Semi-dry Method Research Articles

Octenyl succinic anhydride tigernut starch: Structure, physicochemical properties and stability of curcumin-loaded Pickering emulsion

In recent years, there has been increasing attention to starch particle-stabilized Pickering emulsions. In this study, the tigernut starch (TNS) was isolated from the tigernut meal, and further octenyl succinic anhydride tigernut starch (OSATNS) was prepared by a semi-dry method. The structure of OSATNS was analyzed and characterized by degrees of substitution (DS), contact angle, SEM, and FTIR. OSATNS was then used to stabilize the curcumin-loaded Pickering emulsion to improve the water solubility and stability of the curcumin. The results showed that OSATNS with 3 %–9 % OSA exhibited a DS range of 0.012 to 0.029, and its contact angle increased from 69.23° to 84.76°. SEM revealed that TNS consisted of small starch particles averaging 7.71 μm, and esterification did not significantly alter their morphology or size. FTIR analysis confirmed successful OSA incorporation by revealing two new peaks at 1732 cm−1 and 1558 cm−1. After 7 days of storage, Pickering emulsions stabilized with OSATNS-9 % exhibited superior stability and curcumin retention compared to Tween 80 emulsions, maintaining retention rates above 80 % even after different heat treatments. In conclusion, this study shows the potential application of OSATNS in stabilizing Pickering emulsions and demonstrates its good thermal stability and protection against curcumin during storage.

Development of a Semi-Dry Method for Measuring Drug Permeation into Skin Using an Electric Facial Care Device and Iontophoresis

Introduction: Percutaneous drug delivery systems are attractive not only as a therapeutic strategy but also for cosmetic treatment. Iontophoresis is a well-recognized method for promoting transdermal absorption of ionized compounds. Franz cells are generally used to estimate drug permeation of skin by iontophoresis. However, methods using Franz cells are less versatile; for instance, the method is unsuited for use with a portable electric facial care device having a working probe of a certain size and weight. In this study, we constructed a semi-dry apparatus for use with an electric facial care device. Methods: The apparatus has a multilayer structure consisting of mouse skin and 3 filter papers, modeled after the Franz cell. The skin permeation of the drug edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one) was then measured using this apparatus. Results: Edaravone permeation depended on working time, drug concentration, and ionization ratio of edaravone when iontophoresis was carried out with an electric facial care device. Furthermore, glycyrrhizic acid, α-tocopheryl phosphate, retinoic acid, and ascorbyl palmitate, which are recognized as functional cosmetic materials, also permeated the skin by applying iontophoresis with the device. Conclusion: These results suggest that the developed measuring apparatus is applicable for use with a portable electric facial care device and that iontophoresis using a portable electric facial care device is potentially useful in the cosmetic field.

Preparation of magnesium oxysulfate cement with semidry carbonation high calcium content light-burned magnesium (Ca-LBM)

With the large amount of high-quality magnesite mining, low-grade magnesite is discarded, which not only pollutes the environment but also wastes resources. Therefore, to utilize high-calcium magnesite tailings, carbonated light-burned magnesium with a high calcium content was used to prepare magnesium oxysulfate (MOS) cement. Characterization was performed by FT-IR, SEM, TEM, TG-DTG, TG-MS, MIP, XRD, and zeta potential measurements. The following conclusions are drawn: a porous shell layer was formed on the surface of the carbonated powder particles; thus, the hydration reactivity was reduced, but a better dispersibility was obtained. The setting time of the samples increased with increasing carbonation treatment time, and the early strength was lower than that of the control, but it increased significantly with the curing period. The 28 d compressive strength of the samples treated with carbonation for 2 min was 12.1 % higher than that of the control, and the volume density was 3.7 % lower than that of the control. In addition, a carbon-containing 517 phase (C- 517) structure was found. This C-517 phase exhibited better stability and resistance to sodium chloride erosion. After immersion in sodium chloride solution for 28 d, the softening coefficient was 0.84, which was 385 % of the control, so the carbonated samples had better durability than the ordinary MOS cement. The semidry method is used to carbonate light-burned magnesium with high calcium content, which avoids the negative effect of calcium oxide on the hydration process of MOS cement and provides a method to solve the discarding of high-calcium magnesite tailings.

