bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharing the revalidation experience
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: February 2018

Adrian Ashurst discusses the benefits of registered nurses sharing their experience with care home colleagues as part of their ongoing Nursing and Midwifery Council revalidation process
How to … work together with residents and their families
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: February 2018

In this article, Adrian Ashurst discusses how to build up a good therapeutic relationship with all residents, families and colleagues in an endeavour to provide the highest standard of care and support possible
A Low-Cost Spot Laser and Camera System for Fluorescent Dye Detection of Agricultural Aircraft Pattern Collection Strings
Authors: Price Randy R.
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

A low-cost dye detection system was developed for pattern testing agricultural aircraft. The system uses a green laser pointer, a USB web camera outfitted with a standard rhodamine filter, and software to threshold the images. When arranged in a 90° illumination chamber, the system was able to detect spray patterns on strings that matched patterns derived from a standard WRK fluorometer system with a numerical comparison of 85% and a coefficient of variation of 17%. Visual assessment indicated an 86% match and all major peaks, valleys, and patterns were correctly indicated. A field test with the system indicated that correct airplane adjustments were possible with the system and advantages include that it is easy-to-build, composed of low-cost components, and the operator can see the string fluorescence during analysis. This system may provide an alternate dye detection system for pattern testing strings from agricultural aircraft. Keywords: Aerial application, Collectors, Fluorescence, Lasers, Spray Deposition.
Perineurial-like Cells and EMA Expression in the Suprachoroidal Region of the Human Eye
Authors: Gilbert Andrea R. , Chévez-Barrios Patricia , Cykowski Matthew D.
Published: February 2018

The suprachoroidal region of the eye comprises vascular channels, melanocytes, and thin fibroblasts with elongated cytoplasm that are positioned directly adjacent to the densely collagenous sclera. Morphological similarities between these suprachoroidal fibroblasts and arachnoid cells and perineurial cells have been recognized, but whether these fibroblasts have a perineurial cell-like immunophenotype is not known. To further examine the relationship of these three cell types, we investigated the comparative expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), the tight junction protein claudin-1, glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1), and CD34 in suprachoroidal fibroblasts, arachnoid of the optic nerve sheath, and perineurium of ciliary nerves in eight human eye specimens. Granular, diffuse, and cytoplasmic EMA expression was seen in suprachoroidal fibroblasts, but this was not contiguous with the similar pattern of EMA expression in adjacent perineurium and arachnoid. CD34 expression in suprachoroidal fibroblasts was also seen, similar to arachnoid and perineurium. Claudin-1 and Glut-1 were not consistently expressed in suprachoroidal fibroblasts, distinguishing them from perineurial cells in particular and suggesting that these fibroblasts do not arise directly from adjacent arachnoid or perineurium. Nonetheless, the overlapping morphology and protein expression suggest phenotypic similarities in these cells that protect and support adjacent retina, optic nerve, and peripheral nerve.
ESQUERDA, DIREITA E “NOVOS” TEMAS NA CÂMARA DOS DEPUTADOS
Authors: Scheeffer Fernando
Published: February 2018

Além da atualização do significado da terminologia esquerda e direita, na Ciência Política um dos focos de interesse recente é a verificação do grau em que as supostas diferenças ideológicas entre os partidos acarretam diferentes posicionamentos dos atores políticos. Diante desse cenário, o presente trabalho busca saber qual o peso da ideologia na Câmara dos Deputados se atendo à análise de votações nominais envolvendo “novos” temas que se fazem presentes no debate contemporâneo e que extrapolam a tradicional dimensão Estado versus mercado. São analisados temas substantivos do ponto de vista político-ideológico e que, em tese, implicariam em dissenso entre parlamentares e partidos de esquerda e de direita. A fim de confrontar o peso da ideologia com o posicionamento estratégico dos partidos, para cada lei foi aplicado o modelo de regressão logística. Em todos os temas a ideologia sobrepujou a relação dos partidos com o executivo. Analisando o posicionamento efetivo dos parlamentares em relação aos temas em questão, a ideologia prevalece e os partidos em sua maioria se posicionam de forma coerente com o que é esperado do ponto de vista político-ideológico.
A COBRANÇA PELO USO DA ÁGUA COMO IMPORTANTE INSTRUMENTO JURÍDICO-ECONÔMICO DA GESTÃO HÍDRICA NO CONTEXTO DA REGIÃO NORDESTE
Authors: Armada Charles Alexandre Souza , Lima Raphael Leal Roldão
Published: February 2018

Apesar de três quartos da superfície do planeta ser coberta de água, as parcelas para uso humano são ínfimas e mal distribuídas. Essa condição também se reflete em território brasileiro onde algumas regiões estão muito bem servidas de água doce enquanto outras vivenciam crises hídricas sucessivas. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a relação jurídico-econômica da cobrança pelo uso da água e, ao mesmo tempo, a necessidade do desenvolvimento sustentável e gestão responsável e equilibrada dos recursos hídricos. Depreendeu-se da pesquisa efetuada que o acesso a este recurso natural não se dá de forma homogênea em nosso país. Além disso, há problemas na distribuição e saneamento básico que interferem na qualidade de vida. A metodologia utilizada para desenvolvimento da pesquisa foi a indutiva e sua operacionalização se deu com base nas técnicas do referente, categorias básicas e conceitos operacionais.
O CRITÉRIO DA LIBERDADE NO CONSTITUCIONALISMO COMO PRODUTO DA CONCEPÇÃO DO INDIVÍDUO
Authors: Ribeiro Andrey Borges Pimentel
Published: February 2018

