Resin Method Research Articles

Preparation of porous superabsorbent particles based on starch by supercritical CO2 drying and its water absorption mechanism

The slow water-absorption speed of starch-based superabsorbent resin (St-SAP) limits its application. In this study, porous St-SAP (P-St-SAP) was prepared by inverse suspension polymerization and supercritical CO2 drying, the aim is to provide a preparation method of fast absorbent resin. The P-St-SAP at 33 % starch content had an interpenetrating porous structure with macropores, mesopores and micropores, and the surface area, pore volume and average pore diameter were 32.06 m2·g−1, 0.116 cm3·g−1 and 21.6 nm, respectively. The water-absorption process included rapid-section, medium-section and slow-section, according with internal diffusion, double-constant and quasi second-order kinetic models, respectively. In the initial 30 s, a water-absorption speed of 262.6 g·g−1·min−1 in distilled water was much higher than some previous research results, and the equilibrium absorption value of 517.9 g·g−1 in distilled water and 72.9 g·g−1 in 0.9 % saline was better than that of non-porous St-SAP at similar starch content. Moreover, at the same stage the percentage of saline absorption ratio to equilibrium absorption value was 1.0– 2.0 times higher than that of distilled water. These research results indicate that the P-St-SAP has fast water-absorption speed and good salt resistance, which will have greater application prospects in sanitary materials, building concrete pouring, and flood control blocking piping.

Optimization of the bicinchoninic acid assay for quantifying carbohydrates of soil extracellular polymeric substances

Background and aimsThe bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method was not yet applied on soil extracts of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to quantify polysaccharides, although this might be possible by introducing a cleavage step to produce monosaccharides. A pre-extraction with CaCl2 to remove interfering substances is usually performed before extracting EPS. The main objective of this study was to optimize the BCA assay for total carbohydrates quantification by applying a hydrolysis step to the EPS extracts, while also testing carbohydrate contents of CaCl2 pre-extracts.MethodsTotal carbohydrates were quantified with BCA in EPS extracts of three soils, after hydrolysis with H2SO4, using two acid concentrations (0.75 and 1.0 M), three hydrolysis temperatures (100, 120 and 130 °C), and five hydrolysis times (10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 min). EPS were extracted with the cation exchange resin (CER) method adapted to soils. Two versions of pre-extraction with CaCl2 were tested twice consecutively.ResultsMore carbohydrates were measured after hydrolysis with 0.75 M H2SO4 at below 100 °C and after 10 min for all soils. Decreasing values were seen after longer reaction times and higher temperatures. CaCl2 extracted no or negligible amounts of carbohydrates from the soil.ConclusionThe pre-extraction step can be done without in most cases. The BCA assay is free of toxicity and easily performed, while also tolerant to interferences from most compounds in EPS extracts. These characteristics highlight the potential of this method for a rapid quantification of carbohydrates in studies of extractable polymers in several areas of soil biogeochemistry.

Study of age, sex and body mass index wise variation in C-peptide level among urban population of Northern part of Bihar

Background: Different factors regulate the insulin level in blood. Earlier C-peptide was considered as by product of insulin biosynthesis and its role in body seems to be negligible. C-peptide at low physiological concentrations mimics the effects of insulin. However, in the presence of elevated level of insulin concentrations concomitant raised level of C-peptide may blunt peripheral effects of insulin age. This study was carried out to verify the age, sex, and BMI wise variation in level of C-peptide among apparently healthy individual and its contribution in fine-tuning of the tissue’s metabolism under different physiological conditions. Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional observational study. Estimation of serum c-peptide level was done by solid phase direct sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit method. Glucose is estimated by Glucose oxidase peroxidase (GOD-POD) end point colorimetric method and HbA1C was estimated by ion exchange resin method (kit method). Result: Serum C-peptide level is significantly high in advance age and males in compared to younger age and females respectively. The mean level of serum C-peptide is higher in higher body mass index (BMI) group compared to lower, but this difference is statistically insignificant. Conclusions: In normal subjects, the level of C-peptide shows positive correlation with age and BMI. Males have higher level of C-peptide in comparison to females. Apart from these variation C-peptide contributes to different biological effects.

