bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growing North Minneapolis: Connecting Youth and Community through Garden-based Experiential Learning
Authors: Rogers Mary , Livstrom Illana , Roiger Brandon , Smith Amy
Published: September 2019

Growing North Minneapolis (GNM) is an urban agriculture and youth development summer program sited in the North Minneapolis, MN, neighborhood. The program is a university–community partnership between faculty at the University of Minnesota (UMN) and North Minneapolis community partners. We leverage resources from the city of Minneapolis Step-Up program to recruit, train, and employ youth (14–15 years old) who face barriers to employment—particularly youth from low-income families, youth of color, youth from immigrant families, and youth with disabilities. Youth interns are placed in a 10-week-long summer program and are matched with undergraduate student mentors from the UMN and North Minneapolis gardener mentors. The undergraduate students and garden mentors work together to lead teams of youth and work in multiple urban garden sites located in North Minneapolis, a designated low-resource community in the metro area. One of our goals is to develop leadership experience for UMN undergraduate students and improve food and horticultural skills among urban youth through garden-based education. Learning is experiential and contextualized in the various community garden sites through activities focused on food justice and accessibility, food production systems, and horticultural science. Youth learning and development outcomes are reported based on written postprogram qualitative survey questions prompting youth to identify what they learned throughout the program, what they enjoyed the most, and what challenged them after the summer program in 2018. Our results show that youth participants learned across multiple domains of knowledge and valued the social interaction offered by the intergenerational mentorship structure. The GNM program can serve as a model for garden-based experiential learning with early high school youth.
Effectiveness of Flame for Preplant Pest Management in Leaf Vegetable Fields
Authors: Guo Wenlei , Feng Li , Wu Dandan , Zhang Chun , Tian Xingshan
Published: September 2019

Widespread herbicide-resistant weeds and severe insect pest infestations pose a challenge to the preplant pest management (PPPM) strategy currently in use in leaf vegetable fields in southern China. The aim of this study was to develop a new weed and insect control method for use before planting leaf vegetables in southern China. Two flaming machines (a tractor mounted and a trolley flaming machine) were designed, and their efficacies for the control of insect and weed pests were evaluated and compared in two field trials. With liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 101 kg·ha−1, flaming machines reduced plant numbers by 86.7% to 98.8% 2 days after treatment (DAT), which was equal to or higher than the reduction after application of paraquat at 900 g·ha−1. Some weed species, especially awnless barnyard grass (Echinochloa colona) and goosegrass (Eleusine indica), regrew at 7 DAT, resulting in a decrease in control efficacy. Flaming machines also reduced the number of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae by 83.0% to 88.2% and the number of adult striped flea beetles (Phyllotreta striolata) by 64.9% to 80.9%. This is the first report on flaming treatment in China to show that this method is a promising alternative to chemical pesticides for PPPM in leaf vegetable fields.
Curriculum Development and Training on Flowers and Ornamental Plant Production Practices in Rural Senegal with Winrock International and the USAID Farmer-to-farmer Program
Authors: Griffis John L.
Published: September 2019

In most highly developed countries, landscaping and ornamental plants are routine components of the urban environment. However, in many Third World countries, this is not the situation outside of the larger cities. Landscaping and ornamentals are associated with hotels, public parks, offices, government buildings, and wealth; they are not significant commodities in rural settings. However, as urban areas in these countries—such as Senegal—expand and modernize, there is an increased demand for ornamental plants. Senegal’s urban population has almost doubled during the past five decades, increasing from 23% in 1960 to 43% in 2013. New jobs and sources of income are available for individuals who are properly trained in ornamental plant production and maintenance. Senegal has several rural training centers where some courses in agronomy and vegetable production are taught, but ornamental plant production is not included in the curriculum. This U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Farmer-to-Farmer project was conducted at one of those rural training centers at Djilor to introduce ornamental horticulture into the curriculum and to make students aware of ornamental plant production practices and the opportunities available to them if they become involved in a horticulture business.
Substrate Drench Applications of Flurprimidol and Paclobutrazol Influence Growth of Swamp Sunflower
Authors: Barrios Kaitlin , Ruter John M.
Published: September 2019

