Values Of0 Research Articles

Inhalation exposure to toxic heavy metals in nail salon technicians and health risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulation

Objective Nail salons offer a developing and diverse occupation for many women, especially the new generation. Due to the increasing apprehension surrounding heavy metals in dust caused by filing nails containing dried nail polish, the present study was designed aimed to health risk assessment of heavy metals in breathing zone of nail salon technicians (NSTs). Methods This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in NSTs. The concentration of Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr) and Manganese (Mn)in breathing zone of 20 NSTs was determined using ICP-OES. Results The metal concentrations were in the following order: Mn > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cd with corresponding arithmetic mean values of0.008, 0.0023, 0.0021, 0.001 and 0.0006 mg m−3, respectively, which are exceeded the recommended levels stated in the indoor air guidelines. The average lifetime carcinogenic risk (LCR) for Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb was calculated 0.0084, 0.00054, 0.00026 and 1.44 E − 05, respectively. The LCR values of all metals (except Pb) exceeded the acceptable level set by the USEPA. The mean of Hazard quotients (HQ) for Mn, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb were calculated to be23.7, 4.74, 2.19, 0.51 and 0.0.24, respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed that, the exposure frequency (EF) for Cr and Ni had the strong effects on generation of both LCR and HQ. Furthermore, the concentrations of Mn, Cd and Pb had strong impacts on the HQ generation and the concentration of Cd and Pb had main effects on LCR generation. Conclusion To effectively reduce pollutant concentration, it is recommended to install a ventilation system near nail salon work tables and conduct continuous monitoring and quality control of nail products.

BIOACCUMULATION OF COMMONLY DETECTED METALS IN THE SILVER CATFISH (CHRYSICHTHYS NIGRODIGITATUS) COLLECTED FROM MAKOKO RIVER, LAGOS NIGERIA

This study investigated the bioaccumulation of selected essential and non essentialmetals in the silver catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) collected from Makoko River,dead end of the Lagos Lagoon. Concentrations of Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb) and Calcium(Ca) were found to be higher in liver of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus with mean valuesof 34.52± 6.52 mg kg-1, 1.02± 0.16 mg kg-1and 63.45± 8.62 mg kg-1respectivelycompared to concentrations detected in its gills with mean values of 32.64± 5.71 mgkg-1, 0.10± 0.01 mg kg-1 and 41.58± 6.56 mg kg-1 respectively. While concentrationsof Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Magnesium (Mg) were found to be higher in itsgills with mean values of 2.09±1.61 mg kg-1, 1.79±1.84 mg kg-1, and 12.84±11.90 mgkg-1respectively compared to concentrations detected in its liver with mean values of0.74±0.53 mg kg-1, 1.79±0.94 mg kg-1 and 8.36± 4.67 mg kg-1 respectively. Theconcentrations of the metals in the tissues were found to be higher than respectiveconcentrations detected in water or sediments of the fish habitat indicative ofbioaccumulation. Concentrations of light metals Ca and Mg were also observed to behigher than concentrations of heavy metals Fe, Pb, Cu and Mn in the tissues of thefish species. Bioaccumulation of metals in tissue of edible fish species can havedeleterious effects on nutritional values of the fish and also pose a public healththreat to final consumers. The need for continuous monitoring of levels of harmfulpollutants in water bodies and edible aquatic species supported.

In vitro sensitivity of Colletotrichum acutatum isolates from strawberry to tebuconazole, prochloraz, fludioxonil and thiophanate-methyl

The objective of this study was to determine the Colletotrichum acutatum isolates sensitivity to several chemical compounds in vitro and to find their possibilities as a potential control agents for anthracnose disease on strawberry. C. acutatum J.H. Simmonds, a causing agent of anthracnose, is a very important pathogen of strawberry, which leads to devastating losses in its production. The pathogen is effectively controlled by the fungicides. Thus their application is necessary for achieving high yield and fruit quality. The sensitivity of 14 isolates of C. acutatum, collected from commercial strawberry plantations in Serbia, to four fungicides, was examined by an in vitro sensitivity assay. Based on the results of morphological, pathogenic and molecular characterization (up to the complex level), all 14 isolates were determined as C. acutatum. The commercial formulation of tebuconazole, fludioxonil, prochloraz and thiophanate-methyl were used for the sensitivity test. The mycelial growth assay method was used to investigate isolates sensitivity to fungicides. The tested isolates were very sensitive to prochloraz and fludioxonil, with mean EC50 values of 0.067?0.062 mg L-1 and 0.093?0.043 mg L-1, respectively. Significantly higher mean EC50 values were observed for tebuconazole (1.473?0.878 mg L-1) and thiophanate-methyl (1.718?1.592 mg L-1). The toxicity of tested fungicides in the mycelial growth assay of C. acutatum isolates indicates the potential implementation of these fungicides in the protection programs against strawberry anthracnose disease.

