bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fermentation by gut microbiota cultured in a simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem is improved by probiotic Enterococcus faecium CRL 183
Authors: Sivieri Katia , Bianchi Fernanda , Tallarico Maria A. , Rossi Elizeu A.
Published: August 2018

Background: Enterococci are used in a large number of dairy products, such as starter cultures in food supplements and in foods considered functional. In vitro gut fermentation models present an unmatched opportunity of performing studies frequently allenged in humans and animals owing to ethical concerns. A dynamic model of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME) was designed to better simulate conditions intestinal microbiota.Methods: The SHIME model was used to study the effect of Enterococuus faecium CRL 183 on the fermentation pattern of the colon microbiota. Initially, an inoculum prepared from human feces was introduced into the reactor vessels and stabilized over 2 wk using a culture medium. This stabilization period was followed by a 2-wk control period during which the microbiota were monitored. The microbiota were then subjected to a 4-wk treatment period by adding 108 CFU/mL of the Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 to vessel one (the stomach compartment).Results: The addition resulted into an overall increase of bacterial marker populations (Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Clostridium spp.), with a significant increase of the Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp populations. The short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration increased during the supplementation period; this was due mainly to a significant increase in the levels of acetic, butyric and propionic acids. Ammonium concentrations increased during the supplementation period.Conclusions: Results showed that the major effect of E. faecium CRL 183 was found in the ascendant and transverse colon. Key words: Gut microbiota, Enterococcus, Gastrointestinal resource management, Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME)
Optimization of an effective growth medium for culturing probiotic bacteria for applications in strict vegetarian food products
Authors: Pathak Manju , Martirosyan Danik
Published: August 2018

Background: This study aimed to modify de Man Rogosa Sharpe culture medium (termed MRS) for selective cultivation of probiotics strain for the consumption by the strictly vegetarian human population. Vegetarian probiotic foods by definition must be free from all animal-derived ingredients. This not only includes the product ingredients but the probiotic inoculum as well. Probiotic starter cultures are traditionally grown and stored in media containing milk or meat-derived ingredients. The presence of these ingredients makes the probiotic cell concentrates unsuitable for use in vegetarian products and thus creates the need for a growth medium which is free from animal-derived ingredients. Present study investigated the growth of a strain of Lactobacillus lactis in MRS. The present invention relates in general to a bacterial culture media, and more specifically a complex microbial culture media, based on plant seed powder extract in place of animal extract for probiotic bacterial growth.Methods: Lactobacillus lactis, a probiotic, was grown in standard MRS culture medium as well as in our various test media (TM) containing various vegetal source in place of beef extract, yeast extract and peptone as in case of MRS. The inoculated culture mediums were incubated at 37C for 72 hours and growth of probiotic is recorded at regular intervals. The growth was recorded as Colony Forming Units (CFUs).Results: The best growth of probiotic is observed in TM 2. TM 2 is the leguminous seed extract. Starter culture mediums for probiotics or other bacteria primarily contain protein from animal source. The possibility of using vegetal protein from TM 2 extract in place of peptones and meat extract for the nitrogen supplementation of culture media for the growth of lactic acid bacteria has been demonstrated. Conclusion: The absolute vegetarian culture medium containing TM 2 is better than standard MRS for the growth of probiotics.Abbreviations: de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS), Colony Forming Units (CFU), test media (TM), National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Tamarind seed powder (TSP), solid-state fermentation (SSF), Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS)Keywords: probiotics, lactic acid bacteria, vegetarian
Agaricus blazei Murill - immunomodulatory properties and health benefits
Authors: Biedron R. , Tangen J. M. , Maresz K. , Hetland G.
Published: August 2018

The Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM), also known as Agaricus brasiliensis L. due to its origin in Brazilian rain forest, is an edible mushroom of the Basidiomycetes family, which also comprises medicinal mushrooms such as Hericium erinaceus and Grifola frondosa. AbM has been used in traditional medicine locally and also recently as a health food worldwide. Since it has been found to possess immunomodulatory properties, its biological and health-related effects, as well as its isolated active ingredients e.g. beta-glucans, have been examined by scientists. Other investigations have been performed with mixed mushroom products, such as AndoSanTM, which contains mostly AbM, but also the two other mushrooms above. AbM-related benefits reviewed here include effects against cancer, infections, inflammation, allergy/ asthma and diabetes. Effects of AndoSanTM and other AbM-based extracts have been compared in a bacterial sepsis model.Keywords: Agaricus blazei, AndoSanTM, allergy, asthma, cancer, infection, inflammation, immunomodulation.
Lowbush blueberries, Vaccinium angustifolium, modulate the functional potential of nutrient utilization and DNA maintenance mechanisms in the rat proximal colon microbiota
Authors: Lacombe Alison , Li Robert W. , Klimis-Zacas Dorothy , Kristo Aleksandra S. , Tadepalli Shravani , Krauss Emily , Young Ryan , Wu Vivian C. H.
Published: August 2018

