bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of Garcinia cambogia on high fat diet-fed rats
Authors: Sripradha Ramalingam , Sridhar Magadi Gopalakrishna , Maithilikarpagaselvi Nachimuthu 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Background: The study investigated the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of Garcinia cambogia on high fat diet-fed rats.

Methods: The phytochemical constituents, total polyphenol content and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were estimated in the G. cambogia extract (GE). Male Wistar rats were fed with either standard rodent diet or 30% high-fat diet and administered with GE at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight/day for 10 weeks. At the end, lipid profile and oxidative stress parameters were estimated.

Results: The analyses revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, sterols, tannins, flavonoids and saponins in GE. The total polyphenol content and FRAP of GE were 82.82±7.64 mg of gallic acid equivalents and 260.49±10.18 µM FRAP per gram of the GE. High-fat feeding elevated plasma total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced HDL-C and blood antioxidants, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase. Increase in total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and decrease in the total antioxidant status (TAS) were observed in plasma, liver and kidney of fat-fed rats. Administration of GE decreased food intake, plasma TC, TAG, non HDL-C, MDA, increased HDL-C and blood antioxidants GSH, GPx, catalase. GE also reduced TOS, OSI and elevated TAS in plasma and liver of fat-fed rats. Renal OSI was significantly reduced upon GE treatment.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that GE is effective in ameliorating high-fat-diet-induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress.
Study on Sakiadis and Blasius flows of Williamson fluid with convective boundary condition
Authors: Ramesh G.K. , Gireesha B.J. , Gorla Rama Subba Reddy 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe present analysis reports the behaviour of Sakiadis and Blasius flow of Williamson fluid with convective boundary condition. Using boundary layer approximations and suitable similarity transformations the governing partial differential equations along with the boundary conditions are reduced into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The transformed equations are solved numerically with the help of fourth and fifth order Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method. It is found that the Blasius flow provides a thicker thermal boundary layerwhen compared with the Sakiadis flow.
An unusual presentation of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Suryawanshi Avinash , Middleton Timothy , Ganda Kirtan 
Published: November 2015

Summary
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a rare genetic condition caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene that result in accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in various tissues. This leads to demyelination in the CNS and impaired steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex and testes. A 57-year-old gentleman was referred for the assessment of bilateral gynaecomastia of 6 months duration. He had skin hyperpigmentation since 4 years of age and spastic paraparesis for the past 15 years. Physical examination findings included generalised hyperpigmentation (including skin, buccal mucosa and palmar creases), blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg, non-tender gynaecomastia and bilateral hypoplastic testes. Lower limb findings were those of a profoundly ataxic gait associated with significant paraparesis and sensory loss. Primary adrenal insufficiency was confirmed and investigations for gynaecomastia revealed normal testosterone with mildly elevated luteinising hormone level and normal prolactin. The combination of primary adrenal insufficiency (likely childhood onset), partial testicular failure (leading to gynaecomastia) and spastic paraparesis suggested X-ALD as a unifying diagnosis. A serum VLCFA panel was consistent with X-ALD. Subsequent genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment with replacement doses of corticosteroid resulted in improvement in blood pressure and increased energy levels. We have reported the case of a 57-year-old man with a very late diagnosis of X-ALD manifested by childhood onset of primary adrenal insufficiency followed by paraparesis and primary hypogonadism in adulthood. Thus, X-ALD should be considered as a possibility in a patient with non-autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency and neurological abnormalities.

Learning points

Adult patients with X-ALD may be misdiagnosed as having multiple sclerosis or idiopathic spastic paraparesis for many years before the correct diagnosis is identified.

Screening for X-ALD with a VLCFA panel should be strongly considered in male children with primary adrenal insufficiency and in male adults presenting with non-autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency.

