Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar o efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína sobre o crescimento, composição corporal, perfil de aminoácidos e sorologia de alevinos de Channa marulius. O experimento foi conduzido em dez happas instalados em tanques de terra, cada um abastecido com 10 peixes, por 90 dias. Quatro alimentos para peixes comerciais com níveis de 25%, 30%, 32% e 40% de proteína bruta (PB) foram dados aos peixes com 3% de seu peso corporal úmido três vezes ao dia. Os resultados do estudo revelaram que maior ganho de peso, taxa de conversão alimentar e taxa de sobrevivência foram observados em 30% de proteína alimentar. Enquanto isso, o conteúdo de umidade foi maior em peixes alimentados com 30% de PB, enquanto a proteína bruta mais alta foi registrada em peixes alimentados com 40% de PB. O menor conteúdo de gordura foi observado em rações com 32% de PB. O perfil de aminoácidos dos peixes revelou melhores resultados na ração com 30% de PB. Proteína total, glicose e globulina também foram maiores em peixes alimentados com ração com 30% de PB, enquanto a albumina foi mais alta com 40% de PB. Conclui-se que a ração com 30% de PB apresentou melhores resultados em termos de crescimento, perfil de aminoácidos e parâmetros sorológicos sem afetar a composição corporal dos peixes.

Abstract The present study aimed to determine the effect of different levels of protein on the growth, body composition, amino acid profile and serology of Channa marulius fingerlings. The experiment was conducted in ten happas installed in earthen ponds, each stocked with 10 fishes for 90 days. Four commercial fish feeds having 25%, 30%, 32% and 40% crude protein (CP) levels were fed to fish at 3% of their wet body weight three times a day. The results of the study revealed that highest weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were observed in 30% protein feed. Meanwhile, moisture content was higher in fish fed with 30% CP feed while highest crude protein was recorded in 40% CP fed fish. Lowest fat content was observed in 32% CP feed. Amino acid profile of fish revealed better results in 30% CP feed. Total protein, glucose and globulin were also highest in fish feeding 30% CP feed, while albumin was highest in 40% CP feed. It is concluded that 30% CP feed showed better results in terms of growth, amino acid profile and serological parameters without effecting fish body composition.

Resumo Nanopartículas de óxido de zinco foram sintetizadas a partir do extrato foliar de Brassica oleracea L., grupo Acephala (couve), seguidas de sua caracterização em Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura (MEV) e Raio X por Energia Dispersiva (EDX). As propriedades antibacterianas das nanopartículas de zinco foram testadas em bactérias Gram-negativas, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC® 9027™), Escherichia coli (ATCC® 8739™) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC® BAA-1705™), e bactérias Gram-positivas, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC® 6538™) e Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC® 13932™), em quatro concentrações diferentes (50,00 µg / ml; 100,00 µg / ml; 500,00 µg / ml; e 1 mg / ml) de suspensão de nanopartículas de óxido de zinco. Os resultados revelaram que as nanopartículas sintetizadas exibem fortes efeitos antibacterianos contra P. aeruginosa, L. monocytogenes, K. pneumonia, S. aureus e E. coli em concentrações de 500,00 µg / ml-1 mg / ml. Um aumento na eficácia das nanopartículas com a diminuição de seu tamanho também foi evidente. Este é o primeiro relatório sobre nanopartículas à base de B. oleracea L. que demonstra que 500,00 µg-1 mg / ml de concentração de nanopartículas de óxido de zinco têm atividade antibacteriana contra bactérias Gram-negativas e Gram-positivas e que essas nanopartículas têm potencial para ser consideradas um agente antibacteriano no futuro.

Abstract Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized from the leaf extract of Brassica oleracea L. Acephala group (collard green) followed by their characterization using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The antibacterial properties of zinc nanoparticles were tested against Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC ® 9027™), Escherichia coli (ATCC ® 8739™), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC® BAA-1705™) and Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC ® 6538™) and Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC ® 13932™), at four different concentrations (50.00 µg/ml, 100.00 µg/ml, 500.00 µg/ml and 1 mg/ml) of zinc oxide nanoparticles suspension. Results revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit strong antibacterial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at 500.00 µg/ml-1 mg/ml concentrations. An increase in efficacy of nanoparticles with the decrease of their size was also evident. This is a first ever report on Brassica oleracea, L. based nanoparticles which demonstrates that 500.00 µg-1 mg/ml conc. of zinc oxide nanoparticles have antibacterial activity against both Gram -ve and Gram +ve bacteria and have the potential to be considered as an antibacterial agent in future.

