Se Values Research Articles

Comparison of an algorithm, and coding data, with traditional surveillance to identify surgical site infections in Australia: a retrospective multi-centred cohort study

Surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in Australia is disparate, resource intensive, unsustainable, and provides limited information. Traditional HAI surveillance is time intensive and agreement levels between clinicians have been shown to be variable. To compare two methods: a semi-automated algorithm, and coding data, against traditional surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance methods. This retrospective multi-centre cohort study included all patients undergoing a hip (HPRO) or knee (KPRO) prosthesis and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery during a two-year period at two large metropolitan hospitals. Routine SSI data were obtained via the infection prevention and control (IPC) team, a previously developed algorithm was applied to all patient records, and the ICD-10-AM data were searched for those categorized as having an SSI. Overall, 1447, 1416, and 1026 patients who underwent HPRO, KPRO, and CABG, respectively, were included. The highest sensitivity values were generated by the algorithm: HPRO deep or organ-space (D/O) 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.66-0.96), CABG 0.86 (0.64-0.96), and HPRO all SSI 0.77 (0.57-89); the lowest sensitivity was Code CABG D/O 0.03 (0.00-0.21). The highest PPV values were generated by the algorithm: HPRO D/O 0.97 (0.77-0.99), CABG D/O 0.97 (0.76-0.99), and the Code HPRO D/O 0.9 (0.66-0.99). Both the algorithm and coding data resulted in a substantial reduction in the number of medical records required to review. The application of algorithms to enhance SSI surveillance demonstrates high accuracy in identifying patient records that require review by IPC teams to determine the presence of an SSI. Coding data alone should not be used to identify SSIs.

Stratum affects the distribution of soil selenium bioavailability by modulating the soil physicochemical properties: A case study in a Se-enriched area, China

The soil selenium (Se) content and bioavailability are important for human health. In this regard, knowing the factors driving the concentration of total Se and bioavailable Se in soils is essential to map Se, enhance foodstuffs' Se content, and improve the Se nutritional status of humans. In this study, total Se and Se bioavailability (i.e., phosphate extracted Se) in surface soils (0–20 cm) developed on different strata were analyzed in a Se-enriched region of Southwest China. Furthermore, the interaction between the stratum and soil properties was assessed and how did the stratum effect on the concentration and spatial distribution of Se bioavailability in soils was investigated. Results showed that the median concentration of total Se in soils was 0.308 mg/kg, which is higher than China's soil background. The mean proportion of phosphate extracted Se in total Se was 12.2 %. The values of total Se, phosphate extracted Se, and soil organic matter (SOM) in soils increased with the increasing stratum age. In contrast, the coefficient of weathering and eluviation (BA) values decreased. The analysis of statistics and Geodetector revealed that the SOM, stratum, and BA were the dominant controlling factors for the contents and distributions of soil total Se and phosphate extracted Se. This study provided strong evidence that the soil properties that affected the total Se and Se bioavailability were modulated by the local geological background, and had important practical implications for addressing Se malnutrition and developing the Se-rich resource in the study region and similar geological settings in different parts of the globe.

Serodiagnosis of paucibacillary and multibacillary leprosy using a recombinant chimeric protein composed of specific B-cell epitopes derived from Mycobacterium leprae proteins

Leprosy diagnosis is difficult due to the clinical similarity with other infectious diseases, and laboratory tests presents problems related to sensitivity and/or specificity. In this study, we used bioinformatics to assess Mycobacterium leprae proteins and formulated a chimeric protein that was tested as a diagnostic marker for the disease. The amino acid sequences from ML0008, ML0126, ML0308, ML1057, ML2028, ML2038, ML2498 proteins were evaluated, and the B-cell epitopes QASVAYPATSYADFRAHNHWWNGP, SLQRSISPNSYNTARVDP and QLLGQTADVAGAAKSGPVQPMGDRGSVSPVGQ were considered M. leprae-specific and used to construct the gene encoding the recombinant antigen. The gene was constructed, the recombinant protein was expressed, purified and tested in ELISA using 252 sera, which contained samples from multibacillary (MB) or paucibacillary (PB) leprosy patients, from their household contacts and healthy individuals, as well as from patients with Chagas disease, visceral and tegumentary leishmaniases (VL/TL), malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for MB and PB samples compared to sera from both healthy subjects and individuals with cross-reactive diseases were 100%. The Se value for MB and PB samples compared to sera from household contacts was 100%, but Sp was 64%. In conclusion, data suggest that this protein could be considered in future studies for leprosy diagnosis.

