• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제28권7호
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• pp.1209-1216
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• 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of 2-phenylethynyl-butyltellurium (PEBT) in Escherichia coli and the relation to its pro-oxidant effect. For this, we carried out the disk diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay, and survival curve analysis. We also measured the level of extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and level of non-protein thiols (NPSH). PEBT at 1.28 and 0.128 mg/disk exhibited antimicrobial capability in the disk diffusion test, with an MIC value of 1.92 mg/ml, whereas PEBT at 0.96, 1.92, and 3.84 mg/ml inhibited bacterial growth after a 9-h exposure. PEBT at 3.84, 1.92, and 0.96 mg/ml increased extracellular ROS production, decreased the intracellular NPSH level, and reduced the SOD and CAT activities. Glutathione or ascorbic acid in the medium protected the bacterial cells from the antimicrobial effect of PEBT. In conclusion, PEBT exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli, involving the generation of ROS, oxidation of NPSH, and reduction of the antioxidant defenses in the bacterial cells.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제10권6호
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• pp.616-622
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In Argentina, obesity prevalence rose from 14.6% in 2005 to 20.8% in 2013. Although the number of studies on noncommunicable diseases and dietary patterns as a unique dietary exposure measure has increased, information on this topic remains scarce in developing countries. This is the first population-based study investigating the association between diet and obesity using a dietary pattern approach in Argentina. We aimed (a) to identify current dietary patterns of the population of $C{\acute{o}}rdoba$ city, (b) to investigate its association with obesity prevalence, and (c) to identify and describe dietary patterns from the subgroup of people with obesity. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The $C{\acute{o}}rdoba$ Obesity and Diet Study (CODIES) was conducted in $C{\acute{o}}rdoba$ city by using a random sample of n = 4,327 subjects between 2005 and 2012. Empirically derived dietary patterns were identified through principal component factor analysis. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of dietary patterns with obesity. RESULTS: Four dietary patterns were identified, called "Starchy-Sugar", "Prudent", "Western", and "Sugary drinks". High scores for the "Western" pattern (with strongest factor loading on meats/eggs, processed meats, and alcohol) showed a positive association with obesity (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.06-1.67, for third versus first tertile of factor score). "Meats/Cheeses" and "Snacks/Alcohol" patterns emerged in people with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that high adherence to the "Western" pattern promoted obesity in this urban population. In addition, people with obesity showed characteristic dietary patterns that differ from those identified in the overall population.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.32.1-32.11
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• 2018

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a bleaching agent on the composition, mechanical properties, and surface topography of 6 conventional glass-ionomer cements (GICs) and one resin-modified GIC. Materials and Methods: For 3 days, the specimens were subjected to three 20-minute applications of a 37% $H_2O_2$-based bleaching agent and evaluated for water uptake (WTK), weight loss (WL), compressive strength (CS), and Knoop hardness number (KHN). Changes in surface topography and chemical element distribution were also analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. For statistical evaluation, the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon paired tests (${\alpha}=0.05$) were used to evaluate WTK and WL. CS specimens were subjected to 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey post hoc test (${\alpha}=0.05$), and KH was evaluated by one-way ANOVA, the Holm-Sidak post hoc test (${\alpha}=0.05$), and the t-test for independent samples (${\alpha}=0.05$). Results: The bleaching agent increased the WTK of Maxxion R, but did not affect the WL of any GICs. It had various effects on the CS, KHN, surface topography, and the chemical element distribution of the GICs. Conclusions: The bleaching agent with 37% $H_2O_2$ affected the mechanical and surface properties of GICs. The extent of the changes seemed to be dependent on exposure time and cement composition.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.333-343
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To compare five indices of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) among adults living in the Mediterranean region. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 100 healthy Lebanese adults aged between 18 and 65 years. Face-to-face interviews to collect sociodemographic and medical information, to take anthropometric measurements, and to fill a validated, culturally adapted, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The score for each item was calculated following the recommendations for each corresponding index. The five MD indices were Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDScale), Mediterranean Food Pattern (MFP), MD Score (MDS), Short Mediterranean Diet Questionnaire (SMDQ), and the MedDiet score. RESULTS: Significant correlations were detected between items with P-values < 0.001. Minimal agreement was seen between MDScale and MedDiet score and maximal agreement between MDS and MedDiet score. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that MDS and MedDiet scores had significant correlations with fiber and olive oil intake, main components of the MD. MDScale showed a significant correlation with waist-to-hip ratio and with total energy intake but none of the five indices was correlated to body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSIONS: The indices that showed the highest correlation with variables related to the MD are the MDScale and the MedDiet score; therefore, they can be used to assess our future study populations. Based on the current results, more than half of the study population was non-adherent to the MD and adherence to this diet did not appear to protect against being overweight ($BMI{\geq}30$).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제32권7호
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• pp.966-976
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• 2019

