bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Esterification of Glycerol with Acetic Acid in Bioadditive Triacetin with Fe2O3/Activated Carbon Catalyst
Authors: Mufrodi Zahrul , Amelia Shinta
Published: June 2020

Esterification and transesterification processes for biodiesel production generate glycerol which is possible to be converted into triacetin. It is an actractive bioadditive for increasing octane number of fuel. The production of this bioadditive in a biodiesel plant also increases the revenue as raw material comes from biodiesel process production as by-product.This study examines the effects of catalyst concentration and temperature on triacetin production using glycerol from esterification process and acetic acid at volume ratio of 1:3 as raw materials. An activated charcoal as catalyst is activated with sulfuric acid at concentration of 2% and 3% (w/w). The esterification temperatures are varied at 90 and 100°C and the reaction time is set for 3 hours. The samples are taken frequently at certain interval times of 15, 30, and 60 minutes for chemical analysis using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectometry. It is observed that using 2% and 3% (w/w) of catalysts at 90°C and 60 minutes reaction time converts 41.037% and 57.441% of glycerol respectively.
Enhancement of Biogas Production in Anaerobic Digestion from Sludge of Dairy Waste with Fixed Bed Reactor by Using Natural Zeolite
Authors: Pampang Harun , Purnomo Chandra Wahyu , Cahyono Rochim Bakti
Published: June 2020

In dairy waste treatment plant, there was sludge accumulation of material organic sediment on the bottom of the container. This sludge has a very strong odor, brownish and high organic content. Commonly used as fertilizer, animal feed, and biodiesel production. An alternative treatment processed by using anaerobic digestion is used in this study to produce biogas. The sludge was placed in anaerobic fixed bed continuous reactor with packing media support variation using bioball, natural zeolite, and bioring. The reactor was operated in batch 21 days with volume 30 liters. The effect of differences supported media on biogas production was investigated. In this study was obtained that fixed-bed reactor with supported zeolite media was the highest biogas production and sCOD removal up to 89.66%.
Influence of Natural and H-Beta Zeolites on Yield and Composition of Non-Polar Fraction of Bio-Oil in Slow Co-Pyrolysis of Biomass and Polypropylene
Authors: Supramono Dijan , Tiaradiba Syafira
Published: June 2020

The non-oxygenated fraction of bio-oil is precursor of the formation of biofuel because it contains hydrocarbon only. Zeolite catalysts have been proved to improve the yields of non-polar fraction of bio-oil in case of fast co-pyrolysis. In the present work, the catalysts were applied to slow co-pyrolysis to investigate their effect on the yields and compositions of non-oxygenated fractions of bio-oil. The co-pyrolysis was conducted in a stirred tank reactor using non catalyst (thermal co-pyrolysis), natural zeolite and H-beta zeolite catalysts with heating rate of 5°C/minute from ambient temperature to 500°C and PP composition in combined feed varied 0, 50, and 100% weight of PP. As biomass, the present study used corn cobs. The results show that synergistic effect on the yield of non-oxygenated fraction in co-pyrolysis involving natural zeolite was lower than that in thermal co-pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis involving H-beta-zeolite exhibited negative synergistic effect. H-NMR analysis of the fraction from co-pyrolysis involving 50% weight of PP shows that the bio-oil contained approximately methyl H of about 55% by mol, methine H of 20% and methylene H of about 15% irrespective of catalysts used. This composition was closer to that of commercial gasoline rather than commercial diesel compositions.
Utilization of Casuarina montana Pruning Waste Biomass as Chemical or Energy Resources
Authors: Irawati Denny , Usman David , Pradipta Naresvara Nircela
Published: June 2020

In Indonesia,Casuarina montanausually planted as a road shading tree or in the home garden. This tree will be pruned periodically to reduce the amount of the canopy and maintain the beauty of its shape. Pruning biomass usually consists of the tip of the stem, branches, twigs, and leaves. The biomass has potency for energy or chemicals sources. This study aims to know about energy potential of various types ofC. montanabiomass and charcoal properties in different carbonization temperature. Six types of biomass from pruning waste ofC. montanawere used as samples. Branch has high potency as α-cellulose source, while bark including twig bark, branch bark, or stem bark have high potency as lignin source. When it is used as direct fuel (firewood), all biomass ofC. montanapossess quite high calorific value. When it is converted to be charcoal, temperature of 300°C is good for carbonizing the biomass twig, twig bark, branch bark, and stem bark, while biomass branch and stem need temperature of 400°C.
Bio-Oil Characterizations of Spirulina Platensis Residue (SPR) Pyrolysis Products for Renewable Energy Development
Authors: Jamilatun Siti , Rahayu Aster , Pradana Yano Surya , Budhijanto  , Rochmadi  , Budiman Arief
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, energy consumption has increased as a population increases with socio-economic developments and improved living standards. Therefore, it is necessary to find a replacement for fossil energy with renewable energy sources, and the potential to develop is biofuels. Bio-oil, water phase, gas, and char products will be produced by utilizing Spirulina platensis (SPR) microalgae extraction residue as pyrolysis raw material. The purpose of this study is to characterize pyrolysis products and bio-oil analysis with GC-MS. Quality fuel is good if O/C is low, H/C is high, HHV is high, and oxygenate compounds are low, but aliphatic and aromatic are high. Pyrolysis was carried out at a temperature of 300-600°C with a feed of 50 grams in atmospheric conditions with a heating rate of 5-35°C/min, the equipment used was a fixed-bed reactor. The higher the pyrolysis temperature, the higher the bio-oil yield will be to an optimum temperature, then lower. The optimum temperature of pyrolysis is 550°C with a bio-oil yield of 23.99 wt%. The higher the pyrolysis temperature, the higher the H/C, the lower O/C. The optimum condition was reached at a temperature of 500°C with the values of H/C, and O/C is 1.17 and 0.47. With an increase in temperature of 300-600°C, HHV increased from 11.64 MJ/kg to 20.63 MJ/kg, the oxygenate compound decreased from 85.26 to 37.55 wt%. Aliphatics and aromatics increased, respectively, from 5.76 to 36.72 wt% and 1.67 to 6.67 wt%.
Quality Improvement of Recycled Paper with Extracted Xylan from Corncobs
Authors: Budiarti Gita Indah , Fajariyanto Dika , Hendratno Okta
Published: June 2020