Swamp sunflower (Helianthus simulans) is an underused perennial plant native to the southeastern United States that produces an abundance of golden yellow inflorescences in the fall. It is a vigorous grower and tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions, growing in wetland and nonwetland habitats. Swamp sunflower warrants wider use in perennial beds and landscapes, and research on production practices to make plants more suitable for shipping could promote its production. This study evaluated the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the growth and floral attributes of the swamp sunflower. Treatments were applied to rooted cuttings in 1-gal pots as a substrate drench of 1, 2, 4, or 6 mg/pot paclobutrazol; 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 mg/pot flurprimidol; or water (control)/pot for Expt. 1. A second experiment (Expt. 2) applied 4, 6, or 8 mg/pot paclobutrazol; 2, 4, or 6 mg/pot flurprimidol; or water (control)/pot. Six weeks after treatment (WAT) for Expt. 1, paclobutrazol applied at 4 and 6 mg/pot and flurprimidol at 2 and 4 mg/pot resulted in smaller plants (as reflected by growth index) by 29%, 34%, 22%, and 48%, respectively, compared with the control. Furthermore, at the termination (6 WAT) of Expt. 1, the highest rate of flurprimidol produced the smallest plants, with the exception of the highest rate of paclobutrazol. By 6 WAT, plants treated with the highest rate of paclobutrazol and flurprimidol had lower dry weights and higher chlorophyll measurements than control. All PGR treatments for Expt. 2 resulted in smaller plants than the control by 27% to 36% at 4 WAT and 23% to 41% at 6 WAT. Differences for internode length and flower diameter were observed for Expts. 1 and 2, respectively. Results from these experiments suggest a substrate drench application of 6 mg/pot paclobutrazol or 4 mg/pot flurprimidol can be used for producing smaller plants compared with nontreated plants for swamp sunflower under greenhouse conditions.
ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCING OF TERBIUM AND HOLMIUM IONS IN THE SODIUM AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDES MELT WITH EQUIMOLAR COMPOSITION
Authors: Kovalenko Vadym , Chernova Olga , Kotok Valerii , Zhykovin Sergey , Kovalenko Ihor , Kondratyev Denis , Ved Viktor , Verbitskiy Volodymyr
Published: September 2019

Interest to rare-earth metals (REM) and their alloys is due to the possibility of using them for the creation of new materials need for modern technology. For instance, REM as alloying components allows for preparation of material with special magnetic properties. A promising method for forming such coating is the surface treatment of metals. This process has an electrochemical character as such for the organization of technology the knowledge of kinetics and mechanism of these processes is important. Despite significant interest in rare-earth metals, these issues are not well described in the literature. In order to choose an adequate mathematical model for calculation of kinetic primers, preliminary experiments that allow evaluating the reversibility of the electrode process have been conducted. Based on that, it was concluded that cathodic reduction of terbium and holmium ions in equimolar NaCl-KCl melt is irreversible. By means of voltammetric analysis, kinetic parameters (transfer coefficients, heterogeneous constants of charge transfer rate) of terbium and holmium electroreduction in equimolar NaCl-KCl melt were determined. The experiment was conducted in a three-electrode cell under a purified argon atmosphere. A dependency of kinetic parameters on the concentration of terbium and holmium chlorides wt (%): 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, was determined. The experiment was conducted in 1073–1173K temperature range. Values of kinetic parameters increase with temperature but decrease with the increase of REM chloride. Based on obtained data, it was found that electroreduction of chloride complexes LnCl63– (Ln–Tb, Ho) in equimolar NaCl-KCl melt is irreversible in the studied range of temperatures and REM concentrations. In summary of experimental data, in range of temperature and rare-earth chloride concentration, and assumption was made that reduction of terbium and holmium ions occurs in two stages. The process includes the preceding stage of complex dissociation. A mechanism of LnCl63– complex reduction in the mentioned melt is proposed. The obtained results are in agreement with literate data for analogues systems.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES AND ACUTE TOXICITY OF THE PEO-BASED COMBINED SUPPOSITORIES
Authors: Ravshanov Tymur , Zaychenko Ganna , Zhemerova Kateryna , Zaychenko Volodymyr , Ruban Olena
Published: September 2019

Aim. The research of antimicrobial and toxicological parameters of a promising pharmaceutical composition with indole-3-carbinol and meloxicam in the form of rectal suppositories.

Materials and methods. The research of antimicrobial activity was carried out in vitro by diffusion in nutrient agar in the modification of "holes" on the reference strains of common pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans.

Adult rats were used for the study of acute toxicity. Suppository mass were administrated in the largest possible volume rectally or orally. The animals were periodically monitored according to the experimental plan – the assessment of physiological parameters before administration and after 6, 12, 18, 24 hours, at 3, 7 and 14 days. The animals were removed from experiment and necropsy provided after 1, 3, 7, and 14 days.

Results. The sizes of zones of inhibition of the microorganisms growth were most significant (from 19.27±0.61 mm of E. coli to 40.80±0.42 mm of S. aureus) near sample of the combined composition suppository compared with other combination of active substances and excipients.

During the observation of animals for 14 days and the study of internal organs after autopsy, deviations in physiological (weight, temperature, activity, respiratory rate) and macroscopic morphological indicators of animals from reference values were not detected.

Conclusion. According to the results of microbiological studies, a moderate antimicrobial effect of suppositories of combined composition in relation to all the studied pathogens was revealed. The absence of manifestations of acute toxicity allows us to conclude that the pharmaceutical composition can be classified as practically non-toxic substances.

The obtained results allow us to recommend a pharmaceutical composition with indole-3-carbinol and meloxicam on a polyethylene oxide basis in the form of suppositories for further preclinical studies of specific pharmacological effects as a prostate protective agent.
INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF FLAXSEED MEAL ON THE BIOCHEMICAL PROCESSES OF THE WHEAT TEST
Authors: Izhevska Orysia
Published: September 2019

One of the well-known tasks in the organization of nutrition is the development of new bakery products with high nutritional and biological value and wellness properties.

Linen meal is an important source of dietary fiber, high protein, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals and vitamins

The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of this meal on the depth of the processes occurring in the dough during kneading and maturing.