Background: The core gut microbiota encodes for a metabolic capacity that often surpasses the metabolic potential of its host. Lowbush wild blueberries (LWB) are a rich source of bioactive compounds, and the gut microbiota is an important modulator of their activity. The objective of this research is to study the effect of a diet enriched with LWB on the gastrointestinal microbiota’s metabolic potential. Methods: Nine three-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group (N=4) was placed on the AIN93 diet, and the treatment group (N=5) was fed the same diet with 8% (w/w) LWB powder substituting for dextrose. The animals consumed the diets for six weeks, after which they were sacrificed. Functional profiles and metabolic potential of the colon microbiota in response to diet were analyzed using deep whole genome sequencing (WGS). Results: Proteins predicted from WGS DNA sequences were assigned to 3,746 COG, 5,577 KEGG, and 4,474 Pfam families. Statistical comparisons of the protein-coding genes revealed significant changes in 25 Gene Ontology (GO), 186 KEGG, and 20 Pfam protein families representing 2.1%, 3.3%, and 0.02% of all hits identified, respectively. Overall, the combined inquires into these databases represented an emphasis on membrane trafficking, DNA regulation, modification and repair, and nutrient metabolism. Protein families that significantly increased by the enrichment of LWBs were involved with amino acid metabolism, 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase, metal ion binding, glutamate synthase, REDOX homeostasis, and aryl transferases. In contrast, protein families involved with integrase/recombinase, reverse transcriptase, and transposon/transposase were at a lower abundance. Conclusions: The results from this study reflect the potential impact that LWBs have on the functional repertoire of bacterial communities in the proximal colon. The results demonstrate a higher potential for the metabolism of amino acids and a lower potential for horizontal integration of plasmids and lower phage/transposon activity in the LWB diet, suggesting that the genome at the time of sampling was more stable. This study helps unravel diverse mechanisms of microbial adaptation to LWBs in the diet of mammals and can provide guidance in optimizing functional diets.
Phenotype microarray profiling of the antibacterial activity of red cabbage
Authors: Abu Bakar F. , Hafidh R. R. , Abdulamir A. S.
Published: August 2018

Background: Functional food can be a potent source of wide array of biocomonents with antimicrobial activity. We investigated the antibacterial activity of red cabbage (RC) extract on Gram negative and positive ATCC strains. Most intersting, we, for the first time, explored and analysed the complete phenotypic profile of RC-treated bacteria using Omnilog Phenotype Microarray.Results: This study revealed that the phenotype microarray (PM) screen was a valuable tool in the search for compounds and their antibacterial mechanisms that can inhibit bacterial growth by affecting certain metabolic pathways. It was shown that RC exerted remarkable antibacterial effect on S. aureus and E. coli bacteria, and PM showed a wide range phenotypic profile of the exerted RC antibacterial activity. RC targeted the peptide, carbon, nutriontional assembly, and sulfur metbolic pathways altogether. The peptidoglycan synthesis pathway was inferred to be targeted by RC extract at a metabolic point different from other available cell wall-targeting drugs; these could be hot targets for the discovery of new therapy for many problematic microbes.Conclusions: Taken together, the phenotype microarray for functional food and medicinal plants can be a very useful tool for profiling their antimicrobial activity. Moreover, extracts of functional food can exert antibacterial activity by hitting a wide range of metabolic pathways, at the same time leading to very difficult condition for bacteria to rapidly develop resistance. Therefore, using functional foods or medicinal plants as such, or as extracts, can be superior on mono-targeting antibiotics if the optimal concentrations and conditions of these functional foods were sought.Key words: red cabbage, bacteria, antibacterial, phenotype microarray, Omnilog, Biolog
Starch digestibility and predicted glycemic index of fried sweet potato cultivars
Authors: Odenigbo Amaka , Rahimi Jamshid , Ngadi Michael , Amer Somaia , Mustafa Arif
Published: August 2018

Background: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a very rich source of starch. There is increased interest in starch digestibility and the prevention and management of metabolic diseases.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of starch fractions and predicted glycemic index of different cultivars of sweet potato.Material and Method: French fries produced from five cultivars of sweet potato (‘Ginseng Red’, ‘Beauregard’, ‘White Travis’, ‘Georgia Jet clone #2010’ and ‘Georgia Jet’) were used. The level of total starch (TS), resistant starch (RS), digestible starch (DS), and starch digestion index starch digestion index in the samples were evaluated. In vitro starch hydrolysis at 30, 90, and 120 min were determined enzymatically for calculation of rapidly digestible starch (RDS), predicted glycemic index (pGI) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) respectively. Results: The RS content in all samples had an inversely significant correlation with pGI (-0.52; P<0.05) while RDS had positive and significant influence on both pGI (r=0.55; P<0.05) and SDI (r= 0.94; P<0.01). ‘White Travis’ and ‘Ginseng Red’ had higher levels of beneficial starch fractions (RS and SDS) with low pGI and starch Index (SDI), despite their higher TS content. Generally, all the cultivars had products with low to moderate GI values. Conclusion: The glycemic index of these food products highlights the health promoting characteristics of sweet potato cultivars.Keywords: Sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas L, French fries, in vitro starch digestibility, glycemic index, resistant starch
Active Hexose Correlated Compound Extends the Lifespan and Increases the Thermotolerance of Nematodes
Authors: Okuyama Tetsuya , Yoshigai Emi , Ikeya Yukinobu , Nishizawa Mikio
Published: August 2018

