bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive management of water resources based on an advanced entropy method to quantify agent information
Authors: Cheng Kun , Wei Shuai , Fu Qiang , Pei Wei , Li Tianxiao
Published: February 2019

Adaptive management is currently an important method to optimize the management of complex water resources systems. Regional water resources adaptive management was conducted based on the advanced theory of a complex system multi-agent model; the state of an agent was tracked and modified by information entropy theory, which was improved by using individual standard deviations. With the goal of optimizing the adaptation of each agent of the region, water resources in the major grain production area of China were managed under the constraints of the total annual available water resources and water use efficiency requirements for 2015 and 2030. By introducing the adaptive water resources management in 2015, the domestic benefits and economic benefits increased by 2.90% and 14.81%, respectively, with respect to observed values. The ecological benefits declined by 3.63%, but ecological water demand was fully satisfied, and the ecological water environment was improved. Given the water use efficiency targets in 2030, applying adaptive management resulted in an increase of domestic, economic, and ecological benefits of 34.29%, 21.14%, and 1.78%, respectively. The results show that the adaptive management method presented can help managers to balance the benefits of various agents to determine the direction of water resources management decisions.
Qualitative exploration of local knowledge, attitudes and use of Moringa oleifera seeds for home-based water purification and diarrhoea prevention in Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Aduro Agatha , Ebenso Bassey
Published: February 2019

This qualitative study explored stakeholders' knowledge of diarrhoea; their attitude to and perceptions of the use of Moringa oleifera seeds for home-based water treatment (HWT) and diarrhoea prevention in a low resource setting. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 13 respondents comprising rural community dwellers, health implementers and policy makers, and analysed using thematic analysis. Most rural community members interviewed had no knowledge of specific causes of diarrhoea or of the link between unsafe water and diarrhoeal diseases. They also practised inadequate or no methods of HWT. Although respondents were unaware of the use of M. oleifera seeds for HWT, community members and policymakers were keen on adopting it after observing demonstrations of its use for this purpose. Reasons for this behaviour change included easy accessibility to and a familiarity with M. oleifera for other uses. These results highlight the importance of providing health education on diarrhoea and water safety to motivate and empower community members to adopt healthy HWT behaviours. The use of M. oleifera seeds for HWT should be taught and advocated because it is a cheap, efficient and acceptable method of water purification for stakeholders.
Exploring Mortality Rates for Major Causes of Death in Korea
Authors: Oh Hyo Jung , Yang Donng Min , Kim Chong Hyuck , Jeon Jae Gyu , Jung Nam Hyung , Kim Chan Young , Symanzik Jürgen , Oh Hyo Won , Edwin Akugizibwe , Il Seong , Ahn Jeong Yong
Published: February 2019

Background:

The trends and patterns of the mortality rates for causes of death are meaningful information. They can provide a basis for national demographic and health care policies by identifying the number, causes, and geographical distribution of deaths.

Objective:

To explore and analyze the characteristics of the mortality rates for major causes of death in Korea.

Methods:

Some common data analysis methods were used to describe the data. We also used some visualization techniques such as heat maps and line plots to present mortality rates by gender, age, and year.

Results:

Our analysis shows the crude mortality rates have continually decreased over the last 25 years from 1983, though they have increased slightly since 2006. In addition, the top eight causes of death accounted for 80% of all Korean deaths in 2015. During the period 2005-2015, the leading cause of death was cancer in male and circulatory diseases in female. The trend for respiratory diseases shows a steep upward trend in males, while a similar trend can be observed for respiratory and nervous system diseases in females.

Conclusion:

The deaths for circulatory, respiratory, nervous system, digestive, and infectious diseases are the highest in the age 80 to 84, while cancer is the leading cause of death for ages 75 to 79. In addition, the mortality rates for circulatory, nervous, and respiratory diseases increase rapidly after the age of 80. Therefore, policies on health and welfare for the elderly are getting more and more important.
Documental político en Norteamérica: una herramienta de contrainformación y configuración de las identidades políticas
Authors: Cordero Marines Liliana
Published: February 2019

Este artículo aborda el documental político en Norteamérica a principios del siglo xxi. El estadunidense Michael Moore, los canadienses Jennifer Abbot, Mark Achbar y Joel Bakan, directores de The Corporation (2003), y el mexicano Carlos Mendoza de Canal 6 de Julio, se caracterizan por hacer documentales críticos que cuestionan los sistemas políticos y sus efectos. Para entender el papel del documental en el mundo histórico, recurrimos a la teoría cinematográfica y a los avances en torno al videoactivismo. La contribución consiste en mostrar aspectos característicos respecto a ciertos procesos históricos de denuncia política y la producción contemporánea de cine documental.
The U. S. Presidential Elections from the Point Of View of the European Press
Authors: De las Heras-Pedrosa Carlos , Jambrino-Maldonado Carmen , Iglesias-Sánchez Patricia , Lugo-Ocando Jairo
Published: February 2019

