bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of extraction parameters on physicochemical properties of special grain brandies with Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Pecic Sonja , Nikicevic Ninoslav , Veljovic Mile , Jardanin Milka , Tesevic Vele , Belovic Miona , Niksic Miomir
Published: August 2015

Ganoderma lucidum is one of the five major medicinal mushrooms. In Asian
countries, alcoholic beverages with Ganoderma are traditionally produced and
sold in local markets as a symbol of healthy products. The aim of this study
was to examine the possibility of producing brandy enhanced with this
mushroom and to investigate the influence of extraction parameters (time,
concentration) on color, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity,
sensory characteristics and the composition and content of triterpenoid
acids within the brandy. HPLC-DAD/ESI-ToF-MS analysis was used to identify
triterpenoid acids. In brandy samples, 15 triterpenoid acids were
determined, with the total content in the range of 2.63-4.06 mg/100 mg. In
these samples, the most commonly detected triterpenoid acid was ganoderic
acid A. In our study, the total phenolic content of analyzed samples ranged
from 34.07 to 118.1 mg/L GAE. The color and sensory characteristics of
analyzed brandies were significantly improved in comparison with samples
without G. lucidum. The obtained samples represent an interesting new
product for market worldwide with improved antioxidant capacity.
Maxillary canine–first premolar bilateral transposition in a Class III patient: A case report
Authors: Potrubacz Maciej Iancu , Tepedino Michele , Chimenti Claudio
Published: August 2015

Tooth transposition is a rare dental anomaly that often represents a challenge for the clinician. The case of a girl with skeletal Class III malocclusion and concomitant maxillary canine–first premolar bilateral transposition, followed from 7 to 17 years of age, is presented. After a first phase of treatment aimed at resolving the Class III malocclusion, the transposition was maintained and the case finalized with a multibracket appliance.
Obstetric Fistula in 2015 and Beyond
Authors: Arrowsmith S
Published: August 2015

Fistula effort was confined to a very few geographic areas, each of which were completely dominated by the spirit and energy of the founder of a fistula center. The list of leading surgeons contains names familiar to fewer and fewer active fistula care providers: Drs. Ann Ward, John Lawson, and Una Lister in Nigeria were all in the late prime of their lives; in the north of Nigeria, a leprosy surgeon was just getting started in fistula repair at a new center near Katsina: the founder being Dr. Kees Waaldiijk. In eastern Africa, Dr. Abbo Hassan Abbo was dominant in Sudan, the Hamlins in Ethiopia, and an odd band of travelling surgeons, including the late Dr. John Kelly, Dr. Brian Hancock, and Dr. Tom Raassen, were establishing themselves across the region. Also quite active, but completely unheralded were a cadre of non-Western surgeons just beginning long careers in fistula repair: Drs. Mulu Muleta and Ambaye w/ Michael in Ethiopia, Dr. Kalilou Ouattara in Mali, Dr. Serigne Gueye in Senegal, Dr. Khisa Wakasiaka in Kenya, Dr. Ojengbede Akanbi in Ibadan, Nigeria, and Dr. Jonathan Karshima in Jos. Meanwhile, Dr. Kundu Yangzom was quietly establishing a tradition of quality fistula care in Nepal.
Puerperal Sepsis and its Cause in Patan Hospital
Authors: Pradhan B , Duwal SS , Singh A , Bhandary S , RC L , Shrestha R
Published: August 2015

Aims: This study was done to find out morbidity related with puerperal pyrexia/sepsis and its risk factors. Methods: This was retrospective study conducted from January 2011 to December 2012 at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Patan Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. All women who delivered in this hospital within 42 days of delivery with puerperal pyrexia/sepsis diagnosed on clinical examination and relevant investigations were included in the study. Women with malaria, typhoid fever and ??other fever were excluded. The data was recorded in predesigned proforma and analyzed. Results: During this period, there were 122 cases of puerperal pyrexia. Puerperal pyrexia accounted for 6.28% of 1945 admissions. Most of the women were aged between 20-29 years, primiparous and booked cases with absent membranes. The causes of puerperal pyrexia in our study were urinary tract infection (47.5%), wound infection (20.5%), endometritis (19.7%) retained product of conception (8.2%), pyoperitoneum (2.5%) and septicemia (1.6%). Conclusions: Puerperal pyrexia/sepsis is one of the causes of preventable maternal morbidity and mortality though in our study it was not proved to be very high in number. Optimal aseptic measures during labour can prevent most of the cases.
An Insight to Burn Related Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in Pregnancy
Authors: Rijal H , Rana A , Chalise G
Published: August 2015

