bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Review on Pharmacological Activities of Eclipta alba (Keekirindiya-Bhringarāja)
Authors: Munasinghe G.M.A.L.P.  , Madushani G.W.H.  , Molligoda S.P.  
Published: February 2024

This review article contributes to clarifying the pharmacological properties of Eclipta alba (Bhringarāja) which is traditionally used in medicaments in so many countries such as Sri Lanka, India, China, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Nepal, Malaysia, Myanmar, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Pakistan, etc. Pharmaceutical products containing Eclipta alba have been used for different kinds of diseases and Bhringarāja had been mentioned in different types of prescriptions; especially in Samhitha Grantha. The main objective of this literature review is a discussion about pharmacological activities of Eclipta alba (Bhringarāja) and to provide an integrated, synthesized overview of the current state of knowledge on Eclipta alba (Bhringarāja) with Ayurvedic and traditional medical knowledge. The systemic literature review was carried out to gather authentic information on Eclipta alba (Bhringarāja). Relevant data for this study were gathered from Ayurveda textbooks, research papers, peer-reviewed indexed scientific journals, and authentic websites. Eclipta alba (Bhringarāja) is a small branched perennial herb, found in sandy and clay soils (waterlogged areas). Research article shows that Eclipta alba (Bhringarāja) has numerous medicinal properties such as Hepatoprotective, Hair growthpromoting, Antidiabetic, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Neuropharmacological, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Cardiovascular, Immunomodulatory, Anti-epilepsy, Anti-venom, Anticancer, Antiulcer, Anthelmintic and Anti- hyperlipedic properties. The reason for these properties is stated to be its major chemical compounds such as wedelolactone, dimethyl wedeloctone, ecliptal, etc. I found through this research that most of the therapeutic actions such as Śōthara, Vedanāsthāpana, Vraṇaśodhana, Vraṇarōpaṇa, Savarṇakaraṇa, Chakshushya, Keśavardhana, Keśaranjana, etc. have been mentioned in Samhitha Grantha and Ayurveda pharmacopeia. Those actions have been confirmed by modern laboratory tests, clinical trials, and animal trials.
Keywords: Eclipta alba, Bhringarāja, Ayurveda, Pharmacological activities.
Pollen Morphological Studies on Selected Species of Family Dilleniaceae in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeyrathne U.K.G.  , Munasinghe M.L.A.M.S.  
Published: February 2024

Dilleniaceae is an angiosperm family including 11 genera and about 500 known species with a pantropical distribution extending into Australia. In Sri Lanka, four genera and 16 species including one introduced species have been reported in the family Dilleniaceae. Most of these species are endemic or native, while Schumacheria is an endemic genus. Morphological characters of the pollen grains are a significant taxonomic identification tool in the systematics of higher plants. The aim of the study is to provide detailed palynological descriptions of selected pollen species and maintain pollen reference collection. Four plant species, Dillenia retusa, Dillenia suffruticosa, Dillenia triquetra, and Schumacheria castaneifolia of the family Dilleniaceae (Genus Dillenia and Schumacheria) were collected from different localities in the wet zone including Nugegoda and Baduraliya during the period from September 2022 to November 2022. The voucher specimens were authenticated using revised handbook to the flora of Ceylon and deposited in the Herbarium of the Department of Botany, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Fresh flowers or dried flowers were taken to collect pollen. Pollen grains were acetolysed and observed under Optika microscope (BG-Italy) after mounting on a clean glass slide using glycerin jelly with Basic fuchsin. Thirty pollen grains were used to determine the pollen size for each selected species. All measurements were taken within seven days of pollen preparation using OptikalSview (3.9.0.604) software. The shape, size, and surface features of pollen grains, as well as the length and width of the pollen and apertures and Polar/Equatorial ratios, were observed. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Minitab 18 software for the quantitative variables related to measurements of pollen obtained with light microscope. The ranges of variation were 15-22 μm for polar axis, 16-26 μm for equatorial axis, 0.8-3.5 μm for colpus width and 5.0-12.5 μm for colpus length. The pollen grains of all the species are monad, isopolar, and radially symmetrical. Pollen grains were identified as suboblate to oblate spheroidal, small or medium-sized, tricolpate (Dillenia spp.) or tetra-colpate (Schumacheria castaneifolia), with the surface ornamentation punctate to reticulate. The longest and widest pollen grains were reported in Dillenia suffruticosa (22.0×26.4 μm), while the smallest were observed in Schumacheria castaneifolia (15.2×16.4 μm). Based on the length of the longest spore axis, except D. suffruticosa all other species are categorized into small-size pollen. According to the results, the distinction between species can be determined using palynological features such as shape, size, and aperture type.
Keywords: Pollen morphology, Dilleniaceae, Palynology, Reference collection
Effect of Expired Yoghurt Powder as a Soil Amendment on Growth, Yield and Chlorophyll
Authors: Thushari K.L.N.A.  , Amarasinghe S.R.  , Narayana N.M.N.K.  
Published: February 2024