Several Indonesian paper mills utilize used paper as feedstock as the price is much cheaper and abundant availability, but the strength of the paper product tends to decrease. Xylan which is extracted from corncobs is a potential additive for upgrading the quality by modifying the fibre surface. This research studies the effect of sodium hydroxide concentration for extraction to produce an acceptable strength of paper product. The extraction process is at temperature of 90°C for 2 hours in a stirred tank reactor and the xylan product is deposited with 10 N acetic acid at pH of 4.5 - 5.0. Using 16% of NaOH concentration, the extraction produces 21.82% yield of xylan. With addition of this xylan product at mass ratio between xylan and corncobs of 5% increases 30.1% of the tensile strength and 31.83% of the tire strength. The optimum concentration of the use of NaOH in xylan extraction was at 16% NaOH with the largest xylan yield obtained at 21.82%.
Utilization of Tea Tree Branches as a Source of Thermal Energy
Authors: Firyanto Rudi , Susanto Heru , Ambarwati Retno S.L. , Suherman  , Widayat
Published: June 2020

Energy has an important role in the survival of the tea processing industry. The costs for energy generation and application have a large contribution to the total cost of the tea processing. The use of fuel oil and electricity, especially in the drying process is the biggest energy user stage. In line with the development of Indonesia's tea processing industry, it is felt necessary to immediately utilize the source of biomass in tea plantations through the application of gasification technology. The development of tea processing in the future should pay more attention to aspects of energy and the environment as the main discussion. This study aims to examine the development of gasification technology in converting biomass as thermal energy to meet gas quality in the tea drying process. The hypothesis is that through the gasification biomass technology of tea plantations, will produce gas as thermal energy that meets the quality of the tea drying process. The target to be achieved is in the form of laboratory technical data for the design, operation of the process, scale-up and evaluation of the performance of the gasifier which includes flame propagation, simulation of combustion and optimum operating conditions with temperature process variables, air flow rate and gas products, tea biomass capacity, and the length of the gasification process.
Dietary intake and nutritional anthropometry of the non-academic employees of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP), Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunathilaka M. D. T. L. , Hettiarachchi U. P. K.
Published: June 2020

Studies on nutritional status of state employees are limited and therefore the present study was conducted to determine the nutritional status of aselected sample of employees attached to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP), who directly involve in facilitating the academic activities of the University. This is a cross-sectional study carried out by interviewing 130 non-academic members of USJP staff for collecting information on their socio-demographic factors, physical activity levels and food habits. Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist to Hip ratio (WHR) were calculated according to the WHO anthropometric standards while seven-day food consumption was recorded to assess the food and energy intake in the participants. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the sample was32.3% and 10.8% respectively while 53.8% and 63.9% of the participants had WC (waist circumference) and WHR. Among the participants, 79.2% of members had a sedentary lifestyle spending most of their time sitting without exercises at work and at home. Moreover, they showed a significant relationship with overweight and obesity (r=0.4, p<0.05).In the sample, both males and females had higher average protein and energy intakes than required. Participants with higher energy intake showed a positive relationship with those who are overweight and obese (r=0.5).The contribution of calories from carbohydrate, protein and fat in males was 70.3 %, 11.3% and 18.4% respectively and same in the females was 66.0%, 11.6% and 22.4% respectively. Further, a significant difference (p<0. 05) was observed in carbohydrate intake and fat intake between males and females. Since overweight and obesity appear as a serious concern in general health of the public it is important to carry out proper awareness programs to educate workers on the importance of healthy dietary patterns and regular exercises for their better well-being.
Extracellular Release of Antigen by Dendritic Cell Regurgitation Promotes B Cell Activation through NF-κB/cRel
Authors: El-Barbry Houssam , Capitao Marisa , Barrin Sarah , Amziani Samir , Pierre Paul Pascal , Borreill Susanna , Guilbert Thomas , Donnadieu Emmanuel , Niedergang Florence , Ouaaz Fatah
Published: June 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional APCs, which sample Ags in the periphery and migrate to the lymph node where they activate T cells. DCs can also present native Ag to B cells through interactions observed both in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanisms of Ag transfer and B cell activation by DCs remain incompletely understood. In this study, we report that murine DCs are an important cell transporter of Ag from the periphery to the lymph node B cell zone and also potent inducers of B cell activation both in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, we highlight a novel extracellular mechanism of B cell activation by DCs. In this study, we demonstrate that Ag released upon DC regurgitation is sufficient to efficiently induce early B cell activation, which is BCR driven and mechanistically dependent on the nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor NF-κB/cRel. Thus, our study provides new mechanistic insights into Ag delivery and B cell activation modalities by DCs and a promising approach for targeting NF-κB/cRel pathway to modulate the DC-elicited B cell responses.
Comparing Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Treating patients with Growth Hormone-Secreting Adenomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Qiulin , Huang Yinqiong , Lin Wei , Cai Liangchun , Wen Junping , Chen Gang
Published: June 2020

