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Due to the innumerable benefits and uses of moringa and rice in terms of health and food products, many researches were conducted mainly for the exploration of these components. However, despite their much-studied properties in various applications, skincare was one area that they have missed. Researchers lacked investigations about how moringa and rice can be used externally, much more to be used together in one product. Because of this, the researchers intended to discover the potential of MORIAH: Moringa and Rice Blotting Paper and to explore such areas to find factual evidence as to why these components are beneficial for human skin. Specifically, they aimed to answer several questions regarding the acceptability of the product in terms of smell, texture, and thickness, as well as its efficacy in terms of strength and oil absorption. Moreover, they also identified the significant differences between the experimented and the controlled products. The results showed that Moringa and rice are acceptable components in making a blotting paper, however the product was not suitable for other paper uses as it did not meet the strength classification requirements. Although, the product was effective in terms of oil absorption and the facial oil content of each respondent was found to be better absorbed using MORIAH: Moringa and Rice Blotting Paper compared to a commercially produced product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programs to control viruses transmitted by mosquitoes requires the implementation of surveillance tools. Over the past decade, Flinders Technology Associates (FTA®) cards, which preserve nucleic acids, have emerged as an innovating surveillance system for collecting arboviruses expectorated during mosquito sugar feeding. In this study, we evaluate the survival rates of two strain of Aedes aegypti (New Orleans (NO) and Cayenne (CAY)) in the laboratory after exposing to either honey-impregnated FTA® cards or untreated filter paper (UFP) card. Experimental exposure of mosquitoes to FTA® cards during sugar feeding significantly negatively impacted their survival, as compared to untreated filter paper. The median survival time was 2 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 1 day, 3 days) for mosquitoes exposed to FTA cards from strain NO and 3 days (95% CI 2 days, 3 days) for mosquitoes exposed to FTA cards from strain CAY. Mosquitoes exposed to UFP did not survive until the end of the experiment (4 days for strain NO and 7 days for strain CAY). Although this finding does not preclude the use of FTA® cards in surveillance, it is crucial to consider and incorporate this factor into study designs.

Programs to control viruses transmitted by mosquitoes requires the implementation of surveillance tools. Over the past decade, Flinders Technology Associates (FTA ® ) cards, which preserve nucleic acids, have emerged as an innovating surveillance system for collecting arboviruses expectorated during mosquito sugar feeding. In this study, we evaluate the survival rates of two strain of Aedes aegypti (New Orleans (NO) and Cayenne (CAY)) in the laboratory after exposing to either honey-impregnated FTA ® cards or untreated filter paper (UFP) card. Experimental exposure of mosquitoes to FTA ® cards during sugar feeding significantly negatively impacted their survival, as compared to untreated filter paper. The median survival time was 2 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 1 day, 3 days) for mosquitoes exposed to FTA cards from strain NO and 3 days (95% CI 2 days, 3 days) for mosquitoes exposed to FTA cards from strain CAY. Mosquitoes exposed to UFP did not survive until the end of the experiment (4 days for strain NO and 7 days for strain CAY). Although this finding does not preclude the use of FTA ® cards in surveillance, it is crucial to consider and incorporate this factor into study designs.

