| 11. |
- Jamil, N. A. M., et al.
(author)
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Electrical stimulation for the growth of plants : With special attention to the effects of nearby lightning on mushrooms
- 2018
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In: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences. - : Global Science Publications. - 0972-3005. ; 20:4, s. 1332-1343
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- – Electrical stimulation could trigger biological activities of plants, enhancing their production rate. This paper addresses the application of this technology on mushroom which, possesses unique developmental process that depends on hyphae morphogenesis at growth stages; thus their response to electrical stimulation should be studied separately. The study analyses the information available on electrical environment of mushrooms with the view of investigating the efficiency of external electric stimulation approaches for the enhancement of their progress at various growth stages. Electric treatments at relatively low strengths, applied for a short exposure time have resulted positive impacts on growth rates, yields, length and size of various plants. In the case of mushrooms, the only information available on successful external electrical stimulation technique is the application of high voltage pulses. The technique has shown positive effects on the growth rate of varieties such as shiitake and nameko. This approach has been adopted based on the unconfirmed claims that lightning in the vicinity develops cracks in mushroom hyphae and stimulates their enzyme activities, which in turn boosts the growth rate. Based on the outcomes, we foresee a good economic viability of mushroom production with these modern technologies and methodologies.
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| 12. |
- Kirkpatrick, Christine L., et al.
(author)
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The "PepSAVI-MS" Pipeline for Natural Product Bioactive Peptide Discovery
- 2017
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In: Analytical Chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0003-2700 .- 1520-6882. ; 89:2, s. 1194-1201
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The recent increase in extensively drug-resistant bacterial pathogens and the associated increase of morbidity and mortality demonstrate the immediate need for new antibiotic backbones with novel mechanisms of action. Here, we report the development of the PepSAVI-MS pipeline for bioactive peptide discovery. This highly versatile platform employs mass spectrometry and statistics to identify bioactive peptide targets from complex biological samples. We validate the use of this platform through the successful identification of known bioactive peptides from a botanical species, Viola odorata. Using this pipeline, we have widened the known antimicrobial spectrum for V. odorata cyclotides, including antibacterial activity of cycloviolacin O2 against A. baumannii. We further demonstrate the broad applicability of the platform through the identification of novel anticancer activities for cycloviolacins by their cytotoxicity against ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer cell lines.
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| 13. |
- Ali, A., et al.
(author)
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Cobalt oxide magnetic nanoparticles-chitosan nanocomposite based electrochemical urea biosensor
- 2015
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In: Indian Journal of Physics. - : Springer Verlag (Germany). - 0973-1458 .- 0974-9845. ; 89:4, s. 331-336
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study, a potentiometric urea biosensor has been fabricated on glass filter paper through the immobilization of urease enzyme onto chitosan/cobalt oxide (CS/Co3O4) nanocomposite. A copper wire with diameter of 500 mu m is attached with nanoparticles to extract the voltage output signal. The shape and dimensions of Co3O4 magnetic nanoparticles are investigated by scanning electron microscopy and the average diameter is approximately 80-100 nm. Structural quality of Co3O4 nanoparticles is confirmed from X-ray powder diffraction measurements, while the Raman spectroscopy has been used to understand the chemical bonding between different atoms. The magnetic measurement has confirmed that Co3O4 nanoparticles show ferromagnetic behavior, which could be attributed to the uncompensated surface spins and/or finite size effects. The ferromagnetic order of Co3O4 nanoparticles is raised with increasing the decomposition temperature. A physical adsorption method is adopted to immobilize the surface of CS/Co3O4 nanocomposite. Potentiometric sensitivity curve has been measured over the concentration range between 1 x 10(-4) and 8 x 10(-2) M of urea electrolyte solution revealing that the fabricated biosensor holds good sensing ability with a linear slope curve of similar to 45 mV/decade. In addition, the presented biosensor shows good reusability, selectivity, reproducibility and resistance against interferers along with the stable output response of similar to 12 s.
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| 14. |
- Jamil, N. A. M., et al.
(author)
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Effects of electrical stimulation on the yield of tuber of tiger's milk mushroom
- 2019
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In: Engineering in Agriculture, Environment and Food. - : Elsevier B.V.. - 1881-8366. ; 12:4, s. 526-533
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The growth rate of mycelium of the tiger's milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerotis) at intermediate development stage was successfully increased up to 16% by the application of corona discharge through multiple needles at a steady state voltage of 5 kV generated by a Van der Graff generator, for 5 h a day, for four weeks. The same method could enhance the yield of tuber up to 56%. Myco-chemical analysis on the tuber of the corona treated group did not show any significant variation in the total flavonoid content and metabolite chromatogram pattern in comparison with that of the control groups and the reference groups. The experiment shows that the enhancement of the harvest of tuber of the tiger's milk mushroom is much more significant than the growth rate improvement of the mycelium of the same type of mushroom, as it was reported previously.
