Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF SEED EXTRACTS OF Elettaria cardamomum ON CALCIUM OXALATE CRYSTALLIZATION 

Kidney stone has tormented humans since the earliest records of civilization. Urinary stones are one of the oldest and the most common afflictions in humans. Calcium containing stones are the most common comprising about 75% of all urinary calculi, which may be in the form of pure calcium oxalate (50%) or calcium phosphate (5%) or a mixture of both (45 %). 10% of men and 3 % of women have a stone during their adult lives. A number of plants have been mentioned in the Indian ayurvedic system, which can prevent formation or dissolve kidney stones. In the present study, the inhibitory potency of different extracts of seeds of Elettaria cardamomum were evaluated on various stages of formation and on the growth of calcium oxalate crystals in vitro. A result obtained showed that alcoholic and aqueous extract has the higher capacity to inhibit the crystal formation and aggregation as compared to ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts.
Mixing state evolution of agglomerating particles in an aerosol chamber: Comparison of measurements and particle-resolved simulations

Abstract This article presents a validation study of the stochastic particle-resolved aerosol model PartMC with experimental data from an aerosol chamber experiment. For the experiment, a scanning mobility particle sizer and a single-particle soot photometer were used to monitor the aerosol mixing state evolution of two initially externally mixed aerosol populations of ammonium sulfate and black carbon particles undergoing agglomeration. We applied an efficient optimization algorithm (ProSRS) to determine several unconstrained simulation parameters and were able to successfully reproduce number concentrations and size distributions of mixed particles that formed by agglomeration. The PartMC modeling approach in conjunction with the optimization procedure provides a tool for detailed comparisons of chamber experiments and modeling, where aerosol mixing state is the focus of investigation. Copyright © 2019 American Association for Aerosol Research
Effect of Green Tea and Zinc oxide Nanoparticles Complex on Histopathology of Spleen of Male Rats Induced by Monosodium Glutamate

Background and objective: Synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with green tea extract (GTE) to form a complex is known to be one of the most multiuse nanoparticles with its application in treatment the toxicity of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on liver, kidney, testis, and pancreas. Therefore, the present study was concerned with the pontifical effect of ZnO NPs / GTE complex on the histological structure of spleen exposed to MSG. Materials and Methods: The toxicity of MSG was evaluated in male albino rats using two dosages (low, 6.0 and high, 17.5 mg/kg). The albino rats were taken for the experiment and randomly assigned into six groups; control, ZnO NPs, MSG-LD, MSG-HD, ZnO NPs / GTE + MSG-LD, and ZnO NPs / GTE + MSG-HD. The animals were decapitated after 30 days of exposure and spleens were dissected out and processed for the histological examination by light microscope. Results: The result revealed that MSG causes shrinkage in the white pulp nodule with increasing the area of the white pulp and degeneration of red pulp as compared to the control. The changes were more prominent in the rats treated with the higher dosage of MSG. The finding suggests that MSG may effect on adhesion of splenocytes and degeneration of red pulp in the rat leading to the reduced immunogenic response. Conclusions: The data could be demonstrated the effect of MSG on spleen tissue was a dose-dependent and led to hypertrophy of white pulp of the spleen. The ZnO NPs/GTE complex could provide a protective benefit against MSG-induced splenomegaly through its potent antioxidant properties due to the presence of GTE and reduction of the ZnO. The future study will be a concern on the thymus histology as it acts as the center of lymphoid organ. Keywords: Monosodium glutamate, ZnO nanoparticles, Spleen, Histology, Rats
Evapotranspiration and water sensitivity of Amazonian yellow ipe seedlings under different shading conditions

