Abstract: Within the context of agricultural ecosystems, understanding the nutritional physiology of insects and their host plant preferences is essential for optimizing pest management strategies and improving crop production. In this study, we conducted an in-depth examination of the nutritional physiology of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the context of different host plants, specifically wheat varieties, in comparison to maize. Our investigation focused on key parameters, including the Relative Consumption Rate (RCR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), and Efficiency of Conversion of Ingested food (ECI) of S. frugiperda fed on different wheat varieties including: Dilkash-20, Fakhar-E-Bhakkar-17, Subhani-21, Faisalabad-08, and Akbar-19 in comparison to maize (NK-6654). The results revealed that S. frugiperda displayed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher RCR (8.08 g/g/day), RGR (1.50 g/g/day), and ECI (25.1 %) when feeding on maize, followed by Fakhar-E-Bhakkar-17 (RCR =7.00 g/g/day, RGR =1.24 g/g/day and ECI =21.4 %) and Akbar-19 (RCR = 6.06 g/g/day, RGR = 1.04 g/g/day and ECI =19.7 %) wheat varieties after 1 week of feeding. The lowest values of all these nutritional parameters were recorded on the Dilkash-20 variety (RCR = 2.98 g/g/day, RGR = 0.38 g/g/day, and ECI = 7.94 %). These findings offer valuable insights into the nutritional interactions between S. frugiperda and the host plants, shedding light on potential implications for pest management strategies and crop patterns.

Resumen: En el contexto de los ecosistemas agrícolas, comprender la fisiología nutricional de los insectos y sus preferencias de plantas hospedantes es fundamental para optimizar las estrategias de manejo de plagas y mejorar la producción de cultivos. En este estudio, llevamos a cabo un examen en profundidad de la fisiología nutricional del gusano cogollero, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) en el contexto de diferentes plantas hospedantes, específicamente variedades de trigo, en comparación con el maíz. Nuestra investigación se centró en parámetros clave, incluida la Tasa de consumo relativo (RCR), la Tasa de crecimiento relativo (RGR) y la Eficiencia de conversión de los alimentos ingeridos (ECI) de S. frugiperda alimentada con diferentes variedades de trigo, incluidas: Dilkash-20, Fakhar-E-Bhakkar-17, Subhani-21, Faisalabad-08 y Akbar-19 en comparación con el maíz (NK-6654). Los resultados revelaron que S. frugiperda mostró un RCR (8.08 g/g/día), un RGR (1.50 g/g/día) y un ECI (25.1 %) significativamente mayores (P < 0.05) cuando se alimentaba de maíz, seguido por Fakhar-E-Bhakkar-17 (RCR = 7.00 g/g/día, RGR = 1.24 g/g/día y ECI = 21.4 %) y Akbar-19 (RCR = 6.06 g/g/día, RGR = 1.04 g/g/día y ECI = 19.7 %) variedades de trigo después de 1 semana de alimentación. Los valores más bajos de todos estos parámetros nutricionales se registraron en la variedad Dilkash-20 (RCR = 2.98 g/g/día, RGR = 0.38 g/g/día y ECI = 7.94 %). Estos hallazgos ofrecen información valiosa sobre las interacciones nutricionales entre S. frugiperda y las plantas hospedantes, arrojando luz sobre las posibles implicaciones para las estrategias de manejo de plagas y los patrones de cultivo.

Resumo Entre os cogumelos comestíveis, Pleurotus eryngii é único por causa de seu sabor e seu admirável perfil medicinal e nutricional. O Paquistão é um país agrícola com diversas culturas. No entanto, os resíduos das culturas hortícolas e agronômicas são desperdiçados sem aproveitamento na cadeia alimentar. Assim, um estudo foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho de resíduos de culturas com custos relativamente baixos e facilmente disponíveis, ou seja, algodão, arroz, trigo, mostarda e castanha-de-água, para o aumento da produtividade e nutrição de cepas de P. eryngii P9 (China) e P10 (PSU-EUA). Os resultados revelaram que os atributos morfológicos, ou seja, função do micélio, desenvolvimento de frutos, rendimento e eficiência biológica, foram significativamente maiores usando resíduos de algodão em comparação com outros substratos. Em relação aos atributos bioquímicos, ou seja, sólidos solúveis totais (12,67 °Brix), fenólicos (259,6 mg / 100 g), umidade (92,3%) e teores de ácido ascórbico (2,9 mg / 100 ml), também foram significativamente maiores usando resíduos de algodão. Já os teores de acidez (0,30%), açúcares redutores (7,67%), não redutores (4,33%) e açúcares totais (12%) foram os mais elevados na palha de mostarda. A análise de nutrientes dos substratos mostrou que os níveis de nutrientes aumentaram após a colheita da cultura em comparação com os níveis antes da colheita. Os resultados gerais revelaram que os resíduos de algodão e a palha de mostarda são substratos promissores para o melhor crescimento de P. eryngii e têm potencial na melhoria da produtividade e nutrição. Além disso, a cepa P10 apresentou melhor desempenho em comparação com a P9.

