bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic selection for growth drives differences in intestinal microbiota composition and parasite disease resistance in gilthead sea bream
Authors: Piazzon M. Carla , Naya-Català Fernando , Perera Erick , Palenzuela Oswaldo , Sitjà-Bobadilla Ariadna , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume
Published: September 2020

Background: The key effects of intestinal microbiota in animal health has led to an increasing interest in manipulating these bacterial populations to improve animal welfare. The aquaculture sector is no exception and in the last years many studies have described these populations in different fish species. However, this is not an easy task, as intestinal microbiota is composed of very dynamic populations that are influenced by different factors, such as diet, environment, host age and genetics. In the current study, we aimed to determine whether the genetic background of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) influences the intestinal microbial composition, how these bacterial populations are modulated by dietary changes, and the effect of selection by growth on intestinal disease resistance. To that aim, three different groups of five families of gilthead sea bream that were selected during two generations for fast, intermediate or slow growth (F3 generation) were kept together in the same open-flow tanks and fed a control or a well-balanced plant-based diet during nine months. Six animals per family and dietary treatment were sacrificed and the adherent bacteria from the anterior intestinal portion were sequenced. In parallel, fish of the fast- and slow-growth groups were infected with the intestinal parasite Enteromyxum leei and the disease signs, prevalence, intensity and parasite abundance were evaluated. Results: No differences were detected in alpha diversity indexes among families, and the core bacterial architecture was the prototypical composition of gilthead sea bream intestinal microbiota, indicating no dysbiosis in any of the groups. The plant-based diet significantly changed the microbiota in the intermediate- and slow-growth families, with a much lower effect on the fast-growth group. Interestingly, the smaller changes detected in the fast-growth families potentially accounted for more changes at the metabolic level when compared to the other families. Upon parasitic infection, the fast-growth group showed significantly lower disease signs and parasite intensity and abundance than the slow-growth animals. Conclusions: These results show a clear genome-metagenome interaction indicating that the fast-growth families harbor a microbiota that is more flexible upon dietary changes. These animals also showed a better ability to cope with intestinal infections.
Chordoid Glioma of the Third Ventricular with Rare Patterns and Mutation in PRKCA: a case report and review of literature
Authors: ma xiaomei , zhu zhi , wang yin , li weiqing
Published: September 2020

Background: Chordoid gliomas are rare, low-grade neoplasms of the third ventricle. In the updated 4th edition of the 2016 WHO classification of tumours of the CNS, it described some three less common histological patterns and rare tissue patterns. Case presentation:Here we reported a case with all the uncommon patterns. It was a 52-year-old woman with dizziness and blurred vision. Imaging showed a solid tumor located in the third ventricle with a well-circumscribed border. Histological, almost tumor cells formed into atypical glands with different sizes and irregular shapes in an abundant of solid or loosely collagen matrix. Some tumor cells formed into papillary patterns, micro-papillary patterns. pseudoglandular patterns. Some focal tumor cells were spindle-shape. Only few epithelioid tumor cells formed into clusters and cords embedded into a myxoid stroma like the chordoma. No anaplastic features were identified in any lesion. Immunohistochemically, all the tumor cells were strong reactivity for TTF-1. Some tumor cells strong but focal reactivity for GFAP, NEU-N, and CD34. It showed a recurrent D463H missense mutation in PRKCA. All these findings confirm that the diagnosis was chordoid glioma of the third ventricular. Conclusions: There may be lots of histopathological features in one chordoid glioma case. It maybe suggested that PRKCA D463H mutation and TTF-1 positive may help to diagnose it.
Defensive behaviors of Tropidurus catalanensis Gudynas & Skuk, 1983 (Squamata, Tropiduridae)
Authors: Maia-Carneiro Thiago , Langie-Santos Simone , Navas Carlos Arturo
Published: September 2020

Tropidurus catalanensis Gudynas & Skuk, 1983 (Squamata, Tropiduridae) is a lizard species found in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Here, we present defensive behaviors performed by T. catalanensis, adding information about how these lizards avoid predation. Our observations were in an introduced urban population in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, where individuals performed immobility, locomotor escape by running and climbing, squirreling, tail waving, tail lifting, mouth opening, forced escape, and cloacal discharge. When approached by the potential predator, T. catalanensis tended to stay immobile, but always ran off with further approximation. After locomotor escape, some individuals displayed squirreling - i.e., flight from a side of tree or rock towards the opposite side of it - in order to conceal their presence and difficult visual detection. After flight, a T. catalanensis performed squirreling in a tree and climbed it along the trunk and a limb reaching a height of almost 6 m from the ground, which might difficult or impede capture by predators coming from below. Other individuals of T. catalanensis also did squirreling climbing up to lower heights on lower trees. When manipulated, a T. catalanensis undulated its tail trying to distract the potential predator in order to escape. Another T. catalanensis lifted its tail, which might also serve as a distraction to predators besides deceiving them by making a lizard look longer and/or bigger. While handled, some T. catalanensis opened their mouths in a threatening display and forced freeing. After capture, T. catalanensis discharged intestinal contents out of their cloaca. Discharges had solid and liquid fractions and repulsive taste and smell. The defensive behaviors reported here are likely advantageous for escaping and increasing chances of survival of lizards.
Impact of Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel (Rutaceae) extracts on lifespan and oxidative stress markers in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 (Diptera)
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Sunita Sunita , Bhan Veer
Published: September 2020