Aims: The aim of this study is to study morbidity and mortality of burn cases during pregnancy and postpartum period. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital from April 1998 to July 2014. The data were retrieved from the records in burn ward, intensive care unit and emergency unit. Pregnant women with burn were studied for the nature, degree and the percentage of burn in relation to pregnancy outcome and mortality. Results: There were 32 cases of burn patients with pregnancy. The most common source of burn was kerosene-induced flame (23) followed by domestic firewood (7), boiling water (1) and lightening (1).There were 25 cases of accidental burn and seven were suicidal burn. The age of the patients was ?19 years in 7, 20-24 in 13, 25-29 in 6 and 30-34 in 6 patients. Except for two cases of postpartum burn , all the others occurred during pregnancy between 6-40 gestational week{<12weeks =5, 13-27 weeks =10, 28-36 weeks=4, 37-42 weeks =6 and unknown =7}. There was only one cesarean and three vaginal births and most resulting in stillbirth owing to higher percentage of burn above second degrees. The percentage of burn was <30% in 13, 30- 39% in 3, 40-59 % in 6, 60-69% in 5 and 70-90% in 2 patients. There were nine mortality (28.1%) in women above 30% burn. Conclusions: The most common cause of burn in pregnancy was flame burn. Pregnant women need to be cautioned against flame burn and avoid using kerosene cooking stove to prevent themselves from burn, genuinely necessary steps to be propagated by all healthcare providers and also at the same time counseling against suicide to be done.
Pregnancy Related Acute Kidney Injury at a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal
Authors: Paudyal P , Pradhan N , Bista KDB , Rawal S
Published: August 2015

Aims: This was performed to study the characteristics of Pregnancy Related Acute Kidney Injury (PRAKI), its management and outcome in patients at a tertiary level referral centre. Methods: A hospital based prospective observational study was conducted in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) over a period of 18 months. All patients diagnosed with PRAKI were included in the study. Patient profiles in terms of age, parity, gestational age were studied along with time of occurrence of PRAKI, preceding event, etiology, management and maternal outcome. Descriptive and univariate analyses were conducted and qualitative variables were expressed as percentages while quantitative variables as means. Results: There were fifteen cases of PRAKI during the study period with incidence of 2.1 per 1000 deliveries. The average age was 25.23± 3.8 years and 9(60%) were primipara. Fourteen (93.3%) developed PRAKI in the postpartum period with 10(66.6%) cases following Lower Segment Caesarian Section (LSCS). The commonest etiology of PRAKI was severe preeclampsia/ Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet (HELLP) syndrome and pregnancy hemorrhages each consisting 4(26.6%) cases. The stage of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) according to RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, ESRD-End Stage Renal Disease) criteria was as follows: risk in 1(6.6%), injury in 3(20%) and failure in 11(73.3%) cases. Hemodialysis was necessary in 12(80%) cases while 3 cases (20%) improved with medical management only. The average duration of hospital stay was 25.2±14.7 days and 7(46.6%) needed ICU admission. Twelve (80%) cases recovered completely while two patients were dialysis dependent at the time of evaluation. There was one death. Conclusions: PRAKI occurred mainly in the postpartum period with severe preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome and hemorrhages as the most common causes. It is associated with high maternal morbidity, prolonged hospital stay and even mortality. Multidisciplinary team management is essential.
Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy: Case Series
Authors: Baral G , Shakya B , Silwal J
Published: August 2015

Three cases of cornual pregnancies encountered within three weeks at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital had diverse presentations. Fortunately, in all three case series, cornual resection was performed successfully. Cornual pregnancy is difficult to diagnose preoperatively with low ultrasonographic sensitivity and is easily confused with tubal ectopic pregnancy or a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Diagnosis before rupture is essential to prevent mortality and potential loss of fertility. The surgical management of diagnosed cornual pregnancy consists of hemostasis, resection, repair and reconstruction.
Comparison of Oral Misoprostol with Intramuscular Oxytocin in the Active Management of Third Stage of Labour
Authors: Kaudel S , Rana A , Ojha N
Published: August 2015

Aims: This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of oral misoprostol 600 mcg with intramuscular oxytocin 10 IU in the active management of third stage of labour. Methods: This prospective comparative study was performed in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital to compare the efficacy of oral misoprostol with intramuscular oxytocin in the third stage of labour for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. One hundred and twenty women without risk of PPH were randomly allocated to receive either 600 mcg misoprostol orally (Group A) or 10 unit of oxytocin intramuscularly (Group B) within 1 minute of delivery. The efficacy and the safety of these two drugs were analyzed on the basis of percentages fall in hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) level from before delivery to 8 completed hours after delivery, need for additional uterotonic agents, need for exploration and uterine evacuation, need for blood transfusion, duration of third stage of labour and the numbers of retained placenta and need for MRP. Results: Oral misoprostol was observed to be equally effective as intramuscular oxytocin in prevention of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). There was no statistical difference in the duration of third stage of labour, need for additional uterotonics, need for uterine exploration/evacuation and need for blood transfusion in the two groups. Conclusions: Routine use of oral misoprostol 600 mcg appears to be as effective as 10 IU intramuscular oxytocin in minimizing blood loss during the third stage of labour.
Tuberculosis of the Cervix – Mimicking Cervical Cancer
Authors: Chaurasia A , Tyagi K , Dhingra V
Published: August 2015

We present  a case of tuberculosis of the cervix due to the rarity of this condition and its clinical resemblance to a dreadful disease, “carcinoma of cervix.”
Awareness and Knowledge of Recommendations from Canada's Food Guide
Authors: Vanderlee Lana , McCrory Cassondra , Hammond David
Published: August 2015

Purpose: To examine use and content knowledge of Canada's Food Guide recommendations.

