Wet Test Research Articles

452. Ongoing Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 for In Silico Analysis to Monitor the Performance of SARS-CoV-2 Assays in BIOFIRE® Panels

Abstract Background In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, bioMérieux has incorporated assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 into the BIOFIRE® Respiratory 2.1 (RP2.1) Panel, the BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE® Respiratory (R) Panel and the BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE® Respiratory (R) Panel Mini. All panels use two assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection, each targeting a different gene. Positive detection in only one of the two assays is required for a positive SARS-CoV-2 result. As new variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerge, in silico analysis remains crucial to ensure that both SARS-CoV-2 assays are reactive to circulating strains. Methods Sequence data (https://gisaid.org/) for SARS-CoV-2 variants deemed significant by the WHO and UKHSA are analyzed monthly. Assay primer regions are assessed for mismatches using Geneious Prime® as well as proprietary software tools. When primer mismatches with potential to affect the sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 detection are identified (mismatches occurring in the 3’ half of a primer in both assays), and meet the testing criteria, the BIOFIRE RP2.1 Panel is used to empirically evaluate the impact by comparing synthetic templates with mismatches of concern to synthetic template without mismatches. Results As of March 21, 2023, nearly 1,000 variants and 12,744,136 sequences have been analyzed. Of these, only 481 sequences (0.0038%) contain paired mismatches of concern. Wet testing showed < 10x lower projected sensitivity for 288 (72 unique) sequences, 10-100x lower sensitivity for 16 (10 unique) sequences, and only 1 sequence had 100-1000x lower projected sensitivity. Lineage defining mutations were seen within a SARS-CoV-2 assay primer region in 27 variants. However, most lack mutations in the second assay, indicating no major risk for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Wet testing shows that the inclusion of two SARS-CoV-2 assays in the panels helps to mitigate the effect of mismatches of concern. Conclusion Based on the comprehensive in silico analysis of available sequences and variants, BIOFIRE RP2.1 Panel, SPOTFIRE R Panel and SPOTFIRE R Panel Mini continue to function as intended with >99.99% detection of SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Disclosures Eleanor K. Horrocks, bioMerieux: employee|bioMerieux: Stocks/Bonds Toma Todorov, n/a, bioMerieux: employee|bioMerieux: Stocks/Bonds Alexandra Debernardi, n/a, bioMerieux: employee|bioMerieux: Stocks/Bonds Usha Spaulding, n/a, bioMerieux: employee|bioMerieux: Stocks/Bonds Tanner Robinson, n/a, bioMerieux: employee|bioMerieux: Stocks/Bonds Jeremiah Antosch, n/a, bioMerieux: employee|bioMerieux: Stocks/Bonds Zhenmei Lu, n/a, bioMerieux: employee|bioMerieux: Stocks/Bonds Matthew Jones, MS, bioMerieux: employee|bioMerieux: Stocks/Bonds Joann Cloud, PhD, bioMerieux: employee|bioMerieux: Stocks/Bonds

A machine learning model of liquid bridge force and its application in discrete element method

Developing an accurate and efficient contact model for discrete element method (DEM) simulation that can describe the microscopic dynamics of low moisture content wet granular systems continues to be a major challenge. In this study, a improved energetic approach based on the traditional linear unit discretization method is introduced to solve liquid bridge problems. This improved approach significantly ameliorates the efficiency of constructing the databases while ensuring high data accuracy. Using this method, we generated databases consisting of 163,440,000 and 2043,000 data points for the sphere-sphere and sphere-wall systems, respectively. Machine learning capillary force models (ML-Capillary) are trained using the Catboost algorithm. These models demonstrate excellent performance in predicting capillary force between particles as well as between particles and walls, considering different particle sizes, moisture levels, and contact angles, while neglecting the influence of gravity. The corresponding relative errors are below 1.5% and 2%, respectively, which are lower than existing simulation models. We incorporated the obtained models into the discrete element method and calculated capillary force between particle pairs and simulated wet granular column collapse tests. The simulation results show good agreement with experimental results in terms of parameters such as inter-particle capillary forces and particle column collapse run-out length. This study will provide an accurate and efficient numerical model for simulating low saturation wet granular systems using the discrete element method.

