Higher Decrease Research Articles

Effects of dietary canthaxanthin on ultraviolet radiation stress in prawn Artemesia longinaris

The aims of this research were to investigate the effects of diets with added synthetic canthaxanthin (10% parafarm) and to evaluate its possible protective role under ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in prawn Artemesia longinaris. Three isoproteic and isolipidic diets (41% protein and 12% lipid) containing 0 (C0), 100 (C100), and 300 (C300) mg of canthaxanthin kg-1 of diet were prepared. Before initiating the radiation experiment, prawns were fed with the different diets for a period of 21 d in order to determine a possible accumulation of carotenoids. Afterwards, animals were exposed to two radiation treatments for 7 d: a) photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400-700 nm), and b) total radiation (PAR+UVR, 280-700 nm), under controlled conditions (19 ± 2 °C, salinity = 33, pH = 7). In animals exposed to PAR+UVR treatment, survival varied between 50 and 83.33% with the highest value in animals fed diet C300. At the end of the experiment, significant statistical differences were registered in integument carotenoid concentration. Under UVR stress, the highest decrease in non-polar carotenoid and esterified astaxanthin were recorded in prawns fed diets containing canthaxanthin. Scavenging properties were evaluated by electron resonance spectroscopy (EPR) using the stable 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Prawns fed with C300 showed the greatest activity to quench DPPH. Results suggested that dietary canthaxanthin could be acting as an antioxidant against reactive oxygen species and produced high tolerance under UVR stress.

Reduction Potential of Formalin in Salted Fish Anchovy by Garlic Peel Waste Powder

Background: Food safety in the community is relatively low. This is evidenced by the fact that many food products contain harmful substances, such as the discovery of formalin anchovy salted fish in the city of Yogyakarta. This condition can threaten the health of the people of Yogyakarta City because many traders use anchovies as the main raw material in their cooking, such as in the manufacture of Angkringan Cat Rice, the typical cuisine of the city of Yogyakarta. This potential hazard can be suppressed by reducing the level of formalin that may be contained in anchovy before consumption, one of which is by utilizing the saponin content in garlic peel waste.
 Objective: This study aims to study the effect of the mass of garlic peel waste powder on formalin in salted anchovy samples
 Methods: The type of this research was a completely randomized design (CRD) with ten mass variations of garlic peel waste powder, namely 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 grams of powder in 50 ml of distilled water. This design is used to soak 1 gram of anchovy with formalin for 30 minutes at room temperature. Sampling was done by accidental sampling method at five traditional markets in Yogyakarta City. Formalin identification was carried out using the ET Group brand formalin test kit. Samples that have been treated are then re-determined the levels of formalin. Determination of formalin content was carried out by the acidimetric method. The effect test was carried out statistically with a confidence level of 0.05.
 Results: The highest decrease in formalin levels in the F7 treatment (soaking 1 gram of anchovy salted fish in 6 grams of garlic peel powder in 50 ml of distilled water for 30 minutes) reached 89.12%. However, with the addition of more powder (F8-10), it was seen that there was a decrease in the reduction ability of formalin by saponins. The statistical test showed that the mass of garlic peel waste powder affected reducing the level of formalin in anchovy salted fish (sig < 0.05).
 Conclusion: Garlic peel waste powder has the potential to reduce formalin levels in anchovy salted fish

A centre-based, ambulatory care concept for Hidradenitis suppurativa improves disease activity, burden, and patient satisfaction: results from the randomised controlled trial EsmAiL.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is an inflammatory disease of the inverse skin regions that occurs particularly in young women and affects approximately 1% of the population. Outpatient care is often inadequate and usually cannot prevent progression. The aim of the EsmAiL trial was to evaluate whether an innovative care concept can decrease disease activity and burden, as well as improve patient satisfaction. EsmAiL was conducted as a two-arm, multicentre, prospective randomised controlled trial including 553 adults with HS. Inclusion criteria were a minimum of three inflammatory lesions and at least moderate impact of the disease on the quality of life. The control group (CG) remained in standard care, whereas the intervention group (IG) was treated according to a trial-specific, multimodal concept. Primary endpoint was the absolute change in the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4). 279 patients were randomised to the IG and 274 to the CG. Of those, 377 attended final assessment after 12-month of intervention. Participants in the IG (n=203) achieved a mean improvement in the IHS4 of 9.3 points while the average decrease in the CG patients (n=174) amounted to 5.7 points (p=0.003). Patients receiving the new care concept also reported a significantly (p<0.001) higher decrease in pain, DLQI and HADS compared to changes in the CG. Patient satisfaction was also significantly higher in the IG than in the CG (p<0.001). The establishment of standardised treatment algorithms in so-called "acne inversa centres (AiZ)" in the ambulatory setting has a substantial, positive impact on the course of the disease and significantly improves patient satisfaction.

