High Concentrations Research Articles

Systemic low-grade C-reactive protein is associated with proximal symptom spread in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Neuropathic pain is a highly prevalent condition associated with persistent disability. Some patients with neuropathic pain experience symptom spread outside neuroanatomical boundaries; these patients report more severe sensory symptoms and greater disability. However, the mechanisms behind such symptom spread are not fully understood. We used pre-surgical carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as a human model system of neuropathic pain to identify differences in the concentration of serologic inflammatory mediators between patients with CTS with territorial symptoms and those with proximal symptom spread to either the elbow or shoulder/neck. We performed a post-hoc analysis, comparing levels of serologic inflammatory mediators in a discovery cohort among 3 symptoms spread profiles (n = 55; n = 25 no spread, n = 21 spread to elbow, n = 9 spread to shoulder/neck). We then de-novo analysed the significantly dysregulated mediators in an independent validation cohort (n = 72; n = 34 no spread, n = 16 spread to elbow, n = 22 spread to shoulder/neck). The discovery cohort revealed higher serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 in patients with any symptom spread proximal to the wrist; interferon-γ was higher in patients with symptom spread to the elbow compared with those without proximal spread. The validation study replicated the association of higher CRP concentrations in patients with proximal spread to the elbow (no spread: median [interquartile range] 2.5 [5.4]; spread to elbow 6.2 [4.6]; spread to shoulder/neck 2.6 [3.7], P = 0.006). No other markers replicated in the validation cohort. Our findings suggest that proximal symptom spread in the context of neuropathic symptoms is associated with low-grade inflammation.

Assessment of some air pollutants in the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine dei Miracoli (Saronno, Italy) and first evaluation of a new axial passive sampler for nitrogen dioxide

In the present study the concentration of some air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and BTEX, i.e. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) was monitored inside and outside the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine dei Miracoli (Saronno, Italy) by passive air sampling (using radial samplers), during two sampling periods in 2022 (April 27-May 11 and May 11-May 25). Concurrently, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentration was determined by using sensors based on laser scattering technology. Moreover, we took advantage of the location of this sanctuary (proximity to an air monitoring central unit) to evaluate the performance of a new axial-type sampler for nitrogen dioxide. Sulphur dioxide concentration was in the range 0.8–3.1 µg/m3, with outdoor values higher than indoor ones, whereas no detectable concentrations of hydrogen sulphide were found (<0.1 µg/m3). A different trend was observed for ammonia, where indoor concentrations were higher than outdoor ones (3.6–5.5 vs 2.7–3.1 µg/m3). Among BTEX, only for benzene statistical differences (p-value < 0.05) between the indoor and outdoor concentrations were found, suggesting additional indoor sources for this hydrocarbon. Toluene results as the most abundant among these hydrocarbons (1.7–2.3 µg/m3) in outdoor environments, whereas, in indoor environments, benzene has the higher concentration (6–9 µg/m3). The indoor concentrations of NO2 (15.4–22.2 µg/m3 for radial samplers and 48–60 µg/m3 for axial samplers) are not only much higher than the recommended limit values to guarantee proper conservation of artefacts (5 µg/m3), but also close to the values for human health preservation (40 µg/m3), suggesting the need of proper strategy to improve indoor air quality inside the Sanctuary. The preliminary results obtained for the new axial-type sampler for nitrogen dioxide are very encouraging, given the closeness of the obtained concentration data to those measured by monitoring central unit, even though further experiments will have to be carried out to validate this sampler.

Combining dip-coating and rotate-drying to preparation of PDMS on SiC tubular support with macropore for high pervaporation performance

High-performance polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/ceramic tubular pervaporation membranes have potential in industrial separation applications, but realizing the preparation of PDMS layer on the ceramic supports with micrometer-scale pore size (0.8 μm or 4.3 μm) for improving performance remains a challenge. We report a strategy (combined dip-coating and rotate-drying, DCRD) to preparation of PDMS on silicon carbide (SiC) tubular support with macropore. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the dip-coating process, and the influence of friction velocity on tubular composite membranes was investigated. The results indicate that pulling speed, casting solution viscosity, and their interaction have significant effects on the pervaporation performance of PDMS/SiC tubular composite membranes. Moreover, increasing friction velocity results in uneven PDMS layer thickness, which in turn impacts the pervaporation performance of the composite membrane. Furthermore, the rigid structure of SiC restricts the movement of PDMS polymer chains, enabling the composite membrane to maintain stable pervaporation performance at higher isobutanol feed concentrations (3 wt%) or elevated feed temperatures (60 °C). After continuous operation for 200 hours, the developed PDMS/SiC tubular composite membrane consistently maintained the total flux of 650 g·m-2·h-1 and the separation factor of 39 for isobutanol/water. Eventually, this novel fabrication method offers new insights into the preparation of various other organic-inorganic tubular composite membranes.

