Investigation of ion dynamics of laser ablated single and colliding carbon plasmas using Faraday cup

We report a comparative study of a single plasma and a colliding laser produced plasma, investigated using a Faraday cup. An enhancement in ion emission and stagnation is observed in colliding plasma plume compared to single plasma plume. We observed that fast ion generation in laser ablated plasma can be achieved at large laser intensity on to the target. As laser intensity increases ionic yield increases for both colliding and single plume and at a fixed laser intensity ionic yield decreases with increase in ambient pressure. The double peak structure is observed in the ion signal at large fluence where the peaks correspond to fast and slow species. A Faraday cup composed of nine collectors is used to measure the spatial/angular distribution of ion of expanding plasma plume. Ionic yield is found to be larger in the colliding plasma plume than the single plasma plume at all spatial/angular positions.

Metabolome analysis and chemical profiling of Indonesian royal jellies as the raw material for cosmetic and bio-supplement products

Royal jellies (RJs) possess moisturizing, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties, and several pharmacological activities have also been found to be present, which make them an ideal component for cosmetic and skin care products. However, despite the abundant efficacies, there is a lack of studies that explore the chemical composition of RJ using metabolome analysis. Furthermore, an evaluation of the chemical composition of Indonesian RJs collected from different regions has yet to be carried out. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify any differences in the chemical composition of such RJs. Chemical profiling was also carried out to enable more targeted utilization based on the actual compositions. Chemical profiling is also important given the rich Indonesian biodiversity and the high dependence of the RJ compositions on the botanical source. In this research, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used as part of an untargeted metabolomics approach. From the chemical profiling, >30 compounds were identified across four RJ samples. The major constituents of the samples were found to be oligosaccharides, fatty acids, and adenosine monophosphate derivatives. Meanwhile, sucrose and planteose were found to be highest in the samples from Banjarnegara and Kediri, whereas dimethyloctanoic acid was found to be unique to the sample from Banjarnegara. It was also discovered that the RJs from Demak and Tuban contained more organic fatty acids and oligosaccharides than the other samples. Although the sample from Demak demonstrated good potential for use in the cosmetic, skin care, and bio-supplement industries, the higher abundance of fatty acids and oligosaccharides in the sample from Tuban indicated that it is perhaps the most suitable RJ for use in this field.

Watt-level single-frequency tapered amplifier laser using a narrowband interference filter

We demonstrate a tunable external cavity tapered amplifier laser (ECTAL) using a narrowband interference filter as the wavelength discriminator. The laser is tunable over a wavelength range from 1006 to 1031 nm with an output power of ∼1  W. The amplified stimulated emission of the laser system is suppressed to better than 32 dB. The laser is applied to study the saturation spectroscopy on the R(39) 57-0 line of iodine molecule, which, to our best knowledge, is the first measurement of this line close to the dissociation limit. The linewidth of the a₁ component is ∼2  MHz at the iodine vapor pressure of ∼11  Pa, and the pressure-broadening coefficient is ∼156  kHz/Pa. This laser system is also used for the injection seeding of a 1030 nm disk laser to perform hyperfine spectroscopy of muonic hydrogen. To reach a satisfactory condition for disk laser use, the ECTAL is successfully stabilized to the iodine Doppler-free spectroscopy of the P(26) 43-0 line near 515 nm, with continuous locking over 48 h.

Stoichiometry of laser ablated brass nanoparticles in water and air

We report on the stoichiometric analysis of laser ablated brass plasma nanoparticles (NPs) in water and ambient air. Morphological study of the deposited NPs in water showed smaller spherical NPs compared to micrometer sized spherical particles in air. The smaller particles were Zn enriched and the concentration decreased with increases in size. Photoluminescence of particles at 380 nm corresponding to ZnO showed higher concentrations of Zn with smaller sized deposited NPs, whereas the micrometer sized particles showed multiple peaks at 415 and 440 nm, which implied that there was an abundance of the Cu fraction in the NPs. Plasma plume parameters, electron temperature, electron density, and evolution of the plasma plume were studied using optical emission spectroscopy and 2-dimensional imaging of the plume. The mass ablation rate in water was observed to be greater than that in air. Higher electron density and temperature of the plasmoid in water was attributed to confinement of the plasma plume near the target surface in water.

