bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacognostical Standardization and Pharmacological Potential of Elaeocarpus ganitrus Leaves as an Antiulcer Agent
Authors: Kulshreshtha Mayank , Singh Manjul Pratap
Published: August 2020

Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb, (E. ganitrus) known as Rudraksha belongs to family- Eleocarpaceae. It has a reflecting position in Hinduism and Ayurveda whereas traditionally it has mentioned to cure various health problems like fever, skin diseases, mental problems, wound healing etc. The present study was designed to study the microscopic and macroscopic analysis, physiochemical parameters, quantitative microscopy, phytochemical screening of E. ganitrus leaves as per WHO guidelines and evaluate the antiulcer potential of aqueous extract of E. ganitrus (AEEG) and ethanolic extract of E. ganitrus (EEEG) at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg using pylorus ligation induced ulcers model, biochemical parameters. Hepatic, cardiac, hematological parameters have also done to find out the effect of different extracts on other major organs. Microscopic analysis proved the presence of covering trichomes, upper epidermis, lower epidermis, stomata, phloem, xylem etc. Ash value, water soluble ash, acid soluble ash, water soluble extract, alcohol soluble extract, loss on drying, swelling index, foaming index found to be 4.3 ± 0.52, 0.2 ± 0.33, 2.0 ± 0.2, 13.7 ± 0.25, 12.5 ± 0.55, 9.8 ± 0.23, 3.6 ± 0.04, more than 100. Different quantitative parameters were found out. Phytochemical analysis of different extracts showed the presence of various primary and secondary metabolite like alkaloids, glycosides, tannin, phenolic compounds etc. Pharmacological potential showed that extracts treated, and sucralfate treated groups showed significantly decreases in ulcer index in all above-mentioned models, biochemical studies clearly showed significant decreases in volume, pH, free acidity, total acidity of gastric content and increases in gastric mucus parameters like protein, total hexoses, hexosamine, fucose, sialic acid and DNA level. The level of antioxidant enzymes like LPO (Lipid peroxidation), SOD (Superoxide dimutase) were decreased and CAT (Catalase) level was increased. Level of PC (Plasma corticosterone) was decreased. Hematological, hepatic, cardiac parameters found to be normal during extracts treatment. Histopathological analysis clearly supports the biochemical studies at various doses and it was found to be effective in dose dependent manner. The obtained scientific data may be helpful to prepare the monograph of the plant and E. ganitrus has antiulcer potential in a dose dependent. Detailed study needed for better exposure of plant.
Development and Validation of Mebeverine Hydrochloride Assay by RP-HPLC Method
Authors: Syed Akbar , Rasheed Shaik Haroon , Afroz Shaik , Noor Syeda Wasfiya , Fatima Syeda Saniya , MD. Muzaffar-ur-Rehman
Published: August 2020

A validated method for the estimation of the mebeverine hydrochloride, an anti-spasmodic agent, was developed which was simple, precise, rapid and accurate. A clear separated chromatographic peak was achieved on Apollo C18 (4.6x250 mm), 5-μm column. Mobile phase used in this separation was the mixture of methanol and water in the ratio of 90:10% v/v with a flow rate of 0.9 μL/min at ambient temperature. The detection was achieved at a wavelength of 265 nm. At the retention time of 3.9 min and tailing factor of 1.09, chromatographic peak was observed. As per the guidelines of ICH, the method was developed and was validated with respect to accuracy, linearity, specificity, precision and robustness. Correlation co-efficient obtained shows a good linear relationship of more than 0.998 in the concentration range of 5 μg to 30 μg. Mean % recovery of 99.2% was seen and %RSD for repeatability and intermediate precision was less than 2%. Therefore, the developed method can be used for the quantitative determination of mebeverine hydrochloride successfully in pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Transmucosal Delivery of Duloxetine Hydrochloride for Prolonged Release: Preparation, in vitro, ex vivo Characteri-zation and in vitro-ex vivo Correlation
Authors: Banala Nagaraj , Peddapalli Himabindu , Dudhipala Narendar , Chinnala Krishna Mohan
Published: August 2020

Duloxetine hydrochloride is a selective serotonin and nor adrenaline reuptake inhibitor. It is used in the treatment of depression, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and in moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence in women. However, it undergoes extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism and susceptible to undergo degradation in acidic environment of stomach, which results in the poor bioavailability. The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate the mucoadhesive buccal tablets (transmucosal delivery) of duloxetine hydrochloride with a goal of to increase the bioavailability and improve the patient compliance. Mucoadhesive buccal tablets were prepared by a wet granulation technique using mucoadhesive polymers like HPMC K4M, Carbopol 934P and PEO WSR 303. The tablets were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, surface pH, swelling index, drug content uniformity, in vitro drug release, in vitro bioadhesion and ex vivo permeation studies. The physicochemical properties of all the formulations were shown to be within the limits. The optimized buccal tablets AA1, AB3 and AC1 showed prolonged drug release for a period of 6 h with the Higuchi model release profile. Further, ex vivo permeation studies for optimized tablets were conducted and shown enhanced drug permeation. Therefore, these results demonstrated that the optimized buccal formulation of duloxetine hydrochloride enhances the oral bioavailability by delivered through the buccal route.
Formulation and Evaluation of Nelfinavir Extended Release Trilayer Matrix Tablets by Design of Experiment
Authors: Rangu Nirmala , Suresh Gande
Published: August 2020

