bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Concise History of Thiopurines for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Anecdotal Reporting to Treat-to-Target Algorithms
Authors: Actis Giovanni Clemente , Pellicano Rinaldo , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe
Published: September 2018

Background:

The need for immune suppressive strategies in the control of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases originated in the 1960s following the perception of a relative inefficacy of salazopyrin and its derivatives. In some 50 years upon an anecdotal claim, the indication for thiopurines in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases has come of age.

Objective:

The aim of this minireview is to give an overview, after the historical premises, of the current use of thiopurines in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Method:

Through MEDLINE searches, we reviewed the literature of the last two decades.

Results:

For Crohn’s disease, the 1980 trial of 6-mercaptopurine for steroid sparing and fistula closure proved pivotal. The analysis of withdrawal experiments and of numerous open trials has established the efficacy of thiopurines for ulcerative colitis. In this indication, cutting-edge data are now showing that because targeting dysplasia, thiopurines can induce mucosal/histological healing, thus abolishing or delaying the need for pre-emptive (tumor prophylactic) colectomy.

Conclusion:

In UC thiopurines may be recognized to effect a treat-to-target strategy, joining the modern algorithms of rheumatologic disorders.
Immunotherapy in Patients with Recurrent and Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Łasińska Izabela , Kolenda Tomasz , Teresiak Anna , Lamperska Katarzyna M. , Galus Łukasz , Mackiewicz Jacek
Published: September 2018

Background:

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignant cancer occurring in the head and neck area, approximately 90% of the cases. Even in the cases of primary radical treatment (surgical, concomitant chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone), subsequent local recurrence or distant metastases are often observed. In patients with recurrent disease who are unable to receive radical treatment, the results of palliative chemotherapy are not satisfactory. In this review, we summarized the standard treatment options, current development of new drugs and future perspectives in the treatment of patients with recurrent locally advanced and/or metastatic HNSCC.

Methods:

PubMed databases with words ‘head and neck cancer treatment’, ‘immunotherapy in head and neck cancer treatment’ were searched and yielded 186512 and 2249 papers respectively. We selected the most cited articles and reports presenting new immunotherapy agents and drug combinations in HNSCC.

Results:

Recently, two new agents been approved in the treatment of recurrent locally advanced and/or metastatic HNSCC. These are immune-checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD1 (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) which are the most active drugs in the second line treatment of advanced HNSCC. Still, the first line ‘golden standard’ is the chemotherapy regimen (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracyl) combined with cetuximab. Many phase 3 studies are currently ongoing, evaluating the efficacy of combinational treatment-anti-CTLA4 with anti-PD1 or anti-PDL1. Very encouraging results have been shown in early phase studies evaluating the combination of immunecheckpoint inhibitors with tumor microenvironment immunosuppressive inhibitors.

Conclusion:

Despite the huge progress in the systemic treatment of patients with recurrent locally advanced and/or metastatic HNSCC, the disease at this stage remains incurable. Undoubtedly, further research in the field of biomarkers for effective immunotherapy is needed in order to select a group of patients whose will benefit from this therapy, as the treatment is still ineffective in most patients.
WeChat as a Platform for Problem-Based Learning in a Dental Practical Clerkship: Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Zheng-Rong , Li Zhi
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Problem-Based-Learning (PBL) has been widely accepted in student-centered medical education. Since WeChat is the most popular communication app in China, we have chosen to use WeChat as new platform for online PBL in order to reduce the limitations of traditional PBL in dental practical clerkships.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of online PBL using WeChat (WeChat-PBL) in a dental practical clerkship.

METHODS

A total of 72 students in a dental practical clerkship and 10 tutors participated in this study from June to August 2017. We created 10 WeChat groups to provide a communication platform for the PBL teaching, in which the students selected the PBL cases themselves from their practical clerkship. After each individual PBL case, group members were required to complete an evaluation on the PBL process itself. A final questionnaire survey was completed by the participants to summarize the long-term evaluation of the whole WeChat-PBL experience after the 3-month clerkship. Data from the PBL cases, WeChat messages, periodic evaluations, and long-term evaluations were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

There were 45 cases presented in the WeChat-PBL within the 3-month clerkship. All students had positive reactions to the communication within the PBL groups. The results of the periodic evaluation showed that the students and tutors were quite satisfied with the process of WeChat-PBL and appreciated the group members’ contributions and performance. The final questionnaire results indicated that the WeChat-PBL had achieved positive effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate the feasibility and acceptability of the app, WeChat, for problem-based learning in a dental practical clerkship.
SAFE@HOME - Telemonitoring of blood pressure and symptoms with a digital platform in pregnancy care: a feasibility study (Preprint)
Authors: van den Heuvel Josephus F. M. , Kariman Shariva , van Solinge Wouter , Lely A Titia , Franx Arie , Bekker Mireille N.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women at risk for hypertensive complications need frequent monitoring in the outpatient clinics. These recurrent visits interfere with daily life and can a burden for both patients and perinatal care resources. Telemonitoring has the potential to complement or replace standard pathways in prenatal care with self-measurements, integrated in a monitoring dashboard for in-hospital obstetric care professionals.

OBJECTIVE

In this feasibility study of a telemonitoring platform in antenatal care, we examined the patient engagement and compliance, accuracy of the alert system and the participants’ experiences.

