Cinnamon and lemon are the oldest plants which possess a rising popularity due to their therapeutic potential from centuries. Cinnamomum zeylanicum and lemon (Citrus lemon L.) have been subjected to extensive research...Cinnamon and lemon are the oldest plants which possess a rising popularity due to their therapeutic potential from centuries. Cinnamomum zeylanicum and lemon (Citrus lemon L.) have been subjected to extensive research. Their essential oils were extracted by steam distillation from selected plants and their chemical compositions were determined by the GC-MS system. Cinnamon and lemon essential oils were examined for antioxidant activity by ABTS method which showed the ability to inhibit lipid per-oxidation. On the other hand, in antimicrobial investigations, cinnamon and lemon essential oils have inhibitory effect against Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) using Muller Hinton agar medium. The essential oils of cinnamon and lemon showed antifungal effects which were tested against (Candida albicans). The volatile oil of cinnamon bark has been found to be highly effective against all the tested bacteria and fungi. However, lemon peel essential oil has shown medium inhibition for Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). On the other hand, the cytotoxic activities of the essential oils were tested on hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal carcinoma. Essential oils have shown good activities on the cell lines. Essential oil of cinnamon showed more inhibition rate than essential oil of lemon. This study reported the importance of both cinnamon and lemon volatile oils and recommends that cinnamon and lemon can be used as an active therapy for humans.展开更多
Roselle calyces(RC)are a major crop for export and used to make a common drink in Egypt.Dried RC are commercially available and appreciated to obtain concentrated extracts which might be used in the food and pharmaceu...Roselle calyces(RC)are a major crop for export and used to make a common drink in Egypt.Dried RC are commercially available and appreciated to obtain concentrated extracts which might be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for color and heath benefits.The objective of this research was to determine the chemical and the sensory properties of cupcakes formulated with Roselle calyces extract(RCE).Proximate analysis,anthocyanins,ascorbic acid,titrable acidity,%retaining of anthocyanins,color and sensory evaluations were done.RC cupcakes had high sensory scores(P<0.05)compared to control cupcakes.The parameter a*was significantly red in the RC cupcakes compared to control cupcakes along with 77%retaining of anthocyanins.The consumption of 100 g of the RC cupcakes would provide 465 mg/100 g dry matter anthocyanin that is more than 2 folds of the minimum average of the daily intake of anthocyanins for Americans,along∼1/3 of the daily dietary fiber intake to achieve fiber adequacy according to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition.RC cupcake can be a functional food and would have a“clean”label with cost effective advantage.展开更多
Objective: Long-term intake of Miso attenuates hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats through an increased urinary sodium excretion. We examined whether a bolus injection into the peritoneal cavity (i.p.) o...Objective: Long-term intake of Miso attenuates hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats through an increased urinary sodium excretion. We examined whether a bolus injection into the peritoneal cavity (i.p.) or a continuous subcutaneous infusion of a Miso extract attenuates hypertension in Dahl S rats. Materials and Methods: We investigated the effects of a bolus, i.p. injection of 50 mg Miso extract in 0.5 mL on hypertension in Dahl S rats, and examined whether a long-term subcutaneous infusion of the Miso extract (50 mg Miso/day), using an osmotic mini-pump working for 14 days, attenuates hypertension in Dahl S rats. Results: A bolus, i.p. injection of 50 mg Miso extract decreased SBP in 2 hrs. The reduction was significant at 4 hrs, and SBP returned to the baseline at 24 hrs. The SBP reduction at 4 hrs after the injection was increasingly greater each day during the 4 days. The SBP reduction by the Miso extract was dose-dependent and the antihy-pertensive activity occurs in a <5 kDa fraction of the extract. The subcutaneous infusion of 50 mg Miso extract/day for 14 days significantly attenuated hypertension in Dahl S rats. The SBP reduction was associated with significant decreases in the heart and kidney weights. Urinary protein excretion significantly decreased in the Miso group. The SBP reduction was not associated with increases in either urinary sodium excretion or fractional excretion of sodium. Conclusions: SBP reduction by very low-dose of the Miso extract may be mediated partly by mechanisms other than renal sodium handling.展开更多