The present study was aimed to develop once-daily controlled release trilayer matrix tablets of nelfinavir to achieve zero-order drug release for sustained plasma concentration. Nelfinavir trilayer matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression method and consisted of middle active layer with different grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), PVP (Polyvinyl Pyrrolidine) K-30 and MCC (Micro Crystalline Cellulose). Barrier layers were prepared with Polyox WSR-303, Xanthan gum, microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate. Based on the evaluation parameters, drug dissolution profile and release drug kinetics DF8 were found to be optimized formulation. The developed drug delivery system provided prolonged drug release rates over a period of 24 h. The release profile of the optimized formulation (DF8) was described by the zero-order and best fitted to Higuchi model. FT-IR studies confirmed that there were no chemical interactions between drug and excipients used in the formulation. These results indicate that the approach used could lead to a successful development of a controlled release formulation of nelfinavir in the management of AIDS.
Formulation, Characterization and Solubility Enhancement of Manidipine Solid Dispersions
Authors: A Laxmi Raj , Kumar Y. Shravan
Published: August 2020

The study was aimed to formulate solid dispersions of Manidipine by using different novel carriers like Labrafac PG, Kolliwax RH 40, Soluplus, Kolliwax GMS II, Kolliphor EL and SLS in drug carrier ratio by using solvent evaporation method. The formulations were characterized for physical appearance, solubility and in vitro dissolution studies. The optimized formulation was characterized and Formulation SD13 was found to be optimized one based on the solubility, dissolution and other parameters using Kolliwax GMS II and SLS.  The drug release of the optimized formulation was found to be 99.41±5.38% within 90 min. Powder X-ray diffraction studies performed on solid dispersion showed that Manidipine existed in the amorphous form within the solid dispersion formulation fabricated using the solvent evaporation process. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy studies suggested the conversion of crystalline Manidipine to an amorphous form. Therefore, the solid dispersions using Kolliwax GMS II as hydrophilic carrier in the combination of SLS can be successfully used for improvement of solubility and dissolution of Manidipine.
Formulation and Optimization of Solid-Lipid Nano-particles of the Anticancer Drug Bortezomib
Authors: K Taraka Sunil Kumar , Varma M. Mohan , P Ravi Prakash
Published: August 2020

Solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are an alternative carrier system used for loading the drug for targeting, improving the bioavailability by increasing its solubility, and protecting the drug from presystemic metabolism. The avoidance of presystemic metabolism is due to the nanometric size range so that the liver cannot uptake the drug from the delivery system and is not metabolized by the liver. Bortezomib is an anti-cancer drug. Due to its poor oral bioavailability, presystemic metabolism and decreased half-life, it was chosen to formulate as the SLN system with the use of a 3-factor, 3-level Box–Behnken design, by hot homogenization followed by an ultrasonication method. Trimyristin (Dynasan-114), tripalmitin (Dynasan 116) and tristearin (Dynasan-118) were used as lipids and based on the results from the initial studies tripalmitin (Dynasan116) was selected as the lipid for the further studies along with phosphatidylcholine as surfactant and Poloxamer 188 as stabilizer. The optimized formulation (F1) was obtained with minimum particle size (204 nm), maximum entrapment efficiency (70.24) and drug loading (21.24). The optimised batches were further investigated by FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM and stability. In vitro release studies showed that maximum cumulative drug release was obtained for F1 (99.74%). The optimized formulation Bortezomib followed zero-order release kinetics with a strong correlation coefficient (R2= 0.9994). The nanoformulation prepared under optimized conditions is in concurrence with the expected results. It is concluded that the SLN formulation can be used as a potential carrier for the effective delivery of Bortezomib.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Topical Delivery of Acitretin for the Treatment of Psoriasis by Design of Experiment
Authors: Aland Rajkumar , M Ganesan , Rao P. Rajeswara , D. V. R. N. Bhikshapathi
Published: August 2020

The main objective for this investigation is to develop and optimize the solid lipid nanoparticles formulation of acitretin for the effective drug delivery. Acitretin loaded SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization followed by the ultrasonication using Taguchi’s orthogonal array with eight parameters that could affect the particle size and entrapment efficiency. Based on the results from the analyses of the responses obtained from Taguchi design, three different independent variables including surfactant concentration (%), lipid to drug ratio (w/w) and sonication time (s) were selected for further investigation using central composite design. The  lipid Dynasan-116, surfactant poloxomer-188 and co surfactant egg lecithin resulted in better percent drug loading and evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release and stability. All parameters were found to be in an acceptable range. TEM analysis has demonstrated the presence of individual nanoparticles in spherical shape and the results were compatible with particle size measurements.  In vitro drug release of optimized SLN formulation (F2) was found to be 95.63 ± 1.52%, whereas pure drug release was 30.12 after 60 min and the major mechanism of drug release follows first order kinetics release data for optimized formulation (F2) with non-Fickian (anomalous) with a strong correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.94572) of Korsemeyer-Peppas model. The total drug content of acitretin gel formulation was found to 99.86 ± 0.012% and the diameter of gel formulation was 6.9 ± 0.021 cm and that of marketed gel was found to be 5.7 ± 0.06 cm, indicating better spreadability of SLN based gel formulation. The viscosity of gel formulation at 5 rpm was found to be 6.1 x 103 ± 0.4 x 103 cp. The release rate (flux) of acitretin across the membrane and excised skin differs significantly, which indicates about the barrier properties of skin. The flux value for SLN based gel formulation (182.754 ± 3.126 μg cm−2 h−1) was found to be higher than that for marketed gel (122.345 ± 4.786 μg cm−2 h−1). The higher flux and Kp values of SLN based gel suggest that it might be able to enter the skin easily as compared with marketed gel with an advantage of low interfacial tension of the emulsifier film that ensures an excellent contact to the skin. This topically oriented SLN based gel formulation could be useful in providing site-specific dermal treatment of psoriasis
Formulation of Gastro-retentive Floating Tablets of Valsartan by 2 power 2 Factorial Designs: In vitro and In vivo Evaluations
Authors: Pamu Sandhya , C. V. S Subrahmanyam , K. S. K. Rao Patnaik
Published: August 2020

