BG Samples Research Articles

Color-appearance-matched data in high-dynamic-range luminance conditions

We report color-appearance-matched data under high-dynamic-range luminance conditions. The experimental method and apparatus proposed in a previous study [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 36, 1940 (2019)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.36.001940] were used to measure perceptual color shifts in the R, G, B, Y, RB, BG, GY, and YR groups of 16 samples under four dual-illumination conditions at luminance levels of (300 and 4500cd/m2), (20 and 300cd/m2), (80 and 4500cd/m2), and (20 and 4,500cd/m2). We observed a decrease in lightness for all samples, and hue shifts toward blue in R, red in reddish YR, and green in BG samples when the luminance changed from low to high. Correlated changes in lightness and chroma, that is, an increase in lightness change and a decrease in chroma change under the highest luminance contrast (20 and 4500cd/m2), were observed for the Y, GY, and YR samples.

Impact of H2-CH4 mixture on pore structure of sandstone and limestone formations relevant to subsurface hydrogen storage

Subsurface Hydrogen (H2) storage is a promising technology to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Depleted gas reservoirs can provide safe storage of hydrogen in the long term, and effective recovery during the cycling process. The pre-existing Methane gas (CH4) or its traces in these formations can mix with the injected hydrogen and might cause in-situ geochemical reactions with the storage rock. Despite the recent interest in evaluating H2-rock interactions, the available knowledge on the impact of H2–CH4 mixture on the petrophysical properties of storage rocks is scarce. Motivated by the lack of experimental work that exists on this topic, we provide an experimental investigation on the reactivity of sandstone and limestone formations to H2–CH4 mixture. Samples from Bandera Gray Sandstone and Indiana Limestone samples were aged in H2–CH4 mixture at 75 °C and 1400 psi for 90 days, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and gas porosity analysis were performed. The results showed limited reactivity of the samples to H2–CH4 mixture, and subsequently, insignificant changes occurred in the petrophysical properties. The average porosity of BG and IL samples decreased by 3.32 % and 1.00 % respectively. NMR analysis indicates no significant changes in T2 distribution times curves, indicating no major alterations occurred in the pore structure or rock geometry. Moreover, the average NMR porosity of BG was reduced by 3 %, while the reduction of IL porosity did not exceed 6 %. We conclude that the potential geochemical reactions (dissolution/precipitation) between the H2–CH4 mixture and rock minerals are very weak within 90 days of H2–CH4 mixture treatment, thus the suitability of sandstone and limestone rocks for hydrogen storage is promising.

Hydrothermal aging effect on crushing characteristics of intraply hybrid composite pipes

In this study, the crushing properties of hybrid glass, basalt, and carbon fiber-reinforced composite pipes under a hydrothermal aging environment were investigated. Hybrid and non-hybrid composite pipes manufactured by filament winding technique were immersed in distilled water and seawater at 30 °C for four months. The water sorption parameters of the samples were calculated theoretically and weighed experimentally. Dry and aged pipes were subjected to quasi-static axial compression to examine aging effects on the crushing properties. The experimental weighing results showed that all composites exhibited a Fickian-like water absorption line. The non-hybrid basalt pipes were the most water-absorbing among all groups. In addition, the results proved that the hybridization effect in pipes is highly effective on water absorption parameters. In line with the results of non-hybrid pipes, hybrid pipes containing basalt fiber absorbed more water than other hybrid ones. Additionally, pipes aged in different environments showed that composite pipes absorbed more distilled water compared to seawater. Also, it was found that hydrothermal aging having adverse effects on the crushing characteristics of the pipes led to significant decreases. This can be explained by the degradation of the fiber–matrix interphase due to aging. However, maximum specific energy absorptions were achieved from non-hybrid carbon pipes regardless of environmental conditions. Also, the hybridization enhanced the crushing properties of the non-hybrid pipes that have lower characteristics. Additionally, it can be said that hybrid samples providing better stability in crushing showed better mean crushing load values since they mostly had a progressive crushing mode. The maximum mean crushing loads were obtained from the unconditioned hybrid GC samples as 36.2 kN which was 9.5 % and 34 % higher than unconditioned hybrid CB and BG samples. In conclusion, the study proved that the samples with low crushing properties can be improved by hybridization even if they are subjected to harsh environmental conditions.

