bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profil Kemandirin Belajar Siswa SMP dalam Pembelajaran Matematika
Authors: Syibli Muhammad Alif
Published: June 2018

Abstrak

Melihat kondisi para pelajar sekarang, dapat dilihat berbagai karakteristik pelajar yang sangat bermacam-macam. Ada pelajar yang aktif dan juga pasif. Ada pelajar yang mandiri dan ada yang bergantung pada orang lain. Pada penelitian ini peneliti akan mendeskripsikan kemandirian belajar siswa MTSN 5 Jombang, dimana diambil sampel siswa yang berkemandirian belajar rendah, sedang dan tinggi dari angket yang diberikan beserta konsultasi dengan guru. Setelah sampel diambil peneliti melakukan wawancara dan membandingkan transkip nilai siswa selama satu semester. Hasil yang didapatkan, siswa yang berkemandirian tinggi memiliki sedikit kendala dalam belajarnya dan mampu menyelesaikan sendiri. Sedangkan siswa yang berkemandirian belajar rendah sulit untuk menyelesaikan kendala belajarnya. Tingkat kemandirian belajar juga berpengaruh pada nilai yang diperoleh. Siswa yang memiliki kemandirian belajar tinggi memperoleh nilai diatas rata-rata teman sekelasnya. Begitupula sebaliknya, siswa yang memiliki kemandirian belajar rendah memperoleh nilai dibawah rata-rata teman sekelasnya.

Kata Kunci : Matematika, Kendala belajar, Kemandirian belajar
Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis melalui Alat Peraga Pilogma pada Materi Logika Matematika
Authors: Alawiah Lia Tuti , Rahmatina Desi , Febrian Febrian
Published: June 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana peningkatan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa dengan menggunakan alat peraga Pilogma pada materi nilai kebenaran pernyataan majemuk Logika Matematika. Penelitian ini merupakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK). Penelitian jenis kualitatif ini dilaksanakan dalam 2 siklus dan setiap siklus diadakan 2 kali pertemuan. Peneliti menggunakan teknik observasi, dokumentasi, wawancara, dan tes untuk memperoleh data. Teknik analisis data dengan melalui tahap reduksi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan dan verifikasi serta triangulasi data. Subjek penelitiannya ialah kelas X SMA Muhammadiyah Tanjungpinang. Objek penelitian yaitu meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa yang dilihat melalui hasil tes setiap akhir siklus I dan II serta hasil observasi, dokumentasi dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa dapat ditingkatkan melalui penggunaan alat peraga Pilogma dalam pembelajaran materi Logika Matematika.

Kata kunci: logika matematika, kemampuan berpikir kritis, alat peraga Pilogma
Mahler’in Ayrışma-Bireyleşme Kuramına Göre Küçük Kara Balık Kitabı’nın İncelenmesi
Authors: DEMİRCİOĞLU Zeynep İşıl , DEMİR Koray , FUÇULAR Emine Ezgi , SÜLÜNGÜR Orhun , YALÇIN Selin , TOPCU Merve
Published: June 2018

Bu çalışmanın amacı Küçük Kara Balık kitabındaki Küçük Kara Balık’ın yaşam
olaylarının, bu yaşam olaylarına gösterdiği tepkilerin ve duygularının Mahler’in
Ayrışma-Bireyleşme Kuramı kapsamında değerlendirilmesi, karakterin başından
geçenlerin Mahler’in teorisi ile örtüşen ve çatışan yerlerinin tartışılmasıdır. Mahler’in
kuramı ayrışma-bireyleşmeyi, farklılaşma, alıştırma, yeniden yakınlaşma ve bireyliğin
pekişmesi ve coşkusal nesne sürekliliğinin başlangıcı olmak üzere dört alt evre
üzerinden incelemektedir. Küçük Kara Balık kitabında asıl incelenen ve ana karakter
olan Küçük Kara Balık, annesiyle yaşayan ve amacı dereden ayrılarak denize ulaşmak
olan küçük bir balıktır. Çalışma boyunca Küçük Kara Balık karakterine özellikle son üç
alt evre açısından odaklanılmış ve anne ile yaşanılan sorunların karakterin davranışları
üzerindeki etkileri tartışılmıştır. Karakterin öfke eşiğinin düşüklüğünün ve yaşadığı
yutulma korkusunun anne ile öngörülen ilişkinin kurulamadığından kaynaklı olduğu,
ancak bu durumun bireyleşme sürecinde kendisi için engelleyici bir faktör olmadığı
düşünülmüştür.
The Play of Islands: Emerging Borders and Danube Dynamics in Modern Southeast Europe (1830-1900)
Authors: Dorondel Stefan , Serban Stelu , Cain Daniel
Published: June 2018

This paper explores the history of two islands of the Danube River, their movements due to the hydrodynamics of the river and the geopolitical consequences of these movements. The paper shows the process through which the Danube with its hydrological dynamics became a historical actor that provoked military actions, shifted political borders and was the source of intense diplomatic debates between Romania and Bulgaria at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth. The paper attempts to contribute to a stream of theory generally known as posthumanism by bringing to the forefront historical facts from the nineteenth century and the first years of the twentieth. It also contributes to enriching the environmental history of Southeast Europe.
Bioactivity Screening of Erechtites valerianifolia (Link Ex Wolf.) Less. Extracts as Antiplasmodium, Antibacterial, Antifungal and Cytotoxic Agents
Authors: Puspaningtyas AR , Riyanto S , Solikhah EN , Astuti P
Published: June 2018

