bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Seed Banks of Tree Species from Natural Forests, Restoration Sites, and Abandoned Areas in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Rungrojtrakool Patsavipich , Tiansawat Pimonrat , Jampeetong Arunothai , Shannon Dia Panitnard , Chairuangsri Sutthathorn
Published: April 2021

Soil seed banks have been used for investigation of natural regeneration of forests. In this study, we compared seed density and species composition of soil seed banks of trees among natural forests, restored forests of different ages, and abandoned agricultural land. The soil seed banks were collected from a natural forest (NF), 12-year-old and 17-year-old restoration sites (RF12y and RF17y), and 17-year-old abandoned site (AA) at Ban Mae Sa Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand. A seedling emergence technique was used to assess seed density and species of emerged seedlings was identified. We found 5-8 tree species at each site. Seed densities in the study areas ranged from 43 to 298 seeds/m2. The seed density of RF12y was significantly higher than that of both NF and AA but not significantly different than RF17y (p < 0.01). Although there was no significant relationship between the restoration ages and the seed densities of the soil seed banks, the species composition of standing vegetation was related to the seed bank species. Sorensen’s similarities between the species composition of the soil seed banks and the existing trees in each area were between 0 and 13.79%, suggesting seed dispersal of both within and across study sites. Eight out of fourteen species in the soil seed banks were dispersed into restoration sites without standing vegetation of those species. Seven of those were animal-dispersed species. The selected native trees, framework species, attracted small seed dispersers into the study areas, especially at the restoration sites. This finding suggests that active forest restoration improved natural regeneration in restoration sites as well as neighboring areas via seed dispersal.
Restoranlarda Oluşan Gıda Atıkları ve Yönetimi: İstanbul İli Örneği
Authors: ÇİRİŞOĞLU Emel , AKOĞLU Aylin
Published: April 2021

