Proposal of a new slit-lamp shield for ophthalmic examination and assessment of its effectiveness using computational simulations / Avaliação da eficácia e proposta de um novo protetor de lâmpada de fenda durante exame oftálmico por meio de simulações computacionais

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to use computational models for simulating the movement of respiratory droplets when assessing the efficacy of standard slit-lamp shield versus a new shield designed for increased clinician comfort as well as adequate protection. Methods: Simulations were performed using the commercial software Star-CCM+. Respiratory droplets were assumed to be 100% water in volume fraction with particle diameter distribution represented by a geometric mean of 74.4 (±1.5 standard deviation) μm over a 4-min duration. The total mass of respiratory droplets expelled from patients' mouths and droplet accumulation on the manikin were measured under the following three conditions: with no slit-lamp shield, using the standard slit-lamp shield, and using our new proposed shield. Results: The total accumulated water droplet mass (kilogram) and percentage of expelled mass accumulated on the shield under the three aforementioned conditions were as follows: 5.84e-10 kg (28% of the total weight of particle emitted that settled on the manikin), 9.14e-13 kg (0.045%), and 3.19e-13 (0.015%), respectively. The standard shield could shield off 99.83% of the particles that would otherwise be deposited on the manikin, which is comparable to 99.95% for the proposed design. Conclusion: Slit-lamp shields are effective infection control tools against respiratory droplets. The proposed shield showed comparable effectiveness compared with conventional slit-lamp shields, but with potentially enhanced ergonomics for ophthalmologists during slit-lamp examinations.

RESUMO Introdução: Os oftalmologistas têm alto risco de contrair a doença do Coronavírus-19 devido à proximidade com os pacientes durante os exames com lâmpada de fenda. Usamos um modelo de computação para avaliar a eficácia das proteções para lâmpadas de fenda e propusemos uma nova proteção ergonomicamente projetada. Métodos: As simulações foram realizadas no software comercial Star-CCM +. Os aerossóis de gotículas foram considerados 100% de água em fração de volume com distribuição de diâmetro de partícula representada por uma média geométrica de 74,4 ± 1,5 (desvio padrão) μm ao longo de uma duração de quatro minutos. A massa total de gotículas de água acumulada no manequim e a massa expelida pela boca do paciente foram medidas em três condições diferentes: 1) Sem protetor de lâmpada de fenda, 2) com protetor padrão, 3) Com o novo protetor proposto. Resultados: A massa total acumulada das gotas de água (kg) e a porcentagem da massa expelida acumulada no escudo para cada uma das respectivas condições foram; 1) 5,84e-10 kg (28% do peso total da partícula emitida que assentou no manequim), 2) 9,14e-13 kg (0,045%), 3,19e-13 (0,015%). O escudo padrão foi capaz de proteger 99,83% das partículas que, de outra forma, teriam se depositado no manequim, o que é semelhante a 99,95% para o projeto proposto. Conclusão: Protetores com lâmpada de fenda são ferramentas eficazes de controle de infecção contra gotículas respiratórias. O protetor proposto mostrou eficácia comparável em comparação com os protetores de lâmpada de fenda convencionais, mas potencialmente oferece uma melhor ergonomia para oftalmologistas durante o exame de lâmpada de fenda.

Lipid droplets in Zika neuroinfection: Potential targets for intervention?

Lipid droplets (LD) are evolutionarily conserved lipid-enriched organelles with a diverse array of cell- and stimulus-regulated proteins. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that intracellular pathogens exploit LD as energy sources, replication sites, and part of the mechanisms of immune evasion. Nevertheless, LD can also favor the host as part of the immune and inflammatory response to pathogens. The functions of LD in the central nervous system have gained great interest due to their presence in various cell types in the brain and for their suggested involvement in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases. Only recently have the roles of LD in neuroinfections begun to be explored. Recent findings reveal that lipid remodelling and increased LD biogenesis play important roles for Zika virus (ZIKV) replication and pathogenesis in neural cells. Moreover, blocking LD formation by targeting DGAT-1 in vivo inhibited virus replication and inflammation in the brain. Therefore, targeting lipid metabolism and LD biogenesis may represent potential strategies for anti-ZIKV treatment development. Here, we review the progress in understanding LD functions in the central nervous system in the context of the host response to Zika infection.

