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1.
Sensors (Basel) ; 24(14)2024 Jul 17.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39066025

RESUMO

This paper presents a novel methodology to localise Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The UGVs are assumed to be operating in a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied environment. The localisation of the ground vehicles is achieved using UAVs that have full access to the GNSS. The UAVs use range sensors to localise the UGV. One of the major requirements is to use the minimum number of UAVs, which is two UAVs in this paper. Using only two UAVs leads to a significant complication that results an estimation unobservability under certain circumstances. As a solution to the unobservability problem, the main contribution of this paper is to present a methodology to treat the unobservability problem. A Constrained Extended Kalman Filter (CEKF)-based solution, which uses novel kinematics and heuristics-based constraints, is presented. The proposed methodology has been assessed based on the stochastic observability using the Posterior Cramér-Rao Bound (PCRB), and the results demonstrate the successful operation of the proposed localisation method.

2.
J Equine Vet Sci ; 139: 105112, 2024 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38844184

RESUMO

This study aimed to compare the digestibility of tropical grasses by horses by the in vivo method using mobile nylon bags with the in vitro digestibility method using horse feces as a source of inoculum. Five horses were used in a 2 × 5 factorial design with randomized blocks featuring two methods (in vivo and in vitro) and five grasses: Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.), sixweeks threeawn grass (Aristida adsencionis, Linn), Alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea (Link) Hitchc.), capim-de-raiz (Chloris orthonoton, Doell), and Sabi grass (Urochloa mosambicensis). No difference (P>0.05) was found between the in vivo and in vitro methods regarding nutrient digestibility of Sabi grass and sixweeks threeawn. Tifton 85 was the only grass that showed differences (P<0.05) between the two methods concerning the apparent digestibility of all nutrients. Alexandergrass, Tifton 85, and capim-de-raiz exhibited the best digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and organic matter by the mobile bag method compared to the in vitro method. Tifton 85 and capim-de-raiz had higher crude protein digestibility by the mobile bag method than by the in vitro method. The mean retention time of the mobile bags in the digestive tract of the horses was 43.69 h. The bags with samples of sixweeks threeawn and Sabi grass had shorter retention times than capim-de-raiz and Alexandergrass (P<0.0001). It is concluded that, for sixweeks threeawn and Sabi grass, digestibility in horses can be assessed using the in vitro method in place of the mobile nylon bag method.


Assuntos
Ração Animal , Digestão , Poaceae , Animais , Cavalos/metabolismo , Poaceae/química , Digestão/fisiologia , Ração Animal/análise , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Animal , Dieta/veterinária , Fezes/química , Masculino
3.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 40(1): 239-243, 2024 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37594564

RESUMO

Paediatric patients receiving cranial irradiation therapy for brain tumours are at increased risk of cerebrovascular complications. Radiation-induced moyamoya syndrome (MMS) is a well-recognised complication of this. We present a case of an 8-year-old boy with a history of medulloblastoma, who underwent surgical excision followed by post-operative adjuvant oncological treatment. Six years later, he developed cerebellar/intraventricular haemorrhage. He underwent an emergency external ventricular drain (EVD) insertion followed by posterior fossa suboccipital craniotomy. On dural opening, an abnormal vessel was visualised on the surface of the right cerebellar hemisphere, which was not disturbed. No obvious abnormalities were identified intra-operatively. Cerebral catheter angiography confirmed the presence of a right-sided occipital artery (OA) to posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) extracranial to intracranial (EC-IC) bypass with a zone of the distal PICA territory supplied by this EC-IC bypass. A presumed flow aneurysm originated from the bypass in the distal PICA, identified as cause for the haemorrhage. We highlight a rare cause for intracranial haemorrhage in this cohort of patients. Children who have undergone radiotherapy may have exquisitely sensitive cerebral vasculature and need careful vigilance and evaluation for vasculopathic complications following spontaneous haemorrhage.