An oral dosage form containing gastro-retentive floating tablets forms a stomach-specific drug delivery system for the treatment of hypertension. Valsartan belongs to the BCS class II (poo Classification System). It is desirable to improve the extent of bioavailability (23%).  The objective of the present study was to apply design of experiment to optimize floating drug delivery of valsartan by employing 22 factorial design.  Improvement of the aqueous solubility of valsartan was done by solid dispersions using hot melt extrusion technique.  Plasdone S630 copovidone is a variable carrier and drug to carrier ratio of 1:2 was optimized.  Valsartan floating tablets were prepared by employing factorial design (22), where HPMC K15M (X1) and pregelatinized starch (X2) were independent variables and drug dissolution was the dependent parameter (Y1) to prepare matrix tablets.  The factorial analysis, steepest ascent method was utilized for obtaining optimized formulation. In vitro evaluation, In vivo radiographic study and biopharmaceutical analysis in rabbits for valsartan optimized formulation (FT-5). Floating lag time (FLT) for valsartan optimized formulation (FT-5) was 15 s and total floating time (TFT) of the tablets was about 33 h, which was satisfactory.  A four-point (1 h, 4 h, 8 h and 16 h) dissolution analysis gave satisfactory dissolution profile up to 24 h.  The release kinetics of valsartan optimized formulation (FT-5) followed zero order and the release mechanism was found to be Korsemeyer Peppas model, i.e. swelling type.  The dissolution efficiency for valsartan floating tablets was 1190.89% against the marketed formulation of 39.77%. The accelerated stability profile of valsartan optimized formulation (FT-5) was evaluated in terms of drug content and percent cumulative dissolution of valsartan in 24 h, in a 6 months study.  In vivo X-ray image study for valsartan optimized formulation (FT-5) indicated the presence of intact tablet up to 12 h in gastric region of rabbit.  The biopharmaceutical analysis in rabbits was conducted for valsartan optimized formulation (FT-5). The HPLC method was established and validated for the in vivo analysis.  The Cmax was 453.2 ng/mL compared to that of the marketed tablets (522.4 ng/mL).  The mean residence time (MRT) for the valsartan optimized formulation (FT-5) was 14.82 h as against 4 h for marketed tablet.  The relative bioavailability of valsartan optimized formulation (FT-5) was 650% higher than the marketed tablet.  To overcome the poor bioavailability of valsartan, it was suitably modified using hot-melt extrusion for improving therapeutic outcome. In conclusion, gastro-retentive drug delivery system is an excellent approach for improving the bioavailability of valsartan.
Review of Microneedle based Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Parhi Rabinarayan , N Divya Supriya
Published: August 2020

Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) provides an attractive and alternative drug delivery when compared to oral and other drug delivery as the former route offers several advantages like avoiding pre-systemic first pass metabolism of administered drugs, patient compliance, and avoiding gastric irritation. However, stratum corneum (SC), the upper most layer of skin, limits the permeation of number of drugs because of its barrier property. To breach or bypass this barrier, two approaches namely: chemical and physical are generally used. Physical approaches seem to be better as it does not involve the use of chemicals in the formulations, which could interact, with other component of formulations and more importantly may cause reversible damage to the skin. Microneedle technique is one of the most advanced physical techniques, which can easily by-pass, the SC and allow the drug to reach viable epidermis directly. The needles used in microneedle techniques are in hundreds of micron length range and when applied on skin generally produce little or no pain. The objective of this review is mainly focused on types of microneedles, various materials and fabrication techniques used in the preparation of microneedles. Furthermore, various techniques used in the application of microneedles and mechanism of action are described. In addition, this review also describes commercial products, patents on microneedle technology and recent works carried out on microneedles research and safety aspects of microneedles.
Pharmaceutical Applications and Safety Review of Dendrimers
Authors: Nayak Jyoti , Tripathi Pushpendra Kumar , Verma Navneet Kumar , Mishra Jai Narayan
Published: August 2020

