Sub-surface shear wave velocity models developed based on a combined in-situ measurement of quasi-static cone penetration test (q-CPT) and microtremor datasets.

A representative sub-surface shear wave velocity model is crucial for seismic hazard studies, as seismic waves are affected by sub-surface characteristics. The offered data in this article were mainly developed based on a quasi-static cone penetration test (q-CPT) collected at the west coast town of Aceh, Indonesia. Microtremor datasets measured at the same locations were employed to extend the depth of the sub-surface models and to validate the models. The in-situ q-CPT data were collected using a locally manufactured Begemann's type cone penetration test apparatus. Twenty seven (27) q-CPT soundings were performed to typical depths of 20 m or measuring cone tip resistances of at least 150 kg/cm2. Several empirical approaches were employed to deduce the sub-surface parameters, including shear wave velocity. To enhance the sub-surface model depth, 23 in-situ microtremor data were recorded using 3 components (3C) of Geobit S100 and RaspberrySHAKE (RS-3D) seismometers at the same locations where the q-CPTs were sounded. At the same time, these microtremor datasets were also utilized to validate the developed sub-surface shear wave velocity models using the forward modeling method. Therefore, all the proposed sub-surface shear wave models presented in this article have been validated. These sub-surface shear wave velocity models can be used for site characterization, i.e., site response analysis, seismic microzonation, or spatial urban planning.

Molecular docking of ethanol extracts of katuk leaf (Sauropus androgynus) on functional proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a major health crisis globally. Alternative treatment approaches include using food sources rich in flavonoid compounds, such as the leaves of katuk plant (Sauropus androgynus). The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of the flavonoid group present in active compounds of katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynus) and to study the mechanism underlying interactions (molecular docking) of these compounds with 3CLpro, Nsp1, Nsp3, RdRp, Nsp7_Nsp8 complex, and PLpro in SARS-CoV-2, and ACE2 in humans. In silico analysis was performed using Hex 8.0. software, which is primary tool of docking analysis. Interaction between the ligand and its receptors were analyzed using the software Discovery studio 4.1. The results of this study indicated that ABCD chains of 3CLpro had the highest bond energy with afzelin (-42.77 Kcal/mol), RdRp Nsp7_Nsp8 complex had the highest bond energy with trifolin (-310.87 Kcal/mol), PLpro had the highest bond energy with afzelin (-190.23 Kcal/mol), Nsp1 had the highest bond energy with afzelin (-286.89 Kcal/mol), Nsp3 had the highest bond energy with trifolin (-334.97 Kcal/mol), and ACE2 had the highest bond energy with trifolin (-307.96 Kcal/mol). Thus, on comparison with conventionally used drugs, the active flavonoid compounds in katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynus) showed specific affinity for 3CLpro, Nsp1, Nsp3, RdRp Nsp7_Nsp8 complex, and PLpro in SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 in humans. Thus, katuk leaves a potential herbal candidates to derive new drugs or complementary medicines for COVID-19.

The amelioration of T2DM rat femoral bone achieved by anti-osteoporosis of caprine CSN1S2 protein through bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway.

We investigated the potential anti-glycation and anti-osteoporosis properties of Caprine milk CSN1S2 protein on the serum AGEs and sRAGE level, osteogenic factors expressions, femoral bone mesostructure, histomorphometry, and hydroxyapatite crystals changes in T2DM rats. Varying doses of Caprine milk CSN1S2 protein (0, 375, 750, and 1500 mg/kg BW) were used to treat the control and T2DM rats. We measured AGEs and sRAGE level; RUNX2, OSX, BMP2, and Caspase-3 expressions in rats using ELISA and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The mesostructure and histomorphometry of femoral bone was analyzed using SEM Microscope and BoneJ software, then hydroxyapatite crystal size was determined using SEM-XRD. T2DM rats showed a high level of AGEs and a low level of sRAGE, the RUNX2, OSX, and BMP2 expression was down regulated, BV, BV.TV, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp, increased and SMI levels declined, respectively. Vice versa, after administration of the CSN1S2 protein to T2DM rats, improvement in all levels of molecular and cellular markers was achieved. In the CSN1S2 highest dose, AGEs level declined and sRAGE level elevated in T2DM rats. The 375 and 750 mg/kgBW of CSN1S2 protein was able to upregulate the RUNX2, OSX, and BMP2 expression in T2DM rats, thus improving the normalization of osteoclasts and osteoblasts number. The whole dose of CSN1S2 triggered the thickening of trabecular bone wall, granule formation, and normalized the trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) parameter of T2DM rats. The hydroxyapatite crystal size was increased in the highest dose of CSN1S2-treated T2DM rats. This study indicated that CSN1S2 protein had a protective effect against osteoporosis in the T2DM rat bones by means of glycation pathway inhibition, bone histomorphometry and mesostructure improvement via bone morphometric protein signaling.

