bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of New Technologies for Middle-Aged and Older Patients: In-Depth Interviews With Type 2 Diabetes Patients Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (Preprint)
Authors: Chiu Ching-Ju , Chou Yu-Hsuan , Chen Yen-Ju , Du Ye-Fong
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) uses subcutaneous sensors and records the average interstitial sensor current every 5 min in the recorder; data are subsequently exported to a computer 4 to 7 days later when calibration with self-measured blood glucose is made retrospectively. How middle-aged and older patients perceive the added technology intervention is not clear.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to understand the factors associated with the adoption of new technology in diabetes care, to understand the feelings and behaviors while using it, and to determine the changes in attitudes and behavior after completing the use of the new technology at the 3-month follow-up.

METHODS

Middle-aged and older type 2 diabetes patients who had received professional continuous glucose monitoring (iPro 2 [Medtronic]) were invited for semistructured in-depth interviews on the day of the CGM sensor removal and at 3 months after CGM-based counseling. A phenomenography approach was used to analyze the interview data.

RESULTS

A total of 20 type 2 diabetes patients (aged 53 to 72 years, 13 males and 7 females, 4 to 40 years duration of diabetes, mean glycated hemoglobin 8.54% [SD 0.71%]) completed 2 sections of semistructured in-depth interviews. Physician guidance and participant motivation toward problem solving were found to be factors associated with adoption of the device. Participants indicated that technology can be a reminder, a supervisor, and a visualizer of blood glucose, all of which are helpful for disease management. However, CGM is somewhat inconvenient, and some participants also reported that the provision of this new technology might be a hint of disease progression. There was a higher percentage of women compared with men who reported that CGM can be a reminder or a supervisor to help them with diet control.

CONCLUSIONS

Physician guidance and participants’ degree of motivation are keys to adopting new technology in the case of middle-aged and older adults. Although the CGM sensor may cause inconvenience to patients on their limited body movement when wearing the device, it is helpful for diet control and is an effective behavioral modification tool that offers support, especially in the case of women.
Predictors of Patients’ Intention to Interact With Doctors in Web-Based Health Communities in China: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wu Tailai , Deng Zhaohua , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Donglan , Wang Ruoxi , Wu Xiang
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Web-based health communities provide opportunities for doctors and patients to interact with each other and change the traditional communication mode between doctors and patients. However, little is known about the predictors of patients’ intention to interact with doctors in Web-based health communities in China.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate what are the predictors of patients’ intention to interact with doctors in Web-based health communities in China.

METHODS

On the basis of two-factor theory and service convenience theory, we propose that the attributes of Web-based health communities including ease of use and perceived synchronicity influence patients’ intention to interact through convenience of Web-based health communities, whereas the attributes of physical health facilities such as inaccessibility and discontinuity affect patients’ intention to interact through inconvenience of physical health facilities. We employed the survey method to validate our hypothesized relationships. Through developing the measurement instruments, we collected 334 valid answers from Web health community users and utilized partial least square to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Ease of use (t311=2.924, P=.004) and perceived synchronicity (t311=2.353, P=.019) were found to influence convenience of Web-based health communities significantly, whereas inaccessibility (t311=3.189, P=.002) and discontinuity (t311=3.149, P=.002) were found to impact inconvenience of physical health facilities significantly. Meanwhile, both convenience of Web-based health communities (t311=2.353, P=.019) and inconvenience of physical health facilities (t311=2.787, P=.006) were found to affect patients’ intention to interact with doctors in Web-based health communities significantly. Therefore, all the proposed hypotheses were supported.

CONCLUSIONS

Through including factors from both Web-based health communities and physical health facilities, we can understand patients’ intention to interact comprehensively. This study not only contributes to literature of doctor-patient interaction and Web-based health platforms but also provides implications to promote doctor-patient interaction online and offline.
Patient and Health Care Provider Experiences With a Recently Introduced Patient Portal in an Academic Hospital in the Netherlands: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Vreugdenhil Maria M T , Ranke Sander , de Man Yvonne , Haan Maaike M. , Kool Rudolf B.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

In the Netherlands, the health care system and related information technology landscape are fragmented. Recently, hospitals have started to launch patient portals. It is not clear how these portals are used by patients and their health care providers (HCPs).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the adoption, use, usability, and usefulness of a recently introduced patient portal in an academic hospital to learn lessons for the implementation of patient portals in a fragmented health care system.

METHODS

A mixed methods study design was used. In the quantitative study arm, characteristics of patients who used the portal were analyzed, in addition to the utilization of the different functionalities of the portal. In the qualitative study arms, think-aloud observations were made to explore usability. Focus group discussions were conducted among patients and HCPs of the dermatology and ophthalmology outpatient departments. Thematic content analysis of qualitative data was carried out and overarching themes were identified using a framework analysis.

