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The wide use of clay minerals in various applications, particularly the production of fired bricks for buildings, has led to the continuous depletion of clay deposits. Moreover, a considerable amount of waste is generated globally which negatively impacts the environment and is constantly increasing. To conserve the environment and reduce clay depletion, it has become popular to incorporate these wastes into clays for fired brick production. Biomass-based wastes are advantageous when used as additives because they enhance the technological properties of the bricks, reduce energy and cost requirements, and alleviate the effect of climate change on buildings. This work reviews the influence of biomass-based additives on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of fired clay bricks. We considered recent articles (2014–2024) on various biomass-based additives, describing how the dosage of the additives influences the shrinkage, porosity, water absorption, bulk density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity of fired bricks. The optimum values of the technological properties from the studies reviewed were highlighted. Moreover, the knowledge gaps were identified, and future perspectives were presented. In general, the incorporation of biomass-based materials in fired bricks decreased the thermal conductivity and density, which is suitable for sustainable lightweight thermally insulating bricks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to construct environmentally friendly buildings to meet current environmental and ecological standards is urgent. This study introduces a new multi-layer construction material with two outer layers of ordinary mortar and an inner layer of a pozzolane-limes composite to meet this need. The thermal efficiency of this material in building construction is investigated using TRNSYS18 simulations for two distinct climatic zones in Morocco, with a particular focus on its impact on heating dynamics. The primary objective is to evaluate the thermal performance of multi-layered pozzolanic materials, for which mortar samples are meticulously prepared as a reference in the two different climatic zones (Azilal and Errachidia). Using the asymmetric hot plate method under both stable and transient conditions, the authors conduct thermal characterization experiments. The results underscore the improvement in thermal performance made possible by the incorporation of pozzolan as an aggregate in the multi-layer material compared to ordinary mortar. Specifically, thermal conductivity improves significantly, from 0.735 W m−1 K−1 for ordinary mortar to 0.4 W m−1 K−1 for multi-layered pozzolanic materials, representing a 46% mass gain. Additionally, effusivity decreases from 730 to 604 J m−2 K−1 s−1/2, while diffusivity decreases from 3.78 to 2.23 × 10−7 m2 s−1, further attesting to the material's thermal efficacy. TRNSYS18 simulations corroborate the viability of using multi-layered materials as building envelopes, revealing potential annual heating gains of 25% in Azilal and 5% in Errachidia. These findings underscore the promising prospects of integrating these materials into sustainable construction practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study is to determine the impact of alfalfa fiber on the physicomechanical properties of adobe bricks. The soil and fibers utilized in this research as raw materials were obtained from Ouled Mbarek, a village located in the north-central region of Morocco. Comprehensive tests were conducted on the raw materials for characterization, including mineralogical examination, geotechnical assessment, and microstructural analysis. The adobe samples underwent thorough examination, with a focus on damage, fracture behavior and fire resistance. The inclusion of alfalfa fiber, containing hydrophilic compounds such as quasi-crystalline cellulose and hemicelluloses, resulted in increased water absorption and significant porosity due to air entrapment during mixing. Furthermore, the introduction of small amounts of alfalfa fiber led to an enhancement in the mechanical properties of the adobes, showcasing notable compressive and flexural strength reaching 8.28 MPa and 1.83 MPa, respectively. This improvement was attributed to the strong adhesion between the added fibers and the clay matrix, significantly reducing crack propagation within the composite material. The high tensile strength of alfalfa fibers, stemming from their cellulose content, also played a crucial role in the improved mechanical performance. Consequently, adobes reinforced with such fibers exhibit promising characteristics as cost-effective construction materials in arid and semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare and complex vasculitis disorder renowned for its diverse clinical presentations. Cardiovascular involvement is reported to be present in 7–46% of the patients, with coronary arteries being involved in only 0.5%. The management of cardiovascular complications can be challenging due to the rarity of such cases and the absence of standardized guidelines regarding diagnosis and treatment. Case summary We report the case of a 27-year-old patient with BD with known aortitis and pulmonary arteritis, who presented with recurrent acute coronary syndromes related to critical