bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An archaological experiment focused on the intuitive way of long bones breakage to extract marrow v1
Authors: Vettese Delphine
Published: March 2020

English: This protocol was carried out following a large investigation into the percussion marks distribution on long bones during the extraction of yellow marrow. With these considerations, we carried out an experiment that focusses on the intuitive way to break long bones to recover marrow, involving volunteers without previous experience in this butchering activity. We cross-referenced the data recorded during the breakage process with those from the study of the remains in the laboratory. To do this, the behaviour of the individuals was analysed: the number of blows given, the difficulty felt, the quantity and the quality of marrow recovered, the position of the bone at the time of the blow, the use of the anvil, the grasping of the hammerstone and the position of the individual. Similarly, we took into account various data from the breakage process: the number of remains, the number and type of marks produced and their location. Each novice experimenter had to break a series of 10 bone elements of cow, always the same one. Main questions: Is there a preferential (intuitive) way to break cow long bones of an animal to extract the marrow so that it can be consumed? Does the weight, size or morphology of animal bones influence the appearance of a percussion pattern? French: Ce protocole a été réalisé à la suite d'une large réflexion sur la distribution des marques de percussion sur les os longs lors de l’extraction de la moelle jaune. Dans cette optique, nous avons réalisé une expérimentation qui s’est intéressée à la manière intuitive de fracturer les os pour en extraire la moelle, impliquant des volontaires n’ayant aucune expérience préalable dans cette activité bouchère. Nous avons croisé les données enregistrées lors de la fracturation avec celles issues de l’étude des restes en laboratoire. Pour cela, les comportements des individus ont été décortiqués : le nombre de coups donnés, la difficulté ressentie, la quantité de moelle récoltée, la qualité de la moelle, la position de l’os lors du coup, l’utilisation de l’enclume, la saisie du percuteur et la position de l’individu. De même, nous avons pris en compte diverses données issues de la fracturation : le nombre de restes, le nombre et le type de marques produites et leur localisation. Chaque expérimentateur novice devait fracturer une série de 10 élement osseux de vache, toujours le même élément. Questions principales : Existe-t-il une manière préférentielle (intuitive) de fracturer les os longs d’un animal pour en extraire la moelle de façon à ce qu’elle soit consommable ? Le poids, la taille ou la morphologie des ossements animaux influencent-ils l’apparition d’un modèle de percussion ?
The Pair Test - a computerised measure of learning and memory v1
Authors: Buck Sarah
Published: March 2020

The Pair Test offers improved diagnosis, with more precise indication on the nature of the memory deficit and the underlying processing impairment in patients with known or suspected pathology in the temporal lobe. The advantages of the Pair Test are 1) a balanced paradigm allowing comparison between verbal and non-verbal memory, 2) assessment of learning, delayed recall and recognition using one tool, 3) paired-associate learning tool to assess cognitive processes that are dependent on the hippocampal network, and 4) the use of a tablet-based application allowing controlled administration process and engaging approach to neuropsychological testing. The test provides behavioural evidence of the integrity of the hippocampi and its interaction with the neocortical learning system.
Informed consent v1
Authors: Jesús Torres-Gordillo Juan , Guzmán-Simón Fernando , García-Ortiz Beatriz
Published: March 2020

INFORMED CONSENT AND COMMITMENT to participate in a research
Injection of Viral Tracers by Nanoject v1
Authors: Institute for Brain Science Allen
Published: March 2020

This protocol describes the delivery of a neuronal tracer using the Nanoject II. The surgery uses a stereotaxic system to target specific brain coordinates in the mouse. Note: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U19MH114830. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Stereotaxic Surgery for Delivery of Tracers by Iontophoresis v1
Authors: Institute for Brain Science Allen
Published: March 2020

This protocol describes the delivery of a neuronal tracer using the iontophoretic method. The surgery uses a stereotaxic system to target specific brain coordinates in the mouse. Note: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U19MH114830. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Mouse Cardiac Perfusion Fixation and Brain Collection v1
Authors: Institute for Brain Science Allen
Published: March 2020

This protocol describes the procedures for intracardiac perfusion fixation of postnatal mice, including anesthesia, exsanguination, fixation, brain removal and post-fixation storage. Note: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U19MH114830. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Artificial Cerebrospinal Fluid V (ACSF.V) v1
Authors: Institute for Brain Science Allen
Published: March 2020

This protocol describes how to prepare Artificial Cerebrospinal Fluid (V). Artificial Cerebrospinal Fluid (V) is used during surgical procedures to maintain tissue hydration and minimize tissue damage, adhesion formation and infection. Note: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U19MH114830. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Managing Multiplicity: Adult Children of Post-Independence Nigerians and Belonging in Britain
Authors: Botticello Julie
Published: March 2020