KEMAMPUAN Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 DALAM SERAPAN LOGAM BESI (Fe) PADA LIMBAH LINDI DI TPA GAMPONG JAWA KOTA BANDA ACEH

Leachate is a liquid containing hazardous materials such as metal Iron (Fe). One method that can be used to reduce Fe levels in leachate is using the bioremediation method. This study aimed to determine the absorption ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in remediating Fe as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of leachate such as COD, TSS, and pH before and after using P. aeruginosa. This study used an experimental method of four treatments and three replications. The concentration of bacteria used was 108 CFU/ml with ex-situ contact times of 0, 10, 20, and 30 hours. The results showed that the highest decrease in Fe, COD, TSS, and pH occurred at 30 hours. The Fe value can be reduced to 4.45 mg/L with an absorption effectiveness of 38.19%; the initial COD value of 1.432 mg/L decreased to 1.301 mg/L. In addition, the TSS value decreased to 213 mg/L from the initial level of 223 mg/L and the highest pH decreased, namely 9.6 to 8.1. The uptake of P. aeruginosa bacteria is good in reducing acceptable levels of Fe and pH.

Comparison of outcomes between cross-linking plus topoguided excimer laser ablation and intrastromal corneal ring segments for keratoconus.

To compare cross-linking (CXL) plus topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (t-PRK) and intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) in keratoconus patients, at 12 months of follow-up. This was a longitudinal, retrospective multi-center study. We included a referred sample of 154 eyes from 149 patients with grade I-III Amsler-Krümeich keratoconus with insufficient corrected-distance visual acuity (CDVA). In group 1 (CXL plus t-PRK, 87 eyes), another possible indication for surgery was evidence of progression. Group 2 (ICRS, 67 eyes) included only eyes with paracentral keratoconus (thinnest point at the inferotemporal quadrant) with coincident axes, and evidence of stabilization was required. A subgroup analysis was performed regarding the disease topographic phenotype. At 12 months postoperatively, visual, refractive, and topographic outcomes were evaluated. Comparison of the outcomes between CXL plus t-PRK (group 1) and ICRS (group 2) showed similar improvements in CDVA (in group 1, CDVA improved 0.18 logMAR, and in group 2 0.12 logMAR, P = .18) and K2 (-2,45 [6.46] D in group 1 and -2.13 [1.67] D in group 2, P = .34) The improvement in cylinder power was greater in group 2 (-2.37 [2.07] D in group 2 versus -1.18 [2.63] D in group 1, P = .003); group 1 had a higher decrease in Kmax (- 3.26 [3.64] versus-1.74 [2.67], P = .001). Both CXL plus t-PRK and ICRS were equally effective in improving CDVA and topographic parameters in a similar group of keratoconus patients at 12 months.

Evaluation of the Nephroprotective and Hypoglycemic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Leaf and Root of Thaumatococcus danielli on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

The management of diabetes without side effects is a major challenge affecting majorities of the world population, thus the constant search for alternative compounds from natural products. This study investigated the nephroprotective and the hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of the leaf and root of Thaumatococcus danielli (T. danielli). Rats were assigned to 9 groups (1-9) of four rats each. Each group was made diabetic using Alloxan (150 mg/kg/b.wt) except the control group. The treatment group received 0.5 ml of Metformin (150 mg/kg/b.wt,), 200 and 400 mg/kg/b.wt, of Thaumatococcus danielli aqueous extract of leaf, root, and mixture orally, respectively. After 14 days of treatment, animals were sacrificed, and blood and kidney samples were collected for further analysis. &#x0D; The lowest reduction in glucose level was 22.65%, which was observed in the diabetic group treated with 200 mg/kg aqueous leaf of T. danielli, while the highest decrease was observed to be 38.63% in the diabetic group treated with 400 mg/kg aqueous root of Thaumatococcus danielli. The diabetic control group had a significantly higher level of sodium and potassium ions. Little changes were observed in chloride, carbonate, and total protein level in the diabetic group compared to the control group; while urea and creatinine levels were higher. Histological alterations such as poor architecture, few collapsed renal tubules, and loss of luminar spaces were observed in control. &#x0D; From this study, it can be inferred that aqueous extracts of the leaves and roots of Thaumatococcus danielli and their combination have antihyperglycemic activity as well as modulating renal indices and diabetes-induced nephropathy.&#x0D;

Trends in Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the United States From 2004-2018: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Based Study.