RP-HPLC Method Development and Validation for Simultaneous Estimation of Thymoquinone and Curcumin in Dosage form

Aim: The aim of work is to develop and validate simple, specific, accurate, precise HPLC method for the estimation of Curcumin (CUR) and Thymoquinone (THQ) simultaneously in bulk and its formulation as per ICH guidelines for analytical method development and validation.
 Study Design: Developing RP-HPLC method using C-18 Inertsil column and optimization of variables for estimation of Thymoquinone and Curcumin in bulk and formulation.
 Place and Duration of Study: The present work was carried out at Shri D. D. Vispute College of Pharmacy and Research Center, Panvel in year 2021.
 Methodology: The RP-HPLC method was developed with an isocratic condition of mobile phase comprising acetonitrile and water in a ratio of (82:18) v/v, at a flow rate of 0.9 mL/minute over Inertsil ODS, 250× 4.6 mm, 5 µm column, at 30°C column oven temperature. Photodiode array at 256 nm was used for detection
 Results: Retention time for curcumin and thymoquinone was found to be 3.5 and 4.3 mins respectively. The method showed excellent linear response in concentration range of 4-18 µg/mland 10-45 µg/mlfor thymoquinone and curcuminrespectively with correlation coefficient (R2) values of0.999 for both. System precision and method precision studies were less than the maximum allowable limit percentage of relative standard deviation ≤ 2.0 i.e., 1.61 % and 1.62 % for curcumin and 0.47 % and 0.42 % for thymoquinone respectively. Mean % Recovery for both the drugs were within acceptance limits. The developed and validated HPLC method is simple, accurate, precise and suitable for analysis as all the results were within acceptance criteria.
 Conclusion: The developed RP-HPLC method at single wavelength was validated according to ICH guideline with respect to system suitability, specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness and can be used for routine quality monitoring of drug in pharmaceutical dosage form.

Relationship between El-Niño southern oscillation and rainfall in Sudano-Sahelian Region of Northern Nigeria

El Nino Southern-Oscillation (ENSO) refers to the cycle of coherent and sometimes very strong variations in the sea surface temperature (SST), convective rainfall, surface pressure and atmospheric circulation across the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The research investigated the relationship between ENSO and rainfall across the Sudano-Sahelian region of northern Nigeria. Rainfall data for seven (7) locations were sourced from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) covering the period from 1950 to 2019 and El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) data which comprised of Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) covering the same period. The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) data was obtained from National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Centre. A bivariate correlation analysis between rainfall and SOI were computed for all the seven locations to determine the relationship between ENSO and Sudano-Sahelian rainfall. The result shows a significant relationship for Potiskum, Maiduguri and Katsina with correlation coefficient (r) values of 0.25, 0.26 and 0.27 respectively while Kano Gusau Nguru and Sokoto show no significant relationship. It is therefore concluded that there is no strong relationship between rainfall and ENSO in Sudano-Sahelian part of northern Nigeria. It is recommended that further research could be carried out to investigate the influence of ENSO on other climate parameters such as temperature, humidity and evapotranspiration in the study area.

Physical and chemical properties of black carbon and organic matter from different combustion and photochemical sources using aerodynamic aerosol classification