318P Evaluation of novel diagnostic kits using the semi-dry dot-blot method combined for detecting metastases in sentinel lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer: A multi-center prospective study

318P Evaluation of novel diagnostic kits using the semi-dry dot-blot method combined for detecting metastases in sentinel lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer: A multi-center prospective study

Development of the semi-dry dot-blot method for intraoperative detecting micropapillary component in lung adenocarcinoma based on proteomics analysis.

Micropapillary (MIP) component was a major concern in determining surgical strategy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We sought to develop a novel method for detecting MIP component during surgery. Differentially expressed proteins between MIP-positive and MIP-negative LUAD were identified through proteomics analysis. The semi-dry dot-blot (SDB) method which visualises the targeted protein was developed to detect MIP component. Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 (CRABP2) was significantly upregulated in MIP-positive LUAD (P < 0.001), and the high CRABP2 expression zone showed spatial consistency with MIP component. CRABP2 expression was also associated with decreased recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001). In the prospective cohort, the accuracy and sensitivity of detecting MIP component using SDB method by visualising CRABP2 were 82.2% and 72.7%, which were comparable to these of pathologist. Pathologist with the aid of SDB method would improve greatly in diagnostic accuracy (86.4%) and sensitivity (78.2%). In patients with minor MIP component (≤5%), the sensitivity of SDB method (63.6%) was significantly higher than pathologist (45.4%). Intraoperative examination of CRABP2 using SDB method to detect MIP component reached comparable performance to pathologist, and SDB method had notable superiority than pathologist in detecting minor MIP component.

Abstract P5-01-03: Evaluation of novel diagnostic kits using the semi-dry dot-blot method combined with an automatic reader for detecting metastases in sentinel lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer: a multi-center prospective study

Abstract Background: The semi-dry dot-blot (SDB) method, a diagnostic procedure for detecting lymph node (LN) metastases using an anti-cytokeratin (CK) antibody, is based on the theory that epithelial components, such as CK, are not found in normal LNs. Thus, metastases are diagnosed according to the presence of CK in the lavage fluid of sectioned LNs. We prospectively evaluated novel SDB kits that use a newly developed anti-CK19 antibody and an automatic reader for diagnosing sentinel LN metastases in patients with breast cancer as a multi-center study. Methods: We obtained 924 sentinel LNs dissected from 405 patients with breast cancer between January 2021 and December 2021 at six institutes in Japan. We excluded patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and neoadjuvant endocrine therapy. LNs were sectioned at 2-mm intervals and washed with phosphate-buffered saline. Cells suspended in the lavage fluid of sectioned LNs were centrifuged and lysed to extract protein. The extracted protein was applied to the SDB kit to diagnose LN metastasis using an automatic absorbance reader. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) stained and washed LNs were blindly examined by pathologists using intraoperative and permanent histological examination. Diagnoses based on SDB kit and automatic reader findings were compared with diagnoses made by permanent histological examination of paraffin-embedded H&amp;E-stained sections of LNs. Primary endpoints were the sensitivity, specificity, and overall agreement of the SDB kit for distinguishing macrometastases from non-macrometastases. Results: Ninety-four of the 924 LNs were assessed as macrometastases, 40 as micrometastases, and 790 as isolated tumor cells by histological examination. Compared with patients with non-macrometastases, those with macrometastases had significantly younger age (p&amp;lt; 0.01), larger primary tumor (p&amp;lt; 0.01), higher nuclear grade (p=0.04), increased lymphatic invasion (p&amp;lt; 0.01), and increased venous invasion (p=0.01). Using a borderline CK19 absorbance of 11.9 milli-absorbance for detecting macrometastases with an area under the curve of 0.989, the sensitivity, specificity, and overall agreement of the SDB kit were 94.7%, 98.3%, and 97.9%, respectively. Moreover, the sensitivity, specificity, and overall agreement of the intraoperative histological examination compared with permanent histological examination for distinguishing macrometastases from non-macrometastases were 91.4%, 99.1%, and 98.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the kits and automatic reader yielded diagnoses within approximately 20 min at a cost of &amp;lt; 30 USD for the SDB kit and &amp;lt; 3,000 USD for the automatic reader. Conclusions: The kits with an automatic reader used in our study were accurate, quick, and cost-effective in diagnosing LN metastases without the loss of LN tissue and were particularly useful for distinguishing macrometastases. We plan to make the SDB kit and automatic reader commercially available worldwide soon. Citation Format: Megumi Matsumoto, Masaaki Baba, Aya Tanaka, Sayaka Kuba, Michi Morita, Fujiko Kaseida, Hiroko Hayashi, Shigeto Maeda, Hiroshi Yano, Eiko Inamasu, Akiko Ogiya, Kenta Sekiya, Masahiro Nakashima, Hideki Ikari, Shinji Ohno, Hiroyuki Takei, Katsunori Yanagihara, Susumu Eguchi, Takeshi Nagayasu, Ryota Otsubo. Evaluation of novel diagnostic kits using the semi-dry dot-blot method combined with an automatic reader for detecting metastases in sentinel lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer: a multi-center prospective study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-01-03.