Methods: A total of 1048 intercept exit surveys were conducted with adults who had purchased food that day at 2 hospital cafeterias in Ottawa, Ontario.

Results: Most respondents (85.9%) reported looking at Canada's Food Guide over their lifetime; however, less than half reported looking at the food guide in the past year. Milk and Alternatives were the most commonly recalled food group (80.1%) and Grain Products were least commonly recalled (66.0%). Of the entire sample, 42.8% correctly recalled all 4 food groups. Overall, 0.8% correctly recalled the correct number of servings for all 4 food groups. Females, younger respondents, white respondents, respondents with higher annual income, and respondents who had reported looking at Canada's Food Guide recalled more food groups (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions: Despite high levels of awareness, the study found relatively low levels of reported use and very low levels of knowledge of Canada's Food Guide, particularly among population subgroups that face health disparities. Improving awareness, knowledge, and use of Canada's Food Guide may contribute to improving the nutrition profile of Canadians.
Examining the Cultural Competence of Third- and Fourth-Year Nutrition Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hack Rebekah , Hekmat Sharareh , Ahmadi Latifeh
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary Canadian research assessing nutrition students’ cultural competence and to identify areas for future education initiatives in dietetic education that could ultimately improve dietitians’ cultural competence. A mixed-methods study was conducted using a 24-item questionnaire that was administered to students enrolled in third- and fourth-year undergraduate nutrition classes (n = 133). In total, 115 questionnaires were analyzed for quantitative data, and 109 were analyzed for qualitative data. The students scored an overall medium–high level of cultural competence. Out of the 5 areas examined (skills, attitudes, awareness, desires, knowledge), students’ multicultural knowledge scores were the lowest. It was found that a lower number of barriers to learning about other cultures were significantly associated with a higher overall cultural competence score, and taking a course in cultural foods significantly increased the students’ knowledge and overall cultural competence (P ≤ 0.05). The qualitative data found that students felt the cultural competence curriculum had gaps and identified several ideas for improvement. In conclusion, this research data provides novel insights into the cultural competence of Canadian dietetic students and additionally supports future research and curriculum development to enhance cultural competence.
Where Should We Eat? Lunch Source and Dietary Measures Among Youth During the School Week
Authors: Jones Amanda C. , Hammond David , Reid Jessica L. , Leatherdale Scott T.
Published: August 2015

Purpose: To examine lunch sources during the school week among students and the associations with fruits and vegetable (F&V) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption.

Methods: Students (n = 23 680) from 43 Ontario, Canada, secondary schools completed a health behaviour survey in the Year 1 COMPASS study. Analysis used generalized linear mixed effects models.

Results: The most frequently reported lunch source was home (2.9 days per school week), then the school cafeteria (1.1) and fast-food places or restaurants (FFRs) (0.9). Eating a home lunch was associated with having less spending money, white ethnicity, and females; whereas cafeteria lunch was associated with more spending money, lower school grade, and females. A FFR lunch was associated with males, more spending money, and higher physical activity. Greater frequency of a home lunch was associated with greater F&V consumption. Greater frequency of a FFR lunch was associated with more frequent SSB consumption. Cafeteria lunches were associated with increases in both SSB and F&V.

Conclusions: Eating a lunch obtained from outside of the home is a regular behaviour among students. Sources of school-week lunches may have an important influence on dietary intake among youth. These findings reinforce the need for strategies to promote healthier lunch sources and healthier food options.
A Lifetime Pursuit of a Sports Nutrition Practice
Authors: Erdman Kelly Anne
Published: August 2015

Sports nutrition in Canada has significantly evolved over the years from providing fundamental training dietary advice to applied precise assessment of nutritional status in a variety of settings, especially with the establishment of Canadian Sport Institutes and Centres across Canada. This progression has enhanced the level of dietary support to manage athletes’ nutrition in a holistic perspective. Athletes are now educated about food fundamentals (acquiring foods, menu planning, preparing, food safety), personal accountability of hydration and energy monitoring (urinary and body weight assessments), individualized supplementation protocols, and customized nutrition for variable daily training environments according to their Yearly Training Plan. Sport dietitians are an important member of Integrated Sport Teams where collaboration exists amongst professionals who coordinate the athletes’ personalized training and performance programming. Dietitians in sport are encouraged to continue to lobby for nutrition programming at the elite, varsity, provincial, and club levels to ensure that athletes receive accurate guidance from nutrition experts.
Developing and Pilot Testing the Readiness and Motivation Interview for Families in Pediatric Weight Management
Authors: Geller Josie , Avis Jillian , Srikameswaran Suja , Zelichowska Joanna , Dartnell Katie , Scheuerman Bailey , Perez Arnaldo , Rasquinha Allison , Brown Krista E. , Chanoine Jean-Pierre , Ball Geoff
Published: August 2015

