bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Severe Mental Illness and Diabetes: Protocol for a Longitudinal, Observational, and Qualitative Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bellass Sue , Taylor Johanna , Han Lu , Prady Stephanie L , Shiers David , Jacobs Rowena , Holt Richard Ian Gregory , Radford John , Gilbody Simon , Hewitt Catherine , Doran Tim , Alderson Sarah L , Siddiqi Najma
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The average life expectancy for people with a severe mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is 15 to 20 years less than that for the population as a whole. Diabetes contributes significantly to this inequality, being 2 to 3 times more prevalent in people with SMI. Various risk factors have been implicated, including side effects of antipsychotic medication and unhealthy lifestyles, which often occur in the context of socioeconomic disadvantage and health care inequality. However, little is known about how these factors may interact to influence the risk of developing diabetes and poor diabetic outcomes, or how the organization and provision of health care may contribute.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify the determinants of diabetes and to explore variation in diabetes outcomes for people with SMI.

METHODS

This study will employ a concurrent mixed methods design combining the interrogation of electronic primary care health records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD GOLD) with qualitative interviews with adults with SMI and diabetes, their relatives and friends, and health care staff. The study has been funded for 2 years, from September 2017 to September 2019, and data collection has recently ended.

RESULTS

CPRD and linked health data will be used to explore the association of sociodemographics, illness, and health care–related factors with both the development and outcomes of type 2 diabetes in people with SMI. Experiences of managing the comorbidity and accessing health care will be explored through qualitative interviews using topic guides informed by evidence synthesis and expert consultation. Findings from both datasets will be merged to develop a more comprehensive understanding of diabetes risks, interventions, and outcomes for people with SMI. Findings will be translated into recommendations for interventions and services using co-design workshops.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving diabetes outcomes for people with SMI is a high-priority area nationally and globally. Understanding how risk factors combine to generate high prevalence of diabetes and poor diabetic outcomes for this population is a necessary first step in developing health care interventions to improve outcomes for people with diabetes and SMI.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03534921; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03534921
Editorial
Authors: Vega Montiel Aimée
Published: January 2019

In order to support the achievement of the UNESCO University Network UniTWIN in Gender, Media and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) objectives, this issue of the journal is dedicated to disseminating research in gender, media and ICT led by members of the Network. All of them assume the two principles of feminist research: it is scientific as well as political, since it seeks to transform social conditions for the achievement of gender equality. In summary, what these works show, is the holistic nature of the feminist agenda in communication and invite to take advantage of the possibilities of the UNESCO UniTWIN Network in Gender, Media and ICT, to promote gender equality and the human rights of women and girls.
La educación como herramienta de cambio social: educación en valores y violencia de género
Authors: Rodrigo Martín Isabel , Núñez Gómez Patricia , Rodrigo Martín Luis
Published: January 2019

El presente trabajo trata de profundizar en la investigación sobre el papel de la Educación como herramienta para el cambio social, apostando por una educación en valores que cumpla con sus dos funciones, transmisora y transformadora de la realidad, con capacidad para erradicar y prevenir conductas y situaciones de violencia, desigualdad y falta de respeto, a la vez que  se aprende a compartir los afectos desde la igualdad, la autonomía y la justicia.

La experiencia demuestra claramente que para prevenir las situaciones de violencia de género no es suficiente con ofrecer información teórica sobre el fenómeno. La complejidad del problema hace necesario que se posibilite el aprender a convivir y relacionarse desde los valores de igualdad, autonomía y respeto.

Esta razón nos lleva a proponer un proyecto educativo para tratar la violencia de género titulado: “El valor no distingue de género”, cuya finalidad principal es la prevención de la violencia de género, la inclusión y visibilidad de las mujeres y el reconocimiento de identidades diversas que rompan con los estereotipos y roles contra toda forma de discriminación, lo cual requiere enseñar y aprender a escuchar y reconocer las emociones, así como resolver los conflictos de forma pacífica y sin violencia.
Género, medios de comunicación y nuevas tecnologías
Authors: CEIICH Redacción
Published: January 2019

En este número, la revista INTERdisciplina se acoge a un grupo de contribuciones dedicadas a difundir la investigación en género, medios y tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC). Sus autores son académicas que integran la Red Mundial de Universidades UNESCO UniTWIN en Género, Medios y TIC. Es amplio el espectro recorrido por los trabajos aquí presentados. Desde el periodismo hasta la igualdad de oportunidades a través de políticas públicas, pasando por el empoderamiento económico de las mujeres, las diferentes aportaciones hacen a este número una contribución esencial a los estudios de género relacionados con las TIC y los medios masivos de comunicación.
World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development. Global Report 2017/2018
Authors: Vega Montiel Aimée
Published: January 2019

La UNESCO acaba de publicar el informe Tendencias Mundiales en Libertad de Expresión y Desarrollo de los Medios (por su traducción al español). El informe corresponde al periodo 2012-2017 y se ha convertido en una referencia internacional, que permite dar seguimiento al desarrollo y obstáculos que enfrenta esta agenda. 
Colaboradores
Authors: CEIICH Redacción
Published: January 2019

