Commercial Brands Research Articles

Who is The Most Popular Presidential Candidate in Indonesia Election Based on Google Trend

Social media plays a significant role in contemporary political marketing. Social media channels provide legislators and party officials a direct avenue to engage with individuals, allowing for efficient communication, campaigning, and the establishment of relationships. Likewise, the act of aligning oneself with certain political groups and actively participating in discussions and interactions with political figures, such as candidates or representatives, is a widespread practice on social media platforms. Political brands have not yet capitalized on the possibilities of social media to develop online relationships, unlike commercial brands. However, they persist in depending on traditional techniques of political advertising on social media channels. According to the study's results, Jokowi remains a very popular political figure with the ability to have a substantial impact on Prabowo Gibran, the presidential contender associated with him. Prabowo Gibran personally achieved this by effectively promoting these earnings via various internet platforms. Conversely, AMIN is the rival that has the highest level of enduring appeal. They exhibit no discernible indications of either rising or diminishing their popularity, which means they remain the contender with the highest level of popularity. Ganjar Mahfud is the least popular contender of the three contestants. This is plausible since Jokowi, who really expressed his support for Prabowo Gibran, has a passive impact on the issue.

Corrosion-induced changes in surface properties and roughness of orthodontic wires

This study aimed to investigate the surface free energy and surface roughness (SR) of metallic alloys under the influence of acid solutions. The experiment involved the use of 270 rectangular wire samples measuring 0.019 × 0.025-in. These samples were sourced from 3 different commercial brands: Dentsply GAC, American Orthodontics, and Orthoclassic. This invitro study categorized the samples into 3 groups based on the solutions employed: deionized water, citric acid, and phosphoric acid. Each group consisted of 90 samples, with 30 samples representing each type of alloy-stainless steel, nickel-titanium, and titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA). The wire segments were immersed in their respective solutions for 72 hours at a controlled temperature of 37°C, with continuous orbital agitation at 130 rpm. After the immersion period, the study analyzed both surface free energy and SR. The mean values obtained were subjected to an analysis of variance at a significance level of 5%. All alloys displayed hydrophobic behavior, as indicated by interaction free energy values<0. In acidic environments (phosphoric acid and citric acid), significant differences were observed among different brands and alloys, affecting surface energy and interaction free energy. Variations in SR among metallic alloys included steel with the lowest SR variations, followed by nickel-titanium and TMA. Notably, the TMA alloy stood out with significantly higher surface energy compared with that of the other alloys (P<0.001). In this study, all examined alloys demonstrated a hydrophobic nature, suggesting a limited attraction to water. Notably, TMA exhibited the least hydrophobic behavior among the alloys studied. However, when exposed to citric acid, TMA displayed the most substantial alterations in its surface properties. These results underscored the significance of accounting for the distinctive properties of each alloy and their responses to diverse challenges, such as exposure to acidic solutions, during the selection of orthodontic wires for orthodontics treatment.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF POWDER FLOW BEHAVIOUR OF DIRECTLY COMPRESSIBLE COPROCESSED EXCIPIENTS

The aim of this pre-formulation study was to adopt simple linear regression modelling and correlation statistics to understand the associations between pharmacopoeial powder test methods using datasets generated from five commercial brands of directly compressible excipients with a specific focus to inferential implications in formulation design. Powder characterization was conducted using protocols defined in Chapter &lt;1174&gt; and &lt;616&gt; of the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP41-NF36). The study adopted a linear regression modelling analytics and correlation statistics using the fitting algorithm of OriginPro® (OriginPro, Version 2021b, OriginLab Corporation, Northampton, MA, USA). In the results, the modulus of Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient was used to measure the strength of the linear association between test variables and a correlation matrix generated. Strong positive correlation modulus of Hausner’s Ratio (HR) with Carr’s index (r=+0.999) and static angle of repose (r=+0.932) were evident. Bulk density strongly correlates with tap density in the positive direction (r=+0.911). Tap density also shows a slight negative correlation with HR (r=-0.230), Carr’s index (r=-0.228), and static angle of repose (r==-0.421), while Carr’s index strongly correlated with static angle of repose (r=+0.933). In conclusion, modelling bivariate powder flow datasets has provided a powerful but simplistic statistical relationship for characterizing the modulus of association between HR, Carr’s index, and static angle of repose of the model excipients useful in preformulation design of pharmaceutical formulations.