left main coronary artery stenosis. She was initially managed with percutaneous coronary interventions twice. Following recurrent stent failure, she eventually underwent urgent coronary artery bypass surgery, together with aortic valve replacement and aortic root repair. She made an uneventful recovery and remains well 6 months following her operation. Discussion This case illustrates the significant challenges that can be encountered when managing coronary complications in patients with BD. Both percutaneous and surgical options have been reported in the literature with variable outcomes. Multi-disciplinary team involvement is of utmost importance in order to offer a balanced therapeutic strategy to these patients. Further research is required to shed light to the unknowns surrounding this rare cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted to explore the phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract (MOLE), as well as its in vivo modulatory effects on abamectin (ABM)-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes and brain tissue. Following extraction, the total phenolic, flavonoid, condensed tannin and ortho-diphenolic contents of MOLE were determined. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis allowed the identification and the quantification of 12 bioactive compounds: gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, ascorbic acid, alizarin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, resveratrol, and naringin. In vitro study: the assessment of the antioxidant activity of MOLE on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical DPPH and the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS), its ferric reducing power and its antioxidant effect on the β-carotene bleaching indicated that MOLE exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with an IC 50 of 0.125 mg/mL against DPPH radical, and an IC 50 of 0.06 mg/mL against ABTS radical. It also demonstrated notable ferric-reducing ability, with an EC 50 of 1.4 mg/mL and a strong inhibition of β-carotene bleaching with an IC 50 of 1.36 mg/mL. In vivo study: Twenty rats were equally divided into four groups. The first group served as a control and received distilled water by gavage. The second group (negative control) received ABM in drinking water at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight. The third group received MOLE at a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight by gavage. The fourth group received a combination of ABM and MOLE in the same manner and doses as described, for 3 weeks. Body weight, brain relative and absolute weights, and nitric oxide levels were not affected by ABM. However, ABM significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity (p < 0.001), decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, specifically superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in cerebral tissue, and catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes (p < 0.001). ABM also decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in both the brain (p < 0.001) and erythrocytes (p < 0.05). In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased in the brains of ABM-intoxicated rats (p < 0.01) compared to the control group. These results were accompanied by histopathological changes, notably the remarkable vacuolization of neuropil in brain tissue. Supplementation with MOLE in ABM-treated rats significantly ameliorated brain AChE (p < 0.05) and GST activities, decreased MDA content, and improved GSH levels in both brain and erythrocyte homogenates (p < 0.01). MOLE also restored the histopathological alterations observed in the ABM group. Computational modeling revealed that some of the tested molecules, including some present in the studied extract, bound human peroxiredoxin 5, CAT, and glutathione peroxidase with acceptable affinities, which, together with the established molecular interactions and tight embedding satisfactory support the in vivo results. Thus, it may be concluded that ABM impairs brain and erythrocyte function through oxidative damage, and these effects could be prevented by MOLE, likely due to its antioxidant activity., (© 2024 Wiley‐VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Clay materials were prepared with clay and sapropel (SP) or clay and modified (frozen) sapropel (FSP) as the main raw materials. Clay-based materials were formed by mixing clay with a different dosage of SP or FSP (5–30 wt.%). The effect of SP or FSP on the properties and biological resistance of clay-based materials was studied. The results show that the bulk density of clay-based materials decreased, and the compressive strength and initial rate of water absorption increased with the increase in the SP or FSP amount in the clay mixture. Research has shown that SP or FSP can be added as a natural additive containing microfibers to improve the mechanical properties of clay materials. When clay bricks had less than 15% sapropel, dry or frozen, we tested the resistance impact of the fungi Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Stachybotrys chartarum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Aureobasidium pullulans under normal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeolian sand and loess are both natural materials with poor engineering-related properties, and no research