Instrumental Techniques Research Articles

Citric acid crosslinked hydroxyethyl tamarind gum-based hydrogel films: A promising biomaterial for drug delivery

This investigation explored citric acid crosslinked hydroxyethyl tamarind gum hydrogel films as a potential biomaterial for drug delivery. Hydroxyethylation of tamarind gum aimed to improve its solubility, swelling, and crosslinking potential. The synthesized hydroxyethylated tamarind gum (HETG) was comprehensively characterized, revealing the presence of hydroxyethyl groups and increased viscosity in comparison to unmodified tamarind gum. The citric acid crosslinked HETG hydrogel films were developed by esterification-crosslinking mechanism. The films were characterized using instrumental techniques and evaluated for total carboxyl content, mechanical properties, swelling behavior, drug loading, drug release, antibacterial activity, hemocompatibility and in vitro wound healing activity. The presence of ester crosslinks and extent of crosslinking was confirmed through total carboxyl content and instrumental analysis. Varying HETG (2–2.5%w/v) and citric acid (1–1.4 %w/v) concentrations resulted in films with tunable mechanical strength, swelling, and drug loading. The films effectively controlled the release of a water-soluble drug (80.87–99.70 % in 24 h) through a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The optimized HETG hydrogel film showed antimicrobial activity, hemocompatibility, and support for cell growth, confirming its biocompatibility and potential for wound healing. Citric acid-crosslinked HETG films appear promising for drug delivery to wounds, meriting further in vivo study.

Isolation, characterization, and analysis of pure compounds from Leea macrophylla leaf extract for antibacterial, antidiabetic, cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity

This research aims to isolate, characterize, and analyze pure compounds from Leea macrophylla leaf extract to investigate its antibacterial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and phytotoxic effects. Fresh leaves were collected, dried, and subjected to methanol extraction to obtain a crude extract. From the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) of this extract, three fractions—designated LM1, LM2, and LM3—were prepared using column chromatography. The fractions were tried to be characterized in search for single compound by instrumental technique like ATR-FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR but the 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra were found complex which were difficult to interpret. To dispel the doubt and get clear idea about the structure, GC-MS analysis of the compounds was carried out whose result showed that all the three extracts were decomposed to several small organic compounds that made the structure elucidation difficult. For this complication, the characterization of the extracts was not possible. Numerous compounds were identified in the methanol extract of L.macrophylla through GC-MS analysis. Among these compounds, Benzene, 1,2,3-trimethyl- and Undecane were found in higher percentages in LM1. LM2 contained Azulene and Bicyclo [4.4.1]undeca-1,3,5,7,9-pentaene, while LM3 was characterized by the presence of 9,9-Dimethoxybicyclo [3.3.1]nona-2,4-dione and 11-(2-Cyclopenten-1-yl)undecanoic acid, among others. The antibacterial activity of these fractions was evaluated against various bacterial strains, demonstrating broad-spectrum effectiveness. LM1 fraction showed the highest antibacterial activity against Proteus sp. With zone of inhibition 25 mm and weak activity against S. sonnei with zone of inhibition 5 mm. LM2 showed the highest activity to both E. cocci and P. aeruginosa with the zone of inhibition of 18 mm and comparatively lower but significant against Proteus sp. LM3 was highly active to S. sonnei with zone of inhibition 20 mm and lower but quite significant against Proteus sp. Moreover, the anti-diabetic potential was assessed, with LM1 showing the strongest α-amylase inhibitory activity, outperforming quercetin (standard). The IC50 values of LM1, LM2, LM3, and quercetin were 57.36 μg/mL, 100.66 μg/mL, 164.92 μg/mL, and 97.45 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, cytotoxicity was assessed using a brine shrimp lethality bioassay, and phytotoxicity was evaluated through seed germination and growth assays. The results suggest that L.macrophylla leaf extracts have potential applications in antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-cancer contexts. This comprehensive study bridges gaps in knowledge surrounding L.macrophylla's multifaceted properties, offering insights into its therapeutic and ecological potential for healthcare and environmental management.

