On variability of total ozone derived from TOVS data over peninsular Indian sub-continent and adjoining oceanic area

The total ozone derived from TOVS data from NOAA 12 satellite through one step physical retrieval algorithm of International TOVS Processing Package (ITPP) version 5.0 has been used to identify its diurnal, monthly, latitudinal and longitudinal variability during 1998 over the domain Equator to 26° N / 60-100° E. The linkage of maximum total ozone with warmer tropopause and lower stratosphere has been re-established. The colder upper tropospheric temperature which is normally associated with maximum ozone concentration throughout the year elsewhere in the world has also been identified in this study but the relationship gets reversed during southwest monsoon months(June-September) over the domain considered. The moisture available in abundance in the lower troposphere gets precipitated due to the convective instability prevailing in the atmosphere during monsoon season and very little moisture is only available for vertical transport into the upper troposphere atop 500 hPa. The latent heat released by the precipitation processes warms up the middle and upper atmosphere. The warm and dry upper troposphere could be the reason for less depletion of ozone in the upper troposphere during monsoonal months and this is supported by the positive correlation coefficient prevailing in monsoon season between total ozone and upper tropospheric (aloft 300 hPa) temperature. The warmness in middle and upper troposphere which is associated with less depletion and/or production of more ozone in the upper troposphere may perhaps contribute for the higher total ozone during monsoon months than in other seasons over peninsular Indian region. The minimum concentration is observed during January (226 DU) over 6° N and the maximum (283DU) over 18° N during August. Longitudinal variability is less pronounced than the latitudinal variability.

Cartographic Analysis of the Radon Situation in the Environment

According to UNSCEAR (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiations), no less than 10% of lung cancer diseases registered annually are caused by radon radiation. Born in the belly of the earth, the same gas, a class I cancirogen, increases the risk of non-cancerous diseases of the upper respiratory tract and cardiovascular diseases. The radon problem occupies an important place in the radioecological programs of the USA, Japan, Western Europe and Russia. However, the natural radiation varies in the background from location to location. In many countries, survey work is being carried out, including an assessment of the intensity of the radon hazards of sites allocated for construction. In Russia, the Radiation Safety Standards are stipulating that the concentration of radon in the air of residential premises should not exceed 200 Bq/m3; in Sweden, the maximum radon concentration is taken as 100 Bq/m3, in Finland and Canada - 400 Bq/m3, and in Germany and Great Britain - 200 Bq/m3. It is necessary to carefully choose the constructive site, with the minimum concentration of radon in the soil. Our purpose is to carry out a cartographic analysis of radon intake from soil in the territory of Kazan. An important component is the creation of unique maps based on the measurement of radon escalation. The practical significance of the work lies in the application of the results for making management decisions, in engineering and environmental surveys, for conducting hygienic assessments, or simply being used by citizens for informational purposes.

Cryoconites as biogeochemical markers of anthropogenic impact in high mountain regions: analysis of polyaromatic pollutants in soil-like bodies

The globalisation and omnidirectional character of anthropogenic processes has challenged scientists around the world to estimate the harmful effects of these processes on ecosystems and human health. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is one the most infamous group of contaminants, originated both from natural and anthropogenic processes. They could transport to high latitudes and altitudes through atmospheric long-distance transfer and further enter ecosystems of these vulnerable regions by deposition on terrestrial surfaces. An interesting object for tracking transboundary contamination processes in high mountain ecosystems is called cryoconite. Cryoconite, a dark-coloured supraglacial sediment which is abundant in polar and mountain environments, is considered as a storage of various pollutants, including PAHs. Thus, it may pose a risk for local human health and ecosystem through short-distance transfer. Studied cryoconite sediments were collected at the surface of Skhelda and Garabashi glaciers, Central Caucasus high-mountain region, as well as mudflow, moraine material and local soils at the Baksan Gorge in order to examine levels of their contamination. We analysed the content of 15 priority polyaromatic compounds from the US EPA list and used the method of calculation of PAHs isomer ratios with the purpose of identifying their source. To estimate their potential toxicity, Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) equivalents were calculated. Maximum concentration was defined for NAP (84 ng×g-1), PHE (40 ng×g-1) and PYR (47 ng×g-1), with the minimum concentration for ANT (about 1 ng×g-1). The most polluted material is a cryoconite from Garabashi glacier because of local anthropogenic activities and long-distance transfer. High-molecular weight PAHs are dominated in PAHs composition of almost all samples. The most common sources of PAHs in studied materials are combustion processes and mixed pyrolytic/petrogenic origin. Toxicity levels of separate PAHs did not exceed the maximum permissible threshold concentrations values in most cases. However, the sum of PAHs in BaP equivalents exceed the threshold values in all samples, in some of them more than twice.