RESULTS

One year after the introduction of the portal, 24,514 patients, 13.49% of all patients who visited the hospital, had logged in to the portal. Adoption of the portal was associated with the age group 45 to 75 years, a higher socioeconomic status, and having at least one medical diagnosis. Overarching themes from the qualitative analyses were (1) usability and user-friendliness of the portal, (2) HCP-patient communication through the portal, (3) usefulness of the information that can be accessed through the portal, (4) integration of the portal in care and work processes, and (5) HCP and patient roles and relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

One year after the introduction of the patient portal, patients and HCPs who used the portal recognized the potential of the portal to engage patients in their care processes, facilitate patient-HCP communication, and increase patient convenience. Uncertainties among patients and HCPs about how to use the messaging functionality and limited integration of the portal in care and work processes are likely to have limited portal use and usefulness.
HIV digital vaccine strategy: An application of blockchain technology in preventing the spread of HIV (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Jia , Wang Zhe , Sun Dingyong , Wang Xiying
Published: February 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

The HIV epidemic imposes a heavy burden on societal development. Presently, the protection of susceptible populations is the most feasible method for eliminating the spread of HIV. Governments and other relevant industries are actively attempting to solve the problem. In view of the unavailability of biological vaccines, the best measures that can currently be applied are identification of HIV-infected persons and provision of treatment and behavioral intervention. This paper proposes a HIV digital vaccine strategy based on blockchain technology. In the proposed strategy, a decentralized surveillance network is jointly constructed using HIV high-risk individuals as application nodes and accredited testing agencies as authentication nodes. Following testing at the authentication nodes, the results are uploaded to the blockchain, which results in HIV high-risk individuals being able to determine the HIV infection status of each other in a convenient, anonymous, and credible manner. This reduces the occurrence of high-risk sexual behavior and effectively protects susceptible populations. The proposed strategy is a promising solution to prevent the spread of HIV. The performance of the decentralized surveillance network may lead to the restructuring of current government-funded infectious disease prevention and control modes that are centered on centers for disease control and prevention and hospitals to introduce revolutionary changes in public health systems globally.
Kerja Layak Bagi Mahasiswa Pekerja Kontrak Paruh Waktu (Garda Depan) Di PT.Aseli Dagadu Djokdja
Authors: Rabbani Disi Riwanda
Published: February 2019

Globally, the decent work agenda has been promoted by the International Labor Organization (ILO) since 1999 and nowadays stated in the goals number 8 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015-2030. At the national level, decent work is the right of all Indonesians as set forth in article 27 UUD 1945. In line with that premise, all workers regardless of their type are entitled to decent work, including college students who work on part-time contracts. The flexible working system on a part-time basis made college students possible to carry on their work and campus activities side by side. PT.Aseli Dagadu Djokdja (PT ADD) is one of the companies in Yogyakarta that employ college students on a part-time contract basis which commonly referred as Garda Depan. Using the conceptual framework of ILO’s decent work, this paper aimed to describe the dynamics of decent work implemented within the company for their part-time workers, which consists of four components: employment, worker’s rights, social security and social dialogue. By using a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, this study concludes that the flexibility of the working system made Garda Depan the vital element of the company. However, their position are vulnerable due to the absence of legal framework for part-time workers making the bargaining position of the company tend to be higher. Thus, the company becomes the main actor in creating a decent work environment, especially in determining decent remuneration, social security and creating rooms for social dialogues.
Aspirasi Pemuda Kelas Bawah dan Reproduksi Sosial Di Jawa Tengah
Authors: Sutopo Oki Rahadianto , Putri Rani Dwi , Kusumawardhani Karin Larasati
Published: February 2019

Central Java is one of provinces that is progressive in developing its industries, especially in manufacturing. However, the unemployment rate among youth in this province turns out to be considerably high. The high number of unemployment rates and low participation in the labor market among youth are caused by various factors. One of them is the gap between human resources and demand in the labor market. The gap in education, skills, and access to information triggering the condition whereas youth are not counted to involve in the labor market. This gap certainly emerged based on the social class differences inherent in each young people. In addition, gender differences also affect opportunities and freedom in choosing a job. This research uses qualitative methods with the process of observation, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussion as techniques for data collecting. Through the selection of two female and two male informants (purposive sampling), this research concludes that social class factors, gender, and changing contexts, especially in the conditions of Labor Market Flexibility (LMF) became the main factors in shaping and influencing the transition process related to future aspirations of youth. The application of neoliberalism and Labor Market Flexibility perpetuates the social reproduction based on class and gender which enables social gaps to increase in the future. This condition is predicted to marginalize poor and vulnerable young people even more
Metodología adoptada para la construcción del proyecto universitario de la UNILA
Authors: Vieira-Rocha Eliane-Terezinha
Published: February 2019

