bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Wet Forest Biomass as both the Feedstock and Electricity Source for an Integrated Biochar Production System
Authors: Eggink Anthony , Palmer Kyle , Severy Mark , Carter Dave , Jacobson Arne
Published: February 2018

Abstract. A belt dryer and gasifier generator set were integrated into a biochar production plant to use process heat to dry biomass feedstock from forest residuals and to provide electric power to the plant using a side stream of dried biomass. Experiments were conducted to characterize the dryer throughput and drying capacity using process heat from a stack heat exchanger attached to the biochar machine flare. A matrix of tests was conducted at high and low flow rates for both the heat exchanger air flow rate (which varied the temperature and heat input to the dryer) and the residence time of feedstock in the belt dryer. Mean feedstock input moisture during dryer characterization was 45% and the mean moisture after exiting the dryer was 27%. The optimal test condition, providing the greatest water removal rate, was determined to have high air flow rate through the heat exchanger and short dryer residence time. This condition was used to demonstrate the integrated system for an 8-h production day. The integrated system dried incoming feedstock from 36% to 22% with a dryer throughput rate of 495 kg h-1 w.b. and an evaporation rate of 88.8 kg h-1, providing the necessary dry feedstock for the 20-kW gasifier generator set and the biochar machine, which produced 75 kg h-1 of biochar. This system required the operational effort of 0.92 labor hours per production hour. Results from this demonstration indicate that the integrated system provides key benefits in a biochar production operation including greater control of feedstock drying and the ability to operate without an external (non-biomass) source of fuel for electricity generation. Keywords: Biochar, Biomass, Biomass drying, Forest residuals, Gasification, Pyrolysis.
Strategies for Reducing Moisture Content in Forest Residues at the Harvest Site
Authors: Kizha Anil Raj , Han Han-Sup , Paulson Jeffrey , Koirala Anil
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The moisture content (MC) of biomass derived from forest residues can pose a challenge to biomass utilization. It plays a significant role in determining the cost of transportation and subsequent market price. Additionally, emerging biomass conversion technologies, such as gasification, torrefaction, and briquetting, have very narrow specifications for the MC (e.g., <15%) in their feedstocks. The goal of this study was to develop strategies for reducing moisture content by evaluating different arrangement patterns of forest residues and its effect on MC reduction at the harvest site. The study compared four different arrangement patterns including criss-cross, teepees, traditional piling (processor piled), and scattered residues in three different timber harvest units in northern California. Two of the arrangement patterns (criss-cross and processor piled) were also covered with a plastic cover. Samples were collected from each treatment using a transect method and were recorded for 12 months. There was an overall drop of MC from 52% (freshly cut) to 12% between all arrangements over the study period. The cost of construction per pile, averaged $37, $41, and $48 for teepees, criss-cross, and processor piles, respectively. Even though, there was no significant difference in MC reduction between piles (except scattered), each pile arrangement of forest residues directly affected biomass feedstock operations, logistics, and costs. Keywords: Feedstock quality, Logging slash, Transect sampling method, Woody biomass energy.
Encapsulated follicular thyroid tumors of uncertain malignant potential in the new international histological classification
Authors: Abrosimov Aleksandr Y.
Published: February 2018

В 2017 г. Международное агентство по изучению рака (МАИР) выпустило в свет новое 4-е издание классификации ВОЗ опухолей эндокринных органов. Как и в предыдущем издании 2004 г., в новой классификации значительное место уделено опухолям щитовидной железы (ЩЖ). Экспертами ВОЗ пересмотрены критерии злокачественности инкапсулированных фолликулярных опухолей с ядрами папиллярного типа. Ранее такие опухоли относили к злокачественным новообразованиям (фолликулярному варианту папиллярного рака), а в новой классификации они получили статус пограничных, или опухолей неопределенного злокачественного потенциала (НЗП). Известно, что оценка злокачественного потенциала фолликулярных новообразований невозможна на этапе дооперационной цитологической диагностики в связи с отсутствием надежных соответствующих признаков. Она затруднена и в 10% случаев фолликулярных опухолей ЩЖ на этапе послеоперационной гистологической диагностики в связи с отсутствием очевидных морфологических проявлений инвазии в собственную капсулу и/или сомнительными для папиллярного рака изменениями ядер опухолевых клеток. В настоящей статье представлены критерии диагностики неинвазивной фолликулярной опухоли ЩЖ с ядрами папиллярного типа, а также еще двух классификационных категорий фолликулярных опухолей НЗП, к которым в соответствии с новой классификацией относятся фолликулярные и высокодифференцированные опухоли ЩЖ НЗП. Особое внимание уделено диагностической значимости инвазивного роста опухоли как основному морфологическому проявлению злокачественности фолликулярных опухолей. В связи с изменившимися критериями морфологической диагностики в статье вынесены на обсуждение вопросы качества гистологической диагностики, которое должно быть неизменно высоким, и влияния изменившейся классификации на лечебную тактику в случаях инкапсулированных фолликулярных опухолей.
Overview of Iodine Deficiency Prevention Strategies in the South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region: 2009–2016
Authors: Gerasimov Gregory A. , Van der Haar Frits , Lazarus John H.
Published: February 2018