The incidence and mortality data for patients with breast cancer in the United States are important to healthcare administrators for planning healthcare measures such as screening mammograms. In this study, we examined breast cancer incidence and incidence-based mortality in the United States from 2004-2018 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We reviewed 915,417 cases of breast cancer diagnosed between 2004 and 2018. Overall, the data showed an increased incidence rate of breast cancer among all races and a decreased mortality rate among all races. Breast cancer incidence rates increasedby 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1, 0.4, p<0.001) per year over the study period.Breast cancer incidence rates increased for all age, race, and stage groups except for stage regional, which showed a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of -0.9% (95% CI, -1.1, -0.7, p<0.001).The highest decrease in mortality was observed among white patients, withan overall statistically significant decrease in rates by -14.3% (95% CI, -18.1,-10.4, p<0.001). The highest decrease in rates was observed between 2016 and 2018: -48.6 (95% CI, -52.6,-44.3, p<0.001). In black/African American patients, the overall incidence-based mortality decreased by -11.6% (95% CI -15.9, -7.1 p<.001), with the highest decrease in rates observed between 2016 and 2018 with a decrease of -51.3% (95% CI -56.6, -45.3, p<0.001). In Hispanic Americans, the overall incidence-based mortality decreased by -12.3% (95% CI -16.9, -7.4, p<.001), which is lower than in white Americans.

Exogenous application of low and high molecular weight organic acids differentially affected the uptake of cadmium in wheat-rice cropping system in alkaline calcareous soil

Anthropogenic cadmium (Cd) in arable soils is becoming a global concern due to its harmful effects on crop yield and quality. The current study examined the role of exogenously applied low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) including oxalic acid (OxA), tartaric acid (TA) and high molecular weight organic acids (HMWOAs) like citric acid (CA) and humic acid (HA) for the bioavailability of Cd in wheat-rice cropping system. Maximum increase in root dry-weight, shoot dry-weight, and grain/paddy yields was recorded with HA for both crops. The HA significantly decreased AB-DTPA Cd in contaminated soils which remained 41% for wheat and 48% for rice compared with their respective controls. The minimum concentration of Cd in roots, shoots and grain/paddy was observed in HA treatment in both crops. The organic acids significantly increased the growth parameters, photosynthetic activity, and relative leaf moisture contents for both wheat and rice crops compared to that with the contaminated control. Application of OxA and TA increased the bioavailability of Cd in soils and plant tissues while CA and HA decreased the bioavailability of Cd in soils and plants. The highest decrease in Cd uptake, bioaccumulation, translocation factor, immobilization, translocation, harvest, and health risk indices were observed with HA while maximum increase was recorded with OxA for both wheat and rice. The results concluded that use of HMWOAs is effective in soil Cd immobilization being maximum with HA. While LMWOAs can be used for the phytoextraction of Cd in contaminated soils having maximum potential with OxA.

Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays) Genotypes forTolerance to Drought using Yield Based Tolerance Indices

A pot trial was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University of Agriculture, Gazipur from November 2021 to March 2022 to identify relatively tolerant maize genotypes based on growth, yield, yield stability and stress tolerance. indexes. Twenty maize genotypes, including CML-580, CML-563, CML-591, CML-579, CML-588, CML-593, CML-564, BD-814, BD-821, BD-824, BD-10242, BD-811, BD-826, BD-837, BD-808, BD-10237, and BD-10240, were grown under control conditions (80% of field capacity, FC) and drought conditions (40% of FC) following completely randomized design with three replications. Plant and cob height, days to maturity, cob length, cob girth, number of rows/cob, and kernel yield/plant were recorded. Drought stress reduced plant height, cob height, cob length, cob girth, number of rows/cob, and finally maize yield, but increased the days to maturity. Among the maize genotypes, CML-593, CML-564, BD-814, and BD-821 had the lowest decrease in kernel yield, while BD-808 and BD-813 had the highest decrease. Genotypes CML-593, CML-564, BD-814, and BD-821, on the other hand, demonstrated a higher yield stability index and stress tolerance index. Based on their yield and stress tolerance index, genotypes CML-593, CML-564, BD-814, and BD-821 appear to be drought tolerant, whereas BD-808 and BD-813 appear to be drought sensitive. How to Cite: Md. Abdul Mannan, Ferdousi Begum, Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, Md. Ahsan Habib, 2023. "Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays) Genotypes forTolerance to Drought using Yield Based Tolerance Indices." Journal of Agriculture and Crops, vol. 9, pp. 329-337.

