scholarly journals Size, shape, and orientation of macro-sized substrate protrusions affect the toe and foot adhesion of geckos

2021 ◽  
pp. jeb.223438
Author(s):  
Yi Song ◽  
Jiwei Yuan ◽  
Linghao Zhang ◽  
Zhendong Dai ◽  
Robert J. Full

Geckos are excellent climbers using compliant, hierarchically-arranged adhesive toes to negotiate diverse terrains varying in roughness at multiple size scales. Here, we complement advancements at smaller size scales with measurements at the macro-scale. We studied the attachment of a single toe and whole foot of geckos on macro-scale rough substrates by pulling them along, across, and off smooth rods and spheres mimicking different geometric protrusions of substrates. When we pulled a single toe along rods, the force increased with the rod diameter. Whereas, the attachment force of dragging toes across rods increased from about 60% on small diameter rods relative to a flat surface to approximately 100% on larger diameter rods, but showed no further increase as rod diameter doubled. Toe force also increased as the pulling changed from along-rod loading to across-rod loading. When pulled off from spheres, toe force increased continuously with sphere diameter as observed in along-rod pulling. For feet with separated toes, attachment on spheres was stronger than that on rods with the same diameter. Attachment force of a foot decreased as rod and sphere size increased, but remained sufficient to support the body weight of geckos. These results provide a bridge to the macro-scale roughness seen in nature by revealing the importance of the dimension, shape, and orientation of macro-sized substrate features for compliant toe and foot function of geckos. Our data not only enhances our understanding of geckos’ environmental adaptive adhesion, but can also provide inspiration for novel robot feet in development.

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 5-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun Y. Jung ◽  
Sung C. Jun ◽  
Un J. Chang ◽  
Hyung J. Suh

Previously, we have found that the addition of L-ascorbic acid to chitosan enhanced the reduction in body weight gain in guinea pigs fed a high-fat diet. We hypothesized that the addition of L-ascorbic acid to chitosan would accelerate the reduction of body weight in humans, similar to the animal model. Overweight subjects administered chitosan with or without L-ascorbic acid for 8 weeks, were assigned to three groups: Control group (N = 26, placebo, vehicle only), Chito group (N = 27, 3 g/day chitosan), and Chito-vita group (N = 27, 3 g/day chitosan plus 2 g/day L-ascorbic acid). The body weights and body mass index (BMI) of the Chito and Chito-vita groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the Control group. The BMI of the Chito-vita group decreased significantly compared to the Chito group (Chito: -1.0 kg/m2 vs. Chito-vita: -1.6 kg/m2, p < 0.05). The results showed that the chitosan enhanced reduction of body weight and BMI was accentuated by the addition of L-ascorbic acid. The fat mass, percentage body fat, body circumference, and skinfold thickness in the Chito and Chito-vita groups decreased more than the Control group; however, these parameters were not significantly different between the three groups. Chitosan combined with L-ascorbic acid may be useful for controlling body weight.


2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (6) ◽  
pp. 271-276

Introduction: Prevalence of obesity is 30 % in the Czech Republic and is expected to increase further in the future. This disease complicates surgical procedures but also the postoperative period. The aim of our paper is to present the surgical technique called hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy (HALS), used in surgical management of kidney cancer in morbid obese patients with BMI >40 kg/m2. Methods: The basic cohort of seven patients with BMI >40 undergoing HALS nephrectomy was retrospectively evaluated. Demographic data were analyzed (age, gender, body weight, height, BMI and comorbidities). The perioperative course (surgery time, blood loss, ICU time, hospital stay and early complications), tumor characteristics (histology, TNM classification, tumor size, removed kidney size) and postoperative follow-up were evaluated. Results: The patient age was 38−67 years; the cohort included 2 females and 5 males, the body weight was 117−155 kg and the BMI was 40.3−501 kg/m2. Surgery time was 73−98 minutes, blood loss was 20−450 ml, and hospital stay was 5−7 days; incisional hernia occurred in one patient. Kidney cancer was confirmed in all cases, 48–110 mm in diameter, and the largest removed specimen size was 210×140×130 mm. One patient died just 9 months after the surgery because of metastatic disease; the tumor-free period in the other patients currently varies between 1 and 5 years. Conclusion: HALS nephrectomy seems to be a suitable and safe surgical technique in complicated patients like these morbid obese patients. HALS nephrectomy provides acceptable surgical and oncological results.


