Percent Retention Research Articles

The incidence and dynamic risk factors of chronic kidney disease among people with HIV.

We investigate the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among people with HIV (PWH) and the dynamic risk factors associated with CKD incidence. A population-based cohort study of PWH in South Carolina. Adults (age ≥18 years) PWH diagnosed between 2006 and 2019 who were CKD-free at baseline were included. The associations of HIV-related risk factors and conventional risk factors with the incidence of CKD were investigated during the overall study period and by different follow-up periods (i.e. 5, 10, and 15 years) by multivariate logistic regression. Among 9514 PWH, the incidence of CKD was 12.39 per 1000 person-years. The overall model indicated that conventional risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, were significantly associated with a higher risk of developing CKD. HIV-related characteristics, such as high percentage of days with viral suppression, recent CD4 + cell count, and percentage of retention in care, were associated with a lower risk of CKD compared with their counterparts. In the subgroup analysis, the results were similar for the 5-year and 6-10 years follow-up groups. Among patients who did not develop CKD by the 10th year, the risk factors for developing CKD within 11-15 years were dyslipidemia, diabetes, low recent CD4 + cell count, and short duration of retention in care while other predictors vanished. Diabetes, CD4 + cell count, and retention in care were persistently associated with CKD despite of follow-up duration. Closely monitoring diabetes and improving CD4 + cell count and retention in care are important to lower the risk of CKD in PWH.

Evaluation of the role of autologous fat transfer in reduction of radiation complications in implant based breast reconstruction

Background Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is the most common method of reconstruction after mastectomy.(1) Postoperative radiotherapy is associated with a significant increase in complications. We report our experience with the use of autologous fat transfer (AFT) to reduce radiation complications in (IBBR) and assess survival of the transferred fat after breast radiation. Patient and methods This study was a prospective comparative study of 20 patients who were divided into two groups using the closed envelope technique: group (A) consisted of 10 patients treated with (AFT) during the first phase of (IBBR), group (B) consisted of 10 patients not treated with (AFT) during the first phase of (IBBR), both groups underwent postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). A survey was done to analyze radiation complications and assessment of fat survival using computed tomography. Results Both groups (A) and (b) consist of 10 patients (9 unilateral and one bilateral) with 11 treated breasts in both groups Mean follow-up was 6 months. Complication rates in group (A) versus group (B) were as follows: surgical-site infection, 0% versus 9.1%; Superficial mastectomy flap necrosis, 9.1% versus 18.2%; wound dehiscence, 0% versus 9.1%; minor capsular contracture grade 1 2, 36.4% versus 54.5%; major capsular contracture grade 3,4 0 percent versus 18.2%; Radiation dermatitis 9.1% versus 27.3%; no hematoma, Seroma, Full-thickness mastectomy flap necrosis nor extrusion in both groups The average fat retention percentage after radiation was 74.82±4.21%. Conclusions Early data of the use of AFT as a protective measure in prepectoral IBBR in Patients with postmastectomy radiation therapy show promising results.

Investigation on deactivation progress of biochar supported Ni catalyst during biomass catalytic cracking process

Herein, the biochar-supported Ni catalysts was synthesized by carbothermal reduction and its catalytic activity for biomass-derived heavy components was investigated in a pyrolysis-catalysis two stage reactor at the catalytic cracking temperature of 700 °C. The change in catalytic activity of biochar-supported Ni catalyst was divided into three stages according to conversion efficiency of heavy components: rapid reduction stage (from 95.30% to 85.58%), stabilization stage (from 84.65% to 82.98%), and slow reduction stage of activity (from 81.21% to 76.98%), corresponding to rapid decreasing stage (from 88.95% to 63.53%), stable stage (from 62.1% to 57.55%), and slow increasing stage (57.66% to 60.17%) of the mass retention percentage of catalyst. The characterizations of catalyst after different cycles showed that the initial deactivation mainly caused by the sintering of Ni active sites. With the severe sintering of Ni nanoparticles, coke deposition became the main reason of later catalyst deactivation. Particularly, the carbon elimination reaction promoted by highly dispersed Ni particle was observed which contributed to enrich the mesoporous structure and retarded the deactivation of the catalyst. The research marks a further understanding of the interaction and deactivation mechanisms between biochar support and Ni active sites during catalytic cracking of biomass-derived heavy components.