Screening of synthetic PDE-5 inhibitors and their analogues as adulterants: analytical techniques and challenges

The popularity of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) enzyme inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction has led to the increase in prevalence of illicit sexual performance enhancement products. PDE-5 inhibitors, namely sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil, and their unapproved designer analogues are being increasingly used as adulterants in the herbal products and health supplements marketed for sexual performance enhancement. To date, more than 50 unapproved analogues of prescription PDE-5 inhibitors were found as adulterants in the literature. To avoid detection of such adulteration by standard screening protocols, the perpetrators of such illegal products are investing time and resources to synthesize exotic analogues and devise novel means for adulteration. A comprehensive review of conventional and advance analytical techniques to detect and characterize the adulterants is presented. The rapid identification and structural elucidation of unknown analogues as adulterants is greatly enhanced by the wide myriad of analytical techniques employed, including high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry (LC-FT-ICR-MS), liquid chromatograph-hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer with information dependent acquisition, ultra high performance liquid chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOF-MS), ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS) and immunoassay methods. The many challenges in detecting and characterizing such adulterants, and the need for concerted effort to curb adulteration in order to safe guard public safety and interest are discussed.

Quantification of ginsenosides Rh4 and Rk3 in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: application to a pre-clinical pharmacokinetic study

Ginsenoside Rh4 (Rh4) and ginsenoside Rk3 (Rk3) are two active substances isolated from the processed Panax species. To further explore their potential medicinal application, a reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC/MS/MS) was developed and validated for the quantification of Rh4 and Rk3 in rat plasma. Multiple ion monitoring and multiple reaction monitoring experiments were performed in negative ionization mode. This LC/MS/MS method had good selectivity, sensitivity (lower limit of quantification = 10 ng/mL), precision (intra- and inter-day relative standard deviation ≤ 10.1) and accuracy (analytical recovery within 100 ± 10%). The pharmacokinetic profiles of Rh4 and Rk3 were subsequently assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats. Similar to many other ginsenosides, the oral bioavailability of Rh4 and Rk3 was unfavorable, and Rh4 and Rk3 did not have any measurable plasma exposure after oral administration (20 mg/kg). Fortunately, upon intravenous administration (5 mg/kg), both Rh4 and Rk3 possessed abundant plasma exposure, moderate clearance (Cl = 50.2 ± 7.7 and 23.8 ± 1.4 mL·min(-1)·kg(-1), respectively) and terminal elimination half-life (t(1/2 λZ) = 157.2 ± 65.2 and 99.5 ± 37.8 min, respectively). As Rh4 and Rk3 displayed favorable intravenous pharmacokinetic profiles, further exploration on their medicinal application is warranted.

Stoichiometric investigations of laser-ablated brass plasma

Laser-ablated brass plasma plumes expanding in various air pressures have been studied using optical emission spectroscopy and two-dimensional imaging. The velocity of the plume front calculated from the R-t plot decreases from 1.9×10(4) m/s to ~5.5×10(3) m/s as the pressure increases from 0.01 to 10(5) Pa. The estimated higher electron temperature for Cu I (510.5 nm) transition than for Zn I (481.1 nm) may be due to differences in the heat of vaporization and vaporization temperature of copper and zinc. The electron density estimated using the Stark-broadened transition 4p(2)P(3/2)→4s(2)(2)D(5/2) of Cu I (510.5 nm) is about 10 times higher than that for transition 4s5s(3)S(1)→4s4p(3)P(2) of Zn I (481.1 nm). The appearance and enhancement of the Cu(2) (A-X) band at lower ambient pressure and formation of nanoparticle clusters have been extensively discussed. Stoichiometric and morphological study of the deposited nanoparticles on carbon tape at different ambient pressure reveals a different percentage composition of copper and of nanoparticles.

Anti-proliferative effects of raw and steamed extracts of Panax notoginseng and its ginsenoside constituents on human liver cancer cells

Background

Panax notoginseng is a potential source of anticancer compounds. This study aims to investigate the effects of steaming on the chemical profile of P. notoginseng and the anti-proliferative effects of P. notoginseng on liver cancer cells.

Methods

Samples of powdered raw P. notoginseng roots were steamed for various durations. Extracts of the raw and steamed samples were subjected to ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) analysis for chemical profiling. The anti-proliferative effects on three human liver cancer cells, namely SNU449, SNU182 and HepG2, were evaluated using colorimetric WST-1 assay.