Стратегия всеобщего йодирования соли стала мощным импульсом для стран Юго-Восточной Европы и Центральной Азии за период с 2000 по 2009 г. К концу первого десятилетия несколько стран региона уже достигли оптимального потребления йода; другие страны стремительно двигались к достижению той же цели и лишь в нескольких странах прогресс в сторону всеобщего йодирования соли оставался обнадеживающим. В данной статье приводятся данные субрегиональных семинаров (для стран Восточной Европы, Центральной Азии и Юго-Восточной Европы), проведенных в 2015 и 2016 гг. Оба семинара демонстрируют стремление стран регионов Юго-Восточной Европы и Центральной Азии к устойчивому устранению йодного дефицита. Несмотря на определенные недостатки, данные, полученные от стран региона, не предполагают каких-либо серьезных препятствий на пути к победе над йодным дефицитом. Тем не менее, России и Украине необходимо приложить больше усилий для развития и рационализации стратегии всеобщего йодирования соли, так как именно эти страны находятся в списке отстающих в данном вопросе.
Synthesis and vibrational spectral (FT-IR, FT-Raman) studies, NLO properties & NBO analysis of (E)-N'(thiophen-2yl methylene)isonicotinohydrazide using quantum chemical method
Authors: A Nathiya , H Saleem , Bharani Bharanidharan , M Suresh
Published: February 2018

FT-IR (4000-400 cm-1) and FT-Raman (3500-50 cm-1) spectra of (E)-N'(thiophen-2yl methylene)isonicotinohydrazide (TMINH) molecule was recorded in solid phase. The optimized geometry was calculated by B3LYP method with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The harmonic vibrational frequencies, infrared (IR) intensities and Raman scattering activities of the title compound were performed at same level of theory. The complete vibrational assignments were performed on the basis of the Total energy distribution (TED) of the vibrational modes, calculated with scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method. The calculated first hyperpolarizability may be attractive for further studies on non-linear optical (NLO) properties of material. Stability of the molecule arising from hyperconjugative interaction and charge delocalization was analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. Highest occupied molecular orbital-Lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) energy gap explains the eventual charge transfer interactions taking place within the title molecule. A study on the electronic properties, such as excitation energies and wavelengths, were performed by time-dependent (TD-DFT) approach. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) provides the information on the electrophilic, nucleophilic and free radical prone reactive sites of the molecule. The thermodynamic properties such as heat capacity, entropy and enthalpy of the title compound were calculated at different temperatures in gas phase. 1H and 13C-NMR chemical shifts of the molecule were calculated using Gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) method.To establish information about the interactions between human cytochrome protein and this novel compound theoretically, docking studies were carried out using SchrÃ¶dinger software.
The Influence of DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenz-[a]anthracene) Regimen In The Development of Mammae Carcinogénesis on Sprague Dawley Female Rat
Authors: Wibowo Agung Eru , Sriningsih Sriningsih , Wuyung Puspita Eka , Ranasasmita Raafqi
Published: February 2018

There are many methods for development of mammae cancer animal model, one of which is chemical induction using carcinogenic agent, DMBA. This research aimed to explore the influence of dose and time regimens of DMBA on development of mammae carcinogenesis on Sprague dawley female rats. The first study was 50 rats treated with 20 mg/kg bw of DMBA orally for eleven times at twice a week. Morphological evaluations were conducted with mammae palpation for 15 weeks and then all of rats were sacrificed for collecting mammae organs for histological analysis using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The results showed that the first and the latest nodules appeared at the fourth-week and the fourteenth-week after ending DMBA induction, respectively, in which the most often nodule appearances were at the seventh-week. The number of nodule incidence and multiplicity were by 74% and 2 noduls/rat, respectively. Histological analysis of mammae glands determined that they fell under in Ductal Carcinoma Invasive (DCIV) category. The second study was 25 rats gavaged orally with DMBA at dose 20 mg/kg bw for five times every three days. After palpating for 15 weeks, the results showed that no nodule was observed but the histological analysis demonstrated developing of mammae gland carcinogenesis reaching about 60% Ductal Carcinoma Insitu (DCIS) and 40% Ductal Carcinoma Invasive (DCIV) stages. Based on the results of this study can be concluded that the dose and frequency of DMBA will affect the successful development of mammary gland carcinogenesis. In DMBA induction with low frequency, no data showed the incidence and multiplicity of tumor, but histopathologic level carcinogenesis can be distinguished. In DMBA induction with high frequency, incidence and multiplicity of tumor data can be obtained but can not be distinguished histopathologically.Keywords: DMBA, doses, carcinogenesis, mammae, histopatology
Chemopreventive Efficacy of Ginger Extract (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Harliansyah Harliansyah , Zurinah W.N. Wan , Anum M.Y. Yasmin , Azian M. Noor
Published: February 2018