The free radicals (ROS and RNS) damage to proteins, DNA, lipids of the cell. These free radicals creates the imbalance in physiological functions and acts as a prevalent cause of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, aging, oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome by dysfunction of antioxidant enzyme system of cell. Using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 (Diptera) as a model we examined the antioxidant properties of Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel (Rutaceae) on the life history parameters. We demonstrate a novel physiological interaction between free radicals, oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme system by using extracts of M. koenigii in standard diet of the fly. This study describes how this interaction impacts a very early cellular defect associated with ageing and ageing associate diseases. We also describe progressive deficits in flies expressing the superoxide dismutase gene, catalase and lipid peroxidation. Collectively, our work demonstrates that Drosophila can be used to study the cellular, physiological and behavioral basis of human ageing related diseases.
The impacts of gender education on female entreprenuership: Breaking the glass ceilings for a prosperous new Nigeria
Authors: Scent Grace A.-T. , Chukwu Christian Chima , Emerinwe Obuzor Mezewo
Published: September 2020

Gender education and entrepreneurship have become worldwide phenomena for women, particularly in patriarchy societies where all kinds of discriminations, subjugation against them are frightening realities of contemporary times. As a result, female entrepreneurship has been weighed down by poor education, social norms, and lack of access to free credit facilities. It is in this context that this paper examines the impacts of gender education on female entrepreneurship in Enugu urban, Enugu state, Nigeria. A survey design was employed and 300 respondents were selected using the simple random sampling technique. Out of this number of respondents, only 280 (90.33%) structured questionnaire were returned and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The distribution of the respondents showed 210 (75%) were female entrepreneurs, while 70 respondents (25%) were male entrepreneurs. Among the findings, an overwhelming majority of the respondents are of the view that the female entrepreneurs are important for the socio-economic transformation of the Enugu State, and by extension, Nigeria. Secondly, the study agrees that there is hardly a society where gender stereotypes do not exist but that these aspects of the gender belief system which are anti- female entrepreneurs' development have been over taken by the power of gender education. In addition, the study shows that gender education is the most viable and veritable vehicle for guaranteeing and sustaining female entrepreneurs to continue to expand entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Thirdly, this study has presented a different picture of women making some tremendous efforts in spite of all odds cannot be underestimated because their contributions have been remarkable despite the challenges they face in their quest to transform the patriarchal Igbo society, especially Enugu State. Based on this, the study concludes that the contributions of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria's entrepreneurship development cannot be underestimated because their contributions have been remarkable despite the challenges they face. In this vein, the study suggests that gender education should be a priority to halt all forms of discriminatory practices against female entrepreneurs and in the same vein, calls for elimination of prejudices and customary practices that are based on the idea of the inferiority or superiority of either sex or on stereotyped roles for men and women. Above all, government should, through financial institutions, grant free interest loans to encourage female entrepreneurs plunge themselves into businesses to sustain the breaking of the glass ceilings.
Identidad y distribución de Bouteloua reederorum (Poaceae: Chloridoideae), una especie endémica de México
Authors: Sandoval Ortega Manuel Higinio , Siqueiros Delgado María Elena , Cerros Tlatilpa Rosa , Pérez Molphe Balch Eugenio
Published: September 2020

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Bouteloua es uno de los géneros más importantes en los pastizales de Norteamérica, especialmente en México, donde se distribuye 92% de los taxones descritos para este grupo, 25 de los cuales son endémicos. Uno de estos es Bouteloua reederorum, que ha sido confundido con B. stolonifera, ocasionando que sea reportado en estados de la república en donde no se encuentra. El objetivo del presente trabajo es aclarar la identidad de B. reederorum y proporcionar una descripción morfológica detallada con fotografías de estructuras importantes para su identificación, así como un mapa de distribución para esta especie.Métodos: Se revisó el material depositado en los herbarios ARIZ, HUAA, HUAP, HUMO, IEB, INEGI, MEXU, XAL y las colecciones digitales MO, P y US y la plataforma JSTOR, para obtener registros de B. reederorum. Con base en esta información se determinaron los puntos de colecta, que fueron visitados de septiembre de 2017 a agosto de 2019 en busca de poblaciones de esta especie, donde se colectaron ejemplares. El material colectado fue identificado y revisado para elaborar una descripción morfológica con fotografías de características importantes para la identificación de la especie. Con los datos tomados en campo, material de herbario y colecciones digitales se realizó un mapa de distribución de B. reederorum.Resultados clave: Bouteloua reederorum y B. stolonifera pueden distinguirse fácilmente por caracteres morfológicos como la ramificación de sus inflorescencias y la forma de la lígula. Bouteloua reederorum se encuentra restringida al Valle de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, ubicado entre Puebla y Oaxaca. Aunque generalmente las espiguillas masculinas de B. reederorum no tienen flósculos rudimentarios, en raras ocasiones pueden desarrollar uno, similar al de las espiguillas femeninas.Conclusiones: Bouteloua reederorum es distinta de Bouteloua stolonifera (= Cyclostachya stolonifera). Es necesario realizar estudios fenológicos para determinar si B. reedeorum puede ser dioica.
Impacto de quemas prescritas en la estabilidad del escurrimiento superficial en un bosque de pino
Authors: Urrutia Hernández Isyoel , Rodríguez Alfaro Beatriz , González Menéndez Modesto , Martínez Becerra Luís Wilfredo , Flores Garnica José Germán , Alonso Torrens Yatsunaris
Published: September 2020