Objectives: We investigated an influence of salt intake during gestation or lactation in salt preference of weaning Dahl salt sensitive (Dahl S) strain. Material and Methods: Nine-week-old female Dahl S rats, after ma...Objectives: We investigated an influence of salt intake during gestation or lactation in salt preference of weaning Dahl salt sensitive (Dahl S) strain. Material and Methods: Nine-week-old female Dahl S rats, after mated with the male, were divided into 1) high-salt group fed a 4% NaCl diet (high-salt mother) or 2) low-salt group fed a 0.3% NaCl diet (low-salt mother) during gestation or lactation periods. Using 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8% (w/v) saline solutions, we assessed salt preference in their offspring after weaning. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was determined by tail cuff method. Results: Both the male and female offspring from low-salt mothers during gestation consumed equal amounts of any saline solution. However, the amount of each saline solution was higher in the offspring of low-salt mothers than those of high-salt mothers. This resulted in a significant increase of salt intake in both the male and female offspring of low-salt mothers compared with those of high-salt mothers. In contrast, both the male and female offspring from low-mothers during lactation rather preferred the lower concentration of saline solution, and this resulted in less salt intake in the offspring of low-salt mothers than those of high-salt mothers. Conclusions: We demonstrated that low salt diet in pregnant mothers increased salt intake of their offspring. The offspring of mothers fed a low salt diet during lactation had less salt than those of high-salt mothers. The influence of salt intake of mothers in their offspring varies along with the growth stage of their babies.展开更多
The present work aims to study the influence of antioxidants activity of lion’s foot (Alchemilla vulgaris) leaves at different concentrations to give more protection against chronic liver disease. Results indicated t...The present work aims to study the influence of antioxidants activity of lion’s foot (Alchemilla vulgaris) leaves at different concentrations to give more protection against chronic liver disease. Results indicated that dried lion’s foot leaves had rich in total polyphenolic and flavonoids content (395.65 and 183.10 mg/100g, respectively). These results were reflected to the antioxidant activity (DPPH);it’s noticed that the antioxidant activity of dried lion’s foot leaves was high (131.74%). The major polyphenolic components were benzoic acid (1084.63 ppm) followed by ellagic acid, catechol, and catechin (614.16, 580.54, and 566.53 ppm, respectively) then salicylic acid and protocatechuic acid (479.71 and 444.43 ppm, respectively). On the same trend, flavonoids fractions indicated the highest content in luteo-6-arabinase 8-glucose, apig. 6-rhamnase 8-glucose, acatein, narengin and luteolin (40.01;15.04;8.07;6.64 and 6.42 ppm, respectively). Fifty-six male albino rats were used in biological experiments. Rats fed on basal diet for two weeks before the performance of the experiment. At the beginning, rats divided into eight main group were fed on diets for 45 days as follows: Negative control group (first group) was fed on basal diet. Forty nine rats were fed on basal diet and induced by CCl4, in paraffin oil (50% v/v, 2 ml/Kg) twice weeks subcutaneous injection to induce chronic damage in the liver, then divided into 7 groups numbered from group 2 to group 8. Positive control group rats fed on basal diet till final experiment (second group). Group 3 and 4 rats treated with 50 and 100 ppm ethanolic leaves extracts, respectively. Also, group 5 and 6 treated with 50 and 100 ppm aqueous leaves extracts, respectively. All extracts were fed on orally every day. While, rats in group 7 treated with 1% and 2% dried lion’s foot leaves. At the end of the experimental period, serums were collected to determine liver and renal functions. The liver was removed surgically for histopathological observation. The results revealed that CCl4 intoxication impaired liver function. Serum AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin levels were elevated by CCl4 administration, while significant decreasing was noticed in serum albumin in CCl4 group. Histopathologically, CCl4 caused congestion of central vain, fatty change of hepatocytes, and focal inflammatory cells in filtration. Treatment with lion’s foot with different forms and concentration attenuated these adverse effects and markedly ameliorated histopathological and biochemical alterations caused by CCl4 especially with 2% powder and 100 ppm ethanol extract administration. Therefore, the results of this study concluded that lion’s foot can be proposed to protect hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in rats. The results also revealed that the hepatoprotection effect of lion’s foot may be attributed to its antioxidant contents and free radical scavenger effect.展开更多
