bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid and Simultaneous Measurement of Praeruptorin A, Praeruptorin B, Praeruptorin E, and Moisture Contents in Peucedani Radix Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Hu Yijuan , Zhang Hongjian , Liang Weiqing , Xu Pan , Lou Kelang , Pu Jinbao 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Peucedani Radix is a popular traditional Chinese medicine herb with a long history in China. Praeruptorin A (PA), praeruptorin B (PB), and praeruptorin E (PE) are usually taken as important quality indexes of Peucedani Radix. Objective: To establish a rapid method for simultaneous determination of PA, PB, PE, and moisture contents in Peucedani Radix using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics. Methods: One hundred twenty Peucedani Radix samples were analyzed with HPLC as a reference method. The NIR spectral scanning range was from 12000 cm−1 to 4000 cm−1. Partial least squares (PLS) regression algorithm was used to establish calibration models. Three variable selection methods were investigated, including variable importance in projection (VIP), competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), and Monte Carlo uninformative variable elimination (MCUVE). The performances of the established models were evaluated by root-mean-square error (RMSEC) and determination coefficient (Rc2) of calibration set, root-mean-square error (RMSEP) and determination coefficient (Rp2) of prediction set, and residual predictive deviation (RPD). Results: A clear ranking of the performance of the calibration models could be as follows: CARS-PLS &gt; MCUVE-PLS &gt; VIP-PLS &gt; Full-PLS. For CARS-PLS, Rp2, RMSEP, and RPD of the prediction set are as follows: 0.9204, 0.0860%, and 3.5850 for PA; 0.8011, 0.0431%, and 2.0868 for PB; 0.8043, 0.0367%, and 2.1569 for PE; and 0.9249, 0.3350%, and 3.6551 for moisture, respectively. Conclusions: The NIR spectroscopy combined with CARS-PLS calibration models could be used for rapid and accurate determination of PA, PB, PE, and moisture contents in Peucedani Radix samples.
Determination of Cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa Dried Flowers and Oils by LC-UV: Single-Laboratory Validation, First Action 2018.10
Authors: Mudge Elizabeth M , Brown Paula N 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Legalization of Cannabis across many U.S. states and in Canada had led to an urgent need for validated analytical methods for the quantitation of cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. flowers and finished products. The AOAC Stakeholder Panel on Strategic Food Analytical Methods Cannabis Expert Review Panel (ERP) approved an HPLC-diode-array detection (DAD) method for First Action Official MethodsSM status.

Objective
To present Official Methods of AnalysisSM (OMA) 2018.10 method details, validation results, and additional method extension data as approved by the ERP and further requirements for Final Action Official MethodsSM status.

Methods
This previously published method used 80% aqueous methanol via sonication for extracting eight cannabinoids—tetrahydrocannabidiolic acid, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiolic acid, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabigerol, cannabinol, and cannabichromene—in dried flowers followed by reversed-phase chromatographic separation and UV detection.

Results
The original method underwent extensive method optimization and a single-laboratory validation. Additional requirements requested by the Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR®) included a method extension, which was performed to collect repeatability data on two additional cannabinoids: cannabidivarinic acid and cannabigerolic acid. The methods performance was compared with the AOAC SMPR 2017.002 and 2017.001. RSDr ranged from 0.78 to 10.08% and recoveries from 90.7 to 99.2% in several different chemotypes.

Conclusions
The ERP adopted the method and provided recommendations for achieving Final Action status.

