On the remarkable nonlinear optical properties of natural tomato lycopene.

In line with the renewed interest in developing novel Non Linear Optical (NLO) materials, natural Lycopene's NLO Properties are reported for the first time within the scientific literature. Correlated to its 1-D conjugated π-electrons linear conformation, it is shown that natural Lycopene exhibits a significantly elevated 3rd order nonlinearity χ(3) as high as 2.65 10-6 esu, the largest value of any investigated natural phyto-compound so far, including ß-carotene. In addition to a saturable absorption, the corresponding observed self-defocusing effect in Lycopene seems to be the result of a thermal nonlinearity. The nonlinear response coupled to the observed fluorescence in the Visible spectral range points to a potential photodynamic therapy application as well as the possibility of engineering of novel hybrid Lycopene based NLO nano-materials.

From Himba indigenous knowledge to engineered Fe2O3 UV-blocking green nanocosmetics.

This contribution reports on the physical properties of the natural Namibian red Ochre used by the Himba Community in a form of a formulation, so called Otjize as a skin protective and beauty cream. The morphological and crystallographic studies of this red ochre validated its nano-scaled dominating phase of rhombohedral α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals with an additional hydrolized oxide component in a form of γ-FeOOH. The optical investigations showed that such a red ochre exhibits an exceptional UV filtration and a significant IR reflectivity substantiating its effectiveness as an effective UV-blocking & solar heat IR reflector in support of the low skin cancer rate within the Namibian Himba community. In addition, such nanocrystals exhibited a non-negligible antibacterial response against E. Coli & S. Aurus. This study seems confirming the effectiveness of the indigenous Otjize as an effective skin UV protection cream with a sound antimicrobial efficacy against e-Coli & S-Aurus.

Tooth Loss and Nutritional Status in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Older adults are at risk for tooth loss and compromised nutritional status. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to answer the following question: Among adults aged ≥60 y living in developed countries, what are the associations between tooth loss and nutritional status as assessed by a validated nutrition screening or assessment tool? METHODS: PRISMA guidelines were followed. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and MEDLINE were searched for studies published in English between 2009 and 2019 that met inclusion criteria. Data extracted included study and participant characteristics, dentition, and nutritional status. Risk of bias was assessed with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random effects meta-analysis was used. RESULTS: Of the 588 unduplicated articles identified, 78 were reviewed in full text, and 7 met inclusion criteria. Six studies were combined for a meta-analysis, which revealed that individuals who were completely edentulous or who lacked functional dentition had a 21% increased likelihood of being at risk of malnutrition or being malnourished, as compared with those who were dentulous or had functionally adequate dentition (risk ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.32; I2 = 70%). Whether the article statistically adjusted for medical history explained most of the heterogeneity in the pooled effect. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings suggest that older adults with tooth loss are at greater risk of malnutrition than those with functionally adequate dentition. Use of validated tools to assess risk of malnutrition in older adults with tooth loss is important to promote early intervention and referral to optimize nutrition and oral health status. Findings were limited by heterogeneity, risk of bias, and overall quality of the studies reviewed. Cohort studies that adjust for known confounders and use consistent approaches to assess tooth loss and nutritional status are needed. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The results of this study suggest that older adults with tooth loss are at greater risk of malnutrition than those with functionally adequate dentition. Screening of this population for malnutrition by health care professionals, including dentists and dietitians, may result in corresponding referrals to optimize nutrition and oral health status. Further research is needed with consistent approaches to assess tooth loss and nutritional status.

Theoretical study of electromagnetic transport in Lepidoptera Danaus plexippus wing scales.

This paper examines the electromagnetic energies developed in the scales of the Lepidoptera Danaus plexippus. The Green tensor method was used to calculate and simulate the energies at specific wavelengths. Scattering of electromagnetic waves within the scales was simulated at different wavelengths (λ) with the corresponding maximum energy occurred at λ = 0.45 µm. The study shows that the design of wing's cross-ribs maximizes the eigenmode of electromagnetic energy. This shows promising applications in bio-sensors of Solar light and likewise in waveguide for photonic transmission.

Sensitivity test on Neisseria meningitidis strains to antimicrobial drugs.

1. The Authors present the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of 62 Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated in Northern Ghana (Bawku, Navrongo, Bolgatanga and Nalerigu) in February-March, 1973. The following antibiotics or chemotherapeutic drugs were effective in vitro: Penicillin 100%, Ampicillin 100%, Chloramphenicol 100%, Tetracycline 100%, Erythromycin 100% (Nalidixic acid 100%, Nitrofurantion 100%), and the following were less effective: Streptomycin 61.2%, Novobiocin 100% (weakly sensitive), Oleandomycin 95.1% (weakly sensitive), Septrin 87%, Sulphafurazole 91.9%, Sulphadiazine 91.9%. All the isolates were Colistin resistant. 2. The sex and age distribution of patients with positive culture for Neisseria meningitidis shows the preponderance of males over females and the dominance of the group of 5-15 years of age over the other age groups. These results are in good agreement with previous data collected in other countries of the "meningitis belt".