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This paper presents novel radiation hardening design techniques to substantially reduce the single event effects (SEE) on high-frequency receivers subject to various radiations when operating in space. A W-band (75-110 GHz) receiver front-end implemented in Global Foundry’s 90 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology is used for studying SEE and investigating the effectiveness of the proposed techniques. Specifically, the mixer is modified to allow for different modes of operation, in addition to introducing matching considerations between the mixer’s gain and switching stages. The receiver includes integrated high frequency signal sources to provide the input radio frequency (RF) and local oscillator (LO) signals for full operation of the proposed millimeter-wave (mmW) receiver. Measurements are taken while the receiver is in normal operation (RF and LO are applied.) The design techniques are carefully analyzed via extensive simulations using equivalent transient current pulses obtained from calibrated Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) simulations. A two-photon-absorption (TPA) pulsed laser experiment is used to induce transient currents in the silicon–germanium heterojunction bipolar transistor (SiGe HBT) circuit. Various devices within the mixer are hit from the back side through a hole in the designed printed circuit board (PCB.) The propagated transients are then captured using a high-speed oscilloscope at the output of the receiver. The measurement results, supported by simulations and analysis, validate the robustness of the proposed radiation hardened receiver to SEE.

Aquaponics is a fish-plant recirculating system where nutrients received from the fish culture are absorbed by the plants for growth. The technology is relatively new for fish culture in Kenya, and the principles and operations remain largely untested for many fish species. This study determined how stocking density affects the growth performance and water quality in a Nile tilapia-lettuce (Lactuca sativa) aquaponics system. The experimental design included five replicates for each of the aquaponic systems stocked at densities of 150, 300, and 450 fish/m3 for a rearing period of 56 days. Each treatment had a planting density of 16 lettuce/m2. The water quality parameters ranges during the rearing period were 3.83–5.35 mg/L for dissolved oxygen, 7.44 to 7.6 for pH, 0.014 mg/L to 0.032 mg/L for total ammonium nitrate (TAN), 1.11–1.34 mg/L for nitrate, and 0.01–0.08 mg/L for nitrite, and all decreased with increasing stocking density. The final weight of fingerlings was 25.2 ± 4.2 g, 32.0 ± 3.8 g and 42.6 ± 3.1 g for 450, 300, and 150 fish/m3 respectively. Specific growth rate (SGR) was reduced with increasing stocking density whereas food conversion ratio (FCR) increased with stocking density. Aquaponic systems with the lowest stocking densities performed better than 300 and 450 fish/m3 respectively.

Ni(II) complexes of the Schiff base of the chiral auxiliary (S)-2-N-(N′-benzylprolyl)aminobenzophenone (BPB) and α-substituted propargylglycines as the initial complexes in the Glaser reaction were...

Biocatalysis has emerged as a green technology in chemical based catalysis. Immobilization of enzymes onto magnetized nanomaterials enhances downstream processing as it eases their separation from reaction mixture. Synthesis of the nanoparticles was performed in an aqueous solution of FeCl3.6H2O as precursor and NH3 as nucleating agent under microwave irradiation. The maghemite complex was cross-linked with glutaraldehyde to provide conducive environment for enzyme immobilization. Stability of produced immobilized lipases against different conditions were evaluated such as working temperatures from 27 °C to 85 °C and retained more than 64% of its activity at 85 °C. The immobilized lipase complex was able to withstand a wide range of acidic to alkaline environment from pH 5.5 to pH 9.5. The enzyme retains more than 59% of its activity after 14 days of storage and can be recycled for more than 7 cycles with remaining high activity at 93.7%. Developed enzyme was then subjected to microwave irradiation for transesterification of palm oil to produce biodiesel. Highest biodiesel recovery achieved from microwave assisted immobilized lipase catalysed transesterification of palm oil was 70.2%. The physical properties of produced biodiesel was evaluated and fulfilled the ASTM general requirement for fuels.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase G6PD is a cytoplasmic enzymes that are found in all cells of the human body, it plays an essential and vital role in preventing cellular damage from reactive oxygen radicles ROS. Pharmacist can play a major role in providing G6PD deficient patients with the useful information about medications that needs to be avoided in such conditions. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the pharmacist knowledge about medications use in G6PD deficient patients. Study’s results showed that most of the pharmacists were able to define G6PD deficiency correctly. However, majority were not able to identify risk factors for hemolysis correctly. With regards to the pharmacists’ knowledge about drug usage pattern in G6PD deficient patients, they showed an overall good knowledge as they were able to correctly identify the contraindicated and used with caution medications. Pharmacists should use continuous pharmaceutical education to keep up with updated evidence based information regarding medication use in specific population such as G6PD deficient individuals especially in G6PD prevalent regions.