Background: Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is the extract from cultured mycelia of Lentinula edodes, a species of Basidiomycetes mushroom. AHCC contains various polysaccharides, including partially acylated <-1,4-glucan, which is one of its major constituents. The application of AHCC has been markedly increased in complementary and alternative medicine as a functional food because AHCC improved the prognosis of postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma patients. AHCC has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, such as the suppression of nitric oxide production in hepatocytes. AHCC might affect resistance to environmental stress, which is assumed to play a pivotal role in the longevity of many organisms.Objective: To investigate the effect of AHCC on longevity, we measured the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a model animal that is widely used to assess longevity. We also examined the effect of AHCC on resistance to heat stress, i.e., thermotolerance.Methods: The lifespan of C. elegans animals grown on media in the absence or presence of AHCC at 20°C was evaluated. Thermotolerance assays were performed at 35°C, the restrictive temperature of the animals. The effects of AHCC on lifespan and thermotolerance were analyzed with longevity mutants. Expression levels of stress-related genes, including heat shock genes, were measured by strand-specific reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction after heat shock.Results: Wild-type C. elegans animals exhibited a longer mean lifespan by up to 10% in the presence of AHCC in the growth media than animals in the absence of AHCC. Furthermore, AHCC markedly increased thermotolerance at 35°C. Epistasis analyses showed that lifespan extension by AHCC at least partly required two longevity-promoting transcription factors: DAF-16 (C. elegans homolog of FOXO) and HSF-1 (C. elegans homolog of heat shock transcription factor 1). After heat shock, AHCC activated the transcription of the heat shock genes, which are the targets of HSF-1. Similarly, the expression of hsf-1 mRNA was elevated following AHCC treatment. Recently, natural antisense transcripts were shown to regulate mRNA stability at the posttranscriptional level. In nematodes, AHCC increased the natural antisense transcript of the hsf-1 gene.Conclusion: AHCC conferred lifespan extension and thermotolerance to C. elegans. Our analyses suggest that the beneficial effects of AHCC on longevity are involved in the activation of at least two transcription factors, DAF-16 and HSF-1, most likely through an antisense transcript-mediated mechanism.Keywords: longevity, heat stress resistance, HSF, FOXO, heat shock gene
Polyphenol characterization, anti-oxidant, anti-proliferation and anti-tyrosinase activity of cranberry pomace
Authors: Rupasinghe Vasantha , Neir Sandhya V. , Parmar Indu
Published: August 2018

Background: Cranberry pomace (CP), an underutilized by-product from juice processing, contains a wide range of biologically active compounds that can be recovered and used in a variety of applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Methods: In this study, analytical chemical techniques such as solvent extractions and characterization of extracts in respect with their phenolic content were performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and spectrophotometry. Crude CP extract and its phenolic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins–rich fractions were then evaluated for their anti-oxidant capacity, tyrosinase inhibitory activity, and anti-proliferation activity against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Results: On a dry weight basis, the different CP fractions contained seven major anthocyanins (0.1-125 mg/g), six major phenolic acids (0.8-31 mg/g), seven flavonols (1-126 mg/g) and five flavan-3-ols (0.1-12 mg/g). Fractions rich in flavonols exhibited the most potent antioxidant capacities with ferric ion reducing antioxidant power values of 1.8-1.9 mmole/g and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging IC50 values of 15.1-15.2 mg/L respectively. On the other hand, fractions rich in phenolic acids and flavan-3-ol monomers demonstrated the most potent anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50=6.1-6.2 mg/L) and anti-proliferative activity (IC50=7.8-15.8 mg/L). Generally, all the fractions exhibited a dose-response relationship in the selected biological activity assays.Conclusion: This study suggests an effective utilization of CP to obtain biologically active fractions with potential to be used in functional foods and nutraceuticals designed for the prevention of chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress.Keywords: cranberry pomace, polyphenol, anti-tyrosinase, anti-proliferation, nutraceuticals, functional foods
Dietary Nitrite: from menace to marvel
Authors: Bryan Nathan S.
Published: August 2018

Background: There are now indisputable health benefits of nitrite when administered in a clinical setting for specific diseases.  Most of the published reports identify the production of nitric oxide (NO) as the mechanism of action for nitrite.  Basic science as well as clinical studies demonstrates nitrite and/or nitrate can restore NO homeostasis as an endothelium independent source of NO that may be a redundant system for endogenous NO production.  Nitrate must first be reduced to nitrite by oral commensal bacteria and then nitrite further reduced to NO along the physiological oxygen gradient.  Despite decades of rigorous research on its safety and efficacy as a curing agent, sodium nitrite is still regarded by many as a toxic undesirable food additive.  However, research within the biomedical science community has revealed enormous therapeutic benefits of nitrite that is currently being developed as novel therapies for conditions associated with nitric oxide insufficiency.  This review will highlight the fundamental biochemistry of nitrite and nitrate in human physiology and provide evidence that nitrite and nitrate be considered essential nutrients.  Foods or diets enriched with nitrite can have profound positive health benefits. Keywords: nitrite, nitrate, nitric oxide, curing, nutrition, epidemiology, cardiovascular, cancer, diet, nitrosamines, antioxidants
Evaluation of the effect of administering N-acetyl-glucosamine-containing green tea supplement on biomarkers for cartilage metabolism in healthy individuals without symptoms of arthritis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study
Authors: Tomonaga Akihito , Fukagawa Mitsuhiko , Ikeda Hiroki , Hori Toshiyuki , Ohkawara Masaharu , Nagaoka Isao
Published: August 2018