Indonesia’s rich natural resources have encouraged many researchers to explore their potential for finding treatment of endemic diseases and malignancy. One of these resources is Erechtites valerianifolia (Link Ex Wolf.) Less. Ex DC or "Jonggolan" (Indonesian name), a member of the family Asteraceae was collected from Meru Betiri Forest. Empirical evidence reveals the use of this plant to treat fever, diarrhea, tonsillitis, wounds, and eczema. A study in 2015 reported that the family Asteraceae passed the test of antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Yet, scientific information about E. valerianifolia has not been optimally explored, and studies of this plant are even very limited. Considering the background, this study was aimed to conduct bioactivity screenings of E. valerianifolia extracts as antiplasmodial, antibacterial, antifungal and was anticancer/cytotoxic agents. Extract was obtained through percolation method using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol as the solvents. Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were used as the antibacterial testing microorganisms. Candida albicans was the antifungal testing microorganism. The results showed that extracts, at a concentration of maximum 1000 ppm, were less active than the positive-control amoxicillin for antibacterial activities and ketoconazole for antifungal agents. Inhibition zones of E. valerianifolia extracts were invisible when compared to the positive controls. The screening of antiplasmodial (P. falciparum FCR3) activity indicated that IC50 of ethyl acetate extract was 117.122 μg/ml and was considered the best among other extracts. The cytotoxicity study on MCF 7, WiDr and Hela cell lines showed that the four extracts tested had good cytotoxicity with IC50 < 30 μg/ml.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 1-8, 2018 (June)
Studies of Stress Degradation of Ramosetron Hydrochloride, a 5-HT3 Antagonist
Authors: Hossain Md Mokaram , Jalil Reza Ul , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: June 2018

Three issues of fundamental importance in drug therapy are safety, efficacy and stability. Extensive information derived from stress degradation studies of Ramosetron HCl will expand the scientific thought further to ensure to achieve the intended quality of Ramosetron HCl as drug substance and drug products available in the market. Stress degradation screening of Ramosetron HCl was conducted in aqueous, 0.1N, 0.5N, 1.0N and 2.0N acid-base and oxidative (3, 5 and 10 % H2O2) conditions and photo degradation. No degradation was found in aqueous condition at 60°C for 7 days. Acceptable degradations were found in 0.5 N, 1N and 2N HCl at 70ºC for 7 days, 0.1N NaOH at 60°C for 2 days, 3% hydrogen peroxide at room temperature for 1, 2 and 3 hours in dark and 3.6 million lux fluorescence light or 600 watts hour/m2 UV light. Among other applied stress conditions, the base hydrolysis and oxidative methods degraded Ramosetron hydrochloride more drastically than the other stressed conditions.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 9-17, 2018 (June)
Antidiabetic Studies and Dereplication of the Bioactive Constituents of Anthocleista nobilis G. Don by UHPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS
Authors: Uzor Philip F , Nnadi Charles O , Ahiabuike Joshua E , Ani Helen N
Published: June 2018

Diabetes mellitus remains a global health challenge and herbal medicines are known to be effective and safe for use in its management. Anthocleista nobilis is used in the traditional management of the disorder but this claimed use has not been validated. The present study was designed to establish and hence validate the use of the plant for the management of diabetes and also identify the bioactive phytoconstituents of the plant. The root and stem bark extracts of the plant were investigated for antidiabetic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The animals were treated orally with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw of both extracts for seven days. The fasting blood glucose concentration (FBGC) of the animals was monitored for seven days with a glucometer. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometric (UHPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS) technique was adopted for partial dereplication of secondary metabolites of the plant. The extracts significantly (p < 0.5) reduced the FBGC of the diabetic animals. Nine previously reported compounds in the genus Anthocleista were successfully dereplicated from the plant and identified to be scopoletin (1), anthocleistol (2), sweroside (3), djalonesone (4), fagaramide (5), lanosta-7, 24-dien-3-one (6), 1-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyxanthene (7), djalonensin (8) and secologanin (9). Numerous other prominent peaks were not identified and could be potential novel compounds. The traditional use of A. nobilis in the management of diabetes has been validated in the present study. The identified as well as the unidentified compounds could provide template for guided isolation of the antidiabetic and other bioactive constituents of the plant.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 19-28, 2018 (June)
Characterization of Phytoconstituents and Exploration of Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavanging Activities of Citrus assamensis Leaf
Authors: Shahriar Mohammad , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Rana Md Sohel
Published: June 2018

