bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fortalecimiento de los proyectos educativos de las instituciones educativas oficiales del municipio de Santiago de Cali
Authors: Trujillo-Losada Milton Fernando , Hurtado-Zúñiga María Cristina , Pérez-Paredes María Julieth
Published: April 2019

El presente artículo expone los resultados de un proceso de investigación-acción, en el marco del convenio entre la Secretaría de Educación Municipal y el Instituto de Educación y Pedagogía de la Universidad del Valle, desarrollado con 24 Instituciones Educativas Oficiales, con el fin de reestructurar y actualizar su Proyecto Educativo Institucional, PEI. Para ello, se usaron dos estrategias en simultáneo en el periodo agosto-diciembre de 2017: la primera, la formación docente sobre aspectos del PEI, la caracterización escolar e institucional y la redefinición del modelo pedagógico; y la segunda, el acompañamiento y seguimiento a cada institución. Como resultados se muestran los alcances y limitaciones de la experiencia, prioridades y recomendaciones sobre la necesidad de ampliar la mirada al contexto de la comunidad educativa, desde lo global a lo local, en coherencia con el momento histórico de construcción de cultura de paz en el país.
Pensamiento variacional mediado con baldosas algebraicas y manipuladores virtuales
Authors: Ordóñez-Ortega Odair , Gualdrón-Pinto Elgar , Amaya-Franky Germán
Published: April 2019

El presente artículo es el resultado de una investigación de enfoque cualitativo, del tipo investigación acción, que se desarrolló con estudiantes de grado octavo de la Educación Básica (13-15 años). El propósito fue propiciar mejoras del pensamiento variacional de los estudiantes seleccionados como grupo focal. Se aplicó una prueba diagnóstica para evaluar el desempeño de los estudiantes en los pensamientos variacional y geométrico, este último dado el enfoque de la propuesta. Luego se intervino al grupo con una unidad didáctica diseñada bajo un enfoque constructivista, utilizando material concreto y manipuladores virtuales. Durante el proceso, se observó que las estrategias implementadas motivaron a los estudiantes para avanzar en los objetivos de este estudio, a pesar que en principio los estudiantes no se sentían seguros de lo que hacían por la falta de experiencia en el uso de material concreto. Asimismo, se evidenciaron mejoras en el desarrollo del pensamiento variacional, lo que sugiere que en temáticas propias del curso y de los posteriores, los estudiantes tendrán mejor desempeño.
Árboles de decisión para predecir factores asociados al desempeño académico de estudiantes de bachillerato en las pruebas Saber 11°
Authors: Timarán-Pereira Ricardo , Caicedo-Zambrano Javier , Hidalgo-Troya Arsenio
Published: April 2019

En este artículo se presentan los resultados obtenidos al aplicar el modelo de clasificación basado en árboles de decisión, con el fin de detectar factores asociados al desempeño académico de los estudiantes colombianos de grado undécimo de educación media, que presentaron las pruebas Saber 11° en los años 2015 y 2016. La investigación fue de tipo descriptivo bajo el enfoque cuantitativo, aplicando un diseño no experimental. Siguiendo la metodología CRISP-DM, se seleccionó, de las bases de datos del ICFES, la información socioeconómica, académica e institucional de estos estudiantes. Se construyó, limpió y transformó un repositorio de datos y utilizando la herramienta de minería de datos WEKA, se generaron árboles de decisión que permitieron identificar patrones asociados al buen o mal desempeño académico de los estudiantes en las pruebas Saber 11°. Los patrones descubiertos ayudarán en los procesos de toma de decisiones del Ministerio de Educación Nacional, junto con las instituciones que velan por la calidad de la educación en Colombia.
Análisis del ciclo de vida de las publicaciones sobre la producción de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), a través de curvas en S
Authors: García-Parra Miguel Ángel , Plazas-Leguizamón Nubia Zoraida
Published: April 2019

El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar el ciclo de vida de las publicaciones relacionadas con la producción de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), mediante las curvas en S. La revisión bibliográfica se efectuó en la base de datos Scopus. El análisis de la información sistematizada en el tiempo, se hizo con curvas en S que fueron construidas en el programa estadístico SigmaPlot®. Los resultados indican que las investigaciones se centran en las relaciones entre: Chenopodium – estrés, quinua – estrés, quinua – fisiología y quinua –grasa, perfilándose como áreas estratégicas de investigación y desarrollo tecnológico. Igualmente, el estudio de la quinua presenta avances significativos en Europa y Estados Unidos, mientras que en suramérica se han desarrollado principalmente en Argentina y Chile. Lo anterior permite deducir el bajo interés científico e investigativo de países productores y exportadores de quinua, como: Bolivia, Perú, Ecuador y Colombia. Esto último se constituye en una oportunidad para que los países de origen de la quinua, establezcan líneas de investigación y programas de formación de alto nivel, encaminados al fortalecimiento de la quinua como un alimento promisorio en la búsqueda de la seguridad alimentaria.
Gut microbiome analysis of fast- and slow-growing Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Chapagain Pratima , Arivett Brock , Cleveland Beth M , Walker Donald M. , Salem Mohamed
Published: April 2019

Background

Diverse microbial communities colonizing the intestine of fish contribute to their growth, digestion, nutrition, and immune function. We hypothesized that the gut microbiome of rainbow trout could be associated with differential growth rates observed in fish breeding programs. If true, harnessing the functionality of this microbiome can improve profitability of aquaculture.

