Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Properties of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) Fruit

This study aimed to determine the therapeutic values of local bitter gourd relative to the conventional drugs, especially in managing oxidative stress and blood glucose. The therapeutic values of bitter gourd fruit were evaluated using three antioxidant assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging system [DPPH], the ability of ferric ion reduction in plasma [FRAP], total phenolic content [TPC]) and three hyperglycemic assays (inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase and glucose uptake by human carcinoma liver cell [HepG2]). The result showed that bitter gourd fruit is not only a powerful secondary antioxidant but also a potent anti-diabetic food, which supported the use of bitter gourd fruit in suppressing high blood sugar in traditional medicine.
Synthesis of Poly-Alumino-Ferric Sulphate Coagulant from Acid Mine Drainage by Precipitation

The wastes generated from both operational and abandoned coal and metal mining are an environmental concern. These wastes, including acid mine drainage (AMD), are treated to abate the devastating effects they have on the environment before disposal. However, AMD contains valuable resources that can be recovered to subsidize treatment costs. Two of the major constituents of coal AMD are iron and aluminium, which can be recovered and engineered to function as coagulants. This work examines the potential of producing a poly-alumino-ferric sulphate (AMD-PAFS) coagulant from coal acidic drainage solutions. The co-precipitation of iron and aluminium is conducted at pH values of 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 using sodium hydroxide in order to evaluate the recovery of iron and aluminium as hydroxide precipitates while minimizing the co-precipitation of the other heavy metals. The precipitation at pH 5.0 yields iron and aluminium recovery of 99.9 and 94.7%, respectively. An increase in the pH from 5.0 to 7.0 increases the recovery of aluminium to 99.1%, while the recovery of iron remains the same. The precipitate formed at pH 5.0 is used to produce a coagulant consisting of 89.5% and 10.0% iron and aluminium, respectively. The production of the coagulant is carried out by dissolving the precipitate in 5.0% (w/w) sulphuric acid. Subsequently, the treatment of the brewery wastewater shows that the AMD-PAFS coagulant is as efficient as the conventional poly ferric sulphate (PFS) coagulant. The turbidity removal is 91.9 and 87.8%, while the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal is 56.0 and 64.0% for AMD-PAFS and PFS coagulants, respectively. The developed process, which can easily be incorporated into existing AMD treatment plants, not only reduces the sludge disposal problems but also creates revenue from waste.
Acetylcholinesterase from the brain of Monopterus albus as detection of metal ions

Overwhelming amount of heavy metals discharged due to industrialization is a serious global concern. Thus, an investigation was done on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from Asian swamp eel, Monopterus albus, as an alternative biosensor to detect various metal ions. AChE from the brain of M. albus was purified through ammonium sulphate precipitation and procainamide affinity chromatography. Enzyme recovery was obtained at 38.73% with the specific activity of 1847 U μg−1. The Michaelis constant (Km) value and maximal velocity (Vmax) were determined at 8.910 mM and 29.44 μmol min−1 mg−1, respectively for acetylthiocholine iodide (ATC). Based on effective coefficient ratio, AChE from M. albus brain showed higher affinity to ATC compared to butyrylthiocholine iodide (BTC) and propionylthiocholine iodide (PTC) at the value of 3.304, 1.515, 2.965 Vmax.Km−1 respectively. Optimum activity of AChE was obtained at 40°C and incubated in 0.1M Tris HCl buffer pH 9.0. Inhibition study performed on 10 heavy metals resulted in this descending order of inhibition mercury<chromium<zinc<copper<arsenic<silver<cobalt<cadmium<lead<nickel, with mercury and chromium showing more than 50% inhibition at 10 ppm. Data from this study can be further utilized to develop a cheaper, easier, and faster heavy metal detection method as compared to conventional methods available.
Effect of Different Potting Media on Nutrient Composition of Soil and Leaves of Litchi Air Layers

