bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5 Yaş Çocuklarının Zihinlerindeki Bilim İnsanı İmajı İçerisinde Stem Alanlarının Yer Alma Durumlarının İncelenmesi
Authors: Günşen Gülşah , Uyanık Gülden , Akman Berrin
Published: October 2019

Araştırmanın amacı
5 yaş çocuklarının zihinlerindeki bilim insanı imajı içerisinde STEM
alanlarının ve STEM alanlarına yönelik düşüncelerinin ortaya çıkarılmasıdır.
Karma araştırma yöntemi kullanılarak yapılan araştırmanın çalışma grubunu
Edirne il merkezine bağlı bağımsız bir anaokulundaki 5 yaşındaki 20 çocuk
oluşturmaktadır. Okul öncesi dönem çocuklarının zihinlerindeki bilim insanı
imajı Chambers (1983) tarafından geliştirilen DAST
(Drive a Scientist Test) ile belirlenmiş olup zihinlerindeki STEM alanlarını
ve çizdikleri bilim insanı imajlarında STEM alanlarının yer alma durumlarını
belirlemede yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. 5 yaş
çocuklarının zihinlerindeki bilim insanı imajı incelendiğinde çocukların bilim
insanlarını günlük kıyafetli, kel, deney
malzemeleri kullanan, mutlu çizimler yaptıkları ve onların uzayda olduğuna yönelik çizimlerinin
olduğu görülmüştür. Bilim insanlarını en çok araştırma/deney yaptıklarını ve uzayı
araştırdıklarını ifade ettikleri görülmektedir. Bu noktada çocukların
zihinlerindeki bilim insanı imajı ile STEM alanlarından en çok fen alanını ve teknoloji alanını bütünleştirdikleri ve bilimi insanların her şeyi bilmesi olarak tanımladıkları görülmektedir. Ayrıca
çocukların fen alanını en çok kuşlar,
bitkiler gibi canlılarla, matematik alanını en çok sayılar ile, teknoloji alanını en çok robotlarla örtüştürdüğü görülmekle birlikte mühendislik alanına
yönelik hemen hemen hepsinin herhangi bir fikre sahip olmadıkları tespit
edilmiştir. Çocukların olmak istedikleri meslek dallarında ise en çok öğretmenlik, robot yapan kişi ve doktorluk olduğu görülmektedir.
Öğretmenlerin Motivasyonuna Etki Eden Faktörler ve Motivasyonlarını Artırmak İçin Uygulanan Stratejiler: Etiyopya Örneği
Authors: Berhanu Kelemu Zelalem , Sabancı Ali
Published: October 2019

Bu
çalışmanın amacı, Etiyopya'daki müdürlerin ve öğretmenlerin ilköğretim kurumu
öğretmenlerinin motivasyonunu etkileyen faktörler ve öğretmenlerinin
motivasyonunu artırmak için kararlaştırılan stratejileri incelemektir. Çalışma,
nitel araştırma yönteminde ve bütüncül çoklu durum çalışması olarak
desenlenmiştir. Çalışma grubu iki müdür ve altı öğretmenden oluşmuştur. Veri
toplamak amacıyla yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu geliştirilmiştir.
Çalışmanın geçerliliğini sağlamak üzere iki akademisyenin soru formunu
incelemesi sağlanmış ve görüşleri doğrultusunda düzeltmeler yapıldıktan sonra
pilot çalışma yapılarak nihai form elde edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, öğretmenlerin
verdiği yanıtlara göre okulun, maaşın, yaşam koşullarının, teşvik edici
faktörün miktarı ve eşitliğinin ilköğretim kurum öğretmenlerinin motivasyonunu
etkileyen ana faktörler olarak belirtildiği görülmüştür. Öte yandan müdürler maaşla
ilgili faktörlerin öğretmenlerin motivasyonunu etkileyen ana unsur olduğunu
bildirmiştir. Öğretmenlere göre  en
yaygın etkili stratejiler olarak okul müdürlerinin öğretmenleri motive etmek
için nakit ödüller, maddi olmayan kaynaklar ve diğer hediyeler ve fikirlerle
destek verdiklerini bildirmişleridir. Müdürler ayrıca açık iletişim oluşturma,
para ödülleri, kaynaklar ve diğer hediyeler verme, öğretmenleri güçlendirme,
fikirlerle destek verme, katılımcı karar kullanarak öğretmenleri motive etmek
için en yaygın etkili stratejiler olarak kullandıklarını bildirmiştir.
Assessment of Acetabulum Deformity During Preoperative Planning for Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Martynenko D. V. , Voloshin V. P. , Sherman L. A. , Shevyrev K. V. , Oshkukov S. A. , Stepanov E. V.
Published: October 2019