A linseed meal LLC «Zhytomyrbioproduct» (Ukraine) with a certain chemical composition was used in the research.

The research was conducted to study the effect of flaxseed meal on the kinetics of sugars in the dough during its maturation. The study was performed using an iodometric method, based on the determination of the amount of oxidized copper before and after recovery of the alkaline copper solution with sugar.

It has been established, that the addition of flax seed meal to the dough reduces the amount of sugars, formed during the maturation of the dough, which adversely affects the activity of the dough microflora. This is confirmed by the lower consumption of sugars for fermentation.

The viscosity of water-flour slurry with a flaxseed meal has been investigated. The starch grains are infinitely swollen in the process of increasing temperature of the slurry in the amylograph, and a starch paste is formed, the viscosity of which increases with temperature. At the same time, under the action of flour enzymes, there is a decrease in viscosity due to the hydrolysis of starch.

The results of the researches testify about the effectiveness of the offered methods of studying the rules and depth of processes in the dough with a meal of flax seed during its preparation and maturing, which will allow to increase the yield of the dough and the output of high quality finished products.
The In Vitro Anti-Cancer Activities of 17βH-Neriifolin Isolated from Cerbera odollam and its Binding Activity on Na+, K+-ATPase
Authors: Yunos Nurhanan M. , Osman Asiah , Jauri Muhammad H. , Sallehudin Nor J. , Mutalip Siti Syarifah Mohd
Published: September 2019

Background:

17βH-neriifolin, a cardiac glycoside compound had been successfully isolated from Cerbera odollam leaves based on the bioassay guided-isolation procedure. The aim of these studies were to determine the in vitro anti-cancer and binding effects of 17βH-neriifolin on Na+, K+-ATPase.

Methods:

The in vitro anti-cancer effects were evaluated using Sulphorhodamine B and Hoescht 33342 assays. The Na+, K+-ATPase assay was carried out using Malachite Green assay. In silico molecular docking studies and in vitro malachite green assay were used to predict the binding activities of 17βH-neriifolin on Na+, K+-ATPase and ouabain was also included as for comparison studies.

Results:

The compound was tested against breast (MCF-7, T47D), colorectal (HT-29), ovarian (A2780, SKOV-3) and skin (A375) cancer cell lines that gave IC50 values ranged from 0.022 ± 0.0015 to 0.030 ± 0.0018 μM. The mechanism of cell death of 17βH-neriifolin was further evaluated using Hoescht 33342 assay and it was found that the compound killed the cancer cells via apoptosis. 17βHneriifolin and ouabain both bound at α-subunit in Na+, K+-ATPase and their binding energy were - 8.16 ± 0.74 kcal/mol and -8.18 ± 0.48 kcal/mol respectively.

Conclusion:

The results had confirmed the anti-proliferative effects exerted by 17βH-neriifolin in the breast, colorectal, ovarian and skin cancer cell lines. 17βH-neriifolin had shown to cause apoptotic cell death in the respective cancer cell lines.17βH-neriifolin and ouabain both bound at α-subunit in Na+, K+-ATPase and their binding energy were -8.16 ± 0.74 kcal/mol and -8.18 ± 0.48 kcal/mol respectively. This is the first report to reveal that 17βH-neriifolin managed to bind to the pocket of α-subunit of Na+.K+-ATPase.
Human Amylin: From Pathology to Physiology and Pharmacology
Authors: Ling Wei , Huang Yan-Mei , Qiao Yong-Chao , Zhang Xiao-Xi , Zhao Hai-Lu
Published: September 2019

The histopathological hallmark of type 2 diabetes is islet amyloid implicated in the developing treatment options. The major component of human islet amyloid is 37 amino acid peptide known as amylin or islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). Amylin is an important hormone that is co-localized, copackaged, and co-secreted with insulin from islet β cells. Physiologically, amylin regulates glucose homeostasis by inhibiting insulin and glucagon secretion. Furthermore, amylin modulates satiety and inhibits gastric emptying via the central nervous system. Normally, human IAPP is soluble and natively unfolded in its monomeric state. Pathologically, human IAPP has a propensity to form oligomers and aggregate. The oligomers show misfolded α-helix conformation and can further convert themselves to β-sheet-rich fibrils as amyloid deposits. The pathological findings and physiological functions of amylin have led to the introduction of pramlintide, an amylin analog, for the treatment of diabetes. The history of amylin’s discovery is a representative example of how a pathological finding can translate into physiological exploration and lead to pharmacological intervention. Understanding the importance of transitioning from pathology to physiology and pharmacology can provide novel insight into diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease.
Prediction of Disease Comorbidity Using HeteSim Scores based on Multiple Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Chen Xuegong , Shi Wanwan , Deng Lei
Published: September 2019

Background:

Accumulating experimental studies have indicated that disease comorbidity
causes additional pain to patients and leads to the failure of standard treatments compared to patients
who have a single disease. Therefore, accurate prediction of potential comorbidity is essential to design
more efficient treatment strategies. However, only a few disease comorbidities have been discovered
in the clinic.

Objective:

In this work, we propose PCHS, an effective computational method for predicting disease
comorbidity.