Context: Radiotherapy for patients with acromegaly was considered when patients have residual disease or tumor recurrence after surgery, or when surgery can’t be carried out. There are two main modes of radiotherapy, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT).

Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to present the effectiveness and safety of SRS and FSRT for GH secreting pituitary adenoma in clinical practice.

Methods: We searched the published literature using following databases: Pub Med, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and EMBASE up to March 22, 2020, for studies in which SRS or FSRT were used in patients with GH secreting pituitary.

Results: A total of 33 studies were eligible, involving 2016 participants. No significant differences were observed in tumor shrinkage rate, local tumor control rate and adverse effect rate between SRS and FSRT. Compared to FSRT, SRS showed significant increase in biochemical remission rate (43% vs. 28%; p=0.023) and significant lower follow-up GH level (SMD: −1.20 vs. −0.37, p=0.006).

Conclusions: SRS and FSRT showed comparable effectiveness and safety in the management of GH secreting pituitary adenoma patients. SRS might be associated with better biochemical remission.
Powerful posters
Authors: Kores Maiken Ana
Published: June 2020

Given the rise in far-right and populist rhetoric in Europe, particularly in light of the 2015 refugee crisis and the racist and xenophobic responses to it, this paper provides a multimodal analysis of the campaign slogans and posters of Slovenian political parties that gained parliamentary seats during the 2018 parliamentary elections that were, alongside focusing on issues pertaining to the Slovenian political landscape, heavily infused with concerns and potential solutions on how to tackle the challenges currently faced by Europe. The aim is to examine the linguistic and visual tools used by parties across the political spectrum, and to find out if the use of certain elements is characteristic of a determined political orientation. A brief outline of Slovenian party dynamics and the conditions that have contributed to them is followed by an analysis of the parties’ political campaigns. Using the tools of political discourse analysis, the first part is centred around parties’ choice of syntax and lexis in their political slogans, as well as the imagery on their posters, whereas the second is devoted to a linguistic analysis of how parties frame and address five key common issues in their political programmes: pensions, corruption, finance, healthcare and safety. Their stances and how these differ or coincide based on their place on the political spectrum are exemplified by short excerpts from the programmes.
Islam v imaginaciji Zahoda in pouk zgodovine
Authors: Potočnik Dragan
Published: June 2020

Islamska civilizacija je bila v srednjem veku mogočna kulturna in politična sila. V številnih vidikih je pomembno vplivala na kulturni, znanstveni in politični razvoj Evrope ter navdihovala številne zahodne raziskovalce in popotnike, zlasti v 19. in zgodnjem 20. stoletju. V odnosu do islamske civilizacije sodobni zahodni diskurz izraža veliko mero strahu in nezaupanja. Razlogi za tako stanje so med drugim v nepoznavanju islama ter v neobjektivnem pisanju o tej civilizaciji. Za bolj uravnotežen diskurz o islamu sta potrebna poznavanje in civilizacijski dialog. Prispevek obravnava diskurz o islamski civilizaciji v povezavi s slovenskimi in ameriškimi učbeniki. V slovenskih učnih načrtih za zgodovino je v 7. razredu islamski civilizaciji namenjena le izbirna tema. Spričo množice izbirnih tem to pomeni, da se zaradi drugih zanimivih tem le redki učitelji odločijo za obravnavo islamske civilizacije. V ameriškem kontekstu pa so učbeniki kritizirani zaradi naklonjenosti islamu. Pristop, ki ga priporoča American Textbook Council, ne pripomore k razumevanju in spoštovanju islamske civilizacije, ker islam v določeni meri enači s fundamentalizmom in nanj meče senco krivde stereotipnih obtožb. V članku zagovarjamo stališče, da je tak pristop destruktiven, kajti javnost na podlagi stereotipov in nepoznavanja islam vse pogosteje identificira z ekstremističnim fundamentalizmom. Takšno podajanje zgodovine islama bi odnose med islamom in Zahodom v bodoče utegnilo le še poslabšati.
The indulgence letter for the monastery of Kostanjevica (1347, November 6)
Authors: Kavčič Nataša
Published: June 2020

