bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex Variation of Motion Stereotypic Response among Adult Bengalee Population for the Operation of Some Simple Control-Display Units
Authors: Dhara Prakash Chandra , Banerjee Monalisha , De Sujaya , Pal Amitava
Published: June 2020

Population stereotype point out to a long-term habit and well embedded knowledge of a particular population. This study was carried out to evaluate the variation in index of reversibility, response preference and response initiation time among male and female subjects for some simple analog control-display units. A total of 999 subjects were responded, among them 591 were male and 408 were female (having the age range of 15-60 years). To conduct the study five types of analog displays viz., rotary control knob with horizontal display, rotary control knob with vertical display, and rotary control knob with circular display, horizontally aligned rocker switches and vertically aligned rocker switches for electric lights were fabricated. The subjects were asked to move the control to get the desired display and the response preference and response initiation time were noted as the results. The results showed that the best control-display unit was the rotary control-vertical display combination on the basis of index of reversibility for both sexes. Statistical analysis of the data showed that preferred response percentage or were significantly (P less than 0.05 or less) different for both sexes in case of all the rotary control analog display operations but for rocker switch-electric light unit operation it was found that both group showed similar stereotypic strength and direction. Response initiation time also found to be significantly (P less than 0.001) different, it was also found that higher preferred response percentage showed shorter response initiation time. It may be concluded that gender has a profound impact on motion stereotypic responses.
Antidepressant Activity of Methanolic Extract of Vitis vinifera
Authors: Singh Jyoti , Kumar Bishnu
Published: June 2020

The present study was determined to evaluate the effect of methnolic extract of Vitis vinifera (MEVV) as well as its interaction with conventional antidepressant drug using tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) and to evaluate the possible mechanisms involved in its actions. The extract was found to reduce the explorative tendencies of the rats in the tail suspension test and forced swim test the extract caused a significant reduction in immobility time and increased swimming time. The leaf of the plant were collected and authenticated. The methnolic extract of Vitis vinifera (MEVV) showed the significant antidepressant activity comparable to the standard drug. The oral administration of methnolic extract of Vitis vinifera (MEVV) at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively as compared to the control treated group showed an antidepressant activity comparable to that of standard drug. The antidepressant effects of methnolic extract of Vitis vinifera (MEVV) having a particular quality to be mainly associated with the activation of dopamineergic system and possess potential antidepressant activities.
Analytical method development and its validation for simultaneous estimation of catechin and curcumin by HPTLC from ancho lean tablets
Authors: Joshi Shraddha , Jadhav Varsha M. , Kadam Vilasrao J.
Published: June 2020

HPTLC method which is simple, particular and robust has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of Catechin and Curcumin from an Ayurvedic formulation. The method was validated using parameters such as linearity, specificity, and precision, limit of quantification (LOQ), limit of detection (LOD), accuracy and robustness as per ICH guidelines. The present work deals with development of HPTLC method for simultaneous estimation of catechin and curcumin in marketed Ayurvedic formulations. Chromatographic separation of the drugs was performed on Merck TLC aluminium plates pre-coated with silica gel 60F254 as the stationary phase. The mobile phase selected was toluene:ethyl acetate: formic acid (7: 2.5: 0.5 v/v/v). The sample solutions were prepared in methanol and linear ascending development was carried out in twin trough glass chamber and scanned at 269 nm using Camag TLC scanner. The two markers were resolved successfully with Rf values 0.23±0.02 and 0.58±0.02 for catechin and curcumin, respectively. The regression analysis data indicated good linear relationship for the calibration plots for Catechin and Curcumin in the range of 1900-2500 ng/spot and 200-800 ng/spot and regression coefficient was 0.990 and 0.997 respectively. The proposed method can be used for the estimation of these markers in combined Ayurvedic formulation.
A review on analytical method development, optimization and validation of combination of Azithromycin and benzoyl peroxide by RP-HPLC using design of experiment as per ICH guideline
Authors: Singh Narendra , Singh Yogendra , Bhadauria R. S. , Govindasamy Jeyabalan
Published: June 2020

Pharmaceutical analysis is one of the most challenging fields of analytical chemistry. Pharmaceutical analysts carry out the qualitative and quantitative control of APIs and drug products and also develop and validate appropriate methods. One of my main goals was to develop modern, rapid, precise and reproducible, but also cost-effective HPLC assay methods which are generally available and applicable for most users. The aim of this work was to develop LC methods for both compounds. The assay of erythromycin by LC offers several advantages, such as high specificity, the possibility of determining and quantifying impurities and degradation products, and improved accuracy. The developed methods were validated. My whole work containing following plan of work as Selection of drug, Review Literature, FITR of both drugs and Mixture, Preparation of standard solutions, Preparation of sample of pure drug in Standard solution, Method development by HPLC (as Selection of solvents to be used as diluents and mobile phase, Selection of wavelength, Selection of mobile phase and Selection of chromatographic conditions) Preparation of Mobile phase, Preparation of standard calibration curve combination of drug, Optimization of HPLC condition using box behnken design. Validation of analytical method following parameters as per ICH guidelines. (i). System suitability (ii). Linearity and range (iii). Specificity (iv).Accuracy and precision (v). Limits of detection (LOD) and Quantitation (LOQ). (vi). Selectivity and (vii).Robustness.
Evaluation of Neuroprotective effect of medicinal plants in Drosophila melanogaster model
Authors: Chaudhary Prakash , Dhande Swati
Published: June 2020