The effect of ingesting charcoal-broiled beefburgers (CBB) on the liver functions and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels in human blood was examined in twenty-nine healthy individually males (mean age 21.65 ± 1.32 y...The effect of ingesting charcoal-broiled beefburgers (CBB) on the liver functions and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels in human blood was examined in twenty-nine healthy individually males (mean age 21.65 ± 1.32 years, range 20.32 - 22.42 years), non-smokers and had no occupational exposure to PAHs, who consumed two charcoal grilled beefburger per day (mean weight 70 gmper each) at lunch time over 28 consecutive days. The mean daily intake of PAH during the consumption period was 3431 ng and the mean daily intake of PAH per kg body wt/day was 46 ng. Blood samples were collected from each subject 7, 14, 21 and 28 days before, during, and after the beefburgers consumption period. glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly higher in serum of subjects during CBB consumption period compared with those of before CBB consumption ones. All of the enzyme activities still increased upper the baseline levels, before CBB consumption period, by four week after charcoal broiled meat consumption ended. In contrary, the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants include albumin (ALB), glutathione in serum (GSH-S) and erythrocytes (GSH-E) were significantly lower in subjects during CBB consumption period compared with those of before CBB consumption ones. All of the non-enzymatic antioxidant levels decreased to near baseline levels, before CBB consumption period, by four week after charcoal broiled meat consumption ended. Results suggested that non-enzymatic antioxidants defense system of serum and erythrocytes was depressed and the erythrocytes as well as liver cells were exposed to oxidant stress due to oral exposure of PAH.展开更多
Spatial neglect syndrome with cerebral lesions is characterized by the ina-bility to orient, report, or respond to relevant visual stimuli contralateral to the lesions. In this study, we investigated the pattern of ho...Spatial neglect syndrome with cerebral lesions is characterized by the ina-bility to orient, report, or respond to relevant visual stimuli contralateral to the lesions. In this study, we investigated the pattern of horizontal visual search in a large space;this search was performed by patients with right hemisphere damage caused by cerebrovascular disease. The neck rotation angle and search time in each increment were continuously recorded during the task, and quantitative data of the measurements were collected. Head position during the visual search task in a large space (%) was then calculated. We set angular bands in increments of 5 degrees from the midline on the left and right sides, and calculated the total search time in each angular band. In patients with unilateral spatial neglect (USN), the search time in the angular band of 5 - 9 on the right side was significantly longer (with USN 16.7%, without USN 4.5%, t = 2.52, df = 16, p < 0.05). Furthermore, in patients with neglect in the leftmost end area in a large space, the search time was significantly shorter in the angular band of 1 - 4 degrees to the left (with neglect 13.1%, without neglect 23.7%, t = 2.13, df = 16, p < 0.05), and tended to be long in the angular band of 5 - 9 to the right. The neck rotation angle and pattern during the search task in a large field deviated slightly to the right, and the search time slightly to the left was short. We believe that these results support the rightward deviation of the search pattern and frame of USN patients.展开更多
Internetwork environment at university has been improved to supply often the lecture materials to students through websites. Along with such a tendency, the number of students who use PC (Personal computer) has also...Internetwork environment at university has been improved to supply often the lecture materials to students through websites. Along with such a tendency, the number of students who use PC (Personal computer) has also increased during the lesson at university. Hereupon, the authors investigate whether the students will get high scores in tests when some limitations are imposed on the students' use of the PC during lecture and when they are not. The authors create the tool to check the students' learning situation and to grasp which student is performing the PC operations, which are not related to the ongoing lesson, during the lecture. Teaching assistant carrying the iPad is made to walk around the class during the lecture and collect data of the students. In addition, the authors develop "MyPage" that the students can be given access to their personal information including individual class absence/tardiness, lesson comprehension and question understanding level of them and after using MyPage, the authors examine its effectiveness as a tool and its relationship with their attendance rate.展开更多