O presente artigo tem por objeto a relação entre o liberalismo e o constitucionalismo. O objetivo do mesmo não é tão somente corroborar com os fatos políticos que conformaram o constitucionalismo, mas investigar a influência do liberalismo, sobretudo em seus alicerces a partir do contratualismo e em sua materialização nas Constituições escritas oriundas do final do século XVIII. Para tanto, o artigo se apropria da história das ideias para pontuar na filosofia liberal seus pontos de influência no constitucionalismo, em especial a questão que envolve a defesa da liberdade individual. Finalmente, o estudo procura ampliar o argumento que vincula liberalismo e constitucionalismo, porém, ampliando o escopo teorético à medida que teorias políticas – liberalismo – e jurídicas – constitucionalismo – são precedidas por teorias sociais e uma noção de indivíduo, como é o caso do liberalismo.
LIBERDADE DE CULTO E SEUS EVENTUAIS EXCESSOS: O EXEMPLO DA CIDADE DE ITUVERAVA/SP
Authors: Silva Leonardo dos Santos , Simini Danilo Garnica
Published: February 2018

A Constituição Federal de 1988 determina que o Estado brasileiro é laico e este não deve interferir em qualquer religião, conferindo efetividade à liberdade de culto. Porém, o exercício da liberdade de culto pode trazer violações à direitos, tais como o direito ao sossego, em razão do excesso de som produzido pelas instituições religiosas. O presente trabalho apresenta considerações sobre os excessos decorrentes da liberdade de culto, especialmente, os relacionados aos ruídos produzidos durantes as missas, celebrações e louvores. Inicialmente, o trabalho discute a temática dos direitos fundamentais, bem como a liberdade de culto e o direito ao sossego. Após tal discussão, o trabalho tece algumas considerações importantes acerca da responsabilidade civil das instituições religiosas e por fim realiza um estudo na cidade de Ituverava a fim de que se verifique se encontramos ou não abusos no que diz respeito à liberdade de culto produzidos pelo excesso de ruído durante as celebrações.
Brooklyn Tides
Authors: Shepard Benjamin Heim , Noonan Mark J.
Published: February 2018

Brooklyn has all the features of a "global borough": It is a base of immigrant labor and ethnically diverse communities, of social and cultural capital, of global transportation, cultural production, and policy innovation. At once a model of sustainable urbanization and overdevelopment, the question is now: What will become of Global Brooklyn? Tracing the emergence of Brooklyn from village outpost to global borough, Brooklyn Tides investigates the nature and consequences of global forces that have crossed the East River and identifies alternative models for urban development in global capitalism. Benjamin Shepard and Mark Noonan provide a unique ethnographic reading of the literature, social activism, and changing tides impacting this ever-transforming space. Cover and interior images of a rapidly transforming global borough by photographer Caroline Shepard.
Gerechter Frieden
Authors: Werkner Ines-Jacqueline
Published: February 2018

Der gerechte Frieden steht für einen fundamentalen Wandel in der ethischen Praxis: Nicht mehr der Krieg, sondern der Frieden in seiner wechselseitigen Bezogenheit zur Gerechtigkeit bildet den Fokus des neuen Konzeptes. Dennoch bleibt auch für den gerechten Frieden die Frage der Anwendung von Waffengewalt von zentraler Bedeutung. Ines-Jacqueline Werkner zeigt: Der aktuelle Diskurs um die internationale Schutzverantwortung und der damit verbundene Zielkonflikt zwischen dem Schutz bedrohter Menschen und der angestrebten Gewaltfreiheit lassen Widersprüche und Kontroversen offen zutage treten. Auch die ökumenische Debatte um den gerechten Frieden ist in hohem Maße von kirchlichen Divergenzen geprägt.
Nostalgie und Sozialismus
Authors: Gronenthal Mariella C.
Published: February 2018

Lange Zeit wurden nostalgische Narrative wegen ihrer Emotionalität und Selektivität als Geschichtsverfälschung gebrandmarkt. Mit dem affective turn wandelt sich das Bild. Im Blick auf die sozialistischen Erfahrungen Mitteleuropas erweist sich Nostalgie als fruchtbare Strategie der Vergangenheitsbewältigung und produktive Kraft im Erinnerungsdiskurs. Mariella C. Gronenthal differenziert den Nostalgiebegriff im Wechselspiel mit Trauma, Identität, Ironie und Utopie aus und erschließt seine Anwendbarkeit für die Literaturwissenschaft. Am Beispiel deutscher und polnischer Erinnerungsromane zeigt sie das erinnerungstheoretische und poetologische Potenzial des Konzepts jenseits von Ostalgiedebatten.
Die Ökonomisierung des Vertrauens
Authors: Abdelhamid Michaela I.
Published: February 2018