Electrodialysis treatment of rhamnolipids hydrolysate and its waste water for use as water-soluble fertilizer

Rhamnolipids can serve as a precursor for rhamnose production, but using ion exchange resin in purifying rhamnolipids hydrolysate results in excessive high-salinity wastewater, making the process environmentally and economically unfeasible. This study introduced electrodialysis technology as an alternative for purifying rhamnolipids hydrolysate, significantly reducing wastewater to less than 5 % compared to the resin method. To achieve zero wastewater discharge, the electrodialysis-treated wastewater was repurposed into a water-soluble fertilizer containing 7.1 g/L of rhamnolipids, 11.4 g/L of fatty acid, 2.4 g/L of amino acid, and 8.2 g/L of potassium. Unlike traditional fertilizers, the nutritional components with rhamnolipids showed remarkable potential in enhancing tomato plant growth, flowering, and fruit quality. Taken together, the electrodialysis treatment of rhamnolipids hydrolysate largely reduced the water volume, the economic cost, and took a full use of the final wastewater as efficient water-soluble fertilizers, making it applicable for large-scale rhamnose production.

Microstructural, mechanical and corrosion characterization of (C-HA)SiCnws coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy surface

A composite coating was developed to address the issues of low binding force and poor wear resistance of the hydroxyapatite coating on the surface of magnesium alloy. The composite coating, known as (C-HA)SiCnws coating, was prepared on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloy using the carbonation-oxidation method of phenolic resin and electrophoretic deposition. The (C-HA)SiCnws coating is composed of a carbon coating as the middle layer, a hydroxyapatite coating as the surface layer, and SiC nanowires that connect the carbon layer and the HA coating. The morphology and infrared spectrum of the coating were characterized, and tests were conducted to evaluate the adhesion, wear performance, electrochemical properties, and corrosion resistance of the coating. The results demonstrate that the (C-HA)SiCnws coating is uniform and flat. The adhesion of the coating, as determined by tensile, is 3.51 ± 0.54 MPa, which is 88 % higher than that of the pure HA coating. Furthermore, the wear performance of the (C-HA)SiCnws coating is excellent, with a wear rate of only 0.96 × 10−3 mm3/(N·m), representing a reduction of 68.2 %. Additionally, the (C-HA)SiCnws coating demonstrates a favorable corrosion protection effect in both electrochemical polarization and corrosion tests. Overall, the prepared (C-HA)SiCnws coating exhibits significant enhancements in terms of adhesion, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.

Economical-effective purification of brackish water through an integrated capacitive desalination & boron adsorption system

The escalating scarcity of high-quality water for potable, industrial, and agricultural use necessitates innovative methods to augment freshwater supply from unconventional sources. This study primarily aims to lower boron (B) and chloride (Cl−) levels in brackish water to meet water quality standards of B < 0.5 mg/L and Cl− < 250 mg/L. To meet this goal, an innovative adsorbent, OQAS-AC@NGO, was used for boron removal. It combines organosilicon quaternary ammonium chloride (OQAS) modified activated carbon (AC) within a self-assembled nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (NGO) structure. Before boron removal, a capacitive deionization (CDI) system was used, employing OQAS-AC as the anode and COOH-modified AC as the cathode for chloride ion electrosorption. Through this cooperation procedure, the treated water meets the required quality standards while significantly reducing chemical costs by approximately 13.5 times when compared to conventional ion exchange resin methods for adsorbent regeneration. Moreover, the OQAS-AC@NGO adsorbent sustains its efficiency through multiple cycles, outperforming non-assembled N-GO in terms of yield, performance, and water flux. This underscores the cost-effective adsorbent preparation and enhanced water productivity. Economic analysis endorses the integrated CDI & B adsorption approach, advancing both sustainable water treatment processes and practical industrial applications.

Potential Errors in Cation Exchange Capacity Measurement in Soils Amended with Rock Dust: Two Case Studies

ABSTRACT The use of rock dust in agriculture has increased worldwide and particularly in Brazil since its regulation by Law 12.890 (2013). However, some inconsistent results in standard chemical analysis of soils amended with rock dust have drawn attention, and among them, cation exchange capacity (CEC). This paper evaluates the increase in sum of bases (SB) and CEC of two soils amended with commercial rock dust (magnesium silicate), measured by four methods: ion exchange resin, potassium chloride (KCl), compulsive exchange and cesium adsorption. The maximum possible increase of SB in the soil was estimated based on the total chemical analysis of the rock dust and compared to the measured CEC results. We concluded the resin method inflated the results, due to the dissolution of rock dust particles by the acid extraction used to recover the adsorbed cations in resin beads. These extra cations caused overestimation of the sum of bases and consequently, of the estimated CEC. Among the methods used, direct CEC methods were more appropriate, as well as the KCl, since it does not employ acid extractions at any step. In addition, calculations based on the total chemical analysis of the rock dust can help to identify some of the cases in which the routine analysis is inflated by the dissolution of rock dust.

