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Abstract An investigation into Cu(II) adsorption from contaminated water utilizing a trickle tray column that has been upscaled from batch-scale adsorption was performed to understand the efficacy of the adsorbent when used in a continuous system—which is more common in actual use in an industry. The size of the functionalized fabric adsorbent selected in a pilot-scale is about four times larger than a batch-scale. The continuous Cu(II) adsorption was analyzed using three parameters: initial Cu(II) concentration in solution; inlet solution flow rate and number of adsorbent sheets in the column to estimate the adsorption process’s breakthrough curve results. The breakthrough curve results were fitted with three mathematical models by Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and Adams-Bohart to comprehend the mechanisms of the adsorption process. All three mathematical models can be used to reliably describe the continuous adsorption process using diverse conditions applied in this study. Overall results showed that PBMEP-g-PE/PP adsorbent using the trickle tray column demonstrated as high as 97% efficiency of Cu(II) adsorption during the first 6 h. Three-cycle reutilization of the adsorbent through a process of adsorption-desorption revealed that Cu(II) removal efficiency surpassed 70% after 6 h of each cycle, confirming the suitability of this system for practical application.

Infection with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (Bandavirus dabieense) virus poses a substantial public health threat because of its high mortality rates and severe complications. The virus is prevalent in Asia, although data from Thailand are scarce. Our study confirmed the virus in 1.6% of acute febrile illness patients and specific antibodies in 3% of archived samples since 2015 in Thailand. Nationwide zoonotic surveillance identified the virus in 8 rodent species and 4 chigger genera. Our findings underscore the importance of raising awareness among healthcare providers and the general public about the symptoms, risks, and prevention strategies associated with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus infection. Ongoing surveillance of the virus in human and animal populations is essential for monitoring its prevalence, distribution, and potential for emergence.

Abstract Background Studies of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with the Melody valve have demonstrated good clinical and hemodynamic outcomes. Our study analyzes the midterm clinical and hemodynamic outcomes for patients who underwent Melody valve implantation in Southeast Asia. Methods Patients with circumferential conduits or bioprosthetic valves and experiencing post-operative right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction were recruited for Melody TPVR. Results Our cohort (n = 14) was evenly divided between pediatric and adult patients. The median age was 19 years (8–38 years), a male-to-female ratio of 6:1 with a median follow-up period of 48 months (16–79 months), and the smallest patient was an 8-year-old boy weighing 18 kg. All TPVR procedures were uneventful and successful with no immediate mortality or conduit rupture. The primary implant indication was combined stenosis and regurgitation. The average conduit diameter was 21 ± 2.3 mm. Concomitant pre-stenting was done in 71.4% of the patients without Melody valve stent fractures (MSFs). Implanted valve size included 22-mm (64.3%), 20-mm (14.3%), and 18-mm (21.4%). After TPVR, the mean gradient across the RVOT was significantly reduced from 41 mmHg (10–48 mmHg) to 16 mmHg (6–35 mmHg) at discharge, p

In this research, cockleshell waste from food processing is developed into a humidity adsorbent using a simple technique. Cockleshells were first heated at 1,000°C. The crystal structure, functional group, and morphology of cockleshells before and after heat treatment were investigated. Cockleshells before heat treatment had the aragonite phase of CaCO3 compound, but it transformed into the CaO phase after heat treatment. Next, fried fish crackers, Keropok, were selected for humidity testing. The behavior of the humidity adsorbent and fried fish crackers was investigated for 0–180 days. After humidity testing, the CaO phase of the humidity adsorbent reacted with the humidity or water molecules and transformed into the Ca(OH)2 phase. The amount of crack and roughness on the humidity adsorbent surface increased with the increase in humidity testing time. The humidity adsorbent underwent a high humidity reaction and transformed into Ca(OH)2 after 30 days. The water activity, crispness, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) of fried fish crackers were analyzed. The water activity of fried fish crackers rapidly decreased, whereas the crispness slowly decreased in the range of 0–30 days. The humidity adsorbent controlled the TBARS value by increasing slowly. Based on these results, cockleshell waste can be developed as a humidity adsorbent and used to prolong the shelf-life of local food products to at least 90 days.

