bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DE LA BAISSE DE LA PRODUCTION DE HARICOT DANS LE GROUPEMENT KIHONDO TERRITOIRE DE RUTSHURU 2022 A 2023
Authors: Mirindi Venyste A.
Published: August 2024

Depuis plusieurs années, l’activité humaine est dominée par l’agriculture traditionnelle, la déforestation, la dégradation du sol, et manque des semences améliorées influencent d’une manière grave la baisse de production agricole dans le groupement Kihondo territoire de Rutshuru en RDC. Dans cette contrée, la plupart des sols sont presque complètement dégradés et les couches de la population ne cessent d’exploiter le reste d’espaces arables sans soucis du lendemain. Cependant, une grande majorité d’agriculteurs investisse encore dans cette activité, mais à moindre rendement.La baisse de production agricole dans cette entité et principalement le haricot entraîne d’énormes conséquences.Ainsi, notre réflexion a été focalisée sur l’identification des aspects liés à la baisse de production de haricot dans cette entité et les conséquences qu’elle présente sur le bien-être de la population, mais également trouver les voies et moyens de lutte contre cette dernière.Pour ce faire, nous avons usé l’approche inductive. En effet, nous sommes partis de notre propre intuition au regard de controverse de l’activité humaine et nous avons mené une enquête afin de nous assurer de la validité des données observées. Pour accéder aux données et procéder à la recherche de compréhension, nous avons utilisé certaines méthodes et techniques. Cette recherche s’est réalisée sur base de deux éléments fondamentaux à savoir : la méthode empirique appuyée par les recherches documentaires relatives au thème de recherche et la collecte des données primaires sur le terrain grâce au questionnaire d’enquête et interview. Après analyse des données récoltées et le test de significativité, il a été constaté que la dégradation du sol, le non-respect des techniques agricoles, l’explosion démographique, l’absence des semences améliorées et la déforestation sont les causes majeures de la baisse de production des haricots dans Kihondo. Les conséquences sont nombreuses mais il faut retenir que l’exode rural, la famine et la malnutrition, les migrations de la population vers territoires, abandon scolaire et non accès aux soins médicaux sont les majeures. Pour remédier à toutes ces difficultés, nous avons envisagé la mise en œuvre de l’agroforesterie, la vulgarisation des techniques agricoles et rendre disponible les semences améliorées aux agriculteurs
Tratamiento del Síndrome de Hipoventilación por Obesidad: Propuesta de Algoritmo Terapéutico
Authors: Sarango Rosario Edward Enderson , Sánchez Uriguen Michael Edison , Cárdenas Chacha Kléver Geovanny
Published: August 2024

Introducción: El síndrome de hipoventilación por obesidad es una patología clínica en el que la interacción entre el exceso de peso corporal y la capacidad respiratoria desencadena importantes complicaciones, plantea cuestiones fundamentales sobre la salud integral y la compleja red de sistemas interconectados del cuerpo humano. Objetivo: describir el tratamiento en sus diversas formas de presentación del síndrome de hipoventilación por obesidad y sus principales complicaciones, mediante una revisión bibliográfica descriptiva, para la elaboración de una propuesta de algoritmo terapéutico. Metodología: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica descriptiva retrospectiva de enfoque cualitativo, con información de 17 artículos publicados en revistas de alto impacto en bases de datos biomédicas como Medline, National Library of Medicine, Cochrane y Scopus, haciendo uso de motores de búsqueda como PubMed, Elsevier, Science Direct y Google Académico, desde enero de 2019 hasta diciembre de 2023. Resultados: Las principales formas de presentación del SHO dependen del fenotipo clínico, siendo la presentación clásica y relacionadas con los trastornos respiratorios del sueño las de relevancia clínica para tratar con medidas generales y uso de presión positiva en la vía aérea. Conclusiones: El SHO requiere un manejo multidisciplinario y un diagnóstico asertivo y precoz para evitar complicaciones desafortunadas para el paciente.
Three new species of the Metarctia Walker subgenus Metarhodia Kiriakoff from Zambia and Republic of Congo (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Syntomini)
Authors: László Gyula M. , Volynkin Anton V.
Published: August 2024

In this paper, three new Metarctia Walker, 1855 species belonging to the subgenus Metarhodia Kiriakoff, 1953 are described: Metarctia (Metarhodia) lunda sp. n. from northwest Zambia, Metarctia (Metarhodia) bemba sp. n. from northeast Zambia, and Metarctia (Metarhodia) sangha sp. n. collected in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, northern Republic of Congo. According to the genital morphology, the new species’ closest relative is Metarctia (Metarhodia) jordani Kiriakoff, 1957, known exclusively from Mount Moco, an isolated mountain in western Angola, and the four species form a compact species-group not only characterised by the shared genitalia features but also by the conspicuous cream colouration of the antenna. The paper is illustrated with 22 diagnostic figures of adults and genitalia of all members of the M. jordani species-group as well as a distribution map.
Perubahan Perilaku Warga Melalui Perpustakaan Desa
Authors: Gutriyana Gutriyana , Marissangan Hasbi , Muhammad Rahmat
Published: August 2024