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar un dispositivo automatizado para la asistencia ventilatoria basado en un AMBU manufacturado en Marzo del 2020. Métodos: El ESSI-1 INC fue evaluado por medio de parámetros fisiológicos y mecánica pulmonar a través de pruebas de espirómetro compensatorios (TISSOT); pulmón artificial (Modelo 5600i Dual Adult PNEU VIEW SYSTEM); así como su desempeño comparado a la máquina de anestesia (AEONMED 7500) en modelos porcinos, midiendo criterios ventilatorios, hemodinámicos y gasométricos. Resultados: Este equipo (ESSI-1 INC) fue exitosamente probado por modelos mecánicos y biológicos, tales como cerdos donde su desempeño fue evaluado en términos de la variabilidad del volumen tidal, frecuencia ventilatoria, y relación I/E versus el desempeño manual de dos médicos. Todos los resultados finalizaron como se esperaba de forma satisfactoria. Conclusiones: Es un equipo seguro y efectivo, el cual debería ser probado y usado en distintas condiciones clínicas para estandarizar la seguridad ventilatoria y cuidado de pacientes que lo requieran.

Abstract Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate an automated device for ventilatory support based on AMBU manufactured in March 2020. Methods: The ESSI-1 INC was evaluated through pulmonary mechanics and physiology parameters through compensatory spirometer tests (TISSOTs), and an artificial lung Model5600i Dual Adult PNEU VIEW SYSTEM; it was also compared to the anesthetic ventilatory support equipment (AEONMED 7500) in porcine models, measuring ventilatory, hemodynamic and gasometric parameters. Results: This equipment (ESSI-1 INC) was successfully tested by mechanical and biological models, such as pigs in which its performance was evaluated in terms of variability of tidal volume, ventilation frequency, and I/E relationship versus the manual performance of two medical interns. All the results turned out as expected and were satisfactory. Conclusions: It is safe and effective equipment and should be tested and used in diverse clinical conditions to standardize the ventilatory safety and care of patients who require it.

Herein, a polysaccharide-based hydrogel from seeds of Salvia spinosa (SSH) was evaluated as a pH-responsive, superporous, hemocompatible, non-toxic, and sustained release material. The SSH-based tablets showed pH-dependent swelling (pH 7.4 > 6.8 > 4.5 > 1.2) as well as swelling and de-swelling behavior at pH 7.4 and 1.2, respectively. Sustained release of febuxostat was achieved by mimicking the gastrointestinal tract conditions for 14 h and following the zero-order kinetics and super case-II transport mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the porous nature of SSH even after compression. SSH was found to be hemocompatible with antioxidant properties. Acute toxicity studies ensured the safety of SSH at a maximum dose level of 2.0 g kg-1 body weight of the animals. SSH was also found as non-irritant to the eye. The histopathology of vital organs did not show any lesions or inflammation. Conclusively, SSH can be considered a safe ingredient for oral, dermal, and ophthalmic formulations.

To date, there is limited data about the genetic relationship of Escherichia coli between wild birds and cattle because these birds act as silent vectors for many zoonotic bacteria. This study aimed to elucidate the role of rooming wild birds in the vicinity of cattle farm in transmission of the same pathogenic E. coli variants, identifying their virulence, resistance traits and genetic similarities of fimH virulence gene. About 240 faecal/cloacal swabs were collected from both species and examined bacteriologically. Escherichia coli was yielded in 45.8% and 32.5%, respectively, of examined cattle and wild birds. The most prevalent detected E. coli serovar was O26. High tetracycline and chloramphenicol resistance were recorded; however, gentamycin and ciprofloxacin exhibited the highest sensitivity rates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conserved genotypic resistance (tetA and blaCTX-M) and virulence attributes (fimH, stx1, eaeA and ompA) of E. coli isolates were discussed in detail. The fimH gene revealed 100% sequence similarity when comparing with different E. coli isolates globally and locally. Finally, a close genetic association of E. coli with both wild birds and cattle was detected, thus strengthening its role in the dissemination of the infection via environment. Prevention and conservative policy should be carried as E. coli constitute enormous significant zoonotic risks to livestock and animal workers. Also, further studies to the whole genome sequencing of fimH, other virulence and resistance genes of E. coli are recommended trying to limit the possibilities of co-infection and transfer among different species. CONTRIBUTION: The current study recorded updated data about the critical infectious role of wild birds to livestock, including cattle farms in Egypt. It also delivered some recommendations for good hygienic practices in cattle farms which must be implemented for handling animal manure.

