bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A GOVERNANÇA EM SUAS MÚLTIPLAS FORMAS DE EXPRESSÃO: O DELINEAMENTO CONCEITUAL DE UM FENÔMENO COMPLEXO
Authors: Villas Bôas Filho Orlando
Published: February 2017

Este artigo analisa o fenômeno da governança em suas diversas formas de expressão. Assim, em primeiro lugar, com o intuito de sublinhar a importância do referido fenômeno, procura situá-lo, em termos introdutórios, no contexto contemporâneo. Feita essa introdução, é realizado um breve contraste entre os conceitos de governança e de governo. Em seguida, para explicitar a complexidade do fenômeno da governança, é empreendia uma análise de suas diversas formas de expressão. Para tanto, pelo ângulo da sociologia jurídica, são analisadas, sucessivamente, a “governança corporativa”, a “governança global”, a “governança dos blocos regionais”, a “governança nacional” e, finalmente, a “governança local”. Após essa análise, a governança é abordada como instrumento de participação para a tomada de decisões a partir de uma sistemática oposta ao modelo top down. Por fim, em termos conclusivos, é feito um exame da progressiva centralidade assumida pelo conceito no debate contemporâneo e da polissemia que o caracteriza.
O RELATOR DÁ VOZ AO STF? UMA RÉPLICA A ALMEIDA E BOGOSSIAN
Authors: Silva Virgílio Afonso da
Published: February 2017

Em recente artigo publicado nesta revista, Danilo dos Santos Almeida e Andre Martins Bogossian defenderam interessante tese sobre o papel do ministro relator como unificador das razões de decidir dos acórdãos do Supremo Tribunal Federal. Em boa medida, o artigo dialoga com trabalho de minha autoria, também publicado nesta revista. Nesta breve réplica, pretendo mostrar que, a despeito dos bons argumentos de Almeida e Bogossian, estou convencido de que, ao menos no que diz respeito às decisões mais importantes do STF, a relevância que eles dão ao voto do ministro relator é exagerada. Embora o voto do relator seja de fato aquele que fornece as razões de decidir nos casos corriqueiros e repetitivos, até porque nesses casos muitas vezes o voto do relator é a única peça escrita e articulada, isso não é necessariamente verdade nas decisões mais importantes do STF.
PENGEMBANGAN VIDEO PEMBELAJARAN SUKSESI EKOSISTEM UNTUK MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR DAN PENGUASAAN KONSEP MAHASISWA BIOLOGI
Authors: Handziko Rio Christy , Suyanto Slamet
Published: February 2017

