Significant Differences In pH Research Articles

Does the severity of diabetic ketoacidosis in children with type 1 diabetes change during the COVID-19 pandemic? A single-center experience from a pediatric intensive care unit.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health-care services for diseases other than COVID-19 were interrupted, and patient referrals to health institutions were postponed due to their fear of being infected with COVID-19. Under this situation, we conducted this study to evaluate the clinical and laboratory findings of COVID-19 in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) hospitalized in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during the pandemic period, and the impact of the pandemic on these findings. We retrospectively evaluated 55 children aged from 1 month to 18 years old, diagnosed with DKA, and followed up at Istanbul Sehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital PICU between April 2020 and December 2021. A total of 55 patients with DKA as a complication of T1DM were admitted to the PICU during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there was no significant difference in pH and HCO3 values between those with newly diagnosed T1DM and those with previously-diagnosed T1DM, the HbA1c ratio of newly diagnosed DMs was significantly higher. Of the 55 patients, 4 were COVID-19 PCR positive, and two patients had COVID-19 antibody positivity. When COVID-19 positive patients were compared with negative patients, no significant difference was found between the hospital stay, glucose, HbA1c, lactate, pH, and HCO3 values. Higher HbA1c levels of newly diagnosed patients presenting with DKA may be associated with delayed admission to the health institutions due to COVID-19 and the length of insulin-free periods compared to pre-diagnosed patients with T1DM. In conclusion, our results, emphasize the importance of physician's and family's awareness of the symptoms of diabetes in terms of early diagnosis and prevention of DKA during public health measures due to COVID-19.

Effects of vitamin E supplement and semen collection time on sperm quality of locally Noi crossbred cocks

Artificial insemination has been used recently in chickens to improve fertilization rates in local breeds; however, one of the factors affecting semen quality of chickens is peroxidation lipid in sperm because it contains many long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which cause damage to sperm and reduce fertility in chickens. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the best level of vitamin E supplementation and the best time of semen collection as a basis for the improvement and improvement of sperm quality of Noi crossbred cocks. This study was designed completely randomized with 20 Noi crossbred cocks (10-12 months of age, 2037.6 ± 134.6 g of body weight) were fed 5 dietaries of vitamin E (0.75 and 125 mg with/without germinated rice [Gr] and 2 semen collection times (3 and 7 days) with 10 replicates/9 collection times. Semen samples were stored at 5 oC and sperm quality was analyzed at 0, 4, 6, and 12 hours of time storage. Vitamin E supplementation had no effect on semen weight and semen collection time nor on sperm volume of roosters (P > 0.05). However, E75Gr gave the largest volume of semen (0.34 ml), the highest pH, and the lowest sperm concentration. The time of collection at 7 days had the heaviest semen weight (0.43 g), while in 3 days had the highest pH and lowest sperm concentration. The interaction between vitamin E supplementation and the collection time was statistically significant in terms of semen pH and percentage of sperm abnormality (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in pH among treatments supplemented with vitamin E at 0 and 4 hours after semen storage (P < 0.05). At 4 hours and 6 hours of storage, the percentage of sperm abnormality had a statistically significant difference among treatments (P < 0.05), E75Gr had the lowest value compared to the peak of E75 (P < 0.05). The research results recommended supplementing with E75Gr diet and collecting semen at 7 days for the best sperm quality.

Comparative evaluation of changes in salivary flow rate, pH, and Streptococcus mutans levels in children undergoing fixed and removable space maintainer therapy.