Many agricultural soils of the world are deficient in one or more of the essential nutrients needed to support healthy plants. Addition of amendments is essential for a proper nutrient supply and maximum yields. The use of chemical fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity has often negatively affected the complex system of biogeochemical cycles. Therefore, interest has grown in environmentally sustainable and organic agricultural practices (Esitken et al., 2005). The beneficial effects of organic nutrients on soil fertility have been repeatedly shown, yet there are no guidelines for their management. Organic materials are not magic; many of their functions with respect to soil fertility are known. Organic materials influence nutrient availability (i) by adding nutrients (ii) through mineralizationimmobilization patterns, (iii) as an energy source for microbial activities, (iv) as precursors to soil organic matter (SOM), and International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 10 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Antibacterial Activity and Biofilm Property of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Using Saintpaulia Aqueous Leaf Extract

Today, nanoparticles are effectively used in different areas. Initially, physical and chemical methods were used in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Biosynthesis (green synthesis) has emerged as an alternative to overcome the toxic effect of chemically synthesized nanoparticles. In this study, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with the leaf extract of African violet plant (Saintpaulia) was carried out. As a result of the characterization, it was determined that nanoparticles were formed at a spherical size of 40.4 nm with a spectrum showing a spectrum at a wavelength of 432 nm. Antibacterial and biofilm inhibition activities of AgNPs against four Gram-positive and four Gramnegative were determined with bacterial strains. Silver nanoparticles at 10 mM concentration showed bacteriocidal activity against all bacterial strains. In the antibiotic activity study, the highest inhibition percentage was obtained against the Salmonella infantis strain at 80.3% at a concentration of 10 mM.
Traditional medicinal practices of Rajasthan

During the course of investigation it has been observed that a particular plant is sometimes prescribed for different ailments in different localities and some Vaidyas (Ayurvedic physicians) apply a mixture of plants for remedy of diseases. The data collected from Vaidyas have been presented. However, a systematical and methodical approach is needed to collect such information.
Diet-induced Alterations in Pharmacokinetics of Cefuroxime Axetil in Healthy Chinese Subjects

This study was conducted to evaluate the pharma¬cokinetics, safety and gender difference of cefuroxime axetil after single dose administration under fasting and fed conditions in healthy Chinese male and female subjects. In an open-label, two-period study, 26 subjects received a single 250 mg oral dose with or without food. Blood samples were collected at scheduled time points till 24 h after drug administration and cefuroxime axetil concentration in blood was analysed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Twenty-three subjects completed the study. Under fed state, the median time to peak plasma concentration of cefuroxime axetil was de¬layed by approximately 0.5 h compared with fasting state (2.23 h vs 3.01 h) and there was a 43.9 % increase in the total systemic exposure (AUC0-∞) and 8.3, 38.7, 34.1 % reduction in elimina¬tion half-life, apparent volume of distribution and apparent clearance, respectively. No significant difference presented in maximum concentra¬tion achieved (p>0.05). There was no gender difference in pharmacokinetics and no serious adverse events reported, as well. This study indicated that the extent of absorption of cefuroxime axetil is significantly increased under fed state and it is recommended to be administrated after a meal.
Emerging treatment options for patients with Laron syndrome

Introduction: Laron syndrome (LS) (OMIM#262500) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disease caused by deletions or mutations in the human growth hormone (hGH) receptor. These defects lead to GH insensitivity and a lack of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) generation. The hormone deficiencies cause dwarfism and abnormal metabolic changes. The only treatment is recombinant human (rh)IGF-I. Areas covered: Descriptions of the rhIGF-I preparations are available and a review of their quality and availability are covered. The acute short-term and long-term effects of rhIGF-I during the treatment of patients with LS are reviewed based upon the literature and the author's own experience. The report also summarizes both the beneficial and adverse effects of rhIGF-I administration, mentioning ways to reduce or avoid the latter. An important finding is that homozygous, but not heterozygous, patients for LS are protected from developing cancer even if treated with IGF-I for years. Expert opinion: Daily injection of rhIGF-I is the only drug available for LS; it stimulates linear growth and protein anabolism but causes progressive obesity, for which no remedy has been found so far. Early diagnosis and prenatal counseling are advised. Future hopes are the synthesis of a long-acting rhIGF-I preparation and availability of treatment for all LS patients worldwide.
EFFECTS OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS ON PERINATAL OUTCOME