To test this hypothesis, four full-sibling families were stocked in the same tank and fed an identical diet. Two fast-growing and two slow-growing fish were selected from each family. Five different extraction methods were used to obtain DNA from feces for 16S rRNA microbiome profiling. These methods were Promega-Maxwell, phenol-chloroform, MO-BIO, Qiagen-Blood, Qiagen-Stool. Methods were compared according to DNA integrity, cost, feasibility and inter-sample variation based on non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination (nMDS) clusters.

Results

Differences in DNA extraction methods result in significant variation in identification of bacteria that compose the gut microbiome. Promega-Maxwell had the lowest inter-sample variation and was therefore used for the subsequent analyses. The gut microbiome was different from that of the environment (feed and water). However, feed and gut shared a large portion of their microbiome suggesting significant contribution of the feed in shaping the gut microbiota. Beta diversity of the bacterial communities showed significant variation between breeding families but not between the fast- and slow-growing fish. An indicator analysis determined that cellulose, amylose degrading and amino acid fermenting bacteria (Clostridium, Leptotrichia and Peptostreptococcus) as indicator taxa of the fast-growing fish. In contrary, pathogenic bacteria (Corynebacterium and Paeniclostridium) were identified as slow-growing indicator taxa.

Conclusion

DNA extraction methodology should be taken into account for accurate profiling of the gut microbiome. Although the microbiome was not significantly different between the fast- and slow-growing fish groups, some bacterial taxa with functional implications were indicative of fish growth rate. Further studies are warranted to explore how bacteria are transmitted and potential usage of the indicator bacteria of fast-growing fish for development of probiotics that may improve fish health and growth.
UTILIZAÇÃO DE TEORIAS NAS PESQUISAS EM GOVERNO ELETRÔNICO: REFLEXÕES INICIAIS SOBRE PESQUISAS BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Macadar Marie Anne , Luciano Edimara Mezzomo , Lopes Karen Maria Gross
Published: April 2019

Este artigo trata do uso de teoria nas pesquisas brasileiras sobre governo eletrônico (eGov). A literatura acadêmica internacional tem promovido reflexões e críticas acerca do grau de teorização da área de eGov e suas implicações na pesquisa. Nesse contexto, este artigo tem por objetivo discutir a utilização de teorias no campo de pesquisa de eGov tendo como base para esta reflexão inicial pesquisas brasileiras no tema. Por meio do processo de revisão sistemática de literatura, foram selecionados 96 artigos para análise, publicados entre 2003 e 2014 em periódicos brasileiros. Como modelo de análise foi utilizada a tipologia proposta por Gregor (2006), em seu artigo The Nature of Theory in Information Systems, que apresenta cinco tipologias de teorias. A análise detalhada dos artigos mostra que a maioria deles (62%) se encaixa na “teoria para análise”, o tipo mais básico estabelecido pela autora. O principal interesse das pesquisas brasileiras é na descrição do fenômeno (“o que é”), mais do que entender “porque”, “o que será” ou “como fazer algo”, que representam estágios necessários para o crescimento e qualificação de um campo de pesquisa. O estudo indica a necessidade de utilizar outros estágios de teorias nos estudos brasileiros sobre governo eletrônico.
IMPACTOS E DESAFIOS DOS MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES NO ENSINO SUPERIOR: REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA DA LITERATURA
Authors: Moura Valéria Feitosa de , Moura Valéria Feitosa de , Souza Cesar Alexandre de
Published: April 2019

Os MOOCs são um fenômeno recente que tem gerado expectativas tanto nas questões pedagógicas, quanto nas questões estratégicas e econômicas do ensino superior. Desse modo, sistematizar o conhecimento sobre a temática, por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura (RSL), torna-se relevante. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma RSL, conforme proposto por Kitchenham (2004), para identificar o estado da arte sobre os impactos e desafios dos MOOCs no ensino superior. Os principais impactos dos MOOCs estão relacionados as suas características de abertura e atendimento massivo, que possibilitam acessibilidade e democratização do ensino. Esses cursos estão sendo incorporados ao ensino superior por meio da utilização de modelos híbridos de ensino e, como são um fenômeno recente, precisam superar diversas barreiras, como as baixas taxas de conclusão e o impacto limitado no acesso de grupos de alunos menos favorecidos. Muitas ações estão sendo avaliadas e implantadas nesse sentido.Os MOOCs são um fenômeno recente que tem gerado expectativas tanto nas questões pedagógicas, quanto nas questões estratégicas e econômicas do ensino superior. Desse modo, sistematizar o conhecimento sobre a temática, por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura (RSL), torna-se relevante. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma RSL, conforme proposto por Kitchenham (2004), para identificar o estado da arte sobre os impactos e desafios dos MOOCs no ensino superior. Os principais impactos dos MOOCs estão relacionados as suas características de abertura e atendimento massivo, que possibilitam acessibilidade e democratização do ensino. Esses cursos estão sendo incorporados ao ensino superior por meio da utilização de modelos híbridos de ensino e, como são um fenômeno recente, precisam superar diversas barreiras, como as baixas taxas de conclusão e o impacto limitado no acesso de grupos de alunos menos favorecidos. Muitas ações estão sendo avaliadas e implantadas nesse sentido.
Carex paniculata constructed wetland efficacy for stormwater, sewage and livestock wastewater treatment in rural settlements of mountain areas
Authors: Cicero Fernandez D. , Expósito Camargo J. A. , Peña Fernandez M. , Antizar-Ladislao B.
Published: April 2019

