bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astaxanthin as a Medical Food
Authors: Yamashita Eiji
Published: August 2018

Astaxanthin is a red pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family like β-carotene. And it’s found in seafood such as crustaceans: shrimp and crabs and fish: salmon and sea bream. Recently, astaxanthin has been reported to have antioxidant activity up to 100 times more potent than that of vitamin E against lipid peroxidation and about 40 times more potent than that of β-carotene on singlet oxygen quenching. Astaxanthin does not show any pro-oxidant activity and its main sight of action is on/in the cell membrane. Various important benefits to date have suggested for human health such as immunomodulation, anti-stress, anti-inflammation, LDL cholesterol oxidation suppression, enhanced skin health, improved semen quality, attenuating eye fatigue, sport performance and endurance, limiting exercised induced muscle damage, suppressing the development of life-style related diseases such as obesity, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Nowadays, the research and demand for natural astaxanthin in human health application are explosively growing worldwide. Especially, the clinicians use the astaxanthin extracted from the microalgae, Haematotoccus pluvialis as an add-on supplementation for the patients who are unsatisfied with the current medications or who can’t receive any medications because of their serious symptom. For example, the treatment enhances their daily activity levels or QOL in heart failure or benign prostatic hypertrophy/lower urinary tract symptom patients Other studies and trials are under way on chronic diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetes and CVD. We may call astaxanthin “a medical food” in the near future.Keywords: astaxanthin, medical food, Haematococcus, add-on supplementation
Evaluation of functional potentiality of selected commonly consumed foods of Bangladesh
Authors: Shaheen Nazma , Tukun Avonti Basak , Islam Saiful , Irfan Nafis Md. , Khan Ishrat Nourin , Hasan Towhid
Published: August 2018

Background: Rising tide of chronic nutrition related non-communicable diseases yoked with extant under nutrition problems makes it imperative to carry out scientific research for finding functional foods. Although the emergence of these diseases are believed to be related to a constellation of dietary, socio-economic and lifestyle related risk factors, central to the pathogenesis of these diseases (or disease states) are free radicals, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes typically accompanied by pain. Therefore, functional whole foods with physiologically active antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic compounds seem to be the most promising option to deal with the pathogenesis of existing and emerging chronic diseases burden of Bangladesh.Methods: Edible portions of 70 commonly consumed Bangladeshi foods – including one cereal, five legumes, fourteen vegetables, four tea varieties, five oil seeds, twenty spices, and twenty one fruits – were evaluated for total phenol content (TPC) by Folin-Ciocalteau assay. To evaluate functional potentiality, in vitro antioxidant capacity (AC) of selected food items were evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assays, in vitro anti-inflammatory potential by observing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α using J774A.1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in vivo anti-inflammatory potential by measuring carrageenan induced rat paw edema reduction and in vivo analgesic potential by acetic acid induced writhing test in mice. Results: Spices, oilseeds, and teas showed high concentration of TPC among the analysed foods while spices and teas exhibited notable AC. Green tea showed highest concentrations of TPC (2349 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent / g) and AC (2432 µmole Trolox Equivalent/g).  Fourteen food items showed potential in vitro anti-inflammatory activity with confirmatory dose response effect shown by 8 items. In vivo, black sesame and yellow mustard expressed anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in a dose dependent manner.Conclusion: This study found commonly consumed food items representing different food groups of Bangladesh to contain diverse range of polyphenols and antioxidant capacities. Of these, black sesame and yellow mustard demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential in animal model. The findings of this study can be used to promote polyphenols rich foods through dietary guidelines and facilitate epidemiological research investigating diet-disease relationships.
Polyphenol Compounds of Mahkota Dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa [Scheff.] Boerl) Up-regulated Caspase-3 and Apoptosis Index in Balb/c Strain Mice
Authors: Judiono N. , Indranila K.S. , Watuguly Theopilus W. , Craker Lyle
Published: August 2018