En este trabajo se exponen los resultados obtenidos de la aplicación y manejo del fuego en ecosistemas de coníferas en la Empresa Agroforestal La Palma, Pinar del Río, Cuba, con el propósito de buscar alternativas versátiles y económicas para su aplicación dentro del manejo de los recursos forestales. Aunque en Cuba las quemas prescritas tienen pocos antecedentes, esta práctica se lleva a cabo en varios países como una herramienta de apoyo a sus planes de manejo integral forestal. La poca atención que se da en Cuba al uso y manejo del fuego se debe a que existe poca información sobre sus efectos a mediano y a largo plazo en los ecosistemas forestales. En este trabajo se analizan algunos aspectos de la influencia de las quemas prescritas tales como: definición, época de aplicación, efectos del fuego sobre el material combustible, vegetación y escurrimiento superficial. Se encontró que las quemas prescritas pueden ser una alternativa de apoyo dentro del manejo integral forestal ya que reducen la carga del material combustible y el riesgo de ocurrencia de incendios forestales; además permiten mitigar el efecto de los incendios forestales sobre el escurrimiento superficial y contribuyen a la conservación de los ecosistemas de pinares.
E-Cigarette Promotion on Twitter in Australia: Content Analysis of Tweets
Authors: McCausland Kahlia , Maycock Bruce , Leaver Tama , Wolf Katharina , Freeman Becky , Thomson Katie , Jancey Jonine
Published: September 2020

Background

The sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) containing nicotine is prohibited in all Australian states and territories; yet, the growing availability and convenience of the internet enable the promotion and exposure of e-cigarettes across countries. Social media’s increasing pervasiveness has provided a powerful avenue to market products and influence social norms and risk behaviors. At present, there is no evidence of how e-cigarettes and vaping are promoted on social media in Australia.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate how e-cigarettes are portrayed and promoted on Twitter through a content analysis of vaping-related tweets containing an image posted and retweeted by Australian users and how the portrayal and promotion have emerged and trended over time.

Methods

In total, we analyzed 1303 tweets and accompanying images from 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018 collected through the Tracking Infrastructure for Social Media Analysis (TrISMA), a contemporary technical and organizational infrastructure for the tracking of public communication by Australian users of social media, via a list of 15 popular e-cigarette–related terms.

Results

Despite Australia’s cautious approach toward e-cigarettes and the limited evidence supporting them as an efficacious smoking cessation aid, it is evident that there is a concerted effort by some Twitter users to promote these devices as a health-conducive (91/129, 70.5%), smoking cessation product (266/1303, 20.41%). Further, Twitter is being used in an attempt to circumvent Australian regulation and advocate for a more liberal approach to personal vaporizers (90/1303, 6.90%). A sizeable proportion of posts was dedicated to selling or promoting vape products (347/1303, 26.63%), and 19.95% (260/1303) were found to be business listings. These posts used methods to try and expand their clientele further than immediate followers by touting competitions and giveaways, with those wanting to enter having to perform a sequence of steps such as liking, tagging, and reposting, ultimately exposing the post among the user’s network and to others not necessarily interested in vaping.

Conclusions

The borderless nature of social media presents a clear challenge for enforcing Article 13 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which requires all ratifying nations to implement a ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. Countering the advertising and promotion of these products is a public health challenge that will require cross-border cooperation with other World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control parties. Further research aimed at developing strategies to counter the advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes is therefore needed.
E-Cigarette Advocates on Twitter: Content Analysis of Vaping-Related Tweets
Authors: McCausland Kahlia , Maycock Bruce , Leaver Tama , Wolf Katharina , Freeman Becky , Jancey Jonine
Published: September 2020

Background

As the majority of Twitter content is publicly available, the platform has become a rich data source for public health surveillance, providing insights into emergent phenomena, such as vaping. Although there is a growing body of literature that has examined the content of vaping-related tweets, less is known about the people who generate and disseminate these messages and the role of e-cigarette advocates in the promotion of these devices.

Objective

This study aimed to identify key conversation trends and patterns over time, and discern the core voices, message frames, and sentiment surrounding e-cigarette discussions on Twitter.

Methods

A random sample of data were collected from Australian Twitter users who referenced at least one of 15 identified e-cigarette related keywords during 2012, 2014, 2016, or 2018. Data collection was facilitated by TrISMA (Tracking Infrastructure for Social Media Analysis) and analyzed by content analysis.