Clinical acumen is often used to assess families’ motivation prior to initiating pediatric obesity management due to a lack of available tools. The purpose of this pilot study was to (i) develop and (ii) pilot test the “Readiness and Motivation Interview for Families” (RMI-Family) in pediatric weight management. We conducted 5 focus groups with parents (n = 15), youth with obesity (n = 11), and health care providers (n = 8) to explore perceptions of barriers to making healthy behaviour changes, which led to the creation of the RMI-Family as a semi-structured interview. Five domains (treat foods, overeating, emotional eating, total physical activity, and screen time) emerged from the focus groups to inform the development of the RMI-Family, which was then pilot tested with a sample of youth with obesity and their parents (n = 11 dyads). Interviewers administered the RMI-Family to youth (age 12.8 ± 1.7 years; body mass index [BMI] z-score: 2.71 ± 0.43) and parents (age 47.1 ± 3.7 years; BMI: 33.5 ± 10.1 kg/m2). The RMI-Family was feasible to administer, easily understood by families, and may be a useful tool for assessing families’ motivation. Research is underway to determine the psychometric properties and utility of the RMI-Family in predicting clinical outcomes in pediatric weight management.
Construct Validation of Three Nutrition Questions Using Health and Diet Ratings in Older Canadian Males Living in the Community
Authors: Akhtar Usman , Keller Heather H. , Tate Robert B. , Lengyel Christina O.
Published: August 2015

Brief nutrition screening tools are desired for research and practice. Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition (SCREEN-II, 14 items) and the abbreviated version SCREEN-II-AB (8 items) are valid and reliable nutrition screening tools for older adults. This exploratory study used a retrospective cross-sectional design to determine the construct validity of a subset of 3 items (weight loss, appetite, and swallowing difficulty) currently on the SCREEN-II and SCREEN-II-AB tools. Secondary data on community-dwelling senior males (n = 522, mean ± SD age = 86.7 ± 3.0 years) in the Manitoba Follow-up Study (MFUS) study were available for analysis. Participants completed the mailed MFUS Nutrition Survey that included SCREEN-II items and questions pertaining to self-rated health, diet healthiness, and rating of the importance of nutrition towards successful aging as the constructs for comparison. Self-perceived health status (F = 14.7, P < 0.001), diet healthiness (ρ = 0.17, P = 0.002) and the rating of nutrition's importance to aging (ρ = 0.10, P = 0.03) were correlated with the 3-item score. Inferences were consistent with associations between these construct variables and the full SCREEN-II. Three items from SCREEN-II and SCREEN-II-AB demonstrate initial construct validity with self-perceived health status and diet healthiness ratings by older males; further exploration for criterion and predictive validity in more diverse samples is needed.
Higher-order expansion of solutions for a damped wave equation
Authors: Takeda Hiroshi
Published: August 2015

Abstract

We study the Cauchy problem for a damped wave equation. Our main result is the [Formula: see text]th order approximation of solutions by the solution of the corresponding parabolic equation for arbitrary [Formula: see text] in the [Formula: see text] framework. This means that our results can be applied to nonlinear damped wave equations.
On the non-uniform null controllability of a linear KdV equation
Authors: Carreño N. , Guerrero S.
Published: August 2015

Abstract

In this paper we consider a linear KdV equation with a transport term posed on a finite interval with the boundary conditions considered by Colin and Ghidaglia. The main results concern the behavior of the cost of null controllability with respect to the dispersion coefficient when the control acts on the left endpoint. In particular, for any final time we prove that this cost grows exponentially as the dispersion coefficient vanishes and the transport coefficient is negative.
A Cahn–Hilliard equation with a proliferation term for biological and chemical applications
Authors: Fakih Hussein
Published: August 2015

Abstract

In this paper, we are interested in the study of the solution to a generalization of the Cahn–Hilliard equation endowed with Neumann boundary conditions. This model has, in particular, applications in biology and in chemistry. We show that the solutions blow up in finite time or exist globally in time. We further prove that the relevant, from a biological and a chemical point of view, solutions converge to a constant as time goes to infinity. We finally give some numerical simulations which confirm the theoretical results.
Decay of solutions to the three-dimensional generalized Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Jiu Quansen , Yu Huan
Published: August 2015

Abstract

In this paper, temporal decay estimates for weak solutions to the three dimensional generalized Navier–Stokes equations are established firstly. With these estimates at disposal, algebraic time decay for higher order Sobolev norms of small initial data solutions are obtained. The decay rates are optimal in the sense that they coincide with ones of the corresponding generalized heat equation.
Γ-type estimates for the one-dimensional Allen–Cahn’s action
Authors: Bellettini Giovanni , Nayam Al-Hassem , Novaga Matteo
Published: August 2015

Abstract

In this paper we prove an asymptotic estimate, up to the second-order included, on the behaviour of the one-dimensional Allen–Cahn’s action functionals, around a periodic function with bounded variation and taking values in [Formula: see text]. The leading term of this estimate justifies and confirms, from a variational point of view, the results of Fusco–Hale [ Dyn. Diff. Equation 1 (1989), 75–94] and Carr–Pego [ Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 42 (1989), 523–576] on the exponentially slow motion of metastable patterns coexisting at the transition temperature.
Long-time dynamics of a regularized family of models for homogeneous incompressible two-phase flows
Authors: Tachim Medjo T. , Tone C. , Tone F.
Published: August 2015

