Difference In Absorbance Values Research Articles

Comparison of Seed Morphology and Seed Coat Chemistry in Ophrys (Orchidaceae) Species.

Orchidaceae is the largest flowering plant family in the world and holds significant importance in terms of biological diversity. Many of the species are found in endemic regions, serving as important indicators for the conservation of biological diversity. Therefore, research on the morphology, seed and embryo structures, chemical composition, and taxonomy of orchids is crucial for species conservation, habitat restoration, and the sustainability of natural habitats. This research involves comparing the morphometric and chemical contents of seeds belonging to certain Ophrys L. species and examining interspecies relationships. The micromorphological features of the seeds were analyzed by using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while their chemical contents were compared by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. Seed and embryo morphology, morphometric analysis, and seed coat chemistry hold diagnostic significance. In species of the Ophrys genus, features like anticlinal wall structure and periclinal wall reticulation are considered weak taxonomic characters. FT-IR analysis identifies specific chemical groups in orchid samples, revealing significant differences in absorbance values and chemical compositions among the different orchid species. Particularly, Ophrys lycia (Lycian Kaş Orchid) shows distinct separation from closely related species at peak points such as 2917 and 2850, 1743, 1515, 1240, and 1031 cm-1. Common peak points in the fingerprint region (1200- 700 cm-1) indicate similarity between O. apifera and O. reinholdii subsp. reinholdii. O. ferrum-equinum, O. mammosa subsp. mammosa, O. fusca subsp. leucadica, O. reinholdii subsp. reinholdii, and O. iricolor exhibit similar absorbance values in the range of 1500-1000 cm-1. These results provide valuable preliminary information about the structure of orchid seed coats, reticulation presence and pattern, chemical profiles, distribution, and dormancy-germination processes.

Development of Gold Nanoparticle based Colorimetric Monkeypox Biosensors Suitable for Point of Care (POC) Analysis

AbstractPractical colorimetric biosensors were developed for the detections of A29 and A27L proteins which were defined as Monkeypox virus (MPXV) and smallpox target proteins. For this purpose, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized and used to detect specific interaction between heparan sulphate (HS) receptor and A29 or A27L target proteins. This study is the first colorimetric biosensor that was based on the interaction of HS and A29 or A27L protein. In this work first, HS was labeled with AuNPs. When AuNPs labeled HS was incubated with A29 or A27L protein structure, these proteins specifically bounded to HS. Next, obtained AuNP/HS‐A29 or AuNP/HS‐A27L structures began to aggregate, and then difference in absorbance value of AuNP at 530 nm occurred. Absorbance differences at 530 nm were monitored spectroscopically. After experimental parameters were optimized, analytical characteristics of developed biosensors were investigated. As a result, the limit of detection was calculated as 7.93 ng.mL−1 and 6.09 ng.mL−1for A29 protein and A27L, respectively. The relative standard deviation were calculated as 1.97 % and 5.72 % for 25 ng.mL−1 A29 and 12.5 ng.mL−1 A27, respectively. Sample application studies were also performed with the standard addition of A29 and A27L proteins to real serum samples taken from healthy individuals. As a result, very promising results were obtained.

Detection of avian reovirus (ARV) by ELISA based on recombinant σB, σC and σNS full-length proteins and protein fragments.