Purpose of the study — to improve the two-dimensional planning of total hip joint arthroplasty to ensure precise positioning of the acetabular component in the deformed acetabulum. Materials and methods. Features of roentgenological anatomy of acetabulum and its coverage were studied on 1058 hip joint x-rays in the AP view in accordance with the procedure developed by the authors to define acetabular square — the site of standard positioning of a spherical femoral head in the acetabulum or of a hemispherical acetabular component. The method consisted of identifying the apex of “teardrop” figure; the most lateral points of the pelvic terminal line and roof of the acetabulum; superior part of the acetabular cavity; medial and inferior points of acetabular coverage, and building the sides of acetabular square — medial, inferior, lateral and superior boundary lines. Connection of “teardrop” apex and lateral point of the pelvic terminal line formed the medial side of acetabular square, and a perpendicular to that line drawn through the “teardrop” apex to its inferior side. The lateral side was drawn either through the intersection of the ascending diagonal line — bisector from the top of the “teardrop” figure with the contour of the acetabulum roof, or was a part of the projection of the most lateral point of the acetabular roof on the inferior side of the square. The superior side was a perpendicular connecting the intersection of the ascending diagonal and lateral bounding lines with the medial side of the acetabular square. The area of the deformed acetabular cavity located outside of the acetabular square was assessed as the acetabular defect. Results. Method of defining the acetabular square allowed to identify types of ratios between acetabular cavity and acetabular coverage in transverse (9 types) and longitudinal (7 types) direction. Combination of transverse ratio of acetabular cavity and coverage with longitudinal type allowed to define the options of acetabular deformities in two-dimensional view. The authors identified 25 types of acetabular deformities. Bone defects of acetabular walls were of the major importance among all anatomical features. Cranial defect of acetabulum was observed in 450 cases, medial wall defect — in 38 cases, defect including cranial and medial areas — in 7 cases. Conclusion. The method suggested by the authors to determine acetabular square and acetabular deformity variations allows to screen the anatomical features of the acetabulum during two-dimensional preoperative planning and to make an informed decision on the need to use other planning techniques. The type of acetabular deformity identified during preoperative planning allows to elaborate the indications for replacement of acetabular bone defects and/or resection of acetabular osteophytes.
Stimulation of Osteogenesis by Direct Electric Current (Review)
Authors: Ovchinnikov E. N. , Stogov M. V.
Published: October 2019

Background. Stimulation of osteogenesis in the treatment of certain orthopedic and trauma pathologies is a necessary element to ensure the best clinical outcome. The purpose of the present analytical review is to analyze the literature data in respect of evaluating the approaches and possibilities to stimulate osteogenesis using direct current. Methods. The search for literature data was performed in the open electronic databases of scientific literature PubMed and eLIBRARY under the following keywords and their combinations: “osteogenesis”, “reparative osteogenesis”, “direct electric current”, “orthopaedics”, “traumatology”, “electric current” (in Russian as well as in English language ). Results. According to some fundamental research, the stimulating effect of direct current lies is both in stimulating differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts, and in stimulating differentiation of stem cells, mainly mesenchymal stem cells of bone marrow and adipose tissue, in the process of osteogenesis. The following stimulating technologies were developed and clinically tested to date: 1 — direct exposure of bone to the direct current; 2 — capacitive coupled stimulation; and 3 — inductive coupled (electromagnetic) stimulation. Analysis of clinical practice demonstrated that the first technology is most effective in terms of osteoreparation, but less safe than technology 2 and 3. It should be noted that there are no clear indications and modes of application for the abovementioned methods. Based on the data collected in the present analysis, technology 1 is considered by authors as the most promising. Safety of technology 1 can be enhanced by application of metal implants as electrodes in case those are planned to be used for medical reasons: wires, rods, staples, fixators, etc. Conclusion. Use of electric current to stimulate bone formation is a promising method which requires clarification in respect of indications and application modes.
Patient-Specific Templates for Triple Pelvic Osteotomy in Children with Dysplastic Hip Subluxation (Preliminary Results)
Authors: Bortulev P. I. , Vissarionov S. V. , Baskov V. E. , Barsukov D. B. , Pozdnikin I. Yu. , Poznovich M. S.
Published: October 2019

Purpose of the study — to evaluate the degree of correction of acetabular spatial position after triple pelvic osteotomy using patient-specific templates in children with dysplastic hip subluxation. Materials and methods. Study included 30 patients (30 hips) with dysplastic hip subluxation aging from 14 to 18 years (mean age of 16.3±1.4). All children were divided into two groups — main group consisted of 15 children (15 hips) who underwent triple pelvic osteotomy using patient-specific templates produced by 3D modeling and prototyping technology; control group consisted of 15 children (15 hips) who underwent triple pelvic osteotomy based on standard preoperative planning. X-ray and CT of hip joints was made in all patients. Results. Parameters of acetabular spatial position as well as integral parameters which define the ratio between acetabulum and femoral components and hip stability were in the range of normal variation in patients of the main group. Similar average parameters in patients of control group were below the lower margin of the physiological norm (p0.05). Besides, the values of standard deviation of abovementioned X-ray parameters in some patients of control group demonstrated pronounced variability characterized by hyper- and hypo-correction values of spatial position of acetabular fragment. Conclusion. In contrast to standard preoperative planning the use of patient-specific templates during re-orienting triple pelvic osteotomy in children with dysplastic hip subluxation allows to level out possible errors in three-dimensional acetabulum positioning towards hyper- and hypo-correction (p0.05) of pelvic component. This creates conditions to ensure adequate hip stability which is confirmed by key x-ray indices with values within normal reference range.
Injuries Reported by Selected Health Facilities During the Arbaeenia Mass Gathering at Babel Governorate, Iraq, 2014: Retrospective Records Analysis
Authors: Chitheer Abdulaal , Lami Faris , Radhi Ahmed , Arbaji Ali
Published: October 2019

Background

Arbaeenia is the largest religious mass gathering in Iraq. The conditions associated with mass gatherings result in high rates of injury. There have been no prior studies on injuries during the Arbaeenia mass gathering.