Başlangıçta insan tüketimi için üretilen gıdaların atığa dönüşmesi, sadece gıdaların değil aynı zamanda üretim ve tüketim döngüsü sürecinde harcanan zaman, enerji, emek, para ve doğal kaynakların israfına da yol açmaktadır. Bu süreçteki israf kontrol altına alınmadığı takdirde, atıkların önüne geçilmesi ve sürdürülebilir üretim ve tüketim anlayışının benimsenmesi mümkün olmayacaktır. Restoranlarda oluşan gıda atıklarının belirlenmesi için yapılan bu çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden olan görüşme tekniği kullanılmıştır. Veri toplama aracı olarak yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu oluşturulmuş, elde edilen veriler betimsel analiz yöntemi ile incelenerek verilerin sayısal olarak analizi yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemini İstanbul ilindeki 29 adet restoran oluşturmaktadır. Elde edilen bulgulara göre, işletmelerin yarısından fazlası (%58.6) atık takibi yaptıklarını belirtmişlerdir. Katılımcıların tamamına yakınının gıda atıklarına yönelik detaylı bir bilgiye sahip olmadıkları belirlenmiştir. Katılımcıların büyük çoğunluğu (%79.3) restoranlarda en çok atığın servis bölümünde meydana geldiğini belirtmiştir. Katılımcıların %68.9’u en çok atık oluşturan gıda grubunun sebzeler olduğunu ifade etmiştir. Gıda atıklarının değerlendirilmesi konusunda katılımcıların tamamı yağların biyodizel üretimi için biriktirildiğini, %82.7 ise gıda atıklarını farklı şekillerde yiyecek üretiminde yeniden kullanarak (sebze suyu, çorba, sos vb. yapımı) değerlendirdiklerini ifade etmişlerdir. Mutfaklarda meydana gelen atıkların en çok müşteri beklentisi (%31.1) ve personelin dikkatsizliği (%21) gibi faktörlerden kaynaklandığı belirlenmiştir. Tabaklarda oluşan atıkların sebebin ise müşterinin gereğinden fazla sipariş vermesi olduğu ifade edilmiştir. Bu sonuçlar doğrultusunda gıda atığını azaltmaya yönelik bir takım çözüm önerilerinde bulunulmuştur.
Gıda Boyası Tartzaninin A. cepa L. Kök Ucu Hücrelerindeki Sitotoksik ve Genotoksik Etkilerine Karşı Yeşil Kahvenin Koruyucu Rolü
Authors: YALÇIN Emine , KALEFETOĞLU MACAR Tuğçe , MACAR Oksal , ÇAVUŞOĞLU Kültiğin
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışma tartazinin A. cepa kök ucu hücrelerindeki sitotoksik ve genotoksik etkilerine karşı yeşil kahvenin koruyucu rolünü araştırmayı amaçlamıştır. Bu amaçla A. cepa bulbları altı gruba ayrılmıştır. Kontrol grubu deney süresince çeşme suyunda tutulurken; diğer gruplar 365 mg/L yeşil kahve, 730 mg/L yeşil kahve, 200 mg/L tartrazin, 365 mg/L yeşil kahve + 200 mg/L tartrazin ve 730 mg/L yeşil kahve + 200 mg/L tartrazin ile muamele edilmiştir. Tartrazin uygulaması, çimlenme yüzdesi, kök uzaması ve ağırlık artışının azalmasına yol açmıştır. Artan yeşil kahve dozları bu olumsuz etkileri azaltmıştır. Genotoksisitenin araştırılması için kullanılan mitotik indeks tartrazin uygulamasına bağlı olarak azalmıştır. Tartrazin, mikronükleus ve kromozomal anormalliklerin sıklığını arttırmıştır. Tartrazin ile birlikte uygulanan yeşil kahve dozları, tartrazinin sebep olduğu genotoksik etkileri azaltmıştır. Tartrazin, membranlarda lipid peroksidasyonunun bir göstergesi olan malondialdehit miktarında artışa neden olmuştur. Antioksidan savunmanın iki önemli bileşeni olan süperoksit dismutaz ve katalaz enzimlerinin aktiviteleri tartrazin uygulamasını takiben artmıştır. Tartrazin uygulaması meristematik hücre hasarlarına sebep olmuştur. Artan yeşil kahve dozları, doza bağlı bir şekilde tartrazinin neden olduğu oksidatif stresi ve meristematik hücre hasarlarını azaltmıştır. Çalışma, yeşil kahvenin, tartrazinin A. cepa kök ucu hücrelerinde neden olduğu zararlara karşı önemli bir koruyucu rolü olduğunu açıkça göstermiştir.
Ambalajlama Tekniği ve Depolama Koşullarının Ceviz İçi Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisi
Authors: GÜLER Buse , KARACA Hakan
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışmada, farklı ambalajlama teknikleriyle (normal atmosferde, vakum ve azot gazı altında) paketlenip farklı sıcaklıklarda 21 hafta depolanan bütün, kırık ve öğütülmüş haldeki ceviz içi örneklerindeki bazı kimyasal özelliklerin değişimleri incelenmiştir. Bütün şekilde muhafaza edilen ceviz içi örneklerinde serbest yağ asidi ve konjuge dien değerlerinin depolama boyunca kısmen korunduğu, peroksit ve konjuge trien değerlerinin ise kırık ve öğütülmüş örneklere göre nispeten daha düşük seviyede artış gösterdiği gözlenmiştir. Azot gazı altında paketleme uygulaması, peroksit ve konjuge trien değerlerindeki yükselmeyi sınırlaması nedeniyle cevizlerin oksidasyon reaksiyonlarına karşı muhafazasında etkili bulunmuştur. Örneğin ikincil oksidasyon ürünlerinden aldehitlerin varlığının bir göstergesi olan p-anisidin değerleri normal atmosferde ve azot gazı altında paketlenip 20°C’de 21 hafta depolanan öğütülmüş ceviz örneklerinde sırasıyla 0.56 ve 0.40 olarak belirlenmiştir. Düşük sıcaklıkta (4°C’de) depolanan örneklerdeki serbest yağ asidi, peroksit ve konjuge trien değerlerindeki artışın, 20°C’de depolanan örneklerdeki artıştan daha düşük olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Cevizlerdeki boyut küçültme işlemi, örneklerdeki oksidasyon parametrelerinin genellikle artmasına neden olmuştur. Bu durum, özellikle öğütülmüş örneklerde tespit edilen yüksek peroksit, konjuge trien ve para-anisidin değerleriyle ortaya konmuştur.
COVID-19 ve Beslenme Arasındaki İlişkiye Güncel Bir Bakış
Authors: KURU YASAR Ruya , ÜSTÜN AYTEKİN Özlem
Published: April 2021

CoronaVirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), Çin’de ortaya çıkıp giderek tüm dünyaya yayılan, dünya genelinde 2.5 milyondan fazla kişinin yaşamını kaybetmesine neden olan bir salgındır. Şu ana kadar yapılan araştırmalarda herhangi bir diyetin, gıdanın veya besin ögesinin direkt olarak COVID-19’u önlediği veya tedavi ettiğine dair yeterli bir kanıt yoktur. Ancak literatürde, optimal beslenmenin ölümcül virüslere karşı önleyici bir “ön rehabilitasyon” şekli olabileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu derlemenin amacı, COVID-19 ile beslenme arasındaki ilişkiyi bilimsel verileri gözden geçirerek irdelemektir. Bu bağlamda, bu makalede, literatürde özellikle vurgulandığı için diyet proteini, biyoaktif bileşikler, çinko, selenyum, C ve D vitaminleri, omega-3, probiyotikler ve Akdeniz diyetinin COVID-19 ile olan ilişkisine odaklanılmıştır.
Emergency Salbutomal Inhaler
Authors: Hill Matthew
Published: April 2021

Asthma is thought by most to be a benign health issue, but the statistics say otherwise. In Canada there are over 146 000 emergency room visits and 500 deaths each year from asthma. An estimated 80% are preventable. These hospital visits cost the Canadian government over $135 million a year. A solution is needed and that solution is the Emergency Salbutomal Inhaler. I have designed a small, easy­to­carry, two­  dose, dry­powder asthma inhaler, with patent pending. The device can easily be attached to a keychain or  necklace for carrying ease, and will be quickly accessible in the event of an asthma attack. When an  asthmatic has an attack and goes to a hospital, they are given a maximum of 2 doses of the rescue drug  Salbutomal. The device carries two doses. Thus, in a sense I have invented a hospital on a keychain for  asthmatics. During an asthma attack there is no time to fumble with an inhaler; my easy­to­use design  ensures relief will be provided.
Implementing a Successful Sustainability Plan at Queen’s University
Authors: Anderson Blake
Published: April 2021