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| 15. |
- Wright, A. Michelle, et al.
(author)
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Determinants of resource needs and utilization among refugees over time
- 2016
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In: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0933-7954 .- 1433-9285. ; 51:4, s. 539-549
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study examined refugees' resource needs and utilization over time, investigated the relationships between pre-displacement/socio-demographic variables and resource needs and utilization, and explored the role of resource needs and utilization on psychiatric symptom trajectories. Iraqi refugees to the United States (N = 298) were assessed upon arrival and at 1-year intervals for 2 years for socio-demographic variables and pre-displacement trauma experiences, their need for and utilization of 14 different resources, and PTSD and depressive symptoms. Although refugees reported reduction of some needs over time (e.g., need for cash assistance declined from 99 to 71 %), other needs remained high (e.g., 99 % of refugees reported a need for health care at the 2-year interview). Generally, the lowest needs were reported after 2 years, and the highest utilization occurred during the first year post-arrival. Pre-displacement trauma exposure predicted high health care needs but not high health care utilization. Both high need for and use of health care predicted increasing PTSD and depressive symptoms. Specifically, increased use of psychological care across the three measurement waves predicted more PTSD and depression symptoms at the 2-year interview. Differences emerged between need for and actual use of resources, especially for highly trauma-exposed refugees. Resettlement agencies and assistance programs should consider the complex relationships between resource needs, resource utilization, and mental health during the early resettlement period.
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| 16. |
- Wright, A. Michelle, et al.
(author)
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Kidnapping and Mental Health in Iraqi Refugees : The Role of Resilience
- 2017
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In: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. - : SPRINGER. - 1557-1912 .- 1557-1920. ; 19:1, s. 98-107
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although kidnapping is common in war-torn countries, there is little research examining its psychological effects. Iraqi refugees (N = 298) were assessed upon arrival to the U.S. and 1 year later. At arrival, refugees were asked about prior trauma exposure, including kidnapping. One year later refugees were assessed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression disorder (MDD) using the SCID-I. Individual resilience and narratives of the kidnapping were also assessed. Twenty-six refugees (9 %) reported being kidnapped. Compared to those not kidnapped, those who were had a higher prevalence of PTSD, but not MDD, diagnoses. Analyses examining kidnapping victims revealed that higher resilience was associated with lower rates of PTSD. Narratives of the kidnapping were also discussed. This study suggests kidnapping is associated with PTSD, but not MDD. Additionally, kidnapping victims without PTSD reported higher individual resilience. Future studies should further elucidate risk and resilience mechanisms.
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| 17. |
- Wright, A. Michelle, et al.
(author)
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Unemployment in Iraqi refugees : The interaction of pre and post-displacement trauma
- 2016
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. - : Wiley. - 0036-5564 .- 1467-9450. ; 57:6, s. 564-570
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Previous refugee research has been unable to link pre-displacement trauma with unemployment in the host country. The current study assessed the role of pre-displacement trauma, post-displacement trauma, and the interaction of both trauma types to prospectively examine unemployment in a random sample of newly-arrived Iraqi refugees. Participants (N=286) were interviewed three times over the first two years post-arrival. Refugees were assessed for pre-displacement trauma exposure, post-displacement trauma exposure, a history of unemployment in the country of origin and host country, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Analyses found that neither pre-displacement nor post-displacement trauma independently predicted unemployment 2years post-arrival; however, the interaction of pre and post-displacement trauma predicted 2-year unemployment. Refugees with high levels of both pre and post-displacement trauma had a 91% predicted probability of unemployment, whereas those with low levels of both traumas had a 20% predicted probability. This interaction remained significant after controlling for sociodemographic variables and mental health upon arrival to the US. Resettlement agencies and community organizations should consider the interactive effect of encountering additional trauma after escaping the hardships of the refugee's country of origin.
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| 18. |
- Elsouhag, D., et al.
(author)
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Factors Associated with Healthcare Utilization Among Arab Immigrants and Iraqi Refugees
- 2015
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In: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1557-1912 .- 1557-1920. ; 17:5, s. 1305-1312
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Arab migrants-both immigrants and refugees-are exposed to pre- and post- migration stressors increasing their risk for health problems. Little is known, however, about rates of, or factors associated with, healthcare utilization among these two groups. A sample of 590 participants were interviewed approximately 1 year post-migration to the United States. Factors associated with healthcare utilization, including active and passive coping strategies, were examined using logistic regressions. Compared to national healthcare utilization data, immigrants had significantly lower, and refugees had significantly higher rates of healthcare utilization. Being a refugee, being married, and having health insurance were significantly associated with medical service utilization. Among refugees, less use of psychological services was associated with the use of medications and having problem-focused (active) strategies for dealing with stress. Healthcare utilization was significantly higher among refugees, who also reported a greater need for services than did immigrants.
