Dry Place Research Articles

Schizandrin A exerts anti-tumor effects on A375 cells by down-regulating H19.

Malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the malignant tumors with highly metastatic and aggressive biological actions. Schizandrin A (SchA) is a bioactive lignin compound with strong anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties, which is stable at room temperature and is often stored in a cool dry place. Hence, we investigated the effects of SchA on MM cell line A375 and its underlying mechanism. A375 cells were used to construct an in vitro MM cell model. Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, BrdU assay, flow cytometry, and transwell two-chamber assay, respectively. The cell cycle-related protein cyclin D1 and cell apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, and cleaved-caspase-9) were analyzed by western blot. Alteration of H19 expression was achieved by transfecting with pEX-H19. PI3K/AKT pathway was measured by detecting phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. SchA significantly decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, SchA inhibited cell proliferation and cyclin D1 expression. SchA increased cell apoptosis along with the up-regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-9, and Bax) and the down-regulation of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2). Besides, SchA decreased migration and down-regulated matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. SchA down-regulated lncRNA H19. Overexpression of H19 blockaded the inhibitory effects of SchA on A375 cells. SchA decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT while H19 overexpression promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. SchA inhibited A375 cell growth, migration, and the PI3K/AKT pathway through down-regulating H19.

Availability of adequately iodised salt at household level and its associated factors in Robe town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia: community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Iodine is a micronutrient required by the body in small amounts to prevent iodine deficiency disorder (IDD), which is a global public health concern. There were no specific data at household level of adequately iodised salt in the study area. Thus this study aimed to assess availability of adequately iodised salt and its associated factors at household level in Bale-Robe, South East Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Robe town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia in April 2015. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires from a total of 367 households, which were identified through systematic random sampling. Salt iodine content was estimated using rapid testing kits at the household level. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the prevalence, and association between dependent and independent variables was computed by using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results: Of 374 samples, 370 respondents were interviewed yielding a response rate of 99%. One-third (32.7%) of the household levels used adequately iodised salt. Respondents’ educational status, exposure to information on how to handle iodised salt and type of salt used by the respondents were independent factors for availability of adequately iodised salt at the household level. Salt that had been stored in a dry place was twice as likely to have an adequate iodine content compared with salt stored in a high-moisture area or near a fire (AOR = 2.13, CI = 1.19–3.72). Conclusion: Availability of adequately iodised salt at the household level was very low. Factors that were associated with household levels’ access to adequately iodised salt included educational level, age of the respondents and place where salt is stored, and had an effect on whether households iodise salt adequately. Strategies to educate residents regarding the appropriate storage conditions to minimise iodine losses in iodised salt are required in Bale-Robe district of South East Ethiopia.

Analisis Kadar Kalsium (Ca) dan Besi (Fe) dalam Kangkung Air (Ipomeae aquatica forsk) dan Kangkung Darat (Ipomeae reptan forsk) Asal Palu

Kangkong, or water spinach is a well-known leaf vegetable because it is delicious cheap and easily obtained. There is two types of water spinach that most consumed, water-water spinach grown in the wet and watery and land-water spinach grown in dry place or moor. Kangkong can be consumed in various type of foods, in addition, it’s also rich in vitamins, protein, carotene, amino acids, phosphorus, sitosterol and mineral materials, especially iron and calcium. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) in water-water spinach (ipomeae aquatica forsk) and land-water spinach (ipomeae reptan forsk) from palu. The research was conducted using alkaline digestion using nitric acid with the SSA instrument. The data showed that the concentration of Ca in stems and leaves of water-kangkong was 15.375 mg/kg and 12.833 mg/kg, and land–kangkong was 74.666 mg/kg and 31.000 mg/kg, while the concentration of Fe in stems and leaves of water-water spinach was 301.166 mg/kg and 232.500 mg/kg, and land-water spinach was 458.000 mg/kg and 238.750 mg/kg.