The present article offers an art-historical analysis of the indulgence letter issued in Avignon on 6 November 1347 for the monastery of Kostanjevica in present-day Slovenia. It is believed that a workshop responsible for writing and decorating indulgence letters was organized in Avignon after the Popes moved there from Rome, and several iconographic and stylistic affinities speak in favour of the Kostanjevica charter being decorated precisely in this work environment. The Avignon workshop supposedly expanded in the 1340s, which presumably led to the division of labour within the workshop, meaning that one charter’s decoration could be the result of a joint effort. The present article discusses possible evidence to corroborate or reject this statement in the case of the Kostanjevica indulgence letter.
Contemporary British satire and the problem of Jonathan Swift’s personae
Authors: Stubbs John
Published: June 2020

This essay brings the example of Jonathan Swift’s literary personae to bear on current trends in satirical culture. A number of recent commentators have written of a crisis in contemporary British satire. They invoke Horkheimer and Adorno’s theory that comedy supports power interests which it purportedly undermines. The present essay maintains that Swift in a sense confirms this theory, but also that he sets another, more exacting standard for satire. Swiftian satire is singular if not unique in that it is openly self-disabling: in its highest form it deploys a persona that exhausts the resources of contemporary and classical theory. In doing so, it confronts its audiences with a complex and engaged expression of political helplessness. But it also uses irony to tell the truth. The standard Swift sets contemporary satire is an exacting one: to deliver an unflinching and, if necessary, vindictive testimony against injustice.
Nigeria’s 2019 electioneering discourse
Authors: Bamigbade Waheed A. , Dalha Lawan
Published: June 2020

The paper interrogates the various discourse strategies adopted by the electorate on social media (SM) to delegitimize political opponents and engender rivalry in the build-up to the February 2019 presidential elections in Nigeria. A total of forty-two (42) Facebook (FB) posts on Nigerian political discourse were purposively selected between November 2018 and January 2019, and subjected to pragmatic and evaluative analysis, adopting Mey’s (2001) pragmatic acts theory and Martin and White’s (2005) appraisal theory.From our analysis, fourteen (14) different delegitimization strategies were found to have been utilized by the writers to achieve the pragmatic acts of discrediting political opponents as unworthy of being voted into powers, while concurrently persuading the electorate to support their side instead. These strategies include the following categories: facts and evidence, issue-based rhetorical question, frank issue-based opinion, contrastive engagement, and dysphemism. Others are implicit antithesis, direct verbal attack, allegations, irony, demonization, self-indictment, lexical gymnastics, sarcasm, and prophetism. The findings show overt and covert persuasive strategies and interactivity towards the pragmatic act of delegitimizing political opponents, showing words as the real weapons on the battlefield of politics. The analysis further reveals that people tend to support a SM post not necessarily because it is true, but because it supports the chances of their candidate or hurts the opposing side. Thus a platform has been provided for implicit and explicit political stance taking, which may be difficult outside SM due to certain insecurity and face threats. SM has become a site for a running, fierce, and open political discourse, the new voice for the voiceless, as well as for issue-based campaigns in Nigeria. It may well become a space where general elections are won and lost even before a vote is cast.
Cognitive framing through political catchwords
Authors: Jurin Suzana , Kružić Daniela
Published: June 2020

The Croatian political scene is undergoing radical changes. Since the 2016 parliamentary election, the left-wing has gradually lost ground. One of the key roles in the political process is played by the media, which influence the voters and their choices. In this paper we analysed written texts collected during the 2016 election campaign. Among the most prominent Croatian newspapers the left-wing Novi list and the right-wing Večernji list are chosen as the focal publications. We conducted a text linguistic analysis of the political catchword (phrase, slogan) and its role in creating the political opinions of voters. The analysis provided data about the verbal, nonverbal and paraverbal text segments. These phenomena were abstracted as communicational-pragmatic and language-stylistic entities which are necessary for the successful cognitive framing of the political opinions of the public. In order to create and frame political opinions, the text producer uses subtle persuasive messages. Furthermore, at the content-related level of the text structure analysis, the communicative intention of the producer is shown, while the text function analysis shows the most common text indicators used to transmit the desired content and identifies a potential persuasive message “hidden” in the words. As a result, the number of catchwords published in line with each newspaper’s own political orientation is slightly higher than that of the other option, which shows that political neutrality is lacking in the Croatian media.
Community Participation in the Management of Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary, Ghana
Authors: Ernest Amoako-Atta Ernest , Frederick Dayour Frederick , Ziem Bonye Samuel
Published: June 2020

