bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vale do Rio Doce: Fronteira, industrialização e colapso socioambiental
Authors: Espindola Haruf Salmen
Published: June 2016

O Vale do Rio Doce - VRD tem motivado investigações nas mais diversas áreas do conhecimento, por parte de pesquisadores nacionais e estrangeiros. O interesse é atraído pelas variadas imbricações de processos socioambientais, socioeconômicos, socioculturais e políticos. O VRD se manteve como fronteira aberta, até meados do século XX, quando, finalmente, acabou a disponibilidade de terras e se encerou a frente pioneira. Concomitante ao povoamento, ocupação econômica e formação dos núcleos urbanos, se implantou pela ação do Estado grandes projetos de investimento, particularmente nas áreas de siderurgia e mineração. Se para atores vinculados à modernização a fronteira era vista como depositária de recursos naturais, para as pessoas que chegavam com esperanças diversas a fronteira era uma terra prometida...Palavras chave: Minas Gerais; Vale do Rio Doce; Frente Pioneira; Frente de Expansão Demográfica; Grandes Investimentos de Capital.
A Capacidade do Estado Brasileiro em Eliminar a Endemia Hansênica
Authors: Maciel Roseli Martins Tristão
Published: June 2016

O presente artigo procura analisar a capacidade do Estado para solucionar a condição endêmica da hanseníase no Brasil, considerando essa instituição, não como uma entidade isolada e autônoma, mas como protagonista do processo decisório de políticas públicas que recebe influências diversas, dentre as quais, de seus próprios órgãos e de sua trajetória histórica. O objetivo é identificar e compreender algumas das razões pelas quais a hanseníase permanece uma endemia no país, mesmo sendo uma doença curável com o uso de algumas poucas cartelas de medicamento que é distribuído gratuitamente pelo SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde). O estudo fundamenta-se nas concepções de capacidade do Estado em sua relação com as políticas públicas nas perspectivas de autores institucionalistas.Palavras chave: Capacidade do Estado; Hanseníase; Endemia.
Sustentabilidad Ambiental de los Municipios: el caso de Ecuador
Authors: Robles Daniela Carrión , Benavides Diana Bravo
Published: June 2016

Este trabajo pretende la generación de un Índice de Sustentabilidad Ambiental de los 221 Municipios del Ecuador que permita evaluarla gestión ambiental. La metodología de estudio consistió en proponer un modelo sistémico que involucra los aspectos ambientales, económicos, sociales e institucionales, para lo cual se ha seleccionado 69 variables del Censo de Información Ambiental desagregada a nivel de cantones elaborado por el Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos del Ecuador (2012). Los resultados evidencian que en Ecuador la gestión ambiental de los Municipios es media, considera limitada para alcanzar la sustentabilidad, lo que implica una escasez de monitoreo de los planes y programas ambientales y compromiso por parte de los Municipios.Palavras chave: Índice de Sustentabilidad Ambiental; Indicadores Económicos; Indicadores Sociales; Indicadores Ambientales; Sector Público.
Turismo em Festejos Populares: o caso da Festa do Divino Espírito Santo de Pirenópolis - GO
Authors: Miranda Ronypeterson Morais , Silva Ademir Luiz da
Published: June 2016

A Festa do Divino Espírito Santo em Pirenópolis-Goiás vem recebendo grande número de pesquisadores e turistas. Logo, o presente artigo é uma releitura dos dados obtidos a partir de formulários aplicados com turistas durante os festejos em louvor ao Divino Espírito Santo em Pirenópolis-Go nos anos de 2010 e 2013, visando de forma sucinta expor o perfil e a visão que esse turista tem frente a esse festejo popular. Os dados aqui expostos resultam do esforço dos integrantes do Grupo de Pesquisa Canela D’Ema, vinculado à Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Câmpus Pirenópolis no Projeto de Iniciação Científica: Pesquisa em Demanda Turística em Pirenópolis: análise de dados, desenvolvido pela Professora Dra. Tereza Caroline Lôbo e seus orientandos.Palavras chave: Turismo; Cultura; Festa do Divino; Pirenópolis.
GOIÂNIA: “Flor Miraculosa do Estado Novo”
Authors: Jeronimo Marilena Julimar Aparecida Fernandes
Published: June 2016

O presente texto tem como objetivo discutir o processo de transferência da capital do Estado de Goiás para Goiânia como uma atitude característica do Estado Novo e para tal será utilizado como fonte a Revista Oeste, que circulou entre os anos de 1942 e 1944 e também o livro Memórias de Pedro Ludovico Teixeira publicado em 1973.Palavras-chave: Goiás; Goiânia; Estado Novo; Pedro Ludovico Teixeira.
Integrated Biomarkers for Depression in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Critical Review
Authors: Wenzler Sofia , Knochel Christian , Balaban Ceylan , Kraft Dominik , Kopf Juliane , Alves Gilberto S. , Prvulovic David , Carvalho Andre F. , Oertel-Knochel Viola
Published: June 2016