Effectiveness and impact of Covid-19 response and vaccination challenges in Namibia: a systematic review

Introduction: Namibia, as with many countries around the world is experiencing devastating impact of Covid-19 disease on the economy, psycho-social interactions, and well-being of the populace. These countries implemented several measures to limit the spread of the virus responsible for the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). Namibia also put measures in place to curtail the spread and fatalities due to the virus. However, the nature and implementation strategies of Public Health regulations seriously have impact on preventing the spread and curtailing fatalities arising from the virus. Objective: This article presents a report on the effectiveness and impact of Public Health measures instituted by the Health Authority towards curtailing the scourge of covid-19 on the general populace. Method: Elements of the PRISMA protocol was utilised in the review which enabled the synthesis of data on focused area. Multifaceted databases on covid19 such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Namibia (MoHSS) among others was used. Result: A steady increase in covid-19 infection at an average rate of eleven (11) per day was noted in the country up till June 2021. Highest rate was linked to densely populated regions of Erongo and Khomas. Control measures for infection prevention and vaccination drive was ineffective majorly as a result of misinformation. 3

Role of organelle interaction in the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 临床肝胆病杂志

In addition to its own specific functions, an organelle can also interact with other organelles to complete important physiological functions. The disorders of organelle interactions are closely associated the development and progression of various diseases. In recent years, the role of organelle interactions has attracted more attention in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, especially the interactions between mitochondria, lipid droplets, and other organelles.

Maintenance of sterility in SMS packaging in dental environments: concern with biosafety

Healthcare services must be guided by biosafety practices and microbial control. This control is highly influenced by humidity, which directly impacts the maintenance of sterility of the materials used in the appointments. High concentration of moisture, in the form of aerosol, splashes and spills, is caused during dental care. During the COVID-19 times the contamination by aerosol and droplets worries greatly. Considering that it could cause harm to the sterility of an autoclaved material, especially in dental environments, the objective was to evaluate the behavior of SMS sterilization packages (Spunbonded / Meltblown / Spunbonded) against microbial penetration in an aqueous vehicle. SMS of three brands were challenged, equally divided into two groups: virgin and processed (subjected to a single autoclaving cycle). Each specimen was aseptically deposited on Macconkey agar. Subsequently, 5 µL of Escherichia coliATCC 25922 saline solution [108CFU mL-1] was deposited in center of the SMS specimen and the dish incubated at36°C/ 48h. Reading was performed by the presence or absence of bacterial growth typical of the species under the SMS, observed on the back of Petri dish. The lowest penetration rate observed was 60% for one of the brands in the virgin condition, and 75% for two brands in the processed condition. Statistical analysis showed an association between bacterial penetration and the evaluated group, this association being valid only in the virgin condition. The different SMS behave similarly in terms of resistance to bacterial penetration after being processed. The data show that moisture can assist in bacterial transport through sterilized SMS. Therefore, SMS packages are not able to prevent bacterial penetration, and possibly other microorganisms, when in aqueous vehicles, offering a potential risk of breaking the aseptic chain. Thus, care must be taken in routines for handling and storage sterile packaging.

Self-assembly in the transparent droplets formed during the screening of protein self-assembly conditions / 生物工程学报

Protein self-assemblies at the micro- and nano-scale are of great interest because of their morphological diversity and good biocompatibility. High-throughput screening of protein self-assembly at different scales and morphologies using protein crystallization screening conditions is an emerging method. When using this method to screen protein self-assembly conditions, some apparently transparent droplets are often observed, in which it is not clear whether self-assembly occurs. We explored the interaction between β-lactoglobulin and the protein crystallization kit Index™ C10 and observed the presence of micro- and nano-scale protein self-assemblies in the transparent droplets. The diverse morphology of the micro- and nano-scale self-assemblies in the transparent droplets formed by mixing different initial concentrations of β-lactoglobulin and Index™ C10 was further investigated by scanning electron microscope. Self-assembly process of fluorescence-labelled β-lactoglobulin was monitored continuously by laser confocal microscope, allowing real-time observation of the liquid-liquid phase separation phenomenon and the morphology of the final self-assemblies. The internal structure of the self-assemblies was gradually ordered over time by in-situ X-ray diffraction. This indicates that the self-assembly phenomenon within transparent droplets, observed in protein self-assembly condition screening experiments, is worthy of further in-depth exploration.

