bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Climate Change and Solutions for Urban Sustainability of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Dao Phan , Thuy Lan Chi Nguyễn
Published: April 2015

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the largest city in Vietnam, is steadily growing, certainly towards a mega city in the near future. Like other mega cities at the boom stage, it has to face with serious environmental matters insolvable for many years. The situation may be worse under the effects of global climate change, geological subsidence due to non-standard construction and sea level rise. The situation of HCMC can be damaged or even broken by resonant effects of unsolved environmental matters and latent impacts of climate change. This article shows the challenges to the urban sustainable development under the duo effect of urban environmental matters and climate change in Ho Chi Minh City. Opportunities and strategic directions to overcome the challenges are also analyzed and recommended.
Sexist humor as a trigger of state self-objectification in women
Authors: Ford Thomas E. , Woodzicka Julie A. , Petit Whitney E. , Richardson Kyle , Lappi Shaun K.
Published: April 2015

We conducted two experiments to test the possibility that sexist humor triggers a state of self-objectification in women. Our findings supported two hypotheses derived from self-objectification theory. In Experiment 1, we found that women (but not men) reported greater state self-objectification following exposure to sexist comedy clips than neutral comedy clips. Experiment 2 replicated this finding for women and further demonstrated that sexist humor causes women to engage in more body surveillance compared to neutral humor.
Gender disparaging jokes: An investigation of sexist-nonstereotypical jokes on funniness, typicality, and the moderating role of ingroup identification
Authors: Abrams Jessica R. , Bippus Amy M. , McGaughey Karen J.
Published: April 2015

This experiment relied on social identity theory to investigate jokes that express superiority and denigration toward social groups. In particular, the social identity of gender is examined in the context of sexist-nonstereotypical jokes. Results revealed that sexist-nonstereotypical jokes had the greatest impact on women. Specifically, women rated jokes about men funnier than jokes about themselves, and highly identified women found jokes targeting men significantly funnier than jokes targeting women. These results, and others relating to prototypicality, offer insight into how disparaging intergroup jokes function to accentuate and attenuate intergroup relations.
Cyperus rotundus L. prevents non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric mucosal damage by inhibiting oxidative stress
Authors: Thomas Deepa , Govindhan Sindhu , Baiju Edathiruthykottuckkal Chandran , Padmavathi Ganesan , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B. , Padikkala Jose
Published: April 2015

Background: Since centuries, Cyperus rotundus L. has been used against gastric ailments in traditional Indian medicine, especially in Ayurveda and Siddha. Therefore, it is very obvious that this plant will have a greater potential to treat gastric ulcers. For this reason, in this study, we mainly focused on the ulcer-preventive role of C. rotundus in rats treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Methods: Seventy percent methanolic extract of the plant was prepared and fed to 36-h fasted rats. Ulcer was induced in these rats by single oral administration of aspirin (400 mg/kg) 1 h after the administration of the plant extract. After 4 h, the rats were sacrificed, ulcer index was calculated, and antioxidant activity of the extract in gastric mucosa was evaluated by determining the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and tissue lipid peroxidation.

Results: Oral administration of different doses of C. rotundus rhizome methanolic extract (CME; 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) significantly inhibited aspirin-induced gastric ulceration in animals in a dose-dependent manner (49.32% and 53.15%, respectively), which was also comparable with the standard gastric ulcer drug ranitidine. Administration of CME also significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, cellular glutathione and glutathione peroxidase, and inhibited the lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa of ulcerated animals in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions: Our results showed that C. rotundus extract has the capacity to significantly inhibit aspirin-induced gastric ulcers through an antioxidant defense mechanism. This study warrants further examination of this plant for its gastroprotective activities.
Bullwhip Effect in the Information Flow of a Supply Chain: A Role of Culture
Authors: Lampret Tadeja , Potočan Vojko
Published: April 2015

The main goal of our research is to analyze and display causes of a bullwhip effect formation within a supply chain, as well as to provide the appropriate solutions to limit the occurrence of the bullwhip effect by using the proper information flow and partners’ cooperation within the supply chain. The bullwhip effect is one of the most important issues in the supply chain management and it is present in many companies. It preserves a character of invisibility because there are lots of causes for its formation and they are usually difficult to discern. The bullwhip effect is a phenomenon of an increase in the order variability within a supply chain. The higher we are within the supply chain, the higher is the order variability. The company encountered with the whip effect can successfully reduce its impact by improving the information flow, as well as improving partners’ cooperation within the supply chain. In this way the company can limit its negative repercussions and increase the profit. The article focuses on the overview of the bullwhip effect within a distribution chain, from its causes to suggestions and measures how to ease its negative repercussions on the organisation. Part of the causes could be found in the market demand variability and in the lack of communication about the actual marked demand within the supply chain. The rest of the causes are related to obstacles that emerge among different partners within the supply chain (role of culture). A qualitative analysis is applied on the basis of the selected cognitions from the supply chain management. The quantitative analysis is based on the theoretical research of the effective flow of information among the participants and its contribution to the reduction of the bullwhip impact. The article discusses two research questions: 1) The correct information flow within the supply chain and the improvement of the communication among partners can lead to the bullwhip effect reduction, and 2) A reduction of the bullwhip influence can lead to the increase of cooperation among partners. The results of the analysis can be used for further research.
Role of circulating adipocytokines vaspin, apelin, and visfatin in the loss of appetite in underweight children: a pilot trial
Authors: Vehapoglu Aysel , Ustabas Feyza , Ozgen Tolga I. , Terzioglu Sule , Cermik Banu B. , Ozen Omer F.
Published: April 2015