Migration remains a contentious and divisive topic, particularly with the rise of xenophobia and far right ideologies, which seek to demonize migrants as neither belonging nor welcome in the host society. This reduction leaves the realities of postcolonial migrants as misunderstood and misrepresented. Particularly misunderstood are the children of post-colonial migrants, who were born and raised in the UK by families seeking to better themselves in the ‘Mother land,’ while also aiming to maintain connectivity to traditions and practices from homelands. For some children born in the UK to Nigerian émigrés, family crises precipitated the need for alternative care arrangements, entailing recourse to fostering, boarding schools, or institutional care for periods of time during childhood. Conflicts between British society’s and parents’ cultural values, overt racism and hostility from host society, and differential experiences of extra-family care have impressed upon these children, now adults, both their multiple exclusions and potential belongings. As a result of their traumatic experiences, these adults, now in their 50s and 60s, embody multiculturalism in their abilities to embrace, navigate, and endure in a host country that expresses unwillingness at best and outright hostility at worst toward their presence as UK nationals and progeny of the project of Empire. While continuing to be framed by harsh micro- and macro-conditions, these adult children reveal that belonging can be self-determined through choices on how and with whom they choose to live and grow.
Boundary Spanning and Reconstitution in Migration
Authors: Ahmed Anya
Published: March 2020

The focus of this thematic issue is on migrants’ experiences of belonging and non-belonging, and how communities are constructed in the destination country. It includes a group of international scholars across disciplines who are studying migration in a range of different contexts. Migration spans multiple disciplines and encompasses a variety of epistemological, ontological and methodological orientations. Despite such divergent approaches and positions however, there is consensus across the social sciences that understanding the dynamics of migration and mobilities is central to illuminating social relations within societies.
Концепция коммуникативного капитализма Джоди Дин
Authors: Сафронов Эдуард Евгеньевич
Published: March 2020

В статье автор исследует и анализирует основные положения теории коммуникативного капитализма американского философа Джоди Дин. Показывает генезис данной концепции, ее теоретические основания. Излагаются основные пункты теории, ее характеристики и ключевые особенности.

Рассматривается, как концепция коммуникативного капитализма основывается на исследованиях Майкла Хардта и Антонио Негри, на определении нематериального труда Маурицио Лаззарато, концепции постполитики Славоя Жижека, показана взаимосвязь с другими исследованиями и концепциями. Демонстрируется, как они соотносятся с современным социально-философским дискурсом относительно «цифрового капитализма». Исследование делится на изучение коммуникационной и капиталистической составляющей концепции. В ходе анализа коммуникации обозначены и исследованы важный для теории концепт «фантазий», который разделен на фантазию изобилия, участия и целостности, и работа концепта в коммуникативных сетях. В рамках анализа характеристик капитализма показано, как работает неравенство, отчуждение, эксплуатация и конкуренция в коммуникативном капитализме.

С точки зрения автора статьи, работы Джоди Дин и ее концепция коммуникативного капитализма по-прежнему остаются актуальными и применимы для понимания и анализа определенных феноменов текущей политической, социальной, экономической и культурной ситуации.
Spatiotemporal Seismotectonic Implications for the Izu–Bonin–Mariana Subduction Zone from b-Values
Authors: Gui Zhou , Bai Yongliang , Wang Zhenjie , Dong Dongdong , Wu Shiguo , Li Tongfei
Published: March 2020

Studies on the physical properties of the entire Izu–Bonin–Mariana (IBM) subduction zone contribute to comprehensive seismotectonic understanding and earthquake potential assessment, especially given previous controversial conclusions. Determining seismic b-value is a method that has been used for other regions and is adopted here to study the spatiotemporal variations along the IBM system. Based on the frequency–magnitude distribution relation log10(N)=a−bM, b-values are mapped within the subduction zone using earthquakes with Mw≥2 after 2005. The b-value anomalies in cross sections indicate detailed seismotectonic characteristics against the regional geological background. The common characteristics from north to south: (1) regional high b-values at shallow depths in the overriding are associated with relatively low temperatures in thermal model, the bottom half of which correspond with highly serpentinized mantle wedge; and (2) low b-values at intermediate depths are associated with high temperatures along the primarily heated hydrated slab. In the Izu–Bonin segment, low b-values around the slab deflection at deep depths respond to stress buildup and shearing instability of metastable olivine in primarily heated hydrated slabs. In the Mariana segment, high b-values beneath the volcanic region at depths from the surface to 50 km and between 50 and 100 km are associated with extension and volcanism and the melting region, respectively. Temporal b-value variations indicate regional changes before and after large events for further seismic risk analysis. Stress drops of large intermediate and deep earthquakes are negligible to local stress state in strong flexure of the incoming slab. The rupture zone around the Pagan region at an approximate depth of 200 km and the region around the rifting–spreading transition in the northern Mariana trough at depths between 180 and 350 km are areas for potential large earthquakes.
Гражданские ассоциации и политический режим в мировой недемократической практике: между политическим контролем и социальной эффективностью
Authors: Бедерсон Всеволод
Published: March 2020

