bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial properties of the extracts of Allexis obanensis and Allexis batangae (Violaceae) collected at Kribi (South Cameroon)
Authors: Olivier Ndogo Eteme , Oscar Nganso Ditchou Yves , Louis Ndjie , Alima Nkoa , François Mbouma Goueth , Barthelemy Nyasse
Published: September 2021

The present work presents the antibacterial activities of organic and aqueous extracts of Allexis batangae and Allexis obanensis (violaceae). These plants were collected in the locality of Kribi (South Cameroon). The leaf powder of these plants was cold extracted with a (1:1) methanol/methylene chloride mixture and hot extracted successively with hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. Bark powder was cold extracted with methanol and hot extracted successively with hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The root powder was hot extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. For distilled water extraction, only the leaf powder was extracted by maceration. The best yield was of the aqueous extract of leaves (4.86%) and the lowest yield was obtained with the hexane extract of barks (0.35%) for Allexis obanensis, the best yield was of the organic extract of leaves with ethanol 8.31% and the lowest value of the yield was obtained with the hexane extract of barks 0.81% for Allexis batangae. These extracts were subsequently submitted to the phytochemical screening which revealed that this plant is rich of flavonoids, alkaloids, sugars, lipids, phenol glycosides and saponins. The antibacterial test was performed using micro dilution method on five species of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Providencia stuartii, Klebsiella pneumonia, subdivided into nine strains including three ATCC reference strains and six clinical isolates. It flows from these tests that the bark and the roots of Allexis batangae present a great activity against these strains unlike leaves. Among the organic extracts, EA extract of bark and roots strongly inhibited eight strains out of nine, including CM64, BM67, ATCC8739, K2, PS299645, ATCC13048, EA289, ATCC11296 with MIC ranging between 31,2μg/mL to 250μg/mL. However, the EA294 strain was only weakly sensitive to EA extracts of bark and roots and not sensitive to other extracts. The EA extracts exhibited bactericidal activities on the most strains. The aqueous extract of leaves was inactive on all strains tested. For Allexis obanensis, the EA extract of leaves, the ethanol extract of barks and roots and the water extract of roots inhibited the growth of the bacterial tested. This inhibition was performed with MIC equal to 1000, 250 and 125μg/mL. The most active extract was ethanol extract of roots. The sensibility of bacteria to these active extracts was below that of the reference drugCiprofloxacine. After determining the MBC of the extracts whose MIC were equal to 250 and 125μg/mL, the calculation of the ratio MIC to MBC discloses the bactericidal effect of the extracts. These results show that Allexis batangae and Allexis obanensis extracts can be used in therapy against bacterial infections.
Caesalpinia volkensii: Unexploited Natural Source of Medicine
Authors: Ndile Michael Musila , Mbinda Wilton Mwema , Ngugi Mathew Piero
Published: September 2021

The plant of the species Caesalpinia volkensii has diverse traditional use. This review aims at providing an overview of the plants traditional utility and scientific potential in managing both infectious and lifestyle diseases. It focuses on the plants hypoglycaemic activity, anti-malarial, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflamatory activity. The review also looks at the antimicrobial property of the plant, phytochemical analysis and safety.
Screening for community-acquired strains of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus susceptible to extracts of Centaurea nigrescens
Authors: Huggins Luke G. , Robinson Kathryn D. , Lasko Kyra P. , Clower Lauren B. , Gookin Avery J. , Segraves Dustin E. , Gainer James C. , Basagic Grant P. , Machuca Kelly R. , Rendon Jacobo
Published: September 2021

The rates of infection by community-acquired multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus have risen dramatically over fifteen years in the United States. Community-acquired multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for rapidly progressive diseases, including necrotizing pneumonia, severe sepsis, and necrotizing fasciitis. Consequently, novel antibacterial strategies are needed to combat the rising antibiotic resistance seen in community-acquired multi-drug resistant strains. We have screened the Nebraska Transposon Mutant Library for MRSA strains that are either susceptible or resistant to methanol extracts of Centaurea nigrescens leaves and flowers. 10 strains containing mutations affecting transporter proteins were identified as having either significant resistance or susceptibility to Centaurea extract. Insertions in two different drug efflux transporter families have been identified. The EmrB/QacA drug resistance transporter subfamily is a multi-drug efflux pump responsible for the export of toxic molecules from bacteria and yeast. The ABC transporters are involved in drug import and export. These results confirm the effectiveness of the screen as a means for identifying drug-resistance genes affected by the C. nigrescens methanolic extract and suggest a role for drug efflux proteins in the resistance of S. aureus community-acquired multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus to antibacterial plant metabolites.
Preclinical aphrodisiac investigation of ethanol extract of Flueggea leucopyrus Willd. leaves
Authors: Usnale Sharad Vasantrao , Biyani Kailash Radhesham
Published: September 2021

