scholarly journals Risks of Mixtures of Oil Sands Contaminants to a Sensitive Mayfly Sentinel, Hexagenia

Diversity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Howland ◽  
Alexa Alexander ◽  
Danielle Milani ◽  
Kerry Peru ◽  
Joseph Culp
Keyword(s):  
Oil Sands ◽  
Sublethal Effects ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Control Sediment ◽  
Stressful Environment ◽  
Mixture Treatment ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Spiked Sediment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Tailings ponds in northeastern Alberta, Canada contain massive amounts of oil sands process water (OSPW) that cannot currently be released due to the toxicity of some components. Limited space and the need for reclamation of oil sands operation sites will necessitate the release of OSPW in the near future. Knowledge of the composition and toxicity of OSPW is lacking yet is crucial for both risk assessment and management planning. This study examines chronic toxicity of a mixture of OSPW components sodium naphthenate and naphthenic acid (NA) to nymphs of the mayfly Hexagenia spp. in control and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)-spiked sediment treatments. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of the PAH-spiked sediment significantly contributed to or masked responses of these sensitive mayflies to mixtures of NA. Mean survival in nymphs exposed to NA and PAH-spiked sediment treatments was reduced by 48% compared to those exposed to the NA mixture alone. Lethal responses were observed in all of the PAH-spiked sediment treatments. However, within PAH-spiked and control sediment treatments, there was no significant difference in nymph survival due to NA concentration, indicating that changes in survivorship were predominantly a reflection of increased mortality associated with sediment PAHs and not to the NA mixture treatment. Sublethal effects on body segment ratios suggest that mayflies exposed to NA and PAH-spiked sediment, as well as those exposed to the highest NA concentration tested (1 mg/L) and control sediment, made developmental trade-offs in order to emerge faster and escape a stressful environment. These results reveal that the release of OSPW to the surrounding environment could cause a reduction in mayfly populations. Mayflies provide ecosystem services and are an important food source for higher trophic levels in both the aquatic and terrestrial communities.

IOP Lowering Effects of Ocimum basilicum Seed Extract in Two Rabbit Models of Ocular Hypertension

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Renu Agarwal ◽  
SK Gupta ◽  
Sushma Srivastava ◽  
Rohit Saxena
Keyword(s):  
Ocular Hypertension ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Ocimum Basilicum ◽  
Seed Extract ◽  
Water Loading ◽  
Antiglaucoma Medication ◽  
Lowering Effect ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Introduction: Ocimum basilicum (OB), a herb known for its antihypertensive, anticholinesterase and antioxidant properties was investigated for possible intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects in rabbits with ocular hypertension (OHT). Methods: The IOP lowering effect of a single drop of OB extract (OBE) was evaluated in oculonormotensive rabbits using three concentrations (0.25, 0.5 and 1% w/v). The concentration showing maximum IOP reduction was further evaluated in rabbits with water-loading and steroid-induced OHT. Results: IOP lowering effect of OBE 0.5% in oculonormotensive rabbit eyes was significantly greater compared to OBE 0.25% (p<0.05) but was comparable (p>0.05) to OBE 1%. Therefore, 0.5% concentration was selected for further evaluation. Pretreatment with OBE (0.5%) caused significantly lower increase in IOP after water loading amounting to 23.39% above baseline as compared to 54.00% in control eye, 15 minutes post water loading. At 60 minutes, post water loading, mean IOP rise was 95.12% and 63.58% in control and test eyes, respectively. Significant difference between the mean IOP of two eyes persisted during the 2nd hr. In rabbits with steroid induced OHT, OBE 0.5% produced a mean IOP reduction of 24.73% at the end of first hr and the mean peak IOP reduction of 31.63% was observed at the end of 2 hr. A significant difference between the IOP of test and control eyes persisted from 1 to 6 hr. Conclusions: Ocimum basilicum seed extract showed significant IOP lowering effect in rabbits with water loading and steroid induced OHT, however, its utility as an effective antiglaucoma medication needs further investigations.

Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunct Therapy in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Nazli Zainuddin ◽  
Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽  
Rosdan Salim
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Coconut Oil ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Nasal Symptom ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Virgin Coconut Oil ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.