Abstract. The physical and chemical properties of black carbon (BC) and organic aerosols are important for predicting their radiative forcing in the atmosphere. During the Soot Aerodynamic Size Selection for Optical properties (SASSO) project and a EUROCHAMP-2020 transnational access project, different types of light-absorbing carbon were studied, including BC from catalytically stripped diesel exhaust, an inverted flame burner, a colloidal graphite standard (Aquadag) and controlled flaming wood combustion. Brown carbon (BrC) was also investigated in the form of organic aerosol emissions from wood burning (pyrolysis and smouldering) and from the nitration of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) proxies produced in a photochemical reaction chamber. Here we present insights into the physical and chemical properties of the aerosols, with optical properties presented in subsequent publications. The dynamic shape factor (χ) of BC particles and material density (ρm) of organic aerosols was investigated by coupling a charging-free Aerodynamic Aerosol Classifier (AAC) with a Centrifugal Particle Mass Analyzer (CPMA) and a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). The morphology of BC particles was captured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For BC particles from the diesel engine and flame burner emissions, the primary spherule sizes were similar, around 20 nm. With increasing particle size, BC particles adopted more collapsed/compacted morphologies for the former source but tended to show more aggregated morphologies for the latter source. For particles emitted from the combustion of dry wood samples, the χ of BC particles and the ρm of organic aerosols were observed in the ranges 1.8–2.17 and 1.22–1.32 g cm−3, respectively. Similarly, for wet wood samples, the χ and ρm ranges were 1.2–1.85 and 1.44–1.60 g cm−3, respectively. Aerosol mass spectrometry measurements show no clear difference in mass spectra of the organic aerosols in individual burn phases (pyrolysis or smouldering phase) with the moisture content of the wood samples. This suggests that the effect moisture has on the organic chemical profile of wood burning emissions is through changing the durations of the different phases of the burn cycle, not through the chemical modification of the individual phases. In this study, the incandescence signal of a Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2) was calibrated with three different types of BC particles and compared with that from an Aquadag standard that is commonly used to calibrate SP2 incandescence to a BC mass. A correction factor is defined as the ratio of the incandescence signal from an alternative BC source to that from the Aquadag standard and took values of 0.821 ± 0.002 (or 0.794 ± 0.005), 0.879 ± 0.003 and 0.843 ± 0.028 to 0.913 ± 0.009 for the BC particles emitted from the diesel engine running under hot (or cold idle) conditions, the flame burner and wood combustion, respectively. These correction factors account for differences in instrument response to BC from different sources compared to the standardised Aquadag calibration and are more appropriate than the common value of 0.75 recommended by Laborde et al. (2012b) when deriving the mass concentration of BC emitted from diesel engines. Quantifying the correction factor for many types of BC particles found commonly in the atmosphere may enable better constraints to be placed on this factor depending on the BC source being sampled and thus improve the accuracy of future SP2 measurements of BC mass concentrations.

EFFECT OF CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ON PERFORMANCE OF MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of customer Relationship management strategies on performance of Medium Enterprises.
 Methodology: The researcher used descriptive research design. The study site is at Kiambu County, where researcher is expected to collect data from different 5 heads of department of 40 medium enterprises. Data shall be collected using self - administered Questionnaires since the found extensive knowledge in the market hence dropped the interview. The researcher employed SPSS version 24.00 to analyze descriptive statistic. The result was presented using tables and chart.
 Results: The study established that Customer Retention, Technology Infrastructure and Customer Experience positively and significantly affects performance of MSE's as shown by beta values of 0.449, 0.269 and 0.357andsignificant values of0.000, 0.013 and 0.001 respectively. Customer Intimacy was found to positively but insignificantly affects performances of MSE's. The results implies that increasing each of the independent variable with one unit increases performance of MSE's with associated beta values. The study concludes that Customer Retention, Technology Infrastructure, Customer Experience and Customer Intimacy positively affects performances of MSE's to positive levels.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that management of MSE's to enhance Customer Retention practices, Technology Infrastructure, Customer Experience practices and Customer Intimacy since the practices positively affects performances of the enterprises. Further research recommends in order to enhance retention firm should consider the following strategies, open communication policies, Corroborative or business partnering strategies and production innovation strategy. On second pillar(technology) the study recommends that firms should integrate technology with their good and service. On third pillar(customer experience) the study recommends that firm should support the customers throughout consumption process ,implement user defined product approach and implement J.I.T system. On the last pillar study recommends that firm should be customer centric when innovate product, open communication and organize met up's. Furthermore more the study recommends further comparative study on other counties; CRM practice and their effect on performance and remaining 50.6% out of 1006% CRM strategies accounted by other indicators not included in this study.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial and Insecticidal Properties of Daucus Gracilis Steinh Flowers Essential Oil.

