bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação comparativa do comportamento mecânico de concretos leves com ar incorporado
Authors: Berenguer Romildo , Mariz Jairo , Just Angelo , Monteiro Eliana , Helene Paulo , Oliveira Romilde , Carneiro Arnaldo
Published: May 2018

O presente estudo visa discutir o efeito dos incorporadores de ar no comportamento mecânico e de durabilidade de elementos de concreto moldados no local. O experimento foi desenvolvido com a confecção de amostras com 4 diferentes massas específicas (1500kg/m3, 1700kg/m3, 2000kg/m3 e 2300kg/m3) e 3 relações água/cimento (0,63 – 1:5, 0,50 – 1:4, 0,43 – 1:3), ensaiados para determinação da resistência à compressão, absorção de água, índice de vazios e profundidade de carbonatação. Os resultados obtidos apontaram quedas expressivas no comportamento e indicadores de proteção da armadura (absorção de água e carbonatação), o que confirma a necessidade de utilização de meios adicionais mitigadores para a estrutura (pinturas protetoras, barras inoxidáveis), sob pena da perda prematura da durabilidade ao longo da sua vida útil.
Avaliação da penetração de cloretos em elementos de concreto na cidade de Pelotas/RS
Authors: Ferreira Carina Farias , Paliga Charlei Marcelo , Torres Ariela da Silva
Published: May 2018

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo verificar a compatibilidade de um modelo de previsão de vida útil existente com a penetração de cloretos em elementos de concreto expostos na cidade de Pelotas/RS. Para tanto, foram expostos corpos-de-prova em diferentes locais da cidade por um período de 16 meses, sendo aplicada a solução de nitrato de prata para determinação da profundidade de cloretos. Foi utilizado o modelo de Bob (1996), para comparação e análise dos resultados. Foram encontrados valores significativos de cloreto nos elementos e um potencial do modelo aplicado em descrever o comportamento da profundidade de cloretos ao longo do tempo, apesar das diferenças encontradas.
Influencia de la inclusión de ceniza de bagazo de caña de azúcar sobre la compactación, CBR y resistencia a la compresión simple de un material granular tipo subrasante
Authors: Ojeda Farías Omar Farid , Baltazar Zamora Miguel Ángel , Mendoza Rangel José Manuel
Published: May 2018

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar la influencia de la ceniza de bagazo de caña de azúcar (CBCA) como sustituto parcial del Cemento Portland Compuesto (CPC) para mejorar las propiedades de un suelo granular arenoso. Se llevaron a cabo ensayos de compactación AASHTO estándar, resistencia a la compresión simple y CBR, comparándose el comportamiento del suelo natural en estudio y mezclado con porcentajes de 3%, 5% y 7% de cemento portland como porcentajes de control, realizándose sustituciones parciales del mismo por CBCA en porcentajes de 0%, 25%, 50% y 100% con respecto al peso del suelo en estado seco. Los resultados mostraron mejoras en el suelo en las características de compactación, resistencia a la compresión y CBR, reduciéndose hasta un 25% el consumo del CPC.
Medicinal Chemistry of Potassium Channel Modulators: An Update of Recent Progress (2011-2017)
Authors: Vyas Vivek K. , Parikh Palak , Ramani Jonali , Ghate Manjunath
Published: May 2018

Background:

Potassium (K+) channels participate in many physiological processes,
cardiac function, cell proliferation, neuronal signaling, muscle contractility, immune function,
hormone secretion, osmotic pressure, changes in gene expression, and are involved in critical
biological functions, and in a variety of diseases. Potassium channels represent a large family
of tetrameric membrane proteins. Potassium channels activation reduces excitability, whereas
channel inhibition increases excitability.

Objective:

Small molecule K+ channel activators and inhibitors interact with voltage-gated,
inward rectifying, and two-pore tandem potassium channels. Due to their involvement in biological
functions, and in a variety of diseases, small molecules as potassium channel modulators
have received great scientific attention.

Methods: :

In this review, we have compiled the literature, patents and patent applications
(2011 to 2017) related to different chemical classes of potassium channel openers and blockers
as therapeutic agents for the treatment of various diseases. Many different chemical classes of
selective small molecule have emerged as potassium channel modulators over the past years.

Conclusion:

This review discussed the current understanding of medicinal chemistry research
in the field of potassium channel modulators to update the key advances in this field.
The Biological Activity of the Novel Vinca Alkaloids 4-chlorochablastine and 4-chlorochacristine
Authors: Montag Gracia , Stopper Helga , Ngo Quoc Anh , Hintzsche Henning
Published: May 2018