Effect of gingival barrier brands on operator perception, cervical adaptation, and patient comfort during in-office tooth bleaching: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundLight-cured resins are widely used as gingival barriers to protect the gums from highly concentrated peroxides used in tooth bleaching. The impact of barrier brand on clinical outcomes is typically considered negligible. However, there is limited evidence on the effects of different brands on operator experience, barrier adaptation, and patient comfort.ObjectiveThis clinical trial assessed the impact of four commercial gingival barrier brands (Opaldam, Topdam, Lysadam, and Maxdam) on operator perception, adaptation quality, and patient comfort.MethodsTwenty-one undergraduate students placed gingival barriers in a randomized sequence using blinded syringes. Photographs of the barriers were taken from frontal and incisal perspectives. After bleaching procedures, operators rated handling features and safety using Likert scale forms. Two experienced evaluators independently assessed barrier adaptation quality on a scale from 1 (perfect) to 5 (unacceptable). The absolute risk of barrier-induced discomfort was recorded. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Chi-square tests (α = 0.05).ResultsOpaldam and Topdam received the highest scores in most handling features, except for removal, which was similar among all brands. No significant difference was observed in barrier adaptation quality between the evaluated brands. Discomforts were mainly reported in the upper dental arch, with Maxdam having the highest absolute risk (35% for this arch and 24% overall).ConclusionsThis study suggests that gingival barrier brands can influence operator perception and patient comfort. Opaldam and Topdam were preferred by operators, but all brands demonstrated comparable adaptation quality.Clinical trial registrationThe study was nested in a randomized clinical trial registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry under identification number RBR-9gtr9sc.

Red Propolis Prevents Lipid Oxidation and Reduces Microbial Growth in Fish Nuggets with Green Banana Flour

ABSTRACT Green banana flour (GBF) and hydroalcoholic extract of red propolis (HERP) imporve the nutricional quality and preservation of fish nuggets. The nuggets were formulated using 13% of GBF and different concentrations (0%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%) of the HERP, while the control was without the addition of GBF and HERP. The addition of the HERP influenced (p < .05) the acceptance of the sensory attributes, with an acceptability index > 70%. The nuggets containing 0.4% of HERP presented ash, lipid, resistant starch, and polyphenol contents superior (p < .05) to the commercial brand fish nugget sample. After 15 days stored at 4°C, the nuggets treated with the HERP presented lower lipid oxidation and psychrotrophic counts, when compared to samples added with sodium erythorbate. The use of GBF improved the nutritional quality of the fish nuggets and EHPV reduced the lipid oxidation of the samples.

Effect of calendering on the performance of 100% recycled polyester weft-knitted fabrics

Government policies focus on the textile sector to follow a tendency towards sustainability and circular economy, thus, raising the use of recycled textiles which require further performance improvement to be completely competitive with other textile products while using secondary treatments that are also environmentally friendly. In this study, a 100% recycled polyester weft-knitted fabric, currently used by commercial brands in the apparel and sport textile industry, is calendered and its properties are examined before and after such treatment. This research investigates variations in the physical (appearance and thickness), mechanical (tensile strength and elastic recovery), and physiological (water vapour resistance, spray test, and wettability) characteristics of the samples. The calendering treatment reduces water vapour resistance up to 23%, which is particularly interesting for garments used in sports. Additionally, the contact angle is increased by the calendering process which translates in poorer wettability. Novel findings of this work include that, whereas in the original fabric sweat marks are visible, sweat stains do not appear on the calendered fabric and moisture management improves, while mechanical properties do not undergo significant changes. These results have not been previosly found in the literature, giving a particular interest to a conventional process in this type of recycled fiber that can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the textile industry and enhance the performance of treated fabrics. All these aspects make the treatment particularly interesting to improve the technical performance of the textile material while using an economic treatment with low effect on the environment.