Este artículo pretende reconstruir el apoyo pedagógico para la elaboración del proyecto de la Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana, junto a la Comisión de Implantación de la UNILA con base en una metodología desarrollada para acompañar las diferentes fases de la construcción de los principales ejes temáticos de la nueva universidad. El proceso demandó la participación de los miembros de la referida comisión con el objeto de estructurar gradualmente esta elaboración colectiva. La metodología del trabajo se inspiró en el modelo de Huberman y Miles (1991) en que la colecta, el tratamiento, la presentación, interpretación y validación de los datos se da en forma de espiral y simultánea al proceso de elaboración. De acuerdo con la metodología adoptada, en la primera reunión del grupo se partió de una cuestión generadora, buscando identificar, en términos genéricos, el concepto de una "universidad ideal". Este ejercicio, realizado individualmente por los participantes desde la visión personal sobre lo cada uno pensaba preliminarmente sobre la UNILA, permitió desencadenar un proceso reflexivo fundamental para las etapas posteriores.
La formación en Ciencias de la Educación durante la última dictadura militar. Una comparación entre el Instituto Joaquín V. González y la Universidad de Buenos Aires
Authors: Mollis Marcela , Lanza Hilda , Dono Rubio Sofia
Published: February 2019

El artículo compara los procesos formativos en dos instituciones emblemáticas pertenecientes al nivel superior, una terciaria y la otra universitaria (el Instituto Superior del Profesorado "Joaquín V. González", de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y la Universidad de Buenos Aires). Con el propósito de profundizar la relación entre política y pedagogía, se aborda el periodo de la última dictadura militar en Argentina: 1976-1983, durante la cual se generaron dispositivos de censura con disímiles efectos en ambas instituciones.
Las prácticas en empresa como uno de los ejes vertebradores de la empleabilidad
Authors: Hervás Jorge Antonio , Ayats José Carlos , Desantes Rafael , Juliá Juan Francisco
Published: February 2019

La situación actual de la universidad española, inmersa en el proceso de adaptación al marco del Espacio Europeo de la Educación Superior (EEES), coincidiendo con la más grave crisis económica de los últimos tiempos lleva a prestar especial atención a la empleabilidad de los titulados universitarios. La Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) asumió hace años la empleabilidad de sus titulados como una responsabilidad dentro del proceso formativo, con especial hincapié en las relaciones universidad-empresa, y la apertura de nuevas líneas de colaboración más allá de la transferencia de tecnología. Los programas desarrollados relacionados con la empleabilidad de los titulados se vertebran a través de varios ejes: Observatorio de empleo, Realización de prácticas en empresas, Programas de movilidad internacional y Cátedras de empresas. En la UPV se han gestionado unas 60 000 prácticas en los últimos 10 años, lo que proporciona una buena experiencia en este aspecto del proceso formativo. En este trabajo se analiza si aquellos alumnos que realizaron prácticas presentan una mayor empleabilidad que aquellos que no las realizaron. El estudio contempla tres tomas de datos: la primera en el momento de solicitar el título académico (al finalizar los estudios); la segunda a los dos años de la titulación, y la tercera se realiza a los cinco años de su titulación. Esta metodología permite realizar un análisis longitudinal del proceso de inserción laboral y, en consecuencia, conocer la influencia de la realización de prácticas en empresas en la empleabilidad de los titulados a lo largo del tiempo de permanencia en el mercado laboral.
An updated review on pharmacosomes, a vesicular drug delivery system
Authors: Supraja Bommala , Mulangi Saritha
Published: February 2019

Novel drug delivery system mainly consents about achieving the targeted concentration to release the drug at targeted site by using carrier system, altering the structure and microenvironment around the drug. Especially drugs which are having narrow therapeutic window are difficult to formulate, with the advantage of novel drug delivery systems like particulate, polymeric carrier, macromolecular and cellular carriers. They are used to reduce complications as well as release the drug in a determined fusion at targeted site. In vesicular drug delivery system drug binds covalently to the lipid molecule by which the drug release is in a controlled manner and also drugs which are of hydrophilic or lipophilic nature can be delivered by using vesicular drug delivery systems. The release of drug from the vesicles depends on the physicochemical properties of both the drug and carrier. Vesicular drug delivery includes liposomes, niososmes, transferosomes, pharmacosomes, electrosomes, ethosomes etc. Of all these drug delivery systems pharmacosomes are having more advantages like no leakage or loss of drug, stability, high entrapment efficiency etc, pharmacosomes may be hexagonal aggregates , ultrafine vesicular and micellar forms. Both synthetic and natural drugs which are facing difficulties like low solubility and low permeability can be effectively formulated and can achieve required pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. Pharmacosomes are prepared by hand shaking method, ether injection, solvent evaporation method, anhydrous co-solvent lyophilyzation, supercritical fluid approach and other alternative methods they are characterized by complex determination, surface morphology, drug entrapment, solubility, drug lipid compatibility, crystal state measurement, dissolution studies and in vitro drug release rate.

Keywords: Pharmacosomes, covalently, vesicular drug delivery system, hexagonal aggregates, micellar, ultrafine.
A novel topical phytotherapy for normalization of aberrant leg-anatomical and biochemical risks in failed spine surgery associated with knee-osteoarthritis: A unique case study
Authors: Ganguly Apurba
Published: February 2019

Objective: The aim of the study was to normalize the aberrant leg-anatomical and biochemical parameters, to relieve pain syndromes and to improve quality of life without revision of failed spine surgery (FSS) and surgical intervention of coexisted knee-osteoarthritis (KOA) correlated with radiological images by specialized topical phytotherapy.