Background: Vinca alkaloids are important cancer drugs belonging to the class of antimitotic agents. The most commonly used substances are vinblastine and vincristine, other compounds are vinorelbine and vinflunine. All of them are very effective drugs but their use is limited by severe side-effects including neurotoxicity and bone marrow depression. Therefore, it is very important to develop novel vinca alkaloids with similar efficacy but lower toxicity.  Methods: Here, we analyzed two new compounds, 4-chlorochablastine and 4-chlorochacristine, with regard to their biological activity. These novel compounds were applied to a leukemia cell line at clinically relevant concentrations. For comparison, the established vinca alkaloids vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, and vinflunine were also tested.  Results: Both novel substances decreased cellular proliferation. Apoptosis was found to be increased using two different methods reflecting early and late apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis revealed a clear decrease in G1-cells and an increase in G2/M-cells indicating an arrest in mitosis. In general, 4- chlorochablastine and 4-chlorochacristine caused these effects at concentrations higher than those needed for vinblastine, vincristine, and vinorelbine, but the potency was approximately in the range of vinflunine.  Conclusion: Taken together, the results show first indications that these novel vinca alkaloids might be effective and that they warrant further analysis.
Glycolysis Inhibition as a Strategy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment?
Authors: Alves A.P. , Mamede A.C. , Alves M.G. , Oliveira P.F. , Rocha S.M. , Botelho M.F. , Maia C.J.
Published: May 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequently detected primary malignant liver tumor, representing a worldwide public health problem due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The HCC is commonly detected in advanced stage, precluding the use of treatments with curative intent. For this reason, it is crucial to find effective therapies for HCC. Cancer cells have a high dependence of glycolysis for ATP production, especially under hypoxic environment. Such dependence provides a reliable possible strategy to specifically target cancer cells based on the inhibition of glycolysis. HCC, such as other cancer types, presents a clinically well-known upregulation of several glycolytic key enzymes and proteins, including glucose transporters particularly glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). Such enzymes and proteins constitute potential targets for therapy. Indeed, for some of these targets, several inhibitors were already reported, such as 2-Deoxyglucose, Imatinib or Flavonoids. Although the inhibition of glycolysis presents a great potential for an anticancer therapy, the development of glycolytic inhibitors as a new class of anticancer agents needs to be more explored. Herein, we propose to summarize, discuss and present an overview on the different approaches to inhibit the glycolytic metabolism in cancer cells, which may be very effective in the treatment of HCC.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Studies on Novel Piperazinylacetamides
Authors: Bobtaina Eman , Gurdal Enise Ece , Durmaz Irem , Atalay Rengul Cetin , Yarim Mine
Published: May 2018

Background:

In this study, nine novel compounds, bearing N-[2-(4-substituted
piperazine-1-yl)acetyl]-N’-[bis-(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]piperazine structures were synthesized.

Methods:

Their cytotoxic properties were evaluated in vitro by NCI-60 Sulforhodamine B
(SRB) assay against human cancer cell lines: Huh7 (hepatocellular), MCF7 (breast) and HCT116
(colorectal).

Results and Conclusion:

According to the activity data, most of the compounds are more cytotoxic
than 5-fluorouracil against Huh7 and HCT116 cancer cell lines.
Effect of Prestress Force on Natural Bending Frequency of External Prestressed Steel Beams
Authors: Bai-jian Tang , Fei Wang , Song Chen
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Natural bending frequencies of externally prestressed steel beam have certain sensitivity to prestress force, so they can be used to find the magnitude of prestress force.

Methods:

To answer the question if the existence of externally prestressed tendons increases or decreases the natural bending frequencies of a simply supported steel beam, the calculating formula for natural frequencies is deduced by using the energy method from the view point of prestress mechanism and further verified by the finite element method. Using this formula of universal property, the influence of prestress force, eccentricity and cross-sectional area of tendons on natural bending frequencies of prestressed steel beam is clearly revealed.

Results and Conclusion:

For external prestressed steel beams with straight tendons, their natural frequencies increase with the eccentricity and cross-sectional area of the prestressed tendon, and the eccentricity has a much larger effect on natural frequencies than the cross-sectional area does. The prestress force has no influence on the oven-order frequencies but decreases the odd-order frequencies. With the increasing order number, the prestress effect is much weaker than the effects caused by the eccentricity and cross-sectional area of the tendon.
Output Power Enhancement of Solar PV Panel Using Solar Tracking System
Authors: Tripathi Abhishek Kumar , Aruna Mangalpady , Murthy Ch. S.N.
Published: May 2018

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion has gained much attention nowadays. The output
power of PV panel depends on the condition under which the panel is working, such as solar radiation,
ambient temperature, dust, wind speed and humidity. The amount of falling sunlight on the panel
surface (i.e., solar radiation) directly affects its output power. In order to maximize the amount of falling
sunlight on the panel surface, a solar tracking PV panel system is introduced. This paper describes the
design, development and fabrication of the solar PV panel tracking system. The designed solar tracking
system is able to track the position of the sun throughout the day, which allows more sunlight falling on
the panel surface. The experimental results show that there was an enhancement of up to a 64.72% in
the output power of the PV panel with reference to the fixed orientation PV panel. Further, this study
also demonstrates that the full load torque of the tracking system would be much higher than the
obtained torque, which is required to track the position of the sun. This propounds, that the proposed
tracking system can also be used for a higher capacity PV power generation system.
Nursing and Dental Students’ Reflections on Interprofessional Practice After a Service‐Learning Experience in Appalachia
Authors: Nierenberg Susan , Hughes Linda Paine , Warunek Molli , Gambacorta Joseph E. , Dickerson Suzanne S. , Campbell-Heider Nancy
Published: May 2018