Physical-Chemical and Rheological Properties of Konjac Glucomannan Phosphate Ester Prepared by Semi-Dry Method with Vacuum-Microwave Assistance

Physical-Chemical and Rheological Properties of Konjac Glucomannan Phosphate Ester Prepared by Semi-Dry Method with Vacuum-Microwave Assistance

Transportation and Acclimation Optimisation of Wild Marble Goby (Oxyeleotris marmorata Bleeker, 1852)

The Marble goby (Oxyeleotris marmorata Bleeker) is usually found in freshwater bodies. Due to its high commercial value and demand, it is farmed in cages and pond systems. Marble goby fish are preferred to be freshly killed and processed upon request in Asian restaurants. Currently, there are some challenges faced by fishermen who wish to transport live fish to restaurants or markets due to the traditional method of using water tanks as carriers. These water tanks are usually very heavy and bulky, increasing transportation costs. Furthermore, coping with the survivability of fish post-transportation has proven to be a challenge. This study was aimed at investigating the semi-dry method for fish transport and acclimatization of fish after transport in different tank sizes. In the semi-dry, where fish were covered using a towel transportation method where the survival rate at ~92%. For the acclimation experimental group, stream water was found to be the most appropriate type of water for rearing the marble goby fish, which demonstrated a conspicuous survivability rate of ~83%. whereas, for adaptation, marble goby fish from the wild had a faster adaptation rate in smaller spaces like aquariums as compared to large ‘stock tanks.’ To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that will provide a better understanding of the transportation method, acclimation conditions, and habitat that can lead to a reduction in the mortality rate during the marble goby transit processes.

Organophilic Synthetic Stevensite-Zn: Synthesis and Characterization, an Alternative Simple Method

Organophilic clays are used as components in petroleum fluids, lubricants, paints, adhesives, cosmetics, and others. This requires products that are increasingly pure with homogeneous properties, which are hardly found in natural clays. Synthetic clays can thus be a solution. For this, it is necessary to explore techniques for their production. The main focus of this study was to synthesize a smectite clay in a simple, fast, and economic way at a low temperature and pressure. To regulate the pH of the reaction and bring it closer to the ideal synthesis conditions, two different acids were used: nitric acid (the most widely used in the literature) and hydrochloric acid (more accessible and cheaper). Organostevensite was obtained by the direct incorporation of quarternary salt in synthetic stevensite using a semi-dry, fast, economic, and ecological method compared to that used in industry. The results showed characteristics of a uniform crystalline material with a porous structure similar to that of the smectite group. Small particle sizes of approximately 100 nm were observed by SEM. Stevensite clay was obtained by both synthesis methods using two different acids; the method using hydrochloric acid stood out. The greater practicality of its development provides a more viable option for large-scale industrial production.