Methods:  A 45year-old gentleman was advice to undergo revision of FSS and surgical intervention for KOA. He refused to do the further surgeries and treated in OPTM Health Care during January-February 2018. Anatomical measurements included  bilateral: the gap at the knee joint between the short head of the biceps femoris and the level of the bed in supine, diameters of muscles at the thigh, the calf, 4cm above and below the patella, angles of straight leg raising, knee flexion and extension in  supine, and biomarkers (Interleukin-10, Tumour necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, Creatine kinase-muscle  and Aldolase-A) were measured pre- and post-treatment using appropriate protocols. The patient was treated for 12-week with phytoextracts of established seven medicinal plants.

Results: The percentages of improvements for all the above-mentioned abnormal leg-anatomical and biochemical parameters were observed at post-treatment: 63.81, 2.28, 0.81, 5.22, 0.82, 160.00,73.75 and 50.00 respectively for right leg and 69.60, 5.79, 2.79, 9.93, 0.82, 290.00, 85.33 and 54.55 for left leg in case of leg-anatomical features and 87.72, 66.39, 77.27, 22.77 and 48.41 respectively for biomarkers and that for international acclaimed pain parameters under VAS, WOMAC, ODI, LEFS, KPS and BMI were highlighted in the earlier study and the same under KOOS were recorded as pain(86.11), symptoms(89.29), ADL(79.42), Sport & Recreation(75.00) and QOL(68.75) with improved radiological images both lumbar and knee-joints as assessed by KL-grading scales(≥2).

Conclusion: Results showed the deranged leg-anatomical and biochemical risks, together-with impaired international pain parameters during FSS associated with KOA can be normalized by specialized topical phytotherapeutic treatment within 12-week.
Moderate incidence of lost follow-up and risk factors among adult HIV patients on second-line ART regimens in Amhara region hospitals, Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed , Abdi Saed , Palani S , Joseph Nisha Mary
Published: February 2019

Background and Objectives: Loss to follow-up is a common problem of most patients on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia. Second-line antiretroviral therapy is the drug that would be used when the first-line therapy fails.  Thus this study intends to determine the incidence and risk factors of time to losses to follow up among  Human  Immunodeficiency  Virus (HIV) patients on second line regimens of  Antiretroviral Therapy(ART) in Amhara region Hospitals, Ethiopia.

Methods: Institutional based retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Amhara region hospitals from February to March 2016. A total of 1246 patient from eight hospitals in Amhara region were selected using simple random sampling method and data were extracted from patient charts.  The log rank test was used to assess presence of significant difference in time to losses to follow among levels of categorical variables. Both bi-variiable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify factors that affect the time to losses to follow up.   

Results: The cumulative incidence of loss to follow up was 5.41% over the entire (eight) years of follow-up. The cumulative incidence rates of death and transfer out were 10.99%,10.02 %, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, ambulatory functional status (AHR=0.1967, 95% CI: 0.049- 0 .794), male gender (AHR=2.135, 95% CI: 1.053- 4.330),  adherence to ART (AHR=0.442, 95% CI: 0.198- 0.989) were significant predictors of time to losses to follow up. The use of 2a, 2e and 2g types of second line regimen reduced the risk of  loss to follow up.

Interpretations and Conclusions: The incidence of loss to follow up in Amhara region hospitals was low. Loss to folow up was negatively  associated with female gender, ambulatory  baseline functional status, adherence, & types of second line regimen types. Further research on the effect of  types of drug is recommended by acertaining whether the reduction in loss to follow up  for patients who took drug types of 2a, 2e, and 2g is associaed with improved or worsened health outcomes by trafcking lost patients closely.
Simultaneous estimation of Doxofylline and Sertreline tablet dosage form by using RP-HPLC
Authors: Kandhula Anil Goud , Tulasi Ashwin Kumar
Published: February 2019

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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: an overview
Authors: Jahnavi Kasturi , Pavani Reddy Palla , Vasudha Bakshi , Narender Boggula
Published: February 2019

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including both traditional non-selective NSAIDs and the selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors, are widely used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. NSAIDs are a necessary choice in pain management because of the integrated role of the COX path way in the generation of inflammation and in the biochemical recognition of pain. NSAIDs are the competitive inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme which mediates the bioconversion of arachidonic acid to inflammatory prostaglandins (PGs). Their use is associated with the side effects such as gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. They are the most commonly employed first line drugs for all these conditions and many others-like musculoskeletal trauma, minor aches and pains, and dysmenorrhoea. The therapeutic anti-inflammatory action of NSAIDs is produced by the inhibition of COX-2, while the undesired side effects arise from inhibition of COX-1 activity. Thus, it was though those more selective COX-2 inhibitors would have reduced side effects. Based upon a number of selective COX-2 inhibitors (Rofecoxib, Celecoxib etc.) were developed as safer NSAIDs with improved gastric safety profile. Several newer applications like prophylaxis of stroke with aspirin are now common place. Use of these drugs for the prophylaxis of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and colorectal cancer is being evaluated. Unfortunately, they have several toxicities ranging from minor heartburn to severe gastrointestinal haemorrhage and perforation. Therefore, newer NSAIDs have been introduced in recent years to circumvent this problem. In preliminary studies, these have shown better safety, efficacy, and tolerability but the full spectrum of adverse reactions of these drugs is yet to be fully known. This review can be used for further research as well as clinical purpose.

