MICROSTRUCTURED COCONUT SPATHE FIBERS AS BIOFILTER MEDIA FOR AIRPOLLUTION CONTROL

Rizelin John G. Ofelia,Noel Xavier B. Fuentes,Glenn Rafael A. Huan 국제과학영재학회 2015 APEC Youth Scientist Journal Vol.7 No.2

Air pollution posed a public concern to communities in a global scale. Hence, this study explored the potential of coconut spathe fibers as air filter media in order to reduce pollution level. Coconut spathe fibers (CSF) were cleaned and cut to 7cm by 7cm of thickness 0.5cm. Air filters were made up of the coconut pouch sandwiched between two metal plates. Metal plates were ridden with evenly distributed 1cm diameter holes and 1cm apart. Filters were constructed in triplicates and tested against air pollution. The free-acceleration test for in-use compression-ignition motor vehicles based on European Emission Standards pursuant to Section 21 of Republic Act 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999) was employed. Smoke Opacity Measurement (SOM) was done to the assess air quality before and after filtration as a function of thickness using the free acceleration principle. Light- absorption coefficient () of the exhaust gases was measured with a digital opacimeter. Three replications were done. Mean values were reported and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Test was performed to quantify the amount of air pollutants that impair visibility, including aerosols and particulate matters, in the gaseous exhaust.. Results suggest that car exhaust smoke after passing through CSF filters became relatively transparent light. This study illustrates the potential of coconut spathe fibers as an alternative natural air filter system for air pollution control.

Posttreatment With High-Dose Albumin Reduces Histopathological Damage and Improves Neurological Dificit Following Fluid percussion Brain Injury in Rats

Belayev, Ludmila,Alonso, Ofelia F.,Huh, Pil-Woo,Zhao, Weizhao,Busto, Raul,Ginsberg, Myron D. 가톨릭대학교 2000 Bulletin of The Catholic Research Institutes of Me Vol.28 No.-

We have recently shown that high-dose human serum albumin (HSA) therapy confers marked histological protection in experimental middle cerebral artery occlusion. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether treatment with high-dose HSA would protect in a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Twenty-four prior to TBI, the fluid percussion interface was positioned parasagittally over the right cerebral cortex. On the following day, fasted rats were anesthetized with 3% halothane, 70% nitrous oxide, and 30% oxygen and received right parieto-occipital parasagittal fluid-percussion injury (1.5-2.0 atm). Cranial and rectal temperatures were monitored throughout the experiment and held at normothermic levels (36.5-37.5℃) by a warming lamp above the animal's head. The agent (25% human serum albumin, HSA) or vehicle (sodium chloride 0.9%) was administered i.v. (1% of body weight) 15 min after trauma. Behavioral function was evaluated in all rats before and after TBI (at 2 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7days). Neurological function was graded on a scale of 0-12 (normal score = 0; maximal score = 12). Seven days after TBI, brains were perfusion-fixed, coronal sections at various levels were digitized, and contusion areas in the superficial, middle and deep layers of cortex and in the underlying fimbria were measured. HAS significantly improved the neurological score compared to saline at 24 h, 72 h, and 7days after TBI (6.0 ± 0.6 [albumin] versus 8.4 ±0.5 [saline]; 3.67 ±0.7 versus 6.8 ±1.0; and 2.6 ±0.6 versus 5.7 ± 0.8, respectively; p < 0.05). HAS therapy also significantly reduced total contusion area (0.89 ± 0.2 versus 1.82 ±0.3 ㎟; p = 0.02). Our findings document that high-concentration albumin therapy instituted 15 min after trauma significantly improves the neurological score and reduces histological damage. We believe that this pharmacological agent may have promising potential for the clinical treatment of brain injury. (Journal of Neurotrauma 16(6):445-453, 1999)

Determination of Capsaicin, Ascorbic Acid, Total Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Capsicum annuum L. var. serrano by Mid Infrared Spectroscopy (Mid-FTIR) and Chemometric Analysis

Ivonne Domínguez-Martínez,Ofelia Gabriela Meza-Márquez,Guillermo Osorio-Revilla,José Proal-Nájera,Tzayhrí Gallardo-Velázquez 한국응용생명화학회 2014 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.57 No.1

