Index Values Research Articles

Assessment of surface water quality in mining area: A case study of the southwest region of Burkina Faso

Mining activities, whether industrial or artisanal, are often responsible for the pollution of water resources, leading to significant degradation of water quality. This study aims to assess the quality of surface waters in three out of the four provinces of the South-Western region of Burkina Faso, an area known for its numerous mining sites. To evaluate the water quality in the study area and to assess the importance of each parameter in influencing this quality, we applied Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Indices (WAWQI) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. These analyses were based on data obtained from the measurement of various physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate) and heavy metals (total iron, manganese, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, zinc, arsenic) collected at the end of 2020. Samples were taken from a variety of sources: four rivers and five reservoirs. This approach provided a comprehensive assessment of the surface water quality in the study area. The results indicated that, of the twenty parameters analysed, only total iron consistently exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) standards across all samples, while bicarbonate exceeded the standard in three instances and calcium-phosphate in one. The water quality index values ranged from 8.18 to 165.85, with an average of 46.84. Only one river sampling point, situated at the Poni province (SW4 at Poniro River), exhibited "poor" water quality, while all other water bodies exhibited water quality ranging from "good" to "excellent." The dendrogram analysis confirmed this finding by showing that total iron is separated from the other parameters, highlighting its negative role in the deterioration of water quality, whereas the other parameters play a positive role.

The content and associated health risk assessment of toxic elements, micro-, and macrominerals in common carp, Wels catfish, and silver carp from the Danube River in Serbia.

Three fish species (common carp, Wels catfish, and silver carp) were collected from three locations along the Danube River in Serbia, and fish meat was analyzed for the content of toxic elements, micro- and macrominerals. Silver carp had the highest lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) content, while Wels catfish had the highest level of mercury (Hg). Moreover, metal pollution index (MPI) ranged from 0.1096 to 0.275 and among the fish, the silver carp had the highest MPI (from 0.21 to 0.28), indicating that it could be reliable bioindicator of river pollution. Maximum determined levels of As (0.1968mg/kg of w.w.), Hg (0.175mg/kg of w.w.), and Pb (0.0315mg/kg of w.w.) did not exceed values prescribed by the European Commission Regulation, Codex Alimentarius Commission, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and national regulations, but Cd in silver carp was at levels higher than prescribed (0.0808mg/kg of w.w.). Furthermore, our study's results showed that the target hazard quotient (THQ) of each analyzed element and hazard index (HI) were < 1, indicating that consumers would not be exposed to adverse health effects after consuming these fish species from the Danube River. Regarding target cancer risk (TR), for Pb this was below 10-6, which was regarded as negligible, while TRs for As and Cr were between 10-4 and 10-6, which was regarded as acceptable. Moreover, since the studied fish had low values of health risk indexes, it could be concluded that fish meat did not pose a significant risk to human health.

Toxic metal contamination in edible salts and its attributed human health risks: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sodium chloride, commonly referred to as table salt, is the most widely utilized seasoning in culinary applications. Nevertheless, the most of oral salts used contain impurities. Arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) are the most common impurities found in salt. In this meta-analysis, we examined the status of Pb, Hg, Cd, and As in the salt sample consumed in Iran. For this purpose, a complete search was carried out in English (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) and Persian (Scientific Information Database, IranMedex, and Magiran) electronic databases to identify related articles published by July 2024. In the present meta-analysis, twelve studies with a total number of 610 salt samples were included in the analyses. According to the findings, the pooled mean levels of Hg, Pb, As, and Cd were 0.06µg/g (95% CI: 0.04-0.08), 2.98µg/g (95% CI: 2.35-3.61), 0.42µg/g (95% CI: 0.19-0.66), and 0.71µg/g (95% CI: 0.76-1.04), respectively. The levels of Cd and Pb in rock salt are higher than those found in the sea and refined salt. The hazard index (HI) values were recorded as 0.41 (95% CI: 0.235 to 0.588) for men, 0.428 (95% CI: 0.246 to 0.614) for women, and 0.594 (95% CI: 0.341 to 0.853) for children. The results of the present study show higher levels of Pb and Cd in unrefined salt compared to refined salt. Additionally, the health risk associated with exposure to Cd, Pb, As, and Hg through salt consumption is negligible in Iranian adults.