To investigate serum concentrations of vaspin, apelin, and visfatin in underweight children and their association with anthropometric and nutritional markers of malnutrition.

We recruited 44 underweight prepubertal children (youngest age=2 years) with thinness grades of 1, 2, and 3, and body weights <90% of ideal body weight due to loss of appetite and less frequent hunger episodes. Forty-one healthy age- and gender-matched controls were also included in the study. Serum fasting vaspin, apelin, and visfatin concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay technique.

Mean vaspin and apelin levels were significantly lower in underweight children compared to controls (vaspin: 0.44±0.18 vs. 0.58±0.35 pg/mL, p=0.024; apelin: 483.37±333.26 vs. 711.71±616.50 pg/mL, p=0.041). Visfatin levels were lower in underweight children compared to controls, but the values were not statistically significant (177.81±158.01 vs. 221.15±212.94 pg/mL, p=0.119).

: In underweight children, decreased vaspin and apelin levels should be considered in the etiology of anorexia.
Protein-induced hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia due to a homozygous HADH mutation in three siblings of a Saudi family
Authors: Babiker Omer , Flanagan Sarah E. , Ellard Sian , Girim Hesham Al , Hussain Khalid , Senniappan Senthil
Published: April 2015

Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) is caused by mutations in the key genes involved in regulation of insulin secretion from the pancreatic β-cells and mutations in
From C. S. Lewis’ Joy to Nicolae Steinhardt’s Happiness
Authors: Cuţitaru Laura Carmen
Published: April 2015

The paper highlights common or divergent points in the way in which the concept of ”joy” is reflected in two masterpieces of Christian literature: Surprised by Joy (C. S. Lewis) and The Diary of Happiness (N. Steinhardt)
The Liberal Arts, Antidote for Atheism
Authors: Heck Joel D.
Published: April 2015

C. S. Lewis once stated that the decline of classical learning was a contributory cause of atheism. This article explores why he made this very unusual statement, describing how Lewis saw the Classics as a literature full of gods and goddesses, providing hints of truth, giving us things to write about, and preparing for the Christian faith. Using some remarkable quotations from Virgil and Plato, Lewis demonstrated how those writers anticipated both the birth and the death of Christ. Lewis’s concept of myth, powerfully present in the Classics, shows how the Gospel story itself is a “true myth,” one with a pattern that is similar to many of the pagan myths. The personal story of Lewis himself demonstrates how the Classics, and, more broadly, the liberal arts were a testimony to the truth of God and how the Greek plays of Euripides, the philosophy of Samuel Alexander, the imagination of writer William Morris, the poetry of George Herbert, and the historical sensibility of G. K. Chesterton combined (with many other similar influences) to convince Lewis that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were especially a “true myth,” one that happened in history, demonstrating him to be the Son of God.
C. S. Lewis: The Romantic Rationalist
Authors: Vasiliu Daniela
Published: April 2015

The paper “C. S. Lewis: The Romantic Rationalist” presents the way C. S. Lewis gives an account in his first fictional (allegorical) book, The Pilgrim’s Regress, of how he discovered Christianity on the converging paths of romanticism and rationalism. The outstanding scholar and author whose intellectual and spiritual development has turned him into one of the most influential Christian writers of the twentieth century became an atheist in his teens and after a long journey through different philosophical convictions he converted to Christianity in his early thirties, a change that affected his entire work. His love of literature was essential in discovering both the rational and the imaginative appeal of Christianity, which led him into a vision of the reality of the world and of life that satisfied the longing of his heart and the hunger of his imagination.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Single European Patent / Prednosti in slabosti enotnega evropskega patenta
Authors: Glazer Klara
Published: April 2015

In February 2013, the European Union successfully completed more than 30 years of negotiations and formally signed an agreement establishing a single European patent. The agreement brought about a more competitive patent law compared with that in the United States and Japan. The agreement resulted in a number of advantages, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, such as the reduction of costs by as much as 80%, simplification of procedures, and the adoption of the Unified Patent Court. With the new unitary patent, intellectual property will grow in importance. Yet experts warn that the new patent results in new forms of unwanted behavior, such as forum shopping and the emergence of patent trolls. This study presents both sides-the pros and cons-to predict the effects on business and cover the widest possible range of experts, providing their views on the topic.
Effect of Rurality and Human Capital Resources in the Entrepreneurial Opportunity Identification Process / Vpliv ruralnega okolja in človeškega kapitala v procesu zaznavanja podjetniških priložnosti
Authors: Kedmenec Irena , Šebjan Urban , Tominc Polona
Published: April 2015