Abstract Among edible mushrooms, Pleurotus eryngii is unique due to its flavor, admirable medicinal and nutritional profiling. Pakistan is an agricultural country diverse in various crops. However, the residues of the horticultural and agronomic crops are wasted without utilization in the food chain. Hence, a study was performed to assess the performance of relatively low-cost, easily available crops residues i.e. cotton, rice, wheat, mustard and water chestnut for yield and nutrition enhancement of Pleurotus eryngii strains P9 (China) and P10 (PSU-USA). The results revealed that morphological attributes i.e. mycelium run, fruit development, yield and biological efficiency were significantly higher by using cotton waste as compared to other substrates. Regarding biochemical attributes i.e. total soluble solids (12.67 °Brix), phenolics (259.6 mg/100g), moisture (92.3%) and ascorbic acid contents (2.9 mg/100ml) were also significantly higher by using cotton waste. Whereas, acidity (0.30%), reducing sugar (7.67%), non-reducing (4.33%) and total sugars contents (12%) were found highest by using mustard straw. Nutrient analysis of substrates showed that nutrient levels were increased after harvesting of crop as compared to before harvesting levels. Overall results revealed that cotton waste and mustard straw are promising substrates for Pleurotus eryngii better growth and have potential in yield and nutrition enhancement. Moreover, P10 strain performed better as compared to P9.

Resumo O presente trabalho de pesquisa apresenta a importância antiviral e antibacteriana da gordura corporal de Saara hardwickii, comumente chamado de lagarto de cauda espinhosa. O óleo foi extraído de gorduras corporais localizadas na região ventral desse animal usando hidrocarbonetos, por exemplo, n-hexano, metanol, butanol e acetato de etila, como solvente. A atividade antibacteriana do óleo do lagarto foi testada em linhagens padrão e multirresistentes de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Proteus vulgaris, de forma isolada e com antibiótico ampicilina. Para o potencial antibacteriano, acetato de etila e extrato de butanol apresentaram melhor zona de inibição (7 mm) com P. aeruginosa e S. aureus, respectivamente. Para o potencial antiviral, o extrato de butanol e o extrato de metanol apresentaram melhor título de hemaglutinação de 4 com as cepas virais NDV e IBV, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o óleo do lagarto possui potencial antimicrobiano contra diferentes cepas de patógenos (vírus e bactérias).

Abstract Present research work represents antiviral and antibacterial value of body fat of Saara hardwickii commonly called as spiny tailed lizard. Oil was extracted from body fats located in the ventral region of this animal using hydrocarbons e.g., n-hexane, methanol, butanol and ethyl acetate as a solvent. The antibacterial activity of lizard oil was tested against standard as well as multi-resistant lines ofEscherichia coli, Styphalococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris alone and with antibiotic ampicillin. For antibacterial potential, Ethyl acetate and Butanol solvent extract showed best zone of inhibition (7mm) with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus respectively. For antiviral potential, Butanol and Methanol extract showed best HA (Hemagglutination) titer of 04 with NDV and IBV viral strain respectively. It is concluded that lizard oil has antimicrobial potential against different pathogens strains (virus, bacteria).