Experimental study and model prediction of the influence of different factors on the mechanical properties of saline clay

Water conveyance channels in cold and arid regions pass through several saline-alkali soil areas. Canal water leakage exacerbates the salt expansion traits of such soil, damaging canal slope lining structures. To investigate the mechanical properties of saline clay, this study conducted indoor tests, including direct shear, compression, and permeation tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of soil samples from typical sites. This study aims to elucidate the impact of various factors on the mechanical properties of saline clay from a macro–micro perspective and reveal its physical mechanisms. A prediction model is formulated and validated. The findings indicate the following: (1) Cohesion in direct shear tests has a linear negative correlation with water content and a positive correlation with dry density and initially decreases with increasing salt content until 2%, after which it increases. The internal friction angle initially increases and then decreases with increasing water content, reaching a peak at the optimal water content, and then gradually increases with dry density while initially decreasing, followed by an increase in salt content, stabilizing thereafter. Water content, dry density, or salt content chiefly affect cohesion by influencing electrostatic attraction, van der Waals forces, particle cementation, and valence bonds at particle contact points. (2) Compression tests reveal a linear positive correlation between the compression coefficient and water content, a negative correlation with dry density, and a stepwise linear correlation with salt content, peaking at 2%. The compression index decreases with increasing water content and dry density, following a trend similar to that of the compression coefficient with increasing salt content. The rebound index shows a linear negative correlation with water content and dry density, transitioning from a negative to a positive correlation at 2% salt content. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed particle flattening and increased aggregation with increasing consolidation pressure, reducing compressibility. Large pores and three-dimensional porosity have the greatest influence on soil compressibility. (3) Permeability tests reveal an exponential negative correlation between the permeability coefficient and dry density. As the dry density increases, the particle arrangement becomes denser, decreasing the pore quantity, with micropores disproportionately impacting the permeability coefficient. An increase in salinity initially increases the permeability coefficient before it decreases. The boundary point of the 2% salt content divides the effect of salt ions from promoting free water flow to blocking seepage channels, with the proportion of micropores being the primary influencing factor. (4) Employing statistical theory and machine learning algorithms, dry density, water content, and salinity are used to predict mechanical index values. The improved particle swarm optimization-support vector regression (PSO-SVR) model has high accuracy and general applicability. These findings offer insights for the construction and upkeep of open channel projects in arid regions.

Treatment effect of head extension by cervical collar on moderate obstructive sleep apnea-A randomized controlled trial.

As available treatments in obstructive sleep apnea are all associated with side-effects or adherence problems, there is a need for alternative treatment options. In this randomized, open, parallel-group intervention study, the effect of head extension by cervical collar was evaluated in patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea. One-hundred patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea (apneas and hypopneas per estimated hours asleep = respiratory events index: 15-30) were randomized to either lifestyle intervention, or cervical collar in combination with lifestyle intervention. Both groups received lifestyle advice. In addition, the treatment group was treated with a cervical collar, which allows adjustment of head extension, during sleep. Assessment with questionnaires and polygraphy were performed at baseline and after 6 ± 2 weeks. A linear regression model was used to assess a total effect on respiratory events index, which was the primary endpoint. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the cervical collar in combination with lifestyle intervention group decreased their respiratory events index (p = 0.008) and oxygen desaturation index (p = 0.008) more than the lifestyle intervention group, with a mean difference of -4.5 and -4.3, respectively. In the sub-analysis, there was a clear effect on respiratory events index in the supine position (mean difference between the groups -9.1, p = 0.018) but not on non-supine apnea-hypopnea index (-2.3, p = 0.17). We conclude that head extension by cervical collar during sleep resulted in improved respiratory events index and oxygen desaturation index values in patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Cervical collar can be a second-line treatment option in this group, especially in positional obstructive sleep apnea.