Perpustakaan memainkan peran sebagai lembaga yang menyediakan sumber pengetahuan untuk masyarakat yang diharapkan dapat menginspirasi pembacanya untuk melakukan perubahan sosial. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis perubahan perilaku warga melalui aktivitas perpustakaan desa.Penelitian ini dilakukan di Desa Pajukukang, Kabupaten Maros dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif. Data dikumpulkan dengan wawancara dan observasi lapangan. Data dianalisis dengan pendekatan kualitatif interpretative. Pemerintah Desa Pajukukang mengelola perpustakaan desa Al-Iqra yang kemudian mendapatkan penghargaan sebagai Desa Transformatif. Penelitian ini mengindikasi terjadinya perubahan perilaku warga yang aktif menjadi bagian perpustakaan desa dengan menjadi peternak. Warga yang aktif membaca di perpustakaan dan mendapatkan pengetahuan untuk beternak itik. Perpustakaan desa membuat warga memiliki kapasitas untuk merubah prilaku social ekonominya menjadi lebih produktif
Enhancing Safety Management in the Ghanaian Construction Industry: Evaluating the Role of UAV Implementation and Construction Managers Understanding
Authors: Mustapha Zakari , Akomah Benjamin Boahene , Kwaku Ofosu Emmanuel , Tieru Chris K.
Published: August 2024

The integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other rising technologies has become paramount in construction safety monitoring and management. The study aimed to gain insight into the use of drones in construction safety practices and management in the Ghanaian construction industry. Through a literature review, five key domains (aerial surveillance and real-time monitoring, data analysis and risk assessment, emergency response and search-and-rescue operations, information management and visualisation, and safety training and education) were identified as the areas where UAVs or drones could enhance safety practices and management. The study included construction professionals who had a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in project management across different positions. A convenience sampling technique was used for the selection of participants from construction companies within the city of Accra. A structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to these professionals. The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The correlation analysis highlights the association among the variables used. The study underscores the pivotal role of UAVs in transforming safety practices and management. The diverse applications and potential benefits of UAV technology provide insights for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to optimise safety management strategies and enhance efficiency on construction sites. In addition, the findings emphasise the importance of education and training initiatives to bridge the knowledge gap among construction professionals, thereby promoting a more sustainable and secure construction environment in Ghana.
Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers’ Onboarding Process During the Transition to Practice
Authors: Thrasher Ashley B. , Walker Stacy E. , Cavallario Julie M.
Published: August 2024

Context

As new athletic trainers (ATs) transition into their roles, some employers provide orientation and onboarding to assist with the transition to practice. Research in which authors outline the ideal onboarding process for new ATs transitioning to practice is lacking.

Objective

To examine the onboarding process for new ATs.

Design

Grounded theory.

Setting

College or university, secondary school, and hospital or clinic.

Patients or Other Participants

Seventeen newly credentialed, employed ATs who recently graduated from professional masters’ programs (11 female, 6 male; 25.6 ± 2.2 years) and 12 employers (6 female, 6 male; years in role supervising new ATs: 8.5 ± 4.9) participated in this study.

Data Collection and Analysis

Participants were recruited via purposive sampling. Each participant was interviewed via phone using a semistructured interview guide. Employees were interviewed approximately 3, 6, 9, and 13–15 months after beginning employment. Employers were interviewed 1 time. Data saturation guided the number of participants. Data were analyzed through grounded theory, with data coded for common themes and subthemes. Trustworthiness was established via peer review, member checks, and multianalyst triangulation.

Results

Two themes emerged

initial orientation and continued onboarding. Participants reported receiving organizational, departmental, and site-specific orientations for initial orientation. For continued onboarding, participants reported mentoring, site visits, feedback and evaluation, regular meetings, and continuing education and professional development.

Conclusions

Onboarding is vital in transitioning to practice for newly credentialed ATs, as it provides support and helps new employees understand and adapt to their roles. Onboarding should go beyond initial orientation and include regular meetings with supervisors, other ATs, and site visits to provide feedback and ensure new ATs adapt to their roles. New ATs should seek support from supervisors and local ATs to help better understand their role.
Individual and Combined Effects of Sport-Related Concussion and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury on Neurocognitive and Neuromechanical Reaction Time
Authors: Moran Ryan N. , Grooms Dustin R.
Published: August 2024

Context

Recent epidemiological data have indicated a potential connection between sport-related concussion (SRC) and elevated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. Limited research exists in which authors have quantified cognitive and motor outcome measures between SRC and ACL injury history.

Objective

To examine the individual and combined effects of a history of SRC and ACL injury and reconstruction (ACLR) on neurocognitive and neuromechanical function.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

Forty-seven recreationally active college individuals with either an injury history of SRC (n = 12), ACLR (n = 12), combination of SRC + ACLR (n = 11), or uninjured controls (n = 12).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Participants completed a neurological battery using the C3 Logix application and TRAZER system for neuromechanical reaction time (RT). C3 Logix subtests consisted of the Trail Making Test (TMT) A, B, and B − A; simple and choice RT; and processing speed. TRAZER subtests consisted of simple, Flanker-task, and Stroop-task RT. Participants were categorized into 3 group comparisons of either (i) SRC, ACLR, SRC + ACLR, and controls, (ii) any or no SRC overall, or (iii) any or no ACLR overall.

Results

No differences were demonstrated between SRC, ACLR, SRC + ACLR, and controls on TMT (P = .07–.14), neurocognitive (P = .14–.93), or neuromechanical (P = .64–.99) performance. Those with any SRC had slower TMT B − A times (P = .03), while those with any ACLR had slower TMT A (P = .02) times than those with no ACLR. No differences were noted for the TRAZER simple, Flanker, or Stroop RT for any or no SRC and ACLR groups.

Conclusions

College students with a combined effect of SRC and ACLR did not differ from other groups on neurocognition and neuromechanical RT. Individuals with a history of SRC or ACLR had a worse TMT, leading to inquiry about potential long-term neurological deficits, despite no differences in those with a combined history.
Suicide Attempters Compared to Intentional Self-Harm Have a Severe Suicidal Intention and Poorer Reasons for Living Soon after Their Attempts: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bhogaraju Anand , Anusha Korem , Gudlavallety Preethi
Published: August 2024

Background:

Suicidal intent after an attempt remains high, while in some studies, a cathartic effect was reported. Many subjects do not take adequate precautions despite a previous attempt.

Aims and Objectives:

To evaluate the severity of suicidal intent after an attempted suicide in comparison to intentional self-harm (ISH) soon after an attempt and assess activating and protective factors in both these conditions.

Materials and Methods:

In a tertiary hospital, soon after ISH or suicidal attempt (SA), cross-sectional data were collected on socio demographics, attempts, Beck’s suicidal intent scale, Columbia suicide severity rating scale, and brief reasons for living (BRL) scale and analyzed.

Results:

21 SAs and 16 ISH were identified. Mean of severe suicide intent in SA (29. 56) was higher than ISH (25.52). ISH had higher scores on impulsive behavior 17 (81%) than 10 SA (62.5%), better identification of protective factors in ISH 20 (95.2%) than 11 (68.8%) in SA group. Better recognition of social networks and support in ISH group 18 (85.7%) than suicide attempters 10 (47.6%). SA group had significant negative correlations between BIS and BRL on responsibility to family rho = −0.55, P = 0.03. Hopelessness and impulsivity showed no effect on suicidal intention on ANOVA.

Conclusions:

Assessment of suicidal intent is important soon after SA and ISH. In ISH, suicidal intent appears suppressed. Higher impulsiveness was seen in ISH group but was able to identify reasons for living better than SA group. Suicidal intent, impulsivity, and hopelessness appear to be independent factors of each other.
Isolation, purification and characterization of bioactive surfactant from the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus casei NM512 isolated from infant microbiota
Authors: Zakaria Mohamed K. , Zaghloul Rashed A. , Tewfike Taha A. , Salem Ahmed A. , Mansour Nahla M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Lactobacillus casei NM512 was previously isolated from the feces of breast-fed infants and has great potential for probiotic treatment of diseases that are based on immune deregulation. These strains fulfill the main criteria required for safe human consumption and could therefore be useful in pharmaceutical and therapeutic preparations. However, further studies are needed to evaluate and decipher the in vivo activities of the isolated strains with regard to their immunomodulatory function.

Objective

This work aims to isolate, identify and characterize the bioactive surfactant component from the probiotic bacterium L. casei NM512.

Materials and methods

The isolation of the surfactant from L. casei NM512 was performed after incubation the strain for 72 h at 37°C with shaking at 120 rpm. The surfactant extracted from cells by acid precipitation. A combination of different methods (TLC, FT-IR, NMR, and GC mass) was used to analyze the composition of the isolated surfactant. The surfactant was also investigated for its antimicrobial activity using the well agar diffusion method, antioxidant ability targeting the DPPH free radical, Cytotoxicity ability using MTT assay, and anti- inflammatory activity was done by determination the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Results and conclusion

The obtained data show that the surfactant is a mixture of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins with glycolipopeptide nature that expressed remarkable antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Furthermore the isolated surfactant showed safety by keeping the cell viability and anti-inflammatory activity. Here we introduce a novel biosurfactant for medical and pharmaceutical purposes.
Empirical and molecular docking-based screening of heterocyclic compounds to identify potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to treat Alzheimer’s disease and its histology
Authors: Alhuwaymil Zamzam , Mohammedsaleh Zuhair M. , Moawadh Mamdoh S. , Bassfar Zaid , Aggad Waheeb S. , Alkhudhairy Basal Sulaiman M. , Almohaimeed Hailah M. , Alosaimi Manal E. , Soliman Mona H.
Published: August 2024

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by neuropathological symptoms, there has been no proper cure in recent era. It was linked to a deficiency in the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine to an inactive form and the death of cholinergic neurons.

Objective

Therefore, there is a crucial need to identify alternative compounds with potential anti-cholinesterase agents and minimal undesirable effects. Fluoroquinolones and benzimidazole-benzothiazole derivatives offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-Alzheimer activities.

Materials and methods

A series of fluoroquinolones and benzimidazole-benzothiazole derivatives were evaluated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. For this purpose, molecular docking and adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicology ADMET models were used for in-silico studies in addition to in-vitro studies, Fluoroquinolones (Z, Z3, Z4, Z6, Z8, Z12, Z15, and Z9) and benzimidazole-benzothiazole compounds (TBIS-16, TBAF-1, TBAF-2, TBAF-3, TBAF-4, TBAF-5, TBAF-6, TBAF-7, TBAF-8, and TBAF-9) passed through the AChE inhibition assay and their IC50 values were calculated.

Results and conclusion

The compound 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-7-(4-(2-(4-nitrophenylamino)-2-oxoethyl)piperazin-1-yl) −4-oxo-1, 4 di-hydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid and 2-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-N’-(3-bromobenzyl)-4-hydroxy-2H-thiochromene-3-carbohydrazide 1, 1-dioxide (Z-9 and TBAF-6) showed the lowest IC50 values against AChE/BChE (0.37±0.02/2.93±0.03 μM and 0.638±0.001/1.31±0.01 μM, respectively) than the standard drug, donepezil (3.9±0.01/4.9±0.05 μM). During the in-vivo investigation, behavioral trials were performed to analyze the neuroprotective impact of Z-9 and TBAF-6 compounds on AD mouse models. Hematological and histopathological parameters revealed that compounds have a safer aptitude. However heterocyclic compounds dramatically corrected the loss of neurons, neuroinflammation, neurofibrillary tangles, and degenerative changes in the brain’s architecture. Also, Z-9 and TBAF-6 compounds improve behavioral and biochemical parameters hence treating neurodegenerative disorders effectively.
Effect of melatonin on oxidative stress of differentiated Dopaminergic cells
Authors: Ibrahim Hadeer A.M. , Hussein Abdelaziz M. , Gabr Mahmoud , A.F. Abdel –Aziz , El-Saeed Rasha A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Although stem cells therapies provide a great deal in the treatment of several disease, they lack their normal functions after transplantation due to inflammation and oxidative stress. Melatonin has a powerful antioxidant ability and can enhance the effect of stem cells.

Objectives

This work aimed to investigate the melatonin’s effect on oxidative stress of differentiated adipose-mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) to dopaminergic (DAergic) cells.

Material and methods

The AD-MSCs cells were characterized after passage 3 by flow cytometry method and divided into four groups: (a) control group that was nontreated AD-MSCs, (b) MSCs+M group that was AD-MSCs cultured with 1 μM melatonin in expansion media for 12 days, (c) DN group that was MSCs treated with neurobasal A media for 12 days, (d) DN+M group which was MSCs cultured with 1 μM melatonin and neurobasal A media for 12 days. After 12 days, the catalase (CAT) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured by using ELISA. Also, the gene expression level of MAP-2 was detected.

Results and conclusion

The current study proved that the isolated cells were MSCs due to high expression percentages for CD73 and CD90 and low expression percentages for CD34 and CD45. The DN+M group showed the highest expression of MAP-2 gene when compared to the other different groups (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant increase in CAT concentration in groups treated with melatonin than other group (P ≤ 0.05), while, there was no change in MDA level between all groups. It was concluded that melatonin has an effective antioxidative role throughout the differentiation process of AD-MSCs into DAergic neural cells
Utilization of orange pulp and corn steep liquor for L-methioninase production by Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus
Authors: Hassabo Amany A. , Mostafa Elsayed E. , Saad Moataza M. , Selim Mohsen H.
Published: August 2024

Background and objective

L-methioninase has attracted much attention with respect to its proposed applications in both pharmaceuticals and food industry. The aim of this study was to develop an economic medium formulation using agro-industrial by-products as substrates for large-scale production of L-methioninase.

Materials and methods

Identification of a high L-methioninase-producing yeast isolate was carried out using 18S rRNA molecular technique. Screening of various agro-industrial by-products and optimization of different process parameters were investigated. Partial purification and characterization of a crude enzyme were carried out.

Results and discussion

A high L-methioninase-producing yeast isolate was phylogenetically identified as Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus. Among different agro-industrial by-products tested, orange pulp supported maximum enzyme production (94.08 U/ml) followed by cane and beet molasses. In addition, corn steep liquor (CSL) gave high enzyme level (141.12 U/ml) and could be used as an inexpensive alternate for yeast extract. The optimum growth conditions were found to be orange pulp 30% (w/v), CSL 4% (v/v), CaCl2 0.05%, and KH2PO4 0.05% (w/v) at pH 6.0 after 48 h of incubation. This developed medium formulation increased L-methioninase production (161.95 U/ml) by twofold compared with that obtained by the Czapek–Dox’s medium (73.92 U/ml). Crude enzyme was partially purified by heat treatment at 70°C with 2.9 purification fold. The enzyme activity was optimal at temperature 60°C and pH 7.0. The results showed that a mixed formulation of orange pulp and CSL can be used as an effective and economic substrate for the production of L-methioninase by W. subpelliculosus.
Statistical optimization of lipase production in solid-state fermentation by Aspergillus tamarii NDA03a and application of the fermented solid as a biocatalyst for biodiesel production
Authors: Ahmed Hanan M. , Mohamed Sayeda S. , Moharam Maysa E. , El-bendary Magda A. , Abd El-lateaf Hisham A. , Amin Hala A.
Published: August 2024

Background and objective

Biodiesel, an attractive alternative fuel, is defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Biodiesel is an ecofriendly fuel compared with many other transportation fuels. The aim of this study was to implement the statistical approaches for optimization of Aspergillus tamarii NDA03a mutant G lipase produced in solid-state fermentation (SSF), and then application of the dried fermented solid as a biocatalyst for biodiesel production from waste frying oil (WFO).

Materials and methods

A. tamarii NDA03a mutant (3G) was previously selected as a good lipase producer. Five oil residue meals were evaluated in the presence of wheat bran (WB) for their potential as enzyme inducers and substrates for the production of 3G lipase by SSF. The best oil residue meal was selected and used in subsequent experiments. The fermented solid thus obtained was collected, lyophilized, and used as a biocatalyst for waste frying oil transesterification to FAME. To optimize SSF conditions for lipase production using 3G, a Plackett–Burman design was used at first to screen the critical factors from several process variables, and finally, a central composite design was applied to further estimate the relationship between the variables and response as well as optimize the levels. Response was measured in terms of FAME yield. To verify the adequacy and accuracy of the model, validation experiments were also carried out.

Results and conclusion

The most favorable oil residue meal that enhances 3G lipase production by SSF was black cumin meal. Results of the Plackett–Burman design revealed that the factors contributing to the main effect were incubation temperature, incubation period, and moisture content. The optimal SSF conditions for lipase production were WB 10 g, black cumin meal 6% (w/w of WB), pH 8, temperature 28°C, moisture content 40%, molasses 1% (w/w of WB), and incubation period 3 days. Under these optimized conditions, produced FAME yield (65.55%) increased by 58% compared with the basal medium (41.46%). A good agreement between the experimental (65.55%) and predicted (65.03%) values was detected. The significance of this model was confirmed by its probability value and lack of fit (P<0.05) and clearly showed that the model was sufficient to describe the correlation between the FAME yield and the tested variables. The obtained results ascertained the success of response surface methodology as an efficient technique to optimize the lipase production in SSF and consequently the ability of application of the dried fermented solid as a biocatalyst for biodiesel production.
Solid-state fermentation and optimization of cellulase production using local fungal isolate
Authors: Basha Maha A. , Shetaia Yousseria M. , Mehaya Fathy M. , Abdelzaher Fatma H.
Published: August 2024

Background

Cellulase is the most employed industrial enzyme in biological conversion of many cellulosic wastes. In this work, economic cellulase production by fungi in solid-state fermentation (SSF) by using solid wastes of medicinal plants was studied. Optimization of growth conditions for production of cellulase was the main target of this study.

Objective

The current study aimed to isolate and screen fungal isolates that have the ability to produce enzymes to degrade solid wastes of medicinal plant process and optimization of growth factors that affect cellulase production.

Materials and methods

Thirty-five fungal isolates were isolated from different sources by plating and screened for their cellulase activities using Czapek–Dox broth medium amended with 1% cellulose. Cellulase production by tested fungal isolates was carried out through utilization of olive (Olea europaea), black seeds (Nigella sativa), and castor bean (Ricinus communis) cakes in SSF. Optimization of the cellulase productivity was performed by Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and Box–Behnken design.

Results and conclusion

Out of the isolated 35 fungi, only 12 (34%) produced cellulase in SSF using olive, black seeds (Nigella), and castor bean cakes. Out of these fungal isolates, only 4, that is, no. 1, 7, 10, and 17 were superior in reducing sugar production from olive cakes (13.04, 15.61, 17.03, and 12.85 mg/ml), respectively. While four fungal isolates no. (1, 7, 7, and 10) were active producers of reducing sugars from black seeds (15.45, 18.96, 20, and 18.08 mg/ml), respectively. Only a fungal isolate no. 7 gave high reducing sugars (15.34 mg/ml) in castor cake SSF. The most potent fungal isolate (no. 10) produced 20 mg/ml of reducing sugars using black seed cakes as substrate for SSF. The potential fungal isolate was identified as Aspergillus terreus (OQ085169) based on the extracted fungal DNA that was amplified by PCR using specific internal-transcribed spacer primer (ITS1/ITS4). The PCR products were sequenced and compared with the other related sequences in GenBank (NCBI).

The screening of seven factors using PBD showed that only three variables: pH, incubation time, and aeration rate (rpm) affected significantly cellulase production. Box–Behnken design was used to estimate the optimal level of the selected variables based on the results of the PBD. All variables increased significantly cellulase using A. terreus (OQ085169). The P value was very low (0.0207) that indicated the significant, high correlation between the predicted and actual values (R
2=0.98), this indicating 98% of the variation in the cellulase activity was owing to the selected independent variables.
Analytical characterization of biomarkers in an optimized novel antidiabetic polyherbal formulation using high-performance thin-layer chromatography and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Jayaraju Kummu Jyothsna , Ishaq Beludari Mohammed
Published: August 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic health issue that requires novel approaches to treatment and a multimodal approach to prevention. In the treatment of diabetes, a polyherbal formulation is the finest alternative medicine. A polyherbal formulation was developed in-house and evaluated for its antidiabetic potential on streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat. The same extract was now characterized analytically utilizing a variety of methods.

Objective

The goal of this study was to quantify the biomarkers in a novel antidiabetic polyherbal formulation made in-house with Cinnamonum zeylanicium bark, Eugenia jambolana seeds, Vinca rosea whole plant, and Gymnema sylvestre (GS) leaves, using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

Materials and methods

Cinnamaldehyde (CIN), gallic acid (GLA), vincristine (VC), vinblastine (VB), and gymnemic acid (GYA) were identified as bioactive components of polyherbal formulation hydroalcoholic extract utilizing HPTLC and LC–MS/MS. Acetonitrile, methanol, and 0.1 percent formic acid was used as mobile phase, chromatographic separation was accomplished in 30 min using a gradient system and a SUNFIRE C18, 250×4.6, 5-µm analytical column with a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min in LC–MS/MS research. Scanned in a positive mode with a scan speed of 100–2000 AMU/s over a mass range of 20–1974 Da. The electron-spray ionization mode was used, with a source temperature of 150°C and a desolvation temperature of 350°C. The HPTLC separation was performed using ethyl acetate/acetonitrile/water/formic acid/N-dimethyl formamide 5.5 : 2.5 : 0.5 : 1.0 : 0.5 (v/v) as the mobile phase on precoated silica gel 60 GF254 plates. At room temperature, the plates were developed to a distance of 9.0 cm. CIN, GLA, VC, VB, and GYA plates were scanned and measured at wavelengths of maximum absorption of 259, 287, 342, 355, and 387 nm, respectively. Band size, chamber-saturation duration, migration of the solvent front, slit width, and other experimental parameters were carefully examined, and the optimized chromatographic conditions were chosen.

Results

LC–MS analysis of the hydroalcoholic extract of the polyherbal formulation revealed the presence of all the five bioactive chemical constituents, CIN, GLA, VC, VB, and GYA. Similarly, the drug samples were satisfactorily resolved with Rf 1.81±0.01, 0.05±0.01, 0.02±0.01, 0.09±0.01, and 0.04±0.01 for CIN, GLA, VC, VB, and GYA respectively, using HPTLC.

Conclusion

The importance of combining Ayurvedic formulations with contemporary high-throughput screening techniques will spark new interest in more powerful biocompatible drug leads. The findings of this study lend scientific credence to the therapeutic applications of the polyherbal formulation.
Enhancement of some barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) resistance for nematode (Heterdra avanae) using DNA fingerprinting analysis
Authors: Rashad Shimaa E. , Eldemerdash Ibthal S. , Hamed Hamdy M. , El-Enany Magda A.M. , Heiba Samy A.A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Heterodera avenae, the cereal cyst nematode or European cyst nematode, is a plant pathogen and an obligate parasite of cereal crops including barley, oats, wheat, and rye. Cereal crops infected with this nematode are more susceptible to infection by fungal diseases such as Rhizoctonia root rot.

Objective

The main objective of the present study was to map Heterodera avenae resistance and to compare seven different species. This study also aimed to increase the efficiency and precision of standard procedures for testing the resistance of barley toward root-lesion nematodes.

Materials and methods

The genetic variability analysis of seven barley genotypes, of Egypt was achieved using 7 Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. Phylogenetic relationships of seven accessions of (Hordeum vulgare L.) collected from different region of Egypt were assessed. The soil was sterilized in an autoclave of each pot was planted in the comparison experiment, as well as in the treatment experiment with nematode Heterdra avanae infected soil brought from an infected field, and this soil was added to the treated pots. Also (ISSR) molecular marker technique was used for DNA fingerprinting and assessing genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships in barley germplasm.

Results and conclusion

A significant correlation was observed between the Jaccard’s dissimilarity matrices based on ISSR markers, as revealed by Mantel test using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.69; P < 0.05). The results showed that ISSR primers produced 37 bands their size ranged between 100-2000 bp with (87.5%). polymorphism percentage. Polymorphic information content PIC was 0.74 for ISSR. Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic (UPGMA), Dendrogram was divided into two clusters by morphological traits and ISSR analysis. Genetic similarity matrix was examined with Jaccard’s coefficient, maximum similarity was found between Giza126 and Giza127 (99%) with morphological analysis both and lowest similarity between Giza123 and Giza126 (6%) with ISSR analysis. Determination of genetic diversity between barley is of major importance for characterization of barley germplasm, breeding programs and conservation purposes. Morphological traits and ISSR analysis are effective tools for detecting genetic variations. The results showed that H. vulgare have high ratio of variation. This study may be considered as reference study for further studies on H. vulgare and may contribute to species concept and breeding programs.
Impact of turmeric and carrot extracts on morphological, chemical composition and isozymes patterns of Azadirachta indica seedlings under water deficiency conditions
Authors: Mohamed Amr S. , El-Sayed Samah M. , Elsayed Shaimaa I.M. , Mazher Azza A.M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Azadirachta indica trees are of great importance because of the high-quality wood they produce, which is used in a wide range of industries, and their production of insect repellent oils.

Objective

Due to these great benefits that have drawn attention to them, it was necessary to find environmentally friendly solutions to improve the ability of this plant species to grow in the event of exposure to conditions of water shortage.