En este número, la revista INTERdisciplina se acoge a un grupo de contribuciones dedicadas a difundir la investigación en género, medios y tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC). Sus autores son académicas que integran la Red Mundial de Universidades UNESCO UniTWIN en Género, Medios y TIC.
Withania somnifera promotes stress resistant activity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Renuka Prasad B.P. , Ashadevi J.S.
Published: January 2019

Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain of an individual.  In recent years nutritional antioxidants study have gain more attention in minimizing the stress like oxidative stress. The stress resistant ability in an organism can be increased by the supplementation of herbal resources. However, few plant extracts are known to have stress resistant ability and increases the tolerance capacity. Plants containing high antioxidant and other bioactive compounds promote tolerance capacity. An antioxidant rich plant has been proved to decreases the   lipid peroxidation. Here, we investigated the potential protective effect of ethanolic extract of Withania somnifera (WS), against Paraquat toxicity on stress tolerance capacity using Drosophila melanogaster. Wild-type fruit flies of Oregon-K strain were fed with standard food media with 1mg/ml and 10 mg/ml of WS.  The oxidative stress was induced by exposing the extract supplemented flies to Paraquat (20 mM).  The stress tolerance capacity of flies was measured by subjecting to desiccation and oxidative stresses. Further, locomotor activity, lipid peroxidation were also studied along with the quantification of triglycerides, glycogen in WS fed flies under stress conditions. Our result reveals that PQ induced WS fed flies showed greater survivability, better locomotor ability when compared to PQ induced flies.WS fed flies increases about 73.55% of resistance ability under oxidative conditions and increased by 59.15% under desiccation than PQ induced flies. WS was more effective in protecting against Paraquat toxicity. The flies fed with high dose of WS (10mg/ml) showed greater improvement of the tolerance ability when subjected to desiccation and oxidative stresses. Further, the data on biochemical analysis reveals that lipid peroxidation activities were found to be significantly low and the triglyceride as well as glycogen quantities were found to be significantly high in WS fed flies compare to –ve control under both desiccation and oxidative stress conditions.  Together, these findings suggest that WS promotes stress resistant ability by modulating metabolism and reducing oxidative damage.

Keywords: Drosophila melanogaster, Withania somnifera, Oxidative stress assay, Desiccation Assay, Negative Geotaxis,
Phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract of Ulva rigida C.Ag. collected from Koothankuzhi Coast, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Muthu Sheeba M. , Peter Paul J. John , Iniya Udhaya C.
Published: January 2019

The present study was concentrated to explore the phytochemicals present in the methanolic extract of Ulva rigida C.Ag., collected from Koothankuzhi in the south east coast of Tamil Nadu, India.  The phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract was screened using the standard procedure for UV-Visible spectroscopic, HPLC and FTIR. The UV-Visible spectrum showed the compounds separated at the nm of 662, 603, 533 and 400 with the absorption 0.653, 0.331, 0.458 and 2.684 respectively. The qualitative HPLC fingerprint profile displayed fourteen compounds at different retention time of 1.770min, 2.230min, 2.540min, 2.870min, 3.090min, 3.377min, 3.900min, 4.257min, 4.797min, 5.340min, 5.853min, 6.520min, 7.730min and 9.220min. The result of FTIR analysis was found the presence of functional groups such as alkynes, sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid salt, aldehydes, aliphatic and unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Keywords: Ulva rigida, UV-Visible, HPLC, FTIR
Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic activity of ethanolic root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.
Authors: Tyagi Priya , Sharma Satish Kumar , Kumar Pawan
Published: January 2019

Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. is an Indian medicinal plant demonstrated to exert multiple health cures. This plant grows naturally in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. It is traditionally used as anti-acne, anti-arthritic, anti-convulsant, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti inflammatory, wound healing, anti-oxidant, anti-platelet, anti-stress and nootropic, anti-viral, diuretic and gastroprotective. The antihyperlipidemic effect of ethanolic root extracts of Glycyrrhizaglabrawas studied in wistar rats using High Fat Diet (FD) induced hyperlipidemic model, at the doses of 400 mg/kg body weight. The efficacy of extract was compared with standard drug simvastatin. The ethanolic extracts, significantly decreased the serum lipid profile level in a dose dependent manner in wistar rats. Ethanolic extracts at 400 mg/kg have shown significant antihyperlipidemic action. These results support the fact that this plant is used traditionally as antihyperlipidemic. The study will help in exploring new plant source as an antihyperlipiedemic agent which can minimize the risk and side effects as compared to that of conventional medicine. 

Keywords: Glycyrrhizaglabra, Antihyperlipidemic Activity, Simvastatin, High Fat Diet (FD) induced hyperlipidemic model.
Ethnobotanical uses and pharmacological activities of Argyreia cuneata (Willd.) Ker Gawl. (Convolvulaceae) – A review.
Authors: Prashith Kekuda T.R. , Vinayaka K.S.
Published: January 2019

Argyreia cuneata (Willd.) Ker Gawl. is a sub-erect silky shrub and belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. An updated information on ethnobotanical uses and pharmacological activities of A. cuneata is presented in this review. The plant finds traditional uses as a remedy for human and veterinary ailments. The plant is used to treat diabetes, helminthic infections, skin cuts, to initiate labor pain and to ease delivery. As an ethnoveterinary practice, the plant is used against retention of fetal membrane, anorexia and swelling of throat. The plant is reported to contain phytochemicals such as alkaloids and flavonoids. The plant is shown to exhibit some pharmacological activities viz. analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, wound healing, antipyretic, anthelmintic and antidiabetic activities.