Public relations strategies based on dramatization are key tools to achieving success in electoral campaigns. Press offices play a fundamental role as theatre directors, turning their leaders into great actors. What at first glance would look like a theatrical performance is, more than ever, what happened in the US presidential elections. Newspapers are intensifying the use of visual elements to reinforce the news. This research paper analyses 2,463 articles from eight digital newspapers in four countries to learn about the impact of visuals and dramatization on the European press. It seems paradoxical that the progressive newspapers devoted more articles to Trump than the conservative newspapers. A lack of time on the part of the journalists? What is certain is that the visuals prepared by Trump’s press office and his perfectly designed public appearances, were reproduced by the media. The study shows that the progressive newspapers analysed have contributed to giving Trump greater visibility in Europe.
Deserción y graduación estudiantil universitaria: una aplicación de los modelos de supervivencia
Authors: Osorio Ana María , Bolancé Catalina , Castillo Caicedo Maribel
Published: February 2019

La permanencia de un estudiante en la universidad y la culminación con éxito de sus estudios es un tema de interés, no sólo a nivel de las instituciones de educación superior (IES) sino de toda la sociedad, debido a sus múltiples implicaciones. Este trabajo pretende identificar cuándo es más probable que un alumno abandone o se gradúe en la universidad y cuáles son las características individuales y académicas que más se relacionan con la duración y riesgo de cada evento. Los datos utilizados corresponden a una cohorte de estudiantes de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Cali, Colombia. La estimación de modelos de supervivencia en tiempo discreto permite concluir que la deserción está más influenciada por variables de tipo académico, mientras que en la graduación influyen tanto las características personales como las académicas.
Formación de docentes en la educación superior: la experiencia del Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal
Authors: Seco Graça Maria Santos , Pereira Ana Patrícia Sousa , Alves Sandra da Graça Pereira , Filipe Luís André Pereira Veludo , Duarte Ana Lúcia
Published: February 2019

El Instituto Politécnico de Leiria (IPL) es una institución pública portuguesa de educación superior constituida por cinco escuelas. El Servicio de Apoyo al Estudiante (SAPE) del IPL pretende promover el éxito académico y el bienestar de los estudiantes desarrollando sus actividades en tres grandes ejes: apoyo psicológico y vocacional, apoyo psicopedagógico, y orientación y acompañamiento personal. Siendo que la investigación ha destacado la importancia de la naturaleza y calidad de las prácticas pedagógicas de los docentes en la educación superior para la promoción del éxito académico de sus estudiantes, el SAPE ha venido a dinamizar, desde el año académico de 2007-2008, algunas propuestas formativas para los maestros del IPL. En este artículo pretendemos presentar los principales objetivos, temas, participantes y dinámicas de las acciones de formación realizadas del 2007 al 2010. En su conjunto, participaron en estas acciones 376 docentes de las cinco escuelas del IPL que, de forma general, las evaluaron de forma muy positiva.
Leer para aprender y aprender a leer en la universidad. Entre lecturas estéticas y eferentes
Authors: Rapetti Marcela , Vélez Gisela
Published: February 2019

En este artículo se describen algunos aspectos centrales de la relación que establecen con la lectura los estudiantes universitarios. La descripción se realiza a partir del análisis de relatos de experiencias de lectura escritos por dos grupos de ingresantes a la universidad (2002-2007). El estudio se apoya en conceptos desarrollados por la psicología sociocultural y las teorías transaccionales de la lectura. El análisis de los relatos está orientado por la teoría fundamentada en los datos. Los resultados muestran vínculos entre posturas eferentes y estéticas, expresados en los relatos a partir de lo que los lectores evocan y lo que la lectura provoca.
Cytospora rhizophorae Kohlm. & E. Kohlm (Valsaceae, Ascomycota) en la República Dominicana
Authors: Perdomo Omar Paíno , Miniño Virgilio , Rodríguez de Francisco Luis , León Yolanda
Published: February 2019

Cytospora rhizophorae es un hongo patogeno y causa la muerte regresiva del mangle. Los cuerpos fructiferos son de color amarillo anaranjado, y requiere de una herida para infectar el huesped. Esta especie esta adaptada a las altas temperaturas y concentraciones elevadas de salinidad. Se reporta la especie por primera vez para la Republica Dominicana sobre Rhizophora mangle y se documenta por primera vez la nanoornamentacion de los cirros.
Notas sobre la distribución del género Sematophyllum (Sematophyllaceae) en la República Dominicana
Authors: L. Mateo Jiménez Amelia , Guerrero Ángela , Jiménez Cristopher
Published: February 2019

La familia Sematophyllaceae es una de las familias con mayor cantidad de especies localizadas en el Caribe. El genero Sematophyllum presenta unas cinco especies para la Republica Dominicana, sin embargo, existen pocos estudios sobre su distribucion geografica en la isla. Utilizando las bases de datos en linea y revisions bibliograficas, se pretende determinar la distribucion del genero en territorio dominicanas. Los registros de herbarios muestran que el genero Sematophyllum esta representada por seis especies: S. adnatum, S. subpinnatum, S. subsimplex, S galipense, S. swartzii y S. tequendamense esta ultima es un nuevo reporte para la Cordillera Central.
Editorial
Authors: Perdomo Omar Paíno
Published: February 2019

