Optimization Method of Whole Wheat Flour, Soybean Flour, Oyster Meat Powder for Nutrient- Dense Composite Flour

Aim: To study the production of Nutrient – Dense Composite Flour from the blends of whole wheat flour, soybean flour (full fat) and oyster meat powder. Study Design: The study was design using the D-optimal combination design of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Science, University of Port Harcourt (Processing of raw materials) and the Department of Food Technology, Federal Institute of industrial research Oshodi, Lagos (Analysis of raw materials) between October 2021 and August 2022. Methodology: The raw materials were each processed to have wholesome flours, and then they were combined according to the matrix generated, which had ranges of 70 – 100%, 0 – 22%, and 0 – 8% for whole wheat flour (WWF), soybean flour (SBF) and oyster meat powder (OMP) respectively. Results: The design was used to assess the significance (5% probability) of the moisture, fat, and protein content, which ranged from 8.09 to 11.37%, 1.80 to 8.52% and 9.70 to 19.07% respectively; the water absorption (72.00 - 79.10BU), dough stability (9.3 - 17.5BU) and mixing tolerance index (25 - 50BU); and lightness and yellowness, which ranged from 65.48 - 83.2 and 13.77 - 23.58 respectively, of the flour blends. Protein content, water absorption dough stability, and mixing tolerance index were prioritized while moisture content, fat content, and yellowness were minimized for the numerical optimization of the responses. This study highlights the possibilities of utilizing non-conventional raw materials in the production of composite flour with balance nutritional and baking qualities. Conclusion: The best flour combination was 72.51% whole wheat flour, 19.63% soybean flour, and 7.86% oyster meat powder.

Design of experiments assisted the development of inclusion complexes of ramipril using hydrophilic carriers for enhancement of solubility and dissolution rate

Abstract The goal of the present study was to develop inclusion complexes and polymers dispersions of ramipril prepared by physical mixing, kneading, co-evaporation, and solvent evaporation methods to enhance drug solubility and dissolution rate, and thereby to reduce drug dose and side effects using selected hydrophilic carriers such as β-CD, PVP-K25, PEG 4000, and HPMC K100M. The prepared formulations were characterized for solubility and in-vitro drug release studies. The systematic optimization of formulations was performed using I-Optimal experimental design by selecting factors such as type of carriers (X1), drug: carrier ratio (X2), and method of preparation (X3), and response variables including percent yield (Y1), solubility (Y2), Carr's index (Y3) and drug release in 30 min (Y4). Mathematical modeling was carried out using a quadratic polynomial model. The inclusion complex formulation (F27) was selected as an optimized batch by numerical desirability function and graphical optimization with the help of design space. The inclusion complex prepared by the co-evaporation method showed maximum drug solubility and released in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer compared to pure and other formulations. The inclusion complex is a feasible approach to improve the solubility, dissolution rate, bioavailability, and minimization of drugs' gastrointestinal toxicity upon oral administration of ramipril.

Spray dried extract of Calophyllum brasiliense Cambés produces a potent hypoglycemic effect and improves total serum cholesterol and triglycerides in diabetic rats / El extracto secado por pulverización de Calophyllum brasiliense cambés produce un potente efecto hipoglucémico y mejora el colesterol sérico total y los triglicéridos en ratas diabéticas / O extrato seco por aspersão de Calophyllum brasiliense Cambés produz um potente efeito hipoglicemiante e melhora o colesterol total e triglicérideos em ratos diabéticos