Placement of intraoral appliances such as space maintainers (SMs) may be associated with the alteration of microbial and nonmicrobial parameters of saliva which may lead to the initiation of incipient caries. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the changes in salivary flow rate, pH, and Streptococcus mutans levels in children undergoing fixed and removable SM therapy. The study participants comprised 40 children aged 4-10 years divided into two groups of 20 each. Children undergoing fixed (Group I = 20) and removable SM therapy (Group II = 20). Salivary flow rate, pH, and S. mutans levels were recorded just before and 3 months after the placement of SMs. Data were compared for both groups. It was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. The level of significance was kept at 5%. A significant increase in salivary flow rate (<0.05) and S. mutans level (<0.05) was evident, however, no significant difference in pH was found in both the groups from baseline to 3 months after appliance placement. Group I showed a significant increase (<0.05) in S. mutans level as compared to Group II. SM therapy allied both favorable and unfavorable changes in salivary parameters, thus emphasizing the importance of parent and patient education about maintaining proper oral hygiene during SM therapy.

The effects of different herbs on the quality characteristics of Sucuk (Turkish dry-fermented sausage)

The effects of thyme, rosemary, and dill as a natural antioxidant alternative to nitrite on some quality characteristics of Turkish type dry-fermented sausage (Sucuk) were investigated. Samples were prepared with the addition of powder forms of these herbs and ripened for 15 days. According to the results, the addition of herbs did not result in a significant difference in pH, water activity (aw), ash and dry matter values, and lightness (L*) of the products. The significant decrease in instrumental a* values with the addition of herbs and the decrease in color scores in the sensory analysis were similar, and all groups containing natural antioxidants (herbs) scored higher in odor evaluation than the control group. Considering TBARS values, significantly higher results were observed in all herb added groups during the ripening period. However, the addition of herbs caused a decrease in the hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness values of Sucuks compared to the nitrite added groups.

Soil Nutrient Analysis Underneath Grewia optiva Population

The present study was conducted during May and November, 2019 and 2020 and here we quantify the impact of soil nutrient variation on the population growth of Grewia optiva Drummond of different districts with variable climate and heterogeneous soils. The impacts on growth parameters (tree height, crown spread, leaf traits, fruit dimensions) of selected populations of Grewia optiva Drummond statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient. Five composite soil samples were taken at 15–30 cm depth, on seven selected districts of Himachal Pradesh viz., total 35 samples were analyzed for physiochemical properties. Soil of Mandi district registered with acidic pH as compared to soil pH of other districts. There was significant difference in pH, OC, EC, N, P, K and in Bulk density within selected population of each district. pH range of moderately acidic to moderately alkaline (according to standard soil classification) founded best for growth of this species. There was highly positive correlation observed between Nitrogen and leaf area (0.33), Phosphorus and leaf area (0.45). 100 leaf fresh weight showed highly positive correlation with Nitrogen (0.37) and organic carbon (0.39). 100 leaf dry weight showed highly positive correlation with Nitrogen and Organic Carbon. Crown spread showed highly positive correlation with Organic carbon (0.29), Nitrogen (0.38) and with Phosphorus (0.30). Moderately Positive correlation observed between Potassium and 100 fruit dry weight (0.15). 50% of soil texture observed as sandy loamy and sandy clay loamy.

Studi Kualitas Kompos Sampah Upacara Agama Hindu Menggunakan Variasi Aktivator Mikroorganisme Lokal (MOL)

Background: Local Microorganisms (MOL) contains carbohydrates that are high enough for the needs of microorganisms so that it can be used as an alternative material for an energy source that functions for the growth of microorganism cells to increase the nutrient content, especially in organic carbon to optimize the quality of compost fermentation to be higher. Aims: to determine the best quality of Hindu religious ceremony waste compost with various MOL activators. Methods: this type of research is The Posttest Only Control Group Design. The compost studied was a mixture of 75% Hindu religious ceremonial waste, 15% cow dung, 10% bran, and MOL from rice (P1), dung (P2), tape (P3), and without MOL (K). Results: the whole compost from this study did not have a significant difference in pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, C/N, phosphorus, potassium, moisture content, and electrical conductivity values and there were variations in compost microorganisms at MOL variations (p 0.05). Conclusion: there is no difference in the quality of the best Hindu religious ceremony waste compost with various MOL activators.

