An estimation of optimum dietary concentration of soy bean meal for carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirhinus mrigala)

Abstract Soybean meal is an inexpensive plant origin protein which has been used in practical diets as a replacement of animal protein such as fish meal or chicken meal, due to the uneconomical price of animal protein diets. Consequently, a research study was conducted on some commercial species of Indian major carps i.e. Catla (Cattla cattla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mrigala (Cirhinus mrigala) (Hamilton, 1822) to estimate optimum dietary protein requirement of soy bean meal in diet in an intensive polyculture. Three different diets (SBM I, SBM II and SBM III) were formulated by 80%, 50% and 20% replacement of fish meal with soybean meal from a 45% fish meal diet (control).Highest monthly mean weight gain was obtained by SBM II (with 35% CP and about 50% substitution of fish meal), while SBM III (45% Crude Protein and about 20% substitution of fish meal) was stood second. All tested diets respond enormously by producing high yield as compare to control diet, though SBM II generated highest yield among all. On the bases of the following research, it was revealed that the SBM can surrogate even50% fish meal without any augmentation of other amino acids in the diet of Indian major carps.

Resumo O farelo de soja é uma proteína de origem vegetal de baixo custo que tem sido usada em dietas práticas como um substituto da proteína animal, como farinha de peixe ou farinha de frango, devido ao preço não econômico das dietas com proteína animal. Consequentemente, um estudo/pesquisa foi realizado com algumas espécies comerciais de carpas principais indianas, ou seja, Catla (Cattla cattla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) e Mrigala (Cirhinus mrigala) (Hamilton, 1822), para estimar a necessidade ideal de proteína dietética de farelo de soja na dieta em uma policultura intensiva. Três dietas diferentes (SBM I, SBM II e SBM III) foram formuladas por 80%, 50% e 20% de substituição de farinha de peixe por farelo de soja de uma dieta de 45% de farinha de peixe (controle). O maior ganho de peso médio mensal foi obtido por SBM II (com 35% PB e cerca de 50% de substituição de farinha de peixe), enquanto SBM III (45% de proteína bruta e cerca de 20% de substituição de farinha de peixe) ficou em segundo lugar. Todas as dietas testadas respondem enormemente produzindo alto rendimento em comparação com a dieta controle, embora SBM II tenha gerado o maior rendimento entre todas. Com base na pesquisa a seguir, foi revelado que o SBM pode substituir até 50% da farinha de peixe sem qualquer aumento de outros aminoácidos na dieta das carpas principais indianas.

Effect of biosal®, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin on the activity of GOT, GPT and total protein contents in two fodder pests Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi

Abstract The assessment of the comparative effect of biosal (phytopesticide), deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin (pyrethroids) were made against two fodder pests, Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi by filter paper impregnation method. The activity of total protein contents, GPT (glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) and GOT (glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase) were affected in Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda cyhalothrin. The activity of total protein contents in H. modestus was 31.053%, 4.607%, and 24.575%, against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The activity of total protein contents was observed as 24.202%, 15.25%, and 56.036% against deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and biosal, respectively in H. ocimumi. The activity of GOT was observed as 98.675% for biosal 33.95% for deltamethrin and 83.619% for lambda-cyhalothrin in H. modestus. The GOT activity was estimated in H. ocimumi as 78.831%, 47.645%, and 71.287% against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The efficacy of GPT enzyme against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin was calculated as 89.26%, 73.07%, and 47.58%, respectively in H. modestus. The H. ocimumi showed GPT activity as 77.58% for biosal, 68.84% for deltamethrin, and 52.67% for lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively.

Resumo A avaliação do efeito comparativo do biosal (fitopesticida), deltametrina e lambda-cialotrina (piretróides) foi feita contra duas pragas forrageiras, Hermolaus modestus e Hermolaus ocimumi, pelo método de impregnação com papel de filtro. A atividade do conteúdo de proteína total, GPT (transaminase glutâmico-pirúvica) e GOT (oxaloacetato transaminase glutâmico) foram afetados em Hermolaus modestus e Hermolaus ocimumi contra biosal, deltametrina e lambda cialotrina. A atividade do conteúdo de proteína total em H. modestus foi 31.053%, 4.607% e 24.575%, contra biosal, deltametrina e lambda-cialotrina, respectivamente. A atividade do conteúdo de proteína total foi observada como 24.202%, 15.25% e 56,036% contra deltametrina, lambda-cialotrina e biosal, respectivamente em H. ocimumi. A atividade do GOT foi observada em 98.675% para o biosal, 33,95% para a deltametrina e 83.619% para a lambda-cialotrina em H. modestus. A atividade do GOT foi estimada em H. ocimumi como 78.831%, 47.645% e 71.287% contra biosal, deltametrina e lambda-cialotrina, respectivamente. A eficácia da enzima GPT contra biosal, deltametrina e lambda-cialotrina foi calculada como 89.26%, 73.07% e 47.58%, respectivamente em H. modestus. A H. ocimumi apresentou atividade GPT de 77.58% para biosal, 68.84% para deltametrina e 52.67% para lambda-cialotrina, respectivamente.