Daucus gracilis Steinh belongs to the Apiaceae family. The flowers of this plant have been used by the population of western Algeria for the treatment of mouth ulcers. However, very few studies exist concerning the biological properties of essential oil of Daucus gracilis Steinh flowers. The purpose of this work was to study the chemical composition of the essential oil of Daucus gracilis flowers and to evaluate their antimicrobial, insecticidal and anti-inflammatory properties. The distilled essential oil was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was evaluated using two methods i) diffusion method, and ii) micro dilution technique. The insecticidal activity of essential oil was evaluated against adults of Tribolium confusum by fumigant test. The in vitro assessment of the anti-inflammatory property of essential oil was assessed by the protein denaturation method. Daucus gracilis flowers essential oil mainly represented oxygenated monoterpenes such as geranyl acetate (18.3%), lavandulyl acetate (15.2%), lavandulyl isobutyrate (13.6%) and citronellyl isobutyrate (6.8%). According to the results of antimicrobial activity, the essential oil of flowers presented prominent inhibitory action against Aspergillus flavus (0.06 μg/mL), followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia faecalis, Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans with MIC values of 0.125 μg/mL. The Daucus gracilis essential oil flowers proved to be very biocidal toward adults of Tribolium confusum; mortality of 100% of the population was noted with a dose of 2 μl/L air after 24 hours of exposure. Furthermore, the oil has shown a very good inhibition of protein denaturation comparable to Diclofenac at a concentration of 30 μL/mL. Daucus gracilis essential oil can be used as a pharmacological tools for inflammatory, antimicrobial and insecticidal properties.

Effects of decabromodiphenyl ether on glucose and lipid metabolism and adipocyte factors in C57BL/6 mice

To investigate the effect of decabromodiphenyl ether(BDE-209) on glucose and lipid metabolism and adipocytokines in mice. A total of 36 adult male C57 BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, 1000, 800, 600, 450 and 300 mg/kg groups and the control group, with 6 in each group. 60 days after gavage, fasting overnight, the mice were killed and the corresponding test materials were taken. Using an automatic biochemical analyzer to detect triglycerides(TG), total cholesterol(cholesterol, TC), low-density lipoprotein(LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein(HDL-C). Detected rat fasting blood glucose(FBG) with Roche blood glucose meter. Observed the morphological changes of mouse liver tissue using HE staining. Determined leptin(LEP), the mRNA and protein expression levels of adiponectin(ADP) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors(PPAR)-γ with Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The levels of fasting serum lisulin(FINS), insulin sensitivity index(ISI), ADP and HDL-C in the serum of the BDE-209 exposure group decreased(P& lt; 0. 05). The levels of FBG, LEP, TC, TG and LDL-C in the serum of the BDE-209 exposure group increased(P& lt; 0. 05). mRNA and protein expression levels of LEP and PPAR-γ in the liver increased(P& lt; 0. 05), and ADP mRNA and protein expression levels decreased(P& lt; 0. 05). Adipocyte factor LEP was positively correlated with the content of FBG, TG, TC and LDL-C, with r values of 0. 775, 0. 767, 0. 716 and 0. 812(P& lt; 0. 05), and negatively correlated with FINS and HDL-C, with r values of-0. 919 and-0. 817(P& lt; 0. 05). ADP was positively correlated with FINS and HDL-C, with r values of 0. 824 and 0. 832(P& lt; 0. 05), and negatively correlated with FBG, TG, TC and LDL-C, with r values of-0. 883, -0. 686, -0. 704 and-0. 772, respectively(P& lt; 0. 05). BDE-209 exposure to each dose group could change the morphology of mouse liver tissue to a certain extent. Decabromodiphenyl ether can disturb the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Among them, the disorder in the high and high dose groups of BDE-209 is more obvious. The low dose of BDE-209 can also change the morphology of liver tissue.

Can Risk Stratification Based on Ultrasound Elastography of Background Liver Assist CEUS LI-RADS in the Diagnosis of HCC?

