Slower Absorption Rate Research Articles

The use of cross-spectral analysis to study changes in the value of stock market indices

Aim of the study: The aim of the article was to examine the relationships between the main Polish index, the WIG index and selected global indices, which was intended to depict the pace and direction of the impact of changes on global financial markets. Materials and methods: The study was conducted using a cross-spectral analysis tool, which was to determine the direction of existing relationships. Five time series were created to perform the analysis, which correspond to individual indices. They contain the results of changes in the value of individual indices for stock exchange days from July 1, 2011 to June 1, 2017. Results: In the case of longer fluctuations, i.e. around 15 days, which were observed in the relation between the WIG index, and SnP500 and RTS, one can also indicate a clear delay in movements in the fluctuation of the Polish index value of around 10-12 days. In addition, numerous time dependencies between indices have been demonstrated, especially for the aver-age period defined in the work. Conclusions: The WIG index is characterized by a slower rate of absorption of short-term in-formation, as indicated by the results of delays occurring in the analyzed period. This effect indicates the unstable role of the financial market in Poland. The strongest reactions of the WIG index were observed in relation to changes in the value of the American SnP500 index and the German DAX index.

Possibility and Effects of Recycling Vinyl-Banner Waste Into Fired-Clay Bricks for Home Industry in Lampung

Bricks are regarded as important material in building constructions. Basically, brick is processed by mixing clay and water then burnt under high temperature for a certain duration. Previous study in Indonesia shows that mixing local clay with additional materials could improve its characteristic, especially in terms of water absorption potentiality. Lampung has home industries which run brick making business traditionally. Moreover, this year Indonesian government has been organizing regional elections which attract campaigners to produce more vinyl banners as advertising media. As the event has already passed, vinyl banners eventually become environmental issue since they are not yet well managed. The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility and effect of red bricks mixtures along with vinyl banner waste. Fired-clay bricks dimensions including length, width, and height are 19 cm, 9.5 cm, and 5 cm respectively. Measurement has done by employing water absorption tests. Waste-added bricks absorb more water than the conventional one, about 11% higher. However, rice-husk-ash-added bricks perform similar to the normal bricks, it has slow rate of water absorption. Absorption rate of waste-added bricks also fast and exceed the conventional and RHA-added bricks. Modified red bricks surfaces are uneven, they show cracks and rough edges.

Extended water/cement ratio law for cement mortar containing recycled asphalt pavement

In this research study, the strength development of cement mortar (CM) containing recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) as fine aggregate replacement for natural sand was investigated by means of strength, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy tests. The effect of the RAP replacement ratio, water to cement ratio (w/C) and curing time on strength development was evaluated. RAP had noticeably higher water absorption at saturated surface dry (SSD) state and slower rate of absorption than sand. The additional water to be compensated for the SSD state remained as the free water in the mix after hardening. RAP replacement at an optimum ratio of 25% increased the production of cementitious products and compressive strength for low w/C of <0.5, which was insufficient for cement hydration. While RAP replacement caused larger porosity and the production of lower cementitious products and compressive strength for high w/C of >0.5. Based on the critical analysis of the test results, the combined water (w*) parameter was defined as the sum of reacted water (w) and after-hardening unabsorbed water (wu). This parameter was used to generate the extended water to cement ratio law for prediction of strength development in RAP-CM. The outcome of this research will facilitate the mix design of RAP-CM at various RAP replacement ratios, w/C ratios and curing times.

Breathable dual-layer textile composed of cellulose dense membrane and plasma-treated fabric with enhanced comfort

The superiority of dense polymer membranes intended for protective clothing has been well demonstrated in literature. However, the best protection provided by dense membranes may be balanced out by less breathability and retention of liquid sweat on the skin surface, both of which contribute to wearer discomfort. Despite being imperative, the simultaneous investigation of breathability and liquid sweat transfer in dual-layer textiles composed of a dense membrane and a fabric has received less attention. This issue is addressed in the present work through developing dual-layer textiles composed of commercially available as-received fabric with slow water absorption rate and cellulose dense membrane. To this end, three cellulose dense membranes are produced through two different techniques: (1) solution casting of linter/(4-methylmorpholine N-oxide monohydrate (NMMO)/water) and linter/(LiCl/N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAc)) solutions, (2) Treatment of dry cast cellulose acetate (CA) solution with NaOH aqueous solution to convert CA dense membrane to cellulose dense membrane. The prepared dense membranes are integrated with fabric to develop dual-layer textiles. It is demonstrated that although the developed dual-layer textiles have acceptable breathability (water vapor transmission rate > 400 g/(m2 day)), however, they perform poorly to transfer liquid sweat from the inner layer (fabric with slow water absorption rate) to the outer layer (cellulose dense membrane) where the transferred sweat is air-dried. Through implementing moisture management test, it is shown that cost-effective and non-destructive treatment of the inner layer by O2 plasma imparts excellent moisture management properties to the produced dual-layer textile. Therefore, it can be said that the developed dual-layer textile may be considered to represent the best compromise between wearer comfort (breathability and liquid sweat transfer) and protection.