Tujuan penelitian penyusunan media pembelajaran berupa video yang layak untuk meningkatkan motivasi belajar dan penguasaan konsep suksesi. Metode pengambilan video berlokasi di lereng Merapi yang sesuai dengan perkiraan perkembangan suksesi ekosistem. Pengujian kelayakan produk melibatkan beberapa ahli sedangkan pengujian kelas terdiri dari uji coba terbatas dan uji coba lapangan. Uji coba terbatas melibatkan 30 mahasiswa sedangkan uji coba lapangan melibatkan 30 mahasiswa kelas eksperimen dan 30 mahasiswa kelas kontrol. Penelitian pertama tentang kondisi perkuliahan, penelitian kedua tentang pengujian produk. Hasil uji produk, mendapatkan penilaian minimal “Baik”. Uji coba terbatas, hasilnya “Sangat Baik”. Pada uji coba lapangan, produk diuji penggunaannya pada peningkatan motivasi belajar dan penguasaan konsep, serta uji beda terhadap kelas kontrol. Hasil uji kelayakan mendapatkan penilaian “Baik” dan analisis gain score kedua variabel, mendapatkan hasil lebih tinggi untuk kelas eksperimen. Hasil uji beda menandakan adanya perbedaan antara kedua kelas, artinya media pembelajaran berpengaruh dalam meningkatkan motivasi belajar dan penguasaan konsep. Kata Kunci: foto, video, perbandingan, suksesi ekosistem, gunung Merapi, motivasi belajar, penguasaan konsep.   THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIDEO LEARNING ECOSYSTEM SUCCESSION TO IMPROVE LEARNING MOTIVATION AND MASTERY OF CONCEPT FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDENTS Abstract This research was aimed to establish video learning ecosystem succession that deserves to improve learning motivation and mastery of the concept of succession. Capturing video is located on the slopes of Merapi, which according to estimates of ecosystem succession development. Testing the feasibility of a product involves several experts and testing in a class consisting of limited testing and field trial tests. Limited test involving 30 students while the field trial involving 30 students in the experimental class and 30 students in the control class. The first step in this research is to analyze condition of the course and the second step is on product testing. Test results of product, get a minimum grade is "good". On limited testing, the results is "Very Good". In field trial tests, its use product tested on improving learning motivation and mastery of concepts, as well as different test against the control class. The results of the feasibility test get grades of "Good" and the gain score analysis the both of variable, getting higher results for the experimental class. Results of the different test indicate a difference between the two classes, it means video learning influential to improving learning motivation and mastery of concepts. Keywords: photo, video, comparison, ecosystem succession, mount Merapi, learning motivation and mastery of concepts.
Pengembangan LKS biologi berbasis masalah untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan karakter peduli lingkungan
Authors: Tivani Inur , Paidi Paidi
Published: February 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan LKS biologi berbasis masalah yang layak untuk topik perubahan lingkungan/iklim dan daur ulang limbah serta mengetahui keefektifan penggunaan LKS biologi berbasis masalah terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan karakter peduli lingkungan siswa. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian dan pengembangan menurut model Borg & Gall. Data dikumpulkan melalui angket validasi LKS, angket karakter peduli lingkungan, soal kemampuan pemecahan masalah, lembar observasi penilaian produk daur ulang limbah dan lembar observasi keterlaksanaan pembelajaran. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa LKS biologi berbasis masalah layak untuk topik perubahan lingkungan/iklim dan daur ulang limbah dilihat dari hasil penilaian pada aspek kelayakan isi, kebahasaan, penyajian dan kegrafikan termasuk dalam kategori sangat baik, LKS biologi berbasis masalah efektif digunakan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan karakter peduli lingkungan siswa.Kata Kunci: LKS biologi berbasis masalah, kemampuan pemecahan masalah, karakter peduli lingkungan Developing Problem-Based Biology Worksheet to Improve Problems Solving Skills and Environment Care Character AbstractThe purposes of this research are to produce a proper problem-based biology worksheet for the topic of environment/climate changing and waste recycling and to know the effectiveness of using the problem-based biology worksheet on the students’ problem solving skill and environment care character. This research is research and development model according to Brog and Gall The data were collected through questionnaire of worksheet and environment care character validity, the test of problem solving skills, observation sheet of assessment in waste recycling product and observation sheet of learning process. The results of the research showed that problem-based biology worksheet was appropriate for the topic of environment/climate changing and waste recycling, in terms of the contain, the language, the presentation, and the graphic of the worksheet were included in were good category, problem-based biology worksheet was effective to increase the student problem solving skill and caring environment care character.Keywords: problem-based biology worksheet, problem solving skill, environment care character
Efektivitas virtual lab berbasis STEM dalam meningkatkan literasi sains siswa dengan perbedaan gender
Authors: Ismail Ismail , Permanasari Anna , Setiawan Wawan
Published: February 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas virtual lab berbasis STEM sebagai media praktikum alternatif dalam meningkatkan literasi sains siswa dengan perbedaan gender. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain one Group pretest-posttest yang terdiri dari kelas 7B dengan jumlah siswa 29 orang perempuan dan kelas 7D dengan jumlah siswa 30 orang laki-laki. Teknik pengambilan data menggunakan metode observasi, angket, dan tes. Efektivitas virtual lab berbasis STEM dianalisis dengan Independent-samples t test kemudian dihitung nilai effect size. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan hasil peningkatan literasi sains siswa kelas perempuan (7B) sebesar 0,46  dan kelas laki-laki (7D) sebesar 0,29 dengan keduanya dalam kategori sedang. Nilai effect size penggunaan virtual lab berbasis STEM pada domain konten dan kompetensi sains sebesar 0,39 dengan kategori sedang dan domain sikap sebesar 0,75 dengan kategori tinggi Kata kunci: virtual lab, STEM, literasi sains, gender Stem-Based Virtual Lab Effectiveness in Improving the Scientific Literacy of Students with Gender Differences AbstractThis study aimed to know theeffectiveness of STEM-based virtual lab in improving the scientific literacy of students by gender differences.The design of this research one group pretest-posttest consisting of class 7B by the number of students 29 women and 7D class by the number of students 30 men.The data Ade collected through questionnaires, observations, and tests. The effectiveness of STEM-based virtual lab was analyzed through Independent-samples t test then calculated the value of effect size. the results showed that there are differences the resulting increase inscientific literacy class students women (7B) of 0.46 and a class of men (7D) of 0.29 with both of them in the medium category.The value of effect size using STEM-based virtual lab on the science content domain and competencies of 0.39 with the moderate category and attitude domain of 0.75 to a high category.Keywords: virtual lab, STEM, Scientific literacy, gender
Competency Mapping for Effective Growth in Retails
Authors: Yadav Dr. Aradhna
Published: February 2017

Competency mapping is a procedure through which one assess and determines one’s strength as an individual operative and in some cases, as part of organization. Competency mapping helps in analyzing the blend of strengths of different workers to produce the most effective teams and highest quality work. Competency framework serves as the bedrock for all HR representatives. Identifying and providing training enables better performance management. Competency mapping is the base system for recruitments, promotions, training and Career Development, performance analysis. It also helps in analyzing the strengths and weakness of the employees. This study explains the relevance of competency mapping in a retail outlet for the purpose of Training and effective results.
PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF THE LEAVES OF LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA FROM MALAYSIA
Authors: Zayed Mohamed Zaky , Samling Benedict
Published: February 2017

Objective: This study was conducted to identify the phytochemical constituents of Leucaena leucocephala leaf extracts using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Methods: Hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol leaves extract of L. leucocephala were analyzed using GC-MS, while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract were matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library.