Cold hydrostatic sintering of 45S5 bioactive glass

Fully amorphous 45S5 bioactive glass pellets were successfully consolidated at room temperature using cold hydrostatic sintering (CHS) and their acellular bioactivity was determined by immersion test in simulated body fluid (SBF). Crystalline 45S5 BG samples prepared using conventional sintering (TS) at 1050 °C were also tested. Preliminary results indicated the formation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) on the surfaces of both samples after immersion in SBF, which was confirmed using SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses. The amount of hydroxyapatite increases by increasing the SBF immersion time. Results revealed that the amount of HAP crystalline phase was similar in both samples after 14 days of incubation in SBF (i.e., 23% in TS and 25% in CHS samples). The pellets prepared by TS resulted in a relative density of 95.6% and a hardness of about 3.5 GPa. On the other hand, CHS samples had a hardness of 1.2 GPa and a relative density of 75.1%, indicating the presence of a porous structure that can be beneficial for the interaction of the material with proteins and cells (both in vitro and in vivo).

Synthesis of bioactive glass using cellulose nano fibre template

This study introduces a templating approach using a cellulosic suspension to create a porous SiO2–CaO–P2O5–Na2O bioactive glass material. Sol-gel approach was used as the synthesis method. Carbon nanofibers in suspension form was used as the templating material. The amount of CNF used in the experiment ranged from 5% to 25% by volume. The morphology, porosity, crystallinity of the combeite phase, mechanical and chemical properties of the BG samples were examined. The findings show that the templating method had no effect on the formation of the required functional elements, such as Si, Ca, Na and P. The porosity of the BG materials improves by 15% after templating compared to the neat sample. The formed pores were assumed to be homogenous based on the uniform adsorption and desorption BET profiles. The crystallization mechanisms during the sintering process were affected by the templating approach, indicating the need for a specific amount of template to be used in the preparation step. Both the sintering temperatures and the CNF content affected the formation of the combeite phase. The BG samples had excellent mechanical properties and are suitable for use in cancellous bone applications. As a result, this study shows a novel method for synthesizing porous bioactive glass materials via the sol-gel method and a CNF suspension as a template.

Scaffolds of bioactive glass (Bioglass®) combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein -9 (rhBMP-9) for tooth extraction site preservation

ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the osteogenic ability of bioactive glass (bioglass) combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-9 (rhBMP-9) on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro. The study also compares bone regeneration using rhBMP9 soaked with different carrier systems, including bioglass or collagen membranes (BioGide, BG) in a rat alveolar bone site preservation model in vivo. MethodsScanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze bioglass surface. The absorption and release potential of rhBMP9 from bioglass were researched by ELISA.The cell viability, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation were assessed for rhBMP9 soaked on bioglass by cck-8 kit, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, alizarin red staining, and real-time PCR. Furthermore, prepared grafts (bioglass + BG, bioglass/rhBMP9+BG, and bioglass + BG/rhBMP9) were implanted into the maxillary right first incisor sockets of Sprague Dawley rats for 8 weeks, and new bone formation was quantified by micro-CT and histological analysis. ResultsBioglass absorbed rhBMP9 dramatically and released it with a slow and stable speed within ten days by ELISA. When used with cck-8 kit detection, cell viability at 24 h, cell adhesion rate at 8 h, and cell proliferation at 1, 3, and 5 days were decreased in the bioglass alone group versus the control group but slightly increased with the addition of rhBMP9. Similarly, the effect of osteogenic differentiation on bioglass increased significantly when combined with rhBMP9 by upregulating the expression of ALP, mineralized matrix, and osteogenic related genes. Furthermore, both bioglass/rhBMP9+BG samples and bioglass + BG/rhBMP9 samples significantly improved several bone formation parameters compared with bioglass + BG samples. Interestingly, bioglass + BG/rhBMP9 samples demonstrated more bone regeneration in rat site preservation models. ConclusionsBoth bioglass and BG can be applied in GBR surgery as effective carriers of rhBMP9. However, BG may be more suitable than bioglass for investigating site preservation effect after tooth extraction when associated with rhBMP9 and provides a practical clinical solution to the problem of bone deficiency caused by alveolar bone atrophy.