Effective community participation in the management of tourism projects is advocated as a useful tool for sustaining such projects but also, as a means of empowering community members. Though this subject has received much academic attention in the broader tourism literature pertaining to other regions, the specific forms of participation relative to community-based tourism projects, the activities engaged in by community members as well as the impediments to their participation in such projects are yet to be investigated and understood in Ghana. Thus, this study aims to unpack how residents get involve in the management of the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary, the specific activities they undertake as well as challenges they face in that regard. The study employed a mixedmethods research design comprising 206 surveys, six in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions. The results show that community members participate in the project through the services they offer to guests and compliance with laid down rules regarding access and usage of the resource. Also, there was unanimity regarding the forms of participation in the project which were largely coercive and inducive in nature but also barriers which were mainly operational and structural in a nature. In dealing with operational barriers, the study recommends that the Sanctuary Management Committee should provide community members with adequate information to sidestep any possible mistrust in the management. And to address structural barriers, management should also provide training programmes to the community to enable them contribute meaningfully to issues concerning the project.

Keywords: Community Participation, Tourism, Management, Mixed-Methods, Ghana
Anticancer property of hexane extract of Suaeda fruticose plant leaves against different cancer cell lines
Authors: Saleh Kamel A. , Albinhassan Tahani H , Al-Ghazzawi Adel M. , Mohaya Abdulrahman , Shati Ali A. , Ayoub Huda J. , Abdallah Qasem M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the bioactivity of hexane extract of S. fruticosa leaves against the cancer cell lines HepG2, MCF-7, and HCT-116, and to determine the chemical composition-function relationship.

Methods: Using the liquid-liquid extraction method, the nonpolarL constituent compounds were isolated from the leaves. The cytotoxicity of the hexane extract was evaluated using an SRB assay. Mechanism of action was verified by observing the appearance of apoptotic bodies using fluorescence microscopy, while anti-proliferative activity was assayed via flow cytometry.

Results: The results revealed that secondary metabolites in the hexane extract demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity, and thus anticancer activity, against HCT-116 cells, with an IC50 of 17.15 ± 0.78 mg/mL. The presence of apoptotic bodies indicate an ability to induce apoptosis. Flow cytometry results suggest that the secondary metabolites stalled the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase.

Conclusion: The results indicate that S. fruticosa hexane extract may be considered a potential new source of the anti-cancer compound, momilactone B.

Keywords: Anticancer, Apoptosis, Colon Cancer, Liver cancer, Breast cancer, Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, Suaeda fruticose, Momilactone B
MiR-196b-5p regulates the proliferation of drug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines by activating NFκB/ABCB1 signaling pathway
Authors: Pu Bangming , Cao Yong , Li Yan , Tang Li , Xia Jiyi , Li Bo
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To explore the molecular function of miR-196b-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: MiR-196b-5p expression levels in HCC tissue samples were assessed by qRT-PCR. MiR-196b-5p was knocked-down or over-expressed in HepG2 cells by transfecting the cells with plasmids expressing either a miR-196b-5p inhibitor or mimic, respectively, while cell proliferation was  assessed by MTT assay. The interaction of miR-196b-5p with target molecules was confirmed using luciferase reporter assay. Cell cycle was investigated by flow cytometry, while NFκBIA expression was assessed by western blotting.Results: MiR-196b-5p was over-expressed in HCC, and miR-196b-5p expression levels in patients with HCC were related to tumor grade. MiR-196b-5p over-expression promoted cell proliferation and colony formation and suppressed cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The results of luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-196b-5p reduced NFκBIA expression in HepG2 cells by binding to a response element in the 3′ UTR of NFκBIA. Further investigation showed that NFκBIA interacts with NFκB1 and reduces the concentration of NFκB1 in HepG2 cells. The promoter of ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1) was also targeted and bound by NFκB1, which altered the expression of ABCB1 in HepG2 cells.Conclusion: MiR-196b-5p regulates cell proliferation in drug-resistant HCC cell lines via activation of the NFκB/ABCB1 signaling pathway.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, miR-196b-5p, NFκBIA, NFκB1, ABCB1
Determination of radical scavenging activities of some pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Aremu Oluwole S. , Katata-Seru Lebogang , Aremu Olukayode O. , Sewani-Rusike Constance R. , Koorbanally Neil
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To synthesize some pyrimidine derivatives and investigate their radical scavenging activities.

Methods: A series of newly pyranopyrimidines derivatives and dithiopyridopyrimidinediones were synthesized by condensation of barbituric acid, malononitrile and different substituted benzaldehydes reacted with 1,4-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2] octane (DABCO) as a base. Compounds P1-7 (series 1),  S1-11 (series 2) Scheme 1 and 6-amino-2-thiouracil with aromatic aldehydes in glacial acetic acid under reflux J1-13 (series 3) Scheme 2. 1H & 13C NMR, CHN, GC-MS and IR were used to characterize the compounds and were also screened for radical scavenging activity using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 50 μg/ml).

Results: The potency of radical scavenging activity was ranked as series 1 > series 3 > series 2. Compounds P3, J4, S10, P5, P7 with inhibitory  concentration at 50 % level (IC50) of 12, 40, 48, 50, and 54 μg/ml, respectively, showed radical scavenging activity equal or more potent than the standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid (IC50 = 50 μg/ml).