Keywords: Argyreia cuneata (Willd.) Ker Gawl., Ethnobotanical, Traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological activities
Qualitative and quantitative determination of phytochemicals from flowers of Spanish Cherry tree
Authors: Singh Vineeta , Rao Anita , Pandey Shipra , Pandey Vaibhav Sharan , Vageshwari Vageshwari , Tiwari Neha , Pandey V. N.
Published: January 2019

The present enquiry was intended to analyze the phytochemicals qualitatively and quantitatively from flowers of Spanish cherry tree. Flower powder was extracted using polar and nonpolar solvent by soxhlet apparatus. Percentage yield of crude extracts was determined and further the extracts were subjected to analyze the phytochemicals qualitatively and quantitatively by standard procedure. Qualitative analysis showed the absence of alkaloids while presences of tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols. Quantitative estimation of phytochemicals was determined using standard curve. Result revealed that the tannin content was 4.3±0.01 (mgTAE /gm), flavanols content was 0.28±0.05 (mgQE/gm). Saponins content was 3.6±0.7 % and terpenoids content was 1.47±0.37 %. A well conducted studies on phytochemicals revealed that they are vital for humans because they provide protection against a variety of ailments. Therefore, the present study is aimed to analyze phytochemicals qualitatively and quantitatively.

Keywords: Phytochemicals, Tannins, Saponins, Flavanols, Terpenoids
Formulation and evaluation of polymeric nanoparticles of an antihypetensive drug labetalol
Authors: Betala Surendranath , Varma M. Mohan , Abbulu K.
Published: January 2019

Labetalol is an adrenergic receptor blocking agent used in the treatment of hypertension and characterized by high solubility and high permeability which corresponds to BCS class I drug. Plasma half life ranges from 6 & bioavailability is 25%. Ethyl cellulose was used as a rate controlling polymer. Effects of addition of ethyl cellulose on in vitro dissolution were studied. Nanoparticles were formulated using different polymer ratios. In vitro drug release was carried out by using USP Type II at 50 rpm in 900 ml of acidic dissolution medium (pH 1.2) for 2 hours, followed by 900 ml alkaline dissolution medium (pH7.4) for 12 hours. Mean dissolution time is used to characterize drug release rate from a dosage form. Several kinetic models were applied to the dissolution profiles to determine the drug release kinetics. Excipients are selected by FTIR studies. Finally the nanoparticles were evaluated for various characteristics like encapsulation efficiency, percentage yield, partial size and the In vitro release for 12 hrs.  The nanoparticles were found to be discrete, spherical, and free-flowing.  The nanoparticles were uniform in size, and the microencapsulation efficiency was in the range of 52.5-81.7%. The surface morphology of prepared Labetalol nanoparticles was observed under scanning electron Microscopy. Nanoparticles had good spherical geometry. The stability study was performed at 40ºC ± 2ºC and 75 ± 5% RH for 6 months.

Keywords: Nanoparticles; Labetalol, Hypertension, Ethyl Cellulose, Dissolution, entrapment efficiency.
In-Silico evaluation of Anti-Leishmanial compounds of selected pharmacophore
Authors: Rana Sindhuprava , Sivaperumal R
Published: January 2019

In this study, out of sixteen compounds, only thirteen compounds have shown hydrogen bonding with the modeled cathepsin B protein of L donovani, remaining compound (C1D13416238, Posaconazole. and CID 6082033) did not show any hydrogen bonding with ligands. So, these 13 compounds which show hydrogen bonding with modeled protein could be considered as most potent lead compounds having inhibitory activity at either promastigote stage or amastigote stage of Leishmania donovani. Few compounds demonstrated better docking score to either AutoDock4.0 or GOLD v2.l but some compound did not show any hydrogen bonding with modeled protein in either docking software tool. Thus, it could be concluded that generated experimental compounds could have potential as pharmacological tool against Visceral Leishmaniasis.

Keywords: Cysteine Protease, Vinyl Hydrazide, Antileishmanial Drugs, Licochalcone, Visceral Leishmaniasis.
Efficacy of Vaitarana Basti with respective to Ayurveda
Authors: Mukherjee Amit
Published: January 2019

Vaitarana means a river which can bring back dead to live, Vaitarana Basti has described as a Shodhana Basti. Vaitarana Basti is classified by Acharya Vangasena and Acharya Chakradutta of its different combination. Vaitarana Basti mainly indicated in Amavasthajanya Vikara and Vata-Kapha Pradoshaja Vikara. Vaitarana Basti is best modality in the condition of Ama and Leena Dosha for Shodhana and Dosha Nirharana. Vaitarana Basti helps in the removal of Ama-Shula-Shotha Avastha and Kaphavarana.