In this paper, that is a country study of Slovenia, we tried to determine why individuals in rural residential areas are less likely to recognize entrepreneurial opportunities. Our results show that the increase in resources in human capital, consisting of education, skills, knowledge, and experiences in entrepreneurship, has a significant and positive effect on opportunity identification. For policy creators, our results suggest that policies focused on entrepreneurial education- especially education that would enable the acquisition of real-life entrepreneurial experiences and skills-are useful, especially in rural areas.
The use of the steric effect of the carrier molecule in the polymer inclusion membranes for the separation of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) ions
Authors: Radzyminska-Lenarcik Elzbieta , Ulewicz Malgorzata
Published: April 2015

In this study, palladium-modified nickel foam substrate was applied to examine ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in 0.1 The transport of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) ions from chloride solutions across polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs), which 1-heptylimidazole (1̲) or 1-heptyl-2-methylimidazole (2̲) or 1-heptyl-4-methylimidazole (3̲) as the ion carrier was reported. The steric effect for carriers 2̲and 3̲decreases the transport of all ions except Cu(II). The initial fl uxes of metal ions transport across PIMs with the 1̲- 2̲decrease in the sequence: Cu(II) > Zn(II) > Co(II) > Ni(II), whereas for 3 they were Cu(II) > Zn(II) > Ni(II) > Co(II). The highest recovery values were obtained for Cu(II), this being 99 and 85% for carrier 1̲and 2̲, respectively. In both membranes the degree of deposition of the Zn(II) ions was comparable. Zn(II), Co(II) and Cd(II) ions, which form complexes with coordination numbers 4 and 6, are more easily recovered with the use of carriers 2̲and 3̲. Ni(II) ions, which form complexes with coordination number 6 only, practically remain in the feeding phase. PIMs with alkylimidazoles were characterized by non-contact atomic force microscopy.
Visualization and simulation of filling process of simultaneous co-injection molding based on level set method
Authors: Liu Qingsheng , Ouyang Jie , Liu Zhijun , Li Wuming
Published: April 2015

Co-injection molding (CIM) is an advanced technology which was developed to meet quality requirements and to reduce the material cost. Theoretical investigations concerning it are very limited, especially for simultaneous CIM. The interactions of air, skin and core polymer melt in the process are very complex, which makes it more challenging to simulate free surface flows in the mold. Thus, this article presents a mathematical model for it. The extended Pom-Pom (XPP) model is selected to predict the viscoelastic behavior of polymer melt. The free surface is captured by the level set method. The article vividly shows the simultaneous CIM process by means of a visual numerical simulation technique. Both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D examples are presented to validate the model and illustrate its capabilities. The 3D flow behaviors of simultaneous CIM process are hard to predict numerically. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at simulating melt flow behaviors in 3D simultaneous CIM based on the XPP constitutive equation and visual technique. The numerical results are in good agreement with the available experiment results, which establish the capability of the multiphase flow model presented in this article to simulate the flow behaviors of polymer melt in simultaneous CIM process.
Improved impact response of hygrothermally conditioned carbon/epoxy woven composites
Authors: Zhong Yucheng , Joshi Sunil Chandrakant
Published: April 2015

The effects of hygrothermal conditioning and moisture on the impact resistance of carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates were investigated. Specimens were fabricated from carbon fiber/epoxy woven prepreg materials. The fabricated specimens were either immersed in water at 80°C or subjected to hot/wet (at 80°C in water for 12 h) to cold/dry (at -30°C in a freezer for 12 h) cyclic hygrothermal conditions, which resulted in different moisture contents inside the laminates. It was found that the absorbed moisture did not migrate out from composite materials at -30°C. Neither of the hygrothermal conditions in this study had detrimental effects on the microstructure of the laminates. Low-velocity impact testing was subsequently conducted on the conditioned specimens. When attacked by the same level of impact energy, laminates with different moisture levels experienced different levels of impact damage. Moisture significantly alleviated the extent of damage in carbon fiber/epoxy woven laminates. The elastic response of the laminate under impact was improved after hygrothermal conditioning. The mechanism behind the improved impact resistance after absorbing moisture was proposed and deliberated.
Biogenic Imprint on Hillslopes in the Sudety Mts. — Origin and Consequences of the Tree Uprooting Process
Authors: Pawlik Łukasz
Published: April 2015

The main subject of this article is the tree uprooting process and its effects on forested hillslopes in the Sudety Mts. The research has been carried out between 2010 and 2012 in the Karkonosze National Park (KNP), Stołowe Mountains National Park (SMNP) and Suche Mts. The methods included: detailed geomorphological mapping and measurements of root plates of recently fallen trees and relict treethrow mounds and pits (called pit-and-mound microtopography), their qualitative description and measurements of diameter at breast height (dbh) of uprooted tree trunks.