Aufgrund der Dominanz eines ökonomistisch verengten Rationalitätsideals wird Vertrauen zunehmend als Reputationskalkül oder quasi-vertragliche Kreditbeziehung definiert. Michaela I. Abdelhamid zeigt: Was hier als »Vertrauen« bezeichnet wird, soll vielmehr der Wertschöpfung sowie der Legitimation strategischer Entscheidungen, Sanktionen und Abhängigkeitsverhältnisse dienen. Mit verständlichen Analysen und Begriffsschärfungen bietet sie die Grundlage, um die Probleme solcher Inszenierungen erkennen oder auch die Gegenstände sogenannter Vertrauenskrisen reflektieren zu können.
Geopolitische Imaginarien
Authors: Petersen Mirko
Published: February 2018

Welche Verbindungen bestanden zwischen der Sowjetunion und Argentinien in der frühen Phase des Kalten Krieges? Mirko Petersen zeigt: Zwar waren die konkreten wirtschaftlichen und diplomatischen Beziehungen zwischen den beiden Ländern keineswegs markant, aber diskursive Bezugnahmen auf die UdSSR prägten maßgeblich die argentinische Politik unter Juan Perón (1943-55). Diese »geopolitischen Imaginarien« werden, den theoretischen Prämissen von Ernesto Laclau und Chantal Mouffe folgend, mittels einer innovativen Diskursanalyse herausgearbeitet. Besonders sticht dabei die »Dritte Position« des Peronismus hervor, die eine Alternative zu den Systemen der Supermächte darstellen sollte.
Migration and (Im)Mobility
Authors: Wieczorek Anna Xymena
Published: February 2018

In her endeavour to overcome the established methodological, conceptual, and empirical dualism of mobility and migration, Anna Xymena Wieczorek develops a "mobilities perspective" by combining migration studies theories with approaches of the mobility studies. With the help of rich empirical data gathered among young adults of Polish heritage in Germany and Canada, Wieczorek conceptualizes three patterns of (im)mobility which illustrate the diversity of immigrants' geographical movements after their initial migration. She thus reveals the different social configurations promoting or hindering the development, maintenance or shifting of each pattern in migrants' biographical trajectories.
Synergistic Combination of Ciplukan (Physalis angulata) Herbs Ethanolic Extract and Doxorubicin on T47D Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Armandari Inna , Palupi Kartika Dyah , Farida Sofa , Hermawan Adam , Susidarti Ratna Asmah , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Doxorubicin is one of chemotherapeutic agent widely used in breast cancer treatment, but in high dose doxorubicin gives negative side effect, including vomit, nausea, immune suppression, and cardiac toxicity. This toxicity hopefully could be reduced by combination chemotherapy using natural herbs such as ciplukan herb. This research was conducted to explore cytotoxic activity of single ciplukan herbs ethanolic extract and its combination with doxorubicin on T47D breast cancer cells. Cytotoxic activity of ciplukan herbs ethanolic extract only and its combination with doxorubicin were tested on T47D cells using MTT assay to obtain IC50 value and combination index (CI), respectively. Single extract showed cytotoxic activity on T47D cells with IC50 value of was 160 µg/ml. Thus, combination treatment from ciplukan herbs ethanolic extract and doxorubicin showed synergistic effect (CI<1,0). This effect was reached at concentration of ciplukan herbs ethanolic extract-doxorubicin 80 μg/ml- 2 nM, 80 μg/ml-4 nM, and 80 μg/ml-8 nM. This research indicated that ciplukan herbs ethanolic extract is potential to be applied as co-chemotherapeutic agent in breast cancer therapy.Key word : ciplukan herbs, doxorubicin, co-chemotherapy, T47D cells
Potency of Industrial Tea Waste: Comparison Between Green And Black Tea Industrial Wastes as UV Filter for Sunscreen
Authors: Martono Yohanes
Published: February 2018

Indonesia is one of ten biggest countries that produce tea for world. It makes Indonesia produce various tea products. Every tea production process produces the large quantity of industrial tea wastes every day. Our previous research showed that industrial tea wastes still have antioxidant activity. It means that industrial tea wastes contained of phenolic compounds which can be used as UV filter for sunscreen. This research compared antioxidant activity, total phenolic contents and UV filter effectiveness between green and black industrial tea wastes. Antioxidant activity were analyzed by reducing power and DPPH method, total phenolic contents of tea wastes extract were analyzed using Folin-Ciocalteu assay, while UV filter effectiveness were assessed by UV spectra and absorbance of each tea wastes extract related to its concentration in order to yield maximum protection. The results showed that although green tea waste extract had higher antioxidant activity but adversely, black tea had higher total phenolic contents. UV filter effectiveness is affected by polyphenols content in substances, so it suggested that black tea waste extract is more potential than green tea waste extract as photoprotection substance.Keywords: tea waste, UV filter, sunscreen
QSAR Analysis of Rocaglamide Derivatives Cytotoxic Activities Using LFER Hansch Model
Authors: Firdayani Firdayani , Kusumaningrum Susi , Utomo Doddy Irawan Setyo , Wibowo Agung Eru , Chaidir Chaidir
Published: February 2018

