Induction Time Research Articles

Wilms’ Tumor 1 Gene Expression as a Predictive Marker for Clinical Outcome of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Iraqi Population: A Prospective Study

Background: Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1), a tumor-associated antigen (TAA), is expressed in many types of cancer. Most acute leukemia patients have a quantitatively detectable and strong expression of it. Objectives: To analyze WT1 expression levels as a predictor of clinical outcomes at the time of diagnosis of de novo leukemia and to monitor tumor progression during treatment. Methods: A total of 71 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were separated into two groups: twenty-nine de novo AML patients upon presentation and 25 with AML at the time of initial induction. The second induction included 17 AML patients and ten healthy volunteers who served as controls in this study. The WT1 gene was tested using a real-time PCR with the Cyber Green assay. Results: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia had considerably greater levels of WT1 gene expression than controls (27.3 vs. 5.5). In terms of clinical outcomes, WT1 gene overexpression was substantially related to non-responsive AML patients compared to complete response at diagnosis (27.3 vs. 22.15). However, there is no substantial difference between instances following induction. Conclusions: The WT1 tumor antigen may serve as an early diagnostic for acute leukemia prognosis. Improved clinical outcomes have been linked to reduced WT1 levels. A high amount, on the other hand, was linked to a poor prognosis for people with AML, although more research is needed.

Supersaturation Behavior: Investigation of Polymers Impact on Nucleation Kinetic Profile for Rationalizing the Polymeric Precipitation Inhibitors.

Although nucleation kinetic data is quite important for the concept of supersaturation behavior, its part in rationalizing the crystallization inhibitor has not been well understood. This study aimed to investigate the nucleation kinetic profile of Dextromethorphan HBr (as an ideal drug, BCS-II) by measuring liquid-liquid phase segregation, nucleation induction time, and Metastable Zone width. Surfeit action was examined by a superfluity assay of the drug. The concentration was scrutinized by light scattering techniques (UV spectrum (novel method) and Fluorometer (CL 53)). The drug induction time was 20 min without polymer and 90 and 110 min with polymers, such as HPMC K15M and Xanthan Gum, respectively. Therefore, the order of the polymer's ability to inhibit nucleation was Xanthan Gum > HPMC K15M in the medium (7.4 pH). Similarly, the drug induction time was 30 min without polymer and 20, 110, and 90 min with polymers, such as Sodium CMC, HPMC K15M, and Xanthan Gum, respectively. Therefore, the order of the polymer's ability to inhibit nucleation was HPMC K15M > Xanthan Gum > Sodium CMC in SIFsp (6.8 pH), which synchronizes the polymer's potentiality to interdict the drug precipitation. The HPMC K15M and xanthan Gum showed the best crystallization inhibitor effect for the maintenance of superfluity conditions till the drug absorption time. The xanthan gum is based on the "glider" concept, and this shows the novelty of this preliminary research. The screening methodology used for rationalizing the best polymers used in the superfluity formulations development successfully.

Comparison of Ketamine/Diazepam and Tiletamine/Zolazepam Combinations for Anaesthesia Induction in Horses Undergoing Partial Intravenous Anaesthesia (PIVA): A Retrospective Clinical Study

The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to compare the combinations of ketamine/diazepam (KD group) and tiletamine/zolazepam (TZ group) for the induction of general anaesthesia in horses undergoing elective surgery. The data from the clinical and the anaesthetic records of 138 horses from 2021 to 2023 were evaluated, and the horses were divided in two groups: KD (n = 60) and TZ (n = 72). The horses were premedicated with romifidine and methadone IV; anaesthesia was induced with ketamine/diazepam for the KD group and tiletamine/zolazepam for the TZ group and was maintained with isoflurane and a constant rate infusion of romifidine. The data encompassed sex and neuter status, age, breed, weight, American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status, type of surgical procedure performed under anaesthesia, induction time, induction score, surgery time, recovery time, and the recovery score using a descriptive scale. Baseline heart rate (HR), intraoperative HR, baseline respiratory rate (fR), intraoperative fR, mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and fraction of expired isoflurane (FE’Iso) were also recorded. The induction time was significantly longer (p = 0.004) in the TZ group (60 (40–120)) as compared to the KD group (50 (30–120)). Recovery time was also significantly longer (p ≤ 0.001) in the TZ group (46.5 (15–125)) as compared to the KD group (30 (5–105)). These findings suggested that, in adult horses undergoing elective surgery, TZ could be considered a valid alternative to KD for the induction of general anaesthesia. Additional experimental studies comparing the two induction regimens and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics are needed.