Статья нацелена на обобщение и систематизацию научной литературы и научной дискуссии, посвященных проблеме баланса между политическим контролем за гражданскими ассоциациями и их социальной эффективностью по исполнению функций поддержки населения и оказания социальных услуг в недемократических политических режимах. Рассматриваются ключевые теоретико-методологические направления и проблемы исследований гражданского общества в автократиях. Отмечается, что эмпирические исследования накопили значительный материал, посвященный анализу механизмов воздействия авторитарных режимов на гражданские ассоциации с целью сохранения политического контроля и обеспечения социальных функций (кооптация, организационно-правовой контроль, организационно-политической контроль, квазинеправительственные организации), а также тому, почему гражданские ассоциации участвуют в поддержке авторитарного политического порядка (доступ к ограниченным ресурсам, доступ к бюрократической инфраструктуре, возможность консультирования органов власти, манифестации прав целевой группы). К настоящему времени не сформулирована устойчивая объяснительная модель или теория среднего уровня, которая стала бы конвенциональной для данных исследований. В статье подробно рассматривается, как научная литература отвечает на вопросы: зачем авторитарным режимам нужны независимые гражданские ассоциации, которые могут стать триггерами демократизации и/или политических реформ, и по каким причинам независимые ассоциации участвуют в поддержке авторитарной стабильности, несмотря на то что режим стремится к ограничению независимой гражданской активности. Автор выдвигает идеи о перспективных направлениях как в теоретико-методологическом, так и в эмпирическом развитии исследований динамики отношений авторитарных режимов и институтов гражданского общества.
Сеть или текст? Факторы распространения протеста в социальных медиа: теория и анализ данных
Authors: Ахременко Андрей , Стукал Денис , Петров Александр
Published: March 2020

Социальные сети способны аккумулировать и концентрировать протестный потенциал, который может затем выплескиваться на улицу. Сетевые связи между индивидами в онлайн-среде родственны связям в физической реальности, и их структура может оказывать влияние на распространение как информации о протесте, так и протестного поведения. Цифровые платформы способны выступать центральными площадками формулирования коллективных целей и идентичностей. Эти положения, сформулированные на основе проведенных ранее исследований, стали отправной точкой настоящей работы, сосредоточенной в ее эмпирической части на венесуэльском сегменте сети Twitter. “Элементарными единицами” протестной активности в Twitter являются отдельные сообщения (твиты), некоторые из которых мультиплицируются (retweet) и достигают аудитории национального масштаба. Именно эти, наиболее популярные твиты играют наибольшую роль в формировании протестного потенциала. Но какие твиты становятся популярными? Те, что написаны авторами, занимающими лучшую позицию в сетевой структуре, или те, которые имеют более яркое, насыщенное содержание? Мы формализовали эту альтернативу, выделив две группы показателей: одну составили индикаторы сетевой позиции автора, другая же характеризует содержание твита. В качестве зависимой переменной выступает количество ретвитов. Проанализировав более 5,7 млн уникальных твитов с использованием современных подходов и методов науки о данных (регрессия с LASSO-регуляризацией, скользящий контроль и др.), мы выявили, что показатели первой группы имеют существенно большее значение. Поскольку в политической онлайн-коммуникации в последние годы значимую роль играют боты (автоматизированные аккаунты, способные, в частности, делать ретвиты), то мы провели дополнительный анализ, “вычистив” из совокупности ретвитов те из них, которые сделаны ботами. Результат оказался в этом случае тем же, что и для исходной выборки: сеть важнее текста. Сетевая позиция автора, ассоциируемая с его популярностью (в особенности – его популярностью среди популярных пользователей), играет гораздо более значимую роль для распространения твита, чем его содержательные характеристики.
Th e Enigma of US Productivity Slowdown: A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Awan Abdul Ghafoor , Khan Rana Ejaz Ali
Published: March 2020