In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of Bombax ceiba (EEBC) and ethanolic extract of Gymnemasylvestre (EEGS) against the toxicity induced by rotenone (ROT) in Drosophila melanogaster. Materials and Methods:Adult wild-type flies were concomitantly exposed to ROT (500 μM), EEBC (0.05% w/v and 0.1% w/v) and EEGS (0.05% w/v and 0.1% w/v) in the culture medium for 7 days. Results: ROT treated flies produced marked decreased in locomotor performance (i.e., climbing capability) in the negative geotaxis assay when compared to control group. EEBC and EEGS flies after treatment offered protection (24-42%) against the ROT-induced locomotor impairment in the negative geotaxis assay suggesting attenuation of ROT-induced locomotor deficits. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that EEBC and EEGS were effective in reducing the toxicity induced by ROT in D. melanogaster as well as it confirms the significance of this model to explore possible therapeutic approaches in Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Docking study of Selected Vinis vitifera seeds constituents on Dengue viral proteins – An In Silico approach
Authors: Bhavya M. , Ramya M. , Nagarjun N. , Amresh Nagarathna , Sathyamurthy Balasubramanian
Published: June 2020

Dengue is a mosquito-borne systemic viral infection caused by any of the four antigenically related dengue viruses (DENV).The dengue virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family of viruses that cause diseases in humans.A virtual screening analysis of phytochemical structures with dengue virus protein targets has been carried out using a molecular docking approach with vins vinifera seeds. Grapes (Vinis vitifera) are believed to have health benefits due to their antioxidant activity and polyphenols. In this study we examined the binding affinities of 14 ligands with seven non structural Dengu viral proteins through In Silico methods like virtual screening and docking process which showed that compound F and compound N had high binding efficiencies with these proteins along with the type of hydrogen bonds and their respective amino acid residues at their docked sites.
Effects of Moderate Intensity Exercise on the Cortical Thickness and Subcortical Volumes of Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Um Yoo Hyun , Wang Sheng-Min , Kim Nak-Young , Kang Dong Woo , Na Hae-Ran , Lee Chang Uk , Lim Hyun Kook
Published: June 2020

Objective We aimed to explore the impact of moderate intensity exercise on the cortical thickness and subcortical volumes of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients.Methods Sixty-three preclinical AD patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18-florbetaben positron emission tomography (PET) data were enrolled in the study. Information on demographic characteristics, cognitive battery scores, self-reported exercise habits were attained. Structural magnetic resonance images were analyzed and processed using Freesurfer v6.0.Results Compared to Exercise group, Non-Exercise group demonstrated reduced cortical thickness in left parstriangularis, rostral middle frontal, entorhinal, superior frontal, lingual, superior parietal, lateral occipital, inferior parietal gyrus, temporal pole, precuneus, insula, fusiform gyrus, right precuneus, superiorparietal, lateral orbitofrontal, rostral middle frontal, medial orbitofrontal, superior frontal, lingual, middle temporal gyrus, insula, supramarginal, parahippocampal, paracentral gyrus. Volumes of right thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, amygdala were also reduced in Non-Exercise group.Conclusion Moderate intensity exercise affects cortical and subcortical structures in preclinical AD patients. Thus, physical exercise has a potential to be an effective intervention to prevent future cognitive decline in those at high risk of AD.
Cage Position and Response to Humans in Singly-housed Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Baker Kate C
Published: June 2020

Traditional laboratory caging for nonhuman primates is typically configured in a 2-tiered manner, with caging arranged in 2 horizontal rows stacked vertically. Studies of the effects of cage row have yielded inconsistent results with respect to impacts on psychological well-being. This
study tests whether rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) housed in the bottom tier of caging display poorer responses to attempted positive human interaction than those in the upper tier, suggesting that humans are a greater stressor for animals housed in bottom rows. The attempted positive
social interaction took the form of offering a food treat by hand. This study involved 270 male and female singly-housed rhesus macaques, ranging in age from 2.4 to 27.4 y of age. Cage position was characterized not only with respect to tier, but also with respect to proximity of the cage
rack to the room door. A single technician recorded whether the animal retrieved the treat within 10 s and also recorded all social behaviors directed toward the technician during the test. No effects of cage tier were detected, nor were effects of proximity to the door found. However, significant
contrasts were detected with respect to subjects' sex, age, and lifetime tenure in indoor caging. Females were less likely than males to take treats from a human's hand, and were more likely to show fear. Both increased age and tenure in caging were associated with an increased probability
of taking the treat. These findings may have implications for programs aiming to monitor and address fearful behavior.
Comparative Analysis of Artistic Specificity of Animalistic Fairy-Tales (by the Material of the British and Russian Fairy-Tales)
Authors: Egorova Ol'ga Arsenovna
Published: June 2020