No precisa de un resumen.
Citizen-Oriented Service Delivery and Innovation in the Passport Office in Indonesia
Authors: Purnomo Agung Sulistyo
Published: February 2019

Public service delivery in Indonesia has undergone several adjustments since the fall of the authoritarian regime until the present time. This reform is marked by the utilisation of Information and communication technology in public services. Imigrasi is one of the public agencies that make the most of this technology development by launching a wide range of innovations in the field of public service. Consequently, according to the internal survey, public satisfaction level rises significantly. This outstanding achievement, however, is the subject of contestation before the principles of the New Public Service and the fundamental value of the Critical System Heuristics. As a support to these frameworks, a collaboration model from the Theory of Change will be elaborated. The project uses secondary data obtained from Imigrasi and assessed by the qualitative method. This work concludes by determining the appropriate ways to deliver the public services, especially in the Online Passport Service program and the following innovations as well as its implication towards public satisfaction level and trust. Some possible recommendations such as institutionalizing public participation and adopting a semi-autonomous system of local offices are believed to become a solutive decision towards world class public services.
Sprouts as functional food- an approach towards the identification of natural antibiotic resistance breakers
Authors: Abiraami Valli. S , Gowrie S. Uma
Published: February 2019

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these medicines. Investigation studies related to discovery of novel antibiotics to deal with antibacterial resistance from natural edible food products have been one of the significant research interests in recent years. The main objective of the study is to identify the bioactive compounds having the natural antibiotic resistance breaking property, by giving scientific validation to the existing bioactive compounds present in the sprouts and recommending the horse gram and mixed sprouts as a natural dietary supplement, a measure for the management of the disease, Shigellosis. Qualitative screening of the phytoconstituents (using different solvent extracts) and quantitative analysis of the primary and secondary phytoconstituents were carried out in methanol and aqueous extracts of the horse gram and mixed sprouts (fresh and dried) using standard protocols in two different samples- horse gram sprouts (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.) and mixed sprouts of combination (Cicer arietinum L. (Chick pea), Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. (horse gram) and Vigna radiata (L.). Antibacterial activity of both the samples against human pathogens namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Shigella flexneri were studied. In horse gram and mixed sprouts, maximum zone of inhibitions were shown by Shigella flexneri, a food and water borne pathogen leading to outbreaks of Shigellosis, a major public health concern. Ciprofloxacin is a broad spectrum of antimicrobial carboxyfluoroquinolones. The bactericidal action of Ciprofloxacin is by inhibiting DNA gyrase, a type II topoisomerase and topoisomerase IV, which are required for bacterial DNA replication. Phytochemical characterization (FTIR and GC-MS) and antibacterial studies proved the presence of essential phytoconstituents like terpenoids, fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Several bioactive compounds obtained from GC-MS analysis were screened for Ciprofloxacin antibiotic resistance. The specific phytoconstituents, DL-Proline from horse gram sprouts and Geranyl geraniol from mixed sprouts was tend to act as novel antibiotic resistance breakers which was proved through in silico docking.
Effectual qualitative chemical evaluation of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. by using fluorescence analysis
Authors: Sharma Gaurav Kumar , Dhanawat Meenakshi
Published: February 2019

Objective -Plants contain numerous biologically active compounds, many of these have been shown to exhibit therapeutic and antimicrobial properties and therefore they were in use as antimicrobial drugs in traditional medicines. Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. Assessment of medication implies affirmation of its personality and assurance of its quality and virtue and recognition of nature of debasement. Throughout the years the nature and level of assessment of rough medications has experienced an efficient changes. Hence, in the present study an attempt has been made for effectual qualitative evaluation of dried powdered leaves and stem of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. by fluorescence analysis.

Design & Intervention- The dried powdered sample of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. leaves and stem has been used to perform fluorescence analysis under the visible day light and UV light of short wavelength (254 nm) and long wavelength (365 nm) for their characteristic colour.

Main outcome measures- The ultra violet light creates fluorescence in numerous common items, which don't noticeably fluoresce in sunshine. In the event that the substances themselves are not fluorescent, they may frequently be changed over into fluorescent subordinates or disintegration items by applying diverse reagents. The hues created by these reagents speak to the nearness of dynamic constituents.

Results- The fluorescence character of any powdered character of any powdered medication is exceptionally particular and supportive distinctive highlights for the assurance of a medication.

Conclusion- The dried powder and herbal extracts of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. leaves and stem showed varied fluorescence character which is an essential parameter for standardization of herbs.