Reinforcement of sterols production through directed storage and transportation in yeast: a review / 生物工程学报

Sterols, a class of cyclopentane poly-hydrophenanthrene derivatives, are the predominant membrane constituent of eukaryotes. These substances have a variety of biological activities and have been widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. The presence of endogenous ergosterol biosynthetic pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells make it an ideal chassis for the de novo synthesis of sterol and its derivatives. Most recently, the rational modification of organelles provides a novel strategy for the directed transportation and storage of target products and the ultimate enhanced product synthesis. This review summarizes the phenotypic responses of S. cerevisiae cells upon different physiological stimulations and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Reinforcement of sterol production through directed storage, transportation, and excretion of sterols offers a novel strategy for breaking the limitation of de novo biosynthesis of sterols in yeast.

CRISPR/Cas9 knockout plin1 enhances lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes / 生物工程学报

We used CRISPR/Cas9 to delete plin1 of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte, to observe its effect on lipolysis in adipocytes and to explore regulatory pathways. We cultured 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and the plin1 knockout vectors were transfected by electroporation. Puromycin culture was used to screen successfully transfected adipocytes, and survival rates were observed after transfection. The optimized "cocktail" method was used to differentiate 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The glycerol and triglyceride contents were determined by enzymatic methods. The changes in lipid droplet form and size were observed by Oil red O staining. The protein expression of PLIN1, PPARγ, Fsp27, and lipases was measured by Western blotting. RT-PCR was used to measure the expression of PLIN1 and lipases mRNA. After the adipocytes in the control group were induced to differentiate, the quantity of tiny lipid droplets was decreased, and the quantity of unilocular lipid droplets was increased and arranged in a circle around the nucleus. Compared with the control group, the volume of unilocular lipid droplets decreased, and the quantity of tiny lipid droplets increased after induction of adipocytes in the knockout group. The expression of PLIN1 mRNA and protein in the adipocytes was significantly inhibited (P<0.05); glycerol levels increased significantly (0.098 4±0.007 6), TG levels decreased significantly (0.031 0±0.005 3); mRNA and protein expression of HSL and ATGL increased (P<0.05); PPARγ and Fsp27 expression unchanged in adipocytes. The above results indicate that the knockout of plin1 enhances the lipolysis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by exposing lipids in lipid droplets and up-regulating lipases effects.

Screening for hyper-accumulating lipid mutants in Aurantiochytrium limacinum using high-throughput fluorescence-based method / 生物工程学报

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has many unique physiological functions such as promoting the development of brain and retina in infants. Therefore, it is widely applied to food, pharmacy, breeding and other industries. To obtain engineered strains of Aurantiochytrium limacinum SR21 suitable for industrial application with increased lipid and DHA production, we designed a simple, fast, accurate and high-throughput screening method based on Nile red staining of oil droplets. First, ultraviolet C (UVC) mutagenesis was used to generate a random mutant library of A. limacinum. Second, screening conditions were optimized including staining conditions of Nile red and the sorting criterion. Thereby, three putative high-lipid mutants (D03432, D05106 and D01521) were selected from the mutant library containing 3 648 mutated clones. The three mutants grew faster and produced higher amounts of lipids and DHA compared to wild type (WT). In 100 mL cultures, the lipid content of D03432 and D05106 mutants reached 64.74% and 63.13% of dry cell weight respectively, whereas the wild strain exhibited only 43.19%. DHA yield in these two mutants were even 2.26-fold and 2.37-fold higher than that of the wild strain. Experiment with 5 L fermentor further confirmed that D03432 and D05106 mutants had better performance than the wild strain on DHA yield (45.51% and 66.46% more than that of the wild strain, respectively), and demonstrated their high potential for industrial application. This work not only generated several high-DHA content mutants with high potential for industrial use, but also provided vital guidance for high-throughput screening of lipid hyper-accumulating mutants in other oil-producing microorganisms.

