Levels Of Dl Research Articles

Distributed leadership practice among heads of library and job performance of librarians in higher educational institutions in Nigeria

This study investigates DL practice among heads of library and job performance of librarians in HEIs in Nigeria. A descriptive design of survey type was applied for the study. The 164 librarians (19 heads of library and 145 librarians) in 19 public higher educational institutions (HEIs) in Ekiti, Ondo and Osun States formed the population of the study. The study adopted total enumeration sampling technique. A self-structured close-ended questionnaire and interview were used for data collection. It was found that the levels of DL among the heads of library and job performance among librarians in HEIs in Nigeria are high. The study also found that there is significant relationship between: delegation of duties and job performance, delegated decision making and staff job performance, delegated instructional supervision and job performance, and delegated administrative supervision and job performance among the librarians. There is no significant difference between the levels of DL among the male and female heads of the library. It was recommended that subordinate librarians should be trained to develop their leadership capacity to perform optimally when leadership role is distributed to them within the library.

Phytic acid regulates proliferation of colorectal cancer cells by downregulating NF-kB and β-catenin signalling

Objectives Phytic acid (PYT) also known as inositol hexakisphosphate or inositol polyphosphate has shown a broad range of biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects in several preclinical studies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PYT in vitro on HCT116 and HT-29 cell lines and to analyse the intricate mechanism of NF-κB-β-catenin signalling pathways. Material and methods Both cell lines were treated with PYT, and analysed for cell viability, apoptosis, progression of cell cycle, and DNA fragmentation. Gene and protein expression analysis was performed to assess the molecular mechanism. Results PYT suppressed the proliferation of colorectal cancer cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner with an estimated IC50 value of 2.96 and 3.35 mm, respectively. PYT caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in both CRC cell lines and induced mitochondrial intrinsic apoptosis via activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 cascade. PYT suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory markers especially COX-2 and iNOS, and IL-lβ, IL-6, and IL-10. Analysing the mechanism behind the effects of PYT showed that it suppressed the levels of NF-κB and β-catenin and inhibited the levels of cyclin Dl and c-Myc (its downstream targets) and COX-2. Conclusion The results collectively indicate the potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of PYT in CRC cell lines that were mediated by downregulating the β-catenin and NF-κB signalling pathways. Results advocate that natural supplementation of PYT can be an effective preventive approach in controlling cancer of colorectal region.

Monitoring of digital literacy levels and profiles in the regional education system: analysis of digital gaps

Introduction. Digital literacy (hereinafter – DL) is a key element of the modern educational system, and its absence may lead to limited access to educational resources and unequal development opportunities. Monitoring of DL levels of pupils and students in the system of general (hereinafter – GE) and secondary vocational education (hereinafter – SVE) allows to identify strengths and weaknesses of digital training in the regional education system and to put forward cause-and-effect investigative hypotheses about the causes of digital breaks. The purpose of the research is to investigate levels and profiles of digital literacy among students in different educational institutions and to identify digital gaps in different parameters. Materials and methods. More than three thousand students from various types of educational institutions took part in the study, including general education schools, gymnasiums, lyceums and colleges of the Tomsk region (Russian Federation). The monitoring process used a previously developed operationalized model of DL adapted for the Russian education system. Methods of mathematical statistics (Kruskal — Wallis, Mann–Whitney, One-way analysis of variance) were used to compare levels and profiles of DL at selected levels of GE and SVE. Results. There are significant differences in DL between the level of GE as a whole and SVE (z = -3,824, p < 0,0001; z = -2,904, p < 0,004). Among the students of GE and SVE the highest levels of metacompetencies of information literacy and content creation (primary general education (hereinafter – PGE)– 64%, basic general education (hereinafter – BGE) – 66.8%, secondary general education (hereinafter – SGE) – 71.2% and SVE – 71.4%), the lowest – level of metacompetency of interaction and communication in networks (PGE – 73%, BGE – 50.2%, SGE – 66.8% and SVE – 59.8%). Conclusion. The monitoring of digital literacy in the regional system of general and secondary vocational education has shown that there are many gaps and disparities both within individual digital literacy profiles and at different stages and levels of education. DL gaps among learners are caused by gaps in digital training at educational institutions, unequal access to infrastructure, and socio-economic and cultural inequalities. The analysis of the digital divide will lead to the development of recommendations and strategies aimed at bridging the DL gap.

