bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Russian Visual Art during the Last Third of the 16th and Early 17th Century: Problems of Periodization
Authors: Preobrazhensky Alexander
Published: May 2024

Russian figurative art of 1560s — 1600s is an important phenomenon about which researchers still have a vague idea. When reconstructing the process of formation and change of stylistic models characteristic of the era, one has to select carefully the artifacts that can demonstrate this evolution. As a working solution to the problem, the author proposes to make sequences of pieces selected not arbitrarily, but according to certain principles. We mean formation of compact groups of precisely dated metropolitan monuments possessing typological, thematical and technical unity. In our case, these are, firstly, embroidered shrouds (epitaphia) with a scene of the Lamentation of Christ, and secondly, book engravings depicting the authors of biblical texts. Comparison of images within each pictorial series and juxtaposition of the results obtained, which seem to generally coincide, make it possible to give a preliminary periodization of court art of this era. In future it should be verified by using monuments which belong to other forms and media of visual arts.
An Unpublished Minor Byzantine Chronicle “From Caesar to Michael VIII Palaiologos” (From Manuscript Paris. gr. 1788 of the Early 14th Century)
Authors: Kurysheva Marina
Published: May 2024

The article gives the description and analysis of an anonymous small Byzantine chronicle from the manuscript Paris. gr. 1788 of the early 14th century. This chronicle covers the period from the reign of the Roman emperor Gaius Julius Caesar to the Roman emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. It covers the events from 48 B. C. to 11 December 1282 A. D. This time span is conditioned by the idea of the continuous existence of the Roman state from its first emperor up to the iconic figure of the founder of the Palaiologan dynasty and the restorer of the Roman Empire. The chronicle was created shortly after 1282. It can be assumed that the text from the manuscript Paris, gr. 1788 is the copy from its original.
The Role of the Islamic Factor in the Daily Life of the Ruling Elite of Ottoman Egypt in the Second Half of the 18th Century
Authors: Smirnov Valerii
Published: May 2024

This article focuses on the religious practices of the ruling elite of Ottoman Egypt in the second half of the 18th century. The interest in this unstudied topic stems from the paradoxical situation that developed in the Egyptian Eyalet, one of the most important and authoritative religious and cultural centers of the Ottoman Empire. The majority of the autochthonous population were supporters of the Islamic faith, but the Egyptian ruling elite was reproduced at the expense of foreigners from Christian families. Accordingly, most of them were introduced to Islamic values only from the moment they entered the country. The main content of the study is the analysis of the peculiarities of spiritual and moral-value orientations of the ruling emirs of Egypt, as well as the study of the main forms of their daily religious practices. On the basis of the study of a wide range of sources it was established that the system of religious views prevailing in their community was a vivid example of religious syncretism, which included elements of Sunni Islam, Sufism, as well as folk traditions, superstitions and cults. As a result of the studies, the author concludes that the new generation of Egyptian military and political elite, that came to power in Egypt in the mid-18th century, was less sensitive to matters of religious faith than their predecessors. Nevertheless, Islam continued to play an important role in their everyday life, influencing their conduct patterns.
“People with a Human Appearance”: the Papuans of New Guinea at Exhibitions in Moscow and St. Petersburg in December 1910 — April 1911
Authors: Savitsky Evgeny
Published: May 2024

In December 1911, an entrepreneur of Greek origin, Angelo Koufakos, brought to Moscow three Papuans from New Guinea, their names, with some variations, are indicated as Noli, Lakki and Simvay. The Papuans were examined by Professor of Moscow University D. N. Anuchin and other specialists, which also attracted the attention of journalists from various newspapers. From late December 1910 to mid-January 1911, the Papuans were shown in the Moscow cinema “Grand Electro” on Tverskaya Street, and from late February to early April — in St. Petersburg, in the exhibition hall in the Eliseev house on Nevsky Prospect, and then in Cinema “Saturn”. February 4, 1911 one of the Papuans died in Moscow. The revealed publications devoted to these exhibitions, as well as the death of one Papuan, make it possible to reconstruct the circumstances of their recruitment and travel to Russia, the organization of their display to the general public, which is especially important, since such ethnic exhibitions, organized by individual entrepreneurs-adventurers, are much less studied than those that were arranged by large firms that had their own archives. The article examines the question discussed in modern historiography and in the public field, to what extent such exhibitions should be considered as odious “human zoos”, and to what extent — as acceptable and adequate forms of acquaintance with other cultures of that era, including for scientific purposes. Attention is also paid to the ways of representing this exhibition for the Russian public in newspapers and magazines of that time in the specific circumstances of the end of 1910 — beginning of 1911.
Aggravation of the Colonial Struggle in the Pacific Ocean in 1760—1770s
Authors: Petrov Alexander
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the struggle for colonies in the North Pacific in the context of the interaction between Russia, Great Britain and Spain in the second half of the 18th century, with an emphasis on the voyage of J. Cook to the coast of Alaska. The activity of Russia and the Western European powers related to the intensification of efforts in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean is considered. The article notes that the region studied by us has long attracted the attention of European countries. The factors that contributed to the development of the North-West of America are revealed. The authors show that it was a very complex and multifaceted process, in which various levels of state power, up to the emperors, participated. The importance of the initiative of private commercial companies in the colonization of territories is noted. The authors of the article draw attention to the fact that the expansion of the Spanish Empire became possible due to Madrid’s fears about the strengthening of Russia in the North Pacific. In turn, Great Britain carried out active intelligence activities, which resulted in a phase of military conflict at the end of the 18th century. On the basis of Russian and foreign documents introduced into scientific circulation for the first time, the authors of the article try to show the validity of the fears of the Madrid court regarding Russian colonization, as well as the ambitions of London in this region. Promotion of Russia to the northwest of America was due to economic and political reasons. The access to the Pacific Ocean of Russian private structures was caused by the desire to collect yasak from the indigenous peoples, as well as to obtain furs, which were highly valued in world markets. The article notes the changes in the position of Great Britain, Spain and Russia in relation to the colonies in the 18th century. It is concluded that, in general, the policy of Spain and Great Britain was aimed at curbing the Russian advance in the Pacific Ocean. Russian-Anglo-Spanish relations in the Northwest Pacific at the end of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century made a significant contribution to the subsequent active colonization of the North Pacific. The article was written using an interdisciplinary approach based on a wide range of sources from domestic and foreign archives.
Ideological Trends in European Colonisation in the 1920s – 1930s
Authors: Mirzekhanov Velikhan
Published: May 2024