Considering the effect of graphene loading in water-based epoxy coatings

Recently, graphene has gained increasing interest in numerous fields of application and, in particular, it has been used as a nanofiller in the preparation of polymeric composites to improve their mechanical and transport properties. However, the effect of graphene as a potential additive for anticorrosive organic coatings is not widely studied. In this work, low levels of graphene nanosheets, 0.5 and 1 wt%, were added to an additive-free waterborne epoxy resin applied to Al2024-T3 aluminum alloy samples. The presence of graphene did not affect the polymerization process of the resin and the adhesion at coating/substrate interface, as demonstrated by experimental results, while showing a slight effect on coatings wettability. Electrochemical analysis revealed an improvement of the protective properties of the coating that could be assigned to a slow absorption rate of the electrolytes in the polymeric matrix and a lesser amount of absorbed water than the unloaded film.

Formulation and Evaluation of Prolong Release Tablet of Anti-hypertensive Drug

Formulation of Prolonged release dosage form has a slower absorption rate than immediate release formulation and shows minimal fluctuation in plasma levels during steady state dosing interval. Additionally, the Once-daily dosage regimen has better patient compliance. Prolonged release tablet of Anti-hypertensive drug with Eudragit RS 30 D using wet granulation method yielded optimum results and process parameters like granulation spray rate and compression machine rotor speed was found robust product development. Stability studies showed that the formulation was stable after being kept at condition of 40° ± 2° C/75% RH, for period of 3 months. The formulated product gave a dissolution profile similar to that of the innovator product (f2 value>80).

Solubility and Dissolution Enhancement of Sulfasalazine by Solid Dispersion Technique

The solubility behavior of drug remains one of the most challenging aspects in formulation development. Most NCE are poorly water soluble, drug not well absorbed after oral administration. Solid dispersion is an increasingly important approach to enhance dissolution rate and solubility of poorly water soluble drug. Sulfasalazine is derivative of mesalazine. Sulfasalazine and its metabolite 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) are poorly absorbed from gut so its main mode of action is believed to be inside the intestine. It exhibits slow GI absorption rate and inter individual variation of its bioavailability. Thus solubility enhancement and dissolution enhancement of sulfasalazine from its dosage form is an important issue for its in vivo bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. It was planned to improve the solubility of sulfasalazine by using polymer like Gelucire50/13. Different ratio were employed as 1: 1, 1: 3, 1: 5 and Solid dispersion were prepared by Solvent evaporation method, Physical mixture and Kneading method. Preformulation study was done before going to formulation in that melting point, solubility and compatibility study was done. The prepared solid dispersion also evaluated for percentage yield, percent drug content. Solubility study was done in water. Solid dispersion also characterized by FTIR, DSC, PXRD. In-vitro dissolution study was done in pH6.8 phosphate buffer using USP dissolution test apparatus type II.

Capillary rise experiment to assess effectiveness of an enzyme soil stabilizer

An experimental program to assess of the attributes of an enzyme soil stabilizer is described. The focus of the program was two 1 year capillary rise experiments designed to test the influence of the soil additive on the soil’s adsorption of water. The enzyme additive is typically applied to marginal clay-based soils to improve the performance of road subgrades. The study investigated the potential increase in shear strength and the reduction in swelling. The two long-term soil column tests were conducted to measure water absorption due to capillary rise for soil specimens with, and without, enzyme treatment. The test results demonstrated that the addition of the enzyme soil additive had the effect of reducing water retained in the pore spaces of a partially saturated soil. The soil treated with the enzyme additive absorbed a lower quantity of water in the capillary rise test, and at a slower rate of absorption. The results from a concurrent suite of tests suggested that partially saturated clay having lower moisture content was linked to an increase in shear strength.