The mean root plate volume was 0.3-1.4 m

It has been shown that tree uprooting can contribute to the evolution of regolith and soils and it is an important factor of their disturbances. This reflects results from other sites in the World. However, in the Sudety Mts. the significance of tree uprooting has been validated only locally and it is suggested that its importance decreases proportionally to the area under consideration. Here, biogenic transport is limited to treethrow pits on gentle hillslopes but can be much more effective at steeper sites.
The Quaternary Transformation of Older Inherited Mountain Landscapes
Authors: Starkel Leszek
Published: April 2015

The Quaternary transformation of the inherited mountain relief was controlled by three factors: cyclic climatic changes, resistance of the substratum and neotectonic uplift. Cyclic climatic fluctuations in the majority of European mountains were reflected in the alternation of interglacial and cold stages, the former characterized by a dominance of forest and chemical weathering, the latter by permafrost, solifluction, wind activity and, at higher elevations, by glacier advances. The transitional phases played an important role as periods of re-establishment of water circulation and transfer of regolith and sediment, formed during the previous cold or interglacial stage. The rates of degradation of inherited planation surfaces and slopes depend on bedrock resistance. In the case of less resistant flysch deposits, degradation during a single (last) cold stage reached 10 metres. Therefore, the higher planation levels may have been either better preserved on more resistant bedrock or even emphasized by cryoplanation processes. The lowest piedmont developed on less resistant beds was lowered to 50 m. In the young mountains, the Quaternary uplift may have played an additional role. In the case of uplift reaching or exceeding several hundred metres, the former fluvial forms were shifted to the cryonival or even nival (glacial) vertical zone where they became entirely transformed.
Changes of the Morphology of the Ropa River — Upstream and Downstream of the Klimkowka Water Reservoir
Authors: Wiejaczka Łukasz , Kiszka Krzysztof , Bochenek Witold
Published: April 2015

The paper outlines changes in the channel morphology of the Ropa riverbed over the last six years, taking into account the role of large floods and the Klimkówka water reservoir in shaping the morphology of the riverbed. The analysis was based on annual geodetic measurements of the Ropa riverbed conducted between 2009-2014. The research was carried out in four cross profiles of the riverbed located upstream (1 profile) and downstream (3 profiles) of the reservoir. In order to recognise the direction and scale of morphology changes of the riverbed, additional analyses of water levels in the Ropa River was performed in the analysed multiannual period. The conducted analysis led to the conclusion that floods with extremely large discharges are the key factor causing the deepening of the riverbed downstream from the reservoir. It can be up to about 70 cm deep during a single event. The reservoir is just one additional factor of many which shape the direction and scale of changes to the riverbed. A significant role in modifying the riverbed morphology upstream from the reservoir is played by river control works, which diminish the effects of sediment accumulation occurring on this section.
Low-Skip Bias
Authors: Ammirante Paolo , Russo Frank A.
Published: April 2015

Skips are relatively infrequent in diatonic melodies and are compositionally treated in systematic ways. This treatment has been attributed to deliberate compositional strategies that are also subject to certain constraints. Study 1 showed that ease of vocal production may be accommodated compositionally. Number of skips and their distribution within a melody’s pitch range were compared between diverse statistical samples of vocal and instrumental melodies. Skips occurred less frequently in vocal melodies. Skips occurred more frequently in melodies’ lower and upper ranges, but there were more low skips than high (“low-skip bias”), especially in vocal melodies. Study 2 replicated these findings in the vocal and instrumental melodies of a single composition (Bach’s Mass in B minor). Study 3 showed that among the instrumental melodies of classical composers, low-skip bias was correlated with the proportion of vocal music within composers’ total output. We propose that, to varying degrees, composers apply a vocal template to instrumental melodies.
Citizenship Challenges in Myanmar’s Democratic Transition: Case Study of the Rohingya-Muslim
Authors: Suaedy Ahmad , Hafiz Muhammad
Published: April 2015

As a part of the Myanmar transition to democracy, which began after the election in 2010, the census on March-April 2014 refused to count the Rohingya ethnic group. This was symbolic of the Myanmar government’s rejection of Rohingya people as citizens. The paradox is that democracy necessitates a guarantee of fundamental freedoms and recognition of all group identities. Through in depth interviews with a number of Rohingya political and social leaders at the end of March 2014, in Yangon, this research details the Rohingya struggle to secure their rights in the political process. A number of documents both from the Rohingya and from the Myanmar government justify why and how the process of exclusion and discrimination occurs. This research will conclude with a discussion of the challenges and recommended steps for the future to accommodate the Rohingya as Myanmar citizens, and of the need for international and regional support.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v22i1.1387
Preparation and Characterization of Phytosomal-Phospholipid Complex of P. Amarus and its Tablet Formulation
Authors:   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Arora Sandeep , Sharma Arvind ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Kaur Parneet ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401
Published: April 2015