has been devoted to exploring aeolian sand–loess composite materials. In this study, we used aeolian sand and loess as the main raw materials to prepare unfired bricks by using the pressing method, along with cement, fly ash, and polypropylene fiber. The effects of different preparation conditions on the physical properties of the unfired bricks were investigated based on compressive strength, water absorption, and softening tests and a freeze–thaw cycle test combined with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analysis to determine the optimal mixing ratio for unfired bricks, and finally, the effects of fibers on the durability of the unfired bricks were investigated. The results reveal that the optimal mixing ratio of the masses of aeolian sand–loess –cement –fly ash–polypropylene fiber–alkali activator–water was 56.10:28.05:9.17:2.40:0.4:0.003:4.24 under a forming pressure of 20 MPa. The composite unfired bricks prepared had a compressive strength of 14.5 MPa at 14 d, with a rate of water absorption of 8.8%, coefficient of softening of 0.92, and rates of the losses of frozen strength and mass of 15.93% and 1.06%, respectively, where these satisfied the requirements of environmentally protective bricks with strength grades of MU10–MU15. During the curing process, silicate and sodium silicate gels tightly connected the particles of aeolian sand and the loess skeleton, and the spatial network formed by the addition of the fibers inhibited the deformation of soil and improved the strength of the unfired bricks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The left anterior descending artery (LAD) is a significant coronary artery and a facilitator of oxygenated blood to the heart muscles. Thus, any occurrence of an aneurysm in LAD requires immediate medical attention. It is often inclined toward fatality if coupled with a blockage due to stenosis. Given the high relevance of understanding such models, invasive techniques under all parametric circumstances are hard to achieve. So, a theoretical approach with a cost-effective intervention of mathematical modeling becomes essential. In our current work, we analyze the model with the numerical technique of a modified form of SIMPLE pressure-correction based algorithm and perform parametric studies for the flow field with degree of stenosis, degree of aneurysm, heart rate, and distance separating aneurysm and stenosis as parameters. The study reveals a direct proportionality relation between the number of recirculation zones and heart rate through instantaneous streamline plots. Alongside this, the demonstration of an increase in the risk of rupture of the aneurysm with a decrease in the distance between stenosis and aneurysm, using the physical parameters associated with blood flow, is another key finding. Further, we examine the effect of the flow field on heat transfer and the consequent temperature profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delves into the intricate landscape of energy scheduling and optimization within microgrid and residential contexts, addressing pivotal aspects such as real-time scheduling systems, challenges in dynamic pricing, and an array of optimization strategies. This paper introduces a cutting-edge scheduling algorithm, harnessing the power of artificial neural networks driven by Long Short-Term Memory Networks, and highlights its exceptional performance, boasting a significantly lower Mean Absolute Error of 5.32 compared to conventional models. This heightened predictive accuracy translates into tangible improvements in both energy efficiency and cost savings. This study underscores the delicate balance between user satisfaction, cost reduction, and efficient scheduling for sustainable energy consumption, showcasing a remarkable 38% enhancement in optimized schedules. Further granularity revealed substantial gains in energy efficiency and cost reduction across different scheduling intensities: 11.11% in light schedules, 20.09% in medium schedules, and an impressive 38.85% in heavy schedules. However, this research does not shy away from highlighting challenges related to data quality, computational demands, and generalizability. Future research trajectories encompass the development of adaptive models tailored to diverse data qualities, enhancements in scalability for and adaptability to various microgrid configurations, the integration of real-time data, the accommodation of user preferences, the exploration of energy storage and renewables, and an imperative focus on enhancing algorithm transparency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of bricks and their manufacturing process plays an important role in the construction sector. Despite its various methods of manufacturing, still large quantities of bricks are used in the building construction. Manufacturing of bricks consumes large quantities of natural resources, and it is energy intensive. Similarly, due to rapid industrialization large quantities of waste industrial byproducts are generated and causes handling and disposal challenges of these wastes. This review work attempts the possibilities and potential use of various types of waste industrial byproducts in fired and unfired bricks. This study also highlights the importance of waste and its usage guidelines in bricks manufacturing to enhance the strength and durability