Resumo O veneno do escorpião contém uma variedade de neurotoxinas que interagem com os canais iônicos e afetam suas atividades. O presente estudo foi desenhado para avaliar o potencial do veneno de escorpião como inibidor da acetilcolinesterase (AChE) usando o Aedes aegypti como organismo modelo. Venenos de duas espécies, Hottentota tamulus (Fabricus, 1798) e Androctonus finitimus (Pocock, 1897) foram selecionados para este estudo. Dois peptídeos (36 kDa de H. tamulus e 54 kDa de A. finitimus) foram separados do veneno de escorpião usando HPLC. Peptídeos selecionados causaram mortalidade significativamente maior em larvas e adultos de Aedes aegypti do que o controle (não foram observadas mortalidades nos grupos controle). O potencial inibitório significativo da acetilcolinesterase (AChE) de ambos os peptídeos foi registrado por espectrofotômetro. O peptídeo de A. finitimus causou mortalidade significativamente maior (95 ± 1,53% em larvas e 100% em adultos) que o peptídeo de H. tamulus (84,33 ± 2,33% em larvas e 95,37 ± 1,45% em adultos). Enquanto o peptídeo de H. tamulus foi mais eficiente na redução da atividade da AChE (0,029 ± 0,012 em larvas e 0,03 ± 0,003 em adultos) do que o peptídeo de A. finitimus (0,049 ± 0,005 em larvas e 0,047 ± 0,001 em adultos). Concluiu-se que o peptídeo do veneno de H. tamulus foi mais eficiente na redução da atividade da AChE, podendo ser um potencial bioinseticida que pode ser sintetizado em escala industrial para o controle de insetos nocivos.

Abstract Scorpion venom contains a variety of neurotoxins which interact with ion channels and affect their activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential of scorpion venom as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor by using Aedes aegypti as model organism. Venoms of two species, Hottentota tamulus (Fabricus, 1798) and Androctonus finitimus (Pocock, 1897) were selected for this study. Two peptides (36 kDa from H. tamulus and 54 kDa from A. finitimus) were separated from scorpion venom by using HPLC. Selected peptides caused significantly higher mortality in larvae and adults of Aedes aegypti than control (no mortalities were observed in control groups). Significant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potential of both peptides was recorded by spectrophotometer. The peptide of A. finitimus caused significantly higher mortality (95±1.53% in larvae and 100% in adults) than the peptide of H. tamulus (84.33±2.33% in larvae and 95.37±1.45% in adults). While H. tamulus peptide was more efficient in reducing AChE activity (0.029±0.012 in larvae and 0.03±0.003 in adults) than the peptide of A. finitimus (0.049±0.005 in larvae and 0.047±0.001 in adults). It was concluded that H. tamulus venom peptide was more efficiently reducing AChE activity, thus it could be a potential bio-insecticide which can be synthesized at industrial scale for the control of harmful insects.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The study used machine learning models to predict the clinical outcome with various attributes or when the models chose features based on their algorithms. METHODS: Patients who presented to an orthopedic outpatient department with joint swelling or myalgia were included in the study. A proforma collected clinical information on age, gender, uric acid, C-reactive protein, and complete blood count/liver function test/renal function test parameters. Machine learning decision models (Random Forest and Gradient Boosted) were evaluated with the selected features/attributes. To categorize input data into outputs of indications of joint discomfort, multilayer perceptron and radial basis function-neural networks were used. RESULTS: The random forest decision model outperformed with 97% accuracy and minimum errors to anticipate joint pain from input attributes. For predicted classifications, the multilayer perceptron fared better with an accuracy of 98% as compared to the radial basis function. Multilayer perceptron achieved the following normalized relevance: 100% (uric acid), 10.3% (creatinine), 9.8% (AST), 5.4% (lymphocytes), and 5% (C-reactive protein) for having joint pain. Uric acid has the highest normalized relevance for predicting joint pain. CONCLUSION: The earliest artificial intelligence-based detection of joint pain will aid in the prevention of more serious orthopedic complications. OBJECTIVE algorithms METHODS age gender Creactive C reactive protein countliver count liver testrenal renal parameters Random Boosted featuresattributes features/attributes discomfort functionneural neural RESULTS 97 classifications 98 100 , acid) 103 10 3 10.3 creatinine, creatinine (creatinine) 9 8 9.8 AST, AST (AST) 54 5 4 5.4 lymphocytes, lymphocytes (lymphocytes) CONCLUSION intelligencebased intelligence complications 1 10. (creatinine 9. (AST 5. (lymphocytes

