bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Sustainability Assessment of an Academic Institution in Calamba City
Authors: Ercilla Pancho E.
Published: February 2024

Management of environmental aspects and impacts, and integration of environmental concerns in instruction, research, and community extension programs of a private college in Calamba City, Laguna were evaluated to determine its environmental sustainability. Environmental audit and interview of students, faculty,and top level management about the college's sustainable initiatives were conducted. Energy consumption, hazardous and solid waste generation, and material consumption were the most significant aspects of the college. Its current environmental sustainability-related projects to address these aspects were short of sustainability. Furthermore, progress was not monitored and evaluated. Instituting an Environmental Management System could improve its environmental performance and communication of its sustainability initiatives to the stakeholders.
Teacher-Parent Collaborative Efforts in Facilitating Students' Homework
Authors: Miguel Frosyl F. , Abulon Edna Luz R.
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on the essential role of teachers in initiating collaborative efforts with parents in helping the children do their homework. To establish teacher-parents' partnership in this endeavour, four engaging interventions were utilized in this action research. These are focus group discussion (FGD), home visitation, follow up by texting and homework logs.An intact Grade 8 science class in one of the pilot secondary schools in the City of Manila was involved in the study. Results showed that the collaborative efforts between parents and teachers apparently contributed to the improvement of students'class performance. Home visitation was seen as a means of rekindling commitment of the parents to monitor their children's progress in school. In the same way, it was found out that homework logs and texting are strategies that could enhance parental involvement leading to close supervision of their children doing their assignments at home.
Fostering Better Learning of Science Concepts through Creative Visualization
Authors: Hermosisima Mari Victoria C. , Sunga Dolores L.
Published: February 2024

The study explored the use of creative visualization to foster Grade 6 students' better learning of science concepts. Creative visualization activities were given on a regular basis for one quarter, and students' outputs were compiled in their science folio. The findings demonstrate that, though the young learners were initially doubtful of their ability in doing the activities as it was their first time to do them in their science class, the creative visualization activities made them learn the science concepts better, redounding to a significant increase in the their post-test scores as compared to their pretest scores.
Using Collaborative Formative Assessments in Enhancing Students' Understanding of Concepts in Grade 9 Electron Configuration
Authors: Sunga Christopher Tristan G. , David Adonis P.
Published: February 2024

This action research focuses on the use of collaborative formative assessment in learning about electron configuration in a Grade 9 science classroom. It aimed to examine how students do formative assessments as they collaborate in groups and to determine if the use of collaborative formative assessment tasks promotes learning. After each lesson, the students were grouped and were given teacher-made formative assessment tasks on the topics quantum numbers and electron configuration to accomplish. Observations, interviews, worksheets, survey, and an objective performance test were used to gather data from the students. The findings indicate that the students like the use of collaborative formative assessment and central to their experience is the presence of peer feedback and support which they reported were useful to promote learning. While the findings also indicate that some students experience social loafing during collaborative work, the use of collaborative formative assessment encouraged sharing of ideas and immediate feedback. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend the use of collaborative formative assessments as an innovative approach of assessment that can promote conceptual understanding in Grade 9 Science classrooms.
Classification of diseases in tomato leaves with Deep Transfer Learning
Authors: Hajraoui Noredine , Azrour Mourade , El Allaoui Ahmad
Published: February 2024

Plant diseases are important factors because they significantly affect the quality, quantity, and yield of agricultural products. Therefore, it is important to detect and diagnose these diseases at an early stage. The overall objective of this study is to develop an acceptable deep learning model to correctly classify diseases on tomato leaves in RGB color images. To address this challenge, we use a new approach based on combining two deep learning models VGG16 and ResNet152v2 with transfer learning. The image dataset contains 55 000 images of tomato leaves in 5 different classes, 4 diseases and one healthy class. The results of our experiment are promising and encouraging, showing that the proposed model achieves 99,08 % accuracy in training, 97,66 % in validation, and 99,0234 % in testing
A Scoping Review on the Hidden Curriculum in Education
Authors: Kärner Tobias , Schneider Gabriele
Published: February 2024

This article provides a systematic overview of constituting elements of the hidden curriculum in education: norms reproduced in the social context, group roles and behaviors, media for norm transmission; their effects on individuals and society, and various coping strategies. A scoping review was conducted, analyzing 23 articles based on defined categories. The literature reveals different reproduced norms (e.g., conformity, temporal rhythmizing), roles with specific attributes (e.g., teacher power, student recognition), and media for norm transmission (e.g., teaching materials, routines and rituals). Effects of the hidden curriculum occur on individual and societal levels, with various coping strategies identified.
The Characteristics and Reflections of Engineering Doctorate Training System in China
Authors: Wei jun Wang , Ling Zhou
Published: February 2024