Rocaglamide derivatives are the compounds which have featuring cyclopenta[b]tetra-hydrobenzofuran skeleton. Until now it includes more than 50 naturally occurring derivatives. They were chosen to be interesting candidates for possible therapeutic agents primarily in the field of cancer chemotherapy due to their cytotoxic activities data against various cancer cells. A quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) studies were done to investigate physicochemical properties of molecule which contribute to their activities. Series of rocaglamide derivatives have been used and analyzed using linear free energy regression Hansch model for their cytotoxic activities against MONO-MAC-6 leukemia cells, RAJI lymphoma cells and MEL-JUSO melanoma cells. Results showed that the best QSAR equations were revealed involving C Log P and CMR parameters with nonlinear regression relationships in cytotoxic activities of rocaglamide derivatives against cancer cells above. Keywords: QSAR, Rocaglamide, LFER Hansch
Apoptosis and Antioxidant Activities of Catharanthus rosues [L] G.Don Extract on Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Widowati Wahyu , Mozef Tjandrawati , Risdian Chandra , Ratnawati Hana , Tjahyani Susi , Sandra Ferry
Published: February 2018

Tapak dara or Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus [L] G.Don), a natural plant, is empirically reported to have promising anticancer activity. To elucidate its mechanism, a research was conducted to investigate the possible ethanol extract of  C. roseus in inducing apoptosis on breast cancer cell line (T47D). Antioxidant activity of C. roseus was investigated as well. Sub-G1 flowcytometric apoptotic analysis result showed that extract of C. roseus at 6.25 μg/mL induced apoptosis for 26.365%. Increasing extract concentration resulted an increasing apoptotic level as well, extract at concentration of 12.5 μg/mL induced apoptosis for 22.235%.  Meanwhile doxorubicin at concentration of 10 μg/mL induced apoptosis for 36.055%. The antioxidant activity was determined by using in vitro assay: inhibition of  2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. Antioxidant activity of C. roseus extract were compared to quercetin and butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), as positive controls.  The results showed that DPPH IC50 of C. roseus extract, quercetin and BHA were 358.411 μg/mL, 19.200 μg/mL  and  94.178 μg/mL, respectively. We suggest that C. roseus extract had a potential anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis.Key words : antioxidant, DPPH, Catharanthus roseus, apoptosis, breast cancer, T47D
Banana Peels (Musa paradisiaca L.) Extract as Phytoestrogen on Ovariectomized Mice Mammary Gland Development by Inducing c-Myc Expression
Authors: Pratama Nanda Resa , Gilang Yurista , Riata Rita , Hermawan Adam , Ikawati Muthi' , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is therapy for estrogen deficiency and post menopausal syndromes, but high cost and unwell-secured therapy. One of alternative therapy is the usage of phytoestrogens. The banana peel contains flavones, flavonol, flavanone and polimethoxyflavone which are potential as phytoestrogen. The purpose of this study was to examine the estrogenic effect of banana peel extract (BPE) development of mammary gland of ovariectomized rats. Estrogenic effects was examined based on in vivo and in silico experiment. For in vivo experiment, female Sprague-dawley rats aged 50 days were ovariectomized. At 70 days of age, 12 rats were treated with BPE 500 mg/kgBB and 1000mg/kgBB, 5 rats were treated with estradiol 2μg/day while others served as control were treated with CMC-Na 0.5% and sacrificed 2 weeks later. The base line ovariectomized rats and base line non-ovariectomized rats were sacrificed at 70 days of age. The in silico experiment examined by molecular docking between myricetin and estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α). The result of in vivo experiment showed that 1000 mg/kgBW BPE induced c-Myc expression and enhance ovariectomized rat mammary gland development significantly. Meanwhile, molecular docking showed that there are hydrogen bond interaction between bioactive compound in BPE and Estrogen Receptor (ER)-α but less powerfull than estrogen and ER-α interaction. In summary, BPE can act as an estrogen agonist, resulting in the enhancement of c-Myc expression.Keywords: banana peels extract (BPE), phytoestrogen, mammary gland, ovariectomized rats
Translational Research in Cancer Drug Development
Authors: Meiyanto Edy , Hermawan Adam , Anindyajati Anindyajati
Published: February 2018

The development of cancer treatment were initiated by the existence of human’s effort to treat by applying certain materials which is mostly part(s) or extracts of plants, which are now adapted as traditional herbal medicine. The discovery of new drugs was based on intuition and empirical evidence. Thus, high luck factor was involved in a successful treatment with unguaranteed reproducibility. One example of drug being developed through conventional drug development is Taxol. Taxol is an extremely complex natural product and requires a bunch of hard work with high level of serendipity to be discovered as antitumor agent. Recently, rapid development in human biology and technology allow a change in drug discovery strategy by minimizing the luck factor. Targeted therapy has been a very promising strategy of drug development research, especially in cancer treatment. Although cancer has been known as a disease with very complex cellular and histo-pathophysiology, the abundance of studies on proteins, such as receptors and hormones, as the hallmarks of cancer allows us to explore carcinogenesis suppression further based on molecular targeted therapy. Kinases, one type of protein involved in signal transduction regulating cell growth and differentiation, could be the proteins that are proposed to be inhibited in suppressing tumor growth. An interesting example of the drug being discovered based on molecular modeling is the discovery of lapatinib as anti- cancer with specific target on HER-2 and EGFR to overcome the resistance of cancer to Herceptin caused by elevated level of EGFR expression.Keywords : targeted therapy, cancer, translational drug development
Determination of The Active Asiaticoside Content in Centella asiatica as Anti-Cellulite Agent
Authors: Sondari Dewi , Harmami Sri Budi , Ghozali M. , Randy Ahmad , S. Athanasia Amanda , Irawan Yan
Published: February 2018