The human P2X7 receptor alters microglial morphology and cytokine secretion following immunomodulation.

Introduction: In recent years, purinergic signaling via the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) on microglia has repeatedly been implicated in depression genesis. However, it remains unclear which role the human P2X7R (hP2X7R) plays in regulating both microglia morphology and cytokine secretion upon different environmental and immune stimuli, respectively. Methods: For this purpose, we used primary microglial cultures derived from a humanized microglia-specific conditional P2X7R knockout mouse line to emulate different gene-environment interactions between microglial hP2X7R and molecular proxies of psychosocial and pathogen-derived immune stimuli. Microglial cultures were subjected to treatments with the agonists 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) combined with specific P2X7R antagonists (JNJ-47965567, A-804598). Results: Morphotyping revealed overall high baseline activation due to the in vitro conditions. Both BzATP and LPS + BzATP treatment increased round/ameboid microglia and decreased polarized and ramified morphotypes. This effect was stronger in hP2X7R-proficient (CTRL) compared to knockout (KO) microglia. Aptly, we found antagonism with JNJ-4796556 and A-804598 to reduce round/ameboid microglia and increase complex morphologies only in CTRL but not KO microglia. Single cell shape descriptor analysis confirmed the morphotyping results. Compared to KO microglia, hP2X7R-targeted stimulation in CTRLs led to a more pronounced increase in microglial roundness and circularity along with an overall higher decrease in aspect ratio and shape complexity. JNJ-4796556 and A-804598, on the other hand, led to opposite dynamics. In KO microglia, similar trends were observed, yet the magnitude of responses was much smaller. Parallel assessment of 10 cytokines demonstrated the proinflammatory properties of hP2X7R. Following LPS + BzATP stimulation, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα levels were found to be higher and IL-4 levels lower in CTRL than in KO cultures. Vice versa, hP2X7R antagonists reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels and increased IL-4 secretion. Discussion: Taken together, our results help disentangle the complex function of microglial hP2X7R downstream of various immune stimuli. In addition, this is the first study in a humanized, microglia-specific in vitro model identifying a so far unknown potential link between microglial hP2X7R function and IL-27 levels.

Optimizing the thermal performance of the thermosyphon heat pipe for energy saving with graphene oxide nanofluid

A thermosyphon heat pipe (THP) involves a vacuum tube with a specific quantity of liquid. Due to its simplicity of design and structure, THP has many applications in heat recovery and renewable energy devices. Prior studies showed that using stable nanofluids can improve THPs' energy efficiency. In this evaluation, the effect of working fluid type, input heat, two types of surfactants, and nanoparticle concentration on the energy efficiency and thermal resistance of a THP was investigated and optimized. A magnetic stirrer and ultrasonic waves were used to create stability. Imaging and spectrophotometric analysis showed that graphene oxide (GO) nanofluid with SDS surfactant is more stable. The most notable decrease in thermal resistance at an input power of 100 W with GO nanofluids compared to distilled water at an F.R. of 50% was 12%. The highest decrease in the evaporator temperature section was achieved with GO and SDS surfactant at a weight ratio of 0.3% wt, equal to 12.3 °C. This was also confirmed by measuring the contact angle. The highest percentage increase in thermal efficiency of THP with the mixture of GO nanoparticles and SDS surfactant in distilled water with 0.3 wt percent and input heat of 200 W was 18% compared to distilled water. In the optimum condition, the highest percentage increase in thermal efficiency of THP with the mixture of GO nanoparticles and SDS surfactant in distilled water with 0.3 wt percent and input heat of 200 W was 18% compared to distilled water.

