bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the potential benefits of (-)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin, and rutin on maternal and offspring cardiovascular outcomes in LDLr-/- mice exposed to an atherogenic environment during early development
Authors: Lesser Mary N. R. , Park Johanna , Gedestad Michael D. , Keen Carl L. , Uriu- Adams Janet Y. , Lanoue Louise
Published: August 2018

Background: Maternal nutritional status can have an impact on numerous early developmental processes, and in certain cases these effects can influence the risk her offspring have for select chronic diseases later in life. We report on the effects of maternal consumption of high levels of certain flavonoids on the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in an atherosclerosis-prone mutant mouse model.Methods: LDLr -/- mutant mice were fed a control fat (CF), high fat (HF), or the HF diet supplemented with epicatechin and catechin (HFEC) or rutin (HFRU), prior to pregnancy and during lactation to explore whether the flavonoids influenced markers of vascular health in the lactating dams (lactation day (LD) 21).  Post-weaning (postnatal day (PND) 22), offspring were challenged with an atherogenic environment (HF diet in the absence of flavonoids) and vascular health markers were assessed in the adult offspring (PND 60).Results: Dams fed the HF diet had elevated markers of atherosclerosis on LD 21 compared to dams fed the control diet.  Flavonoid consumption prior to pregnancy and during lactation had inconsistent effects on maternal markers of atherosclerosis (plasma cholesterol, aortic lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress biomarkers) at LD 21 compared to dams fed the HF diet without flavonoids. At PND 60, there were no differences in vascular health markers among the groups of LDLr -/- offspring whose mothers consumed the CF or the HF diet with or without flavonoids during lactation.Conclusions: Maternal consumption of the flavonoid-supplemented HF diets had modest effects on maternal markers of atherosclerosis. Offspring exposure of the flavonoid-supplemented HF diets during early lactation had little effect on the cardiovascular parameters assessed in the adult offspring.
The effects of bioactive compounds on Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: McAnany Brian , Martirosyan Danik
Published: August 2018

Prevalence rates of Alzheimer’s disease are increasing in countries around world, and identifying effective treatments to manage cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration has become a global health priority. Decades of scientific research have developed a more comprehensive understanding of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a transitional stage of accelerated cognitive decline. This understanding has allowed researchers to envision novel Alzheimer’s Disease therapies, including the use of bioactive compounds found in plants and animals. Within the past 15 years, a significant amount of clinical research has been published documenting the effects specific bioactive compounds have on patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI. This article reviews the results of this research, and discusses whether sufficient evidence exists to support the use of specific bioactive compounds by individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI. Information on relevant epidemiological studies, outcome measures, and disease pathologies is provided to enrich this discussion. Keywords: Bioactive compounds, Alzheimer’s Disease, Mild cognitive impairment, Dementia, B vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, EPA, Fortasyn Connect, Souvenaid.
Antioxidant, ACE-Inhibitory and Antimicrobial Activities of Kluyveromyces marxianus Protein Hydrolysates and Their Peptide Fractions
Authors: Mirzaei Mahta , Aminlari Mahmoud , Hosseini Ebrahim
Published: August 2018

Background: There has been some evidence that proteins are potentially excellent source of antioxidants, antihypertensive and antimicrobial peptides and enzymatic hydrolysis is an effective method to release these peptides from protein molecules. The functional properties of protein hydrolysates depends on the protein substrate, the specificity of the enzymes, the conditions used during proteolysis, degree of hydrolysis, and the nature of peptides released including molecular weight, amino acid composition, and hydrophobicity.Context and purpose of this study: The biomass of Kluyveromyces marxianus was considered as a source of ACE inhibitory, antioxidant and antimicrobial peptides. Results: Autolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis were completed respectively, after 96 h and 5 h. Overall, trypsin (18.52% DH) and chymotrypsin (21.59% DH) treatments were successful in releasing antioxidant and ACE inhibitory peptides. Autolysate sample (39.51% DH) demonstrated a poor antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activity compared to trypsin and chymotrypsin hydrolysates. The chymotrypsin 3-5 kDa (301.6±22.81 μM TEAC/mg protein) and trypsin< 3 kDa (280.16±39.16) permeate peptide fractions showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity. The trypsin <3 kDa permeate peptide fraction showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging (1691.1±48.68 μMTE/mg protein) and ACE inhibitory (IC50=0.03±0.001 mg/ml) activities. The fraction (MW=5-10 kD) obtained after autolysis treatment showed antibacterial activity against St. aureus and Lis. monocytogenes in well diffusion screening. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value was 13.3 mg/ml against St. aureus and Lis. monocytogenes calculated by turbidimetric assay and it showed bactericidal activity against St. aureus at 21.3 mg/ml protein concentration. Conclusions: Taken together, the results of this study reveal that K. marxianus proteins contain specific peptides in their sequences which can be released by enzymatic hydrolysis and autolysis. Key words: Kluyveromyces marxianus; Antioxidant activity; ACE-inhibitory; Antimicrobial; Protein hydrolysate; Peptide
Extract of the sea cucumber, Holothuria scabra, induces apoptosis in human glioblastoma cell lines
Authors: Sangpairoj Kant , Chaithirayanon Kulathida , Vivithanaporn Pornpun , Siangcham Tanapan , Jattujan Prapaporn , Poomtong Tanate , Nobsathian Suksit , Sobhon Prasert
Published: August 2018