The doctoral education in engineering has emerged to cultivate adept leaders in applied engineering technology, contributing to the establishment of an innovative nation. The engineering doctoral education in China has evolved over a decade. This study analyzes doctoral degrees in engineering at four Chinese universities, examining the current state of engineering doctoral education across various dimensions, including training objectives, admission criteria, curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, and graduation requirements. Overall, China's engineering doctoral training system exhibits a gradual improvement, concomitant with a progressive expansion in scale. Looking forward, it is imperative to broaden the spectrum of enrollment, enhance the theoretical foundation of engineering doctoral students, fortify quality control measures, and implement an elimination mechanism. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the developmental trajectory of engineering doctoral education in China.
O Povelji Kulina bana — “Bez’ v’sega zloga primysla”
Authors: Karavdić Zenaida
Published: February 2024

Prije tačno 820 godina napisana je i izdata čuvena Povelja Kulina bana. O njoj je, kao o najstarijem sačuvanom pisanom  spomeniku na starobosanskom  jeziku, objavljen veliki broj tekstova. Oni se bave Poveljom s različitih stanovišta, od historijskih, preko filoloških, do čisto lingvističkih - fonetski, morfološki, čak i leksikološki aspekt Povelje uzima se u razmatranje. Međutim, lingvistički pregledi uglavnom su egzemplarnog tipa - njima se ukazuje na određene aspekte jezika tog vremena, ali nijedan se ne bavi iscrpnom analizom samog jezika Povelje. S obzirom na važnost ovog dokumenta koja mu pripada budući da je najstariji svoje vrste, mislim da je ovakva interpretacija neophodna , posebno zbog toga što je od  devedesetih godina Povelja postala naročito popularna i korištena u mnoge, prvenstveno političke svrhe, što je rezultiralo  mnogim interpretacijama koje se ne mogu nazvati stručnim ili dovoljno stručnim, a učitavanje novih značenja redovno vodi udaljavanju od osnovnih, naročito kad ni osnovna nisu čvrsto uspostavljena. Stoga sam odlučila pozabaviti se samim jezikom Povelje, da bih ponudila čisto lingvistički materijal koji se može koristiti i za buduće, ne nužno lingvističke analize.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN ACTIVE LEARNING DALAM MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK PADA MATA PELAJARAN AQIDAH AKHL.pdf
Authors: Yudianto Ahmad
Published: February 2024

This research discusses the implementation of the Active Learning model in improving students' learningoutcomes in the subject of Islamic faith and morals at MTs Alkhairaat Madinatul Ilmi, Dolo District, Sigi Regency. Themain issues addressed in this thesis are: How is the implementation of the Active Learning model in the subject ofIslamic faith and morals? What steps are used in implementing the Active Learning model in the subject of Islamic faithand morals? What are the obstacles and solutions to the Active Learning model in the subject of Islamic faith andmorals?The research approach is qualitative, employing data collection techniques such as observation, interviews,documentation, followed by data reduction, data presentation, and verification through triangulation methods.The results of this thesis research indicate that the implementation of the Active Learning model greatlyassists educators and students in the teaching and learning process. Students are encouraged to create an atmospherewhere they actively ask questions, inquire, and develop ideas, thereby becoming the center of learning activities.Educators act as facilitators, motivators, and inspirators, controlling, supervising, and providing opportunities forstudents to think critically, develop inspiration, and creativity. The implementation involves designing learningactivities, motivating students, organizing them, and presenting the material. Challenges in implementing the ActiveLearning model include students' lack of confidence and limited time allocation, while solutions involve motivatingstudents and training them to articulate thoughts and manage time effectively.
Seventh International Pharmaceutical Conference (ZTIPC 2019). Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, November 6-7, 2019
Authors: Garrido Gabino , Valdés Marisela , Al-Qirim Tariq , Al-Qerem Walid
Published: February 2024

Conference Proceedings. Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan and The University of Toledo. Seventh International Pharmaceutical Conference (ZTIPC 2019). Future of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan. November 6-7, 2019
Toxicological studies on the aqueous leaf extract of Pavetta crassipes (K. Schum) in rodents
Authors: Bariweni Moses W. , Yibala Oboma I. , Ozolua Raymond I.
Published: February 2024

Context: Pavetta crassipes (K. Schum) is used in ethnomedicine for the management of various ailments and food without scientific report of its toxicity profile. Aims: To evaluate the toxicological effects of Pavetta crassipes leaves in rodents. Methods: The leaves of Pavetta crassipes were collected from the suburbs of Abuja, Nigeria, dried and powdered using an electric mill. Hot aqueous extraction was done using 250 g of the powdered leaf in 1000 mL distilled water. Lethal dose 50 (LD50) determination was done in mice (intraperitoneally) and rats (orally), twenty-eight-day toxicity testing in rats at doses of 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg was also done using the aqueous extract. Biochemical, hematological and histological effects were evaluated using standard procedures. Results: The aqueous leaf extract of Pavetta crassipes (AE) appears safe as the LD50 for intraperitoneal route in mice and oral route in rats was greater than 5000 mg/kg. The results of the 28-day repeated exposure test produced no mortality or adverse effects on the body weights and organ/body weight ratio of rats. Histological changes occurred in the kidneys at 800 and 1600 mg/kg. There was a significant (p<0.01) reduction in AST, ALT, ALP and urea. Lymphocyte (%) and platelet count increased (p<0.01) but neutrophil (%) reduced (p<0.01). Conclusions: The LD50 of AE was greater than 5000 mg/kg but prolonged use at high doses may produce some adverse effects.
Effects of Persea americana Mill. seed extracts on the postembryonic development of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscoide)
Authors: Molina Bertrán Silvia del C. , Martins Mendonça Paloma , Reyes Tur Bernardo , Queiroz Margareth M.C. , Escalona Arranz Julio C. , García Díaz Jesús , Guisado Bourzac Frenkel
Published: February 2024