Nowhere is the discrepancy between good and poor oral health status more pronounced in the U.S. than in the Appalachian region, where there is a high incidence of dental problems related to non‐flouridated water, limited access to care, and tooth loss. To address these disparities, in 2016 University at Buffalo dental and nurse practitioner faculty members led a group of dental and nursing students on a two‐day service‐learning experience in rural Tennessee. The aim of this study was to assess the dental and nursing students’ reflections on this interprofessional service‐learning experience in Appalachia. After the program, all 36 students who took part in it were invited to complete a survey with open‐ended questions about the experience and their attitudes about interprofessional practice. Of the students, 34 (94.4%) returned the surveys, and 23 completed all the questions. Thematic analysis was used to code and analyze the student comments, which were then organized into themes. Five themes emerged: facilitating care through teamwork, gaining mutual respect, gaining confidence, understanding dental role in overall health, and relieving suffering. The overarching pattern was the link among all the themes: that everyone has a part to play in ensuring that patients get the best care. The themes and overarching pattern corresponded to the Interprofessional Education Collaboration (IPEC) competencies and the overall goal of delivering patient‐centered care to a population that is underserved. These findings suggest that exposure to patients who lack dental care and have severe oral health problems can impact developing nursing and dental professionals in ways that can increase their appreciation of interprofessional practice and their future willingness to provide care in underserved settings.
Interprofessional Education Perceptions of Dental Assisting and Radiologic Technology Students Following a Live Patient Experience
Authors: Reddington Amanda R. , Egli Amy J. , Schmuck Heather M.
Published: May 2018

Health professions students are often unaware of other health care providers’ roles or professional expertise due to most education taking place within their single profession. This pattern may be even more prevalent for baccalaureate and associate degree programs since most interprofessional education (IPE) occurs in predoctoral programs and, when IPE is incorporated into allied health professions education, it often utilizes simulation instead of live patient experiences. The aim of this study was to determine if radiologic technology and dental assisting students’ perceptions changed regarding interprofessional practice and teamwork after an IPE activity with actual patients. The participants were students in the University of Southern Indiana (USI) radiologic technology and dental assisting programs. This mixed‐methods pilot study conducted in 2017 collected quantitative and qualitative data from pre and post surveys, the researchers’ observations of student interactions during live patient assessment and acquisition of panoramic images, and large‐group discussion. Twenty‐five of the 26 students who participated in the IPE program completed both pre and post surveys, for a 96% response rate. The results showed significant differences in the participants’ perceptions from the pre to post surveys on a wide variety of survey items. Most notable were the positive changes in perceptions related to trust in judgment of others within their profession (p=0.001), relationships with other professions (p=0.002), and thinking highly of other professions (p=0.002). Overall, this study found that incorporating the IPE activity with a live patient into these radiologic technology and dental assisting programs improved the students’ perceptions of other allied health professionals. Future research should include more participants to increase sample size and add quantitative data collection.
Assessing Dental Students’ Readiness to Treat Populations That Are Underserved: A Scoping Review
Authors: Furlini Linda , Noushi Nioushah , Castonguay Geneviève , Allison Paul , Bedos Christophe , De Souza Raphael , Esfandiari Shahrokh , Hovey Richard , Macdonald Mary Ellen , Morris Martin , Nicolau Belinda , Power Frances , Feine Jocelyne
Published: May 2018

In North America, all dental schools have adopted some form of community‐based dental education (CBDE) or service‐learning, but little is known about the areas being researched and reported in published studies. The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review to determine what areas of research had been conducted to determine the effects of CBDE on dental students’ readiness to treat populations that are underserved. A systematic search of articles published in English or French since 2000 was performed on July 29, 2015, and combined quantitative and qualitative synthesis of data was conducted. Of the 32 studies evaluated, 23 (72%) were quantitative, seven (22%) were qualitative, and two were multi‐method. The majority (66%) used self‐report methods, most frequently surveys. Participants in 50% of the studies were fourth‐year dental students; the others assessed third‐ and fourth‐year (13%), first‐ and second‐year (6%), and first‐year (13%) students. Dentists were the participants in three studies (9%), with dentists and students in one study (3%). Either the types of populations receiving care were unspecified or four or more groups were pooled together in 25 studies (78%), while two focused on children, one on rural populations, one on elderly populations, two on persons with special health care needs, and one on low‐income populations. The study areas were wide‐ranging, but generally fell into three categories: student performance (37.5%), teaching approaches and evaluation methods (37.5%), and perceptions of CBDE (25%). This review identified many research gaps for determining whether students are prepared to treat populations that are underserved. The disparate nature of CBDE research demonstrates a compelling argument for determining elements that define student readiness to care for patients who are underserved and for research that includes the voices of patients, curriculum development, and more comprehensive and rigorous evaluation methodologies.
Implementation of Recommended Tobacco Cessation Systems in Dental Practices: A Qualitative Exploration in Northeastern North Carolina
Authors: Nowlin Jonathan P. , Lee Joseph G.L. , Wright Wanda G.
Published: May 2018