Constructed wetlands are one of the most appropriate wastewater treatment systems in mountain areas, where altitude, slope and climate constitute major environmental and economic constraints for infrastructure construction and subsequent management. In order to protect mountain natural wetland habitats that are sensitive to ecological equilibrium disruption, instead of the more commonly used macrophytes, plant species native to upland wetlands should be preferentially implemented as a contribution to biodiversity conservation and for the creation of more efficient, more resilient and better-adapted constructed wetlands. Carex paniculata is a key macrophyte in several European mountain aquatic habitats, and one of the few high-biomass producers that can grow at sea level and at altitudes of up to 2,600 m. In this paper, the results of a 2-year investigation demonstrate the efficacy of Carex paniculata for the treatment of the mixed stormwater, sewage and livestock wastewater effluents from a typical rural settlement at 825 m above sea level in the Cantabrian Mountains. The year-round suitability of Carex paniculata for the treatment of wastewater with seasonally variable flow and composition in mountain areas is demonstrated.
Association between Blood Urea Nitrogen-to-creatinine Ratio and Three-Month Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Deng Linghui , Wang Changyi , Qiu Shi , Bian Haiyang , Wang Lu , Li Yuxiao , Wu Bo , Liu Ming
Published: April 2019

Background:

Hydration status significantly affects the clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) is a biomarker of hydration status. However, it is not known whether there is a relationship between BUN/Cr and three-month outcome as assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score in AIS patients.

Methods:

AIS patients admitted to West China Hospital from 2012 to 2016 were prospectively and consecutively enrolled and baseline data were collected. Poor clinical outcome was defined as three-month mRS > 2. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between BUN/Cr and three-month outcome. Confounding factors were identified by univariate analysis. Stratified logistic regression analysis was performed to identify effect modifiers.

Results:

A total of 1738 patients were included in the study. BUN/Cr showed a positive correlation with the three-month outcome (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, p=0.04). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, the correlation was no longer significant (p=0.95). An interaction between BUN/Cr and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was discovered (p=0.03), with a significant correlation between BUN/Cr and three-month outcome in patients with higher HDL (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.07, p=0.04).

Conclusion:

Elevated BUN/Cr is associated with poor three-month outcome in AIS patients with high HDL levels.
Lower Serum Indirect Bilirubin Levels are Inversely Related to Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Progression
Authors: Tao Xiaoxiao , Wu Jianwei , Wang Anxin , Xu Chenghua , Wang Zhimin , Zhao Xingquan
Published: April 2019

Background:

Bilirubin has been recognized as a potential endogenous inhibitor of atherosclerosis, being inversely associated with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). However, little information is available concerning the correlation between serum indirect bilirubin (IBIL), especially long-term IBIL level, and early atherosclerosis progression. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between serum IBIL level and CIMT progression.

Methods:

A total of 2205 participants were enrolled in this Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study (APAC study). CIMT was measured at baseline and 2-year follow-up. The participants were divided into four groups based on their serum IBIL levels at baseline. Both baseline and average serum IBIL values during the 2-year follow up were used in the analysis. Multivariable logistic regression and linear regression were used to assess the associations between serum IBIL and CIMT progression.

Results:

The results showed that 51.93% (1145/2205) of participants were diagnosed with CIMT progression during the 2-year follow-up. Baseline serum IBIL level was significantly associated with the incidence of CIMT progression after adjusting for other potential confounding factors. Compared with the first quartile, adjusted odds ratios (OR) of the second, third, and fourth quartiles of IBIL were 0.70 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55-0.90], 0.68 (95% CI, 0.52-0.87), and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.49-0.82) (P = 0.0006), respectively. Serum IBIL level during the follow-up was also associated with CIMT progression in the univariate analysis (P = 0.0022), although no longer significant after adjusting for potential confounders in the multiple linear regression.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated the inverse relationship between serum IBIL and CIMT progression. Lower serum IBIL level is an independent predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis.
PON1 Hypermethylation and PON3 Hypomethylation are Associated with Risk of Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Xiao Jianhao , Li Xiaodong , Yuan Qian , Zhang Simiao , Qu Kun , Wu Boyi , Wang Yunliang , Duan Shiwei
Published: April 2019

Objective:

Paraoxonase (PON) family genes are closely related to the etiology and prognosis of cerebral infarction. This study explored the association of the promoter methylation of PON family genes (PON1, PON2 and PON3) with the risk of cerebral infarction.

Materials and methods:

In this study, 152 patients with confirmed cerebral infarction were selected as the case group, and 152 healthy controls were selected as the control group. The quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) was used to determine the promoter methylation levels of PON1, PON2 and PON3 genes. The methylation level was expressed as a methylation reference percentage (PMR).