Results: GC-MS analysis of L. leucocephala leaves revealed the presence of 30 compounds and the major chemical constituents were Squalene (41.02%), Phytol (33.80%), 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (30.86%) and 3,7,11-Tridecatrienenitrile, 4,8,12-trimethyl (25.64%). Some of these compounds have been reported to possess various biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antiparasitic, insecticide, nematicide, pesticide, anti coronary, antiarthritic, antiandrogenic, hypocholesterolemic, cancer preventive, anti-cancer, analgesic, anesthetic, allergenic and etc.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicating that L. leucocephala leaves possess various potent bioactive compounds and is recommended as a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance.
PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDIES OF DALBERGIA SISSO ROXB.
Authors: Ali Ijaz , Rizwani Ghazala H. , Shareef Huma , Khan Sohail
Published: February 2017

Objective: Present study was aimed to standardize the leaves, pods, and bark of Dalbergia sisso Roxb (Fabaceae) plant which is one of the most important species of Pakistan and used in different ailments.

Methods: Powders of dried parts of this plant were used for macroscopic and microscopic, histological, fluorescence, micro chemical, proximate, infra-red spectroscopic examinations and extract were used for preliminary phytochemical examination. These entire tests were performed as per World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

Results: In preliminary phytochemical analysis D. sisso carbohydrates, alkaloids, and tannins were detected in the pod while leaves contain carbohydrates alkaloids and flavonoids. The different cellular structure provides the basis of different parts identifications like stomata in leave (A), schlerides in pods (B) and tissues in bark (C) parts of the powdered plant. Proximate analysis showed the high level of moisture content and ash values of A, B and C samples. The fluorescence behavior of powdered material of A, B and C revealed the coloration of these samples under different wavelength. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) established the spectrum include aromatic and aldehyde based functional groups for the all three powdered samples of D. sisso Roxb.

Conclusion: This research work was performed for the standardization of the plant D. sisso Roxb. as per WHO recommendations and we established the proper identification profile of the plant and its parts.
HPLC ANALYSIS OF HUMAN URINE FOR OXALATE CONTENT
Authors: Suryavanshi Mangesh V. , Jadhav Swapnil D. , Gune Rahul P. , Bhatia Manish S. , Shouche Yogesh S.
Published: February 2017

Objective: In the present communication, development and validation of reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography method have been carried out for estimation of oxalate content in the urine of human volunteers with recurrent kidney stone disease and healthy status.

Methods: The analysis of oxalic acid has been carried out on KYA TECH HiQ Sil C18HS column using a mobile phase of methanol: 0.001 N acetic acid in water (50:50, v/v) with a flow rate of 1 ml/min and detection wavelength, 237 nm.

Results: Analysis of oxalate content was carried out using single point calibration method with retention at 2.705 min with good resolution parameters. Urine sample collected from kidney stone patients and healthy volunteers over the period of 24 h were analyzed and it has been found that concentration of oxalate in healthy volunteers is less than 12 µg/ml whereas that in case of kidney stone patients is in the range of 39-151 µg/ml and this data can be utilized for further interpretations about oxalate content in healthy and kidney stone diseased volunteers. This method was validated as per united states food and drug administration (USFDA) guidelines by the study of accuracy, precision, linearity, range, selectivity, the lower limit of quantitation, extraction recovery studies and stability studies for determining oxalate content in the urine of human volunteers. As relative standard deviations of oxalate content estimated are less than 5 percent, the method can be claimed accurate, precise, sensitive and selective for determining oxalate content in the urine of human volunteers.

Conclusion: The results are satisfactory, proving the effectiveness of the method for analysis of oxalate content from other biological fluids with few optimizations.
INCONSISTENT LIPID PROFILES EXHIBITED AMONG THE DIABETIC ASIAN INDIANS OF INDIA AND TRINIDAD–A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Nayak B. Shivananda , Bhaktha Geetha
Published: February 2017

Objective: This was an cross-sectional observational study wherein clinical parameters were compared between the population of two countries like India and Trinidad.

Methods: One hundred and six diabetic and 100 healthy individuals from Dakshina Kannada District of India were chosen and compared with 106 Type 2 diabetic and 100 healthy individuals of Trinidad. Along with anthropometric variables and blood pressure, blood samples were collected from the subjects aged above 35years of both genders who would fit with the inclusion criteria. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL, LDL and sugar levels were estimated from the blood samples collected.

Results: Though both the study population were of similar BMI, we found considerable higher values from the baseline among the systolic pressure, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose level in both the countries. Though the normal study population showed a small change in the mean values, most of the difference was not statistically significant. We found that Indian diabetic population had a higher risk of future complication of diabetes with significantly higher LDL (p=0.002) and systolic pressure (p=0.000).

Conclusion: This study shows important difference among biochemical parameters and other risk factors in the Asian phenotypic races with countries like India and Trinidad. The data also showed that Indian diabetic population are at higher risk of developing complications when compared to Trinidadians.
HYPOGLYCEMIC AND HYPOLIPIDEMIC EFFECTS OF PHENOLIC OLIVE TREE EXTRACT IN STREPTOZOTOCIN DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Laaboudi Wafa , Ghanam Jamal , Ghoumari Oumaima , Sounni Fatiha , Merzouki Mohammed , Benlemlih Mohamed
Published: February 2017

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of an olive tree extract with high polyphenols content on blood glucose level and other related parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg bw). 72h after injection, rats with fasting blood glucose higher than 2 g/l were used for the experiments. Olive tree extract was administered for 28 d and blood glucose level was measured every 4 d. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, creatinine, urea, total protein, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, were determined at the end of the experiment.

