bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Chemistry and Unique NMR Characters of Novel Amide and Ester Leflunomide Analogues
Authors: Henen Morkos A. , Hamdi Abdelrahman , Farahat Abdelbaset A. , Massoud Mohammed A. M.
Published: December 2017

A series of diverse substituted 5-methyl-isoxazole-4-carboxylic acid amides, imide and esters of the formula (I) in which the benzene ring is mono or disubstituted was prepared. Spectroscopic and conformational examination was investigated and a new insight involving steric interference and interesting downfield deviation due to additional diamagnetic anisotropic effect of the amidic carbonyl group and the methine protons in 2,6-diisopropyl-aryl derivative (2) as a conformationaly restricted analogues Leflunomide was discussed. Individual substituent electronic effects through resonance of p-substituents and most stable conformation of compound (2) are discussed.
Silica Modified by Using Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether and Silane Coupling Agent together to Achieve High Performance Rubber Composites Using Latex Compounding Method
Authors: Zheng Junchi , Ye Xin , Han Dongli , Zhao Suhe , Wu Xiaohui , Wu Youping , Dong Dong , Wang Yiqing , Zhang Liqun
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, the study of preparing silica/rubber composites, which can be used in “green tire”, in energy saving method is fast-growing. In our work, silica modified by using alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (AEO) and 3-Mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (K-MEPTS) together were investigated. Thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) result indicated that both AEO and K-MEPTS could be grafted on the silica surface. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the AEO could generate a certain steric hindrance for the mercaptopropyl group on K-MEPTS. Silica modified by using AEO and K-MEPTS together can be completely co-coagulated with the rubber in preparing silica/natural rubber (NR) composites by latex compounding method. AEO can form a physical interface between silica and rubber; meanwhile, K-MEPTS can form a chemical interface between silica and rubber. The effects of chemical and physical interface between silica and rubber on dynamic and mechanical performances of silica/NR composites were also given in this research. A proper combination of physical and chemical interface between silica and NR can improve performances of silica/NR composites.
Phytotherapy in the Management of Diabetes: A Review
Authors: Governa Paolo , Baini Giulia , Borgonetti Vittoria , Cettolin Giulia , Giachetti Daniela , Magnano Anna Rosa , Miraldi Elisabetta , Biagi Marco
Published: December 2017

Phytotherapy has long been a source of medicinal products and many attempts to use herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes has been done over the years. Several medicinal plants and their preparations demonstrated to act in key points of glucidic metabolism. The most common mechanisms of action found include the inhibition of α-glucosidase and of AGE formation, the increase of GLUT-4 and PPARs expression and the antioxidant activity. Despite the large amount of literature available, the actual clinical effectiveness of medicinal plants in controlling diabetes related symptoms is still controversial and there is a crucial need for stronger evidence-based data. In this review, an overview of the medicinal plants, which use in the management of diabetes is supported by authoritative monograph, is provided. References to some species which are currently under growing clinical investigation are also reported.
Dynamic Carbohydrate Supply and Demand Model of Vegetative Growth: Response to Temperature, Light, Carbon Dioxide, and Daylength
Authors: Gent Martin P.N.
Published: December 2017

Predicting the growth response of seedlings from the environmental responses of photosynthesis and metabolism may be improved by considering the dynamics of non-structural carbohydrate, NSC, over a diurnal cycle. Attenuation of growth metabolism when NSC content is low could explain why some NSC is conserved through the night. A dynamic model, incorporating diurnal variation in NSC, was developed to simulate growth of seedlings hour-by-hour. I compared predictions of this model to published growth and NSC data for seedlings that varied according to temperature, light, day length, or CO2. Prolonged-darkness experiments showed a temperature dependent upper limit on the respiration capacity. Respiration was attenuated as NSC was depleted. Furthermore, when NSC was high at dawn, inhibition of photosynthesis could attenuate the accumulation of NSC under low temperature, or high light, or high CO2. These concepts were used to simulate plant metabolism and growth rates and diurnal variation of NSC in tomato seedlings under two light levels and various temperatures. Comparison of other results using the same model parameters showed the dynamic model could predict results for starch and starch-less plants, and when growth was affected by CO2 enrichment and day length.
A Consideration of the Relationship between Animals and Their Environment
Authors: Colditz Ian G.
Published: December 2017

The relationship of the animal with its environment has been of longstanding interest in philosophy and science. Here I provide a brief introduction to concepts that place an emphasis on mutualism as the basis of organism - environment interaction, in contrast to the long standing view that the environment exerts an instrumental role in shaping the organism. Two influential theories have been von Uexküll’s theory of umwelt and Gibson’s theory of affordances. The former envisioned the animal as immersed in its surroundings (umwelt) to form a functional unit. In a similar manner, the latter theory describes a unity between 1) environmental information that provides the animal with opportunities for action (affordances) and 2) the ability of the animal to perceive and engage with those affordances. These views have influenced more recent ecological models of the organism as the functional unit of biology and have also influenced models of immune function. In ecological models, agency is seen as the ability of the organism to predict and control its engagement with the environment in order to maintain its integrity. The predominant contemporary model of neural function in which perception and action are understood to operate through Bayes-like active inference complements the concept of agency as proposed by the mutualism models. However, it is suggested that rather than a constant mutualism, encounters between organism and environment range over a dynamic spectrum from dualism to mutualism. It is also suggested that along this spectrum, agency emerges when the balance of instrumentality shifts from the environment to the organism, and that the balance of this relationship can further progress towards a felicitous mutualism. Meaning emerges between environmental information and an agent as opportunity for action. Implications for opportunities to foster agency in animals within our care is noted.
Decontamination of Bacteria from Water with Moderate Electric and Magnetic Fields
Authors: Varkey Alakaparampil J. , Dlamini Mgidi D. , Mkhonta Simiso K.
Published: December 2017