Microhardness and Fracture Resistance of Radicular Dentin Treated with Different Concentrations of Calcium Hydroxide in Endodontic Regeneration Procedures

Purpose: to reveal the effect of different concentrations of prepared calcium hydroxide pastes (70%, 50%, and 30%) used in regenerative endodontic on microhardness and fracture resistance of radicular dentin. Material and methods: Different concentrations of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) were prepared with measured pH, then forty eight single rooted teeth were prepared and randomized into three groups according to Ca(OH)2 paste concentrations (12 samples each) and 12 samples were availed as control group. Group I: root canal contained 30% Ca(OH)2 paste. Group II: root canal contained 50% Ca(OH)2 paste. Group III: root canal contained 70% Ca(OH)2 paste. Samples were stored at 37 0C with 100% humidity for four weeks for subsequent microhardness and fracture resistance tests. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction of microhardness and fracture resistance between test groups and control group (P≤ 0.05), group III showed a significant reduction in both microhardness and fracture resistance compared to group I. However, there was no significant difference in pH between different concentration of Ca(OH)2. Conclusion: Increasing concentration of Ca(OH)2 paste can negatively affect microhardness and fracture resistance of radicular dentin in revascularization procedure.

Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): Can They Be Used as Ingredients in Making Sports Energy Gel?

Dehydration during exercise has been shown to limit performance. This study aimed to determine the best hydrocolloid for producing sports energy gel from chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.). This study was a completed random-design study using one factor: the addition of 0.1% w/w hydrocolloids (SEG1: xanthan gum; SEG2: pectin; and SEG3: carboxymethyl cellulose). A sports energy gel was then analyzed for pH, viscosity, total soluble solids, potassium content, and gross energy. The sensory characteristics that were analyzed include color, texture, aroma, and flavor, using hedonic tests on 25 panelists. The addition of different hydrocolloids resulted in significant differences in pH, viscosity, total soluble solids, potassium, and energy contents (p = 0.026; 0.0001; 0.0001; and 0.0001). Differences in hydrocolloid types also led to differences in the panelists’ perceptions of the sports energy gels’ colors and textures (p = 0.008 and 0.0001). The best formulation was the sports energy gel with added xanthan gum, which showed the highest average energy, total soluble solids, potassium, and viscosity values, and the lowest average of pH values (60.24 ± 0.340, 10.6 ± 0.08, 19.6 ± 0.23, 367.4 ± 9.81, and 5.2 ± 0.38, respectively). The conclusion is that chia seeds can be used as the main ingredient for producing a high-energy sports gel. Energy has a huge impact on a person’s physical and mental health.

Properties of broiler breast meat with pale color and a new approach for evaluating meat freshness in poultry processing plants

The current trend in monitoring meat quality is to move the quality measurements from the laboratory to the processing line. To provide better meat quality control in the commercial poultry processing plants, we evaluated the quality of broiler breast meat samples, observing different colors, and assessed their freshness using a Torrymeter. Different colors were classified based on the mean ± standard deviation of lightness (L*) values in 1,499 broiler breast fillets: Dark (L* < 56), normal (56 ≤ L* ≤ 62), and pale (L* > 62). To characterize the differences between the pale and normal color groups, we evaluated additional fillets for meat quality traits. Changes in meat quality during storage were also evaluated. The L* and Torrymeter values (freshness values) allowed us to distinguish between the pale and normal meat samples. Normal and pale fillets showed a significant difference in pH, Torrymeter values, and water-holding capacity (P < 0.001). The L* values were significantly correlated with cook and drip loss (P < 0.01) and were higher (paler, +1.2 L* unit) at 72-h postmortem than at 4-h postmortem. Torrymeter values were correlated with cook loss (P < 0.05) and pH (P < 0.001), and significantly decreased with the increase in storage period (P < 0.001). These results suggest the applicability of the Torrymeter, a fast and non-destructive device, in distinguishing stale and fresh breast fillets. With its portability and simplicity, the Torrymeter is expected to be a valuable tool to estimate meat freshness. Especially, the use of Torrymeter for evaluating pale breast fillets may allow easy identification and separation of fillets according to their pale, soft, and exudative properties in commercial poultry processing lines.

