bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydroethanolic Extract of Lampaya Medicinalis Phil. (Verbenaceae) Decreases Proinflammatory Marker Expression in Palmitic Acid-exposed Macrophages
Authors: Ormazabal Paulina , Cifuentes Mariana , Varì Rosaria , Scazzocchio Beatrice , Masella Roberta , Pacheco Igor , Vega Wladimir , Paredes Adrián , Morales Glauco
Published: May 2020

Background:

Obesity is a major health problem associated with increased comorbidities,
which are partially triggered by inflammation. Proinflammatory macrophage infiltration in adipose
tissue of individuals with obesity increases chronic inflammation. Obesity is associated with elevated
plasma levels of saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid (PA), which promotes inflammation in vivo
and in vitro. Infusions of Lampaya medicinalis Phil. (Verbenaceae) are used in the folk medicine of
Northern Chile to counteract inflammation of rheumatic diseases. Hydroethanolic extract of lampaya
(HEL) contains spectrophotometrically defined compounds that may contribute to the observed effect
on inflammation.

Methods:

We evaluated the phytochemical composition of HEL by high-performance liquid chromatography
coupled to diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-
tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). We assessed whether the exposure to HEL affects
PA-induced expression of proinflammatory factors in THP-1 macrophages.

Results:

HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-MS/MS analyses showed the presence of considerable amounts of
flavonoids in HEL. The PA-induced phosphorylation of the inflammatory pathway mediators IKK and
NF-κB, as well as the elevated expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α),
were reduced in cells pre-exposed to HEL.

Conclusion:

These findings give new insights about the effect of HEL reducing IKK/NF-κB proinflammatory
pathway, likely explained by the number of flavonoids contained in the extract. More studies
would be needed to define the possible role of Lampaya as a preventive approach in subjects with
obesity whose circulating PA might contribute to chronic inflammation.
The Relationship between Diet and Frailty in Aging
Authors: Gimeno-Mallench Lucia , Sanchez-Morate Elisa , Parejo-Pedrajas Sergi , Mas-Bargues Cristina , Inglés Marta , Sanz-Ros Jorge , Román-Domínguez Aurora , Olaso Gloria , Stromsnes Kristine , Gambini Juan
Published: May 2020

The increase in lifespan in the 20th century entails an increase in the elderly population. This
brings a new challenge for society, causing people to have physical and mental limitations caused by
age-related diseases, such as frailty. Frailty is clinically characterized by multisystem pathophysiological
processes, such as chronic inflammation, immune activation, dysregulation of the musculoskeletal
and endocrine systems, oxidative stress, energy imbalances, mitochondrial dysfunction, and sarcopenia.
The elderly should consume energy in amounts close to those in what is currently accepted as a
balanced diet. However, an increase in protein intake may be recommended for elderly people as long
as there is no kidney damage. This increase could help fight the loss of muscle mass associated with
age. Additionally, vitamin and mineral intakes are often insufficient in their diets. Therefore, the diet
should be adapted not only to their age, but also to the pathologies associated with aging. Through
these measures, we can reduce the prevalence of comorbidity and thereby increase health span. Therefore,
both physical and nutritional interventions, including functional foods and nutraceuticals, should
be taken into account.
The Relationships Among the Organizational Factors of a Tertiary Healthcare Center for Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Palestine
Authors: Mosleh Rami , Hawash Mohammed , Jarrar Yazun
Published: May 2020

Background:

Diabetes prevalence at Palestine was 10%, with a rising fund crisis, and diabetes healthcare problems. There was a limited research concerning diabetes healthcare dimensions including organizational factors and their predictors.

Objectives:

This study described patient characteristics and organizational factors, and assessed relationships among organizational factors of type 2 diabetes health care in Palestine.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective cross sectional study, recruited by convenience sampling method in 330 participants from a type 2 diabetes patients list. It was carried out at Ramallah, Palestine. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v 19) was used to analyze data on patient characteristics and organizational factors collected from personal interview and medical records review.

Results:

The results showed that 51.2% were males, and 88.5% had additional chronic diseases. Preventive healthcare and patient–healthcare professionals’ relationship were the most prominent organizational factors in statistically significant relationships among organizational factors.

Conclusion:

This study reflected the need for reviewing prescription mode, and educational programs that emphasize the diabetes self–care management and the health care providers’ role that would be of great benefit in health outcomes further.
Folate-Targeted Polyacrylamide/Punicic Acid Nanomicelles for Flutamide Delivery in Prostate Cancer: Characterization, In Vitro Biological Evaluation, and its DFT Study
Authors: Mirsafaei Razieh , Varshosaz Jaleh , Mirsattari Seyed N.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Targeted nanocarriers can be used for reducing the unwanted side effects of
drugs in non-target organs. Punicic acid, the polyunsaturated fatty acid of pomegranate seed oil, has
been shown to possess anti-cancer effects on prostate cancer and the study also covers recent patents
related to prostate cancer. The objective of the current study was to synthesize a co-polymeric micelle
for delivery of Flutamide (FL) in prostate cancer using Polyacrylamide (PAM) and Punicic Acid (PA).