Reexamining Compliance with Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy Guidelines: An Updated Analysis of the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Database.

Many variables can influence the results of gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES). A lack of standardization causes variability, limits comparisons, and decreases the credibility of the study. To increase standardization, in 2009 the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) published a guideline for a standardized, validated GES protocol for adults based on a 2008 consensus document. Laboratories must closely follow the consensus guideline to provide valid and standardized results as an incentive to achieve consistency in patient care. As part of the accreditation process, the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) evaluates compliance with such guidelines. The rate of compliance with the SNMMI guideline was assessed in 2016 and showed a substantial degree of noncompliance. The aim of this study was to reassess compliance with the standardized protocol across the same cohort of laboratories, looking for changes and trends. Methods: The IAC nuclear/PET database was used to extract GES protocols from all laboratories applying for accreditation from 2018 to 2021, 5 y after the initial assessment. The number of labs was 118 (vs. 127 in the initial assessment). Each protocol was again evaluated for compliance with the methods described in the SNMMI guideline. The same 14 variables were assessed in a binary fashion: patient preparation (4 variables-types of medications withheld, withholding of these medication for 48 h, blood glucose ≤ 200 mg/dL, blood glucose recorded), meal (5 variables-use of consensus meal, nothing by mouth for 4 h or more, meal consumed within 10 min, documentation of percentage of meal consumed, meal labeled with 18.5-37 MBq [0.5-1.0 mCi]), acquisition (2 variables-anterior and posterior projections obtained, imaging each hour out to 4 h), and processing (3 variables-use of the geometric mean, decay correction of data, and measurement of percentage retention). Results: Protocols from the 118 labs demonstrated that compliance is improving in some key areas but remains suboptimal in others. Overall, labs were compliant with an average of 8 of the 14 variables, with a low of 1-variable compliance at 1 site, and only 4 sites compliant with all 14 variables. Nineteen sites met an 80% threshold for compliance (11+ variables). The variable with the highest compliance was the patient's taking nothing by mouth for 4 h or more before the exam (97%). The variable with the lowest compliance was the recording of blood glucose values (3%). Notable areas of improvement include the use of the consensus meal, now 62% versus previously only 30% of labs. Greater compliance was also noted with measurement of retention percentages (instead of emptying percentages or half-times), with compliance by 65% of sites versus only 35% 5 y prior. Conclusion: Almost 13 y after the publication of the SNMMI GES guidelines, there is improving but still suboptimal protocol adherence among laboratories applying for IAC accreditation. Persistent variation in the performance of GES protocols may significantly affect patient management, as results may be unreliable. Using the standardized GES protocol permits interpretation of results in a consistent manner that allows interlaboratory comparisons and fosters acceptance of the test validity by referring clinicians.

Increased retention of functional mitochondria in mature sickle red blood cells is associated with increased sickling tendency, hemolysis and oxidative stress.

Abnormal retention of mitochondria into mature red blood cells (RBCs) has been recently reported in sickle cell anemia (SCA) but their functionality and their role in the pathophysiology of SCA remain unknown. The presence of mitochondria within RBCs was determined by flow cytometry in 61 SCA patients and 10 healthy donors. Patients were classified according to the percentage of mature RBCs with mitochondria contained in the whole RBC population: low (0-4%), moderate (>4 and 8%). RBC rheological, hematological, RBC senescence and oxidative stress markers were compared between the three groups. RBC senescence and oxidative stress markers were also compared between mature RBC containing mitochondria and those without. The functionality of residual mitochondria in sickle RBCs was measured by high-resolution respirometry assay and showed detectable mitochondrial oxygen consumption in sickle mature RBCs but not in healthy RBCs. Increased levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed in mature sickle RBCs when incubated with Antimycin A vs without. In addition, mature RBCs retaining mitochondria exhibited greater levels of ROS compared to RBCs without mitochondria, as well as greater Ca2+, lower CD47 and greater phosphatidylserine exposure. Hematocrit and RBC deformability were lower, and the propensity of RBC to sickle under deoxygenation was higher, in the SCA group with a high percentage of mitochondria retention in mature RBCs. This study showed the presence of functional mitochondria in mature sickle RBCs, which could favor RBC sickling and accelerate RBC senescence, leading to increased cellular fragility and hemolysis.