Effect of Different Seed Water Content and Storage Duration towards Seed Viability of Local Genotype Brown Rice Daro Merah

Most of rice seeds experience after ripening problem which then result in seed dormancy. This kind of dormancy could be broken through various types of treatments, including storaging in dry place for certain period. This study was aimed to evaluate the combination between seed water content and storage duration to induce the seed germination of local genotype brown rice, Daro Merah. Various levels of seed water content (6-10, 11-15, 16-20 and 21-25 %) and storage duration (2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks) were evaluated to identify its effect on Daro Merah seed germination. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance where significance were further proceeded using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test with a p&gt;0.05. The results showed that seed germination of Daro Merah reached 95 % at five days after seeding when the seed water content was maintained at 6-10% and stored for 8 weeks. After 14 days, the germination reached 99 % and most of the seeds showed some shoots emerged from the soil.&#x0D; Keywords: Brown rice, germination, seed water content, storage duration, Daro Merah

Utilisation of Modern Processing Technologies among Shea Butter Processors in Niger State, Nigeria

The study assessed the level of utilization of modern processing technologies among processors in Niger State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 217 respondents for this study. Interview schedule was used to collect data which were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Generally, the level of utilization of modern processing technology was low (57.6%). However, milling to fine paste (μ=1.97), use of matured, fresh and un-cracked nuts (μ=1.91), Keep butter in cool and dry place (μ=1.90) and milling machine (μ=1.86) were the most utilized technologies. The respondents identified lack of credit facility (μ=1.72), lack of government assistance (μ=1.68) and high cost of processing equipment (μ=1.67) as constraints to use modern processing technologies. There was significant relationship between respondent’s age (r=0.245, p=0.00), years of experience (r=0.198, p= -0.004), constraints (r=0.152, p= -0.027) and awareness (r=0.792, p= 0.00) with their level of utilization of modern processing technologies. Niger State Commodity Export Promotion council should make effort to increase the number of Shea butter processing villages across the state and extension service in the state needs to be invigorated to adopt Shea programme seriously to be able to reach-out to more processors.Keywords: Utilisation, modern processing technologies, Shea butter, awareness, Niger State,

Utilisation of modern processing technologies among Shea Butter Processors in Niger State, Nigeria

The study assessed the level of utilization of modern processing technologies among processors in Niger State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 217 respondents for this study. Interview schedule was used to collect data which were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Generally, the level of utilization of modern processing technology was low (57.6%). However, milling to fine paste (μ=1.97), use of matured, fresh and un-cracked nuts (μ=1.91), Keep butter in cool and dry place (μ=1.90) and milling machine (μ=1.86) were the most utilized technologies. The respondents identified lack of credit facility (μ=1.72), lack of government assistance (μ=1.68) and high cost of processing equipment (μ=1.67) as constraints to use modern processing technologies. There was significant relationship between respondent’s age (r=0.245, p=0.00), years of experience (r=0.198, p= -0.004), constraints (r=0.152, p= -0.027) and awareness (r=0.792, p= 0.00) with their level of utilization of modern processing technologies. Niger State Commodity Export Promotion council should make effort to increase the number of Shea butter processing villages across the state and extension service in the state needs to be invigorated to adopt Shea programme seriously to be able to reach-out to more processors. Keywords : Utilisation, modern processing technologies, Shea butter, awareness, Niger State,

Application of Various Techniques for Meat Preservation

Since the pre-historic times, meat is consumed by humans as part of diet. Meat is an animal flesh that is considered as an excellent source of high biological value protein, zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, and vitamins. In recent years, global meat production and consumption have increased. The production of meat in the world was estimated at 317.17 million tons in 2016. Meat is very much susceptible to spoilage due to chemical and enzymatic activities.The breakdown of fat, protein, and carbohydrates of meat result in the development of off-odors, off-flavor and slim formation, which make the meat objectionable for the human consumption. Several factors such as moisture, light, microbes, atmospheric oxygen, temperature, and endogenous enzymes influence the freshness and shelf life of meat. Microbes are ubiquitous in distribution and can reach the meat from different sources thus causing its spoilage. Therefore, various technologies are used to preserve the meat in order to inactivate/destroy the microbes, which are implicated in foodborne infections. Canned food stored in cool and dry place can last up to a year. Since preservation of meat by irradiation requires heavy investment, its commercial application is still in its infancy. It is emphasized that preservation of meat is imperative to prevent the occurrence of deteriorative changes brought by microbial, chemical and physical process. Further, well preserved meat can give protection against all hazards for a considerable time.