Conclusion: Series of newly pyranopyrimidines and dithiopyridopyrimidinediones derivatives have been successfully synthesized, and they  demonstrate good radical scavenging activity.

Keywords: Pyranopyrimidine, Dipyrimidines, Anti-oxidant, DPPH, Ascorbic acid, Radical scavenging
Schisandra chinensis extract ameliorates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88 signaling pathway
Authors: Lou Yang , Xu Bo , Li Xianshuai , Xu Xiaoyi , Chen Xiaoguo
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effects of Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) on myocardial ischemiareperfusion (I/R) injury and to elucidate its underlying mechanism of action.

Methods: A rat model of myocardial I/R injury was used. Ischemia was induced by occluding the left anterior descending artery for 30 min and the myocardium was then reperfused for 2 h in Sprague-Dawley rats. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to measure myocardial infarct size, while the levels of inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot assay was conducted to determine protein levels.

Results: TTC staining showed that myocardial I/R injury was ameliorated after SCE treatment. Serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased after SCE treatment. Moreover, seruminterleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression levels were reduced after SCE treatment. Furthermore, SCE treatment remarkably downregulated the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88).

Conclusion: SCE may exert protective effects against myocardial I/R injury by downregulating TLR4-mediated NF-κB/MyD88 signaling pathway. However, this needs to confirmed in clinical studies.

Keywords: Schisandra chinensis, TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88, Inflammasome, Myocardial ischemiareperfusion injury
Protective effect of ethosuximide on hearing in NOD/LtJ mice via blockage of endogenous apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Dejun , Guan Guofang , Guo Yingyuan , Hao Yanru , Guo Fang , Fu Zeming
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To determine the protective effect of ethosuximide on the hearing of NOD/LtJ mice, and the underlying mechanism of action.

Methods: The mice were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups (20 mice per group). Mice in the treatment group were administered ethosuximide intraperitoneally at a dose of 200mg/kg body weight (bwt), while those in the control group received an equivalent dose of saline via the same route. Both groups were subjected to auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) tests, as well as determination of mRNA expressions of α1G, α1H, α1I, m-calpain, μ-calpain, and caspase-3.

Results: At ages of 6 and 9 weeks, ABR values were significantly lower in the treatment group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). At age 3, 6 and 9 weeks, control group DPOAE values were much lower than those in the treatment group. However, at signal frequency of 35344 Hz, DPOAE value was significantly reduced in the treatment group (p < 0.05). There was significant down-regulation in mRNA expressions of α1G, α1H, α1I, m-calpain, μ-calpain and caspase-3, in the treatment group, when compared with the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Ethosuximide delays mice hearing loss and protects their hearing via a mechanism involving blockage of endogenous apoptotic pathways. This mechanism may provide guidance in the search for suitable new drugs.

Keywords: Ethosuximide, Endogenous apoptosis, Hearing, Protection
Therapeutic benefit of aripiprazole-olanzapine combination in the treatment of senile Alzheimer’s disease complicated by mental disorders
Authors: Zheng Na , Wang Ning , Jia Ji-Min
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To determine the clinical efficacy of aripiprazole-olanzapine combination treatment in elderly Alzheimer’s disease complicated with mental disorders.

Methods: Ninety-two elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders who were admitted to Binzhou People's Hospital, were enrolled in the study. They were randomized into control and study groups. Control group was treated with olanzapine, while the study group was treated with aripiprazole as an adjuvant therapy in addition to olanzapine. The clinical efficacy, scores on different scales (MMSE, ADAS-cog, CDR, ADL, NPI and CMAI), and incidence of adverse reactions were determined.

Results: The overall degree of response was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in MMSE, ADAS-cog, CDR, ADL, NPI and CMAI scores between the two groups before treatment (p > 0.05). The MMSE score of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the scores in the other scales in the study group were significantly lower after treatment (p < 0.05). The study group had significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions than control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Aripiprazole-olanzapine combination has significant therapeutic benefit in the treatment of elderly Alzheimer’s disease patients complicated with mental disorders. It promotes recovery of neurological function, as well as produces a lower incidence of adverse reactions.

Keywords: Aripiprazole, Olanzapine, Alzheimer’s disease, Mental disorders
Chlorobenzoxime inhibits respiratory syncytial virus infection in neonatal rats via up-regulation of IFN-γ in dendritic cells
Authors: Li Junzhao , Zhang Yonghai , Qiao Hongmei , Jin Yingji , Wang Jianmin , Yao Binghua
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effect of chlorobenzoxime on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in vitro in lung alveolar cells and in vivo in neonatal rats, as well as the mechanism of action involved.

Methods: RSV infection in neonatal rats was induced via intranasal administration of 2 x 106PFU viral particles. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used for determination of changes in interleukin expression.