Context: The synthetic insecticides used to control Diptera are harmful to the environment and humans. Extracts and compounds from plants are a more sustainable source for the development of bio-insecticides. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract of Persea americana Mill seeds as an alternative control of the species Musca domestica. Methods: The extracts were obtained by two methods, the Shaker (S) and the Soxhlet extraction (SE) method, using 94% ethanol as the solvent. Also, the qualitative chemical composition was determined by phytochemical screening. The effect of the two extracts on the post-embryonic development of the fly as well as the adulticidal effect was evaluated. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of metabolites such as alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids, sugars and amino acids. The influence on the post-embryonic development of M. domestica was demonstrated, especially on the viability of larvae and neolarvae to adults; however, the effect on the weight and duration of each period was low. The adulticidal effects of the extracts were determined by the lethal concentration 50(LC50) of 2.910 mg/100 mL and 3.944 mg/100 mL for the S and SE extracts, respectively. Conclusions: Both extracts showed their insecticidal effects against Musca domestica, but the extract elaborated by S method showed greater influence diminishing viability and better adulticidal effect.
Analytical perspectives of chemical adulterants in herbal sexual enhancer drugs
Authors: Fard Hengameh Hafizi , Akhgari Maryam
Published: February 2024

Context: Detection of active pharmaceutical ingredients in herbal drugs has been described in numerous studies. However, few reports have been published in relation to the analysis of counterfeit herbal supplements for the detection of synthetic drugs in Iran. Aims: To analyze herbal drugs used as sexual performance enhancer from forensic and analytical toxicology point of view. Methods: Eighty herbal drugs gathered from herbal shops in Bushehr city, Iran were analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used for detecting and identifying the chemical structures of probable active pharmaceutical ingredients as adulterants. Results: Among 80 samples, 23% contained only sildenafil. Three samples contained sildenafil, tramadol, and diazepam in combination with each other reported for the first time. Conclusions: This study substantiates regular analysis of purported herbal drugs is needed for more effective quality control and health promotion.
Development and validation of a method for the quantification of fructooligosaccharides in a prebiotic ice cream
Authors: González-Aguirre Claudia L. , Ramírez-Navas Juan S.
Published: February 2024

Context: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are known as oligofructanes, oligosaccharides or oligofructose, which fall within the concept of prebiotics. One of the methods most commonly used in the industry for quantification and quality control nutraceutical substances classification is the method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Aims: To develop a procedure for the determination of FOS by HPLC in raw materials and a prebiotic ice cream. Methods: For the chromatographic separation, an HPLC was used with a refractive index detector (IR). The separation was performed using two columns coupled Sugar-pak I™ using an isocratic procedure with water type 1 at 0.35 mL/min. Kestose (GF2), nistose (GF3) and fructofuranosylnystose (GF4) were used as standards. Robustness was assessed by applying the Youden and Steiner test. Results: Good linear correlations were obtained (y = 14191.4470 x + 285684.2, r2 = 0.9904) within the concentration range of 8.0-12.0 mg/mL. The FOS recoveries were 99.5% with the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 0.8%. The robustness test showed that the temperature parameters of the column and flow velocity are critical factors in the method. Conclusions: This reliable, simple and cost-effective method could be applied to the routine monitoring of FOS (GF2, GF3, and GF4) in raw materials and prebiotic ice creams.
Therapeutic effects of Azadirachta indica A.Juss. leaves in malaria-induced male Wistar rats
Authors: Achi Ngozi K. , Onyeabo Chimaraoke , Nnate Daniel A. , Ekeleme-Egedigwe Chima A. , Kalu Igwe K. , Chibundu Ikedichim C. , Wokoma Grace C.
Published: February 2024