Synergistic inhibitory effect of Smo inhibitor jervine and its combination with decitabine can target Hedgehog signaling pathway to inhibit myelodysplastic syndrome cell line

ABSTRACT Objective Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) have been reported to target the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, the synergistic inhibitory effect of Smo inhibitor jervine and its combination with decitabine in MUTZ-1 cell lines remains lacking. Methods We used a CCK-8 assay to detect the in-vitro proliferation rate of MUTZ-1 cell lines. Besides, the Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining flow cytometry was utilized to detect the apoptosis rate and cell cycle changes. The expression levels of mRNA were quantified by using qRT-PCR, and the western blot was employed to detect the expression of proteins. Results We found that the single-agent jervine or decitabine can significantly inhibit the proliferation rate of MUTZ-1 cell lines, and this inhibitory effect is time-dependent and concentration-dependent. The combined intervention of the jervine and decitabine can more significantly inhibit cell proliferation, induce cell apoptosis, and block the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The combined intervention of the two drugs significantly reduced Smo and G1i-1 mRNA expression in MUTZ-1 cells. Furthermore, after combining both of the drug treatments, the proteins levels of Smo, G1i-1, PI3K, p-AKT, Bcl2, and Cyclin Dl were significantly downregulated, and Caspase-3 is upregulated, indicating that jervine with its combination of decitabine might be effective for controlling the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Conclusion The Smo inhibitor jervine and its combination with decitabine have a synergistic effect on the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of MUTZ-1 cells, and its mechanism may be achieved by interfering with the Shh signaling pathway.

Effects of replacement different levels and sources of methionine with betaine on jejunal morphology, duodenal mitochondrial respiration, and lipid peroxidation in heat-stressed broiler chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of replacement different levels and sources of methionine (Met) with betaine on jejunal morphology, duodenal mitochondrial respiration, and lipid peroxidation in heat-stressed broiler chickens. A total of 1,200 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to two similar poultry houses. The experiment was designed as a 2 (ambient temperatures) × 2 (Met sources) × 3 (Met levels) × 2 (betaine amounts) split-plot factorial arrangement. Basal diets (Low-Met) were formulated with DL-or L-Met to meet Ross 308 nutrient recommendations except for Met which was 30% lower than the recommendation. Met level in basal diets was increased to the recommendation and/or 30% more than recommendation (High-Met) by supplemental DL-or L-Met. Betaine was or was not partially substituted at a 30% equivalent level of supplemental DL- or L-Met. HS was induced by increasing ambient temperature to 32 °C for 6 h daily in one house from 10 to 42 d. The highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in Low-Met diets. Low-L-Met diets showed greatest FCR than Low-DL-Met diets groups. Breast muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was decreased by increasing dietary Met level under HS. Duodenal MDA concentration and complex (Cox) III activity was lower and higher in L-Met diets than DL-Met diets, respectively. Cox II activity was increased in High-Met diets, and also was improved by betaine replacement. Villus height (VH) and Villus surface (VS) was increased in L-Met diets compared to DL-Met diets. Generally, L-Met was more effective than DL-Met in jejunal morphology, reducing duodenal MDA, and increasing Cox III activity. Betaine had the potential to be a partial replacement for Met. HIGHLIGHTS L-Met was more efficient than DL-Met in duodenal malondialdehyde concentration and complex III activity. Heat stress reduced the growth performance of broilers through its negative effects on intestinal development and duodenal activity of respiratory chain complexes. Betaine could have a protective effect on mitochondrial function in the tissues of broiler chickens.