The disposal of expired dairy products that are rich in organic carbon and nitrogen is one of the major challenges faced by the dairy industry and causes significant economic, environmental and health issues. Recycling of expired dairy products including yoghurt is an ideal solution to protect the environment and to utilize them in a sustainable manner. Therefore, the present study was carried out to find out the performance of organic soil amendment prepared from expired yoghurt powder (EYP) on growth, yield and chlorophyll content of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.). A pot experiment was set up according to Completely Randomized Design with four treatments {soil without fertilizer (T1), soil with 1% EYP+157 mg K2O/pot (T2), soil with 2% EYP+157 mg K2O/pot (T3), soil with inorganic fertilizer (T4)} with five replicates. In T4 treatment, a mixture of inorganic fertilizers as a basal dressing (before seed sowing) and top dressing (after 3 weeks) was applied at a rate of 177 mg N, 346 mg P2O5 and 157 mg K2O/pot and 177 mg N, 157 mg K2O/pot, respectively according to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) recommendation. The root diameter (cm), root volume (cm3), root length (cm), total leaf area (cm2), number of leaves, shoot fresh weight (g), root fresh weight (g) and chlorophyll content (relative green index) were measured. Data were analyzed using Minitab (version 17) and SAS (version 9.1.3) software packages. One way ANOVA was conducted to examine the differences between treatments followed by mean separation using Duncan‘s multiple range test. Root diameter, root length, root volume, root fresh weight (48.6±0.88 g and 32.30±1.83 g in T4 and T2, respectively) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in inorganic fertilizer (T4) and 1% EYP (T2) treatments than other treatments. The leaf area and chlorophyll content were significantly higher (p<0.05) in all the treatments compared to soil without fertilizer treatment (T1). The highest fresh shoot weight (77.4±9.37 g) was obtained in inorganic fertilizer (T4) treatment showing significant difference (p<0.05) than 2% EYP (T3) and soil without fertilizer (T1) treatments. According to the results, 1% EYP (T2) treatment showed similar growth and yield performance with inorganic fertilizer (T4) and is recommended as a soil amendment for radish. However, the fungal attacks and pest attraction to EYP limit its application as a soil amendment and further studies are suggested to overcome the limitations.
Keywords: Expired yoghurt powder, Growth and yield parameters, Organic soil amendment, Raphanus sativus L.
Therapeutic Uses of Mee Tree (Madhuca longifolia)
Authors: Risla M.H.F.  , Muthalib A.M.  
Published: February 2024

In the past, our ancestors maintained a close relationship with the environment. They knew the value of many plants. One tree that our ancestors preserved is the Mee tree. Madhuca longifolia belonging to the family Sapotaceae, is one of those multipurpose forest tree species that provide an answer for the food, fodder and fuel. It is widely distributed in the South Asian countries, Especially in Sri Lanka. Mee tree is a large deciduous tree growing widely under dry tropical and sub-tropical climatic conditions. The tree has religious and aesthetic value in the tribal culture. The trees with best girth in forest are often Mee trees as it is protected and cared by forest dwellers. Aim of the study is to identify the therapeutic uses of this plant in Sri Lanka. Ancient classical texts were used to collect data on Mee tree especially, Medicinal plants (Indigenous and Exotic) used in Ceylon. Articles were filtered through journals, magazines and newspapers. Databases such as Google scholar, Springer and Agroforestry were used to search journal articles. The journal articles from 2010-2022 were considered as eligible for this review. Search terms such as Madhuca longifolia, Mee tree, Medicinal uses were used to search journal articles. The final summary was formulated after a thorough reading of all above materials. As the results, the plant contains Vitamins, Ethylcinnamate, Amyrin acetates, Hexacosanol, Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid and many more chemical constituents. The Mee tree has analgesic, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac, astringent and demulcent properties with various parts of the plant. The parts are used in certain treatments in Ayurvedic medicine. The flowers, leaves, bark, roots, and seeds of the Mee tree are used to prepare medicines for rheumatism, bronchitis, headache, skin diseases, and worm infestations. The study was concluded as, this tree was so close and familiar to the lives of the people. This tree has many benefits for mankind, and many people have been interested in preserving it. However, due to the deforestation that has taken place in the country in the last few decades, the existence of Mee trees has been severely threatened. Today, Mee tree is a scarce resource in Sri Lanka. People should aware about protecting the plant for future generation.
Keywords: Madhuca longifolia, Mee tree, Medicinal uses, Deforestation
In-Plane Mixed-Mode Brittle Fracture Assessment of Harsin Marble Using HCSP Specimen
Authors: Salavati Hadi , Moqadaszadeh Zuhair , Rashidi Mogaddam Morteza 
Published: February 2024

