Loss Of Substance Research Articles

Prevalence and Awareness of Non-Bacterial Loss of Tooth Substance Among Libyan University Students: Attrition, Abrasion, Erosion and Resorption

Background: Tooth substance loss, when unrelated to bacterial activity, encompasses several conditions such as attrition, abrasion, erosion, and resorption. Each of these forms of tooth wear results from different etiological factors, including mechanical forces, dietary acids, and physiological processes. Despite the significance of these conditions, awareness of non-bacterial causes of tooth wear is limited among the general population, especially young adults. University students, who are exposed to a variety of stressors and lifestyle habits, may be at increased risk for these issues. Objective: This study investigates the prevalence of non-bacterial tooth substance loss and evaluates the level of awareness among Libyan university students, focusing on factors that contribute to attrition, abrasion, erosion, and resorption. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online Google Forms survey, distributed via social media. A total of 523 responses were collected. The questionnaire gathered demographic data, oral health practices, symptoms of non-bacterial tooth substance loss (NBTLS), and awareness of conditions like attrition, abrasion, erosion, and resorption. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, assessing prevalence and awareness levels. Chi-square tests examined associations between demographic factors, oral health habits, and NBTLS awareness. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The study involved 523 Libyan university students, revealing a significant age skew towards 21-23 years (56.8%), with a majority female population (69.8%). Most participants were from the Dental field (62.9%). In terms of oral health practices, 38.2% visited the dentist every six months, and 57.9% brushed twice daily. Awareness of non-bacterial tooth loss conditions varied, with 68.9% recognizing abrasion and 54.1% erosion. Notably, 45.5% reported experiencing tooth wear symptoms, and 99.2% showed strong interest in learning about non-bacterial causes of tooth wear, with a binomial test confirming this interest as statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study underscores a significant awareness of non-bacterial tooth substance loss among Libyan university students, alongside a marked interest in further education on this subject. Despite the generally proactive oral health practices observed, there is variability in awareness of specific conditions such as erosion and resorption. The overwhelmingly high interest in learning about non-bacterial causes of tooth wear, supported by statistical significance, indicates a critical need for enhanced educational initiatives. Targeted interventions are essential to bridge existing knowledge gaps and promote effective preventative strategies within this demographic.

Daewoo, Thomson, and Privatization in Late-Twentieth-Century France

The region of Lorraine in France witnessed the collapse of the steel industries in the late twentieth century, causing massive job losses and social devastation. Daewoo Electronics, a division of one of the great Korean conglomerates of the 1980s and 1990s, came to Lorraine in eastern France in 1987. It was lured there by generous French government subsidies and the chance to enter the European market. It opened three factories in consumer electronics and components, and also nearly acquired Thomson Multimédia, a state-owned consumer electronics factory, from the French government “for a single symbolic franc”. The resulting uproar, from political opponents and Thomson and Daewoo employees, ended the deal and soured its relationship with France. Daewoo employed just over a thousand people before it closed in 2003, a result of the collapse of the entire Daewoo Group. This article places this sequence of events, widely covered in the media, in the context of French anxiety about globalization, the loss of industrial substance, and France’s place in a changing world. It examines the process of privatization, and the ways in which it went so badly wrong in the Thomson case. This episode occurred at a critical juncture in the transformation of industrial capitalism into a service and digital economy.

Congenital goiter in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) fetus concomitant with brain pathology in the dam: composing the puzzle.

This study describes the congenital goiter in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) fetus aborted in November 2021 with the clinical and pathological findings in the dam that was found dead on the farm three weeks after a miscarriage. The dam was a black coat alpaca bred in the Netherlands, imported in Italy in January 2021, and housed in a farm of central Italy for breeding purposes. Signalment and clinical data on dam and fetus were collected from the farmer and referring veterinarian. Necropsies and histopathological investigations on mother and conceptus were conducted at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia. The fetus was aborted at the 5th gestational month and at necropsy revealed bilateral thyroid gland enlargement. Microscopically the thyroid gland presented follicular cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, follicles greatly varying in size, with macrofollicles lined by attenuated to atrophic epithelium and distended by eosinophilic colloid (colloid goiter). The dam presented a history of anorexia, wasting, dullness, severe weakness, incoordination, recurrent seizures, and, most recently, abortion. At necropsy, a cerebral focal loss of substance was found at the right parietal cortex, which histologically corresponded to laminar ischemic neuronal necrosis; most importantly, histological examination of cerebellum showed multifocal necrosis of the Purkinje cells associated with severe depletion of the granular layer neurons. These cerebellar findings in the dam combined with goiter in the conceptus suggest organomercurial poisoning as the likely cause of abortion followed by mother's death. Mercury poisoning is hypothesized as the possible link between mother's and fetus' lesions.