Present investigation was aimed at formulation, characterization and evaluation of phytosomal complex tablets for sustained delivery of Phyllanthus amarus complex. Phyllanthin, one of the active lignin present in this plant species was isolated from the aerial parts, by silica gel column chromatography employing gradient elution with hexane −ethyl acetate solvent mixture. It was obtained in high yields (1.23%), compared to reported procedures and the purity was ascertained by HPTLC analysis. Phyllanthin was characterized for M.P, UV −Visible spectrophotometry, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C and NMR analysis. Release kinetics was evaluated by using United States Pharmacopeia (USP)-22 type I dissolution apparatus. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the effect of dissolution medium on matrix tablet surface. HPTLC was carried out for quantitative and qualitative estimation of Phyllanthin in Phyllanthus amarus and Rf of phyllanthin was found to be about 0.25. The content was found to be maximum for phytosomal complex of phyllanthus formed by vaccum drying of 1:1 drug excipient ratio. The in-vitro drug release study revealed that optimized formulation sustained the drug release for 12 hr (88.1% ± 4.1% release). Fitting the in vitro drug release data to Korsmeyer equation indicated that diffusion along with erosion could be the mechanism of drug release.
Advances in Magnetofection & − Magnetically Guided Nucleic Acid Delievery:a Review
Authors:   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Arora Sandeep , Gupta Girish ,   Omni Active Health Technologies, Thane, Maharashtra, INDIA, Singh Sukhbir ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Singh Neelam ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401
Published: April 2015

During the last decade, nanomagnetic methods for delivering and targeting nucleic acids have been developed which are often referred to as magnetofection. Nucleic acids carry the building plans of living systems. As such, they can be exploited to make cells produce a desired protein, or to shut down the expression of endogenous genes or even to repair defective genes. Hence, nucleic acids are unique substances for research and therapy. To exploit their potential, they need to be delivered into cells which can be a challenging task in many respects. Magnetofection provides a novel tool for high throughput gene screening in vitro and can help to overcome fundamental limitations to gene therapy in vivo. Magnetofection is nucleic acid delivery to cells, supported and site-specifically guided by the attractive forces of magnetic fields acting on nucleic acid shuttles (vectors) which are associated with magnetic nanoparticles. In a magnetofection procedure, self-assembling complexes of enhancers like cationic lipids with plasmid DNA or small interfering RNA (siRNA) are associated with magnetic nanoparticles and are then concentrated at the surface of cultured cells by applying a permanent inhomogeneous magnetic field.
In Vitro Anti-Staphylococcal Activity of Alkaloids from the Leaves of Callestimone Rigidus R.Br
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences, Thapar University, Patiala, INDIA, Gomber Charu , Saxena Sanjai ,   Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences, Thapar University, Patiala, INDIA
Published: April 2015

Multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus poses a severe global threat worldwide due to their prevalence, genomic plasticity and limited therapeutic options being refractory to most antibiotic classes. This necessitates the discovery of new anti-staphylococcal interventions. Callistemon rigidus R.Br. (Myrtaceae) has been found to possess antibacterial potential against clinical isolates. Thied me study was a isolate and evaluate the antibacterial alkaloids from the leaves of Callistemon rigidus and assess their in vitro anti-staphylococcal potential. Alkaloid isolation was carried out by modiied method for plant alkaloid extraction. The in vitro anti-staphylococcal potential of the alkaloid bioactive fraction was assessed by using micro broth dilution and plate count assay methods. Pus and wound isolates had MIC of 80 Âµg/mL and 50 IC of 27.22 Âµg/mL respectively. Burn isolates showed MIC of 320 Âµg/mL and 50 50 13.57 Âµg/mL respectively. Urine and vaginal isolates exhibited a MIC of 80 Âµg/mL 50 and IC of 13.15 Âµg/mL respectively. Ceixime had MIC values was 320 Âµg/mL, 160 50 50 Âµg/mL and 160 Âµg/mL for pus and wound, burn, urine and vaginal isolates indicating the refractory behaviour when compared to alkaloid bioactive fraction from the leaves of Callistemon. The alkaloid bioactive fraction exhibits immense activity compared to standard antibiotic Ceixime. This work is the irst report of alkaloids and their antimicrobial activity from Callistemon rigidus leaves. The results suggest further isolation of individual alkaloids from alkaloid bioactive fraction and assessment their anti-staphylococcal activity as leads for development of anti-staphylococcal drugs.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Some Novel Imidazole Derivatives for Their Potential Anti-hypertensive Activity
Authors:   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Goyal Anju , Singh Jitender ,   Lord Shiva College of Pharmacy, Sirsa, Haryana, INDIA, Pathak Dharam Pal ,   Delhi Institute of Pharamceutical Sciences And Research, New Delhi, INDIA
Published: April 2015