The influence of the microbial preparation BakSib on winter barley and the state of southern chernozem

In the article, the authors showed the effectiveness of bacterization of winter barley variety Basalt with a complex microbial preparation BakSib. The authors used a semi-dry method of seed treatment (10 l/t of working solution) and a single treatment of vegetative plants on the southern chernozem together with chemical pesticides and without them. After treatment with the drug was observed: 1) a decrease in the number of microscopic fungi in the soil up to 3 times in the tillering phase and by 21% in the full ripeness phase in comparison with the control; 2) an increase in the number of ammonifiers from 44 to 81.4%; 3) an increase in the number of bacteria that assimilate mineral nitrogen from 79 to 116%. The authors revealed the stimulating effect of BakSib on the height of barley plants in all growth phases by 7.9–13.3% compared to the control. The yield of barley increased to 9%, and the number of grains per ear increased by 9.6% compared to the control and by 6.4% when comparing the full technology of plant protection of the farm and additional bacterization with BakSib. The authors also determined the compatibility of BakSib with the insecticide Clothianidin Pro (clothianidin 350 g/l) and the fungicide Sphinx (tebuconazole 60 g/l) for seed dressing. During the study, the authors found that under the action of chemical protectants, the initial titer of the biological product (1010–1012 cells) is reduced by 3-4 times. The maximum decrease noted for individual groups of Baksiba microorganisms is two orders of magnitude. The drug contributed to a prolonged increase in copiotrophic bacteria in the southern chernozem and replenishment of its nitrogen fund during the heading period, which is important for grain productivity due to increased mineralization of organic residues in the soil.

Rapid mineralization of graphene-based 3D porous scaffolds by semi-dry electrodeposition for photothermal treatment of tumor-induced bone defects

Graphene-based three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds have been extensively investigated in the photothermal treatment of tumor-induced bone defects due to their photothermal and osteogenic capacity. However, scaffold processing destroys conjugated graphene structure and reduces its photothermal conversion efficiency. In this study, a graphene-based 3D scaffold (GS) with intact conjugated structure was prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). GS was rapidly mineralized biomimetically by a newly developed semi-dry electrochemical deposition method to form a hydroxyapatite (HA) incorporated graphene scaffold (HA-GS). The simulation of the charged particle dynamics provides a better understanding of the mechanism of semi-dry electrodeposition. This scaffold exhibits high photothermal sensitivity that generates sufficient thermal energy for photothermal therapy even under near-infrared irradiation (980 nm) with extremely low power density (0.2 W/cm2). Moreover, osteogenic activity was improved by HA-GS compared with GS. Compared with the blank GS, the HA-GS scaffold deposited with HA also showed regulation of macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) and remodeled the immune microenvironment of the wound after photothermal therapy. In vivo experiments further verified that HA-GS can ablate osteosarcoma through a photothermal effect. These results suggest that the as-prepared HA-GS may be adopted as a promising multifunctional bone scaffold against tumor-induced bone defect. Statement of significanceThe hydroxyapatite (HA) incorporated graphene scaffold (HA-GS) scaffold was prepared by semi-dry electrodeposition first time. The prepared HA-GS has a high photothermal conversion efficiency (it can rise to 48 °C under the 5 min irradiation of 980 nm near-infrared laser at 0.2 W/cm2). The mineralized layer prepared by semi-dry electrodeposition is not only osteoinductive, but also reduces the inflammatory response after photothermal therapy. This modulates the immune microenvironment at the bone tumor invasion site, thereby promoting defect repair.

A novel semi-dry method for rapidly synthesis ZnO nanorods on SiO2@PTFE nanofiber membrane for efficient air cleaning

Particulate matter including dust and airborne microorganisms has severe effect on indoor air quality and thus be injurious to human health. In this research, inspired by corals, a tentacle-like ZnO nanorods (NRs) decorated SiO 2 @PTFE nanofibers was prepared by a novel semi-dry method combining rapid dipping and solid-phase drying process. The controllable growth of ZnO nanostructures can be achieved by adjusting the numbers of dipping cycles. It may be the most simple and effective way to prepare sufficiently crystallized ZnO nanostructures at relatively facile conditions without high temperature calcination and any pressure vessels. The obtained ZnO NRs-SiO 2 @PTFE nanofiber membrane (NFM) with a hierarchical fibrous structure possesses uniform pore structure (average pore size 0.92 μm), high gas permeance (626.4 m 3 ∙m −2 ∙h −1 ∙kPa −1 ), and a superior filtration property (99.997% for 0.3 μm particulates). Moreover, the active ZnO with enhanced specific surface also exhibits good antibacterial property with sterilization rate of 99.67% and 99.93% for E. coli and B. subtilis , respectively. The ZnO growth mechanism and air cleaning principle including dust filtration and bacteria sterilization were analyzed by the corresponding experiments. This work provides a new insight into the dual-function air cleaning membrane preparation via a mild and simple reaction conditions, energy efficient and environment friendly strategy. • A facile semi-dry method for preparing ZnO NRs decorated SiO 2 @PTFE NFMs. • The corals tentacle-like ZnO NRs help to capture and deactivate microorganisms. • The membrane exhibits excellent filtration property with low pressure drop. • The method is energy saving and environment friendly for scale up application.

