bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lamtor1 Is Critically Required for CD4+ T Cell Proliferation and Regulatory T Cell Suppressive Function
Authors: Hosokawa Takashi , Kimura Tetsuya , Nada Shigeyuki , Okuno Tatsusada , Ito Daisuke , Kang Sujin , Nojima Satoshi , Yamashita Kazuya , Nakatani Takeshi , Hayama Yoshitomo , Kato Yasuhiro , Kinehara Yuhei , Nishide Masayuki , Mikami Norihisa , Koyama Syohei , Takamatsu Hyota , Okuzaki Daisuke , Ohkura Naganari , Sakaguchi Shimon , Okada Masato , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: August 2017

Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC)1 integrates intracellular sufficiency of nutrients and regulates various cellular functions. Previous studies using mice with conditional knockout of mTORC1 component proteins (i.e., mTOR, Raptor, and Rheb) gave conflicting results on the roles of mTORC1 in CD4+ T cells. Lamtor1 is the protein that is required for amino acid sensing and activation of mTORC1; however, the roles of Lamtor1 in T cells have not been investigated. In this article, we show that Lamtor1-deficient CD4+ T cells exhibited marked reductions in proliferation, IL-2 production, mTORC1 activity, and expression of purine- and lipid-synthesis genes. Polarization of Th17 cells, but not Th1 and Th2 cells, diminished following the loss of Lamtor1. Accordingly, CD4-Cre–driven Lamtor1-knockout mice exhibited reduced numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at rest, and they were completely resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In contrast, genetic ablation of Lamtor1 in Foxp3+ T cells resulted in severe autoimmunity and premature death. Lamtor1-deficient regulatory T cells survived ex vivo as long as wild-type regulatory T cells; however, they exhibited a marked loss of suppressive function and expression of signature molecules, such as CTLA-4. These results indicate that Lamtor1 plays essential roles in CD4+ T cells. Our data suggest that Lamtor1 should be considered a novel therapeutic target in immune systems.
Cutting Edge: 2B4-Mediated Coinhibition of CD4+ T Cells Underlies Mortality in Experimental Sepsis
Authors: Chen Ching-wen , Mittal Rohit , Klingensmith Nathan J. , Burd Eileen M. , Terhorst Cox , Martin Greg S. , Coopersmith Craig M. , Ford Mandy L.
Published: August 2017

Sepsis is a leading cause of death in the United States, but the mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced immune dysregulation remain poorly understood. 2B4 (CD244, SLAM4) is a cosignaling molecule expressed predominantly on NK cells and memory CD8+ T cells that has been shown to regulate T cell function in models of viral infection and autoimmunity. In this article, we show that 2B4 signaling mediates sepsis lymphocyte dysfunction and mortality. 2B4 expression is increased on CD4+ T cells in septic animals and human patients at early time points. Importantly, genetic loss or pharmacologic inhibition of 2B4 significantly increased survival in a murine cecal ligation and puncture model. Further, CD4-specific conditional knockouts showed that 2B4 functions on CD4+ T cell populations in a cell-intrinsic manner and modulates adaptive and innate immune responses during sepsis. Our results illuminate a novel role for 2B4 coinhibitory signaling on CD4+ T cells in mediating immune dysregulation.
Utilisation of the partogram among nurses and midwives in selected health facilities in the Eastern Province of Rwanda
Authors: Bazirete Oliva , Mbombo Nomafrench , Adejumo Oluyinka
Published: August 2017

Background: Maternal mortality continues to be a global burden, with more than 200 million women becoming pregnant each year and a large number dying as a result of complications of pregnancy or childbirth. The World Health Organisation has recommended use of the partogram to monitor labour and delivery in order to improve healthcare and reduce maternal and foetal mortality rates.Objective: This study described factors affecting utilisation of the partogram among nurses and midwives in selected health facilities of Rwanda.Method: A descriptive quantitative and cross-sectional research design was used. The population comprised 131 nurses and midwives providing obstetric care in 15 health institutions (1 hospital and 14 health centres). Data collection was through a self-administered questionnaire, and a pre-test of the data collection instrument was carried out to enhance validity and reliability. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 21) was used to capture and analyse data. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of the Western Cape (Republic of South Africa) and from the Institutional Review Board of Kigali Health Institute (Rwanda). Patricia Benner’s model of nursing practice was used to guide the study.Results: It was found that 36.6% of nurses and midwives did not receive any in-service training on how to manage women in labour. Despite fair knowledge of the partogram among nurses and midwives in this study, only 41.22% reported having used the partogram properly, while 58.78% reported not having done so.Conclusion: Nurses’ and midwives’ years of professional experience and training in managing pregnant women in labour were found to be predictors of the likelihood of proper use of the partogram. In-service training of obstetric caregivers in the Eastern Province of Rwanda is recommended to improve use of the partogram while managing women in labour.
Comparison of thiafentanil-medetomidine to etorphine-medetomidine immobilisation of impalas (Aepyceros melampus)
Authors: Zeiler Gareth E. , Meyer Leith C.R.
Published: August 2017

