bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uso de estratégias inovadoras no ensino de hematologia: uma experiência na educação médica
Authors: Costa Franciely Vanessa , Negro-Dellacqua Melissa , Souza Iane Franceschet de , Rabelo Bruna Daniel , Savi Geovana Dagostim , Bortolotto Tiago
Published: March 2020

Este estudo objetiva relatar a experiência da aplicação de metodologias ativas em um curso de extensão em hematologia aplicado no curso de Medicina da UFSC-Araranguá. Trata-se de uma pesquisa aplicada, na modalidade de relato de experiência, descritiva e exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa. O curso foi realizado em quatro encontros, com a participação de 27 estudantes de Medicina, empregando estratégias inovadoras de ensino-aprendizagem como o brainstorming, uso de simuladores médicos, sala de aula invertida e discussão de casos clínicos. O curso de extensão teve por finalidade aprofundar o conhecimento dos estudantes sobre conteúdos aplicados à hematologia, complementando o conteúdo curricular. Os seguintes assuntos foram abordados: coleta e distensão de sangue para exame; coloração; morfologia de células sanguíneas; contagem de eritrócitos e leucócitos em câmara de Neubauer; índices hematimétricos; distúrbios dos eritrócitos; distúrbios dos leucócitos e abordagem clínica do hemograma. As estratégias metodológicas usadas no curso de extensão oportunizaram aos estudantes o conhecimento dos temas abordados e os mesmos se sentiram motivados em aprender esta área do conhecimento. O curso de extensão atingiu seu objetivo de complementar os conteúdos curriculares do curso de Medicina, bem como de ampliar os conhecimentos na área de hematologia.
Air pollution and childhood obesity
Authors: Seo Moon Young , Kim Shin-Hye , Park Mi Jung
Published: March 2020

Childhood obesity is a global health concern. Air pollution is also a crucial health threat, especially in developing countries. Over the past decade, a number of epidemiologic and animal studies have suggested a possible role of pre- or postnatal exposure to air pollutants on childhood obesity. Although no clear mechanism has been elucidated, physical inactivity, oxidative stress, and epigenetic modifications have been suggested as possible mechanisms by which obesity develops due to air pollution. In this review, we summarize and review previous epidemiologic studies linking air pollution and childhood obesity and discuss the possible mechanisms underlying air pollution-induced obesity based on in vivo and in vitro evidence.
Association between assisted reproductive technology and autism spectrum disorders in Iran: a case-control study
Authors: Jenabi Ensiyeh , Seyedi Mahdieh , Hamzehei Ronak , Bashirian Saeid , Rezaei Mohammad , Razjouyan Katayoon , Khazaei Salman
Published: March 2020

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by impairments in social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication.Purpose: Determine the association between use of assisted reproduction technology (ART) and the risk of ASD among children.Methods: This case-control study included 300 participants (100 cases, 200 controls). The control group included women with a child aged 2–10 years without ASD, while the cases were women with a child aged 2–10 years with ASD. We used a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Stata ver. 14 at the 0.05 significance level.Results: In the univariate analysis, there was significant association between child sex, delivery mode, history of preterm delivery, history of using ART, and maternal age at child’s birth and the risk of ASD. After the adjustment for other variables, this association was significant for male sex (2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–4.31; P=0.001) and history of using ART (4.03; 95% CI, 1.76–9.21; P=0.001). Therefore, after the adjustment for confounder variables, there was no significant association between ART and the risk of ASD among children (4.98; 95% CI, 0.91–27.30; P=0.065).Conclusion: After the adjustment for other variables, risk factors for ASD were male sex and history preterm delivery. Thus, there was no significant association between ART and the risk of ASD among children.
Penyuluhan Penyakit Kusta dengan Tingkat Pengetahuan Keluarga Penderita Kusta di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Banggae II Kabupaten Majene
Authors: Nur Akbar , Amalaia Nur , Badau Muhammad Jufri , Selluk Aleks Tampang
Published: March 2020

Leprosy up to now is still one of the problems in public health faced by the Indonesian people, especially in Majene Regency. The emergence of new cases shows that the transmission process is still due to the delay in leprosy in treating them. This study aims to determine the relationship between health education to the level of knowledge, families of people affected by leprosy in the Work Area of Banggae II Health Center, Majene Regency. This quantitative research method used a quasi-experiment research design with a sample of 50 respondents. The results showed that there was a relationship between health counseling on the level of family knowledge of lepers with the SPSS test using a paired T-test with a sig value (P = 0.07) which means there was a relationship. It is recommended to health workers to further improve health supervision and promotion to family members of leprosy patients about leprosy, transmission, treatment, and drug side effects. It is expected that families pay more attention and give moral support to patients so that patients are more confident and diligent for treatment.