Background: Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor resistant to conventional treatment, and has a frequent recurrence. Holothuria scabra is the most widely consumed sea cucumber in Thailand and Asian countries. Sea cucumber extracts have valuable bioactive ingredients that are utilized in Chinese traditional medicine for several therapeutic measures including anti-cancer. In this study, we aimed to test the anticancer activity of H. scabra body wall extract in ethyl acetate fraction against two human glioblastoma cell lines A172 and U87MG.Material and methods: The anticancer effect of the ethyl acetate fraction of body wall extracts from H. scabra (HSBWEA) was tested against two human glioblastoma cell lines A172 and U87MG to determine cell viability, apoptotic cell analysis, mitochondrial membrane potentials, nuclear condensation and expression of apoptotic molecules. The bioactive compound in the extract was characterized by LC-MS/MS.Results: The extract exhibited strong cytotoxic effect to A172 and U87MG cells with IC50 4.23 and 4.46 mg/ml, respectively. The extract also induced both early and late stages of apoptosis, loss of mitochondrial membrane potentials and nuclear condensation and fragmentation. After treatment with the extract for 24 h, the cells expressed increasing amounts of a pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase-3 while an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The major bioactive components in this extract are triterpene glycosides similar to those described previously in H. scabra as well as in other related sea cucumber species.Conclusions: The crude extract from the body wall of H. scabra exhibited anticancer activity against human glioblastoma cells through the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway, and the compounds in the extract might be a novel candidate for anti-glioblastoma.
Effect of Kefir on Fusobacterium nucleatum Potentially Causing Intestinal Cancer
Authors: Güzel-Seydim Zeynep Banu , Ece Cagdas Merve Dibekci , Seydim Atıf Can
Published: August 2018

Fusobacterium nucleatum (ATCC 25586) is an obligate anaerob, gram negative, non-spore former, and pleomorphic bacillus that can cause brain, pleura, lung and liver diseases mainly in the mouth and teeth. It was also noted that F. nucleatum induces fetal death (fetal demise) in pregnant women. Recent studies implicated that F. nucleatum could lead to colon cancer by binding the epithelial tissue. Kefir is originally produced from kefir grains that are actually a mine of probiotics. Fermented dairy products especially kefir and yogurt are significant for functional nutrition. Lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and yeasts are embedded in a polysaccharide matrix, called kefiran, in kefir grains. When kefir grains are added to milk and incubated for approximately 22 h at 25°C, microorganisms in the grains continue to proliferate in milk with the production of the functional metabolic compounds. While yogurt has mainly two bacteria, authentic kefir has its characteristic Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefir and Lactobacillus parakefir in addition to many other types of LAB. Previous studies have indicated that fermented dairy products can cause probiotic effects such as improvement in digestive system health, serum cholesterol reduction, and improvement in lactose tolerance, improved immune function, control of irritable bowel symptoms, as well as anticarcinogenic properties.The aim of this research is to study in vitro the growth of F. nucleatum with fermented dairy products known to have a positive effect on intestinal health and so to investigate the possible inhibition effect of dairy products on this microorganism that is directly related to intestinal cancer. The effect of microflora and metabolites of kefir, yogurt and milk samples against to F. nucleatum were determined with various methods (microflora formation after fermentation, zone inhibition). Kefir samples exhibited distinct inhibitory zone against F. nucleatum after incubation agar plates. In addition, both probiotic bacteria and related pathogen were enumerated after fermentation by adding a certain amount of F. nucleatum pure culture to kefir and yoghurt samples. It was found that number of F. nucleatum decreased depending on kefir and yoghurt concentration produced from kefir grains.Kefir is known to have positive effects on health, especially intestinal health; therefore, these findings are important since inhibition effect of fermented dairy products against a pathogen and possible carcinogen was shown. Regular consumption of natural fermented dairy products especially kefir should be included in a functional diet. It could be promising to investigate with in vivo studies. Keywords: Fuscobacterium nucleatum, pathogen, carcinogen, kefir, kefir grains, antimicrobial, anticancerogen
Glycaemic index values and physicochemical properties of five brown rice varieties cooked by different domestic cooking methods
Authors: Chapagai Madan Kumar , Bakar Nordiana Abu , Jalil Rohana Abdul , Wan Muda Wan Abdul Manan , Karrila Taewee , Ishak Wan Rosli Wan , Siwaporn Pinkaew
Published: August 2018