Every year, cigarettes and other tobacco products cause nearly one in five deaths in the U.S., but many smokers report not being advised to quit by their health care providers. Dentists have an important role to play in tobacco cessation, but more research is needed about the extent of and barriers to implementation in dental practices. The aims of this study were to assess the extent to which dental practices in northeastern North Carolina were implementing the recommended U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Clinical Practice Guideline, to understand policies about smoking in dental practice settings, and to identify barriers to implementation of recommended systems. In the 252 telephone area code, which covers northeastern North Carolina, 75 general dentists were identified from the American Dental Association website and purposely selected for geographic, gender, race, and practice size diversity from the sampling frame. The 11 dentists who agreed to participate (seven male, four female) took part in 15‐minute semi‐structured interviews by phone in January‐March 2017. The interview transcripts were thematically coded for adherence to the PHS guideline. The results showed that full implementation of the guideline and the 5As was limited, although asking, advising, and assessing about tobacco use was consistently present in these dental practices. Other recommendations, particularly designation of a staff member as coordinator, were not implemented. In terms of barriers, interviewees reported very limited past or present training for themselves or their staff members. This study found meaningful levels of adherence to the tobacco cessation guideline in this area with high smoking prevalence; but the results suggest room for improvement in training through both dental curricula and continuing education.
Timing of Case‐Based Discussions and Educational Outcomes for Dental Students
Authors: Chowaniec Jaime A. , Doubleday Alison F. , LeHew Charles W. , Salzmann Larry B. , Koerber Anne
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to determine if the timing of a case‐based discussion affected dental students’ assessment scores. The study specifically investigated whether the timing of a 60‐minute case‐based discussion before or after a 90‐minute lecture affected students’ performance on a quiz on topics in pediatric dentistry. In addition, students’ preferences for the timing of the case discussion and confidence in the material with different timings were assessed in a survey. In a crossover design, all 52 second‐year students in fall 2016 at one U.S. dental school participated in a case‐based discussion either before or after lectures on stainless steel crowns and pulp therapy, compared to a control unit on space maintenance with no case‐based discussion. The students took quizzes and responded to questionnaires a week after the lectures. A total of 45 (87%) of the 52 students consented to have their scores used. The results showed that the students performed better on the quiz when participating in a case‐based discussion after the lecture compared to the discussion before the lecture (after mean=6.1±0.8 vs. before mean=5.5±1.3). The students’ control quiz mean following a lecture with no associated case discussion was 6.3±0.8. Students also expressed more confidence when the case was held after the lecture (12.7 vs. 11.6, p=0.02) and preferred the case after (p=0.01). This study found that higher quiz and confidence scores resulted when a case discussion was held after (vs. before) a lecture. When dental educators consider adding a case discussion to a lecture format as a method of increasing students’ active learning, these results suggest that having the case discussion after the lecture may be more effective for learners new to the material.
What Matters from Admissions? Identifying Success and Risk Among Canadian Dental Students
Authors: Plouffe Rachel A. , Hammond Robert , Goldberg Harvey A. , Chahine Saad
Published: May 2018

The aims of this study were to determine whether different student profiles would emerge in terms of high and low GPA performance in each year of dental school and to investigate the utility of preadmissions variables in predicting performance and performance stability throughout each year of dental school. Data from 11 graduating cohorts (2004–14) at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada, were collected and analyzed using bivariate correlations, latent profile analysis, and hierarchical generalized linear models (HGLMs). The data analyzed were for 616 students in total (332 males and 284 females). Four models were developed to predict adequate and poor performance throughout each of four dental school years. An additional model was developed to predict student performance stability across time. Two separate student profiles reflecting high and low GPA performance across each year of dental school were identified, and scores on cognitive preadmissions variables differentially predicted the probability of grouping into high and low performance profiles. Students with higher pre‐dental GPAs and DAT chemistry were most likely to remain stable in a high‐performance group across each year of dental school. Overall, the findings suggest that selection committees should consider pre‐dental GPA and DAT chemistry scores as important tools for predicting dental school performance and stability across time. This research is important in determining how to better predict success and failure in various areas of preclinical dentistry courses and to provide low‐performing students with adequate academic assistance.
مظاهر الانحراف التشريعي في القوانين الجنائية وأثره في الاستقرار القانوني
Authors: Hassan Mohammed R.
Published: May 2018