Confirmation of a genetic diagnosis of X-ALD can be very useful for a patient's family as genetic testing enables detection of pre-symptomatic female heterozygotes who can then be offered pre-natal testing to avoid transmission of the disease to male offsprings.
BARF (Biologisch Artgerechte Rohfütterung) als Ernährungsform bei Hunden
Authors: Schmidt M. , Kölle P. 
Published: November 2015

ZusammenfassungBARF (Biologisch Artgerechte Rohfütterung) ist in Deutschland ein zunehmender Trend in der Ernährung von Hunden. In diesem Artikel werden allgemeine Informationen zu dieser Fütterungsmethode dargestellt, wie Prinzipien des Barfens, Zusammensetzung einer typischen BARF-Ration und Beweggründe der Besitzer. Risiken bei BARF-Rationen bestehen insbesondere in der potenziellen Übertragung von Parasiten, Bakterien und Viren durch rohes Fleisch auf den Hund, wobei einige davon auch zoonotisches Potenzial aufweisen. Häufig besteht bei BARF-Rationen zudem eine Unteroder Überversorgung der Hunde mit verschiedenen Nährstoffen. Dies betrifft insbesondere das Mengenelement Kalzium und die Spurenelemente Kupfer, Zink und Jod, die Vitamine A und D sowie ein häufig inadäquates Kalzium-Phosphor-Verhältnis der Ration. Dies kann bei mittelbis langfristiger Verfütterung zu klinisch manifesten Krankheitssymptomen führen. Daher sollte Hundebesitzern, die ihre Hunde barfen, stets eine Rationsüberprüfung und gegebenenfalls Rationsoptimierung durch einen entsprechend spezialisierten Tierarzt angeraten werden.
Modelling of seismically induced liquefaction under high confining stress
Authors: Gonzalez Lenart , Abdoun Tarek , Sharp Michael K. 
Published: November 2015

Evaluation of seismically-induced liquefaction under high confining stress, such as might relate to the foundation soil under large earth dams, is based on the extrapolation of observed behavior and correlations at shallow depths. In practice, the behavior of saturated sand and other cohesionless soils under these conditions is not well understood. Experiments were conducted, at the 100 g-ton RPI centrifuge facility, to investigate confining stress effects on liquefaction potential, under the boundary and loading conditions of a deep horizontal saturated sand deposit. Three level ground models, with either a homogeneous profile or a dense layer over a loose layer, were tested in a laminar box. In two of the models, a steel plate surcharge was placed on the soil to increase confinement. Recorded accelerations and pore pressures, vertical surface settlement, and shear strains and stresses derived from the accelerations using System Identification, were analyzed to study the effect of high confining stress on the development of soil liquefaction.
Group pile behavior under lateral loading in centrifuge model tests
Authors: Tobita Tetsuo , Iai Susumu , Rollins K.M. 
Published: November 2015

Response of a group pile under static and dynamic lateral load is studied using a geotechnical centrifuge with an arm length of 2.5 m. The group pile consists of 9 piles in a 3 × 3 pattern with a spacing of three times a pile diameter center to center. The study is at an initial phase where an overview of the behavior of group pile is obtained through model tests as a basis for further study. In particular, the study aims to answer the question whether the group pile effects and a p-y curve or a coefficient of subgrade reaction for seismic design can be evaluated based on the data from the static tests. A total of seven model tests are performed. Three are static tests of a single and group pile in dry sand deposit. Four are dynamic tests of a single and group pile in dry and saturated deposits using a shake table mounted on the centrifuge. The results obtained through the model tests are: (1) group pile effects are observed in both static and dynamic tests, including those tests where liquefaction occurs; (2) residual pile displacements mobilized are larger in dynamic tests than in static tests for the same load applied at pile head. These results trigger the need to evaluate the following issues through more refined model test programs: (1) difference in p-multiplier (i.e. a ratio of the load for each pile in group pile over the load for single pile at the same displacement) in the static and dynamic conditions; (2) difference in p-y curve or coefficient of subgrade reaction for use in design in the static and dynamic conditions; (3) difference in the mechanism of lateral loading in the static and dynamic conditions, including the effects of inertial and kinematic interaction.
Centrifuge modelling of tunnelling close to a diaphragm wall
Authors: Bilotta E. , Taylor R.N. 
Published: November 2015