Introduction. Avian reovirus (ARV) is associated with arthritis/tenosynovitis and malabsorption syndrome in chickens. The σC and σB proteins, both exposed to the virus capsid, are highly immunogenic and could form the basis for diagnostic devices designed to assess the immunological status of the flock.Gap Statement. Commercial ARV ELISAs cannot distinguish between vaccinated and infected animals and might not detect circulating ARV strains.Aim. We aimed to develop a customized test to detect the circulating field ARV strains as well as distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated animals.Methodology. We developed ELISA assays based on recombinant (r) σB, σC and the nonstructural protein σNS and tested them using antisera of vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens as well as negative controls. Fragments of σB and σC proteins were also used to study regions that could be further exploited in diagnostic tests.Results. Vaccinated and unvaccinated birds were positive by commercial ELISA, with no difference in optical density values. In contrast, samples of unvaccinated animals showed lower absorbance in the rσB and rσC ELISA tests and higher absorbance in the rσNS ELISA test than the vaccinated animals. Negative control samples were negative in all tests. Fragmentation of σB and σC proteins showed that some regions can differentiate between vaccinated and unvaccinated animals. For example, σB amino acids 128-179 (σB-F4) and σC amino acids 121-165 (σC-F4) exhibited 85 and 95% positivity among samples of vaccinated animals but only 5% and zero positivity among samples of unvaccinated animals, respectively.Conclusion. These data suggest that unvaccinated birds might have been exposed to field strains of ARV. The reduction in absorbance in the recombinant tests possibly reflects an increased specificity of our test since unvaccinated samples showed less cross-reactivity with the vaccine proteins immobilized on ELISAs. The discrepant results obtained with the protein fragment tests between vaccinated and unvaccinated animals are discussed in light of the diversity between ARV strains.

A Comparative Evaluation of Nanosilver Fluoride, Chlorhexidine, and Sodium Fluoride When Used as a Varnish on Streptococcus mutans Levels in Children with Caries.

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of nanosilver fluoride (NSF), chlorhexidine (CHX), and sodium fluoride (NaF) when used as a varnish on Streptococcus mutans levels in children with dental caries. A total of 120 children (age range 8-12 years) with incipient caries were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 30): group I-NSF varnish, group II-CHX varnish, group III-NaF varnish, and group IV-control. Varnish application at baseline was performed once. To assess the levels of S. mutans using the culture method [colony-forming units (CFUs)] and optical density (OD), plaque and samples were taken at baseline (T0), 1 month (T1), and 3 months (T3). Additionally, the oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) was noted for clinical assessment. By the end of 3 months, a statistically significant reduction in plaque CFU and salivary CFU was found in group II. At the conclusion of the 3 months, group I had the greatest decrease in OHI-S. After 3 months, the plaque CFU score did not differ significantly across groups I, II, and III. However, a statistically significant difference in OD values (p-value of 0.00) was discovered between group I and all other groups. Children with early caries can effectively lower their S. mutans count by using NSF varnish. Raja T, Agarwal N, Jabin Z, et al. A Comparative Evaluation of Nanosilver Fluoride, Chlorhexidine, and Sodium Fluoride When Used as a Varnish on Streptococcus mutans Levels in Children with Caries. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(4):410-416.

In Vivo Validation of Novel Synthetic tbp1 Peptide-Based Vaccine Candidates against Haemophilus influenzae Strains in BALB/c Mice.

Haemophilus influenzae is a Gram-negative bacterium characterized as a small, nonmotile, facultative anaerobic coccobacillus. It is a common cause of a variety of invasive and non-invasive infections. Among six serotypes (a-f), H. influenzae type b (Hib) is the most familiar and predominant mostly in children and immunocompromised individuals. Following Hib vaccination, infections due to other serotypes have increased in number, and currently, there is no suitable effective vaccine to induce cross-strain protective antibody responses. The current study was aimed to validate the capability of two 20-mer highly conserved synthetic tbp1 (transferrin-binding protein 1) peptide-based vaccine candidates (tbp1-E1 and tbp1-E2) predicted using in silico approaches to induce immune responses against H. influenzae strains. Cytokine induction ability, immune simulations, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to confirm the candidacy of epitopic docked complexes. Synthetic peptide vaccine formulations in combination with two different adjuvants, BGs (Bacterial Ghosts) and CFA/IFA (complete/incomplete Freund's adjuvant), were used in BALB/c mouse groups in three booster shots at two-week intervals. An indirect ELISA was performed to determine endpoint antibody titers using the Student's t-distribution method. The results revealed that the synergistic use of both peptides in combination with BG adjuvants produced better results. Significant differences in absorbance values were observed in comparison to the rest of the peptide-adjuvant combinations. The findings of this study indicate that these tbp1 peptide-based vaccine candidates may present a preliminary set of peptides for the development of an effective cross-strain vaccine against H. influenzae in the future due to their highly conserved nature.