Bacteria play a key role in both human health and disease. One of the most prevalent harmful bacteria is E. coli which is responsible for several illnesses ranging from diarrhea, stomach cramp and fever. In this work we explore the application of moderate electric or magnetic fields for treating deionized water that is contaminated with E. coli. We found that moderate alternating electric (AC) fields (10 V/cm to 1kV/cm) and moderate static magnetic fields (10 to 65 mT) can significantly inactivate E. coli by up to 90% or more. This provides the possibilities of developing a low cost and a practical bacteria inactivation technique using electric or magnetic fields.
Self-Consistent Physical Model of the Bubbles in a Gas-Solid Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Dong H. M. , He J. F. , Duan C. L. , Zhao Y. M.
Published: December 2017

In this work, we develop a self-consistent physical model of bubbles in a gas-solid two-phase flow. Based on PR state equation, and a detailed specific heat ratio equation of bubbles, we self-consistently evaluate kinetic equations of the bubbles on the basis of Ergun equation, thermodynamic equation and kinetic equations. It is found that the specific heat ratio of bubbles in such systems strongly depends on the bubble pressures and temperatures, which play an important role on the characteristics of the bubbles. The theoretical studies show that with a increasing of the height in the systems, the gas flow rate shows a downward trend. Moreover, the larger particles in the gas-solid flows are, the greater the gas velocity is. With a increasing the height, bubble sizes show a variation of first decreasing and then increasing (U type). The bubble velocity is affected by the gas velocity and the bubble size, which gradually declined and eventually stabilized. It shows that gas phases and solid phases in a gas-solid two-phase flow interact with each other and come into being a self-consistent system. The theoretical results have exhibited important guiding value for understanding the properties and effects of bubbles in the gas-solid two-phase flows.
A Sequential Algorithm for Signal Segmentation
Authors: Hubert Paulo , Padovese Linilson , Stern Julio
Published: December 2017

The problem of event detection in general noisy signals arises in many applications; usually, either a functional form for the event is available, or a previous annotated sample with instances of the event that can be used to train a classification algorithm. There are situations, however, where neither functional forms nor annotated samples are available; then it is necessary to apply other strategies to separate and characterize events. In this work, we analyze an acoustic signal obtained from a hydrophone, and are interested in separating sections, or segments, of the signal which are likely to contain significative events. For that, we apply a sequential algorithm with the only assumption that an event alters the average power of the signal. The algorithm is entirely based on bayesian methods, and shows a very promising performance in detecting either short or long events.
Ventilation Positive Pressure Intervention Effect on IAQ in a School Building with Moisture Problems
Authors: Vornanen-Winqvist Camilla , Järvi Kati , Toomla Sander , Ahmed Kaiser , Andersson Maria A. , Mikkola Raimo , Marik Tamas , Kredics Laszlo , Salonen Heidi , Kurnitski Jarek
Published: December 2017

This case study investigates the effects of ventilation intervention on measured and perceived indoor air quality (IAQ) in a repaired school where occupants reported IAQ problems. Occupants´ symptoms were suspected to be related to the impurities leaked indoors through the building envelope. The study’s aim was to determine whether a positive pressure of 5-7 Pa prevents the infiltration of harmful chemical and microbiological agents from structures, thus decreasing symptoms and discomfort. Ventilation intervention was conducted in a building section comprising 12 classrooms and was completed with IAQ measurements and occupants´ questionnaires. After intervention, the concentration of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) decreased, and occupants´ negative perceptions became more moderate compared to those for other parts of the building. The indoor mycobiota differed in species composition from the outdoor mycobiota, and changed remarkably with the intervention, indicating that some species may have emanated from an indoor source before the intervention.
A Retrospective Review of Resuscitation Planning at a Children’s Hospital
Authors: Kelly Jean , Ritchie Jo , Donovan Leigh , Graham Carol , Herbert Anthony
Published: December 2017