Over the past decade universities from around the world have begun recognizing their need and  responsibility to incorporate sustainable ideals into their teaching practices and daily operations. This same recognition has taken place at Queen’s University where over the past several years a sustainability  movement has been gathering momentum. Individuals from every stakeholder group are beginning to  explore how Queen’s can implement a successful campus wide sustainability plan. It is however unclear  how exactly this commitment should be approached. In spite of the large number of universities making  similar commitments there appears to be no ‘cookie cutter’ model for success. Every university has its own  unique challenges and opportunities that must be addressed early in the planning phases. By combining the lessons learned at other institutions of higher education with the challenges and opportunities at Queen’s this paper lays out a strategy for how Queen’s should approach sustainability.
Examining Ethnic Differences in the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Emotional Adjustment
Authors: Ling Lucille Fay
Published: April 2021

Perfectionists are people who set excessively high standards for their own performance, adhere to these standards rigidly, and define their self ­worth in terms of achieving these standards. Research has shown that perfectionism is linked with emotional and psychological maladjustment. This study is aimed at examining potential differences in perfectionism and emotional adjustment across two ethnic groups: Caucasian and Asian. Previous literature has shown that Eastern cultures are more self ­criticizing than

Western cultures, thus we may expect to see differences in perfectionism across these two cultures.

Also, researchers have found that individuals from Eastern cultures may manifest depression in physical symptoms (e.g., headaches) while individuals from Western cultures may express depression in more emotional symptoms (eg, sadness). Thus, differences in how Asians and Caucasians express their emotional maladjustment will be examined.

Finally, acculturation may be an important factor because perfectionism in a Western context may have more adverse consequences than in an Eastern context. Method:Asian and Caucasian undergraduate students completed self ­report measures of perfectionism, emotional adjustment, and acculturation. Expected results: First, we expect that Asians will score higher than Caucasians on perfectionism measures. Secondly, there will be a positive correlation between perfectionism and poor emotional adjustment. Thirdly, emotional adjustment will be expressed more physically in Asians and more emotionally in Caucasians. Finally, within the Asian group, level of acculturation will moderate the relationship between perfectionism and emotional maladjustment. Discussion: These results will be discussed in terms of how perfectionism is conceptualized, assessed, and treated.
Attending to Bullying: A Psychophysical Approach to Understanding Peer Aggression and Victimization
Authors: Heaven Chelsea
Published: April 2021

Intervention and prevention programs for peer aggression in schools have largely been constructed with the assumption that aggressive children will pay more attention to aggressive stimuli in their social environment. However, this hypothesis has never been tested with direct measures of attention. Thus, my honours thesis project is investigating how participants with a history of peer aggression involvement as a perpetrator or victim direct their attention in photographs depicting scenarios of peer aggression. Based on answers in a questionnaire, participants were divided into three groups: (1) those with a history of perpetrating peer aggression, (2) those with a history of being victimized by peer aggression and (3) those with no history of peer aggression involvement. The experimental study was conducted on an eyetracker, which measured where participants were looking as they viewed 48 photographs. The photographs depicted preadolescent children in scenes of group or peer‐to‐peer interactions that were either aggressive or non‐aggressive. I predict that those with a history of aggression will pay more attention to the aggressors in the scenes more often than those with a history of victimization or the control group. This investigation will give direct evidence regarding how attention in social scenes is affected by a history of peer aggression involvement. A better understanding of how attentional processes are affected by a history of peer aggression involvement will allow for the development of more effective intervention and prevention programs for peer aggression in schools.
Experiences of Belonging in Engineering Undergraduate Education at Queen’s
Authors: Buitenhuis Amy
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study is to explore the role that the engineering undergraduate degree plays in the socialization process of professional engineers.  I will look at how exclusion is normalized through undergraduate education.  To do this, I will analyze the history and content of the Iron Ring Ceremony. This ceremony has symbolic significance to engineering students as it marks the completion of the undergraduate degree. It is also a ceremony unique to Canada, which will provide insights into the engineering profession in the Canadian context. I will also conduct interviews with 12 graduates of the Queen's undergraduate engineering program to gain insights into how engineering undergraduate education plays a role in shaping engineering identities. I will use my findings regarding the Iron Ring Ceremony to understand feelings of belonging and patterns of exclusion and inclusion throughout undergraduate engineering education.
Using Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) to Record and Interpret Weathered Tombstones in the Cataraqui Cemetery
Authors: McCutcheon Sarah
Published: April 2021