The author focuses on the analysis of ideological trends of European colonisation in the 1920s – 1930s in the context of the emerging transformation of colonial policy in general. After the Great War, the European colonial empires were experiencing greater challenges in governing their colonies and were threatened by various revolutionary and anti-colonial movements. Colonial officials and propagandists along with the European political class hoped to meet the challenges that arose by reforming colonial policies. By and large, the key tenet of colonial ideology remained the following formula: achievements to demonstrate the practices of the colonisers and backwardness to characterise the local population. The colonial discourse of the 1920s and 1930s became more complex and was an apologia of European institutions and values. It explicitly posited the validity of the ideals of progress supposedly inevitably brought about by colonisation. Discussions and propaganda were dominated by the idea of 'humanist colonisation'. The ideologues and inspirers of colonial policy downplayed the real benefits that justified continued domination and emphasised, if not the complete unselfishness, then at least the great generosity of the colonisers' mission, which went beyond the interests of the imperial nation. They tried to soften the memory of the bloody events of the conquests by presenting them as a necessary price to pay for development and progress. The most significant contribution to the development of colonial ideology between the two world wars was the notion of the dual mandate formulated by Lord Lugard. According to this doctrine, the colonial power exercises the powers of the trustee and Europeans are entrusted with a dual mission: to improve the lives of subjugated peoples and to develop the capabilities of these countries for the benefit of humanity. This concept was a fictitious and artificial one, yet it made it possible to present colonisation as compatible with democratic imperatives, highlighting the possibility of evolution from colonial dependency to freedoms and representative institutions. The author concludes that in the 1920s – 1930s, colonial powers gradually shifted to a humanitarian rhetoric of colonial rule that was more in keeping with the spirit of the times. However, ideas and practices of differentiation and exclusion towards the indigenous population of the colonies continued to be normative. Thus, the opposition between Europeans and local populations remained a fundamental feature of colonial societies.
Chinese Writing: Soviet Experiments of the 1920s and 1930s
Authors: Sinitsyn Fedor
Published: May 2024

Attempts to translate Chinese writing from a hieroglyphic basis to a phonetic one have been known since the 19th century. In the 1920s in the Soviet Union, for political, “technical” and other reasons, a course was taken to transfer hieroglyphic writing to a Latin basis. This process also affected the Chinese language. The second reason for the course towards the romanization of Chinese writing was the hope of the USSR authorities for the development of the revolutionary movement in China — the Latin alphabet was considered to be one of the “revolutionization” aspects for Chinese population. In 1929, the “Project of the Chinese alphabet on a Latinized basis” was published in the USSR. In 1931, the revised project was approved at a conference in Vladivostok. However, the subsequent introduction of the new Chinese alphabet in the USSR gradually turned into clashes “with political overtones”. The main “stumbling block” was the orientation of this alphabet towards “foreign” (“English”) standards, which some Soviet experts considered a “gross political mistake.” After gradual shift away from romanization in the USSR in 1935 and Japan’s attack on China in 1937, the romanization of Chinese writing lost its relevance. In general, the experiment with Chinese writing was an original page of “language construction” in the USSR, although in fact it ended in failure.
Reviewers of “The Edinburgh Review” in the First Third of the 19th Century: Touches to a Collective Portrait
Authors: Eremin Vladimir
Published: May 2024