Centella asiatica accumulates large quantities of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins, collectively known as centelloids. These terpenoids include asiaticoside, centelloside, madecassoside, brahmoside, brahminoside, thankuniside, sceffoleoside, centellose, asiatic-, brahmic-, centellic- and madecassic acids. Preparations of C. asiatica are used in traditional and alternative medicine due to the wide spectrum of pharmacological activities associated with these secondary metabolites, such as anticellulite agent. Asiaticoside was found in Centella asiatica. In this present study, the asiaticoside was extracted using methanolic and ethanolic solvent. Determination of the asiaticoside content in the extract was conducted with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR). Samples of C. asiatica used in this study came from three different plantation areas, Bogor, Lembang and Solo. Asiaticoside content in the methanolic extract from Bogor, Lembang, and Solo samples were 2.82%; 2.68%; and 2.8% respectively. Asiaticoside in ethanolic extract from Bogor, Lembang, and Solo samples were 2.79%; 2.75%; and 2.91% respectively. Two way ANOVA study showed that there was significant difference between types of solvent used in extraction and the asiaticoside content in the obtained extract, significant difference between varied plantation area and obtained asiaticoside content, and significant difference between interactions of different solvent with different plantation area.  Keywords: Centella asiatica, asiaticoside, anticellulite, medicine, metabolites
Hesperidin Increase Cytotoxic Activity of Doxorubicin on Hela Cell Line Through Cell Cycle Modulation and Apoptotis Induction
Authors: Kusharyanti Indri , Larasati Larasati , Susidarti Ratna Asmah , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Combination of chemotherapeutic agent and chemopreventive agent is being a new approach in cancer treatment. This is aimed at enhancing the effectivity and also reducing drug resistance and adverse side effect of the chemotherapeutic agent. Hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid has reported to reduce the proliferation of many cancer cells. The objectives of this study were to investigate cytotoxic activities, cell cycle modulation and apoptosis induction of hesperidin and its combination with doxorubicin on Hela cell lines. MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay was used to measure the growth inhibitory effect of hesperidin and its combination with doxorubicin on Hela cells. Cell cycle profile was determined by flowcytometry and the data obtained was analyzed by using ModFit LT 3.0 program. Apoptosis assay was done using double staining method using ethidium-bromide and acridine-orange. Hesperidin inhibited cell growth with IC50 48 μM, while the IC50 of doxorubicin was 1000 nM. Combination of 500 nM doxorubicin and 6 μM hesperidin showed strongest inhibitory effect toward Hela cells. Hesperidin of 24 µM accumulated HeLa cells at G1 phase, but its combination with 500 nM Doxorubicin gave G1 and S phase accumulation at 24 h incubation. Both of Hesperidin and Doxorubicin were capable of inducing apoptosis. In accordance of the apoptotic effect, hesperidin, doxorubicin and their combination decreased the expression Bcl-2 and increased the expression of Bax. According to this result, hesperidin has a potency to be developed as co-chemotherapeutic agent for cervical cancer.Keywords: Cochemotherapy, Hesperidin, Doxorubicin, Hela, MTT assay
Combination of Curcuma (Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb) Rhizome Ethanolic Extract and Awar-Awar (Ficus septica Burm.F) Leaves Ethanolic Extract Increases Cisplatin Cytotoxicity on T47D Breast Cancer Cells through Cell Cycle Modulation
Authors: Hidayati Devi Nisa , Jenie Riris Istighfari , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Curcuma (Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb.) and Awar-awar ((Ficus septica Burm.f.) are well known to have anticancer potential especially for breast cancer with low toxicity. This study aims to examine the potential effect of the combination of Curcuma ethanolic extracts (CEE) and awar-awar leaves ethanolic extract (AEE) to increase the efficacy of cisplatin toward T47D breast cancer cells. The combination activity was done using 3 series of concentration, 1/3; 1/6 and 1/12 of IC50, to determine the combination index (CI) of cisplatin, CEE and AEE under MTT assay. The result showed that the combination of 2.5 µM, 5 µg/ml, 1 µg/ml concentrations of  cisplatin, CEE and AEE respectively result in synergistic effect with CI values less than 1. The treatment exhibited the cell accumulation in S phase (27.7%) against T47D breast cancer cells confirmed through cell cycle examination by flow cytometry. These results provided the evidence that the CEE and the AEE can be developed as co-chemotherapeutic agents combined with cisplatin to improve the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment.Keywords : Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb., Ficus septica Burm.f., cisplatin, cell cycle
Secang Heartwood Ethanolic Extract (Caesalpinia sappan L.) Inhibits Mesenchymal Stem Cells Senescence
Authors: Putri Asri Mega , Putri Nindya Budiana , Rachmady Rahmawaty , Dilalah Idlohatud , Murwanti Retno , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Antioxidants have the ability to scavenge free radicals, leading to inhibition of cells senescence. Secang Heartwood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) contains flavonoid brazilein, known of its high antioxidant activity. However, the activity of secang as senescent cells inhibitor has not been known. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of Caesalpinia sappan ethanolic extract (CSE) as free radical scavenger, thus inhibits senescent cells. Two concentrations of SE under IC50, 2µg/mL, 5µg/mL and 10µg/mL were applied on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and combined with 5µM of doxorubicin (Dox) as senescence inductor; both of them were compared with MSCs-Dox group. X-gal, chromogenic substrate of senescent cells, was given on MSCs, giving blue stain on senescent cells. To explore brazilein mechanism in senescence inhibition, molecular docking using PLANTS on topoisomerase II was performed. MSCs that treated with 10µg/mL of SE qualitatively showed reduction intensity of blue stain. Number of stained cells also reduced from 76% of MSCs-Dox to 38 % of 10µg/mL SE-Dox group. Docking score shows that brazilein (-86.91) is more stable to interact with topoisomerase II than doxorubicin (-82.46) and has same binding site (Val 174). These findings demonstrate starting knowledge on CSE potential as senescent cells inhibitor through brazilein activity on topoisomerase II.Keyword: Caesalpinia sappan L., Senescence, β-galactosidase, Molecular Docking
Antigenotoxic Activity of Rumput Mutiara (Hedyotis corymbosa L.) Ethanolic Extract on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Mice
Authors: Aprianto Yoce , Putri Asri Mega , Fadliyah Hilyatul , Murwanti Retno , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Exposure to relative chemicals has been shown to induce a genotoxic effect that can be observed through formation of micronucleus (MN) in polychromatic erythrocythes (PCE). Rumput Mutiara or Hedyotis corymbosa L. ethanolic extract (HcEE) is known to contain ursolic acid as major compound that possesses antigenotoxic activity on HepG2 cells. This study exerts in vivo approach aiming to evaluate the antigenotoxic effects of HcEE on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced male Swiss mice. The ursolic acid on HcEE was determined by using thin layer chromatography with silica gel as stationary phase and chloroform-aceton (9:1) as mobile phase. The antigenotoxic activity was carried out by in vivo micronucleus test. Twenty four adult mice were equally divided into seven groups. Group I: control (untreated); group II: Na-CMC 0.5%; group III: CP 50 mg/kg BW; group IV: CP+HcEE 250 mg/kg BW; group V: CP+HcEE 500 mg/kg BW; group VI: CP+HcEE 1000 mg/kg BW; group VII: HcEE 1000 mg/kg BW. HcEE were given for seven days, while CP was administered on the last two days. On the seventh day, the peripheral blood from all mice were collected, smeared, and then stained with Giemsa. The frequencies of MNPCEs and %PCEs were evaluated. Molecular docking was performed to know the interaction between ursolic acid and CYP3A4 by using PLANTS software. There was similar hRF spot between HcEE with ursolic acid standard reference indicated that the extract almost positively contain ursolic acid. HcEE reduced MNPCEs significantly compared to CP group (p<0.05) and combination of CP with HcEE showed reduction of %PCEs (p<0.05). Based on molecular docking analysis, ursolic acid gave lower docking score than CP against CYP3A4 (PDB ID: 2V0M) and similar binding site on amino acid residues Ala 448, Ile 369, Thr 309, and Val 313. All of these data suggest that HcEE perform protective effect against CP-induced genotoxicity.Keywords: Antigenotoxic, Hedyotis corymbosa L., cyclophosphamide, micronucleus, molecular docking
Evidence that cell surface localization of serine protease activity facilitates cleavage of the protease activated receptor CDCP1
Authors: He Yaowu , Reid Janet C. , He Hui , Harrington Brittney S. , Finlayson Brittney , Khan Tashbib , Hooper John D.
Published: February 2018

