bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Smartphone Apps for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Medicine in China: Systematic Search and Content Analysis
Authors: Liu Xiao Hang , Jin Fan , Hsu Jeffrey , Li Di Nan , Chen Wei
Published: March 2021

Background

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an integral part of mainstream medicine in China, with theories and practices that are completely different from modern medicine. TCM should not be ignored or confused with modern medicine in the analysis of the Chinese health care system, including the analysis of mobile health (mHealth) apps. To date, differences between TCM apps and modern medicine apps have not be systematically investigated.

Objective

The aim of this study was to systematically compare the quality of apps for TCM and modern medicine in China.

Methods

In December 2020, we searched iOS (iTunes) and Android (Tencent, Oppo, and Huawei app stores) platforms for all mHealth apps and then categorized them as TCM or modern medicine apps if they were included in the final analysis. The included apps were downloaded on smartphones and assessed by 2 reviewers on the following 4 aspects: (1) data in the app stores, including user ratings, download counts, cost, target users, and year of last update; (2) functionality; (3) quality of the app content as determined by the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS); and (4) analysis of the app privacy and security.

Results

In total, 658 apps were analyzed, including 261 TCM medicine apps and 397 modern medicine apps. The average download count of modern medicine apps (approximately 5 million) was more than 10 times that of TCM apps (approximately 400,000). Regarding functionalities, 64.7% (257/397) of modern medicine apps provided telemedicine (74/261, 28.4% in TCM apps), 62.7% (249/397) provided registration (70/261, 26.8% in TCM apps), and 45.6% (181/397) provided communication (38/261, 14.6% in TCM apps). A larger proportion of TCM apps provided prescription and medication management (144/261, 55.2% in TCM apps versus 168/397, 42.3% in modern medicine apps). The majority of modern medicine apps (329/397, 82.9%) combined ≥3 functionalities compared with one-third of TCM apps (93/261, 34.6%). We then selected 81 top apps for quality and safety assessment (41 TCM apps and 40 modern medicine apps). Of these, the mean overall MARS score of TCM apps (2.7, SD 0.5) was significantly lower than modern medicine apps (3.6, SD 0.4). Almost all modern medicine apps (38/40, 95%) addressed privacy and security by providing a privacy policy and describing how to protect personal data, but less than half of the TCM apps (18/41, 44%) described this information (P<.001).

Conclusions

The different functionalities reflect the distinct innate characteristics of these two medical systems. Although great progress has been made and the Chinese mHealth market size is large, there still exist many opportunities for future development, especially for TCM.
Parents’ Perspectives on Using Artificial Intelligence to Reduce Technology Interference During Early Childhood: Cross-sectional Online Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Glassman Jill , Humphreys Kathryn , Yeung Serena , Smith Michelle , Jauregui Adam , Milstein Arnold , Sanders Lee
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Parents’ use of mobile technologies may interfere with important parent-child interactions that are critical to healthy child development. This phenomenon is known as technoference. However, little is known about the population-wide awareness of this problem and the acceptability of artificial intelligence (AI)–based tools that help with mitigating technoference.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess parents’ awareness of technoference and its harms, the acceptability of AI tools for mitigating technoference, and how each of these constructs vary across sociodemographic factors.

METHODS

We administered a web-based survey to a nationally representative sample of parents of children aged ≤5 years. Parents’ perceptions that their own technology use had risen to potentially problematic levels in general, their perceptions of their own parenting technoference, and the degree to which they found AI tools for mitigating technoference acceptable were assessed by using adaptations of previously validated scales. Multiple regression and mediation analyses were used to assess the relationships between these scales and each of the 6 sociodemographic factors (parent age, sex, language, ethnicity, educational attainment, and family income).

RESULTS

Of the 305 respondents, 280 provided data that met the established standards for analysis. Parents reported that a mean of 3.03 devices (SD 2.07) interfered daily in their interactions with their child. Almost two-thirds of the parents agreed with the statements “I am worried about the impact of my mobile electronic device use on my child” and “Using a computer-assisted coach while caring for my child would help me notice more quickly when my device use is interfering with my caregiving” (187/281, 66.5% and 184/282, 65.1%, respectively). Younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, and Spanish language spoken at home were associated with increased technoference awareness. Compared to parents’ perceived technoference and sociodemographic factors, parents’ perceptions of their own problematic technology use was the factor that was most associated with the acceptance of AI tools.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents reported high levels of mobile device use and technoference around their youngest children. Most parents across a wide sociodemographic spectrum, especially younger parents, found the use of AI tools to help mitigate technoference during parent-child daily interaction acceptable and useful.

