Dry preservation of Toxocara vitulorum by plastination technique

Background and Aim: The most widely adopted technique to preserve the gross specimen of the parasite is immersions and storage in liquid preservatives. The present study aimed to describe the dry method of the preservation of Toxocara vitulorum using plastination technique. Materials and Methods: Acetone dehydrated parasites were incubated at –20°C for 1 month in five different plastination solutions, prepared by mixing melamine and turpentine oil with clove oil (MTCl)/chloroform (MTC)/isopropanol (MTI)/benzene (MTB)/xylene (MTX) in 1:1:1 ratio to infiltrate the polymer. Technical personnel was asked to assign weekly score for dryness, stickiness, shrinkage, glossiness, flexibility, and odor of the prepared model on a 5-point scale. Results: Overall, the plastinated parasites were dry, non-sticky, glossy, odorless, chemical-free, harmless, to some extent flexible, with detectable morphological structure including natural form but lost their natural color, and cuticle became translucent. A varying level of shrinkage was noted in all types of plastinated model, but it was least in MTCl model. One month post-plastination, the mean evaluation score for glossiness was maximum in the parasite plastinated in MTCl solution (4.50±0.17), followed by MTC (3.72±0.32), MTX (3.56±0.38), MTB (2.83±0.37), and MTI (2.31±0.33). Likewise, for flexibility, the score was maximum in the parasite plastinated in MTCl solution (4.36±0.16), followed by MTB (3.11±0.14), MTC (2.94±0.41), MTX (2.75±0.41), and MTI (1.97±0.28). The degree of dryness, stickiness, and odor of the prepared model varies non-significantly (p>0.05) with the polymer mixtures. Maximum shrinkage percentage in terms of length and width was 4.24% and 50%, respectively, in the parasites plastinated in MTB solution. Shrinkage percentage was minimal (1.81% in length and 25% in width) in the MTCl plastinated parasites. Shrinkage percentage in terms of dimension was statistically non-significant among the different polymer solutions. Plastinated models withstand the process of microbial decomposition. There were 5 and 11 odd points in favor of plastination and formalin preservation technique, respectively. Conclusion: The prepared T. vitulorum model in MTCl can be used as an adjunct to the parasite preserve in 10% formalin solution. The plastination technique can be used as an alternative method of liquid preservation.

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Assessment of physical premises of selected pharmacies of Nepal

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312116654590 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. 205031211665459 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bhupendra Kumar Poudel ◽

Itsuko Ishii

Keyword(s):

Physical Environment ◽

Pharmacy Practice ◽

Average Score ◽

Point Scale ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Good Score ◽

The Mean ◽

And Storage ◽

Storage Facilities

Background: This work attempts to investigate the standards of physical premises of pharmacies in terms of cleanliness, ventilation, protection from physical environment, spaciousness and storage facilities of two selected districts of Nepal: Kathmandu and Kaski. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study of 100 randomly selected retail and wholesale pharmacies (55 from Kathmandu and 45 from Kaski) was conducted for their compliance to provisions of physical premises: cleanliness, ventilation, protection from physical environment, spaciousness and storage facilities. Preliminarily, scoring was done by converting 5-point Likert scale to a 100-point scale as follows: 1 = 0–20, 2 = 21–40, 3 = 41–60, 4 = 61–80 and 5 = 81–100. These scores were then reported as poor (score ⩽ 40), below average (score of 41–49), average (score of 50), above average (score of 51–60) and good (score ⩾ 61). Cronbach’s alpha for retails and wholesales obtained was .720 and .757, respectively. Results: In wholesales, protection from physical environment was least scored among other components, with the mean score 34.7 ± 8.3 for Kathmandu and 37.3 ± 13.3 for Kaski. Ventilation was scored 35.3 ± 6.3 for Kathmandu and 39.3 ± 11.6 for Kaski. All other components were obtained below average. However, in retails, the storage facilities were rated ‘poor’ with mean score 36.3 ± 13.9 for Kathmandu and 36.0 ± 11.9 for Kaski. Most other components were scored above average except for ventilation which was scored ‘good’. It was found that there was no significant difference between physical premises of the pharmacies of Kathmandu and Kaski in terms of all the indicators. The findings suggest that physical premise of many pharmacies was not found appropriate as provisioned in the good pharmacy practice requirements of Codes on Sales and Distribution of Drugs. Conclusion: Most pharmacies were found non-compliant to the aforementioned pharmacy premise components. Therefore, key partners should come up with commitment for increasing compliance to the legislative provisions of physical premises for ensuring quality and safety of medicines.