Highlights
After submission of additional validation data, an HPLC-DAD method for quantitation of cannabinoids in dried flowers and oils was accepted for First Action Official Method status (OMA 2018.10).
Chromatographic Profiling of Rose Petals in Unani Formulations (Gulkand, Arq-e-Gulab, and Rose Sharbat) Using HPTLC and GC–MS
Authors: Parveen Rabea , Zahiruddin Sultan , Charegaonkar Akshay , Khale Abhijeet , Mallick Saikat 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: One of the most precious systems of traditional medicine is the Unani system of medicine. A wide variety of formulations indigenous to the Unani medicine have been preserved over the years. These formulations are potent and effective even after ages of postformulation. Rose petals are an example of such an herb, which is extensively and popularly used in Unani formulations for edible and cosmetic purposes. Rose petals are rich in terpenes, glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the phytochemical profiling of different rose varieties and their marketed formulations. Method: HPTLC method was developed for detecting overall profile and assessing variations among the rose varieties available in market along with the popular formulations of rose such as gulkand (Brand A and Brand B), Arq-e-gulab or Gulab Jal (Brand C), and sharbat (Brand D). GC–MS analysis was also carried out for fingerprinting of rose varieties and formulations. Results: HPTLC and GC–MS fingerprinting showed some common peaks in rose samples as well as in the formulation samples. The methods also gave different peaks for the adulterant that might be used in place of rose. Conclusions: Both the methods could be used for standardization of herbal products containing rose as one of the ingredients and also used to check for the adulteration. Highlights: The current advanced chromatographic analysis is a valuable tool to determine the quality of the formulation.
Development of a High Value Nutritious Baking Flour from Dried Ripe Banana Peels
Authors: Mugo M. W. , Njue L. G. 
Published: September 2019

Background: During processing of banana, peels are discarded which are valuable source of potassium, dietary fiber with percentages up to 40-50% protein, 8-11% lipids, and 2.2- 10.9% fatty acids. Therefore a high value nutrition baking flour can be made using dried ripe banana peels and reduce disposal of the banana peel.
Objective: This study was conducted to develop a high value nutritious baking flour from dried banana peels.
Methods: Ripe banana peels were treated with steam blanching at 57 0C for 12 hours to prevent enzymetic discoloration. The peels were then cut into small pieces of 1cm in thickness for easier drying and placed on trays. They were then placed in a preheated dehydrator. The initial temperature set was a 62ºC for 12 hours. The temperature was reduced to 57 0C after 12 hours making it a total of 24 hours for drying banana peels completely. The dried banana peels were crushed into fine flour using sterile mortar and pestle. Banana peel flour obtained was incorporated in whole meal flour formulation at four different levels as 0, 10, 20, and 30 %.. Sensory evaluation was done by assessing the organoleptic properties on over all acceptability using a nine- point Hedonic scale. Proximate analysis in percentage was carried out on the following parameters; moisture content, carbohydrate, protein, lipid, Ash crude fibre, ntioxidant (Vitamin C) and total dietary fibre.
Results: Whole meal cake with 20% banana peel flour was found to be the most accepted formulation. It had good physical characteristics. Proximate composition results of 20 % ripe banana peel flour were as follows: Moisture-17.2±0.05%, Crude protein- 5.5±0.01%, Crude fibre- 19.2±0.01%, Ash 8.8±0.02% and Carbohydrates- 14.6±0.01%., Lipids 1.5±0.01, Vitamin C91.30±0.01 and total dietary fibre 20.14±0.01 for 20% banana peels flour.
Conclusion: Ripe banana peel flour has potentials to be added in to patent baking flour to make healthy food products.
Phytochemical Study and Biological Activities of Two Medicinal Plants used in Burkina Faso: Lannea velutina A. Rich (Anacardiaceae) and Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae)
Authors: Pare Dramane , N’do Jotham Yhi-pênê , Guenne Samson , Nikiema Mahamadi , Hilou Adama 
Published: September 2019