Microtremor datasets at liquefaction site of Petobo, Central Sulawesi-Indonesia.

The liquefaction at Petobo, Central Sulawesi affected at least 1.8 square kilometers, destroyed up to 744 houses, and caused more than 104 casualties. The data offered in this article are microtremor measurement datasets at the liquefaction site of Petobo, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The datasets were recorded using 3 component (3C) Guralp 6T-D broadband seismometer. There are 14 microtremor datasets, which consist of 10 datasets measured inside the liquefaction affected site and 4 datasets recorded outside the liquefaction affected site of Petobo, Central Sulawesi. Two to four datasets with 20 min length, were recorded at different times at each location. The microtremor data is crucial for horizontal to vertical (H/V) spectral ratio analysis, from which both the fundamental frequency and ellipticity curve at the measured site are deduced. The site fundamental frequency is useful for estimating the characteristics of the sub-surface condition at the measured site. The curve of the Rayleigh waves fundamental mode is needed to develop the shear wave (S-wave) velocity profile of the measured site.

In Silico Interaction of the Active Compounds of Scurrula Atropurpurea with the RANK/RANKL/OPG System in Diabetoporosis.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetoporosis is a very complex health problem in Indonesia. One approach to the problem is through native Indonesian herbal medicine. The application of Scurrula atropurpurea in the treatment of diabetoporosis has not been revealed, so preliminary in silico study needs to be done. AIM: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the interaction between the active compound of Scurrula atropurpurea and the RANKL/RANK/OPG system in the pathomechanism of osteoporosis in diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The procedures of the study included the search for the constituent amino acid of the RANK/RANKL/OPG system, the search for the structure of the active component of Scurrula atropurpurea, 3D modeling of protein structure, protein-ligand docking and visualization, and analysis of protein-ligand bonding interactions. RESULTS: Those bond energies were RANKL-aviculin (-274.96 kJ/mol), RANKL-rutin (-263.12 kJ/mol), RANKL-quercitrin (-256.98 kJ/mol), RANKL-quercetin (-226,50 kJ/mol), RANKL-kaempferol (-221,65 kJ/mol), RANKL-catechin (-214,85 kJ/mol), RANKL-epicatechin (-211.66 kJ/mol), RANKL-caffeine (-171.73 kJ/mol), and RANKL-theobromine (-161.14 kJ/mol). The bond energies were RANK-rutin (-719.26 kJ/mol), RANK-catechin (-680.15 kJ/mol), RANK-caffeine (-654.48 kJ/mol), RANK-theobromine (-651.77 kJ/mol), RANK-quercitrin (-650.68 kJ/mol), RANK-kaempferol (-643.03 kJ/mol), RANK-epicatechin (-641.86 kJ/mol), RANK-quercetin (-641.76 kJ/mol), and RANK-aviculin (-628.62 kJ/mol). Those bond energies were OPG-epicatechin (-590.09 kJ/mol), OPG-theobromine (-578.08 kJ/mol), OPG-caffeine (-568.88 kJ/mol), RANKL-catechin (-560.63 kJ/mol), OPG-quercitrin (-554.50 kJ/mol), OPG-rutin (-547.91 kJ/mol), OPG-quercetin (-545.75 kJ/mol), OPG-kaempferol (-544.48 kJ/mol), and OPG-aviculin (-539.15 kJ/mol). CONCLUSION: The nine active ingredients of Scurrula atropurpurea do not interfere with the physiological function of RANKL to interact with RANK. The initial interaction of RANK with catechin or rutin will facilitate the bond of RANK to RANKL. When forming a complex with OPG, epicatechin will facilitate its interaction with RANKL.