Benzimidazole, which is a heterocyclic nucleus, plays an important role in various medicines. A number of therapeutic agents such as H1 antihistaminic agent clemizole, a potent opioid analgesic etonitazene, nonnucleoside antiviral compound enviroxime, for promotion of excretion of uric acid irtemazole, non sedating antihistaminic agent astemizole, anti ulcer drugs omeprazole and pentoprazole, antihelmintic thiabendazole, antinematodal nocodazole etc. are based on benzimidazole heterocyclic nucleus. The synthesis of various benzimidazole derivatives by the reaction of ortho phenylene diamine I with various organic acids to yield 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives II which on further treatment with nitric acid and sulphuric acid yielded 5-nitro-2-substituted benzimdazoles III. Coupling of this compound with halogenated beta picoline V yielded the title compounds. The structures of synthesized compounds were elucidated mainly by spectral evidence. All the compounds were screened for their anti-hypertensive activity. The compounds exhibited moderate to signiicant activities.
Cytoprotective Activity of Adhatoda Vasica Extract and Vasicine Against Tobacco Smoke Induced Cytoxicity
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, INDIA, Pant Mamta ,   Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, INDIA, Basu Sujata ,   Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, INDIA
Published: April 2015

The present study was undertaken to investigate the protection against cytotoxicity due to tobacco smoke by Adhatoda vasica and Vasicine. The antioxidant potential of AVE was analyzed through in vitro assays. The protective effect of Adhatoda vasica extract (AVE) and vasicine were analyzed in TSE treated group through MTT assay and microscopic analysis.A dose dependent increase in reducing power of AVE was observed. Treatment of A549 & THP-1 cell lines with 1-2 Âµg/ml (AVE) & 0.01-0.02 Âµg/ml (Vasicine) respectively for 3 hrs maintained the cell viability. Approximately 50% cell death was observed at 2% & 5% TSE on 24 hrs exposure. Pre-treatment of cell lines with AVE & Vasicine (2Âµg/ml & 0.02 Âµg/ml) respectively could overcome the toxic effect of TSE. This study showed that AVE has a great potential in reducing the toxic effects of A549 &THP-1 cell lines.
Investigation of the Effects of Cellulose Derivatives on the Kinetics of Drug Release from Cellulose-Based Hydrogel Using a Response Surface Method
Authors:   Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Medea, 26001 Medea, Algeria, Lefnaoui S. , Moulai-Mostefa N. ,   Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Medea, 26001 Medea, Algeria
Published: April 2015

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of the nature and concentration of cellulose derivatives on the release kinetics of ibuprofen from hydrogel matrices using a response surface method (RSM). A series of cellulose derivatives, as methyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl and hydroxypropyl methyl celluloses (MC, HEC, HPC and HPMC) were used as polymer platforms and their impacts on drug release were studied and compared to those obtained with a reference formulation prepared with HEC. It was shown that the use of HPMC in the gel formulation contributes to the improvement of drug release and consequently its biodisponibility. Indeed, the increase in HPMC concentration forms a controlled system release because polymer chains relaxation. The drug is released under the effects of two phenomena: diffusion and relaxation of polymeric chains. Thus, the kinetic release passes from the kinetics of case II towards Fickian diffusion.
Development and Optimization of Fast Dissolving Tablets of Losartan Potassium Using Natural Gum Mucilage
Authors:   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Goyal Rohit , Nagpal Manju ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Arora Sandeep ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Dhingra Gitika Arora ,   NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Pharmacy, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India
Published: April 2015

Current research work involves preparation of fast dissolving tablets of Losartan Potassium by direct compression method using different concentrations of Plantago ovata and Lepidium sativum mucilage as natural superdisintegrants. A two factor three level (32) factorial design is being used to optimize the formulation. Nine formulation batches (A1-A9) were prepared by taking two factors as independent variables (X1- amount of Plantago ovata mucilage and X2- amount of Lepidium sativum mucilage) were taken with three levels (+1, 0, -1). All the active blends were evaluated for precompression parameters (angle of repose, bulk density, carr’s index, hausner’s ratio) and formulated tablets were evaluated for post compression parameters (hardness, friability, weight variation, wetting time, disintegration time, water absorption ratio). In vitro drug release studies were carried out using USP II dissolution apparatus for 30 min. The software Design Expert (8.0.7.1) was used for generating experimental design, modeling the response surface and calculating the statistical evaluation. Tablet parametric tests of formulation batches (A1-A9) of FDT were found within prescribed limits. DT was observed in the range from 12±2 to 58.7±2.52 sec and WT from 10.3±1.52 to 49.7±5.13 sec for formulation batches (A1-A9). More than 87% drug release was observed in all formulation batches (A1-A9) within 15 minutes. Polynomial mathematical models, generated for various response variables using multiple linear regression analysis, were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Formulation A7 was selected by the design expert software which exhibited DT (22.15sec), WT (17.31sec) and in vitro drug release (100%) within 15 minutes.
Assessment of Suspending Properties of Katira Gum: Formulation and Evaluation of Nimesulide Suspension
Authors:   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Singh Inderbir , Singh Amrinder ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Thakur Garima ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab-140401, Odeku Oluwatoyin A. ,   Department of Pharmaceutics & Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Published: April 2015