Longitudinal Profiles of Anti-Platelet Factor 4 Antibodies in Thai People Who Received ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccination.

Anti-platelet factor 4 (anti-PF4) antibodies were identified as pathogenic antibodies for vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) in subjects receiving ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccinations. We performed a prospective cohort study to determine the prevalence of anti-PF4 and the effect of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine on anti-PF4 in healthy Thai subjects. Anti-PF4 antibodies were measured before and four weeks after receiving the first vaccination. Participants with detectable antibodies were scheduled for repeat anti-PF4 analysis at 12 weeks after the second vaccination. Of 396 participants, ten participants (2.53%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-4.59) were positive for anti-PF4 before receiving vaccinations. Twelve people (3.03%; 95% CI, 1.58-5.23) had detectable anti-PF4 after the first vaccination. There was no difference in the optical density (OD) values of anti-PF4 antibodies when comparisons were made between pre-vaccination and four weeks after the first vaccination (p = 0.0779). There was also no significant difference in OD values in participants with detectable antibodies. No subjects experienced thrombotic complications. Pain at the injection site was associated with an increased risk of being anti-PF4 positive at an odds ratio of 3.44 (95% CI, 1.06-11.18). To conclude, the prevalence of anti-PF4 was low in Thais and did not significantly change over time.

Effect of Certain Hydrocarbon Compounds on High-density Polyethylene Water Pipes

Plastic pipes are being more widely used in various industries, as they combine both a rather light weight and quite high physical mechanical performance characteristics. The present article materials are devoted to the researches, relating to the determination of the various hydrocarbon compounds effect on some mechanical properties reduction degree of samples cut from HDPE pipes, represented by characteristic values of curves (strength - tensile strain) as an absorption result. In the course of the research, the gasoline presence in material structure of the pipe samples was noted to make the process unstable, and the curves representing a change in the characteristic values under study, depending on the immersion time in diesel fuel, tended to decrease throughout the entire immersion period. The experiments have shown that in the study of samples absorbing capacity a full saturation was obtained when immersed in diesel fuel and, despite large difference in absorbance values, the volume of absorbed hydrocarbons caused decline close to the studied characteristic values. Motor oils produced the most significant effect on the HDPE samples studied characteristics at the relatively low absorption values.

The Effectiveness of Ethanol Extract of Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica) Mouthwash Against The Growth of Streptococcus sp.

Background: Streptococcus sp. is a bacteria group in the oral cavity that plays a significant role in initiating plaque biofilm formation on teeth. One way to control plaque is gargling with mouthwash. Neem leaves contain antibacterial compounds such as alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, and flavonoids that can be formulated as mouthwash ingredients.Objective: The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Ethanol Extract of Neem Leaf (EENL) mouthwash on the growth of Streptococcus sp.Methods: The research design was a pretest-posttest control group. The 28 samples of Streptococcus sp. were divided into 7 treatment groups (4 repetitions). The treatment group was given EENL mouthwash with concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5%, a negative control was given aquadest and positive control was given 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate. Bacterial growth is known through the absorbance values. Data analysis used one-way Anova test and post hoc LSD test at p<0.05Results: EENL mouthwash has antibacterial activity against Streptococcus sp. One way ANOVA test on the difference in absorbance values shows a p=0.00. LSD post hoc test between EENL concentration of 2.5% and chlorhexidine 0.2% showed equivalent antibacterial activity (p>0.05). Meanwhile, the post hoc LSD test between concentrations of 5% - 12.5% with 0.2% chlorhexidine showed a significant difference in antibacterial power (p<0.05). This indicates a stronger antibacterial activity at a concentration of 5% - 12.5% compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine.Conclusion: EENL mouthwash effective against the growth of Streptococcus sp