Materials and Methods:

We utilized the HeteSim measure to calculate the relatedness score for different
disease pairs in the global heterogeneous network, which integrates six networks based on biological
information, including disease-disease associations, drug-drug interactions, protein-protein interactions
and associations among them. We built the prediction model using the Support Vector Machine
(SVM) based on the HeteSim scores.

Results and Conclusion:

The results showed that PCHS performed significantly better than previous
state-of-the-art approaches and achieved an AUC score of 0.90 in 10-fold cross-validation. Furthermore,
some of our predictions have been verified in literatures, indicating the effectiveness of our method.
Molecular Links Between Alzheimer's Disease and Gastrointestinal Microbiota: Emphasis on Helicobacter pylori Infection Involvement
Authors: Katsinelos Taxiarchis , Doulberis Michael , Polyzos Stergios A , Papaefthymiou Apostolis , Katsinelos Panagiotis , Kountouras Jannis
Published: September 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the main form of dementia, characterized by progressive cognitive decline and detrimental consequences in both personal-family and global level. Within this narrative review, we provide recent molecular aspects of Tau, a microtubule AD-associated protein, as well as amyloid beta, involved in AD pathophysiology. Moreover, we provide additional emerging data from basic research as well as clinical studies indicating an implicating role of gastrointestinal microbiota (GI-M), including Helicobacter pylori infection (Hp-I), in AD pathophysiology. Likewise, we identified through a molecular prism the current evidence of AD pathogenesis as well as its linkage with GI-M and emphasizing the role of Hp-I. All in all, additional large-scale studies are required for the further clarification of AD pathophysiology and its connection with GI-M and Hp-I, so as novel therapies on molecular basis become available.
ERGIC3 Silencing Additively Enhances the Growth Inhibition of BFA on Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Zhao Qiurong , Wu Mingsong , Zheng Xiang , Yang Lei , Zhang Zhimin , Li Xueying , Chen Jindong
Published: September 2019

Background:

Brefeldin A (BFA) has been known to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress
(ERS) and Golgi body stress in cancer cells. ERGIC3 (endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate
compartment 3) is a type II transmembrane protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi
body. ERGIC3 over-expression is frequently observed in cancer cells.

Objective:

In this study, we aim to explore whether BFA administered concurrently with ERGIC3
silencing would work additively or synergistically inhibit cancer cell growth.

Methods:

ERGIC3-siRNA was used to knock-down the expression of ERGIC3 and BFA was used
to induce ERS in lung cancer cell lines GLC-82 and A549. Q-RT-PCR and Western Blot analysis
were used to detect the expression of ERGIC3 and downstream molecules. GraphPad Prism 6 was
used to quantify the data.

Results:

We demonstrated that silencing of ERGIC3 via siRNA effectively led to down-regulation
of ERGIC3 at both mRNA and protein levels in GLC-82 and A549 cells. While BFA or ERGIC3-
silencing alone could induce ERS and inhibit cell growth, the combination treatment of lung cancer
cells with ERGIC3-silencing and BFA was able to additively enhance the inhibition effects of cell
growth through up-regulation of GRP78 resulting in cell cycle arrest.

Conclusion:

ERGIC3 silencing in combination with BFA treatment could additively inhibit lung
cancer cell growth. This finding might shed a light on new adjuvant therapy for lung adenocarcinoma.
Pictorial Essay: Classic Signs in Pediatric Neuroradiology
Authors: Sharma Madhurima , Sood Dinesh , Chauhan Narvir S. , Manjuswamy Rajanna H. , Kapila Preeti T.
Published: September 2019

Background:

A number of metaphorical imaging signs have been described in the radiology
literature.

Objective:

hese signs not only make the learning process easier but also increase diagnostic confidence.
For this reason, these signs are quite popular among radiologists.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have demonstrated classic signs described in pediatric neuroradiology
with appropriate examples and illustrations.
The Notch Signaling Pathway and Breast Cancer: The Importance of Balance and Cellular Self-Control
Authors: Germán Saucedo-Correa , A. Bravo-Patiño, , R.E. Nuñez-Anita, , Javier Oviedo-Boyso , José Valdez-Alarcon Juan , Manuel Baizabal-Aguirre Víctor
Published: September 2019

Background:

Notch is a cell signaling pathway that is highly conserved in all metazoans and is the master responsible for cell differentiation and cross communication with other signaling pathways such as Wingless and Hedgehog. In most cancers, the Notch signaling pathway is altered, causing normal controls of vital processes such as cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis to be compromised, leading the cell to a carcinogenic state. However, the inherent nature of the Notch signaling pathway of regulating the activation or repression of other signaling pathways related to differentiation and cell cycle has caused the strategies against breast cancer to be even more specialized and to know more efficiently the suitable method againts the disease.

Methods:

Different bibliographies and articles related to the Notch pathway and the biology of cancer were reviewed, especially with breast cancer, as well as the participation of other signaling pathways directly and indirectly related to the constitutive activation of the Notch pathway and relating the threads loose to create a general conceptual map of the wide effects of the malfunction of the Notch pathway in this disease so that we can understand from another point of view how this flow of information can be controlled.