Impalas (Aepyceros melampus) are increasingly valuable in the South African wildlife industry, and there is a greater need to chemically immobilise them, ideally with minimal risk. This study aimed to compare the times to recumbency and physiological effects of thiafentanilmedetomidine versus etorphine-medetomidine immobilisation. A combination of thiafentanil (2 mg) + medetomidine (2.2 mg) and etorphine (2 mg) + medetomidine (2.2 mg) was administered (to nine impalas; crossover design) via a dart. After darting, a stopwatch was started to record times to recumbency (time from darting until recumbent without attempts to stand). If apnoea was present, the impalas received one or more boluses of butorphanol (1:1 potent opioid dose). Data collection included arterial blood gas analysis and the number of butorphanol boluses. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare differences between combinations. The time to recumbency for thiafentanil-medetomidine was 12.2 (± 6.8) min and no different from 14.5 (± 5.2) min for etorphine-medetomidine (p = 0.426). The thiafentanilmedetomidine combination required more butorphanol boluses (median: 2; interquartile range: 2–3) compared to etorphine-medetomidine (median: 0; interquartile range: 0–1) (p = 0.001). Despite butorphanol treatment and resolution of apnoea, all impalas suffered hypoxaemia (PaO2 ± 44.0 mmHg). Thiafentanil-medetomidine did not immobilise impalas more rapidly than etorphine-medetomidine, and resulted in more apnoea that required rescue butorphanol boluses. Marked hypoxaemia resulted from both combinations, mainly because of right-to-left intrapulmonary shunting and not because of hypoventilation. Butorphanol and oxygen supplementation should be considered as essential rescue interventions for all impalas immobilised with these potent opioid combinations.
High Iron Levels Are Associated with Increased Malaria Risk in Infants during the First Year of Life in Benin
Authors: Moya-Alvarez Violeta , Cottrell Gilles , Ouédraogo Smaila , Accrombessi Manfred , Massougbodgi Achille , Cot Michel
Published: August 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 40% of children in low-income countries are anemic. Therefore, iron supplements are recommended by WHO in areas with high anemia rates. However, some studies have set into question the benefits of iron supplementation in malaria-endemic regions. In Benin, a west African country with high prevalence of anemia and malaria, no iron supplements are given systematically to infants so far despite the WHO recommendations. In this context, we wanted to investigate the effect of iron levels during the first year of life on malarial risk in Benin considering complementary risk factors. We followed 400 women and their offspring between January 2010 and June 2012 in Allada (Benin). Environmental, obstetric, and numerous clinical, maternal, and infant risk factors were considered. In multilevel models, high iron levels were significantly associated with the risk of a positive blood smear (adjusted odds ratio = 2.90, P < 0.001) and Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia (beta estimate = 0.38, P < 0.001). Infants with iron levels in the lowest quartile were less likely to have a positive blood smear (P < 0.001), and the risk increased with higher iron levels. Our results appeal for additional evaluation of the effect of different doses of iron supplements on the infant health status, including malaria incidence. Thus, the health status of infants should be compared between cohorts where iron is given either for prevention or anemia treatment, to better understand the effect of iron supplements on infant health.
Pilot Intervention Study of Household Ventilation and Fine Particulate Matter Concentrations in a Low-Income Urban Area, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Weaver Anne M. , Parveen Shahana , Goswami Doli , Crabtree-Ide Christina , Rudra Carole , Yu Jihnhee , Mu Lina , Fry Alicia M. , Sharmin Iffat , Luby Stephen P. , Ram Pavani K.
Published: August 2017

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a risk factor for pneumonia; ventilation may be protective. We tested behavioral and structural ventilation interventions on indoor PM2.5 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We recruited 59 good ventilation (window or door in ≥ 3 walls) and 29 poor ventilation (no window, one door) homes. We monitored baseline indoor and outdoor PM2.5 for 48 hours. We asked all participants to increase ventilation behavior, including opening windows and doors, and operating fans. Where permitted, we installed windows in nine poor ventilation homes, then repeated PM2.5 monitoring. We estimated effects using linear mixed-effects models and conducted qualitative interviews regarding motivators and barriers to ventilation. Compared with poor ventilation homes, good ventilation homes were larger, their residents wealthier and less likely to use biomass fuel. In multivariable linear mixed-effects models, ventilation structures and opening a door or window were inversely associated with the number of hours PM2.5 concentrations exceeded 100 and 250 μg/m3. Outdoor air pollution was positively associated with the number of hours PM2.5 concentrations exceeded 100 and 250 μg/m3. Few homes accepted window installation, due to landlord refusal and fear of theft. Motivators for ventilation behavior included cooling of the home and sunlight; barriers included rain, outdoor odors or noise, theft risk, mosquito entry, and, for fan use, perceptions of wasting electricity or unavailability of electricity. We concluded that ventilation may reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations but, there are barriers to increasing ventilation and, in areas with high ambient PM2.5 concentrations, indoor concentrations may remain above recommended levels.
Phase 2a, Open-Label, 4-Escalating-Dose, Randomized Multicenter Study Evaluating the Safety and Activity of Ferroquine (SSR97193) Plus Artesunate, versus Amodiaquine Plus Artesunate, in African Adult Men with Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Authors: Supan Christian , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Kombila Maryvonne , Ospina Salazar Carmen L. , Held Jana , Lell Bertrand , Cantalloube Cathy , Djeriou Elhadj , Ogutu Bernhards , Waitumbi John , Otsula Nekoye , Apollo Duncan , Polhemus Mark E. , Kremsner Peter G. , Walsh Douglas S.
Published: August 2017