Application of different spectrophotometric methods for quantitative analysis of direct acting antiviral drugs simeprevir and sofosbuvir

Simeprevir and sofosbuvir are direct-acting antiviral drugs approved for the treatment of chronic HCV infection. Reports demonstrate the similarities between HCV and SARS-CoV-2 in terms of structure and replication mechanism. Therefore, it is suggested that a combination of simeprevir and sofosbuvir may be considered for COVID-19 patients. To date, no spectrophotometric methods have been published for quantitative analysis of simeprevir and sofosbuvir in combination. In this work, two simple spectrophotometric methods allowed quantitative analysis of the studied drugs in the mixed form. The zero-order direct method allowed quantitative analysis of simeprevir at 333 nm, with sofosbuvir showing zero absorbance values. The dual wavelength method allowed quantitative analysis of sofosbuvir by measuring the difference in absorbance values at 259.40 and 276 nm, where the difference in absorbance values of simeprevir was zero. With the applied methods, the investigated drugs in the mixtures and tablets prepared in the laboratory were successfully analyzed quantitatively with acceptable results.

ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTIVITY OF FLAVONOID FRACTION OF RAMANIA LEAF EXTRACT (Bouea macrophylla Griffith) AGAINST Porphyromonas gingivalis

Background: Chronic periodontitis is a periodontal disease with 80% of all cases of periodontitis. The major causes are the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. The dominant bacteria in chronic periodontitis is Porphyromonas gingivalis. Treatment of chronic periodontitis can be done by scaling and root planing and supporting therapy by using mouthwash such as Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% which is the gold standard in the treatment of periodontal disease. Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% has disadvantages so that nowadays research on herbal plants is being done to find alternative medicines that are more effective. Ramania (Bouea machropylla Griffith) leaf contains flavonoids that have antibacterial properties. Objective: To analyze the antibacterial effectivity of the flavonoid fraction of Ramania leaf extract against Porphyromonas gingivalis that causes chronic periodontitis. Method: True experimental study and post-test with control group design consisting of 5 treatment groups, namely flavonoid fraction of ramania leaf extract with concentrations of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% as a control positive and aquadest as a negative control. Each group was repeated 6 times. Antibacterial tests using the dilution method with inhibitory rates calculated using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and killing rates were calculated using a Colony Counter. Results: The average difference in absorbance values obtained inhibitory rates at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%. One Way Anova Test showed a significance value of 0,000 (p < 0.05). The average number of colonies after 24 hours incubation showed the results of a kill rates in the concentration group of 0.3%, 0.5%, and positive control. The Kruskal Wallis test showed a significance value of 0,000 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was obtained at a concentration of 0.1% and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was obtained at 0.3% concentration. Keywords: Flavonoid Fraction, MIC, MBC, Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Ramania Leaf Extract.

ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTIVITY OF FLAVONOID FRACTION OF RAMANIA LEAF EXTRACT (Bouea macrophylla Griffith) AGAINST Porphyromonas gingivalis