Context: Azadirachta indica has long been used in herbal or folk medicine as a remedy for the treatment of malaria and the administration of herbal preparations has raised concerns on their toxicity. Aims: To determine the phytochemical content of A. indica and its therapeutic effect on indices of clinical importance in malaria-induced male Wistar rats. Methods: Plant material was extracted with ethanol, and the lethal dose (LD50) on the rats was determined before the study. Normal and Plasmodium berghei infected rats were divided into eight groups of five rats each with groups 1 and 2 serving as normal and disease control respectively. Lumartem was administered twice daily at oral therapeutic doses of artemether/lumefantrine (2/12 mg/kg) and plant extract at 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight. After 5 days of treatment, all the animals were sacrificed according to their groups for the experimental analysis. Results: The plant extract was considered safe with LD50 > 5000 mg/kg body weight. Quantitative phytochemical studies showed a high concentration of alkaloids, tannin, and terpenoids. Treatment with both extracts of A. indica and lumartem in malaria-infected rats showed a slight reduction in triglycerides while total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels increased significantly (p < 0.05). Increase in body weight of rats treated with A. indica was dependent on the concentration of extract administered. Treatment of malaria with the extract and lumartem resulted in a slight restoration of the hematological values. Conclusions: This study shows that both Azadirachta indica and lumartem was practically safe and well tolerated.
An updated literature review concerning the treatment cost of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Tran Quang Vinh , Le Phuong Hong , Ngo Nhi Hoang Yen , Vo Nam Xuan , Vo Trung Quang
Published: February 2024

Context: According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 1.4 million deaths worldwide in 2015 from tuberculosis (TB), with 3.9% being new cases and 21% being previously treated cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Aims: To review the literature concerning the costing analysis situation of MDR-TB treatment. Methods: The study was conducted as a systematic review, with a modified checklist being used as the vital instrument. A search was performed of three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus) using the terms (cost OR economic, socioeconomic, expenditure, burden, fee, charge, budget impact) AND (resistance OR multidrug resistance, MDR) AND (tuberculosis OR TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in order to identify relevant articles published from 2006 to the present. Results: A total of 1238 abstracts were identified, and 12 papers were ultimately included in the study. The quantity of the published articles was found to increase during in the period 2008 to 2016. Almost all the studies were based on patients’ and healthcare systems’ perceptions. The main data sources used were medical establishments and the reports of various relevant organizations. Primary data were used twice as much as secondary data. All the costing types, including direct costs and indirect costs, were mentioned, albeit not with the same frequency. Conclusions: Africa owns one-third of the articles included. Further, it was found that MDR-TB should be treated using ambulatory care rather than hospital-based models. Future research studies should focus on Asia, where drug resistance has proved to be a challenging issue.
Acceptance and perceptions of generic substitution among pharmacists: A preliminary study in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Quang Vinh , Nguyen Thoai Dang , Nguyen Tram Thi Huyen , Ngo Nhi Hoang Yen , Vo Trung Quang
Published: February 2024

Context: Over the last ten years, many research studies concerning pharmacists’ perceptions of generic medicines have been conducted worldwide, although this issue remains underexplored in Vietnam. Aims: To evaluate pharmacists’ views on generic medicines and to investigate the generic substitution practices in community pharmacies in the context of Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional survey comprising a 24-item self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 480 pharmacists in eleven provinces in southern Vietnam between December 2016 and March 2017. The main outcome measures were pharmacists’ views on generic medicines. Results: Of the 480 pharmacists who received the questionnaire, the effective response rate was 35.63% (n=171 pharmacists); however, 45 pharmacists chose all three correct generic names. Some 47.3% of respondents indicated that all the products that are approved as exhibiting generic equivalence can be considered therapeutically equivalent to the innovator drugs. Yet, 25.2% of respondents agreed that generic medicines are of inferior quality to branded medicines. The pharmacists who graduated from universities and those who had undergone only a short period of training differed significantly in terms of their knowledge and perceptions. About 60.2% of pharmacists recommended generics over branded products. Approximately 89% of respondents disagreed with the notion of implementing certain compulsory generic substitutions in Vietnam. Conclusions: The pharmacists who had completed only a short training period exhibited a lack of knowledge regarding generic names. This issue should hence be addressed by both pharmacy educators and relevant government agencies in order to ensure the wider use of generic products.
Beliefs of herbal therapies of the community of the Ilam city of Ilam province, Iran
Authors: Mozaffari Nejad Amir S. , Bahmani Mahmoud , Shah Naseer A. , Shah Sayed A. , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

Context: Documenting folk uses of wild medicinal plants provide an important baseline for the future novel drugs development and pharmacological evaluation. Aims: To document the traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge of Ilam city of Ilam Province, Iran. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the study area from 190 informants to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge during 2008-2014. The collected data were assessed with quantitative tools viz. medicinal use value (MUV), family use value (FUV) and relative frequency of citation (RFC). Results: A total of 132 plant species distributed in 116 genera and 51 families were revealed to be used in herbal-based therapy. The highest medicinal plants diversity was shown by Compositae (19 species). A total of 13 types of plant parts were reported to be used in different recipes dominated by leaf (31%). Highest MUV were shown by Alhagi maurorum Medik. (0.87) and Cannabis sativa L. (0.85). In case of RFC, the highest RFC were expressed by Lycium depressum (0.95) followed by Pistacia khinjuk (0.94), Nasturtium officinale (0.93) and Portulaca oleracea (0.90). Highest FUV among small families was shown by Cannabaceae (0.85) and among the large families by Leguminosae (0.55). Conclusions: The study revealed a high medicinal plant diversity that is utilized for long time by the local communities of Ilam to resolve their health-based problems. The plants marked in the present paper could be brought under pharmacological evaluation to further exploit their efficacy. This paper could be an important document for the future generations of the Ilam province, Iran.
Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of gossypitrin, a flavonoid from Talipariti elatum, against chemical hypoxia-induced PC12 cell death
Authors: Bécquer-Viart María A. , González-Yaque José , Fonseca-Fonseca Luis A. , Núñez-Figueredo Yanier , Pardo Andreu Gilberto L.
Published: February 2024