Tomato is an important field crop,and nutritional imbalances frequently reduce its yield.Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System(DRIS),uses ratios for nutrient deficiency diagnosis instead of absolute concentra...Tomato is an important field crop,and nutritional imbalances frequently reduce its yield.Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System(DRIS),uses ratios for nutrient deficiency diagnosis instead of absolute concentration in plant tests.In this study,local DRIS norms for the field tomatoes were established and the nutrient(s)limiting tomatoes yield were determined.Tomato leaves were analyzed for nutrients,to identify nutritional status using the DRIS approach.One hundred tomatoes fields were selected from Chatter Plain Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Sheikupura Punjab Pakistan.The first fully matured leaf was sampled,rinsed,dried and ground for analyzing P,K,Ca,Mg,Cu,Fe,Mn and Zn using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer(ICP AES).Plant tissue N and S were measured by the combustion method.The tomatoes yields were recorded at each location.The data were divided into high-yielding(≥3.79 kg/10 plant)and low-yielding(<3.79 kg/10 plant)populations and norms were computed using standard DRIS procedures.High-yielding plant population had a statistically greater mean S and Fe than the low-yielding population.The average balance index,the sum of functions,for S and Fe were−11.04 and−5.17 which reflected deficiency of S and Fe.Plant nutrients norms established may optimize plant nutrition in field tomatoes for high yield.展开更多
Medicinal plants used in folk medicine contain a wide range of substances that can prevent and treat many diseases. The Antiulcer Activities effects of myrrh or Commiphora molmol extract (CME) were assessed in rats. I...Medicinal plants used in folk medicine contain a wide range of substances that can prevent and treat many diseases. The Antiulcer Activities effects of myrrh or Commiphora molmol extract (CME) were assessed in rats. In this experiment, thirty rats were divided into 6 groups as follows: G1) normal control (vehicle);G2) received aspirin without any treatment;G3) pretreated with Omeprazole (antiulcer drug) and groups (4), (5) and (6) were pretreated with CME at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt, respective-ly for 2 weeks. At the end of experiment the volume, pH and total acidity of gastric juices;mucus content and ulcer lengths were measured and protection percentages were calculated. Gross and histopathological examinations of stomachs were also performed. CME induced an antiulcer effect manifested by decreased volume and total acidity of gastric juice and increased mucus content and percentages of protec-tion from ulcer as well as partial amelioration of gross and histopathological lesions seen in stomach of ulcerated rats. In conclusion, the results denote that Commiphora molmol extract possess antiulcer effects in rats. These results affirm the traditional use of Myrrh extract for the treatment of gastric ulcer.展开更多
Neuronal degeneration is a social and health problem,because of high incidence of acute injury,stroke,and neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Neural regeneration is crucia...Neuronal degeneration is a social and health problem,because of high incidence of acute injury,stroke,and neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Neural regeneration is crucial for promoting functional recovery after neural injury(Yiu and He,2006).Human central nervous system,however.展开更多
High fructose consumption is a risk factor for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with cognitive and memory impairment. To determine if fructose intake might affect memory function independently of diabetes devel...High fructose consumption is a risk factor for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with cognitive and memory impairment. To determine if fructose intake might affect memory function independently of diabetes development, we investigated the effects of monosaccharides on memory in prediabetic state. We examined whether 2.5% apple juice solution could influence cognitive function in salt-sensitive Dahl rats using passive avoidance methods. Furthermore, we examined the role of monosaccharides intake in cognitive function and oxidative stress in the brain. Four-week consumption of either apple juice or 2.5% fructose did not affect the blood glucose concentrations;however, apple juice, but not fructose, significantly decreased cognitive function compared with that of control rats given water. Second, Wistar rats aged 4 weeks were assigned to four groups given water, or 1.25% glucose, or fructose, or galactose solutions for 11 weeks. The fructose group had only slightly higher blood glucose concentrations than the control group. However, memory function engraved at age of 7 weeks and evaluated for 8 weeks in a passive avoidance test, was significantly decreased in the fructose and galactose groups compared with those in the glucose group. Oxidative stress in the brain, assessed by the tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) content, was significantly increased in the fructose group compared with that in the control group, and the decrease in cognitive function significantly correlated with the MDA content. These findings suggest that long-term apple juice consumption decreases memory function, possibly through an increase in oxidative stress in the brain, in turn induced by fructose overloading. Fructose-induced cognitive dysfunction is likely mediated by mechanisms other than insulin resistance.展开更多
