing it without understanding the practical applications. PBL provides an active learning environment along with the acquisition of other skills. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of PBL over conventional lectures as a teaching–learning method for phase 1 medical students. Furthermore, the perception of students toward PBL was taken. Materials and Methods: PBL sessions were conducted among 100 Phase 1 medical students by dividing them into two groups and assessed by MCQs. Lecture class was taken for the whole students and again assessed by MCQs for the non-PBL topics. A comparison between the aggregate test scores was made using an unpaired t-test. Perception of students toward PBL was collected using a validated questionnaire in Likert scale and expressed as a percentage. Results: Data analysis showed the aggregate mean score of PBL as 27.96 (3.42) and conventional lecture as 22.66 (4.28) with P &lt; 0.001, which was taken as significant. Students showed a positive response toward PBL as an effective learning tool. Conclusion: PBL is an effective teaching–learning method that can be incorporated into the medical curriculum to create medical graduates with self-directed lifelong learning skills.

The novel in vivo platelet activation marker, soluble CLEC-2

Unlike for anticoagulants, no good monitoring methods exist for antiplatelet agents, and their monitoring is considered unnecessary. In the platelet aggregation test, which is the standard test for platelet function, aggregation is evaluated by adding a platelet activator to platelets in a cuvette. Therefore, it provides information on the maximum potential of platelets to induce aggregation, but not the actual in vivo degree of platelet activation. In vivo platelet activation markers are not widely used because they require a special blood collection method, although some tests are covered by insurance. My colleagues and I identified the platelet activation receptor C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) and found that CLEC-2 is cleaved and released during platelet activation. We established a plasma-soluble CLEC-2 (sCLEC-2) assay system with the aim of using it as a marker of in vivo platelet activation. Elevation of sCLEC-2 has been reported in various thrombotic diseases. The multi-center prospective cohort study CLECSTRO is now underway to investigate the usefulness of sCLEC-2 for diagnosis, typing, and prognostic estimation in acute ischemic stroke.

Evaluation of a diagnostic platelet aggregation test strategy for platelet rich plasma samples with low platelet counts.

Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) is important for diagnosing platelet function disorders (PFD) and von Willebrand disease (VWD) affecting ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA). Nonetheless, data is lacking on the utility of LTA for investigating thrombocytopenic patients and platelet rich plasma samples with low platelet counts (L-PRP). Previously, we developed a strategy for diagnostic LTA assessment of L-PRP that included: (1) acceptance of referrals/samples, regardless of thrombocytopenia severity, (2) tailored agonist selection, based on which are informative for L-PRP with mildly or severely low platelet counts, and (3) interpretation of maximal aggregation (MA) using regression-derived 95% confidence intervals, determined for diluted control L-PRP (C-L-PRP). To further evaluate the L-PRP LTA strategy, we evaluated findings for a subsequent patient cohort. Between 2008 and 2021, the L-PRP strategy was applied to 211 samples (11.7% of all LTA samples) from 192 unique patients, whose platelet counts (median [range] × 109 /L) for blood and L-PRP were: 105 [13-282; 89% with thrombocytopenia] and 164 [17-249], respectively. Patient-L-PRP had more abnormal MA findings than simultaneously tested C-L-PRP (p-values <0.001). Among patients with accessible electronic medical records (n = 181), L-PRP LTA uncovered significant aggregation abnormalities in 45 (24.9%), including 18/30 (60%) with <80 × 109 platelets/L L-PRP, and ruled out PFD, and VWD affecting RIPA, in others. The L-PRP LTA strategy helped diagnose VWD affecting RIPA, Bernard Soulier syndrome, familial platelet disorder with myeloid malignancy, suspected ITGA2B/ITGB3-related thrombocytopenia, and acquired PFD. Diagnostic LTA with L-PRP, using a strategy that considers thrombocytopenia severity, is feasible and informative.

