bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological problems associated with coping strategies: a web-based study in Peruvian population during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ames-Guerrero Rita Judith , Parra Ayme Barreda , Cahua Julio Cesar Huamani , Holl Jane Banaszak
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease has quickly spread to all corners across Latin-American countries. Its exponential capacity has overwhelmed even the most resilient health systems (1). The already significant impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the global scale is worsened by psychological responses that may aggravate the health crisis. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at collecting demographic information, prevalence of psychological morbidities and associated coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic on Peruvian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through online survey using snowball sampling techniques after the state of emergency was declared in Perú. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ -28) identify somatic symptom, anxiety/ insomnia, social misfunctioning and depression prevalence and the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (COPE-28) maps strategies addressing recent stress. RESULTS: We collected data from 434 self-selected participants within 18-68 years old (ME =33.87), by analysing the socio-economic information in which the majority of the respondents were women (61.3%), aged between 18 and 28 (41.7%), from well-educated groups (>=85.0 %), Peruvian (94.2%), working citizen (57.4%) and single (71.20 %). Nearly 40.8% rated psychological problems, expressing fear of being infected by coronavirus (71.43%). Regression analysis shows that female gender is associated to higher somatic (p<0.001*, C.I: -2.75 to -.99) and anxiety/insomnia symptoms (p=0.00*, C.I: -2.98 to 0.84). Depression and social dysfunction are experienced at any age. Educational status is protective against developing psychological disorders (p<0.05). While active responses (Acceptance and Social support) are scarcely used by individuals with psychological problems; Passive strategies are commonly reported (Denial, Self-Distraction, Self-Blame, Disconnection, and Emotional discharge).CONCLUSION: These findings provide a better understanding of psychological disorders resulting from the current pandemic in Peruvian population. This evidence informs the need to strengthen mental health programs, especially in less privileged groups after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pre-treatment serum testosterone level can be a useful factor to predict the improvement in bladder outlet obstruction by tadalafil for male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms induced by benign prostatic obstruction
Authors: Muungo Lungwani
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTIntroduction: To investigate possible pre-treatment factors related to the therapeutic effect oftadalafil on bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).Materials and methods: Eighty untreated outpatients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)due to BOO received 5mg tadalafil daily for 12months. Subjective symptoms and objective findingswere evaluated before and 12months after treatment. At 12months, the patients were dividedinto two groups according to an improvement grade in BOO index (BOOI). Patientcharacteristics including age, serum total testosterone level (TT), PSA, and prostate volume, andsubjective and objective parameters on LUTS were set as candidates of pre-treatment factors,and the parameters that influenced the improvement of BOO were statistically analysed.Results: A total of 69 patients with mean age of 69.8 years and mean prostate volume of48.8mL were included. Subjective symptoms and BOOI were significantly ameliorated after12months. In terms of an improvement of BOOI, 30 patients (43.5%) showed insignificantimprovement in BOO, whereas 39 patients (56.5%) exhibited excellent improvement.Comparison of pre-treatment factors between the groups showed that TT was the only independentpredictor related to the improvement in BOO. The improvement of BOO was significantlybetter in patients with higher TT.Conclusions: Pre-treatment TT was considered to be a useful predictor of therapeutic effects oftadalafil for BOO.
Disrupted state transition learning as a computational marker of compulsivity
Authors: Sharp Paul B. , Dolan Raymond J , Eldar Eran
Published: June 2020

Both anxiety and compulsivity have been linked to a belief that the environment is uncontrollable. We lack a mechanistic explanation regarding how such a belief might form. Here, we propose a novel hypothesis that individuals with anxiety and compulsivity have difficulty in building probabilistic internal maps between actions and environmental states, specifically state transition learning. To address this hypothesis, we recruited a large (n=174) online sample of individuals exhibiting a range of psychopathology. We created a novel one-step revaluation task that isolated state transition learning from other processes with which it is typically confounded in computational psychiatry investigations. Results from the one-step revaluation paradigm demonstrated that both compulsivity and anxious arousal are associated with a basic disruption in state transition learning. To strengthen mechanistic inferences from this online study we developed a computational model of state transition learning and tested its validity by fitting it to a separate publicly available (n=1413) sequential decision-making data. In this independent dataset we show that compulsivity-related disruptions in state transition learning arise out of overly fast updating of state transitions estimates. We suggest that disrupted state transition learning is a promising computational phenotype that may shed light on the genesis of these pathologies as well as provide a potential target for prevention and intervention. Future work can determine if a deficit in transition learning represents a cause, consequence, or maintenance factor in compulsivity and anxious arousal.
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Authors: Muungo Lungwani
Published: June 2020

AbstractTumors with similar grade and morphology often respond differently to the same treatment because of variations in molecular profiling. Toaccount for this diversity, personalized medicine is developed for silencing malignancy associated genes. Nano drugs fit these needs by targetingtumor and delivering antisense oligonucleotides for silencing of genes. As drugs for the treatment are often administered repeatedly, absence oftoxicity and negligible immune response are desirable. In the example presented here, a nano medicine is synthesized from the biodegradable,non-toxic and non-immunogenic platform polymalic acid by controlled chemical ligation of antisense oligonucleotides and tumor targetingmolecules. The synthesis and treatment is exemplified for human Her2-positive breast cancer using an experimental mouse model. The casecan be translated towards synthesis and treatment of other tumors.
Protein Phosphatase 5 Is a Negative Regulator of Estrogen Receptor-Mediated Transcription
Authors: Muungo Lungwani
Published: June 2020