تسعى هذه الدراسة إلى تسليط الضوء على المعايير و القواعد الواجب إتباعها عند وضع التشريعات الجنائية ، لان العديد من المفترضات يقتضي على المشرع تبنيها عند إنشاء القاعدة القانونية الجنائية و من بين هذه المعايير التشريع بناءً على ضرورة مجتمعية ملحة و مراعاة الاولويات المجتمعية عند التشريع . أضف الى ذلك  مراعاة القسم العام من قانون العقوبات  ممارسة عملية التجريم . و بعد التفحص في أغلب القوانين الجنائية الصادرة في الاقليم لاحظنا فقدان الاعتداد بهذه المعايير و هذا الامر ينعكس بطبيعة الحال على مدى نجاعة القاعدة القانونية ذاتها و الانصياع لها من قبل المخاطبين لها ، كما يجب أن لا نغفل ما يثيره هذا النوع من التشريع من خلق بلبلة و جدل في أوساط الجهات التي تتولى تطبيق القانون لان التجريم يجب ان تكون بحدود و وفق معايير غدت هذه المعايير اليوم جزءً من كل تشريع جنائي سليم و محق لأهدافه . و هذا ما سنستقصيه و نحدده عسى و لعل ان يكون بحثنا مرشداً و منهجاً للمشرع الجنائي عند سنه التشريعات الجنائية
The Obstacles and Financial Risks Facing Investment in Islamic Banks and Ways of Addressing them
Authors: Muhammed Naheda A. , Ali Jawad F.
Published: May 2018

There is no doubt that the banking operations are ingredients of human societies life, and a basic element for it , as well as the banking operations consider an effective economic given , Nowadays the bank is necessary for the modern life, it is not only a luxury cultural or scientific achievement, but has become an effective factor to the civilian life, and the life do not go on without the existence of banks, So the Islamic banks have come in response to requisite the economic, social and contractual life of Muslims, and the main aim of these banks is to apply the law of God in the banking and financial transactions in the Islamic societies, and already these banks have face obstacles and financial risks which especially facing by the investment in these banks.Our modest research which entitles (obstacles and financial risks that facing the investment in the Islamic banks - and ways of treating them – )has come to study the most important obstacles and risks, and seek to find solutions to the obstacles and risks in order to success the banking operations in the Islamic banks .The scientific material of the research distributed into three demands , first: - dedicated to study the concept of risk linguistically and doctrinal and economically, and we are studying in the second demand :- the most important obstacles and financial risks which face the investment in the Islamic bank, and the third demand comes to introduce the proposed solutions for the risks and financial obstacles which facing the investment in the Islamic banks , with stating the most important results and recommendations of the research.
Technology-Enhanced Consultations in Diabetes, Cancer, and Heart Failure: Protocol for the Qualitative Analysis of Remote Consultations (QuARC) Project (Preprint)
Authors: Shaw Sara E , Cameron Deborah , Wherton Joseph , Seuren Lucas M , Vijayaraghavan Shanti , Bhattacharya Satyajit , A’Court Christine , Morris Joanne , Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Remote videoconsulting is promoted by policy makers as a way of delivering health care efficiently to an aging population with rising rates of chronic illness. As a radically new service model, it brings operational and interactional challenges in using digital technologies. In-depth research on this dynamic is needed before remote consultations are introduced more widely.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study will be to identify and analyze the communication strategies through which remote consultations are accomplished and to guide patients and clinicians to improve the communicative quality of remote consultations.

METHODS

In previous research, we collected and analyzed two separate datasets of remote consultations in a National Institute for Health Research–funded study of clinics in East London using Skype and a Wellcome Trust–funded study of specialist community heart failure teams in Oxford using Skype or FaceTime. The Qualitative Analysis of Remote Consultations (QuARC) study will combine datasets and undertake detailed interactional microanalysis of up to 40 remote consultations undertaken by senior and junior doctors and nurse specialists, including consultations with adults with diabetes, women who have diabetes during pregnancy, people consulting for postoperative cancer surgery and community-based patients having routine heart failure reviews along with up to 25 comparable face-to-face consultations. Drawing on established techniques (eg, conversation analysis), analysis will examine the contextual features in remote consultations (eg, restricted visual field) combined with close analysis of different modes of communication (eg, speech, gesture, and gaze).

RESULTS

Our findings will address the current gap in knowledge about how technology shapes the fine detail of communication in remote consultations. Alongside academic outputs, findings will inform the coproduction of information and guidance about communication strategies to support successful remote consultations.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying the communication strategies through which remote consultations are accomplished and producing guidance for patients and clinicians about how to use this kind of technology successfully in consultations is an important and timely goal because roll out of remote consultations is planned across the National Health Service.

REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER

RR1-10.2196/10913
Comment on �An Online Intervention Comparing a Very Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations Versus a Plate Method Diet in Overweight Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial� (Preprint)
Authors: Reynolds Andrew Nathan
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

This is a letter to the editor.

OBJECTIVE

This is a letter to the editor.

METHODS

This is a letter to the editor.