The aim of this study on latex dental gloves was to establish whether there is any relationship between faults that are detected by filling with water and the entry of liquid into the gloves during use. Twenty-four gloves of different sizes were examined. Large and small holes randomly distributed on the index, middle, and ring fingers, were made in the gloves. The gloves were filled with water and squeezed to detect the amount of water escaping. A mass spectrophotometer was used with the same gloves to quantify the entry of an aqueous solution of potassium bichromate during work. The filling method was effective for revealing all faults in gloves, but it was not able to determine whether there would be fluid entry through the holes during work. While the size of the holes was not predictive for the amount of liquid entering the glove, adherence of the glove to the hand was. Holes of the same size allowed a greater entry of contaminated liquid in adherent gloves than in looser ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is concerned with the electrochemical detection of new psychoactive substances (NPSs), in particular 2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl) phenethylamine structures (NBOMes) and the analogous 2,5-dimethoxy phenethylamine structures (2C-X group) on boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. Fast square-wave voltammetry was used to identify the substances in question. The antifouling properties of the BDD surface resulted in stable, repeatable, sensitive and unique voltammetric responses for these NPSs, producing different voltammetric signatures. Different NBOMes were identified by voltammetric methods in blotting paper seized from the drug market, without any interference from LSD, another psychedelic drug distributed via blotting paper. The proposed method achieved detection limits lower than 0.1 μmol L − 1 with high precision (RSD < 1.4%, n = 10) for all analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) is becoming widely adopted as a tool for structural characterization of biomolecules at near-atomic resolution. Vitrification of the sample to obtain a dense distribution of particles within a single field of view remains a major bottleneck for the success of such experiments. Here, we describe a simple and cost-effective method to increase the density of frozen-hydrated particles on grids with holey carbon support films. It relies on performing multiple rounds of sample application and blotting prior to plunge freezing in liquid ethane. We show that this approach is generally applicable and significantly increases particle density for a range of samples, such as small protein complexes, viruses and filamentous assemblies. The method is versatile, easy to implement, minimizes sample requirements and can enable characterization of samples that would otherwise resist structural studies using single particle cryoEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a sample preparation method for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) that requires only 3–20 nL of sample to prepare a cryo-EM grid, depending on the protocol used. The sample is applied and spread on the grid by a microcapillary. The procedure does not involve any blotting steps, and real-time monitoring allows the water film thickness to be assessed and decreased to an optimum value prior to vitrification. We demonstrate that the method is suitable for high-resolution cryo-EM and will enable alternative electron microscopy approaches, such as single-cell visual proteomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New psychoactive substances (NPS) have been associated with fatalities and severe injuries in a number of cases in the United States and have led investigators to rethink traditional drug monitoring protocols. Of particular interest are the variable phenethylamine chemical structures known as 'NBOMes', which pose an emerging threat to public health with incidence steadily growing over the past decade. In this study, direct sample analysis (DSA)-time of flight mass spectrometry was employed to leverage rapid and sensitive ambient ionization mass spectrometry without chromatographic separation as verified with an authentic case sample. Samples for method development were prepared at Boston University School of Medicine's Biomedical Forensic Sciences program (Boston, MA) and analyzed at the State of Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory's Forensic Chemistry Section (Augusta, ME). Preliminary method development work was performed at the University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL). DSA without any extraction step in addition to the evaluation of methanol, dichloromethane and hexane extractions were conducted. Methanol was found to not be a suitable extraction solvent for DSA analysis of these compounds. For the screening of NBOMe designer drug variables on blotter paper, DSA-TOFMS was successful at reducing analysis time to ∼15s per sample, for qualitative identification for the selected analytes of interest. The analysis of an authentic forensic case sample by DSA-TOFMS using the method development parameters demonstrates its utility in forensic laboratories. 