Metallic nickel nanoparticles supported polyaniline nanotubes as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst for the degradation of brilliant green dye in aqueous solution

Metallic nanoparticles supported on porous matrices are promising heterogeneous catalysts for Fenton-like reaction towards the degradation of organic contaminants in water. Herein, novel magnetic nanocomposites (NCs) of metallic nickel (Ni0) nanoparticles and nanotubular polyaniline matrix (PANI/Ni0 NCs) were fabricated by simple reductive formation of Ni0 nanoparticles upon the pre-synthesized PANI nanotubes (NTs) surface and applied as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst in degrading cationic brilliant green dye (BG) in aqueous solution. Various physico-chemical characterization techniques revealed effective supporting of soft ferromagnetic well dispersed nano-dimensional Ni0 particles onto the PANI NTs matrix. Heterogeneous Fenton-like catalytic performance of PANI/Ni0 NCs for BG degradation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidant demonstrated their superiority when compared with unsupported Ni0 nanoparticles counterpart. Experiments with a minimum 0.1 g/L of NCs and 10 mM of H2O2 displayed complete degradation of 100 mg/L BG within 120 min reaction time. Improved BG degradation was observed with increase in the dose of PANI/Ni0, H2O2 concentration and temperature, whereas it reduced with rise in initial concentration of BG. The rate of degradation was well described by the pseudo-first- order kinetic model. Six consecutive BG degradation experiments confirmed NCs reusability without loss of original (∼100%) degradation efficiency up to the fifth cycle. Finally, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric (LC–MS) analyses of the BG samples after 120 min degradation time exposed the formation of N,N-diethylaniline as degradation product along with partial mineralization of the other end products via the attack of reactive hydroxyl radicals (HO•) produced in the catalytic system.

Fluoride Polluted Groundwaters in Calabria Region (Southern Italy): Natural Source and Remediation

Excessive ingestion of fluoride through the consumption of F−-rich drinking water could cause adverse effects to human health. For this reason, the WHO has fixed 1.5 mg/L as the maximum F- concentration for drinking water. In this work, a detailed geochemical characterization was performed to define the source of natural pollution of two groundwaters (samples Pc and Bg) coming from deep crystalline aquifers located in the Calabria region (southern Italy) and to define and optimize the most appropriate water treatment strategy. The samples were classified as a F− enriched NaHCO3 type of water. In particular, the F− concentrations observed were 30 mg/L and 8.9 mg/L for the Pc and Bg samples, respectively. Based on the acquired geochemical characterization knowledge, the groundwaters were treated by two thin-film composite NF membranes, namely SPR 10113 and SPR 10114 which have so far not been used for water defluoridation. It was found that the SPR 10114 membrane was able to guarantee water permeates with F− contents lower than the threshold value of 1.5 mg/L for both treated waters, whereas the fluoride content remained above the threshold value when the Pc sample was treated using the SPR 10113 membrane. The obtained permeates were characterized by a low ionic load and were not suitable for long-term consumption as drinking water. However, all of the produced waters did not need any further re-mineralizing processes for agricultural irrigation or other purposes.

Features of biodegradation of sol-gel bioactive glass 60S doped with Ga, Ge

Samples of BG 60S (4% P2O5, 36% CaO, 60% SiO2) and doped with Ga2О3 (1%), GeО2 (1%) were synthesized by the sol-gel method. In the environment of model physiological fluid (Kokubo's SBF) in vitro biodegradation processes of synthesized BG samples were studied and in vivo studies of bone formation were performed. The methods of atomic absorption (for Ca2+, Mg2+) and photometric (for HPO4 2–) analysis were used to study the change in the ionic composition of the model physiological fluid, the pH changes of which were recorded potentiometrically. BG samples before and after in vitro bioresorption studies were tested by IR spectroscopy. The studied dependences of the activity of ion exchange processes and the rate of formation of hydroxy-carbonate apatite on the surface from doping additives confirm the bioactivity of the synthesized samples. The highest bioactivity according to the results of in vitro and in vivo studies shows BG 60S without alloying additives.

