bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Mahyco Green Long and Bhaktapur Local Cucumber Cultivars at Different Sowing Dates in Mid-Hill of Nepal
Authors: Sharma MD , GC YD , Tripathi KM , Bhattarai SP
Published: August 2018

An experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications to determine the optimum date of sowing for commercial cultivation of cucumber at Lamjung Campus, Sundarbazar (750 m asl), Lamjung during December 1999 to November 2000. The cvs. Green Long and Bhaktapur Local were used in the main plot and the sowing dates in the sub-plot. Sowings were done on the 15th of the months December 1999 and February, April, June and August 2000 at an interval of two months. Manure and fertilizers were applied @ 20 t farm yard manure and 120:60:50 NPK kg/ha in all the sowings. Yield attributing characters such as plant stand, vine growth, first male and first female flowers bearing nodes, number of female flowers per plot, sex ratio and number of harvests were insignificantly different in December and February sowings. However, the periods of phenophases such as sowing to the first male and first female flowers and sowing to first harvest and last harvest were significantly longer at December sowing followed by those at February sowing. The three latter sowings showed poor performance in respect to those characters. February sowing produced significantly the highest number of marketable fruits (79.16 thousand/ha) and marketable yield (53.97 t/ha) than the earlier December and three latter sowings. The December sowing also produced significantly higher marketable yield (23.76 t/ha) than June and August sowings. Hence, the cvs. Green Long and Bhaktapur Local could not produce economic yields at April, June and August sowings at Sundarbazar (middle hill) Lamjung.

Key words: Cucumber cultivar, sowing date, marketable yield

J. Inst. Agric. Anim. Sci. 26:163-166 (2005)
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) at Rampur, Chitwan
Authors: Chaudhary BR , Sharma MD , Shakya SM , Gautam DM
Published: August 2018

The present investigation was carried out in the plain areas of Chitwan to determine the promising plant growth regulators (PGR) promoting growth and yield of chilli cultivars Jwala and Suryamukhi during winter-summer season of 2003/2004. Suryamukhi ranked superior to Jwala for most of the yield attributing characters, whereas Jwala was better in vegetative characters than Suryamukhi. Among PGRs, 2,4-D at 2 ppm was better for fruit set, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, number of seeds per fruit, seed weight per fruits, 1000 seed weight and fruit yield where as NAA at 40 ppm gave the highest leaf area index (LAI). PGRs were ineffective in promoting flowering and fruiting during winter season. GA3 at 10 ppm exhibited maximum amount of ascorbic acid content. The treatments, 2 ppm 2,4-D, 5 ppm triacontanol, 40 ppm NAA and 10 ppm GA3 produced 28.75%, 25.70%, 13.61% and 2.30% higher fruit yield over control, respectively. The highest net profit and B:C ratio were recorded in case of 2 ppm 2,4-D. The use of GA3 as foliar spray was not economical.

Key words: 2,4-D, NAA, triacontanol, GA3, leaf area index, net profit, B:C ratio

J. Inst. Agric. Anim. Sci. 27:65-68 (2006)
Soil properties and earthworm dynamics affected by land use systems in western Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Chauhan R. P. , Pande K. R. , Shah S. C. , Dhakal D. D.
Published: August 2018

Field experiments were conducted in acidic soils of Mangalpur and Fulbari Village Development Committees in western Chitwan, Nepal to study the effects of different land use systems on soil properties and earthworm dynamics. Seven land use systems (cereal based lowland, cereal based upland, vegetable farm land, fruit orchard land, pasture land, forest land and farmer’s field) were used and they were replicated four times in randomized complete block designs. Soil organic matter and total soil nitrogen were significantly higher from pasture land (4.7 % and 0.2 %) and the lowest were from farmer’s field (2.4 % and 0.1 %). However, available soil phosphorous content was significantly higher from cereal based upland (448.3 kg ha-1) and it was the lowest from forest land (13.0 kg ha-1). The highest earthworm count was observed from pasture land (10.1 numbers per trap) than others but it was the lowest from farmer’s field. There were significant positive correlations between soil organic matter content and the earthworm count (r= 0.96**) and between total soil nitrogen content and earthworm count (r= 0.80**). In contrast, a significant negative correlation was observed between earthworm count and available P (r= -0.51**). Correlation between earthworm count and silt content was positive (r= 0.68**) but between earthworm count and sand content was negative (r= -0.64**). However, there were no significant relationships of earthworm count with available K, pH, bulk density and clay content of soils. The soil organic matter, total soil nitrogen and earthworm count were higher from pasture soil than other soils. As soil organic matter, total soil N, available soil P and soil texture regulated earthworm dynamics in soils. Earthworm population may be used as a bio-indicator of soil fertility status and it can be developed as an alternative technique for soil fertility evaluation after quantification and verification from further experiments on earthworm dynamics under different land use systems.Journal of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science.Vol. 33-34, 2015, page: 123-128
Influence of sowing dates on stemphylium blight disease severity and yield performance of lentil at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Subedi S. , Shrestha S. M. , Khatri-Chhetri G. B. , Thapa R. B. , Ghimire S. K. , Gharti D. B. , Neupane S.
Published: August 2018