Background: The prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically in recent decades in the regions where people excessively consume white rice. In spite of the higher nutritional values and bioactive components, only the low to medium glycaemic index (GI) brown rice could be of interests as an alternative to white rice in these regions.  Methods: Five varieties, Chiang (CH), Sungyod (SY), Lepnok (LP) from Thailand and Long grain specialty 1 (LS1) and Long grain specialty 2 (LS2)  from Malaysia were tested for GI. Ten test foods were prepared from 5 varieties by 2 cooking techniques (pressure cooker, PC and rice cooker, RC). Overnight fasted healthy subjects were fed with 25 g glucose as a reference food (RF) on 3 occasions and amount equivalent to 25 g available carbohydrate portion of test food (TF) on 1 occasion in separate days. Fasting and post-prandial capillary blood glucose was measured via finger-prick methods at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min, and the incremental area under curve (iAUC) was determined. The GI of each TF was calculated as percentage of incremental area under curve (iAUC) of TF over RF.Results: The mean GI values of SY (72 – 81, high), CH and LP (59 – 65, medium) and LS1 and LS2 (64 – 73, medium to high) were found due to cooking by PC and RC methods. The GI did not vary significantly (p>0.05) among varieties as well as between cooking methods. GI showed a significant negative correlation with the amylose content (r = –0.70, p<0.05) and significant positive correlation with cold peak viscosity (r = 0.80, p<0.01).Conclusions: All five varieties by either cooking methods are classified as medium to high GI. Medium GI varieties could have potential of being used in diabetic diet. Cooking methods did not significantly alter the glycaemic characteristics of the studied varieties. Amylose content and pasting properties can be used for predicting GI of brown rice. It is urgent to explore low GI brown rice varieties in these regions.
Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 Stimulates Immunoglobulin Production and Innate Immunity after Influenza Vaccination in Healthy Adult Volunteers: a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group Study
Authors: Nishihira Jun , Moriya Tomohiro , Sakai Fumihiko , Kabuki Toshihide , Kawasaki Yoshihiro , Nishimura Mie
Published: August 2018

Background: Lactobacillus gasseri strain SBT2055 (LG2055) is a human intestine-originating probiotic bacterium and potent probiotic known to exert various health promotion effects, including prevention of abdominal adiposity in rats and humans. A recent finding in mice has suggested that oral administration of LG2055 induces a protective effect against influenza A virus infection. In this context, evidence for efficacy of LG2055 using a human clinical trial was imminently required.Methods:  To confirm this in humans, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in healthy adult volunteers was conducted to examine the effect of drinkable yogurt (DY) containing LG2055 on influenza vaccine-specific antibody responses as the primary objective and innate immune responses as the secondary objective. Subjects were asked to consume 100 g/day of DY with LG2055 (LG2055 group; n = 94) or without LG2055 (placebo group; n = 94) for 16 weeks. After 4 weeks, all subjects received a trivalent influenza vaccine. Results:  We found that the intake of LG2055 DY increased hemagglutination inhibition titers against influenza viruses A/H1N1 and B and the rate of seroprotection against influenza B after vaccination as compared with the intake of placebo DY by healthy volunteers. In support of this result, we confirmed that total IgG and IgA levels in plasma and sIgA production in saliva were also higher in the LG2055 group than in the placebo group. Furthermore, the intake of LG2055 DY enhanced natural killer cell activity and myxovirus resistance A gene expression, which is one of the antiviral genes stimulated by type I or type III Interferons in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Conclusions:  These results strongly indicate that LG2055 activates both the innate and adaptive human immune responses, suggesting the potential to prevent influenza virus infections by providing specific probiotics as complementary foods.Keywords: human clinical trial, innate immunity, influenza virus, Lactobacillus gasseri, vaccine
Diabesity: an epidemic with its causes, prevention and control with special focus on dietary regime
Authors: Kumar Nikhil , Puri Neena , Marotta Francesco , Dhewa Tejpal , Calabrò Serena , Puniya Monica , Carter Jeon
Published: August 2018

Background: Diabesity refers to the complicated conditions of diabetes and obesity occurring simultaneously within a single individual. The incidences of diabetes and obesity are growing at a rapid pace throughout the world that are mainly associated with lifestyle and dietary habits, aside from genetic vulnerability. Authors have reviewed the epidemiology and other negative aspects of diabesity followed by some of the management practices recommended. The declining of traditional lifestyles and dietary patterns is leading to a rapid increase in the prevalence of diabesity that is upcoming as a serious cause of concern world over. Diabetes, obesity, and their associated complications are without doubt a principal issue and threat in developing and under-developed nations. Diabesity has emerged as a major threat. This condition has been described as a slow poison, whose influence cannot be controlled or cured. The dietary measures offer the most viable and effective solution to diabetes onset, in addition to the obese state. The designing of a smart diet (i.e. healthy diet) and selecting gut microbiota having probiotic influence on the host can target in the weight reduction/ management, in addition to stabilizing sugar levels in the blood of an individual. Additionally, the regular physical workout can help an individual in controlling body weight and regulate other biochemical conditions which lead to various types of metabolic disorders. All of these issues are discussed in this review article which covers the causes, prevention, and control of diabesity.Keywords: Diabetes; obesity; diabesity; gut microbiota; probiotics
Dietary interventions as a neuroprotective therapy for the delay of the onset of cognitive decline in older adults: Evaluation of the evidence
Authors: Krause Debra , Roupas Peter
Published: August 2018