METHODS

We developed a telemonitoring platform, consisting of an app and secured web portal, wireless blood pressure monitor and an in-app 10-symptom checklist. In this prospective observational study, 14 participating women with low-risk pregnancies were asked to submit blood pressure (BP) measurements and symptom checklists once daily during 15 consecutive weekdays.
Values exceeding the preset threshold values led to alerts on the monitoring dashboard for health care providers and were reviewed daily in our outpatient clinic. Patient engagement was measured by evaluating the number of entered values. The accuracy of the automatic alerts was checked by comparing all the entered values with the threshold values. The usability and patient satisfaction were measured using questionnaires.

RESULTS

Compliance rates for blood pressure and symptom checklist were 93% and 86% respectively during the 15 telemonitoring days.
No false positive or missing alerts have been found. The telemonitoring system alarmed 7 times for BP thresholds (3.8% of all received BP values), of which 4 alerts for an exceeded upper limit. These 4 alerts came from one participant, who was diagnosed with chronic hypertension and received further evaluation and treatment outside the study protocol.
Of all 167 returned symptom checklists, 73 reported one or more symptoms (43.7%). In five cases (3.0%), symptoms gave reason for further analysis in the outpatient clinic. Other symptom alarms could be handled with expectant management, e.g. because of normal blood pressure.
The majority of participants was satisfied with the use and convenience of the app and the automatic blood pressure monitor.

CONCLUSIONS

This feasibility study of a telemonitoring platform for blood pressure and symptom measurements in women with an uncomplicated pregnancy showed that remote monitoring with an app and alert system can be used in antenatal care and holds the promise of improving outpatient care for women at risk of hypertensive pregnancy disorders.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF RP-HPLC METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF CURCUMIN AND PIPERINE
Authors: Khismatrao Ankita , Bhairy Srinivas , Hirlekar Rajashree
Published: September 2018

Objective: The present study was aimed to develop a simple, sensitive and precise high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the simultaneous estimation of curcumin and piperine and to implement the developed method for the estimation of curcumin and piperine in the nanoparticulate formulation.Methods: Method development was performed using various solvent, buffer-solvent ratios, at different flow rates for adequate separation of both drugs. The developed method was validated in accordance with the international conference on harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The developed method was implemented to estimate the amount of curcumin and piperine in the nanoparticulate formulation.Results: Chromatographical conditions were optimized, and the best chromatographical conditions with adequate resolution for curcumin and piperine was achieved using enable C18G reverse phase column, using a mobile phase combination of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (pH 3)in a ratio of 70:30 v/v at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The detection was monitored at a wavelength of 360 nm. The retention time of curcumin and piperine was found to be 7.2 min and 8.5 min respectively.Conclusion: The developed analytical method is simple, precise, and reproducible and thus can be used for simultaneous estimation of curcumin and piperine in pharmaceutical formulations.
RP-HPLC METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF MACITENTAN WITH ITS KNOWN AND UNKNOWN DEGRADATION IMPURITIES IN ITS TABLET DOSAGE FORM
Authors: Trivedi Jahanvee K. , Patel Chirag J. , Patel M. M.
Published: September 2018

Objective: To develop and validate macitentan with its known and unknown degradation impurities in its tablet dosage form.Methods: The RP-HPLC method for macitentan and its impurities was developed and three potential degradation impurities MCA-02, MCA-01 and degradation impurity and N-propyl derivative and N-N dimethyl derivative process impurities were separated. Chromatographic separation was achieved within 70 min on Inertsil C8 (250*4.6 mm, 5 µm) column, Using mobile phase A [Ammonium acetate (ph 4.5 adjusted with glacial acetic acid)] and mobile phase B acetonitrile in gradient elution. Other hplc parameter which was optimized flow rate 1.5 ml/min, detection wavelength 266 nm, column oven temperature 30 ° C and injection volume 20μl. macitentan was subjected to forced degradation also known as stress testing. It was validated as per ICH guidelines.Results: The drug showed extensive degradation in acidic and basic conditions, a slight degradation in oxidative condition. The developed method was statistically validated for linearity (0.45-2.25 ppm). The result of precision (%RSD<5), robustness, LOD(0.15 ppm) and LOQ(0.45 ppm) are well within limits.% Recovery at LOQ, 50%, 100% and 150% was found to be within limit 80-120 %.Conclusion: RP-HPLC method was successfully developed with satisfactory separation of macitentan and its impurities. The proposed method was found to be specific, accurate, precise and robust can be used for estimation of macitentan and its impurities and can be successfully employed in the routine analysis of macitentan.
PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF SIMVASTATIN TRANSDERMAL FILM
Authors: Anod Haritha V. , Gupta N. Vishal , Gowda D. V. , M. Manohar
Published: September 2018