RESULTS

This is a letter to the editor.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a letter to the editor.
Regulatory Focus on Conduct Risk—Hungarian Case Study on Qualitative and Quantitative Tools for Risk Mitigation
Authors: Szendrey Orsolya , Szini Robert , Tomsics Andras
Published: May 2018

Due to the inadequate conduct of their business, financial institutions have recently sustained severe losses, as a result of which the management of conduct risks has become increasingly prominent in regulation. This paper describes the position of conduct risk within the framework of risk management, and uses Hungarian and international examples involving major losses to illustrate the need for the adequate management of conduct risks. This is followed by a description of how to manage the type of risk in question using the qualitative and quantitative tools of operational risk management. A quantitative analysis is then carried out to illustrate the effects on capital requirement achieved by taking into account conduct risks in various components of the internal models.
PRELIMINARY SCREENING OF PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ANTIPROLIFERATIVE AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF THESPESIA POPULNEA (L.) SOLAND LEAF EXTRACTS
Authors: Kb Megha , Cheriyamundath Sanith , Madassery Joseph , Kk Elyas
Published: May 2018

Objective: Plant-derived bioactive molecules are providing infinite opportunities for new drug development as they possess a wide range of actions against diseases with lesser side effects. The present study is made to analyze the qualitative phytochemicals and to evaluate in vitro antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory potentials of leaf extracts of Thespesia populnea. Methods: T. populnea leaf extracts were prepared sequentially according to the increasing polarity of the solvents, i.e., petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed to identify the chemical constituents of the extracts, and antiproliferative properties were evaluated against different cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Bovine serum albumin anti-denaturation assay was done to identify the anti-inflammatory activity.Results: Phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolics. The chloroform extract (CHFE) of T. populnea has a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect against acute T-cell leukemia (Jurkat E6-1), prostate Grade IV adenocarcinoma (PC-3), mouse fibroblast (L-929), and monkey kidney normal (Vero) cells. Their inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) values were found to be 35.73±0.94 μg/ml for Jurkat E6-1, 60.79±1.84 μg/ml for PC-3, 60.88±1.45 μg/ml for L-929, and 83.482±2.05 μg/ml for Vero, respectively. CHFE also displayed the anti-inflammatory potential.Conclusion: The chloroform leaf extract of T. populnea possesses potent antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activity. These properties present in leaf extract may be explained by the presence of biologically active constituents.
IN VITRO STUDIES ON ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF PLEUROTUS EOUS MUSHROOM IN METHANOL AND AQUEOUS EXTRACT
Authors: K Shoba , S Krishnakumari
Published: May 2018

Objective: The present study evaluates the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of the mushroom.Methods: Antioxidant activity was evaluated using hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, and antidiabetic activity using α-amylase and α-glucosidase.Result: The antioxidant IC50 for the mushroom extracts methanol and aqueous(Hydroxyl radical) was found to be 290,440μg/ml (Hydrogen peroxide) 475,370 μg/ml and antidiabetic(α Amylase) IC50 was found to be 460,500 μg/ml and (α Glucosidase) 325,280 μg/ml respectively.Conclusion: The result obtained in the in vitro methods suggests that Pleurotus eous mushroom can be administered for its antioxidant and antidiabetic activity
THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF NYMPHAEA ALBA LINN. FLOWERS AGAINST ISONIAZID-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Nasiruddin Mohammad , Khan Irfan Ahmad , Hasan Arif Sayeedul
Published: May 2018

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Nymphaea alba (NAEE) Linn. flowers on liver marker enzymes, histology, and antioxidant tests against isoniazid (INH)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Methods: Wistar albino rats were treated with INH (50 mg/kg) for 28 days to induce hepatotoxicity. Silymarin (100 mg/kg) and NAEE Linn flowers in 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively, were used as standard and test drugs. Liver marker enzymes and histological examination of livers were performed to demonstrate the effect of NAEE against INH-induced hepatotoxicity. Catalase [CAT], glutathione, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated to evaluate the antioxidant property of the NAEE extract.Results: The NAEE extract in 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses significantly decreased INH-induced elevation of liver marker enzymes as well as oxidative stress markers (CAT, glutathione, and MDA) in rats. Changes in biochemical parameters were supported by histological improvements of the liver.Conclusion: The NAEE Linn flowers in 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses showed a significant reversal of hepatic damage which was induced by INH in rats.
FORMULATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF BILAYER TABLET OF ATENOLOL FOR BIPHASIC DRUG RELEASE
Authors: Parashar Tarun , Singh Nardev
Published: May 2018

