Extract Solution Research Articles

Synthesis of ordered mesoporous silica from biomass ash and its application in CO2 adsorption

It is possible to achieve high-value utilization of solid wastes and lower the cost of mesoporous silica synthesis by synthesizing mesoporous silica from solid wastes. In this study, silica was extracted using the alkali fusion method using biomass ash as the starting material. Biomass ash based mesoporous silica was successfully prepared by hydrothermal method with silicon extract solution as silicon source. The optimum conditions for preparation were determined as follows: addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was 0.45g, hydrothermal temperature was 120 °C, hydrothermal time was 24h. The prepared mesoporous silicon was systematically characterized, and the results showed that high surface area (495 m2/g) and ordered pore structure appeared in the synthesized mesoporous silica materials. The synthesized mesoporous silica showed excellent CO2 adsorption performance (0.749 mmol/g) at 25 °C and 1 bar. According to the calculation of adsorption isotherm and thermodynamics, non-linear Freundlich model can fit the adsorption isotherm better and the adsorption heat of mesoporous silica is less than 20 kJ/mol, which belongs to physical adsorption. After five cycles of CO2 adsorption, the adsorption property was still above 90%, and the CO2/N2 adsorption selectivity reached 396.6, showing good regeneration performance and adsorption selectivity. This research can provide a new possibility for the high-value exploitation of biomass ash and reducing the cost of synthetic mesoporous silica.

Aqueous extract of chili pepper in the management of the pink hibiscus mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a polyphagous pest, attacks several crops of economic importance, including cocoa and coffee. Due to its rapid dissemination, studies are needed to develop management programs to combat this pest, as few studies seek the effectiveness of alternative products such as plant extracts, which can be promising in its control. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the aqueous extract of the fruits of chili pepper Capsicum frutescens (Solanaceae) in the management of the pink hibiscus mealybug. The tests were carried out in acclimatized chambers regulated at a temperature of 25 ± 1 ºC, relative humidity of 70 ± 10%, and a 12-hour photophase. The treatments consisted of five extract concentrations: 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10% (weight/volume). Coffee leaves were submerged in the aqueous solution of pepper extract and mounted in Petri dishes with agar solution to transfer the mealybugs. Each treatment consisted of 10 repetitions with 10 young mealybugs each. The experiment was evaluated 24, 48, and 72 h after the procedure. Data were submitted for analysis of variance and regression test (p≤0.05). Lethal concentration (LC50) was estimated using Probit analysis. The mortality of mealybugs increased with the increase in extract concentrations, with mortalities greater than 70% from the lowest concentration. The data fit the Probit model, with χ² of 1.0478 (p > 0.05) and a curve slope of 1.7799. The LC50 was estimated at 0.96%. Thus, the aqueous extract of Capsicum frutescens fruits is promising for the management of M. hirsutus.

Amino acid metabolism characteristics of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction in realizing drug withdrawal based on transcriptomic analysis

This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction(BBTD) on realizing withdrawal of anti-epileptic drugs and explore the relationship between BBTD and the amino acid metabolism by transcriptomic analysis in the rat model of epilepsy induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. The rats with epilepsy were divided into a control group(Ctrl), an epilepsy group(Ep), a BBTD & antiepileptic drug integrative group(BADIG), and an antiepileptic drug withdrawal group(ADWG). The Ctrl and Ep were given ultrapure water by gavage for 12 weeks. The BADIG was given BBTD extract and carbamazepine solution by gavage for 12 weeks. The ADWG was given carbamazepine solution and BBTD extract by gavage for the former 6 weeks, and then only given BBTD extract for the latter 6 weeks. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by behavioral observation, electroencephalogram(EEG), and hippocampal neuronal morphological changes. High-throughput sequencing was used to obtain amino acid metabolism-related differen-tial genes in the hippocampus, and the mRNA expression in the hippocampus of each group was verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). The hub genes were screened out through protein-protein interaction(PPI) network, and Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed. Two ceRNA networks, namely circRNA-miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA, were constructed for ADWG vs BADIG. The experimental results showed that compared with those in Ep, rats in ADWG were significantly improved in the behavioral observation, EEG, and hippocampal neuronal impairment. Thirty-four amino acid metabolism-related differential genes were obtained by transcriptomic analysis, and the sequencing results were confirmed by RT-qPCR. Eight hub genes were obtained through PPI network, involving several biological processes, molecular functions, and signal pathways related to amino acid metabolism. Finally, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ternary transcription network of 17 circRNA, 5 miRNA, and 2 mRNA, and a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ternary network of 10 lncRNA, 5 miRNA, and 2 mRNA were constructed in ADWG vs BADIG. In conclusion, BBTD can effectively achieve the withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs, which may be related to the transcriptomic regulation of amino acid metabolism.