The aim of the current investigation was to identify bioactive secondary metabolites and compare the phytoconstituents and antioxidant profile of different leaf extracts of Citrus assamensis. Preliminary phytochemical screening of chloroform extract of C. assamensis indicated the presence of alkaloids, phytosterols, phenols, tannins, glycosides, saponins and flavonoids, whereas the methanol and ethanol extracts were found to contain no saponin. The screenings of the plant revealed that, the amount of phenols was higher in methanol extract, while the ethanol extract was found to be rich in flavonoid and total antioxidant capacity. Methanol extract of C. assamensis leaf showed potent nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity having IC50 value of 137.85 and 85 μg/ml, respectively. The chloroform extract was found to be highly effective in DPPH free radical scavenging, reducing power, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity when compared to the standard. In case of catalase assay, all the C. assemensis leaf extracts showed highest activity at 50μg/ml. In most cases, lowest concentration of test groups showed significant (**p<0.01 & *p<0.05) peroxidase activity.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 29-36, 2018 (June)
Analgesic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Tubers of Arisaema tortuosum (Wall.) Schott. in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Chakraborty Priyanka , Bala Nripendra Nath , Das Sudipta
Published: June 2018

The aim of the the present study was to investigate the analgesic activity of methanolic extract of Arisaema tortuosum (MEAT) using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate methods. The hot plate method is useful in elucidating centrally mediated antinociceptive responses, while acetic acid-induced writhing is the chemically induced pain of peripheral origin. The MEAT was used at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight on swiss albino mice. The percentage inhibition of the abdominal constriction reflex increased dose dependently in case of acetic acid-induced pain and in the hot plate method model the extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg significantly increased the pain reaction time (PRT). These studies conclude that A. tortuosum (Wall.) Schott. tuber possesses analgesic activity in a dose dependent manner. In case of acetic acid-induced pain, the extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg body wt. showed 41.19% inhibition of writhing reflex. In case of hot plate method, after 60 minutes the PRT increased to 7.47 ± 0.05 seconds for the extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg body wt.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 37-41, 2018 (June)
A Validated RP-HPLC Method and Force Degradation Studies of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
Authors: Sanam Sherejad , Nahar Sharmin , Saqueeb Nazmus , Rahman SM Abdur
Published: June 2018

A stability indicating HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of fexofenadine hydrochloride. An isocratic separation was achieved using phenomenex (C18) column (250×4.6 mm, 5 μm) with flow rate of 1.0 ml/min and UV detection at 254 nm. The mobile phase consists of 5Mm acetate buffer: acetonitrile (50:50; v/v) with pH 9.4 adjusted with acetic acid. The drug was subjected to oxidative, acidic, basic, neutral, photolytic and thermal degradation. All degradation products were eluted in an overall analytical run time of approximately 40 min with the parent compound fexofenadine hydrochloride at a flow rate of approximately 3.3±0.3 min. The method was linear over the concentration range of 31.5-500 μg/ml (r2 = 0.999) with limit of detection and quantification of 3.5 μg/ml and 10.1 μg/ml, respectively. The method has the requisite accuracy, selective, precision and robustness to assay fexofenadine HCl in tablets.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 43-50, 2018 (June)
Physicochemical Characterization of Febuxostat Microcomplexes with Parent and Modified Cyclodextrins
Authors: Aher Sayee V , Pore Yogesh V
Published: June 2018

Febuxostat, a BCS class II antigout drug was complexed with β-cyclodextrin (βCD), hydroxypropyl-β- cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and / or methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), to improve its physicochemical properties. Earlier phase solubility and thermodynamic investigations in acetate buffer (pH 4.5) illustrated AL (linear) type of solubility curve and enthalpy driven complexation process, respectively. The association constant and complexation efficiency of modified cyclodextrins (CDs) were significantly higher than that of parent cyclodextrin (CD). The microcomplexes prepared by spray drying process were examined for their spectral, diffractometric, thermal, particle size, saturation solubility, Log P and dissolution properties. The physicochemical properties of pure drug were improved upon complexation with CDs. However, modified CDs produced amorphous micro-complexes contributing for their better performance as compared to parent CD.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 51-63, 2018 (June)
Effect of Anogeissus leiocarpus Guill and Perr Leaf on Hyperglycaemia and Associated Dyslipidaemia in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Onoja Uwakwe S , Ugwu Cynthia C , Uzor Philip F , Nweze Innocent E , Omeje Edwin O , Nnamani Petra O , Nwachukwu Ekere , Njoku Ivoke , Effiong Eyo J
Published: June 2018

People living with diabetes mellitus across the world are expected to rise to 592 million by 2035 and the pandemic disease is worst in the developing countries like Nigeria, where the cost of treating/managing diabetes mellitus is relatively out of the reach of many diabetic patients. The study investigated the effect of Anogeissus leiocarpus Guill and Perr ethanolic leaf extract on blood glucose and other biochemical indices in alloxan-induced diabetic adult male Wistar albino rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in overnight-fasted rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight). Diabetic rats were then treated with the extract for 14 days. Blood glucose, lipid profile and liver glycogen levels were determined. After the treatment with the extract, the fasting blood glucose levels significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in treated diabetic rats (62.2 ± 18.4 mg/dl) compared to untreated diabetic rats (73.8± 8.2 mg/dl). There was also significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the hyperlipidemic parameters. The results revealed that A. leiocarpus ethanolic extract has antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 65-72, 2018 (June)
Preliminary Phytochemical and Pharmacological Screenings of Plumbago indica L. and Alpinia conchigera Griff.
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed , Hossain Md Aslam , Shajib Md Shafiullah , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: June 2018