Rapid HCFC-141b hydrate formation and high-density cold storage in the presence of acid ester surfactants

To improve HCFC-141b hydrate production, eco-friendly nonionic surfactants were used as promoters to enhance hydrate formation. Stearic acid polyoxyethylene ester (SG) effectively improve HCFC-141b hydrate formation, and the promotion effect is influenced by the hydrophilicity and mass fraction of surfactant. Ethylene oxide (EO) numbers of SG series surfactants affect on hydrate nucleation induction time and cold storage density. Surfactants with appropriate HLB values have better promotion effects. Hydrate has shorter induction times and higher cold storage density with SG-20. When the concentration of SG-20 is 1 %, the induction time reduces to 36 min, and the cold storage density is up to 245.1 kJ/kg, which is the optimal addition amount for HCFC-141b hydrate production. Comparing the three systems, the HCFC-141b hydrate system with 1 wt% SG-20 has the best cycling stability.

Exploring the influence of surface roughness on the interface phenomenon between an air bubble and a glass bead: An experimental and theoretical investigation

The effect of surface roughness on the detachment between the bubbles and the glass beads (soda-lime) was comprehensively investigated. Glass beads with dimensions of −1.20 + 1.12 mm were acid etched to achieve varying degrees of surface roughness, followed by silanation reactions conducted for different immersion times. The characterization of surface roughness was conducted using a ContourGT-K 3D optical microscope. Measurements of receding contact angle, induction time and detachment force were conducted to assess the influence of surface roughness on bubble and glass bead attachment/detachment. It is observed that the etching surface of glass beads with uniform protrusions and depressions, the hydrophobic glass beads exhibited shorter induction time, larger contact angle and higher critical detachment force. However, the stability of aggregates of bubbles and hydrophilic glass beads was reduced, making them prone to detachment. Moreover, larger protrusions and depressions on hydrophobic glass bead surfaces with increasing etching time, resulted in an increase in induction time, a decrease in receding contact angle and critical detachment force. The stability of bubbles and hydrophilic glass bead aggregates remained unchanged.

An Experimental Investigation of the Hydrate Formation Mechanism in the Throttling of Carbon Dioxide-Containing Trace Moisture

Carbon capture, utilization and storage are facilitated through carbon dioxide (CO2) transport. Pipe transportation is the main method for transporting CO2. However, hydrate blockages reduce transport efficiency in the pipelines, and the throttling devices are the main location of hydrate blockages. In this paper, the mechanism of hydrate formation in the throttling of CO2-containing trace moisture was investigated. The throttling device in a pipe was mimicked using a cylindrical orifice plate. The work also studied the effects of moisture content, upstream pressure and upstream temperature on hydrate formation. The results indicate that the Joule–Thomson cooling effect is a key contributor, and promotes the condensation of trace moisture, resulting in the free water necessary for hydrate nucleation. Under the effect of gas flow back-mixing, it is easy for the hydrate to adhere to the inner surface of the pipe behind the orifice plate. When the moisture content in the gas increases from 123 μmol/mol to 1024 μmol/mol, the hydrate induction time decreases from infinity to 792 s. However, the moisture content has no effect on the adhesion strength of the hydrate to the inner surface of the pipe. When the initial upstream pressure increases from 2.0 MPa to 3.5 MPa, the hydrate induction time decreases from infinity to 306 s. When the upstream temperature decreases from 291.15 K to 285.15 K, the hydrate induction time decreases from infinity to 330 s. With the decrease in the initial upstream temperature, the adhesion of hydrate particles to the inner surface of the pipe is promoted. This study provides experimental evidence for the characteristics of hydrate formation in the process of CO2 throttling.