Objective

This study describes the injuries observed during the Arbaeenia mass gathering in Babel Governorate in Iraq between November 24 and December 14, 2014.

Methods

The study was conducted in Babel Governorate at the emergency departments of six public hospitals and two major temporary medical units that were located along the three roads connecting the Middle and Southern Iraqi governorates. We used the Iraq Injury Surveillance System modified form to collect information on injured patients treated in the selected facilities. Data on fatal injuries was obtained from the coroner’s office. The following data were collected from the patients: demographics, outcome of injury, place and time of occurrence, mode of evacuation and medical care before arriving at the hospital, duration of travel from place of occurrence to hospital, disposition of non-fatal injury, cause and mode of injury, and whether the injury occurred in connection with the Arbaeenia mass gathering.

Results

Information was collected on 1564 injury cases, of which 73 were fatal. About half of the reported nonfatal injuries, 687/1404 (48.9%), and a quarter of fatalities, 18/73 (25%) were related to the Arbaeenia mass gathering (P<.001). Most of the reported injuries were unintentional, 1341/1404 (95.51%), occurred on the street, 864/1323 (65.6%), occurred during the daytime 1103/1174 (93.95 %). Most of those injured were evacuated by means other than ambulance 1107/1206 (91.79%) and did not receive pre-hospital medical care 788/1163 (67.7%). Minor injuries 400/1546 (25.9%) and traffic accidents 394/1546 (25.5%) were the most common types of injuries, followed by falls 270/1546 (17.5%). Among fatal injuries, traffic accidents 38/73 (52%) and violence 18/73 (25%) were the leading causes of death. Mass gathering injuries were more likely to occur among individuals aged 21-40 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.5; 95% CI 2.7-4.5) and >41 years (OR 7.6; 95% CI 5.4-10.6) versus those <21 years; more likely to be unintentional than assault (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.8-15.5); more likely to happen on the street versus at home (OR 37.7; 95% CI 22.4-63.6); less likely to happen at night than during the day (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.4); and less likely to result in hospital admission (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.7).

Conclusions

The study shows that most injuries were minor, unintentional, and nonfatal, and most people with injuries had limited access to ambulance transportation and did not require hospitalization.
Electronic Data Capture Versus Conventional Data Collection Methods in Clinical Pain Studies: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Jibb Lindsay A , Khan James S , Seth Puneet , Lalloo Chitra , Mulrooney Lauren , Nicholson Kathryn , Nowak Dominik A , Kaur Harneel , Chee-A-Tow Alyssandra , Foster Joel , Stinson Jennifer N
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The most commonly used means to assess pain is by patient self-reported questionnaires. These questionnaires have traditionally been completed using paper-and-pencil, telephone, or in-person methods, which may limit the validity of the collected data. Electronic data capture methods represent a potential way to validly, reliably, and feasibly collect pain-related data from patients in both clinical and research settings.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare electronic and conventional pain-related data collection methods with respect to pain score equivalence, data completeness, ease of use, efficiency, and acceptability between methods.

METHODS

We searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from database inception until November 2019. We included all peer-reviewed studies that compared electronic (any modality) and conventional (paper-, telephone-, or in-person–based) data capture methods for patient-reported pain data on one of the following outcomes: pain score equivalence, data completeness, ease of use, efficiency, and acceptability. We used random effects models to combine score equivalence data across studies that reported correlations or measures of agreement between electronic and conventional pain assessment methods.

RESULTS

A total of 53 unique studies were included in this systematic review, of which 21 were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the pain scores reported electronically were congruent with those reported using conventional modalities, with the majority of studies (36/44, 82%) that reported on pain scores demonstrating this relationship. The weighted summary correlation coefficient of pain score equivalence from our meta-analysis was 0.92 (95% CI 0.88-0.95). Studies on data completeness, patient- or provider-reported ease of use, and efficiency generally indicated that electronic data capture methods were equivalent or superior to conventional methods. Most (19/23, 83%) studies that directly surveyed patients reported that the electronic format was the preferred data collection method.

CONCLUSIONS

Electronic pain-related data capture methods are comparable with conventional methods in terms of score equivalence, data completeness, ease, efficiency, and acceptability and, if the appropriate psychometric evaluations are in place, are a feasible means to collect pain data in clinical and research settings.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Decline and Incident Frailty in Older Adults
Authors: Guerville Florent , de Souto Barreto Philipe , Taton Benjamin , Bourdel-Marchasson Isabelle , Rolland Yves , Vellas Bruno ,   for the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial (MAPT)/Data Sharing Alzheimer (DSA) Group
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives

Low eGFR is known to be associated with frailty, but the association between the longitudinal decline of eGFR and incident frailty in older persons remains to be determined. The objective of this study was to investigate whether a fast decline on eGFR would be associated with incident frailty.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Community dwellers, aged ≥70, were included in this secondary analysis of the 5-year Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial (MAPT). eGFR was calculated using CKD–Epidemiology Collaboration equation at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months. The lowest quartile of eGFR slope (−4.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per yr) defined a fast decline. The frailty phenotype (unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slow gait, low handgrip strength assessed with a 0–5 score, where higher is worse; a score ≥3 defines frailty) was assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Cox models were used to test the association between fast eGFR decline and incident frailty.