The cellular receptor CUB domain containing protein 1 (CDCP1) is commonly elevated and functionally important in a range of cancers. CDCP1 is cleaved by serine proteases at adjacent sites, arginine 368 (R368) and lysine 369 (K369), which induces cell migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo. We demonstrate that membrane localization of serine protease activity increases efficacy of cleavage of CDCP1, and that both secreted and membrane anchored serine proteases can have distinct preferences for cleaving at CDCP1-R368 and CDCP1-K369. Approaches that disrupt membrane localization of CDCP1 cleaving serine proteases may interfere with the cancer promoting effects of CDCP1 proteolysis.
The systemic nature of mustard lung: Comparison with COPD patients
Authors: Shahriary Alireza , Ghanei Mostafa , Rahmani Hossein
Published: February 2018

Sulphur mustard (SM) is a powerful blister-causing alkylating chemical warfare agent used by Iraqi forces against Iran. One of the known complications of mustard gas inhalation is mustard lung which is discussed as a phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this complication, there are clinical symptoms close to COPD with common etiologies, such as in smokers. Based on information gradually obtained by conducting the studies on mustard lung patients, systemic symptoms along with pulmonary disorders have attracted the attention of researchers. Changes in serum levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), interleukin (IL), chemokines, selectins, immunoglobulins, and signs of imbalance in oxidant-antioxidant system at serum level, present the systemic changes in these patients. In addition to these, reports of extra-pulmonary complications, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease are also presented. In this study, the chance of developing the systemic nature of this lung disease have been followed on using the comparative study of changes in the mentioned markers in mustard lung and COPD patients at stable phases and the mechanisms of pathogenesis and phenomena, such as airway remodeling in these patients.
Comparative Study of Optical Interconnection Architectures in Data Center Networks
Authors: Sharma Abhilasha , R G Sangeetha
Published: February 2018