Abstract

In this article we consider a general family of regularized models for incompressible two-phase flows based on the Allen–Cahn formulation in n-dimensional compact Riemannian manifolds, for [Formula: see text]. The system we consider consists of a regularized family of Navier–Stokes equations for the fluid velocity u coupled with a convective Allen–Cahn equation for the order (phase) parameter ϕ. We discretize these equations in time using the implicit Euler scheme and we prove that the discrete attractors generated by the numerical scheme converge to the global attractor of the continuous system as the time-step approaches zero.
New frontiers in biomedical science and engineering during 2014–2015
Authors: Liu Feng , Lee Dong-Hoon , Lagoa Ricardo , Kumar Sandeep
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology (ICBEB) is an international meeting held once a year. This, the fourth International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology (ICBEB2015), will be held in Shanghai, China, during August 18th–21st, 2015. This annual conference intends to provide an opportunity for researchers and practitioners at home and abroad to present the most recent frontiers and future challenges in the fields of biomedical science, biomedical engineering, biomaterials, bioinformatics and computational biology, biomedical imaging and signal processing, biomechanical engineering and biotechnology, etc. The papers published in this issue are selected from this Conference, which witness the advances in biomedical engineering and biotechnology during 2014–2015.
Design for minimizing fracture risk of all-ceramic cantilever dental bridge
Authors: Zhang Zhongpu , Zhou Shiwei , Li Eric , Li Wei , Swain Michael V. , Li Qing
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Minimization of the peak stresses and fracture incidence induced by mastication function is considered critical in design of all-ceramic dental restorations, especially for cantilever fixed partial dentures (FPDs). The focus of this study is on developing a mechanically-sound optimal design for all-ceramic cantilever dental bridge in a posterior region. The topology optimization procedure in association with Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is implemented here to search for the best possible distribution of porcelain and zirconia materials in the bridge structure. The designs with different volume fractions of zirconia are considered. The results show that this new methodology is capable of improving FPD design by minimizing incidence of crack in comparison with the initial design. Potentially, it provides dental technicians with a new design tool to develop mechanically sound cantilever fixed partial dentures for more complicated clinical situation.
Preparation and properties of pearl powder/polypropylene composites and their biocompatibility
Authors: Deng Yanhui , Li Guang , Song Weili , Jiang Jianming
Published: August 2015

Abstract

To improve the biocompatibility of PP monofilaments used for pelvic reconstruction mesh, natural pearl powders were introduced as fillers in the preparation of modified PP monofilaments. The mechanical properties the modified PP monofilaments were analyzed, followed by characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the biocompatibilities of these samples were investigated by MTT assay. The results revealed that the tensile strength and elongation of the as-prepared PP monofilaments can satisfy the requirement. According to the SEM images, masses of pearl powder were observed on the surface of monofilaments, which may favor the cell growth. The MTT results and the confocal microscopical images indicated that the presence of pearl powder in PP monofilaments led to improved proliferation and growth of L929 and PIEC cells under the same conditions, suggesting that PP monofilaments modified by pearl powders have a great potential in the applications of pelvic reconstruction.
Increased sensitivity of 3D-Well enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for infectious disease detection using 3D-printing fabrication technology
Authors: Singh Harpal , Shimojima Masayuki , Fukushi Shuetsu , Le Van An , Sugamata Masami , Yang Ming
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay or ELISA -based diagnostics are considered the gold standard in the demonstration of various immunological reaction including in the measurement of antibody response to infectious diseases and to support pathogen identification with application potential in infectious disease outbreaks and individual patients’ treatment and clinical care. The rapid prototyping of ELISA-based diagnostics using available 3D printing technologies provides an opportunity for a further exploration of this platform into immunodetection systems. In this study, a ‘3D- Well’ was designed and fabricated using available 3D printing platforms to have an increased surface area of more than 4 times for protein-surface adsorption compared to those of 96-well plates. The ease and rapidity in designing-product development-feedback cycle offered through 3D printing platforms provided an opportunity for its rapid assessment, in which a chemical etching process was used to make the surface hydrophilic followed by validation through the diagnostic performance of ELISA for infectious disease without modifying current laboratory practices for ELISA. The higher sensitivity of the 3D- Well (3-folds higher) compared to the 96-well ELISA provides a potential for the expansion of this technology towards miniaturization platforms to reduce time, volume of reagents and samples needed for laboratory or field diagnosis of infectious diseases including applications in other disciplines.
Evaluation of the micro-shear bond strength of four adhesive systems to dentin with and without adhesive area limitation
Authors: Chai Yuan , Lin Hong , Zheng Gang , Zhang Xuehui , Niu Guangliang , Du Qiao
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bonding ability of four representative dentin-adhesive systems by applying the micro-shear bond strength ( μ-SBS) test method and to evaluate the influence of adhesive area limitation on the bond strength. Two different adhesive application methods were used in the μ-SBS test (with and without adhesives area limitation), and four representative adhesive systems were used in this study. Each dentin surface was treated with one of the four representative adhesive systems, and with twenty samples per group (n=20), each of the four groups underwent a μ-SBS test. The results showed that the bond strength was significantly influenced by the adhesive application method ( p<0.05), the adhesive type ( p<0.05) and the interaction between the two factors ( p<0.05). With regard to the four representative dentin-adhesive systems, 3-E&R has a much better bond quality compared to the other adhesive systems. Furthermore, the micro-shear bond strength test method of restricting the area of both the adhesive and the resin is more reliable for evaluating the bonding property of adhesives to dentin, and it is also adequate for comparing the different adhesives systems.
A novel self-assembled nano micelle as a highly efficient artificial peroxidase based on hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide and cytochrome c
Authors: Yang Tian , Zhang Yu-Shuai , Yang Xiao-Lu , Geng Fang-Yong , Xiao Bao-Lin , Xu Meng-Meng , Li Di , Hong Jun , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali Akbar
Published: August 2015

