Fourth Fraction Research Articles

Investigation of column purified dye derived carbon nanomaterials for security printing and supercapacitor applications

Literature evidence reveals versatile applications of carbon dots (CDs), but generally mixtures of various types of carbon nanomaterials, molecular intermediates as well as side products are obtained upon hydrothermal treatment of the precursor material. This demands isolation of pure components and their complete characterization before these nano carbonaceous materials are chosen for suitable applications. In the present study, perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) is subjected to hydrothermal treatment and the mother liquor obtained is separated using column chromatography technique using dichloromethane-methanol solvent system to isolate fractions of various fluorescent carbonaceous nanostructures. The TEM imaging of nano carbonaceous particles of all five fractions indicated that the first and third fractions were composed of nanoribbons, while the latter two fractions largely contained quasi-spherical nanoparticles of both lesser (carbon quantum dots) and greater (carbon nanodots) than 10 nm dimensions. The XPS results of all the fractions suggested separation based on polarity difference. The ID/IG ratios obtained from Raman spectra implied the presence of several defects on the CDs. The time resolved fluorescence spectra of third, fourth and fifth fractions revealed mono-exponential decay of fluorophores with excitation independent average lifetime values. The fifth fraction exhibited good biocompatibility and the highest absolute fluorescence quantum yield of 58.47 % among all the isolated samples. As these CDs displayed a remarkable rise in the quantum yield to 88.60 % when dispersed in water, a water-based flexo-ink was formulated. The photostable pale yellow flexo print proofs obtained on UV dull paper exhibited a green fluorescence under 365 nm illumination, whereas a yellow glow when shined with blue light, which can serve as an authentication feature for security documents and currency notes. Moreover, as the third fraction constitutes mainly of carbon nanoribbons (CNRs), an optimized polymer electrolyte was prepared along with sodium alginate (SA), and MgCl2 to understand their potential use in energy storage application. A supercapacitor was fabricated and tested for its electrochemical performance such as cyclic voltammtery (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD). An enhanced current window was observed in the CV of SA/CNRs compared to pure SA and SA/CNRs/Mg films, which indicated a structural interaction of CNRs with SA. The conductivity of SA/CNRs/Mg was lesser than SA/CNRs in EIS studies due to the presence of Mg ions, while pure SA showed lesser conductivity. The dual ionic interaction of Na and Mg along with enhanced structural stability due to doped CNRs favors its convenient supercapacitor application. The fabricated eco-friendly supercapacitor showed a specific capacitance of 84 F/g. The GCD of the device displayed pseudocapacitance behaviour and was quite stable for 2000 cycles with coulombic efficiency of 96 %.

Phytochemical profiling and anticancer potential of Memecylon lushingtonii Gamble methanolic crude extracts

The present investigation examines the anticancer characteristics of phytochemicals derived from Memecylon lushingtonii Gamble (MLG) leaves, concentrating on their efficiency against breast cancer cell lines. Utilising column chromatography, we recovered four different fractions from the methanol extract of MLG leaves. The fourth fraction, rich in bioactive chemicals, displayed substantial cytotoxicity in MTT experiments against MCF-7 cells, indicating powerful anticancer potential. Further investigations revealed a varied array of phytochemicals, including phenols and flavonoids, recognised for their medicinal properties. This discovery emphasises the promise of MLG leaf extracts as a source of anticancer drugs and establishes the framework for further investigations into their mechanisms of action.

Application of Palliative Hemostatic Radiotherapy in Canine Unresectable Oral Melanoma: A Case Report

A 9-year-old castrated male Schnauzer dog, weighing 11.6 kg, presented with a persistent hemorrhagic oral mass. An oral examination revealed a right maxillary oral mass characterized by continuous bleeding, halitosis, and severe pain. A cytological examination led to a provisional diagnosis of malignant melanoma, and, despite the option of aggressive surgery, the owner declined. The blood analysis indicated severe hemorrhagic anemia (hematocrit, 18.2%) requiring a blood transfusion. The patient underwent volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) as part of a palliative radiation protocol, receiving six fractions of 6 Gy weekly for hemostasis and clinical improvement. The hemorrhaging ceased after the second fraction, with a subsequent rise in the hematocrit levels and the resolution of the anemia. Additionally, the intake increased following the second fraction, and effective pain management was achieved in the fourth fraction. Following the last fraction, computed tomography revealed a 20% reduction in the tumor size. This case highlights the potential use of radiotherapy for hemostasis in cases of inoperable hemorrhagic oral melanoma and represents the first report on the application of hemostatic radiotherapy in dogs.