CLINICALTRIAL
Using Narrative Evidence to Convey Health Information on Social Media: The Case of COVID-19 (Preprint)
Authors: Gesser-Edelsburg Anat
Published: March 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

During disease outbreaks or pandemics, policy makers must convey information to the public for informative purposes (eg, morbidity or mortality rates). They must also motivate members of the public to cooperate with the guidelines, specifically by changing their usual behavior. Policy makers have traditionally adopted a didactic and formalistic stance by conveying dry, statistics-based health information to the public. They have not yet considered the alternative of providing health information in the form of narrative evidence, using stories that address both cognitive and emotional aspects. The aim of this viewpoint paper is to introduce policy makers to the advantages of using narrative evidence to provide health information during a disease outbreak or pandemic such as COVID-19. Throughout human history, authorities have tended to employ apocalyptic narratives during disease outbreaks or pandemics. This viewpoint paper proposes an alternative coping narrative that includes the following components: segmentation; barrier reduction; role models; empathy and support; strengthening self-efficacy, community efficacy, and coping tools; preventing stigmatization of at-risk populations; and communicating uncertainty. It also discusses five conditions for using narrative evidence to produce an effective communication campaign on social media: (1) identifying narratives that reveal the needs, personal experiences, and questions of different subgroups to tailor messaging to produce targeted behavioral change; (2) providing separate and distinct treatment of each information unit or theory that arises on social networks; (3) identifying positive deviants who found creative solutions for stress during the COVID-19 crisis not found by other members of the community; (4) creating different stories of coping; and (5) maintaining a dialogue with population subgroups (eg, skeptical and hesitant groups). The paper concludes by proposing criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of a narrative.
Technological innovation and the future of predictive model of pandemics (Preprint)
Authors: Dupont Xavier
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

As of October 2020, the COVID-19 death toll has reached over one million with 38 million confirmed cases globally. This pandemic is shaking the foundations of economies and reminding us the fragility of our system. Epidemics have affected societies since biblical times, but the recent acceleration in science and technology, as well as global cooperation, has provided scientists and mathematicians new resources, they can use to anticipate how a pandemic will spread with mathematical modelling. Compartmental modelling techniques, such as the SIR model, have been well-established for more than a century and have proven efficient and reliable in helping governments decide what strategies to use to fight pandemics.

OBJECTIVE

State of the art report on predictive models and technology

METHODS

Field research,
Interview,

RESULTS

More recently, digitalisation and rapid progress in fields such as Machine Learning, IoT and big data have brought new perspectives to predictive models that improve their ability to predict how a pandemic will unfold and therefore which actions should be taken to eradicate the disease. This report will first review how pandemic modelling works.

CONCLUSIONS

It will then discuss the benefits and limitations of those models before outlining how new initiatives in several fields of technology are being used to fight the virus that causes COVID-19.
A Breast Cancer Smartphone App to Navigate the Breast Cancer Journey: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Petrocchi Serena , Filipponi Chiara , Montagna Giacomo , Bonollo Marta , Pagani Olivia , Meani Francesco
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Several mobile apps have been designed for patients with a diagnosis of cancer. Unfortunately, despite the promising potential and impressive spread, their effectiveness often remains unclear. Most mobile apps are developed without any medical professional involvement and quality evidence-based assessment. Furthermore, they are often implemented in clinical care before any research is performed to confirm usability, appreciation, and clinical benefits for patients.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop a new smartphone app (Centro di Senologia della Svizzera Italiana [CSSI]) specifically designed by breast care specialists and patients together to help breast cancer patients better understand and organize their journey through the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. We describe the development of the app and present assessments to evaluate its feasibility, usefulness, and capability to improve patient empowerment.

METHODS

A mixed method study with brief longitudinal quantitative data collection and subsequent qualitative semistructured interviews was designed. Twenty breast cancer patients participated in the study (mean age 51 years, SD 10 years). The usability of the app, the user experience, and empowerment were measured after 1 month. The semistructured interviews measured the utility of the app and the necessary improvements.

RESULTS

The app received good responses from the patients in terms of positive perception of the purpose of the app (7/20, 35%), organizing the cure path and being aware of the steps in cancer management (5/20, 25%), facilitating doctor-patient communication (4/20, 20%), and having detailed information about the resources offered by the hospital (2/20, 10%). Correlation and regression analyses showed that user experience increased the level of empowerment of patients (B=0.31, 95% CI 0.22-0.69; P=.009). The interviews suggested the need to constantly keep the app updated and to synchronize it with the hospital’s electronic agenda, and carefully selecting the best time to offer the tool to final users was considered crucial.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the very small number of participants in this study, the findings demonstrate the potential of the app and support a fully powered trial to evaluate the empowering effect of the mobile health app. More data will be gathered with an improved version of the app in the second phase involving a larger study sample.
Multiscale Biology of Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriasis: Protocol for a Case-Control Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kaiser Hannah , Kvist-Hansen Amanda , Becker Christine , Wang Xing , McCauley Benjamin D , Krakauer Martin , Gørtz Peter Michael , Henningsen Kristoffer Mads Aaris , Zachariae Claus , Skov Lone , Hansen Peter Riis
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Patients with psoriasis have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of traditional risk factors. The molecular mechanisms underlying the psoriasis-CVD connection are not fully understood. Advances in high-throughput molecular profiling technologies and computational analysis techniques offer new opportunities to improve the understanding of disease connections.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to characterize the complexity of cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis by integrating deep phenotypic data with systems biology techniques to perform comprehensive multiomic analyses and construct network models of the two interacting diseases.

