Higher Decrease Research Articles

Direct Comparison of Treatment Outcome Between the Botulinum Toxin and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Monoclonal Antibody in Migraine Patients.

Migraine is a genetic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache that are throbbing in nature. The objective of this study was to directly compare the efficacy and safety of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (anti-CGRP) and botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine. This quasi-experimental comparative study was conducted on 80 "chronic migraine patients" at King Fahad University Hospital, Dammam, KSA. Chronic migraineurs were divided into two groups (40 patients/group) and were treated with the standard doses of BoNT (group I) and anti-CGRP (group II). All the patients filled out the migraine pain scale, migraine disability assessment score, headache impact test (HIT-6), and adverse drug event questionnaire before the start and at the end of 9 months of treatment. Most of the patients were females (76.3% vs. 23.8%) and were suffering from migraine for more than 24 months (66%). The mean age of the participants was 39.07 ± 10.01 years. Both BoNT and anti-CGRP groups showed a statistically significant decrease in mean HIT-6 and pain scores after 9 months of intervention. A direct comparison between the two treatment groups showed that the anti-CGRP drug caused a higher decrease in HIT-6 and pain scores as compared to the botulinum drug, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.075 and 0.07, respectively). The most common adverse effect was "headache", reported by 45% and 40% of patients, followed by "pain at the site of injection" reported by 27.5% and 32.5% of BoNT and anti-CGRP groups, respectively. The two groups did not differ significantly in the frequency of adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, visual problems, etc., except "joint stiffness". A significantly higher number of anti-CGRP patients experienced joint stiffness as compared to the BoNT group (17.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.006). A direct comparison between the two treatments indicated that neither of the two interventions is statistically superior to the other in terms of efficacy and both are equally effective in the management of migraine. However, BoNT can be preferred over anti-CGRP because of its cost-effectiveness.

A Comparative Study of Imipramine and Tolterodine for the Treatment of Children with Primary Nocturnal Enuresis

Background: Nocturnal enuresis (NE), or bed-wetting, affects children aged ≥5 years after ruling out organic causes. The ICCS defines NE as intermittent urinary incontinence during sleep, categorized into monosymptomatic (MNE) and non-monosymptomatic (NMNE) forms. NE is also classified by onset: primary (no dry period) and secondary (bed-wetting after a dry period). Contributing factors include sleep disorders, stress, hereditary predisposition, and delayed bladder development. Management involves behavioral and pharmacological treatments, with desmopressin and anticholinergic drugs being common options. Aim of the study: This study aims to find out an alternate effective and safe drug for the treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis. Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Urology(outdoor), Shahid Sk. Abu Naser Specialized Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh from January 2020 to December 2021. After excluding 12 patient’s pre-randomizations for non-cooperation, 60 patients were split into two groups: Group A received 25mg of imipramine before bedtime, while Group B took 1mg of tolterodine tartrate twice daily evaluated efficacy over 6 months, including a 2-week behavioral modification baseline and follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, employing various statistical tests with significance set at p <0.05. Result: The study involved 60 children (mean age 10.0±3.1 years, 55% male), assessing bed-wetting patterns and treatment outcomes. The majority (80%) had unsatisfactory behavioral modifications, with 35% having a family history of enuresis. Both groups (A and B) showed no significant difference in bed-wetting episodes at baseline or after 3 months of treatment. Complications were more common in Group A, including dry mouth, nausea, and insomnia. Imipramine led to a higher proportion of patients with fewer than 50 dry nights after drug withdrawal, while Tolterodine showed better results at month 3 but a higher decrease in dry ...

Antidiabetic Activity Test of Fe(III) Complex Compound with Arginine Ligand in Male Mice (Mus Musculus L.)

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by high blood sugar levels in the body. Treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus is with insulin injections while treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus generally uses oral medication. Currently, people are looking for diabetes drugs made from complex compounds using metals. The development of research and utilization of Fe(III) complex compounds is still limited, thus, in this study the synthesis of Fe(III) complex compounds with arginine ligands was carried out. The results of the research obtained a complex compound of Fe(III)-arginine with 96%, in the form of a brown gel with a sample weight of 0.5601 g. Characterization using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer showed absorption at a wavelength of 203 nm which indicated the absorption of the Fe(III)-arginine complex. The results of FTIR analysis showed a typical absorption of Fe–O and Fe–N bonds at a wavelength of 500–600 nm. The results of the calculation of the mice's body weight decreased when induced by alloxan. After 3 and 4 weeks, the mice's body weight returned to stability. The highest decrease in glucose levels was in dose 2, namely 100 μg/kg bw with a decrease in %GL of 66.72%. The results of this study show that the complex compound Fe(III) arginine can reduce blood glucose levels in mice.