Keywords: Vaitarana Basti, Shodhana Basti, Acharya Vangasena, Acharya Chakradutta
Anti-inflammatory activity and phytochemical analysis of Moringa oleifera ethanol and acetone leaves extract
Authors: Padmalochana K
Published: January 2019

This present investigation stated that acetone and ethanol extract of M,oleifera leaves was estimated that presence of phytochemical constituents by biochemical test and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammation activity was assessed by calculating inhibition of protein denaturation, proteinase activity and membrane stabilization activity at different concentration of extract. The plant extract highly protective activity against heat induced protein denaturation and the IC50 results values 271.25±2.74 and 304.25±2.33μg/ml, for acetone and ethanol extract respectively. Heat induced haemolysis was 50% inhibited for acetone and ethanol extract at the concentration of 271.43±0.73 and 322.10±1.34 μg/ml, respectively. The membrane stabilization activity (IC50) was assessed by hypotonicity induced haemolysis at a concentration of 216.98±1.84 and 259.65±1.83μg/ml for acetone and ethanol extract, respectively. The results obtained in the present study indicate that ethanol extracts of M.oleifera leaves can be a potential source of anti-inflammatory agents compared than acetone extract and standard drug.

Keywords: Antinflammatory, plant extract, phytochemicals
Role of Basti Karma towards the management of Madhumeha: an Ayurveda perspective
Authors: Nigam Pankaj , Dwivedi Om Prakash , Jain Jinesh , Khuje Sanjeev M.
Published: January 2019

Ayurveda the Indian medical system mentioned Madhumeha as imbalance of the Doshas; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Madhumeha correlated with diabetes as per modern medical science characterized by hyperglycemia and disturbance of water and electrolyte homeostasis. In Ayurveda (Brihatrayi) it is considered as Ashta mahagada as difficult to cure. It is also relates with life-style related metabolic disorder since consumption of junk foods, day time sleep, lack of exercises and sedentary habits may precipitate symptoms of diabetes. Now a day’s Madhumeha has become very common pathological condition affecting more than 20% of world population. Madhumeha may be managed by good conduction of Ahara-Vihara, Yoga, Sodhana karma and use of various ayurveda formulations, however recently Panchakarma has gain great attention towards the management of Madhumeha since some specific modalities of Panchakarma effectively removes vitiated Doshas and Vasti Karma is one of them. Considering this aspect present article summarized ayurveda perspective of Basti Karma towards the management of Madhumeha.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Diabetes, Madhumeha, Panchakarma, Basti Karma.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Iris kashmiriana and Iris ensata Extracts against Selected Microorganisms
Authors: Wagay Javeed Iqbal , Jain Kirti
Published: January 2019

Infectious diseases are the second leading cause for worldwide death. Treatment of infections continues to be difficult in modern time because of the severe side effects of some drugs and the growing resistance to antibacterial agents. Over the past few decades the use of antibiotics is under threat as many commonly used antibiotics have become less effective against certain illnesses due to emergence of multi drug-resistant bacteria. In the present study the effects of 3 types of solvents, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol were investigated to determine the presence of various phytochemical constituent, total phenolic content, total flavonoids content and in vitro antimicrobial activity from rhizomes of Iris kashmiriana (Kashmir Iris) and Iris ensata (Japanese Iris), belong to family Iridaceae. The reason for selecting in vitro method was to minimize the usage of experimental animals. The antimicrobial activity of chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extract of rhizomes of Iris kashmiriana and Iris ensata were evaluated on bacterial strains of Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas auregenosa, Proteus vulgaris and Eschirichia coli and fungal strains of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger by agar well diffusion method. The preliminary phytochemical studies and quantitative analysis of alkaloids, phenol and flavonoids were performed by well reported method. These extracts were further subjected to TLC (Thin layer chromatography analysis).  The chemical contents of the Iris kashmiriana and Iris ensata were presented as total phenolic content and total flavonoids content. Phytochemical screening of the extract showed the presence of some common compounds like phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, carbohydrate etc. The antimicrobial potential of the plant extract was evaluated against different bacterial species which shows significant inhibitory action against all the tested bacterial and fungal strain. Methanolic extract was found to be more active than chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts. It reveals that the methanol soluble components of the plant are highly active against the above mentioned microorganism.

Keywords: Iris kashmiriana, Iris ensata, Phytochemical constituent, Total phenolic content, Total flavonoids content, In vitro antimicrobial activity
Ayurveda Kayachikitsa towards the management of joint pain: a review
Authors: Nautiyal Manish , Chouchan Bhupendra Singh , Rajput Surendra Singh , Singh A. K.
Published: January 2019

Joint pain is one of the very common problems amongst the elderly age population. Clinically it is characterized by shula, shotha and prasaarana-aakunchanayo pravruttischa vedana. Ayurveda described various treatment modalities for the management of joint pain such as; snehana, swedan, upanaha, lepa and herbal medicine. Kayachikitsa is branch which deal with use of ayurveda drugs for the management of various diseases. This branch also recommended use of different natural medicine for the treatment of joint pain. Guggulu (Comiphora mukul) is most common drug used in Amavata; disease of joint pain. Similarly various herbal formulation of Ashwagandha, Rasna, Sunthi, Pippali, Gokshura and Trivrut are also recommended in diseases of joint pain. Present article summarized role of herbal medicine in joint pain.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Kayachikitsa, Joint Pain, Shula, Vedana.
A study to assess knowledge regarding fatty liver among bank employees working in selected banks at Mangaluru
Authors: Hafeez Reziya , Rodrigues Devina E
Published: January 2019