Indium-free nonmetal and Nb co-doped anatase TiO2 transparent conductive oxide materials for photovoltaic applications: From first-principles calculations to macroscopic simulation

Various researchers have attempted to design indium-free transparent conductive materials. This study first employed density functional theory combined with the Hubbard U parameter to predict the photoelectric properties of nonmetal (B, C, N, F, P, and S) and Nb co-doped anatase TiO2. The results indicate that Ti0.875Nb0.125O1.96875N0.03125, Ti0.9375Nb0.0625O1.96875F0.03125, Ti0.875Nb0.125O1.96875P0.03125 and Ti0.9375Nb0.0625O1.96875S0.03125 possess characteristics of n-type semiconductors with high transmittance, exceptional thermal stability and wide bandgap. Notably, Ti0.9375Nb0.0625O1.96875S0.03125 exhibits optimal electronic conductivity due to its lower effective mass and higher electron concentration. Then, we used the SCAPS-1D solar cell simulation software to simulate the macroscopic characteristics of the MASnI3-based perovskite solar cell with Ti0.9375Nb0.0625O1.96875S0.03125 transparent conductive oxide layer based on the microscopic properties computed at the density functional theory level. A maximum efficiency of 27.17 % is obtained by regulating the thickness, electron affinity, and defect density of Ti0.9375Nb0.0625O1.96875S0.03125 layer and the thickness of MASnI3 absorber layer. The findings highlight the tremendous potential of Ti0.9375Nb0.0625O1.96875S0.03125 as an indium-free transparent conductive oxide candidate material for photovoltaic applications.

Influence of meteorological variables and air pollutants on measurements from automatic pollen sampling devices

This study examines the influence of meteorological factors and air pollutants on the performance of automatic pollen monitoring devices, as part of the EUMETNET Autopollen COST ADOPT-intercomparison campaign held in Munich, Germany, during the 2021 pollen season. The campaign offered a unique opportunity to compare all automatic monitors available at the time, a Plair Rapid-E, a Hund-Wetzlar BAA500, an OPC Alphasense, a KH-3000 Yamatronics, three Swisens Polenos, a PollenSense APS, a FLIR IBAC2, a DMT WIBS-5, an Aerotape Sextant, to the average of four manual Hirst traps, under the same environmental conditions. The investigation aimed to elucidate how meteorological factors and air pollution impact particle capture and identification efficiency.The analysis showed coherent results for most devices regarding the correlation between environmental conditions and pollen concentrations. This reflects on one hand, a significant correlation between weather and airborne pollen concentration, and on the other hand the capability of devices to provide meaningful data under the conditions under which measurements were taken. However, correlation strength varied among devices, reflecting differences in design, algorithms, or sensors used. Additionally, it was observed that different algorithms applied to the same dataset resulted in different concentration outputs, highlighting the role of algorithm design in these systems (monitor + algorithm).Notably, no significant influence from air pollutants on the pollen concentrations was observed, suggesting that any potential difference in effect on the systems might require higher air pollution concentrations or more complex interactions. However, results from some monitors were affected to a minor degree by specific weather variables.Our findings suggest that the application of real-time devices in urban environments should focus on the associated algorithm that classifies pollen taxa. The impact of air pollution, although not to be excluded, is of secondary concern as long as the pollution levels are similar to a large European city like Munich.