The experimental set-up and some results of a series of centrifuge tests which were performed at City University are shown and discussed. Tests were carried out on a circular model tunnel in a clay ground and in undrained conditions. The basic idea being tested was whether or not a diaphragm wall embedded at different locations close to a shallow tunnel could reduce movements in the ground extending beyond the wall and further away from the tunnel. The length of the embedded diaphragm wall was varied, as well as its thickness. The influence of the soil-wall interface was also studied. An image processing system was used to measure displacement fields in the models. The influence of the tunnel support pressure on the displacement field is discussed. Also, the influence of the walls edge and of the embedding technique is shown. In particular two different ways of achieving a rough interface are compared. A significant influence of the wall self-weight and of the interface roughness on the model stability was observed during the tests. Two kinematically admissible collapse mechanisms are analysed in order to understand these experimental findings.
Melting temperatures of Al2O3 and MgO under pressure
Authors: Shuai Zhang , Hui Li 
Published: November 2015

The melting temperature–pressure phase diagram for corundum (Al2O3) and magnesium oxide (MgO) are predicted through the Clapeyron equation in which the pressure-dependent volume difference is modeled by introducing the effect of surface stress–induced pressure. Al2O3 and MgO have been employed to test the reliability of the model.
Ageing effects on the small-strain stiffness of a bio-treated compacted soil
Authors: Morales L. , Romero E. , Jommi C. , Garzón E. , Giménez A. 
Published: November 2015

The effect of ageing on the small-strain shear stiffness of compacted silty-clayey sand following a ‘soft’ biological treatment is discussed. Samples were prepared by static compaction, adding urea-degrading bacteria to the compaction water. No nutrients were artificially added, relying on the natural availability of urea and calcium ions (Ca2 +) in the humic soil and in the compaction water for the bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate. After compaction, to replicate different environmental boundary conditions, some of the samples were cured in a system open to vapour transfer and some were cured in a closed system. The small-strain shear stiffness was periodically tracked with bender elements during the ageing period. Tests were run in parallel to investigate the unconfined compression strength, the water retention properties and soil pore size distribution changes during ageing. The test results revealed a small but consistent increase in the small-strain shear stiffness during the ageing period due to the microbiological treatment, in both the closed and open systems. In the latter case, the contribution of the microbiological treatment to the increase in stiffness could be estimated after correcting the data for the suction increase due to evaporation.
A furnace and loading rig for testing small concrete beams at high temperatures
Authors: Dougill J. W. , Sullivan P. J. E. 
Published: November 2015

Synopsis A combined furnace and loading rig, for testing 50 × 75 × 840 mm concrete beams in flexure at temperatures up to lOOO°C, is described together with the instrumentation for measuring displacements and thermal expansion.
In-vitro effects of protease inhibitors on BAX, BCL-2 and apoptosis in two human breast cell lines (with corrigendum)
Authors: Adefolaju Gbenga A. , Theron Katherine E. , Hosie Margot J. 
Published: November 2015

Currently, the treatment of choice of HIV/AIDS in South Africa is the multidrug combination regimen known as HAART (highly active antiretroviral treatment). HAART, which commonly consists of nucleoside or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors, has radically decreased mortality and morbidity rates among people living with HIV/AIDS. The emphasis of the original development of the antiretroviral drugs was on clinical effectiveness (reducing mortality). Presently, emphasis has shifted from the initial short- term considerations to the long-term undesirable or harmful effects induced by this treatment regimen. Whether antiretroviral compounds are oncogenic is widely speculated, which led to this investigation into the effects of protease inhibitors on the expression of key apoptotic regulatory genes, BAX and BCL-2, in two human breast cell lines, MCF-7 and MCF-10A by real-time qPCR gene expression and immunofluorescence. The anti-apoptotic effects of the protease inhibitors – LPV/r were also investigated by cell death detection ELISA and acridine orange staining. This study also evaluated the cytotoxicity of the antiretroviral drugs in normal and cancer cell lines of the breast (at clinically relevant concentrations of the drugs and at different time points, 24–96 h), employing the neutral red uptake assay. The drugs and combinations tested did not alter BAX and BCL-2 gene expression and protein expression and localisation in both cell lines. In addition, the protease inhibitors–LPV/r did not inhibit camptothecin-induced apoptosis in both cell lines. We have shown that the protease inhibitors demonstrated varying degrees of cytotoxicity in the breast cells. The resulting DNA damage associated with cytotoxicity is strongly implicated in the processes of tumour initiation.
Shark–Cetacean trophic interaction, Duinefontein, Koeberg, (5 Ma), South Africa
Authors: Govender Romala 
Published: November 2015