Fecal Microbiota Characterization of Seychelles Giant Tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) Living in Both Wild and Controlled Environments.

A microbiome is defined as a complex collection of microorganisms and their genetic material. Studies regarding gut microbiomes of different animals have provided ecological and evolutionary information showing a strong link between health and disease. Very few studies have compared the gut microbiota of animals housed under controlled conditions and those in wild habitats. Little research has been performed on the reptile gut microbiota, and what studies do exist are mainly focused on carnivorous reptiles. The aim of this study was first to describe the overall microbiota structure of Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) and, second, to compare the microbiota of tortoises living under natural conditions and tortoises living in controlled environments, such as zoological and botanical parks, in Italy and in the Seychelles. Seventeen fecal samples were collected from giant tortoises located on Curieuse Island (CI, n = 8), at the Botanical Garden (BG, n = 3) in Mahé (Seychelles Islands) and at Parco Natura Viva–Garda Zoological Park (PNV, n = 6) in Verona (Italy). The V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified in order to characterize the gut microbiota profile. Overall, the major phyla identified were Bacteroidetes 42%, Firmicutes 32%, and Spirochaetes 9%. A higher microbial diversity (alpha indices) was observed for the BG samples as compared to the PNV samples (Shannon: 5.39 vs. 4.43; InvSimpson: 80.7 vs. 25; Chao1: 584 vs. 377 p < 0.05). The results in the present study showed a significant difference in beta diversity between the samples from CI, BG, and PNV (p = 0.001), suggesting a different bacterial fecal profile of giant tortoises at the different habitats. This study provided novel insights into the effects of different environmental conditions on the gut microbial communities of giant tortoises. In particular, differences were reported regarding the bacterial gut community structure between tortoises in natural and in controlled environments. These results could help to improve the management of giant tortoises under human care, thus enhancing ex-situ conservation efforts far from the species geographic range.

Changes in the community structure of the symbiotic microbes of wild amphibians from the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau

Environment has a potential effect on the animal symbiotic microbiome. Here, to study the potential relationship of the symbiotic microbiomes of wild amphibians with altitude, we collected the gut and skin samples from frogs (nine species) and the environmental samples (water and soil samples) from the Leshan Mountains (altitude: 360–410 m) and Gongga Mountains (altitude: 3340–3989 m) on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Bufo gargarizans (Bg) samples were collected from both the Leshan and Gongga mountain regions (Bg was the only species sampled on both mountains). The DNA extracted from each sample was performed high‐throughput sequencing (MiSeq) of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons. High relative abundance of Caulobacteraceae and Sphingomonadaceae was found in skin samples from both Bg and the other high‐altitude amphibians (nine species combined). High relative abundance of Coxiellaceae and Mycoplasmataceae was found in gut samples from both Bg and the other high‐altitude amphibians. Furthermore, the alpha and beta diversities of skin and gut samples from Bg and the other amphibian species (nine species combined) were similar. In terms of the symbiotic microbial community, the low‐altitude samples were less diverse and more similar to each other than the high‐altitude samples were. We speculated that extreme high‐altitude environments and host phylogeny may affect the amphibian microbiome. Despite the distinct microbial community differences between the skin and gut microbiomes, some functions were similar in the Bg and combined high‐altitude samples. The Bg and high‐altitude skin samples had higher oxidative stress tolerance and biofilm formation than the low‐altitude skin samples. However, the opposite results were observed for the Bg and high‐altitude gut samples. Further study is required to determine whether these characteristics favor high‐altitude amphibian adaptation to extreme environments.

PM2.5-bound potentially toxic elements (PTEs) fractions, bioavailability and health risks before and after coal limiting.