Comparison of tooth substance loss and angle deviation in access cavity preparation using guided endodontics and conventional method in calcified canals – An in vitro study

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of access cavity preparation using guided endodontics (GE) and conventional technique (CT) in calcified canals. Subjects and Methods: Twenty teeth with calcification up to middle third were collected after scanning through RadioVisioGraphy (RVG). Preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was done and samples were randomly divided into two groups of ten samples each on the basis of method of access cavity preparation. Group 1: Access cavity was prepared by CT, Group 2: Access cavity was prepared by GE. 3D template and corresponding guide drill were made for group 2 samples after performing optical surface scans. After access cavity preparation, postoperative CBCT scanning was performed for all samples. The amount of tooth structure loss and angle deviation were calculated using Sidexis Software. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 22. A t-test compared tooth structure loss and angle deviation between groups, and a one-way ANOVA calculated tooth structure loss in multiple directions for both groups (P < 0.001). Results: Our study found that the mean tooth volume loss (17.19 mm3 ± 06.11 standard deviation [SD]) and angle deviation (4.82° ±01.66 SD) in GE was significantly less (P < 0.001) as compared to mean tooth structure loss (38.85 mm3 ± 19.07 SD) and angle deviation (13.16° ±2.34 SD) by CT. Conclusion: GE is more accurate and conservative than CT in management of calcified canals.

Use of the Facial Artery Based Buccinator Musculo-Mucosal Island Flap for Reconstruction the Upper Vestibule: A Case Report

This article presents a documented case of upper vestibular reconstruction using a musculomucosal buccinator flap focused on the facial artery. This is an 80-year-old patient who presented with an ulceration in the labio-naso-jugal region. The biopsy revealed that it was a sclerodermiform basal cell carcinoma. Surgical excision was performed, leaving an extensive multi-tissue loss of substance (mucosa, muscularis and cutaneous). This required first the reconstruction of the vestibular defect by FAMM flap then reconstruction by a frontal flap. The procedure allowed a satisfactory functional and aesthetic reconstruction, without major complications at the donor site or the reconstructed area. The objective of the study is to describe the harvesting technique and to demonstrate the efficacy, versatility and ease of use of the FAMM flap in reconstructions requiring good mucosal compatibility, while limiting complications.

Immediate oral feeding after free-flap reconstruction of the oral cavity.

There remains no consensus on the definition or value of early oral feeding after head and neck surgery. The main objective of this study was to determine how immediate oral feeding (IOF) with soft diet within 2 days following free-flap reconstruction of the oral cavity affected severe post-operative morbidity within 30 days and length of hospital stay (LoS). A retrospective cohort study was carried out in 2021-2023 in our tertiary hospital center. The associations between severe post-operative morbidity and LoS with the independent variable of IOF were analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. We also examined the factors associated with delayed oral feeding (DOF); lack of oral feeding within 10 post-operative days. The confounding variables adjusted for were demographic-related (age, sex), comorbidity-related (ASA score, undernutrition, prior history), and surgery-related (substance loss type/location, flap type). Inclusion was 132 patients: n = 29/132 (22 %) IOF patients versus n = 103/132 (78 %) patients undergoing oral feeding after ≥3 post-operative days. IOF was found independently associated with reduced severe post-operative morbidity within 30 days (AOR 0.3[0.1-0.8], p = 0.01) and shorter length of stay (AEE -6.7 [-11.8--1.6], p = 0.01) compared to oral feeding after ≥3 post-operative days. DOF was found positively associated with cardiovascular history (AOR 2.7[1.1-7.3], p = 0.04) but negatively associated with a history of head and neck surgery with radiotherapy (AOR 0.4[0.1-0.8], p = 0.05). Protocols for post-operative oral feeding should consider IOF. Criteria for good candidates for IOF require further definition for surgeons to implement IOF more widely.