Surface Modification Methods of Self-Cured Acrylic Resin Repaired with Resin Composite Using a Universal Adhesive

This research study’s purpose was to evaluate the mechanical and chemical surface treatment methods for self-cured acrylic resin repaired with a resin composite employing a universal adhesive agent. Eighty self-cured acrylic resins were built and designed into eight groups of ten specimens and surface conditioned using sandblasting (SB) and/or with methylmethacrylate monomer (MMA) and/or universal adhesive (UA) as follows: Group 1, non-surface modified; Group 2, SB; Group 3, UA; Group 4, SB + UA; Group 5, MMA; Group 6, SB + MMA; Group 7, MMA + UA; Group 8, SB + MMA + UA. A template was put on the specimen center, and the pushed resin composites. Mechanical testing machinery was used to examine the samples’ shear bond strength (SBS) values. To examine failure patterns, the debonded specimen surfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The one-way ANOVA method was used to evaluate these data, and Tukey’s test was used to determine the significance level (p &lt; 0.05). The highest SBS was obtained in Group 8 (27.47 ± 2.15 MPa); however, it was statistically equivalent to Group 7 (25.85 ± 0.34 MPa). Group 1 (4.45 ± 0.46 MPa) had the lowest SBS, but it was not statistically significant compared to Group 2 (5.26 ± 0.92 MPa). High SBS values were frequently correlated with cohesive patterns. The application of MMA prior to UA is the best method for increasing the SBS between self-cured acrylic resin and resin composite interfaces. However, the use of SB is not significantly different from not using SB.

Research on the performance of green and environmentally friendly epoxy resin impregnated paper 110 kV current transformer

As an important high-voltage electrical equipment in the substation, the performance stability of high-voltage current transformers is directly related to the safe operation of the power grid. The insulating medium of the traditional oil-immersed current transformer is an oil-immersed paper structure. When the oil-immersed current transformer malfunctions, it is easy to cause fire and explosion, resulting in very serious consequences. If the transformer with the epoxy resin impregnated paper insulation medium is used, there is no oil and gas inside; thus, it has high reliability, which greatly reduces the risk of fire and explosion. Based on this, considering the application research on the high-voltage current transformers epoxy resin impregnated paper technology, this paper mainly analyzes some precautions for the application of epoxy resin impregnated paper technology to the high-voltage current transformers from three aspects: the research on the insulation performance of the epoxy resin impregnated paper transformers, the research on the mechanical properties, and the research on the relevant experimental methods of the epoxy resin impregnated paper technology application to the high-voltage current transformers.

Analisa Tensile Strength Komposit Serat Kulit Pohon Waru dengan Kombinasi Serat Karbon Kevlar Sebagai Material Reinforcement

In increasing the tensile strength of the waru tree bark fiber composite (Hibiscus tiliaceus), it is necessary to have a combination of reinforcement used in the composite material. One of the reinforcement materials that can be combined is carbon fiber kevlar. Kevlar carbon fiber has several advantages, including low density, absorbing vibrations well, and it is resistant to chemical solutions. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the maximum strain stress, modulus of elasticity, and fracture analysis of hibiscus bark fiber composites with a combination of kevlar carbon fiber as a reinforcement material. The independent variable in the study was comparing the composite with the different reinforcement materials used, including 100% hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) bark fiber, 100% kevlar carbon fiber, 50% combination fiber of hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) bark, and 50% kevlar carbon. The process of making composites uses the vacuum infusion resin method with specimens referring to the ASTM D638-03 type I standard. The results of this study are that combining kevlar carbon fiber as a reinforcement material can improve the mechanical properties in terms of the tensile strength of the hibiscus tree bark fiber composite.&#x0D;

Integrated strategy for the screening of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors from triterpenoid saponins in Clematis tangutica.

