Percolation Method Research Articles

A Local–Transit Percolation and Clustering-Based Method for Highway Segment Importance Ranking

The impact of disturbances on a transportation network varies depending on the location and characteristics of the affected highway segments. Given limited resources, it is crucial to prioritize the protection and repair of highway segments based on their importance to maintaining overall network performance during disruptions. This paper proposes a novel method for ranking the importance of highway segments, leveraging a novel local–transit percolation and clustering-based method. Initially, the highway network is constructed by Graph theory, and the k-means clustering method is applied considering each segment’s transit and local traffic flows. Subsequently, a local–transit percolation model is constructed to generate an initial ranking of segments based on the size of the second-largest clusters during the percolation phase transition. A secondary ranking is performed by refining the results from the clustering phase. Results of a control experiment show that, compared to baselines, the proposed ranking approach demonstrates a significantly improved ability to sustain network demand and connectivity when high-ranked segments are moved. The model uncertainty analysis was conducted by adding noise to the gantry records, and the experiments demonstrated that the model exhibits robustness under noisy conditions. These findings highlight the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.

The contagion model with social dependency

Empirical evidence demonstrates that contagion relies on social relationships, and the level of social dependency varies for different contagious entities (e.g., diseases or information). To unravel the influence of social dependency on the contagion dynamics, we introduce a social dependency coefficient and present a contagion model with the memory of non-redundant influence on complex networks, which bridges the simple and complex contagions. In this model, individuals exist in one of three states: susceptible, infected, or recovered. Susceptible individuals become infected when the cumulative non-redundant effects they have received (represented by a belief function) exceed their thresholds. By percolation method and mean-field theory, we find that low social dependency can expand the size of final recovered population, yet this effect is not continuous. Specifically, the level of social dependency can be categorized into three intervals based on the critical transmission probability. In the low-dependency interval, contagious entities can spread widely at a low transmission probability. In the medium dependency interval, the critical transmission probability increases stepwise with the social dependency. In the high-dependency interval, the population is free from large outbreaks of contagion at any transmission probability. Besides, the results are not qualitatively affected by the heterogeneous network structure and the theoretical predictions are consistent with the simulation results.

Formulasi dan Uji Aktivitas Anti-aging Sediaan Hand Cream yang Mengandung Ekstrak Etanol Kulit Buah Nanas (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)

Hand skin that is often exposed to the sun easily loses moisture and is more rough. Hand cream is a care product that is applied to the palms and backs of the hands that can help restore hydration and skin function due to dry and rough skin. Pineapple peel contains flavonoids, vitamin C, and bromelain enzymes that has potential to be formulated into anti-aging preparations. This research aims to formulate ethanol extract of pineapple peel (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) into hand cream and to test the effectiveness as anti-aging agent. This research included making extracts by percolation method using 70% ethanol solvent, testing the antioxidant activity of pineapple peel extract using DPPH method, and hand cream formulations with the addition of pineapple peel extract with respective concentration of 0% (F0), 5% (F1), 7.5% (F2), and 10% (F3). Evaluation of hand cream preparations included organoleptic test, homogeneity, emulsion type, pH, viscosity, and physical stability at room temperature storage for 12 weeks and cycling test. Anti-aging effectiveness testing was carried out during the 4 weeks treatment period, by measuring parameters such as moisture, pores, blemishes and wrinkles on the skin of the backs of volunteers' hands which were measured once a week using a skin analyzer. The results of the antioxidant activity test of the ethanol extract of pineapple peel were included in the strong category with an IC50 value of 88.21 µg/mL. The hand cream preparation produced was homogeneous, O/W emulsion type, pH value 5.09-6.56, viscosity value 4086.76-6104.96 cPs, stable during 12 weeks of storage at room temperature and stable in the cycling test for 4 weeks. Hand cream preparations with a concentration of 10% have better effectiveness than 0%, 5% and 7.5% which results in an average percent moisture recovery of 77.60%, pores 62.92%, blemishes 55.65%, and wrinkles 45.92%.

Dentinal Tubule Occlusion and Dentin Permeability Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride Solutions.

