Isomerase Activity of Candida rugosa Lipase in Conversion of Racemic Ibuprofen to (S)-Ibuprofen

The Candida rugosa lipase-catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of racemic ibuprofen methyl ester was optimal at pH 7.6 to produce (S)-ibuprofen in 72 hours. The concentration of various buffers for these reactions ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 M. The commercial lipase was found to be acidic altering the final pH of the reaction mixtures. Dimethylformamide co-solvent maintained the reaction pH better than dimethylsulfoxide, with evidence of the latter functioning as an oxidizing agent. Lower concentrations of ibuprofen methyl ester and higher stirring rates led to faster conversions. The minimal amount of lipase needed was 20 mg/mL buffer. Reaction of (R)-ibuprofen methyl ester under the optimized conditions excluding the lipase led to no racemization, demonstrating that the conversion of (R)-ibuprofen methyl ester to (S)-ibuprofen is catalyzed by the enzyme

Earth field magnetic resonance imaging and paramagnetic contrast agents

The goal of this research was to visualize the uptake of copper by plants to aid phyto-remediation research. The hypothesis was that regions of the plant with more copper will have an enhanced NMR signal using copper as a paramagnetic contrast agent. As the name implies, Earth Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (EFMRI) spectrometry uses a magnetic field 300,000 times weaker than a 600 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer. Just like in conventional human MRI, this portable instrument is capable of recording one, two and three dimensional images though the sample size is much smaller. The enhancement of signal was first demonstrated recording the 2D images of different concentrations of aqueous copper sulfate solutions. The last research focused on growing soybean and mesquite plants in hydroponic media containing 0.25 mM copper nitrate for four weeks and recording their EFMRI images alongside plants grown without copper nitrate. Results showed EFMRI to have the advantage of probing the plant absorption of copper without having to dissect the specimen and therefore will take less sample preparation and time than current analysis techniques. This technique could be beneficial to aid phyto-remediation technology by using plants that are capable of absorbing copper as a heavy metal pollutant and imaging the plants to assure copper accumulation in them

Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Injuries in Occupational and Physical Therapists and Its Comparison

Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are the most prevalent occupational diseases that are serious, fundamental and costly in nature.  Methods: This analytical descriptive study included 45 individuals of occupational and physiotherapy community in Hamedan, Nahavand and Malayer cities of Iran. The standardized Nordic questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was done by SPSS software, chi-square test, T-test and Kay Score tests. Results: Study results revealed the prevalence of MSD accounting for 65.9% (n=27) of the study population who at least had one part of their body infected. In a 12 months study period, the disorder symptoms were seen in wrist (34.1%), lumbar (31.7%), knee (29.3%), neck (26.8%), shoulder (19.5%), and back (17%). A significant relation was seen between the symptoms of the wrist and hand. This was more common among occupational therapists. The results also showed that the disorders in occupational therapists affected all the limbs, except the neck. In addition, the females were more susceptible to the disorders compared to the males. Discussion: This study confirmed the rate of prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries in occupational and physical therapists, with wrist and lumbar being the most affected. The promotion of therapist’s knowledge about MSD and following ergonomic principles and new approaches in the treatment may lower or prevent MSD.&nbsp

Quality of Life and Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy (Aged 4-12)

Objectives: Most definitions equate Quality of Life with motor function. The aim of this study is to examine the association between gross motor function and Quality of Life for children with cerebral palsy. Methods: In this analytical cross–sectional study, 60 children with cerebral palsy aged 4-12 were selected through convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria from occupational therapy clinics in Hamadan. Cerebral Palsy-Quality of Life questionnaires were completed by the parents of the participants, and the gross motor function of all children was evaluated by the Gross Motor Function Measure. All data was analyzed by SPSS 16. Results: The analysis of the data showed statistical significance between gross motor function and Quality of Life domains such as [social well-being and acceptance (P=0.017), feeling about functioning (P=0.003), participation and physical health (P=0.003), pain and feelings about disability (P=0.018), access to services (P=0.009)], while there wasn’t any relationship seen between them in emotional well-being (P=0.54) and family health (P=0.796). Discussion: Based on the findings of this research, there isn’t any relationship between gross motor function and the psychosocial domains of Quality of Life. It means that children with cerebral palsy have the potential to have a high psychosocial Quality of Life score even if they have poor motor function