Introduction: The economy of the United States is the number one economy of the world on the basis of its GDP size. Many economies of the world depend upon the working upon it. However, US economy has been facing the phenomena of labour productivity slowdown since 1973. The productivity grow was witnessed during 1990s decade due to revolution of information technology but it was proved transitory. To investigate this phenomenon the economists have been actively working and using different theoretical and empirical approaches. But it is still an enigma and its real cause has so far not been detected. The objective of the Study: The objective of this research study is to investigate why US economy has been facing productivity growth slowdown since long, what are its causes and what is its possible solution?. Methodology: The author has used qualitative research approach in which real economy sector and technology economy sector have been studied on the basis of secondary data collected from OECD, IMF, World Bank,etc. The individual share of these sectors in the US GDP has been determined to analyze their effects on productivity growth. The author has also compared goods and services sectors and their contribution into the US GDP. Findings: The results of study shows that no breakthrough or major innovation has occurred in the major sector of US economy. Information technology is a small sector and growth in this sector during 1990s has not brought any signiﬁ cant impact on the US economy. The evidence shows that quality of patents is falling despite increasing number of researchers during the period of 1990-2010 and it reﬂ ects diminishing return on R&D investment in the technology sector. The ratio of input/output is 40/100 which is totally against the concept of constant return to scale.
Innovations of Housing Finance Systems and the Implication in Bangladesh – A Categorical Study on Financial Markets
Authors: Pal Sanjoy , Hossain Mohammad Sharif
Published: March 2020

An evolution in the system of investment and ﬁ nance, is being seen everywhere not only in the emerging economy but also in the economy of developing countries including Bangladesh, is housing investment. A feature by its nature is a long term investment arena that requires cash or cash equivalent to grab the real asset legally. Now a country with a lot of human resources like Bangladesh is under the frustration raised by the security investment which just is going to crash down the probable site of investment by its negative feedback. Now housing investment is the last resort of investment that gives reasonable outcome and that’s why it is exigent to analyzing the framework of housing ﬁ nance system in Bangladesh. This paper addresses the parley relating to the ﬁ nancial system and the sources of housing ﬁ nance in the commercial sector of Bangladesh. A group of model here represents the developing scenario of real estate ﬁ nancing and how to assure of the sources of ﬁ nance, how to get the services provided by the ﬁ nancial institutions and overall, to measure the results according to market transparency.
Brazil’s Innovative Anti-Poverty & Inequality Model
Authors: Awan Abdul Ghafoor
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Poverty and income inequality were two main problems of Brazil. In order to solve these problems Brazil has taken different policy initiatives. The economists call it an innovative anti-poverty and inequality model. Objectives: The objectives of this paper are to study different aspects of Brazilian innovative anti-poverty and inequality model and its impact on Brazilian society. Another objective to study is whether this model is specification in its applicability or it may be applied on other medium-income economies because income inequality and poverty are the common problems of almost all developing countries. Methodology of study: This is a qualitative research study in which we have studied different characteristics in general terms and policies introduced by the Brazilian government during 2000-2010 periods. We have used secondary data extracted from the database of IMF, World Bank, US Federal Reserves, US Bureau of Economic Analysis and relevant journals. Results & conclusions: Our study finds hat poverty in Brazil has reduced from 17 percent in 2000 to 8 percent in 2010. The evidence also shows that the wealth of the richest 20 percent of upper class was decreased during 2000-2010 due to high tax rates payment and the income of lowest 20 percent quintile was increased from 2.6 percent to 3.5 percent in the same period. It shows that the income of lower class was increased while the wealth and income of upper class was decreased during 2000-2010. The study also reveals that about half of the poor segment of Brazilian population has come out of the poverty trap in a short span of just 10 years.
Leather Industry in Bangladesh: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Khan Wahiduzzaman
Published: March 2020

Leather is a unique commodity that links grassroots villages with high societies and traditional practices with emerging technologies. For many developing countries, leather and leather manufacturers constitute an indispensable and dependable source for export trade and foreign exchange earnings. For Bangladesh, leather is a high priority industrial sector and footwear exports, an extreme focus area. Bangladesh has, just few decades since Independence, made significant gains from the leather trade, progressing from the status of an exporter of 90% plus raw hides and skins to that of an exporter and predominantly leather product manufacturer. However, there is little systematic research into this sector. This study is trying to address the research gap by seeking to understand the current status, problems and prospect of leather industry in Bangladesh.
Customers’ Expectation towards Online Marketing: A Study on Some Economic Zone in Bangladesh
Authors: Khandakar Md. Shariful Alam , Bhuiyan Md. Rakib Uddin , Siddika Humaira
Published: March 2020

This paper attempts to analysis the customers’ expectation towards online marketing in Bangladesh. First, it evaluates the impact of independent variables (factors of online marketing) on dependent variable (customers’ satisfaction). In order to do so a survey was conducted through questionnaire and data collected from 200 respondents’. Samples (Individuals and corporate firms) were selected from three economic zones and multiple regression analysis was conducted for the study. It also evaluates customers’ expectation from online marketers. Moreover the study highlights the online marketing strategies. Next, the study focuses on the benefits from online marketing. It also identifies the problems and challenges to develop online marketing strategies. Online marketing opens huge opportunities for marketer and customer where the ratio of benefit is higher than the ratio of costs. Finally, the study provides specific ways to solve the problems emphasizing on online marketing principles and to avail the opportunity to cope with the today’s competitive market. The strategies require continuous improvement and it is expected to be more dynamic in future.
The Brand Personality: a Key Catalyst of the Consumer-brand Relationship
Authors: Trabelsi Maryem
Published: March 2020