METHODS

The study aims to include 120 adult patients with psoriasis (60 with prior atherosclerotic CVD and 60 without CVD). Half of the patients are already receiving systemic antipsoriatic treatment. All patients complete a questionnaire, and a medical interview is conducted to collect medical history and information on, for example, socioeconomics, mental health, diet, and physical exercise. Participants are examined clinically with assessment of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and undergo imaging by transthoracic echocardiography, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT), and carotid artery ultrasonography. Skin swabs are collected for analysis of microbiome metagenomics; skin biopsies and blood samples are collected for transcriptomic profiling by RNA sequencing; skin biopsies are collected for immunohistochemistry; plasma samples are collected for analyses of proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics; blood samples are collected for high-dimensional mass cytometry; and feces samples are collected for gut microbiome metagenomics. Bioinformatics and systems biology techniques are utilized to analyze the multiomic data and to integrate data into a network model of CVD in patients with psoriasis.

RESULTS

Recruitment was completed in September 2020. Preliminary results of 18F-FDG-PET/CT data have recently been published, where vascular inflammation was reduced in the ascending aorta (P=.046) and aortic arch (P=.04) in patients treated with statins and was positively associated with inflammation in the visceral adipose tissue (P<.001), subcutaneous adipose tissue (P=.007), pericardial adipose tissue (P<.001), spleen (P=.001), and bone marrow (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This systems biology approach with integration of multiomics and clinical data in patients with psoriasis with or without CVD is likely to provide novel insights into the biological mechanisms underlying these diseases and their interplay that can impact future treatment.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/28669
The Efficacy of a Smartphone-Based App on Stress Reduction: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Hwang Hyunchan , Kim Sun Mi , Netterstrøm Bo , Han Doug Hyun
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Stress management in the workplace is essential for a healthy mental and physical state. Due to technological advancements, individually tailored therapy and online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are on the rise.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the efficacy of a smartphone app based on third-wave CBT tailored to an individual.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 126 participants who were divided into 2 groups. The intervention group used the smartphone app BetterLife for 10 weeks, while the control group was placed on a waiting list for the same duration. The Perceived Stress Scale–10 (PSS), Korean Utrecht Work Engagement Scale–9 (UWES), World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL), Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered at baseline and after 10 weeks to both groups.

RESULTS

Of the 126 participants, 11 dropped out during the trial. A 2-way repeated measure analysis of covariance was conducted, controlling for baseline BDI. There were greater improvements in PSS (F=24.33, P<.001, η2=0.17) and UWESK scores (F=8.32, P=.0046, η2=0.06) in the intervention group than in the control group. WHOQOL scores exhibited statistically significant improvement in the intervention group in the overall quality of life (F=8.19, P=.0049, η2=0.06), physical health (F=8.87, P=.003, η2=0.07), psychological health (F=13.32, P<.001, η2=0.10), social relationships (F=19.43, P<.001, η2=0.14), and environmental domains (F=10.14, P=.002, η2=0.08) but not overall health (F=1.68, P=.20). BDI (F=7.17, P=.008, η2=0.06) and BAI (F=6.00, P=.02, η2=0.05) showed a statistically significant improvement in the intervention group, but this significance did not survive the Bonferroni correction (P<.005).

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide evidence that smartphone-based CBT is a viable option for reducing stress in the workplace.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinical Research Information Service KCT0003231; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/15137
Studying How Individuals Who Express the Feeling of Loneliness in an Online Loneliness Forum Communicate in a Nonloneliness Forum: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Andy Anietie
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Loneliness is a public health concern, and increasingly, individuals experiencing loneliness are seeking support on online forums, some of which focus on discussions around loneliness (loneliness forums). Some of these individuals may also seek support around loneliness on online forums not related to loneliness or well-being (nonloneliness forums). Hence, to design and implement appropriate and efficient online loneliness interventions, it is important to understand how individuals who express and seek support around loneliness on online loneliness forums communicate in nonloneliness forums; this could provide further insights into the support needs and concerns of these users.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore how users who express the feeling of loneliness and seek support around loneliness on an online loneliness forum communicate in an online nonloneliness forum.

METHODS

A total of 2401 users who expressed loneliness in posts published on a loneliness forum on Reddit and had published posts in a nonloneliness forum were identified. Using latent Dirichlet allocation (a natural language processing algorithm); Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (a psycholinguistic dictionary); and the word score–based language features valence, arousal, and dominance, the language use differences in posts published in the nonloneliness forum by these users compared to a control group of users who did not belong to any loneliness forum on Reddit were determined.