Author(s):  
E.P. Dolgov ◽  
◽  
A.A. Abramov ◽  
E.V. Kuzminova ◽  
E.V. Rogaleva ◽  
...  

The article presents the data on the study of the influence of mycotoxins combination (T-2 toxin at the concentration of 0.095 mg/kg and aflatoxin B1 in the concentration of 0.019 mg/kg) on the body of quails and the results of pharmacocorrection of toxicosis with a complex consisting of beet pulp and lecithin. Structural changes in the intestines of quais at fodder mycotoxicosis are described. The use of antitoxic feed additives in poultry led to a weakening of the action of xenobiotics, which was confirmed by an increase in the safety of poultry and increase in body weight of quails, a decrease in the clinical manifestations of intoxication, as well as in positive changes in the structure of the intestine of the poultry during histological examination.


Author(s):  
Hawraa M. Murad ◽  
Tamadhur Hani Hussein ◽  
Audai Sulaiman Khudhair ◽  
Manal Muhi Murad ◽  
Jawad Kadhim Faris

This study was conducted to find out hepatoprotective activity of hesperidin (HES) 100mg/kg body weight (b.w.) against ciprofloxacin (CPX) 100 mg/kg induced hepatotoxicity in local breed rabbits .CPX is a broad spectrum antibiotic used for treatment of many bacterial infections. Twenty four male rabbits were divided into four groups ,group1: control, (1 ml/kg Saline orally) group 2: CPX (100 mg/kg orally) for (14) consecutive days , group 3: HES (100 mg//kg) orally for (14) consecutive days group 4: CPX (100 mg/kg orally) plus HES (100 mg//kg orally ) for (14) consecutive days. All the rabbits were killed on the (15) day of the experiment, and then the blood, and livers samples were taken. CPX induced hepatotoxicity was proved by a significant (p less than 0.01) reduction in the body weight ,and a significant (p less than 0.01) increased serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) , Malonaldehyde enzyme (MAD) and histopathological changes. Protective hepatic toxicity effect and oxidative damage caused by CPX significantly (p less than 0.01) increasing in body weight and significantly (p less than 0.01) decreasing AST , ALT, MAD and improving tissue morphology in HES (100 mg//kg) . These results assure that HES (100 mg//kg) antioxidant effects can protect CPX-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits.


GYNECOLOGY ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-13
Author(s):  
A R Khachaturian ◽  
E V Misharina ◽  
M I Yarmolinskaya

Androgen-dependent dermopathy, as well as premenstrual syndrome of varying severity in young women, can cause emotional depression, difficulties in social adaptation and even depressive disorders. The aim of the study was to study the safety and efficacy of using a combined oral contraceptive (COC) Dimia® containing 20 μg ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg drospirenone in young women, as well as its therapeutic effects in androgen-dependent dermopathy. Materials and methods. The study included 57 young women aged 23.1±2.2 years with signs of androgen-dependent dermopathy. The evaluation of the change in the character of menstrual bleeding, the anthropometric parameters (body weight, waist circumference and hips), the therapeutic effect of the drug on the symptoms of androgen-dependent dermopathy, as well as the dynamics of arterial pressure, hemoglobin level, serum iron have been studied. The psycho-emotional state was assessed using the SAN questionnaire (well-being-activity-mood). Results. During 6 months of observation, there was no significant change in the body mass index, waist circumference, and hips, and the drug did not affect the blood pressure numbers. Against the background of taking the drug, there was an increase in the parameters of iron metabolism (hemoglobin content, serum iron). After 3 months of taking the contraceptive with drospirenone, the number of patients with a complaint about the abundance of menstruation decreased more than twofold (from 22.8 to 10.5%), and after 6 months of taking the drug no patient noted the profuse nature of menstruation. Before the start of taking COC with drospirenone, 57.9% of women reported painful menstrual bleeding. Against the background of taking the contraceptive within 3 months, this complaint was stopped in all patients. Sufficient efficacy of treatment of androgen dependent dermopathy in young women with the help of a microdosed drospirenone-containing combined oral contraceptive is estimated from the dermatological acne index. The analysis of the SAN questionnaire made it possible to reveal the improvement in the psychoemotional state of patients on the background of taking the drug. The conclusion. The results obtained proved the effectiveness and safety of the microclinized COC Dimia®. The drug has no significant effect on body weight, blood pressure, provides reliable control of the cycle and a decrease in menstrual bleeding, which results in stabilization of iron metabolism in the body. Dimia® is effective in the treatment of androgen-dependent dermopathy and can be recommended to young women for starting contraception.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-84
Author(s):  
M.V. Arisov ◽  
I.P. Belykh ◽  
V.V. Artemov