Background: To evaluate the chondroprotective action of an N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc)-containing supplement on the joint health of healthy individuals without symptoms of arthritis, we conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Subjects (n=100, 51.3 ± 1.0 years (mean ± SE)) without symptoms of arthritis were randomly assigned to receive a 1000 mg GlcNAc-containing diet (GlcNAc group) or a placebo diet (placebo group) once a day for 16 weeks, and the effect on the cartilage metabolism was evaluated by analyzing the ratio of type II collagen degradation to synthesis using type II collagen degradation (C2C) and synthesis (PIICP) markers.Results: The results indicated that the changes in the C2C/PIICP ratios from the baseline were slightly suppressed in the GlcNAc group compared with those in the placebo group at weeks 16 during the intervention and 4 weeks after the intervention. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups. To make the effect of GlcNAc even more clear, the subjects with joint loading and impaired cartilage metabolism were evaluated. Interestingly, the changes in the C2C/PIICP ratios from the baseline were significantly suppressed in the GlcNAc group compared with the placebo group at weeks 16 during the intervention and 4 weeks after the intervention. Moreover, test supplement-related adverse events were not essentially observed during and after the intervention.Conclusions: These observations suggest that the oral administration of GlcNAc at a dose of 1000 mg/day exerts a chondroprotective action on the healthy individuals by lowering the C2C/PIICP ratio, which indicates relative reduction of type II collagen degradation and increase of type II collagen synthesis, without apparent adverse effect. Key words: N-acetyl-glucosamine, biomarker, cartilage metabolism, joint health
Influence of hot water blanching process on phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of Cinnamomum porrectum herbal tea
Authors: Saetan Phornthip , Usawakesmanee Worapong , Siripongvutikorn Sunisa
Published: August 2018

Background: C. porrectum leaves, one kind of Cinnamomum family, has recently been used to produce a locally herbal tea. Although C. porrectum essential oil and aqueous extract have been reported to have some biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, there is no scientific data using the blanching process for the production of herbal tea. Therefore, this experiment aimed to study the effect of hot water blanching before drying process on microstructure, nutrition content of the tea powder, TPC, TFC, antioxidant activities of infusion, as well as the phenolic profile of the extract.Objective: To determine effect of hot water blanching process on nutritional value, microstructure, phenolic profile, and antioxidant activity of the C. porrectum herbal tea.Methods: The C. porrectum leaves were divided into 2 groups; control (un-treated) and blanched before dried for herbal tea processing. The fresh leaves and the powders of control and blanched leaves were checked for proximate composition and chlorophyll contents, in addition to color value. The powders were determined microstructure by SEM. The infusions were determined to have color value and total extractable phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activities. The hydrolyzed extracts of freeze dried infusion were subjected to identify phenolic profile by HPLC. Results: The blanched tea powder yielded a percentage of fat and protein contents higher than un-treated due to easier extraction because of the bigger pore size found in microstructure. Chlorophyll content of blanched was decreased compared with the control sample. However, it was found that blanching could greater maintain green color of both powder and infusion. Additionally, blanching helped increased TPC, TFC extractability, and antioxidant activities in all assays except metal chelating property. Based on retention time and peak profile determined by using HPLC, it was found that both control and treated extracts consisted of similar main phenolic and flavonoid compounds however, only kaempferol was found in un-treated. Moreover, hydrolyzed blanched extract showed a higher intensity of 2 unknown compounds than un-treated. Though un-treated provided a higher intensity of pyrogallol, gallic acid, and cinnamic acid, the blanched exhibited a higher intensity of caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid, and rutin. Conclusion: Blanching before drying expanded pore size of dried leaves, increased yield extractability, maintained color value, chlorophylls and increased TPC and TFC which related to antioxidant activities. Blanched extract provided higher intensity of some phenolic compounds than un-treated.Keywords: Cinnamomum porrectum, blanching process, SEM, HPLC
The Cytotoxic and Anti-proliferative Activity of High Molecular Weight Pectin and Modified Citrus Pectin
Authors: Abdel-Massih Roula , Hawach Venicia , Boujaoude Marie-Anne
Published: August 2018