Background: Fatty liver is closely associated with lifestyle. The bank employees have been often witnessed having junk food, coming home late and not engaged in any physical activity. Hence, an attempt has been made by the investigator to assess the knowledge of bank employees regarding fatty liver condition so that an educational intervention will be planned to motivate them for remaining physically active and healthy. Objectives: The descriptive study assessed the knowledge regarding fatty liver among bank employees. Materials and Methods: The 109 subjects were selected by convenience sampling technique. The knowledge questionnaire having 24 items and baseline Performa having 12 items were given for the subjects to place their responses. Results: The mean percentage of 50 revealed in present study showed that subjects were with inadequate knowledge regarding fatty liver condition. There was a significant association between knowledge of bank employees regarding fatty liver and age (χ2 = 28.31, p = 0.001),, religion (χ2 = 178.37, p = 0.001),, type of family (χ2 = 34.13, p = 0.01),, designation (χ2 = 48.02, p = 0.001),, job experience (χ2 = 25.64, p = 0.001),, qualification (χ2 = 10.46, p = 0.001),, food from restaurant (χ2 = 70.56, p = 0.001), and BMI of the subjects (χ2 = 73.04, p = 0.001). Conclusion: From the findings it can be inferred that more the years of job experience, more the chances of getting fatty liver. IEC activities can play a great role to improve the knowledge of bank employees regarding fatty liver condition.

Keywords: Knowledge, fatty liver and bank employees.
Ethosome: a novel vesicular carrier for transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Zahid Saquib Raza , Upmanyu Neeraj , Dangi Surendra , Ray Sudhir Kumar , Jain Prabhat , Parkhe Geeta
Published: January 2019

Delivery across skin is striking due to its easy convenience. However, drug delivery across skin is still a confront in biomedical sciences. Over the past few decades, various successful narrative devices and techniques have emerged to optimize drug delivery across skin whose barricading behaviour constricts entry of most of the therapeutic agents. Ethosomes are non-invasive delivery transporter that enables drugs to reach the deep skin layers and/or the systemic circulation. Although ethosomal systems are theoretically sophisticated, they are characterized by simplicity in their preparation, efficacy and safety. A combination that can highly inflate their application. Ethosomes are soft, malleable vesicles adapted for enhanced delivery of active agents. This article reviews work carried out method of preparation, application and characterization of ethosomal systems. Because of their exceptional structure, ethosomes are able to encapsulate and deliver through the skin highly lipophilic molecules such as testosterone, cannabinoids and minoxidil as well as cationic drugs such as trihexyphenidil and propranolol. Results obtained in a double-blind two-armed randomized clinical study showed that treatment with the ethosomal acyclovir formulation appreciably improved all the evaluated parameters. In further work, the ethosomal expertise was broadened to introduce agents into cultured cells and microorganisms. Enhanced delivery of bioactive molecules through the skin and cellular membranes by means of an ethosomal transporter opens numerous confronts and prospects for the research and future development of novel improved therapies.

Keywords: Ethosomes, Skin layers, Characterization
Noisomes: as novel vesicular drug delivery system
Authors: Ray Sudhir Kumar , Bano Nargish , Shukla Tripti , Upmanyu Neeraj , Pandey Sharad P. , Parkhe Geeta
Published: January 2019

Target-specific drug-delivery systems for the administration of pharmaceutical compounds enable the localization of drugs to target sites within the body.  The basic component of drug delivery systems is an appropriate carrier that protects the drug from rapid degradation or clearance and thereby enhances drug concentration in target tissues. Niosome are microscopic non-ionic surfactant bilayer vesicles obtained on hydration of synthetic nonionic surfactants, with or without incorporation of cholesterol or their lipids. The amphiphilic nature of niosomes promotes their efficiency in encapsulating lipophilic or hydrophilic drugs.  Noisome are promising vehicle for drug delivery and being non-ionic, more stable, inexpensive, biodegradable, biocompatible, non immunogenic and exhibit flexibility in their structural characterization. Various additives in niosomes include nonionic surfactant as film forming agent, cholesterol as stabilizing and rigidizing agent for the bilayer and various charge inducers which develop a charge on the surface of niosomes and stabilize the prepared formulation by the resulting repulsive forces. Niosomes have been widely evaluated for controlled release and targeted delivery for the treatment of cancer, viral infections, microbial diseases, psoriasis, leishmaniasis, migraine, parkinson and other diseases. Niosomes can prolong the circulation of the entrapped drug in body. Encapsulation of drug in vesicular system can be predicted to prolong the existence of drug in the systemic circulation and enhance penetration into target tissue, perhaps reduce toxicity if selective uptake can be achieved. In addition to conventional, oral and parenteral routes, they are amenable to be delivered by ocular, transdermal, vaginal and inhalation routes. Delivery of biotechnological products including vaccine delivery with niosomes is also an interesting and promising research area. More concerted research efforts, however, are still required to realize the full potential of these novel systems. This review article focuses on the concept of niosomes, advantages and disadvantages, composition, method of preparation, separation of unentrapped drug, factors influencing the niosomal formulation and characterization, marketed formulations of niosomes and also gives up to date information regarding recent applications of niosomes in drug delivery.