Effect of hydrofluoric acid concentration and aging on the bond strength ceramics to a resin cement.

This study evaluated the influence of hydrofluoric acid (HF) concentration and thermal cycling on the microshear bond strength (µSBS) of a resin luting agent to IPS e.max® CAD and Rosetta® SM. Ceramic specimens (12.0 x 14.0 x 1.5mm) were randomized into 8 groups (n=10) according to HF concentration, commercial brand, and aging. Immediately after polishing, and etching, all specimens were silanized and a layer of adhesive was applied. A PVS mold of 3 mm thickness and 10mm diameter with (four) 1.0mm holes was fabricated, placed on each specimen, and then filled with a resin luting agent. Half of the specimens were subjected to the µSBS test using an Instron at a speed of 1.0 mm/min, following a 24-hour storage in deionized water at 37ºC. The remaining specimens were subjected to thermal cycling (5ºC-55ºC, 30 seconds per bath) and µSBS. The data were evaluated utilizing a three-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α=0.05). Significant differences were found for HF concentration and aging (p<0.0001). No significant difference in µSBS was found for commercial brands (p=0.085). The interaction between brand and HF concentration (p=0.358), brand and aging (p=0.135), and HF concentration and aging (p=0.138) were not statistically significant. The triple interaction among these factors was not statistically significant (p=0.610). In conclusion, the bond strength is affected by the HF concentration. No statistical difference was observed between the two ceramics. Thermal cycling significantly reduced µSBS.

Evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activity of antimicrobial soaps.

Soaps play an important role in our hygiene and health, as they not only have a bactericidal effect but also remove dirt from the human body. To evaluate the effectiveness of soaps with antimicrobial activity from different commercial brands sold in Brazil. Tests of the antimicrobial activity of different soaps were carried out through diffusion in agar against the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Proteus mirabilis, and Candida albicans. All commercial soaps tested transfer antimicrobial inhibition halo formation against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria. Only two commercial soaps inhibit the species A. baumannii and C. albicans. None of the seven products studied showed inhibition of E. cloacae, P. mirabilis, and E. coli bacteria. When comparing the information contained in the packaging of the products with the results obtained during a survey, divergences were observed. The soaps that provide greater efficiency against the tested microorganisms were presented in presentations 1 and 2, which become useful against the bacteria species S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii and a fungus species C. albicans. Marks 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 parallel the same sensitivity result opposite as bacteria of the species S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, with quantitative variation only of the inhibition halo. There was a divergence between the information contained in the packaging of the seven products under study and the results of the experimental tests.

Microbiological, physicochemical and sensory evaluation of different brands of commercial peanut candy “paçoca”

Paçoca is a peanut-based candy, typical of the Brazilian culture. It is associated with some religious traditions that occur seasonally, but the consumption occurs throughout the year. In this study, four commercial brands of paçoca were analyzed for microbiological aspects, centesimal composition, instrumental color, sensory characteristics and labeling. In the microbiological tests, no relevant contamination was identified, and the centesimal characterization showed low variability among the brands. The sensory analysis showed a relevant acceptance of all brands and the instrumental color analysis indicated different aspects that can be considered in the quality control of the candy, such as color and the yellowish aspect, which may vary according to the peanut roasting process. Therefore, in this work, attributes of paçoca responsible for its acceptance and popularity in the Brazilian culture are showed.

