DERMATOLOGIC GELS SPREADABILITY MEASURING METHODS COMPARATIVE STUDY

Objective: The main objective of our study is the comprehensive analysis and characterization of the existing spreadability evaluation strategies, the comparison of the obtained results reproducibility and convergence through the example of the 9 most widely used dermatological gels. Methods: Dolobene®, Flucinar®, Ketorol®, Contractubex®, Dr. Theiss Venen gel®, Solcoseryl®, Deep Relief®, Hepatrombin® pharmacopoeia gel samples were analyzed using parallel-plate, “slip and drag”, and viscometry methods. Analysis was performed in flow mode at 32±0.2 °C, over shear rates ranging from 0 to 350 s−1, increasing over a period of 120 s, and was maintained at the superior limit for 10 s and then decreased during the same period. At least 5 replicates of each sample were evaluated, and the upward flow curves were fitted using the Casson mathematical model. Results: Solcoseryl® and Dolobene® showed the best spreadability in the parallel-plate method (3115.66±50.00 and 3316.63±50.00, respectively); Contractubex® and Dolobene showed the best spreadability in the “slip and drag” test (73.46±0.5 and 18.32±0.5, respectively); Solcoseryl® and Contractubex® showed the best spreadability in the viscometry test (43.86±0.5 and 76.92±0.5, respectively). Conclusion: This study analyzed the existing methods for determining the spreadability using commercially available samples of the dermatological gels as examples. The viscometric and the "Slip and drag" methods use different characteristics of spreadability, giving a complex evaluation of the measured parameter in vitro. Therefore, the combination of these two methods has the greatest prospects for reliable determination of this indicator.

Results of the complex evaluation of bryndza cheese and the byproduct milk whey with the use of enzyme MTG and its activity degree during storage

The paper examines the question of using the enzyme microbial transglutaminase (mTG) for bryndza cheese production. Microbial transglutaminase belongs to the enzyme family that catalyzes formation of bonds between amino groups. One of the problems in production of high-protein products, in particular, cheeses from goat milk is flabbiness of the clot. The use of mTG in the technological process would allow strengthening the product protein matrix, thereby improving its commercial characteristics. When performing the histological investigation of cheeses with this enzyme type to characterize the state of the protein matrix, the authors established that the product protein structure was more condensed compared to the control samples (without mTG), which affected cheese consistency. Consistency became more rubbery negatively influencing the product sensory properties, which are important traits for a consumer when buying a product. Using a Brookfield texture analyzer, it was shown that structural-mechanical characteristics were improved by 1.5 times for cheese samples produced from cow milk and by 2 times for goat cheese when mTG was used. Analysis of the enzyme catalytic activity showed that this enzyme retained its activity throughout the whole storage period, which is a potential hazard for human health. After shelf-life expiration, a change in the mTG activity was not more than 5% relative to the initial levels. The enzyme activity retained not only in cheese but also in the by-product — cheese whey, which made its processing more difficult.

EVALUASI PROGRAM PENDIDIKAN DAN PELATIHAN KEPEMIMPINAN TINGKAT IV DALAM KEBIJAKAN PENGEMBANGAN KOMPETENSI ASN DI PEMERINTAH KABUPATEN LAHAT

This study aims to evaluate the Level IV Leadership Education and Training Program (Diklatpim) using the COPP evaluation model developed by Stufflebeam. The CIPP evaluation model is expected to produce a complex evaluation of the 2016 Level IV Diklatpim program in the Lahat District Government. Based on the use of the evaluation model, the qualitative research method with a case study approach was chosen by the researcher. Data collection was carried out by interviewing and studying documentation related to the implementation of Level IV Diklatpim in 2016. The informants in this study amounted to 15 people who came from the Agency for Personnel and Human Resources Development (BKPSDM) Lahat Regency, South Sumatra Province, Regional Human Resources Development Center. (BPSDMD) South Sumatra Province and participants of Level IV Training and Education in 2016 in the Lahat Regency government. When viewed from the aspects of the process and product implemented, the results of the study show that the 2016 Level IV Education and Training program in Lahat Regency has been in accordance with applicable regulations and is considered successful. However, based on the context and input aspects, there are several things that are not in accordance with the aims and objectives of the Level IV Diklatpim program in the Lahat Regency government.

A Complex Evaluation of the In-Vivo Biocompatibility and Degradation of an Extruded ZnMgSr Absorbable Alloy Implanted into Rabbit Bones for 360 Days

The increasing incidence of trauma in medicine brings with it new demands on the materials used for the surgical treatment of bone fractures. Titanium, its alloys, and steel are used worldwide in the treatment of skeletal injuries. These metallic materials, although inert, are often removed after the injured bone has healed. The second-stage procedure—the removal of the plates and screws—can overwhelm patients and overload healthcare systems. The development of suitable absorbable metallic materials would help us to overcome these issues. In this experimental study, we analyzed an extruded Zn-0.8Mg-0.2Sr (wt.%) alloy on a rabbit model. From this alloy we developed screws which were implanted into the rabbit tibia. After 120, 240, and 360 days, we tested the toxicity at the site of implantation and also within the vital organs: the liver, kidneys, and brain. The results were compared with a control group, implanted with a Ti-based screw and sacrificed after 360 days. The samples were analyzed using X-ray, micro-CT, and a scanning electron microscope. Chemical analysis revealed only small concentrations of zinc, strontium, and magnesium in the liver, kidneys, and brain. Histologically, the alloy was verified to possess very good biocompatibility after 360 days, without any signs of toxicity at the site of implantation. We did not observe raised levels of Sr, Zn, or Mg in any of the vital organs when compared with the Ti group at 360 days. The material was found to slowly degrade in vivo, forming solid corrosion products on its surface.

SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load Assessment in Lung Transplantation

In the era of COVID-19 pandemic, organ transplantation programs were facing serious challenges. The lung transplantation donor pool was extremely limited and SARS-CoV-2 viral load assessment has become a crucial part of selecting an optimal organ donor. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, the viral load is thought to be more important in lung transplantations as compared to other solid organ transplantations. We present two challenging cases of potential lung donors with a questionable COVID-19 status. Based on these cases, we suggest that the cycle threshold (Ct) value should always be requested from the laboratory and the decision whether to proceed with transplantation should be made upon complex evaluation of diverse criteria, including the nasopharyngeal swab and bronchoalveolar lavage PCR results, the Ct value, imaging findings and the medical history. However, as the presence of viral RNA does not ensure infectivity, it is still to be clarified which Ct values are associated with the viral viability. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA antibodies may support the diagnosis and moreover, novel methods, such as quantifying SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen in serum may provide important answers in organ transplantations and donor selections.

EFFECT OF CHITOSAN ADDITION DURING PAPER-MAKING ON AGEING STABILITY OF DOCUMENT PAPER

The aim of the present work has been to study the influence of chitosan addition into the composition of paper intended for documents on its ageing stability, with a view of enhancing the resistance of paper strength and optical properties over time. The chitosan solution was added during the formation of the paper sheets in various amounts: 0.2%, 1% and 2% o.d.f. Paper samples of different fibrous compositions were prepared from bleached sulphate softwood pulp (BSWP) and bleached sulphate hardwood pulp (BHWP) in the following ratios: 50% BSWP:50% BHWP, 80% BSWP:20% BHWP, 100% BSWP and 100% BHWP. Then, paper samples were subjected to accelerated thermal ageing for 24 hours at 105 °C. It was found that the use of chitosan as additive in the composition of bleached cellulose paper samples led to improved strength and hygroscopic properties. The study showed that chitosan could be used in the production of kraft document papers comprising aluminium sulphate, as the presence of aluminium sulphate had no negative effect on the action of the biopolymer. Regarding the complex evaluation of the properties of the obtained papers, it could be summarized that, for the studied fibrous compositions, the optimum amount of the additive was 1% chitosan for a fibrous composition of 50% bleached softwood pulp and 50% bleached hardwood cellulose. Therefore, preparing document paper with the addition of chitosan is a convenient procedure to enhance a number of paper properties, even after the ageing process.

Problems of increasing the efficiency of using fixed and working capital of petrochemical enterprises

The article discusses topical issues of analysis of the state and improving the quality of management of the structure of fixed and working capital of enterprises of the petrochemical complex. Evaluation of indicators affecting the efficiency of their use made it possible to determine the directions for improving the process of forming the value of fixed and circulating assets of petrochemical enterprises. In conclusion, the authors highlight the successful practices of enterprise asset management.

Speech and language assessment in the school year beginning. Example of Speech and Language Assessment Scale and practical aspects

The aim of this paper was to illustrate the approach of speech and language asssessment developed within the Interschool Speech Therapy Centers in Romania (Centrele Logopedice Interșcolare), at the beginning of the school year, in a pandemic context. It presents the initial evaluation of students and preschoolers, but also the way in which the complex evaluation of children identified with speech and language disorders is developed, fallowing the legislation and specific methodology. The Speech and Language Evaluation Scale is a very useful tool at this stage and beyond. This helps to condense the relevant data about children, to formulate the speech therapy diagnosis and to outline the therapeutic approach. The developed model addresses both aspects of psychomotor development and aspects of pronunciation and articulation. It is designed mainly for primary school students, but can also be applied to preschoolers. The presented case study is intended to highlight the way this model can be used, at various stages, in a specific intervention strategy.

A Single-Valued Neutrosophic Extension of the EDAS Method

This manuscript aims to propose a new extension of the EDAS method, adapted for usage with single-valued neutrosophic numbers. By using single-valued neutrosophic numbers, the EDAS method can be more efficient for solving complex problems whose solution requires assessment and prediction, because truth- and falsity-membership functions can be used for expressing the level of satisfaction and dissatisfaction about an attitude. In addition, the indeterminacy-membership function can be used to point out the reliability of the information given with truth- and falsity-membership functions. Thus, the proposed extension of the EDAS method allows the use of a smaller number of complex evaluation criteria. The suitability and applicability of the proposed approach are presented through three illustrative examples.