Keywords: health education; knowledge; family; leprosy

ABSTRAK

Penyakit kusta adalah penyakit menular menahun yang disebabkan oleh Mycrobacterium leprae yang menyerang saraf tepi, kulit dan jaringan tubuh lainnya. Penyakit kusta sampai dengan sekarang masih menjadi salah satu permasalahan dalam kesehatan masyarakat yang dihadapi oleh masyarakat Indonesia khususnya di Kabupaten Majene. Munculnya kasus baru menunjukkan masih terjadinya proses penularan diakibatkan dari keterlambatan penderita kusta dalam melakukan pengobatan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara penyuluhan kesehatan terhadap tingkat pengetahuan, keluarga penderita kusta di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Banggae II Kabupaten Majene. Metode penelitian ini kuantitatif dengan menggunakan rancangan penelitian quasi experiment dengan jumlah sampel 50 responden. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada hubungan antara penyuluhan kesehatan terhadap tingkat pengetahuan keluarga penderita kusta hasil uji SPSS menggunakan uji T berpasangan dengan nilai sig (P= 0,07) yang berarti terdapat hubungan. Disarankan kepada petugas kesehatan agar lebih meningkatkan pengawasan dan promosi kesehatan kepada anggota keluarga penderita kusta tentang penyakit kusta, penularan, pengobatan, dan efek samping obat. Diharapkan keluarga lebih memperhatikan dan memberi dukungan moral pada penderita agar penderita lebih percaya diri dan tekun untuk berobat.

Kata kunci: penyuluhan kesehatan; pengetahuan; keluarga; kusta
Suplementasi Antioksidan pada Maturasi In Vitro Menurunkan Kadar ROS: A Literature Review
Authors: Kusumaningrum Amalia Ratna
Published: March 2020

One of the reproductive health problems is infertility. In vitro maturation (IVM) is emerging as a popular technology at the forefront of fertility treatment. IVM conditions inducing a series of events related to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have been implicated as one of the major causes for reduced embryonic development. Therefore, the supplementation of IVM media with antioxidants could improve the survival and development of the oocytes. The method of searching conducted online database such as Science Direct, Sage, Pubmed, Springer, and Oxford. The keywords that used were “antioxidant”, “reactive oxygen species”, “in vitro maturation”, “infertility” and “assisted reproductive technology”. The literatures restricted in 2008 year until 2019 in English. The results of the study show that there were 3 main themes, types, dosages, antioxidant benefits for reduced ROS levels during IVM. The drawback that might arise in this study is that there are still possibilities of not getting some related articles. The literature review is expected to be a basis for research assisted reproductive technology.

Keywords: antioxidant; in vitro maturation; infertility; Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Kelas Ibu Meningkatkan Pengetahuan dan Keterampilan Ibu di Desa Soliu
Authors: Kiik Stefanus Mendes , Nuwa Muhammad Saleh , Sormin Roslin E.M.
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mother’s class on the knowledge and the skills among mothers in Soliu Village. This pre-experimental with one group pre- and post-test design used in this research. To collect data, purposive sampling was taken, involving 20 respondents. A paired t-test was used to compare group differences in the knowledge, and the skills. There were significant improvements in the knowledge (p<0,001), and the skills (p<0,001) among mothers.
Keywords: mother; knowledge; skills

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kelas ibu terhadap pengetahuan dan keterampilan ibu di Desa Soliu. Desain penelitian yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah pre-experimental dengan pendekatan one group pre and post test design. Teknik sampling yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah purposive sampling. Sampel dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 20 orang. Paired t-test (dependent t-test) digunakan untuk membandingkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan sebelum dan sesudah perlakuan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kelas ibu berpengaruh signifikan meningkatkan pengetahuan (p<0,001) dan keterampilan ibu (p<0,001).
Kata kunci: ibu; pengetahuan; keterampilan
Clapping dan Vibration Meningkatkan Bersihan Jalan Napas pada Pasien ISPA
Authors: Faisal Andi Muh. , Najihah Najihah
Published: March 2020

One of the nursing diagnoses in upper respiratory tract infection is the ineffectiveness of airway clearance, and interventions that can be planned to improve airway clearance, namely chest physiotherapy (clapping and vibration). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of providing clapping and vibration for airway clearance in upper respiratory tract infection patients in Labuang Baji Regional Hospital Makassar. This research was an experimental research with one group pretest posttest design. Samples in the study of 16 patients with upper respiratory tract infection were determined by accidental sampling technique. Data were collected using an observation sheet. Data analysis used Mc Nemar test. The results showed that clapping and vibration were effective in increasing airway clearance (p = 0.000) and effective against indicators of airway clearance, namely decreased respiratory frequency (p = 0.031), decreased sputum production (p = 0,000) and ronchi (p = 0.001). It was concluded that clapping and vibration were effective in increasing airway clearance in upper respiratory tract infection patients.