Artemisinin-based combination therapies are recommended as first-line agents for treating uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Ferroquine, a 4-aminoquinolone, is a novel long-acting combination partner for fast-acting drugs like artesunate (AS). We did a small phase 2a, multicenter, open-label, safety-focused dose-ranging randomized study of ferroquine at three African hospitals: two Gabonese and one Kenyan. We recruited adult men with symptomatic uncomplicated P. falciparum monoinfection. Four escalating doses of ferroquine (100, 200, 400, and 600 mg) were assessed in sequence, versus an amodiaquine comparator. After a 2:1 randomization (block size three, equating to N = 12 for each ferroquine dose and N = 6 for each of four amodiaquine comparator groups) patients received daily for three consecutive days, either ferroquine + AS (200 mg/day) or amodiaquine (612 mg/day) + AS (200 mg/day). Safety, electrocardiograms, parasite clearance times, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics were assessed to day 28. Seventy-two patients were randomized. Ferroquine + AS showed generally mild increases (Grade 1 toxicity) in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels with a dose trend starting at 400 mg. There were two Grade 2 ALT events: one patient receiving 200 mg (3.8 upper limit of normal [ULN], day 7) and one receiving 600 mg (3.3 ULN, day 14), both without increased bilirubin. One ferroquine 100 mg + AS patient after one dose was withdrawn after developing a QTcF interval prolongation > 60 milliseconds over baseline. Parasitemias in all patients cleared quickly, with no recurrence through day 28. Hepatic, as well as cardiac, profiles should be monitored closely in future trials. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00563914)
Why Did Zika Not Explode in Cuba? The Role of Active Community Participation to Sustain Control of Vector-Borne Diseases
Authors: Castro Marta , Pérez Dennis , Guzman Maria G. , Barrington Clare
Published: August 2017

As the global public health community develops strategies for sustainable Zika prevention and control, assessment of the Cuban response to Zika provides critical lessons learned. Cuba’s early and successful response to Zika, grounded in the country’s long-standing dengue prevention and control program, serves as a model of rapid mobilization of intersectoral efforts. Sustaining this response requires applying the evidence generated within the Cuban dengue program that active community participation improves outcomes and is sustainable and cost-effective. There is also a need for implementation science efforts to assess the transferability of lessons learned from Zika prevention and control to other pathogens and from one context to another in addition to how to take these efforts to scale.
Silencing of Two Vitellogenin Genes Inhibits Oviposition in the Chagas Disease Vector Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: Blariza María J. , Grosso Carla G. , García Beatriz A.
Published: August 2017

RNA interference caused by exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is used to downregulate crucial genes to control insects. The reproductive success of all oviparous species depends on vitellogenin (Vg) biosynthesis and its accumulation in the developing oocytes. Adult females of Triatoma infestans were independently injected with two Vg dsRNAs (Vg1 dsRNA or Vg2 dsRNA) or nuclease-free water (control) 24 hours before feeding, and a group of adult females not injected was also analyzed (control). Vg1 and Vg2 messenger RNAs silencing was verified by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The transcript levels of the Vg1 and Vg2 genes were significantly reduced after dsRNA treatment in fat body and ovary of T. infestans in relation to those detected in individuals injected with nuclease-free water and not injected (controls). Moreover, the present study demonstrated that the silencing of the Vg1 or Vg2 genes inhibits oviposition in the Chagas disease vector T. infestans. These findings may have important implications for the development of novel vector control strategies.
Serologic Evidence of Various Arboviruses Detected in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the United States
Authors: Pedersen Kerri , Wang Eryu , Weaver Scott C. , Wolf Paul C. , Randall Adam R. , Van Why Kyle R. , Travassos Da Rosa Amelia P.A. , Gidlewski Thomas
Published: August 2017

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are an abundant mammal with a wide geographic distribution in the United States, which make them good sentinels for monitoring arboviral activity across the country. Exposure to various arboviruses has been detected in white-tailed deer, typically in conjunction with another diagnostic finding. To better assess the exposure of white-tailed deer to seven arboviruses, we tested 1,508 sera collected from 2010 to 2016 for antibodies to eastern equine encephalitis (2.5%), Powassan (4.2%), St. Louis encephalitis, (3.7%), West Nile (6.0%), Maguari (19.4%), La Crosse (30.3%), and bluetongue (7.8%) viruses. At least one arbovirus was detected in 51.3%, and exposure to more than one arbovirus was identified in 17.6% of the white-tailed deer sampled.
Effect of Hydrogen and Carbamide Peroxide in Bleaching, Enamel Morphology, and Mineral Composition: In vitro Study
Authors: Llena Carmen , Forner Leopoldo , Esteve Irene
Published: August 2017

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the bleaching effect, morphological changes, and variations in calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) in the enamel with hydrogen peroxide (HP) and carbamide peroxide (CP) after the use of different application regimens.