The present study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, thrombolytic and CNS modulatory activities of the methanol, chloroform and n-hexane extracts of Plumbago indica L. and Alpinia conchigera Griff. The plants are used in the treatment of inflammations and fever in traditional systems of medicine in Bangladesh. Qualitative tests revealed that the crude extracts of the plants contain reducing sugars, steroids, alkaloids and flavonoids. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by means of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization assay. The methanol extract of P. indica and A. conchigera demonstrated inhibition of protein denaturation by 34.55 and 29.55% while their n-hexane soluble extract exhibited 46.87 and 37.21% inhibition of lysis of erythrocyte membrane, respectively which were considerable as compared to the standard drug acetyl salicylic acid. The methanol extract of P. indica and A. conchigera prominently reduced Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia which were close to the standard drug, paracetamol. A considerable thrombolytic activity was exhibited by the chloroform soluble extract of A. conchigera (48.27%) compared to the reference drug, streptokinase (72.13%) in red blood cell clot lysis test. The chloroform soluble materials of P. indica extract demonstrated noticeable reduction of CNS depression activity (63.52 % inhibition of locomotion), compared to reference drug diazepam (80.69 %) in open field experiment. The study justifies the medicinal applications of P. indica and A. conchigera in traditional systems and reveals the bioactivity of the plants which could be suitable for isolation and identification of the bioactive compounds.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 73-79, 2018 (June)
Phytochemical Screening and Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitory and Thrombolytic Activities of Grewia abutilifolia Vent. & Juss. Leaf
Authors: Rafe Md Rajdoula , Salam Rayhanus , Hossain Md Monir , Masud Mohammad Mehedi
Published: June 2018

Cholinesterase inhibitors offer the possible pathway to fight against various types of neurodegenerative diseases. Grewia abutilifolia is used extensively in traditional and folk medicines mainly to improve intellectual capabilities and memory enhancement purposes which support its possible effects against neurodegenerative disorders. We performed preliminary phytochemical screening to observe the presence of potential phytoconstituents of G. abutilifolia leaf extracts and evaluated acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory properties to measure its anti-cholinesterase activities. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, carbohydrates, coumarins, alkaloids etc. The petroleum ether (PESF), chloroform (CSF) and aqueous soluble fractions (AQSF) of the crude extract of the plant leaf were screened for bioactivities. The highest inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was exhibited by aqueous soluble fraction (AQSF) with IC50 = 5.73 ± 0.59 μg/ml, while the highest inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase was shown by petroleum ether soluble fraction (PESF) with IC50 = 6.57 ± 1.81 μg/ml in a dose-dependent manner. During assay for thrombolytic activity, the chloroform soluble fraction (CSF) revealed highest activity with 25.75 ± 1.62% clot lysis. These results of the present study suggested the effectiveness of G. abutilifolia against various neurological diseases.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 81-86, 2018 (June)
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and In vitro Antibacterial Activities of Essential Oils of Mentha spicata Leaf from Tiaret Area (Algeria)
Authors: Selles Sidi Mohammed Ammar , Kouidri Mokhtaria , Bellik Yuva , Amrane Amar Ait , Belhamiti Belkacem Tahar , Benia Ahmed Redha , Hammoudi Si Mohamed , Boukraa Laid
Published: June 2018

The antioxidant and antibacterial activities and the composition of essential oil of Mentha spicata from Tiaret area were evaluated. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging assay and reducing power. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the broth microdilution method against seven strains isolated from diarrhea of young calves. The essential oil was analyzed by GCMS/ GC-FID. A total of 116 compounds amounting of 99.92% of the total component of the oil were identified. The major component of the oil was carvone (63.59%).The antioxidant activity by DPPH assay showed IC50 value of 21.1 ± 7.17 μg/ml, while the reducing power assay have resulted an EC50value of 2.28 ± 0.68 μg/ml. The results showed that the essential oil exhibited an MIC against all tested bacteria at 2.37 mg/ml to 4.75 mg/ml. The essential oil of M. spicata showed strong antioxidant and weak to moderate antibacterial activities.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 87-96, 2018 (June)
A Comparative Analysis of Clitoria ternatea Linn. (Butterfly Pea) Flower Extract as Natural Liquid pH Indicator and Natural pH Paper
Authors: Syahirah L Nur Faezah , Lutfi MY Muhammad Umar , A Atika , Hafiz R Muhammad , Zulhelmi OA Muhammad , Adzhan O Mohd Ariff , PY Khor
Published: June 2018

Clitoria ternatea Linn (CT) or Butterfly pea flower is a blue flower edible plant, which is commonly used as food colouring. The objective of this study was to develop a liquid and paper pH indicator from CT extracts. The effectiveness of CT extract as pH indicator was evaluated by titration and product testing result against standard indicator. The stability of CT extracts were also conducted in 7 days storage. Findings from this study shows that CT extract is an effective liquid pH indicator except for weak acid samples. Whereas pH paper made from CT extract is effective as pH paper except for testing pH range from 4 -6. It is concluded thatCT extracts can be potentially effective pH indicator.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 97-103, 2018 (June)
Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Stimulate Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in Glial Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Kukia Nasim Rahmani , Abbasi Ardeshir , Froushani Seyyed Maysam Abtahi
Published: June 2018