Experimental Investigation of Mechanical and Electromagnetic Performance of Asphalt Concrete Containing Different Ratios of Graphite Powder as a Filler to be Potentially Used as Part of Wireless Electric Roads

This study experimentally investigates the usability of asphalt concrete pavement containing five different ratios of graphite powder (0%, 1.25%, 2.5%, 3.75% and 5% by weight of the aggregate blend or 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the filler content) as a filler to be potentially used as part of wireless electric roads (ER). As part of the study, first, optimum asphalt binder content for the asphalt mixes without graphite powder was determined as 5%. Then, using the determined optimum asphalt binder content, asphalt mixes containing five different ratios of graphite powder as a filler were prepared and their mechanical and volumetric properties based on Marshall mix design methodology were evaluated. As graphite powder ratios in the asphalt mixes increased, their Marshall stability, flow, voids filled with asphalt and unit weight test results mostly decreased but their air content and voids in mineral aggregate test results increased. Possible reasons for this could be: (1) lower bulk specific gravity of graphite powder, (2) higher asphalt absorbance, (3) having greater surface area compared to that of limestone filler, and (4) weak bonds between sheet-like graphite layers. Furthermore, another batch of asphalt mixes containing five different ratios of graphite powder were prepared and tested in the frequency range of 3–18 GHz for their electromagnetic permittivity properties. It was observed in this study that, except for the specimens with 100% graphite powder ratios, transmission magnitudes of all specimens were above 50% up to 8 GHz, indicating that they had comparably high transmission magnitudes so as comparably low tangent loss values. In the frequency range of 3–13 GHz, transmission magnitudes of the specimens with 25% and 50% graphite powder ratios were consistently higher than that having no graphite powder, the ones with 25% powder ratios had the highest transmission magnitudes in most of the cases in this frequency range. Considering the mechanical, volumetric and electromagnetic property test results of the asphalt mixes with five different ratios of graphite powder, it can be concluded that the use of 25% graphite powder ratio (corresponding to 1.25% of the aggregate blend used in the mixes), has a comparably lower negative effect on mechanical and volumetric properties of asphalt mixes and has a positive effect on electromagnetic permittivity properties of asphalt mixes. Asphalt mixes produced with this graphite powder ratio can be considered to be used as part of wireless ER.

The Influence of Caramel Carbon Quantum Dots and Caramel on Platelet Aggregation, Protein Glycation and Lipid Peroxidation.

Caramel, defined as a coloring agent and as an antioxidant, is used in several kinds of food products and is consumed by many people in different amounts. In our research we showed that the caramelization of sucrose under special conditions leads to the formation of carbon quantum dots (CQDs). So, it makes sense that humans also consume this type of CQDs, and it is theoretically possible for these particles to affect the body. Despite an increasing number of studies describing different types of CQDs, their biosafety is still not clearly understood. In our in vitro research, we examined the effects on platelet aggregation, protein glycation and lipid peroxidation of CQDs and caramel formed from a 20% sucrose solution. In vitro aggregation tests were conducted using freshly collected whole rat blood in a multiplate platelet function analyzer and measurer of electric impedance. The cytotoxic effect of the tested solutions on blood platelets was evaluated based on the release of lactate dehydrogenase. The formation of glycated bovine serum albumin was measured as fluorescence intensity and fructosamine level. The reducing power of the solutions was determined in adipose tissue, and their effect on lipid peroxidation in adipose tissue in vitro was also assessed. By measuring the intensity of hemolysis after incubation in solutions with red blood cell, we assessed their influence on the integration of the red blood cell membrane. All tests were performed in comparison with glucose and fructose and other frequently used sweeteners, such as erythritol and xylitol. Our study showed that caramel and CQDs formed from caramel may influence the glycation process and integrity of the red blood cell membrane, but unlike glucose and fructose, they decrease lipid peroxidation and may reduce Fe (III). Additionally, it is unlikely that they affect platelet aggregation. Compared to glucose and fructose, they may be safer for patients with metabolic disorders; however, further research is needed on the safety and biological activity of caramel and CQD.