Background: Pectin is a heterogeneous polysaccharide mainly present in citrus fruits and has different biological activities.Objective: High molecular weight Citrus Pectin and modified citrus pectin (MCP) were tested for their cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti-oxidant activity.Methods: The cytotoxicity of pectin was studied against HaCaT cell line (human keratinocyte cell line) using Trypan blue method and LDH-cytotoxicity assay. Anti-proliferative activity was assayed using a WST-1 proliferation kit. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH scavenging assay.Results: MCP and Pectin both reduced the viability of HaCaT cells in a dose dependent manner; however MCP was found to be more cytotoxic than high molecular weight citrus pectin since it had a lower IC50 (300ug/ul). At non-cytotoxic concentrations, the viability of cells decreased with increase of concentration of MCP as determined by the WST-1. MCP exhibited a higher antioxidant effect than pectin (SC50 at a concentration range between 2 and 4mg/ml).Conclusion: This study suggests that MCP exhibits a stronger cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effect on HaCaT cell line than pectin. The most probable explanation of this observation is the different effect due to the variable molecular weight and exposed side-chains of MCP and high molecular weight citrus pectin. Keywords: Cytotoxic, Anti-proliferative, Pectin, MCP, HaCaT cell line
Topical applied nutraceutical antioxidant formulation reduces ocular oxidative stress
Authors: Kador Peter F.
Published: August 2018

Background: Oral nutraceutical antioxidants have shown disappointing clinical results in reducing oxidation-induced age-related cataract and other ocular diseases. Based on the hypothesis that nutraceuticals do not adequately reach the lens by oral administration, we have developed a unique topical antioxidant formulation whose active ingredients have the reported ability to reduce oxidative stress through free radical scavenging and chelating activity. This topical nutraceutical formulation was designed to mimic the in vivo activity of multifunctional antioxidants, compounds which are being developed in our laboratory to independently scavenge free radicals and selectively bind redox metals. A comparison of the efficacy of this topical nutraceutical to multifunctional antioxidants in laboratory animal models of oxidation-induced lens changes, retinal changes, and dry eye is reviewed. Although it is less potent than the small molecule multifunctional antioxidants that will require FDA approval, the topical nutraceutical formulation beneficially reduces ocular oxidative stress. These studies suggest that this topical antioxidant may fill an unmet therapeutic need by providing a nutraceutical that beneficially reduces the effects of oxidation on age-related ocular diseases. Keywords: oxidative stress, nutraceutical antioxidants, age-related ocular diseases, dry eye, cataracts, retinal degeneration
Adding stewed apricot juice to sena improves the right-side and overall colon cleansing quality for colonoscopy preparation
Authors: Yasar Bulent , Abut Evren , Kayadibi Huseyin , Akdoğan Fatih , Gonen Can
Published: August 2018

Background: To achieve optimal colonoscopic examination, the bowel must be sufficiently cleansed. However, none of the currently available colonoscopy preparation regimens is safe, efficient and comfortable. The aim of this study was to determine whether adding stewed apricot juice to senna increased patient comfort and improved bowel cleansing during colonoscopy preparation.Methods: Outpatients of both genders, aged over 18 years, who were referred for elective colonoscopy were randomly allocated to drink stewed apricot juice with senna or senna alone. The quality of colon cleansing was evaluated using the Ottawa scale. The evaluation of patient tolerance and adverse events was made through completion of a questionnaire. Results: The study included a total of 128 patients in the randomization procedure. A significantly greater effect of cleansing  was determined with stewed apricot juice plus senna in the right and transverse colon (p= 0.038, p=0.037, respectively). It was also determined that in the stewed apricot juice plus senna group, overall cleansing was superior (p<0.001), total colonoscopy (17.6 min vs 22.8 min, p=0.048) and cecal intubation (7.4 min vs 11.2 min, p=0.042) times were shorter, and the colonoscopy procedure was easier (79.4%vs 49.2%, p<0.001). No difference was determined between the groups in respect of patient  acceptance, compliance and adverse events (p>0.05). In the stewed apricot juice plus senna group, 91.2% of patients stated willingness to receive the same regimen in the future compared with 80% of the patients in thesenna alone group (p=0.037).Conclusion: The addition of natural, stewed apricot juice to senna significantly improves cleansing outcomes without additional adverse events.Keywords: bowel cleansing, colonoscopy, stewed apricot juice, senna.
Effects of vitamin E and its derivatives on diabetic nephropathy in Rats and identification of diacylglycerol kinase subtype involved in the improvement of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kakehi Tomoko , Yagi Keiko , Saito Naoaki , Shirai Yasuhito
Published: August 2018