The impact of anesthesia method on the severity of oxidative stress during coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass

The objective : to investigate the impact of anesthesia method on the severity of oxidative stress in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. Subjects and methods . Patients were randomized (seed 6556 as of 04.01.2016, www.randomization.com) to Volatile Induction and Maintenance Anesthesia ( VIMA ) with Sevoflurane group ( n = 65) and Total Intravenous Anesthesia with Propofol and Fentanyl ( TIVA ) group ( n = 66). The changes in oxidative stress markers in blood plasma were studied: carbonylated proteins, nitrotyrosine, oxidized forms of lo w-d ensity lipoproteins – ox y- L DL . Results . At the critical stage with 24 hours after the surgery, statistically significant differences in the carbonyls blood levels were found between VIMA with Sevoflurane and TIVA with Propofol groups: 0.88 (0.79–0.96) nmo l/m g protein (nmo l/m g) in TIVA group vs 0.81 (0.75–0.91) nmo l/m g in VIMA group, p = 0.01; and ox y- L DL levels 0.96 ± 0.40 m g/m l vs 0.83 ± 0.33 m g/m l, respectively, p = 0.04. Nitrotyrosine demonstrated no diagnostic value. Conclusion. It has been suggested that sevoflurane possesses antioxidant properties that can be regarded as a positive quality of VIMA in coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass.

EFFECT OF ESCITALOPRAM ON GLYCAEMIC CONTROL IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION

Background: Depression is more common in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) than pa­tients without type 2 DM. The objective of this study was to study the effect of escitalopram on gly­caemic control in type 2 diabetic patients with depression. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted in Universal College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), Bhairahawa from September 2019 to March 2020. A total of 137 patients visiting internal medicine OPD and diagnosed with type 2 DM were included. The patients were then referred for psychiatric evaluation. Patient Health Questionnaire -9 was used for the assessment of depression by the con­sultant psychiatrist. A score of ≥5 was considered as depression. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 represented type 2 diabetic patients with depression (n=37) and group 2 without depression (n=100). Escitalopram 10mg daily was prescribed for group 1 patients, keeping the man­agement of DM unchanged for all. The fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were measured at baseline, two weeks, four weeks, and six weeks interval, respectively, using the automated analyzer. Results: After the treatment with escitalopram, there was significant (p<0.05) reduction in fasting and postprandial blood glucose level in subsequent weeks compared to baseline values. The fasting baseline median blood glucose level in group1 patients reduced from the value of 190.0 to 126.5 mg/ dl and postprandial median blood glucose level reduced from baseline value of 295.0 to 201.5 mg/dl at 6 weeks respectively. Conclusions: Treatment with escitalopram showed a favorable glycemic profile in type 2 DM patients with depression.

Quantifying methionine requirement of juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

This study was conducted to estimate the methionine (Met) requirement of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A basal diet was formulated to contain 32% crude protein, 12% lipids, and 0.44% cysteine using only protein from legume ingredients as intact protein. This diet was supplemented with graded levels of crystalline DL- methionine (0, 0.12, 0.24, 0.36, 0.48, 0.60, and 0.84%), which resulted in seven dietary methionine levels ranging from 12.2 to 36.0 g kg−1 crude protein. Triplicate groups of 40 fish (78 g) were restrictively fed one of the seven diets for six weeks. Dietary methionine level significantly affected growth rate, feed conversion ratio, retained nitrogen, methionine efficiency and body composition. All parameters were fitted to dietary digestible methionine content expressed per unit of digestible protein (dMetDP) to estimate the Met requirement using; the linear plateau model (LP), broken line model (BL), or quadratic regression model (QR). LP and BL recorded similar values for requirement estimates while QR evidently recorded a 57% higher requirement estimates across different parameters. The digestible methionine requirement of African catfish for growth (using LP) ranges between 18.7 and 21.4 g kg−1 per unit of digestible protein. This equates to a minimum dietary methionine level of 6.3 g kg−1 diet (19.2 g kg−1 Crude protein), which is lower than was has been previously reported for this species.

SOI-Nanowire Biosensor for the Detection of Glioma-Associated miRNAs in Plasma

Herein, we report the development of a highly sensitive nanotechnology-based system—silicon-on-insulator nanowire biosensor for the revelation of microRNAs (miRNAs), associated with the development of glioma in the human. In this system, a sensor chip, bearing an array of silicon nanowire structures, is employed. The sensor chip is fabricated using a top-down technology. In our experiments reported herein, we demonstrated the detection of DNA oligonucleotide (oDNA), which represents a synthetic analogue of microRNA-363 associated with the development of glioma. To provide biospecific detection of the target oligonucleotides, the surface of the nanowire structures is modified with oligonucleotide probes; the latter are complementary to the target ones. The concentration limit of the target oligonucleotide detection, attained using our nanowire biosensor, is at the level of DL~10−17 M. The revelation of the elevated level of glioma-associated miRNA in plasma is also demonstrated.