A study on lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) was carried out at Rampur, Chitwan with different sowing dates under field conditions to assess the severity of Stemphylium blight disease severity and yield performance during two consecutive years 2012-2014. During 2012/013, lower (3.00) and higher disease severity (6.50) were recorded on lentil plants sown on November 6 and December 16, respectively. Early sown lentil resulted in higher yield (2025 kg/ha) followed by late shown one (1213 kg/ha). Similarly, trends of disease development were similar in succeeding year (2013/14). Lentil seed shown on November 1 had lower disease severity (3.50) and produced higher yield (962.50 kg/ha) compared to that were shown on later dates. Disease severity increased with the advancement of sowing date from November 1 to December 21 with decreased yields. Hence, over years, early shown lentil (November 1, 6 and 11) escaped the higher severity of Stemphylium blight with the increase in yield.Journal of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science.Vol. 33-34, 2015, Page: 129-136
Farmers’ perception on role of cooperatives in agriculture practices of major cereal crops in western terai of Nepal
Authors: Neupane H. , Adhikari M. , Rauniyar P. B.
Published: August 2018

A survey research was carried out in Devdaha V.D.C. and Manpakadi V.D.C of Rupandehi District with the aim to investigate the impact of cooperatives on the farming methods and the socioeconomic status of the farmers. The duration of our research was from January to June 2015. The Purposive Random Sampling wasdone where 80 Household (Sample Size) were selected for our survey i.e., 40 among them were involved in Cooperative and 40 were not. A comparative analysis was done to find the differences between cooperative and non- cooperative farmers. There were differences in various socio-economic aspects like Age, Education, ethnicity, training and subsidy, mechanization, among the cooperative and non-cooperative farmers. Significant impact was found on the farming practices, marketing status and socioeconomic condition among two different groups of farmers. Farmers involved in cooperatives were observed to perform comparatively improved farming practices which were due to accessibility of Farm Inputs and subsidy. Thus it could be concluded that there was significant impact of agricultural cooperative in the farming practices making positive changes on the livelihood of the farmers involved in cooperatives.Journal of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science.Vol. 33-34, 2015, page: 177-186
Empirical Analysis of Factors Influencing Use of Internet on Ships
Authors: Saravanan A. S. , Ramachandran Jayalakshmy , Seetharaman A. , Kumar Karripur Nanda , Joshi Kailash C.
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing the emergence of internet on ships and the resultant cost. Data collected from 255 respondents, mainly seafarers (captain and officers) and shore- based ship managers revealed that emergence of the internet on ships is influenced by perceived usefulness, organisation readiness, external pressure and technology penetration. It is also witnessed that cost of internet on ships has an effect on the penetration of the internet and new technology. The emergence of the internet on ships provides an effective communication link with all stakeholders of the ship, enhances safety and security with real time data on cargo, incidents, piracy, terrorism and weather conditions. It facilitates timely delivery of stores and spare parts for ship repairs and maintenance, thus providing immense satisfaction to all stakeholders. It thus has a significant impact on the industry.
PAHAM DAN SIKAP KEAGAMAAN MAHASISWA MUSLIM DI KOTA SAMARINDA
Authors: Hakim Ramlah
Published: August 2018

Mengacu pada ketimpangan dari apa yang ideal-normatif (das sein) dengan realitas di ranah sosial (das solen) pada
paham dan sikap keagamaan kalangan muda muslim. Oleh karena itu, dilakukan sebuah riset yang mengarah pada
kebijakan, yaitu: "Bagaimana kecenderungan pemahaman dan prilaku keagamaan mahasiswa muslim di kota
Samarinda?Melalui riset dengan pendekatan kualitatif yang dipadukan dengan data kuantitatif. Dengan populasi mahasiswa
muslim di kota samarinda dan sampel mahasiswa muslim di kampus STAIN dan Unmul.
Hasil riset menunjukkan kecenderungan paham dan sikap keagamaan mahasiswa muslim yang berpotensi pada tumbuhnya
benih-benih radikalisme agama, meski pada sisi lain terlihat kecenderungan toleransi pada aspek kehidupan sosial. Temuan
riset inijuga memperlihatkan kekakuan pada aspek-aspek yang menyentuh pada ranah normatif Islam, semisal penegakan
syariat dan khilafah Islamiyah. Kecenderungan ini dapat menjadi bahaya laten munculnya paham dan gerakan radikalisme
agama di kalangan mahasiswa muslim.
DAKWAH KULTURAL DALAM TRADISI HILEYIA PADA MASYARAKAT KOTA GORONTALO
Authors: Thaib Erwin Jusuf
Published: August 2018