Results

Steaming changed chromatographic and pharmacological profiles of P. notoginseng, causing differences in activities such as inhibition of cancer growth. Steamed P. notoginseng exhibited greater anti-proliferative effects against liver cancer cells (SNU449, SNU182 and HepG2) than its raw form; steaming up to 24 hours increased bioactivities. Steaming increased the concentrations of ginsenoside Rh₂, Rk₁, Rk₃ and 20S-Rg₃ and enhanced growth inhibition of liver cancer cells.

Conclusion

Steaming changes the chemical profile as well as anti-cancer biological activities of P. notoginseng. Steamed P. notoginseng contains potential compounds for the treatment of liver cancer.

Anal shift: preliminary results

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Perineal ectopic anus in female infants is not a very uncommon congenital anomaly. The close proximity of the ectopic anus with the vulva and the stenosed opening seen in large majority of cases necessitate some form of surgical correction. A variety of surgical procedures like cutback, posterior anal transposition, PSARP, or ASAPR, with or without diverting colostomy have been described in the literature. However, in dealing with a case of ectopic anus, the authors thought a much simpler surgical correction would suffice giving an aesthetically and functionally acceptable perineum. This new and simple surgical procedure developed by Ashok Shah, Anal Shift is described in this report.

METHODS

Twelve female infants with anterior ectopic anus, between 3 and 18 months of age who had undergone surgical correction by this new method (Anal Shift) is reported. Five of these children had severe and 2 had mild anal stenosis. The new technique described in detail includes shifting and creation of a new anus in the anatomically normal site and construction of the perineal body. Colostomy was not done in any of them.

RESULTS

The cases had been followed up for 12 to 24 months. Anal function was normal with satisfactory vulvo-anal distance without any stenosis. One patient had superficial anterior wound dehiscence; she underwent reoperation with good results.

CONCLUSIONS

Anal Shift is a simple surgical procedure. It does not necessitate lateral dissection, therefore, the rectal support and the neurovascular supply to the rectum remains undisturbed, eliminating any chance of retraction. The anterior half of the neoanus does not have a suture line, thereby minimizing the chances of stricture formation. Anal Shift appears to be a safe, simple and satisfactory surgical procedure to correct anterior ectopic anus in girls without a colostomy.

Photon-avalanche upconversion in thulium-doped lutetium aluminum garnet

Strong blue fluorescence at 487 nm corresponding to the (1)G(4) --> (3)H(6) transition was generated from Tm(3+)-doped lutetium aluminum garnet on excitation with a 618-nm dye laser as a result of a photon-avalanche upconversion mechanism.

Diode-Pumped Violet Energy Upconversion in BaF(2):Er(3+)

Under 805-nm diode-laser excitation we detected intense upconversion signals at 410, 380, and 275 nm in BaF(2):Er(3+). Energy upconversion schemes and efficiencies are discussed in detail. Intensity parameters of Er(3+) in BaF(2) were derived as Omega(2) = 1.048 ? 0.117 x 10(-20) cm(2), Omega(4) = 1.478 ? 0.180 x 10(-20) cm(2), and Omega(6) = 1.009 ? 0.127 x 10(-20) cm(2).

Ethnic differences in bone density in female South African nurses

In the United States, the higher prevalence of osteoporosis and the higher incidence of fractures in whites than in blacks may be attributed to the finding of lower bone density (BD) in both white children and adults. In South Africa, osteoporosis and fractures also occur more frequently in whites than in blacks. Appendicular BD has been found to be similar in black and white children in South Africa, but there is little information available on BD of adults in South Africa. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess changes in BD with age in adult females in South Africa and to assess possible differences in peak BD and in the rate of postmenopausal bone loss between blacks and whites. Data for 180 black and 184 white female nurses aged 20-64 years were analyzed. The distal radius bone density (RBD) was measured by single photon absorptiometry. The lumbar spine bone density (SBD) and the femur bone density (FBD) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blacks were shorter than whites (p = 0.0001), and blacks' weight, body mass index, and skinfold thickness increased with age. Peak SBD and RBD were similar in blacks and whites, but peak FBD was higher in blacks (p = 0.0001). This ethnic difference in peak FBD became apparent in the fourth decade. Peak FBD was similar in black and white subjects with normal body mass indices (p = 0.09), but in overweight subjects peak FBD was higher in blacks than in whites (p = 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of ethnicity on appendicular bone mass in white, coloured and Indian schoolchildren