Relationship between Maternal Vitamin D Level and Small for Gestational Age Infant in West Java, Indonesia

Small for gestational age (SGA) infants is one of the unfavorable outcomes of pregnancy that needs to be prevented. There are not many studies available on the association of maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy and SGA infants. This study aimed to discover the association between maternal vitamin D level and SGA infants in West Java. A cohort study was performed from February 2018 to January 2019 by recruiting 304 pregnant women in Bandung, Cimahi, Waled, and Sukabumi, West Java Province, Indonesia. Of that number, 203 women were followed until the delivery date. Data were collected from the results of serial ultrasonography examinations and maternal vitamin D level measurements. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were then performed to determine the relationship between variables. This study showed that 30 of 203 (14.78%) infants were born as SGA infants. The mothers of these SGA infants had a lower maternal vitamin D level at the beginning of the second trimester and smaller anthropometric measurements at the beginning of the third trimester. However, no significant difference was found between normal infants and SGA infants when the overall values for all trimesters were compared. It can be inferred that the maternal vitamin D level has a negative relationship with SGA infants in West Java, Indonesia. Further studies are required to prove the relationship between maternal vitamin Dl level and SGA infants.

Study of impact of haemodialysis on chronic kidney disease patients in pre and post haemodialysis periods

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is progressive loss of renal functions. The degree of renal functions impairment correlates with the severity of renal failure. Hence patient needs renal replacement therapy. Haemo dialysis is one of the renal replacement therapy where in body’s waste products including creatinine, urea and excess water are removed. To study impact of haemodialysis on CKD patients in pre and post heamodialysis periods. This prospective study was conducted on 91 CKD patients from Jan 2017 to June 2019 in the department of Pathology and Nephrology, District hospital Vijayapur. All 91 patients renal functions were studied in pre haemodialysis period (before the first cycle of haemodialysis) and post haemodialysis period (After the last haemodialysis cycle after two half year). Regular follow up of these patients done during study period (Two and half years). Renal functions tests of these patients were assessed by testing the blood urea and serum creatinine and measuring urine outflow levels of each individual by using standard techniques in pre haemodialysis period then comparing those parameters with post haemodialysis period. Improved CKD patients and deaths of CKD patients. Acute Kidney disease patients. All 91(100%) patients renal function tests in pre haemodialysis period were highly impaired. 57 (62.6%) patients were having and high blood urea (150 -20 0 mg/ dl), high serum creatinine (11.1 -14 mg/ dl) and low levels urinary flow (ranging 200 -400 ml / 24 hours). 21 (23.1%) patients were ha ving high blood urea (100 -150 mg/ dl), high serum creatinine (8.1 -11 mg/ dl) and low levels urinary flow (ranging 401 -800 ml / 24 hours). 13 (14.3%) patients were havin g high blood urea (50 -100 mg/ dl), high serum creatinine (5.1-8 mg/ dl) and low levels urinary flow (ranging 801 - 1200 ml / 24 hours).All 91(100%) patients in post haemodialysis period, renal function tests were done. It was found 55 (60.4 %) patients renal functions tests shows significant improvement with haemodialysis therapy. 32(41.7%) patients were showed improved blood urea (121-150 mg/dl), creatinine (7.1-9 mg/ dl) levels and urine outflow levels (400 -800 ml /24 hours). 11(12.1%) patients showed improved blood urea (91-120 mg/dl), creatinine (5.1 -7 mg/dl) and urine outflow levels (800 -1200 ml / 24 hours). 12(13.2%) patients showed improved blood urea(61 -90 mg/dl), creatinine (3.1-5 mg/dl) and increased urine outflow levels (1200 -1600 ml /24 hours).There was significant improvement in blood urea, serum creatinine and urine outflow levels in post haemodialysis period of 91 studied CKD patients when compared with pre haemodialysis period parameters.Major underlying cases for CKD were Chronic Glomerulonephritis in 62(68.1%) patients. There is improvement in renal functions after the haemodialysis therapy. Hence haemodialysis will play a significant role in improvement of renal functions in chronic kidney disease patients.