Estrogen receptors (ERs) are transcription factorsthat can be modulated by both estrogen-dependentand growth factor-dependent phosphorylation.A yeast two-hybrid screening identified aserine/threonine protein phosphatase (PP5) as aninteractant of ER? (1–481), a dominant negativeER? mutant. Glutathione S-transferase pull-downassays, mammalian two-hybrid assays, and immunoprecipitationstudies showed that PP5 directlybinds to both ER? and ER? via its tetratricopeptiderepeat domain. E domains of ER? and ER?, withoutcontaining activation domain core regions in transcriptionactivation function 2, were required forthe binding to PP5. In ER?-positive breast cancerMCF7 cells, estrogen- and epidermal growth factordependentphosphorylation of ER? on serine residue118, a major phosphorylation site of the receptor,was reduced by expressing PP5 but enhanced byPP5 antisense oligonucleotide. Estrogen-inducedtranscriptional activities of both ER? and ER? andmRNA expression of estrogen-responsive genes,including pS2, c-myc, and cyclin D1, were suppressedby PP5 but enhanced by PP5 antisenseoligonucleotide. A truncated PP5 mutant consistingonly of its tetratricopeptide repeat domainacted as a dominant negative PP5 that enhancedserine residue 118 phosphorylation of ER? andtransactivations by ER? and ER?. We present thefirst evidence that PP5 functions as an inhibitoryregulator of ER phosphorylation and transcriptionalactivation in vivo. (Molecular
TACC2 Is an Androgen-Responsive Cell Cycle Regulator Promoting Androgen-Mediated and Castration-Resistant Growth of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Muungo Lungwani
Published: June 2020

Despite the existence of effective antiandrogen therapy for prostate cancer, the disease oftenprogresses to castration-resistant states. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying theresistance for androgen deprivation in terms of the androgen receptor (AR)-regulated pathwaysis a requisite to manage castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Using a ChIP-cloning strategy,we identified functional AR binding sites (ARBS) in the genome of prostate cancer cells. Wediscovered that a centrosome- and microtubule-interacting gene, transforming acidic coiled-coilprotein 2 (TACC2), is a novel androgen-regulated gene.Weidentified a functional AR-binding site(ARBS) including two canonical androgen response elements in the vicinity of TACC2 gene, inwhich activated hallmarks of histone modification were observed. Androgen-dependent TACC2induction is regulated by AR, as confirmed by AR knockdown or its pharmacological inhibitorbicalutamide. Using long-term androgen-deprived cells as cellular models of CRPC, we demonstratedthat TACC2 is highly expressed and contributes to hormone-refractory proliferation, assmall interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of TACC2 reduced cell growth and cell cycle progression.By contrast, in TACC2-overexpressing cells, an acceleration of the cell cycle was observed. Invivo tumor formation study of prostate cancer in castrated immunocompromised mice revealedthat TACC2 is a tumor-promoting factor. Notably, the clinical significance of TACC2 was demonstratedby a correlation between high TACC2 expression and poor survival rates. Taken togetherwith the critical roles of TACC2 in the cell cycle and the biology of prostate cancer, we infer thatthe molecule is a potential therapeutic target in CRPC
Toxicity and efficacy evaluation of multiple targeted polymalic acid conjugates for triple-negative breast cancer treatment
Authors: Muungo Lungwani
Published: June 2020

Engineered nanoparticles are widely used for delivery of drugs but frequently lack proof of safetyfor cancer patient's treatment. All-in-one covalent nanodrugs of the third generation have beensynthesized based on a poly(β-L-malic acid) (PMLA) platform, targeting human triple-negativebreast cancer (TNBC). They significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice by blockingsynthesis of epidermal growth factor receptor, and α4 and β1 chains of laminin-411, the tumorvascular wall protein and angiogenesis marker. PMLA and nanodrug biocompatibility and toxicityat low and high dosages were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The dual-action nanodrug and singleactionprecursor nanoconjugates were assessed under in vitro conditions and in vivo with multipletreatment regimens (6 and 12 treatments). The monitoring of TNBC treatment in vivo withdifferent drugs included blood hematologic and immunologic analysis after multiple intravenousadministrations. The present study demonstrates that the dual-action nanoconju-gate is highlyeffective in preclinical TNBC treatment without side effects, supported by hematologic andimmunologic assays data. PMLA-based nanodrugs of the Polycefin™ family passed multipletoxicity and efficacy tests in vitro and in vivo on preclinical level and may prove to be optimizedand efficacious for the treatment of cancer patients in the future.
Systematic Identification of Characteristic Genes of Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma Compared with High-Grade Serous Carcinoma Based on RNA-Sequencing
Authors: Muungo Lungwani
Published: June 2020