Study of the oxidative stability via Oxitest and Rancimat of phenolic-rich olive oils obtained by a sequential process of dehydration, expeller and supercritical CO2 extractions

The oxidative stability of olive oils extracted by different methods, i.e. conventional 2-phase extraction (cOO), and sequential extraction by expeller press (eOO) and supercritical CO2 (SCOO), was determined by using two accelerated oxidation methods, Oxitest and Rancimat, in the temperature range 90–160°C. The kinetic analyses carried out provided Arrhenius activation energies, enthalpies, entropies and Gibb’s free energies of activation, temperature coefficients, Q10 factors, and the oxidative stability indexes at 20°C (OSI20) for the different oils. A good correlation between the two techniques was obtained (r2 = 0.996). Oxitest showed, however, shorter induction times and less sample quantity (1 g vs. 3 g in Rancimat) requirements, suggesting that it could be a good and faster alternative to Rancimat for the evaluation of the oil oxidative stability. cOO showed OSI20 values of 38.5 and 42.5 months, by the Rancimat and Oxitest methods, respectively. Furthermore, eOO and SCOO showed OSI20 values of 43.3 and 138.6 months by Rancimat and 67 and 142 months by the Oxitest method, respectively. The strong correlation found between the phenolic content of the oils and their OSI20 values confirms that a higher oil phenolic content would improve the oxidative stability of the oils.

Assessment of the Stability and Nutritional Quality of Hemp Oil and Pumpkin Seed Oil Blends

This study characterized the quality of hemp oil (HO) and pumpkin seed oil (PO) and their blends before and after 2 and 4 months of storage at refrigerated and room temperature, without access to light and oxygen. The analyses included determining the acid value, peroxide value, fatty acid (FA) composition, and FA distribution in triacylglycerol (TAG) molecules. Pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC) was used to assess the oxidative stability of oils and their blends. This study also evaluated the nutritional potential of hemp oil and pumpkin seed oil blends, as atherogenicity, thrombogenicity, and health-promoting indices and hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio were calculated. The tested samples differed in properties depending on the storage time and temperature. The optimal choice was a blend of 50% hemp oil (HO) and 50% pumpkin oil (PO). This mixture demonstrated the desired fatty acid composition, satisfactory acid and peroxide values, and a relatively good oxidation induction time during storage. Despite the unfavorable distribution of FAs in TAG molecules, it was characterized by a balanced ratio of n-3 to n-6 acids. It was also concluded that research on HO and PO mixtures should be continued due to the potential synergistic effect of their bioactive substances.

Optimized production of a truncated form of the recombinant neuraminidase of influenza virus in Escherichia coli as host with suitable functional activity

BackgroundTo discover effective drugs for treating Influenza (a disease with high annual mortality), large amounts of recombinant neuraminidase (NA) with suitable catalytic activity are needed. However, the functional activity of the full-length form of this enzyme in the bacterial host (as producing cells with a low cost) in a soluble form is limited. Thus, in the present study, a truncated form of the neuraminidase (derived from California H1N1 influenza strain) was designed, then biosynthesized in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), Shuffle T7, and SILEX systems. E. coli BL21 (DE3) was selected as a best host for statistical optimization. Using central composite design methodology, neuraminidase expression level was measured at 20 different runs considering most effective factors including; concentration of isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), temperature, and induction time.ResultThe recombinant neuraminidase was purified using Ni-affinity chromatography in soluble form. The neuraminidase expression was confirmed by western blot technique with a molecular mass of 48 kDa. The optimum expression condition was at temperature (30°C), induction time (3 h), and concentration of IPTG (0.6 mM) resulting in maximum neuraminidase expression (7.6 µg/mL) with P < 0.05. The analysis of variance with the significant value of R2 (0.97) indicated that the quadratic model utilized for this prediction was highly significant (p < 0.0001). Applying the optimized condition led to a ~ 2.2-fold increase in NA expression level (from 3.4 to 7.6 µg/ml). The kinetic parameters were also confirmed by fluorescent signals (by 2’-(4-Methylumbelliferyl)-α-D-N acetyl neuraminic acid substrate) with specific activity; ~3.5 IU/mg and Km: 86.49 ± 0.1 µ, close to the Vibrio Cholera neuraminidase with specific activity; 4 IU/mg. The neuraminidase inhibition test confirmed the inhibition of the neuraminidase activity by the drug inhibitor (Oseltamivir) compared to the control sample.ConclusionThe high quality and proper functional activity of the truncated neuraminidase described in this research show that E. coli can be a suitable host for a wide range of applications with less cost and risk compared to eukaryotic expression systems.