Resumen Introducción: Las bioprótesis de válvulas cardiacas son el estándar de oro para el reemplazo quirúrgico de la válvula aórtica en pacientes seleccionados. Objetivo: Evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la válvula cardiaca bioprotésica del Instituto Nacional de Cardiología (INC) en humanos. Métodos: Estudio unicéntrico que incluyó 341 pacientes que se sometieron a reemplazo valvular quirúrgico único de válvula aórtica con válvula INC. Resultados: Se realizaron 318 implantes de novo (93 %) y 23 como segunda cirugía (7 %); las puntuaciones STS fueron de 1.4 y 1.8 % y el seguimiento de 42 y 46 meses, respectivamente. No existieron diferencias en las complicaciones ni en la tasa de implantación de marcapasos. Ambos grupos mantuvieron una FEVI normal. Se observó mejoría global en la clase funcional con empeoramiento solo en dos pacientes del grupo de novo. La disfunción de la prótesis INC que ameritó reintervención quirúrgica se observó en ocho pacientes (4.65 %) del grupo de novo versus un paciente (7.69 %) con segunda cirugía. Conclusiones: La válvula cardiaca INC es eficaz y segura, se asocia a baja tasa de complicaciones y mejoría de la clase funcional durante el seguimiento a largo plazo. Se necesitan estudios prospectivos comparativos de esta válvula.

Abstract Introduction: Heart valve bioprostheses are the gold standard for aortic valve surgical replacement in selected patients. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the of the National Institute of Cardiology (INC) bioprosthetic heart alve of the National Institute of Cardiology (INC) bioprosthetic heart valve in humans. Methods: Single-center study that ncluded 341 patients who underwent single surgical aortic valve replacement with INC heart valve. Results: 318 implants were performed de novo (93%) and 23 as redo surgery (7%); STS scores were 1.4 and 1.8%, and follow-up was for 42 and 46 months, respectively. There were no differences in clinical complications or pacemaker implantation rate. Both groups maintained a normal LVEF. Overall improvement in functional class was observed, with worsening only in two patients of the de novo group. INC prosthesis dysfunction requiring surgical reintervention was observed in eight patients (4.65%) of the de novo group vs. one patient in the redo group. Conclusions: The INC heart valve is efficacious and safe, and is associated with a The INC heart valve is efficacious and safe, and is associated with a low rate of complications and functional class improvement during long-term follow-up. Prospective, comparative studies of this valve are required.

ABSTRACT Salinity is a main obstacle of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation. Selecting rice genotypes for salinity tolerance based on phenotypic characteristics alone is inefficient and less reliable, finally will delay progress in rice breeding program. The recent advantages of molecular markers such as simple sequence repeat (SSR) could be used to detect associated salt tolerance markers in rice. This study was conducted to detect genetic variation within some rice genotypes using SSR markers and to identify salt tolerance in the studied genotypes. Forty-five rice genotypes were evaluated for their agro- morphological characteristics under non-stress and saline conditions for two growing seasons in 2018 and 2019. Using 21 SSR primers located on chromosome 8, only 18 SSR primer generated polymorphic patterns with a total of 76 alleles, whereas the other 3 primers were monomorphic. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6 alleles with an average of 4.22 alleles per locus. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values varied from 0.30 (RM342) to 0.71 (RM6976) with an average PIC of 0.49. Out of the 18 polymorphic markers only 5 primers (RM 6976, RM7631, RM 5556, RM152 and RM342) perfectly distinguished rice genotypes. The best preforming genotypes under salinity stress were N22, IR 63731-1-1-4-3-2, GZ 7112-1-2-1-4, FL 478, TCCP 266-1-3B-10-2-1, IR 65600-127-6-2, IR 68011-15-1-1 and IR 66160-5-2-3-2. Thus, SSR markers are effective to detect high polymorphisms and variations among the rice genotypes, which could facilitate improving salt tolerance of commercial Egyptian rice varieties exhibiting high yield potential. In addition, the selected genotypes might be integrated into breeding programs for salinity tolerance.