Results: The oral administration of olive tree extract contributes to blood glucose level decreasing in diabetic rats group, which was significantly lower at 4th week compared to the diabetic control rats. Moreover, supplementation by olive tree extract decreased significantly (p<0.05) the values of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, creatinine, urea, total protein, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase resulting from damage caused by streptozotocin treatment. Beside this, significant reduce (p<0.05) in heart disease risk ratio was observed for treated group (4.1±0.14) compared to untreated group (7.64±0.36), which was quite similar to normal rats (4.50±0.36). Studied olive tree extract effects were similar to those of glibenclamide, a well-known antidiabetic drug.

Conclusion: Results herein obtained reveal the hypoglycemic effect of this olive tree extract, suggesting his potential use as a natural antidiabetic agent.
SOLANUM PROTEASE INHIBITORS AND THEIR THERAPEUTIC POTENTIALITIES: A REVIEW
Authors: Vg Meenu Krishnan , K. Murugan
Published: February 2017

Protease inhibitors (PIs) are diverse group of proteins with low molecular weight that are ubiquitous in all life forms. PIs are reducers of the physiological activity of proteases and fascinated the attention of biotechnological researchers. In the evolutionary course, plants have developed diverse adaptive mechanisms of defence against various unfavorable conditions including that of predators and pathogens. Phylogenetic relationships among diverse PI families like serpin, Bowman–Birk, cereal trypsin/α-amylase inhibitor, proteinase inhibitor I, proteinase inhibitor II and cystatin have been evaluated. PIs evolution seems to occur through multiple interacting mechanisms and not commonly seen with other co-evolving molecules. Interaction of PIs produced by host organisms and the invasive/dietary protease of pathogens or parasites or predators, leads to a phylogenetic ‘arms race’ of rapid structural modulation in both interacting proteins. Further, the high rate of retention of gene duplication and inhibitory domain multiplication results the PI as potential model system to trace the basic evolutionary process of functional diversification. The mode of action of PI is either via inactivating the hydrolytic enzymes or depolarization of cell membrane of the pathogens thereby inhibiting its growth and invasion. Generally, PIs possess significant number of disulfide bonds due to cysteine residues that provide them resistance to heat, extremes of pH, and proteolysis. However, PIs have been extracted and purified only from few monocots and dicots plants. Currently, PI genes were used for developing insect-resistant transgenic plants for crop improvements. Classification of PIs over the last several years has been based on structural–functional relationships. This review bridges the gap between the folkloric uses of Solanum PIs, their diversity and biological potentialities.
POTENT BIOLOGICAL AGENT BENZIMIDAZOLE–A REVIEW
Authors: Prasad Pullagura M. Krishna , S. Avdhut Kanvinde , S. Raja
Published: February 2017

Benzimidazole nucleus is one of the most important heterocycles exhibiting remarkable pharmacological activities. Numerous method for the synthesis of benzimidazole and also their diverse reactions offer enormous scope in the field of medicinal chemistry. Various reported biological activities (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anticancer, anthelmintic, antioxidant, antitubercular, and antiviral activity) of bezimidazole are collected and summarized here. Large numbers of drugs are available to treat various diseases, but they are associated with some drawbacks like resistance, toxicities and other adverse effects. To combat with these problems there is need to discover and synthesize newer chemical entities with better efficacy and novel mechanism of action. The benzimidazole ring is an important pharmacophore in modern drug discovery. The synthesis of novel benzimidazole derivatives remains a main focus of medicinal research. There is still scope for more research work to be done in this field to find a novel agent. The versatility of new generation benzimidazole would represent a fruitful pharmacophore for further development of better medicinal agents. Therefore this substrate has a tremendous scope for the discovery of new, better, safe and more potent biological agents.
CUR-CA-THIONE: A NOVEL CURCUMIN CONCOCTION WITH ENHANCED WATER SOLUBILITY AND BRAIN BIO-AVAILABILITY
Authors: Shelat Devang Y. , Acharya Sanjeev R
Published: February 2017

Objective: Curcumin, is widely studied as a potential drug in treating various disorders but lacks applicability due to poor water solubility and tissue bioavailability. The main objective of the study was to develop a formulation of curcumin that has enhanced water solubility and brain bioavailability.

Methods: A curcumin concoction was prepared using solvent evaporation technique taking casein and glutathione as vectors. Various process parameters were identified namely time, temperature, pH and vector while formulation parameters included drug entrapment, anti-oxidant activity, and water solubility. The concoctions were evaluated for in vitro release kinetics at three pH i.e. 1.2, 4.5 and 6.2 at six-time intervals i.e. 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 120 min using dialysis bag membrane. The same kinetics was further validated using same time points with wistar rats and giving concoction at a single dose of 2 g/kg via the oral route.