Methods:

The co-polymer of PAM and PA was synthesized and conjugated to folic acid. The successful
conjugation was studied computationally by the density functional theory method and was confirmed
by the FT- IR and 1HNMR. The folate-PAMPA micelles produced by the film casting method
were characterized physically. FL was loaded in the nanomicelles and its release test was done at different
pH. The Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) was measured by pyrene as a fluorescent probe.
Their cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated on PC3 prostate cancer cells. The molecular geometry
and vibrational frequencies of two different possibilities for conjugation were calculated using
the B3LYP/6-31G basis set.

Results:

The CMC of the micelles and their particle size were 79.05 μg/ml and 88 nm, respectively.
The resulting nanocarriers of FL showed significantly more cytotoxic effects than the free drug at
a concentration of 25 μM. The calculated results showed that the optimized geometries could well reproduce
the structural parameters, and the theoretical vibrational frequencies were in good agreement
with the experimental values.

Conclusion:

Folate-PAMPA nanomicelles may be promising for the enhancement of FL cytotoxicity
and seem to potentiate the effect of chemotherapeutic agents used in prostate cancer treatment.
Kayseri İli 2017 Yılı Bebek Ölüm Nedenlerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: YILDIZ Serkan , ÖZDEMİR Mehmet Emin , BENLİ Ali Ramazan
Published: May 2020

Amaç: Bu çalışmada Kayseri ilinde 2017 yıllarında meydana gelmiş bebek ölümlerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışma 2017 yılında Kayseri ilinde meydana gelen bebek ölümlerinin incelenmesi ile yapılmıştır. Çalışmanın yapılabilmesi için İl Sağlık Müdürlüğünden yazılı izin alınmıştır. Çalışma kesitsel tipte bir araştırmadır. Ölen bebekler ile ilgili bilgiler dosyalardan elde edilerek analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular: Kayseri ilinde 2017 yılında 21456 canlı doğum ve 171 bebek ölümü meydana gelmiştir. Bebek ölüm hızı binde 8 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Bebeklerin 89’u (% 52’si) erken neonatal dönemde, 35’i (%20.5’i) geç neonatal dönemde, 47’si (%27.5’i) post neonatal dönemde ölmüştür. Bebeklerin ilk üç ölüm nedeni prematüre (% 48,0), konjenital anomali (% 21,6) ve ani bebek ölümü sendromudur (% 9,9). Sonuç: Bu çalışmada bebek ölüm hızı Kayseri ilinde binde 8 bulunmuş ve en sık bebek ölüm nedeninin prematürite olduğu görülmüştür. Bebek ölüm hızı Kayseri ilinde ülke ortalamasının altında olup, geçmiş yıllara göre düşüş göstermiştir. Bebek ölümlerinin hızının ve nedenlerinin ortaya konulması bebek ölümlerini önlemeye yönelik faaliyetler açısından yol gösterici olabilir. Devam eden yıllarda bu tür çalışmaların yapılması sağlık hizmetlerinin etkinliğinin gösterilmesi açısından anahtar rol oynayabilir.
İki Devlet İlkokulundaki Öğrencilerin Sağlık Tarama Sonuçlarının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: DIĞRAK Ebru , ÖZTÜRK EYİMAYA Aslıhan , ZENGİN Hümeyra , TEZEL Ayfer
Published: May 2020

Amaç: Bu araştırma iki devlet ilkokulundaki öğrencilerin sağlık tarama sonuçlarının değerlendirilmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı nitelikte yapılan araştırmanın evreni 1460 ilkokul öğrencisinden oluşmaktadır. Çalışmada örneklem seçimine gidilmemiş, araştırmaya katılmayı kabul eden 1421 öğrenci dâhil edilmiştir. Araştırmanın verileri araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulan sağlıklı çocuk izlem formu kullanılarak Şubat-Mayıs 2017 tarihleri arasında toplanmıştır. Verilerin toplanmasında öğrencilerin boy, kilo, görme, skolyoz ve ağız-diş sağlığı değerlendirilmesi yapılmıştır. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde tanımlayıcı istatistiksel yöntemler kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın yapılabilmesi için çocuklardan sözlü, ebeveynlerden yazılı onam alınmıştır. Ayrıca kurum izinleri ve etik kurul izni alınmıştır. Bulgular: Öğrencilerin %48,5’i kız ve yaş ortalaması 7,78±0,98 yıl; erkeklerin yaş ortalaması ise 7,89±0,96’dır. Öğrencilerin %3’ü zayıf, %67,9’u normal kiloda, %13,7’si fazla kiloda ve %15,4’ü obezdir. Öğrencilerin %8’inde olası görme kusuru bulunmuştur. Renk görme muayenesinde öğrencilerin %0,7’sinde olası renk körlüğü saptanmıştır. Ağız ve diş sağlığı taramasında, öğrencilerin %72,6’sının çürük dişi, %31,8’inin dolgulu dişi ve %49’unun kayıp dişi olduğu belirlenmiştir. Skolyoz taramasında öğrencilerin %5,1’inde olası skolyoz saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Okul sağlığı taramasında öğrencilerde obezite, olası görme kusuru, yüksek oranda ağız ve diş sağlığı sorunları ve olası skolyoz gibi daha önce tanımlanmamış önemli sağlık sorunları tespit edilmiştir. Bu sonuçlar ile ilkokul çocuklarında sağlık taramalarının önemine dikkat çekilmekte ve öğrencilere sağlık eğitimlerinin planlanması, okul sağlığı taramalarına ile ilgili sağlık politikalarının geliştirilmesine yönelik çalışmaların yapılması önerilmektedir.
Beslenme ve İşçi Verimliliği Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: BOR Hakan
Published: May 2020