Developing a childcare assisting system is highly necessary due to the lack of nursery teachers, and it will make an important progress on effective utilization of nursery teacher resources. In this paper, we proposed...Developing a childcare assisting system is highly necessary due to the lack of nursery teachers, and it will make an important progress on effective utilization of nursery teacher resources. In this paper, we proposed simultaneous children recognition and tracking system by using Kinect sensors for the childcare assisting system to provide information for the nursery teachers. Each of the children is recognized by integrating his/her personal information of color, face and motion. The tracking problem is modeled as finding the MAP solution of a posterior probability, and is solved by using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) particle filter. Our system can recognize and robustly track each child during class activities. Trajectories, motion ranges and relative distances information can be provided for the nursery teachers to assist their childcare work. The effectiveness of our system is proved through continuous monitoring of the children in a nursery school.展开更多
文摘Cinnamon and lemon are the oldest plants which possess a rising popularity due to their therapeutic potential from centuries. Cinnamomum zeylanicum and lemon (Citrus lemon L.) have been subjected to extensive research. Their essential oils were extracted by steam distillation from selected plants and their chemical compositions were determined by the GC-MS system. Cinnamon and lemon essential oils were examined for antioxidant activity by ABTS method which showed the ability to inhibit lipid per-oxidation. On the other hand, in antimicrobial investigations, cinnamon and lemon essential oils have inhibitory effect against Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) using Muller Hinton agar medium. The essential oils of cinnamon and lemon showed antifungal effects which were tested against (Candida albicans). The volatile oil of cinnamon bark has been found to be highly effective against all the tested bacteria and fungi. However, lemon peel essential oil has shown medium inhibition for Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). On the other hand, the cytotoxic activities of the essential oils were tested on hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal carcinoma. Essential oils have shown good activities on the cell lines. Essential oil of cinnamon showed more inhibition rate than essential oil of lemon. This study reported the importance of both cinnamon and lemon volatile oils and recommends that cinnamon and lemon can be used as an active therapy for humans.
文摘Roselle calyces(RC)are a major crop for export and used to make a common drink in Egypt.Dried RC are commercially available and appreciated to obtain concentrated extracts which might be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for color and heath benefits.The objective of this research was to determine the chemical and the sensory properties of cupcakes formulated with Roselle calyces extract(RCE).Proximate analysis,anthocyanins,ascorbic acid,titrable acidity,%retaining of anthocyanins,color and sensory evaluations were done.RC cupcakes had high sensory scores(P<0.05)compared to control cupcakes.The parameter a*was significantly red in the RC cupcakes compared to control cupcakes along with 77%retaining of anthocyanins.The consumption of 100 g of the RC cupcakes would provide 465 mg/100 g dry matter anthocyanin that is more than 2 folds of the minimum average of the daily intake of anthocyanins for Americans,along∼1/3 of the daily dietary fiber intake to achieve fiber adequacy according to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition.RC cupcake can be a functional food and would have a“clean”label with cost effective advantage.
文摘Objective: Long-term intake of Miso attenuates hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats through an increased urinary sodium excretion. We examined whether a bolus injection into the peritoneal cavity (i.p.) or a continuous subcutaneous infusion of a Miso extract attenuates hypertension in Dahl S rats. Materials and Methods: We investigated the effects of a bolus, i.p. injection of 50 mg Miso extract in 0.5 mL on hypertension in Dahl S rats, and examined whether a long-term subcutaneous infusion of the Miso extract (50 mg Miso/day), using an osmotic mini-pump working for 14 days, attenuates hypertension in Dahl S rats. Results: A bolus, i.p. injection of 50 mg Miso extract decreased SBP in 2 hrs. The reduction was significant at 4 hrs, and SBP returned to the baseline at 24 hrs. The SBP reduction at 4 hrs after the injection was increasingly greater each day during the 4 days. The SBP reduction by the Miso extract was dose-dependent and the antihy-pertensive activity occurs in a <5 kDa fraction of the extract. The subcutaneous infusion of 50 mg Miso extract/day for 14 days significantly attenuated hypertension in Dahl S rats. The SBP reduction was associated with significant decreases in the heart and kidney weights. Urinary protein excretion significantly decreased in the Miso group. The SBP reduction was not associated with increases in either urinary sodium excretion or fractional excretion of sodium. Conclusions: SBP reduction by very low-dose of the Miso extract may be mediated partly by mechanisms other than renal sodium handling.