25C-NBOMe was identified with an exact mass accuracy of 0.60ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an original method to determine the oil mist impingement over an insert based on different machining configurations (rotation velocities) and different inner canalization designs, without material removal, on milling tool. The oil mist spray is determined using different holders as an insert. Glass plate and blotting paper are used and evaluated in this work to get as much information as possible, based on micro–macro scale observations. The imprint size of the oil mist spray distribution, the particle sizes and the fluid film formation have been studied to determine the effects of the different configurations on the oil mist impingement behavior. The droplet impingements and distributions on the glass plate are analyzed under a 3-D profilometer (microscopic scale). On the blotting paper, the distributions are analyzed with pictures of the oil marks (macroscopic scale). This original method gives quite fast particle distributions that can be used in industry. The different experimental results give large information about the oil mist behavior sprayed on the glass plate. Increasing rotation velocities increases the oil mist amount in the cutting area. Increasing the canalization orientation design gives a better focused spray. The rake angle has strictly no influence on the oil mist spray distribution. But sputtering effects have been highlighted and should be avoided to keep MQL efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, N-methoxybenzyl-methoxyphenylethylamine (NBOMe) derivatives, a class of designer hallucinogenic drugs, have become popular drugs of abuse. These drugs have been the cause of severe intoxications and even deaths. They act as 5-HT2A receptors agonists and have been reported to produce serotonin-like syndrome with bizarre behavior, severe agitation and seizures persisting for as long as 3 days. The most commonly reported derivatives are 25I-NBOMe, 25B-NBOMe and 25C-NBOMe, respectively 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)- N-[(2-methoxyphenyl) methyl]ethanamine, N-(2-methoxybenzyl)- 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine and N-(2-methoxybenzyl)- 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chlorophenethylamine. Like many low dose hallucinogenic drugs these compounds are often sold on blotter paper. Three different types of commercially available blotter papers reported to contain NBOMe derivatives were obtained. These blotter papers were screened using Direct Analysis in Real Time AccuTOFTM mass spectrometry followed by confirmation and quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrapole mass spectrometry. The major drug present on each of the three blotter products was different, 25I-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe or 25B-NBOMe. The blotter papers were also found to have minute amounts of two or three NBOMe derivative impurities of 25H-NBOMe, 25I-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe, 25B-NBOMe and/or 25D-NBOMe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (Fn) is known to bind to the surface of Clostridium perfringens cells. Fn is a disulfide-linked homodimer protein, with each Fn polypeptide consisting of three types of repeating modules: 12 type I, 2 type II, and 15-17 type III modules. To determine the epitope on Fn recognized by C. perfringens cells, anti-Fn monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and various Fn fragments (III 2-10 , rIII 2-4 , rIII 5-7 , rIII 8 , rIII 9 , rIII 10 ) were employed. Although two C. perfringens -derived Fn-binding proteins, FbpA and FbpB, have been reported, they appear not to be the bacterium's surface Fn receptor. Moreover, both FbpA and FbpB were found to bind to C. perfringens cells. To avoid confusion, a mutant C. perfringens lacking both the fbpA and fbpB genes (MW5) was prepared using an in-frame deletion system. MW5 cells bound Fn on their surface, suggesting the presence of a putative Fn receptor(s) on C. perfringens cells. Of several anti-Fn mAbs, both HB39 and MO inhibited the binding of Fn to MW5 cells. HB39 reacted strongly with III 2-10 and rIII 9 , and weakly with rIII 2-4 , rIII 10 and rIII 5-7 in Western blotting analysis. Binding of HB39 to Fn was inhibited in the presence of either rIII 9 or rIII 10 , but not in the presence of rIII 2-4 , rIII 5-7 , or rIII 8 . Binding of Fn to MW5 cells was strongly inhibited by both III 2-10 and rIII 9 , marginally inhibited by rIII 2-4 , but not affected by rIII 5-7 , rIII 8 , or rIII 10 . Significant binding of MW5 cells to immobilized rIII 9 and rIII 10 as well as immobilized III 2-10 was observed. The region of Fn recognized by C. perfringens was thus mapped to the region encompassed by III 9 and III 10 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstracts A new approach for the analysis of polysaccharides in membrane bioreactor (MBR) is proposed in this study. Enrichment of polysaccharides by glyco-blotting, in which polysaccharides are specifically collected via interactions between the aldehydes in the polysaccharides and aminooxy groups on glycoblotting beads, enabled MALDI-TOF/MS analysis at a high resolution. Structures of polysaccharides extracted from fouled membranes used in a pilot-scale MBR treating municipal wastewater and those in the supernatant of the mixed liquor suspension in the MBR were investigated. It was found that the overlap between polysaccharides found in the supernatants and those extracted from the fouled membrane was rather limited, suggesting that polysaccharides that dominate in supernatants may not be important in membrane fouling in MBRs. Analysis using a bacterial carbohydrate database suggested that capsular polysaccharides (CPS) and/or lipo-polysaccharides (LPS) produced by gram-negative bacteria are key players in the evolution of membrane fouling in MBRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of α 2-3 and α 2-6 linked sialoglycoproteins in edible bird's nest (EBN) was analyzed by Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) and Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) lectin blotting. Q Sepharose Fast Flow, Superdex 75 and Sephadex G-25 columns were combined to enrich sialoglycoproteins from EBN extraction. For purification and identification of α 2-3 linked sialoglycoprotein and α 2-6 linked sialoglycoprotein, MAA-Sepharose-4B, SNA-Sepharose-4B lectin affinity chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) tandem mass spectrometry (MS) were employed successively. The contents of protein, carbohydrate and sialic acid of EBN extraction were 65.43, 20.97 and 10.47 %, respectively; EBN extraction contained high-abundance glycoproteins with the molecular weights of 128 kDa (19.1 %), 106 kDa (18.5 %) and 43 kDa (29.4 %); the 43 kDa glycoproteins contained terminal α 2-3 and α 2-6 sialic acid linkage