Due to cytotoxic potential, Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have recently been studied in various in vivo and in culture cell line. Also, CuO has received much attention in cancer therapy. We aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of CuO NPs on glial cancer (B92) cell line. B92 cancer cells were cultured with CuO NPs at different concentrations (5, 10, and 20 μg/ml) with 30 and 60 nm particle size. Then, cancer cells were incubated for 24 hrs. The apoptosis and cytotoxicity of cells were estimated by acridine orange/propidium iodide staining and MTT assay, respectively. Both sizes of CuO NPs had cytotoxic effect. Even with the lowest concentration, the cytotoxic impact accommodated 32% of cell apoptosis with 30 nm size. When the concentration of CuO NPs increased, viability decreased and apoptosis increased. However, these amounts have no significant changes in the concentration of 10 to 20 μg/ml between two particle sizes (30 and 60 nm). The IC50 was decreased as the size of particles increased, but there was no significant change. This finding suggests that exposure to CuO NPs had significant cytotoxic effect with the sizes tested when compared to unexposed control in a way that the smaller size and higher concentration exerted the maximum cytotoxic effects. It seems that augmentation may not have any impact on their in vitro cytotoxicity.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 105-111, 2018 (June)
Neuroprotective Properties of Nigella sativa (L.) Seeds Extract in Sprague Dawley Rats models
Authors: Babar Zahir Uddin , Azad Abul Kalam , Wan Sulaiman Wan Mohd Azizi , Uddin Jalal , Labu Zubair Khalid
Published: June 2018

Neuroinflammation has been closely linked to neurodegeneration that leads to dysfunction of memory and learning where glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) plays important role positively within hippocampus. In experimental neurodegeneration achieved by two-vessel occlusion (2VO) intervention, Nigella sativa (L.) seeds extract (50 mg/kg/day orally) has shown to have anti-neuroinflammatory and antioxidant properties. The brain hippocampal tissues were humanely collected at the end of 10th treatment week and preserved in Allprotect™ reagent at –80°C. Total RNA was extracted and purified by phenol/chloroform method using kits and reverse transcribed into cDNA and relatively quantified as per ΔΔCq. The NSSE treatment showed significantly (p<0.001) different relative GFAP mRNA expression in the treated group as compared to that of untreated 2VO whilst it was insignificantly (p>0.5) different to that of healthy control (HC). Prolonged or daily treatment with NSSE (Nigella sativa (L.) seeds extract) may provide moderate anti-neuroprotective activity within hippocampus.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 113-121, 2018 (June)
Quantitation of Sitagliptin in Drug Product by Validated Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatographic Technique
Authors: Sultana Sharifa , Hossain Md Shahadat , Islam Md Samiul , Rouf Abu Shara Shamsur
Published: June 2018

A novel reversed phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-UHPLC) method was developed for the estimation of sitagliptin in pharmaceutical dosage form. Separation was done by a X-bridge C18 column (4.6 i.d.× 150 mm, 5 μm particle size) with a flow rate of 1 ml/min using phosphate buffer (pH 6) and acetonitrile (70:30, v/v) as mobile phase at 268 nm using photodiode array plus (PDA+) detector. The retention time was found at 4.607 min. The developed method was validated as per the requirements of ICH-Q2B guidelines for specificity, system suitability, linearity, precision, accuracy, sensitivity and robustness. The linear regression analysis data for the linearity plot showed correlation coefficient values of 0.999 with LOD value of 0.06 μg/ml and LOQ of 0.225 μg/ml. The relative standard deviation (%RSD) for inter-day and intra- day precision was not more than 2.0%. The method was found to be accurate with percentages recovery of 98.50±0.03 to 99.70±0.05 and the % RSD was less than 2. The results showed that the proposed method is highly convenient for routine analysis of sitagliptin.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 123-129, 2018 (June)
Study of Bioactivities of Holarrhena pubescence Growing in Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir AK Lutful , Begum Mst Marium , Islam Tahiya
Published: June 2018

The stem bark of Holarrhena pubescence was tested for anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal activities. After 1, 4 and 12 weeks of treatment protocol in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, it showed very negligible reduction of blood glucose level. In 12 weeks treatment protocol H. pubescence demonstrated that, the extract at 300 and 600 mg/kg bw can reduce blood glucose level by 3 and 4 mmol/l, respectively. Bark extract possessed strong analgesic, anti-diarrheal and mild anti-inflammatory activities. A dose of 600-mg/kg showed 69.50% (p<0.05) of writhing inhibition compared to indomethacin (73.76%) for acetic acid-induced analgesic method. In formalin-induced anti-nociception, the extract at 300 and 600 mg/kg bw showed dose dependent antinociception (67.42% and 69.007%, respectively, p < 0.05). The anti-diarrheal study demonstrated significant antidiarrheal potential in a dose dependent manner as demonstrated by reduction of defecation by 64.92% and 71.43%, for 300- and 600-mg/kg bw, respectively.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 131-137, 2018 (June)
A Review on Anti-diabetic Plants
Authors: Qais Nazmul , Jahan Sadia , Shajib Md Shafiullah
Published: June 2018