Phenol is one of the essential organic pollutants released into the environment because of its high stability and toxicity. It is harmful to organisms, environment, and posing a serious threat to human health at low concentration. This research investigated the photocatalytic degradation process of phenol using a TiO2-Fe catalyst under visible light irradiation and additional H2O2. The effect of various conditions process was applied, including different catalyst doses (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 g/L), pH (3, 6, 8, and 11), irradiation times (60, 90, 120, 150, and 210 minutes) and the presence of H2O2. The degradation process was studied at an initial concentration of phenol 5 mg/L. This study has been decreasing phenol content (90.51%) with catalyst doses 0.6 g/ L sample solution, pH solution 11, reaction time 210 minutes and H2O2 concentration 30%. This final phenol concentration after photodegradation under halogen light was 0.18 mg/L, while sunlight irradiation was 0.11 mg/L. This result is below government regulation as per Permen LH RI No. 5/2014 i.e. 0.5 mg/L. Therefore, this process possible to remove phenol in aqueous such as industrial wastewater or other resources.

For the first time, fibrous polylactide (PLA) materials containing plant extract of Portulaca oleracea obtained using supercritical carbon dioxide were successfully prepared by electrospinning. The effect of the extract concentration on the morphology and properties of the obtained materials was studied. P. oleracea extracts of 0–7.5 wt% in 10 wt% PLA solutions were electrospun. The optimal process conditions for the preparation of defect-free fibers were found. The newly obtained fibrous materials were fully characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction analysis and water contact angle measurements. It was found that the incorporation of the crude extract had a significant effect on the average fiber diameter, thermal characteristics and structure of the obtained materials. Moreover, it was found that the electrospun PLA/P. oleracea materials showed high antioxidant activity. The cytocompatibility of fibrous mats was assessed and it was found that the materials loaded with P. oleracea enhanced the cell viability of mouse BALB/c-3T3 fibroblasts. Thus the obtained novel materials could be a potential candidate for tissue regeneration and wound healing applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.

Recently, there has been a revival of interest in the use of natural pigments in various industries. It is of great interest to obtain melanins from plant raw materials. An effective method has been developed for cleaning grape squeezes from impurities before the alkaline extraction of melanin. A schematic flow diagram of the isolation and purification of water-soluble melanin from grape squeezes is presented. The obtained pigment was identified by spectroscopic methods. It has been established by thermal treatment that the amorphous precipitate of melanin is stable at temperatures up to 120 °C, and the acid resistance of the obtained melanin solution is in the pH range of > 4.0. Gel filtration, electrophoresis and HPLC showed that the pigment preparation contained four fractions that differed by their molecular weights. The quantitative distribution and the molecular weights of the obtained melanin fractions were determined. Qualitative reactions and spectroscopic methods have shown that these fractions are typical melanins. The elemental composition of the obtained melanin and its antioxidant properties, the amino acid composition of the melanin protein, and its solubility were determined. The yield of melanin from the feedstock was 17.3%. Based on the physicochemical properties of the resulting melanin, it can be used as an effective natural food coloring and powerful antioxidant substance.

Arrowroot starch membrane-modified glassy carbon electrode were constructed for the determination of uric acid. The membrane consist of arrowroot starch, polyvinyl alcohol, uric acid, and crosslinker. The crosslinker used was sodium tripolyphosphate, citric acid, and glutaraldehyde. Carbon material was added to increase the sensitivity. The composition of membrane influences the electrodes sensitivity. The best composition of arrowroot starch membrane is UA1 using 0.1% uric acid in membrane and STPP as crosslinker. The linearity concentration, sensitivity, and detection limit were 100-500 µM, 0.0509 A/M and 76 µM, respectively.

Dioxin is one of the environmental persistent organic pollutants that harm animal and human health. Prolonged exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) can disrupt normal organ function including heart. Yogurt is known to have antioxidant properties, and fortification natural plant-based antioxidant purple roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L ) extract into yogurt can improve the antioxidant potential. The purpose of this study was to determine the preventive effect of yogurt fortified with purple roselle on dioxin exposure rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) based on the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and histopathological of the heart. This experimental study using a completely randomized design (CRD). A total of 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (NC, PC, T1, T2, T3), a dose of 200 ng/kg BW TCDD and 1 mL of roselle yogurt 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% were given orally for 12 days. MDA levels were analyzed using the Thiobarbituric Acid (TBA) assay and histopathology of the heart using the Haematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining method. Statistical analysis using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Histopathology changes were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that TCDD exposure induced oxidative stress in heart tissue and yogurt roselle has the potential to prevent an increase of MDA levels significantly (p

In this study, the chemical composition of Ocimum basilicum essential oil (OBEO) was investigated using gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The inhibiting power of this oil for the corrosion of C38 steel (CS) in 0.5 M H2SO4 was similarly studied using weight loss (WL) measuring, open-circuit potential analysis and electrochemical tests such as potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The interactive effects of temperature (25–55 °C), the concentration of inhibitor (0.5–2.00 g/L), and immersion time (2–6 h) were optimized for a maximum response of inhibition efficiency (IE%) using the Response Surface method (RSM). 21 components were identified accounting for 96.0% of the total oil, with Estragol (67.2%) and Linalol (14.8%) were the major compounds. The optimum conditions were temperature of 40 °C, inhibitor concentration of 1.25 g/L, and immersion time of 4 h. Under these optimum conditions, the optimal IE% estimated was 88.10%. The findings suggest that the experimental and the predicted data are in reasonable agreement, showing that the quadratic model was the fittest for the optimization of the inhibition process. PDP showed that OBEO functioned as a mixed-mode inhibitor. According to EIS experiments, the observed increase in charge transfer resistance is due to the adhesion of a film layer on the metal surface via the substitution of the water molecules by the molecules of the tested oil. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption process obeyed the Langmuir isotherm and that the inhibition mechanism involved a combination of both physisorption and chemisorption. Theoretical results through using density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulation were performed to understand the contribution of the main components and their protonated form in the inhibitory effect of OBEO and to explain their adsorption configurations on top of the Fe (110) surface.