ABSTRACT The scarcity of information on the agroclimatic and ecophysiological requirements of forest species, especially in the initial phase, limits the production of quality seedlings, the planning and optimization of nurseries. The potential evapotranspiration, crop coefficients (kc) and water sensitivity coefficients (ky) of Amazonian yellow ipe seedlings were determined under different shading conditions and levels of water replacement to the substrate, in the dry period (July to October 2016), in the Cerrado-Amazon Rainforest transition region of the Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The experiment evaluated the full sun and black polyester nets with 35, 50, 65 and 80% shading, and the levels of water replacement to the substrate of 25, 50, 75 and 100% ETc in a split-plot scheme, with irrigation fractions established according to the maximum water retention capacity of the substrate. The water consumption of Amazonian yellow ipe was 239.2, 228.6, 204.1, 185.7 and 136.3 mm for cultivation under full sun and shading levels of 35, 50, 65 and 80%, respectively. The daily means of ETc were 3.37, 3.22, 2.87, 2.61 and 1.92 mm d-1, whereas the kc means were 1.13, 1.15, 1.05, 0.90 and 0.60 for the above-mentioned shading levels. ky values ranged from 0.89 to 1.28, with reduction due to the increase of water replacement and increase for higher shading percentage.
TNF-a upregulates Gia and Gqa protein expression and function in human airway smooth muscle cells

Hotta, Kunihisa, Charles W. Emala, and Carol A. Hirshman. TNF-a upregulates Gia and Gqa protein expression and function in human airway smooth muscle cells. Am. J. Physiol. 276 (Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 20): L405–L411, 1999. —Chronic inflammation is a characteristic feature of asthma. Multiple inflammatory mediators are released within the asthmatic lung, some of which may have detrimental effects on signal transduction pathways in airway smooth muscle. The effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a on the expression and function of muscarinic receptors and guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein) a-subunits were examined in human airway smooth muscle cells. Cultured human airway smooth muscle cells were incubated in serum-free culture medium for 72 h in the presence and absence of 10 ng/ml of TNF-a, after which the cells were lysed and subjected to electrophoresis and Gai-2, Gqa, and Gsa protein subunits were detected by immunoblot analysis with specific antisera. TNF-a treatment for 72 h significantly increased the expression of Gai-2 and Gqa proteins and enhanced carbachol (1027 M)-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity and inositol phosphate synthesis. These data provide new evidence demonstrating that TNF-a not only increases expression of Gai-2 and Gqa proteins but also augments the associated signal transduction pathways that would facilitate increased tone of airway smooth muscle.
Biomass production and growth performance of Momela Lake’s spirulina (Arthrospira fusiformis) cultured under urea and N: P: K fertilizers as cheaper nitrogen sources

Spirulina species are world widely known for their ability to produce high quantities of useful metabolites such as protein, fatty acids and vitamins. One of the major challenges in production of this microalgae is the cost and composition of culture medium. In the present study, effect of two culture media with agricultural fertilizers as nitrogen sources viz . urea containing medium (UM) and N: P: K containing medium (NPKM) on production of a locally found spirulina ( Arthrospira fusiformis ) was investigated. Zarrouk medium (ZM) was used as a standard, other culture conditions included 67.5 μmol m -2 s -1 radiation, 10 pH and 30 oC temperature. A. fusiformis was isolated from Momela Lake in Arusha National Park Tanzania. There was no difference ( p > 0.05) in mean biomass production (BM mean ) and doubling time (DT) between ZM (1.205 g/L, 1.437 days respectively) and UM (1.168 g/L, 1.63 days respectively). Significantly higher ( p < 0.05) maximum biomass BM max production and exponential growth rate (μ) in a sequential order was from ZM (1.844 g/L, 0.483/day respectively), UM (1.6 g/L, 0.425/day respectively) and NPKM (0.57 g/L, 0.273/day). It appeared that the wild-isolated A. fusiformis was able to grow well in less costly UM showing high potential for mass production. © 2019 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Momela Lake’s spirulina, biomass production, agricultural fertilizers, nitrogen sources
Adesão ao tratamento da diabetes em adolescentes: factores motivacionais