İş verimliliği için, işçilerin sağlıklı olmaları ve işe konsantrasyonları temel faktörler arasındadır. Bu nedenle, işçilerin sağlıklı olmaları adına sağlıklı bir yaşamı sağlayacak dengeli ve yeterli bir beslenme imkanına sahip olmaları gerekmektedir. Ancak gerek çeşitli sağlık problemlerinden gerekse iş yerlerinde sunulan yemek hizmetlerinin yetersizliğinden ötürü işçiler dengeli ve yeterli beslenme imkanına sahip olamamaktadır. Bu durum da iş yerlerinde işçilerin yetersiz beslenmeden kaynaklı sağlık problemleri yaşamalarına sebep olmaktadır. Sağlık sorunları nedeniyle iş yerinden alınan sağlık izinlerinin artmasıyla da iş gücü kaybından ötürü iş yerindeki verimliliğin azalmasına neden olmaktadır. Diğer yandan yetersiz beslenen işçilerde hipoglisemi nedeniyle oluşan konsantrasyon kaybı da iş kazalarını artırmaktadır. Bu durum, iş yerindeki işlerin aksamasına, iş verimliliğinin düşmesine ve yaralanan veya sakatlanan işçi için yapılacak sağlık harcamaları nedeniyle iş yerinin zarar etmesine neden olmaktadır. Bütün bunlar nedeniyle bu çalışmada, incelenen ve uygun bir şekilde derlenen literatür çalışmalarının yardımıyla işçilerin yaptıkları işlerin ağırlığına uygun olarak besinlerden almaları gereken günlük kalori ihtiyacının ne olduğu ve işçi beslenmesi, işyeri sağlığı, iş kazaları ve işçi verimliliği arasındaki ilişkinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Bu çalışma sonucunda, işçi beslenmesinin iş verimliliği ve iş kazalarıyla kuvvetli bir şekilde ilişkili olduğu görülmüştür.
Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi Öğrencileri ve Personellerinde Hepatit A ve Hepatit B Seroprevalansının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: KUTLU Ruhuşen , TERLEMEZ Arslan , DEMİRBAŞ Nur , HATIR Ahmet Emre
Published: May 2020

Giriş: Diş Hekimliği Fakültesindeki öğrenciler, hekimler ve sağlık personelleri sıklıkla delici-kesici aletler ile çalışırken, kan ve vücut sıvılarıyla sürekli temas halinde bulunmaktadırlar. Bu risk faktörleri hepatit A ve hepatit B gibi bulaşıcı hastalıklar açısından tehlike oluşturmaktadır. Bu çalışmada diş hekimliğinde çalışan bu grubun hepatit A ve hepatit B seroprevalansının değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel tipteki bu araştırma Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesindeki sağlık personeli, hekim ve öğrenciler ile (224 kişi) yapılmıştır. Bulgular: Araştırmaya dahil edilen katılımcının %45,1’i Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Teknikerliği öğrencisi, %36,2’si Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi öğrencisi, %12,1’i araştırma görevlisi ve %6,7’si sağlık personeli idi. Çalışmaya katılanların %70,5’i kadın (n=158), %29,5’i erkek (n=66) olup, yaş ortalamaları 21.9±5 yıl idi. Yalnızca bir kişide HBsAg pozitifliği tespit edildi, %87,5’inin Anti-HBs antikor titresi pozitif idi. Anti-HAV IgG antikor titresi pozitifliği %31,3 bulundu. Sağlık personellerinde Anti-HAV IgG pozitifliği öğrencilere göre daha yüksek idi (p=0,001). Katılanların cinsiyetleri ile Anti-HAV ve Anti-HBs seropozitifliği açısından bir fark bulunmaz iken (p>0.05), sınıf düzeyi arttıkça seropozitiflik sıklığının sırasıyla arttığı tespit edilmiştir (p=0,001). Sonuç: Bu çalışmada 1 kişide HBsAg pozitif bulunup, anti-HBs seropozitifliği %87,5, anti-HAV IgG seropozitifliği %31,3 olarak saptanmıştır. Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi çalışanlarının belli periyotlarla taranması, bizim çalışmamızda olduğu gibi tespit edilen enfekte kişilerin ilgili bölümlere sevk edilmesi çok önemlidir. Erken teşhis ile ileride gelişebilecek komplikasyonlar önlenebilir ve halk sağlığının yükü azaltılabilir. Hepatit A ve B seronegatif olanların aşılanarak korunması çalışanların karşılaşabileceği mesleki risklerden korunmasını sağlar.
Bir Aile Sağlığı Merkezine Başvuran Kadınların Jinekolojik Kanser Farkındalıklarının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: GÖZÜYEŞİL Ebru , ARIÖZ Ayten , TAŞ Filiz
Published: May 2020