Results

A sample of 4432 vaping-related tweets posted and retweeted by Australian users was analyzed. Positive sentiment (3754/4432, 84.70%) dominated the discourse surrounding e-cigarettes, and vape retailers and manufacturers (1161/4432, 26.20%), the general public (1079/4432, 24.35%), and e-cigarette advocates (1038/4432, 23.42%) were the most prominent posters. Several tactics were used by e-cigarette advocates to communicate their beliefs, including attempts to frame e-cigarettes as safer than traditional cigarettes, imply that federal government agencies lack sufficient competence or evidence for the policies they endorse about vaping, and denounce as propaganda “gateway” claims of youth progressing from e-cigarettes to combustible tobacco. Some of the most common themes presented in tweets were advertising or promoting e-cigarette products (2040/4432, 46.03%), promoting e-cigarette use or intent to use (970/4432, 21.89%), and discussing the potential of e-cigarettes to be used as a smoking cessation aid or tobacco alternative (716/4432, 16.16%), as well as the perceived health and safety benefits and consequences of e-cigarette use (681/4432, 15.37%).

Conclusions

Australian Twitter content does not reflect the country’s current regulatory approach to e-cigarettes. Rather, the conversation on Twitter generally encourages e-cigarette use, promotes vaping as a socially acceptable practice, discredits scientific evidence of health risks, and rallies around the idea that e-cigarettes should largely be outside the bounds of health policy. The one-sided nature of the discussion is concerning, as is the lack of disclosure and transparency, especially among vaping enthusiasts who dominate the majority of e-cigarette discussions on Twitter, where it is unclear if comments are endorsed, sanctioned, or even supported by the industry.
The Effect of Smartphone App–Based Interventions for Patients With Hypertension: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Hongxuan , Long Huanyu
Published: September 2020

Background

Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of premature death. People with hypertension who do not comply with recommended treatment strategies have a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, leading to hospitalization and consequently greater health care costs. The smartphone, which is now ubiquitous, offers a convenient tool to aid in the treatment of hypertension through the use of apps targeting lifestyle management, and such app-based interventions have shown promising results. In particular, recent evidence has shown the feasibility, acceptability, and success of digital interventions in changing the behavior of people with chronic conditions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to systematically compile available evidence to determine the overall effect of smartphone apps on blood pressure control, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes for people with hypertension.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials related to the influence of an app-based intervention in people with hypertension. Data extracted from the included studies were subjected to a meta-analysis to compare the effects of the smartphone app intervention to a control.

Results

Eight studies with a total of 1657 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis of 6 studies assessing systolic blood pressure showed a significant overall effect in favor of the smartphone intervention (weighted mean difference –2.28, 95% CI –3.90-0.66). Pooled analysis of studies assessing medication adherence demonstrated a significant effect (P<.001) in favor of the intervention group (standard mean difference 0.38, 95% CI 0.26-0.50) with low heterogeneity (I2=0%). No difference between groups was demonstrated with respect to physical activity.

Conclusions

A smartphone intervention leads to a reduction in blood pressure and an increase in medication adherence for people with hypertension. Future research should focus on the effect of behavior coaching apps on medication adherence, lifestyle change, and blood pressure reduction.
Deep Learning With Electronic Health Records for Short-Term Fracture Risk Identification: Crystal Bone Algorithm Development and Validation
Authors: Almog Yasmeen Adar , Rai Angshu , Zhang Patrick , Moulaison Amanda , Powell Ross , Mishra Anirban , Weinberg Kerry , Hamilton Celeste , Oates Mary , McCloskey Eugene , Cummings Steven R
Published: September 2020

Background

Fractures as a result of osteoporosis and low bone mass are common and give rise to significant clinical, personal, and economic burden. Even after a fracture occurs, high fracture risk remains widely underdiagnosed and undertreated. Common fracture risk assessment tools utilize a subset of clinical risk factors for prediction, and often require manual data entry. Furthermore, these tools predict risk over the long term and do not explicitly provide short-term risk estimates necessary to identify patients likely to experience a fracture in the next 1-2 years.

Objective

The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate an algorithm for the identification of patients at risk of fracture in a subsequent 1- to 2-year period. In order to address the aforementioned limitations of current prediction tools, this approach focused on a short-term timeframe, automated data entry, and the use of longitudinal data to inform the predictions.

Methods

Using retrospective electronic health record data from over 1,000,000 patients, we developed Crystal Bone, an algorithm that applies machine learning techniques from natural language processing to the temporal nature of patient histories to generate short-term fracture risk predictions. Similar to how language models predict the next word in a given sentence or the topic of a document, Crystal Bone predicts whether a patient’s future trajectory might contain a fracture event, or whether the signature of the patient’s journey is similar to that of a typical future fracture patient. A holdout set with 192,590 patients was used to validate accuracy. Experimental baseline models and human-level performance were used for comparison.