Studies on Echostructural Pattern of Urinary System in Adult Female Goats

Background: Ultrasonography is a second most commonly used diagnostic imaging technique in veterinary practice after radiography. The ultrasonographic examination of clinically healthy animals provides relevant information about anatomical location, echo texture, size and shape of organs. In the present study, the echo-structural pattern of urinary system of adult female goats were evaluated to find the normal structural pattern of various constituents of urinary system. Methods: B-mode ultrasonographic study of urinary system was performed in 20 healthy adult female Jamunapari goats. Mean±S.E. values of body weight and age of selected animals were 27.49±0.79 kg and 2.77±0.10 years, respectively. All twenty animals were subjected to sonographic examination after clipping the hairs from desired sites to scan the various organs of urinary system in standing position under physical restraint without using any anesthetic agent. The values of various clinico-physiological parameters including rectal temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, colour of mucous membranes were recorded to examine the health status prior to sonography. The left and right kidneys were scanned from right dorsal flank by paravertebral approach using a transcutaneous micro-convex probe at 5 MHz and a convex probe at 2.8-6 MHz frequency. A dual frequency (5-9 MHz) micro-curved array cavity probe was used to scan bladder and urethra per rectally. The renal parenchyma in healthy goats was distinctly divided into hypoechoic outer cortex and anechoic inner medulla. The hyperechoic renal sinus complex was present in center of the kidney and renal pelvis was anechoic. The renal capsule was seen as hyperechoic fine line surrounding the renal parenchyma. Pulsed wave renal color doppler ultrasound was performed in 3 healthy goats with the aim to generate reference images of renal vasculature. Result: The Mean±SE values of renal length, renal height, horizontal diameter of renal sinus, vertical diameter of renal sinus and diameter of renal pelvis for right kidney were 6.11±0.09, 3.26±0.08, 3.01±0.11, 1.32±0.03, 1.05±0.03, respectively while for left kidney these values were 6.02±0.09 and 3.35±0.07, 2.67±0.12, 1.14±0.06, 1.10±0.07 cm. The ureters could not be visualized in any of the goats. The distended bladder was seen as anechoic circular structure surrounded by a smooth echogenic wall with a mean thickness of 1.65±0.06 mm. No significant difference was observed in the measurements of both kidneys except in dimensions of renal sinus. Positive correlation was found between renal size and body weight of goats. It was concluded that ultrasound is an easy, rapid and non-invasive method to evaluate echotexture and morphometry of structures of urinary system.

Quantification of Heavy Metals in the Nasal Turbines of Smokers and Nonsmokers.

Cigarette smoke is known to contain toxic heavy metals. In this study, heavy metal levels in the nasal turbinate tissues of smokers and nonsmokers were measured and compared with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Forty patients who come to the Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic due to nasal obstruction and are given an appointment for partial turbinate reduction operation due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy, according to their smoking status, were divided into two groups: those who had smoked one pack/day for at least 10 years and those who had never smoked. The levels of heavy metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Se, and Ag) were compared by ICP-MS in nasal turbinate tissues. Al (p = 0.002), Cr (p < 0.001), Co (p < 0.001), Ni (p = 0.001), Cu (p < 0.001), As (p < 0.001), Se (p < 0.001), Ag (p < 0.001), Cd (p = 0.001), Ba (p = 0.008), Hg (p < 0.001), and Pb (p < 0.001) values in the smoker group were found to be significantly higher than the values of nonsmokers. Although the Mn level was high in smokers, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.299). Smoking can cause nasal and sinus problems. In this study, we observed that the smoking group had significantly higher levels of almost all the heavy metals investigated in the nasal turbinate tissues. As smoking damages, the mucociliary system and the mucosa, heavy metals from cigarettes may accumulate further and cause harm to the nasal tissues. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3562-3567, 2024.