On Patient Experience and Anxiety During Treatment With Magnetic Resonance–Guided Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To assess patient experience and anxiety during MR-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) on a 1.5 Tesla (T) MR-Linac when offered calming video content. Methods and Materials: A single center study was conducted within the Multi-OutcoMe EvaluatioN of radiation Therapy Using the MR-Linac (MOMENTUM) cohort. Patients were offered to watch calming video content on a video monitor during treatment. Questionnaires were used to assess patient experience (MRL-PE) and anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) at first treatment fraction (M1) and at third, fourth or fifth treatment fraction (M2). Paired T-tests were used to test for significant differences, and effect sizes (ES) to determine the importance of the difference. Results: Between November 2021 and November 2022, 66 patients were included. The majority was male (n=59, 89%). MRgRT was most frequently delivered to prostate cancer (n=45, 68%) followed by a lesion in the pancreas (n=8, 12%). At M1 and M2, 24/59 patients (41%) preferred to watch calming video content. One patient was not able to look at the video-monitor comfortably at first fraction. Patient experience was generally favorable or neutral; tingling sensations were reported by 17% of patients. Anxiety levels were high (16%), moderate (18%) or low to none (67%) prior to M1. STAI-scores were 33 (SD 9) prior to M1 and 29 (SD 7) after M1 (ES 0.7, p<0.001). STAI-scores were 32 (SD 9) prior to M2 and 31 (SD 8) (ES 0.4, p=0.009). Conclusions: Patients were able to comfortably view the video monitor during MRgRT. Consequently, this set up could be used for future applications, such as biofeedback. A sizeable minority of patients preferred to watch calming video's, which distracted them during treatment. Although the patient's experience was overall excellent, anxiety was reported. Anxiety levels were highest prior to treatment, which decreased after treatment.

Evaluation of physicochemical, textural, and microbial characteristics of probiotic soy cheese during storage: Generation and isolation of bioactive peptides.

The purpose of this study was to ascertain how probiotic culture affected the physicochemical, textural, and microbiological characteristics of probiotic soy cheese during storage. Moreover, the release of bioactive peptides during fermentation and storage was examined. Each cheese sample was made from one of the probiotic cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium lactis. Peptide extracts were prepared from these samples and fractionated using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The sample containing L. acidophilus had the highest dry matter and hardness. The samples with L. acidophilus and B. lactis, respectively, had the highest concentrations of lactic acid and acetic acid. During storage the acidity, dry matter, lactic acid, acetic acid, and hardness of the samples increased but the pH, springiness, and cohesiveness reduced (P < 0.05). All samples had a probiotic count greater than 107 CFU/g at the end of the storage. Antibacterial and antioxidant properties were found in the peptide fractions that were extracted from the samples. T2F4 (the fourth fraction separated from L. casei sample) had the greatest functional properties. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the existence of peptide with a molecular mass of 5-10 kDa. Therefore, produced cheese is regarded as a suitable source of potentially bioactive peptides which can be utilized in food industry.

Development of Fraction Material Mathematics Module with Realistic Mathematics Education Learning Approach

This research aims to determine the steps of module development and the level of mathematics module fourth grade with realistic mathematics education learning approach quality. This research includes Research and Development (RnD) with the ADDIE development model. The object and subject in this research is the understanding of grade IV faction material in SD Negeri 2 Riau Silip. The instruments used are speech guidelines, expert assessments, and teacher responses, and student responses. The data analysis technique used qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed from the results of testing the quality and validity of the module. The results of the research contain development steps, namely analysis stages, resistance to pressure, and resistance to development. The results of the assessments of media experts, material experts, learning experts and language experts obtained the following values of 85.3, 90.7, 80, and 80. While the results of the responses of fourth grade teachers and students were 100 and 92.8, the average assessment and expert validation test and the response of class IV teachers and students was 88.13 with the "Very Good" category. Based on the results of the assessments from the experts, the fourth grade teacher's response, and the student's response it was stated that the fourth grade mathematics modui fraction material with a realistic mathematical education learning approach was included in the "Very Good" category so that it was suitable for use in the classroom learning process.

