bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Perspectives on an Old Controversy: The Theoretical and the Practical Life in Aristotle
Authors: Frede Dorothea
Published: December 2019

The article purports to show that the preference of theôria in Nicomachean Ethics X 7–8 does not represent Aristotle's definitive conception of the best form of life, because it is compatible neither with his overall conception of happiness in the EN
nor with its political framework. The critical chapters rather recall an early contribution of Aristotle's to a controversy on the best form of life in the Academy, attested to in Politics VII 2–3; its central point is resolved in Politics VII 13–15 in a sketch of
the life of leisure that combines both politics and philosophy.
IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN FACTORY OF HOSPITAL BEDS AT. X BEKASI
Authors: Wijaya Dwi Septian , Maulida Wilda
Published: December 2019

In this globalization era, especially in the face of international trade competition then the principle of the application of health and safety are the main requirements that will greatly affect the investment value, quality,Â and quantity of products, the company's sustainability and competitiveness of a country. The purpose survey is to identify health and safety hazards which include chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic,Â and psychological hospital bed factory in PT. X Bekasi. The method used to survey and interview in the work unit welding, painting, assembling, and factory environments. Based on the survey results of the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is pretty good and secure, while at 4 locations are all well qualified for occupational safety, health,Â and environment.
THE SURVEY OF SAFETY CULTURE IN RSUP Dr.KARIADI SEMARANG
Authors: Sulistyowati Elyana Sri , Muninggar Septi Dewi , Silalahi Verarica , Ariyanto Debi , Fatmawati Endang , Edhy Dharma Wahyu , Anandoyo Anggit
Published: December 2019

Patient safety in hospitals is a crucial issue as significant medication errors occur in some countries. Patient safety incidence is inevitably related to safety culture implemented in hospitals. This survey aims to investigate the dimension of patient safety serving as a strong area and dimension for potential improvement. This study used a cross-sectional approach involving 361 subjects in all units in RSUP Dr.Â Kariadi. Findings are presented in graphs and frequency tables. This study found three dimensions of strength area involving management support regarding patient safety (92.93%), organizational learning-continuous improvement (91.73%), and unit cooperation (86.1%). Meanwhile, the area for potential improvement involving employment (45.43%), incidence report frequency (58.07%), and open communication (60.67%). Dimensions serving as strength areas need to be maintained while dimension for potential improvement need for support to cultivate patient safety culture in RSUP Dr.Â Kariadi.
HIV/AIDS PREVENTION BEHAVIOR IN THE COMMUNITY OF MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN AND INFLUENCING FACTORS
Authors: Sugiarto Sugiarto , Hanafi Pebriyaman , Berliana Novi
Published: December 2019

HIV/AIDS has developed into a global health problem, including in Indonesia. The highest cumulative percentage of AIDS cases by way of transmission in Indonesia is through unprotected sex. Populations at high risk for HIV/AIDS transmission are gay (homosexual). This study aims to determine the description of HIV/AIDS prevention behavior and factors affecting theÂ community of men who have sex with men.Â This study uses a cross-sectional design. The research sample was 79 male sex men in the city of Jambi. The sampling technique was purposive aside. Data were collected by interview using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test.Â Of the 79 respondents whose behavior of HIV/AIDS prevention was not good enough as many as 40 respondents (50.6%). 34 respondents (43.0%) had poor knowledge. Respondents whose attitudes were not good were 41 respondents (51.9%). 42 respondents (53.2%) had poor motivation. Statistical test results show that there is no relationship of knowledge with p-value= 0.177, and there is a relationship between attitude and p-value= 0.005 and there is a relationship of motivation with p-value= 0.000 HIV/AIDS prevention behavior in theÂ community of men who have sex with men. The conclusion of the study is attitude and motivation are variables related to HIV/AIDS prevention behavior in the community of men who have sex with men.
EXAMINATION OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS AT THE REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL (RSUD) JAYAPURA
Authors: Sinaga Herlando
Published: December 2019

TuberculosisÂ is a disease that is directlyÂ transmittedÂ andÂ caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that still causesÂ high morbidity and mortality rates in the world. This research aims to determine the value of hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, erythrocytes, the number of neutrophils and Monocytes in positive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who performed examinations at the Jayapura Regional General Hospital. This research was conducted for 1 month, starting from 1 May to 1 June 2018. This research is descriptive with a laboratory test approach. The population in this research included all patients who had positive pulmonary tuberculosis and the samples in this study were venous blood positive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. The method used in this examination is flow cytometry using the hematology analyzer Sysmex XN-1000. The results of the research showed that from 20 samples, hemoglobin levels were obtained as much as 30% with normal hemoglobin levels and as much as 70% with low hemoglobin levels 70% of normal platelet value and as much as 30% high platelet count; 70% of the value of erythrocytes is normal and as much as 30% the amount of erythrocytes decreases; Neutrophils are as high as 55% while normal is 45%; and high monocytes as much as 25% and normal monocytes as much as 75%.
The effects of bioactive compounds on biomarkers of obesity
Authors: Coats Rebecca , Martirosyan Danik
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT:Background: The world is presently facing a prolonged struggle without a predictable cure. Obesity causes hundreds of thousands of fatalities each year, along with holding a position as a primary contributor to several other virulent chronic diseases. This review of scientific literature will examine the current state of obesity along with the mechanisms and biomarkers that lay the foundation for the development of the disease. Furthermore, this article will assess several functional foods and the bioactive compounds they contain that play an influential role in the prevention and treatment of obesity as a chronic disease. By presenting many relevant functional food research studies, this review aims to offer auxiliary support to traditional obesity treatments. The topic of functional foods and their relation to obesity is an extremely important topic to explore due to the severe expansion of obesity in the past few decades. Overall, the purpose of this review is to supply a comprehensive description of obesity and examine results of functional foods in clinical trials that may offer innovative benefits.Keywords: obesity, bioactive compounds, disease, health, functional foods, clinical trials
A methanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds regulates markers of macrophage polarization.
Authors: Hassan Nurudeen , Withycombe Cathryn , Ahluwalia Maninder , Thomas Andrew , Morris Keith
Published: December 2019