Depression is a common neuropsychiatric manifestation among Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
patients. It may compromise everyday activities and lead to a faster cognitive decline as well as worse
quality of life. The identification of promising biomarkers may therefore help to timely initiate and
improve the treatment of preclinical and clinical states of AD, and to improve the long-term functional
outcome. In this narrative review, we report studies that investigated biomarkers for AD-related depression.
Genetic findings state AD-related depression as a rather complex, multifactorial trait with
relevant environmental and inherited contributors. However, one specific set of genes, the brain derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF), specifically the Val66Met polymorphism, may play a crucial role in
AD-related depression. Regarding neuroimaging markers, the most promising findings reveal structural
impairments in the cortico-subcortical networks that are related to affect regulation and reward /
aversion control. Functional imaging studies reveal abnormalities in predominantly frontal and temporal
regions. Furthermore, CSF based biomarkers are seen as potentially promising for the diagnostic
process showing abnormalities in metabolic pathways that contribute to AD-related depression. However,
there is a need for standardization of methodological issues and for replication of current evidence
with larger cohorts and prospective studies.
Randomized Crossover Comparison of Personalized MPC and PID Control Algorithms for the Artificial Pancreas
Authors: Pinsker Jordan E. , Lee Joon Bok , Dassau Eyal , Seborg Dale E. , Bradley Paige K. , Gondhalekar Ravi , Bevier Wendy C. , Huyett Lauren , Zisser Howard C. , Doyle Francis J.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate two widely used control algorithms for an artificial pancreas (AP) under nonideal but comparable clinical conditions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

After a pilot safety and feasibility study (n = 10), closed-loop control (CLC) was evaluated in a randomized, crossover trial of 20 additional adults with type 1 diabetes. Personalized model predictive control (MPC) and proportional integral derivative (PID) algorithms were compared in supervised 27.5-h CLC sessions. Challenges included overnight control after a 65-g dinner, response to a 50-g breakfast, and response to an unannounced 65-g lunch. Boluses of announced dinner and breakfast meals were given at mealtime. The primary outcome was time in glucose range 70–180 mg/dL.

RESULTS

Mean time in range 70–180 mg/dL was greater for MPC than for PID (74.4 vs. 63.7%, P = 0.020). Mean glucose was also lower for MPC than PID during the entire trial duration (138 vs. 160 mg/dL, P = 0.012) and 5 h after the unannounced 65-g meal (181 vs. 220 mg/dL, P = 0.019). There was no significant difference in time with glucose <70 mg/dL throughout the trial period.

CONCLUSIONS

This first comprehensive study to compare MPC and PID control for the AP indicates that MPC performed particularly well, achieving nearly 75% time in the target range, including the unannounced meal. Although both forms of CLC provided safe and effective glucose management, MPC performed as well or better than PID in all metrics.
Persistent Effects of Intensive Glycemic Control on Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Follow-On Study
Authors:   The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Follow-On (ACCORDION) Eye Study Group and the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Follow-On (ACCORDION) Study Group
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated whether the beneficial effects of intensive glycemic control and fenofibrate treatment of dyslipidemia in reducing retinopathy progression demonstrated in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Eye Study persisted beyond the clinical trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The ACCORD Study (2003–2009) randomized participants with type 2 diabetes to intensive or standard treatment for glycemia (A1C level at <6.0% [42 mmol/mol] vs. 7.0–7.9% [53–63 mmol/mol]), systolic blood pressure (<120 vs. 140 mmHg), and dyslipidemia (fenofibrate [160 mg] plus simvastatin or placebo plus simvastatin). ACCORD Eye Study participants, who had baseline and year 4 eye examinations and fundus photographs, were reexamined in the ACCORD Follow-On (ACCORDION) Eye Study (2010–2014) 4 years after the ACCORD trial closeout. The outcome measure was diabetic retinopathy progression of three or more steps on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale.

RESULTS

Diabetic retinopathy progressed in 5.8% with intensive glycemic treatment versus 12.7% with standard (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.42, 95% CI 0.28–0.63, P < 0.0001), 7.5% with intensive blood pressure treatment versus 6.0% for standard (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 0.61–2.40, P = 0.59), and 11.8% with fenofibrate versus 10.2% with placebo (aOR 1.13, 95% CI 0.71–1.79, P = 0.60) in ACCORDION Eye participants (n = 1,310).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior intensive glycemic control continued to reduce diabetic retinopathy progression, despite similar A1C levels, when the ACCORD Study ended. This is the first study in people with type 2 diabetes of 10 years’ duration and established cardiovascular disease, unlike the newly diagnosed participants of the UK Prospective Diabetes Study, to demonstrate this effect. The benefit of fenofibrate, however, did not persist. Intensive blood pressure control had no effect.
Interval prevalence of and factors associated with colic in horses hospitalized for ocular or orthopedic disease
Authors: Scherrer Nicole M. , Lassaline Mary , Richardson Dean W. , Stefanovski Darko
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine interval (1-year) prevalence of and factors associated with colic in horses hospitalized for ocular or orthopedic disease.

DESIGN Cross-sectional study.

ANIMALS 105 horses with ocular disease and 197 horses with orthopedic disease admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012.

PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed to determine whether colic (abnormal behavior prompting abdominal palpation per rectum or nasogastric intubation) was observed during hospitalization. Data were collected on putative risk factors for colic, including reason for admission, signalment, and medical or surgical interventions received.