Amaç: Bu araştırma, kadınların jinekolojik kanser farkındalıklarının değerlendirilmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı tipte olan bu araştırma; Kahramanmaraş ilinde bulunan bir bölgedeki Aile Sağlığı Merkezi’ne kayıtlı kadınlar ile yürütülmüştür. Araştırmanın evrenini, 2000 kadın oluşturmuştur. Örneklemi ise basit rastgele örneklem yöntemi ile hesaplanmış ve 330 kadın araştırmaya dâhil edilmiştir. Veriler, Kişisel Bilgi Formu ve Jinekolojik Kanserler Farkındalık Ölçeği ile toplanmıştır. Verilerin dağılımını belirlemek için Shapiro-Wilks testi kullanılmış ve verilerin normal dağılmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma verileri değerlendirilirken yüzde, ortalama, standart sapma, min-max, ortanca hesaplamalarının yanı sıra, Mann Whitney U testi ve Kruskal Wallis testleri kullanılmıştır. Anlamlılık p<0.05 düzeyinde değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular; Araştırmaya katılan kadınların yaş ortalamasının 34.03±10.42, %49.0’ının/’unun ilkokul mezunu, %64.0’ının gelirinin giderine denk ve %60.6’sının ev hanımı olduğu belirlenmiştir. Kadınların; jinekolojik kanser farkındalığı ölçeği toplam puan ortanca değeri 153 olarak saptanmıştır. Kadınların yaş grupları ve gelir durumları ile jinekolojik kanser farkındalık ölçeği toplam ortanca değeri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık saptanmıştır (p<0.05). Sonuç: Bu araştırmada, kadınların jinekolojik kanser farkındalıklarının orta düzeyin üzerinde olduğu saptanmıştır. Ayrıca kadınların jinekolojik kanser farkındalıklarının, bazı sosyo-demografik değişkenlerden etkilendiği saptanmıştır.
Graphic Estimation of Sars-CoV-2 (Covid 19) outbreak in timeline from 11th of March to 2nd of May 2020
Authors: MAZICIOĞLU Mümtaz
Published: May 2020

The outbreak of Sars-Cov-2 pandemic has reached the peak infection rate in several countries. Since the start of outbreak Turkey in 10th of March 2020 ministry of health announced the figures about the number of performed tests, number of confirmed cases, number deaths related to outbreak, number of patients in intensive care units and intubated, and number of healed patients. We used regression analysis curve estimation method to predict the probable end point of outbreak. Cubic regression estimation was calculated as the most appropriate method of estimation (R2: 0.978). Finally future prediction of the SARS-CoV-2 infection course is determined as minimum of 90 days according to the observed data up to date. The decrease in the number of individuals in intensive care unit or intubated may be ten to twenty days later after the decrease or disappearance of confirmed cases.Sars-Cov-2 pandemisi çoğu ülkede zirve enfeksiyon seviyesine erişti. Türkiye’de salgının başladığı 1o Mart 2020 tarihinden beri sağlık bakanlığı yapılan test sayısı, test ile doğrulanan vaka sayısı, salgınla ilişkili ölüm sayısı, yoğunbakımda olan ve entübe olan hastaların sayısı ve iyileşen hasta sayılarını yayınlamaktadır. Regresyon analizini eğri tahmini yöntemini salgının muhtemel sonlanım noktasını bulmak için kullandık. Kübük regresyon tahmini en uygun tahmin yöntemi olarak bellirlendi (R2: 0.978). Sonuç olarak SARS-CoV-2 enfeksiyonunun geleceği ile ilgili değerlendirme bugüne kadar gözlenen verilere göre en az 90 gün olarak belirlenmiştir. Yoğun bakımda bulunan ya da entübe olan hastaların sayısın azalması on ila yirmi gün sonrasında olabilir, daha sonra doğrulanan vaka sayılarında azalma ya da ortadan kalma görülebilir.
Predictability of stratospheric sudden warming and vortex intensification and their effects on the troposphere
Authors: Taguchi Masakazu
Published: May 2020

The atmosphere of the Earth is composed of several different layers that extend out into space. The layer that occupies between the first 9 and 17 km from the Earth's surface is the troposphere, where most of our weather occurs. The stratosphere extends above it up to about 50 km altitude.
Associate Professor Masakazu Taguchi at the Department of Earth Science, Aichi University of Education in Japan, is currently focusing his research on understanding the dynamical interaction between the extratropical stratosphere and troposphere and the role of stratospheric variations in
the weather and climate.
Estimation of stress state and detailed structure at shallow plate boundary based on 3D seismic data
Authors: Arai Ryuta
Published: May 2020

