High Amounts Research Articles

Concurrent Perioperative Benzodiazepine and Opioid Utilization in Opioid-Naive Patients Undergoing Soft Tissue Hand Surgery.

While concomitant opioid and benzodiazepine use is discouraged due to an increased risk of sedation/overdose, the extent of perioperative opioid utilization in hand surgery patients already using benzodiazepines is unknown. Using an administrative claims database, we identified adults undergoing carpal tunnel, DeQuervain, or trigger finger release, palmar fasciectomies, ganglion/mucoid cyst removals, and hand/wrist soft tissue mass excisions from 2011 to 2021. We identified opioid-naive patients with a benzodiazepine prescription within 90 days before surgery. Outcomes included the percentage of patients prescribed opioids and the amount of opioids prescribed, new persistent opioid utilization, postoperative emergency department (ED) visits, hand therapy utilization, and opioid overdose. We used multivariable regression models to adjust for age, sex, region, insurance, procedure, and comorbidities. Patients with benzodiazepine utilization had a higher adjusted odds of perioperative opioid prescriptions, amount of opioids filled, and new, persistent opioid use compared with patients without benzodiazepine use (all P < .001). In the multivariable analysis, patients with benzodiazepine use received +30.8 (95% CI: 28.9-32.8) morphine milligram equivalents and had an odds ratio of 1.48 (95% CI: 1.44-1.52) for developing new, persistent opioid use compared with patients without benzodiazepine use. Patients with preoperative benzodiazepine use also had increased postoperative ED visits and hand therapy utilization. Opioid-naive patients undergoing soft tissue hand surgery who are using benzodiazepines were prescribed opioids more frequently/at higher amounts and experienced an increased odds of developing new, persistent opioid use. Surgeons could consider reducing opioid prescriptions in patients already using benzodiazepines in favor of nonopioid pain strategies.

Home math environment as a mediator of socioeconomic differences in early math skills: A study of Chinese families from disparate backgrounds.

Children exhibit substantial variation in their early math skills, with pronounced achievement gaps by socioeconomic status (SES) observable even before formal schooling. These SES-related differences in math skills are long-standing and globally observed, prompting investigations into how SES variations in home math environment contribute to early math development. The present study employed a mixed-methods design to examine the relations among SES, key aspects of home math environment, and early math skills in a non-Western context. The sample comprised 122 Chinese parents and their preschool children (Mage = 5.25 years, 52% female) from diverse SES backgrounds. Quantitative analyses indicated that low-SES parents experienced higher math anxiety (large effect) but also placed greater value on math (small effect). Although the frequency of formal math activities did not differ by SES, high-SES parents engaged more in informal math activities and provided math talk with higher quantity and diversity (small effects). Crucially, the study identified parents' math anxiety and the frequency of informal activities as mediators of SES-related differences in early math skills. Qualitative analyses further revealed that low-SES parents viewed math as essential for future success but defined it more narrowly, focusing mainly on formal practices of concrete skills. The implications for future research and practice are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Machine learning approach for predicting tramp elements in the basic oxygen furnace based on the compiled steel scrap mix

In the blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace route, pig iron and steel scrap are used as resources for steel production. The scrap content can consist of many different types of scrap varying in origin and composition. This makes it difficult to compile the scrap mix and predict the future chemical analysis in the converter. When compiling the scrap mix, steel manufacturers often rely on experience and trials. In this paper, we present a machine learning approach based on XGBoost to predict the chemical element content in the converter. Data from around 115000 heats were analyzed and a model was developed to better predict the content of the tramp elements copper, chromium, molybdenum, phosphorus, nickel, tin and sulphur at the end of the basic oxygen furnace process. The study shows that it is possible to predict the chemical element content for tramp elements in the converter based solely on data available in advance and routinely collected without the necessity of additional sensors or analysis of input material. Given the nature of scrap classifications for (external) scrap types, this is non-trivial. Furthermore, an online model was implemented, accessible via a defined synchronous interface, which allows to optimize the use of different scrap types by predicting the chemical content at the end of the basic oxygen furnace process and simulating with new combinations of input material. Not all types of steel scrap are always available. With the model developed, new scrap input constellations can now be created to ensure that the quality of the melt is maintained. However, for very accurate predictions, the data from the upstream processes must be of high quality and quantity. Efficient scrap management, monitoring of the scrap input and confusion checks.