Trademarks and Denomination of Origin in Portuguese Wine Sector (1918-1924)

In the Portuguese wine sector there was a strong adhesion of companies, producers and traders to the registration of trade marks since the modern commercial brands emerged after the creation of the legal framework for their protection, at the end of the 19th century. We also must consider the existence of different regions of production, from north to south of the country, and the historical process of recognition of the different denomination of origin, which occurred since the beginning of the 20th century, in a context of post-phylloxera reconversion, market instability and the proliferation of imitations and counterfeits. Because wine sector was strategic in the Portuguese economy, in this article we will analyze the marks of different companies, traders and producers representative of various Portuguese wine regions, between 1918 and 1924 from the Trademark Registration in the Boletim de Propriedade Industrial (Industrial Property Bulletin). The aim is to understand the relationship between trademarks and appellations of origin, to understand if there was the growth of the different terroirs and their types of wines, and to identify, on a semiotic basis, representative and identifying elements of the indication of provenance, used in countless brands. Keywords: Portuguese wine regions, brands, trademarks, labels, semiotics

Hot water infusion technique to prepare antioxidant-rich beverage with pomegranate peel: Formulation, nutritional study and cost analysis

This study aimed to utilize the pomegranate by-product for the formulation of antioxidant-rich beverage by the hot water infusion technique. The beverage was prepared with twelve variations of pomegranate peel powder at three different levels i.e. 2, 3 and 4 g along with combinations of three different spices (cardamom, ginger and cinnamon). Organoleptic properties of all the infusion formulations were examined, and it was noticed that the acceptable rate with no significant difference were there amongst the three levels of the pomegranate peel powder. Whereas, significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference in the acceptability of infusions with different spice powders was observed. However, cardamom spiced infusion was most liked by the panellist followed by ginger and cinnamon. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the beverage was compared with four commercial brands of green teas. Peel infusion's DPPH● and FRAP values were found to be greater than those of the green tea brands by 18 % and 11 %, respectively. Cost estimation for the most accepted flavour, was also done.

Efficacy of grape seed procyanidins for inhibiting denitrification varies by source, soil texture, and cropping history

Plant-derived denitrification inhibitors, such as procyanidins derived from grape seed extract (GSE), hold potential in mitigating nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, a potent greenhouse gas and stratospheric ozone depleter. A deeper understanding of the effects of GSE – considering aspects like rate, source, application timing, storage, and interactions with soil properties and cropping histories – on denitrification inhibition remains elusive. We conducted a series of laboratory microcosm experiments to assess these effects using denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) and measurements of N2O and carbon dioxide (CO2) production rates under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, soil inorganic nitrogen (N), and other major soil properties. Our results revealed that one commercial GSE brand (USP GSE) inhibited DEA, while another source was ineffective. Two non-procyanidin compounds in commercial GSE mixtures, tartaric acid and gallic acid, actually enhanced DEA. Inhibition efficiency of the USP GSE varied significantly across soils with differing crop histories and physical properties, exhibiting a positive dose-response in three out of the five soils examined. Greater efficiency was observed in sandy soils compared to silt loam soils and in soils with a history of continuous corn production as opposed to soybean. The GSE application timing relative to urea addition and a one-week room temperature storage had minor effects on denitrification inhibition. In corn-cultivated soil, co-application of GSE and urea reduced cumulative N2O production by 27 % compared to soils treated with urea alone. The CO2 production and nitrate levels remained largely unaffected by GSE application. These findings supported the potential of GSE as a soil amendment to reduce N2O emissions in corn-cultivated soils. However, challenges including purity of procyanidins, cost-effectiveness, and inconsistent performance under various systems warrant consideration for broader field applications.