Progress in the study of the association between the lipid droplets and hepatitis C virus life cycle / 药学学报

Lipid droplets (LDs) are ubiquitous dynamic organelles that store and supply lipids in all eukaryotic and some prokaryotic cells for energy metabolism, membrane synthesis and production of essential lipid-derived molecules. There is increasing evidence that hepatitis C virus (HCV) has co-evolved due to its lack of lipid biosynthetic pathways to utilize host lipid metabolic pathways to establish a suitable environment for virus proliferation and obtain the necessary components, eventually promote the assembly and transportation of virus. In this review, we outline the relationship between HCV life cycle and lipid droplet biosynthesis and metabolism, with the aim to discover potential antiviral targets for development of new therapeutic interventions.

Distribution of Fat Droplets in Liver Tissue of Rats Fed a Diet with Different Fatty Acid Compositions / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Objectives: We examined the effect of oil intake differing in fatty acid composition on fat accumulation amount, concentration of serum and fat droplets adipocytes of liver tissue in rats. Methods: Young male rats were fed a high cholesterol diet containing either lard, soybean oil, perilla oil or fish oil for 4wk. The control diet contained a lard component. Results: Posterior abdominal wall fat and testicle peripheral fat weights were significantly lower in the fish oil group compared with the control and the soybean oil group. The number of fat droplets was significantly higher in the liver tissue of rats in the perilla oil group compared with the other groups, and many fat droplets with small diameters were observed. The proportion of fat droplets to the total area was significantly lower in the perilla oil group and the fish oil group compared with the control and the soybean oil group. Conclusion: The results suggested that oil intake differing in fatty acid composition correlates with fat accumulation amount and lipid droplet area in the liver tissue. Fish oil intake correlated with reduced visceral fat accumulation and is expected to be useful in the prevention and improvement of obesity.

Performance evaluation of nebulizers based on aerodynamic droplet diameter characterization using the Direct Laminar Incidence (DLI)

Abstract Introduction Optical microscope images can be useful to evaluate nebulizers considering the size of droplets produced by these devices. From this perspective, the proposed method was compared to the classic concept of Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) for the ideal droplet size between 0.5-5.5 µm. Methods We tested a sample of five home nebulizers sold on the Brazilian market. A high-speed camera coupled to a microscope obtained images of the droplets during the nebulization process, which allowed us to characterize the diameter of the aero-dispersed droplets. The Count Median Aerodynamic Diameter (CMAD) was used as measurement parameter. Results The images obtained during the nebulization process with the five different nebulizers provided data to determine the frequency distribution of the aero-dispersed droplet population. Successive images were obtained in the range of 2.0s to evaluate the dynamic behavior of the droplets. The generated data also allowed the elaboration of histograms emphasizing the ideal diameter range of droplets between 0.5 and 5.5 μm. Conclusion The Direct Laminar Incidence (DLI) model using digital image processing technique allowed the characterization of respirable particles. This model proposes the creation of a range of optimum absorption of the droplets by the respiratory tract. Although there is a technical limitation in the direct acquisition of images due to the depth of focus, presenting an error of 9.3%, the described method provides consistent results when compared to other droplets characterization techniques. Thus, the authors believe that Direct Laminar Incidence (DLI) is a viable method to assess the performance of nebulizers despite the requirement of adjustments and possible improvements required to minimize measurement errors.

Omic studies reveal the pathogenic lipid droplet proteins in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an epidemic metabolic condition driven by an underlying lipid homeostasis disorder. The lipid droplet (LD), the main organelle involved in neutral lipid storage and hydrolysis, is a potential target for NAFLD therapeutic treatment. In this review, we summarize recent progress elucidating the connections between LD-associated proteins and NAFLD found by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genomic and proteomic studies. Finally, we discuss a possible mechanism by which the protein 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (17β-HSD13) may promote the development of NAFLD.