On the Distribution of the Random Sum and Linear Combination of Independent Exponentiated Exponential Random Variables

The exponentiated exponential distribution has received great attention from many statisticians due to its popularity, many applications, and the fact that it is an efficient alternative to many famous distributions such as Weibull and gamma distributions. Many statisticians have studied the mathematical properties of this distribution and estimated its parameters under different censoring schemes. However, it seems that the distribution of the random sum, the distribution of the linear combination, and the value of the reliability index, R=P(X2&lt;X1), in the case of unequal scale parameters, were not known for this distribution. Therefore, in this article, we present the saddlepoint approximation to the distribution of the random sum, the distribution of linear combination, and the value of the reliability index R=P(X2&lt;X1) for exponentiated exponential variates. These saddlepoint approximations are computationally appealing, and numerical studies confirm their accuracy. In addition to the accuracy provided by the saddlepoint approximation method, it saves time compared to the simulation method, which requires a lot of time. Therefore, the saddlepoint approximation method provides an outstanding balance between precision and computational efficiency.

The Effect of Dietary Propylene Glycol on the Fatty Acid Composition of Three Fat Depots in Male Akkaraman Lambs.

This study tested the effects of propylene glycol (PG) on the fatty acid composition of Akkaraman lambs in three different anatomical depot locations (ADLs). Twenty-four lambs were assigned to a randomized complete block design comprising three groups of 8 animals as follows: Con, 1.5%, body weight (BW)0.75 (PG1.5) and 3% BW0.75 supplemental PG. The animals were slaughtered 90 days after the commencement of feeding. Tail, perirenal and back fat were collected, and their fatty acid compositions were analysed. PG was associated with lower levels of capric acid (C10:0) and lauric acid (C12:0), and higher levels of arachidic acid (C20:0), D-ɣ-linolenic acid (C20:3n6), behenic acid (C22:0), docosadienoic acid (C22:2n6), tyricosylic acid (C23:0) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3; p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001). The ADLs differed for all fatty acids except C12:0 and C14:0 (myristic acid). Perirenal fat had the highest SFA levels, while n6/n3 was higher in tail fat than in fat from the other ADLs (p<0.001). The high correlation of ∆9 C16 and ∆9 C18 index values with other sum and index values indicates that desaturation enzyme activity was elevated in the lambs' depot fats (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001). This suggests that perirenal fats have less favourable fatty acid compositions than the other ADLs.

Evaluation of placental growth factor, Vitamin D, and systemic inflammatory index as predictive biomarkers for preeclampsia severity: a retrospective cohort study

AimOur study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of Placental growth factor (PlGF), Vitamin D, and systemic inflammatory index for assessing preeclampsia risk and severity.Materials and methodsThis retrospective cohort study included 457 pregnant individuals who delivered at our hospital between March 2023 and October 2024. Participants were divided into three groups: control (n = 217), mild preeclampsia (n = 101), and severe preeclampsia (n = 67). A separate validation cohort (n = 72) was used to test model performance. Data on demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics, including PlGF, Vitamin D, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts, were collected between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the predictive power of PlGF, Vitamin D, lymphocyte count, and Pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV). The regression models adjusted for potential confounders, including maternal age, body mass index (BMI), and parity.ResultsIn the training cohort, significant differences were observed among control, mild, and severe preeclampsia groups, with severe cases showing elevated PIV (515.8 ± 126.7) and reduced levels of PlGF (12.5 ± 5.8 pg/mL) and Vitamin D (8.4 ± 1.9 ng/mL) compared to controls (P < 0.001). Logistic regression identified lower levels of PlGF (P < 0.001) and Vitamin D (P < 0.001) as significant independent risk factors for severe preeclampsia. PIV was also a strong predictor, showing a high hazard ratio (P < 0.001). In the training and validation cohorts, ROC analysis showed AUC values of 0.774 and 0.751 for PlGF, 0.805 and 0.796 for Vitamin D, 0.688 and 0.675 for Lymphocyte, and 0.724 and 0.752 for PIV, respectively, indicating strong predictive value for PlGF, Vitamin D, and PIV in assessing preeclampsia risk.ConclusionLower levels of PlGF and Vitamin D, along with higher PIV, were independently associated with an increased risk of severe preeclampsia. These findings suggest that PlGF, Vitamin D, and PIV are valuable biomarkers for early identification of high-risk preeclampsia patients, potentially aiding in timely intervention and improved outcomes.