Dual-route administration of balanced anesthesia using medetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol provides both suitable anesthetic depth and reduced tissue injury in rabbits.

Medetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol (MMB) anesthesia is the preferred choice for rodents but requires excess volume of intramuscular injection in rabbits, which can lead to muscular damage. This study aimed to evaluate a dual-route MMB administration via the intravenous and subcutaneous routes in rabbits. MMB was administered to male Kbs:JW rabbits with an intravenous injection of 0.2 mL/kg followed by a subcutaneous injection of 0.8 mL/kg, totaling 0.2 mg/kg medetomidine, 2.0 mg/kg midazolam, and 2.0 mg/kg butorphanol. We compared the anesthetic effects of this dual-route method with those of intramuscular administration. The dual-route method resulted in a shorter induction time and similar anesthetic duration compared with those of the intramuscular route. While it induced a temporary decrease in body temperature within 30 min post-injection, other vital signs, such as respiration rate, heart rate, and O2 saturation, remained similar. Notably, unlike intramuscular administration, dual-route administration did not increase tissue injury marker levels. This dual-route MMB administration provided sufficient anesthetic depth during surgery, eliminating pain reflexes. Double-dose administration extended anesthetic duration but resulted in rare fatalities, indicating room for protocol improvement. In conclusion, the novel anesthetic method is preferable for injectable anesthesia in rabbits, providing rapid induction and sufficient anesthetic duration, while potentially minimizing muscle injury. This technique may be beneficial for both laboratory and companion animals and significantly enhance animal welfare in anesthesia by reducing the pain associated with injectable anesthesia.

Physiologic Outcomes after Thiafentanil and Xylazine Immobilization in Free-Ranging Moose (Alces alces).

Effects on physiology were evaluated in 49 free-ranging moose (Alces alces), 11 adult males, 36 females, two of unknown sex) in Minnesota, USA, immobilized by helicopter darting with thiafentanil (10 mg) and xylazine (30 mg) in February 2020 and March 2021. Pursuit time (PT), induction time (IT), recumbency time (RT), recovery time (RC), temperature (T), and body position were recorded. For 14 females, respiratory rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), and pulse oximetry (SpO2) were obtained before and at 1, 5, and 10 min after 4 L/min nasal oxygen supplementation was started; pH, lactate (Lac), arterial oxygen (PaO2), and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) tensions were obtained pre-treatment and 5 min post-treatment. Immobilizations were reversed with naltrexone (200 mg) and tolazoline (800 mg) intramuscularly. Median PT and IT were 4 min; a longer dart needle significantly reduced IT (P=0.0274). Most (98%) remained sternal; 77% held their head upright. Median RC was 3 min. Temperature remained ≤41.2 C. Median RR, PR, and SpO2 were RR=20 breaths/min, PR=70 beats/min, SpO2=91% pre-treatment and RR=30 breaths/min, PR=72 beats/min, SpO2=97% 5-min post-treatment. Median blood gas values were pH=7.45, Lac=5.62 mmol/L, PaCO2=44 mmHg, and PaO2=65 mmHg pre-treatment and pH=7.48, Lac=4.99 mmol/L, PaCO2=41.1 mmHg, and PaO2=78 mmHg 5 min post-treatment. Physiologic improvement from oxygen supplementation was clinically relevant but not statistically significant. All moose survived immobilization. Thiafentanil and xylazine combination provided safe and effective immobilization in free-ranging moose.

Optimal timing for induction of labor in normotensive women: A retrospective cohort study.

Labor induction is offered to reduce the risk of stillbirth at late term (41+0 to 41+6) but earlier induction in normotensive singleton pregnancies is supported by weak evidence. The aim of the present study was to investigate the optimal timing for induction in normotensive women. This was a retrospective cohort study including 70 293 singleton term births in Iceland during 1997-2018. Women with serious pre-gestational comorbidity, hypertension, stillbirth or previous cesarean birth were excluded. The risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes for induction at each week from gestational age 37-41 weeks was compared with expectant management, defined as deliveries at a later gestational age. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using log-binomial regression adjusting for sociodemographics, parity, and pregnancy complications. The risk of cesarean was lower with induction at ≥40+0 than expectant management, especially at late term (RR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63-0.83). Respiratory distress was diagnosed in 4.4% of infants after induction from 37+0 to 37+6 but 1.3% in the expectant management group (RR 3.08, 95% CI: 1.97-4.81). Induction between 37+0 and 38+6 compared with expectant management was associated with a reduced risk of shoulder dystocia, but this was non-significant in births of infants with normal birthweight. Labor induction from 40+0 compared with expectant management was associated with reduced risk of cesarean birth in Icelandic women without an increase in risk of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. No additional benefit appeared to be from inducing at earlier gestations in low-risk pregnancies.