This article describes the innovative approaches to overcome the cationic toxicity inherently associated with the dendrimers. A dendrimer is a macromolecule characterized by its highly branched 3D structure that provides a high degree of surface functionality and versatility. The toxicity is attributed to the interaction of surface cationic charge of dendrimers with negatively charged biological membranes in vivo. Dendrimer toxicity in biological system is generally characterized by hemolytic toxicity, cytotoxicity and hematological toxicity. To minimize this toxicity, two strategies have been utilized; first, designing and synthesis of biocompatible dendrimers; and second, masking of peripheral charge of dendrimers by surface engineering. Biocompatible dendrimers can be synthesized by employing biodegradable core and branching units or utilizing intermediates of various metabolic pathways. Dendrimer biocompatibility has been evaluated in vitro and in vivo for efficient presentation of biological performance. Neutral and negatively charged dendrimers do not interact with biological environment and hence are compatible for clinical applications as elucidated by various studies examined in this review. Chemical modification of the surface is an important strategy to overcome the toxicity problems associated with the dendrimers.
Comparative Evaluation of Different Brands of Loratadine Tablets Marketed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Temesgen Abrham , Eshetu Yohannis , Nigatu Muluken
Published: August 2020

The impact of counterfeit and substandard medicines has been increasing and becoming a public health problem as it significantly increases mortality and morbidity in low income countries. Loratadine is among the drug classes which are most falsified worldwide and is a frequently prescribed anti-allergy medication. As Ethiopia is one of the low-income countries and depends mostly on imported pharmaceutical products, it is necessary to evaluate the quality of drug products being marketed. This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating and comparing the quality of different brands of loratadine 10 mg tablets collected from pharmacy outlets in Addis Ababa city. Tablets were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, disintegration time and in vitro drug release. All products complied with the pharmacopeial specifications for weight variation and friability. With regard to disintegration time, all sample products disintegrate in less than 15 min as per the pharmacopeial requirement except one product (product E) which is out of the pharmacopeial specification. Dissolution test showed that all the tested products released more than 80% of drug content within 60 min which is in agreement with the pharmacopeial specification.
HPTLC Fingerprint Profile of Leaf and Stem Methanolic Extract of Asclepias Curassavica L.
Authors: Shelke Varsha , Bhot Meeta
Published: August 2020

Asclepias curassavica, a member of the family Asclepiadaceae, is useful for a variety of health conditions such as abdominal pain, hemorrhage, asthma, and piles. It has a wide range of chemical constituents including flavonols, flavonol glycosides, triterpenes, cardenolides and many other biologically active compounds. Here we attempted to characterize the HPTLC profile for Leaf and Stem of methanolic extracts of Asclepias Curassavica L. Asclepias Curassavica L. family Asclepiadaceae, is important medicinal plant and traditionally used in indigenous system of medicine Extract of Asclepias Curassavica L. Methanolic extracts were prepared using sonication. The mobile phase for triterpenes and saponins was used in different ratio for better separation. The fingerprint showed better resolution after derivatization in methanolic sulphuric acid reagent. The fingerprint has revealed a distinct and repetitive pattern of bands. In conclusions, the HPTLC profile of the plant will be helpful for crude drug identification, serve to check the adulteration and act as biomarker for this plant in the Pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmacological Evaluation of the Impact of Fluoride-Contaminated Drinking Water on Brain Cognitive Function and Bone Health in Nalgonda and Warangal Rural Districts of Telangana in India
Authors: Reddy R. Mallikarjuna , A Srikanth , Kouser Sofia , D Titus , N Sridhar , K Sai Krishna , K Niranjan Kumar , K Sirisha
Published: August 2020

A systematic groundwater analysis was carried out in six villages of Narsampet in Warangal district and two villages of Narketpally in Nalgonda district of Telangana in India. These water samples were collected from respective areas and evaluated under four different categories viz. physico-chemical parameters (such as pH, Electric Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Turbidity, Alkalinity, Hardness, Chloride, Nitrates, Sulphates, Fluoride, Iron content) as per standard methods, behavioral changes i.e. measurement of learning and memory ability of rats (Rectangular maze, Morris water maze, Locomotor activity tests), various biochemical tests for both brain homogenate (Ellaman’s, DPPH, H2O2 Catalase activity assay) and serum (GOD-POD end point Assay, Uricase/POD end point Assay, Modified Biuret end point Assay) and histopathological studies of brain and bones. The results of physico-chemical tests were compared with WHO, BIS standards and the fluoride content of all the water samples was found to be higher than the standards. The results of behavioral tests and biochemical tests indicate the decrease in antioxidant activity and acetylcholine levels in rat brains due to high fluoride induced oxidative stress and increase in the cholinesterase activity. The biochemical tests for assessing bone toxicity reveal an increase in blood glucose and uric acid levels accompanied by decrease in protein levels indicating damage to bones. Histopathological studies indicate damage to the hippocampus region of the brain, nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum of femur bone.
An Innovative Approach for Development and Evaluation of Nanosized Lamotrigine Loaded Bionanoparticles Using Biopolymer from Fragaria × ananassa Fruit
Authors: Kumar Sushant , N V Satheesh Madhav , Verma Anurag , Pathak Kamla
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this research was to isolate the smart biopolymer from the fruit pulp of Fragaria × ananassa (garden strawberry). We isolated natural fruit pulp to evaluate the potentiality of biopolymer in delivery of nanosized lamotrigine as an antiepileptic drug. Lamotrigine was nanosized by screening its nano-size particle by UV method. The nanosized lamotrigine was used for preparation of bionanoparticles (LF1-LF8) by sonication method. The isolated biopolymer was characterized for DSC, FTIR, NMR, Mass and Zeta particle size analysis. The obtained results confirm its polymeric nature in different analysis. The prepared bionanoparticles showed the release of lamotrigine in sustained manner over 36 hours. The release kinetic study was done by using the BIT-SOFT 1.12 software and T50% and T80%, r2 were calculated. All the formulation showed more than 99.78% drug release. The In-vitro release study of different formulations showed the % drug release from 90.92% to 99.78%. The different formulations were evaluated for the In-vitro release study and release kinetic was studied. The formulation LF5 was found to be the best formulation having T50% of 17 hours and T80% of 29 hours with r2 value of 0.9925. The best formulation LF5 showed up to 90.925% drug release over 36 hours. According to the release kinetic study, the best-fit model was found to be Koresmayer-Peppas and the mechanism of drug release was found to be anomalous transport. The results obtained from different evaluations like percentage entrapment efficiency, particle size, release study, kinetic studies and stability study revealed that isolated biopolymer has good potentiality to form bionanoparticles and it can be safely used as an alternative to synthetic and semisynthetic polymers for the preparation of lamotrigine loaded stable bionanoparticles
Bio-based Polymer Isolated from Seeds of Buchanania lanzan Spreng with Potential Use as Pharmaceutical Mucoadhesive Excipient
Authors: Singh Sudarshan , Dodiya Tanvi R , Singh Sangeeta , Dodiya Rajesh , Bothara Sunil B
Published: August 2020

