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Effect of Sintering Temperature on the Interfacial Adhesion Strength and Corrosion Behavior of Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Mild Steel
No full textThis study investigates the upcycling of fish scale waste into hydroxyapatite (HAp)-based coatings for sustainable corrosion protection of mild steel. Using locally available parrot fish scale as renewable raw material together with polyvinyl alcohol and tapioca starch as eco-friendly binders, the research promotes a circular economy strategy for developing sustainable alternative to conventional corrosion protection used in the construction industry. HAp powder was extracted through calcination and the steel specimens were dip coated and sintered at 100℃, 150℃ and 200℃. The HAp coated mild steels were placed in a salt spray test environment for 45 days to determine the corrosion rate by the weight loss method according to ASTM B117 and ISO 13779 standards. Statistical analysis revealed that the best corrosion resistance was achieved at a sintering temperature of 100℃, with a corrosion rate of approximately 0.1 mm per year over 45 days of exposure. In terms of coating adhesion, a sintering temperature of 200℃ yielded the highest performance, with a mean tensile adhesion strength of 3.85 MPa. These findings suggest that the adhesion properties of HAp coating are comparable to that of existing protective coatings, including the widely used red oxide primer (4.9 MPa). By transforming waste into a value-added protective material, this study provides a blueprint for industrial adaptation of biomaterial coatings in corrosion-prone environment. Nanoscale HAp particles can be explored in the sol-gel matrix to further enhance adhesion and flow properties for a uniform coating while minimizing the presence of air pockets between the substrates. The low-energy sintering requirement and the use of non-toxic renewable bio-materials make this coating highly scalable for large -scale steel production industries while reducing environmental risk associated with fish waste disposal and creating valuable product through effective waste management to recover useful resources
A new species of Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Squamata, Uropeltidae) from Siruvani Hills, Western Ghats, India
No full textWe describe a new species of uropeltid snake of the genus Rhinophis based on a series of three specimens collected from the Siruvani Hills, which is part of the Central Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu states of Peninsular India. Rhinophis siruvaniensis sp. nov. is diagnosed from other Indian and Sri Lankan congeners by a combination of 17 dorsal scale rows at (or well beyond) mid-body, 202–205 ventral scales, 4–8 paired subcaudals, and dark brownish-black dorsal and pale whitish blotched lateral and ventral colouration. Phylogenetic reconstructions using mitochondrial markers indicate that the new species is most closely related to R. melanoleucus, but the two species can be distinguished by their unique external morphology and geographic separation. The discovery of this species from outside protected areas in the Attappadi Plateau highlights the need for improved protection of the remaining forests in the Siruvani Hills
Impact of Vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcomes: can we manage it effectively?
No full textBackground: Vitamin D is essential for maternal health, fetal development, and pregnancy outcomes. Despite its importance, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction.Objective: This article explores the impact of maternal vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcomes and evaluates current strategies for its management and prevention, and supplementation.Methods: We onducted a comprehensive literature review of clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews, focusing on the association between vitamin D levels and pregnancy complications and the effectiveness of supplementation and public health interventions.]Results: Studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is linked to poor pregnancy outcomes, including hypertension, GDM, low birth weight, and neonatal health complications. Vitamin D supplementation (600–4,000 lU/day) has shown potential benefits in reducing these risks, but the optimal dosage and screening strategies remain debated. Food fortification and sunlight exposure may be complementary approaches to improve maternal vitamin D status.Conclusion: Managing vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy requires a multifaceted approach, including early screening, appropriate supplementation, dietary interventions, and public health policies. However, further large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish standardised guidelines for universal supplementation. Addressing vitamin D deficiency can significantly enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes, making it a crucial public health priority
Stunting, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis potential of β-carotene and α-tocopherol: a mechanistic review
No full textStunting is associated with multiple comorbidities that significantly affect a child’s future due to impaired neuronal development during the first 3 years of life. This disruption has long-term consequences on cognitive function, memory, and learning abilities. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in exacerbating neuronal damage during malnutrition – underscoring the importance of interventions to prevent further harm. This review examines the neuroprotective effects of β-carotene and α-tocopherol, which are vitamin derivatives with strong antioxidant properties. These compounds help prevent oxidative damage through various mechanisms, promoting neurogenesis, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and enhancing neuroplasticity. Their supplementation may offer a potential approach to mitigating the neurological effects of malnutrition. However, there remains a lack of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating their role in preventing oxidative damage during early childhood malnutrition. Understanding the mechanisms by which β-carotene and α-tocopherol support neurodevelopment could provide insights into their potential benefits for children experiencing stunting-related oxidative stress
Unwanted guests: The first records of two established non-native moth species in the Caucasus, with notes on non-native fauna of Georgia
No full textThis study aims to expand our current knowledge of biological invasions of Georgia by reporting the first records of two non-native moth genera Micromelalopha Nagano, 1916 (Notodontidae), and Antheraea Hübner, 1819 (Saturniidae) from the South Caucasus, based on three male specimens of Micromelalopha sieversi (Staudinger, 1892) and five male specimens of Antheraea pernyi (Guérin-Méneville, 1855). These findings are based on recent field collections, supported by morphological examination and DNA barcoding, and contribute to a better understanding of the region's shifting lepidopteran fauna and potential bio-invasion risks. Additionally, we provide the first comprehensive list of non-native animal species recorded in Georgia, based on literary and online sources
Guidance and best practices for species identification using eDNA metabarcoding - When do you call a cod a cod?