Assuntos
Doenças Cerebelares , Neoplasias Cerebelares , Aneurisma Intracraniano , Masculino , Humanos , Criança , Neoplasias Cerebelares/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias Cerebelares/radioterapia , Neoplasias Cerebelares/cirurgia , Aneurisma Intracraniano/diagnóstico por imagem , Aneurisma Intracraniano/etiologia , Aneurisma Intracraniano/cirurgia , Cerebelo , Doenças Cerebelares/complicações , Hemorragia
4.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 39(6): 1509-1518, 2023 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36790496

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours (ATRTs) are malignant embryonal tumours of childhood that affect the central nervous system (CNS). We aim to determine which factors, including patient age, extent of resection (EOR), presence of distal metastasis and use of adjuvant therapies, affect overall survival in children with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours (ATRTs) treated at this single centre. METHODS: Retrospective cohort review of patients with histological diagnosis of ATRT treated over 21 years (1999-2020) was conducted. Data on demographics, tumour location, presence of metastasis, use of adjuvant therapy, extent of resection (EOR), complications, neurological outcome post-surgery, and overall survival were collected. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 45 children (mean age 2 years) underwent 64 operations. 25 patients were <1 year of age. Gross-total resection (GTR) pre-adjuvant therapy was achieved in 15, near-total resection (NTR) in 15, subtotal resection (STR) in 9, and biopsy in 6 children. Most children had good neurological outcomes post-operatively (28/45 with GOS 5). Fourteen patients survived longer than 4 years. Survival analysis showed a significant difference in median survival in favour of GTR and localised disease. There was no significant difference in median survival between patients <1 year vs >1 year of age (p=0.84). CONCLUSION: We find that presence of metastasis was an important factor in poor survival in patients with ATRT. GTR, where possible, may confer significant survival benefit in ATRT. Children aged <1 year appear to have performed as well as those >1 year and therefore should still be considered for radical surgery.


Assuntos
Neoplasias do Sistema Nervoso Central , Tumor Rabdoide , Teratoma , Criança , Humanos , Pré-Escolar , Estudos Retrospectivos , Tumor Rabdoide/cirurgia , Tumor Rabdoide/patologia , Teratoma/cirurgia , Teratoma/patologia , Neoplasias do Sistema Nervoso Central/cirurgia , Análise de Sobrevida
5.
Appl Radiat Isot ; 184: 110177, 2022 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35272230

RESUMO

Flexible pipes are modular constructions made up of several layers. They are broadly employed in oil & gas industry, playing an important role in the Brazilian Pre-Salt production. Under specific conditions, seawater can ingress and this contact with metallic middle layers can significantly lead to a service life reduction of these layers, especially due to a mechanism known as CO2 Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC-CO2). Therefore, it becomes mandatory that inspection systems suitable for submarine use in order to detect annulus flooding before the failure of the flexible pipe become available. This paper presents an inspection system based on the gamma rays transmission focused on detecting such flood condition, possibly overcoming limitations of other inspection systems available in the market. The reliability of this solution was statistically evaluated as presented herein, showing great robustness based on the numerous available trials.


Assuntos
Dióxido de Carbono , Brasil , Corrosão , Raios gama , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes
6.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 38(3): 577-586, 2022 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34855000

RESUMO

PURPOSE: To assess the evaluation and management of post-surgical residual disease for low-grade intramedullary spinal cord tumours (IMSCT) in childhood. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective review of low-grade IMSCTs treated between 2000 and 2019. All surgeries were performed with intent of safe maximal resection guided by intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM). Pre- and post-operative MRIs were reviewed to assess the extent of resection (EOR), recorded as follows: gross total resection (GTR), near total resection (NTR), sub-total resection (STR) and partial resection (PR). Outcome measures were time to recurrence, need for and modality of additional therapy and ambulatory status at last follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty patients underwent surgery for IMSCT (median age 6.9 years). EOR was GTR = 8, NTR = 4, STR = 9, PR = 9. All patients were alive at last follow-up (median follow-up 73 months [IQR 93 months]). Eighteen patients (60%) remained radiologically stable. Twelve patients (40%) developed recurrence during surveillance. Progression free survival was significantly better in cases with GTR + NTR in comparison to either STR or PR (p = 0.039). 10/30 (33%) patients were treated with additional therapy. At last follow-up, 26/30 patients were independently mobile. CONCLUSION: Survival rates for low-grade IMSCT are excellent. Radical micro-surgical resection, guided by IONM provides effective means of balancing the objectives of maximal safe resection, functional outcome and tumour control. Whilst evidence of 'residual disease' was identified in over 2/3 of immediate post-operative MRI scans, additional treatment was required in only 1/3 of cases. Critical appraisal of post-operative imaging findings is required to better define 'residual disease'. Small volume residual disease (< 5%) does not compromise progression-free survival.