Keywords: clapping and vibration; clearance of the airway; upper respiratory tract infection

ABSTRAK

Salah satu diagnosa keperawatan yang muncul pada penyakit ISPA adalah ketidakefektifan bersihan jalan napas, dan intervensi yang dapat direncanakan untuk meningkatkan bersihan jalan napas yaitu pemberian fisioterapi dada (clapping dan vibration). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektifitas pemberian clapping dan vibration terhadap bersihan jalan napas pada pasien ISPA di RSUD Labuang Baji Kota Makassar. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimen dengan one group pretest posttest design. Sampel dalam penelitian 16 pasien ISPA yang ditentukan dengan teknik accidental sampling. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan lembar observasi. Analisis data menggunakan uji Mc Nemar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa clapping dan vibration efektif meningkatkan bersihan jalan napas (p=0.000) dan efektif terhadap indikator besihan jalan napas, yaitu penurunan frekuensi pernapasan (p=0.031), penurunan produksi sputum (p=0.000) dan ronchi (p=0.001). Sehingga disimpulkan bahwa clapping dan vibration efektif meningkatkan bersihan jalan napas pada pasien ISPA.

Kata kunci: clapping dan vibration; bersihan jalan napas; ISPA
Tingkat Pendidikan dan Pengetahuan Kepala Keluarga Tentang TB Paru di RT 03 RW 07 Kelurahan Pematang Reba, Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Pekan Heran, Kabupaten Indragiri Hulu
Authors: Yulianto Yulianto
Published: March 2020

Pulmonary tuberculosis (pulmonary TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs. The number of patients with pulmonary TB in Indragiri Hulu Regency in 2017 was 329 patients. Pematang Reba Village is the highest case in Pekan Heran Puskesmas Work Area as many as 16 patients, where RT 03 RW 07 is the highest case of all RTs in Pematang Reba Village. The aim of study is investigate the relationship of education level with the knowledge of the Head of the Family in RT 03 RW 07 Kelurahan Pematang Reba. The study design used descriptive correlation with cross sectional approach. The population in this study is the head of the family. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling with 132 respondents. The results of the univariate test on the level of education of the Head of the family had basic education (48.5%), secondary education (25%), high education (26.5%) and knowledge of TB Lungs are good (33.3%), Sufficient (20.5%), Poor (46.2%). Bivariate test results showed there is relationship between the level of education with the knowledge of family heads about pulmonary TB, with a p value of 0,000 with ɑ <0.05. The level of family head's knowledge of TB is related to education so health education about TB must be done according to level of education in order to achieve desired knowledge and behavior towards TB.

Keywords: lung TB; head of family; education; knowledge

ABSTRAK
In Situ Measurement of Carbon Fibre/Polyether Ether Ketone Thermal Expansion in Low Earth Orbit
Authors: Abdullah Farhan , Okuyama Kei-ichi , Fajardo Isai , Urakami Naoya
Published: March 2020

The low Earth orbit (LEO) environment exposes spacecraft to factors that can degrade the dimensional stability of the structure. Carbon Fibre/Polyether Ether Ketone (CF/PEEK) can limit such degradations. However, there are limited in-orbit data on the performance of CF/PEEK. Usage of small satellite as material science research platform can address such limitations. This paper discusses the design of a material science experiment termed material mission (MM) onboard Ten-Koh satellite, which allows in situ measurements of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for CF/PEEK samples in LEO. Results from ground tests before launch demonstrated the feasibility of the MM design. Analysis of in-orbit data indicated that the CTE values exhibit a non-linear temperature dependence, and there was no shift in CTE values after four months. The acquired in-orbit data was consistent with previous ground tests and in-orbit data. The MM experiment provides data to verify the ground test of CF/PEEK performance in LEO. MM also proved the potential of small satellite as a platform for conducting meaningful material science experiments.
Sustainable Arthropod Management in Quebec Vineyards
Authors: Vincent Charles , Lasnier Jacques
Published: March 2020

In Quebec (Canada), viticulture is practiced at the fringe of what is known as a cool climate area. Quebec has a very recent history of viticultural entomology as the first artisanal permit for wine making was issued by the Quebec Government in 1985, and the first formal research project about arthropods associated with vineyards was initiated in 1997. The Quebec viticultural industry has consistently developed over ca. 35 years and, given the prospects of global warming, warmer abiotic conditions will allow to cultivate cultivars of better oenological value. Meanwhile, some invasive species that recently arrived in Quebec are causing concerns because they are threatening the sustainability of pest management programs. In this article, we will review of the evolution of entomological research in Quebec vineyards. We will then treat technology transfer activities that allowed to translate research results into protection programs. Finally, we will discuss new and coming entomological problems that are challenging the sustainability of pest management programs in Quebec vineyards.
Effects of Straw-Return Method for the Maize–Rice Rotation System on Soil Properties and Crop Yields
Authors: Han Yuling , Ma Wei , Zhou Baoyuan , Yang Xiaolong , Salah Akram , Li Congfeng , Cao Cougui , Zhan Ming , Zhao Ming
Published: March 2020