Resuscitation plans (RP) are an important clinical indicator relating to care at the end of life in pediatrics. A retrospective review of the medical records of children who had been referred to the Royal Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia who died in the calendar year 2011 was performed. Of 62 records available, 40 patients (65%) had a life limiting condition and 43 medical records (69%) contained a documented (RP). This study demonstrated that both the underlying condition (life-limiting or life-threatening) and the setting of care (PICU or home) influenced the development of resuscitation plans. Patients referred to the paediatric palliative care (PPC) service had a significantly longer time interval from documentation of a resuscitation plan to death and were more likely to die at home. All of the patients who died in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) had a RP which was documented within the last 48 hours of life. Most RPs were not easy to locate. Documentation of discussions related to resuscitation planning should accommodate patient and family centered care based on individual needs. With varied diagnoses and settings of care, it is important that there is inter-professional collaboration (particularly involving PICU and PPC services) in developing protocols of how to manage this difficult but inevitable clinical scenario.
Grain Refinement Kinetics in a Low Alloyed Cu-Cr-Zr Alloy Subjected to Large Strain Deformation
Authors: Morozova Anna , Borodin Elijah , Bratov Vladimir , Zherebtsov Sergey , Belyakov Andrey , Kaibyshev Rustam
Published: December 2017

The microstructure evolution and grain refinement kinetics of a solution treated Cu – 0.1Cr – 0.06Zr alloy during equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at a temperature of 673 K via route BC were investigated. The microstructure change during plastic deformation was accompanied by the microband formation and an increase in the misorienations of strain-induced subboundaries. The refinement of initial coarse grains was considered as a result of continuous dynamic recrystallization. The dynamic recrystallization kinetics was discussed in terms of grain/subgrain boundary triple junction evolution. The strain dependence of the triple junctions of high-angle boundaries can be expressed by a modified Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov relationship with a strain exponent of about 1.49. Severe plastic deformation by ECAP led to substantial strengthening of the Cu-0.1Cr-0.06Zr alloy. The yield strength increased from 60 MPa in the initial state to 445 MPa after the total strain of 12.
Dynamic Gesture Recognition Using a Smart Glove in Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Santos Lidia , Carbonaro Nicola , Tognetti Alessandro , González José Luis , de la Fuente Eusebio , Fraile Juan Carlos , Pérez-Turiel Javier
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a system developed for the assistance with a collaborative robot in hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS). The system includes a sensing glove with piezoresistive sensors which capture continuously the flexion degree of the surgeon's fingers. These data are analyzed using an algorithm that detects and recognize the selected movements. This information is sent as commands to the collaborative robot throughout the surgical operation. The bending patterns, speed and execution times of the movements are modelled in a pre-phase in which it will extract all the necessary information for later detection during the motion execution. The results obtained with 10 different volunteers show a high degree of accuracy and a low false discovery rate.
A Constituição, as instituições e as delegações legislativas: um caso de mutação
Authors: Cyrino André Rodrigues , Nunes Daniel Capecchi
Published: December 2017

A hipótese do presente artigo é a de que as delegações legislativas fazem parte da realidade brasileira pós-1988, sendo compatíveis com a democracia e admitidas pelo Texto Constitucional, cujos sentidos passaram por um processo de mutação. Para comprová-la, o artigo percorrerá três etapas. Na primeira parte, será exposta a interpretação tradicional da doutrina que advoga a impossibilidade das delegações legislativas, no regime da Constituição de 1988, com base no artigo 25 do ADCT e suas limitações empíricas e normativas. Em seguida, na segunda parte, o leitor será apresentado ao conceito de mutação constitucional. Por fim, na terceira e última parte, demonstraremos como o surgimento de delegação legislativas no regime constitucional brasileiro se deu pela via de uma mutação, consubstanciada na atuação dos três Poderes. O trabalho se encerra com uma breve conclusão.
O cumprimento das informações acerca das licitações e contratos celebrados nos portais da transparência: uma análise qualitativa de municípios do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Juruena Cynthia Gruenling , Friedrich Denise Bittencourt
Published: December 2017

O presente artigo analisou o cumprimento do dever de informação nos portais da transparência, tendo o seu enfoque nas licitações e contratos dos municípios. Dos 23 municípios pertencentes à região do Vale do Rio Pardo, no Rio Grande do Sul, selecionou-se 4 para a análise qualitativa. Esta análise centrou-se em alguns aspectos estabelecidos pela Lei de Acesso à Informação – Lei 12.527/2011 -, quais sejam, a estrutura gráfica dos portais da transparência, a clareza na prestação das informações públicas e o cumprimento do prazo de resposta pelo poder público quando do requerimento de informações. Além disso, averiguou-se a ferramenta do LicitaCon – desenvolvida pelo Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul -, verificando se esse instrumento se adequa às diretrizes de que a informação deverá ser clara e de fácil compreensão. O problema de pesquisa foi aferir se os portais da transparência cumprem com o requisito de informação de suas licitações e contratos, a partir do que preconiza a Lei de Acesso à Informação e o Tribunal de Contas do Estado. A metodologia de pesquisa adotada foi o método dedutivo. Os resultados preliminares, a partir da delimitação estabelecida na análise qualitativa, foram que os municípios cumprem parcialmente com o que dispõe a Lei 12.527/2011.
Análise das Capacidades de Programas de Pós-Graduação da Área de ACT: um enfoque em Mestrados Profissionais
Authors: Souza Maria Clara Martins de , Oliveira Murilo Alvarenga
Published: December 2017