Developing an Algorithm to Improve Positioning Accuracy of Low-Cost Global Navigation Satellite System Modules

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology is the most widely used technique for obtaining positioning and navigation information for various applications. However, GNSS is not an error free technology. Differential GNSS techniques are used to mitigate these errors and different commercial brands of GNSS receivers have been developed to avoid some errors where quality and performance depends heavily on the price tag of such advance GNSS receivers due to the fact that technological capabilities adopted and embedded in each single GNSS receiver. There are user cases where the few or more those capabilities has to keep leave behind thereby compromise the cost to benefit ratio. As an alternative to above problem, some low-cost GNSS modules are now available in the market which has quite low position accuracy but can be developed to address unique requirements of some user cases. In practical situations, Real-Time-Kinematic (RTK) positioning systems cannot be used everywhere due to its technical limitations and GNSS receivers use different levels of techniques such as moving baseline system or Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS). Further, heading information is also a very important parameter in marine industry for obtaining the vessel’s orientation. This research attempts to assess the capability of u-blox NEO M8N GNSS module for hydrographic surveys by developing a moving baseline GNSS configuration and simple Kalman filter based algorithm. The developed prototype was tested in both static and kinematic observations. The prototype achieved 0.5-2.5 meters of position accuracy at the 95% confidence level in static observations, while it archived around 3 meters of positioning accuracy in kinematic observations. This is a sufficient accuracy for Order 1a, Order 1b and Order 2 standards of hydrographic surveys according to the IHO S-44 guidelines.

Word association and check-all-that-apply accessing the difference between yogurt and fermented whey beverage

Consumers see whey beverages as inferior products to yogurts, especially regarding texture and viscosity. The aim of this work was to evaluate consumers' perception of the differences between yogurt and fermented whey beverage using word association and check-all-that-apply (Cata). Untrained assessors (n = 100) evaluated samples of three commercial brands of liquid or stirred yogurt and whey beverage, of strawberry flavor. Chemical and physical parameters (pH, acidity, total solids, color, texture and syneresis) were determined to assist in the interpretation of the results. The study showed that physical and chemical characteristics were inherent to each product, with no homogeneity within each category. The texture was the parameter that most influenced consumer responses. Yogurt is not necessarily always more viscous than fermented whey beverages. In addition, sensory acceptability was not linked to the product category, pointing to the importance of the individual characteristics. Word association and Cata were able to access the main differences between both products and brought important qualitative and quantitative information regarding consumers’ opinions. This study contributed to demystifying the perception that fermented whey beverages have attributes considered inferior, such as lower viscosity and greater syneresis when compared to yogurts. It was found that there is a demand for information about yogurt and fermented whey beverages, which can influence consumers' opinions at the time of purchase.

Potentials of Sterculia tragacantha Lindl seed husk gum as a release modifier in matrix tablet formulation

Natural gums have been utilized severally in the design of matrix tablets, either in their native or modified forms. The primary objective of this work was the extraction, characterization and utilization of the seed husk gum from Sterculia tragacantha Lindl as a release modifier in theophylline matrix tablets. Gum was extracted from the fresh seed husk of Sterculia tragacantha and tablet formulated via wet granulation. Drug-polymer compatibility was determined by FTIR and DSC while formulated tablets were evaluated for their in vitro dissolution release profile in two media, simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and compared with a commercial brand. Extracted gum powder presented a poor flow which improved on granulation, had a better swelling index and water holding capacity than tragacanth gum. Formulated tablets passed standard tablets test and sustained theophylline release up to 90.97 % and 88.09 % in SGF and SIF respectively at the twelfth hour. Drug release kinetics was by zero order in SGF via non-fickian diffusion. S. tragacantha seed husk gum presented a promising potential as a release retarding agent.

STIMULASI AKAR STEK PUCUK PELAWAN MERAH (Tristaniopsis marguensis Griff.) DENGAN PEMANFAATAN HORMON SINTESIS DAN ALAMI