Once our history is lost, what can be done to recover it? The information provided on tombstones is an important source for historians and genealogists but is easily lost as many tombstones are weathered or damaged over the course of decades of exposure to the elements. For many, tombstones are the only record that survives which is why it is important to collect its information. Last year a project was run in order to record degrading tombstones at the Cataraqui Cemetery in Kingston, Ontario using Reflectance Transformation Imaging which is a more cost-effective technique compared to other methods and the results are easily read by laypeople. This technique produced a clear image of the inscriptions which areno longer visible to the naked eye. However, where the damage was too extensive archival data was used to fill in the missing pieces. Thus in some cases a full record can be recovered of the tombstone’s inscription through a combination of research and imaging. This pilot project has demonstrated RTI as a potent technique to record local heritage and preserve genealogical information that would be otherwise lost to the ravages of time.
The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 Ion Channel in Hypometabolic Response to Hypoxia
Authors: Foo Brian
Published: April 2021

When challenged with low levels of available oxygen (hypoxia), larger mammals, including humans, attempt to maintain a consistent oxygen supply by increasing their rate of respiration. Smaller rodents and newborn mammals, on the other hand, respond to hypoxia by curtailing oxygen consumption. This latter process (hypoxic hypometabolism) involves actively regulated reductions in both metabolic rate and body temperature (3; 4; 9). Despite more than 50 years of investigation, the molecular mechanisms of this intriguing process are still unclear. Recently, the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptor (best known for its response to capsaicin) has been implicated in the regulation of body temperature (5). Evidence includes the ability of TRPV1 receptor agonists and antagonists to lower and raise body temperature respectively (6; 7), as well as a demonstrated site of action within thehypothalamus (the area of the brain responsible for the regulation of body temperature) (1; 2). Based on the parallel but separately identified roles of hypoxia and TRPV1 in controlling body temperature, we reasoned that the TRPV1 ion channel may be implicated in hypoxia-induced alterations in body temperature. This present study investigates the potential involvement of the TRPV1 ion channel in hypoxia mediated hypothermia by comparing the hypoxic responses of wild-type mice and transgenetic knockout animals lacking a functional TRPV1 gene. We hypothesize that the TRPV1 knockout animals will show a blunted hypothermic response to hypoxic challenge.
Effect of Production System (Intensive and Free-Range), Slaughter Age and Gender on Nutrient and Fatty Acid Composition of Meat in Partridges (Alectoris chukar)
Authors: Boz Mehmet Akif , Öz Fatih , Sarıca Musa , Yamak Umut Sami
Published: April 2021

This study was conducted to determine the effect of production system, slaughter age, and gender on the nutrient composition, fatty acids profile, and index values of breast and thigh meat in Alectoris chukar partridges. Partridges were slaughtered at 14, 16, and 18 weeks of age and skinless breast and thigh meat of male and female were used in the study (a total of 96 samples in 2 replicates). The production system affected only the crude fat level of the thigh meat in terms of nutrient composition and it was found higher in the intensive system compared to the free-range system. Age and gender did not significantly affect the composition of breast and thigh meat. In terms of fatty acid profile, erucic acid (C22:1n9) level in breast meat was higher in intensive system, while it was higher in thigh meat in free-range. While the percentage of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3) increased with age in breast meat, it decreased in thigh meat with age. While eicosenoic acid (C20:1) percentage was higher in breast meat of male birds compared to females, only stearic acid (C18:0) was found to be higher in thigh meat. Saturated fatty acids (SFA), linolenic acid (n3), thrombogenic index (TI) and atherogenic index (AI) values were higher in thigh meat produced in free-range system, while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), linoleic acid (n6) and hypocholesterolaemic / hypercholesterolaemic ratio (h/H) were significantly higher in intensive system. While SFA and TI levels in thigh meat decreased with age, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), UFA and oleic acid (n9) percentages increased. MUFA / SFA in thigh meat of females was higher than males, other indexes were found insignificant. The results shows that partridges had desirable fatty acid composition. Especially, the increase in MUFA and UFA values with age in thigh meat compared to breast indicates that thigh meat is enriched in terms of unsaturated fatty acids. However, the higher SFA and AI values obtained in the free-range system could be considered a negative outcome for alternative production systems that prioritize bird welfare and consumer demands.
The Hydrogeological and Biological Characteristics of Psoriasis Treatment Center, Turkey
Authors: Değirmenci Mustafa , Ünver Bülent
Published: April 2021

More than 1000 thermal and mineral water springs with temperatures from 20Â°C to102Â°C occur in Turkey. Kangal Balikli Hot Spring is known as psoriasis treatment center is one of the most important among these springs. The main scope of this research was to determine geological, hydrogeological and biological properties and water chemistry of the psoriasis treatment center and the stream running alongside the thermal pools. The spring water is an isothermal-hypotonic and oligometalic mineral water, having average of electrical conductivity: 530 Î¼S cm-1, temperature: 35Â°C, CO2 8.70 mg l-1, pH 7.30 and O2 4 mg l-1. Calcium, magnesium and bicarbonates are dominant. Neither the chemical figures nor the temperature (35±1Â°C) of the water shows seasonal change. There are two fish species, Garra rufa and Cyprinion macrostomus, that adapted living at 35Â°C water temperature. The mean fork length and body weight of the fish living in the psoriasis treatment center is significantly lower than those living at the stream. Some of the fish in the pools showed symptoms of illness such as exophthalmus, scale loose, skin ulceration, pale gills, and bloated appearance. Gut analysis revealed that both species have been feeding on algae, insect parts, fish scales, and debris. In most cases the guts of fish caught in the pools were either empty or had very little content in it. Zooplanktons had little species and were not recorded frequently.
Root and Shoot Traits of Spring Wheat Cultivars with Wild-Type and Semi-Dwarf Rht Alleles at Early and Late Growth Stages
Authors: Akman Hayati , Bruckner Philip
Published: April 2021