Objective: The objective of the study was to prepare simvastatin transdermal films for the treatment of atherosclerosis and to evaluate the effect of concentration of polymer on penetration enhancement.Methods: Solvent evaporation technique was employed for the preparation of films and the prepared films were evaluated for various physicochemical properties of films such as tensile strength, thickness, surface pH, swellability, drug content, moisture content and folding endurance. In vitro drug, release study and release kinetics were also studied.Results: Tensile strength ranged from 3.56±0.343 to 4.56±0.12 (N/mm²). The films were of uniform weight. Thickness varied from 0.2±0.3 mm to 0.2±0.8 mm. Surface pH ranged from 6.6±0.14 to 6.9±0.16. Percentage swellability ranged from12.1±0.36 to 16.3±0.22. Percentage drug content ranged from 88.4±0.7% to 90.5±0.6% in all the formulation. Percentage moisture content ranged from 0.864 to 1.03%. Moisture uptake was from 2.6±0.24 to 2.9±0.072. The folding endurance test gave satisfactory results and F3 formulation showed maximum drug release.Conclusion: From the study, it was concluded that out of various formulations, the F3 formulation was found to be the optimum formulation with 88% drug release at the fourteenth hour.Keywords: Simvastatin, Transdermal film, Solvent evaporation, Penetration enhancer, Swellability
FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF LENALIDOMIDE LOADED DELAYED RELEASE MINI TABLETS IN CAPSULES
Authors: Mehta L. Sonali , Gowda D. V. , Gupta N. Vishal , M. Manohar
Published: September 2018

Objective: Formulation and development of delayed release mini tablets in the capsule of drug lenalidomidein terms of dissolution and stability was the objective of the present work.Methods: Tablets of less than or equal to 3 millimetres diameter are Mini-tablets, which were filled into a capsule. Direct compression method using multi-tip punch was used for compression and coated with eudragit L100 as a seal coating material and with eudragit L30D55 as an enteric coating material was done. Different formulations were prepared and subjected for evaluation like weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration, and dissolution studies. The optimized formulation was compared to marketed product based on drug released profile and also subjected for stability studies.Results: The results revealed that the in vitro drug release of prepared formulations, F1, F2, F3, and F4 was subjected for acid resistance test for 2 h in 0.1N HCl and has a comparable dissolution profile in phosphate buffer of 6.8 pH. FormulationF4 was subjected for stability studies and no significant difference was observed in 3 mo 40 °C/75% RH accelerated stability condition.Conclusion: The dissolution profile of formulation F4 was found better than that of market product. Based on evaluation results, the study concluded that F4formulationwas considered as an optimized formulation.
A NEW STABILITY-INDICATING RP-HPLC-PDA METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF TRIPLICATE MIXTURE OF RAMIPRIL, ATORVASTATIN AND CLOPIDOGREL IN TABLET DOSAGE FORM
Authors: Rao Subba , Balaswami B. , Ramana P. Venkata , Sanjeeva P. , Srenivasulareddy G.
Published: September 2018

Objective: To develop a novel, accurate, precise and linear reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method for simultaneous quantitative estimation of ramipril, atorvastatin and clopidogrel in Atamra-CV tablet and validate as per international conference on harmonization (ICH) guidelines and to perform the force degradation studies using the developed method.Methods: In the present work, the good chromatographic separation was achieved isocratically using a shim-pack HPLC Kromasil 150 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 m. m. And mobile phase consisting of 0.05 M potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate pH 3 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile in the ratio (52:48), at flow rate 1 ml/min and column temperature (30 °C). The effluents obtained were monitored at 210 nm with the UV-visible detector.Results: The retention time of ramipril, atorvastatin and clopidogrel was found to be 2.893 min, 5.012 min and 6.102 min respectively. The linearity of ramipril, atorvastatin and clopidogrel was found in the range of 25-150 % and the correlation coefficient for ramipril, atorvastatin and clopidogrel were>0.999. The high recovery values (98%-101%) indicate a satisfactory accuracy. The low percent relative standard deviation (% RSD) values in the precision study reveals that the method is precise. The three-drug samples were subjected to stress conditions of acidic and alkaline hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis and thermal degradation. The proposed method proved to be stability-indicating by resolution of the analytes from their forced-degradation products.Conclusion: The developed method is novel, simple, precise, rapid, accurate and reproducible for simultaneous estimation of ramipril, atorvastatin and clopidogrel tablet dosage form. Hence the proposed method may find practical applications as a quality-control tool in the simultaneous analysis of the three drugs in combined dosage forms in quality-control laboratories. The proposed method was made use of photodiode array (PDA) as a tool for peak identification and purity confirmation.
DEVELOPMENT OF EFFERVESCENT GRANULE OF CORN MILK, SUPPLEMENTED WITH PROBIOTICS LACTOBACILLUS STRAIN SHIROTA
Authors: Hiola Reni , Tungadi Robert
Published: September 2018