This invitro study compared the effect of two commercially available silver diamine fluoride (SDF) products on dentinal tubule (DT) occlusion and dentin permeability. Sixty-six dentin discs (1.0 mm thick) were divided equally into six groups: acid-etched with no treatment (negative control-NC), etched and sealed with nail varnish (positive control-PC), non-etched and treated with Advantage Arrest (AA), non-etched and treated with Topamine (TP), etched and treated with AA, and etched and treated with TP. Eight specimens from each group were tested for permeability using the dye percolation method. The remaining three samples from each group were assessed for dentinal tubule occlusion, depth of SDF penetration, and elemental analysis using a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) system. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used to analyze the results. TP exhibited lower (p < 0.05) dye percolation compared to AA. While both SDF materials showed a statistically similar (p > 0.05) penetration depth in the DT, none of them had the ability to completely occlude all the DTs. AA exhibited more silver and fluoride ion deposition on etched dentin than TP, and both materials showed a similar increase in the deposition of Ca and P compared to NC. Whereas the effectiveness of dentin tubule (DT) occlusion varies based on the material used, both tested SDF products exhibit the capability to seal dentinal tubules, decrease dentin permeability, and promote dentin remineralization. These findings suggest their potential advantage in managing dentin hypersensitivity.

Application of physiological network mapping in the prediction of survival in critically ill patients with acute liver failure

Reduced functional connectivity of physiological systems is associated with poor prognosis in critically ill patients. However, physiological network analysis is not commonly used in clinical practice and awaits quantitative evidence. Acute liver failure (ALF) is associated with multiorgan failure and mortality. Prognostication in ALF is highly important for clinical management but is currently dependent on models that do not consider the interaction between organ systems. This study aims to examine whether physiological network analysis can predict survival in patients with ALF. Data from 640 adult patients admitted to the ICU for paracetamol-induced ALF were extracted from the MIMIC-III database. Parenclitic network analysis was performed on the routine biomarkers using 28-day survivors as reference population and network clusters were identified for survivors and non-survivors using k-clique percolation method. Network analysis showed that liver function biomarkers were more clustered in survivors than in non-survivors. Arterial pH was also found to cluster with serum creatinine and bicarbonate in survivors compared with non-survivors, where it clustered with respiratory nodes indicating physiologically distinctive compensatory mechanism. Deviation along the pH-bicarbonate and pH-creatinine axes significantly predicts mortality independent of current prognostic indicators. These results demonstrate that network analysis can provide pathophysiologic insight and predict survival in critically ill patients with ALF.

The Symptom Structure and Causal Relationships of Comorbid Anxiety and Depression Among Chinese Primary and Middle School Teachers: A Network Analysis.

In China, as educational reforms progress, the characteristics of teachers' work have undergone significant changes, resulting in extremely high levels of stress that can trigger anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression often co-occur, with two mainstream theories explaining this co-existence: the tripartite model and the diathesis-stress model. However, systematic research focusing on this population is relatively scarce, and the applicability of these models has not been thoroughly tested. This study aims to use network analysis methods to examine the interactions between symptoms and analyze the co-existence of anxiety and depression, thereby expanding the research on teachers. Data were provided by the Science Database of People Mental Health, which includes 1670 teachers with a mean age of 30.01. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to estimate the network structures of anxiety and depression, respectively. Shared symptoms between depression and anxiety were identified using network analysis and clique percolation methods. Bayesian Networks was used to estimate causal relationships between symptoms. Data were analyzed using R packages. Network structure was constructed with the qgraph package, node centrality and bridge symptoms were evaluated using the networktools package, and network stability was measured via the bootnet package. The Clique Percolation method was implemented with the CliqurPercolation package, and Bayesian network modeling was performed via the Bnlearn package. Dizziness and Easy Fatigability & Weakness were central symptoms in the network. Bridging strength results showed that, the important bridging symptoms included Tachycardia, Depressed Affect, Fatigue, Crying Spell, Easy Fatigability & Weakness, Nightmares, Face Flushing, and Sweating were the strong bridging symptoms. Additionally, Sleep Disturbance played a key mediating role. Depressed Affect and Dissatisfaction were activation symptoms for anxiety-depression co-existence. Using network analysis, this study elucidated core, bridging, and shared symptoms, as well as potential causal pathways between anxiety and depression. Specifically, somatic symptoms are crucial in maintaining and developing the anxiety-depression network among teachers. Sleep disturbance serves as the sole gateway for mild symptoms to develop into other communities. The Bayesian network identified two key activating symptoms within the teacher anxiety-depression network, validating the applicability of the tripartite model among teachers.