ABSTRACTBackground: Chronic periodontitis is a periodontal disease with 80% of all cases of periodontitis. The major causes are the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. The dominant bacteria in chronic periodontitis is Porphyromonas gingivalis. Treatment of chronic periodontitis can be done by scaling and root planing and supporting therapy by using mouthwash such as Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% which is the gold standard in the treatment of periodontal disease. Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% has disadvantages so that nowadays research on herbal plants is being done to find alternative medicines that are more effective. Ramania (Bouea machropylla Griffith) leaf contains flavonoids that have antibacterial properties. Objective: To analyze the antibacterial effectivity of the flavonoid fraction of Ramania leaf extract against Porphyromonas gingivalis that causes chronic periodontitis. Method: True experimental study and post-test with control group design consisting of 5 treatment groups, namely flavonoid fraction of ramania leaf extract with concentrations of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% as a control positive and aquadest as a negative control. Each group was repeated 6 times. Antibacterial tests using the dilution method with inhibitory rates calculated using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and killing rates were calculated using a Colony Counter. Results: The average difference in absorbance values obtained inhibitory rates at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%. One Way Anova Test showed a significance value of 0,000 (p < 0.05). The average number of colonies after 24 hours incubation showed the results of a kill rates in the concentration group of 0.3%, 0.5%, and positive control. The Kruskal Wallis test showed a significance value of 0,000 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was obtained at a concentration of 0.1% and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was obtained at 0.3% concentration.Keywords: Flavonoid Fraction, MBC, MIC, Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Ramania Leaf Extract.

Evaluation of nitrogenous pyrolysates by Py–GC/MS for impacts of different proteolytic enzymes on corn distillers solubles

The effects of enzymes like alcalase, papain and trypsin generates protein hydrolysates (PH-Ala, PH-Pap and PH-Tryp, respectively) from protein fraction (PF) of corn distillers solubles, were evaluated nitrogenous pyrolysate compounds (PyCs). The differences in absorbance values of amides (I, II, II, A, and B) were distinct to type of enzymatic treatments to PF. The nitrogenous PyCs comprised approximately 12, 21, 16, and 23% from fast pyrolysis of PF, PH-Ala, PH-Pap and PH-Tryp, respectively. Protein hydrolysates from enzyme treatment (PH-Ala, PH-Pap, and PH-Tryp) accumulated N-heterocyclics, amines & amides, and nitriles (10.78 ± 0.72, 8.29 ± 0.30, 9.66 ± 0.83) as the most abundant component and their profiles are further disclosed for these three classes as hexahydro-3-(phenylmethyl) pyrrolo [1,2 a] pyrazine-1,4-dione from PF, PH-Ala, PH-Tryp; bis(2-ethylhexyl) amine, n-butylidenebutylamine, N-butyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinamine, 6-acetamido-n-(5-cyanopentyl) hexanamide from PH-Ala, PH-Pap, PH-Tryp; and phenylacetonitrile & derivatives, phenyl isocyanate from PF, PHs, respectively. The diketopiperazines (DKPs) such as cyclo (Pro-Gly) and cyclo (Phe-Pro) were denoted with area% of 2.43, 7.55, and 4.72 from respective PF, PH-Ala, and PH-Tryp. The out-of-plane and in-plane bending of aromatic CH linkage, NO stretch, NH bend, CO stretch, CN stretch, and saturated aliphatic CH stretch marked nitrogenous PyCs. The findings suggest indicator molecules with monitor of hydrolytic pathways for future value-addition to PF.

MTT-BASED CYTOTOXIC EVALUATION OF AMBONESE BANANA STEM SAP (Musa paradisiaca var. sapientum (L.) Kuntze) ON FIBROBLAST CELLS

Traditional herbal remedies are naturally occurring, plant-derived substances with limited to no chemical processing and have been used in local or national healing traditions to treat illness. In global health debates, traditional herbal medicines are gaining considerable attention. Many hope new research into herbal medicine will play a vital role in global health. Countries like China, India, Nigeria, USA, and also the World Health Organization (WHO) made large investments in ancient herbal medicines. Currently, the use of the Indonesian plant has dramatically improved the medical and dentistry field. The dental and oral care is often related to wounds, and the Ambonese banana stem has been proven as an effective treatment for these injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Ambonese banana stem sap through cytotoxicity tests on the fibroblast cell culture of Baby Hamster Kidney-21 (BHK-21). This study was carried out on three BHK-21 fibroblast cell culture, namely, the media and cell control, and the Ambonese banana stem sap with a concentration of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60 %, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% incubated for 24 hours at 37ºC and 5% CO2. Then, MTT was evenly dispersed on the media to obtain accurate optical density value. All quantitative data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD Test. The result showed significant differences in optical density values between groups with p = 0.000 (p 0.05). There was no significant difference between the cell control and the Ambonese banana stem sap group with concentrations of 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 30%, 20%, and 10%. It was also observed that the Ambonese banana stem sap is nontoxic to fibroblast cells since its viability value was more than 60%.