Results

The model accurately predicted 1- to 2-year fracture risk for patients aged over 50 years (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve [AUROC] 0.81). These algorithms outperformed the experimental baselines (AUROC 0.67) and showed meaningful improvements when compared to retrospective approximation of human-level performance by correctly identifying 9649 of 13,765 (70%) at-risk patients who did not receive any preventative bone-health-related medical interventions from their physicians.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that it is possible to use a patient’s unique medical history as it changes over time to predict the risk of short-term fracture. Validating and applying such a tool within the health care system could enable automated and widespread prediction of this risk and may help with identification of patients at very high risk of fracture.
FABRICATION OF DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF CURCUMIN, INTERCALATED WITH MAGNETITE NANOPARTICLES THROUGH SODIUM ALGINATE/POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE-CO-VINYL ACETATE SEMI IPN MICROBEADS
Authors: JITHENDRA T. , REDDY O. SREEKANTH , SUBHA M. C. S. , RAO K. CHOWDOJI
Published: September 2020

Objective: The aim of the present work is to fabricate curcumin (CUR) encapsulated microbeads in the polymer matrix of sodium alginate (SA)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-co-vinyl acetate (PVP-co-VAc) intercalated with magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) using glutaraldehyde (GA)/calcium chloride CaCl2 as the crosslinker.

Methods: Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized by a modified co-precipitation method. Curcumin encapsulated SA/PVP-co-VAc microbeads, intercalated with MNPs were prepared by simple ionotropic gelation technique. The formation of microbeads and uniform distribution of curcumin were characterized using spectroscopic methods. In addition, swelling and drug release kinetic studies of the microbeads were performed in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4) and simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) at 37 °C.

Results: Microbeads formation was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) studies reveal that the peak at 181 °C of CUR was not observed in CUR loaded microbeads, which confirms that CUR was encapsulated at the molecular level in the polymer matrix. The X-Ray diffraction (X-RD) diffractograms of CUR shows 2Ө peaks between 12-28 °, which indicated the crystalline nature of CUR, these peaks are not found in CUR loaded microbeads, suggesting that the drug has been molecularly dispersed in the polymer matrix. The X-RD 2Ө peaks of MNPs are observed in the MNPs loaded microbeads, which confirms that MNPs are successfully loaded in the microbeads. The swelling studies and in vitro release studies were performed at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The results reveal that at pH 7.4 highest swelling and release was observed, which confirms that the developed microbeads are pH sensitive and are suitable for intestinal drug delivery. The drug release kinetics fit into the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation, indicating non-Fickian diffusion.

Conclusion: The results concluded that the present system as dependent on pH of the test medium and hence suggest suitability for intestinal drug delivery.
HAIR TONIC SHAMPOO FORMULATION WITH AMBON BANANA (MUSA ACUMINATA COLLA) CORM EXTRACT
Authors: INDRAWATI TETI , SIMANJUNTAK LASTIAR , PRATAMI DIAH KARTIKA
Published: September 2020

Objective: Banana waste, especially corms, has potential as a source of haircare agents due to its active compound, anthraquinone, which is known to promote hair growth. This study aimed to assess preparations of hair tonic shampoo containing Musa acuminata Colla corm extract and evaluate their characteristics and stability.

Methods: Three shampoo formulas were prepared containing 8%, 10%, and 12% corm extract. Physical stability tests were performed at high (60±2 °C) and room temperature (25±2 °C) for three weeks. The shampoo formulas were evaluated for their organoleptic properties (colour, form, and odour), homogeneity, pH, density, viscosity, rheology, foam height and stability, and surface tension.

Results: The shampoo formulas with corm extract were white to yellowish-white, creamy, and smelled of banana, and were homogenous without precipitation. The formulas had a pH of 6.08–6.12, a density of 1.027–1.054 g/ml, foam height of 3.56–3.63 ml, the surface tension of 28.92–29.85 dyne/cm, viscosity of 16,000–120,000 cps and pseudoplastic flow properties.

Conclusion: The natural hair tonic shampoo formulas prepared with M. acuminata corm have good characteristics.
PART I: OPTIMIZATION OF HYDRALAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE IMMEDIATE RELEASE LAYER IN ANTIHYPERTENSIVE BILAYER TABLET
Authors: TRIVEDI HARSH , PATEL KUNAL , OZA NISHANT A. , SAGAR SWATI
Published: September 2020

Objective: Aim of the present study was the optimization of the immediate release (IR) layer containing hydralazine hydrochloride (HHC) 25 mg and compressed with a sustained-release (SR) layer of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) 40 mg to decrease the dosing frequency.

Methods: In this study, Drug-excipients compatibility study was carried out by FT-IR and a preliminary trial was conducted for screening of super disintegrating agents. The amount of sodium starch glycolate (SSG) (X1) and the amount of ac-di-sol® (X2) was chosen as independent variables in 32 full factorial design while wetting time (WT) (Y1), disintegration time (DT) (Y2) and In vitro drug release at 15 min (Q15) (Y3) were taken as dependent variables. Multiple linear regression analysis, ANOVA, and graphical representation of the influence of factor by 3D plots were performed by using sigma plot 13.0. In the present study, the following constraints were used for the selection of an optimized batch: WT<16 s, DT<25 s, and Q15>90%. To validate the evolved mathematical models, a checkpoint batch was selected from its desirability value.