Enhanced cadmium immobilization in soil using Fe- and Zn-doped biochar: Mechanisms and safety implications for Cicer arietinum L

Cd toxicity emerges as a major environmental concern with detrimental impacts on global agricultural systems and food safety. Therefore, there is an urgent need to cope with the high concentration of Cd in the soil and crops. This study elucidates the potential of iron (FeBC) and zinc doped biochar (ZnBC) on the growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Cd-contaminated soil. The parallels of biochemical attributes and Cd absorption of Cicer arietinum L. were investigated after a 120-day pot trial under 1% (w/w) biochar doses and two Cd concentrations (25 and 50 mg kg−1). The results demonstrated that FeBC was more effective in promoting plant growth by reducing Cd mobility in soil than ZnBC and normal biochar (NBC). Additionally, the application of FeBC resulted in significant improvement in photosynthesis rate (53.98%), transpiration rate (91.53%), stomatal conductance (197%), and sub-stomatal conductance (213.33%) compared to other applied treatments. Cd uptake in roots, shoots, and grains was reduced by 44.19%, 56.89%, and 88.25% respectively with the application of FeBC. Notably, the highest decrease in Cd bioaccumulation factor (99.72% and 99.65%) and Cd translocation factor (99.89% and 99.85%) were recorded under FeBC application in 25 and 50 mg kg−1 Cd-contaminated soils, respectively. The improved plant growth and reduced Cd buildup with FeBC under Cd stress suggest that FeBC is a promising strategy to remediate Cd-contaminated soil and simultaneously promote sustainable production of legume crops in Cd-contaminated soils.

Flexural Strength of Modern CAD/CAM Restoratives After Artificial Aging.

Before clinical trials are initiated, studying the mechanical performance of modern CAD/CAM restorative materials exposed to aging conditions would provide insights on their performance in service. This study evaluated the impact of thermomechanical aging on various resin composite, ceramic, hybrid, and nano-filled resin composite materials after two polymerization modes. Specimens (3 × 4 × 14 mm3) were fabricated using (n = 12 per group) a universal composite (Filtek Supreme XTE photo-polymerized for either 40 s or 120 s per layer), hybrid ceramics (BRILLIANT Crios, GC Cerasmart, Lava Ultimate, VITA ENAMIC), glass ceramics (IPS e.max CAD, VITA Suprinity PC, Straumann n!ce), or feldspar ceramics (VITABLOCS Mark II, GC Initial LRF). In each group, half of the specimens underwent thermomechanical aging. A three-point bending test was applied to all specimens and the results were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). Glass ceramics and hybrid ceramics presented higher flexural strength values than feldspar ceramics and the universal composite before and after aging (p < 0.05). Thermomechanical cycling affected the flexural strength of all materials (p < 0.05) except Lava Ultimate, Straumann n!ce, and GC Initial (p > 0.05). The highest decrease in flexural strength after aging was found in the universal composite (40 s polymerization) (p < 0.001) and Vita Enamic (p < 0.001), while the lowest decrease was in the hybrid ceramics, Cerasmart and Lava Ultimate (p < 0.05). Extending polymerization duration reduced the aging effect on the universal composite tested. Thermomechanical aging affected the flexural strength of most materials tested. Universal composites and feldspar ceramics presented similar flexural strength values.

Moringa olifera leave extracts yielded from irradiated and unirradiated seeds cause toxicity and induce dysregulation of enzymatic activities in fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith, 1797) [Lepidoptera: Noctuidae]

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda is the most distractive polyphagous noctuid pest in tropical and subtropical regions. The current study was designed to examine the insecticidal activity of the water extract of Moringa olifiera leaves cultivated from unirradiated and 40 Gy irradiated seeds. Also, the effect of the extract on some digestive enzymes activities was assayed. The results indicated that the extract produced from 40 Gy irradiated seeds was more effective than those of unirradiated one. As well as, leaves extract produced from cultivated irradiated and unirradiated seeds decrease lipase protease and amylase activities of 3rd instar larvae of S. frugiperda and the highest decrease was in larvae fed on leaves produced from irradiated cultivated seeds. Therefore, the water extract of M. olifiera leaves cultivated from 40 Gy irradiated seeds might be seen as an environmentally beneficial pest management method.