Background: The relationship between nutrition and cognitive functioning is unclear, especially in elderly populations as many elderly people with cognitive impairment have low blood levels of some nutrients even in the absence of malnourishment. The objective of this review was to assess the evidence from systematic reviews of human studies on the effectiveness of dietary interventions as monotherapies in delaying the onset of cognitive decline in older adults.Scope and approach: Evidence-based methodologies were used to gather and assess the highest levels of evidence that evaluated the effects of administration of any dose of the individual dietary interventions as neuroprotective agents for any duration. The search strategy was designed to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses published from 1990 to December 2015. There were no language restrictions as part of the inclusion criteria.Key Findings and Conclusions: This review provides the current state of knowledge from systematic reviews on the effects on cognition of acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, choline, inositol compounds, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols, which are all commonly studied nutrients for neurocognitive effects. A critical evaluation of the current evidence from systematic reviews indicated that there are no clinically-relevant effects from supplementation with these nutrients on delaying the onset of cognitive decline in older adults. Keywords: diet, cognition, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, nutrient
Functional Foods and Active molecules with relevance to Health and Chronic disease
Authors: Martins Ian James
Published: August 2018

Key words: calorie sensitive gene, nutrition, mitophagy, senescence, active biomolecules,  diabetes, functional foods, caffeine, chronic disease
CLA isomer t10,c12 induce oxidation and apoptosis in 3t3 adipocyte cells in a similar effect as omega-3 linolenic acid and DHA.
Authors: Meadus Jon , Vahmani P. , Duff P. , Zantinge J.L. , Turner T.D. , Dugan M.E.R.
Published: August 2018

Background: Commercial conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) dietary supplements of contain an equal mixture of the C18:2 isomers, cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12. CLA-c9t11 occurs naturally in meat and dairy products as the dominant CLA at 75%, whereas the CLA-t10c12 occurs at <1%. CLA-c9t11 generally promotes lipid accumulation but CLA-t10c12 inhibits lipid accumulation and may promote inflammation.Methods: Purified CLA-c9t11 and CLA-t10c12 were added to 3T3 mature adipocyte cultures at 100uM concentrations and compared with 100uM C18:3(n-3) (α-linolenic acid) and 50uM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to study their effect on growth, gene transcription and general oxidation. The results of 4 separate trials were averaged and compared for significance using one way ANOVA and Student’s t-test.Results: C18:3(n-3), DHA and CLA-t10c12 were inhibitory to 3t3 adipose cell growth and caused significant lipid hydro peroxide activity. CLA-t10c12 and c9t11 increased AFABP, FAS and ACOX1 mRNA expression but DHA and C18:3(n-3) decreased the same mRNAs. CLA-c9t11 but not the t10c12 stimulated adipoQ expression even though; c9t11 had only a slightly greater affinity for PPARγ than CLA- t10c12. The expression of the xenobiotic metabolism genes, aldo-keto reductase 1c1  (akr1c1), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and inflammation chemokine secretions of  eotaxin (CCL11), Rantes (CCL5), MIG (CCL9) and MCP-1 were increased by DHA, C18:3(n-3) and CLA-t10c12. This correlated with apoptosis factors, caspase 3, Bcl-2 and BAXs which were partially reduced by co-treatment with lipophilic anti-oxidant α-tocopherol.Conclusions: Based on this evidence, CLA-t10c12 promoted more reactive oxygen species (ROS) than CLAc9t11, in a similar effect as C18:3(n-3) and DHA. In response, cascades of genes are activated to deal with the potentially damaging effects of ROS through detoxification, inflammation or apoptosis.Keywords: CLA-t10c12, CLA-c9t11, gene expression, adipocyte lipid hydroperoxide, DHA,3T3 adipocytes, apoptosis.
Phenolic and flavonoid compounds in aqueous extracts of thunbergia laurifolia leaves and their effect on the toxicity of the carbamate insecticide methomyl to murine macrophage cells
Authors: Junsi Marasri , Siripongvutikorn Sunisa , Yupanqui Chutha Takahashi , Usawakesmanee Worapong
Published: August 2018