Keywords: Euphorbia neriifolia Linn., Standardization, Fluorescence analysis, Evaluation, Euphorbiaceae.
Formulation and evaluation of floating microspheres of losartan potassium using sodium alginate and HPMC by solvent evaporation method
Authors: Purohit Kapil , Garud Navneet
Published: February 2019

Hollow multі-unіt mіcrospheres were prepared by a solvent dіffusіon technіque іn emulsіon wіth a drug and an acrylіc polymer. These were dіssolved іn a mіxture of ethanol-dіchloromethane and poured іnto an aqueous solutіon of PVA wіth stіrrіng to form emulsіon droplets. The rate of drug release іn mіcro balloons was controlled by changіng the ratіo of polymer to drug. The mіcroballoons were floatіng іn vіtro for 12-24 hours when submerged іn aqueous medіa. Radіographіc studіes showed that mіcroballons admіnіstered orally to humans were dіspersed іn the upper part of the stomach and were held there for 3 hours agaіnst perіstaltіc movement. Floating Microspheres of Losartan potassium were formed by Solvent Evaporation method .The formulas LP7 of Losartan Potassium Floating Microspheres shows a very good drug release profiles and shown better sustained action till the end of last hour (24th hrs). It will improve patient compliance and increase in bioavailability which give better approach to treat hypertensive condition and the angiotensin receptor blocking action of Losartan lower the long term complications of Hypertension and reduce the risk of heart failure, CHF, Myocardial Infarction and also vascular damage in blood vessels and kidney.

Keywords: Losartan Potassium, Floating microspheres, Drug Entrapment, In-vitro drug release.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Some New Rhodanine Analogues as Aldose Reductase Inhibitors (ARIs)
Authors: Khan Neelam , Gautam Girendra , Gupta Arun K.
Published: February 2019

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting long-term secondary complication. Aldose reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway, plays a key role in the treatment of diabetic complications. Appropriately, inhibition of this enzyme is emerging as a major therapeutic strategy for the pathogenesis of secondary complication. In this study, we describe a series of 5 aryl benzylidene -thiazolidine, 4-dione derivatives, F3 synthesized as aldose reductase inhibitors. Besides inhibiting efficiently the target enzyme, F4 and F5 showed additional AR inhibitory as well as hypoglycaemic activity (146.15 and 175.20 mg/dl ) thus emerging as novel dual acting compounds. The bezylidene derivative F3, the most promising of the whole series, showed a well-balanced, consisting of ALR2 inhibitory efficacy (83.00% at 10µg/mL), similarly, F3 have lower blood glucose level in the range of 131.11 mg/dl at 15 mg/kg body weight. This compound show robust in vitro and in vivo efficacy, and could be considered as promising dual target antidiabetic drug candidates.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, Aldose reductase inhibitors
A Study on Establishment of Phytochemical Analysis of Quality Parameters and Fluorescence Analysis of Costus spicatus- rhizome extract Medicinal Plants a Well Known Tropical Folklore Medicine
Authors: Azhagumadhavan S , Senthilkumar S , Padma M , Sasikala P , Jayaseelan T , Ganesan S
Published: February 2019

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic pharmacognostical characters of Costus spicatus in rhizomes extract along with their physico-chemical parameters and fluorescence analysis.

Methods: The pharmacognostical characters were determined in terms of macroscopy, microscopy, Powder microscopy, rhizome constant, fluorescence analysis and Preliminary phytochemical investigation.

Result: The fluorescence characteristics of rhizome powdered extracts were determined under UV radiation of long and short wavelengths and ordinary visible light. When the powdered drug and extracts were treated with different reagents and observed under UV and ordinary light, they emitted various colour radiations. The colour change for the rhizome powder and individual extract were distinctive and reproducible revealing the solvent properties to the phytoconstituents and data is present. The moister content was calculated through the loss on drying method and was found to be 1.43%. The swelling and foaming index values were recorded. The phytochemical investigation indicates the presence of the organic phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, carbohydrate, flavonoids, protein, amino acids, phenols, tannin, glycosides, steroids and inorganic constituents like iron, phosphate, sulphate and chlorides.

Conclusion: Various pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters have pivotal roles in identification, authentication and establishment of quality parameters of the species.

Keywords: Costus spicatus, Physico-Chemical parameters and fluorescence analysis.
Peptide Conjugated Lipid Nanoparticles for Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Xiao Wei
Published: February 2019

Peptide Conjugated Lipid Nanoparticles and their role on Cancer Drug Delivery are reviewed here. The benefits of nanotechnology and combination style of medicine delivery are still hindered without the active ligands needed for treatment efficacy. This work analyzes the role of peptide ligands in different forms of cancer treatments targeting cells and tissues.
A Review on anti-epileptic activity of seaweed Ecklonia cava
Authors: Owoalade Samiat Abimbola , Martin Lou Diana Moria , Yadav Kashikant , Poudel Sumitra
Published: February 2019

The Present study was undertaken to investigate the Anticonvulsant activity of sea weed extract of Ecklonia cava on electrically and chemically induced seizures in wistar rat. The methanolic seaweed extract was studied for its anticonvulsant activity by using experimental paradigms like Maximal electroshock-induced seizures (MES). Expected to exhibited protection against tonic convulsions induced by MES in wistar rats. Objective of these studies were designed to screen the antiepileptic activity of the seaweed Ecklonia cava in experimental laboratory animals.

