bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life Perceptions, Problems and Psychological Wellbeing in Preadolescent and Adolescent Patients in Treatment for Leukemia Compared with Healthy peers
Authors: Tremolada Marta , Chiavetta Ilaria Tamara
Published: January 2019

There is still little research on psychological wellbeing and reported problems in preadolescents and adolescents under therapy for leukemia, also comparing them with their healthy peers. The present study aims to analyze the life perceptions, psychological well-being and problems’ intensity in these patients during the first year of therapy and to compare these reports with those of matched healthy peers adopting a battery of self-report questionnaires. Adopting a series of Mann-Whitney tests, the younger patients resulted more at risk than older ones in their problems’ intensity and psychological symptoms. Older patients were instead more vulnerable regarding past life perceptions. Wilcoxon test with 2 dependent samples analyses showed that: healthy peers have a better perception of current life and lower percentage of somatization symptoms than patients after 6-months post-diagnosis. On the other hand, healthy peers reported more problems dealing with impulsivity, mood, disorganization, concentration and memory than patients both at 6-months and 1-year form diagnosis. Healthy peers reported also more anxiety and depression symptoms than patients and worse past and future life perceptions than patients at 1-year from diagnosis. The clinical aim is to perform a psychological screening of pre- and adolescents in order to prepare ad hoc psychologist interventions.
An Automated Robot-Car Control System with Hand-Gestures and Mobile Application Using Arduino
Authors: Ullah Saleem , Mumtaz Zain , Liu Shuo , Abubaqr Mohammad , Mahboob Athar , Madni Hamza Ahmad
Published: January 2019

Gesture recognition has always been a technique to decrease the distance between the physical and the digital world. In this work, we introduce an Arduino based vehicle system which no longer require manual controlling of the cars. The proposed work is achieved by utilizing the Arduino microcontroller, accelerometer, RF sender/receiver, and Bluetooth. Two main contributions are presented in this work. Firstly, we show that the car can be controlled with hand-gestures according to the movement and position of the hand. Secondly, the proposed car system is further extended to be controlled by an android based mobile application having different modes (e.g., touch buttons mode, voice recognition mode). In addition, an automatic obstacle detection system is introduced to improve the safety measurements to avoid any hazards. The proposed systems are designed at lab-scale prototype to experimentally validate the efﬁciency, accuracy, and affordability of the systems. We remark that the proposed systems can be implemented under real conditions at large-scale in the future that will be useful in automobiles and robotics applications.
Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of a Chagalapoli Fruit (Ardisia compressa) Beverage Fermented Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors: Flores Garcia Ana , Márquez-Meléndez Ruben , salas erika , Ayala Soto Guillermo , Salmeron Ochoa Ivan , Hernandez Ochoa Leon
Published: January 2019

Chagalapoli fruit (Ardisia compressa) is similar to Vaccinium myrtillus (berries) with high-polyphenol content. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of Chagalapoli fruit and to determine the conditions for the preparation of a fermented beverage using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, evaluating the impact on sensory properties. The fermentation process lasted 4 days at 27 °C, with absence of light and a fixed pH of 3.8. The phenolic contents obtained in samples according to chromatograms were 1.27 mg(EPI)/mL in filtered juice, 1.59 mg(EPI)/mL in filtered fermented beverage, 1.91 mg(EPI)/mL in partially filtered juice and 3.19 mg(EPI)/mL in partially filtered fermented beverage. An affective test was carried out to determine the sensory acceptability of the final product, evaluating the flavor, color and aroma parameters. The fermented beverage with the greatest preference on color and flavor attributes was the partially filtered fermented beverage.
Хлорорганические соединения в ерше Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758 в акватории Севастополя (Чёрное море): пространственное распределение и биологический отклик на уровень накопления загрязнителей
Authors: Малахова Л. В. , Скуратовская Е. Н. , Малахова Т. В. , Болтачев А. Р. , Лобко В. В.
Published: January 2019

Несмотря на запрет применения хлорорганических соединений (ХОС), они до настоящего времени аккумулируются в различных абиотических и биотических компонентах экосистемы Чёрного моря, в том числе в рыбах, вызывая негативные изменения в их метаболизме. Как район активного хозяйственного использования, севастопольская морская акватория подвергается значительному антропогенному воздействию. Уровень содержания ХОС в тканях морского ерша (скорпены) Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758, ведущего оседлый образ жизни и массово распространённого в прибрежных сообществах, может служить показателем степени загрязнения акватории данным поллютантом, а вид ― удобным индикатором. Газохроматографическим методом с использованием микродетектора электронного захвата определены качественный состав и концентрация хлорорганических пестицидов (п,п’-ДДТ и его метаболитов) и шести индикаторных конгенеров полихлорированных бифенилов в 58 пробах белых мышц, гонад и печени морского ерша, отловленного в 2016–2017 гг. в различных по степени загрязнённости бухтах региона Севастополя (Александровская, Казачья, Стрелецкая, Балаклавская, Ласпи), а также в открытой прибрежной акватории. Для определения отклика организма на уровень загрязнения в печени ерша исследовали комплекс биохимических маркеров: активность аланинаминотрансферазы, аспартатаминотрансферазы и каталазы, содержание альбумина, уровень окислительной модификации белков и концентрацию малонового диальдегида. Содержание ХОС в рыбах зависело от загрязнённости места их обитания. Наибольший уровень ХОС зафиксирован в органах ершей из бухт закрытого типа с затруднённым водообменом (Александровская, Стрелецкая и Балаклавская), наименьший ― в открытой бухте Ласпи. Накопление ХОС в органах ершей зависело от содержания липидов в исследованных тканях. Максимальные концентрации ХОС обнаружены в печени скорпен из всех изученных акваторий, минимальные ― в гонадах рыб из бухт и в белых мышцах особей из открытых районов. Полученные соотношения между содержанием ХОС в печени ерша и показателями комплекса биохимических маркеров свидетельствуют об ослаблении антиоксидантной защиты и о развитии окислительного стресса у рыб в результате накопления ксенобиотиков.
Эритроциты циркулирующей крови морского ерша Scorpaena porcus L. 1758 в условиях острой экспериментальной гипоксии
Authors: Солдатов А. А. , Кухарева Т. А. , Андреева А. Ю. , Парфенова И. А.
Published: January 2019