Results: A concoction i.e. CUR-CA-THIONE having significant entrapment efficiency (77.83%, 97.75%, 90.19%), water solubility (40, 350 and 45 times than normal curcumin) and DPPH activity (IC50: 28.91, 25.07 and 27.89) was evaluated in concoctions CUR-CA-THIONE-T.1, CUR-CA-THIONE-T.2 and CUR-CA-THIONE-T.3 respectively. These formulations were then carried out for in vitro release profile at different pH with average release obtained between 20-30 min. In vivo kinetics was studied by isolating tissues like brain, liver, lung, kidney and spleen in male wistar rats and maximum brain bioavailability was observed for CUR-CA-THIONE-T.3 at 30 min with 75 ng/g of brain tissue.

Conclusion: The experiment helps in concluding that CUR-CA-THIONE has improved its water solubility and is able to by-pass systemic circulation to targeted activity.
DEVELOPMENT OF NANOEMULSION CONTAINING PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS OIL: CHARACTERIZATION AND STABILITY STUDY
Authors: Giongo Janice Luehring , Vaucher Rodrigo De Almeida , Ourique Aline , Steffler MÍriam , Frizzo Clarissa Piccinin , Hennemman Bruno , Santos Roberto Christ Vianna , Lopes Leonardo Quintana S. , Rech Virginia Cielo , Nishihira Vivian Shinobu Kishimoto , Raffin Renata P. , Gomes PatrÍcia , Steppe Martin
Published: February 2017

Objective: To develop, characterize and evaluate the stability of nanoemulsions containing geranium oil (NEG) at different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C and 45 °C) for 90 d.

Methods: The quantification of oil in the nanostructure was performed by <a href="https://www.google.com.br/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiYjL3Niv7OAhVJI5AKHZ-_AeUQFggfMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGas_chromatography%25E2%2580%2593mass_spectrometry&usg=AFQjCNE3N9EyqMTXtw7u0lxolSlnU5zJfQ">gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The NEG was prepared in Ultra-Turrex and characterized by determining the particle size, polydispersity indices and pH. The thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate the thermal stability of the compounds, the thermal events and morphological analyses of NEG, respectively.

Results: The results allow us to suggest that the use the ultra-turrax method is a strategy good to NEG preparation. The stability of the NEG was strongly influenced by storage temperature, with droplet size increasing rapidly at higher temperatures (45 °C), which was attributed to coalescence near the phase inversion temperature. The NEG submitted the low temperatures (4±2 °C) remained with the same particle size value (164 nm). However, the citronellol and geraniol showed a significant reduction throughout the test even in these conditions of temperature. Thermogram of NEG shows the crystallization peak at the cooling cycle in-20.1 °C and a melting was observed at 1.5 °C. TEM images indicated that NEG was spherical and nanometric.

Conclusion: The proposed Ultra-Turrax method is simple which prevents volatilization of GO for the production of NEG. The formulations presented good physicochemical characteristics and stability for 90 d was only achieved in 4 °C.
RECOMBINANT ERYTHROPOIETIN MITIGATES REPERFUSION INJURY IN NEONATAL RAT CARDIOMYOCYTES BY NOVEL MULTIPLE SIGNALLING PATHWAYS
Authors: Allaudeen Asiya Parvin , Koka Pavani , Pant Tarun , Chandramohan Yamini , Sivanesan Sanjana , Baker John E. , Dhanasekaran Anuradha
Published: February 2017

Objective: Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) is strongly inferred to protect the cardiomyocytes from the reperfusion injury and our aim is to elucidate the cardioprotective effect and the exact mechanism behind the cardioprotection.

Methods: Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NCM) exposed to Hypoxia/Reperfusion (H/R) with or without pretreatment using various concentrations of rhEPO. To determine the cell viability-MTT assay, Acridine orange and Ethidium Bromide (Ao/EtBr) staining was performed. To determine the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) and Rhodamine-123 was used. To determine the signaling pathways Western blot analysis of pAkt, pp38 MAPK, cytochrome-c were performed.

Results: rhEPO was found to reduce the cell death by stabilizing ROS significantly, Δψm, cytochrome c release, and caspase-3. rhEPO, increases the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, Akt and BAD compared to H/R. Further myocytes blocked with Wortmannin (WT), and SB203580 showed increased caspase-3 activity.

Conclusion: Hence we conclude from this study that rhEPO regulated the factors involved in reperfusion injury through modulation of Akt and p38 MAPK pathways.
EVALUATION OF IMPACT OF PHARMACEUTICAL CARE ON IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN CKD PATIENTS
Authors: Baby Bebit , Antony Chippy Lee , Wilson Shivil , Xavier Theertha , Tamilselvan T.
Published: February 2017

Objectives: Evaluation of the impact of pharmaceutical care on improving knowledge and medication adherence in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients.

Methods: Patient data were recorded on a data collection form after informed consent. Their knowledge and medication adherence were evaluated by questionnaire and it was quantified. Patients were counselled using patient information leaflets. Re-assessment was made during follow-up.

Results: Medication adherence among patients was classified as low, medium and high adherence. Knowledge was classified under three categories excellent, average and poor. There was a considerable improvement in knowledge and medication adherence irrespective of age and gender. The study was statistically significant with P<0.05.