Keywords: Antiepileptic Activity, Ecklonia cava (E.C), seizures, Flexon, Hind Limb Extension, Electroencephalography (EEG)
Application of polymeric nanoparticles in oral delivery of recombinant human erythropoietin: A review
Authors: Dhapake Pankaj Rajendra , Avari Jasmine G
Published: February 2019

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin drugs are known as erythropoietin stimulating agents which stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells in the body. It is used an antianemic in the treatment of renal anemia and chemotherapy induced anemia. It also use in treatment of HIV, cerebral malaria and neurological disease like schizophrenia. The recombinant human erythropoietin dosage form currently available in the market is parenteral dosage form that is ready for injection liquid vial (syringe), which is usually administered 2-3 times weekly. To achieve a therapeutic effect of parenterally administered EPO, cumulative doses are required that significantly exceed levels of endogenous EPO. These high serum levels result in prolonged circulation times of EPO and unspecific binding to non-targeted tissue, which may lead to severe undesired side effects i.e. growth of tumor and also increased risk of death. By using the nanotechnology, side effects and toxicity related to high dose of erythropoietin should be reduces and prolong drug release. this will achieve by reducing administration frequency and lowering dosage of erythropoietin.

Keywords: Recombinant Human Erythropoietin, Nanoparticle, Prolong drug release, Anemia
Extraction, Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Secondary Metabolites of Corchorus Olitorius
Authors: Patil D K , Jain Alok Pal
Published: February 2019

Jute (Corchorus spp.) leaf has long been used as a remedy in many cultures. Jute leaf products, which include the leaf juice, fried leaf and some time whole green leaf are used, among other reasons, as laxatives, in creams for skin care, and as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, respectively. The heterogeneous nature of jute leaf products may contribute to the diverse biological and therapeutic activities that have been observed. The aim of the present study is to examine Corchorus olitorius whole plant for phytochemical profile. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. The present study provides evidence that successive solvent extracts of Corchorus olitorius contains medicinally important bioactive compounds and this justifies the use of plant species as traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases. Quantitative analysis of flavonoids was carried out by aluminium chloride method. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, fixed oil and fats. The total flavonoids content of whole plant extracts was found to be chloroform- 0.505, ethyl acetate-1.300, methanol-2.050, aqueous-1.785 mg/100mg.The present study concluded that the crude extract of Corchorus olitorius is a potential source of various activates and this justifies its use in folkloric medicine.

Keywords: Corchorus olitorius, Qualitative, Quantitative analysis, Total flavonoids
Prevalence of impaired renal function in patients of liver cirrhosis with or without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Dutta Siddhartha , Chawla Shalini , Srivastava Siddharth , Loomba Poonam , Roy Vandana
Published: February 2019

Background: Renal Impairment (RI) is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) a complication in cirrhosis further aggravates and worsens the scenario. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio (BCR) is one of the common laboratory tests used to distinguish prerenal azotemia (PR) from acute tubular necrosis and proves to be handy in absence of other tests.

Objective: To find the prevalence of renal impairment in the patients of liver cirrhosis with or without SBP.

Design and Setting: Observational, prospective, single centre study.

Methods: Cirrhotic patients with SBP or low Ascitic fluid protein were enrolled. RI was considered if the serum creatinine or urea or both were above the reference range. BCR was obtained for each patient and divided based on BCR <20 and BCR>20. Assessment of variability of BCR values was done by further dividing them into eight subgroups (<10, 10–15, 16–20, 21–25, 26–30, 31–35, 36-40 and >40).

Results: 34 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups. Group A with 22 patients with SBP and group B with 12 patients with low ascitic fluid protein. Group A had 77.27% patients with RI and group B had 58.33%. Majority of the patients had BCR>20 group denoting a RI of PR type. Three patients had BCR>40 indicating towards a probable gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Conclusion: This study gives an idea about the common occurrence of renal impairment in the patients of liver cirrhosis and ascites which needs early intervention to improve the prognosis.  

Keywords: Renal Impairment; Renal failure; Blood urea nitrogen creatinine ratio; BCR Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis; Liver cirrhosis
Evaluation of phytochemical, antioxidant, and In-vitro antidiarrhoeal, activity of Euphorbia hirta
Authors: Mir Suhail Ahmad , Maqbool Mudasir , Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad , Bhat Ahsan Ullaha , Bader Ghulam Nabi
Published: February 2019

Background:  The current study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical, antioxidant, and In-vitro antidiarrheal properties of Euphorbia hirta

Methods: Extracts were obtained using cold extraction, hot extraction and autoclave extraction methods using Methanol, Chloroform, Petroleum ether and distilled water as solvents. Crude extracts were screened for different phytochemical constituents like sugars, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides etc. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using spectrophotometric method. The in-vitro antidiarrheal activity was elucidated by the antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion method.

Results: Methanol proved to be a good solvent for extraction. In-vitro antidiarrheal activity was shown by all extracts on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhi bacteria which are mainly responsible for diarrhea.

Conclusion: From the phytochemical screening it shows presence of phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins. The plant also shows antioxidant activity, methnolic extracts shows higher activity and it shows In-vitro antidiarrhoeal activity which clearly indicates that the plant can be used for the treatment of diarrhea. Further studies should be done to isolate the compound responsible for activity in the experimental animals.