Assuntos
Glioma , Neoplasias da Medula Espinal , Criança , Seguimentos , Glioma/diagnóstico por imagem , Glioma/cirurgia , Humanos , Neoplasia Residual/patologia , Neoplasia Residual/cirurgia , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Neoplasias da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias da Medula Espinal/patologia , Neoplasias da Medula Espinal/cirurgia , Resultado do Tratamento
7.
Sensors (Basel) ; 21(21)2021 Oct 29.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34770525

RESUMO

This paper proposes an algorithm that will allow an autonomous aerial drone to approach and follow a steady or moving herd of cattle using only range measurements. The algorithm is also insensitive to the complexity of the herd's movement and the measurement noise. Once arrived at the herd of cattle, the aerial drone can follow it to a desired destination. The primary motivation for the development of this algorithm is to use simple, inexpensive and robust sensing hence range sensors. The algorithm does not depend on the accuracy of the range measurements, rather the rate of change of range measurements. The proposed method is based on sliding mode control which provides robustness. A mathematical analysis, simulations and experimental results with a real aerial drone are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.


Assuntos
Algoritmos , Ruído , Animais , Bovinos
8.
Phys Rev Lett ; 126(2): 023201, 2021 Jan 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33512178

RESUMO

Chirality causes symmetry breaks in a large variety of natural phenomena ranging from particle physics to biochemistry. We investigate one of the simplest conceivable chiral systems, a laser-excited, oriented, effective one-electron Li target. Prepared in a polarized p state with |m|=1 in an optical trap, the atoms are exposed to co- and counterrotating circularly polarized femtosecond laser pulses. For a field frequency near the excitation energy of the oriented initial state, a strong circular dichroism is observed and the photoelectron energies are significantly affected by the helicity-dependent Autler-Townes splitting. Besides its fundamental relevance, this system is suited to create spin-polarized electron pulses with a reversible switch on a femtosecond timescale at an energy resolution of a few meV.

9.
IEEE Trans Biomed Eng ; 67(5): 1314-1320, 2020 05.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31425012

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: A Novel Oral Care Simulator was designed and developed to measure and visualise the facial and lingual forces exerted on teeth by the action of tooth brushing, considering the irregular geometry and structural composition of human dentition and the emulation of the realistic biomechanical deflection of the teeth. METHOD: FEA simulations were carried out on a central incisor under facial loading and an appropriate force sensing mechanism was designed. An anatomically accurate mandibular jaw and 16 teeth were 3D printed, on which 16 force sensing structures were embedded. The signals from the sensors were amplified using a multichannel signal amplifier built using instrumentation amplifiers which were then visualised through a GUI. RESULTS: The developed simulator is capable of indicating the magnitude of a force upto 15 N exerted on to the facial and lingual surfaces of teeth at a frequency of 60 Hz and above and it is capable of alerting the user if the force exceeds a pre-specified threshold. CONCLUSION: The designed force sensing mechanism considers the irregular geometry and structural composition of human dentition in measuring the facial and lingual forces. It provides a reliable feedback by indicating the force and emulating the realistic biomechanical deflection of teeth. SIGNIFICANCE: Nurses who care for the disabled, elderly and sick have explicitly stated the requirement for a simulator to train themselves on brushing the teeth of their subjects as their incorrect technique can cause longterm dental damage, for which a device has not been developed to date.


Assuntos
Enfermeiras e Enfermeiros , Dente , Idoso , Humanos , Mandíbula , Fenômenos Mecânicos
10.
J Family Med Prim Care ; 4(2): 168-73, 2015.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25949960

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide Family Medicine has gained an important place in the undergraduate medical curriculum over the last few decades and general practices have become training centers for students. Exposure to patients early in the disease process, out patient management of common problems, follow up of chronic diseases and psychosocial aspects of health and disease are educational advantages of community based training but such training could have varying impact on patients, students and trainers. This study explored the views of General Practitioner (GP) trainers on their experience in training students. METHODOLOGY: This qualitative study was conducted among GP trainers of the faculty of medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, to explore their experience on wide range of issues related to their role as GP trainers. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Themes expressed were identified. RESULTS: Altruistic reasons, self-satisfaction, self-esteem and opportunity to improve their knowledge were the motivations for their involvement in teaching. Teachers were confident of their clinical and teaching skills. They perceived that patients were willing participants of the process and benefited from it. There was a positive impact on consultation dynamics. Time pressure was the major problem and ideal number of trainees per session was two. They were willing to attend teacher training workshops to update their knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: GP trainers driven by altruistic reasons were willing participants of student training process. The perceived advantages of involvement of teaching for trainers and patients were an encouragement for potential trainers. University should organize training sessions for trainers which will boost their knowledge, confidence and teaching skills which will eventually benefit students.