Synthesis of ZrO2 and its composite with activated carbon for lead adsorption and antibacterial applications

In this study, zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles and their composites with activated carbon (AC) were synthesized and further characterized via several instrumentation techniques in order to study their physical, chemical, and structural properties. The synthesized nanomaterials along with bare AC were utilized as adsorbents to remove Pb (II) ions present in aqueous solutions. Various parameters i.e., adsorbent dose, pH, and concentration of adsorbate were considered to examine the adsorption efficiency of ZrO2, AC, and ZrO2@AC with the help of atomic absorbance spectroscopy (AAS). The ZrO2@AC nanocomposite, with a surface area of 120.551 m2/g, offered a maximum absorption capacity of 179.53 mg/g for Pb (II) ions. Moreover, the adsorption isothermic variables were estimated to gain a comprehensive understanding of the adsorption mechanism of Pb (II) ions over ZrO2@AC nanocomposite. Additionally, desorption study of Pb (II) ions is also conducted for reusability of the nanocomposite. For valuable application in actual water environment, the antibacterials activity of both ZrO2 and ZrO2/AC was also examined against different bacteria, e.g., Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella enterica (S. enterica), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii). This study confirms the potential of the ZrO2@AC nanocomposite as a sustainable solution for removal of lead ions and microbes from water.

Validation of a sensor system for the measurement of breath ammonia using selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry

The measurement of trace breath gases is of growing interest for its potential to provide non-invasive physiological information in health and disease. While instrumental techniques such as selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) can achieve this, these are less suitable for clinical application. Sensitive sensor-based systems for breath ammonia could be more widely deployed, but have proven challenging to develop. This work demonstrates the sequential analytical validation of an electrochemical impedance-based sensor system for the measurement of ammonia in breath using SIFT-MS. Qualitative and relative responses between the two methods were comparable, although there were consistent differences in absolute concentration. When tested in artificial breath ammonia, sensors had a relative impedance sensitivity of 3.43 × 10-5ppbv-1for each breath in the range of 249-1653 ppbv (r2= 0.87,p< 0.05). When correlated with SIFT-MS using human breath (n= 14), ammonia was detected in the range of 100-700 ppbv (r= 0.78,p< 0.001), demonstrating acceptable sensitivity, reproducibility and dynamic range for clinical application.

Effect of meat type and fat level on burger meat characteristics: A combined approach using imaging and sensory techniques.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fat level and meat cut type on burger meat through color, texture, image, and sensory analyses, and to explore the ability of the imaging technique as a complementary tool for consumer quality perception. For this purpose, burger meat samples were prepared by combining pork and beef meat (50/50%) with other nonmeat ingredients. The differences between samples were fat level: around 15 g fat/100 g (code HF) or 10.5 g fat/100 g (code LF); cut types: from cow carcasses (code C) or yearling (code Y). Instrumental color and texture measures analysis, an image analysis, and a sensory evaluation were carried out on samples (raw and cooked) at two times: day 0 and day 1 before expiry dates. The results showed that the samples made with meat from cows presented lower L* and higher a* and b* values than the samples made from yearling. However, the fat level did not affect this parameter. This same pattern was observed for the image measurements. Regarding texture, the samples with higher fat content (and lower moisture content) had higher hardness values. Generally, meat type had no effect on textural parameters. The samples that consumers gave the highest overall acceptance scores were those made of cow meat at both fat content levels. These samples also had the highest raw and cooked color scores. The fat level slightly affected hardness, with the same pattern observed for the instrumental measures of texture. The analyses showed a good correlation between instrumental techniques and sensory evaluation.