Keywords: Euphrobia hirta, autoclave extraction, antidiarrheal, phytochemicals.
Acute and sub-acute toxicity study of Trema orientalis (L.) Bl. methanol extract in rats
Authors: Hemalatha T , Ahino Mary D , Saravana Ganthi A
Published: February 2019

The medicinal plants find wide applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural and food industry. Trema orientalis has emerged as a good source of phytomedicine. T. orientalis has beneficial therapeutic properties, and indicates that it has potential as an effective herbal remedy for several diseases.  The present study was undertaken to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of methanol powder extract of aerial part of Trema orientalis. There were no major changes in the body weight of animal treated with plant extract. The biochemical parameters like ALP, SGPT, SGOT, total protein, globulin, albumin and bilirubin were within the normal limit in the plant extract treated groups of animals. The present study shows that the methanolic extract of Trema orientalis is safe in lower dose for pharmaceutical analysis.

Keywords: Acute toxicity, biochemical parameters, Sub-acute toxicity, Trema orientalis
Design of Experiments for the Establishment of the Dissolution Test Conditions of Rupatadine Fumarate 10 mg tablets
Authors: Luis Castillo Henríquez , German Madrigal Redondo , Rolando Vargas Zúñiga , Gustavo Carazo Berrocal
Published: February 2019

Design of Experiments (DoE) is a statistical model that aims to determine if the factors under study affect the response, and if so, it determines the conditions under which this variable of interest can be optimized. In terms of pharmaceutical technology, independent variables are usually factors of the formulation, while dependent variables are properties of the product or parameters that indicate the performance of the process. Precisely, the dissolution test is a tool of interest for the developers of medicines since it allows them to evaluate the performance of a formulation designed in a solid pharmaceutical form, such as tablets. The present investigation used the design of experiments to establish and optimize the conditions of the dissolution test of a 10 mg Rupatadine fumarate tablets formulation, resulting in the use of HCl 0,1 N (pH 1) dissolution medium and a rotation speed of 100 rpm for the apparatus II USP, which allow the analysis of the product in a reproducible and reliable way.

Keywords: Analysis of variances, Design of experiments, Dissolution test, Factorial design, Rupatadine Fumarate, Tablets, Test conditions.
OPTIMISATION OF STARCH OXALATE AS A NOVEL SUPERDISINTEGRANT IN FAST DISSOLVING SYSTEMS OF POORLY SOLUBLE DRUGS
Authors: RADA SANTOSH KUMAR , Satya Yagnesh T. Naga
Published: February 2019

Objective: To enhance the solubility of poorly soluble drugs by using 23 factorial design in the formulation of fast dissolving tablets by employing starch oxalate as a superdisintegrant.

Methods: Starch oxalate was synthesized by gelatinization process. The physical and micromeritic properties were performed to evaluate the synthesized starch oxalate. By using 23 factorial design, atenolol fast dissolving tablet was prepared by employing starch oxalate as a superdisintegrant in different proportions in each case by direct compression method. In the evaluation of fast dissolving tablets the drug content, hardness, friability, disintegration time and other dissolution characteristics were utilized.

Results: The starch oxalate prepared was found to be fine, free-flowing completely amorphous powder. The compatibility between atenolol and starch oxalate were studied and showed no interaction. The drug content, hardness, and friability have been effective with regard to all the formulated fast dissolving tablets employing starch oxalate. The optimised formulation F8 has the least disintegration time i.e., 24±0.06s. The In–vitro wetting time was less (i.e., 28s) in optimized formulation F8. The water absorption ratio of the formulated tablets was found to be more in F8 formulation 94.42±0.18%. The cumulative drug dissolved in the optimized formulation F8 was found to be 98.70±0.24% in 5 min.

Conclusion: The dissolution efficiency of atenolol was enhanced when starch oxalate was found to be a superdisintegrant when combined with sodium starch glycolate, crospovidone and, hence to provide immediate release of the formulated fast dissolving tablets contained drug it could be used.
Infection of Mycobacterium mageritense at surgical site: A first case report of India
Authors: RAO MANDAVA V
Published: February 2019

A 27 years old non diabetic, normotensive, female had undergone lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) with tubular ligation. She complained discharge at left side of stitch line after about 5 weeks of operation, and was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics. As she did not improve, first and second debridement was done in January and February 2017 and pyogenic cultures sent were sterile. Later she was advised  for Multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) in March 2017, which revealed accumulations in pre-peritoneal space of urinary bladder posteriorly and reached to anterior wall of uterus. This pus was from multiple sinuses and were sent for mycobacterial cultures which showed growth of MOTT- M.mageritense further identified by MALDI-TOF and supported by molecular technologies. After identification of this Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM). She was treated for the same and recovered completely after seven months of anti-NTM treatment. This is the first reported case of M. mageritense in skin and soft tissue in India. Literature also reports a few cases around the globe.
Design expert assisted mathematical optimization of solubility and study of fast disintegrating tablets of Lercanidipine Hydrochloride
Authors: Saini Seema , Garg Rajeev
Published: February 2019