Abstract

A novel artificial peroxidase (AP) with highly catalytic efficiency was designed using hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB, 3 mM) nano-micelles and bovine heart cytochrome c (Cyt c, 0.5 µM) in 100 mM, pH 8.0 phosphate buffer at 25°C. The catalytic rate (kcat) and Michaelis-Menten (Km) of the AP were determined to be 0.311 ± 0.013 s−1 and 8.64 ± 0.6 µM. The catalytic efficiency was 0.0360 ± 0.0020 µM−1s−1 (about 50% the efficiency of native horseradish peroxidase). The Ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer and Circular Dichroism techniques were applied to study the properties of the CTAB-Cyt c nano-micelle. Designed AP can be applied instead of native horseradish peroxidase.
Influence of self-assembly regenerated silk fibroin nanofibers on the properties of electrospun materials
Authors: Zhao Huijing , Ren Xia , Zhang Yi , Huang Lei
Published: August 2015

Abstract

In this study, self-assembly regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) nanofibers were prepared and observed by Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Then RSF films containing nanospheres and nanofibers were prepared and dissolved with poly (L-lactide-co- ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) with a blending ratio of 30/70 in hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP). In order to determine whether different nanostructures in the solution influence the morphological, structural, and mechanical properties of the final electrospun materials, flat membranes were prepared and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), and mechanical testing. The secondary structure of as-spun materials with RSF nanofibers were not changed, however, the diameter of electrospun fibers decreased and tensile strength and elongation at breaks increased. Electrospun materials with RSF nanofibers have the potential to be used for skin, cartilage, and blood vessels because of their biocompatibility and improved mechanical properties.
New designed nerve conduits with a porous ionic cross-linked alginate/chitisan structure for nerve regeneration
Authors: Chaw Jen-Ray , Liu Hsia-Wei , Shih Yu-Chao , Huang Ching-Cheng
Published: August 2015