RESULTS No significant difference in interval prevalence of colic was identified between horses with ocular disease (8/105 [8%]) or orthopedic disease (9/197 [5%]). However, horses with ocular disease differed significantly from other horses in median age (10 vs 3 years, respectively); proportions of sexually intact males (3% vs 30%), Thoroughbreds (28% vs 62%), and those receiving general anesthesia (65% vs 80%); and median duration of hospitalization (3 vs 2 days). For every 1 mg/kg increase in daily NSAID dose, the odds of colic increased by 98%. No difference between groups was identified in median duration of colic (1 day), hospitalization (7 vs 3 days), or systemic NSAID administration (7 vs 5 days). Colic in both groups resolved with medical management for all but 1 horse with ocular disease.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Horses hospitalized for ocular disease were at no greater odds for colic than were horses hospitalized for orthopedic disease. Medical management of colic appeared adequate for most horses.
Knowledge and Use of, and Attitudes toward, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in Practice: A Survey of Ontario Physiotherapists
Authors: Green Maggie , Norman Kathleen E.
Published: June 2016

Purpose: To investigate Ontario physiotherapists' knowledge and use of, and attitudes toward, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to identify whether there is a need for physiotherapists to receive education specific to NSAIDs. Method: An existing survey instrument was modified and tested by five Ontario physiotherapists. The final version was distributed electronically to approximately 4,400 Ontario Physiotherapy Association members as a self-administered online questionnaire. Results: A total of 294 physiotherapists responded to the survey (response rate=6.7%). Respondents demonstrated variability in their knowledge of NSAID contraindications, side effects, and drug interactions. Most respondents (62.6%) were incorrect or unsure about where and how to obtain most NSAIDs, and most demonstrated incorrect or uncertain knowledge of the relevant legislation. Despite this lack of knowledge, 50% of respondents recommend NSAIDs to their patients. Conclusions: Many Ontario physiotherapists who participated in this survey recommend NSAIDs to their patients despite having a variable understanding of the legislation and medication-related factors. A lack of thorough knowledge of risks and contraindications has implications for patient safety. Physiotherapists who incorporate medications into their practice should access comprehensive information on appropriate NSAID use and should inform themselves about legislative restrictions to ensure that associated treatment is provided in a manner that is evidence based, safe, and in keeping with regulatory boundaries.
Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy around the Clock: Experience at a University Hospital
Authors: Devroey Marianne , Buyse Catherine , Norrenberg Michelle , Ros Anne-Marie , Vincent Jean-Louis
Published: June 2016

Purpose: To document and describe the use of a hospital-wide, 24-hour cardiorespiratory physiotherapy service run by an intensive care unit (ICU) team of physiotherapists. Methods: We prospectively collected data on all non-ICU hospital patients who used the 24-hours-per-day cardiorespiratory physiotherapy service over a 1-year period between July 2013 and June 2014. The ICU physiotherapists documented the reason, origin of referral, time of call, and type and frequency of treatment of each patient. Results: Over the 1-year period, the ICU physiotherapists administered 2,192 out-of-hours cardiorespiratory physiotherapy treatments (n=685 patients) outside the ICU. Most referrals originated from the emergency department (25%), the cardiopulmonary transplant unit (20%), and the pulmonology department (16%). Referrals were from a physiotherapist in 49% of cases, from a nurse in 32%, and from a physician in 19%. Of these, 89% were made between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and sputum retention was the most frequent reason (86%). Conclusion: Although proving its cost effectiveness is difficult, organizing a 24-hours-per-day, 7-days-per-week cardiorespiratory physiotherapy service in a large hospital is feasible.
CFD analysis on mixing effects of spacer grids with different dimples and sizes for advanced fuel assemblies
Authors: Yang B. W. , Zhang H. , Han B. , Zha Y. D. , Shan J. Q.
Published: June 2016

The thermal hydraulic characteristics of a mixing vane grid are largely dependent on the structure of key components, such as strip, spring, dimple, weld nugget, as well as the mixing vane configuration. In this paper, several types of spacer grids with different dimple shapes are modeled under subcooled boiling conditions. Prior to the application of CFD on the dimple shape analysis, the mixing effects of spacer grids were studied. After the dimple shape analysis, the side channel effect is discussed by comparing the simulation results of a 3 × 3 and a 5 × 5 spacer grid. The two phase flow CFD models in this study are validated through simple geometry showing that the calculated void fraction is in good agreement with the experimental data. The dimple comparison result shows that varying dimple structures can result in different temperatures, lateral velocities and void fraction distributions downstream of the spacer grids. Comparison of two sizes of spacer grids demonstrate that the side channel generates different flow distribution pattern in the center channel.
Numerical investigation on the characteristics of two-phase flow in fuel assemblies with spacer grid
Authors: Chen D. , Yang Z. , Zhong Y. , Xiao Y. , Hu L.
Published: June 2016

In pressurized water reactors (PWRs), the spacer grids of the fuel assembly has significant impact on the thermal-hydraulic performance of the fuel assembly. Particularly, the spacer grids with the mixing vanes can dramatically enhance the secondary flow and have significant effect on the void distribution in the fuel assembly. In this paper, the CFD study has been carried out to analyze the effects of the spacer grid with the steel contacts, dimples and mixing vanes on the boiling two-phase flow characteristics, such as the two-phase flow field, the void distribution, and so on. Considered the influence of the boiling phase change on two-phase flow, a boiling model was proposed and applied in the CFD simulation by using the UDF (User Defined Function) method. Furthermore, in order to analyze the effects of the spacer grid with mixing vanes, the adiabatic (without boiling) two-phase flow has also been investigated as comparison with the boiling two-phase flow in the fuel assembly with spacer grids. The CFD simulation on two-phase flow in the fuel assembly with the proposed boiling model can predict the characteristics of two-phase flow better.
CFD evaluation on the thermohydraulic characteristics of tube support plates in steam generator
Authors: Zhang B. , Zhang H. , Han B. , Yang B. W. , Mo S. J. , Ren H. B. , Qin J. M. , Zuo C. P.
Published: June 2016