Screening of novel cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors from complex natural products is not an easy task. To establish an efficient and feasible strategy for screening COX-2 inhibitors from triterpenoid saponins (TPSs) in Clematis tangutica. Taking TPSs in C.tangutica as example, an optimized macroporous resin (MR) method was established for the enrichment of TPSs. High-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOFMS) was performed to establish the phytochemical profiling of TPSs. Molecular docking was performed to predict the ligand-target interactions and discover the active substances. Chemometric techniques were performed to visualize the structure-effect relationships. High-speed countercurrent chromatography and preparative HPLC were performed to prepare the targets. In vitro activity experiment of COX-2 was performed to verify the virtual screening results. TPSs in C.tangutica were well enriched with the recovery rate of (80.22 ± 2.37)%. Thirty-four kinds of TPSs of oleanane type were deduced by HPLC-QTOFMS. Five TPSs of clematangoside C, clematangoside D, clematangoticoside J, hederoside H1 , and hederasaponin B showed stronger binding abilities with COX-2. The structure with more sugar groups at C-28 may be more conducive to the combination with COX-2. Targets were prepared with purities all above 98%. The IC50 values of target TPSs were 6.03 ± 0.24, 12.44 ± 0.15, 9.36 ± 0.19, 4.78 ± 0.13, and 2.59 ± 0.11 μmol/L, respectively. The integrated strategy using MR, HPLC-QTOFMS, molecular docking, chemometrics, target preparation, and in vitro verification was feasible for rapidly screening COX-2 inhibitors from TPSs in C.tangutica.

Prevalence of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus &amp; its Association with HbA1c

Objective: Diabetes mellitus progressively augmented over the previous years in India and through the world, with India subsidizing a foremost part of the global encumbrance. The current study has been aimed to assess left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in diabetic person and to evaluate the correlation of diastolic dysfunction also its HbA1c range.&#x0D; Material and methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study has been performed for one year from September 2018 to August 2019 in the Bhima bhoi medical college &amp; Hospital, Balangir, Odisha. 70 patients of Type 2 DM have been enrolled in the present study. The primary objective of the present study is to evaluate the incidence of LVDD in cases with Type 2 DM without any prior cardiac complications. Glycosylated haemoglobin has been estimated by ion exchange resin method. 2D Doppler Echocardiography was used to diagnose LVDD.&#x0D; Results: A large proportion or 48.6% of the diabetics in the study were diagnosed with LVDD of grade I severity. Data revealed that increased levels of glycated haemoglobin caused the severity of LVDD to worsen. With HbA1c levels between 0-8.9 per cent, 67.4% had grade I LVDD, with HbA1c levels between 9-10.9%, majority or 76.9% had grade II dysfunction and similarly with HbA1c between 11-18%, 90.9% of patients had grade III LVDD. This correlation found to be statistically significant (p&lt;0.00001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Higher values of FPG, PPPG and HbA1c were associated with higher incidence of LVDD. Thus, optimal glycaemic control may lower the risk of having early diastolic dysfunction and its progression. This has been perceived with cases with Type 2 diabetes mellitus may remain asymptomatic despite having significant left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

Optimizing the Extraction and Enrichment of Luteolin from Patrinia villosa and Its Anti-Pseudorabies Virus Activity.

Luteolin from Patrinia villosa exhibits strong antiviral activity. Here, the conditions for extracting and enriching luteolin from P. villosa were optimized. Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal extraction parameters in terms of reflux time, solvent ratio, extraction temperature, material-to-liquid ratio, and number of extractions. Thereafter, a macroporous resin method was used to enrich luteolin from P. villosa. Finally, the following optimal extraction and enrichment conditions were established: an extraction time of 43.00 min, a methanol/hydrochloric acid solvent ratio of 13:1, an extraction temperature of 77.60 °C, a material/liquid ratio of 1:22, and a total of two extractions. NKA-9 was determined to be the most appropriate resin for enrichment. The ideal adsorption conditions were as follows: a pH of 5.0, a temperature of 25 °C, an initial luteolin concentration of 19.58 µg/mL, a sample loading volume of 2.9 BV, and a sample loading rate of 2 BV/h. The ideal desorption conditions were as follows: distilled water, 30% ethanol and 80% ethanol elution, and 5 BV at a flow rate of 2 BV/h. After optimization, the enrichment recovery rate was 80.06% and the luteolin content increased 3.8-fold. Additionally, the enriched product exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on PRV (Porcine pseudorabies virus) in vitro and in vivo, providing data for developing and applying luteolin from P. villosa.

PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL, AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARCTERISTICS OF KAPOK (CEIBA PENTANDRA) TREE BARK AND EPOXY COMPOSITE WITH COATING (AESO) TREATMENT

Environmentally friendly composites continue to be developed from kapok tree fiber (Ceiba pentandra) with an epoxy matrix. This study aims to characterize the tensile behavior of single fiber and its composite, the pull-out properties of kapok tree fiber, and morphology of the fiber. Kapok tree fibers were varied in the NaOH solution and the AESO polymer. Single fiber tensile test and pull out refer to the ASTM D3379-75 and ASTM E399 standards, respectively. The composite manufacturing method used in this research was the infusion vacuum resin method with reference to the ASTM D638 standard. The results of the tensile test (composite) showed that the kapok bark fiber with the characteristics of NaOH + Coating had a greater tensile strength (197,88 Mpa), than that without treatment and NaOH treatment. Of all the characteristics of the kapok bark fiber, the highest value of the tensile strength was the fiber treated with NaOH + Coating (KNC). The results of fiber morphology showed proved that the NaOH treatment increased the surface hardness by eliminating the bonds of surface crystallinity, topography, water absorption, unit cell structure and fiber orientation. These results indicate that kapok tree fiber treated with 7% NaOH + coating with AESO polymer has high potential as a structural material to replace wood or textile materials.

Reliability evaluation of a new method developed for DSC curing kinetic model of epoxy resin

AbstractThe curing kinetic model of epoxy resin is crucial for understanding reaction mechanism and accurately describing curing behavior of fiber reinforced polymer composites. In the investigations related to kinetic models of epoxy, much attention is payed to the curing characterizations of modified or mixed materials for the desired field of application in the case that the initial curing degree for calculating kinetic parameters is generally constant. In this paper, a new method by specifying the initial curing degree for kinetic parameters is developed to improve the accuracy of fitting models based on the resin systems and methods for activation energy. The curing kinetics of resin systems including Epoxy 4330, Epoxy 5212, and diglycidyl ether pentaerythritol vanillin diacetal‐bisphenol‐A epoxy resin‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DEPVD‐E51‐DDS) are examined utilizing differential scanning calorimetric technique at five different heating rates. Additionally, Kissinger, Starink, and Friedman methods, and piecewise models are adopted to fit the experimental data. The predictions from fitting models using different initial curing degrees are subsequently compared with experimental data. It is concluded that the utilization of initial curing degree promotes the accuracy of fitting models.

Rehmannia glutinosa Polysaccharides: Optimization of the Decolorization Process and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in LPS-Stimulated Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells.

Polysaccharide decolorization has a major effect on polysaccharide function. In the present study, the decolorization of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides (RGP) is optimized using two methods-the AB-8 macroporous resin (RGP-1) method and the H2O2 (RGP-2) method. The optimal decolorization parameters for the AB-8 macroporous resin method were as follows: temperature, 50 °C; macroporous resin addition, 8.4%; decolorization duration, 64 min; and pH, 5. Under these conditions, the overall score was 65.29 ± 3.4%. The optimal decolorization conditions for the H2O2 method were as follows: temperature, 51 °C; H2O2 addition, 9.5%; decolorization duration, 2 h; and pH, 8.6. Under these conditions, the overall score was 79.29 ± 4.8%. Two pure polysaccharides (RGP-1-A and RGP-2-A) were isolated from RGP-1 and RGP-2. Subsequently, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms were evaluated. RGP treatment activated the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway and significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (p < 0.05). It also inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB pathway (p < 0.05). RGP-1-A had a significantly better protective effect than RGP-2-A, likely owing to the sulfate and uronic groups it contains. Together, the findings indicate that RGP can act as a natural agent for the prevention of oxidation and inflammation-related diseases.

Assessment of microleakage and interfacial adaptation following simultaneous activation technique in primary molars

Simultaneous Activation Technique is a newer method of co-curing resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) and self-etch adhesive. Assessment of microleakage and interfacial adaptation following simultaneous activation technique in primary molars. Standardized Class I cavities were prepared in 66 non-carious primary molars and randomly allocated to Group I – Simultaneous activation of RMGI and self-etch adhesive (SAT); Group II – SAT with enamel etching (SAT + EE); Group III – Conventional Sandwich Technique (ST) and restored with bulk fill composite. Time taken was calculated using stopwatch. Microleakage was assessed using dye penetration method under stereomicroscope. Seven samples per group were sent for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. One-Way Analysis of Variance and Post- Hoc Tukey's test were applied at P < 0.05. Mean microleakage of group I, II and III were 1.23, 1.41 and 1.59 respectively. Time taken was least for SAT followed by SAT + EE and ST group. Statistically significant difference was seen between SAT and ST group (p < 0.0001) and SAT + EE and ST group (p < 0.0001). SEM analysis showed better mean interfacial adaptation in SAT + EE (1.00) followed by ST (2.14) and SAT (3.57) group. Difference between SAT + EE and SAT group was significant (p = 0.005). Simultaneous activation technique with selective enamel etching resulted in less microleakage and better interfacial adaptation.