Fabrication of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Hydrophilic Surfaces Using Combined Offset-Tool-Servo Flycutting and Hot Embossing Methods.

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a material with good surface wettability and has unique and widespread applications in industrial fields. However, fabricating this material in an environmentally friendly way while maintaining its mechanical robustness remains a challenging task. One effective way is through the rational design of microstructure surfaces. The current study fabricated a pyramid microstructure array on a mold surface using offset-tool-servo flycutting, which was then combined with hot embossing to replicate an inverted pyramid microstructure array on a PMMA surface. Firstly, a toolpath compensation algorithm was developed to linearize the arc toolpath and reduce the cost of ultra-precision lathe. Then, the algorithm was further developed to achieve automatic linear toolpath intersection, aiming to ensure the machining accuracy and improve machining efficiency. An experiment testing the linear toolpath intersecting at 90° was conducted, fabricating a pyramid microstructure array with nanoscale roughness on the mold surface. This surface was then employed for replicating an inverted pyramid microstructure array on the PMMA surface using hot embossing. Furthermore, the accuracy of replication was evaluated, and the experimental results demonstrated excellent replication fidelity, exceeding 98%. The microstructural surface of the PMMA exhibited a change in surface wettability. The wettability test showed a water-droplet contact angle reduction from 84.8° ± 0.1° to 56.2° ± 0.1°, demonstrating a good hydrophilic effect. This study introduces a novel, environmentally friendly and high-precision method to fabricate a functional PMMA surface with an inverted pyramid microstructure array. The results of this study also provide strong technical support and theoretical guidance for micro-nanostructure functional surface machining and replicating.

Wetting of Graphite and Platinum Substrate by Oxide System with Graded B2O3 Content

This work focuses on wetting two types of substrates (a platinum substrate and a polished graphite substrate) by molten polycomponent oxide system CaO–MgO–SiO2–Al2O3–B2O3 to test the level of interaction at high temperatures. The tested systems were subjected to high-temperature wetting tests in the temperature range from liquidus temperature to 1550 °C using the sessile drop method. A total of four oxide systems were tested with graded boron oxide contents ranging from 0 to 30 wt%. The experiments were conducted in a CLASIC high-temperature resistance observation furnace and an inert atmosphere of high-purity argon. Droplet silhouettes were obtained with a CANON EOS 550D high-resolution camera during heat treatment, with reactive and non-reactive wetting occurring depending on the substrate type. The dependence of the average wetting angles on temperature and time was evaluated, and it was found that boron oxide decreased the average wetting angles of molten oxide droplets. The analyses were accompanied by the SEM/EDX analysis of the substrate and FTIR analysis of the droplets after high-temperature experiments. The phase composition of the oxide systems was evaluated by XRD analysis.

Preparation and properties of UiO-66 based hybrid materials via surface initiated metal-free ATRP

A metal-organic framework (MOFs) material UiO-66-Br was synthesized via hydrothermal method, and the surface initiated metal-free atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-metal-free ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and Eu complex were initiated on UiO-66-Br surface with UiO-66-Br as initiator and 10-phenylphenthiazine (PTH) as catalyst, and UiO-66 based hybrid materials (UiO-66-g-PMMA and UiO-66-g-PMMA-co-Eu complex) were obtained. The materials were characterized by fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and so on. The results showed that the MOFs material UiO-66-Br with octahedral crystal structure was successfully synthesized, the PMMA and Eu complex chains were successfully grafted from the surface of the UiO-66-Br, the polymer grafting rate of UiO-66-g-PMMA reached 3.01 %, and the Eu content of UiO-66-g-PMMA-co-Eu complex reached 11.81 %. Water wettability test indicated that the contact angles of the hybrid materials were 155.4° and 153.3° respectively. The oil-water separation and self-cleaning experiment confirmed that the UiO-66 based hybrid materials had good oil-water separation and self-cleaning properties.