Stem Diameter Decrement in Holm Oak (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.): Insights into Tree Decline Pathways in Endangered Woodlands of Southern Portugal

Stem diameter growth in living trees refers to the invariably increase in dimension over a given period. However, reversible stem diameter decrease could occur, related to water movement in the vessels within the wood (on a daily basis) and to tree water deficit and depletion of stored water (on a seasonal basis). Recently, the perennial decrement in stem diameter size has been related to a tree decline pathway, and eventually resulting in tree death. In this study, we analysed stem diameter intra-annual growth dynamics of holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.) trees for two full growing seasons in distinct woodlands, Laborela and Aldeia dos Fernandes, in southern Portugal (Ourique district). Our focus was to assess stem diameter growth patterns and trends in holm oak trees in endangered woodlands with high tree mortality and to question if perennial decrement. Holm oaks in Laborela were much more sensitive in their stem diameter variations than in Aldeia dos Fernandes and, on average, their stem diameter decreased continuously by 1.0 mm along the 2-year study period, with a slightly higher annual decrease in the first study year (0.6 mm.yr−1). In addition, on average, trees had a higher decrease in stem sectional area of 5.8 cm2 in Laborela against a decrease of 3.7 cm2 in Aldeia dos Fernandes, where the stem diameter of holm oaks only decreased in the first study year (0.1 mm.yr−1). In each study area, the repeated- measures ANOVA showed that tree size effect influenced the stem diameter variations in contrast to tree crown defoliation. Trees were, on average, relatively smaller in Laborela, with DBH = 35.5 cm against DBH = 40.6 cm in Aldeia dos Fernandes, and were highly sensitive in their stem diameter decrement along two consecutives full growing seasons. This is the first exploratory study on assessing the stem diameter fluctuations on holm oaks to address a decline pathway. Our results revealed that holm oaks can survive during two consecutive growing seasons, with a continuous decrease in their stem diameters, which might indicate one tree’s decline pathway.

Retro walking treadmill training reduces C-reactive protein levels in overweight and obese young adults: A randomized comparative study.

Retro walking has been shown to acquire a greater metabolic cost, placing a higher cardiopulmonary demand on the body, when compared with forward walking at a similar speed. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of retro walking with that of forward walking on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) and to understand the influence of independent factors namely systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and BMI on CRP in untrained overweight and obese young adults. This was a randomised controlled trial whereby 106participants underwent either retro walking (n = 53) or forward walking (n = 53) treadmill training four times a week for 12 weeks before and after which CRP, BMI, and BP levels were measured. Comparison of the measured values before and after intervention and between the groups was done and influence of BMI and BP on CRP levels was determined. Both groups recorded a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in CRP, BMI, and BP levels postintervention. The participants who underwent retro walking training showed a significantly (p < 0.001) higher decrease in all the outcomes as compared with the forward walking group. C-reactive protein levels were seen to be influenced by BMI and DBP. Retro-walking training leads to greater decrease in CRP, BMI, and BP when compared with forward walking, andCRP levels are influenced by BMI and DBP. Retro walking treadmill training can be used preferentially to bring about reduction in cardiovascular risk factors.

The Influence of Low-Level Laser Therapy on CBCT Radiographic and Biochemical Profiles of Type II Controlled Diabetic Patients After Dental Implant Insertion: A Randomized Case-Control Study.

Background Low-level laser treatment (LLLT) was thought to increase bone quality during osseointegration when combined with dental implants. However, there is no sufficient information on its impact on dental implants in diabetics. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) has been described as a marker for bone turnover to determine implant prognosis. The current research aims to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone density (BD) and osteoprotegerin levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) in type II diabetic patients. Methods This study comprised 40 individuals with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Implants were randomly placed in 20 non-lasered T2DM patients (control) and 20 lasered T2DM patients (LLLT group). At the follow-up stages, BD and OPG levels in the PICF were evaluated in both groups. Results Significant variations were shown among control and LLLT groups concerning OPG level and BD (p≤0.001). OPG was significantly decreasing with follow-up points (p≤0.001). There was a significant decrease in OPG with time in both groups with a higher decrease in the control group. Conclusion LLLT is promising in controlled T2DM patients due to its outstanding influence on BD and estimated crevicular levels of OPG. Regarding its clinical significance, LLLT significantly improved bone quality during osseointegration on dental implants in T2DM.LLLT is considered potentially important for T2DM patients during implant placement. Trial registration The study was registered on ClinicalTrial.govunder registration number NCT05279911 (registration date: March 15, 2022) (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05279911).