Red Pelawan (Tristaniopsis merguensis Griff.) Peter G. Wilson &amp; J. T. Waterh is a member of the Myrtaceae family. This plant is widely spread in the forests of the Bangka Belitung Islands. This study aims to determine the success of Pelawan propagation by cuttings using a mixture of cocopeat, rice husk and rice husk charcoal as well as the application of synthetic and natural growth regulators (shallot extract). This study was designed using a factorial complete randomized design with the type of media and the type of growth regulator as the factors. Cutting material in the form of shoots, 6-10 cm in size, from a 2 - 4 years old pelawan tree in Pelawan Forest, Central Bangka. Synthetic hormones used the commercial brand Root-Up with a concentration of 15 g/10 ml, and natural hormones used shallot extract with a concentration of 200 g/300 ml of water. The results showed that the use of the two media did not have a significantly different effect, except for the percentage of surviving cuttings. Within 3 months of observation, the aplication of natural hormones, shallots, the cuttings which were able to root reached 4% with a root length of 16.5 mm, and to be sprouted as much as 2% with a shoot length of 5.5mm. Although the growth of cuttings treated with shallots was significantly lower than cuttings treated with synthetic hormones, the survival rate of cuttings reached 68% with shallot hormone treatment, indicating that shallots have the potential as an alternative natural hormone to stimulate the growth of T. merguensis cuttings.

Physicochemical reports of gliclazide-carplex solid dispersions and tablets prepared with directly compressible co-processed excipients

ObjectivesThe main goal of this research was to develop better tablet formulations by utilizing solid dispersions (SDs) and coprocessing excipients composite to achieve a better release rate of poor water-soluble gliclazide. MethodsThe solvent evaporation method made SDs of gliclazide with different carriers carplex 67, carplex 80, and carplex FPS 500 (weight ratio, 1:1). The drug release patterns of the SDs were all evaluated and optimized. The SDs were illustrated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Tablet batches FGC-1 to 8 were made using gliclazide-carplex 67 solid dispersions (GC67-SDs) and the co-processed composite of excipients, namely starch-MCC-povidone (SMP) and lactose-MCC-povidone-sodium starch glycolate (LMPS), prepared with coprocessing technology. We evaluated these batches by conducting physicochemical tests and comparing them to the existing commercial brand. ResultsIn a water medium, the release of gliclazide from SDs peaked within the first 30 min, showing a roughly 5∼6-fold increase compared to plain gliclazide. This quick dissolution rate may be due to the amorphization of the drug, which improved the specific surface area, and increased wettability caused by the hydrophilic properties of carplex particles. This has been confirmed through SEM, DSC, FTIR, and PXRD analysis. All FGC formulations had satisfactory pre-compression factor results, while the post-compression parameters indicated good mechanical strength and homogeneity across the blend. All produced tablets met the weight variation, friability, and disintegration time limit set by the compendia. Through in vitro drug release testing, it was discovered that all FGC tablet batches had consistent and nearly identical release results compared to SDs of gliclazide. However, the FGC-5 to 8 batches containing LMPS composites were determined to be the most effective formulations. In the first 30 min in a water medium, the percentage of drug generated from the FGC-8 tablets involving GC67-SDs and co-processed composite LMPS-4 is approximately 3.5 times higher than the average release of currently marketed products (MPs). After storing the selected FGC tablet batches for three months at 40 °C and 75 % RH, there were no noticeable alterations in the amount of drug and drug release profiles across the batches. ConclusionBased on these findings, it appears that using the carplex silica-based SDs approach, along with gliclazide and co-processing excipients composite, could result in significant benefits compared to the current commercial brands. This approach could be effectively utilized to create solid dosage forms for drugs that have low solubility in water.

Revamping kombucha production: Achieving consistency and probiotic potential through a tailor-made microbial consortium

Revising the production of kombucha, this investigation focused on the utilization of a custom-designed starter culture, aiming to establish a consistent, probiotic-rich beverage. A diverse selection of three acetic acid bacteria and two yeast strains was examined to determine the optimal microbial combination. A meticulous examination of the fermentation timeline was undertaken, juxtaposing forced and natural carbonation techniques. A comprehensive analysis encompassing fermentation metabolites, sensory acceptance, volatile compound profiling, and shelf-life testing was executed to ensure the beverage's superior quality and stability. The resultant probiotic kombucha was produced successfully after 48 h of fermentation with a symbiotic assembly of Komagataeibacter saccharivorans, Brettanomyces anomala, and Kluyveromyces marxianus. Forced carbonated kombucha exhibited acceptance levels rivaling commercial brands, maintaining an alcohol content consistently beneath the 0.5% (v/v) regulatory standard for a 60-day storage period. Specific esters, namely ethyl 3-methyl butanoate, phenethyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, and 2-methyl-1-propyl acetate, were identified as key determinants of kombucha flavor profiles. The 90-day shelf-life study indicated a consistent presence of viable probiotic K. marxianus cells in the kombucha. These findings contribute to understanding probiotic Kombucha fermentation and demonstrate the potential for producing a high-quality beverage with desirable sensory characteristics through a custom-designed microbial consortium.