were successively enriched by three chromatography columns; α 2-3 linked sialoglycoprotein and α 2-6 linked sialoglycoprotein were further purified by affinity chromatography eluted with 0.3 and 0.5 M lactose, respectively. In addition, MALDI-TOF/TOF MS analysis showed that α 2-3 linked sialoglycoprotein was an acidic mammalian chitinase-like protein, and α 2-6 linked sialoglycoprotein was an acidic mammalian chitinase. This method is proved to be a simple and effective approach to purify sialoglycoproteins from high-abundance glycoproteins in EBN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small non-coding RNAs are essential regulators of gene expression at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. High-throughput sequencing has revealed thousands of predicted small RNAs; however, only a few of these have been well characterized. Northern blotting is the most convincing method for small RNA validation. Findings: In this study, we improved the Northern blot method by using biotin-labeled probes. miRNAs and siRNAs derived from both Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa were investigated. The results suggest that this improved method is sensitive and efficient, with approximately 5 μg of total RNA being sufficient for detection. Furthermore, long-term storage of probes labeled in this manner is more convenient, less contaminative and degradative compared with traditional probes. Conclusions: This protocol is an alternative strategy for small RNA detection and represents an efficient means of researching small RNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of the study were to establish the influence of the conservation period on the activity of micromycetes placed on stored seeds and to settle the influence of the substrate type - CGA medium (potato - dextrose - agar) and blotting paper - on the development of fungal pathogens. This study consisted in a phytopathological evaluation of epiphyte and endophyte mycological flora which appeared on Zea mays seeds placed on two types of substrates (CGA medium and blotting paper). The 30 populations of corn resulted from the active collection of Suceava Genebank and conserved for different time intervals (8 and 17 years), in controlled atmosphere storages (T=+4°C; relative air humidity = 30 - 40%). Seeds studied, placed on CGA medium and blotting paper substrate, after incubation, showed a different degree of infection by fungal pathogens, depending on the type of substrate and the age of seeds. Micromycetes were evaluated by counting the infected seeds and the attack frequency was expressed as a percentage, by visual estimation of seeds surface. The conservation period influenced fungal pathogens longevity, meaning that the more it's higher, the level of infection is reduced. On CGA medium, compared with blotting paper substrate, after incubation period, was isolated a greater diversity of fungal pathogens. The experimental results of this study answered the following objectives: - identification of fungal microorganisms according to storage period of seeds; - identification of fungal genera depending on the type of substrate used; - setting of correlations between micromycetes identified evolution, seed storage periods and the type of substrate used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of the study were to establish the influence of the conservation period on the activity of micromycetes placed on stored seeds and to settle the influence of the substrate type - CGA medium (potato - dextrose - agar) and blotting paper - on the development of fungal pathogens. This study consisted in a phytopathological evaluation of epiphyte and endophyte mycological flora which appeared on Zea mays seeds placed on two types of substrates (CGA medium and blotting paper). The 30 populations of corn resulted from the active collection of Suceava Genebank and conserved for different time intervals (8 and 17 years), in controlled atmosphere storages (T=+4°C; relative air humidity = 30 - 40%). Seeds studied, placed on CGA medium and blotting paper substrate, after incubation, showed a different degree of infection by fungal pathogens, depending on the type of substrate and the age of seeds. Micromycetes were evaluated by counting the infected seeds and the attack frequency was expressed as a percentage, by visual estimation of seeds surface. The conservation period influenced fungal pathogens longevity, meaning that the more it's higher, the level of infection is reduced. On CGA medium, compared with blotting paper substrate, after incubation period, was isolated a greater diversity of fungal pathogens. The experimental results of this study answered the following objectives: - identification of fungal microorganisms according to storage period of seeds; - identification of fungal genera depending on the type of substrate used; - setting of correlations between micromycetes identified evolution, seed storage periods and the type of substrate used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is one of the most important medicinal plants. The fungi infesting its seeds may negatively influence their germination and health-promoting properties. However, there is no standard method for S. marianum seed health testing. The aim of this study was to find a suitable method for the detection and identification of fungi in/on milk thistle seeds. The following tests were used: deep-freeze blotter test, blotter test with an addition of mannitol, blotter test with an addition of polyethylene glycol, agar test on potato-dextrose agar (PDA), agar test on PDA after seed disinfection, agar test on reduced PDA and an agar test on reduced PDA after seed disinfection. Seeds were incubated for 10 and 14 days. The most prevalent fungi were: Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus nigricans and Verticillium spp. A deep-freeze blotter test followed by a blotter test with an addition of mannitol and a blotter test with an addition of polyethylene glycol performed for 14 days could be recommended for the further study