Tannic acid strengthen adhesion of poly(AAm-co-GG) hydrogels for multiple solid surfaces repairing

This study aims to develop bio-compatible mechanically robust, adhesive hydrogels using acrylamide and gellan gum. Tannic acid (TA) and N, N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) were used as physical and chemical crosslinkers respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis verified the successful synthesis of hydrogels through free radical addition polymerization. The rheological tests, such as frequency sweep, creep recovery, and amplitude sweep were performed to evaluate the effect of TA on the adhesive behavior and viscoelastic properties of hydrogels. Results highlighted the pivotal role of polymer chain interactions in regulating the adhesive behavior. The tannic acid concentration was varied to assess the adhesive performance, higher tannic acid concentration resulted in improved adherence. The adhesion strength order was received as 33.6 > 18 > 7.56 > 6.7 > 6.23 kPa. The prepared adhesive hydrogels performed exceptionally well on wood, cloth, rubber, glass, and ceramics-like materials. Furthermore, the hydrogels were practically found efficient at low as well as at high temperatures. The low price, high efficiency, easy to synthesize, and bio-friendly. etc. characteristics can make these hydrogels to be applied convincingly as adhesives in the future.

Development of a wet digestion method for the analysis of metal soap in fat, oil, and grease deposits using the Taguchi method

Conventional methods for evaluating lipid-based metal salts in fats, oils and grease (FOG) deposits often fall short in assessing the efficiency of grease interceptors for food service establishment wastewater, primarily due to their inadequate specificity for fatty acid (FA) metal soaps. To address this issue, this study introduces a wet acid digestion method developed for the accurate analysis of metal soap content in FOG samples. The Taguchi experimental design method was used to determine the optimal conditions for digestion including temperature, contact time, solid/liquid ratio and type of acid mixture with the aim of more accurately quantifying metal salt concentrations. This work focused on identifying the most effective acid combinations for digesting FOG to enable analysis of commonly found metals. Extensive comparisons revealed that HNO3:H2SO4:H2O2 (1:2:1) and HNO3:H2O2 (1:3) were particularly effective at 180°C for 16h due to their significant oxidation potential. The HNO3:H2O2 (1:3) mixture yielded the highest concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, and K of 296.38±0.66, 54.95±1.01, 247.65±2.27, and 46.09±3.44mg/g, respectively, aligning with the stringent optimisation principles of the Taguchi method. A one-way ANOVA test validated significant variances in metal contents (p < 0.005), and a t-test indicated a notably higher concentration of Ca compared to other metals. The study presents a sophisticated approach to evaluating the FA metal soap content of FOG ensuring enhanced accuracy and precision compared to established methods.

The shape recovery behavior of compressively deformed Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni alloys

Cylindrical alloys fabricated from shape memory Fe–xMn–5Si–5Ni–yCr were produced by utilizing diverse solid volume fractions through the use of the powder metallurgy and sintering technique. The shape recovery due to compressive force was analyzed and correlated with the volume fractions. A higher concentration of manganese (Mn) will result in a decrease in shape recovery as a result of the formation of oxides, precipitates and unintended intermetallics during the furnace cooling process. The dislocation occurring within and around the grain boundary is another significant factor contributing to the reduction in shape recovery. The increase in chromium (Cr) content reduces the likelihood of dislocation around the grain boundary. The effectiveness of compressive deformation was examined and correlated.

3D printing of rice starch incorporated peanut protein isolate paste: Rheological characterization and simulation of flow properties

This study investigates the viscosity and creep behavior of peanut protein isolate (PPI) paste incorporated with rice starch (RS) for potential applications in 3D printing. The change in flow properties during the 3D printing was also studied by numerical simulation. The paste exhibited shear-thinning behavior with yield stress. The pressure predicted from the Herschel-Bulkley model showed higher values than those derived from the Power-Law model. The PPI and RS levels had negligible influence on velocity and shear rate; however, they showed greater dependence on the inflow rate. The fractional element model described the creep data well (R2 > 0.9). The addition of PPI resulted in increased viscosity, simulated pressure, and mean extrusion force, with similar effects observed for RS, except at higher PPI levels. Furthermore, the 3D-printed objects revealed that deformations were pronounced at low concentrations of PPI and RS, while resolution suffered when employing higher concentrations of PPI and RS. Industrial relevanceUsing peanut protein isolate, a plant-based high protein ingredient in 3D printing, reduces energy consumption, thereby reducing carbon footprints, offers improved functional properties, and diversifies dietary options by offering an alternative protein source from peanuts. The printing is influenced by the rheological properties of food ink. Thus, knowing the rheological properties of food ink can help researchers and industries to prepare food inks with desired properties. The observations of numerical simulation of this work have the potential to offer practical insights for designing 3D printing systems. In summary, this work has the potential to aid in improving and developing food ink for 3D printing, hence enhancing the performance of extrusion-based 3D food printers.