Ethnic differences in the incidence and prevalence of osteoporosis have been shown throughout the world. In South Africa the prevalence of osteoporosis is much higher in whites than in blacks. This is surprising, since factors that might predispose to reduce bone mass are more preponderant in black communities. The present research was undertaken to determine whether differences in bone mass during the period of bone accretion could explain the difference in the incidence of osteoporosis. In this paper we report on differences in appendicular bone mass between white, coloured and Indian children and teenagers (6-18 years) from Johannesburg. The effects of weight, height, puberty and skinfold thickness on bone mass were also assessed. The bone width (BW) of white boys was greater than that of Indian boys, while the bone mineral content (BMC) and BMC/BW were greater in white boys than in both Indian and coloured boys. After adjustment for differences in weight and height, the BW of coloured boys was significantly greater than that of white boys, while all differences in BMC and BMC/BW became non-significant. For girls there were no significant differences in bone mass measurements, but after adjustment for height and weight coloured girls had significantly greater BMC and BMC/BW than either white or Indian girls. This greater weight- and height-adjusted bone mass in coloured girls is consistent with the impression of a lower incidence of osteoporosis in coloured women than in white women.

The effect of ethnic group on appendicular bone mass in children

The prevalence of senile and postmenopausal osteoporotic fractures is considerably higher in white than black women. Although the reasons for the genetic difference have not been elucidated, it has been suggested that ethnic differences in peak bone mass may be partially responsible. The present study examined appendicular bone mass (single-photon absorptiometry, SPA) in black and white children between the ages of 6 and 20 years. The sample was stratified for ethnic group, age, and sex. The effect of weight, height, puberty, and skinfold thickness on bone mass was also assessed. The bone width (BW) and bone mineral content (BMC) of males were significantly higher than those of females (p less than 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences in bone mineral content normalized for bone width (BMC/BW) between the sexes (p = 0.1743 for whites and p = 0.5456 for blacks). The bone mass parameters of black girls were generally lower than those of white girls. After adjusting for height, BMC and BMC/BW of black girls tended to be greater than those of white girls (unadjusted p = 0.0258 for BMC and p = 0.0340 for BMC/BW). White boys tended to have greater bone mass parameters than black boys. After adjusting for height the trends disappeared. Thus, unlike the studies of bone mass in adults from the United States, we were unable to show that age-matched black children have higher bone mass than whites. After adjusting for height, however, the bone mass of black children (especially black girls) was marginally, but not significantly, greater than that of white girls.

The effects of mesterolone on sperm count in idiopathic oligospermia

Forty subfertile men with idiopathic oligospermia were randomly treated with mesterolone or with placebo for more than 4 months. Seminal analysis was performed thrice before treatment, and twice after 16 weeks of treatment. There was a significant increase of semen volume (P less than .05), mean sperm concentration (P less than .01), and mean total sperm count per ejaculate (P less than .01) with mesterolone therapy. Sperm motility and morphological characteristics were not modified by mesterolone therapy. Mesterolone was found to be effective in improving the sperm concentration in mild and moderate rather than in severe idiopathic oligospermia.

Fertility after chemotherapy for testicular cancer

Sixty-nine patients with disseminated testicular cancer and no prior retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy treated with cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin with or without doxorubicin were evaluated for semen analysis, serum gonadotropins, and testosterone. Since 1979, 41 men have been prospectively studied. Before treatment 77% were oligospermic, 17% were azoospermic, and only 6.6% could meet requirements for sperm banking. After 2 mo of therapy, 96% were azoospermic. A group of 28 patients treated between 1975 and 1979 were retrospectively evaluated. Normal sperm counts were found in 46% of those studied. Only 17% were azoospermic. Thirty-two percent have impregnated their wives, resulting in 5 healthy babies, 1 spontaneous abortion, and 3 ongoing pregnancies. These results show that (1) significant impairment of spermatogenesis exists before therapy, precluding the possibility of sperm banking in most patients, (2) combination chemotherapy in testicular cancer has substantial effects on gonadal function, rendering almost all patients azoospermic, and (3) a high degree of recovery of spermatogenesis occurs sometime after 2-3 yr from the initiation of treatment.