Fractions, bioavailability, health risks of fine particulate maters (PM2.5)-bound potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn) were investigated before and after coal limiting in Baoding city. The winter PM2.5 samples were collected at different functional areas such as residential area (RA), industrial area (IA), suburb (SB), street (ST) and Botanical Garden Park (BG) in 2016 (coal dominated year) and 2017 (gas dominated year). The fractions and bioavailability of PTEs were determined and evaluated based on BCR sequential extraction. Health risks through inhalation exposure were evaluated by US EPA health risk assessment model. The results from different years and functional areas were compared and discussed. The fractions and bioavailability of PM2.5-bound PTEs varied with functional areas. The percentages of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) in acid-soluble fraction (F1-Cd and F1-Zn) to the total amount of Cd and Zn were low in BG samples (p<0.05). Bioavailability of Cd were high in SB samples (p<0.05). Total contents of PM-bound PTEs in 2017 generally decreased compared with 2016. The differences of fraction and bioavailability between 2016 and 2017 depended on the elements and areas. Higher proportions of copper (Cu) in acid-soluble fraction (F1-Cu) and bioavailability of Cu (p<0.05) were found in 2017 samples. Significant differences were found just at IA and RA for Pb, Cd and Zn. Our results indicated that the health risks from inhalation exposure for PTEs in PM2.5 declined about 11%-52% after the coal limiting in this city.

Hypoglycemic risk exposures in relation to low serum glucose values in ambulatory patients.

This study aimed to correlate hypoglycemic risk exposures (HREs) with low blood glucose value (BGV) in ambulatory patients to inform selection of a glucose critical action value (CAV).This was a retrospective study of ambulatory patients with at least 1 serum glucose ≤70 mg/dL obtained at 2 laboratories within the Johns Hopkins Health System over 3.8 years. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate association of BGV cut-offs of <60, <54, <50, and <45 mg/dL with HREs. HREs were classified as “high hypoglycemic risk” (HHR), “moderate hypoglycemic risk” (MHR), “low hypoglycemic risk” (LHR), and “no hypoglycemic risk” (NHR).A total of 5404 patient samples of BG ≤70 mg/dL were analyzed, of which 30.3%, 23.2%, 28.5%, 18.0% occurred in NHR, LHR, MHR, and HHR groups, respectively. An inverse relationship was noted between BGV cut-offs and HHR, but no association was observed for LHR or MHR. After adjusting for age, sex, and race, there was an inverse association between BG thresholds and the odds of HHR. For classification of HHR, BGV cut-offs of <60, <54, <50, and <45 mg/dL correctly classified 71.2%, 69.8%, 68.8%, and 67.2% of BG samples, achieved false-positive rates of 13.6%, 4.7%, 1.7%, and 0.5% and positive likelihood ratios of 3.3, 6.0, 11.2, and 23.4, respectively.Nearly 70% of low BGVs occurred in patients with at least 1 HRE, but only ∼20% occurred in HHR patients. Given their high positive likelihood ratios, BGVs <54 or <50 mg/dL are reasonable candidates for CAVs that would allow sufficient clinician response time while minimizing false-positive alerts.

Synthesis and luminescent properties of BaGd2O4:Eu3+ phosphors with highly efficient red-emitting

The BaGd2–2xEu2xO4 (BG, x = 0.01–0.09) phosphors were successfully synthesized via the sol-gel method, and BaY2–2yEu2yO4 (BY, y = 0.005–0.07) phosphors were included for comparison. The pure phase BG phosphors with the ordered CaFe2O4-type structure are obtained by annealing at 1300 °C for 5 h. The phosphors with uniform particle size of 120 nm and good dispersion display typical Eu3+ emission with the strongest peak at 613 nm (5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+) under optimal excitation band at 262 nm (CTB band). The presence of Gd3+ excitation bands on the PLE spectra monitoring the Eu3+ emission directly proves an evidence of Gd3+–Eu3+ energy transfer. Owing to the concentration quenching, the optimum content of Eu3+ addition is 5 at% (x = 0.05), and the quenching mechanism is determined to be the exchange reaction between Eu3+. All the BG samples have similar color coordinates and temperature of (0.64 ± 0.02, 0.36 ± 0.01) and 2000 ± 100 K, respectively. The lifetime value of BaGd1.9Eu0.1O4 for 613 nm is fitted to be 2.19 ± 0.01 ms, and the Eu3+ concentration does not change the lifetime significantly. Owing to the Gd3+–Eu3+ energy transfer, the luminescent intensity of the BaGd1.9Eu0.1O4 phosphor is better than BY system. The BG system served as a new type of phosphor is expected to be widely used in lighting and display areas.