properties. To overcome the challenges associated with bricks manufacturing, firing is still considered as the most preferred method of making bricks. Use of industrial waste byproducts to the mix matrix of fire and unfired bricks will overcome the disposal challenges and reduce the depletion of natural resources. Since sustainability is a key factor that is considered when it comes to making bricks, innovative methods are needed to produce them using sustainable materials. The production and application of bricks and their usage guidelines are reviewed further in various aspects such as environment, social, economic, and technology to meet global standards and policies of the local government for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the construction sector has significantly increased demand for new building materials that can reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable design strategies. In this context, the use of earth for construction purposes has received increasing attention in the last decade owing to its low environmental impact, local availability, and recyclability. The literature survey indicates that the incorporation of waste materials in the production of unfired earth bricks holds significant potential to partly substitute earth by satisfying specific requirements. Additionally, utilizing these waste materials for the development of unfired earth bricks provides a solution that conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and contributes to efficient waste management. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of recent research focusing on the recycling of various types of waste into eco-friendly unfired earth bricks. Also, the effect of the incorporation of waste materials on the thermal and mechanical properties of unfired clay bricks is reviewed. The most common results, organized based on the type of additive (industrial or agricultural waste), are shown and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many sites with high solar radiation like MENA regions face high dust loads that reduce the efficiency generation of solar plants. In this context, this paper provides an overview of dust adhesion mechanism on the surfaces of concentrated solar power (CSP) mirrors. The assessment of dust adhesion was performed on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic glasses at two representative CSP locations in Morocco (Ouarzazate and Midelt). Two types of reflecting mirrors are examined. The first one is based on superhydrophilic TiO2 protective coating, and the second one is the reflector mirror based on hydrophobic Al2O3 protective coating. The research shows that for particle radius of 2 µm, the Van der Waals force dominates for hydrophobic coating for Midelt with high humidity. In contrast, the capillary forces are prominent on the superhydrophilic TiO2 coating for Ouarzazate with low humidity. The results show good agreement with the X-ray diffraction results. However, as compared to Midelt dust, the dust particles from Midelt are formed of Smectites for the clay fractions. Smectite is highly swelling clay in water compared with Illite, Kaolinite, and Vermiculites types of clay minerals (low swelling clay in water). This work provided a facile method for the calculus of adhesion forces on the surfaces of CSP mirrors and as result helps us to select the best types of anti-soiling coating for reflector mirrors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In terms of water resources, Jordan is considered one of the poorest countries in the world. Water resources management is one of the available options to decrease the gap between demand and resources. Water resources management requires optimum use of the available water resources taking into consideration resources availability, resources reliability, water use pattern, in addition to the socioeconomic issues. One of the most important aspects is human behaviour which has a strong impact on water management and on the ecosystem. Therefore, there is a need to follow a sustainable approach to improve the management and the understanding of the difficulties of water issues by integrating the physical, social, economic, and environmental aspects, as well as linking water issues to poverty indicator. In this paper, Water Poverty Index (WPI) will be used as a tool for water resources management. WPI was calculated based on five parameters: resources, access to water, capacity, use, and the environment. The Jordanian water strategy targets will be used to forecast the water situation in 2025 and calculate WPI. In 2002, the WPI was calculated and found at 46.3%, in comparison with higher figures for other countries. WPI was calculated for the year 2018, and the results showed a value of 50.7%. If the national water strategy targets and improvements will be successfully implemented, by 2025, the value is expected to be increased to 56.38%. Water resources are the most sensitive component of WPI. COVID-19 increased the rate of unemployment and poverty ratio which will affect WPI negatively. It's concluded that WPI could be used as a valuable indicator to help evaluate the running plans and monitor the management performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals occupy an essential place in agricultural research programs on a global scale. In Algeria, this