Exploring suitable maize straw-return measures is essential for the new double-cropping system of maize (Zea mays L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation in the middle reaches of Yangtze River in China, which can increase crop yield by improving soil quality. In this study, four straw-return measures were evaluated by investigating the soil bulk density (BD), organic matter (OM), microbial community, and nutrients from 2016 to 2018. The four straw-return treatments were as follows: (1) no straw-return (CK), (2) only rice straw incorporated into the field (M0Ri), (3) both maize and rice straw incorporated to field (MiRi), and (4) maize straw mulched and rice straw incorporated into the field (MmRi). Compared to CK, two-season crop straw-return treatments changed soil microbial community composition, and increased soil total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), mineralized nitrogen (Nmin), available phosphorus (P) and exchangeable potassium (K) in the 0–20 cm soil layer by 3.6%, 63.4%, 38.8%, 12.4%, 39.7%, and 21.6%, respectively, averaged across MmRi and MiRi treatments. In addition, MmRi and MiRi increased annual yield by 9.1% and 15.2% in 2017 and 11.7% and 12.9% compared to CK in 2018, respectively. MmRi exhibited superiority in the soil microbial community, enzyme activities, DOC, MBC, Nmin, available P, and exchangeable K in contrast to MiRi. We concluded that MmRi is the best measure to implement for straw-return in maize–rice rotation systems.
A General Model for the Effect of Crop Management on Plant Disease Epidemics at Different Scales of Complexity
Authors: González-Domínguez Elisa , Fedele Giorgia , Salinari Francesca , Rossi Vittorio
Published: March 2020

A general and flexible model was developed to simulate progress over time of the epidemics caused by a generic polycyclic pathogen on aerial plant parts. The model includes all of the epidemiological parameters involved in the pathogen life cycle: between-season survival, production of primary inoculum, occurrence of primary infections, production and dispersal of secondary inoculum both inside and outside the crop, and concatenation of secondary infection cycles during the host’s growing season. The model was designed to include the effect of the main crop management actions that affect disease levels in the crop. Policy-oriented, strategic, and tactical actions were considered at the different levels of complexity (from the agro-ecosystem to the farming and cropping system). All effects due to disease management actions were translated into variations in the epidemiological components of the model, and the model quantitatively simulates the effect of these actions on epidemic development, expressed as changes in final disease and in the area under the disease progress curve. The model can help researchers, students and policy makers understand how management decisions (especially those commonly recommended as part of Integrated Pest Management programs) will affect plant disease epidemics at different scales of complexity.
Differences in Biomass Production and Water Use Efficiency among Seven Different Cover Crops in the Wet Winter Seasons of 2016/17 and 2018 in South Carolina
Authors: St Aime Ricardo , Zehnder Geoffrey W. , Talley Christopher , Narayanan Sruthi
Published: March 2020

Cover crops can protect soil health and increase climate resilience of crop production systems. Agronomic crop producers in the southern USA often demand information on the best cover crops for their locality and cropping system and on the potential impacts of cover crops on stored soil water. The present research evaluated biomass production and water use efficiency (WUE) of single species and multispecies winter cover crops in South Carolina. Overall, a five-species mixture of Austrian winter pea, rye, crimson clover, hairy vetch, and oats and a single species of rye had the greatest biomass production (4600–6480 kg ha−1) at the end of the season (19 April 2017 in season-1 and 10 May 2018 in season-2). The five-species mixture also had the greatest WUE (2184–2232 g m−3). None of the cover crops depleted soil water (in 60 cm depth) greater than a weed-free fallow maintained through herbicide application and a weedy fallow (no herbicide application). Since both the seasons, in which the present study was conducted, received greater than normal rainfall, further studies should verify the applicability of the results in dry years.
Subsoiling Improves the Photosynthetic Characteristics of Leaves and Water Use Efficiency of Rainfed Summer Maize in the Southern Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China
Authors: Wu Wenming , Wang Shiji , Zhang Lin , Li Jincai , Song Youhong , Peng Chen , Chen Xiang , Jing Lili , Chen Hongjian
Published: March 2020

In the southern Huang-Huai-Hai (HHH) region, China, maize production is frequently threatened by waterlogging at the seedling stage and by drought at the big flare stage. A two-year field experiment was performed to explore whether subsoiling (SS) in the winter wheat season could improve the photosynthetic capacity and increase the water use efficiency (WUE) of summer maize using the variety, Luyu9105. A split design was adopted in the experiment. The main plots used tillage practices, including SS and rotary tillage (RT). The subplots consisted of two irrigation methods, i.e., applied supplemental irrigation at the big flare stage (I) and no irrigation at the big flare stage (NI). The results showed that the SS treatment significantly increased soil water content (SWC) in the 40–60 cm soil layer. The SS treatment improved green leaf area index (gLAI) by 15.1%–30.2%, and enhanced the ear-leaf net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (ci) and transpiration rate (Tr), and was accompanied by an increase in the grain-filling duration (T) by 5 days and the mean grain-filling rate (Va). The SS treatment decreased the stomatal limitation (Ls), indicating that RT treatment, which was under lower SWC, led to a decrease in Pn. Applied supplemental irrigation under RT treatment was able to compensate for the growth of leaves, but could not reverse the decreasing trend in the gLAI. Ultimately, the SS treatment improved WUE by 9.1%–9.9%, and increased grain yields by 10.0%–29.3%. Therefore, this study showed that in the southern Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, which has a yellow cinnamon soil type, the practice of SS can improve the photosynthetic characteristics of leaves and WUE of rainfed summer maize.
Oxytetracycline and Monensin Uptake by Tifton 85 Bermudagrass from Dairy Manure-Applied Soil
Authors: Hilaire Sheldon S. , Bellows Barbara , Brady Jeff A. , Muir James P.
Published: March 2020