Results:

Our results indicated that PON1 methylation was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P = 0.0001). On the contrary, PON3 methylation was significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (P = 0.002). In addition, we found that PON2 gene had a very low level of methylation in both case and control groups (PMR = 0). Subgroup analysis showed that PON1 and PON3 methylation were associated with cerebral infarction only in males (PON1, P = 0.0002; PON3, P = 0.007). Interestingly, the methylation levels of PON1 and PON3 were correlated with each other (case: r = 0.418, P = 0.0001; control: r = 0.3, P = 0.0002). Further multiple regression analysis suggested that elevated methylation levels of PON3 were a protective factor for cerebral infarction [OR (95%CI) = 0.979 (0.96, 0.999), β = -0.021, P = 0.035)], highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) and uric acid (UA) also were protective factors for cerebral infarction [HDL, OR (95% CI) = 0.01 (0.003, 0.033), P < 0.0001); UA, OR (95% CI) = 0.995 (0.991, 0.998), P = 0.003)]. The ROC curve analysis found that the combination of PON3, HDL, and UA had a good predictive power for cerebral infarction (AUC=0.878, 95% CI=0.839-0.918, sensitivity 73.7%, specificity 89.7%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

PON1 and PON3 promoter methylation levels in peripheral blood were closely related. PON1 and PON3 methylation were associated with the risk of cerebral infarction in men. PON3 promoter methylation combined with HDL and UA could be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of cerebral infarction.
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage is Associated with Mortality after Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhou Yongtao , Xu Weihua , Wang Wei , Yao Shukun , Xiao Bei , Wang Yuping , Chen Biao
Published: April 2019

Objective:

Gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage is serious during the acute phase and is reported to be related to an increased risk of death during the acute phase of acute ischemic stroke in particular. Our study was designed to investigate the relationship between GI hemorrhage and the mortality of acute ischemic stroke, assessing the influence of cerebrovascular risk factors, brain herniation and oral anticoagulation on the onset of GI hemorrhage. The identified risk factors for the occurrence of GI hemorrhage help to elucidate their respective roles in the mortality of acute ischemic stroke.

Methods:

A total of 15993 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke, including 216 cases and 15777 controls, were enrolled in the study from October 2010 to December 2018. Basic clinical and examination data were collected at the time of study enrollment. GI hemorrhage was diagnosed according to the presence of clinical features and endoscopy. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions were conducted to explore the associations between the GI hemorrhage occurrence and known risk factors. Kaplan-Meier was used to assess the influence of GI hemorrhage on the age of mortality of acute ischemic stroke.

Results:

GI hemorrhage cases among patients with acute ischemic stroke accounted for 1.35%. Male patients with ischemic stroke were more likely to have GI hemorrhage than their female counterparts (odds ratio (OR): 1.79; P = 0.000). Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) had a higher incidence of GI hemorrhage than their counterparts without AF (3.03% vs. 1.20%; P < 0.05). Use of oral anticoagulants was related to increased risk for GI hemorrhage (OR: 1.96; P = 0.00). After adjusting for age and sex, both AF and oral anticoagulant use maintained associations with increased risk for GI hemorrhage (2.59-times and 2.02-times risk respectively; P = 0.00). Patients with hyperlipidemia had a lower incidence of GI hemorrhage than their counterparts without hyperlipidemia (0.62% vs. 1.60%; P < 0.05). Hyperlipidemia was associated with a reduced risk of GI hemorrhage (OR: 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25-0.58; P = 0.00), even after adjusting for age and sex (OR: 0.41; P = 0.00). Patients with brain herniation had a 6.54-times increased risk for GI hemorrhage (P = 0.00). GI hemorrhage was associated with 10.98-fold risk for mortality of acute ischemic stroke (P = 0.00). There was an interaction between GI hemorrhage and brain herniation and increased 26.91-fold risk for the mortality after acute ischemic stroke (P = 0.00).

Conclusion:

AF, oral anticoagulant use, brain herniation and male sex increase GI hemorrhage risk, while hyperlipidemia reduces risk. GI hemorrhage itself increases the risk for mortality of acute ischemic stroke. The interaction between GI hemorrhage and brain herniation increased the risk for the mortality after acute ischemic stroke.
Therapeutic Potential of Endophytic Compounds: A Special Reference to Drug Transporter Inhibitors
Authors: Singh Khusbu , Dwivedi Gaurav Raj , Sanket A. Swaroop , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: April 2019

From the discovery to the golden age of antibiotics (miracle), millions of lives have been saved. The era of negligence towards chemotherapeutic agents gave birth to drug resistance. Among all the regulators of drug resistance, drug transporters are considered to be the key regulators for multidrug resistance. These transporters are prevalent from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. Endophytes are one of the unexplored wealths of nature. Endophytes are a model mutualistic partner of plants. They are the reservoir of novel therapeutics. The present review deals with endophytes as novel drug resistance reversal agents by inhibiting the drug transporters across the genera. This review also focuses on drug transporters, and mutualistic chemical diversity, exploring drug transporter modulating potential of endophytes.
Medicinal Chemistry of Alternative Therapeutics: Novelty and Hopes with Genus Ammannia
Authors: Upadhyay Harish C.
Published: April 2019