Research of Na2CO3/C12H25SO4Na modified bentonite on high dispersion performance

The dispersion performance of drilling fluids at high temperatures has always been a bottleneck in the research. To improve the dispersion of drilling fluid at high temperature and pressure, the natural Ca-based bentonite was modified with Na2CO3 and SDBS (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate: C12H25SO4Na) by microwave semi-dry method. The effects of the ratio of Na2CO3 to SDBS, radiation time, initial temperature and microwave power on the modification were investigated. In addition, the microstructure of the samples was obtained using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the results showed that Na2CO3/SDBS was successfully inserted into the bentonite. In addition, the dispersion performance of the modified bentonite was evaluated in this paper, and the gelling value of the modified bentonite was 525 ml/15 g with an apparent viscosity of 22.5 mPa·s. The modified bentonite was compared with drilling-grade Na-based bentonite. The fluid loss (FLHTHP) of modified bentonite at high temperature and pressure is only 8 mL, the mud productivity is up to 25.71 m3/t, and the kinetic plastic ratio of modified bentonite is 1.5. The modified bentonite has better dispersion performance at high temperature and pressure.

STUDY OF THE OXIDATION PROCESS OF NITROGEN OXIDES BY OZONE

The need to reduce emissions of pollutants, in particular nitrogen oxides, as required by regulations in Ukraine, requires the use of modern technologies and methods for waste gas treatment at industrial enterprises. This is especially true of thermal power plants, which are powerful sources of nitrogen oxide emissions. The technological part of the wet or semi-dry method of purification is the area for the oxidation of nitrogen oxides to obtain easily soluble compounds. The paper presents the results of a study of the process of ozone oxidation of nitrogen oxides in a chemical reactor. Data for the analysis of the process were obtained by performing physical experiments on a laboratory installation and related calculations on a mathematical model. Studies of the oxidation process have shown that the required amount of ozone depends not only on the content of nitrogen monoxide, but also on the content of nitrogen dioxide. The process of conversion of nitrogen monoxide to a satisfactory level occurs at the initial value of the molar ratio of ozone to nitrogen monoxide in the range of 1.5…2. The conversion efficiency of nitrogen monoxide reaches 90% at a gas temperature less than 100 °C. To achieve high conversion efficiency at gas temperatures above 100 °C, it is necessary to increase the initial ozone content when the molar ratio exceeds 2. The analysis shows that the conversion efficiency of nitric oxide largely depends on the residence time of the gas mixture in the reaction zone. Due to lack of time under certain conditions, the efficiency decreases by approximately 46%. To increase it, it is necessary to accelerate the rate of oxidation reactions due to better mixing of gases by turbulence of the flow in the oxidizing reactor. Bibl. 6, Fig. 6, Tab. 3.

A green approach to starch modification by solvent-free method with betaine hydrochloride

In this study, a novel simple and eco-efficient, semi-dry method with a spray system for starch modification has been developed. Compared to conventional semi-dry methods, this method does not use solvents so that no slurry or semi-liquid mixture is obtained, the material is in a moisted/semi-moisted state. The modification of starch was performed using betaine hydrochloride (BHC) as the cationic reagent, and the characteristics of such starch derivates were compared with cationic starches obtained using glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC). Due to the instability, toxicity, and high cost of the most commonly used GTMAC, it should be replaced with more eco-friendly reagents, such as BHC, which is derived from betaine found in most green plants (e.g., spinach - Spinacia oleracea, beets - Beta vulgaris). The influence of processing conditions such as temperature, concentration of cationic reagents, presence and concentration of natural plasticizers/catalyst on physico-chemical and structural properties of cationic starches have also been studied. The cationic degree varied from 0.045–0.204 for the starch–BHC samples and within the range of 0.066–0.245 for the starch–GTMAC samples. The modification of starch with cationic reagents resulted in an increased solubility and swelling capacity, followed by decreased viscosity of the modified starches.