Development and Validation for Simultaneous Estimation of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir Dihydrochloride in Pharmaceutical Dosage form by Ratio Derivative and Dual Wavelength Methods

Development and validation of new simple, sensitive, accurate and precise spectrophotometric method involving ratio derivative and dual-wavelength method, was done as per ICH Q2 (R1) for simultaneous estimation of Sofosbuvir (SOFO) and daclatasvir dihydrochloride (DACLA) in a combined dosage form. The overlapping in the spectra of both drugs was the reason for the selection of both methods. The absorbance difference (ΔA) value between 235.8 nm and 270.6 nm was selected for the quantitative determination of SOFO, where DACLA gives equal absorbance at the selected wavelength in the dual-wavelength method (Method A). The determination of DACLA is done quantitatively by measuring the difference in absorbance value at 249 nm and 268.6 nm where SOFO gives equal absorbance at a selected wavelength. Ratio spectra method (Method B) was based on dividing the spectra of a mixture with standard spectra of one of the analytes, and the first derivative spectra was recorded with Δλ = 8 nm and scaling factor 1. The amount of SOFO and DACLA was estimated in the binary mixtures by computing the first derivative signal at 247.0 nm and 341.0 nm, respectively. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 10–90 μg/mL for SOFO and 4–20 μg/mL for DACLA for both the methods. The methods were successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of these drugs in combined dosage form with acceptable recoveries.

An experimental erythrocyte rigidity index (Ri) and its correlations with Transcranial Doppler velocities (TAMMV), Gosling Pulsatility Index PI, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution width (RDW).

Brain artery velocities (Time-Averaged Maximum Mean Velocity, TAMMV) by Transcranial Doppler (TCD), hematocrit, hemoglobin, Red blood cell (RBC) Distribution Width (RDW) and RBC rigidity index (Ri), when reported together with their correlations, provide a accurate and useful diagnostic picture than blood viscosity measurements alone. Additionally, our study included a sixth parameter provided by TCD, the Gosling Pulsatility Index PI, which is an indicator of CBF (Cerebral Blood Flow) resistance. All these parameters are routine in Hematology except for values of Ri. The rigidity (Ri) of the RBC is the main rheological characteristic of the blood of Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) patients and several pathologies. However, its quantification depends on many commercial and experimental techniques, none disseminated and predominant around the World. The difference in absorbance values of the blood, during the process of sedimentation in a microwell of a Microplate Reader, is a straightforward way of semi-quantifying the RBC rigidity Ri, since the fraction of irreversibly sickled red blood cells does not form rouleaux. Erythrocyte Rigidity Index (Ri) was calculated using initial absorbance Ainitial (6 s) and final Afinal (540 s), Ri = 1 / (Ai-Af). The Ri of 119 patients (2-17 y / o, M & F) SCA, SCC (Sickle Cell/hemoglobin C), SCD (Sickle Cell/hemoglobin D), Sβ0thal (Sickle Cell/hemoglobin Beta Zero Thalassemia) and 71 blood donors (20-65 y / o, M & F) were measured in our laboratory while the five parameters (TAMMV and PI by TCD, Hct, Hb and RDW) were obtained from medical records. The in vitro addition of hydroxyurea (HU, 50mg /dl, n = 51 patients, and n = 8 healthy donors) in the samples decreased the rouleaux adhesion strength of both donor and patients' blood samples, leading to extraordinarily high Ri values. The correlation between the studied parameters was especially significant for the direct relationships between Ri, TAMMV, and PI.

