A social enterprise model for TB detection and treatment through the private sector in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Existing models to increase TB case notifications from the private sector in Pakistan are financially unsustainable and have achieved modest success due to limited coverage. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a social enterprise model (SEM) intervention on TB case detection in Karachi, Pakistan, and to assess its financial sustainability. METHODS: Purpose-built centres were established within the private sector that integrated TB screening, diagnostics and treatment and operated 12 hours per day with convenient locations to improve access. TB services were offered free of cost, and revenue generation took place through user fees from other diagnostics. Private providers with a focus on the informal sector were engaged through community workers to generate screening referrals. RESULTS: Overall 171,488 people were screened and 18,683 cases were notified, including 197 individuals with drug-resistant TB. Annual TB notifications in Karachi increased from 18,105 in 2014 to a maximum of 25,840 (40% increase). The proportion of cases in Karachi notified by the centres grew to 27% in 2020. Commercial revenue reached USD288,065 and enabled operating cost recovery of 15%. Average cost per TB case notified was USD203. CONCLUSION: The SEM intervention contributed a large proportion of notifications in Karachi and achieved modest cost recovery.

CONTEXTE: Les modèles existants visant à augmenter les notifications de cas de TB par le secteur privé au Pakistan ne sont pas viables financièrement et n'ont obtenu qu'un succès modeste en raison d'une couverture limitée. OBJECTIF: Évaluer l'impact d'un modèle déntreprise sociale (SEM, pour l'anglais « social entreprise model ¼) sur la détection des cas de TB à Karachi, au Pakistan, et évaluer sa viabilité financière. MÉTHODES: Des centres spécialisés ont été créés dans le secteur privé. Ils intègrent le dépistage, le diagnostic et le traitement de la TB et fonctionnent 12 heures par jour dans des lieux adaptés afin dén faciliter l'accès. Les services de lutte contre la TB étaient gratuits et les recettes provenaient des frais d'utilisation des autres diagnostics. Des prestataires privés, axés sur le secteur informel, ont été engagés par l'intermédiaire d'agents communautaires pour orienter les patients vers les services de dépistage. RÉSULTATS: Au total, 171 488 personnes ont été dépistées et 18 683 cas ont été notifiés, dont 197 personnes atteintes de TB résistante aux médicaments. Les notifications annuelles de TB à Karachi sont passées de 18 105 en 2014 à un maximum de 25 840 (augmentation de 40%). La proportion de cas à Karachi notifiés par les centres est passée à 27% en 2020. Les recettes commerciales ont atteint 288 065 USD et ont permis un recouvrement des coûts déxploitation de 15%. Le coût moyen par cas de TB notifié était de 203 USD. CONCLUSION: L'intervention SEM a contribué à une grande proportion de notifications à Karachi et a permis un modeste recouvrement des coûts.

Effects of isotropic stress on the band structure elastic, optical, thermal, and x-ray diffraction properties of TiSnO3.

BACKGROUND: Cubic perovskite titanium stannous oxide (TiSnO3) is a promising material for various applications due to its functional properties. However, understanding how these properties change under external stress is crucial for its development and optimization. METHOD: This study employed density functional theory calculations to investigate the structural, electronic, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of TiSnO3 under varying degrees of external static isotropic stress (0-120 GPa). RESULTS: The study reveals a significant decrease in the bandgap of TiSnO3 with increasing stress due to lattice modifications and the formation of delocalized electrons. Partial density of states analysis indicates that Sn and O states play a key role in shaping the electronic band structure. TiSnO3 exhibits increased light absorption with stress, accompanied by a blue shift in absorption peaks, whereas, both polarizability and refractive index decrease with increasing stress. Mechanically, all elastic moduli (bulk, shear, and Young's) show an increase under stress, signifying a stiffening response of the material under stress. Similarly, the Pugh ratio suggests a transition from ductile to brittle behaviour at elevated stress levels. Phonon dispersion calculations indicate the instability of the cubic phase at 0 K. However, a phonon gap emerges at 30 GPa and widens with increasing stress. X-ray diffraction further supports these findings by demonstrating a shift in diffraction peaks towards higher angles with increasing stress, consistent with the applied stress. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this computational study offers a thorough understanding of how external stress influences the properties of TiSnO3, providing valuable insights for potential applications in various fields.