The integrity and thermal hydraulic characteristics of steam generator are of great concern in the nuclear industry. The tube support plates (TSP), one of the most important components of the steam generator, not only support the heat transfer tubes, but also affect the flow dynamic and thermal hydraulic characteristics of the secondary-side flow inside the steam generator. Different working conditions, ranging from single-phase adiabatic condition to two-phase high-void boiling condition, are simulated and analyzed. Calculated void fraction, under simple geometry, agrees well with the experiment data whilst the simulated heat transfer coefficient is tremendously close to the empirical correlation. Temperature, void fraction, and velocity distributions in different locations show reasonable distribution. The simulation results indicate that TSP can enhance the heat transfer in the secondary side of the steam generator. On the top of TSP, with the increase in cross-section flow area, the back-flow phenomenon occurs, which might lead to the contamination of precipitation.
Review of the correlation developments and a new concept based on mixing mechanism for heat transfer enhancement of spacer grids
Authors: Mao H. , Yang B.-W. , Liu X.
Published: June 2016

Spacer grids could cause heat transfer enhancement both at the spacer grid regions and downstream of the spacer grids as a result of mixing promoted by the spacer grids in the rod bundle. This phenomenon has been demonstrated by many experiments, and several correlations have been developed based on these experimental data. This paper gives a review of the grid-enhanced heat transfer correlation developments in single phase flow. Following the exploration of the correlation development history, a predictive formulation of grid-enhanced heat transfer in single phase flow is established taking into account the effect of both swirl flow and crossflow. With emphasis on modeling of the mixing mechanism associated with the mixing vane grid, the new correlation could better reflect the physical process of the heat transfer augmentation, while a large number of experimental data are needed to determine the coefficients of the new correlation.
Cranberry proanthocyanidins modulate reactive oxygen species in Barrett’s and esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Weh Katherine M. , Aiyer Harini S. , Howell Amy B. , Kresty Laura A.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: We recently reported that a cranberry proanthocyanidin rich extract (C-PAC) induces autophagic cell death in apoptotic resistant esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) cells and necrosis in autophagy resistant cells. EAC is characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates supporting development of improved preventive interventions.

OBJECTIVE: The current investigation sought to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the context of C-PAC induced cell death.

METHODS: A panel of human esophageal cell lines of EAC or BE (Barrett’s esophagus) origin were treated with C-PAC and assessed for ROS modulation using CellROX® Green reagent and the Amplex Red assay to specifically measure hydrogen peroxide levels.

RESULTS: C-PAC significantly increased ROS levels in EAC cells, but significantly reduced ROS levels in CP-C BE cells. Increased hydrogen peroxide levels were also detected in C-PAC treated EAC cells and supernatant; however, hydrogen peroxide levels were significantly increased in medium alone, without cells, suggesting that C-PAC interferes or directly acts on the substrate. Hydrogen peroxide levels did not change in C-PAC treated CP-C BE cells.

CONCLUSION: These experiments provide additional mechanistic insight regarding C-PAC induced cancer cell death through modulation of ROS. Additional research is warranted to identify specific ROS species associated with C-PAC exposure.
Bioavailability of wild blueberry (poly)phenols at different levels of intake
Authors: Rodriguez-Mateos Ana , Feliciano Rodrigo P. , Cifuentes-Gomez Tania , Spencer Jeremy P.E.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: Data from human intervention studies have highlighted potential cardiovascular benefits of blueberry (poly)phenols. However, such biological effects are dependent on their bioavailability and, as such, information on the absorption, metabolism and excretion of such compounds is necessary.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the bioavailability of blueberry (poly)phenols is intake-dependent, a group of nine healthy volunteers consumed three wild blueberry drinks containing 766 mg (lower), 1278 mg (medium) and 1791 mg (higher) total (poly)phenols, corresponding to 34, 56 and 80 g, respectively, freeze-dried blueberry powder.

METHODS: Plasma levels of (poly)phenol metabolites were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours post-consumption, using UPLC-Q-TOF mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: Twenty-three phenolic acid metabolites were quantified in plasma after blueberry consumption. Increases in plasma (poly)phenol metabolites were observed in all the interventions tested. The area under the curve of the concentration over time (AUC) significantly increased when comparing the lower and higher (poly)phenol interventions. Linear dose-response regressions were obtained for 11 metabolites, while the plasma concentration of the remaining 12 metabolites was not affected by increasing amounts of (poly)phenols in the blueberry interventions.