Results: RSV infection in BEAS-2B cells caused significant reduction in viability and marked alteration in morphological appearance (p < 0.05). Exposure of RSV-infected BEAS-2B cells to chlorobenzoxime prevented viability reduction and changes in morphology, and led to reductions in RSV-mediated increases in levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8. Moreover, RSV infection significantly enhanced ROS levels in BEAS-2B cells, when compared to control cells (p < 0.05). Chlorobenzoxime at a concentration of 30 μM completely suppressed RSV-mediated generation of ROS in BEAS-2B cells. In neonatal rats, RSV-induced upregulation of interleukin-4, interleukin-13 and TNF-α, were suppressed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues by chlorobenzoxime. Moreover, the RSVmediated reduction in IFN-γ was maximally blocked by chlorobenzoxime at a dose of 10 mg/mL. Chlorobenzoxime enhanced the proportion of IFN-γ -producing cells in neonatal rat BALF.

Conclusion: Chlorobenzoxime exhibits antiviral against RSV infection in neonatal rats via increase in dendritic cell population, leading to inhibition of cytokine production. Therefore, chlorobenzoxime is a potential therapeutic agent for RSV infection.

Keywords: Respiratory syncytial virus, Cytokines, Dendritic cells, Lung aveolar cells, Morphology, Interleukins
Evaluation of chidamide and PFI-1 as a combination therapy for triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Lin Nong , Yang Qiaolu , Xu Tong , Shi Lianguo
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of the combination therapy of histone deacetylases (HDAsC) inhibitor, chidamide, and bromodomain-containing proteins (BETs) inhibitor, PFI-1, on triplenegative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods: Four distinct breast cancer cell lines and one TNBC mouse model were treated with vehicle, chidamide, PFI-1 alone, or chidamide and PFI-1. The inhibitory effect of chidamide or PFI-1 on HDACs and BETs was assessed by HDAC enzyme inhibition and AlphaScreen assays. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay while protein expression of p-STAT3 was evaluated by western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining assay.

Results: Chidamide exerted inhibitory effect on HDACs while PFI-1 inhibited BET proteins. The threedimensional model demonstrated the interactions between chidamide and HDAC2, and between PFI-1 and BRD4. Chidamide or PFI-1 exerted inhibitory effects on breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro. However, the combination of PFI-1 and chidamide significantly inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell viability, and decrease the expression of p-STAT3, when compared to that treated with chidamide or PFI-1 alone. Moreover, the combined inhibitory effect of PFI-1 and chidamide on tumor growth was also found in the in vivo mice experiments.

Conclusion: The combination of chidamide and PFI-1 is a potential is a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of TNBC.

Keywords: Triple-negative breast cancer, Histone deacetylases, Bromodomain
Evaluation of super-disintegrant potential of acid-modified starch derived from Borassus aethiopum (Aracaceae) shoot in paracetamol tablet formulations
Authors: Azubuike Chukwuemeka P. , Ubani-Ukoma Uloma N. , Afolabi Abiola R. , Cardoso-Daodu Ibilola M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the super-disintegrant potentials of acid modified Borassus aethiopum starch (AMS) in comparison with native starch (NS) and commercial disintegrant sodium starch glycolate (SSG).

Methods: Compatibility of AMS with paracetamol powder was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry. Seven batches of paracetamol granules and tablets were prepared by wet granulation. AMS and NS were employed as disintegrants at concentrations of 2.43, 4.86 and 9.72 %w/w, respectively while 4.86 %w/w SSG was used as standard disintegrant. All the batches of the granules were compressed under the same compression settings. The properties of the granules as well as those of the tablets were assessed.

Results: AMS was compatible with paracetamol powder as no noticeable interaction was observed in FTIR study. The paracetamol tablets formulated using AMS as disintegrant demonstrated satisfactory friability, weight uniformity, hardness, and superior disintegration characteristics to the formulations containing NS and SSG as disintegrant. Even at a lower concentration (2.43 %w/w), AMS possessed better disintegrant property than NS and SSG. AMS and NS had dimensionless disintegrant quantity of 1.447 and 0.005, respectively. As expected, increase in AMS concentration showed a decrease in disintegration time.

Conclusion: AMS could be a potential low-cost super-disintegrant in formulation of paracetamol tablets.

Keywords: Acid modified starch, Borassus aethiopum, Disintegrant, Compatibility
Protective effect of astragalus injection against myocardial injury in septic young rats via inhibition of JAK/STAT signal pathway and regulation of inflammation
Authors: Zhao Zhihong , Wang Xuejing , Li Xiumin , Li Hongshuang , Xu Bin
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of astragalus injection against myocardial injury in septic young rats, and the underlying mechanism of action.

Methods: Seventy-two healthy Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly selected and used to establish a young rat model of sepsis. The young rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham, model and astragalus injection groups. Each group had 24 young rats. Serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), IL-10, IL-6, JAK2 and STAT3 were measured after op.