In our post-modern era, the brand is perceived more than a simple means of identification of the producer and a tool of differentiation and distinctiveness. From the consumer’s angle, it is seen as a partner in a deep, affective and long-lasting relationship that reflects his personality, values, social status, ideology, world view to match with this new perception, managers should infuse their brands with distinctive traits that match with the current and potential customers’ needs and identification desire. This research goes in this stream of studies that focus on brand personality and its ability to create, develop and maintain a strong consumer-brand tie. The findings showed that Private Labels’ personality is capabe enough to generate trust and attachment in the Tunisian context.
Impact of Remittance on Economic Growth in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Sabiha Binta , Akhter Roksana , Al Abbasi Al Amin , Saha Subrata
Published: March 2020

In Bangladesh, remittance is one of the most important economic variables in recent times as it has an impact on economic growth, helps in balancing balance of payments, increasing foreign exchange reserves, enhancing national savings and increasing velocity of money. For about two decades remittance has been contributing around 35% of export earnings. Moreover, it is greater than foreign aid and thus helps in lessening dependence on foreign aid remittance gets momentum in recent time in Bangladesh and is the second largest sector of foreign currency earnings after the garment; sector. If cost of imported raw materials is deducted from the foreign currency earning of the garments sector thanit becomes the largest sector of foreign currency earnings. Remittance earning ; increasing day by day but at a lower rate than the increase in emigration from Bangladesh due to the increasing share of unskilled or semi-skilled labors than the professionals in international migration. The share of remittance in GNI (Gross National Income) is increasing day by day. Remittance affects almost all the macro-economic indicators of a country positively. Though there are also negative sides of remittance earning e.g. brain drain, its overall contribution to Bangladesh economy is very much effective.
Exploring the Antecedents of Safety Performance for Malaysian Construction Industry: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Fazley Hossain , Ahmad Rusli bin
Published: March 2020

This conceptual paper intends to present as a proposition of a framework to understand the antecedents of safety performance behaviors.  The elements of performance which refer to the tangible behaviors exhibited by individuals at work, safety participation and safety compliance, are crucial in maintaining safe workplace for construction industry. This article illustrates potential antecedents in determining safety performance behaviors as effect of safety leadership attributes and safety climate components based on the Wu et al. (2008) model and current literature in this field. The article contributes to a better understanding of safety situation in the construction industry through the relationships among safety leadership behaviors, safety climate components and safety performance behaviors. This paper ends with a suggestion of the conceptual framework to study the antecedents of safety performance in the context of Malaysian construction industries.
Accounting Based Return Analysis of Selected Fuel and Power Sector Companies in Bangladesh
Authors: Mili Shamem Ara , Sabur Md. Abdus , Islam Md. Nazrul
Published: March 2020

The present study is an attempt to explore the contemporary profitability status of 5 (five) selected fuel and power sector companies enlisted in DSE, Bangladesh and the interrelationship between sales based returns (GPM, OPM, and NPM) and investment based returns (ROA and ROE) over the period of 2012 to 2016 for the same companies. Using descriptive statistics the present study has found that the profitability position of the sample companies is satisfactory, multiple correlation analysis revealed that there is a positive association between sales based returns and ROA whereas negative association between sales based returns and ROE, and the multiple regression analysis showed that 97.70 percent variance is explained by the predictors OPM, ROA, and ROE of the dependent variable OABR (overall accounting based return) in the selected fuel and power sector companies of Bangladesh.
An Analysis of Trade Specialization in Bangladesh, 1996-2011
Authors: Sikdar Md. Mehedi Hasan
Published: March 2020

Trade specialization has been studied extensively, and many researchers try to explain the patterns of the specialization and different factors that determine it. By using the Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage Index and the Galtonian Regression Technique, this study tries to determine the industries with trade specialization and analyze the transformation of the pattern of trade specialization in Bangladesh in the period 1996-2011 to show how the export and import specialization of industries changed and to what extent the pattern of trade specialization in Bangladesh has been transformed during the last sixteen years. Empirical analysis showed that the export of Bangladesh consists mainly of the garment industry, and Bangladesh import products largely belong to the category of commodities for further production and the support of the exporting sector. From the Galtonian regression analysis of export and import specialization, it has been found that the level of export diversification is very low, relatively stable which is confirmed by the low mobility effect.  Bangladesh’s export specialization pattern is highly concentrated only in apparel products over the whole study period, and all other sectors contribute with a significantly smaller amount in total export share, but import is more diversified. For the development of the country, it is necessary to diversify its export basket.
Institutional Leadership or Institutional Overreach?
Authors: Chong Daniel LING Tien
Published: March 2020

The institutions of international arbitration have played an increasingly active role in arbitral governance. The claim that they merely provide administrative services no longer holds water. With the ability to amend institutional rules, update practice guidelines, and revise institutional practices, they wield the power to efficiently effect change – a power that no other actor in international arbitration comes close to having.