Comparison of sedimentary iron speciation obtained by sequential extraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Iron (Fe) speciation in marine sediments and suspended particulate matter (SPM) are widely used to investigate the role of Fe minerals in marine biogeochemical cycling and to reconstruct paleo-redox conditions. A traditional method for the determination of Fe speciation are sequential extractions, in which operationally defined Fe pools are dissolved by specific extraction solutions. More recently, many studies make use of synchrotron radiation-based X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), especially if little sample material is available or a high spatial resolution is required. However, few studies have systematically compared Fe speciation obtained by the two methods. Here, we report Fe speciation for marine sediments (both wet and freeze-dried) and SPM from contrasting marine environments (western Baltic Sea and Amazon shelf) obtained by sequential extraction and XANES. The two methods yield comparable results regarding the approximate proportion of reactive Fe ((oxyhydr)oxide, carbonate and sulfide minerals) in the total Fe pool and the extent to which reactive Fe minerals have been converted to pyrite. However, methodological issues associated with both approaches complicate a direct comparison of specific mineral groups. Pyrite concentrations obtained by XANES are lower than those obtained by extraction, which is attributed to an underestimation by XANES due to self-absorption effects and an overestimation by the chromium reduction method due to dissolution of reduced sulfur phases that are not associated with Fe. As substantial amounts of pyrite are oxidized during freeze-drying and sample storage, we recommend to analyze wet sediments in modern marine environments. The XANES spectra of Fe (oxyhydr)oxide and Fe(III)-containing (ferric) clay minerals are similar, which is why these components cannot be differentiated by XANES. Similarly, sequential extraction schemes are known to dissolve a variable proportion of ferric clay minerals along with Fe carbonates and Fe (oxyhydr)oxides. Further investigating the role of ferric clay minerals in the low-temperature marine Fe cycle may therefore require the use of additional methods. Our findings may help to assess the transferability of XANES-based Fe speciation for small sediment and SPM samples to those reported in more traditional studies on Fe biogeochemical cycling and paleo-redox conditions.

Switchable hydrophilicity solvent-based microextraction coupled with fluorescent detection of dichlorvos

The risk of the hazardous pesticide dichlorvos (DDVP) entering the human body through aquatic products is causing concern as global demand for aquatic products increases. Herein, a novel approach ground on switchable hydrophilicity solvent-based microextraction coupled with fluorescent detection of DDVP in aquatic products was established. Sodium nonanoate, a switchable hydrophilic solvent, was converted into nonanoic acid in-situ for use as an extractant under acidic conditions to extract DDVP from aquatic products. Thereafter, DDVP was hydrolyzed to dichloroacetaldehyde (DCA) by adjusting the extraction solution to an alkaline condition. The fluorescent substances were generated due to the condensation reaction of DCA and resorcinol which can achieve the quantification of DDVP. The assay had a linear relationship between 40 and 280 μg kg−1, with a limit of detection of 2.4 μg kg−1. The assay has been used to determine the residual content of DDVP in grass carp, sea cucumber, and abalone samples. The recoveries ranged from 93.8% to 106%. The strategy integrating microextraction and detection offers insight into monitoring pesticides in food products.