Context: Some flavonoids have been described as neuroprotectors. Gossypitrin (Gos) is a natural occurring flavonoid and the main bioactive substance from the flowers of Talipariti elatum Sw. (Majagua azul), traditionally used in Cuba as expectorant and antiasthmatic. Only few reports have documented its antioxidant properties. Aims: To evaluate the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of Gos against cyanide-induced oxidative stress and cell death in PC12 cells. Methods: Gos effects on DPPH/ ABTS radical scavenging, ferric reducing power and lipid peroxidation were examined. The ischemia/reperfusion neuronal damage was produced by exposing PC12 cells to KCN in glucose-free medium. Gos was added to the incubation medium 30 min before chemical hypoxia induction. The neuroprotective potential of Gos was assessed by measuring cell viability by the MTT assay, the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT, and GSH and lipid peroxidation levels. Rutin (Rut), the well-known antioxidant, was used as a reference compound. Results: Gos showed a potent intrinsic antioxidant capacity evidenced by low IC50 and EC50 values for DPPH/ABTS/malondialdehyde and ferric reducing power, respectively. Pre-treatment of PC12 cells with Gos, significantly increased their survival against KCN, restored the levels of GSH and the SOD and CAT enzymes activities, as well as reduced the level of lipid peroxidation. Its antioxidant effects were higher than those elicited by Rut. Conclusions: The results show for the first time the neuroprotective potential of Gos against hypoxic cell damage, probably associated to its antioxidant effects.
Impact on the work of clinical pharmacist at the pharmacotherapy management of critically ill patient: Local experience in a clinical hospital
Authors: Amador Jorge S. , Hernández Ruben A. , Gutiérrez Cristian M. , Plaza-Plaza José C.
Published: February 2024

Context: The complexity in critical patient management and polypharmacy, raise the need for support from a clinical pharmacist to optimize drug therapies. Aims: To evaluate the clinical pharmacist participation in an Adult Intensive Care Unit in a local context where the practice is not well established. Methods: The study was conducted in a teaching hospital. Consisted of two stages a retrospective in which were collected of pharmacotherapy follow-up during a period of two years and a prospective phase of observational and cross-sectional character, which picked up the clinical history of patients and pharmaceutical interventions. These pharmaceutical interventions were evaluated by two intensive care physicians and two external pharmacist, using a default score to each one of these, the degree of concordance was obtained using the kappa coefficient. Results: In the retrospective phase were collected 182 patients, who were performed a total of 750 interventions, of which 99.7% was accepted by physician. In the prospective phase, were analyzed 53 patients that involved 263 pharmaceutical interventions with 96.6% of acceptance on the part of the medical staff. The degree of correlation of the interventions was κ = 0.61 between two physicians of the unit, and κ = 0.71 between two external pharmacists. Conclusions: The contribution that a clinical pharmacist can provide in an adult intensive care has a positive impact on the treatment of patients with a high percentage of acceptances on the part of the medical team.
Insecticidal effects of Ocimum sanctum var. cubensis essential oil on the diseases vector Chrysomya putoria
Authors: Chil-Núñez Idelsy , Martins Mendonça Paloma , Escalona-Arranz Julio C. , Barbosa Cortinhas Lucas , Dutok-Sánchez Carlos M. , de Carvalho Queiroz Margareth M.
Published: February 2024

Context: The blowfly Chrysomya putoria is widely distributed throughout the Neotropical region and, besides transmitting pathogens; they could cause secondary myiasis. Botanical insecticides provide an alternative to synthetic pesticides because the excessive use of synthetic insecticides resulted in a progressive resistance of the pests to these chemicals, diminishing their effectiveness and generating consequences with negative environmental impact. The essential oil extracted from Ocimum sanctum (basil) has showed insecticidal activity against some insects but has no reported studies on the activity of this plant against flies. Aims: To evaluate the insecticidal effects of Ocimum sanctum var. cubensis Gomes essential oil on the post embryonic development of Chrysomya putoria. Methods: The colonies of Chrysomya putoria were established and maintained at the Laboratório de Entomologia Médica e Forense (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The basil essential oil was tested in six concentrations (4.13, 8.25, 20.63, 41.25, 61.87 and 80,25 mg/mL). Mortality and changes in life cycle were recorded daily. Results: β-caryophyllene, β-selinene and eugenol, were the main constituents of the basil essential oil. The experiments demonstrated that in all concentrations tested, this essential oil shortening the duration of all post embryonic stages having a direct impact in the viability of this fly estimating the LC50 in 7.47 mg/mL of concentration. In addition, the essential oil caused morphological alterations in abdomen, wings and ptilinum at lower concentrations. Conclusions: This essential oil emerge as a good option for the control of the disease vector blowfly Chrysomya putoria.
A comparative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of two novel Cuban PEGylated rHuEPO versus MIRCERA® and ior®EPOCIM
Authors: Reynaldo Gledys , Rodríguez Leyanis , Menéndez Roberto , Solazábal Joaquín , Amaro Daniel , Becquer María de los A. , Colom Yamila , Gil Haydee , Polo Juan C. , Castañeda Gilberto , Jiménez-Vélez Braulio , Duconge Jorge , Fernández-Sánchez Eduardo M.
Published: February 2024