11.
Eur Phys J C Part Fields ; 75(3): 116, 2015.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25995705

RESUMO

We present the development and application of a generic analysis scheme for the measurement of neutrino spectra with the IceCube detector. This scheme is based on regularized unfolding, preceded by an event selection which uses a Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance algorithm to select the relevant variables and a random forest for the classification of events. The analysis has been developed using IceCube data from the 59-string configuration of the detector. 27,771 neutrino candidates were detected in 346 days of livetime. A rejection of 99.9999 % of the atmospheric muon background is achieved. The energy spectrum of the atmospheric neutrino flux is obtained using the TRUEE unfolding program. The unfolded spectrum of atmospheric muon neutrinos covers an energy range from 100 GeV to 1 PeV. Compared to the previous measurement using the detector in the 40-string configuration, the analysis presented here, extends the upper end of the atmospheric neutrino spectrum by more than a factor of two, reaching an energy region that has not been previously accessed by spectral measurements.

12.
J Family Med Prim Care ; 4(1): 3-8, 2015.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25810980

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Family Medicine occupies a prominent place in the undergraduate curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. The one month clinical attachment during the fourth year utilizes a variety of teaching methods. This study evaluates teaching learning methods and learning environment of this attachment. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among consenting students over a period of six months on completion of the clinical attachment using a pretested self administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were returned by 114(99%) students. 90.2% were satisfied with the teaching methods in general while direct observation and feed back from teachers was the most popular(95.1%) followed by learning from patients(91.2%), debate(87.6%), seminar(87.5%) and small group discussions(71.9%). They were highly satisfied with the opportunity they had to develop communication skills (95.5%) and presentation skills (92.9%). Lesser learning opportunity was experienced for history taking (89.9%), problem solving (78.8%) and clinical examination (59.8%) skills. Student satisfaction regarding space within consultation rooms was 80% while space for history taking and examination (62%) and availability of clinical equipment (53%) were less. 90% thought the programme was well organized and adequate understanding on family medicine concepts and practice organization gained by 94% and 95% of the students respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall student satisfaction was high. Students prefer learning methods which actively involve them. It is important to provide adequate infra structure facilities for student activities to make it a positive learning experience for them.

13.
Phys Rev Lett ; 113(10): 101101, 2014 Sep 05.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25238345

RESUMO

A search for high-energy neutrinos interacting within the IceCube detector between 2010 and 2012 provided the first evidence for a high-energy neutrino flux of extraterrestrial origin. Results from an analysis using the same methods with a third year (2012-2013) of data from the complete IceCube detector are consistent with the previously reported astrophysical flux in the 100 TeV-PeV range at the level of 10(-8) GeV cm-2 s-1 sr-1 per flavor and reject a purely atmospheric explanation for the combined three-year data at 5.7σ. The data are consistent with expectations for equal fluxes of all three neutrino flavors and with isotropic arrival directions, suggesting either numerous or spatially extended sources. The three-year data set, with a live time of 988 days, contains a total of 37 neutrino candidate events with deposited energies ranging from 30 to 2000 TeV. The 2000-TeV event is the highest-energy neutrino interaction ever observed.