The purpose of the study is to provide an insight into artistic originality of the British and Russian animalistic fairy-tales. Specificities of this type of fairy-tales are reflected in composition techniques, original plots and images, use of particular linguistic means. Scientific novelty of the research lies in conducting a comparative analysis of the animalistic fairy-tale genre within two folklore traditions. It has been found that composition of the British and Russian animalistic fairy-tales is based on repetition, which helps to convey the main idea of a folklore work. Plots of the British fairy-tales deal with various moral aspects of life, reflect nationally accepted notions of moral and ethical standards and principles. The Russian animalistic fairy-tales, apart from addressing didactic problems, highlight social issues, especially those related to unfair legal proceedings.
Image of Dead City in Unfinished Novel “Shura_Le” (Chapter “Chunya”) by the Ufimian Prose Writer Svetlana Churaeva
Authors: Golaidenko Larisa Nikolaevna , Prokof'eva Irina Olegovna
Published: June 2020

The article aims to identify artistic peculiarities of creating the image of a dead city in the first chapter, “Chunya”, of the unfinished novel “Shura_Le” written by the unique Russian-speaking Ufimian writer S. R. Churaeva. Scientific novelty of the study is determined by the fact that for the first time the analysis of the novel’s fragment published in literary journals is conducted and the fragment’s ideological and aesthetic content is revealed. As a result of the research, it is found that the novel’s author, by employing biblical allusions, artistically significant motifs and toponymic details in the chapter “Chunya”, portraying collective characters that embody distorted processes and phenomena of the human soul’s moral decay, creates the image of a dead city destroying any spirited matter .
Basic Models of the English-Language Business Phraseology
Authors: Fedulenkova Tatiana Nikolaevna , Spitsyna Natalya Nikolaevna
Published: June 2020

The article is devoted to conducting a structural analysis of the modern English business phraseological terminology presented in the new “Longman Business English Dictionary”. The study aims to identify the main structural models of the English-language business phraseological terminology. Scientific novelty of the research lies in determining the nomenclature of the basic models in the English-language business phraseology including three main models of phraseological unit terms: N + N model, Adj + N model, Prtc2 + N model. The research findings have demonstrated that the basic models of the English-language business terminology predominantly include partially redefined phraseological unit terms.
Verbal Means of Influencing the Reader as Anthropocentric Peculiarity of the English-Language Military Advertising Texts (by the Material of ‘Army Times’ Magazines)
Authors: Khafizova Mariya Borisovna
Published: June 2020

The article deals with anthropocentric peculiarities of the English-language military advertising texts taking into account tactical communication goals of their authors. The study aims to determine anthropocentric peculiarities of advertising texts represented by various linguistic means. Scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time the study of verbal means of influencing the reader is conducted from the perspective of anthropocentrism. The attained results have revealed that grammatical, stylistic and lexical means objectifying anthropocentric orientation of an advertising text realise the tactical communication goals of an advertiser.
Metaphorical Models for Formation of Evaluative Metaphorical Nominations in the Slavonic Languages
Authors: Vasil'eva Anastasiya Yur'evna
Published: June 2020

The article examines metaphorical models for formation of evaluative metaphorical nominations of objective phenomena in the Russian language. By the example of lexemes of the pre-Slavonic etymological clusters the author shows that the basic metaphorical models of the Russian language were formed in the pre-written epoch and represented mythological nature of ancient human thinking. Scientific originality of the paper lies in the fact that the lexemes belonging to one and the same etymological cluster are for the first time examined from the viewpoint of their ability to develop secondary (metaphorical) meanings associated with one and the same semantic sphere - ethical evaluation. Such an approach can be successfully applied in linguo-culturological and linguo-cognitive studies, historical semantics studies.
“Forces Released but Non-Transfigured”: Cognitive Self-Interpretation of “Revolutionary Rock Experiment”
Authors: Ivanov Dmitry Igorevich
Published: June 2020

Relying on his original methodology, the author for the first time analyses collective cognitive experience of participants of a “revolutionary rock experiment” of the end of the 1980s - the beginning of the 1990s and it constitutes scientific originality of the study. The research material includes texts of the Russian rock poetry. The research objective involves identifying specificity of destructiveness of the “revolutionary romanticism” trend of the domestic rock culture. The findings indicate that within counter-cultural environment, the rock poets’ cognitive-pragmatic program was based on the contrast of the global elevated goal and the disappointing result. The key categories of revolutionary romantic consciousness (victory, faith, kindness and struggle) are recoded, and the rock poets trace gradual destruction of the “heroic” cognitive-pragmatic program to the point of suicide and absurdity.
Lexico-Semantic Analysis of Ambiguous Text (by the Material of A. Men’s Book “The Son of Man”)
Authors: Kryachko Vladimir Borisovich , Khvan Natal'ya Stanislavovna , Gvozdyuk Violeta Nikolaevna
Published: June 2020

The article considers A. Men’s approach to interpreting ambiguous text characterized by cognitive insufficiency. The paper aims to show how the theologist ascertains semantic relations with the original Gospel text broadening Evangelic context. Scientific originality of the study lies in the fact that the researchers for the first time provide a comprehensive lexico-semantic analysis of the famous New Testament commentary aimed to remove the existing uncertainties. The findings indicate that Men’s interpretation is based not on hyperonimization but on broadening conceptual contents and metaphorization of the analysed text.
Metaphor as Pedagogical Discourse Construct (by the Material of the English Language)
Authors: Perelgut Nadezhda Mayerovna , Yanovskaya Anastasiya Vladimirovna
Published: June 2020