Resumo A fitorremediação é uma técnica ecologicamente correta para limpar metais pesados de solo contaminado pelo uso de espécies vegetais produtoras de alta biomassa. Os quelantes podem ajudar a melhorar esta técnica biológica aumentando a solubilidade do metal. Para tanto, foi realizado um experimento em vaso para determinar o efeito dos quelantes EDTA e ácido cítrico (AC) na fitorremediação de solo contaminado com Ni, utilizando Brassica napus (canola). Duas cultivares de B. napus, Con-II (tolerante) e Oscar (sensível) foram selecionadas após triagem e expostas a NiSO4 a 30 ppm no momento da semeadura. CA (10 mM) e EDTA (1,5 mM) foram aplicados sozinhos ou em combinação um com o outro após duas semanas de tratamentos com Ni. Diferentes parâmetros como dados morfofisiológicos e bioquímicos foram registrados após 15 dias de aplicação de quelato. Os resultados destacaram o uso bem-sucedido de agentes quelantes (CA e EDTA) não apenas para melhorar o estresse de Ni, mas também para aumentar o acúmulo de Ni, um pré-requisito para a fitorremediação. A aplicação basal da concentração de 10 mMCA e 1,5 mM de EDTA mostrou-se eficaz para o crescimento das plantas. A combinação de agentes quelantes não mostrou quaisquer efeitos sinérgicos.

Abstract Phytoremediation is an ecofriendly technique to clean heavy metals from contaminated soil by the use of high biomass producing plant species. Chelators can help to improve this biological technique by increasing metal solubility. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to determine the effect of the chelators EDTA and citric acid (CA) in phytoremediation of Ni contaminated soil by using Brassica napus (canola). Two cultivars of B. napus, Con-II (tolerant) and Oscar (sensitive), were selected after screening and exposed to NiSO4 at 30 ppm at the time of sowing. CA (10 mM) and EDTA (1.5 mM) were applied either alone or in combination with each other after two weeks of Ni treatments. Different parameters like morpho-physiological and biochemical data were recorded after 15 days of chelate application. The results highlighted the successful use of chelating agents (CA and EDTA) not only to ameliorate Ni stress but also to enhance Ni accumulation which is prerequisite for phytoremediation. The basal application of 10 mMCA and 1.5 mM EDTA concentration proved to be effective for the growth of plants. The combination of chelating agents failed to show any synergistic effects.

Abstract The elastic scattering of 17F from different mass targets (12C, 14N, 58Ni and 208Pb) at different energies has been studied. We used the double folding optical model potential based on the density-dependent DDM3Y effective nucleon-nucleon interaction without need to renormalize the generated potentials. Two versions of the density distribution of the one-proton halo 17F nucleus have been taken into account in order to derive the double folding potentials. The measured angular distributions of elastic scattering differential cross section and corresponding reaction cross sections have been successfully reproduced at different energies using the derived potentials. The energy and the target mass number dependences of imaginary volume integrals as well as the total reaction cross sections have been also studied.