In 1802, the first issue of the literary and critical magazine “The Edinburgh Review” was published. Detailed anonymous reviews quickly gained popularity among the reading public and provoked the appearance of similar reviews. At the same time, statesmen, scientists, writers and publicists were behind the publications. The founders of the new magazine were young Edinburgh lawyers F. Jeffrey, F. Horner, H. Brougham and the Anglican priest S. Smith. Most of the reviewers were Scots who studied at local universities, where their teachers were often prominent representatives of the Scottish Enlightenment. They attended scientific societies and clubs, sympathized with the Whigs, and pursued careers in law, politics, universities, and literature. Many were well acquainted with representatives of the political establishment, and some, like S. Smith, even had family ties with them. The reviewers were united by the bonds of long-term friendship, often common views on socio-political processes, as well as participation in various joint ventures in addition to book criticism. Although this did not cancel out possible disagreements, which, however, did not make the critics sworn enemies. These circumstances make it possible to see in the group of authors a kind of community, which is based on similar ideas and numerous social connections, in addition to the formal writing of reviews. The common features in the biographies of the founders of the review and its authors allow us to take a broader look at the social, political and cultural processes in Great Britain at the end of the 18th — first third of the 19th centuries.
The View of the Soviet Authorities (Politburo, NKYU, NKID, etc.) of the 1923 Catholic Clergy Trial
Authors: Tokareva Evgenia
Published: May 2024

The article examines some previously unknown details of the 1923 Catholic clergy trial, which took place on March 21—26, 1923. According to the plans of the Soviet authorities, the trial was closely connected with the alleged trial against Patriarch Tikhon and was supposed, firstly, to demonstrate the same attitude towards both the Orthodox and the Catholic Church, and secondly, to serve as a kind of “trial balloon” for the future trial against the Patriarch. Most researchers consider the trial an important milestone in the anti-religious and anti-church policies of the Soviet government. Charges were brought against 15 priests and one layman, all of them were given various sentences. The trial attracted attention of foreign politicians and the world community, which entailed a number of negative consequences for Soviet foreign policy. The document attached to this article is being published for the first time and is a description of the last days of the St. Petersburg prelate Konstantin Budkevich, one of two people sentenced to death at this trial (the second person was Archbishop Jan (John) Tseplyak). He was executed on March 31, 1923 (J. Tseplyak execution was replaced by ten years of imprisonment). The document was drawn up by other convicted priests who were kept in the same cell with him.
Scientific and Technological Innovations as a Subject of Historical Policy: Basic Theoretical Models
Authors: Anikin Daniil
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the article is to analyze the use of images of scientific and technological innovations in historical policy. The novelty of such a statement of the question is to distinguish the collective memory of scientific communities and the use of individual memorial images in the context of the formation of the state historical agenda. The author identifies three main models of historical politics: antagonistic, cosmopolitan, agonistic. Within the framework of the antagonistic model, the emphasis is on the competition of various scientific communities for the priority of the most significant discoveries and inventions. The cosmopolitan model focuses on incorporating the achievements of individual communities into the overall process of increasing scientific knowledge on a global scale. The agonistic model allows you to build parallel memorial narratives, but leaves open the question of working out traumatic moments in the history of the development of scientific communities.
The GDR and the African National Congress: Aspects of Cooperation in the 1960s — 1980s
Authors: Balezin Alexander
Published: May 2024

The article examines the relations of the GDR and the ANC on the basis of archival documents of the ANC stored in the National Heritage and Culture Studies Centre at the University of Fort Hare (Alice, South Africa). The author shows, that the relations of the GDR with the ANC in the 1960s — 1980s were of the most diverse nature, gradually expanding and deepening. They were not limited to inter-party ties, the GDR Solidarity Committee played a big role in their development. With its participation, the ANC received direct financial assistance, as well as scholarships to train its activists in a wide range of specialties. The author introduces a whole layer of previously unknown archival materials and memoirs of ANC activists into scientific circulation. He concludes, that in terms of the level and volume of relations with the ANC, the GDR was the first of all the COMECON countries after the USSR. At the same time, unlike other COMECON countries, the struggle of the German socialist state for international recognition left a certain imprint on the relations of the GDR with the APK.
Coordination of National Economic Plans of the USSR and CMEA Countries
Authors: Safronov Alexey
Published: May 2024

The article describes the development and functioning of the mechanism for coordinating state long-term (five-year) economic development plans of the CMEA countries. Special attention is paid to the period of the late 1960s, when dissatisfaction with the achieved level of CMEA work, including in the field of coordination of plans, gave rise to a wide discussion about ways to reform CMEA, which resulted in the adoption of the Comprehensive Program of Socialist Economic Integration. Analysis of a mechanism of bilateral consultations, which became the main form of coordination of plans after the failure of Soviet attempts to increase the role of CMEA in 1962—1963, made possible to figure out the pros and cons of this mechanism. The article describes various Soviet proposals to change it made by the USSR State Planning Committee and the CMEA itself. It is shown that the USSR State Planning Committee resisted the ideas of strengthening the role of CMEA in the process of coordinating the plans of the CMEA countries. It is concluded that the State Planning Committee was guided not only by institutional competition. He sought to guarantee the Soviet economy from the consequences of rash decisions to increase supplies of fuel and raw materials to the European CMEA countries, which the State Planning Committee considered unprofitable.
The Development of Soviet Higher Education in the Context of Science and Technology Policy
Authors: Karateev Artem
Published: May 2024