Passive noise datasets at regolith sites.

The data presented in this article contain datasets of passive noise measurements at regolith sites in Adelaide, South Australia. The data were acquired using three component (3C) LE-3Dlite Lennartz seismometers with an eigenfrequency of 1 Hz. The data were acquired at eight sites across Adelaide׳s regolith in a hexagonal array layout. Four tests, each with a duration of 30 min, were conducted at different times. The ambient noise data can be used for both horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) analysis and array analyses, which are essential to obtain the site fundamental frequency and the ellipticity of the fundamental mode Rayleigh waves at the measured site. The array analyses are useful to obtain the dispersion curves, which are needed to estimate the shear wave velocity profile.

Cinnamomum burmanini Blume increases bone turnover marker and induces tibia's granule formation in ovariectomized rats.

BACKGROUND: Bone fragility and an increase in susceptibility to fracture osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction in bone mass and the micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue. There is no previous study regarding the effect of Cinnamomum burmanini Blume on osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of C. burmanini Blume on bone turnover marker, mineral elements, and mesostructure of ovariectomized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, which included a control group (sham surgery), ovariectomy group (OVX), and ovariectomy groups in the presence of ethanolic extract of C. burmanini Blume (EECB) at doses of 12.5; 25; 50 mg/kg body weight (BW). Analysis of serum C-telopeptide collagen type I (CTX) and osteocalcin (OC) were done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tibia mineral elements and mesostructure were analyzed by X-ray Fluorescence and Scanning Electron Microscopy, respectively. In silico study was performed by modeling protein structure using SWISS-MODEL server and Ramachandran plot analysis. RESULTS: The increase in OC and CTX were significantly attenuated by treatments of EECB. Ovariectomy significantly decreased Cu/Zn ratio compared to sham-operated rats (p < 0.05). Mesostructure of ovariectomized rats was significantly different compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Cinnamon was able to normalize bone turnover markers, but, the mesostructure of hydroxyapatite crystal growth was achieved at the highest dose extract. In silico study showed that the active compound of EECB could not only support osteoclastogenesis process by decreasing the binding energy between RANKL and RANK, but also by inhibiting the interaction between OPG and RANK.

Plasma glutathione and oxidized glutathione level, glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, and albumin concentration in complicated and uncomplicated falciparum malaria

Objective: To compare the level of glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), the ratio of GSH/GSSG and the concentration of albumin in plasma of patients with complicated and un-complicated falciparum malaria. Methods: This research was a cross sectional study using comparison analysis with the plasma GSH and GSSG, the ratio of plasma GSH/GSSG and the concentration of plasma albumin as variables. The complicated malaria patients were obtained from Dr. Saiful Anwar Hospital Malang, whereas uncomplicated malaria patients were obtained from the Regency of Pleihari South Kalimantan. Plasma GSH and GSSG levels were determined by the spectrophotometer at the wave length of 412 nm, whereas the concentration of albumin was determined by bromocresol green method in the pH of 4.1. Results: There were no significant differences between the level of plasma GSH and GSSG in complicated and uncomplicated malaria patients, as well as the ratio of plasma GSH/GSSG in the two groups (P=0.373;P=0.538;and P=0.615, respectively, independent t-test). In contrast, the plasma albumin concentration in complicated malaria patients were significantly higher than uncomplicated malaria patients (P=0.000, Mann Whitney U test). Conclusions: It can be concluded that the average of plasma GSH and GSSG level, also plasma GSH/GSSG ratio in complicated malaria are not different from uncomplicated ma-laria. Although plasma concentration of albumin in both groups is below the normal range, there is an increase in complicated malaria that might be as compensation of oxidative stress.

Regulation by Phloroglucinol of Nrf2/Maf-Mediated Expression of Antioxidant Enzymes and Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis via the RANKL/RANK Signaling Pathway: In Silico study.