Geochemical background and geopedological interactions of selenium in soils from Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Although Selenium (Se) plays a role as a micronutrient for humans through vegetable consumption, it is also recognized as toxic when present in excessive quantities. Therefore, quantifying Se contents in soils can prevent diseases influenced by crop Se deficiency or excess. We aimed to measure background contents, establish quality reference values (QRV) for Se in soils from two Brazilian biomes (Cerrado and Caatinga), and assess how geopedological factors affect Se content and spatial variability. Two hundred and eight composite topsoil samples were analyzed for Se content, covering an area of about 251,578 km². Sampling sites were under the minimal anthropogenic influence to represent Se background contents. Selenium contents were determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy (HGAAS), ranging from 0.002 to 4.78 mg kg -1 . Most soils had contents below the world average of 0.44 mg kg -1 but still above the soil content that causes human Se deficiency (0.125 mg kg -1 ). Soils from Cerrado and Caatinga biomes showed similar average contents of Se, 0.41 and 0.47 mg kg -1 , respectively. Organic carbon content and soil particle size (clay fraction) were the main factors governing Se content in the soils. Our results contribute to understanding the Se content and spatial distribution in tropical soils and the factors governing them. They also provide a tool for agriculture and environmental decision-makers to plan public policies regarding the management of Se levels in these and similar tropical soils in the world.

Multi-functional PDMS/MMT Coating on magnesium substrates: Hydrophobicity, durability, and EMI shielding

In this work, a highly efficient surface coating strategy using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) modified low-cost montmorillonite (MMT) was revealed, to enhance the surface performance and durability of magnesium substrates. Contact angle, self-cleaning, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and ultrabroadband electromagnetic absorption and EMI shielding evaluations were comprehensively studied. The obtained PDMS/MMT/Mg substrate consistently exhibited an obvious increased contact angle from 76.1 to 141.9 °, signifying strong hydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties compared to the untreated R-Mg substrate. No significant surface wettability changes were detected even after 50 times of tape peeling or 3.0 wt% NaCl solution immersion for 60 h, indicating high durability of the protective PDMS/MMT coatings. Moreover, the PDMS/MMT/Mg substrates can be applied as microwave-absorbing materials, particularly in high-frequency applications, and as excellent EMI shielding with an SE value above 40 dB. This study highlights the effectiveness of the relatively inexpensive PDMS/MMT coating in enhancing the performance of magnesium substrates, providing a new approach to balance cost control and meet performance requirements in industrial or large-scale production.

Characterization of Metal Elements in Atmospheric PM2.5 and Health Risk Assessment in Heze in Winter from 2017 to 2018

Atmospheric PM2.5 samples were collected in Heze, Shandong Province, from a total of three sampling sites at Heze College, Huarun Pharmacy, and a wastewater treatment plant between October 15, 2017 and January 31, 2018, to determine the concentrations of 21 metal elements in PM2.5 using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The degree of elemental enrichment was also discussed, the health risks and potential heavy metal ecological risks were assessed. The results showed that ρ (PM2.5) ranged from 26.7 to 284.1 μg·m-3 at the three sampling sites during the sampling period, and the concentration values did not differ significantly, all of which were at high pollution levels. The highest concentrations of K were found in the three sampling sites, accounting for 31.03%, 39.47%, and 38.43% of the total, respectively, mainly due to the high contribution of biomass burning in autumn and winter in Heze, a large agricultural city. The highest concentrations of Zn, 89.70, 84.21, and 67.68 ng·m-3, were found in the trace elements at the three sampling sites, respectively. The enrichment factor results showed that the enrichment factor values of Zn, Pb, Sn, Sb, Cd, and Se were higher than 100, among which the enrichment factors of Cd and Se were higher than 2 000 and 4 000, respectively, which were significantly influenced by anthropogenic activities and might have been related to industrial production, metal smelting, road sources, and coal combustion emissions. The health risk results showed that there was some potential non-carcinogenic risk (HQ>0.1 for children and adults) for As and a combined potential non-carcinogenic risk (HI>0.1) and some potential carcinogenic risk (CRT>1×10-6) for both children and adults at the three sampling sites. There was a more significant carcinogenic risk (CRT>1×10-4) for adults at the wastewater treatment plant, and the slightly higher carcinogenic risk for adults than that for children may have been related to the longer outdoor activity and higher PM2.5 exposure for adults. The elements with the highest potential ecological risk values were Cd, As, and Pb, with Cd exhibiting a very high potential ecological risk that should be taken seriously. All three sampling sites showed a very high combined potential ecological risk, with the intensity spatially expressed as Heze College>Huarun Pharmacy>wastewater treatment plant.

