Systematic review of studies examining transtibial prosthetic socket pressures with changes in device alignment

Suitable lower-limb prosthetic sockets must provide an adequate distribution of the pressures created from standing and ambulation. A systematic search for articles reporting socket pressure changes in response to device alignment perturbation was carried out, identifying 11 studies. These were then evaluated using the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists guidelines for a state-of-the-science review. Each study used a design where participants acted as their own controls. Results were available for 52 individuals and 5 forms of alignment perturbation. Four studies were rated as having moderate internal and external validity, the remainder were considered to have low validity. Significant limitations in study design, reporting quality and in representation of results and the suitability of calculations of statistical significance were evident across articles. Despite the high inhomogeneity of study designs, moderate evidence supports repeatable changes in pressure distribution for specific induced changes in component alignment. However, there also appears to be a significant individual component to alignment responses. Future studies should aim to include greater detail in the presentation of results to better support later meta-analyses

Metal-Substituted Microporous Aluminophosphates

This chapter aims to present the zeotypes aluminophosphates (AlPOs) as a complementary alternative to zeolites in the isomorphic incorporation of metal ions within all-inorganic microporous frameworks as well as to discuss didactically the catalytic consequences derived from the distinctive features of both frameworks. It does not intend to be a compilation of either all or the most significant publications involving metal-substituted microporous aluminophosphates. Families of AlPOs and zeolites, which include metal ion-substituted variants, are the dominant microporous materials. Both these systems are widely used as catalysts, in particular through aliovalent metal ions substitution. Here, some general description of the synthesis procedures and characterization techniques of the MeAPOs (metal-contained aluminophosphates) is given along with catalytic properties. Next, some illustrative examples of the catalytic possibilities of MeAPOs as catalysts in the transformation of the organic molecules are given. The oxidation of the hardly activated hydrocarbons has probably been the most successful use of AlPOs doped with the divalent transition metal ions Co2+, Mn2+, and Fe2+, whose incorporation in zeolites is disfavoured. The catalytic role of these MeAPOs is rationalized based on the knowledge acquired from a combination of the most advanced characterization techniques. Finally, the importance of the high specificity of the structure-directing agents employed in the preparation of MeAPOs is discussed taking N,N-methyldicyclohexylamine in the synthesis of AFI-structured materials as a driving force. It is shown how such a high specificity could be predicted and how it can open great possibilities in the control of parameters as critical in catalysis as crystal size, inter-and intracrystalline mesoporosity, acidity, redox properties, incorporation of a great variety of heteroatom ions or final environment of the metal site (surrounding it by either P or Al)

Prospect and potential of Burkholderia sp. against Phytophthora capsici Leonian: a causative agent for foot rot disease of black pepper

Foot rot disease is a very destructive disease in black pepper in Malaysia. It is caused by Phytophthora capsici Leonian, which is a soilborne pathogenic protist (phylum, Oomycota) that infects aerial and subterranean structures of many host plants. This pathogen is a polycyclic, such that multiple cycles of infection and inoculum production occur in a single growing season. It is more prevalent in the tropics because of the favourable environmental conditions. The utilization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a biological control agent has been successfully implemented in controlling many plant pathogens. Many studies on the exploration of beneficial organisms have been carried out such as Pseudomonas fluorescens, which is one of the best examples used for the control of Fusarium wilt in tomato. Similarly, P. fluorescens is found to be an effective biocontrol agent against the foot rot disease in black pepper. Nowadays there is tremendous novel increase in the species of Burkholderia with either mutualistic or antagonistic interactions in the environment. Burkholderia sp. is an indigenous PGPR capable of producing a large number of commercially important hydrolytic enzymes and bioactive substances that promote plant growth and health; are eco-friendly, biodegradable and specific in their actions; and have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity in keeping down the population of phytopathogens, thus playing a great role in promoting sustainable agriculture today. Hence, in this book chapter, the potential applications of Burkholderia sp. to control foot rot disease of black pepper in Malaysia, their control mechanisms, plant growth promotion, commercial potentials and the future prospects as indigenous PGPR were discussed in relation to sustainable agriculture

The effect of Aluminium Chloride injection in arcuate nucleus on sperm count and the weight of vas deferens and epididymis in rat

Abstract: Aluminium is a blocker of voltage sensitive calcium channels which entere the body from different sources. This ion interferes with biological function of Ca++ ion. Because GnRH synthesis, secretion and spermatogenesis are dependent on calcium ion, this study was performed to investigate the effect of aluminium on vas deferens and epididymis sperm count and weight of these organs in male rats. The study was performed on four group of rats (n=49), in whom the arcuate nucleus was bilaterally cannulated by sterotaxic surgery. Test group received 100 nl ACSF containing 0.15 pmol aluminium in each side of the arcuate nucleus for 20 days. Two groups of animals were received the same volume of ACSF with pH=7.2 and 3.4. The sham control group did not receive any agent after cannulation. At the end of experiment, animals were anesthetized with nesdonal (Sodium thiopental) and then vas deferens and epididymis were removed and weighted. These organs were cut and diluted with normal saline. Sperms were counted by hemocytometer and calculated per gram of tissues. Results showed that sperm count per gram of tissue in vas deferens and epididymis control group were 107.9±3.1, 76.2±3.7 million and in test group 45.0±2.9, 67.3±4.9 million respectively (P<0.05). The weight of these organs in AlCl3 group were 103.5±5.01 and 462.3±19.2 mg, and in control group were 117.5±2.5 and 515±16.3 mg respectively. The value of testosterone in control and test groups were 2.11±0.4 and 0.8±0.28 ng/ml (P<0.05). Overall the results indicate that injection of aluminium in male rat arcuate nucleus, can decrease sperm count in vas deferens and epididymis. In addition the weight of this organs and serum testosterone were also decreased. Keywords: Aluminium, Arcuate nucleus, Deferens, Epididymis, Sperm count, Testosteron

Analgesic and ulcerogenic effect of Methanolic extract of Melilotus Officinalis

Abstract: In traditional medicine, Some plants are used as analgesic. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the analgesic effect of "Melilotus Officinalis", which is used traditionally to relieve rheumatic pain, migrain and as anti-inflammatory a gent. For this purpose different doses of the suxheleted and percolated extract of melilotus officinalis, were injected intraperitonealy to mice and the analgesic effect was determined by tail flick and formalin tests. The results showed that, suxheleted methanolic extract with doses of 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg induced significant analgesia effect in comparison with the control group (P<0.01). The maximum analgesic effect was observed in 200 mg/kg which reached to its peak at 120 min after injection (P<0.01). Analgesic effect of suxheleted extract was higher than percolated one. Pretreatment of animals with naloxane did not change the analgesic effect of the extract, therefore the involvment of opioid receptors was excluded in this respect. The ulcerogenicity test showed that the ulcerogenic effects of the extract was lower than that of the same dose of indomethacine. Overall the results indicated that the extract of the plant had analgesic effect. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Melilotus officinalis, Pain measuremen