Background: Macrophages are key cellular mediators in diabetes-related inflammation. Molecular cues such as cytokines found in the tissue microenvironment regulates the polarization of macrophages into an M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (immunoregulatory) phenotype. Recent evidence suggests that M1 macrophages in diabetic patients may contribute to the complications associated with the disease such as atherosclerosis. Trigonella foenum- graecum (Tfg: fenugreek) seeds have been used in traditional medicine in Asia, Africa and the Middle-East for their alleged anti-diabetic properties.Objective: To identify the molecular mechanism(s) through which Tfg seeds exert their effects, we investigated the role of a crude methanolic extract of Tfg (FME) seeds on macrophage polarization in vitro.Method: THP-1 macrophages (Mϕ) were treated with gBSA in the presence/absence of FME and the release and expression of M1 and M2 markers/cytokines were analysed. The role of FME on NF-κB activity was also explored using transfected HEK-293T cells.Results: This study found that the FME significantly (P<0.05) decreased gBSA-induced secretion of M1 cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8) in THP-1 Mϕ cells. In the presence of gBSA, FME also significantly increased the gene expression of the M2 marker Dectin-1, but had no effect on IL-10, IL-1Ra.  FME also significantly decreased TNF-α induced NF-kB reporter activity.Conclusion: These results suggest that FME can regulate the expression of M1 and M2 markers in THP-1 Mϕ cells. This may be potentially through the modulation of NF-kB activity. Further work should be carried out to identify precise mechanism(s) involved in the effects of FME and Tfg seeds.Keywords: chronic inflammation, macrophage polarization, diabetes, glycated BSA, THP-1 cells, Trigonella foenum graecum, fenugreek seeds, NF-κB,
Correlation of pasting behaviors with total phenolic compounds and starch digestibility of indigenous pigmented rice grown in upper Northern Thailand
Authors: Ponjanta Jirapa , Chomsri Ni-orn , Meechoui Sawit
Published: December 2019

Background: Thailand has one of the most important rice genetic resources with white, light brown, brown, red, and purple rice bran colors. The latter believed to have potential for health benefits due to their phenolic content. Recently researchers have indicated that starch digestive enzymes, including salivary and pancreatic α-amylases and α-glucosidases, can be inhibited by phenolic compounds. Although pasting properties of rice flour are key determinants of quality significantly impacting the final product texture, there is no in-depth study on their correlation with phenolic compound and starch digestibility.  Methods:  Rice flour from twelve varieties, three from each of five bran colors (white, brown, red, and purple), were evaluated for pasting properties (RVA-3D), total phenolic compounds, amylose content, resistant starch and estimated glycemic index.  Simple correlation coefficients were calculated for the relationships between pasting properties (final viscosity, breakdown, setback and pasting temperature) and total phenolic compounds, resistant starch and estimated glycemic index.Results: Within each rice variety, red and purple pigmented flours had higher total phenolic compounds (TPC) and more resistant starch than that of white flours. The TPC and resistant starch content of the flours ranged between 7.83- 47.3 mg/L and 2.44–10.50% respectively, and producing 60-80 of estimated glycemic index. Viscosity behavior showed that pigmented with low amylose rice had lower viscosity temperature than that of pigmented with high amylose rice flour, but higher in peak viscosity. Correlation coefficients of pasting temperature, final viscosity, break down and setback with TCP was observed to be inversely related to glycemic index. However, it was positively correlated to the resistant starch and amylose content. Conclusions:  Pigmented rice flour is a better source of TPC and resistant starch which in turn provides low glycemic index. This could help reduce the onset of type 2 diabetes and other related chronic diseases. In addition, this study provides impact of pasting behavior – TPC- resistant starch of rice flour relationships, which have important implication for utilization in food industry.Keywords: total phenolic compounds, amylose content, resistant starch, glycemic index
Nephroprotective effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Thaumatococcus danielli (benth.) in streptozotocin induced diabetic Rats
Authors: Olorunnisola Olubukola Sinbad , Adetutu Adewale , POPOOLA Rasaq B , Owoade Abiodun Olusoji , Adegbola Peter , Adesina Babatunde T
Published: December 2019