The liver cells were cultured in the presence of ginger extract at various concentrations (0-1 mg /ml) for 24 h and the cells viability and proliferation rate were evaluated by MTS and BrdU assays, while apoptosis was evaluated by colorimetric determination of caspase 8 and 3 activities. Ginger extract exhibited a dose dependent inhibition of viability and proliferation of WRL-68, HLE and HepG2 cells with IC50 of 569.69 ± 7.99 µg/ml, 389.71 ± 26.56 µg/ml and 358.71 ± 17.12 µg/ml respectively. Ginger extract induced apoptosis through activation of caspase-8 and 3 in a dose dependent pattern for all cells at concentration ranging from 0-500 mg/ml.  We found that antiproliferative effect of ginger extract could be associated with induction of apoptosis as shown by increased activities of caspase 8 and 3.The results from this study suggest that ginger extract has chemopreventive properties against hepatoma cells HepG2 and HLE by inhibiting cellular proliferation and inducing apoptosis.Keywords : antiproliferation, apoptosis, caspases, Zingiber officinale
Taraxacum officinale Leaves Ethanolic Extract as Immunostimulatory Agent For Reducing Side Effect of Doxorubicin in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Kasianningsih Sri , Rivanti Erlina , Pratama Ratih Hardika , Pratama Nanda Resa , Ikawati Muthi' , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Doxorubicin as chemotherapeutic agent causes immunosuppresive. The aim for this study to determine the effect of ethanolic extract of Taraxacum oficinale (ETO) in immunity system of Sprague Dawley rat that induced by doxorubicin to observe the profile of immunity cells. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups each groups contain five rats: control doxorubicin group, doxorubicin dose 4,67 mg/kgBW+ ETO dose 1000 mg/kgBW, doxorubicin dose 4,67 mg/kgBW+ ETO dose 500 mg/kgBW, control extract group, and without treatment. Then the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils were analyzed by hematology analyzer, whereas CD8+ T lymphocytes by flowcytometry. Results showed groups of doxorubicin combined with ETO dose 1000 mg/kgBW and 500 mg/kgBW increased the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils,  cytotoxic CD8 + T cells T cells compared to control doxorubicin group. These data presents that etanolic extract of Jombang leaves has immunostimulatory activity and potential as co-chemotherapy agents. Molecullar mechanism underlaying it’s immune activity need to be explored in detail.Keywords: co-chemotheraphy, doxorubicin, immunostimulatory, in vivo Taraxacum officinale
Lymphocyte Proliferation Activity MTT -Test of Ethanolic Extract of Pasak Bumi Root (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) On Induced 7,12-Dimethylbenz[A] Antracene (DMBA) Female Sprague Dawley Rat
Authors: Falah Lily Noor , Yuliani Sapto
Published: February 2018

Pasak bumi root (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) contains quasinoid. Quasinoid potentially has antitumor/anticancer, anti-parasitic, and immunostimulatory activity. The aim of this research was to study the lymphocyte proliferation activity MTT-test of ethanol extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack root on induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] antracene (DMBA) female Sprague Dawley rat. The test was done at 6 groups of 10 SD rat each. Each groups was administered orally with DMBA (Group I) dose of 20 mg/kg bw, corn oil (Group II), baseline (Group III), and  ethanol extract of pasak bumi root dose 12.6; 25.2; and 50.4 mg/kg bw (Group IV,V,and VI). Ethanol extract is given for 5 weeks. At the second week five rats were sacrificed to isolate the lymphocytes of spleen then rats are injected orally with DMBA 2 times a week for 5 weeks. At the eight until twenty fourth week all groups were just administered by aquades. Measurement of spleen relative weight and isolation of the lymphocyte spleen were done at second week and the last of experiment. Lymphocyte proliferation activity were measured by MTT-reduction method. Data were analyzed statistically by analyzes of variance (anova) continued by LSD test and Kruskall Wallis continued by Mann Whitney test. The result showed that limphocyte proliferation activity MTT of ethanol extract of E. longifolia root doses of 12.6; 25.2; and 50.4 mg/kg bw for 14 days prior to DMBA-induced are  339.35 ± 8.43;61.20 ± 6.27;310.28 ±  6.81   and  dose 50,4 mg/kg bw after  DMBA-induced is 122.108 ±  11.426 .Keyword: E. longifolia root, spleen,  lymphocyte cell, 7,12-Dimetilbenz (a) antracene (DMBA)
The Cytotoxic Activity of Solanum Nigrum Ethanolic Extract on Widr Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Maruti Astrid Ayu , F. Ilham Augusta , Putri Dyaningtyas Dewi Pamungkas , Hermawan Adam , Ikawati Muthi'
Published: February 2018

Solanum nigrum L. or Leunca in Indonesia has been traditionally used as a herbal plant, which is believed to have anti-tumor properties, although the mechanism for the activity remains unknown. The resecarch aim to examine the cytotoxic effect of the ethanolic extract of Solanum nigrum on WiDr human colon cancer cells. In this study, we prepared an ethanol extract from herb of Solanum nigrum and investigated the mechanism involved in its growth-inhibitory effect on WiDr human colon cancer cells. Herbs of Solanum nigrum dry powder is extracted with 70% ethanol then added into the WiDr cell culture in 96 wells plate in various concentration : 50, 100, 250, and 500 µg/ml. Cytotoxicity of the Solanum nigrum ethanolic extract  was analyzed with MTT assay on WiDr human colon cancer cell lines. Results from the MTT assay showed WiDr cells was weakly suppressed in the presence of the extract. The result of the assay also showed a very close correlation between the Solanum nigrum extract concentration and the surviving cell numbers which means the extract caused cell death in a dose-dependent fashion in WiDr cancer cells with the IC50 of 359,23 µg/ml. Collectively, the research suggest further studies to explore other chemopreventive possibilites of Solanum nigrum ethanolic extract.Keywords : colon cancer, MTT assay, cytotoxic, WiDr, Solanum nigrum
MCF-7 Resistant Doxorubicin are Characterized by Lamelapodia, Strong Adhesion on Substrate and P-gp Overexpression
Authors: Putri Dyaningtyas Dewi Pamungkas , Sarmoko Sarmoko , Febriansah Rifki , Puspitasari Endah , Ismiyati Nur , Fitriasari Aditya
Published: February 2018