Keywords: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cyclooxygenase inhibitors, prostaglandins, aspirin.
Spectrophotometric analysis of tablets of nalidixic acid using melted niacinamide as solvent
Authors: Maheshwari R.K. , Apte Apeksha , Agrawal Om Prakash
Published: February 2019

In the current attempt of research, novel method for spectrophotometric estimation of nalidixic acid in tablets using melted niacinamide as solvent was developed. The main objective behind research is to show “SOLIDS ALSO POSSESS SOLUBILIZING POWER”. The current study deals with novel spectrophotometric analytical technique for quantitative estimation of nalidixic acid in tablets using melted niacinamide as solvent. According to the theory proposed by Maheshwari, each & every substance possesses solubilising power; substance may be a gas, solid or liquid. Niacinamide imbibes large solubilizing power to nalidixic acid and having approximate solubility more than 80 mg per gm of melted niacinamide (135°C) whereas aqueous solubility of nalidixic acid is 0.21mg/ml at room temperature. Calibration curve of nalidixic acid was plotted by recording the absorbances of standard solutions of drug. The absorbances were observed at 330 nm against respective reagent blanks. The percentage label claims were found very close to 100 (100.93± 1.303 and 99.08±1.764) indicating accuracy of the proposed method. Percentage recoveries estimated by the proposed method are close to 100 (99.91±1.303 and 101.74±1.663) with significant low values of percentage deviation and standard error. Thus, it may be concluded that proposed method is simple, safe and precise and excludes use of toxic organic solvents.

Keywords: Mixed Solvency, Solubilizing Power, Spectrophotometric Analysis, Niacinamide, Nalidixic Acid.
Carbamazepine Induced Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms
Authors: Naga Subrahmanyam S , Vijaya Lakshmi D. Tagoore , Naga Raju G.V. , Pavan Kumar G.V.
Published: February 2019

Stabilizes inactivated state of sodium channels, thereby making neurons less excitable may reduce activity of nucleus ventralis of the thalamus or decrease synaptic transmission or summation of temporal stimulation leading to neuronal discharge.A adult of 68 years old patient came to dermatology department with chief complaints of neuralgia over scalp to relieve the symptoms physician prescribed carbamazepine 200mg Po OD. During his 2ndweek of treatment patient developed pain,fever,sore throat followed by skin rash.Better vigilance is necessary for implementation of safe and effective treatment for each individual patient.in order to  prevent serious adverse drug reactions of this drug,close monitoring drug treatment course, creating awareness, recognition of the problem and careful management of all the patients who receive medication are essential,because use of carbamazepine causes thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, leukocytosis, eosinophilia, anemia, pruritic and erythematous rashes, urticaria, photosensitivity reactions, alterations in skin pigmentation, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme and nodosum, purpura, aggravation of disseminated lupus erythematosus,Abnormalities in liver function tests, cholestatic and hepatocellular jaundice, hepatitis; very rare cases of hepatic failure, Pancreatitis ,Pulmonary hypersensitivity characterized by fever, dyspnea, pneumonitis, or pneumonia

Keywords: Carbamazepine, Induced Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, adverse drug reaction.
Traditional remedial plants utilized in the Paliyar’s tribe handling of different skin diseases from Sadhuragiri hills, Tamil Nadu, india
Authors: Aadhan Kamatchi , Anand SubramaniamParvathi
Published: February 2019

An ethnobotanical exploration, an attempt has been made to survey the indigenous knowledge on herbal medicines used as a therapy for skin disorders by the Paliyar tribes of Sadhuragiri hills. The purpose of this study is to assess traditional knowledge on medicinal plants which forms a baseline data for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies, to identify the vital species used for skin medicine, finding out methods for various preparations, and calculate the % informants in relation to medicinal plant use. In this study frequent field trips were made for the collection of plant specimens and information on medicinal aspects from traditional healers and women folk through questionnaire and interviews. The information of herbal preparation, parts used, mode of administration and local name was also taken during the study period. The present study has resulted in the documentation of 50 medicinal plant species belonging to 26 families and 41 genera used by the Paliyar for treatment of different skin ailments, viz. Scabies, Skin allergy, eczema, Wound swelling, Ring worm, itches, Heal crack, Burn wounds, Poison bite infection. The findings of present study shows documentation of 20 plant species which are found little known or less reported in available published literature. The Paliyar tribe lives interiorly in the forest localities and Government is making policies to rehabilitate them outside of forest areas, it is necessary to tap their rich heritable traditional knowledge on medicinal plants within time before it become vanished due to modernization. A inclusive detailed search and report on the pattern of utilization of medicinal plants by this tribe has not evidenced in the earlier publications. Therefore, present attempt has been made to document traditional knowledge of Paliyar tribe used to treat different skin disorders by production various herbal preparations.