Biologically active substances, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of aqueous, 70% ethylate and ethyl acetate extracts of fruits of maclura orange (Osage Orange), a representative of the Moraceae genus growing in the Ararat region of Armenia have been studied. It is found that plant extracts are rich in a wide range of pharmacologically active substances, in particular, tannins, flavonoids, organic acids, vitamins, anthocyanins, micro- and microelements, etc. Based on the investigations performed, extracts of maclura orange can be recommended as a source of biologically active substances (BAS), as well as a preventive and corrective agent in deficiency or imbalance of macro- and microelements in tissue and cellular structures in various pathological processes in the body. An ethanol extract of maclura fruits exhibits the antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis 1820, E. Coli 5002, Serratia marcescens 5251 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-6538 strains. Maclura extracts can be used as an environmentally friendly source of antioxidants against early aging.

Medicinal plants contain natural bio-active constituents in various parts called photochemical that are of therapeutic importance. This research was undertaken to determine the phytochemical constituents and in-vitro antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate extract of Dryopteris dilatata leaves (DDL). Phytochemical analysis was determined on the plant samples following established protocols. The antioxidant property of Dryopteris dilatata leaves was evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), superoxide scavenging radical activity (SSRA) and hydroxyl radical activity (OH) assay. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of the following phenols, terpenoid, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides and saponins, while steroids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids and phlobotannins were below detectable levels. DDL leaves produced significant (P

This article analyses and forecasts carbon dioxide () emissions in Singapore for the 2012 to 2016 period. The study analysed the data using grey forecasting model with Cramer’s rule to calculate the best SOGM(2,1) model with the highest accuracy of precision compared to conventional grey forecasting model. According to the forecasted result, the fitted values using SOGM(2,1) model has a higher accuracy precision with better capability in handling information to fit larger scale of uncertain feature compared to other conventional grey forecasting models. This article offers insightful information to policymakers in Singapore to develop better renewable energy instruments to combat the greater issues of global warming and reducing the fossil carbon dioxide emissions into the environment.

Herein, we report the role of indium (In) on the carbon monoxide sensing of ZnO thin films using a low-cost spray pyrolysis technique. The decrease in crystalline size was observed from XRD studies and hexagonal wurtzite structure was confirmed. Photoluminescence and XPS studies proved the presence of various defects in the films. The gas-sensing properties of films toward carbon monoxide (CO) gas indicate that 15 wt% of In in ZnO thin films (IZO) exhibit high response (1.84) to a low concentration of the gas (1 ppm) at 300 °C compared to undoped ZnO (0.53). The observed high response of 15 wt% IZO can be mainly endorsed to the oxygen vacancy defects as observed from the photoluminescence and XPS analysis. Further, the high response is complemented by high surface area and smaller grain size (~ 13.1 nm) with well-defined grain boundaries as evident from SEM analysis as well as XRD studies.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for rapid, safe, and effective vaccines. In contrast to some traditional vaccines, nanoparticle-based subunit vaccines are particularly efficient in trafficking antigens to lymph nodes, where they induce potent immune cell activation. Here, we developed a strategy to decorate the surface of oxidation-sensitive polymersomes with multiple copies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) to mimic the physical form of a virus particle. We evaluated the vaccination efficacy of these surface-decorated polymersomes (RBDsurf) in mice compared to RBD-encapsulated polymersomes (RBDencap) and unformulated RBD (RBDfree), using monophosphoryl-lipid-A-encapsulated polymersomes (MPLA PS) as an adjuvant. While all three groups produced high titers of RBD-specific IgG, only RBDsurf elicited a neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 comparable to that of human convalescent plasma. Moreover, RBDsurf was the only group to significantly increase the proportion of RBD-specific germinal center B cells in the vaccination-site draining lymph nodes. Both RBDsurf and RBDencap drove similarly robust CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses that produced multiple Th1-type cytokines. We conclude that a multivalent surface display of spike RBD on polymersomes promotes a potent neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, while both antigen formulations promote robust T cell immunity., We developed nanoscale polymer vesicles (polymersomes) decorated with multiple copies of SARS-CoV-2 antigen as a COVID-19 vaccine that elicits neutralizing antibodies and cellular immunity.

The old pattern of practicum implementation has less impact on increasing students’ science process skills and critical thinking. Therefore, implementing practicum with a semi-research pattern has been carried out by involving the lecturer and laboratory assistant. The subjects of this research were 40 students in Universitas Negeri Medan. The method is classroom action research consisting of two cycles. Each cycle includes planning, action, reflection, and evaluation. Instrument’s research is the observation sheet and essay test. The results of descriptive data analysis show that implementing practicum with a semi-research pattern can improve students’ science process critical thinking skills, especially in planning experiments by 88.3% and critical thinking skills in evaluating by 82.3%.