Results: FT-IR spectra show that the drug and excipients were compatible with each other. The calculated F values found for WT, DT, and Q15 were 045.559, 077.100 and 278.760, respectively. All Calculated F values are greater than tabulated values for all dependent variables. Prepared checkpoint was selected from its desirability value 0.935 and it gives a 100% drug release within 30 min.

Conclusion: These results confirm that the prepared HHC 25 mg IR layer is used for rapid control of hypertension.
DEVELOPMENT OF pH-DEPENDENT CHRONOMODULATED DELIVERY SYSTEMS OF 5-FLUOROURACIL AND OXALIPLATIN TO TREAT COLON CANCER
Authors: B. H. JASWANTH GOWDA , SHANKAR S. J. , MUNISAMY MURALI , R. S. AKSHATHA , SAGAR V. S.
Published: September 2020

Objective: To develop two different oral formulations such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) tablets and oxaliplatin (OX) microspheres which were further filled into capsules and coated with pH-sensitive polymer (eudragit S-100) for the chronotherapeutic treatment of colon cancer (Fluorouracil: Oxaliplatin regimen) to perform as a substitute for intravenous (IV) route based chronomodulated chemotherapy.

Methods: The 5-FU tablet formulation was prepared with alginate and guar gum polymers in varied concentrations using wet granulation technique in two varieties such as granules coated and tablet coated formulations using eudragit RSPO as coating material to achieve controlled drug release. Alongside OX microspheres were formulated using the ionotropic gelation methodology in combination with alginate and chitosan polymers in varying concentrations to accomplish a time-controlled drug release. Prepared formulations were evaluated for pre-compression and post-compression parameters, percentage yield, percentage drug entrapment, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), In vitro and Ex vivo dissolution studies.

Results: Pre-compression and post-compression parameters for 5-FU tablets were satisfied with Indian pharmacopeia specifications. The entrapment efficiency of OX microspheres were increased due to the elevated concentration of polymers up to a certain level as seen in A7M, further greater the concentration of polymer resulted in a decline of entrapment efficiency as seen in A4M and A8M. The optimized formulations A14T and A14M were shown in vitro drug release of 90.36 % by 24 h and 79.63 % by 9 h respectively.

Conclusion: The two different oral formulations of 5-FU (Tablets) and OX (Microspheres) were found to be successful in controlled drug release. Therefore they can be efficiently used to control the rate of drug release to the colon in synchronization with the circadian timing system in the belief of improved therapeutic efficacy, tolerability and overall survival rate of cancer patients. Hence it is promised to be a better alternative for intravenous route based chronomodulated chemotherapy.
ROSUVASTATIN CALCIUM LOADED CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES: PREPARATION EVALUATION AND IN VITRO RELEASE STUDIES
Authors: BHOKARE SUVARNA G. , MARATHE RAJENDRA P.
Published: September 2020

Objective: The objective of the present study was to develop sustained release biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles of rosuvastatin calcium.

Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared by modified ionotropic gelation method using 3² full factorial designs. From the preliminary trials, the constraints for independent variables X1 (concentration. of chitosan) and X2 (concentration. of sodium tripolyphosphate) have been fixed. Factors included concentration of chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate, have been examined to investigate effect on particle size, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, % release, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transfer infrared study and X-ray diffraction and release study of rosuvastatin calcium nanoparticles. 0

Results: The prepared nanoparticles were white, free-flowing and spherical in shape. The infrared spectra showed stable character of rosuvastatin calcium in the drug-loaded nanoparticles and revealed the absence of drug polymer interactions. The chitosan nanoparticles have a particle diameter ranging approximately 114.5±3.61 to 724±.2.51 nm and a zeta potential-13.12 to-52.63 mV. The in vitro release behavior from all the drug loaded batches were found to follow first order and provided sustained release over a period of 10 h. The Zeta potential of all the batches were in the range of-13.12 to-52.63 mv. The release profiles of all batches were very well fitted by Korsmeyer Peppas model.

Conclusion: The best-fit release kinetics was achieved with Korsmeyer peppas model. The release of rosuvastatin calcium was influenced by the drug to polymer ratio and particle size. These results indicate that rosuvastatin calcium nanoparticles could be effective in sustaining drug release for a prolonged period.
GREEN VORTEX-ASSISTED IONIC LIQUID-BASED DISPERSIVE LIQUID-LIQUID MICROEXTRACTION FOR ENRICHMENT AND DETERMINATION OF CADMIUM AND LEAD IN WATER, VEGETABLES AND TOBACCO SAMPLES
Authors: EL-SHEIKH RAGAA , HASSAN WAFAA S. , IBRAHIM SARA H. , YOUSSEF AMIRA M. , GOUDA AYMAN A.
Published: September 2020

Objective: An eco-friendly, simple and sensitive vortex-assisted ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method (VA-IL-DLLµE) has been proposed to enrich and determine trace levels of cadmium (Cd2+ ) and lead (Pb2+ ) ions in water, vegetables and tobacco samples, prior to its FAAS determination.