Effective adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution by Mg-Fe LDH supported on orange peel activated carbon: isotherm, kinetic, thermodynamics and mechanism studies

The toxic Cr(VI) contaminating water released from the metallurgical, dyeing, and electroplating industries is getting worse day by day and is extremely hazardous to human health. Thus, the development of a cost-effective, quick, and efficient adsorbent is highly essential for the Cr(VI) decontamination from wastewater. Herein, a microwave-assisted carbon-based composite called Mg-Fe LDH@OPAC was prepared by assembling Mg-Fe LDH onto orange peel-activated carbon (OAPC). Prior to investigating deeply into the adsorption behavior of the composite, the Mg-Fe LDH@OPAC formation was confirmed by using instrumental techniques like FESEM, EDS, Zeta potential, XRD, FTIR, Raman, XPS, and BET analyzer. The material had a high surface area of 143.9 m2/g and showed a good monolayer Langmuir uptake capacity of 118.36 mg/g. Under ideal circumstances, the maximum amount of Cr(VI) was removed within just 120 min and showed high efficiency in the presence of other coexisting anions respectively. The adsorption was accounted by pseudo-second-order kinetics and spontaneous in nature. Ultimately, a possible adsorption mechanism was suggested, confirmed by XPS studies; which showed that oxidation-reduction, electrostatic interaction, and surface complexation reaction were responsible for Cr(VI) adsorption on Mg-Fe LDH@OPAC surface.

One-Side Weight Sports and the Impact of Their Load on the Feet and the Occurrence of Posture Disorders in Professional Football and Handball Players

The aim of this study was to evaluate center of pressure (CoP) changes in unilateral sports and examine how these changes affect the athlete’s feet, ankles, knees or posture. The study sample consisted of 40 professional male players (age: 19.4 ± 2.08 years; height: 165.78 ± 4.92 cm; weight: 59.04 ± 4.02 kg; BMI: 21.57 ± 2.22; foot size: 40.9 ± 1.6), divided by type of sport into group H—handball (n: 20) and group F—football (n: 20). To evaluate the monitored parameters, we used the instrumental diagnostic techniques: 3D laser footscan, baropodometric platform FreeStep and 2D Videography. We found no significant differences between the groups in the loading of the right and left foot (F: 8.3 ± 4.22; H: 7.7 ± 6.1) (p = 0.410). We found a significant difference in the load on the front and back of the left (p = 0.0079) and right foot (p = 0.0210) depending on the type of sport performed. Maximum and mean values of CoP (g/cm2) showed statistically significant differences depending on the sport performed (p &lt; 0.0001). The shift in CoP (mm) from the norm depending on the sport performed was confirmed in the latero-lateral direction (p = 0.003), but not in the antero-posterior direction (p = 0.320). We found a difference in the angulation of the knees and heels depending on the sport played. Handball players showed higher knee varosity/valgosity (p = 0.015) and heel values than football players (p = 0.002). The handball players also confirmed a worse postural load and initial forward posture. The one-sided sports, handball and football, showed negative effects on the athlete’s movement system. These changes were more pronounced in handball players. Proper training programs should be applied in athletes’ daily routine to improve the negative effects of unilateral sports.

Respiratory Physiotherapy Interventions in Paediatric Population with Atelectasis: A Systematic Review

Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of respiratory physiotherapy techniques in oxygenation, chest X-ray findings, and lung auscultation in paediatric patients aged 0 to 18 years diagnosed with atelectasis. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Results: Eight randomised clinical trials were included, involving 430 children ranging from 35 weeks of gestational age to 14 years. These trials evaluated various respiratory physiotherapy techniques and their effects on oxygenation and chest radiograph outcomes. The methodological quality of the studies ranged from acceptable to good, according to the PEDro scale. Conclusions: Recent evidence indicates that respiratory physiotherapy is effective and safe in the paediatric population with atelectasis. Both manual and instrumental techniques demonstrated efficacy, with instrumental techniques showing superior outcomes in many cases.