В условиях краткосрочного эксперимента исследовали влияние острой гипоксии на морфофункциональное состояние эритроцитов морского ерша (Scorpaena porcus L. 1758). Рыб содержали при 8,5–8,7 мг O2·л-1 (100 % насыщение, контроль), 2,6 мг O2·л-1 (30 % насыщение) и 1,3 мг O2·л-1 (15 % насыщение) в течение 90 минут. При 30 % насыщении воды кислородом не наблюдали каких-либо изменений, показатели состояния эритроцитов сохранялись на уровне контрольных значений. При 15 % насыщении воды кислородом происходило угнетение эритропоэтических процессов, выраженное в преимущественном снижении содержания в крови наименее дифференцированных эритроидных форм (базофильных нормобластов). Одновременно отмечались набухание циркулирующих эритроцитов и лизис осмотически низкостойких и аномальных клеток, что приводило к снижению кислородной ёмкости крови и к росту осмотической резистентности циркулирующей эритроцитарной массы. Выявленный порядок изменений в системе красной крови способен индуцировать продукцию эритропоэтинов в почках и активизировать эритроидный росток в гемопоэтической ткани.
The Effects of Fracture Penetration Ratio and Fracture Conductivity on the Performance of Hydraulic Fractured Vertical Wells in Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Kamal Babar , Malekzadeh Darren
Published: January 2019

Predicting the effects of the fracture penetration ratio and fracture conductivity in hydraulically- fractured vertical wells in dry-gas and wet-gas reservoirs is important in determining the well performance in a given formation. A fracture length and conductivity which provide the highest ultimate gas recovery factor at the earliest time to reach abandonment conditions is the proper fracture type which has to be selected for developing the reservoir.

A three dimensional reservoir simulation model is used to evaluate the performance of hydraulic fractured vertical wells as a function of fracture penetration ratio and fracture conductivity. Accurate determination of initial gas reserves, average reservoir pressure at abandonment time, and the time to reach abandonment conditions is very important to the petroleum industry. Material balance technique and volumetric method, currently used in the petroleum industry to determine the reserves, which do not consider well performance and, as a result, predict a very high recovery factor at abandonment pressure for hydraulic fractured vertical wells in volumetric dry-gas and wet-gas reservoirs.

Well performance in hydraulic fractured vertical wells depends on fracture penetration ratio and fracture conductivity. A comparison with horizontal wells of same penetration ratio is also provided in this paper as an alternative to hydraulic fracturing. A number of simulation runs were performed on a square shape reservoir of horizontal permeability 0.01 md, 0.1 md and 1 md with a penetration ratio of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8. Our results quantify and show that the ultimate recovery factor and abandonment time are function of fracture penetration ratio regardless of fracture conductivity. In addition, our results shows that in low permeability reservoirs a hydraulic fractured vertical well of similar penetration ratio to a horizontal well perform twice in terms of recovery factor and abandonment time. The effects of formation thickness, well parameters and reservoir rock properties on the average reservoir pressure at abandonment time and on the time to reach the economic limit are also presented in this paper. Based on the results of fracture penetration ratio and fracture conductivity in volumetric dry-gas and wet-gas reservoirs, this paper presents recommendations regarding the proper well type with which the reservoir should be developed.
Terrestrial Non-Parasitic Nematode Assemblages associated With Glyphosate-tolerant and Conventional Soybean-Based Cropping Systems
Authors: Mbatyoti Akhona , Daneel Mieke Stefanie , Swart Antoinette , de Waele Dirk , Fourie Hendrika
Published: January 2019