Studi ini mengungkap bagaimana realitas tradisi hileyia dalam masyarakat Kota Gorontalo, bagaimana wujud dakwah kultural dalam tradisi hileyia, serta apa  efek dakwah kultural dalam tradisi hileyia pada masyarakat Kota Gorontalo. Pendekatan studi ini bersifat  kualitatif  yang akan mengungkap dakwah kultural dalam tradisi hileyia pada masyarakat Kota Gorontalo. Melalui studi ini akan digambarkan bagaimana dakwah  disebarluaskan melalui medium budaya seperti tradisi hileyia. Dari hasil penelitian terungkap bahwa tradisi hileyia adalah suatu gambaran hubungan antara orang yang hidup dan yang sudah meninggal. Tradisi yang secara harfiah berarti pindah ini ditandai dengan berpindahnya seorang manusia dari dunia ini ke alam kubur karena sebab kematian. Hal ini diikuti dengan berpindahnya para keluarga dan kerabat dalam tempo tertentu ke rumah duka,  beraktivitas secara bersama-sama yang diisi dengan doa arwah dan aktivitas kehidupan lainnya dengan tujuan untuk menghibur keluarga yang berduka. Tradisi hileyia dalam masyarakat Kota Gorontalo adalah sebuah tradisi yang memiliki nilai-nilai dakwah kultural. Hal ini diyakini karena tradisi hileyia mengandung pesan-pesan kebajikan yang bisa disebar luaskan melalui perantaraan tradisi ini. Dakwah kultural yang disebarluaskan melalui tradisi hileyia memiliki efek positif dalam masyarakat Kota Gorontalo. Efek positif ini antara lain kepedulian sosial, keikhlasan dalam berbagi, serta rasa persaudaraan yang tinggi. Efek sosial ini dipandang sebagai modal sosial (social capital) yang sangat berkontribusi dalam membangun harmoni sosial dalam masyarakat terlebih dalam konteks masyarakat Kota Gorontalo yang plural.
PETUAH BIJAK RELIGI SEBAGAI EKSPRESI LITERASI SISWA DI MAN MODEL MANADO
Authors: Amir Syarifuddin
Published: August 2018

Ekspresi bijak siswa merupakan media komunikasi siswa dalam mengungkapkan daya positif mereka agar bisa diaplikasikan oleh dirinya sendiri maupun orang lain. Ekpresi ini tidak muncul sendirinya. Tetapi ia merupakan bentuk pengalaman literasi yang diperoleh dari berbagai sumber. Oleh karena itulah, penelitian ini ditujukan untuk mengkaji varian dan sumber petuah bijak siswa di MAN Model Manado Sulawesi Utara serta ekspresi ungkapan bijak siswa dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif serta pendekatan studi kasus. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan diskusi grup, wawancara, dokumentasi dan observasi. Varian petuah bijak di MAN Model Manado menunjukkan nuansa variatif yang beragam berupa kearifan lokal seperti motto atau pamali serta ungkapan bijak yang bersumber dari pesan-pesan agama dengan media bahasa yang cukup beragam pula seperti Bahasa Daerah, Bahasa Indonesia maupun Bahasa Asing. Keterkaitan antara literasi bijak dengan penguasaan bahasa sangatlah erat, artinya kemampuan bahasa siswa sangat dipengaruhi terhadap penguasaan bahasa. Dalam hal ini, literasi bijak dalam bahasa daerah sangat minim karena banyak siswa yang tidak menguasai bahasa daerah. Kreatifitas siswa dalam ekpresi ungkapan bijak pun sangat terbatas pada ungkapan bijak di majalah dinding, latihan pidato maupun lewat media sosial.
Wound healing activity of Ipomoea batatas tubers (sweet potato)
Authors: Panda Vandana , Sonkamble Madhav , Patil Swati
Published: August 2018

Background: Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. from the family Convolvulaceae is the world’s sixth largest food crop. The tubers of Ipomoea batatas commonly known as sweet potato are consumed as a vegetable globally. The tubers contain high levels of polyphenols such as anthocyanins and phenolic acids and vitamins A, B and C, which impart a potent antioxidant activity that can translate well to show wound healing effects. To check their effects on wound healing, the peels and peel bandage were tested on various injury models in rats in the present study.Methods: The methanolic extracts of the peels and peel bandage of Ipomoea batatas tubers (sweet potato) were screened for wound healing by excision and incision wound models on Wistar rats. Three types of gel formulations were prepared, viz., gel containing 3.0% (w/w) peel extract, gel containing 6.0% (w/w) peel extract and gel containing 10% (w/w) peel extract. Betadine (5% w/w povidone iodine cream) was used as a reference standard. In the incision wound model, Tensile strength of the skin was measured. Epithelization time, wound contraction, hydroxyproline content of the scab, and ascorbic acid and malondialdehyde content of the plasma were determined in the excision wound model.Results: In the incision wound model, high tensile strength of the wounded skin was observed in animals treated with the peel extract gels and the peel bandage when compared with wounded control animals. The increase in tensile strength indicates the promotion of collagen fibers and that the disrupted wound surfaces are being firmly knit by collagen. In the excision wound model, significant wound closure was observed on the 4th day in rats treated with all three gel formulations when compared with the wounded control rats. A significant increase in hydroxyproline and ascorbic acid content in the gel-treated animals and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde content in the animals treated with gel as well as peel bandage was observed when compared with the wounded control animals.Conclusion: It may be concluded that the peels of Ipomoea batatas tubers possess a potent wound healing activity, which may be due to an underlying antioxidant mechanism.Key Words: Sweet potato peels, excision wound, incision wound, wound healing
Immunodetection and quantification of insulin-like antigens in sprouts: development of an efficient functional food
Authors: Pathak Manju , Martirosyan Danik M.
Published: August 2018