Objective: In the present research work, the aim was to prepare the bilayer tablet of atenolol for biphasic drug release to improve its bioavailability and absorption in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Methods: In the formulation of immediate release crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, and sodium starch glycolate was used as super disintegrate and was directly compressed. For a sustained release portion different grade hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K4M, HPMC K15M, gum tragacanth, gum acacia, guar gum, and ethyl cellulose. Preformulation studies were performed before compression. The compressed bilayer tablets were evaluated for weight variation, dimension, hardness, friability, drug content, disintegration time, and in vitro drug release using USP dissolution apparatus type 2 (paddle). Results: The formulation IR3 showed 95% drug release in 30 min, and regression coefficient value (r2) value was found to be 0.994 suggesting first-order drug release kinetics. The F9 formulation using HPMC K15M and gum acacia (1:1) showed 91.20% drug release at the end of 12 h, and regression coefficient value (r2) was 0.992 suggesting zero-order drug release kinetics. Formulation IR3F9 showed faster drug release for bilayer tablet containing 5%w/w crospovidone in immediate release layer and HPMC and guar gum (1:1) in sustained release. Formulation IR3F9 showed swelling index 206%, floating lag time was found to be 2 min and total floating time up to 12 h. Conclusion: The formulation IR3F9 showed a faster drug release profile among the others in the preparation of the atenolol bilayer tablet. Hence, it was considered as an optimized formulation.
DETERMINATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPONENTS OF CARALLUMA UMBELLATA HAW. (APOCYNACEAE) BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY AND MASS SPECTROSCOPY ANALYSIS
Authors: Evanjaline Michael , Vr Mohan
Published: May 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to carry out Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GC–MS) studies and to determine the bioactive compounds of Caralluma umbellata whole plant extract.Methods: Whole plant of C. umbellata was cleaned, shade dried, and pulverized to powder in a mechanical grinder. Required quantity of powder sample was weighed and transferred to stoppered flask separately and treated with ethanol until the powder is fully immersed. The flask was shaken every hour for the first 6 h and then it was kept aside and again shaken after 24 h. This process was repeated for 3 days and then the extracts were filtered. The extracts were collected and evaporated to dryness using vacuum distillation unit.Results: A total of 29 components of C. umbellata whole plant were identified. The prevailing components in the ethanol extract of whole plant were betulin (16.11%), campesterol (11.69%), 5α-Ergost-8(14)-ene (10.16%), 5-androsten-17α-ethynyl-3β, 17β-diol (9.06%), β-sitosterol (8.17%), cholestane-3,7,12,25-tetrol, tetraacetate (3α,5β,7α,12α) (7.94%), β-amyrin (7.02%), stigmasterol (6.78%), 13,16-octadecadiynoic acid, methyl ester (3.53%), lanosterol (3.51%), trans-geranylgeraniol (3.25%), Vitamin E (2.90%) and retinol, acetate (2.81%).Conclusion: The application of C. umbellata for various ailments is confirmed by the presence of various bioactive compounds by traditional practitioners.
STABILITY TESTING OF AZELAIC ACID CREAM BASED ETHOSOME
Authors: Apriani Elsa Fitria , Nurleni Novi , Nugrahani Hervianti Nurfitria , Iskandarsyah Iskandarsyah
Published: May 2018

Objective: Azelaic acid as an antibacterial to Propionibacterium acnes bacteria in recent years began to develop as an anti-acne using lipid bilayer vesicles to increase the penetration of azelaic acid to reach sebaceous tissue which is located in the dermis of skin where the growth of bacteria P. acnes. The development of azelaic acid in lipid bilayer vesicles is also due to the absorption of azelaic acid from cream preparations by only 4%. Azelaic acid gel based ethosomes also known give a larger zone of inhibition than azelaic acid creams and gels in the market. Methods: Preparation stability test of azelaic acid cream based ethosome was chemical and physical stability. The observed physics stability was organoleptic changes, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, cycling test, and mechanical test (centrifugal test). While chemical stability was performed to know the concentration of azelaic acid in cream to be periodically. Stability test was conducted for 12 weeks and observation every 2 weeks. Result: Physics stability test of that preparations was odorless, white, no change of phase, homogeneous, viscosity, and flow properties constant. While chemical stability test with the determination for 12 weeks to decreased content. However, these content is still included in the range of accuracy (90–110%). Conclusion: Azelaic acid of ethosome cream was physically and chemically stable.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, AND ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC ACTIVITY OF INAI (LAWSONIA INERMIS L.) LEAVES ACTIVE FRACTION ON STREPTOZOTOCININDUCED DIABETIC MICE
Authors: Zahara Fazrina , Harahap Urip , Haro Ginda
Published: May 2018

Objective: This study was designed to explore the preliminary phytochemical and physicochemical analysis of Inai (Lawsonia inermis L.) leaves and further evaluation of its antihyperglycemic effect on diabetic rats from its active fraction.Methods: The study begins with making the powder of Inai (L. inermis L.) leaves and then evaluates the physicochemical characterization. The powder of Inai leaves was fractionated and performed by the standard phytochemical screening method and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice for evaluated the antihyperglycemic effect of Inai leaves.Result: The physicochemical evaluation showed that the powder of Inai leaves has a good and high purity level; while the phytochemical screening showed that Inai leaves fractions have various phytoconstituents. The active fraction which was obtained from ethyl acetate fraction showed a significant reduction of the blood glucose.Conclusion: The leaves of Inai (L. inermis L.) have the antihyperglycemic activity.
OPTIMIZATION AND EVALUATION OF TOPICAL KETOCONAZOLE NANOEMULSION
Authors: Ernoviya Ernoviya , Masfria Masfria , Ramlan Sinaga Kasmirul
Published: May 2018