Enhancement of oil absorption properties of acrylic ester resin hybridized with well‐organized sea urchin‐like MnO2

Acrylic ester resin (AER) is a promising oil‐absorbing material for oils and organic solvents absorption because it exhibits high oil retention ability, good swelling properties, and reusability while also being inexpensive, large‐scale production, and environmentally benign. However, the AER is not fully utilized owing to its low oil absorption capacity and slow oil absorption rate. In this work, we combine porous structures of MnO2 and swelling properties of AER and design a novel route to fabricate sea urchin‐like MnO2/AER hybrids. In this route, the sea urchin‐like MnO2 was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method in acidic media. The sea urchin‐like MnO2/AER hybrids with different wt% were synthesized by a microwave polymerization route. The resin hybrids exhibited very rough surfaces, which are beneficial for organic molecules absorption and diffusion into the interiors of materials. The resin hybrids can remove oils and organic solvents from water with high selectivity and absorption capacity, and can absorb not only floating oil but also heavy organic solvents underwater. The maximum absorption capacity of resin hybrids was found at the MnO2 content of 3%, and maximum absorption capacity up to 32.5 times of their own weight, higher than that of the pure AER. The performances were mainly attributed to the unique porous structure of MnO2 and swelling properties of AER, indicating the potential application of such oil‐absorbing resins to introduce the porous inorganic materials for developing new oils and organic solvents absorbent for removal of organic pollutants from the wastewater. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4041–4049, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

Safe Use of Subcutaneous Diphenhydramine in the Inpatient Hospice Unit.

Diphenhydramine (DPH) is most commonly used via oral, topical, intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) routes for the palliation of pruritus, treatment of extrapyramidal symptoms, management of parkinsonism and for allergic reactions. However, many hospice patients are unable to take oral medications and/or do not have IV access. Moreover, topical administration has a relatively slow rate of absorption. For this reason, in the hospice setting it is not uncommon for diphenhydramine to be administered via the subcutaneous (SC) route secondary to its ease of access, low infection rates and its low levels of discomfort. In contrast, outside the hospice setting, subcutaneous DPH has not been widely used, primarily because of a handful of case reports published in the 1990's that report skin necrosis following subcutaneous administration of DPH for local anesthesia. Since these early case reports, however, there has been very little in the way of research to examine this further. The aim of this study is to provide objective data concerning the safe use of subcutaneous diphenhydramine, as part of our efforts to improve upon safe practices in our organization. This is a retrospective review of records from 6 of our inpatient hospice units obtained from our pharmacy database for patients who received at least one subcutaneous injection of diphenhydramine between 2012-2015. Selected patients were then subsequently screened for post-administration skin necrosis, as recorded in our quality assurance database during the same time period. A total of 648 diphenhydramine subcutaneous injections were administered in109 individual patients. None of the patients were reported to have an adverse cutaneous reaction. This retrospective review demonstrates that subcutaneous diphenhydramine injection is a safe alternative to oral and other parenteral routes, and may be particularly valuable in terminally ill patients, who are often unable to swallow and are without IV access.

Piperazine/4-hydroxy-1-methylpiperidine for CO2 capture

Aqueous piperazine (PZ)/4-hydroxy-1-methylpiperidine (HMPD) was rigorously evaluated for CO2 capture from flue gas. CO2 cyclic capacity, CO2 absorption rate, solvent viscosity, solvent volatility, and solid solubility were investigated as a function of the solvent composition. 2m PZ/3m HMPD is the composition that offers the best overall performance with more than twice the CO2 cyclic capacity and absorption rate of 7m MEA. This blend also shows much greater resistance to oxidative degradation than MEA at the same conditions, as well as lower amine volatility. When compared to 5m PZ, 2m PZ/3m HMPD has 40% greater CO2 cyclic capacity, 10% slower absorption rate and 10% greater viscosity. 2m PZ/3m HMPD also has much better solid solubility than 5m PZ, with no precipitation down to −10°C in the normal range of CO2 loading. The cost of large-scale production of HMPD was also investigated based on current synthesis routes. The capital and energy cost for flue gas CO2 capture using 2m PZ/3m HMPD is expected to be much lower than 7m MEA, and comparable to 5m PZ.

Biocalcifying Bacillus subtilis cells effectively consolidate deteriorated Globigerina limestone.