III Résumé IV Dedicatória V Agradecimentos VI Índice 1 Introdução 3 1. A Diabetes na adolescência 4 1.1. A Diabetes: uma doença crónica 4 1.2. O tratamento da Diabetes Tipo 1 5 1.3. A adolescência e a diabetes: funcionamento psicossocial e implicações na adesão terapêutica 7 2. Motivação e adesão terapêutica na doença crónica: A teoria da auto-determinação 12 2.1. Os componentes básicos da teoria da auto-determinação 15 2.2. A teoria da integração organísmica 16 2.3. A influência dos contextos na motivação 18 2.4. Investigação da saúde e doença no âmbito da teoria da auto-determinação 20 3. Estudo empírico 23 3.1. Objectivos 23 3.2. Metodologia 25 3.2.1. Participantes 25 3.2.2. Instrumentos 25 3.2.3. Procedimento 28 4. Apresentação dos resultados 30 4.1. Caracterização da motivação para o tratamento em adolescentes portadores de diabetes 30 4.2. Análise das relações entre motivação e adesão terapêutica 32 4.3. Análise das representações individuais dos adolescentes sobre a diabetes 35 5. Interpretação dos resultados 38 5.1. A motivação para o tratamento em adolescentes portadores de diabetes 38 5.2. Os factores motivacionais relacionados com a adesão terapêutica 41 Adesão ao tratamento da diabetes em adolescentes: Factores Motivacionais Sofia Almeida Garrett 2 5.3. Os conteúdos associados pelos adolescentes à diabetes 44 Conclusões 47 Referências bibliográficas 50
Effectiveness evaluation of alternative sanitizers in microbiological quality of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch Var. Oso Grande) after artificial contamination by Escherichia coli

smveiga@gmail.com Abstract Washing and sanitization are considered particularly critical steps for the microbiological quality of fruits. At this stage, it is important to select the sanitizer which must have microbiological effectiveness. On the literature, there is a great interest on alternative sanitizers for microbiological quality control of food. This study aimed at verifying the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite, ozone, ultrasound and citric acid as well as associations of ultrasound to the other techniques mentioned above in the microbiological quality control of strawberries cv. Dso Grande. On these trials, the fruits were initially subjected to artificial contamination by a strain of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and thereafter part of them was reserved as control samples; the remainder was submitted to different kinds of sanitization treatment. Then, some microbiological analyses of coliforms counts at 45 °C were performed with those present in the control samples and in the post-sanitization samples, through the enzymatic technique of chromogenic substrate. The three most efficient treatments for maintaining the microbiological quality of the fruit were 2% citric acid, 2% citric acid associated with ultrasound and
Comparative Assessment of Total Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity of Commercial Green Tea from Tuzla Markets

Green Tea, made from Camellia sinensis plant leaves, is one of the most popular drinks in the world. For the past decades, scientists have studied this plant in terms of potential health benefits. Research has shown that green tea helps prevent stroke, malignancy and infections. In this paper, antioxidant activity and total phenol content of 4 samples of green tea from local Tuzla stores were investigated, of which two were of foreign origin. The antioxidant activity of the samples was analyzed using FRAP and DPPH methods. The obtained results show that the highest content of total phenols and the largest antioxidant capacity has a sample of foreign origin. The content of total phenols in the samples ranges from 60.01 to 79.34 mg GAE/g. The highest FRAP value is 3.34 mmol/g. The antioxidant capacity was also confirmed by the DPPH method. The IC50 value ranges from 0.014 to 0.030 mg/mL. Keywords-Phenol, FRAP, DPPH, Green Tea
Effect of fortification of commercial glycerol and crude glycerol to straw based mixed substrate on fermentation kinetics and energy value

The study evaluated the effect of commercial grade pure glycerol (PG) and, crude glycerol (CG) which was obtained during biodiesel production on rumen fermentation kinetics in vitro. Glycerol purity of both the sources was 99.9% and confirmed with GC-MS. CG was little alkaline with 7.11 pH and consisted total tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids 24.09±3.21, 16.63±3.97 and 20.52±4. 11μg/ml, respectively than PG. In vitro fermentation kinetics (IVFK) and substrate utilization by rumen microbes was studied by applying first order kinetics to in vitro gas production (IVGP) technique. Substrate having roughage to concentrate ratio of 60:40 was used without glycerol fortification (control) or fortified with10% PG or CG. Total gas production (TGP) was significantly (P<0.01) increased in PG or CG compared to control. Lag time in CG was more (P<0.05) than PG due to presence of impurities. Substrate IVDMD and IVNDFD were comparable between PG and CG. IVTVFA was significantly (P<0.01) increased in PG or CG than control. Metabolizable energy (ME) value of the substrate was improved by 27 and 32% respectively, in PG or CG compared to control. Study concluded that IVFK and substrate utilization between commercial or crude glycerol was comparable. Based on improved TVFA concentration and ME value, CG or PG could be fortified to dairy ration to enhance substrate fermentation and energy yield.
The Disinfection of Drinking Water in Trunk Water Mains