Background : Polyphenol compounds of Mahkota Dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa [Scheff.] Boerl)(PMD) are potentially to be used as anticancer by scavanging radical molecules. The effect in vivo is still limited  in Indonesia.Purpose :  The research was aimed validate the activity of PMD in increasing caspase-3 expression and apoptosis in Balb/c mice induced by Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP).Methode : Posttest control group was implemented and used  by 40  Balb/c mice at the age of 1-2 week with body weight of 20-30 g. The tumor induction was done mice by using BaP. The animals were randomized into 2 groups, called the control group and PMD treatment group by given dosage 50mg. Lung tumor growth was assessed by surgery at week of 8th, 17th, and 26th. The results of caspase-3 expression and apoptotic index from IHC-TUNEL staining were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, One-way ANOVA, and Post hoc test LSD with significant level of p<α (0,05). This research was approve by Ethical ClearanceResults: Oral administration of 50mg PMD was significantly increased caspase-3 expression and apoptotic index by treatment group animal at week of 8th, 17th, and 26th. Carcinogenesis incidence in control group were respective found about 2,32±0,26 and 3,93±0,46 at 8th and 26th week, respectively, while in treatment group were 1,88±0,38 and 0,88±0,22 (p=0,000). The apoptotic index in control group was 0,00±0,00 at 8th week and 0,92+0,22 at 26th week, whilst in treatment group were 1,12±0,71 and 2,02±1,05 (p=0,000). In control group, the caspase-3 expression at 8th and 26th week were 0,28±0,17 and 0,56±0,16, respectively, then in treatment group were 0,60±0,14 at 8th week and 2,52±0,33 at 26th week (p=0,000).Conclusion : The treatment of PMD was effectively induce in Balb/c mice cell apoptosis via up-regulation of caspase-3 expression and thus increased apoptotic index. It shows that PMD have anticancer activity to inhibit lung carcinogenesis in Balb/c mice.Keywords : polyphenol, mahkota dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa [Scheff.] Boerl), cell proliferation, apoptotic index, Balb/c strain mice, Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP).
A new method for aldo-sugar analysis in beverages and dietary foods
Authors: Yang Wen-Bin , Hung Wei-Ting , Chen Yi-Ting , Wang Shwu-Huey , Liu Yin-Chen
Published: August 2018

Background: Carbohydrates are found in most of our everyday diet; however, sugar analysis is difficult and inconvenient in food materials such as beverages, fruits and vegetables. Here, we report a new method for labeling the sugar ingredients in beverages and plant foods. The mentioned method provides a high sensitive and efficient tool for sugar compositional analysis by labeling the aldoses in beverages and foods with 2,3-naphthalenediamine via an iodine-promoted oxidative condensation reaction to form highly fluorescent aldo-naphthylimidazole (NAIM) derivatives. We have also separated the natural glycosides from dietary foods, for instance, solanines from tomato and potato. The various types of solanines with different sugar moieties were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The glycan is released by acidic hydrolysis, and the sugar components are subjected to NAIM labeling. These aldo-NAIM derivatives not only show enhanced mass signaling, but also provide fluorescent moiety at the reducing end of sugar to assist the detection in HPLC analysis.Objective: To develop a rapid and sensitive sugar detection method for research and commercial use, as well as to understand the sugar composition in dietary beverages and functional foods.Results: Five beverages in Taiwan were examined for the composition of six common sugars. Two Solanaceae samples extracted from the potato and tomato plants were measured by MALDI MS and ESI-MS/MS. The structures of solanines were elucidated and the glycan moieties were converted to the fluorescent NAIM derivatives to confirm their composition.Conclusions: The results suggest that the aldo-NAIM method is efficient and rapid for evaluation of sugar composition and concentration in beverages and foods.Key words: beverages, foods, potato, tomato, aldose, sugar analysis, fluorescence, NAIM kit
Colonic delivery of nutrients for management of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Szewczyk Jerzy , Giannone JoAnn , Marcuard Stefano , Kindel Tammy , Tso Patrick , Nolan Roger
Published: August 2018

Background: It is now widely accepted that bariatric surgeries such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) resolve or improve type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Post-prandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) increases after both RYGB and SG and blockade of the GLP-1 receptor suppresses the hypoglycemic effect post-operatively.  Expedited delivery of nutrients, such as L-glutamine and butyrate, to the distal small intestine and colon, where most GLP-1–secreting enteroendocrine L-cells are expressed, could explain this increase post-surgery.  Pharmacological treatments that target nutrient-sensing receptors on L-cells may mimic the effects of bariatric surgeries and may ameliorate deficiencies in gut hormone responses involved in the regulation of glucose and satiety.  In this study we investigated the effects of the colonic delivery of L-glutamine and butyrate on GLP-1 secretion and glucose homeostasis in both a pre-clinical rodent model and clinical type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).  Results: Infusion of 4.4 mg of sodium butyrate, compared to saline, into the colon of Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats increased GLP-1 secretion in response to an intra-duodenal glucose challenge.  In a chronic study, oral dosing of 40 mg of sodium butyrate twice a day, formulated as colon-targeted sustained-release tablets, preserved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in ZDF rats.  In ten T2DM patients requiring oral anti-hyperglymic agents, infusion of 1 g of L‑glutamine into the colon, compared to saline, increased plasma GLP-1 (p=0.017 at 30 min) and insulin (p<0.01 at 90 min; p=0.001 at 120 min; AUC p<0.005) after an oral glucose challenge.  Similar infusion with butyrate significantly increased only insulin secretion at 120 min, compared to saline (p<0.05).  Neither agent had an effect on glucose disposal.Conclusions: Targeted colonic delivery of L-glutamine and butyrate augments secretion of meal-stimulated GLP-1 and insulin.  Such an approach may be valuable for the management of hyperglycemia in T2DM patients.  A chronic clinical study with colon-targeted sustained-release L-glutamine is required to validate this hypothesis.Key words: Diabetes, nutrients, gut hormones, GLP-1, secretagogues, glucose management.
Double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study of Kjellmaniella crassifolia Miyabe (Gagome) in human: The potential of Gagome to activate the immune system
Authors: Nishihira Jun , Nishimura Mie , Sugawara Miwako , Kudo Masafumi
Published: August 2018