BIOSINTESIS DAN KARAKTERISASI PARTIKEL PERAK EKSTRAK TANAMAN DAUN PORANG (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) SEBAGAI PENDETEKSI ION LOGAM MERKURI

This study aims to synthesize and characterize silver particles using Porang leaf extract (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) and determine the selectivity of silver particles as mercury metal ion detectors. The study employed Porang leaf extract as a bioreductor and stabilizer, 0.01M AgNO3 solution as a precursor, and HgCl2 salt solution and PbCl2 salt solution as standard salt solutions to be tested for selectivity. The 2 g of Porang leaves used were cleaned, cut into pieces, allowed to stand at room temperature for three days, and mashed. Porang leaf powder was added with 50 mL of demineralized water and then heated for 15 minutes at a solution temperature of 80°C. The reaction of silver particle formation was carried out by adding Porang leaf extract and AgNO3 0.01M in variations of 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, and 1:7, then irradiating under indirect sunlight for 15 minutes. The reaction results of a mixture of colloidal extract and AgNO3 solution showed a change in color to brownish-yellow. The color change indicated the formation of silver particles. The silver particles were then characterized with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer after 15 minutes of heating, 1 hour, and 5 hours at room temperature. The results obtained with colloidal silver particles can be synthesized with a bioreductor of Porang leaf extract (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) with optimum variations of 1:3 and 1:4. The PSa results obtained in the mixture of silver particles formed were micro-nano-sized silver particles. The results of silver particles tested against metal ions showed that silver particles selectively detect Hg (II) metal ions in HgCl2 solutions compared to Pb (II) metal ions in PbCl2 solutions.

Effect of Different Ratios of Mentha spicata Aqueous Solution Based on a Biosolvent on the Synthesis of AgNPs for Inhibiting Bacteria

Our work was devoted to studying the effect of different concentrations of Mentha spicata aqueous extract on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in order to obtain the most effective of these concentrations for bacteria inhibitory activity. Different concentrations of the aqueous M. spicata extract (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mM) were used as biological solvent to synthesize AgNPs by means of the reduction method. The crystal structure and morphology of the NPs were characterized UV–vis spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The inhibition effect of AgNPs on Escherichia coli was studied to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The dark yellow color of the M. spicata extract aqueous solution indicates the successful synthesis of the AgNPs. UV spectra of the NPs show a gradual increase in absorption with increasing concentration of aqueous M. spicata extract solution from 0.25 to 1.00 mM, accompanied by a shift in the wavelength from 455 to 479 nm along with a change in the nanoparticle size from 31 to 9 nm. The tests also showed a high activity of the particles against bacteria (E. coli) ranging between 15.6 and 62.5 µg/ml. From the AgNPs, it was confirmed that aqueous M. spicata extract is an effective biosolvent for the synthesis of different sizes of AgNPs according to the solvent concentration. The AgNPs also proved effectual for the killing of bacteria.

FORMULATION FOR MAKING HAND SANITIZER BASED ON DURIAN PEEL EXTRACT (DURIO ZIBETHINUS MURR) IN IMPROVING ANTIBACTERIAL ABILITY

Maceration using ethanol solvent was chosen in extracting durian rind which was then evaporated to obtain 50 grams of durian peel extract. The results of the phytochemical screening test showed that the durian rind contains tannin compounds as evidenced by the addition of Iron (III) chloride reagent to produce a black solution. In addition, durian peel also contains terpenoid compounds which have been proven using the Lieberman Burchard reagent so that a blackish brown ring is produced in the extract. The best hand sanitizer product formulation is 75 mL of 96% ethanol, 2 mL of glycerin, 3 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 10 mL of distilled water and 10 mL of a 6% concentration of durian peel extract solution. The hand sanitizer product has a liquid form, has a clear brownish color, has a distinctive durian rind aroma with a pH around 6 indicating that the hand sanitizer is suitable for use. Concentration of 6% Durian fruit peel hand sanitizer has better antibacterial ability than other concentrations with a large inhibition zone of 12.4 mm which is categorized as a strong level as an antibacterial substance.