The Use of Machine Learning Tools to Analyse Wideband Absorbance Immittance in Normal and Ears With Otitis Media With Effusion

Background: Wideband Absorbance Immittance (WAI) has been available for more than a decade, however its clinical use still faces the challenges of limited understanding and poor interpretation of WAI results. This study aimed to develop Machine Learning (ML) tools to identify the WAI absorbance characteristics across different frequency-pressure regions in the normal middle ear and ears with otitis media with effusion (OME) to enable diagnosis of middle ear conditions automatically. Methods: A total of 672 sets of WAI sample data (423 normal middle ears and 249 ears with OME) were collected using the Titan IMP440. Data analysis included pre-processing of the WAI data, statistical analysis and classification model development, together with significant region extraction from the 2D frequency-pressure WAI images. Findings: Statistical analysis at each frequency-pressure point showed 88% of the data points to have significant differences in absorbance values between normal ears and ears with OME. The performance of the examined classifiers to automatically diagnose the OME and normal cases showed the accuracy at around 80%. Feature selection using RF classifiers and tests of statistical significance identified an area of importance at frequencies between 1090Hz to 2310 Hz and pressures from -40 to +90 daPa from the 2D frequency-pressure WAI images. Interpretation: ML tools appear to hold great potential for the automated diagnosis of middle ear diseases from WAI data. The identified key regions in the WAI provide guidance to practitioners to better understand and interpret WAI data and offer the prospect of quick and accurate diagnostic decisions. Funding Statement: This work is supported by Ser Cymru III Enhancing Competitiveness Infrastructure Award (MA/KW/5554/19), Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation (5826), Cardiff Metropolitan University Research Innovation Award and The Global Academies Research and Innovation Development Fund. Declaration of Interests: None declared. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences under the Cardiff Metropolitan University Ethics Framework (Ethical reference number: Sta-3013).

Short Communication: Dried Blood Spots Stored at Room Temperature Should Not Be Used for HIV Incidence Testing.

The limiting antigen (LAg)-avidity assay is a serologic assay used for cross-sectional HIV incidence testing. We compared the results obtained with the LAg-avidity assay using dried blood spot (DBS) samples stored at room temperature (18°C-25°C) or stored frozen at -80°C with results obtained from matched plasma samples. Matched DBS and plasma samples (306 paired samples) were collected in the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 068 trial in South Africa (2012-2014). The DBS were stored at room temperature before testing. Matched DBS and plasma samples (100 paired samples) from the Consortium for the Evaluation and Performance of HIV Incidence Assays (CEPHIA) were collected in 2016 and were stored at -80°C. All DBS testing was performed in 2017. Differences in normalized optical density (ODn) were compared between matched DBS and plasma samples. For DBS samples stored at room temperature (HPTN 068), the average difference in ODn values for plasma versus DBS was 1.49 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.36-1.62). In contrast, when DBS samples were stored at -80°C (CEPHIA), the average difference in ODn values for plasma versus DBS was -0.22 (95% CI: -0.32 to -0.13). DBS samples stored at room temperature should not be used for cross-sectional HIV incidence testing with the LAg-avidity assay.

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro cytotoxicity test of black soybean (Glycine soja L.) ethanolic extract as a growth inhibitor of the HCT-116 colon carcinoma cell line

The incidence of colorectal cancer is the third highest of all cancers in Indonesia and worldwide, with a high mortality rate and varying degrees of therapeutic success. Black soybean extract has potential as an anticancer agent because it has some secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, that have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. This study aimed to determine the cytotoxic effect of black soybean ethanolic extract on HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell line. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC), phytochemical screening tests and the MTT assay were performed. TLC revealed that there were six components of different compounds in black soybean ethanolic extract. Phytochemical screening tests identified six classes of chemical compounds, namely, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids and glycosides. MTT assay of black soybean ethanolic extract on HCT-116 cells exhibited a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 97.56 μg/ml with moderate cytotoxic properties compared with cisplatin, used as a positive control, which had IC50 of 55.51 μg/ml with moderate cytotoxic properties. Based on statistics, there was a significant differences in absorbance values between groups of concentrations (p = 0.001). Black soybean ethanolic extract had a cytotoxic effect on HCT-116 cell growth.