The primary objective of this manuscript is studying the effect of T-stress term (T) on the crack propagation angle (CPA) and fracture toughness of in-plane mixed mode loading by utilizing a generalized form of minimum strain energy density (SED) criterion. The generalized criterion considers the influence of the first non-singular term of the Williams stress field as well as the conventional stress intensity factors (SIFs). A specimen known as a holed-cracked square plate (HCSP) composed of white Harsin marble is used for a wide range of in-plane mixed-mode fracture studies. HCSP is a square plate containing two cracks that are placed along each other in the circumference of a hole at the center of the specimen. The experimental results from mixed-mode fracture test by using proposed geometry are then compared with the results obtained theoretically from the conventional and generalized form of SED. It is demonstrated that the generalized criterion which includes the T, is substantially in agreement with the experimentally observed in-plane mixed-mode fracture results when compared to the SED criterion.
The IAAM LTBP4 Haplotype is Protective Against Dystrophin-Deficient Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bello Luca , Sabbatini Daniele , Fusto Aurora , Gorgoglione Domenico , Borin Giovanni Umberto , Penzo Martina , Riguzzi Pietro , Villa Matteo , Vianello Sara , Calore Chiara , Melacini Paola , Vio Riccardo , Barp Andrea , D’Angelo Grazia , Gandossini Sandra , Politano Luisa , Berardinelli Angela , Messina Sonia , Vita Gian Luca , Pedemonte Marina , Bruno Claudio , Albamonte Emilio , Sansone Valeria , Baranello Giovanni , Masson Riccardo , Astrea Guja , D’Amico Adele , Bertini Enrico , Pane Marika , Lucibello Simona , Mercuri Eugenio , Spurney Christopher , Clemens Paula , Morgenroth Lauren , Gordish-Dressman Heather , McDonald Craig M. , Hoffman Eric P. ,   CINRG-DNHS Investigators, Pegoraro Elena 
Published: February 2024

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major complication of, and leading cause of mortality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Its severity, age at onset, and rate of progression display wide variability, whose molecular bases have been scarcely elucidated. Potential DCM-modifying factors include glucocorticoid (GC) and cardiological treatments, DMD mutation type and location, and variants in other genes. Methods and Results: We retrospectively collected 3138 echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), shortening fraction (SF), and end-diastolic volume (EDV) from 819 DMD participants, 541 from an Italian multicentric cohort and 278 from the Cooperative International Neuromuscular Group Duchenne Natural History Study (CINRG-DNHS). Using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models, we estimated the yearly rate of decrease of EF (–0.80%) and SF (–0.41%), while EDV increase was not significantly associated with age. Utilizing a multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) model we observed that mutations preserving the expression of the C-terminal Dp71 isoform of dystrophin were correlated with decreased EDV (–11.01 mL/m2, p = 0.03) while for dp116 were correlated with decreased EF (–4.14%, p = <0.001). The rs10880 genotype in the LTBP4 gene, previously shown to prolong ambulation, was also associated with increased EF and decreased EDV (+3.29%, p = 0.002, and –10.62 mL/m2, p = 0.008) with a recessive model. Conclusions: We quantitatively describe the progression of systolic dysfunction progression in DMD, confirm the effect of distal dystrophin isoform expression on the dystrophin-deficient heart, and identify a strong effect of LTBP4 genotype of DCM in DMD.
Kinematic Effects of Combined Subthalamic and Dorsolateral Nigral Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kroneberg Daniel , Al-Fatly Bassam , Morkos Cornelia , Steiner Leon Amadeus , Schneider Gerd-Helge , Kühn A. 
Published: February 2024