Comparative Study on Mechanic Workshop Polluted Soil Treated With Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia) Juice, Powder and Inorganic Lime Fertilizer

An assessment of mechanic workshop polluted soil treated with 16.6% lime juice (MSAL), mechanic workshop polluted soil treated with lime powder (MSLP) and mechanic workshop polluted soil treated with inorganic lime fertilizer (MSLF) was conducted for a period of 56 days. The study revealed higher microbial counts in the treated soils compared to mechanic oil free soil (MFS). The total viable bacterial counts observed ranged from 1.6×104 cfu/g to 6.8×104 cfu/g for MSF, 2.2×104 cfu/g – 26.2×104 cfu/g for MSAL, 1.2×104 cfu/g -17.2×104 cfu/g for MSLP and 6.8× 104 cfu/g – 16.0 × 104 cfu/g for MSLF while fungi counts ranged from 2.5×104 cfu/g to 6.4×104 cfu/g for MFS, 4.0×104 cfu/g – 16.4×104 cfu/g for MSAL, 2.6×104 cfu/g -3.8×104 cfu/g for MSLP and 2.1× 104 cfu/g – 4.0 × 104 cfu/g for MSLF. Organisms isolated in the course of the study includes Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp, Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Mucor sp, Saccharomyces sp, and Rhizopus sp. The physicochemical results showed that MSAL had higher moisture content, organic matter content, organic carbon, and nitrate than MSF, MSLP and MSLF. There were significant differences in pH, organic matter content, organic carbon, nitrate and phosphorus at 0.05 probability level, but there was no significant different in the moisture content of the soil undergoing treatment. This is an indication that Lime juice has a greater potential in bioremediation of mechanic workshop polluted soil compared to lime powder and inorganic lime fertilizer.

Xylitol content and acid production of chewing gums available in the markets of Saudi Arabia

ObjectiveTo assess the actual xylitol content in sugar-free chewing gums available in a market of Saudi Arabia and investigate its effect on acid production and pH change in vitro. Materials and methods: A total of 29 different brands of xylitol-containing sugar-free chewing gums were collected from five major grocery stores in Saudi Arabia. Xylitol was extracted and its concentration was determined using the D-Sorbitol/Xylitol Enzymatic Kit (Megazyme; Bray, Wicklow, Ireland). The pH of the extracts and the amount of acid production for each product was measured after 15-minute and 30-minute incubation with Streptococcus mutans. Descriptive analysis, concentrations, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the least significant difference (LSD) as multiple comparisons were performed. Results: The xylitol content in grams was clearly stated on the labels of 16 products, while it was stated in percentages on the labels of ten products. The mean pH of most of the tested products was 5.857 ± 0.096. Significant differences in pH were recorded among 20 products (p ≤ 0.05). Highly significant differences in pH (p = 0.001) were observed in five of the products. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate, using an in vitro model, that xylitol can significantly affect salivary pH. The actual xylitol content in most brands of chewing gums currently available in the markets of Saudi Arabia is less than the concentration recommended for prevention of caries. Accurate information with proper labeling is required to enable dental professionals to take correct and informed decisions about recommending the use of these products.

Enhancing Efficiency of Anaerobic Digestion by Optimization of Mixing Regimes Using Helical Ribbon Impeller