文摘Objectives: We investigated an influence of salt intake during gestation or lactation in salt preference of weaning Dahl salt sensitive (Dahl S) strain. Material and Methods: Nine-week-old female Dahl S rats, after mated with the male, were divided into 1) high-salt group fed a 4% NaCl diet (high-salt mother) or 2) low-salt group fed a 0.3% NaCl diet (low-salt mother) during gestation or lactation periods. Using 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8% (w/v) saline solutions, we assessed salt preference in their offspring after weaning. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was determined by tail cuff method. Results: Both the male and female offspring from low-salt mothers during gestation consumed equal amounts of any saline solution. However, the amount of each saline solution was higher in the offspring of low-salt mothers than those of high-salt mothers. This resulted in a significant increase of salt intake in both the male and female offspring of low-salt mothers compared with those of high-salt mothers. In contrast, both the male and female offspring from low-mothers during lactation rather preferred the lower concentration of saline solution, and this resulted in less salt intake in the offspring of low-salt mothers than those of high-salt mothers. Conclusions: We demonstrated that low salt diet in pregnant mothers increased salt intake of their offspring. The offspring of mothers fed a low salt diet during lactation had less salt than those of high-salt mothers. The influence of salt intake of mothers in their offspring varies along with the growth stage of their babies.
文摘The present work aims to study the influence of antioxidants activity of lion’s foot (Alchemilla vulgaris) leaves at different concentrations to give more protection against chronic liver disease. Results indicated that dried lion’s foot leaves had rich in total polyphenolic and flavonoids content (395.65 and 183.10 mg/100g, respectively). These results were reflected to the antioxidant activity (DPPH);it’s noticed that the antioxidant activity of dried lion’s foot leaves was high (131.74%). The major polyphenolic components were benzoic acid (1084.63 ppm) followed by ellagic acid, catechol, and catechin (614.16, 580.54, and 566.53 ppm, respectively) then salicylic acid and protocatechuic acid (479.71 and 444.43 ppm, respectively). On the same trend, flavonoids fractions indicated the highest content in luteo-6-arabinase 8-glucose, apig. 6-rhamnase 8-glucose, acatein, narengin and luteolin (40.01;15.04;8.07;6.64 and 6.42 ppm, respectively). Fifty-six male albino rats were used in biological experiments. Rats fed on basal diet for two weeks before the performance of the experiment. At the beginning, rats divided into eight main group were fed on diets for 45 days as follows: Negative control group (first group) was fed on basal diet. Forty nine rats were fed on basal diet and induced by CCl4, in paraffin oil (50% v/v, 2 ml/Kg) twice weeks subcutaneous injection to induce chronic damage in the liver, then divided into 7 groups numbered from group 2 to group 8. Positive control group rats fed on basal diet till final experiment (second group). Group 3 and 4 rats treated with 50 and 100 ppm ethanolic leaves extracts, respectively. Also, group 5 and 6 treated with 50 and 100 ppm aqueous leaves extracts, respectively. All extracts were fed on orally every day. While, rats in group 7 treated with 1% and 2% dried lion’s foot leaves. At the end of the experimental period, serums were collected to determine liver and renal functions. The liver was removed surgically for histopathological observation. The results revealed that CCl4 intoxication impaired liver function. Serum AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin levels were elevated by CCl4 administration, while significant decreasing was noticed in serum albumin in CCl4 group. Histopathologically, CCl4 caused congestion of central vain, fatty change of hepatocytes, and focal inflammatory cells in filtration. Treatment with lion’s foot with different forms and concentration attenuated these adverse effects and markedly ameliorated histopathological and biochemical alterations caused by CCl4 especially with 2% powder and 100 ppm ethanol extract administration. Therefore, the results of this study concluded that lion’s foot can be proposed to protect hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in rats. The results also revealed that the hepatoprotection effect of lion’s foot may be attributed to its antioxidant contents and free radical scavenger effect.