Background: Additional stimulation of the substantia nigra (SNr) has been proposed to target axial symptoms and gait impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective: This study aimed to characterize effects of combined deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and SNr on gait performance in PD and to map stimulation sites within the SNr. Methods: In a double-blinded crossover design, 10 patients with PD and gait impairment underwent clinical examination and kinematic assessment with STN DBS, combined STN+SNr DBS and OFF DBS 30 minutes after reprogramming. To confirm stimulation within the SNr, electrodes, active contacts, and stimulation volumes were modeled in a common space and overlap with atlases of SNr was computed. Results: Overlap of stimulation volumes with dorsolateral SNr was confirmed for all patients. UPDRS III, scoring of freezing during turning and transitioning, stride length, stride velocity, and range of motion of shank, knee, arm, and trunk as well as peak velocities during turning and transitions and turn duration were improved with STN DBS compared to OFF. On cohort level, no further improvement was observed with combined STN+SNr DBS but additive improvement of spatiotemporal gait parameters was observed in individual subjects. Conclusions: Combined high frequency DBS of the STN and dorsolateral SNr did not consistently result in additional short-term kinematic or clinical benefit compared to STN DBS. Stimulation intervals, frequency, and patient selection for target symptoms as well as target region within the SNr need further refinement in future trials.
DRD3 Predicts Cognitive Impairment and Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease: Susceptibility and Protective Effects
Authors: Gonçalves Alexandra , Mendes Alexandre , Damásio Joana , Vila-Chã Nuno , Boleixa Daniela , Leal Bárbara , Cavaco Sara 
Published: February 2024

Background: A possible genetic contribution of dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) to cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has yet to be investigated. Objective: To explore the effects of rs6280 (Ser9Gly) genotype on PD patients’ cognitive performance and to clarify possible interactions with psychopathology. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-three consecutive PD patients underwent neurological and neuropsychological evaluations, which included: Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn & Yahr scale (H&Y), Dementia Rating Scale-2 (DRS-2), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). rs6280 polymorphism was genotyped for all PD patients and for 270 ethnically matched healthy volunteers (HC). Non-parametric group comparisons and logistic regressions were used for data analyses. Results: rs6280 genotype did not differ between PD and HC groups. PD patients with rs6280 CC genotype had more impaired cognitive performance (i.e., <1st percentile of demographically adjusted norms) on DRS-2 subscales Initiation/Perseveration and Construction than those with TT genotype. These associations remained statistically significant when other covariates (e.g., demographic features, disease duration, severity of motor symptoms in OFF and ON states, anti-parkinsonian medication, and psychopathology symptoms) were taken into consideration. PD patients with rs6280 TC had less anxiety (i.e., HADS Anxiety≥11) than those with TT ( p = 0.012). This association was also independent of other covariates. Conclusions: Study findings suggest that rs6280 CC genotype predisposes to executive dysfunction and visuoconstructional deficits, whereas the heterozygous genotype protects from anxiety in PD. These effects do not appear to be dependent of one another. rs6280 is not a genotypic susceptibility factor for PD.
Molecularly Defined Renal Carcinomas
Authors: Amann-Arévalo Marta , Ballestín Martínez Pablo , Vidal Cassinello Natalia , Moreno Perez Ignacio , de la Torre-Serrano Montserrat , Puente Javier 
Published: February 2024

RCC has witnessed a significant increase in its incidence over the last five decades, ranking as the ninth most common cancer globally. Although survival rates have improved substantially, RCC remains one of the deadliest urological cancers. Traditionally, RCC subtypes were classified based on histopathological features. However, in recent years, there has been a paradigm shift towards molecular and genomic characterization of RCC, leading to the recognition of distinct molecular subtypes. The 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) classification introduced a new category called “molecularly defined renal carcinomas,” encompassing various subtypes, including SMARCB1-deficient medullary carcinoma, ALK-rearranged RCC, FH-deficient RCC, SDH-deficient RCC, ELOC-mutated RCC, TFEB-altered RCC, and TFE3-rearranged RCC. These molecular subgroups have significant consequences for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Molecularly defined RCCs are frequently underrepresented in clinical trials, encouraging additional research to identify beneficial therapeutics. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine- kinase inhibitors have shown promising results in some subtypes, while others may benefit from specific inhibitors targeting their molecular drivers. Additionally, these classifications have important prognostic implications, guiding treatment decisions and genetic counseling.
Теміржол көлігінде қозғалыс қауіпсіздігін басқару жүйесін жетілдірудің келешекті бағыттары
Authors: Увалиева А.Б. , Киселева О.Г. , Ескожанова Н.Г. , Чэнь Юн 
Published: February 2024