Characterization of natural radioactivity and relative dose due to consumption of edible bivalves inhabiting the Cochin Backwater Lagoon, Kerala, southwestern coast of India

The study on natural radionuclides in edible bivalves from the Cochin backwater lagoon, Kerala, employing alpha spectrometry, revealed higher concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb compared to 238U and 232Th. The annual committed effective dose (ACED) for the adult coastal population was calculated at a range of 1494.9 to 5783.4 μSv y−1, with 210Po being the predominant contributor, responsible for about 85 % of the dose. This highlighted significant health risks, underscored by a calculated cumulative mortality and morbidity risk range between 5.23 × 10−3 and 2.02 × 10−2. These findings emphasized the need for further research and the development of regulatory measures to mitigate exposure risks.

The use of mouthwash containing trimetaphosphate as an adjunct therapy to fluoridated toothpaste reduces enamel demineralization

IntroductionThe decline in dental caries has been attributed to the widespread use of fluoride (F). Two forms of presentation are fluoridated toothpaste (FT) and mouthwash (MW), widely used by the population. Materials and methodsThis study aimed to evaluate in vitro the effects of combining FT and MW, whether supplemented with sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) or not, on dental enamel demineralization. Bovine enamel blocks (n = 60) were selected based on initial surface hardness (SHi) and divided into 5 experimental groups (n = 12 each): I) Placebo Toothpaste (without F/TMP); II) 1100 ppm F Toothpaste (FT); III) 1100F associated with a MW at 100 ppm F (FT + MW 100F); IV) 1100F associated with a MW at 225 ppm F (FT + MW 250F); and V) 1100F associated with a MW at 100 ppm F supplemented with 0.4% TMP (FT + MW 100F-TMP). The blocks were treated twice a day, undergoing 5 pH cycles over 7 days. Thus, the percentage change in surface hardness (%SH), integrated subsurface hardness loss (ΔKHN), and the concentration of F, phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) in the enamel were determined. The data were submitted to ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test (p < 0.001). ResultsThe 1100F group was statistically inferior to the groups associated with MW for %SH, ΔKHN, and the concentration of P and Ca in the enamel (p < 0.001). Blocks treated with FT + MW 225F and FT + MW 100F-TMP showed significantly lower %SH compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). The FT + MW 100F - TMP group exhibited the lowest depth mineral loss (ΔKHN), and higher concentration de P in enamel (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe adjunct use of MW with FT produces a greater protective effect in inhibiting enamel demineralization, and the supplementation of TMP to the MW with 100F provides a superior effect compared to MW with 225F. Clinical significanceThis combination of treatments could be regarded as one of several alternative fluoride supplements for subjects at elevated risk of caries.

Effects of oxygen vacancies on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the photocatalytic InTaO4 compound

We conducted first-principles calculations based on density functional theory to investigate the impact of the oxygen vacancies on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the InTaO4 compound. The latter is a famous photocatalytic semiconductor with its optical absorption in the visible range being an object of controversial interpretations. The presence of two types of isolated oxygen vacancies, O1 and O2, occupying 4g(1) and 4g(2) Wyckoff positions respectively, has been simulated within the frame of the supercell approach. Electronic structure and optical absorption (OA) have been calculated using the Becke-Johnson exchange-correlation potential. It is found that the presence of both types of vacancies generates defect states (DS) inside the band gap, primarily involving In-6s and O-2p states. The calculated valence-to-conduction-band band gap (4.25 eV) and DS-to-conduction-band band gap (2.5 eV) closely align with the experimentally determined OA edges for two onsets of InTaO4 absorption. The analysis of the calculated OA spectra leads to the conclusion that only O1 vacancy-induced absorption is consistent with the experimental OA, while O2 vacancy-induced absorption appears absent. This discrepancy probably arises from a higher concentration of O1 vacancies formed during crystal growth, attributed to the fact that the calculated defect formation energy of O1 vacancy is 0.258 eV lower compared to O2 vacancy. Consequently, the photocatalytic activity of InTaO4 is ascribed to intrinsic defects, primarily O1-type vacancies, though the influence of other defects cannot be entirely ruled out.