Droplet digital PCR as alternative to microbiological culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex detection in bovine lymph node tissue samples.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) remains a significant concern for public health. Direct real-time PCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) are proposed as alternative tools to enhance diagnostic precision and efficiency. This study aims to assess the diagnostic performance of a ddPCR assay targeting IS6110 for the detection of MTC DNA in both microbiological culture and fresh lymph node (LN) tissue samples obtained from cattle, in comparison with the established reference standard, the microbiological culture followed by real-time PCR. The fresh LNs (N=100) were collected each from a different cattle carcass at the slaughterhouse. The limit of detection of ddPCR-IS6110 was set to 101 copies per 20 μl reaction. DdPCR-IS6110 detected 44 out of 49 reference-standard positive samples and yielded negative results in 47 out of 51 reference-standard negative samples, resulting in adjusted sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of 90.76% [95% confidence interval (CI): 82.58 - 98.96%)], and 100% (95% CI: 100%) respectively. The estimated adjusted false negative rate (FNR) was 9.23% (95% CI: 1.04 - 17.42%) and the false positive rate (FPR) was 0% (95% CI: 0%). When directly applied from fresh bovine LN tissues, ddPCR-IS6110 identified 47 out of 49 reference-standard positive samples as ddPCR-IS6110-positive and 42 out of 51 reference-standard negative samples as ddPCR-IS6110-negative, resulting in adjusted Se and Sp values of 94.80% [95% (CI): 88.52 - 100%] and 100% (95% CI: 100%), respectively. The adjusted FNR was 5.20% (95% CI: 0 - 11.50%) and the FPR was 0% (95% CI: 0%). Noteworthy, ddPCR-IS6110 disclosed as positive 9 samples negative to reference-standard. DdPCR-IS6110 proved to be a rapid, highly sensitive, and specific diagnostic tool as an alternative to reference-standard method.

Subjective versus objective refraction in healthy young adults

PurposeTo evaluate objective and subjective refraction differences in healthy young adults.MethodsData concerning candidates for the Israeli Air Force Flight Academy, as well as active air force pilots in all stages of service who underwent a routine health checkup between the years 2018 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Objective refraction measured using a single autorefractometer was compared with subjective refraction measured by an experienced military optometrist during the same visit. The results were converted to power vectors (spherical equivalent [SE], J0, and J45). To interpret astigmatism using power vector values, the cylinder power (Cp) was determined.ResultsThis study included 1,395 young adult participants. The average age was 22.17 years (range, 17–39, 84.8% males). The average SE was − 0.65 ± 1.19 diopter (D) compared with − 0.71 ± 0.91D in the auto- and subjective refraction, respectively (p = 0.001). Cp was 0.91 ± 0.52D and 0.67 ± 0.40D, respectively (p < 0.001). This difference was more common in older participants (p < 0.001). J0 and J45 value differences were not significant. The absolute SE value of subjective refraction was lower in the myopic (p < 0.001) and hyperopic (p < 0.001) patients.ConclusionsYoung hyperopic participants tended to prefer “less plus” in subjective refraction compared with autorefraction. Young myopic participants tended to prefer “less minus” in subjective refraction compared with autorefraction. All participants, but mainly older participants, preferred slightly “less Cp” than that measured using autorefraction; The astigmatic axis did not differ significantly between the methods.

Semi‐Solid Thermo‐Electrochemical Cell Based Wearable Power Generator for Body Heat Harvesting

AbstractA high‐performance TiO2/GO‐Fe3+/2+‐based N‐type thermo‐electrochemical cell (TEC) is demonstrated and prepared P‐N combined power generator prototypes combining BST/FeCN3‐/4−‐based P‐type TEC that is reported in the previous work. The functional groups on the TiO2/GO in the electrolyte can adjust the solvation structure of Fe3+/2+ to improve the Se value. In addition, TiO2 acts as a relay reaction site to improve charge transport efficiency. The synergistic effect results in Se of 2.53 mV K−1 and a maximum output power density of 0.38 W m−2. Besides, both flexible and rigid power generator prototypes are prepared. It is worth noting that the flexible prototype can generate an open‐circuit voltage of 1.27 V and power an electronic watch by using the temperature difference between the human body and the environment. This work demonstrates the potential of TEC for low‐grade heat energy recovery and powering wearable devices.