Objective: One of the materials which can be formulated into probiotics drink is corn milk. It has nutrient contents such as vitamin A, B, C, minerals, and fibres. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the probiotic drink of corn milk which was formulated into an effervescent granule.Methods: The first step was carried out to make corn extract with the addition of Lactobacillus strain Shirota and incubated 24 h at 40 °C to gain corn milk. After that, corn milk was centrifuged to get filtrate and dried by oven 40 °C for 2 d to gain dry powder. Then corn milk powder was formulated into effervescent granule (3 formulas) using different ratio of acids. The method which used in making effervescent granule of corn milk was wet granulation. All formulas were done evaluations including physical and chemical properties of granule and hedonic test.Results: The results showed that formula 1 (only citric acid 23.84%) gave unsatisfactory results particularly on the evaluation tests such as LOD 9.64%, dissolution time 3.25 min, moisture content 10.67% and hedonic test which did not meet the requirements. Otherwise, formula 2 (only tartaric acid 23.84%) and formula 3 (citric acid 7.94% and tartaric acid 15.9% combination) showed satisfactory results for all evaluation tests of granules. Particularly formula 3 gave pH 5 on pH test which was the same as pH lactic acid for fermentation and LOD 4.34%, MC 4.53%, ρb 0.53 g/ml, ρt 0.62 g/ml and hedonic test around 80%.Conclusion: Formula 3 was the best formulation based on the evaluation and the stability of corn milk effervescent granule.
BENAZEPRIL HYDROCHLORIDE LOADED NIOSOMAL FORMULATION FOR ORAL DELIVERY: FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
Authors: Radhi Ameerah A.
Published: September 2018

Objective: The objective of the present study was to formulate niosomal formulations of benazepril hydrochloride in an attempt to overcome the hurdles associated with itʼs poor oral absorption.Methods: Nine formulations were prepared with various ratios of sorbitan monostearate (span 60), sorbitan monopalmitate (span 40) and polyoxyethylene 2 stearyl ether (brij 72) as non-ionic surfactants, cholesterol as a stabilizing agent and soya lecithin as a charge imparting agent. Then, they were characterized for vesicle size, polydispersity (PDI), entrapment efficiency (EE %), release profile, zeta (ζ) potential and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Results: Niosomal formulations exhibited an efficient entrapment range between (80.4-97.8) percent, vesicles size analyses revealed the formation of homogenously dispersed vesicles having a size range of (3.9±1.7-8.72±4.4) micrometers. The in vitro release studies revealed that all formulations displayed sustained release in comparison with the pure drug. Formulations prepared with span 60 and span 40 possessed adequate stability according to zeta potential analysis, whereas brij 72 failed the test and possessed inadequate zeta potential range. TEM images of the optimized formulations (F7 and F8) have confirmed the formation of vesicles with spherical shapes.Conclusion: Based on the study results, niosomal formulations seem to be attractive alternatives to conventional delivery for benazepril hydrochloride.
LIMITATIONS OF PEGYLATED NANOCARRIERS: UNFAVOURABLE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, BIODISTRIBUTION PATTERNS AND CELLULAR AND SUBCELLULAR FATES
Authors: Sebak Aya Ahmed
Published: September 2018

Assuming that polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated or PEGylated nanocarriers always offer outstanding physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics profiles when compared to non-PEGylated ones, is not always accurate. For example, drug-loaded PEGylated nanocarriers for the treatment of cancer will not magically escape the reticuloendothelial system (RES) sequestration and clearance, benefit from the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of the tumor leaky vasculature and preferentially accumulate in the target tissue or cells. This is too good to be true. In this review, several drawbacks of PEGylation will be discussed; for example, how PEGylation can give rise to unfavourable physicochemical characteristics (e. g. particle size and release patterns) and post in vivo administration limitations of the formulated nanocarriers (e. g. limited evasion of RES uptake, development of hypersensitivity reactions, reduced intracellular accumulation and interference with the subcellular processing of nanocarriers necessary to produce the intended pharmacological effect).This review aims at providing better understanding of the pros and cons of PEGylation, encouraging the use of PEGylation with caution, avoiding the assumption that PEGylation will provide all advantages needed to deliver nanocarriers to the target tissue and looking for alternatives to optimize nanocarriers’ utilization especially in the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of different types of cancer. This review comprises a summary of some of the reported literature between 2013 and 2018 using different search engines; PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar, and the keywords listed below.
PROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED FROM SILYMARIN ON CISPLATIN INDUCED RENAL OXIDATIVE STRESS IN ALBINO RAT
Authors: M. Janakiraman
Published: September 2018

Objective: This present study was carried out to evaluate the protective efficacy of silver nanoparticles synthesized from silymarin on cisplatin-induced renal oxidative stress in the albino rat.Methods: Silver nanoparticles of silymarin was characterized by particle size, UV-Visible, FTIR and XRD analysis. Albino rats were divided randomly into six groups of six animals each. Group I Normal rats were treated with an oral dose of distilled water for 15 d. Group II rats were treated with single i. p. dose of cisplatin (16 mg/kg) on day 1. Group III rats were treated only with oral dose of silymarin (50 mg/kg/d) for 15 d. Group IV rats were treated only with oral dose of silver nanoparticles of silymarin (50 mg/kg/d) for 15 d. Group V rats were treated with an oral dose of silymarin for 14 d after single i. p. dose of cisplatin on day 1. Group VI rats were treated with oral dose of silver nanoparticles of silymarin for 14 d after single i. p. dose of cisplatin on day 1. Collected blood samples and kidney tissue samples were used for biochemical, enzymatic antioxidant and histopathological studies in all groups.Results: The formation of silver nanoparticles of silymarin were confirmed by particle size, UV-Visible analysis, crystalline nature was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, and active principles were confirmed by FTIR analysis. Biochemical results of silver nanoparticles of silymarin-treated groups showed the significant (p˂0.05) decrease in the level of creatinine, urea, and uric acid as compared to cisplatin-induced rats and The enzymatic antioxidants of silver nanoparticles of silymarin-treated groups showed the significant (p˂0.05) increase in the level of glutathione reductase and significant decrease in MDA level as compared to cisplatin-induced rats. Additionally, histopathological results of silver nanoparticles of silymarin-treated groups also confirmed that the ameliorative effect of silymarin nanoparticle against cisplatin-induced rats.Conclusion: From this research work, we have concluded that silver nanoparticles of silymarin protected the kidney of albino rats from the adverse effects caused by cisplatin.
A REVIEW ON ANTI-AGING PROPERTIES OF PROBIOTICS
Authors: Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Kesika Periyanaina , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: September 2018