Objective: Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality among gynecological cancers.High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common histotype of ovarian cancer regardlessof ethnicity, whereas clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is more common in East Asians than Caucasians.The elucidation of predominant signaling pathways in these cancers is the first step towardsunderstanding their molecular mechanisms and developing their clinical management. Methods:RNA sequencing was performed for 27 clinical ovarian specimens from Japanese women. Principalcomponent analysis (PCA) was conducted on the sequence data mapped on RefSeq with normalizedread counts, and functional annotation analysis was performed on genes with substantial weights inPCA. Knockdown experiments were conducted on the selected genes on the basis of PCA. Results:Functional annotation analysis of PCA-defined genes showed predominant pathways, such as cellgrowth regulators and blood coagulators in CCC and transcription regulators in HGSC. Knockdownexperiments showed that the inhibition of the calcium-dependent protein copine 8 (CPNE8) and thetranscription factor basic helix-loop-helix family member e 41 (BHLHE41) repressed the proliferationof CCC- and HGSC-derived cells, respectively. Conclusions: This study identified CPNE8 andBHLHE41 as characteristic genes for CCC and HGSC, respectively. The systemic identification ofdi?erentially expressed genes in CCC and HGSC will provide useful information to understandtranscriptomic di?erences in these ovarian cancers and to further develop potential diagnostic andtherapeutic options for advanced disease.Keywords: ovarian cancer; gene expression; RNA sequencing; clear cell carcinoma; high-gradeserous carcinoma
Teachers’ Roles Beyond and Within the Context: An Ever-Changing Concept
Authors: Siddiqui Sharmin , Ahamed Mostaq
Published: June 2020

The research aims to explore what the teachers know and believe about their rights and responsibilities in a teaching profession and what the realities that reflect the inconsistencies between their beliefs and actions. The research mainly investigates how the vertical segregation in educational institutions along with the demographic and cultural issues impacts the teachers' roles in a variety of contexts. For collecting data about how the teachers view their roles within and beyond the classrooms, two campuses of King Khalid University were selected, and the research methods involved the online survey of the teachers and the interviews of the focus group. The study shows that a cooperative working environment, crystal clear organizations' policies, stimulating carrier paths, and professional recognition motivate the teachers to play their roles on a broader scale. The study also reveals that the educational organizations do not endorse a culture of leadership for every level of management though, teachers as professionals of mid-level management immensely contribute to learners in being skilled, knowledgeable, and resourceful.
Work and Families in Times of Crisis: The Case of Israel in the Coronavirus Outbreak
Authors: Herzberg-Druker Efrat , Tali Kristal , Yaish Meir
Published: June 2020

This research deals with the effect of the coronavirus outbreaks on families in Israel. We use the first wave of a longitudinal survey of 2,040 adult Israeli men and women (age 18+), Jews and Arabs, who were employed or self-employed in the first week of March, prior to the lockdown of the economy. In this preprint we ask two main questions: (1) To what extent does the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis following it affect inequality between families?and (2) To what extent did the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis following it affect inequality within the family?
The Effect of Semantic Mapping and Question Generation Teaching Strategies on English as a Second Language Tertiary Students’ Reading achievement
Authors: Sabbah Sabah Salman
Published: June 2020

This study aimed at investigating the effect of two strategies of teaching reading: ‘semantic mapping’ and ‘question generation’ on the reading achievement of a sample of 40 female students enrolling in two classes in Level 2 English as a Second Language Foundation Program at the Community College of Qatar. The researcher of the current study tried to find ways to help solve the problems of students’ low achievement in reading comprehension tests. Convenient sampling was used to select the two classes as the researcher herself was teaching them. The two classes of 20 students each constituted two experimental groups. One class was taught by the semantic mapping strategy, and the other was taught by students’ question-generation strategy. A pre-posttests design was used in both experimental groups. T-test computed on the pretests in both classes revealed that the groups were equivalent. The researcher established the validity and reliability of all the components of the study: the pre-posttest and the instructional material. The instructional material selected for the intervention consisted of four extra expository texts, which are not written in students’ textbooks. After analyzing students’ results on the pre-post tests using two T-Test statistical analyses, it was found out that there were significant differences in the mean scores of each group on the pre-post tests, which reveals that each individual strategy has significantly influenced the group achievement. In order to investigate which teaching strategy was significantly better than the other was a third T-test on the post-tests, mean scores in both groups were computed. The results were in favor of the experimental group, which was taught by the Semantic Mapping Strategy. In light of these findings, the researcher suggested several recommendations directed to ESL instructors, curricula designers, and researchers
Teaching and Testing English in the Algerian Educational System
Authors: Meriem Othmane , BOUYAKOUB Naima
Published: June 2020