Nano-emulsion formulation of nematode egg parasitic fungus, Pochonia chlamydosporia to control Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomato

ABSTRACT A new nano formulation of the nematode egg parasitic fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia was developed and evaluated against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on tomato. Initially, sunflower oil-based nanoemulsions were prepared by the process of sonication, i.e. the high-energy method. The emulsion contained 1% w/v carboxyl methyl cellulose (aqueous phase): sunflower oil (continuous phase): Tween 80 (surfactant) at 1: 0.5: 0.125 ratio. The emulsion was stable without phase separation for up to 8 weeks at room temperature (28 ± 4°C) and 4°C. Various aggregation tests such as particle size, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that nanoemulsion had spherical shape particles with mean particle size 226.6 ± 1.1 nm and mean zeta potential of −54.80 ± 0.5 mV. The nanoemulsion formulation of P. chlamydosporia was derived by homogenising of emulsion with the spore suspension at a 1:1 v/v ratio. The egg parasitisation and juvenile mortality bioassays were carried out using the developed nanoemulsion of P. chlamydosporia under in vitro conditions. Exposure of eggs and juveniles to different level of concentrations in laboratory condition caused up to 100% parasitisation of M. incognita eggs and 96% juvenile mortality. Under glasshouse conditions, soil treatment with nanoformulation of P. chlamydosporia at 0.25–5.0 mL/L lead to reduce M. incognita populations in soil by 62.2–67.9% and in tomato root by 57.4–62.1%. Pochonia chlamydosporia nanoformulation treatments caused improvement of tomato plant growth with 19.5–34.2%, 24.5–48.4%, 16.9–38.5% and 25.6–46.6% increase of shoot length, root length, shoot weight and root weight, respectively.

Enhancing soil resilience in Iranian Haploxeralfs: A study on the impact of two organic matters on aggregate stability and mechanical resistance

In arid regions around the world, erosion is a frequent occurrence due to low annual rainfall weakening plants, which in turn affects the concentration of soil organic matter (SOM). When the soil is exposed, sudden and heavy rainfall can lead to soil degradation, particularly in soil with high sodicity where unstable aggregates are easily ruptured, initiating the first phase of soil erosion. To investigate this phenomenon, soil samples were collected from an erosion‐prone area near Maharloo Salt Lake, specifically Chah‐angiri (soil 1) and Kamal-abad (soil 2), which are loam and silty clay loam soils with low SOM.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;To evaluate the effect of organic matter sources on soil stability, cow manure (animal source) and wheat straw (plant source) were applied to both soil samples at four different rates (0.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 40.0 g kg&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) and incubated for four months. The soil’s aggregate stability and mechanical resistance were then assessed using two different methods: mechanical resistance, which was measured as the module of rupture and penetration resistance, and aggregate stability, which was evaluated using the conventional and Le Bissonnais methods.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;The application of organic matter resulted in a linear increase in aggregate stability in both soils, with the increase in Chah‐angiri (with lower sodicity) being greater than Kamal‐abad (with higher ESP). Both linear and exponential equations showed that organic matter treatment reduced soil mechanical resistance exponentially, with wheat straw proving more effective than cow dung at stabilizing aggregates against slaking and lowering soil mechanical resistance in both soils.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Furthermore, the stability of aggregates changed by mechanical breakdown (MWD&lt;sub&gt;stir&lt;/sub&gt;) was found to have the strongest relationship among three Le Bissonnais treatments (MWD&lt;sub&gt;slow&lt;/sub&gt;, MWD&lt;sub&gt;fast&lt;/sub&gt;, and MWD&lt;sub&gt;stir&lt;/sub&gt;) and the aggregate stability test using the usual technique (Kemper and Rosenau). The organic matter rate had a significant effect (&lt;em&gt;P &lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt; 0.001) on MWD&lt;sub&gt;stir&lt;/sub&gt;, which increased with rate in a linear relationship (&lt;em&gt;r&lt;/em&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.957, &lt;em&gt;P &lt;/em&gt;= 0.022). Finally, the stability of soil aggregates in water was also investigated.