Abstract

A new fabrication process for designing nerve conduits with a porous ionic cross-linked alginate/chitosan composite for nervous regeneration could be prepared. New designed nerve conduits with a porous ionic cross-linked alginate/chitosan composite were developed for nervous regeneration. Nerve conduits (NCs) represent a promising alternative to conventional treatments for peripheral nerve repair. NCs composed of various polysaccharides such as sodium alginate were designed and prepared by lyophilization as potential matrices for tissue engineering. The use of a porous ionic cross-linked alginate/chitosan composite could provide penetration channels that would lead to the products’ increasing penetration rate properties. Furthermore, the use of a porous ionic cross-linked alginate/chitosan composite also has a highly cross-linked structure, which would give the products relatively good mechanical properties. Furthermore, the drug could be incorporated into nerve conduits as a new drug-carrying system for nerve regeneration because of its porous and cross-linked structures.
Superparamagnetic calcium ferrite nanoparticles synthesized using a simple sol-gel method for targeted drug delivery
Authors: Sulaiman N.H. , Ghazali M.J. , Majlis B.Y. , Yunas J. , Razali M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The calcium ferrite nano-particles (CaFe2O4 NPs) were synthesized using a sol-gel method for targeted drug delivery application. The proposed nano-particles were initially prepared by mixing calcium and iron nitrates that were added with citric acid in order to prevent agglomeration and subsequently calcined at a temperature of 550°C to obtain small particle size. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by using an XRD (X-ray diffraction), which revealed the configuration of orthorhombic structures of the CaFe2O4 nano-particles. A crystallite size of ∼13.59 nm was obtained using a Scherer’s formula. Magnetic analysis using a VSM (Vibrating Sample Magnetometer analysis), revealed that the synthesized particles exhibited super-paramagnetic behavior having magnetization saturation of approximately 88.3emu/g. Detailed observation via the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the calcium ferrite nano-particles were spherical in shape.
Preparation and characterization of silver nanoparticles on silk fibroin/carboxymethylchitosan composite sponge as anti-bacterial wound dressing
Authors: Pei Zejun , Sun Qing , Sun Xin , Wang Yaping , Zhao Peng
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The infection in burn wounds covered by biologic dressings leads to wound deepening and chronic wounds. The introduction of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into biologic dressings is a beneficial method to prevent wound infection and simultaneously promote wound healing. In this study, an AgNP-loaded silk fibroin (SF)/carboxymethylchitosan (CMC) composite sponge was fabricated. AgNPs with a mean diameter of 4.9 nm was synthesized in SF solution in situ. While CMC was incorporated and chemically crosslinked, SF was insolubilized by ethanol annealing. SEM imaging determined that the AgNP-loaded SF/CMC sponge was more porous than the pure SF sponge. Anti-bacterial results, measured by disk-diffusion and bacterial suspension assay, showed that the AgNP-loaded SF/CMC sponge demonstrated effective anti-bacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, and that its anti -P. aeruginosa activity was higher than that of AQUACEL®; Ag. The introduction of CMC improved the water absorption capacity, retention ability, and water vapor transmission rate of the sponge, which are all important properties of wound dressings.
Security assessment of magnesium alloys used as biodegradable implant material
Authors: Sun X. , Cao Z.Y. , Liu J.G. , Feng C.
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The security risk of magnesium alloys used as biodegradable implant material was evaluated in this study. Dose-response assessment was conducted by using toxicological data from authoritative public health agencies (World Health Organization) and assuming 1∼3 years of uniform corrosion. Through modification calculation, the tolerable corrosion rate of biodegradable magnesium alloys in vivo was proposed, which theoretically ensured the bio-safety of the degradation products. The tolerable limits corresponding to various component elements in magnesium alloys were considered separately, although there are deficits in the toxicological data of some component elements. The influence of corrosion on the strength of magnesium alloys was evaluated, which would contribute to the rationally utilization of magnesium alloys as degradable implant materials. This study illustrates that not only toxicological calculations but also mechanical performance should be taken into consideration when developing novel degradable metallic implant.
Strength degradation and lifetime prediction of dental zirconia ceramics under cyclic normal loading
Authors: Li Wanzhong , Xu Yingqiang , He Huiming , Zhao Haidan , Sun Jian , Hou Yue
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Clinical cases show that zirconia restoration could happen fracture by accident under overloading after using a period of time. The purpose of this study is to research mechanical behavior and predict lifetime of dental zirconia ceramics under cyclic normal contact loading with experiments. Cyclic normal contact loading test and three point bending test are carried on specimens made of two brands of dental zirconia ceramic to obtain flexure strength and damage degree after different number of loading cycles. By means of damage mechanics model, damage degree under different number of contact loading cycles are calculated according to flexure strength, and verified by SEM photographs of cross section morphology of zirconia ceramics specimen phenomenologically. Relation curve of damage degree and number of cycles is fitted by polynomial fitting, then the number of loading cycles can be concluded when the specimen is complete damage. Strength degradation of two brands dental zirconia ceramics are researched in vitro, and prediction method of contact fatigue lifetime is established.
Anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis effects of pearl extract gel on UVB irradiation HaCaT cells
Authors: Yang Yueh-Lung , Chang Chin-Hsien , Huang Ching-Cheng , Liu Hsia-Wei
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Caused by acute radiation skin reaction and injury, receiving radiotherapy treatment process is often performed side-effects on cancer patients. The clinical manifestations of skin irritation, itching, peeling, pigmentation, ulcer bleeding and other symptoms, in addition to causing patient discomfort and affecting quality of life, may increase the risk of local or systemic infection, and lead to interruption of radiation therapy. At present, for acute radiation dermatitis, there is no uniform treatment, and the various methods are evaluated variously. In this study, the authors focus on broken pearls using room temperature super extraction system, the water extraction process of wet-grinding method, nano-scale pearl, along with a large number of high purity natural amino acid extracts in the water. The room-temperature super-extraction system (RTSES) can be extracted from a relatively high-volume of pearl extract. We use pearl extract as the main component of experimental material, and the blending of pearl extract and poly ( γ-glutamic acid) is used to form biodegradable composite hydrogels. This study aims to evaluate the use of RTSES to extract the major active components of pearl and enhance their anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis effects. The possible effect of pearl extract on inducing apoptosis in human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) under the exposure of low dose UVB has been investigated. Various concentrations of pearl extracts have been used to study the effect of low dosage UVB on HaCaT cells. The results show that pearl extract has no toxic effect on HaCaT cells. Combining the pearl extract and poly ( γ-glutamic acid) hydrogels with UVB irradiation would decrease the inflammation and apoptosis of HaCaT cells. The commercial pearl extract has the potential to inhibit radiation dermatitis occurring within keratinocyte cells.
Biocompatibility and characterization of polylactic acid/styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene composites
Authors: Tsou Chi-Hui , Kao Bo-Jyue , Yang Ming-Chien , Suen Maw-Cherng , Lee Yi-Hsuan , Chen Jui-Chin , Yao Wei-Hua , Lin Shang-Ming , Tsou Chih-Yuan , Huang Shu-Hsien , De Guzman Manuel , Hung Wei-Song
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA)/styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) composites were prepared by melt blending. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD) were used to characterize PLA and PLA/SEBS composites in terms of their melting behavior and crystallization. Curves from thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) illustrated that thermostability increased with SEBS content. Further morphological analysis of PLA/SEBS composites revealed that SEBS molecules were not miscible with PLA molecules in PLA/SEBS composites. The tensile testing for PLA and PLA/SEBS composites showed that the elongation at the break was enhanced, but tensile strength decreased with increasing SEBS content. L929 fibroblast cells were chosen to assess the cytocompatibility; the cell growth of PLA was found to decrease with increasing SEBS content. This study proposes possible reasons for these properties of PLA/SEBS composites.
Effect of surface roughness on the initial response of MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on polished titanium alloy
Authors: Wu Chunya , Chen Mingjun , Zheng Ting , Yang Xiaonan
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Surface roughness has been considered as an important influencing factor for cell response. The aim of this study was to find out whether MC3T3-E1 cells, a mouse osteoblast-like cell line, can sense the amplitudes of surface topography of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V), and if surface-dependent cell morphology would be presented on the substrata with varied roughness. A series of polished samples (Ra: 0.30∼1.80 μm) were prepared to produce macroscopically parallel grooves using different grades of silicon carbide sandpaper (#100, #320, #600, #1000 and #2000). The experimental results indicated that the behavior and morphology of cells largely depended on the substrata where they were cultured. More efficient proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells was shown on the surfaces with Ra of 0.50∼1.00 μm, with respect to either the rougher or the smoother specimens. Furthermore, MC3T3-E1 cells seeded on the Ti6Al4V surfaces within this narrow range responded to the increasing surface roughness with increased proliferation. Contact guidance of cells could be observed on the rougher specimens (Ra: 0.80∼1.00 μm), whereas more random orientations were exhibited for the adsorbed cells on the smoother surfaces (Ra: 0.50∼0.60 μm).
Oxymatrine inhibited cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis in human lung cancer A549 cells
Authors: Wang Baiyan , Han Qianqian , Zhu Yanqin
Published: August 2015