RESULTS

It was found that in posts published in the nonloneliness forum, users who expressed loneliness tend to use more words associated with the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count categories on sadness (Cohen d=0.10) and seeking to socialize (Cohen d=0.114), and use words associated with valence (Cohen d=0.364) and dominance (Cohen d=0.117). In addition, they tend to publish posts related to latent Dirichlet allocation topics such as relationships (Cohen d=0.105) and family and friends and mental health (Cohen d=0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

There are clear distinctions in language use in nonloneliness forum posts by users who express loneliness compared to a control group of users. These findings can help with the design and implementation of online interventions around loneliness.
Is the Presentation of the Teaching Materials during Covid-19 Pandemic Contextual?
Authors: Aryaningsih Mila , - Sukardi , - Su’ud
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to determine the presentation of teaching material during the Covid-19 pandemic seen from various variables (gender, age, school location, and school status) in the Senior High School (SMA). This research used qualitative approach with survey based. The population in this study were all high school students, amounting to 14.566 with a minimum sample of 427 based on the Slovin formulation. The data for the presentation of teaching material used a questionnaire with the help of google form which meets the research requirements. Overall data were analyzed quantitatively, using comparative analysis, namely non - parametric statistics because they did not meet the requirements of the analysis. The results showed that the presentation of teaching materials tended to be contextual in the dimensions of fact that teacher always present the teaching material based on the pandemic condition, as well as other dimensions, such as concepts, principles, procedures, and from several variables (gender, age, school location, and school status) that there were differences in perceptions of the presentation of teaching material in Senior High Schools.
Partnership with Librarians: A Strategy to Improve Secondary School Students’ English Literacy
Authors: Diem Chuzaimah Dahlan , Kusumaningsih Fitria , Mirizon Soni
Published: March 2021

English literacy education plays a key role in establishing literate societies in the 21st century. Having teachers and librarians as professional educators and educational personnel working together, with the provision of relevant literacy facilities, helps achieve this goal. This study applies the Partnership with Librarians Strategy (PLS) by using an equivalent time-samples design to promote students’ English literacy skills. Forty-five seventh, eighth, and ninth graders were randomly selected as the population for this study. Their literacy achievements were measured by using listening, reading, writing, and speaking tests before and after the teaching and learning process. The students’ learning was also monitored using formative tests during the intervention. The results showed that the students’ English skills improved significantly. The improvement is hypothesised to be influenced by the use of PLS as it is also statistically proven by the contribution of each literacy skill to students’ English literacy total achievement, i.e., reading (63.6%), writing (22.9%), speaking (9.2%), and listening (4.3%). It is concluded that PLS makes a significant difference in English literacy learning and therefore deserves to be implemented in any English class coupled with an assessment strategy based on further classroom research to determine its potential effect.
KLUTUK BANANA (MUSA BALBISIANA COLLA) PEEL FRACTIONS: ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC POTENTIAL
Authors: NOFIANTI TITA , MUHTADI AHMAD , FIDRIANNY IRDA , FUADAH AI SAMROTUL , NURVIANA VERA , RUSWANTO
Published: March 2021

Objective: The purposes of this research were the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant determination of klutuk banana peel fractions through the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) methods, respectively.

Methods: Klutuk banana peel was extracted by reflux method and followed by fractionation using n-hexane and ethyl acetate solvents by liquid-liquid extraction method. The statistical analysis used by one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey.

Results: The results of OGTT showed that ethyl acetate fraction of klutuk banana peel 14.5 mg/kg bw demonstrated higher activity to decrease blood glucose level compared to the other groups as much-32%,-49%,-47% and-40% at min 30, 60, 90 and 120, respectively. The IC50 of ethyl acetate fraction of klutuk banana peel was 0.3708 µg/ml, and its antioxidant activity index (AAI) 40.45.

Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of klutuk peel presented very strong antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity.
PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF CALLUS TWO VARIETIES ORTHOSIPHON ARISTATUS (BLUME) MIQ ON MURASHIGE AND SKOOG MEDIA: A STRATEGIC STEP OF SECONDARY METABOLITE PRODUCTION
Authors: FARAMAYUDA FAHRAUK , MARIANI TOTIK SRI , ELFAHMI  , SUKRASNO
Published: March 2021

Objective: The research aimed to provide new information regarding the secondary metabolites content of purple and white-purple Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. callus, which can then be used as a basis for developing towards cell suspension and ultimately producing secondary metabolites using bioreactors.

Methods: Callus induction of two varieties of O. aristatus were performed by inoculating sterile leaf explants grown on Murashige and Skoog basal media supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetis acid 0.4 ppm. The secondary metabolites were analysed and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with gradient elution.

Results: The results showed the growth of callus two varieties of O. aristatus in growth media MS with 2,4-D 0.4 ppm. Rosmarinic acid content in the acetone extract of the purple variety callus was 1.28% w/w, and the white-purple variety was 2.22% w/w.

Conclusion: This study could form the basis for the development of rosmarinic acid production by In vitro culture modification.
UNRIPE FRUIT OF RUBUS FRAXINIFOLIUS AS A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIELASTASE AGENT
Authors: DESMIATY YESI , ELYA BERNA
Published: March 2021

Objective: This research aimed to examine the anti-oxidant activity, antielastase activity, and the content of total phenolic and total flavonoid of R. fraxinifolius unripe fruit.

Methods: The dried unripe fruit was extracted using Soxhlet apparatus with sequence solvent: n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Each extract was determined the anti-oxidant and antielastase activity, total phenolic, and total flavonoid content.

Result: The result showed the extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol) gave anti-oxidant IC50>200; 186.84; and 19.74 ppm, and the ability of elastase inhibition was 6.84+0.9%; 52.23+7.1%; and 57.81+5.5% at 100 ppm, respectively. The methanolic extract contained phenolic 202.2 mg GAE/g extract and flavonoid 43.89 mg QE/g extract.