Results:

The study of Notch signaling during more than a decade has gave us new clues to elucidate the mechanisms of their finely orchestrated molecular functioning and how this signaling path interacts with another signaling pathways in differentiation, survival, cell cycle and apoptosis. Notch Signaling is a professional in the process of differentiation and cross-talk communication with another signaling pathways, especially with the WNT and Hh pathways. The responsibility of WNT pathway is to maintain the survival and growth controls, having direct effects on the cell cycle and the Hh pathway is to maintain a state of diferentiation trought the life of the cell and the cell migration instead, cell cycle and the response to growth stimuli of angiogenesis, exacerbated characteristics of many breast cancer.

Conclusion:

This review highlights the complex communication network between the WNT, Hh and Notch Signaling and the therapies in the field of cancer that are not entirely effective, however, most of the therapies that are currently being developed are including the Notch Signaling as a target quite promising and is for its regulatory effect with other signaling pathways.
Formulation and Characterization of Solid Dispersion Containing Capsaicin for the Treatment of Diabetes
Authors: Giri Tapan Kumar , Roy Payel , Maity Subhasis
Published: September 2019

Background:

Chili peppers are widely used in many cuisines as a spice, and capsaicin is
the main component. It has been reported that capsaicin acts as an antihyperglycemic agent. However,
it shows poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability.

Objective:

The is to enhance the aqueous solubility and antihyperglycemic activity of capsaicin
through solid dispersion formulation.

Methods:

Solid dispersions were prepared by the solvent evaporation method using polyethylene
glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) as a hydrophilic carrier. Polymer-drug miscibility and drug crystallinity
were characterized through the differential thermal analysis and X-ray powder patterns analysis.
Solid dispersions were evaluated for solubility, in vitro drug dissolution and in vivo animal study in
rats.

Results:

Results of x-ray powder patterns analysis showed a considerable reduction of drug crystallinity
in solid dispersion. Differential thermal analysis result revealed a complete disappearance of
capsaicin melting onset temperature in solid dispersion. From the phase solubility data, it was observed
that the aqueous solubility of capsaicin was increased with increasing concentration of PEG
6000. Solid dispersion formulation showed considerable enhancement of in vitro release of drugs in
comparison to pure capsaicin. In vivo animal study in rats shows that the solid dispersion containing
capsaicin significantly reduced the blood glucose level in comparison to the free capsaicin.

Conclusion:

Higher anti-hyperglycemic effect of capsaicin loaded solid dispersion in comparison to
the pure drug may be due to the enhancement of aqueous solubility of capsaicin. Thus, the solid
dispersion of capsaicin showed a simple approach for capsaicin delivery with improved antidiabetic
activity.
Oxidant and Antioxidant Effects of Gentisic Acid in a 177Lu-Labelled Methionine-Containing Minigastrin Analogue
Authors: Trindade Victoria , Balter Henia
Published: September 2019

Background:

The radiolabelling of receptor-binding peptides for therapy is a challenge
since the peptide itself is exposed (during labelling, storage and transport) to radiation-induced damage,
directly or indirectly, in aqueous solution. Hence, the use of radiostabilizers seems to be mandatory,
especially in peptide molecules that contain radiation-sensitive amino acids.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two stabilizers, gentisic acid and methionine,
to delve into how each of them affects the radiolabelling and stability of the minigastrin analogue
[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-His-His-Glu-Ala-Tyr-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2 through the analysis of the
22 species distinguished over time by an optimized HPLC system.

Methods:

The stabilizers, in different combinations, were present from the beginning of the labelling
process carried out at 96 °C for 15 min. The stability was studied for up to 7 days.

Results:

The unexpected selective oxidation of the methionine residue of the radiolabelled peptide,
promoted by gentisic acid, led to studying the effect of pH, from 3.5 to 6.0, in the presence of only this
stabilizer. A pH-dependent antioxidant behaviour was revealed, showing a decrease in peptide impurities
but an increase in the selective oxidation as the pH was increased.

Conclusion:

The selective oxidation of the methionine residue could be induced by oxidizing species
probably produced in the reaction between gentisic acid and free radicals of water, during the protection
of the radiolabelled peptide from the attack of these harmful species. Therefore, the addition of
methionine becomes necessary to effectively decrease this selective oxidation in the methioninecontaining
peptide.
Sudden Death Associated with Complex Treatment of Acute Mania: Case Report and Toxicological Findings
Authors: Curto Martina , Lionetto Luana , David Maria Chiara , Maiese Aniello , Ferracuti Stefano , Simmaco Maurizio , Baldessarini Ross J.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Antipsychotic drugs, mood-stabilizers, and sedatives are used routinely
to treat acute mania, sometimes in combinations, most of which are poorly evaluated
for efficacy and safety.

Objective:

We report a case of sudden death in a 40-year-old man with acute mania treated
aggressively with combinations of drugs that resulted in in potentially toxic, high serum
drug concentrations.

Method:

After the autopsy, analysis were conducted to determine levels of the administered
medications using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS.