Keywords: Paliyar tribe, Herbal medicines, Skin disorders, Indigenous knowledge, Sadhuragiri hills.
Concise review: Therapeutic potential of flupirtine maleate
Authors: Yadav Nisha Kumari , Shukla Tripti , Upmanyu Neeraj , Pandey Sharad Prakash , Khan Mohammad Azaz , Jain Deepak Kumar
Published: February 2019

Flupirtine is a non-opioid analgesic without antipyretic or antiphlogistic properties. Flupirtine is a centrally acting analgesic but the analgesic action of flupirtine does not depend on any central opioid effect. The fact behind this statement is that the pain-relieving property of flupirtine is not reduced by the opioid antagonistic drug naloxone. Flupirtine has been reported for its neuro-protective properties and possess a selective neuronal potassium channel opener that also has NMDA receptor antagonist properties. Flupertine is transformed into two primary derivatives, 4-fluoro-hippuric acid and the Nacetylated analogue D13223. Both derivatives of are flupirtine pharmacologically active with 30% of the analgesic potency of the parent drug and further oxidized and then conjugated with glycine to form inactive  metabolites, Recently, Flupirtine maleate  has been introduced in Indian market in oral, intravenous and rectal dosage forms. The half life of flupirtine following intravenous administration was 1.8 hours, while the plasma elimination half life in healthy young volunteers following single dose administration of flupirtine by the intravenous, oral and rectal routes was 8.5, 9.6 and 10.7 hours respectively. There is plenty of literature available on the effect of Flupirtine maleate on chronic and acute pain management. These preliminary finding require confirmation in further comparative studies.

Keywords: Flupirtine maleate, Naloxone, Opioid, NMDA
Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography method development and validation for estimation of efavirenz by Quality by Design approach
Authors: Waghmare Santosh A , Kashid Arun M
Published: February 2019

Quality by design (QbD) refers to the achievement of certain predictable quality with desired and predetermined specifications. A very useful component of the QbD is the understanding of factors and their interaction effects by a desired set of experiments by using software (design expert 8). The present study describes the development of a comprehensive science and risk based HPLC method which is given by design expert 8 and subsequent validation for the analysis of Efavirenz active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) using a quality by design approach. An efficient experimental design based on systematic scouting of all four key components of the RP‐HPLC method (column, pH, mobile phase and flow rate) is presented. The described method was linear. R2=0.9998. The precision, ruggedness and robustness values were also within the prescribed limits (<1% for system precision and <2% for other parameters). Chromatographic peak purity results indicated the absence of co‐eluting peaks with the main peak of Efavirenz. The proposed method can be used for routine analysis of Efavirenz in quality control laboratories.

Keywords: Quality by design, HPLC, Efavirenz, design expert 8.
A review on Indole and Benzothiazole derivatives its importance
Authors: Sulthana Shaheen , Pandian P.
Published: February 2019

In recent years heterocyclic compounds analogues and derivatives have attracted wide attention due to their useful biological and pharmacological properties. Indole, Benzothiazole and its analogs are versatile substrates, which can be used for the synthesis of numerous heterocyclic compounds. Indole, Benzothiazole and its derivatives are used in organic synthesis and they are used in evaluating new product that possesses different biological activities. Hence, their extensive structural modification has result in different analogues of Indole and Benzothiazole derivatives depicting wide range of biological and pharmacological activities such as antiviral, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial and anticancer. This review article literature survey summarizes the synthesis and pharmacological activities of Indole, Benzothiazole and its derivatives.

Keywords: Indole, Benzothiazole, antiviral, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial and anticancer
Pharmacognostical standardization and preliminary phytochemical explorations on Salvia hispanica L. seeds
Authors: Singh Sumitra , Sehrawat Akash
Published: February 2019

Salvia hispanica L. famous as ‘chia’ is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to family Labiatae, is a richest source of alpha linolenic fatty acid.  A detailed examination on chia seeds was performed. The microscopic investigationsshowed the presence of lignified fibres, epidermis cells, aleurone grains, fatty oil globules and lignified sclerides etc. Physicochemical assessment of chia seeds revealed foreign organic matter (0.76%), loss on drying (8.09%), pH (4.39), moisture content (8.96%), swelling index (8.36), foaming index (<100), total ash (7.09%), water soluble ash (1.09%), acid insoluble ash (0.48%), sulphated ash (0.94%),relative density (0.892), refractive index (1.462), acid value (1.862), saponification value (194.29), peroxide value (4.680), acetyl value (169.28) and iodine value (74.62). Elemental analysis was performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy various heavy metals (As, Hg, Pb, Cd) and other elements (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mg) all were within limits. Chia seeds crude material as well as its extract showed no microbial contamination. High performance thin layer chromatographyfingerprinting profile of chia seeds fixed oil showed the presence of alpha linolenic acid. Work on standardization assumes imperative consequence. However,wide-ranging literature survey on this plant revealed that, more research work is required to update the standardization parameters. Therefore, findings of this study will facilitate quality control and presence of the various phytoconstituents in plant seed.

