Ml Of Water Research Articles

Influence of zinc application on grain yield and leaf surface of different maize genotypes

Maize production is intensified with a larger amount of mineral fertilizers, which leads to a decrease in micronutrient reserves in the soil. As maize is grown in different regions, research aimed at achieving stable grain yields is very important in the era of climate change. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of zinc application on yield and leaf mass area of three maize genotypes. A three-factorial experiment was performed in the Mačva region. For plant nutrition, 160 kg ha-1 of nitrogen was provided (30 kg ha-1 in basic cultivation, 90 kg ha-1 in pre-sowing, and 40 kg ha-1 in top dressing). Factor A are the years of research in the 2016-2018 period. Factor B: three hybrids ZP 427, ZP 548, and ZP 684. Factor C are different treatments, i.e., Zn0 - control, Zn1 - ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1 was introduced into the soil before sowing, and Zn2 - seed treatment + foliar treatment. For seed treatment before sowing, 63 grains were immersed for 24 h in aqueous ZnSO4 solution (0.129 g and supplemented with 200 ml of water). Sowing was done in the first ten days of April. Foliar treatments were done in the phenophase of 5-7 leaves with 2 l ha-1 liquid fertilizer (7% Zn). The grain yield of hybrids was highly influenced by the year. Treatments and their interactions significantly increased grain yield p0.05. Compared to the control, Zn1 increased grain yield by 14.56% and Zn2 by 14.17%. The ZP 684 hybrid had the highest average yield. Leaf surface was highly influenced by all examined variables and their interactions. In 2018, the leaf surface was on average 3.24% higher than in 2017. The ZP 684 hybrid had the largest leaf surface, 8.30% higher than the ZP 548 hybrid, and 25.10% higher than the ZP 427 hybrid.

An Evaluation of Snail Immobilization and Mortality Effects Using Selected Chemical Treatments for Potential Trapping Apparatuses

This study evaluated the immobilization and mortality effects of selected wet and dry chemical treatments on the giant African snail. The chemical treatments used were 5 g and 10 g respectively of sodium chloride, calcium hydroxide and copper sulphate. Distilled water was used as a control in the wet phase evaluation of the study. In the first phase, each treatment was dissolved in 1000 ml of water. A total of ten (10) snails were submerged into each treatment and this was replicated ten (10) times. In the second phase of the study, 5 g and 10 g respectively of each dry treatment was evenly sprinkled over ten (10) snails within a confined area. This was replicated ten (10) times. It was concluded that the submergence effects of the wet treatment resulted in 100 percent immobilization and mortality for both the calcium hydroxide and copper sulphate treatment at six (6) hours post submergence. The dry treatments had no effect on immobilization and mortality up to six (6) hours post treatment. There was no treatment effect of sodium chloride for both the wet and dry treatments. The study concludes that low cost solutions such as calcium hydroxide can have an effect on the immobilization of the giant African snail. This finding can enable the development of trap designs which could eliminate the one-way door design and enable multiple entrances. Although both calcium hydroxide and copper sulphate solutions were effective for the immobilization and death of the snails, calcium hydroxide is the recommended option given its low toxicological profile when compared to copper sulphate.

The Effect of Pre-emptive Oral Melatonin versus Placebo on Post-operative Analgesia in Infants after Thoracotomy for Closed Cardiac Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND: Thoracotomy pain is one of the severest types of pain that should be managed properly, especially in children. Opioids are the most widely prescribed analgesics for post-operative pain, but they can have a number of undesirable side effects. Melatonin could be employed as an adjuvant analgesic therapy during procedural discomfort as it had no known major side effects. STUDY DESIGN: This was a double-blinded, controlled randomized study. METHODS: Fifty patients divided randomly into two equal groups. One hour before surgery, children in M group (n = 25) were given 0.5 mg/kg orally of melatonin 3 mg tablets) and patients in Group P (n = 25) received a placebo (5 ml of water by syringe 5 ml) orally. Post-operative pethidine consumption over the 1st 24 h (mg) was recorded, the intraoperative fentanyl consumption (HR and ABP) at baseline, 1 min after induction, at skin incision, and every 30 min till the end of the surgery were recorded. Neonatal Infant Pain Score (NIPS) at 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h postoperatively was recorded. Other reported data include demographic data, extubation time, days of ICU stay, and complications. RESULTS: Total post-operative pethidine consumption (mg) over 24 h was significantly lower in M group than P group (3.48 ± 2.23 vs. 7.68 ± 4.52 p = 0.01). Intraoperative fentanyl consumption (ug) was significantly lower in M group than P group (10.28 ± 4.98 vs. 17.08 ± 7.39 p < 0.001). As regards NIPS, it was statistically lower in M group than P group in all times except at 8 h and 24 h with significant difference. CONCLUSION: Oral melatonin is an effective and safe pre-emptive drug as it reduces the total post-operative pethidine consumption over the first 24 h and decreased post-operative pain scores without any unpleasant effects in pediatrics undergoing closed heart surgery.