KAJIAN Psidium guajava linn DAN Moringa oleivera lamk TERHADAP PERILAKU MENCIT YANG DIINDUKSI DIABETES MELLITUS TIPE 2

Diabetes mellitus is a health problem with a high prevalence rate in Indonesia. One of the causes of the high prevalence and worsening of the prognosis of DM is the consumption of inappropriate foods (especially high-calorie foods). Psidium guajava Linn (guava) and Moringa oleivera Lamk (moringa) plants for Indonesian people are generally not a concern. Guava and Moringa have benefits used for antimicrobial and lowering blood glucose. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Psidium guajava Linn and Moringa oleivera Lamk on the behavior of mice induced by type 2 diabetes and to find an alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus that is cheap and safe. The research method uses an experimental laboratory with cross sectional design. Experimental animals (mice) type 2 DM induced nicotinamide injection 230 mg / kg BW and streptozotosin 65 mg / kg body weight. A total of 30 male Balb-C strain mice aged 2 months were divided into 6 groups: healthy controls, negative controls and treatment groups were given Psidium guajava L. and Moringa oleivera L. extracts. The results of fasting blood glucose levels in mice after being given extract therapy with consecutive concentrations of 5%, 10%, 20%, 40% respectively 107.94 mg / dL; 100.68 mg / dL; 80.98 mg / dL; 94.46 mg / dL and fasting blood glucose levels in the negative control group were 227.18 mg / dL. The treatment of Moringa oleivera L. and Psidium guajavana L. leaves extract affected the decrease in fasting blood glucose of DM type 2 mice; 2) The best decrease was shown by Moringa oleivera L. and Psidium guajavana L. leaf extract with a concentration of 20% indicated by the Sig. 0,000 <0.05

Oxidative DNA-protein crosslinks formed in mammalian cells by abasic site lyases involved in DNA repair

Free radical attack on C1′ of deoxyribose forms the oxidized abasic (AP) site 2-deoxyribonolactone (dL). In vitro, dL traps the major base excision DNA repair enzyme DNA polymerase beta (Polβ) in covalent DNA-protein crosslinks (DPC) via the enzyme’s N-terminal lyase activity acting on 5′-deoxyribose-5-phosphate residues. We previously demonstrated formation of Polβ-DPC in cells challenged with oxidants generating significant levels of dL. Proteasome inhibition under 1,10-copper-ortho-phenanthroline (CuOP) treatment significantly increased Polβ-DPC accumulation and trapped ubiquitin in the DPC, with Polβ accounting for 60–70 % of the total ubiquitin signal. However, the identity of the remaining oxidative ubiquityl-DPC remained unknown. In this report, we surveyed whether additional AP lyases are trapped in oxidative DPC in mammalian cells in culture. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), Ku proteins, DNA polymerase λ (Polλ), and the bifunctional 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), were all trapped in oxidative DPC in mammalian cells. We also observed significant trapping of Polλ, PARP1, and OGG1 in cells treated with the alkylating agent methylmethane sulfonate (MMS), in addition to dL-inducing agents. Ku proteins, in contrast, followed a pattern of trapping similar to that for Polβ: MMS failed to produce Ku-DPC, while treatment with CuOP or (less effectively) H2O2 gave rise to significant Ku-DPC. Unexpectedly, NEIL1 and NEIL3 were trapped following H2O2 treatment, but not detectably in cells exposed to CuOP. The half-life of all the AP lyase-DPC ranged from 15−60 min, consistent with their active repair. Accordingly, CuOP treatment under proteasome inhibition significantly increased the observed levels of DPC in cultured mammalian cells containing PARP1, Ku protein, Polλ, and OGG1 proteins. As seen for Polβ, blocking the proteasome led to the accumulation of DPC containing ubiquitin. Thus, the ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic mechanisms that control Polβ-DPC removal may also apply to a broad array of oxidative AP lyase-DPC, preventing their toxic accumulation in cells.

