Improvement Of Functional Characteristics Research Articles

Effect of ultrasound-attenuation on technological and functional properties of two strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolated from table olives

While probiotics have a wide range of beneficial properties, they can also negatively affect the taste or aroma of foods products by resulting in the phenomenon of post-acidification. Ultrasound (US) is a tool to modulate the metabolism of probiotic bacteria, counteracting post-acidification and improving the performance and functional properties of microorganisms without affecting their viability. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effect of 10 different combinations of power (20 and 40 %) and duration (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 min) of US treatment on two functional strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (c16 and c19) isolated from table olives, with the aim of understanding how, some of the main functional and technological traits (viability, acidification, growth profile under different conditions, antibiotic resistance, viability at pH 2.0 and 0.3 % bile salts), were affected. It was found that the effects were strain dependent, and the best results were obtained for strain c19 in the combinations at 20 % for 8 and 10 min and 40 % for 2 min, where an improvement in functional characteristics was found, with some effects on biofilm stability, inhibition of acidification, without adverse results on some technological properties.

A comprehensive review summarising the reinforcement of UHMWPE composite scaffolds as an artificial implant biomaterials

As a bearing surface, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been a long-standing material of choice due to its distinguished physical and mechanical properties, including lubricity, low coefficient of friction, excellent wear and impact resistance, and high resistance to corrosive chemicals. UHMWPE's oxidative breakdown in an interstitial fluid environment and processing restrictions, however, continue to be problems in biomedical applications. Research has concentrated on enhancing performance by integrating different processes, such as synthesis, manufacturing, the inclusion of organic or inorganic material, and pre- and post-processing approaches, in order to overcome obstacles. The sub-constituent composition and processing methods have an impact on the physical and mechanical properties, which in turn have an impact on how well the implant functions in the clinical setting. According to estimates, the market for medical-grade ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is worth US$2.39 billion, and from 2015 to 2024, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% is anticipated. The review manuscript highlights the recent progress on the reinforcement of UHMWPE for improvement in functional characteristics like mechanical and tribological properties and bioactivity. This study also carefully examines UHMWPE's 3D printability for a variety of biomedical applications. This article will serve as a guide for the research community to enhance their conceptual comprehension and perception of the potential of 3D printing biomedical devices and equipment built of UHMWPE.

Comprehensive rehabilitation for injuries to the medial collateral ligament of the knee in skiers and snowkiters

BACKGROUND: The main function of the medial collateral ligament is static stabilization when the tibia is deviated outward. Medial collateral ligament damage may result from the application of a sharp force to the tibia and knee joint in a valgus position, often leading to knee instability, recurrent synovitis and posttraumatic osteoarthritis. This often results in the development of functional disorders that sharply limit the motor abilities of patients, thereby affecting the performance (support ability) of the injured limb.
 AIM: The study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the efficiency of various current rehabilitation techniques providing a more patient-oriented approach in the conservative treatment of various degrees of medial collateral ligament injuries based on the assessment of the capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging in 38 patients.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (27 men and 11 women, 71.05% and 28.95%, respectively) with partial medial collateral ligament injuries were followed up. The mean age was 28.5 years (1938 years). All subjects were involved in skiing and snowkiting in the alpine skiing discipline. The diagnosis was made based on clinical examination, patients complaints, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee joint. The examination was performed on a Vestra-2 magnetic resonance tomograph with a superconducting magnet and a magnetic field induction of 0.5 Tesla. Optimal for knee joint examination was a quadrature Surf-76 receiving and transmitting coil, which allowed the selection of a small field of view without artifacts or spatial distortion and increased the signal/noise ratio. The knee joints were examined twice: on the day of admission (maximum 1.5 days after injury) and at the end of the week 6 of conservative treatment.
 RESULTS: Using the rehabilitation treatment program proposed by the authors in patients with medial collateral ligament injuries, a decrease in the severity of clinical symptoms and an improvement of functional characteristics were observed. Inclusion of the kinesiotaping technique led to a reduction of the treatment recovery period.
 CONCLUSIONS: Current noninvasive diagnostic techniques (in particular, MRI) for bone tissues, articular cartilages, and periarticular soft tissues allow to determine the degree of damage to anatomical structures, choose the optimal conservative treatment method , and set the duration and extent of artificial immobilization and the terms of the onset of rehabilitation procedures for patients with partial injuries of the medial collateral ligaments. The results of the proposed rehabilitation treatment program for injuries of the medial knee ligament include a reduction of pain, synovitis and limping, and an improvement of muscle strength and elasticity and knee stability.

Analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus high-throughput sequencing data for the determination of microribonucleic acids in the blood plasma of patients with glioblastomas

Purpose of the study. This work is devoted to the study of blood plasma miRNA patterns in blood plasma using high-throughput sequencing of the Omnibus Gene Expression base and the search for candidate miRNA molecules for the development of a minimally invasive diagnostic panel.Materials and methods. Basing on the open dataset of Omnibus Expression of the NCBI GSE150956 Gene, groups of samples with glioblastoma and conventionally healthy donors were formed. For each sample, information on the levels of miRNA expression was extracted. Determination of significant miRNAs using machine learning algorithms of the R 4.0.4 project. For significant miRNAs, target genes have been performed, an analysis of the improvement of functional characteristics and interactome analysis of target genes of miRNA were performed.Results. The study analyzed the data of 131 samples, where 35 samples with glioblastoma and 96 samples of the conditionally healthy group. Differential expression data were obtained for 945 miRNA. Two panels were obtained using machine learning methods, common miRNA – hsa-miR 3180, hsa-miR 3180-3p, hsa-miR 6782-5p, hsa-miR 182-5p, hsa-miR 133b and hsa-miR 670-3p. For significant miRNAs, information was obtained on experimentally confirmed target genes, a gene ontology demonstrating their participation in enzyme binding, participation in the regulation of primary cellular metabolic processes, and the development of glioblastomas and cancer in general.Conclusion. As a result of layer-by-layer filtering and application of machine learning algorithms, significant miRNAs were identified that are candidates for a diagnostic panel of a minimally invasive method of high-grade glial tumors.

Technical and economic analysis of certain types of service robots

Subject. The article analyzes development trends in certain types of service robots, namely, hybrid UAVs, bionic prosthetic hands, robotic vacuum cleaners. Objectives. We focus on identifying the main trends in the development of certain types of service robots, building dynamic models of their technical indicators and models of dependence of their price and weight on absolute characteristics and technical parameters. Methods. The study employs methods of correlation and multiple regression analysis. The data of the IFR, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, and websites of robot manufacturers serve as the informational basis of the paper. Results. The modeling unveils positive correlation between the integrated indicator of the technical level of hybrid UAVs of convertiplane type and the wingspan. The analysis of modern bionic prosthetic hands shows that the developers focus on optimizing the structure of the prosthetic, however, as the functions of the hand improve, the weight of bionic hand increases. The main factors influencing the price of robot vacuum cleaners are their power, weight, and operating hours. Conclusions. The unit price of a complex indicator of the technical level of hybrid UAVs is lower than the corresponding indicator of fixed-wing UAVs, reflecting a greater efficiency of hybrid UAVs. The analysis of technical indicators of robotic prosthetics (using the case of bionic hands) shows that any improvement of functional characteristics leads to deterioration of weight. The analysis of technical and economic indicators of robotic vacuum cleaners reveals a positive correlation between the price and weight, operating hours and power.

Diagnostic and Monitoring System for Technical Condition of Electromechanical Section of Thermal Control Systems in Spacecraft

Modern diagnostics methods ensuring the safety of production and operation, as well as the improvement of functional characteristics of electromechanical systems’ are discussed, method of diagnostics according to the spectrum and hodograph of the engine’s equivalent current is presented. Functional concept is presented for the system of control, diagnostic and monitoring of technical condition of thermal control systems’ electromechanical part in the spacecraft. The decision-making and forecasting algorithm for the operational resource is based on ground-based studies and diagnostic results. This approach to device diagnostics and monitoring is also used in other servo drives, mechatronic and robotic systems of space vehicles and other objects that are inaccessible and left unattended. Hardware-algorithmic implementation of the system is described, recommendations on the components base selection are given.

Evaluation of the efficiency of magnetophoresis transdermal diclofenac delivery in patients with knee osteoarthritis

to determine the effect of pulsed MF on the clinical efficacy and tolerability of magnetophoretic transdermal diclofenac delivery in patients with gonarthrosis. A clinical randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted in 65 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3 knee OA, who were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 including 25 patients received magnetophoretic diclofenac gel delivery using a traveling MF (intensity, 20 mT; frequency, 6.25 Hz; exposure. 20 min, 12 sessions); Group 2 consisting of 20 patients used placebo magnetotherapy with diclofenac without MF; Group 3 comprising 20 patients had low-frequency pulse magnetotherapy with traveling MF without topical diclofenac therapy. VAS and WOMAC and the EQ-5D questionnaire were used during the examination. The results of treatment were analyzed according to the OMERACT-OARSI criterion. According to VAS and WOMAC scores, combination therapy showed a marked analgesic effect in the patients who had received magnetotherapy (p<0.01), as well as a significant reduction in stiffness and an improvement in functional characteristics, which were more pronounced in those who had magnetophoresis (p<0.001). According to the EQ-5D questionnaire, magnetotherapy was noted to have a positive impact on quality-of-life indicators. Analysis according the OMERACT-OARSI criterion demonstrated a high rate (67.8%) of response to magnetophoretic sis using diclofenac application formulations. Magnetophoretic transdermal diclofenac delivery using low-frequency pulsed MF is effective and safe for patients with knee OA and causes no serious adverse events.