Há um crescimento significativo dos programas de mestrado profissional em administração (MPA) no Brasil. A área de Administração, Ciências Contábeis e Turismo da Capes tem apresentado um crescimento significativo dos cursos de mestrado profissional, 65% de aumento enquanto os programas acadêmicos cresceram 15% no triênio de 2013.  Para que os programas possam responder aos desafios do novo contexto econômico, social e tecnológico e se manterem atuantes é necessário que estejam dotados de uma gestão eficiente. Dessa forma, o objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar os MPAs eficientes em busca das capacidades que os tornam eficientes. As capacidades identificadas serão relacionadas por meio de um modelo de capacidades de inovação. Para isso, foi realizada análise DEA de forma a identificar os programas eficientes e uma análise de conteúdo das propostas destes programas que estão dispostas na plataforma Sucupira para identificar como estes programas alcançam tal eficiência. Por meio de um modelo adaptado, analisou-se o processo de determinação de MPAs eficientes e suas capacidades. Como resultado, foi possível identificar algumas das principais capacidades que levam um programa a ser eficiente, dentre elas a capacidade de inserção social. O estudo colabora para que outros MPAs consigam, por meio do modelo proposto, fazer uma análise autoanálise, identificando quesitos precisam ser aprimorados e, por meio deste estudo, encontrar caminhos para elaboração de estratégias que são utilizadas pelos programas considerados eficientes.
Retroperitoneal Abscess Simulating Abdominal Mass in a Child
Authors: Gupta Rahul
Published: December 2017

Retroperitoneal abscess may simulate other abdominal masses. A 2-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain and lump in right iliac fossa for the last one week. Investigations revealed a mass extending from pelvis up to right sub-hepatic region. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an unremarkable peritoneal cavity, except that ascending colon up to hepatic flexure was elevated suggestive of retroperitoneal mass. A small flank incision was then made and abscess was drained.
Laparoscopic Treatment of Vermiform Appendix Torsion
Authors: Valioulis Ioannis , Papageorgiou Irene , Simaioforidis Vasileios , Sfougaris Dimitrios
Published: December 2017

Torsion of the vermiform appendix is an uncommon entity in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children. A 4-year-old child admitted with signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis. At laparoscopy, torsion of the vermiform appendix was found and the appendix was removed laparoscopically. No complications occurred during the postoperative period.
Alkalic Leaching and Stabilization of Arsenic from Pyrite Cinders
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Xiao Li , Liu Ya , Fu Guoyan , Ye Shufeng , Chen Yunfa
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

Pyrite cinder is one of the important secondary resources, but typically contains a certain amount of arsenic, which is harmful to metallurgical process. It usually hopes to remove the arsenic prior to recycle the valuable element in the pyrite cinders.

Methods & Materials:

In this study, the arsenic in the cinders was selectively removed using the alkalic leaching method so as to reduce the loss of ferric and other valuable elements.

Results & Discussion:

The content of arsenic in pyrite cinders was reduced to 0.08% through the investigation of the factors, including particle size, alkaline concentration, temperature, solid-liquid ratio (S/L) and leaching time. Then, the ferric precipitation method was used to remove the arsenic in the leaching solution. More than 99% of the arsenic can be removed by controlling the pH and the ratio of ferric and arsenic (Fe/As) in ambient temperature, and the arsenic concentration in the solution was reduced to less than 0.5mg/L.

Conclusion:

It was found that the precipitated arsenic was mainly amorphous based on the analysis of sediment.
EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN TEACHERS IN RELATION TO THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
Authors: Babu R. , Fathima A.
Published: December 2017

The Kothari Commission rightly referred to teachers as nation builders. The all-round development of the students is influenced by the women teacher. The study has been conducted to investigate the levels of Empowerment and mental health among women Teachers. It also examines the relationship between the Empowerment and Mental health of the women Teachers. The study was conducted on a random sample of 500 women Teachers in Cuddalore District. The tools used in the study include the Empowerment scale constructed and validated by Sridevi, 2005 and Mental health scale developed and validated by Peter Becker. The study reveals the fact that the level of Empowerment and Mental health are at high levels.
A Mobile Game for Patients with Breast Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Hee Jun , Kim Sun Mi , Shin Hee-Churl , Jang Joung-Soon , Kim Young In , Han Doug Hyun
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Although video gaming has been associated with many negative health consequences, it was hypothesized that a mobile online game would help to increase compliance with cytotoxic chemotherapy and decrease the incidence of chemotherapy side effects in patients with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The potential efficiency of video games to help side effects and improve life quality and life span for metastatic breast cancer patients needs to be demonstrated.

METHODS

A total of 76 patients with metastatic breast cancer agreed to participate in an education-controlled trial of mobile game healthcare management. All participants were randomly assigned to a chemotherapy+mobile game play group (mobile game group) or a chemotherapy+education group (education group) at a 1:1 ratio. This study was designed as a 3-week prospective trial.