The Earth's crust is a dynamic place, consisting of the large tectonic plates that sit atop the mantle, the extremely hot, high pressure zone of material between the crust and the core. The first several tens kilometres of the Earth's shell, the crust and uppermost mantle, is moving
and shifting, causing the oceanic and continental plates to bang and crash with one another, resulting in the earthquakes and tsunamis that dramatically impact the countries at the boundaries of the plates. While the world takes notice when one of these disasters happen, we don't realise that
there is constant activity in these zones causing measurable seismic waves to regularly ripple through the crust. Using artificially-generated seismic waves can help researchers to understand more about how the crust and upper mantle behave. Depending on the positioning of the plates and the
nature of the crust, i.e., thickness, direction of movement and composition, the behaviour will differ. By using 'controlled sources' in marine seismic experiments, such as air-gun shooting, scientists are able to gather as much data as possible regarding the factors influencing the behaviours
of the plates to help provide a better understanding of the processes leading to earthquakes.One organisation that builds and operates via international collaboration is the Japan Agency For Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). Dr Ryuta Arai joined the Structural Seismology Group
of JAMSTEC in 2014 and is now a scientist at the Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics of JAMSTEC. Arai is part of a team of researchers from Japan, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom who are investigating the physical properties of the seismogenic area in the Hikurangi
subduction zone.
Spotlight on e-Asia JRP
Authors: Sharp Lucy
Published: May 2020

In East Asia, the e-ASIA Joint Research Program has been supporting research for nearly a decade. Now, the 2020 calls for proposal have been released, and the Program is seeking to nurture a variety of important and pertinent projects with the potential to shape the research landscape
in the East Asian region and beyond.
Investigation and verification aiming at establishing a method for evaluating the structural stability of "agricultural reservoirs"
Authors: Mori Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

Japan is home to more than 170,000 agricultural irrigation reservoirs, many of which were constructed as many as 400 years ago. With many of these structures built in times with less knowledge of materials and modern engineering methods, there is a great variability in both quality
and structural integrity of these reservoirs. These small earth dams are managed by a variety of autonomous bodies and many are also privately owned. This means that not only are many of these reservoirs ancient, but they also vary considerably in construction and condition. Due to Japan's
location on top of four tectonic plates, as many as 1,500 earthquakes occur in the island nation each year. Earthquakes and other natural disasters have a profound impact on all types of structures, from buildings and homes to roads and agricultural structures and these must be assessed and
built to cope with these phenomena. The death of a little girl in the July 2018 Flood in western Japan highlighted the importance of structural safety of reservoirs to Professor Hiroshi Mori, from the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering at Hirosaki University in Japan.
Mori's work is focused on the development of a sounding method of surveying the embankments of agricultural irrigation reservoirs as well as a method of estimating the safety of these structures. It is necessary to carry out these safety evaluations on both existing and abolished reservoirs
to ensure their ongoing safety as well as assess them for any repairs that might be required.
Current status and issues in environmental policy regarding conservation and utilization of A-bombed trees in Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Authors: Suzuki Masakazu , Kunii Yoichi , Kanno Hirotsugu
Published: May 2020

Japan is the only country that has been attacked by nuclear weapons, having been hit twice – at Hiroshima and Nagasaki – in the 1945 bombing during World War II. 75 years later, the two cities appear as successful as any city unaffected by bombing as reconstruction and developments
have erased the scars left by these devastating events. The remaining human A-bomb survivors are ageing, and numbers decline year by year, leaving fewer living reminders of the misery of nuclear weapons. However, scattered throughout the two cities, stark living survivors of the two blasts
rise, each marked by the bombs. The A-bombed trees, which represent a variety of species, provide a living reminder of the catastrophic events as their trunks lean towards Ground Zero. Professor Emeritus Masakazu Suzuki, from the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Tsukuba, notes
that while many visitors and denizens of the two cities go about their days unaware of the existence of these trees, there are 160 trees in Hiroshima and approximately 30 in Nagasaki within a three-kilometre radius of Ground Zero. Suzuki leads a team that seeks to inform the general public
about the existence and key characteristics of these remarkable trees. His aim is to ensure the conservation of the trees as well as promoting them as a living national asset and reminder of the atrocities of nuclear weapons.
Practical examination of target indicators, planning methods and spillover mechanisms that lead to spillover effects of urban revitalization projects
Authors: Shibata Hisashi
Published: May 2020

The power of landscape architecture cannot be underestimated as a tool to not only enhance the aesthetics of a public space but also improve its safety, with knock-on benefits for peoples' mobility and happiness. It is employed in urban regeneration projects, which seek to reverse the
decline of public spaces by improving the physical structure, as well as the economy. Regeneration can help to reduce issues associated with unemployment, poor health, crime and education, while simultaneously improving the physical environment. Professor Hisashi Shibata is a landscape architect
and urban designer based in the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Fukuoka University, Japan. He has an interest in urban regeneration, with a focus on ensuring the safety of public spaces and enhancing their beauty. He believes that this can have a significant impact
on quality of life and ultimately contribute to improved society.
Research on innovative marine environmental conservation with no environmental impact using marine bio-cement
Authors: Kusube Masataka
Published: May 2020