INTRODUCTION: Phloroglucinol is an antioxidant compound with many positive effects on health. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of phloroglucinol in osteoclastogenesis via the RANKL/RANK signaling pathway and the activity of the transcription factor Nrf2. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis was performed in silico using the primary method of docking by the use of Hex 8.0 software and Haddock web server. Analysis of interactions was then performed to determine interactions between the ligand and its receptors by using the software LigPlus and LigandScout 3.1. RESULTS: Results indicated that phloroglucinol compound was thought to inhibit osteoclastogenesis via three mechanisms: inhibiting RANKL-RANK interaction, sustaining the RANKL-OPG bond, and increasing the activity of the transcription factor Nrf2.

The effects of Eucheuma cottonii on alveolar macrophages and malondialdehyde levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in chronically particulate matter 10 coal dust-exposed rats.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of Eucheuma cottonii on alveolar macrophages (AM) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) in particulate matter 10 (PM10) coal dust-exposed rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten groups, including a non exposed group and groups exposed to coal dust at doses of 6.25 (CD6.25), 12.5 (CD12.5), or 25 mg/m(3) (CD25) an hour daily for 6 months with or without supplementation of ethanolic extract of E. cottonii at doses of 150 (EC150) or 300 mg/kg BW (EC300). The number of macrophages was determined using a light microscope. MDA levels were measured by TBARS assay. RESULTS: EC150 insignificantly (P > 0.05) reduces the AM in CD groups compared to non treatment groups. EC150 and EC300 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased MDA levels in CD12.5 and CD25 groups relative to non treatment groups. CONCLUSION: E. cottonii attenuated oxidative stress in chronic exposure of PM10 coal dust.

Tibia bone properties at different time course of ovariectomized rats.

BACKGROUND: The model of bilaterally ovariectomized rats mimics the accelerated bone loss observed in postmenopausal women due to estrogen deficiency. Although calcium is main mineral in bone, previous study in human showed there is hypermineralization and higher calcium level in hydroxyapatite crystal structure from osteoporosis patients. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of time course ovariectomized on tibia bone turn over markers, mineral elements, hydroxyapatite crystale, mesostructure, and histomorphometry. METHODS: A total of 30 Wistar female rats were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 10 each): control group, ovariectomy group follow up for one month and two month. All animals procedures was according to Animal Ethics Guidelines and approval by ethic committee of the Medical Faculty, Lambung Mangkurat University which obtained prior the study. Expression of osteocalcin (OC) and C-telopeptyde collagen type I (CTX) was analyzed by ELISA method. Tibia bone mineral element was measured using X-Ray Fluorescence. Hydroxyapatite crystale structure was analyzed using X-Ray Diffracttion. Mesostructure was determined using Scanning Electron Microscope. Histomorphometry was analyzed using BoneJ software analyzer. ANOVA test was used to analyze the different level of serum bone turnover markers and bone mineral elements. RESULTS: Serum OC and CTX were significantly decrease in one month and two month after ovariectomized groups compared to sham-operated group (P < 0.05). The levels Ca, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Ca/P, and Cu/Zn were not significantly different in all groups (P > 0.05). The structure of hydroxyapatite crystal in one month and two month after ovariectomized groups were different compared with sham-operated control group. Mesostructure of tibia bone after one and two month ovariectomized procedure significantly different than that in sham-operated rats. The level of trabecular volume were lower significantly on OVX-1 and OVX-2 groups compared with sham group (P < 0.05). The trabecular thickness and spacing were increase significantly on OVX-1 and OVX-2 groups compared with sham group (P < 0.05). The trabecular number were significantly decrease OVX-1 and OVX-2 groups than that sham group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that two month after ovariectomized decrease serum osteocalcin but not change bone mineral elements in rats. Also, we found the difference of lattice parameter of hydroxyapatite crystale structure and trabecular properties which determined bone mesostructure.

Subchronic inhalation of coal dust particulate matter 10 induces bronchoalveolar hyperplasia and decreases MUC5AC expression in male Wistar rats.