14.
J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater ; 102(4): 860-8, 2014 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24458920

RESUMO

In this research work, DEXTRAN- and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated iron-oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles were synthetized and their cytotoxicity and biodistribution assessed. Well-crystalline hydrophobic Fe3 O4 SPIONs were formed by a thermal decomposition process with d = 18 nm and σ = 2 nm; finally, the character of SPIONs was changed to hydrophilic by a post-synthesis procedure with the functionalization of the SPIONs with PEG or DEXTRAN. The nanoparticles present high saturation magnetization and superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature, and the hydrodynamic diameters of DEXTRAN- and PEG-coated SPIONs were measured as 170 and 120 nm, respectively. PEG- and DEXTRAN-coated SPIONs have a Specific Power Absorption SPA of 320 and 400 W/g, respectively, in an ac magnetic field with amplitude of 13 kA/m and frequency of 256 kHz. In vitro studies using VERO and MDCK cell lineages were performed to study the cytotoxicity and cell uptake of the SPIONs. For both cell lineages, PEG- and DEXTRAN-coated nanoparticles presented high cell viability for concentrations as high as 200 µg/mL. In vivo studies were conducted using BALB/c mice inoculating the SPIONs intravenously and exposing them to the presence of an external magnet located over the tumour. It was observed that the amount of PEG-coated SPIONs in the tumor increased by up to 160% when using the external permanent magnetic as opposed to those animals that were not exposed to the external magnetic field.


Assuntos
Dextranos/farmacocinética , Compostos Férricos/farmacocinética , Campos Magnéticos , Nanopartículas , Animais , Chlorocebus aethiops , Dextranos/administração & dosagem , Dextranos/toxicidade , Cães , Portadores de Fármacos , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos , Feminino , Compostos Férricos/administração & dosagem , Compostos Férricos/toxicidade , Técnicas In Vitro , Injeções Intravenosas , Fígado/metabolismo , Pulmão/metabolismo , Células Madin Darby de Rim Canino , Nanopartículas de Magnetita/administração & dosagem , Nanopartículas de Magnetita/toxicidade , Neoplasias Mamárias Experimentais/metabolismo , Teste de Materiais , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Nanopartículas/administração & dosagem , Nanopartículas/toxicidade , Polietilenoglicóis , Pele/metabolismo , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier , Distribuição Tecidual , Células Vero
15.
Braz J Med Biol Res ; 46(9): 780-8, 2013 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24068194

RESUMO

4-Nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) is found in Pothomorphe umbellata root extracts and is reported to have a topical protective effect against UVB radiation-induced skin damage, toxicity in melanoma cell lines, and antimalarial activity. We report a comparative study of the antioxidant activity of 4-NC and α-tocopherol against lipid peroxidation initiated by two free radical-generating systems: 2,2'-azobis(2-aminopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH) and FeSO4/H2O2, in red blood cell ghost membranes and in egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by membrane fluidity changes assessed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of a spin-labeled lipid and by the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. When lipoperoxidation was initiated by the hydroxyl radical in erythrocyte ghost membranes, both 4-NC and α-tocopherol acted in a very efficient manner. However, lower activities were observed when lipoperoxidation was initiated by the peroxyl radical; and, in this case, the protective effect of α-tocopherol was lower than that of 4-NC. In egg PC vesicles, malondialdehyde formation indicated that 4-NC was effective against lipoperoxidation initiated by both AAPH and FeSO4/H2O2, whereas α-tocopherol was less efficient in protecting against lipoperoxidation by AAPH, and behaved as a pro-oxidant for FeSO4/H2O2. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical assay indicated that two free radicals were scavenged per 4-NC molecule, and one free radical was scavenged per α-tocopherol molecule. These data provide new insights into the antioxidant capacity of 4-NC, which may have therapeutic applications for formulations designed to protect the skin from sunlight irradiation.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Catecóis/farmacologia , Membrana Eritrocítica/efeitos dos fármacos , Peróxidos/análise , Fosfolipídeos/farmacologia , alfa-Tocoferol/farmacologia , Amidinas/administração & dosagem , Amidinas/farmacologia , Espectroscopia de Ressonância de Spin Eletrônica , Radicais Livres/análise , Humanos , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Malondialdeído/análise , Fosfatidilcolinas/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Raízes de Plantas/química
16.
Braz. j. med. biol. res ; 46(9): 780-788, 19/set. 2013. graf
Artigo em Inglês | LILACS | ID: lil-686573