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Eggs viability of Aedes aegypti Linnaeus (Diptera, Culicidae) under different environmental and storage conditions in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

Brazilian Journal of Biology ◽

10.1590/1519-6984.19815 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 77 (2) ◽

pp. 396-401 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

V. C. Soares-Pinheiro ◽

W. Dasso-Pinheiro ◽

J. M. Trindade-Bezerra ◽

W. P. Tadei

Keyword(s):

Aedes Aegypti ◽

Storage Conditions ◽

Amazon Region ◽

Storage Site ◽

Egg Hatching ◽

Plastic Bag ◽

The Mean ◽

And Storage ◽

Storage Type ◽

Hatching Rates

Abstract The viability of Aedes aegypti eggs was assessed in the Amazon region. The eggs were maintained under different conditions: indoors (insectarium) and outdoors (natural environment), as well as in different storage types (plastic cup, paper envelope, plastic bag) for different days. Egg viability was measured as the mean of hatchings observed from egg-bearing sheets of filter paper immersed in water, using three sheets randomly selected from each storage type and at both sites. There were significant differences in the viability of Ae. aegypti eggs with respect to the location (F=30.40; DF=1; P<0.0001), storage type (F=17.66; DF=2; P<0.0001), and time of storage (F=49.56; DF=9; P<0.0001). The interaction between storage site versus storage type was also significant (F=15.96; DF=2; P<0.0001). A higher hatching mean was observed for the eggs kept in the insectarium than for those outdoors (32.38 versus 7.46). Hatching rates of egg batches stored for 12 to 61 days ranged between 84 and 90%. A reduction was observed between 89 and 118 days, with values of 63 and 48%, respectively. With respect to type of storage, mean egg hatching was higher for the eggs in plastic cups (44.46). It was concluded that the viability of the eggs of Ae. aegypti in the Amazon region remains high up to 4 months, after which it declines drastically, although in this study hatching occurred for up to 8 months in very low percentages.

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Effect of preservation of the C-6 spinous process and its paraspinal muscular attachment on the prevention of postoperative axial neck pain in C3–6 laminoplasty

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2014.11.spine131153 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 221-229 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Eiji Mori ◽

Takayoshi Ueta ◽

Takeshi Maeda ◽

Itaru Yugué ◽

Osamu Kawano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Spinous Process ◽

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽

Paraspinal Muscle ◽

Vas Scores ◽

The Mean ◽

Axial Neck Pain ◽

Process Length ◽

Preservation Technique

OBJECT Axial neck pain after C3–6 laminoplasty has been reported to be significantly lesser than that after C3–7 laminoplasty because of the preservation of the C-7 spinous process and the attachment of nuchal muscles such as the trapezius and rhomboideus minor, which are connected to the scapula. The C-6 spinous process is the second longest spinous process after that of C-7, and it serves as an attachment point for these muscles. The effect of preserving the C-6 spinous process and its muscular attachment, in addition to preservation of the C-7 spinous process, on the prevention of axial neck pain is not well understood. The purpose of the current study was to clarify whether preservation of the paraspinal muscles of the C-6 spinous process reduces postoperative axial neck pain compared to that after using nonpreservation techniques. METHODS The authors studied 60 patients who underwent C3–6 double-door laminoplasty for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy or cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament; the minimum follow-up period was 1 year. Twenty-five patients underwent a C-6 paraspinal muscle preservation technique, and 35 underwent a C-6 nonpreservation technique. A visual analog scale (VAS) and VAS grading (Grades I–IV) were used to assess axial neck pain 1–3 months after surgery and at the final follow-up examination. Axial neck pain was classified as being 1 of 5 types, and its location was divided into 5 areas. The potential correlation between the C-6/C-7 spinous process length ratio and axial neck pain was examined. RESULTS The mean VAS scores (± SD) for axial neck pain were comparable between the C6-preservation group and the C6-nonpreservation group in both the early and late postoperative stages (4.1 ± 3.1 vs 4.0 ± 3.2 and 3.8 ± 2.9 vs 3.6 ± 3.0, respectively). The distribution of VAS grades was comparable in the 2 groups in both postoperative stages. Stiffness was the most prevalent complaint in both groups (64.0% and 54.5%, respectively), and the suprascapular region was the most common site in both groups (60.0% and 57.1%, respectively). The types and locations of axial neck pain were also similar between the groups. The C-6/C-7 spinous process length ratios were similar in the groups, and they did not correlate with axial neck pain. The reductions of range of motion and changes in sagittal alignment after surgery were also similar. CONCLUSIONS The C-6 paraspinal muscle preservation technique was not superior to the C6-nonpreservation technique for preventing postoperative axial neck pain.