Comparative Fingerprint Profiling of Unani Polyherbomineral (Safoof-e-Pathar Phori) Formulation by HPTLC, HPLC, and GC-MS.

BACKGROUND: Standardization of Unani formulations is essential to assess the quality and safety of drugs to establish their acceptance internationally as well as in nationally. Safoof-e-Pathar phori is a polyherbomineral formulation that contains six different plant and mineral constituents: Didymocarpus pedicellata, Dolichos biflorus, Rheum emodi, Raphanus sativus, potassium carbonate, and potassium nitrate. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to develop and establish the quality of Safoof-e-Pathar phori, used for antilithiatic activity using chromatographic analysis. METHODS: This study involves comparative fingerprint profiling of an Unani polyherbomineral formulation with its plant constituents by high-performance TLC (HPTLC), HPLC, and GC-MS. The authenticity of the Unani polyherbomineral formulation using comparative HPLC and GC-MS fingerprint profiling was achieved by comparing the retention time of peaks matching with plant drugs. RESULTS: In HPTLC, comparative fingerprinting was done on the basis of retardation factor values of compounds separated on HPTLC plates of the formulation and the single drugs. The relative retention times of the characteristic peaks in the HPLC fingerprinting were established for identification of the Unani poly-herbo-mineral formulation, whereas GC-MS was used for comparative fingerprint profiling of different compounds present in single drugs and in formulation through the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Wiley libraries using mass by charge ration (m/z) of detected compounds. CONCLUSIONS: The fingerprint analysis approach is the most potent tool for quality control of polyherbal medicines because of its accuracy and reliability, and it also helps in identification and authentication and prevents adulteration. HIGHLIGHTS: The developed chromatographic methods enable the quality and safety profile of the products.

Endoscopic training-is the future three-dimensional?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic surgery has a distinct disadvantage compared to direct vision: loss of binocular vision. Three-dimensional endoscopy has been welcomed due to the promise of improving stereopsis. METHODS: Prospective randomized study of junior doctors with minimal endoscopic experience, using both two-dimensional and three-dimensional, zero-degree, 4-mm Storz endoscopes. Data was collected using validated, standardized training models, both objectively and subjectively. Paired comparisons between variables relating to the endoscopes were performed using Wilcoxon's tests. Operators were then split into groups based on their endoscope preference, with comparisons made using Mann-Whitney tests for Likert scale responses, Kendall's tau for ordinal variables, and Fisher's exact tests for nominal variables. RESULTS: Reduction of field of vision of three-dimensional endoscopy by 2%. Significant findings included decreased past-pointing, improved depth and perception and image quality. CONCLUSION: The use of an endoscopic endonasal approach with three-dimensional technology has measurable advantages for novice users, and highlights potential tailoring of future surgical training. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Prothrombotic markers in Thalassemia major patients: A paradigm shift.

BACKGROUND: It is being increasingly recognised that thalassemia major patients, like intermedia, have increased propensity for thromboembolism. Deficiency of natural anticoagulants is more recently defined finding contributing to the hypercoagulable state. The aim this study is to determine natural anticoagulants levels and their correlation with maternal characteristics, haematological and biochemical markers. METHODS: This is a prospective case-control study. We registered 80 patients and 60 healthy controls from Jan 2009 to Dec 2013. Complete blood counts, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, protein C, protein S, antithrombin, serum ferritin, liver enzymes; HbsAg and Anti- HCV were evaluated. RESULT: There were 42 males and 38 females with mean age of 12.30±5.50 years. The mean protein C, protein S and antithrombin in patients and control were 58.25±22.5 versus 110.67±22.60, 67.90±19.58 versus 98.70±21.54 and 89.73±18.09 versus 104.0±10.98 (p<0.001) respectively. Protein C was predominantly deficient in 65% followed by protein S and antithrombin in 35% and 20% respectively. Protein C deficiency divulged positive correlation with protein S deficiency (p = 0.035) and antithrombin deficiency with hemoglobin of ≤8gm% (p<0.0025). No significant correlation of prothrombotic markers was established with maternal characteristics, hepatic dysfunction, hepatitis and serum ferritin. CONCLUSION: Substantial decrement in prothrombotic markers, primarily protein C, may be implicated in elevated thrombosis; however follow-up data is required to establish definitive thromboembolic events.