Background: The leaves of Thaumatococcus danielli (Benth.) have been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat malaria in Nigeria. However, there is no report on whether these leaves contain Nephroprotective activity. Thus, the ethanol leaf extract was investigated for Nephron-protective activity in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.Methods: First, the LD50 of the leaf was determined using standard procedure. Rats were assigned to 5 groups (A-E) of five rats. Except for the control group, each group was made diabetic using Streptozotocin (65 mg/kg/b.wt. i p). The treated groups received 0.5 ml of glibenclamide (25mg/kg/b.wt, o.p), 250 and 500 mg/kg/b.wt, o.p of Thaumatococcus danielli respectively. After 14 days of treatment, animals were sacrificed under light anaesthesia. Data were expressed as Means ± S.D (n=5) and were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnet’s test, values were considered significant at p<0.05. Results: The plant showed a LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg/b.wt in albino rats observed for 72 hours. A significant (p<0.05) decreased in serum Na+, Cl-, HCO-3, total protein, and an insignificant increase in K+, urea and creatinine level were observed in the diabetic group when compared with the normal group. Oral administration of plant extract and glibenclamide significantly (p<0.05) restored the electrolytes to near normal. Histological alterations such as glomerulonephritis, and tubules infiltration by inflammatory cells observed in diabetic control were also reversed.Conclusion: This study suggests renal protective ability of the plant against impairment due to hyperglycemia.Keywords: Streptozotocin, Thaumatococcus danielli, Nephroprotective, Glibenclamide, serum electrolytes.
Seaberry extract with ursolic acid improves anxiety about urinary dysfunction in Japanese adults
Authors: Takara Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Kazuo , Suzuki Naoko , Shimoda Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

Background: The seaberry is a yellow berry cultivated in China, Northern Europe, and West Asian countries. Numerous biological activities of seaberries have been reported, and we recently found that ursolic acid and a flavonoid in seaberry extract (SBE) suppressed the contraction of bladder muscle specimens and collagen gel containing bladder smooth muscle cells. However, the influence of SBE on urinary problems of Japanese adults has not been investigated. Therefore, we conducted a clinical trial of SBE supplementation in Japanese subjects with mild urinary dysfunction.Methods: We examined the effect of SBE (200 or 400 mg daily) containing ursolic acid (0.18 or 0.36 mg) in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Capsules containing SBE or placebo were administered for 8 weeks to Japanese men and women with mild urinary dysfunction. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, urinary symptoms were evaluated by using the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and the overactive bladder syndrome score (OABSS).Results: There was significant improvement of the KHQ emotion domain score after intake of 400 mg/day of SBE for 8 weeks compared with placebo. The answers to “Does your bladder problem make you depressed?” and “Does your bladder problem make you feel bad about yourself?” were significantly improved by SBE (400 mg/day) at 8 weeks. In the OABSS, the item “How often do you have a sudden desire to urinate, which is difficult to defer?” was significantly improved by SBE compared with placebo. Laboratory tests did not reveal any abnormalities suggesting adverse effects SBE. Conclusions: Intake of SBE (400 mg/day for 8 weeks) improved several emotional parameters related to urinary dysfunction. SBE may be useful for reducing moderate urinary symptoms.Keywords: King’s health questionnaire; overactive bladder syndrome score; seaberry; ursolic acid; overactive bladder; urination; micturition
Health Benefits of Dietary Tree Peony Seed Oil in a High Fat Diet Hamster Model
Authors: Zheng Zhiqiang , Han Jigang , Mao Yingyi , Tang Xue , Guan Yan , Hu Yonghong
Published: December 2019

Background: Tree peony (Paeonia ostii) seed oil is rich in different unsaturated fatty acids, including monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Health benefits of this edible plant oil as a whole are barely known yet. In this study, we experimentally investigated benefits of dietary tree peony seed oil (PSO) in dyslipidemia-associated metabolic diseases using a high fat diet hamster model.Methods: High fat diets (HFD) containing 15 % coconut oil (CO) or PSO were first developed based on the rodent chow diet. Fatty acid profiles of diets and red blood cells (RBC) from animals fed these diets for 8 weeks were analyzed and compared. Effects of these oil supplements on triglycerides and cholesterol levels were characterized. Benefits on fatty liver progress were also investigated in this animal model.  Results: HFD fortified with 15% PSO was abundant in different unsaturated fatty acids, containing 40% α-linolenic acid, 27% linoleic acid and 23% oleic acid, respectively. Compared to the control group with 15% CO, animals with 15% PSO displayed dramatic alteration of in vivo fatty acid profile in RBC, featured with a significant increase in n-3 but no change in n-6 PUFA, resulting in decreased ratio of n-6 to n-3 PUFA. PSO intervention also remarkably reduced triglyceride levels in both blood and adipose tissues, while did not affect circulating cholesterol. Moreover, benefits on liver health were observed in the PSO group, evidenced with reduced hepatic steatosis and improved hepatic histology. Conclusion: These data altogether demonstrated multifaceted benefits of dietary PSO in reducing important risk factors of dyslipidemia-associated cardiovascular and liver diseases.Keywords: Peony seed oil, High fat diet, Triglyceride, Cholesterol, Hepatic steatosis
Omega3 Fatty Acids Intake Versus Diclofenac in Osteoarthritis Induced in Experimental rats
Authors: El-Seweidy Mohammed M. , Ali Sousou I. , Elsweify Sahar E. , Ali Abdelmoneim A. , Mashhour Mai M.
Published: December 2019