The appropriate mixing system and approach to effective management can provide favorable conditions for the highly sensitive microbial community, which can ensure process stability and efficiency in an anaerobic digester. In this study, the effect of mixing intensity on biogas production in a lab-scale anaerobic digester has been investigated experimentally and via modeling. Considering high mixing efficiency and unique feature of producing axial flow, helical ribbon (HR) impeller is used for mixing the slurry in this experiment under various conditions. Three parallel digesters were analyzed under identical operating conditions for comparative study and high accuracy. Effects of different mixing speeds (10, 30, and 67 rpm for 5 min h−1) on biogas production rate were determined in 5-L lab-scale digesters. The results demonstrated 15–18% higher biogas production at higher mixing speed (67 rpm) as compared to 10 rpm and 30 rpm and the results proved statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). Biogas production at 10, 30, and 67 rpm were 45.6, 48.6, and 52.5 L, respectively. Higher VFA concentrations (7.67 g L−1) were recorded at lower mixing intensity but there was no significant difference in pH and ammonia at different speeds whereas the better mixing efficiency at higher speeds was also the main reason for increase in biogas production. Furthermore, model simulation calculations revealed the reduction of dead zones and better homogeneous mixing at higher mixing speeds. Reduction of dead zones from 18% at 10 rpm to 2% at 67 rpm was observed, which can be the major factor in significant difference in biogas production rates at various mixing intensities. Optimization of digester and impeller geometry should be a prime focus to scale-up digesters and to optimize mixing in full-scale digesters.

Mahogany Sawdust Tannin as Ink Source

This study aimed to produce ink from Mahogany sawdust tannin. Specifically, it sought to determine the physical properties of ink using different amounts of glycerol as mordant; the physical properties of ink using different amounts of glycerol in terms of color, odor, and pH; the acceptability of the ink in terms of color, odor, and absorptivity; the best proportion of raw materials in the production of ink; and whether a significant difference exists in the physical properties of the inks in terms of pH. The study used the developmental and descriptive method that involved the production of ink, observation, and testing of the aforementioned properties, as well as a survey of the acceptability of the ink. One-way Analysis of Variance was used to determine whether significant difference exists in the pH of the inks produced using different amounts of glycerol. Findings of the study show that all three sample proportions were black, had a faint pleasant odor, and the pH values were consistent. The ink from Mahogany sawdust tannin was acceptable in terms of color, odor, and absorptivity. The best proportion of the raw materials in the production of ink is 10 milliliters tannin extract, 1 gram ferrous sulfate, 1 gram sodium chloride, 1 milliliter ethyl alcohol, and 3 milliliters glycerol. It has a darker color compared to the other two proportions containing 1 mL and 2 mL of glycerol, respectively. There is no significant difference in pH among the three ink samples containing different amounts of glycerol. The ink produced from Mahogany sawdust has been found very highly acceptable.&#x0D;

Effect of cough assist device on blood gasses and period of mechanical ventilator for pneumonic children with general hypotonia

BackgroundCough assist devices play an important role with patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), particularly those with neuromuscular diseases which had abnormal muscle tone. It was previously thought to be the main technique for improving cough efficacy, which aids in weaning from mechanical ventilation and improves patient outcomes. So, we selected randomly the odd numbers from Abo El-Reesh hospital records, and 30 children of both sexes with pneumonia were selected, aged from 6 months to 3 years, who were selected from intensive care unit: fifteen children were the control group, who received the selected physical therapy program (postural drainage, percussion and resist diaphragm), and another fifteen children were the study group, who received previous physical therapy program, which was selected, and cough assist device.ResultsThis study revealed the effect of cough assist device on blood gasses and the period of mechanical ventilator on children with pneumonia and general hypotonia. There was a significant decrease in pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 post treatment compared with that pretreatment in the study and control groups (p < 0.05). The percentage of decrease in pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 in study group A were 0.4, 38.26, and 30.28% respectively while that in the control group were 0.4, 32.56, and 25.48% for pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 respectively. There was a significant increase in PaO2 post treatment compared with that pretreatment in the study and control groups (p < 0.001). The percentage of increase in PaO2 in the study group was 32.13% and that in control group was 30.09%. There was no significant difference in pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 between both groups pre-treatment (p ˃ 0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between groups post treatment (p ˃ 0.05). The median (IQR) period of mechanical ventilation in the study group was 5 (7, 4) days while that in control group was 8 (18, 5) days. There was a significant decrease in period of mechanical ventilator of the study group compared with that of control group (p = 0.03).ConclusionThe cough assist device and physical therapy program were selected for children in the intensive care unit which have the same effect on arterial blood gasses as they optimize pH, PO2, PCO2, and HCO3, but the cough assist device helps in accelerating weaning of mechanical ventilator so as decrease the period of mechanical ventilator.