However, it has been said that in their quest to lead change, some institutions have overstepped their mandate and overreached their powers. Based on a variety of primary and secondary sources, this article examines the situations in which institutions have overridden the parties’ agreement for the number of arbitrators appointed in cases of expedited proceedings. Thereafter, it seeks to analyze whether institutions, in a bid to push progress have overstepped their authority.
Adverse drug reactions and treatment outcome analysis in multidrug resistant tuberculosis patients at a DOTS plus site
Authors: Velingker Anita , Lawande Durga
Published: March 2020

Background: Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) requires treatment with expensive, toxic, anti-tubercular drugs over a longer duration. Adverse drug reaction (ADR) to second line anti tubercular drugs affect compliance and hence treatment outcome. The primary objective of this study was to analyse ADRs and if these resulted in change or permanent suspension of drug. We also analysed treatment outcome, treatment adherence and co morbidities associated with MDR patients.Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at DOTS plus site in department of Pulmonary Medicine, Goa Medical College on registered MDR cases from November 2011 to October 2016. Socio demographic profile, diagnosis, treatment and ADRs were evaluated, ADRs were evaluated for frequency, causative drugs, management aspect and impact on treatment outcome.Results: Out of 201 MDR cases, 99 cases had 167 ADRs. Majority of patients having ADRs were in age group of 30-50 years with mean±standard deviation 36.82±14.47, 59 (59.59%) males and 40 (40.40%) females, 92 (92.92%) retreatment cases and 7 (7.07%) newly diagnosed. Majority of ADRs were vomiting 31(18.56%), joint pain 31 (18.56%), gastritis 21 (12.57%), hearing impairment 16 (9.58%), numbness in leg 14 (8.38%), depression 12 (7.18%). Treatment outcome of cases with ADR was cured 45 (45.45%), treatment completed16 (16.16%), progressed to XDR 6 (6.06%), transferred out 5 (5.05%), defaulter 14 (14.14%), death 13 (13.13%).Conclusions: It is very important to recognise at the earliest and treat the ADRs with least modification of the treatment regimen to have a good treatment outcome.
A pattern of serious adverse drug reactions reported in a tertiary care hospital, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Mendu Sweta Bindu , Siva Prasad K. V.
Published: March 2020

Background: Serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) constitute a major limitation in clinical development of a drug thus necessitating close monitoring. Studies regarding the pattern of serious ADRs are limited in southern India. The present study was conducted in tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh with an objective to evaluate the pattern of severe cutaneous and non-cutaneous ADRs in our hospital and to assess the causality, severity, and preventability of these reactions.Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted over two years, from January 2016 till January 2018 in our ADR monitoring center. The pattern of serious adverse drug reactions, the nature of ADR, suspected drug, the outcome and preventability were analyzed using Modified Hartwig and Siegel scale, and modified Schumock and Thorton scale.Results: Out of 734 ADRs reported, 42 were serious, while 692 were non-serious. Out of 42, 22 were dermatological in origin while the others were acute kidney injury, acute psychosis, febrile neutropenia, gynecomastia, and lipodystrophy. According to WHO causality assessment scale, 27 were probable while 15 were possible. The majority were reported in the age group of 16 to 65 years with female (34) preponderance. The most common drug category responsible was antimicrobials, followed by antiretrovirals, anti-epileptics, and analgesics.Conclusions: Antimicrobial, anti-epileptics, and analgesics contributed to serious ADRs. Although non-cutaneous ADRs did not result in hospitalization, they caused social inhibition and mental stress in the patient.
The short and long-term impact of educational intervention on pharmacovigilance awareness in second year MBBS students: a questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Honnagangadevaru Lavanya S. , Lakshmanegowda Kalpana
Published: March 2020

Background: Under-reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is a burning issue globally. Sensitizing medical students to the concepts of pharmacovigilance in their early years through regular training holds the key for successfully perpetuating ADR reporting culture. This study attempted to assess the short and long-term impact of interventional training programs on the knowledge and perception of Pharmacovigilance amongst II MBBS students.Methods: It was a Cross-sectional, interventional, questionnaire‑based study. Second MBBS, new entrants (n=127) were tested for their awareness regarding pharmacovigilance knowledge using pre-validated questionnaires at entry point and following regular training sessions, at 1 week (short-term) and at 1 year (long-term). Students’ perceptions towards ADR monitoring were also recorded. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Independent t-test/Mann-Whitney-U test for identifying mean difference and paired-t-test/Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired data was used for quantitative and qualitative data analysis accordingly.Results: Significant improvement in scores following training was seen at both short (10.8±1.914) and long term (11.63±1.516) compared to base-line scores (6.07±2.036). There was significant increase in long-term scores compared to short-term scores (<0.001). Female students performed better than their male counterparts. Majority of students positively perceived the need for ADR monitoring and reporting.Conclusions: Pharmacovigilance training increases students’ knowledge significantly. Strengthening the existing pharmacovigilance activities through regular refresher training programs and adequate sequencing in curriculum not only maintains but improves students’ knowledge significantly.
A retrospective study of adverse drug reactions in a tertiary care center
Authors: L. Ankitha , H. Ramesh
Published: March 2020