This study forms part of a larger project to reconstruct the Mio-Pliocene marine palaeoenvironment along South Africa’s west coast. It documents the shark–cetacean trophic interaction during the Zanclean (5 Ma) at Duinefontein (Koeberg). The damage described on the fragmentary cetacean bones was compared with similar damage observed on fossils from Langebaanweg, a Mio-Pliocene site on the west coast of South Africa, and data present in the literature. This comparison showed that the damage was the result of shark bites. The state of preservation makes it difficult to determine if the shark bite marks were the cause of death or as a result of scavenging. The presence of the bite marks on the bone would, however, indicate some degree of skeletonisation. Bite marks on some cranial fragments would suggest that the cetacean’s body was in an inverted position typical of a floating carcass. The preservation of the material suggests that the bones were exposed to wave action resulting in their fragmentation as well as abrasion, polishing and rolling. It also suggests that the cetacean skeletons were exposed for a long time prior to burial. The morphology of the bites suggests that the damage was inflicted by sharks with serrated and unserrated teeth. Shark teeth collected from the deposit include megalodon (Carcharodon megalodon), white (Carcharodon carcharias) as well as mako (Isurus sp. and Cosmopolitodus hastalis) sharks, making these sharks the most likely predators/scavengers.
Influência das condições sociodemográficas e comportamentais na autoeficácia em amamentar: estudo transversal
Authors: Rodrigues Andressa Peripolli , Padoin Stela Maris de Mello , De Paula Cristiane Cardoso , Souza Ívis Emília de Oliveira , De Almeida Paulo César , Ximenes Lorena Barbosa 
Published: November 2015

Objetivo: analisar os fatores de riscos sociodemográficos e comportamentais de puérperas na autoeficácia em amamentar. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com 322 puérperas internadas no alojamento conjunto, utilizando a Escala de Autoeficácia em Amamentação (BSES-SF). Avaliou-se a consistência interna pelo Alfa de Cronbach (0,89). A associação da autoeficácia com as demais variáveis foi realizada por meio do teste qui-quadrado. Fez-se a regressão logística entrando no modelo das variáveis com p<0,20. Resultados: houve associação estatisticamente significante da autoeficácia com o número de pessoas que vivem com a renda familiar (p=0,014), não usam drogas (p=0,003), têm dois ou mais filhos (p=0,009), amamentam (p=0,018) exclusivamente de cinco a seis meses (p=0,002) e têm tido experiência positiva (p<0,001). Conclusão: os profissionais devem considerar a autoeficácia em seu contexto profissional, pois ela estabelece interações com as características das puérperas, influenciando significativamente na amamentação.
Cuidados familiares aos lactentes com doenças respiratórias: estudo descritivo exploratório
Authors: Guimarães Márcia Valéria Ratto , Teixeira Enéas Rangel 
Published: November 2015

Objetivo: Discutir os cuidados familiares aos lactentes com doenças respiratórias a partir da prática educativa do enfermeiro. Método: Estudo descritivo-exploratório com abordagem qualitativa. Cenário foi o ambulatório de pediatria de um Hospital Universitário no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Coleta de dados ocorreu entre setembro de 2013 e janeiro de 2014 através de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 17 mães dos lactentes. Análise de conteúdo do tipo temática. Resultados: Os dados coletados produziram duas categorias: Cuidados domiciliares aos lactentes com doenças respiratórias e Facilidades e dificuldades familiares no cuidado domiciliar de lactentes com doenças respiratórias.Discussão: Prática de cuidados pautou-se nos de manutenção da vida, com adoção das medidas de controle ambiental e de reparação, com a prevalência da automedicação. Conclusão: A prática educativa trouxe contribuições para cuidar dos lactentes. Todavia, as condições de vida desfavoráveis, acesso restrito ou má qualidade do atendimento concorreram para a prática de cuidados inadvertidos.
En torno al sexismo y la enseñanza de textos argumentativos y narrativos
Authors: Gárate Larrea Milagros , Tejerina Lobo Isabel , Melero Zabal Mª Ángeles , Echevarría Arce Elena , Gutiérrez Sebastián Raquel 
Published: November 2015