Roots play an important role in improving crop yield by affecting the amount of water uptake and nutrient acquisition. The objective of this study was to characterize variability in root and above-ground characteristics among three diverse semi-dwarf spring wheat cultivars, ‘Vida‘, ‘Oneal‘ and ‘Duclair‘ and a wild-type cultivar, ‘Scholar‘ at early and late growth stages in a greenhouse. Plants were grown in 45-cm long tree pots in a greenhouse under optimal growth conditions. As soil-less media, a mixture of peat (70%) and perlite (30%) was used. Plants were harvested at tillering (GS25-26) with 5-6 tillers, booting (GS43-45), and maturity (GS92). Root and shoot traits indicated significant variability among wild-type and semi-dwarf spring wheat cultivars at those growth stages. The study results showed that root mass per plant at tillering, booting, and maturity ranged from 0.10 to 0.14 g, 0.47 to 0.9 g, and 0.55 to 0.85 g, respectively, while shoot mass per plant varied from 1.7 to 2.5 g, 6.5 to 10.7 g, and 21.2 to 24.5 g, respectively. From booting to maturity, root mass was relatively constant, however, shoot mass increased considerably. Moreover, the average root mass of semi-dwarf spring wheat cultivars was 37% lower at booting and 30% lower at maturity compared to the wild-type cultivar, even though there was no significant variation among the cultivars at the early growth stage. Based on the results of the variability identified in this research, wild-type cultivar, Scholar can be evaluated for the improvement of genotypes with superior root system in breeding programs.
Licorice Root Ethanol Extract Induces Cell Proliferation in Human Osteoblast Cells
Authors: Misir Sema
Published: April 2021

Licorice, also known as the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been used for many years in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. Licorice root has remarkable pharmacological properties and these biological effects are predominantly attributed to its content of polyphenols and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to determine the proliferative effect of licorice root extract on human osteoblast cells. The study groups were exposed to various concentrations of licorice root extract on 31.25, 62.5, 250, 500, 1000 Î¼g/mL for 24, and 48 h. The proliferative effect of the extract on human osteoblast cells was assessed using the MTT assay. After 24 and 48 h, cell proliferation of groups treated were increased statistically significant compared to the control cells, and also all concentrations showing no cytotoxic effects on osteoblast cells. Phytomedical applications of licorice root may represent a promising approach in the treatment of periodontal regeneration and osteoporosis.
Datura stramonium (Solanaceae): Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials
Authors: Mohammed Falah Saleh , Kına Eylem , Sevindik Mustafa , Dogan Muhittin , Pehlivan Mustafa
Published: April 2021

Many people in different parts of the world benefit from alternative medicine in the treatment and prevention of diseases. Plants are among the important natural materials used in alternative medicine. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Datura stramonium L. was determined. Ethanol extracts of the plant's flower parts were obtained in the soxhlet device. The antioxidant and oxidant potential of the plant extract was determined using Rel Assay TAS and TOS kits. Antimicrobial activity was tested by the agar dilution method. The TAS value of the plant extract was 7.559±0.224 mmol/L, the TOS value was 10.711±0.243 Î¼mol/L, and the OSI value was 0.142±0.002. It was determined that the plant extract was effective against bacteria and fungus strains at 100-400 Î¼g/mL concentration. As a result, it was determined in our study that D. stramonium can be a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial source.
Subunit compositions of GABAA receptors determining the diversity of physiological processes and neurotropic properties of medicines
Authors: Golovenko M.Ya.
Published: April 2021

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) became known as a potentially important chemical in the brain 50 years ago, but its significance as a neurotransmitter was fully found 16 years later. It is now known that at least 40 % of the inhibitory synaptic activity in the mammalian brain is accounted for by GABA. 
Аim. To analyze achievements in the study of the physiological and pharmacological role of GABA receptor subtypes, their potential applications in drug development and updated information on the clinical development of subtype-selective GABA receptor compounds. 
Results. The GABAA-receptor complex (GABA-RC) is ligand-gated ion channels with chloride conductance. These receptors contain α, β, and γ subunits, but δ, ε, θ, and ρ can be also present. The GABA binding site is located at the interface between α and β subunits where a number of important amino acids are also found. GABA-RC is sensitive to a wide range of drugs, e.g. benzodiazepines (BDZ), which are often used for their sedative/hypnotic and anxiolytic effects. Classical BDZ interact non-selectively with α1,3,5 βγ2 GABA-RС in the binding site located at the α+γ− interface. 
Conclusions.  In addition to the potent and rapid pharmacotherapeutic action BDZ also possess some addictive potential (drug dependence), which appears after the interaction of molecules with α1-receptors. Using the selective targeting to separate subgroups not only the main effect of BDZ without side effects can be provided, but also one can use this approach in creating new analgesic medicines; we have demonstrated it on the example of propoxazepam (full agonist GABA-R).
The assortment analysis of chlorhexidine-containing medicines and procurement data of state and municipal organizations
Authors: Devinyak O. T. , Vashkeba-Bitler E. M. , Fizer M. M. , Stan I. Yu. , Deyak Ya. I. , Lytvyn O. V.
Published: April 2021

Chlorhexidine is an effective cationic antiseptic and disinfectant that has been used in medical practice for decades. It is generally recommended to use different concentrations of aqueous or alcoholic solutions of chlorhexidine for different therapeutic purposes.