Efficient removal of iron during partial neutralization of nickel laterite acid leach solution: DFT calculation and experimental verification of mechanism

Partial neutralization is typically used to remove Fe3+ ions from the acid leach solution of laterite. However, during this process, significant amounts of Mg2+, Ni2+, Co2+, and SO2–4 are lost. With increasing initial Fe3+ concentration and solution pH, the severity of loss increases, with the precipitation of Fe3+. In this study, the mechanisms of ion co-precipitation during partial neutralization were investigated. Based on density functional theory calculations, a precipitation pathway through the formation of [Fe4(OH−)2(SO2–4)4]•[2SO2–4•yH2O]•[M2+] was proposed. The differential charge density diagram indicated that the O atoms acted as the charge acceptors and maintained the precipitate structure. The coordination between M2+ and SO2–4 could be destroyed via intense agitation, releasing approximately 100% of Mg2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ ions from the precipitates to the solution. Furthermore, the addition of cationic or anionic surfactants limited the formation of these coordination bonds. The highest retention percentages of Mg2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ in solution were 99.4, 99.6, and 99.9%, respectively, after adding 2 × 10−5 mol/L of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (CTAB). In addition, a high temperature could break these coordination bonds. The retention percentages of Mg2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ increased from 82.6, 85.2, and 86.5% to 99.9, 99.6, and 99.8%, respectively, as the temperature increased from 25 to 65 °C. These results confirmed the rationality of the proposed structure of the precipitate.

Application of Chemometrics and HPLC Fingerprint for Species Differentiation and Authentication of the Genus Pterocarpus

Pterocarpus species are well known for their nutritional and medicinal values, in order to examine the similarities or differences in the chemical profile of some common Pterocarpus species, four species of the genus namely; Pterocarpus erinaceus, P. mildbraedii, P. osun and P. santalinoides were analyzed using HPLC combined with Principal component analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). This study aims to investigate the chemical fingerprints of the species and compare them in order to highlight the similarities in their chemical constituents. The ethanol extract of each sample was taken and filtered through a 0.45 μm millipore membrane filter and then transferred into the HPLC vial before injecting it into the HPLC machine. PCA and HCA were performed on the relative retention times and percentage peak composition. The species were chemically similar with nine (9) peaks in common, the most prominent peaks in all samples appeared at 3.26 min which corresponds to gallic acid (a known compound). Cluster analysis revealed some similar chemical variables with Gallic acid being the major compound in the Pterocarpus species and could be used as a marker compound for taxonomic purposes.

Three-dimensional graphene foam based triboelectric nanogenerators for energy systems and autonomous sensors

In this work we investigate the potential of three-dimensional graphene (3DG) foam as an active layer in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and as an energy harvesting power source for autonomous sensors. A series of comprehensive measurements have been carried out to test the output characteristics of 3DG-TENG under cyclic mechanical stimulus, capable of operating TENG in contact-separation mode at different frequencies, gap distances between electrodes, and applied pressures. The triboelectric response of 3DG-TENG (with an effective surface of 16 cm2) showed maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc) of 400 V and 105.7 μA respectively when stimulated at 3 Hz (contact-separation frequency) and 70 mm (optimum gap distance). Under the same conditions, a maximum output power (Pout) of around 10.37 W/m2 is produced using an external load resistance of 40 MΩ; this is an order of magnitude lower resistance than that needed with other graphene based TENG variants. 3DG-TENG exhibited great stability in the output characteristics with 15,000 cyclic mechanical stimuli and a retention percentage in Pout above 95%. This is a significant improvement with respect to other carbon based TENG`s, which show enhanced deterioration of TENG performance due to material transfer between electrodes and plastic deformation of triboelectric materials. Simulations of TENG Voc using distance dependent model determined high triboelectric charge densities in the range of mC/m2. Here, we also demonstrate the potential of 3DG-TENG as an energy supply for energy storage devices, and as an active layer in an autonomous pressure sensing platform for anonymous room occupancy monitoring in smart buildings.

Influence of Different Levels of NAA and 2, 4, 5-T on Fruit Drop, Fruiting, Fruit Retention, Growth and Yield of Indian Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.)