Association of blood groups/Rh and diabetes mellitus in Karachi city, Pakistan

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to find out a possible association between ABO blood groups or Rh and diabetes mellitus (DM) in the local population of eight (8) different towns of Karachi, Pakistan. For this purpose a survey was carried out in Karachi to have a practical observation of these towns during the period of 9 months from June 2019 to Feb. 2020. Out of eighteen (18) towns of Karachi, samples (N= 584) were collected from only eight (8) Towns of Karachi and gave a code-number to each town. Diabetic group sample was (n1=432) & pre-diabetes sample was (n2 =152). A standard Abbot Company Glucometer for Random Blood Sugar (RBS) and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) tests, standard blood anti sera were used for ABO/Rh blood type. Health assessment techniques were performed ethically by taking informed consent from all registered subjects. Finally data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. In our current study, the comparison of ABO blood groups frequencies between diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals were carried out. The percentage values of blood Group-B as given as: (32% in DM vs. 31% in pre-diabetics), followed by blood Group-O as: (18% in DM vs. 11% in pre-diabetics). Contrary to Group-B & O, blood Group-A and Group-AB were distribution percentage higher pre-diabetic as compared to DM patients, as given as: Group-A (32% in pre-diabetics vs. 26% in DM) & Group-AB (26% in pre-diabetics vs. 24% in diabetics patients). In addition, percentage distribution of Rh system was also calculated, in which Rh+ve Group was high and more common in DM patients as compared to pre-diabetics; numerically given as: Rh+ve Group (80% in DM vs. 72% in pre-diabetics). Different views and dimensions of the research topic were studied through literature support, some have found no any association and some established a positive association still some were not clear in making a solid conclusion. It is concluded that DM has a positive correlation with ABO blood groups, and people with Group-B have increased susceptibility to DM disease.

Resumo O objetivo principal deste estudo foi descobrir uma possível associação entre grupos sanguíneos ABO ou Rh e diabetes mellitus (DM) na população local de oito (8) diferentes cidades de Karachi, Paquistão. Para tanto, foi realizado um levantamento em Karachi para observação prática dessas cidades durante o período de 9 meses de junho de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020.De dezoito (18) cidades de Karachi, as amostras (N = 584) foram coletadas de apenas oito (8) cidades de Karachi e deram um número-código para cada cidade. A amostra do grupo de diabéticos foi (n1 = 432) e a amostra de pré-diabetes foi (n2 = 152). Um glicômetro padrão da Abbot Company para testes de açúcar no sangue aleatório (RBS) e açúcar no sangue em jejum (FBS), antissoros de sangue padrão foram usados para o tipo de sangue ABO / Rh. As técnicas de avaliação de saúde foram realizadas de forma ética, tomando o consentimento informado de todos os indivíduos registrados. Finalmente, os dados foram analisados pelo SPSS versão 20.0.No presente estudo, foi realizada a comparação das frequências dos grupos sanguíneos ABO entre diabéticos e pré-diabéticos. Os valores percentuais do sangue do Grupo-B são dados como: (32% em DM vs. 31% em pré-diabéticos), seguido pelo sangue do Grupo-O como: (18% em DM vs. 11% em pré-diabéticos). Ao contrário dos Grupos B e O, sangue do Grupo-A e Grupo-AB tiveram distribuição percentual maior de pré-diabéticos em comparação com pacientes com DM, dado como: Grupo-A (32% em pré-diabéticos vs. 26% em DM) e Grupo AB (26% em pré-diabéticos vs. 24% em pacientes diabéticos). Além disso, também foi calculada a distribuição percentual do sistema Rh, no qual o Grupo Rh + ve foi elevado e mais comum em pacientes com DM em comparação aos pré-diabéticos; dados numericamente como: Grupo Rh + ve (80% em DM vs. 72% em pré-diabéticos). Diferentes visões e dimensões do tema de pesquisa foram estudadas com o suporte da literatura, alguns não encontraram nenhuma associação e alguns estabeleceram uma associação positiva, embora alguns não estivessem claros em fazer uma conclusão sólida. Conclui-se que o DM tem correlação positiva com os grupos sanguíneos ABO, e as pessoas com o Grupo B têm maior suscetibilidade à doença DM.

Evaluation of different Starch Binders on physical quality of fish feed pellets

Abstract Binders are the products that are used to bind, glue or hold the various feed ingredients together in order to maintain pellet integrity. For aqua-culturists, feed manufacturing is an expensive exercise due to the high cost of ingredients along with traditional artificial binders. The use of grain starches as aqua feed binders have advantages which include availability of that binder, nutritional contribution, and minimization of feed cost. A research trial was conducted to test physical properties such as palatability, water stability, dustiness, friability, settling velocity and floatation time of locally available starch i.e. wheat gluten, pea starch and guar gum and to assist their incorporation in on-farm aqua feed. Results revealed that among these three starch, the starch from pea source was proved superior over other two (wheat gluten and guar gum) as all physical quality parameters (dustiness, water stability and friability) revealed better performance of pea starch except pelletability in which guar gum performed best. Although not a single diet proved best in case of flotation time (Tf) and settling velocity (Vset) at varying lengths (6mm, 9mm and 12 mm). This finding indicates the significance of suitable binders for optimal water pollution and sustainable aquaculture. The use of these binders i.e. wheat gluten, pea starch and guar gum in fish feed pellets may also reduce dependence on synthetic binders and minimizes cost.