Information about the effects of glyphosate on nematodes is limited and contradictory, while none existing for South African agricultural fields. The abundance and identity of non-parasitic nematodes in the rhizospheres of commercial glyphosate-tolerant and conventional (non-glyphosate-tolerant), soybean cultivars from cultivated fields, and adjacent natural vegetation (reference system) were obtained for two growing seasons. The impact of glyphosate was also investigated on non-parasitic nematodes in a 2-year soybean-maize cropping system. Thirty-two non-parasitic nematode genera were identified from soils of the three field ecosystems, with most of the genera occurring in natural vegetation (28), and less in conventional (23) and glyphosate-tolerant soybean (21). Bacterivores had the greatest diversity in soils of all three ecosystems during both seasons, while fungivores tended to be more abundant in glyphosate-tolerant soybean fields especially during the second season. Soils from the three ecosystems were disturbed and degraded with low abundance and diversity of omnivores and predators. Of the 14 genera identified from the soybean-maize cropping experiment, bacterivores dominated in terms of diversity in non-treated, and fungivores in glyphosate-treated plots. Soils from glyphosate-treated plots were degraded, less enriched and fungal-mediated, while those from non-treated plots were disturbed, enriched, and bacterial-mediated.
Biological characterization of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema innovationi: a South African isolate
Authors: Ramakuwela Tshimangadzo , Hatting Justin , Laing Mark D. , Thiebaut Nicolene , Hazir Selcuk
Published: January 2019

Entomopathogenic nematode species perform differently under different environmental conditions; therefore, the authors investigated the biological and environmental characteristics that could optimize performance of Steinernema innovationi. The authors studied the effect of temperature on infectivity and reproduction, the foraging behavior and host range. Thermal activity was optimal between 22 and 25°C. Highest infective juvenile (IJ) yields in last instar Galleria mellonella were observed at 22°C (333,014 IJs/g) and 25°C (354,165 IJs/g). An average of 26% of the IJs infected G. mellonella larvae at depths of 15 cm within 24 hr. Steinernema innovationi IJs raised greater than 95% of their body off the substrate and moved in a circular pattern, but did not jump. The hosts, Acheta domesticus, Chilo partellus, and Plutella xylostella showed the least susceptibility. All other hosts, [Eldana saccharina, Sesamia calamistis, Tenebrio molitor, G. mellonella, Cydia pomonella] suffered 100% larval mortality. Pupal mortality ranged from 47 to 68%. An LC50 and LC70 of 3 and 31 IJs/larva, respectively, were calculated for Agrotis ipsilon. The results indicate that S. innovationi is adapted to moderate temperatures. Furthermore, to the author’s knowledge this is the first report of a nematode (particularly from ‘glaseri group’) that shows cruiser-type behavior in movement, but also nictates.
Water consumption in public schools: a case study
Authors: Nunes Luiz Gustavo Costa Ferreira , Soares Anna Elis Paz , Soares Willames de Albuquerque , da Silva Simone Rosa
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study is to define a consumption indicator (CI) for water that can be used as a reference for developing water conservation plans at public schools. The methodology followed consists of a historical water consumption data survey of all schools in Recife, Brazil, a registration survey of school buildings, the calculation of consumption indicators for the period 2012–2015, and finally, the calculation of reference indicators. The results obtained indicated a reference range for the CI of 13.0 ± 2.0 L/student/day for water considering the set of all school typologies, with a 95% confidence level. The analysis of the schools in groups, classified into four typologies, led to the following reference ranges: 11.5 ± 2.0 L/student/day for regular schools, 13.5 ± 3.5 L/student/day for extended period schools, 22.0 ± 6.0 L/student/day for full period schools, and 18.5 ± 6.5 L/student/day for technical schools. Through the use of a consumption indicator, schools with a limited supply of potable or above average water can be identified and specific actions can be developed to achieve a sustainable use of water in the school environment.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Microbial Evaluation of Spices in Ethiopia
Authors: Bedada Tesfaye L. , Derra Firehiwot A. , Gebre Samson G. , Sima Waktole G. , Edicho Redwan M. , Maheder Rahel F. , Negassi Tigist Y. , Asefa Yosef B.
Published: January 2019

Introduction:

Since spices are taken as ready-to-eat products, they are not subjected to heat treatment. The use of spices contaminated with pathogens can lead to morbidity and mortality.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted on 162 samples of 25 spices collected from retail and production sites in different regions of Ethiopia between January 2010 to December 2017 to determine the concentrations of heterotrophic plate count andStaphylococcus aureusby pour plate method; for coliforms using NMKL Method No. 44; for mould and yeast enumeration using spread method and forSalmonellausing ES ISO 6579. The data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results:

Moulds, yeasts, total coliforms, heterotrophic plate count, total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms,E. coliandS. aureusabove the acceptable limits were observed in 5 (3%), 7 (4.3%), 2 (1.2%), 20 (12.3%), 10 (6.2%), 9 (5.6%) and 19 (11.7%) samples respectively.Salmonellaspecies was notnoticed in any of the samples tested. No bacterial and fungal contaminations were observed in 11 of 25 spices.