Context: The recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) stimulates the erythropoiesis process. Because this glycoprotein has a short half-life, it needs to be administrated two to three times a week. One of the technics to solve this issue is the PEGgilation. Aims: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of two new branched PEGylated erythropoietins (i.e., an asymmetric 32 kDa-PEG2-rHuEPO and a symmetric 40 kDa-PEG2-rHuEPO molecule) compared to non-PEGylated ior®EPOCIM and MIRCERA®. Methods: Serum concentrations of both PEGylated and non-PEGylated erythropoietins were measured at various time points in order to determine PK parameters using non-compartmental analysis approach. The reticulocyte (%), erythrocyte count and hemoglobin levels were ascertained in order to compare the effect of these molecules after administrating a single intravenous dose (10 μg/kg) of each product in male New Zealand rabbits. Results: Both branched PEGylated erythropoietin forms exhibited half-lives that were significantly longer than ior®EPOCIM (p<0.05), but not statistically different to MIRCERA®. The mean elimination half-life increased from 4 h (ior®EPOCIM) to 131 h for the 32 kDa-PEG2-rHuEPO and 119 h for the 40 kDa-PEG2-rHuEPO. Conversely, MIRCERA® exhibits a half-life of 64 h. Both PEGylated erythropoietin products significantly enhanced the stimulating effect on reticulocytes and erythrocytes formation, as well as on hemoglobin levels, when compared to ior®EPOCIM treatment up to 42 days post-dose. Conclusions: The PEGylation strategy employed in this study is an effective method to modify the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rHuEPO molecule achieving higher half-lives and, therefore, longer in vivo bioactivity. Both of the branched PEGylated-EPO forms tested are promising candidates for human testing.
A pilot study on the efficacy of an Antiaris toxicaria subsp. africana (Engl.) C.C. Berg based Ghanaian herbal product in the management of peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Yeboah Ronald , Thomford Kwesi P. , Mensah Rudolph , Appiah Alfred A. , Thomford Ama K. , Ocloo Augustine
Published: February 2024

Context: Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurologic disease that accounts for a lot of physician visits. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of a Ghanaian herbal product prepared from the stem bark of Antiaris toxicaria subsp. africana (known as Mist Antiaris) in the management of neurological disorders in patients clinically diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Methods: A prospective open label non-comparative study was undertaken involving 24 patients seen at the clinic of the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapem. A modified Neuropathic Symptoms Score (NSS) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) using the standardized Wong-Baker faces rating scale (WBFRS) were used to grade each participant on the first day of visit. The VAS was subsequently used to grade and monitor improvements in the symptom characteristics of peripheral neuropathy at the fourth week and on the eighth week. Results: Mean age of participants involved in the study was 46.08 ± 2.77 years with the most significant comorbidity associated with participants being hypertension and type II diabetes, which accounted for 10 (41.66%) of the cases recorded. Baseline NSS indicated that 20 (83.0%) of the participants had severe symptoms and 4 (17.0%) reporting with moderate symptoms of neuropathy. Treatment resulted in an improvement of symptoms with a decline in mean VAS from a baseline of 6.04 ± 0.41 to 3.79 ± 0.74 on day 28 and 2.13 ± 0.93 by day 56. Conclusions: The results gathered from this pilot study indicates that the product Mist Antiaris has good prospects as an anti-neuropathic medication.
Development and initial validation of a postal survey evaluation of community pharmacists' opinion regarding falsified (counterfeit) medicines in Hampshire (UK)
Authors: Barrett Ravina , Al-Mousawi Hussein A.
Published: February 2024