Results:

Although dosed within recommended ranges, circulating concentrations of some
antipsychotic drugs given were excessive, suggesting possible pharmacokinetic interactions.
In particular, valproate may have increased serum levels of haloperidol, clozapine,
and promazine. The proposed cause of death was cardiac arrest, to which the high concentrations
of antipsychotics may have contributed.

Conclusion:

This case suggests caution in the aggressive treatment of mania with combinations
of psychotropic drugs and highlights the need of further clinical studies to identify
consequences of drug-drug interactions of antimanic drugs, even when given at recommended
doses.
Android Quiz Application Based on Face Recognition
Authors: Ameen Zinah J. M.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Technology in the field of education is permanently developing, growing
and this raise will repeatedly offer new and unusual advances. The significant objective of this project
is to encourage the understudies in participating in learning and enhancing their insight abilities.

Methods:

An Android application provides a new technique of developing a test or quiz using smart
devices. This project implements a mobile quiz application based on face recognition as an authentication
process to ascertain students' identity. The authentication process was implemented in two
steps face detection using Mobile Vision APIs and face recognition using a Speed Up Robust Features
(SURF) algorithm. Image classification and retrieval process is applied using SURF algorithm
to extract features vector, then compare those vector with those of all stored images at server database
and the matching process is applied based on RANSAC algorithm. A Wi-Fi ad hoc network in
this project is established using jmdns java library to enable accessing the application by students.
For training purposes, a data set containing 10 persons is added with 5 images per person.

Results:

A quiz environment has been arranged, in class with seven examiners each one separately
accessed the quiz application with randomly chosen questions by the server. The achieved recognition
rate was 85%, with a total average computation time 8.816 s per user login.

Conclusion:

This quiz application decreases manual intervention and brings adaptability to users
with ease of use.
Mild and Green Protocol for Selective Deuteration of Quercetin-3-ORutinoside (Rutin) Under Aqueous Basic Conditions
Authors: Akolli Anxhela , Moretti Silvia , Mangiavacchi Francesca , Monti Bonifacio , Santi Claudio
Published: September 2019

A convenient and cost-effective method for selective deuteration of rutin using biologically
compatible bases and D2O both as a deuterium source and a solvent is herein reported. The protocol is
benign and inexpensive affording good results in very mild conditions allowing to reduce the required
amount of deuterium oxide. The position of the C-H/C-D exchange and the level of deuteration can be
conveniently followed by 1H-NMR.
Train Delay Estimation in Indian Railways by Including Weather Factors Through Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Arshad Mohd , Ahmed Muqeem
Published: September 2019

Background:

Railway systems all over the world face an uphill task in preventing train
delays. Categorically in India, the situation is far worse than other developing countries due to the
high number of passengers and poor update of the previous system. As per a report in Times of India
(TOI), a daily newspaper, around 25.3 million people used to travel by train in 2006 which drastically
increased year on year to 80 million in 2018.

Objective:

Deploy Machine Learning model to predict the delay in arrival of train(s) in minutes, before
starting the journey on a valid date.

Methods:

In this paper we combined previous train delay data and weather data to predict delay. In
the proposed model, we use 4 different machine learning methods (Linear regression, Gradient
Boosting Regression, Decision Tree and Random Forest) which have been compared with different
settings to find the most accurate method.

Results:

Linear Regression gives 90.01% accuracy, while Gradient Boosting Regressor measure
91.68% and the most accurate configuration of decision tree give 93.71% accuracy. When the researcher
implemented the ensemble method, Random forest regression, the researcher achieved
95.36% accuracy.

Conclusion:

Trains in India get delayed frequently. This model would assist the Indian railways and
concerned companies by giving the possibility of finding frequent delays during certain times of the
week. The Indian railways could thereafter implement delay preventions during these particular
times of the week in order to maintain a good on-time arrival rate.
Examining the Potential of Blockchain Technology to Meet the Needs of 21st-Century Japanese Health Care: Viewpoint on Use Cases and Policy
Authors: Mackey Tim , Bekki Hirofumi , Matsuzaki Tokio , Mizushima Hiroshi
Published: September 2019

Japan is undergoing a major population health transition as its society ages, and it continues to experience low birth rates. An aging Japan will bring new challenges to its public health system, highlighted as a model for universal health coverage (UHC) around the world. Specific challenges Japan’s health care system will face include an increase in national public health expenditures, higher demand for health care services, acute need for elder and long-term care, shortage of health care workers, and disparities between health care access in rural versus urban areas. Blockchain technology has the potential to address some of these challenges, but only if a health blockchain is conceptualized, designed, localized, and deployed in a way that is compatible with Japan’s centralized UHC-centric public health system. Blockchain solutions must also be adaptive to opportunities and barriers unique to Japan’s national health and innovation policy, including its regulatory sandbox system, while also seeking to learn from blockchain adoption in the private sector and in other countries. This viewpoint outlines the major opportunities and potential challenges to blockchain adoption for the future of Japan’s health care.
Delivery of Compassionate Mental Health Care in a Digital Technology–Driven Age: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Kemp Jessica , Zhang Timothy , Inglis Fiona , Wiljer David , Sockalingam Sanjeev , Crawford Allison , Lo Brian , Charow Rebecca , Munnery Mikayla , Singh Takhar Shuranjeet , Strudwick Gillian
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Compassion is a vital component to the achievement of positive health outcomes, particularly in mental health care. The rise of digital technologies may influence the delivery of compassionate care, and thus this relationship between compassion and digital health care needs to be better understood.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to identify existing digital technologies being used by patients and health professionals in the delivery of mental health care, understand how digital technologies are being used in the delivery of compassionate mental health care, and determine the facilitators of and barriers to digital technology use among patients and health professionals in the delivery of compassionate mental health care.