ObjectiveTo explore whether risk stratification based on ultrasound elastography of liver background assists contrast-enhanced ultrasound liver imaging reporting and data system (CEUS LI-RADS) in diagnosing HCC.Materials and MethodsIn total, 304 patients with focal liver lesions (FLLs) confirmed by pathology underwent CEUS and ultrasound elastography were included in this retrospective study. Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB, n=193) and non-CHB (n=111) were stratified by four liver stiffness measurement (LSM) thresholds. A LI-RADS category was assigned to FLLs using CEUS LI-RADS v2017. The diagnostic performance was assessed with the AUC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV.ResultsThe mean background liver stiffness of HCC patients with CHB, HCC patients without CHB and non-HCC patients without CHB were 9.72 kPa, 8.23 kPa and 4.97 kPa, respectively. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity and PPV of CEUS LI-RADS for HCC in CHB patients with LSM ≥ 5.8 kPa, ≥ 6.8 kPa, ≥ 9.1 kPa, and ≥ 10.3 kPa were high, with corresponding values of 0.745 to 0.880, 94.2% to 95.3%, 81.3% to 85.7%, and 98.1% to 98.8%, respectively. Higher AUC and specificity for HCC was observed in non-CHB patients with LSM ≥ 9.1 kPa and ≥ 10.3 kPa compared to non-CHB patients with LSM ≥ 5.8 kPa and ≥ 6.8 kPa, with corresponding values of0.964/1.000 vs 0.590/0.580, and 100%/100% vs 60%/70%, respectively.ConclusionCEUS LI-RADS has a good diagnostic performance in CHB patients regardless of the background liver stiffness. Furthermore, CEUS LI-RADS can be applied for non-CHB patients with a LSM ≥ 9.1 kPa.

Relationship between perirenal adipose tissue neuropeptide Y and insulin resistance in nutritional transition model

To observe the changes of neuropeptide Y(NPY) expression in perirenal adipose tissue and its relationship with insulin resistance in the nutritional transition models of refeeding after calorie restriction. SPF Male SD rats, aged 8 weeks, were randomly divided into normal chow group and refeeding with normal chow after calorie restriction for 4 weeks group. NPY gene expression in perirenal adipose tissue were detected by real-time quantitative PCR at the end of 4 and 12 weeks, along with fasting plasma glucose, fasting serum lisulin, free fatty acids and average glucose infusion rate(GIR_(60-120)) of hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp test for 60-120 minutes. NPY gene mRNA expression in perirenal adipose tissue was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. And the relationship between NPY gene expression and insulin resistance was detected by Spearman correlation analysis. The expression level of NPY gene in perirenal adipose tissue in caloric restriction for 4 weeks group was significantly increased by calorie restriction(P<0. 01). After refeeding, the expression level of NPY gene in refeeding with normal group was still slightly increased, which was significantly higher than that in normal group at the end of the experiment(P<0. 01). The levels of fasting plasma glucose and fasting insulin in caloric restriction for 4 weeks group decreased slightly, GIR_(60-120) increased slightly, but there were no statistical differences compared with normal group(P>0. 05), but free fatty acid levels increased significantly(P<0. 01). After refeeding, the levels of fasting insulin, free fatty acid in refeeding with normal group increased significantly, GIR_(60-120) decreased evidently(P<0. 01), but the changes of fasting blood glucose were not obvious. The result of stepwise regression showed that the expression level of NPY gene in perirenal adipose tissue was closely related to GIR_(60-120) and fasting insulin, with R values of-0. 816 and 0. 789 respectively(R~2=0. 892, P<0. 01). The result of correlation analysis showed that in the 4-week group, the mRNA expression level of NPY gene in perirenal adipose tissue was closely related to GIR_( 60-120)、fasting insulin and free fatty acid, with R values of-0. 765, 0. 716 and 0. 657 respectively(P<0. 01). In the 12 week group, the mRNA expression level of NPY gene in perirenal adipose tissue was closely related to GIR_(60-120), fasting insulin and free fatty acid, with R values of-0. 853, 0. 622 and 0. 608 respectively(P<0. 01). The mRNA expression of NPY gene in perirenal adipose tissue was closely related to indicators of insulin resistance. It is an important factor affecting insulin sensitivity.

Effect of Liquid Smoke Extract on the Oxidative Stability, Benzopyrene and Sensory Quality of Calabrese Sausage

Background:Liquid smokes treatment eliminated most problems associated to the traditional method, besides providing uniformity of flavour and colour in meat products.Objective:This work evaluate the effects of liquid smoke treatment in the oxidative stability and content benzo(a)pyrenes, compared to the traditional smoking treatment in Sausage type Calabrese.Methods:Samples treated with liquid smoke were evaluated every 7 days, during 28 days of storage at 20°C.Results:High lipid oxidation was observed in runs increased by liquid smoke dilution (1:3) at 28 days of storage. The product was characterized as moderately rancid, with malonaldehyde values of 0.44 mgMA.kg-1. Concentrations of benzo(a)pyrenes in sausages with liquid and traditional smoke treatment were less than 0.12 and 0.19 μg.kg-1, respectively.Conclusion:In this way, the use of liquid and traditional smoke with temperature control ~300°C for a smoke generation are promising and safe approaches for obtaining low levels of benzo(a)pyrenes, lipids and protein oxidation in Sausage type Calabrese.