Does Smartphone Use Affect Attitudes Toward Aging Among Older Adults in Rural Areas? An Empirical Analysis Using Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey

Fostering positive attitudes toward aging among older adults serves as a key measure of success in promoting active aging. Based on microdata from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey in 2018, this study uses ordinary least squares (OLS) and the two-stage least squares (2SLS) to evaluate the impact of smartphone use on the attitudes toward aging among older adults in rural areas. The results show that smartphone use significantly relieves older adults’ negative attitudes toward aging, with effects persisting even after employing robust estimations and instrumental variable techniques to address endogeneity concerns. These results emphasize the need to improve rural internet infrastructure and to promote both smartphone access and literacy among older adults in rural China to amplify these positive effects.

Characterization of Pulse-Containing Cakes Using Sensory Evaluation and Instrumental Analysis

Despite the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses, their incorporation into bakery products has been impeded by their characteristic off-flavour. This study characterizes five pulses (faba bean, chickpea, whole lentil, split pea and pinto bean) in a cake application with a 40% wheat flour substitution, alongside a control cake. Physicochemical analysis and sensory analysis using a consumer panel (n = 124) and instrumental analysis (GC E-nose) were conducted. The liking scores for the pulse-containing cakes were significantly lower compared to the control cake, but half of the participants preferred a pulse-containing cake, indicating their market potential. Both instrumental analysis and sensory evaluation identified the chickpea and faba bean cakes as most similar to the control, while the pea cake was the most divergent. This cake was described as beany and grassy by consumers, negatively affecting the overall acceptance. Consumers in the sensory study had difficulties in distinguishing between the chickpea and faba bean cakes. Similarly, based on the volatile profiles, the chickpea and faba bean cakes demonstrated the closest relationship. The alignment between sensory data and E-nose results supports the added value of instrumental techniques such as the GC E-nose in sensory research.

Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy - Comparative Outcomes of Powered vs. Non - Powered Instrument Techniques in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy - Comparative Outcomes of Powered vs. Non - Powered Instrument Techniques in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Efficacy of gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy remains similar after failure of interventional techniques in refractory gastroparesis

Background and aimsGastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) is a new therapeutic option for the treatment of refractory gastroparesis. However, the outcome of G-POEM after the failure of gastric electrical stimulation (GES) or other pylorus-targeting therapies has been poorly reported. MethodsData were collected from patients referred for G-POEM for refractory gastroparesis. The efficacy in patients with previous interventional techniques was compared to patients naïve to instrumental technique. The primary endpoint was the 6-month clinical success rate, defined as at least a 1-point decrease in the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI). ResultsAmong 48 patients referred for G-POEM, 32 patients had had previous instrumental treatments (66%): 15 (31%) had had GES, and 17 (35%) had had pyloric endoscopic dilation or toxin injection. The technical success rate was 100%. At 6 months, clinical success was achieved in 25/48 patients (52%) and the GCSI decreased from 3.38 (2.94–3.95) to 2.25 (1.11–3.36) (p < 0.001). The 6-month success rate was similar in patients with or without previous instrumental treatment (50.0% vs 56.3%; p = 0.41). The complication rate was also similar in the two groups (6.3% vs 12.5%; p = 0.59), with only one severe adverse event. The only predictive factor for success at 6 months was a higher body mass index (OR = 1.14 [1.01–1.32]; p = 0.05). ConclusionG-POEM is safe and remains effective after GES or previous pyloric treatment failure, with 50% efficacy at 6 months. The therapeutic strategy in refractory gastroparesis remains to be defined.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Adoption of Mobile Phone Applications for Improved Small-scale Commercial Agriculture in Makonde District, Zimbabwe