Objective: The methane mitigating potential of various plant-based polyphenol sources is known, but effects of combinations have rarely been tested. The aim of the present study was to determine whether binary and 3-way combinations of such phenol sources affect ruminal fermentation less, similar or more intensively than separate applications. Methods: The extracts used were from Acacia mearnsii bark (acacia), Vitis vinifera (grape) seed, Camellia sinensis leaves (green tea), Uncaria gambir leaves (gambier), Vaccinium macrocarpon berries (cranberry), Fagopyrum esculentum seed (buckwheat), and Ginkgo biloba leaves (ginkgo). All extracts were tested using the Hohenheim gas test. This was done alone at 5% of dry matter (DM). Acacia was also combined with all other single extracts at 5% of DM each, and with two other phenol sources (all possible combinations) at 2.5%+2.5% of DM. Results: Methane formation was reduced by 7% to 9% by acacia, grape seed and green tea and, in addition, by most extract combinations with acacia. Grape seed and green tea alone and in combination with acacia also reduced methane proportion of total gas to the same degree. The extracts of buckwheat and gingko were poor in phenols and promoted ruminal fermentation. All treatments except green tea alone lowered ammonia concentration by up to 23%, and the binary combinations were more effective as acacia alone. With three extracts, linear effects were found with total gas and methane formation, while with ammonia and other traits linear effects were rare. Conclusion: The study identified methane and ammonia mitigating potential of various phenolic plant extracts and showed a number of additive and some non-linear effects of combinations of extracts. Further studies, especially in live animals, should concentrate on combinations of extracts from grape seed, green tea leaves Land acacia bark and determine the ideal dosages of such combinations for the purpose of methane mitigation.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제52권1호
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• pp.53-60
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the fractal dimension (FD) measured at 2 bone sites (second cervical vertebra and mandible) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The research question was whether FD could serve as an accessory tool to refer postmenopausal women for densitometric analysis. Therefore, the reliability and accuracy of FD were evaluated. Materials and Methods: In total, 103 postmenopausal women were evaluated, of whom 52 had normal bone mineral density and 51 had osteoporosis, according to dual X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and hip. On the CBCT scans, 2 regions of interest were selected for FD analysis: 1 at the second cervical vertebra and 1 located at the mandible. The correlations between both measurements, intra- and inter-observer agreement, and the accuracy of the measurements were calculated. A P value less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance for all tests. Results: The mean FD values were significantly lower at the mandibular region of interest in osteoporotic patients than in individuals with normal bone mineral density. The areas under the curve were 0.644 (P=0.008) and 0.531 (P=0.720) for the mandibular and vertebral sites, respectively. Conclusion: FD at the vertebral site could not be used as an adjuvant tool to refer women for osteoporosis investigation. Although FD differed between women with normal BMD and osteoporosis at the mandibular site, it demonstrated low accuracy and reliability.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.415-420
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• 2022

Background: Healthcare workers perform an emotionally exhausting daily work activity, making them prone to occupational hazards, namely psychosocial ones. This study aims to assess the impact of psychosocial risk factors on healthcare workers' mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed between May and June of 2021 with 479 healthcare workers from Portuguese hospitals. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used to assess mental health, and psychosocial risks were assessed through the Health and Work Survey - INSAT. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the psychosocial risk factors related to anxiety, depression, and stress. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression was performed to identify the models that better explained psychosocial risk factors' relationship with anxiety, depression, and stress. Results: Data showed a strong exposure to psychosocial risks. Work pace and intensity, work relationships, and emotional demands stood out with higher global average percentages for yes answers to "exposure and discomfort." The analysis of the b values and p-values from the multiple linear regression shows that some cross-sectional psychosocial risks are predictors of anxiety and stress dimensions, and other psychosocial risks differ in the two mental health dimensions. However, it is important to highlight that healthcare workers still showed great joy and pleasure in performing their work activities. Conclusion: Support network development in the work environment is needed to prevent healthcare workers' emotional stress and promote their psychological well-being. Therefore, new research is essential to understand the psychosocial risks that affect healthcare workers and assess the less visible effects of work-health relationships.