Fourier transform mid-infrared (Mid-FTIR) spectroscopyin conjunction with multivariate analysis was used to predict thecapsaicin content, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds, andantioxidant activity of Capsicum annuum L. variety serrano. Twomultivariate calibrations, partial least square (PLS), and principalcomponent regression (PCR) were optimized to construct thecalibration models. The best models used to quantify the abovementioned compounds were obtained with the PLS algorithm andcoefficients of determination (R2) greater than 0.998 as well as astandard error calibration less than 0.098. The results demonstratedthat Mid-FTIR spectroscopy in combination with multivariateanalysis can be effectively used for to quantify the capsaicin,ascorbic acid, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity ofCapsicum annuum var. serrano. Mid-FTIR spectroscopy incombination with multivariate calibration offers rapid, easy samplepreparation, is environmentally friendly, and is operationallyuncomplicated, demonstrating the significant advantages of thechemometric models compared with conventional methods ofanalysis.

Sufficient Structural Conditions for Diagnosability and Heuristic Diagnoser Design in Timed Continuous Petri Nets

Ricardo Casas Carrillo,Ofelia Begovich Mendoza,Antonio Ramírez Treviño,Javier Ruiz León 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2021 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.19 No.11

This work is concerned with a structural characterization of the diagnosability property in Timed Continuous Petri Nets (TCPNs) systems under infinite server semantics. Regarding this problem, three novel results are presented. The first one is the introduction of structural sufficient conditions for diagnosability in TCPNs, which are based on the concepts of relative degree, system distinguishability, and parameter identification. To this aim, the concept of a simple directed path from other works is extended to diagnosable directed paths. These new paths include attribution-places, pre-join-places and post-join-places, which allows to deal with multiple non-concurrent tokens-leak faults, and enlarging the class of systems that can be analyzed. Based on these structural conditions, a novel methodology to place a reduced number of sensors that guarantees the net diagnosability is proposed. Finally, a diagnoser based on a modified Differential Evolution algorithm is presented, which introduces individual searching sets in orthogonal spaces to diagnose (detect, locate, and identify) faults when an error is detected, avoiding the use of a bank of diagnosers of other approaches. The effectiveness and applicability of the main results are illustrated through an illustrative example.

Wavelength verification of laser through varied slit widths using a single slit diffraction set-up

Johanna G. Bantol,Rizelin John G. Ofelia 국제과학영재학회 2016 APEC Youth Scientist Journal Vol.8 No.2

Being able to behave as a wave, light can be dispersed from its source point using slit/s. This is called single slit diffraction. Using this ability, the wavelength of a certain light source, like laser, can be determined. This is through the working equation: =. Through the CCD (charge-coupled device), the diffraction of the light was seen and using the Vision Assistant Program, the order for the destructive interference was known. The manipulated variable in this research was the usage of different slit widths (0.04 mm, 0.08 mm, and 0.16 mm). It was seen from the experiment that the wavelength is approximately close to the actual one. Even though different slit widths were utilized in the study, the wavelength remained close to the original value. Data analysis was done after the conduct of the study and it was concluded that the smaller the value of the slit width, it became difficult to measure the value of the wavelength due to the larger distance between the destructive interferences but it has a much more precise measurement, which was seen in the calculations of the percentage error.

Determination of Capsaicin, Ascorbic Acid, Total Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Capsicum annuum L. var. serrano by Mid Infrared Spectroscopy (Mid-FTIR) and Chemometric Analysis

Dominguez-Martinez, Ivonne,Meza-Marquez, Ofelia Gabriela,Osorio-Revilla, Guillermo,Proal-Najera, Jose,Gallardo-Velazquez, Tzayhri The Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistr 2014 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.57 No.1

Fourier transform mid-infrared (Mid-FTIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with multivariate analysis was used to predict the capsaicin content, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity of Capsicum annuum L. variety serrano. Two multivariate calibrations, partial least square (PLS), and principal component regression (PCR) were optimized to construct the calibration models. The best models used to quantify the above mentioned compounds were obtained with the PLS algorithm and coefficients of determination ($R^2$) greater than 0.998 as well as a standard error calibration less than 0.098. The results demonstrated that Mid-FTIR spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis can be effectively used for to quantify the capsaicin, ascorbic acid, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity of Capsicum annuum var. serrano. Mid-FTIR spectroscopy in combination with multivariate calibration offers rapid, easy sample preparation, is environmentally friendly, and is operationally uncomplicated, demonstrating the significant advantages of the chemometric models compared with conventional methods of analysis.