Objective. To determine the proportions of different chlorhexidine concentrations in medicines purchased by state and municipal organizations and to identify possible issue of chlorhexidine formulations utilization in the suboptimal or insufficient concentrations.

Results. The vast majority of the chlorhexidine-containing medicines found in the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine are 0.05% solutions for external use, 0.05% gels for dental and urological use and vaginal suppositories (pessaries) with 16 mg of chlorhexidine in one dose. While the most common representatives of chlorhexidine-containing medicines abroad are solutions with a concentration of 4% and 2%, as well as mouthwashes with a concentration of 0.12%. The highest share - 96% - among the procurements of chlorhexidine-containing medicines by state and municipal organizations is 0.05% aqueous solution for external use. Instructions for medical use of 0.05% aqueous chlorhexidine solution for external use contain indications that are not supported by international documents: WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and British National Formulary.

Conclusions. The obtained results suggest probable cases of irrational use of chlorhexidine medicines in medical practice in Ukraine. The consequences of such cases are not limited to the failure to achieve therapeutic goals or to the development of nosocomial infection, but includes also the selection of chlorhexidine-resistant strains of microorganisms.

Key words: chlorhexidine; assortment analysis; medicinal procurements study; suboptimal concentration; rational pharmacotherapy
Laboratory toxicological diagnosis of trazodone intoxications
Authors: Karpushyna S. A. , Baiurka S. V. , Merzlikin S. I.
Published: April 2021

When determining the cause of poisoning by antidepressant drugs, the data of laboratory toxicological studies of biofluids for the presence of this group of drugs are of key importance.
Aim. To develop the methods for determining the antidepressant drug trazodone in the blood and urine samples using high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV spectrophotometric detection, which is suitable for analytical diagnosis of the thymoleptics intoxications.
Materials and methods. The model samples of human biofluids spiked with trazodone were studied. The antidepressant was isolated from the blood and urine by the liquid-liquid extraction with methylene chloride from the alkaline medium at pH 9. Concomitant endogenous impurities were removed by extraction with diethyl ether from the acidic medium at pH 1. In the study of the blood the erythrocyte mass was pre-precipitated with the help of 10 % of trichloroacetic acid solution. Chromatographic analysis was performed on a microcolumn chromatograph using a column with a reversed-phase of C18.
Results. The absolute retention time of trazodone in extracts from the model samples of biofluids was 17.91±0.09 min. The quantitative content of trazodone was determined at 250 nm by the calibration dependence of the chromatographic peak area on the concentration (μg/ml) y=(1.74∙10-3±1∙10-5)x. Under the indicated extraction conditions, 35±4 % and 78±4 % of trazodone were isolated from the blood and urine, respectively.
Conclusions. The methods of trazodone isolation from the biofliuds by liquid extraction followed by the determination of the drug by high performance liquid chromatography with a multiwave UV spectrophotometric detection have been developed. The methods are recommended for using in the practice of forensic and clinical toxicology.
Ways of medicinal prevention and treatment of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in oncological patients
Authors: Moroz V.A. , Al-Hadrawi R.A. , Andrieieva O.O. , Timchenko Yu.V. , Semenov A.M.
Published: April 2021

The high incidence of malignant tumors is currently supported by the general ageing of the world population and unfavorable environmental factors. In 2018, 18.1 million new cases of cancer and 9.6 million deaths from them were registered in the world. At the same time, a significant increase in the life expectancy of these patients after the treatment noted over the past 20 years highlights the problem of side effects of the anticancer therapy. One of the most serious side effects is the development of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DRIC). In all three distinct clinical forms (acute, early and late) DRIC can develop in 58 % of patients after using anticancer treatment regimens with the inclusion of doxorubicin. The review provides a detailed analysis of medicinal treatment regimens and preparations (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins, etc.) currently used, and evaluates their effectiveness and expected results. Currently, several therapeutic strategies have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of DRIC, each of them has certain positive results. At the same time, some therapeutic methods used in the clinic have some disadvantages.
Conclusions. The limitations of the results of DRIC prevention achieved by the existing therapeutic regimens, as well as the possibilities for their prediction, have been stated. The need for further research to improve the effectiveness of medicinal prevention and treatment of DRIC is emphasized.
The current state and prospects of the development of soft dosage forms with Boraginaceae species
Authors: Svirska S.
Published: April 2021