Conclusions:

Few spices samples had 1.2 to 12.3% of the microbiological indicators, spoilages or pathogens exceeded the ICMFS guidelines. The use of these contaminated spices may pose risk to human health.
Screening mined-out indigenous mycorrhizal fungi for the rehabilitation of mine tailing areas in the Philippines
Authors: Aggangan Nelly Siababa , Cortes Angelbert D
Published: January 2019

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a significant role for mine tailing rehabilitation due to their sensitivity towards a range of soil pollutants. This beneficial biological agent can enhance plant tolerance to heavy metal contamination. This study screened indigenous AMF associated with growing indigenous ferns and grasses in the mine tailings for potential use in rehabilitating a 3-decade abandoned mined out area in Mogpog, Marinduque. Pterocarpus indicus Willd. (narra) was used as the host plant to establish mycorrhizal fungi association. Among the treatments, indigenous AMF associated with Ferns 1, 2 and 5 generally improved the height and shoot diameter of the narra seedlings and the effect was comparable with commercially available AMF inoculants, MYKOVAM® and MYKORICH®. The dry weight of the roots and nodules was consistently improved by indigenous AMF from Fern2 and Grass1, which had comparable effect with MYKOVAM® and MYKORICH®. Overall, the total seedling dry matter of narra seedlings was significantly stimulated by AMF, irrespective of isolates’ origin. The mycorrhizal root infection by AMF and number of spores in the soil were all high as compared with the uninoculated control counterpart. Lastly, AMF inoculation induced Cu retention in the roots of the seedlings. Thus the results imply that, the mined out indigenous AMF are potential agents to rehabilitate the abandoned mine tailings in the Philippines.
Seedling Establishment on a Forest Restoration Site
Authors: Grossnickle Steven
Published: January 2019

Seedling field performance is affected by both their quality and reforestation site conditions. Seedlings enter the establishment phase when they start to develop root systems into the surrounding soil and are coupled to the restoration site. Once seedlings are established, their inherent growth potential is related to morphological and physiological attributes and their ecophysiological response to site environmental conditions, which ultimately determines field performance. This establishment phase is a time when seedlings developed with certain nursery cultural practices begin to respond to site conditions. This phase is also a period when silvicultural practices have created microsites intended to benefit established seedlings field performance. Seedlings can be exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions during the establishment phase, some of which may be extreme enough to exceed their ability to physiologically tolerate environmental stress. When this occurs, seedling growth on the restoration site is reduced. On the other hand, this phase can provide planted seedlings with ideal environmental conditions that allow for an optimum physiological response and maximization of their growth potential. An understanding of the ecophysiological capability of planted seedlings can ensure they have the best chance at rapid stand establishment.
STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING ABILITY IN INTEGRATED LEARNING MODEL
Authors: Sundari Putri Dwi , Parno Parno , Kusairi Sentot
Published: January 2019

This study was aimed at analyzing the students’ critical thinking skills in the integrated 5E peer instruction learning cycle in temperature and heat material. This mixed-method research with embedded experimental design involved 33 students of class X in Sidoarjo state high school. The research instrument consists of treatment instruments and measurement instruments. The treatment instrument consists of syllabus, lesson plan, and student worksheet. The measurement instrument consisted of critical thinking skills tests, interview guide sheets and field notes. The test research instrument was in the form of 8 test questions developed based on critical thinking indicators proposed by Ennis with a reliability of 0.72. The quantitative data on students’ critical thinking skills were analyzed using paired t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed by reducing the results of student interviews. The results show that the students’ critical thinking skill in the temperature and heat materials increased after following the peer instruction integrated 5E learning cycle. The students have been able to build basic skills, provide simple explanations, organize strategies and tactics, make further explanations and are still unable to make conclusions from the physics problems presentedKEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA DALAMMODEL PEMBELAJARAN TERINTEGRASIAbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa pada model siklus belajar 5E terintegrasi peer instruction dalam materi suhu dan kalor. Penelitian mixed-method dengan desain embedded experimental ini melibatkan 33 siswa kelas X di SMA Negeri di Sidoarjo. Instrumen penelitian terdiri dari instrumen perlakuan dan instrumen pengukuran. Instrumen perlakuan terdiri dari silabus, RPP, dan LKS. Instrumen pengukuran terdiri dari tes kemampuan berpikir kritis, lembar panduan wawancara, dan lembar catatan lapangan. Instrumen penelitian tes berupa 8 soal uraian tes yang dikembangkan berdasarkan indikator berpikir kritis yang dikemukakan oleh Ennis dengan reliabilitas 0,72. Data kuantitatif kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa dianalisis menggunakan paired t-test. Data kualitatif dianalisis dengan melakukan reduksi terhadap hasil wawancara siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa pada materi suhu dan kalor meningkat setelah mengikuti pembelajaran siklus belajar 5E terintegrasi peer instruction. Siswa sudah mampu dalam membangun keterampilan dasar, memberikan penjelasan sederhana, mengatur strategi dan taktik, membuat penjelasan lebih lanjut, dan masih kurang mampu dalam membuat kesimpulan dari permasalahan fisika yang disajikan.
Improving the Referral Process, Timeliness, Effectiveness, and Equity of Access to Specialist Medical Services Through Electronic Consultation: Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Nabelsi Véronique , Lévesque-Chouinard Annabelle , Liddy Clare , Dumas Pilon Maxine
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Access to specialty care remains a major challenge in the Canadian health care system. Electronic consultation (eConsult) services allow primary care providers to seek specialist advice often without needing the patient to go for a face-to-face consultation. It improves overall access to specialists and the referral process using an electronic care consultation service in urban and rural primary care clinics. This study describes the preliminary results of a pilot study with an eConsult service across 3 regions in the province of Quebec, Canada.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to provide a 1-year snapshot of the implementation of the eConsult Quebec Service in rural and urban primary care clinics to improve access to care and the specialty referral process for primary care providers (PCPs).