Abstract Background Severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) in childhood is rare and can manifest as a life-threatening episode. We present 2 children with restrictive dietary habits with severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to scurvy and iron deficiency anemia with treatment and outcome. Case presentation The first case is a 2-year-old boy who presented with vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. After rehydration, he had recurrent episodes of hypotension with intermittent abdominal pain. Fluid resuscitation and inotropic medication were given. Then he suddenly collapsed. After 4-min cardiopulmonary resuscitation, his hemodynamic was stabilized. Most of the medical workup was unremarkable except for PH from the echocardiogram with estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) at 67 mmHg. Transient PH was diagnosed, and milrinone was prescribed. Since he had restrictive dietary habits and sclerotic rim at epiphysis in chest films, his vitamin C level was tested and reported low-level result. The second case is a 6-year-old boy with acute dyspnea, a month of low-grade fever, mild cyanosis, and a swollen left knee. Echocardiogram indicated moderate TR with estimated systolic PAP at 56 mmHg (systolic blood pressure 90 mmHg). Milrinone was given. Right cardiac catheterization showed PAP 66/38 (mean 50) mmHg and PVRi 5.7 WU.m2. Other medical conditions causing PH were excluded. With a history of improper dietary intake and clinical suspicion of scurvy, vitamin C was tested and reported undetectable level. Administration of vitamin C in both cases rapidly reversed pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion Pediatric PH related to vitamin C deficiency can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, varying from mild and nonspecific to severe life-threatening episodes characterized by pulmonary hypertensive crises. PH associated with scurvy is entirely reversible with appropriate investigation, diagnosis, and treatment. Our report highlights the importance of considering nutritional deficiencies as potential confounding factors in pediatric PH, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation and management of these patients.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural phytochemical agent and one of the most abundant found in Cannabis sativa. It is known to exhibit pharmacological properties on various condition such as relieving-inflammation, pain, epilepsy, and anxiety effect. There has been an increasing trend globally in the use of CBD as a supplement in pets. Consequently, there are various CBD products being marketed that are specifically available for pets. Veterinarians and pet owners are concerned that following ingestion, different CBD formulations may result in a CBD level circulating in the blood that may affect the safe use and efficacy of CBD in pets. Several pharmacokinetics studies in animals have been mainly conducted with an oily form of CBD. To date, there is a lack of data regarding direct comparisons in animals among the CBD plasma kinetic profiles from an oral administration of the various preparation forms. Therefore, the current study evaluated and compared the plasma CBD levels from a single oral administration using four different CBD preparations—liquid (an oil-based form, a nanoemulsion form, or a water-soluble form) or a semi-solid form (as CBD mixed in a treat) in dogs. In total, 32 healthy, crossbreed dogs were randomly assigned into 4 groups and treated according to a 1-period, 4-treatment parallel-design. The three liquid forms were dosed at 5 mg/kg body weight, while the single semi-solid form was given at 50 mg/treat/dog. The results showed that the CBD plasma profile from the administration of a water-soluble form was comparable to that of the oil-based group. The nanoemulsion-based form tended to be rapidly absorbed and reached its peak sooner than the others. However, the CBD in all preparations reached the maximum plasma concentration within 3 h post-dose, with an average range of 92–314 μg/L. There were significant differences among certain parameters between the liquid and semi-solid forms. This was the first study to provide pharmacokinetics data regarding CBD in water soluble, nanoemulsion-based, and semi-solid forms for dogs as companion animals. The current data should facilitate the scrutiny of CBD plasma profiles based on different formulations via an oral route in dogs.

Prior to the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, scrub typhus was not recognized as a highly endemic disease in the country. This contrasted with neighboring India, where scrub typhus is endemic and there have been sporadic outbreaks of severe forms. This discrepancy underscores the limitations in our comprehensive understanding of the scrub typhus epidemiological patterns in Nepal, especially before 2015. To better understand the dynamic and current status of scrub typhus, this study investigated its prevalence among patients with acute febrile illness in two hospitals located in Pokhara city, Kaski district and Bharatpur city, Chitwan district during 2009–2010. Our findings revealed that 31.5% (239 of 759 patients) of the cases were positives for scrub typhus based on serological and pathogen detection assays. These results provide crucial insights into the pre-earthquake endemicity of scrub typhus in Nepal, implying its long-standing presence in the region prior to the significant environmental transformations caused by the 2015 earthquake. This study also emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities to effectively manage and control scrub typhus, which remains a significant public health concern in Nepal.