Toxicity of true indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) extract on haematology and oxidative stress enzymes of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles

This study was conducted to ascertain the toxicity effect of Indigofera tinctoria on haematology and oxidative stress biomarker on the liver, kidney, gills, and tissue of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles. Matured leaves of Indigofera tinctoria were collected, dried, and pulverized. Graded levels of the Indigofera tinctoria leaf powder were weighed and dissolved in 250 ml of water. Fish specimens were exposed to sub-acute concentrations of Indigofera tinctoria for 21 days. Significant changes and dose-dependent decreases in red blood cells, packed cell volume, hemoglobin values, and progressive increase in white blood cells were observed in Indigofera tinctoria exposed fish. There was an elevation in the activities of oxidative, in the liver, kidney, gill and tissue of the fish. The present findings show that disposal of leaves, effluent from Indigofera tinctoria should be done with extreme caution as it could threaten the life and existence of the aquatic organism.

LOCAL PRODUCTION OF ALGINATE AND ITS APPLICATION IN CONTROL OF CRYSTALLIZATION OF EPSOM SALT PRODUCED FROM SEA WATER

Alginate (an extract from seaweed e.g. Sargassum fluitans) that finds applications largely in nanotechnology, industrial/pharmaceutical processes have not been produced locally. Sargassum fluitans harvested from Agbama Sea, in Andoni, Rivers State was dried, ground and reacted with CaCl2 (3.02g) in 300 ml of deionized water. The mixture was allowed to stand for 24 h before filtration and the residue reacted with 1 % HCl in 100 ml of distilled water for 1 h. The recovered residue was washed thrice with 300 ml of distilled water and reacted further with Na2CO3 (containing 9.66 g in 300 ml of distilled water) for 24 h before the addition of 250 ml of distilled water. This was allowed to stand for 1 h before filtration. The filtrate was then mixed with 1:1 (vol/vol) Ethanol/water and allowed to stand. The mixture separated into two layers and the denser bottom layer was collected with a separatory funnel and allowed to dry for 72 h to form a light brownish sodium alginate powder. Similarly, MgSO4.7H2O was extracted from brackish water, by reacting the evaporated salt with CaO to precipitate Mg(OH)2 which was further reacted with 0.1 M HCl and the mixture evaporated to yield MgCl2. The recovered MgCl2 was stoichiometrically reacted with (NH4)2SO4 to crystallize MgSO4.7H2O upon heating. It was tailored to nanoscale by adding 10 ml of alginate solution (0.1 g in 100 ml of water) to several volumes (10, 20, 30 and 40 ml) of 0.1 M MgSO4.7H2O mixed thoroughly, dried and ashed at 750 ˚C to eliminate the alginate residue. The resultant porous aggregate polycrystallites are shown on the Scanning Electron Microcopy (SEM) micrographs. Antimicrobial activity with Agar well diffusion method showed that the nanoparticles and the bulk sample both were non susceptible to pseudomonas aeruginosa being a known macronutrient. SEM, UV-Vis and FTIR analysis confirmed tailored differences with varied alginate gel volume used.