place is all the most important as the country wants to achieve stable production of cereals, in particular durum wheat and common wheat. However, Algerian cereal farming remains very dependent on climatic conditions and is subject to very frequent droughts. Focusing on the cereal production under conditions of water deficit, many studies have shown that cereals have mechanisms of resistance to environmental constraints favoring their growth, development, and grain yield. The present work is interested in the study of some mechanisms of resistance to drought which seem to be among the most important in the production of cereals in Algeria. The knowledge of the intra-specific variability that plants manifest for tolerance to water stress allows considering the selection of resistant genotypes. This is why several agronomic criteria (components of yields) were used through a few sufficiently simple and rapid tests in order to discriminate between genotypes for resistance to water stress in the three different climatic stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annales de Toxicologie Analytique is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Algerian Journal of Arid Environment (AJAE) is the property of University of Kasdi Merbah Ouargla and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

An analytical investigation was carried out to study the dissipation rate of two commonly used pesticides, thiamethoxam (neonicotinoid insecticide) and propamocarb hydrochloride (carbamate fungicide), applied to four vegetable crops: cucumber, zucchini, lettuce and pepper, after open-field application. Samples were harvested according to a scheduled plan followed by QuEChERS extraction, then thiamethoxam residues were analyzed using a GC-ECD method, while propamocarb HCl residues were analyzed using an HPLC-UV method. Validation parameters were attained for both methods and the kinetic profile was studied, which fitted the first-order kinetics where k, t 1/2 and t 90 were calculated. The proper pre-harvest interval (PHI) was studied for each crop to ensure that the residues levels declined to reach below the maximum residue limit (MRL) where the crop is suitable for consumption. These values were found to be different from labelled values, which proves that the PHIs are greatly affected by changing weather conditions.

In the present study, we aimed to assess the potential protective effect of ascorbic acid (AA) against emamectin benzoate (EMB)-induced hepatotoxicity. For this purpose, biochemical, histopathological and analytical investigations were performed. Male Wistar rats were distributed into three groups, that is, a control group, an EMB group given 10 mg EMB/kg body weight (BW) by gavage and an EMB + AA group given 10 mg EMB/kg BW and vitamin C intraperitoneally (200 mg/kg). The duration of the treatment was 28 days and the duration of the study was 42 days. There was a statistically significant increase of all hepatic biomarkers, that is, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase activities, and glycemia, in EMB-treated group when compared with the control group. Light microscopic observations revealed variable signs of hepatotoxicity in the EMB group, which were represented by alteration of normal hepatic architecture, inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocellular steatosis and foci of necrosis at 28 and 42 days post-treatment. However, co-treatment with vitamin C reduced EMB-related liver toxicity and diminished the abnormal biochemical and architectural damage. Emamectin B1a and B1b residues were detectable in all plasma samples of treated rats at 14, 21 and 28 days of treatment. The drug liver tissue concentration was significantly lower in EMB + AA group compared with EMB group at 28 and 42 days. In conclusion, the findings of the present study clearly indicate a significant protective action of vitamin C against EMB hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 167 men with vibration syndrome (VS), allele and genotype frequencies of HSPA1B (+1267A>G) genetic polymorphism (rs1061581) were studied depending on the type of vibration exposure and on the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The examined subjects were divided into two groups: VS patients (n=80) and VS+MetS patients (n=87). The differences in the lipid profiles between groups were revealed against the background of the lack of distinctions in the age of patients for A/G and G/G genotypes carriers. An increase in A/A (p=0.03) and a decrease in A/G (p=0.04) genotype frequencies in VS patients caused by hand-transmitted vibration in comparison with those in whom the disease was caused by a combination of hand-transmitted and whole-body vibration were found. The shifts in the frequencies of the above genotypes (p=0.01) were similar in patients with both types of vibration exposure in the VS+MetS group in comparison with VS group; the carriage of genotypes with the G allele in VS group exceeded that in VS+MetS group (p=0.01)., (© 2021. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Obesity is a major risk factor of chronic-diseases, including cardiovascular-diseases (CVD). Increasing evidence is showing the association of heat-shock protein (HSP) with type-2 diabetes and CVD; however, there is little data on the relationship between the genetic-polymorphisms ofHSP70-2with obesity. Aim: The present study has investigated the association between1267HSP70-2genetic polymorphism and obesity in an Iranian population with 317 subjects. Subjects and methods: Anthropometric parameters and biochemical measurements were measured in all the samples, while genotypes were determined using PCR-RFLP. Univariate/multivariate analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between the genetic-polymorphisms and obesity. Results: The data showed a significant association between1267HSP70-2polymorphism in obese subjects, compared to the non-obese group. Moreover, it was observed that this polymorphism was associated with obesity in the CAD + group, which had a high BMI compared to non-obese controls. Conclusion: The1267HSP70-2polymorphism is associated with obesity in an Iranian population, supporting a possible potential genetic link between obesity and cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology. It is characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, uveitis, and a number of systemic manifestations. Although the disease is recognized worldwide, its prevalence is highly variable. A detailed review and analysis of the worldwide published reports on BD showed that not only the prevalence of the disease but also its cardiac complications differ according to the geographic distribution of the studied population. With the exception of France, Greece, Spain, and Italy, very few reports and studies regarding BD have been published from the western countries. Cardiovascular complications are an important cause of poor outcome in patients with BD. Over the past few years, many case reports and studies have been published, providing more facts about these complications. For example, peculiar echocardiographic findings in patients with aortic valve regurgitation and intracardiac thrombi secondary to BD were recently described. The role of these findings in the initial diagnosis of the disease, however, remains to be evaluated. On the other hand, some reports present contradictory results, especially concerning the left ventricular diastolic function, pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, and proper management of the cardiac complications in BD. Importantly, management of these complications is based mainly on the discretion of the treating physician due to the absence of large controlled studies and clear guidelines. This approach sometimes creates inconsistent data and allows controversies to persist. The review presented here will discuss some of the facts and controversies related to cardiac complications in BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The disorder of triglyceride (TG) metabolism leading to hypertriglyceridemia is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Variants in the apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) gene were found to be associated with elevated TG levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two polymorphisms (1100 C/T and 3238 C/G) of APOC3 on plasma lipid and risk of CAD in a Chinese population. Methods: The study population consisted of 600 patients with CAD and 600 age- and gender-matched controls. The APOC3 gene polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: Patients with CAD had a significantly higher frequency of APOC3 3238 GG genotype [odds ratio (OR) =1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.10, 2.43; P = 0.01] and APOC3 3238 G allele (OR =1.27, 95% CI =1.04, 1.55; P = 0.02) than controls. The findings are still emphatic by the Bonferroni correction. When stratifying by hyperlipidemia, CAD patients with hyperlipidemia had a significantly higher frequency of APOC3 3238 GG genotype (OR =1.73, 95% CI =1.13, 2.64; P = 0.01) than without hyperlipidemia. The APOC3 3238 G allele was significantly associated with increasing plasma TG levels and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels both in cases and controls (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The APOC3 3238 G allele might contribute to an increased risk of CAD as a result of its effect on TG and VLDL-C metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear magnetic resonance is defined as a quantitative spectroscopic tool that enables a precise determination of the number of substances in liquids as well as in solids. There is few report demonstrating the application of NMR in the quantification of avermectin B1a (AVB1a); here, a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) using benzene [1-methoxy-4-(2-nitroethyl) (PMN)] as an internal standard and deuterochloroform as an NMR solvent was tested for the quantitative determination of AVB1a. The integrated signal of AVB1a at 5.56 ppm and the signal of PMN at 8.14 ppm in the 1H NMR spectrum were used for quantification purposes. Parameters of specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, intermediate precision, range, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), stability and robustness were validated. The established method was accurate and precise with good recovery (98.86%) and relative standard deviation (RSD) of assay (0.34%) within the linearity of the calibration curve ranging from 5.08 to 13.58 mg/ml ( R2 = 0.9999). The LOD and LOQ were 0.009 and 0.029 mg/ml, which indicated the excellent sensitivity of the method. The stability of the method was testified by a calculated RSD of 0.11%. The robustness was testified by modification of four different parameters, and the differences among each parameter were all less than 0.1%. Comparing with the assay described by the manufacturer of avermectin tablets, there was no significant difference between the assay obtained by HPLC and quantitative NMR (qNMR), which indicated qNMR was a simple and efficient method for the determination of AVB1a in commercial formulation products. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is a type II pyrethroid insecticide widely used in pest management. This study was undertaken to evaluate the toxic effects of LCT on the kidneys and adrenal glands of rats after subacute exposure. Twenty-eight 6-week-old male albino Rattus norvegicus rats were randomly assigned to four groups. Group 1 was the control group, which received distilled water. The experimental groups 2, 3 and 4 received 20.4, 30.6 and 61.2 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of LCT, administered orally over 28 days. The effects of the insecticide on various biochemical parameters were evaluated at 14 and 28 days. Histopathological studies were carried out in the kidneys and adrenal glands at the end of the experiment. Lambda-cyhalothrin, as a pyrethroid insecticide, induced significant increases (P??0.05) in plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid and glucose concentrations, and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities after 14 and 28 days. In the rat plasma samples after 28 days, residual concentrations of LCT 1R, cis, ??S cyhalothrin (1) and 1S, cis, ??R, cyhalothrin (2) were clearly detected. All experimental animals showed dose-dependent organ pathologies, such as necrotic degeneration of the adrenal glands and narrowed appearance of Bowman's space, degeneration of tubular epithelial lining, widened lumen, and tissue congestion in the kidney. It can be concluded that lambda cyhalothrin is highly toxic for rat adrenal glands and kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic induction tomography (MIT) is largely focused on applications in biomedical and industrial process engineering. MIT has a great potential for imaging metallic samples; however, there are fewer developments directed toward the testing and monitoring of metal components. Eddy-current non-destructive testing is well established, showing that corrosion, fatigue and mechanical loading are detectable in metals. Applying the same principles to MIT would provide a useful imaging tool for determining the condition of metal components. A compact MIT instrument is described, including the design aspects and system performance characterisation, assessing dynamic range and signal quality. The image rendering ability is assessed using both external and internal object inclusions. A multi-frequency MIT system has similar capabilities as transient based pulsed eddy current instruments. The forward model for frequency swap multi-frequency is solved, using a computationally efficient numerical modelling with the edge-based finite elements method. The image reconstruction for spectral imaging is done by adaptation of a spectrally correlative base algorithm, providing whole spectrum data for the conductivity or permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behcet's disease is characterised histologically by vasculitis. In the heart this can lead to aneurysm formation and thrombosis. There is also accelerated atherosclerosis, the mechanism of which is unclear. Patients with external disease from Behcet's disease are treated with immunosuppression. The authors present a case of aneurysmal disease in a Behcet's patient. This case demonstrates that coronary disease may progress in Behcet's patients despite external disease remission. Therefore, internal disease may progress in the absence of external symptoms when immunosuppressive therapy is usually stopped. This case raises the issue of whether immunosuppression should be continued in Behcet's patients with coronary disease to suppress disease progression or included in a treatment protocol for patients with Behcet's related coronary disease. Clinical trials on the use of immunosuppressive therapy for coronary disease in Behcet 's patients are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an approach of the blockchain and smart contracts utilization for dynamic robot coalition creation. The coalition is forming for solving complex tasks in industry applications that requires sequential united actions from the several robots. The main idea is that the process is split into two stages: scheduling and dynamic execution. On the scheduling stage, the coalition is defined based on the correlation of existing tasks and robot equipment, and the execution plan is formed and stored in smart contracts. The second stage is the plan execution. During this stage, smart contract controls how each robot solves its sub-task and whether it solves the sub-task due to the planned moment of time. In case of any deviation from the plan, smart contacts will provide a solution for returning to the plan or for changing the coalition composition with new robots and an execution plan. The prototype for execution control system has been developed based on the Hyperledger Fabric platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]