Background: Thunbergia laurifolia is a Thai herb and has been used in Thai folklore medicine for centuries. Generally, Thais consume T. laurifolia as a herbal tea because of its beneficial properties as an antidote for chemical toxins, drug-, arsenic-, strychnine-, alcohol- and food-poisoning. However, its effectively against some insecticide compounds, e.g. methomyl, has not yet been determined.Objective: To examine the protective effect of aqueous extract from leaves of T. laurifolia on methomyl (MT) poisoning of murine macrophage cells (anti-MT effect) and to identify phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the extract. Methods: T. laurifolia was extracted with water and stored in freeze-dried form. The extract was investigated for its antioxidant activity and some phenolic and flavonoid compounds were identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). To study anti-MT effects in RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells, these were treated with leaf extract either before (pre-treatment), concomitantly (combined) or after (post-treatment) exposure to MT and cell viability determined in an MTT test (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide).Results: The extract exhibited strong antioxidant properties based on total extractable phenolic content (TPC), total extractable flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity. The LC-MS analyses of phenolic compounds indicated the presence of caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, catechin, rutin, isoquercetin, quercetin and apigenin as bioactive compounds. Viability of RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells treated with MT was increased significantly by post-treatment with leaf extract but not by combined or pre-treatments. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of T. laurifolia leaves contained abundant antioxidant activity. Flavonoids present were catechin, rutin, isoquercetin, quercetin and apigenin. The aqueous leaf extract was able to help cells recover from the effects of exposure to MT.Keywords: Thunbergia laurifolia, phenolics, flavonoids, methomyl, RAW264.7 murine macrophages, insecticide
Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) enhances antibody production in response to influenza vaccination in healthy adult volunteers concurrent with alleviation of common cold symptoms
Authors: Nishihira Jun , Sato Mayumi , Tanaka Aiko , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Azuma Tomonori , Tsutsumi Naonobu , Yoneyama Shozo
Published: August 2018

Background: The prevention of influenza virus infection is a critical public health challenge.Thus new, safe, and effective strategies are needed to reduce the risk of infection. Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) are popular in Asia for their flavor and immune-stimulating properties. In this study, we examined whether the dietary consumption of Maitake was effective in boosting the potency of influenza virus vaccination.Methods: We set up a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (n=50 subjects for Maitake consumption; n=50 for placebo) and analyzed hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers in response to trivalent influenza vaccine (type A H1N1, H3N2, and type B BX-51B) for a 12-week period of daily Maitake intake (6.825g), beginning 4 weeks before and continuing 8 weeks after vaccination. We also evaluated the efficacy of Maitake for suppression of common cold symptoms by questionnaire.Results: We found that continuous Maitake intake raised HI titers against influenza type A virus H1N1 and type B virus, and significantly increased the seroconversion rate for older adults (>60 years of age). Additionally, severe cold symptoms including rhinorrhea and headache were significantly improved by Maitake intake.Conclusion: In this clinical trial, we demonstrated that Maitake intake enhanced antibody production in response to influenza vaccination while simultaneously suppressing multiple common cold symptoms. The current results suggest that Maitake may activate both innate and adaptive immune responses for the prevention of virus infection. In conclusion, we expect that Maitake intake potentiates host defense systems and has a protective effect against influenza virus and other pathogenic viruses and bacteria.Keywords: clinical trial, Grifola frondosa, influenza, Maitake, vaccine
Astaxanthin attenuates neurotoxicity in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Grimmig B. , Daly L. , Hudson C. , Nash K.R. , Bickford P.C.
Published: August 2018

Background: Astaxanthin (AXT) is a natural carotenoid with diverse biological activities. Although it is best known as a potent antioxidant, recent work suggests additional mechanisms of action that have the potential to oppose the ongoing pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). For example, AXT has a putative role in modulating microglial activity and preserving mitochondrial function, thereby implicating this compound as a neuroprotective agent. Both oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the progression of many neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we examined the efficacy for AXT to reduced neurotoxicity in a toxic model of PD in mice. Methods: In this study, we used a 4-week dietary supplementation of algae derived AXT to reduce 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced dopaminergic cell death.Results: AXT treated mice were protected against the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining in the substantia nigra (SN) after MPTP exposure compared to the control diet. This effect of preserved TH immunoreactivity was also observed in the striatum. Furthermore, AXT administration was able to interrupt the neuroinflammatory process known to contribute to neurodegeneration in this model.Conclusions: We demonstrate that AXT neuroprotection was associated with attenuated microglial activation as indicated by reduced immunohistochemical detection of IBA-1 in the SN and striatum of AXT treated mice. Altogether, these studies suggest that AXT has neuroprotective property in the central nervous system against MPTP neurodegeneration.Keywords: Astaxanthin, Neuroprotection, Neurodegeneration, Neuroinflammation, Parkinson’s disease
Elemental content profiles in propolis from several cities of Turkey
Authors: Aksoy Canan , Atabay Meltem Maras , Tirasoglu Engin , Koparan Ezgi Taylan , Kekillioglu Aysel
Published: August 2018

Background: Macro-element content profiles in propolis that have been previously used in traditional folk medicine have provided enough information to develop a classification of the geological origin of propolis. Within this study, we aim to contribute our research to existing literatüre, particularly through our use of EDXRF spectroscopy, which has not been used to study propolis before. The results of the study led us to conclude that the residues of heavy metals were a limited concentration in Turkish propolis samples.Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the macro-element profiles in Turkish propolis from 18 different cities of Turkey.  Methods: The macro-element of 22 raw propolis samples were investigated using Energy-Dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.Results: Turkish Propolis was discovered to be rich with minerals of potassium, sodium which could be more beneficial in human nutrition. Potassium content was at a relatively higher level than other elements in these samples, while calcium content was at  alower level in those samples from various regions of Turkey.Conclusion: The elements of propolis that we studied were distinctive enough to make the discrimination of propolis from different locations in Turkey possible. The quantification by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry procedures provided good resolution of multi-element analysis in propolis samples.Keywords: Propolis; element analysis; energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometre
Variations of β-carotene retention in a staple produced from yellow fleshed cassava roots through different drying methods
Authors: Eyinla Toluwalope , Sanusi Rasaki , Alamu Emmanuel , Maziya-Dixon Busie
Published: August 2018