The Effect of Dosage and Frequency of Leri Water Spraying on Phalaenopsis Fuller's Pink Stripe Orchid Growth of Aclimatisation

<p>The phalaenopsis hybrid has become an economically important flower in the horticultural sector. <em>Phalaenopsis</em> Fuller's <em>Pink Stripe</em> Orchid is a hybrid orchid resulting from a cross between <em>Phalaenopsis</em> Fuller's <em>Pink Swallow</em> and <em>Phalaenopsis</em> Fullers <em>Black Stripe</em>. Rice washing water (leri) is a residue that accumulates when washing rice. This residue is usually thrown away when it is actually rich in various organic and mineral compounds. Waste that is wasted in vain can be used as nutrients for the growth of orchid plants. This research was conducted to study the effect of dose and frequency of leri water spraying on the growth of <em>Phalaenopsis</em> Fuller's <em>Pink</em> <em>Stripe</em> orchid at the vegetative stage. This study consisted of 10 treatments, namely giving 5 ml of water every 2 days (L1), 10 ml every 2 days (L2), 15 ml every 2 days (L3), 5 ml every 4 days (L4). a dose of 10 ml every 4 days (L5), a dose of 15 ml every 4 days (L6), a dose of 5 ml every 6 days (L7), a dose of 10 ml every 6 days (L8), a dose of 15 ml every 6 days (L9), and control treatment (L0). Each treatment was repeated 3 times. Based on the results of the study, it are often all over that there's no important interaction between the dose and also the frequency of administration of Leri water on the growth and performance of the <em>Phalaenopsis</em> Fuller's <em>Pink</em> <em>Stripe</em>.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: Rice Wash Water, <em>Phalaenopsis</em> Fuller's <em>Pink Stri</em>pe, vegetative growth</p>

Effect of Compound Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte Powder on the Quality of Gastrobowel Preparation before Enteroscopy Intervention.

Objective To study the effect of compound polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder (PGEP) on the quality of gastrobowel preparation before enteroscopy intervention. Methods From March 2021 to January 2022, among the patients who needed enteroscopy in our hospital, 280 patients who volunteered for this study were randomly selected as the research objects. All the subjects were randomly divided into the control group (140 cases) and the observation group (140 cases). Both groups received routine treatment before enteroscopy intervention. On this basis, patients in the control group were given 9 g of senna every day before operation, and 250 ml of 20% mannitol and 2500 ml of water were taken orally from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on the day of examination. Patients in the observation group took PGEP orally from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The effective rate of bowel cleaning, the frequency of defecation and duration of diarrhea, the levels of blood electrolyte indexes such as Na+, K+, and Cl− before and after the intervention, and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results The effective rate of bowel cleaning in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The frequency of defecation and duration of diarrhea in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of blood electrolyte indexes in the observation group after the intervention were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Using PGEP for gastrobowel preparation before enteroscopy intervention can achieve high bowel cleaning efficiency, short bowel preparation time, and low incidence of adverse reactions, which does not affect the water-electrolyte balance of patients, and the psychological state of patients before enteroscopy intervention is more stable. This program is worthy of clinical promotion.

Lowest Lethality Dose (LDLO) of Various Seeds When Exposed to Detergent

This study determines the lowest lethal dose (LDLO) of detergent on various seeds. Plants provide food and countless ecological benefits but oversight in wastewater release contaminates natural and agricultural vegetation. Due to widespread pollution, plant survival is in danger, making food scarcity and climate change imminent threats. Detergent is a common pollutant in the environment which greatly contributes to water pollution and harms plants. A useful index for environmental testing is the LDLO, the lowest lethality dose that will begin to inhibit growth. In this study, a representative selection of seeds, cabbage (Brassica oleracea), beets (Beta vulgaris), yellow bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and turnips (Brassica rapa subsp) are exposed to various concentrations of detergent ranging from .5 mL to .1 mL in an attempt to find the LDLO of detergent of each species. Results showed that cabbage seeds had the highest tolerance to detergent at .25 ml of detergent diluted in .25ml of water and beet seeds had the lowest tolerance at &lt;.025 mL of detergent. Visual observations showed that the outer layer of bush beans became an abnormal shade of black from its usual light yellow hue. The results of this experiment reveal that cabbage seeds can tolerate higher doses of detergent as demonstrated by higher germination rates. The study suggests that cabbages can survive in areas exposed to higher concentrations of detergent. However, beets should not be planted in areas containing even small traces of detergent. &#x0D;