Deep pore grafting modification for PVDF membrane by supercritical carbon dioxide in combination with ultraviolet irradiation to improve permselectivity and oil/water separation performance

In order to enhance PVDF membrane’s permselectivity to oil and water during oil-water separation process, an efficient strategy that combining supercritical carbon dioxide technology (scCO2) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was proposed to change the wettability of PVDF membrane. The grafting of -COOH groups on PVDF membrane surface was demonstrated by FTIR-ATR, XPS and SEM. Deep pore grafting of acrylic acid in membrane pore interior was confirmed by establishing force models and corresponding wettability test. The results showed that permeate flux of deep pore modified membrane was 69.64Lm-2 h-1, which was 17.23% and 7.44% higher than that of unmodified membrane and surface modified membrane respectively. Interestingly, when reaction temperature not reached 40℃, some modified membranes were impermeable to water although they had good surface hydrophilicity, which was closely related to the critical point state of supercritical fluid mixture system.

Effect of process parameters on mechanical properties and wettability of polylactic acid by fused filament fabrication process

Abstract Fiber-reinforced composites have changed additive manufacturing into a sustainable manufacturing paradigm with the capacity to produce items with outstanding mechanical performance. The fused filament fabrication (FFF) process is the latest in advanced digital fabrication techniques used for fabricating polymer material using additive layer deposition. In this study, the results of mechanical and vibration tests were used to examine the impact of process variables such as layer thickness (0.08 mm, 0.25 mm, and 0.64 mm), infill density (20 %, 40 %, 60 %, and 80 %), and infill pattern (rectilinear, triangular, and hexagonal). The novelty of this work is to correlate the contact angle measurement with the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed specimens. The adhesion behaviour of the 3D printed parts is examined by measuring the contact angle from the wettability test. From the findings, it was observed that the infill density and layer pattern play a significant role in the interlayer adhesion, as evident from the contact angle measurement.

A gastrointestinal locally activating Janus kinase inhibitor to treat ulcerative colitis

In this study, we integrated machine learning (ML), structure-tissue selectivity-activity-relationship (STAR), and wet lab synthesis/testing to design a gastrointestinal (GI) locally activating JAK inhibitor for ulcerative colitis treatment. The JAK inhibitor achieves site-specific efficacy through high local GI tissue selectivity while minimizing the requirement for JAK isoform specificity to reduce systemic toxicity. We used the ML model (CoGT) to classify whether the designed compounds were inhibitors or noninhibitors. Then we used the regression ML model (MTATFP) to predict their IC50 against related JAK isoforms of predicted JAK inhibitors. The ML model predicted MMT3-72, which was retained in the GI tract, to be a weak JAK1 inhibitor, while MMT3-72-M2, which accumulated in only GI tissues, was predicted to be an inhibitor of JAK1/2 and TYK2. ML docking methods were applied to simulate their docking poses in JAK isoforms. Application of these ML models enabled us to limit our synthetic efforts to MMT3-72 and MMT3-72-M2 for subsequent wet lab testing. The kinase assay confirmed MMT3-72 weakly inhibited JAK1, and MMT3-72-M2 inhibited JAK1/2 and TYK2. We found that MMT3-72 accumulated in the GI lumen, but not in GI tissue or plasma, but released MMT3-72-M2 accumulated in colon tissue with minimal exposure in the plasma. MMT3-72 achieved superior efficacy and reduced p-STAT3 in DSS-induced colitis. Overall, the integration of ML, the structure-tissue selectivity-activity-relationship system, and wet lab synthesis/testing could minimize the effort in the optimization of a JAK inhibitor to treat colitis. This site-specific inhibitor reduces systemic toxicity by minimizing the need for JAK isoform specificity.