Conclusion: R. fraxinifolius unripe fruit has shown potential as a DPPH (α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenger and anti-elastase. This study provides an excellent effect to underline the importance of R. fraxinifolius unripe fruit, and it can be developed as nutricosmetics, nutraceuticals, or herbal anti-wrinkle cosmetics.
THE EFFECT OF AMORPHOPHALLUS MUELLERI BLUME AND MORINGA OLEIFERA L LEAVES ON BODY WEIGHT, FEED INTAKE, AND HEPATIC HISTOPATHOLOGY IN MICE
Authors: LAKSMITAWATI DIAN RATIH , MARWATI UMI , SUMIYATI YATI , PRATAMI DIAH KARTIKA , SARI INTAN PERMATA
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of Amorphophallus muelleri Blume and Moringa oleifera L leaf on body weight, food intake, and hepatic histopathology in mice.

Methods: The mice were divided into five groups according to their diet, which includes porang, wheat, porang-moringa, wheat-moringa, and control diet. Each group consists of 5 males and 5 females, which were fed for 28 d, and then analyzed for their body weight, total food intake, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in plasma, and hepatic histopathology.

Results: The result showed that the group of porang and porang-moringa has lower body weight and feed intake, which is significantly different compared to the others. Furthermore, an increase was observed on plasma AST/ALT activities in 30% porang and 20% porang-moringa group. Also, one of the mice of porang group has inflammatory cell infiltration (++) on histopathology results.

Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that feeding containing porang causes low food consumption. Furthermore, weight loss increases AST/ALT and leukocyte infiltration even though a mouse consistently deteriorates.
THE EFFECT OF BLACK CUMIN SEED OIL CONSUMPTION ON CLOTTING TIME, BLEEDING TIME, AND PLATELET COUNTS IN HEALTHY-SMOKER VOLUNTEERS
Authors: AKROM AKROM , RATNASARI NELLY , NIQOTAINI DJATUN
Published: March 2021

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of consumption of black cumin seed oil (BCSO) on platelet count, clotting time (CT), and bleeding time (BT) in healthy-smoker volunteers (HSV).

Methods: Participants were 39 healthy male smokers aged 18-66 y. Participants were divided into four groups randomly. The treatment group received BCSO for thirties days in 3x1, 3x2, and 3x3 capsules/day doses. The placebo group received a placebo preparation. We measured CT, BT, and platelet count on day 31. An analysis of the mean difference between CT, BT, and platelet counts was performed using one-way ANOVA.

Result: The results showed that the CT, BT, and platelet counts in all groups were within normal. Consumption of BCSO for 30 d did not affect CT, BT, and platelet counts of HSV. The results of the analysis of the mean difference test between groups of CT, BT, and platelet counts indicated that there was no difference with p>0.05.

Conclusion: We concluded that the 30-day BCSO consumption did not affect the CT, BT, and platelet count values in HSV.
IDENTIFYING PROPOLIS COMPOUNDS POTENTIAL TO BE COVID-19 THERAPIES BY TARGETING SARS-COV-2 MAIN PROTEASE
Authors: DEWI LIA KUSUMA , SAHLAN MUHAMAD , PRATAMI DIAH KARTIKA , AGUS ALI , AGUSSALIM  , SABIR ARDO
Published: March 2021

Objective: The study aims to perform molecular docking to examine the interaction between propolis compound and SARS-CoV-2 main protease.

Methods: The protein target of this research was the crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 main protease in complex with an inhibitor N3 (PDB ID: 6LU7). The ligand of this research was the bioactive compounds from Propolis of Tetragonula aff. biroi.

Results: The results showed that propolis compound which has the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 protease activity was Sulabiroins A (binding affinity-8.1 kcal/mol), following by (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-8-prenylflavanone acid and broussoflavonol F (binding affinity-7.9 kcal/mol) with binding similarity more than 50% compared to N3-main protease interaction.

Conclusion: Molecular docking showed propolis compounds of Tetragonula aff. biroi potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease activity. The highest binding affinity presented by Sulabiroins A, following by (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-8-prenylflavanone acid and broussoflavonol F, with values of-8.1 kcal/mol,-7.9 kcal/mol, and-7.9 kcal/mol, respectively, with binding similarity more than 50% compared to N3 and SARS-CoV-2 main protease interaction.
HISTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION ON ARCHIDENDRON BUBALINUM (JACK) NIELSEN.) FROM LAMPUNG, SUMATERA, INDONESIA
Authors: RIASARI HESTI , HARTATI RIKA , ANGGADIREDJA KUSNANDAR , SUKRASNO
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study was to describe the histochemical and morpho-anatomical of kabau seeds originating from Lampung, Sumatra Indonesia.

Methods: Microscopic anatomical analysis of kabau seeds was carried out on the parts of kabau seeds with an incision as thick as 100 μm. The sample was placed on a glass object and aquadest, glycerin and choral hydrate were added and then covered with a glass cover, then observed under the light microscope equipped with digital camera, and analysis using the S-Viewer program. Histochemical tests are carried out with cross sections, which are colored with the following: Lugol iodine solution; ferric chloride; dragendr of; ninhydrin; K2Cr2O7.