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial vaginosis is a condition in which the normal lactobacillus (predominant vaginal flora) is replaced with anaerobic bacteria, gardnerella vaginalis and mycoplasma hominis. Our study was designed to find out the effects of bacterial vaginosis on fetomaternal outcome in pregnant women. MATERIAL & METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in MGMCH, Jaipur from September'12 to February '13. 100 women attending the antenatal clinic were recruited during their antenatal visit after 20 weeks of gestation and observed for presence of bacterial vaginosis and followed till pregnancy outcome. Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was determined by Nugent and Amsel criteria. Maternal and neonatal morbidity were studied accordingly. RESULT: Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis by Nugent criteria was 19%. There was a significant association between the period of gestation at which the patient delivers and Nugent scoring of her gram stain picture (p=0.01). Relationship between nursery admissions of baby and bacterial vaginosis was found to be highly significant (p=0.01). Out of the 100 babies delivered, 20% had low birth weight, 2% had birth asphyxia & Apgar score < 5, 7% delivered prematurely & 14% babies had to be transferred to neonatal care units for various causes. CONCLUSION: Bacterial vaginosis was found to be significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcome in the form of increased risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, birth asphyxia in neonate. It was also concluded that there was a definite role of treatment because it can prevent a considerable number of preterm
Estimation of cloud optical thickness, single scattering albedo and effective droplet radius using a shortwave radiative closure study in Payerne

Abstract. We have used a method based on ground-based solar radiation measurements and radiative transfer models (RTMs) in order to estimate the following cloud optical properties: cloud optical thickness (COT), cloud single scattering albedo (SSAc) and effective droplet radius (reff). The method is based on the minimisation of the difference between modelled and measured downward shortwave radiation (DSR). The optical properties are estimated for more than 3000 stratus–altostratus (St–As) and 206 cirrus–cirrostratus (Ci–Cs) measurements during 2013–2017, at the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) station in Payerne, Switzerland. The RTM libRadtran is used to simulate the total DSR as well as its direct and diffuse components. The model inputs of additional atmospheric parameters are either ground- or satellite-based measurements. The cloud cases are identified by the use of an all-sky cloud camera. For the low- to mid-level cloud class St–As, 95 % of the estimated cloud optical thickness values using total DSR measurements in combination with a RTM, herein abbreviated as COTDSR, are between 12 and 92 with a geometric mean and standard deviation of 33.8 and 1.7, respectively. The comparison of these COTDSR values with COTBarnard values retrieved from an independent empirical equation results in a mean difference of -1.2±2.7 and is thus within the method uncertainty. However, there is a larger mean difference of around 18 between COTDSR and COT values derived from MODIS level-2 (L2), Collection 6.1 (C6.1) data (COTMODIS). The estimated reff (from liquid water path and COTDSR) for St–As are between 2 and 20 µm. For the high-level cloud class Ci–Cs, COTDSR is derived considering the direct radiation, and 95 % of the COTDSR values are between 0.32 and 1.40. For Ci–Cs, 95 % of the SSAc values are estimated to be between 0.84 and 0.99 using the diffuse radiation. The COT for Ci–Cs is also estimated from data from precision filter radiometers (PFRs) at various wavelengths (COTPFR). The herein presented method could be applied and validated at other stations with direct and diffuse radiation measurements.
Response of in vitro Cultured Palm Oil Seedling Under Saline Condition to Elevated Carbon Dioxide and Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density