The article discusses the influence of the Soviet science and technology policy on the structure of the higher education system, activities of the universities, the content of the educational process in the 1920s — 1930s. Particular attention is paid to the process of reorientation of higher education from the training of generalists to the training of narrowly specialized specialists and an increase in their output, due to the needs of the economy of the USSR during the period of accelerated industrialization.
Presidents of the USSR Academy of Sciences on the Development of Science and Industry
Authors: Tsypkina Anna
Published: May 2024

This article, based on published and unpublished sources, examines the continuity of the activities of the Commission for the Study of the Natural Productive Forces of the Country and the USSR State Committee for Science and Technology, the history of their cooperation with the Academy of Sciences, the State Planning Committee and other commissions. The emphasis was made on the activities of the presidents of the USSR Academy of Sciences, when CSPF (or SOPS in Russian) — Council for the Study of Productive Forces — finally entered the State Planning Committee as the successor to Commission for the study of natural productive forces (CNP or KEPS in Russian) and the coordination of research related to industry was entrusted to a new state body - the State Committee for Science and Technology. The activities of the State Committee for Science and Technology have been discussed in the literature, but the nuances of the work of this institution with the USSR Academy of Sciences are not shown properly. The assessment of the activities of the SCST by the leadership of the USSR Academy of Sciences, in particular by the presidents, was also poorly covered. The author also analyzes one of the early reports of the Joint State Political Directorate (JSPD or OGPU in Russian) on the role of the Academy of Sciences in the young Soviet management system. The general line of interaction between administrative authorities and the USSR Academy of Sciences since the 1920s to 1960s is shown. The results that were obtained thanks to the activities of the Presidents of the Academy A. N. Nesmeyanov and M. V. Keldysh on the way to establishing productive interaction between production, economics and science were revealed. The author reviews the proposal of A. N. Nesmeyanov to make the Department of Technical Sciences as “the headquarters of Soviet science.” An analysis of the documents allows to conclude that in addition to combining administrative and scientific positions, as well as outstanding organizational abilities, the presidents in their attempts to regulate the balance of fundamental and applied research were helped by popularization activities, to which they assigned a significant role. This article, based on published and unpublished sources, shows the views of the presidents of the USSR Academy of Sciences on the coordination of science and industry.
Cultural or Economic Nation? The Concept of “Cultural Economy” in the Contemporary Germany‘s Political Discourse
Authors: Yurin Alexander
Published: May 2024

The conceptualization and dissemination of the concept of “cultural economics” has significantly influenced the idea of culture in Germany. In recent decades, culture is increasingly represented as one of the most important factors of economic development, whereas cultural economy as one of the most significant economic sectors with a large number of employees and impressive revenues. Based on the methodology of historical semantics and historical sociology, the article provides a multifaceted study of the concept of “cultural economics”. The concept has become an indicator and driver of the revision of cultural policy in Germany in recent decades, which has led to significant changes in both institutional design and discourse about culture. The introduction of this concept into the election campaign texts of the largest political parties in Germany entailed a modification of the political discourse about culture. This has led to the fact that sections of election programs dedicated to culture increasingly contain financial, economic and industrial vocabulary. Such changes in the political discourse about culture have led to a new contextualization, resemantization and a change in the relationship between the basic concepts of “cultural nation” and “economic nation” in relation to contemporary Germany.
Russia and the Scandinavian-Baltic Region: Countries and Peoples in a Changing World. 19th — 20th centuries. On the 25th Anniversary of the Centre for the History of Northern Europe and the Baltic of the Institute of World History of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Authors: Mikhailova Yulia
Published: May 2024

On November 16—17, 2023, the Centre for the History of Northern Europe and the Baltics (Institute of World History RAS) held an all-Russian scientific conference “Russia and the Scandinavian-Baltic region: countries and peoples in a changing world. 19th — 20th centuries” This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Сentre's founding. A number of reports presented attempts to summarize the results of the Centre’s work over a quarter of a century. The theme was formulated quite broadly, which allowed its participants to exchange the latest results of their research on current issues in the history and politics of different countries represented in the region being studied. Among the topics were domestic and foreign policy, issues of mutual representations of peoples, national minorities, economic and environmental problems, etc. The conference was attended by scientists from many Russian scientific and educational organizations in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Voronezh, and from Vitebsk (Republic of Belarus).
The Novodevichy Convent in the Mirror of Urban Legends
Authors: Mayer Anastasiya
Published: May 2024