Failure of a hollow-fibre shower filter device to prevent exposure of patients to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hospital water is a risk for invasive infection. Point-of-use (POU) filters are used to reduce patient exposure to the organism, and hollow-fibre filters are becoming more popular. However, retrograde colonization of the filter mechanism may contaminate the effluent. To assess the efficacy of POU filter head (polysulfone; hollow-fibre matrix) shower filters in preventing the exposure of high-risk patient groups to P.aeruginosa. Pre-flush (opening the outlet and collecting the first 100mL of water) samples were analysed to measure P.aeruginosa contamination from 25 shower outlets (∼21% of all showers on the six wards), with and without a hollow-fibre filter. P.aeruginosa was measured in a subset of outlets harbouring P.aeruginosa (sampling period 19th August 2019 to 10th January 2020). Water from all 25 showers was heavily colonized [>300colony-forming units (cfu)/mL] with P.aeruginosa at the showerhead. P.aeruginosa was found in 32% (8/25) of post-filter shower water effluent samples with a geometric mean of 4x106cfu/mL (N=4) (6.8x104-2x108). Filters were sampled at 15-150 days of use (median 15 days), with 26% (6/23) of filter units becoming colonized before the expiry date. POU filter showerhead units may not be effective in preventing exposure of vulnerable patients to P.aeruginosa in hospital water due to retrograde contamination (external contamination of the showerhead passed back to the filter cartridge itself) or failure of the hollow-fibre filter matrix. Reliance should not be placed on the use of hollow-fibre filters to protect patients from exposure to P.aeruginosa without repeated microbiological monitoring.

Prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting with honey as a pre-operative oral carbohydrate: A randomised controlled pilot trial

Background Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is the secondmost common post-operative complication. Prolonged pre-operative fasting is common in Australia despite guidelines recommending reduced fasting to improve patient outcomes, such as PONV. Commercially prepared preoperative oral carbohydrate (OC) drinks may be used to reduce fasting time. In this study commercial products were replaced with honey, an inexpensive and common food item. Design Partially blinded, four parallel arms randomised controlled noninferiority trial compared pre-operative OC loading with overnight fasting. Methods Adult elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and thyroidectomy patients having two or more risk factors for PONV were allocated into intervention and control groups by simple randomisation. The intervention group ingested 60g of honey in 100 ml of water at least two hours before surgery as pre-operative OC loading to reduce PONV. Participants and assessors to the group assignment were blinded to the study outcomes. Early PONV (0–6 hours) was measured with Rhodes index of nausea, vomiting and retching (R-INVR) and a numeric rating scale (NRS). Results The four groups (N = 142) were control and intervention groups of thyroidectomy patients (n = 72: C = 37, I = 35), and control and intervention groups of laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients (n = 70: C = 37, I = 33) and had similar distributions of variables. The estimated effect size was 140 with a 95 percent confidence interval. The PONV incidence (Pearson χ2 = 4.54; df = 1; p = 0.03) and severity were significantly lower in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy intervention group (R-INVR: Mann–Whitney U = 446.5; p = 0.01; NRS: Mann–Whitney U = 444.5; p = 0.01) and results were not conclusive in the thyroidectomy group (NRS: Mann–Whitney U = 629.5; p = 0.95; R-INVR: Mann–Whitney U = 629.5; p = 0.76). Conclusion Honey could be recommended as an inexpensive pre-operative OC to reduce PONV in adult patients receiving general anaesthesia.