Materials and methods

Four groups of five teeth were randomly assigned, according to the treatment protocol: HP 37.5% applied for 30 or 60 minutes (HP30, HP60), CP 16% applied for 14 or 28 hours (CP14, CP28). Changes in dental color were evaluated, according to the following formula: ΔE = [(La−Lb)2+(aa−ab)2 + (ba−bb)2]½. Enamel morphology and Ca and P compositions were evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscope and environmental scanning electron microscopy.

Results

ΔE HP30 was significantly greater than CP14 (10.37 ± 2.65/8.56 ± 1.40), but not between HP60 and CP28. HP60 shows greater morphological changes than HP30. No morphological changes were observed in the groups treated with CP. The reduction in Ca and P was significantly greater in HP60 than in CP28 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both formulations improved tooth color; HP produced morphological changes and Ca and P a gradual decrease, while CP produced no morphological changes, and the decrease in mineral component was smaller.

Clinical significance

CP 16% applied during 2 weeks could be equally effective and safer for tooth whitening than to administer two treatment sessions with HP 37.5%.

How to cite this article

Llena C, Esteve I, Forner L. Effect of Hydrogen and Carbamide Peroxide in Bleaching, Enamel Morphology, and Mineral Composition: In vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(7):576-582.
Effect of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and Three Calcium Phosphate on Enamel Microhardness
Authors: Haghgou En HR , Haghgoo Roza , Roholahi Mohamad R , Ghorbani Zahra
Published: August 2017

Aim

This study aims to investigate the effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and three calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP and TCP) on increasing the microhardness of human enamel after induction of erosion.

Materials and methods

A total of 26 healthy human-impacted third molar teeth were chosen, and their hardness measured using a microhardness testing machine. The samples were immersed in Coca Cola (pH = 4.7) for 8 minutes. Then, microhardness was measured again, and these samples were randomly divided into four groups (two control groups and two experimental groups). (1) Negative control group: Artificial saliva was used for 10 minutes, (2) positive control group: Fluoride gel was used for 10 minutes, (3) β-TCP group: TCP was used for 10 minutes, (4) CCP-ACP group: CCP-ACP was used for 10 minutes. The final microhardness of those samples was measured, and the changes in microhardness of teeth within group and between groups were analyzed using the paired and analysis of variance tests respectively. Results were considered statistically significant at a level of p < 0.05.

Results

No significant difference was observed in microhardness between CPP-ACP group and TCP group (p = 0.368) during the time microhardness significantly dropped after soaking in soda.

Conclusion

Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and TCP increased the microhardness of teeth. The increase in hardness in the TCP group was higher than in the CPP-ACP group, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.36).

Clinical significance

Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and TCP can affect the remineralization of erosive lesions.

How to cite this article

Haghgou EHR, Haghgoo R, Roholahi MR, Ghorbani Z. Effect of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and Three Calcium Phosphate on Enamel Microhardness. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(7):583-586.
Preserving the Bone Profile in Anterior Maxilla using an Equine Cortical Bone Membrane and an Equine Enzyme-treated Bone Graft: A Case Report with 5-year Follow-up
Authors: Stefano Danilo Alessio Di , Garagiola Umberto , Bassi Mirko A
Published: August 2017

Aim

This study aimed to report a well-succeeded use of equine enzyme-deantigenic cortical membrane and bone granules for guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the esthetic zone concomitant with implant placement.

Background

In the anterior maxilla, where patients typically have the highest expectations for implant-supported restorations, bone resorption in the wake of tooth loss often leads to a lack of soft tissue support and ultimately to unsatisfactory esthetic results. Buccal bone augmentation at the time of implant placement has thus become common. This is usually accomplished following GBR principles and employing membranes made from various materials to serve as a barrier between the soft tissue and graft material. One of the more recently introduced membrane materials is made from thin, flexible equine cortical bone, i.e., rendered nonantigenic in an enzymatic process that preserves native bone collagen.

Case report

This report describes the treatment of a patient who received an equine enzyme-deantigenic graft and membrane in conjunction with placement of an implant in the right maxillary lateral incisor site.

Conclusion

After 5 years of follow-up, the patient was very satisfied with her appearance. A cone-beam computed tomography scan showed that the peri-implant bone levels and ridge thickness had been maintained, and the cortical layer in the pristine ridge had also undergone remodeling.

Clinical significance

Guided bone regeneration with the concomitant use of enzyme-deantigenic membrane and graft is a valuable and suitable option for effective implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation in the esthetic zone.