Salt stress elicits various physiological and growth responses of oil palm. A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the responses of oil palms cultured in vitro under varying salinity levels (0, 85.5, 171.11, 342.21 and 684.43 -2 -1 mM NaCl) to elevated CO (1000 μmol CO /mol) and PPFD (100±5 μmol m s ) in 2 2 terms of growth characteristics, pigment contents and photosynthetic abilities. -2 -1 After 14 days of culture, net photosynthetic rate (μmol CO m s ) of oil palms 2 across varying salinity levels was 5.33 times higher than those cultured under -2 -1 ambient CO (380±100 μmol CO /mol) and PPFD (50±5 μmol m s ). At increased 2 2 net photosynthetic rate (elevated CO and PPFD), despite having no significant 2 difference in pigment contents (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid) between different CO and PPFD levels, dry weight and percent dry 2 matter were 0.26 and 0.11 times higher, respectively, as compared to those cultured under ambient CO and PPFD. In the same elevated CO and PPFD level, 2 2 across all salinity levels, stomatal conductance was 0.30 times lower than those cultured under ambient CO and PPFD. At reduced stomatal conductance (elevated 2 CO and PPFD), transpiration rate was also reduced by 0.30 times. Thus with 2 increased net photosynthetic rate and reduced transpiration rate, water use efficiency was increased by 7.22 times, across all salinity levels, than those cultured at ambient CO and PPFD. These were considered essential for NaCl 2 produces iso-osmotic stress. Annals of Tropical Research 34[1]:52-64(2012) © VSU, Leyte, Philippines Correspondence: P. R. L. Pascual. Address: Barili, Cebu, Philippines. E-mail:petroey262301@yahoo.com. Cebu Technological University (CTU) – Barili Campus, 53 Response of in vitro cultured palm oil
Effects of Pyroligneous Acid to Growth and Yield of Soybeans (Glycine max)

In the Philippines, there is at present a Soybean Roadmap which has two major components, namely: Organic Soybean Production and Organic Soybean Utilization, Processing and Marketing. This research project compliments the Philippine National Soybean Program by developing appropriate organic technologies especially on its external inputs like fertilizer. The main objective of this research was to find out the effects of pyroligneous acid on the growth and yield of soybeans. Philippine Seed Board Soya 6 (PSB SY6) or commonly called Tiwala 8 is an approved variety for use in the country which was planted in field condition of the university research area in 2 x 2 meter plots. This was four (4) times replicated by using randomized complete block design (RCBD). Coconut shell vinegar (pyroligneous acid) was used in this study. There were three levels of pyroligneous acid being tested: 10%, 20%, and 30% which represented Treatment 1, Treatment 2 and Treatment 3, respectively. Treatment 4 served as the control. Statistical analysis revealed that all treatments had not affected to the growth of the soybean plants. However, it was noted that there was a significant effect of wood vinegar on the yield.
Stability of sunflower oil enriched with olive phenolics in deep frying condition.

Sunflower oil was enriched separately with olive fruit, olive leaf and olive pomace phenolic extracts for deep-frying. Sets of 250 g of potatoes were fried discontinuously 7 times in 2 L of the enriched or non-enriched (control) sunflower oils at 180±5 °. The total phenol contents (initially 200 mg kg-1 oil) in the oils decreased as increasing the frying number but it was not determined phenolic content in the frying oils after 5 frying processes. Free fatty acids and peroxide values significantly increased and the oil with olive fruit extract contained the lowest free fatty acids (0.99 %, as oleic acid) and peroxide value (37.11 meqO2 kg -1 oil) after 7 fryings. The initial antioxidant activity capacities of all oils significantly reduced to respectively about 69%, 68%, 60% and 50% for the oil with olive leaf, olive fruit, olive pomace extract and control after final frying due to oxidation.
Characterization of rare earth elements by XRT sorting products of a South African coal seam

ABSTRACT South Africa is an important participant in the global coal market. The four Upper coal seam situated in Springs-Witbank Coalfield was subjected to XRT sorting and subsequent mineralogical studies to characterize REE content. The average total REE content (LREE and HREE) of the coal were 280 ppm on ash basis. The surrounding elemental composition besides carbon primarily consisted of O, Si, S and Fe with minor quantities of Al, P and Ti. Major minerals, such as quartz, dolomite, illite, gypsum, siderite, pyrite correlated positively with ash content (r > 0.9) except kaolinite, and microcline, indicating incongruent source and formation mechanisms. Additionally, the HREEs Lu, Tm, Dy, Ho, Gd and Tb displayed strong correlations (r > 0.95) with ash content but were negatively associated with fixed carbon. Sc is negatively associated with coal ash. Fixed carbon is weakly associated with La but negatively associated with HREEs. La showed a weak association with Ce. Y is strongly correlated with HREE elements especially with Dy, Tm, Lu and Ho while at the same time LREE are strongly associated with Ce, Pr, Nd, La, Eu but negatively with Sc and fixed carbon levels.
Promising method in formulating ocular bio-adhesive inserts of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride combination with xanthan gum and carbopol