The plants have formed the basis of folklore remedy since the beginning of human civilization.
The cumulative human endeavor and experience over a period of thousands of years developed
into well to organize traditional medicine systems viz. Ayurvedic, Unani, Chinese amongst others.
Across the world, traditional medicine is either the mainstay of health care or serves as a complement
to modern drugs. In view of worldwide use of traditional medicines, World Health Organization
launched ‘WHO-Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023’ for the development of strong policies
regarding knowledge-base, safety, quality-control and effectiveness of traditional/alternative therapeutics
for national health systems. Besides their use in traditional medicine, plants have always been a
good source of modern drug/pharmacologically active molecules. More than half of the modern pharmaceuticals
are either plant isolates or their derivatives. The plant-based drugs are not only effective,
but have better compatibility with human biological systems because of more biologically relevant
chemistry, hence lesser side effects. Some of the species of genus Ammannia (Lythraceae) have been
reported for their magical medicinal values. Many herbal formulations containing Ammannia spp. have
been patented for treatment of serious diseases/disorders like cancer, spinal disease, human female infertility,
chronic tonsillitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, treatment of bladder stones, urinary tract infections,
dermatitis etc. The uses of Ammannia spp. in traditional medicine have been further verified by
the biological activities of their extracts as well as isolation of bioactive phytomolecules. The current
review provides details about Ammannia spp.; its use in folklore remedy, herbal formulations, biological
activities of extracts, isolation of bioactive phytomolecules and SAR study of semi-synthetic derivatives
to analyze the possibility of new drug molecules of plant origin.
Recent Status and Advancements in the Development of Antifungal Agents: Highlights on Plant and Marine Based Antifungals
Authors: Arockianathan P. Marie , Mishra Monika , Niranjan Rituraj
Published: April 2019

The developing resistance in fungi has become a key challenge, which is being faced nowadays with the available antifungal agents in the market. Further search for novel compounds from different sources has been explored to meet this problem. The current review describes and highlights recent advancement in the antifungal drug aspects from plant and marine based sources. The current available antifungal agents act on specific targets on the fungal cell wall, like ergosterol synthesis, chitin biosynthesis, sphingolipid synthesis, glucan synthesis etc. We discuss some of the important anti-fungal agents like azole, polyene and allylamine classes that inhibit the ergosterol biosynthesis. Echinocandins inhibit β-1, 3 glucan synthesis in the fungal cell wall. The antifungals poloxins and nikkomycins inhibit fungal cell wall component chitin. Apart from these classes of drugs, several combinatorial therapies have been carried out to treat diseases due to fungal resistance. Recently, many antifungal agents derived from plant and marine sources showed potent activity. The renewed interest in plant and marine derived compounds for the fungal diseases created a new way to treat these resistant strains which are evident from the numerous literature publications in the recent years. Moreover, the compounds derived from both plant and marine sources showed promising results against fungal diseases. Altogether, this review article discusses the current antifungal agents and highlights the plant and marine based compounds as a potential promising antifungal agents.
ABC Transporters in Neurological Disorders: An Important Gateway for Botanical Compounds Mediated Neuro-Therapeutics
Authors: Jha Niraj Kumar , Kar Rohan , Niranjan Rituraj
Published: April 2019

Neurodegeneration is a distinguishing feature of many age related disorders and other vector borne neuroinflammatory diseases. There are a number of factors that can modulate the pathology of these disorders. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are primarily involved in the maintenance of normal brain homeostasis by eliminating toxic peptides and compounds from the brain. Also, ABC transporters protect the brain from the unwanted effects of endogenous and exogenous toxins that can enter the brain parenchyma. Therefore, these transporters have the ability to determine the pathological outcomes of several neurological disorders. For instance, ABC transporters like P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), and BCRP (ABCG2) have been reported to facilitate the clearance of peptides such as amyloid-β (Aβ) that accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression. Other members such as ABCA1, ABCA2, ABCC8, ABCC9, ABCG1 and ABCG4 also have been reported to be involved in the progression of various brain disorders such as HIV-associated dementia, Multiple sclerosis (MS), Ischemic stroke, Japanese encephalitis (JE) and Epilepsy. However, these defective transporters can be targeted by numerous botanical compounds such as Verapamil, Berberine and Fascalpsyn as a therapeutic target to treat these neurological outcomes. These compounds are already reported to modulate ABC transporter activity in the CNS. Nonetheless, the exact mechanisms involving the ABC transporters role in normal brain functioning, their role in neuronal dysfunction and how these botanical compounds ensure and facilitate their therapeutic action in association with defective transporters still remain elusive. This review therefore, summarizes the role of ABC transporters in neurological disorders, with a special emphasis on its role in AD brains. The prospect of using botanical/natural compounds as modulators of ABC transporters in neurological disorders is discussed in the latter half of the article.
A Green Approach for Organic Transformations Using Microwave Reactor
Authors: Das Subrata , Banik Rupak , Kumar Brajesh , Roy Subhadip , Noorussabah  , Amhad Khursheed , Sukul Pradip K.
Published: April 2019

Microwave-assisted organic transformation (MAOR) is presently gaining wide popularity in the field of organic synthesis. The conventional heating technique is gradually being removed from the laboratory and a novel microwave heating technique established to be used in both academia and industry. As compared to the classical organic methodology, the green technology tools have several advantages like dramatically reduced reaction times, improved yields, site selectivity, and the increased product purities with simplification of work-up procedures. In the current study, we have briefly described the overview of recent developments and applications of microwave irradiation in organic transformation with schematic compiling of the organic reactions, bioactive heterocyclic compounds, and so on. This review also presents a critical analysis of the various advantages of microwave irradiation in organic synthesis/transformation compared to the classical or conventional heating. So, we believe that our current study of the green microwave heating technique will be highly beneficial for the researchers from both academia and industry in their near future.
Inhibitory and Reversal Effects of Extracts and Fractions of Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr. on Sodium Metabisulphite– induced Polymerization of Sickle Cell Haemoglobin
Authors: Elufioye Taiwo O. , Olaifa Omolola A. , Cyril-Olutayo Mojisola C.
Published: April 2019

Background:

The leaves and stem bark of Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Pirr. (Combretaceae) are commonly included in recipes used for the management of sickle cell disease in western part of Nigeria.