The internet traffic is increasing exponentially with cloud services. This demands high and efficient data center networks (DCNs). Current DCNs are equipped with electronic counter parts which consumes high power to provide the cloud services. Optical interconnection network (OIN) architectures provide high scalability, low latency, high throughput and low power consumption. This paper presents a study of the OIN architectures as the future requirements of the DCNs are the need for high scalability and low latency. This paper also presents a comparative study of their average latency and scalability.
Demographic data on the Little Owl(Athene noctua)in Upper-Kiskunság (Hungary)
Authors: Hámori Dániel , Winkler Dániel , Vadász Csaba
Published: February 2018

This study focused on the clutch size and age-specific apparent survival rate of the Little Owl(Athene noctua)population in Upper-Kiskunság, Hungary. Between May 2005 and April 2017, 640 individuals were captured and ringed in a total of 746 capture-recapture occasions. Artificial nest boxes were installed in the study area, breeding birds and pulli were captured for ringing/recaptured in these boxes (from March to May), or at the close neighbourhood of those (max. 168 m). Jolly-Seber’s open population method was applied to model the survival rate. The candidate model set included models incorporating age, year-effect, and the combination of those. AICc value was used to compare models in a selection approach. The final model was constructed via model averaging based on the models with significant explanatory power. The average number and SD of pullus/breeding pair was 3.78 ± 0.76. The average apparent annual survival rate (which does not differentiate between mortality and permanent emigration) for the period between pullus stage and the time of the first breeding was estimated as 9.47% ± 2.99% SE, whereas the annual survival rate of adults was 82.74% ± 8.46% SE. The effect of sex on the survival rate of adults was not investigated due to female-biased sample, as the probability of capturing females is significantly higher in late spring months. Our experience reveals that during February and March it is possible to capture both sexes in the nest boxes, and it does not influence negatively the breeding success. Based on our results, the population of the Little Owl is stable in Upper-Kiskunság. A slight increase in estimated population size is observable even if we make no difference between mortality and permanent emigration. The high occupancy rate of the installed nest boxes reveals that nest site availability is an important limiting factor in the studied population.
Knowledge of and attitudes towards extending professional powers among departmental nurses with respect to issuing prescriptions and independent referring for diagnostic tests – preliminary report
Authors: Zarzeka Aleksander , Panczyk Mariusz , Ścieglińska Bożena , Belowska Jarosława , Iwanow Lucyna , Gotlib Joanna
Published: February 2018

Introduction. An independent prescribing certain drugs, including issuing prescriptions, as well as an entitlement to refer patients for certain diagnostic tests, constitute the key competences of an advanced nurse/midwife practice.

Aim. To analyze knowledge and attitudes of departmental nurses (DN) towards extending professional powers of nurses and midwives.

Material and methods. The sample involved 23 DN (women: 100%) working in the Independent Public Children’s Teaching Hospital in Warsaw. The mean age was 49 years (mode and median: 50; min. 31, max. 61, SD=7.95). The mean of professional experience was 30 years (mode: 25, median: 30, min. 17, max. 40, SD=6.38). A voluntary and anonymous questionnaire with 10 questions referring to knowledge and 32 statements concerning attitudes evaluated in the Likert scale was conducted.

Results. Almost all DN knew that prescribing drugs is a right and not an obligation. Nearly half of the DN knew when the new regulations shall enter into force. DN believed that the new regulations shall improve patient care and increase patient’s comfort and access to services. DN concern about preparation of nurses and midwives for new competences.

Conclusions.

1. The study group’s level of knowledge about the new competences was insufficient and requires supplementing.

2. The attitudes of the study group towards the new competences were not unambiguous. It should, however, be noted that the study was conducted in a specialized children’s teaching hospital, where the application of the amended regulations is limited.

3. Although the nursing management staff supports the legislative changes, they object to the process of introducing them. This applies particularly to the necessity of an adequate preparation of nurses and midwives.

4. The study should be continued among a representative group of nurses with a similar level of education, professional experience, and place of work, with particular consideration of nurses working in the outpatient health care.
What is the pH, Fe and Cl2 content of cosmetics we use? – a pilot study on safety of skin care products
Authors: Nieradko-Iwanicka Barbara , Chrobok Katarzyna , Skolarczyk Justyna , Pekar Joanna
Published: February 2018

Introduction. The skin is one of the largest organs of the body protecting from external insults in order to maintain homeostasis. It plays many roles: in thermal, electrolyte, hormonal, metabolic, and immune regulation. Proper pH of skin plays a role in creation of skin barrier and resistance to external agents. Cl2 and Fe may irritate skin. If noxious factors are strong, they damage the tissues under the skin. When the insult is severe enough to overwhelm the protective function of the skin, it may manifest itself with acute or chronic skin injury. Therefore, it is important to know if the used skin products are safe.

Aim. The objective of the study was to determine pH, Cl2 and Fe content in selected cosmetics.

Material and methods. A total of 62 skin product samples were collected and divided into 4 groups: I soaps and gels, II hair cosmetics, III creams and balms, IV facial cosmetics. The pH, Cl2 and Fe content in each sample was determined three times and means were calculated. Data were analyzed with one way ANOVA followed by Tukey test. P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results. The pH in group III was significantly higher than in the other groups. Fe content was significantly higher in hair cosmetics as well as in creams and balms. Cl2 content was high in soaps and hair cosmetics.