Aging is the inevitable biological event associated with several physiological, behavioral, and lifestyle events, but people do not wish to become old. The market for anti-aging products is growing gradually, and customers are aware of active principles in the cosmetics. The probiotics are known for several health benefits; especially probiotics regulate the gut health and immune system. Recent studies emphasized the role of probiotics, and probiotic-containing fermented products in cosmetics, and aging. The whole mechanism of aging has not been elucidated yet, but modern aging theories are in two different categories such as programmed theory and damage theory. The aging mechanisms can be discussed in organismal, and cellular level. To some extent, organismal and premature aging is controlled by genetic makeup. Though genetic, and environmental factors impact healthy aging, diet and gut microbiota also play a significant role in senescence. Aging is greatly associated with a diversity of gut microbiota that is often related to the changes in the gastrointestinal tract, and dietary patterns, together with an associated decline in cognitive and immune function, eventually contributing to infirmity. Lactic acid bacteria are reported for the ability to extend the lifespan and/or healthspan. The current manuscript discussed the aging mechanisms, an association of microbiome and aging, and compiled the reported anti-aging properties of probiotics.
PREPARATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF MONTELUKAST SODIUM ORAL NANOEMULSION
Authors: Almajidi Yasser Q , Mahdi Zainab H. , Maraie Nidhal K.
Published: September 2018

Objective: Oral nanoemulsion (NE) represent one of the newest technology to enhance intestinal drug permeability, bioavailability and facilitate swallowing of the oral dosage form.Methods: In this study, montelukast sodium (MS) nanoemulsions (NEs) were formulated by ultra-sonication using different surfactants (tween 20, tween 60 and tween 80) in different surfactant: co-surfactant (ethanol) ratios (Smix). The prepared NEs were evaluated for different parameters including droplet size (DS) using zetasizer as a function of ultra-sonication time, dispersibility, phase separation, conductivity, percent transmittance, optical transparency, in vitro release in addition to morphology using transmission electron microscopic (TEM).Results: The results revealed that F3 was the optimum formula having an average DS 32.95±2.8 nm after 5 min ultra-sonication assured by zetasizer and TEM, furthermore, a clear to bluish NE was formed after aqueous dilution with high conductivity (59.2±1.76 μs/cm) which indicated the formation of O/W NE. In addition, an optically clear NE was formed with (88.6±2.1) % transmittance with no sedimentation, creaming or separation after centrifugation signifying the formation of a stable NE. Finally, F3 showed faster dissolution rate (92.45%±1.66) after 30 min compared to other formulas.Conclusion: The net result of this study is the formulation of a stable oral NE containing MS which presents new easily swallowed dosage form that may enhance drug permeability as well as it may reduce drug metabolism leading to improving bioavailability for asthmatic patients.
Duane Michals y René Magritte: relaciones entre surrealismo y fotografía
Authors: Ocampo-Ramírez Gloria I.
Published: September 2018

El presente artículo pretende dilucidar las influencias literarias y pictóricas de corte particularmente surrealista que se evidencian en la obra del fotógrafo norteamericano Duane Michals, quien gracias al  encuentro con la obra del pintor belga René Magritte puede desarrollar una estética y lenguaje propios, así como transformar la mirada del fotógrafo, cambiar sus concepciones sobre la imagen y gestar una ruptura en el quehacer fotográfico de su tiempo, a partir de la importancia de la imaginación en la creación fotográfica. Se presentan un breve contexto de la vida y obra de ambos artistas, algunos puntos de correspondencia que hacen posible el encuentro entre ambos, y se evidencia mediante el análisis de algunas obras de Michals, cómo el encuentro con Magritte es decisivo para la transformación de su quehacer fotográfico en el desarrollo de un extenso lenguaje narrativo y poético, donde la creación fotográfica actúa como vehículo de la creatividad y la imaginación.
Una revisión crítica a la teoría del Actor-red para el estudio de los artefactos
Authors: Monterroza Ríos Álvaro
Published: September 2018

La Teoría del Actor-Red (ANT) se ha presentado como un enfoque alternativo y novedoso en los estudios sociales de la ciencia y la tecnología, pues hace una inversión de la visión constructivista predominante. Afirma que las redes de artefactos no serían un producto o recipiente del contenido social, sino que son estos elementos los posibilitadores de las asociaciones y la vida social, esto es, una especie de «giro copernicano» en los estudios sociales. Por ello, propone un principio de simetría generalizado en que los actantes no-humanos (artefactos, guiones, textos, etc.) poseen la misma capacidad agente que los actores humanos. Esto le ha costado una serie de críticas que ponen en duda la conveniencia y capacidad explicativa de esta teoría. En este artículo se revisan y comparten algunos aspectos de estas críticas, y pretende resaltar los aspectos propositivos de la ANT para los estudios de cultura material y filosofía de la técnica.
Grupo focal: una estrategia de diagnóstico de competencias interculturales
Authors: Yepes Zuluaga Sara María , Montes Granada Willer Ferney , Álvarez Salazar Johny Antonio , Ardila Marín Juan Gonzalo
Published: September 2018