In a study to compare the durability of commonly used stains (Giemsa, Leishman, Wright, Eosin, Nigrosin and Gentian violet) for exfoliative vaginal cytology, vaginal smear was obtained from eleven apparently healthy West African Dwarf (WAD) female Goats and processed according to standard technique. Scores (0-3) were given on four parameters namely background of smears, overall staining pattern, cytoplasmic staining and nuclear staining. Quality index one (QI-I) was calculated from the ratio of score achieved to the maximum score possible (12), immediately post staining while quality index–II (QI-II) was obtained 35 days after. Calculation for durability index (DI) was self-derived and equalled to ratio of QI-II to QI-I. The data were presented as mean ± SEM. Multinomial logistic regression model was generated for the QI-I and QI-II using durability index as reference category. Giemsa, Leishman and Wright stains were more durable than others with their mean DI values significantly (P < 0.05) higher than Gentian violet, Nigrosin and Eosin.The model showed 89.2% overall model accuracy for the multinomial logistic regression model and 81.5% for the multinomial Bayes Naïve regression model. In conclusion, Giemsa, Leishman and Wright stains were more reliable and durable for exfoliative vaginal cytology compared to the other stains.

The research discussed the possibility of adsorption of Brilliant Blue Dye (BBD) from wastewater using 13X zeolite adsorbent, which is considered a byproduct of the production process of potassium carbonate from Iraqi potash raw materials. The 13X zeolite adsorbent was prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction that showed a clear match with the standard 13X zeolite. The crystallinity rate was 82.15% and the crystal zeolite size was 5.29 nm. The surface area and pore volume of the obtained 13X zeolite were estimated. The prepared 13X zeolite showed the ability to remove BBD contaminant from wastewater at concentrations 5 to 50 ppm and the removal reached 96.60% at the lower pollutant concentration. Adsorption measurements versus time showed 48.18% removal of the dye during just the first half-hour and the maximum removal closest to the removal at the equilibrium after one and half hour. Langmuir isotherm was described the adsorption equilibrium data with a maximum adsorption capacity of 93.46 mg/g and the kinetics data of the adsorption process was followed the pseudo-second-order.

This article presents the results of cell-surface interactions on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based substrates coated with nanoscale gold (Au) thin films. The surfaces of PDMS and PDMS-magnetite (MNP)-based substrates were treated with UV-ozone, prior to thermal vapor deposition (sputter-coated) of thin films of titanium (Ti) onto the substrates to improve the adhesion of Au coatings. The thin layer of Ti was thermally evaporated to improve interfacial adhesion, which was enhanced by a 40-nm thick film microwrinkled/buckled wavy layer of Au, that was coated to enhance cell-surface interactions and protein absorption. Cell-surface interactions were studied on the hybrid surfaces using a combination of optical and fluorescence microscopy. Consequently, cell proliferation and surface cytotoxicity (of the sputter-coated PDMS surfaces) were elucidated by characterizing the metabolic activity in the presence of breast cancer and normal breast cells. The photothermal conversion efficiency associated with laser-materials interactions with the PDMS/PDMS-magnetite-based composites was shown to have an optimum efficiency of ~31.8%. The implications of the results are discussed for potential applications of PDMS nanocomposites in implantable biomedical devices.

Long distance running (LDR) is an exercise that has a relatively heavy load which can cause Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and increase Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels. Xanthine, one derivate of ROS will increase 10 times during aerobic activity which is metabolized to Uric Acid (mg/dL) (UA). Foam rolling (FR) is used for the recovery process. This study aims to determine the effect of long distance running on changes in UA levels and the effect of FR as an active recovery against changes in UA levels. This was a quasi-experiment study using a purposive sampling design, one-group repeated measure design of a sample population of young healthy males (17-25 years). The sample consisted of 10 trained young males in Semarang. The average value of UA before intervention was 4.43 mg/dL ± 0.51. In 90 minutes, it was 5.90 mg/dL ± 0.52, in 120 minutes was 5.71 mg/dL ± 0.72 and at 24 hours after intervention was 6.1 mg/dL ± 0.57. LDR has been shown to increase UA levels. FR which is done only once has not been able to reduce UA levels. The percentage of occurrence of post-LDR DOMS occurred at 24 hours.

Introduction: The known connections between the terms 'sartans' and 'melanoma' has grown recently in the clinical field, suggesting that the relationship between these concepts is very likely to be significant, rather than hypothetical or unfeasible. This is because: 1) the presence of angiotensin receptors in melanoma tissue, melanocytes and skin is a known fact; 2) the influence of sartans on the processes of melanogenesis has already been presented in recent published scientific papers; 3) key in vitro studies have shown that angiotensin receptor blockers (sartans) could potentiate carcinogenesis in the direction of melanoma and metastases; and 4) clinical examples of the occurrence of melanoma after starting therapy with sartans have become numerous and difficult to ignore.Areas covered: We report the first case of occult melanoma in an 87-year-old Bulgarian patient, this manifested in the form of a solitary metastasis on the left arm, which occurred after long-term therapy with telmisartan.Expert opinion: The fact that nitrosamines have a proven carcinogenic effect and are the cause of heterogeneous neoplasms shows that they have the potential to be possible melanoma triggers. The multifactorial pathogenesis of melanoma could certainly be clarified after the 'crystallization' of this currently serious issue.

