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This study aimed to evaluate if the change of vehicle for CTZ (Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, zinc oxide, and Eugenol) paste improves the inhibition of Enterococcus faecalis in vitro. The vehicles evaluated alone and mixed with CTZ were Eugenol, propylene glycol (PG), super-oxidized solution (SOS), grapefruit-seed extract (GSE), and 0.9% saline solution as a negative control. A clinical isolate of E. faecalis was morphologically and biochemically characterized, and its antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using 20 antimicrobial agents. Once characterized, the clinical isolate was cultivated to perform the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method with paper discs embedded with the different vehicles mixed or used alone, and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and the means were compared using Tukey test with a significance level of p < 0.05. For vehicles used alone, GSE presented the greatest inhibition showing a statistically significant difference with the rest of the vehicles. When vehicles were mixed with the CTZ paste, PG showed a greater inhibition with a statistically significant difference from the rest of the vehicles. In conclusion, the vehicle used to mix the CTZ paste plays an important role in the inhibition of E. faecalis in vitro; therefore, we consider that this can be an important factor to achieve success in the use of this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Necrosis due to ischemia at the distal end of a flap is an important problem encountered during flap operations. Several procedures and drugs including delayed procedures, leeches, and anticoagulants, can be used to maintain flap viability. Methods: Sixteen rats were randomly divided into two groups of eight: the ticagrelor and the control groups. Rats in the ticagrelor group were administered ticagrelor diluted with 0.3 mL of saline at a dose of 10 mg/ kg twice a day for 7 days, starting at 2 h preoperatively and 10 h postoperatively, by oral gavage. Similar stress in the control group was induced orally with saline solution at the same time. The results were statistically analyzed for both clinical and histopathological evaluations. Results: During the clinical examination, the area of necrosis and the entire flap area were measured using transparent acetate paper (grid method). In the histopathological examination, tissue samples were taken from the transition zone between necrotic tissue and intact tissue in the flaps of rats sacrificed on the 7th day. There were significant differences in clinical evaluation. (p<0,05) The mean and SD of necrosis were 15,65±1,84 cm² in the control group and 8,59±3,75 cm² in ticagrelor group. There were no significant differences (p>0,05) in the histopathological examinations; however, compared with the control group, fewer inflammatory cells and necrosis were observed in the ticagrelor group. Conclusion: We found a statistically significant difference in clinical outcomes with the use of ticagrelor. However, no significant differences were found in the histopathological observations. Our results suggest that ticagrelor is effective on survival of skin flaps of rats in clinical evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Heat and moisture exchanger (HME) filters are commonly used as passive circuit humidifiers during mechanical ventilation, however, are only ~80% efficient. As a result, patients that undergo mechanical ventilation in critical care with HME filter circuits will be exposed to partial airway humidification. This is associated with detrimental effects including increased secretion load which has been shown to be an independent predictor of failed extubation. Nebulised normal saline is commonly utilised to supplement circuit humidification in ventilated patients with high secretion loads, although there are no randomised control trials evaluating its use. Novel vibrating mesh nebulisers generate a fine aerosol resulting in deeper lung penetration, potentially offering a more effective means of nebulisation in comparison to jet nebulisers. The primary aim of this study is to compare the viscosity of respiratory secretions after treatment with nebulised normal saline administered via vibrating mesh nebuliser or jet nebuliser. Methods and analysis: This randomised controlled trial is enrolling 60 mechanically ventilated adult critical care patients breathing on HME filter circuits with high secretion loads. Recruited patients will be randomised to receive nebulised saline via 3 modalities: 1) Continuous vibrating mesh nebuliser; 2) Intermittent vibrating mesh nebuliser or 3) Intermittent jet nebuliser. Over the 72-hr study period, the patients' sputum viscosity (measured using a validated qualitative sputum assessment tool) and physiological parameters will be recorded by an unblinded assessor. A median reduction in secretion viscosity of ≥0.5 on the qualitative sputum assessment score will be deemed as a clinically significant improvement between treatment groups at analysis. Discussion: At the conclusion of this trial, we will provisionally determine if nebulised normal saline administered via vibrating mesh nebulisation is superior to traditional jet nebulisation in terms of reduced respiratory secretion viscosity in intubated patients. Results from this pilot study will provide information to power a definitive clinical study. Trial registration: ClinicalTrails.Gov Registry (NCT05635903). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycetoma is one of the six Neglected Tropical Diseases that are prevalent in Turkana County (northwest Kenya). The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of mycetoma in the county, as well as to describe the main causative agents involved in the disease using methods affordable locally. Based on the data collected by the team of cooperative medicine Cirugia en Turkana (Surgery in Turkana), a specific study for mycetoma was started during the 16th humanitarian medicine campaign in February 2019. Patients with suspected mycetoma were studied at the Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH). After informing the patient and getting their consent, the lesions were examined and sampled (mainly by biopsy) and clinical data were recorded. Samples were washed in sterile saline solution and cut in fragments. Some of these were inoculated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, Malt Extract Agar, and diluted Nutrient Agar plates. One fragment of each sample was used for DNA extraction. The DNA and the rest of the fragments of samples were kept at -20°C. All cultures were incubated at room temperature at the LCRH laboratory. The DNA obtained from clinical samples was submitted to PCR amplification of the ITS-5.8S and the V4-V5 16S rRNA gene region, for the detection and identification of fungi and bacteria respectively. From February 2019 till February 2022, 60 patients were studied. Most of them were men (43, 74,1%) between 13 and 78 y.o. (mean age 37). Half of the patients were herdsmen but, among women 40% (6) were housewives and 26.7% (4) charcoal burners. Lesions were mainly located at the feet (87.9%) and most of the patients (54; 93.1%) reported discharge of grains in the exudate, being 27 (46.6%) yellow or pale colored and 19 (32.8%) of them dark grains. Culture of clinical samples yielded 35 fungal and bacterial putative causative agents. Culture and molecular methods allowed the identification of a total of 21 causative agents of mycetoma (39.6% of cases studied). Most of them (17) corresponded to fungi causing eumycetoma (80.9%) being the most prevalent the genus Madurella (7; 41.2%), with two species involved (M. mycetomatis and M. fahalii), followed by Aspergillus (2; 11.8%). Other minority genera detected were Cladosporium, Fusarium, Acremonium, Penicillium, and Trichophyton (5.9% each of them). Actinobacteria were detected in 19.1% of samples, but only Streptomyces somaliensis was identified as a known agent of mycetoma, the rest being actinobacteria not previously described as causative agents of the disease, such as Cellulosimicrobium cellulans detected in two of the patients. Although Kenya is geographically located in the mycetoma belt, to our knowledge this is the first report on mycetoma in this country from 1973, and the first one for Turkana County. Author summary: In this paper we describe the medical situation of people affected by mycetoma in Turkana County, (north-west Kenya). This is a neglected disease, suffered by the poorest people in the world due to lack of education and access to health services. In Turkana there is a high incidence of this disease, especially among young men working in the fields, where they get infected by fungi or bacteria in the soil or on plants and thorns. The lack of nearby health care means that these patients' injuries develop into