Urine Se concentration poorly predicts plasma Se concentration at sub-district scales in Zimbabwe, limiting its value as a biomarker of population Se status.

The current study investigated the value of urine selenium (Se) concentration as a biomarker of population Se status in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Urine and plasma Se concentrations were measured among children aged 6-59 months (n = 608) and women of reproductive age (WRA, n = 781) living in rural Zimbabwe (Murehwa, Shamva, and Mutasa districts) and participating in a pilot national micronutrient survey. Selenium concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and urine concentrations were corrected for hydration status. The median (Q1, Q3) urine Se concentrations were 8.4 μg/L (5.3, 13.5) and 10.5 μg/L (6.5, 15.2) in children and WRA, respectively. There was moderate evidence for a relationship between urine Se concentration and plasma Se concentration in children (p = 0.0236) and WRA (p = < 0.0001), but the relationship had poor predictive value. Using previously defined thresholds for optimal activity of iodothyronine deiodinase (IDI), there was an association between deficiency when indicated by plasma Se concentrations and urine Se concentrations among WRA, but not among children. Urine Se concentration poorly predicted plasma Se concentration at sub-district scales in Zimbabwe, limiting its value as a biomarker of population Se status in this context. Further research is warranted at wider spatial scales to determine the value of urine Se as a biomarker when there is greater heterogeneity in Se exposure.

The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Adolescent Iraqi Children Infected with Toxoplasmasis

Toxoplasmosis affects various biochemical markers, which has garnered attention recently. Toxoplasmosis biochemical marker values were the focus of this study. To evaluate the infection-related marker TNF alpha, TNF-α regulates inflammation, anti-tumor responses, and homeostasis via interacting with TNF-R1 and TNF-R2. TNF-α has a vital function in treating T. gondii by regulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell development. Despite therapeutic usage of anti-TNF-α medications, adverse effects such lymph proliferative disorders have been known to occur. This also suggests that one major mechanism by which cytokines operate is by inhibiting parasite invasion. TNF-α has the ability to directly influence the proliferation of intracellular parasites to different extents. The study included one hundred patients with toxoplasmosis, aged between eighteen and thirty years old. Among them, seventy had confirmed cases of infection, with forty samples from both male and female patients, while the remaining thirty samples were taken from healthy individuals serving as a control group. Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, and many outpatient clinics will treat patients from different Iraqi governorates from November 2022 and October 2023. Additionally, we utilized the ELISA technique to determine the quantity of TNF-alpha present. With this study, there were no significant changes in blood levels of TNF-α between the control group and teens of different ages and genders, according to the results. The mean ±SE values of the level in healthy teens (80.57 ±5.27) and T. gondii patients (123.59 ±4.35, 158.85 ±10.26) were not statistically different. The findings indicated that the mean values for healthy teenagers were 66.02 ±5.89 and 87.84 ±3.24, respectively. There was no significant gender difference, with mean values of 149.65 ±11.98 and 133.25 ±3.96, respectively. Patients with toxoplasmosis exhibited substantially higher TNF-α levels than the control group (P ≤0.01). The average ± SE TNF-alpha levels in teenagers infected with T. gondii were 136.86 ±5.96, whereas the control group had 87.84 ±3.24. Our research suggests that Toxoplasma gondii have the capability to exert effect on certain indicators, such as TNF-alpha. The findings indicate that adolescents are prone to a significant prevalence of toxoplasmosis diagnoses. Consequently, prioritizing health education for those with a heightened susceptibility to developing the disease is imperative.

Employing artificial neural networks for the assessment of the aqueous solubility of drug –like substances

This research has advanced Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) models for predicting the aqueous solubility of drug-like substances. By integrating multivariate regression and neural network techniques, the study utilized the backward algorithm to strategically select 2D and 3D molecular descriptors, resulting in the development of an optimal QSPRMLR model with k = 23. The artificial neural network regression model(QSPRANN), derived from selected descriptors of the multivariable linear regression model(QSPRMLR), demonstrated enhanced predictive capabilities for logS values in both validationand prediction groups, yielding SE values of 0.786 and 0.808, respectively. The QSPRANNsignificantly improved the overall predictability of the multivariate regression model. Statistical assessments of the QSPRANN model revealed SE = 0.699, R2train = 0.918, and Q2v = 0.878. The predicted logS values from the QSPRANN model align well with experimental data,confirming the reliability and accuracy of the developed model.