The prognosis of breast cancer patients is closely associated with the response of tumor cells to chemotherapy agent. Doxorubicin is one of the primary chemotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of breast cancer. Resistance to chemotherapy is believed to cause treatment failure in cancer patients. Furthermore, long time exposure to chemotherapeutic agent induces cancer cells resistance. MCF-7 sensitive cells used as chemoresistance model have overexpression P-gp (P-glycoprotein). Chemoresistance was established by treating MCF-7 cells with 0.5 µg/ml doxorubicin-contained medium for a week. 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) doxorubicin on MCF-7 cells/DOX were determined using MTT assay. Western blot assay and immunocytochemistry assay was performed to determine the expression of P-gp. Morphological of MCF-7 cell/DOX was changing to become larger and have lamellapodia. IC50 value of doxorubicin was 700 nM on MCF-7/DOX and 400 nM on sensitive MCF-7 cells. The MCF-7/DOX sensitivity to doxorubicin was decreased, shown by 1.5 fold higher IC50 of doxorubicin on MCF-7/DOX compared to MCF-7 sensitive cells. Treatment doxorubicin to sensitive MCF-7 cells leads to the increasing P-gp expression. The P-gp level expression has strong correlation with the low sensitivity of MCF-7/DOX to doxorubicin.Keywords: doxorubicin, resistance cells, sensitive MCF-7 cell
Naringenin Enhances the Anti-Tumor Effect of Doxorubicin on HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells Through Cytotoxic Activity and Apoptosis Induction
Authors: Larasati Larasati , Kusharyanti Indri , Hermawan Adam , Susidarti Ratna Asmah , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Naringenin, an abundant flavanon in the peel of citrus fruits is reported to possess anti-proliferative effect in many cancer cells. Herein, we investigated the cytotoxic effect and apoptosis induction of naringenin in combination with doxorubicin on HeLa cells. The cytotoxicity assay of naringenin, doxorubicin, and their combination were carried out by using MTT assay. Cell viability was used as the parameters to evaluate combination effectiveness. Cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry and analyzed using ModFit LT 3.0 program. Apoptosic assay was done by double staining method using Ethidium Bromide-Acridine Orange. Investigation on the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 were determined by immunocytochemistry method. Naringenin and doxorubicin showed cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells with their IC50 values of 195 µM and 1 µM, respectively. Whereas combination of naringenin - doxorubicin showed greater cytotoxicity compared the single treatment of doxorubicin. The strongest cytotoxic activity was observed at a combination of 100 µM naringenin and 0,5 µM doxorubicin. Single treatment of 0,5 µM doxorubicin for 24 hours on HeLa cells induced S-phase arrest while 100 µM naringenin did not affect on HeLa cell cycle. The combination induced S-phase arrest with the increased of sub-G1 phase percentage. In accordance with the flow cytometry results, the double staining apoptosis assay results showed the increase of apoptotic cells. Naringenin, doxorubicin, and their combination also increased the expression of Bax and decreased the expression of Bcl-2. These results concluded that naringenin was a potential co-chemotherapy agent for cervical cancer due to its synergism with doxorubicin.Keywords: co-chemotherapy, naringenin, doxorubicin, HeLa cells, cytotoxicity, cell cycle, apoptosis
The Philosophy of Artistic Creation: Phidias, the Ideas, and Cicero
Authors: Motta Anna
Published: February 2018

Since Antiquity Phidias seems to be the best sculptor of Gods, because he carved great statues with his human hands and succeeded in giving a physical look to that which is not visible to human eyes. This paper is devoted to Cicero’s attention on the imaginative creation of the artist and on the philosophical features of that demiurgical activity which the Roman philosopher links to his interpretation of the Platonic theory of the Forms. The survey led on some Ciceronian texts shows, from a philosophical and philological point of view, the way in which Cicero reconsiders the role of the phantasia, offering a revalution of the art.
The Now and the Relation between Motion and Time in Aristotle: A Systematic Reconstruction
Authors: Sentesy Mark
Published: February 2018

This paper reconstructs Aristotle’s account of the now to clarify the relationship between motion and the number of time. If time is the number of motion, then the priority of motion can be grasped by examining his theory of number. The paper gives a systematic overview of the now in relation to motion, to the constitution of units, and to number in general. This shows that, for Aristotle, the now is not itself an extended unit, and defends his view against claims that time is implicitly prior to motion. The temporal number is co-constituted by the soul and motion, and the now is key to understanding how this occurs. This paper shows that, just as numbers are generated by the soul, time emerges through the soul’s articulation of motion using a now. The now is a limit that marks out and sets up the abstraction of a temporal unit from its underlying motion. This reconstruction provides a strong basis for the claim that time is ontologically dependent on motion, and secondarily on the soul.
The Robin function and conformal welding – A new proof of the existence
Authors: Dittmar Bodo
Published: February 2018

Green’s function of the mixed boundary value problem for harmonic functions is sometimes named the Robin function

R
⁢

(
z
,
ζ
)