Keyword:  Drug-delivery system, Niosomes,
Development of mosquito repellant gel formulations from various natural volatile oils: comparative study with the marketed formulation odomos®
Authors: Shivhare Ruchi S. , Kamble Manish A. , Mahapatra Debarshi Kar , Ingole Ashwini R. , Baheti Jagdish R.
Published: January 2019

DEET based mosquito repellents were found to be comparatively harmful to the person suffering from urea cycle disorders such as ornithine transcarbamylase (OTD) deficiency and, are therefore, contraindicated in individuals. These situations lead to the budding necessity of natural mosquito repellents which will have inexpensive, effectual, non-toxic, environment-friendly, and biodegradable attributes. Inspired from the upcoming global need, a carbopol 940 based mosquito repellant gel formulation was prepared from the essential oils of Cymbopogon nardus, Murraya Koenigii, Cymbopogon citratus, Tridax procumbens, Eucalyptus globules, and Azadirachta indica, and further evaluating them for their appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, swelling index, and accelerated studies. The mosquito repellent potential was evaluated and simultaneously compared with the positive control (Odomos®). In several developing nations, where the majority of the people do not have access to mosquito net, high-cost mosquito repellant creams, and miscellaneous physical methods, this gel formulation may be an effective, inexpensive, and easily accessible way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria, dengue, etc. in the lower sections of the society.

Keywords: Mosquito, Repellent, Malaria, Gel, Formulation, DEET.
Formulation Development to Enhance the Solubility of Metoclopramide Base Drug by Solid Dispersion and Evaluation of Transdermal Film
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Goutam , Mukhopadhyay Rahul , Mukhopadhyay Ankita , Kundu Shymodip , Shreya Banerjee , Manna Debasmita , Sarkar Argha , Nazar Tarique , Sarkar Srotoswini , Bala Sauris
Published: January 2019

Aims & Objectives: The present work deals with the modification of controlled release dosage form of poorly water soluble drug (Metoclopramide hydrochloride) in order to improve the bioavailability and to control drug release for a longer period of time by the aid of solid dispersion.

Methods: Various binary combination of MET-solid dispersion was prepared with different carriers such as HPβCD, PVP K30 and PLX-188 by solvent evaporation technique and then the aqueous solubility, dissolution study and phase solubility study was performed. DSC analysis is performed to carry out for metoclopramide loaded solid dispersion, physical mixture & also for pure drug to analyze the crystalline and amorphous nature of compounds.

Results and Discussion:  The saturation solubility of Metoclopramide with various carriers at different pH was performed and found that in pH 5.5 (solubility is 5553.2µg/ml), pH 6.8 (3363.3µ/ml), pH 7.4 (1367.3µg/ml) at 37oC. In dissolution study of solid dispersion (5:1) of different carriers in DDW, the Cumulative % dissolution is found in the order of PVP K30>PLX-Met>HPβCD-Met & in pH 7.4, in the order of PLX-Met>PVP K30>HPβCD-Met. DSC thermogram of Metoclopramide base showed a sharp endothermic peak at its melting point (147oC) which exhibits in crystalline form complying with that of Metoclopramide hydrochloride form, melting point was found to be 850C.  In the ex-vivo study of several transdermal patches, patch C [SD of MET: HPβCD (1:5)] showed the controlled release and permeation of drug.

Conclusion: Poor solubility of new chemical entities being a well known problem for past few decades despite the imbalance between significant research efforts & few successful marketed formulations, the solid dispersion proves to hold a key position among all the various formulation strategies to enhance the aqueous solubility & dissolution rate and thereby the bioavailability of  poorly aqueous solubility of drug.

Keywords: Bioavailability,DSC, Metoclopramide hydrochloride, solid dispersion, HPβCD,
Unani Perspective and New Researches of Sa’ad ku’fi (Cyperus rotundus): A Review
Authors: Abbasi Hana , Kabir Hifzul
Published: January 2019

Cyperus rotundus L. (cyperaceae) is an important medicinal plant which is used in traditional medicine particularly in Unani system of medicine. It is commonly known as motha which is a lawn grass and grows easily in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. Major Chemical constituents enclosed with this herb are flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, furochromones, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, sitosterol, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, essential oils, starch, carbohydrates, protein, separated amino acids and many other secondary metabolites. Different parts of cyperus rotundus have been reported to possess multiple pharmacological actions like antibacterial, anticancerous, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antigenotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, antimalarial, antimutagenic, antiobesity, antioxidant, anti-uropathogenic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and nootropic agent.

Keywords: Unani, sa’ad, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, antibacterial, antilipidemic.
A comprehensive review on pharmaceutical mini tablets
Authors: Priyanka Priyanka , Kumar Kapil , Teotia Deepak
Published: January 2019

Mini-tablets represent a new trend in solid dosage form design, with the main goal of overcoming some therapeutic obstacles. Mini tablets are multiple unit dosage forms and are advantageous than pellets or any other oral dosage forms as they are easy to manufacture and stability problems are less. Offering some therapeutic benefits such as dose flexibility and combined release patterns. They do not require any solvent for their production and also local irritation can be avoided by the use of mini tablet Mini tablet offer several advantages like they can be manufactured relatively easily, They are not require less coating materials and also there is a great flexibility during their formulation development. Mini tablet are more acceptable in children and elderly people as they are easy to swallow. The objective of controlled drug delivery systems is to reduce the frequency of the dosing and to increase the effectiveness of the drug by localization.