Effect of heavy metals on stem anatomical characteristics of Trapa natans L. from Skadar Lake (Montenegro)

This study aimed to analyze stem anatomical characteristics of Trapa natans from five Skadar Lake locations (L1 - Milovića bay, L2 – inflow of the Morača river, L3 - Kamenik, L4 - Grmožur, L5 - Lipovik) with different concentrations of Cu, Mn, Zn, Co and Pb, during the summer period of the year 2012. Cross sections of stem were made using cryotechnic procedure. For all analyzed quantitative anatomical parameters, the minimum values at the location L2 were recorded, with the presence of maximum content for all investigated metals in stem of Trapa natans. On the other hand, except for cobalt, at the location L4 the minimum concentration for all investigated metals were recorded. Plants collected from this location have the largest average values of the most measured anatomical parameters. The results of Discriminant Analysis showed that plants from different location could be clearly classified into three groups according to their stem quantitative anatomical characteristics which corresponds with heavy metals content. Our research also showed that there is no statistically significant correlation between the content of most investigated metals (Co, Cu, Pb and Zn) and the values of anatomical parameters. Statistically significant negative correlation was found between Mn content in stem and values of two anatomical characters (stem cross-sectional area and Mn content, r = - 0.88; p < 0.05; number of hypodermal cell layers and Mn content, r = - 0.90; p < 0.05).

Cognitive Keys in Psychophysical Estimation of Chemosensory Perception in University Students

Psychophysical methods allow us to measure the relationship between stimuli and sensory perception. Of these, Detection Threshold (DT) allows us to know the minimum concentration to produce taste identification. Given this, we wonder whether, for example, wine tasting experts are more capable of perceiving their sensory properties than other people, or whether they can distinguish them because they are better able to “describe” them. To verify this, this study analyses the influence of having prior knowledge of the name astringency and, failing that, to detect it and distinguish it between the four basic tastes. One-hundred-and-sixty-two university students with an average age of 19.43 (SD = 2.55) years were assigned to three experimental conditions: an experimental group (G.2) without previous knowledge of the name astringency and with alimentary satiety, and two control groups, both with previous knowledge of the name, these being G.1, with satiety, and G.3, with hunger. DT was collected for the four basic tastes and astringencies. Results showed significant differences in the identification of astringency, being the least identified experimental group with respect to the control groups. It is striking that G.2, without prior knowledge of the name, identified astringency as a bitter taste in most cases. This supports our hypothesis of the importance of attending to linguistic cognitive processes when psychophysically estimating taste in humans.

In Silico Taste, Cytochrome and Toxicity Prediction Study of Major Chamomile Constituents