Coffee Pulp from Azores: A Novel Phytochemical-Rich Food with Potential Anti-Diabetic Properties.

Coffee pulp, a by-product of wet coffee processing, shows significant potential in the food and health domains, but its real applications remain underexplored. This work investigated the chemical composition and bioactive properties of coffee pulp from São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal). The studied coffee pulp exhibited high fiber content (52% dw), mostly insoluble; notable mineral levels (10.6%), mainly K, Ca, and Mg; and 6% dw of total amino acids, with hydroxyproline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and leucine in higher amounts. Despite containing low fat (1.6% dw), mainly saturated, it also showed considerable amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids with a favorable n6/n3 ratio (1.40) and vitamin E (α-, β-, and γ-tocopherols). Its antioxidant capacity can be partially explained by the chlorogenic acid content (9.2 mg/g dw), and caffeine (0.98%) was present in similar amounts to those observed in some arabica coffee beans. A decrease in glucose uptake in Caco-2 cells was found, but not in fructose, suggesting selective inhibition of SGLT1 and potential antidiabetic effects. These results show that Azorean coffee pulp has potential as a sustainable and bioactive ingredient for incorporation into functional foods or dietary supplements.

Adverse effects of dichlofluanid on neotropical marine organisms

This study aimed at evaluating the chronic and acute toxicity of dichlofluanid, an antifouling biocide, on marine invertebrates. Chronic toxicity tests with waterborne dichlofluanid were conducted with embryos of the sea-urchin Echinometra lucunter and ovigerous females of the copepod Nitocra sp. Chronic and acute toxicity tests with sediments spiked with dichlofluanid were performed with Nitocra sp. and the amphipod Tiburonella viscana, respectively, considering sediments with low and high quantities of organic matter. Toxicity was above the environmental concentrations reported in the literature for water. Toxicity to embryos of E. lucunter occurred from 1 μg/L, with effective concentrations to 50% organisms (EC50-40h) estimated as 198.5 (84.6–466.1) μg/L. For the copepod, toxicity started at 100 μg/L, and EC50-7d was 566.4 (304.0–738.4) μg/L. No sediment toxicity was observed to Nitocra sp., while significant effects on the amphipods occurred from 1000 ng/g. Sediments with high organic matter were more toxic. Dichlofluanid may be toxic to marine invertebrates; however, in sediments, its toxicity may be influenced by the amount of OM, since organically enriched sediments exhibited higher toxicity.

Research on the ordering strategy problem in supply chain with profit allocation under two-level price-fluctuation sales.

This paper investigates optimal ordering strategies in supply chains under two-level price fluctuations and initial profit allocation. By utilizing Copula functions to model the complex relationship between fluctuating prices and uncertain demand, the study develops both continuous and discrete decision models for practical applications. A discrete algorithm is proposed to approximate the optimal solution, with its convergence rigorously proven. Numerical experiments demonstrate that profit allocation ratios significantly impact optimal order quantities and overall supply chain profit. Price fluctuations, particularly at the discount level, present critical challenges, necessitating flexible and adaptive ordering strategies. The study also investigates the influence of different Copula relationships on optimal ordering decisions, revealing how varying market conditions-from moderate price sensitivity to high volatility-affect optimal order quantities. By examining ordering strategies in the context of profit allocation contracts, this research offers a new perspective on how supply chain members can collaboratively navigate uncertain markets. The findings provide actionable insights for managers to mitigate risks, improve coordination, and seize new opportunities. Extending traditional models to incorporate price fluctuations and profit allocation, this study makes theoretical and practical contributions to supply chain management, offering robust strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience.