Sexual dysfunction is a widely found disorder worldwide now a day because of busy lifestyle and stress. Management of disease is somewhat difficult because of cost and shortage of effective treatment. In the present paper authors have investigated effect of ethanolic extract of Flueggea leucopyrus Willd. leaves as aphrodisiac potential on albino rats. The dried leaves of plant were extracted by cold maceration method using ethanol. It was investigated for in vivo aphrodisiac activity. Plant extract was administered at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 45 days. The effect of extract on general mating behavior, potency test, morphological studies, organ weight and sperm motility were tested. The results were compared with standard reference sildenafil citrate. The acute toxicity of the drug extract was also checked. On oral administration of ethanol extract 200 and 400 mg/kg doses on 15th, 30th and 45th day of treatment in all treated groups significantly increased intromission latency, mounting frequency, ejaculatory latency and significantly decreased intromission latency, mounting latency, inter intromission interval and post ejaculatory interval. Test for potency showed significant increase in long flips, quick flips and erections. In all experimental animals morphological study showed significant increase in main and accessory reproductive organs weight and sperm motility. As compared to the control the prolonged treatments for all treated groups were highly effective. This showed that aphrodisiac activity has been shown by ethanol extract but it is less than the standard. The present study showed that ethanol extract of Flueggea leucopyrus Willd. leaf increase sexual behavior in rats. Thus it supports the claim for this drug as an aphrodisiac.
Cyperus conglomeratus (Cyperaceae) a halophyte from Gujarat: Physicochemical, Phytochemical and Pharmacognostic studies
Authors: Jyoti Pande , Hemali Padalia , Nilam Rokad , Sumitra Chanda
Published: September 2021

The aim of the present work was evaluation of physicochemical, phytochemical and pharmacognostic parameters of Cyperus conglomeratus an halophyte from Gujarat. The plant belonging to the family Cyperaceae commonly known as Sedge family. The leaf and stem was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis, physicochemical analysis which included loss on drying, ash values and extractive values and fluroscence analysis were done in accordance with WHO guidelines for identification and standardization of C. conglomerates. The morphological studies exhibited the organoleptic and surface characteristics of whole plant like the leaf was simple, alternate, elongated lanceolate, entire margin, acute apex, parallel veination. The microscopic and powder microscopic study showed the presence of various characteristics like parenchyma cells, spiral vessels, annular vessels, parallel venation, gramineous stomata, conjoint collateral vascular bundle, etc. The phytochemical analysis revealed the plant to be rich in steroids and triterpenes. The extractive value was maximum in methanol solvent indicating presence of more polar compounds. The fluorescence analysis under visible light & under UV light by treatment with different chemical reagents showed characteristic colour changes. The standards laid down will be helpful to ensure the efficacy, safety and purity of medicinal halophytic plant C. conglomerates. The parameters established in this study are useful for the preparation of a monograph of this plant.
Review on pharmacological activities and phytochemical constituents of Phyllanthus niruri (Amarus)
Authors: Danladi S , Idris MA , Umar II
Published: September 2021

Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thonn (Euphobiaceae); is found in tropical and sub-tropical region of the world. It grows as a weed in moist abandoned land. It has various applications in tradition and folk medicine for treatment of various diseases such as hepatitis, cough, diuretic, menstruation problem and dysentery. It is commonly used by many countries across the world. Scientific investigation revealed that Phyllanthus amarus has potent activity against various diseases such as hepatitis B, HIV, microbial infections, plasmodiasis, nematode infestation, lithiasis, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hyperuricemia, nephrotoxicity, platelet aggregation, radiation exposure, algesia, unwanted pregnancy, vasoconstriction, hepatotoxity and biological oxidation. Phyllanthus amarus contains several phytochemical constituents such as alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoids, cardiac glycoside, saponins, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides while proximate analysis showed that it contained high carbohydrate and fibre content. Several important chemical compounds were isolated from Phyllanthus amarus such as phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, Niranthin, Nirtetralin, phyltetralin phyllangin, nirphyllin, phyllnirurin and corilagin. Study showed that these compounds are responsible for several pharmacological activities.
Study on performance of poplar clones in relation to soil condition and growth regulator application in nursery
Authors: Singh Lakhwinder , Singh Avtar
Published: September 2021

The experiment was conducted to investigate the response of two types of soils (Sandy loam and Sandy clay loam) and foliar application of growth regulator i.e. Triacontanol at three levels (0ppm, 3ppm, 5ppm on nine poplar clones (PL-1 to PL-7, L-47/88 and L-48/89) at nursery stage, at experimental area of department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Various attributes like growth characteristics, physiological parameters and nutrient content in leaves were recorded at different interval of growth. The results of the study revealed that Triacontanol showed non-significant and soil types showed significant results for morphological characters viz. Plant height, collar diameter, no. of branches/plant, no. of leaves/plant and leaf area. Sandy clay loam soil showed good response than sandy loam soil for all morphological characters.
Evaluation of phytochemical screening of Coleus forskohlii L. leaf extract
Authors: Dasari Pavitra , Baburao Nirmala , Chekuri Sudhakar , Rani Anupalli Roja
Published: September 2021