Lepidine B from Lepidium sativum Seeds as Multi-Functional Anti- Alzheimer’s Disease Agent: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

The present study is carried out to screen the anticholinesterase effect of the total alkaloids of L. sativum seeds and other plants, and studied the ability of Lepidine B & E to inhibit AChE, BuChE, BACE, and MAGL. Hence, determining the main interactions in the inhibitorenzyme complex. Inhibitory effect of Lepidium sativum, Juniperus phoenicea and Juniperus oxycedrus extracts on acetylcholinesterase using the Ellman method was investigated with Donepezil as the positive control. A molecular docking study is achieved using Autodock Vina. The structures of target molecules Lepidine B & E and the four enzymes were obtained from the PubChem database and Protein databank. Alkaloidal extract of Lepidium sativum and ethyl acetate extracts of Juniperus phoenicea and Juniperus oxycedrus exhibit a strong acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 0.59 ± 0.04, 0.57 ± 0.00 and 0.49 ± 0.00 mg/mL, respectively using Donepezil <0.25 mg/mL as a positive control. The major components of alkaloids of L. sativum, Lepidine B & E bind tightly to AChE and BuChE as much as galantamine and donepezil. We suggest that Lepidine B is a noncompetitive inhibitory by interacting with PAS of AChE and BuChE, therefore it is capable to prevent the HuAChE-induced Aβ aggregation. All the complexes of Lepidine B &E with the four enzymes show significant, several and different interactions. Our current study indicates that Lepidine B & E are promising anti-AD drugs and might become drug candidates to prevent Alzheimer's disease due to their multiple roles as potent inhibitors for AChE, BuChE, BACE, and MAGL. Indeed, they could inhibit Aβ fibrillogenesis. No previous results about the inhibitory effect of Lepidine B & E on the AChE, BuChE, β secretase, and monoacylglycerol lipase were reported.

A study of the characterization of CdS/PMMA nanocomposite thin film

Nanocomposites of polymer material based on CdS as fillermaterial and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) as host matrix havebeen fabricated by chemical spray pyrolysis method on glasssubstrate. CdS particles synthesized by co-precipitation route usingcadimium chloride and thioacetamide as starting materials andammonium hydroxide as precipitating agent. The structure isexamined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), the resultant film hasamorphous structure. The optical energy gap is found to be (4.5,4.06) eV before and after CdS addition, respectively. Electricalactivation energy for CdS/PMMA has two regions with values of0.079 and 0.433 eV.

On the spectral depolarisation and lidar ratio of mineral dust provided in the AERONET version 3 inversion product

Abstract. Knowledge of the particle lidar ratio (Sλ) and the particle linear depolarisation ratio (δλ) for different aerosol types allows for aerosol typing and aerosol-type separation in lidar measurements. Reference values generally originate from dedicated lidar observations but might also be obtained from the inversion of AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) sun/sky radiometer measurements. This study investigates the consistency of spectral Sλ and δλ provided in the recently released AERONET version 3 inversion product for observations of undiluted mineral dust in the vicinity of the following major deserts: Gobi, Sahara, Arabian, Great Basin, and Great Victoria. Pure dust conditions are identified by an Ångström exponent &lt;0.4 and a fine-mode fraction &lt;0.1. The values of spectral Sλ are found to vary for the different source regions but generally show an increase with decreasing wavelength. The feature correlates to AERONET, retrieving an increase in the imaginary part of the refractive index with decreasing wavelength. The smallest values of Sλ=35–45 sr are found for mineral dust from the Great Basin desert, while the highest values of 50–70 sr have been inferred from AERONET observations of Saharan dust. Values of Sλ at 675, 870, and 1020 nm seem to be in reasonable agreement with available lidar observations, while those at 440 nm are up to 10 sr higher than the lidar reference. The spectrum of δλ shows a maximum of 0.26–0.31 at 1020 nm and decreasing values as wavelength decreases. AERONET-derived δλ values at 870 and 1020 nm are in line with the lidar reference, while values of 0.19–0.24 at 440 nm are smaller than the independent lidar observations by a difference of 0.03 to 0.08. This general behaviour is consistent with earlier studies based on AERONET version 2 products.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF HYDROLYSATES ORIGINATED FROM SOYBEAN AND SOY MILK RESIDUE