There are several hydrophilic polymers that have been employed as suspending agents in pharmaceutical suspensions due to their ability to form colloidal gel in aqueous medium. In the present study, katira gum obtained from the bark of Cochlospermum religiosum has been evaluated as suspending agent in nimesulide suspension and compared with acacia gum at concentration of 1-5%. Sedimentation volume, rheology, particle size, degree of flocculation and in-vitro drug release were employed as assessment parameters. The result showed that at all concentrations, katira gum higher suspending capability compared acacia gum. The sedimentation volume was found to increase from 0.36 to 1 (A1-A3) and 0.26 to 0.56 (B1-B3). The viscosity of suspensions (A1 and A2) containing gum katira as suspending agent was found to be 1.35 and 2.4 centipoise and 0.63- 1.05 centipoise (B1- B3). Plots between shear stress and rate of shear were plotted using different concentrations indicates the obedience to newtonian behaviour. Degree of flocculation of gum katira and gum acacia suspension was established to be 1.69 and 1.05 respectively.
Development and Validation of Static HS-GC Method for the Determination and Quantification of Residual Solvents of Bromhexine Hydrochloride (BHX)
Authors:   Analytical Development Laboratory, Research and Development Centre, Dr. Datsons Labs Ltd,K- 4/1, Additional MIDC, Mahad-402309, India, Mathur Prafull , Mathur Suvigya ,   Analytical Development Laboratory, Research and Development Centre, Dr. Datsons Labs Ltd,K- 4/1, Additional MIDC, Mahad-402309, India, Mishra Anand Kumar ,   Analytical Development Laboratory, Research and Development Centre, Dr. Datsons Labs Ltd,K- 4/1, Additional MIDC, Mahad-402309, India, Kunjir Tanaji ,   Analytical Development Laboratory, Research and Development Centre, Dr. Datsons Labs Ltd,K- 4/1, Additional MIDC, Mahad-402309, India
Published: April 2015

The determination of residual solvents in drug substances is the mandatory requirement by various health authorities in the world. There are no analytical methods available in the literature that can simultaneously separate and quantitate residual solvents in bromhexine hydrochloride (BHX) active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). This paper describes the development and validation of a simple, efficient, accurate, and robust static headspace gas chromatography method for the determination of residual solvents, namely methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, monochlorobenzene, and benzene, in BHXAPI. This new method has been demonstrated to be accurate, linear, precise, reproducible, specific, and robust for its intended purpose. The method gives very good sensitivities viz. detection limits for benzene is 0.4 ppm, ethyl acetate 2 ppm and for others solvents 5 ppm and precision (below 9.0 % RSD) for all solvents. The results of this evaluation strongly indicate that this method can be readily used to determine residual solvents in BHX.
Synthesis, antimicrobial evaluation and QSAR studies of p-amino benzoic acid derivatives
Authors:   Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak-124001, India, Kumar Pradeep ,   Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak-124001, India, Narasimhan Balasubramanian ,   Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak-124001, India
Published: April 2015

A series of Schiff bases (1-16) and esters (17-27) of p-amino benzoic acid (PABA) was synthesized and its in vitro antimicrobial potential was evaluated by using tube dilution method. Compound 11 was found to be most promising antibacterial agent (pMICbs = 2.11 Î¼M/ml) having antibacterial potential comparable to standard drug norfloxacin (pMICbs = 2.61 Î¼M/ml) and may be taken as a lead compound for the development of novel antibacterial agents. QSAR analysis indicated that electronic parameters, total energy (Te) and energy of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) were found dominant in explaining the antimicrobial activity of synthesized compounds.
Anxiolytic activity of Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker in Experimental Models of Anxiety in Mice
Authors:   ASBASAJSM College of Pharmacy, Bela (Ropar)- 140111, Punjab, India, Hasan Syed Rehan , Sinha Manish ,   ASBASAJSM College of Pharmacy, Bela (Ropar)- 140111, Punjab, India, Bansal Nitin ,   ASBASAJSM College of Pharmacy, Bela (Ropar)- 140111, Punjab, India
Published: April 2015