RESULTS

The mobile game group showed increased drug adherence scores and game playing time compared to the education group. The mobile game group also reported decreased personal total physical side effects (χ2=8.87, p<0.01), including fatigue (χ2=6.26, p=0.02), numbness of hand or foot (χ2<1.0, p<0.01), stomatitis (χ2<1.0, p<0.01), and hair loss (χ2<1.0, p<0.01) compared to the education group. In addition, the mobile game group also reported decreased severity of physical side effects including (F=12.37, p<0.01), decreased appetite (F=9.33, p<0.01), numbness in the hand or foot (F<1.0, p<0.01), stomatitis (F<1.0, p<0.01), and hair loss (F<1.0, p<0.01) compared to the patients in the education group. Over the course of 3 weeks, the education group showed greater decreases in scores for quality of life (QoL) compared to the mobile game group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate improved drug compliance, QoL and decreased prevalence rates for physical side effects when using a mobile game for breast cancer patients. These results suggest that the mobile game, ILOVEBREAST, may be helpful in the management of breast cancer.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT03205969
A Tablet-Based Mobile Hearing Screening System for Preschoolers: Design and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yimtae Kwanchanok , Israsena Pasin , Thanawirattananit Panida , Seesutas Sangvorn , Saibua Siwat , Kasemsiri Pornthep , Noymai Anukool , Soonrach Tharapong
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Hearing ability is important for children to develop speech and language skills as they grow. After a mandatory newborn hearing screening, group or mass screening of children at later ages, such as at preschool age, is often practiced. For this practice to be effective and accessible in low-resource countries such as Thailand, innovative enabling tools that make use of pervasive mobile and smartphone technology should be considered.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop a cost-effective, tablet-based hearing screening system that can perform a rapid minimal speech recognition level test.

METHODS

An Android-based screening app was developed. The screening protocol involved asking children to choose pictures corresponding to a set of predefined words heard at various sound levels offered in a specifically designed sequence. For the app, the set of words was validated, and their corresponding speech power levels were calibrated. We recruited 122 children, aged 4-5 years, during the development phase. Another 63 children of the same age were screened for their hearing abilities using the app in version 2. The results in terms of the sensitivity and specificity were compared with those measured using the conventional audiometric equipment.

RESULTS

For screening purposes, the sensitivity of the developed screening system version 2 was 76.67% (95% CI 59.07-88.21), and the specificity was 95.83% (95% CI 89.77-98.37) for screening children with mild hearing loss (pure-tone average threshold at 1, 2, and 4 kHz, >20 dB). The time taken for the screening of each child was 150.52 (SD 19.07) seconds (95% CI 145.71-155.32 seconds). The average time used for conventional play audiometry was 11.79 (SD 3.66) minutes (95% CI 10.85-12.71 minutes).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the potential use of a tablet-based system for rapid and mobile hearing screening. The system was shown to have good overall sensitivity and specificity. Overall, the idea can be easily adopted for systems based on other languages.
Physical Wellness Among Gaming Adults: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Arnaez James , Frey Georgia , Cothran Donetta , Lion Margaret , Chomistek Andrea
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Video and hobby gaming are immensely popular among adults; however, associations between gaming and health have primarily been investigated in children and adolescents. Furthermore, most research has focused on electronic gaming, despite traditional hobby gaming gaining prominence.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the number of platforms used, platform preference, and gaming time are associated with obesity, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiovascular risk factors in an adult gaming population.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data obtained from 292 participants who attended a large Midwestern gaming convention. We collected data using a computer-based questionnaire that comprised questions on gaming behavior, demographics, physical activity (using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and health characteristics. In addition, we used multivariable-adjusted linear and logistic regression to model health outcomes as a function of the number of platforms used, platform preference, and weekday and weekend gaming time quartile.

RESULTS

After adjusting for covariates, we observed a significant linear trend for increasing odds of being obese and higher weekend sitting time by the number of platforms used (P=.03 for both). The platform preference and weekend gaming time quartile exhibited significant associations with odds of meeting physical activity recommendations (P=.047 and P=.03, respectively). In addition, we observed higher odds of being obese among those reporting that they sat most or all of the time while gaming [odds ratio (OR) 2.69 (95% CI 1.14-6.31) and OR 2.71 (95% CI 1.06-6.93), respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

In adult gamers, the number of platforms used, which platforms they prefer to play on, and the amount of time spent gaming on weekends could have significant implications for their odds of being obese and meeting physical activity recommendations.
COMPARISON OF HERBAL MOUTHWASH WITH COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE 0.2% CHLORHEXIDINE AND 2% BETADINE MOUTHWASHES IN PATIENTS AFTER STAGE-1 IMPLANT SURGERY
Authors: Sabarathinam Jembulingam , Nallaswamy Deepak , Nallaswamy Deepak , Np Muralidharan , Np Muralidharan
Published: December 2017

Objective: The objective of the current study is to assess the antibacterial efficiency of an herbal mouthwash (clove and neem) against 0.2% chlorhexidine and 2% betadone mouthwash in patients who have undergone Stage-1 implant surgery.Methods: 30 patients undergoing implant surgery (Stage-1) were divided into 3 groups and were given 3 different mouthwashes. The patient was recalled after 15 days. Swab samples from the site of implant were taken after 15 days and cultured. The results were tabulated.Results: 0.2% chlorhexidine and 2% bernadine were found to have better antibacterial efficiency than herbal mouthwash (p>0.05).Conclusion: The herbal mouthwash consisting of neem and clove was not efficient in killing microbes immediately after Stage-1 implant surgery when compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine and 2% bernadine.
CYTOTOXIC LABDANE DITERPENOIDS FROM ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA (BURM.F.) NEES
Authors: Tan Maria Carmens , Oyong Glenn G , Shen Chien Chang , Ragasa Consolacion Y
Published: December 2017