Globba leucantha var. bicolor Holttum is a part of Zingiberaceae plant that is not yet widely known but can be used as a medicinal material as well as an ornamental plant. So far Globba plant propagation has not been widely done and has relied solely on from its habitat. Research aims at acquiring Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) concentrations and optimal kinetin for the multiplication of ginger plant shoots (Globba leucantha var. bicolor Holttum) on in vitro culture. The research method uses experimental methods with non-parametric statistics and 24 repeated treatments 3 times as well as being analyzed descriptively using the Kruskal Wallis Test. The treatment used NAA with concentrations of 0 mg/l, 0.1 mg/l, 0.5 mg/l, 1 mg/l, 1.5 mg/l, and 2 mg/l combined with Kinetin with concentrations of 0 mg/l, 0.1 mg/l, 1 mg/l and 10 mg/l. The results showed that the growth of Globba plant's best shoots at N3K3 treatment (NAA 1 mg/l + Kinetin 10 mg/l) with a shoot emergent time of 21.58 HSI, a percentage of shoot forming 66.67%, a shot count of 0.89 buds per explant, and a shoot length of 0.18 cm. Additionally at the same time also formed Globba plant roots with the best treatment of N5K2 (NAA 1 mg/l + Kinetin 10 mg/l) with a time of appearing rooted 25.67 HSI and a root count of 7.78 roots per explant.

SUMMARY: Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disease that damages the joints and affects millions of people worldwide. The potential inhibitory effects of the antidiabetic drug metformin combined with captopril, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on diabetes-induced damage to the knee joint articular cartilage associated with the inhibition of glycemia, dyslipidemia, and inflammation has not been investigated before. Therefore, we induced diabetes in rats using high carbohydrate and fat diets and a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). The protective group of rats was pre-treated with combined daily doses of metformin (Met; 200 mg/kg body weight) and captopril (Cap; 150 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days before diabetic induction and continued on metformin and resveratrol until the end of the experiment at week 12. Harvested tissues obtained from knee joints were prepared for basic histology staining with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and examined under light microscopy. Representative H&E images showed that OA was developed in the diabetic rats as demonstrated by a profound damage to the knee joints such as irregular eroded and a sharp decrease in the thickness of the articular cartilage surface and abnormal remodeling of the subchondral bone that were substantially ameliorated by Met+Cap. Met+Cap also significantly (p< 0.05) reduced blood levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), dyslipidemia, and the inflammatory biomarkers, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) induced by diabetes. In addition, a significant (p≤ 0.0014) correlation between the articular cartilage thickness and the blood levels of glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), and hs-CRP were observed. Thus, we demonstrate that Met+Cap effectively protect the knee joint against injuries induced secondary to diabetes in rats, possibly due to the inhibition of glycemia, dyslipidemia, and biomarkers of inflammation.

Background: A work environment that is exposed to heavy metals, such as a coal mining environment, can change fat metabolism in the body. Changes in fat metabolism will lead to cardiovascular disease. Consumption of dairy products, e.g. whey protein, can reduce the risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. Objectives : To test and analyze the differences in triglyceride levels before and after whey protein intervention to field workers with different working conditions. Materials and Method s : This experimental research with pretest and posttest was conducted on field workers at PT Bukit Asam Tbk. Tarahan Port Unit, Lampung as an Arsenic exposed group and PTPN VII Way Berulu Business Unit as an Arsenic unexposed group. Both groups received 24 grams of whey protein daily for 28 days. The triglyceride levels before and after the intervention were measured by laboratory analysis using the enzymatic calorimetry method. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, Mann Whitney test, and Wilcoxon test. Result s : The average triglyceride levels increased by 50.48 ± 98.09 mg/dL in the exposed group and 16.78 ± 67.67 mg/dL in the unexposed group. There was a significant difference in triglyceride levels before and after the whey protein intervention in the two groups. Conclusion s : The whey protein intervention increased the triglyceride level in the exposed group and decreased it in the unexposed group.

Studies have shown arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance phosphorus (P) uptake and drought tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) grown in semiarid soils. However, little is known regarding the contribution of AMF to maize treated with different levels of phosphorus and grown in different soil moisture levels. This study was conducted to determine the effects of AMF (Glomus fasciculatum) inoculation on growth and P uptake of maize treated with different levels of soil P and soil moisture. Different P levels (0, 50, and 100 kg P ha-1) were applied on maize grown in soils with and without mycorrhizal fungi, and at different moisture levels producing -0.05, -0.4, -0.8, and -1.5 MPa of drought stress. Increasing P rates significantly (p < 0.05) reduced mycorrhizal colonization. Mycorrhizal colonization was higher under moderate than under lower soil moisture levels. Drought stress × soil P content × AMF inoculation interaction had significant (p < 0.05) effect on maize shoot and root dry weight and tissue P concentration. Overall, results of this study suggest that mycorrhizal inoculation enhances P uptake and maximizes maize biomass under low, moderate, and high soil moisture conditions without P applications. Except for the lowest soil moisture level (-1.5 MPa), mycorrhizal plants produced higher biomass, with greater tissue P content than nonmycorrhizal plants at all soil P and soil moisture levels. These results indicate that establishing efficacious AMF with maize could be an efficient alternative for growers than relying on P fertilizer application and its associated costs and environmental concerns. Keywords: Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi, Drought Tolerance, Phosphorus Levels, Maize Plants.