How to cite this article

Di Stefano DA, Garagiola U, Bassi MA. Preserving the Bone Profile in Anterior Maxilla using an Equine Cortical Bone Membrane and an Equine Enzyme-treated Bone Graft: A Case Report with 5-year Follow-up. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(7):614-621.
Phytotherapeutical implications in pain perception - focusing on schizophrenia
Authors: Antioch Iulia , Ciobica Alin , Compaore Moussa , Hilou Adama , Kiendrebeogo Martin , Foyet Harquin , Guenné Samson
Published: August 2017

Schizophrenia is an extremely complex psychiatric disease where perception of pain is altered, varying from abolition to lack of any kind of changes compared to normal controls and even hypersensitivity. In this way, the hypothesis of amending schizophrenia through pain therapy enhanced the importance of pain medication. But managing pain phenomenon in schizophrenia has large and unknown implications. Nevertheless, pharmacological interactions between the medications for these two entities are unknown and most likely would have a lot of side-effects and therefore ethnopharmacological methods became once again an interesting option.

            Traditional medicine wisdom was followed in the pursuit of finding connections between ancient knowledge and current scientific proven facts.

To our best of knowledge, this is the first time when pain, plants and schizophrenia are discussed together. In this way, it seems that by replacing fully synthesized chemical products, the risk of side-effects decreases. Also, it appears that some plants besides treating pain may have curing effects on the psychotic activities in schizophrenia.

Therefore, through this mini-review we emphasized on the advantages of the ethonopharmacological approaches in pain conditions in the context of schizophrenia, but also highlighted some cases of inappropriate usage of plants in traditional therapy.
Comparative studies on antisickling properties of brown and green leaves of Carica papaya Linn. (Caricaceae)
Authors: Ajayi Glory Oluremilekun , Maria Ogun Olupelumi
Published: August 2017

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is characterised by non-covalent polymerisation of the haemoglobin under hypoxia conditions and this promotes red blood cell sickling. Inhibition of sickle cell haemoglobin polymerization is one of the areas of focus in the management of SCD. Dried Carica papaya leaves are used in traditional herbal remedies for the management of sickle cell anaemia; without specifying if it is the dried green or brown leaf.

 This study was aimed at verifying the antisickling activity of the crude aqueous extract, crude methanol extract and fractions of dried brown and green leaves of Carica papaya.

The method used was the sickle cell haemoglobin polymerization inhibition experiment measured with the Ultra Violet (UV) spectrophotometer. Sodium metabisulphite was used as a deoxygenating agent while isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) was used as the negative control and phenylalanine as a positive control. The results obtained showed that crude aqueous extracts of both the green and brown leaves exhibited high level of inhibition of sickled haemoglobin (HbSS) polymerization at 200 mg/ml (97.76% and 93.25% ), 100 mg/ml (95.89% and 97.93%) also, 50 mg/ml (97.89% and 95.84%) respectively which compared favourably and significantly (p<0.05) with that of phenylalanine.

The summary of the antisickling activity of the crude extracts and fractions of both the green leaves and brown leaves of C. papaya is Crude aqueous>Crude aqueous methanol> Butanol>Chloroform>Ethyl acetate>Aqueous. This study showed that the extracts exhibited the potential of inhibiting polymerization of sickle cell haemoglobin thus would be beneficial in the management of sickle cell disease.
Immunomodulatory and antiarthritic activities of Smilax zeylanica
Authors: Babu P Veeresh , Ashwini T , Krishna M. Vamsi , Raju M. Ganga
Published: August 2017

Smilax zeylanica Linn has been traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but, no scientific data has been published supporting the claimed ethanomedical use. This study was designed to investigate the immunomodulatory and antiarthritic activities of Smilax zeylanica.

Methanolic extract of Smilax zeylanica (MESZ) roots was tested for its immunomodulatory activity by NBT reduction test. Antiarthritic activity of the same was tested by in vitro protein denaturation and in vivo complete Freunds adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis.

MESZ showed its significant effect on both cell mediated and humoral immunity to suppress stimulated immune responses in NBT reduction test . It also markedly inhibited protein denaturation in in vitro model. Extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed statistically significant inhibition ( p<0.05) of the edema formation in CFA model. Histopathological studies of ankle joints also supported this finding.
The presence of steroids in the extract might be responsible for the prominent immunomodulatory and antiarthritic activities of the plant. Hence the present study concluded that Smilax zeylanica holds immunomodulatory and antiarthritic activities.
Phytochemical evaluation and antioxidant assay of ethanolic extracts of traditional medicinal plants (Ferula assafoetida, Saussurea costus, Peganum harmala) in oman
Authors: Reddy S Hemadri , Al-Weheib Aysha , Al Shekaili Halima , Al-Naabi Rehab
Published: August 2017

Ferula assafoetida, Saussurea costus and  Peganum harmala are considered an important traditional folk medicines in Oman, extracts of these plants were screened for assessing bioactive phytochemical constituents and their antioxidant property. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated to explore the reliable and potential sources of novel natural antioxidants. Preliminary phytochemical screening of different plant extracts and phytochemical investigation showed variations in the presence and amount of active ingredients. All the fractions of P.harmala, S.costus and F.assafoetida have flavonoid and phenolic compounds, whereas, the highest amount was found in F.assafoetida which was 0.370, 0.053 mg/ml respectively. Under antioxidant study the H2O2 free radical scavenging potential and Phosphomolybdate assay were studied in vitro for the determination of antioxidant activity. However S. costus extract showed the highest scavenging percentages 89%. In Phosphomolybdate assay Ferula assafoetida has a very good antioxidant potential due to   phenolic and flavonoid components.
Protective role of Limonium bonduelli extract against non-enzymatic peroxidation in brain and testes induced by iron in vitro.
Authors: Amrani Amel , Boubekri Nassima , Benaissa Ouahiba , Zama Djamila , Benayache Fadila , Benayache Samir
Published: August 2017