of milk thistle seed health testing, as they favoured the growth of the most important fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study consisted in a phytopathological evaluation of epiphyte and endophyte mycological flora which appeared on Triticum aestivum seeds placed on two types of substrates (CGA medium and blotting paper). The 30 populations of wheat resulted from the active collection of Suceava Genebank and conserved for different time intervals (8, 15 and 18 years), in controlled atmosphere storages (T=+40 C; relative air humidity = 30 - 40%). Micromycetes were evaluated by counting the infected seeds and the attack frequency was expressed as a percentage, by visual estimation of seeds surface. The target objectives of the study are to establish the influence of the conservation period on the activity of micromycetes placed on stored seeds and to settle the influence of the substrate type - CGA medium (potato - dextrose - agar) and blotting paper - on the development of fungal pathogens. Seeds studied, placed on CGA medium and blotting paper substrate, after incubation, showed a different degree of infection by fungal pathogens, depending on the type of substrate and the age of seeds. The conservation period influenced fungal pathogens longevity, meaning that the more it's higher, the level of infection is reduced. On CGA medium, in comparison with blotting paper substrate, after incubation period, was isolated a greater diversity of fungal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stone recumbent figure from the end of the 13th century has been discovered in the chancel of the Notre Dame basilica in Fribourg. In this article, the ethical questions related to the replication or casting of cultural heritage witnesses are underscored. The authors raise their skepticism about reproductions and consider molds as a simple documentary support. The discovered figure has been lifted from its original location. A mold has been applied for documentary purposes. The molding method has been inspired by the epigraphist’s method: a stamping with blotting paper. This technology has been adapted to the current circumstances. The mold removal has been enhanced by adding cyclododecan under an overall compound made of plaster paper, expanded foam and wooden structure.

RATIONALE The perfume market is growing significantly, and it is easy to find imitative fragrances of probably all types of perfume. Such imitative fragrances are usually of lower quality than the authentic ones, creating a possible threat for perfume companies. Therefore, it is important to develop efficient chemical analysis techniques to screen rapidly perfume samples. METHODS Electrostatic-spray ionization (ESTASI) was used to analyze directly samples sprayed or deposited on different types of paper. A linear ion trap mass spectrometer was used to detect the ions produced by ESTASI with a modified extended transfer capillary for 'sniffing' ions from the paper. RESULTS Several commercial perfumes and a model perfume were analyzed by ESTASI-sniffing. The results obtained by paper ESTASI-MS of commercial fragrances were compared with those obtained from ESI-MS. In addition, a commercial fragrance was first nebulized on the hand and then soaked up by blotting paper, which was afterwards placed on an insulating plate for ESTASI-MS analysis. Analysis of peptides and proteins was also performed to show that the paper ESTASI-MS could be used for samples with very different molecular masses. CONCLUSIONS Paper ESTASI-MS yields a rapid fingerprinting characterization of perfume fragrances, avoiding time-consuming sample-preparation steps, and thereby performing a rapid screening in a few seconds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, particularly when caused by strains expressing CagA,may be considered a concomitant cause of male and female reduced fertility. This study explored, in 87HP-infectedmales, the relationship between infection by CagA-positive HP strains and sperm parameters. HP infection and CagA status were determined by ELISA andWestern blotting; semen analysis was performed following WHO guidelines. The amino acid sequence of human enzymes involved in glycolysis and oxidative metabolism were "blasted" with peptides expressed by HP J99. Thirty-seven patients (42.5%) were seropositive for CagA. Sperm motility (18% versus 32%; P < 0.01), sperm vitality (35% versus 48%; P < 0.01) and the percentage of sperm with normal forms (18% versus 22%; P < 0.05) in the CagA-positive group were significantly reduced versus those in the CagA-negative group. All the considered enzymes showed partial linear homologywithHP peptides, but four enzymes alignedwith four different segments of the same cag island protein. We hypothesize a relationship between infection by strains expressing CagA and decreased sperm quality. Potentially increased systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines that occur in infection by CagA-positive strains and autoimmune phenomena that involve molecular mimicry could explain the pathogenetic mechanism of alterations observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate a procedure of weighing live fish larvae and to determine its impact on the survival and growth rates based on the example of ide Leuciscus idus (L.). A 14-day rearing was conducted. Larvae were randomly divided into two groups - control (C) and experimental (E). During the experiment, 10% of larvae from the E group were sampled and weighed (with experimental method) daily. An integral part of weighing method was to place the anaesthetized larvae onto a nylon net platform. The platform with larvae was then dried on the blotting paper and next weighed together with larvae. The weight of the larvae was calculated by deducting the weight of the platform from the total weight recorded. After weighing, the fish were returned to the rearing tank. Fish from the control group were not manipulated during the whole experiment. At the end of the experiment 90 randomly chosen fish from each group were