Enhancing the Hypolipidemic and Functional Properties of Flammulina velutipes Root Dietary Fiber via Steam Explosion.

Flammulina velutipes is an edible mushroom widely cultivated in China. As a by-product of Flammulina velutipes, the roots are rich in high-quality dietary fiber (DF). In order to obtain high-quality soluble dietary fiber (SDF), steam explosion (SE) is used as an effective modification method to improve the extraction rate and avoid the loss of active substances. Mounting evidence shows that SDF alleviates lipid metabolism disorders. However, it is not well understood how the influence of SDF with SE pretreatment could benefit lipid metabolism. In this study, we extracted a soluble dietary fiber from Flammulina velutipes root with an SE treatment, named SE-SDF, using enzymatic assisted extraction. The physicochemical and structural properties of the SE-SDF were investigated, and its hypolipidemic effects were also analyzed using oleic-acid-induced HepG2 cells. In addition, the anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects of SE-SDF were investigated using a high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model. The results indicate that SE treatment (1.0 MPa, 105 s) increased the SDF content to 8.73 ± 0.23%. The SE-SDF was primarily composed of glucose, galactose, and mannose. In HFD-fed mice, SE-SDF significantly reduced weight gain and improved lipid profiles, while restoring liver function and reducing injury. This work provides an effective method for the processing of fungi waste and adds to its economic value. In future studies, the structural characteristics and the anti-obesity and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of SE-SDF will be explored in depth, supporting its high-value utilization in healthcare products.

Novel sensing signal mode constructed by dual responsive silence layer combined with catalytic hydrogen evolution

For electrochemical assays, to obtain sensing signals, the redox of the modified electrochemical signal substance to provide a detectable signal is commonly required. However, during the process of assembly and sensing, the loss of signal substance caused by multiple steps of modification, incubation, and washing would lead to non-negligible fluctuation of signal and lack of reproducibility. To overcome this issue, a novel sensing signal mode without electrochemical signal substance was developed. By introducing electrochemical catalytic hydrogen evolution into the sensing scheme, and taking the overpotential as the detectable signal, the sensing system was constructed in the absence of electrochemical signal substance. As a proof of concept, the sensor was used to quantify squamous cell carcinoma antigen, a model analyte, and exhibited an excellent analytical performance with a wide linear range from 0.100 ng mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 and a low detection limit of 52.4 fg mL−1. As envisioned, the sensor exhibited excellent long-term stability and reproducibility due to the avoidance of signal substance. This method provided a new way for the design of electrochemical sensors.

Substance depletion of volatile monoterpenes – A confounding factor for toxicity testing in the Ames fluctuation test

In in vitro toxicology, reported test results are typically based on nominal concentrations, i.e., the calculated amounts of a substance added to a defined volume of the test system. Consequently, if a test system does not respond to a certain endpoint, the assay is interpreted as negative and the test substance is deemed to exert no toxicity at the tested nominal concentration. However, depending on the physicochemical properties of the test substance and assay setup, the actual exposure may differ widely from nominal concentrations due to different depletion processes. (R)-(+)-Limonene (RLIM), β-myrcene (βMYR) and linalool (LIN) are naturally occurring terpenes that are permitted as flavoring agents in the European Union without limitations based on their low toxicity. Nevertheless, their hydrophobicity and high volatility classifies them as difficult to test chemicals, which has not been considered in previous in vitro tests. To exclude possible false negative results, in the present study, we assessed the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of the latter substances toward Salmonella Typhimurium in the Ames fluctuation test using different incubation setups to minimize possible substance losses due to sorption or volatilization. Actual substance concentrations during incubation were verified analytically at different time points via headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS). Possible substance depletion due to sorption to well-plate material or volatilization was minimized using a polystyrene-free and headspace-free incubation setup, respectively. The results showed complete volatilization of the monoterpenes RLIM and βMYR in the conventional Ames fluctuation test, which may confound mutagenicity testing. The headspace-free incubation setup greatly improved substance exposure and showed cytotoxicity in low micromolar concentrations, but no signs of mutagenicity were observed.

The Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Reverse Pad: A "Safety Net" in Catastrophic Tracheal Surgery Situation.