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Neem, Miswak, Propolis, and Sodium Hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis using EndoVac

ABSTRACT Aim To compare the antimicrobial efficacy of herbal irrigants neem, miswak, propolis with sodium hypochlorite using conventional needle irrigation and EndoVac irrigation system against Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and methods A total of 120 extracted single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were infected for 21 days with E. faecalis after instrumentation with ProTaper system. Before irrigation procedure, dentinal shavings were collected in 1 mL of sterile broth and incubated. The optical density of each broth was measured using digital colorimeter and initial readings were recorded. Samples were then divided into four groups of 30 teeth each – Group I: Sodium hypochlorite irrigation, group II: Neem irrigation, group III: Miswak irrigation, group IV: propolis irrigation. Each group was further divided into two subgroups – (a) EndoVac irrigation (b) conventional needle irrigation. After irrigation, dentinal shavings were collected and optical density recorded. The values were analyzed statistically with Student's t test and analysis of variance followed by Tukey's honest significant difference test; p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results The postirrigation optical densities in all the groups were significantly lower than preirrigation values. Sodium hypochlorite demonstrated better antimicrobial efficacy followed by propolis, neem, and miswak. Differences in optical density values for all irrigants are higher in EndoVac (p < 0.0001) compared with needle (p = 0.0009) group, but it failed to reach statistical significance. Conclusion Sodium hypochlorite proved to be a better irrigant followed by propolis, neem, and miswak. EndoVac irrigation system was more effective for elimination of E. faecalis than needle irrigation group. How to cite this article Daga P, Asrani H, Farista S, Mishra P. Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Neem, Miswak, Propolis, and Sodium Hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis using EndoVac. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2017;7(2):60-65.

Pengujian Akurasi kVp dan Linearitas pada Pesawat Sinar-X di Laboratorium Prodi Diploma III Teknik Radiodiagnostik dan Radioterapi Purwokerto

Background: Quality control is part of the quality assurance program related to the techniques used in the monitoring the maintenance of the technical elements of the system that affect picture quality. KVp accuracy and linearity (test mAs) is one of the components which are tested on the routine test performance evaluations. The X-ray Biomedical International unit brands BRG 100 RF of Laboratory Diploma in Mechanical Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Purwokerto have not been tested yet. The objectives of this study are to determine suitability output kVp accuracy and linearity that have been beeing setting at control panel X-ray unit.Methods: This research belongs to a quantitative research which was conducted in April 2016 at the Laboratory of Radiodiagnostic Diploma Engineering and Radiotherapy Purwokerto on X-ray Biomedical International unit brands BRG 100 RF. The tests carried out two stages of testing. They were the accuracy of kVp with MPD (Multi-purpose detector) tool at kVp 50, 60, 70, 80, 9 and testing linearity method using Stepwedge and Reciprocity mAs Densitometer at 55 kVp, 10 mAs with a variation of 200 mA and 100. The results was analysed based on the quality control examining contained in KMK RI No.1250, the value of deviation accuracy of kVp 6% and for linearity deviation value (mAs) ≤ ± 0.1.Result: The test results showed that there are some deviations occur repeatedly on the accuracy of kVp on the value of eksposi 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, are 0.78%, 1.31%, 1.32%, 1.63%, 2.5%, but the deviation is still within the allowable limits that does not exceed 10%. The linearity testing showes that there are differences in optical density values on the radiograph with variations mA and s which are still within the allowable limit that is ≤ ± 0.1.Conclusion: Based on the result of kVp accuracy and linearity test, the deviation value is still within the tolerance limit or still in accordance with the permissible tolerance according to KMK RI 1250 about quality control testing parameter