El talento humano que exige el mundo moderno requiere visión y capacidad de interacción con su entorno y con la sociedad global. El modelo pedagógico del Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano (ITM) propone formar ciudadanos para la sociedad contemporánea, no simplemente respondiendo a las demandas del sector productivo o a políticas de carácter estatal, sino formando talentos con diferentes niveles de conocimientos en CT+i (Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación), pero, en todos los casos, dotados con competencias blandas que generen propuestas transformadoras en escenarios internacionales, lo que se convierte en una innovación curricular para la educación superior. En el año 2013, el ITM inició un proyecto para fortalecer los procesos de internacionalización de cuatro programas académicos (uno por facultad), viéndose en la necesidad de generar un diagnóstico sobre las competencias interculturales presentes en la comunidad académica. Por su trascendencia y prospectiva se tomó como piloto al programa de Ingeniería de Telecomunicaciones, empleando una metodología basada en el Ciclo Deming, en el que se aplica una técnica de Grupo Focal, válida para cualquier Facultad de Institución de Educación Superior (IES); esta técnica se usó como instrumento de recolección de información cualitativa, para indagar por la percepción de sus estamentos académicos, relacionada en este caso con las experiencias, vivencias y perspectivas respecto a las competencias interculturales, enfocadas desde tres dimensiones: sensibilidad intercultural, relaciones interpersonales y visión global. Tras la aplicación de la metodología, se estableció que las competencias interculturales de la comunidad académica del programa evaluado alcanzaron un nivel de 76,7 % de apropiación, evaluado como de regular cumplimiento, por lo que se deben planear y ejecutar acciones de mejoramiento dentro de los instrumentos concebidos en el Proyecto Educativo del Programa (PEP).
H19 lncRNA Promotes Skeletal Muscle Insulin Sensitivity in Part by Targeting AMPK
Authors: Geng Tingting , Liu Ya , Xu Yetao , Jiang Ying , Zhang Na , Wang Zhangsheng , Carmichael Gordon G. , Taylor Hugh S. , Li Da , Huang Yingqun
Published: September 2018

Skeletal muscle plays a pivotal role in regulating systemic glucose homeostasis in part through the conserved cellular energy sensor AMPK. AMPK activation increases glucose uptake, lipid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis, leading to enhanced muscle insulin sensitivity and whole-body energy metabolism. Here we show that the muscle-enriched H19 long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) acts to enhance muscle insulin sensitivity, at least in part, by activating AMPK. We identify the atypical dual-specificity phosphatase DUSP27/DUPD1 as a potentially important downstream effector of H19. We show that DUSP27, which is highly expressed in muscle with previously unknown physiological function, interacts with and activates AMPK in muscle cells. Consistent with decreased H19 expression in the muscle of insulin-resistant human subjects and rodents, mice with genetic H19 ablation exhibit muscle insulin resistance. Furthermore, a high-fat diet downregulates muscle H19 via both posttranscriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Our results uncover an evolutionarily conserved, highly expressed lncRNA as an important regulator of muscle insulin sensitivity.
Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Improve HDL Function by Inhibiting Myeloperoxidase-Mediated Oxidation in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Mathew Anna V. , Li Lei , Byun Jaeman , Guo Yanhong , Michailidis George , Jaiswal Mamta , Chen Y. Eugene , Pop-Busui Rodica , Pennathur Subramaniam
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE

Phagocyte-derived myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proinflammatory HDL are associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs), such as a Mediterranean diet and exercise, decrease this risk. However, the link among TLCs, HDL, and MPO-mediated oxidative stress remains unclear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, we characterized changes in cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), a metric of HDL function; MPO-mediated oxidation; and the HDL proteomic profile in 25 patients with MetS who underwent 12 weeks of TLCs.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, before significant changes to HDL levels, most MetS components improved as a result of the TLCs. CEC was significantly increased, and HDL MPO oxidation products, 3-chlorotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine, were decreased with TLCs. The changes in CEC were inversely related to the unit changes in 3-chlorotyrosine after we controlled for changes in the other MetS components. TLCs did not remodel the HDL proteome.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, TLCs improved HDL function by inhibiting MPO-mediated oxidative stress even before appreciable changes in HDL levels.
Sobre Rosa María Meyer, Empresarios, crédito y especulación en el México Independiente, 1821-1872
Authors: Soto Miguel
Published: September 2018

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Sobre Juan Andrés Blanco Rodríguez y Alejandro García Álvarez, El legado de España en Cuba
Authors: Lucci Marcela
Published: September 2018

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Sobre David Vázquez, Mirando atrás: los trabajadores de origen mexicano de Los Ángeles y el Partido Liberal Mexicano, 1905-1911
Authors: Snodgrass Michael David
Published: September 2018