Background: Hormone Insulin is a drug used for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Insulin used in this experiment is derived from bovine and pork pancreas, as well as through recombinant technology. Patients with diabetes mellitus face an inability to utilize glucose from blood due to either less secretion of insulin, or the inability of the insulin to act; As a result of this glucose levels in the blood rise. The prevention and treatment of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus one is world’s major public health issues. Natural alternatives have a big role to play in this field. This study aims at discovering functional foods rich in Insulin like proteins. Here we are reporting Insulin-like proteins synthesizing during the embryo development stage of Glycine max: soybean, Vigna radiata: moong and Vigna unguiculata: cowpea seeds. Hence, germination transforms these seeds containing human insulin like proteins.Methods: In our investigation we have provided protein extraction with Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The plant materials weighing 1g were crushed in mortar and pestle, and the protein from the plant materials was extracted with 20 ml of 0.05 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.6). The suspensions were centrifuged at 6000 rpm for 15 min, and the clear supernatants were subjected to Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of insulin-like proteins. We have used USDA nutritional data sources for the analysis of new products. Results: Our results demonstrate that Insulin is not expressed in dry mature dormant seeds, but is expressed only during the embryo development stage. Dry mature dormant seeds and the seeds germinated for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours of Glycine max, Vigna radiata and Vigna unguiculata, were investigated for expression of insulin through immunodetection using anti-insulin antibodies. Dry dormant seeds of all the three seeds showed zero expression at 450 nm for insulin, while significant presence of insulin showing positive immuno-reactivity towards anti-insulin antibodies were observed at 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and at 96 hours of germination.Conclusion: The study is suggesting that insulin-like proteins are synthesized only during the process of embryo development, the sprouts of such legumes, particularly soybeans, can be a good source of insulin.Key words: Germination, insulin, seed embryo development, sprouts.
The protective effect of soybean phytochemicals on androgen responsive human prostate cancer cells LNCaP is likely mediated through modulation of hormone/cytokine-dependent pathways
Authors: Wang Thomas , Boue Stephen M. , Krishnan Hari B.
Published: August 2018

Background: Population studies suggested that consumption of a soy rich diet provides protective effects against several chronic diseases, including prostate cancer. However, the active components in soy as well as the mechanisms of action of soy’s protective effects remain unclear. It would be important to elucidate these questions to support the use of soy in the prevention of chronic disease.Methods: A cell culture model and molecular techniques were used as tools to identify a molecular signature induced by soy-derived phytochemicals.Results: Soy phytochemicals inhibit growth of androgen responsive prostate cancer cells. Global gene expression analysis using DNA microarray and real time PCR analysis identified multiple pathways affected by the soy-derived phytochemicals genistein, daidzein, equol, and glyceollins in the androgen responsive human prostate cancer cell LNCaP. These pathways included androgen receptor-dependent pathways, insulin-like growth factors pathways, and cell cycle-related pathways. Soy-derived phytochemicals modulated these pathways in a concentration-dependent fashion.Conclusion: Taking into consideration the physiological achievable concentration of diet-derived soy phytochemicals, we propose the concentration-dependent cancer protective effect is likely mediated through modulation of hormone/cytokine-dependent pathways.
Brassicaceae: nutrient analysis and investigation of tolerability in people with Crohn’s disease in a New Zealand study
Authors: Campbell Bobbi , Han Dug , Triggs Christopher M. , Fraser Alan G. , Ferguson Lynnette R.
Published: August 2018

Background: Nutrition is an important environmental factor influencing symptoms of Crohn’s disease, one of the two main expressions of inflammatory bowel disease. Varieties of Brassicaceae supply valuable nutrients. They are often avoided by people with Crohn’s disease because of the adverse effects they are perceived to have on symptoms. The purpose of this study was to review the nutritional content of commonly eaten forms of Brassicaceae and identify from selected Brassicaceae those that exacerbate, ameliorate or make no difference to the symptoms of people with Crohn’s Disease. Methods: In this study commonly eaten Brassicaceae were identified and analysed for major nutrients, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and FODMAPs. An investigation on the tolerability of ten forms of Brassicaceae on people with Crohn’s disease was also conducted. This was based on the responses of adult subjects in the ‘Genes and Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study’ based in Auckland, New Zealand. Results: The nutrient analysis of the Brassicaceae showed their important contribution of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, especially glucosinolates. Our study revealed that over 70% of respondents found that the consumption of broccoli, Chinese greens and rocket (arugula) made no difference to their Crohn’s disease (p=0.0001).Conclusions: Brassicaceae contain key nutrients which contribute significantly to a person’s health through their fibre, vitamin, mineral and phytochemical content. Many people with Crohn’s Disease can tolerate different forms of Brassicaceae. By identifying the particular varieties that can be consumed by people with Crohn’s disease and encouraging them to eat them, their nutrition, immune status and anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer factors will be enhanced.Key words: Brassicaceae: Key nutrients: Tolerability: Crohn’s Disease
Effect of grape seed extract on postprandial oxidative status and metabolic responses in men and women with the metabolic syndrome - randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Edirisinghe Indika , Randolph Jody , Cheema Mandeep , Tadapaneni Ravi , Park Eunyoung , Burton-Freeman Britt , Kappagoda Tissa
Published: August 2018