This paper presents the outcomes of employing the inferiorly based rotated sternocleidomastoid muscle flap in complex tracheal reconstruction/repair scenarios, focusing on the key objectives of ensuring stable airway, functional digestive tract and patient survival. A retrospective analysis was performed for patients treated at two medical centers (A.O. San Camillo Forlanini, Rome, and A.O.U. Careggi, Florence) from 2011 to 2023, in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) flap, detached from the mastoid and basicranium, was rotated on the lower pivot directly onto the repair site and pedicled to the sternal origin to ensure the continuity of the airway. Average postoperative hospital stay, follow-up period and patient survival were analyzed. Follow-up assessments encompassed bronchoscopies and CT scans conducted at intervals of 15 and 28 days, and subsequently at 3 and 9 months. A total of five patients were enrolled in this study. These cases included one patient with anterior tracheal wall lesions with abundant tissue loss, one patient with an anterior wall necrosis due to descending cervical mediastinitis and three patients with extra-long tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) (greater than 4.5 cm or >30% of the total tracheal length). In the case of the direct repair of a TEF with a proximal tracheal stenosis, the sternocleidomastoid muscle was used to reconstruct the tissue deficit caused by extensive loss of substance in the left lateral side of the tracheal wall. In case of repair through exclusion of the TEF, the sternocleidomastoid muscle was interposed between the visceral sutures after exclusion of the TEF by an endomechanical device, in one case even substituting the membranous part of the tracheal wall. Our technique allows rotation on the sternal head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle with the lowest rotation radius, pedicled to the sternal origin, detached from the mastoid process and superior nuchal line, thus providing optimal vascularization from the superior thyroid artery/external carotid artery and accessory vasculature from the suprascapular artery. Patients exhibited uneventful postoperative recovery concerning airway and digestive patency. The mean postoperative hospitalization duration was 41 days. The follow-up assessments were negative for postoperative complications. The use of sternocleidomastoid muscle flap was proposed to ensure repair and protection of the suture margin or to constitute a portion, as a scaffold, of the wall by leveraging the muscle's vascularization and thickness. This technique may be considered a leading component in managing complex situations in tracheal surgery.

Enclosing gases by gas circulation to establish photosynthetic O2-supported algal-bacterial granular system in pseudo-closed sequencing batch reactors for greenhouse gas emission mitigation

Photosynthetic O2-supported algal-bacterial aerobic granular sludge (AGS) presents great potential in carbon emission mitigation and operation cost saving in wastewater treatment processes. This study used gas circulation to enclose the photosynthetic O2 and the emitted CO2 for the development of photosynthetic O2-supported algal-bacterial AGS in a pseudo-closed sequencing batch reactors (SBR), targeting greenhouse gas emission mitigation (including CO2, N2O and CH4). Results showed that photosynthetic O2-supported AGS with abundant Cyanobacteria were achieved in this pseudo-closed SBR under strong light conditions. Although gas circulation enclosed acidic CO2, excessive Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) in biomass still led to the increase of pH, followed by the occurrence of CO2 limitation and the loss of functional strains and extracellular polymeric substances, eventually collapsing granular structure. Interestingly, gas circulation can reduce GHG emissions due to prolonged contact time between gases and microorganisms. Chl-a contents showed an inversely proportional relationship with CO2 emission factors (0.04–0.61 kg-CO2/kg-COD), but over-high algae in biomass may induce more N2O emissions (0.45 % to 5.3 %) by affecting nitrification and denitrification processes. Compared to CO2 and N2O, the emission of CH4 was negligible. It was estimated that zero non-CO2 GHG emissions could be achieved when stable granules containing Chl-a content of > 5.8 mg/g-MLVSS. This study proposed that achieving low-carbon photosynthetic O2-supported algal-bacterial AGS requires minimizing the adverse impact of existing algae on denitrification and nitrification.

Dynamic Changes in Aroma Compounds during Processing of Flat Black Tea: Combined GC-MS with Proteomic Analysis.