High-Dose Albumin Therapy Administered Protects Against Both Fluid-Percussion Brain Injury and Global Ischemia in Rats

Ginsberg, Myron D.,Belayev, Ludmila,Alonso, Ofelia F.,Saul, Isabel,Huh, Pil-Woo,Femandez. G.,Zhao, Weizhao,Finotti, Nicoletta,Busto, Raul 가톨릭대학교 2000 Bulletin of The Catholic Research Institutes of Me Vol.28 No.-

Introduction : We have recently shown that high-dose human serum albumin (HAS) therapy confers marked histological protection in experimental middle cerebral artery occlusion. The effects of high-dose HAS therapy on traumatic brain injury and global ischemia have not been assessed. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether treatment with high-dose Has would protect in rat models of traumatic brain injury and global ischemia. Methods : Fluid-percussion traumatic brain injury (TBI): These studies were carried out on 18 fasted male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing between 310 and 405g. Animals were initially anesthetized with 3% halothane, 70% nitrous oxide and a balance of oxygen and received right parieto-occipital parasagittal fluid-percussion injury (1.5-2.0 atm) as previously described. Cranial temperature was monitored throughout the experiment by a thermistor probe inserted into the left temporalis muscle and held at normothermic levels (36.5-37.5℃) by a warming lamp above the animal's head. Rectal temperature was also monitored and was maintained at 37-38℃ throughout the study. The agent (25% human serum albumin, HSA) or vehicle (sodium chloride 0.9%) was administered i.v. (1% of body weight) 15 min after trauma. Behavioral function was evaluated at all rats before and after TBI (at 2h, 24h. 48h, 72h and 7 days). Neurological function was graded on a scale of 0-12 (normal score = 0, maximal score = 12). Seven days after TBI, brains were perfusion-fixed, coronal sections at various levels were digitized, and contusion areas in superficial, middle and deep layers of cortex and in fimbria were measured. Global cerebral ischemia : Twenty-six fasted Wistar rats underwent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 10 min with simultaneous reduction of MABP to 50 mmHg by withdrawal of arterial blood, as previously described. Five min after termination of ischemia, animals were treated the same manner as described above. Neurological function was evaluated before ischemia, as well as 3h, 1, 2, 3 and 7 days after ischemia (normal score=16, maximal deficit=0), as previously described. Seven days after ischemia, brains were perfusion-fixed and ischemic neuronal injury in the hippocampal CA 1 area was assessed quantitatively and graded on a O to 3 scale (O=no damage; 1=minimal; 2=moderate; 3=severe damage). Results : Rectal and cranial (temporalis muscle) temperatures, arterial blood pressure, plasma glucose and blood gases in all animals of this study showed no significant differences between groups. TBI : HSA significantly improved the neurological score compared to saline at 24h after TBI(6.4 ± 0.7 and 8.4 ±0.5, respectively; p=0.03). HSA therapy also significantly reduced total contusion area (Fig. 1). (Data in figures represent mean values ±S.E.M.). Global cerebral ischemia : A significant improvement of neurological deficits by treatment with HSA was observed at 3h, 1, 2, 3 and 7 days after global ischemia (Fig 2). The cumulative histological lesion score for the left and right hippocampi was 2.9 in the saline group and 1.9 in the HSA-treated group (p<00002, Students t-test). Conclusions : Our findings document that high-concentration albumin therapy instituted 15 min after trauma or 5 min after global ischemia significantly improves the neurological score and reduces histological damage. This pharmacological agent has promising potential for the treatment of brain injury. (Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism [Suppl.1]19:S187, 1999)