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| 19. |
- Jones, Robert P., et al.
(author)
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Patterns of Recurrence After Resection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma : A Secondary Analysis of the ESPAC-4 Randomized Adjuvant Chemotherapy Trial
- 2019
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In: JAMA Surgery. - : AMER MEDICAL ASSOC. - 2168-6254 .- 2168-6262. ; 154:11, s. 1038-1048
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Importance: The patterns of disease recurrence after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with adjuvant chemotherapy remain unclear.Objective: To define patterns of recurrence after adjuvant chemotherapy and the association with survival.Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospectively collected data from the phase 3 European Study Group for Pancreatic Cancer 4 adjuvant clinical trial, an international multicenter study. The study included 730 patients who had resection and adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Data were analyzed between July 2017 and May 2019.Interventions: Randomization to adjuvant gemcitabine or gemcitabine plus capecitabine.Main Outcomes and Measures: Overall survival, recurrence, and sites of recurrence.Results: Of the 730 patients, median age was 65 years (range 37-81 years), 414 were men (57%), and 316 were women (43%). The median follow-up time from randomization was 43.2 months (95% CI, 39.7-45.5 months), with overall survival from time of surgery of 27.9 months (95% CI, 24.8-29.9 months) with gemcitabine and 30.2 months (95% CI, 25.8-33.5 months) with the combination (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.98; P=.03). The 5-year survival estimates were 17.1% (95% CI, 11.6%-23.5%) and 28.0% (22.0%-34.3%), respectively. Recurrence occurred in 479 patients (65.6%); another 78 patients (10.7%) died without recurrence. Local recurrence occurred at a median of 11.63 months (95% CI, 10.05-12.19 months), significantly different from those with distant recurrence with a median of 9.49 months (95% CI, 8.44-10.71 months) (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.01-1.45; P=.04). Following recurrence, the median survival was 9.36 months (95% CI, 8.08-10.48 months) for local recurrence and 8.94 months (95% CI, 7.82-11.17 months) with distant recurrence (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.73-1.09; P=.27). The median overall survival of patients with distant-only recurrence (23.03 months; 95% CI, 19.55-25.85 months) or local with distant recurrence (23.82 months; 95% CI, 17.48-28.32 months) was not significantly different from those with only local recurrence (24.83 months; 95% CI, 22.96-27.63 months) (P=.85 and P=.35, respectively). Gemcitabine plus capecitabine had a 21% reduction of death following recurrence compared with monotherapy (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.64-0.98; P=.03).Conclusions and Relevance: There were no significant differences between the time to recurrence and subsequent and overall survival between local and distant recurrence. Pancreatic cancer behaves as a systemic disease requiring effective systemic therapy after resection.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00058201, EudraCT 2007-004299-38, and ISRCTN 96397434. This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial investigates patterns of recurrence after adjuvant chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer and the association with survival.
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| 20. |
- Skjonsberg, A., et al.
(author)
-
Sensitivity and Specificity of Automated Audiometry in Subjects with Normal Hearing or Hearing Impairment
- 2019
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In: Noise & Health. - : Medknow. - 1463-1741 .- 1998-4030. ; 21:98, s. 1-6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To investigate the sensitivity and specificity in an automatic computer-controlled audiometric set-up, used for screening purposes. Design: Comparison between standardized audiometry and automated audiometry performed in the same participants. Study Sample: In total, 100 participants (51 females and 49 males) were recruited to take part of this study the same day they visited the hearing clinic for clinical audiometry. Ages varied between 18 and 84 years (mean 45.9 in females, 52.3 in males). Results: The participants were divided into groups, dependent of type of hearing. A total of 23 had normal hearing, 40 had sensorineural hearing loss, 19 had conductive hearing loss and 18 showed asymmetric hearing loss. The sensitivity for the automated audiometry was 86%-100% and the specificity 56%-100%. The group with conductive hearing loss showed the poorest sensitivity (86 %) and specificity (56 %). The group with sensorineural hearing loss showed the smallest variation in difference between the two methods. Conclusions: The results show that automated audiometry is a method suitable to screen for hearing loss. Screening levels need to be selected with respect to cause of screening and environmental factors. For patients with asymmetric hearing thresholds it is necessary to consider the effect of transcranial routing of signals.
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