METHODS

We established an eConsult service that covers urban and rural communities in 3 regions of Quebec. We conducted a quantitative analysis of all eConsult cases submitted from July 4, 2017, to December 8, 2018.

RESULTS

For over a year, 1016 eConsults have been generated during the course of this study. A total of 97 PCPs submitted requests to 22 specialty groups and were answered by 40 different specialists. The most popular specialty was internal medicine (224/1016, 22%). Overall, 63% (640/1016) of completed cases did not require a face-to-face visit. PCPs rated the service as being of high or very high value for themselves in 98% (996/1016) of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary data highlight the success of the implementation of the eConsult Quebec Service across 6 primary care clinics. The eConsult platform proves to be effective, efficient, and well received by both patients and physicians. If used more widely, eConsult could help reducing wait times significantly. Recently, the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Quebec has identified developing a strategic plan to scale eConsults throughout other regions of the province as a top priority.
MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES OF ISOLATED FLAVONOIDS COMPOUNDS FROM AMARANTHUS TRISTIS LINN. AS ALPHA-AMYLASE AND ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE ACTIVATORS
Authors: T Sundar Rajan , M Vijey Aanandhi
Published: January 2019

Aim: Aim of this work on in silico approach to used to access the use of flavonids compounds of nutritionally enriched plant Amaranthus tristis Linn.Methods: Bioflavonoids of rutin isolated from A. tristis Linn. and active agents receptor such as alpha-amylase (1SMD) and alpha-glucosidase (3wy1) activators. Three-dimensional structure of receptors was obtained from protein data bank database and biocomponents such as isoflavones and flavonones of A. tristis were downloaded from database like USDA. Docking studies of insulin receptor with A. tristis biocomponents for isoflavones and flavonones were performed using AutoDock - 1.5.6 software.Results: Compounds from A. tristis Linn. showed better binding features with the alpha-amylase and alpha-glycosidase. Thus, these compounds can be effectively used as drugs for treating diabetes which is predicted on the basis of docking scores.Conclusion: The insights gained in this work can be further used in experimental studies for designing antidiabetic drugs with novel targets and mode of action.
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND EVALUATION OF ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES OF SUBSTITUTED BENZIMIDAZOLE ANALOG
Authors: M Vijey Aanandhi , J Anbhule Sachin
Published: January 2019

Objective: The aim of the present study is to synthesize novel benzimidazole derivatives as potent antifungal agents.Methods: 2-chloromethyl-1H-benzimidazole has been synthesized by refluxing o-phenylenediamine with chloroacetic acid in the presence of 5N HCL. Further, N-substituted benzimidazole derivatives containing various heteroamines and aromatic compounds were synthesized. These, finally, prepared derivatives were kept for in vitro antifungal property.Results: A novel series of antifungal agents, containing benzimidazole nucleus as a basic skeleton, has been synthesized.Conclusion: The synthesized novel benzimidazole derivatives exhibit moderate activity (VMSA 1, 2, 8), some compounds showed significant activity (VMSA 6, 9, and 10), and compound VMSA 4 and 5 exhibits maximum activity.
NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM THROUGH NASAL (NON-INVASIVE)
Authors: S Ramachandran
Published: January 2019

Intranasal route is the best method for high absorption and direct delivery to the brain. The interests and importance, of this route, are that the systemic effects of drugs when administered through the nasal route, have expanded over recent decades and it used for therapeutic and recreational purposes. In comparison with the parenteral route of drug administration, intra-nasal administration of drugs offers an interesting alternative for achieving systemic therapeutic effects of drugs. The oral administration of the drug produces low drug bioavailability, and this can be minimized using this nasal route. Moreover, the advantage of this route is that it can bypass the first-pass metabolism. Therefore, it is important to understand the potential and limitations of various nasal drug delivery systems. The aim of this review article is to discuss the various pharmaceutical dosage forms that have the potential to be utilized for local or systemic drug administration. It is assumingly expected that this review will help to understand about this route and also to develop suitable intra-nasal formulations to achieve specific therapeutic objectives. The different types of nasal drug formulations that can be used are nasal drops, nasal sprays, nasal gels, nasal suspensions and emulsion, and nasal powders.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF REVERSED-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD FOR GABAPENTIN AND ITS RELATED SUBSTANCES IN CAPSULE DOSAGE FORM AND EXCIPIENT COMPATIBILITY STUDIES
Authors: Patan Afroz
Published: January 2019