Mobile applications have provided a new way for agricultural transformation. This is set to revolutionise the agriculture sector with easy access to vital agricultural information on weather, market trends, pest, and disease management, and best agriculture practices to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability. However, there is a dearth of studies on the adoption of mobile applications in agriculture. It was important for this study to understand the impact of farmers’ demographic characteristics on the adoption of mobile applications in small-scale commercial agriculture. The study applied the quantitative research approach, a sample size of 213 small-scale commercial farmers, a descriptive cross-sectional research design, and the structured household questionnaire survey instrument, purposive random and stratified sampling techniques to collect primary data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study revealed a higher adoption rate of mobile applications among young farmers than old farmers. The study indicated that female small-scale commercial farmers adopted mobile applications than male farmers. The study revealed that the majority of small-scale commercial farmers were literate. Further, the study highlighted that married farmers exhibited a greater tendency to adopt mobile applications than single, divorced, separated, and widowed. Furthermore, the study revealed that the majority of small-scale commercial farmers were engaged in agriculture as their primary occupation. The study argued that young farmers, female farmers, educated farmers, married farmers, and farming as a primary occupation positively influenced the adoption of mobile phone applications for improved small-scale commercial agriculture. The study recommends that policymakers and implementers should consider socio-demographic characteristics as critical determinants of the adoption of mobile phone applications for improved small-scale commercial agriculture to tailor strategies that promote the adoption of mobile applications based on different farmer age groups

Pediatric Cervical Spine Trauma: A Narrative Review.

Narrative review. To provide an updated overview of pediatric cervical spine trauma. Pediatric cervical spine trauma can cause debilitating morbidity and mortality and neurological impairment. The unique anatomic features of the developing cervical spine can predispose children to injuries. We reviewed the pediatric cervical spine trauma literature in PubMed and EMBASE. Pediatric cervical spine injury occurs in 1%-2% of pediatric trauma. The most frequent cause is motor vehicle collisions, with sports-related injuries being more common in older children. Larger head-to-body ratios and tissue elasticity can predispose young children to a greater risk of injury higher in the craniocervical junction and cervical spine. Standardized protocols and classification systems, such as the Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Working Group protocol and the AO Spine Injury and Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classifications, are valuable in triage as well as for assessing the need for operative versus nonoperative management. In general, operative approaches and principles are similar to those in adults, with modern instrumentation and fusion techniques achieving high rates of successful arthrodesis. Effective management and treatment of pediatric cervical spine injuries depends on early and accurate diagnosis, a thorough understanding of pediatric spinal anatomy, and a versatile surgical armamentarium.

Principles of Instrumentation in Periodontics

Instrumentation in periodontics plays a crucial role in the effective management of periodontal diseases. This article explores the fundamental principles guiding instrumentation techniques used in periodontal therapy. The primary objectives include achieving optimal biofilm removal, root surface detoxification, and creating a conducive environment for tissue healing. Various instruments, such as scalers, curettes, and ultrasonic devices, are discussed in terms of their indications, advantages, and limitations. Additionally, the importance of ergonomic considerations and operator proficiency in enhancing treatment outcomes is emphasized. Understanding these principles is essential for dental practitioners to deliver comprehensive periodontal care that promotes long-term oral health and patient satisfaction.

Current Analytical Methods and Their Limitations in Quantifying Antidiabetic Drug Nateglinide and Repaglinide in Pharmaceutical Formulations and Biological Fluids

Pharmaceutical growth dominated a transformation in human health. These drugs need to attend to their target only, so they must be free from impurities and appropriately controlled. Due to that, diverse instrumental techniques were advanced at steady intervals to accomplish their intention to quantify the limits per the regulatory. NTG and RPG pharmaceuticals might generate impurities during the development phases, packing, and shipping, which could be risky to administer. Hence, detecting and quantifying them using various analytical techniques at multiple stages is necessary. This review highlights the function of different analytical methods, including UV–Vis, HPLC, HPTLC, UPLC, HPLC/MS and UPLC/MS, in quantifying drugs, impurities and metabolites in bulk, pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids. Also, it discussed the specific advantages and limitations of individual techniques. It compared them regarding sensitivity, specificity, cost, time consumption, efficacy, and the practical challenges of implementing these analytical techniques in real-world settings to determine pharmaceuticals.