Correlation Between Microbial Diversity and Volatile Flavor Compounds of Suan zuo rou, a Fermented Meat Product From Guizhou, China.

Suan zuo rou (SZR), a traditional fermented meat from Guizhou province, China, is loved by local people for its unique flavor and nutritional value. However, the microbial communities and related flavor characteristics of SZR from different regions of Guizhou are unclear. We studied the correlation between the microbial communities and the physicochemical properties and volatile flavor compounds (VFCs) of 15 SZR samples from three regions in Guizhou province. The microbial community structure of SZR was determined by high-throughput sequencing and VFCs were identified by headspace-solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results indicated that the microbial communities of SZR varied among the regions, as evidenced by the relative abundance of Weissella, Staphylococcus, Brochothrix, Kazachstania, and Debaryomces. There were also significant differences in pH, water activity, NaCl, and total volatile basic nitrogen (P < 0.05). Based on orthogonal projections to latent structures and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, we showed that Wickerhamomyces, Kazachstania, Lactobacillus, Weissella, Brochothrix, Debaryomyces, Staphylococcus, Pediococcus, Pichia, Candida, and Leuconostoc were highly correlated with 48 VFCs (| ρ| > 0.8, P < 0.05). Redundancy analysis showed that most of the dominant bacteria were positively related to water activity, whereas Lactobacillus was positively related with pH, and negatively related with total volatile basic nitrogen.

Biochemical and Physiochemical Assessment of Air Pollution Tolerance Index of Selected Plant Species at Ikpoba Okha Gas Flaring Site, Edo State, Nigeria

The Air Pollution Tolerance index (APTI) of six plants located within Ikpoba Okha gas flaring site in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria during wet and dry seasons were assessed. Plant samples for this research work were randomly collected from the vicinity of the flaring site. Six (6) sample of each plant was used for laboratory analysis. The plant parameters assessed include relative water content (RWC), the ascorbic acid content (AAC), total leaf chlorophyll (TLC) and pH extract of the leaves and were used to compute the Air pollution tolerance indices (APTI). Based on the analyzed result, the RWC in Drypetes leonensis, Ficus exasperata Vahl, Chromolaena odorata (Linn) and Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Smith species in dry season were higher than those in wet season. Icacina tricantha showed a relatively high level of acidity when compared to others. A. boonei De Wild has the highest ascorbic acid content in the leaves in both seasons. The highest level of chlorophyll contents was recorded in the dry season with Drypetes leonensis having the highest, followed by Icacina trichantha. There was no statistically significant difference in pH and total chlorophyll contents between samples collected in wet and dry season; however, there were significant difference observed in ascorbic acid and RWC in both seasons. APTI in wet and dry season showed a statistically significant difference. This study recommends planting of tolerant species that can acts as bio-indicators especially in gas flaring stations in Nigeria.

Biological parameters, discolouration and radiopacity of calcium silicate‐based materials in a simulated model of partial pulpotomy