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, characterized by abnormal remodeling pattern of joints driven by inflammatory mediators within the affected joints. Its symptoms are many like pain, stiffness, and decreased function.Objective:  The present study mainly focused on the anti-inflammatory effect of omega 3 fatty acids (F.As) versus diclofenac, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in OA induced in ratsDesign: Intraarticular injection of monosodiumiodoacetate (MIA) 24.6 mg/kg in 0.6 ml saline was used to induce OA. Diclofenacand omega-3 F. These were administered orally, daily for 21 days and after 24 hours of OA induction.Results: Osteoarthritis induction resulted in an increase in serum levels of IL-6 (479.5%), TNF-a(545.5%), and CRP (754.2%) along with IL-10 level decrease (70.3%) as compared to normal group. Diclofenac intake demonstrated significant increase of IL-6 (24.9%), CRP (88.6%), and TNF-a (25.2%) compared to the OA control group. Omega 3 FAs intake showed significant reduction in inflammatory markers along with IL-10 increase, in comparison to OA group. Both treatment demonstrated a significant increase in TIMP2 along with decreased MMP2 and MPO in comparison with OA control. Positive correlation of IL-6 with MPO (r = 0.7, P=0.002), and negative one with IL-10 (r = 0.9, p<0.0001) and TIMP2 (r = -0.5, p<0.008) was observed. Interleukin-10 was negatively correlated with MMP2 (r = - 0.5, p<0.007) and MPO (r = -0.8, p<0.0001).Conclusion: Data derived from biochemical and histopathological results, indicated that omega3 FAs may be expressed as a natural anti-inflammatory agent of a significant potential in OA with evident remarkable effect.Keywords: OA; omega3FAs; diclofenac; MMP2; TIMP2; MPO
Managing hypertension: relevant biomarkers and combating bioactive compounds
Authors: Singharaj Bryan , Pisarski Kasia , Martirosyan Danik M.
Published: December 2019

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases which affects many people who belong to a higher age range. The standard definition that is offered to the general public has a minimum age of 18 years to be diagnosed with hypertension. Many studies have been conducted in the hopes of finding consistent data that provides information on the biomarkers of hypertension and effective forms of treatment. However, there is a tendency for skewed data due to the ineffectiveness of diagnosing hypertension, due to variability in technique or even negligence. Interestingly, research has indicated that there are connections to certain biomarkers of hypertension. However, the results have been deemed inconclusive. Moreover, the results provide promising data for future studies that have an emphasis on biomarkers. The biomarkers that have been consistently brought to researchers’ attention include the following: circulating C-reactive protein (CRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR), and aldosterone:renin ratio (ARR). These four biomarkers have become the foundation of multiple hypertension studies, even though the only formal conclusion drawn from these studies is that there is a wide range of variables that have some kind of influence on hypertension. More recently, treatment options for hypertension have increasingly become an emphasis for studies, with research predicting that nutrition plays a key role in the managing of diseases. Furthermore, the role of bioactive compounds has gained traction in hypertension research, being loosely correlated to managing specific biomarkers. Ultimately, these correlations to bioactive compounds like antioxidants would demonstrate that certain functional foods have the capacity to help treat hypertension. The modality is to find an alternative option for managing or treating hypertension through natural sources of food or food products fortified with ingredients to combat the known biomarkers. Accordingly, the research of functional foods will provide hypertensive patients with an opportunity to affordably manage their chronic disease.Keywords: hypertension, bioactive compounds, functional foods, vitamins
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of quercetin-rich onion on cognitive function in elderly subjects
Authors: Nishimura Mie , Ohkawara Tatsuya , Nakagawa Toshiyuki , Muro Takato , Sato Yuji , Satoh Hiroki , Kobori Masuko , Nishihira Jun
Published: December 2019

Background: Quercetin, a phenolic compound, has various functional effects, including anti-oxidant, anti-dyslipidaemic and anti-dysglycemic activities, and beneficial effects on cognitive function.Methods: We evaluated the effects of a powder made from quercetin-rich onions (‘Quergold’ and ‘Sarasara-gold’) on cognitive function. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we randomised 50 adults (25 males and 25 females, aged 65–84 years) to consume products made from quercetin-rich (active) or quercetin-poor (placebo) onions. Cognitive function and haematological and biological examinations were performed at weeks 0, 12 and 24 of the study period.Results: There were no differences in Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and cognitive impairment rating scale scores between the two groups. However, in younger subjects, MMSE scores were significantly increased in the active test food group than in the placebo food group at week 24 (p = 0.019).Conclusion: These results suggest that the ingestion of quercetin-rich onion can improve cognitive function and prevent dementia in elderly people.Keywords: clinical trial; cognitive function; mild cognitive impairment; Mini Mental, State Examination; onion; quercetin
Cytotoxic activity and anti-cancer potential of Ontario grown onion extracts against breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Fragis Meghan , Murayyan Abdulmonem I. , Neethirajan Suresh
Published: December 2019