This study was aimed to develop an oral bio-based mucoadhesive polymer from seeds mucilage of Buchanania lanzan spreng, belongs to family anacardiaceae. Isolated mucilage was evaluated for mucoadhesive strength and compared with existing polymer. The mucilage showed shear stress results (0.099 ± 0.0001N), with comparable adhesiveness to methocel E5 (0.098 ± 0.0008N). Force of adhesion required to detach the seed mucilage and methocel E5 tablets from the mucin of intestinal tissue were 0.0276 ± 0.0019 (N) and 0.0049 ± 0.0006 (N), respectively. Seed mucilage revealed significant (P<0.01) higher detachment time, erosion time, in-vitro wash-off time and ex-vivo residence compared to methocel E5 and lactose tablets. In vivo test indicated that seed mucilage tablets possessed good mucoadhesive strength compared to methocel E5 and resisted disintegration for ≤ 8 h. The swelling index and wetting time showed comparable results between the mucilage and synthetic polymer tablets. Mucilage demonstrated high moisture absorption, percentage hydration, and matrix erosion of 18.57 ± 0.036, 50.00 ± 0.051, and 8.30 ± 0.155 compared to methocel E5 10.0 ± 0.079, 36.00 ± 0.089, and 1.26 ± 0.085, respectively. Mucoadhesive properties of seeds mucilage were comparable to guar gum and methocel E5, thus seed mucilage of B. lanzan can be potentially exploited for usage as a bioadhesive pharmaceutical excipient.
pH- and concentration-dependent supramolecular self-assembly of a naturally occurring octapeptide
Authors: Ghosh Goutam , Fernández Gustavo
Published: August 2020

Peptide-based biopolymers represent highly promising biocompatible materials with multiple applications, such as tailored drug delivery, tissue engineering and regeneration, and as stimuli-responsive materials. Herein, we report the pH- and concentration-dependent self-assembly and conformational transformation of the newly synthesized octapeptide PEP-1. At pH 7.4, PEP-1 forms β-sheet-rich secondary structures into fractal-like morphologies, as verified by circular dichroism (CD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence spectroscopy assay, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Upon changing the pH value (using pH 5.5 and 13.0), PEP-1 forms different types of secondary structures and resulting morphologies due to electrostatic repulsion between charged amino acids. PEP-1 can also form helical or random-coil secondary structures at a relatively low concentration. The obtained pH-sensitive self-assembly behavior of the target octapeptide is expected to contribute to the development of novel drug nanocarrier assemblies.
Análisis comparativo de las pautas del consejo de organizaciones internacionales de ciencias médicas (CIOMS) 2016. (Parte 2 de 3)
Authors: Casbarro Arriaga Romy , Zambrano Blondell Gabriel , Aburto Degueldre Marcela , Alemán Ingrist , Padrón-Nieves Maritza
Published: August 2020

Como parte de la evaluación de la asignatura Bioética e Investigación de la Maestría en Bioética, se solicitó a los estudiantes de la VI Cohorte que realizarán un análisis comparativo de las Pautas CIOMS 2016 con documentos anteriores. En esta segunda parte, se presentan las pautas relacionadas con el consentimiento informado, la recolección, almacenamiento y uso de materiales biológicos y datos relacionados, así como la rendición pública de cuentas y la publicación de las investigaciones. Estas pautas son fundamentales para la realización de investigaciones científicas en seres humanos por eso el objetivo de estos trabajos es proporcionar a los investigadores un aporte en su formación y una rápida adaptación a la nueva propuesta CIOMS.
Manual RC Box Culvert Analysis and Designing
Authors: Ali Ayaanle Maxamed
Published: August 2020