Infertility and Neurodegerative diseases have been linked to oxidative stress arising from peroxidation of membrane biomolecules and high levels of iron have been reported to play an important role. The present study sought to determine the antioxidant activity and protective ability of n-butanol extract of Limonium bonduelli on lipid peroxidation induced by FeSO4 in rat brain and testes homogenates in vitro. n-butanol extract of the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) was prepared, and the ability of the extract to inhibit FeSO4 induced lipid peroxidation in isolated rat brain and testes was determined using spectrophotometric method. The study revealed that the extract inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) production in FeSO4 induced lipid peroxidation in the brain and testes in a dose-dependent manner and the highest percentage of the inhibition was 89.80% similar to vitamin C in the same concentration (100 µg/mL) in brain and 82.33% in testes (200 µg/mL). Limonium bonduelli extract demonstrated important anti-lipid peroxidative effect, which may be useful in preventing the progress of various oxidative stress related diseases. The higher inhibitory effect of the extract could be attributed to its phytochemical content.
Ameliorative effect of Ficus dalhousiae Miq. (Moraceae) methanolic leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic and renal toxicity
Authors: Kujur Swati , C.R. Sunil K. , Barapatre Anand , N. Geetha
Published: August 2017

Developing traditional medicine in the field of hepatology and nephrology research is the key to pharmacology. This study demonstrates the mechanism of hepatoprotective and renal protective activity of Ficus dalhousiae Miq. (Moraceae) methanolic leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic and renal toxicity. Shade dried powder was subjected to shoxlet extraction with methanol and assessed for hepatoprotective and renal protective activities. Hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity were induced in rats by single oral dose of CCl4 diluted with olive oil (1:1 v/v; ml/kg body weight) after pretreatment of methanolic extract for seven days. Sixteen hrs after CCl4 administration, rats were sacrificed and biochemical markers like Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) estimated followed by the measurement of liver and kidney cytosolic antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The data were analysed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The extract at the doses of 150 and mg/kg b.w. significantly reduces elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP and LDH. The extracts also showed significant increase in the reduced level of SOD, CAT and GSH. The ROS activity also found down regulated. The activity of methanolic extracts were comparable with the standard Silymarin. These findings not only showed potential hepatoprotective and renal protective activities of Ficus dalhousiae but also manifested by restoring antioxidant enzymes. With this pilot study we can justify the medicinal importance of this plant.
Algae as potential repository of anti cancerous natural compounds
Authors: Mridha Ankita , Paul Santanu
Published: August 2017

Algae constitute a promising source of novel compounds with potential as human therapeutic agents. In particular, algae have been considered as a potential source of new bio-active compound. Algae possess several biological activities, including anticancer activity. This review provides a comprehensive report on the several genera of algae belonging to Chlorophyceae, Pheophyceae and Rhodophyceae having anti-proliferative, apoptotic, anti angiogenic as well as cytotoxic efficacy and their mode of action in vitro as well as in vivo condition. Algae are extensively used as functional foods and medicinal herbs, and have a long history of use in Asian countries. Many algae have been used for the treatment of cancer, many crude or partially purified polysaccharides from various brown, green, and red algae have been tested for their antitumor activities. Relevant information was collected from scientific journals, books, and reports via library and electronic search using Medline, Pubmed, Science Direct, and Scopus. The different extracts with some other solvent shows a huge anti-proliferative action on different cancer as well as on different leukemia cell lines. Here we focus on several bioactive compounds that have been derived as well as characterized from different genera of algae and there mechanism of inhibiting cancer cell growth. Considering the ability of the golden treasure present in algae to act against different cancers, this review highlights the potential use of algae as anticancer agents.
Sorting things out: A typology of the digital collaborative economy
Authors: Pettersen Lene
Published: August 2017

Current research on the sharing or collaborative economy has by large adopted a user-centric approach, and studies at the meso-level (firm/organization level) have received little attention and is called for both in the literature and by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This paper contributes to the meso-level by presenting a framework — a typology — based on the literature and an analysis of 54 services in the collaborative economy (e.g., Airbnb, Uber, and Blablacars). The paper suggest that when classifying sharing services, we need to direct our analytical lens to dimensions from the organization and strategy literature, such as two-sided business models and organizing principles, network effects and value, and other strategic dimensions. A definition of the collaborative economy that includes these dimensions is proposed, which is helpful for regulators, start-ups, and for researchers in avoiding research flaws.
Neither Privatization nor Politicization: Alternative Social Formations and Norms in Isaac Breuer and Mordecai Kaplan
Authors: Brafman Yonatan Yisrael
Published: August 2017