CONCLUSION: Absorption and metabolism of blueberry (poly)phenols are not exclusively intake-dependent at the amounts tested, evidencing a complex metabolic fate of these compounds.
Effect of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) oligosaccharides on the formation of advanced glycation end-products
Authors: Sun Jiadong , Liu Weixi , Ma Hang , Marais Jannie P. J. , Khoo Christina , Dain Joel A. , Rowley David C. , Seeram Navindra P.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: The formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are implicated in several chronic human illnesses including type-2 diabetes, renal failure, and neurodegenerative diseases. The cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) fruit has been previously reported to show anti-AGEs effects, attributed primarily to its phenolic constituents. However, there is lack of similar data on the non-phenolic constituents found in the cranberry fruit, in particular, its carbohydrate constituents. Herein, a chemically characterized oligosaccharide-enriched fraction purified from the cranberry fruit was evaluated for its potential anti-AGEs and free radical scavenging effects.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anti-AGEs and free radical scavenging effects of a chemically characterized oligosaccharide-enriched fraction purified from the North American cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) fruit.

METHOD: The cranberry oligosaccharide-enriched fraction was purified from cranberry hull powder and characterized based on spectroscopic and spectrometric (NMR, MALDI-TOF-MS, and HPAEC-PAD) data. The oligosaccharide-enriched fraction was evaluated for its anti-AGEs and free radical scavenging effects by the bovine serum albumin-fructose, and DPPH assays, respectively.

RESULTS: Fractionation of cranberry hull material yielded an oligosaccharide-enriched fraction named Cranf1b-CL. The 1H NMR and MALDI-TOF-MS revealed that Cranf1b-CL consists of oligosaccharides ranging primarily from 6-mers to 9-mers. The monosaccharide composition of Cranf1b-CL was arabinose (25%), galactose (5%), glucose (47%) and xylose (23%). In the bovine serum albumin-fructose assay, Cranf1b-CL inhibited AGEs formation in a concentration-dependent manner with comparable activity to the synthetic antiglycating agent, aminoguanidine, used as the positive control (57 vs. 75%; both at 500μg/mL). In the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, Cranf1b-CL showed superior activity to the synthetic commercial antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene, used as the positive control (IC50 = 680 vs. 2200μg/mL, respectively).

CONCLUSION: The in vitro anti-AGEs and free radical scavenging effects of cranberry oligosaccharides support previous data suggesting that these constituents may also contribute to biological effects of the whole fruit beyond its phenolic constituents alone. Also, this is the first study to evaluate a chemically characterized oligosaccharide fraction purified from the North American cranberry fruit for anti-AGEs and free radical scavenging properties.
Ascorbic acid-catalyzed degradation of cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside: Proposed mechanism and identification of a novel hydroxylated product
Authors: Stebbins Nathan B. , Howard Luke R. , Prior Ronald L. , Brownmiller Cindi , Liyanage Rohana , Lay Jackson O. , Yang Xiaoyu , Qian Steven Y.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: Many brightly colored fruits and vegetables owe their pigmentation and beneficial health effects to anthocyanins. Unfortunately, anthocyanins in the presence of ascorbic acid are readily degraded over juice processing and storage, which adversely affects color stability and potential health benefits.

OBJECTIVE: This project focused on the effect of ascorbic acid as a catalyst in anthocyanin degradation.

METHODS: The project involved searching for novel pigmented compounds in a simple model system composed of the most common anthocyanin cyanidin-3- O-β-glucoside and ascorbic acid, and a second model system consisting of blackberry extract supplemented with ascorbic acid. Degradation products were identified by HPLC-PDA and HPLC-MS. ESR was used to monitor hydroxyl radical formation in the model systems.

RESULTS: Over 72 hours at ambient temperature, 67% of cyanidin-3- O-β-glucoside was lost in the model system during which time an unknown pigmented compound was formed. The unknown compound was also formed in a more complex model system consisting of blackberry extract and ascorbic acid. HPLC with PDA monitoring at 510 nm was used to detect a novel compound and HPLC-ESI-MS3 allowed a proposed structure to be built based on the fragmentation patterns. The unknown structure formed via oxidation of cyanidin 3- O-β-glucoside by ascorbic acid was identified as 6-hydroxy-cyanidin-3- O-β-glucoside. The mechanism was substantiated with malvidin-3- O-β-glucoside and ascorbic acid, which produced a hydroxylated malvidin-3- O-β- glucoside. Production of hydroxyl radical in the base and blackberry model systems was confirmed by ESR.

CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the pigmented compound is formed from hydroxyl radicals via the Haber-Weiss reaction. The addition of food grade hydroxyl radical scavengers to juices may be a viable treatment to prevent ascorbic acid-catalyzed degradation of anthocyanins.
Improved stability of blueberry juice anthocyanins by acidification and refrigeration
Authors: Howard Luke R. , Brownmiller Cindi , Mauromoustakos Andy , Prior Ronald L.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: Blueberry anthocyanins are susceptible to degradation during juice processing and storage of juice at ambient temperature. Methods are needed to stabilize the health-promoting anthocyanins in blueberry and other anthocyanin-rich berry juices.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we determined the effect of acidification (pH 2.1, 2.5 and 2.9) of blueberry juice on changes in anthocyanins and percent polymeric color in response to juice processing and during eight months of storage at ambient and refrigerated temperatures.

METHODS: Three subsamples of non-pasteurized blueberry juice were adjusted to three pH levels: 2.9 (control, no pH adjustment), 2.5, and 2.1. After pH adjustment, juices were pasteurized and placed in storage at 4 and 25°C. Samples were analyzed before (non-pasteurized) and after pasteurization, and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 months of storage at each temperature (4 and 25°C) for anthocyanin composition by HPLC and percent polymeric color.