Background: New yellow cassava fresh roots biofortified with β-carotene are becoming popular in Sub-Saharan Africa in the making of traditional products for households. However, β- carotene is susceptible to rapid depletion during processing. Therefore, we investigated the impact of using different drying methods in processing these fresh Cassava roots.Methods: We processed four newly released yellow fleshed cassava varieties (01/1371, 07/593, 07/539, and 07/0220) into fermented cassava chips, flour, and corresponding dough with sun, oven, and flash drying methods respectively. The β-carotene contents were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Percentage true retention (%TR) was computed.Results: The results demonstrated that %TR in chips (13.7%), flour (11.7%), and dough (5.48%) from sun drying method had the highest level of β-carotene retention compared to oven (11.3%, 7.30%, and 3.47%) and flash (8.8%, 3.33%, and 1.24%) drying methods. The duration, intensity of heat used for drying, and variety had a significant effect on β-carotene retention. Variety 07/0220 with the highest β-carotene concentration (7.81±0.13µ/g) in the fresh roots did not necessarily have the highest concentration after processing. These results suggest that β-carotene retention is not only variety specific but also depends on the method of processing. Conclusions: These results will support ongoing breeding efforts aimed at increasing pro-vitamin A content in Cassava. The information may also be significant to solutions considering fermented cassava flour and dough in Vitamin A deficient populations.Keywords: Cassava, drying, fermented flour, carotenoids, retention, Lafun
O O DESEJO PELO NOVO:
Authors: Oliveira Jordan Vinícius de , Da Silva Lorena Abbas
Published: August 2018

Este artigo analisa o contexto legal do pós-consumo de produtos eletrônicos no Brasil. Considerando a existência da obsolescência planejada no mercado eletrônico, a principal questão de pesquisa investiga se a responsabilização do consumidor revela-se como uma ferramenta elementar para lidar com o descarte impróprio destes produtos. As quatro modalidades de intervenção no comportamento humano, estabelecidas por Lessig e a técnica de pesquisa por traços de significação de Babbie compõem o quadro teórico e metodológico da pesquisa. A principal conclusão é a de que as ferramentas legais elaboradas para lidar com o pós-consumo no Brasil sofrem da ausência de reforço por parte de iniciativas sociais, mercadológicas e de arquitetura presentes na sociedade de consumo.
A RESPONSABILIDADE PÓS-CONTRATUAL E O PRINCÍPIO DA BOA FÉ OBJETIVA
Authors: Franco Brenda Dutra , Ferreira Neto Hugo Vidigal
Published: August 2018

O presente trabalho analisa a responsabilidade pós contratual, intrinsecamente relacionada ao princípio da boa-fé e seus deveres anexos, tais como a cooperação, lealdade, assistência, honestidade e confiança, que são indispensáveis na prestação das obrigações contraídas pelas partes. Tem como objetivo principal avaliar a possibilidade de responsabilizar as partes contratante mesmo após a execução do contrato. Foi feito um levantamento das diversas compreensões teóricas que norteiam o tema, por meio de investigação bibliográfica orientada pela metodologia jurídico-teórica. Como conclusão, o artigo identifica, com fundamento no princípio da boa-fé objetiva, que a responsabilidade contratual, numa relação jurídica obrigacional tem um alcance bastante amplo.
As ROTINAS DE ORÇAMENTO COMO LÓCUS PARA ESTUDOS SOBRE AS ROTINAS ORGANIZACIONAIS:
Authors: Broman Samantha Luiza de Souza , Rocha-Pinto Sandra Regina da
Published: August 2018

As rotinas organizacionais passaram a ser vistas como generativas e com um potencial para a mudança contínua. O presente ensaio teórico alega que as rotinas do orçamento empresarial (budgeting) representam uns lócus adequado para estudos sobre a dinâmica das rotinas (Routine Dynamics), relacionando esses temas, sob a ótica processual e a lente dos Estudos Organizacionais. Os orçamentos são processos que integram o sistema de controle e planejamento das empresas e interagem com rotinas adjacentes. Destaca-se que existem sugestões para que se estude ‘como’ os orçamentos são usados. Assim, cabe considerar como são percebidas as combinações e adaptações das rotinas orçamentárias, havendo uma dinâmica interna subjacente e como podem ser percebidos como úteis. Os orçamentos também tratam do sub-tema dos artefatos, pois são considerados como um instrumento de gestão preponderante. Portanto, sugere-se uma agenda de pesquisa empírica com as abordagens deste debate e o enfoque na ecologia das rotinas orçamentárias.
Gene Transfer Induced Hypercholesterolemia in Amyloid Mice
Authors: Grames Mychal S. , Dayton Robert D. , Lu Xiaohong , Schilke Robert M. , Alexander J. Steven , Orr A. Wayne , Barmada Sami J. , Woolard Matthew D. , Klein Ronald L.
Published: August 2018

A risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), mutant PCSK9, was expressed in APP/PS1 mice to study the CVD-Alzheimer’s disease inter-relationship. Cholesterol levels were elevated by 5-6-fold from 3 to 13 weeks after PCSK9 gene transfer. We tested whether hypercholesterolemia would increase amyloid-β plaques at a relatively early stage of plaque deposition. Plaque burden was increased in the hippocampus of PCSK9 treated mice though the increase was modest compared to the large elevation in cholesterol. Elevating cholesterol via gene transfer could be valuable in a variety of disease models compared to making crosses with germ-line transgenic mouse models of CVD.
Preparation and In vitro Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Tablets of Montelukast Sodium
Authors: Bithi Farzana Akter , Saha Tushar , Ahmed Nusrat , Hasan Ikramul , Reza Md Selim
Published: August 2018

Mucoadhesive tablets of montelukast sodium were prepared in order to release the drug for a prolonged period of time so as to reduce the frequency of administration. Direct compression technique was applied using the mucoadhesive polymers which were Methocel K4M CR, Methocel K15M CR, Methocel K100M CR and Eudragit RLPO. Highest percent release of drug after 8 hours was 76% for Methocel K4M CR, 72.13% for Methocel K15M CR, 65.68% for Methocel K100M CR, 65.53% for the combination of Methocel K15M CR and Eudragit RLPO. Higuchi, Krosmeyer-Peppas was the best fitted model for drug release. The Methocel K15M CR containing drug showed good mucoadhesive strength. The highest ex-vivo mucoadhesive strength and ex-vivo residence time were observed with Methocel K15M CR and Eudragit RLPO combination. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed the compatibility of drug with the polymers.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(2): 123-131, 2017
Formulation and In vitro Evaluation of Unfolding Type Expandable Gastroretentive Film of Enalapril Maleate
Authors: Ullah Md Bashir , Karim Md Rezaul , Alam Md Shamsul , Hassan Md Rajib , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Rana Md Sohel
Published: August 2018

The present work was based on the development and characterization of unfolding type gastroretentive dosage form appropriate for controlled release of enalapril maleate. Drug loaded films were prepared by solid dispersion technique using methocel K15 and eudragit RSPO and eudragit RLPO as polymers and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) as the plasticizer. The film folded in a capsule shell was shown to unfold in the gastric juice and provide drug release up to 12 h in the acidic medium. Formulations provided satisfactory unfolding characteristics allowing expansion to remain in the stomach. Formulation containing above 60% content of eudragit RSPO and eudgrait RLPO combination of total polymer content provided satisfactory film integrity over 12 hours. The result revealed that formulation F1 showed a minimum percentage of drug release of 63.41% followed by formulation F2, F3, F4 and F5 with 66.76%, 80.21%, 83.26% and 86.92% release in 8 hour respectively. Formulation with high proportion of eudragit RLPO and RSPO combination in total polymer content was found to be slow in drug release and lower the release from the polymeric film over time. As the concentration of HPMC K 15 in total polymer content increased the release rate of enalapril maleate as well as % release from the polymeric film also increased over time. Most of the formulation followed Higuchi release kinetics followed by Korsmeyer release kinetics. The drug release mechanism from the film follows Fickian and Non Fickian release kinetics. The films were evaluated for mechanical properties, in vitro drug release and unfolding behavior based on the mechanical shape memory of polymers. Absence of drug polymer interaction and uniform drug dispersion in the polymeric layers was revealed by DSC, FT-IR and SEM studies.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(2): 148-154, 2017
New Drug Approval Vol.20(2)
Authors: Hossain Md Akbar
Published: August 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(2): 222, 2017
The Different Physical and Behavioural Characteristics of Zoo Mammals That Influence Their Response to Visitors
Authors: Queiroz Marina B. , Young Robert J.
Published: August 2018

The factors underlying the ‘zoo visit effect’ (changes in animal behaviour/physiology in response to visitor presence) are still poorly understood, despite it being widely investigated. The present study examined the effect of zoo visitors on the behaviour of 17 different species of mammals at the Belo Horizonte Zoo, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The behaviour of the animals was recorded using scan (focal in one case) sampling with instantaneous recording of behaviour, during 12 continuous months. Data were analysed using a comparative method examining five different factors: diet, body weight, stratum occupied, activity cycle, and habitat, as well as three different visitor categories: small and quiet audience, medium size audience and medium noise, and large size and loud audience. Significant changes in the behaviour for each factor, especially increases in locomotor and resting behaviour, were observed in response to different visitor categories. The factors that most explained responses to visitor categories were habitat and activity cycle. Species from closed habitats compared to open habitats were significantly more impacted (more behaviour affected), probably, because they are, evolutionarily, less accustomed to visual contact with people. Diurnal species showed more behavioural changes than nocturnal ones, possibly, because they were being observed during their normal activity cycle. These results may help zoos identify which mammal species are most susceptible to the zoo visitor effect, and consequently, be more pro-active in the use of mitigating strategies.
Increased Internal Porosity and Surface Area of Hydroxyapatite Accelerates Healing and Compensates for Low Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Concentrations in Critically-Sized Bone Defects
Authors: Dawson Eileen R. , Suzuki Richard K. , Samano Melissa A. , Murphy Matthew B.
Published: August 2018