Droplets population spectrometry and its effect on costal hydraulic spraying dispersion / Espectrometria da população de gotas e seu efeito na dispersão da pulverização hidráulica costal

The droplets population and spectrum produced during a spraying influence the pesticides distribution efficiency. Through the droplets population and spectrum is possible to determine the quality of spraying and the implications on applicator and consumer safety, application efficiency and environmental impact. Droplet density (droplets cm-2), percentage of coverage, coefficient of uniformity and relative amplitude were studied in this experiment. The experimental design was a factorial scheme 3 x 2: three spray volumes and two insecticides doses. During the tests all factors were analyzed on six parts of the plant canopy: on the top and external, top and internal, middle part and external, middle part and internal, bottom and external, and bottom and internal, using the completely randomized design with three replications. The objective of this study was to assess the characteristics of droplets population and spectrum produced during the hydraulic spraying. In general, for all factors assessed there was no significant difference between the parts of the plant canopy studied, having the greater values on the external parts of the plant canopy.

A população e o espectro de gotas produzidas durante a pulverização influencia a eficiência da distribuição do defensivo agrícola. Por meio da população e do espectro de gotas é possível avaliar a qualidade da pulverização e as implicações na segurança do aplicador e do consumidor, na eficácia do tratamento e no impacto ambiental da pulverização. Foram estudadas, durante os ensaios, a densidade de gotas (gotas cm-2), a porcentagem de cobertura, o coeficiente de homogeneidade e a amplitude relativa. Foi montado um esquema fatorial 3 x 2 três volumes de pulverização e duas doses do inseticida. Durante os ensaios todos os fatores foram analisados considerando-se as amostras coletadas em seis posições na planta superior externo, superior interno, mediano externo, inferior externo e inferior interno, utilizando-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar as características das populações e o espectro de gotas produzidas durante a pulverização hidráulica. De maneira geral, para todos os fatores avaliados não houve diferença significativa entre os volumes e as doses utilizadas, entretanto houve diferença significativa entre as posições das plantas, sendo os maiores valores obtidos nas posições externas do dossel da planta.

Efficiency of reduced volume spraying aimed to control the Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: lyonetiidae) / Eficiência da pulverização em volume reduzido voltada ao controle de Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: lyonetiidae)

The objective of the study was to evaluate the application efficiency with reduced volume from the prototype of a pneumatic spray nozzles aimed to control the coffee leaf miner (Leucoptera coffeella). We evaluated different types of pneumatic nozzles (flat fan, cone jet, AT-1000 model and effervescent), on application of insecticide spray liquids with concentrations of 5, 10, 15 and 20% (v/v) of mineral oil applied in reduced volume and 0.5% applied by conventional airblast sprayer. The application technology parameters studied in laboratory and field conditions were as follows: droplet size (µm), tracer deposit (µg/cm²) and leaf spray coverage (%). The reduced volume application, provided by the prototype of a pneumatic spray nozzles with the effervescent type compared to traditional airblast sprayer, presents proper conditions of use, especially in relation to deposit and coverage of spraying liquid over coffee leaves.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência da aplicação em volume reduzido a partir do protótipo de um pulverizador com bocais pneumáticos voltado ao controle do bicho-mineiro do cafeeiro (Leucoptera coffeella). Avaliaram-se diferentes tipos de bocais pneumáticos (jato plano, jato cônico, modelo AT-1000 e efervescente), na aplicação de caldas inseticidas com concentrações de 5, 10, 15 e 20% (v/v) de óleo mineral aplicadas em volume reduzido e 0,5% aplicado via pulverizador convencional de jato transportado. Os parâmetros da tecnologia de aplicação estudados em condições de laboratório e campo foram: tamanho de gotas (µm); depósito de marcador (µg/cm²) e cobertura foliar (%). A aplicação em volume reduzido, proporcionada pelo protótipo de um pulverizador com bocais pneumáticos do tipo efervescente comparada ao turbo-pulverizador tradicional, apresenta adequadas condições de uso, principalmente em relação ao depósito e cobertura de calda sobre folhas de cafeeiro.