The article explores the Novodevichy Convent, a significant center in the religious, cultural, and political life of the Russian state. It aims to reveal the legendary character of the monastery and connect it with historical reality by examining urban legends and myths. The author has collected the legends presented in this article from various sources, including local history and popular science literature, mass media, the Internet, and personal interactions with Muscovites from 2008 to 2018. The legendary image and historical narrative of Moscow’s Novodevichy Convent are closely linked with Russia’s history. The primary themes of the legends encompass how the area’s name, where the monastery is situated, is interpreted, the monastery’s own naming conventions, narratives surrounding the monastery’s construction, as well as accounts of “miraculous” and “magical” events on its premises.
Orphanages of the Empress Maria's Department in the Imperial Practice of Acculturation on the National Outskirts of the Russian Empire (on the Example of the Samarkand Region of the Turkestan Governor-General) in the Late 19th — Early 20th Century
Authors: Brezhneva Svetlana
Published: May 2024

In the imperial practice of Russia in the Turkestan Governor-General, acculturation was envisaged, which presupposes the process of cultural interaction between the newcomer Russian and the local population. Due to the significant difference in the cultural characteristics of the peoples, the Russian Empire preferred to test its laws first on the Russian-speaking population of the governorate. This concerns issues of charity and the creation of orphanages. In the proposed article, based on archival material introduced into scientific circulation for the first time, the problems arising in the Samarkand regional guardianship and the Samarkand orphanage at the turn of the 19th — 20th century, concerning all aspects of children's lives, are considered.
In Vitro Anti-oxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of the Leaves of Stereospermum sauveolens (Roxb.) DC
Authors: Shiny Evangelin I. , Hariprassath B. , Sangeeth Kumar S. , Yaswanth G. , Shanthi S. , Morais Shabna Roupal , Latha S.
Published: May 2024

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition characterised by a persistent rise in blood glucose levels. Diabetes is just one of the many disorders that can be treated using natural remedies made from plants. Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC, belongs to the family Bignoniaceae, commonly known as Padri. It is employed as a folk remedy in southern India to cure diabetes. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the potential anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of S. suaveolens (Roxb.) DC leaves through phytochemical screening and in vitro assays. Methods: Leaves of S. suaveolens (Roxb.) DC were collected and processed to obtain a hydroalcoholic extract. The extract was subjected to qualitative analysis to identify the presence of various phytochemical constituents. The free radical scavenging activity of the extract was evaluated using Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay and DPPH racial scavenging assay. In vitro anti-diabetic studies were performed through α-amylase inhibition assay and glucose uptake assay. Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of S. suaveolens (Roxb.) DC leaves exhibited the presence of bioactive compounds. The extract demonstrated dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity in the in vitro antioxidant assays. The extract showed remarkable inhibitory activity against α-amylase, suggesting its potential in controlling carbohydrate digestion. Also the extract significantly enhanced glucose uptake by yeast cells, indicating its potential to regulate blood glucose levels. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of S. suaveolens (Roxb.) DC leaves possesses both antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. These results suggest its potential as a natural medicinal agent for the management and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
An Evidence-based Systematic Review of Pleiotropic Potential Health Benefits of Sorghum bicolor Supplement: A Polyphenol-rich Derivative of the Leaf Sheaths of Sorghum Plant
Authors: Adebesin Adaeze , Omogbiya Adrian Itivere , Oluwole Oluwafemi Gabriel , Okubena Olajuwon , Asomadu Rita Onyekachukwu , Afolabi Michael O. S. , Lobo Makanjuola Samira B. , Ajonuma Louis Chukwuemeka , Dosunmu Adedoyin O. , Otitoloju Ololade , Umukoro Solomon
Published: May 2024

Globally, across different cultures, humans have historically depended largely on medicinal plants for managing diseases that have hitherto threatened their optimal health, survival, and longevity. Evidently, the health-derived benefits of medicinal plants have been strongly attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites, particularly polyphenols. The potential health benefits of the leaf sheaths of the West African variety of Sorghum bicolor-based Jobelyn Supplement (SBJS) have also been ascribed to its high contents of polyphenols. This systematic review seeks to synthetically harmonize findings from various experimental and clinical studies on the health benefits of SBJS in different disease conditions including arthritis, cancer, chronic viral infections, stroke, anaemia, and premature aging. A systematic search was conducted using three primary databases (PubMed, Europe PMC, and Cochrane Library), to identify published articles on therapeutic potentials of SBJS and ethnomedicinal surveys on the application of the West African variety of S. bicolor using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) standard. The inclusion criteria were experimental and clinical studies conducted on SBJS and West African variety of S. bicolor; while ethnomedicinal surveys were on the therapeutic uses of the West African variety of S. bicolor published in the English language. The review provides valuable information suggesting that SBJS possesses pleiotropic therapeutic potentials in diverse pathological conditions through mechanisms relating to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, chemopreventive, and neuroprotective activities. The review also showed that SBJS contains several bioactive substances with polyvalent pharmacological potentials including modulation of pathological mechanisms involved in the mediation of aging and age-related diseases, such as arthritis, stroke, memory loss and cancer as well as chronic viral infections. Taken together, these findings further suggest the need for more robust studies (including disease-specific clinical trial programs) in order to replicate and validate the prior insights gleaned from previous investigations on SBJS.
Traditional Healing of Bone Fracture Complications Through Wild Plants in Hamirpur, India
Authors: Bhatti Ram Chand , Hussain Sabir , Singh Siril , Bhatti Himanika , Nirmala Chongtham , Singh Anand Narain
Published: May 2024