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major concern in clinical practice. Reporting of ADRs either through health care professionals or the patients themselves is of utmost importance to give an accurate estimate of the prevalence, severity and preventability of ADRs. Present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of adverse drug reactions in a tertiary care hospital in Hubballi, Karnataka, India.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study, extending over 6 months (May 2019 to October 2019). A total of 124 cases comprising patients of either sex and age group ranging from 1month to 72 years were studied. The data was collected using CDSCO ADR reporting form. “Naranjo’s Assessment Scale” was used for causality assessment and severity assessment was done in accordance with “Hartwig and Siegel scale”.Results: The study showed majority of ADRs were from General Medicine department and affected skin and appendages (59%). Skin rashes 44 (31.7%) were found to be the most commonly reported ADRs most of them were with antimicrobials 67 (54%).  After causality assessment 83 (66.9%) of the cases were classified as probable and 41 (33.1%) were classified as possible. Majority of serious ADRs were not preventable in our study.Conclusions: ADRs are a major cause of morbidity worldwide. Frequency of ADRs can be reduced by careful follow up and a robust hospital-based pharmacovigilance setup. Measures to improve detection and reporting of adverse drug reactions by all health care professionals is recommended.
A cross sectional questionnaire based study on self medication practice of analgesics among MBBS students at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Authors: P. Shanmukananda , H. Shwetha , D. R. Veena , M. Poorvi
Published: March 2020

Background: Self medication with analgesics is prevalent worldwide due to easy procurement of over the counter drugs. Present study was done to assess knowledge, attitude, practice and perception of self medication of analgesics among MBBS students at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 5th term MBBS students of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru in November 2019.  A pre-designed validated questionnaire was used to collect information on knowledge, attitude, practice and perception of self medication of analgesics. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: 83.3 % of 5th term MBBS students practiced self medication with analgesics. Majority of students had some knowledge on self medication with analgesics. Common reason for using analgesic self medication was headache (59.7%) and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (90%) were commonly used analgesics. Analgesics were used for quick relief (73.3%) and source of information was from medical textbooks (61.6%). Students stopped taking analgesics after symptoms disappeared (75%). Students agreed that self medication is acceptable for medical students (63.3%) and medical license is required for better administration of drugs (51.3%).Conclusions: This study has found that self medication with analgesics was common among undergraduate medical students for minor illness. It is necessary to create awareness and educate students regarding dangers of analgesic self medication.
Prescription pattern of antiepileptic drugs in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: T. Anu Mohan , M. Anuradha
Published: March 2020

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder which affects about 0.5% to 1% of the population. The older antiepileptic drugs like carbamazepine and phenytoin are the mainstay of treatment of epilepsy. With the development of newer drugs for various type of epilepsy, the prescribing pattern for epilepsy has changed over the last decade. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prescription pattern of antiepileptic drugs in outpatient department of a tertiary care health care centre in Kerala and to assess how adherent they are to the available treatment guidelines of epilepsy.Methods: Data was collected from patients attending the outpatient department of Neurology in Government Medical College, Kozhikode for 2 months from January 2018 to February 2018. A total of 442 patients were enrolled in the study and data regarding the type of epilepsy, the antiepileptic drug prescribed, and the demographic profile were recorded and analysed.Results: Among the study participants, 237 were males (53.6%) and 205 females (46.2%). The study showed that among the 442 participants enrolled, the most common type of epilepsy was focal seizures (64.5%) and the most commonly prescribed drug was carbamazepine (28%), followed by levetiracetam (22%) and valproate (20%). Majority of the patients were treated with a single drug (79.2%).Conclusions: Newer drugs have been increasingly added to the list of antiepileptic drugs, but most of them serve as adjuvant to older ones and the important drugs used as monotherapy are still the older ones.
A retrospective study of antimicrobial usage in wound healing
Authors: Valder Bhavishya Keerthi Anna , G. K. Nalini , K. Shankara , P. Deepak , G. N. Sahana , V. N. Jayashree , . Neelamma
Published: March 2020