Microbially induced calcite precipitation occurs naturally on ancient limestone surfaces in Maltese hypogea. We exploited this phenomenon and treated deteriorated limestone with biocalcifying bacteria. The limestone was subjected to various mechanical and physical tests to present a statistically robust data set to prove that treatment was indeed effective. Bacillus subtilis conferred uniform bioconsolidation to a depth of 30mm. Drilling resistance values were similar to those obtained for freshly quarried limestone (9N) and increased up to 15N. Treatment resulted in a high resistance to salt deterioration and a slow rate of water absorption. The overall percentage porosity of treated limestone varied by ±6%, thus the pore network was preserved. We report an eco-friendly treatment that closely resembles the mineral composition of limestone and that penetrates into the porous structure without affecting the limestones' natural properties. The treatment is of industrial relevance since it compares well with stone consolidants available commercially.

원료종류 및 첨가제 처리에 따른 펄프몰드의 수분 저항성 평가

ABSTRACT The pulp mold attract the increasing concern as recyclable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly packaging materials. In order to broaden the applicability of the pulp mold as substitutes of the expanded styrofoam, the properties of various raw materials for the pulp mold were evaluated and the way for improving water resistance properties of the pulp mold were also tested by applying some additives. The higher value in the fines contents and in the water retention value were shown for the TMP (thermomechanical pulp), which resulted in the bulkier pulp mold with the higher moisture absorption property. In case of water resistance properties, the pulp mold made of white ledger stock showed the higher value in water contact angle and very slow water absorption rate. The addition of oil palm EFB fiber showed the improvement in the water resistance of the pulp mold made of UBKP. The effects of various additives on theimprovement in thewater resistance properties of the pulp mold were tested by using AKD, PVAm, epoxy resin. The application of AKD leaded to the higher increase in the water resistance. The results in this study showed the effects of AKD for the pulp mold could be improved and optimized by the application with fixing agent and by the ageing treatment after production. Keywords: Pulp mold, moisture absorption, bulk, water resistance, AKD

Dissolution improvement of nebivolol hydrochloride using solid dispersion adsorbate technique

Nebivolol hydrochloride is unique antihypertensive drug, which gets completely absorbed upon oral administration, with tmax 1.5-4 h. The poor aqueous solubility leads to slow rate of absorption. An attempt has been made to enhance dissolution of nebivolol (NB) using solid dispersion (SD) and SD adsorbate (SDA) techniques.Various hydrophilic excipients such as polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG), gelucire 50/13 (GL), and neusilin US2 (NUS) at different ratios were used. The prepared SDA of NB was characterized for % drug yield and other physical characteristics and in vitro drug dissolution studies in 0.1N HCl (pH 1.2). The formulation optimized on the basis of in vitro drug dissolution and % drug content was also characterized by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray powder diffractometry analysis (XRD). The FTIR study indicated no interaction between the drug and polymer. DSC thermograms showed the significant change in melting peak of the NB when prepared as SDA suggesting the change in crystallinity of NB. The data from the XRD showed that the drug was still detectable in its solid state in the SDA of PEG and disappeared in case of higher ratio of GL. An increased dissolution rate of NB at pH 1.2 was observed when the drug was dispersed in these carriers in the form of physical mixtures (PMs), SDs by solvent evaporation methods (SMs), SDs by fusion methodand SDAs by fusion method. NB released faster from the SDAs than from the pure crystalline drug, the PMs, the SMs, or the SDs. Thus, this study was proved as a promising approach for the improvement of dissolution rate and solubility of NB. Key words: Antihypertensive drugs, physical mixture, solid dispersion, solid dispersion adsorbate

Pharmacokinetics of olanzapine long-acting injection: the clinical perspective.

Olanzapine long-acting injection (OLAI) is a sustained-release depot antipsychotic for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Our objective was to explain the pharmacokinetics of OLAI to provide clinical insight. Simulation models and data from clinical trials are presented. Olanzapine concentrations were observed immediately upon injection. Half-life was ∼30 days, controlled by the slow rate of intramuscular absorption rather than the 30-h elimination rate-based half-life of oral olanzapine. As each injection builds on the drug still being released from previous injections, concentrations increase gradually until a steady state is reached after ∼3 months. Concentrations were similar to oral olanzapine and proportional to the dose; the average steady-state concentrations (10th–90th percentile) for the 150, 210, and 300 mg/2-week doses were 16–32, 15–55, and 20–67 ng/ml, respectively, and those for the 300 and 405 mg/4-week doses were 19–48 and 19–62 ng/ml, respectively. Peak concentrations most often occurred at 2–4 days after injection. Peak-to-trough fluctuation was greater for the 4-week dosing interval than the 2-week one, with no apparent clinical ramifications for these differences. Trough concentrations were above the lower end of the therapeutic range, even at the first injection. Long-term use up to 6 years indicated no additional accumulation. The impact of smoking and sex was similar, but less pronounced than for oral olanzapine.