Coleus forskohlii L. plant Extract is derived from roots and leaves from Coleus forskohlii. Coleus is used in India and China folk medicines and is a traditional digestive remedy. Currently this plants levees and roots are extensively cultivated is Southern and western India. Forskohlii helps to lower blood pressure, dilates the blood vessels. Traditionally claimed to be constructive in the cure of cutaneous affections such as scabies, guinea worm, eczema and herpetic diseases. Conversely, there are no customary scientific reports for its antipsoriatic activity. Hence, the plant Coleus forskohlii has been chosen to establish scientific data for its traditional claim as anti-cancer. In the present study a chemical test performed against the, all the phytochemical constituents for their preliminary screening of each solvent extract of leaf like water, methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and acetone. From the phytochemical investigation of the leaf extracts; the result is revealed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and lipids in all the solvent extracts. But phenols are more retain in methanolic leaf extract remain all the phytochemical constituents.
Effect of Seabuckthorn leaves on Antioxidant and Microsomal Enzymes in poultry birds
Authors: Ghabru Arti , Chauhan Shivani , Varshneya C
Published: September 2021

In vivo studies on broiler birds were carried out to evaluate effect of aflatoxin and seabuckthorn leaves on microsomal enzyme system, antioxidant enzymes and biochemical parameters i.e. serum triglyceride, total plasma protein, aminopyrine demethylase, aniline hydroxylase, NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase, catalase, LPO, superoxide dismutase, GSH, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels in poultry. The poultry birds were divided into six groups containing six birds each. Aflatoxin (400 ppb) and seabuckthorn leaves (10000ppm) was administered continuously in poultry feed. Aflatoxin increased serum triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels where as seabuckthorn leaves supplementation at 10000ppm significantly decreased triglyceride (P<0.05), blood urea nitrogen (P<0.05) and creatinine levels in birds. Toxin decreased liver, kidney and blood superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) activity, whereas, seabuckthorn leaves (SBTL) increased the activity of these enzymes as compared to control group. The level of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the toxin exposed group and decreased in case of SBTL. The activity of Aminopyrine demethylase and Aniline hydroxylase increased, while the activity of NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase is decreased in case of toxin group whereas in case of seabuckthorn leaves exposed group showed no significant change in case of aminopyrine demethylase and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase, however, the activity of Aniline hydroxylase decreased. On the basis of present study, it could be concluded that the seabuckthorn leaves reduced the effect of Aflatoxin which produced oxidative stress by altering the levels of antioxidant enzymes of liver and kidney in adult poultry birds.
Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Zafimaniry clan in Madagascar
Authors: Rakotondrafara Andriamalala , Rakotondrajaona Roland , Rakotoarisoa Marrino , Ratsimbason Michel , Rasamison Vincent Emile , Rakotonandrasana Stephan Richard
Published: September 2021

During an ethnobotanical survey conducted among the Zafimaniry clan in the Amoron'i Mania region of Madagascar, 164 medicinal plants species from 138 genera and 73 families are recorded to be used by local people to treat 65 different types of human diseases. The most prescribed species belong to Asteraceae (30 species), Fabaceae (8 species), Rubiaceae (7 species) Poaceae (6 species) and Solanaceae (7 species) botanical families. Helichrysum was the most cited genus with 6 species. The main pathologies treated with medicinal plants are abdominal colic (10.5%) using 25 species, cough (7.2%, 23 species), intestinal parasites (6.3%, 20 species) and diarrhea (5.8%, 25 species). The vernacular names and the recipes of used plants are also reported. Data are collected by interviewing 191 informants aged between 16 and 100 using standardized questionnaires. The present study shows that the Zafimaniry people use a large number of medicinal plants for their primary health care. Some of the recorded plants are new in the Malagasy ethnopharmacopoeia.
poesie italiane di questi anni (2005-2020)
Authors: Crocco Claudia
Published: September 2021

The article proposes to make an assessment of recurring features of Italian contemporary poetry during the first twenty years of the 21st century. Five tendencies are here analysed: 1) the representation of subjectivities different from that of the authorial self; 2) deflation and expansion of the poetic self; 3) short poem; 4) installation poetry; 5) poetry in prose. Among these tendencies the first three will be more thoroughly investigated.
 
L'articolo si propone di fare un bilancio delle caratteristiche ricorrenti nella poesia contemporanea italiana dei primi vent’anni del ventunesimo secolo. Vengono considerate cinque tendenze: 1) rappresentazione di soggettività distinte da quella dell'io autoriale; 2) deflazione o espansione dell'io poetico; 3) poemetto; 4) poesia installativa; 5) poesia in prosa. Fra queste, nell'articolo vengono approfondite in particolare le prime tre tendenze.
Characteristics of routine coagulationtesting and thromboelastometry in polytrauma patients at admission
Authors:   Viet Duc University Hospital, Tran Thi Hang , Trinh Thi Thu Hien ,   Viet Duc University Hospital, Nguyen Van Chinh ,   Viet Duc University Hospital, Doan An Son ,   Viet Duc University Hospital, Ha Van Phu ,   Viet Duc University Hospital, Tran Thi Thanh Huyen ,   Viet Duc University Hospital, Duong Cong Nguyen ,   Viet Duc University Hospital
Published: September 2021