Coal dust is a pollutant found in coal mines that are capable of inducing oxidative stress and inflammation, but the effects on lung metaplasia as an early step of carcinogenesis remain unknown. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of PM10 coal dust on lung histology, MUC5AC expression, epidermal growth factor (EGF) expression, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. An experimental study was done on male Wistar rats, which were divided into the following groups: control groups exposed to coal dust for 14 days (at doses of 6.25 mg/m(3), 12.5 mg/m(3), and 25 mg/m(3)), and the groups exposed to coal dust for 28 days (at doses of 6.25 mg/m(3), 12.5 mg/m(3), and 25 mg/m(3)). EGF expressions in rat lungs were measured by ELISA. EGFR and MUC5AC were measured by a confocal laser scanning microscope. The bronchoalveolar epithelial image of the group exposed to coal dust for 14 and 28 days showed a epithelial rearrangement, hyperplastic (metaplastic) goblet cells, and scattered massive inflammatory cells. The pulmonary parenchymal image of the group of exposed to coal dust for 14 and 28 days showed scattered inflammatory cells filling up the pulmonary alveolar networks, leading to an appearance of thickened parenchymal alveoli until emphysema-like structure. There was no significant difference in MUC5AC, EGF, and EGFR expressions for 14-d exposure (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in EGF and EGFR expressions for 28-d exposure (p>0.05), but there was a significant difference in MUC5AC expression (p<0.05). We concluded that subchronic inhalation of coal dust particulate matter 10 induces bronchoalveolar reactive hyperplasia and rearrangement of epithelial cells which accompanied by decrease expression MUC5AC in male rats.

Green tea extract protects endothelial progenitor cells from oxidative insult through reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species activity.

OBJECTIVES: Many studies have reported that tea consumption decreases cardiovascular risk, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Green tea is known to have potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. This study aimed to investigate whether green tea extract (GTE) can protect endothelial progenitors cells (EPCs) against oxidative stress through antioxidant mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation with Ficoll. The cells were then plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After 7 days of culture, EPCs were characterized as adherent cells double positive for DiI-ac-LDL uptake and lectin binding. EPCs were further identified by assessing the expression of CD34/45, CD133, and KDR. EPCs were then treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at doses of 50, 100, 200 µM and incubated with or without GTE (25 µg/ml). The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by flow cytometry using a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) fluorescent probe. RESULTS: GTE ameliorated the cell viability of EPCs induced by H2O2 at doses of 50, 100, 200 µM for about 25.47, 22.52, and 11.96% higher than controls, respectively. GTE also decreased the intracellular ROS levels of EPCs induced by H2O2 at doses of 50, 100, 200 µM for about 84.24, 92.27, and 93.72% compared to controls, respectively. CONCLUSION: GTE improves cell viability by reducing the intracellular ROS accumulation in H2O2-induced EPCs.

The Effects of Eucheuma cottonii on Signaling Pathway Inducing Mucin Synthesis in Rat Lungs Chronically Exposed to Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) Coal Dust.

This study was aimed at investigating the effects of Eucheuma cottonii (EC) in oxidative stress and the signaling for mucin synthesis in rat lungs chronically exposed to coal dust. Coal dust with concomitant oral administration of ethanolic extract of EC at doses of 150 (EC150) or 300 mg/kg BW (EC300) compared to exposed to PM10 coal dust at doses of 6.25 (CD6.25), 12.5 (CD12.5), or 25 mg/m(3) (CD25) (an hour daily for 6 months) and nonexposure group (control). The malondialdehyde (MDA), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)- α , epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and MUC5AC levels were determined in the lung. The administration of EC300 significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the MDA levels in groups exposed to all doses of coal dust compared to the respective coal dust-exposed nonsupplemented groups. Although not statistically significant,EC reduced the EGF levels and EGFR expressions in CD12.5 and CD25 groups and decreased the TGF- α , level and MUC5AC expression in CD25 group compared to the respective coal dust-exposed nonsupplemented groups. EC was able to decrease oxidative stress and was also able to decrease signaling for mucin synthesis, at least a part, via reducing the ligand in chronic coal dust exposure.