Mass transport of small retained molecules in polymer-based monolithic columns

The mass transport properties of a non-retained (thiourea) and three retained low molecular weight compounds (acetophenone, valerophenone, and octanophenone) along a 4.6mm×45mm PROSWIFT™ RP-1S monolithic column made of rigid cross-linked poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) copolymer was investigated in depth. Accurate protocols (peak parking experiments, measurement of the first and second central moments of peak profiles by numerical integration) combined with the use of validated models of effective diffusion along monolithic structures were applied for the determination of the longitudinal diffusion, the eddy dispersion, and the skeleton–eluent mass transfer resistances due to the finite analyte diffusivity across the polymer skeleton and to the slow absorption kinetics into the polymer volume. Experimental results show by increasing order of importance evidence that the resolution performance of this short and wide polymer-based monolithic HPLC column is limited by the slow analyte diffusivity across the polymer skeleton (smaller than one tenth of the bulk diffusion coefficient for k′>1), its large eddy dispersion HETP (Heddy≃100μm), and the slow rate of absorption (≃10Hz only) in the polymer volume for retained analytes. The column performance could be improved by preparing a more homogeneous material with a rigid internal mesoporous structure. This would provide a column bed having a larger specific surface area, allowing faster analyte diffusion across the mesoporous skeleton, a smaller eddy dispersion HETP, and a faster absorption kinetics in the polymeric monolith than those observed for the currently available materials.

Abstract A167: A phase I study of single-agent BEZ235 (SDS sachet), once- or twice-daily, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors.

Abstract Background: BEZ235 is an oral, ATP-competitive inhibitor that targets class l PI3K and downstream effectors mTORC1/2. In previous phase I studies in mainly Western patients, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of single-agent BEZ235 solid dispersion system (SDS) sachet once daily (QD) was declared as 1200 mg and the recommended dose (RD) as 1000 mg; the MTD of the same formulation of BEZ235 twice daily (BID) was declared as 400 mg (Rodon EORTC-NCI-AACR 2012, Arkenau ASCO 2012). Here we present the results of a phase I, multicenter, open-label, dose escalation study of single-agent BEZ235 SDS sachet, administered QD or BID, in adult Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT01195376). Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed, unresectable advanced solid tumors not amenable to standard therapy, received continuous oral BEZ235, QD or BID in 28-day cycles. The primary objective was to determine the MTD/RD of single-agent BEZ235 in adult Japanese patients, based on dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) using a standard 3+3 method for dose escalation. MTD was defined as the highest dose causing DLT in no more than 1/6 patients in Cycle 1. Secondary objectives included preliminary antitumor activity (RECIST v1), safety profiles (CTCAE v3), and pharmacokinetics (PK). Results: As of Feb 10, 2013, 32 patients (mean age 58 yrs) were treated with BEZ235 at 2 dosing schedules; 27 patients received BEZ235 QD at 5 dose levels: 400, 800, 1000, 1200, or 1400 mg; and 5 patients received BEZ235 BID at 400 mg. 2 DLTs were reported with QD dosing: Grade 2 allergic reaction (1200 mg) and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (1400 mg). Although equivalent DLT ratios were recorded at 1200 mg and 1400 mg (1/6 evaluable patients each), clinical observation led to 1200 mg being declared as the maximum, clinically tolerable dose and 1000 mg being declared as the RD of single-agent BEZ235 QD. The primary reason for discontinuation was disease progression (63%). Common suspected BEZ235-related AEs (≥40%) were diarrhea, decreased appetite, nausea, stomatitis, fatigue, vomiting, and rash; no difference in AE profile was observed between QD and BID schedules. Three patients experienced serious suspected BEZ235-related AEs: infectious enterocolitis, pneumonia, and diarrhea. No death related to treatment was reported. Best overall response was stable disease in 15/27 evaluable patients (56% disease control rate). After Feb 10, 2013, 3 additional patients were enrolled at 400 mg BID (8 in total) and 1 DLT (Grade 2 liver dysfunction) out of 6 evaluable patients was observed. PK data revealed a slow rate of absorption, less than dose-proportional exposure, and large interpatient variability for single-agent BEZ235 SDS sachet. Conclusions: The maximum, clinically tolerable dose of BEZ235 QD was declared as 1200 mg and the RD was declared as 1000 mg, in agreement with previous studies in Western populations. In addition, the tolerability of 400 mg BEZ235 BID was confirmed. The findings of this first-in-Japanese study suggest no major difference in BEZ235 tolerability and PK profile between Japanese and Western populations. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):A167. Citation Format: Koichiro Watanabe, Hironobu Minami, Satoshi Otsu, Yoshinori Hirashima, Ryotaro Morinaga, Kazuo Nishikawa, Yasushi Hisamatsu, Toru Mukohara, Naomi Kiyota, Naoko Chayahara, Masanori Toyoda, Yoshinori Imamura, Yutaka Fujiwara, Cornelia Quadt, Matthew Robson, Kazuto Natsume, Takuji Aoki, Kuniaki Shirao. A phase I study of single-agent BEZ235 (SDS sachet), once- or twice-daily, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A167.