文摘The effect of ingesting charcoal-broiled beefburgers (CBB) on the liver functions and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels in human blood was examined in twenty-nine healthy individually males (mean age 21.65 ± 1.32 years, range 20.32 - 22.42 years), non-smokers and had no occupational exposure to PAHs, who consumed two charcoal grilled beefburger per day (mean weight 70 gmper each) at lunch time over 28 consecutive days. The mean daily intake of PAH during the consumption period was 3431 ng and the mean daily intake of PAH per kg body wt/day was 46 ng. Blood samples were collected from each subject 7, 14, 21 and 28 days before, during, and after the beefburgers consumption period. glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly higher in serum of subjects during CBB consumption period compared with those of before CBB consumption ones. All of the enzyme activities still increased upper the baseline levels, before CBB consumption period, by four week after charcoal broiled meat consumption ended. In contrary, the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants include albumin (ALB), glutathione in serum (GSH-S) and erythrocytes (GSH-E) were significantly lower in subjects during CBB consumption period compared with those of before CBB consumption ones. All of the non-enzymatic antioxidant levels decreased to near baseline levels, before CBB consumption period, by four week after charcoal broiled meat consumption ended. Results suggested that non-enzymatic antioxidants defense system of serum and erythrocytes was depressed and the erythrocytes as well as liver cells were exposed to oxidant stress due to oral exposure of PAH.
文摘Spatial neglect syndrome with cerebral lesions is characterized by the ina-bility to orient, report, or respond to relevant visual stimuli contralateral to the lesions. In this study, we investigated the pattern of horizontal visual search in a large space;this search was performed by patients with right hemisphere damage caused by cerebrovascular disease. The neck rotation angle and search time in each increment were continuously recorded during the task, and quantitative data of the measurements were collected. Head position during the visual search task in a large space (%) was then calculated. We set angular bands in increments of 5 degrees from the midline on the left and right sides, and calculated the total search time in each angular band. In patients with unilateral spatial neglect (USN), the search time in the angular band of 5 - 9 on the right side was significantly longer (with USN 16.7%, without USN 4.5%, t = 2.52, df = 16, p < 0.05). Furthermore, in patients with neglect in the leftmost end area in a large space, the search time was significantly shorter in the angular band of 1 - 4 degrees to the left (with neglect 13.1%, without neglect 23.7%, t = 2.13, df = 16, p < 0.05), and tended to be long in the angular band of 5 - 9 to the right. The neck rotation angle and pattern during the search task in a large field deviated slightly to the right, and the search time slightly to the left was short. We believe that these results support the rightward deviation of the search pattern and frame of USN patients.
文摘Internetwork environment at university has been improved to supply often the lecture materials to students through websites. Along with such a tendency, the number of students who use PC (Personal computer) has also increased during the lesson at university. Hereupon, the authors investigate whether the students will get high scores in tests when some limitations are imposed on the students' use of the PC during lecture and when they are not. The authors create the tool to check the students' learning situation and to grasp which student is performing the PC operations, which are not related to the ongoing lesson, during the lecture. Teaching assistant carrying the iPad is made to walk around the class during the lecture and collect data of the students. In addition, the authors develop "MyPage" that the students can be given access to their personal information including individual class absence/tardiness, lesson comprehension and question understanding level of them and after using MyPage, the authors examine its effectiveness as a tool and its relationship with their attendance rate.
基金supporting current work by Taif University Researchers Supporting Project No.(TURSP–2020/288),Taif University,Taif,Saudi Arabia.
文摘Tomato is an important field crop,and nutritional imbalances frequently reduce its yield.Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System(DRIS),uses ratios for nutrient deficiency diagnosis instead of absolute concentration in plant tests.In this study,local DRIS norms for the field tomatoes were established and the nutrient(s)limiting tomatoes yield were determined.Tomato leaves were analyzed for nutrients,to identify nutritional status using the DRIS approach.One hundred tomatoes fields were selected from Chatter Plain Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Sheikupura Punjab Pakistan.The first fully matured leaf was sampled,rinsed,dried and ground for analyzing P,K,Ca,Mg,Cu,Fe,Mn and Zn using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer(ICP AES).Plant tissue N and S were measured by the combustion method.The tomatoes yields were recorded at each location.The data were divided into high-yielding(≥3.79 kg/10 plant)and low-yielding(<3.79 kg/10 plant)populations and norms were computed using standard DRIS procedures.High-yielding plant population had a statistically greater mean S and Fe than the low-yielding population.The average balance index,the sum of functions,for S and Fe were−11.04 and−5.17 which reflected deficiency of S and Fe.Plant nutrients norms established may optimize plant nutrition in field tomatoes for high yield.