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to probe the cytotoxic capacity of the labdane diterpenoids andrographolide (1), 14-deoxyandrographolide (2), 14-deoxy-12-hydroxyandrographolide (3), and neoandrographolide (4) on mutant and wild-type immortalized cell lines.Methods: Breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), colon carcinomas (HCT-116 and HT-29), small cell lung carcinoma (H69PR), human acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1), and wild-type primary normal human dermal fibroblasts - neonatal cells (HDFn) were incubated with 1-4, and the degree of cytotoxicity was analyzed by employing the in vitro PrestoBlue® cell viability assay. Working solutions of 1-4 were prepared in complete cell culture medium to a final non-toxic dimethyl sulfoxide concentration of 0.2%. The plates were incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2 in a 98% humidified incubator throughout the assay. Nonlinear regression and statistical analyses were done to extrapolate the half maximal inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50). One-way ANOVA (p<0.05) and multiple comparison, Tukey’s post hoc test (p<0.05), were used to compare different pairs of data sets. Results were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.Results: The highest cytotoxicity index was exhibited by the H69PR and 1 trials which displayed the lowest IC50 value of 3.66 μg/mL, followed by HT-29 treated with 2, HCT-116 and 1 trials, and H69PR treated with 4 (IC50=3.81, 3.82, and 4.19 μg/mL, respectively). Only 1 and 4 were detrimental toward MCF-7, while 1, 3, and 4 were degenerative against H69PR. Tukey’s post hoc multiple comparison indicated no significant difference in the cytotoxicity of 1-4 on HCT-116 cells which afforded IC50 values ranging from 3.82 to 5.12 μg/mL. Evaluation of the two colon carcinoma cell lines showed that HCT-116 was categorically more susceptible to cellular damage caused by treatments with 1-4 than was HT-29. Cytotoxicity was not detected in THP-1 and HDFn cells (IC50>100 μg/mL).Conclusion: Diterpenoids 1-4 isolated from the dichloromethane extract of the leaves of A. paniculata exhibited different cytotoxic activities against MCF-7, HCT-116, HT-29, and H69PR. All constituents had comparable action on HCT-116 cells but were not found to be cytotoxic to normal HDFn cells and mutant THP-1 cells.
SYNTHESIS OF 2-HIDROXYXANTHONE FROM XANTHONE AS A BASIC MATERIAL FOR NEW ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS
Authors: Amanatie Amanatie , Jumina Jumina , Mustofa Mustofa , M Hanafi , Kadidae La Ode , I Sahidin
Published: December 2017

Objective: The purpose of this research is to synthesize 2-hydroxyxanthone from xanthone and to evaluate its antiplasmodial activity.Methods: The synthesis of 2-hydroxyxanthone followed the sequence of these synthetic stages, namely: 2-nitroxanthone, 2-aminoxanthone, and 2-hydroxyxanthone. The products were separated by chromatography methods including thin layer chromatography and vacuum liquid chromatography. Compound structures of the isolated products were determined based on their infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. To support these findings, the spectra were also matched to the corresponding data from literatures. The biological properties of the synthetic compound were evaluated toward Plasmodium falciparum 3D7.Results: 2-nitroxanthone was obtained as a brownish-yellow crystal in 69.00% yield with Madhya Pradesh of 181°C. Reduction of 2-nitroxanthone using SnCl2.2H2O/hydrogen chloride produced 2-aminoxanthone as a pale-yellow solid in 60.60% yield. Finally, the desired 2-hydroxyxanthone was achieved by initially reacting 2-aminoxanthone with sodium nitride to produce diazonium salt. Then, hydrolysis of the salt yielded 2-hydroxyxanthone as a white solid in 69.81% yield. Synthesis of 2-hydroxyxanthone from xanthone had an overall yield of38.35%. In vitro antiplasmodial assay against P. falciparum 3D7 showed that the half maximal inhibitory concentration value was 0.44 μg/mL.Conclusions: An antimalarial compound (2-hydroxyxanthone) was successfully synthesized from xanthone in three steps of synthetic reactions, i.e., the formation of 2-nitroxanthone, 2-aminoxanthone, and 2-hydroxyxanthone.
BINARY QUANTITATIVE STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIP ANALYSIS IN RETROSPECTIVE STRUCTURE-BASED VIRTUAL SCREENING CAMPAIGNS TARGETING ESTROGEN RECEPTOR ALPHA
Authors: Istyastono Enade Perdana , Yuniarti Nunung , Hariono Maywan , Yuliani Sri Hartati , Riswanto Florentinus Dika Octa
Published: December 2017