According to a growing body of research from scientists all over the world, the Earth is heading towards a global catastrophe. Polar ice caps are melting due to rising global temperatures and there have been many consequences for our oceans. The impact of human activity on the oceans
has led to growing acidity of the water, as well as rising sea levels. Pollution and physical damage from human activities such as dredging and shipping have hit marine life hard, reducing animal and plant populations and decreasing species diversity. This reduction in key marine components
such as the seaweed beds has a massive impact on other species, causing ripple effects that can be felt by humans. Providing food, shelter and breeding grounds for fish, squid, crustaceans and many other organisms, a decrease in the seaweed forests directly correlates to a reduction in sea
life in the area, which affects the marine environment as a whole as well threatening the local fishing industry. Scientists have been trying to tackle this damage to the seaweed beds by developing ways in which to re-seed areas of the seabed. A variety of approaches have been taken to growing
new seaweed to restore these habitats, but many of these methods are expensive and labour intensive. Associate Professor Masataka Kusube, from the Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, National Institute Technology at Wakayama College in Japan, is working with a number of industrial
partners, including Mitsui Chemicals Inc. to produce large scale marine microbe cultures by pilot test facility and KYC Machine Industry Co., Ltd. to generate large scale marine bio-cement production, Kusube and his team have developed an innovative material dubbed 'marine bio-cement' to support
the growth of eelgrass in the waters surrounding Japan.
A key role in natural disaster mitigation and prevention
Authors: Sharp Lucy
Published: May 2020

The Japan Meteorological Agency works to help improve public welfare. With a focus on areas including natural disaster prevention and mitigation, transportation safety, industrial prosperity, monitoring of climate change and international cooperation activities, its beneficial impact
is far-reaching and wide-ranging.
Developing a Theory-Driven Serious Game to Promote Prescription Opioid Safety Among Adolescents: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Abraham Olufunmilola , Thakur Tanvee , Brown Randall
Published: May 2020

Background

Adolescents in North America are severely affected by the opioid crisis, yet there are limited educational resources for educating teens about prescription opioid safety and misuse. Empirical literature lacks evidence regarding teen education about prescription opioid safety through serious games and lacks conceptual models and frameworks to guide the process of game development for this purpose.

Objective

This study aims to conceptualize and design a serious game prototype to teach teens about prescription opioid safety and propose a conceptual framework for developing a serious game to educate youth about safe and responsible use of prescription opioids.

Methods

The initial steps of the project comprised of the formulation of an integrated conceptual framework that included factors from health behavior models and game development models. This was followed by the formal process of serious game development, which resulted in a game prototype. The assessment of the game prototype was done through group discussions, individual interviews, and questionnaires with adolescents following gameplay. Field notes were used to keep track of the responses from the group discussions. Content and thematic analyses were used to analyze field notes and responses to the open-ended questionnaire, which were then used to refine the game prototype.

Results

A total of 10 playtests with over 319 adolescents and emerging young adults (AYAs) in community settings such as middle schools, high schools, and colleges were conducted by the project team between March and June 2019. The AYAs provided feedback on the initial game prototype using questionnaires administered through Qualtrics or in-person on paper. Preliminary feedback suggested that the teens found the game objectives, outcomes, and design appealing. Overall, the game was perceived as realistic, and learning outcomes seemed achievable. Suggestions for improvement included the need for additional direction on gameplay, clearer instructions, concise dialog, and reduced technical problems in the gameplay.

Conclusions

We propose a conceptual framework for developing a serious game prototype to educate youth about prescription opioid safety. The project used a theory-driven conceptual framework for the development of a serious game targeting the prevention of adolescent opioid misuse and garnered preliminary feedback on the game to improve the quality of gameplay and the prototype. Feedback through informal assessments in community settings suggests that the youth and their families are interested in a game-based approach to learn about prescription opioid safety in homes and schools. The next steps include modifications to the game prototype based on feedback from the community, integration of learning analytics to track the in-game behaviors of players, and formal testing of the final prototype.
Effect of Platform Swing Walkway on Locomotor Behavior in Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mohsen Hanaa , Samy Omnya
Published: May 2020

Background

Limited attention has been given to the effectiveness of the platform swing walkway, which is a common way to improve gait pattern through activation of sensory stimuli (visual, auditory, vestibular, and somatosensory).

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a platform swing walkway on gait parameters in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

A total of 30 children of both sexes (aged 6-8 years) with diplegic CP were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned into two groups of equal number: the control group (n=15) and the study group (n=15). The control group received the conventional physical therapy plan, whereas the study group received the same conventional physical therapy program in addition to gait training on a platform swing walkway. Temporal parameters during the gait cycle were collected using gait tracker video analysis, and the Growth Motor Function Measure Scale (GMFM-88) was used to assess standing and walking (Dimensions D and E) before and after the treatment program.

Results

A statistically significant improvement in both groups was noted when comparing the mean values of all measured variables before and after treatment (P≤.05). There were significant differences between the control and study groups with respect to all measured variables, which favored the study group when comparing the posttreatment outcomes (P≤.05).