Influence of forming pressure on frost resistance of ceramics

The object of research is low-melting clays of the Kyiv region (Ukraine). The work is devoted to the study of obtaining ceramic materials resistant to low temperatures. Frost resistance is one of the most important characteristics for regions in which ceramic materials are used with frequent temperature transitions through 0 °C. The production of frost-resistant ceramic wall materials is determined by the type of raw materials and technological production parameters. The main technological methods for increasing frost resistance are: the use of less dispersed clays; batch homogenization; formation of raw material without textural defects and prevention of cracks during drying and firing. The work shows that the existing methods for increasing frost resistance can be implemented by reducing water absorption due to the creation of a microporous structure with predominantly closed pores by increased pressure of a semi-dry method of formation. An increase in the pressing pressure leads to an increase in the number of contacts of the molecules of the ceramic mass at the stage of formation. Due to this, the strength of the molded samples at a pressing pressure of more than 30 MPa is higher compared to samples molded by the plastic method. It was also found that an increase in the pressing pressure makes it possible to speed up the drying process of ceramic products, reducing energy consumption for their production. Due to an increase in the pressing pressure to 50 MPa, the strength of samples obtained by semi-dry pressing is 55.4 MPa, while for samples during plastic formation it is 22.9 MPa. Water absorption, on the contrary, for dry pressing is 9.3 %, while for plastic pressing it is 12.2 % at a firing temperature of 1000 °C. It is shown that increasing the pressing pressure is an effective way to improve the quality of ceramic materials based on local low-plasticity clay raw materials. Saving natural and energy resources, developing new sources of raw materials and comprehensive improvement of products with environmental friendliness of production remain important today.

Abstract PS1-39: Evaluation of novel diagnostic kits using the semi-dry dot-blot method combined with an automatic reader for detecting metastases in lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer : A single-center prospective study

Abstract Background: The semi-dry dot-blot (SDB) method, a diagnostic procedure for detecting lymph node (LN) metastases using anti-cytokeratin (CK) antibody, is based on the theory that epithelial components such as CK are not found in normal LNs. Thus, metastases are diagnosed on basis of the presence of CK in lavage fluid of sectioned LNs. We prospectively evaluated novel SDB kits that use a newly developed anti-CK19 antibody and an automatic reader for diagnosing LN metastases in patients with breast cancer. Methods: We obtained 117 LNs dissected from 58 patients with breast cancer between January 2020 and June 2020 at Nagasaki University Hospital. These were sliced at 2-mm intervals and washed with phosphate-buffered saline. Cells suspended in the lavage fluid of sliced LNs were centrifuged and lysed to extract protein. The extracted protein was applied to the SDB kit to diagnose LN metastasis using an automatic reader that evaluates absorbance. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) stained washed LNs were blindly examined by pathologists. Diagnoses based on SDB kit and automatic reader findings were compared with diagnoses made by histological examination of paraffin-embedded H&amp;E stained sections of the LNs. Results: Six of the 117 LNs were assessed as positive and 111 as negative by histological examination. With a borderline CK19 absorbance of 50 milli-absorbance (mAbs) for detecting LN metastases excluding isolated tumor cells, the sensitivity, specificity, and overall agreement of the SDB kit were 66.7%, 99.1%, and 97.4%, respectively. Two patients with false-negatives had micrometastases of 0.6 and 0.5 mm in diameter. There was contamination by breast epithelial tissue in one false-positive case. With a borderline CK19 absorbance of 100 mAbs for distinguishing macrometastases from micrometastases, the sensitivity, specificity, and overall agreement of the SDB kit were 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, the kits and the automatic reader yielded diagnoses in approximately 20 min at a cost of less than 30 USD. Conclusions: The kits with an automatic reader used in our study were accurate, quick, and cost-effective in diagnosing LN metastases without loss of LN tissue, and were especially useful for detecting distinguish macrometastases. We plan to start a prospective multi-center study to evaluate clinical performance soon. Citation Format: Ryota Otsubo, Hiroshi Yano, Megumi Matsumoto, Aya Tanaka, Ayako Fukushima, Sayaka Kuba, Michi Morita, Naoki Uno, Han-Seung Yoon, Katsunori Yanagihara, Susumu Eguchi, Takeshi Nagayasu. Evaluation of novel diagnostic kits using the semi-dry dot-blot method combined with an automatic reader for detecting metastases in lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer : A single-center prospective study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-39.