Hepatoprotective effect of protein extract of the Potamogeton perfoliatus L. against carbon-tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in mice

This article demonstrates the hepatoprotective action of the protein extract of the aquatic plant Potamogeton perfoliatus L. based on the histopathologic changes in the liver of mice with CCl4-induced liver damage. Using the chromatography, 4 fractions of the protein extract were obtained. It has been suggested that a fourth fraction corresponding to low molecular weight protein should most likely exhibit hepatoprotective properties. SDS-PAGE of P. perfoliatus L. revealed a protein with molecular weight of 21 kDa corresponding to the fourth peak of a chromatogram.

Eco-friendly ink formulation of column purified carbon dots from GABA for anticounterfeiting applications

Forgery of valuable products causes a negative impact on the society as well as the economy of the country. There is a growing demand to not only differentiate or authenticate genuine documents/products but also to protect their integrity. Carbon dots (CDs) are a class of fluorescent nanomaterials that are well-known for their facile synthesis, good photostability and less toxicity profile. The current research work focuses on the preparation of CDs via hydrothermal method using γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that contains amino and carboxylic groups. Column chromatography technique is adopted to purify the GABA-derived CDs from the reactants and by-products. The fourth fraction obtained after column purification containing CDs with fluorescence emission in the visible region is chosen for further studies. The presence of spherical CDs confirmed through TEM imaging are chemically characterised using SAED, EDS, DLS, FTIR, XPS, Raman and XRD spectroscopy. The blue (λem = 490 nm) and green (λem = 538 nm) emitting CDs present in the fourth fraction displayed a fluorescence lifetime of 1.90 ns and 2.02 ns. Theoretical studies are performed using B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) theory level on different plausible structures. The HOMO-LUMO band gap of 2.3 eV deduced using DFT calculation is in close agreement with the optical band gap of 2.6 eV derived from Tauc plot. A complex forming mechanism is proposed for the fluorescence quenching of CDs upon examining the EDS data of the precipitate obtained upon addition of cupric ions. Further, the CDs are used as pigments to formulate a water-based ink for flexographic printing on UV-dull paper substrate. The printed samples exhibited good colorimetric values, lightfastness, and rub resistance. The security features of the ink film include an UV-induced yellow fluorescence, which will be known to the forger and a secondary quenching of fluorescence when exposed to cupric ions, which can be used by the user to validate document/product authenticity. This stimulus responsive optical property is also explored in the design of ionochromic security paper based on cupric ion induced fluorescence quenching of CDs for data storage and decryption. Moreover, the lesser surface roughness and electrical parameter values obtained for the print proofs could be further explored for the potential application of CD-derived ink in electronic anticounterfeiting.

Optimization parameters for the production of dimer of epicatechin from an endophytic fungus Curvularia australiensis FC2AP using response surface methodology (RSM)

The search for natural therapeutic agents has intensified due to their potential to treat various diseases. Bioactive secondary metabolites from endophytes offer high therapeutic profiles and can be mass-produced after optimizing medium parameters and purification. This investigation aimed to maximize crude pigmented secondary metabolite (CPSM) production from Curvularia australiensis FC2AP by optimizing fermentation conditions statistically. The endophytic fungus produced a maximum yield of 8.81 UL/g from biomass using Sabouraud's Dextrose Broth. After screening essential factors, the Plackett-Burman design was used for factorial optimization, and the Box Behnken design was employed to investigate three significant factors. The final CPSM yield was 12.3 UL/g, approximately 4-fold higher than the preliminary growth medium. Chromatographic purification using a gradient solvent system resulted in six fractions, with the fourth fraction demonstrating the highest bioactivity profile. Structural characterization confirmed this fraction to be a dimer of epicatechin, which has anti-cancer properties, as confirmed through in vivo studies on Sprague Dawley rats. This is the first report of a epicatechin dimer produced from C. australiensis.

Hydrogel spacer injection to the meso-sigmoid to protect the sigmoid colon in cervical cancer brachytherapy: A technical report.