The relationship between teaching and assessment seems to be direct since they both complete each other. This current paper is an attempt to provide a systematic description of instruction and evaluation in the Algerian educational context within the License- Master- Doctorate reform (LMD reform). The present study has significant benefits in terms of researching the adequacy of applying new approaches in the classroom -as a new envision- for assessing the learners’ competences. Using a multiplicity of modes enables the teacher to evaluate his learners’ capabilities elaborately and consequently fulfill their needs. This paper is an attempt to answer the question, how can EFL teachers assess their learners’ competences with the implementation of new approaches that foster their communication skills. First, it tackles the status of English in the globalization era and the effect of this latter on evaluation. Second, it sheds light on the LMD reform with its main changes that affects teaching and testing, finishing up with speaking about English Language Teaching (ELT) in Algeria and, more precisely in Biskra , to provide data about the implemented methodology of measurement. In the present study, we employed classroom action research to assess the learners’ communicative competence using a range of multimodal speaking tasks (videos, games, songs, role- plays, oral presentations, and discussion tasks). We opt for the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods for two chief reasons; first, to investigate the effectiveness of using the multimodality approach while assessing learners’ competences and performances, second to explore the area under study. The findings revealed that EFL Teachers might evaluate their learners' abilities using a multiplicity of modes (visual such as videos, auditory such as songs, kinesthetic such as role-plays). Consequently, teachers are highly recommended to use innovative approaches to assess their learners’ competences.
Analysis of Lexical and Cohesive Ties usage in Undergraduate Students’ Writing by Applying Task-Based Language Learning Methodology
Authors: Alqahtani Mufleh Salem M. , Elumalai Kesavan Vadakalur
Published: June 2020

The present scenario fact that the English is a language of modern technological and scientific developments, text is a primary tool for students to gain the knowledge in writing skills. However, most male Saudi students show minimum efficient in L2 writing skill and do not have sufficient competence for writing the authentic English passages. To enhance this various study were undergone to cope up the gap between the student’s use of lexical and cohesive ties by applying task-oriented teaching. However, the immediate need to fill the gap, the researchers made pioneer study on this filed. The present study investigates analysis of lexical and cohesive ties usage in undergraduate students’ writing by applying task-based language learning methodology. The study was performed by thirty-five students from an advanced ESL Reading class at King Saud University, Arts College in Riyadh for 15 weeks. This study has been investigated by Four English passages including behavioral psychology, scientific and two general passages throughout the semester respectively. The analysis of the obtained data proved that the students’ language abilities in grammar and vocabulary significantly improved especially in the discourse analysis passages. In addition, the results of the study evidenced that students are more engaged and motivated during group work activities, and learn more about structure, identifying, cause and effect, purpose and function and if clause of analyzing passages. Proficiency of grammatical category results concluded among the 35 students, average 60% of the students were prefect in tenses, passive structures, if clause, cause and effect, purpose and function, documented 37.14,57.14,54.28 and 77.14% respectively. Overall, the present study concludes with pedagogical implications that ESL teachers might consider a task in their ESL classrooms.
Quantitative Analysis of the Foreign Language Anxiety: Chinese and Pakistani Postgraduates in Focus
Authors: Malik Sameena , Qin Huang , khan Said Muhammad , Ahmed Khalid
Published: June 2020

The current research study aims at inspecting various levels of apprehension and anxiety faced by university postgraduates in Pakistan and China when learning a foreign language (FL). The target population of this research was the university postgraduates from a Chinese university in Wuhan, and a public sector university in Lahore, Pakistan. The sample of this study was 206 postgraduates, out of which 106 (male =28, female= 78) from a Chinese university and 100 (male=53, female= 47) from a Pakistani university in Lahore. The sample was selected randomly and aged (21-30), and all participants belonged to the postgraduate level. Horwitz’s foreign language classroom anxiety scale (known as FLCAS) was used as a survey model, a theoretical framework for collecting data from both universities. The Statistical Package of a Social Sciences (SPSS version23) was used to get quantitative results. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate the anxiety level. Mean score and standard deviation were computed of both groups, besides it, the independent samples t-test was run to compare the mean score of both groups and infer if there existed any difference in the target language anxiety level. The results revealed that Chinese postgraduates face more anxiety than Pakistani postgraduates, and there existed significant differences in foreign language anxiety levels of both groups. Based on the results, it can be implicated that combined efforts of mentors and students can pave the way in tackling anxiety among university postgraduates.
The Effect of Local Arabic Dialects on Learning English Language Pronunciation
Authors: Elwahab Waleed Abd
Published: June 2020

Due to the variety of their local dialects and accents, Arab learners occasionally face some problems when pronouncing English letters and phonemes. These pronunciation errors are caused by the influence of native language interference. Each language in any part of the world has its linguistic characteristics and rules that control their pronunciation and even word-formation process, which distinguishes them from those of other nations. Modern linguists described this phenomenon as verbal behaviors because, by the end of a special stage of a child’s growth, it becomes as constant customs. As a consequence, generations inherit these verbal qualities from their ancient without having any choices to make a linguistic formation in particular. As they work to develop their English language fluency, Arabic ESL students, for instance, face several pronunciation difficulties such as adding or replacing new phonemes that do not exist in the target language. The linguistic differences between Arabic and English usually have a crucial impact on how simply a learner can study to form the English letter sounds.
Suggestions to Increase Oral Participation in an at-risk Chilean Public Primary EFL Classroom
Authors: Bulling Tulio Barrios , Guzmán Nicole Garay
Published: June 2020