Estudio de la estabilidad de emulsiones con estructuras líquido-cristalinas, y su aplicación farmacéutica mediante el agregado de un principio activo liposoluble: Econazol / Study of emulsions stability with liquid crystals structure and their pharmaceutical application by the addition of a liposoluble principe active: Econazole

La piel es un órgano apropiado para administrar principios activos con el fin de obtener efectos locales o sistémicos. Las formulaciones de uso tópico más comunes son: lociones, emulsiones, suspensiones, cremas, pomadas; las cuales deben reunir determinadas condiciones para ser aplicadas sobre la piel. El objetivo del presente trabajo es seleccionar una emulsión preparada con la técnica de formación de cristales líquidos compuesta de ácido esteárico, vaselina líquida, trietanolamina, propilparabeno, metilparabeno y agua, a la que se le incorpora un ingrediente farmacéutico activo liposoluble: econazol. El econazol, principio activo cuya vía de administración es la tópica y su acción es local, es una sustancia soluble en aceites, que se aloja en la fracción liposoluble de los cristales líquidos y en la fase interna de la emulsión sin que se modifique el perfil reológico ni la estabilidad de los sistemas. Se estudió además del HLB y de sus comportamientos reológicos, la presencia de cristales líquidos con luz polarizada, la existencia de gotas secundarias con luz común y la estabilidad de los sistemas por centrifugación y estrés térmico a temperaturas de 40 ºC. Los valores obtenidos en los estudios realizados, demostraron que la emulsión lograda presenta un perfil reológico y las condiciones de estabilidad adecuadas para ser utilizada como crema medicinal.

The skin is the appropiate organ to administrate active principles in orden to obtain local or systemic effects. Formulations for topical use most common are: lotions, emulsions, suspensions, creams, ointments, which must gather certain conditions to be applied to the skin. In this work, the objective is to select an emulsion prepared by a technique of liquid crystals formation composed by stearic acid, mineral oil, triethanolamine, propylparaben, methylparaben and water. To this formula we incorporated a pharmaceutical active liposoluble ingredient: econazole. Econazole, a principle active with topical administration and local action, is a substance soluble in oils, which stays in the liposoluble fraction of the liquid crystals and in their internal phase of the emulsion without modifying their rheological profile not even the stability of systems. Besides the HLB of the systems and their rheological behaviour we also study the presence of liquid crystals with polarized light, the existence of secondary drops with common light and systems stability by centrifugation, thermal stress and temperatures of 40 °C. The values obtained from the studies made, demonstrated that the emulsion achieved present a rheological profile and stability conditions suitable for medicinal use cream.

Comparison of drug release from liquid crystalline monoolein dispersions and solid lipid nanoparticles using a flow cytometric technique

Colloidal lipid particles such as solid lipid nanoparticles and liquid crystalline nanoparticles have great opportunities as drug carriers especially for lipophilic drugs intended for intravenous administration. In order to evaluate drug release from these nanoparticles and determine their behavior after administration, emulsion droplets were used as a lipophilic compartment to which the transfer of a model drug was measured. The detection of the model drug transferred from monoolein cubic particles and trimyristin solid lipid nanoparticles into emulsion droplets was performed using a flow cytometric technique. A higher rate and amount of porphyrin transfer from the solid lipid nanoparticles compared to the monoolein cubic particles was observed. This difference might be attributed to the formation of a highly ordered particle which leads to the expulsion of drug to the surface of the crystalline particle. Furthermore, the sponge-like structure of the monoolein cubic particles decreases the rate and amount of drug transferred. In conclusion, the flow cytometric technique is a suitable technique to study drug transfer from these carriers to large lipophilic acceptors. Monoolein cubic particles with their unique structure can be used successfully as a drug carrier with slow drug release compared with trimyristin nanoparticles.