Background: Chronic wounds are responsible for increase in burden to healthcare systems. The evidence concerning effectiveness of antibiotic therapy or optimal regimens is insufficient. Patients with chronic wounds receive significantly more systemic and topical antibiotics. Current guidelines for antibiotic prescribing for such wounds are often based on expert opinion rather than scientific fact. As there is increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance, the relationships between antibiotic resistance and rationales for antibiotic therapy have to be determined. Current practice of antibiotic usage for chronic wounds and postoperative wounds in a tertiary care setting should be studied.Methods: Retrospective study was conducted from February 2017 to February 2018 using medical records of patients with wound admitted in surgical departments in HIMS, Hassan, Karnataka. The inpatient records were analysed, which includes duration of stay in the hospital, number of drugs/products per person, percentage of antibiotics prescribed, percentage of antibiotic injection prescribed, and other modalities used to treat wounds.Results: In present study, amongst 100 antimicrobial prescriptions, 26 females and 74 males. The most commonly prescribed parenteral antibiotic was ceftriaxone (58%), followed by metronidazole (56%). The average number of antibiotics per prescription was 2.8. The mean duration parenteral antibiotics given was 4.26 days during their hospital stay oral antibiotics were 5.18 days after the discharge from the hospital.Conclusions: The information generated shall be used to decide the policies to govern the prescription of antibiotics in the management of chronic wounds and post-operative wounds.
In vitro study on the antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract of Carica papaya
Authors: Aboobacker Haseena K. , Valoth Gopesh , Kizhedath Sabeena
Published: March 2020

Background: Newer drug research worldwide is now focusing on medicinal plants for ensuring health and vitality due to the seemingly safer side effect profile and abundance of plants in nature, compared to synthetic drugs. Antioxidants are vital in preventing free radical induced tissue damage. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Carica papaya using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH). Phytochemical tests proved the presence of bioactive ingredients in the extract.Methods: DPPH free radical assay, one of the most accurate methods for evaluating antioxidant activity, was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of leaves of C. papaya.Results: The methanolic leaf extract of C. papaya showed antioxidant property with free radical scavenging activity increasing with increase in concentration. The IC50 value of methanolic extract was 213.68 µgm/ml. Ascorbic acid was used as control.Conclusions: Oxidative stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, immune deficiency. Antioxidants as suggested from various studies may reduce the risk of such diseases. The utility of C. papaya in the treatment of heart disease, cancer and immune deficiency will have to be proved by detailed evaluation of its pharmacological properties.
Twin pregnancy a complicating journey for both mothers and babies: elaborate review
Authors: Shelke Pallavi Sitaram , Jagtap Pradnya Nilesh
Published: March 2020

Pregnancy, also known as gestation, is the time during which one or more offspring develops inside a woman. A multiple pregnancy involves more than one offspring, such as with twins. Pregnancy can occur by sexual intercourse or assisted reproductive technology. A pregnancy may end in a live birth, abortion, or miscarriage, though access to safe abortion care varies globally. Research shows that 10 percent to 15 percent of all singleton births may have started off as twins; often one is lost early in pregnancy in a phenomenon known as "vanishing twin syndrome." Multiple pregnancy occurs when two or more ova are fertilized to form dizygotic (non-identical) twins or a single fertilised egg divides to form monozygotic (identical) twins. In the U.S, about three in every 100 pregnant women give birth to twins or triplets, according to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. And by many accounts, twin pregnancies are on the rise. This review provides a blessful information to understand what happening when expecting twins and also help to cope with pregnancy related complications and give twins the best start in life.
Effect of epidural analgesia on the duration of labour and pains: a comparative study
Authors: Chauhan Pallavi , Shirodkar S. D.
Published: March 2020

Background: Epidural analgesia is regional anaesthesia that blocks pain in a particular region of the body. The use of Epidural Analgesia (EA) in labor is widespread in modern labor ward practice, and its benefits in terms of pain relief are well-recognized. Objective of this study was to study the effect of epidural analgesia on the duration of labour and pains.Methods: The present study was conducted on 60 women in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai during a period from October 2014 to January 2017. The women requesting EA were assigned as the study group (Group A - 30 cases) and women not receiving EA were included in the control group (Group B - 30 cases).Results: The duration of active phase of first and second stage of labour was found to be prolonged in patients who received EA as compared to control group. An increase in number of caesarean sections and requirement of oxytocin augmentation was found to be more in Group A as compared to Group B. There was no statistically significant difference in Apgar score of newborns at 1 min and 5 min in both the groups. The patients demanding epidural drug had better pain relief during labour. In Group A, 17% of patients and in Group B, 7% of patients had nausea and vomiting. Other side effects were minimal.Conclusions: Epidural analgesia is not a totally free of disadvantages, it is the most effective mode of pain relief available compared with other techniques. The addition of patient-controlled epidural analgesia and innovations using new technologies enhance patient satisfaction.