The current study inquires about the students’ perception regarding their English classes at Escuela Dra Eloísa Díaz, an at-risk public school in Santiago de Chile. How do students value their English classes? What are the difficulties they have to face, and how can teachers increase students’ participation are the research question that lead this investigation. Accordingly, the main objectives are to determine the students’ perception regarding their English classes, to comprehend the main difficulties they have to face and to provide recommendations to enhance the weaker areas. To achieve the intended aims, the researchers use a mixed-method data collection procedure to gain meaningful information. A quantitative survey to obtain a broad vision regarding several aspects of the English classes at the targeted school, complemented by a focus group and a series of interviews aiming to get more in-depth knowledge qualitatively. After the analysis process, the authors conclude that oral participation is one of the main obstacles students have to overcome in their English language learning processes. Students are conscious of the importance of learning English and the difficulties they have to face. Among them, they recognize a low level in oral participation and the lack of personal effort. Reading is for them the easiest skill to develop, while speaking appears to be the most difficult one. Their perception of the English language learning process seems to be limited, and students clearly associate learning with having fun.
Ketahanan Ekonomi Rumah Tangga Pertanian di Wilayah Terkena Erupsi Merapi 2010 Melalui Indeks Standar Hidup yang Disesuaikan (Studi Kasus Tahun 2012)
Authors: Muin Muhamad Fathul
Published: June 2020

Gunung Merapi merupakan kawasan strategis pertanian. Namun erupsi pada 26 Oktober 2010 telah memberikan pengaruh negatif terhadap perekonomian petani setempat. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini akan mengkaji standar hidup praerupsi, evaluasi capaian pemulihan/ketahanan ekonomi, perbandingan capaian pemulihan/ketahanan ekonomi, serta identifikasi dimensi pembeda capaian pemulihan/ketahanan ekonomi pada rumah tangga pertanian terkena erupsi. Berdasarkan pendekatan standar hidup dengan Indeks Standar Hidup yang Disesuaikan (ISHD) serta dengan analisis uji t satu populasi, uji t populasi berpasangan, dan analisis varians (ANOVA), diketahui bahwa rumah tangga pertanian di wilayah terkena erupsi Merapi 2010 memiliki standar hidup yang rendah pada saat praerupsi. Namun demikian, rumah tangga tersebut justru memiliki ketahanan ekonomi ketika menghadapi shock bencana erupsi. Selain itu, perbandingan antar kabupaten menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan ketahanan ekonomi rumah tangga yang diakibatkan oleh perbedaan capaian dimensi bantuan sosial. Namun berdasarkan dimensi pendapatan, aset non-usaha dan aset usaha menunjukkan bahwa ketahanan ekonomi rumah tangga pertanian relatif sama antar kabupaten.
Network pharmacology of Luffa cylindrica with targets related to obesity
Authors: W D’ Silva Wilnoska , Biradar PR , M Patil Ashwini
Published: June 2020

With obesity being one of the causing factors of Metabolic Syndrome, this study was undertaken to pinpoint the phytoconstituents from Luffa cylindrica that can be utilized to regulate proteins associated with obesity. With eighteen such phytoconstituents being identified in Luffa cylindrica, detailed investigations were carried out on each of these compounds. The parameters of these investigations were drug likeness score and ADMET score comprising distribution, absorption, excretion, metabolism and toxicity profile. Of all the compounds, Rutin proved to have the highest drug likeness score. Simultaneously, docking studies and gene set enrichment analysis were also conducted on the phytoconstituents. While the docking studies were undertaken to establish their binding affinity with obesity-related proteins, the gene set enrichment analysis was carried out to find pathways modulated by the phytoconstituents. The docking studies revealed the binding energy of luteolin-7-o-beta-o-glucoronide methyl to be the highest. The gene set enrichment analysis identified a total of twenty-five different pathways that were involved in obesity. Signal transduction and metabolism was identified to score the highest gene count.
Predictive assessment of soybean oil and fructose for the development of metabolic syndrome
Authors: M Patil Ashwini , Khatib NA , W D’silva Wilnoska
Published: June 2020

Worldwide soybean oil consumption is high as it is used in processed food. Many studies reported that use of soybean oil has a risk of developing metabolic syndrome, but there is no scientific claim that soybean oil has developed metabolic syndrome. Similarly, nowadays, most of the increase in fructose consumption is derived from refined sugars and processed foods. Hence, the present study dealt to imply the probable proteins modulated in metabolic syndrome. The structural information of bioactive phytoconstituents was retrieved from different open source databases. Compounds were then predicted for their hits with the probable targets involved in the metabolic syndrome. The modulated protein pathways identified by using the REACTOME pathway analysis. Network was constructed proteins involved in metabolic syndrome with phytoconstituents. The phytoconstituents namely linolenic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid were majorly targeted by the modulated proteins involved in metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, the present study reflects the combination of soybean oil and fructose can provide the better model for metabolic syndrome.
Ethnopharmacological Study on Some Medicinal Plants Used in Ujiji, Kigoma, Tanzania
Authors: Kingo Rajabu M , Maregesi Sheila M
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to document medicinal plants used for management of various diseases in Simbo and Ujiji, Kigoma, Tanzania. Structured questionnaires were used to interview the traditional healers on the use of various plants for management of various diseases. Voucher specimens were collected, coded and identification by the Botanist. Previous ethnobotanical literatures were used to compare to the provided information. 54 plant species from 30 families were identified and collected from 5 informants, the family Euphorbiaceae ranked highest (11%) among others. Leaves were the most used plant part and the oral administration predominated. Some of the recorded plants (35.2%) have previously been reported for same use. Study suggests the area as potential site for further ethnopharmacological surveys.
Antimicrobial properties of some Nigerian edible mushrooms
Authors: Adeoyo Olusegun Richard , Oluborode Olutope Olaide
Published: June 2020

