269 research outputs found
Influence of low doses of gamma irradiation on cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Poster
Phytosanitary irradiation for food commodities has been widely accepted in recent years. Gamma irradiation has been used as a phytosanitary treatment against microbial diseases, insect infestation and food spoilage. The goal of the current study was to determine the lowest possible dose of gamma irradiation that will induce longterm sterility of insects through generations. The effect of four gamma irradiation doses examined were; 20,40, 50 and 70 Gy. Irradiated males were crossed with normal females. For the cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus(F.), adult fecundity, hatchability, adult emergence, sterility% was investigated. 100% adult mortality was achieved by 70 Gy dose. Fecundity, hatchability, number of adults emerged, sterility% were significantly reduced when males exposed to 20, 40, and 50 Gy compared to the control. The effect of parental irradiated males exposed to 20 Gy on F2 generation was also studied. Fecundity, hatchability, number of adult emerged, sterility% were significantly reduced in F2 compared to F1 and control progeny. Interestingly, for F1 generation, the effect of gamma rays on adult emergence% exhibit a hermetic effect response although it was not significant. These results demonstrat that pulse irradiation relying on low-doses of gamma radiation induce inherited semi-sterility through generations and is a very promising phytosanitary food technology for postharvest treatments.Phytosanitary irradiation for food commodities has been widely accepted in recent years. Gamma irradiation has been used as a phytosanitary treatment against microbial diseases, insect infestation and food spoilage. The goal of the current study was to determine the lowest possible dose of gamma irradiation that will induce longterm sterility of insects through generations. The effect of four gamma irradiation doses examined were; 20,40, 50 and 70 Gy. Irradiated males were crossed with normal females. For the cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus(F.), adult fecundity, hatchability, adult emergence, sterility% was investigated. 100% adult mortality was achieved by 70 Gy dose. Fecundity, hatchability, number of adults emerged, sterility% were significantly reduced when males exposed to 20, 40, and 50 Gy compared to the control. The effect of parental irradiated males exposed to 20 Gy on F2 generation was also studied. Fecundity, hatchability, number of adult emerged, sterility% were significantly reduced in F2 compared to F1 and control progeny. Interestingly, for F1 generation, the effect of gamma rays on adult emergence% exhibit a hermetic effect response although it was not significant. These results demonstrat that pulse irradiation relying on low-doses of gamma radiation induce inherited semi-sterility through generations and is a very promising phytosanitary food technology for postharvest treatments
Analytical Investigations of Disintegrated Granite Surface from the Un-finished Obelisk in Aswan
The deterioration of natural stone monuments is subject to different external reasons that take place through different weathering factors, in addition to other several factors concerning the stone itself âinternal reasonsâ mainly pore structure and permeability index. All of these factors lead to the formation of altered surface layers, then damaging the original stone components. Here, red weathering, one of the most aggressive deterioration forms affecting one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world (Un-finished Obelisk in Aswan) was investigated and evaluated through different analytical techniques. Binuclear Microscop and SEM were used to evaluate the optical and morphological features of the highly deteriorated samples. Moreover EDX and XRD techniques were used for defining the chemical and mineralogical compositions of collected samples. Lastly, ArcGIS program was used as a tool for simulation description of red weathering symptom to evaluate their aggressive roles in the deterioration processes affecting the object. Our results proved that there are some changes in the granite regarding essential elements with high percentages of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 especially in affected zones. In addition, increasing the weathering products, such as, microcrystalline matrix and salty products (tosudite, kaolinite, illite and gypsum) defined and calculated both in affected and none affected areas. Finally, calculation of the etching volume of sample and corroded percentages were conducted.La dĂ©tĂ©rioration des monuments en pierre naturelle est soumise Ă diffĂ©rentes raisons externes qui passent par diffĂ©rents facteurs dâaltĂ©ration, en plus de plusieurs autres facteurs concernant la pierre elle-mĂȘme âraisons internesâ essentiellement la structure des pores et lâindice de permĂ©abilitĂ©. Tous ces facteurs conduisent Ă la formation des couches de surface altĂ©rĂ©e, puis dĂ©truisent les composants de la pierre originale. Dans le prĂ©sent document, « lâaltĂ©ration rouge », lâune des formes les plus agressives affectant lâun des plus cĂ©lĂšbres sites archĂ©ologiques du monde entier: lâObĂ©lisque non finis Ă Assouan (Haute-Egypte) a Ă©tĂ© Ă©tudiĂ©e par diffĂ©rentes techniques analytiques. La microscopie optique et le MEB ont Ă©tĂ© utilisĂ©s pour Ă©valuer les caractĂ©ristiques optiques et morphologiques des Ă©chantillons fortement dĂ©tĂ©riorĂ©s. En outre, lâanalyse Ă©lĂ©mentaire par EDX et la diffraction des rayons X (XRD) ont Ă©tĂ© utilisĂ©es pour dĂ©finir la composition chimique et minĂ©ralogique des Ă©chantillons prĂ©levĂ©s. En outre, le programme ArcGIS a Ă©tĂ© utilisĂ© comme un outil de simulation pour la description de lâaltĂ©ration rouge afin dâĂ©valuer son rĂŽle dans le processus de dĂ©tĂ©rioration qui affecte notre objet. Nos rĂ©sultats ont montrĂ© quelques changements dans le granit au niveau des Ă©lĂ©ments majeurs (Si, Al et Fe) notamment dans les zones touchĂ©es. Les produits ont augmentĂ© intempĂ©ries telles que la matrice microcristalline et produits salĂ©s ; Tosudite, Kaolinite, Illite et de Gypse, en plus dĂ©finir et calculer les zones touchĂ©es et non touchĂ©es (to be reformulated, hardly understandable). Enfin, le calcul du volume de gravure de lâĂ©chantillon et les pourcentages corrodĂ©s ont Ă©tĂ© menĂ©s
ENHANCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION RATE OF HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
Objective: The aim of this study was to enhance the dissolution rate of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).Methods: Binary solid dispersions (SDs) of HCTZ with increasing weight ratios of poloxamer 407, polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) or gelucire 50/13 were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. The solid dispersions were deposited on the surface of aerosil 200 to produce a dry product with large surface area. The SDs were characterized with respect to drug dissolution. The mechanism of dissolution enhancement was researched using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).Results: The unprocessed drug showed erratic, slow dissolution which can be explained on the basis of its hydrophobic nature. Preparation of SDs with hydrophilic carriers resulted in a significant increase in the dissolution rate with most of the drug being liberated in the first 5 min. The dissolution pattern of the drug from the prepared SDs depends mainly on the type of polymer used, and the best dissolution pattern was observed in the SD prepared using 1:1 ratio of the drug to gelucire 50/13 in the presence of aerosil 200 as a carrier. FTIR studies revealed no interaction between the drug and polymers. DSC showed a change in the crystalline structure of the drug after SDs formation. This change can explain the recorded dissolution enhancement.Conclusion: The study presented a system capable of increasing the dissolution rate of HCTZ using polymers which can increase the intestinal permeability as well.Keywords: Hydrochlorothiazide, Poloxamer 407, PEG 6000, Gelucire 50/13, Solid dispersion, Dissolutio
A New Flavonoid C-Glycoside from Celtis australis L. and Celtis occidentalis L. Leaves and Potential Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities
A major development over the past two decades has been the realization that free radical induced lipid peroxidation and DNA damage are associated with major health problems, e.g. cancer and ageing. Plant-derived antioxidants are increasingly found beneficial in protecting against these diseases. Celtis australis L. and Celtis occidentalis L. are two plants that have a variety of uses in folk medicine but have not been evaluated before for their antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. Therefore, the extracts of both plantsâ leaves were investigated for these activities, as well as isolation of the bioactive compounds responsible for the activities. Molecular structures of the compounds were elucidated by UV, HRESIMS, 1D (1H and 13C) and 2D (1H-13C HSQC and 1H-13C HMBC) NMR analyses. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts, n-butanol fractions and the isolated major compound were tested for their antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay, xanthine oxidase-induced generation of superoxide radical and lipid peroxidation assay by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) method using rat tissue homogenates. Cytotoxic activities were studied using standard MTT assay. A novel flavonoid C-triglycoside, 4âŽ-α-rhamnopyranosyl-2âł-O-ÎČ-d-galactopyranosylvitexin, was isolated from both plantsâ leaves, together with seven known flavonoids. The n-butanol fractions and the major compound 2âł-O-ÎČ-galactopyranosylvitexin showed significant antioxidant activities, more pronounced than the tested standards BHT and dl-α-tocopherol in most tests. All extracts showed variable cytotoxic activities. This study provides strong evidence for the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the extracts of Celtis australis L. and Celtis occidentalis L. leaves, which were attributed to the polar n-butanol fractions and the major isolated flavonoid 2âł-galactosylvitexin
Epidemiological, molecular characterization and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from chicken farms in Egypt
Background Salmonella is one of major causes of foodborne outbreaks globally.
This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence, typing and antibiotic
susceptibilities of Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from 41 broiler
chicken farms located in Kafr El-Sheikh Province in Northern Egypt during
2014â2015. The clinical signs and mortalities were observed. Results In total
615 clinical samples were collected from broiler flocks from different organs
(liver, intestinal content and gall bladder). Salmonella infection was
identified in 17 (41%) broiler chicken flocks and 67 Salmonella isolates were
collected. Recovered isolates were serotyped as 58 (86.6%) S. enterica serovar
Typhimurium, 6 (9%) S. enterica serovar Enteritidis and 3 (4.5%) were non-
typable. The significant high mortality rate was observed only in 1-week-old
chicks. sopE gene was detected in 92.5% of the isolates which indicating their
ability to infect humans. All S. enterica serovar Enteritidis isolates were
susceptible to all tested antimicrobials. The phenotypically resistant S.
enterica serovar Typhimurium isolates against ampicillin, tetracycline,
sulphamethoxazole and chloramphenicol were harbouring BlaTEM, (tetA and tetC),
(sul1 and sul3) and (cat1 and floR), respectively. The sensitivity rate of S.