EFFECT OF SYSTEMIC IMMUNE-INFLAMMATION INDEX ON MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE

OBJECTIVE: Peripheral artery disease ranks as the third leading cause of death and illness following coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease among atherosclerotic conditions, representing a significant health concern worldwide. Our study aims to explore the association between the systemic immune- inflammation index a combined marker of inflammation and aggregation and survival in patients with peripheral artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the medical records of 432 individuals diagnosed with peripheral artery disease between the years 2010 and 2020. The systemic immune-inflammation index was calculated based on platelet to lymphocyte ratios from the patients’ complete blood count tests, and the relationship between this index and mortality was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrate that the systemic immune- inflammation index is an independent predictor of mortality in peripheral artery disease. Statistical analyses have shown that higher values of the systemic immune-inflammation index (&amp;gt; 854), correlate with increased mortality in individuals with peripheral artery disease and type two diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.02, %95 GA: 0.98-1.04, p&amp;lt;0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the systemic immune-inflammation index is a significant determinant of survival in patients with peripheral artery disease. These results can enhance our understanding of the role of inflammation and immune response in the management of peripheral artery disease and may contribute to developing potential therapeutic strategies.

ASSESSMENT OF BODY COMPOSITIONS BY FOOT-TO-FOOT BIOELECTRIC IMPEDANCE AMONG CHILDREN WITH NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS

OBJECTIVE: In clinical practice, the use of foot-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in the assessment of body composition continues to increase. Its preference is primarily defined by its portability, simplicity, speed, and reliability. The present study aimed to evaluate body composition by BIA among children with neurological manifestations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometric measurements and body composition of 406 children attending the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic were analyzed, and the gender and groups were compared based on the diagnosis. RESULTS: Boys manifested lower values of weight, percentage body fat (%BF), fat percentile, fat mass, and Body mass index (BMI) but higher values of percentage total body water (%TBW) than girls [weight (p = 0.015), %BF (p&amp;lt;0.001), fat percentile (p = 0.001), fat mass (p&amp;lt;0.001), BMI (p = 0.006), and %TBW (p&amp;lt;0.001)]. Significant differences were determined among the groups except for weight standard deviation score (SDS) and height SDS (p&amp;lt;0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on body composition evaluation by foot-to-foot BIA, We may suggest that each neurological subgroup within the pediatric population demonstrates a distinct body composition. Therefore, evaluation of body composition will contribute to obtaining information about nutritional/hydration status..

Cytotoxic Effects Of Lecaniodiscus Cupanioides (Planch.) Extract and Triterpenoids-derived Gold Nanoparticles On MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

The prevalent disease known as breast cancer has a significant impact on both men's and women's health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the potential roles of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (planch.) extract and triterpenoid-derived gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in cancer therapy, specifically targeting MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized utilizing triterpenoid (ZJ-AuNPs) and leaf extract from Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (LC-AuNPs). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and UV-vis spectroscopy were employed to characterize the nanoparticles. Additionally, the MTT assay was used to assess the impact of AuNPs on cancer cell viability using MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Analysis of ZJ-AuNPs and LC-AuNPs revealed DLS zeta potentials of -31.8 and -35.8 mV, respectively, and a corresponding UV-vis absorption maxima at 540 and 550 nm. Also, the ZJ-AuNPs and LC-AuNPs had respective zeta-sizes that ranged from 25.84 to 35.98 nm and polydispersive index values between 0.2360 and 0.773.Furthermore, the presence of the chemical groups -OH and -NH was shown to be necessary for the green method of capping and reducing the gold nanoparticles. Nevertheless, a significant decrease in cell viability percentages was noted in the MTT experiment, accompanied by an increase in the quantity or concentration of the nanoparticles for both ZJ-AuNPs and LC-AuNPs. Given the data obtained in this study, the biosynthesized ZJ-AuNPs and LC-AuNPs were shown to possess potent cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells. Hence, they may be valuable tools in the development of new cancer chemotherapy drugs.