Improvement of the post-analytical phase by means of an algorithm based autoverification

Abstract Objectives Autoverification (AV) is releasing laboratory results using predefined rules. AV standardizes the verification of laboratory results, improves turnaround time (TAT), detects errors in the total test process, and enables effective use of laboratory staff. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of implementing the AV in a tertiary hospital. Methods The study was performed in Gazi University Health Research and Application Hospital, Core Biochemistry Laboratory, between August 2017 and October 2019. Step by step, AV algorithms were designed and implemented via middleware for 29 clinical biochemistry tests. A comprehensive validation was performed before the AV system was run. Initially, AV system was tested with datasets and simulated patients (dry testing). Next, samples that may violate AV rules were tested anonymously with no-named trial barcodes (wet testing). Finally, validation of the system was performed with real patients, while the AV was running in the background but not active (i.e., while the manual verification was still going on). After all these steps were successful, the system was started. Results In the daytime, AV rates were ≥75 % for 23 of 29 tests. In night-shift, AV rates were ≥70 % for 16 of 25 tests. Report-based performance was found 26 % for daytime. TAT in the daytime decreased after AV implementation. Conclusions Although this is the first time we have implemented the AV, a significant percentage of the tests have been verified. However, approaches that will increase the percentage of report-based verification will enhance the efficiency of autoverification.

Modulation Mechanism of Transition Elements Fe and Mn on the Interface Bonding Performance of Bronze/Diamond Composites

The modulation mechanism of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in transition‐metal elements on the interface bonding and mechanical properties of bronze (Cu3Sn)‐based/diamond composites is investigated through first‐principles calculations. Transition‐elements‐doping scenarios are investigated employing six‐layer slab models. It is revealed that the doping of Fe or Mn can make the Cu3Sn/diamond interface more stable, which effectively improves the wettability of the Cu3Sn/diamond interface based on the calculation results and analysis of interface energy, differential charge density model, and density of states. However, co‐doping with both Fe and Mn weakens the wettability of the Cu3Sn/diamond interface. Finally, wettability tests and microstructure characterizations demonstrate that the doping of Fe and Mn represents an effective approach to controlling the interface bonding performance of bronze/diamond composites.

Enhanced oil recovery for siliciclastic reservoirs using alcoholic micellar solutions: performance evaluation in core flooding systems

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) assumes a fundamental role in augmenting reservoir productivity through chemical methods. The optimal selection of injection fluids becomes pivotal for managing surface and interfacial tension while altering rock wettability to enhance water affinity. This study investigates alcoholic micellar solutions for EOR in siliciclastic reservoirs, utilizing lauryl alcohol surfactant, 1-butanol as an amphiphilic solvent, and distilled water. The characterization of these systems encompassed micellar diameter, conductivity, and surface tension, which validated the micellar structures in these systems. EOR tests achieved a remarkable oil recovery of up to 74% with a mere 10% of active matter. Wettability tests exhibited a crucial contact angle of 27.8° for water, indicating favorable oil displacement conditions. This research unveils the potential of alcoholic micellar solutions in EOR, emphasizing the significance of tailored injection fluids to enhance reservoir management and productivity.

Synergistic effect of chitosan-alginate composite hydrogel enriched with ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol under hypoxic conditions on the behavior of mesenchymal stem cells for wound healing