COMPARATIVE LETHAL IMPACT OF GLYPHOSATE AND PARAQUAT ON AFRICAN MOUND-BUILDING TERMITES (Macrotermes bellicosus Smeathman)

In Nigeria, glyphosate and paraquat are common herbicides employed for weed control because they are cost-effective in controlling weeds. It has been shown that, herbicides released into the environment can indirectly affect non-target species, often in harmful ways. We thus investigated the lethal effects of Force up® (glyphosate) and ParaQ® (paraquat) on workers of African mound-building termites (Macrotermes bellicosus Smeathman). The worker termites were treated with 30µl of glyphosate and paraquat at different concentrations viz; 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.13 and 1.56 ml per 500 ml of water, while distilled water was used as control. Mortality of termites was recorded for 12 and 24 hrs after exposure. Data collected were subjected to variance analysis and probit regression. Results showed that glyphosate caused 48 - 88% mortality, while paraquat caused 36 - 96% mortality after 24 hrs exposure. The mortality was not dose-dependent as 12.5ml of glyphosate and paraquat exerted higher percentage of mortality than 25ml concentration. Conversely, the mortality increased after 24 hrs indicating time-dependent mortality. The toxicity index, i.e. (LC50 and LC90), was 16.82ml and 14.87ml for glyphosate and 2.63ml and 2.196ml for paraquat after 24 hrs of exposure. This apparently shows that paraquat is highly toxic to M. bellicosus at concentrations lower than the recommended rate. These findings calls for the re-evaluation of the use of paraquat-based herbicides in weed control as it negatively impacts termites populations which are key beneficial non-targets

Evaluation of Local Clays from Edo and Delta State as Feedstock in Drilling Fluid Formulation

This work investigates the suitability of clay samples collected from Ogwashi-Ukwu and Oyede in Delta State as well as Ikpeshi and Afuze in Edo State for drilling mud formulation. The American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard for drilling mud formulation was adopted using 350 ml of water and 21.0 g of fresh unweathered clay samples collected at 5 ft depth from the mentioned location. The Clay Samples were processed (Weighed, dried, and sieved) and the drilling mud formulated with other additives (Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose, NaOH and Barite). The results from the four samples showed that the pH of Ikpeshi was alkaline while the other samples were acidic. When the mud was mixed with NaOH at 0.5 g, 1.0 g, 1.5 g, 2.0 g, 2.5 g and 3.0 g, the pH rose to 13 and 14 for the Ikpeshi and Ogwashi-Ukwu, while the pH values of the mud formulated with the standard clay gave 9 and increased to 13 when 3.0g of NaOH was added. The mud densities for the four mud samples formulated were within 8.40 to 8.60ppg before addition of chemical additives. After beneficiation addition with Barite, the densities of the four formulated mud rose and almost equal to that of the standard mud of 8.95 ppg at 3 g additive. The plastic viscosity of the locally formulated mud were within 1 to 2 cp before adding cmc and increased to 30cp for Ikpeshi mud, 27 cp for Ogwashi-Ukwu, 17 cp for Afuze and 18 cp for Oyede. The filtration rate for Afuze and Ikpeshi mud was 33 ml and 36 ml for 30 mins and may need additional filtration agent to be up to standard. The results have shown that the Nigeria Clay can be used with beneficiation. Therefore, the production of mud materials locally, should be encourage to reduce the cost of drilling by avoiding importation.

Chronic Toxicity of True Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) Leaf Powder on Antioxidant Status and Haematological Profile of Juveniles African Cat Fish (Clarias gariepinus)

The study was conducted to test the toxicity of Indigofera tinctoria on the antioxidative status and heamatology of Clarias gariepinus. Matured leaves of I. tinctoria were collected, dried, and pulverized. Graded levels of the I. tinctoria leaf powder were weighed and dissolved in 250 ml of water. Data obtained was subjected to one-way to analyse the significant differences between groups and significance level of P&lt;0.05 was used for all tests. Hematological indices indicated a significant (P&lt;0.05) decreasing trend in the red blood cell, haemoglobin and the packed cell volume with increasing concentrations of I. tinctoria while the white blood cell counts increased with increasing concentrations of the toxicant. Stress levels inflicted by the test plant were assessed by estimating the effects on the oxidative stress biomarkers in the kidney, liver, muscle and gill of C. gariepinus. After the 21 days exposure, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and catalase (CAT) were investigated and all increased when compared to control. The findings revealed that the disposal of leaves, and effluent from I. tinctoria could threaten the life and existence of the aquatic organism.