90% of drugs being researched today, posses poor solubility setback which inturn renders  the drug with slower rate of absorption from the buccal route; hence dissolution is the rate limiting step for such lipophilic drugs. So, there is a need to keep a check on the dissolution profile of these drugs to ensure maximum therapeutic utilization. The dissolution rate therefore becomes a primary factor which governs the rate and extent of its absorption. Enormous work is being performed in the field of enhancement of solubility and dissolution behaviour of such drugs. Advancements and innovations have developed solid dispersion (SD) technique as the novel method for the solubility enhancement. Precision of dosing and patient's compliance is a crucial prerequisite for the management of chronic Antihypertensive treatment, So there arised a need to formulate a system which should resolve the difficulties associated with conventional tablets. This issue can be better tackled with the formulation of orally fast disintegrating tablets. The aim of the present study was to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of Lercanidipine hydrochloride (LRH) by formulating a solid dispersion with Polyvinyl pyrollidine (PVP-K30) and Guargum. Full Factorial designs are exploited to learn and research the effects of different variables on the quality determinant parameters. An appropriate statistical model was selected for the scrutiny of the enhanced dissolution pattern. Finally, these solid dispersions were incorporated into fast disintegrating tablets.

Keywords: Lercanidipine Hydrochloride, Solid dispersion, Statistical design approach, Melt fusion method, Fast disintegrating tablet, In vivo studies
Formulation and Evaluation of Chlorpheniramine Maleate Mouth Dissolving Films
Authors: Teja D , Jasvanth E , Mounika B , Nalluri Buchi N
Published: February 2019

The present investigation was aimed at preparation and evaluation of mouth dissolving films (MDFs) of an anti-histamine drug, Chlorpheniramine Maleate (CPM) to enhance convenience and compliance to the elderly and paediatric patients. The MDFs were prepared using wet film applicator and evaluated for physicochemical and physicomechanical properties. MDFs were prepared with 0.6% and 0.8% w/w CPM. The MDFs with 0.8% w/w drug load showed re-crystallisation within 10 days, while the MDFs with 0.6% w/w CPM load were transparent with no re-crystallization. The effect of film formers, film thickness, film modifiers, saliva stimulating and soothing agents on the physicomechanical properties and CPM release from MDFs were evaluated. MDFs casted at 30mil thickness containing poly ethylene glycol (PEG-400) as plasticizer showed superior CPM release rates along with good physicomechanical properties. MDFs with hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) E3 as film former gave superior CPM release rate when compared to E5 and E15 formulations. MDFs with poly vinyl pyrrolidone K30 (PVPK30) gave superior drug release properties when compared to MDFs without PVP K30. The MDFs with citric acid (CA) and xylitol gave superior CPM release than the other MDFs. Release kinetics data reveals diffusion as drug release mechanism.
Novel Algorithm of CPU-GPU hybrid system for health care data classification
Authors: Tanweer Safdar , Rao Naseem
Published: February 2019

Due to advancements in portable health monitoring technology, such systems have become more and more economical & efficient. This in turn has resulted in a huge amount of data being generated every moment by millions of users of such portable devices. Such voluminous data may include audio, video, and image, and text representing blood pressure, temperature, vocal activity, ECG, sugar level etc. In the Proposed algorithm, first step is assignment, where clusters are assigned to a patient data and the  second step is update, which takes the mean of the coordinates of all the data in its cluster.  Medical practitioners and service providers can use such data to discover various patterns and useful insights. Such insights can be very useful on understanding various trends during epidemics, such as Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya and other such outbreaks. A faster and economical way to get such insights is of paramount importance.

Keywords: health monitoring; GPU; ECG; epidemics; data mining
Rational Way of Forming Stubble Coulisses under North Kazakhstan Conditions
Authors: Astaf'ev V. L.
Published: February 2019

The main limiting factor for increasing yields in the arid steppe conditions of Northern Kazakhstan is moisture. Shoots are usually uneven due to the lack of moisture at the initial stage of their growing. The main source of moisture in this period is winter precipitation. Currently, the following methods of winter precipitation moisture accumulation are used in North Kazakhstan: leaving high standing stubble, seeding coulisses on pure fallow fields, herbicide (chemical) fallow field, snow ridging, harvesting of crops with continuous combining; and forming stubble coulisses. The most preferable way of increasing snow moisture accumulation is the formation of stubble coulisses that can be done in two ways.

Research purpose Efficiency evaluation of the ways of forming stubble coulisses.

Materials and methods Agroengineering and technological evaluation is used as a main research method of different ways of forming stubble coulisses, which is followed by the selection of a more preferable way.

Results and discussion It has been found that in snowy winter both ways of forming stubble coulisses – with alternative passes of a direct combining reaper and a stripping reaper and using a direct combining reaper with a stripper adapter – have shown the same results. However, when there is a little snow in winter, the second way provides more intensive snow accumulation.