This study aimed to explore the disinfection of drinking water in trunk water mains, based on published conditions denoted within the Irish Republic. The variables within the study were consumer draw-off rates, trunk main length, pipe diameter, and water temperature. All these factors are known to impact the free chlorine residual in operational supply networks. Based on published conditions obtained within the literature review, 60 hypothetical trunk mains were generated for this study. Of primary concern were the variables that affect the chlorine decay rate; total amount of chlorine decay; available amount of chlorine in the periphery of the trunk main; and the costs associated with effective chlorine disinfection of trunk mains. Based on the analysis performed, the following were the salient observations: 1) Low consumer draw-off rates and increased trunk main length and diameter increased the risk of the free chlorine residual in the periphery of the trunk mains not complying with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) minimum recommended residual value of 0.1 mg/l (EPA Drinking Water Audit Report, 2014). 2) Increasing the diameter of the trunk main from 125 mm to 180 mm had a negligible effect on the chlorine decay rate. However, increasing the trunk main diameter from 125 mm to 180 mm was shown to have a major impact on the total amount of chlorine decay and free chlorine residual available in the periphery of the main. The key parameters that affected disinfection costs associated with trunk mains include length, diameter and the need for chlorine boosting.
Lateral source field-plated β-Ga2O3 MOSFET with recorded breakdown voltage of 2360 V and low specific on-resistance of 560 mΩ cm2

In this letter, lateral β-Ga2O3 MOSFETs with source field plate are fabricated on Si-doped homoepitaxial film on (010) Fe-doped semi-insulating β-Ga2O3 substrate. The drain extension in the source field plate effectively suppresses the peak electric field in the Ga2O3 channel, and improves the breakdown voltage greatly. Moreover, fluorinert FC-770 is used to reduce air breakdown potential during the breakdown testing. The breakdown voltage of the device with Lsd of 28 μm is measured as high as 2360 V, which is the highest value in reported lateral Ga2O3 MOSFET. Besides, Si-ion implantation is adopted to reduce the ohmic contact resistance (Rc). The value of specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) is calculated to be 560 mΩ cm2, which is a recorded value under such high breakdown voltage, and also lower than the theoretical limit of Si-based power devices under the same breakdown voltage.
Oral Administration of Acidophilus Milk Supplemented with Calcium Pyruvate Modulates some Biochemical Parameters and Weight Gain in Rats Fed High Fat Diet

This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of acidophilus milk supplemented with calcium pyruvate on reduction of obesity in rat model. For that purpose, Albino rats were randomized into three groups; rats in the first group (I, control) were fed high fat diet while rats in experimental groups were fed the same diet and orally administrated with acidophilus milk or acidophilus milk supplemented with 3 % of calcium pyruvate for rats in group III. After five weeks of intervention, levels of plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, liver markers, and IL6 and body weight were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in rats of group I compared to rats in both experimental groups. Also, levels of plasma IL-10 were significantly increased in the experimental groups compared to rats in group I. Results of this study indicated that supplementation of acidophilus milk with calcium pyruvate could decrease the weight gain and modulate plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, liver markers, IL-6 and IL-10 in rat model. Indeed, further research on the molecular mechanism of anti-obesity effect of calcium pyruvate is still needed.
EFFECT OF HEATING TIME AND HEAT ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDATIVE PROPERTY OF FISH (LABEO ROHITA) SKIN OIL

Objective: Determination of oxidative and thermal stability of Labeo rohita skin oil. Methods: Labeo rohita skin oil was extracted by soxhlet method using n-hexane as solvent. Acid value, Free Fatty Acid content, the Peroxide value of the oil was determined and the same was also determined after heating the oil at 90 °c for 1 hour to check whether the oil is thermally stable or not. Antioxidant activity was determined via Total Phenolic content (TPC), 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Oxidative stability was determined by heating the oil at a constant temperature of 90 °c for 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, and 4 hour. The oil was also heated at 60 °c, 120 °c, and 18 °c for a constant time of 2 h. Results: Heating increases the scavenging activity of Labeo rohita skin oil as measured by the 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) method. Total phenolic content (TPC) value and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay value is decreased both with an increase in heating time (**p<0.05) and heating temperature (p<0.01). Acid value and FFA (Free Fatty Acid) content and Peroxide value is increased with an increase in temperature (**p<0.01) Conclusion: The Present study explores that Labeo rohita skin oil both thermally and oxidatively stable The results indicate that the oil can be used in food formulation as well as a new cooking oil substitute.
Investigation of nickel‐63 radioisotope‐powered GaN betavoltaic nuclear battery