Synthesis and characterization of citric acid esterified canna starch (RS4) by semi-dry method using vacuum-microwave-infrared assistance

In this study, citric acid (CA) esterified canna starch was firstly synthesized with the aid of vacuum, microwave and infrared radiation treatment. The changes in structural, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of the modified starch were then investigated. The maximum degree of substitution (DS) reached 0.273 and the maximum thermo-stable resistant starch (RS) content reached 86.5 %. FT-IR confirmed the esterification reaction had successfully occurred, XRD and DSC results revealed that the crystalline and endothermic peaks of the samples disappeared after CA-treated, and TGA showed that the thermal degradation temperatures were above 280 °C. SEM showed the destroyed surface of the starch granules. All modified samples were lighter and generally whiter than native canna starch in color. These results suggest that the aid of vacuum treatment, microwave and infrared radiations for CA esterified of canna starch is an effective method for preparing high content of thermally stable RS4.

The Effect of Humic Aerosol Treatment on Grain Seeds Quality

Introduction. According to experts, in the coming years, the world market of organic products will continue to grow at a rate of 15-16% per year. The growth will equal about 20% of the world market of all agricultural products by 2025. In this connection, of a particular interest is the development of elements of agricultural technologies for the use of soil-improving substances and growth regulators of natural origin, including humic preparations, which provide for sufficiently high yields of agricultural products. Materials and Methods. The methods of using humic preparations were investigated on the example of spring barley seeds, treated with the traditional semi-dry method and using hot mist. Germination of seeds in the laboratory was carried out according to the Russian State Standard GOST 12038-84. The laboratory data were subjected to mathematical processing by the method of variance analysis. Results. The treatment of seeds with humic preparations led to an increase in sowing qualities, regardless of the method of seed treatment. However, the comparative efficiency analysis of the pre-sowing treatment of the test crop seeds with the aerosol and using the semi-dry method showed that the use of the developed equipment made it possible to increase the biological activity of humic preparations, which brought about an increase in the growth and biometric parameters of seedlings. Discussion and Conclusion. The treatment of spring barley seeds with humic preparations has some positive effect on their sowing and yield qualities. The strongest positive effect was obtained when treating seeds with reduced sowing qualities, which was quite often observed when harvesting seed crops in years with unfavorable conditions: heavy rainfall, lack of heat, as well as in violation of the technology of harvesting and preparing seeds. Our experimental studies showed that the use of the developed device for treating seeds with hot mist reduces energy costs and increases processing efficiency.

Simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO using a spray dryer absorption (SDA) method combined with O3 oxidation for sintering/pelleting flue gas

Based on the demand of sintering/pelleting flue gas ultra-low emission, a semi-dry method using a spray dryer absorber (SDA) combined with O3 oxidation was proposed for simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO. Effects of O3 injection site, O3/NO molar ratio, and spray tower temperature on the removal efficiencies were investigated. It was revealed that both desulfurization and denitrification efficiencies could reach to 85% under the conditions of setting O3 injection site inside of tower, O3/NO molar ratio 1.8, spray tower temperature 85°C, Ca/(S + 2 N) molar ratio 2.5 and slurry flow rate 300 mL/hr. CaSO3/Ca(OH)2 mixture slurry was used as absorbent to simulate operating conditions in iron and steel industry. The result shows that the addition of CaSO3 weakens both removal efficiencies. In addition, the reaction mechanism of simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO using SDA combined with O3 oxidation was proposed.