severe disability and even death. The study of the tissues of patients detecting and studying the microorganisms involved, led to a more specific knowledge about the disease in this area of the world. Our work aims to contribute to the global knowledge of mycetoma to favor the implementation of means for the diagnosis and treatment of this problem, which will allow a better management and the implementation of satisfactory medical solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rare disease. Background: Worldwide, there are few cases of Urbanorum spp. in humans; however, it is associated with gastrointestinal pathologies, where humans probably acquire the disease by fecal-oral transmission, by ingesting food or water with infective cysts. The main symptoms of the patients who have this presumed parasite are fever, vomiting, colic, dyspepsia, and watery diarrhea. Since the first case of Urbanorum spp. was reported in 1994 in Colombia, cases have subsequently been reported in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico. In Ecuador, a prevalence of 1.16% has been reported, and the objective of this study was to record another case of Urbanorum spp. infection in Ecuador. Case Report: A female patient (mixed race; 40 years old; and thin, weighing 57 to 62 kg) requested help from the FCI Project approved and financed by the University of Guayaquil (Ecuador). She underwent routine tests, such as direct parasitology and sedimentation with centrifugation using saline solution. Samples were observed under an optical microscope with 10x and 40x objectives and stained with and without Lugol's solution. We detected a rounded structure with several filaments similar to light yellow pseudopods. Conclusions: Herein, a case of Urbanorum spp. infection in Ecuador, where current environmental and sanitary conditions have contributed to new cases, is reported, indicating that the community was exposed to this probable parasite with importance in public health. Further studies are recommended to confirm its etiology, life cycle, and epidemiology, in order to create a national registry, in case it is defined as a protozoan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of direct-feed microbial (DFM) treatment on body weight, serum biochemical indexes, serum immunoglobulins, and serum cytokines was studied. The study was a completely randomized design with 20 growing females Beichuan white goats, weighing 25.11 ± 1.96 kg, divided into two groups of 10 goats per treatment. Goats were offered (1) 10 mL saline solution (Control group) (2) or 10 mL microbials solution (DFM group) on days 0 and 7 for two times. No effect on final body weight and body size was observed between DFM and control group (p > 0.05). DFM treatment had greater serum total protein, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio than the control treatment (p < 0.05). The concentrations of IgA, IgG, IgM, INF-γ, and IL-2 in DFM group were significantly higher than those in the control group on days 7, 14, and 21 (p < 0.05), and the highest content was detected on day 14 of the experiment. The concentrations of IgA, IgG, IgM, IL-2, INF-γ, INF-α, IL-4, and IL-5 in DFM group on day 14 were higher than those on day 0 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, DFM enhanced serum immunoglobulins and cytokines without affecting body weight, body size, and normal serum metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the corrosion inhibition performance of the natural polysaccharide guar gum (GG) for N80 carbon steel in CO2-saturated saline solution at different temperatures and immersion times was investigated by weight loss and electrochemical measurements. The results have revealed that GG showed good inhibition performance at lower and higher temperatures. The inhibition efficiency observed via weight loss measurements reached 76.16 and 63.19% with 0.4 g L−1 of GG, at 25 and 50 °C, respectively. The inhibition efficiency of GG increased as the inhibitor concentration and immersion time increased but decreased with increasing temperature. EIS measurements have shown that, even after prolonged exposure, GG was still able to protect the metal surface. Potentiodynamic measurements showed the mixed-type nature of GG inhibitive action. The Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich adsorption isotherm models give accurate fitting of the estimated data, and the calculated parameters indicated that the adsorption of GG occurred mainly via an electrostatic or physical adsorption process. The associated activation energy (Ea) and the heat of adsorption (Qa) supported the physical adsorption nature of GG. FTIR analysis was used to explain the adsorption interaction between the inhibitor and the N80 carbon steel surface. SEM-EDS and AFM confirmed the adsorption of GG and the formation of an adsorptive layer of GG on the metal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study aimed to investigate Cestode fauna of avian host Little Cormorant, Microcarbo niger captured from Kamber-Shahdadkot district, Sindh province of Pakistan. Eight Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger hosts were investigated for the presence of Cestode parasites. Anesthetized birds were dissected and entire alimentary canal and associated organs were removed. A total of five specimens of Dilepidid Cestodes were recovered from the intestine of three hosts. Cestodes collected from the freshly dissected hosts were initially placed in saline solution and dehydrated in graded series of ethanol, stained with borax carmine, cleared in clove oil and xylene and finally mounted in Canada balsam permanently. Parasitic examination revealed an apparently undescribed species of genus Dilepis Weniland, 1858 from the intestine of the host, M. niger. Recovered specimens differ remarkably from other known species of genus Dilepis Weniland, 1858 in having some unique features such as, 12 rostellar hooks, long neck, four pre-ovarian testes, unilateral genital pore and spinose cirrus sac located at lower part of each segment. On the basis of the above morphometric variations, but absence of molecular study, present specimens are identified as Dilepis sp. This paper also constitutes the first record of the genus Dilepis Weinland, 1958 from Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate measurement of droplet/particle deposition fraction and spatial distribution is vital for understanding various inhalation processes, including nebulized therapy, inhalation of atmospheric pollutants, and exposure risk assessment to aerosols such as airborne SARS-COV-2-laden droplets. This paper presents a novel method to measure the deposition fraction and spatial distribution of the deposited particulate phase (i.e., deposition pattern) of droplets through a single experiment. The experiment employs an idealized mouth-to-throat model as a test platform for two vibrating mesh nebulizers to deposit droplets. By utilizing a nebulized solution of normal saline containing the fluorescein, the qualitative observation of droplet deposition pattern on the internal surfaces is achieved under ultraviolet excitation. Furthermore, through rinsing the experimental components and quantitatively determining the deposition fraction based on rinsate absorbance, experimental results indicate that the deposition fraction of nebulized droplets decreases initially and then increases with increasing inspiratory flow rate from 15 to 60 l/min. Additionally, the deposition hotspots gradually shift from the bottom of the oral cavity to the throat as the inhalation flow rate increases. In addition to providing validation data for the transport and deposition of high-concentration droplets, this experimental method has the potential for extension to research on aerosol transmission and exposure risk assessment. It offers valuable insight into the behavior of nebulized droplets, aiding in developing effective strategies for aerosolized therapies and mitigating transmission risks in various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we built up and tested diffusion cells designed to obtain polysaccharide hydrogels by ionotropic gelation. The objective was to obtain gel samples that emulated the wall material of encapsulation beads but, unlike them, have appropriate size and shape for measurement of their structural properties, since these are of paramount importance for the protection, carry and delivery of bioactive compounds. Three polysaccharides widely used for encapsulation and with different gelation mechanisms were tested: kappaliota-carrageenan (which gels mainly in the presence of K+ ions), and sodium alginate and low methoxyl pectin (which both gel in the presence of Ca2+ ions). The diffusion cells consisted of two nitrocellulose membrane filters supported between three rings made by 3D printing. They were filled with the polysaccharide solution, hermetically tightened with screws and