{R(z,\zeta\/)}

after the French mathematical physicist Gustave Robin (1855–1897).
The aim of this paper is to provide a new proof of the existence of the Robin function for planar n-fold connected domains using a special version of the well-known Koebe’s uniformization theorem and a conformal mapping which is closely related to the Robin function in the simply connected case.
Physical Properties, Carotenoids and Antioxidant Capacity of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Peel as Influenced by Different Drying Treatments
Authors: Lau Wai Keong , Van Chuyen Hoang , Vuong Quan V.
Published: February 2018

Carrot peel generated from the juice factories is considered as waste and it can be potential for further recovery of carotenoids. Drying treatment is essential to minimise degradation of carotenoids and ease transportation as well as storage of the peel for further processing. This study aimed to determine the impact of different drying conditions on its physicochemical and antioxidant properties to propose the most suitable conditions for drying carrot peel for further recovery of carotenoids. Drying conditions were found to significantly affect retention of total carotenoids, β-carotene, lutein and lycopene as well as antioxidant capacity in carrot peel. Optimal conditions for hot-air drying were at 40 °C for 3.5 h; vacuum drying were at 60 °C, −60 kPa for 4 h; dehumidification drying was at 50 °C for 2.5 h with relative humidity (RH) of 16–21 %; and microwave drying was at 600 W for 7 min. In comparison with freeze drying (control) and other three different drying methods at each optimal conditions, dehumidification drying at 50 °C with RH of 16–21 % was the most effective method as it retained high levels of total carotenoids (2.75 mg/g DW), β-carotene (1.57 mg/g DW), lutein (0.17 mg/g DW) and lycopene (0.78 mg/g DW). Dried carrot peel also had potent antioxidant properties (ABTS: 4.71 and CUPRAC: 19 mM TE/g DW). Therefore, these conditions are recommended for drying carrot peel for further recovery of carotenoids.
Risks of using SSRI / SNRI antidepressants during pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Dubovicky Michal , Belovicova Kristína , Csatlosova Kristína , Bogi Eszter
Published: February 2018

At present, affective disorders are among the most commonly diagnosed mental diseases. In pregnancy, they can occur as pre-delivery depression, recurrent depressive disorder or postnatal depression. The estimated prevalence of depressive disorders in pregnancy is approximately 9–16%, with some statistics reporting up to 20%. Approximately 2–3% of pregnant women take antidepressants during pregnancy, and the number of mothers treated increases by birth to 5–7%. Treatment of depression during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a controversial issue, as antidepressants can negatively affect the developing fetus. According to epidemiological studies, the effects of treated depression in pregnancy are related to premature birth, decreased body weight of the child, intrauterine growth retardation, neonatal adaptive syndrome, and persistent pulmonary hypertension. However, untreated depression can adversely affect maternal health and increase the risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia, as well as of subsequent postnatal depression, which can lead to disruption of the mother-child relationship. Based on the above mentioned facts, the basic question arises as to whether or not to treat depression during pregnancy and lactation.
Impacts of dietary exposure to sodium or potassium salts of nitrate and nitrite on the development of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Basak Ashim Kumar , Chatterjee Tridip , Ghosh Swapan Kumar , Chakravarty Amit
Published: February 2018

The effects of four food additives, namely sodium nitrite (NaNO2), sodium nitrate (NaNO3), potassium nitrite (KNO2), and potassium nitrate (KNO3), on animal development were evaluated by using Drosophila melanogster, a model organism. Adult male and female flies were allowed to breed in culture medium, each containing one of 4 concentrations, i.e.10, 20, 30 or 40 mM of the above mentioned salts. The concentration of 40 mM, NaNO2 and KNO2 completely arrested the development of the flies. Of the different concentrations of the four salts tested, exposure of flies to 30 mM NaNO2 exhibited only significant delays in the initial appearances of third instar larvae, pupae and young adults, along with huge reduction in the number of pupae and young adults compared to controls. Rearrangements like inversions, deletion looping, regional shrinking, as well as highly enlarged puffing, etc. were also observed in the polytene chromosomes of the third instar larvae exposed to 30 mM NaNO2. Developmental outcomes of the flies exposed to varying concentrations of NaNO3 and KNO3 did not differ significantly from the controls. Owing to the extensive genetic homology between Drosophila and human and the successful uses of this fly as models in developmental and toxicological studies, we speculate that the experimental results exhibited by this organism in our study strongly advocate for abstaining from the dietary use of NaNO2 and KNO2 during human pregnancies to avoid possible negative developmental outcomes.
Comparative effects of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, monensin, and salinomycin on cadmium-induced brain dysfunction in cadmium-intoxicated mice
Authors: Ivanova Juliana , Petrova Emilia , Kamenova Kalina , Gluhcheva Yordanka
Published: February 2018