Resumo Aglutinantes são produtos usados para unir, colar ou manter juntos os vários ingredientes da ração, a fim de conservar a integridade do pellet. Para os aquicultores, a fabricação de ração é uma atividade difícil e cara por causa do alto preço dos aglutinantes artificiais tradicionais. O uso de amidos de grãos como aglutinantes de rações aquáticas tem vantagens que incluem acessibilidade, disponibilidade, contribuição nutricional e minimização do custo da ração. Um ensaio de pesquisa foi conduzido para testar propriedades físicas, como palatabilidade, estabilidade em água, pulverulência, friabilidade, velocidade de sedimentação e tempo de flutuação de amido disponível localmente, ou seja, glúten de trigo, amido de ervilha e goma de guar, e para auxiliar sua incorporação em rações aquáticas. Os resultados revelaram que, entre esses três amidos, o amido de ervilha se mostrou superior aos outros dois (glúten de trigo e goma de guar), pois todos os parâmetros de qualidade física (pulverulência, estabilidade da água e friabilidade) obtiveram melhor desempenho, exceto peletabilidade, em que a goma de guar se destacou. Nenhuma dieta se mostrou melhor no caso de tempo de flotação (Tf) e velocidade de sedimentação em comprimentos variados (6 mm, 9 mm e 12 mm). Essa descoberta indica a importância de aglutinantes adequados para a poluição ótima da água e a aquicultura sustentável. O uso desses aglutinantes, ou seja, glúten de trigo, amido de ervilha e goma de guar, em pellets de ração para peixes também pode reduzir a dependência de aglutinantes sintéticos e minimizar o custo.

An estimation of optimum dietary concentration of soy bean meal for carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirhinus mrigala) / Uma estimativa da concentração dietética ideal de farinha de soja para carpas (Catla catla, Labeo rohita e Cirhinus mrigala)

Abstract Soybean meal is an inexpensive plant origin protein which has been used in practical diets as a replacement of animal protein such as fish meal or chicken meal, due to the uneconomical price of animal protein diets. Consequently, a research study was conducted on some commercial species of Indian major carps i.e. Catla (Cattla cattla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mrigala (Cirhinus mrigala) (Hamilton, 1822) to estimate optimum dietary protein requirement of soy bean meal in diet in an intensive polyculture. Three different diets (SBM I, SBM II and SBM III) were formulated by 80%, 50% and 20% replacement of fish meal with soybean meal from a 45% fish meal diet (control).Highest monthly mean weight gain was obtained by SBM II (with 35% CP and about 50% substitution of fish meal), while SBM III (45% Crude Protein and about 20% substitution of fish meal) was stood second. All tested diets respond enormously by producing high yield as compare to control diet, though SBM II generated highest yield among all. On the bases of the following research, it was revealed that the SBM can surrogate even50% fish meal without any augmentation of other amino acids in the diet of Indian major carps.

Resumo O farelo de soja é uma proteína de origem vegetal de baixo custo que tem sido usada em dietas práticas como um substituto da proteína animal, como farinha de peixe ou farinha de frango, devido ao preço não econômico das dietas com proteína animal. Consequentemente, um estudo/pesquisa foi realizado com algumas espécies comerciais de carpas principais indianas, ou seja, Catla (Cattla cattla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) e Mrigala (Cirhinus mrigala) (Hamilton, 1822), para estimar a necessidade ideal de proteína dietética de farelo de soja na dieta em uma policultura intensiva. Três dietas diferentes (SBM I, SBM II e SBM III) foram formuladas por 80%, 50% e 20% de substituição de farinha de peixe por farelo de soja de uma dieta de 45% de farinha de peixe (controle). O maior ganho de peso médio mensal foi obtido por SBM II (com 35% PB e cerca de 50% de substituição de farinha de peixe), enquanto SBM III (45% de proteína bruta e cerca de 20% de substituição de farinha de peixe) ficou em segundo lugar. Todas as dietas testadas respondem enormemente produzindo alto rendimento em comparação com a dieta controle, embora SBM II tenha gerado o maior rendimento entre todas. Com base na pesquisa a seguir, foi revelado que o SBM pode substituir até 50% da farinha de peixe sem qualquer aumento de outros aminoácidos na dieta das carpas principais indianas.

Effect of biosal®, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin on the activity of GOT, GPT and total protein contents in two fodder pests Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi / Efeito do biosal®, deltametrina e lambda-cialotrina na atividade do GOT, GPT e conteúdo de proteína total em duas pragas forrageiras Hermolaus modestus e Hermolaus ocimumi

Abstract The assessment of the comparative effect of biosal (phytopesticide), deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin (pyrethroids) were made against two fodder pests, Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi by filter paper impregnation method. The activity of total protein contents, GPT (glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) and GOT (glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase) were affected in Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda cyhalothrin. The activity of total protein contents in H. modestus was 31.053%, 4.607%, and 24.575%, against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The activity of total protein contents was observed as 24.202%, 15.25%, and 56.036% against deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and biosal, respectively in H. ocimumi. The activity of GOT was observed as 98.675% for biosal 33.95% for deltamethrin and 83.619% for lambda-cyhalothrin in H. modestus. The GOT activity was estimated in H. ocimumi as 78.831%, 47.645%, and 71.287% against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The efficacy of GPT enzyme against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin was calculated as 89.26%, 73.07%, and 47.58%, respectively in H. modestus. The H. ocimumi showed GPT activity as 77.58% for biosal, 68.84% for deltamethrin, and 52.67% for lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively.