In recent years, scientists have become more aware of the problems associated with drug resistance. This investigation was carried out to determine the proximate analysis and antimicrobial properties of three species of Pleurotus sajor caju, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus florida. Phytochemical compounds of the mushrooms were extracted using either ethyl acetate or distilled water as solvent, and the extracts were tested against 9 clinical isolates. The result of the proximate analysis showed that ash content ranged from 2.1 to 2.3, moisture (8.1-9.3%), dry matter (90.7 - 91.9%), crude protein (27.5 - 29.0%), fat (0.30 - 0.92%), crude fiber (17.3 – 19.2%), and carbohydrate (30.88 – 42.66 %). Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated that different Pleurotus species have various type of bioactive compounds, and antimicrobial activity study revealed that Candida albicans was inhibited by ethyl acetate extract (20.0 mm). Highest in-vitro antibacterial activity (23.0 mm) was exhibited by P. florida (ethyl acetate extract) against Enterobacter aerogenes. This was followed by the same extract against Staphylococcus aureus (22.0 mm) and P. ostreatus (ethyl acetate extract) against Klebsiella oxytoca (22.0). A significant zone of inhibition was observed in ethyl acetate extract of P. florida against all the test organisms except Escherichia coli. In conclusion, different mushrooms produced specific phytochemical compounds, and ethyl acetate extracts were more effective than aqueous extracts. Finally, further studies are needed to underpin and test these extracts against some other human pathogenic microbes coupled with purification and characterization of the bioactive compounds.
Effect of Thonningia sanguinea (Balanophoraceae) on zootechnical and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens
Authors: Konan Kouakou Severin , Toure Daouda , Toure Abdoulaye , N'guessan Jean David
Published: June 2020

The present study was conducted to evaluate growth performance, selected biochemical serum parameters adding in broiler chickens provide with drinking water containing an aqueous extract of Thonningia sanguinea (THOS). Two hundred 1-days-old broiler chickens were acclimated for two weeks. Then they were randomly divided into two equal groups of 100 chickens. In experimental group, aqueous extracts of T. sanguinea were added to water drinkers (10 g.L-1 water) from day 15 to day 22. Through the experience, body weight, feed consumption, and number of dead birds were recorded once a week. At 15, 22, 29, 36 and 45 days of rearing, 20 birds were randomly selected in each group for serum biochemical profile analysis involving, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), creatin phospoho-kinase (CPK) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The analyses reveal that the supplementing of aqueous extract of THOS contributed to increase in body weight (p<0.05), decrease consumption index and had a positive effect on boilers survival. In addition, none of biochemical parameters were statistically different among the treatment. These findings, indicate that drinking water supplementation at 10 g.L-1 of aqueous extract of THOS can be used as growth promoters in boiler water, and research to elucidate the mechanism for potentially enhanced growth in boilers is required.
Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on Plumeria obtusa L.
Authors: Kamran Raja Muhammad , Khaliq Hafiz Abdul , Uzair Muhammad
Published: June 2020

From last few decades there is an upsurge in the use of herbal medicines all over the world and these herbal drugs should be studied scientifically to develop their monographs to assure their quality. The present research work was an attempt to establish parameters for identification of Plumeria obtusa L. (Fam. Apocynaceae) according to the guidelines of WHO, by studying its morphological and organoleptic characters, detailed microscopic evaluation, histochemical studies, fluorescence analysis, loss on drying, extractive values, swelling index, foaming index and preliminary phytochemical screening of the leaves and flowers. Although conventional, but it is simple, easy and quick way for identification and standardization of herbal substances affordable even in developing countries. This is the first report on pharmacognostic and physicochemical studies on P. obtusa which can be helpful in establishing pharmacopoeial monograph of this plant.
Bioactivity of essentials oils of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) on the reproductive parameters of the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus
Authors: Salifou Soumanou , Houngnimassoun Houénagnon Marcel Aristide , Dotche Ignace Ogoudananan , Attindehou Sabbas , Salifou Sahidou
Published: June 2020

The chemical composition of three essential oils of Hyptis suaveolens was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and their bioactivity was deduced from a multi-dose immersion test in increasing progression. The results show that the essential oils of H. suaveolens analysed are of two types: a sesquiterpenedominant type (51.86%) very rich in β-caryophyllene (20.69%) and a monoterpene-dominant type (38.08%) which is distinguished from the first by a relatively high eucalyptol (1.8-Cineole) content (12.11%). Laboratory tests indicate a high toxicity of the β-caryophyllene chemotype on females of R. (B.) microplus. Only gorged females exposed to the two concentrations (1% and 2%) of this oil laid eggs with a laying delay of 168 hours. The egg laying inhibition rate recorded for these two concentrations is 65 and 98% respectively. The essential oil of H. suaveolens therefore represents a very interesting alternative to the use of synthetic antiparasitic.
A Comprehensive Study on Some Reported Polyherbal Formulation with Potential Antihistaminic activity
Authors: Somavanshi DB , Patil CD , Jadhav SP , Sonawane GB , Sonawane DD , Jadhav KR
Published: June 2020