Results

A total of 833 participants were frail neither at baseline nor at 2 years and had appropriate follow-up data. Median (IQR) baseline eGFR was 73 (61–84) ml/min per 1.73 m2. Frailty occurred in 95 (11%) participants between 24 and 60 months. Among them, 31/207 (15%) had fast eGFR decline between baseline and 24 months, and 64/626 (10%) did not. In a Cox model adjusted for demographic variables, cardiovascular comorbidity, C-reactive protein, and baseline eGFR, a fast eGFR decline was associated with incident frailty (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.71). Sensitivity analyses provided consistent findings.

Conclusions

In community-dwelling older adults with relatively preserved baseline eGFR, a fast eGFR decline is associated with incident frailty.
MIMOSINE - A NOVEL SUBSTANCE AND EVALUATE THE LIPID PEROXIDATION
Authors: K G DHANYA , M THANGAVEL
Published: October 2019

Objective: The mimosine is a novel substance extracted and purified from Mimosa pudica. The present study is to evaluate lipid peroxidation (LPO).

Methods: The sox halation is used to differentiate extracts. Mimosine is purified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extract of M. pudica against alcohol-induced albino rats. This was evident from significant of M. pudica on LPO and antioxidants liver of rats.

Results: By GC–MS and LC–MS, the mimosine is purified and it shows the highest peak. The phytochemical analysis of M. pudica and the activity of the enzyme antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase is 176.83 g and peroxidase is 0.989 g, were found to be present in the plant extract of M. pudica. In rat treated with toxic dose of alcohol, a significant increase in serum and liver were observed. Simultaneous oral administration of the aqueous extract of M. pudica reduced the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity to a significant extent compared to control. LDH, a cytosolic liver marker enzyme, is a regulator of many biochemical reactions in the body tissues and the fluid.

Conclusion: The result obtained in our work, existence of bioactive substance proves that it is mainly used as a traditional medicine. The phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, tannin, phenolic, saponins, proteins, and amino acids. The liver showed that the induction of alcohol causes hepatic necrosis and injury, but it is cured by M. pudica.
QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI (EF8; ASPERGILLUS SP.3) ISOLATED FROM BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA L., STEM.
Authors: THAKUR DEEPENDRA , SAHANI KAMANA
Published: October 2019

Objective: The objective of the present investigation was to find phytochemical constituents of endophytic fungi Aspergillus sp.3 isolated from Boerhavia diffusa L. stem.

Methods: Both qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was performed.

Results: In the present investigation, endophytic fungi was isolated from the medicinal plant B. diffusa L. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was performed from the endophytic fungi Aspergillus sp.3 which showed the presence of phenol, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids, 11.66±0.577, 17.66±0.577, 1.746±0.0057, 0.446±0.0057, and 9.746±0.0057 (μg of standard/mg of extract), respectively.

Conclusion: Hence, the endophytic fungi isolated from B. diffusa L. could be regarded as good sources of bioactive compounds for drug formulations.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIMICROBIAL, AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ROOT AND LEAF EXTRACTS OF LEUCAS ASPERA
Authors: K VASUDHA , D ARCHANA , B MUTYALAMMA , B KISHORI
Published: October 2019

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical screening, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities from the roots and leaves of Leucas aspera.

Methods: The phytochemical screening and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of root and leaf extracts were studied using standard methods. The disk diffusion method was performed to analyze the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract, methanol extract and hexane extract of root and leaf against to selected bacterial and fungal strains. Antibiotics, streptomycin and nystatin were used as standards for bacteria and fungi, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and scavenging of H2O2 free radicals.

Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of extracts exhibited the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, steroids flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and phlobatannins. Leaf extracts exhibited effective antibacterial and antifungal activities compared with root extracts against all the tested bacteria and fungi. ME of the leaves exhibited highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (12.8±0.31 mm), followed by Bacillus subtilis (11.4±0.3 mm), Escherichia coli (9.8±0.21 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.3±0.29 mm). Leaf extracts of L. aspera showed effective scavenging activity compared with root extracts. ME of the leaves showed maximum scavenging activities of 38.39 and 36.85%, respectively, against DPPH and H2O2 free radicals with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 136.17 and 142.42 μg/ml.

Conclusion: Phytochemical analysis and FTIR spectrum revealed that different plant secondary metabolites particularly alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids could be responsible for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of L. aspera leaf extracts.
IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF BACILLUS AMYLOLIQUEFACIENS ISOLATED FROM SIMILIPAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE, ODISHA, INDIA
Authors: DAS IPSITA , KU PANDA MRUNMAYA , C.RATH CHANDI
Published: October 2019

Objective: The purpose of our study was to isolate and identify the bacteriocinogenic strain exhibiting broad range antimicrobial activity and to analyze the effect of different culturing conditions on the production of an antimicrobial metabolites isolated from the soil of Simlipal Biosphere Reserve, India.

Methods: In the current study, bacterial strains were screened for antimicrobial activity from soil samples of five different regions. The effect of varying culture conditions such as pH, incubation period, and temperature along with carbon and nitrogen sources with and without certain salts was studied. The characterization of the potent strain was studied by morphological, biochemical, and 16S rRNA genetic sequencing. A phylogenetic affiliation of the strain was studied.

Results: A total of 31 out of 245 strains isolated from soil were screened on the basis of antimicrobial results against the test pathogens. On the basis of bacteriocin-like inhibition studies method, one potential isolate that exhibited the highest inhibition against all the pathogens was selected. The optimization of highest antimicrobial metabolite production by the isolate with the influence of physical parameters was found as the incubation period of 3 days with 37°C temperature at pH 8 and for the chemical parameters dextrose was showed the most effective carbon sources when implemented with salts and yeast extract as the best sources of nitrogen with salts. The crude metabolite showed an absorbance peak value of 1.234 with optimum ƛ-max at 214 nm. The potent isolate showed maximum identity with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (99% similarity) with highest query coverage on basic local alignment search tool search analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close affiliation of the isolate with B. amyloliquefaciens (KC494392.1) having antimicrobial activity.

Conclusion: The findings revealed that the incubation period, temperature, pH, and the culture medium have a direct influence on the production of metabolites. These parameters can be modified for the improvement of the fermentation process.
PULSATILE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: A CASE OF BETA-BLOCKERS
Authors: SHRIVASTAVA ALANKAR
Published: October 2019

The diseases involve heart and blood vessels are classified under cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension (HTN) is a disorder of the CV system characterized by elevated arterial blood pressure. Pulsatile drug delivery systems are on highlight today. This is due to their distinct advantage of releasing drug as the circadian rhythm of the disease. The beta-blockers are first-line therapy for the HTN. Hence, researches related to such modified formulations of these drugs are of need to increase the patient compliance and convenience. This review describes the various such systems published in literature. This also includes a brief description about circadian rhythm and beta-blockers. The researchers involved in the development of modified release formulations are the main target audience for this review.
ANTIFERTILITY ACTIVITY OF DECASCHISTIA CROTONIFOLIA LEAF EXTRACT ON MALE RATS
Authors: SHAIK AFSAR , RAJU YALAVARTHI PRASANNA , BONNOTH CHANDRASEKHAR KOTHAPALLI
Published: October 2019

Objective: The objective was to investigate the male antifertility effect of Decaschistia crotonifolia leaf extract on male Wistar rats.

Methods: The animals were divided into three groups of five animals each. The first group (I) served as control and received normal saline, and remaining Groups II and III were treated with plant extract at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o., respectively, for 21 days.

Results: Dose-dependent significant decrease in the weight of testes and epididymis was observed. Furthermore, a dose-related reduction in sperm count and motility was observed. A significant decrease in testosterone levels leading to infertility was also observed.

Conclusion: The 70% methanolic leaf extract of D. crotonifolia has produced dose-dependent antifertility effect on male rats.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF MODERATELY VOLATILE COMPONENTS OF THE OIL EXTRACTED FROM THE SEEDS OF DACRYODES EDULIS G. LAM
Authors: C MORDI RAPHAEL , OLASEHINDE GRACE I , P OKEDERE ADEBOLA , N ELEGWULE ARNOLD , AYO-AJAYI JOAN I , O JOHNATHAN HASSANA , E ONIBOKUN ADEOLA , A AJAYI ADESOLA , O UCHENNA DANIEL
Published: October 2019

Objectives: Dacryodes edulis is a versatile plant in many African countries, as its various parts are employed to treat several diseases. Like most plants used in traditional medicine, the possible mechanism by which D. edulis functions is still unknown. This study was designed to investigate the components of the plant seed with a view of justifying its use as traditional medicine.

Methods: The seed oil of D. edulis was exhaustively extracted with a Soxhlet extractor from 500 g seeds and 200 g seeds of D. edulis using ethanol and petroleum ether as solvent, respectively. The extraction solvent was removed to obtain the oil which was then subjected to antimicrobial activity test to determine its activity against the following clinical isolates namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli using gentamycin as positive control. Phytochemical screening and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were carried out following standard methods

Results: Ethanolic extract resulted in a higher percentage of oil yield (11.6%) than petroleum ether (5.3%). D. edulis seed oil showed remarkable activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive isolates: E. coli, Bacillus spp, and S. aureus but not against P. aeruginosa. The presence of saponins, quinones, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, and phenol was confirmed during qualitative phytochemical screening, and the preliminary results from GC-MS analysis show the presence of terpinen-4-ol, 4,6,6-trimethyl bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-en-2-one, ethyl 14-methyl-hexadecanoate, methyl 19-methyl-eicosanoate, squalene, C-14 to C-18 fatty acids, and their esters.

Conclusion: The study, therefore, confirms that the use of D. edulis as component of traditional medicine may be justified.
EVALUATING THE BEST POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL AS SOLID DISPERSION CARRIER BY TAKING ETORICOXIB AS A MODEL DRUG
Authors: A HEMANTH , ABDUL AHAD HINDUSTAN , N DEVANNA
Published: October 2019

Objective: The main objective of the current research is focused in discovering the best polyethylene glycol (PEG) as solid dispersion carrier using etoricoxib (ECB) as a model drug.

Methods: Varieties of PEG, namely PEG - 3350, PEG - 4000, PEG - 6000, PEG - 8000, and PEG - 20000, were evaluated as a carrier for making ECB solid dispersions. ECB:PEG was taken in the ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, and 1:6. The solid dispersions were prepared by microwave fusion method and compressed using 8 station tablet compression machine. The fabricated solid dispersion tablets were tested for physicochemical characteristics and drug release rates. The release of ECB from the prepared solid dispersions was further analyzed kinetically using the first order and Hixson-Crowell’s plots.

Results: All the solid dispersion batches were shown satisfactory physicochemical characteristics. ECB solid dispersion batches with PEG - 6000 showed good solubility in distilled water (up to 2.29±0.01 μg/ml) and in 0.1 N HCl (up to 2.18±0.01 μg/ml) when compared with ECB alone (0.21±0.01 μg/ml and 0.32±0.01 μg/ml). The prepared solid dispersions with PEG 6000 are shown good ECB release.

Conclusion: Among PEG carriers, PEG - 6000 was found to be the best carrier for increasing the solubility and release rate of ECB form the solid dispersions compared to PEG - 3350, PEG - 4000, PEG - 8000, and PEG - 20000.
THE EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATION OF AN EQUAL DOSE OF DIFFERENT CLASSES OF PHYTOCHEMICALS ON HEME OXYGENASE-1 GENE AND PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN MICE LIVER
Authors: ABDULLAH AZMAN , ALRAWAIQ NADIA SALEM , ATIA AHMED
Published: October 2019

Objective: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is enzyme that possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective functions. Induction of HO-1 occurs as an adaptive and beneficial response to various injurious stimuli such as oxidative stress. This study is aimed at monitoring the effects of administration of equal doses (50 mg/kg) of sulforaphane (SFN), curcumin, quercetin, indole-3-carbinol, and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) for 14 days on the levels of liver HO-1 gene and protein expression in mice.

Method: A total of 48 adult male ICR white mice (25–30 g) were divided into eight groups: Normal control group (n=6), SFN-treated group (n=6), quercetin-treated group (n=6), curcumin-treated group (n=6), BHA-treated group (n=6), indole-3-carbinol treated group (n=6), vehicle 1 control group (n=6), and vehicle 2 control group (n=6). All chemicals were administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 14 days. Vehicle 1 (dimethyl sulfoxide, TweenTM 20, and normal saline at a ratio of 0.05:0.1:0.85) was used to dissolve SFN, quercetin, and curcumin. Vehicle 2 (corn oil) was used to dissolve indole-3-carbinol and BHA. At day 15, the animals were sacrificed and their livers were isolated. From the liver, total RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed and subjected to quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction to detect HO-1 gene expression. Agarose gel electrophoresis was also performed to verify the specificity of the amplification. HO-1 protein expression was determined by Western blotting.

Results: HO-1 gene expression showed significant increase of 4.6±0.3, 3.6±0.2, 3.6±0.4, 3.3±0.3, and 3.0±0.4-fold and HO-1 protein expression showed significant increase of 2.3±0.2, 2.2±0.2, 2.2±0.1, 1.8±0.1, and 1.7±0.2-fold following treatment with 50 mg/kg of SFN, indole-3-carbinol, BHA, curcumin, and quercetin, respectively, compared to controls (p<0.05).

Conclusion: At a dose of 50 mg/kg, SFN administration for 14 days resulted in the highest induction of HO-1 gene and protein expression level in mice liver, and quercetin the lowest.
CLEANING VALIDATION OF A SIMPLE AND RAPID REVERSED-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF ASPIRIN AND ROSUVASTATIN
Authors: NAZARETH CELINA , FIZARDO GISELLE , VAZ CHARMAINE
Published: October 2019

Objective: This study describes a new, simple, precise, accurate, and reproducible reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) cleaning validation method for simultaneous estimation of rosuvastatin and aspirin.

Methods: The proposed RP-HPLC method was carried out on AGILENT-ZORBAX RP-Inertsil column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) in an isocratic mode utilizing potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 2.5 with OPA):acetonitrile (50:50,v/v) as mobile phase, at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. Detection was carried out at 243 nm using UV detector.

Results: The method was found specific as there was no swab interference. The Beer–Lambert’s law was obeyed in the concentration range of 0.5–20 μg/ml for both rosuvastatin and aspirin. The mean percentage recoveries at 100% level were 89.4% for rosuvastatin and 82.1% for aspirin. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for rosuvastatin and aspirin were 0.03 μg/ml and 0.1 μg/ml, respectively. The method was found to be robust and precise with percentage RSD <2.0%.

Conclusion: A simple, novel, and economical RP-HPLC method for cleaning validation has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of rosuvastatin and aspirin. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines for specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. The developed method can be used as a sensitive analytical tool for ensuring the effectiveness of the cleaning procedure adopted.
DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL AND MODIFIED GUM BASED SUSTAINED-RELEASE FILM-COATED TABLETS CONTAINING POORLY WATER-SOLUBLE DRUG
Authors: SHUKLA AJAY KUMAR , SINGH BISHNOI RAM , KUMAR MANISH , JAIN C.P.
Published: October 2019

Objective: The objective of this work was to the development of natural and modified gum based sustained-release film-coated tablets containing poorly water-soluble drug.

Methods: Tamarind seed gum (TSG), fenugreek seed gum (FSG), sodium trimetaphosphate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sodium alginate (SA), and nifedipine (NFD) were used. The core tablets of nifedipine were prepared and evaluated for weight, diameters, thickness, hardness, and disintegration time. The core tablets were coated using 2% w/v solution of TSG, MTSG, FSG, and MFSG. The in vitro release rate of drug from these coated tablets was compared with the release rate of drug from the tablets coated with 2% w/v of HPMC.

Results: The tablets coated with natural and modified TSG sustained the release of the drug up to 11 h and 14 h, respectively, and natural and modified FSG sustained release the drug up to 9 h and 11 h, respectively. The tablets coated with HPMC sustained released the drug up to 15 h. The drug release profile of tablets coated with modified TSG was comparable to the release profile of tablets coated with HPMC.

Conclusion: On the basis of the release profile, it is concluded that unmodified and modified TSG can be used as release rate-controlling membrane.
PATIENTS’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES ON UNCOMPLICATED MALARIA MANAGEMENT IN PLATEAU STATE, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA
Authors: S JIMAM NANLOH , E ISMAIL NAHLAH
Published: October 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to assess patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on uncomplicated malaria management in primary health-care (PHC) facilities of Plateau state, Nigeria.

Methods: A validated self-reported scale known as patients’ KAP instrument for uncomplicated malaria with Cronbach’s alpha reliability of 0.74 was administered to 956 patients that consented to participate in the study across 24 PHC facilities in the state between May and July 2017. The collated data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) version 23 software.

Results: There were more female participants (53.5%) compared to the males (46.5%), and majority (33.4%) within the age range of 28 and 37 years with 26.5% falling within the age range of 18–27 years and children of <18 years of age constituted 13.8% of the study population. About 42.1% of the respondents were married, and many either had secondary (37.3%) or primary (30.0%) education as their highest qualifications. With overall mean (±standard deviation [SD]) attitudes’ score of 34.55 (±7.20), majority (50.8%) were categorized as having average positive attitudes toward disease and its management, and many of them (55.2%) also had good knowledge (mean [±SD] score=4.59 [±1.44]) and practices (67.1%) (mean [±SD] score=14.98 [±3.44]) on the disease and its management.

Conclusion: The study indicated respondents’ knowledge and practices on uncomplicated malaria as good, while their attitudes toward the disease and its management were average.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF STABILITY-INDICATING REVERSE-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD FOR THE ESTIMATION OF LEDIPASVIR IN BULK AND TABLET DOSAGE FORM
Authors: R GHANTE MINAL , D SAWANT SANJAY , SHINDE AMOLDEEP , GODSE SHITAL , S NIKAM VANDANA
Published: October 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a stability-indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the estimation of ledipasvir (LDP) in bulk and tablet formulation.

Methods: Stability-indicating RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for the estimation of LDP in bulk and tablet formulation. RP-HPLC was carried out on HiQ SiL C18 columns (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μ particle size) using mobile phase acetonitrile:1 mM ammonium acetate buffer in the ratio of 90:10 v/v at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The analytes were monitored using MD 2010 PDA detector at 333 nm.

Results: The retention time was found to be 3.843 min. The proposed method was found to be having linearity in the concentration range of 5–30 μg/ml. The number of theoretical plates obtained was 4236.50 which indicate the efficient performance of the column. The limit of detection was 0.305 μg/ml and limit of quantification was 0.923 μg/ml, which indicate the sensitivity of the method; the high percentage recovery indicates that the proposed method is highly accurate. The developed method has been validated according to the ICH guidelines and found to be simple, specific, precise, and accurate.

Conclusion: The proposed method is precise, accurate, and stability indicating. Therefore, the proposed method can be used for routine quality control and analysis of LDP during stability studies in bulk samples and tablet dosage forms.
EVALUATION OF THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF NIGELLA SATIVA (BLACK CUMIN) OIL AGAINST VANCOMYCIN-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS
Authors: OMRAN SARAH T , H AHMED JAWAD
Published: October 2019

Objective: The study was designed to investigate a possible protective effect of Nigella sativa (NS) against vancomycin (VAN)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods: Twenty-eight adult male Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups; seven rats in each. Group I (control): The animals were treated with normal saline (2 ml/kg/day) given orally and intraperitoneally (IP); Group II: VAN was given at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day for 7 days IP and normal saline orally; Group III: NS oil was given at a dose of 2 ml/kg/day for seven days orally and normal saline IP; and Group IV: VAN 400 mg/kg/day IP in combination with NS oil 2 ml/kg/day orally for 7 days. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, the animals were sacrificed, and serum was collected to estimate urea and creatinine. Then, both kidneys were excised, one for homogenate preparation to estimate renal tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and the other for histopathological examination.

Results: NS significantly decreased serum urea and creatinine compared to VAN treated group, p<0.001. NS significantly increased renal tissue GSH compared to VAN treated group p<0.001. NS lowered MDA and NGAL levels in the homogenate of renal tissues compared to their elevated levels in rats treated with VAN, but this did not achieve statistical significance. NS also ameliorated renal histopathological changes induced by VAN.

Conclusion: NS has a protective effect against VAN-induced nephrotoxicity.
INVESTIGATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY (IN VITRO) AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY PROFILING OF PORTULACA OLERACEA L. AND PORTULACA GRANDIFLORA HOOK. EXTRACTS
Authors: AO KINICHENKO
Published: October 2019

Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate the antioxidant activity (AOA) of the methanolic extracts of different parts of Portulaca oleracea and Portulaca grandiflora.

Methods: The plant different parts were extracted with methanol. The methanolic extracts of both species were screened for 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging abilities and researched by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.

Results: GC-MS analysis of P. oleracea root extract revealed the presence of 39 biologically active compounds. 32 biologically active compounds were identified in P. grandiflora root extract. Both extracts revealed the AOA.

Conclusion: The results of the investigation could be useful for further pharmacological and phytochemical researches to assess the beneficial properties of both these species.
A NOVEL SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF METHYLDOPA THROUGH TERNARY COMPLEXATION PROCEDURE USING FE(III), MN(II), AND CO(II) WITH 2-AMINOPYRIDINE
Authors: KHALEEL BICHAN MUSTAFA JAMAL , MUTEB ABDOON FADAM
Published: October 2019

Objective: The present study is aimed to find a three simple, low cost, accurate, rapid, and sensitive spectrophotometric methods based on the formation of ternary complexes to assay methyldopa (MTD) in both pure and pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Methods: The suggested complexation procedure is based on the formation of ternary complex among MTD, 2-aminopyridine (2-Amp), and different metal cations such as [Fe(III), Mn(II), and Co(II)] to form three complexes of Fe(III)-MTD-2-Amp (A), Mn(II)-MTD-2-Amp (B), and Co(II)-MTD-2-Amp (C) in an aqueous medium.
Results: The obtained colored complexes are spectrophotometrically measured for the previously mentioned complexes at 572, 473, and 465 nm, respectively. Under optimum conditions, the complexes exhibited apparent, molar absorptivities of 1810.62, 2954.18, and 2596.8 l/mol/cm, Sandell’s sensitivity of 0.132, 0.08, and 0.092 μg/cm2, and Beer–Lambert’s law is obeyed over the ranges 4–40, 4–32, and 4–40 μg/ml for the three developed methods, respectively.
Conclusion: The developed spectrophotometric methods showed excellent results in regard to accuracy and precision with recovery of 99.48±1.62%, 100.24±1.76%, and 100.72±1.65% of the complexes A, B, and C, respectively. The obtained results are compared statistically with a reported method with respect to t- and F-tests and the calculated results displayed no significant difference.
FORMULATION AND STABILITY EVALUATION OF ATENOLOL GEL IN TWO DIFFERENT BASES
Authors: CHAERUNISAA ANIS YOHANA , MITA SORAYA RATNAWULAN , RAHMAT DEWI DAILAH
Published: October 2019

Objective: The aim of the research about atenolol gel is to formulate and evaluate its stability in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and Aqupec HV-505 gel base.
Methods: Gels were formulated using Acupev HV-505 and HPMC at three different concentrations. Physicochemical evaluation and stability testing were performed including organoleptic examination, pH, viscosity, consistency, bleeding, qualitative analysis by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and quantitative analysis by UV-visible spectrophotometry during 56 days of storage. 
Results: Physicochemical evaluation showed that the best formula was the one with 1% Aqupec HV-505 base (FA2). Further investigation was conducted by varying atenolol concentration to study the influence on gel stability. Evaluation on organoleptic performance, pH, viscosity, consistency, bleeding, microbiology, and qualitative and quantitative stability testing using TLC and UV-visible Spectrophotometry during 56 days of storage showed that the best gel formula was FA22, the one using 1% Aqupec HV-505 with 0.5% Atenolol The patch test showed that all atenolol gels were safe to be used.
Conclusions: About 1% Aqupec HV-505 provided good physical properties and physicochemical stability to be used as gel base.
BETTERMENT OF DICLOFENAC-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY BY PENTOXIFYLLINE THROUGH MODULATION OF INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS
Authors: AL-KURAISHY HAYDER M. , AL-GAREEB ALI I. , HUSSIEN NAWAR RAAD
Published: October 2019

Objectives: Diclofenac-induced nephrotoxicity is caused by oxidative stress which leads to lipid peroxidation and formation of free radicals. Pentoxifylline can ameliorates renal tissue injury by its anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antioxidant effects, so it mitigates the progression of renal diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of pentoxifylline on diclofenac-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods: A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into three groups, Group 1 (n=10): Rats treated with distilled water 5 ml/kg plus normal saline 5 ml/kg for 12 days, Group 2 (n=10): Rats treated with distilled water 5 ml/kg plus diclofenac 15 mg/kg for 12 days, and Group 3 (n=10): Rats treated with pentoxifylline 100 mg/kg plus diclofenac 15 mg/kg for 12 days. Blood urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), glutathione reductase (GSH), neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecules (KIM-1) vitronectin (VTN), integrin (ITG) , interleukin-18 (IL-18) and cystatin-C were used to measure the severity of nephrotoxicity.

Results: Diclofenac-induced nephrotoxicity led to significant elevation in blood urea, serum creatinine, MDA, IL-18, KIM-1, NGAL, serum ITG, and VTN with decrease of SOD-1 and GSH sera levels p<0.05. Treatment with pentoxifylline showed no significant effect on all biomarker levels compared to diclofenac group except on serum level KIM-1 and serum VTN, p<0.05.

Conclusion: Pentoxifylline produced significant nephroprotective effect on diclofenac-induced nephrotoxicity through modulation of inflammatory biomarkers.