Wild plants have a medicinal sense that can be applied to treat different ailments of the human body worldwide. They have been assessed for pharmacological, pharmaceutical, nutritional and ecological significance. In the present work, an effort has been made to conduct an ethnobotanical survey in the Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh from 2012 to 2019. Key informants were identified in the preliminary study and information was collected by conducting semi-structured and open interviews. The focus was primarily on the wild plant the residents used to treat bones and related complications for ages. The local people employed 23 main ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 15 families for the same purpose. The Citation Frequency (CF) and Medicinal Importance Value (MIV) of wild plants were evaluated. It varied from 0.68 to 10.63 and 1.16 to 42.2, respectively. The highest CF was observed for Cissus quadrangularis (10.63) and lowest for Peristrophe bicalyculata (0.68), whereas the highest (42.12) MIV was calculated for Cissus quadrangularis and lowest (1.16) for Cleome viscosa. The present study found that Cissus quadrangularis, Tinospora cordifolia, Celastrus paniculata, Litsea glutinosa, Cuscuta reflexa, Soymida febrifuga and Osyris arborea are traditionally important ethno-medicinal plants for the treatment of bone problems, such as hematoma formation, inflammation and repair.
Evaluating the Efficacy of a Polyherbal Formulation in Ameliorating Arthritis Induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant
Authors: Chitra V. , Damodharan N. , Narasimha K. G. V. , Yerragopu Anil Kumar , Saka Vara Prasad , Sandopa Dhanunjaya
Published: May 2024

Background: This study investigates the antiarthritic potential of a polyherbal formulation (PHF) comprising extracts from Tinospora cordifolia, Rosa damescena, and Acacia leucoploea in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disorder with debilitating consequences. PHF's impact on joint inflammation, bone degradation, and cartilage preservation were evaluated. Methods: Arthritis was induced using complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), and animals were treated with PHF (200 and 400 mg/kg), prednisolone, or control treatments for 28 days. Parameters including body weight, paw volume, arthritis severity score, hematological parameters, serum markers (creatinine, ALP, total proteins), cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10), and radiographic changes were assessed. Results: CFA-treated rats exhibited significant body weight loss, paw edema, increased arthritis severity scores, altered hematological parameters, and elevated serum markers compared to normal controls. PHF treatment at both doses mitigated body weight loss, reduced paw edema, and improved arthritis severity scores. Hematological changes induced by CFA were also attenuated by PHF treatment. Serum creatinine, ALP, and total protein levels, elevated in CFA-treated rats, were significantly improved by PHF. Furthermore, PHF modulated cytokine levels, decreasing IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α while increasing IL-10. Radiographic analysis displayed reduced joint damage in PHF-treated rats compared to CFA controls. Conclusion: This comprehensive investigation highlights PHF's potential to mitigate the inflammatory processes associated with RA, as evidenced by improved clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters. The study underscores the promise of traditional botanical compounds in managing RA and suggests PHFs as novel therapeutic options. Further mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate the exact pathways involved.
Archaeobotanical Elucidation of Moringa oleifera: It’s Biological, Ethnopharmacological and Phytochemical Activities
Authors: Mazumder Sujayita , Ghosh Somsubhra , Bose Sankhadip , Chakraborty Atyurmila , Dinda Subas Chandra
Published: May 2024

Moringa oleifera (family Moringaceae) was originally first found in India now it has been cultivated in various regions of the world. The architecture of a plant is an endogenous morphological growth pattern through which the plant develops its shape. Analysing plant architecture is important for the understanding of plant growth, and branching patterns. A high source of natural phytochemical compounds is present in Moringa, and plant parts have high nutritional value. Moringa is used in animal feeding systems to fight malnutrition in India and Africa. The potency of Moringa is evaluated for its effectiveness on rats and humans, among other animals. It is a safe, affordable, and effective pharmacological and dietary option. M. oleifera is a fantastic food crop with clear economic, medicinal, and nutritional advantages. Moringa contains Alkaloids, vincristine, vinblastine, kaempferitrin, isoquercitrin, kaempherol, polyphenols and flavonoids that may be present in Moringa. Moringa leaves contain vitamin C and beta-carotene which act against free radicals. Quercetin acts as an antioxidant property and chlorogenic acid, polyphenol act as an antioxidant and anticancer activity. The presence of 4-L-rhamnosyloxybenzyl isothiocyanate is responsible for showing the antibacterial activity of the root. Moringa is used as a superfood supplement and has immune booster properties. Ethnopharmacological activity of Moringa includes antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, analgesic, chronic periodontitis, antipyretic, cardio protecting, anti-asthmatic, antispasmodic, promoting breast milk production, biogas production and water filtration properties. Numerous studies have shown that it can control physiological processes, as well as both prevent and treat illnesses. Nowadays researchers developed Moringa oleifera leaf nanoparticles that show antidiabetic and antiproliferative activity against human cancer lines and others. In clinical or human studies, lower doses of Moringa were not associated with any negative effects or toxicities.
Exploring Nephroprotective Properties of Wedelia chinensis: In Vitro, In Silico, and In Vivo Investigations
Authors: Gautam Durgesh Toliram , Venkatachalam T. , Senthilkumar S. R.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this research work is to investigate the nephroprotective efficacy of Wedelia chinensis leaf extracts against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity for in vitro, in silico, and in vivo techniques. The extracts of Wedelia chinensis leaf rich in flavonoids were subjected to an in silico method for ligands and target proteins. The results of the in vitro antioxidant study of extracts were tested for cytoprotective MTT assay and anti-inflammatory efficacy by protein denaturation assay using Human Embryonic Kidney cells (HEK293). The in vivo nephroprotective potential of the extract was evaluated with the two doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight in gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats. The biochemical parameters observed for changes in the histopathology of the kidney. While comparing with other extracts of Wedelia chinensis Hydroalcoholic Extract (WCHAE) shows great binding affinity with bonding interactions of flavonoids and phenolics-based ligands observed with the target proteins that provided early information. The in vitro cell lines study revealed no cytotoxicity and better anti-inflammatory effect on HEK293 cells with cytoprotective and nephroprotective efficacy of WCHAE. The in vivo nephroprotective activity improved at a dose of 500mg/kg of WCHAE than Wedelia chinensis Ethanolic Extract (WCEE). The histopathological findings revealed the improvement in gentamicin-induced renal toxicity by the WCHAE orally treated group compared to normal and negative control groups. These results of WCHAE are more satisfactorily effective than WCEE with marked in vitro antioxidant, and cytoprotective effects in HEK293 cells. In in silico docking, it shows good interaction scores of ligands for target proteins like (kidney injury molecule) KIM-1 and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NAGAL) that helps to correlate nephroprotective potential benefits of antioxidants in plant extracts against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
Formulation and Evaluation of Amomum sublatum Leaf Oil Incorporated Pluronic Matrix Type Transdermal Patches in Percutaneous Absorption
Authors: Das Sudip , Sarkar Bapi Ray , Gupta Koushik Sen
Published: May 2024

A matrix type of transdermal patch formulations having different types of hydrophilic, hydrophobic polymer components Diclofenac potassium (Diclofenac K) served as the model drug and penetration enhancer for topical delivery in this research, employing the USP7 apparatus for dissolution studies. Transdermal patches loaded with Amomum sublatum leaf volatile oil (utilized penetration enhancer) were formulated using the solvent evaporation technique, incorporating varying amounts of pluronic F-127 and ethyl cellulose based on 15 formulations designed by the Box Behnken model. The prepared patches underwent evaluation for various physicochemical parameters, including tensile toughness, moisture content, and moisture uptake. In vitro diffusion studies were conducted using the USP7 apparatus dedicated to transdermal drug release investigations. The optimized formulation, F10, exhibited a drug release of 82% over 24 hours in the in vitro diffusion study. All the transdermal matrix-type formulations demonstrated satisfactory results, indicating that the developed matrix-type transdermal patch, containing different polymers and the A. sublatum leaf volatile oil penetration enhancer, holds potential for transdermal delivery in the treatment of pain and swelling.
Mixture Design-driven Statistical Optimization and Method Validation in HPTLC: Targeting Rutin, Quercetin, and Gallic Acid
Authors: Jariwala Jitesh K. , Parmar Ghanshyam R. , Ramani Vinodkumar D. , Vaishnav Devendra J. , Solanki Naishad I. , Shah Dhiren P.
Published: May 2024

Rutin (RT), Quercetin (QT), and Gallic Acid (GA) are recognized for their potent antioxidant and anticancer properties, prevalent across numerous plant species. The precise quantification of RT, QT, and GA is pivotal for evaluating the therapeutic potential of plant-based substances. In response, a new, straightforward, cost-effective, and reliable method using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) has been developed and validated for the quantification of these compounds. The mobile phase optimization employed a mixture design approach, achieving chromatographic separation with a mobile phase mixture of toluene, ethyl acetate, menthol, and formic acid at specific ratios (3.56:3.70:0.94:1.80 v/v/v/v/v/v/v/v). Silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates were utilized for the analysis. The retention factors (Rf) observed for RT, GA, and QT were 0.21, 0.58, and 0.74, respectively. This method demonstrated a robust linear relationship for concentrations ranging from 400 to 2000 ng per band, with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.9921 for RT, 0.9936 for QT, and 0.9912 for GA. The Limits of Detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were established at 100.84, 102.38, and 84.54 ng per band for LOD, and 305.58, 310.25, and 256.18 ng per band for LOQ, respectively, for RT, QT, and GA. This validated HPTLC method developed through a Design of Experiment (DoE) approach was successfully employed for the quantification of GA, QT, and RT from the fruits of Adansonia digitata and leaves of Grewia asiatica ethanolic extracts.
In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activity of E. littorale Extract on Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zanwar Sachin B. , Patel Kirti V. , Mandhane Sanjay N.
Published: May 2024