Methods: The proposed method based on utilization of ionic liquid (IL) (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate [HMIM][FAP]) as an extraction solvent for both ions after the complexation with 4,5-dihydroxy-3-phenylazo-2,7-naphthalenedisulfonic acid, disodium salt (Chromotrope 2R) at pH 6.5. The impact of different analytical parameters on microextraction efficiency was optimized.

Results: In the ranges of 1.0–300 and 2.0-400 μg/ml, the calibration graphs were linear. The limits of detection were 0.3 and 0.6 μg/ml for Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions, respectively. The preconcentration factor was 100. The relative standard deviation (RSD %)<3.0%, which indicates the proposed method has high precision.

Conclusion: The proposed VA-IL-DLLµE method was developed and applied for the estimation of Cd2+ and Pb2+ ion content in various water, vegetables and tobacco samples, and satisfactory results were obtained. The obtained recovery values showed good agreement with the certified values.
ENHANCED ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY OF STREPTOMYCES GRISEOPLANUS L-ASPARGINASE VIA ITS INCORPORATION IN AN OIL-BASED NANOCARRIER
Authors: EL-HADI ABEER A. , AHMED HANAN MOSTAFA , ZAKI RANIA A. , MOHSEN AMIRA MOHAMED
Published: September 2020

Objective: L-asparaginase (L-asp) is a vital enzyme used as a therapeutic agent in combination with other drugs in the treatment of acute lymphoma, melanosarcoma and lymphocytic leukemia. Immobilization of enzymes through loading on nanoemulsion (NE) results in some advantages such as enhancing their stability and increasing their resistance to proteases. Aim of the present study is to formulate L-asp loaded nanoemulsion to enhance its efficiency and thermal stability.

Methods: Nanoemulsion loaded with L-asp crude extract (specific activity 13.23U/mg protein) was prepared employing oleic acid as oil, tween 20/tween 80 as surfactants and propylene glycol (PG) as co-surfactant. L-asp loaded NE underwent several thermodynamic stability studies and the optimized formulae were further examined for their biochemical properties and thermal stability.

Results The developed formulations were spherical in shape and their sizes were in the nanometric dimensions with negatively charged zeta potential values. Upon comparing the enzyme activity of L-asp loaded NE employing tween 20 (F1) or tween80 (F4) at different concentrations, the results revealed that F4 NE showed higher enzymatic activity [323 U/ml] compared to F1 NE [197 U/ml] at the same concentration. The nanosized immobilized L-asp was more stable in the pH range from 8 to 8.5 as compared to free L-asp. The immobilized enzyme preserved about 59.11% of its residual activity at 50 °C; while free L-asp preserved about 33.84%.

Conclusion: In the view of these results, NE composed of oleic acid, tween 80 and PG represents a promising dosage form for enhancing the activity and stability of Streptomyces griseoplanus L-asp.
The COVID 19-AN OVERVIEW ON EPIDEMIOLOGY, SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION, MANAGEMENT, TREATMENT AND ROLE OF HEALTH WORKERS
Authors: BANSAL MONISHA , WALIA MANPREET KAUR
Published: September 2020

With the first case of a highly infectious virus named Coronavirus in Wuhan, China in December 2019, this deadly virus was declared a pandemic by WHO. COVID-19 was found to be very similar to patients infected with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. The virus was transmitted from bats to humans through some unidentified intermediary. Since its introduction in humans, it has infected 118000 people, killing 3583 till last week of May 2020 in India. The reported route of transmission is inhalation or direct contact with the infected surface or patients. This symptomatic disease includes symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, and in some severe patients, it may cause multiple organ failure, pneumonia, severe or acute respiratory diseases. In some cases people may be asymptomatic till 14 d of infection. The patients with mild illness are usually isolated and others are prevented with protective measures such as medical mask, hand hygiene. In the present article, the epidemiology, route of transmission, clinical symptoms, prevention, management, treatment and role and responsibility of health workers is overviewed on the basis of published research and review articles and current state of knowledge.
A NOVEL VESICULAR APPROACH FOR TRANSDERMAL ADMINISTRATION OF ENALAPRIL MALEATE LOADED NANOPRONIOSOMAL GEL: FORMULATION, EX VIVO EVALUATION AND IN VIVO ANTIHYPERTENSIVE STUDY
Authors: SABAREESH M. , YANADAIAH J. P. , SEKHAR K. B. CHANDRA
Published: September 2020

Objective: The objective of the study was to formulate and evaluate the nanoproniosomal gel of Enalapril maleate (EM) for the treatment of hypertension through the transdermal administration and to provide better bioavailability.

Methods: The nanoproniosomal gel of the EM was formulated by Lecithin, Cholesterol, Non-ionic surfactants using the Coacervation-phase separation method. The prepared nanoproniosomal gels were evaluated for pH and viscosity, vesicle size analysis, rate of spontaneity, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, ex vivo skin permeation studies, skin irritation test, stability studies and in vivo antihypertensive studies.