Materials and methods

The plants were sprayed with Carrot extract (C) at rates of 50 and 100 ml/ l and/or Turmeric extract (T) at a rate of 20 and 40 ml/l under irrigation intervals every 4 and 8 days. Total chlorophyll content, total sugars content (mg/g F.W.), flavonoids content (mg/g F.W.), total phenols (mg/g F.W.) and total indoles (mg/100 g F.W.) were determined. Also, Peroxidase isozymes (POD) and Polyphenol oxidase isozymes (PPO) were determined.

Results and conclusion

The obtained results confirmed that increasing irrigation periods (8 days) had a negative effect on most vegetative traits except for all root characteristics, and also all chemical properties except the total indoles content and lipid peroxidation, it was also observed that the enzymatic activity of peroxidase isozymes (POD) and polyphenol oxidase isozymes (PPO) compared to plants that were watered every 4 days. The most of growth parameters, chemical composition and the activity of POD in plants irrigated every four days were improved with C treatment at 100 ml/l, while the activity of PPO increased with 100 ml/l C+40 ml/l T. On the other hand, all growth parameters, chemical compositions and POD in plants irrigated every 8 days were increased with 100 ml/l C +20 ml/l T except lipid peroxidation which gave the highest value in control plants, whereas PPO increased with C treatment 50 ml/l+T 40 ml/l.
Production of isoflavones-enriched soy yogurt through soymilk fermentation using probiotic bacteria
Authors: El-Shazly Asmaa I. , Gamal Amira A. , El-Dein Asmaa N. , Mettwally Walaa S.A. , Farid Mohamed A.
Published: August 2024

Background and objective

Fermented soy products were regarded as healthy foods and hence are considered an essential part of the diet. Lactic acid bacteria isolated from naturally fermented Egyptian food products were screened for their ability to produce β-glucosidase, isoflavone aglycone, phenolics, and antioxidant activity during the formation of soy yogurt. The present research is a preliminary attempt to ascertain soy yogurt production by different strains of lactic acid bacteria and their efficacy for the production of the aforementioned products.

Materials and methods

A total of 16 probiotic lactic acid bacteria were used for the preparation of soy yogurt and tested for their probiotic properties. Soymilk was prepared and inoculated (1% v/v) with the probiotic strains previously activated in the MRS medium. After fermentation, cell viability, pH, titratable acidity, total phenolic compounds concentration, antioxidant activity, isoflavones aglycone (daidzein and genistein), and extracellular and cell membrane-bound β-glucosidase activity were determined.

Results and conclusion

A total of 16 probiotic lactic acid bacteria were used for the preparation of soy yogurt. The final pH of the fermented soymilk ranged from 4.92 to 6.6, and their titratable acidity (lactic acid %) ranged from 0.5 to 0.99%. Changes in β-glucosidase, isoflavone aglycone, total phenolics content, and antioxidant activity during the formation of soy yogurt were determined. All bacterial isolates showed positive cell-bound and extracellular β-glucosidase. Their activities ranged from 308.65 to 553 mU/ml. The Lactobacillus strains showed lower extracellular than their cell-bound β-glucosidase, and the opposite was true for the other group. An increase in the content of isoflavone aglycones in soy yogurt could be achieved by aging with bacterial fermentation. Soymilk fermented with Lactobacillus strains showed the highest bioconversion of isoflavone glucosides into isoflavone aglycones than other strains, although they produced less β-glucosidase enzymes. The antioxidant activity is related to changes in total phenolics. All microorganisms were able to increase the total phenols, whereas some Lactobacillus strains were unable to release more phenols compared with unfermented soymilk.
Production of a bacterial extracellular L-glutaminase possessing high antioxidant capability
Authors: El-Sousy Sara M. , Easa Saadia M. , Hassan Amira A. , Ismail Abdel-Mohsen S.
Published: August 2024

Background and objectives

L-glutaminase has utmost practical importance in many fields, such as medicine, pharmacy, and some industries as an effective antioxidant, anticancer, flavor enhancer, and used as an analytical reagent in the determination of glutamate and glutamine. The objective of the present article was to formulate the production medium and to pinpoint the proper growth conditions for the most potent microorganism producing highly active glutaminase enzyme. The general properties of the crude enzyme preparation were determined to detect the proper conditions for enzyme activity. Under the specified conditions, the capabilities of the crude L-glutaminase preparation for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were investigated.

Materials and methods

A total of 12 recommended microbial strains were screened for highly active L-glutaminase enzyme production. Factors influencing the production of L-glutaminase enzyme were optimized, and the important properties of the crude enzyme were pinpointed. Finally, biological activities of the crude enzyme were investigated as a preliminary index for the validity of the partially purified L-glutaminase form for medical applications.

Results and conclusion

Among all tested microorganisms, Bacillus subtilis NRRL 1315 was the most potent producer for L-glutaminase enzyme. The maximum glutaminase production was obtained after 48 h of incubation on a rotary shaker (150 rpm) with the medium containing 5 g/l glucose, 0.1 g/l sodium nitrate, and 10 g/l L-glutamine at 37°C and pH 7.5. The important properties of the crude L-glutaminase were duly pinpointed as follows: optimum enzyme protein concentration and substrate concentration were 2 mg/ml and 40 mM, respectively, and optimum reaction pH and temperature were 7.5 and 37°C, respectively. Under the specified conditions, the crude enzyme exhibited considerable 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity.
A novel UV-spectrophotometric method as a reliable alternative for the spectrofluorimetric analysis of lucifer yellow
Authors: Monir Hany H. , El-Ashmawy Ahmed A. , Abdou Aya R. , Fayad Walid , Mahmoud Khaled M. , Emara Laila H.
Published: August 2024

Background

Human colon adenocarcinoma cell-line (Caco-2) monolayer is a well-established ex vivo model used for estimation of drug-apparent permeability through the human intestinal barrier. Lucifer yellow (LY) is a paracellular permeability marker used generally for examining the integrity of Caco-2 monolayer using spectrofluorimetric detection. No other spectroscopic methods were reported for analysis of LY.