RESUMO

4-Nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) is found in Pothomorphe umbellata root extracts and is reported to have a topical protective effect against UVB radiation-induced skin damage, toxicity in melanoma cell lines, and antimalarial activity. We report a comparative study of the antioxidant activity of 4-NC and α-tocopherol against lipid peroxidation initiated by two free radical-generating systems: 2,2′-azobis(2-aminopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH) and FeSO4/H2O2, in red blood cell ghost membranes and in egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by membrane fluidity changes assessed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of a spin-labeled lipid and by the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. When lipoperoxidation was initiated by the hydroxyl radical in erythrocyte ghost membranes, both 4-NC and α-tocopherol acted in a very efficient manner. However, lower activities were observed when lipoperoxidation was initiated by the peroxyl radical; and, in this case, the protective effect of α-tocopherol was lower than that of 4-NC. In egg PC vesicles, malondialdehyde formation indicated that 4-NC was effective against lipoperoxidation initiated by both AAPH and FeSO4/H2O2, whereas α-tocopherol was less efficient in protecting against lipoperoxidation by AAPH, and behaved as a pro-oxidant for FeSO4/H2O2. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical assay indicated that two free radicals were scavenged per 4-NC molecule, and one free radical was scavenged per α-tocopherol molecule. These data provide new insights into the antioxidant capacity of 4-NC, which may have therapeutic applications for formulations designed to protect the skin from sunlight irradiation.


Assuntos
Humanos , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Catecóis/farmacologia , Membrana Eritrocítica/efeitos dos fármacos , Peróxidos/análise , Fosfolipídeos/farmacologia , alfa-Tocoferol/farmacologia , Amidinas/administração & dosagem , Amidinas/farmacologia , Espectroscopia de Ressonância de Spin Eletrônica , Radicais Livres/análise , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Malondialdeído/análise , Fosfatidilcolinas/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Raízes de Plantas/química
17.
Ceylon Med J ; 58(2): 82-3, 2013 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23817940

RESUMO

The Department of Family Medicine, University of Kelaniya conducted a health camp in Puthukudiyiruppu in March 2011. Height and weight measurements were carried out and data of 303 participants were analysed. The rate of stunting among children below six years in this population was 62% compared to 19.3% nationally. Thirty four percent of children and adolescents (6-18yrs) were underweight and 21.4% of adults had a BMI less than 18.5kg/m2.


Assuntos
Estatura , Transtornos do Crescimento , Humanos , Magreza/epidemiologia
18.
Braz. j. med. biol. res ; 45(6): 473-481, June 2012. ilus, tab
Artigo em Inglês | LILACS | ID: lil-622783

RESUMO

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of spin labels was used to monitor membrane dynamic changes in erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The lipid spin label, 5-doxyl stearic acid, responded to dramatic reductions in membrane fluidity, which was correlated with increases in the protein content of the membrane. Membrane rigidity, associated with the binding of hemoglobin (Hb) to the erythrocyte membrane, was also indicated by a spin-labeled maleimide, 5-MSL, covalently bound to the sulfhydryl groups of membrane proteins. At 2% hematocrit, these alterations in membrane occurred at very low concentrations of H2O2 (50 µM) after only 5 min of incubation at 37°C in azide phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Lipid peroxidation, suggested by oxidative hemolysis and malondialdehyde formation, started at 300 µM H2O2 (for incubation of 3 h), which is a concentration about six times higher than those detected with the probes. Ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol protected the membrane against lipoperoxidation, but did not prevent the binding of proteins to the erythrocyte membrane. Moreover, the antioxidant (+)-catechin, which also failed to prevent the cross-linking of cytoskeletal proteins with Hb, was very effective in protecting erythrocyte ghosts from lipid peroxidation induced by the Fenton reaction. This study also showed that EPR spectroscopy can be useful to assess the molecular dynamics of red blood cell membranes in both the lipid and protein domains and examine oxidation processes in a system that is so vulnerable to oxidation.


Assuntos
Humanos , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Membrana Eritrocítica/efeitos dos fármacos , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/farmacologia , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Substâncias Reativas com Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo , Ácido Ascórbico/farmacologia , Catequina/farmacologia , Óxidos N-Cíclicos/metabolismo , Espectroscopia de Ressonância de Spin Eletrônica , Membrana Eritrocítica/química , Membrana Eritrocítica/fisiologia , Hemólise , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Hemoglobinas/metabolismo , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/metabolismo , Fluidez de Membrana/efeitos dos fármacos , Estresse Oxidativo/fisiologia , alfa-Tocoferol/farmacologia
19.
Braz J Med Biol Res ; 45(6): 473-81, 2012 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22473321