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Canadian women. Cancer management through changes in lifestyle, such as increased intake of foods rich in dietary flavonoids, have been shown to decrease the risk associated with breast, liver, colorectal, and upper-digestive cancers in epidemiologic studies. Onions are high in flavonoid content and one of the most common vegetables. Additionally, onions are used in most Canadian cuisines.Methods: We investigated the effect of five prominent Ontario grown onion (Stanley, Ruby Ring, LaSalle, Fortress, and Safrane) extracts on two subtypes of breast cancer cell lines: a triple negative breast cancer line MDA-MB-231 and an ER+ breast cancer line MCF-7.Results: These onion extracts elicited strong anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, and cytotoxic activities on both the cancer cell lines. Flavonoids present in these onion extracts induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, and a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential at dose-dependent concentrations. Onion extracts were more effective against MDA-MB-231 compared to the MCF-7 cell line. Conclusion: In this study, we investigated the extracts synthesized from Ontario-grown onion varieties in inducing anti-migratory, cytostatic, and cytotoxic activities in two sub-types of human breast cancer cell lines. Anti-tumor activity of these extracts depends upon the varietal and can be formulated into nutraceuticals and functional foods for the wellbeing of cancer patients. Overall, the results suggest that onion extracts are a good source of flavonoids with anti-cancerous properties.Keywords: onion extracts; flavonoids; anti-proliferative; breast cancer; cytotoxic activity
Induction of apoptosis by fucoidan isolated from a traditional food, Saccharina longissima, in U937 human leukemia cells
Authors: Shimabukuro Junpei , Yogi Takuya , Nago Mariko , Teruya Takeshi , Konishi Teruko , Tako Masakuni
Published: December 2019

Background: A brown seaweed, Saccharina longissima (Laminaria angustata var. longissima) has been consumed in Okinawa for 300 years. It is native to the southernmost part of Japan, in Okinawa, but grows on the Pacific coast (Kushiro and Nemuro) in Hokkaido in the northernmost part of Japan. Previously, we reported the structural characteristics from S. longissima. The fucoidan consisted of L-fucose, D-galactose, D-glucose, D-xylose, D-glucuronic acid, and sulfuric acid. This fucoidan activated the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a fucoidan isolated from Saccharina longissima on cell anti-proliferation and apoptosis in the U937 human leukemia monocyte lymphoma cell line. Methods: U937 cells were incubated with four fucoidan concentrations. The degree of apoptosis was determined using the APOPercentage APOPtosis assay, caspaer-3 activity assay and Western blotting analysis assay. Results: The treatment of cell with a fucoidan highly substituted with sulfate, in addition to L-fucose residues, inhibited cell growth. Apoptosis increased in U937 cells in a dose-dependent manner following the addition of fucoidan. However, the fucoidan did not induce apoptosis in the presence of caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-FMK).Conclusions: The fucoidan from Saccharina longissima induced apoptosis in U937 cells. Accordingly, the kelp containing this fucoidan may contribute to the observed longevity of the Okinawan population.Keywords: fucoidan, Saccharina longissimi, brown seaweed, traditional food, human leukemia cells, apoptosis
The Impact of Dietary Supplement NT-020 with Rhodiola Rosea on Energy, Fatigue, and Perceived Exertion
Authors: Lamadrid Priscila , Williams Danielle K , Kilpatrick Marcus W , Bickford Paula C , Sanberg Cyndy
Published: December 2019

Purpose: Evaluate the effectiveness of a commercially-available nutraceutical product on levels of exercise-related energy, fatigue, and exertion before and after 4 weeks of supplementation. Primary ingredients within the product include a proprietary blend of blueberry extract, green tea extract, L-carnosine, and Vitamin D3 (NT-020) and rhodiola rosea, a plant that purports to boost energy.Methods: Twenty-seven participants (12 female, 15 male, mean BMI = 23) completed baseline assessment of aerobic fitness (mean VO2 peak = 40 mL x kg-1 x min-1) before being randomized into a placebo or supplement condition for four weeks. All participants were involved in regular physical activity three or more days per week. Assessment of energy, fatigue, and perceived exertion responses during and immediately following moderately intense cycle ergometry exercise was conducted before and after the 4-week ingestion period during which participants were instructed to maintain existing exercise activities.Results: Data were analyzed by way of repeated measures ANOVA and dependent t-tests to determine the presence of significant differences across time and between the supplement and placebo conditions. Participants receiving the supplement reported: greater levels of energy and lower levels of fatigue during the initial moments after completing the exercise trial (p < 0.05), greater levels of energy at the midpoint of the exercise trial (p < 0.05) but not at the end of the exercise session (p > 0.05), and lower perceived exertion at four of the six measurement points during exercise (p < 0.05). No differences were observed from pre to post intervention within the placebo condition (p > 0.05).Conclusions: Findings indicate that a commercially available supplement marketed to boost energy and reduce fatigue can deliver the purported benefits at least in part. Related findings that supplementation for a 4-week period can allow for equal work at a lower rating of perceived exertion provides further, though limited support that this product may have efficacy.
Method for determining the parameters of an electromechanical transmission of an industrial tractor
Authors: Padalkin B. V , Gorelov V. A , Staduhin A. A , Kosicyn B. B , Balkovskij K. S
Published: December 2019