Results: Macroscopic characteristics, neatly arranged cylindrical kabau seeds consisting of five to six seeds on each pod. Yellowish-white kabau seeds are covered in a black seed coat, have a distinctive odor like jengkol or jering, have a slightly bittersweetness and a soft texture. The size of kabau seeds is 2 cm in length and 1.5 cm in diameter. Microscopic results on kabau seeds, an incision in choral hydrate showed visible parts of the epicarpium, pericarpium contained oil sacs and cell nuclei, and endosperm in each part of the sac contained starch grains and oil sac bags that gave off odors to the head, incisions in the drops of aqua dest almost the same as choral hydrate except that the starch grains are more clearly visible and an average diameter of 5,176 μm starch can be calculated.

Conclusion: Histochemical reaction in the Kabau seed incision gave positive results on tannins in the endosperm, positive results for amino acids in the endosperm of purple rice, positive for alkaloids in the epicardium and pericarpium parts; black color throughout the epicardium, pericarpium and endosperm indicates a lot of starch is contained; and there are polyphenols in the endosperm oil sac.
FORMULATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND STABILITY STUDY OF FAST DISSOLVING THIN FILM CONTAINING ASTAXANTHIN NANOEMULSION USING HYDROXYPROPYLMETHYL CELLULOSE POLYMER
Authors: NURDIANTI LUSI , SOPYAN IYAN , RUSDIANA TAOFIK
Published: March 2021

Objective: The present study was conducted to formulate and characterize the thin film containing astaxanthin nanoemulsion (TF-ASN) using Hydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose (HPMC) polymer as a film matrix system. The stability studies in different storage conditions were also performed.

Methods: Astaxanthin nanoemulsion (As-NE) was prepared by using self-nanoemulsifying method, followed by incorporation into the HPMC matrix system by solvent casting method to forming TF-ASN. Evaluation of TF-ASN was performed by physical and mechanical characterizations. Stability study was carried out in both of accelerated (temperature of 40±2 °C/75±5% RH) and non-accelerated (at ambient temperature) conditions. Assay of astaxanthin in individual TF-ASN was determined compared to pure astaxanthin.

Results: TF-ASN had good physical and mechanical characteristics that suitable for intraoral administration.

Conclusion: For the study of stability under different storage conditions, it was proven that nanoemulsion form was packed in a HPMC matrix could enhance the stability of the astaxanthin.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS OF PROLANIS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS ON THREE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS IN BANDUNG, INDONESIA
Authors: TANJUNG RIANI , WARDATI YULIA , SAPTARINI NYI MEKAR
Published: March 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of T2DM patients in community health centers (Pusat Kesehatan Masyarakat, Puskesmas) of Rancaekek, Linggar, and Nanjungmekar.

Methods: The medicine was a combination of metformin and glimepiride; the outcome parameter was fasting glucose level, cost components were fee of BPJS class III and transportation cost with the patient's perspective. Pharmacoeconomic method was cost-effectiveness analysis. Respondents were given counseling about the importance of medicine consumption.

Results: There were 60 respondents, which met the inclusion criteria, then grouped by gender (male (15%) and female (85%)) and age (the highest incidence was the range from 56 to 65 y old, 36.67%). The average cost-effectiveness ratio of Prolanis in the Puskesmas of Rancaekek, Linggar, and Nanjungmekar was 1,073, 956 and 1,885 IDR per decreased glucose level, respectively. The statistical analysis of decreased blood glucose was 0.341 and the Prolanis cost was 0.399, which no difference between decreased blood glucose and Prolanis costs in the three Puskesmas.

Conclusions: The Prolanis of Linggar Puskesmas was the most cost-effective compared to the Rancaekek and Nanjungmekar Puskesmas.
MOLECULAR DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF ASIATIC ACID DERIVATIVES COMPLEX WITH INDUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE ENZYME AS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Authors: MUSFIROH IDA , KHATAMI HANIFAHZIN , MEGANTARA SANDRA , MUCHTARIDI MUCHTARIDI
Published: March 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the stability interaction of asiatic acid derivatives (AA) complex with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme as an anti-inflammatory using Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulation.

Methods: The methods were consisting of validation of molecular docking, molecular docking to calculate binding affinity within the complex between the compounds and iNOS enzyme by using MMGBSA (Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area), and MD system preparation, MD production as well as MD analysis using AMBER18.

Results: The result of validation and molecular docking were AA5 has the most negative Gibbs energy that is -9.17 kcal/mol, which has better binding affinity than other derivatives than other derivatives. The molecular dynamics simulation of the modified structure of asiatic acid showed that binding energy value and RMSD of AA5, AA6 and AA9 have a lower value compared to arginine as a substrate of iNOS enzyme. Molecular Dynamics that have been occurred to the best three compounds chosen shown good result in terms of stability after 100 ns length simulation. And the lowest binding affinity has been achieved by a compound called AA5. Out of all ligands that have been simulated shown that their binding affinity was lower than AA5 that reached-44.6753 kcal/mol.