Production of sorbet with persimmon using green pea aquafaba: physicochemical characterization and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds

Abstract The purpose of this study was to valorize green pea cooking water (aquafaba) as a foaming agent in sorbet samples using with persimmon. Significant amount (22.34% ±1.22) of protein was determined in GPA (green pea aquafaba) at 10 Brix as a dry basis. GPA was added to the homogeneous puree mixture in varying concentrations (2.5, – 5, – 7.5, – 10 and 15%) and sorbet was produced in ice cream machine. The results showed that protein and dietary fiber content increased with the increasing of GPA. While the L value increased with increasing of GPA, the overrun improved from 8 to 51%. According to the experimental data, the Herschel–Bulkley model was fitted to samples, and the flow behavior index values varied between 0.29 and 0.37 (R 2 &gt; 0.97). Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (CUPRAC and DPPH) of the resulting sorbet samples were also determined. Moreover, bioaccessibility of phenolics and antioxidant activities were also determined using in vitro digestion. All of the bioactive parameters are positively affected at sorbet samples. Using GPA as a foaming agent improved the overrun as well as bioactive characteristics of the sorbets. It can be said that 10% GPA gives better results, especially when considering overrun and sensory evaluation.

GIS and remote sensing based assessment of West Rapti River channel migration in Nepal

Abrupt changes in climatic conditions trigger river channels to migrate laterally due to changes in surface water conditions. West Rapti River in the Terai, a flat geographic region of Nepal with high mountains and Chure Hill on the north, is highly susceptible to water-induced disasters. Geographical Information System and Remotely Sensed Imageries were used to analyze the spatio-temporal changes of West Rapti River between 1990 and 2023, to assess their impact within the approximately 53 km range of Deukhuri Valley (Dune Valley). Using freely available Landsat satellite imagery we extracted water surface features through the Normalized Difference Water Index and generated 27 cross-sections (CS) to track channel shift. Those cross-sections were generated in the gap of 2000 m using the River Bathymetry Toolkit (RBT) to assess the Sinuosity & Braiding Index of the river channel within the planform. This study found that river channels migrated laterally determined as significant shifts, notably 1.43 km towards the northeast within CS-23 and 0.72 km towards the south direction within CS-25 in the last 33 years. Nearly no shifting impact was observed from CS-12 to CS-17 showing embankment and mitigation efforts being effective within this range. The study shows the river is naturally multi-channeled and exhibits a braided pattern with sinuosity index values ranging from 1.02 to 1.38, indicating highly braided conditions during 2010 and 2015. The river channel was found to be driven by a high sediment deposit of about 15.35 Sq. km across the 53 km range. These results are crucial for formulating integrated river basin management plans in the West Rapti River basin laying the foundation for future research to explore sustainable river management practices in the future.

Artificial intelligence-assisted platform performs high detection ability of hepatocellular carcinoma in CT images: an external clinical validation study

BackgroundAccurate detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in multiphasic contrast CT is essential for effective treatment and surgical planning. However, the variety of CT images, the misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, and the inconsistent diagnosis among different radiologists pose challenges to accurate detection which demands sufficient clinical experience and can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.PurposeTo evaluate the detection performance of an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted platform for HCC by the external validation dataset.MethodsCT images pathologically diagnosed with HCC from December 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the detection ability of the AI-assisted platform. The AI-assisted platform is designed based on a two-phase segmentation approach, integrating coarse and fine segmentation techniques to accurately identify and delineate hepatic lesions. The CT images were annotated and confirmed by the experienced radiologists using InferScholar software as the “gold standard”. The automatic HCC segmentation performed by the AI-assisted platform was used to compare with the annotation of radiologists. Furthermore, we also did subgroup analysis depending on the size and location of HCC to explore the impact factors of HCC detectability. The segmentation accuracies were evaluated by Dice coefficient (Dice), accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score. Our study focused on evaluating the efficacy of the AI-assisted platform in clinical settings.ResultsOne Hundred Forty HCC patients were finally included in this study. The artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted platform’s performance was rigorously assessed by comparing the segmentation outcomes with standard diagnostic criteria. The average dice score of the AI-assisted platform is 0.8819, which showed a high detection performance for HCC. Besides, for the subgroup analysis, the model also demonstrated high performance in diameter greater than 20 mm with all results exceeding 0.9, and all final evaluation index values for the location analysis were consistently exceeding 0.97. All the results showed comparable performance with radiologists. Our results demonstrate that the product not only accurately segments HCC lesions but also provides valuable insights into lesion characteristics that are essential for effective treatment planning.ConclusionThis study validates the effectiveness of the artificial intelligence-assisted platform in detecting HCC lesions and analyzing lesion size and location. It can serve as an auxiliary tool to help radiologists identify, locate, and assess lesions.