Objective

To introduce a novel validated simple ultraviolet (UV)-spectrophotometric method, for LY determination, as an alternative to the commonly used spectrofluorimetry, as well as to apply the developed UV method to confirm the monolayer integrity of Caco-2 cell line compared with the spectrofluorimetric detection.

Materials and methods

The measurement was carried out at a wavelength of 277 nm. The linearity range was 1.0–12.5 μg/ml with the regression coefficient (R
2)=0.9992. Validation of the method was carried out following the ICH guidelines concerning linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, and stability and statistically compared with the conventional spectrofluorimetric one. Measurement of cultured Caco-2 cell monolayer integrity was carried out using LY employing spectrofluorimetric and UV-spectrophotometric methods.

Results and conclusion

The calculated t test and F values indicated that no significant difference existed between both methods regarding precision and accuracy. The developed method has been successfully applied for checking the monolayer integrity of Caco-2 cell line. Comparing permeability percentage results of LY, both methods resulted in LY-permissible values of 2.354 and 2.303% using spectrofluorimetric and UV-spectrophotometric methods, respectively, indicating Caco-2 cell-line monolayer integrity.
Liquid chromatography–electro spray ionization–tandem mass spectroscopy method for the quantification of alogliptin in spiked human plasma
Authors: Biswal Sabyasachi , Mondal Sumanta , Mondal Prasenjit
Published: August 2024

Background

Alogliptin is the inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4. It acts to regulate blood sugar by increasing the amount of insulin in the body.

Aim

A liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy method was developed for the estimation of alogliptin in spiked human plasma. Liquid–liquid extraction technique was adopted for the extraction of alogliptin from human plasma.

Materials and methods

The chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters Symmetry shield RP C-18 column with 4.6-mm internal diameter, 5-μm particle size, 100A° pore size analytical column at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min using a mixture of 0.3% formic acid and acetonitrile in the ratio of 20 : 80% v/v as mobile phase. Positive ion mode was selected to obtain the product ion m/z +339.19 (parent) →245.11 (product) for alogliptin and m/z +303.39 (parent) →232.16 (product) for internal standard.

Results

The developed method was satisfactorily validated as per United State Food and Drug Administration guidelines for the bioanalytical study because it exhibits excellent intraday and interday accuracy with % nominal 91.06→98.48% and precision percentage coefficient variation less than or equal to 2% in all quality control levels. Alogliptin revealed its linearity with correlation coefficient (r
2=0.99) in the concentration range of 40.17–16 096 ng/ml, showed acceptable % extraction recovery (96.18→98.36%), and showed excellent matrix and analyte selectivity (% interference=0), as well as matrix effect (matrix factor 0.931 at lower quantitation limit and 1.14 at high quality control level). The stability study results of bench top, freeze thaw, autosampler, and short-term and long-term showed the accuracy in the range of 92.52–99.16% and percentage coefficient variation in the range of 0.22–1.93.

Conclusion

The method was successfully optimized and validated as per the United State Food and Drug Administration bioanalytical method development guidelines. The applicability of the developed method undoubtedly can further extend during preclinical and clinical trials.
Stability indicating reverse phase (RP)-high-performance liquid chromatography method development and validation for the simultaneous estimation of olanzapine and samidorphan in bulk and tablets
Authors: Kumar Hathibelagal Mundarinti Sudheer , Chandrasekhar Kothapalli B.
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients with schizophrenia are given a combination tablet combining olanzapine (OLA), an atypical antipsychotic and samidorphan (SAM), an opioid receptor antagonist.

Objectives

In bulk and tablet dosage forms, a stability-indicating reverse phase (RP)-high-performance liquid chromatography technique for the simultaneous determination of OLA and SAM has been developed and validated.

Materials and methods

The chromatographic analysis was performed using an isocratic mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in water : methanol : acetonitrile (10 : 40 : 50, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min, and the eluents were monitored at an isosbestic point of 285 nm.

Results and conclusion

The suggested method’s specificity, precision, accuracy, linearity, and robustness were all validated according as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The method’s stability was validated by forced degradation experiments. Retention times for OLA and SAM were 2.85 and 4.79 min, respectively. The method was found to be precise and accurate. SAM linearity was found to be between 14.0 and 45.0 µg/ml, whereas OLA linearity was found to be between 22.5 and 67.5 µg/ml. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of OLA were 2.65 and 8.85 µg/ml, respectively, whereas the LOD and LOQ of SAM were 8.12 and 27.06 µg/ml, respectively. As a result, the suggested high-performance liquid chromatography method for the quantification of OLA and SAM was reliable, repeatable, accurate, and sensitive.