Impact of scaling up Xpert® MTB/RIF testing for the detection of rifampicin-resistant TB cases in Karachi, Pakistan.

SETTING: Pakistan ranks fourth among the countries with a high burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), with only 19.2% of the 15 000 estimated incident cases being notified. Increasing treatment coverage for MDR-TB is a key priority for Pakistan's National Tuberculosis Programme. The World Health Organization recommends the use of the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay as the first-line diagnostic test for individuals with presumed TB. OBJECTIVE: To describe a multifaceted case-finding intervention targeting public and private sector health care facilities that used the Xpert assay as a frontline diagnostic test for individuals with presumptive TB, in Karachi, Pakistan, and its impact on case notifications of MDR-TB. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. RESULTS: A total of 51 168 individuals were tested using Xpert, of whom respectively 7581 and 1534 people were diagnosed with TB in the public sector (reverse public-private mix) and private sector (social business model) arms; 574 (6.3% of all TB cases) were identified as having rifampicin (RMP) resistance. A total of 517 (90.1%) people with RMP-resistant TB (RR-TB) identified through the project were initiated on second-line treatment. The intervention resulted in 194 additional cases of RR-TB, an increase of 43% over the baseline. CONCLUSION: This project, one of the largest Xpert testing programmes conducted at city level, resulted in significantly increased detection and treatment of MDR-TB.

Current trends of seroprevalence of transfusion transmitted infections in Pakistani ß-thalassaemic patients.

BACKGROUND: Though regular blood transfusion improves the survival, it carries the unavoidable risk of transfusion transmitted infections (TTI) in ß-thalassaemic patients. Owing to the lack of uniformity in blood screening practices in Pakistan, TTI is still a major challenge. OBJECTIVES: To study the current trends of TTI in regularly transfused ß-thalassaemics and their correlation with age, number of transfusions, hematological and biochemical markers. METHODS: We carried out a prospective case-control study. 100 ß-thalassemic patients and 200 healthy donors were recruited from June 2011 to June 2014. HCV antibodies, Hepatitis B surface antigen and human immunodeficiency virus antibodies (I & II) were evaluated. Complete blood counts, LFTs and serum ferritin were tested on all patients. RESULTS: Mean age of patients and controls was 11.18±5.07 and 20.5±1.87 years respectively. In patients, 54% and 46% were males and females respectively. Anti-HCV antibody and HbsAg were positive in 27% versus 3% and 3% versus 2% in patients and controls respectively. None of the patients and controls was HIV reactive. Seropositivity of Anti-HCV was significantly higher in patients than that of controls (P<0.001). Anti-HCV positively correlated with age above 10 years, numbers of transfusions (≥150 units), high serum ferritin, elevated ALT and alkaline phosphatase (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Over the decade, TTI magnitude has significantly reduced, but hepatitis C is still a main hazard. Further preventive measures including nucleic acid testing, voluntary donation and stringent donor selection will be required for reducing TTI in ß-thalassaemics.

Ilaj bil hijamah (cupping therapy) in the Unani system of medicine: anecdotal practice to evidence based therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cupping (Hijamah) therapy is very well documented as a result of several thousand years of clinical experiences in Unani medicine. In this procedure, suction is created by various means either with or without bloodletting. Though this therapy is being widely practiced across the globe for treating many chronic and intractable ailments but many reports reveal its unscientific and improper practices which results in many complications. Therefore to develop standard operative procedures and to propose protocols of cupping therapy in various diseases is the need of hour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thorough literature review of relevant journals and textbooks was performed to gather the maximum available data on cupping therapy. CONCLUSION: This paper seeks to introduce the general concepts of cupping therapy in Unani medicine and other traditional systems of medicine, shortcomings and limitations of the currently published studies and suggest ways to improve these technical/methodological flaws. In addition, the authors have also attempted to provide the cupping related materials, hypotheses, observations which will provide the researchers the base for evaluating their usefulness in future clinical trials.

