Search

Melarsomine is used intramuscularly to destroy adult heartworms when treating canine heartworm disease (HWD). This drug is highly irritative and can elicit local complications. Therefore, melarsomine should be injected into the paralumbar muscles by strictly adhering to the manufacturers' prescriptions. However, it is not known how to determine the optimal location of the needle during the injection process. Ultrasonography (US) of the epaxial (paralumbar) musculature was used as a new method to measure the cross-sectional diameter of the paralumbar musculature, to determine the required location of the injection needle, and to study the local side effects in two dogs with HWD. The macroscopic appearance of the melarsomine solution during injection was demonstrated by video imaging. Melarsomine was not fully gravitating, but its majority was spreading along the thickest fascia of the musculature. Three minutes thereafter, no ultrasound signs of the melarsomine solution were seen, suggesting a full absorption at least ultrasonographically. This procedure was simulated in vitro with methylene blue solution having the same appearance. Removing the injection needle only after 5 min post-injection could prevent undesirable leakage of the drug through the injection channel into the subcutaneous tissue. Ultrasonography can be a useful aid during the treatment of HWD with melarsomine according to this preliminary study.

The case presented shows the clinical signs, diagnosis and surgical management of idiopathic bile duct cysts in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). A 12-year-old female bearded dragon presented with constipation resulting from the consumption of sand. A soft mass about 4 cm wide could be palpated in the mid-coelom after the substrate passed. The animal started eating, but soon started showing signs of kyphosis. Ultrasound, radiography and computed tomography examinations revealed that the mass was a cyst 4 cm in diameter. Diagnostic laparotomy was performed and the large cyst and affected liver tissue were removed with a partial hepatectomy. Cytology of the cyst was unremarkable, but histopathological examination showed the lesions to be bile duct cysts. No sign of malignancy or inflammation could be seen.

Considering the exponential growth of drone technology and its expected economic effect [1], the Hungarian Government called on the industrial and academic sectors for an innovative cooperation in the field of intelligent autonomous mobility. The tender was launched by the Institute of Transport Sciences Non-profit Ltd. (ITS) last December, and among the winners was the joint tender of the Mould Tech Systems Ltd., the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and the University of Public Service (UPS). The common research is focusing on the implementation of a special Vertical Take-Off and Landing Unmanned Aircraft System (VTOL UAS)-based meteorological support system which is to measure the lower parts of the atmosphere within the planetary boundary layer (PBL). The researchers of UPS are examining the legal issues of operational conditions, flight authorization, flight safety aspects concerning the identification of potential dangers, and the airworthiness issues and will formulate their recommendations. In this paper the authors introduce the numbers of issues that have to be solved in favour of the safe and legal VTOL UAS operation.

A szerző megkiserel valaszt adni arra a kerdesre, hogy van-e ertelme az emberi hiba eltavolitasat celzo tevekenysegeknek a legi kozlekedesben. Vagy eppen ellenkezőleg mas uton valhat hasznossa. Peldaul ugy, hogy a prevencio eszkozeve valik. A repules biztonsagfilozofiajaval, ezen belul a human faktorral es az emberi hibaval elmeleti modellek (Reason modell; SHEL(L) modell; SRK modell) foglalkoznak. A modellek elterő nezőpontjaik ellenere szinte kivetel nelkul alkalmasak az emberi hiba leirasara, igy bizonyos pontokon hasonlosagokat es atfedeseket mutatnak. Ugyanakkor teljes egeszeben nem adnak kielegitő valaszt az emberi hiba elfogadhatosagara vagy elfogadhatatlansagara. A kerdest a szerző a tulhaladott es a modern biztonsagfilozofia elemeinek bemutatasan keresztul valaszolja meg.

Napjainkban egyre növekvő igény jelentkezik pilóta nélküli légi járművek, közismertebb nevükön drónok használatára úgy az állami, mint a polgári célú felhasználásban. Szinte az összes iparágban megjelennek, jelezve ezzel a felhasználásukban rejlő potenciál kiaknázatlan lehetőségeit. Egyértelmű térnyerésük azonban nemcsak új lehetőségeket teremt, hanem komoly veszélyforrás is a nem megfelelő, szabálytalan alkalmazásuk. A cikkben a drónok felhasználásával együtt járó – elsősorban – negatív tényezőket kívánjuk bemutatni és elemezni. Választ keresünk arra, hogy tényleg valós fenyegetést jelentenek-e, illetve milyen kimenetele lehet annak, ha egy drón veszélyesen megközelít egy másik légi járművet, legrosszabb esetben ütközik vele. Vizsgáljuk ezenkívül, hogy milyen módon lehet a veszélyes megközelítéseket és azok végeredményét, az ütközéseket elkerülni, hogy a repülésbiztonság elfogadható szinten maradhasson.