Objective: This investigation was undertaken to determine whether a grape seed extract (GSE) that is rich in mono-, oligo- and poly- meric polyphenols would modify postprandial oxidative stress and inflammation in individuals with the metabolic syndrome (MetS).Background: MetS is known to be associated with impaired glucose tolerance and poor glycemic control. Consumption of a meal high in readily available carbohydrates and fat causes postprandial increases in glycemia and lipidemia and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance.Materials/methods: After an overnight fast, twelve subjects with MetS (5 men and 7 women) consumed a breakfast meal high in fat and carbohydrate in a cross-over design. A GSE (300 mg) or placebo capsule was administrated 1 hr before the meal (-1 hr). Changes in plasma insulin, glucose, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were measured hourly for 6 hr. Results: Plasma hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) measured as the positive incremental area under the curve (-1 to 5 hr) was significantly increased when the meal was preceded by GSE compared with placebo (P<0.05). Meal-induced increases in oxidized LDL were attenuated with GSE (P<0.05). Plasma glucose concentrations (area under the curve from -1 to 5 hr) were also significantly lower when the meal was preceded by GSE (P<0.05) while the insulin concentrations remained unchanged (P>0.05). No changes in inflammatory markers were evident. Conclusion: These data suggest that GSE enhances postprandial plasma antioxidant status and reduces the glycemic response to a meal, high in fat and carbohydrate in subjects with the MetS. Key words: Polyphenols, Oxidative stress, Inflammation, ORAC, Oxidized LDL
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of lecithin free egg yolk protein preparation hydrolysates obtained with digestive enzymes
Authors: Zambrowicz Aleksandra , Pokora Marta , Eckert Ewelina , Szołtysik Marek , Dąbrowska Anna , Chrzanowska Józefa , Trziszka Tadeusz
Published: August 2018

Several biological activities have now been associated with egg protein- derived peptides, including antihypertensive, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anticancer and antioxidant activities, highlighting the importance of these biopeptides in human health, and disease prevention and treatment. Special attention has been given to peptides with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as a new source of natural preservatives in food industry. In this study, the antioxidant properties of the egg-yolk protein by-product (YP) hydrolysates were evaluated based on their radical scavenging capacity (DPPH), Fe2+chelating effect and ferric reducing power (FRAP). Furthermore, antimicrobial properties of obtained hydrolysates against Bacillus species were studied. The degrees (DHs) of hydrolysis for 4h hydrolysates were: 19.1%, 13.5% and 13.0%, for pepsin, chymotrypsin and trypsin, respectively. Pepsin was the most effective in producing the free amino groups (1410.3 μmolGly/g). The RP-HPLC profiles of the protein hydrolysates showed differences in the hydrophobicity of the generated peptides. Trypsin hydrolysate obtained after 4h reaction demonstrated the strongest DPPH free radical scavenging activity (0.85 µmol Troloxeq/mg). Trypsin and chymotrypsin hydrolysates obtained after 4h reaction exhibited 4 times higher ferric reducing capacity than those treated by pepsin. The hydrolysis products obtained from YP exhibited significant chelating activity. The 4h trypsin hydrolysate exhibited weak antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis B3; B. cereus B512; B. cereus B 3p and B. laterosporum B6. Keywords: Antioxidative activity, DPPH, peptides, hydrolysis, egg-yolk protei
Anti-ulcer activity of Ipomoea batatas tubers (sweet potato)
Authors: Panda Vandana , Sonkamble Madhav
Published: August 2018

Background: Peptic ulcers occur in that part of the gastrointestinal tract which is exposed to gastric acid and pepsin, i.e., the stomach and duodenum. Gastric and duodenal ulcers are common pathologies that may be induced by a variety of factors such as stress, smoking and noxious agents including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ipomoea batatas tubers (sweet potato) contain ample amounts of antioxidants. It has been proven already by many scientific studies that antioxidants have ulcer healing properties. In reference to this, we tried assessing the ulcer healing effect of Ipomoea batatas tubers. Methods: The anti-ulcer activity of the tubers of Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato) was studied in cold stress and aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats. Methanolic extracts of Ipomoea batatas tubers (TE) at two doses, viz., 400 and 800 mg /kg were evaluated in cold stress and aspirin-induced gastric ulcer models using cimetidine and omeprazole respectively as standards. The standard drugs and the test drugs were administered orally for 7 days in the cold stress model and for 1 day in the aspirin-induced gastric ulcer model. Gastroprotective potential, status of the antioxidant enzymes {superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase(GR)} along with GSH, and lipid peroxidation were studied in both models. Results: The results of the present study showed that TE possessed gastroprotective activity as evidenced by its significant inhibition of mean ulcer score and ulcer index and a marked increase in GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR levels and reduction in lipid peroxidation in a dose dependant manner.Conclusion: The present experimental findings suggest that tubers of Ipomoea batatas may be useful for treating peptic ulcers.Key Words: Sweet potato tubers, cold stress, aspirin, ulcer, antioxidants.
Effects of Oral Supplementation with Pyrroloquinoline Quinone on Stress, Fatigue, and Sleep
Authors: Nakano Masahiko , Yamamoto Tetsuro , Okamura Hisayoshi , Tsuda Akira , Kowatari Yasuyuki
Published: August 2018