Background: Bacterial infections are at the origin of a number of serious pathologies, including meningitis, bronchopneumopathies, typhoid fever and especially diarrhea, which are still a real public health problem for the child population in developing countries. In most of these countries, people use medicinal plants for primary health care. The objective of this study was to determine the content of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of extracts from two plants used in traditional medicine in Burkina Faso, Lannea velutina and Ximenia americana.
Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Biochemistry and Applied Chemistry (LABIOCA).
Methods: The total phenolics and flavonoid content of the ethanolic extract extracts were determined by spectrometric assay. The DPPH and FRAP method were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the extracts. The antibacterial potential was determined on five bacterial strains.
Results: The ethanolic extracts of Lannea velutina showed the best polyphenol content with 969.67±8.23 ​​mgGAE/g extract against 753.145917±66.31 mgGAE/g extract for Ximenia americana. On the DPPH radical Ximenia americana gave the best activity with a percentage inhibition of 62.32±0.17% compared to Lannea velutina. This species also gave the best reducing activity with a reducing capacity of 3.45±0.97 mmol EAA/10 g of extract. Shigella dysenteria and Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible to Lannea velutina and Ximenia americana with inhibition diameters greater than 8 mm.
Conclusion: These results showed that the extract has good antioxidant potential as well as antimicrobial activity. These extracts could be used to prevent damage from oxidative stress and infections.
Evaluation of Soil Fertility Status for Maize (Zea mays) Production in Moshi Rural, Kilimanjaro Region Tanzania
Authors: Masunga S. L. , Swilla L. M. , Tendwa S. M. 
Published: September 2019

This study was carried out to assess the soil fertility status for maize (Zea mays) production in soils of sixteen villages of Moshi Rural, Kilimanjaro region in February 2019. Sixteen field soil samples were collected through random sampling approach. A total of sixteen soil parameters including soil reaction (pH), Organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Sulfur (S) Exchangeable bases (Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K), Extractable micronutrients (Manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Boron (B) was tested in the soil laboratory in Agricultural Research Institute Mlingano Tanzania.
The soil analysis results indicated that, the studied soils were strongly acidic (5.0-5.9) indicating the need for liming to raise up the soil pH. The concentration of total nitrogen in Moshi Rural maize growing farms was very low to low (0.01 to 0.1%). The concentration of phosphorus ranges from 1-3 mg/l with an average of 2.742 suggesting that all studied areas should be considered for P supplementation. Exchangeable Na in the studied soils varies from 0.01 to 0.1 cmol (+) kg-1 with the average of 0.0154. This value suggests that exchangeable Na in the studied soils is very low with the implication that the studied soils are not salt affected. Micronutrients were seen as not a problem in the studied soils.
The studied soils generally are poor in soil fertility. Total nitrogen levels are very low, phosphorus is very low to medium and exchangeable bases and extractable micronutrients and equally very low to medium. Application of farm yard manure available in the locality, in combination with Diammonium phosphate or NPK is recommended at the average rate of 50 Kg per acre during planting and CAN, MOP and NPK during top-dress.
Changing Social Status of Dalits in Doaba Region of Punjab
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet 
Published: September 2019

Since Independence, India has made impressive progress in terms of growth, education, caste system and untouchability etc. Caste and untouchability have been much studied subjects of Indian social setting. Dalits comprised a group of people traditionally regarded as untouchables. The position of Dalits in the state of Punjab is quite different from that of Dalits in other parts of India. One of the distinguishing features of Dalits in Punjab is their numerical strength (31.9%). Other distinguishing features are their high literacy rate, emigration and active political participation. The study had a specific objective to access change in the social status of Dalits. The study was conducted in Doaba region of Punjab. Two blocks from each of the four districts of Doaba region were selected randomly. Two villages from each block were further selected and then 10 Dalit respondents from each village were interviewed personally with the help of an interview schedule. Thus total sample size was comprised of 160 respondents. The study found the increase in the education level of respondents. They were deviating from traditional occupation of agricultural labour to government jobs and to other ventures. A small percentage had moved to the upper caste locality in the village. Emigration and political participation were emerged as important factors in better social status. They were no more dependent on upper caste for cash or kind. Overall development of the society has affected the conditions of Dalits, the affirmative action programmes of the government have contributed to the improvement of their conditions.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Infection Control Procedures among Dentists of Karachi
Authors: Arif Zaeem , Butt Saima Akram , Pirvani Madiha , Shaikh Amir Akber , Niaz Ayesha Tariq , Khan Shoaib 
Published: September 2019