Resumo A resistência bacteriana a antibióticos é o principal desafio para a saúde em todo o mundo. A disseminação da intoxicação alimentar devido ao uso de alimentos armazenados aumenta a cada dia. O presente estudo foi elaborado para pesquisar o efeito protetor do extrato metanólico de Eucalyptus camaldulensis em cepas selecionadas de bactérias (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis e Staphylococcus aureus). O tratamento foi aplicado em várias concentrações e então caracterizado com base nas variações de temperatura e pH. Os resultados foram observados por MIC (concentração inibitória mínima) contra essas cepas. Foi notado que a inibição máxima de E. camaldulensis contra E. coli (5,6 mm) ocorreu na concentração de 250 mg/mL, enquanto foi de 3,6 mm contra B. cereus a 200 mg/mL, e Staph. aureus apresentou zona máxima (3,1 mm) a 250 mg/mL. Em temperatura variável do extrato de E. camaldulensis, observou-se que a MIC de B. cereus foi de 6,4 mm a 80 °C. Para outras cepas, os resultados revelaram que a zona máxima contra B. subtilis foi de 5,7 mm a 121 °C, e para Staph. aureus foi de 6,6 mm a 80 °C. Observando os resultados pela alteração do pH, observou-se que a MIC produzida contra B. cereus foi de 6,2 mm a 7 pH, contra B. subtilis a zona de inibição foi de 7,2 mm a 5 pH, para E. coli foi de 5,4 mm a 3 pH. As médias de todos os resultados variáveis (concentração, pH e temperatura) foram comparadas usando ANOVA unidirecional. O presente estudo sugeriu que o extrato metanólico de E. camaldulensis foi considerado eficaz no controle de cepas resistentes a antibióticos, e este estudo reforça o uso de soluções fitoterápicas para o controle de infecções bacterianas resistentes a antibióticos. mundo dia Escherichia aureus. . aureus) mínima E 5,6 56 6 (5, 25 mgmL mg mL mg/mL 36 3, B 20 Staph 3,1 31 1 (3, observouse observou se 64 4 6, 8 C °C 57 5, 12 66 62 2 72 7, 54 concentração, unidirecional (5 (3 (

Abstract Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is the primary challenge for health worldwide. The widespread of food poisoning due to use of stored food items increasing day by day. The present study was designed to research the protective effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis methanolic extract again selected strains of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus). The treatment was used for several concentrations and then characterized on the basis of temperature and pH variations. Results were observed by MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) against these strains. It was noted that maximum inhibition of E. camaldulensis against E.coli (5.6mm) was observed at 250 mg/mL while it was 3.6mm against B. cereus at 200 mg/mL, Staph. aureus showed maximum (3.1mm) zone at 250 mg/mL. at variable temperature of E. camaldulensis extract, it was observed that MIC of B. cereus was 6.4mm at 80 °C. For other strains the results revealed that the maximum zone against B. subtilis was 5.7mm at 121 °C and for Staph. aureus it was 6.6mm at 80 °C. By observing the results by changing pH it was observed that MIC produced against B. cereus was 6.2mm at 7pH, against B. subtilis zone of inhibition was 7.2mm at 5pH, for E.coli it was 5.4mm at 3pH. Means of all the variable results of different (concentration, pH and temperature) were compared by using one way ANOVA. The current study suggested that the methanolic extract of E. camaldulensis was found effective in control of antibiotic resistant strains and this study strengthens the fact of using herbal solutions for control of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. worldwide Escherichia coli aureus. . aureus) variations minimum concentration E Ecoli 5.6mm 56mm mm 5 6mm (5.6mm 25 mgmL mg mL 36mm 3 B 20 Staph 3.1mm 31mm 1mm (3.1mm 64mm 6 4mm 8 C 57mm 7mm 12 66mm 62mm 2mm 7pH 72mm 7 5pH 54mm 3pH concentration, (concentration ANOVA infections 2 1