In this paper, authors propose a method for determining the mechanical characteristics of traction electric motors and parameters of an electromechanical transmission of an industrial tractor. To ensure maximum machine performance, the developed transmission has two mechanical ranges: transport and technological. A feature of the presented scheme is the inclusion of a «ZK» type rotation mechanism (developed by the staff of Bauman MSTU G. Zaichik, M. Kreines and M. Kristi) in its composition. This mechanism is characterized by high traction in turning. The layout of industrial tractors involves placing the transmission in a cramped space inside the frame. In this regard, when developing the unit, it was required to implement its most compact design. This was achieved by using the same planetary gears to form the «ZK» rotation mechanism and for the reduced «technological» transmission range. As part of the study, traction capabilities of the tractor in each range were evaluated. In addition, an analysis was made of the influence of the design parameter of the planetary gears of the «ZK» mechanism on the operational characteristics of the machine. Depending on the design parameter, the required torques and rotational speeds of the traction electric motor rotors were obtained to ensure a given driving mode in a turn, and the time to complete a full rotation of the machine around the center of mass and the stopped side in the «transport» and «technological» transmission ranges was determined. In conclusion, an assessment was made of the influence of tractor transmission parameters on the maximum speed of maneuvers, which made it possible to determine the required power of electric machines taking into account the comfortable work of the driver-operator.
The increase of the efficiency of harvesting the non-cereal part of the crop for the preparation of roughage
Authors: Brusencov A. S , Tumanova M. I , CHulakov Y. A.B
Published: December 2019

The presence of roughage in the diet of animals (hay, straw) is necessary for the full feeding of cattle. Since they have high nutritional value, they are necessary due to the physiological characteristics of animals. Straw is a dry stalk obtained after processing cereals and legumes containing high fiber content. It is used to give the diet the necessary volume, or as an additive to diets with a large number of succulent feeds. The rye straw oat, barley are used widely as a litter for animals. It forms a wonderful insulating and blocking layer between the cold, wet floor and the animal. There are several basic technologies for harvesting the non-cereal part of the crop (NPC). The selected cleaning method determines the vintage composition of the harvesting and transport link. Simultaneous harvesting of roughage during the harvesting of grain and cereal crops will reduce the previously spent resources for this operation. A patent search of the analysis of structures and methods for harvesting NPC showed that research is ongoing to improve methods and technical means for harvesting the non-grain part of the crop. This paper considers the issue of combining several technological operations, as well as improving the quality of the harvested non-cereal part of the crop, improving the field culture, since it is not littered with weed seeds. The proposed method in comparison with the known methods of harvesting the non-cereal part of the crop has the following advantages: reduction of operating costs, reduction of time for one operation, reduction of production costs.
Ensuring the reliability of threaded connections on modern automotive vehicles
Authors: Antropov B. S , Kubeev E. I , Pogodina T. V
Published: December 2019

When forcing engines, loads on parts of components and assemblies of automotive vehicles, but especially on parts of ICE itself, which are subject to gas, inertial and thermal loads increase. In this regard, serious requirements are made for threaded joints of machines - to exclude self-loosening of joints during operation and thereby regular monitoring of the condition of the threads and the need to tighten them during maintenance up to overhaul. The article discusses methods for improving the reliability of threaded joints: changing the shape and geometry of threaded elements, the use of gels and adhesives in threaded joints during their installation, the use of crimp bolts when assembling vehicle frames and the introduction of a method of tightening bolts in several stages in terms of torque and angle of rotation. An assessment of their effectiveness in operation was made.
The influence of the speed of the floating conveyor to the separating ability of the bottom of the inclined chamber
Authors: Ozhereliev V. N , Nikitin V. V , Sinyaya N. V , Kuzyur V. M , Kuznetsov A. E
Published: December 2019