Objective: A simple, accurate, precise, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for gabapentin (GBP) and its related substances in the capsule dosage form and excipient compatibility studies. Methods: The review of literature indicates that various methods have been reported for the estimation of GBP. When some excipients were used for GBP, it produced degradation product called lactam due to the presence of more water content. Hence, a novel RP-HPLC method has been developed for studying excipient compatibility and related substances of GBP in capsule dosage form using excipients such as lactose anhydrous and dried maize starch which is having less water activity. Waters Alliance e2695 separation module with ultraviolet/photodiode array (UV/PDA) detector with Inertsil C8 (250 mm×4.6 mm); 5 μm with an injection volume of 50 μl is injected and eluted with the (gradient program) mobile Phase A buffer: acetonitrile (940:60) and mobile phase B buffer: acetonitrile (700:300) pH 6.9 with 5 N potassium hydroxide which is pumped at a speed of 1.5 ml/min and detected by UV/PDA detector at 210 nm. The peaks of GBP and GBP-related compound A are well separated at 6.7 min and 34.5 min, respectively. Results: The method developed was approved for various parameters such as accuracy, specificity, precision, intermediate precision, range, linearity, robustness, limit of detection, limit of quantification, steadiness, and system suitability according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The results got were according to the acceptance criteria. Conclusion: The technique proposed was assured for detection of related substances in the marketed formulation and could be used for the routine analysis of GBP and GBP-related compound A in the capsule dosage form.
AN OVERVIEW ON MOUTH DISSOLVING FILM
Authors: Meghana Raykar
Published: January 2019

Context: Mouth dissolving film (MDF) is an innovative approach for systemic delivery of therapeutically/ medicinally active drug substance(s). Objective: The main objectives of Oral mouth dissolving films is to provide better bioavailability of drug, to have improved permeability, quick onset of action as well as improve patient compliance Method: Preparation of films is similar to that of transdermal patch. Film when placed in mouth it get dissolve rapidly due to salivary fluid then it releases medicament(s), It will get absorbed within blood to show therapeutic action. Results: This overview provides information about formulation, technologies used in making mouth dissolving film formulations and evaluation tests carried out for the same. Conclusion: Mouth dissolving film formulations are innovative dosage form to improve the drug delivery, onset of action as well as improve patient compliance
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL SHAMPOO
Authors: A Vijayalakshmi
Published: January 2019

Aim and Objective: The aim of this present study is to prepare and formulate an herbal shampoo and to assess its physiochemical function that emphasis on safety, efficacy, eliminating harmful synthetic ingredient, and substitute with safe natural ingredients.Methods: The formulation of shampoo using the extracts of Emblica officinalis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Acacia concinna, Sapindus indica, Eclipta prostrata, Aloe barbadensis, and Cassia auriculata in different proportions. Evaluation of organoleptic, physicochemical, and performance tests in terms of visual assessment, wetting time test, pH, assurance of solid contents, surface tension, detergency, dirt dispersion, conditioning performance, foam volume, and stability was performed.Results: The created cleanser was clear and good appealing. It demonstrated good froth stability, detergency, good cleansing, small bubble size, low surface strain, and execution of good conditioning.Conclusion: The physicochemical evaluation of the formulated shampoo showed ideal results. However, to improve its quality, productperformance, and safety, further development was required.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES FOR IMPROVED EFFICACY OF ITRACONAZOLE ANTIFUNGAL DRUG
Authors: Y Charanteja Reddy ,
Published: January 2019

Objective: The main objective of the study was to formulate and evaluate the chitosan nanoparticles to improve the therapeutic efficacy of itraconazole by loading in nanoparticle drug delivery system. Designing the formulation of the drug itraconazole prolongs the therapeutic concentration of the drug in the blood and which will lower the frequency of dosing and also improves the efficacy of the drug. Methods: Itraconazole nanoparticles are prepared by ionic gelation method; here, chitosan is used as polymer. The formulated nanoparticles are evaluated for external morphological studies by scanning electron microscope (SEM), drug content, in vitro drug release studies, as well as infrared (IR) spectral analysis. Results: The Fourier transform IR spectra show that there was no interaction between drug and polymers; hence, they are compatible. Percentage entrapment efficiency, drug content, and percentage yield were higher for F3 formulation. The particle size analysis shows that every particle in the formulations gave the range of 148–227 nm, respectively; increasing in the particle size observed with varying concentration of polymer. SEM analysis of the nanoparticles shows that all the formulations were spherical and smooth with ideal surface morphology. As the concentration of polymer, the drug release decreased proportionally. The stability studies were carried out on the optimized formulation for 2 months at 30±2°C and 60±5% RH and 40±2°C and 75±5% RH; finally, it was observed that there was no change in drug content and in vitro drug release profile even after storage at 30±2°C and 60±5% RH and 40±2°C and 75±5% RH for 2 months. Conclusion: Itraconazole is one among the most widely used antifungal drugs. Designing the formulation of drug itraconazole prolongs therapeutic drug concentration in the blood and decreases dosage frequency and also enhances the efficacy of drug.
EVALUATING THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT GROUPS OF HYPERTENSION THERAPY: A PHARMACOECONOMIC STUDY
Authors: A Roobena Parveen , M Vara Prasanna Rao
Published: January 2019

Objective: The study objective is to evaluate among the different groups of antihypertensive for their cost-effectiveness and to provide information about the effective management of hypertensives both clinically and economically. Methods: This study involves 81 patients aged 18–80 years on antihypertensive treatment who were enrolled from December to May with daily dose calculation. It is performed to analyze cost-effectiveness in the management of clinical condition. Data collection form to be entered with age, sex, food habits, occupational status, clinical data, and drugs was used for treatment. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is calculated based on the incremental cost for “per mmHg” reduction and cost for “per patient” reaching target blood pressure (BP). Result: Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) show a significant average reduction of systolic BP (SBP) and beta-blockers (BBs) show an average reduction of diastolic BP (DBP). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are cost effective in SBP and calcium channel blockers are cost effective in maintaining DBP. Conclusion: ARBs, BBs, and ACEIs show the effective management of hypertensives both clinically and economically.
VACCINE-INDUCED DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Tsundue Tenzin , S Ponnusankar
Published: January 2019