Conclusion: This studies conclude that AA5 considerably more potential as a selective inhibitor of iNOS enzyme as an anti-inflammatory.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: THE ENHANCEMENT OF ANTI-INFLAMMATION ACTIVITY OF NON STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG (NSAID) BY SOLID DISPERSION MODIFICATIONS
Authors: RAMADHANI DHEA A. , YUGATAMA ADI , ERMAWATI DIAN E.
Published: March 2021

Objective: NSAIDs are very hydrophobic drugs and have low solubility. This causes the bioavailability of NSAIDs to be low in the body thus affect its anti-inflammatory activity. There has been some primary research proven that solid dispersion can increase the solubility and anti-inflammatory activity of NSAIDs. Moreover, there are not researches explaining the effect of a solid dispersion system on the anti-inflammatory activity of NSAIDs. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a review to assess the effect of the solid dispersion system on the solubility and anti-inflammatory activity of NSAIDs systematically.

Methods: This was systematic review research, where the data were originated from PubMed and Science Direct with the keywords ‘NSAID’, ‘solid dispersion’, and ‘drug effect’. The inclusion criteria formulated were English-language papers, published in 2010–2020, and primary research that conducted in vivo anti-inflammatory testing. The appropriate papers by the inclusion criteria were assessed its quality by the SYRCLE’s tool. Data was analyzed narratively.

Results: The results were eight papers under the inclusion criteria. As a whole is known modification of solid dispersion can increase the dissolution profile of NSAIDs. This is because the polymer used can increase the wetting of drug particles, thereby being able to increase the solubility of NSAIDs.

Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory activity of NSAIDs by solid dispersion systems are increases compared to NSAIDs without solid dispersions.
IMPROVING SOLUBILITY AND DISSOLUTION OF A NATURAL PRODUCT APIGENIN VIA PREPARATION OF SOLID DISPERSION BY HOT MELT EXTRUSION
Authors: STIANI SOFI N. , RUSDIANA TAOFIK , SUBARNAS ANAS
Published: March 2021

Objective: Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) is one of the techniques for preparing a solid dispersion hydrophilic excipient known as a no solvents practical method to increase the solubility of drugs. Apigenin (APG) has properties that thermal stable with melting point 345-350 °C but very low solubility in the water around 1,35 µg/ml. The polymer is stable in the HME method are Soluplus and Kollidon VA 64. The study aims to optimize the kind of polymer in HME formulae to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of apigenin by solid dispersion using hot-melt extrusion.

Methods: Apigenin 10–50% w/w and Kollidon®VA 64 or Soluplus® and combination of Kollidon®VA 64 and Soluplus® were mixed, and the resulting blends extruded using a twin-screw extruder (Teach-Line ZK25T). Characterization of apigenin extrudates conducted using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractometry, and dissolution.

Results: Solubility studies presented enhancement in apigenin of 10%/Soluplus®90%; 10% w/w apigenin/Kollidon®VA 64 (90%); and 33,3% w/w apigenin/Kollidon®VA 64 33,3% mix Soluplus® 33,3% increased more than 18,25; 16,18-and 8,52-fold in water, respectively. Furthermore dissolution studies showed enhancement in apigenin percent release of 10%/Soluplus®90%; 10% w/w apigenin/Kollidon®VA 64 90%; and 33,3% w/w apigenin/Kollidon®VA 64 33,3% mix Soluplus® 33,3% tablet apigenin HME up to 34,29%; 69,75% and 30,69%, respectively.

Conclusion: The formulation of 10% w/w Apigenin and 90% Soluplus® using hot-melt extrusion able to increase water solubility approximately 18,25-fold than raw material apigenin.
OPTIMIZATION OF LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM ACTIVITIES IN THE BIOSINTHESIS OF LIPASE ENZYMES
Authors: PUSPADEWI RIRIN , ADIRESTUTI PUTRANTI , DEWI MIRA A. , MUKARROMAH INNANI , RAHMADINNI YUNIAR
Published: March 2021

Objective: Lipase was protein compounds that can be used for many human activities. Its main function was to degrade fat including 'wrapping' cholesterol which make easily flowed in the blood. The presence lipase was important because can help the digestive healthy. These enzyme can catalyze a variety of reactions including hydrolysis, alcoholysis, esterification and aminolysis. Lipase was utilized in various sectors, such as fat, oil, milk and pharmaceutical industries. This enzyme biosynthesis can be carried out by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactobacillus plantarum and Aspergillus niger.

Methods: The process through fermentation techniques in lipid containing substrates under optimal conditions required by microorganisms. The fermentation products produced were tested for the presence of lipase enzymes qualitatively and quantitatively. The biosynthesis process can be influence by changes in pH, temperature and the presence of glucose. This study aimed to determine the ability of L. plantarum to produce lipases with vegetables oil substrates. The research used L. plantarum carried out at 37 °C for 24-48 h and pH 6-8 in the vegetable oil substrates.