Keywords: Salvia hispanica, Standardization, Pharmacognostical, Physicochemical, HPTLC fingerprints.
Study of Front Wheel Pressure on the Soil of Tractors with a Different Wheel Configuration
Authors: Akhmetov A. A. , Akhmedov Sh. A.U.
Published: February 2019

An increase in the power of the high-clearance tractor with the 3K2 wheel configuration (TTZ-811) and the weight of the machines coupled with it has led to an increase in the pressure of its running elements on the soil. The authors have proposed to replace it with a tractor with the 4K2 wheel configuration with an adjustable ground clearance (TTZ-1033), which has several advantages.

Research purposeThe study of the effect of the wheel configuration, travel speed and air pressure in the tire on the tractor's front wheel pressure on the soil.

Materials and methodsThe authors have analytically determined the relationship between the contact area of a wheel tire with the soil on the tire parameters and the internal air pressure in it. To take measurements, load TAS607 sensors like with specially made nozzles have been used.

Results and discussionIt has been found that under similar conditions, the average pressure on the soil in the layer of 10-50 centimeters across the width of the front wheel tire of TTZ-811 is 19.0-27.6 kilopascals more as compared to TTZ-1033. It has been found that an increase in air pressure in the tire from 1.2 to 2.2 megapascals results in a n increase in average front wheel pressure on the soil in the seed layer (0-10 centimeters) of the TTZ-1033 tractor from 61.9 to 70.8 kilopascals, and of the TTZ-811 tractor – from 63.5 to 79.3 kilopascals. It has been revealed that at a depth of 10 centimeters, the pressure of the front wheel of the TTZ‑1033 tractor averaged 84.9-108.2 kilopascals, and at a depth of 50 centimeters – only 12.2-12.8 kilopascals. Under the same conditions, the average pressure` of the TTZ-811 tractor's front wheel decreases from 78.0-113.3 to 15.3-52.8 kilopascals.

ConclusionsThe authors have stated that soil compaction with the front wheels of a tractor can be reduced by replacing a tractor with a 3K2 wheel configuration with a tractor with a 4K2 wheel configuration, as well as by increasing the tractor speed.
Intra-Industry Competitiveness of the European Union Member States by Industry in 2004–2015
Authors: Polan Wojciech
Published: February 2019

The article aims to present the results of research into changes in the international competitive position of the European Union Member States in the period 2004–2015 on the basis of analysing the development of particular types of intra-industry trade (IIT) of manufactured goods.

The investigation was based on the IIT share measurement methodology (Grubel, Lloyd 1975) and calculations of types of intra-industry trade (Greenaway, Hine, Milner 1994, 1995). Multilateral IIT indices were computed at the 6-digit CN code level on the basis of data published by Eurostat.

As part of a larger research project funded by the National Science Centre, this analysis contributes to the assessment of the degree of intra-industry specialisation of the EU Member States and the resulting changes in the international competitive position of the economies covered.
Unification of Economic Promotion in Małopolska Region as an Example of Institutional Coopetition
Authors: Franczak Dominik
Published: February 2019

In recent years, regions have been increasingly promoted at the international level. It is reflected in actions taken by individual voivodships (Polish provinces), intensifying measures for attracting investment and promoting exports of local enterprises, combined with the use of additional funds, including EU appropriations, or with the formalisation of cooperation between various institutions and businesses. The aim of the article is to verify whether the voivodeship promotion model adopted in Małopolska, based on coopetition, fulfills the intended role and whether it can be a model for other regions. The article presents the most important results of the analysis, which may be the starting point for the development of the first in Poland model of coopetition in the field of economic promotion of the region and verification of its effectiveness.
BURDEN, ACCESS, AND DISPARITIES IN KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Crews Deidra C. , Bello Aminu K. , Saadi Gamal
Published: February 2019

Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been documented for decades, yet little progress has been made in mitigating them. Several recent studies offer new insights into the root causes of these disparities, point to areas where future research is warranted and identify opportunities for changes in policy and clinical practice. Recently published evidence suggests that geographic disparities in CKD prevalence exist and vary by race. CKD progression is more rapid for racial/ethnic minority groups as compared to whites and may be largely, but not completely, explained by genetic factors. Stark socioeconomic disparities in outcomes for dialysis patients exist, and vary by race, place of residence and treatment facility. Disparities in access to living kidney donation may be driven primarily by the socioeconomic status of the donor as opposed to recipient factors. Recent studies highlight opportunities to eliminate disparities in CKD, including efforts to direct resources to areas and populations where disparities are most prevalent, efforts to understand how to best use emerging information on the contribution of genetic factors to disparities, and continued work to identify modifiable environmental, social, and behavioral factors for targeted interventions among high-risk populations.
DINÂMICA INTRARREGIONAL DA INDÚSTRIA DO SUDESTE BRASILEIRO
Authors: Arruda Elano Ferreira
Published: February 2019