The culvert is small structures that are required for the under roads and its uses for the crossing of water like streams under the roads. The culvert structure balances the water flow on both sides of the roads, also is protecting and balance of the embankment to reduce the water flow level. There are different types of culverts shapes, and they are circle, arch, Slap & box; therefore, these can be constructed by using different materials like; stones, bricks, reinforced cement concrete. Since the culvert crossing under the earthen embankment, so the culvert is subjecting a traffic load similarly as the roads carry; therefore, they required to be designed for such loads the acting on the surface of the culvert. This project is dealing with the RCC box culvert with and without cushions. The cushion depends on the road profile at the culvert location.
Do the Stories Help to Develop Communication Skills to the Students at School Level?
Authors: Devi K. Gayithri
Published: August 2020

ommunication involves freedom and unpredictability. In the so called “conversation practice”, the students utter pre-written dialogue. There is no freedom, no choice and no unpredictability. Traditional teachers never gave them a chance and deprive the learners of freedom by giving them the correct response or interpretations. They avoid all vocabulary and structural items that are not prescribed. They will explain all new ideas and concepts in advance, leaving nothing unpredictable or undecided. Thus the learner fails to get a chance to manage himself/herself. Now a days, this communicative skills are widely adopted in many parts of the world to teach the second and foreign language. The English as a foreign and second language our teachers have felt that the ultimate aim of language forms are taught to the pupils with a belief that their knowledge would lead to the use of those forms in communication. But their transfer from form to use is not taking place in the majority of cases. Therefore, there is a growing feeling that teaching should be communicative centered based on activities.
Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural Sectors in the
Authors: Min Ei Thinzar , Taw Nay Pyi
Published: August 2020

Myanmar is an agricultural based country and 70% of total population is relied on Agricultural sector. On the other hand, Agricultural sector is affected by climate changes especially in the Costal and Delta Regions of Myanmar. Besides, Myanmar is currently transforming towards the democratic nations and the government is supporting to upgrade Agricultural Sector not only for local farmer but also throughout the country. There can be found that the lack of education, training and seminar, technological knowledge, modern technologies, inadequate modern farming methods and insufficient infrastructure respectively. If Government can provide effectively agricultural techniques, modern technologies and climate change policies on the challenges and difficulties, it will surely become a developed country within a short period.
Fulani in Ghana: Emerging Mission Possibilities and Approaches
Authors: Mogtari Haruna Y.
Published: August 2020

The Fulani in Ghana for decades have largely remained unengaged in mission work. The factors that have hindered any meaningful engagement by the Church among this widely spread people group in West Africa are several and include the perennial farmer-herder conflicts, prejudice, stereotype, and fear of the Fulani among indigenous people. These factors have for a long time made it appear impossible for the Church to become a witness among the Fulani in Ghana. This research first, explores the few mission attempts made by some mission agencies. To evangelise the Fulani, the research work secondly examines the challenges associated with Christian mission among the Fulani and the difficulties faced by the Fulani in their daily lives with their cattle. Thirdly, the paper investigates emerging mission possibilities and approaches among the Fulani as a nomadic group. The framework that allows one to explore these possibilities holistically are the Five Marks of Global Mission as outlined in Mission in 21st Century; Exploring the Five Marks of Global Mission. Lastly, the research highlights the importance of contextualization in mission, especially that the Fulani must essentially hear, understand, and respond to the Gospel in their native language, Fulfulde.
Mortality from Pulmonary Embolism by Clinical Severity
Authors: Asthana Arushi , Konar Niladri , Chakravorty Indranil
Published: August 2020

Aim: To report all-cause and PE related short term mortality by clinical severity of PE and to identify any missed opportunities for thrombolysis. Background: Mortality related to pulmonary embolism varies widely in the reported literature even for the same clinical severity category of PE. Method: Electronic medical records of all patients presenting to a large tertiary care teaching hospital in London, between October 1, 2018, and January 16, 2020, who had a discharge diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism were reviewed retrospectively. Results: There was no PE related mortality in the low-risk PE group. There was one PE related death in the submassive PE group (1.47% mortality on day 14 and day 30).  Massive PE was associated with a 29.4% PE related mortality short-term mortality.
Revisiting MOA 2013-BLG-220L: A Solar-type Star with a Cold Super-Jupiter Companion
Authors: Vandorou Aikaterini , Bennett David P. , Beaulieu Jean-Philippe , Alard Christophe , Blackman Joshua W. , Cole Andrew A. , Bhattacharya Aparna , Bond Ian A. , Koshimoto Naoki , Marquette Jean-Baptiste
Published: August 2020

We present the analysis of high-resolution images of MOA-2013-BLG-220, taken with the Keck adaptive optics system six years after the initial observation, identifying the lens as a solar-type star hosting a super-Jupiter-mass planet. The masses of planets and host stars discovered by microlensing are often not determined from light-curve data, while the star–planet mass ratio and projected separation in units of Einstein ring radius are well measured. High-resolution follow-up observations after the lensing event is complete can resolve the source and lens. This allows direct measurements of flux, and the amplitude and direction of proper motion, giving strong constraints on the system parameters. Due to the high relative proper motion,

mas yr−1, the source and lens were resolved in 2019, with a separation of 77.1 ± 0.5 mas. Thus, we constrain the lens flux to