Herein stacked layers of Nb2O5 coated onto Al substrates are fabricated as microwave resonators. Structural and morphological analyses on these stacked layers have shown the amorphous nature of growth of the stacked layers. Electrically, the resonators showed negative capacitance effect accompanied with series and parallel resonance at three well -distinguished notch frequencies. Additionally, the resonators exhibited bandstop filter characteristics with notch frequency ( f n) centered at 1.05 GHz, return loss ( R L) value of 9.0 dB and voltage standing wave ratios ( V S W R) of 2.12. To enhance the performance of the Nb2O5 microwave resonators, platinum nanosheets of thicknesses of 50 nm were inserted between layers of Nb2O5. Platinum nanosheets successfully decreased the surface roughness and increase the electrical conductivity by five orders of magnitude. Pt nanosheets additionally improved the values of f n, S 11, R L and V S W R to 1.16 GHz, 0.039, 30.3 dB and 1.12, respectively. The features of the microwave resonators comprising Pt nanosheets in its structure are promising for using them in communication technology. NbO Nb O Nb2O Electrically distinguished frequencies Additionally n 105 1 05 1.0 GHz 90 9 0 9. 212 2 12 2.12 5 magnitude 11 116 16 1.1 0039 039 0.039 303 30 3 30. 112 1.12 respectively technology 10 1. 21 2.1 003 03 0.03 2. 00 0.0 0.

RESUMEN: Se ha propuesto que las medidas del hueso hioides varían entre los diferentes sexos y grupos de edad. El objetivo del estudio fur estudiar la morfometría del hueso hioides en pacientes jordanos. Se analizaron tomografías computarizadas en 3D de 637 pacientes. Se midieron diez parámetros del hueso hioides, incluyendo la longitud anteroposterior, la longitud de los cuernos mayores (derecho e izquierdo), la altura de los cuernos mayores (derecho e izquierdo), el ancho del cuerpo hioides, la altura del cuerpo hioides, la distancia entre los puntos medios de los extremos posteriores de los cuernos mayores del hueso hioides, el ángulo entre los cuernos mayores derecho e izquierdo, y la distancia del hueso hioides a la columna vertebral. Además, se documentaron el nivel vertebral, el rango de fusión, la morfología de la língula del cuerpo hioides y la forma del hueso hioides. Todas las dimensiones del hioides fueron más largas en los hombres, pero el mayor ángulo de los cuernos fue más ancho en las mujeres. En pacientes menores de 30 años, los parámetros son los más pequeños con el ángulo más amplio. La distancia del hioides a la columna vertebral es mayor en el sexo masculino (30-49) años. No se observó fusión entre el cuerpo hioides y los cuernos mayores en pacientes menores de 10 años, pero se encontró fusión (unilateral o bilateral) en solo el 73,2 % de los pacientes ≥ 70 años. El hioides estaba mayormente al nivel de la vértebra C3 y en forma de “U”. La forma de la língula era mayoritariamente "Cicatriz" en los hombres (especialmente ≥ 50 años) y "Nada" en las mujeres (especialmente < 50 años). El máximo crecimiento de las dimensiones del hioides es antes de los 30 años. La fusión entre el cuerpo hioides y los cuernos mayores no se observó en pacientes menores de 10 años. No obstante, las características del hueso hioides no pudieron predecir la edad o el sexo en nuestra muestra. Además, la tomografía computarizada 3D es una herramienta excelente para evaluar la anatomía de la región de la cabeza y el cuello.