Resumo A avaliação do efeito comparativo do biosal (fitopesticida), deltametrina e lambda-cialotrina (piretróides) foi feita contra duas pragas forrageiras, Hermolaus modestus e Hermolaus ocimumi, pelo método de impregnação com papel de filtro. A atividade do conteúdo de proteína total, GPT (transaminase glutâmico-pirúvica) e GOT (oxaloacetato transaminase glutâmico) foram afetados em Hermolaus modestus e Hermolaus ocimumi contra biosal, deltametrina e lambda cialotrina. A atividade do conteúdo de proteína total em H. modestus foi 31.053%, 4.607% e 24.575%, contra biosal, deltametrina e lambda-cialotrina, respectivamente. A atividade do conteúdo de proteína total foi observada como 24.202%, 15.25% e 56,036% contra deltametrina, lambda-cialotrina e biosal, respectivamente em H. ocimumi. A atividade do GOT foi observada em 98.675% para o biosal, 33,95% para a deltametrina e 83.619% para a lambda-cialotrina em H. modestus. A atividade do GOT foi estimada em H. ocimumi como 78.831%, 47.645% e 71.287% contra biosal, deltametrina e lambda-cialotrina, respectivamente. A eficácia da enzima GPT contra biosal, deltametrina e lambda-cialotrina foi calculada como 89.26%, 73.07% e 47.58%, respectivamente em H. modestus. A H. ocimumi apresentou atividade GPT de 77.58% para biosal, 68.84% para deltametrina e 52.67% para lambda-cialotrina, respectivamente.

Association of blood groups/Rh and diabetes mellitus in Karachi city, Pakistan / Associação de grupos sanguíneos/Rh e diabetes mellitus na cidade de Karchi, Paquistão

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to find out a possible association between ABO blood groups or Rh and diabetes mellitus (DM) in the local population of eight (8) different towns of Karachi, Pakistan. For this purpose a survey was carried out in Karachi to have a practical observation of these towns during the period of 9 months from June 2019 to Feb. 2020. Out of eighteen (18) towns of Karachi, samples (N= 584) were collected from only eight (8) Towns of Karachi and gave a code-number to each town. Diabetic group sample was (n1=432) & pre-diabetes sample was (n2 =152). A standard Abbot Company Glucometer for Random Blood Sugar (RBS) and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) tests, standard blood anti sera were used for ABO/Rh blood type. Health assessment techniques were performed ethically by taking informed consent from all registered subjects. Finally data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. In our current study, the comparison of ABO blood groups frequencies between diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals were carried out. The percentage values of blood Group-B as given as: (32% in DM vs. 31% in pre-diabetics), followed by blood Group-O as: (18% in DM vs. 11% in pre-diabetics). Contrary to Group-"B" & "O", blood Group-A and Group-AB were distribution percentage higher pre-diabetic as compared to DM patients, as given as: Group-A (32% in pre-diabetics vs. 26% in DM) & Group-AB (26% in pre-diabetics vs. 24% in diabetic's patients). In addition, percentage distribution of Rh system was also calculated, in which Rh+ve Group was high and more common in DM patients as compared to pre-diabetics; numerically given as: Rh+ve Group (80% in DM vs. 72% in pre-diabetics). Different views and dimensions of the research topic were studied through literature support, some have found no any association and some established a positive association still some were not clear in making a solid conclusion. It is concluded that DM has a positive correlation with ABO blood groups, and people with Group-B have increased susceptibility to DM disease.

Resumo O objetivo principal deste estudo foi descobrir uma possível associação entre grupos sanguíneos ABO ou Rh e diabetes mellitus (DM) na população local de oito (8) diferentes cidades de Karachi, Paquistão. Para tanto, foi realizado um levantamento em Karachi para observação prática dessas cidades durante o período de 9 meses de junho de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020.De dezoito (18) cidades de Karachi, as amostras (N = 584) foram coletadas de apenas oito (8) cidades de Karachi e deram um número-código para cada cidade. A amostra do grupo de diabéticos foi (n1 = 432) e a amostra de pré-diabetes foi (n2 = 152). Um glicômetro padrão da Abbot Company para testes de açúcar no sangue aleatório (RBS) e açúcar no sangue em jejum (FBS), antissoros de sangue padrão foram usados ​​para o tipo de sangue ABO / Rh. As técnicas de avaliação de saúde foram realizadas de forma ética, tomando o consentimento informado de todos os indivíduos registrados. Finalmente, os dados foram analisados ​​pelo SPSS versão 20.0.No presente estudo, foi realizada a comparação das frequências dos grupos sanguíneos ABO entre diabéticos e pré-diabéticos. Os valores percentuais do sangue do Grupo-B são dados como: (32% em DM vs. 31% em pré-diabéticos), seguido pelo sangue do Grupo-O como: (18% em DM vs. 11% em pré-diabéticos). Ao contrário dos Grupos "B" e "O", sangue do Grupo-A e Grupo-AB tiveram distribuição percentual maior de pré-diabéticos em comparação com pacientes com DM, dado como: Grupo-A (32% em pré-diabéticos vs. 26% em DM) e Grupo AB (26% em pré-diabéticos vs. 24% em pacientes diabéticos). Além disso, também foi calculada a distribuição percentual do sistema Rh, no qual o Grupo Rh + ve foi elevado e mais comum em pacientes com DM em comparação aos pré-diabéticos; dados numericamente como: Grupo Rh + ve (80% em DM vs. 72% em pré-diabéticos). Diferentes visões e dimensões do tema de pesquisa foram estudadas com o suporte da literatura, alguns não encontraram nenhuma associação e alguns estabeleceram uma associação positiva, embora alguns não estivessem claros em fazer uma conclusão sólida. Conclui-se que o DM tem correlação positiva com os grupos sanguíneos ABO, e as pessoas com o Grupo B têm maior suscetibilidade à doença DM.