To analyse the discolouration, radiopacity, pH and calcium ion release of Biodentine (BD), Bio-C repair (BCR) and Bio-C temp (BCT), as well as their biological effects on human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). Sixty-four extracted bovine incisors were prepared to simulate crown fractures with pulp exposure and open root apex. The roots were filled using a mixture of agar and blood (control), and BD, BCR or BCT were placed over this mixture. Colour assessment analyses of the samples were performed before and immediately after material insertion and repeated at 30 and 90days, using a spectrophotometer. The colour change of each specimen was evaluated at the crown and calculated based on the CIELab colour space. Digital radiographs were acquired for radiopacity analysis. hDPCs were placed in contact with different dilutions of culture media previously exposed to such materials and tested for cell viability using the MTT assay. The pH and calcium ion release of all materials were measured after 24h; the data were assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Cell viability was analysed by two-way ANOVA. Differences in colour parameters and wound-healing data were assessed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA (α=0.05). Tukey's and Dunnett's tests were used to compare the experimental groups with the control group. BCR had grater radiopacity and smaller colour alteration (ΔEab/ΔE00) than the other materials tested (p<.005; p<.001). No significant differences in pH were found amongst the tested materials (p>.05). BCT was associated with the largest release of calcium ions (p<.0001). BD had cell viability similar to that of the control at the lowest dilutions, and BCR was similar to that of the control, regardless of the dilution tested (p>.05). BCT had a lower percentage of viability than that of the control at all tested dilutions (p<.0001). Cell migration rates in BD and BCR were similar to those in the control group after 24h and 48h (p>.05), whilst BCT had larger voids than the control in both periods (p<.0001). BCR, BCT and BD were associated with tooth discolouration. BCR had the lowest staining values, the highest radiopacity and viability greater than 80% hDPCs.

Process optimization & kinetic modeling study for fresh microgreen (Alternanthera sessilis) juice treated under thermosonication

Several experimental studies suggest the regular consumption of vegetables can marginally reduce the risk of chronic disease and nutrient deficiency. However, the average consumption rate of vegetables is still limited. Microgreens are emerging fresh produce, rich in nutrients, intense flavor, delicate texture, and culinary application. Microgreens juices are the potential alternative for nutrient deficiency and chronic disease due to their bioavailability of bioactive compounds. However, no scientific data are available on the process optimization of microgreens juices under thermosonication (TS). The present study focused on the process optimization of thermosonication (30–50 °C, and 20–35 min at constant 44 kHz) and its effect against the physical, chemical, and microbial nature of microgreen juice. Thermosonicated juice sample showed no significant difference in pH, TSS & TA throughout the process. But, a significant range was observed in the antioxidant (41.63 ± 1.05 to 53.86 ± 1.20), phenolic (0.54 ± 0.02 to 0.74 ± 0.02), and flavonoid (1.42 ± 0.01 to 1.63 ± 0.01) level in the treated juice sample. Likewise, the treated juice exhibits complete inactivation of the bacterial load. Our finding discloses, the quality enrichment of TS juice increased with the rise in temperature & time.

Study on supplementary food with beneficial effects on the gut microbiota of infants

The gut microbiota of infants is constantly changing, and the addition of supplementary food is the turning point of the change of gut microbiota. Currently, supplementary infant foods appear not to be based on knowledge of the developmental biology of how they affect the gut microbiota. In this study, pH, the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and the microbial community of oat, corn, millet, and supplementary foods were recorded after fermentation for 24 h, respectively. The results revealed that oat, corn, and millet had a better beneficial effect on infant gut microbiota than oligosaccharides. Therefore, we designed three groups of ready-to-use supplementary food, namely RUSF-1, RUSF-2, and RUSF-3, with oat, corn, and millet as the main raw materials. Compared with the oligosaccharide control group, there were no significant differences in pH, acetate content, and total SCFA content. However, the propionate and butyrate contents in the group RUSF-1 and RUSF-2 were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The highest content of propionate and butyrate was obtained by group RUSF-2, in which the content of propionate was 1.82 times, and the content of butyrate was 1.9 times that in-group OCG. Microbial community analysis showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the group RUSF-1 and the relative abundance of Akkermansia in group RUSF-2 and RUSF-3 were significantly increased compared to the control group. In conclusion, these results suggest that RUSF-2 is an excellent supplementary food beneficial to infant gut microbiota. In all, our study provides new ideas and a theoretical basis for the development of infant supplementary food.