Aim: Infection control is crucial in any clinical setting. It is vital that all dentists must follow the infection control protocols in their clinics to prevent cross-infection. In a dental clinic, even simple dental procedures including extractions, scaling and root planning, dental crown preparations and root canal treatment, have a high risk of exposure to blood, which may cause transmission blood-borne diseases. Dentist’s compliance with these guidelines and recommendations have been recently studied in different parts of the world. Hence this study was performed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding infection control measures among private dental practioners in Karachi, Pakistan.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted for a period of four months in Karachi, Pakistan.
Materials and Methods: Present cross–sectional study was performed by interviewing 234 dentists via a questionnaire based upon various questions regarding infection control. Sample were collected using convenience sampling, from private dental clinics in Karachi, Pakistan.
Setting: Questionnaire were sent to 400 general dentist in Karachi, out of which 234 replied.
Results: Mostly (69%) dentists who took part in the study were males. Regarding infection control, most of the individuals had a comprehensive understanding of infection control techniques. Isolation was considered to play a vital role in cross-infection prevention by 97.3% of the dentists. 93.2% used autoclave for sterilization and majority had thorough knowledge of the process involved. Regarding preventive measures, 66.7% of the dentists were vaccinated against major infectious agents in our society and 92.2% took protective measures required to prevent cross-infection.
Conclusion: Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding infection control of dentists in private clinic of Karachi, Pakistan are satisfactory.
Effect of Field Treatment with Selected Soil Amendments on Bacterial Wilt Incidences in Tomatoes, Capsicum and Potatoes
Authors: Kago E. K. , Kinyua Z. M. , Maingi J. M. , Okemo P. O. 
Published: September 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to establish the effect of field treatment with selected soil amendments on bacterial wilt incidences in Tomatoes, Capsicum and Potatoes.
Study Design: The study was laid out as randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plot arrangement for two seasons in the field.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the experimental plots at KARLO- NARL, Kabete Nairobi County between July, 2017- September, 2017 and between November, 2017- January, 2018.
Methodology: The three choice crops of interest (potatoes, tomatoes and capsicum) were inoculated with prepared pure bacterial isolates; 18 (2T-Kiambu-Low Land), 71(2A-Nyeri-Low Land), 67 (2A-Nyeri-High Land), 83 (2T-Kirinyaga-Highland) and MX (18/71/67/83). A plot measuring 66 m by 28.5 m was marked, cleared, ploughed, harrowed and demarcated into 150 plots each measuring 2.4 m x 3.75 m. Spacing of the host crops of interest: potato - (Tigoni variety), tomato (Caj variety) and capsicum (Califonia Wonder) was carried out at 75 cm between the rows and 30 cm within the rows. The treatments were ChalimTM, Super-hydro-grow polymer + Metham sodium, Metham sodium, Metham sodium & Orange peel, Super-hydro-grow polymer, Brassica tissues, ChalimTM + Super-hydro-grow polymer, Brassica tissue + Orange peel, Metham sodium + Super-hydro-grow polymer and Control (no amendments).
Results: Significant differences (P≤0.05) were revealed in the bacterial wilt incidences in tomatoes, capsicum and potatoes between control and all the soil amendments used in season 1 and 2 in the five R. solanacearum isolate from Kenyan highlands and lowlands. The Brassica tissue + Super-hydro-grow polymer was superior in reducing bacterial wilt incidences in tomatoes, capsicum and potatoes in the field in all the R. solanacearum isolates from Kenyan highlands and lowlands both in season 1 and 2.
Conclusion: The findings showed that organic and inorganic soil amendments could serve as a viable control of bacterial wilt in solanaceous crops caused by R. solanacearum in the field. We recommend the use of Brassica tissue + Super-hydro-grow polymer soil amendment in the control of bacterial wilt incidences in the field on solanaceous crops.
Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility patterns of Candida Isolated on CHROMagarTMCandida at a Tertiary Referral Hospital, Eastern Uganda
Authors: Jane Watsemwa Juliet , Iramiot Jacob Stanley , Kalule John Bosco 
Published: September 2019