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder whose prevalence is rapidly increasing all over the world. According to WHO, diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death in 2030. Since long back, plants have been used to heal or combat illness and are the source of many modern medicines. In view of the above aspects, the present review provides information about the antidiabetic plants, available through literature source from various database. From the present study it is evident that most of the plants having anti-diabetic properties belong to the family Moraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Liliaceae, Anacardiaceae, Myrtaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae and many others. The hypoglycemic activities are contained in different parts of these plants like leaf, rhizomes, fruits, bark, seeds or other parts which differ from species to species. It is also evident from this review that the mode of action and dosage of administration differs from plant to plant.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 17(1): 139-152, 2018 (June)
In vitro Regeneration and Over Expression of Pea DNA Helicase 45 (PDH45) Gene into the Local Cultivars of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through Agrobacteriummediated Genetic Transformation
Authors: Mubina Nuram , Hoque MI , Sarker RH
Published: June 2018

In vitro regeneration studies compatible to Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation were carried out using two different types of zygotic embryo derived explants namely, decapitated embryo (DE) and decapitated embryo with single cotyledon disc (DEC) from three varieties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) such as BARI chhola-4, -5 and -9 cultivated in Bangladesh. The best responses towards in vitro shoot regeneration was obtained from decapitated embryo with DEC on MS containing 0.5 mg/l BAP, 0.5 mg/l Kn and 0.2 mg/l NAA. Healthy and effective roots from the regenerated shoots were developed on MS supplemented with 0.2 mg/l IBA. Genetic transformation was carried out with Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 containing the binary plasmid pCAMBIA1301- PDH45 to integrate salt tolerant PDH45 gene in locally grown varieties of chickpea. The transformed plantlets were successfully established in soil following adequate hardening. Integration of salt tolerant PDH45 gene within the genomic DNA was confirmed through GUS histochemical assay and PCR analysis.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 28(1): 125-140, 2018 (June)
Legend about photoemission discharge
Authors: Sorokin A R
Published: June 2018

It is shown that the currently advertised ‘new form of discharge’ (open discharge) — photoemission with a virtually noneroding cathode and ‘anomalously high’ (near unity) energy efficiency of electron beam (EB) formation — cannot, in fact, be implemented. In reality, such a discharge fits well into the familiar pattern of glow discharges controlled by heavy particle emission. Thus, in known EB sources, an energy efficiency of up to ≈ 0.8 is ensured by fast atoms from ion charge exchange in strong discharge fields. However, charge multiplication and cathode-directed ion drift are both proportional to the flux of cathode electrons (including photoemitted ones), implying that the energy efficiency cannot increase through its contribution. It is this incorrect efficiency measurement methodology which gives the result of an efficiency approaching unity.
Some discussion topics on the representation of the equilibrium Fe – Ni phase diagram and on the nature of the Invar effect
Authors: Zemtsova N D
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a thorough analysis of Fe – Ni phase diagrams published over the last 50 years. It is shown that the differences in drawing the low-temperature part of the phase diagram and in the explanation of the nature of Invar alloys are due to a lack of clear experimental evidence for the absence or occurrence of a particular superstructure in the range of compositions with less than 50% Ni content. The experimental results obtained favor a certain particular phase diagram as yet unpublished in the reference literature, and suggest the possible origin of the Invar effect. The phase diagram analysis and the assumption on the nature of the Invar effect are based on results obtained by structural methods.
Microwave stimulation of dislocations and the magnetic control of the earthquake core
Authors: Buchachenko A L
Published: June 2018

Microwave irradiation transforms the elasticity of solids into plasticity by controlling the dislocation mobility via magnetic interactions within the electron spin pairs on the dislocations. In ionic crystals, microwaves cause dislocations to accelerate and increase their mean free path, thus leading to a release of elastic energy; in covalent crystals, microwaves keep dislocations in place, thereby accumulating elastic energy and increasing the crystal strength. Microwave pumping at resonant Zeeman frequencies (in the magnetic resonance regime) is firm evidence of the concepts of electron spin pairs and of the magnetoplasticity phenomenon itself. However, the dominant contribution to the macroscopic transformation of elastic energy into plastic flow comes from nonresonant microwaves. These can be used to control the mechanics of diamagnetic solids, including, importantly, the earthquake focus. The observed correlation between magnetic events (such as magnetic storms and hydrodynamically generated high-power magnetic pulses) and their seismic and tectonic consequences (earthquake frequency and magnitude and deformations) indicates unambiguously that magnetically controlling the earthquake focus provides a realistic means to prevent a catastrophe by transforming large-magnitude earthquakes into weak, low-magnitude events.
On physical processes in an ‘open’ discharge
Authors: Bokhan P A
Published: June 2018