Background: Marine brown algae, Kjellmaniella crassifolia Miyabe (Gagome) is extensively harvested in Northern Japan and is known to help improve the immune system and prevent lifestyle diseases by its functional constituents, particularly the polysaccharide fucoidan. However, since most scientific findings come from animal studies, we examined its potential effectiveness in humans to raise immune functions, using small amounts of Gagome to avoid overconsumption of iodide. Methods: We set up a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (n=30 subjects for Gagome consumption; n=30 for placebo), in which 0.8 gram/day of Gagome containing 200 mg as dietary fiber (ca. 80 mg as fucoidan) was ingested for 8 weeks. The primary end-point was natural killer (NK) cell activity while other immune-related biomarkers, such as immunoglobulins (IgM and IgA) and cytokines (IL-12 and IFN-g) were secondary end-points.Results: No adverse effects were observed during the course of the clinical trial. We found that 8-week daily Gagome intake raised NK cell activities for the group with a relatively higher baseline number of NK cells (p=0.03). We also demonstrated that Gagome intake exerted a tendency to stimulate IgA secretion. These results indicate the possibility that Gagome intake may potentiate host defense systems in human as seen in animal studies.Conclusion: In this study, we used small amounts of Gagome (0.8 g daily) as an active test sample to avoid overconsumption of iodide, and found that this amount could enhance NK cell activities, particularly in the subclass with initially higher NK cell numbers. We also found an appreciable increment of IgA. With all of these facts, it seems that Gagome intake activates immune responses that contribute to the promotion of health through stimulation of the immune system.Keywords: clinical trial, dietary fiber, fucoidan, Gagome, natural killer cells
High light bio-fortification stimulates de novo synthesis of resveratrol in Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket) micro-greens
Authors: Loedolff Bianke , Brooks Jolene , Stander Marietjie , Peters Shaun , Kossmann Jens
Published: August 2018

Background: Brassica vegetables and leafy greens are consumed globally due to their health promoting phytochemicals. Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket or arugula) is a popular Brassica leafy green, with a diverse range of phytochemicals (in mature plants). Immature plants (micro-greens, 2-4 true leaves) accumulate phytochemicals up to 10 times more than plants grown to maturity. Although plants accumulate phytochemicals ubiquitously, environmental stimuli can further enhance this phenomenon of accumulation, which is part of a global stress mechanism in plants. In this study, we describe a simple method toward the bio-fortification of a wild rocket micro-green system, via environmental manipulation (using high light). Objective: To establish a high light-induced bio-fortification strategy to augment the accumulation of bio-active compounds in Brassica micro-greens (wild rocket), with the purpose of developing a ‘designer’ micro-green melange (functional food product) containing a diverse range of bio-active (disease preventative) compounds.Results: High light stimulated wild rocket micro-greens to achieve a significant increase of known phytochemicals (documented in relevant Brassica leafy greens). Furthermore, undocumented phytochemicals (resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, and kaempferol, among others) also accumulated to adequate concentrations. Plant extracts from bio-fortified micro-greens displayed increased anti-oxidant capacity (up to 3-fold, when compared to control), a key component in future cancer cell research.Conclusion: The use of high light resulted in successful bio-fortification of wild rocket micro-greens, evidenced by the accumulation of previously undocumented polyphenols (such as resveratrol, catechin and epicatechin) and improved anti-oxidant capacity.Key Words: anti-oxidant, high light, micro-greens, resveratrol, wild rocket
Changes in the rate of PSA progression and the level of alkaline phosphatase during high dose vitamin C treatment of patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Mikirova Nina , Hunninghake Ronald
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Intravenously administered vitamin C (IVC) may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Many studies demonstrated evidence of a good safety profile of IVC treatments and improvement of the quality of life in cancer patients. IVC has been proposed as a treatment for cancer as an adjuvant in conjunction with other therapies. To investigate high dose ascorbic acid potential in treating prostate cancer, a retrospective study was conducted using clinical data from the Riordan Clinic database (1994-2015).Methods: We collected data, when available, on the following patient characteristics at diagnosis and during the courses of IVC therapy: age, tumor stage, Gleason score, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, and location of metastases. In particular, PSA, ALP, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are analyzed in prostate cancer patients given IVC therapy during several years. Results: We found that PSA, CRP, and ALP correlate with tumor staging as measured by Gleason scores. Moreover, peak plasma ascorbate levels attained during the patients first IVC infusions are reduced in patients with elevated PSA and CRP levels. Tracking the changes in PSA and ALP with time in patients for whom data are available indicates that the rate of increase in these variables over time can be reduced by incorporating IVC therapy and by increasing the frequency of IVC treatments.Conclusion:  There appeared to be a relation between the frequency of IVC treatments and the rate of PSA change, with PSA rate of growth decreasing as the frequency of IVC increases.  Further research into the use of IVC in prostate cancer patients is warranted.Key words: High dose vitamin C, prostate cancer, prostate specific antigen, alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein.
Evaluation of the effect of N-acetyl-glucosamine administration on biomarkers for cartilage metabolism in healthy individuals: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study
Authors: Tomonaga Akihito , Fukagawa Mitsuhiko , Suzuki Asahi , Kurokawa Mihoko , Nagaoka Isao
Published: August 2018