Six-minute walk test as outcome measure of fatigability in adults with spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen.

Fatigue (subjective perception) and fatigability (objective motor performance worsening) are relevant aspects of disability in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The effect of nusinersen on fatigability in SMA patients has been investigated with conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate this in adult with SMA3. We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study, including adult ambulant patients with SMA3, data available on 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE) at baseline and at least at 6 months of treatment with nusinersen. We investigated fatigability, estimated as 10% or higher decrease in walked distance between the first and sixth minute of the 6MWT, at baseline and over the 14-month follow-up. Forty-eight patients (56% females) were included. The 6MWT improved after 6, 10, and 14 months of treatment (p < 0.05). Of the 27 patients who completed the entire follow-up, 37% improved (6MWT distance increase ≥30 m), 48.2% remained stable, and 14.8% worsened (6MWT distance decline ≥30 m). Fatigability was found at baseline in 26/38 (68%) patients and confirmed at subsequent time points (p < 0.05) without any significant change over the treatment period. There was no correlation between fatigability and SMN2 copy number, sex, age at disease onset, age at baseline, nor with 6MWT total distance and baseline HFMSE score. Fatigability was detected at baseline in approximately 2/3 of SMA3 walker patients, without any correlation with clinical features, included motor performance. No effect on fatigability was observed during the 14-month treatment period with nusinersen.

Global trend of cervical cancer among women aged 55 and older from 2010 to 2019: An analysis by socio-demographic index and geographic regions.

This study describes the 2010-2019 trend of cervical cancer (CC) in women over 55 by socio-demographic index (SDI) and geographical regions. We obtained data on CC annually from 2010 to 2019 from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) to analyze the incidence, death and prevalence rates, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with CC across different parameters such as global trend, age groups, SDI, continents, World Bank Regions, World Health Organization (WHO) regions, GBD regions, and National and territorial division. This analysis covers data from 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. There were 236,228 CC incidence cases worldwide in 2019, which is a 1.27-fold increase from 2010. Global CC deaths also increased to 169,304 cases in 2019, reflecting a 1.24-fold increase. CC prevalence increased to 769,925 cases in 2019, representing a 1.4-fold rise. The number of CC DALYs globally increased to 3,835,979 cases in 2019, reflecting a 1.24-fold increase. Incidence, death, prevalence, and DALY numbers of CC increased across all age groups females in the 65-69 years age group experienced the highest increase. Middle SDI countries had the highest incidence, death, prevalence, and DALY numbers, while low SDI countries showed increasing trends. Asia exhibited the highest incidence, death, prevalence, and DALY numbers of CC. Upper middle-income countries had the highest incidence, death, prevalence, and DALY numbers, with the highest decreases in these rates except the prevalence rate. The Western Pacific Region showed the highest incidence, death, prevalence, and DALY numbers, with declining rate trends. The Republic of Kiribati showed the highest incidence, death, prevalence, and DALY numbers. Based on the study results, it is clear that although the global trend of epidemiological indicators of CC is decreasing, the largest proportion of the decreasing trend is related to developing countries. But in regions of Africa and Asia that have a lower level of development, sometimes these indicators show upward trends, which shows the worsening of the problem in these regions and the need for serious policies and plans to implement comprehensive vaccination, screening, and promotion interventions. People's awareness is necessary in the field of better disease control.

Comparative research on acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) and butanol (Bu) as next-generation biofuels in compression ignition engine