This paper reviews the key features of the ‘open’ photoelectric discharge (FED) used for the high-efficiency generation of electron beams (EBs) in medium-pressure gases and for subnanosecond switching of high-voltage pulses. The energy efficiency of EB generation in both FEDs and anomalous discharges is measured, and conditions for the predominance of photoemission are formulated. It is concluded that the FED is a long-known phenomenon and that the arguments put forward in Usp. Fiz. Nauk 188 1354 (2018) [Physics–Uspekhi 61 1234 (12) (2018)] against its existence are based on simplified discharge models and poorly performed experiments and make use of other authors' results of no direct relevance to the ‘open’ discharge.
Coherent elastic neutrino scattering on atomic nucleus: recently discovered type of low-energy neutrino interaction
Authors: Akimov D Yu , Belov V A , Bolozdynya A I , Efremenko Yu V , Konovalov A M , Kumpan A V , Rudik D G , Sosnovtsev V V , Khromov A V , Shakirov A V
Published: June 2018

We present recent results on the first experimental observation of the coherent elastic scattering of the neutrino on atomic nuclei and review other experiments related to the detection and investigation of this process.
Psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version of Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (a pilot study)
Authors: Balsevičius Tomas , Uloza Virgilijus , Sakalauskas Raimundas , Miliauskas Skaidrius , Rėklaitienė Regina , Bacevičienė Miglė
Published: June 2018

Objective. To arrange and test for its psychometric properties Lithuanian version of Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index and assess quality of life among snoring and obstructive sleep apnea patients before and after the treatment. Material and methods. Cross-cultural adaptation of Lithuanian version of Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index was accomplished according to generally accepted methodology. In total, 36 (29 males and 7 females) patients (mean age, 41.1±9.7 years) suffering from socially disturbing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea were included into the study. All patients underwent complete full-night polysomnography (mean apnea/hypopnea index, 12.7±11.2) and were treated with two sessions of radiofrequency tissue ablation at the palatal and tong base (if it was necessary) levels. Lithuanian version of the Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index was presented before the treatment with radiofrequency tissue ablation and in the period of 2 to 3 months after the treatment. Thirty-five patients repeated the same questionnaire after three weeks to assess the reliability of scores. Results. The Cronbach’s α coefficients of internal reliability were above the standard (0.7 for groups) in all subdomains and domains. Test-retest correlation coefficients for each domain (ranged from 0.92 to 0.94) were statistically significant (P<0.0001). Lithuanian version of the questionnaire was found to be responsive to clinical change. A statistically significant difference in the mean Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index scores in the study group patients before and after the surgery was found in all daily functioning subdomains and social interactions domains. Conclusions. Overall, the results of the present pilot study demonstrate that the Lithuanian version of Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index is applicable for clinical purposes.
An Overview of Current Pretreatment Methods Used to Improve Lipid Extraction from Oleaginous Microorganisms
Authors: Patel Alok , Mikes Fabio , Matsakas Leonidas
Published: June 2018

Microbial oils, obtained from oleaginous microorganisms are an emerging source of commercially valuable chemicals ranging from pharmaceuticals to the petroleum industry. In petroleum biorefineries, the microbial biomass has become a sustainable source of renewable biofuels. Biodiesel is mainly produced from oils obtained from oleaginous microorganisms involving various upstream and downstream processes, such as cultivation, harvesting, lipid extraction, and transesterification. Among them, lipid extraction is a crucial step for the process and it represents an important bottleneck for the commercial scale production of biodiesel. Lipids are synthesized in the cellular compartment of oleaginous microorganisms in the form of lipid droplets, so it is necessary to disrupt the cells prior to lipid extraction in order to improve the extraction yields. Various mechanical, chemical and physicochemical pretreatment methods are employed to disintegrate the cellular membrane of oleaginous microorganisms. The objective of the present review article is to evaluate the various pretreatment methods for efficient lipid extraction from the oleaginous cellular biomass available to date, as well as to discuss their advantages and disadvantages, including their effect on the lipid yield. The discussed mechanical pretreatment methods are oil expeller, bead milling, ultrasonication, microwave, high-speed and high-pressure homogenizer, laser, autoclaving, pulsed electric field, and non-mechanical methods, such as enzymatic treatment, including various emerging cell disruption techniques.
Study on Hybrid Characteristics of Medicinally Used Cultivated Codonopsis Species Using Ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) Sequencing
Authors: Liang Li-Jun , Wang Er-Huan , Yang Yi-Chen , Xing Bing-Cong , Ji Wei , Liu Feng , Liang Zong-Suo
Published: June 2018

Codonopsis taxa, as a traditional Chinese medicinal and edible plant, has found expanding domestic and foreign applications in recent decades. However, the poor management in germplasm resources market has inevitably caused an unnecessary hybrid of the provenances. In order to clarify the hybrid characteristics of germplasm resources in the main production area, the Codonopsis cultivars collected from the provinces Gansu, Shannxi, Shanxi, and Hubei of China were researched, using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence technology. The confirmation of additive nucleotides based on the ITS sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mixture was optimized and used to study the hybrid of Codonopsis cultivars. The results showed that when the ratio of PCR mixture increased up to 15 percent, the presence of a double peak in the sequencing electrophoresis map could be confirmed, suggesting the existence of additive nucleotides. According to the method above, 46 samples of Codonopsis cultivars collected during 2016 and 2017 were studied and compared with the samples collected from the year 2009 to 2010. All of the samples collected during 2016 and 2017 were hybridized and no genetic pure lines were found. In addition, the sites of variable base reduced greatly, concentrating at positions 122 and/or 226. These phenomena suggested that the genetic diversity of Codonopsis cultivars declined and the germplasm resources gradually converged. More attention should be paid to the reasonable exploitation and genetic breeding of Codonopsis taxa.
Simultaneous Quantification of Three Curcuminoids and Three Volatile Components of Curcuma longa Using Pressurized Liquid Extraction and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Chao In-Cheng , Wang Chun-Ming , Li Shao-Ping , Lin Li-Gen , Ye Wen-Cai , Zhang Qing-Wen
Published: June 2018