Cadmium (Cd) is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and the polyether ionophorous antibiotics monensin and salinomycin on Cd-induced neurodegenerative alterations in mice. The results show that subacute intoxication of mice with Cd (II) acetate (20 mg/kg body weight (BW) for 14 days) caused a significant accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in the brain. Treatment of Cd-exposed mice with DMSA (20 mg/kg BW for 14 days) significantly increased the Cd concentration in the brains compared to those of the Cd-treated group. However, administration of monensin (20 mg/kg BW for 14 days) or salinomycin (20 mg/kg BW for 14 days) significantly reduced the Cd concentration in the brains of Cd-treated mice compared to the toxic control group. Histopathological analysis of brain tissues from the Cd-treated mice revealed that Cd induced neuronal necrosis, characterized by many shrunken, darkly stained pyknotic neurons with prominent perineuronal spaces. Whereas monensin and salinomycin significantly reduced the adverse effects of Cd on brain morphology of Cd-treated mice, DMSA did not. Monensin slightly increased the copper and iron endogenous levels in the brains of Cd-exposed mice compared to those of the untreated mice. Salinomycin did not affect the concentrations of biometal ions in the brain of Cd-exposed mice compared to untreated controls. The results demonstrated salinomycin to be a better potential chelating agent for treatment of Cd-induced brain injury compared to DMSA and monensin.
The crystal structure of catena-poly[bis((4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl)(pyrimidin-2-yl)amido-κ2
N,N′)-bis(μ2-4,4′-bipyridine-N,N′-κ2
N:N′)zinc(II) – methanol (1/2), C32H34N10O6S2Zn
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Cao Yi , Wang Yanwei , Wang Shimin , Xu Zhizhong
Published: February 2018

C32H34N10O6S2Zn, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 24.243(4) Å, b = 11.2766(17) Å, c = 15.799(5) Å, β = 127.986(2)°, V = 3404.0(13) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0432, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1146, T = 100(2) K.
Teacher’s burnout syndrome: the phenomenology of the process
Authors: Bulatevych Nataliya
Published: February 2018

Introduction. The article is devoted to the phenomenology of burnout symptoms among teachers and determining their individual characteristics.

Aim. The aim was to study the phenomenology of the burnout process among teachers and to define its individual determinants.

Material and methods. The theoretical basis for the study was a burnout model described by V.V. Boyko considering the burnout as a mechanism of psychological protection of personality in response to the traumatic circumstances of the environment. The following diagnostic tools were used: the Boyko’s Emotional Burnout Inventory, the Inventory on behavior and experience in the working environment by W. Schaarschmidt and A. Fischer and the individual-typological questionnaire by L.Sobchik. In order to calculate and evaluate the results, methods of mathematical statistics were applied.

Results. The results of polling 132 teachers show that more than one third of working teachers show prominent features of high level burnout. This is combined with a number of personality traits and features of behavior, and with an emotional response of the teacher to the circumstances of the working environment, what suggests the need for the development and systematic implementation of prevention programs and correction of burnout among working teachers.

Conclusions. A significant part of the surveyed teachers show signs of burnout expressed at a significant level. Thus, the problem of psychological assistance and psychological support for working teachers remains relevant and requires the search for effective technologies and techniques for providing psychological assistance.
Features of music perception by persons with addictive behaviour
Authors: Maksymov Mykola
Published: February 2018

Introduction.Early detection of the person’s mental dependence on psychotropic substances enables timely correction of deviations in his/her behavior. Given the symptom of the anosognosy, the search for projective methods for determining the presence of mental dependence is required. Certain personality features that determine dependence can be reflected in the perception of music.

Aim.The goal of the research was to determine the connecting features of the perception of music with the presence of the person’s mental dependence on psychotropic substances.

Material and methods.The study involved students aged 18-19. There were 50 students in the standard group. The experimental group consisted of another 50 students with addictive behavior. They were of the same age and were patients in the centers of medical and social rehabilitation. For the study of personal qualities, the following methods were applied: the method of determining the level of subjective control by J. Rotter, the method of narrative by N. Chepeleva, the frustration test by Rosenzweig and six specially created musical fragments which represented a certain musical discourse.

Results.An analysis of the selection of the musical fragments by students and individuals with addictive behavior has shown that there are statistically significant differences. Students, in comparison with those with addictive behavior, have mature social concept of “I-concept”, and this fact underlies the fact that they give the highest ratings to classical music. An empirical study has shown the connection between the the first stage selection of musical fragments that have certain psychological content and the presence of dependence on psychotropic substances.

Conclusions.Musical discourse, due to the specific influence on the emotional sphere of a person, causes a certain response, relevant to its personality properties. The connection of psychological peculiarities of persons with addictive behavior and their perception of music is established: their emotional mood corresponds to music of a destructive character, which symbolizes aggression and has a dangerous influence on the mental state of a person. We defined musical discourses, the content of which can serve as stimulating material for determining certain personal characteristics that indicate the dependence on psychotropic substances.
Assessment of nutritional status and dietary habits of children attending the nursery in Sanok
Authors: Mielnik Aneta , Pac-Kożuchowska Elżbieta
Published: February 2018

Introduction. The state of human health largely depends on environmental factors. Nutrition as one of them is important in the earliest stages of child development. By following the principles of rational nutrition, we provide the child the necessary components that determine its growth and development. By analyzing the relationship between nutrition and health three elements should be taken into account: selection of food, compliance with dietary guidelines and an assessment of the effects of nutrition.

Aim. The research aimed at the assessment of nutritional status and dietary habits of children attending the nursery.

Material and methods. The study was conducted among 92 healthy children aged 10-55 months attending two nurseries in the town of Sanok. In all the children, body mass and height were measured and the values obtained were related to the percentile charts. There was also an original questionnaire survey performed addressed to mothers of the children. It provided information on the diets of infants and introducing new complementary products to the diet of children in the first year of life. The results were compared with the nutritional standards for children fed both naturally and artificially.