The polyherbalism that is a combination of two or more herbs expresses the fundamental aspect of Ayurvedic/herbal drug formulation. As per the many pieces of evidence shows the various herbal formulation with different potency acts by a unique mechanism. By which the Polyherbal formulation today make the choice for threatened disease or disorder rather than single one, to gain synergistic therapeutic application. The allergens produce immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immune response and instant hypersensitivity reaction result in asthma, hay fever, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, food, and drug-induced allergies. Taking into consideration the etiology of upper respiratory tract infection, nowadays antihistamines are the choice of drug for the treatment of viral infections of the upper respiratory tract can be practice to stop complex inflammatory mediated reaction mainly effective in adult patients. The different plant species are discovered and applied over various clinical manifestations related to an allergic response. According to the traditional system of medicine, common plant species with their plant part used in some Antihistaminic Polyherbal formulation were assessed by Animal model work on the allergic response which includes HK-07, Unani eye drop, Bharangyadi, Ashmi, Pentapala-04. This study proved that many herbs combination has anti-histaminic and anti-allergic activity.
Review on secondary metabolites and therapeutics activities of Acacia nilotica used in African phytomedicine
Authors: Ohouko Okri Frejus Hans , Koudouvo Koffi , Dougnon Jacques Tossou , Soha Arnaud Sas , Adouko Jacques , Agbonon Amegnona , Gbeassor Messanvi
Published: June 2020

Today, more than 80% of the West African population use traditional medicine in case of illness. However, several research studies are carried out in order to improve animal health, especially about antimicrobial resistance and vaccine failures observed in farms. This study aimed to review findings about second metabolites and therapeutics activities of Acacia nilotica used in African phytomedicine. Information has been searched on databases such as Agora, Hinari, Google Scholar, various journals, books and articles. Information capitalized are about traditional use of A. nilotica, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive activities of the plant. These notions constituted will help for better management of disease and other research perspectives like in vivo test of Acacia nilotica extracts on viral pathologies in Animal health.
PEMANFAATAN SAMPAH ORGANIK (KELAPA MUDA, TULANG IKAN DAN LIMBAH UDANG) DI KAWASAN PANTAI GLAGAH KULONPROGO YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Yuriandala Yebi
Published: June 2020

Pantai Glagah adalah salah satu pantai di Kulonprogo yang tidak hanya menyediakan destinasi alam yang indah, pengunjung juga dapat menikmati makanan hasil olahan laut dan minuman kelapa muda yang disajikan di puluhan warung kuliner. Dengan adanya aktifitas pariwisata tersebut, akan menimbulkan permasalahan sampah karena terakumulasinya sampah organik berupa sampah sisa makanan dan kelapa dari warung kuliner ditambah dengan belum adanya sistem pengelolaan sampah yang memadai di kawasan Pantai Glagah. Sampah organik ini jika tidak dikelola dengan baik maka akan menimbulkan dampak negatif bagi lingkungan. Penelitian ini bertujuan melakukan pemanfaatan sampah organik terutama sampah kelapa yang akan dimanfaatkan menjadi briket, serta  sampah tulang ikan dan udang menjadi pelet pakan ikan. Pengolahan kelapa menjadi briket menggunakan metode pirolis dengan memvariasikan suhu pirolisis dan kadar perekat. Berdasarkan hasil analisis di dapat hasil nilai kalor tertinggi terdapat pada briket dengan suhu pirolisis 350°C dan konsentrasi perekat 10% sebanyak 6383,95Kal/gram. Dari keseluruhan variasi briket, kadar volatile dari keempat variasi briket melebihi standar yang ditetapkan oleh SNI 01-6235-2000 tentang briket arang kayu. Untuk pengolahan limbah tulang ikan dan udang menjadi pelet pakan ikan menggunakan perhitungan variasi formulasi dengan metode Pearson Square. Pengujian kimia menggunakan analisis proksimat dengan 3 variasi pelet. Hasil analisis kemudian disesuaikan dengan standar baku mutu pakan ikan yaitu SNI-01-4087-2006 (pakan ikan lele), SNI-01-7242-2006 (pakan ikan nila), dan SNI-7473:2009 (pakan ikan gurami). Berdasarkan hasil analisis, Pelet A memiliki kualitas paling baik diantara ketiga variasi, dengan jumlah kadar air 16,48%, kadar abu 31,66%, kadar protein 14,68%, kadar lemak 3,63%, dan serat kasar 18,61%.
Foldable Front Child-Seat Design for Scooter Motorcycle: Strength Analysis Under Static and Dynamic Loading
Authors: Zulaikah Siti , Rahmanda Wahyu Haykal , Triawan Farid ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sampoerna University, Indonesia
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, motorcycle is considered as one of the most practical transportation mode in Indonesia. It has become a common practice that a motorcycle rider often brings a small child using a child seat while riding. However, the used child seat is usually not safe and can easily fall off from the motorcycle due to the lack of safety consideration. Moreover, it is very risky to ride a motorcycle with a small child, knowing that motorcycles are the highest contributor to road traffic accidents. For this reason, this paper proposes a primary design idea of a foldable child safety-seat that can be placed on the front part of a scooter motorcycle. This design is also completed with strength analysis to evaluate the components’ safety for children under five years old with a weight of around 50 kg. The strength calculation of the frame is done by a theoretical approach under static and dynamic loading. According to the analysis, the proposed child seat design could provide a factor of safety of more than 3.6 for static loading and 1.6 for dynamic loading. This study is expected to be used as a reference for developing a more reliable child safety- seat for motorcycle rider in Indonesia.
Rakım Farklılığı Nedeniyle Oluşan Meteorolojik Değişimlerin Su Kalitesine Olan Etkilerinin CBS ile Değerlendirilmesi: Morfolojik Olarak Farklı İki Göl için Bir Karşılaştırma
Authors: CÜCE Hüseyin , KALIPCI Erkan , TAŞ Beyhan , YILMAZ Muhammet
Published: June 2020