Increasing global energy demand, along with economic and environmental issues, have necessitated substituting fossil fuels with biofuels. ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol mixture), an intermediate product of biobutanol fermentation characterized by low-cost production, has recently emerged as a promising renewable fuel to replace biobutanol (Bu) for engine applications. This study compares ABE and Bu to determine which fuel is superior. To this end, their effects on engine operation and pollutant emissions were investigated. Each biofuel was tested on a research engine under varied loading conditions after being blended with diesel fuel at concentrations of 5, 10, 20, and 30% by volume. The results revealed that the diesel (D)-ABE and diesel-biobutanol (D-Bu) blends experienced dominant premixed combustion; however, deteriorated engine performance somewhat. ABE30 and Bu30 presented the highest increases in fuel consumption (11.67% and 7.89%, respectively), and the highest decreases in thermal efficiency (2.17% and 1.17%, respectively). All fuel blends offered a remarkable concurrent reduction in NO emission and smoke opacity. More specifically, ABE20 provided an average reduction in NO and smoke opacity (41.79% and 49.59%, respectively), as compared to diesel fuel, whereas Bu20 offered a mean reduction in NO and smoke opacity (45.42% and 54.98%, respectively). Collectively, results revealed that Bu20 and its counterpart ABE20 could be the most suitable candidates among the tested fuels. Considering ABE’s lower cost and less energy intensity production process than Bu, ABE20, which is compatible with existing engine technology and improves NOX-PM trade-off with a slight sacrifice in engine performance, emerges as a most promising biofuel.

Bacterial Inactivation Studies in Shrimp Pond Water by using Different Disinfectant Agents

Abstract Background Aquaculture water plays an important role in the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria during harvest of shrimps. Mitigation of bacteria through discharge is essential to prevent dissemination downstream. Chemical disinfection of culture water is feasible compared to other methods of bacterial inactivation. Objective To study the effect of different disinfectant agent’s viz., chlorine, Fenton’s reagent, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on inactivation of bacteria from shrimp pond water Methods The water samples were subjected to treatment with various concentrations of chlorine (0.0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg L−1), Fenton’s reagent (1:10 mM ratio of Fe2+:H2O2; 2:20, 3:30, 4:40, 5:50) and H2O2 (20, 30, 40 and 50 mM) for different time durations (5 min, 15 min, 30 min and 60 min). Results The results indicated that all the disinfecting agents inactivated both the total heterotrophic bacteria and tetracycline-resistant bacteria with increased concentrations and time. At the end of 60 min treatment with chlorination (2.5 mg Cl2 L−1), Fenton’s reagent (2 mM Fe2+ + 20 mM H2O2) and H2O2 (50 mM H2O2), the total heterotrophic bacterial count in the water samples gradually decreased by 2.35, 2.65, and 1.38 log10 CFU mL−1, and tetracycline-resistant bacteria count reduced by 1.57, 1.66, and 1.43 log10 CFU mL−1, respectively from initial bacterial load. Conclusions The study revealed that disinfection agents can be successfully employed in the inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria discharged through aquaculture water. Among three disinfection agents, Fenton’s reagent has been found effective in inhibiting both heterotrophic bacteria and tetracycline-resistant bacteria from water samples. Highlights Bacterial inactivation studies were carried with Chlorination, Fenton’s reagent, and Hydrogen peroxide. The highest decrease in HPC (2.65 log) and tetracycline-resistant bacterial (1.66 log) was noticed in the water samples treated with Fenton’s reagent. The use of disinfection agents effectively mitigates antibiotic-resistant bacteria from aquaculture wastewater.

Impact of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets for advanced gastric cancer.

Advanced gastric cancer (AGC) remains a challenging malignancy with poor prognosis. The combination of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab has shown promising results in AGC treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on serum tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with AGC and to explore their potential as predictive biomarkers for treatment response. To investigate the impact of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on serum markers and T cell subsets in patients with AGC. This prospective study enrolled 60 patients with AGC. All patients received oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2, every 3 weeks) and trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose, followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks) for six cycles. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and cancer antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) were measured before and after treatment. T-lymphocyte subsets, including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+ /CD8+ ratios, were also evaluated. The clinical response was assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. After six cycles of treatment, the CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4 serum levels significantly decreased compared to baseline levels (P < 0.001). The percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas the percentage of CD8+ T lymphocytes decreased (P < 0.05). The CD4+/CD8+ ratio also significantly increased after treatment (P < 0.05). Patients with a higher decrease in serum tumor markers (≥ 50% reduction) and a higher increase in CD4+/CD8+ ratio (≥ 1.5-fold) showed better clinical response rates (P < 0.05). Oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy effectively reduced serum tumor marker levels and modulated T lymphocyte subsets in patients with AGC. Combination therapy not only has a direct antitumor effect, but also enhances the immune response in patients with AGC. Serum tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for treatment response in patients with AGC receiving combination therapy.