The results of the laboratory experiment confirming the possibility of preliminary separation of free grain from the combed grain heap before it enters the threshing chamber are presented. In particular, it is proposed to provide a combine harvester with a device for pre-separation of free grain, mounted between the inclined chamber and the threshing device. It includes two drums and an infinite mesh cloth. To intensify the process of separation of the combed grain heap on the fraction of the axis of rotation of the drums are made eccentrically with respect to their geometric axes. All studies were carried out on wheat varieties «Moskovskaya 56». Grain moisture was about 12 %. The speed of movement of the floating conveyor had five levels of variation in the range of 3-5 m/s. Flow oceanog grain heap was about 10 kg/s at a content of 80 % of free grain. The length of the mesh conveyor was 2 m, and its rectangular cells had dimensions of 17×15 mm. Thus, according to the results of scientific research, as the speed of the mesh conveyor increases, the amount of free grain passing through its cells tends to decrease, and the amount of grain coming down from it, on the contrary, to increase. The maximum passage of free grain (94,66 %) corresponds to the minimum speed of the mesh conveyor, equal to 3 m/s. The presence of free grain is due to the fact that during a series of experiments, the length of the separating surface was insufficient. To determine the optimal length of the mesh conveyor, the nature of the process of preliminary separation of free grain from the combed grain heap is considered. Extrapolation of this process shows that the minimum length of the mesh conveyor, providing 99 % of the free grain from the combed grain heap, must be at least 2,69 m. The practical implementation of such a technical solution in the design of a modern combine harvester will increase its productivity when combing plants at the root, reliably eliminating the possibility of crushing free grain by the working bodies of the threshing device.
Fast response characteristics of red blood cell aggregation
Authors: Kaliviotis E. , Yianneskis M.
Published: December 2019

The present work reports on an important feature of the fast response dynamics of blood flow observed after abrupt changes of the shearing conditions: distinctive peak values in conductance and light reflection/transmission have been observed at short times after the abrupt changes in the shearing conditions and have been attributed to red blood cell (RBC) disorientation and shape changes. Optical shearing microscopy results from the present study show that this peak is directly related to the inter-cellular or inter-aggregate spacing, quantified as the plasma gaps present in the captured images. In order to provide a more in-depth understanding of the structural characteristics of blood subjected to abrupt changes in the flow conditions, normal human blood samples at hematocrits of 45, 35, 25 and 10% were sheared at 100 s−1 and the shear then suddenly reduced to values decreasing from 60 to 0 s−1. Results from the present study agree qualitatively and quantitatively with results previously reported in the literature: the hematocrit and the magnitude of the final shear rate affect the magnitude of the peak values. The characteristic peak time was mostly influenced by the cell concentration. It is suggested that aggregation forces may play a part in the process of the fast response structural and spatial rearrangements of RBC.
A mathematical model of evolving mechanical properties of intraluminal thrombus
Authors: Karšaj I. , Humphrey J.D.
Published: December 2019

Quantifying mechanical properties of blood clots is fundamental to understanding many aspects of cardiovascular disease and its treatment. Nevertheless, there has been little attention to quantifying the evolving composition, structure and properties when a clot transforms from an initial fibrin-based mesh to a predominantly collagenous mass. Although more data are needed to formulate a complete mathematical model of the evolution of clot properties, we propose a general constrained mixture model based on diverse data available from in vitro tests on fibrinogenesis, the stiffness of fibrin gels, and fibrinolysis as well as histological and mechanical data from clots retrieved from patients at surgery or autopsy. In particular, albeit resulting from complex kinetics involving many clotting factors, we show that the rapid (minutes) in vitro production of fibrin from fibrinogen can be modeled well by an Avrami-type relation and similarly that the fast (tens of minutes) in vitro degradation of fibrin in response to different concentrations of plasmin can be captured via a single “master function” parameterized by appropriate half-times that can be inferred from laboratory or clinical data. Accounting simultaneously for the production and removal of fibrin as well as chemo-mechano-stimulated production of fibrillar collagens yields predictions of changing mass fractions and bulk mechanical properties that correspond well to experimentally available data. Constrained mixture models thus hold considerable promise for modeling the biomechanics of clot evolution and can guide the design and interpretation of needed experiments and stress analyses.
Fifty years of brain tissue mechanical testing: From in vitro to in vivo investigations
Authors: Chatelin Simon , Constantinesco André , Willinger Rémy
Published: December 2019

Beginning in the 1960s many studies have been performed to investigate the mechanical properties of brain. In this paper we point out the difficulties linked with in vitro experimental protocols as well as the advantages of using recently developed non-invasive in vivo techniques, such as magnetic resonance elastography. Results of in vitro and in vivo work are compared, emphasizing the specificities and disparities of the in vitro as well as the in vivo results. In particular, a detailed discussion of the results obtained from dynamic shear experiments and magnetic resonance elastography is given before arriving at a tentative conclusion on the state of knowledge of the mechanical properties of brain.
Effects of osmotic challenges on membrane potential in human articular chondrocytes from healthy and osteoarthritic cartilage
Authors: Sánchez Julio C. , López-Zapata Diego F.
Published: December 2019