This work describes the theoretical and experimental investigation of an in‐house produced 63Ni radioisotope‐powered GaN‐based direct conversion (betavoltaic) nuclear battery. GaN p‐n junction device with 1‐mm2 area was fabricated and irradiated by the 63Ni plate source. Short‐circuit current and open‐circuit voltage of the battery were measured, and current‐voltage curves were plotted. The energy stored in battery, maximum power, and efficiency parameters were calculated. Monte Carlo modelling was used to investigate radioisotope's self‐absorption effect, the optimization of semiconductor and source thickness, transport, and penetration of beta particles in semiconductor junction. A large fraction of beta particle energy emitted from 63Ni source is absorbed within 1 μm of the semiconductor junction on the basis of the simulation results. Epitaxial growth of GaN was performed using metal‐organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) system. Monte Carlo simulation with MCNPX was used to determine optimum 63Ni radioactive film thickness. 63Ni film was electroplated on one face of 1‐mm2 copper plate and mounted 1 mm over the semiconductor device. A 63Ni source with an apparent activity of 0.31 mCi produced 0.1 ± 0.001 nA short‐circuit current (Isc), 0.65 V ± 0.0022 open‐circuit voltage (Voc), and 0.016 nW ± 0.0002 maximum power (Pmax) in the semiconductor device. The filling factor (FF) of the betavoltaic cell was 25%, and the conversion efficiency (ɳ) was 0.05%. Finally, experimental results were compared with theoretical calculations.
Molecular mechanics and quantum chemical calculations unveil the combating effect of baicalein on human islet amyloid polypeptide aggregates

ABSTRACT Formation of insoluble toxic aggregates by hIAPP polypeptide is found to be a core component for disease pathogenicity of patients suffering from type II diabetes. Naturally occurring polyphenols that possess anti-aggregation property are being majorly studied in the current scenario for treating various conformational diseases. Herein, we study the disaggregation mechanism of naturally occurring polyphenol baicalein, obtained from the roots of S. baicalensis and Indian trumpet flower on hIAPP dimer using quantum chemical calculation and discrete molecular dynamics. Our study reported that a drastic loss in the secondary structural propensity of hIAPP was seen upon binding of baicalein. Notably, the hydrophobic core and the phenolic groups present in the ends of baicalein molecule play a key role in inhibiting the aggregates formed upon binding to the amyloidogenic core region of hIAPP. Thus, our study provides a comprehensive understanding over the disaggregation effect of baicalein on hIAPP dimer from a computational point of view and thereby bridging the gap for future therapeutic strategy in designing the anti-aggregation compounds that inhibit hIAPP amyloids.
Targeting HIV-prevention efforts on truck drivers and sex workers: implications for a decline in the spread of HIV in southern Africa.

The role of mobile populations in the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been documented in several countries worldwide. The role of truck drivers and sex workers in the spread of HIV has been studied in Africa India and the USA. Due to the migratory nature of their occupation truck drivers tend to have multiple sexual partners. The potential roles of truck drivers and sex workers in the spread of HIV in southern Africa are being explored through a combination of qualitative and quantitative studies among these population groups in South Africa. Ten sex workers from five truck stops (Van Reenen Reids Tugela Newcastle and Warden) in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands were recruited as field workers. They were trained to obtain informed consent administer a questionnaire to obtain socio-demographic data and collect a saliva sample for an HIV test from men they have sex with. HIV prevalence and demo-graphic data for 194 women sex workers operating from these truck stops were obtained from an ongoing vaginal microbicide trial among sex workers. The recommendations contained in this MRC [South African Medical Research Council] Policy Brief were drawn from the findings of these studies. (excerpt)