In view of both theoretical and practical problems resulting from an almost exclusive focus on the state as a social formation and its laws as valid social norms, this article analyzes the thought of Isaac Breuer (1883–1946) and Mordecai Kaplan (1881–1983). It argues that both, in different ways, decenter the state by constructing accounts of Jewish social formations that neither privatize Judaism as a religious congregation nor politicize it as a state. Correspondingly, each of them develops an account of Jewish norms that neither distorts them by modeling them on state law nor truncates them by interpreting them as religious ritual.
Secularization and the Logic of the Law
Authors: Rashkover Randi
Published: August 2017

This article investigates and interrogates the profile of the privatization of religious life evident in secularization theory and, more particularly, the notion that religions have lost their normative hold on their adherents. Drawing from the work of Gillian Rose and Joseph Soloveitchik, the article demonstrates how this version of the secularization thesis performs an unjust disregard for the character of normative reflection possible within a certain account of the logic of Jewish legal thought.
Rabbinic Commentaries on Genesis 34 and the Construction of Rape Myths
Authors: Ruit Gavi S.
Published: August 2017

This article examines the intersection of Judaism and rape culture by investigating the Jewish commentaries on a biblical rape story (Gen 34) for reflections of rape myth. The exegeses on Genesis 34 are well suited to this endeavor because, in the biblical story, the victim Dinah is mostly passive and entirely silent. She is a neutral figure, a screen upon which commentators project the thoughts or behavior they ascribe to her. Additionally, the word generally translated as “rape” (innah) can have a range of meanings, which gives the commentators greater latitude to project their own values and anxieties onto the text. As this article demonstrates, rape myth ideology enters Jewish tradition during the rabbinic era and is absent prior to that period.
The Generalized Additive Weibull-G Family of Distributions
Authors: S. Hassan Amal , E. Hemeda Saeed , S. Maiti Sudhansu , Pramanik Sukanta
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we present a new family, depending on additive Weibull random variable as a generator, called the generalized additive Weibull generated-family (GAW-G) of distributions with two extra parameters. The proposed family involves several of the most famous classical distributions as well as the new generalized Weibull-G family which already accomplished by Cordeiro et al. (2015). Four special models are displayed. The expressions for the incomplete and ordinary moments, quantile, order statistics, mean deviations, Lorenz and Benferroni curves are derived. Maximum likelihood method of estimation is employed to obtain the parameter estimates of the family. The simulation study of the new models is conducted. The efficiency and importance of the new generated family is examined through real data sets.
Accelerated Cognitive Development—Piaget’s Conservation Concept
Authors: Watanabe Nobuki
Published: August 2017

Piaget’s ideas have significantly influenced education and psychology, particularly the concept of conservation, which he had proposed as being acquired during the concrete operational stage. However, research conducted after Piaget found that children under the age of 6 are unable to understand his concept of conservation. However, more recent studies have found that three-year-olds may be able to acquire this concept, even when tested using the same tasks. But, this study addresses the issues of “fixity” and “reliability” for the concept of conservation. Then, the robustness (fixity and reliability) of Piaget’s concept of conservation (numbers/length) was examined by observing a four-year-old child who demonstrated the possible acquisition of this concept at the age 3, in this study. It was found that the child was able to robustly maintain the concept. Therefore, the study shows the possibility of accelerated cognitive development for Piaget’s concept of conservation. The reason may be that younger children have higher intelligence than those in previous generations. And, the grounds may be that of the influence of gene-environment interaction.
Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy Applied As a Tool to Enhance an University Campus Waste Management
Authors: Moreira Rodrigo Martins , Cetrulo Tiago Balieiro , Mendizabal-Cortes Alejandra Daniela , Cetrulo Natalia Molina , Malheiros Tadeu Fabrício
Published: August 2017

The aim of this work is to discuss the Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy potential to enhance Brazilian universities waste management by analyzing the University of São Paulo, Campus of São context in accordance with the national policy requirements. Universities in Brazil lack a legal instrument to strengthen its waste management, which brings this paper innovation by applying the Brazilian waste policy as a standardization instrument to adapt waste management at Brazilian higher education institutions. The research used a descriptive and qualitative approach, data were collected from literature review, university documents and semi structured interviews, a case study approach is used to analyze the campus solid waste management activities, procedures and operations inherent the. The main findings conclude that University of São Paulo waste policy is being deployed, based on Brazilian Solid Waste National Policy requirements, confirming it translation into a potential framework tool to support decision making for adequacy of environmentally sound management of Brazilian. Further studies are required ex-post the policy enactment to assess the impacts of the waste policy at the university impacts.
Perceptions of Accountants toward Sustainability Development Practices in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Emon Kalyan , Nahar Shafaitun
Published: August 2017

This study aims to gauge the perceptions of accountants in Bangladesh toward sustainable development practices in their respective organizations. The perceptions are assessed by collecting data from accountants of different organizations through a structured questionnaire. It finds that loyalty and commitments between employers and employees stimulate the practices of sustainability development in an organization. It also finds that accountants are extremely passionate to implement required instructions for sustainability but they are chained by traditional mind set of top management and profit-centric policies of organizations. In some organizations, despite management interest, implementation is hindered by lack of sufficient guidelines for sustainability development. The outcome of this study will help accountants to keep themselves up-to-date on various aspects of sustainable development practices and also help them to have a clear scenario of sustainability practices in Bangladesh.
Regional Difference in the Organizational Commitment-Rewards Relationship in Vietnam
Authors: Kokubun Keisuke
Published: August 2017