SUMMARY Introduction: The species Calophyllum brasiliense Cambés (Calophyllaceae) is widespread throughout Central and South America. The stem bark infusion is used for lowering blood glucose. Aim: To optimize the spray dry extract ofthis plant using a D-optimal experimental design. Materials and methods: As factors were used the air-drying speed (3.5-4.5 m3/h), the feed flow rate of the suspension (5-11 mL/ min), and the inlet air temperature (90-130 °C). The dried extract was characterized by measuring the phenolics and flavonoids content, moisture, the water activity, apparent densities, flowability, and compressibility. The antioxidant activity, the inhibitory activity of lipase and alpha-glycosidase, and the antiglycant activity of the spray dried extract (SDE) were evaluated. Subsequently, the hypoglycemic activity was evaluated in rats by monitoring the blood glucose level, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Results: Inlet air temperature and feed flow rate were the factors that most affected the yield and phenolic content. SDE showed a potent antioxidant effect (IC50 1.83 μg/mL), a potent a-glycosidase (IC50 74.45 μg/mL) and pancreatic lipase (IC50 27.33 μg/mL) inhibition. A potent antiglycation effect (IC50 9.45^g/mL) was also observed. Conclusion: the SDE showed a potent hypoglycemic effect at 100 mg/kg. These results suggest that SDE could activate four important pathways that can contribute to diabetes control.

Resumen Introducción: la especie Calophyllum brasiliense (Calophyllaceae) está muy extendida en Centro y Suramérica. La infusión del tronco reduce los niveles de glucosa en sangre. bjetivo: optimizar el extracto seco por aspersión (SDE) de esta planta utilizando un diseño experimental D-óptimal. Materiales y métodos: como factores se utilizaron la velocidad del gas secante (aire, 3,5-4,5 m3/h), la temperatura de entrada del aire fue 90-130 °C y la velocidad de alimentación, 5-11 mL/min. Se determinó el contenido de fenoles y flavonoides en el extracto seco, la humedad residual, la actividad del agua, las densidades aparentes, fluidez y compresibilidad. Se evaluó la actividad antioxidante e inhibidora de lipasa y alfa-glicosidasa y la actividad antiglicante. También se evaluó la actividad hipoglicemiante midiendo glucosa en sangre, triglicéridos y colesterol. Resultados: la temperatura del aire de entrada y la velocidad de alimentación afectaron, significativamente, el rendimiento y contenido de fenoles. El SDE mostró un potente efecto antioxidante (IC50 1,83 μg/mL), una potente inhibición de a-glicosidasa (IC50 74,45 μg/mL) y de lipasa pancreática (IC50 27,33 μg/ mL). Se observó un fuerte efecto antiglicante (IC50 9,45 μg/mL). Conclusiones: el SDE mostró un potente efecto hipoglicemiante a 100 mg/kg. Estos resultados sugieren que el SDE podría actuar activando cuatro vías importantes para el control de la diabetes.

RESUMO Introdução: a espécie Calophyllum brasiliense (Calophyllaceae) é amplamente distribuída na América do Sul e Central. A infusão da casca do caule reduz os níveis de glicose no sangue. Objetivo: otimizar o extrato seco por pulverização (SDE) desta planta usando um planejamento experimental D-ótimo. Materiais e métodos: a velocidade do gás de secagem ar (3,5-4,5 m3/h), a temperatura de entrada do ar (90-130 °C) e a taxa de alimentação (5-11 mL/min) foram usados como fatores. Foi determinado o teor de fenóis e flavonóides no extrato seco, a umidade residual, a atividade de água, as densidades aparentes, a fluidez e a compressibilidade. Avaliou-se a atividade antioxidante e a atividade inibitória de lipase e alfa-glicosidase, e a atividade antiglicante do extrato seco. A atividade hipoglicêmica foi avaliada em ratos diabeticos, medindo a glicose no sangue, triglicerídeos e colesterol. Resultados: a temperatura de entrada do ar e a taxa de alimentação afetaram significativamente o desempenho e o conteúdo de fenois. O SDE mostrou um potente efeito antioxidante (IC50 1,83 μg/mL), uma significativa inibição de a-glicosidase (IC50 74,45 ig/mL) e da lipase pancreática (IC50 27,33 μg/mL). Um forte efeito antiglicante também foi observado (IC50 9,45 μg/mL). O SDE mostrou um forte efeito hipogli-cemiente à concentração de 100 mg/kg. Conclusões: Esses resultados sugerem que o SDE poderia atuar ativando quatro vias importantes para o controle do diabetes.