measured and weighted. No significant differences were recorded in larvae survival, weight and length (91.33±4.73%; 41.69±10.70 mg; 17.56±1.44 mm and 94.00±4.00%; 49.40±10.79 mg; 18.41±1.24 mm in E group and C group, respectively). Significant differences were recorded in case of SGR that reached 15.80±0.29 in C group and 14.60±0.17 in E group. The described method may be a useful tool for determining fish larvae weight. Although it requires conducting further researches in order to establish the influence of accompanying factors such as e.g. kind and concentration of anaesthetic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed mycoflora associated with wheat was studied on different media with a particular reference to Blotter and potato dextrose agar (PDA) procedures of ISTA. Seed-borne fungi,viz. Fusarium moniliforme, Rhizopusspp.,Mucorspp.,Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata, Drechsleraspp,Alternariaspp. andPenicilliumspp., were isolated from the variety HD264. Blotter method was found to be the best media for the isolation of mycoflora whether borne externally or internally. Total number and frequency of occurrence of fungi were recorded. The effect of seed treatment with different chemicals and eco-friendly botanicals was analysed on germination, and growth, better percentage of seed germination and reduction in fungal pathogen were due to biochemical seed treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Coefficient of kinetic friction (μ) of pleural mesothelium blotted with filter paper, and rewetted with Ringer solution markedly increases; this increase is removed if a sufficient amount of sialomucin or hyaluronan is added to Ringer (Bodega et al., 2012. Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology 180, 34–39). In this research we found that μ of pleural mesothelium blotted, rewetted, and sliding at physiological velocities and loads, decreased with increase of velocity, mainly at low velocities. Despite this decrease, μ at highest velocity was still double that before blotting. With small concentration of sialomucin or hyaluronan μ was markedly smaller at each velocity, decreased less with increase of velocity, and at highest velocity approached preblotting value. These findings indicate a regime of mixed lubrication in post-blotting Ringer, at variance with boundary lubrication occurring before blotting or postblotting with sufficient macromolecule addition. Greater roughness of mesothelial surface, caused by blotting, likely induces zones of elastohydrodynamic lubrication, which increase with velocity, while contact area decreases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A simple dot blot immunoenzymatic assay system was developed using polyester cloth coated with an oligo-DNA aptamer to provide a high-affinity macroporous surface for the efficient capture of a model protein analyte (thrombin) in complex sample matrices such as foods. Bound thrombin was detected immunoenzymatically using a peroxidase-linked antithrombin antibody and a chromogenic substrate. A unique feature of this approach, which we have termed "aptablot," is the facile immobilization of DNA aptamers on the polyester surface by cross-linking with a brief exposure to ultraviolet light, and the simple assay format obviating the need for specialized instruments. The assay principle described herein should be broadly applicable to many situations where analytes must be detected in complex samples, with the main limiting factor being the availability of suitable DNA aptamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to develop a method based on image analysis for describing soil detachment caused by the impact of a single water drop. The method consisted of recording tracks made by splashed particles on blotting paper under an optical microscope. The analysis facilitated division of the recorded particle tracks on the paper into drops, "comets" and single particles. Additionally, the following relationships were determined: (i) the distances of splash; (ii) the surface areas of splash tracks into relation to distance; (iii) the surface areas of the solid phase transported over a given distance; and (iv) the ratio of the solid phase to the splash track area in relation to distance. Furthermore, the proposed method allowed estimation of the weight of soil transported by a single water drop splash in relation to the distance of the water drop impact. It was concluded that the method of image analysis of splashed particles facilitated analysing the results at very low water drop energy and generated by single water drops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The essential oils from accessions of Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) were characterized by GC and GC/MS and investigated for their acaricidal activity against the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch). Twenty-nine compounds were identified with potential acaricidal activity. Glass receptacles were used as test chambers. For each dose and exposure time combination, three replicates were used. Each replicate consisted of 30 adult females of T. urticae, 10 mites in each leaf disk of Canavalia ensiformis placed in a Petri dish. Increasing amounts of oil or terpene were applied on a blotting paper strip, fixed on the inner surface of the glass recipient cover, corresponding to 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10μL/L of air, respectively. Exposure periods were 24, 48, and 72h. Data obtained in these experiments were submitted to probit analysis. The essential oil of L. sidoides, thymol and carvacrol exhibited potent acaricidal activity against T. urticae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An essay is presented on a case regarding whether blotter paper infused with the illegal drug LSD is considered as a mixture or substance containing LSD. It talks about judge Richard Posner's opinion in the case "United States v Marshall." The consideration of formalism in solving legal problems in a quasi-mathematical way is discussed.