Background: Diabetes is a significant social issue. Controlling diabetic complications such as nephropathy is very important for QOL of diabetic patients. One of the mechanisms which causes diabetic complications is the abnormal activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by increased diacylglycerol (DG) from hyperglycemia. Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) can attenuate PKC activity by converting DG to phosphatidic acid. Thus far, d-a-tocopherol (VtE) treatment has been shown to prevent early changes of diabetic renal dysfunctions by activating DGK. However, it is still unknown whether VtE derivatives improve diabetic nephropathy similarly to VtE, and which DGK subtype is activated by VtE and/or the derivatives. Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate effects of VtE and its derivatives on diabetic nephropathy in rats, in addition to identifying the DGK subtype involved in the improvement of nephropathy in vivo. Methods: To induce diabetes in rats, six weeks old male Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitonealy administrated 65 mg/kg streptozocin (STZ) in 20 mM citrate buffer. For two or eight weeks, 40 mg/kg VtE, 44 mg/kg acetate VtE (aVtE) or 49.3 mg/kg succinate VtE (sVtE) was intraperitonealy administrated every other day after STZ administration. The blood glucose level, body weight, and kidney weight, in addition to urinary volume, albumin, and BUN were measured every week after STZ administration. Additionally, in order to identify the DGK subtype activated by VtE and aVtE, the DGK subtype expressed in the rat glomerulus was checked by RT-PCR and western blotting, and the activity in the glomerulus from the rats before and after the VtE and aVtE treatments were measured in the presence or absence of EGTA.Results: Averages of kidney weight and BUN of rats treated with VtE, aVtE and sVtE for 8 weeks were reduced, compared to the control. However, the intraperitoneal administration of sVtE was toxic. Additionally, the amount of urine volume and urinary albumin significantly improved by the two-weeks treatment of VtE and aVtE. mRNA of DGKa, g, d, e, and z were detected in the glomerulus, but only the protein of DGKa and DGKd were detected as calcium-dependent and independent subtype respectively. Both VtE and aVtE activated DGK in the glomerulus. However, the calcium dependent DGK subtype was mainly activated by aVtE, with not only the calcium-dependent subtype but also the calcium-independent subtype being activated in the case of VtE. In other words, DGKa was activated by aVtE and DGKd was additionally enhanced in the case of VtE.Conclusion: These results clearly indicated that aVtE as well as VtE improved diabetic nephropathy, with the activation of DGKa and/or d being potentially involved with this improvement. Key words: diabetic nephropathy, diacylglycerol kinase, vitamin E
Effects of six-week consumption of lard or palm oil on blood pressure and blood vessel H2S in middle-aged male rats
Authors: Naphatthalung Jomkarn , Cing Lian Suan , Kanokwiroon Kanyanatt , Radenahmad Nisaudah , Jansakul Chaweewan
Published: August 2018

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. The etiology of this disease is multifactorial, with unhealthy nutrition being one of the main risk factors. Diets high in animal fats and saturated fatty acid have been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. However, the results of investigations on the effects of lard (LO)- and palm oil (PO) on cardiovascular risk are still controversial due to the dosages used and the age of the animals investigated. Objective: We investigated whether LO or PO consumption led to different effects on blood pressure, vascular functions, and lipid profiles within middle-aged rats. Methods: The study was performed in middle-aged male rats, n = 6 for each group. LO, PO, or distilled water (control) 1 or 3 ml/kg were orally gavaged once a day for 6 weeks. Basal blood pressure and heart rate were measured in anesthetized rats. Fasting serum lipids were measured by enzymatic methods. The vascular functions of isolated thoracic aorta were studied using pharmacological techniques in the absence or presence of N-nitro-L-arginine, a nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor and or DL-propargylglycine (PAG), a cystothionine-γ-lyase (CSE) inhibitor. Additionally, the aortic wall eNOS and CSE protein expression were measured by Western blotting.Results: In comparison to the control group (distilled water, DW), no differences were observed in any of the parameters studied after the rats took 1 ml/kg of LO or PO. However, PO caused an increase in neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and body fat. At 3 ml/kg dosage, LO caused increased basal blood pressure (LO, 153.4 ± 3.2; DW, 131.4 ± 3.2 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure and LO, 130.9 ± 2.5; DW, 107.9 ± 5.8 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure) body and liver cell lipid accumulation, while PO led to increased body fat and fasting serum triglyceride (PO, 131.5 ± 13.2; DW, 91.8 ± 4.8 mg %). Neither LO nor PO treatment had any effect on vascular contraction to phenylephrine, except in the presence of PAG which led to an increased contractile response to phenylephrine. PO but not LO treatment caused increased vascular wall CSE protein expression.Conclusion: The results document how both LO and PO at a dose of 3 ml/kg (corresponding to three servings of Thai fast food) cause increased cardiovascular risk factors. However, the blood vessel H2S production increased while the lower dose had a minimal effect.Keywords: Lard oil; Palm oil; blood vessel; liver lipid; NO; H2S
MODELO BINOMIAL DE OPÇÕES COMPOSTAS:
Authors: Silva Antonio Carlos Magalhães da , Freund Alexius Viktor de Andrade , Lemgruber Eduardo Facó
Published: August 2018

O presente artigo trata da aplicação de um modelo de apreçamento na avaliação das cotas seniores de um Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário no Brasil. O modelo utilizado é o binomial de opções compostas, desenvolvido por Freund (2013) para a avaliação de cotas seniores, mezanino e subordinadas de Fundos de Investimento em Direitos Creditórios (FIDC). Esse modelo considera diversos fatores que influenciam no apreçamento dessas classes de cotas, tais como nível de subordinação, volatilidade, taxas de juros, taxas de inadimplência, prazo de duração do fundo, bem como características relacionadas ao fluxo de caixa das amortizações. Os resultados da avaliação das cotas seniores de um fundo imobiliário indicam que os preços observados no mercado estavam superavaliados em relação aos obtidos pela modelagem.
Anti-nociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Crotalaria pallida Aiton (Fam: Fabaceae) Leaves
Authors: Bulbul Israt Jahan , Fashiuddin Sumaiya Binta , Haque Mohammad R , Sultan Md Zakir , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: August 2018