. By combining constraints from the model and Keck flux, we find the lens mass to be

at

. With a mass ratio of

the planet’s mass is determined to be

at a separation of

. The lens mass is much higher than the prediction made by Bayesian analysis that assumes all stars have an equal probability to host a planet of the measured mass ratio, and suggests that planets with mass ratios of a few times 10−3 are more common orbiting massive stars. This demonstrates the importance of high-resolution follow-up observations for testing theories like these.
APOGEE Data and Spectral Analysis from SDSS Data Release 16: Seven Years of Observations Including First Results from APOGEE-South
Authors: Jönsson Henrik , Holtzman Jon A. , Prieto Carlos Allende , Cunha Katia , García-Hernández D. A. , Hasselquist Sten , Masseron Thomas , Osorio Yeisson , Shetrone Matthew , Smith Verne , Stringfellow Guy S. , Bizyaev Dmitry , Edvardsson Bengt , Majewski Steven R. , Mészáros Szabolcs , Souto Diogo , Zamora Olga , Beaton Rachael L. , Bovy Jo , Donor John , Pinsonneault Marc H. , Poovelil Vijith Jacob , Sobeck Jennifer
Published: August 2020

The spectral analysis and data products in Data Release 16 (DR16; 2019 December) from the high-resolution near-infrared Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE)-2/Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)-IV survey are described. Compared to the previous APOGEE data release (DR14; 2017 July), APOGEE DR16 includes about 200,000 new stellar spectra, of which 100,000 are from a new southern APOGEE instrument mounted on the 2.5 m du Pont telescope at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. DR16 includes all data taken up to 2018 August, including data released in previous data releases. All of the data have been re-reduced and re-analyzed using the latest pipelines, resulting in a total of 473,307 spectra of 437,445 stars. Changes to the analysis methods for this release include, but are not limited to, the use of MARCS model atmospheres for calculation of the entire main grid of synthetic spectra used in the analysis, a new method for filling “holes” in the grids due to unconverged model atmospheres, and a new scheme for continuum normalization. Abundances of the neutron-capture element Ce are included for the first time. A new scheme for estimating uncertainties of the derived quantities using stars with multiple observations has been applied, and calibrated values of surface gravities for dwarf stars are now supplied. Compared to DR14, the radial velocities derived for this release more closely match those in the Gaia DR2 database, and a clear improvement in the spectral analysis of the coolest giants can be seen. The reduced spectra as well as the result of the analysis can be downloaded using links provided on the SDSS DR16 web page.
Wave Pressure and Energy Cascade Rate of Kink Waves Computed with Elsässer Variables
Authors: Van Doorsselaere Tom , Li Bo , Goossens Marcel , Hnat Bogdan , Magyar Norbert
Published: August 2020

Numerical simulations have revealed a new type of turbulence of unidirectional waves in a plasma that is perpendicularly structured, named uniturbulence. For this new type of turbulence, the transverse structuring modifies the upward propagating wave to have both Elsässer variables, leading to the well-known perpendicular cascade. In this paper, we study an analytical description of the nonlinear evolution of kink waves in a cylindrical flux tube that are prone to uniturbulence. We show that they lead to a nonlinear cascade for both propagating and standing waves. We calculate explicit expressions for the wave pressure and energy cascade rate. The computed damping rate

depends on the density contrast of the flux tube and the background plasma and is inversely proportional to the amplitude of the kink wave. The dependence on the density contrast shows that it plays a role especially in the lower solar corona. These expressions may be added in Alfvén wave driven models of the solar atmosphere (such as the Alfvén Wave Solar Model (AWSOM)), modifying it to UAWSOM (Uniturbulence and the Alfvén Wave Solar Model).
GASP XXX. The Spatially Resolved SFR–Mass Relation in Stripping Galaxies in the Local Universe
Authors: Vulcani Benedetta , Poggianti Bianca M. , Tonnesen Stephanie , McGee Sean L. , Moretti Alessia , Fritz Jacopo , Gullieuszik Marco , Jaffé Yara L. , Franchetto Andrea , Tomičić Neven , Mingozzi Matilde , Bettoni Daniela , Wolter Anna
Published: August 2020

The study of the spatially resolved star formation rate–mass (

–

) relation gives important insights on how galaxies assemble at different spatial scales. Here, we present an analysis of the

–

of 40 local cluster galaxies undergoing ram-pressure stripping drawn from the GAs Stripping Phenomena in galaxies (GASP) sample. Considering their integrated properties, these galaxies show an SFR enhancement with respect to undisturbed galaxies of similar stellar mass; we now exploit spatially resolved data to investigate the origin and location of the excess. Even on ∼1kpc scales, stripping galaxies present a systematic enhancement of

(∼0.35 dex at

=

) at any given

compared to their undisturbed counterparts. The excess is independent of the degree of stripping and of the amount of star formation in the tails, and it is visible at all galactocentric distances within the disks, suggesting that the star formation is most likely induced by compression waves from ram pressure. Such excess is larger for less massive galaxies and decreases with increasing mass. As stripping galaxies are characterized by ionized gas beyond the stellar disk, we also investigate the properties of 411 star-forming clumps found in the galaxy tails. At any given stellar mass density, these clumps are systematically forming stars at a higher rate than in the disk, but differences are reconciled when we just consider the mass formed in the last few 108 yr ago, suggesting that on these timescales, the local mode of star formation is similar in the tails and in the disks.
On the Magnetic Fields, Beaming Fractions, and Fastness Parameters of Pulsating Ultraluminous X-Ray Sources
Authors: Erkut M. H. , Türkoğlu M. M. , Ekşi K. Y. , Alpar M. A.
Published: August 2020