The experiment was carried out at Horticulture Garden, Department of Fruit Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) during the November 2020- March 2021 and November 2021- March 2022. Sixteen treatments viz. four levels of NAA (0, 20, 30 and 40 ppm) and 2,4,5-T (0, 10, 20 and 30ppm) were studies in a Factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Spraying was done on eleventh November, 2020 in first year and fifteenth November, 2021 in second year at fruit setting stage (Pea Stage) with fine nozzle sprayer in each treatment to give uniform spray on all over the treatment of ber plant. Application of (NAA@40 ppm and 2,4,5-T@30 ppm) significantly maximized initial fruit set (162.00 and 163.66), maximum fruit retention (20.39 and 20.43 percent) and maximum initial fruit set percentage (79.60 and 79.56 per cent). The length and width of fruit was significantly (5.35 and 4.99 cm) and (4.24 and 4.27 cm) respectively increased by application same concentration mention above. The maximum (36.62 and 36.82 g) fruit weight and physical properties of fruits like volume (36.57 and 36.42 cc) recorded under treatment (NAA@40ppm and 2,4,5-T@30ppm). The minimum stone length (0.88 and 0.87 cm), minimum stone diameter (0.88 and 0.87 cm), minimum stone weight (0.65 and 0.66 gm) and specific gravity (0.94 and 0.94 g cc-1) significantly found under (NAA@40 ppm and 2,4,5-T@30 ppm). The yield of ber was significantly increased (39.53 and 40.49) kg per plant, yield per hectare (121.30 and 121.33quintal) with treatment combination (NAA@40ppm and 2,4,5-T@30ppm) both the years of experiment.

The effect of using the concept maps strategy in retaining the cognitive achievement of some basic football skills

The research aims to :Detecting the effect of using the concept maps strategy and the method used by the teacher on the cognitive achievement of some basic football skills among third-yearstudents of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences / Salah al-Din University.Comparison between the effect of using the concept maps strategy and the method used by the teacher in retaining the cognitive achievement of some basic football skills.The researchers used the experimental method for its suitability and the nature of the research. The research community consisted of the students of the third academic year in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Salah al-Din for the academic year (2020-2021), who were deliberately chosen, and their number was (120) male and female students divided into (4) divisions.A, B, C, D), my division has been excluded (A,C ) This is because she received lectures without time or days, unlike my division.D, B), which gives lectures on Sundays and Tuesdays at (8:30 AM) and (10:30 AM). The research sample was also chosen intentionally.Accordingly, the research sample consisted of the people. B, DThe female students and the college and university team players were excluded , so the number of the final sample reached (32) students from the research community, and by lottery, the two methods were distributed to the two groups, the first group (the experimental group) represented by a division.B ) which was studied according to the concept maps strategy, and the second group (the control group) was represented by a division. D ) which was studied according to the method followed by the teacher. The implementation of the program took (6) weeks, with two educational units per week, for the period from 28/3/2021 to 4/5/2021, and the time of one educational unit amounted to (90) minutes. The researcher used the statistical programSPSS Which included the following means (arithmetic mean, standard deviation and test) T) for correlated samples and percentage), and Gutman's equation for the split-half, and the percentage of retention. In light of the research results, the researcher reached the following conclusions:1 - The strategy of concept maps and the method used by the teacher had a positive effect on retaining the cognitive achievement of football and keep it.2 - The experimental group, which used the concept maps strategy, outperformed the control group, which used the method used by the teacher in the retention test for the cognitive achievement of football.The researcher recommended the following:1 - The necessity of using the concept maps strategy in teaching football in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, given that it contains many main, sub-, branched, and similar skills.2 - Conducting research using the concept map strategy in teaching football law subjects.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Apremilast Nanoemulgel for Enhancing Permeability

Background: Oral apremilast, a selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, is effective in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and acute psoriatic arthritic disease. According to BCS categorization, it is a class IV medication, which denotes low solubility and lesser permeability through the skin. Objective: The objective of the research is to develop a nanoemulsion that will increase apremilast’s skin permeability. Utilizing a simplex lattice design, an optimised nanoemulsion has been developed, and then transformed into a gel form and created as a nanoemulgel. Method: The nanoemulsion was developed by selecting the oil, surfactant, co-surfactant, and cosolvent, in that order, based on the solubility study, and was then evaluated based on various criteria. Different grades and concentrations of carbopol polymer were used to make nanoemulgel, which was then tested for physicochemical parameters like pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, percentage of drug content, percentage of drug diffusion, skin permeation, and skin retention. For skin irritancy tests, male Wistar albino rats weighing between 200 and 250 g were used to find out how likely it was that apremilast-loaded nanoemulgel would cause skin irritation. Result: The nanoemulsion formulation A5 containing 10% Captex 355 and 40% Smix in a 3:1 ratio of Cremophore RH 40: Labrafil showed the smallest particle size and greatest drug diffusion. In comparison to other formulations of emulgel, the 0.75 % concentration of carbopol 940 produced the best results. Conclusion: A stable nanoemulgel system with apremilast loaded was created, and a number of process factors were assessed. The optimised batch produced repeatable results when evaluated, exhibited no skin irritation, and was shown to be stable after three months at ambient conditions of temperature and humidity.