Este trabajo presenta la intervención llevada a cabo en 4º de la ESO con el fin de mejorar las habilidades de comprensión y escritura de textos argumentativos y narrativos, objetivo unido al logro de avances en la reflexión de los adolescentes sobre el tema del sexismo. Ofrece la descripción detallada del procedimiento de enseñanza-aprendizaje seguido y los resultados logrados en las distintas actuaciones realizadas. Sostiene que el tema de la discriminación de la mujer posee un gran interés para los estudiantes de este nivel y resulta motivador para el aprendizaje de distintos objetivos curriculares. Defiende finalmente que los progresos en el campo lingüístico y literario se pueden alcanzar con éxito junto al desarrollo de la conciencia ética y el pensamiento crítico.
Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Association Mapping of 10 Agronomic Traits in Sesame
Authors: Wei Wenliang , Zhang Yanxin , Wang Linhai , Li Donghua , Gao Yuan , Zhang Xiurong 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTTo improve efficiency in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) breeding, it is important to understand the genetic basis and relatedness of advanced varieties developed during the past decades and to identify molecular markers associated with quantitative traits of agronomic importance. Seed yield and traits that contribute to yield are strongly influenced by traits related to plant height, but little is known about the genetic basis of height‐related traits in sesame. A sesame association panel was phenotyped in multienvironment trials and fingerprinted with 44 markers to conduct genetic diversity analysis and association mapping of four height‐related traits and six yield‐related traits. Population structure analyses revealed two subgroups within the panel. The Q model performed better in terms of controlling false associations than the mixed models and identified a total of 92 marker associations with these 10 traits in three environments at P < 0.01. Eleven markers were identified as linked to three height‐related traits and three yield‐related traits in more than one environment. Further, three markers (ID24, SSI259, and ZZM452) were simultaneously associated with multiple traits in different environments with stable and pleiotropic effects. In each of the three environments, ID71 was stably associated with the number of seeds per capsule and ZZM452 was associated with thousand‐seed weight. These results suggest that the relatively abundant diversity in this sesame association panel together with the power of the Q model are useful for association analysis of agronomic traits in sesame. The associations of markers with these traits will benefit marker‐assisted selection in sesame after further validation.
Canopy Visible and Near‐infrared Reflectance Data to Estimate Alfalfa Nutritive Attributes Before Harvest
Authors: Starks Patrick J. , Brown Michael A. , Turner Kenneth E. , Venuto Bradley C. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTCanopy reflectance (i.e., remotely sensed) data may allow rapid assessment of nutritive values, such as total N, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF), as well as nutritive quality indicators such as relative feed value (RFV) and a forage energy/protein ratio of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Remotely sensed data were acquired over seven alfalfa cultivars in the 2005 to 2008 growing seasons (n = 580) to develop and test calibration equations to predict concentrations of total N, NDF, and ADF. About 31% of the canopy reflectance dataset and corresponding measured values of total N, NDF, and ADF were used in calibration equation development while the remaining samples (69%) were used to validate the calibration equations. The remote sensing based values of NDF, ADF, and crude protein (CP = total N × 6.25) were used to calculate RFV and the total digestible nutrients/crude protein (TDN/CP) ratio. Measured total N, NDF, ADF, RFV, and the TDN/CP ratio were used to assess the accuracy of the corresponding predicted values from the remotely sensed canopy reflectance data. The remotely sensed based prediction equations explained from 78 to 83% of the variation in measured total N, NDF, and ADF, correctly predicted about 80% of the RFV‐based hay grade classifications, and about 78% of the measured TDN/CP ratios. This technology could help improve profit margins by timing the cutting or harvesting of alfalfa, in rapid assessment of nutritive values over large areas devoted to growing alfalfa, and assessing nutritive quality in real time.