Background: polytrauma is one of the emergency surgeries with a high mortality rate. One of the leading causes of death is coagulopathy that is not detected early and treated promptly. Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a whole blood assay that evaluates the viscoelastic properties during clot formation and clot lysis. This method can detect coagulopathy rapidly and accurately, thereby improving the management of bleeding after trauma. Objectives: describing and evaluating the correlation between ROTEM parameters and routine coagulation tests in polytrauma patients at admission. Method: 110 patients admitted to the Emergency Department, Viet Duc University Hospital from May 2021 to July 2021 were diagnosed with polytrauma. All patients underwent routine coagulation testing and ROTEM parameters at admission. Result: the average age of patients is 41.4±14.7 years old, men accounts for 77.3%, average ISS score is 24.5±6.3. The proportion of the polytrauma patients with coagulopathy by routine coagulation testing was 50.9%. A significant correlation was found between routine coagulation parameters and ROTEM: between APTT with CFT-INTEM (r=0.65; p<0.01); between PT and CFT-EXTEM (r=0.64; p<0.01); between platelet count and MCF-INTEM (r=0.56; p=0.00) and MCF-EXTEM (r=0.57; p=0.00); between fibrinogen level and MCF-INTEM (r=0.71; p=0.00), MCF-EXTEM (r=0.71; p=0.00), and MCF-FIBTEM (r=0.91; p=0.00). Conclusion: proportion of the polytrauma patients with coagulopathy by routine coagulation testing was 50.9%. A significant correlation was found between routine coagulation parameters and ROTEM
Detecting RB1 gene mutations in retinoblastoma tumour of patients in Northern Vietnam in 2020
Authors:   Hanoi Medical University, Le Thi Phuong , Dao Nguyen Ha Linh ,   Hanoi Medical University, Nguyen Minh Ngoc ,   Hanoi Medical University, Tran Huy Thinh ,   Hanoi Medical University, Tran Van Khanh ,   Hanoi Medical University
Published: September 2021

Retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer in children, is mostly caused by inactivating mutations of both copies of the RB1gene. Early diagnosis and identification ofRB1 gene mutations would improve treatment outcomes and patients’ management. This study was performed on 10 tumour samples of retinoblastoma patients using the direct sequencing technique. 11 different mutations were found in 9 out of 10 tumour samples, including 6 nonsense mutations, 1 missense mutation, 1 splice site mutation, and 3 frameshift mutations with 1 novel mutation that has not been reported before. The MLPA method was required to identify large deletion mutations in the RB1gene and the study on more samples to provide a picture of RB1 gene mutations in Vietnamese retinoblastoma patients
Evaluation of the quality of embryo based on morphology cultured at low oxygen concentration
Authors:   16A Ha Dong General Hospital, Nguyen Linh Chi ,   Department of Environment, University of Science, VNU, Hanoi, Ngo Thi Tuong Chau ,   Department of Environment, University of Science, VNU, Hanoi, Nguyen Dinh Tao ,   16A Ha Dong General Hospital, Nguyen Ngoc Diep ,   Vietnam Military Medical University
Published: September 2021

Objectives: evaluating the quality of embryo morphology cultured at low oxygen concentration (5%) at different stages of embryonic development: day 3, day 5. Methods: the present study examined 168 IVF/ICSI cycles from October 2019 to February 2021 at the Assisted Reproductive Center, 16A Ha Dong General Hospital. Embryos were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group 1 used a K-system G-210 tri-gas incubator (Australia) (5% O2, 5% CO2, 90% N2) while group 2 used a Thermo Scientific 371 dual-gas incubator (Denmark) (5% CO2, 75% N2 with 20% atmospheric Oxygen concentration). Participants in the study were patients younger than 37 years old, with AMH>1.2 ng/ml, and AFC≥4. Mature oocytes were injected with sperm, and cultured in a sequential medium (G1,G2-PLUSTM). Embryologists assessed embryos on the day of fertilisation, days 3, 5, and compared the results of the two groups, using the method of descriptive statistics and T-test. The results revealed an insignificant difference in fertilisation rate and the quality of cleavages cultured in these 2 groups (percentages of good- and average quality cleavages were, in turn, 77.28±4.62% và 77.99±5.03%, at p>0.05, number of poor quality cleavages were, in turn, 1.71±0.38 vs 1.97±0.49 with p>0.05). The results on day 5 embryo showed that the percentage of blastocysts (from fertilisation) and the percentage of morphologically good- and average-quality blastocysts tended to increase higher when cultured in 5% oxygen concentration (p<0.05) compared with the 20% one (57.79±3.60% and 53.05±4.50%, 78.62±4.42% and 70.97±5.67%, respectively). Conclusions: embryo cultured in a low oxygen concentration helps embryos develop better on day 5 than when cultured at atmospheric concentrations
Study of some affecting factors in the production of instant nutritional powder from sea snail Indothais lacera (Born, 1778)
Authors:   Ho Chi Minh city University of Food Industry (HUFI), Le Doan Dung , Dang Thi Yen ,   Ho Chi Minh city University of Food Industry (HUFI), Vu Thi Huong ,   Ho Chi Minh city University of Food Industry (HUFI), Nguyen Thi Hong Ngoc ,   Ho Chi Minh city University of Food Industry (HUFI), Phan Thi Thuy Duong ,   Ho Chi Minh city University of Food Industry (HUFI), Pham Bao Huyen Linh ,   Ho Chi Minh city University of Food Industry (HUFI), Quach Tu My ,   Ho Chi Minh city University of Food Industry (HUFI)
Published: September 2021