Objective: The present study is to formulate and optimization of surfactant, cosurfactant, and oil of ketoconazole nanoemulsion.Methods: Ketoconazole was dissolved in surfactant, cosurfactant, and oil until saturated, clear solution extracted with methanol, its absorbance was measured using a UV spectrophotometer at 243 nm. Comparisons of surfactants, cosurfactants, and oils are variously varied. Formulation method was performed using spontaneous nanoemulsion method.Results: Surfactants, cosurfactants, and oils used for the nanoemulsion formula are tween 80, ethanol, and isopropyl myristate (IPM). Formulation of ketoconazole nanoemulsion with comparison of tween 80 concentration with ethanol (smix) 4:1 and smix with oil 9:1 was found that the formulae F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, and F7 are unstable and the formulae F8, F9, F10, F11, and F12 are stable at the period of manufacture. The best physical stability tests from F8, F9, F10, F11, and F12 are F10.Conclusions: Optimization of ketoconazole nanoemulsion formula was obtained at Tween 80, 36% concentration, 9% ethanol, and IPM 5%.
IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF DIFFERENT SOLVENT EXTRACTS OF CAJANUS CAJAN L. SEED COAT AND COTYLEDON
Authors: H Pratima , Marthad Pratima
Published: May 2018

Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the antibacterial activity of seed coat and cotyledon of Cajanus cajan with various solvents such as petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous.Methods: The crude extracts were obtained using Soxhlet successive extraction method. The antibacterial activity of seed coat and cotyledon extracts at different concentration (50 and 100 mg/mL) was evaluated against certain pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae and Gram-negative bacteria of Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by agar well diffusion assay.Results: The results show that the ethanolic extract of seed coat had highest activity against B. subtilis (22.0±0.13 mm). Whereas, the aqueous extract of cotyledon had highest activity against S. aureus (20.0±0.02 mm) and S. typhi (20.0±0.04 mm) at 100 mg/mL. The S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa were completely resistant to all extracts of seed coat. Similarly, S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa were totally resistant to all tested cotyledon extracts. The phytochemical results show the presence of alkaloids, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, lignins, glycosides, and absence of saponins in seed coat and cotyledon.Conclusion: This study shows that C. cajan seed coat and cotyledon had potential antibacterial activity against B. subtilis, S. aureus, and S. typhi. These extracts may be exploited for the development of antimicrobial and alternative remedies for infections and diseases caused by respective pathogens.
EVALUATION OF GENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF KALANCHOE PINNATA USING SINGLE CELL GEL ELECTROPHORESIS
Authors: V Saravanan , Ss Murugan , Jsi Rajkumar , Krishnan Kr Navaneetha
Published: May 2018

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic potentials of Kalanchoe pinnata alcoholic leaves extract.Methods: Single cell gel electrophoresis (COMET assay) was adopted to investigate genotoxicity potential of standardized ethanolic leaves extract at the concentration of 10, 50, and 100 μg/ml, respectively, using human lymphocytes.Results: K. pinnata leaves extract did not completely damage DNA in human lymphocytes but low, medium, and high-level damage was found in with positive control. The DNA damage level decreases in low, medium, and high (12±1, 6±1, and 1±1) without positive control at the concentration of 100 μg/ml.Conclusion: It was concluded that the parent material did not induce mutagenic and genotoxic potentials at the concentrations 10, 50, and 100 μg/ml but its metabolites are inducing genotoxicity in various models.
BIOACTIVE FRACTION OF TROPIDIA CURCULIOIDES, A RARE ORCHID OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH, INDIA: PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE AND MARKER COMPOUNDS
Authors: Sarkar Nandan , S Avasthi Anupama , S Avasthi Anupama , Ghosal Sabari , Ghosal Sabari
Published: May 2018

Objective: Chemical profiling of the most active fraction of Tropidia curculioides, isolation and characterization of marker compounds along with the evaluation of biological activity. Methods: The most active Et2O fraction of roots of T. curculioides (TC) was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with a mass selective detector. Repetitive chromatography followed by high-performance liquid chromatography of the active fraction afforded three major compounds. The structure of the compounds was established by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectral analysis. Antibacterial activity of the compounds was determined by agar well diffusion method against five multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by microdilution method. Scanning electron microscopy was performed with compound 2 against Escherichia coli cells at MIC (15 μg/ml).Results: Analysis of the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) spectra revealed that the isolated compounds constituted 27.16% of the total constituents. Two other chemical classes, namely, saturated fatty acids and sterol constituted 38.04% and 12.49%, respectively. The structure of the compounds was characterized as 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde (1), bisphenol F (2), and 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid (3). The most significant bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against E. coli comparable to that of tetracycline and gentamicin was observed with compound 2. Microscopic study confirmed that compound 2 affects integrity of cell membrane severely, causing death of the bacterium. Compound 1 and 3 showed moderate to good antibacterial activity against E. coli and Enterococcus sp. Cell cytotoxicity of the compounds was well within permissible limit. This is the first report of compounds in TC.Conclusion: The study identified three marker compounds from the less polar fraction of the roots of TC with significant antibacterial activity. The GC–MS spectra with marker compounds could be treated as the chemical fingerprinting of the bioactive fraction. The outcome justifies the use of the plant in traditional medicine.