Feasibility, acceptability and outcomes of a contextual schema therapy-based mobile program for depressive symptoms in adults

BackgroundGiven the high prevalence of depression worldwide, there is a pressing need for increasing treatment accessibility and identifying treatment modalities that can sustainably address depression. The present study aims to test the feasibility, acceptability, outcomes and mechanisms of a brief online self-help program for depressive symptoms in adults (nCompass), based on Contextual Schema Therapy principles. Method102 participants scoring above 14 on the Beck Depression Inventory – Second Version were recruited online and randomly allocated to either the 15-day nCompass intervention or a self-administered online psychoeducation group. Participants filled in self-report measures of depression, schema coping and psychological flexibility at baseline, immediately following the intervention and at a two-week follow-up. Additionally, nCompass participants were administered an instrument measuring the acceptability of the program. ResultsThe nCompass intervention was overall feasible and acceptable, with most participants completing the intervention and assessing it as easy to use, satisfactory and useful. Furthermore, results indicate higher decreases in depression and schema coping in the nCompass group by follow-up, compared to the control group. Changes in depressive symptoms from pre-test to post-test and follow-up in the nCompass group were explained by changes in surrender coping. There were no significant differences in psychological flexibility between the groups at either post-test or follow-up. DiscussionOur results highlight the nCompass program as a promising option for treating depressive symptoms in the general population.

Molecular weight fraction-specific transformation of natural organic matter during hydroxyl radical and sulfate radical oxidation

Aquatic natural organic matter (NOM) is one of the main scavengers of reactive species (e.g., •OH and SO4•−) during oxidation processes and undergoes complex transformations. Here, the organic content, optical properties, and redox state in various MW fractions and bulk Suwannee River NOM (SRNOM) were simultaneously evaluated during •OH and SO4•− oxidation processes for the first time. The SRNOM transformation pathways were specific to radical species and MW fractions, which was evidenced by a proportional decrease in electron-donating moieties and chromophores during •OH oxidation but a higher decrease in electron-donating moieties than chromophores during SO4•− oxidation, particularly in lower MW fractions (<3 kDa). The •OH decomposed reactive moieties mainly via aromatic ring opening or depolymerization in all MW fractions. SO4•− oxidation followed a similar pathway in higher MW fractions (>3 kDa) but mainly formed compounds with UV-absorbing properties (e.g., quinones) in lower MW fractions (<3 kDa). With competitive kinetics and depolymerization model, •OH was quantified as approximately 10 times more reactive towards MW fractions than SO4•−. However, the SO4•− concentrations were approximately 10 times those of •OH, resulting in comparable performance to •OH oxidation. SRNOM depolymerization by •OH and SO4•− resulted in formation of more precursors of disinfection byproducts than the parent constituents, especially for •OH. This work improves our understanding of the transformation of specific SRNOM fractions during radical oxidation processes.

Education and Information to Improve Adherence to Screening for Breast, Colorectal, and Cervical Cancer-Lessons Learned during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between adherence to cancer screening programs and earlier diagnosis of the 14 most common types of cancers in the adult population, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. National data concerning number of admissions and operations in Italy for adult patients admitted with oncologic problems during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 to 2022) and in the pre-pandemic period (2015 to 2019) were analyzed. We selected 14 types of cancer that present the most common indications for surgery in Italy. This study included 1,365,000 adult patients who had surgery for the 14 most common types of cancer in the period 2015-2022, and interviews concerning adherence rates to screening for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer were conducted for 133,455 individuals. A higher decrease in the number of operations for the 14 types of cancer (-45%) was registered during the first three acute phases of the pandemic, and it was more evident for screenable cancers like breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer (p < 0.001). During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of screened individuals for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer decreased by 33.8% (from 7,507,893 to 4,969,000) and the number of diagnoses and operations for these three types of cancer decreased by 10.5% (from 107,656 to 96,405). The increase and return to normality of the number of screened individuals in the last year of the pandemic (2022) and in the first post-pandemic year (2023) was associated with a return to the pre-pandemic levels of diagnoses and operations. The adherence rates were lower for individuals living in rural areas, with low socio-economic status, and unmarried persons; however, the most statistically significant factor for reduced adherence was a lower level of educational attainment. Free screening through nationally organized programs reduced social disparities. There were no significant differences between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods for several types of cancers (stomach, esophagus, pancreas, liver) that are diagnosed for the occurrence of symptoms and for which nationally organized programs might increase the possibility of earlier diagnosis and improved clinical outcomes. Education, information, and appropriate expenditure for preventive care have the potential to reduce cancer mortality. Nationally organized screening programs for several types of cancers, which are often detected for the occurrence of symptoms, may increase the possibility of diagnosis at earlier stages.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves yield and quality attributes of melon fruit grown under greenhouse