Volumetric assessment of fat graft retention over implant by MRI

**Background**: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is an increasingly popular adjunct to post-mastectomy breast reconstruction as it can produce a natural cosmetic outcome and alleviate undesirable radiotherapy-associated consequences, with low surgical risk. However, graft retention rates are variable and unpredictable. In order to improve and understand what influences graft retention rates, accurate and consistent methods for the measurement of graft retention must be developed.**Methods**: Twenty patients who were undergoing AFG following a previous mastectomy were prospectively enrolled. Of these, six women suitable for immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with implant underwent MRI pre- and three months post-AFG. **Results**: All patients had a net gain in volume at three months post-procedure with a mean of 123.6 ± 56.07cm^3^; however, the percentage retention ranged from 30.0 to 104.7 per cent. **Conclusions**: This study has demonstrated the feasibility of measuring AFG retention over implant using MRI, as well as confirming variable tissue retention rates. This is an important step forward for studies on improving overall graft survival.

INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZINC AND BORON ON FLOWERING AND FRUITING OF MANDARIN (CITRUS RETICULATA BLANCO) AT MYAGDI, NEPAL

A study was conducted during the spring season of 2022 to find out the effect of foliar application of micronutrients (Zinc and Boron) in flowering and fruit setting of mandarin (Citrus reticulata blanco) in Myagdi, Nepal. The experiment was laid out in a factor-randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consist of foliar application of sole and combined application of Zinc and Boron namely: control (water spray), 0.2% Zn, 0.1% B, 0.15% Zn + 0.05% B, and 0.1% Zn + 0.1% B. Twenty mandarin trees of the same age and height from an orchard were chosen from the north-facing slope. The spray solution was formulated using standard procedures. The foliar application of the micronutrients was done twice, the first application was done days before flowering, and the second application was done after 2 days of full flowering. The data analysis was done using MS Excel and R-stat. Treatments had significant variations in total flowers and hermaphrodite flowers per branch, fruit diameter, fruit set, and fruit drop. Thus, our study showed that foliar spray of Zinc 0.1% + Boron 0.1% was the best for the production of more hermaphrodite flowers, for a higher fruit set percentage, and for a higher fruit retention percentage in Mandarin.

Biogas yield using single and two stage anaerobic digestion: An experimental approach

Untreated sewage sludge is one of the biggest problems in India and around the globe. In the current study, we try to figure out an efficient technique that uses sewage sludge (SS) food waste (FW) to generate biogas. In this work, FW and SS are co-digested in single-stage anaerobic digestions (SSAD) and two-stage anaerobic digestions (TSAD) at various processing parameters, such as temperature, carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, volatile solid (VS) percentage content, retention time (RT), and pH value. The high-solid digestion of FW and SS in the SSAD process reduces the biogas production rate compared to the TSAD process with 35 days of retention time at mesophilic temperature due to the oily substance from FW accumulating in the scum floating layer in the SSAD process. By altering the mass ratio between FW and SS (based on VS%), the TSAD process could be more effective. This ratio of 60:40 between FW and SS would produce more biogas with maximum efficiency in TSAD compared to the SSAD process. The results highlight an increase in biogas production and VS removal efficiency of the TSAD process 41.90% and 9.8%, respectively, compare to the SSAD process. The cumulative biogas yield in the TSAD process was 1914.8 ml and in the SSAD process was 1349.4 ml when the ratio of FW and SS was taken to be 60:40. In the TSAD process, Methane (CH4) concentrations increased on average from 51% to 75%, due to better substrate hydrolysis and more readily accessible volatile fatty acids in the second stage. The analysis shows the co-digestion approach and TSAD process might work together to overcome the limitations of the conventional SSAD procedure for FW or SS when used separately.