The use of a hydrogel spacer inserted into recto-vaginal fossa is a valuable strategy to mitigate radiation exposure to the rectum during radiation therapy for female pelvic malignancies. However, when the sigmoid colon is in proximity to the cervix, radiation exposure to the sigmoid colon cannot be adequately mitigated with a hydrogel spacer injected into the recto-vaginal fossa. Here, we presented a case, in which a hydrogel spacer was injected into the meso-sigmoid to protect the sigmoid colon. A 73-year-old female diagnosed with T3b stage IIIC2r uterine cervical cancer (FIGO 2018) underwent high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy consisting of 24 Gy in 4 fractions, following concurrent chemoradiotherapy with external beam radiation therapy of 50 Gy in 25 fractions of whole pelvic radiation therapy. In the initial brachytherapy, the sigmoid colon was in close contact with the uterine cervix. In the second brachytherapy, attempts to create a space between the sigmoid colon and uterine cervix using injected artificial ascites were unsuccessful due to rapid absorption of fluid. In the third and fourth brachytherapy fractions, 5 mL of hydrogel was injected into the meso-sigmoid through a pouch of Douglas under trans-rectal ultrasonography guidance. Dose ratio of sigmoid colon D2cc and high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) D90 of each brachytherapy were evaluated. Dose ratio of the sigmoid colon D2cc to HR-CTV D90 was 1.03, 0.43, 0.56, and 0.47 in each respective brachytherapy session, indicating dose escalation to HR-CTV whilst achieving acceptable sigmoid dose with hydrogel spacer injected into the meso-sigmoid. The dose ratio of the sigmoid colon to HR-CTV D90 was decreased by introducing a hydrogel spacer into the meso-sigmoid. In cases where the sigmoid colon is in proximity to the cervical tumor, this novel technique can be considered to achieve better clinical outcomes.

Quasispecies Fitness Partition to Characterize the Molecular Status of a Viral Population. Negative Effect of Early Ribavirin Discontinuation in a Chronically Infected HEV Patient.

The changes occurring in viral quasispecies populations during infection have been monitored using diversity indices, nucleotide diversity, and several other indices to summarize the quasispecies structure in a single value. In this study, we present a method to partition quasispecies haplotypes into four fractions according to their fitness: the master haplotype, rare haplotypes at two levels (those present at <0.1%, and those at 0.1−1%), and a fourth fraction that we term emerging haplotypes, present at frequencies >1%, but less than that of the master haplotype. We propose that by determining the changes occurring in the volume of the four quasispecies fitness fractions together with those of the Hill number profile we will be able to visualize and analyze the molecular changes in the composition of a quasispecies with time. To develop this concept, we used three data sets: a technical clone of the complete SARS-CoV-2 spike gene, a subset of data previously used in a study of rare haplotypes, and data from a clinical follow-up study of a patient chronically infected with HEV and treated with ribavirin. The viral response to ribavirin mutagenic treatment was selection of a rich set of synonymous haplotypes. The mutation spectrum was very complex at the nucleotide level, but at the protein (phenotypic/functional) level the pattern differed, showing a highly prevalent master phenotype. We discuss the putative implications of this observation in relation to mutagenic antiviral treatment.

COMPONENT COMPOSITION AND ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY OF INDIVIDUAL FRACTIONS OF THYMUS JENIS-SEENSIS ILJIN. ESSENTIAL OIL GROWING IN THE KRASNOYARSK TERRITORY

By the method of exhaustive hydroparodistillation, essential oil was isolated from the aboveground part of Thymus jenisseensis Ilji), which grows on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Separate fractions of essential oil were obtained depending on the duration of isolation. The composition of whole essential oil was established, the main components of which are borneol (17.9%), camphor (10.6%) and α-terpineol (10.8%), and the maximum content of borneol (30.5%) and α-terpineol (19.9%) was noted in the fourth fraction. For the first time, the antiradical properties of T.jenisseensis essential oil have been studied in a model reaction with a free stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. It is shown that all the studied samples of essential oil exhibit antiradical activity (ARA), the value of which increases from 14.6% (first fraction) to 41.1% (fourth fraction). ARA of the fifth fraction was 35.4%, whole oil – 26.4%. An increase in antiradical activity was noted with a decrease in the number of monoterpenes and an increase in the content of oxygen-containing compounds in the composition of essential oil. The correlation coefficient (r) of APA on the content of oxygen-containing compounds was 0.99, for sesquiterpenes r=0.84, for monoterpenes r=-0.94.