Ultrasensitive and ultraselective detection of the gene requires emergency development to meet the medical demands and infectious disease control. Herein we report a versatile and scalable method based on electrochemical-chemical-cyclic amplification (EC-CA) and fluorescence detection for ultrasensitive gene sensing. The EC-CA is achieved by an electro-Fenton reaction (EFR). The hydroxyl radicals generated at EFR are trapped by terephthalic acid to form highly fluorescent 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid, which can be sensitively detected by a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The method is the first to be able to amplify the signal and reduce the noise simultaneously by using the conventional analytical methods directly. This described method can be used for reliable Fe3+ quantification in the range from 0.1 nM to 0.08 mM. The calculated limit of detection (LOD) is 0.02 nM. Then, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and p53 gene were detected by this proposed method through introducing the Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the gene hybridization system. The LODs for HBV and p53 gene even topped out at 2.6 pM and 1.7 fM, respectively. We demonstrated that the finally recorded signal was triply amplified through the EC cycle, Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and sensitive fluorescence detection. At the same time, the background signal arisen from matrix effects and readout noise was effectively suppressed. This method shows it is simple, convenient, and operational through the detection of Fe3+, HBV, and the p53 gene in blood samples, respectively. We believe our method will make a significant, near-term impact on the development of high-sensitivity methods that are versatile and scalable.

This paper presents in vitro studies of the sustained release of Annona muricata leaf extracts (AME) from hybrid electrospun fibers for breast cancer treatment. Electrospun hybrid scaffolds were fabricated from crude AME extracts, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/gelatin (PLGA/Ge) and pluronic F127. The physicochemical properties of the AME extract and scaffolds were studied. The antiproliferative effects of the scaffolds were also assessed on breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and non-tumorigenic breast (MCF10A) cell lines. Scanning electron microscope micrographs revealed a random network of micro- and submicron fibers. In vitro drug release profiles, governed by quasi-Fickian diffusion at pH 7.4 and non-Fickian super case II at pH 6.7, showed initial burst AME release from the PLGA/Ge-AME and PLGA/Ge-F127/AME fibers at pH 7.4, and burst release from PLGA/Ge-F127/AME (not observed from PLGA/Ge-AME) at pH 6.7. Then, a slower, sustained release of the remaining AME from the fibers, attributed to the onset of degradation of the PLGA/Ge backbone, was observed for the next 72 hr. The cumulative release of AME was 89.33 ± 0.73% (PLGA/Ge-AME) and 51.17 ± 7.96% (PLGA/Ge-F127/AME) at pH 7.4, and 9.27 ± 2.3% and 73.5 ± 4.5%, respectively, at pH 6.7. Pluronic F127 addition increased the drug loading capacity and prolonged the sustained AME release from the fibers. The released AME significantly inhibited the in vitro growth of the breast cancer cells more than the non-tumorigenic cells, due to the induction of apoptosis, providing evidence for using pluronic F127-containing electrospun fibers for sustained and localized AME delivery to breast cancer cells.

Cephalexin (CEX) is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals. However, it is also a micropollutant. Thus, this study evaluated the degradation of CEX using ultraviolet irradiation (UV-C) and analyzed the by-products as well as their residual antimicrobial activity. A reactor with a mercury vapor lamp was used for the degradation. Irradiated CEX solutions were collected over a period of 4 hours and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. For the residual antimicrobial activity the susceptibility test was performed using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli microorganisms by broth microdilution. It was found that CEX, after treatment, generated a metabolite with a mass of 150 m/z in 15 min. A four- and eightfold increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration of the drug against S. aureus and E. coli could be observed, respectively, after 20 min. Therefore, this treatment proved to be effective in the degradation of CEX, being able to degrade 81% of the initial molecule of the drug in 20 min. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the CEX solution decreased as the irradiation time increased, indicating loss of antimicrobial function of the initial CEX molecule and the resulting by-products. HIGHLIGHTS Degradation of micropollutant cephalexin.; Metabolites analyzed and residual antimicrobial activity.; Water treatment with irradiation.; Antimicrobial activity using susceptibility test.

By scanning the charge-deposition profile produced by a pulsed laser throughout a device, the spatially dependent charge-collection efficiency (CCE) can be determined. This is demonstrated by extracting the depth-dependent CCE in two photodiodes. The resulting collection efficiency curves are found to be consistent with their device structures and the expected charge-collection mechanisms. By applying the efficiency curves to the charge-deposition curves for both heavy ions and pulsed X-rays, the calculated collected charge values show very good agreement with experimental results. This suggests that the profiles extracted using the laser can help predict charge-collection data from other excitation sources and could improve modeling efforts by determining sensitive volumes.