BackgroundIn regenerative medicine, especially skin tissue engineering, the focus is on enhancing the quality of wound healing. Also, several constructs with different regeneration potentials have been used for skin tissue engineering. In this study, the regenerative properties of chitosan-alginate composite hydrogels in skin wound healing under normoxic and hypoxic conditions were investigated in vitro.MethodsThe ionic gelation method was used to prepare chitosan/alginate (CA) hydrogel containing CA microparticles and bioactive agents [ascorbic acid (AA) and α-tocopherol (TP)]. After preparing composite hydrogels loaded with AA and TP, the physicochemical properties such as porosity, pore size, swelling, weight loss, wettability, drug release, and functional groups were analyzed. Also, the hemo-biocompatibility of composite hydrogels was evaluated by a hemolysis test. Then, the rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) were seeded onto the hydrogels after characterization by flow cytometry. The survival rate was analyzed using MTT assay test. The hydrogels were also investigated by DAPI and H&E staining to monitor cell proliferation and viability. To induce hypoxia, the cells were exposed to CoCl2. To evaluate the regenerative potential of rMSCs cultured on CA/AA/TP hydrogels under hypoxic conditions, the expression of the main genes involved in the healing of skin wounds, including HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and TGF-β1, was investigated by real-time PCR.ResultsThe results demonstrated that the prepared composite hydrogels were highly porous, with interconnected pores that ranged in sizes from 20 to 188 μm. The evaluation of weight loss showed that the prepared hydrogels have the ability to biodegrade according to the goals of wound healing. The reduction percentage of CA/AA/TP mass in 21 days was reported as 21.09 ± 0.52%. Also, based on wettability and hemolysis tests of the CA/AA/TP, hydrophilicity (θ = 55.6° and 53.7°) and hemocompatibility with a hemolysis ratio of 1.36 ± 0.19 were evident for them. Besides, MTT assay, DAPI, and H&E staining also showed that the prepared hydrogels provide a suitable substrate for cell growth and proliferation. Finally, based on real-time PCR, increased expression levels of VEGF and TGF-β1 were observed in rMSCs in hypoxic conditions cultured on the prepared hydrogels.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study provides evidence that 3D CA/AA/TP composite hydrogels seeded by rMSCs in hypoxic conditions have great potential to improve wound healing.Graphical abstract

Prediction Model of Residual Soil Shear Strength under Dry–Wet Cycles and Its Uncertainty

Granite residual soil is widely distributed in Southeast Fujian. Large-scale engineering construction leads to the exposure of residual soil slopes to the natural environment. Affected by seasonal climate factors, the soil of slopes experiences a dry–wet cycle for a long time. The repeated changes in water content seriously affect the shear strength of soil, and then affect the stability of the slope. In order to explore the influence of the dry–wet cycle on the shear strength of granite residual soil in Fujian, an indoor dry–wet cycle simulation test was carried out for shallow granite residual soil on a slope in Fuzhou, and the relationship between water content, dry–wet cycle times, and the shear strength index, including the cohesion and internal friction angle of the granite residual soil, was discussed. The results show that when the number of dry–wet cycles is constant, the cohesion and internal friction angle of the granite residual soil decrease with an increase in water content. The relationship between the cohesion, internal friction angle, and water content can be described using a power function. Meanwhile, the fitting parameters of the power function are also a function of the number of wet and dry cycles. The prediction formulas of the cohesion and internal friction angle considering the number of dry–wet cycles and water content are established, and then the prediction formula of shear strength is obtained. The ratio of the predicted value of shear strength to the test value shall be within ±15%. An error transfer analysis based on the point estimation method shows that the overall uncertainty of the predicted value of shear strength caused by the combined uncertainty of the predicted value of cohesion and the internal friction angle and the single-variable uncertainty of the predicted value of shear strength caused only by the uncertainty of the predicted value of either the cohesion or internal friction angle increases first and then decreases with an increase in the number of dry–wet cycles. All increase with an increasing water content. The maximum standard deviation of the proposed shear strength prediction model of granite residual soil is less than 9%.

Multifunctional poly(allylamine hydrochloride)/bioactive glass layer by layer surface coating on magnesium alloy for biomedical applications

The present study reports on a novel multilayer coating for biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloy substrates. This coating contains soy protein hydrolysate (SPH), poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), and folic acid (FA) templated bioactive glass (BG) nano particles. The multilayer, designated as SPH/(PAH/BG)n, was coated onto an alkaline-treated Mg alloy surface (AMgS) through a dip-coating process with various numbers of cycles (n = 5and 7) using a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. The BG particles had an average diameter of 12.53 ± 2.22 nm and were embedded with therapeutic FA molecules. Scratch testing, wettability, and roughness tests showed excellent adherence of the SPH/(PAH/BG)7 coating on AMgS, making it suitable for cell attachment. Electrochemical measurements in Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS) demonstrated that the SPH/(PAH/BG)7 coating improved the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy. SPH/(PAH/BG)7 coated substrate showed a maximum protective efficacy of 98.4041 %, thanks to the bioactive nature of BG. High-resolution XPS and XRD analyses on SPH/(PAH/BG)7/AMgS confirmed the corrosion deposition of Mg(OH)2, MgHPO4.H2O, CaHPO4.H2O, SiO2, MgCO3 and CaCO3 on the substrate surface after immersion in HBSS for 10 d at 37 °C. The LbL coated Mg substrate also showed excellent cytocompatibility by hemolysis assay These results suggest that the SPH/(PAH/BG)7/AMgS material has multifunctional properties and can be a possible alternative for biomedical applications of Mg alloys.