Soft dosage forms make up a significant segment in the structure of medicines both pharmaceutical and industrial production. Herbal ointments are an integral part of this group. Species of the Boraginaceae family are the source of biologically active substances used to treat inflammatory processes of all layers of the skin, muscle tissue, tendons and joints.Aim. To determine data on the current state of the development of soft dosage forms based on species of the Boraginaceae family and identify further prospects for studies in this area.Materials and methods. The scientific databases, in particular Abdata Pharma-Daten-Service, BioMed Central, Scopus, scientific periodicals of Ukraine – Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, etc., were analyzed.Results and discussion. As a result of the data analysis of the Information Fund “State Register of Medicines of Ukraine” it has been found that only medicines with comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) are registered in Ukraine. In the EU countries, only soft dosage forms with comfrey are registered, with the exception of Greece where there are ointments with Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Taush, and France where there are substances for the production of ointments withPulmonaria obscura Dumort. and Anchusa officinalis L. There are many soft homeopathic dosage forms with comfrey at the US pharmaceutical market; however, there are ointments and suppositories with Borago officinalis L. and a gel with Myosotis arvensis (L.) Hill. At the Brazilian pharmaceutical market there is the cream “Acheflan” based on Cordia verbenacea DC. The European and Asian scientists study ointments with Cordia myxa L., Cordia obliqua Willd., Heliotropium indicum L., Arnebia euchroma Rolye. (Johnst.), Onosma dichroanthum Boiss, Arnebia densiflora (Nordm.) Ledeb, Ehretia microphylla Lam., Anchusa officinalis L.Conclusions. Homeopathic products predominate among the soft dosage forms based on Boraginaceae species. At the pharmaceutical market, along with comfrey drugs, there are medicines and active substances with Borago officinalis, Myosotis arvensis (L.) Hill, Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Taush, Pulmonaria obscura Dumort., Anchusa officinalis L. and Cordia verbenacea DC. There is an active research of the existing products with comfrey, as well as the development and study of new soft dosage forms with species of Arnebia, Heliotropium, Cordia, Onosma, Ehretia and Anchusa genus. Taking the above into account the further research for creating effective and safe drugs based on the Boraginaceae species is promising.
Development of methods for analysis of the amount of flavonoids and their stability study in the combined dental gel
Authors: Maslii Yu. , Materiienko A. , Ruban O. , Bezruk I. , Ivanauskas L.
Published: April 2021

An important aspect in the pharmaceutical development of dental medicines is to provide them with a prolonged therapeutic effect while reducing the side effects of drug substances and the possibility of long-term use. This can be achieved by using active components of plant origin.
Aim. To develop methods for analyzing biologically active substances in the composition of a new combined dental gel.
Materials and methods. The study object was a dental gel containing “Phytodent” complex tincture (PJSC “CPP Chervona zirka”, Ukraine). Based on the analysis of the composition of the tincture it was proposed to carry out standardization by the amount of biologically active substances, namely flavonoids. Identification was carried out by TLC, while the quantitative determination by absorption spectrophotometry, the ultraviolet and visible method by the reaction with aluminum chloride using the standard method calculated with reference to rutin and the absorbance measurement at 406 nm.
Results and discussion. As a result of the research, the methods for the analysis of flavonoids in the composition of the new combined gel have been developed. The spectrophotometric method developed is characterized by specificity, accuracy, precision and linearity with r = 0.9998. One of the important issues when using components of plant origin is their stability both during preparation and storage. Using the method developed the stability of flavonoids has been studied depending on pH changes of the carbomer-based dental gel.
Conclusions. It has been determined that the methods developed are easily reproducible and allow to identifying and quantifying flavonoids in the dental gel. It has been found that a stable content of flavonoids is characteristic of the carbomer-based gel neutralized to pH values from 5.0 to 6.0.
The thermogravimetric study of the ointment with the water-soluble proteinpolysaccharide complex of Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Kolpakova O. , Kucherenko N. , Tiukin M.
Published: April 2021

The manufacturing process for soft dosage forms is always accompanied by the action of a certain temperature, which violation can lead not only to the deterioration of technological indicators, but also significantly affect the pharmacological activity of the finished drug.Aim. To study the water-soluble protein-polysaccharide complex (WSPPC) of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and the ointment composition developed on its basis using thermogravimetry.Materials and methods. The thermogravimetric analysis, which allowed determining the change of the mass of the test sample under the conditions of the controlled temperature rise, was chosen as the research method. Determination of thermogravimetric characteristics was performed using a Q-1500 D derivatograph of the “F. Paulik, J. Paulik, L. Erdey” system with a platinum-platinum-rhodium thermocouple when heating samples 30 to 250 °C.Results and discussion. In the course of the thermogravimetric study it has been determined that WSPPC and the ointment composition developed on its basis have physical transformations at certain temperatures. The presence of thermal effects on the thermogram of the ointment developed coincides with the thermal effects of WSPPC; and it subjectively indicates the absence of the chemical interaction between the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the excipients of the carrier base.Conclusions. Based on the results obtained the optimal conditions of the temperature regime for the manufacturing process have been determined. They will provide the stability of the physicochemical properties and the pharmacological effect of the finished ointment.
Potentiometric determination of organic acids in the medicinal plant raw material
Authors: Oproshanska T. , Khvorost O.
Published: April 2021