ABSTRACT The hepatoprotective activities of two traditionally used plants, Cleome droserifolia (Forssk.) Delile, Cleomaceae, and Artemisia annua L., Asteraceae, were recently reported. However, the biologically active metabolites responsible for this activity were not identified. The aqueous extract of C. droserifolia aerial parts, and the polar fraction of A. annua leaves were screened for their antioxidant activities using the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay. The in vitro viability of HepG-2 cells treated with CCl4 and the extracts were assessed by MTT assay. The effects of the extracts on the liver enzymes and the total soluble protein in CCl4-intoxicated HepG-2 cells were investigated. An HPLC/PDA/ESI/MS–MS based analysis was carried out for extract of C. droserifolia and polar fraction of A. annua. Both exhibited pronounced free radical scavenging activities (86 and 83%, respectively). Both showed a significant increase in cell viability: 86.43% for the extract of C. droserifolia and 79.32% for polar fraction of A. annua. Only the extract of C. droserifolia (39.6 ± 5.41 and 20.4 ± 6.91 IU/dl, respectively) and polar fraction of A. annua (40.8 ± 2.14 and 24.5 ± 3.11 IU/dl, respectively) restored the levels of liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase, respectively) compared to the CCl4 intoxicated group (87.5 ± 4.34 and 34.1 ± 8.12 IU/dl, respectively) and other herbal extracts. More than fifty phenolic secondary metabolites were identified in the extracts under investigation. The significant hepatoprotective activities of both extracts seemed to be strongly connected to their content of hydroxycinnamoyl quinic acids and flavonoids.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio es la reducción de viscosidad de crudos extra-pesados mediante la descomposición catalítica de las fracciones pesadas del crudo y su conversión en sub-compuestos más livianos utilizando cavitación por ultrasonido asistida por nanopartículas. Nanopartículas de NiO fueron sintetizadas sobre sílice nanoparticulada de 7 nm usando la técnica de impregnación incipiente. Un crudo emulsionado con un contenido aproximado de 40%v/v de agua y 13°API fue usado para evaluar el proceso de cavitación aplicando distintos tiempos de exposición y dosificaciones de nanopartículas. La viscosidad del crudo a 10 s-1 y 25°C fue medida antes y después del tratamiento en ausencia y presencia de nanopartículas. Los mejores resultados observados fueron a un tiempo de exposición de 90 minutos con una dosificación de nanopartículas de 2000 mg/L, generando reducciones de viscosidad y en el contenido de asfaltenos del 44 y 16%, respectivamente.

Abstract The objective of this study is to reduce heavy oil viscosity through the catalytic decomposition of heavy fractions by ultrasound cavitation using metal oxide nanoparticles and water as a hydrogen donor, leading to the reduction of asphaltene content through its conversion into lighter components. NiO nanoparticles were synthesized over a 7 nm silica support using the incipient wetness technique. Emulsified heavy oil (HO) with 40%v/v of water and 13°API was used to evaluate the ultrasound cavitation process over different exposure times and nanoparticle dosages. The viscosity of the emulsified HO before and after ultrasound cavitation was measured with and without nanoparticles. Significant viscosity reduction was obtained, showing best results at 90 minutes of ultrasound exposure time with a nanoparticle dosage of 2000 mg/L, leading to a viscosity reduction at 10 s-1 and 25°C, and an asphaltene content reduction of 44 and 16%, respectively.

Background. It is hard to determine the appropriate size and correct tracheal position of endotracheal tube (ETT) in children. The aim of this study is to determine tracheal diameter in children by using ultrasonography technique as objective tool and compare it with commonly used aged based formulas for the ETT size estimation. Patients and methods. Patients undergoing elective surgery in a tertiary children's hospital were prospectively enrolled. The subglottic transverse tracheal diameter was determined by ultrasonography. An anesthesiologist who was blind to ultrasonographic examination, determined the tube size and performed intubation by evaluating the space between vocal cords with the help of a direct laryngoscopic view. Ultrasonographically measured tracheal diameter, tube diameters, leak/pressure controls, and results of age-based tube size calculations were recorded. Results. A total of 61 patients, mean age of 12 ± 4.21 (217) years and mean weight of 38 ± 22.94 (10-106) kg were enrolled. The diameter of trachea measured by ultsonography was 13.0 (11.4-15.1). Outer diameter (mm) of the ETT determined by anesthesiologist was 8.42 ± 1.43; calculated by Cole formula was 9.0 ± 1,42; calculated by Khine formula was 7.67 ± 1.46; calculated by Motoyama formula was 8.33 ± 1.42. ETT cuff was inflated after ETT placement due to leak in 31 (47.7%) patients. Tube was replaced by a larger tube due to excessive leak in one patient. Poor intraclass correlation was found between ultrasonographically determined tracheal diameter and aged based tube diameter calculations (tracheal diameter vs Cole |amp;#91;0.273|amp;#93;, Khine |amp;#91;0.207|amp;#93;, and Motoyama |amp;#91;0.230|amp;#93;). Conclusion. Ultrasonographical determination of transverse tracheal diameter is a suitable method for determining the correct endotracheal tube size when compared with the age based formulas.