Prior to the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, scrub typhus was not recognized as a highly endemic disease in the country. This contrasted with neighboring India, where scrub typhus is endemic and there have been sporadic outbreaks of severe forms. This discrepancy underscores the limitations in our comprehensive understanding of the scrub typhus epidemiological patterns in Nepal, especially before 2015. To better understand the dynamic and current status of scrub typhus, this study investigated its prevalence among patients with acute febrile illness in two hospitals located in Pokhara city, Kaski district and Bharatpur city, Chitwan district during 2009–2010. Our findings revealed that 31.5% (239 of 759 patients) of the cases were positives for scrub typhus based on serological and pathogen detection assays. These results provide crucial insights into the pre-earthquake endemicity of scrub typhus in Nepal, implying its long-standing presence in the region prior to the significant environmental transformations caused by the 2015 earthquake. This study also emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities to effectively manage and control scrub typhus, which remains a significant public health concern in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to explore the potential use of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa ethanol leaf extract (RTEL) as an alternative food preservative agent for controlling the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial activities against food-isolated S. aureus were performed using disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays, followed by evaluating in vivo subacute oral toxicity of the extract. Salad dressing was used as a food model to study bactericidal properties and consumer acceptability. RTEL remarkably inhibited S. aureus with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 7.81–62.5 µg/mL. Repeated oral doses (5, 50, and 300 mg/kg RTEL) for 28 days did not affect any of the measured toxicity parameters. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of RTEL was noted as more than 300 mg/kg body weight/day. The utilization of RTEL (12.5 mg/mL) in the vinaigrette salad dressing did not affect the consumer acceptability of the product, remarkably killed the pathogen within 3–9 h of exposure. The results indicated that RTEL is safe and effective as a natural anti-staphylococcal controlling agent that could be utilized in food systems. Further work is required on the effects of enterotoxin production, an important virulence factor of S. aureus responsible for food-borne disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitex trifolia L., a shrub plant, has long been used as a massage oil to treat a variety of ailments, particularly pain relief. Despite its long history of use, there has not been enough research done on its phytochemical profile and biological properties to validate its traditional use. Therefore, this current research aimed to evaluate its phytochemical profile and biological properties in two forms: Vitex trifolia L. ethanolic extract (VTE) and Vitex trifolia L. oil (VTO), which could be advantageous for clinical usage. Quality control of raw plant material, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and casticin of VTE and VTO were investigated. Furthermore, the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities and cytotoxicity of VTE and VTO were evaluated. The study indicated that VTE contained more total phenolics (66.74±15.52 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids (29.68±2.05 mg CE/g extract), and casticin (2.45±0.02 mg/mL) than VTO. VTE consistently demonstrated stronger antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties than VTO. Taken together, VTE possessed remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities with no cytotoxic effects on cells. Even VTO had weak biological abilities. However, its stability testing revealed that the modestly accepted adjustments remained stable. Therefore, this study suggests that Vitex trifolia L. could be used as a natural product for health promotion and therapy. [Display omitted] • Vitex trifoliax ethanolic extract (VTE) are rich in phenolics and flavonoids. • VTE possessed strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. • Stability testing of Vitex trifolia oil (VTO) was stable with the slightly changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Au-Sn solder has been currently used for soldering the laser diode silicon chip on the slider surface which is alumina (Al2O3) titanium carbide (TiC) in hard disk drive (HDD). However, intermetallic compounds (IMCs) form at the interface during the bonding process and result in cracks within these interfacial IMCs. As a consequence, the bonded joint failure occurs for Au-Sn (IMCs) joints with low shear stress. The shear stress is considered a major contributor to the quality and reliability of HDD. At present, the average shear strength of the Au-Sn (IMCs) joint is approximately 2.716 MPa. In this work, 4,572 Au-Sn bonded samples using the laser transmission bonding process were analysed to find suitable bonding factors to improve the shear stress of Au-Sn (IMCs). The analyse phase utilizes heat map correlation to determine 5 key process input variables (KPIVs) including (1) Temperature, (2) Stage Cross-Track (CT), (3) Stage Down-Track (DT), (4) Z-height (5) Laser power. The key process output variable (KPOV) is the shear strength of the IMCs layer between the laser diode silicon chip and the Alumina Titanium Carbide (AlTiC) substrate. Then, a response surface methodology (RSM) is performed to provide the significant factors that generate a reliable mathematical relationship between the process parameters and the desired response. The confirmation experiment performed illustrates that the new process setting of the IMCs shear strength layer is increased from 2.716 MPa to 5.050 MPa which accounts for 85.94% which is a significant improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]