Background: Pregnant women are susceptible to vaginal candidiasis and maternal vulvovaginal candidiasis is a major risk factor for colonization and/or infection of the infant. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and antifungal patterns of albicans and non-albicans Candida among pregnant women attending a tertiary referral hospital.
Methods: Vaginal discharge- cotton swabs were self-collected from pregnant women clinically proven to have vulvovaginal candidiasis at the antenatal clinic of a tertiary referral hospital between January and July 2018. Microscopy and culture on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar with chloramphenicol was done on the vaginal discharge-cotton swabs. Confirmatory fungal identification was done using CHROM agarTM Candida. Antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out using the standardized Kirby Bauer method.
Results: Candida were isolated from 50.81% (126/249) of the swabs and included C. albicans (80.16%, 101/126), C. glabrata (19.05% (24/126) and C. krusei (0.79%, 1/126). Candida albicans showed resistance to amphotericin B (70.63%, 89/126), clotrimazole (11.9%, 15/126), nystatin (3.17%, 4/126), fluconazole (23.02%, 29/126), and itraconazole (17.46%, 22/126). Among the non-albican Candida species, C. glabrata showed resistance to fluconazole (100% ,24/24), amphotericin B (100% ,24/24), clotrimazole (14.29%, 18/24), nystatin (1.59%, 2/24), and itraconazole (18.25%, 23/24). C. krusei showed resistance to fluconazole (100%, 1/1), amphotericin B (100%,1/1), and itraconazole (100%, 1/1).
Conclusion: The candida species commonly associated with VVC in Eastern Uganda are C. albicans C. glabrata and C. krusei. Antifungal resistance was highly prevalent among the candida isolated. The use of CHROMagarTMCandida media for identification of clinically relevant Candida should be adopted instead of conventional methods that are tedious and time consuming such that treatment is based on laboratory evidence.
Cell cycle dynamics in the reprogramming of cellular identity
Authors: Hu Xiao , Eastman Anna E. , Guo Shangqin 
Published: September 2019

Reprogramming of cellular identity is fundamentally at odds with replication of the genome: cell fate reprogramming requires complex multidimensional epigenomic changes, whereas genome replication demands fidelity. In this review, we discuss how the pace of the genome's replication and cell cycle influences the way daughter cells take on their identity. We highlight several biochemical processes that are pertinent to cell fate control, whose propagation into the daughter cells should be governed by more complex mechanisms than simple templated replication. With this mindset, we summarize multiple scenarios where rapid cell cycle could interfere with cell fate copying and promote cell fate reprogramming. Prominent examples of cell fate regulation by specific cell cycle phases are also discussed. Overall, there is much to be learned regarding the relationship between cell fate reprogramming and cell cycle control. Harnessing cell cycle dynamics could greatly facilitate the derivation of desired cell types.
Nanomedicine‐Enabled Modulation of Tumor Hypoxic Microenvironment for Enhanced Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Jinping , Zhang Beilu , Sun Jingyu , Wang Yuhao , Wang Hongjun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHypoxia is a common condition of solid tumors that is mainly caused by enhanced tumor proliferative activity and dysfunctional vasculature. In the treatment of hypoxic human solid tumors, many conventional therapeutic approaches (e.g., oxygen‐dependent photodynamic therapy, anticancer drug‐based chemotherapy or X‐ray induced radiotherapy) become considerably less effective or ineffective. In recent years, various strategies have been explored to deliver or generate oxygen inside solid tumors to overcome tumorous hypoxia and show promising evidence to improve the antitumor efficiency. In this review, the extrinsic regulation of tumor hypoxia via nanomaterial delivery is discussed followed by a summary of the mechanisms through which the modulated tumor hypoxic microenvironment improves therapeutic efficacy. The review concludes with future perspectives, to specifically address the translation of nanomaterial‐based therapeutic strategies for clinical applications.