Abstract

Perilla frutescens is an herb traditionally used to treat chronic diseases owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of perilla leaf extract (PLE) in TNF-α- treated A549 human lung carcinoma cell line. Perilla frutescens leaves were extracted with 70% et ... hanol, and the phenolic, flavonoid, and rosmarinic acid contents were determined. Cytotoxicity of PLE was assessed using the MTT assay. The antioxidant activity and intracellular ROS production in TNF-α-treated A549 cells were evaluated. Furthermore, mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory mediators was assessed by RT-qPCR. These results showed that PLE contained phenolic acid, flavonoids, and rosmarinic acid and had no cytotoxicity. PLE exhibits antioxidant activity through a reduction in intracellular ROS production in TNF-α-treated A549 cells. Moreover, PLE showed significantly decreased mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and COX-2. Thus, PLE plays an important role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for the prevention of ROS formation and inflammation in A549 cells. View more

Abstract

Frictional heating system and permanent distortion under melting heat are mechanisms behind Friction stir welding (FSW) of materials. The main aim of this investigation was to examine the influences of mechanical characteristics of friction stir welded dissimilar aluminium alloys (AA3103 & AA6063) on various joining parameters and to perform ANSY ... S analysis to assess the temperature distribution in the welded area. Properties like hardness and tensile strength were investigated to assess the mechanical performance of the welded alloys by considering parameters like welding speed, tool rotation speed, and the applied axial load. It could be seen from the results that a rotational speed of 1300 rpm, welding speed of 30 mm/min and an axial load of 9 kN provided maximum tensile strength and hardness to the FSW specimen. Temperature distribution during the welding was visualized using ANSYS. View more

Abstract

We applied a one-dimensional tight-binding model to the study electron transport in a ferromagnetic metal-insulatorferromagnetic metal junction. We included a small external magnetic field perpendicular to the one-dimensional chain as a Zeeman Effect on electron spins. We obtained the transmission and reflection probabilities of an electron across ... the junction and used them to calculate its tunneling magnetoresistance. We found that the magnetoresistance ratio increases with the insulating gap of the insulator. The variation of the insulator thickness gives an oscillating behavior of the ratio. Our theoretical model predicts the right trend of the magnetoresistance on the thickness, and also indicates that at a certain thickness the maximum magnetoresistance ratio occurs. View more

Abstract

Antibiotics are one of the most common drugs that can induce adverse drug reaction (ADR). A retrospective analysis was conducted using suspected antibiotic-related ADR data collected from the Ethiopian Pharmacovigilance Center over a 5-year period (2014-2019). There were a relatively large number of antibiotic-related ADRs (57.9%) containing 462 ... suspected drugs reported, with adults aged 18-64 (65.5%) and females (61.5%) predominating in the reported cases. Monotherapy and oral route administration were responsible for 85% and 83% of ADRs, respectively. Co-trimoxazole and amoxicillin were responsible for more than half of the reported ADRs and skin disorder was half of the affected system organ (SOC). Serious ADRs constituted 26% of all reported ADRs. The outcome of the patient showed that (44.7%) of patients were completely recovered after discontinuing the offending drug and additional intervention. The finding in this study suggests that antibiotic related ADRs are a significant health problem for patients in Ethiopia and further health facility based research is suggested. View more

Abstract

Thai construction industry faces several problems while trying to improve its performance. This study utilizes structural equation modelling to examine inter-relationships among 10 key performance factors, namely 1) time, 2) cost, 3) quality, 4) safety and health, 5) client satisfaction, 6) environment, 7) financial performance, 8) internal stake ... holder, 9) external stakeholder, and 10) information, technology, and innovation. The final model confirms strong relationships among the traditional performance indicators: time, cost, and quality. Apart from that, also emerging concepts of performance measurement are assessed, especially in the areas of stakeholders and environmental management. Additional support is needed to improve the environmental standards, so that Thai construction companies can enhance their competitiveness in the global market. New technologies and innovative ideas should be encouraged in the real practices. It is expected that the final model of construction performance assists construction companies to better understand key performance factors, as well as their relationships, and effectively plan for their performance improvement. View more