Objective: The objective of this study is to construct predictive unbiased structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) protocols to identify potent ligands for estrogen receptor alpha by combining molecular docking, protein-ligand interaction fingerprinting (PLIF), and binary quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis using recursive partition and regression tree method.Methods: Employing the enhanced version of a directory of useful decoys, SBVS protocols using molecular docking simulations, and PLIF were constructed and retrospectively validated. To avoid bias, SMILES format of the compounds was used. The predictive abilities of the SBVS protocols were then compared based on the enrichment factor (EF) and the F-measure values.Results: The SBVS protocols resulted in this research were SBVS_1 (employing docking scores of the best pose on every compound to rank the results and selecting compounds within 1% false positives as positive), SBVS_2 (employing decision tree resulted from the binary QSAR analysis using docking scores and PLIF bitstrings of the best pose of every compound as descriptors), and SBVS_3 (employing decision tree resulted from the binary QSAR analysis using ensemble PLIF of the selected poses from optimized docking score as the cutoff). The EF values of SBVS_1, SBVS_2, and SBVS_3 are 28.315, 576.084, and 713.472, respectively, while their F-measure values are 0.310, 0.573, and 0.769, respectively.Conclusion: Highly predictive unbiased SBVS protocols to identify potent estrogen receptor alpha ligands were constructed. Further application in prospective screening is therefore highly suggested.
UTILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF CURRENT ANIMAL MODELS OF DEPRESSION
Authors: Ramjattan Andy , Pereira Lexley Pintoo , Dhingra Sameer
Published: December 2017

Depression is one of the most debilitating medical conditions in the world today, yet its etiologies remain imprecise, and current treatments are not wholly helpful. Depression is more than just a feeling of sadness. Depression can affect the daily routine of an individual disrupting work, play, and overall ability to concentrate. People with depression usually experience a lack of interest and enjoyment in daily activities, notable weight loss or gain, sleeplessness or excessive sleeping, lack of energy, inability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness or shame, and recurrent thoughts of suicide (diagnostic and statistical manual-V). It is projected to be the second leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020. It is estimated that depression currently affects 350 million people from around the world. There are a number of drugs of different pharmacological classes being used in the treatment of clinical depression. Animal models are indispensable tools in the search to identify new antidepressant drugs and to provide insights into the neuropathology that underlies the idiopathic disease state of depression. Animal models of depression can be used for a variety of purposes, including use as a tool for investigating aspects of the neurobiology and pathophysiology of depression, as an experimental model for studying the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs and for screening antidepressant activity. None of existing animal models currently fulfil the existing criteria for an ideal animal model, and therefore, demands an insight view of the existing models of depression. This article attempts to review the most widely used animal models and highlights their important features with respect to different pharmacological classes of antidepressant drugs.
ANTICANCER POTENTIAL OF α-MANGOSTIN
Authors: Muchtaridi Muchtaridi , Wijaya Cindy Aprillianie
Published: December 2017

Objective: Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) is a tropical fruit originated from South East region. Mangosteen exhibiting a variety of pharmacological activities and is often used for traditional medicine. There are numerous chemical compounds contained in the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit. One of them is xanthone derivative which in some studies shows antioxidant and anticancer activity by preventing free radical and damaging cells. One of the xanthone derivatives that have the strongest anticancer properties is α-mangostin.Methods: Anticancer potential of α-mangostin was reviewed from available literature.Results: The α-mangostin shows anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity by suppressing the formation of carcinogenic compounds in various cancer cells. This review will summarize the anticancer properties of α-mangostin that may be exploited for effective cancer prevention.Conclusion: Development of α-mangostin as a chemopreventive compound can provide new opportunities for effective cancer drug discovery. α-mangostin is useful as a complementary or alternative medicine and a chemopreventive tool against cancer.
SCREENING OF TEN HERBAL EXTRACTS TO COMPARE AND INVESTIGATE EFFECT ON GLUCOSE LOWERING AND ANOREXIC ACTIVITY IN WISTAR RATS
Authors: Jani Deepti Kaushalkumar , Goswami Sunita
Published: December 2017

Objective: Metabolic disorders are of growing concern with increasing quest for herbal medicines as treatment option. The current study is planned to screen ten herbal extracts, prepared from parts of chosen six herbal plants, to compare and investigate their antihyperglycemic and anorexic potential.Methods: Qualitative phytochemical investigation was done as per standard procedures. Acute oral toxicity study performed as per OECD 420 guideline. Glucose Tolerance Test (method optimization) was performed to select appropriate glucose load to induce hyperglycemia. Antihyperglycemic activity was evaluated by Glucose Tolerance Test (single dose and multiple dose study) and anorexic potential was screened by food intake measurement using Wistar rats.Results: All herbs were found safe in acute oral toxicity study. Glucose Tolerance Test method optimization study signaled use of 3 g/kg glucose load for induction of hyperglycemia in single and multiple dose studies. In single dose study, L. acutangula fruit extract and in multiple dose study, S. melongena, M. oleifera & R. communis extracts were found to produce significant glucose lowering effect as compared to glucose control group. Results of food intake measurement showed significant appetite suppression with extracts of W. somnifera, S. melongena, M. oleifera & R. communis.  Conclusion: Present study throws light on the effectiveness of experimental herbal extracts as antihyperglycemic and anorexic agents. This also, helps in identifying potent indigenous herbs for further study.
PHYSIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF PRETREATED BIOMEDICAL WASTES
Authors: S Sreeremya , P Rajiv
Published: December 2017