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Hepatic Subcellular Storage of Beta-Carotene in Rats Following Diet Supplementation

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831.69.1.3 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 69 (1) ◽

pp. 3-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Bianchi-Santamaria ◽

Stefanelli ◽

Cembran ◽

Gobbi ◽

Peschiera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Tissue ◽

Plasma Membranes ◽

Beta Carotene ◽

Subcellular Fractions ◽

Organ Distribution ◽

Total Liver ◽

Opposite Behavior ◽

The Mean ◽

White Fat ◽

And Storage

Beta-carotene (BC) storage was measured in liver and its subcellular fractions (plasma membranes, mitochondria, microsomes and nuclei) of rats fed BC added to diet. The BC supplementation dose was about 350 mg/week/rat. After 15 weeks of this supplementation, rats were killed and their livers were immediately excised and processed to obtain total liver tissue and its subcellular fractions. Their BC contents were measured by HPLC as pmols/mg protein. Intact BC was found to be stored in all the above subcellular fractions, thus showing that BC is probably taken up by liver cell lipid moiety. Interestingly, the mean BC concentrations in plasma membranes and mitochondria were significantly higher than that in total liver tissue. Our data confirmed that rodents are a good animal model for the study of BC metabolism and its effects on several pathologies, and cancer prevention and treatment in humans in spite of the fact that rodents are classified as white-fat animals because of their poor BC absorption and storage in fat and blood plasma, whereas humans are classified as yellow-fat organisms because of their opposite behavior in BC uptake and organ distribution.

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Histamine Level in Freshwater and Marine Fish Sold in Bulgarian Markets

Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control ◽

10.18502/jfqhc.7.4.4848 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

D. Bangieva ◽

D. Stratev ◽

T. Stoyanchev

Keyword(s):

Marine Fish ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Fish Farms ◽

Histamine Concentration ◽

Microbial Decomposition ◽

Fish Samples ◽

Low Levels ◽

Processing And Storage ◽

Seafood Processing ◽

And Storage

Background: Histamine is an essential biogenic amine produced as a result of microbial decomposition of histidine during seafood processing and storage. The objective of this study was to evaluate histamine concentration in freshwater and marine fish marketed in Stara Zagora region, Bulgaria. Methods: Forty fish samples were purchased from local fish farms and retail stores in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was used to determine histamine levels. The data were processed using GraphPad Software InStat 3. Results: Histamine was detected in 26 out of 40 (65%) samples, and none of them exceeded the regulatory limit of 200 mg/kg. The average histamine content in marine fish (6.965±3.187 mg/kg) was insignificantly (p>0.05) higher than that in freshwater fish (4.503±1.133 mg/kg). Conclusion: The results reveal low levels of histamine in freshwater and marine fish indicating their good quality. However, its presence in seafoods remains a major food safety problem that requires permanent regulation of histamine concentration in fish.

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Effect of Preparation Method and Storage on Rifampin Concentration in Suspensions

Annals of Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.1177/106002809402800204 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 182-185 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Milap C. Nahata ◽

Richard S. Morosco ◽

Thomas F. Hipple

Keyword(s):