Conclusions

Results suggest that gait training on platform swing walkways can be included as an alternative therapeutic modality to enhance gait parameters and gross motor function in children with diplegic CP.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NTC04246658; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NTC04246658
Smartphone App to Self-Monitor Nausea During Pediatric Chemotherapy Treatment: User-Centered Design Process
Authors: Eliasen Astrid , Abildtoft Mikkel Kramme , Krogh Niels Steen , Rechnitzer Catherine , Brok Jesper Sune , Mathiasen René , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Dalhoff Kim Peder
Published: May 2020

Background

Nausea and vomiting are common and distressing side effects for children receiving chemotherapy. Limited evidence is available to guide antiemetic recommendations; therefore, prospective and reliable evaluation of antiemetic efficacy is needed. Smartphone apps can be used to effortlessly and precisely collect patient-reported outcomes in real time.

Objective

Our objective was to develop a smartphone app to monitor nausea and vomiting episodes in pediatric cancer patients aged 0 to 18 years and to test its usability and adherence to its use.

Methods

We used a user-centered design process and the evolutionary prototype model to develop and evaluate the app. Multidisciplinary group discussions and several rounds of patient feedback and modification were conducted. We translated the validated Pediatric Nausea Assessment Tool to assess nausea severity in children aged 4 to 18 years. The child’s own term for nausea was interactively incorporated in the nausea severity question, with response options expressed as 4 illustrative faces. Parent-reported outcomes were used for children aged 0 to 3 years. Reminders were sent using push notifications in order to ensure high response rates. Children aged 0 to 18 years who were undergoing chemotherapy were recruited from the Department of Pediatric Oncology at Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet to evaluate the app.

Results

The app’s most important function was to record nausea severity in children. After assistance from a researcher, children aged 4 to 18 years were able to report their symptoms in the app, and parents were able to report symptoms for their children aged 0 to 3 years. Children (n=20, aged 2.0-17.5 years) and their parents evaluated the app prospectively during a collective total of 60 chemotherapy cycles. They expressed that the app was user-friendly, intuitive, and that the time spent on data entry was fair. The response rates were on average 92%, 93%, and 80% for the day before, the first day of, and the next 3 days after chemotherapy, respectively. Researchers and clinicians were able to obtain an overview of the patient’s chemotherapy dates and responses through a secure and encrypted web-based administrative portal. Data could be downloaded for further analysis.

Conclusions

The user-friendly app could be used to facilitate future pediatric antiemetic trials and to refine antiemetic treatment during chemotherapy.
A Web- and App-Based Connected Care Solution for COVID-19 In- and Outpatient Care: Qualitative Study and Application Development
Authors: Schinköthe Timo , Gabri Mariano Rolando , Mitterer Manfred , Gouveia Pedro , Heinemann Volker , Harbeck Nadia , Subklewe Marion
Published: May 2020

Background

From the perspective of health care professionals, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) brings many challenges as well as opportunities for digital health care. One challenge is that health care professionals are at high risk of infection themselves. Therefore, in-person visits need to be reduced to an absolute minimum. Connected care solutions, including telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and secure communications between clinicians and their patients, may rapidly become the first choice in such public health emergencies.

Objective

The aim of the COVID-19 Caregiver Cockpit (C19CC) was to implement a free-of-charge, web- and app-based tool for patient assessment to assist health care professionals working in the COVID-19 environment.

Methods

Physicians in Argentina, Germany, Iran, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United States explained their challenges with COVID-19 patient care through unstructured interviews. Based on the collected feedback, the first version of the C19CC was built. In the second round of interviews, the application was presented to physicians, and more feedback was obtained.

Results

Physicians identified a number of different scenarios where telemedicine or connected care solutions could rapidly improve patient care. These scenarios included outpatient care, discharge management, remote tracking of patients with chronic diseases, as well as incorporating infected physicians under quarantine into telehealth services.

Conclusions

The C19CC is the result of an agile and iterative development process that complements the work of physicians. It aims to improve the care and safety of people who are infected by COVID-19.
EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANALGESIC, ANTIPYRETIC EFFECT OF EICOSANE, PENTADECANE, OCTACOSANE, AND HENEICOSANE
Authors: OKECHUKWU PATRICK NWABUEZE
Published: May 2020

Objective: Marantodes pumilum (MP) is a plant widely used in traditional medicine in the Southeast Asian region and been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and antiulcer properties. The aim of the study is to identify the bioactive phytochemicals present in the purified leaf extract of MP using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and to determine their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effect in a rat model.

Methods: A dichloromethane crude extract of MP was partially purified using column chromatography, and the bioactive compounds were identified using GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of the identified bioactive compounds were evaluated using formalin, carrageenan, acetic acid, and brewer’s yeast to induce the rats.

Results: Eicosane, pentadecane, octacosane, and heneicosane were identified as bioactive compounds in purified leaf extract of MP. These bioactive compounds did not show any toxicity on the rats at 1000 mg/kg. There was no mortality, and no apparent behavioral, physiological, and morphological changes of the internal organs occurred. They exhibited a very significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia.