Evaluation of different Starch Binders on physical quality of fish feed pellets / Avaliação de diferentes aglutinantes de amido na qualidade física de rações para peixes

Binders are the products that are used to bind, glue or hold the various feed ingredients together in order to maintain pellet integrity. For aqua-culturists, feed manufacturing is an expensive exercise due to the high cost of ingredients along with traditional artificial binders. The use of grain starches as aqua feed binders have advantages which include availability of that binder, nutritional contribution, and minimization of feed cost. A research trial was conducted to test physical properties such as palatability, water stability, dustiness, friability, settling velocity and floatation time of locally available starch i.e. wheat gluten, pea starch and guar gum and to assist their incorporation in on-farm aqua feed. Results revealed that among these three starch, the starch from pea source was proved superior over other two (wheat gluten and guar gum) as all physical quality parameters (dustiness, water stability and friability) revealed better performance of pea starch except pelletability in which guar gum performed best. Although not a single diet proved best in case of flotation time (Tf) and settling velocity (Vset) at varying lengths (6mm, 9mm and 12 mm). This finding indicates the significance of suitable binders for optimal water pollution and sustainable aquaculture. The use of these binders i.e. wheat gluten, pea starch and guar gum in fish feed pellets may also reduce dependence on synthetic binders and minimizes cost.

Aglutinantes são produtos usados para unir, colar ou manter juntos os vários ingredientes da ração, a fim de conservar a integridade do pellet. Para os aquicultores, a fabricação de ração é uma atividade difícil e cara por causa do alto preço dos aglutinantes artificiais tradicionais. O uso de amidos de grãos como aglutinantes de rações aquáticas tem vantagens que incluem acessibilidade, disponibilidade, contribuição nutricional e minimização do custo da ração. Um ensaio de pesquisa foi conduzido para testar propriedades físicas, como palatabilidade, estabilidade em água, pulverulência, friabilidade, velocidade de sedimentação e tempo de flutuação de amido disponível localmente, ou seja, glúten de trigo, amido de ervilha e goma de guar, e para auxiliar sua incorporação em rações aquáticas. Os resultados revelaram que, entre esses três amidos, o amido de ervilha se mostrou superior aos outros dois (glúten de trigo e goma de guar), pois todos os parâmetros de qualidade física (pulverulência, estabilidade da água e friabilidade) obtiveram melhor desempenho, exceto peletabilidade, em que a goma de guar se destacou. Nenhuma dieta se mostrou melhor no caso de tempo de flotação (Tf) e velocidade de sedimentação em comprimentos variados (6 mm, 9 mm e 12 mm). Essa descoberta indica a importância de aglutinantes adequados para a poluição ótima da água e a aquicultura sustentável. O uso desses aglutinantes, ou seja, glúten de trigo, amido de ervilha e goma de guar, em pellets de ração para peixes também pode reduzir a dependência de aglutinantes sintéticos e minimizar o custo.

Cation-Disorder Engineering Promotes Efficient Charge-Carrier Transport in AgBiS2 Nanocrystal Films.

Efficient charge-carrier transport is critical to the success of emergent semiconductors in photovoltaic applications. So far, disorder has been considered detrimental for charge-carrier transport, lowering mobilities and causing fast recombination. This work demonstrates that, when properly engineered, cation disorder in a multinary chalcogenide semiconductor can considerably enhance the charge-carrier mobility and extend the charge-carrier lifetime. Here, the properties of AgBiS2 nanocrystals (NCs) are explored where Ag and Bi cation-ordering can be modified via thermal-annealing. Local Ag-rich and Bi-rich domains formed during hot-injection synthesis are transformed to induce homogeneous disorder (random Ag-Bi distribution). Such cation engineering results in a six-fold increase in the charge-carrier mobility, reaching ∼2.7 cm2 V-1 s-1 in AgBiS2 NC thin films. It is further demonstrated that homogeneous cation disorder reduces charge-carrier localisation, a hallmark of charge-carrier transport recently observed in silver-bismuth semiconductors. This work proposes that cation-disorder engineering flattens the disordered electronic landscape, removing tail states that would otherwise exacerbate Anderson localisation of small polaronic states. Together, these findings unravel how cation-disorder engineering in multinary semiconductors can enhance the efficiency of renewable energy applications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Assessment of children's physical fitness and school health in the province of San Luis, Argentina. / Evaluación de la condición física y salud escolar en niños y niñas de la provincia de San Luis, Argentina.