Мақала қозғалыс қауіпсіздігін кепілді қамтамасыз ету деңгейін өсірдің өзекті мәселелеріне арналған. Мақаланың мақсаты-қозғалыс қауіпсіздігін бұзу бойынша жағдайлардың туындау қаупін кемітуге мүмкіндік беретін жүйелі тәсілді әзірлеу болып табылады. Мақалада теміржол көлігінде жүзеге асырылатын қозғалыс қауіпсіздігінің деңгейін өсіруге ықпал ететін шаралардың тиімділігін талдау нәтижелері көрсетілген. Қозғалыс қауіпсіздігін қамтамасыз ету бойынша мақсаттарға жету үшін жүйелік тәсілді іске асыру тиімді екені анықталған. Жүйелік тәсіл тәуекелдерді-менеджмент құралдарын қолдануға, қауіпсіздіктің оң мәдениетін және процестік тәсілді дамытуға негізделген.
Зерттеудің нәтижесі болып екі өзара тәуелді блоктан тұратын «Қозғалыс қауіпсіздігінің матрицасы» болып табылады. Блок 1-ге тасымалдау процесін қамтамасыз ететін элементтерді енгізу ұсынылады-бұл қызметкерлер, жылжымалы құрам және инфрақұрылым. Блок 2-ге тасымалдау процесінің қозғалыс қауіпсіздігін қамтамасыз ететін элементтер енгізілген, технологиялық процесс, қызметті жақсарту, құқық қолдану және бақылау. Берілген матрица қауіпсіздікті қамтамасыз ету бойынша іс-шараларды тиімді жоспарлауға және іске асыруға мүмкіндік береді, уақытында орындалуын бақылауға, қозғалыс қауіпсіздігі деңгейі мен жай-күйінің динамикасын бағалау үшін қолданылатын шаралардың тиімділігіне мониторинг жүргізуге мүмкіндік береді.
«Қозғалыс қауіпсіздігінің матрицасы» жүйелік тәсіл негізінде теміржол көлігінің кез-келген мекемесіне сәйкес техникалық, ақпараттық, материалдық, адами ресурстар мен мүмкіндіктерге құрастырса болады. Бұл тасымалдау процесіне қатысушылардың іс-әрекеттерін негізгі нәтижеге жеткізу-қозғалыс қауіпсіздігінің деңгейін өсіруге реттеуге мүмкіндік береді.
Методика прогнозирования осадок подтопляемых фундаментов электропечей Аксуского завода ферросплавов
Authors: Мусабаев Т.Т. , Жумадилова Н.Ж. , Мухамеджанова А.Т. , Мусина С.К. 
Published: February 2024

Авторами предложена новая методика прогнозирования осадков подтопляемых фундаментов после их возведения. Разработанная методика позволяет определить требуемую мощность не замоченного грунта в несущем слое основания, а также выбрать оптимальную глубину водопонижения. Данная методика прогнозирования предоставляет возможность вносить изменения в значения компрессионного модуля деформации грунта и переводных коэффициентов для получения более точных значений штампового модуля.
Основная тематика исследования связана с комплексным анализом оснований и фундаментов электропечей № 61 и 63 в плавильном цехе Аксуского завода ферросплавов. В ходе работы были проведены инженерно-геологические и гидрогеологические изыскания, геофизические исследования, а также анализ технического состояния уже существующих фундаментов. На комплексных научно-технических исследований разработана новая расчетная модель, которая позволяет предсказать осадки зданий, учитывая многолетнее водонасыщение грунтов в основании. Кроме того, проведена оценка надежности существующих фундаментов электропечей № 61 и 63 и возможностии их последующей реконструкции в контексте предстоящей реновации.
Таким образом, данное исследование и разработанная новая методика анализа осадок подтопляемых фундаментов и оценки их надежности вносит важный вклад в геотехническое проектирование. Результаты данной работы могут быть применены для оптимизации проектирования и реновации зданий и сооружений на основе более точного учета воздействия грунтовых вод на основания.