Flat black tea (FBT) has been innovatively developed to alleviate homogenisation competition, but the dynamic changes in aroma components during the process remain unclear. This study employed HS-SPME-GC-MS to analyse the aroma components of tea samples from various processing stages of FBT, and to make a comparative assessment with conventional strip-like Congou black tea (SBT). Additionally, a proteomic analysis was conducted on fresh leaves, withered leaves, and frozen-thawed leaves. Significant changes were observed in the aroma components and proteins during the processing. The results of the multivariate and odour activity value analysis demonstrated that the principal aroma components present during the processing of FBT were linalool, (E)-2-hexen-1-al, methyl salicylate, geraniol, hexanal, benzeneacetaldehyde, (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate, dimethyl sulphide, 2-methylbutanal, 2-ethylfuran, nonanal, nonanol, 3-methylbutanal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 2-pentylfuran, linalool oxide I, and β-myrcene. Freezing-thawing and final roasting are the key processing steps for forming the aroma quality of FBT. The final roasting yielded a considerable quantity of pyrazines and pyrroles, resulting in a high-fried aroma, but caused a significant reduction in linalool, geraniol, β-myrcene, and esters, which led to a loss of floral and fruity aromas. The freezing-thawing treatment resulted in an accelerated loss of aroma substances, accompanied by a decrease in the expression level of lipoxygenase and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase. The formation of aroma substances in the linoleic acid metabolic pathway and terpenoid metabolic process was hindered, which had a negative impact on tea aroma. This study elucidates the causes of unsatisfactory aroma quality in tea products made from frozen tea leaves, providing theoretical support for the utilisation of frostbitten tea leaves, and helps us to understand the mechanism of aroma formation in black tea.

Antifungal activities of Pediococcus pentosaceus LWQ1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LWQ17 isolated from sourdough and their efficacies on preventing spoilage of Chinese steamed bread

The short shelf life of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) at room temperature due to moldy contamination restricts its popularity. This study aimed to evaluate two selected lactic acid bacteria strains, namely Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LWQ17 (LWQ17) and Pediococcus pentosaceus LWQ1 (LWQ1), on their antifungal activities and potential applications in CSB making. The results showed that both strains, especially LWQ17, displayed remarkable inhibition against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium polonicum, the representative species found in CSB spoilage. LWQ17 and LWQ1 destroyed the cell membranes of the fungi and caused a loss of intracellular substances. When applied in CSB making, both strains could delay the germination of mold on the surface of CSB in a season-dependent way. LWQ17 delayed the germination of mold by 4 d in Spring and Winter, while 1 d in Summer and Autumn. Further study revealed that their antifungal activities were greatly influenced by temperatures and humidity. Both strains could completely inhibit the germination of mold during two weeks of storage under 37 °C but with different humidity levels. Moreover, our results demonstrated that acidic substances were crucial in inhibiting the fungi, while proteinic substances and hydrogen peroxide played an auxiliary role. Analysis of their acids by targeted metabolomics showed that LWQ17 produced more kinds of acids, and the amount of phenyllactic acid produced by LWQ17 was 60 times higher than that produced by LWQ1, which may explain its better antifungal efficacy. This study provides a reference for employing lactic acid bacteria in CSB preservation under different conditions.

Results of the AMIC® method in patients operated on for an osteochondral lesion of the talar dome (OLTD) at a mean follow-up of 34 months. A retrospective multicenter study

BackgroundSymptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talar dome (OLTD) represent a real therapeutic challenge. In the absence of appropriate treatment, these lesions can evolve into tibiotalar osteoarthritis. Stage 3 lesion of the SFA classification and resistant to medical non-operative treatment may require surgical treatment. The results of the membrane-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC®) technique in the knee have been previously reported. At the ankle, few publications exist. Our objective was to evaluate clinical results of the AMIC® technique. HypothesisAMIC® technique is clinically effective for the treatment of LODT with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after surgery. Material and methodThis was a multicenter (5 centers) retrospective study including patients operated on for an OLTD stage 3 of SFA between January 2019 and March 2021 using the AMIC® technique with a ChondroGide® membrane. A functional assessment by questionnaire (AOFAS, EFAS, FFI scores), clinical (VAS) and return to sport were carried out. Results21 patients (10 men and 11 women), aged 16–69 years (mean age 34 years) were included. The average follow-up was 34 months (min 12 months; max 72 months). The average loss of substance was 1.83 cm2 (min 0.6 cm2; max 6 cm2). The results showed a significant improvement in the AOFAS functional score which went on average from 71 [CI = 64; 77] to 90 [CI = 82; 97], EFAS which went from 15 [CI = 10; 20] to 32 [CI = 10; 20] = 26; 38], FFI which went from 28% [CI = 19%; 38%] to 10% [CI = 2%; 18%] and the EVA which decreased by 4 [CI = 3.9; 4.7] to 1 [CI = 0.5; 2.4]. 60% of patients returned to sport at the same level and 80% of patients were satisfied with the surgery. DiscussionAMIC® method improved the functional results of patients with SFA stage 3 OLTD at an average follow-up of 34 months post-operatively. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective observational cohort study.