Introducción. Es difícil determinar el tamaño adecuado y la posición traqueal correcta del tubo endotraqueal (TET) en los niños. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el diámetro traqueal en los niños mediante el uso de la técnica ecográfica como herramienta objetiva y compararlo con fórmulas de uso frecuente basadas en la edad para calcular el tamaño del TET. Pacientes y métodos. Se inscribió de forma prospectiva a pacientes a los que se les iba a practicar una cirugía programada en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad. Se determinó el diámetro traqueal transversal infraglótico mediante ecografía. Un anestesista, que no podía ver el examen ecográfico, determinó el tamaño del tubo y realizó la intubación evaluando el espacio entre las cuerdas vocales con la ayuda de la vista directa de un laringoscopio. Se registraron los diámetros traqueales medidos con las ecografías, los diámetros de los tubos, los controles de presión/pérdida de aire y los resultados de los cálculos del tamaño de los tubos basados en la edad. Resultados. Se inscribieron en total 61 pacientes con una media de edad de 12 ± 4,21 (2-17) y un peso medio de 38 ± 22,94 (10-106). El diámetro de la tráquea en la medición ecográfica fue de 13.0 (11,4-15,1). El diámetro externo del TET determinado por el anestesista fue de 8,42 ± 1,43, el calculado por la fórmula de Cole fue de 9.0 ± 1,42, el calculado por la fórmula de Khine fue de 7,67 ± 1,46 y el calculado por la fórmula de Motoyama fue de 8,33 ± 1,42. En 31 (47,7%) pacientes, se insufló el manguito después de la colocación del TET debido a la pérdida de aire. El tubo tuvo que reemplazarse por uno más grande a causa de la pérdida excesiva de aire en un paciente. Se halló una correlación intraclase deficiente entre los cálculos del diámetro traqueal determinado por ecografía y los cálculos del diámetro del tubo basado en la edad (diámetro traqueal frente a Cole |amp;#91;0,273|amp;#93;, Khine |amp;#91;0,207|amp;#93; y Motoyama |amp;#91;0,230|amp;#93;). Conclusión. La medición ecográfica del diámetro traqueal transversal es un método adecuado para determinar el tamaño correcto del tubo endotraqueal en comparación con las fórmulas basadas en la edad.

ABSTRACT Tirofiban hydrochloride was subjected to the degradation under conditions of hydrolysis (acidic and alkaline degradation), oxidative, thermal and photolytic degradation as prescribed by ICH. A simple and precise liquid chromatographic method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of tirofiban hydrochloride monohydrate (TIR) and its synthetic starting material; tyrosine (TRS). All the chromatographic separations were achieved on Zorbax SB C18, 250 mm×4.6 mm i.d., 5μm column at a flow rate of 1 mL min–1. Isocratic elution based on 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 3) - acetonitrile (70:30, v/v) with UV detection at 227 nm was applied. For the stability study separation of TIR from its degradation products was achieved using 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 3) - acetonitrile (72:28, v/v) with UV detection at 210 nm. Method validation parameters namely, linearity, accuracy and precision were found to be acceptable over the concentration ranges of 10-250 μg mL–1 for TIR and 1-70 μg mL–1 for TRS. The minimum detection limits were 1.76 μg mL–1 for TIR and 0.13 μg mL–1 for TRS. The optimized method was validated and proved to be specific, robust and accurate for the quality control of the cited drug in drug substance and drug product.