Enrichment of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) diet with Malic acid: Effects on skin mucosal immunity, antioxidant defecne and growth performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roghieh Safari ◽  
Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar ◽  
Maryam Dadar ◽  
Hien Van Doan
Keyword(s):  
Common Carp ◽  
Cyprinus Carpio ◽  
Malic Acid ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Mucus ◽  
Antioxidant Genes ◽  
Treatment Comparison ◽  
Genes Expression ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

AbstractThe present study investigated possible effects of dietary malic acid on the expression of immunity, antioxidant and growth related genes expression as well as skin mucus immune parameters in common carp. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings were fed diets supplemented with different levels (0 [control], 0.5%, 1%, 2%) of malic acid (MA) for 60 days. The results revealed highest expression levels of immune-related genes (tnf-alpha, il1b, il8 and lyz) in skin of common carp fed 2% MA (P < 0.05). Regarding 1% MA treatment comparison with control group, significant difference was noticed just in case of lyz (P < 0.05). Evaluation of growth related genes expression revealed no significant difference between treatments (P > 0.05). The study of antioxidant related genes (gsta and gpx) in common carp skin fed with MA, showed significant difference between treated groups and control (P < 0.05). Carps fed with 2% MA had highest alkaline phosphatase activity in skin mucus compared other treated groups and control (P < 0.05). There were no significant difference between 0.5% and 1% and control (P > 0.05). The study of total protein and total immunoglobulin (Ig) in common carp skin musus revealed no alteration following MA treatment (P > 0.05). The present data demonstrated that feeding with MA altered immune and antioxidant genes expression in skin mucus of common carp.

THE EFFECT OF THE ATTITUDE TOWARD BREASTFEEDING CONCEPT BASED COMIC ON THE ADOLESCENCE'S ATTITUDE TOWARD EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 138
Author(s):  
Mekar Dwi Anggraeni ◽  
Lutfatul Latifah ◽  
Aprilia Kartikasari ◽  
Ima Rismawati
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Nuclear Family ◽  
T Test ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Marriage Age ◽  
First Marriage ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
And Control

Background and purpose: The earlier development of the attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding produces the longer exclusive breastfeeding duration. Considering the first marriage age among Indonesian, the attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding should be developed at the adolescence age. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the attitude toward breastfeeding concept based comic on the adolescent's attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding. Method: This was a quasy experimental posttest only with control group study. The respondents were provided an comic. The respondent's attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding was measured using The Breastfeeding Attitude Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent and dependent t test. Results: The majority of respondents were aged 17 years old in both intervention (70%) and control grup (63%), first child in both intervention (23,3%) and control grup (26,7%), and had a nuclear family in both intervention (80%) and control grup (90%). The independent t test showed that there was a significant difference between post-test scores among the intervention and control groups (t = 5,602, p < 0,01). Conclusion and recommendation: Nurses may use the Attitude Toward Breastfeeding based comic to increase the Adolescence's attitude toward breastfeeding.Keywords: Comic, Attitudes Toward Exclusive Breastfeeding, Adolescence

Stick Figure and Think, Talk And Write: Integrating Media With Teaching Strategy For A Better Writing Competence

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Eva Sudarwati ◽  
Shynta Amalia
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Strategy ◽  
T Test ◽  
Narrative Writing ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Stick Figure ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
And Control ◽  
Writing Competence

Abstract This study attempts to see the effect of Think, Talk, and Write strategy on the students’ narrative writing competence. Considering the importance of the use of teaching media, this study tries to integrate Stick Figure as a teaching media in Think, Talk, and Write Strategy. A quasi experimental study was conducted to see the improvement of the students’ narrative writing competence. It involved 42 students who were selected on the basis of convenience sampling and assigned into two groups; experimental and control groups. The statistical analyses of paired sample t-test in experimental group showed that there was significant improvement on the students’ writing competence before (M=5.77, SD= 2.342) and after (M= 11.79, SD= 2.342), t(21)=12.059, p<0.05.Moreover, the result of independent t-test between experimental and control groups showed a significant difference. It can be seen that the mean differences was 3.79545 and the significance value is lower than 0.05, 0.000<0.05.

Impact of intrawound vancomycin powder on prevention of surgical site infection after posterior spinal surgery

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Hiroki Ushirozako ◽  
Tomohiko Hasegawa ◽  
Yu Yamato ◽  
Go Yoshida ◽  
Tatsuya Yasuda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Spinal Surgery ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Propensity Score Model ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Surgical Data ◽  
Vancomycin Powder ◽  
Vancomycin Group ◽  
And Control