To address concerns regarding the potential impact of antibiotic use in animal husbandry on antibiotic resistance in humans, we conducted a greenhouse-based study examining uptake of the veterinary antibiotics oxytetracycline (OTC) and monensin (MON) by Tifton 85 Bermudagrass (T85), the most commonly grown forage grass in the southeastern U.S.A. Since oxytetracycline is used in both veterinary and human medicine, its accumulation in animal products could impact human resistance to this antibiotic. Monensin is not used in human medicine but has a high potential for accumulating in the environment. Our research examined antibiotic uptake by forage grass T85, the effect of dairy manure application on its uptake, and antibiotic retention in soil. We compared unspiked, wet dairy manure to wet dairy manure spiked with MON or OTC that was soil surface applied to pots or incorporated into soil. After 6 wk, plant stem/leaf and root tissue, as well as soil samples, were assessed for antibiotic residues using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results confirmed Tifton 85 MON and OTC uptake. Six weeks after adding the antibiotics, the greatest plant matter OTC and MON contents were 157.9 ± 70.6 and 234.4 ± 19.6 µg kg−1, respectively, and 17.6 and 369.5 µg kg−1, respectively, for soil. When spiked with OTC, manure incorporation led to decreased OTC uptake by T85 tissue. Bioaccumulation of these antimicrobials in livestock and in the environment is a potential concern for animal, environmental, and human health.
Impact of Ultrasound Extraction Parameters on the Antioxidant Properties of Moringa Oleifera Leaves
Authors: Pollini Luna , Tringaniello Carmela , Ianni Federica , Blasi Francesca , Manes Jordi , Cossignani Lina
Published: March 2020

Recently, much interest has been focused on Moringa oleifera L., a highly versatile and sustainable plant. In addition to its nutritional properties, numerous bioactive compounds have been identified in M. oleifera leaves, for which healthy properties have been reported. In the present research, the impact of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on the recovery of the bioactive compounds from leaves was investigated. Firstly, an experimental design approach has been used to highlight the influence of some extraction parameters (solvent, solvent/dry leaves ratio, temperature, time) on phenol compound recovery and antioxidant activity. Solvent composition was the most influential factor; in fact, the presence of water in the solvent (50:50, v/v) corresponded to an increase in the extraction performance. The liquid/solid ratio (L/S) also influenced the extraction process; in fact, the total phenol content reached 13.4 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry matter (DM) in the following UAE conditions: 50% water, 60:1 L/S ratio, 60 °C, 60 min. In order to quantify flavonols, hydroalcoholic extracts were analysed by HPLC-DAD (high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector). In the flavonol class, the glycosidic forms of quercetin and kaempferol were mainly detected. Their content ranged from 216.4 µg/g DM of quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside to 293.9 µg/g DM of quercetin 3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-β-D-glucoside. In summary, the leaves of M. oleifera are a potential natural source of bioactive compounds, proving to be very promising for the development of health-promoting food supplements.
Ginkgo biloba Prevents Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis Blocking p53 Activation in Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Di Meo Francesco , Cuciniello Rossana , Margarucci Sabrina , Bergamo Paolo , Petillo Orsolina , Peluso Gianfranco , Filosa Stefania , Crispi Stefania
Published: March 2020

Oxidative stress has been associated to neuronal cell loss in neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons are post-mitotic cells that are very sensitive to oxidative stress—especially considering their limited capacity to be replaced. Therefore, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibiting apoptosis, will potentially prevent neurodegeneration. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) against H2O2 induced apoptosis in SK-N-BE neuroblastoma cells. We analysed the molecular signalling pathway involved in the apoptotic cell death. H2O2 induced an increased acetylation of p53 lysine 382, a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, an increased BAX/Bcl-2 ratio and consequently increased Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. All these effects were blocked by EGb 761 treatment. Thus, EGb 761, acting as intracellular antioxidant, protects neuroblastoma cells against activation of p53 mediated pathway and intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis. Our results suggest that EGb 761, protecting against oxidative-stress induced apoptotic cell death, could potentially be used as nutraceutical for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Bioactive Variability and In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activity of Unprocessed and Processed Flour of Nine Cultivars of Australian lupin Species: A Comprehensive Substantiation
Authors: Mazumder Kishor , Nabila Afia , Aktar Asma , Farahnaky Asgar
Published: March 2020