Sea snail Indothais lacera (Born, 1778) is found along coral reefs and rocky reefs in the coastal zone from the north to the south of Vietnam. Currently, most of this species are being used as fresh seafood, so their economic value is not high. This study aims to investigate some optimal conditions in the production of instant nutritional powder from Indothais lacera to diversify food varieties and create a high economic value for this sea snail species. Experiments were carried out to examine the conditions of boiling and drying, then some nutritional compositions of snail meat were analysed after being boiled and dried. The results showed that using phosphoric acid to adjust the pH level of water for boiling sea snail indicated the optimum pH level of boiling water was 5.5; the shells were boiled in 5 minutes after boiling. Under these conditions, the protein content of boiled snail meat was 64.18±4.23%. The boiled snail meat was cut into small pieces then dried. The optimal drying condition was the temperature at 50oC for 15 hours, when the snail meat contained the highest content of protein and vitamin C of 66.07±4.81% and 0.66±0.036 mg/g, respectively; the moisture content of dried snail meat was 4.28±0.48% suitable for producing instant nutritional powder
Isolation and selection of nitrite metabolising bacteria from the bottom mud of lobster culture area in Xuan Dai bay, Phu Yen province
Authors:   Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh city, Truong Phuoc Thien Hoang , Do Huynh Dan ,   Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh city, Vo Tran Quoc Thang ,   Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh city, Nguyen Phu Hoa ,   Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh city
Published: September 2021

The study had isolated and selected groups of bacteria that metabolise nitrite from the bottom mud of lobster cages in Xuan Dai bay, Phu Yen province. Analysis results from 21 sludge samples taken from 11 cages of lobster farming area isolated 16 strains of bacteria capable of nitrite metabolism. After investigating biological characteristics and nitrite metabolism of bacteria strains, 10 strains of bacteria were collected with the ability to metabolise nitrite over 95% in 72 hours. In addition, 10 strains of bacteria with the highest NO2- treatment efficiency, identified by genetic analysis and looked up on BLAST, defined as Stenotrophomonas pavanii, Chryseobacterium gleum, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Delftia lacustris, Acinetobacter junii
From chaos to stability in soliton mode-locked fibre laser system
Authors: Sharif Morteza A. , Ashabi K.
Published: September 2021

Intracavity energy rate in a soliton mode-locked fibre laser is derived by solving the Haus master equation. The influence of net gain, absorber response, saturation energy, nonlinearity and absorption are investigated on stable/unstable states. Intracavity modes include the zeroth, first and higher order solitons. Accordingly, chaotic regime as well as breather modes is recognized as a conventional intracavity state. However, tuning the control parameters also results in a reverse bifurcation and thus returning to a stable state. Accordingly, a chaos-based encryption/decryption system is proposed taking the advantage of using a single-side control process; both the encryption and decryption procedures can be achieved by one of the actions of increasing/decreasing the control parameters.
Optimal electronic doping in p-wave superconductors
Authors: Millan Benjamín , Hernández Ivonne Judith , Pérez Luis Antonio , Millan José Samuel
Published: September 2021

Recently, within a generalized Hubbard model which includes correlated nearest (∆t) and next-nearest hopping interactions (∆t_3 ), a comparative study between d- and s*- wave superconducting ground states on a square lattice was performed. It was found that the critical temperature of transition T_c (n), as a function of the electron concentration n, reaches a maximum (T_(c-max) at a given optimal doping (n_op) for each value of the ratio (t’)⁄t, where t and t’ are the tight-binding nearest and next-nearest hopping parameter of a square lattice, respectively. From all values obtained for T_(c-max) ((t’)⁄(t,n_op) a global minimum one was encountered for both symmetries. Likewise, in the same space, a minimal ground state energy E_g was also obtained. For d-wave channel both minima are localized around the same optimal doping, however, for s* symmetry, the two minima are located at different electron concentrations. In this work, we additionally study how the p-wave ground-state energy and the critical temperature depend on the hoppings parameters and the electron concentration. The results show that for p-wave, minimum global values of  and  in the space do exist too, they are found around half filling but, as occurs for s*- wave, the minimum of T_(c-max) does not occur at the same point as . Moreover, we present a ground-state phase diagram in the space (t’)⁄(t,n_op) where it is possible to find zones of coexistence and competition between the s*-, p- and d-wave symmetries. Also, an analysis of the shape of the Fermi surface and the single-particle energy, as functions of the wave vector of an electron in the Cooper pair, has been done for different regions of the mentioned space.
PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors after Platinum-based Chemotherapy in Metastatic or Locally Advanced Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tunthanathip Thara , Bejrananda Tanan
Published: September 2021