Primary care referral practice, variability and socio-economic deprivation in colorectal cancer.

AIM: The reasons for pre-hospital delay of the diagnosis of cancer are multifactorial, but include a physician-related component. Urgent cancer pathways and direct-to-test approaches have been implemented, but the emergency presentation of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains little changed over recent years. We examined the variability between primary care providers in referral patterns and its effect on outcome. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was performed of a prospectively maintained database for 2009-2014 in a UK district hospital providing bowel cancer screening and tertiary rectal cancer services. RESULTS: Of 1145 CRC patients, 937 (81.8%) were diagnosed with a symptomatic cancer; 229/937 (24.4%) initially presented as an emergency. Between 44 primary care providers, emergency presentation varied between 8.3% and 57.1%. Patients of providers with high levels of emergency presentations (HV) had more advanced cancers than those of providers with medium (MV) or low levels (LV) [103/253 (40.7%), 154/461 (33.4%), 65/223 (29.1%); P = 0.025] and a lower 3-year overall survival (50.2%, 57.8%, 65.6%; P = 0.013), but with no difference in case-mix or deprivation levels. In adjusted analysis, this difference remained significant (advanced disease, OR 1.663, P = 0.011; 3-year hazard ratio 1.479, P = 0.010; comparing HV with LV). Conversely, elective suspected cancer referrals were less often used amongst diagnosed cancers [LV 136/223 (61.0%), MV 228/461 (49.5%), HV 114/253 (45.1%), P < 0.001] with limited evidence for a more selective approach in the use of the 2-week rule amongst all 2-week rule referrals [LV 136/2508 (5.4%); MV 228/4239 (5.4%); HV 115/1526 (7.8%); positive cancer diagnosis, P = 0.005]. CONCLUSION: Significant variability in emergency presentation of CRC requires local audit and examination of the reasons for delay in diagnosis and targeted measures to improve performance in non-emergency referral pathways.

Unabsorbed dura patch removed eight years after pituitary surgery.

The Codman ETHISORB Dura Patch is a synthetic, absorbable material whose absorption is complete within approximately 90 days. We report the first case of an unabsorbed Codman Dura patch, in which a patient was presented with nasal obstruction and epistaxis 8 years after pituitary surgery for Cushing's disease.

Unani treatment and leech therapy saved the diabetic foot of a patient from amputation.

Every 30 seconds, a lower limb amputation is carried out due to diabetes throughout the world. The mortality rate due to diabetic foot gangrene is just next to that of cancer. As tissue death cannot be reversed, surgical removal of the affected tissue (debridement) or amputation of the limb is the only treatment option left when gangrene has advanced. The present case study illustrates an option to treat poorly healing diabetic wounds with Unani medicine (blood purifier and deobstruent) besides hirudotherapy. The study was performed on a 60-year-old woman suffering from diabetic foot (on the left) grade 5 and facing the prospect of imminent amputation. The patient was having severe pain (80 mm on a 100 mm visual analogue scale) in the gangrenous foot and foul-smelling with necrosed areas. Wound dressing was done with unripe papaya as it has a very good role in clearing necrotising area and hirudotherapy was also used in poorly healing wounds. The pain score decreased to 0-10 mm on a 100 mm visual analogue scale within 20 days and no further pain relieving medication was required. Over a time interval of nearly 3·5 months, necrotic areas disappeared and the wound was completely healed.

Rapid RP-HPLC method for the quantification of glabridin in crude drug and in polyherbal formulation.

A simple, economic, selective, precise and robust method has been developed and validated for the analysis of glabridin in crude drugs and polyherbal formulations. Reversed-phase chromatography is performed on a C18 column with water and acetonitrile as mobile phase in gradient elution method at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Detection is performed at 230 nm and a sharp peak is obtained for glabridin at a retention time of 14.9 ± 0.02 min. Linear regression analysis data for the calibration plot showed a good linear relationship between response and concentration in the range of 1-500 µg/mL; the regression coefficient is 0.9992 and the linear regression equation is y = 26.683x - 142.17. The method is validated for accuracy, precision, reproducibility, robustness and detection and quantification limits, in accordance with International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Statistical analysis proved that the method is precise, reproducible, selective and accurate for the analysis of glabridin. The proposed, developed and validated high-performance liquid chromatography method for the quantification of glabridin can be used for the quality control and standardization of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) and different herbal formulations in which licorice is present as a constituent.