文摘Medicinal plants used in folk medicine contain a wide range of substances that can prevent and treat many diseases. The Antiulcer Activities effects of myrrh or Commiphora molmol extract (CME) were assessed in rats. In this experiment, thirty rats were divided into 6 groups as follows: G1) normal control (vehicle);G2) received aspirin without any treatment;G3) pretreated with Omeprazole (antiulcer drug) and groups (4), (5) and (6) were pretreated with CME at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt, respective-ly for 2 weeks. At the end of experiment the volume, pH and total acidity of gastric juices;mucus content and ulcer lengths were measured and protection percentages were calculated. Gross and histopathological examinations of stomachs were also performed. CME induced an antiulcer effect manifested by decreased volume and total acidity of gastric juice and increased mucus content and percentages of protec-tion from ulcer as well as partial amelioration of gross and histopathological lesions seen in stomach of ulcerated rats. In conclusion, the results denote that Commiphora molmol extract possess antiulcer effects in rats. These results affirm the traditional use of Myrrh extract for the treatment of gastric ulcer.
基金supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(2480139 and 26660071)from the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,ScienceTechnology of Japan(MEXT),by the Bio-Oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution of Japan+1 种基金by the Science and Technology Research Promotion Program for Agriculture,Forestry,Fisheries and Food Industry from the Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries of Japansupported by grants from Kyoto Women’s University and the Research Institute for Production Development
文摘Neuronal degeneration is a social and health problem,because of high incidence of acute injury,stroke,and neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Neural regeneration is crucial for promoting functional recovery after neural injury(Yiu and He,2006).Human central nervous system,however.
文摘High fructose consumption is a risk factor for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with cognitive and memory impairment. To determine if fructose intake might affect memory function independently of diabetes development, we investigated the effects of monosaccharides on memory in prediabetic state. We examined whether 2.5% apple juice solution could influence cognitive function in salt-sensitive Dahl rats using passive avoidance methods. Furthermore, we examined the role of monosaccharides intake in cognitive function and oxidative stress in the brain. Four-week consumption of either apple juice or 2.5% fructose did not affect the blood glucose concentrations;however, apple juice, but not fructose, significantly decreased cognitive function compared with that of control rats given water. Second, Wistar rats aged 4 weeks were assigned to four groups given water, or 1.25% glucose, or fructose, or galactose solutions for 11 weeks. The fructose group had only slightly higher blood glucose concentrations than the control group. However, memory function engraved at age of 7 weeks and evaluated for 8 weeks in a passive avoidance test, was significantly decreased in the fructose and galactose groups compared with those in the glucose group. Oxidative stress in the brain, assessed by the tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) content, was significantly increased in the fructose group compared with that in the control group, and the decrease in cognitive function significantly correlated with the MDA content. These findings suggest that long-term apple juice consumption decreases memory function, possibly through an increase in oxidative stress in the brain, in turn induced by fructose overloading. Fructose-induced cognitive dysfunction is likely mediated by mechanisms other than insulin resistance.
文摘Developing a childcare assisting system is highly necessary due to the lack of nursery teachers, and it will make an important progress on effective utilization of nursery teacher resources. In this paper, we proposed simultaneous children recognition and tracking system by using Kinect sensors for the childcare assisting system to provide information for the nursery teachers. Each of the children is recognized by integrating his/her personal information of color, face and motion. The tracking problem is modeled as finding the MAP solution of a posterior probability, and is solved by using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) particle filter. Our system can recognize and robustly track each child during class activities. Trajectories, motion ranges and relative distances information can be provided for the nursery teachers to assist their childcare work. The effectiveness of our system is proved through continuous monitoring of the children in a nursery school.