Response surface methodology and repeated-batch fermentation strategies for enhancing lipid production from marine oleaginous Candida parapsilosis Y19 using orange peel waste

Oleaginous yeasts are considered promising sources for lipid production due to their ability to accumulate high levels of lipids under appropriate growth conditions. The current study aimed to isolate and identify oleaginous yeasts having superior ability to accumulate high quantities of lipids; and enhancing lipid production using response surface methodology and repeated-batch fermentation. Results revealed that, twenty marine oleaginous yeasts were isolated, and the most potent lipid producer isolate was Candida parapsilosis Y19 according to qualitative screening test using Nile-red dye. Orange peels was used as substrate where C. parapsilosis Y19 produced 1.14 g/l lipids at 23.0% in batch fermentation. To enhance the lipid production, statistical optimization using Taguchi design through Response surface methodology was carried out. Total lipids were increased to 2.46 g/l and lipid content increased to 30.7% under optimal conditions of: orange peel 75 g/l, peptone 7 g/l, yeast extract 5 g/l, inoculum size 2% (v/v), pH 5 and incubation period 6 d. Furthermore, repeated-batch fermentation of C. parapsilosis Y19 enhanced lipid production where total lipids increased at 4.19 folds (4.78 g/l) compared to batch culture (before optimization). Also, the lipid content was increased at 1.7 folds (39.1%) compared to batch culture (before optimization). Fatty acid profile of the produced lipid using repeated-batch fermentation includes unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) at 74.8% and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) at 25.1%. Additionally, in repeated-batch fermentation, the major fatty acid was oleic acid at 45.0%; followed by linoleic acid at 26.0%. In conclusion, C. parapsilosis Y19 is considered a promising strain for lipid production. Also, both statistical optimizations using RSM and repeated-batch fermentation are efficient methods for lipid production from C. parapsilosis Y19.

Geographic disparities impacting oral vaccine performance: Observations and future directions.

Oral vaccines have several advantages compared with parenteral administration: they can be relatively cheap to produce in high quantities, easier to administer, and induce intestinal mucosal immunity that can protect against infection. These characteristics have led to successful use of oral vaccines against rotavirus, polio, and cholera. Unfortunately, oral vaccines for all three diseases have demonstrated lower performance in the highest-burden settings where they are most needed. Rotavirus vaccines are estimated to have >85% effectiveness against hospitalization in children <12 months in countries with low child mortality, but only ~65% effectiveness in countries with high child mortality. Similarly, oral polio vaccines have lower immunogenicity in developing country settings compared with high-resource settings. Data are more limited for oral cholera vaccines, but suggest lower titers among children compared with adults, and, for some vaccines, lower efficacy in endemic settings compared with non-endemic settings. These disparities are likely multifactorial, and available evidence suggests a role for maternal factors (e.g., transplacental antibodies, breastmilk), host factors (e.g., genetic polymorphisms-with the best evidence for rotavirus-or previous infection), and environmental factors (e.g., gut microbiome, coinfections). Overall, these data highlight the rather ambiguous and often contradictory nature of evidence on factors affecting oral vaccine response, cautioning against broad extrapolation of outcomes based on one population or one vaccine type. Meaningful impact on performance of oral vaccines will likely only be possible with a suite of interventions, given the complex and multifactorial nature of the problem and the degree to which contributing factors are intertwined.

Histological Research and Phytochemical Characterization of Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. from Bihor County, Romania.

Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. (CBP) is a species with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects. We have chosen to study this species because, although it is a common plant with a distinctive fruit appearance, its effects are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the histoanatomy of the vegetative, reproductive organs and to characterize CBP extracts in terms of bioactive compounds and its antioxidant capacity. This study investigated the quantitative chemical composition of this species using the HPLC method, revealing the total content in polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and investigated the antioxidant potential through fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP assay), cupric ion (Cu2+) reduction, (CUPRAC assay), and a free radical scavenging method (DPPH). Our results show that CBP is a rich source of flavonoids, mainly from the extract obtained from the fruits; it has an antioxidant capacity, with the highest values being obtained from mature flowers and ripe fruits. Of the active principles, the highest amounts, according to HPLC determinations, were obtained in flowers and are represented by hyperoside. Thus, we can recommend the studied species for phytopharmaceutical preparations.

AAVone: A Cost-Effective, Single-Plasmid Solution for Efficient AAV Production with Reduced DNA Impurities.