Development and validation of HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of piperine and guggulsterones in compound Unani formulation (tablets) and a nanoreservoir system.

An attempt has been made to develop and validate a simultaneous HPLC method for novel approach of drug release via oil-in-water (o/w) nanoemulsion formulation and Habb-e-Khardal Unani tablet containing piperine and guggul sterones E and Z as main ingredients. Nanoemulsion was prepared by titration method using sefsol-218 as an oily phase, cremophor-EL as a surfactant, transcutol as a co-surfactant and distilled water as an aqueous phase. The formulation was optimized on the basis of thermodynamic stability and dispersibilty test. The nanoformulation was evaluated for particle size, surface morphology, electrical conductivity and viscosity determination. The in vitro dissolution was carried out by dialysis bag method. Drugs were quantified using an HPLC method developed in-house with a C(18) column as stationary phase and acetonitrile and water as mobile phase at λ(max) of 240 nm. The optimized formulation showed higher drug release, lower droplet size and less viscosity as compared with the conventional Habb-e-Khardal Unani tablet. The present study illustrated the potential of nanoemulsion dosage form in improving biopharmaceutic performance of piperine and guggul sterone. The HPLC method was also found to be quite sufficient for the routine quality control of formulations containing piperine and guggul sterone E and Z as ingredients and also for in vitro drug release studies.

Incidence, trends and morphology of ovarian cancer in Karachi (1995-2002).

INTRODUCTION: Cancer ovary is the third most common malignancy diagnosed in women in Karachi, a moderate to high risk region for the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and thirty seven cases of ovarian cancer registered at the Karachi Cancer Registry for the years 1995-2002 were reviewed. RESULTS: The age- standardized incidence rate (ASR) world per 100,000, crude incidence rate per 100,000 (CIR) and frequency of ovarian malignancies in 1995-1997 were 10.9, 5.9 and 6.2% respectively. Corresponding figures for 1998-2002 were 8.1, 5.1 and 4.8%. The mean age at presentation in 1995-1997 was 45.7 years (95%CI 42.9, 48.4; SD∓15.9), range 95 (3 to 98) years and in 1998-2002 it was 45.0 years (95%CI 42.8, 47.3; SD±16.1), range 79 (3 to 82) years. Eleven (3.3%) cases of childhood cancers, 13 (3.9%) adolescent cases, 126 (37.4%) reproductive age (20-44 years) and 187 (55.5%) cases in the 45+ age group were registered. Epithelial malignancies were the most common cancers above the age of 20 years (78.4%), the commonest amongst these was serous adenocarcinoma (33.3%). Germ cell tumors were more common (5.6%) in children and adolescents. Microscopic confirmation was 99.0%. Presentation was of a moderately differentiated (grade 2) malignancy with a regional or distant spread of disease in three fourths of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of cancer ovary, though stable in Karachi, involves a relatively younger age group with a strong family history in a fourth of the cases. The disease presents at an advanced stage. An ageing population over time may translate into a higher incidence of ovarian cancer. The current incidence of cancer ovary in Karachi is an enigma and belies reproductive protective factors. Studies focused on the genetic risk factors in this population are recommended.

Morphological control of porous SiC templated by As-synthesized form of mesoporous silica.

Porous silicon carbide with fiber like morphology was successfully prepared via a hard templating approach using as-synthesized form of mesoporous silica SBA-15 as template and sucrose as carbon precursor. The obtained materials have been characterized by various sophisticated techniques such as XRD, nitrogen adsorption, HRTEM, HRSEM, FT-IR and TGA. The XRD and the nitrogen adsorption results revealed that the materials are highly crystalline and exhibit porous structure with excellent textural characteristics. It has been demonstrated that the morphology of the materials can be finely controlled from rod shaped morphology to fiber like nanostructures by the simple adjustment of the reaction time from 5 to 12 h at the reaction temperature of 1300 degrees C. The reaction time of 12 h at 1300 degrees C was found to be the best condition to obtain highly crystalline nanofiber like morphology. The obtained materials display beautiful nanofiber morphology which has the diameter of 20 to 60 nm and a length of 7 to 10 microm which is much longer than the previously reported SiC nanofibers.