The present study aimed to explore the role of Angiotensin- Receptor-Blocker in the management of anxiety. Male Swiss albino mice of age 6-8 weeks and weight 25-30 g were used in the present study. Candesartan (Angiotensin receptor blocker) was administered in two doses (1 and 2 mg/kg; i.p.) to mice for 14 successive days regularly. Anxiety was induced in mice by two different methods: (i) exposing the mice to immobilization stress for a period of 6 h daily for 7 consecutive days; (ii) administration of caffeine (25 mg/kg; i.p.) daily for 7 days. Elevated Zero Maze and Open Field Apparatus were used to evaluate the level of anxiety in different groups. After behavioral evaluation, the animals were sacrificed and their brains were used for estimation TBARS, GSH and Nitrite levels in the brain. Administration of Candesartan (1 and 2 mg/kg; i.p) for 14 successive days significantly (p<0.05) reduced anxiety due to immobilization stress and caffeine induced anxiety. Candesartan (1and 2 mg/kg; i.p) treated mice showed an increase (p<0.05) in GSH levels while a decrease (p<0.05) in TBARS and nitrite levels in brain. Thus, candesartan may prove to be a useful remedy for the management of anxiety owing to its neuroprotective and antioxidant activity.
Preparation and Evaluation of Chitosan and PLGA Based Implants for the Delivery of Cefotaxime
Authors:   Akal College of Pharmacy and Technical Education, Mastuana Sahib, Sangrur, Punjab, India, Gahiye Pankaj , Bajaj Sanjay ,   Select Bioscience Pvt. Ltd. Chandigarh, India
Published: April 2015

The poor bioavailability of cefotaxime and limitation of conventional system limits the delivery of antibacterial drug cefotaxime for bone infection treatment. In the current study in situ chitosan implant containing cefotaxime was developed. Injectable implantable drug delivery system containing Cefotaxime was prepared by physically mixing β-glycerophosphate with chitosan in different concentrations. The objective of this study was to standardize the concentrations of the ingredients so as to develop formulation that remains liquid when stored at 4ºC but forms a gel, in minimum time, when injected or when its temperature is raised to 37oC. Injectable in-situ implant before injection was clear and transparent. Gelation temperature significantly increase from 32.6°C ±0.1 to 48.43°C ±0.1 of all formulation. Percentage drug content of all formulation were found in the range of 82.42±1.93 to 99.43±0.55. The syringeability of the final solutions greatly decreased with the increase of chitosan concentration. The release pattern for all formulations was biphasic, comprising an initial burst effect followed by an almost sustained continuous phase. After an initial burst release, the drug entrapped into the chitosan/Gp gel was released slowly. Local delivery of chemotherapeutic agent by controlled- release polymers is a new strategy with the potential to maximize the antibacterial effect of a drug to treat bone infection. The system formulated with cefotaxime was found to be stable and the release profiles of a formulation with chitosan and beta-GP showed almost Higuchi equation release kinetics. The drug release of chitosan imlant containing cefotaxime was found to be more as compare to PLGA implant.
Acute toxicity and sublethal effects of the mixture glyphosate (Roundup® Active) and Cosmo-Flux®411F to anuran embryos and tadpoles of four Colombian species
Authors: Henao Muñoz Liliana Marcela
Published: April 2015

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world with application in agriculture, forestry, industrial weed control, garden and aquatic environments. However, its use is highly controversial for the possible impact on not-target organisms, such as amphibians, which are vanishing at an alarming and rapid rate. Due to the high solubility in water and ionic nature, the glyphosate requires of surfactants to increase activity. In addition, for the control of coca (Erythroxylum coca) and agricultural weeds in Colombia, formulated glyphosate is mixed and sprayed with the adjuvant Cosmo-Flux®411F to increase the penetration and activity of the herbicide. This study evaluates the acute toxic and sublethal effects (embryonic development, tadpole body size, tadpole swimming performance) of the mixture of the formulated glyphosate Roundup® Active and Cosmo-Flux®411F to anuran embryos and tadpoles of four Colombian species under 96h laboratory standard tests and microcosms, which are more similar to field conditions as they include soil, sand and macrophytes. In the laboratory, embryos and tadpoles of Engystomops pustulosus were the most tolerant (LC50=3 904µg a.e./L; LC50=2 799µg a.e./L, respectively), while embryos and tadpoles of Hypsiboas crepitans (LC50=2 203µg a.e./L; LC50=1 424µg a.e./L, respectively) were the most sensitive. R. humboldti and R. marina presented an intermediate toxicity. Embryos were significantly more tolerant to the mixture than tadpoles, which could be likely attributed to the exclusion of chemicals by the embryonic membranes and the lack of organs, such as gills, which are sensitive to surfactants. Sublethal effects were observed for the tadpole body size, but not for the embryonic development and tadpole swimming performance. In microcosms, no toxicity (LC50 could not be estimated), or sublethal responses were observed at concentrations up to fourfold (14.76kg glyphosate a.e./ha) the highest field application rate of 3.69kg glyphosate a.e./ha. Thus, toxicity was less in the microcosms than in laboratory tests, which may be attributed to the presence of sediments and organic matter which rapidly adsorb glyphosate and surfactants such as POEA. It is concluded that the mixture of glyphosate (Roundup® Active) and Cosmo-Flux®411F, as used in the field, has a negligible toxic effect to embryos and tadpoles of the species tested in this study.