Background: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate the chondroprotective action of N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc) supplement on healthy individuals without arthritis.Methods: Healthy subjects (n=120, 54.3 ± 8.1 years (mean ± SD)) without arthritis were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg GlcNAc (n=60, GlcNAc group) or a placebo (n=60, placebo group) once a day for 16 weeks, and cartilage metabolism was evaluated by analyzing type II collagen degradation (C2C) and type II collagen synthesis (PIICP) markers, and the ratio of type II collagen degradation to type II collagen synthesis (C2C/PIICP).Results: Among 120 eligible subjects, 114 subjects completed the study. First, all the subjects with a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 and Kellgren and Lawrence grade of ≥1 were analyzed. However, the changes in the C2C and PIICP levels and the C2C/PIICP ratios from the baseline were not significantly different between the placebo and GlcNAc groups during 16 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention. Next, to make the effect of GlcNAc even clearer, the subjects with body mass index of <25 kg/m2 and Kellgren and Lawrence grade of 0 were analyzed. The changes in the C2C levels from the baseline were significantly decreased in the GlcNAc group compared with the placebo group at 8 and 12 weeks during the intervention. In contrast, the changes in the PIICP levels from the baseline levels were almost constant during and after the intervention in both groups. Based on these findings, the changes in the C2C/CIICP ratios from the baseline slightly decreased in the GlcNAc group compared to the placebo group at 8 and 12 weeks during the intervention. Furthermore, no test supplement-related adverse events were observed during and after the intervention.Conclusions: These observations suggest that oral administration of GlcNAc at a dose of 500 mg/day exerts a chondroprotective effect in subjects without arthritis. This effect was achieved by improving cartilage metabolism (reducing type II collagen degradation), without causing apparent adverse effects. Key words: N-acetyl-glucosamine, biomarker, cartilage metabolism, joint health, randomized clinical study
Natural product inhibitors of acetyl-lysine erasers in the prevention and treatment of heart failure
Authors: Evans Levi W. , Romanick Samantha S. , Ferguson Bradley S.
Published: August 2018

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health concern, with five-year mortality rates following first admission for HF being approximately 50%, thereby stressing the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) govern lysine acetylation of histone tails that regulates nucleosmal DNA. HDAC inhibitors have emerged as efficacious therapies in pre-clinical models of HF. Interest in diet-gene interactions has given rise to the study of ‘food bioactives’ as epigenetic regulators of gene expression that control human health and disease. These reports demonstrate that bioactive food compounds regulate epigenetic marks that link diet to gene regulation. In fact, others have also shown that bioactive compounds can target HDACs for inhibition; accordingly, bioactive food compounds offer unique opportunities for therapeutic intervention and prevention of heart failure.  Lastly, there is emerging interest into how these food bioactives function together or as additives within foods ‘functional foods’ to regulate epigenetic disease. This review will highlight bioactive compound HDAC inhibitors and their role in the heart.Keywords: acetylation, bioactive compounds, dietary HDAC inhibitors, HDACs, histone deacetylases
Functional Foods in fad diets: A review
Authors: Navaro Daniela Abigail , Raz Olga , Gabriel Sharon , Shriqui Vered Kaufman , Gonen Esther , Boaz Mona
Published: August 2018

Background: Fad diets can be defined as any diet making claims that are unrealistic and not supported by evidence-based data. Having been developed since the early 19th century, fad diets promise drastic weight loss and/or other unsubstantiated health claims, often omitting entire food groups. Their popularity with the public makes them an important topic for nutritionists and clinicians, especially in the framework of the obesity epidemic. Additionally, it is conceivable that components of fad diets can indeed facilitate weight loss, even if the diet overall is without merit. The grapefruit diet, the cabbage soup diet, and the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) diet are among the most popular fad diets and are reviewed within this study not only in terms of the diet plan itself, but also in terms of possible and known weight loss and health benefits provided by the foods on which the diets are based. Bioflavonoids in grapefruit, including naringin, hesperidin, and bergamottin, may benefit glucose homeostasis. Cabbage contains lutein, zeaxanthin, kaempferol, quercetin, and apigenin, which have anti-inflammatory properties and improve both glucose homeostasis and fat metabolism. The hCG diet is frequently supplemented with non-hCG preparations, which often  contains African mango, which has been shown to enhance weight loss by an unspecified mechanism; astragalus root, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma receptor agonistic properties; arginine, which stimulates lipolysis; glutamine, which has been shown to enhance weight loss, perhaps by altering the gut microbiome; carnitine, which appears to facilitate weight loss; B12, which improves insulin resistance; and niacin, which improves the dyslipidemia associated with overweight/obesity. Presently, high quality clinical trials suggest that fad diets reduce weight in the short term due to drastic caloric restriction rather than functional food properties. However, the proof of principle has been demonstrated, and clinical trials of the functional foods utilized in fad diets are much needed.Keywords: functional foods, Fad diet, weight loss, naringin, hesperidin, and bergamottin
Improvement of defecation in healthy individuals with infrequent bowel movements through the ingestion of dried Mozuku powder: a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study
Authors: Matayoshi Masaki , Teruya Junjiro , Yasumoto-Hirose Mina , Teruya Ryuji , Miura Naoki , Takeda Ryuji
Published: August 2018