In vivo and in silico antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of Vernonia amygdalina Del. leaf extracts

Vernonia amygdalina (VA) leaves contain many potential active ingredients and exhibit diverse pharmacological activities. The antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects of VA crude and fraction extracts were carried out using Swiss albino mice models. VAE is considered safe to be administered due to LD50 being greater than 10,000 mg/kg body weight. A dose-dependent increase in antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities was observed in both VAE and fractions, similar to the reference drugs. The antihypertensive effect of the VAE 2.0 (2000 mg/kg, SBP: ↓26.05 %, DBP: ↓34.51 %) was nearly equivalent to Captopril (100 mg/kg, SBP: ↓30.28 %, DBP: ↓40.71 %) with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). The VAE 1.0 (1000 mg/kg), and EA 30 (30 mg/kg) showed potent anti-inflammatory activity when reducing the total edematous paw volume significantly (p < 0.01) by ↓65.58 %, and ↓69.34 %, respectively, similar to Ibuprofen (7.5 mg/kg, ↓67.03 %). Besides, VAE (>500 mg/kg), and W 400 (water, 400 mg/kg) fraction extracts showed a potent analgesic effect equivalent to Para 50 (paracetamol 50 mg/kg) for the highest protection (>65 %) against the acetic acid-induced writhing after 35 min. Moreover, cepharanthine, cynaroside, and vernoniosides of VA leaf extract exhibited the highest affinity (>10 kcal/mol) in anti-inflammatory and analgesic targets (iNOS and COX-2) and antihypertensive targets (ACE and β1 adrenoreceptor). Therefore, the crude and fraction extracts of VA leaves from the percolation method and bioactive metabolites are a potential source that can be developed into antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents in herbal medicine.

OBTAINING AN EXTRACT BY PERCOLATION FROM PLANT RAW MATERIALS OF THE COMMON CHRYSANTHEMUM (CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM BOL.) AND DETERMINING THE PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

The article discusses a method for obtaining an extract from plant materials of the common garden chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Bol.) and methods for studying its composition. A liquid extract obtained from plant materials of garden chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Bol.) was obtained by percolation. The process of this approach consists of 3 stages. A technological scheme for obtaining a liquid extract of garden chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Bol.) using the percolation method is presented. Biologically active substances in the extract obtained by this method were determined. The composition of the liquid extract was determined by gas chromatography with a mass spectrometric detector (7890A/5975C). Based on literature data, it has been established that the released components have an anti-inflammatory effect. As a result of studying the composition of a liquid extract obtained by percolation from plant materials of garden chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Bol.) using gas chromatography with a mass spectrometric detector, 29 organic compounds were isolated. Among the active substances isolated, the compounds with the highest percentage are: Pulegone, l-Menthone, Eucalyptol.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential, Enzyme Inhibition, and Chemical Profiling Through Mass Spectrometry on Bark Extract of Berberis aristata

Berberis aristata, a plant from the Berberidaceae family, is renowned for its medicinal properties. The presence of bioactive metabolites in its bark underscores its importance in traditional medicine and pharmacology. This study primarily focuses on the biological activities of the plant bark extract, specifically its antioxidant properties and alpha-glucosidase inhibition. In addition to these activities, mass spectrometry-based compound annotation was conducted to explore the metabolites present in the plant bark extract. In this study, the bark samples were collected and extracted using the cold percolation method with methanol. Subsequently, an ethyl acetate fraction was obtained from the methanol extract using a separating funnel. The methanol extract of the bark showed a total phenolic content (TPC) of 70.056 ± 2.52 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 11.89 ± 0.16 mg QE/g. To determine the antioxidant activity of the samples, a DPPH assay was used. The ethyl acetate fraction of the bark showed potent antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 188.93 ± 8.35 μg/mL, while the methanol extract of the bark showed radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 242.89 ± 4.62 μg/mL. In terms of alpha-glucosidase inhibition, the methanol extract of the bark had low enzyme inhibition activity, but the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited potential inhibition with an IC50 value of 112.99 ± 10.28 µg/mL. These results indicate that the plant bark extract is rich in phenolic content compared to flavonoid content. Additionally, the ethyl acetate fraction of the plant bark exhibits potent radical scavenging activity and inhibition of the digestive enzyme alpha-glucosidase. Mass spectrometric-based identification of metabolites revealed that the methanol extract of the bark contains compounds such as Palmatin, columbamine, and berberal. The presence of these metabolites further supports the medicinal use of this plant bark. These findings enhance the plant's potential in the drug discovery process in the future.

Evaluasi Kandungan Fitokimia, Kapasitas Antioksidan, dan Toksisitas Ekstrak Daun Stevia rebaudiana

Oxidative stress leads to numerous clinical problems, such as autoimmune, vascular and respiratory impairment, as well as many other degenerative diseases. While daily exposure to UV light, air pollution, and smoke largely contribute to oxidative stress, endogenous antioxidants mostly fail to neutralize these high amounts of free radicals. Stevia rebaudiana or “candyleaf” is largely found in Indonesia, known for its application as a natural sweetener, owing to its content of stevioside compound. This study is experimental research which aims to assess the potential of stevia extract as an antioxidant supplement, which has not been widely applied. In vitro study was performed by extracting stevia leaves in methanol through simple maceration and percolation methods. Subsequently, the stevia extract was subjected to biochemical analysis, i.e. phytochemical screening, total phenolic content assay, antioxidant capacity assay, and toxicity assay. Herein, we found that stevia extract contains flavonoid, saponin, tannin, terpenoid, and phenolic compounds, with total phenolic content of 86.30±1.14 mg GAE/g DW. Moreover, antioxidant capacity assay through 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) method showed that IC50 of stevia extract is 20.13 µg/mL, slightly higher than Trolox (vitamin E analog) with IC50 of 16.50 µg/mL, which indicated that stevia extract is a very strong antioxidant. As for toxicity bioassay, Brine Shrimp Lethality Test indicated that stevia extract is non-toxic with LC50 value of 3388.44 µg/mL.

Dependence of thermodynamic quantities at freeze-out on pseudorapidity and collision energy in p-p collisions at LHC energies* *Supported by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2024R106), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In addition, the authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at Northern Border University, Arar, KSA for funding this research

The transverse momentum distributions of charged hadrons produced in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies ( ) of 0.9 TeV and 2.36 TeV, as measured by the CMS detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), have been analyzed within various pseudorapidity classes utilizing the thermodynamically consistent Tsallis distribution. The fitting procedure resulted in the key parameters, namely, effective temperature (T), non-extensivity parameter (q), and kinetic freezeout volume (V). Additionally, the mean transverse momentum ( ) and initial temperature (Ti ) of the particle source are determined through the fit function and string percolation method, respectively. An alternative method is employed to calculate the kinetic freezeout temperature ( ) and transverse flow velocity ( ) from T. Furthermore, thermodynamic quantities at the freezeout, including energy density (ε), particle density (n), entropy density (s), pressure (P), and squared speed of sound ( ), are computed using the extracted T and q. It is also observed that, with a decrease in pseudorapidity, all thermodynamic quantities except V and q increase. This trend is attributed to greater energy transfer along the mid pseudorapidity. q increases towards higher values of pseudorapidity, indicating that particles close to the beam axis are far from equilibrium. Meanwhile, V remains nearly independent of pseudorapidity. The excitation function of these parameters (q) shows a direct (inverse) correlation with collision energy. The ε, n, s, and P show a strong dependence on collision energies at low pseudorapidities. Explicit verification of the thermodynamic inequality suggests the formation of a highly dense droplet-like Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP). Additionally, the inequality is explicitly confirmed, aligning with the evolution of the produced fireball.

Leafina: Potency of Kakawate leaves, fishbone meal and saba banana peel compost soil amendment to the water holding capacity of loam soil

In tropical regions like the Philippines, drought susceptibility is caused by high evaporation rates and poor soil water retention. To deal with this, soil amendments are crucial, enhancing soil properties to aid plant growth. In this study, LeaFiNa, a compost soil amendment composed of Kakawate leaves (KL), fishbone meal (FB), and Saba banana peels (BP) was introduced, aiming to boost soil water holding capacity (SWHC) of loam. Different LeaFiNa ratios were tested, including 3KL:1FB:2BP, 6KL:4FB:1BP, and 3KL:8FB:1BP, alongside vermicast and commercial soil amendment (neem cake) as positive controls, and plain loam soil as the negative control. Percolation method and pressure plate extraction was performed. One-way ANOVA showed a significant difference among the experimental treatments (α=0.05) in which 6KL:4FB:1BP ratio emerged with the highest SWHC of 49.60%. Meanwhile, Tukey’s HSD test revealed no significant difference between 6KL:4FB:1BP and vermicast, yet a significant difference with the negative control. Moreover, the experimental treatments, particulalry the 6KL:4FB:1BP, also exhibited ideal results on other SWHC parameters such as the soil moisture content at saturation and wilting points, and in terms of gravitational water and plant available water. These findings suggest the LeaFiNa’s potential in alleviating drought stress in tropical soils by enhancing water retention, offering promising outcomes for sustaining agricultural productivity in water-scarce regions.

Extracting metal ions from basic oxygen steelmaking dust by using bio-hydrometallurgy

This study aimed to optimise metal extraction from secondary hazardous sources, such as basic oxygen steelmaking dust (BOS-D). Initially, three batch systems approaches, including bioleaching using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, chemical leaching using choline chloride-ethylene glycol (ChCl-EG) and a combined approach were compared. Then, scaling up was evaluated through a semi-continuous bioleaching column system with varied leachate recirculation over 21 days, focusing on Y, Ce, Nd, Li, Co, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Al. Bioleaching outperformed the control experiments within 3 days in the batch, demonstrating the key role of A. ferrooxidans. Chemical leaching conducted with a solid concentration of 12.5 % (w/v) successfully dissolved over 50 % of all metals within 2 h. For rare earth elements (REE), both bioleaching and hybrid leaching outperformed chemical leaching. However, considering factors such as process duration, overall efficiency, and ease of extraction, chemical leaching was the most effective method. Leachate recirculation reached a plateau after 11 days, resulting in extraction efficiency of 39 % when semi-continuous column set-up was used. Interestingly, variations in recirculation rates did not influence the extraction efficiency. Overall, this study emphasizes the considerable potential of bioleaching for metal recovery, but also highlights the need for further studies for enhancing permeability for percolation methods and optimisation, particularly in parameters such as aeration rate, when transitioning to larger scale systems.

Effects of different types of fibrotic remodelling in areas of low voltage on atrial fibrillation dynamics: an in-silico study

Abstract Background Personalized computational models include the effects of personalised anatomy and atrial fibrillation (AF) remodelling in a framework that can be used to investigate patient-specific AF mechanisms and test treatment response, but modelling fibrosis remains an unresolved matter. The interpretation of regions exhibiting low voltage in electroanatomic mapping data at different pacing rates also remain unclear. However, these occurrences are correlated with fibrotic remodelling. We aimed to use patient-specific simulations to investigate the effects of fibrosis type on AF properties by modelling conduction velocity slowing, changes in ionic channels, and replacement fibrosis, incorporated in regions of low voltage identified through omnipolar mapping at different pacing rates. Methods Local activation times (LATs) voltage and geometry data were obtained from patients undergoing ablation for persistent AF. LATs were collected in sinus rhythm with coronary sinus pacing at pacing interval (PIs) of 250ms and 600ms. For a total of 10 cases, personalised anatomical models were constructed for electrophysiology simulations, and analysed using an automated pipeline in python. For conductivity models, areas with peak omnipolar voltage (OV) below 0.5mV were assigned low conduction velocity. To incorporate ionic changes, the ionic properties were altered in fibrotic regions (peak OV &amp;lt; 0.5mV). In the simulations where replacement fibrosis was included through a probabilistic percolation method, percolation was modelled by using random number generator to probabilistically remove elements of low voltage. Pulmonary vein isolation was simulated in each model after 5s of AF, and wavefront propagation patterns were analysed to quantify the number of rotational areas or areas of wavefront break-up in 7 anatomical segments. Results The models with conductivity fibrotic remodelling demonstrated rotational drivers in more than two LA anatomical segments for both CS250ms pacing rate and CS600ms pacing rate across all 10 cases. The anterior wall exhibited the largest degree of rotational activity in 7 out of 10 cases for CS250ms pacing rate and in 9 out of 10 cases for CS600ms pacing rate (Figure A). The combination of percolation and conductivity remodelling also exhibited rotational activity on the anterior wall in 9 out of 10 cases at CS250ms pacing rate, and 7 out of 10 cases for CS600ms pacing rate. For the simulations where replacement fibrosis was included (percolation), both the roof and anterior wall exhibited the largest degree of rotational activity in 5 out of 10 cases at CS250ms pacing rate; while at CS600ms pacing rate, the posterior walled exhibited the majority of rotational activity in 7 cases (Figure B). All fibrosis models containing ionic changes terminated in more than half of the 10 cases for both pacing rates (CS250ms and 600). Conclusion The impact of low voltage on fibrotic remodelling causes complex effects on AF dynamics.

Sand Improvement by Surface Percolation Method Using Urease-Containing Substance Extracted from Soybean Seed

Background. In recent decades, the microbial and plant-derived urease have been used for sand stabilization by the calcium carbonate precipitation method, especially with Sporosarcina pasteurii. However, calcium carbonate precipitation using plant-derived urease has received less attention. Purchasing the extracted and purified commercially available plant-derived urease for the sand improvement is costly. The plant-derived urease-containing crude extract (enzyme substance) is cheaper than purified (commercial) urease. In the present study, the feasibility of sand improvement by enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation method was investigated with urease-containing crude extract (extracted from soybean). Methods. The distilled water, instead of phosphate buffer, was used to provide the main enzyme extraction medium. Also, the effects of temperature, time, and dilution on the activity of the urease-containing crude extract by the electrical conductivity meter were investigated. Results. The results showed that the extraction temperature had a significant effect on the behavior of the enzymes, and according to the results, the temperature range between 19 and 25°C is suitable for the enzyme extraction. The four-layer surface percolation method was used to improve the sand, and 0.75 equimolar (eqM) concentration of urea-CaCl2 cementation solution is suitable for sand improvement using the UCE extracted from soybean seed. Conclusion. Silica sand was successfully improved by the EICP method using the four-layer surface percolation method, and significant unconfined compressive strength and elasticity modulus were obtained. XRD and XRF analysis also confirmed the successful precipitation of calcium carbonate between the sand particles.

Application of microemulsion in extract of the stalk of the Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Van Royen plant and evaluation of antioxidant activity

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the stem of the Manilkara zapota plant and its application in a microemulsion. To this end, the crude extract was obtained using the percolation method in 70% (v/v) ethanol and then, by means of liquid-liquid partitioning, three distinct fractions were obtained: dichloromethane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction and aqueous fraction, respectively. Their antioxidant activity was analyzed using the ABTS radical scavenging method and total phenolic compounds using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The microemulsions were obtained following the formulation described by MALAKAR (2011). The fraction with the most pronounced antioxidant activity and the highest concentration of total phenolics and the crude extract were used for application in microemulsions. The best results for antioxidant activity were 22.22±0.20 and 43.09±1.07 (103 μM Trolox/g) for the crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction, respectively. The total phenolic content was 109.90±7.80 and 66.57±3.51 (mg EAG/g) for the crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction, respectively. After application in microemulsion, better antioxidant activity were observed for the ethyl acetate fraction (176.88±3.74 x103 μM Trolox/g) and crude extract (112,40±2,27 x103 μM Trolox/g) and higher concentrations of total phenolics for the ethyl acetate fraction (184.55±9.74 mg EAG/g). In this way, it was possible to confirm the antioxidant activity of the stem of the Manilkara zapota plant, as well as to potentiate it through fractionation and application in a microemulsion system.

In vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of Dodonaea viscosa Plant extracts against selected pathogenic isolates

Medicinal plants can be used in the development of new drugs in addition to serving as an indigenous source of new compounds with beneficial effects. The medicinal plants and their parts constitute an important wealth. They play a significant role in healthcare services. The main objective of the study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity and phytochemical analysis of Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. Extraction was carried out by cold percolation method. The antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration of plant extracts was determined by agar well diffusion and resazurin dye method against various pathogenic isolates. Antioxidant activity of most effective extract was measured by DPPH and hydrogen peroxide method. Among all the extracts, acetone extract of D. viscosa showed highest activity against B. cereus (24.12±0.94 mm at 40 μl) followed by S. aureus (18.78±0.59 mm) and S. flexneri (17.50±0.50 mm). The lowest concentration required to inhibit the growth of B. cereus was 0.1562 mg/100μl. Phytochemical analysis of most effective acetone extract of D. viscosa revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, glycosides and saponins. D. viscosa acetone extract showed highest DPPH scavenging activity i.e. 80.81±0.24% at a concentration of 300 μg/ml of plant extract. The results indicated that the crude extracts of D. viscosa have a effective antimicrobial potential that provide a source for development of new drug which may be used for the medicinal purposes. Further studies are required to purify the responsible biochemical constituents of important plant materials and also to characterize so as to explore their potential fully.