The most relevant properties of polysaccharide aerogels in practical applications are determined by their microstructures. Hydration has a dominant role in altering the microstructures of these hydrophilic porous materials. To understand the hydration induced structural changes of monolithic Ca-alginate aerogel, produced by drying fully cross-linked gels with supercritical CO

We report on small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) investigations of separate phase domains in high fat (70%) oil-in-water emulsions emulsified with the combination of sodium caseinate (CAS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). The emulsion as a whole was studied by contrast variation to identify scattering components dominated by individual emulsifiers. The emulsion was subsequently separated into the aqueous phase and the oil-rich droplet phase, which were characterized separately. Emulsions produced with 1.05% (w/w) CAS and PC fraction which varies between 1.75% (w/w) and 0.35% (w/w) provided droplets between 10 and 19 μm in surface weighted mean in 70% fish oil-in-water emulsions. At least two-third of the overall CAS is associated with the interface, while the rest remains with the aqueous phase. Six percent of PC formed a monolayer in the interface, while the rest of the PC remains in the droplet phase in the form of multilayers. When the separated components were resuspended, the resuspended emulsion showed similar characteristics compared to the original emulsion in terms of droplet size distribution and neutron scattering. Instead, CAS in the aqueous phase separated from the emulsion shows aggregation not present in the corresponding CAS-in-D2O system.

In this work, a multi-analytical approach involving nitrogen porosimetry, small angle neutron and X-ray scattering, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and electron microscopy was applied to organically modified silica-based xerogels obtained through the sol–gel process. Starting from a tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) precursor, methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) was added to the reaction mixture at two different pH values (2.0 and 4.5) producing hybrid xerogels with different TEOS/MTES molar ratios. Significant differences in the structure were revealed in terms of the chemical composition of the silica network, hydrophilic/hydrophobic profile, particle dimension, pore shape/size and surface characteristics. The combined use of structural characterization methods allowed us to reveal a relation between the cavity dimensions, the synthesis pH value and the grade of methyl substitution. The effect of the structural properties on the controlled Captopril release efficiency has also been tested. This knowledge facilitates tailoring the pore network for specific usage in biological/medical applications. Knowledge on structural aspects, as reported in this work, represents a key starting point for the production of high-performance silica-based hybrid materials showing enhanced efficacy compared to bare silica prepared using only TEOS.

A facile sol-gel route has been applied to synthesize hybrid silica-PVA-iron oxide nanocomposite materials. A step-by-step calcination (processing temperatures up to 400 °C) was applied in order to oxidize the organics together with the iron precursor. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, small angle neutron scattering, and nitrogen porosimetry were used to determine the temperature-induced morpho-textural modifications. In vitro cytotoxicity assay was conducted by monitoring the cell viability by the means of MTT assay to qualify the materials as MRI contrast agents or as drug carriers. Two cell lines were considered: the HaCaT (human keratinocyte cell line) and the A375 tumour cell line of human melanoma. Five concentrations of 10 µg/mL, 30 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, and 200 µg/mL were tested, while using DMSO (dimethylsulfoxid) and PBS (phosphate saline buffer) as solvents. The HaCaT and A375 cell lines were exposed to the prepared agent suspensions for 24 h. In the case of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) suspensions, the effect on human keratinocytes migration and proliferation were also evaluated. The results indicate that only the concentrations of 100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL of the nanocomposite in DMSO induced a slight decrease in the HaCaT cell viability. The PBS based in vitro assay showed that the nanocomposite did not present toxicity on the HaCaT cells, even at high doses (200 μg/mL agent).