Currently, the most common approach for manufacturing GMP-grade adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors involves transiently transfecting mammalian cells with three plasmids that carry the essential components for production. The requirement for all three plasmids to be transfected into a single cell and the necessity for high quantities of input plasmid DNA, limits AAV production efficiency, introduces variability between production batches, and increases time and labor costs. Here, we developed an all-in-one, single-plasmid AAV production system, called AAVone. In this system, the adenovirus helper genes ( E2A , E4orf6 , and VA RNA ), packaging genes ( rep and cap ), and the vector transgene cassette are consolidated into a single compact plasmid with a 13-kb backbone. The AAVone system achieves a two- to four-fold increase in yields compared to the traditional triple-plasmid system. Furthermore, the AAVone system exhibits low batch-to-batch variation and eliminates the need for fine-tuning the ratios of the three plasmids, simplifying the production process. In terms of vector quality, AAVs generated by the AAVone system show similar in vitro and in vivo transduction efficiency, but a substantial reduction in sequences attributed to plasmid backbones and a marked reduction in non-functional snap-back genomes. In Summary, the AAVone platform is a straightforward, cost-effective, and highly consistent AAV production system - making it particularly suitable for GMP-grade AAV vectors.

Characterizations of rice husk based silica made from acid leaching extraction method

Rice husk is a material that is greatly acquired through agriculture, which opens up as a source for silica. It available in high quantity that has potential to be used in the concrete. Consequently, this research aims to address this gap by extracting and characterizing the silica from rice husks using the acid leaching method. The different leaching duration of for 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours is the main point of focus in this research. Leaching was done using 0.1 M HCl at room temperature. The XRD, EDX, and SEM are used to characterize the silica. The outcome has been achieved for leaching a period of 24 hour at room temperature was optimal for producing amorphous silica with minimal crystalline and smoothest surface morphology. The study explores an energy efficient and mass production method for silica extraction from rice husks.

The Impact of Cell-Intrinsic STAT6 Protein on Donor T Cell-Mediated Graft-Versus-Tumor Effect.

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is mainly performed to restore an anti-tumor immune response, called the graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect, against leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma. This GVT reactivity is driven by donor T cells, and it can also cause lethal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We previously demonstrated that the colonization of mice with helminths preserves the GVT response while suppressing GVHD. As the T helper-2 (Th2) pathway is critical to helminthic immune regulation, we asked whether the genetic induction of Th2 signaling in donor T cells can restore helminthic immune regulation after BMT. Our studies utilized transgenic donor T lymphocytes that overexpress a constitutively active form of the Th2-associated transcription factor STAT6. Constitutively active STAT6 sustained the GVT response without causing severe acute GVHD, where transgenic T cells generated robust quantities of cytotoxic proteins important in GVT response, such as granzymes A and B, interferon-γ and Fas ligand, in addition to generating high quantities of Th2/regulatory cytokines. Bioinformatic analysis based on chromosome immune precipitation experiments indicated that STAT6 stimulates the expression of granzymes directly. Thus, in preserving the GVT response without causing GVHD mortality, our results indicate the therapeutic potential of restoring helminthic immune modulation by targeting STAT6 and STAT6-dependent T cell maturation.

A Successful Approach to Extracted Human mtDNA and Amplify some Genes from FFPE Samples

Tissues that have been paraffin-embedded and fixed in formalin (FFPE) are a significant diagnostic resource for molecular and pathophysiological methods of cancer and numerous other illnesses. The most difficult obstacle is obtaining high-quality of DNA from FFPE tissues, especially mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), as formalin fixation significantly compromises the integrity of DNA. To extract mtDNA, the Geneaid gSYNCTM DNA kit (cat#GS100) was used with fifty breast cancer tissues (block). To check the mtDNA quality, specific primers for the following genes, ATP6 gene (8527-9024) and D-Loop region (256-16277), were used to run a PCR reaction. Our data showed that the mtDNA was successfully extracted with high quantity and quality. The two genes were amplified via PCR with very high rate (97% average). In conclusion, the method described here has many possibilities for applications in various molecular research projects involving FFPET substances. It can be used to obtain a high quantity and quality of mtDNA from FFPE samples for different molecular diagnostic and research methods such as PCR, qPCR, Sanger sequencing, and whole genome sequencing.

Snake Venom Pharmacokinetics and Acute Toxic Outcomes Following Daboia siamensis Envenoming: Experimental and Clinical Correlations.