Results and conclusions. While assessing the nutritional status of children, it was found that incorrect body mass concerned often overweight and obesity. Mothers too early stopped breast-feeding and introduced formulas to the diet of children. The main food product that caused allergic symptoms of children was cow’s milk and its products. Most mothers preparing meals for the children used the prepared food products for infants. On the basis of the obtained results it can be concluded that the introduction of complementary food into the diet of infants in the majority did not meet current dietary recommendations in 2007. There is a need to take preventive measures carried out by medical personnel addressed to parents/carers on the proper nutrition of their children in the first years of life.
Exploring the Photovoltaic Properties of Metal Bipyridine Complexes (Metal = Fe, Zn, Cr, and Ru) by Density Functional Theory
Authors: Irfan Ahmad , Abbas Ghulam
Published: February 2018

The synthesis and characterisation of mononuclear Fe complexes were carried out by using bipyridine (Compound 1) at ambient conditions. Additionally, three more derivatives were designed by substituting the central Fe metal with Zn, Cr, and Ru (Compound 2, Compound 3, and Compound 4), respectively. The ground state geometry calculations were carried out by using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-31G** (LANL2DZ) level of theory. We shed light on the frontier molecular orbitals, electronic properties, photovoltaic parameters, and structure–property relationship. The open-circuit voltage is a promising parameter that considerably affects the photovoltaic performance; thus, we have estimated its value by considering the complexes as donors whereas TiO2 and/or Si were used as acceptors. The solar cell performance behaviour was also studied by shedding light on the band alignment and energy level offset.
Effect of Ibuprofen on Muscle, Hematological and Renal Function, Hydric Balance, Pain, and Performance During Intense Long-Distance Running
Authors: de Souza Raphael Fabricio , de Matos Dihogo Gama , Ferreira Alexandre Reis Pires , Chilibeck Philip , Barros Natalie de Almeida , Oliveira Alan Santos , Cercato Luana Mendonça , da Silva Danielle Soares , Aidar Felipe José
Published: February 2018

de Souza, RF, de Matos, DG, Ferreira, ARP, Chilibeck, P, Barros, NdA, de Oliveira, AS, Cercato, LM, da Silva, DS, and Aidar, FJ. Effect of ibuprofen on muscle, hematological and renal function, hydric balance, pain, and performance during intense long-distance running. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 2076–2083, 2020—The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prophylactic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., ibuprofen) on physical performance, vertical jump, muscle biomarkers, liver, kidney, acute pain, and hydration status of participants in the 42-km Trail Running Challenge, a long-distance race integrated over mountain routes. The sample consisted of 20 men randomly divided into 2 groups: a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG), with 12 completing the race (41.1 ± 8.8 years; 75.7 ± 12.1 kg) and included in the final analysis. The EG were administered an ibuprofen capsule (400 mg) 15 minutes before the beginning of the race and again after 5 hours of racing if the route was not yet completed. There were significant time main effects for creatine kinase (p = 0.001; f
2 Cohen = 0.25), lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.001; f
2 Cohen = 2.05), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.002; f
2 Cohen = 1.53), creatinine (p = 0.002; f
2 Cohen = 2.24), urea (p = 0.001; f
2 Cohen = 2.25), heart rate (p < 0.001; f
2 Cohen = 4.88), and pain scores (p < 0.001; f
2 Cohen = 1.93) all of which increased during the race. There was a group × time interaction for squat jump, which significantly decreased only in the CG (p = 0.045; f
2 Cohen = 2.17). This may have been related to increased frequency of pain reported after the race in the gastrocnemius of the CG compared with the EG (p ≤ 0.05). It was concluded that ibuprofen intake did not reduce muscle damage during the competition but maintained leg muscular power performance (i.e., vertical jump), possibly by reducing gastrocnemius muscle pain.
The Effect of Short- and Long-Term Aerobic Training Years on Systemic O2 Utilization, and Muscle and Prefrontal Cortex Tissue Oxygen Extraction in Young Women
Authors: Buzza Gavin , Lovell Geoff P. , Askew Christopher D. , Solomon Colin
Published: February 2018

Buzza, G, Lovell, GP, Askew, CD, and Solomon, C. The effect of short- and long-term aerobic training years on systemic O2 utilization, and muscle and prefrontal cortex tissue oxygen extraction in young women. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2128–2137, 2019—This study aimed to determine if systemic O2 utilization (Vo
2) and tissue oxygen extraction (deoxyhemoglobin [HHb]) in the vastus lateralis (VL), gastrocnemius (GAST), and prefrontal cortex were different during exercise between short-term trained (STT, 6–24 months) and long-term trained (LTT, >5 years) young women while controlling for current training load. Thirteen STT and 13 LTT participants completed ramp incremental (RI) and square-wave constant load (SWCL) tests on a cycle ergometer. In LTT compared with STT: (a) Vo
2 was higher during the RI (p = 0.024) and SWCL (p = 0.001) tests; (b) HHb in the VL (p = 0.044) and GAST (p = 0.027) was higher in the RI test; and (c) there were significant group × intensity interactions for Vo
2 in the SWCL test. The additional years of aerobic training in LTT compared with STT (LTT 7.1 ± 1.9 vs. STT 1.5 ± 0.4 years) resulted in higher Vo
2 and HHb in the VL and GAST. These results indicate that in young women, independent of current training load, systemic Vo
2 and peripheral muscle O2 extraction during exercise continues to increase beyond 24 months of aerobic training.
A Critical Role for the Nucleus Reuniens in Long-Term, But Not Short-Term Associative Recognition Memory Formation
Authors: Barker Gareth R.I. , Warburton Elizabeth Clea
Published: February 2018