Soybean (Glycine max) and soy milk residue (okara) are protein-rich materials. Soybean possesses the highest protein content among different types of beans (protein content of soybean varies from 40–42 %). Soy milk residue, a by-product of the soy milk manufacturing industry, contains approximately 27 % protein (by dry weight). A number of recent studies have investigated the improvement of functional properties of protein contained in soybean and okara by fermentation or by the use of proteolytic enzymes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activities of soybean and okara hydrolysates obtained by the fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae or by using proteolytic enzymes (neutrase and flavourzyme). DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to determine the antioxidant activities of hydrolysates. The concentration of peptides required to scavenge DPPH radical by 50 % (IC50 value) was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of peptides produced obtained from hydrolysates. The results showed that when fermented with A. oryzae, the okara hydrolysate had higher antioxidant activity than the soybean hydrolysate, with IC50 values of 0.447 mg/ml and 3.95 mg/ml, respectively. The hydrolyzed okara obtained from hydrolysis using Neutrase had higher antioxidant activity than the one obtained from hydrolysis using Flavourzyme, with IC50 values of0.200 mg/ml and 0.407 mg/ml, respectively. Different peptide fractions obtained from the hydrolysates using cut-off membrane (10 kDa, 3 kDa and 1 kDa) possessed different antioxidant activities. The &lt; 1 kDa peptide fraction exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 0.158 mg/ml.

Effect of the Disease Management Program on HbA1c Value in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Retrospective Comparison between Disease Management Programs and Standard Care

Background This retrospective study aims to measure the effect of the disease management program (DMP) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients on HbA1c value within Germany. Methods This study is based on patient data from the Disease Analyzer panel (IMS Health). An adequate control group was created using 2:1 propensity score matching. After matching, the analysis included 14 759 patients. Of these, 5875 participated in a DMP while 8884 received standard care. The DMP effect was estimated on the basis of the matched data, using an unpaired t-test. In addition, subgroups were considered from the perspective of personalized medicine. Results The reduction in HbA1c values in the DMP group amounted to an average of 1.0 percentage point (baseline HbA1c = 8.1 vs. final HbA1c = 7.1), while the SC group wasable to achieve an average reduction in HbA1c values of0.9 percentage point (baseline HbA1c = 8.1 vs. final HbA1c = 7.2). The DMP group thus achieved an average reduction in HbA1c values that exceeded that of the SC group by only 0.1 percentage point (95 % CI: 0.04 - 0.16). Descriptively, it also became apparent that patients from the DMP group received a greater average number of annual prescriptions and had more HbA1c measurements. The subgroup analysis identified groups of patients who benefit more from DMPs than others. Thus, young patients or patients who are being treated by diabetologists are able to benefit most from a DMP. Furthermore, the baseline HbA1c value has an influence on the DMP effect. Conclusion T2DM patients in the DMP exhibit a significantly higher reduction in HbA1c value. However, it is questionable whether this effect is clinically relevant. Certain groups of patients benefit more from DMPs than others. Nevertheless, further studies are needed in order to better understand the impact of the DMP on HbA1c value and the reasons for the subgroup effects. Such studies should be carried out using a randomized controlled design.

Study on NPK Performance in Food Waste Composting by Using Agricultural Fermentation