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of anti-programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) agents compared with second-line therapy in patients with metastatic or locally advanced urothelial bladder carcinoma following previous platinum-containing chemotherapy.Material and Methods: We systematically searched three electronic databases. The protocol of the study was registered in Prospero (CRD42019142494). Using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, the certainty of evidence (CoE) was estimated.Results: The search results initially found 8168 publications. For qualitative synthesis, two publications were included. Pooled results indicated that patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents had significantly prolonged overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7-0.9; I2 21.0%; moderate CoE). According to positive PD-L1 expression, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors had significantly more survival than chemotherapy (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.5-0.9, I2 57.0%, low CoE). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in adverse events (AE) between the anti-PD-1/PDL1 agents and second-line chemotherapy (risk ratio 0.68; 95% CI 0.3-1.4; I2 97.0%, low CoE).Conclusion: The present meta-analysis and systematic review provide strong evidence that anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents could improve overall survival and have similar results in AEs compared with second-line chemotherapy. Further studies will confirm the power of immunotherapy for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced urothelial bladder carcinoma.
Composition chimique et bioactivité de l’huile essentielle des feuilles de thuya de Berberie (Tetraclinis articulata Vahl) et de ses fractions chromatographiques
Authors: Bourkhiss M. , Lachkar M. , Ouakil A. , Farah A. , Bouachrine M.
Published: September 2021

L'huile essentielle des feuilles de Tetraclinis articulata Vahl Masters et ses fractions obtenues par fractionnement de type flash sont analysées par GC et GC/MS. L'huile essentielle totale des feuilles est constituée de l'acétate de bornyle (30,6 %), le camphre (18,6 %), l'α-pinène (16,8 %), le limonène (5,7 %) et le bornéol (4,7 %) comme composés majoritaires. Le fractionnement de l'huile a donné une fraction hydrocarbonée (FH) et trois fractions oxygénées FO1, FO2 et FO3. La fraction FH est constituée d'hydrocarbures monoterpéniques principalement l'α-pinène (28,2 %) et le limonène (12,6 %), la fraction FO1 regroupe principalement l'acétate de bornyle (47,2 %) et le camphre (26,5 %), alors que les fractions FO2 et FO3 concentrent particulièrement le bornéol (37,5 et 32,2 %) et le camphre (20,8 et 15,3 %) de manière respective. L'activité antimicrobienne testée avec l'huile des feuilles et ses fractions montre que l'huile brute et ses fractions oxygénées FO2 et FO3, constituées essentiellement du bornéol et du camphre, sont les plus actives. La fraction FO2 en particulier serait donc recommandée pour optimiser l'activité antimicrobienne de l'huile essentielle de Tetraclinis articulata.
Major Causes of Female Dropouts at Different Educational Levels in Karachi
Authors: Fatima Syeda Aliya , Fatima Syeda Tasneem , Alwi S. Khurram Khan
Published: September 2021

This research revolves around the causes of female dropouts in Karachi at different educational levels, including primary, secondary, high school and university levels. In this research exploratory sequential mixed method has been used. After the literature review, the phenomenological research method for the qualitative phase of research has been adopted. In this regard, the interviews have been taken by different educationalists in Karachi on the basis of their experience and age via the convenience sampling method. All the hypotheses have been tested and accepted at this stage. Under the umbrella of results of the first phase, the questionnaire has been designed for quantitative research, i.e. the second phase of the research. The sample size for the second phase is 200; the data has been collected via quota sampling. The frequency of every element included in the quantitative phase has been detected separately by using descriptive analysis through SPSS. Finally, conclusions have been made on the basis of data analysis.
Compatibility of Leadership Styles with Cooperative and Non-Cooperative Conflict Management Strategies
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Nadeem , Zainab Ghulam , Khizar Asma
Published: September 2021

Conflict among leaders and subordinates is natural meanwhile same is observed among headteachers and teachers; if it is not managed appropriately can create an adverse impact on organizational climate and subsequently on performance. A plethora of literature looked at the leadership styles that have direct/indirect influence on cooperative and non-cooperative conflict management practices. The present study examines the compatibility between leadership styles and cooperative and non-cooperative conflict management strategies of the secondary schools in Punjab. 360 randomly selected head teachers participated in this study. Two questionnaires were used, one for leadership styles and the other for cooperative and non-cooperative conflict management strategies. The results indicated that cooperative strategies of conflict management such as accommodation, collaboration and compromising are much helpful in a place where democratic leadership style was being practised, and authoritative leaders intended to follow non-cooperative such as competing and avoiding strategies in order to manage conflicts in schools. Therefore, it can be inferred that Headteachers who perceived to exhibit a more democratic style of leadership adopted cooperative strategies of conflict management. The headteachers who were perceived to exhibit a more autocratic leadership style opted for non-cooperative strategies of conflict management.
How School Leader Implement the Curriculum? Problems, Prospects, and Way Forward
Authors: Ullah Obaid , Arshad Umair , Malik Uzma
Published: September 2021