No full textWith the rapid uptake of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for a wide range of conservation and management uses, there is a growing need for guidance and best practices for species identification. A range of methodological and interpretive decisions influences taxa assignment. Here we provide a review and perspective of pitfalls and issues that can impact accurate taxonomic assignment across the full eDNA metabarcoding workflow; primer selection, lab handling, bioinformatics, taxonomic assignment, and communication of results. This paper addresses the complexities and challenges of the metabarcoding-based species identification process, offering recommendations for robust workflows and effective communication of findings. Accurate interpretation and communication of eDNA metabarcoding results requires an acknowledgment of methodological limitations such as incomplete reference databases, contamination risks, ambiguous sequences, and detection biases. Thus, we argue that transparency of methods and limitations alongside proactive alignment of decisions with project objectives are critical for the successful application of eDNA metabarcoding to conservation and management decisions. We provide guidance for developing protocols that support species identification from eDNA metabarcoding sequences, and give recommendations on communication strategies for stakeholders and end users. To support these recommendations, we outline steps in the workflow that can impact species identification, with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses at each stage. Ultimately, this guidance can improve the accuracy, reliability, and usability of eDNA species identification while fostering trust and understanding among diverse end users
Application of combined drug and music therapy in patients with depression
No full textDepression is a highly prevalent mood disorder, significantly impairing quality of life and associated with increased mortality. Effective interventions usually involve a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments. As individuals respond differently to various therapeutic approaches, a wide range of possible interventions has been devised. However, the potential of music therapy has not been thoroughly researched. This study aims to investigate the effect of including music therapy in depression treatment. A total of 62 patients, all receiving antidepressant treatment involving escitalopram, were equally divided into an experimental group and a control group. While the control group remained on medication-only treatment, the experimental group additionally participated in a music therapy program consisting of 10 individual sessions, each lasting 50 minutes. The sessions were structured and included both active and receptive components in a predetermined sequence. The active elements included concentration, coordination, short-term memory, and improvisation exercises, which required motor responses to musical and rhythmic prompts. The receptive components were centered on relaxation exercises. Progress was tracked at three points – at initiation of treatment, on day 14, and at its conclusion on day 90. Each participant was evaluated by a psychiatrist using the Clinical Global Impression–Severity scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning scale and completed the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Results indicated a positive therapeutic effect in both groups. However, an additional significant improvement in indicators of anxiety, cognitive factors, and social functioning was observed in the group where drug treatment was combined with music therapy
Xylochironomus Cranston newly recorded in the Oriental region (Diptera, Chironomidae), with description of three new species
No full textThree new species of Xylochironomus Cranston are described here based on adult males from the Oriental region, specifically from South China and East Malaysia. The generic diagnosis for the adult male is emended, and a key to the males of known species is provided. This is the first formal record of Xylochironomus from the Oriental region, and indeed the first occurrence outside the Australian region, providing another representative in the Gondwana biogeographic clade
Intradural lumbar disc herniation: case report
No full textIntradural disc herniation is a rare complication that, despite the precision of modern diagnostic tools, is usually confirmed intraoperatively. Therefore, we aimed to present a case of intradural disc herniation, reviewing the incidence, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic options, and management. A 67-year-old man presented with a history of hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and previous surgery for a herniated disc at the L4–L5 level. He was suffering from severe low back pain radiating towards the legs for four weeks that was followed by progressive weakness of the lower extremities to the point of inability to walk unassisted. The neurological examination demonstrated weakness of the muscles of both thighs and distal legs, absent knee-jerk and Achilles reflexes bilaterally, hypoesthesia of L4, L5, and S1 dermatomes bilaterally, and inability for plantar and dorsiflexion of the feet, while the bowel and bladder control were preserved. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed signs suggestive of disruption of the posterior longitudinal ligament at the L3–L4 level, the presence of intradural air, and a ratio between the maximum diameter of the herniated disc and the maximum diameter of the dural sac of 0.75. These findings made us suspect an intradural herniated disc at the L3–L4 level that was confirmed intraoperatively. MRI findings that detect disruption of the posterior longitudinal ligament, presence of air in the intradural space, and a high ratio between the maximum diameters of the herniated disc and the dural sac are suggestive of the diagnosis, especially in the presence of two or more imaging findings
Design and evaluation of electrospun fibers for unidirectional buccal delivery of atorvastatin
No full textThis study focused on atorvastatin calcium trihydrate (ATV), which is characterized by low bioavailability due to high intestinal metabolism and the hepatic first-pass effect. The buccal route is suitable for addressing ATV-related issues and aids in diminishing swallowing difficulties in older adults, the primary beneficiaries. The novelty of this work lies in the use of the electrospinning technique to produce ATV-loaded electrospun fibers, aiming to stabilize the drug in an amorphous form to enhance its dissolution in saliva and to incorporate it into a unidirectional tablet to control drug release in a single direction. ATV fibers were prepared using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with various co-solvents (propylene glycol, glycerin, Tween 80) and ethanol concentrations. The selected electrospun fibers formulated with a high amount of ethanol (F8) demonstrated 93.9% drug release, a disintegration time of 3 min, and nanosized fibers and were chosen for tablet preparations. The batches exhibited adequate mucoadhesion, and their drug release within 4 hours was 25.5%, 83.27%, 70.27%, and 100% for batches B1, B2, B3, and B4, respectively. The most prominent factor affecting the release rate was the addition of 7.5 mg of the super-disintegrant croscarmellose sodium. Permeation studies showed that 68.27% of ATV permeated through B4 over 24 hours, indicating that electrospun ATV-loaded PVP fibers can be efficiently formulated into mucoadhesive buccal tablets with rapid disintegration, drug release, and effective permeation, suggesting a strong prospect for buccal tablets in populations with swallowing difficulties