The article compares the effectiveness of three washing methods in removing acid compounds from aged papers. The three washing methods include immersion washing, blotter washing and suction table washing with the aid of ultrasonic mist. In samples of thin and porous papers, it was found that immersion washing was the most effective followed by the suction table washing with the aid of ultrasonic mist. However, suction table washing was ineffective for the treatment of thick and dense papers while blotter washing showed the lowest effectiveness in removing organic acids particularly oxalic acid. It is noted that the suction table washing with ultrasonic mist uses the least amount of water.

The article cites a study which reports on the removal of fluoride contents from water bodies using a submerged plant, Hydrilla verticillata Royle under laboratory and field conditions. The effect of fluoride on chlorophyll, protein, cysteine and malondialdehyde contents has been studied under laboratory conditions. The plants of Hydrilla verticillata Royle were collected from unpolluted water bodies in and around Lucknow, India and acclimatized for 6 months in laboratory campus. In laboratory experiments, part of the harvested plants were blotted using blotting paper to remove excess water and used for the estimation of chlorophyll, protein, cysteine and malondialdehyde contents.

Soluble polysaccharides, of natural and synthetic origins, are immobilized by nylon, nitrocellulose, and polyvinylidene difluoride blotting membranes. Retention of an acid and a neutral polysaccharide, measured using radioactive pectin and xyloglucan-rich hemicellulose, exceeded 90% on some blotting membranes eluted in aqueous media. The two polysaccharides displayed different binding characteristics. Several polyanionic uronic acid polysaccharides, bound strongly to nylon 66 (Hybond N, Amersham) and to positively charge-modified or cationic nylon blotting membranes (Hybond N+, Amersham), but much less strongly to paper, nitrocellulose or polyvinylidene difluoride. Fragments of pectin, including Rhamnogalacturonan I and Rhamnogalacturonan II, and galacturonic acid oligosaccharides as small as the dimer also bind to nylon membranes, and can he detected using cationic dyes or by means of their radioactivity. Xyloglucan-rich hemicellulose in general binds more strongly than pectin to the same substrates. Of the substrates tested charge-modified nylon gave best retention of pectin, and paper gave best retention of xyloglucan during washes in water and solutions of salts, acids and bases. The influence of pH and solutions of mono, di- and tri-valent salts on the retention of some pectic polysaccharides by nylon was investigated. A large proportion, in excess of 70% of pectin applied to charge-modified nylon, remained tightly bound at all salt concentrations up to 2 M. Soluble acid polysaccharides immobilized on blotting membranes could be detected by staining with cationic dyes, such as ruthenium red, alcian blue 8GX, and coriphosphine O, providing facile detection and a simple means of characterizing the cytochemical specificity of their staining reactions. Immobilized neutral polysaccharides, which do not react with cationic dyes, could usually be detected by the periodate-Schiff reaction, or, if labelled with radionuclides, by autoradiography or scintillation counting. Soluble polysaccharides, like proteins and nucleic acids, may therefore be immobilized on blotting membranes for investigation with cytochemical, immunocytochemical, and other molecular probing and detection procedures. Quantitative binding data showed marked differences in the affinity of different polysaccharides for blotting substrates. Detailed characterization of the binding behaviour is therefore a prerequisite for optimization and rational application of polysaccharide blotting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses studies which investigated the transpiring power of plants as indicated by the method of standardized hygrometric paper. It explains the idea of a standard evaporating surface, the power of which to give off water to the hygrometric cobalt chloride paper was compared directly with the similar power possessed by the leaf surface in question. The use of saturated blotting paper as standard evaporating surface to avoid some of the difficulties arising from the use of the free water surface is also described.

In a previous experiment the author investigated the influence of color on reactions to ink blots by a technique in which two independent groups of subjects were presented matched chromatic and achromatic blots. This technique was used to demonstrate that when the color variable is completely isolated it has measurable effects, which show up as group differences or trends in both the reaction time and the content of the conceptual responses. But such a technique employing independent groups for chromatic and achromatic blots has serious limitations from the point of view of providing a solution to the major experimental and clinical problems in this area. From the standpoint of experimental design, a technique based upon independent groups can yield measures only of group trends, it cannot provide a valid method of measuring the effect of a given variable upon a particular individual's reactions. Measurement of the specific effect of a variable, like color, upon particular individuals is strictly possible only if each subject serves as his own control; comparable chromatic and achromatic data for each subject must be provided.