Self Stretching Exercise Lebih Efektif Dibandingkan Mckenzie Exercise Dalam Mengurangi Keluhan Low Back Pain Non-Spesifik

Introduction: The activities of garment workers who work with repetitive movements over a long time can influence the emergence of musculoskeletal complaints, one of which is low back pain, which is non-specific. Low back pain non-specific complaints impact functional activities and affect workers' work. Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of the stretching exercise and McKenzie exercise in reducing pain and increasing functional activity in garment workers with non-specific low back pain. Methods: This type of research is experimental with a pre-test and post-test control group design. Treatment is given in 12 sessions over 4 weeks and carried out from April to May 2024. The research subjects were garment workers who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria with 22 people, divided into group I (n = 11 people) given the stretching exercise and group II (n = 11 people) given the McKenzie exercise. Results: The results of the difference test between groups I and II used the Mann-Whitney U test on the Visual Analog Scale (p &lt; 0.05) and Oswestry Disability Index values (p &lt; 0.05). Methods: It was concluded that self-stretching exercise was more effective than McKenzie exercise in reducing pain and increasing functional activity in garment workers with non-specific lower back pain

Study of the thermolysis process of copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate by thermovolumometric method

When studying mixtures of minerals, composites of complex composition, and selecting powder catalysts, problems often arise for which the small masses of samples used in thermogravimetry do not provide sample representativeness. This requires the use of other methods of analysis that allow the use of samples ten times larger in mass. The paper presents the results of a study of the thermolysis process of copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate using a thermovolumometric method. During the tests, a sealed container with the analyzed substance and a thermoelectric converter was placed in a tubular furnace. The gas released during thermolysis entered the bubbling tank through the capillary. SoundForge13 and TableCurve 2D programs were used to process experimental data. The sources of error in the thermovolumometric analysis technique are analyzed. Dependencies that can be used to improve its accuracy are given. It was revealed that the value of the repeatability index obtained as a result of assessing the repeatability of the method is 3 °C; in the range of densities of the evolved gases 1. 25 – 1. 43 kg/m3, the resolution of the method in terms of the mass of the substance is 12 – 13 μg. The results obtained can be used to determine the temperatures of phase transitions when studying processes occurring during heating of mineral compositions, as well as the temperatures of decomposition reactions of substances. The accuracy of measurements can be increased by careful sample preparation, reducing the heating rate of the sample and introducing corrections to the measurement result based on the obtained dependencies.

Olive Oil Quality Produced Under Conventional and Organic Farming Systems in a Multisite Two-Year Evaluation in Greece

Six olive groves (three conventional and three organic) of “Koroneiki” olive cultivar were selected in two different provinces in southern Greece during a two-year trial (one province per year). At harvest, the oil was extracted from olive fruits using an Abenchor-type olive mill. Olive oil quality characteristics, including free acidity, ultraviolet absorbance indexes, peroxide value, free fatty acids, total and individual phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and α-tocopherol content, were assessed. During the second year, olive oil samples were stored for 12 months, and their quality was re-evaluated. Few significant differences were observed between organically and conventionally produced olive oils, while the quality of both deteriorated significantly after storage (decrease in antioxidant capacity and major phenolic compounds, except for hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, and increase in peroxide index value). Principal component analysis revealed that, during the first year, oils produced following organic and conventional practices could be distinguished; however, this distinction was not evident during the second year. Nevertheless, significant differentiation was found between oils produced under the same cultivation practice. In conclusion, the discrepancies found in the literature regarding organic versus conventional olive oil properties probably originate from the differences detected even among similar products (organic or conventional), including high-standard deviations.