Abstract

To investigate the inhibition effect of oxymatrine induces human lung cancer A549 cells apoptosis. The A549 cells were cultured for 24 h, than the various concentration of oxymatrine (2 mmol/L, 4 mmol/L, 8 mmol/L, 15 mmol/L) were added into different experimental group cells, and 5-fluorouracil were added into the positive control group cells for 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h respectively. The A549 cells inhibition rate, apoptosis, and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were examined by MTT method, Annexin V/PI double staining method, real-time quantitative PCR and western blot, respectively. At same time, the morphological changes of A549 cells were observed with an inverted microscope. In the range of 2 mmol/L∼15 mmol/L, oxymatrine had obvious inhibition effects on the proliferation of A549 cells. Compared with the negative control group, it has significantly different ( P<0.01). There was remarkably the time- and dose-dependent correlation. After A549 cells were treated with 8 mmol/L oxymatrine for 24 h, the morphological change of cell apoptosis was observed and the extent of apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the expression of Bcl-2 was reduced and the expression of Bax was increased remarkably ( P<0.05). Oxymatrine has significant inhibition effects on the cells proliferation and the effects showed time-dependent and dose-dependent. Oxymatrine can induce apoptosis of the A549 cells by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax.
Optically-guided scalpel with light-scattering module for carpal tunnel surgical procedure via minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Chiang Ming-Che , Huang Ching-Cheng
Published: August 2015

Abstract

A novel technique and product for carpal tunnel microscopic surgical procedures using a modified medical device containing a head as a surgical scalpel under light guidance were designed and studied. The novel design of the medical device was developed and applied in a new carpal tunnel microscopic surgical procedure in place of the traditional carpal tunnel surgical procedure. Biological and clinical evaluations of carpal tunnel surgical procedure using the designed optically guided medical device were studied. For commercialized reasons, some guidance was considered, such as ISO 10993-1:2009(E), for the biological evaluation of the device. Furthermore, a clinical evaluation was carried out. The designed optically guided medical device could provide a powerful medical device for carpal tunnel syndrome and related applications.
Nanofiber containing carbon nanotubes enhanced PC12 cell proliferation and neuritogenesis by electrical stimulation
Authors: Su Wen-Ta , Shih Yi-An
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The nervous system is an important regulator of the human body because it adapts our responses to the external environment and provides people the ability of thought, memory, and emotion. PC12 is a cell line that is commonly used to study the behavior of neural differentiation. PC12 cells further differentiate into nerve cells when stimulated by nerve growth factor (NGF), which have neurite, dendrite, and axon, and form synapses with neighboring cells to build neural networks. Micropatterns and electric stimulation can significantly influence cellular attachment, proliferation, orientation, extracellular matrix (ECM) expression, neural differentiation, and cellular motion. We fabricated polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber with or without carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by electrospinning and promoted the neural differentiation of PC12 cells by electric stimulation. We used scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescence microscope to observe the NGF-induced growth of PC12 cells on PCL nanofiber. Axon formation and cellular activity expression, that confirm that PC12 cells can grow well on PCL nanofiber, and the gene expressions of MAP1b and GAP43 significantly increased after electric stimulation. Based on the results, the structure of nanofibers containing CNTs can effectively induce neural differentiation of PC12 cells in an electric field. This experimental model can be used for future clinical applications.