Optimal design of tuned mass dampers through differential evolution method for reducing the dynamic response of structures subjected to earthquake loads / Diseño óptimo de amortiguadores de masa sintonizada mediante evolución diferencial para reducir la respuesta dinámica de estructuras sujetas a cargas sísmicas / Projeto ótimo de amortecedores de massa usando evolução diferencial para reduzir a resposta dinâmica das estruturas sob cargas sísmicas

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a methodology for the optimal design of passive Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) to control the dynamic response of buildings subjected to earthquake loads. The selection process of the optimal design parameters is carried out through a metaheuristic approach based on differential evolution (DE) which is a fast, efficient, and precise technique that does not require high computational efforts. The algorithm is aimed to reduce the maximum horizontal peak displacement of the structure and the root mean square (RMS) response of displacements as well. Furthermore, four more objective functions derived from multiple weighted linear combinations of the two previously mentioned parameters are also studied to obtain the most efficient TMD design configuration. A parallel process based on an exhaustive search (ES) with precision to 2 decimal positions is used to validate the optimization methodology based on DE. The proposed methodology is then applied to a 32-story case-study derived from an actual building structure and subjected to different ground acceleration registers. The best dynamic performance of the building is observed when the greatest weight is given to the RMS response of displacement in the optimization process. Finally the numerical results reveal that the proposed methodology based on DE is effective in finding the optimal TMD design configuration by reducing the maximum floor displacement up to 4% and RMS values of displacement of up to 52% in the case-study building.

RESUMEN Este artículo presenta una metodología para el diseño óptimo de Amortiguadores de Masa Sintonizada (AMS) para el control de la respuesta dinámica de edificios sometidos a cargas sísmicas. El proceso de selección de los parámetros óptimos de diseño se realiza mediante un enfoque metaheurístico basado en Evolución Diferencial (ED) la cual es una técnica rápida, eficiente y precisa que no requiere grandes esfuerzos computacionales. El algoritmo tiene como objetivo reducir el desplazamiento de pico horizontal máximo de la estructura y también la media cuadrática (Valor eficaz) de desplazamientos. Adicionalmente, se estudian otras cuatro funciones objetivo derivadas de múltiples combinaciones lineales ponderadas de los dos parámetros mencionados anteriormente para obtener la configuración de diseño del AMS más eficiente. De forma paralela, se utiliza un proceso basado en una búsqueda exhaustiva (ES) con precisión a 2 posiciones decimales para validar la metodología de optimización basada en DE. Posteriormente, la metodología propuesta se aplica a un caso de estudio derivado de un edificio real de 32 pisos sometido a diferentes registros sísmicos de aceleración del suelo. Se observa un mejor comportamiento dinámico del edificio cuando se le da el mayor peso a la respuesta RMS de desplazamiento en el proceso de optimización. Finalmente, los resultados numéricos revelan que la metodología propuesta basada en DE es efectiva para encontrar la configuración óptima de diseño de TMD al reducir el desplazamiento máximo del piso hasta en un 43% y los valores RMS de desplazamiento de hasta el 52% en el caso de estudio.