Conclusions. The majority of the analyzed samples had pH within the healthy range. Traces of Cl2 and Fe present in cosmetics are unlikely to cause skin irritation.
Social and Psychological Background for Emergence of Hypochondriacal Personality Disorders
Authors: Vizniuk Inessa Mykolaivna
Published: February 2018

Introduction. A hypochondriacal disorder is among the least extensively studied psychopathological phenomena. It is, above all, characterized by the excessive concentration on the person’s own psychosomatic feelings. Hypochondriacal attitude causes various age crises generated by the weakening of psychophysical functions, reduction of abilities, change of the major activity and social status. The present requires new approaches towards the realization of the national policies in the sphere of maintenance of optimal functioning and efficiency of the Ukrainian society.

Aim. The aim of the study was to emphasize the preconditions for the emergence of hypochondriacal personality disorders in sociometric dimension, as well as people’s professional tolerance to the disease.

Material and methods. The study involved 236 teachers of rural and urban schools, of which 78% were women and 22% (52 respondents) were men. The teachers were asked about the level of their job satisfaction.

Results. Quite a large proportion of respondents – 56% (132) is satisfied with their professional activity. Nevertheless, the teaching conditions, especially in rural schools, block up their professional advancement. According to the results of the research, about a third of the respondents (75 people, or 32%) is partially satisfied with their job, while those not satisfied made up 12% (28 respondents). Such level of job satisfaction testifies that a crucial problem nowadays is not a pedagogical job placement, but on the contrary, an improper professional orientation, wrong choice of qualification, biased personality orientation. Other complaints made in the survey included statements concerning poor salaries, unhealthy socio-psychological atmosphere among the teaching staff, teachers’ own poor health, etc.

Conclusions. Decoding a hypochondriacal “message” is only possible through the analysis of the defective transactions between the individual and his/her family or social environment. The absolute self-activation of a individual is realized through the interaction between the personal potentials determined by the state of the optimal functioning of a person and social recognition as a factor of maintaining teacher’s spirituality in the form of professional self-consciousness.
A review on differential scanning calorimetry technique and its importance in the field of energetic materials
Authors: Abd-Elghany Mohamed , Klapötke Thomas M.
Published: February 2018

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) helps to follow processing conditions, since it is relatively easy to fingerprint the thermal behavior of materials. DSC instrument nowadays became a routine technique, which can be found virtually in every chemical characterization laboratory. The sample can be analyzed over a wide temperature range using various temperature programs under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. It is appropriate to determine the kinetic parameters under non-isothermal conditions. The sample can be in many different physical forms and in various shapes (powder, granules, fiber, etc.). A lot of characterization (step/glass transition, melting, and decomposition temperature, etc.) data can be obtained by easy way and within short time. DSC is very helpful in analysis of energetic materials due to very small amount of material is enough to run the experiment.
Forensic Genetics and Genotyping
Authors: Vitoševic Katarina , Todorovic Danijela , Slovic Zivana , Zivkovic-Zaric Radica , Todorovic Milos
Published: February 2018

Forensic genetics represents a combination of molecular and population genetics. Personal identification and kinship analysis (e.g. paternity testing) are the two main subjects of forensic DNA analysis. Biological specimens from which DNA is isolated are blood, semen, saliva, tissues, bones, teeth, hairs. Genotyping has become a basis in the characterization of forensic biological evidence. It is performed using a variety of genetic markers, which are divided into two large groups: bi-allelic (single-nucleotide polymorphisms, SNP) and multi-allelic polymorphisms (variable number of tandem repeats, VNTR and short tandem repeats, STR). This review describes the purpose of genetic markers in forensic investigation and their limitations. The STR loci are currently the most informative genetic markers for identity testing, but in cases without a suspect SNP can predict offender’s ancestry and phenotype traits such as skin, eyes and hair color. Nowadays, many countries worldwide have established forensic DNA databases based on autosomal short tandem repeats and other markers. In order for DNA profile database to be useful at a national or international level, it is essential to standardize genetic markers used in laboratories.
Brightly Luminescent Cu-Zn-In-S/ZnS Core/Shell Quantum Dots in Salt Matrices
Authors: Lox Josephine F.L. , Eichler Franziska , Erdem Talha , Adam Marcus , Gaponik Nikolai , Demir Hilmi Volkan , Lesnyak Vladimir , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: February 2018

In the past decades cadmium-free quantum dots (QDs), among which are quaternary colloidal Cu-Zn-In-S/ZnS (CZIS/ZnS) core/shell nanocrystals (NCs), have attracted great scientific interest. Particularly, their low toxicity and the possibility to tune their photoluminescence (PL) properties by varying the composition in the multicomponent system make them highly attractive for applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Thus, the demands for high quality CZIS/ZnS QDs and methods to process them into bulk materials stimulate investigations of these nanomaterials. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of CZIS/ZnS core/shell NCs via a surfactant induced nucleation process, which emit in various colors covering the range from 520 nm to 620 nm possessing high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) up to 47%. Furthermore, the as synthesized NCs were successfully integrated into two different salt matrices [Na2B4O7 (Borax) and LiCl] using two different approaches. The commonly used incorporation of the NCs into Borax salt led to salt crystals emitting from 540 nm to 600 nm with PLQYs up to 24%. By encapsulating the QDs into LiCl, brightly emitting NCs-in-LiCl powders with the PL covering a range from 520 nm to 650 nm with PLQYs of up to 14% were obtained. As a proof of concept, the fabrication of a color conversion LED using NCs encapsulated into LiCl demonstrated the applicability of the encapsulated NCs.