Bu çalışmada doğal ve yapay su kaynaklarının su kalitesini etkileyen etkenlerden birisi olarak saptanan deniz seviyesine olan yükseklikten kaynaklı meteorolojik değişimlerin CBS ortamında bir değerlendirmesi yapılmıştır. Ordu İli sınırları içerisinde 68 m rakıma sahip Gaga Gölü Sulak Alanı’nın ve 1732 m rakıma sahip Çambaşı Göleti’nin fiziksel ve kimyasal su kalitesi değerlerinin karşılaştırılması ve iki çalışma noktası arasındaki rakım farkının bu su ekosistemlerinin su kaliteleri üzerindeki etkileri mekânsal olarak analiz edilmiştir. Göllerdeki yüzey suyu kalitesinde oluşabilecek etkilerin daha iyi anlaşılabilmesi için 3 mevsim sürdürülen ölçüm çalışmalarından elde edilen bulgular dağılım haritaları vasıtasıyla karşılaştırılmıştır. Tüm veri analizi sonuçlarıyla beraber her iki su ekosisteminin bulunduğu bölge arasındaki meteorolojik, ekolojik ve sosyolojik farklılıklar göz önüne alınarak çevre kalite standartlarında görülen etkilerin değerlendirmesi yapılmış ve bölgeye özgü yoğun mevsimsel geçişler yaşanması nedeniyle bazı fiziko-kimyasal parametrelerin olumsuz yönde etkilendiği görülmüştür. Çalışmanın son bölümünde arazi kullanım farkı, noktasal ve yayılı kirletici kaynaklara olan yakınlığın oluşturduğu trofik düzeydeki değişimlerin sonuçları tartışılmış ve Yerüstü Su Kalitesi Yönetmeliği çerçevesinde sınıflandırma kriterleri göz önüne alınarak bu su kaynaklarının daha verimli kullanımı, korunması ve sürdürülebilir yönetimi konusunda bazı öneriler geliştirilmiştir.
A Study on Determination of Anatomical and Micromorphological Properties of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (Brassicaceae) in Turkey
Authors: ULCAY Sibel , ŞENEL Gülcan
Published: June 2020

In this study, we aimed to reveal the anatomical features of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., a medicinal plant. Samples of C. pastoris taxon were collected from Tokat and its environs in June 2018. The collected samples were placed in 70% alcohol and fixed. Transversal section sections were taken from the root, stem and petiole of the plant for anatomical research. Both transversal section and superficial sections were taken of the leaves by hand. There were 2-3 rows of periderm cells on the outermost part of the root transversal section section of the plant. In the stem transversal section, the collenchyma was in the form of a continuous ring of 7-8 rows, just below epidermis. Sclerenchyma forms an intervascular ring. The epidermis cells on the lower and upper surfaces of the leaf were single-row. The leaves were bifacial type. Palisade parenchyma cells were in 1-2 rows. The sponge parenchyma was 3-4 stratified The epidermal cell edges of the lower surface of the leaf of C. bursa-pastoris were wavier than the upper surface cell edges. Stomata were anisocytic. The vascular bundle in the petiole mid-vessel region of the taxon was large and 4-5 of them. The vascular bundles were surrounded by a sclerenchymatic scabbard. The petiole epidermis was monolayer and had cuticle on the surfaces. The fruit of the taxon was heart-shaped and had a striate pattern. Seed shape was elliptical, striate- undulate cell shaped, cell wall thickening was very pronounced. Ornamentations were reticulate. Wax was observed on the abaxial and adaxial surface of the leaf. Corolla surface showed very intense longitudinal cuticular folds. Sepal surface had plenty of sail-shaped papillae. As a result, the root, stem, leaf anatomical features, and fruit, seed, leaf sepal and petal micromorphological features of C. bursa-pastoris had been revealed in detail.