Improved healthcare disaster decision-making utilizing information extraction from complementary social media data during the COVID-19 pandemic

Managing an extreme event like a healthcare disaster requires accurate information about the event's circumstances to comprehend the full consequences of acting. However, information quality is rarely optimal since it takes time to determine the information of relevance. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that even official data sources are far from optimal since they suffer from reporting delays that slow decision-making. To support decision-makers with timely information, we utilize data from online social networks to propose an adaptable information extraction solution to create indices helping to forecast COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalization rates. We show that combining heterogeneous data sources like Twitter and Reddit can leverage these sources' inherent complementarity and yield better predictions than those using a single data source alone. We further show that the predictions run ahead of the official COVID-19 incidences by up to 14 days. Additionally, we highlight the importance of model adjustments whenever new information becomes available or the underlying data changes by observing distinct changes in the presence of specific symptoms on Reddit.

Shelf-life extension of Fragaria × ananassa Duch. using selenium nanoparticles synthesized from Cassia fistula Linn. leaves.

Fragaria × ananassa Duch. (Strawberry) fruit is susceptible to postharvest diseases, thus decrease in quality attributes, such as physiological and biochemical properties leads to decrease in shelf life. The objective of the present study was to check the effect of Selenium NP's and packaging conditions on the shelf life of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) fruits. The shelf life was observed with 4 days intervals and examined for characteristics such as physiological weight loss, moisture content, percentage decay loss, peroxidase, catalase, and DPPH radical scavenging. The quality change of postharvest Fragaria × ananassa Duch. was monitored by the application of selenium nanoparticles (T1 plant extract in 10 mM salt solution, T2 plant extract in 30 mM salt solution, T3 plant extract in 40 mM salt solution, T4 distilled water; control) in different packaging materials (plastic bags, cardboard, and brown paper) at different storage conditions (6°C and 25°C). 10 mM, 20 mM, and 30 mM solution of sodium selenite salt, prepared from 1 M stock solution. Selenium nanoparticles were synthesized using Cassia fistula L. extract and sodium selenite salt solution. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as a stabilizer. The nanoparticles were characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy and X-Ray diffractometer (XRD). It was observed that the strawberry Fragaria × ananassa Duch. Treated with T1 (CFE and 10 mM salt solution) stored in plastic packaging at ±6°C showed the best physiological parameters and hence the treatment is recommended for storage without affecting the quality of strawberry fruit up to 16 days.

Potency of Turmeric Extract Solution (Curcuma Longa) as on Alternative Herbal Mouthwash in Gingivitis Marginalis

Marginal gingivitis is an inflammation of the gingiva at the margin and is the earliest stage characterized by a reddish inflammation that is not persistent but prominent in areas where bacterial plaque is concentrated. Preventive efforts to rinse mouthwash contain antibacterial, long-term use has side effects, so we need herbal ingredients that have antibacterial properties, one of which is turmeric. This researcher aims to prove the potential of turmeric extract solution (Curcuma longa) as an alternative herbal mouthwash against gingivitis marginalis. This type of research uses a Quasy experiment with a pre and post test design with a control group design. Consisting of the intervention group using turmeric extract mouthwash with a concentration of 2.5%, 5% and the control group without active ingredients, the sample consisted of 27 people gargling for 1 minute for 5 consecutive days. Index gingival examination before and after rinsing. The results of the independent t-test for reducing marginal gingivitis at concentrations of 2.5% and 5% on days 1 and 2 showed a sig value of 0.002, on day 3 the sig value was 0.004, on days 4 and 5 the sig value was 0.000 meaning that there was a significant difference in reduction of marginal gingivitis. The conclusion of this study is that herbal mouthwash is effective as an alternative to herbal mouthwash in reducing marginal gingivitis compared to formulas without active ingredients.