Chamomile is an ancient herb used for various medications. It contains many bioactive constituents such as volatile oils, terpenoids, flavonoids, lactones, acid esters, glycosides and others. By reviewing many references, a confliction appeared of using Chamomile preparations to treat primary teeth eruption symptoms as a therapy administered by pediatric dentist or pediatrician. In this study, thirteen bioactive constituents (α-bisabolol (B), chamazulene (C), umbelliferone (U), apigenin (A), apigetrin (AT), apiin (AI), luteolin (L), quercetin (Q), quercimertrin (QT), rutin (R), α-cadinene (CD), α-farnesene (F), and matricarin (M) were subject to computational predication through various online websites to predicate their taste, activity towards several CYP450 enzymes and their action as Hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, immunotoxic, mutagenic, and cytotoxic compounds. Our calculations revealed several points such as high value of taste predication indicated that Chamomile constituents under study were with sour taste, did not classify as individual fatal compound Class (GHS) 1 or 2, 44.87% of them showed inhibition character toward specific cytochrome P450 enzyme while 43.59% were non- inhibition character, more than (0.5) probability predication of various cytochrome P450 enzymes gave a positive activity that may affect liver functions. Also, hepatotoxicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, mutagenicity, and cytotoxicity predictions were more than (0.5), unsaturated Chamomile constituent (Farnesene, F) had highest immune – and mutagenic properties whilst the disaccharide flavonoid (Rutin, R) had the highest Carcino- immunogenic response. According to the above notes, our conclusion is to use minimum concentration of Chamomile preparation for less period of time and lowest repeating intake that ensure effective treatment of teething symptoms under supervision of pediatricians with minimum side effect.

CONDITIONAL TISSUE CONDITION IN PATIENTS WITH PROSTHETIC DENTISTS IN THE PROCESS OF ORTHOPEDIC TREATMENT WITH PROSTHESES MODIFIED BY NANOMATER

The main cause of prosthetic stomatitis belongs to the chemical and toxic action of the residual monomer of the prosthesis base, which is a protoplasmic poison. Occurrence of prosthetic stomatitis depends not only on quality of production of prosthesis in laboratory though at non-observance of technology indicators of residual monomer can reach 2-5%, but also at individual intolerance at its minimum concentration in a prosthesis after polymerization - 0,2-0 .5%. The aim of our study was to increase the effectiveness of orthopedic treatment of patients with prosthetic stomatitis by coating the plastic of removable prostheses with nanoscale materials. Materials and methods. To solve this goal, we studied the condition of the tissues of the prosthetic place of patients with prosthetic stomatitis with prosthetic removable prostheses with modified plastic. Orthopedic dental treatment of 50 people was examined and performed, including 25 people (the second group, prostheses were not covered with nanoparticles) and 25 people (the third group, prostheses were covered with nanoparticles). The first control group consisted of 10 people without signs of pathology. Prior to treatment, all patients had removable acrylic plastic dentures. The reason for seeking orthopedic care was a violation of masticatory function and the inability to use previously made prostheses due to the development of pain in the soft tissues of the prosthetic place. Complaints of pain were observed in all patients of varying intensity, impaired fixation and stabilization of the prosthesis due to swelling of the mucous membrane of the soft tissues of the prosthetic place, heartburn and dryness were observed in 90% of patients. Complaints were also about speech and aesthetic defects. Patients of III group after two weeks of using prostheses were coated with the inner surface of the prosthesis, which is in direct contact with the mucous membrane of the prosthetic place with molecules of fullerene C60, by magnetron sputtering. For this purpose, the prostheses were removed from the patients for several days and returned after the coating with the nanomaterial, after which the observation was continued. The results. After coating the prostheses in patients of group III with Fullerene C60, we observed the disappearance of inflammation of the mucous membrane under the prosthesis and patients noted the absence of discomfort. Рatients in II group had a negative dynamics in 80% and had diffuse inflammation of the mucous membrane under the prosthesis. Within 3 months of use, 18 patients (72%) in II group reported that they stopped using removable dentures during the day, due to unpleasant pain under the prosthesis, and used only during meals and during conversations. In contrast to II group, patients in III group did not notice discomfort when using plate prostheses. Conclusions. Obtained in the course of the work convincingly prove the effectiveness of the use of removable plate prostheses with nanocoating for the treatment and prevention of prosthetic stomatitis in patients. This is evidenced by the data of objective examination and the disappearance of complaints from patients.