NBOMe and NBOH are new psychoactive substances with potent activity on serotonin 5-HT2a receptors causing serious toxic effects, including serotonin toxidrome and death. The aim of this work was to develop a comprehensive MS/MS protocol, using triple quadrupole mass spectrometers coupled to LC and GC, for rapid screening and quantitation of NBOMes and NBOHs in seized blotter papers. Different scan methods (neutral loss, precursor ion or multiple reaction monitoring) were used to obtain structural information of phenylethylamine class. The developed protocol was validated for qualitative and quantitative analysis, showing a satisfactory limit of detection (1 ng/mL), with excellent selectivity, imprecision (intra and interday imprecision lower than 1.2 % RSD) and accuracy (between -7.1 and +5.6 %, n = 15), as well as bias values. The analysis of real samples shown that NBOH compounds were the most frequently detected, with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1,929 μg per blotter sample. Triple quadrupole mass spectrometers can be a useful tool for identification of new psychoactive substances. A comprehensive protocol using both LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, with different scanning modes, have been developed and showed to be useful to screening NBOMe and NBOH in blotter papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designer drugs or new psychoactive substances (NPS) are a heterogeneous group of substances obtained through the modification of chemical structure of some natural products or drugs. NPS illegally commercialized in blotter papers mimicking the most common form of LSD consumption, with a great variability of colours and symbols, have largely increased worldwide, including in Brazil, becoming an important emerging public health issue. In this study, we have evaluated the presence and profile of NPS in blotters seized in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, over the period of 2011 to 2017. The state government criminal forensics staff has performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analyses in order to determine the chemical composition of the blotters. During the evaluated period, there was a considerable increase in the seizing of blotters events, from 87 in 2011, to 301 in 2016 and reaching 277 in 2017. There was also an increase in the number of blotters seized per event. Interestingly, while in 2011, 100% of blotters contained LSD, this number decreased to 0,1% in 2014, and achieved 17,6% in 2017, when up to 25 different substances were detected in blotters seized. Drugs such as DOx, NBOMe, fentanyl, mescaline derivatives, triptamines, cathinones, and synthetic cannabinoids were detected and became the major substances found in blotters. In some cases, more than one substance was found in the same blotter, characterizing a new mixture scenario. The presence of several new psychoactive substances in blotters is a reality in forensic toxicology. In Brazil, it might be related to the fact that most of these substances were not considered illegal by Brazilian legislation by the time they emerged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of pheromone (methyl eugenol) dispensers on the catches of male Dacus zonatus (Saunders) in the trap was tested under field conditions. Lure injected in cotton wicks captured male flies efficiently up to nine weeks. Though the mean number of males captured during first week in traps with cotton wick dispensers was comparatively less than cork sheet, cigarette filter tip, pith of sarkanda and blotting paper but it increased during five successive weeks and thereafter decreased. However trap catches decreased from second week onward with rest of the dispensers. The results manifest that cotton wick as a dispenser for methyl eugenol proved most efficient in attracting the flies for longer duration and thus had a potential usefulness for monitoring and control of D. zonatus. Zusammenfassung Freilanduntersuchungen über verschiedene Dispenser für Methyl-Eugenol zur Anlockung von Dacus zonatus (Saund.) (Dipt., Tephritidae) Es wurden Versuche mit dem Pheromon Methyl-Eugenol zum Fang der Männchen von Dacus zonatus durchgeführt. Nach Injektion in Baumwolldochte wirkte das Pheromon bis zu 9 Wochen lang. Obgleich die mittlere Zahl gefangener Männchen in Fallen mit Baumwolldocht-Dispensern zu Anfang vergleichsweise geringer war als bei Korkscheiben-, Zigarettenfilter-, Sarkanda-Mark und Löschpapier-Dispensern, stieg sie in den folgenden 5 Wochen an, um dann erst wieder abzunehmen, während die Zahlen bei den anderen Dispensern ab der 2. Woche sanken. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß Baumwolldochte als Dispenser für Methyl-Eugenol sich zum Fang der männlichen Fliegen am besten eignen, was bei der Anwendung von Pheromon zur Prognose und Bekämpfung von D. zonatus zu beachten ist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]