Background: Okinawa mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranu) is a type of edible seaweed of the family Chordariaceae that typically contains the polysaccharide fucoidan as a functional ingredient. In Okinawa, raw mozuku is eaten as vinegared mozuku together with vinegar or as tempura (deep-fried in batter). Polysaccharides such as fucoidan are generally known to regulate intestinal function, which is why we have used Okinawa mozuku to investigate this intestinal regulatory effect.Methods: The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, parallel group study. Dried Okinawa mozuku powder at a dose of 2.4 g/day (1.0 g/day of fucoidan) and a placebo not containing any dried Okinawa mozuku powder were each made into capsules and given to healthy men and women with infrequent weekly bowel movements (2–4 movements a week) to ingest for eight weeks. We then investigated changes in the defecation situation, blood tests, and adverse events. Results: In the group that ingested the capsules containing dried Okinawa mozuku powder, the number of days with a bowel movement significantly increased compared with the placebo group after four weeks of ingestion (p < 0.05). Furthermore, after eight weeks of ingestion, the same increasing trend was seen compared with the placebo group (p = 0.0964). The volume of stool also increased significantly in the dried Okinawa mozuku powder group after eight weeks compared with the placebo group. In terms of blood tests and adverse events, no adverse events occurred that were the result of the test food.Conclusions: Ingestion of Okinawa mozuku was found to have a regulatory effect on intestinal function by promoting defecation in healthy individuals with a tendency for constipation. This demonstrated that Okinawa mozuku is a functional food capable of making defecation smoother and increasing the volume of stool.Key Words: Okinawa mozuku, Cladosiphon okamuranus, fucoidan, dry powder, bowel movement, constipation
Targeting biofilm inhibition using Quercetin – Interaction with bacterial cell membrane and ROS mediated biofilm control
Authors: Sarangapani Sreelatha , Jayachitra Ayyavoo
Published: August 2018

Background: Quercetin is an active nutraceutical ingredient widely distributed in foods, vegetables, fruits, and more. Quercetin is a versatile functional food with extensive protective effects against many infectious and degenerative diseases due to their antioxidant activities. Apsergillus niger is a filamentous fungus and the most abundant mold found in the environment. This fungus has been the source of several bioactive compounds and industrial enzymes through biotransformation.Aim: In this report we emphasized the potential of Aspergillus species for the selective conversion of rutin to quercetin, which involved stereoselective and regiospecific reactions with enhanced production and minimization of the formation of toxic wastes. This fungal microbe was able to transform the complex structure of rutin to quercetin with remarkable catalytic activity for the reaction with high product yield. The quercetin produced demonstrated the ability to inhibit biofilm formation and eradicate established biofilm involving the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) indicative of membrane activity. These results suggest quercetin may have implications in biofilm control targeting reactive oxygen species as a novel therapeutic strategy.Methods: Quercetin was synthesized by microbial biotransformation recruiting Aspergillus niger. The synthesis of quercetin was compared with the chemical process. Furthermore, the quercetin produced by the biotransformation process was characterized by high performance thin layer liquid chromatography. The quercetin produced was assessed for biological activities. The antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, inhibition of biofilm by crystal violet staining, and cell viability by confocal laser scanning microscope was assessed. The membrane interaction effect and oxidant scavenging effect by DPPH, Intracellular ROS release, and lipid peroxidation was measured.Results: Quercetin produced by microbial transformation demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus by effectively inhibiting the growth and dispersion of preformed biofilms. Quercetin demonstrated a significant free radical scavenging activity and significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Significant release of reactive oxygen species was observed in bacterial cells.Conclusion: In conclusion, the bio transformed quercetin exhibited disruptive potential of biofilm formation by preventing cell surface attachment and biofilm growth. Therefore, it can be suggested that the major public health benefits could be achieved by substantially increasing the consumption of quercetin rich foods.
A (IM) POSSIBILIDADE DE APLICAÇÃO DA TEORIA DA CEGUEIRA DELIBERADA NO DIREITO PENAL BRASILEIRO
Authors: Correia Aline Guelli , Pádua Gabriel Senra e
Published: August 2018