Seventeen adult male and female subjects participated in a clinical trial using an open-label trial to evaluate the effectiveness of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on stress, fatigue, quality of life and sleep. They ingested 20 mg of PQQ daily for 8 weeks. Changes in stress, fatigue, quality of life measures and sleep were evaluated using various inventories and questionnaires. For example, the results of the Profile of Mood States-Short Form revealed that all six measures of vigor, fatigue, tension-anxiety, depression, anger-hostility and confusion were significantly improved following PQQ administration compared with scores for those measures before administration of PQQ. Measures for quality of life, appetite, sleep, obsession and pain, also improved significantly. The results of the Oguri-Shirakawa-Azumi Sleep Inventory (Middle Aged and Aged version) showed significant improvement in sleepiness at awakening, sleep onset and maintenance, and sleep duration. For validation, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Japanese version also showed significant improvement in sleep-related behavior. Furthermore, the changes in these global scores were correlated with changes in the cortisol awakening response (R = -0.55), i.e. the effects of PQQ on improvement of sleep quality are supported by a biomarker.Keywords: Pyrroloquinoline quinone, stress, fatigue, quality of life, sleep
Effect of 1-O-Alcylglycerols from sea hydrobionts on the metabolic status of rats with alimentary dyslipidemia
Authors: Karaman Yulia K. , Novgorodtseva Tatyana P. , Gvozdenko Tatyana A. , Kasynov Sergey P.
Published: August 2018

Objective: Sea hydrobionts are a rich source of biologically active lipid compounds. Search for new biologically active substances to determine their pharmacological effectiveness is of current interest.Background: In recent interest held pharmaceuticals from marine hydrobionts containing 1-O-alkyl-diacylglycerol (ADG). Significant amounts of ADG found in the tissues of some marine organisms of Pacific ocean - squid Berryteuthis magister (up to 50% in the lipids of the liver), crab Paralithodes camtschatica (10% lipids of the hepatopancreas). This makes it possible to use these aquatic animals as new sources of dietary supplements. In rats with alimentary dyslipidemia (DLP) examined the effect of nature 1-O-alkyl-glycerol (AG) on the metabolism of lipids, the state of the hepatobiliary, antioxidant systems and hematological parameters of blood.Method: Alimentary model DLP caused high-fat diet of beef fat and cholesterol. Were injected AG in rats with DLP a dose of the 0.4 g/kg for 30 days. 1-O-alkyl-glycerol were obtained by hydrolysis of the lipids of the liver ADG squid Berryteuthis magister. Biochemical parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and liver enzymes measured in blood serum. Investigated the total antioxidant activity (TAA) of blood plasma, the activity of catalase in erythrocytes, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GP) activity, glutathione (GSH) lever. The content of initial and final products of lipid peroxidation – hydroperoxides of lipids (HPL), malondialdehydes (MDA) in the blood were investigated. Determination of hematological parameters is carried out on «Abacus» (USA). Statistical significance of differences was calculated by Student's t-test.Results: Introduction AG resulted in a reduction in triglycerides in the blood serum of rats by 24.2% compared with rats with DLP (p <0.05), increase in HDL-C by 63% (p <0.001). There was an increase in blood glucose concentration by 21.3% (p <0.001), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDG) activity by 30% (p <0.05), ALT – 24% (p <0.001) compared with rats with DLP. After use AG in rats showed an increase in the activity of catalase, reduction of lipid hydroperoxides in plasma. Showed normalization of the TAA and the trend to reduce the concentration of MDA. In the glutathione-redox system under the influence of AG increased activity GR, GP, GSH levels. After use AG an increase in the total number of red blood cells in the blood by 40% (p < 0,001), total hemoglobin by 38% (p < 0.001), platelet count by 30% (p < 0.001 ), lymphocytes - 43% (p < 0.001), blood clotting time increased by 57%.Conclusion: The study showed that the use of AG causes increased protective functions - hematopoietic, immune-stimulating and antioxidant. These data suggest the widespread use of AG from lipid liver squid Berryteuthis magister in rehabilitation practice of various pathologies.Keywords: natural 1-O-alkyl-lglycerols, dislipidemia, metabolic status
Processed coffee alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Fiebich Bernd L. , Vinuesa Amaya G. , Sanchez-Duffhues Gonzalo , Collado Juan A. , Rose Thorsten , Menthe Jörn , Muñoz Eduardo
Published: August 2018

Background: Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and it has been demonstrated that it has important therapeutic activities not only because of its caffeine content but also owing to the presence of other biologically active small molecules such as chlorogenic acid, trigonelline and cyclopentadiones. However, chlorogenic acid is degraded into catechol, pyrogallol and hydroxyhydroquinone, which are thought to induce irritation of the gastric mucosa. To reduce the content of irritant compounds processing methods have been developed prior to roasting the coffee beans.Objectives: The aim of this study was to study the anti-inflammatory and gastro-protective effects of processed coffee (Idee-Kaffee) on in LPS-treated human primary monocytes and in a murine model of colon inflammation (IBD model).Results: In this study we have analyzed the effects on inflammatory events in cultured cells and in mice drinking a commercially available processed coffee. The processed coffee inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, IL-6 and IL-8, and other inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin (PG)E2 and 8-isoprostane in cultured human primary monocytes. Oral administration of dissolved processed coffee, i.e., in its usual beverage form, improved greatly the adverse macroscopic and histological features of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice in a dose-dependent manner. Processed coffee not only largely prevented DSS-induced colitis but also dramatically suppressed in vivo NF-ϰB and STAT3 activities through inhibition of IϰBα and STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, this soluble coffee bean extract reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-11, and IL-6 and the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in colonic tissues.Conclusions: This work identified processed coffee as an anti-inflammatory beverage with the capacity to reduce substantially DSS-induced colitis as well as the colitis-associated cellular inflammatory events. Keywords: coffee, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, NF-ϰB, STAT3, cytokines
Benzotropolone moiety in theaflavins is responsible for inhibiting peptide-transport and activating AMP-activated protein kinase in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Park Ha-Young , Kunitake Yuri , Matsui Toshiro
Published: August 2018