The article is devoted to studying metaphors in pedagogical discourse, which are considered from the cognitive standpoint. The research aims to determine patterns of metaphorisation in describing education process centred on a child. Scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that it presents a layered classification of metaphors: a child and their qualities, family interaction, close social circle and wider ones. As a result, metaphorisation mechanisms at different levels are analysed, denotative and connotative components of a metaphor are identified. Frequency and nomenclature of metaphors testify to the importance of family in education process.
The Russian-Language Online Petitions in the Context of Mediatisation and Postulates of Harvard Negotiation School
Authors: Rebrina Larisa Nikolaevna
Published: June 2020

The study aims to provide an insight into the Russian-language online petitions as a relevant practice of protest communication in the context of mediatisation of politics and conflict postulates sociology. Scientific novelty of the research lies in the systemic communicative approach to studying protest communication, in interdisciplinary integration of advances in discourse linguistics, social and political studies. As a result of the study, regular manifestations of the mediatisation phenomenon are identified and adequacy of communication within the analysed protest practices is characterised, which clearly contributes to understanding of modern protest and correlation between technologic and sociocultural changes.
Specificity of Official Written Communication
Authors: Khalupo Ol'ga Ivanovna
Published: June 2020

The article considers problems of forming epistolary culture; relevance of the study is conditioned by the growing role of written communication in the modern world. The research objective is to analyse typical mistakes and to identify the basic principles, observance of which helps to establish contact between written communication participants and promotes better understanding. The research material includes various types of letters (teacher ↔ student; teacher ↔ teacher). Scientific originality of the paper involves clarifying additional criteria to evaluate the level of written communication skills. The findings indicate that the level of epistolary culture influences not only the form and content but also the overall intonation of a letter.
Ivan the Terrible and Historians Testing the Limits of a Sixteenth-Century Biography
Authors: Krom Mikhail
Published: June 2020

This essay focuses upon the limitations to Ivan iv’s biography set by the extant sources. Due to these limitations, some important episodes of the tsar’s life, including his participation in the administrative reforms carried out during his reign, remain unknown. Moreover, these lacunae cannot be filled in with mere logical conjectures. However, the situation is not totally hopeless. For instance, Ivan’s major concerns during the oprichnina can be revealed with the help of the marginal notes in the Royal Archive’s inventory which fixed the tsar’s uses of the documents. Apart from careful reexamination of the available sources, hopes for further insights into Ivan’s biography and reign are pinned on the applying of the emic approach, history of concepts and historical comparison.
Design formulae of product design production manufacturability
Authors: Troitsky Alexandr
Published: June 2020

There are shown basic drawbacks of the well-known factors of manufacturability. The formulae of manufacturability factors excluding mentioned drawbacks and taking into account the impact of product design characteristics upon complete laboriousness of its manufacturing are offered. The developed formulae of these manufacturability factors give possibility for obtaining an integral estimate of manufacturability by means of their summation.
Adhesive strength increase in hardened carbon plastic with lightning protection coating in MWF electromagnetic field
Authors: Zlobina Irina
Published: June 2020

The experimental investigations of roughness parameter changes in the damage area of carbon plastic samples with lightning protection coating after processing in the MWF electromagnetic field after testing for inter-layer shift are carried out. It is defined that in comparison with test samples the increase of the parameter Ra in the area of damage makes 35…36% at the decrease of the pitch ratio Sm/Ra makes 16…36%. The results obtained indicate the adhesive interaction increase in the area of “matrix-fiber” contact that confirms the possibility of MWF technology used for polymer composite product strengthening.
Atasözlerimiz ve Deyimlerimizde Girişimcilik
Authors: ÇETİN Murat
Published: June 2020

Girişimcilik, ülkelerin gelişme ve kalkınma hedeflerine ulaşmalarında ticari, sosyal ve kültürel yönden büyük önem taşıyan bir faktördür. Yenilikçi, yaratıcı, vizyon sahibi, yüksek düzeyde çalışma ve öğrenme azmine sahip girişimciler sermaye ve doğal kaynaktan daha büyük önem taşımaktadır. Girişimciliğe örf, adet ve töre açısından yaklaşımı ifade ettiğinden kültürel değerler büyük önem taşımaktadır. Asırların süzgecinden geçen atasözleri ve deyimler uzun yıllar toplumda adeta töre olarak kullanılmaktadır. Türkiye; Tarihsel geçmişine, sosyal yapısına, medeniyetine ve kültürel mirasına rağmen, girişimcilikte gerekli kültürel seviyeye ulaşamamıştır. Bu çalışmada, kültürel değerlerimizde ve coğrafyamızda kullanılan Türk atasözleri ve deyimlerinin girişimciliğe olan yaklaşımı, girişimcilik ile örtüşen özellikleri ele alınmıştır. Çalışmada, girişimcilik ile ilgili atasözleri ve deyimler girişimcilik türleri ve özellikleri baz alınarak içerik analizleri açıklanmıştır. Türk toplumunun kültürel özelliklerini ifade eden atasözleri ve deyimlerinin girişimcilik kavramları ile yüksek oranda örtüştüğü görülmektedir. Girişimcilik açısından, Türk atasözleri ve deyimlerinin teşvik eden, destekleyen, olumlu ve olumsuz vurgular içerikler açısından büyük bir birikim ve zenginliğe sahip olduğu görülmüştür.
Estimation of crop coefficient for Marigold (Tagetes erecta (L.)) under drip irrigated greenhouse
Authors: Sujitha E. , Shanmugasundaram K. , Thiyagarajan G.
Published: June 2020