ABSTRACT Melon (Cucumis melo) is the most popular fruit with indisputable socio-economic and nutritional value, as evidenced by its significant acreage (1 Mha) and production (28 Mt) worldwide. However, melon farming is facing the triple challenge of producing enough to meet growing consumer demand, improving the concentration of human wellness compounds, while minimising chemical inputs. This scientific research was carried out to assess the effectiveness of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Rhizophagus irregularis (Ri), R. fasciculatus (Rf), and their complex, in improving yield and quality attributes in melon variety ‘Ananas’ grown in greenhouse. Results showed that production and fruit quality were significantly improved in mycorrhizal plants (M-plants) compared to non-mycorrhizal (NM-plants) ones, regardless of AMF treatments. M-plants performance varied according to AMF strains. Indeed, Ri-plant exhibited the highest increases in yield (54%), fresh weight (65%), longitudinal (20%) and equatorial (33%) perimeters, Brix degree (20.6%), polyphenols (315.4%), carotenoids (353%), proteins (209.1%), flavonoids (114.38%), ascorbic acid (31.3%), reducing power (77.04%), DPPH radical inhibition (16.43%), and the highest decrease in titrable acidity (62.5%). In addition, Ri-plant fruits were highly rated by participants in the sensory evaluation test. Therefore, R. irregularis application could be recommended for the sustainable production of high-quality fruits of melon.

Effect of different configurations of hybrid nano additives blended with biodiesel on CI engine performance and emissions

The use of nano additives to improve the cold properties of biodiesel is encouraged by its drawbacks and incompatibility in cold climate. Waste cooking oil (WCO) was transesterified to create biodiesel. A 20% by volume was used for combination of diesel and methyl ester. Current study aims to evaluate diesel engine emissions and performance. TiO2, alumina, and hybrid TiO2 + Al2O3 nanoparticles are added to WCO biodiesel mixture at 25 mg/liter. When B20 combined with nano materials such as TiO2, Al2O3, and hybrid nano, the highest declines in brake specific fuel consumption were 4, 6, and 11%, respectively. As compared to biodiesel blend, the largest gains in thermal efficiency were 4.5, 6.5, and 12.5%, respectively, at maximum engine output power. Introduction of TiO2, Al2O3, and hybrid nano particles to B20 at 100% load resulted in the highest decreases in HC concentrations up to 7, 13, and 20%, and the biggest reductions in CO emissions, up to 6, 12, and 16%. Largest increases in NOx concentrations at full load were about 7, 15, and 23% for B20 + 25TiO2, B20 + 25 Al2O3, and B20 + 25TiO2 + 25 Al2O3, respectively. Up to 8, 15, and 21% less smoke was released, correspondingly, which were the largest reductions. Recommended dosage of 25 ppm alumina and 25 ppm TiO2 achieved noticeable improvements in diesel engine performance, combustion and emissions about B20.

Histological assessment for investigation of dose-dependent ovarian toxicity of cyclophosphamide in the rat

BackgroundCyclophosphamide (CPA) have significant effects on ovarian follicles which lead to ovarian toxicity and impair the normal female reproductive function. This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of CPA on rat follicle numbers. MethodsThe experimental groups consisted of rats administered a single intraperitoneal injection of CPA at doses of either 50, 75,150, or 200 mg/kg followed by daily doses of 8 mg/kg for 14 days and control group given no treatment. After the treatment period, the histological evaluation was done. ResultsPrimordial and primary follicles were affected by all doses of CPA, but differential follicle counts revealed that graaf and preantral follicles were most sensitive to CPA, followed by primary and primordial follicles. The greatest reduction in all type of studied follicles caused by CPA doses of 50 mg/kg. ConclusionDifferential follicle counts revealed that CPA-induced ovarian toxicity is exhibited in structural feature of the ovary, particularly in destruction of graaf and preantral follicles in a dose-dependent manner so that the highest decrease in all type of studied follicles caused by 50 mg/kg of CPA and is suggested as the best concentration for ovotoxicity induction. These findings give insight into ovarian response to structural disruption of folliculogenesis.