Introduction. The assessment of physical fitness (PF), is useful strategy to know the current status of schoolchildren. Our primary objective was to measure the current health status and PF levels of schoolchildren in San Luis and to develop PF reference tables. Population and methods. Schoolchildren aged 9 to 12 years (boys and girls) were assessed based on 2 health indicators: body mass index and blood pressure. PF was measured using the ALPHA-Fitness test battery. Blood pressure, body mass, height, foot and hand length, standing long jump, 30 m sprint, 4 × 10 m agility test, and 20 m shuttle run test were assessed. The body mass index (BMI) and biological maturation were estimated. Results. A total of 15 548 schoolchildren were assessed. Average systolic blood pressure was 101 ± 10 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure, 66 ± 7 mmHg; BMI: 20.2 ± 4.3 kg/m 2 . Average PF was, in the cardiorespiratory component, VO2 max.: 39.87 ± 3.2 mL/kg/min and speed reached during the 20 m shuttle run test: 8.9 ± 0.6 km/h; in the musculoskeletal component, standing long jump: 120.6 ± 23.9 cm, 30 m sprint: 6.56 ± 0.85 s, 4 × 10 m agility test: 15.17 ± 1.82 s. The performance was better in the boys group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Blood pressure was normal. Fifty percent of the sample was overweight or obese as per their BMI. Both boys and girls showed low PF levels. PF reference tables for schoolchildren from San Luis were developed for the first time.

Introducción. La evaluación de la condición física (CF), junto con otros indicadores de salud, es una estrategia utilizada para conocer el estado actual de los escolares. El principal objetivo fue medir en escolares sanluiseños el estado de salud actual, los niveles de CF y construir tablas de referencias de CF. Población y métodos. Escolares entre 9 y 12 años de edad (ambos sexos) fueron evaluados con dos indicadores de salud: índice de masa corporal y presión arterial. La CF fue medida con la batería ALPHAFitness. El orden de las pruebas fue el siguiente: tensión arterial, masa corporal, estatura, longitud de pie y mano, salto en longitud, velocidad en 30 metros, agilidad 4 × 10 m y la prueba de ida y vuelta en 20 metros. Se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la maduración biológica. Resultados. Fueron evaluados 15 548 escolares. Los valores promedios fueron presión arterial sistólica 101 ± 10 mmHg y diastólica 66 ± 7 mmHg; IMC 20,2 ± 4,3 kg/m 2 . Para la CF fueron las siguientes: componente cardiorrespiratorio VO2 máx. 39,87 ± 3,2 ml/kg/min y velocidad alcanzada en la prueba de ida y vuelta en 20 m 8,9 ± 0,6 km/h; componente neuromuscular; salto en longitud: 120,6 ± 23,9 cm, velocidad 30 m: 6,56 ± 0,85 s, agilidad 4 × 10 m: 15,17 ± 1,82 s. El rendimiento siempre fue superior en el grupo masculino (p <0,001). Conclusión. Los escolares mostraron niveles saludables de presión arterial. El 50 % de la muestra fue clasificada con sobrepeso u obesidad según el IMC. En ambos sexos, se observaron bajos niveles de CF. Por primera vez, se elaboraron tablas de referencia de CF en escolares sanluiseños.

Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of bis-(caffeinium) hexa-chlorido-platinum(IV) in comparison with some related compounds.

The mol-ecular and crystal structure of the title compound, (C8H11N4O2)2[PtCl6], synthesized from hexa-chloro-platinic acid and caffeine in methanol, was studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The caffeinium cations form a double layer via hydrogen bonds and π-stacking inter-actions. The Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the largest contribution to the crystal packing is made by H⋯H (31.2%), H⋯Cl/Cl⋯H (22.6%), O⋯H/H⋯O (21.9%) contacts for the cation and H⋯Cl/Cl⋯H (79.3%) contacts for the anion.

From Other Journals: A Review of Recent Articles by Our Editorial Team.

In this review, we provide a brief description of recently published articles addressing topics relevant to pediatric cardiologists. This review includes (1) Fetal diagnosis, associated anomalies, and factors affecting outcomes in fetal congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA), (2) The impact of Fontan-associated liver disease on heart and heart/liver transplant, (3) 1-year outcomes of the Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve, (4) Risk factors associated with major adverse cardiac events in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum undergoing intervention, and (5) Benefits of pulmonary valve replacement in tetralogy of Fallot patients.