nuts, and submerged into the saline solution. The membrane filters effectively avoided the loss of the polysaccharide solution but allowed the diffusion of the ions (either Ca24 or K+) into the polysaccharide solutions to promote their gelation. Firm, self-standing gels were obtained, and their rheological and mechanical properties were successfully measured. Samples of different shapes and sizes could be obtained with this technique, for other types of measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound infection must be avoided in high‐frequency (HF) driven electrosurgery. In this study, the plasma treatment of bacterial solution is characterized by means of voltage‐current measurements, chemical activity analysis, microphotography, and numerical simulation. Here, we have found that the plasma‐activated physiological saline in HF‐driven electrosurgery is very effective in the inactivation of main human pathogenic bacteria. Our analysis shows that the effective inactivation of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp. in the HF‐driven electrosurgery is due to the generation of hypochlorous acid (HClO) by the electrolysis of saline solution in the electrosurgery. The simulation indicates the very effective inactivation of human pathogenic bacteria by HClO in HF‐driven electrosurgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable hydrogels are growing in demand to enable the delivery of biomolecules (e.g. growth factors) for regenerative medicine. This research investigated the resorption of an oligourethane/polyacrylic acid hydrogel, a biodegradable hydrogel which supports tissue regeneration. The Arrhenius model was used to characterize the resorption of the polymeric gels in relevant in vitro conditions, and the Flory-Rehner equation was used to correlate the volumetric swelling ratio with the extent of degradation. The study found that the swelling rate of the hydrogel follows the Arrhenius model at elevated temperatures, estimating degradation time in saline solution at 37°C to be between 5 and 13 months, serving as a preliminary approximation of degradation in vivo. The degradation products had low cytotoxicity towards endothelial cells, and the hydrogel supported stromal cell proliferation. Additionally, the hydrogels were able to release growth factors and maintain the biomolecules' bioactivity towards cell proliferation. The study of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release from the hydrogel used a diffusion process model, showing that the electrostatic attraction between VEGF and the anionic hydrogel allowed for controlled and sustained VEGF release over three weeks. In a rat subcutaneous implant model, a selected hydrogel with desired degradation rates exhibited minimal foreign body response and supported M2a macrophage phenotype, and vascularization. The low M1 and high M2a macrophage phenotypes within the implants were associated with tissue integration. This research supports the use of oligourethane/polyacrylic acid hydrogels as a promising material for delivering growth factors and supporting tissue regeneration. There is a need for degradable elastomeric hydrogels that can support the formation of soft tissues and minimize long-term foreign body responses. An Arrhenius model was used to estimate the relative breakdown of hydrogels, in-vitro. The results demonstrate that hydrogels made from a combination of poly(acrylic acid) and oligo-urethane diacrylates can be designed to resorb over defined periods ranging from months to years depending on the chemical formulation prescribed by the model. The hydrogel formulations also provided for different release profiles of growth factors, relevant to tissue regeneration. In-vivo , these hydrogels had minimal inflammatory effects and showed evidence of integration into the surrounding tissue. The hydrogel approach can help the field design a broader range of biomaterials for tissue regeneration. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of an itaconic acid‐based oligomer and its polymerization with acrylic acid via aqueous solution copolymerization are described herein for application as novel superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). The structure of the SAP is characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. In addition, the absorption properties of the SAPs with various oligomer contents and degrees of monomer neutralization are evaluated by measuring the free absorbency, centrifuge retention capacity (CRC), and absorbency under load (AUL) in 0.9 wt% saline solution. Further, the gel strengths and thermal stabilities are examined via rheological thermo gravimetric analyses. The results demonstrate that the introduction of the IA‐based oligomer into the SAP network is improves the AUL, gel strength, and thermal stability of the SAP. We found the best performance of an SAP using IA‐based oligomer with a CRC of 36.7 and AUL of 22.7 g/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel polyethersulfone (PES) membrane was prepared for desalination and treating saline feed solution containing humic acid in membrane distillation. PES has been selected to fabricate specialized membranes for direct contact membrane distillation, and membrane structure and characteristics have been controlled by dope solution composition and exposure time to water vapor during the phase inversion step. Since PES membranes are vulnerable to wetting, surface modification for hydrophobicity has been applied by a novel method inspired by lotus. This method uses a layer‐by‐layer surface modification of polydopamine, silver nanoparticles, and 1‐dodecanethiol to create adhesion, hierarchical roughness, and hydrophobicity. In dopamine polymerization, an oxidant has been added to improve the quality and speed of the process. Membranes were successfully fabricated and modified; the best‐case membrane with 30% triethylene glycol content and 30 s exposure time to water vapor showed outstanding results with 12.57 kg/h.m2 mass flux and 99.7% salt rejection in desalination also showed good results in treating saline feed containing humic acid with 10.02 kg/h.m2 flux and 99.71% rejection. The fabricated hydrophobic membrane's long‐term results showed promising and stable performance for commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with advantages including excellent biocompatibility, low cost, and easy modification make them highly promising for applications in biological imaging. Here, we successfully synthesized dark green fluorescent CDs (g‐CDs) using trinitropyrene as a carbon source and 2,4‐diaminobenzenesulfonic acid as the reactant in one‐pot synthesis. The results revealed that the g‐CDs had an average uniform particle size of 4.93 nm, with a structure similar to graphite. The g‐CDs imparted excellent water‐solubility due to the presence of hydrophilic groups. The g‐CDs exhibited an optimal fluorescence emission wavelength of 512 nm in acetone solvent, with a maximum quantum yield of 38.4%. When transferred into a normal saline solution, the g‐CDs retained their green fluorescence, with the optimal fluorescence emission wavelength shifting to 505 nm. Notably, we observed a significant increase in fluorescence intensity and maximum quantum yield of up to 79.4% when the g‐CDs were dissolved in a polar solvent. Furthermore, in vitro fluorescence imaging experiments demonstrated rapid cell entry, excellent fluorescence performance, high biocompatibility, and universality of the g‐CDs. These findings underscore the high hydrophobicity and biocompatibility of our newly designed g‐CDs, thus highlighting their immense potential as fluorescent probes in bioimaging and disease tracing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a facultative halophyte showing various mechanisms of salt resistance among different ecotype cultivars. This study aimed to determine salt resistance limits for a Peruvian sea level ecotype "Hualhuas" and a Bolivian salar ecotype "Real" and elucidate individual mechanisms conferring differences in salt resistance between these cultivars. The plants were grown in sandy soil and irrigated with various saline solutions concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mM NaCl) under controlled conditions. Results: High salinity treatment (500 mM NaCl) reduced the plant growth by 80% and 87% in Hualhuas and Real cultivars, respectively. EC50 (water salinity which reduces the maximum yield by 50%) was at a salinity of 300 mM NaCl for Hualhuas and between 100 and 200 mM NaCl for Real plants. Both cultivars were able to lower the osmotic potential of all organs due to substantial Na+ accumulation. However, Hualhuas plants exhibited distinctly lower Na+ contents and consequently a higher K+/Na+ ratio compared to Real plants, suggesting a more efficient control mechanism for Na+ loading and better K+ retention in Hualhuas plants. Net CO2 assimilation rates (Anet) were reduced, being only 22.4% and 36.2% of the control values in Hualhuas and Real, respectively, at the highest salt concentration. At this salinity level, Hualhuas plants showed lower stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rates (E), but higher photosynthetic water use efficiency (PWUE), indicative of an efficient control mechanism over the whole gas-exchange machinery. Conclusion: These results reveal that Hualhuas is a promising candidate in terms of salt resistance and biomass production compared to Real. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed graft function (DGF) is a major adverse complication of deceased donor kidney transplantation. Intravenous fluids are routinely given to patients receiving a transplant to maintain intravascular volume and optimise graft function. Saline (0·9% sodium chloride) is widely used but might increase the risk of DGF due to its high chloride content. We aimed to test our hypothesis that using a balanced low-chloride crystalloid solution (Plasma-Lyte 148) instead of saline would reduce the incidence of DGF. BEST-Fluids was a pragmatic, registry-embedded, multicentre, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial at 16 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Adults and children of any age receiving a deceased donor kidney transplant were eligible; those receiving a multi-organ transplant or weighing less than 20 kg were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) using an adaptive minimisation algorithm to intravenous balanced crystalloid solution (Plasma-Lyte 148) or saline during surgery and up until 48 h after transplantation. Trial fluids were supplied in identical bags and clinicians determined the fluid volume, rate, and time of discontinuation. The primary outcome was DGF, defined as receiving dialysis within 7 days after transplantation. All participants who consented and received a transplant were included in the intention-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome. Safety was analysed in all randomly assigned eligible participants who commenced surgery and received trial fluids, whether or not they received a transplant. This study is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, (ACTRN12617000358347), and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03829488). Between Jan 26, 2018, and Aug 10, 2020, 808 participants were randomly assigned to balanced crystalloid (n=404) or saline (n=404) and received a transplant (512 [63%] were male and 296 [37%] were female). One participant in the saline group withdrew before 7 days and was excluded, leaving 404 participants in the balanced crystalloid group and 403 in the saline group that were included in the primary analysis. DGF occurred in 121 (30%) of 404 participants in the balanced crystalloid group versus 160 (40%) of 403 in the saline group (adjusted relative risk 0·74 [95% CI 0·66 to 0·84; p<0·0001]; adjusted risk difference 10·1% [95% CI 3·5 to 16·6]). In the safety analysis, numbers of investigator-reported serious adverse events were similar in both groups, being reported in three (<1%) of 406 participants in the balanced crystalloid group versus five (1%) of 409 participants in the saline group (adjusted risk difference –0·5%, 95% CI –1·8 to 0·9; p=0·48). Among patients receiving a deceased donor kidney transplant, intravenous fluid therapy with balanced crystalloid solution reduced the incidence of DGF compared with saline. Balanced crystalloid solution should be the standard-of-care intravenous fluid used in deceased donor kidney transplantation. Medical Research Future Fund and National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia), Health Research Council (New Zealand), Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and Baxter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on RF heating was studied in sterilized Milli-Q water and saline solution during treatments at 27.0 ± 0.6 MHz and 3.0 ± 0.02 MHz for 30 min. The presence of microorganisms caused a significant increase in temperature (maximum to 54.9 °C), with no significant decrease in cell numbers being observed for any conditions. For both media and frequencies, heating rates followed the order S. Typhimurium ≤ L. monocytogenes ≤ S. cerevisiae, except for heating at 3.0 ± 0.02 MHz in saline solution, where heating rates for S. cerevisiae and S. Typhimurium were equal. Generally, heating rates for microorganisms were significantly higher at 27.0 ± 0.6 MHz than at 3.0 ± 0.02 MHz, except for the S. cerevisiae case. Observed phenomena were probably caused by differences in the cell lipid and peptidoglycan content, with interaction effects with salt being present. This study was the first to investigate the influence of the presence of microorganisms on heating behavior of simple media. On the long term, more research on this topic could lead to finding specific RF frequencies more suitable for the heating of specific media and products for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gingivitis is a pathogenic disorder caused by the growth of bacterial flora inside the gum cavity, also known as the gingival cavity. The formation of hard plaque is initiated by the deposition of a biofilm of microbes on the surface of teeth at the age of gums. These plaques, when developed, turn into tarter and are difficult to remove. These hard structures formed around the teeth caused severe damage to soft tissue and affected teeth, eventually causing permanent tooth loss. Gingivitis in an advanced stage, called periodontitis, causes permanent damage to the gum and teeth. Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus mutans. The aim of the investigation is to study how well chitosan-based crosslinked hydrogels containing Chlorhexidine, Metronidazole, and Lignocaine hydrochloride inhibit the growth of selected bacteria isolated from oral microbial flora such as Staphylococcus aureus, Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, and Streptococcus Mutans in-vitro. Chitosan-based crosslinked hydrogel 2 % combined with all the active ingredients prepared and tested for antibacterial activity in SCAN-Laboratory Indrepuri, Bhopal. Bacterial samples were taken from freshly extracted teeth provided by District Hospital Raise in Madhya Pradesh, India, and then preserved in a saline solution. Isolate and culture each bacterium colony separately before performing an identification test for each of them. The hydrogel was then diluted at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% concentrations up to 10 power -9 to perform the antibacterial activity. All isolated bacteria colonies were separately cultured and introduced to a paper disc etched with antimicrobial gel. The media were then incubated in the incubator, and the (ZoI) Zone of inhibition was checked for the gel's effectiveness. The mean diameter of the zone of inhibition against all isolated bacterial colonies was noticed to be in the 10-33 mm range, indicating the presence of strong anti-bacterial activity. A considerable qualitative difference (p = 0.000) was found between the inhibitory effects of each concentration of hydrogel on the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus mutans. Because of the largest diameter of the inhibition zone, the most effective antibacterial activity was found in 2% chitosan-based hydrogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term stability of the tissue product in terms of mechanical parameters is a key factor for its expiration date. For the investigation of storage effects on the cartilage tissues the experimental mechanical loading test combined with XCT scanning for the irregular shape inspection was performed. The samples were preserved according to three different protocols using the deep-freezing and two types of saline solution preservation. The stability of the biomechanical parameters was tested within annual intervals. All samples were subjected to uni-axial compression loading using the in-house developed compact table top loading device in displacement-driven mode. Based on the measurements, the results are represented in the form of stress-strain curves and quantified as elastic modulus and ultimate compression stress. It can be concluded that no significant difference was found in neither the mechanical properties of the samples nor in the effects of each preservational method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana is cultivated abundantly in seaside regions, which are highly prone to rises in sea level or where seawater mixes with groundwater. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sea-salt stress on banana seedlings. Three different saline solutions, irrigation water, and distilled water were prepared for treatments; 15.3 dS m−1, 20.4 dS m−1, 25.7 dS m−1, 3.22 dS m−1 (irrigation water), 0.0 dS m−1 (control), respectively. Although there was no statistical difference in plant length after the treatment, plant diameter difference was observed in seedlings subjected to salt stress for 30 days. The most damaged leaves (4.8) were determined at the highest sea-salt solution (25.7 dS m−1). Compared with the root length (RL) results of control, irrigation water, and 15.3 dS m−1 treatments, the mean of RL was significantly higher in the 25.7 dS m−1 treatment (40.0 cm). Except for the 20.40 dS m−1 treatment, the other treatments had values close to each other. Contrary to the total chlorophyll (TC) and chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) values determined in control plants, the highest TC content and CF were found in irrigation water treatment with 34.8 mg g−1 Fw and 46.0, respectively. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline were significantly higher in the 25.7 dS m−1 treatment than in the other treatments. Results demonstrated that the root length of the Grand Nain cultivar increased although the sea-salt stress had negative effects on plant morphology and biochemical content, indicating that it could adapt to short-term salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is essential for the development of eggs and chicks due to its various important roles in biological processes such as collagen synthesis, antioxidant activity, iron absorption, immune system support, neurological development and enzyme cofactor. The injection of nutrients in ovo is a valuable technique used in poultry production due to the possibility of early nutrient delivery to chick embryos and improvement of this development. Front this, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of ascorbic acid use to in ovo feeding for poultry embryos. A total of 350 Rhode Island Red fertile eggs with viable embryos were randomly distributed in seven treatments with 50 replicates (eggs) each. The treatments were control (untreated eggs), eggs subjected to a saline solution (0.50% NaCl) and solutions containing increased levels of ascorbic acid (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25%). Evaluation of hatchability, embryo mortality, chicks' weight, and gastrointestinal tract development were performed. The increased addition of ascorbic acid in solutions to in ovo feeding caused a linear decrease (P=0.05) on hatchability, a linear increase (P=0.05) on intermediary embryo mortality. It was also observed a linear decrease (P=0.05) in late embryo mortality. In ovo injection of solutions with 0.50% of ascorbic acid provided heavier (P=0.05) chicks at birth with better (P=0.05) gizzard development. However, in ovo injection of ascorbic acid did not affect (P>0.05) the general development of the gastrointestinal tract. In conclusion, in ovo injection of ascorbic acid affected hatching characteristics. Increasing levels of ascorbic acid resulted in a linear decrease on hatchability and a sudden increase in intermediary embryo mortality. In ovo injection of solutions with 0.50% of ascorbic acid provided heavier chicks at birth with better gizzard development. However, it did not affect the development of the gastrointestinal tract of chicks with 1 day-old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of meloxicam with or without dipyrone on the welfare of ewes subjected to non‐surgical embryo recovery (NSER). Two studies were carried out using 51 multiparous Santa Inês ewes. All animals received a standard oestrous synchronization treatment and a superovulatory protocol. In Study 1, 12 ewes received meloxicam (GM) before cervical transposition (1 mg kg−1, i.v.), repeated 24 h after (1 mg kg−1, i.m.), while the other 10 received a saline solution, remaining as a control group (GC1). In Study 2, ewes were allocated into a group of 15 ewes treated as GM of Study 1 associated with dipyrone (GMD; 50 mg kg−1, i.m.) before cervical transposition, 12 h, and 24 h after, or a control group (GC2) of 14 ewes treated with saline solution. In both studies, heart and respiratory rates (RR), cortisol, glucose, total proteins, albumin and globulins blood concentration were recorded before sedation (BS), after sedation (AS), after cervical transposition, immediately after collection (IAC), and 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after embryo collection (hAC). In Study 1, RR tended to be greater in GC1 (p =.08), serum total proteins and globulins values were lower and serum albumin values were greater in this group than GM (p =.003, p <.0001, and p <.0001, respectively). In Study 2, treatment of GMD tended to reduce the glycaemia at AS (p =.052) and reduced it at 3hAC (p <.0001), and 6hAC (p =.03). It also tended to reduce cortisol concentrations (p =.10). The other variables varied with NSER without interaction with the experimental treatments. In conclusion, in this study condition, NSER in sheep induced transient changes indicative of stress and possibly pain, therefore, affecting animal welfare. The administration of meloxicam was ineffective to reduce those responses, and the association of dipyrone had only slight effects without modifying the main welfare indicative responses in ewes subjected to NSER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological responses in canola seeds and seedlings treated with thiamethoxam and subjected to different salinity levels. Canola seeds of the Diamond cultivar were used, submitted to the following treatments: Test - Control, Trat - Seed treatment with the a.i. thiamethoxam, in which it has a bioactivating function. Sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) salts were used to simulate saline stress, with saline potential levels of 0, -0.2, -0.4 and -0.6 MPa. Sowing was carried out in gerbox boxes, containing three sheets of germitest paper, previously moistened with saline solutions corresponding to the saline potential of the treatment. The seeds were kept in a BOD-type germinator, at a constant temperature of 20 °C, under constant photoperiod. The variables analyzed were first germination count, germination, germination speed index, radicle and epicotyl length and seedling dry mass. The saline stress induced by the osmotic potentials of NaCl and CaCl2 significantly decreased the vigor and germination of canola seedlings. Seed treatment with the a.i. thiamethoxam proved to be efficient in reducing the damage caused by salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the 12-month flexural mechanical properties of 23 flowable resin-based composites (FRBC) that included 5 self-adhesive FRBC materials. Specimens were evaluated following ISO 4049:2019 guidelines, but additionally stored in physiologic 0.2M phosphate buffered saline solution being tested at 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months. While some deviation and degradation were noted at testing intervals, conventional FRBC materials overall demonstrated greater flexural strength than the self-adhesive and compomer materials. Three self-adhesive materials and the compomer were below recommended ISO 4049:2019 flexural strength values at 24 h with another after 6 months storage. Conventional FRBC materials, except at 1 month, overall demonstrated increased flexural modulus than the self-adhesive FRBC materials. Although results were material dependent, conventional FRBC materials demonstrated overall greater flexural mechanical properties as compared to the self-adhesive FRBC materials and the compomer evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify possible products resulting from chemical interactions between calcium hypochlorite (Ca[OCl] 2) and other irrigants for endodontic use using electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The 5.25% Ca(OCl) 2 was associated with either 70% ethanol solution, distilled water, saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride), 5% sodium thiosulfate, 10% citric acid, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), or 2% chlorhexidine (CHX). The reaction ratio was 1:1 and the products obtained were analyzed by electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The interactions between Ca(OCl) 2 and CHX generated an orange-brown precipitate, without identification of para-chloroaniline and between Ca(OCl) 2 and sodium thiosulfate, a milky-white precipitate. Furthermore, when the oxidizing agent was associated with EDTA and citric acid, chlorine gas was released. As for the other associations, 70% ethanol, distilled water, and saline solution, no precipitation or gas release occurred. The orange-brown precipitate occurs due to the chlorination of guanidine nitrogens, and the milky-white precipitate is due to the partial neutralization of the oxidizing agent. The release of chlorine gas occurs due to the low pH of the mixture, which results in the rapid formation and decomposition of chlorine. In this context, an intermediate rinsed with distilled water, saline solution, and ethanol between Ca(OCl) 2 and CHX, citric acid, and EDTA seems to be appropriate to prevent the formation of by-products when these irrigants need to be used in the canal. Furthermore, if it is necessary to use sodium thiosulfate, a larger volume of the solution must be used compared to that used for the oxidizing solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) suffers from dementia more often in 65-year or older patients. Symptoms of AD's are linked to disease-causing neurons, and current pharmacological therapies inadequately regulate deadly outcomes. Withania somnifera (L), has been contributing as a traditional multifunctional herb with a wide variety of health benefits. Materials and Methods: This research examined the importance of Withaferin A nanoparticles against scopolamine induced neuron loss (Impair on memory). Five groups of 6 rats weighing 150-200 g were randomly split. Negative and positive control animals received 2mL/kg saline solution in groups 1 and 2. 