Silica-gelatin hybrid aerogels of varying gelatin content (from 4 wt.% to 24 wt.%) can be conveniently impregnated with hydrophobic active agents (e.g. ibuprofen, ketoprofen) in supercritical CO

Starting from TMOS and implementing co-gelation in the sol-gel method, silica was hybridized with an industrial formulation of bovine casein. The hybrid alcogels were dried in supercritical CO2 to yield crack-free silica-casein aerogel monoliths of casein contents ranging from 4.7 wt% to 28 wt%. Cross-linked hybrid aerogels were produced from formaldehyde treated alcogels. The microstructures and the morphologies of the silica-casein aerogels highly resemble to that of pristine silica aerogels. The primary building blocks are spherical particles that interconnect into mesoporous networks (average dpore = 20 nm and SBET = 700 nm2/g), as shown by SEM, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and N2 adsorption-desorption porosimetry. Contrast variation SANS experiments show that silica and casein form homogeneous nanocomposite backbones. The interaction of water with silica-casein aerogels was investigated by SANS, and by NMR cryoporometry, relaxometry and diffusiometry. Even when fully saturated with water, the hybrid silica-casein aerogels retain their original, highly permeable, open mesoporous structures that formed under supercritical drying. This represents a unique and advantageous wetting mechanism among hybrid inorganic-biopolymer materials, since the strong hydration of the biopolymer component often causes the deformation of the backbone and the consequent collapse of the porous structure. Silica-casein aerogels are biocompatible and inert for CHO-K1 cells.

We report on the structural evaluation of high fat fish oil-in-water emulsions emulsified with sodium caseinate (CAS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). The microemulsions contained 70% (w/w) fish oil with 1.05–1.4% (w/w) CAS and 0.4–1.75% (w/w) PC and were studied by the combination of light scattering together with small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS). Aqueous CAS forms aggregates having a denser core of about 100 kDa and less dense shell about 400 kDa with the hard sphere diameter of 20.4 nm. PC appears as multilayers whose coherence length spans from 40 to 100 nm. PC monolayer separates oil and water phases. Moreover, 80% CAS particles are loosely bound to the interface but are not forming continuous coverage. The distance between aggregated CAS particles in microemulsion is increased compared to CAS aggregates in pure CAS-in-water system. PC multilayers become larger in the presence of oil-water interface compared to the pure PC mixtures. Bilayers become larger with increasing PC concentration. This study forms a structural base for the combination of CAS and PC emulsifiers forming a well-defined thin and dense PC layer together with thick but less dense CAS layer, which is assumed to explain its better oxidative stability compared to single emulsifiers.

Livia-Cristina Borcan,1,* Zoltan Dudas,2,3,* Adel Len,2,4 Janos Fuzi,2,4 Florin Borcan,5 Mirela Cleopatra Tomescu1 1The 5th Department (Internal Medicine I), Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania; 2Neutron Spectroscopy Department, Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; 3Inorganic Department, Institute of Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Timisoara, Romania; 4Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; 5The 1st Department (Analytical Chemistry), Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania *These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: Red chili peppers have been highly valued in gastronomy and traditional medicine since ancient times; it seems that it is not just an ingredient for food but also a good remedy for various medical conditions such as increased blood pressure and high levels of serum triglycerides and cholesterol, myocardial infarction, arthritis, and migraines. The objective of this study is the characterization of a new carrier used for encapsulated extract. Methods: Chili pepper extract was obtained and was physically entrapped inside polyurethane microparticles in order to diminish the irritative potential of this extract. The particles were evaluated by Zetasizer measurements, small-angle neutron scattering and thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; the encapsulation efficacy and the drug release profile were assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Bioevaluations on mice skin were performed to predict the irritative potential of the samples. Results: Two different types of samples were compared: hollow polyurethane microparticles vs polyurethane particles containing the natural extract. The sizes of the particles were very similar, but the sample containing the extract presents three particle populations (the polydispersity index increases from 0.3 to 0.6 from one sample to another). The zeta-potential measurements and SEM images indicate a medium tendency to form clusters, while the UV-Vis study revealed an almost 70% encapsulation efficacy. Conclusion: The results suggest that encapsulation of a chili pepper extract inside polyurethane microparticles leads to a non-irritative product with a prolonged release: ~30% of encapsulated extract is released within the first 8 days and a maximum 45% is reached in 2 weeks. Keywords: corneometry, drug delivery system, erythema, FTIR, SANS, UV-Vis, zeta-potential