Study on understanding functional characteristics of multi-wall CNT modified asphalt binder

ABSTRACT This study evaluates important functional characteristics such as dispersion, aging resistivity potential, temperature susceptibility, and high temperature storage stability of Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) modified asphalt binders. CNT content was varied as 0%, 0.4%, 0.75%, 1.5% and 2.25% by weight of control binder (AC-10). Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) images was captured to get direct observation of CNT dispersion. Viscosity was further measured to understand the workability and dispersion characteristics. Further, viscosity temperature susceptibility parameters (A and VTS), activation energy and Penetration Index (PI) values were estimated to evaluate temperature susceptibility. SEM images and viscosity data showed that CNT content up to 1.5% may be recommended without potential problem of entanglement/clustering. Similarly, analysis of softening point, complex modulus and phase angle data showed positive effect of CNT on aging resistivity potential. Such improvement in functional characteristics can be attributed to high specific surface area (190 m2/gm), higher aspect ratio (length/diameter = 645) and excellent mechanical properties of CNT. Likewise, high temperature storage stability was evaluated using softening point and Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) tests. Though softening point test method showed sufficiently stable nature of CNT under high temperature storage condition, settling of CNT (unstable nature) was observed from MSCR testing approach.

Effect of germination on enzymatic, functional and bioactive attributes of different Pakistani legume cultivars

Legume belonging to the family of Fabaceae or Leguminosae. Three legume cultivars green gram (Vigna radiata), lentils (Lens culinaris) and black gram (Vigna mungo) were selected to study the effect of germination. Germination was carried out by soaking legumes in water for 12 h, followed by spreading them on water soaked jute bag for 24 h. After sprouting, samples were dried at 40 °C in an oven for 3 days followed by storage in refrigerator before further analysis. The legume flours obtained from these germinated and non-germinated samples (control) were subjected to different analysis. Results showed a significant increase in the proximate composition as well as amylase, protease and lipase activity of the germinated legumes compared to non-germinated legumes. Hydration, foaming and emulsifying characteristics were greatly enhanced after germination. Bioactive components including total phenolic content and total antioxidant activities also positivity correlated with the germination of legumes. The results of the study revealed improvement in functional characteristics due to germination of legumes and suggested the use of selected legumes in the development of different nutraceutical products.

Non-medicamentous correction of changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in subjects exposed to chrysolite asbestos dust

Two physiotherapeutic complexes are proposed for the improvement of functional characteristics of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems that can be used for the non-medicamentous treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases or concurrent broncho-pulmonary and cardiovascular pathologies. One complex is designed for the treatment of patients with asbestosis including that complicated by chronic obstructive bronchitis in the phase of remission with the well-apparent signs of myocardial electric instability. The use of the other complex is indicated to patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis in the phase of exacerbation and the signs of chronic pulmonary heart associated with cardiac dysrhythmia.

Deglycosylation of glucoamylase from Aspergillus niger: Effects on structure, activity and stability

A comparative structure–function study was performed to establish possible roles of carbohydrates in stabilization of glycoproteins, using glucoamylase (GA) as a model system. In addition to kinetic properties, stability toward elevated temperatures, extremes of pH, high salt concentrations together with circular dichroism, intrinsic/extrinsic fluorescence studies, proteolysis and affinity for interaction with hydrophobic ligands were investigated. Related to all the main properties examined, with one exception, glycosylation provided improvement in functional characteristics of the enzyme, especially in relation to its thermostability. Results are explained in terms of provision of stabilizing intermolecular interactions by the sugar molecules. The improvement in protein rigidity together with reduction of surface hydrophobicity appear to be especially important in relation to prevention of aggregation, an important mechanism of irreversible thermoinactivation, occurring at elevated temperatures.

Nutrition care of patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure.

Nutrition is intimately linked to pulmonary function and an understanding of these relationships have therapeutic utility. Malnutrition is known to be associated with impaired mechanical function of the lung in both chronic and acute respiratory insufficiency. Refeeding results in improvement in functional characteristics and may be critical in the weaning of patients from mechanical ventilation. In contrast, overfeeding may result in an increased ventilatory demand resulting in the inability to wean from respiratory support. This article considers the background as well as recommendations for the nutritional care of patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure.