Retention Factors Research Articles

Developing knower legitimation among disadvantaged learners during a science fair project planning intervention

Science fair projects require knowledge-building (knower legitimation), whereas school science focuses on knowledge reproduction (knowledge legitimation), particularly in disadvantaged contexts. This mixed-methods case study investigates the rate, success, and retarding factors relevant to knowledge-knower legitimation within a 6-hour science fair project planning intervention for grade 9 South African learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. The 756 questions written by 86 participants were categorized according to knowledge-knower legitimation, logic, and comprehensibility for four points across the intervention. Additionally, the teacher-researcher’s reflective notes were analyzed inductively. Some knower legitimation was adopted, but incomprehensibility, illogicality, superficial compliance to the scaffolding templates, and resilience of knowledge legitimation dominated. Limited knowledge of science content and practical procedures retarded outcome attainment. A qualifying pre-competition with a knowledge focus, followed by interventions to convert these according to a relatively elite focus, is argued for. The study explicates crucial but generally hidden aspects of inquiry.

Enantioseparation of antihistamines using magneto-thin-layer chromatography: The effects of various orientations and intensities of magnetic fields

The effect of magnetic fields produced by magnet and solenoid was investigated for the first time in the enantioseparation of antihistamines using thin-layer chromatography. The racemic mixtures of cetirizine and hydroxyzine were selected as the model drugs for studying the magnetic field effect on enantioseparation. The magnets were fixed to a U-shape blade that rotated around the separation chamber by a motor to apply a magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of mobile phase movement. Also, the separation chamber was positioned within a solenoid, and an electric current was utilized to apply the magnetic field in a parallel direction to the mobile phase movement. L-arginine was added to the mobile phase as a chiral selector to perform the enantioseparation of drugs. When magnets generate the magnetic field, both in attraction and repulsion, the spots become broader and the peak height decreases as the magnetic field intensity and rotation speed of the magnets increase. An increase in peak height was observed in the presence of the magnetic field generated by + 3.25A current in the solenoid. Regardless of the type of applied magnetic field, the retention factor values exhibited slight reductions. It was observed that separated enantiomers were similarly affected by various magnetic fields. The distribution coefficient, mass transfer, equilibrium, and lipophilicity were all potentially influenced by the magnetic field, which could explain the alterations.

Development and Use of DJ-1 Affinity Microcolumns to Screen and Study Small Drug Candidates for Parkinson’s Disease

BackgroundDJ-1 is a protein whose mutation causes rare heritable forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is of interest as a target for treating PD and other disorders. This work used high performance affinity microcolumns to screen and examine the binding of small molecules to DJ-1, as could be used to develop new therapeutics or to study the role of DJ-1 in PD. Non-covalent entrapment was used to place microgram quantities of DJ-1 in an unmodified form within microcolumns, which were then used in multiple studies to analyze binding by model compounds and possible drug candidates to DJ-1. ResultsSeveral factors were examined in optimizing the entrapment method, including the addition of a reducing agent to maintain a reduced active site cysteine residue in DJ-1, the concentration of DJ-1 employed, and the entrapment times. Isatin was used as a known binding agent (dissociation constant, ∼2.0 μM) and probe for DJ-1 activity. This compound gave good retention on 2.0 cm × 2.1 mm inner diameter DJ-1 microcolumns made under the final entrapment conditions, with a typical retention factor of 14 and elution in ∼8 min at 0.50 mL/min. These DJ-1 microcolumns were used to evaluate the binding of small molecules that were selected in silico to bind or not to bind DJ-1. A compound predicted to have good binding with DJ-1 gave a retention factor of 122, an elution time of ∼15 min at 0.50 mL/min, and an estimated dissociation constant for this protein of 0.5 μM. SignificanceThese chromatographic tools can be used in future work to screen additional possible binding agents for DJ-1 or adapted for examining drug candidates for other proteins. This work represents the first time protein entrapment has been deployed with DJ-1, and it is the first experimental confirmation of binding to DJ-1 by a small lead compound selected in silico.

Risk factors of acute urinary retention after spine surgery.

Acute postoperative urinary retention (APOUR) is 1 of the most common complications of spinal surgery, impacting both postoperative care and the patients' quality of life. This study is designed to investigate the risk factors and the incidence of APOUR after spinal surgery in Taiwan. We conducted a retrospective analysis using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), a nationwide cohort of patients who underwent spinal surgery from the year 2000 to 2013. Patients suffering from APOUR were collected and perioperative parameters were recorded. The risk factors related to APOUR after spinal surgery were examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 16,160 patients who underwent spinal surgery were retrieved from NHIRD. Among them, 432 (2.67%) suffered from acute urinary retention after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01-1.02), male gender (adjusted OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.10-1.60) and undergoing spinal surgery more than 2 times (adjusted OR = 4.78, 95% CI = 2.49-9.20) were statistically significant risk factors for APOUR after spinal surgery. The results of this retrospective cohort study suggest that patients undergoing spinal surgery more than 2 times, male gender and advanced age are significantly associated with an increased risk of APOUR after spinal surgery. This information may assist surgeons to identify patients who have a high risk of APOUR after spinal surgery and proactively provide them with early intervention.

Factors influencing postoperative urinary retention after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: development and validation of a predictive model in a prospective cohort study in Southwest China

ObjectivesTo explore influencing factors for postoperative urinary retention (POUR) in cervical cancer patients and construct and validate a POUR prediction model.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingA large tertiary hospital specialised in child...

Risk factors for substantial weight retention at 1year postpartum: evidence from a German birth cohort study (KUNO-Kids).

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) increases the risk of overweight and obesity. This study aims to identify risk factors for substantial weight retention (≥ 5kg) at 1year postpartum. Data were obtained from N = 747 mothers participating in the KUNO-Kids birth cohort study. The following variables were analyzed: sociodemographic variables, pre-pregnancy body mass index, postpartum weight retention at 6months, gestational weight gain, parity, breastfeeding, mode of delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus, physical activity, diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, sleep, and depression. Variables that showed an association of p < 0.2 with substantial postpartum weight retention (SPPWR) in univariable logistic regression analyses were included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS.28. One year after delivery, mean PPWR was 1.5kg (SD 5.2kg), and 21.6% of the women had SPPWR. The multivariable logistic regression model showed a significant negative association of SPPWR with an intermediate educational status compared to a low educational status (OR = 0.27 [95% CI 0.11-0.69]). In addition, PPWR at 6months was positively associated with SPPWR (OR = 1.55 [95% CI 1.43-1.69]) at 1year. None of the other associations reached statistical significance. Postpartum weight retention may lead to weight gain. Losing weight in the first few months after delivery may prevent substantial postpartum weight retention. Women of low education may particularly benefit from weight loss support.

The Release of Organic Acids and Low Molecular Weight Carbohydrates from Matcha Tea After In Vitro Digestion

Background/Objectives: This study tested the influence of in vitro digestion on the release of organic acids and low molecular weight saccharides of matcha. Methods: The concentrations of analytes in the raw and undigested portion of matcha were measured using HPLC with spectrometric and refractometric detection to establish their residual values after a two-step enzymatic digestion that was finally presented as a retention factor. Results: It was established that dry matter digestibility values after simulated gastric and both gastric and intestinal phases were 67.3 and 85.9%, respectively. Native matcha, citric acid (44.8 mg/g), malic acid (32.2 mg/g), trehalose (36.1 mg/g), and L-arabinose (8.20 mg/g) reached the highest values and were predominant, whereas D-fructose, xylose, maltose, and saccharose were not detected. Regarding gastric phase digestion, succinic and malic acids, trehalose and D-glucose were the worst-releasing compounds and their remaining factors reached 34, 19, 18, and 50%, respectively, whereas L-arabinose was completely released. Focusing on gastric and small intestinal digestion, the least-releasing compounds of matcha tea leaves were succinic acid and trehalose, with their retention factors at 7 and 13%, which can proceed with the leaf matrix to the large intestine. Conclusions: Malic, oxalic, and citric acids, the carbohydrates D-glucose, L-arabinose, and L-rhamnose, are almost entirely released from matcha tea during digestion in the stomach and small intestine and can be available for absorption in the small intestine. In the measurement of oxalic acid, considering that the process of shading tea leaves increases the concentration of this acid and its retention factor value is too small, it would be appropriate in the future to evaluate the recommended maximum daily intake of matcha tea for people sensitive to the formation of urinal stones.

Serially coupled columns enhance rapid separation and predictive interaction understanding of 93 fentanyl analogs

BackgroundThe simplicity of synthesis methods has facilitated the illegal manufacture of various fentanyl analogs, leading to numerous fatal overdoses worldwide, particularly in North America. Fentanyl analogs with similar structures are difficult to distinguish due to their fragmentation patterns, making separation using chromatography essential. Additionally, because fentanyl analogs are lethal even in trace amounts, they are easily smuggled, and commonly used fentanyl test strips often fail to detect them due to their low sensitivity. Therefore, the urgent need for analytical methods that can simultaneously identify multiple analogs and swiftly detect them at low concentrations. ResultsIn this study, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was conducted to screen 93 types of fentanyl analogs among the illegal fentanyl substances. The phenyl-hexyl columns enhance fentanyl analog separation through strong π–π interactions. The serially coupled column system increased the separation efficiency and mitigated peak distortion, particularly those of polar fentanyl analogs. The selectivity varied significantly, depending on the interactions with the combined columns. The phenyl-hexyl column's superior ability to predict fentanyl analog interactions based on molecular structure was confirmed by retention factor analysis. The resolution of fentanyl isomers increased significantly when methanol was used instead of acetonitrile as an organic modifier in the mobile phase. The approach was validated by determining the limits of detection and quantification, specificity, detection capability, recovery, and relative ion intensity. SignificanceThe fentanyl analogs, including 23 sets of isomeric and isobaric compounds, were analyzed via separation using a phenyl-hexyl column serially coupled with a cyano column. The serially coupled column system increased the separation efficiency and mitigated peak distortion, particularly those of polar fentanyl analogs. The proposed strategy can be adopted in exploring methods of effectively separating mixtures with diverse properties, aiding the prevention of drug abuse and bolstering public health and safety efforts.

GOLPH3 and GOLPH3L maintain Golgi localization of LYSET and a functional mannose 6-phosphate transport pathway.

Glycosylation, which plays an important role in modifying lipids and sorting of proteins, is regulated by asymmetric intra-Golgi distribution and SPPL3-mediated cleavage of Golgi enzymes. We found that cells lacking LYSET/TMEM251, a retention factor for Golgi N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase (GNPT), display SPPL3-dependent hypersecretion of the Golgi membrane protein B4GALT5. We demonstrate that in wild-type cells B4GALT5 is tagged with mannose 6-phosphate (M6P), a sorting tag typical of soluble lysosomal hydrolases. Hence, M6P-tagging of B4GALT5 may represent a novel degradative lysosomal pathway. We also observed B4GALT5 hypersecretion and prominent destabilization of LYSET-GNPT complexes, impaired M6P-tagging, and disturbed maturation and trafficking of lysosomal enzymes in multiple human cell lines lacking the COPI adaptors GOLPH3 and GOLPH3L. Mechanistically, we identified LYSET as a novel, atypical client of GOLPH3/GOLPH3L. Thus, by ensuring the cis-Golgi localization of the LYSET-GNPT complex and maintaining its Golgi polarity, GOLPH3/GOLPH3L is essential for the integrity of the M6P-tagging machinery and homeostasis of lysosomes.

Quantification of rearrangements and evolution of mitochondrial gene order of Acari (Chelicerata: Arachnida).

Invertebrate mitogenomes are generally fixed with formal 37 genes: 13 PCGs encoded subunits of OXPHOS, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) functional in the translation of these PCGs and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. The order of these genes varies greatly among organisms and named rearrangement. Rearrangement patterns of mitochondrial genomes may shed light on mutation processes and evolutionary relationships of organisms. Mitochondrial gene organization is highly variable among Acari, so rearrangement is a very common mitogenomic pattern in this group. In this study, 258 unique Acari (Acariformes + Parasitiformes) mitogenomes were downloaded from NCBI and studied about rearrangement patterns. Sixty-seven mitotypes were determined among Acari and the most rearranged genes were trnL1 and nad2. Following that, trnI, trnS1, trnN, trnE, trnT, and trnP genes are remarkably mobile (RF > 95%). Conversely, atp6, cox3, trnG, and cytb genes also appears to be quite stable (RF < 20%). Within Acari, mean distance calculations are varied from 1.210 in atp8 to 0.155 in rrnS. Contrary to expectations, among Acari mobile tRNA genes appear to be conserved in sequences, whereas PCGs have higher distance values and seem to be mutated. Consistently, tRNA genes seem saturated, but some PCGs (atp6, cox genes, cytb, nad1, and nad6) are not saturated. These values do not correlate with each other (p > 0.005). This discrepancy may indicate that the genes were rearranged after mutation load; consistent with this, DAMBE saturation values are also not correlated with RF values. Parasitiformes mitogenomes are more mobile than Acariformes mitogenomes and may be under the effect of selective sweeping.

Application of quality by design in the development of HPTLC Method for the estimation of ceritinib in bulk and synthetic mixture

The aim of the present work is to develop and validate the High-Performance Thin Layar Chromatography method for the estimation of Ceritinib in bulk and synthetic mixture using the Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) approach as per ICH Q8 (R2). The AQbD is used to develop a precise HPTLC method. The AQbD parameter elements like QTMP (Quality Target Method Profile- Ceritinib, method type, instrument requirement, sample characteristics, synthetic mixture preparation) CMA—Critical method attributes (chloroform ± 1 ml, methanol ± 1 ml, triethylamine ± 0.05), and Risk assessment (the Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram) were carried out for the development of the HPTLC method for Cerinitib. The Box-Behnken design was utilized for the optimization of chromatographic conditions in HPTLC. The method utilized an aluminum HPTLC plate pre-coated with silica gel G60 F254 as a stationary phase along with chloroform: methanol: triethylamine (8.9: 1.6: 0.07 v/v/v) as a mobile phase. ANOVA results and perturbation plot indicates that methanol and triethylamine had more impact than chloroform on the retardation factor. The retardation factor was found to be 0.37. The absorbance mode at 277 nm was used for the densitometric study. It was found that the linearity ranged from 20 to 100 ng/band, with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. No interference was observed from excipients and mobile phase solvents. The results indicate that the AQbD approach is effectively applied to optimize the retardation factor and the method is appropriate for routine laboratory analysis.

Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Efficacy and Phytochemical Profiles of Ethanol and n-Hexane Extracts from the Roots of Ixora coccinea Linn

The root extracts of Ixora coccinea were evaluated for their phytochemical composition, antibacterial activity, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Quantitative phytochemical analysis was conducted to determine the levels of terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used to confirm the presence of bioactive components in the extracts under different solvent systems, followed by antibacterial susceptibility tests using the disc diffusion method. The MIC was determined through serial dilution to identify the lowest concentration that inhibited bacterial growth. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that the ethanol extract contained 14.80% flavonoids, 6.00% alkaloids, 1.20% saponins, 1.80% terpenoids, and 0.03% tannins. In contrast, the n-hexane extract had higher terpenoid content (3.40%) but lower flavonoids (5.20%) and alkaloids (2.10%). Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis under varying solvent systems showed different Rf values, with the ethanol extract displaying more diverse spots, indicating a richer variety of bioactive compounds. Antibacterial susceptibility tests revealed that the ethanol extract produced larger inhibition zones (10 ± 0.4–28 ± 1.0 mm) than the n-hexane extract (6 ± 0.2–26 ± 0.8 mm). MIC results indicated that ethanol extract inhibited E. coli and S. aureus at 50 mg/L and B. subtilis at 25 mg/L, while the n-hexane extract required 100 mg/L for effective inhibition. In conclusion, the findings indicate that the plant possesses significant antibacterial potential, warranting further research to isolate and characterize the specific phytoconstituents responsible for the observed antimicrobial activities.

Profile of postpartum patients with urinary retention at Koja Regional Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia

HIGHLIGHTS Maternal age and fetal birth weight are key risk factors for PPUR. Among 300 subjects, 63.7% experienced PPUR, identified using the Suskhan score, with catheterization as a useful tool for prevention and management planning. ABSTRACT Objective: Postpartum urinary retention (PPUR) is a common voiding disorder, defined as the inability to void spontaneously within 6 hours after delivery with a residual bladder volume exceeding 200 mL. High rates of PPUR in Indonesia indicate a need for greater awareness and intervention. This study aims to assess the incidence and potential contributing factors of PPUR among postpartum patients at Koja Regional Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A descriptive case-control study was conducted, including women who experienced urinary retention following vaginal delivery at Koja Hospital between September and December 2022. Residual urine volume was measured by catheterization 6 hours after delivery. Data analysis, performed using SPSS version 22, included patient demographics and clinical factors such as maternal age, parity, gestational age, neonatal birth weight, and postvoid residual urine volume. These factors were analyzed to determine their association with PPUR. Results: Out of 300 subjects selected through consecutive random sampling, 63.7% experienced PPUR, while 36.3% had normal urinary function. Patients with a mean age of 26.91 ± 5.02 years (p = 0.000), primiparous status (first-time mothers) (p &lt; 0.001), and a mean neonatal birth weight of 2980.95 ± 450.52 grams (p = 0.000) showed a higher risk of developing PPUR compared to other postpartum patients. Conclusion: The study indicates a significant association between postpartum urinary retention and maternal factors, including younger age, primiparity, and higher neonatal birth weight. Identifying these high-risk factors can enhance PPUR management, allowing healthcare providers to implement targeted monitoring and preventive measures, potentially improving postpartum outcomes in this patient population. This underscores the importance of monitoring these risk factors to better manage and potentially mitigate the incidence of PPUR.

The Contribution of Siliceous Plankton to Vertical Export Flux in the Eastern Mediterranean: A Comparative Study of the North Aegean, Cretan, and Ionian Seas

This study investigates the intricate dynamics of siliceous plankton species within the open marine regions of the Greek Seas, focusing on their seasonal and spatial variability. For this purpose, vertical export fluxes of diatoms (DtF), silicoflagellates (SF), and radiolaria (RF) were analyzed in three sediment trap time series obtained from the North Aegean, Cretan, and Ionian Seas. Special attention was given to diatom assemblages, resulting in the estimation of the DtF community structure and diversity for each studied site. Diatom flux values reached 353.9 × 103 valves m−2 day−1, 77.7 × 103 valves m−2 day−1, and 42.4 × 103 valves m−2 day−1 in the North Aegean, Ionian, and Cretan Seas, respectively. SF maxima were 1309.8 × 103 skeletons m−2 day−1 in the North Aegean Sea, 35.2 × 103 skeletons m−2 day−1 in the Ionian Sea, and 11.9 × 103 skeletons m−2 day−1 in the Cretan Sea (South Aegean Sea). RF values reached 13.9 × 103 radiolaria m−2 day−1, 11.9 × 103 radiolaria m−2 day−1, and 5.4 × 103 radiolaria m−2 day−1 in the North Aegean, Ionian, and Cretan Seas, respectively. The North Aegean Sea exhibited significantly higher mean total fluxes, particularly for diatoms, driven by the north-to-south oligotrophy gradient, which was influenced by riverine inflows and the nutrient-rich Black Sea water. In the Cretan and Ionian Seas, convective mixing and atmospheric deposition, especially during increased rainfall (precipitation) events, were identified as primary drivers for the increased siliceous plankton fluxes recorded in the late winter–spring months. Diatom communities were dominated by Naviculales and Fragilariales; the prevalence of the former in the North Aegean Sea is likely linked to the higher nutrient levels in its upper photic zone, as Naviculales includes species with a high affiliation to nutrient enrichment.

A sustainable HPTLC approach for green assessment of Tyrosine to phenylalanine ratio in chronic kidney disease

The kidney is considered the main site for the net release of Tyrosine (Tyr) to the circulation through hydroxylation of Phenylalanine (Phe) using phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme. In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients the enzyme activity is impaired, therefore the serum concentration ratio of Tyr/Phe is reduced compared to healthy individuals. This motivates us to develop a cost effective, green, simple, sensitive, and selective HPTLC method to measure the levels of Tyr and Phe in serum samples. The analysis was carried out using acetonitrile: ethanol: 25% ammonia solution: ethyl acetate (6.5: 1.5: 1: 0.5) as a mobile phase. Rf values were 0.55 ± 0.05 for Phe and 0.39 ± 0.05 for Tyr. Densitometry scanning was performed using UV detector and dual wavelengths of 210 and 225 nm were obtained. A linear correlation was observed between the levels of Phe and Tyr, ranging from 50 to 700 ng band− 1 and 50 to 600 ng band− 1, respectively, under the optimum conditions. The method selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness were all confirmed in accordance with ICH recommendations. Calculations of the separation and resolution factors, number of theoretical plates, and height equivalent to theoretical plates prove to the chromatographic system accuracy and high separation efficiency. The developed method exhibits an acceptable eco-scale when measuring the method greenness using AGREE and GAPI softwares. It was applied for the determination of Phe and Tyr concentrations in human serum samples.

Risk factors for urinary retention after robot-assisted radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder diversion: a multicenter study

To determine risk factors for urinary retention (UR) after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RALC) with orthotopic neobladder diversion. A total of 269 patients who underwent RALC with orthotopic neobladder diversion from 2008 to 2019 at seven tertiary hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. There were 68 patients who had UR (UR arm) and 201 patients who did not have UR (no-UR arm). UR was defined as voiding dysfunction without catheterization or more than 100 mL of residual urine after voiding. Preoperative demographics, perioperative factors, pathology outcomes, and postoperative complications of UR and no-UR arms were compared and predictors of UR were identified. Among demographic factors, only gender proportion showed a difference, with male proportion being significantly lower in the UR arm than in the no-UR arm (81% vs 92%, p = 0.010). For perioperative outcomes, anastomosis site stricture (27% vs 11%, p = 0.003) and length of hospital stays (23 days vs. 19 days, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the UR arm than in the no-UR arm. In multiple logistic regression analysis, female (OR 3.32, 95% CI: 1.43–7.72) and body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00–1.20) were UR predictors. UR after RALC with orthotopic neobladder diversion is significantly increased in females. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified female and BMI elevation as UR predictors.

EXTRACTION, Extraction, Isolation, Identification and Estimation of Diosgenin by TLC Profiling and UHPLC-LC-SRM Analysis in Three Costus Species

Medicinal plants are utilized for treating many ailments, since ancient times due to their tremendous therapeutic properties. The plant derivatives are used as a raw material for the synthesis of drugs either as a natural or artificial synthetic drug. Costaceae family members are known to possess many medicinal properties few of them are mainly consumed to reduce the blood glucose level and treat many disorders. The sapogenin contained in the rhizome of three Costus species was extracted, identified, and characterized. Young rhizomes were harvested surface sterilized, hydrolyzed; extracted through a soxhlet apparatus and concentrated fractions were subjected to a preliminary phytochemical screening test for saponin, Thin Layer Chromatography, and the UHPLC-MS SRM analysis. The result showed that the maximum yield of the Diosgenin was obtained from the chloroform extract of Costus speciosus. The pharmaceutical analysis in all the three Costus species carried out with isolated saponin was compared with standard Diosgenin. The characterization of isolated diosgenin was done by UHPLC MS and SRM, based on the retention time of all three samples and the comparison with standard Diosgenin. Isolated Diosgenin was quantified through thin layer chromatography with n-hexane: ethyl acetate (7:3) as mobile phase at Rf value of 0.48. The amount of Isolated Diosgenin was estimated by comparing the peak area at a retention time Rt value of 8.5 in all the samples and compared with standard Diosgenin high amount of Diosgenin was found in Costus speciosus rhizome followed by Costus igneus and Costus pictus. The preliminary phytochemical screening and analytical methods involved during the present study were found satisfactory. Thus, the protocol can be used for the extraction of Diosgenin and further used in the synthesis of Drugs. Keywords: Costus pictus, Costus speciosus, Costus igneus, rhizome, TLC, UHPLC-MS, SRM

Urinary Retention After GreenLight Laser Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (GLL.PVP) Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A 3-6 Month Retrospective Follow-Up Study.

Objective Our study was designed to evaluate the postoperative urinary retention (UR) and success rate of the GreenLight Laser (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) photoselective vaporization of the prostate (GLL.PVP) procedure for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) patients, both with and without high-risk factors. Methodology We conducted a retrospective follow-up study of postoperative patients who underwent GLL.PVP for BPH. We collected data from clinical health records, including notes from the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) clinic, trial without catheter (TWOC) clinic, and emergency department presentations with UR. The analysis examined several parameters, including the patient's age, high-risk factors, prostate volume, and both preoperative and postoperative objective voiding parameters. These voiding parameters included post-void residual (PVR) and maximum flow rate (Qmax). Additionally, the analysis looked into whether the patient had a catheter or experienced urinary retention prior to the surgery. Results A total of 50 GreenLight Laser PVP surgeries were performed over a 14-month period from May 2023 to July 2024 at West Middlesex University Hospital in London. Most of the patients were between the ages of 60 and 80. Prior to the surgery, data indicated that 17 patients (34%) were using long-term catheters, whereas 33 patients (66%) were not. Additionally, 25 patients (50%) were identified as having high-risk factors, which included being on anticoagulation therapy, a history of urinary retention, and a prostate volume exceeding 100 cc.Notably, the patient without h/o urinary retention had an average preoperative PVR of 150 mL and an averageQmaxof 7 mL/second In our 3-6 month retrospective postoperative follow-up study, we found that eight cases (16%) developed urinary retention, while 42 cases (84%) did not, with an average PVR volume of 105 mL and an average Qmax of 13.5 mL/second. In patients with preoperative urinary retention, 13 cases (76%) did not develop UR postoperatively whereas four cases (24%) developed. Conclusion Our study conclusively found that 42 cases (84%) of patients did not experience urinary retention (UR) in the follow-up after undergoing the GLL PVP operation, irrespective of any history of urinary retention or other high-risk factors. This unequivocally demonstrates the operation's efficacy. Furthermore, our findings revealed that three-quarters of patients with a preoperative history of urinary retention also did not develop UR post-surgery. The GLL.PVP procedure is safe and effective, leading to rapid improvements in voiding parameters.

Deciphering supramolecular arrangements, micellization patterns, and antimicrobial potential of bacterial rhamnolipids under extreme treatments of temperature and electrolyte.

The micellization properties of rhamnolipids (RLs) in extreme electrolyte concentrations and temperatures have gained considerable attention due to their broad industrial applications. In this study, the aggregation behavior, specifically the micellization pattern (critical micelle concentration (CMC)) of RLs produced from a newly isolated thermophilic strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from a harsh environment of an oil field, was investigated by a spectrophotometric method at various temperatures (293-393 K) and electrolyte concentrations (NaCl: 2-20%). The result indicated that the CMC values (0.267-0.140 mM⋅dm-3) were both electrolyte- and temperature-dependent exhibiting a U-shaped trend as temperature and NaCl concentration increased. Variations in NaCl concentration and temperature also affected the standard Gibbs free energy (ΔGo mic ), enthalpy (ΔHo mic ), and entropy (ΔSo mic ) of micellization. The molecule also showed stability at a broad range of temperatures, pH, and NaCl concentrations. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the similarity in composition between the crude extract and the commercial RL with Rf values of 0.72 for mono-rhamnolipids and 0.28 for di-rhamnolipids. FTIR analysis confirmed the chemical nature particularly key aliphatic functional groups present in the fatty acid tail of RLs and the -COC- bond in the structure of the rhamnose moiety. Additionally, LC-ESI-QTOF analysis confirmed corresponding ionic fragments of mono- and di-rhamnolipids congeners. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential was determined against different human pathogens in the absence and presence of NaCl by measuring zones of inhibition. The result revealed enhanced inhibitory effects against Gram-positive pathogens (S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and L. monocytogene), with zones of inhibition of 26, 30, and 20 mm in the presence of NaCl. These findings underline the role of NaCl in the micellization of RL molecules and highlight their importance in environmental applications, pharmaceuticals, and various life science sectors.

Isolation of Flavonoid Compounds Derived from Buni Leaves (Antidesma bunius (L) Spreng.)

The flavonoid compounds from the leaves of buni (A. bunius (L) Spreng.) have been isolated through a process of maceration utilizing methanol as the solvent. The concentrated methanol extract was combined with ethyl acetate. The concentrated ethyl acetate extract was subsequently dissolved in methanol and subjected to partition extraction using n-hexane. The concentrated methanol extract was acidified with 6% HCl, followed by partition extraction using chloroform. The concentrated chloroform extract was isolated using column chromatography, employing an eluent mixture of n-hexane and ethyl acetate in the following ratios: 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 (v/v). The compounds underwent purification via TLC preparative, resulting in a tawny paste with a mass of 30 mg and an Rf value of 0.31. The compound underwent additional identification through the application of Ultraviolet Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-NMR), leading to the conclusion that the flavonoid in question is isoflavone.