Crop water consumption (ETc) varies from region to region depending on crop type, growth stages, soil, and climate conditions. In order to obtain full yield and avoid unnecessary water usage, the water demand of the cultivated plants should be accurately calculated, and irrigation water should be applied in accordance with plant needs. In this, the study was carried out in field No.C3 of Central farm at Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Kumulur, Trichy district to determine the growth stage-specific crop coefficient (Kc) and pan coefficient (Kp) for the greenhouse grown marigold (Tagetes erecta (L.). Since, a large area was occupied by a ClassA pan, the reduced-size evaporative pans (20 and 60 cm compared with Class A pan) was used and pan coefficient was determined as 0.93 and 0.96 respectively. A pan coefficient (Kp) was used to convert pan evaporation (Epan) to grass reference evapotranspiration (ETo). Based on the tensiometer readings, the depleted moisture content was taken to reckon the crop coefficient for different growth stage. The results revealed that crop coefficient (Kc) for marigold was observed as 0.37 during the initial stage (Kcin), 0.8 during mid-stage (Kcmid) and 0.47 (Kcfin) during the final stage. These results would be helpful for crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling for similar condition.
Greenhouse cultivation of fruit crops with special reference to India: An overview
Authors: Jat Rajkumar , Singh Vijay P. , Kumar Virendra
Published: June 2020

India is facing various challenges in fruit cultivation viz., climate change, increasing pressure on natural resources, decreasing land tenure with the ever-increasing population. Besides this, the demand for quality fruit is also on the rise as people are now more aware of a nutritious and healthy diet. The quality with higher production is difficult with the traditional system of cultivation and requires a more scientific approach in cultivation. Greenhouse cultivation technology can enhance quality and quantity both. This technology is required to convert some portion of the present 6.5 million ha of the fruit-growing area to increase national productivity and product quality. The purpose of greenhouse cultivation is to grow crops by altering the micro-environment surrounding the crop so that the plant performs maximum to its genetic potential. It also increases the yield, improves the quality and stability of production and makes commodities available when there is no outdoor production. China is the world leader in greenhouse fruit production with the largest area under this technology. In India, greenhouse fruit cultivation is in its infancy as the only strawberry is commercially being grown under greenhouses. However, in fluctuating environmental conditions and losses in fruit crops due to various biotic and abiotic stresses, protecting the fruit crops for the off-season, quality and higher production will be a necessity in future. Keeping in view the low productivity of fruit crops in India and future needs of round the year quality production, an overview of work and cultivation scenario on this aspect is discussed in this paper.
Controlling formation of metal ion adducts and enhancing sensitivity in Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Marwah Padma , Marwah Ashok K. , Zimba Paul V.
Published: June 2020

Formation of metal ion adducts in mass spectrometry, particularly in electrospray ionization liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (ESI-LC-MS), is a nightmare scenario for an analyst dealing with quantitative analysis. We have studied in detail the metal adduct formation and concluded  that the use of fluorinated alkanoic acids along with formic acid and volatile ammonium salts was extremely useful in suppressing metal adduct formation in positive ion mode of ESI-LC-MS. The extremely high electronegativity of fluorine atom and unique electrostatic nature of C—F bond coupled with stereo-electronic interactions with neighboring bonds or lone pairs enables the polyfluorinated alkanoic acids in trapping highly electropositive ions (Na+, K+) thereby letting proton do its job efficiently. Addition of formic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, heptafluorobutyric acid and ammonium acetate was found to be extremely effective in controlling metal ion adducts and producing [M+H]+ ions almost exclusively resulting in significant increase in the sensitivity. This technique has been successfully used in our laboratory for the estimation of targeted and nontargeted analysis of pesticides, marine toxins, drugs and pharmaceuticals etc. in various matrices including environmental waters using liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometer operated in all ion acquisition mode and triple quadruples (QQQ) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode.
Enfermedad covid-19. Reporte del primer caso confirmado en Córdoba (Argentina) y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Milanesio Martín , Escudero Daiana , Caeiro Juan Pablo
Published: June 2020

Introducción: La enfermedad COVID-19 es una neumonía viral aguda causada por el SARS-CoV-2. Su principal medio de transmisión es de persona a persona a través de gotas respiratorias. Se presenta como un cuadro febril con síntomas respiratorios con una alta tasa de transmisibilidad. No existe vacuna, por lo que la sospecha y aislamiento inmediato del enfermo son primordiales.

Objetivo: El propósito de este trabajo es informar el primer caso de enfermedad COVID-19 confirmado en Córdoba (Argentina), destacando a la telemedicina como una novedosa forma de manejo ambulatorio.

Metodología: Se describe el primer caso confirmado de enfermedad COVID-19 en Córdoba (Argentina), en un paciente sin comorbilidades, con buen estado clínico, manejándose el mismo mediante telemedicina.

Resultados: El manejo ambulatorio mediante telemedicina resultó ser óptimo, evitando la utilización de camas y la transmisión del virus intrahospitalaria mediante el manejo en su domicilio.