Enantioseparation strategies for sertraline by instrumental and crystallization-based techniques: An important issue in quality control.

Enantiomers of a chiral active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) often exhibit different physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and biological properties. Therefore, enantioseparation becomes a critical aspect of pharmaceutical development. Sertraline, one of the most widely prescribed antidepressant medications, requires purification from its chiral impurities, and this is recommended and essential for its quality control. This perspective highlights the current established research on the separation and quantification of sertraline's chiral impurities, with a focus on instrumental and crystallization-based techniques.

Application of Kahoot Interactive Quiz Learning Media to Increase Interest in Learning History of Class XI Comet Students at SMA Negeri 2 Medan

The aim of this research is to see the effectiveness of implementing Kahoot-based interactive quiz learning media in increasing interest in learning history in class XI Komet students at SMA Negeri 2 Medan. The method used in this research is classroom action research (PTK) methodology which consists of II stages (Cycles) using a quantitative approach. Questionnaires and observations are data collection instruments (techniques) that are used to see the level of students' interest in learning after using the Kahoot quiz learning media. The population taken was students from SMA Negeri 2 Medan with a sample of class XI Komet students consisting of 36 students consisting of 10 male students and 26 female students. Based on the results of the research that has been carried out, it is known that the results of the analysis of observation and questionnaire data in stage I which was carried out on 09 August 2024 obtained a percentage of 72.69% and in stage II which was carried out on 12 August 2024 it increased by 89.40%. Based on the conclusions that have been produced, the researcher states that the use of Kahoot-based interactive quiz learning media has been proven to stimulate and foster students' interest in learning.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Hercynite-Supported Copper(II) Complex Based on 1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione and Acetylacetone Building Blocks and Its Catalytic Application in Annulation Reactions.

In the present work, a novel Cu(II) complex containing 10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phen-dione) and acetylacetone (acac) was prepared via solid-phase synthesis on silica-modified hercynite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The resulting structure underwent thorough structural analysis using diverse instrumental techniques. The catalytic potential of the synthesized Cu(II) complex was successfully demonstrated in the synthesis of 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-chromenes. This was accomplished via a one-pot, three-component condensation reaction involving lawsone, malononitrile, and aromatic aldehydes in ethanol under reflux conditions, leading to remarkably high yields and product purity. Several advantages stem from this investigation. Notably, the use of ethanol as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solvent highlights the ecoconscious approach of this research. Moreover, the reaction conditions were mild and the separation process was straightforward, resulting in reduced byproducts as well as time and cost savings. Furthermore, the catalyst's stability and reusability were studied under optimal conditions, revealing excellent reversibility for up to five cycles without any significant loss of activity. This excellent performance underscores the potential of the Cu(II) complex for sustainable catalytic applications.

New Eco-Cements Made with Marabou Weed Biomass Ash

Biomass ash is currently attracting the attention of science and industry as an inexhaustible eco-friendly alternative to pozzolans traditionally used in commercial cement manufacture (fly ash, silica fume, natural/calcined pozzolan). This paper explores a new line of research into Marabou weed ash (MA), an alternative to better-known conventional agro-industry waste materials (rice husk, bagasse cane, bamboo, forest waste, etc.) produced in Cuba from an invasive plant harvested as biomass for bioenergy production. The study entailed full characterization of MA using a variety of instrumental techniques, analysis of pozzolanic reactivity in the pozzolan/lime system, and, finally its influence on the physical and mechanical properties of binary pastes and mortars containing 10% and 20% MA replacement content. The results indicate that MA has a very low acid oxide content and a high loss on ignition (30%) and K2O content (6.9%), which produces medium–low pozzolanic activity. Despite an observed increase in the blended mortars’ total and capillary water absorption capacity and electrical resistivity and a loss in mechanical strength approximately equivalent to the replacement percentage, the 10% and 20% MA blended cements meet the regulatory chemical, physical, and mechanical requirements specified. Marabou weed ash is therefore a viable future supplementary cementitious material.