The Pharmacokinetic Study of Progesterone and Allopregnanolone in Refractory Epilepsy : Phase II Study

Background: Progesterone belongs to a class of neurosteroids used for the reduction of seizure frequency in patients with refractory epilepsy. However, the pharmacokinetics of progesterone and its active derivative, allopregnanolone, have never been studied in these patients. Objectives: This study was aim to explore the pharmacokinetic parameters of progesterone 400 mg every 12 h, for 3 months, in patients with refractory epilepsy as an add-on therapy to control seizures. Phoenix® WinNonlin® was used to analyse the pharmacokinetic parameters. Results: Twelve patients were recruited. From a therapeutic drug monitoring, the serum progesterone and allopregnanolone levels after taking the first dose of progesterone were characterised by a time to maximum concentration (Tmax) median of 1 and 2.5 h, a maximum concentration (Cmax) median of 274.97 and 3.81 ng/mL, and a minimum concentration (Cmin) median of 56.93 and 1.06 ng/mL, respectively. The median values of the pharmacokinetic parameters of progesterone and allopregnanolone during the steady state were as follows: t1/2 of 2.4 and 2.0 h, Cmax of 964.35 and 8.92 ng/mL, and Cmin of 64.67 and 1.86 ng/mL, respectively. By examining the relationship between the progesterone or allopregnanolone concentrations with seizure-controlling ability, we could identify a responder patient group with 6- to 7-fold higher serum concentrations of progesterone and allopregnanolone than the non-responders. Conclusions: We could establish higher serum levels of both progesterone and allopregnanolone, which could consequently relate to lowering the seizure frequency in patients with refractory epilepsy. The suggested progesterone dose was 400 mg orally every 12 h against refractory epilepsy Trial registration: This study has been registered on the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (No. TCTR20200710005, 10 July 2020)

Non-Antibacterial and Antibacterial ZnO Nanoparticles Composed of Different Surfactants

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using different surfactants such as SDS, CTAB, Triton X-100, PVP K-30 and ethylene glycol. ZnO NPs were tested for antibacterial activity before and after calcination against different micro-organisms like E. coli and P. aeruginosa (Gram negative) as well as S. aureus and B. subtilis (Gram positive). Antibacterial activity was observed in SDScapped ZnO NPs only against B. subtilis. Antibacterial activity of ZnO-capped SDS was tested in a concentration range 0.625–10 mg/mL. Increased antibacterial activity was observed before calcination as compared to after calcination. Minimum concentration at which uncalcinated as well as calcinated SDS-capped ZnO NPs show antibacterial activity is 2.5 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL respectively. Non-antibacterial nature of ZnO NPs highlights its further use in drug delivery due to its inert nature, enhanced efficacy in association with therapeutic drugs as well as easy disposal.

In vitro antimicrobial activities of several extracts endophytic Pseudomonas azotoformans UICC B-91

Pseudomonas azotoformans known for the benefit on agriculture area as soil fertility enhancer. Pseudomonas azotoformans UICC B-91 was successfully isolated from tissues of N. altissima which traditionally known for treating infectious diseases. Therefore, endophytic P. azotoformans might contain antimicrobial compound. This research aims on exploring the antimicrobial activities of several extracts P. azotoformans UICC B-91 against pathogenic microbes. Isolates were extracted with dichloromethane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. Each crude extract was observed for its potential antimicrobial activity with disc diffusion method against several pathogen microbes. Bioactive compound was assayed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and screened by bioautography. Results indicated that all crude extract have inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6583, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 25241, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 19659 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Highest clear zone was on dichloromethane extract. TLC fraction of dichloromethane extract was able to inhibit growth on pathogenic bacteria (except for B. subtilis ATCC 19659 and S. aureus ATCC 6583) and fungi at minimum concentration in the range 125-1,000 μg/mL and 125 μg/mL, respectively. Bioactive compound from endophytic P. azotoformans extracted with dichloromethane have antibacterial and anticandidal effect.