SUMMARY: Hyoid bone measurements have been proposed to vary between different genders and age groups. The aim of the study is to study hyoid morphometrics among Jordanian patients. 3D-CT scans of 637 patients were analyzed. Ten parameters of hyoid bone were measures, including the anteroposterior length, length of greater horns (right and left), height of greater horns (right and left), width of hyoid body, height of hyoid body, the distance between the midpoints of the posterior ends of the greater horns of the hyoid bone, the angle between right and left greater horns, and the distance of the hyoid bone to the vertebral column. Also, vertebral level, fusion rank, morphology of hyoid body lingula, and shape of hyoid bone were documented. All hyoid dimensions were longer in males, but greater horns angle was wider in females. In patients younger than 30 years, the parameters are the smallest with the widest angle. The distance from hyoid to vertebral column is higher in males (30-49) years of age. No fusion between hyoid body and greater horns was observed in patients younger than 10 years, but fusion (unilateral or bilateral) was found in only 73.2 % of patients ≥ 70 years. The hyoid was mostly at vertebra C3 level and “U” shaped. The lingula shape was mostly “Scar” in males (especially ≥ 50 years) and “Nothing” in females (especially < 50 years). The maximum growth of hyoid dimensions is before age of 30 years. Fusion between hyoid body and greater horns was not seen in patients younger than 10 years. Otherwise, the hyoid features failed to predict age or gender in our sample. Furthermore, 3D-CT scan is an excellent tool to assess the anatomy of head and neck region.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de comprimidos de nicotina sobre la tinción de los dientes con/sin blanqueamiento en un estudio de modelo animal. Un total de 15 ratas Wistar fueron expuestas en un recipiente acrílico al humo de 10 cigarrillos tres veces al día durante 8 minutos por vez, y sacrificadas después de 60 días. Se trataron un total de 30 dientes incisivos (n=10) de la siguiente manera: Grupo-1: blanqueamiento en consultorio, blanqueamiento en casa e inmersión en saliva artificial; grupo-2: blanqueamiento en consultorio, blanqueamiento en casa e inmersión en solución de comprimidos de nicotina y en saliva artificial; grupo-3: inmersión en solución de nicotina en comprimidos y en artificial. Los especímenes de todos los grupos fueron fotografiados utilizando un microscopio estereoscópico en T1) inmediatamente después de la extracción y antes de cualquier tratamiento; T2) después de un mes del tratamiento; y T3) a los dos meses del tratamiento. Se analizaron cuatro puntos equidistantes de cada espécimen utilizando la guía de colores CMYK. Los datos se analizaron con la prueba ANOVA unidireccional seguida de la prueba de Tukey para comparaciones múltiples con (a ≤ 0,05). En el grupo 1, hubo una diferencia significativa de la saturación de color de las muestras entre T1 y T2, y entre las lecturas T1 y T3 (P<0,0001). En el grupo 2, hubo una diferencia significativa de la saturación de color de las muestras entre T1 y T2, entre las lecturas de T2 y T3 (P<0.0001). En el grupo 3, hubo unadiferencia significativa de la saturación de color de las muestras entre T1 y T2, y entre las lecturas T1 y T3 (P<0,0001). El uso de comprimidos de nicotina promueve la iluminación de los dientes con/sin blanqueamiento.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nicotine lozenge on teeth staining with/without bleaching in animal model study. A total of 15 Wistar rats were exposed in an acrylic container to 10 cigarettes smoke three times a day for 8 minutes per time, and sacrificed after 60 days. A total of 30 incisor teeth were treated (n=10) as the following: Group-1: in-office bleaching, at-home bleaching and immersion in artificial saliva; group-2: in-office bleaching, at - home bleaching and immersion in nicotine lozenge solution and in artificial saliva; group-3: immersion in nicotine lozenge solution and in artificial. The specimens of all groups were photographed using a stereomicroscope at T1) immediately after the extraction and before any treatment; T2) after one month of the treatment; and T3) after two months of the treatment. Four equidistant points of each specimen were analyzed using CMYK shade guide. The data were analyzed one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey test for multiple comparisons with (a ≤ 0.05). In group-1, there was a significant difference of the color saturation of specimens between T1 and T2, and between T1 and T3 readings (P<0.0001). In group-2, there was a significant difference of the color saturation of specimens between T1 and T2, between T2 and T3 readings (P<0.0001). In group-3, there was a significant difference of the color saturation of specimens between T1 and T2, and between T1 and T3 readings (P<0.0001). The usage of nicotine lozenge promotes teeth lighting with/without bleaching.

Abstract High-carbon structural steel wires were prestressed to various levels in a plasma hydrogenation environment and then pulled in a slow strain rate test (SSRT). The effect of plasma hydrogenation under different prestressing levels on the material's tensile response and hydrogen embrittlement was noted. It was found that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength, and ductility of the steel wire samples are decreased by plasma hydrogenation and prestressing levels. The more drastic decrease in the UTS, yield strength, and ductility is found in the plasma hydrogenated prestressing steel to a higher prestressing level. Moreover, the hydrogen embrittlement index of the steel wire samples is significantly increased by plasma hydrogenation and prestressing level. The highly plasma hydrogenated prestressing steel wire samples exhibit complete brittle fracture. A mixed mode of fracture, i.e., ductile and brittle, was observed at the surface of the plasma hydrogenated prestressing steel wire samples at lower levels. The hydrogen embrittlement areas at the fracture surfaces of steel wire samples are observed to increase with plasma hydrogenation and prestressing levels. More severe hydrogen cracking and blistering resulted in the fracture surfaces of plasma-hydrogenated prestressing steel wire samples with higher levels. Highcarbon High carbon SSRT. SSRT . (SSRT) materials material s noted UTS , (UTS) level Moreover ie i e i.e. plasmahydrogenated (SSRT (UTS i.e

Abstract In this study, a hybrid control strategy is proposed to improve the tracking performance of lower limb exoskeleton system dedicated for rehabilitation the motion of hip and knee limbs in disabled persons. The proposed controller together with exoskeleton device is practically instructive to make exercises for people suffering weakness in their lower limbs. The proposed controller combined both active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) with sliding mode control (SMC) to get their powerful characteristics in terms of rejection capability and robustness characteristics. The dynamic modelling of swinging lower limbs are developed and the controller has been designed accordingly. The numerical simulations have been conducted to validate the effectiveness of proposed controller. A comparison study in performance has been performed between the proposed controller and the traditional controller ADRC based on proportional-derivative controller. The simulated results showed that the proposed controller has better tracking performance than conventional version. In addition, the results showed that the sliding mode-based ADRC can considerably reduce the chattering level and better rejection capability, fast tracking behavior and less control effort. persons (ADRC SMC (SMC accordingly proportionalderivative proportional derivative version addition modebased effort

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar in vitro o efeito do hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2], clorexidina gel a 2% (CHX) em macrófagos (RAW 264.7) na produção de citocinas pró-inflamatórias e óxido nítrico após pré-tratamento com ácido lipoteicóico (LTA) de Enterococcus faecalis. Quarenta e oito dentes humanos uniradiculares foram instrumentados com R25.08 (RECIPROC) e esterilizados por irradiação gama. LTA foi inoculado no canal radicular de cada espécime por 96 horas. Os espécimes foram instrumentados com 40.06 e 50.05 (RECIPROC) e medicados com: I) solução salina apirogênica (SS); II) CHX 2%; III) Ca(OH)2 + SS; ou IV) Ca(OH)2 + CHX durante 14 dias. Três amostras (S) foram realizadas do canal radicular de cada espécime em: S1) imediatamente após a instrumentação; S2) após ácido etilenodiaminotetracético (EDTA); S3) após a retirada da medicação intracanal. Foi realizada a quantificação subsequente de citocinas (IL-1β, TNF-α, MIP-1α, IP-10, G-CSF e IL-6) por imunoensaio (ELISA) e de óxido nítrico pelo método de Griess. Os dados foram submetidos a um teste de normalidade e então analisados com ANOVA one-way e teste de Tukey com nível de significância de 5% usando GraphPad Prism 6. Ca(OH)2 + SS e Ca(OH)2 + CHX apresentaram níveis mais baixos de TNF -α, TNF-α, IL-6, G-CSF e óxido nítrico. Ca(OH)2 + SS foi o mais eficaz na redução de MIP-1α. CHX foi eficaz na redução de IL-6 e G-CSF. Sendo assim a associação de hidróxido de cálcio e clorexidina é eficaz na redução das citocinas TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, G-CSF e óxido nítrico.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2], 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX) on macrophages (RAW 264.7) to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide after pretreatment with lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of Enterococcus faecalis. Forty-eight human single-rooted teeth were instrumented with R25.08 (RECIPROC) and sterilized by gamma irradiation. LTA was inoculated in the root canal of each specimen for 96 hours. Specimens were instrumented with 40.06 and 50.05 (RECIPROC) and medicated with: I) Pyrogen-free saline solution (SS); II) 2% CHX gel; III) Ca(OH)2 + SS; or IV) Ca(OH)2 + CHX for 14 days. Three samples (S) were performed of the root canal of each specimen at: S1) immediately after instrumentation; S2) after Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); S3) after intracanal medication removal. Subsequent quantification of cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, MIP-1α, IP-10, G-CSF and IL-6) by immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nitric oxide by the Griess method was carried-out. Data were submitted to a normality test and then analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey test with a significance level of 5% using GraphPad Prism 6. Ca(OH)2 + SS and Ca(OH)2 + CHX presented lower levels of TNF-α, TNF-α, IL-6, G-CSF and nitric oxide. Ca(OH)2 + SS was the most effective in reducing MIP-1α. CHX was effective in reducing IL-6 and G-CSF. Therefore, the combined intracanal medication of calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine is effective in reducing the cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, G-CSF and nitric oxide.