Objective: In the small intestine, peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1) plays a role in the transport of di- and tri-peptides. Recently, we found that theaflavins (TFs), dimeric catechins, inhibited the transport of di-peptides across Caco-2 monolayers by suppressing the expression of PEPT1 through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. In this study, we investigated the structural requirement of theaflavins for the effect, and the mechanism(s) underling theaflavin-induced AMPK activation.Methods: Theaflavin-3’-O-gallate (TF3’G) was used for this study, since it possessed the most potent inhibition power for peptide-transport among theaflavins. Absorption ability was measured with Caco-2 cell monolayers treated with or without 20 μM sample (TF3’G or its related compounds) in an Ussing Chamber. The amount of Gly-Sar (a model of PEPT1-transporing peptide) transport at fixed time-points to 60 min was determined by fluorescent naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde-derivatized assay (Ex/Em: 405 nm/460 nm). The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) was used to evaluate the permeability. Expression of PEPT1 protein in Caco-2 cells treated with or without 20 μM TF3’G in the presence or absence of inhibitor (10 μM compound C as AMPK inhibitor or 25 μM STO-609 as CaMKK inhibitor) was evaluated by Western blot.Results: The Papp value of Gly-Sar significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in 20 μM purprogallin-treated Caco-2 cells as well as in TF3’G-treated cells, together with the reduction of PEPT1 expression, while their monomeric catechins did not show any Papp reduction. In TF3'G-treated Caco-2 cells, the recovery of the reduced PEPT1 expression was found by 10 μM compound C, but not STO-609.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the benzotropolone moiety in theaflavins was a crucial structural requirement for exerting the inhibition of intestinal peptide-transport, and the suppression of PEPT1 expression by theaflavins would be caused by activating LKB1/AMPK pathway, but not CaMKK/AMPK pathway.Keywords: Theaflavin-3’-Ο-gallate, Peptide transport, PEPT1, Benzotropolone, AMP-activated protein kinase, Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase
Inhibitory effect of a formulated extract from multiple citrus peels on LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 246.7 macrophages
Authors: Etoh Tadahiro , Kim Yong P. , Hayashi Masahiko , Suzawa Michiko , Li Shiming , Ho Chi-Tang , Komiyama Kanki
Published: August 2018

Background: Formulated Citrus Peel Extract (GL) made from the peels of six citrus fruits available in Japan, namely navel oranges, citrus hassaku, citrus limon, citrus natsudaidai, citrus miyauchi and satsuma, was initially developed as a cosmetic product to protect skin from UV irradiation. Anecdotal evidences of anti-cancer property of GL have been reported by consumers based on the cases such as topical application for melanoma, and oral ingestion for prostate, lung and liver cancers. Those anecdotal reports stimulated us to investigate anti-tumorigenesis activity of GL. In the previous study, we reported that the topical application of GL inhibited DMBA/TPA-induced skin tumor formation by decreasing inflammatory gene parameters.Objective: In this study, we mainly investigated the effect of GL on translocation of NF-kB together with production of nitric-oxide and TNF-α induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells.Results: This investigation showed that GL decreased the release of TNF-α and nitric oxide from macrophage RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, GL suppressed the expression of iNOS and nuclear translocation of NF-kB in RAW264.7 cells, inhibited the degradation of IκB-α, and scavenged hydroxyl radicals (DMPO/OH adduct) in vitro.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that GL suppresses the inflammation in vitro, and exerts chemopreventive activity through the inhibition of production of TNF-α and iNOS proteins due to the inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-kB and oxidative stress. GL appears to be a novel functional natural product capable of preventing inflammation and inflammation-associated tumorigenesis. Keywords: GL, Citrus peel extract, anti-inflammation, Nitric oxide, iNOS, NF-kB, TNF-α
Biography of biophenols: past, present and future
Authors: Obied Hassan K.
Published: August 2018

Background: The term “biophenols” was first coined by Romeo and Uccella in 1996 to denote bioactive phenols in olives replacing the more common and less chemically accurate term “polyphenols”. “Biophenols” has started gaining popularity beyond olive chemistry and currently used by researchers to refer to plant phenols in general. Biophenols constitute the largest group of secondary plant metabolites with ubiquitous presence in plants and wide spectrum of biological activities. During the last three decades, biophenols have seized scientific attention, lured industry and attracted consumers’ interest due to their antioxidative potential in preservation of food and maintaining human health. For the first time, a definition for “biophenols” has been proposed to present a more precise and comprehensive umbrella term to encompass all phenolic compounds of botanical origin. In this article, the author is tracing the landmarks of the history of biophenol research; profiling contemporary research directions; highlighting research controversies and uncertainties; and presenting an outlook of the biophenols future research. Keywords: polyphenols, chemistry, pharmacology, biological activities, antioxidant
Intravenous ascorbic acid protocol for cancer patients: scientific rationale, pharmacology, and clinical experience
Authors: Mikirova N. A. , Casciari J. J. , Hunninghake R. E. , Riordan N. H.
Published: August 2018