• 자동차안전학회지
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.42-48
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• 2023

In recent years, automated vehicles have garnered attention in the multidisciplinary research field, promising increased safety on the road and new opportunities for passengers. High-Definition (HD) maps have been in development for many years as they offer roadmaps with inch-perfect accuracy and high environmental fidelity, containing precise information about pedestrian crossings, traffic lights/signs, barriers, and more. Demonstrating autonomous driving requires verification of driving on actual roads, but this can be challenging, time-consuming, and costly. To overcome these obstacles, creating HD maps of real roads in a simulation and conducting virtual driving has become an alternative solution. However, existing HD maps using high-precision data are expensive and time-consuming to build, which limits their verification in various environments and on different roads. Thus, it is challenging to demonstrate autonomous driving on anything other than extremely limited roads and environments. In this paper, we propose a new and simple method for implementing HD maps that are more accessible for autonomous driving demonstrations. Our HD map combines the CARLA simulator and OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, which are both open-source, allowing for the creation of HD maps containing high-accuracy road information globally with minimal dependence. Our results show that our easily accessible HD map has an accuracy of 98.28% for longitudinal length on straight roads and 98.42% on curved roads. Moreover, the accuracy for the lateral direction for the road width represented 100% compared to the manual method reflected with the exact road data. The proposed method can contribute to the advancement of autonomous driving and enable its demonstration in diverse environments and on various roads.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.7.1-7.14
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• 2022

Objectives: This study evaluated the bleaching efficacy of different in-office protocols associated with violet light emitting diode (V-LED), and measured the pulpal temperature rise caused by V-LED with or without gel application. Materials and Methods: Bovine incisors were distributed in 4 groups (n = 10): VL - V-LED; HP - 35% hydrogen peroxide (control); HYB - hybrid protocol, V-LED applied without gel for 10 irradiation cycles followed by V-LED applied with gel for another 10 irradiation cycles; and HPVL - gel and V-LED applied for 20 irradiation cycles. Three bleaching sessions were performed with 7-day intervals. Bleaching efficacy was evaluated with ΔE_ab^*, ΔE₀₀ and ΔWI_D. Data were recorded at baseline, 7, 14, 21 and 70 days. For pulpal temperature rise, thermocouples were placed inside the pulp chamber of human incisors. To determine intrapulpal temperature, the teeth were irradiated with V-LED with or without application of bleaching gel. Color difference data were analyzed by 2-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test. Pulpal temperature was analyzed by t-test (α = 5%). Results: VL exhibited lower color (ΔE_ab^* and ΔE₀₀) and whiteness changes (ΔWI_D) than the other groups. HPVL presented higher color change values than HYB. HYB and HPVL showed not different ΔWI_D values; and HP showed the highest whiteness changes at all times. There were significant differences comparing ΔT with gel (8.9℃) and without gel application (7.2℃). Conclusions: HPLV was more efficient than HYB. The 2 protocols with VL showed similar results to control. Gel application combined with VL promoted higher pulpal temperature than to the no gel group.

• 한국축산식품학회지
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• 제42권2호
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• pp.210-224
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• 2022

The use of skim milk is a strategy to increase goat milk yogurt acceptability. However, it can negatively affect yogurt rheology because fat plays a vital role in dairy structural integrity. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of fat replacers on the rheological, physical, and sensory parameters of low-fat cupuassu goat milk yogurts during refrigerated storage (28 days). Five goat milk yogurts formulations were carried out: whole yogurt (WY), skim yogurt (SY), skim yogurt with inulin (SIY), skim yogurt with maltodextrin (SMY), and skim yogurt with whey protein (SWY). Treatments were subjected to bacterial counts, chemical composition, pH, water holding capacity, instrumental color and texture, rheological and sensory analyses. All samples showed reducing pH values, water holding capacity, and L^* and b^* value during storage. Regarding texture, the firmness and consistency decreased during storage. On the other hand, the viscosity index significantly increased during refrigerated storage time. Moreover, all treatments exhibited viscoelastic behaviour. In addition, SIY and SMY showed the highest apparent viscosity. Furthermore, SIY, SMY, and SWY formulations exhibited positive sensory scores for appearance, color, aroma, texture, and viscosity. However, the overall acceptability and purchase intention did not differ statistically between WY and the fat-replacement treatments (SIY, SMY, and SWY). These results indicate that fat substitutes improved the quality of skimmed formulations. Thus, inulin and maltodextrin have the potential as functional fat replaces to produce low-fat goat milk yogurts.