Context: Falsified-medicines pose a worldwide problem to patients, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and governments. Community pharmacists are usually the last points of contact with patients and can protect them by quarantining falsified medicines. Hence, their opinions are valuable in exploring how the profession can combat this. Aims: To explore the opinion of pharmacists with respect to falsified medicines. Methods: A postal survey was developed and distributed to 359 pharmacies via the local pharmaceutical committee in Hampshire, UK. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing was conducted. Hypothesis testing (95% CI, α = 0.05) will be conducted to identify any gender differences, differences based on years of experience and differences based on number of working hours per week. Results: A 14% response rate was achieved. Pharmacists surveyed believe that falsified-medicines pose a significant problem to the profession on a five-point Likert scale (4.02 ± 1.078). A pharmacist’s intervention can prevent or disrupt the supply to patients (4.12 ± 0.824) and training courses can improve pharmacist’s knowledge (4.06 ± 0.843). Pharmacists are not confident and capable in identifying falsified-medicines (2.62 ± 1.105). This is surprising and unexpected because pharmacists are medicines-expert. A 10-item scale is validated (72.2% Cronbach alpha). Conclusions: Falsified-medicines pose a small but significant and growing challenge to the profession. There is underutilization of the high street community pharmacist in identifying falsified-medicines. Healthcare professionals should report suspect counterfeits to the MHRA.
Subchronic toxicity studies of cocoa pod husk pectin intended as a pharmaceutical excipient in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Adi-Dako Ofosua , Ofori-Kwakye Kwabena , Kukuia Kennedy K.E. , Asiedu-Larbi Jerry , Nyarko Alexander , Kumadoh Doris , Osei-Asare Christina
Published: February 2024

Context: Excipients play a key role in the quality of medicines and contribute to viable delivery systems. This has intensified the search for new natural polymer pharmaceutical excipients. Cocoa pod husks (CPHs) are a rich source of pectin. A study of CPH pectin showed that it possesses the requisite physicochemical properties to be employed as a multi-functional pharmaceutical excipient. However, the safety of this natural polymer has not been evaluated. Aims: To conduct sub-chronic toxic effects of CPH pectin in Sprague Dawley rats to assess its safety as a pharmaceutical grade excipient. Methods: CPH pectin at doses of 0.714, 7.14, and 71.4 mg/kg were administered to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats by oral gavage over a 90-day period. Parameters assessed were food and water intake, urinalysis, serum biochemistry, wet organ weights, histopathology and pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Results: CPH pectin at the orally administered doses had no significant effects on feed and water intake nor on biochemical parameters, except elevations in alkaline phosphatase at the medium and high dose in the female rat. There were also reductions in creatine kinase in both male and female rats at the medium dose after 60 days, suggesting a potential cardioprotective effect of CPH pectin. Conclusions: There were no adverse effects of CPH pectin on the kidneys, wet organ weights and histopathology of the rat tissues. Subchronic administration of cocoa pod husk pectin therefore, has no significant toxic effects.
Detection, quantification, and investigation of the red blood cell partitioning of cryptolepine hydrochloride
Authors: Kwakye Regina A. , Kuntworbe Noble , Ofori-Kwakye Kwabena , Osei Yaa A.
Published: February 2024

Context: The fight against malaria is limited by the development of resistance of Plasmodium to medication. This has led to an urgent search for alternative medicinal agents. Aims: To determine the affinity of cryptolepine for the red blood cell. Methods: HPLC method for the identification and quantification of cryptolepine was developed. Lipid solubility for both quinine (control) and cryptolepine was determined. Partitioning and repartitioning of cryptolepine into RBCs were studied. Time, concentration, temperature and pH were varied to see their effect on the partitioning of cryptolepine. Plasma protein binding was determined by the red blood cell partitioning method. Results: An accurate, precise and robust HPLC method for cryptolepine hydrochloride was developed. Cryptolepine and quinine had lipophilicity of 0.91 ± 0.02 and 1.52 ± 0.27, respectively. The highest partitioning values of 2.02 ± 0.08 for cryptolepine and 0.93 ± 0.02 for quinine were obtained at 40 minutes. Concentration-dependent protein binding was observed for both compounds with cryptolepine having 0.43 and 0.38 for quinine. Partitioning was also found to be temperature dependent with the highest partitioning obtained at 370C for cryptolepine (1.56 ± 0.04) and quinine (0.78 ± 0.01). Partitioning of cryptolepine and quinine were inversely related to pH with R2 values of 0.94 and 0.96, respectively. P-values between partitioning and repartitioning for cryptolepine and quinine were 0.04 and 0.05, respectively. Conclusions: Partitioning was found to be time, temperature, concentration and pH dependent. Partitioning was irreversible for cryptolepine and reversible for quinine. Protein binding in both cases was moderate.
Docking studies on novel analogs of quinolones against DNA gyrase of Escherichia coli
Authors: Davila Cristian , Llach Lorena , Salgado-Moran Guillermo , Ramirez-Tagle Rodrigo
Published: February 2024