METHODS

We conducted this scoping review through a search of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), MEDLINE In-Process and EPub Ahead of Print, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for articles published from 1990 to 2019.

RESULTS

Of the 4472 articles screened, 37 articles were included for data extraction. Telemedicine was the most widely used technology by mental health professionals. Digital technologies were described as facilitating compassionate care and were classified using a conceptual model to identify each digital intersection with compassionate care. Facilitators of and barriers to providing compassionate care through digital technology were identified, including increased safety for providers, health care professional perceptions and abilities, and the use of picture-in-picture feedback to evaluate social cues.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing digital technology into mental health care can improve the current delivery of compassionate care and create novel ways to provide compassion. However, as this is a new area of study, mental health professionals and organizations alike should be mindful that compassionate human-centered care is maintained in the delivery of digital health care. Future research could develop tools to facilitate and evaluate the enactment of compassion within digital health care.
Cost-effectiveness of a mobile phone-based support intervention to increase uptake of post-abortion family planning in Cambodia (Preprint)
Authors: Hill Jeremy , McGinn Jourdan , Cairns John , Free Caroline , Smith Chris
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Despite progress over the last decade, there is a continuing unmet need for contraception in Cambodia. Interventions delivered by mobile phone could help increase uptake and continuation of contraception, particularly amongst hard-to-reach populations, by providing interactive, personalised support inexpensively wherever the person is located and whenever needed.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of mobile phone-based support added to standard post-abortion family planning care in Cambodia, based on results of the MObile Technology for Improved Family Planning (MOTIF) trial.

METHODS

A model was created to estimate the costs and effects of the intervention versus standard care. We adopted a societal perspective when estimating costs, including direct and indirect costs for users. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated for the base case, as well as a deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, which we compared against a range of likely cost-effectiveness thresholds.

RESULTS

The incremental cost of mobile phone-based support was estimated to be an additional $8,160.49 per 1000 clients, leading to an estimated 518 couple-years of protection gained per 1,000 clients and 99 disability adjusted life years averted. The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) was $15.75 per additional Couple Year of Protection (CYP) and $82.57 per Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) averted. The model was most sensitive to personnel and mobile service costs. Assuming a range of cost-effectiveness thresholds of $58 to $176 for Cambodia, the probability of the intervention being cost-effective ranged from 11% to 95%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the cost-effectiveness of the intervention delivered by mobile phone studied in the MOTIF trial lies within the estimated range of cost-effectiveness thresholds for Cambodia. When assessing value in interventions to improve the uptake and adherence to family planning services, the use of interactive mobile phone messaging and counselling for women who have had an abortion should be considered as an option to policy makers.

CLINICALTRIAL

This study is a cost-effectiveness analysis of the intervention evaluated in the Mobile Technology for Improved Family Planning (MOTIF) trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01823861.
STANDARDIZATION OF BALAMULA CHURNA (SIDA CORDIFOLIA L. ROOT POWDER)
Authors: KUMARI T. JYOSTNA , PRATAP G. PENCHALA , PRASAD SHYAM BABOO , MURTHY P. H. C. , PRASAD GOLI PENCHALA
Published: September 2019

Objective: In this study, an attempt was made to generate information based on, physicochemical parameter preliminary phytochemical screening and HPTLC data needed for proper identification and authentication of Balamula Churna.

Methods: The physicochemical parameters such as water-soluble extractive, alcohol soluble extractive and loss on drying at 105 °C, total ash and acid insoluble ash were determined according to standard methods. HPTLC studies were conducted and Rf values were documented.

Results: Physicochemical parameter value were documented as pH (6.81%), LOD (7.5%), water-soluble extractive value (6.32%), alcohol soluble extractive value (5.92%) total Ash (9.00%) and Acid Insoluble Ash (1.60%). Preliminary phytochemical screening reveals the presence of glycoside, alkaloid, carbohydrate, phenol, flavonoid and saponin. HPTLC screening showed the presence of significant phytoconstituents with Rf value 0.02, 0.27, 0.34 and 0.96.

Conclusion: All the results obtained from this study can be helpful in evaluation quality, detection of adulteration and substitution and emphasizing the importance of standardization.
MEDICINAL VALUE OF LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA: AN UPDATED REVIEW
Authors: AL-SNAFI ALI ESMAIL
Published: September 2019

Lagerstroemia speciosa (Family: Lythraceae) is native to Asia-tropical and subtropical regions. The phytochemical investigation of Lagerstroemia speciosa leaf and fruit revealed that it contained steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, α-amino acids, saponins, starch, alkaloids, carbohydrates, organic acids, flavonoids, reducing sugars, tannins and many other active metabolites. Lagerstroemia speciosa possessed many Pharmacological effects included antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antiobesity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, gastrointestinal, diuretic, thrombolytic, cardiovascular, central nervous, inhibition of TNFα production, xanthine oxidase inhibitition, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects. The current review discussed the chemical constituents, pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Lagerstroemia speciosa.
NOVEL UV SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF TERIFLUNOMIDE IN TABLET DOSAGE FORM
Authors: T. S. VISHWAS , B. M. GURUPADAYYA
Published: September 2019

Objective: The current work is intended towards the development of a novel, simple, and precise UV spectrophotometric method for the estimation of teriflunomide (TEF) present in the marketed formulation.