Conclusión: El manejo ambulatorio de pacientes seleccionados evita la transmisión del virus dentro del hospital y la saturación de camas. La telemedicina es una estrategia efectiva y novedosa para esta situación.
The Effects of Tobacco Modification on the Biological Response to 13-Week Cigarette Smoke Inhalation in Inbred Syrian Hamsters
Authors: Bernfeld P. , Soto E. , Tso T. C.
Published: June 2020

Twice daily exposure of 12–24 male inbred Syrian BIO 15.16 hamsters for 13 weeks to maximally tolerated doses of smoke from 12 types of investigational cigarettes under experimental conditions and with previously described instrumentation (Bernfeld et al., 1979) resulted in the following response: increased occurrence and aggregation of alveolar macrophages, increased occurrence of tracheal squamous metaplasia, and increased frequency and severity of laryngeal hyperplasia. The statistical significance of these changes was evaluated by means of loglinear models. The effect of varying the nicotine level in tobacco leaf between 0.2 and 1.5% caused no statistically significant changes in the subchronic response. Smoke from Bright tobacco with average tar yields of from 22.4 to 26.2 mg per cigarette caused significantly more alveolar macrophages and laryngeal hyperplasia but less tracheal squamous metaplasia than did smoke from Burley tobacco, with from 9.3 to 10.5 mg tar per cigarette. Deproteinization of tobacco did not change the response of the hamsters to the resulting smoke. Maleic hydrazide-field treatment of tobacco significantly reduced the alveolar macrophages, but spiking of tobacco with maleic hydrazide increased the response.

Previous work had suggested that the tumorigenic response to cigarette smoke in chronic inhalation studies in hamsters may be predicted from subchronic inhalation studies in the same animal model (Bernfeld et al., 1983a). The present results then suggest that smoke from low-nicotine cigarettes is not less tumorigenic in the hamster than that from high-nicotine cigarettes, that smoke from high-tar Bright tobacco is more carcinogenic than that from low-tar Burley tobacco, that deproteinization of tobacco does not affect the tumorigenicity of the resulting smoke, and that maleic hydrazide-field treatment of tobacco does not increase the tumorigenicity of the resulting smoke, whereas spiking of tobacco with maleic hydrazide might do so.
The Kinetics of Chlorite and Chlorate in the Rat
Authors: Abdel-Rahman M. S. , Couri D. , Bull R. J.
Published: June 2020

Chlorine dioxide (CIO2) is under consideration as an alternative to chlorination as a disinfectant for public water supplies. The primary products resulting from CIO2 disinfection of surface waters are chlorite (CIO-2) and chlorates (CIO-3). The kinetics of 36CIO-2 and 36CIO-3 was studied in rats. Radioactivity was rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following the administration of (0.17 μCi) 36CIO-2 or (0.85 μCi) 36CIO-3 orally, and 36CI in plasma reached a peak at 2 hours and 1 hour, respectively. After 72 hours, radioactivity was highest in whole blood, followed by packed cells, plasma, stomach, testes, skin, lung, kidney, duodenum, carcass, spleen, ileum, brain, bone marrow, and liver in 36CIO-2 treatment. 36CI excretion was greatest at 24 hours after the administration of 36CIO-3, but in the 36CIO-2, the excretion most likely represented saturation of the biotransformation and excretion pathways. About 40% of the total initial dose was excreted at 72 hours in the urine and feces in both treatments. No 36CI was detected in expired air throughout the 72 hours studied.
Bacterial Mutagenesis and Cell Transformation Assays of Pyrvinium Pamoate (Povan), An Antiparasitic Agent
Authors: de la Iglesia F. A. , Lake R. S. , Fitzgerald J. E. , Bueding E. , Brusick D.
Published: June 2020

Mutagenicity of pyrvinium pamoate formulations was determined in various Salmonella typhimurium strains in a well test and plate incorporation assays in the presence and absence of liver homogenate (S9) from Aroclor-1254-induced rats or from normal human liver. Strains TA98 and TA100 were reverted to histidine independence by bulk pyrvinium pamoate over a concentration range of 500 to 2500 μg/plate, particularly in the presence of rat S9. Purified pyrvinium pamoate was mutagenic over a concentration range of 5.0 to 25 μg/plate in the presence of both rat and human liver S9. Urine concentrates from human subjects given 10 mg/kg and mice given drug up to 100 mg/kg were not significantly mutagenic even after S9 activation and/or β-glucuronidase-sulfatase treatment. These results confirm earlier observations of mutagenic activity in Salmonella, but, unlike several antiparasitic agents, mutagenic metabolites do not appear in urine. In vitro mouse cell (C3H10T1/2) transformation assays of pyrvinium pamoate were negative. The effects of pyrvinium pamoate in Salmonella are not paralleled by effects in mammalian cell systems. In the absence of quantitative human population data for risk assessments, the evidence of carcinogenic potential of Povan is not defined.
Methylmercury-induced Cytogenetic Damage in Syrian Hamster Bone Marrow Cells
Authors: Mailhes J. B.
Published: June 2020