A meta-analysis and systematic review based on perioperative management of elderly patients: is ciprofol an alternative to propofol?

With the rising number of elderly surgical patients, selecting an appropriate anesthetic tailored to their specific needs is essential. Ciprofol, a novel intravenous anesthetic, has garnered attention due to its low injection pain rate and minimal impact on the circulatory system. This meta-analysis aims to examine the efficacy and safety profile of ciprofol during perioperative management of elderly patients. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP databases from inception to March 23, 2024, were conducted. Eligible studies were included, data extracted, quality assessed using the ROB2 tool, and analyses performed with Stata 17.0. Analysis of eleven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 1715 patients demonstrated that ciprofol outperformed propofol regarding injection pain (RR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.09-0.20, p < 0.001), hypotension (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.56-0.94; p = 0.014), bradycardia (RR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.48-0.85, p = 0.002), respiratory depression (RR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.19-0.43, p < 0.001), hypoxemia (RR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.26-0.55, p < 0.001), and body movement (RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.96, p = 0.022). No significant differences were observed in induction time(SMD: 0.11,95% CI: -0.39-0.61, p = 0.655), sedative success rate(RR:1.01,,:95% CI:0.97-1.06, p = 0.669)), time of leaving the operating room(SMD-0.21,95% CI: -0.83-0.40, p = 0.497), bucking(RR:0.56,:95% CI:0.27-1.17, p = 0.134)), nausea and vomiting(RR:0.69,95% CI:0.43-1.11, p = 0.143)). Ciprofol demonstrates comparable efficacy to propofol in general anesthesia for elderly patients, with an enhanced safety profile, making it a viable clinical alternative. Further well-designed large RCTs are required to substantiate its safety profile.

The efficacy and safety of remimazolam in painless colonoscopy: a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

Remimazolam is a new type of ultra-short-effect intravenous anesthetic, that may provide adequate sedation for endoscopy while causing less cardiovascular or respiratory disturbance than propofol. The aim of this clinical study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two different doses of remimazolam with propofol for sedation during colonoscopy. 225 subjects, aged 18 to 80 years, with American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I-III, were scheduled to undergo colonoscopy. All the subjects were randomly assigned to three groups, Low-Rem group (low dose remimazolam, 0.15 mg/kg, iv, n = 75), High-Rem group (high dose remimazolam, 0.2 mg/kg, iv, n = 75), and Propofol group (propofol 2 mg/kg, iv, n = 75). Every individual in this trial was given nalbuphine hydrochloride (0.2 mg/kg, iv) before administration of remimazolam or propofol. The primary outcome was the success rate of sedation. Haemodynamic parameters and adverse events were recorded to evaluate safety. Satisfaction of sedation from patients, anesthesiologists and gastroenterologists were also recorded. The success rate of colonoscopy procedure was 100% in both High-Rem and Propofol groups, but it was 89% in Low-Rem group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the induction time of anesthesia was shorter in Propofol group, when compared to the Low-Rem group and the High-Rem group (p < 0.05). The recovery time in Low-Rem group, High-Rem group, and Propofol group was 2.33, 2.43, and 3.21 min (p < 0.05) respectively, and the time of discharge was 25.00, 25.01, and 27.56 min (p < 0.05) respectively. Simultaneously, the incidence of adverse events such as hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression in the remimazolam groups were significantly lower than that in the propofol group. No significant differences were observed among the three groups in Ramsay scale, BPS-NI scale, and Limb movement classification. Moreover, patients, anesthesiologists, and gastroenterologists were all satisfied with the sedation process. Remimazolam can be used safely and effectively for colonoscopy. 0.2 mg/kg remimazolam and propofol have the same sedation success rate and more stable hemodynamics and fewer side effects than propofol. ChiCTR2100054053.