A phase Ib/II study of galunisertib in combination with nivolumab in solid tumors and non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: In this phase Ib/II open-label study, tumor immune suppression was targeted in patients with advanced refractory solid tumors and patients with recurrent/refractory non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using galunisertib with nivolumab. METHODS: Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years old, had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 1, and were treatment-naive for anti-programmed cell death-1, its ligand, or transforming growth factor ß receptor 1 kinase inhibitors. Phase Ib was an open-label, dose-escalation assessment of the safety and tolerability of galunisertib with nivolumab in patients with advanced refractory solid tumors. Phase II evaluated the safety of galunisertib with nivolumab in NSCLC patients who had received prior platinum-based treatment but were immuno-oncology agent-naive. RESULTS: This trial was conducted between October 2015 and August 2020. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed in phase I. In the phase II NSCLC cohort (n = 25), patients received 150 mg twice daily galunisertib (14 days on/14 days off dosing schedule for all phases) plus nivolumab at 3 mg/kg (intravenously every 2 weeks). In this phase, the most frequent treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were pruritus (n = 9, 36%), fatigue (n = 8, 32%), and decreased appetite (n = 7, 28%). No grade 4 or 5 treatment-related AEs were observed. Six (24%) patients had confirmed partial response (PR) and 4 (16%) had stable disease; 1 additional patient had confirmed PR after initial pseudo-progression. The median duration of response was 7.43 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.75, NR). Among the 7 responders, including the delayed responder, 1 had high PD-L1 expression (≥ 50%). The median progression-free survival was 5.26 months (95% CI: 1.77, 9.20) and the median overall survival was 11.99 months (95% CI: 8.15, NR). Interferon gamma response genes were induced post-treatment and cell adhesion genes were repressed, although the association of these observations with tumor response and clinical outcomes was not statistically powered due to limited samples available. CONCLUSIONS: The study met its primary endpoint as galunisertib combined with nivolumab was well tolerated. Preliminary efficacy was observed in a subset of patients in the Phase 2 NSCLC cohort. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02423343; 22.04.2015).

Multidrug Resistance Urinary Tract Infection in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: An Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) urinary tract infections (UTI) and the MDR pattern of the bacterial isolates causing MDR UTI in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 326 diagnosed CKD patients in the Department of Nephrology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Purposive sampling technique was used, and data were collected from the respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire. From duly collected urine samples, identification of organisms and antibiotic susceptibility tests were done, maintaining proper procedure in the microbiology laboratory. RESULTS: The study population was predominantly female (60.1%). The outpatient department provided the majority of the respondents (75.2%). A history of UTI within the last six months was present among 74.2% of the respondents, and 59.2% had a history of taking antibiotics. Bacterial isolates were predominantly gram-negative (79.4%). Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterial isolate, present in 55.5% of the study population. Among the respondents, 64.7% were found to have MDR UTI, and among them, 81.5% were gram-negative, and 18.5% were gram-positive isolates. Among all the antibiotics tested, Colistin Sulphate, Polymyxin B, Cefoxitin, Vancomycin, and Linezolid had the highest (100%) sensitivity, followed by Meropenem, with 94.9% sensitivity. Among the gram-negative isolates, Acinetobacter and Enterobacter were most resistant to aminoglycoside, at 70% and 91.7%, respectively. E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Pseudomonas were most resistant to quinolone at 76.8%, 76.9%, 83.3%, and 66.7%, respectively. Among the gram-positive isolates, Enterococci and Staphylococcus aureus were most resistant to aminoglycoside, 81.5% and 88.9%, respectively. Streptococcus was found to be most resistant to cephalosporin (75.0%). There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) relationship between MDR UTI, history of UTI, and previous antibiotic intake, and diabetic CKD. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MDR UTI among CKD patients is considerably high. When treating UTI, choosing an appropriate antibiotic by urine culture and implementing a guideline on the rational use of antibiotics are essential to managing and preventing the development of MDR UTI.

Photovoltaic Performance of FAPbI3 Perovskite Is Hampered by Intrinsic Quantum Confinement.

Formamidinium lead trioiodide (FAPbI3) is a promising perovskite for single-junction solar cells. However, FAPbI3 is metastable at room temperature and can cause intrinsic quantum confinement effects apparent through a series of above-bandgap absorption peaks. Here, we explore three common solution-based film-fabrication methods, neat N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)-dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent, DMF-DMSO with methylammonium chloride, and a sequential deposition approach. The latter two offer enhanced nucleation and crystallization control and suppress such quantum confinement effects. We show that elimination of these absorption features yields increased power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and short-circuit currents, suggesting that quantum confinement hinders charge extraction. A meta-analysis of literature reports, covering 244 articles and 825 photovoltaic devices incorporating FAPbI3 films corroborates our findings, indicating that PCEs rarely exceed a 20% threshold when such absorption features are present. Accordingly, ensuring the absence of these absorption features should be the first assessment when designing fabrication approaches for high-efficiency FAPbI3 solar cells.

Evaluation of the Mass Balance and Metabolic Profile of Futibatinib in Healthy Participants.

Futibatinib, a selective, irreversible fibroblast growth factor receptor 1-4 inhibitor, was recently approved for FGFR2 rearrangement-positive cholangiocarcinoma. This Phase I study evaluated the mass balance and metabolic profile of 14 C-futibatinib single oral 20-mg dose in healthy participants (n = 6). Futibatinib was rapidly absorbed; median time to peak drug concentration was 1.0 hours. The mean elimination half-life in plasma was 2.3 hours for futibatinib, and 11.9 hours for total radioactivity. Mean recovery of total radioactivity was 70% of the dose, with 64% recovered in feces and 6% in urine. The major excretion route was fecal; negligible levels were excreted as parent futibatinib. Futibatinib was the most abundant plasma component, comprising 59% of circulating radioactivity (CRA). The most abundant metabolites were cysteinylglycine-conjugated futibatinib in plasma (13% CRA) and reduction of desmethyl futibatinib in feces (17% of dose). In human hepatocytes, 14 C-futibatinib metabolites included glucuronide and sulfate of desmethyl futibatinib, whose formation was inhibited by 1-aminobenzotriazole (a pan-cytochrome P450 inhibitor), and glutathione- and cysteine-conjugated futibatinib. These data indicate the primary metabolic pathways of futibatinib are O-desmethylation and glutathione conjugation, with cytochrome P450 enzyme-mediated desmethylation as the main oxidation pathway. 14 C-futibatinib was well tolerated in this Phase 1 study.