Conclusion: The efforts to increase awareness on CKD patients such as providing patient counselling and continuous education could enhance adherence to therapies and thus could improve clinical outcomes and quality of life.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE, MINERAL CONTENT AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT POTENCY OF CAPSICUM ANNUM L. CULTIVATED IN 24 PARGANAS [SOUTH], WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Authors: Das Moumita , Basu Subhashree , Sen Anurupa , Datta Gouriprosad
Published: February 2017

Objective: Capsicum annum L. is a well-known spice and has long been used in Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. So, the present study was aimed to analyse its nutritional profile and free radical scavenging activity.

Methods: The green Capsicum annum L. cultivated in 24 Parganas [South], West Bengal, were studied for the quantitative analysis of proximate composition, mineral and vitamin content. Aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts were screened on a comparative basis for the presence of in vitro antioxidant potential including the total phenol and flavonoid content, along with ferric reducing power, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activity.

Results: The sample was found to contain 89.89% total carbohydrate, 13.48% soluble carbohydrate, 7.95% crude protein, 4.80% fat, 12.9% fibre, 95.42% moisture and 5.12% ash. Besides, the vegetable was also found to be abundant in vitamins and minerals like, sodium (24.4), iron (4.834), zinc (1.632), magnesium (92.612), manganese (0.88), calcium (19.562), copper (1.11), cobalt (0.02), chromium (0.016), boron (0.316), lycopene (2.4) and β-carotene (14.85) expressed in mg/100 g; and potassium (2.236), vitamin C (1.77), vitamin E (6.08), all expressed in g/100 g dry weight of the sample. The free radical scavenging activity, total phenol and flavonoid content of the aqueous extract were significantly higher than the hydroethanolic extract (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It can thus be concluded that capsicum is a nutritionally rich spice and a potential source for antioxidant. The aqueous extract is more potent than the hydro-ethanolic extract in scavenging free radical.

 
POWDER MICROSCOPIC STUDIES OF THE FRUITS OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS LINN COLLECTED FROM DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS OF SOUTH INDIA–A COMPARATIVE STDY
Authors: Yanala Suresh Reddy , Sathyanarayana D.
Published: February 2017

Objective: The aim of present study includes the collection of Tribulus terrestris fruit samples from three geographical locations of south India. Whose powder microscopical characters were assessed by the comparative study by using standard pharmacognostic methods prescribed in standard reference books to ensure quality and identity of all three fruit samples.

Methods: Collected fruit samples were shade dried and pulverised to get the coarse powder. Fruit powder has taken on a micro slide and treated with various colouring reagents to give colour to various tissues by following standard pharmacognostic methods prescribed in reference books. The slide was mounted by adding glycerine and observed under the microscope.

Results: The fruits consist of five triangular cocci which develop from the penta carpellary syncarpous ovary. Each coccus has two long sharp and two short spines. All fruits showed significant variation in the diameter, radial length of the coccus and length of the spines. The tomentum in fruit sample 3 is less when compared with fruit samples 1 and 2. The entire growth period in all geographical regions, the basic characters of cell inclusions like thick-walled parenchyma cells, epidermal, sclerenchymatous, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and type of cells like sclereids (fibre sclereids and brachy sclereids), trichomes (short, long and thick-walled trichomes) and their pattern of arrangement are almost same.

Conclusion: Three geographically different fruit samples showed variation in the quantity of cell inclusions and size of sclereids, trichomes and wall thickness of parenchymatous, epidermal and sclerenchymatous cells. All three fruit samples showed significant variation in morphological characters. Powder microscopic observation can be employed to detect the source of adulteration in powdered raw medicinal plant materials.
INFLUENCE OF PEPTIDE P34 ON GENE EXPRESSION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND LISTERIA SEELEGERI
Authors: Vaucher Rodrigo De Almeida , Giongo Janice Luehring , Estivales Magton , Rech Virgínia Cielo , Nishihira Vivian Shinobu Kishimoto , Luchese Cristiane , Wilhelm Ethel Antunes , Baldissera Matheus DellamÉa , Lopes Leonardo Quintana Soares , Santos Roberto Christ Vianna , Brandelli Adriano
Published: February 2017

Objective: Investigate the influence of the antimicrobial peptides P34 and nisin on the expression of genes associated with components of the cell surface of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria seeligeri.

Methods: Antimicrobial activity was determined by addition of peptide P34 and nisin (12.5 µg/ml) onto Brain Heart Infusion agar (BHI) plates previously inoculated with indicator strains (L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644 or L. seeligeri AC 82/4) after incubation for 24 h at 37 °C or 240 h at 4 °C. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was directly extracted from bacterial colonies at the border of the inhibition zones, and the expression levels of genes D-alanine-D-alanyl carrier protein ligase (dltA), putative phospholipid lysinylation (Imo 1695) and EIIABMan of mannose-specific PTS (mptA) were determined using real-time PCR.