Differences in fluid removal of different open-pore elements for endoscopic negative pressure therapy in the upper gastrointestinal tract

Endoscopic negative pressure therapy is an effective treatment strategy for various defects of the gastrointestinal tract. The functional principle is based on an open-pore element, which is placed around a perforated drainage tube and connected to a vacuum source. The resulting open-pore suction device can undergo endoluminal or intracavitary placement. Different open-pore suction devices are used for endoscopic negative pressure therapy of upper gastrointestinal tract defects. Comparative analyses for features and properties of these devices are still lacking. Eight different (six hand-made devices and two commercial devices) open-pore suction devices for endoscopic negative pressure therapy of the upper gastrointestinal tract were used, amount fluid removed was evaluated. The evaluation parameters included the time to reach the target pressure, the time required to remove 100 ml of water, and the material resistance of the device. All open-pore suction devices are able to aspirate the target volume of fluids. The time to reach the target volume varied considerably. Target negative pressure was not achieved with all open-pore suction devices during the aspiration of fluids; however, there was no negative effect on suction efficiency. Of the measurement data, material resistance could be calculated for six open-pore elements. We present a simple experimental, nonphysiologically setup for open-pore suction devices used for endoscopic negative pressure therapy. The expected quantity of fluids secreted into the treated organs should affect open-pore suction device for endoscopic negative pressure therapy.

Domestic water and accumulating mercury toxicity in the kidney

Chronic kidney disorder can be a prime health interest in Delta region, in particular Dakahlia district, Egypt that's characterized by permanent loss of kidney characteristic over time. Mercury considered as a silent threat to the environment and human life, through the world. This work purposes to access the effects of mercury overload in domestic water on the renal function. The study performed in spring 2019 on one hundred participants and conducted in two main areas that are getting ready to Lake Manzala. 100 mL of water, 40 mL of urine and 10 mL of blood samples from patients suffering from kidney diseases and healthy individuals as control group. These samples will be processed and analyzed to determine the extent of active kidney disease. The mean levels of mercury in water, and urine samples of the case group exceeded the standard references and were significantly higher compared to the control group ( P = 0.0004 and 0.023 respectively) indicating more exposure to mercury. Proteinuria was significantly higher ( P = 0.031) whereas, hemoglobin and hematocrit became considerably decrease ( P = 0.039 and 0.044 respectively) among case group participants which is probably an indicator for kidney affection due to mercury exposure. Mercury overload in domestic water can cause renal impairment. The study showed that urinalysis for Proteinuria and hemoglobin values is commonly used as a screening test to detect kidney damage caused by mercury poisoning. Measures to prevent environmental pollutants and continuous monitoring of water sources in these districts are clearly necessary.

Cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and metabolites in human blood by volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) and LC-MS/MS