Context: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is the inevitable consequence of the use of antimicrobial agents. Thus, quinolones are an important class of antibacterials; these agents generally consist of a 1-subtituted-1,4-dihydro-4-oxopyridine-3-carboxylic acid moiety combined with an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring fused at the 5- and 6-position. Aims: To determine the binding of quinolones to DNA gyrase of Escherichia coli. Methods: An analysis was performed using an in silico approach to determine, by docking calculations and energy descriptors, the conformer of 4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydroquinoline skeleton that forms the most stable complex with DNA gyrase of E. coli. Results: The complex shows that the pose of the quinolones coincides with the amino acid residues Asp87, Thr88, Arg91 and Met92, which is expected to be critical in the binding of quinolones to DNA gyrase of E. coli. A series of quinolones were computationally designed, and the interactions between the quinolones and the amino acid residues of the DNA gyrase were calculated. Conclusions: Among the designed compounds, compounds 105 and 115 exhibit higher binding energy values and interact with amino acids Asp87, Thr88, Arg91 and Met92.
Near-infrared spectroscopy: a rapid alternative technique to reducing sugars determination in juice of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)
Authors: García Asprilla Ivonne del S. , Ramírez-Navas Juan S.
Published: February 2024

Context: The work in the field, in the production of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), makes it necessary to have quick and simple methods of detecting different compounds. Aims: To optimize the analysis of glucose and fructose in juice of sugarcane in field, we studied the possibility the use of Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and their correlation with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (reference method) to reporting from the laboratory reliable in short time data. Methods: Sugarcane samples were collected in the field. The extraction of cane juice was done by macerating pieces of sugarcane. The determination of glucose and fructose was carried out by reference method HPLC and by NIR in the transmittance mode. Through chemometrics and principal components analysis, the calibration model was developed. Results: The statistical parameters of the regression method were obtained as the coefficient of determination of 0.9717 and 0.9965, and smallest calibration error of 0.0681 and 0.0229. The standard prediction error was predicted between 0.136 and 0.08 for glucose and fructose, respectively, using the regression model. The above statistical variables indicated the high correlation between HPLC and NIR. Conclusions: These results allow to incorporate the NIR technique in the routine of analysis of samples, complementing the quality analysis of sugarcane juice (quality control field).
Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant profile of Sechium edule (Jacq) Swartz (Cucurbitaceae) varieties grown in Costa Rica
Authors: Parra Jonathan , Hernández Priscilla , Ocampo-Maroto Fernando , Álvarez-Valverde Víctor , Carvajal-Miranda Yendry , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Gerardo , Herrera Cristina
Published: February 2024

Context: The Sechium edule fruit is grown and consumed because of their nutritional values in different countries of Latin America. Costa Rica is one of the most important producers and exporters. It is consumed as an antioxidant because its flavonoid content suggests such activity; however, the selection of varieties to crop does not involve the phytochemical profile of them. Aims: To characterize the phytochemical and antioxidant profile of the S. edule varieties grown in Costa Rica. Methods: The in vitro radical scavenging activity of different S. edule extracts were measured using DPPH and ORAC assays, as well as their inhibition of lipid peroxidation in rat liver and their redox potential by cyclic voltammetry. Flavonoids glycosides were isolated by HPLC and their structures were determined by NMR. Results: The S. edule varieties grown in Costa Rica showed a good radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation; there were significant differences between varieties. In addition, the redox potential determined by electrochemical methods suggested the presence of flavonoids, which was confirmed by the isolation of apigenin 7-O-rutinoside and luteolin 7-O-rutinoside. Conclusions: The antioxidant potential of varieties of S. edule grown in Costa Rica was confirmed, identifying the 845 variety as the best antioxidant profile.
Blood pressure reduction in telmisartan-treated angiotensinogen G-217A polymorphism hypertensive patients: A pilot study
Authors: Rohman Mohammad S. , Ramadhiani Risa , Widodo Widodo , Putri Valerinna Y.S. , Lukitasari Mifetika , Putri Jayarani F. , Utomo Didik H.
Published: February 2024

Context: The angiotensinogen (AGT) G-217A polymorphism has been proved as one factor contributing the susceptibility of hypertension, meanwhile, the effect of this polymorphism to the variability antihypertensive response remains unknown. Aims: To investigate whether the angiotensinogen (AGT) G-217A polymorphism affects the blood pressure response to telmisartan and valsartan in Indonesian hypertensive patients. Methods: The blood pressure was measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and plasma angiotensinogen (AGT) levels of telmisartan- and valsartan-treated AGT G-217A polymorphism hypertensive patients (n=46) were analyzed using ELISA at the baseline and 4 months after treatments. Molecular docking was used to predict the interaction between C/EBPα and AGT G-217A polymorphism. Results: Daytime and 24 hours blood pressure in telmisartan-treated -217 AA/AG patients were significantly lower compared to GG genotype patients. The plasma AGT level in those who had AA/AG genotype and received telmisartan 80 mg was also slightly decreased compared to GG genotype, even these differences were failed to reach statistically significant. The docking results showed that the basic region of C/EBPα transcription factor recognized the partially homologous of its consensus sequences within -217A oligonucleotide, but not in -217G oligonucleotide. Conclusions: The blood pressure reduction responses in telmisartan-treated angiotensinogen G-217A polymorphism hypertensive patients might correlate with PPARγ agonist effects of telmisartan via C/EBPα and AGT -217A interaction.