Adjuvantes nas propriedades físicas da calda, espectro e eficiência de eletrificação das gotas utilizando a pulverização eletrostática / Adjuvant on spray solution physical properties droplets spectrum and electrification efficiency using electrostatic spraying

Os adjuvantes têm sido empregados na pulverização de agrotóxicos, entretanto, ainda se carece de informações sobre o efeito destes produtos, principalmente quando se emprega o sistema eletrostático. O presente trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar dez soluções de pulverização (nove adjuvantes e uma testemunha), quanto às propriedades físicas (viscosidade e condutividade elétrica) e quanto ao espectro e a eficiência de eletrificação da gota na pulverização eletrostática. Utilizou-se um pulverizador eletrostático da marca Electrostatic Spraying Systems e modelo MB 4.0. Para avaliar a viscosidade, a metodologia de Ostwald foi utilizada, enquanto a condutividade elétrica foi determinada com uso de um condutivímetro, marca Marte e modelo MB-11. Na análise da carga elétrica presente na gota, utilizou-se a metodologia da gaiola de Faraday e a avaliação do espectro foi realizada por meio de um analisador de partículas a laser (Spraytech Malvern(r)). Os adjuvantes testados alteraram a viscosidade da calda, variando entre 0,94 e 1,03mPa s. Para a condutividade elétrica, observou-se que a água apresentou 67,7µS cm-1 e, com o uso de adjuvantes, o valor obtido foi de até 607,5µS cm-1. Quanto à eletrificação das gotas, houve aumento de até 50,14% na relação Q/M com o uso de adjuvantes, demonstrando que auxiliam na pulverização eletrostática. De forma geral, os adjuvantes reduziram o diâmetro das gotas pulverizadas.

Adjuvants have been used in pesticide spraying, however, there is a need of further information about the effect of these products, especially when employing the electrostatic system. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate ten spray solution (nine adjuvants + control) concerning on physical properties (viscosity and electrical conductivity) and concerning on droplet spectrum and efficiency of droplet electrification in electrostatic spraying. The electrostatic sprayer Electrostatic Sraying Systems, MB 4.0 model, was used for this experiment. The Ostwald methodology was used to evaluate the viscosity, while the electrical conductivity was measured using a conductivity meter Marte, MB-11 model. The Faraday cage was used for the analysis of electric charges in the droplets and the droplets spectrum was obtained by the particle size analyzer Malvern Spraytech. Adjuvants tested altered the viscosity of the spray solution between 0.94 and 1.03mPa s. For the electrical conductivity it was observed that the water had the mean conductivity of 67.7µS cm-1, and depending on the adjuvant type it was obtained values up to 607.5µS cm-1. For the droplets electrification, there was an increasing up to 50.14% in the C/M ratio by using the adjuvants, demonstrating that adjuvants may assist the electrostatic spraying. Generally, adjuvants reduced the droplet diameter.

Clinical Observation of New Oral Care Method for Treatment of Swallowing Disturbance After Cerebral Apoplexy / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of new oral care method for the treatment of swallowing disturbance after cerebral apoplexy. Methods A total of 50 post-apoplexy patients with swallowing disturbance were evenly randomized into treatment group and control group, 25 in each group. Both groups were given routine rehabilitation training for recovering swallowing function, and the rehabilitation training covered fundamental training, swallowing training, and food in-take training. And additionally, the control group was given routine oral care, and the treatment group was given new oral care method which included the stimulation on K point, cold Yin He gargle stimulation and focal application of herbal medicine buccal droplets. Two weeks later, water swallow test results were grading for evaluation of the therapeutic effect of the two groups. Results (1) After treatment for 2 continuous weeks, the water swallow test results were classified into grades 1 and 2 in 23 cases of the treatment group and in 17 of the control group, indicating that the treatment group had better effect on improving swallowing function ( P<0.01). ( 2) The total effective rate was 92.0% in the treatment group, higher than 68.0% in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion New oral care method has better effect on relieving swallowing disturbance than routine oral care for the treatment of swallowing disturbance after cerebral apoplexy.

The Distribution of the Lipid Droplets within Hensen Cells in the Guinea -pig Cochlea / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To study the distribution and properly of the transparent globules within Hensen cells (HC) of guinea -pig Corti organ .Methods The cochlear epithelial cells were isolated from 10 guinea pigs .The cells of cochlea were marked by Bodipy493/503 ,sudan III ,oil red O ,and osmium tetroxide .Results The transpar‐ent globules within the HCs of the guinea -pigs were green staining by Bodipy493/503 ,jacinth staining by Sudan III ,ruby red by oil red O .And they were black globules stripe as post -fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide .Conclusion The results indicate that the transparent globules within guinea -pigs HCs'lipid droplets by four methods .