The Influence of the Ventricular-Lumbar Gradient on Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis in Serial Samples.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with non-inflammatory neurological diseases are used for control groups in biomarker studies. Since large amounts of CSF are withdrawn, patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) or normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) are especially suitable. The serially taken CSF portions are usually collected in different tubes. We aimed to investigate whether the later random choice of one of these tubes for CSF investigations might harbor the risk of different CSF protein findings due to the so-called ventriculo-lumbar CSF gradient. Methods: Patients with IIH (9) and NPH (7) were included. CSF was serially taken and collected in six tubes of 5 mL each. Concentrations and CSF-serum quotients of immunoglobulins, albumin and the virus-specific antibody index (AI) were determined in the first, fourth and sixth CSF fraction. Results: CSF immunoglobulin and albumin concentrations and CSF-serum protein quotients were significantly lower in the fourth and sixth CSF fraction compared with the first CSF fraction. Virus-specific AI did not significantly differ in the different CSF fractions. Conclusions: CSF protein analytics should be performed in the first CSF fraction in order to avoid different measurement results and achieve comparability within a control group and between different control and patient groups.

Evaluation of the Biological Potential of Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray and Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell Subcritical Water Extracts.

Neuroprotection is a need that remains unmet in treating chronic neurodegenerative disorders, despite decades of extensive research. To find new neuroprotective compounds, extracts of Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray and of Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell were obtained through subcritical water extraction applying a four-step temperature gradient. The fractions obtained were screened against brain enzymes involved in neurodegenerative etiology, namely in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, all contributing factors to the progression of neurodegeneration. Results showed no significant enzyme inhibition but strong radical scavenging activities, particularly in the fourth fraction, extracted at the highest temperature (250 °C), highlighting their ability to retard oxidative and nitrosative stresses. At higher temperatures, fractions were composed of phenolic compounds and Maillard reaction products, a combination that contributed to their antioxidant activity and, consequently, their neuroprotective properties. All fractions were evaluated for the presence of iodine, 14 organochlorine and 7 organophosphorus pesticides, and pharmaceuticals used in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (14), psychiatric drugs (8), and metabolites (8). The fractions studied did not present any of the screened contaminants, and only fraction 1 of E. bicyclis should be used with caution due to iodine content.

Tumor volume regression of rectal cancer in daily MRI during preoperative chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine.

123 Background: Although cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been available for over a decade, the pattern of tumor volume change in rectal dancer during preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has been under the veil due to poor soft tissue contrast of registration CBCT. This study was conducted to investigate daily rectal tumor volume change using registration magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Patients diagnosed with cT3-4 and/or cN+ rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing preoperative CCRT with capecitabine on the pelvis up to 50 Gy in 25 daily fractions from November 2018 to June 2019 were consecutively included. Rectal tumor volume was uniformly measured by single physician (YKK) in daily 0.35T MRI obtained with ViewRay MRIdian Linac (ViewRay Inc., Oakwood, USA). The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) of daily tumor volume (cc), difference of tumor volume between first fraction and daily fraction (daily tumor volume – baseline tumor volume at first fraction), and tumor volume reduction rate (%, (daily tumor volume – baseline tumor volume at first fraction)/baseline tumor volume at first fraction x 100) were calculated. Statistical significance of differences were tested using the Wilcoxon’s signed rank test and paired t-test. Results: Thirteen patients were included. Median age was 65 and majority of the patients were male (92.3%). Most tumors were T3 (76.9%) and N1-2 (92.3%). Tumors were located median 6 cm (range: 2.4 – 9) above anal verge. Median follow-up was 27.3 months (range: 11.7 – 30.6) and 2 patients had recurred at the time of analysis (1 local and 1 distant). Tumor volume steadily regressed with daily administration of CCRT (mean 2.06 +/-1.73 cc; Figure 1). Significant tumor volume reduction compared to baseline was observed from fourth fraction (mean -12.37 +/- 16.72 cc; P &lt; 0.0005). The difference of tumor volume between baseline and the last fraction was mean -49.33 +/- 68.13 cc ( P &lt; 0.0002). The tumor volume reduction rate was significantly increased since fourth fraction (mean - 17.2 +/- 11.78 %; P &lt; 0.0002). The tumor volume reduction rate at the last fraction was - 70.62 +/- 14.01 % ( P &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: For the first time, this study demonstrated daily tumor volume regression in preoperative rectal CCRT with capecitabine using daily MRI. Steady pattern of tumor regression may be explained in part by daily administration of capecitabine. Based on the hypothesis-generating observation, this study may warrant initiation of further investigations such as analysis and comparison with daily tumor volume regression with CCRT using leucovorin and 5-FU.