3rd and 4th group received 5mg/kg of pure Withaferin-A and Withaferin-A nanoformulation. Group 5 received 10 mg/kg of tacrine as a normal medication. Except for group 1, all other groups were induced 30 min after drug administration with 1mg/kg scopolamine. EPM was used to understand the behavioral parameters. Results: Inflexion ratios of 1.1 and 1.3 were seen in groups treated with Withaferin-A nanoparticles and the conventional medication. AchE, MDA, GSH reductase were also measured. Compared to the pure drug, Withaferin-A nanoparticles exhibited substantial activity. Withaferin-A exhibits an anti-amnesic effect similar to tacrine at a specific level. Conclusion: Withaferin-A nanoparticles may help neurodegenerative disease. To establish the formulation as a standard AD's treatment, pharmacokinetic aspects should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify, in vitro, the extent of coronal discoloration induced by bioceramic materials over time. In total, 44 human monoradicular teeth were divided into four groups (n = 11), according to the applied material: Negative control (NC); White MTA ProRoot® (WMTAP); Biodentine™ (BD); and TotalFill® BC RRM™ Putty (TF). Teeth were immersed in saline solution and incubated at 37 °C; the following periods of time were defined: before incubation: [t0]—without bioceramic material, t1—immediately after the bioceramic material placement; after incubation: t24h—24 h, t7d—7 days, and 30d—30 days. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed. Cochran's Q test was used to evaluate coronal discoloration across the different groups, while the Kruskal–Wallis test was employed to determine differences in discoloration among the groups at each time interval. Additionally, the Friedman test was applied to analyze the variations in discoloration within each group over time. A significance level of 5% was set. All experimental groups revealed coronal discoloration over time: NC (p = 0.001), WMTAP (p < 0.001), BD (p = 0.001), and TF (p = 0.006). No significant differences were observed between groups for each time interval (p > 0.05). The WMTAP group varied the most considering the intervals [t0—t1] and [t24h—t7d] (p = 0.037) compared to the remaining experimental groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microorganisms and their by-products are responsible for establishing pulpal and periapical diseases. Healing is compromised in patients under bisphosphonate therapy, and the presence of periapical infections can potentially lead to the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This work aimed to evaluate if bisphosphonate therapy is a risk factor for MRONJ development in the presence of periapical lesions. Methods: Two groups of 10 female Wistar rats were used. The experimental group received zoledronate (0.1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, and the control received a saline solution, three times a week for three weeks. One week after the last injection, apical periodontitis was induced through pulpal exposure in the mandibular first molars. Twenty-one days later, the animals were intravenously injected with 99mTc-HMDP, and the radioactivity uptake by mandibular specimens was counted. In addition, sample radiographs and a histological examination were performed. Results: The bone loss was higher in the control group when compared to the experimental group (p = 0.027). 99mTc-HMDP uptake in the control was reduced compared with the experimental group, although without statistical significance. Conclusions: In the presence of zoledronate therapy, apical periodontitis does not increase the risk of MRONJ development, and periapical lesions have lower bone resorption when compared to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Renal ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury introduces cellular stress and is the main cause of acute kidney damage. Renal cells exposed to noxious stress induce the expression of the pleiotropic hormone leptin. As we have previously revealed a deleterious stress-related role for leptin expression, these results suggested that leptin is also involved in pathological renal remodeling. The systemic functions of leptin preclude the study of its local effects using conventional approaches. We have therefore designed a method to locally perturb leptin activity in specific tissues without affecting its systemic levels. This study explores whether local anti-leptin strategy is renoprotective in a post-IR porcine kidney model. Methods: We induced renal IR injury in pigs by exposing kidneys to ischemia and revascularization. Upon reperfusion, kidneys instantly received an intra-arterial bolus of either a leptin antagonist (LepA) or saline solution. Peripheral blood was sampled to assess systemic leptin, IL-6, creatinine, and BUN levels, and postoperative tissue samples were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Results: Histology of IR/saline kidneys exhibited extensive necrosis of proximal tubular epithelial cells, as well as elevated levels of apoptosis markers and inflammation. In contrast, IR/LepA kidneys showed no signs of necrosis or inflammation with normal IL-6 and tall-like receptor 4 levels. LepA treatment led to upregulation in mRNA levels of leptin, leptin receptor, ERK1/2, STAT3, and transport molecule Na/H exchanger-3. Conclusions: Local, intrarenal postischemic LepA treatment at reperfusion prevented apoptosis and inflammation and was renoprotective. Selective intrarenal administration of LepA at reperfusion may provide a viable option for clinical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in children. As a result, it is prescribed as the first line of defence against cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Amoxicillin on the formation of dentin and enamel during the secretory and early phases of mineralization. Regarding the materials and methods used to perform this study, 16 pregnant adult Wistar rats were equally divided into two groups. The first group did not receive the drug and was prescribed a saline solution (control group), and the other group received 250 mg/kg/day of Amoxicillin (experimental group). From the 13th gestational day until delivery, the treatment was given every day by oral gavage. After birth, the newborns also received the same treatment as their mothers from the first day until 7 or 12 days after birth. The newborns were sacrificed at 7 and 12 days postnatally, the jaws were dissected, the maxilla was taken, the samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution, and the upper first molars were analyzed histologically by H & E stain and histomorphometrically by image J to examine the enamel, dentin, ameloblast and odontoblast mean thickness in both groups and each healing periods. The study's results showed that the mean enamel, as well as ameloblastic and odontoblastic layer thickness, were significantly different in the Amoxicillin 250 mg/kg group, compared to the control group. The result also revealed a non-significant group difference in the dentin thickness in both durations (P-value at day 7=0.147 and the P-value at day 12=0.054). Vacuolization of the ameloblastic and odontoblastic layers was observed in the Amoxicillin-treated group in both durations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with an insulated tip knife using diluted saline. The researchers found that employing large electrode devices for ESD in saline solution can be challenging due to current flow. To address this, they used diluted saline to modulate electrical flow and improve visibility during underwater ESD. The study included four cases, and the use of diluted saline reduced current leakage and improved the efficiency of submucosal dissection. No incidents of postbleeding or perforation were observed. The use of diluted saline expands the options for underwater ESD devices. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, discusses the evaluation of different cyanoacrylate-based bioadhesives and Nitinol meshes for improving a sealing system for fetoscopy-induced membrane defects. The study conducted two-stage ex vivo experiments to assess the mechanical properties of the bioadhesives and Nitinol meshes. The results showed that nCA-VIA 7% and silicone-Nitinol-6-arm-thin and silicone-Nitinol-6-arm-thick patches performed the best in terms of adhesion and mechanical properties. However, further experiments are needed to evaluate their intermediate and long-term adhesion for the development of a sealing system. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Vasoplegic syndrome (VS), defined as systemic hypotension induced by severe vasodilation as a result of low systemic vascular resistance, is linked to increased morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Although the firstchoice medications for treating VS are vasopressors like norepinephrine and vasopressin, some additional medications, including methylene blue (MB), are utilized as adjuvant therapy, including rescue therapy. The main mechanisms of action of MB responsible for the cardiovascular effects in the treatment of VS consist of the inhibition of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Recently, omeprazole (OME) has been suggested as effective in inhibiting the NO pathway. Objective: To evaluate the effects caused by OME and MB in an animal model of cardiac ischemia and reperfusion (CIR), and to identify new pharmacological strategies to prevent and/or attenuate the VS occurrence. Methods: Rats were treated intravenously (IV) with MB at 2 mg/kg and OME at 10 mg/kg before CIR. The rates of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), atrioventricular block (AVB), and lethality (LET) were recorded. The animals employed in this investigation were divided into the following experimental groups: (1) SS+CIR group (n=20): rats treated with a saline solution and submitted to CIR; (2) MB+CIR (n=12): rats treated with MB and submitted to CIR; (3) OME+CIR group (n=12): rats treated with OME and submitted to CIR. The Prism 8.0 program (GraphPad, Boston, MA, USA) was used for this analysis. Fisher's exact test was used to statistically assess the incidence rates of VA, AVB, and LET and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and then Tukey's post-test statistically assesses the serum concentrations of the cardiac lesion biomarkers CK-MB and TnI. When P < 0.05, the results were deemed statistically significant. Results: When comparing the MB+CIR (100%) and OME+CIR (100%) groups to the SS+CIR group (60%), there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence rates of AVB and LET, but not VA, suggesting that the administration of MB and OME before CIR elevated the AVB and LET incidence rates brought on by CIR. Rats submitted to CIR had higher serum levels of CK-MB in MB+CIR and OME+CIR groups than in the SS+CIR group, which suggests that MB or OME treatment before CIR elevated blood CK-MB levels but not TnI. Conclusion: Treating animals who underwent CIR with OME had the same effects as treating them with MB. This finding raises the prospect of employing OME alone or in conjunction with MB in treating VS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandstones of the Lourinhã Formation were studied. Alveolization is the major form of weathering on the façades of monuments near Peniche in the western region of Portugal. Salt weathering is an important cause of this degradation form. Stones of specimens, similar to those found in these ancient buildings, were used for an experimental program of artificial salt ageing through the use of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and sodium sulfate solutions, all at 10% (w/w). Salt weathering follow-up was carried out viz. the assessment of the degradation effect on these specimens of lower values of porosity under crystallization–dissolution cycles. Sodium chloride and sodium chloride with calcium sulfate were the more deleterious solutions, causing failure of the specimens after at least 40 cycles of immersion/drying. Surfaces of the sandstone specimens of variety A showed the onset of the alveolization form due to the use of a saline solution of sodium chloride with calcium sulfate.

As a temperature-resistant and salt-resistant polymer, acrylamide and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (abbreviated as AM-AMPS) copolymer is currently widely used in drilling, water control and oil production stabilization, enhanced oil recovery and other fields, but its stability under high temperature has been less studied. The degradation process of the AM-AMPS copolymer solution was studied by measuring viscosity, the degree of hydrolysis, and weight-average molecular weight at different temperatures and aging time. During the high-temperature aging process, the viscosity of the AM-AMPS copolymer saline solution first increases and then decreases. The combined action of the hydrolysis reaction and the oxidative thermal degradation leads to the change of the viscosity of the AM-AMPS copolymer saline solution. The hydrolysis reaction of the AM-AMPS copolymer mainly affects the structural viscosity of its saline solution through intramolecular and intermolecular electrostatic interactions, while the oxidative thermal degradation mainly reduces its molecular weight by breaking the main chain of the copolymer molecules, reducing the viscosity of the AM-AMPS copolymer saline solution. The content of AM and AMPS groups in the AM-AMPS copolymer solution at various temperatures and aging time was analyzed using liquid nuclear magnetic resonance carbon spectroscopy, demonstrating that the hydrolysis reaction rate constant of AM groups was significantly higher than that of AMPS groups. The contribution values of hydrolysis reaction and oxidative thermal degradation of the AM-AMPS copolymer at different aging time to viscosity were quantitatively calculated at temperatures ranging from 104.5 °C to 140 °C. It was determined that the higher the heat treatment temperature, the smaller the contribution of hydrolysis reaction to viscosity, while the bigger the contribution of oxidative thermal degradation to the viscosity of the AM-AMPS copolymer solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prohexadione-calcium (Pro-Ca) has been proved to play an important role in releasing abiotic stress in plants. However, there is still a lack of research on the mechanism of Pro-Ca alleviating salt stress in rice. To explore the protective effects of Pro-Ca on rice seedlings under salt stress, we investigated the effect of exogenous Pro-Ca on rice seedling under salt stress by conducting the following three treatment experiments: CK (control), S (50 mmol·L−1 NaCl saline solution) and S + Pro-Ca (50 mmol·L−1 NaCl saline solution + 100 mg·L−1 Pro-Ca). The results indicated that Pro-Ca modulated the expression of antioxidant enzyme-related genes (such as SOD2, PXMP2, MPV17, E1.11.1.7). Spraying Pro-Ca under salt stress significantly increased in ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activity by 84.2%, 75.2%, and 3.5% as compared to the salt treatment, as demonstrated by an example of a 24-hour treatment. Malondialdehyde level in Pro-Ca was also dramatically decreased by 5.8%. Moreover, spraying Pro-Ca under salt stress regulated the expression of photosynthesis genes (such as PsbS, PsbD) and chlorophyll metabolism genes (heml, PPD). Compared to salt stress treatment, spraying Pro-Ca under salt stress significantly increased in net photosynthetic rate by 167.2%. In addition, when rice shoots were sprayed with Pro-Ca under salt stress, the Na+ concentration was considerably reduced by 17.1% compared to salt treatment. In conclusion, Pro-Ca regulates antioxidant mechanisms and photosynthesis to aid in the growth of rice seedlings under salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships between the structural and aggregational state of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the specific length and total number of zigzag pattern segments of the film textures formed upon drying biopolymer solutions with aluminum and iron chlorides have been shown. To obtain films, saline solutions of BSA were dried in a glass cuvette under thermostatically controlled conditions. It is shown that the formation of zigzag structures is sensitive to the influence of aluminum chlorides Al3+ and iron chlorides Fe3+ and depend on the concentration of AlCl3 and FeCl3. This may be due to a change in the charge and size of BSA particles and due to a change in conformation or a violation of the structure of BSA. These factors, in turn, affect the hydration of the solution components and the structural state of free water in solution, which presumably also affects the formation of zigzag structures. It is established that the analysis of the specific length and the number of segments of zigzag patterns makes it possible to evaluate changes in the state of biopolymers in the initial solution during structural changes and aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adhesives with strong and stable underwater adhesion performance play a critical role in industrial and biomedical fields. However, achieving strong underwater adhesion, especially in flowing aqueous and blood environments, remains challenging. In this work, a novel solvent‐exchange‐triggered adhesive of catechol‐functionalized polyethylenimine ethoxylated is presented. The authors show that the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution of the catechol‐functionalized polymer can be directly applied to various substrates and exhibits robust dry/underwater adhesion performance induced through in situ liquid‐to‐solid phase transition triggered by water‐DMSO solvent exchange. The adhesive can even strongly bond low‐surface‐energy substrates (e.g., > 86 kPa for polytetrafluoroethylene) in diverse environments, including deionized water, air, phosphate‐buffered saline solution, seawater, and aqueous conditions with different pH values. Moreover, the adhesive exhibits strong adhesion to biological tissues and can be used as a hemostatic sealant to prevent bleeding from arteries and severe trauma to the viscera. The adhesives developed in this study with strong dry/underwater adhesion performance and excellent hemostatic capabilities display enormous application prospects in the biomedical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persian gum is an Iranian native gum which obtains from the trunk and branches of wild almond tree. This gum is found in different colors and there is a direct relation between its color and tannin content: the darker the color, the higher the amount of tannin. Since the bioavailability of proteins and minerals is limited by tannins, they are known as anti -nutrient compounds; hence, it is essential to remove tannin from Persian gum in order to increase its quality and amount of utilization in the food industry. Thereupon, tannin removal from Persian gum using different thermal and non -thermal methods was the main aim of this research. In this regard, soaking either in water or saline solutions (mono - and divalent salts) was considered as non -thermal method. On the other hand, autoclaving (121 ̊C for 20 min) and boiling (5, 10 and 15 min) were applied as thermal methods for tannin removal of Persian gum which was categorized based on color: white, yellow and brownish. As well, weight reduction of gum granules and rheological properties were investigated after tannin removal. According to the results, the highest tannin removal was observed in the case of brownish Persian gum and the most yield of tannin removal belonged to soaking in water for 180 min (75.67 ± 0.25 %), using CaCl 2 solution at the concentration of 1% (w/w) (74.32 ± 0.54 %) and boiling for 15 min (67.08 ± 0.19 %), respectively (p < 0.05). Based on rheological analysis, apparent viscosity of samples after soaking either in water or CaCl 2 solution as well as boiling was higher than control sample. However, the suitable rheological model for control and the treated gums was Herschel - Bulkley, indicating that type of flow behavior did not been affected by tannin removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disinfection procedures aim to reduce the microbial load, but there are doubts about the risks of contamination spreading into the lumens of devices, such as three-way stopcocks (3-WS). This study aimed at an in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial procedure of manual friction of 3-WS intentionally contaminated and to determine the solution dispersion into the lumens. Laboratory experiments were developed in two steps: evaluation of bacterial spread through intentional contamination with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and alcohol dispersion into the 3-WS lumens. After manual friction of the 3-WS with saline solution at 0.85% (w/v) [control group], S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were isolated in the lumens of 55.6% and 27.8% of the devices, respectively. However, after the disinfection of the 3-WS with ethyl alcohol at 70% (w/v), there was no bacterial contamination in the lumens of the 3-WS. On the other hand, the solution dispersion (dye) into the lumens was evidenced by two different techniques: Durham tubes (5.6%) and swabs (46.3%). The manual friction of the 3-WS with ethyl alcohol at 70% demonstrated antibacterial efficacy, but it refers to reflections on the risk of solution diffusion into the venous network and the inherent clinical practice situations and patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) refers to fetal exposure to alcohol during pregnancy through placental barrier transfer from maternal blood. The postnatal outcomes of PAE differ among exposed individuals and range from overt (serious) alcohol-related behavioral and neurophysiological impairments to covert (silenced) symptoms. The aims of the present investigation were to assess the postnatal neurobehavioral disturbances, particularly, motor coordination and sensory-motor function in mice with PAE. Female mice with positive vaginal plugs were divided into three groups: group 1: Et + Pyr: received two i.p injections of ethanol (1 g/kg) followed by pyrazole (100 mg/kg). Group 2: Pyr: received an i.p injection of pyrazole (100 mg/kg). Group 3: C: of saline controls received, in equal volume, saline solution (NaCl 0.9%). After birth, mice pups were weighed and subjected to behavioral tests for motor function screening using the motor ambulation test, cliff aversion, surface righting, and negative geotaxis, while at the adult stage, mice were subjected to the open field, rotarod, parallel bars, and static rods tests. Our data show an obvious decrement of body weight from the first post-natal day (P1) and continues over the adult stage. This was accompanied by an obvious impaired sensory-motor function which was maintained even at the adult stage with alteration of the locomotor and coordination abilities. The current data demonstrate the powerful neurotoxic effect of prenatal ethanol exposure on the sensory-motor and coordination functions, leading to suppose possible structural and/or functional neuronal disturbances, particularly the locomotor network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allogenic tendons grafts sourced from intrasynovial tendons are often used for tendon reconstruction. Processing is achieved through repetitive freeze–thaw cycles followed by lyophilization. Soaking the lyophilized tendon in saline (0.9%) for 24 h is the standard practice for rehydration. However, data supporting saline rehydration over the use of other hydrating solutions are scant. The purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of different rehydration solutions on biomechanical properties of lyophilized tendon allograft. A total of 36 canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were collected, five freeze–thaw cycles followed by lyophilization were performed for processing, and then divided into three groups rehydrated with either saline solution (0.9%), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), or minimum essential medium (MEM). Flexural stiffness, tensile stiffness, and gliding friction were evaluated before and after allograft processing. The flexural moduli in both fibrous and fibrocartilaginous regions of the tendons were measured. After lyophilization and reconstitution, the flexural moduli of both the fibrocartilaginous and non-fibrocartilaginous regions of the tendons increase significantly in the saline and MEM groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the saline and MEM groups, the flexural moduli of the fibrocartilaginous and non-fibrocartilaginous regions of tendons rehydrated with PBS are significantly lower (p < 0.05). Tensile moduli of rehydrated tendons are significantly lower than those of fresh tendons for all groups (p < 0.05). The gliding friction of rehydrated tendons is significantly higher than that of fresh tendons in all groups (p < 0.05). There is no significant difference in either tensile moduli or gliding friction between tendons treated with different rehydration solutions. These results demonstrate that allograft reconstitution can be optimized through careful selection of hydrating solution and that PBS could be a better choice as the impact on flexural properties is lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the electrical conductivity of low‐volume samples was measured using a prototype microfluidic chip with electrodes. We were able to show the difference of electrical conductivity in the samples of saline solution (0.9w/v% NaCl solution) with sucrose. The correlation between the electrical conductivity and the viscosity evaluated by the capillary method was shown. This correlation was shown that it is possible to evaluate viscosity based on the Walden's rule with our chip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]