Vaccines are weakened or dead microbes injected for the development of an acquired immunity as a preventive measure, also including the use of microbial proteins. The spectrum of adverse events following vaccination has been increasing as well with increasing number of reports detailing the events following immunization. The rate of morbidity and mortality of many communicable diseases has significantly decreased with time with relieve to the quality of life as well as the overall pharma economic cost. In this case report vaccine-induced developmental delay was observed in a child of 16 months of age. The child was born with low birth weight despite which the child was administered with hepatitis B vaccine, poliomyelitis vaccine, and bacillus Calmette-Guerin within 24 h of birth. Consecutive clinical outcomes followed throughout the years, which induced a developmental delay in this child. This case clearly signifies the need for more evidence-based implementation for the management of various diseases at secondary care hospitals.
EVALUATION OF GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY AND CYTOTOXICITY OF ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF ACACIA CAESIA (L.) WILLD. AGAINST HELA CELL LINE
Authors: S Sharmila , E K Ramya
Published: January 2019

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the bioactive compounds of the ethanolic leaf extract of Acacia caesia using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method and also screen the in vitro cytotoxic activity against HeLa-E 72 cancer cell line.Methods: The present research was carried out using GC-MS analysis, while mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract were matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Wiley library. Cytotoxicity was assessed with 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and cellular morphological alterations were studied using phase contrast inverted light microscope of 400×. The ethanol extract of A. caesia was screened for their cytotoxicity at different concentrations (12.5–200 μg/ml), to determine the mean percentage (%) cell viability.Results: The results of GC/MS analysis showed the presence of 41 major compounds. In terms of percentage amounts, 1,8-diphenyl-3,4,10,11- tetrahydro[1,4]dioxino[2,3-g:5,6-g’]diisoquinoline, 6-(chloromethyl)-4-(3,4-dimethoxy-2-(phenylmethoxy)-phenyl)-3-methyl-2-yridinecarboxylate, and 2’,4’,6’-Trinitro-5’-phenyl-1,1’:3’,1”-terphenyl were predominant in the extract and have the property of antioxidant, antidepressant potential, antibacterial activity, cytotoxic, diabetic, and induced brain activity. The results of cytotoxicity at highest concentration (200 μg/ml) of the cells became rounder, shrunken and showed signs of detachment from the surface of the wells denoting cell death.Conclusions: From this study, it is obvious that A. caesia leaf extracts contain various bioactive constituents with a wide range of medicinal properties which is used to treat multiple disorders and it also gives a detailed insight about the phytochemical profile which could be exploited for the development of plant-based drugs. Further, the ethanolic extract of A. caesia exhibits potent cytotoxic activity against HeLa-E 72 cell line.
IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM L. MATON
Authors: P Prabu , N Edayadulla , S Anand
Published: January 2019

Objective: The objective of the present study is to determine the possible phytoconstituents identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of an ethanolic leaves extract of Elettaria cardamomum L. Maton.Methods: The extraction of E. cardamomum was done by cold solvent extraction system at room temperature. GC-MS analysis of lyophilized ethanolic leaves extract of plant samples was carried out by GC-MS-GC Clarus 500 Perkin Elmer. Results: In E. cardamomum, 21 phytochemicals were identified among which retinal, 9-cis-showed the highest area (44.86%) and benzeneethanamine, α-methyl- showed the lowest area (0.12%). The major compounds identified were retinal, 9-cis-, 1-heptatriacotanol, phytol, n-hexadecanoic acid, naphthalene,decahydro-1,1,4atrimethyl-6-methylene-5-(3-methyl-2-4-pentadienyl)-[4aS-(4aα,5α,8aα)]-, β-pinene, 2H-pytan-3-ol,6- ethenyltetrahydro-2,2,6-trimethyl-and cyclopropane, trimethanol, (2-methyl-1-propanylidene).Conclusion: GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of hydrocarbon alkane, ester, terpenes, phenolic compounds, steroids, and fatty acids in E. cardamomum. These active phytoconstituents contribute to the medicinal efficacy of the plant, and the plant can be used for the sourcing of these compounds.
REVIEW ON TRANSDERMAL MICRONEEDLE-BASED DRUG DELIVERY
Authors: Manoj Valsa Remony , Manoj Hima
Published: January 2019

Drug delivery research extensively studies methods to transport proteins, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), genes, antibodies, and vaccines efficiently and safely to human bodies in recent years. This review comprehensively covers the developments in microneedle-based drug delivery, their configurations, design, fabrication, and operation. The factors surrounding the mechanical strength of microneedle-based transdermal patches (MNTP’s) have also been reviewed. MNTP’s can eliminate limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. Microneedle-based transdermal delivery approach will offer a self-management, patient-friendly, and efficient administration route for drug delivery.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGY AND PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN DIFFERENT POPULATIONS AND MORPHOTYPES OF DATURA INNOXIA MILL. AND DATURA METEL L. FROM PUNJAB PLAINS
Authors: Partap Mahinder , Gupta Raghbir Chand , Pradhan Saroj Kumar
Published: January 2019