Potential of Bioactive Compounds In Coleus amboinicus, Lour., Leaves Against Breast Cancer By Assessment Using A Network Pharmacology Approach and Cytotoxic Test

Breast cancer is a disease that significantly contributes to global women death. The study aims to conduct in vitro activity testing and assessment with a bioinformatics approach using a pharmacological network of bioactive compounds from bangun-bangun (Coleus amboinicus) leaves extract as a breast cancer drug. The methods used are extraction of bioactive compounds by maceration and partition, identification and analysis of bioactive compounds using the Liquid Chromatography High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) instrument, cytotoxic testing of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and normal cells (CV-1) with the MTT method, and assessment with a bioinformatics approach through a network pharmacology. The results of the cytotoxic test of ethyl acetate extract provided better activity with IC50 value of 102.30 and 457.09 µg/mL against MCF-7 cancer cells and CV-1 normal cells. The selectivity index value of 4.23 indicates the potential for further development in the treatment of breast cancer. The results of the analysis of chemical compound content show various types of potential bioactive compounds as breast cancer anticancer; assessment of the bioinformatics approach through networks pharmacology with pathways in cancer provides predictions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein as the main therapeutic mechanism target in breast cancer treatment. This study provides initial information for further research on testing and utilizing bioactive compounds from C. amboinicus leaves as an alternative treatment for breast cancer.

Natural Compounds and Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors: A Combined Approach Against mCRPC Cells

Background: Sodium butyrate (NaBu), a short-chain fatty acid, modulates global gene expression through histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition, suppressing proliferation and inducing apoptosis in various cancers. Rutin (RUT), a polyphenolic flavonoid found in many plants, exhibits notable anticancer properties. Combining chemotherapeutic agents with natural polyphenols represents a promising strategy for cancer therapy. This study aims to evaluate, for the first time, the potential effects of NaBu and RUT combination therapy on metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells. Methods: PC-3 cells were treated with varying concentrations of NaBu, RUT, and their combinations. Cell viability was assessed using the WST-1 assay. Based on combination index values, selected treatments were further analyzed for apoptosis (Annexin V assay), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mRNA expression levels, and changes in cell and nuclear morphology. Results: The combined treatment of NaBu and RUT significantly reduced cell viability compared to individual treatments. Enhanced apoptotic induction and elevated ROS levels were observed in combination-treated cells, alongside notable changes in cellular and nuclear morphology and mRNA expression levels. Conclusions: NaBu and RUT combination therapy exhibits a synergistic anticancer effect in mCRPC cells by inhibiting cell viability, inducing apoptosis, and increasing ROS production. These findings suggest a promising therapeutic approach that warrants further investigation to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and assess its potential in preclinical and clinical settings.

Unraveling dolomite dissolution stoichiometry in circumneutral to alkaline pH environments

Abstract Examining carbonate dissolution kinetics at mineral-water interface is crucial to understand numerous environmental and geochemical processes, including global carbon cycling, CO2 sequestration in deep geological reservoirs, and trace elements release in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Here we explored the effect of circumneutral to alkaline pH solutions (pH 6–11) on dissolution kinetics of pure dolomite and Ca and Mg release stoichiometry in flow-through reactor experiments at 25 ± 1 °C. Results revealed that the dolomite dissolution rates obtained from effluent Ca and Mg concentrations (RCa and RMg in mol/cm2/s) were dependent on input solution pH and HCO3 − log activity. The pH dependence of dissolution rates showed two distinct trends, i.e., at circumneutral pH ranging between 6 and 8, the dissolution rate decreased with increasing pH, with minimum rate at pH 8. While in the highly alkaline pH range (pH 9–11), the dolomite dissolution rate increased with an increasing pH. Irrespective of the input pH, the dolomite dissolution rates indicated a reverse relationship with HCO3 − log activity, with the lowest dissolution rate (RCa = 3.80 × 10–12 mol/cm2/s) at pH 8 where HCO3 − log activity attained the highest value (− 3.957). The lower RCa and RMg obtained at pH 8 compared to all the other pH could possibly be attributed to an inhibition caused by high HCO3 − log activity in solution at this pH. Dolomite dissolution rates were non-stoichiometric at all the experimental pH values, showing higher preferential Ca over Mg release (RCa &gt; RMg) whereas an opposite trend was observed at pH 8, with RCa &lt; RMg at the steady state. Saturation index values calculated using geochemical speciation modelling were positive for Mg-bearing minerals (brucite, dolomite, artinite) at alkaline pH of 10–11, indicating favourable conditions for their precipitation under studied conditions. This study provides insights on the significance of log ion activities of HCO3 − and Me-OH+ under varying pH for elucidating the dissolution mechanism of dolomite in circumneutral to alkaline aqueous environments.