Hydrogen generation by hydrolysis of alkaline NaBH4 solution doped with amorphous catalyst Co–Y2O3–B/CNTs

This investigation enhances the catalytic efficiency of Co–B/CNTs for hydrogen production via sodium borohydride hydrolysis by doping with 5%Y2O3. Such doping significantly boosts hydrogen evolution rates, with Co–Y2O3–B/CNTs achieving a production rate of 1083.43 ml g−1·min−1—surpassing Co–B/CNTs by 1.5 times and tripling that of Co–B catalysts. SEM and XRD analyses show Y2O3 doping reduces particle aggregation and maintains the catalyst's amorphous state, thereby increasing the active surface area. Furthermore, XPS analysis demonstrates that introducing yttrium into Co–B/CNTs catalysts improves their surface elemental composition and valence states. This improvement boosts catalyst performance and stability by enhancing electron transfer and particle size optimization. Optimal hydrolysis is achieved at an NaOH concentration of 2.5 mol/L, with higher concentrations diminishing hydrogen production due to increased viscosity from by-product formation. Additionally, Co–Y2O3–B/CNTs catalysts exhibit commendable durability, maintaining more than two-thirds of their initial activity after five reuse cycles, outperforming comparable catalysts to a moderate extent. These findings underscore the beneficial role of Y2O3 in the Co–B/CNTs framework, promoting Y2O3-doped catalysts for their enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and hydrogen production capabilities.

Urea-molasses block supplementation on nutrients digestibility of Yankasa rams fed maize stover

Sixty (60) days of feeding trial was conducted to determine the nutrients digestibility of Yankasa rams fed maize Stover as basal diet, seven (7) days adaptation period for twelve growing Yankasa rams aged between 9-12 months was carried out and were subjected to four (4) dietary treatments with three (3) replicates in a completely randomized design (CRD). The four treatments were, T1 (Maize Stover only (control), T2 (molasses 36%, rice offal 43%, urea 5%, cement 7% salt 9% and basal diet)), T3 (molasses 26%, rice offal 43%, urea 15%, cement 9% salt 7% and basal diet) and T4 ( Molasses 40%, rice offal 39%, urea 10%, cement 4% salt 7% and basal diet), to determine feed intake, growth rate, rumen Nitrogen-ammonia (NH3-N) content and PH, the results of dry matter digestibility ranges from 11.22%-67.01%, crude protein digestibility ranges from 78.96–91.97%, fat digestibility ranges from 96.22–97.23%, crude fibre digestibility ranged from 10.32–28.39%, ash was from 51.66–59.56%. The result shows higher concentration of Ammonia (mg/mol) in T4 (19.97mg/100ml), and the lowest was recorded in T1 (14.95mg/100ml). The rumen pH as observed in all the treatments were within the range of 7.15-8.00 with T4 as the highest and T2 having the lowest, these results showed no significant difference at (P&gt;0.05) between the treatments groups. The study revealed that rams in treatment (T2) generally gave a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) higher performance in terms of dry matter intake and live weight gain. From the results obtained in this study, urea-molasses treatment of maize stover improved crude protein contents and digestibility, consequently, an economic decision had been proved in the used of urea-molasses treated maize stover as an animal feed which improved the nitrogen (protein) contents of the treated Stover, energy and soluble carbohydrate. The use of urea-molasses treatment is safe, economical, socially acceptable, and environmentally friendly and can be applied easily on the farm with high probability of being adopted by farmers.

The Impact of Combined Sewer Overflows on Pharmaceutical and Illicit Drug Levels in New York/New Jersey Waterways.

Pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse are organic micropollutants of emerging concern in both surface and groundwater worldwide. These compounds are considered to be pseudo-persistent because of their continuous release into water systems. The presence of these compounds in the environment at any concentration poses a potential risk to nontarget organisms. The main sources of these contaminants are wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The primary goal of our study was to identify and quantify a panel of 28 commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals (mood-altering drugs, cardiovascular drugs, antacids, antibiotics) and high-prevalence drugs of abuse (cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, cannabis) in river water samples collected from 19 locations in the Hudson and East rivers in New York City. The second goal was to investigate the possible source (WWTP or CSOs) of these micropollutants. Samples were collected weekly from May to August 2021 (n = 224) and May to August 2022 (n = 232), and placed at -20 °C until analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The most frequently detected analytes in 2021 were metoprolol (n = 206, 92%), benzoylecgonine (n = 151, 67%), atenolol (n = 142, 63%), and methamphetamine (n = 118, 53%), and in 2022 the most frequently detected were methamphetamine (n = 194, 84%), atenolol (n = 177, 76%), metoprolol (n = 177, 76%), and 2-ethylene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (n = 159, 69%). Measured concentrations ranged from the limit of detection (0.50-5.00 ng/L) to 103 ng/L. More drugs and higher concentrations were detected in water contaminated by Enterococci (>60 most probably number) and after rainfall, indicating the influence of CSOs. The presence of drugs in samples with little to no Enterococci and after dry weather events indicates that WWTPs contribute to the presence of these substances in the river, probably due to a low removal rate. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-12. © 2024 SETAC.

Vancomycin Dosing and Its Association With Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Patients Under 3 Months of Age.

The standard vancomycin regimen for term neonates is 45 mg/kg/day. However, the optimal starting vancomycin dosing for achieving therapeutic levels in young infants in cardiac intensive care units remains unknown. Moreover, data on the association of supratherapeutic vancomycin levels with acute kidney injury (AKI) are limited. Retrospective study of infants ≤3 months old, receiving vancomycin following congenital heart surgery at postoperative intensive care unit admission. Assessed were vancomycin dosing, achievement of therapeutic trough concentration of 10-20 mg/L and development of AKI, based on the modified Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Inclusion criteria were met by 109 patients with a median age of 8 days (IQR: 6-16). The mean (SD) vancomycin dose required for achieving therapeutic concentration was 28.9 (9.1) mg/kg at the first postoperative day. Multivariate logistic regression identified higher preoperative creatinine levels and shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time as predictors of supratherapeutic vancomycin concentrations (c-index 0.788). During the treatment course, 62 (56.9%) developed AKI. Length of stay and mortality were higher in those who developed AKI as compared with those who did not. Multivariate logistic regression identified higher vancomycin concentration as a predictor for postoperative AKI, OR, 3.391 (95% CI: 1.257-9.151), P = 0.016 (c-index 0.896). Our results support a lower starting vancomycin dose of ~30 mg/kg/day followed by an early personalized therapeutic approach, to achieve therapeutic trough concentrations of 10-20 mg/L in cardiac postoperative term infants. Supratherapeutic concentrations are associated with an increased risk for AKI, which is prevalent in this population and associated with adverse outcomes.

Atomic and Electronic Structures of Co-Doped In2O3 from Experiment and Theory.

The synthesis and properties of stoichiometric, reduced, and Co-doped In2O3 are described in the light of several experimental techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, porosimetry, and density functional theory (DFT) methods on appropriate models. DFT-based calculations provide an accurate prediction of the atomic and electronic structure of these systems. The computed lattice parameter is linearly correlated with the experimental result in the Co concentration ranging from 1.0 to 5.0%. For higher Co concentrations, the theoretical-experimental analysis of the results indicates that the dopant is likely to be preferentially present at surface sites. The analysis of the electronic structure supports the experimental assignment of Co2+ for the doped material. Experiments and theory find that the presence of Co has a limited effect on the material band gap.

The efficacy of intravenous application of the Mycobacterium Cell Wall Fraction (AMPLIMUNE) in the treatment of subclinical mastitis caused by S. Aureus.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the immunostimulant Mycobacterium Cell Wall Fraction (MCWF) on the treatment of S. aureus SCM by intravenous application. The study included 45 HF dairy cows in 2nd and 3rd month after parturition divided into three groups (n = 15 per group): the MC + group - cows with S. aureus SCM treated with MCWF; the MC- group - cows with S. aureus SCM, with no treatment; and the C group - the control group of healthy cow with no treatment. Samples were collected 0th (I sample), 7th (II), and 14th day (III) from the day of SCM diagnosis and on day 21st (IV). A greater influx of leukocytes was confirmed into milk after 7 days after MCWF treatment in MC + group, which was followed by increase of WBC and LYM in blood. These results support the hypothesis of effective action of MCWF, and in quarters with lower-grade infection, bacteriological cure was achieved. The MC- group had a statistically higher concentration of TBARS and CAT activity in milk, while MC + group had lower blood serum LDH activity, which indicates a positive effect of the MCWF application and a lower exposure of the tissue to lipide peroxidation and inflammation caused by S. aureus. The application of MCWF would give new possibilities in the prevention and therapy of mammary gland diseases without fear of the presence of residues and the emergence of bacterial resistance. In future studies, the effects of local and systemic application of MCWF in the treatment of S. aureus SCM should be compared.