The purpose of the research: the study of the efficacy of the preparations for veterinary use "Inspector Quadro C" and "Inspector Quadro K" against ecto- and endoparasitoses of dogs and cats. Materials and methods. Studies were conducted on spontaneously infected dogs and cats of different sexes, age, weight and breed. The diagnosis of infection with ectoparasites was made based on the clinical picture and laboratory methods of investigation (microscopy of scrapings taken from ectoparasitized skin areas, examination of the coat for fleas, lice, worms, ixodids). Infection with helminths was established by detecting eggs of helminths in faeces of animals by the method of Füleleborn and mature segments of cestodes. Preparations were applied to the animals by drip application on dry undamaged skin in places inaccessible to licking in a dose of 0.1-0.4 ml per 1 kg of body weight. The results were statistically processed. Results and discussion. "Inspector Quadro S" and "Inspector Quadro K" showed 100% efficacy at sarcoptosis in dogs, notoedrosis in cats, otodectosis in dogs and cats, ixodidoses and entomoses. "Inspector Quadro C" showed a high efficiency (92.3%) at demodecosis in dogs. However, single mites were found in one dog. 100% efficacy of "Inspector Quadro C" and "Inspector Quadro K" has been established against intestinal nematodes and cestodes in dogs and cats. Negative effects of drugs on the body of animals have not been revealed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-210
Author(s):  
Muryanto Muryanto ◽  
Pita Sudrajad ◽  
Amrih Prasetyo

The aim of the study was to determine the development of ramie plants (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) and the effect of using ramie leaves on feed on the body weight gain of Wonosobo Sheep (Dombos). Research on the development of ramie plants using survey methods in the area of ramie plant development in Wonosobo Regency. While the research on the use of ramie leaves for fattening was carried out in Butuh Village, Kalikajar District, Wonosobo Regency in 2018. 21 male Dombos were divided into 3 feed treatments with forage proportions of 70%, 50% and 30 ramie leaves respectively. %. The results showed that currently ramie plants were being developed in Wonosobo Regency by CV. Ramindo Berkah Persada Sejahtera in Gandok Village, Kalikajar District, Wonosobo Regency, Central Java. Until now the area of the crop has reached 13 ha. Of this area will produce ramie leaves 195,000 kg / year. If one sheep needs 4 kg of ramie / tail / day leaves, then the potential capacity of sheep is 135 heads / year, if the given one is 50% then the Jurnal Litbang Provinsi Jawa Tengah, Volume 16 202 Nomor 2 – Desember 2018potential capacity is 270 heads / year and if it is reduced again to 25% of ramie leaves then the potential capacity 440 heads / year. The use of ramie leaves as a feed for Wonosobo Sheep fattening can be given as much as 30% in fresh form.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-175
Author(s):  
Ashraf A. ◽  
Hassan F. ◽  
Batool S. ◽  
Nadeem M. ◽  
Irshad M. ◽  
...  