Preparation and Processing of Ancient Millets for the Production of Nutritious Malt Powder with Natural Fruit Flavours

An experiment was undertaken with an attempt to exploit the commercial use of Kodo and little millet, and to improve the nutritive value of the products developed from the grains by incorporating fruits such as mango & sapota. Kudos millet and little millet grains were malted by soaking in potable water for 18 hours, germination for 30 hours followed by drying at 50°C till moisture was reduced to 5% and then milled in two different ways, First sample was prepared by using combination of 50:50 Kodo and Little millet flour and other ingredients such as 100 grams of milk powder, dried sapota powder (50 g), joggery (50 g). And for sample-2 Kodo millet and little millet flour (50:50) and other ingredients such as milk powder (100 g), dried sapota powder (50 g) and sugar (50 g) are added. In the same way another two samples are prepared by using dried mango powder. All prepared samples are evaluated by sensory panel. Results revealed that among all the formulations tried, the sapota fruit flavoured malt with joggery got higher sensory scores. The physico-chemical characteristics of the most acceptable malt powder were analyzed. When compared with normal ragi malt powder the sample contains significantly higher amounts of protein, fiber and minerals and vitamins (i.e., Calcium, Iron and Phosphorous) the most acceptable malt powder is then packed in HDPE and subjected for storage study for a period of 3 months at cool and dry place. Sensory scores show decreasing trend in overall acceptability of the products with increase in storage.

Fractured Land, the Price of Inheriting Oil by Lisa Westberg Peters, and: Natives of a Dry Place: Stories of Dakota Before the Oil Boom by Richard Edwards

Fractured Land, the Price of Inheriting Oil by Lisa Westberg Peters, and: Natives of a Dry Place: Stories of Dakota Before the Oil Boom by Richard Edwards

Optical Study to Doping Carbon with TiO2 that Utilizing in Thermal Concentration

The optical properties of TiO2/C in the district from (200-2000 nm) were examined by setting up the composites with wt. % concentration. The optical information evaluated and translated regarding the hypothesis of phonon-assisted direct electronic change; it is watched that the energy is influenced by doping sort of mineral composite utilized. The doping manufactured powders were examined through data analysis to validate the presence of these elements. This investigation for the influence of TiO2 was an addition on the microstructure of the carbon and electrical behavior of the composite was detected, this doped was gotten in a dry place at ambient temperature and its effect was studied from the physical properties of the energy gap. The optical measurement of the specimen was measured as a component of wavelength (λ), absorptivity that exhibit good results to absorb the solar energy for selective surfaces.

Stability of warfarin sodium tablets repackaged in dose administration aids

AbstractBackgroundDose administration aids (DAAs) are designed to assist patients to better manage their medicines. However, removal of a medicine from the original packaging invalidates the physicochemical stability guaranteed by the manufacturer. A few studies have investigated the stability of warfarin sodium; nevertheless there is no data available to suggest the stability of warfarin sodium in DAAs.AimTo determine the stability of warfarin sodium tablets stored in DAAs and original packaging over a period of 8 weeks.MethodsTablets were removed from primary packaging and repackaged into DAAs as whole tablets. DAAs and original packs were stored at controlled room temperature (25°C/60% relative humidity (RH)), accelerated (40°C/75% RH) and ‘uncontrolled room temperature’ (19–21°C and 38–50% RH) conditions for up to 8 weeks. The chemical stability was evaluated using a validated high‐performance liquid chromotography method. Tablet hardness was determined using a texture analyser and dissolution profile was determined using a US Pharmacopeia apparatus 2. X‐ray powder diffraction was used to investigate the crystalline structure of warfarin sodium.ResultsThere was no significant change in warfarin content at 8 weeks. Tablet hardness increased significantly when stored at accelerated and controlled room temperature conditions. Hardness of tablets stored in original packaging was comparable to that of DAAs at 8 weeks. The dissolution profile of tablets stored in original containers at accelerated conditions for 8 weeks was significantly different to that of baseline.ConclusionsRepackaging of warfarin sodium tablets into DAAs does not affect the chemical stability. However, tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place to minimise the effects on physical properties.

Are Adult Cats Fed on Wet Maintenance Diets Less at Risk of Developing Chronic Kidney Disease Compared to Adult Cats Fed on Dry Maintenance Diets?