RESUMO Este artigo apresenta uma metodologia para a otimização de amortecedores de massa sintonizados (TMD) para o controle da resposta dinâmica de edifícios sujeitos a cargas sísmicas. O processo de seleção dos parâmetros ótimos é realizado mediante uma abordagem metaheunstica baseada na Evolução Diferencial (DE) que é uma técnica rápida, eficiente e precisa que não requer de grandes esforços computacionais. O algoritmo visa reduzir o deslocamento máximo do pico horizontal da estrutura e também os deslocamentos da raiz quadrada média (RMS). Além disso, quatro outras funções objetivo derivadas de distintas combinações lineares ponderadas dos dois parâmetros de resposta já mencionados, são estudadas para obter a configuração de TMD mais eficiente. Em paralelo, um processo de busca exaustiva (ES) com precisão de 2 casas decimais é usado para validar a metodologia de otimização baseada na DE. Posteriormente, a metodologia proposta é aplicada a um caso de estudo derivado de um edifício real de 32 andares sujeito a diferentes registros de aceleração sísmica do solo. É observado um melhor comportamento dinâmico do edifício quando é dada uma maior ponderação no processo de otimização à resposta de deslocamento RMS. Finalmente, os resultados numéricos revelam que a metodologia proposta fundamentada na DE é eficaz para encontrar os parâmetros ótimos do TMD, reduzindo o pico de deslocamento máximo em até 43% e os valores de deslocamento RMS em até 52% no caso estudado.

Optimization Design of Emergency Quick Fixation Device Based on ANSYS Workbench / 中国医疗器械杂志

OBJECTIVE@#A rapid fixation device is developed to solve the problems of emergency fixation and transportation of patients with spinal injury.@*METHODS@#Through the analysis of the function,3D modeling design, finite element analysis and optimization design based on ANSYS Workbench, tensile strength verification experiment, we produced the prototype, and tested it, conducted a simulated rescue experiment.@*RESULTS@#The fixation device designed can meet the demand of spinal injury patients for safe rescue after accidents, and the quality of the rapid fixation device was lighten by about 30% without reducing the intensity.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The method based on optimal design can obviously improve the structure design, and has reference significance for other related rescue equipment design.

Formulation optimization, in situ intestinal absorption and permeability of psoralen and isopsoralen / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To optimize a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) formulation for psoralen and isopsoralen (PSO and IPSO) isolated from Psoraleae Fructus. Methods: A D-optimal design was used to investigate the influence of oil percentage, surfactant percentage and cosurfactant percentage on several properties of SEDDS including particle size, polydispersity, equilibrium solubility, in situ intestine absorption rate and intestinal permeability. Furthermore, the desirability function approach was applied to obtain the optimal formulation for the system. Results: The oil percentage, surfactant percentage and cosurfactant percentage were optimized to be 53.6%, 35.7% and 10.7%, respectively, which means the model is available. Conclusions: The D-optimal design is valuable to optimize the SEDDS formulation and understand formulation compositions’ functions on SEDDS properties.

Optimize preparation of compound licorice microemulsion with D-optimal design / 中国中药杂志

In order to increase the solubility of essential oil in compound licorice microemulsion and improve the efficacy of the decoction for treating chronic eczema, this experiment intends to prepare the decoction into microemulsion. The essential oil was used as the oil phase of the microemulsion and the extract was used as the water phase. Then the microemulsion area and maximum ratio of water capacity was obtained by plotting pseudo-ternary phase diagram, to determine the appropriate types of surfactant and cosurfactant, and Km value-the mass ratio between surfactant and cosurfactant. With particle size and skin retention of active ingredients as the index, microemulsion prescription was optimized by D-optimal design method, to investigate the release behavior of the optimized prescription. The results showed that the microemulsion was optimal with tween-80 as the surfactant and anhydrous ethanol as the cosurfactant. When the Km value was 1, the area of the microemulsion region was largest while when the concentration of extract was 0.5 g·mL⁻¹, it had lowest effect on the particle size distribution of microemulsion. The final optimized formulation was as follows: 9.4% tween-80, 9.4% anhydrous ethanol, 1.0% peppermint oil and 80.2% 0.5 g·mL⁻¹ extract. The microemulsion prepared under these conditions had a small viscosity, good stability and high skin retention of drug; in vitro release experiment showed that microemulsion had a sustained-release effect on glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin, basically achieving the expected purpose of the project.