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental toxin capable of interacting with chromatin and suspected of inducing chromosomal damage. In order to further evaluate the cytogenetic effects of MeHg in vivo, Syrian hamsters received a single injection of either 5, 10, 15, or 20 mg/kg MeHg 24 hours presacrifice and preparation of bone marrow cells for cytogenetic analysis. Negative and positive controls (0.25 mg/kg Trenimon) were also incorporated into the experimental design. The most prevalant type of cytogenetic damage observed was chromosome pulverization. A dose-response increase in the incidence of chromosomal aberrations following MeHg treatment was not observed. However, both MeHg- and Trenimon-treated hamsters had significantly higher proportions of cells with pulverized chromosomes than did controls. The observation that fewer cells with pulverized chromosomes were detected in the 15 and 20 mg/kg MeHg groups as compared with the 5 and 10 mg/kg MeHg groups was attributed to cellular toxicity. These data indicate that MeHg severely damages hamster bone marrow chromosomes, as demonstrated by chromosome pulverization.
Effects of Continuous Estradiol Administration by Polydimethylsiloxane and Paraffin Implants on Serum Hormone Levels and Uterine Responses
Authors: Sheehan D. M. , Branham W. S. , Gutierrez-Cernosek R. , Cernosek S. F.
Published: June 2020

Since tonic elevated estrogen levels are associated with toxic responses, including tumor promotion, we investigated the effects of continuous estradiol (E2) administration by paraffin or polydimethylsiloxane (Silastic) implants on pituitary and uterine responses. Ovariectomized (OVEX) Sprague-Dawley rats implanted with low-dose (P1) or high-dose (P2) paraffin pellets showed initial high serum E2 levels that decayed rapidly. Silastic implants provided more constant pharmacological serum E2 levels during the 14 days of exposure. Rising serum LH and FSH levels in OVEX controls were suppressed by all E2 implants. Serum prolactin levels, low in OVEX controls, rose after implantation (P1 and P2) but decayed to control values by 14 days. Prolactin induced by pharmacological E2 levels initially rose, dropped by 72 hours, but again rose at later times. Uterine weight, low in OVEX controls, was increased by all implants. At later times, paraffin implants did not appear to release significant amounts of E2. However, removal of P2 implants from donors followed by transfer to new recipients stimulated uterine growth in recipients. All implants increased uterine DNA and RNA levels and the RNA/DNA ratio during the first 24–48 hours, followed by maintenance of elevated values. Poly(A)-containing RNA, isolated by oligo(dT) cellulose chromatography, comprised a constant percentage of RNA at all hormone levels and treatment times, suggesting a coupling of total RNA and poly(A)-containing RNA accumulation. Results are discussed in relation to the carcinogenic properties of estrogens, known to be correlated with continuous exposure to elevated estrogen levels.
Canine Serum Protein Responses to X-Irradiation
Authors: Esber H. J. , Zavorskas P. , Rosenkrantz H.
Published: June 2020

It was of interest, in the absence of such data, to investigate the effects of x-irradiation on individual serum proteins, including immunoglobulin G. Doses of 600 and 800 rads to the abdominal areas of immature beagles were sufficient to evoke emesis and hemorrhages of lymph nodes and perilobular areas of the liver. Seven days after irradiation of 8–12 male dogs/dose, serum specimens were analyzed by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and radial immunodiffusion. Radiation reduced serum protein and albumin by 12%, β2 by 27%, γ-globulin by 19%, and IgG by 35%, while increasing α2 by 50%. These results are in conformity with the radiation damage to lymph nodes (IgG decrease) and liver (plasma protein fall) and initiation of the inflammatory process (α2 rise).
Promoting Effect of Metal Compounds on Rat Renal Tumorigenesis
Authors: Kurokawa Y. , Matsushima M. , Imazawa T. , Takamura N. , Takahashi M. , Hayashi Y.
Published: June 2020

Five metal compounds, zinc chloride (ZnCl2), mercury chloride (HgCl2), chromium chloride (CrCl3) hexahydrate, cadmium chloride (CdCl2) hemidihydrate, and nickel chloride (NiCl2) hexahydrate, were selected and tested for potential modifying influence on renal tumorigenesis. Six groups, each consisting of 15 male F344 rats, were given N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethylnitrosamine (EHEN) at a concentration of 500 ppm in their drinking water for the first 2 weeks as the initiation of carcinogenesis. Thereafter, the rats were treated orally for 25 weeks with ZnCl2, HgCl2, CrCl3, CdCl2, and NiCl2, respectively, at concentrations of 450, 40, 600, 100, and 600 ppm in the drinking water. The control group was given unsupplemented distilled water (DW) after EHEN initiation. Renal neoplastic lesions were classified histologically into dysplastic foci (DF) and renal cell tumors (RCT). As a result, statistically significant increases were found in the mean numbers of DF per cm2 in rats treated with the five metal compounds. On the other hand, the incidence of RCT was significantly higher only in rats treated with NiCl2. It is concluded that NiCl2 exerted a potential for promotion of renal tumorigenesis under the conditions of this study.
Review of the Physiology and Biochemistry of the Male Reproductive Tract
Authors: Waller D. P. , Nikurs A. R.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this presentation is to review for toxicologists the structure and functioning of the male reproductive system. Presented are the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the system, along with considerations in evaluating toxic insult to the body.
Experimental Methods for Studying Male Reproductive Function in Standard Toxicology Studies
Authors: Lamb J. C. , Ross M. D. , Chapin R. E.
Published: June 2020