RESUMO

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of spin labels was used to monitor membrane dynamic changes in erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The lipid spin label, 5-doxyl stearic acid, responded to dramatic reductions in membrane fluidity, which was correlated with increases in the protein content of the membrane. Membrane rigidity, associated with the binding of hemoglobin (Hb) to the erythrocyte membrane, was also indicated by a spin-labeled maleimide, 5-MSL, covalently bound to the sulfhydryl groups of membrane proteins. At 2% hematocrit, these alterations in membrane occurred at very low concentrations of H(2)O(2) (50 µM) after only 5 min of incubation at 37°C in azide phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Lipid peroxidation, suggested by oxidative hemolysis and malondialdehyde formation, started at 300 µM H(2)O(2) (for incubation of 3 h), which is a concentration about six times higher than those detected with the probes. Ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol protected the membrane against lipoperoxidation, but did not prevent the binding of proteins to the erythrocyte membrane. Moreover, the antioxidant (+)-catechin, which also failed to prevent the cross-linking of cytoskeletal proteins with Hb, was very effective in protecting erythrocyte ghosts from lipid peroxidation induced by the Fenton reaction. This study also showed that EPR spectroscopy can be useful to assess the molecular dynamics of red blood cell membranes in both the lipid and protein domains and examine oxidation processes in a system that is so vulnerable to oxidation.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Membrana Eritrocítica/efeitos dos fármacos , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/farmacologia , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Substâncias Reativas com Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo , Ácido Ascórbico/farmacologia , Catequina/farmacologia , Óxidos N-Cíclicos/metabolismo , Espectroscopia de Ressonância de Spin Eletrônica , Membrana Eritrocítica/química , Membrana Eritrocítica/fisiologia , Hemoglobinas/metabolismo , Hemólise , Humanos , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/metabolismo , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Fluidez de Membrana/efeitos dos fármacos , Estresse Oxidativo/fisiologia , alfa-Tocoferol/farmacologia
20.
Food Nutr Bull ; 33(4): 251-60, 2012 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23424891

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: With the documentation of high rates of acute malnutrition in children under 5 years of age, the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka established a Nutrition Rehabilitation Program in Jaffna District of the Northern Province. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of community-based management of acute malnutrition among children under 5 years of age and its operational challenges. METHODS: The Nutrition Rehabilitation Program was introduced and implemented in phases covering the entire district and was integrated into the routine healthcare system from the beginning. Children were categorized into severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) groups according to World Health Organization weight-for-height growth standards. Children with SAM were given ready-to-use-therapeutic food (RUTF), and children with MAM were given 100 g (450 kcal) of high-energy biscuits (HEBs) provided by UNICEF. All children received daily supplementary food consisting of locally produced Thriposha or 50 g of corn-soya blend provided by the World Food Programme that provides approximately 200 kcal in addition to the general food ration. The children were followed up according to the guidelines stipulated in the Nutrition Rehabilitation Program manual. RESULTS: An endline representative survey conducted 2 years after implementation of the Nutrition Rehabilitation Program revealed that the prevalence of global acute malnutrition (GAM) among children under five dropped from 18% to 9.6%, a reduction of 47%, while the prevalence of SAM dropped from 3.5% to 0.7%, a reduction of 80%. However, the prevalence of anemia remained at 34%, which is higher than the national prevalence of 25%, in spite of supplementation with 200% of the Recommended Nutrient Intake of iron and vitamin A. CONCLUSIONS: Proper targeting of feeding programs with good coverage can reduce the rates of acute malnutrition in emergencies. It is important also to consider the control of anemia in emergencies.


Assuntos
Anemia/epidemiologia , Anemia/prevenção & controle , Serviços de Saúde Comunitária/organização & administração , Suplementos Nutricionais , Desnutrição/epidemiologia , Desnutrição/prevenção & controle , Doença Aguda , Pré-Escolar , Análise por Conglomerados , Estudos Transversais , Emergências , Ingestão de Energia , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Ferro da Dieta/administração & dosagem , Masculino , Inquéritos Nutricionais/métodos , Prevalência , Reabilitação/métodos , Sri Lanka/epidemiologia , Vitamina A/administração & dosagem , Organização Mundial da Saúde
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