The photoinduced birefringence of two 4-substituted phthalimide 2-hydroxy Schif bases, containing salicylic (4) and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl (5) moieties has been investigated in PMMA matrix. Their optical behaviour as nanocomposite flms was revealed by combined use of DFT quantum chemical calculations (in ground and excited state) and experimental optical spectroscopy (UV–Vis and fuorescence). The results have shown that solid-state reversible switching takes place by enol/keto tautomerization and Z/E isomerization. Birefringence study was performed in the PMMA nanocomposite flms using pump lasers at λrec = 355 nm and λrec = 442 nm. Fast response time and high stability of anisotropy up to 58% for (4) and 95% for (5) after turning of the excitation laser, was observed, which makes these materials appropriate candidates for cutting-edge optical information technology materials. The possibility for multiple cycles of recording, reading and optical erasure of the photoinduced birefringence at λrec = 442 nm in 5 has been demonstrated. The obtained results have shown that the maximum value of the measured birefringence is close to the anisotropic characteristics of the most frequently used azo materials.

Heavy-ion, focused X-ray, and pulsed laser single-event transient (SET) experiments are performed on a silicon epitaxial diode. Collected charge, transient rise times, and transient fall times are calculated and compared between different sources. The transient shape characteristics depend on the source (ion, X-ray, or laser), even when similar amounts of charge are generated. The observed differences are examined and explained in terms of basic charge collection mechanisms.

Cases of sexual contact with threats or violence perpetrated against children by adult offenders may be subject to criminal penalties and treatment of chemical castration. This is governed by Law No. 17 of 2016, which passed the Government Regulation in lieu of Law No. 17 of 2016. The existence of criminal sanctions and acts in the form of chemical castration is a breakthrough and a manifestation of the implementation of double-track sentencing. The chemical castration treatment has led to the opposition of society. Consequently, to find out how the regulation of chemical castration treatment and to know what chemical castration is appropriate with the double-track criminal system. It is necessary to researching doctrinal research. The results showed that chemical castration is an treatment and castration has been contradicted with the double-track criminal system adopted by Indonesia.

Apium graviolens L. is a medicinal plant that is useful for treating gout. Flavonoids are components of chemical compounds found in celery because they can work as antioxidants and inhibit the action of the xanthine oxidase enzyme to form uric acid. This study aims to determine the effect of giving celery herb powder on the blood serum uric acid levels of hyperuricemia male leghorn chickens. This study used twenty-five male leghorn chickens which were randomly divided into 5 groups. All groups were made hyperuricemia by being given 100% chicken liver juice 5 mL/l kg BW once a day orally during treatment. Group 1 was given 0.5% CMC suspension solution as a negative control group. Group 2 was treated with allopurinol 14 mg/1.5 kg BW in CMC 0.5% as a positive control. Groups 3, 4, 5 received infusion of celery herb powder in the order of doses (0.6 g/1.5 kg BW), (1.2 g/1.5 kg BW), (1.8 g/1.5 kg BW). Examination of uric acid levels was carried out on days 0, 4, 8, 12. The results showed that steeping celery could reduce uric acid levels in proportion to the dose. The greater the dose given, the greater the decrease in uric acid levels. The dose of celery herb group 3 (1.8 g/1.5 kg BW) was the most effective doses because it had the same value as the positive control.

This research aims to study the simultaneous extraction and transesterification of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) using microwave irradiation with methanol as solvent and potassium hydroxide (KOH) as catalyst. The microwave-assisted insitu transesterification of C. vulgaris is assessed at various ratios of biomass-to-methanol, reaction times, and catalyst concentrations during the centrifugation and evaporation process. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis is performed to confirm fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) composition. Biodiesel preparation is carried out by simultaneous extraction and transesterification of microalgae from C. vulgaris. The product is then characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR); microalgae are observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The highest amount of FAME is obtained at a biomass-to-methanol ratio of 1:12, reaction time of 40 min, and catalyst concentration of 2 wt%. Biodiesel shows conversion to about 77.64% of methyl ester (methyl myristate, methyl palmitoleate, methyl linoleate, methyl oleate, methyl arachidonate, and methyl 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentanoate).

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and hypercholesterolemia are most predisposition factors and show a significant impact in causing cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct dietary modifications, physical activity, and alternative therapies. One such option for alternative therapies is wet cupping therapy. AIM: This study aims to investigate the effect of wet cupping on blood pressure (BP) and total cholesterol (TC) on healthy young male adults. METHODS: This study design was quasi-experimental with a control and intervention group. It was conducted between January and February 2020 at Mini Hospital, School of Nursing, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. There were 44 healthy young male adults divided into control (n = 22) and intervention (n = 22) groups. This study’s outcomes were BP (systolic BP [SBP] and diastolic BP [DBP]) and TC. RESULTS: In the intervention group’s post-test, the mean SBP and DBP were substantially different from the pretest (p = 0.01 and 0.03). Although there was no statistically significant difference in TC outcome, overall cholesterol decreased following an intervention. There was no statistically significant difference in the outcome between the control and intervention groups, except for TC, which was significantly lower in the post-test than in the pre-test. CONCLUSION: This study’s results indicated that wet cupping could be useful in decreasing BP and total cholesterol.