The aim of this present investigation was to analyze bioactive compounds, as well as demonstrate the antioxidant activities of nine cultivars of Australian lupin species accompanied by observing the effect of domestic heat processing on their antioxidant activities adopting in vivo and in vitro approaches. Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was performed for profiling bioactive compounds present in lupin cultivars. Multiple assay techniques involving quantification of polyphenolics, flavonoids and flavonol, electron transfer (ET) based assay, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)-based assay and in vivo assays were performed. The major compounds found were hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester, methyl stearate, lupanine,13-docosenamide and 11-octadecenoic acid (Z)- methyl ester. Mandelup was found to show excellent antioxidant activity. Moreover, Jurien, Gunyidi and Barlock had strong antioxidant activity. Both positive and negative impacts of heat processing were observed on antioxidant activity. Heating and usage of excess water during processing were the key determinants of loss of antioxidants. Negligible loss of antioxidant activity was observed in most of the assays whereas inhibition of both lipid peroxidation (33.53%) and hemolysis of erythrocytes (37.75%) were increased after processing. In addition, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant assays are found to show statistically significant (* p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.01) results, which are supported by the presence of a number of antioxidant compounds in GC-MS analysis.
Multi-Component Antioxidative System and Robust Carbohydrate Status, the Essence of Plant Arsenic Tolerance
Authors: Kofroňová Monika , Hrdinová Aneta , Mašková Petra , Tremlová Jana , Soudek Petr , Petrová Šárka , Pinkas Dominik , Lipavská Helena
Published: March 2020

Arsenic (As) contaminates the food chain and decreases agricultural production through impairing plants, particularly due to oxidative stress. To better understand the As tolerance mechanisms, two contrasting tobacco genotypes: As-sensitive Nicotiana sylvestris and As-tolerant N.tabacum, cv. ‘Wisconsin’ were analyzed. The most meaningful differences were found in the carbohydrate status, neglected so far in the As context. In the tolerant genotype, contrary to the sensitive one, net photosynthesis rates and saccharide levels were unaffected by As exposure. Importantly, the total antioxidant capacity was far stronger in the As-tolerant genotype, based on higher antioxidants levels (e.g., phenolics, ascorbate, glutathione) and activities and/or appropriate localizations of antioxidative enzymes, manifested as reverse root/shoot activities in the selected genotypes. Accordingly, malondialdehyde levels, a lipid peroxidation marker, increased only in sensitive tobacco, indicating efficient membrane protection in As-tolerant species. We bring new evidence of the orchestrated action of a broad spectrum of both antioxidant enzymes and molecules essential for As stress coping. For the first time, we propose robust carbohydrate metabolism based on undisturbed photosynthesis to be crucial not only for subsidizing C and energy for defense but also for participating in direct reactive oxygen species (ROS) quenching. The collected data and suggestions can serve as a basis for the selection of plant As phytoremediators or for targeted breeding of tolerant crops.
Effects of Trichoderma Biostimulation on the Phenolic Profile of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and Olive Oil By-Products
Authors: Dini Irene , Graziani Giulia , Fedele Francesca Luisa , Sicari Andrea , Vinale Francesco , Castaldo Luigi , Ritieni Alberto
Published: March 2020

Olive trees are grown on five continents. Fertilization of fields, pest control management, olive leaves, olive pomaces, and olive mill wastewaters have a substantial environmental impact. It is possible to reduce this problem by using organic products to cultivate and decrease olive oil processing waste by recovering the bioactive molecules. In this work, the effects of biostimulation, with beneficial microbes belonging to the Trichoderma genera, and with Trichoderma secondary metabolites (6PP and the HA) were evaluated on the phenolic profile and the antioxidant potential of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and olive leaf samples to make them more commercially attractive as a source of phytochemicals useful for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Phenolics were identified and quantified by a spectrometer method using Q Exactive Orbitrap UHPLC-MS/MS (Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography). Antioxidant activity was evaluated spectrophotometrically by the DPPH test. The use of Trichoderma strains, 6PP (6-Pentyl-α-Pyrone) and HA (Harzianic Acid), was demonstrated as an effective strategy to increase the leaves’ economic value as a source of phytochemicals (flavonoids, lignans, and oleuropein) useful for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Cyanidin Chloride Induces Apoptosis by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling through Activation of Nrf2 in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Da-Young , Yun Sun-Mi , Song Moon-Young , Jung Kiwon , Kim Eun-Hee
Published: March 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in developed countries. Anthocyanins are a class of flavonoids, widely distributed in food, exhibiting important biological effects. Cyanidin chloride (CyCl) is the common type of anthocyanin with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the chemotherapeutic effects of CyCl in colorectal cancer cells. We found that CyCl treatment induced apoptosis as well as a significant inhibition of cellular proliferation and colony formation in three colon cancer HCT116, HT29, and SW620 cells. In addition, CyCl suppressed nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and induced the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-stimulated colon cancer cells. Nrf2 and NF-κB are two key transcription factors regulating antioxidative responses and cellular proliferation, respectively. In this study, knockdown of Nrf2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection inhibited the effect of CyCl on NF-κB signaling and apoptosis, suggesting that there is functional crosstalk between Nrf2 and NF-κB. Our findings demonstrate the important role of Nrf2 in inducing apoptosis through the involvement of NF-κB signaling in colorectal cancer cells, suggesting that CyCl may be used as a potential therapeutic agent for CRC.
Wireless Epidermal Six-Axis Inertial Measurement Units for Real-Time Joint Angle Estimation
Authors: Lee Jae Keun , Han Seung Ju , Kim Kangil , Kim Yoon Hyuk , Lee Sangmin
Published: March 2020