Conclusions It has been experimentally found that using the direct combining reaper with the stripper adapter decreases labour inputs by 17.8% and total costs by 23.8% as compared to the formation of coulisses by using sequential passes of the direct combining and the stripping reapers. It has been found that the formation of stubble coulisses every 5-9 meters along with in-line para-plowing at a depth of up to 35 cm provides the highest yield increase of in snowy winter as compared to the conventional ways of moisture accumulation.
Holmium Laser Treatment of an Obstructive Ureterocele in an Adult Patient: A Case Report and Video
Authors: Abdalla Omer , Phan Yih Chyn , Sriprasad Seshadri
Published: February 2019

Adult Ureteroceles are uncommon, majority of which are asymptomatic and commonly found incidentally. Surgical deroofing is indicated in patients with bothersome symptoms or complications secondary to ureteroceles. Several deroofing techniques has been described in the literature including nephroscopic scissors, collin's knife, and use of lasers in the last two decades became popular. Herein we report a case and demonstare our technique of using Holmium laser to treat an adult with symptomatic obstructive unilateral ureterocele.
Jamu formula could reduce plasma cholesterol patients with mild Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Zulkarnain Zuraida , Triyono Agus , Novianto Fajar
Published: February 2019

Latar belakang: Pengobatan hiperkolesterolemia sering berlangsung seumur hidup sehingga menyebabkanpenderita meninggalkan obat kimia dan memilih obat herbal. Penelitian ini merupakan uji klinik yang bertujuanuntuk mengetahui khasiat dari formula jamu antikolesterol yang terdiri dari daun jati belanda, daun jati cina,daun tempuyung, daun teh hijau, rimpang temulawak, rimpang kunyit dan herba meniran dalam menurunkankadar kolesterol darah sebagai bagian dari program Saintifikasi Jamu.

Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuasi eksperimental dengan desain pre dan post. Jumlah subjek50 pasien dengan hiperkolesterolemia ringan yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi. Penelitian dilakukan di RumahRiset Jamu (RRJ) Hortus Medicus Tawangmangu pada bulan September sampai Desember 2014. Uji statistikyang digunakan adalah uji t berpasangan dengan bantuan program SPSS 16.

Hasil: Formula jamu antihiperkolesterol yang diminum setiap hari selama 28 hari mampu menurunkan rataratakadar kolesterol plasma subjek dari 212.42 mg / dl menjadi 196.6 mg / dl. Uji t test berpasangan didapatkanhasil p<0,05 yang berarti ada perbedaan rerata kadar kolesterol sebelum dan sesudah pemberian jamu.Kesimpulan: Formula jamu antihiperkolesterol mampu menurunkan kadar kolesterol plasma pasiendengan hiperkolesterolemia ringan pada pemberian selama 28 hari. (Health Science Journal of Indonesia2018;9(2):87-92)

Kata kunci: hiperkosterolemia, jamu, saintifikasi jamu

Abstract

Background: Treatment of hypercholesterolemia often lasts a lifetime, therefore patients leavechemical drugs and choose herbal medicines. The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate the efficacy ofantihiperkolesterol jamu formula consists of Guazuma ulmifolia leaves, Cassia senna leaves, Sonchusarvensis leaves, Camellia sinensis leaves, Curcuma xanthorrhiza rhizomes, Curcuma longa rhizomes andPhyllanthus niruri herbs to lowering cholesterol plasma level as part of Saintifikasi Jamu program.

Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental with pre and post test design. The total subjects were 50patients with mild hypercholesterolemia who met the inclusion criteria. The research took place at RRJ‘Hortus Medicus’ Tawangmangu between September to December 2014. The data were analyzed using apaired t-test with SPSS 16 software.

Results: Results showed jamu anticholesterol formula which is taken every day for 28 days lowered themean of cholesterol plasma level of 212.42 mg / dl to 196.6 mg / dl. Paired t test at 95% confidence levelacquired p value <0.05, showed that there is significant differences in the mean cholesterol level subjectsbefore and after the study.

Conclusion: The administration of jamu antihypercholesterol formula for 28 days could reduce plasmacholesterol level in subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia. (Health Science Journal of Indonesia2018;9(2):87-92)

Keywords: hypercholesterolemia, Jamu, Saintifikasi Jamu
Determining fuzzy distance through non-self fuzzy contractions
Authors: Saha Parbati , Guria Shantanu , Choudhury Binayak
Published: February 2019

In the present work we solve the problem of finding the fuzzy distance between two subsets of a fuzzy metric space for which we use a non-self fuzzy contraction mapping from one set to the other. It is a fuzzy extension of the proximity point problem which is by its nature a problem of global optimization. The contraction is defined here by two control functions. We define a geometric property of the fuzzy metric space. The main result is illustrated with an example. Our result extends a fuzzy version of the Banach contraction mapping principle.
New findings on protected and strictly protected species confirm the value of the prime hoverfly area network
Authors: Jankovic Marina , Milicic Marija , Radisic Dimitrije , Milic Dubravka , Vujic Ante
Published: February 2019

With environmental pressures on the rise, the establishment of pro?tected
areas is a key strategy for preserving biodiversity. The fact that many
species are losing their battle against extinction despite being within
protected areas raises the question of their effectiveness. The aim of this
study was to evaluate established Priority Hoverfly Areas (PHAs) and areas
that are not yet but could potentially be included in the PHA network, using
data from new field surveys. Additionally, species distribution models have
been created for two new species recognized as important and added to the
list of key hoverfly species. Maps of potential distribution of these
species were superimposed on maps of protected areas and PHAs to quantify
percentages of overlap. The results of this study are not statisti?cally
significant, which could be influenced by a small sample size. However, the
results of species distribution models and the extent of overlap with PHAs
confirm the utility of these expert-generated designations.