Biomonitoring of Potentially Toxic Elements in Dyed Hairs and Its Correlation with Variables of Interest.

Hair is good bioindicator of exposure, due to its ability to store and retain trace elements for long periods of time. But it can be especially useful when hair dyes are used since they may contain potentially toxic salts in their composition. In this context, analytical methods for the determination of bismuth, cadmium, lead, and silver in scalp human hair by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry were successfully validated. A total of 60 samples obtained from women between 18 and 60 years were analyzed: 34 dyed hairs and 26 untreated hairs (control). Average results expressed in dry weight (dyed/control) for each element were 2.34/0.49 μg g-1 (silver), 0.142/0.139 μg g-1 (bismuth), 0.055/0.054 μg g-1 (cadmium), and 2.09/0.99 μg g-1 (lead), respectively. These results agreed with those previously reported for non-exposed populations. A statistically significant higher Ag concentration in dyed hairs was observed, suggesting the bioaccumulation of this element. The associations between metal concentration and variables of interest (age, education, smoking habit, dye brand, use of dietary supplements) were investigated. A strong Pearson correlation was found for the pair Ag/Pb (r = 0.494, p < 0.05). Also, strong associations between lead levels and all the selected variables were observed (p < 0.05), while strong associations between silver levels with age and dye brand and association between cadmium levels and smoking habit were found. Furthermore, several commercial hair dye brands were analyzed to verify compliance with cosmetic regulations. This constitutes the first study of such characteristics performed in Uruguay, with worldwide relevance.

Assessing miR-146a-5P with IL-6 and TLR-4 serum levels in diabetic mellitus patients with or without urinary tract infection

Introduction and Aim: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects glucose levels. This condition increases blood sugar and weakens immunity, damaging neutrophil function and urine antibacterial activity. IL-6 and TLR-4 are involved in inflammation and immune system control, while miR-146-5p may be a biomarker for diabetes. This study examines IL-6, TLR-4, and miR-146-5p in diabetics with and without UT infection. Materials and Methods: In this study, blood samples were collected from 100 diabetic mellitus patients suffering from UTI in addition to 100 individuals apparently healthy as control. The serum levels of IL-6 and TLR-4 were detected using commercial BTlab brand ELISA kits. The plasma RNA expression level of the miR-146a-5p was determined by real time-PCR using a specific primer for miR-146a-5p with the U6 gene utilized as a reference gene. Results: The results showed that diabetic patient’s group had a significantly higher response of IL-6 than controls (75.6 vs. 27.6). TLR-4 levels showed high levels in diabetic patients’ group (1.3) in comparison with the control group (0.441). Both IL-6 and TLR-4 levels showed a significant difference between the diabetic patients with UTI compared to control. The results revealed no-significant differences in the levels among both diabetic patients with UTI and patients without UTI. TLR-4 and IL-6 showed a significant inverse relationship while the relation between TLR-4 level and miR-146a-5p expression level showed a negative relationship. Conclusion: The levels of IL-6, TLR-4, and miR-146-5p expression were found to be considerably greater in individuals with diabetes having UTIs compared to patients with diabetes alone. An inverse relationship existed between IL-6 and TLR-4 levels as well as between TLR-4 and miR-146a-5p. The expression levels of IL-6 and miR-146-5p were nearly equal.