RESUMEN Se estudió la influencia de una atmósfera basada en CO2 o N2 sobre la estructura porosa y la microestructura de carbonizados de carbón obtenidos de la pirólisis lenta no isotérmica desde temperatura ambiente hasta 900 °C de dos carbones de diferente rango (Semi-Antracita (SA) y Bituminosos Alto en Volátiles tipo C (BAVC)), y de diferentes distribuciones de tamaño de partícula. Para todos los carbonizados se realizó la caracterización fisicoquímica (Análisis ultimo y próximo), la caracterización morfológica y estructural por combinación de técnicas como espectroscopia Rama, Microscopia electrónica de barrido por emisión de campo (FE-SEM), área superficial (BET - Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) y volumen y diámetro de microporos por mediciones de adsorción en CO2 (Horvath-Kawazoe (HK) method). Se encontró que los parámetros cinéticos, las propiedades fisicoquímicas y la reactividad de los carbonizados de carbón son diferentes dependiendo de la atmósfera de pirólisis. También se determinó que para el carbonizado de carbón de SA, con un tamaño de partícula mayor de 0,7 mm, la superficie BET aumenta cuando la atmósfera se enriquece en CO2. Este efecto parece ser promovido por la interacción de diferentes procesos como las reacciones secundarias intrapartícula (ablandamiento, nucleación y coalescencia de burbujas, entrecruzamiento, entre otros), diferencias en la difusividad térmica de N2 y CO2, y los efectos reactivos de este último. Además, los ensayos de reactividad oxidativa de los sólidos mostraron que el carbonizado formado en una atmósfera de CO2 es más reactivo que el formado en N2. Con los resultados del análisis de Raman y los parámetros cinéticos cuantificados, se concluyó que la atmósfera de reacción determinó el grado de ordenación alcanzado por la estructura carbonosa y que las propiedades termo-difusivas de la atmósfera de reacción promovieron diferencias estructurales en el carbonizado, incluso a bajas velocidades de calentamiento.

ABSTRACT The influence of a CO2 or N2-based atmosphere on the porous structure and microstructure of the chars obtained from the non-isothermal slow devolatilization (10 °C/min), from room temperature to 900 °C, of two coals of different rank (Semi-Anthracite (SA) and High Volatile Bituminous type C (HVBC)) and different particle size distribution was studied. Physicochemical characterization (ultimate and proximate analysis), structural and morphological characterization by Raman spectroscopy, FE-SEM, BET surface area, and volume and diameter microporous by CO2 adsorption measurements were carried out for all the chars. It was found that the kinetic parameters, the physicochemical properties, and reactivity of the chars are different, depending on the pyrolysis atmosphere. It was also determined that for the char from SA coal with particle size greater than 0.7 mm, the BET surface area increases when the atmosphere is enriched with CO2. This effect appears to be promoted by the interaction of different processes such as intraparticle side reactions (softening, nucleation and coalescence of bubbles, crosslinking, among others), differences in the thermal diffusivity of N2 and CO2, and the reactive effects of the latter. Additionally, tests of oxidative reactivity of chars showed that the char formed in a CO2 atmosphere is more reactive than that formed in N2. With the results of Raman analysis and kinetic parameters quantified, it was concluded that the reaction atmosphere determined the degree of ordering achieved by the char structure and that the thermo-diffusive properties of the reaction atmosphere promoted structural differences in the char even at low heating rates.

ABSTRACT Six wide-ranging mangrove species, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, Avicennia marina, A. officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and B. sexangula, were selected to study the growth and survival of seedlings under three contrasting salinity treatments over a 30-week period: low (3-5psu), moderate (15-17psu) and high (33-36psu). Seedlings grown under high salinity exhibited significantly lower performance (p<0.05) in survival rates, cumulative shoot height, mean growth rates, mean total leaf area, and mean dry weight, compared to those under low and moderate salinity regimes. The low salinity treatment provided the best conditions for initial establishment and growth of the seedlings of all species until 15-20 weeks of age. However, the same seedlings showed better performance under moderate salinity after 15-20 weeks of age (shift in optimal salinity), implying that adaptation to salt and physiological needs of mangrove seedlings varies with age. These results have practical implications of use in raising up mangrove nurse species for planting since it indicates that seedlings should get low salinity water until four to five months of age and then moderately saline water, in order to achieve maximum growth and survival.