Variable individual responses and relationships between administered dose and CBD blood concentrations suggest therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) as a valuable support for patient management. Currently, there is no published method for the simultaneous quantification of CBD, THC and their main active and inactive metabolites. The aim of this study was the development of an analytical method for simultaneous quantification of cannabidiol (CBD), 7-hydroxy-cannabidiol (7-OH-CBD), cannabidiol-7-oic acid (7-COOH-CBD), 6-alpha-hydroxy-cannabidiol (6-α-OH-CBD), and 6-beta-hydroxycannabidiol (6-β-OH-CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) in blood using volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) and LC-MS/MS. Glucuronide hydrolysis was conducted by adding 2 μL IS solution (with 11-OH-THC-d3, THC-COOH-d3, CBD-d3, THC-d3 at 100 ng/mL) and 50 μL beta-glucuronidase to 30 μL blood samples in a VAMS tip, diluting in 800 μL water and heating at 37 °C overnight. After hydrolysis, acidic and basic extractions were performed to increase the probability of isolating all metabolites. The basic extraction was performed with 4 mL hexane: ethyl acetate (9:1) and 100 μL ammonium hydroxide and the acidic extraction with 4 mL hexane: ethyl acetate (9:1) and 15 μL formic acid (≥ 99.9%). Tubes were capped, vortexed for 10 sec, mixed for 10 min and centrifuged at 5000 g for 5 min. The supernatants from both extractions were combined into a glass tube and dried under nitrogen. Samples were reconstituted with 100 μL water:methanol (1:1) and transferred into autosampler glass vials, before injection of 10 μL onto the chromatographic system. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column, with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in both positive and negative ionization modes (ESI). Proof of concept of the method included analysis of blood from seven epileptic patients receiving controlled dosing of different CBD formulations (20 mg/kg/day Epidiolex®, 18 drops-3.86 mg/kg/day CBD oil, 3.86 mg/kg/day CBD oil Enecta and 100–250 mg/kg/day CBD crystals). Accurate small volume blood collection was achieved with VAMS, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to achieve low limits of quantification for CBD, THC, and their respective metabolites. Method validation followed international guidelines in toxicology, with achieved linear ranges of 0.5–25 ng/mL (6-α-OH-CBD, 6-β-OH-CBD, THC, 11-OH-THC and THC-COOH), 10–500 ng/mL (CBD and 7-OH-CBD), and 20–5000 ng/mL for 7-COOH-CBD. Limits of quantification ranged from 0.02-3.4 ng/mL. Accuracy and precision were within ±20% at LOQ for all matrices and within ±15% for all quality control samples across the linear range. Analytical recoveries ranged from 61–98.6%, and matrix effects from 88.6–97.8%. Seven patients (4 males, age 3–12 years, weight 11–28.4 kg; 3 females, age 8–20 years, weight 23.6–40 kg), with blood samples collected at trough concentration just prior to the next administration. 7-COOH-CBD was present in the highest concentrations (211–1537 ng/mL), followed by 7-OH-CBD (53.4–498 ng/mL) and CBD (19.1–2501 ng/mL). The isomers 6-α-OH-CBD and 6-β-OH-CBD were detected but in lower concentrations (0.9–28.9 and 1.0–38.7 ng/mL, respectively), in accordance with previous studies. There were no traces of THC or its metabolites in the blood samples, as expected since the prepared CBD formulations did not contain THC. This simultaneous cannabinoids analytical method is valuable for further investigation of CBD, THC and their metabolites in individuals treated with medical cannabis, THC or CBD pharmacotherapies and/or recreational cannabis use.

Modelling study on freezing process of water droplet on inclined cold plate surface with droplet dynamic behavior considered

Droplet freezing on inclined surfaces exists widely in engineering fields. To accurately predict and control the freezing process of a sessile water droplet on inclined surface, a theoretical model based on the heat-enthalpy method is presented in this study, with two types of dynamic behavior considered, deformation and spreading. After the validation of model by droplet profiles and freezing duration from experiments, the freezing characteristics are analyzed, including contact area, frozen height and vertex offset, etc. As found, the effect of inclined angle on less than 10.34 µL water droplet is greater than that on larger than 10.34 µL droplet, due to the mutual relation between surface tension and gravity effect. When the inclined angle of surface changes from 0° to 40°, the contact area keeps at 11.61 mm2 for 10 µL water droplet, and increases by 5.64% from 23.04 to 24.34 mm2 for 25 µL water droplet. The initial heights of 10 and 25 µL water droplets decrease by 0.85% from 1.18 mm to 1.17 mm and by 1.91% from 1.51 mm to 1.49 mm, respectively. That means it is easier frozen for the same water droplet on bigger inclined angle surface. This study is beneficial for the optimization of anti-frosting and defrosting technologies.

ASSESSMENT OF THE BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS ON THE FIRST FILIAL GENERATION FROM THE WISTAR RATS FED WITH CALCIUM CARBIDE RIPENED ORANGE.