O presente artigo visa o estudo da Teoria da Cegueira Deliberada e sua possibilidade de aplicação no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro. De início busca-se esclarecer a origem histórica, nomenclaturas, conceitos e delimitações da Teoria. Após estas considerações, passa-se a abordar sobre o dolo no direito penal brasileiro e as controvérsias existentes sobre a Teoria no âmbito da inexistência do dolo. Por fim buscou-se uma breve explicação sobre a Lei de Lavagem de Capitais, com a análise dos principais casos em que a Teoria foi aplicada em nossos Tribunais. Em conclusão final entende-se pela possibilidade de aplicação da Teoria da Cegueira Deliberada no Direito Penal Brasileiro, mediante a observância dos requisitos abordados.
Current Health News Vol.20(2)
Authors: Hossain Md Akbar
Published: August 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(2): 221, 2017
Teenaged Internet tutors’ level of interactivity - by sharing tacit and explicit knowledge with older learners
Authors: Tambaum Tiina , Normak Peeter
Published: August 2018

Younger people, i.e. teenagers without any pedagogical training and work experience play an important role in teaching computer skills to older adults. The present study is based on 14 cases in which a teenager teaches an older adult to use a computer on a topic of the latter’s own choice. Both interactive as well as non-interactive techniques used by the teenagers will be analysed, as well as their dependence on the whether the tutor is a user of the chosen website, whether he/she has made preparations for the tutoring session, and the combination of these two attributes. As a result, we saw that any kind of previous experience the tutor had with the content taught (as an everyday user or by independent exploration prior to the tutoring session) decreased interactivity of tutoring process. At the same time, the risk of over-demonstration emerged in such cases. For further research, some hypotheses to test the idea of a reciprocal learning model in which an older learner would be a resource person for the young tutor on interactive tutoring techniques are proposed.
Assessment of the Mutational Status of NSCLC Using Hypermetabolic Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Turetta Matteo , Bulfoni Michela , Brisotto Giulia , Fasola Gianpiero , Zanello Andrea , Biscontin Eva , Mariuzzi Laura , Steffan Agostino , Di Loreto Carla , Cesselli Daniela , Del Ben Fabio
Published: August 2018

Molecular characterization is currently a key step in NSCLC therapy selection. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are excellent candidates for downstream analysis, but technology is still lagging behind. In this work, we show that the mutational status of NSCLC can be assessed on hypermetabolic CTC, detected by their increased glucose uptake. We validated the method in 30 Stage IV NSCLC patients: peripheral blood samples were incubated with a fluorescent glucose analog (2-NBDG) and analyzed by flow cytometry. Cells with the highest glucose uptake were sorted out. EGFR and KRAS mutations were detected by ddPCR. In sorted cells, mutated DNA was found in 85% of patients, finding an exact match with primary tumor in 70% of cases. Interestingly, in two patients multiple KRAS mutations were detected. Two patients displayed different mutations with respect to the primary tumor, and in two out of the four patients with a wild type primary tumor, new mutations were highlighted: EGFR p.746_750del and KRAS p.G12V. Hypermetabolic CTC can be enriched without the need of dedicated equipment and their mutational status can successfully be assessed by ddPCR. Finally, the finding of new mutations supports the possibility of probing tumor heterogeneity.
Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Chloroplast and Mitochondria Genomes from the Antarctic Polytrichaceae Species Polytrichum juniperinum and Polytrichum strictum
Authors: De Freitas Karine Elise Janner , Metz Geferson Fernando , Cañon Ehidy Rocio Peña , Roesch Luiz Fernando Wurdig , Pereira Antonio Batista , Victoria Filipe Carvalho
Published: August 2018

In this study, the organelle genomes of Polytrichum juniperinum Hedw. and Polytrichum strictum Menzies ex Brid. (Polytrichaceae, Bryophyta) from Antarctica were sequenced and compared with the plastomes of the model moss species Physcomitrella patens Brid. The sizes of the cpDNA in P. juniperinum and P. strictum were estimated to be 55,168 and 20,183 bp, respectively; the sizes of the mtDNA were 88,021 and 58,896 bp, respectively. The genomes are very similar to each other, with the possible loss of petN in the cpDNA, which also showed some gene inversions when compared with the cpDNAs of P. patens Brid. In the mtDNA, it is possible that rps10 was lost. In contrast, Antarctic Polytrichaceae species have nad7 and orf187, without the occurrence of rearrangement events. Phylogenomic analyses of the plastid and mitochondria revealed that the majority-rule tree suggests some differences in the plastids ancestry, however, P. juniperinum and P. strictum were grouped in the same clade in chloroplast, but in mitochondria P. strictum was grouped with Atrichum angustatum (Brid.) Bruch & Schimp. This study helped us understand the evolution of plastomes and chondriosomes in the family Polytrichaceae, and suggest a hybridization event with relation to the mitochondrial data.
Validation of the Names of Three Weevil Species Described by Borovec et al., The Enigmatic Weevil Genus Philetaerobius from Southern Africa: Definition, Affinities and Description of Three New Species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae); Diversity, 2018, 10, 30
Authors: Borovec Roman , Oberprieler Rolf , Meregalli Massimo
Published: August 2018