This study investigates the relationship between rewards and the organizational commitment (OC) of 5,522 employees who work for 5 Japanese companies in Vietnam focusing on the difference between Red River Delta (Hanoi and surrounding provinces) and South East (Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that co-worker support had stronger influence on OC in Red River Delta than in South East. On the other hand, benefit satisfaction had stronger influence on OC in South East than in Red River Delta. Other rewards (i.e., fatigue, supervisor support and autonomy) were equally related with OC for both areas. These results mean that OC-rewards relationship differs between regions and indicate signs of increasing individualism among Vietnamese employees in more economically developed parts of the country. Discussions and implications concerning human resource management in Vietnam are offered.
CSR Aimed at Clients of an Animal Nutrition Business: A Case Study
Authors: López Figueroa Julio César , Fornés Rivera René Daniel , Valenzuela Elizabeth González
Published: August 2017

The objective of the present study is to elaborate a proposal of socially responsible practices aimed at the clients of a Mexican business whose commercial activity is the elaboration of products for animal nutrition and which does not at present have a formal CSR approach in their strategy and therefore lacks important competitive advantages for operating in the business market today.A literary revision in which the evolution of CSR was presented was carried out as part of this research. We also analyzed three main models for managing CSR in organizations and made a description of some empiric studies of CSR aimed at clients. In the development of the methodology a case study was used, resulting in a diagnosis of the situation of the business with respect to CSR along with a plan for improvement which contains the socially responsible practice proposals suggested in order to create a value relationship with this particular interest group.It is important to point out that we worked together with the members of the marketing department of the business under study, because it is attending to the needs of the clients, making the employees experience very valuable in determining proposed practices. The results of this research were intended to contribute empirical evidence about the application of CSR in the organizational strategies of emerging-market countries, while increasing existing CSR research in Mexican national industries.
SCALE OF AUDITORY BEHAVIORS: NORMATIVE REFERENCE VALUES FOR HEALTHY ARGENTINIAN CHILDREN
Authors: Miranda Agustin , Bruera Jorge , Serra Silvana
Published: August 2017

[b]Background: [/b]A comprehensive assessment of central auditory processing disorders includes parent questionnaires. The Scale of Auditory Behaviors (SAB) was developed to evaluate the limitations and difficulties perceived by guardians of children in everyday activities. The aim of the study was to provide normative data for the SAB for Argentinian healthy children. [b]Material/ Methods:[/b] The parents and guardians of eighty-four children aged 4 and 5 years old, representative of the Argentinian population, completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the SAB. Normative data were expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach’s alphas. [b]Results:[/b] The norms for Argentinian children are: 48.60±7.57. Values &lt;37 points (-1,5 Z-score) indicate the need for an evaluation routing of auditory processing, and values &lt;33 points (-2 Z- score) are indicative of disorder. Internal consistency showed a high SAB reliability (α-Cronbach= 0.84).[b]Conclusions: [/b]With the current norms available, central auditory processing can be evaluated in Argentinian children during pediatric clinical practice.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF PERCEPTION OF EMOTIONALLY LOADED AND NEUTRAL ADVERTISING ILLUSTRATIONS
Authors: Kaczmarek Bożydar , Stencel Marcin , Ozga Wioletta , Kilijanek Aleksandra
Published: August 2017

[b]Background:[/b]The differences between perception and the recollection of emotionally loaded, provocative, and neutral illustrations were mea sur ed. It was hypothesized that the provocative illustrations will be better remembered as they evoke emotions. [b]Material/Methods:[/b]The program SMI Experiment Center was used, with the movements of the participants’ eye-balls being recorded on the Eye- tracker iViewX RED500. Two types of advertisements were presented to the participants: (1) those evoking emotions, and (2) neutral ones. In consequence, six illustrations were used. Three were of a provocative character and three were neutral. The neutral advertisements were modifications of the provocative ones. Forty four undergraduate students answered questions concerning individual elements of the presented pictures. This enabled an analysis of the relationships between the type of the advertisement watched and the number of elements memorized. The participants were also asked to select the answer concerning: the degree of a particular advertisement’s attractiveness, the strength of its emotional impact, and the types of evoked emotions (positive – neutral – negative). [b]Results: [/b]Emotionally loaded illustrations provoked participant interest increasing the amount of the information processed. However, only provocative advertisements of a positive nature were better memorized than their neutral counterpart. The study revealed that an examination of eye movements is a useful and desirable measure providing detailed information on the manner our brain processes perceived data. [b]Conclusions:[/b] It was found that the intensity of such emotions as sadness, disgust, surprise, and anger were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. No significant differences in the degree of positive emotions were noted. This leads to the conclusion that we should be very careful while selecting the illustration to be presented to patients.