&lt;p&gt;A comprehensive search of the available veterinary literature found three studies which assess whether feeding wet or dry maintenance diets place cats at an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis. None of the three studies found any significant benefit of feeding either diet in reducing the risk of CKD. However, the criteria used to diagnose CKD was not standardised across any of the three studies. There is currently insufficient evidence that feeding a wet maintenance diet will help to reduce the risk of CKD but further studies are needed to assess whether diet can play some role in reducing the risk of CKD diagnosis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.veterinaryevidence.org/rcvskmod/icons/oa-icon.jpg" alt="Open Access" /&gt; &lt;img src="https://www.veterinaryevidence.org/rcvskmod/icons/pr-icon.jpg" alt="Peer Reviewed" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Effect of Mg/Al ratios on hydration mechanism of tabular alumina carbon composites reinforced by Al4C3 in situ reaction

Hydration mechanism of tabular alumina carbon composites reinforced by Al4C3 in situ reaction with Mg and Al was researched in water steam using super automatic thermostatic water bath from 25 °C to 85 °C. It is shown that hydration mechanism of the composites is chemical reaction control at 44.3 °C-84 °C in H2O(g). The hydration was controlled by diffusion from 24.7 °C to 33 °C. The ratio of added Mg/Al influences the HMOR of the composites.The mechanism of HMOR of the composites with different ratios of Mg/Al can be discovered by means of SEM analysis. The active Mg/Al powder and flake graphite inside give the composites outstanding hot strength resulting from the interlocking structure of Al4C3 crystals at high temperature. Besides, the matrix changes into the Al4C3 with high refractoriness. The method of preventing the hydration of tabular alumina carbon composites reinforced by Al4C3 in situ reaction was immersed in the wax at suitable temperature or storing them below 33 °C in a dry place or storing them with paraffin-coating.

The role of leaf traits and bird-mediated insect predation on patterns of herbivory in a semiarid environment in central Mexico

Background. In arid environments plants face aridity and herbivory, therefore it has been proposed that both are convergent selective forces. However the drivers of insect herbivory in these ecosystems remain poorly understood.&#x0D; Question. Does insect herbivory vary in two plant associations subject to different levels of aridity? To what extent differences in herbivory are determined either by foliar traits, or predation by birds?&#x0D; Study species. Citharexylum tetramerum, Viguiera pinnatilobata, and Solanum tridynamum.&#x0D; Study site. We compared two-plant associations: the mezquital with a closed canopy and wettest conditions and the tetechera a dry place with an open canopy at the Zapotitlán Valley, México. &#x0D; Methods. We evaluated leaf traits (N, C, water content, leaf strength and trichomes), herbivore insects abundance and the effects on herbivory when some predators are excluded.&#x0D; Results. Herbivory was higher in the drier site (tetechera) than in the more humid one (mezquital) in one year but not in the second one. In both plant associations herbivory increased when predators of herbivores were excluded. Plants in mezquital had more water and nitrogen content than plants in tetechera. The later had higher carbon concentration and carbon:nitrogen ratio, leaf strength and density of trichomes. Abundance of herbivore insects and insect predation were higher in the most arid site. &#x0D; Conclusions. Our results show that insect herbivory increases in the most arid site and that predation by birds plays a role as a driver of herbivory, while resistance to aridity seems to be the main driver of leaf structural characteristics.

Retention of dead standing plant biomass (marcescence) increases subsequent litter decomposition in the soil organic layer

We evaluated the impact of retaining dead standing biomass (marcescence) on subsequent litter decomposition in the soil organic layer. Litter of plants that naturally keep dead standing biomass in various extents, Calamagrostis epigeios (keeps most of its dead biomass standing), Quercus robur (keeps some dead leaves on the tree), and Alnus glutinosa (all litter falls to the ground after senescence), were either exposed to environmental climate (ambient) conditions for one year or kept in a dry dark place. After a year, both litter treatments were placed in the soil organic layer for another year. We monitored the mass loss and chemical changes during decomposition. Changes in the chemical composition of aromatic components in C. epigeios litter and decreasing amounts of aromatic compounds in Q. robur and C. epigeios litter during exposure to ambient conditions indicate an effect of photodegradation on these compounds. The litter of Q. robur also exhibited accelerated subsequent litter decomposition in the soil organic layer. In contrast, an increase of aliphatic and aromatic compounds and a decrease of carbohydrates in A. glutinosa litter during exposure to ambient conditions rather points to leaching or microbial decay of labile compounds than an effect of photodegradation. Moreover, the subsequent decomposition of A. glutinosa litter in the soil organic layer was decelerated as compared to the unexposed litter. Our results suggest that litter with comparably low quality (Q. robur and C. epigeios), as compared to litter with a high quality (A. glutinosa), is prone to photodegradation. This process facilitates subsequent decomposition in soil.