Administration of Herbarium Mixture (Guazuma ulmifolia/Tecoma stans) on Metabolic Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Sara Pascoe-González,María Guadalupe Ramos-Zavala,Miguel Angel Buenrostro Ahued,Sandra Ofelia Hernández-González,Ernesto Germán Cardona-Muñoz,Leonel García-Benavides,Fernando Grover-Páez 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.5

The use of herbarium mixture has been empirical, and the properties are not yet known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of herbarium mixture (Guazuma ulmifolia [G. ulmifolia]/Tecoma stans [T. stans]) on metabolic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was carried out in 40 patients with T2DM. They were between 40 and 65 years of age, with body mass index (BMI) between 25.0 and 34.9 kg/m2 and HbA1c >7.0%. BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipids, kidney, and liver function were measured. The patients were randomly assigned to receive the herbarium mixture (G. ulmifolia/T. stans) 400 mg before each meal, or placebo for 90 days. Herbarium mixture group showed decreased waist circumference (99 ± 14 vs. 98 ± 15 cm; P = .019), fasting glucose (12.0 ± 5.7 vs. 10.3 ± 5.1 mM; P = .019), and HbA1c (9.9% ± 2.7% vs. 8.9% ± 2.5%, P = .002). In conclusion, the administration of herbarium mixture (G. ulmifolia/T. stans) improved the glycemic profile in patients with T2DM. ClinicalTrial registration: NCT03313856 ClinicalTrials.gov

Muscle lysyl oxidase activity and structural/thermal properties of highly cross-linked collagen in jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantle, fins and arms

Sarabia-Sainz, Hector M.,Ezquerra-Brauer, Josafat Marina,Santacruz-Ortega, Hisila C.,Rouzaud-Sandez, Ofelia,Valenzuela-Soto, Elisa M.,Acosta-Elias, Monica,Torres-Arreola, Wilfrido 한국식품과학회 2018 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.27 No.1

Muscle from mantle, fins and arms of squid (Dosidicus gigas) were compared based on lysyl oxidase activity (LOX), chemical/structural and thermodynamic properties of highly cross-linked collagen. The arms collagen presented the highest temperature (Tp) and enthalpy of transition. The arms collagen thermic properties may be explained by the higher imino amino acid content, proline and lysine hydroxylation degrees. Moreover, among the regions, the collagen from the arms had a more intense ${\beta}$ band chain, hydroxymerodesmosine peak in the resonance magnetic nuclear spectra and pyridinoline peak in the Raman spectra. Fins showed the highest LOX activity. The LOX activity was associated with the Tp, proline and lysine hydroxylation degrees. These results implied that the collagen in the arms was more intermolecularly ordered than the mantle and fins, and may provide a theoretical basis for a better understanding of the thermal behaviour of squid tissues during management and processing.

Muscle lysyl oxidase activity and structural/thermal properties of highly cross-linked collagen in jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantle, fins and arms

He´ctor M. Sarabia-Sainz,Josafat Marina Ezquerra-Brauer,Hisila C. Santacruz-Ortega,Ofelia Rouzaud-Sa´ndez,Elisa M. Valenzuela-Soto,Monica Acosta-Elias,Wilfrido Torres-Arreola 한국식품과학회 2018 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.27 No.1

Muscle from mantle, fins and arms of squid (Dosidicus gigas) were compared based on lysyl oxidase activity (LOX), chemical/structural and thermodynamic properties of highly cross-linked collagen. The arms collagen presented the highest temperature (Tp) and enthalpy of transition. The arms collagen thermic properties may be explained by the higher imino amino acid content, proline and lysine hydroxylation degrees. Moreover, among the regions, the collagen from the arms had a more intense b band chain, hydroxymerodesmosine peak in the resonance magnetic nuclear spectra and pyridinoline peak in the Raman spectra. Fins showed the highest LOX activity. The LOX activity was associated with the Tp, proline and lysine hydroxylation degrees. These results implied that the collagen in the arms was more intermolecularly ordered than the mantle and fins, and may provide a theoretical basis for a better understanding of the thermal behaviour of squid tissues during management and processing.