Abstract Background: Protective role of salicylic acid against drought has been widely reported, but its effects on Zinnia elegans remain unknown. Hypotheses: Foliar salicylic acid (SA) improves water status, pigments, and antioxidant systems of Zinnia plants under drought stress. Studied species: Z. elegans (cv. Dreamland) were purchased from Chanan Seeds Store Lahore, Pakistan. Study site and dates: MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan; March-May, 2018. Methods: After two weeks of transplanting, one set of seedlings was exposed to drought stress (60 % field capacity, FC) while other control set was maintained at 100 % FC. Foliar SA (100 mg L-1) was applied to plants at drought initiation. Results: Foliar SA treatment to water stressed plants (60 % FC) increased the leaf area (46.89 cm2), shoot and root lengths (25 cm and 26.67 cm, respectively), leaf relative water content (75.98 %); chlorophyll a (0.68 mg g-1), chlorophyll b (0.38 mg g-1) and carotenoid concentrations (1.10 mg g-1); and catalase (116.67 U min-1 mg-1 protein), guaiacol peroxide (72 U min-1 mg-1 protein) and superoxide dismutase (93 U min-1 mg-1 protein) activities. Conclusions: Foliar SA could be used to minimize impacts of water stress in Zinnia plants.

Resumen Antecedentes: Se ha informado ampliamente sobre el papel protector del ácido salicílico (AS) contra la sequía, pero aún se desconocen sus efectos sobre Zinnia elegans. Hipótesis: El AS foliar mejora el estado del agua, los pigmentos y los sistemas antioxidantes de las plantas de Zinnia bajo estrés por sequía. Especies estudiadas: Z. elegans (cv. Dreamland) se adquirió en Chanan Seeds Store Lahore, Pakistán. Lugar de estudio y fechas: Universidad de Agricultura MNS, Multan, Punjab, Pakistán; marzo-mayo, 2018. Métodos: Después de dos semanas del trasplante, un grupo de plántulas se expuso a estrés por sequía (60 % de la capacidad de campo, CC) mientras que el otro grupo de control se mantuvo al 100 % de CC. Se aplicó AS Foliar (100 mg L-1) a las plantas al inicio de la sequía. Resultados: El tratamiento foliar con AS a plantas con estrés hídrico (60 % CC) incrementó el área foliar (46.89 cm2), la longitud de tallo y de raíz (25 cm y 26.67 cm, respectivamente), contenido relativo de agua de la hoja (75.98 %); concentraciones de clorofila a (0,68 mg g-1), clorofila b (0,38 mg g-1) y carotenoides (1,10 mg g-1) y la actividad de la catalasa (116,67 U min-1 mg-1 de proteína), el peróxido de guayacol (72 U min-1 mg-1 de proteína) y el superóxido dismutasa (93 U min-1 mg-1 de proteína). Conclusiones: AS foliar podría usarse para minimizar los impactos del estrés hídrico en las plantas de Zinnia.

Abstract Dysmenorrhea is a common condition among females that is characterized by painful cramps before or during menstruation. It is considered as a common gynecological complaint that affects the quality of women’s life. The study evaluated prevalence of dysmenorrhea, its impact, associated risk factors, and the management strategies adopted by female university students in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 562 female students aged 18-30 years at the university level. The results showed a high prevalence rate of dysmenorrhea (79.4%) among the students. The most common risk factors were family history (87.4%) and length of menstruation (79%). Half (50.2%) of the respondents were absent at the university at least 1 day every month. The most widely used medications by the respondents were ibuprofen (42%) and paracetamol (40%), whereas only 3% used mefenamic acid, despite that they experienced complete pain relief with mefenamic acid. High prevalence rate of dysmenorrhea associated with risk factors such as family history and length of menstruation, was found among university students. However, pain and associated symptoms affect the quality of life.