Evaluation of variability in alpha and beta acid content in European hop varieties (Humulus lupulus L.)

Between 2009 and 2023, European hop varieties were evaluated within genetic resources in the Czech Republic. The objective of this paper was to determine the variability of hop alpha and beta acid contents in the monitored varieties at a single site over the period of fifteen years. At the same time, the trend in which the observed substances decrease or increase was assessed. The lowest average alpha acid content was detected in Strisselspalter (2.96% w/w), while the highest content was found in Herkules (14.03% w/w). The lowest variability in alpha acid content was measured in Vital (14.59%) and Herkules (16.48%). Unlike the aforementioned varieties, Golding exhibits the highest variability (46.28%). All varieties showed a decreasing trend in alpha acid content over the fifteen years of cultivation. Lubelski had the highest decrease in alpha acid content and also showed a high correlation (r² = 0.664). The varieties with the lowest average beta acid content were Celeia (2.77% w/w) and Golding (2.97% w/w). The variety with the highest average beta acid content was Vital (7.30% w/w). All varieties displaied a decreasing trend in beta acid content. Perle had the lowest trend of decrease in beta acid content, while Tradition had the highest trend of decrease. The varieties Strisselspalter, Saaz, Tettnang, Sládek, and Bobek had an alpha/beta acid ratio below 1. However, the variety Bobek showed the highest variability at 32.18%. Herkules had the highest alpha/beta acid ratio (3.20). The most stable alpha/beta acid ratio was found in Marynka (8.41%).

Supine or non-supine sleep apnea events: which can be treated better with Barbed Pharyngoplasty?

Among the treatment options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), intrapharyngeal surgery has undergone significant changes and received solid scientific support. However, it is crucial to identify the best candidate. This study aims to present the results of the modified Alianza technique in our clinic to show the differences in the impact of surgery on supine and non-supine apnea levels in moderate-severe OSA patients. Adult patients affected by moderate-severe OSA (Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) > 15), having circular palatal collapse, and candidates for modified Alianza Tecnique were retrospectively enrolled. Each subject performed polysomnography pre- and post-operatively, and the follow-up check was performed after at least six months. This study enrolled 24 patients who underwent the Modified Alianza technique for sleep apnea. We found significant reductions in both supine and non-supine AH) after surgery. Non-supine AHI showed a greater reduction (from 20.89 to 11.64 episodes/hour, p = 0.0001) than supine AHI (from 42.51 to 25.93, p = 0.0003). We subsequently divided the patients into two groups based on whether they were affected by positional OSA before surgery. There was a lower percentage decrease in non-supine AHI compared to supine AHI after surgery in patients who were positional before surgery, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conversely, in the non-positional patient group, there was a higher decrease in non-supine AHI compared to supine AHI, although this was not statistically significant. The Modified Alianza Tecnique leads to notable enhancement in AHI among patients with OSA. Non-supine apneas exhibit a more favorable response to the surgery than supine apneas.

Effects of salt stress on germination, seedling growth, and ion content of sweet sorghum

Salinity is one of the most common abiotic stresses in the world. It negatively affects the growth and development of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). It significantly reduces germination and seedling growth parameters. The present study was carried out to evaluate the impact of four salinity levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 mM) on the germination and seedling growth parameters of four sweet sorghum genotypes (Erdurmus, Uzun, Srg 156, and BSS 424) and on their ion content (Na, K, Ca, and Mg). The results indicate that under nonsaline conditions, the germination percentage (GP) of all genotypes was 100%, and Erdurmus was identified as the earliest germinating genotype. The BSS 424 genotype showed a significant reduction in germination index (GI), ranging from 8.33% at 100 mM to 0.89% at 300 mM, while Erdurmus and Srg 156 showed the lowest decreases, with mean values of 15.801 and 13.901, respectively. The highest root fresh weight (RFW) value was observed in the control for all the genotypes, while Erdurmus showed the lowest decrease. Moreover, the highest decrease in Mg (0.24%) and Ca (0.17%) content was observed in Uzun, and the lowest K content was identified in BSS 424 (0.5%), whereas the highest Na content was also determined in Uzun (3.12%). Considering all the results, salt stress above 200 mM significantly affected the germination and seedling growth parameters. Therefore, lower concentrations should be taken into consideration for sustainable sorghum production.