The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanolic extract of Crotalaria pallida Aiton (Family: Fabaceae) leaves based on its traditional uses in the treatment of urinary disorders, external application as a poultice to treat painful swelling of joints and to reduce fever. The anti-nociceptive effect was assessed in mice using acetic acidinduced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking and tail immersion assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract at different doses (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg bw) significantly (p<0.001) and dose-dependently reduced pain by 37.50% and 47.70%, respectively. The extract also significantly inhibited formalininduced paw licking in mice at both the early and late phases. In the tail immersion test, the extract caused a significant inhibition of pain (64.91% inhibition after 4 hrs) at a dose of 100 mg/kg. C. pallida exhibited a considerable inhibition of paw oedema development in the carrageenan-induced oedema test. The findings of the study suggested that C. pallida leaves have significant anti-nociceptive and antiinflammatory effects, confirming the traditional uses of this plant in the treatment of various diseases associated with pain and inflammation.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(2): 165-171, 2017
Isolation, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of the Metabolites from Different Sources of Bangladesh
Authors: Rana Md Masud , Islam Md Anwar Ul
Published: August 2018

Antibiotic resistance and emergence of new infections are becoming serious health concern in the recent days. To overcome these problems, the present study was designed to isolate and characterize new microbial species from different locations of Rajshahi division, Bangladesh that can produce bioactive metabolites effective against resistant microorganisms. A total of 56 microbial isolates were obtained by cross streaking and agar disc diffusion method and tested against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-259233, Listeria monocytogenes, Agrobacterium spp., Escherichia coli FPFC-1407, Shigella dysenteriae AL-35587, Sh. sonnei, and Sh. boydii. Among the total 56 isolates, only 25% were found to inhibit the test pathogens. One of the bacterial isolates designated as DADA-1AIMR-24 revealed maximum antimicrobial activities. From the morphological, cultural and physiological characteristics, pattern of utilization of carbon sources, growth pattern and gram staining, it was concluded that DADA-1AIMR-24 belongs to round shaped gram positive bacteria which is greyish green in color.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(2): 172-179, 2017
New Application Approval Vol.20(2)
Authors: Hossain Md Akbar
Published: August 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(2): 223-224, 2017
Role of Employer Branding Dimensions on Employee Retention: Evidence from Educational Sector
Authors: Hadi Noor Ul , Ahmed Shahjehan
Published: August 2018

Owing to a “War for Talent” every organization is struggling for the best employer status. Thus, attracting, recruiting and retaining talented human capital is the primary focus of every organization. In this regard the aim of the present study is to answer the most frequent and recently asked question of what value(s) organization focus on the retention of their workforce? In so doing, Social Learning Theory and Reciprocity Theory were used as a theoretical background; to further proceed with the study, data was purposively collected from 204 respondents from educational institutes of Pakistan. Findings of the study revealed that development value has a substantial relationship with employee retention. Since, development of new knowledge and skills results in the improvement of one’s present job. Furthermore, limitations and implications of the study are discussed.
Some Identities for Euler and Bernoulli Polynomials and Their Zeros
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Ryoo Cheon Seoung
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we study some special polynomials which are related to Euler and Bernoulli polynomials. In addition, we give some identities for these polynomials. Finally, we investigate the zeros of these polynomials by using the computer.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Depression during Pregnancy: Scientific Evidence and What Is Being Said in the Media—A Systematic Review
Authors: Kurzeck Anna Katharina , Kirsch Beatrice , Weidinger Elif , Padberg Frank , Palm Ulrich
Published: August 2018

Major depression is the most frequent morbidity in pregnancy. The first-line therapies, psychopharmacologic treatment and psychotherapy, are either insufficient or may cause severe or teratogenic adverse events. As a result of its local limitation to the patient’s brain, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could potentially be an ideal treatment for pregnant women with depression. A literature search was conducted in medical databases, globally published newspapers, search engines, and clinical trial registers to collect all articles on tDCS for the treatment of depression during pregnancy. The aim of this review was to investigate the scientific evidence of tDCS use for depression during pregnancy and to compare these results with the textual and emotional perception in the media as interventions during pregnancy are under particular surveillance. We detected 13 medical articles dealing with tDCS for depression in pregnancy. Overall, the scientific evidence as well as articles in the media for tDCS in pregnancy are sparse, but promising. Further studies are required in this specifically vulnerable population of pregnant women to generate evidence. It is likely that public interest will increase when the results of a pilot study in Canada are published.
The Unfolded Protein Response Pathway in the Yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. A Comparative View among Yeast Species
Authors: Hernández-Elvira Mariana , Torres-Quiroz Francisco , Escamilla-Ayala Abril , Domínguez-Martin Eunice , Escalante Ricardo , Kawasaki Laura , Ongay-Larios Laura , Coria Roberto
Published: August 2018