Growth Disturbances in Pediatric Patients Receiving Long-Term Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy

Background:Since their approval in 2003, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) targeting bcr-abl1 kinase activity have changed the treatment paradigm for children with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). However, off-target inhibition of kinases, such as src and c-kit, can result in impaired osteoblast function, cause an imbalance in calcium and phosphate metabolism, and result in growth impairment in children. The aim of our study was to examine growth over time in pediatric patients receiving TKIs for CML or Ph+ ALL.Description: This is a single institutional retrospective longitudinal cohort study of patients (≤ 21 years of age) diagnosed with CML or Ph+ ALL between January 2000 and December 2015 who received a TKI and had ≥ 1 year of growth data available as of May 31, 2016. Patient demographics, treatment details including the type and duration of TKI therapy and details of concomitant conventional therapy (chemotherapy and radiation) were abstracted. Growth data was abstracted from the start of TKI at yearly intervals up to a maximum of five years or age 20 and from their last available appointment. Specific variables for growth included height, height percentile, height-SDS (height - standard deviation score or z score) and BMI-SDS (body mass index - standard deviation score). Height-SDS and BMI-SDS were determined using the CDC growth chart by age and gender. Age at diagnosis was used as a surrogate for expected pubertal status: pre-pubertal (3 - 8.9 years), pubertal/peri-pubertal (9 - 15.9 years), post-pubertal (16+ years). Overall change in height-SDS / BMI-SDS from baseline to 1-year and last follow-up were compared by diagnosis, gender, and pubertal age using ANOVA. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS® v9.3 (Cary, NC). For all analyses, a p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: Our cohort included 48 patients who received a TKI (n=29 CML, n=19 Ph+ ALL) - 46% were male and 38% were non-Hispanic white. The mean age at diagnosis was 12.1 ± 3.7 years for CML and 9.0 ± 4.6 years for Ph+ ALL patients (p=0.01). As expected, mean duration of TKI treatment was longer in CML (4.3 ± 2.8 years) versus Ph+ ALL (2.7 ± 1.7 years). The average duration of follow-up was similar in both groups (CML 4.6 ± 3.54 years vs Ph+ ALL 4.1 ± 2.9 years, p=0.60). At time of diagnosis, the mean Height-SDS for the entire cohort was 0.13 ± 1.28 with no difference between patients by diagnosis (p=0.92). At one year following treatment with TKI a decrease in mean height-SDS was noted, with a more significant difference in Ph+ ALL patients (-0.54 ± 0.21) compared to CML patients (-0.18 ± 0.39) (p=0.002). This difference remained significant at last follow-up (Ph+ ALL -0.96 ± 0.70, CML -0.52 ± 0.74, p=0.05) (Figure 1). There was no significant difference in mean change in height-SDS at 1 year or last follow-up by gender. Overall, the decrease in height-SDS at 1 year was most significant in the pre-pubertal age group (-0.51 ± 0.27) as compared to pubertal/peri-pubertal and post-pubertal groups (-0.26 ± 0.46 and -0.10 ± 0.24 respectively; p=0.04). BMI-SDS at baseline did not differ by diagnosis but did show a significant decrease at one year in Ph+ ALL versus CML patients (-0.18 ± 0.65 and 0.39 ± 0.54 respectively, p=0.003); this stabilized at the time of last follow up (-0.01 ± 0.75 and 0.38 ± 0.80 respectively, p=0.11).Conclusions: Our data underscores the concern of growth disturbances following prolonged TKI exposure in children, the role of exposure relative to pubertal change in bone growth, and the need for understanding off-target mechanisms in childhood survivors. Stabilization of BMI-SDS at the end of follow up with accompanying drop in mean height-SDS points to a mechanism of growth disturbance beyond nutritional deficiencies. This large pediatric cohort treated with TKIs is the first to include Ph+ ALL patients who were younger at onset of TKI treatment, and more likely to be pre/peripubertal at the start TKI exposure. Future directions will focus on a prospective study of musculoskeletal and other organ toxicities in patients treated with TKIs in childhood. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.