Objective:

The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential of methanol extract and various fractions of A. leiocarpa leaves and stem bark to inhibit as well as reverse sodium metabisulphite induced polymerization of sickle cell haemoglobin.

Method:

The modified Emmel test was used to evaluate the inhibitory activity and the reversal effects of the extracts and fractions of both the leaves and the stem bark of A. leiocarpa in vitro.

Results:

Both the leaves and the stem bark extracts of A. leiocarpa were effective at inhibiting as well as reversing sodium metabisulphite induced polymerization of sickle cell haemoglobin, though the activity was higher in the leaves (94.52 ± 0.80% and 95.67 ± 0.67% respectively) when compared with the stem bark (51.79 ± 2.46 % and 50.45 ± 3.18 % respectively). The ethyl acetate fraction of both leaves and stem bark also gave good activities in both test methods with percentage reversal of 82.74 ± 1.82% and 67.63 ± 2.18% respectively.

Conclusions:

: A. leiocarpa extracts and ethyl acetate fractions exhibit good inhibition and reversal of sodium metabisulphite–induced polymerization of sickle cell haemoglobin thus justifying its inclusion in remedies used for the traditional management of sickle cell.
Lista florística del bosque de galería del río Metztitlán, Hidalgo, México
Authors: Mendoza Cariño Mayra , Quevedo Nolasco Abel
Published: April 2019

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El bosque de galería (BG) del río Metztitlán tiene importancia ecológica en la Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán y contribuye al sostenimiento de la biodiversidad y al desarrollo de numerosos procesos biológicos. Los objetivos del estudio fueron realizar la lista florística del BG en la Reserva y determinar la composición de especies nativas y exóticas, su capacidad de distribución, hábitat y estado de riesgo según la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 y la Lista Roja de Especies Amenazadas (IUCN).Métodos: Las colectas botánicas se realizaron en la época de lluvia (2013) y de estiaje (2014), en ambos márgenes del río. La identificación taxonómica se efectuó con base en la Flora Fanerogámica del Valle de México y la Flora del Bajío y de regiones adyacentes y se confirmó con especialistas, y en el Herbario-Hortorio (CHAPA) del Colegio de Postgraduados. Mediante revisiones bibliográficas se determinó la capacidad de distribución de las especies así como su hábitat y estado de riesgo (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 e IUCN).Resultados clave: Se identificaron 122 especies de plantas vasculares pertenecientes a 38 familias y 102 géneros. Las familias representativas fueron Asteraceae (21 géneros y 24 especies) y Poaceae (12 y 17); los géneros con mayor número de especies fueron Cyperus (4) y Eragrostis (4). Del total de especies, 81 son nativas; cinco probablemente nativas de México; 34 exóticas; una de origen incierto; tres endémicas de México. Ninguno de los taxones se encontró en estado de riesgo.Conclusiones: El BG en la Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán presenta alteraciones de origen antrópico, que favorecen el establecimiento de especies exóticas, las cuales integran 27% de la lista florística con predominancia en la cobertura vegetal.
Diagnóstico del arbolado de alineación de la ciudad de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
Authors: Román-Guillén Levi Miranda , Orantes-García Carolina , Del Carpio-Penagos Carlos Uriel , Sánchez-Cortés María Silvia , Ballinas-Aquino María Luisa , Farrera Sarmiento Óscar
Published: April 2019

El presente estudio se realizó en Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas de julio a noviembre de 2016. El objetivo fue realizar un diagnóstico dasométrico así como de las condiciones físicas y sanitarias del arbolado de alineación en la ciudad. Mediante un muestreo aleatorio en las colonias, se determinaron las especies y número de árboles, así como altura, diámetro, cobertura arbórea, daños y afectaciones a la infraestructura urbana. Se contabilizó un total de 7539 árboles, distribuidos en 38 familias, 88 géneros y 114 especies; 74% de los individuos son introducidos; la mayor parte de los árboles cuentan con condiciones físicas y sanitarias de regulares a buenas, los daños más frecuentes son el levantamiento de banquetas, raíces expuestas y la interferencia con el cableado aéreo. A través de este estudio se confirma la importancia del papel que desempeña el arbolado en las ciudades. Para asegurar la capacidad de proveer servicios ambientales así como garantizar su sustentabilidad, es necesario incorporar programas de manejo integral de arbolado urbano a nivel municipal. Finalmente, es importante resaltar que en las ciudades son más evidentes los daños provocados a la naturaleza debido a la urbanización mal planeada y el acelerado crecimiento demográfico. Es indudable que los ciudadanos son los principales modeladores de cambio en el ambiente urbano, influenciando de manera directa su desarrollo.
Hydrocracking of Coconut Oil over Ni-Fe/HZSM-5 Catalyst to Produce Hydrocarbon Biofuel
Authors: Al-Muttaqii Muhammad , Kurniawansyah Firman , Prajitno Danawati Hari , Roesyadi Achmad
Published: April 2019