Indicators of insult to the male reproductive system can be incorporated into standard toxicology studies so that the assessment of reproductive toxicity does not interfere with the general toxicologic evaluation. This can include assessment of testicular spermatids, or sperm from the epididymis, or vas deferens, or assessment of semen collected from the female reproductive tract postcoitally. Endpoints evaluated may include sperm count, motility, or sperm head morphology. Testicular morphology also may be evaluated by various improved histologic techniques. For example, when testes are immersion-fixed in formalin, testicular morphology is significantly improved by embedding the tissue in the water-soluble plastic glycol methacrylate (GMA) rather than paraffin. These approaches to male reproductive toxicology are cost-effective and reduce the number of animals required for pilot or survey studies for testicular toxicity. They can provide useful data on male reproductive function.
Use of Gonadotropic Hormones and Sex Steroids in Assessing Male Reproduction
Authors: Witorsch R. J.
Published: June 2020

In this presentation we discuss how male reproductive hormones are influenced by various normal and abnormal situations. Puberty is characterized by a progressive increase in serum gonadotropins (FSH and LH) and testosterone. Hormonal profiles in aging men and rats differ significantly, suggesting qualitatively different age-related changes in both species. Gonadal disorders in humans may exhibit similar symptoms (such as delayed or precocious virilization) but may be due to different defects within the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis and, hence, may exhibit different reproductive hormone profiles. Reproductive hormone measurements reveal that toxic agents, such as ketoconazole, alcohol, or opiates, can impair reproductive function at the gonad and/or the hypothalamo-pituitary level. Glucocorticoids released during stress have been shown to have a direct inhibitory effect on testosterone release from the testes, which may be of relevance to toxicology studies. Reproductive hormonal measurements have also revealed that LH levels in the blood fluctuate in a pronounced episodic fashion and that this pattern is due to the pulsatile delivery of GnRH to the anterior pituitary gland. Administration of GnRH in a pulsatile fashion to patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism restores gonadal function. Nonpulsatile GnRH delivery to the anterior pituitary suppresses LH and testosterone release, and, consequently, long-acting superanalogs of GnRH appear to be effective in the treatment of prostatic cancer and true precocious puberty. The examples presented in this article illustrate how hormonal measurements have increased our knowledge and understanding of male reproduction.
Some Acute Biochemical and Pathological Changes in Chicks after Oral Administration of Sterigmatocystin
Authors: Sreemannarayana O. , Marquardt R. R. , Frohlich A. A. , Juck F. A.
Published: June 2020

Two experiments were conducted to determine LD50 in chicks and the effects of a single oral dose of sterigmatocystin (stg) on body and organ weights, the concentration of different blood constituents, and the histology of certain organs. The LD50 as determined in experiment 1 was 41 mg/kg bodyweight for chicks weighing 93 g. All deaths occurred within 18 to 35 hours after stg administration. The body and organ weights in the surviving chicks were depressed 5 days after the administration of stg. Concentrations of serum total protein, albumin, creatine kinase, and potassium were also depressed in the 4 mg stg-treated chicks. In experiment 2, treated (4 mg stg/chick) as compared to control chicks had altered serum concentrations or activities of the following constituents: aspartate aminotransferase, 306%; alanine aminotransferase, 963%; lactate dehydrogenase, 283%; amylase, 115%; lipase, 300%; γ-glutamyltransferase,-10%; total proteins,-25%; albumin,-27%; potassium,-10%; magnesium,-12%; calcium,-2%; phosphorus,-39%; chloride, 6%; triglycerides,-51%; uric acid,-1%; conjugated bilirubin, 460%; total WBC,-13%; circulating monomorphonuclear leukocytes,-25%, and granulocytes, 42%. Histopathologic examination revealed mild to severe degenerative changes in the liver, pancreas, kidney, and lymphoid tissue, namely, the bursa of Fabricius. Overall, the results would suggest that stg has a pronounced effect on the liver, kidneys, pancreas, lymphoid tissue, and probably certain sections of the gastrointestinal tract and that these effects persist in the liver and the kidneys over a 5-day period.
Effects of SKF 525A, Phenobarbital, and 3-Methylcholanthrene on Ethylene Dichloride Toxicity Following Inhalation Exposure
Authors: Francovitch R. J. , Schor N. A. , George W. J.
Published: June 2020

The effect of cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolism on ethylene dichloride (EDC) toxicity was investigated in mice. Prior to exposure to EDC, groups of male CD-1 mice were pretreated with phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene to induce metabolism. Other mice were administered SKF 525A before EDC exposure to inhibit cytochrome P-450 metabolism. Following the different pretreatments, mice were exposed to EDC at selected concentrations (1000 ppm, 1250 ppm, or 1500 ppm). Exposure to EDC, without pretreatment, produced a dose-dependent increase in mortality at 24 and 48 hours postexposure. This response was enhanced at all concentrations of EDC by phenobarbital pretreatment and attenuated by the administration of SKF 525A. Pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene prior to EDC exposure at 1000 ppm also produced an increase in mortality as compared to EDC exposure without pretreatment. Exposure to EDC was associated with an increased kidney weight:body weight ratio. SKF 525A pretreatment prevented the increase in the kidney weight:body weight ratio at an EDC exposure concentration of 1000 ppm. Pathological changes produced in the kidneys of mice exposed to EDC were decreased by SKF 525A pretreatment. These results support the hypothesis that a product of the cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolism of EDC is involved in the toxicity produced following acute inhalation exposure to this chemical.