Mesoporous silica particles of MCM-41 type were synthesized by sol-gel method from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in 2-methoxyethanol and deionized water mixture in base conditions at room temperature. Ammonia or sodium hydroxides were used as catalysts and cetyl-trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and n-dodecyl-trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) as structure directing agents. The porosities and the ordered structure have been analyzed using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, small angle neutron and X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, thermal analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. The samples consist of spherical particles of sub-micrometer size, with radially arranged pores. The comparison of the effect of the different surfactants and catalysts shows that by varying the surfactant type and their proportion, the pore sizes can be controlled. As compared to the commonly used ammonia catalyst, the use of NaOH as catalyst results in a much smaller porosity of the as-prepared materials. These materials are not resisting to the heat treatment at 700 C used for the template removal, and the ordered porous structure is completely lost.

This paper explains and demonstrates an approximation method for the calculation of the stress values depending on the temperature and time, or time values depending on the stress and temperature using time dependent and temperature dependent power functions. The approximation is based on measured data and the paper shows the verification of the power function approximation.

The first part of this document demonstrates the creation and use of continuous cooling (CC) diagrams, which are built up from Temperature-time T-t elements. The second part of the document shows the possibility of the creation of virtual CC diagrams by numerical approximated base transformation diagrams, based on measured data.

This work is focused on a novel class of hybrid materials exhibiting enhanced optical properties and high surface areas that combine the morphology offered by the vinyl substituted silica host, and the excellent absorption and emission properties of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin-Zn(II) tetrachloride as a water soluble guest molecule. In order to optimize the synthesis procedure and the performance of the immobilized porphyrin, silica precursor mixtures of different compositions were used. To achieve the requirements regarding the hydrophobicity and the porous structure of the gels for the successful incorporation of porphyrin, the content of vinyltriacetoxysilane was systematically changed and thoroughly investigated. Substitution of the silica gels with organic groups is a viable way to provide new properties to the support. An exhaustive characterization of the synthesized silica samples was realised by complementary physicochemical methods, such as infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and photoluminescence, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (29Si-MAS-NMR) transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), nitrogen absorption (BET), contact angle (CA), small angle X ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS). All hybrids showed an increase in emission intensity in the wide region from 575 to 725 nm (Q bands) in comparison with bare porphyrin. By simply tuning the vinyltriacetoxysilane content, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic profile of the hybrid materials was changed, while maintaining a high surface area. Good control of hydrophobicity is important to enhance properties such as dispersion, stability behaviour, and resistance to water, in order to achieve highly dispersible systems in water for biomedical applications.

The aim of the present study was to verify the validity of two-dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) measurement technique in dogs with left atrial enlargement. Thirty-one dogs with clinically and echocardiographically proven cardiac diseases were randomly selected. The left atrial right-to-left diameter ( Lar−l ) and the diameter of the left atrium just above the mitral annulus ( Laama ) as well as the ratio of left atrial to aortic diameter ( La/Ao ) were measured by 2DE. The Lar−l / Laama ratio was independent of body weight (R 2 = 0.0006) and age (R 2 = 0.0012), respectively. A significant linear relationship was found between Laama and La/Ao (the ratio that expresses the severity of atrial enlargement): Laama = 1.2238 La/Ao + 1.1608 (R 2 = 021; P < 0.01). There was also a positive linear relationship between Lar−l and La/Ao : Lar−l = 1.6876 La/Ao + 1.2648 (R 2 = 0.27; P < 0.005). In our dogs with cardiac disease, the Lar−l / Laama ratio showed no significant relation to the La/Ao index (R 2 = 0.028). Thus, Lar−l / Laama proved to be independent of the severity of atrial enlargement. Based on the strong relationship stated in the equation between Laama and Lar−l [ Lar−l / Laama = 1.31159 (95% confidence interval)], Laama can also be used for the assessment of left atrial size even in dogs with cardiac disease.

This document shows the equations and some calculation results of two new Diffusion parameters. The Diffusion parameters assist the calculation of different temperature or time values for equivalent diffusion processes. The Diffusion parameters include temperature dependent and temperature independent factors. The document shows that the introduced Diffusion parameter is suitable for the accurate calculations of the temperature and time values for equal simple diffusion processes. The document shows, that the frequently used Larson-Miller parameter (LMP) does not give accurate results if we use the temperature and time values of equal simple diffusion equations for the LMP calculations.