Technological advances in wireless communications, miniaturized sensors, and low-power electronics have made it possible to implement integrated wireless body area networks (WBANs). These developments enable the applications of wireless wearable systems for diagnosis, health monitoring, rehabilitation, and dependency care. Across the current range of commercial wearable devices, the products are not firmly fixed to the human body. To minimize data error caused by movement of the human body and to achieve accurate measurements, it is essential to bring the wearable device close to the skin. This paper presents the implementation of a patch-type, six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) with wireless communication technology. The device comprises hard-electronic components on a stretchable elastic substrate for application in epidermal electronics, to collect precise data from the human body. Instead of the commonly used cleanroom processes of implementing devices on a stretchable substrate, a simple and inexpensive “cut-solder-paste” method is adopted to fabricate complex, convoluted interconnections. Thus, the signal distortions in the proposed device can be minimized during various physical activities and skin deformations when used in gait analysis. The inertial sensor data measured from the motion of the body can be sent in real-time via Bluetooth to any processing unit enabled with such a widespread standard wireless interface. For performance evaluation, the implemented device is mounted on a rotation plate in order to compare performance with the conventional product. In addition, an experiment on joint angle estimation is performed by attaching the device to an actual human body. The preliminary results of the device indicate the potential to monitor people in remote settings for applications in mobile health, human-computer interfaces (HCIs), and wearable robots.
A Simple Analytical Solution for the Designing of the Birdcage RF Coil Used in NMR Imaging Applications
Authors: Kim Young Cheol , Kim Hyun Deok , Yun Byoung-Ju , Ahmad Sheikh Faisal
Published: March 2020

A novel analytical solution for the designing of the birdcage RF coil has been demonstrated in this paper. A new concept of dominant resonance path has been introduced in this paper which is used to identify the specific closed current loop in the birdcage RF coil which is responsible for the dominant resonance frequency mode. This concept is used to determine the precise numerical values of the lumped capacitance deployed in the legs and/or end-rings of the birdcage RF coil for its proper operation at the desired resonance frequency. The analytical solution presented in this paper has been established by performing the two-port network based equivalent circuit modeling of the birdcage RF coil. The proposed analytical solution uses T-matrix theory and develops a relationship between the input impedance of the birdcage coil and the impedances of its leg and end-ring segments. The proposed analytical solution provides the information about the resonance frequency spectrum of the birdcage RF coil and solves the issue of its interfacing with external circuits without affecting its resonance characteristics. Based upon the proposed analysis and designing strategy presented in this paper, the low pass, high pass and band pass configurations of the birdcage RF coil were successfully implemented with FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit board) technique for small volume NMR imaging applications at 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI system. The results obtained for the implemented birdcage coils using the proposed analysis and designing technique are in closed agreement with already established methods.
Developments in Antibiotic-Eluting Scaffolds for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis
Authors: Kyriacou Harry , Kamaraj Achi , Khan Wasim S.
Published: March 2020

Osteomyelitis is a devastating disease caused by the infection of bone tissue and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is treated with antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement. A high dose of systemic antibiotics is often required due to poor bone penetration and this is often associated with unacceptable side-effects. To overcome this, local, implantable antibiotic carriers such as polymethyl methacrylate have been developed. However, this is a non-biodegradable material that requires a second surgery to be removed. Attention has therefore shifted to new antibiotic-eluting scaffolds which can be created with a range of unique properties. The purpose of this review is to assess the level of evidence that exists for these novel local treatments. Although this field is still developing, these strategies seem promising and provide hope for the future treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.
Rail Pad Corrosion Effects on the Dynamic Behavior of Direct Fixation Track Systems in Marine Environments
Authors: Choi Jung-Youl , Lee Kyu-Yong , Chung Jee-Seung , Kim Sun-Hee
Published: March 2020

This study experimentally investigated the effects of rail pad corrosion on the performance of the direct fixation track on a long-span railway bridge in marine conditions. In this study, the dynamic behavior of a direct fixation track on a railway bridge in the presence of corroded rail pads, was determined. Field measurements in this study show that the replacement of corroded rail pads does not affect the track support stiffness. The hard rail pads used in direct fixation tracks are intended to provide electrical insulation rather than flexural track behavior, and so their influence on track support stiffness was found to be insignificant given their high spring stiffness. Additionally, samples of new and corroded rail pads were collected and the spring stiffness of rail pads were analyzed using static, dynamic, and aging tests. The spring stiffnesses of new and corroded rail pads were found to be similar. This means that spring stiffness is not significantly affected by corrosion, a finding that could be explained by the fact that the deformation due to passing train loads was extremely small. Therefore, even though the rail pads on the study bridge exhibited some surface corrosion, their function was not impaired, and they did not need replacement.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortar Composite Containing Recycled Expanded Glass Aggregate and Nano Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Yousefi Ali , Tang Waiching , Khavarian Mehrnoush , Fang Cheng , Wang Shanyong
Published: March 2020