Background: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C, ascorbate) has been shown to protect cells against various types of oxidant injury at physiologically relevant concentrations. Vitamin C has been suggested as having both a preventative and therapeutic role in a number of pathologies when administered at much higher-than-recommended dietary allowance levels. This article reviews the scientific rational for intravenous vitamin C as a potential treatment for cancer. Many mechanisms of action for ascorbate efficacy against cancer have been proposed over the years. Cancer patients are often deficient in vitamin C, and require large doses to replenish depleted stores. It has been demonstrated in vitro and in animal studies that vitamin C is preferentially toxic to tumor cells at millimolar concentrations; moreover, pharmacokinetic data suggest that these concentrations are clinically achievable when ascorbate is administered intravenously. Data suggests that ascorbate may serve as a biological response modifier, affecting inflammation and angiogenesis as well as improving immune function parameters. While Phase II clinical trials using ascorbate in cancer therapy are under way, vitamin C is not subject to the regulations that synthetic drugs are and therefore has been used clinically for decades to treat cancer patients. This clinical experience suggests the therapy is safe, and may be effective in some instances. Attached to this article is the Riordan IVC Protocol, which details an intravenous vitamin C protocol that can be safely administered to cancer patients.Keywords: Cancer, inflammation, C-reactive protein, inflammatory cytokines, high-dose vitamin C
Comparison of the Amino Acid and Peptide Composition and Postprandial Response of Beef, Chicken, and Whey Protein Nutritional Preparations
Authors: Detzel Christopher , Petschow Bryon W. , Johnson Nicole , Weaver Eric M.
Published: August 2018

Background: Increasing dietary protein intake synergistically improves the effect of exercise to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the plasma amino acid response of two novel protein nutritional preparations, beef protein isolate (BeefISOTM) and hydrolyzed chicken protein isolate (MyoCHXTM). Methods: The postprandial plasma amino acid response over 3 hours was monitored in young adults (n=6) following consumption of 23 grams of WPC, BeefISOTM, or MyoCHXTM. Amino acid compositional analysis and molecular weight distributions of each protein were performed by HPLC. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way or two-way ANOVA where appropriate and corrected for multiple comparisons to account for the cross-over design. Results: Compositional evaluations revealed similar levels of essential and branched-chain amino acids for WPC and MyoCHXTM. While the results of this study predictably demonstrated plasma amino acids levels increased following consumption of the different proteins, the kinetics of the postprandial response was unique to each protein source. WPC and MyoCHXTM were rapidly absorbed with maximum plasma amino acid concentrations observed at 30 and 15 min, respectively. The slightly faster absorption of MyoCHXTM was associated with the increased peptide content of MyoCHXTM (greater than 76% of protein is <2kDa). BeefISOTM exhibited sustained release characteristics as evidenced by increased post prandial amino acid concentrations after 3 hours. Conclusions: The protein preparations studied each had different amino acid profiles and absorption kinetics. WPC and MyoCHXTM contained a higher essential amino acid content and were rapidly absorbed with plasma amino acid concentrations peaking within 30 minutes following consumption. BeefISOTM contained a higher proportion of conditionally essential amino acids that steadily increased in plasma over 3 hours, indicating a sustained release profile for BeefISOTM. Each of these three protein preparations have been shown to facilitate similar improvements in body composition following a resistance-exercise training program. The paradoxical finding that proteins with varying composition, molecular weight, and digestibility can lead to similar effects on body composition suggests the need to evaluate proteins based on total nutritional potential rather than as a delivery vehicle for single amino acids.Key Words: Protein digestibility; amino acids; body composition; beef protein; chicken protein
Pomegranate (Punica granatum): a natural source for the development of therapeutic compositions of food supplements with anticancer activities based on electron acceptor molecular characteristics
Authors: Nicolson Garth L. , Veljkovic Veljko , Glisic Sanja , Perovic Vladimir , Veljkovic Nevena
Published: August 2018

Background: Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, in addition to clinical data, demonstrate that pomegranate juice can prevent or slow-down the progression of some types of cancers.  Despite the well-documented effect of pomegranate ingredients on neoplastic changes, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying this phenomenon remains elusive.Methods: For the study of pomegranate ingredients the electron-ion interaction potential (EIIP) and the average quasi valence number (AQVN) were used. These molecular descriptors can be used to describe the long-range intermolecular interactions in biological systems and can identify substances with strong electron-acceptor properties. In this study, candidate human proteins interacting with pomegranate flavonoids have been analyzed by the informational spectrum method (ISM). This represents a virtual spectroscopy method for studying protein molecular interactions.Results: Our analysis indicates that the anti-cancer properties of pomegranate juice can be ascribed to the strong electron-acceptor properties of its chemical ingredients. This analysis also suggests that pomegranate flavonoids inhibit the “NF-kappaB” (NF-kB) pathway, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cancer.Conclusion: The results offer a possible explanation for an important molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of pomegranate ingredients, which could also serve as a basis for the development of new therapeutic compositions of food supplements with pomegranate-like anticancer properties.Key words: cancer, pomegranate, flavonoids, food supplement, informational spectrum method