Cyclotide-rich fractions containing nanofibers by electrospinning: preparation, characterization and examination of antimicrobial activity.

In this study, antimicrobial nanofibers were produced with the mixtures of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and cyclotide-rich fractions by electrospinning method. After extraction, the first separation was carried out with C18 flash chromatography and then fractioned into five separate parts by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The molecular weights of cyclotides in each fraction were determined by quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (Q-TOF LC-MS). Cyclotide-rich fractions were mixed with 10% of PVA solution and nanofibers were produced from this biocomposite mixture by electrospinning method. The nanofibers were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and it was observed that 100% peptide-containing nanofibers (cyclotide-rich fraction/10% PVA, w/v) had more regular fiber textures. The presence of the peptides in the nanofiber was also confirmed by analytical RP-HPLC, as the peptides in both peptide fractions and nanofiber solutions have the same retention times. The nanofibers produced with the fourth cyclotide-rich fraction showed activity against gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus) in antimicrobial susceptibility test. As a result of these findings, cyclotide-containing nanofibers with antimicrobial activity can be produced for pharmaceutical research and development studies.

Isolation of tetrameric acids from naphthenates deposits and characterization by high-resolution analytical techniques

Calcium naphthenate deposits consist of an insoluble salt of polymeric structure and high interfacial activity, formed in the oil/water interface due to a specific tetrameric group of naphthenic acids containing high molecular weight (Mw, about 1230 Da), usually named ARN. These acids are made up of four carboxylic acid terminations that allow these species to cross-link with divalent cations (mainly calcium ions) present in the produced water in oil production fields. Herein, we present an alternative method of specific isolation of ARN from calcium naphthenate deposits, which includes cleaning the deposit, followed by converting naphthenate salts into organic acids (naphthenic acids (NAs) and their separation using sequential elution. For this purpose, we used silica-based with aminopropyl groups, a sorbent material previously selected. Thus, they were characterized by high-resolution analytical techniques such as NMR, ESI(–)FT-ICR MS, and ESI(–)Orbitrap MS and complementary such as FTIR. The ESI(–)FT-ICR MS results showed that the strategy provided an optimal separation of acids with a distinct Mw range. The high resolution and mass accuracy indicated that one of the fractions (fourth fraction) concentrated only the ARN species, which they were identified from their characteristic fragmentation patterns by ESI(-)MS/MS experiments, with 94.5% purity. The data from ESI(–)Orbitrap MS corroborated with the FT-ICR MS results, showing consistency in relation to the fractionation provided by the specific isolation of ARN. The integrations of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the acidic fractions highlighted the expressive presence of alkyl compounds and the absence of aromatic hydrogens in the subfraction of interest. Orbitrap MS offered high-resolution power and mass accuracy like FT-ICR MS, proving to be advantageous and promising and elucidating complex mixtures of naphthenic acids with an important differential in the economic viability offered by the technique.