An understanding of snake venom pharmacokinetics is essential for determining clinical outcomes of envenoming and developing therapeutic approaches to the treatment of envenoming, especially regarding the timing and optimal dosage of antivenom administration. Daboia siamensis (Eastern Russell's viper) envenoming causes systemic coagulopathy and severe hemorrhage including acute kidney injury. These toxic outcomes can be diminished by the administration of high quantities of Russell's viper antivenom. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the clinical profiles of D. siamensis envenomed patients and experimental data by measuring plasma venom concentration and conducting histopathological analyses of heart, kidney, and liver tissues in rats 6 h after experimental D. siamensis envenomation. Intramuscular (i.m.) administration of D. siamensis venom to anesthetized rats (200 µg/kg) resulted in a rapid absorption of venom which reached a peak concentration at 60 min before declining and then plateauing. Urine samples detected 209.3 ± 21.6 ng/mL of D. siamensis venom following i.m. administration at 6 h. Histopathological studies showed morphological changes in heart, kidney, and liver tissues following 3 h experimental envenoming and exhibited a higher degree of severity at 6 h. A retrospective study of the clinical profile and laboratory examination of Russell's viper envenomed patients in Central Thailand was also evaluated, showing that systemic coagulopathy and local effects were commonly observed in the early stage of D. siamensis envenoming. An abnormal increase in creatinine levels was found in 13.6% of the population. Early administration of specific antivenom within 1-2 h following envenoming is highly recommended to prevent life-threatening outcomes such as severe coagulation and acute kidney injury.

Photosynthetic response of Solidago gigantea Aition and Calamagrostis epigejos L. (Roth) to complex environmental stress on heavy metal contaminated sites

Studies of in situ plant response and adaptation to complex environmental stresses, are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of formation and functioning of ecosystems of anthropogenically transformed habitats. We study short- and long-term responses of photosynthetic apparatus (PSA) and anti-oxidant capacity to complex abiotic stresses of common plants Calamagrostis epigejos and Solidago gigantea in semi-natural (C) and heavy metal contaminated habitats (LZ). We found significant differences in leaf pigment content between both plant species growing on LZ plots and their respective C populations. The average values of leaf chlorophyll indexes were 27% lower in the LZ populations of both species and significantly lower in Sg plants in comparison to Ce ones. The average values of the anthocyanin index in CeLZ and SgLZ populations were significantly higher (by 18%) than in their respective controls. In both Ce and Sg plants occurring on LZ plots, the average leaf flavonol indexes were higher than on their controls by 31% and 15% and this index was significantly higher in SgLZ population than CeLZ and CeC plants (by 34% and 54%, respectively). Both Ce and Sg populations growing on LZ plots showed significantly lower photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) in comparison to controls. On the other hand, a significantly higher photosynthetic rate was detected in SgLZ than in CeLZ populations. The catalase activities were significantly higher than recorded in Sg than in Ce tissues, irrespective of the plot type. They were also higher in LZ populations than those in controls for both species. Moreover, the H2O2 content in Sg tissues was significantly higher than those in Ce. Hydrogen peroxide content in CeLZ and SgLZ were respectively 39% (non-significant) and 57% higher, compared to their controls. The reverse pattern was found in the case of MDA, whose concentration was significantly higher in the leaves of Ce population compared to the control population. The average MDA concentration in CeLZ populations was 17% higher than in the CeC. In the case of Sg no significant differences were found. Mechanisms of plant species adaptation to industrial areas are crucial for species selection and planning effective reclamation of them. The analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence induction curves as well as well as the results of JIP test revealed the decreased of Fj value despite positive ΔK–band in SgLZ and CeLZ plants suggesting the increased rate of electron transfer from QA to QB at the acceptor side of PSII, thus a high quantity of P680+ and/or effective quenching by exogenous molecules. The increase in the I–P part of the induction curve typically attributed to the reduction of electron transporters (ferredoxin, intermediary acceptors, and NADP) of the PSI acceptor side was observed in both SgC and SgLZ but not in CeLZ populations. These changes demonstrate species-specific effects on electron transport during the light phase of photosynthesis under complex environmental stress. Our results show that Sg and Ce individuals developed a range of structural and functional adaptations to protect PSA against complex environmental stresses (possible combination of heavy metals, water deficiency, temperature, nutrient deficiency and salinity). Both species from LZ plots could tolerate high levels of Cd, Zn and Pb in leaf tissues. Therefore they can be potential candidates for use in phytoremediation of HM contaminated areas. However, further long-term field and experimental research on plant traits response and adaptation to complex environmental stresses on industrial habitats are needed.