Storage Time ◽

Solution Method ◽

Preparation Method ◽

Hplc Method ◽

Measured Concentration ◽

Preparation Methods ◽

Initial Concentration ◽

Stability Indicating ◽

The Mean ◽

And Storage

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of four preparation methods and extended storage on rifampin concentration in extemporaneously prepared suspensions. DESIGN: Four preparation methods were used: mixing intravenous (iv) rifampin in syrup (A); manufacturer's recommended technique of mixing capsule (Rifadin) contents in syrup (B); triturating capsule contents in syrup into a paste and adding remaining syrup while mixing (C); and triturating capsule contents in syrup into a paste, adding syrup, retriturating the slurry, and adding remaining syrup while mixing (D). Samples were drawn from each of five bottles of each of the four preparations stored at 4 °C, immediately after mixing (day 0), and on days 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 91 days during storage. Rifampin wes measured by a stability-indicating HPLC method. RESULTS: The measured mean concentrations of rifampin were nearly 100 percent of the initial concentration in the suspension prepared from iv rifampin solution (method A) during the first 56 days of storage. In contrast, the measured concentrations were substantially lower than expected in the suspensions prepared by methods B, C, and D. The mean rifampin concentrations in suspensions prepared by methods B, C, and D were only 14.5, 38.6, and 68 percent, respectively, of the initial concentration achieved by method A. The rifampin concentrations increased with storage time in suspensions prepared by methods B, C, and D. The mean rifampin concentration was lower than 90 percent during the first 14 days with methods B and C, and the first 7 days with method D. The highest mean concentrations were observed on day 42 with method B, and on day 28 with methods C and D. All methods yielded 90% of the labeled potency (10 mg/mL) on day 56. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that preparation method can influence the dispersion, and thus the measured concentration, of rifampin in aliquots of suspensions prepared from capsules and stored in plastic bottles. Suspensions prepared from capsules led to lower-than-expected rifampin concentrations; those prepared from iv rifampin did not. Rifampin was stable in each type of suspension for 56 days at 4 °C.

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Effects of Tea (Camellia sinensis) Phytochemicals on the Yoghurt Cultures (Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) During Development and Storage of Tea Fortified Yoghurts

Journal of Food Research ◽

10.5539/jfr.v4n4p59 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 59

Author(s):

Simon Oduor Ochanda ◽

John Kanyiri Wanyoko ◽

Abdul Kiptoo Faraj ◽

Christine Akoth Onyango ◽

Henrik Kipngeno Ruto

Keyword(s):

Developmental Stages ◽

Setting Time ◽

Streptococcus Thermophilus ◽

Growth Patterns ◽

Lactobacillus Bulgaricus ◽

Mean Values ◽

The Mean ◽

And Storage ◽

Mean Time ◽

Sensory Tests

Tea phytochemicals have been reported to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity. This current study reports the ability of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus to grow, survive and multiply in the presence of tea phytochemicals during development and storage of tea fortified yoghurts. Two Kenyan tea varieties clone TRFK 6/8 (standard black quality tea) and clone TRFK 306/1 (newly developed purple leafed tea clone), were processed as aerated and non-aerated teas and used to develop tea fortified yoghurt. The teas were added at concentrations of 0, 1, 2 and 4 g in 250 mL volumes of milk (w/v) which was predetermined by sensory tests. The results showed that tea phytochemicals at the added ranges had no adverse effect on the growth of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus; however, yoghurt setting time was prolonged at a mean time of 4.11, 5.22, 7.29 and 8.26 hrs respectively for tea concentrations of 0, 1, 2 and 4 g/250 mL milk. The mean microbial load for Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus in black, green and purple tea yoghurts were also inversely proportional to the concentration of the added teas. In the developmental stages of tea fortified yoghurts Lactobacillus bulgaricus range was 0.52-1.58 × 107 CFU/mL while Streptococcus thermophilus range was 2.53-3.51 × 109 CFU/mL, during storage the growth patterns were different between the cultures. The recorded mean values range for Lactobacillus bulgaricus was 2.79-4.35 × 107 CFU/mL while Streptococcus thermophilus mean range was 2.57-3.47 × 109 CFU/mL Phytochemicals traced in the product had concentration values below 5 × 102 µgmL-1. In conclusion, it was possible to develop probiotic tea fortified yoghurt containing tea phytochemicals with unlimited health benefits using different the different tea clones.