Eco friendly synthesis of epoxidized palm oleic acid in acidic ion exchange resin

Abstract Global raw material use has moved from a non-renewable to a renewable resource. Additionally, the research on epoxidation has produced a safer, more cost-effective, and ecologically friendly product than non-renewable resources. At present, there are limited studies on the production of epoxidized palm oleic acid using eco-friendly ion exchange resin method. Consequently, the objective of this study is to optimise the reaction conditions of epoxidation palm oleic acid using ion exchange resin (amberlite IR 120H) as a catalyst. Epoxidized palm oleic acid was prepared using performic acid formed in situ by mixing formic acid with hydrogen peroxide. The results showed that the optimum reaction conditions for the production of oxirane content were a temperature of 75 °C and a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 30%. The maximum relative conversion of palm oleic acid to oxirane was achieved using the optimum conditions with up to 75%. Finally, a mathematical model was developed using MATLAB and the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method was integrated with the genetic algorithm to determine the reaction rate, which was consistent with the experimental data. This study proved that palm oleic acid was successfully converted into a green epoxide that promotes the use of palm oil as a raw material.

Prediabetes and Endothelial Involvement among Apparently Healthy Persons

Prediabetes is a state in between non-diabetic and diabetic conditions. While it is capable of progressing to diabetes, it also holds the potential for reversal of the disease process. Timely detection of this phase is therefore necessary for the control of diabetes. Moreso, persistent hyperglycaemia drives system changes through glycation processes. Notable among these changes are vascular-related complications. This study investigated hyperglycaemic states using glycated haemoglobin among persons previously screened as non-diabetic by fasting plasma glucose. The study also estimated some markers of endothelial involvement among the studied population. This study enrolled 134 apparently healthy middle-aged health workers whose highest fasting plasma glucose level (after 3 consecutive measurements) fell below the lower limit of 6.1 mmol/L used in the classification of prediabetes. Glucose oxidase and ion exchange resin methods were used to respectively assay fasting plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type1 and soluble thrombomodulin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The study observed proportions of 28% prediabetes and 10% diabetes among the participants. Mean values of glycated haemoglobin as well as plasminogen activator type1 and soluble thrombomodulin were significantly higher (p = 0.001) in subjects with prediabetes. Significant correlations were observed between glycated haemoglobin and both markers of endothelial involvement (p = 0.006 for plasminogen activator inhibitor and p = 0.013 for soluble thrombomodulin). This study observed significant vascular involvement in prediabetes.

Comparative Evaluation of Different Established Genomic Extraction Methods for Scleractinian Coral

Studies on coral genetics have been widely used recently for varied research purposes, including to solve the taxonomical challenge or to understand the physiological-ecological aspects of corals towards climate change. While the information provided by coral genome is crucial for those works, isolation of coral genome is still a difficult preliminary step due to coral's nature. This study aimed to evaluate and to suggest the best application of among four established methods for DNA extraction from scleractinian coral, i.e., Guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl), Chelex chelating resin, Guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform (AGPC), and spin-column methods. Coral samples were grounded and submitted to each extraction method's protocol. Final extracts were checked for their quality and quantity. The final extracts feasibility were tested through PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), followed by electrophoresis for amplicon quality screening. The scoring was done for assessment aspects: time efficiency, successful extraction process, extracted DNA quantity and quality, final extract properness, and cost effort per sample. The highest DNA concentration was obtained by spin-column methods, reaching up to 724.31 ng/µl, while other methods can only provide between 264.94±36.453 to 378.19±0 ng/µl of DNA. Among all method tested, the spin-column was able to provide reproducible and feasible quality of final extracts for the amplification. Other methods were failed to provide such consistent and proper results. The results suggesthat the spin-column is the most appropriate method for DNA isolation from scleractinian specimen.