Changes in external osmolarity arise from variations in mechanical loads on joints and may affect the homeostasis of chondrocytes, which are the only cell type responsible for matrix turnover. Accordingly, variations in membrane potential may affect cartilage production. The present study assessed the effects of variations in external osmolarity on membrane potential and the possible mechanisms responsible for this response. Membrane potential was measured by the patch clamp whole-cell technique using human articular chondrocytes freshly isolated from healthy and osteoarthritic cartilage. The membrane potential was −39±4 mV in articular human chondrocytes from healthy cartilage and −26±4 mV in those from osteoarthritic cartilage. Increasing the osmolarity produced a reversible hyperpolarization mediated by K+ efflux through BKCa channels in both groups of chondrocytes, but the response in osteoarthritic cells was significantly reduced; no other K+ pathways were involved in this effect. Alternatively, decreasing the osmolarity elicited depolarization in healthy chondrocytes but did not produce any response in chondrocytes from osteoarthritic cartilage. The depolarization was dependent on Na+ influx through Gd3+-sensitive stretch-activated cation channels and was independent of external Ca2+. The differential responses observed in chondrocytes from osteoarthritic cartilage suggest that disregulation on the responses to external osmolarity may be involved in the process that leads to the alterations in the cartilage structure observed in osteoarthritis.
Analysis of early embryonic great-vessel microcirculation in zebrafish using high-speed confocal μPIV
Authors: Chen Chia-Yuan , Patrick Michael J. , Corti Paola , Kowalski William , Roman Beth L. , Pekkan Kerem
Published: December 2019

In the developing cardiovascular system, hemodynamic vascular loading is critical for angiogenesis and cardiovascular adaptation. Normal zebrafish embryos with transgenically-labeled endothelial and red blood cells provide an excellent in vivo model for studying the fluid-flow induced vascular loading. To characterize the developmental hemodynamics of early embryonic great-vessel microcirculation in the zebrafish embryo, two complementary studies (experimental and numerical) are presented. Quantitative comparison of the wall shear stress (WSS) at the first aortic arch (AA1) of wild-type zebrafish embryos during two consecutive developmental stages is presented, using time-resolved confocal micro-particle image velocimetry (μPIV). Analysis showed that there was significant WSS difference between 32 and 48 h post-fertilization (hpf) wild-type embryos, which correlates with normal arch morphogenesis. The vascular distensibility of the arch wall at systole and the acceleration/deceleration rates of time-lapse phase-averaged streamwise blood flow curves were also analyzed. To estimate the influence of a novel intermittent red-blood cell (RBC) loading on the endothelium, a numerical two-phase, volume of fluid (VOF) flow model was further developed with realistic in vivo conditions. These studies showed that near-wall effects and cell clustering increased WSS augmentation at a minimum of 15% when the distance of RBC from arch vessel wall was less than 3 μm or when RBC cell-to-cell distance was less than 3 μm. When compared to a smooth wall, the WSS augmentation increased by a factor of ∼1.4 due to the roughness of the wall created by the endothelial cell profile. These results quantitatively highlight the contribution of individual RBC flow patterns on endothelial WSS in great-vessel microcirculation and will benefit the quantitative understanding of mechanotransduction in embryonic great vessel biology, including arteriovenous malformations (AVM).
Analysis of factors governing dynamic stiffness index of medical compression bandages
Authors: Kumar Bipin , Das Apurba , Alagirusamy R.
Published: December 2019

Objective: To identify and analyze the important factors which could influence the Dynamic Stiffness Index (DSI) of compression bandages.

Methods: Using three commercially available bandages with different stiffnesses, their DSI was obtained using a prototype based on an artificial leg-segment model consisting of a wooden mannequin having a variable circumference. The effect on DSI of three major factors, bandage extensibility (ε), resting pressure (RP) and limb circumference (C) was studied. An N-way ANOVA for a fixed model was carried out to test the significance of the above major factors and their interaction effects on bandage DSI.

Results: There were significant differences (p<0.05) between the mean DSI observed at different values of ε, RP and C. It was also found that some of the factors, ε and RP, and C and RP, interfere with each other and that their interaction effects also significantly affected the DSI (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The above major factors have a deciding influence on the DSI of the compression bandages. Understanding the influence of these factors and the effect of their interactions on the DSI could help in pre-evaluating and comparing dynamic behaviors of different compression bandages during compression management.
Effects of long-term feeding of α-glucosylhesperidin on the mechanical properties of rabbit femoral arteries
Authors: Naiki Takeru , Kurose Yuki , Hayashi Kozaburo , Takumi Hiroko , Kometani Takashi
Published: December 2019

Many people are sensitive to cold, resulting in poor blood circulation. There is evidence that hesperidin results in increased peripheral circulation and skin temperature. A transglycosylated hesperidin, α-glucosylhesperidin, is more bioabsorbable than hesperidin. In the present study, biomechanical studies were performed on the effects of long-term feeding of α-glucosylhesperidin on the contractile response (diameter response) and stiffness of femoral arteries excised from rabbits. Animals in the normal (non-treated), low, and high groups were fed 0, 150 and 4500 mg/day, respectively, of α-glucosylhesperidin for about 24 weeks. The feeding of α-glucosylhesperidin did not change arterial stiffness nor mean blood flow rate in the femoral artery; however, it increased mean aortic blood pressure and decreased arterial diameter at 100 mmHg in the high group. The diameter responses developed by 10−5 M of norepinephrine were significantly lower in the high and low groups than in non-treated group. This result indicates that, due to the long-term feeding of α-glucosylhesperidin, arterial contraction induced by the neurotransmitter of sympathetic nerves decreases. It was estimated that blood flow in such muscular arteries as the femoral artery is maintained at normal by α-glucosylhesperidin even under the conditions of autonomic imbalance and cold intolerance.