Objectives: The main objective of the research is to pretreat the Category III biomedical waste using Bacillus flexus and to assess the physiochemical properties of pretreated biomedical waste.Methods: Major pretreatment methods such as physical (P), chemical (C), biological (using B. flexus) (B), physical and chemical, and physical, chemical, and biological method (PCB) were adopted for this investigation. The nutritional status was analyzed before and after the pretreatment. The physiochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, bulk density, cellulose content, and carbohydrate content were assessed.Results: There was a significant difference between before and after the pretreatments of physiochemical properties. By treating, the biomedical waste with B. flexus has produced a drastic change in the cellulose level. By the assessment of each parameter before and after the pretreatment, the percentage of cellulose levels was found to be 35-40 in PCB method.Conclusions: Hence, the study concludes that the pretreated biomedical waste contains suitable physiochemical properties, which may be used as a substrate for the production of vermicompost.
COMPARISON OF SURFACE RADIATION DOSE TO THE GONADS BY RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE USING COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY AND DIRECT DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
Authors: Priyanka Priyanka , Kotian Rahul P , Panakkal Nitika C
Published: December 2017

Objectives: The objectives are aimed to study the comparison of SRD to the gonads by radiographic examination of the lumbar spine using computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DR) and to evaluate dose differences according to gender.Methods: A total of 120 subjects with an equal number of males and females referred for lumbar spine anteroposterior (AP) and lateral was included in the study. Sixty patients had undergone X-ray in CR X-ray unit and 60 in DR X-ray unit. SRD to gonads from a radiographic examination of the lumbar spine was measured in CR and DR using Mult-O-Meter, and obtained value of SRD was in μGy. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Data were represented as a median and interquartile range. Mann–Whitney U-test was used for the comparison of SRD to gonads. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to find out the statistically significant difference in SRD to the gonads according to gender from radiography of lumbar spine taken using CR and direct DR.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in SRD to gonads from radiography of lumbar spine AP and lateral taken using CR and direct DR (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in SRD to the gonads in males and females from radiography of lumbar spine AP (p=0.577) and lateral (p=0.164) taken using CR and direct DR.Conclusion: It was found that SRD to gonads from lumbar spine AP was 54% lower in direct DR and SRD to gonads from lumbar spine lateral was 68% lower in direct DR than CR.
FACTORS INFLUENCING COMPLIANCE TO THERAPEUTIC REGIMEN AMONG PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION
Authors: Dharan Dhanya R , Kt Moly
Published: December 2017

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to identify the level of compliance to therapeutic regimen, assess the factors promoting and interfering compliance, and to find the association between level of compliance and factors influencing it in patients with hypertension in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Kochi, with a view to develop an information booklet.Methods: Nonprobability convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 150 individuals attending outpatient departments. Data on compliance were assessed through interview using standardized Hill And Bone High Blood Pressure Compliance. Scale and factors promoting and interfering compliance were assessed using self-developed semi-structured questionnaire.Results: Only 55 (36.7%) had good compliance, while 52 (34.7%) had average and 43 (28.7%) had poor compliance to anti-hypertensive therapeutic regimen. The major factors promoting compliance were found as patient-prescriber relationship 146 (97.3%), family support 133 (88.7%), motivation 125 (83.3%), communication with healthcare providers 122 (81.3%), health literacy 104 (69.3%), and patient satisfaction 75 (50%). The factors interfering with compliance were lack of self-esteem 136 (90.7%), long-term adherence 129 (86%), misconceptions and erroneous beliefs 122 (81.3%), cost of therapy and income 100 (80%), forgetfulness 107 (71.3%), difficulty in adjustment to dietary change 82 (54.7%), and fear of side effects 70 (50%). A significant association between the level of compliance and factors promoting and interfering with compliance to therapeutic regimen (p<0.01) was noted. Level of compliance with therapeutic regimen was found to be lower in patients with associated comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (c2=9.52, p<0.01) and coronary artery disease (c2=6.737, p<0.05).Conclusion: The study concludes the significance of developing systems to tack and ensure compliance to therapy among hypertensives with a focus on factors promoting compliance not only from the patient perspective but also from the perspective of family and society.
A REVIEW ON SCREENING METHODS OF BREAST CANCER, CANCER BIOMARKERS AND PHYTOCONSTITUENTS AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Authors: Venugopal Jayashree , S Priyanka , A Reshma
Published: December 2017

A cancer biomarker refers to a substance or process that is used as an indicative the presence of cancer in the body. A biomarker may be a molecule secreted by a tumor or a specific response of the body to the presence of cancer. Biomarkers are utilized in three elementary ways as a diagnostic tool, prognostic tool, and predictive tool. The screening tests employed are clinical and breast exams, mammography, hereditary screening, ultrasound, and attractive reverberation imaging. Biomarkers involved in breast cancer are human epidermal growth factor-2, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E. Specific bioactive phytoconstituents used as anticancer include curcumin, genistein, resveratrol, isothiocyanates, silymarin, diallyl sulfisoxazole, lycopene, apigenin, and gingerol. Hence, this review indicates the study of screening methods, various biomarkers in breast cancer and phytoconstituents against breast cancer.