Comparative study of Scleromitrion diffusum and Oldenlandia corymbosa: Microscopy, TLC, HPLC, and antioxidant activity.

Quality control of herbal medicines is crucial, especially the role of herbal drug identification. This is essential for preventing the misuse of herbs, which can affect efficacy or cause toxicity. Scleromitrion diffusum is a common herb, yet it is often mistaken for Oldenlandia corymbosa. This study analyzed the morphology, microscopy, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using two markers, asperuloside and scandoside methyl ester, to distinguish between S. diffusum and O. corymbosa with the analysis included 10 samples of S. diffusum and 10 samples of O. corymbosa collected from the Taiwan market. By quantifying the total polyphenols and flavonoids, we investigated the antioxidant activity, including the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging effect, 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) scavenging effect, and reducing power to further elucidate the biological effects of the two herbs. The results of this study revealed notable differences in microscopy and suggested a TLC method for distinguishing between the two herbs in the market. In HPLC, the ratios of asperuloside and scandoside methyl ester differed between the two herbs. S. diffusum contained a higher asperuloside content. In contrast, O. corymbosa contained higher concentrations of scandoside methyl esters. With more total polyphenols and flavonoids in S. diffusum than those in O. corymbosa, the antioxidant activity of S. diffusum was superior to that of O. corymbosa. This study provides a comprehensive understanding for the identification and quality evaluation of S. diffusum in the market. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study consolidates and clarifies the morphological and microscopic differences between Scleromitrion diffusum and Oldenlandia corymbosa - a common adulterant species of S. diffusum on the Taiwan markets. Using Asperuloside and Scandoside methyl ester as two chemical markers, the study proposes a TLC method for rapidly testing S. diffusum and O. corymbosa on the market. Through HPLC analysis, our results showed that S. diffusum and O. corymbosa had a clear difference in the ratio of two markers, Asperuloside and Scandoside methyl ester: Asperuloside/Scandoside methyl ester in S. diffusum is higher than that in O. corymbosa. Through phytochemicals contents, including total phenols content, flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity, including DPPH, ABTS•+ scavenging activity, and reducing power, S. diffusum showed slightly higher levels of phenols and flavonoids as well as a better antioxidant activity than O. corymbosa.

Dispersion quality of aqueously dispersed MWCNT affected by step sonication process and its impact on mechanical strength of cement paste: A comparison between polycarboxylate based high range water reducers and air entraining agent

It has been widely reported that the application of high-level ultrasonic energy during dispersion process of carbon nanotube causes damage on the carbon nanotube and reduces its mechanical performance. However, if the amount of ultrasonic energy is insufficient, the quality of carbon nanotube dispersion becomes poorer so that the effect caused by carbon nanotube reinforcement is minimized. In this work, the step sonication process, which divides a prolonged sonication into a few separate cycles while maintaining the same level of ultrasonic energy, is applied since this process can improve dispersion of carbon nanotube without causing serious damage. Commercially available polycarboxylate ester, polycarboxylate, and air entraining agent were used as dispersing agents. The effect caused by step sonication and type of dispersing agent on dispersion quality of multi-walled carbon nanotube was evaluated, and their impacts on mechanical strength development of cement paste were analyzed. According to the experimental results, step sonication process improved the quality of multi-walled carbon nanotube dispersion when polycarboxylate ester and polycarboxylate were used. Step sonication process was found to be more effective for multi-walled carbon nanotube suspension with higher concentration. Among all dispersing agents, air entraining agent was found to be the best dispersing agent showing 2 times higher UV absorption peak than polycarboxylate and polycarboxylate ester, but the application of air entraining agent caused 40–65% reduction in compressive strength due to the air entrainment. It was also found that dispersion quality of multi-walled carbon nanotube affected flexural strength more significantly than compressive strength.