Enicostemma littorale Blume is a perennial herb of the Gentianaceae family. It has been noted that different parts of the plant have hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, antibacterial, and hypoglycemic properties. The aim of the current study was to assess the anticancer potential of the plant in vitro as well as in vivo animal studies. First, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of the extracts in HepG2 cells. The alcoholic extract exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. In HepG2 cells, the extract’s anticancer activity was observed with an IC50 value of 373 ± 3.0 µg/mL. Following in vitro studies, the in vivo anticancer effectiveness of the extract was evaluated using a xenograft model. Vehicle-treated mice showed a time-dependent increase in tumor volume. Mice treated with the extract showed a decrease in tumor growth as compared to vehicle treated group, indicating the anticancer activity of the extract in tumor xenografts study. On day 21, a marked reduction in tumor volume was noted. The findings of the study suggest that the alcoholic extract of E. littorale is effective against hepatocellular carcinoma. To fully understand the anticancer potential of E. littorale, further research with specific phytoconstituents is required.
Diabetes mellitus tipo 2: Latinoamérica y Colombia, análisis del último quinquenio
Authors: Acosta Ruiza Laura Ximena , Angarita Merchán Maritza , Orjuela Vargas Liliana
Published: May 2024

Introducción: la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (dmt2) es una enfermedad crónica considerada un problema de salud pública; esta patología se identifica por una hiperglucemia crónica con disturbios en el metabolismo de los glúcidos, grasas, proteínas y carbohidratos como resultado de defectos de la secreción y/o acción de la insulina. Objetivo: realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre el comportamiento de la dmt2 en Latinoamérica y Colombia en los últimos cinco años. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda de artículos en español e inglés en las bases de datos Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Springer, ProQuest y Scielo, publicados entre 2016 y 2021, usando las palabras clave validadas en DeCS, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, factores de riesgo, enfermedad crónica, insulina, hiperglucemia, de donde se seleccionaron 50 artículos. Resultados: se observó en la revisión realizada que los factores de riesgo para adquirir diabetes mellitus tipo 2 son estilos de vida inadecuados, sedentarismo, antecedentes familiares, características sociodemográficas, socioeconómicas, poblaciones menores a los 55 años de edad, hábitos alimentarios inadecuados, el consumo excesivo de alcohol, tabaquismo y poblaciones con deserción escolar. Conclusión: se encontró que la población con mayor riesgo de dmt2 se encuentra entre los 18 a 55 años de edad, y cuyos factores de riesgo son independientes de la cultura y rasgos genéticos; por tanto, son modificables, como cambios en el estilo de vida y alimentación, controlando así la posibilidad de padecer dmt2.
Factores asociados a infarto agudo del miocardio en usuarios de un programa de rehabilitación cardiovascular
Authors: Cobo-Mejía Elisa Andrea , Quino-Ávila Aura Cristina , Rojas-García Yasmin Maryuri , Hernández-Siachoque Cindy Lorena , Pérez-Triviño Anggie Paola
Published: May 2024

el infarto agudo de miocardio (iam) es una patología prevenible con el abordaje de los factores modificables, por lo que es de interés en la salud pública. Objetivo: identificar los factores asociados al iam en pacientes con hipertensión arterial. Material y métodos: diseño transversal con fase correlacional, muestra de 130 historias clínicas del programa Amigos del Corazón, del Hospital Universitario San Rafael de Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia, para el año 2016, seleccionados con la técnica de muestreo aleatorio simple. Resultados: respecto a los factores no modificables, la media de edad fue de 70 años y peso de 65 kg. El 54,6 % fue de sexo masculino; un 40,8 % de estrato medio-bajo. El comportamiento de los factores modificables se dio así, consumo de alcohol, un 30,8 % lo refirió; un 60 %, fumadores, y un 94,6 %, sedentarios. El 84,6 % manejaba cifras normales altas de tensión arterial, un 44,6 % reportó sobrepeso, un 53,1 % consumió fármacos, de los cuales el 29,2 % recibió insulina y un 33,1 % antidepresivos, el 46,2 % presentó riesgo cardiovascular moderado. Además, en un 92,3 % se observan cifras de colesterol normal, el 32,3 % está diagnosticado con diabetes tipo ii y un 43,8 % presentó iam. Así, se evidencia asociación entre el iam con la administración de insulina (p = 0,003), antidepresivos (p = 0,021) y con la comorbilidad de diabetes tipo ii (p = 0,001). Conclusiones: como factores de riesgo asociados al iam se identificaron que son modificables, y como factor protector se destaca la administración de insulina.