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Sobre Consuelo Carredano y Carlos Villanueva, Manuel de Falla en el imaginario de dos músicos exiliados: Adolfo Salazar y Jesús Bal y Gay
Authors: Miranda Ricardo
Published: September 2018

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Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Escherichia coli Isolated from Raw Dairy Milk
Authors: Hasan Abul , Reza Ahsanur , Rume Farzana Islam , Meher Mirza Mienur , Parvej Md. Shafiullah , Anower AKM Mostafa
Published: September 2018

E. coli is one of the most important food borne pathogen, which could be transmitted by milk and milk products. To assess the role of dairy milk as the source of drug resistant E. coli, we examined 50 raw dairy milk samples (25-farm milk + 25-market milk) from some selected areas of Bangladesh by cultural, morphological, biochemical and antimicrobial sensitivity tests. In the preliminary observation, the mean total aerobic mesophilic count of market and farm raw milk samples were 8.98 and 8.68 log CFU/ml, while mean coliform count were 4.20 and 3.03 log CFU/ml respectively. Thirty-three E. coli isolates were recovered from collected samples (66% 33 of 50) and this pathogen was more prevalent in market milk (76%, 19 of 25) than farm milk (56%, 14 of 25). In addition, most of the isolated E. coli exhibited resistance against ampicillin and cefotaxime. This result shows that, the raw dairy milk and its products could be a source of human drug resistant E. coli.
Biological Activities of Stem, Leaves and Essential Oil of Cedrus deodara from District Poonch, Rawalakot Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Zaman Tahir , Syed Mubasher Sabir , Isfaq Sadaf , Khan Muhammad Sarfraz
Published: September 2018

Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D. Don) Loudon, is a high value medicinal plant found in flora of Poonch part of Himalayan region. The present study was conducted to determine and compare the antioxidant activity, quantification of phenolics and flavonoids, chelating ability, biofilm inhibition, thrombolytic activity and cytotoxicity of the stem, leaves of crudes extracts and essential oil. It can be claimed that that all parts of C. deodara including its essential oil is a rich source of phytochemicals that exhibited high quantity of phenolics ranged from (49.76±0.22 GAE to 60.36±0.44GAE mg/g) and flavonoids ranged from (4.78±0.61mg/g to 6.62±0.45 mg/g)but also exhibited antioxidant, metal chelating agent ability, antibacterial potential ranged from (35.59±0.50 to 61.61±0.61%)and thrombolytic activities ranged from (22.86±0.7 to 32. 64±0.5 %)with minimal toxicity ranged from (0.40±0.35 to 3.73±0.23%). Further studies are required to determine the bioactive compounds and bioactivity of plant extracts and fractions.
Analysis of Consumer‘s WTP for Cowpea Varieties in Osun State, Nigeria: the Hedonic Pricing Approach
Authors: Kassali Rabirou , Oyewale Abayomi Yusuf , Yesufu Olufemi Adedotun
Published: September 2018

Analysis of consumer preferences for cowpea varieties in Osun State was carried out with a view to identifying attributes that determine price variation among cowpea varieties and the effect on consumer‘s willingness to pay for those varieties. A multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select 240 respondents for the study, comprising 180 cowpea consumers and 60 retailers. Primary data were collected on cowpea varieties, their attributes and the consumer‘s willingness to pay for cowpea varieties using well structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that out of thirteen varieties found in the area, only nine varieties of cowpea were common in the market. The quality of each variety differs which explained variation in their price. In terms of preference the Oloyin variety is preferred most by 78% of consumers. Weevil resistance had the highest rank among the cowpea attributes. Oloyin had the highest WTP followed by Milk and Drum with â‚¦303, â‚¦237 and â‚¦213 per kg, respectively. Hedonic pricing methods provide a statistical estimate of premiums and discounts for cowpea attributes. Results indicated that weevil resistance was the most important attribute to consumer. Cowpeas with weevil damage tolerance, brown colour, large grain size and short cooking time commanded price premium for almost all the varieties. The consumer discounted prices for insect damage, small size, white colour, smooth skin and grain colour mixed together. The study concludes on the need for breeders and research institutes to incorporate these cowpea attributes that attracted price premium into their cowpea breeding programmes.
Analysis of Financial Performance in Dairy Enterprises; The Case Study of Konya, Turkey
Authors: Oğuz Cennet , Yener Aysun
Published: September 2018

Sustainability and development of the dairy enterprises are dependent on competitiveness. Determination of the performance of the enterprises requires measurement and analyses of the financial performance of the enterprises. The ability of dairy enterprises to continue and grow is dependent on competitiveness. It requires that the financial performance of the farm enterprises be measured and analysed in order for the enterprises to be able to detect the competition power in a healthy manner. The aim of the study is to analyse the financial performance of the dairy enterprises in Konya province by determining the capital structure. Çumra, Karapınar and Ereğli districts constituted 15% of the number of bovine animals, were selected by using sampling method. The number of dairy cattle in these enterprises constituted the main frame of the population the primary data collected from 125 dairy farm enterprises with questionnaire technique through stratified sampling method with 95% confidence interval and error margin of 5%. The capital structure of the enterprises surveyed in the research area was classified according to their functions and the average active capital of the enterprises was calculated as 845,330.85$. 67.87% of the active capital is composed of land capital, 31.70% is composed of fixed enterprises capital and 0.43% is variable working capital. The economic profitability level (EP) was determined as 6.90% and the financial profitability level (FP) indicated the success of the enterprise was calculated as 7.06%. The capital turnover rate, an important indicator in the success and comparison of the enterprises, is 28.22%. As a result, their development and competitiveness are slow, because they do not use enough business and investment capital.
Field Investigation on Sub-clinical Mastitis in Cows in Different areas of Barisal district in Bangladesh
Authors: Meher Mirza Mienur , Hasan Aliul , Afrin Marya
Published: September 2018