RESULTS: Blueberry juice acidified to pH 2.1 retained higher levels of total anthocyanins and had lower percent polymeric color values than juice acidified to pH 2.5 and control juice (pH 2.9) following pasteurization. Anthocyanin arabinosides were more susceptible to thermal degradation than glucosides, galactosides and acetylated derivatives. Levels of total anthocyanins declined markedly over 8 months of storage, but juices stored at 4°C had on average 56% higher levels of total anthocyanins than juices stored at 25°C. Juice acidified to pH 2.1 had on average 12% and 26% higher levels of total anthocyanins than pH 2.5 and control juices, respectively. After 8 months of storage, juice acidified to pH 2.1 had 11 and 22% higher levels of total anthocyanins than pH 2.5 and control juices stored at 4°C, and 26% and 59% higher levels of total anthocyanins than pH 2.5 and control juices stored at 25°C. Acetylated derivatives were more prone to losses during storage than glycosides, especially in acidified juices.

CONCLUSIONS: Acidification of blueberry juice coupled with refrigerated storage are effective treatments to retain health-promoting anthocyanins.
Anti-diabetic actions of Berry polyphenols – Review on proposed mechanisms of action
Authors: Edirisinghe Indika , Burton-Freeman Britt
Published: June 2016

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has reached near-epidemic proportions in the Western world with other parts of the world following close behind. Glycemic control is paramount in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and T2DM. Berries may beneficially influence glycemic control through the action of their polyphenolic components. While clinical studies on the anti-diabetic effects of berry polyphenols are limited, epidemiological data have indicated favorable effects of berry/anthocyanins intake on development and/or management of T2DM. Furthermore, data derived from in vivo animal studies and in vitro cell culture models are promising. Various molecular targets and modulation of cell signaling pathways in pancreatic β-cells, hepatocytes, adipocytes, and skeletal muscle cells are among the proposed mechanisms for berry polyphenols and their metabolites’ action. Berry polyphenols may exert anti-diabetic effects by (i) enhancing insulin production and reducing apoptosis and promoting proliferation of pancreatic β-cells, (ii) regulating glucose metabolism by interfering with absorption or by increasing peripheral tissue glucose uptake through insulin receptor-dependent or independent mechanisms via modification of oxidative stress, inflammation or perceived energy status of cell. This mini review discusses recent findings from our laboratory and other studies on the anti-diabetic effects of berry polyphenolic compounds with special emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of berry polyphenol compounds.
Advances in berry research: The sixth Biennial Berry Health Benefits Symposium
Authors: Seeram Navindra P. , Shukitt-Hale Barbara
Published: June 2016

Studies to advance the potential health benefits of berries continue to increase as was evident at the sixth biennial meeting of the Berry Health Benefits Symposium (BHBS). The two and a half-day symposium was held on October 13–15, 2015, in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. The 2015 BHBS featured new and emerging research further bolstering the positive biological effects of berry consumption on human health, performance, and disease prevention. The papers presented at the 2015 BHBS consisted of invited papers from an international group of leading berry researchers, as well as poster abstracts. Oral sessions were organized around themes including heart health, cancer prevention, gut health/gut microflora, brain aging, metabolism, and berry compositional chemistry. These thematic health areas, while not exhaustive, encompass the more prominent research success stories on berries, the vast majority of which are backed by published animal and human studies. Similar to the past meetings, the research findings at the 2015 BHBS primarily focused on blackberries, blueberries, black raspberries, cranberries, red raspberries, and strawberries. However, research on other berry fruits, including chokeberry (aronia berry), cloudberry, blue honeysuckle berry, bilberry, jamun berry, and elderberry, was also featured as was data on major classes of berry polyphenols/phytochemicals including anthocyanins and other flavonoids and their in vivo derived metabolites. The BHBS continues to be a leading forum for interactions between scientists and berry industry stakeholders. The cluster of papers in this issue represents a snapshot of presentations at the 2015 BHBS which support the positive biological effects of berries on human health and diseases.
Genetic diversity of muskmelon using multivariate technique
Authors: Rahman S , Miah MAK , Rahman H
Published: June 2016

An experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Plant Genetic Resources Centre (PGRC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur in 2011 to estimate genetic diversity through multivariate technique. Based on multivariate analysis and application of covariance matrix for nonhierarchical clustering, 64 genotypes of muskmelon were grouped into six clusters to indicate the existence of considerable diversity among the genotypes. The cluster IV was consisted of single genotypes (BD2303). The highest number of genotypes possessed in Cluster I. The first principal axis largely accounted for the variation among the genotypes which alone contributed 25.65% of the variations. The highest inter genotypic distance (2.878) was observed between the genotypes BD2303 and BD2313 followed by the genotypes BD2303 and BD2314 (2.808).The highest intra cluster distance was computed for cluster III (0.839) followed by cluster I (0.751). Cluster VI showed the least intra cluster distance which indicated that the genotypes in this cluster were more or less homogeneous. The inter cluster distances were larger than the intra cluster distances suggesting wider genetic diversity among the genotypes of different clusters. Cluster mean pointed out the heavier fruit in cluster IV (2533.3g). The size of this cluster was also far different from all other clusters. Similarly, the highest total fruit weight per plant was found in cluster IV (13.5 kg) which was also far different from other clusters. So it revealed that genotypes of this cluster could be used for developing high yielding variety. Cluster VI showed the highest brix reading (5.6%). Therefore, the genotypes of this cluster could be used for the development of sweet muskmelon variety. Hybridization between the genotypes of cluster IV and those of cluster VI could develop high yielding sweet muskmelon variety(s).Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(2): 273-286, June 2016
Development of integrated pest management approaches against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in tomato
Authors: Rahman AKM Z , Haque MA , Alam SN , Begum K , Sarker D
Published: June 2016