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Standardizing Instructions for Ice and Cold Pack Use Can Mitigate Summer Temperatures on Two Commercially Available Outdoor Courier Lockboxes

American Journal of Clinical Pathology ◽

10.1093/ajcp/aqab191.255 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 156 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S119-S120

Author(s):

S A Hart ◽

J R Wiencek

Keyword(s):

Extreme Temperatures ◽

Direct Sunlight ◽

Data Loggers ◽

Summer Temperatures ◽

The Mean ◽

Using Data ◽

Cold Pack ◽

The Impact ◽

And Storage

Abstract Introduction/Objective Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute document GP44 recommends samples avoid temperatures >22°C during sample transport and storage. Outdoor courier lockboxes used in external sample transport can experience extreme temperatures (>40°C) in the summer. Ice (frozen at -20°C) and cold (refrigerated at 4-8°C) packs can be used to reduce internal lockbox temperatures during hot summer days. Unfortunately, there are no universally accepted instructions to maintain internal lockbox temperatures during these conditions. Therefore, our goal was to elucidate the impact of placing ice and cold packs at two specific time points to mitigate external summer temperatures in two commercially available outdoor courier lockboxes used at our institution. Methods/Case Report Two pairs of uniquely manufactured courier lockboxes (steel vs. urethane polymer) were placed outside in direct sunlight in Nashville, Tennessee during the second week of June 2021. Ambient outdoor and lockbox temperatures were monitored using data loggers during a four-day cycle. Each type of lockbox design had a control with no ice or cold packs. These controls were then compared to each experimental, paired lockbox with four ice packs placed at 8am and replaced with four cold packs at 4pm. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The mean ambient outdoor temperature over these four days was 27.7°C (range: 22.2-39.8°C). Temperatures within the steel and urethane polymer lockboxes without ice or cold packs was 28.3°C (range: 22.4-40.8°C) and 31.6°C (range: 23.8-41.0°C), respectively. The addition of four ice packs at 8am and replaced with four cold packs at 4pm reduced temperatures in the steel box to 24.3°C (range: 17.4-27.9°C) whereas in the urethane polymer box temperatures were reduced to 13.4°C (range: 6.6-18.1°C). Conclusion Temperatures inside outdoor lockboxes can increase in summer commonly above the outdoor ambient temperature. Standardizing instructions for ice and cold packs can reduce internal outdoor courier lockbox temperatures during summer months, especially in urethane polymer lockboxes.

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Effect of Wind Loads on Heading Stability of FPSOs

10.5957/wmtc-2015-179 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

Razieh Zangeneh ◽

Krish Thiagarajan

Keyword(s):

Pitchfork Bifurcation ◽

Regular Waves ◽

Numerical Studies ◽

Critical Wavelength ◽

Heading Control ◽

Offshore Oil Production ◽

The Mean ◽

Commercial Solver ◽

Offshore Oil ◽

And Storage

Tanker vessels used for offshore oil production and storage are kept at station by turret mooring systems, enabling the vessel to weathervane in the direction of the dominant environmental loads. The disruption of heading equilibrium for a turret moored tanker was predicted by experiments and numerical studies. A vessel was observed to lose heading control in the head sea condition, due to a pitchfork bifurcation that was initiated at a critical wavelength of 0.73L (Thiagarajan et al. 2013). While previous studies focused on heading instability in waves only, the effect of wind can be significant. Wind not only creates wind induced waves, but also directly generates loads on marine structures when the superstructure area (portion above the mean water surface) is significant. This paper reports on a parametric study on the heading stability of a turret-moored tanker in regular waves in the presence of steady wind. The analysis was conducted using the commercial solver AQWA. It is found that the presence of an initially bow wind can minimize the heading instability. Reasons for this behavior are described by analyzing the effect of wind induced moments on the equilibrium condition.

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A study of wood use for fuel and building in an area of Gazankulu

Bothalia ◽

10.4102/abc.v14i2.1169 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 245-257 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

C. A. Liengme

Keyword(s):

Colophospermum Mopane ◽

Building Timber ◽

The Mean ◽

And Storage ◽

Combretum Apiculatum ◽

Do So

The utilization of wood for fuel and building timber was studied in a 13 000 ha area of Gazankulu, near Giyani. Headloads of firewood brought in by eight of the 978 families present were monitored during six periods in a year. The two most important sources of firewood are Colophospermum mopane and Combretum apiculatum. Firewood consumption is estimated at an average of 14,9 kg per family per day. The annual demand for firewood in the whole study area is, therefore, approximately 5 300 tonnes. Living-huts and storage-huts in the process of being built were examined. The mean volumes of wood in living-huts and typical storage-huts are 1,30 m3 and1,09 m3, respectively. 89 living- and 80 storage-huts were built in a year. The demand for finished timber in the study area in that year was approximately 231 tonnes. Timber use has not yet outstripped production, but it will do so soon if alternative timber sources are not provided.

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