Food waste represents almost 60% from the total municipal solid waste disposed in the landfill. Alternative disposal method for food waste could be conducted by using composting method. In this study, investigationon food waste composting by using agricultural fermentation was carried out to find out the performance of the compost. Two types of compost were produced which were commercial compost and research compost and total of 8 reactors were tested during this study. Research compost consist of coconut fiber (decomposing medium) and the combination of salt and breadfruit peels as the fermentation liquid, while rice husk was used as decomposing medium for commercial compost along with fermented soybeanand brown sugar as fermentation liquid. Physical and chemical parameters which are temperature, pH value, moisture content, Total Nitrogen (N), Total Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) concentration were determined. Based on the results of 20 weeks composting, the overall temperature range from 27 °C to 45 °C which shown the active phase for composting occurred. On the other hand, during the period of composting, most of the pH value in each reactor is above 5 and approximately at neutral. This shown that the microbial respiration in the composting reactor was inhibited and had approached the mature phase. As for NPK content, Total Nitrogen value range from 98 ppm to 2268 ppm for commercial compost, while 84 ppm to 2240 ppm for research compost. Total Phosphorus has the values of0.871 ppm to 11.615 ppm for commercial compost and 1.785 ppm to 14.143 ppm for research compost. On the other hand, result for potassium is from 91.85 ppm to 645.55 ppm for commercial compost and from 133.95 ppm to 686.2 ppm for research compost. As a conclusion from the results obtained, the compost in this study is sufficient to be use for agricultural purposes and the best performance of NPK value was demonstrated by Reactor C2 from research compost.

Acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation: possibilities for predicting the clinical course at the posthospital (6 and 12 months) stage

Aim. To measure blood IL-6, IL-10, creatinine levels, calcium, sodium and potassium in blood and saliva, melatonin in urine of patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation for the prediction of the clinical course at the posthospital stage. Material and methods. The study included 93patients with complicated (n=46) and uncomplicated (n=47) coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation. Blood IL-6, IL-10, creatinine levels, calcium, sodium and potassium in blood and saliva, melatonin in urine were determined on days 1-3 after hospitalization. 6-hydroxymelatonin was measured by HPLC in urine collected between 23 p.m. and 8 a.m., melatonin i in urine collected between 8 a.m. and 23 p.m. Results. Complicated coronary syndrome was associated with increased levels of melatonin (night), blood IL-10 and Na, salivary Na and Ca while the uncomplicated condition with increased blood melatonin (daytime), IL-6, creatinine, Ca, Na, K, and salivary K. 90 patients were followed up within 12 months after discharge. End-points developed in 36 (40%) of Original investigations them. Logistic analysis yielded variables and 2 logistic regression equations The data on night melatonin +5 and +4 were included in ROC analysis. The night melatonin +5 values over 0.7453 were associated with increased risk of complications in the post-hospital period (6 months) and values of0.7453 or lower with the enhanced probability of uncomplicated clinical course. Prognostic sensitivity was estimated at 90%, specificity at -54.39%. The night melatonin +4 values over 0.2903 were associated with increased risk of complications in the post-hospital period (12 months) and values of 0.2903 or lower with the enhanced probability of uncomplicated clinical course. Prognostic sensitivity was estimated at 77.8%, specificity at -59.26%. Conclusion. The night melatonin +5 and +4 models can be used to predict the clinical course of acute coronary syndrome during 6 and 12 months of the post-hospitalization period.

Endoscopic-Assisted Scleral Fixated IOL in the Management of Secondary Aphakia in Children.

Purpose. To evaluate the short-term postoperative outcomes in endoscopic-assisted sclera fixation intraocular lens (IOL) for the management of secondary aphakia in children. Methods. This is a prospective study, whereas 40 aphakic eyes with absence of a good capsular support were implanted by endoscopy-assisted sclera fixation technique. Results. No major intraoperative complications were recorded. All cases were followed up for 6 months. Only transient ocular hypertension occurred in 10 (25%) eyes. Lens decentration and/or tilting were clinically detected in 2 eyes (5%). Ultrasonic biomicroscopic (UBM) examination revealed lens tilting in 2 (5%) of the operated eyes, despite the proper haptics positioning in the ciliary sulcus. Postoperative vitreous hemorrhage was reported in 5 eyes (12.5%) in the early postoperative period and retinal detachment in one eye. A postoperative refractive astigmatism ranging from 0.75 D to 3.75 D (mean 1.7 D ± 0.79) was recorded, as compared to mean preoperative values of 2.00 D, with no statistically significant differences being recorded (p ≥ 0.05). An improvement of BCVA, 1-2 lines on Snellen chart at the end of the follow-up period, was detected in 23 eyes (57.5%) with a mean of 0.6 ± 0.08 SD, as compared to a preoperative mean values of 0.5 ± 0.07 SD (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion. Using an endoscope for transscleral suturing of intraocular lenses in aphakic pediatric eyes might be considered as being an effective technique that can reduce surgical complications, especially postoperative lens decentration.