Results: Compared with sham group, serum cTnI level in the model group was significantly higher, while serum cTnI level of the drug group was significantly lower than that of the model group (p < 0.05). Compared with model group, the level of IL-10 in the myocardial tissue of the drug group was significantly elevated, while IL-6 level was lower (p < 0.05). Relative to sham rats, myocardial JAK2 and STAT3 protein levels in model rats were high. However, myocardial JAK2 and STAT3 proteins in the drug-treated rats were significantly downregulated, relative to model rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Astragalus injection upregulates IL-10 and IL-6 in rats by inhibiting the activation of JAK/STAT signal pathway, and via maintenance of pro-inflammation/anti-inflammation balance. Thus, astragalus exerts protective effect against myocardial injury in sepsis, and can potentially be developed for use as such in clinical practice.

Keywords: Astragalus injection, JAK/STAT signal pathway, Pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory imbalance, Sepsis, Myocardial injury
Cytotoxic effect of acetogenins and sesquiterpenes obtained from the Red alga Laurencia majuscula
Authors: Alorfi Hajer S. , Ghandourah Mohamed A. , Turki Adnan J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of n-hexane extract and its metabolites obtained from the red alga, Laurencia majuscula, against three cancer cell lines HCT-116 (colon cancer), PC-3 (prostate cancer) and HepG2 (liver cancer) cells; and to identify the phytochemical compound(s) involved.

Methods: Solvent extraction, thin layer chromatography, aluminum oxide column chromatography, and preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) were employed for isolating pure compounds from nhexane extract of Laurencia majuscula. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) measurements were used for structural elucidation of the compounds. The cytotoxicity of the nonpolar extract and isolated compounds were evaluated against HCT, PC-3, and HepG2 cells using MTT assay, relative to the standard cytotoxic drug (cisplatin).

Results: Three sesquiterpenes (1, 2 and 8), and five acetogenins (3-7) were isolated from the n-hexane extract. The n-hexane extract showed higher potent cytotoxic effect than sesquiterpenes and the acetogenins (3-7).

Conclusion: These results indicate that the n-hexane extract of Laurencia majuscula exerts significant cytotoxicity against HCT-116, PC-3 and HepG2 cell lines, thus suggesting that the plant extract may be effective chemotherapeutic agents for the management of colon, postrate and liver cancer.

Keywords: Red Sea alga, Rhodomelaceae, Polyketides, Terpenes, Anticancer
Effect of sodium dichloroacetate as single agent or in combination with cisplatin in normal and human cervical cancer cell lines
Authors: Zugasti Alejandro , Rivera Ana L. , Silva Sonia Y. , Alfaro Miguel A. , Sierra Crystel A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the synergistic cytotoxicity of sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) in combination with cisplatin (CIS) against human cervical cancer cell lines.

Methods: Cervical cancer SiHa and HeLa cells and normal cells (Hek-293, Vero, peripheral blood mononuclear and human erythrocytes) were treated in vitro with DCA and CIS individually or their combination. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method while hemolytic activity was evaluated from the released hemoglobin. Halfmaximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of DCA or CIS was obtained.

Results: The combination of DCA + CIS decreased the cell viability of SiHa, Hek-293, Vero, and PBMC cells, but not of Hela cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the individual treatments alone or in combination did not cause significant hemolysis (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The combination of DCA + CIS increases the damage caused by CIS alone on SiHa cells. It also decreases the cell viability of Hek-293 and Vero without affecting peripheral blood mononuclear and human erythrocyte integrity. The results suggest that the combination of DCA and CIS can induce synergistic antitumor effect in different types of cancer cell lines. However, further studies are required to determine the biological effects of the combination of DCA and CIS in vivo.

Keywords: Cervical cancer, Sodium dichloroacetate, Cisplatin, Viability, Hemolysis
Evaluation of 90-day subchronic oral toxicity of aqueous extract of Gmelina arborea Roxb (Verbenaceae) leaves in Wistar rats
Authors: Osseni Razack , Simon Azonbakin , Aboudoulatif Diallo , Ganfon Habib , Marius Adjagba , Kaossarath Fagbemi , Sekossounon Sanni , Awede Bonaventure , André Bigot , Raphaël Darboux , Anatole Lalèyè
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the 90 day sub-chronic toxicity of aqueous extract of Gmelina arborea leaves in Wistar rats.

Methods: Rats were submitted to repeated daily oral administration of extract (250, 62.5 and 15.62 mg/kg) of Gmelina arborea leaves. The control groups were given distilled water and the rats were monitored for any toxicity symptoms as well as body and organs weights, water and food intake changes. The biochemical, haematological and histolopathological parameters were analysed.

Results: The 90 days administration of the aqueous extract did not produce any toxicity signs or mortality. In addition, no significant alteration in water or food intake by the rats was observed. Although there were no changes in the body weights, significant decrease in the weight of the kidneys of the rats was observed at 250 mg/kg. Biological parameters as well as the histopathology of liver and kidneys were not significantly affected. Significant decreases were noted in glucose level at the three dose levels. In addition, significant difference in the levels of transaminases, glucose and platelets were observed.

Conclusion: The 90-days subchronic toxicity test on Gmelina arborea did not produce any toxic effects. This confirms the safety of the plant leaves by traditional medicine practitioners.

Keywords: Gmelina arborea, Subchronic toxicity, Wistars rats, Biological parameters