Himalayan lichen biomass for green synthesis of silver nanocolloids: growth kinetics, effect of pH and metal sensing.

Lichen is one of the most abundant non-vascular biomasses; however, a systematic study on the application of biomass in nanomaterial synthesis is very limited. In this study, an aqueous lichen extract was obtained from Hypotrachyna cirrhata, one of the most abundant Himalayan lichen biomasses, using a simple cold percolation method. The effects of extract-to-silver nitrate mixing ratio, pH and waiting time on the growth and stability of nanoparticles were systematically explored. The rate constant for bio-reduction was found to be 5.3 × 10-3 min-1. Transmission electron microscopy showed a narrow particle size distribution with a mean particle size of 11.1 ± 3.6 nm (n = 200). The X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction techniques confirmed the formation of cubic crystals. The synthesized colloidal solution showed excellent response to Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions in spiked water samples. The limit of detection and calibration sensitivity for Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions were found to be 1 and 5 mg l-1 and 2.9 × 10-3 and 1.6 × 10-3 units ppm-1, respectively. These findings suggested that spherical silver nanoparticles with a narrow particle size distribution can be synthesized on a laboratory scale using an aqueous H. cirrhata lichen extract, and the colloidal solution can be used for the detection of selected heavy metals in water samples.

Pharmacodynamic Interaction of Areca catechu with Gliclazide in Wistar Rats

Background and Purpose In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, this study sought to evaluate the hypoglycemic potential of the hydroalcoholic seed extract of Areca catechu, also referred to as areca nut, both as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with the diabetic drug gliclazide. Materials and Methods The hot percolation method was used to produce the hydroalcoholic seed extract of A. catechu. Rats were given alloxan monohydrate and developed type II diabetes. The hydroalcoholic seed extract of A. catechu (1000 mg/kg p.o.) alone or in different combinations of gliclazide (25 mg/kg p.o.) and A. catechu extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) were administered to the six diabetic rats. Body weights and blood glucose levels were measured on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the treatment. On the 28th day, the kidney, liver, and pancreas underwent histological investigations in addition to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Results Blood glucose levels were significantly lowered upon administration of A. catechu’s hydroalcoholic seed extract, both alone and in conjunction with gliclazide. Comparing the diabetic control group to the A. catechu extract-treated group, histopathological examinations showed that high amounts of the extract, either by itself or in conjunction with gliclazide, caused the active proliferation of pancreatic beta cells, protecting against damage to the liver and kidneys. Conclusion The hydroalcoholic seed extract of A. catechu showed promise as a monotherapy for controlling blood glucose levels, and as a co-administer for gliclazide, it showed signs of hypoglycemia. These results indicate A. catechu’s possible therapeutic benefit as an adjuvant diabetic treatment. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of action and evaluate its safety and effectiveness in clinical settings, more study is necessary.

Effect of 100% Chamomile Extract on The Number of Staphylococcus Aureus Bacterial Colonies in Orthodontic Bracket (In Vitro Study)

Abstract&#x0D; Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances in malocclusion treatment consist of several components. Bracket components in fixed orthodontic appliances cause side effects such as gingivitis due to retention of Staphylococcus aureus bacterial plaque. Chamomile flower extract contains antibacterial compounds, α-bisabolol. Objective: To analyze 100% chamomile extract effectiveness of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria colonies in orthodontic bracket. Methods: This study using post test only control group design. Chamomile extract procure from percolation methods. Eighteen orthodontic brackets were divided into three groups, soaked in artificial saliva for 1 hour, contaminated with Staphylococcus aereus, then immersed in 100% chamomile flower extract solution, 0,2% chlorhexidine (positive control), and aquadest (negative control) for 30 minutes. Total of 0,1 ml of multilevel serial dilution from three different groups was dripped and streaked onto Brain heart infusion agar, incubated for 24 hours at 37oC for further colony counting tests. Results: S. aureus bacteria colonies in orthodontic bracket group with 100% chamomile flower extract solution was not significantly different from 0,2% chlorhexidine group (p&gt;0,05), but significantly lower than aquadest group (p&lt;0,05). Conclusion: The 100% chamomile extract solution as effective as Chlorhexidine 0,2% in reducing number of Staphylococcus aureus colonies in orthodontic braket.&#x0D; Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, the 100% chamomile extract, Chlorhexidine 0,2%, orthodontic brackets.