Aim. To analyze the results of the quantitative content of the amount of organic acids in rhizomes with roots of Rumex confertus, rhizomes with roots of Sanguisorba officinalis, roots of Rosa majalis and roots of Rosa canina, roots of Arctium minus and roots of Arctium tomentosum, herb of Bidens tripartite by the potentiometric method, which is available in the monograph “Hibiscus” in the SPhU 2.0.
Materials and methods. The study subjects were batches of rhizomes with roots of Rumex confertus, rhizomes with roots of Sanguisorba officinalis, roots of Rosa majalis and roots of Rosa canina, roots of Arctium minus and roots of Arctium tomentosum, herb of Bidens tripartite. The quantitative content of the amount of organic acids was determined by the potentiometric method from the monograph “Hibiscus” SPhU 2.0 using a HI 2550 potentiometer of the “HANNA instruments” company (Germany).
Results and discussion. The highest content of the amount of organic acids, among the study subjects was in roots of Arctium minus (from 1.02 ± 0.04 % to 1.05 ± 0.04 %). At the same time, in roots of Arctium tomentosum this amount was almost 3 times lower (from 0.36 ± 0.01 % to 0.37 ± 0.01 %). In the batches of roots of Rosa majalis the content of this group of compounds was almost 2 times higher than in roots of Rosa canina. In rhizomes with roots of Rumex confertus and rhizomes with roots of Sanguisorba officinalis the content of the amount of organic acids differed insignificantly. In herb of Bidens tripartite the content of this group of compounds was 0.78 ± 0.03  – 0.79 ± 0.03 %. In different batches of one type of the raw material the quantitative content of the amount of organic acids varied slightly.
Conclusions. For the first time, the quantitative content of the amount of organic acids has been determined in the batches of rhizomes with roots of Rumex confertus, rhizomes with roots of Sanguisorba officinalis, roots of Rosa majalis and roots of Rosa canina, roots of Arctium minus and roots of Arctium tomentosum, herb of Bidens tripartite using the potentiometric method which is available in the monograph “Hibiscus” in the SPhU 2.0. It has been found that the highest content of the amount of organic acids is observed in roots of Arctium minus (not less than 1.02 %) and herb of Bidens tripartite (not less than 0.78 %). The results obtained will be used in further research when creating new herbal medicines with the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
The development of the conditions for vortioxetine isolation from biological fluids
Authors: Baiurka S. , Karpushina S. , Merzlikin S.
Published: April 2021

The chemical-toxicological significance of antidepressant drugs is steadily increasing. The development of effective methods of the sample preparation of the biological material is an important analytical aspect in toxicology of the newgeneration antidepressants.
Aim. To develop the conditions for the sample preparation of biological fluids in order use them in the chemicaltoxicological analysis of the new antidepressant vortioxetine.
Materials and methods. The studies were performed with model blood and urine samples spiked with vortioxetine. When examining the blood the formed blood elements were pre-precipitated by adding 10 % solution of trichloroacetic acid. The extraction purification was performed with hexane at pH 1-2, and the drug was extracted from the biologicalfluids with methylene chloride at pH 8-9. The extracts obtained were further subjected to TLC purification. Vortioxetine in eluates from chromatograms was determined by the UV-spectrophotometric method.
Results and discussion. The Rf value of vortioxetine in the mobile phase of ethyl acetate-methanol-25 % ammonium hydroxide solution (85 : 10 : 5) was 0.77 ± 0.05. The UV spectra of the eluates from the chromatograms had absorption maxima at the wavelengths of 229 ± 2 and 232 ± 2 nm and matched with the UV spectrum of the standard solution of vortioxetine in methanol. The quantitative determination was performed at λmax232 nm by the equation of the calibration curve y = (0.0172 ± 3 · 10-4)x + (0.027 ± 0.008). Under the conditions of the sample preparation developed 27 ± 1 % of vortioxetine from the blood and 62 ± 2 % of the drug from the urine were isolated.
Conclusions. The efficiency of the sample preparation of biological fluids by the method of liquid-liquid extraction in relation to the new antidepressant vortioxetine has been determined. The methods developed are recommended for use in forensic and clinical toxicology.
Some issues for implementing the requirements for good practices (GxP). Good distribution practice (GDP) (Part 2)
Authors: Gurzhii R.
Published: April 2021

Aim. To conduct a detailed study of the requirements of good distribution practice.
Materials and methods. The analysis of the current Guidelines on good practices (GxP), in particular the Guideline ST-N 42-5.0:2014 of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine “Medicines. Good Distribution Practice” was performed. Interpretations for the implementation of the requirements of good distribution practice based on the experience of audits of distribution companies for GDP compliance with the requirements were proposed.
Results and discussion. The dependence of the correct distribution of medicines on the personnel involved in this process has been studied, and the negative impact on the activity of a wholesale pharmaceutical company in case of non-compliance by the personnel with the relevant requirements has been determined. The benefits and risks that may arise during the distribution of medicines related to the staff have been identified. The requirements for the Authorized (Responsible) Person, the knowledge and experience that he must possess have been determined. The job description of the Authorized (Responsible) Person has been considered in detail. The responsibilities of the Authorized Person of a distribution company are listed.
Conclusions. The detailed analysis proposed will minimize the risks and errors that can lead to a negative impact on the quality of medicines. The appointment of the Authorized Person of a distribution company, the requirements imposed on him, the knowledge and experience that the Authorized Person must possess have been studied in detail. The advantages and risks of the personnel management of a distribution company have been identified.