Antimicrobial Activity of Syzygium polyanthum Wight (Walp.) Extract against Foodborne Pathogens in Food: A Potential Antimicrobial Agent for Natural Food Washing Solution

Developments of natural preservatives derived from plant sources instead of chemical preservatives are gaining more attention nowadays. In this study, the effect of Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp.] leaves extract against foodborne pathogens on raw chicken meat and cherry tomato was evaluated using the method of washing treatment by extract solution. Results found that Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp. leaves extract have significant effect (P <0.05) in reduction of foodborne pathogens in all tested food samples at 5 mg/mL of extract for 5 min soaking period. Moreover, S. polyanthum extract (10 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml) able to reduce yeast, mould and E. coli in raw meat chicken after storing at 4 ± 2°C for 5 days and reduce Pseudomonas species in cherry tomato after storing for 15 days at 4 ± 2°C. Antimicrobial property of S. polyanthum might be due to the presence of pyrogallol, β-Sitosterol, phytol, hexadecanoic acid, gallic acid, bergenin, quercetin 3-(6''-galloylgalactoside), madecassic acid, quillaic acid and asiatic acid that were detected by GC-MS and LC-MS. In conclusion, S. polyanthum extract exhibited antimicrobial activity, thus it has potential to be developed as antimicrobial agent for natural food washing solution.

State-Level Mapping of the Road Transport Network from Aerial Orthophotography: An End-to-End Road Extraction Solution Based on Deep Learning Models Trained for Recognition, Semantic Segmentation and Post-Processing with Conditional Generative Learning

Most existing road extraction approaches apply learning models based on semantic segmentation networks and consider reduced study areas, featuring favorable scenarios. In this work, an end-to-end processing strategy to extract the road surface areas from aerial orthoimages at the scale of the national territory is proposed. The road mapping solution is based on the consecutive execution of deep learning (DL) models trained for ① road recognition, ② semantic segmentation of road surface areas, and ③ post-processing of the initial predictions with conditional generative learning, within the same processing environment. The workflow also involves steps such as checking if the aerial image is found within the country’s borders, performing the three mentioned DL operations, applying a p=0.5 decision limit to the class predictions, or considering only the central 75% of the image to reduce prediction errors near the image boundaries. Applying the proposed road mapping solution translates to operations aimed at checking if the latest existing cartographic support (aerial orthophotos divided into tiles of 256 × 256 pixels) contains the continuous geospatial element, to obtain a linear approximation of its geometry using supervised learning, and to improve the initial semantic segmentation results with post-processing based on image-to-image translation. The proposed approach was implemented and tested on the openly available benchmarking SROADEX dataset (containing more than 527,000 tiles covering approximately 8650 km2 of the Spanish territory) and delivered a maximum increase in performance metrics of 10.6% on unseen, testing data. The predictions on new areas displayed clearly higher quality when compared to existing state-of-the-art implementations trained for the same task.

Green and Red Luminescent Curcuma and Lawsone Herbal Amalgam as Yellow Emission Source

Abstract“Herbal electronics” is a very new term tossed for the area where optical and electrical properties of herbal materials are being studied for possible application in electronics. The optical properties of extract solutions obtained from two raw materials namely turmeric, and henna has been studied here using absorption and luminescence spectroscopies. The as‐prepared solutions appear luminescent under UV light and generate two complementary colors, red and green which when mixed together exhibits yellow emission. A careful analysis has been carried out to understand how the two solutions can be mixed to obtain a yellow emission by using a simple Blue/UV LED as excitation source. Obtained emission colors has been qualified using CIE color chart and PL quantum yield have also been calculated. The yellow emission has been demonstrated using a simple set up where a blue led (400 nm) is used as excitation and the mixture solution is used as active luminescent material which emits yellow light with a quantum yield of ∼5 %.