enterica serovar Typhimurium to gentamycin, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole and
streptomycin were 100, 94.8, 89.7%, respectively. The silent streptomycin
antimicrobial cassettes were detected in all Salmonella serovars. A class one
integron (dfrA12, orfF and aadA2) was identified in three of S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium strains. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this
study considered first report discussing the prevalence, genotyping,
antibiotic susceptibility and public health significance of S. enterica
serovars in broilers farms of different ages in Delta Egypt. Further studies
are mandatory to verify the location of some resistance genes that are within
or associated with the class one integron
Patientsâ understandings about cellulitis and views about how best to prevent recurrent episodes: mixed methods study in primary and secondary care
BackgroundCellulitis is a common painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues that recurs in approximately a third of cases. The only proven strategy to reduce the risk of recurrence is longâterm, lowâdose antibiotics. Given current concerns about antibiotic resistance and the pressure to reduce antibiotic prescribing, other prevention strategies are needed.ObjectivesTo explore patientsâ views about cellulitis and different ways of preventing recurrent episodes.MethodsAdults aged 18 or over with a history of first episode or recurrent cellulitis were invited through primary care, hospitals and advertising to complete a survey, take part in an interview, or both.ResultsThirty interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Two hundred and forty surveys were completed (response rate 17%). Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data showed that people who have had cellulitis have wideâranging beliefs about what can cause cellulitis and are often unaware of risk of recurrence or potential strategies to prevent recurrence. Enhanced foot hygiene, applying emollients daily, exercise and losing weight were more popular potential strategies than use of compression stockings or longâterm antibiotics. Participants expressed caution about longâterm oral antibiotics, particularly those who had experienced only one episode of cellulitis.ConclusionsPeople who have had cellulitis are keen to know about possible ways to prevent further episodes. Enhanced foot hygiene, applying emollients daily, exercise and losing weight were generally viewed to be more acceptable, feasible strategies than compression or antibiotics, but further research is needed to explore uptake and effectiveness in practice
Artificial neural network predication and validation of optimum suspension parameters of a passive suspension system
This paper presents the modeling and optimization of quarter car suspension system using Macpherson strut. A mathematical model of quarter car is developed, simulated and optimized in Matlab/SimulinkÂź environment. The results are validated using test rig. The suspension system parameters are optimized using a genetic algorithm for objective functions viz. vibration dose value (VDV), frequency weighted root mean square acceleration (hereafter called as RMS acceleration), maximum transient vibration value, root mean square suspension space and root mean square tyre deflection. ISO 2631-1 standard is adopted to assess ride and health criterion. Results shows that optimum parameters provide ride comfort and health criterions over classical design. The optimization results are experimentally validated using quarter car test setup. The genetic algorithm optimization results are further extended to the artificial neural network simulation and prediction model. Artificial neural network model is carried out in Matlab/SimulinkÂź environment and Neuro Dimensions. Simulation, experimental and predicted results are in close correlation. The optimized system reduces the values of VDV by 45%. Also, RMS acceleration is reduced by 47%. Thus, the optimized system improved ride comfort by reducing RMS acceleration and improved health criterion by reducing the VDV. Finally ANN can be used for predicting the optimum suspension parameters values with good agreement
Upgrading Milk Productivity of Primiparous Buffaloes Using Glycogenic Precursors; Implications on Milk Production and Blood Biochemical Parameters
This study was performed to explore the effect of drenching propylene glycol (PG) and calcium propionate (CP) as a source of energy to primiparous Egyptian buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis) on milk production and some blood biochemical parameters. Eighteen primiparous buffalo cows (8 weeks before calving) with an average live body weight (LBW) of 500±25kg and aged 35±5 months were used. Animals were classified to three comparable groups (6, each) based on (LBW), body condition scores and expected calving date. Animals in the 1stgroup served as a control (C), were drenched 3L of saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) without any additives, the animals in the 2nd group (PG) were drenched 300 mL of propylene glycol dissolved in 3L of a saline solution. In the 3rd group (CP), animals were drenched 335g of calcium propionate dissolved in 3L of a saline solution. Milk production and milk composition of primiparous buffalo cows were measured. Blood samples were collected from all buffalos for biochemical analysis. Results showed significant effects on average daily and total milk yield but no significant difference on milk composition. All blood biochemical parameters revealed no significant variation between treated and control groups except for plasma beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) and both T3 and T4 hormones concentrations. The overall mean of BHB in treated (PG) and (CP) was also lower (17.67 and 14.67 vs. 26) than control group. Overall mean of T3 concentration hormone was the lowest in control group represented 3.13 vs. 5.28 and 4.99 ng/ml) for (PG) and (CP) treated group. The highest overall mean of T4 concentration hormone was recorded in (CP) treated group represented 19.55 ng/ml. Concisely, the present results indicate that drenching (PG) and (CP) have a positive effect on the productive traits of primiparous Egyptian buffalo cows while, did not affect the blood biochemical parameters
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