The objective of present study was to analyze and compare the nephroprotective effects of petroleum ether extracts of seeds of Nigella sativa and Silybum marianum in Swiss albino mice. Petroleum ether extracts of seeds of Nigella sativa and Silybum marianum were administered (200 mg kg–1) orally for 14 days following one dose of cisplatin injection (16 mg kg–1 i.p.) on 4th day. Cisplatin toxicity was identified in mice by loss of body weight, reduced triglycerides levels, elevated blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels (P < 0.05). Silybum marianum and Nigella sativa significantly enhanced the body weight (9%) of diabetic rats. Silybum marianum had significantly reduced the elevated blood glucose (–106%), and BUN levels (–9%) as compared to the Nigella sativa administration. Silybum marianum extract also significantly elevated the levels of triglycerides (257%) which were much reduced after the cisplatin injection. Histological study showed that the cisplatin treated group demonstrated the necrosis signs in the glomerulus of Bowman’s capsule, hyalinization and severe cellular damage. The animals administered with extracts showed nearly normal kidney architecture, however, the kidney tissues of Silybum marianum-treated animals showed some improvement with slight signs of cellular damages.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (37) ◽  
pp. 4837-4853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Jarząb ◽  
Wirginia Kukula-Koch

Background: Obesity in the 21st century society became an important health problem, alarming both the scientists and medicine doctors around the world. That is why, the search for new drug candidates capable to reduce the body weight is of high concern. Objective: This contribution tends to collect current findings on the biochemistry of obesity and on the application of plants and in particular turmeric tuber – a commonly used spice - as an anti-obesity agent. Methods: Following an introduction on the biochemical characteristics of obesity, the description of Curcuma secondary metabolites, their pharmacological applications and a study on the plants’ regulatory properties in obesity was summarized. Particular attention was paid to curcumin – the major metabolite present in the extracts of Curcuma spp., which is known to exhibit a variety of pharmacological actions. Also, the characteristics of some semisynthetic analogues of this ferulic acid derivative, characterized by a higher polarity and better bioavailability will be discussed. Results: Numerous scientific papers treat on the influence of turmeric on weight loss. Additionally, some of them describe its anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusions: This important spice tends to fight the 21st century plague, which is an excessive weight gain, related to the development of metabolic syndrome, to the occurrence of cardiovascular problems and diabetes, and, in consequence, leading to a significant shortening of life span. As herein proven, the extracts of turmeric play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory reactions which are evoked in the overweight patients, helping them reduce the excess body weight.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1270-1277
Author(s):  
Hiba F. Al-Sayyed ◽  
Hamed R. Takruri ◽  
Nawal A. Bakir ◽  
Dima H. Takruri

Background : Female menstrual changes in hormone concentration influence appetite and eating behavior. As well, eating pattern has some influences on menstrual hormonal status. Feeding date palm fruit has been found in our previous report to affect menstrual hormones and some menstrual parameters. Objective: The aim of this research is to study the effect of feeding dates on energy, macronutrient, and fiber intakes, body weight, and body fat%. Additionally, this study aims to find any correlation between menstrual hormone concentration and the above-mentioned parameters. Methods: A convenient sample (n=37) of not-sexually active females aged 20-30 were divided into two groups; one group (dates group) was fed 7 dates and the other served as a control group. The participants of the control group were exposed to the same experimental conditions except for eating dates. Throughout the feeding trial, the volunteers filled a 3-day food record; one menses day and two non-menses days. Results: There was a significant effect of the menstrual status-feeding duration interaction in terms of protein and fat intakes. Additionally, menstrual status, as well as feeding duration, affected energy and macronutrient intakes significantly. Furthermore, feeding duration affected fiber intake significantly. Despite the above-mentioned differences in energy and macronutrient intakes, these effects didn’t affect the body weight and body mass index of the study participants, neither their body fat%. Moreover, we have found significant correlations between nutrient intakes and menstrual hormone concentration. Conclusion : Feeding dates affected energy, macronutrient, and fiber intakes significantly. These effects were related to the changes in menstrual hormone concentration.


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