THE EFFECT OF IMMERSION IN 50% CONCENTRATION OF KASTURI LEAF EXTRACT (MANGIFERA CASTURI) ON THE DISCOLORATION OF HEAT CURED ACRYLIC RESIN

ABSTRACTBackground: Heat cured acrylic resin and alkaline proxide are the most used material for denture base and denture cleaner. However, the cost of denture cleanser and its discoloration effect after long term use became the major disadvantages of this material. Kasturi leaf extract, in 50% concentration, had been proven to have antibacterial and antifungal effect, such as a denture cleanser properties.. Objective: This study was to determine the discoloration effect of immersing heat cured resin acrylic in to 50% Kasturi leaf extract solution compared to alkaline peroxide and distilled water. Material and Methods: This study used 24 samples of heat cured acrylic following ADA specification no 17, with 15 milimeters diameter and 2 millimeters of thickness. The 50% Kasturi leaf extract treatment group and the control group alkaline peroxide and aquades. Each group consisted of 8 samples which measured the discoloration before and after being immersed for 5 days. The discoloration of the sample was tested using a series of digital analysis tools. The results obtained then converted into the equation of ΔE= [(ΔL)2 + (Δa)2 + (Δb)2]1/2. Results: One Way ANOVA and Post Hoct Bonferroni statistical tests showed that there was a significant difference (p <0.05) between the immersion groups in 50% Kasturi leaf extract (6.75 ± 1.31), alkaline peroxide (3.29 ± 0, 57) and distilled water (2.04 ± 0.60). Conclusion: A 50% solution of Kasturi leaf extract has an effect on the discoloration of heat cured type acrylic resin. Keywords: Discoloration, Heat cured acrylic resin, Kasturi leaves

The effect of different aqueous solutions ratios of Ocimum basilicum utilized in AgNPs synthesis on the inhibition of bacterial growth

This study examined the effect of varying concentrations of Ocimum basilicum aqueous extract, which was done via the green synthesis of Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), on the identification of the most effective concentration for bacteria inhibitory activity. Different concentrations of the aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 mM) were used as reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize AgNPs by means of the reduction method. The crystal structure and morphology of the NPs were characterized UV–Vis spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial efficacy of AgNPs was studied against E. coli ATCC 35218 using well diffusion, MIC, MBC, and time-kill curve. The dark yellow color of the Ocimum basilicum aqueous solution indicates the successful synthesis process of the AgNPs. UV-spectra of the AgNPs display a gradual increase of absorption in sequence with concentration increase of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract solution from 0.25 to 1.00 mM. This, in turn, led to a shift in the wavelength from 488 to 497 nm, along with a change in the nanoparticle size from 52 to 8 nm. The tests also showed a high activity of the particles against bacteria (E. coli), ranging between 15.6 and 62.5 µg/ml. Based on AgNPs, it was confirmed that an aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract can be used as an effective, reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of different sizes of AgNPs based on the solvent concentration. The AgNPs also proved to be effective in inhibiting and killing bacteria.

Flexural Strength of Reinforced - Bamboo Concrete Infill Structural Beam Subjected to Concentrated Load at Midspan

Bamboo is still considered a material for poor people in rural areas. Still, it also has the potential to be fully developed engineering material reinforced structural beams with concrete infill to increase the structural strength of the structures, which is natural aesthetic, and more durable than bamboo alone as structural parts of buildings. This study aims to determine the flexural strength of bamboo with concrete infill as a structural beam subjected to a concentrated load at midspan. The materials used were whole bamboo culms, specifically Dendrocalamus Asper Schultes, Dendrocalamus Merrillianos Elmer, Bambusa Vulgaris Schrad, and Bambusa Blumeana Schultes cut into 600 mm lengths and treated with seawater and seawater with mango polyphenol infilled with concrete. The concrete was cured for 7, 14, 28, and 56 days, respectively. The results showed that the whole bamboo culm treated with seawater and treated with seawater plus a 10 percent solution of mango polyphenol extract remarkably increased its flexural strength. The concrete infill to the whole bamboo culm as the beam is effective, increasing flexural strength when treated with mango polyphenol. The curing age of concrete and treatment of bamboo culm with seawater and mango polyphenol affects the flexural strength of reinforced bamboo with concrete infill subjected to a concentrated load at midspan. Reinforced bamboo concrete infill-based construction materials can reduce pressure on resources and the environment. These materials have environmental and mechanical advantages over conventional construction materials.