Analysis of Biodegradation of Bioplastics Made of Cassava Starch

Environmental pollution due to plastic waste taking too long to decompose has become a global problem. There have been numerous solutions proposed, one of which is the use of bioplastics. The use of cassava starch as the main ingredient in the manufacture of bioplastics shows great potential, since Indonesia has a diverse range of starch-producing plants. The aim of the present study is to analyse the effect of glycerol on microbial degradation. This experimental research investigated the use of cassava flour mixed with glycerol plasticizer at various concentrations (0, 2, 2.5, 3%) in the synthesis of bioplastics. The aspects studied were biodegradability, moisture absorption (using ASTM D570), shelf life, and morphological properties (using a camera equipped with a macro lens) and SEM. This study revealed that complete degradation could be achieved on the 9th day. The addition of a large concentration of glycerol would accelerate the microbial degradation process, increase moisture, and extend the shelf life of bioplastics in a dry place.

A novel hematoxylin and eosin stain assay for detection of the parasitic dinoflagellate Amoebophrya

The parasitic dinoflagellate Amoebophrya infects broad range of marine organisms. Particularly, Amoebophrya infections in planktonic dinoflagellates can prevent or delay the formation of algal blooms, and recycle undergrazed planktonic dinoflagellates back to the microbial loop by disrupting host cells. Its ecological significance was gradually recognized along with the discovery of its enormous molecular diversity in oceanic and coastal ecosystems. Thus, we developed a reliable, easily accessible and less time-consuming assay, to detect and assess Amoebophrya infections in planktonic dinoflagellates. The modified hematoxylin and eosin staining assay provided reliable diagnosis of Amoebophrya infection by identifying the characteristic “beehive” of the multinucleate trophonts. After staining, the typical multinucleate “beehive” is evidently distinguishable from the compact nuclei of uninfected host cells. The modified hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining assay is easy to use, that can be routinely performed within 3h (up to 20 samples/batch) using general laboratory equipment, supplies and chemical reagents. The produced slides with agar-embedded dinoflagellate cells can be stored for several months or even years in a dry place without noticeable loss in quality of staining. With suitable calculation, the modified H & E assay can be applied to assess the prevalence of Amoebophrya infection in planktonic dinoflagellates. This efficient and powerful assay will facilitate the investigation on the ecological roles of Amoebophryidae in coastal and oceanic ecosystem.

Demonstration and Participatory Evaluation of Improved Beehives and Cooperative and Market Linkage Formation in Dawro Zone Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Loma district of Dawro Zone to evaluate the productivity performance of bee hives using locally adapted honeybees spp. A total of ten farmers with rich experiences in beekeeping were purposively selected for this research purpose first. Theoretical and practical training session about honeybee colony management was given for selected farmers, development agents and Woreda experts. The project was provided technical support and input materials such as improved hives, wax printer, wax and improved bee flora. After share of traditional honeybee colony by each member of cooperative groups, colony transferred to modern hives and inspected regularly at study site to follow up the progress of the bee colonies. Finally, ripened honey was harvested and extracted by using honey extractor and stored in sealed containers and put in dry place until marketed. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, systematically analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics. During the first harvesting season the average honey yield per hive/season from traditional, Kenya Top bar and frame hive was 7.3 kg, 18.1 kg and 22.875, while in the second round it was 5.5 kg, 14.89 kg and 16.52 kg respectively. The average honey yield per hive/year from traditional, Kenya Top bar and frame hive was 12.85 kg, 32.99 kg and 40.095 kg, respectively, which was significantly different (p<0.05). The findings of the study showed that the mean honey yield obtained from frame hive was significantly higher than Kenya Top bar hive and traditional hive. Moreover, formation of beekeepers’ cooperative and market linkage is found to be very important to experience modern beekeeping system because it increases sharing of equipments and skills between members.

PM 7/128 (1) Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. allii

Specific scopeThis Standard describes a diagnostic protocol for Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. allii.This Standard should be used in conjunction with PM 7/76 Use of EPPO diagnostic protocols.Specific approval and amendmentFirst approved in 2016‐09.

Natives of a Dry Place: Stories of Dakota before the Oil Boom

Review of: Natives of a Dry Place: Stories of Dakota before the Oil Boom, by Richard Edwards