Dried Laminaria thalli extract for stimulating germination and digestibility of oats and buckwheat

Despite their beneficial properties, cereal crops contain a number of antinutritive substances, the amount of which can be reduced by germination. In this work, we test the hypothesis about the possibility of stimulating the germination of cereal crops (on the example of oats and buckwheat) and increasing their digestibility using a dried Laminaria thalli extract. The research was conducted using hulless oats (Avena nudisativa) for germination and hulled buckwheat grain (Fagopyrum esculentum), as well as dried Laminaria thalli. Germination was carried out at a temperature of (20±2) °C for 120 h, using drinking water (control) and drinking water with addition of 1 wt% of dried kelp thalli. The germination intensity was assessed based on the mass of 1000 grains, sprout length, and the number of germinated grains. In all samples, the mass fraction of extractive substances and dry matter digestibility with modifications were determined. It was found that the addition of dried Laminaria thalli to water in the amount of 1 wt% stimulates the germination of oats and buckwheat, as well as their digestibility, significantly. The experimental samples demonstrated an improved water absorption and an increase in the weight of 1000 grains, sprout length, and the number of germinated grains. The use of dried Laminaria thalli extract in germination of oats and buckwheat for food purposes reduces the technological process up to two days with a simultaneous increase in digestibility and minimization of losses of extractive substances.

Study of technical means for heat generation, its application, flow control, and conversion of other types of energy into thermal energy

Abstract The relevance of the study of technical means for the production, management, application, and conversion of heat is conditioned by the rapid development of the energy sector, the global challenges of climate change, and the need for sustainable and efficient solutions for providing thermal energy, in connection with the need for energy efficiency, optimization of resource use, sustainability, and environmental compatibility, as well as technological progress and innovation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the problems associated with technical means for heat generation, identify shortcomings related to the production, use, and management of thermal energy flows, and consider technical devices for converting alternative types of energy into thermal energy to identify recommendations that would allow them to be used more efficiently. The main results of the study were the analysis of technical means and devices in the field of thermal power engineering and alternative energy, the main problems and shortcomings that lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the operation of technical means, heat loss, reduced comfort, and emissions of harmful substances into the environment, which can lead to a negative impact on human health, a decrease in quality, and other environmental problems.

Development and method validation of a sampling technique for a reproducible detection of synthetic cannabinoids in exhaled breath using an in vitro pig lung model.

Alternative matrices, especially exhaled breath (EB), have gained increasing attention for a few years. To interpret toxicological findings, knowledge on the toxicokinetic (TK) properties of a substance in EB is indispensable. While such data are already accessible for various drugs (e.g. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol), they are still not available for new psychoactive substances, particularly synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). As SCs raise a high public health concern, the aim of this study was to assess these data in future TK studies in pigs. For this purpose, an in vitro sampling technique of EB was initially developed, which is prospectively applied to anesthetized and ventilated pigs for the detection of SCs in a controlled and reproducible manner as exemplified by cumyl-5F-P7AICA. Furthermore, a method for the qualitative and quantitative detection of cumyl-5F-P7AICA in EB using glass fiber filters (GFFs) was established and fully validated. Therefore, cumyl-5F-P7AICA (0.5 mg/mL in ethanol absolute) was initially nebulized using a ventilation machine and a breathing tube, as they are also used in surgeries. The aerosol was delivered into a simulated pig lung. To collect EB, a pump was connected to that part of the breathing tube, which contains EB (expiratory limb), and sampling was performed repeatedly (n = 6) for 15 min (2 l EB/min) each using GFF. For extraction of the substance, the GFFs were macerated with acetone and the remaining experimental components were rinsed with ethanol. After sample preparation, the extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. In the complete experimental setup, about 40% of the initially nebulized cumyl-5F-P7AICA dose was found, with 3.6 ± 1.3% being detected in the GFF. Regarding the comparably high loss of substance, the open ventilation system and a conceivable adsorption of the SC in the ventilator have to be considered. However, the herein introduced approach is promising to determine the TK properties of cumyl-5F-P7AICA in EB.