Trend during Growth, Development and Quality Attributes of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) Fruits: A Review

The trends in growth, development and quality attributes of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) included changes observed during growth and development, namely fruiting behavior, physical properties and biochemical components of the ber fruit at different stages of growth and development. Flowering began in mid-September and ended in mid-November with the peak of the flowering period in mid-October. While the fruit setting was between the third week of September to the first week of December, but the peak fruit initiation period was the last week of September to mid-October. During fruit growth, development and yield attribute the percentage of fruit drop and retention also changes. Ber fruits were harvested in five times collections and the peak yield period was the first week of March. In the physical changes, the study revealed that length, width, weight, volume, pulp weight, and seed weight increased from fruit set to maturity at all stages of growth and development except for specific weight, which first increased in month of mid-November and then decreased when the fruits continued in the harvest phase. The biochemical changes in fruit in terms of total sugars, ascorbic acid, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugars increased steadily from fruit set to maturity, when titratable acidity showed a trend decreasing during fruit growth and development.

Morpho-metric Analysis of Leaf and Fruit of Selected Mulberry Accessions: A Preliminary Measure for Diversity Analysis

Morus spp. exhibits wide variation in leaf morphology among different species and accessions within the same species. Some of the important silent morphological characteristics pertaining to mulberry leaf and fruit have been selected for the current study. Among all the ten selected genotypes ovate leaf shape was recorded to be the most common ones. Maximum leaf size of leaf was recorded in case of genotype S-1635 as 187cm and minimum in case of Kanva-2 as 28cm. Most of the genotypes were recorded with serrated to parted margins except C-4 with parted margin and smooth leaf texture with exceptions of coarse leaf in C-4, Chinese white and C-2038. Two most common types of leaf apex have been recorded as acuminate and acute with cordate, hastate and truncate leaf base. Maximum leaf length was recorded in S-1635 as 17 cm followed by Chakmajra as 15 cm and S-13 as 14 cm and 7 cm was recorded in C-4 and Kanva-2 and maximum in S-1635 as 11cm followed by S-13 and chakmajra as 8 cm and least in G-4 and Kanva-2 as 4 cm. Similarly maximum actual leaf area was recorded in genotype S-1635 as 71 cm2 and minimum in genotype C-2038 as 19.5 cm2. Fresh and dry weight of the leaf was recorded to be maximum in S-1635 as 11.4 g and minimum in Kanva-2 as 3.5 g and V-1 as 5.2 g respectively. In addition to fresh and dry leaf weight, moisture percentage and moisture retention capacity was recorded to be maximum of 72.4% in C-4 and minimum of 54.26% in S-1635 and maximum moisture retention capacity of 64% was recorded for G-4 genotype and minimum of 50% in C-2038. Maximum stomatal frequency was observed to be highest of 156 mm2 was recorded in S-1635 and least in Chinese white as 84 mm2 and stomatal index of 16% in V-1 and least in genotype S-13 as 11.1% and Cystolyth frequency was observed to be highest S-13 as 52% and minimum in genotype C-2038 as 24%. Thus, the current study could be used by plant breeders for genetic characterization and evaluation of different genotypes.

Using an Attachment System with PEEK Matrices for Single-Implant Overdentures: In Vitro Retention Force.

Single-implant overdentures (SIOs) represent a major biomechanical challenge in terms of prosthetic retention. The Novaloc attachment system has the potential to overcome those challenges when used for SIOs, due to the use of PEEK matrices. This study compared the retentive force of the Novaloc attachment to the traditional Locator system, before and after cyclic insertion-removal cycles. Three Novaloc matrices (white, yellow, and green, corresponding to low, medium, and high retention, respectively) and Locator (medium retention) were tested, totalling four groups. Retentive force was measured using an Imada force gauge before and after 1095 insertion-removal cycles, corresponding to a year of SIO wearing. Retention was tested with the implants angulated at 0, 10, and 20°. Data for the different groups, angles, and cycling periods were tested via linear regression analysis and two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Although the Locator system yielded higher retention forces in general, it lost a much higher percentage of retention with cycling. This trend was similar with the three angles, with forces being inversely proportional to the implant angulation. The authors conclude that Novaloc may provide more reliable retention for SIOs due to their higher resistance to insertion-removal cycling.