This present study was aimed to investigate the hydrocracking of coconut oil using Ni-Fe/HZSM-5 catalyst in a batch reactor at three reaction temperatures (350, 375, and 400 °C). The Ni-Fe/HZSM-5 catalyst was prepared by using incipient wetness impregnation. The Ni-Fe/HZSM-5 catalyst was characterized using XRD, BET, and SEM-EDX. From XRD results, the loading of Ni and Fe did not change the crystalline structure of HZSM-5 catalyst. The surface area of HZSM-5 was 425 m2/g and decreased after the addition of metals (Ni and Fe) into HZSM-5 support. These changes implied that Ni and Fe particles were successfully dispersed on the HZSM-5 surface and incorporated into HZSM-5 pore. The product of hydrocarbon biofuel was analyzed using GC-MS. The GC-MS results of hydrocarbon biofuel showed the highest compounds for n-paraffin and yield for gasoil was 39.24 and 18.4% at a temperature of 400 °C, respectively. The reaction temperature affected the yield and the composition of hydrocarbon biofuel. At this reaction temperature condition, decarboxylation and decarbonylation were favored; lead to the formation of n-alkanes with an odd number of carbon atoms chain length.
Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbon from Merbau Wood (Intsia spp.) by Microwave Method as Ni Catalyst Support for α-Cellulose Hydrocracking
Authors: Prasiwi Andaru Dena , Trisunaryanti Wega , Triyono Triyono , Falah Iip Izul , Santi Darma , Marsuki Muhammad Fajar
Published: April 2019

Synthesis of mesoporous carbon from Merbau wood (Intsia spp.) waste by microwave method as nickel catalyst support for α-cellulose hydrocracking had been carried out. The Merbau wood sawdust was carbonized at 800 °C to produce C800 and the C800 was treated by microwave irradiation (399 W) for 5 min to produce C800MW. The Merbau wood flakes, which were only treated by microwave irradiation (399 Watts) for 30 min produced CMW. Wet impregnation technique was carried out to disperse the Ni metal (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.%) onto the best mesoporous carbon. The mesoporous carbons were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Surface Area Analyzer (SAA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The hydrocracking of pyrolyzed α-cellulose was carried out at 400 °C. The liquid product was analyzed by Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). The results showed that the C800MW was the best performance carbon and it had a specific surface area, total pore volume, average pore diameter and acidity of 364.12 m2/g, 0.28 cm3/g, 3.03 nm, and 2.18 mmol/g, respectively. The Ni1.5/C800MW catalyst produced the highest conversion of liquid product (58.76 wt.%) than the Ni1/C800MW (57.51 wt.%) and Ni2/C800MW (34.18 wt.%).
Preparation of Poly-(GMA-EDA-β-CD-co-TMPTMA) Monolith as High Performance Liquid Chromatography Chiral Stationary Phase Column
Authors: Angga Stevin Carolius , Septiana Dias , Amalia Suci , Warsito Warsito , Iftitah Elvina Dhiaul , Sabarudin Akhmad
Published: April 2019

An enantiomer molecule consisted of the chiral atom has different structure conformations, which exhibit different activities as well. Yet, its separation considerably difficult since ordinary separation could not separate both molecules. One of the popular enantioseparations which are often used was using organic polymer monolithic column modified by ethylenediamine-β-cyclodextrin (EDA-β-CD) as the enantioseparations site. The aim of this research was to produce chiral stationary phase column for enantioseparations of (±)-citronellal. It was conducted by preparing monolithic column using monomer glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) as crosslinker, 1-propanol, 1,4-butanediol, and water as pore-forming agents (porogens) in the presence of α,α'-azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as radical initiator inside polyetheretherketone (PEEK) tubing. It was then modified with EDA-β-CD synthesized from β-CD. Finally, it was installed as a high-performance liquid chromatography column. The result shows the produced chiral stationary phase column could separate (±)-citronellal at a retention time of 44.76 and 45.71 min.
Synthesis of Iron-Doped Zirconium Titanate as a Potential Visible-Light Responsive Photocatalyst
Authors: Kurniawan Rian , Sudiono Sri , Trisunaryanti Wega , Syoufian Akhmad
Published: April 2019

Synthesis and properties of iron-doped zirconium titanate (ZrTiO4) as a potential visible-light-responsive photocatalyst had been conducted. Various iron dopant concentration and calcination temperature were investigated toward the properties of Fe-doped ZrTiO4. The photocatalyst material was synthesized by sol-gel and impregnation method. Titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) was used as a precursor, embedded on zirconia fine powder. A certain amount of iron (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 wt.%) was introduced into the photocatalyst system from iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4·7H2O). Photocatalyst with various iron concentration calcined at 500 °C. ZrTiO4 with 5% iron additionally was calcined at 700 and 900 °C. Characterization was performed by using XRD, FT-IR, SR-UV, and SEM-EDX. The presence of iron on the surface of ZrTiO4 was proved by EDX analysis. Fe-doped ZrTiO4 with the lowest bandgap (2.83 eV) is 7% of iron content after calcination at 500 °C.
Screening of Culture Conditions for Production of Xylanase from Landfill Soil Bacteria
Authors: Rosli Siti Nor Amira , Man Rohaida Che , Masngut Nasratun
Published: April 2019