Covalent Triazine Framework C6N6 as an Electrochemical Sensor for Hydrogen-Containing Industrial Pollutants. A DFT Study

Industrial pollutants pose a serious threat to ecosystems. Hence, there is a need to search for new efficient sensor materials for the detection of pollutants. In the current study, we explored the electrochemical sensing potential of a C6N6 sheet for H-containing industrial pollutants (HCN, H2S, NH3 and PH3) through DFT simulations. The adsorption of industrial pollutants over C6N6 occurs through physisorption, with adsorption energies ranging from -9.36 kcal/mol to -16.46 kcal/mol. The non-covalent interactions of analyte@C6N6 complexes are quantified by symmetry adapted perturbation theory (SAPT0), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and non-covalent interaction (NCI) analyses. SAPT0 analyses show that electrostatic and dispersion forces play a dominant role in the stabilization of analytes over C6N6 sheets. Similarly, NCI and QTAIM analyses also verified the results of SAPT0 and interaction energy analyses. The electronic properties of analyte@C6N6 complexes are investigated by electron density difference (EDD), natural bond orbital analyses (NBO) and frontier molecular orbital analyses (FMO). Charge is transferred from the C6N6 sheet to HCN, H2S, NH3 and PH3. The highest exchange of charge is noted for H2S (-0.026 e-). The results of FMO analyses show that the interaction of all analytes results in changes in the EH-L gap of the C6N6 sheet. However, the highest decrease in the EH-L gap (2.58 eV) is observed for the NH3@C6N6 complex among all studied analyte@C6N6 complexes. The orbital density pattern shows that the HOMO density is completely concentrated on NH3, while the LUMO density is centred on the C6N6 surface. Such a type of electronic transition results in a significant change in the EH-L gap. Thus, it is concluded that C6N6 is highly selective towards NH3 compared to the other studied analytes.

Aeolian dust distribution, elemental concentration, characteristics and its effects on the conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells

Exposure of PV modules to ambient environmental conditions like dust deposits, has some deleterious effects on peak power (Pmax) and overall conversion efficiency (η). This study investigates the effect of module height, tilt, and orientation on the rate of dust deposition on the surfaces of PV modules. Consequently, the effect of different dust categories on Pmax and η are investigated. North facing module surfaces are observed to exhibit higher deposition rates in southerly winds. A significant decrease in conversion efficiency of 1.30%, 1.74%, 4.05%, 2.74% and 1.38% after a fortnight are observed in modules installed in five randomly selected study sites. A higher decrease in efficiency on average after a fortnight is observed in sites having traces of anthropogenic particles on dust samples collected from the PV surfaces with minimal effects observed in sites having biogenic and geogenic particles. Abundance of anthropogenic dust particles coupled with mild tilt and leeward orientation led to a higher maximum power and efficiency degradation rate.

Effect of protection of enoxaparin against experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat ovary on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

The study aimed to investigate the protection of enoxaparin (E) against experimental ischemic (I) and ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries on in vitro fertilization outcomes. In total, 56 adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups of 8 animals each: Sham, Ischemia, I/R, Sham+E, I+E, and I/R+E. Ischemia groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 3 h. In contrast, I/R and I/R+E groups received subsequent detorsion for 3 h. Enoxaparin (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) was administered 30 min prior to ischemia (I+platelet-rich plasma) or reperfusion (I/R+I+platelet-rich plasma). Ovaries were stimulated through intraperitoneal injection of 150-300 internal units IU/kg pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Anti-Müllerian hormone levels were measured before and after surgery in all groups. When the number of metaphase II oocytes was evaluated, statistically significant differences were observed between the I and I+E (p=0.001) and I/R and I/R+E (p=0.000) groups. When both I and I+E groups and I/R and I/R+E groups were compared, it was found that E application increased the number of fertilized oocytes. The number of embryos on the second day was higher in the I/R+E group than that in the I/R group. Statistically significant differences were found in the number of grade 1 embryos between the I/R and I/R+E groups (p=0.003). In comparing anti-Müllerian hormone values within the group, the highest decrease was observed in the I and I/R groups. Enoxaparin effectively minimizes ovarian damage and preserves ovarian reserve following ovarian torsion.