1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Alriyadh, Saudi Arabia 2 Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Mutah University, Al-Karak, Jordan 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan 4 Specialized Pharmaceutical Research Company, Amman, Jordan
Effect of added prebiotic (Isomalto-oligosaccharide) and Coating of Beads on the Survival of Microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

puilp@ucsiuniversity.edu. my Abstract The study aimed to encapsulate Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) with the selected prebiotic, using co-extrusion technology with a poly-L-lysine (PLL) coating and evaluate probiotic survival in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Selection of ideal prebiotic was conducted using inulin, fructo-oligosaccharide (FDS) and isomalto-oligosaccharide (OMD) and its optimal concentration to be incorporated in microencapsulation was determined. Microcapsules without coating (S 1 : no prebiotic and S 3 : with prebiotic) and with coating (S 2 : no prebiotic and S 4 : with prebiotic) produced were evaluated based on its physical properties and survival in simulated gastrointestinal environment. The OMD with a concentration of 3.0% (w/v) was selected due to its best effect in promoting growth of LGG after 24 h (8.63±0.07 log CFU/mL). The morphology analysis revealed that all microcapsules produced were spherical with a diameter ranging from 491.3 to 541.7 µm and microencapsulation efficiency ranged from 84.16 ±5.30% to 90.56±3.33%. The incorporation of OMD and coating with PLL improved the survival of LGG by 3% up to 52% after 2 h of incubation in simulated gastric digestion. Among all formulations, PLL coated microcapsules added with OMD was the most effective in protecting LGG during the first hour of simulated gastric digestion (6.52 log CFU/mL) with cell viability greater than the minimum recommended level of 10 6
SPME/GC-MS characterization of volatile compounds of Chinese traditional-chopped pepper during fermentation

ABSTRACT Fermented-chopped pepper is a traditional-fermented vegetable in China. Chopped pepper is generally made with pepper, garlic, and ginger. In present study, the volatile compounds, obtained from chopped peppers during spontaneous fermentation, were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). One hundred and forty volatile compounds were identified by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation, including 42 hydrocarbons, 34 esters, 16 alcohols, 21 aldehydes, 8 acids, 4 ketones, 4 ethers, and 9 other compounds. Alcohols, esters, and ketones were the dominant volatile fractions. The terpenes were found to be the main contributors to chopped pepper samples. It is important to note that among terpenes, such as β-phellandrene, α-curcumene, elemene, geraniol and nerolidol may originated from ginger. In addition, diallyl disulfide and diallyl sulfide, the two major sulfur components, may originated from garlic volatile oils. The results indicated that the ginger and garlic as raw materials played an important role in the flavor of chopped pepper. The contents of esters significantly increased during the fermentation process, the ethyl palmitate and ethyl linoleate were the main esters. The content of β-ionone as an degradation compound of carotenoids increased significantly with the fermentation period. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to discriminate the fermented-chopped peppers samples according to different times, and the fermented-chopped pepper samples were clearly differentiated on PCA plots. The fermentation stage was mainly affected by esters, alcohols, aldehydes and terpenes.
Hepatic Dysfunction as a Complication of Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency

Complete deficiency of adenosine deaminase causes severe combined immunodeficiency that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The patients present in infancy with recurrent infections, lymphopenia, defective proliferative responses to mitogens, hypogammaglobulinemia, and an inability to mount specific antibody responses. Patients with a low level of residual adenosine deaminase activity have a later onset of clinical disease owing to a slower and sometimes less complete loss of immune function.1–3 Unlike other primary immunodeficiencies caused by defects in lymphocyte signaling pathways,4 adenosine deaminase deficiency is a systemic metabolic disorder. The enzymatic defect is expressed in all cells, and therefore the .