Diagnostic accuracy of atopy patch test in children with cow’s milk allergy

BackgroundThe accuracy of an atopy patch test (APT) for fresh cow’s milk allergy is controversial. Few studies have focused on commercial extract solutions. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the APT in cow’s milk allergic children using fresh cow’s milk and commercial extracts of cow’s milk and its components including casein, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin.MethodsA prospective study was carried out in children with a history of cow’s milk allergy. Children underwent the skin prick test (SPT) and APT with fresh cow’s milk, powdered cow’s milk, and commercial extracts of cow’s milk, casein, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin. Oral food challenge (OFC) was confirmed in all children.ResultsA total of 37 patients participated (mean age 13.14 ± 7.26 months). Only 5 (13.51%) patients had positive OFC to cow’s milk. The sensitivity of the APT using fresh cow’s milk was 40%, specificity was 65.6%, PPV was 15.4%, and NPV was 87.5%. The sensitivity of the APT using powdered cow’s milk was 40%, 60.7% for specificity, 15.4% for PPV, and 58% for NPV. The sensitivity and PPV of the APT using commercial solutions of cow’s milk, casein, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin were zero. The specificities were 90.6%, 93.8%, 100%, and 100% for α-lactalbumin, cow’s milk, casein, and β-lactoglobulin, respectively.ConclusionsAPT using commercial solutions showed higher specificity than fresh milk. The specificity increased using a protein component allergen.

Insecticidal potential of organic extracts of Calotropis procera to Spodoptera frugiperda

This study evaluated the toxic effects of organic extracts of Calotropis procera leaves on the survival, development, and reproduction of Spodoptera frugiperda. Solutions of crude methanol extract and hexane and methanol fractions of C. procera leaves were added at 1.15% and 2.14% concentrations to the artificial diet of S. frugiperda. The mortality and duration of larval and pupal phases, weights of female and male pupae, deformations of pupae and adults, the reduction of adults able to reproduce, pre-oviposition and oviposition periods, the number of postures per female, and the fecundity and fertility of S. frugiperda females were also evaluated. The extracts harmed the survival, development, and reproduction of S. frugiperda. The ingestion of extracts and fractions by caterpillars affected adults by decreasing the oviposition period, the number of postures, fecundity, and fertility. The crude MeOH extract at a 2.14% concentration harmed the evaluated parameters of the insect, except for pupal mortality, female pupae weight, and pre-oviposition period. The MeOH fraction at 2.14% caused a 50.0% mortality of caterpillars and 16.0% deformation in pupae and 33.0% in adults, reducing by 72.0% the population able to reproduce. The MeOH fraction at the 2.14% concentration caused 25.0% and 38.0% of pupal mortality and deformation, respectively. Calotropis procera has promising insecticidal properties for a biological insecticide, a convenient and sustainable strategy for protecting plants against S. frugiperda.

Synthesis of Coal-Fly-Ash-Based Ordered Mesoporous Materials and Their Adsorption Application.

A feasible approach was developed for the synthesis of ordered mesoporous SBA-15-type materials using coal fly ash (CFA) as raw material. In the proposed approach, CFA was, firstly, activated by subcritical water with the addition of NaOH, which allowed an efficient extraction of silicon species from CFA under strong acidic conditions at near room temperature. Subsequently, in the synthesis system, using silicon extraction solution as the silicon precursor, the introduction of anhydrous ethanol as a co-solvent effectively inhibited the polymerization of silanol species and promoted their collaborative self-assembly with surfactant molecules by enhancing the hydrogen bond interactions. The resultant SBA-15 material had a high purity, high specific surface area (1014 m2/g) and pore volume (1.08 cm3/g), and a highly ordered mesostructure, and, therefore, exhibited an excellent removal efficiency (90.5%) and adsorption capacity (160.8 mg/g) for methylene blue (MB) from simulated wastewater. Additionally, the generation of surface acid sites from the homogenous incorporation of Al atoms onto the mesoporous walls of SBA-15 combined with the perfect retention of the ordered mesostructure endowed the obtained Al-SBA-15 material with a further boost in the removal performance of MB. The MB removal efficiency can reach ~100%, along with a maximum adsorption capacity of 190.1 mg/g.