Mechanism and synergic effect of smart water and amphoteric surfactant on oil recovery in carbonate rocks: Marangoni flow and changing disjoining pressure of water film

One way to increase oil production was to inject various water-based fluids to move oil into the reservoirs, which in some cases used surfactants to produce oil trapped in the water-based fluid, but later found that thess materials can change the wettability of the rock surface to the desired, so various mechanisms have been introduced for them. In this study, using CAPB, CTAB SDS and Triton X-100s surfactants, wettability tests (contact angle), interprocess tension, zeta potential between different procedures, video experiments for Marangoni flow and intrusive vampire tried to explain the primary production mechanism. They are dealt with different reactants. The results showed that the cationic surfactant CTAB, due to its positive ionic charge and the presence of electrostatic forces, approaches the fatty acid groups attached to the rock surface with a negative ionic charge and forms a complex of cationic-anionic ion pairs with them. General condition Compared to cationic surfactants, the performance of anionic surfactants on the change in wettability of carbonate rocks is inferior. This is due to the homonymous electric charge of the oil groups adhering to the rock surface and the anionic surfactants of SDS.

Permeability and Cracking of Compacted Clay Liner Improved by Nano-SiO2 and Sisal Fiber

The landfill liner is the last line of defense to protect the soil from damage, but it is difficult to satisfy both impermeability and crack resistance requirements with conventionally compacted clay. This paper proposes a new composite material to enhance the anti-seepage and anti-cracking properties of clay as a solution to this problem. In this Study, the effects of two single amendment materials, Nano-SiO2 (6 dopings) and sisal fiber (SF) (4 dopings), and a composite amendment material (Nano-SiO2+SF), on the permeability and cracking resistance of the improved clay were investigated by infiltration tests and dry-wet cycle tests, respectively. The nuclear magnetic resonance test (NMR) test reveals the microscopic pore changes of soil and explore the reinforcement mechanism. The findings of penetration experiments demonstrate that Nano-SiO2 and SF, both single and composite components, can increase the modified clay's impermeability. The optimum content of Nano-SiO2 is 3%, and its permeability coefficient is 5.09 × 10−8 cm·s−1, which is two orders of magnitude lesser than that of virgin soil. The results of three dry and wet cycle tests showed that the overall trend of fracture length and cracking factor (CIF) increased with the increase of the number of de-wetting. After the third de-wetting of the modified clay, 0.75% Nano-SiO2 + 0.3% SF is the optimal dose, which reduces the fissure length by 19.94 times and CIF by 27.25 times compared with the three de-wetting of the plain clay. As a whole, the data demonstrates that the composite Nano-SiO2 and SF are able to make up for the shortcomings of each component. It can simultaneously improve the anti-seepage and anti-cracking properties of the enhanced clay. The test results provide a certain benchmark for the impermeability and anti-cracking of landfill liners.

Effect of seawater dry-wet cycling on the durability of concrete repair materials

In order to investigate the durability of concrete repair materials in marine environments, this research selected four typical repair materials commonly used on the market to carry out indoor seawater dry and wet cycling tests and real marine environment exposure tests. The research results show that: the compressive strength and abrasion loss variations of these four repair materials under indoor seawater dry-wet cycling are closely related. Among them, magnesium phosphate mortar demonstrates better resistance to seawater erosion in both environments. The chloride ion penetration depth of four repair materials increases with seawater dry and wet cycling time. Its law of change is closely related to the law of change of the most probable pore size inside the material, while the epoxy resin mortar and acrylic-modified mortar have a high depth of chloride ion penetration under the real marine environment due to the microcracks and porous phenomena appearing on the surface of the material. In addition, the results of the tests in the real marine environment differed somewhat from those in the indoor environment, highlighting the need to conduct real marine environment tests. The results provide theoretical support for selecting and evaluating concrete repair materials in the marine environment.