Objective: Comparative analysis of morphology and phytochemical constituents in different populations and morphotypes of Datura innoxia Mill. and Datura metel L. from Punjab plains.Methods: Morphological analyses of different populations have been done. Methanol extracts of seeds and roots of different populations have been prepared and total phenols, flavonoid contents were measured through spectrophotometry. Antioxidant activity was studied by 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity. Two major compounds, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid were quantified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analyses.Results: Two morphotypes of D. metel were reported in the present study. Out of five different populations of D. metel and D. innoxia, the wild populations have more bioactive compound as compared to the cultivated ones from the detailed phytochemical investigation. Pharmacologically important two marker compounds chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid has been identified and quantified by HPTLC technique.Conclusion: Variation in terms of morphology and secondary metabolites exists among the different populations of Datura spp. Among the two plant parts studied, seeds have the maximum amount of bioactive metabolites and antioxidant activity. This study revealed that chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid are the potential polyphenolic compounds in Datura spp. It has been found that the antioxidant activity of plant is due to its polyphenol contents, which provides insight to various researchers to work on it as it imparts health benefit.
ANALYSIS OF BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY STUDY OF CONVENTIONAL EXTRACTION OF VITEX NEGUNDO LINN. LEAVES
Authors: Fatema Samreen , Ubale Milind , Farooqui Mazahar , Arif Pathan Mohd
Published: January 2019

Objective: The main objective of the present work is to carry out the biological activity, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) studies for the possible compounds present in Vitex negundo.Methods: The aqueous extract of V. negundo Linn. was screened for biological activities such as antimicrobial, antituberculosis (TB), antimalarial, and antioxidant activities. The GC-MS analysis was carried out.Results: The result shows that leaf extract is effective against Escherichia Coli and Bacillus subtitus while negative results for anti-TB and anti-malarial activity. The antioxidant activity of the leave extract is excellent.Conclusion: The compounds present in the leaf extract of V. negundo are responsible for possessing the biological activity.
EFFECT OF GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE METHANOLIC EXTRACT ON PANCREATIC PUTRESCINE LEVELS AGAINST ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: M Jothi Muniyandi , A Benno Susai Vijayakumar
Published: January 2019

Objective: Gymnema sylvestre, a rare herb with significant medicinal values widely used as a naturopathic treatment for diabetes. This study demonstrates the antidiabetic potential and changes in the levels of pancreatic putrescine in G. sylvestre treated experimental rat models.Methods: Phytochemical analysis was carried out for methanolic leaf extract of G. sylvestre (GSME). Further, antidiabetic property and putrescine levels in alloxan-induced diabetic Wister albino rats were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography method.Results: The GSME (500 mg/kg b/w) was administered daily up to 15 days in diabetic rats against standard drug metformin (500 mg/kg b/w). At the end of the experiments, the increased body weights were noted in the diabetic control groups, while there was reduction in blood glucose level, total protein, liver glycogen, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and blood catalase, respectively.Conclusion: GSME at the dose of (500 mg/kg b/w) brings about significant beneficial effects in various physiological parameters and level of putrescine altered during diabetic manifestations, and these effects are quite comparable with the standard drug, metformin.
BIOACTIVITIES AND CHEMOPROFILING COMPARISONS OF CHENOPODIUM AMBROSIOIDES L. AND CHENOPODIUM BOTRYS L. GROWING IN KASHMIR, INDIA
Authors: Shameem Shameem A , Z Khan Khaliquz , A Waza Ajaz , Haseeb Shah Abdul , Qadri Hafsa , A Ganai Bashir
Published: January 2019

Objectives: The objectives of the study were the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identification and comparison of the chemical constituents, evaluation of the antifungal and anticancer activities of two species of genus Chenopodium, for example, Chenopodium ambrosioides (Ca) and Chenopodium botrys (Cb) growing in Kashmir, Himalayan region.Methods: The hydrodistilled essential oil of Ca and Cb was subjected to GC-MS analysis and antifungal activity for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination against different human pathogenic fungal strains using broth microdilution assay in 96-well microtiter plates as per the protocol of the clinical and laboratory standards institute (2008 M27-A3). The anti-proliferative ability of the essential oils was also evaluated against the two cell lines MCF-7 (human mammary carcinoma cells) and A549 (Human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells).Results: A total of 34 compounds identified in Ca with α-terpinene (37.17%), isoascaridole (20.48%), and ascaridole (14.83%) as the key compounds. The key compounds of Cb were shyobunol (18.91%), and hedycaryol (9.51%), germacrene-D-4-ol (8.57%), with 65 identified compounds. Both the species were found to have comparable antifungal activities against human pathogenic fungi with MIC80 values in the range of 0.031 mg/ml– 0.256 mg/ml for Ca and 0.031 mg/ml–0.126 mg/ml in case of Cb. Maximum anti-proliferative activity was observed at 125 μg/ml concentration in A549 cell line, while as the oils inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cell line at a lower concentration of 31.25 μg/ml.Conclusion: The essential oils of Ca and Cb were found to have potent anticancer and antifungal activities and can have potential use as a natural fungicide.