Early and accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is extremely important, as metastatic PCa remains hard to treat. EWI‐2, a member of the Ig protein subfamily, is known to inhibit PCa cell migration. In this study, we found that EWI‐2 localized on both the cell membrane and exosomes regulates the distribution of miR‐3934‐5p between cells and exosomes. Interestingly, we observed that EWI‐2 is localized not only on the plasma membrane but also on the nuclear envelope (nuclear membrane), where it regulates the nuclear translocation of signaling molecules and miRNA. Collectively, these functions of EWI‐2 found in lipid bilayers appear to regulate PCa cell metastasis through the epidermal growth factor receptor‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (EGFR‐MAPK‐ERK) pathway. Our research provides new insights into the molecular function of EWI‐2 on PCa metastasis, and highlights EWI‐2 as a potential PCa biomarker., Our findings identify EWI‐2 as a potential prostate cancer (PCa) biomarker. EWI‐2 is involved in PCa metastasis through its localization on lipid bilayers where it facilitates nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of EGFR signaling molecules and also regulates microRNA sorting in exosomes. These molecular functions of EWI‐2 result in downstream activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (EGFR‐MAPK‐ERK) signaling pathway and promote PCa cell migration.

The potentials of Luffa aegyptiaca and its rhizospheric, non-mycorrhizal fungi in biodegrading and bio-remediating hydrocarbon contaminated soil were investigated in-vitro and in-situ. Biodegradati...

The management of solid household wastes in Tsévié is the environmental concerns that the municipality faces on a daily basis. The aim of this study is to assess the amount of waste produced daily per resident in Tsévié and then to determine the socio-economic dynamics involved in the production of waste. A quantification campaign coupled with the socio-economic assessment are carried out. The households selected are chosen at random from different parts of the city and their number is defined on the basis of the size of the population so as to cover at least one hundredth of this population. The results obtained indicate that the ratios vary by neighborhood and by the lifestyle of population. These ratios range from 0.476 kg/hab/d to 0.587 kg/hab/d with an average of 0.54 0.10 kg/hab/d. The production of household wastes in the city of Tsévié is estimated at 13440 tonnes per year. For the other sectors, especially the central market and commercial structures, production is estimated at 744 tonnes and 149 tonnes of waste respectively per year. With an estimated annual waste production in the city of Tsévié of approximately 14,333 tonnes, urgent steps must be taken toward the efficient management of this waste.

Complementary food was produced from blends of hungry rice (A), pigeon pea (P) and soursop leaves (S). The raw materials were washed with portable water, dried at room temperature, milled with hammer mill, fermented for 24 hours at 28 ± 2 °C (28 ± 2 °C), oven-dried at 50 °C for 12 hours, remilled, sieved to 1 mm pore size and packaged in polyethylene bags for further analysis. The samples were in the ratio of 70:30:0 (sample APS), 65:30:5 (sample APS1), 60:30:10 (sample APS2) and 55:30:15 (sample APS3). Toxicity test for lethal dose (LD50) was carried out on the soursop leaves. Bioassay was carried out with male albino rats for 28 days including acclimatization period of 7 days. Feed intake and weight gain of experimental rats were recorded daily and weekly. Blood serum was collected before and after feeding trials for analyzing bioavailability of the selected micronutrients. The data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Means were separated using the Duncan’s multiple range test and significance was accepted at probability level of 0.05 %. The toxicity test (LD50) indicated safety of soursop leaf as an infusion (oral administration) at lower doses of 10-1000 mg/kg body weight of rats. The bioassay revealed that food intake was significantly (p < 0.05) different among the samples in the first, second and third week. Rats that ate normal rat chow had the highest food intake while the rats that ate APS3 had the lowest food intake. Weight gain was highest in rats that ate rat chow while it was lowest in the rat that ate APS3. Bioavailability of selected micronutrient revealed that calcium content had the highest bioavailability in rats fed with rat chow and lowest in AP. Sample of APS1 had the highest iron bioavailability (47.83 %) among the fortified samples and the rat chow. Zinc had the highest bioavailability (52.86 %) in APS1. The work revealed that selected vitamins were most available in APS2 and the selected minerals were most available in sample APS1.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CPP−ACP, raw fresh buffalo milk and cow milk on the microhardness of artificial initial caries lesions. Materials and Methods: 100 sound maxillary first premolars were collected and randomly divided into four groups, the teeth in all groups were subjected to pH cycling procedure then treated with: Group1: n (25) deionized water, group2: n (25) CPP−ACP tooth mousse, group3: n (25) fresh raw cow milk, group4: n (25) fresh raw buffalo milk. Enamel surface was assessed by Vickers microhardness test device at a baseline and after demineralization and after remineralization. Results: In all groups, there were high statistically significant reduction of surface microhardness after demineralization. There was high statistically significant increase in surface microhardness in all groups except deionized water after remineralization, the highest remineralization effect was found in CPP−ACP tooth mousse group followed by the milk groups that showed encouraging results with fresh raw buffalo milk having superior results then fresh raw cow milk. Conclusions: CPP−ACP tooth mousse, raw fresh buffalo milk and cow milk were effective remineralizing agents which were reflected by increasing the surface microhardness of artificial initial caries lesion, but with different abilities, CPP−ACP tooth mousse was the best followed by buffalo milk then cow milk.