The effect of linagliptin on microalbuminuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy: a randomized, double blinded clinical trial

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of linagliptin on microalbuminuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). The present double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 92 patients with DN who were divided into two groups. The intervention and control groups received linagliptin 5 mg and placebo for 24 weeks, respectively. Blood pressure, lipid profile, liver enzymes, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) were assessed and recorded before, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after the beginning of the intervention. The mean value of UACR decrease was significant over time in both groups, with higher decrease in linagliptin group, however, the differences between two groups were not, statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, the percentage of improvement in microalbuminuria (UACR < 30 mg/g) in the linagliptin group was significantly higher than that of the control group during 24 weeks of intervention (68.3% vs. 25%; P-value < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean value of the UACR and other parameters between linagliptin treated and placebo treated patients with diabetic nephropathy. Further studies, with longer periods of follow-up are suggested to examine these patients’ renal outcomes.

Evaluation of the health properties of lactobacilli isolated from an Iranian traditional dairy product.

The different lactobacillus strains isolated from dairy resources may have unique functional properties on human health. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the health properties of the lactobacilli isolated from a traditional dairy product in vitro. A total of seven isolated lactobacilli abilities were evaluated for environmental pH reduction, antibacterial activity, cholesterol reduction, and antioxidant activity. Based on the results, the highest decrease in the environment pH was observed in Lactobacillusfermentum B166 with 57%. The antipathogen activity test showed the best results for inhibiting Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to be obtained by Lact. fermentum 10-18 and Lact. brevis SKB1021 strains, respectively. However, Lact. plantarum H1 and Lact. plantarum PS7319 represented the maximum activity in preventing Escherichia coli; also, Lact. fermentum APBSMLB166 inhibited Staphylococcus aureus more than other strains. Additionally, Lact. crustorum B481 and fermentum 10-18 strains significantly led to a higher reduction in the medium cholesterol than the other strains. The results of antioxidant tests demonstrated that Lact. brevis SKB1021 and Lact. fermentum B166 inhabited radical substrate significantly more than the other lactobacilli. Therefore, four lactobacilli isolated from a traditional dairy product improved some safety indexes positively; thus, they are suggested to be used in manufacturing probiotic supplements.

Re-treatment with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE or [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE and [90Y]Y-DOTA-TATE of patients with progressive neuroendocrine neoplasm.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are heterogeneous groups of tumours derived from neuroendocrine cells of the ectoderm or endoderm. They are considered rare, with an estimated incidence and prevalence of 6/100,000 and 35/100,000 respectively, and a noticeable upward trend. Radioligand therapy (RLT) using beta-radiation-emitters combined with somatostatin analogues is an effective and relatively safe treatment method. It is usually used as a second-line therapy in case of progressive disease. In retrospective analysis covering eight years of observation (2015-2023) of patients treated in a single highest-reference NEN centre, a subgroup of 13 who received RLT re-treatment (¹⁷⁷Lu or ¹⁷⁷Lu/⁹⁰Y-mixture) was identified. Epidemiological aspects, renal, hepatic, haematological parameters and chromogranin A serum concentration were analysed. The median PFS after the first cycle of RLT was 53.8 months (IQR = 19.3). Directly after the second cycle of RLT disease stabilization and progression was observed in 11/13 (84.6%) and 2/13 (15.4%) patients respectively. After the second cycle of RLT median observation time for the study group was 16.2 months. Eight out of 13 patients were reachable for long-term observation and stabilization was confirmed in 62.5 % (5/8), progression in 12.5% (1/8) and death in 25% (2/8) patients. Median survival time in patients with confirmed death was 7 months. During observation, an increase in creatinine concentration with a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was noticed, however, the values were at a statistical trend level (p = 0.056; p = 0.071). The increase of liver parameters was statistically, but not clinically significant. The decrease in albumin concentration and fasting glucose concentration were not significant. An increase in chromogranin A concentration correlated, although not statistically, with the progression of the disease. A statistically significant decrease in the number of all bone marrow cell lines was observed. The first RLT cycle caused a higher decrease in blood parameters than the second. There were no differences in PFS or laboratory parameters depending on the radioligand ([¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE vs. [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE/[⁹⁰Y]Y-DOTA-TATE). In follow-up after RLT re-treatment stabilization was observed in 62.5%, progression in 12.5% and death in 25% of patients. Decrease of glomerular filtration, and bone marrow parameters resulted from the cumulative adverse effect of RLT, the natural ageing process, and the progression of the disease. Side effects were mainly caused by the first treatment cycle. There was no significant influence on the measured parameters, depending on the radioisotope used. Re-treatment of RLT seems to be a reliable and relatively safe method, thus should be considered in patients who underwent one cycle of RLT and responded to the treatment.