Keywords: Mini-tablets, solid dosage form, oral dosage forms.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF MILITARY-MARITIME SPECIALISTS AS A FACTOR OF PRESERVING THEIR PROFESSIONAL OPERABILITY
Authors: Soshkin P. A. , Belov V. G. , Zabrodsryi D. S. , Naumov A. V. , Anohin A. G.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of the study was to assess the physical activity of naval specialists in the conditions of the march, for which they evaluated their physical performance and revealed its dependence on the regularity of the exercise program. In total, 80 crew members of the ship aged 20 to 40 years old were surveyed during a two-month hike with a different physical training regime — not engaged, engaged in physical training under the guidance of a ship-driver according to a specially developed program, and doing it independently. As a result of the study, it was revealed that naval specialists who were not engaged in physical training during a hike, have multidirectional dynamics of their physical performance, improving in the middle of the hike, and returning to the initial state by the end of the hike. Naval specialists, who regularly exercised independently, have a positive dynamics of their physical performance, which significantly increases both in the middle and at the end of the cruise. A tendency towards a deterioration in the level of physical performance is observed among persons engaged in independent and irregular ways at the end of a hike. As a result of the research, it has been established that the use of a specially developed training program for physical activity allows us not only to preserve, but also improve the physical performance of naval specialists in the conditions of a hike.
APPLICATION OF THERAPEUTIC PHYSICAL TRAINING IN MILITARY PERSONNEL UNDER FOLLOW-UP MONITORING DUE TO MEDICAL REASONS
Authors: Dmitriev G. G. , Gordienko A. V. , Romanov K. V. , Butov A. Yu. , Balabanov A. S. , Bobro А. L.
Published: January 2019

Review of basic approaches of therapeutic physical training in military personnel being under follow-up monitoring due to medical reasons in connection with main body systems diseasesis represented in this article. The survey examined questions of standard medical examination for military as evidence-based system of preventive and curative interventions directed at conservation and promotion of health in military staff. Surveyed are divided into groups depending on the age and health status. Different options of physical activities in full according to the age group are suggested: competitions and various health check arrangements; restrictions of physical activities through gradual mastering movement skills on initial stage of training, physical exercises in physical therapy group under the guidance of chief medical officer of unit due to specifically developed training programs for each military man. Fundamentals of therapeutic physical training are considered as a complex of measures applied in sick or weakened person in hospital environment as well as after hospital maintenance. Following measures are taken as the basis of therapeutic physical training: physical exercises, physical activities and sanitarian regimen, nature factors, labour therapy, massage, physiotherapy, musicotherapy, phytotherapy, aerotherapy, hands-on therapy. Physical exercises take the lead among physical rehabilitation measures as physical activities are the essential condition of formation of healthy lifestyle and the basis of proper medical rehabilitation. Correct choice of rehabilitation program, physical exercises complex, intensity of therapy measures determines the favorable treatment outcome,medical rehabilitation and preparedness, restoration to service in short time.
REFLECTÂNCIA DA VEGETAÇÃO EM IMAGEM HIPERESPECTRAL
Authors: Souza Elizabeth Mª Feitosa da Rocha de
Published: January 2019

O conhecimento sobre o uso do solo e o estado atual da cobertura vegetal representam importantes etapas para a compreensão da dinâmica espacial em áreas com crescente supressão da vegetação e pressão antrópica. Nesse sentido, o interesse sobre padrões e processos que acarretam mudanças ambientais vem recebendo grande apoio das tradicionais  geotecnologias para fins de monitoramente, manejo e planejamento ambiental. Seguindo essa tendÊncia, o presente estudo utiliza produtos oriundos de geotecnologia hiperespectral para identificar novas metodologias de análise da paisagem, nas áreas com remanescentes de vegetação de Mata Atlântica. O objetivo do projeto é explorar uma tecnologia ainda pouco conhecida entre os especialistas em geociências, especialmente a Geografia, com a finalidade de identificar os estágios sucessionais da vegetação, considerando diferentes respostas espectrais da cobertura vegetal, em um trecho com disponibilidade de imagens hiperespectrais, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro.
CONDIÇÃO FINANCEIRA ATRAVÉS DE INDICADORES BASEADOS EM ATIVOS E PASSIVOS ATUARIAS: UMA ANÁLISE NO INSTITUTO DE PREVIDÊNCIA DO ESTADO DA PARAÍBA
Authors: Fagundes Fábio Marsicano , Cruz Vera Lúcia , Dos Santos Ramon Rodrigues
Published: January 2019