The relationship between endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in the process of adipose-derived stromal cells differentiating into astrocytes

ABSTRACT The potential of adult adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) to differentiate into astrocytes holds promise for future cell transplantation therapies. However, the growth of differentiated astrocytes is unstable, and their survival rate is low. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pathway mediated apoptosis is one of the causes of cell death, but whether there is ER stress response in the differentiation of ADSCs into astrocytes is still unclear. In this study, the expression of protein factors related to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis, including GRP78, ATF6, PERK, CHOP, Caspase12, and Caspase3, was detected in cells. It was found that the expression of ERS pro-survival factors was highest in the ADSCs group and decreased with prolonged induction time. Conversely, the expression levels of pro-apoptotic factors increased with the extension of induction time. Thus, ERS occurs during the differentiation of ADSCs into astrocytes, and ERS can mediate apoptosis of ADSC-derived astrocytes.

Effect of protein-phenolic acid complexes on ice cream structure and meltdown behavior

This study focused on understanding the effects of protein-phenolic acid complexes on structural changes and meltdown behavior in ice cream. Three phenolic acids (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, and gallic acid) at two concentrations (2 and 10 mg/g) were individually investigated. Compared to control ice cream, 2 and 10 mg/g phenolic acid increased the induction time for the first drip by 175–200% and 200–292%, respectively. Ice cream with gallic acid and vanillic acid at 10 mg/g exhibited the lowest meltdown rates compared to other treatments. Addition of phenolic acids caused reduction of ice cream pH (4.92–6.13), overrun (23.11–69.02%), consistency coefficient (9.47–175.56 Pa sn), and melting enthalpy (154,320–193,330 J/kg), while increasing the apparent viscosity (478.37–8770.17 mPa s), flow behavior index (0.42–0.62), and fat globule size (2.22–10.53 μm). Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of a model ice cream mix indicated the presence of protein-phenolic acid interactions. Microscope images of ice cream samples treated with SDS and EDTA further suggested that protein-phenolic acid interactions help create fat aggregation. These findings indicate that addition of phenolic acid to an ice cream mix affects its microstructure by generating protein-phenolic acid complexes that cause protein-mediated fat aggregation, altering the ice cream's viscosity properties and resulting in a lower meltdown rate.

Gypsum: From the Equilibrium to the Growth Shapes—Theory and Experiments

The gypsum crystals (CaSO4×2H2O) crystallizes in a low symmetry system (monoclinic) and shows a marked layered structure along with a perfect cleavage parallel to the {010} faces. Owing to its widespread occurrence, as a single or twinned crystal, here the gypsum equilibrium (E.S.) and growth shapes (G.S.) have been re-visited. In making the distinction among E.S. and G.S., in the present work, the basic difference between epitaxy and homo-taxy is clearly evidenced. Gypsum has also been a fruitful occasion to recollect the general rules concerning either contact or penetration twins, for free growing and for twinned crystals nucleating onto pre-existing substrates. Both geometric and crystal growth aspects have been considered as well, by unifying theory and experiments of crystallography and crystal growth through the intervention of βadh, the physical quantity representing the specific adhesion energy between gypsum and other phases. Hence, the adhesion energy allowed us to systematically use the Dupré’s formula. In the final part of the paper, peculiar attention has been paid to sediments (or solution growth) where the crystal size is very small, in order to offer a new simple way to afford classical (CNT) and non-classical nucleation (NCNT) theories, both ruling two quantities commonly used in the industrial crystallization: the total induction times (\({\text t_{\text{ind}}^{\text{total}}}\)) and crystal size distribution (CSD).