Assessment of some toxic elements (Co, Cr, Mn, Se, and As) in muscle, offal, hair, and blood of camels (Camelus dromedaries) and their risk assessment.

Camel meat tainted with heavy metals or trace elements may pose a health risk to consumers. Heavy metal contamination poses a severe danger due to both their toxicity and bioaccumulation in the food chain. To estimate the residual levels of heavy metals (Co, Cr, Mn, Se, and As) in muscle, liver, kidney, hair, and serum of three camel breeds (Magaheem, Maghateer, and Wadha) collected from Al-Omran abattoir, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A total of 225 tissue samples (muscles, liver, kidney, serum, and hair) were taken and analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Health risk assessment was assessed using the guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Camel breed significantly (p < 0.05) influences Co, Cr, Mn, and Se accumulation and distribution in organs and muscle; however, arsenic accumulation was not significantly affected (p < 0.05) by camel breeds. The highest values of Co, Cr, Se, and Mn in all examined samples were detected in the liver samples of Maghateer and Magaheem breeds. Furthermore, significant strong positive correlation between serum and liver cobalt, chromium, manganese, and arsenic. The estimated daily intake owing to camel meat consumption was less than the tolerated daily intake. Heavy metals were distributed among different breeds of camel. Trace elements (Pb and Cd) in meat and offal were below the international maximum permissible limit. The correlation between samples reflects the role of hair as a good tool for the identification of heavy metal pollution.

NUTRIENT CONTENT OF QUAIL EGGS AS INFLUENCED BY DIETS ENHANCED WITH WATERLEAF MEAL

This study assessed the nutritive value of quail eggs as influenced by diets enhanced with waterleaf meal. Three diets tagged W0 (100% layer’s feed), W20 (80% layers’ feed plus 20% waterleaf) and W40 (60% layers’ feed plus 40% waterleaf) were used for this study. Ninety quails were used for the trial. They were divided into three groups of 30 birds each which were further divided into 10 birds per replicate. Each group was randomly allotted to the three diets in a Completely Randomized Design experiment which lasted 3 weeks. Three eggs per treatment per week or 9 eggs per group were collected for analysis of proximate composition, minerals, cholesterol and cholesterol fractions. Data was analysed using One-way Analysis of Variance in Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Tukey Post-Hoc test was used to separate significant means at 5% level of significance. Results show that percent DM, CP, EE, ash and NFE as well as GE (kcal/g) ranged from 28.16–28.39, 14.64–14.93, 10.23–10.39, 2.40–2.56, 0.67–0.74 and 1.97–1.99, respectively. The Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Se, I, Cu and Mn values (mg/100g) ranged from 144.67–145.08, 138.78–139.04, 64.52–65.08, 178.68–179.13 and 78.48–79.35, 3.40–3.64, 0.47–0.54, 0.014–0.018, 0.88–0.94, 0.32–0.37 and 0.68–0.75, respectively. The contents for total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and VLDL (mg/100g), lipid peroxidation (MDA/g) and triglycerides (mg/100g) ranged from 871.70–986.37, 418.80–526.40, 238.50–347.67, 18.67– 19.40 13.66–14.53 and 75.15–195.77, respectively. There were significant differences (p

Comparison of different organic selenium supplementations on selenium status and serum biomarkers in dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of two different organic selenium (Se) supplements, selenomethionine (Se-Met) and selenohomolanthionine (Se-Hlan), on the serum biochemical parameters and Se status of dairy cows. Different dietary Se supplementation treatments were set as follows: a control group (CON, adding sodium selenite at 0.3mg Se/kg dry matter [DM]), 0.3 and 0.5 Se-Met (adding Se-Met at 0.3 and 0.5mg Se/kg DM, respectively), as well as 0.3 and 0.5 Se-Hlan (adding Se-Hlan at 0.3 and 0.5mg Se/kg DM, respectively). The experiment lasted 8weeks. The serum measurements showed that both organic Se treatments resulted in higher uric acid than CON. Se-Met produced higher aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, urea, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lactate dehydrogenase than Se-Hlan. Regarding the Se status, the highest milk Se values appeared in 0.5 Se-Met, with intermediate values in 0.3 Se-Met and 0.5 Se-Hlan, whereas the highest and lowest serum Se levels were presented in 0.5 Se-Met and 0.3 Se-Hlan, respectively. Our results suggest that Se-Hlan was not as efficient in boosting serum or milk Se as Se-Met and differences in serum biomarkers between Se-Met and Se-Hlan may be associated with distinct metabolic pathways for different forms of organic Se.