Design of roller compacted concrete composition

Abstract. Problem. World experience shows that high operational performance of road coverings in the conditions of intensive traffic with high speeds of motor transport and sharp braking are provided by introduction of cement concrete. One of the effective solutions for the construction of high-quality, dura-ble, economical pavements is the use of roller-compacted concrete - a no slump concrete with low water-cement ratio, that is placed by an asphalt pav-er similar to asphalt pavement construction. The design of quality mixtures of roller-compacted con-crete is based on performance, construction require-ments and economic efficiency. Goal. The purpose of the work is design the compositions of roller com-pacted concrete and investigation of their strength. Methodology. Roller compacted concrete samples were tested for compressive strength and tensile bending in accordance with DSTU B B.2.7-214:2009. Results. The four variants of mixtures are designed to select the optimal composition of roller compacted cement concrete. The first of one is based on the particle size distribution of aggregate grains in ac-cordance with DSTU B B.2.7-127:2015, the second variant shows the composition of normal-weight cement concrete class C25/30, the third variant is characterized by increased sand fraction and in the fourth composition fine fractions replaced with sand. Road rolled concrete С32/40 Bb b5.2 is designed. Originality. Roller compacted cement concrete for effective road construction technologies is designed, which allows to perform the installation of high per-formance cement-concrete pavement with the use of asphalt pavers and rollers and the possibility of rap-id commissioning of cement-concrete pavement. Practical value. Designed composition of roller compacted concrete with the use of local Ukrainian materials allow to ensure the construction of cost-effective, durable road pavement with the possibility to carry out the movement on the cement concrete pavement after 1-3 days.

Computed Tomography–Guided Optimization of Needle Insertion for Combined Intracavitary/Interstitial Brachytherapy With Utrecht Applicator in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

PurposeThere are no international guidelines for optimal needle insertion during interstitial intracavitary brachytherapy (IS-ICBT) for cervical cancer. We aimed to investigate the clinical feasibility and added value of computed tomography (CT) guidance to optimize needle insertion in IS-ICBT using the Utrecht applicator and to evaluate needle shifts. Methods and MaterialsWe enrolled 24 patients who were treated with interstitial-brachytherapy. Two CT scans each were performed for every patient: (1) after applicator insertion without needles (CTpreneedle) and (2) after needle insertion (CTpostneedle). In addition to magnetic resonance imaging after external-beam radiation therapy, CTpreneedle was used to determine optimal needle locations and insertion lengths based on applicator and organs at risk positioning on the day of treatment; CTpostneedle was used for IS-ICBT planning. The needle-channel axis was used as a reference to determine needle-shift evolution. ResultsA total of 266 interstitial needles were inserted in 76 of 93 BT fractions with high intra- and interpatient variations in the number of inserted needles. Based on CTpreneedle findings, needle insertion was avoided in 9, 4, 2, and 2 patients at the first, second, third, and fourth fractions, respectively. The unloaded needle frequency was 4%. Average needle contribution to total dwell time was 37.2% ± 19.2%. Shifting was observed in 68% of the needles (mean shift 2.0 ± 2.3 mm), mostly in the posterior direction, and in needles with a larger insertion length. Needle reinsertion was not needed in any patient. No complication due to needle insertion was observed, except for minor vaginal bleeding in 1 patient after needle removal. ConclusionsThe adaptive CT-guided IS-ICBT application was feasible and resulted in fewer unloaded needle insertions or complications and more efficient use with higher needle contribution to the treatment. Needle shift was frequent but did not require needle reinsertion with the proposed method.

Acute and Late Toxicity In Breast Cancer Patient That Received Hypofractionated Adjuvant Radiotherapy after Breast Conserving Surgery: A Case Report

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy worldwide. Breastconserving surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy is a preferable treatment option. Hypofractionated radiotherapy is an attractive fractionation scheme because of its shorter treatment duration. This paper aims to report the short-term and long-term toxicity of hypofractionated radiotherapy in breast cancer patients at our institution. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old woman with right breast cancer T2N1M0 had undergone breast-conserving surgery with axilla lymph node dissection. This patient underwent adjuvant whole breast radiotherapy with a dose of 42.56 Gy in 16 fractions followed by tumor bed boost with a dose of 16 Gy in 8 fractions. After undergoing the fourth fraction of boost, she had hyperpigmentation on her radiation area (RTOG skin toxicity grade 1). At the 6-month follow-up, the hyperpigmentation still appeared. Until the 24-month follow-up, after she completed radiotherapy, there was no sign of tumor recurrence and toxicity.Conclusion: Hypofractionated radiotherapy could be an option for breast cancer treatment that provides equivalent local control, survival, and side effects to conventional fractionation radiotherapy.