Thin layer and deep bed drying basic theories and modelling: a review

A comprehensive review of the fundamental theories governing the drying process is presented. The development of models of drying of agricultural products for thin layer and deep bed drying are discussed. The factors affecting drying and the biochemical changes which happen during drying are listed. Importance of moisture diffusion and activation energy consumption for modeling and optimizing the drying processes are highlighted

Endocrine regulation of predator-induced phenotypic plasticity

Elucidating the developmental and genetic control of phenotypic plasticity remains a central agenda in evolutionary ecology. Here, we investigate the physiological regulation of phenotypic plasticity induced by another organism, specifically predator-induced phenotypic plasticity in the model ecological and evolutionary organism Daphnia pulex. Our research centres on using molecular tools to test among alternative mechanisms of developmental control tied to hormone titres, receptors and their timing in the life cycle. First, we synthesize detail about predator-induced defenses and the physiological regulation of arthropod somatic growth and morphology, leading to a clear prediction that morphological defences are regulated by juvenile hormone and life-history plasticity by ecdysone and juvenile hormone. We then show how a small network of genes can differentiate phenotype expression between the two primary developmental control pathways in arthropods: juvenoid and ecdysteroid hormone signalling. Then, by applying an experimental gradient of predation risk, we show dose-dependent gene expression linking predator-induced plasticity to the juvenoid hormone pathway. Our data support three conclusions: (1) the juvenoid signalling pathway regulates predator-induced phenotypic plasticity; (2) the hormone titre (ligand), rather than receptor, regulates predator-induced developmental plasticity; (3) evolution has favoured the harnessing of a major, highly conserved endocrine pathway in arthropod development to regulate the response to cues about changing environments (risk) from another organism (predator)

Curcumin activates the p38MPAK-HSP25 pathway in vitro but fails to attenuate diabetic nephropathy in DBA2J mice despite urinary clearance documented by HPLC

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-proliferative properties, and depending upon the experimental circumstances, may be pro- or anti-apoptotic. Many of these biological actions could ameliorate diabetic nephropathy.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>Mouse podocytes, cultured in basal or high glucose conditions, underwent acute exposure to curcumin. Western blots for p38-MAPK, COX-2 and cleaved caspase-3; isoelectric focusing for HSP25 phosphorylation; and DNase I assays for F- to G- actin cleavage were performed for <it>in vitro </it>analyses. <it>In vivo </it>studies examined the effects of dietary curcumin on the development of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin (Stz)-induced diabetes in DBA2J mice. Urinary albumin to creatinine ratios were obtained, high performance liquid chromatography was performed for urinary curcuminoid measurements, and Western blots for p38-MAPK and total HSP25 were performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Curcumin enhanced the phosphorylation of both p38MAPK and downstream HSP25; inhibited COX-2; induced a trend towards attenuation of F- to G-actin cleavage; and dramatically inhibited the activation of caspase-3 in <it>vitro</it>. In curcumin-treated DBA2J mice with Stz-diabetes, HPLC measurements confirmed the presence of urinary curcuminoid. Nevertheless, dietary provision of curcumin either before or after the induction of diabetes failed to attenuate albuminuria.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Apart from species, strain, early differences in glycemic control, and/or dosing effects, the failure to modulate albuminuria may have been due to a decrement in renal HSP25 or stimulation of the 12/15 lipoxygenase pathway in DBA2J mice fed curcumin. In addition, these studies suggest that timed urine collections may be useful for monitoring curcumin dosing and renal pharmacodynamic effects.</p

Evidence-based Kernels: Fundamental Units of Behavioral Influence

This paper describes evidence-based kernels, fundamental units of behavioral influence that appear to underlie effective prevention and treatment for children, adults, and families. A kernel is a behavior–influence procedure shown through experimental analysis to affect a specific behavior and that is indivisible in the sense that removing any of its components would render it inert. Existing evidence shows that a variety of kernels can influence behavior in context, and some evidence suggests that frequent use or sufficient use of some kernels may produce longer lasting behavioral shifts. The analysis of kernels could contribute to an empirically based theory of behavioral influence, augment existing prevention or treatment efforts, facilitate the dissemination of effective prevention and treatment practices, clarify the active ingredients in existing interventions, and contribute to efficiently developing interventions that are more effective. Kernels involve one or more of the following mechanisms of behavior influence: reinforcement, altering antecedents, changing verbal relational responding, or changing physiological states directly. The paper describes 52 of these kernels, and details practical, theoretical, and research implications, including calling for a national database of kernels that influence human behavior

Comparison of Effect of Fluoride Varnish, Fluoride-releasing Composite, and Casein Phosphopeptide-amorphous Calcium Phosphate Fluoride on Demineralization around Brackets: An in vivo Study

Introduction: White spot lesions are a major problem in orthodontic patients as they compromise esthetics. They are the result of decalcification of enamel that occurs around brackets. This in vivo study was conducted to evaluate the effect of three different forms of topical fluoride on enamel demineralization adjacent to bonded brackets. Materials and methods: A total of 24 patients who needed extraction of at least two premolars for orthodontic reasons were selected. In each patient, one premolar was the test tooth and the other was the control. Brackets were bonded but only the test teeth received topical fluoride, that is, Transbond PLUS Color Change Adhesive, bifluoride12, GC Tooth Mousse Plus. The premolars were extracted after 80 to 90 days, and buccolingual sections 50 to 70 μm in thickness were evaluated with polarized light microscopy. The mean depth of demineralization in each lesion was measured using the software Image Pro Plus. Results: The difference between the values of the depth of demineralization in the experimental and control samples of all groups was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was a 43.3% reduction in the lesion depth in the transbond plus group. There was a 67.4% reduction in the lesion depth in the GC tooth mousse group. There was a 70% reduction in the lesion depth in the bifluoride varnish group. Conclusion: Enamel demineralization around brackets is significantly reduced by all the three materials used in this study. The highest amount of lesion depth reduction was seen in the Bifluoride varnish group. Transbond plus, was the least effective among the three materials used

Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Effects of Nanoparticle-Incorporated Orthodontic Primer: An In Vitro Study

Aim and Objectives: To compare and evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of various nanoparticles incorporated in orthodontic primer with that of conventional antimicrobial agents at different concentrations on Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans) strain. Materials and Methods: Transbond XT Primer was mixed with 2.5% and 5% benzalkonium chloride (BAC), 0.2% and 2.5% chlorhexidine, 1% and 3% titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, 0.2% and 0.5% nanohydroxyapatite, and 0.2% and 0.5% silica-doped nanohydroxyapatite powders. Antibacterial activity against S. mutans for all the materials was evaluated by the disk diffusion method for periods of 48 (T1) and 72 (T2) hours. Results: There was a significant increase in the antimicrobial activity of the orthodontic primer modified by the addition of antibacterial agents. The highest zone of inhibition against S. mutans was observed for silica-doped nanohydroxyapatite of 0.5% (11.03 mm) among all the nanoparticles, which was similar to the conventional antibacterial agents used in our study. Conclusions: • Among all the groups, BAC at 5% concentration showed the highest antimicrobial activity, and the least activity was exhibited by 1% TiO2 nanoparticles. • Silica-doped nanohydroxyapatite at 0.5% expressed the greatest antibacterial activity among all the nanoparticles. • All the materials showed sustained antibacterial activity even after 72 hours. </jats:sec