Results: A non-significant increase in the levels of transcription of genes dltA, Imo1695 and mptA was observed for L. monocytogenes treated with peptide P34 or nisin. Both peptides caused a similar decrease in dltA gene expression in L. seeligeri. The expression of gene Imo1695 significantly decreased (about 2000-fold) after treatment with the peptide P34 at 37 °C, while at 4 °C a reduction of 12-fold and 5-fold was detected for P34 and nisin, respectively. A significant decrease in mptA gene expression was observed by exposition to peptide P34 (31.872-fold) and nisin (16.047-fold) for 24 h at 37 °C.

Conclusion: The results suggest that both peptide P34 and nisin influence the expression of genes related with the cell-surface/cell-membrane structure of L. seeligeri and in lesser extent L. monocytogenes.
ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF RUBUS FRUTICOSUS AND ZIZYPHUS VULGARIS METHANOL EXTRACTS
Authors: Meziti Asma , Bouriche Hamama , Hichem Meziti , Kada Seoussen , Senator Abderrahmane , Demirtas Ibrahim
Published: February 2017

Objective: This report is an attempt to study the phenolic composition of Rubus fruticosus (RFE) and Zizyphus vulgaris (ZVE) methanol extracts and evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in-vitro and in-vivo.

Methods: Total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of extracts were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-TOF/MS. The antioxidant activities were evaluated in vitro using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The effect of RFE and ZVE on DNA cleavage induced by H2O2 UV-photolysis was also investigated. The antioxidant effect of RFE and ZVE was tested in vivo using the blood total antioxidant capacity test in mice. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in vivo using two models of acute inflammation ear edema and vascular permeability.

Results: The phytochemical analysis of these extracts showed that RFE possesses higher polyphenolic and flavonoid content than ZVE. in the same way RFE exerted the highest antioxidant capacity with IC 50 value of 14 µg/ml in DPPH assay, 1.58 mmol of Trolox E/mg extract and 3.39 of mmol FesO4/mg extract in ABTS, and FRAP assay respectively. The studied extracts showed a concentration-dependent protective effect on DNA cleavage induced by H2O2 UV-photolysis. The daily oral administration of 200 mg/kg of RFE or ZVE during three weeks showed an improvement of the blood total antioxidant capacity; the HT50 values were151.45 min and 146.72 min for the groups treated with RFE and ZVE, respectively versus 122.5 min for the control group. The topical application of 2 mg/ear of RFE inhibited the croton oil-induced ear edema by 75.72%, while the inhibition exerted by ZVE was 64.24%. These inhibitions were higher than that of indomethacin, used as a reference. Moreover, the oral administration of 400 mg/kg of RFE inhibited significantly (33.57%) acetic acid induced vascular permeability in mice. However, this effect was lower than this of indomethacin. The inhibition effect exerted by ZVE was not significant.

Conclusion: The results obtained in this investigation showed that RFE possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in comparison with ZVE, which may be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic phytoconstituents.
ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY OF ZIZYPHUS SPINA CHRISTI LEAVES METHANOL EXTRACT AGAINST RHABDOMYOSARCOMA (RD) CELL LINE
Authors: Abu-raghif Ahmed R. , Jasim Ghaith A. , Hanoon Muneer M.
Published: February 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of Zizyphus spina christi methanol extract to inhibit cancer cell line proliferation.

Methods: The leaves of Zizyphus spina christi were extracted by cold maceration method. The anti-proliferative activity of the methanol extract against rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell line was tested by 3-(4, 5 Dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The phytochemical constituents were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring free radical scavenging activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.

Results: The percentage extraction yield for leaves with methanol was 20.64%. The methanol extract showed dose dependent inhibition of RD cell line, the IC50 was 154.44 µg/ml. GC-MS showed the presence of flavonoid fraction and other compounds with antioxidant activity. The methanol extract demonstrated DPPH scavenging activity with IC50 of 33.91 mg/ml.

Conclusion: Methanol extract showed potential anti-proliferative activity against RD cell line, which could be due to its antioxidant activity.
NEW FLAVONOIDS FROM THE AERIAL PARTS OF POLYGONUM EQUISETIFORME SM (POLYGONACEAE)
Authors: El-toumy Sayed A. , Salib Joslin Y. , Shafik Nabila H. , Elkarim Asmaa S. Abd , Mick Gihan A.
Published: February 2017

Objective: The current study was to deal the isolation and identification of secondary metabolites from Polygonum equisetiforme and evaluation of antioxidant activity of its extract.

Methods: The methanol-water extract (7:3) of the air-dried aerial parts of Polygonum equisetiforme was fractionated and separated to obtain the isolated compounds by different chromatographic techniques. Structures of these compounds were elucidated by UV and 1D⁄2D H⁄ C NMR spectroscopy and compared with the literature data. The crude extract was evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity using the 2,2 diphenyl dipicryl hydrazine (DPPH) method.

Results: Ten secondary metabolites were isolated from Polygonum equisetiforme in this study. Of which three new flavonoids named as 3,5,7,2’,5’ pentahydroxyflavone 3-O-b-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3,5,7,2’,5’ pentahydroxyflavone 3-O-b-D-glucopyranoside 8 C-sulphated (2) and quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucucorinde 6''-methyl ester 8-sulphated (3) as well as quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucucorinde methyl ester (4), quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), quercetin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), quercetin(7), myricetin (8), P-methoxy gallic acid methyl ester (9) and gallic acid (10). The antioxidant potential of P. equisetiforme extract was evaluated by investigating it's total phenolic and flavonoid content and DPPH radical scavenging activity whereby the extract showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 37.45 μg/ml). The total phenolic and flavonoid content was found to be 130.79±5.502 and 45.8±1.63 μg/ml, respectively.