Results: Physical characterization was found to be within acceptable limits. The ex vivo skin permeation studies showed the cumulative permeation of 58.75 % to 89.72 % through the albino rat skin in 24 h for all the formulations, which indicate the zero-order drug permeation with diffusion, non-fickian release. Among all formulations, EMNP7 was selected as best formulation because it showed better characteristics than other formulations in several aspects like physicochemical characterization, ex vivo skin permeation studies, permeation kinetics, and other evaluation parameters. The skin irritation study revealed that there was no irritation after topical application and it was found to be safer to use. The In vivo antihypertensive study revealed that the formulation of EMNP7 was successful to regress the rat blood pressure (BP) to normal values in experimental hypertensive rats.

Conclusion: The nanoproniosomal gel is an efficient transdermal therapeutic system for the delivery of EM for the treatment of hypertension. It is suitable for once a day controlled release formulation.
CURCUMIN, A NATURAL GOLDEN DRUG AND ITS ANTICANCER ASPECTS FROM SYNTHESIS TO DELIVERY: A REVIEW
Authors: KRISHNAMURTHY GEETA , ROY DEEPTI , KUMAR JYOTSNA
Published: September 2020

Cancer is a dreadful disease and, in most cases, leads to death even when it is being treated. Even though synthetic drugs are still in use for the treatment of cancer, the seriousness of the side effects of these drugs has boggled researcher’s mind to find more effective drugs which will help to overcome the side effects and have greater potency in trying to make the patient completely free of the disease. Recently, researchers turned their attention towards bio-components present in natural products. Curcumin, a polyphenol and the main constituent of a rhizome Curcuma longa, has geared significant interest due to its wide spectrum of therapeutics values, especially anticancer activity. Paper summarizes the chemistry and bio-metabolism of curcumin in the human body. Aim of this review article is to gather the dispersed efforts of researchers predominantly in improving the bioavailability of curcumin. In the present review, comprehensive literature on anticancer activity of Curcumin via combination therapy, structure modification, synthesis of analogues, novel delivery systems have been highlighted. Besides, the review paper explicated several challenges associated with Curcumin as an adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent and emphasizes more on clinical studies.
PHARMA 4.0–IMPACT OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS ON HEALTH CARE
Authors: A. T. PRAJWAL , B. S. MUDDUKRISHNA , VASANTHARAJU S. G.
Published: September 2020

The IoT in health care is currently booming in the world of health care in particular. Industry has risen from generation 1.0 to 4.0 during the Internet of things period. As we remember, we came across the exact submission of the traditional health care system. Each time the patient has needed to visit the clinic/hospitals, even for small complications that may affect the patient's medical costs along with time and energy. One more significant factor is also an emergency; otherwise, she/he/older population was unable to demand urgent assistance from the older system of healthcare. And yet somehow, the situation has changed with the use of the cyber-physical world; we are heading out of the 4th phase of the health care industry means smart health care network. This paper offers an insight into different facets of how healthcare systems such as doctors, hospitals, and of course, patients are powered by the internet of things and how can it track and ensure fast, quality, and efficient use of less time also in a smart way. Here, a patient knows how to track patients by using a collection of different wearable sensor nodes for real-time monitoring and examination of specific patient criteria. One of the most boosting subjects characterizes the development of medical technology within their own homes, enabling older or physically weak people to stay as long as possible at home while being medically cared for and monitored.

We searched literature and guidelines in Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, CNKI, and Embase databases up to 2019. The following search terms alone or matched with the Boolean operators ‘AND’ or ‘OR’ were used: "Nanoparticles", “Anticancer treatment", ‘Bioflavonoids’, ‘Plant origin drugs’, ‘Nano formulations’, ‘Cancer’ and ‘Novel drug delivery systems’. We focused on full-text articles, but abstracts were considered if relevant.
QUALITY BY DESIGN APPROACH FOR DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF NITRENDIPINE LOADED NIOSOMAL GEL FOR ACCENTUATED TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY
Authors: SHARMA ABHISHEK , HARIKUMAR S. L.
Published: September 2020

Objective: The purpose of the present investigation was to develop and optimize nitrendipine loaded niosomal gel for transdermal delivery using quality by design approach.

Methods: Niosomal formulations were developed by application of the thin-film hydration method using different ratios of span 60, cholesterol, temperature, and optimized by three factors-three levels Box-Behnken statistical design. The independent variables were non-ionic surfactant, cholesterol, and temperature, while vesicle size, polydispersity index, and entrapment efficiency were dependent variables. The nitrendipine loaded optimized formulation was incorporated into gel and evaluated for in vitro release, ex-vivo skin permeation, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and histopathological studies.

Results: The optimized formulation showed the vesicular size of 226.1±4.36 nm, polydispersity index of 0.282±0.012, and entrapment efficiency of 95.34±3.18% with spherical morphology. The optimized niosomal gel formulation showed transdermal flux 127.60 µg/cm2h through albino Wistar rat skin. Niosomal gel was proved significantly superior by confocal laser scanning microscopy for satisfactory permeation and distribution of gel, deep into the rat skin. Furthermore, dermal safety was confirmed by histopathological studies for transdermal application.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the developed niosomal gel overcomes the limitation of low penetration through rat skin and could be a potential nano vesicular system for transdermal delivery.