Eukaryotic cells have evolved signalling pathways that allow adaptation to harmful conditions that disrupt endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis. When the function of the ER is compromised in a condition known as ER stress, the cell triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR) in order to restore ER homeostasis. Accumulation of misfolded proteins due to stress conditions activates the UPR pathway. In mammalian cells, the UPR is composed of three branches, each containing an ER sensor (PERK, ATF6 and IRE1). However, in yeast species, the only sensor present is the inositol-requiring enzyme Ire1. To cope with unfolded protein accumulation, Ire1 triggers either a transcriptional response mediated by a transcriptional factor that belongs to the bZIP transcription factor family or an mRNA degradation process. In this review, we address the current knowledge of the UPR pathway in several yeast species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Candida glabrata, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans. We also include unpublished data on the UPR pathway of the budding yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. We describe the basic components of the UPR pathway along with similarities and differences in the UPR mechanism that are present in these yeast species.
Simultaneous Generation of Two Pairs of Stokes and Terahertz Waves from Coupled Optical Parametric Oscillations with Quasi-Phase-Matching
Authors: Li Zhongyang , Tan Lian , Li Yongjun , Yuan Bin , Wang Silei , Wang Mengtao , Bing Pibin , Yuan Sheng
Published: August 2018

We present a theoretical investigation on simultaneous generation of two pairs of Stokes and terahertz (THz) waves from coupled optical parametric oscillations (OPOs) with a quasi-phase-matching (QPM) scheme. The two pairs of Stokes and THz waves are generated by stimulated polariton scattering (SPS) from periodically-inverted GaP. By analyzing the QPM conditions of coupled OPOs we find that the two THz waves with any frequency below the transverse optical (TO) mode frequency of GaP can be simultaneously generated with a suitable pump wavelength. We calculate the photon flux densities of the two THz waves by solving the coupled wave equations. The calculation results indicate that the two THz waves can be efficiently generated with high pump intensities, particularly in lower THz frequency band.
Reproductive Ecology of Wrinkle-Lipped Free-Tailed Bats Chaerephon plicatus (Buchannan, 1800) in Relation to Guano Production in Cambodia
Authors: Furey Neil M. , Racey Paul A. , Ith Saveng , Touch Van , Cappelle Julien
Published: August 2018

Wildlife populations in Southeast Asia are subject to increasing pressure from climate change, habitat loss and human disturbance. Cave-roosting bats are particularly vulnerable to all three factors. Because of the ecological services they provide, it is important to assess specific vulnerabilities to inform their conservation management. We evaluated the reproductive phenology and body condition of Chaerephon plicatus for 14 months in 2015–2016 and quantified guano harvesting at the largest colony in Cambodia in 2011–2016. As in Thailand and Myanmar, two annual breeding cycles were recorded, characterized as continuous bimodal polyoestry, with parturition primarily occurring in April and October. Significant declines occurred in body condition between the late wet season and the late dry season, suggesting that bats experience increasing energetic stress as the dry season progresses. Annual guano harvests increased over the study period but could not be used as a proxy for monitoring population size due to the loss of unknown amounts during the wet season and unquantified movements of bats between C. plicatus colonies in the region. We recommend studies to determine the scale and drivers of such movements and creation of sustainable guano harvesting and population monitoring initiatives to ensure the conservation of C. plicatus colonies in Cambodia.
Embodied Energy and Environmental Impact of Large-Power Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Irrigation Systems
Authors: Todde Giuseppe , Murgia Lelia , Carrelo Isaac , Hogan Rita , Pazzona Antonio , Ledda Luigi , Narvarte Luis
Published: August 2018

A life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was used to evaluate the cumulative energy demand and the related environmental impact of three large-power stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) irrigation systems ranging from 40 kWp to 360 kWp. The novelty of this analysis is the large power of these systems as the literature up to now is restricted to modeled PV pumping systems scenarios or small power plants, where the size can be a critical factor for energy and environmental issues. The analysis shows that the yearly embodied energy per unit of PV power ranged from 1306 MJ/kWp to 1199 MJ/kWp depending of the PV generator size. Similarly, the related yearly carbon dioxide impacts ranged from 72.6 to 79.8 kg CO2e/kWp. The production of PV modules accounted for the main portion (about 80%) of the primary energy embodied into the PV irrigation system (PVIS). The outcomes of the study also show an inverse trend of the energy and carbon payback times respect to the PV power size: In fact, energy payback time increased from 1.94, to 5.25 years and carbon payback time ranged from 4.62 to 9.38 years. Also the energy return on investment depends on the PV generator dimension, ranging from 12.9 to 4.8. The environmental impact of the stand-alone PV systems was also expressed in reference to the potential amount of electricity generated during the whole PV life. As expected, the largest PVIS performs the best result, obtaining an emission rate of 45.9 g CO2e per kWh, while the smallest one achieves 124.1 g CO2e per kWh. Finally, the energy and environmental indicators obtained in this study are strongly related to the irrigation needs, which in turn are influenced by other factors as the type of cultivated crops, the weather conditions and the water availability.