Conclusion: Polygonum equisetiforme is a promising medicinal plant, and our study tends to support the therapeutic value of this plant as an antioxidant drug.
SYNERGISTIC GROWTH INHIBITORY EFFECT OF FLAVONOL–KAEMPFEROL AND CONVENTIONAL CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC DRUGS ON CANCER CELLS
Authors: Kalyani Chepuri , Narasu Mangamoori Lakshmi , Devi Yumnum Priyadarshini
Published: February 2017

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate synergistic growth inhibitory effect of a flavonol, kaempferol in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin or cisplatin.

Methods: The anti-proliferative activities of kaempferol, doxorubicin and cisplatin on human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-15) and human breast cancer (MDA MB 231) were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimehylthiaol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetraolium bromide (MTT) assay. Further, combinational studies were performed in both the cell lines to evaluate the interaction of drugs with kaempferol. The combination index (CI) method was used to assess the synergism of kaempferol with doxorubicin or cisplatin. Finally, morphological alterations associated with apoptosis were examined under fluorescent microscope.
Results: All compounds showed dose-dependent growth inhibition in both HCT-15 and MDA MB 231 cells. The phytochemical kaempferol showed fifty percent inhibitory concentrations (IC50) at 120±3.2 µg/ml and 64±1.2 µg/ml on HCT-15 and MDA MB 231 respectively. IC50 concentrations of doxorubicin and cisplatin on both the cell lines were achieved at 49.6±0.5 µg/ml, 25.4±2.9 µg/ml and 44±1.8 µg/ml, 40.6±0.8 µg/ml respectively. Further, in vitro therapeutic effect (IC50) of doxorubicin and cisplatin in terms of cell growth inhibition on HCT-15 cells were achieved at their one-fifth (10±0.83 µg/ml) and half (10±1.34 µg/ml) concentrations respectively when they were combined with 30 µg/ml of kaempferol individually. Simultaneously, on MDA-MB 231 cell line, the IC50 concentrations were reduced to 18±1.22 µg/ml and 15±1.87 µg/ml respectively in combination with 32 µg/ml of kaempferol. The combinational index studies revealed the synergistic association of kaempferol with doxorubicin and cisplatin individually in each cell line. The fluorescence imaging studies strongly supported the synergistic association between kaempferol and doxorubicin or cisplatin by confirming significant apoptotic cell death in both the cell lines which was ~3 fold higher than each agent alone.
Conclusion: The study reveals the prominent synergism between the phytochemical, kaempferol and chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin or cisplatin which helps in elevating the therapeutic efficacy of drugs.
ASSESS THE PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY PROBLEM AND KNOWLEDGE ON HEALTH EFFECTS OF PEOPLE RESIDING NEAR QUARRY
Authors: M.a. Sahbanathul Missriya , S. Subashini
Published: February 2017

Objective: In the quarry area, there are various suspended particulate matters are mixed with the ambient air in and around. People residing near to that quarry areas are exposed to hazards through the inhalation of airborne particulates. Due to that, the respiratory problems are very common among them. The study was aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory problems and determine the level of knowledge on health effects of people living near to quarry at Kundrathur.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 60 people residing near the quarry. The data was collected by using structured questionnaire through face to face interview. The collected data was organised and analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The study findings showed that the prevalence of respiratory problems was high 41(68.33%) among people residing near the quarry and 19(31.66%) people did not show any signs and symptoms of respiratory problems. The knowledge regarding health effects was showing that 39(65%) people had inadequate knowledge, 21(35%) people had the moderate knowledge, and none of the people had adequate knowledge.

Conclusion: The study concluded that, though there was the prevalence of respiratory problems and most of them had inadequate knowledge on health effects and there is a need to advise the people about safety from respiratory diseases.
A comparison of corporate governance systems in the US, UK and Germany
Authors: Mintz Steven M.
Published: February 2017

This paper compares corporate governance principles in the US, UK, and Germany. The U.S. and UK represent shareholder models of ownership and control whereas in Germany a stakeholder approach to corporate governance provides greater input for creditors, employees and other groups affected by corporate decision making. Recent changes in the US and UK as evidenced by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and a variety of reports including the Cadbury Committee Report recognize the importance of a more independent board of directors, completely independent audit committee, and strong internal controls. In Germany, some of these initiatives have been suggested as well. The U.S. can learn from their British counterparts and endorse governance advances such as to separate out the role of the chair of the board of directors and the CEO. Other changes that would strengthen governance in the U.S. include to: limit the number of boards on which a person can serve; recognize the rights of stockholders to nominate directors; and give shareholders a more direct role in board oversight. The U.S. should consider adopting some of the German attributes in their governance system by incorporating employees and employee representative groups into the oversight process. After all, it was the employees that worked for Enron who suffered the most as a result of corporate fraud including a loss of jobs and the near wipe-out of their 401K retirement plans