Second-hand smoke in indoor hospitality venues in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Second-hand smoke (SHS) constitutes a significant public health threat in countries with a high smoking prevalence. However, data assessing the quality of indoor air at public venues in Pakistan are limited. OBJECTIVES: To measure mean concentrations of PM(2.5) (particulate matter ≤2.5 microns in diameter), a sensitive indicator of SHS, in hospitality venues in Pakistan. SETTING AND DESIGN: Data were collected discreetly from 39 indoor venues such as cafes, restaurants and shisha (water-pipe) bars from three major cities in Pakistan. Data were recorded using a portable air quality monitoring device. RESULTS: The overall mean PM(2.5) value for the visited venues was 846 µg/m(3) (95%CI 484-1205). The mean PM(2.5) value was 101 µg/m(3) (95%CI 69-135 µg/m(3)) for non-smoking venues, 689 µg/m(3) (95%CI 241-1138) for cigarette smoking venues and 1745 µg/m(3) (95%CI 925-2565) for shisha smoking venues. CONCLUSION: The significant levels of SHS recorded in this study, in particular from shisha smoking venues, could represent a major public health burden in Pakistan. Appropriate legislation needs to be enforced to protect the health of those exposed to the hazards of second-hand tobacco smoke.

A systematic overview of the medicinal importance of sanguivorous leeches.

Leeches are a class of segmented invertebrates, known for their blood-feeding habits and used in phlebotomy to treat various ailments since antiquity. In Europe, medicinal leeches have recently been rediscovered and are used by maxillofacial and other microsurgeons to aid salvage of compromised venous engorged tissue and amputations, such as digits, ears, and nasal tips. Because of their important salivary components, blood-sucking (sanguivorous) leeches, such as Hirudo medicinalis and related species, have engendered great interest from pharmaceutical companies searching for anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting during microsurgeries. Scientific research reveals that the beneficial effects of leeching, in addition to decongestion, include injection of a cocktail of several medicinally useful bioactive molecules present in their saliva. Owing to its therapeutic potential, the research is continuing as many new salivary compounds are being isolated and synthesized.

Iron oxide nanoparticles embedded onto 3D mesochannels of KIT-6 with different pore diameters and their excellent magnetic properties.

Here, we report the results of our detailed study on the fabrication of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles confined in mesoporous silica KIT-6 with a 3D structure and large, tunable pore diameters. It was confirmed by XRD, nitrogen adsorption, high-resolution (HR) TEM, and magnetic measurements that highly dispersed iron oxide nanoparticles are occupied inside the mesochannels of KIT-6. We also demonstrated that the size of the iron oxide nanoparticle can be controlled by simply changing the pore diameter of the KIT-6 and the weight percentage of the iron oxide nanoparticles. The effect of the weight percentage and size of the iron oxide nanoparticles, and the textural parameters of the support on the magnetic properties of iron oxide/KIT-6 has been demonstrated. The magnetization increases with decreasing iron content in the pore channels of KIT-6, whereas coercivity decreases for the same samples. Among the KIT-6 materials studied, KIT-6 with 7.5 wt % of iron showed the highest saturation magnetic moment and magnetic remanence. However, all the samples register a coercivity of around 2000 Oe, which is generally observed for the hard magnetic materials. In addition, we have found a paramagnetic-to-superparamagnetic transition at low temperature for samples with different iron content at low temperature. The cause for this exciting transition is also discussed in detail. Magnetic properties of the iron oxide loaded KIT-6 were also compared with pure iron oxide and iron oxide loaded over SBA-15. It was found that iron oxide loaded KIT-6 showed the highest magnetization due to its 3D structure and large pore volume. The pore diameter of the iron oxide loaded KIT-6 support also plays a critical role in controlling the magnetization and the blocking temperature, which has a direct relation to the particle diameter and increases from 48 to 63 K with an increase in the pore diameter of the support from 8 to 11.3 nm.