Direct Suturing of Ulnar or Median Nerve Defects in High-Degree Elbow Flexion: An Experimental Cadaver Study

The aim of this study is to determine the maximum loss of median and ulnar nerve substances that can be treated by direct suture in elbow flexion and to quantify this elbow flexion. The other objective is to determine the participation of the wrist position in this direct suture in elbow flexion. We performed an experimental study on 6 ulnar nerve lesions and 6 median nerve lesions. For each defect, a direct tensionless suture was performed with elbow flexion and in three different positions of the wrist (wrist extension, neutral position, and wrist flexion). A 90° elbow flexion allowed direct suturing of defects up to 40 mm in the 3 positions of the wrist. A bowstringing effect (i.e., increase of the perpendicular distance of the nerve from the axis of rotation of the elbow) was noted starting from 25 mm of nerve defect. Wrist extension placed tension on the nerve suture for both nerves. The results of this first anatomical study clarified the conditions for direct suturing of ulnar and median nerve defects in the flexed elbow position and flexed wrist position. This is an approach to consider for limited nerve defects to the elbow or when allograft harvesting is to be avoided.

EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR PROCESSING WASTES FROM FOREST INDUSTRY AND CROP PRODUCTION (A REVIEW)

Despite the increasing contribution of integrated approaches to processing waste from the forest industry and crop production, the main method of recycling plant wastes is still combustion, which leads to losses of valuable substances. An alternative and advanced way of plant waste processing is extraction to obtain useful substances. The previously published data on the extraction-based methods to isolate valuable substances from wood waste and straw of various crops under industrial and laboratory conditions are generalised in this work. The data on the chemical composition of wastes from forest industry and crop production, as well as on the content of chemical compounds of practical significance are systematised. The basic approaches to retrieve such valuable components as lignin, furfural, waxes, organic acids, polyphenols, dyes, silicon dioxide and others from plant wastes are described.

Radioprotective Effects of Annona Muricata Leaf Extract in the Spinal Cord

Objective: The spinal cord is often involved in radiotherapy to treat malignancies and is considered as one of the most critical dose-limiting organs. Histopathological changes of radiation-induced spinal cord injury include gliosis, demyelination, and necrosis in the white matter, as well as vascular changes in both white and gray matter. All aerial parts of Annona muricata (AM) are used in traditional medicine practices, and previous studies revealed that AM leaf extract has radioprotective effect against gamma- irradiation. This study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of AM leaf extract against ionizing radiation spinal cord injury. Methods: A total of 37 adult female Wistar Albino rats were divided into 4 groups (1 control and 3 intervention groups): Group 1 (control) received 0.01 mL/kg of distilled water by oral gavage once a day for 7 days, group 2 (AM group) received 300 mg/kg of AM leaf extract by oral gavage once a day for 7 days, group 3 (IR group) received a single dose of spinal cord radiation (20 Gy) after a 7-day treatment with 0.01 mL/kg of physiologic serum (saline), and group 4 (AM + IR group) received 300 mg/kg of AM leaf extract by oral gavage once a day for 7 days, with spinal cord radiation (20 Gy) applied 1 hour after the last gavage. After the sacrificing, spinal cords were dissected out, embedded in paraffin, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin, and 11 parameters were microscopically examined and scored. Results: AM administration prior to irradiation (IR) lowered the histopathological scores for all parameters that were verified in the IR group at most severe levels: inflammatory cells infiltration, edema, neuron swelling, gliocytes hyperplasia, spinal cord cavitation (loosened tissue structure), pyknotic nuclei, vacuolar denaturation, and loss of Nissls substance. Necrosis was present in IR group and was higher compared to Control and AM treated groups. We noticed that necrosis was present in the AM group too and was higher compared to the control. Conclusion: The data of our study suggest that pretreatment with 300 mg/kg of AM leaf extract prior to IR reduce inflammatory cells infiltration, edema, and neuron swelling. This supports the fact that AM-proposed anti-inflammatory property may contribute to neuroprotection. Similarly, AM was documented to have efficient protection on neural cells from apoptosis or necrosis.