Mechanical, material, and biological study of a PCL/bioactive glass bone scaffold: Importance of viscoelasticity

Microsphere sintering method was used to fabricate bone tissue engineering scaffolds made of polycaprolactone (PCL)/bioactive glass 58S5Z (58S modified with 5 wt% Zinc). First, the effect of PCL/58S5Z ratio on the mechanical properties (elastic modulus and yield strength) was investigated. It was found that samples with 5 wt% 58S5Z (named 5%BG) had the highest elastic modulus and yield strength among all samples, i.e., with 0, 5, 10, and 20 wt% bioactive glass. Then, considering the importance of viscoelastic properties of bone, the viscoelastic behavior of 0%BG (scaffold with only PCL) and 5%BG samples was determined by performing compressive stress relaxation test and subsequently a Generalized Maxwell model was developed. Findings indicated a similar amount and pattern of predicted storage and loss moduli and loss factor of the composite scaffolds to those of the bone. In the next step, the analysis of biological behavior of the scaffolds using MTT assay, DAPI and Alizarin red staining demonstrated that 5%BG scaffolds had higher in vitro cell viability and bone formation compared to 0%BG ones. Furthermore, in vivo study employing H&E staining of the scaffolds implanted in rats' calvarium for 50 days, confirmed the earlier findings and showed that 5%BG-filled defects had higher and more uniform bone formation compared to both 0%BG-filled and empty defects.

Guided bone regeneration with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 9 loaded on either deproteinized bovine bone mineral or a collagen barrier membrane.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 9 (rhBMP9) has been considered the most osteoinductive growth factor of the BMP-family and has much translation potential for guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures. The aim of this study was to compare bone formation using rhBMP9 loaded with different carrier systems including deprotenized bovine bone mineral (BioOss, BO) or collagen barrier membranes (BioGide, BG) in a rabbit GBR model. rhBMP9 was loaded either on BO; named BO/BMP9, or BG; named BG/BMP9 to investigate the better carrier system for rhBMP9. New bone formation was quantified in a rabbit calvarial defect model using four groups; (1) control (empty, n = 9), (2) BO + BG (n = 9), (3) BO/BMP9 + BG (n = 9; BMP9 loaded onto BO), and (4) BO + BG/BMP9 (n = 9; BMP9 loaded onto BG) by radiographically and histologically at 8 weeks post-surgery. Both BO/BMP9 + BG and BO + BG/BMP9 samples significantly promoted new bone formation when compared to BO + BG samples based on parameters including mineralized tissue volume by microCT analysis, as well as new bone height and new bone area by histomorphometry. Interestingly, BO + BG/BMP9 samples but not BO/BMP9 + BG achieved near perfect horizontal bone defect closure, while demonstrating new bone layers in the defect areas implanted with BG materials and bone formation around BO materials. Both BO and BG positively induced bone formation with rhBMP9 in an experimental rabbit GBR model when compared to BO + BG alone. This study revealed that BG-loaded with rhBMP9 promoted better wound closure when compared to BO-loaded with rhBMP9. GBR procedures with growth factors may thus benefit from loading rhBMP9 onto BG-collagen barrier membranes when compared to BO-bone grafting particles. Future large animal studies with different types of bone grafts and barrier membranes are needed to further investigate these trends.

Effect of beta glucan and carboxymethyl cellulose on lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition of pre-cooked shrimp nugget during storage

Oil extraction from the pre-cooked shrimp nugget with carboxymethyl cellulose and β-glucan was evaluated for peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and fatty acid composition in frozen storage for a period of 4 months. After 4 months of frozen storage, Control and CMC shrimp nugget with the highest TBARS values had the greater lipid oxidation than samples containing β-glucan. However, no significant differences were found in BG and CMC + BG samples at 120 days of storage (p > 0.05). p-anisidine value of shrimp nuggets oil without β-glucan were significantly higher than those of shrimp nugget oil containing β-glucan and during storage (p < 0.05). The BG + CMC treatment showed the highest amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids after 120 days. Also, our data showed that there were positive correlations among the results of antioxidant capacities and total phenolic acids of the samples. In conclusion, this result revealed that β-glucan added to shrimp nugget can significantly retard the process of lipid peroxidation during storage.