Recognition memory for single items requires the perirhinal cortex (PRH), whereas recognition of an item and its associated location requires a functional interaction among the PRH, hippocampus (HPC), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Although the precise mechanisms through which these interactions are effected are unknown, the nucleus reuniens (NRe) has bidirectional connections with each regions and thus may play a role in recognition memory. Here we investigated, in male rats, whether specific manipulations of NRe function affected performance of recognition memory for single items, object location, or object-in-place associations. Permanent lesions in the NRe significantly impaired long-term, but not short-term, object-in-place associative recognition memory, whereas single item recognition memory and object location memory were unaffected. Temporary inactivation of the NRe during distinct phases of the object-in-place task revealed its importance in both the encoding and retrieval stages of long-term associative recognition memory. Infusions of specific receptor antagonists showed that encoding was dependent on muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission, whereas NMDA receptor neurotransmission was not required. Finally, we found that long-term object-in-place memory required protein synthesis within the NRe. These data reveal a specific role for the NRe in long-term associative recognition memory through its interactions with the HPC and mPFC, but not the PRH. The delay-dependent involvement of the NRe suggests that it is not a simple relay station between brain regions, but, rather, during high mnemonic demand, facilitates interactions between the mPFC and HPC, a process that requires both cholinergic neurotransmission and protein synthesis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRecognizing an object and its associated location, which is fundamental to our everyday memory, requires specific hippocampal–cortical interactions, potentially facilitated by the nucleus reuniens (NRe) of the thalamus. However, the role of the NRe itself in associative recognition memory is unknown. Here, we reveal the crucial role of the NRe in encoding and retrieval of long-term object-in-place memory, but not for remembrance of an individual object or individual location and such involvement is cholinergic receptor and protein synthesis dependent. This is the first demonstration that the NRe is a key node within an associative recognition memory network and is not just a simple relay for information within the network. Rather, we argue, the NRe actively modulates information processing during long-term associative memory formation.
Patient safety culture from the perspective of the nursing team
Authors: Tavares Ana Paula Mousinho , Moura Elaine Cristina Carvalho , Avelino Fernanda Valéria Silva Dantas , Lopes Vanessa Caminha Aguiar , Nogueira Lidya Tolstenko
Published: February 2018

Objetivo: avaliar a cultura de segurança do paciente na perspectiva da equipe de enfermagem. Métodos: delineamento transversal, tipo survey, realizado com 221 profissionais de enfermagem do Hospital Universitário. Foi utilizado o instrumento Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Foram realizados o teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, a correlação de Spearman e o coeficiente alpha de Cronbach. Resultados: a cultura de segurança do paciente é moderadamente desenvolvida, o trabalho em equipe dentro das unidades foi área de força (75,5%) e a resposta não punitiva aos erros constituiu área de melhoria (47,0%). Verificou-se que quanto maior a impressão de inexistência de problemas e adequação dos sistemas implantados, melhor foi a nota atribuída para o hospital. Conclusão: a cultura de segurança do paciente está em processo de desenvolvimento, a dimensão com mais respostas positivas foi o trabalho em equipe dentro das unidades e, a com menos, a resposta não punitiva aos erros.
Effect of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on postpartum cardiometabolic risk
Authors: Li Ling-Jun , Aris Izzuddin M , Su Lin Lin , Chong Yap Seng , Wong Tien Yin , Tan Kok Hian , Wang Jie Jin
Published: February 2018

Aims

The cumulative effect of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on postpartum cardio-metabolic diseases is equivocal. We aimed to assess the associations of GDM and HDP’s individual and synergic contribution to risks of postpartum cardio-metabolic diseases (metabolic syndrome (MetS), abnormal glucose metabolism and hypertension (HTN)).

Methods

Of participants from a Singapore birth cohort, 276 mothers attending the 5-year postpartum visit were included in this study. During this visit, we collected mothers’ history of GDM and HDP in all live births in a chronicle sequence and assessed the cardio-metabolic risks based on blood pressure, anthropometry and a panel of serum biomarkers. We diagnosed MetS, abnormal glucose metabolism and HTN according to Adult Treatment Panel III 2000 and World Health Organization guidelines.

Results

Of 276 mothers, 157 (56.9%) had histories of GDM while 23 (8.3%) had histories of HDP. After full adjustment, we found associations of GDM episodes with postpartum abnormal glucose metabolism (single episode: relative risk (RR) 2.9 (95% CI: 1.7, 4.8); recurrent episodes (≥2): RR = 3.8 (2.1–6.8)). Also, we found association between histories of HDP and HTN (RR = 3.6 (1.5, 8.6)). Having either (RR 2.6 (1.7–3.9)) or both gestational complications (RR 2.7 (1.6–4.9)) was associated with similar risk of postpartum cardio-metabolic disease.

Conclusions

Mothers with GDM or HDP had a threefold increased risk of postpartum abnormal glucose metabolism or HTN, respectively. Having both GDM and HDP during past pregnancies was not associated with additional risk of postpartum cardio-metabolic diseases beyond that associated with either complication alone.