OBJECTIVESurgical site infection (SSI) after posterior spinal surgery is one of the severe complications that may occur despite administration of prophylactic antibiotics and the use of intraoperative aseptic precautions. The use of intrawound vancomycin powder for SSI prevention is still controversial, with a lack of high-quality and large-scale studies. The purpose of this retrospective study using a propensity score–matched analysis was to clarify whether intrawound vancomycin powder prevents SSI occurrence after spinal surgery.METHODSThe authors analyzed 1261 adult patients who underwent posterior spinal surgery between 2010 and 2018 (mean age 62.3 years; 506 men, 755 women; follow-up period at least 1 year). Baseline and surgical data were assessed. After a preliminary analysis, a propensity score model was established with adjustments for age, sex, type of disease, and previously reported risk factors for SSI. The SSI rates were compared between patients with intrawound vancomycin powder treatment (vancomycin group) and those without (control group).RESULTSIn a preliminary analysis of 1261 unmatched patients (623 patients in the vancomycin group and 638 patients in the control group), there were significant differences between the groups in age (p = 0.041), body mass index (p = 0.013), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (p < 0.001), malnutrition (p = 0.001), revision status (p < 0.001), use of steroids (p = 0.019), use of anticoagulation (p = 0.033), length of surgery (p = 0.003), estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), and use of instrumentation (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in SSI rates between the vancomycin and control groups (21 SSIs [3.4%] vs 33 SSIs [5.2%]; OR 0.640, 95% CI 0.368–1.111; p = 0.114). Using a one-to-one propensity score–matched analysis, 444 pairs of patients from the vancomycin and control groups were selected. There was no significant difference in the baseline and surgical data, except for height (p = 0.046), between both groups. The C-statistic for the propensity score model was 0.702. In the score-matched analysis, 12 (2.7%) and 24 (5.4%) patients in the vancomycin and control groups, respectively, developed SSIs (OR 0.486, 95% CI 0.243–0.972; p = 0.041). There were no systemic complications related to the use of vancomycin.CONCLUSIONSThe current study showed that intrawound vancomycin powder was useful in reducing the risk of SSI after posterior spinal surgery by half, without adverse events. Intrawound vancomycin powder use is a safe and effective procedure for SSI prevention.

Investigation of the Association Between Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) and Cardiac Risk Factors in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
Zahra Rezaieyazdi ◽  
Sima Sedighi ◽  
Masoumeh Salari ◽  
Mohammadreza H. Fard ◽  
Mahmoud R. Azarpazhooh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Background: The relationship between SLE and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular events was evaluated. Methods: The data regarding sixty patients with SLE and 30 healthy controls (age and sex matched) were gathered using SLEDAI forms. Venous blood (10mL) from all the participants was examined for hs-CRP, homocysteine, VCAM1, CBC, anti-DNA antibody, C3, C4, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, FBS and triglyceride. : The IMT of carotid arteries was determined bilaterally by ultrasound. Other measurements included insulin levels via Elisa (Linco/Millipore Corp) and the HOMA-IR index for insulin resistance. Results: The mean age (in years) in the test and control groups was 28.8±10.3 (18-52) and 33.8±9.13 (18-48), respectively. Results: The mean age (in years) in the test and control groups was 28.8±10.3 (18-52) and 33.8±9.13 (18-48), respectively. : The average IMT in the test group was directly related to serum levels of VCAM1 (p<0.001), homocysteine (p<0.001), cholesterol (p<0.009), LDL (p<0.001), TG (p<0.001), and FPG (p=0.004). The association between other risk factors, insulin resistance, carotid IMT and SLEDAI, was nonexistent. Mean insulin and insulin resistance levels in all the participants were 0.43±2.06 µU/mL and 0.09±0.44, respectively. There was no significant difference between the test and control groups regarding serum insulin and insulin resistance levels (p=0.42 and p=0.9, respectively). None of the risk factors, such as hsCRP, VCAM1, or homocysteine, were shown to be related to insulin resistance (p=0.6, p=0.6, p=0.09, respectively). Conclusion:: Our findings did not show an increase in the prevalence of atherosclerosis in patients with SLE. There was no association between IMT and insulin resistance. However, the former was associated with FPG, total cholesterol, LDL, TG, homocystein and VCAM1.

Association Between Magnesium and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Obesity

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 743-748
Author(s):  
Ana R.S. de Oliveira ◽  
Kyria J.C. Cruz ◽  
Jennifer B.S. Morais ◽  
Juliana S. Severo ◽  
Jéssica B. Beserra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Thiobarbituric Acid ◽  
Magnesium Concentration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Compensatory Mechanism ◽  
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ◽  
Magnesium Intake ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Dietary Magnesium ◽  
And Control

Background: The role of minerals in preventing the generation of oxidative stress in obese individuals has been evaluated. Magnesium is an antioxidant nutrient and a cofactor of enzymes involved in the cell membrane stabilization, attenuating the effects of oxidative stress. Objective: To evaluate the association between magnesium and concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in patients with obesity and eutrophic women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 73 women, divided into two groups: case group (patients with obesity, n=27) and control group (eutrophic women, n=46). Measurements of body mass index and waist circumference were performed. Dietary magnesium intake was assessed by the three-day food record using the NutWin software. Urinary magnesium concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Plasma concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were also determined. Results: Mean values of dietary magnesium intake were 161.59 ± 60.04 and 158.73 ± 31.96 for patients with obesity and control group, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups studied (p >0.05). The value of urinary excretion of magnesium was lower than the reference values in both groups, with no significant difference between the groups studied (p >0.05). The plasma concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was significantly higher in patients with obesity compared to the control group (p <0.001). There was no correlation between levels of magnesium biomarkers and the concentration of TBARS (p >0.05). Conclusion: Patients with obesity showed a reduced dietary magnesium intake which seems to induce hypomagnesuria as a compensatory mechanism. The marker of oxidative stress evaluated in this study was not influenced by magnesium.