Purpose and Methods: The use of chemicals for fruit ripening is constantly on the increase and inadvertently, such chemicals are consumed unperceived. The aim of the study is the assess the Biochemical parameters of the Pups from the Wistar rats fed with Calcium Carbide induced ripened orange. Unripe mature oranges were gotten for the parent plant at Ogu, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The fruits were divided into two; the first group was allowed to ripe at normal room temperature and 1kg of the second oranges wrapped with black nylon were forced to ripe within 48 hours with 10grams of Calcium carbide which was dissolved in 5ml of water in a closed steel bucket. 600g of each groups of the ripened oranges were peeled differently and blended in an electric blender with 350ml/1L distilled water. The juice was filtered with a clean fine sieve and were poured into clean bottles labeled accordingly and stored in a refrigerator for future use. 24 adult Wistar rats [12 male and female of each sex] weighing between 126.9- 213.3g were used. They were acclimatize for two [2] weeks and was fed with standard grower mash with clean water ad libitum. The Wistar rats were grouped into three, [1] Control, of 8 rats [4 males and 4 females] receive normal water and feeds only as placebo. [2] Treatment group I, containing 8 rats [4 males and 4 females] received 5ml/kg of the naturally ripened orange juice [3] Treatment II of 8 rats [4 males and 4 females] received 5ml/kg of the Calcium carbide induced ripened orange juice orally against their body weight for four weeks. The Wistar rats copulates freely during this period. Birthing occurred in the three groups and the Pups were collected weight at birth, at one week and the two week. They were sacrifice at second week and blood sample collected for the Biochemical analysis. Data collected from this study was analyzed as Mean ± Standard Error of Mean [SEM]. Significant difference among the groups was determined as P&lt;0.05; by two-way ANOVA; using Statistical Analysis Program for Social Sciences [SPSS 22.0 Version].&#x0D; Findings and recommendations: The results of this study showed statistically significant increase in the mean AST, ALT, ALP, Creatinine, Urea, Total Biluribin and Lactate Dehydrogenase of the pup of the Wistar rats fed with Calcium carbide forced ripened orange juice in contrast with the control group (p&lt;0.05). There was significant reduction in the mean Albumin, Total Protein and Total Cholesterol in the pups from the Wistar rats fed with Calcium carbide forced ripened orange juice when compared with the control group (p&lt;0.05). In conclusion, there is nutritional programming of Calcium Carbide forced ripened fruit when consumed by a mother and could cause hepatic and/or extra-hepatic toxicity, renal failure, heart failure, coronary heart diseases of the offspring. Thus; we recommend strongly, the abolishment of Calcium carbide as an agent for fruit ripening.

Correlation between cervical auscultation and electromyography in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing

Objective: Correlate the acoustic data of cervical auscultation to the electrical activity of the muscles involved in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study involving a quantitative approach and was approved on January by CEP/UFSCPA (number 1.389.050). All participants of the study signed an informed consent form. The pharyngeal phase of swallowing was assessed by employing auscultation and surface electromyography. Individuals ingested 90 ml of water. The auscultation data were transferred to DeglutiSom® software, the duration and amplitude of electromyographic activity was measured during swallowing using a Miotec® surface electromyography device. The level of significance adopted was 5%. Results: Fifty-seven women participated in this study. The average age was 23.4 years on average. It must be highlighted that the greater the average peak frequency of auscultation, lower was the average peak of the suprahyoid muscle and the greater the intensity, the greater was the peak, as well as the average of the suprahyoid peaks. It was possible to demonstrate that the peak of suprahyoid muscle activity was significantly higher than the peak of infra hyoid muscle activity for swallowing 90 ml of water. Conclusion: The acoustic swallowing parameters in healthy individuals are correlated with the electrical activity of muscles involved in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing.

Reuse of Acid‐treated Waste Corn Straw for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

AbstractUsing natural biomass as sacrificial agent for photocatalytic hydrogen production is a current topic of interest in the field of new energy research because it has widely available resources, is economical, and has environmental benefits. In this study, we propose a strategy for photocatalytic hydrogen production using acid‐treated corn straw and its extracts as a sacrificial agent. Furthermore, the important factors that affect the photocatalytic performance of hydrogen production are also studied. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are employed to characterize the composition, structure, and morphology of the corn straw. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is employed to characterize the composition of extracts in the filtrate obtained from acid treatment. The results from the above analyses show that cellobiose and xylose, which are extracted from corn straw, significantly improve the hydrogen production performance. The optimal hydrogen generation rates in this study reach 30.583 μmol/h in 100 mL of water; this is 72 times greater than that using pure water, 2 times greater than that using raw corn straw, and 4.5 times greater than that using acid‐treated corn straw. Also, from these characterizations and analyses, the possible photocatalytic mechanism of this system is also proposed in this paper.