The principal has a multidimensional role, which includes academic management, providing a suitable environment for learning, maintaining proper institutional discipline and the implementation of the curriculum in their academic institutions. The aim of the study was to explore the role of principals in the implementation of the curriculum in the school. The nature of the study was descriptive in nature, having 77 secondary school principals constitutes the population of the study, of which 70 principals were taken as a sample of the study using standardized sample size determination techniques. The data was collected through a validated closed-ended questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using chi-square statistics. The results reveal that the opportunities were provided to staff members for the development of skills and attitudes to support curriculum implementation, the curriculum materials were used to diagnose the potential barriers in the process of curriculum implementation, and the principal provides facilities for the development of standard assessment plans to implement the curriculum.
A Study of the Phenomenon of Bullying in Public Sector Secondary Schools in Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan
Authors: Kamal Ud Din  , Kashif Mahvish Fatima , Tammar Maisam e
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess teachers' understanding of the phenomenon of bullying and bullying-victim students' experiences in three public sector secondary schools in Gilgit, GB, Pakistan. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview and informal interactions with four teachers and three students. Teachers knew bullying as violence inflicted upon weaker students by older students. They seemed to be unsure of what includes 'bullying'. Resultantly, Rules and regulations at school with regard to bullying were also unclear. Many behaviors defined as 'bullying' in literature were ignored and accepted as a common form of behavior among school children. Parents' education level and social status indicated a relationship with bullying behavior. The victims, usually unheard of, also mentioned that they were teased by bullies more frequently, threatened with different types of further abuse if they reported to teachers or parents. They felt afraid, stressed, demotivated, felt low self-esteem, depressed. It is recommended that bullying should be curbed from the very beginning whenever noticed. Explicit strategies and their promulgation within the school should be in place.
Students' Self-Regulation in Online Learning and its Effect on their Academic Achievement
Authors: Kashif Mahvish Fatima , Shahid Rooha
Published: September 2021

The landscape of teaching has been changed due to online learning experiences. Due to its potential for greater flexibility, access, and responsiveness to learning experiences, it has many benefits for learners as well as higher institutions. Thus, the objective of the study was to investigate students self-regulation in online learning and its effect on their academic achievement at the undergraduate level. The study was quantitative in nature; a causal comparative research design was used. A questionnaire (SOL-Q-R) revised by Jansen et al. (2017) was used to measure the self-regulation of students. The total population was 1790 students, 1180 from public and 610 from private universities. A sample of 450 respondents was selected by using a stratified random sampling technique. The result showed that self-regulation has a significant effect on academic achievement. Students who have a high level of self-regulation were shown higher academic achievement.
Investigative Process as Check on the Corporate Mismanagement
Authors: Hameed Usman , Hassan Abida , Mubeen Mahwish
Published: September 2021

A lot of changes have been made in all departments of Pakistan as well as at the worldwide level, and such changes were necessary to be made for the smooth growth of departments and development of countries which ensured not only a good and trustworthy atmosphere but also improved the financial status of many countries. All these changes and developments were possible only with the participation of some developed countries. This article discusses the different aspects of management of the company, which should act in a crystal-clear manner for the benefit of the shareholders. However, when the shareholders are of the view that the management is not functioning according to law to fulfil their aspirations, they can resort to remedies, one of them being investigation. Well organized work can only be guaranteed by preventing monopolies and mismanagement from corporate sectors. It also highlights that how the investigation should be conducted by remaining in possible subsequent sources of corporate management.
Feasibility of robot-assisted neuroendovascular procedures
Authors: Mendes Pereira Vitor , Nicholson Patrick , Cancelliere Nicole M. , Liu Xiao Yu Eileen , Agid Ronit , Radovanovic Ivan , Krings Timo
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE

Geographic factors prevent equitable access to urgent advanced neuroendovascular treatments. Robotic technologies may enable remote endovascular procedures in the future. The authors performed a translational, benchtop-to-clinical study to evaluate the in vitro and clinical feasibility of the CorPath GRX Robotic System for robot-assisted endovascular neurointerventional procedures.

METHODS

A series of bench studies was conducted using patient-specific 3D-printed models to test the system’s compatibility with standard neurointerventional devices, including microcatheters, microwires, coils, intrasaccular devices, and stents. Optimal baseline setups for various procedures were determined. The models were further used to rehearse clinical cases. Subsequent to these investigations, a prospective series of 6 patients was treated using robotic assistance for complex, wide-necked intracranial saccular aneurysms between November 2019 and February 2020. The technical success, incidence of periprocedural complications, and need for conversion to manual procedures were evaluated.