The possible regulatory mechanisms of aqueous, ethyl acetate and nhexane fractions of the Ribes khorassanicum extract on acute hypertension in rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Mohebbati ◽  
Yasamin Kamkar-De ◽  
Mohammad Naser Shafei
Keyword(s):  
Ethyl Acetate ◽  
Antihypertensive Effect ◽  
Cardiovascular Responses ◽  
Regulatory Mechanisms ◽  
Hypertensive Rats ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Acute Hypertension ◽  
The North ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Objective: Our previous studies showed the antihypertensive effect of Ribes khorassanicum (R. khorassanicum), a medicinal herb growing in the North Khorasan Province of Iran. For further evaluation, the present study investigated the effect of n-hexane (HX), ethyl acetate (EA), and aqueous (AQ) fractions of hydroalcoholic R. khorassanicum extract on cardiovascular responses in angiotensin II (AngII) and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertensive rats. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 11 groups (n=5): 1) control, 2) AngII (50 ng/kg, i.v), 3) AngII + losartan (10 mg/kg, i.p), 4) L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.v), 5) L-NAME+ sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (50 mg/kg, i.p), 6,7,8) one dose of each fraction of R. khorassanicum (AQ/EA/HX (50 mg/kg, i.p)) +AngII, and 9,10,11) one dose of each fraction of R. khorassanicum (AQ/EA/HX (50 mg/kg, i.p)) + L-NAME. Treated rats received three fractions 30 min before the injection of L-NAME and AngII in separate groups. The cardiovascular parameters were recorded by the Power Lab instrument via an angiocath inserted into the femoral artery. The peak changes (∆) of mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) in treated groups were compared with those of the hypertensive and control groups. Result: AngII and L-NAME significantly increased ∆MAP and ∆SBP and attenuated by pretreatment of LOS and SNP, respectively. Pretreatment with polar (AQ) and semipolar (EA) fractions of R. khorassanicum reduced the peak changes of MAP and SBP in both AngII and L-NAME-treated groups. Only the fraction of the herb attenuated the HR increased in the L-NAME group. The HR in other groups did not demonstrate any significant difference. Conclusion: All fractions of R. khorassanicum have an antihypertensive effect. However, the effect of polar fractions is more salient. It is also conceivable that the antihypertensive effect of fractions is mostly mediated by the inhibition of AngII.

The effect of positive thinking training on the quality of life of parents of adolescent with thalassemia

2019 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeleh Sadeghloo ◽  
Parna Shamsaee ◽  
Elham Hesari ◽  
Golbanhar Akhondzadeh ◽  
Hamid Hojjati
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
T Test ◽  
World Health ◽  
Positive Thinking ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
Paired T Test

Abstract Introduction Thalassemia, as the most common chronic hereditary blood disorder in humans, can impose many adverse effects on parents and their affected children. On the other hand, positive thinking is the method or the result of a positive focus on a constructive issue, so by teaching positive thinking, we can improve physical and social function, and promote emotional health and overall quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of positive thinking training on the quality of life of parents of adolescents with thalassemia. Methods This quasi-experimental study was performed on 52 parents of adolescents with thalassemia who attended Taleghani Hospital in Golestan province, Iran in 2017. Samples were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention and control. The positive thinking training (based on the theory of Martin Seligman) was carried out in the intervention group in 10 (45–60 min) sessions over a 5-week period. Data collection tools in this study were the World Health Organization (WHO) quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and a demographic information questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS-16 software using independent t-test, the paired t-test and a covariance test. Results The results of paired t-test showed a significant difference in the score of quality of life in intervention group before and after the intervention (p < 0.001). However, this test did not show any significant difference in the control group (p = 0.11). The covariance test, after removing the pre-test score, showed a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of the score of quality of life, so that 13% of the changes after the intervention were due to the intervention (p = 0.009, η = 0.13). Conclusion The positive thinking training increased the quality of life of parents of adolescents with thalassemia. Therefore, using this program can be an effective way of improving the quality of life of parents. Thus, positive thinking training is suggested to be used as an effective strategy for increasing the quality of life of parents with ill children.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document