Trifluridine-Tipiracil and Bevacizumab in Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: In a previous phase 3 trial, treatment with trifluridine-tipiracil (FTD-TPI) prolonged overall survival among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Preliminary data from single-group and randomized phase 2 trials suggest that treatment with FTD-TPI in addition to bevacizumab has the potential to extend survival. METHODS: We randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, adult patients who had received no more than two previous chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer to receive FTD-TPI plus bevacizumab (combination group) or FTD-TPI alone (FTD-TPI group). The primary end point was overall survival. Secondary end points were progression-free survival and safety, including the time to worsening of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance-status score from 0 or 1 to 2 or more (on a scale from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability). RESULTS: A total of 246 patients were assigned to each group. The median overall survival was 10.8 months in the combination group and 7.5 months in the FTD-TPI group (hazard ratio for death, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49 to 0.77; P<0.001). The median progression-free survival was 5.6 months in the combination group and 2.4 months in the FTD-TPI group (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.54; P<0.001). The most common adverse events in both groups were neutropenia, nausea, and anemia. No treatment-related deaths were reported. The median time to worsening of the ECOG performance-status score from 0 or 1 to 2 or more was 9.3 months in the combination group and 6.3 months in the FTD-TPI group (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer, treatment with FTD-TPI plus bevacizumab resulted in longer overall survival than FTD-TPI alone. (Funded by Servier and Taiho Oncology; SUNLIGHT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04737187; EudraCT number, 2020-001976-14.).

Effects of prior therapies on outcomes with trifluridine/tipiracil in patients with metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer in a randomized phase III trial (TAGS).

BACKGROUND: In the phase III TAGS trial, trifluridine/tipiracil showed survival benefit versus placebo in patients with metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer and ≥ 2 prior chemotherapies. This post hoc exploratory analysis assessed the impact of prior therapy type on outcomes. METHODS: Based on prior treatment, patients in TAGS (N = 507) were categorized into overlapping subgroups: ramucirumab ± other agents (n = 169), no ramucirumab (n = 338), paclitaxel but no ramucirumab (n = 136), ramucirumab + paclitaxel sequentially or in combination (n = 154), neither paclitaxel nor ramucirumab (n = 202), irinotecan (n = 281), and no irinotecan (n = 226). Overall and progression-free survival, time to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥ 2, and safety were assessed. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics and prior therapy patterns were generally well balanced between trifluridine/tipiracil and placebo arms across subgroups. Trifluridine/tipiracil was associated with survival benefits versus placebo regardless of prior treatment: across subgroups, median overall survival was 4.6-6.1 versus 3.0-3.8 months (hazard ratios, 0.47-0.88), median progression-free survival was 1.9-2.3 versus 1.7-1.8 months (hazard ratios, 0.49-0.67), and median time to ECOG PS ≥ 2 was 4.0-4.7 versus 1.9-2.5 months (hazard ratios, 0.56-0.88). Among trifluridine/tipiracil-randomized patients, median overall and progression-free survival trended longer in those who had not received ramucirumab, paclitaxel and ramucirumab, or irinotecan (6.0-6.1 and 2.1-2.3 months, respectively) than in those who previously received these agents (4.6-5.7 and 1.9 months). The trifluridine/tipiracil safety profile was consistent across subgroups, with similar overall incidences of grade ≥ 3 adverse events. Minor variations in hematologic toxicities were noted. CONCLUSIONS: In TAGS, third- or later-line trifluridine/tipiracil treatment demonstrated overall and progression-free survival and functioning benefits versus placebo and a consistent safety profile in patients with metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer, regardless of prior treatment type. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov NCT02500043.

Chloride-Based Additive Engineering for Efficient and Stable Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells.

Metal halide perovskite based tandem solar cells are promising to achieve power conversion efficiency beyond the theoretical limit of their single-junction counterparts. However, overcoming the significant open-circuit voltage deficit present in wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells remains a major hurdle for realizing efficient and stable perovskite tandem cells. Here, a holistic approach to overcoming challenges in 1.8 eV perovskite solar cells is reported by engineering the perovskite crystallization pathway by means of chloride additives. In conjunction with employing a self-assembled monolayer as the hole-transport layer, an open-circuit voltage of 1.25 V and a power conversion efficiency of 17.0% are achieved. The key role of methylammonium chloride addition is elucidated in facilitating the growth of a chloride-rich intermediate phase that directs crystallization of the desired cubic perovskite phase and induces more effective halide homogenization. The as-formed 1.8 eV perovskite demonstrates suppressed halide segregation and improved optoelectronic properties.