Impact of Release Mechanism on the Pharmacokinetic Performance of PAUC Metrics for Three Methylphenidate Products with Complex Absorption

Investigate the performance of partial area under the drug concentration-time curve (PAUC) metrics (0-3h) and (3-24h), for Concerta, Ritalin LA and Focalin XR (different Methylphenidate modified-release formulations). The metrics have been chosen as additional BE metrics for Ritalin LA by the FDA to establish BE for these products due to the early and late peak concentrations critical for treatment of morning and afternoon symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Two-stage analysis was performed on plasma data for the methylphenidate modified-release products. Simulations using the fitted parameters determined how changes in fast absorption rate constant k0fast, and slow absorption rate constant KAslow affected curve shape and BE determination using Cmax, AUCINF and PAUC. Sensitivity of the mean PAUC(test)/PAUC(reference) ratios to changes in k0fast and Kaslow were product dependent. Focalin XR mean PAUC(test)/PAUC(reference) ratios for PAUC0-3h and PAUC3-24h were most responsive to changes in k0Fast and Kaslow than Concerta and Ritalin LA. The PAUC(test)/PAUC(reference) ratios for (0-3h) were not responsive to changes to Kaslow. Concerta PAUC (3-24h) ratios were responsive to changes in Kaslow at ratios less than 1. Response to PAUC(0-3h) in the formulations was greater for k0fast than was PAUC(3-24) to changes in KAslow.

Potential health benefits of water yam (Dioscorea alata)

Yam is the third most important root and tuber crop in the tropics but few species are grown as health food and/or for medicinal purposes. To ascertain the potential health benefits and alternate usage of the species, 20 varieties of Dioscorea alata (water yam) were investigated for their total dietary fiber (TDF), dry matter and amylose contents as well as selected minerals in comparison with Dioscorea rotundata, the preferred species in yam-growing areas. The TDF content varied widely ranging from 4.10 to 11.00%. The dry matter composition ranged from 19.10 to 33.80% and amylose was from 27.90 to 32.30%. In mg kg(-1), mineral contents of the varieties were from 10.10-17.60 for Zn, 10,550-20,100 for K, 83-131 for Na, 260-535 for Ca, and 390-595 for Mg. The results show significant differences (P > 0.05) among the test varieties in all the parameters determined. Generally, the test varieties had lower dry matter but higher amylose contents. TDF contents of the varieties were higher than that reported for brown rice while two varieties had comparable values to whole wheat flour. Identified varieties with higher amylose and TDF contents could be of use to diabetics and other health conscious individuals due to their slower absorption rates. Moreover, the low sodium but high potassium and TDF contents indicate the possible preventive role that D. alata could play in managing related chronic diseases. This shows the potential use of D. alata as a functional food to supplement the fiber and mineral needs of consumers. Thus, there is a need to exploit its use in food fortifications and formulations.

ABSORBENT MATERIALS BASED ON KRAFT PULP: PREPARATION AND MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION

Today, petroleum-based superabsorbents are widely used, but interest in renewable alternatives is on the rise. This study presents two wood-based absorbent materials suitable for various absorption applications as an alternative to petroleum-based products. Never-dried bleached kraft pulp was treated with TEMPO-oxidation, and new carboxylate and aldehyde groups were introduced. It was found that the aldehyde groups contributed to the wet integrity of the absorbent materials, possibly by the formation of hemiacetal bonds. After oxidation, the pulp fibers were gradually disintegrated, and size analysis showed that the disintegration rate was enhanced by an increase in the charge of the oxidant. Freeze drying produced a porous foam with a large surface area that enabled a rapid absorption rate as well as a reasonably high absorption capacity even for absorption under load. Air drying formed a compact film with a slow absorption rate but with a high final capacity for absorption.