Potency of Avicennia marina (Forssk.) vierh and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza L (Lam) mangrove extracts as natural batik dye

Mangroves have many environmental, ecological, economic, health and industrial benefits. One of the applications of mangroves in industry is as a natural dye for textile materials. The aim of the study was to determine the potential application of mangrove extract as a natural dye for batik, to determine the pigment content of the test sample, and to test the fastness of natural color made from leaves and bark of Avicennia marina and Bruguier gymnorrhiza, at plant ages of 5 and 10 years. Sample collection was done by picking leaves and collecting the bark of Avicennia marina and Bruguier gymnorrhiza. Color fastness to detergent washing test, wet and dry rubbing test were carried out with a crockmeter, using the Staining Scale and Gray Scale standards. UV Vis Spectrophotometry Analysis was employed to determine the pigment content. The results showed that leaf and bark extracts of Avicennia marina and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza mangroves have the potential to be applied as natural dyes for batik. Mangrove natural dyes showed scores of 3, 4, and 5 on the fastness tests of dry rubbing, wet rubbing and detergent washing. These findings indicate that the natural dyes in this study have met the Indonesian National Standard, which requires a minimum score of 3.

The Efficacy of Salvia officinalis on the Prevention of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: In addition to physical discomfort, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis imposes a significant financial and psychosocial burden, such as lower levels of self-esteem, a higher level of stress, clinical depression, and less satisfaction with their life. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis interferes with emotional and sexual relationships. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effect of vaginal Salvia officinalis, clotrimazole, and their combination on the prevention of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Methods: This randomized triple-blinded trial was conducted on 111 women aged 18-49 years with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Participants were randomly assigned into one of the three groups of vaginal tablets of Salvia officinalis 400 mg and placebo of clotrimazole 100 mg, clotrimazole 100 mg and placebo of Salvia Officinalis 400 mg, or Salvia officinalis and clotrimazole that were applied every night for 7 consecutive days. A recurrence rate of vulvovaginal candidiasis was evaluated by WET test and vaginitis symptoms examination after 12 weeks. In the case of positive evaluation, the culture of vaginal discharge was performed. Results: Totally, 29 patients (80.6%) in group clotrimazole, 33 patients (94.3%) in group Salvia Officinalis and 35 patients (97.2%) in group Salvia officinalis-clotrimazole were treated (P = 0.43). Out of cured patients, 4 (13.8%) patients in the group clotrimazole, 1 patient (3%) in group Salvia Officinalis, and no case in group Salvia officinalis-clotrimazole experienced the recurrence of infection. There was a significant difference among the 3 groups in terms of recurrence (P = 0.023). Moreover, no adverse event during the 12 weeks after treatment was observed. Conclusion: Adjuvant therapy of Salvia Officinalis alongside routine vaginal clotrimazole could successfully prevent recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis after three months.

Mechanical and surface characterization of Er2O3/La2O3/CeO2 doped carbide coating developed using high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF)

This study is mainly focused on effect of rare earth oxides on a composite coating applied to martensitic steel (SS410) using the high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) process. The composite coating consists of WC-10Co-4Cr doped with rare earth (erbium oxide/lanthanum oxide/cerium oxide; 0.2 wt%. each). The range of deposited coating thickness was 282–300 μm. Mechanical testing, including tensile, flexural, and hardness tests, along with surface characterization, such as examining morphology, porosity, elemental composition, and phase identification with wettability testing has been conducted on both the substrate and coated samples. The hardness of the coatings is increased by approximately four times to the substrate. The coated sample has porosity in the range of ≥1 to ≤ 2%. The contact angle of the coated surface has enhanced (≈134°) than the substrate (≈61°), this indicates that the coated surface exhibits hydrophobicity.