Direct enrichment through conventional and ultrasound-assisted maceration of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) oil with saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas as a natural antioxidant

The flavoring of vegetable edible oils (VEO) with extracts from aromatic plants improves their acceptance, oxidative stability, and nutritional value. This study investigates the direct enrichment of sunflower oil (SO) with saffron stigmas (SS) using both conventional maceration (CM) and ultrasound-assisted maceration (UAM) at different concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%). Antioxidant properties, oxidative stability, and quality indices were evaluated. SS exhibited high levels of phenolics (52.4 ± 0.6 mg of GAE/g DM), flavonoids (100 ± 2 mg of QE/g DM), and antioxidant activity (16.77 ± 0.27 mg of TE/g DM for ABTS and 55.0 ± 0.6 mg of TE/g DM for FRAP). The enriched oils demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant and stability levels compared to non-enriched oils. No significant differences were found in oxidative stability indices or Rancimat test results between CM (5.5 ± 0.3 h with 0.6% of SS) and UAM (5.4 ± 0.2 h with 0.6% of SS). The control oil exhibited the lowest induction time at 4.5 ± 0.2 h. However, UAM resulted in lower pigments content, with chlorophyll and carotenoid levels measuring of 0.15 ± 0.03 and 0.26 ± 0.04 mg/kg respectively, for 0.6% of SS. Antioxidant activity and oxidative stability were found to be dose-dependent. UAM effectively enhanced oil stability without affecting the fatty acid composition. By reducing processing time and eliminating the need for chemicals, this innovative method demonstrates that SS can be used directly as a natural antioxidant, particularly at a concentration of 0.6%, to improve the sunflower oil stability.

Continuous fluorescence-based quantitative antioxidant assay using vegetable oil as an oxidizable substrate

Several spectrophotometric assays, such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), are commonly used to assess antioxidant activity. However, these methods often lack real-world relevance as they do not inhibit autoxidation in actual food substrates. Although direct measurement of oxygen consumption or peroxide formation during inhibited autoxidation offers certain advantages, it is labor intensive and requires specialized equipment. In this study, we introduce a small-volume inhibited autoxidation approach that utilizes a standard microplate reader and a food-derived oxidizable substrate, specifically stripped sunflower oil (SSO), and styrene-conjugated BODIPY (STY-BODIPY) chromophores that oxidizes with the substrate, enabling straightforward monitoring of the reaction progress without interfering with it. The rate of initiation (Ri) was controlled by using azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) at 30 °C (Ri = 8.6 ± 0.5 × 10−10 M s−1) to accurately determine the rate constant of antioxidant reaction with peroxyl radicals (kinh). The method was standardized using the synthetic α-tocopherol analogue 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethyl-6-chromanol (PMC) as a reference antioxidant and was successfully applied to evaluate its synergistic interactions with γ-terpinene, quercetin, and caffeic acid. The rate constant for the reaction of peroxyl radicals with STY-BODIPY was determined, kST = 890 ± 52 M−1 s−1. Induction time (τ) of PMC increased in a concentration-dependent manner by the synergistic interactions of PMC/γ-terpinene, PMC/quercetin, and PMC/caffeic acid. The kinh value for PMC in SSO at 30 °C remained constant at 1.5 × 106 M−1 s−1. The validity of this approach was further confirmed using isothermal calorimetry, demonstrating its potential as a reliable and accessible tool for antioxidant testing in food systems.

Anesthesia Using Eugenol for Two Weight Classes of Piaractus mesopotamicus: Evaluation of Induction Time, Recovery Time, Behavioral Response and Serum Glucose

Aims: The use of anesthetics in fish ensures that they can undergo common handling in fish farming without causing damage to production. The aim of the present study was to determine the induction and recovery times of Piaractus mesopotamicus submitted to eugenol anesthesia. Study Design: 100 P. mesopotamicus were used, divided into two weight classes (Class I weighing between 275 and 460 grams; and Class II weighing between 461 and 680 grams). Methodology: The fish (n=10) were submitted to eugenol anesthesia in five dosages (50.0; 75.0; 100.0; 125.0 and 150.0 mg L−1) and the induction times to anesthesia and recovery to normal activity, as well as fish behavior during this stage. Results: There were statistical differences (p = .05) between anesthesia and fish recovery. For fish belonging to class I, the best dose to apply is 50 mg L−1, while for class II, the recommended dose is 75 mg L−1. Glucose was higher (p = .05) in animals submitted to a dose of 75 mg L−1 compared to those stunned at 50 mgL−1, but there was no effect between the other doses as well as between weight classes. Conclusion: Larger fish are induced to deep anesthesia and return to normal behavior before smaller fish. Considering the induction times to anesthesia and total recovery, it is recommended to use a dose of 50 mg L−1 for class I and 75 mg L−1 for class II.