Exploring the local solvation structure of redox molecules in a mixed solvent for increasing the Seebeck coefficient of thermocells.

A thermocell is an emerging alternative to thermoelectric devices and exhibits a high Seebeck coefficient (Se) due to the large change of solvation entropy associated with redox reactions. Here, the Se of p-chloranil radicals/dianions (CA˙-/2-) in acetonitrile was drastically increased from -1.3 to -2.6 mV K-1 by the addition of ethanol, and the increment surpassed the estimation of the classical Born model with continuum solvent media. UV-vis spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements at various mixing ratios of acetonitrile to ethanol revealed that the strong hydrogen bonding between ethanol and oxygen atoms of CA2- forms a 4 : 1 solvent-ion pair, while the ethanol molecules binding to CA2- dissociate upon its oxidation to CA˙-. The local solvation structures of CA2- are in good agreement with density functional theory. This order-disorder transition of the local solvation structure around the CA˙-/2- ions produces a large entropy change and results in a large Se value. The tailored solvation structure of redox ions by hydrogen bonding is a versatile method applicable to a variety of redox pairs and solvents, contributing to the development of electrolyte engineering for thermocells.

Digital Media Based On Quantum Learning to Increase Learning Motivation and Student Learning Activities In Mathematics

Learning with the quantum learning model is one of the learning methods in its implementatied Learning with the quantum learning model is one of the learning methods in its implementation enjoy being more active in discussing and working together in class. This study aims to determine the effect of the application of the quantum learning model on increasing student motivation and learning activities. This research is experimental quantitative research consisting of two classes, namely the control class and the experimental class. Data collection instruments used questionnaires.Data analysis used in this study is a descriptive test, normality test, and paired sample test. The results of the normality test (Shapiro-Wilk) for learning motivation of the control class and experimental class amounted to 0.147 greater than 0.05 and for learning activities of the control class and experimental class amounted to 0.362 greater than 0.05. T-test for learning motivation showed that the improvement of the experimental class was higher than the control class (t = -0.785 p = 0.220 &gt; 0.05) and the SE value of Cohen's d (0.317). The T-test for learning activities showed that the increase in learning motivation of the experimental class was higher than that of the control class (t = -2.506 p = 0.009 &lt; 0.05) and the SE Cohen's d value (0.194).That's whybased on the results show that the quantum learning model can increase student learning motivation.

Hybrid carbonaceous filler as promising additives for EMI SE of PVDF-based composites: Comparison between monolayered and multilayered structures

Flexible conducting polymeric composites (CPC) for applications as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials were successfully prepared by melt-mixing approach using poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as the matrix, loaded with hybrid carbonaceous fillers, carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). Composites with as low as 3 wt% of filler with conductivity values in between 10−3 S/m (PVDF/GNP) and 10−1 S/m (PVDF/CNT) were successfully prepared by using hybrid with different proportions. Multi-layered structure composites displayed significantly higher EMI SE values than the bulk composites, mainly those constituted by CNT and the CNT/GNP (1.5:1.5 wt%) hybrid. By stacking PVDF/CNT, PVDF/CNT/GNP and PVDF/GNP with different arrangements, on can achieve EMI SE around 22 dB (in X-band) and 27 dB (in Ku-band) with absorption contribution of 65–70 % in the X-band and 77–81 % in the Ku-band frequency ranges. The effect of the hybrid composites on the morphological, rheological and thermal properties and on the ability of the β-phase formation on PVDF composites was also investigated. By combining appropriate CNT/GNP ratio, a good compromise between flexibility, conductivity, processability and EM attenuation with absorption characteristics was achieved, thus favoring promising application in stealth technology and also in communication devices.