O estudo analisa as repercussões de curto e de longo prazo da indústria do sudeste brasileiro utilizando dados mensais entre janeiro de 1995 e julho de 2013 e vetores de correção de erros (VEC). As elasticidades de longo prazo indicam que os Estados de São Paulo e do Rio de Janeiro apresentam maiores efeitos de espraiamento sobre os estados de Minas Gerais e Espírito Santo e que estes também apresentam efeitos positivos sobre crescimento industrial daqueles.  Todavia, há indícios de que existem maiores efeitos de retardamento, ou de rivalidade, entre as indústrias de São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro e de Minas Gerais e Espírito Santo. Assim, mesmo com importantes repercussões sobre as demais regiões, o potencial de aglomeração e de efeitos de espraiamento da região Sudeste parece ainda não ter sido explorado em toda a sua extensão, uma vez que percebe-se ainda certa desconexão entre os setores de atuação de alguns estados; ou seja, políticas voltadas para a expansão da indústria do Sudeste brasileiro devem considerar as evidências apresentadas nesse estudo de modo a minimizar os efeitos de retardamento e potencializar as ações de espraiamento dentro da região, maximizando, assim, os ganhos de aglomeração e localização geográfica.
The impacts of the food-feed-fuel competition on Brazilian food supply
Authors: Aguiar Danilo Rolim Dias de , Costa Gabriella Nunes da
Published: February 2019

The impact of the so-called "food-feed-fuel competition" on hunger has been a major concern worldwide. In addition, the environmental impacts caused by increases in the production of certain foods have made food supplying even more challenging. As few studies have dealt with this issue in Brazil, this paper aims to evaluate the country's nutritional situation since 1995, focusing on the effects of producing animal feed and biofuels on both the domestic availability of food and the role of Brazil as a food supplier to foreign countries. We estimate the quantity of nutrients produced in the country, compare them with the necessities of Brazilians and estimate the population that could be fed by means of Brazilian exports. The results indicate that despite the food-feed-fuel competition, the supply of food has increased and has been sufficient to nourish all Brazilians plus a number even larger of foreigners. As food availability is adequate, the large number of Brazilians still exposed to undernourishment reflects the limited access to food by low-income consumers. We also conclude that Brazil could contribute even more to feed foreigners if policies were implemented aiming to induce farmers to produce a different sort of products.
MERCADO DE TRABALHO E RENDIMENTOS NO AGRONEGÓCIO DE MINAS GERAIS
Authors: Castro Nicole Rennó , Barros Geraldo Sant'Ana de Camargo , Almeida Alexandre Nunes , Gilio Leandro , Morais Ana Carolina de Paula
Published: February 2019

Este estudo dimensiona o mercado de trabalho do agronegócio mineiro, identifica a estrutura deste mercado e o perfil dos trabalhadores nele inseridos, e analisa de forma exploratória aspectos relacionados aos rendimentos das pessoas ocupadas no setor. Utiliza-se como principal base de informações os microdados da PNAD Continua e, de forma auxiliar, informações do CEPEA/ESALQ/USP e da RAIS. Estimou-se que, em 2014, o agronegócio representou 26% das ocupações de Minas Gerais. Verificou-se que o mercado de trabalho do setor é em geral marcado por trabalhadores com baixa escolaridade e elevada informalidade, resultado bastante influenciado pelo segmento primário. Verificou-se ainda que, em média, as pessoas ocupadas no agronegócio auferiram rendimentos 31% menores que os ocupados no demais setores da economia do estado. E, dentro do agronegócio: as mulheres ganharam em média 29% menos que os homens; os empregados com carteira assinada cerca de 67% a mais que os sem carteira assinada e 27% a mais que aqueles que atuam por conta-própria; os empregadores, por sua vez, auferiram rendimentos 264% maiores que os empregados com carteira assinada; os ocupados com ensino superior tiveram rendimentos 352% superiores àqueles sem instrução, 218% superiores àqueles com até ensino fundamental, e 119% superiores àqueles com até ensino médio.
DESENVOLVIMENTO E POTENCIAL DA TILAPICULTURA NO BRASIL
Authors: Schulter Eduardo Pickler , Vieira Filho José Eustáquio Ribeiro
Published: February 2019

O Brasil segue como um dos maiores produtores mundiais de carne bovina, suína e de frango. Porém, no que tange à produção de peixes, o seu desempenho fica aquém do esperado, apresentando baixa inserção nos mercados doméstico e internacional. Desde 2004, a produção nacional aquícola (particularmente de tilápia) obteve crescimento anual de 14,2%, despontando como uma atividade emergente na cadeia produtiva de carnes. Mesmo com essa sinalização positiva, existem desafios para desenvolver a cadeia produtiva como um todo, de forma a sustentar o crescimento. A despeito da dificuldade de obtenção de dados estatísticos, estudos que analisem a evolução do setor e o desenvolvimento produtivo da atividade são necessários para traçar diagnósticos e cenários futuros para o planejamento de políticas públicas. Este texto se dispõe a fazer uma avaliação da atividade no Brasil, sobretudo analisando as perspectivas de crescimento produtivo.