Three new species of the small entimine genus Philetaerobius Marshall, 1923 from southern Africa are described, P. endroedyi sp. n., P. garibebi sp. n. and P. louwi sp. n., with bibliographic reference to fuller descriptions and illustrations in the recent paper by Borovec et al. (2018) published in the journal Diversity 10 (2), 30, in which the names were not made available under the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature dealing with electronic publication. A lectotype is also here designated for P. nidicola Marshall, 1923.
Analog Circuit Fault Diagnosis via Joint Cross-Wavelet Singular Entropy and Parametric t-SNE
Authors: He Wei , He Yigang , Li Bing , Zhang Chaolong
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a novel method with cross-wavelet singular entropy (XWSE)-based feature extractor and support vector machine (SVM) is proposed for analog circuit fault diagnosis. Primarily, cross-wavelet transform (XWT), which possesses a good capability to restrain the environment noise, is applied to transform the fault signal into time-frequency spectra (TFS). Then, a simple segmentation method is utilized to decompose the TFS into several blocks. We employ the singular value decomposition (SVD) to analysis the blocks, then Tsallis entropy of each block is obtained to construct the original features. Subsequently, the features are imported into parametric t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) for dimension reduction to yield the discriminative and concise fault characteristics. Finally, the fault characteristics are entered into SVM classifier to locate circuits’ defects that the free parameters of SVM are determined by quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO). Simulation results show the proposed approach is with superior diagnostic performance than other existing methods.
Thermally Induced Mechanical Stress in the Stator Windings of Electrical Machines
Authors: Silwal Bishal , Sergeant Peter
Published: August 2018

The lifetime of an electrical machine mainly depends on the thermal overloading. Modern day applications of electrical machines on one hand require compact machines with high power density, while on the other hand force electrical machines to undergo frequent temperature cycling. Until recently, in the case of electrical machines, the main factor related to the degradation of the winding insulation was thought to be the thermal oxidization of the insulation materials. It has now been revealed that thermal overloading can also induce mechanical stress in the windings of electrical machines, which over time could lead to fatigue and degradation. In this paper, a comprehensive study of the thermally induced mechanical stress in the windings of an electrical machine is presented. The study is performed using combined thermo-mechanical models. The numerical results are validated by experiments on a segmented stator winding set-up.
An Extreme Scenario Method for Robust Transmission Expansion Planning with Wind Power Uncertainty
Authors: Liang Zipeng , Chen Haoyong , Wang Xiaojuan , Ibn Idris Idris , Tan Bifei , Zhang Cong
Published: August 2018

The rapid incorporation of wind power resources in electrical power networks has significantly increased the volatility of transmission systems due to the inherent uncertainty associated with wind power. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a transmission network expansion planning (TEP) model that integrates wind power resources, and that seeks to minimize the sum of investment costs and operation costs while accounting for the costs associated with the pollution emissions of generator infrastructure. Auxiliary relaxation variables are introduced to transform the established model into a mixed integer linear programming problem. Furthermore, the novel concept of extreme wind power scenarios is defined, theoretically justified, and then employed to establish a two-stage robust TEP method. The decision-making variables of prospective transmission lines are determined in the first stage, so as to ensure that the operating variables in the second stage can adapt to wind power fluctuations. A Benders’ decomposition algorithm is developed to solve the proposed two-stage model. Finally, extensive numerical studies are conducted with Garver’s 6-bus system, a modified IEEE RTS79 system and IEEE 118-bus system, and the computational results demonstrate the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.
Auto-Adaptive Filtering-Based Energy Management Strategy for Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Snoussi Jamila , Ben Elghali Seifeddine , Benbouzid Mohamed , Mimouni Mohamed Faouzi
Published: August 2018

The global need to solve pollution problems has conducted automotive engineers to promote the development and the use of electric vehicle technologies. This paper focuses on the fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle which uses a proton exchange membrane fuel cell as a main source associated to hybrid storage device: lithium ion battery and ultracapacitors. A common interest in such technology is to spread out the energy flow between its different sources in order to satisfy the power demand for any requested mission. However, the challenging task stills the optimization of this split to reduce hydrogen consumption and respect, at the same time, the system limitations such as admissible limits of storage system capacities and battery current variation. An adaptive filtering-based energy management strategy is proposed in this paper to ensure an optimum distribution of the energy between the sources taking into account dynamic and energetic constraints of each device. For more performance, a fuzzy logic system is used to adapt the frequency of separation with the system state evolution. A sliding mode control is applied to control electric characteristics (voltage and currents) in the considered hybrid power supply. Simulation results, obtained under MATLAB®/SimPowerSystems® for four driving cycles are presented. The proposed strategy achieved good performances by respecting the ultracapacitors state of charge while preserving the battery lifetime under various driving missions.
A Physics-Based Electrochemical Model for Lithium-Ion Battery State-of-Charge Estimation Solved by an Optimised Projection-Based Method and Moving-Window Filtering
Authors: He Wei , Pecht Michael , Flynn David , Dinmohammadi Fateme
Published: August 2018