Five IPM packages viz. T1=Pheromone trap @ 70 traps ha-1 + Neem seed kernel extract @ 50 g L-1 of water; T2=Pheromone trap + HaNPV @ 0.4 ml L-1 of water and Bt @ 2.0 g L-1 of water; T3=Pheromone trap + Neem seed kernel extract + HaNPV and Bt; T4=Pheromone trap + Trichogramma chillnis @ 50,000 ha-1 and Bracon hebetor @ 1200 ha-1; T5=Pheromone trap + Neem seed kernel extract + T. chilonis and B. hebetor were evaluated against H. armigera in tomato. The lowest fruit infestation by number (12.55%) was attained from T5 followed by T2 (15.49%). Significantly the lowest fruit infestation by weight was found in treatment T2 (10.60%) followed by T5 (11.73%). The highest yield was obtained from T5 (29.74 t ha-1) followed by T2 (26.77 t ha-1). The highest marginal benefit cost ratio was achieved from T2 (3.41) followed by T5 (3.35). Hence, considering benefit cost ratio, T2 and T5 packages may be the effective tools for managing H. armigera in tomato.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(2): 287-296, June 2016
Study on combining ability and heterosis for earliness and short statured plant in maize
Authors: Hoque M , Akhter F , Kadir M , Begum HA , Ahmed S
Published: June 2016

An experiment was carried out in 6x6 diallel crosses for combining ability analysis for grain yield, maturity and growth parameters in maize. Analysis of variance for combining ability showed that mean square value due to GCA & SCA were highly significant for all characters except SCA in days to tasseling and days to maturity indicated that all but two traits were governed by both additive and non-additive gene action. Variances due to GCA were much higher in magnitude than SCA indicated additive gene effects were much more important for all characters except cob length, thousand grain weight and ear height. The Parent P5 was the best general combiner for yield and most of the yield contributing characters. The Parent P1 & P2 were best general combiner for both dwarf and earliness. The crosses showing significant SCA effects for yield involving average x average, average x low and low x low general combining parents. The crosses P3xP6 & P4xP5 showed either significantly or numerically higher heterosis than checks BHM-5, BHM- 7 & BHM-9 for yield.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(2): 365-376, June 2016
Some parametric effects on fermentation of Cyperus esculentus using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ibrahim H , Atolaiye BO , Aremu MO
Published: June 2016

The fermentation of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus var. sativus) using Saccharomyces cereviseae was carried out under varying temperature: 25oC, 30oC, 35oC, 40oC, 45oC and 50oC respectively and pH of 4.0 which changes due to temperature. The fermentation time was 8 hours for all the temperatures. The effect of temperature on the rate of fermentation of juice from tiger nut was determined using the volume of carbon dioxide produced. Fermentation rate was observed to be highest at 40oC while the pH before and after fermentation were 4.10 - 4.29 and 3.60 - 3.67 respectively. The concentrations of ethanol produced were 13.35 g/L, 27.45 g/L, 31.16 g/L, 36.35 g/L, 33.39 g/L and 28.94 g/L at 25 oC, 30oC, 35oC, 40oC, 45oC and 50oC respectively.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 51(2), 89-94, 2016
John Keats and Indian Medicine
Authors: Hessell Nikki
Published: June 2016

John Keats's medical studies at Guy's Hospital coincided with a boom in interest in both the traditional medicines of the sub-continent and the experiences of British doctors and patients in India. Despite extensive scholarship on the impact of Keats's medical knowledge on his poetry, little consideration has been given to Keats's exposure to Indian medicine. The poetry that followed his time at Guy's contains numerous references to the contemporary state of knowledge about India and its medical practices, both past and present. This essay focuses on Isabella and considers the major sources of information about Indian medicine in the Regency. It proposes that some of Keats's medical imagery might be read as a specific response to the debates about medicine in the sub-continent.
New Severn Watercolours from the Voyage to Italy with Keats
Authors: Scott Grant F.
Published: June 2016

The rediscovery of three of Joseph Severn's watercolours from his 1820 journey to Italy with Keats provides an important visual counterpart to his famous journal-letters. Together with a number of other sketches he made onboard the Maria Crowther, these works offer us a new perspective on the voyage. The watercolours form part of the Charles Lee Smith Papers at Wake Forest University, an archive that also contains other significant Keatsiana, including an inventory of Keats manuscripts and relics which were found in Severn's room after his death. The provenance of the watercolours lends us a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Lady Maureen Watson and her daughters as they flee the threat of Hitler's invasion and try to establish a new life in North Carolina.
Computational Assessment of Neural Probe and Brain Tissue Interface under Transient Motion
Authors: Polanco Michael , Bawab Sebastian , Yoon Hargsoon
Published: June 2016