Methods: Acetonitrile was used as asolvent and the absorbance of the drug was measured at the absorbance maxima of TEF, UV 284 nm.

Results: Calibration curve plotted in concentration range 5-10 µg /ml exhibited excellent linear relationship with line equation y = 0.0858x-0.0223 and r2 value of 0.9996. The method was found to comply all the validation parameters as per the ICH guideline indicating the sensitivity of the method towards analyte.

Conclusion: The method can be used satisfactorily for the routine analysis of TEF present in marketed formulation.
FABRICATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL TRANSDERMAL FLIM FROM HIBISCUS ROSA SINENSIS
Authors: DHANALAKSHMI S. , HARIKRISHNAN N. , DEVI M. , KEERTHANA V. , VIJAYALAKSHMI
Published: September 2019

Objective: In this present study attempt was made to formulate transdermal patches contains phytoconstituents. The naturopathy does not involve any adverse effects.

Methods: Hibiscus rosasinensis aquous extracts was prepared. Transdermalpatches were prepared using drug with two different polymers. The prepared transdermal films were evaluated for their physiochemical characteristics such as physical appearance, weight uniformity, thickness, folding endurance; moisture content, surface pH, Tensile strength. The in-vitro diffusion study was carried out using rat membrane. These parameters indicates the successful release of drug from the fabricated patch.

Results: With the overall observation it was concluded that the.

Conclusion: Fabrication of transdermal patch is successfully worked and subjected to diffusion study. Diffusion studies are carried out by using a fresh rat membrane. Phosphate buffer (6.6) is used as a solvent. Samples are collected for 24 h and absorbance is measured by using UV spectrophotometer at 226 nm. It showed the successful release of drug from the fabricated patch.
Bradykinin receptors (version 2019.4) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database
Authors: Coulson Joseph , Couture Réjean , Faussner Alexander , Gobeil Jr Fernand , Leeb-Lundberg Fredrik , Marceau Francois , Muller-Esterl Werner , Pettibone Doug , Zuraw Bruce
Published: September 2019

Bradykinin (or kinin) receptors (nomenclature as agreed by the NC-IUPHAR subcommittee on Bradykinin (kinin) Receptors [76]) are activated by the endogenous peptides bradykinin (BK), [des-Arg9]bradykinin, Lys-BK (kallidin), [des-Arg10]kallidin, [Phospho-Ser6]-Bradykinin, T-kinin (Ile-Ser-BK), [Hyp3]bradykinin and Lys-[Hyp3]-bradykinin. Variation in pharmacology and activity of B1 and B2 receptor antagonists at species orthologs has been documented. icatibant (Hoe140, Firazir) is approved in North America and Europe for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema.
Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) (version 2019.4) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database
Authors: Hanukoglu Israel
Published: September 2019

The epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) are located on the apical membrane of epithelial cells in the distal kidney tubules, lung, respiratory tract, male and female reproductive tracts, sweat and salivary glands, placenta, colon and some other organs [20, 11, 7]. In these epithelia, ENaC allows flow of Na+ ions from the extracellular fluid in the lumen into the epithelial cell. Na+ ions are then pumped out of the cytoplasm into the interstitial fluid by the Na+/K+ ATPase located on the basolateral membrane [39]. As Na+ is one of the major electrolytes in the extracellular fluid (ECF), osmolarity change initiated by the Na+ flow is accompanied by a flow of water accompanying Na+ ions [6]. Thus, ENaC has a central role in the regulation of ECF volume and blood pressure, especially via its function in the kidney [25, 30]. The expression of ENaC subunits, hence its activity, is regulated by the renin-angotensin-aldosterone system, and other factors that are involved in electrolyte homeostasis [30, 1, 29]. In the respiratory tract and female reproductive tract large segments of the tracts are covered by multi-ciliated cells. In these cells ENaC has been shown to be located along the entire length of the cilia [14]. Cilial location greatly increases ENaC density per cell surface and allows ENaC to serve as a sensitive regulator of osmolarity of the periciliary fluid throughout the whole depth of the fluid bathing the cilia [14]. In contrast to ENaC, CFTR that is defective in cystic fibrosis is not located on non-cilial cell-surface [14]. Thus, ENaC function is also essential for the clearance of respiratory airways, transport of germ cells, fertilization, implantation and cell migration [14, 33]. ENaC has been recently localized in the germinal epithelium of the testis, Sertoli cells, spermatozoa, along the epididymis ducts, and smooth muscle cells [35, 36]. Evidence has been provided that rare mutations in ENaC are associated with female infertility [5].