Discussion of optimal design for education and teaching mode of general medical students / 中国医学装备

Objective:To explore the optimal design for education and teaching mode of general medical students.Methods: 60 general medical students of 2013 grade of ChengduMedical College were divided into experiment group and 60 general medical students of 2013 grade of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College were divided into control group. The students of experiment group received the interactive teaching mode of whole teaching process, while students of control group received conventional theory teaching. And then the general medical curriculum assessment, examination results and teaching effects of the two groups were statistically analyzed.Results: The understanding degrees of general medical basic theory, overview of community health services, general medical education of the experimental group were significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). The series of indicators, such as health care which was human centered, family as a unit, community as basis and prevention as precursor, and the general medical service of health and fitness in women, children and old people, and physician patient relations and communication in general medicine, and the establishing ability of general medical treatment and health archive of chronic disease, of experiment group were significantly higher than that of control group. After a phase, the examination results of experiment group was significantly higher than that of control group (t=4.303,P<0.05), and the ratios of cultivating vocational interest, stabling vocation belief, establishing occupational planning of experiment group were significantly higher than that of control group (x2=12.83,x2=11.14,x2=9.35,P<0.05).Conclusion: In the teaching for general medical student, the interactive mode of tutor and student in whole teaching process was better than conventional mode of theory teaching.

Preparetion of tectorigenin self micro-emulsifying drug delivery system and evaluation on its in vitro dissolution / 中草药

Objective: To prepare self micro-emulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) of tectorigenin (TG), and investigate its dissolution. Methods: The formulation was optimized using Design Expert based on D-optimal design. The microemulsion's physicochemical and in vitro dissolution were evaluated after self-microemulsification. Results: The particle size and Zeta potential of the final formulation were (14.95 ± 0.31) nm and (-12.53 ± 0.80) mV after it was diluted by 10 times with pure water. The microemulsion appeared to be spheres with homogeneous size, which can be observed through a transmission electron microscope. The drug loading capacity was 20 mg/g, and the average content was (99.03 ± 0.70)%. The results of in vitro dissolution study showed that the accumulative dissolution could be close to 100% after 10 min in both hydrochloric acid solution (pH 1.2) and PBS (pH 6.8). Conclusion: D-optimal design could be used to optimize the formulations of TG-SMEDDS successfully. The TG-SMEDDS exhibits a larger accumulation dissolution than TG. This formulation would be easier absorbed through gastrointestinal tract compared to TG. The results of this study are expected to offer data support and reference for the TG's formulation design and clinical application.

Extraction Technology for Antitumor Active Components in Fructus Ligustri Lucidi / 中国药师

Objective:To optimize the extraction process of antitumor active ingredients in fructus ligustri lucidi. Methods:Using fructus ligustri lucidi medicinal herb as the raw material, the extraction process of luteolin and pelargidenon in the herb was screened by D-optimal design. The extraction yield of different extraction processes was compared to obtain the optimal extraction conditions. Re-sults:The best extraction conditions were as follows:adding 12-fold 95% ethanol, extracting 2 times with 60 minutes for each time. Conclusion:The optimal extraction technology can provide significant reference for the further pharmacodynamic effect development of fructus ligustri lucidi.

Optimal design of ball socket on artificial cervical joint complexity by finite element analysis / 医用生物力学

Objective To optimize the design of ball socket of artificial cervical joint complexity. Method A three dimension model of the artificial cervical joint complexity was constructed by the finite element method. The height range of the ball socket handle in the model was set. A simulation was manipulated to optimize the height under the physical load. The stress and strain of the joint complexity with different sizes was analyzed and the systematic safety factor was also evaluated. Results The simulation showed that the maximum Von mises stress appeared at the joint of handle and bottom in the anteflexion position. As the height of the handle increased, the maximum strain increased, and the graph of minimum safety factor was Parabola curve. Conclusions Considering the systematic stability and mobility, when the height of handle is 6 mm, the design of ball socket is considered to be optimal.