The functional longevity of a neural probe is dependent upon its ability to minimize injury risk during the insertion and recording period in vivo, which could be related to motion-related strain between the probe and surrounding tissue. A series of finite element analyses was conducted to study the extent of the strain induced within the brain in an area around a neural probe. This study focuses on the transient behavior of neural probe and brain tissue interface with a viscoelastic model. Different stages of the interface from initial insertion of neural probe to full bonding of the probe by astro-glial sheath formation are simulated utilizing analytical tools to investigate the effects of relative motion between the neural probe and the brain while friction coefficients and kinematic frequencies are varied. The analyses can provide an in-depth look at the quantitative benefits behind using soft materials for neural probes.
Targeted Vaccination against Human α-Lactalbumin for Immunotherapy and Primary Immunoprevention of Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Tuohy Vincent , Jaini Ritika , Johnson Justin , Loya Matthew , Wilk Dennis , Downs-Kelly Erinn , Mazumder Suparna
Published: June 2016

We have proposed that safe and effective protection against the development of adult onset cancers may be achieved by vaccination against tissue-specific self-proteins that are “retired” from expression at immunogenic levels in normal tissues as we age, but are overexpressed in emerging tumors. α-Lactalbumin is an example of a “retired” self-protein because its expression in normal tissues is confined exclusively to the breast during late pregnancy and lactation, but is also expressed in the vast majority of human triple negative breast cancers (TNBC)—the most aggressive and lethal form of breast cancer and the predominant form that occurs in women at high genetic risk including those with mutated BRCA1 genes. In anticipation of upcoming clinical trials, here we provide preclinical data indicating that α-lactalbumin has the potential as a vaccine target for inducing safe and effective primary immunoprevention as well as immunotherapy against TNBC.
The Role of microRNAs in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Diab Maria , Muqbil Irfana , Mohammad Ramzi , Azmi Asfar , Philip Philip
Published: June 2016

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a very challenging malignancy. Disease is diagnosed in an advanced stage in the vast majority of patients, and PDAC cells are often resistant to conventional cytotoxic drugs. Targeted therapies have made no progress in the management of this disease, unlike other cancers. microRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of multitude number of genes by targeting their 3′-UTR mRNA region. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has been linked to the development of various malignancies, including PDAC. In PDAC, a series of miRs have been defined as holding promise for early diagnostics, as indicators of therapy resistance, and even as markers for therapeutic response in patients. In this mini-review, we present an update on the various different miRs that have been defined in PDAC biology.
The Influence of Transition Metals Addition on the Corrosion Resistance of Nanocrystalline Al Alloys Produced by Mechanical Alloying
Authors: Seikh Asiful , Baig Muneer , Ammar Hany , Alam Mohammed
Published: June 2016

The corrosion resistance of nanocrystalline Al, Al-10 wt. % Fe and Al-10 wt. % Fe-5 wt. % Cr alloys was investigated in 3.5% NaCl solution using cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The alloys were fabricated using mechanical alloying (MA) and heat induction sintering. When compared with the corrosion resistance of pure Al, the experimental results indicated that the addition of 10 wt. % Fe and 10 wt. % Fe-5 wt. % Cr to pure Al has resulted in an enhancement in the corrosion resistance of these newly fabricated alloys. The resistance to corrosion is due to enhanced microstructural stability along with the formation of stable oxide layer.
Interaction and Binding Modes of bis-Ruthenium(II) Complex to Synthetic DNAs
Authors: Barai Hasi , Lee Dong , Han Sung , Jang Yoon
Published: June 2016

[μ-(linker)L2(dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine)2(phenanthroline)2Ru(II)2]2+ with linker: 1,3-bis-(4-pyridyl)-propane, L: PF6 (bis-Ru-bpp) was synthesized and their binding properties to a various polynucleotides were investigated by spectroscopy, including normal absorption, circular dichroism(CD), linear dichroism(LD), and luminescence techniques in this study. On binding to polynucleotides, the bis-Ru-bpp complex with poly[d(A-T)2], and poly[d(I-C)2] exhibited a negative LDr signal whose intensity was as large as that in the DNA absorption region, followed by a complicated LDr signal in the metal-to-ligand charge transfer region. Also, the emission intensity and equilibrium constant of the bis-Ru-bpp complex with poly[d(A-T)2], and poly[d(I-C)2] were enhanced. It was reported that both of dppz ligand of the bis-Ru-bpp complex intercalated between DNA base-pairs when bound to native, mixed sequence DNA. Observed spectral properties resemble to those observed for poly[d(A-T)2] and poly[d(I-C)2], led us to be concluded that both dppz ligands intercalate between alternated AT and IC bases-pairs In contrast when bis-Ru-bpp complex was bound to poly[d(G-C)2], the magnitude of the LDr in the dppz absorption region, as well as the emission intensity, was half in comparison to that of bound to poly[d(A-T)2], and poly[d(I-C)2]. Therefore the spectral properties of the bis-Ru-bpp-poly[d(G-C)2] complex suggested deviation from bis-intercalation model in the poly[d(G-C)2] case. These results can be explained by a model whereby one of the dppz ligands is intercalated while the other is exposed to solvent or may exist near to phosphate. Also it is indicative that the amine group of guanine in the minor groove provides the steric hindrance for incoming intercalation binder and it also takes an important role in a difference in binding of bis-Ru-bpp bound to poly[d(A-T)2] and poly[d(I-C)2].