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was investigated for the simultaneous quantification of two chemical types of bioactive compounds in the rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn. (turmeric), including three curcuminoids: Curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin; and three volatile components: ar-turmerone, β-turmerone, and α-turmerone. In the present study, the sample extraction system was optimized by a pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) process for further HPLC analysis. The established HPLC analysis conditions were achieved using a Zorbax SB-C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm) and a gradient mobile phase comprised of acetonitrile and 0.4% (v/v) aqueous acetic acid with an eluting rate of 1.0 mL/min. The curcuminoids and volatile components were detected at 430 nm and 240 nm, respectively. Moreover, the method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, stability and accuracy. The validated method was successfully applied to evaluate the quality of twelve commercial turmeric samples.
“People Gather for Stranger Things, So Why Not This?” Learning Sustainable Sensibilities through Communal Garment-Mending Practices
Authors: Durrani Marium
Published: June 2018

This study uses a sociomaterial practice theoretical lens to explore the learning processes and outcomes of non-professional menders emerging through their participation in communal mending workshops. Recent years have witnessed an emergence of repair workshops that seek to provide an alternative to the make-take-waste paradigm dominating the fast fashion industry in most Western countries. The paper is based on three months of extensive fieldwork in six repair workshops in two cities in New Zealand (Auckland and Wellington). Thirty-five in-depth interviews, eight follow-up surveys and field notes from participant observations were used to collect data. A triangulation of the methods and open coding helped identify three types of learning streams from the data: material learning, communal learning, and environmental learning. The learned outcomes aided in equipping participants with knowledge of how to mend, extend use of existing garments, address alternatives to garment disposal, create feelings of caring, self-reliance and empowerment in communities, and differentiate between good- and bad-quality garments. In this way, communal workshops help users to be more proactive in providing sustainable local solutions to global ecological problems and create diversified learning around sociomaterial and ecological aspects of garments and their use. This could potentially create awareness of the importance of buying better and more durable garments in the future to keep them longer in use.
REMOVAL OF CADMIUM FROM CONTAMINATED SOIL USING IRON (III) OXIDE NANOPARTICLES STABILIZED WITH POLYACRYLIC ACID
Authors: Mohamadiun Malihe , Dahrazma Behnaz , Saghravani Seyed Fazlolah , Darban Ahmad Khodadadi
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticle, stabilized with polyacrylic acid on cadmium removal from the contaminated soils. To investigate the effect of important parameters, including nanoparticle concentration, pH, contact time, and the ratio of contaminated soil mass to nanofluid volume, several batch tests were performed. The maximum removal rate (100%) of cadmium was obtained in the following conditions: nanofluid concentration = 500 ppm, pH = 6.5, contact time = 24 hr and the ratio of contaminated soil mass (gr) to nanofluid volume (mL) = 1:150. Results of selective sequential extraction tests showed that the distribution of cadmium in different fractions of the soil was carbonates, oxides and hydroxides, residual fraction, exchangeable, and organic matter respectively. The tendency of nanoparticles for removal of Cd2+ from the soil fractions was in the order of: exchangeable > carbonates > oxides and hydroxides > organic matter > residual.
On Cepheid Distance Scale Bias Due to Stellar Companions and Cluster Populations
Authors: Anderson Richard I. , Riess Adam G.
Published: June 2018

State-of-the-art photometric measurements of extragalactic Cepheids account for the mean additional light due to chance superposition of Cepheids on crowded backgrounds through the use of artificial star measurements. However, light from stars physically associated with Cepheids may bias relative distance measurements if the changing spatial resolution along the distance ladder significantly alters the amount of associated blending. We have identified two regimes where this phenomenon may occur: Cepheids in wide binaries and in open clusters. We estimate stellar association bias using the photometric passbands and reddening-free Wesenheit magnitudes used to set up the distance scale. For wide binaries, we rely on Geneva stellar evolution models in conjunction with detailed statistics on intermediate-mass binary stars. For the impact of cluster stars, we have compiled information on the clustered Cepheid fraction and measured the typical cluster contribution in M31 via deep Hubble Space Telescope imaging provided by the Panchromatic Hubble Andromeda Treasury project. We find that the dominant effect on the distance scale comes from Cepheids in clusters, even though cluster Cepheids are a relatively rare phenomenon. Wide binaries have a negligible effect of 0.004% on H
0 for long-period Cepheids observed in the near-infrared or when considering Wesenheit magnitudes. We estimate that blending due to cluster populations has previously resulted in a 0.23% overestimate of H
0. Correcting for this bias, we obtain

, which remains in 3.3σ tension with the Planck value. We conclude that stellar association bias does not constitute a limit for measuring H
0 with an accuracy of 1%.