Phytonutrient content and oil quality of selected edible oils upon twelve months storage

AbstractEdible oils contain naturally occurring phytonutrients and therefore exhibit numerous beneficial health effects. However, the phytonutrients tend to degrade in different extent with storage duration and temperature. In this study, the impact of storage conditions on the stability of phytonutrients, including vitamin E, carotenoid, phytosterols and squalene, and oil quality, including free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AV), and oxidative stability index (OSI) of red palm‐pressed mesocarp olein, palm olein, extra virgin olive oil, and sunflower oil were investigated. The oils were stored in three conditions, 23°C (with light and without light) and 35°C (without light). Results showed that the retention percentages of phytonutrients where in the range of 0%–100% for vitamin E, 51.24%–83.63% for carotenoid, 83.40%–100% for phytosterols and 27.94%–100% for squalene. Pearson correlation analysis between phytonutrients and oil quality of oils in different storage conditions showed that correlation coefficient values (r) were in the range of −1 to 0 for FFA, −1 to 0.22 for PV, −1 to 0.33 for AV, and −0.23 to 1 for OSI, implying that correlations between both variables are not in same direction. Degradation studies of phytonutrients using zero‐order kinetic model where optimum‐case conditions exhibited highest half‐life (t1/2) among the three conditions. In conclusion, storage conditions and synergistic effect affected the phytonutrients stability in the oils and oil quality in different extent. In general, storage at ambient temperature and dark condition contributed to the best phytonutrients retention and oil quality.

Supplementation of Cereal Proteins with Amino Acids: V. Effect of Supplementing Lime-Treated Corn with Different Levels of Lysine, Tryptophan and Isoleucine on the Nitrogen Retention of Young Children

A lime-treated corn diet was supplemented with two levels each of lysine and of tryptophan, as well as two levels of isoleucine with a constant lysine and tryptophan supplement. Comparison of corn protein with the FAO reference protein indicates tryptophan to be the first limiting amino acid and lysine the second. In 18 3-day balance periods in two children lysine supplementation alone somewhat improved nitrogen balance, but tryptophan addition had no effect. Analysis of 12 3-day balance periods in 4 children indicated that the addition of lysine to give 180 mg/g N in the diet (0.30% l-lysine·HCl) and of tryptophan to a total of 75 mg/ g N (0.28% dl-tryptophan) approximately doubled the percentage of nitrogen retention compared with the results when the basal diet was fed. Increasing the lysine to 270 mg/g N (0.56% l-lysine·HCl) or the tryptophan to 90 mg/g N (0.35% dl-tryptophan) either singly or together, did not improve significantly the nitrogen balance compared with that obtained with these amino acids at the lower levels of supplementation. The addition of isoleucine to 270 mg/g N (0.45% dl-isoleucine) to the 270 mg lysine/g N plus 25 mg tryptophan/g N resulted in a slightly higher nitrogen balance. The addition of isoleucine to a level of 225 mg/g N gave an intermediate value for nitrogen retention. None of the amino acid combinations used to supplement corn-masa resulted in as high nitrogen retention as those obtained from feeding isonitrogenous levels of milk. The variable results with supplementation of different cereals with essential amino acids to the level in the FAO reference protein provide further evidence that reference amino acid patterns should include both upper and lower limits for the amount of each amino acid per gram of nitrogen and specify the range of protein intake over which they apply.

The Effects of Virtual Learning on the Mental Health and Academic Performance of the Tourism Students of Wesleyan University –Philippines

Students face educational hurdles while adjusting to virtual learning or distance learning. A greater retention percentage is hampered by a variety of factors, including mental health issues. This study was conducted to determine the effects of virtual learning on the mental health and academic performance of 158 Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management students at Wesleyan University – Philippines. One hundred twenty-four, or 78%, of the respondents were female, and the rest were male. The results of the study showed that the mental health of the tourism students during virtual learning was affected by the following: time management, focus/concentration, difficulties with internet connection, and gaining knowledge/developing skills. Those factors have an effect on the respondents’ academic performance in their online classes. The idea of virtual learning while at home affects the mental health of learners, who experience stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, self-harming, and sleep deprivation due to the pressures of doing their assignments and submitting them immediately. In this way, the class must also formulate a way to ease those issues in order to regain the self-esteem of learners and uplift their emotional development.