Reduction of gossypol in cottonseed meal using halophilic archaeal fermentation for enhanced feed safety and nutritional value

This study investigated the capacity of halophilic archaea fermentation to detoxify gossypol, a poisonous polyphenolic compound present in cottonseed meal, a major protein source in animal feed. The objective of the study was to investigate the ability of the fermentation process of using halophilic archaeal fermentation to decrease the level of gossypol in cottonseed meal as well as to increase the protein content of the diets. Halophilic microorganisms are able to survive in harsh environmental conditions, offer a potential answer for difficult industrial operations. Cottonseed meal contains high quantities of gossypol, was subjected to fermentation with the halophilic archaeon Halorubrum ezzemoulense in order to reduce gossypol levels and enhance protein content. The study entailed the fermentation of cottonseed meal with H. ezzemoulense, and the amounts of gossypol in the feeds before and after fermentation were assessed using HPLC. Results showed that there was significant (p&amp;lt;0.05) reduction (5.59±0.17 mg/kg) in the gossypol level after microbial fermentation compared to the control which was (139.03±7.17 mg/kg). The protein and lipid content of substrate increased significantly (p&amp;lt;0.05). These analyses revealed modifications in the nutritional values as a result of the fermentation process. The findings indicated a substantial decrease in gossypol levels, coupled with a remarkable rise in protein content. This novel technology not only tackled the drawbacks linked to cottonseed meal but also highlighted the capacity of halophilic archaea fermentation as a sustainable and efficient technique for enhancing the nutritional value of animal feed. Further research could focus on optimizing fermentation, exploring scale-up possibilities, and evaluating broader implications for the livestock industry.

Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts from Scabiosa atropurpurea L.

Scabiosa atropurpurea L. is a medicinal herb that has been traditionally employed for the treatment of diverse ailments. This work aimed to determine the phytochemical composition and assess the antioxidant capacity of aqueous and methanolic extracts derived from the aerial part of S. atropurpurea L., which grows in Algeria. The content of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and many other bioactive components was measured using colorimetric methods. The antioxidant capabilities were evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging, iron chelating, reducing power, and phosphomolybdate models. The quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that CrE had a greater amount of polyphenols and flavonoids, with 114.13±0.92µg GAE/mg DE and 100.57±0.93 µg QE/mg DE, respectively. AE had the greatest value of condensed tannins, with 41.04±0.64 µg CE/mg DE. AE exhibited a potential impact on iron chelating and reducing power tests. Nevertheless, AE and CrE exhibited significant efficacy in DPPH scavenging and phosphomolybdate testing. The findings suggest that extracts derived from S. atropurpurea have a high quantity of phytochemical components and exhibit notable antioxidant properties, making them a potential source of natural antioxidants.

LC-MS/MS Analysis and Biological Activities of Different Parts of Ziziphora capitate L.

The Ziziphora species, classified under the Lamiaceae family, have a strong aromatic property. Ziziphora species have been used in folk medicine as sedative, gastric, aphrodisiac, bloating, and degassing. In the current study, the phenolic and flavanoid content of ethanol extracts of Ziziphora capitata L. species of flower, leaf, branch, mixed, and root parts was determined by the LC-MS/MS device. In addition, the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the extracts, as well as their inhibitory effects on enzymes (antihypertensive, AchE (acetylcholinesterase), BchE (butyrylcholinesterase), elastase, tyrosinase, collagenase and urease), were determined. The LC-MS/MS results showed that quinic acid (25578, 5842, 25171, 14055, 10597 µg g-1, respectively) was found in higher amounts in flower, leaf, branch, mixed, and root extracts of Z. capitata species compared to other components. Additionally, rosmarinic acid (17097 µg g-1), cynaroside (8432), and hesperidin (8067) were found to be major components. It was observed that the flower extract of the species exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50: 37.18±1.36 µg mL-1, 9.89±0.45, A0.5:16.27±0.02, respectively) in DPPH, ABTS and CUPRAC methods. It was concluded that the leaf extract of Z. capitata species had a strong cytotoxic effect on HT-29 (colon cancer cell line) (viability %: 9.26±0.69). It was observed that the root part of the species exhibited higher activity in butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme inhibition activity (inhibition %: 40.56±0.88) than other parts. It was determined that Z. capitata extracts did not show acetylcholinesterase, urease, tyrosinase, elastase, collagenase, and antihypertensive enzyme activity or showed low activity. As a result, it is thought that the flower extract of the Z. capitata species has better results in terms of the examined parameters, whereas the leaf extract needs to be subjected to more detailed in vitro and in vivo research conducted to be used in the pharmaceutical industry as a result of its cytotoxic effect against colon cancer cell lines.