One of the growing concerns in the construction industry is energy consumption and energy efficiency in residential buildings. Moreover, management of non-degradable solid glass wastes is becoming a critical issue worldwide. Accordingly, incorporation of recycled expanded glass aggregates (EGA) as a substitution for natural fine aggregate in cement composites would be a sustainable solution in terms of energy consumption in the buildings and waste management. This experimental research aims to investigate the effects of EGA on fresh and hardened properties and thermal insulating performance of cement mortar. To enhance the mechanical properties and water resistance of the EGA-mortar, nano titanium dioxide (nTiO2) was used as nanofillers. The results showed an increase in workability and water absorption of the EGA-mortar. In addition, a significant decrease in bulk density and compressive strength observed by incorporating EGA into the cement mortar. The EGA-mortar exhibited a low heat transfer rate and excellent thermal insulation property. Furthermore, inclusion of nTiO2 increased compressive strength and water resistance of EGA-mortar, however, their heat transfer rate was increased. The results demonstrated that EGA-mortar can be integrated into the building envelop or non-load bearing elements such as wall partition as a thermal resistance to reduce the energy consumption in residential buildings.
Rosemary Leaf Extract Inhibits Glycation, Breast Cancer Proliferation, and Diabetes Risks
Authors: Shen Yixiao , Han Jing , Zheng Xiaoyan , Ai Binling , Yang Yang , Xiao Dao , Zheng Lili , Sheng Zhanwu
Published: March 2020

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) generated from glycation can cause inflammation-related diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The bioactive compounds of rosemary extract (RE) were extracted and incubated with sugar-protein rich food and breast cancer cell MCF-7 to investigate its inhibitory effect on glycation and cancer cell proliferation, respectively. The diabetic rat was dosed with RE to investigate its effect on blood glucose, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, anti-oxidation capacity alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT). The results show that RE contained seven major phenolics ranging from 17.82 mg/g for rosemarinic acid to 0.01 mg/g for ferulic acid on dry weight basis. It significantly lowered AGEs, carboxymethyl lysine (CML), and protein glycation in a sugar-protein rich intermediate-moisture-food (IMF) model. Furthermore, the survival rates of MCF-7 cells decreased to 6.02 and 2.16% after 96 h of incubation with 1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL of RE, respectively. The blood glucose, MDA, CHO, TG, and LDLs in diabetic rats of RE treatment were decreased. The RE treatment also enhanced the T-AOC and SOD activity. Furthermore, the RE treatment improved liver function through improving ALP, GPT, and GOT activities in diabetic rats. The results provide important information for the nutriaceutical and pharmaceutical application of rosemary extract.
The Removal of Crystal Violet from Textile Wastewater Using Palm Kernel Shell-Derived Biochar
Authors: Kyi Phyo Phyo , Quansah Jude Ofei , Lee Chang-Gu , Moon Joon-Kwan , Park Seong-Jik
Published: March 2020

In this study, we explored the adsorption potential of biochar derived from palm kernel shell (BC-PKS) as an affordable adsorbent for the removal of crystal violet from wastewater. Kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics studies were carried out to evaluate the adsorption of crystal violet onto BC-PKS. The kinetics adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the rate of adsorption is principally controlled by chemisorption. The adsorption equilibrium data were better fitted by the Langmuir isotherm model with a determination coefficient of 0.954 and a maximum adsorption of 24.45 mg/g. Thermodynamics studies found the adsorption of crystal violet by BC-PKS to be endothermic with increasing randomness at the BC-PKS/crystal violet interface. The percentage removal and adsorption capacity increased with the pH of the solution, as the negative charges on the biochar surface at high pH enhance the electrostatic attraction between crystal violet molecules and BC-PKS. Increasing the BC-PKS dosage from 0.1 to 1.0 g increased percent removal and decreased the adsorption capacity of crystal violet onto BC-PKS. Therefore, biochar from agricultural by-products, i.e., palm kernel shell, can be cost-effective adsorbents for the removal of crystal violet from textile wastewater.
Augmented EMTCNN: A Fast and Accurate Facial Landmark Detection Network
Authors: Kim Hyeon-Woo , Kim Hyung-Joon , Rho Seungmin , Hwang Eenjun
Published: March 2020

Facial landmarks represent prominent feature points on the face that can be used as anchor points in many face-related tasks. So far, a lot of research has been done with the aim of achieving efficient extraction of landmarks from facial images. Employing a large number of feature points for landmark detection and tracking usually requires excessive processing time. On the contrary, relying on too few feature points cannot accurately represent diverse landmark properties, such as shape. To extract the 68 most popular facial landmark points efficiently, in our previous study, we proposed a model called EMTCNN that extended the multi-task cascaded convolutional neural network for real-time face landmark detection. To improve the detection accuracy, in this study, we augment the EMTCNN model by using two convolution techniques—dilated convolution and CoordConv. The former makes it possible to increase the filter size without a significant increase in computation time. The latter enables the spatial coordinate information of landmarks to be reflected in the model. We demonstrate that our model can improve the detection accuracy while maintaining the processing speed.