For clinical treatment of skeletal defects, osteoinductive scaffolds must have the ability to conform to the unique geometry of the injury site without sacrificing biologically favorable properties, including porosity. This investigation seeks to combine the osteoinductive properties of porous hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds with the beneficial handling characteristics of granules or putties, while evaluating the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) concentration on the composite grafts’ ability to regenerate bone in vivo. The results demonstrate that porous HA granules regenerate significantly larger volumes of bone compared to non-porous HA. Increased MSC concentrations in autologous bone marrow aspirate (BMA) contributed to greater bone regeneration. This effect was most predominant with non-porous HA. While the extent of bone regeneration using non-porous HA was strongly correlated with MSC concentration of the marrow, porous HA microparticles combined with autologous BMA were successful in faster treatment of critically-sized bone defects and with less dependence on the MSC concentration than non-porous HA.
A Brief History of Cloud Application Architectures
Authors: Kratzke Nane
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a review of cloud application architectures and its evolution. It reports observations being made during a research project that tackled the problem to transfer cloud applications between different cloud infrastructures. As a side effect, we learned a lot about commonalities and differences from plenty of different cloud applications which might be of value for cloud software engineers and architects. Throughout the research project, we analyzed industrial cloud standards, performed systematic mapping studies of cloud-native application-related research papers, did action research activities in cloud engineering projects, modeled a cloud application reference model, and performed software and domain-specific language engineering activities. Two primary (and sometimes overlooked) trends can be identified. First, cloud computing and its related application architecture evolution can be seen as a steady process to optimize resource utilization in cloud computing. Second, these resource utilization improvements resulted over time in an architectural evolution of how cloud applications are being built and deployed. A shift from monolithic service-oriented architectures (SOA), via independently deployable microservices towards so-called serverless architectures, is observable. In particular, serverless architectures are more decentralized and distributed, and make more intentional use of separately provided services. In other words, a decentralizing trend in cloud application architectures is observable that emphasizes decentralized architectures known from former peer-to-peer based approaches. This is astonishing because, with the rise of cloud computing (and its centralized service provisioning concept), the research interest in peer-to-peer based approaches (and its decentralizing philosophy) decreased. However, this seems to change. Cloud computing could head into the future of more decentralized and more meshed services.
Phytochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Contents of Commonly Consumed Alcoholic Beverages Flavouredwith Herbal Extract in Nigeria
Authors: Okareh Oladapo T. , Oyelakin Tosin M. , Ariyo Oluwaseun
Published: August 2018

There is proliferation of alcoholic beverages flavoured with herbal-extracts that are perceived to have medicinal values. Information on the phytochemical and heavy metal contents of these products is scarce. This study assessed the phytochemical properties and heavy metal contents of herbal-extract flavoured alcoholic beverages in major motor parks in Ibadan, Nigeria. The phytochemical properties of the beverages were determined in triplicate using standard methods, while the heavy metal contents were assessed while using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and means were compared using ANOVA at p < 0.05.The pH range of the beverages was 3.28–6.57 and the alcohol content was 34.0–51.5%. Detected major phytochemicals and concentration ranges were phytic acid (0.72–2.37 mg/g), alkaloids (0.42–4.11 mg/g), flavonoids (0.22–3.64 mg rutin equivalents/g), total phenols (1.13–3.66 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), anthraquinones (0.74–1.93 mg/g),and triterpenoids (0.74–1.93 mg/g). The heavy metal contents were Pb (2.13–4.70 mg/L), Cd (0.06–0.07 mg/L), Co (0.12–0.23 mg/L), Zn (0.14–0.40 mg/L), and Fe (0.72–4.22 mg/L); only Pb and Cd were above the World Health Organization (WHO) limits of 0.01 mg/L and 0.03 mg/L in water, respectively. The herbal-extract flavoured alcoholic beverages contain beneficial phytochemicals and traces of heavy metals. Safety awareness of these products for improved consumers’ health would be of public health importance.
Mixed-Oxide Catalysts with Spinel Structure for the Valorization of Biomass: The Chemical-Loop Reforming of Bioethanol
Authors: Vozniuk Olena , Tabanelli Tommaso , Tanchoux Nathalie , Millet Jean-Marc , Albonetti Stefania , Di Renzo Francesco , Cavani Fabrizio
Published: August 2018

This short review reports on spinel-type mixed oxides as catalysts for the transformation of biomass-derived building blocks into chemicals and fuel additives. After an overview of the various methods reported in the literature for the synthesis of mixed oxides with spinel structure, the use of this class of materials for the chemical-loop reforming of bioalcohols is reviewed in detail. This reaction is aimed at the production of H2 with intrinsic separation of C-containing products, but also is a very versatile tool for investigating the solid-state chemistry of spinels.