RESULTS

The ideal robotic setup for treatment of both anterior and posterior circulation aneurysms was determined to consist of an 80-cm guide catheter with a 115-cm-long intermediate catheter, a microcatheter between 150 and 170 cm in length, and a microwire with a minimum length of 300 cm. All coils, intrasaccular devices, and stents tested were compatible with the system and could be advanced or retracted safely and placed accurately. All 6 clinical procedures were technically successful, with all intracranial steps being performed robotically with no conversions to manual intervention or failures of the robotic system. There were no procedure-related complications or adverse clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the feasibility of robot-assisted neurointerventional procedures. The authors’ results represent an important step toward enabling remote neuroendovascular care and geographic equalization of advanced endovascular treatments through so-called telestroke intervention.
Direct targeting of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus in deep brain stimulation for essential tremor: a prospective study with comparison to a historical cohort
Authors: Wakim Andre A. , Sioda Natasha A. , Zhou James J. , Lambert Margaret , Evidente Virgilio Gerald H. , Ponce Francisco A.
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE

The ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (VIM) is an effective target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) to control symptoms related to essential tremor. The VIM is typically targeted using indirect methods, although studies have reported visualization of the VIM on proton density–weighted MRI. This study compares the outcomes between patients who underwent VIM DBS with direct and indirect targeting.

METHODS

Between August 2013 and December 2019, 230 patients underwent VIM DBS at the senior author’s institution. Of these patients, 92 had direct targeting (direct visualization on proton density 3-T MRI). The remaining 138 patients had indirect targeting (relative to the third ventricle and anterior commissure–posterior commissure line).

RESULTS

Coordinates of electrodes placed with direct targeting were significantly more lateral (p < 0.001) and anterior (p < 0.001) than those placed with indirect targeting. The optimal stimulation amplitude for devices measured in voltage was lower for those who underwent direct targeting than for those who underwent indirect targeting (p < 0.001). Patients undergoing direct targeting had a greater improvement only in their Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire hobby score versus those undergoing indirect targeting (p = 0.04). The direct targeting group had substantially more symptomatic hemorrhages than the indirect targeting group (p = 0.04). All patients who experienced a postoperative hemorrhage after DBS recovered without intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent direct VIM targeting for DBS treatment of essential tremor had similar clinical outcomes to those who underwent indirect targeting. Direct VIM targeting is safe and effective.
Cognitive and gait outcomes after primary endoscopic third ventriculostomy in adults with chronic obstructive hydrocephalus
Authors: Zwimpfer Thomas J. , Salterio Nicholas , Williams Michael A. , Holubkov Richard , Katzen Heather , Luciano Mark G. , Moghekar Abhay , Nagel Sean J. , Wisoff Jeffrey H. , Golomb James , McKhann Guy M. , Edwards Richard J. , Hamilton Mark G. , _ _
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE

The object of this study was to determine the short- and long-term efficacy of primary endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) on cognition and gait in adults with chronic obstructive hydrocephalus.

METHODS

Patients were prospectively accrued through the Adult Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network patient registry. Patients with previously untreated congenital or acquired obstructive hydrocephalus were included in this study. Gait velocity was assessed using a 10-m walk test. Global cognition was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Only patients with documented pre- and post-ETV gait analysis and/or pre- and post-ETV MoCA were included.

RESULTS

A total of 74 patients had undergone primary ETV, 42 of whom were analyzed. The remaining 32 patients were excluded, as they could not complete both pre- and post-ETV assessments. The mean age of the 42 patients, 19 (45.2%) of whom were female, was 51.9 ± 17.1 years (range 19–79 years). Most patients were White (37 [88.1%]), and the remainder were Asian. Surgical complications were minor. Congenital etiologies occurred in 31 patients (73.8%), with aqueductal stenosis in 23 of those patients (54.8%). The remaining 11 patients (26.2%) had acquired cases. The gait short-term follow-up cohort (mean 4.7 ± 4.1 months, 35 patients) had a baseline median gait velocity of 0.9 m/sec (IQR 0.7–1.3 m/sec) and a post-ETV median velocity of 1.3 m/sec (IQR 1.1–1.4 m/sec). Gait velocity significantly improved post-ETV with a median within-patient change of 0.3 m/sec (IQR 0.0–0.6 m/sec, p < 0.001). Gait velocity improvements were sustained in the long term (mean 14 ± 2.8 months, 12 patients) with a baseline median velocity of 0.7 m/sec (IQR 0.6–1.3 m/sec), post-ETV median of 1.3 m/sec (IQR 1.1–1.7 m/sec), and median within-patient change of 0.4 m/sec (IQR 0.2–0.6 m/sec, p < 0.001).

The cognitive short-term follow-up cohort (mean 4.6 ± 4.0 months, 38 patients) had a baseline median MoCA total score (MoCA TS) of 24/30 (IQR 23–27) that improved to 26/30 (IQR 24–28) post-ETV. The median within-patient change was +1 point (IQR 0–2 points, p < 0.001). However, this change is not clinically significant. The cognitive long-term follow-up cohort (mean 14 ± 3.1 months, 15 patients) had a baseline median MoCA TS of 23/30 (IQR 22–27), which improved to 26/30 (IQR 25–28) post-ETV. The median within-patient change was +2 points (IQR 1–3 points, p = 0.007), which is both statistically and clinically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary ETV can safely improve symptoms of gait and cognitive dysfunction in adults with chronic obstructive hydrocephalus. Gait velocity and global cognition were significantly improved, and the worsening of either was rare following ETV.