The discovery of pulsating ultraluminous X-ray sources (PULX) suggests that neutron stars are presumably common within the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) population though the majority of the population members currently lack pulsations. These systems are likely to host neutron stars accreting mass at super-Eddington (supercritical) rates from their massive companion in high-mass X-ray binaries. Taking into account the spherization of the accretion flow in the supercritical regime, the beaming of X-ray emission, and the reduction of the scattering cross section in a strong magnetic field, we infer the ranges for the neutron-star surface magnetic dipole field strengths, beaming fractions, and fastness parameters in the PULX M82 X-2, ULX NGC 5907, ULX NGC 7793 P13, NGC 300 ULX1, M51 ULX-7, NGC 1313 X-2, and Swift J0243.6+6124 from a set of conditions based on a variety of combinations of different spin and luminosity states. Using the observed spin-up rates under the critical luminosity condition, we estimate the surface-field strengths in the ∼1011–1013 G range for all PULX. In general, the results of our analysis under the subcritical luminosity condition indicate surface-field strengths in the ∼1011–1015 G range. We argue that PULX do not require magnetar-strength surface dipole fields if beaming is taken into account, yet the fields are strong enough for the neutron stars in ULX to magnetically channel the accretion flow in supercritical accretion disks.
Generalized General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic Equations for Plasmas of Active Galactic Nuclei in the Era of the Event Horizon Telescope
Authors: Koide Shinji
Published: August 2020

The generalized general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (generalized GRMHD) equations have been used to study specific relativistic plasma phenomena, such as relativistic magnetic reconnection or wave propagation modified by nonideal MHD effects. However, the Θ term in the generalized Ohm’s law, which expresses the energy exchange between two fluids composing a plasma, has yet to be determined in these equations. In this paper, we determine the Θ term based on the generalized relativistic Ohm’s law itself. This provides closure of the generalized GRMHD equations, yielding a closed system of the equations of relativistic plasma. According to this system of equations, we reveal the characteristic scales of nonideal MHD phenomena and clarify the applicable condition of the ideal GRMHD equations. We evaluate the characteristic scales of the nonideal MHD phenomena in the M87* plasma using the Event Horizon Telescope observational data.
Recombination Lines and Molecular Gas from Hypercompact H ii regions in W51 A
Authors: Rivera-Soto Rudy , Galván-Madrid Roberto , Ginsburg Adam , Kurtz Stan
Published: August 2020

We present a detailed characterization of the population of compact radio-continuum sources in W51 A using subarcsecond Very Large Array and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations. We analyze their 2 cm continuum, the recombination lines (RLs) H77α and H30α, and the lines of

,

 , and

. We derive diameters for 10/20 sources in the range D ∼ 10−3 to ∼10−2 pc, thus placing them in the regime of hypercompact H ii regions (HC H ii’s). Their continuum-derived electron densities are in the range n
e ∼ 104 –105 cm−3, lower than typically considered for HC H ii’s. We combined the RL measurements and independently derived n
e, finding the same range of values but significant offsets for individual measurements between the two methods. We find that most of the sources in our sample are ionized by early B-type stars, and a comparison of n
e versus D shows that they follow the inverse relation previously derived for ultracompact (UC) and compact H ii’s. When determined, the ionized-gas kinematics is always (7/7) indicative of outflow. Similarly, 5 and 3 out of the 8 HC H ii’s still embedded in a compact core show evidence for expansion and infall motions in the molecular gas, respectively. We hypothesize that there could be two different types of hypercompact (D < 0.05 pc) H ii regions: those that essentially are smaller, expanding UC H ii’s; and those that are also hyperdense (n
e > 106 cm−3), probably associated with O-type stars in a specific stage of their formation or early life.
Destruction of Molecular Hydrogen Ice and Implications for 1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua)
Authors: Hoang Thiem , Loeb Abraham
Published: August 2020

The first interstellar object observed in our solar system, 1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua), exhibited a number of peculiar properties, including extreme elongation and acceleration excess. Recently, Seligman & Laughlin proposed that the object was made out of molecular hydrogen (H2) ice. The question is whether H2 objects could survive their travel from the birth sites to the solar system. Here we study destruction processes of icy H2 objects through their journey from giant molecular clouds (GMCs) to the interstellar medium (ISM) and the solar system, owing to interstellar radiation, gas and dust, and cosmic rays. We find that thermal sublimation due to heating by starlight can destroy ‘Oumuamua-size objects in less than 10 Myr. Thermal sublimation by collisional heating in GMCs could destroy H2 objects of ‘Oumuamua-size before their escape into the ISM. Most importantly, the formation of icy grains rich in H2 is unlikely to occur in dense environments because collisional heating raises the temperature of the icy grains, so that thermal sublimation rapidly destroys the H2 mantle before grain growth.
Taxonomic studies on the genus Trilacuna (Araneae, Oonopidae) from Myanmar
Authors: Tong Yanfeng , Li Shuqiang , Bian Dongju
Published: August 2020

Six species of the genus Trilacuna Tong & Li, 2007 are reported from Myanmar, including four new species: T. besucheti Grismado & Piacentini, 2014 (♂♀), T. changzi Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), T. hponkanrazi Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), T. loebli Grismado & Piacentini, 2014 (♀), T. triseta Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂), and T. zhigangi Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♀). Morphological descriptions and photographic illustrations of the new species are given. All types are preserved in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing (IZCAS).