New manufacturing technology for rumen-protected fat using Apis mellifera beeswax: yield, characterization, and ruminant feeding.

This study aimed to develop, characterize, and validate an encapsulant based on beeswax (BW) for rumen-protected fat (RPF) using the melting emulsification technique. Buriti oil (BO) was used as the core material, and BW was used as the encapsulating material at three different proportions of BW:BO (9:1, 4:1, and 2:1g/g ratio respectively). RPF microspheres (BWBO9:1, BWBO4:1, and BWBO2:1) were characterized and tested in six 3-year-old castrated male Santa Ines sheep (average body weight of 56.5 ± 5.23kg), fistulated and cannulated in the rumen, and randomly distributed in double Latin square design with 3 treatments × 3 periods. The microencapsulation efficiency increased with the addition of BO in the RPF ranging from 73 to 83%. There was a significant linear increase in the dry matter degradability (DMD) of BWBO2:1 (p < 0.05), stabilizing 12h after the incubation of RPF in the rumen. BWBO4:1 showed a positive quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on DMD, peaking 6h after incubation. BWBO9:1 showed the lowest DMD rate among RPF, maintaining DMD stable over the incubation time with no statistical difference over the 72h (p > 0.05). BWBO9:1 promoted the lowest rumen pH compared to BWBO2:1 and BWBO4:1 (p < 0.05). The inclusion of BWBO2:1 in the diet provided the highest number of protozoa (p < 0.001) when compared to the sheep fed BWBO4:1 and BWBO9:1. There was no effect of incubation time on rumen pH and temperature. However, the protozoa count showed a quadratic effect with lower numbers of protozoa at 3h, and higher amounts at 6 and 48h. (p < 0.05). The use of RPF significantly altered the serum glucose (p < 0.001) with higher concentrations for BWBO2:1 and BWBO4:1 when compared to BWBO9:1. Lower blood triglyceride concentrations were observed in sheep fed BWBO2:1 (p < 0.001) when compared to BWBO4:1 and BWBO9:1. Beeswax matrix showed to be an efficient microencapsulant for BO using the melt-emulsification technique. The BWBO2:1 rumen-protected fat is best recommended for sheep diets because it increases energy density, rumen microorganisms and degradability without affecting rumen health.

Mitigating Passivation Layer Damage and Lowering Contact Resistivity of TOPcon Solar Cells Through Low PbO Content Ag Paste.

The development of front-side pastes suitable for devices with high sheet resistance such as tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon), is of great significance but remains a considerable challenge. The optimization of the Ag-Si contact interface is crucial for enhancing contact and improving the efficiency of these devices. This work investigates the front-side Ag pastes with low Al content (<2 wt.%) and different frit compositions for TOPCon. It is found that the paste with low-addition frit effectively prevents excessive etching of passivation layers and minimizes additional damage to boron emitters while ensuring favorable contact. Meanwhile, the lowly FT (fire through) paste promotes Ag nanoparticles with larger particle sizes and higher quantities in the interfacial glass, thereby enhancing the conductivity of the interfacial glass and reducing contact resistivity. A low contact resistivity of ≈1 mΩ·cm2 and superior photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 25.19% are achieved on TOPCon with a sheet resistance of ≈350 Ω/□. This work demonstrates the application potential of Ag-Al paste with low Al content suitable for high sheet resistance emitters by modulating the Ag-Si interface structure. The coupling between microstructure and device performance is elucidated offering an innovative approach for developing silver paste suitable for high sheet resistance TOPCon.