O estudo objetivou evidenciar a situação financeira e atuarial da Paraíba Previdência (PBPREV) através dos indicadores propostos por Lima e Diniz (2016). Para isto, realizou-se uma pesquisa documental, no qual, foram coletadas as informações dos balanços financeiros e patrimoniais, além de outras demonstrações do ente PBPREV no período de 2013 a 2016, e, na sequência, foram aplicados os índices propostos pelos autores. Com base nas análises realizadas, foi evidenciado que a situação atuarial do PBPREV apresenta-se com uma tendência para o déficit, já a financeira, está equilibrada, em virtude dos recursos provenientes das transferências governamentais, além das que são previstas nos cálculos atuariais, no entanto, em todo o período analisado, encontra-se no limite.  O estudo concluiu que o PBPREV não possui uma condição financeira e atuarial satisfatória que possa garantir a continuidade das atividades do instituto no médio prazo, o que pode comprometer a solvência do ente. O estudo sugeri a realização de medidas corretivas que busquem garantir seu equilíbrio financeiro e atuarial, cujos procedimentos podem ajudar a corrigir alguns problemas que possam está comprometendo a saúde financeira e atuarial da PBPREV.
ANÁLISE DA UTILIZAÇÃO DE INDICADORES DE DESEMPENHO A LUZ DO BALANCED SCORECARD: UM ESTUDO EM EMPRESA DE CONSTRUÇÃO CIVIL NO MUNICÍPIO DE JOÃO PESSOA/PB
Authors: Alves de Macena de Araújo Risolene , Da Silva Santos Livía Maria
Published: January 2019

O presente estudo objetivou analisar os indicadores de desempenho utilizados pelos gestores das empresas de construção civil do município de João Pessoa- PB, sob a luz do Balanced Scorecard. Para atender tal propósito, aplicou-se um questionário com os gestores dessas empresas. Para análise dos dados, fez-se uso da estatística descritiva, através da análise das distribuições de frequências dos indicadores. A amostra da pesquisa foi composta por 11 empresas do segmento, cadastradas no SINDUSCON-JP. Os resultados demonstraram que os indicadores das perspectivas processos internos, financeira e clientes são “utilizados frequentemente” pelos gestores, e os da perspectiva de aprendizagem e crescimento, na maioria das vezes, não são utilizados pelos gestores.
Cross-layer design and optimization techniques in wireless multimedia sensor networks for smart cities
Authors: Khattak Hasan , Ameer Zoobia , Din Ud , Khan Muhammad
Published: January 2019

The future smart cities vision can be developed through leveraging the potentials of Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless sensor network (WSN) technologies. WSN is a resource constrained network where network nodes are tiny devices that are run on battery power. Diverse types of applications such as environmental and habitual monitoring, detection, and tracking, use WSNs. The invention of new network protocols, the establishment of new models for communications, and testing the available solutions in real world environment are some of the current research issues in WSNs. Main challenges in such networks include energy conservation in an efficient way, dealing with variable channel capacity, and the resource constrained nature of such networks. The design of architecture for such networks has a vital role in solving the issues to some extent, i.e., the cross layer design approach is an architectural technique that offers the interaction of different layers together to enhance the performance, minimize the energy consumption, enhance the network life time, and provide Quality of Service (QoS) in real time communications. These are some of the current areas where cross-layer design approaches are being used. This paper presents different types of cross-layer design techniques in wireless multimedia sensor networks. Using such architectural techniques, different state of the art cross-layer optimization approaches are discussed while giving the reader an insight on prominent challenges and issues along with future directions.
Improved mechanical properties of dense β-Si3N4 ceramics fabricated by spark plasma sintering with Al2O3-YSZ additives
Authors: Li Yang , Ao Weiqin , Gao Jihua , Zhang Chaohua , Liu Fusheng , Du Yong
Published: January 2019

In this work the influence of sintering conditions on structure and
mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramics was investigated. Nearly full dense
?-Si3N4 ceramics with excellent mechanical properties and interlock
microstructure of elongated grains was fabricated using Al2O3 and
yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ with 3mol% Y2O3) as sintering additives by
spark plasma sintering (SPS) at relatively low temperature of 1600?C for
15min. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the SPSed sample is pure
?-Si3N4 phase without any secondary crystalline phase. The elements Al, Zr,
Y and O of the additive can diffuse into Si3N4 lattice forming ?-Si3N4-
based solid solution. The residual additive formed an amorphous phase at the
?-Si3N4 grain boundaries. The ?-Si3N4 ceramics obtained by SPS using 6.0wt.%
Al2O3 and 6.0 wt.% YSZ as additives shows interlock elongated ?-Si3N4 grains
of 500 nm in width and 3000 nm in length, high density of 3.29 g/cm3,
Vickers hardness of 16.15GPa and high fracture toughness KIC of 6.75MPam1/2.
Ti3C2Tx on copper and nickel foams with improved electrochemical performance produced via solution processing for supercapacitor
Authors: Su Lin , Ying Guobing , Liu Lu , Ma Fengchen , Zhang Kaicheng , Zhang Chen , Wang Xiang , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2019

Herein, we demonstrate the fabrication of Ti3C2Tx electrodes using solution
processing. Two-dimensional (2D) nanometer Ti3C2Tx flakes are
site-aggregated on copper and nickel foam papers with a reconstituted
threedimensional (3D) structure consisting of overlapping and open-pore 2D
flakes. When Ti3C2Tx was used as electrochemical capacitor electrodes in 1M
Na2SO4 solution, the capacitances were comparable to literature values.
There is a quantitative linear relationship between the capacitance and foam
thicknesses. Given the process scalability and the morphological control
that is possible, these results provide a promising road map for convenient
and economical supercapacitors.