State-of-charge (SOC) is one of the most critical parameters in battery management systems (BMSs). SOC is defined as the percentage of the remaining charge inside a battery to the full charge, and thus ranges from 0% to 100%. This percentage value provides important information to manufacturers about the performance of the battery and can help end-users identify when the battery must be recharged. Inaccurate estimation of the battery SOC may cause over-charge or over-discharge events with significant implications for system safety and reliability. Therefore, it is crucial to develop methods for improving the estimation accuracy of battery SOC. This paper presents an electrochemical model for lithium-ion battery SOC estimation involving the battery’s internal physical and chemical properties such as lithium concentrations. To solve the computationally complex solid-phase diffusion partial differential equations (PDEs) in the model, an efficient method based on projection with optimized basis functions is presented. Then, a novel moving-window filtering (MWF) algorithm is developed to improve the convergence rate of the state filters. The results show that the developed electrochemical model generates 20 times fewer equations compared with finite difference-based methods without losing accuracy. In addition, the proposed projection-based solution method is three times more efficient than the conventional state filtering methods such as Kalman filter.
Controlled Mechanical Ventilation in Buildings: A Comparison between Energy Use and Primary Energy among Twenty Different Devices
Authors: Tronchin Lamberto , Fabbri Kristian , Bertolli Chiara
Published: August 2018

Indoor air quality (IAQ) of buildings is a problem that affects both comfort for occupants and the energy consumption of the structure. Controlled mechanical ventilation systems (CMVs) make it possible to control the air exchange rate. When using CMV systems, it is interesting to investigate the relationship between the useful thermal energy requirements for ventilation and the energy consumption of these systems. This paper addresses whether there is a correlation between these two parameters. The methodology used in this work involves the application of equations of technical Italian regulations UNI/TS 11300 applied to a case study. The case study is represented by a 54 m3 room, which is assumed to have three CMV systems installed (extraction, insertion, insertion and extraction) for twenty different devices available on the market. Afterwards, simulations of useful thermal energy requirements QH,ve and primary energy EP,V were performed according to the electrical power of each fan W and the ventilation flow. The results show that the two values are not linearly correlated: it is not possible to clearly associate the operating cost for CMV systems according to building requirements. The study also shows that CMV systems are particularly efficient for high-performance buildings, where there is no leakage that can be ascribed to windows infiltrations.
Vape Club: Exploring Non-Profit Regulatory Models for the Supply of Vaporised Nicotine Products
Authors: Gartner Coral , Bromberg Marilyn , Musgrove Tanya , Luong Kathy
Published: August 2018

Vaporised nicotine products (VNPs) that are not approved as therapeutic goods are banned in some countries, including Australia, Singapore, and Thailand. We reviewed two non-profit regulatory options, private clubs and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration Special Access Scheme (SAS) that have been applied to other controlled substances (such as cannabis) as a potential model for regulating VNPs as an alternative to prohibition. The legal status of private cannabis clubs varies between the United States, Canada, Belgium, Spain, and Uruguay. Legal frameworks exist for cannabis clubs in some countries, but most operate in a legal grey area. Kava social clubs existed in the Northern Territory, Australia, until the federal government banned importation of kava. Access to medical cannabis in Australia is allowed as an unapproved therapeutic good via the SAS. In Australia, the SAS Category C appears to be the most feasible option to widen access to VNPs, but it may have limited acceptability to vapers and smokers. The private club model would require new legislation but could be potentially more acceptable if clubs were permitted to operate outside a medical framework. Consumer and regulator support for these models is currently unknown. Without similar restrictions applied to smoked tobacco products, these models may have only a limited impact on smoking prevalence. Further research could explore whether these models could be options for regulating smoked tobacco products.
Many Kansas Worksites Offer Few Interventions to Reduce Occupational Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Ablah Elizabeth , Grilliot Elizabeth , Okut Hayrettin , Mailey Emily L. , Rosenkranz Sara K. , Rosenkranz Richard R.
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to identify the extent to which sedentary behavior interventions are being implemented in Kansas worksites. The WorkWell KS Physical Activity Assessment was administered online to 111 worksites across Kansas from October 2016 through April 2018. Each worksite identified a point of contact to complete the worksite-level assessment. Four of the WorkWell KS Physical Activity Assessment’s items assessed interventions that may reduce employees’ sedentary behavior: offering point-of-decision prompts to reduce employees’ sedentary behavior, offering a program for employees to reduce their sedentary time at work, having an organizational norm that allows employees to stand, stretch, and/or move during meetings at least every 30 minutes, and offering standing desks. All 111 worksites that participated in the WorkWell KS Physical Activity Workshop completed the WorkWell KS Physical Activity Assessment, resulting in a 100% response rate. Most worksites (59%, n = 65) reported offering no information, program, policy, or environmental change interventions aimed to reduce sedentary behavior. The most commonly reported intervention offered by worksites to reduce employees’ sedentary behavior was standing desks (32%, n = 35). Overall, participating worksites reported implementing a few interventions that are designed to reduce sedentary behavior.