In every year, Subclinical mastitis (SCM) frequently occurs and results huge economic losses in livestock industry of Bangladesh. This study was redacted to estimate the present status of SCM in cow in selective area of Barisal district. For determining sub-clinical mastitis, a total of 152 milk samples of clinically suspected cows were subjected to White Side Test (WST) and Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT). Specifically, the milk samples of each individual cows which were positive to both WST and SFMT considered as SCM indicating 35.52% prevalence. Other than the local breed cows, the cross bred cows showed significantly higher prevalence, is 47.06%. In consideration to age variation, highest prevalence was observed at 5 to 7 years of age in both types where cross breed was 54.71% and 36.67% for local breed cows. Though highest prevalence was recorded as 34.78% in 2nd parity of local breed cows but the cross breed cows showed highest prevalence 54.55% in their 3rd parity. Afterward, non-pregnant cows showed the insignificantly higher prevalence (41.06%) than pregnant cows were 26.32%. Additionally, this study reported that the cross breed cows yielding more than 10 liters of milk (prevalence was 61.54%) were more prone to SCM than the others and also >5 to 10 liters milk producing local breed cows (prevalence was 31.03%) were more susceptible to SCM than others. In a short, this study revealed that high milk yielding cross breed cows are more likely to SCM after their 3rd calving.
El rescate de las concesiones de los servicios públicos. Jurisprudencia del Tribunal Supremo
Authors: Fernández Valverde Rafael
Published: September 2018

El rescate de las concesiones de los servicios públicos. Jurisprudencia del Tribunal Supremo
Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Keolahragaan (Survei Manajemen Sumber Daya Manusia Keolahragaan Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan Tahun 2012)
Authors: Parulian Toktong
Published: September 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk : (1) Mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan proses manajemen sumber daya manusia keolahragaan Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan, (2) Mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan potensi sumber daya manusia keolahragaan Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan. Metode yang dipakai dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif dengan mengambil tempat  di kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan. Sampel yang digunakan adalah purposive (snowball), dan berkembang selama proses penelitian. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh pelaku sumber daya manusia keolahragaan yang ada di Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan dengan jumlah sampel 177 orang. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara, observasi, kuesioner dan pengumpulan dokumen. Data-data yang terkumpul dianalisis menggunakan analisis interaktif yang meliputi reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan simpulan serta verifikasi. Temuan penelitian di lapangan meliputi : (1) Proses manajemen sumber daya manusia keolahragaan yang dilakukan oleh Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan telah memenuhi ketentuan-ketentuan berjalannya sebuah organisasi, yaitu berupa proses perencanaan, pengorganisasian, penggerakan dan pengawasan. (2) Potensi SDM keolahragaan Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan secara umum belum berkembang dan belum maksimal. Hal itu terlihat dari hasil data yang diperoleh dari beberapa indikator, yaitu jumlah SDM keolahragaan, kualifikasi, profesi, keterlibatan dalam olahraga, prestasi dan kesejahteraan.
Profil Kebugaran Jasmani Mahasiswa Penjaskesrek Semeter I FKIP UIR Tahun 2015/2016
Authors: Muspita Muspita , Kamarudin Kamarudin , Fernando Ricky
Published: September 2018

Kondisi kebugaran jasmani mahasiswa dapat dikembangkan secara maksimal sehingga dapat mencapai prestasi akademis yang maksimal. Tetapi pada kenyataannya, banyak para mahasiswa yang mengabaikan gaya hidup sehat seperti masih banyak begadang, merokok dan aktivitas negatif lainnya. Hal ini biasanya mengakibatkan penurunan kualitas kebugaran jasmani para mahasiswa, sehingga sulit dalam mencapai prestasi akademis yang optimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh gambaran yang jelas mengenai tingkat kebugaran jasmani mahasiswa mahasiswa penjaskesrek semester I FKIP UIR. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif. Subyek penelitian Mahasiswa Penjaskesrek Semester I FKIP UIR  sebanyak 55 orang. Instrument penelitian berupa lembar observasi tes kebugaran jasmani. Pada penelitian ini diteliti lima komponen kebugaran jasmani antara lain lari cepat 60 meter, angkat tubu, baring duduk, loncat tegak, lari jarak menengah 1200 meter. Data penelitian diperoleh dari hasil tes dan pengukuran kondisi fisik atlet sepakbola yang meliputi, tes sit up, tes vertical jump, tes bleep test, tes lari cepat 20 meter, tes sit and reach dan tes shuttle run. Hasil penelitian menunjukan secara keseluruhan kondisi kebugaran jasmani mahasiswa penjaskesrek semester I FKIP UIR tergolong pada kategori kurang.