Culture conditions including initial pH media, incubation period, inoculum size, type of carbon source, type of nitrogen source and its concentration, which affect xylanase production were screened via the one-factor-at-a-time approach. The bacteria used in the production of xylanase was isolated from the landfill site at Sg. Ikan, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Three characterizations of the landfill soil were investigated for their moisture content, ash content, and pH. The culture conditions range used in the experimental work were between 6–30 h for the incubation period, with initial pH between 5–9, inoculum size between 1–20% v/v, carbon, nitrogen sources, and nitrogen source concentration between 1–5% w/v. Xylanase activity was estimated using dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) based on the release of xylose under standard assay conditions. The landfill soil was observed to have pH between pH 3.4–7.2 with a moisture content between 12.4–33.7% and ash ranged between 3.5–4.3%. Results showed that the highest xylanase activity within studied ranges was recorded at 25.91±0.0641 U/mL with 10% (v/v) inoculum size, 1% (w/v) xylose as sole carbon source, mixture of 1% (w/v) peptone and 0.25% (w/v) ammonium sulphate as nitrogen sources, which was carried out at initial pH of 8.0 for 24 h incubation.
Synergistic Effect of Two Type Cellulase Immobilized on Chitosan Microparticle as Biocatalyst for Coconut Husk Hydrolysis
Authors: Hamzah Afan , Sitompul Lidya Lorenta , Putri Irma Nurhanifah Fenda , Soeprijanto Soeprijanto , Widjaja Arief
Published: April 2019

The effectivity of employing two types of cellulases from Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma resei covalently immobilized on chitosan microparticle was investigated. Reducing sugar from CMC yielded by immobilized cellulase from T. resei alone and A. niger alone was 0.316 g/L and 0.244 g/L, respectively. Simultaneous use of both cellulases shows a significant increase of reducing sugar produced to 1.020 g/L. The effective combination of this two types of cellulases also occurred when coconut husk was used as substrate. A very high enzyme coupling of 92.06% compared to free enzyme was obtained in the immobilization. Addition of GDA not only increased enzyme coupling to 100% but also improved sugar produced. Immobilized cellulase was successfully maintained its activity until 5 cycles
Comparative Evaluation of Protease Extraction from Leaves of Syzygium polyanthum
Authors: Yahya Noorhafiza , Mohd Arshad Zatul Iffah , Mudalip Siti Kholijah Abdul , Sulaiman Siti Zubaidah , Man Rohaida Che , Md Shaarani Shalyda , Ab. Rahim Mohd Hairul
Published: April 2019

In this study, the comparison of four extraction methods for protease from the leaves of Syzygium polyanthum was evaluated. The methods include sodium phosphate buffer, 1-methyl-8-oxyquinolinium betaine (QB) solvent based extraction, hydrogen-bond acceptor (HBA) solvent based extraction and Trichloroacetic-acetone (TCA) precipitation. The effectiveness of these extraction methods was measured based on the specific activity demonstrated by the crude protease extracted in this experiment. The results indicated that QB solvent-based extraction method could extract the crude protease from the leaves of S. polyanthum with the highest specific activity of 10.204 ± 0.329 U/mg compared to other extraction methods.
Physicochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Stingless Bees Honey Collected from Local Market in Malaysia
Authors: Julika Wan Nadja , Ajit Azilah , Sulaiman Ahmad Ziad , Naila Aishath
Published: April 2019

The growing demand for honey in the market has led to the occurrence of the tampering honey with foreign substances and increases the production of artificial honey. Due to this concern, this study works on the physicochemical and microbial characterization of stingless bee honey. The physicochemical analysis showed that the honey possessed pH (2.51–3.26), free acidity (121.1 to 318.7 meq/kg), moisture (19.4–30.9%), electrical conductivity (0.33–0.69 mS/cm), ash content (2.75–4.31 g/100g), Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content (35.4 to 461.7 mg/kg) and diastase activity (2.71 to 6.11 DN). Also, sugar profile of honey showed that the honey contained fructose (15.03–32.52 g/100g), glucose (12.17–34.55 g/100g) and sucrose (0.01–7.29 g/100g). The harvested honey, H1, and H2 have the highest potential to become an antibacterial agent to treat disease compared to commercial honey samples because they were active against Gram-negative bacteria. All analyzed samples were within the maximum limit of the quality criteria set by the Malaysian Kelulut Standard and Codex Alimentarius except for free acidity, HMF, and Diastase Number. All the data obtained is vital in order to create a specific statute for stingless bees honey in Malaysia that may help to protect the consumer from purchasing adulterated honey.
Medication Literacy for Pharmacists: A Review
Authors: Widyakusuma Niken Nur , Wiedyaningsih Chairun , Kurniawati Fivy
Published: April 2019

The term health literacy has been emerging since the last decades. Poor health literacy had been realized as a main factor for poor health outcomes, higher medical costs, greater risk of death, and poor health status. With the health care system becoming increasingly complicated and the abundance of unclear health information, the ability to understand health information is important for the patients. Health literacy in the context of medicine was also being studied using different terms. It is rather difficult to compile when interventions to improve health literacy is in need of review. At the moment, the term “medication literacy” has been defined internationally by experts. With this definition, medication literacy studies will have the same concept and will be easier in benchmarking between studies. It is very important for pharmacists to recognize and assist patients with limited medication literacy. Although there are several barriers to do improvement in medication literacy, pharmacists can help both individually and through the system. Some of the interventions that can be carried out by pharmacists are assistance with drug information using literacy-sensitive techniques such as repetition, open questions, devices, demonstration on how to use drugs, and using printed materials to ensure patients understand their condition and treatment plans. Unfortunately, practicing pharmacists are lack of knowledge and even interest in medication literacy.