Analysis Of Risk Factors Oxidative Stress In Obesity Women

Obesity is a condition of imbalance in the number of calories entered by the number of calories where the excess is heaped up as body fat. Obesity followed by an increase in fat metabolism will cause Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production to increase. This condition causes oxidative stress. Indicators of oxidative stress can be observed from plasma levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA). This study aims to determine the risk factors for oxidative stress in obese women.&#x0D; The results of this study indicate that high fat intake (&gt; 60 g / day) is at risk of increasing MDA-P levels twice. Low fiber consumption (&lt;30 gr / day) gives the risk of an increase in MDA-P levels of 2.09 times. Poor physical activity is a risk factor for MDA-P increase of 1.15 times. High cholesterol (&gt; 200mg / l) and LDL (&gt; 130 mg / l) and low HDL (≤45mg / dl) levels are at risk of increasing MDA-P levels by 1.02 times (cholesterol), 1.13 (LDL) ) and 1.12 (HDL).&#x0D; Based on this study it can be concluded that high fat intake, low fiber intake, low physical activity, high cholesterol and HDL levels and low HDL levels are risk factors for oxidative stress.

Bioavailability of l-methionine relative to dl-methionine in Broiler chickens

This study was aimed to estimate the relative bioavailability (RBA) of l-methionine (l-Met) to dl-methionine (dl-Met) in broiler chickens from 1 to 21 d of age. A total of 1664 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into 13 groups with 8 replicates per group. The basal diet contained 60% of the NRC requirement for Met. Birds in treatment groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with graded levels of dl- or l-Met, resulting in the dietary content of Met at 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100% of the NRC requirement, respectively. Results showed that there were linear increases (p < .05) in average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, feed efficiency (FE), eviscerated weight, breast muscle weight and leg muscle weight in response to the increasing supplementation of either dl- or l-Met, which also linearly reduced (p < .05) plasma uric acid and protein carbonyl contents. Compared with dl-Met, l-Met addition resulted in elevations (p < .05) in ADG and FE, along with leg muscle yield of birds. A lower (p < .05) content of urea nitrogen with a higher (p < .05) content of uric acid in plasma were observed in the birds supplemented with l-Met compared with dl-Met. Slope-ratio assay revealed that the RBA of l-Met to dl-Met for ADG and FE were 141.5% and 189.1%, respectively. And the respective values were calculated as 122.9% and 116.8% when based on eviscerated weight and breast muscle weight as the response criteria. However, the above RBA estimates except for FE did not differ from 100%. Collectively, supplemental l-Met had a higher bioavailability for FE of broilers relative to dl-Met during the first 3 weeks of life.Highlightsl-methionine addition has an advantage over dl-methionine for supporting the growth performance of broiler chickens in early age.The relative bioavailability of l-Met to dl-Met for feed efficiency of broiler chickens during the first 21 days post-hatch was calculated as 189.1% that differs from 100%.

The Impact of In Ovo Injection with Different Levels of DL- Methionine on Carcass Characteristics and Blood Parameters of Day-Old Broiler Chicks

The Impact of In Ovo Injection with Different Levels of DL- Methionine on Carcass Characteristics and Blood Parameters of Day-Old Broiler Chicks

Micro-Raman Spectroscopy for Monitoring of Deposition Quality of High-k Stack Protective Layer onto Nanowire FET Chips for Highly Sensitive miRNA Detection

Application of micro-Raman spectroscopy for the monitoring of quality of high-k (h-k) dielectric protective layer deposition onto the surface of a nanowire (NW) chip has been demonstrated. A NW chip based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structures, protected with a layer of high-k dielectric ((h-k)-SOI-NW chip), has been employed for highly sensitive detection of microRNA (miRNA) associated with oncological diseases. The protective dielectric included a 2-nm-thick Al2O3 surface layer and a 8-nm-thick HfO2 layer, deposited onto a silicon SOI-NW chip. Such a chip had increased time stability upon operation in solution, as compared with an unprotected SOI-NW chip with native oxide. The (h-k)-SOI-NW biosensor has been employed for the detection of DNA oligonucleotide (oDNA), which is a synthetic analogue of miRNA-21 associated with oncological diseases. To provide biospecificity of the detection, the surface of (h-k)-SOI-NW chip was modified with oligonucleotide probe molecules (oDVA probes) complementary to the sequence of the target biomolecule. Concentration sensitivity of the (h-k)-SOI-NW biosensor at the level of DL~10−16 M has been demonstrated.