Baseline HIV-1 tropism prediction in advanced immune suppressed patients: evidence of CXCR4 viruses in IDUs infected with recombinant forms

Until 2011, the main risk factor for the spread of HIV-1 in Romanian adult population was heterosexual contact. More recently, the number of HIV-1 new cases among IDUs significantly increased. This new subepidemic is characterized by circulation of particular forms of infective strains (CRF14_BG), high prevalence of HCV co-infections and infective endocarditis. Genotypic methods are currently used for testing viral tropism in HIV infected patients. Deep sequencing proved to have much higher sensitivity than population sequencing in detecting minority - CXCR4 tropic viruses. Previous studies suggested that the presence of CXCR4 phenotype at baseline is frequently associated with a faster disease progression. The aim of the study was to evaluate the viral tropism at the moment of HIV diagnostic in IDU patients. We have analyzed sequences from 19 IDUs that presented low CD4 counts (<200 cells/cmm) and/or CDC stage C when HIV-1 infection was diagnosed. They were compared with strains from 24 heterosexuals diagnosed at the same time with the IDUs were included in the study. RT PCR was performed to amplify the V3 loop. Population sequencing was done using BigDye chemistry and 3500 Genetic Analyzer. Deep-sequencing was performed on the GS Junior 454 sequencing platform and AVA software was used to analyze the output sequences. The tropism prediction was assessed by geno2pheno[coreceptor] bioinformatic algorithm and subtyping with REGA tool version 2.0. The IDU group was mainly infected with recombinant forms: CRF14_BG and recombinants between F1 and CRF14_BG (68.4%, 13/19); the heterosexuals had F1 subtype viruses (95.8%, 23/24). CXCR4 tropism was associated with IDUs and in particular with CRF14_BG (p=0.0027). All the CRF14_BG were X4 by population sequencing. Furthermore, when tested with deep sequencing the viral populations of CRF14_BG samples were exclusively X4 (no minority R5 populations). Dual tropic (CCR5 and CXCR4) populations were more frequent in F1 samples isolated from heterosexuals and predicted as X4 by population sequencing. We found concordance between the predictions of the two methods. In the heterosexual group both techniques predicted mainly CCR5 viruses. CXCR4 tropic CRF14_BG viruses were very common in IDUs at baseline. This may contribute to faster disease progression in this population than in heterosexuals infected with the F1 CCR5 tropic strains.

Evaluation of symphony ® CGM: a non-invasive, transdermal continuous glucose monitoring system for use in the critically ill

Following a 1 hour warm-up period, a calibration was performed. Blood samples were obtained from a radial artery catheter approximately every hour, centrifuged to plasma, and glucose was measured using a YSI 2300 STAT Plus Glucose Analyzer (reference BG). A maximum of 30 reference BG samples were collected for each patient. Samples were collected as frequently as every 15 minutes for trend analysis. CGM was prospectively calibrated every 4 hours.

Effect of different ingredients on color and oxidative characteristics of high pressure processed chicken breast meat with special emphasis on use of β-glucan as a partial salt replacer

Abstract Color characteristics and oxidative stability of high pressure processed chicken breast meat were studied as a function of various added ingredients such as sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and β-glucan (BG). There was an increase in L* value and a decrease in a* value for samples with increase in applied pressure. The additives had little impact on color characteristics in most of the combinations studied. At 40 °C and 600 MPa pressure, expressible moisture of all the samples were not statistically different. SDS PAGE profile of sarcoplasmic proteins revealed a decrease in number of bands in high molecular weight region and an increase in low molecular weight region with increase in applied pressure. Simultaneous application of high pressure and temperature cause breakdown of myosin into its subunits. Carbonyl content of BG samples was lower while treating at 60 °C. Samples with β-glucan showed significantly lower lipid oxidation levels. Industrial relevance Preparation of ready to eat gel-type meat products using temperature assisted high pressure processing is still not commercialized. This is basically due to lack of information on the chemistry of food undergoing this process. Increased salt content in modern convenient foods is a major drawback. The results of this experiment showed that high pressure processing and addition of β-glucan can help to partially replace salt addition. In addition, anti-oxidative property of β-glucan in meat system was revealed. This information will help industry to adopt temperature assisted high pressure processing to prepare ready to eat chicken products.