Results: The fermentation products showed hydrolysis reaction to the test media containing oil lipid with lipase levels of 2.708-3.3000 U/ml

Conclusion: The results showed that Lactobacillus plantarum can synthesize the lipase enzyme in palm oil and corn oil as substrates.
DEVELOPMENT OF LIQUISOLID FORMULATION FOR IMPROVED SUSTAINED RELEASE OF PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE
Authors: ALIYAH ALIYAH , UTOMO EMILIA , PERMANA ANDI DIAN , ERNAWATI
Published: March 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a liquisolid formulation of propranolol hydrochloride to obtain an improved sustained release profile by varying the ratio of liquid vehicles.

Methods: In this study, propranolol hydrochloride (PPH) was dispersed in the combination of propylene glycol and polysorbate 80, as the liquid vehicles, with different ratios. Eudragit® RL and Aerosil® were used as carrier and coating materials, respectively, to produce a dry and free-flowing powder. In addition, HPMC was used to amplify the retardation effect. The prepared formulations were evaluated for its physicochemical properties, including loss on drying, flow rate, angle of repose calculation, drug content analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, as well as dissolution studies. The obtained dissolution profiles were subsequently fitted to the mathematical model in order to determine the drug kinetics.

Results: The results show that all formulations performed dry and free-flowing granules containing PPH in the range of 7-9%. Furthermore, all the prepared formulations were able to sustain the drug release for a total of 8 h in two different dissolution media, namely simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid. F4 containing propylene glycol and polysorbate 80 (1:2) possessed the lowest drug release rate. It was also obtained that F1 and F3 followed first-order kinetics while F2, F4, and F5 complied with the Higuchi model.

Conclusion: Overall, there was no difference in all the dissolution profiles based on the calculation of the difference and similarities factor.
FORMULATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF RAMELTEON TABLETS FOR COLON DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM BY COMPRESSION COATING
Authors: M. TRINADHA RAO , Y. PARIMALA , M. YAMINI , CVS PHANINDRA , Y. SRINIVASA RAO
Published: March 2021

Objective: Ramelteon, is a sleep agent that selectively binds to the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), instead of binding to GABAA receptors. In the present research work, the formulation of ramelteon targeted to colon by using various polymers developed.

Methods: Colon-targeted tablets were prepared in two steps. Initially, core tablets were prepared and then the tablets were coated by using different pH dependent polymers. Ethylcellulose, Eudragit RLPO and L100 were used as enteric coating polymers. The precompression blend of all formulations was subjected to various flow property tests and all the formulations were passed the tests. The tablets were coated by using polymers and the coated tablets were subjected to physical characterization, drug content, in vitro drug release and kinetics of drug release.

Results: Among all the formulations, F4 formulation was found to be optimized as it was retarded the drug release up to 18 h and showed maximum of 99.25% drug release. It followed the first-order kinetics mechanism. All the formulations having Korsmeyer-Peppas ‘n’ values are in the range of 0.540 to 0.818. Hence, it was concluded that the prepared formulations followed non-Fickian diffusion.

Conclusion: An effective and stable remelteon colon targeted formulation developed for treating insomnia.
DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF MANNOSYLATED NARINGENIN LOADED TRANSFERSOMES USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY FOR SKIN CARCINOMA
Authors: VERMA NIKITA , SARAF SWARNLATA
Published: March 2021

Objective: The flavonoidal drug Naringenin offers a natural defense against free radical generation due to their antioxidant i.e. free radical scavenging property. The continuation of research work towards the invention of targeting the flavonoidal drug for skin carcinoma. Naringenin is a potent antioxidant, having remarkable reactive oxygen species scavenging potential and abundantly found in citrus fruits.

Methods: The optimization of the formulated mannosylated naringenin-loaded transfersomes (MA-NgTfs) was performed using Box–Behnken statistical design to obtain crucial variable parameters that influence vesicular size, size distribution and surface charge. Therefore keeping both the concepts in mind our objective is to design and optimize the mannosylated naringenin loaded transfersomes (MA-NgTfs) for macropahge targeting. The Box Behnken with 3D surface response design graph was employed to optimize the formulation.

Results: Phospholipids and surfactant ratio played a remarkable role to determine the mean vesicular size and the Zeta potential of the vesicles. The Zeta potential is found in the formulation having a range of-18.01±1.05 to-28.7±1.008 mV represents the good stability of the formulation. The vesicles size range was found in the range of 102.4±1.01 to 263.74±0.63 and range of Entrapment efficiency of nanovesicles was as 72.04±1.53 to 82.04±0.81. In vitro drug release study shows that mannosylated naringenin loaded transfersomes (MA-NgTfs), and marketed formulation dispersion was found 69.31 %, 62.03 %, 58.71 %, and 65.02 % respectively. Ex vivo skin permeation and deposition study shows that the marketed product and pure drug suspension optimized transfersomes through the skin of mice was of flux 6.5±3.07 and the percentage of drug retention was 0.76±1.26. The results gave us strong evidence of cellular uptake bymannose–directed transfersomes via mannose receptor-based endocytosis.

Conclusion: On the basis of findings, the study revealed that the prepared formulation has characteristic potential for targeting and the concept of ligand directed nanocarrier formulation was imparts synergistic effect against UV-induced skin carcinoma.