This document explains and demonstrates two simple approximation methods based on the Newton formula. The first method makes possible the transformation of whole temperature-time interval diagrams into temperature-time diagrams to help the comparison of the diagrams. The second shows a way how

In Hungary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) studies have a new momentum from a research project on Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP). A Hungarian research team from the National University of Public Service made an attempt to address the UAV’s human factor related safety issues, as selection, training and licensing. In UAV operations the achievement of an operational task is highly dependent on the operators’ proper physical and mental performance, sensomotoric skills and abilities, so a medical screening shall be incorporated into the general selection process. The medical requirements naturally can differ from the physiological parameters of the pilot performing real flight because the weighted importance of aeromedical stressors and the level of flight safety risk are different. The evaluation of mental and physical performance and assessment of stress tolerance might be crucial from flight safety and operational aspects. The importance of simultaneous evaluation of cognitive performance, accompanying psychic stress and vegetative stress indicators is also emphasized.

The TTT (Time-Temperature-Transformation) phase transformation diagrams based on FEM based phase elements make it possible to create virtual TTT diagrams. In this case the virtual TTT diagrams are results of multiple linear regression calculations. The basic TTT diagrams are created on the basis of measured published data. Two created virtual TTT diagrams are presented for two different austenitisation temperatures. The results of calculations are compared to the measured ones.

Knowledge of the TTT (Time-Temperature-Transformation) or CCT (Continuous- Cooling-Transformation) diagrams of steels is an important factor in the thermo-mechanical processing of steels. Much experimental work has been undertaken to determine such diagrams. Significant works have been written which can calculate TTT and CCT diagrams for steels. The aim of the present work is to show the developed model that can provide accurate enough TTT and CCT diagrams for steel 42 CrMo4 (where the austenitisation temperature was 1050°C). The calculated results are compared by the experimental results. The developed TTT phase transformation diagrams based on FEM-based phase elements and the star-like cooling simulation make it possible to create virtual CCT diagram data.

The application of the FEM based phase elements is very useful for evaluation of the effects of TTT phase transformations diagrams. The comparison of the different TTT diagrams of the same type of the 50 CrV 4 steels shows that fine differences are possible to be evaluated and approximated by this simulation. Examples are presented for the use of the multiple regression calculation applying the data of the suitable TTT diagrams.

This article facing to human features of the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) in a disaster-specific division. Features of these application looks like partly military, partly civil, however having also own disaster-specific features. For ensuring both safety fly and successfully management it is useful looking through some special features of the use of UAS for supporting disaster management. This article counts with 5 disasters in Hungary can occur, like nuclear accidents, dangerous material releases, floods, earthquakes and forest fires. Results of this article are based on the study authors made in the project called TAMOP-4.2.1.B11/2/KMR-2011-0001 "Research for Critical Infrastructure Protection”, at the National University of Public Service, Budapest, Hungary.

Enterococcus cecorumis the most frequently occurring enterococcal species in the intestine of chickens of over 12 weeks of age, and there are few reports on its isolation from the skeleton of broiler parent chicks. In the present study, observations on vertebral osteomyelitis and spondylolisthesis (‘kinky back syndrome’) showing high incidence in 8 broiler parent flocks in different parts of Hungary are summarised. Clinical signs were seen only in roosters between 5 and 13 weeks of age. Diseased birds were alert and remained sitting on their hocks with their feet slightly raised off the ground. Incidence of the disease among male birds ranged from 8% to 30% depending on flocks. Enlargement and distortion of the body of the 6th vertebra were seen as the main pathological lesions. The cavity of the spinal canal was constricted by the distorted vertebral bodies. Resorption of bone tissue and sequestrum formation, signs of increased osteoclast activity, proliferation of fibrotic tissues, infiltration with heterophils and formation of sclerotic layers were detected in the vertebral bodies. From all 24 samples collected from the vertebral lesions,Enterococcus cecorumwas isolated and identified using metabolic fingerprinting as well as 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Demonstration ofE. cecorumfrom the vertebral lesions in all examined broiler breeder roosters showing the same clinical and pathological findings in different flocks suggested the pathogenic role of this microorganism for the first time in Hungary.