The Relationship between the Level of Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with The Incidence Rate of Diabetic Foot in H. Adam Malik General Hospital

Background : Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia that occurs due to insulin secretion abnormalities, insulin work or both. Most Diabetes Melitus treatments are always associated with diabetic ulcers. Death rates and amputation rates are still high, respectively at 32.5% and 23.5%. The fate of patients with post-amputation Diabetes Melitus is still very bad, as many as 14.3% will die within a year after amputation and 37% will die 3 years after amputation. It has been mentioned in previous clinical studies that uncontrolled diabetes mellitus was associated with elevated HbA1c levels associated with the development of retinopathy as well as other complications, with a research reference value r = 0.079.&#x0D; Methods : The study involved Diabetes Melitus patients with diabetic foot diagnosis in Thoracic, Cardiac, and Vascular Surgery Polyclinic Department of Surgical and Inpatient Surgery RSUP H. Adam Malik Medan period January 2014- December 2016 with a total sample of 70 people.&#x0D; Result : The mean age of study subjects was 55.65 + 12.25. In the table shows that the study subjects based on the most gender were men with 47 subjects (67%). The mean of Glycosilated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 6.4 + 2.44 mg / dL with the most patients found at HbA1c &lt;7 mg / dL level of 49 patients (70%). The result of the analysis is p = 0.0001 (p &lt;0,05) this means there is significant relation between Glycosilated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetic foot. Also obtained OR = 3.1 (CI = 95%, p &lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Bivariatically there was a significant correlation between Glycosilated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetic foot with p = 0.0001 and Odd Ratio of OR = 3,1 (CI = 95%, p &lt;0,05). For the mean result of Glycosilated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 6.4 + 2.44 mg / dL with the highest HbA1c &lt;7 mg / dL of 49 patients (70%).

Arsenic trioxide increases expression of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 gene and inhibits the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in Jurkat cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the demethylation effect of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on the secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) gene and its ability to inhibit the Wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT) pathway in Jurkat cells. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the CpG island methylation status of the SFRP1 gene in leukemia cell lines. In addition, the effects on Jurkat cells of treatment with different concentrations of As2O3 for 48 h were investigated. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure the expression of mRNAs, while western blot analysis was used to examine protein expression in cells. The SFRP1 gene was methylated in Jurkat cells. However, both methylated and unmethylated SFRP1 genes were detected in HL60 and K562 cells. In normal bone marrow mononuclear cells, the SFRP1 gene was unmethylated. Following treatment with As2O3 for 48 h, the SFRP1 gene was demethylated, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of the SFRP1 gene were increased. By contrast, the mRNA and protein expression levels of β-catenin and cyclin Dl were downregulated. The protein expression of c-myc was also downregulated, but As2O3 exhibited no significant effect on the mRNA expression of c-myc. Abnormal methylation of the SFRP1 gene was detected in Jurkat cells. These results suggest that As2O3 activates SFRP1 gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels in Jurkat cells by demethylation of the SFRP1 gene. Furthermore, they indicate that As2O3 regulates WNT target genes and controls the growth of Jurkat cells through the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Effects of dietary protein to energy ratios on growth, body composition and digestive enzyme activities in Chinese mitten‐handed crab, E riocheir sinensis

This study aimed to determine the optimal protein to energy ratio (P/E ratio) and evaluate the effect of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth performance, body composition and digestive enzymes activities in Chinese mitten-handed crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Nine practical diets containing three levels both for protein (DP 30%, 35% and 40%) and lipid (DL 2%, 7% and 12%) with P/E ratios ranging from 13.69 to 19.79 mg KJ−1 were fed to four replicates of crabs (3.39 ± 0.10 g) for 10 weeks. Weight gain increased significantly with the increase in DP level at each DL level. Moreover, weight gain increased in crabs fed with diets containing DL level from 2% to 12% and DP level from 30% to 35%. However, the diet containing 40% DP and 12% DL levels significantly decreased the growth performance and protein efficiency of the crabs. The whole crab and hepatopancreas lipid contents also increased as dietary lipid increased, but not dietary protein. The total protease activity increased significantly with the increase in dietary protein at each lipid level. The lipase activity was statistically comparable among different DL levels at each DP level. Taken together, the crab fed the diet containing 35% protein and 12% lipid levels with P/E 15.77 mg KJ−1 revealed optimal growth, feed utilization efficiency and digestive enzymes activities. Moreover, our study indicated that the higher dietary lipid level at a relatively lower dietary protein level could provide protein sparing effect in Eriocheir sinensis.