Conclusions: Eicosane and pentadecane were able to show very strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. The observed effects of the bioactive compounds are similar to previous reports on crude and partially purified leaf extract of MP. The finding suggests that eicosane and pentadecane maybe the major bioactive compounds present in the purified leaf extract of MP.
ATENOLOL MICROPARTICLES BY TWO-FACTOR TWO-LEVEL CENTRAL COMPOSITE DESIGN
Authors: SHARMA ARTI , K BATRA SUNIL
Published: May 2020

Objective: The objective of this research was to formulation, optimization, and evaluation of gastric-mucoadhesive microparticles which contains selective β1 receptor antagonist atenolol.

Methods: The following chemicals were used, atenolol (Gangwal Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai), ethyl cellulose (EC) (Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai), Carbopol 940 (Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai), liquid paraffin (Arora Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi), and Span 80 (Central Drug House (P) Ltd., New Delhi). Microparticles were prepared by the emulsification solvent evaporation technique using polymers of Carbomer 934p (CP) and EC. Disc formulations were prepared by direct compression technique from microparticles. Microparticles of combined polymers were designed according to 22 factorial central composite design (CCD), taking EC concentration and surfactant concentration as the independent variables. A total of 13 batches were prepared. The dependent variables were percentage of % drug released and % entrapment efficiency.

Results and Discussion: All evaluation tests were done for the prepared 13 formulations, such as percentage entrapment efficiency, percentage drug release, swelling index, percentage yield, and particle size analysis. The entrapment efficiency of optimized formulation was found to be 72.02%. The entrapment efficiency increases with increase in EC concentration and stirring speed. Optimized formulation was further subjected to study of drug release kinetics based on the R2 value; it was observed that Korsmeyer Peppas release kinetic model was found to be best suited for formulation of atenolol with EC: carbopol 934 by solvent evaporation method.

Conclusion: The optimized formulation of microparticles containing atenolol was found to be homogeneous, good appearance and had well flow properties and better release kinetics.
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A POLOXAMER- AND CHITOSAN-BASED IN SITU GEL-FORMING INJECTABLE DEPOT
Authors: Nair Hema a , BEGUM NAZIA
Published: May 2020

Objective: The present study is intended to investigate the applicability of poloxamer- and chitosan-based temperature induced in situ injectable gelling depot for once a week therapy as an intramuscular injection employing olanzapine as a model drug.

Methods: The thermosetting gel was prepared by admixture of a solution of poloxamer P127 and a solution of olanzapine and chitosan in aqueous acetic acid. The resultant formulation was characterized for gelation temperature, gelation time, viscosity, syringeability, pH, drug content, and in vitro drug release. The in vitro release of olanzapine from the gelled depot was followed using USP paddle type II apparatus in conjunction with a dialysis bag. The gel was injected ex vivo into chicken muscle and observed by subsequent dissection.

Results: The formulation was designed to have a phase transition temperature of 34°C and gelled in <10 s at 37°C. Addition of chitosan imparted favorable rheological properties to the poloxamer gel and resulted in a pseudoplastic mixture with low viscosity in the sol state and higher viscosity post gelation. The preparation had a pH of 5.4, appropriate drug content and readily passed through a 20 gauge needle. The release of olanzapine was unhindered by the dialysis bag. Following an initial bust, a sustained, zero-order release of the remainder of drug was observed up to 9 days. The injectable was found to form a compact depot when evaluated ex vivo.

Conclusion: The developed system showed several features which make it a suitable vehicle for sustained intramuscular delivery of drugs.
ESTIMATION OF PHENOLIC CONTENT, FLAVONOID CONTENT, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ALPHA-AMYLASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF SOME SELECTED PLANTS FROM SIRAHA DISTRICT NEPAL
Authors: Numer Alam  , Sharma Khaga raj
Published: May 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to estimate the phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant, antibacterial, and α-amylase inhibitory activity of some selected plants such as Anethum sowa, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Lepidium sativum, Cuscuta reflexa, Eclipta alba, Leucas cephalotes, and Tinospora cordifolia collected from Siraha district of Nepal using in vitro studies.

Methods: Methanol extracts of these medicinal plants were prepared by cold percolation method. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed by color differentiation method. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, the α-amylase enzyme inhibitory activity was studied using starch as a substrate, pancreatic α-amylase as the enzyme, and acarbose as standard.

Results: Phytochemical screening showed that the plant extracts were found a rich source of secondary metabolites. The phenolic content estimation showed T. foenum-graecum 939.764±0.01, L. sativum 551.63±0.02, A. sowa 306.34±0.06, L. cephalotes 233.19±0.03, T. cordifolia 211.76±0.02, E. alba 202.67±0.02, and C. reflexa Roxb. 145.09±0.09 mg milligram gallic acid equivalent per gram. The flavonoid content estimation showed T. cordifolia 852.07±0.11, L. sativum 553.81±0.05, E. alba 322.13±0.02, A. sowa 329.02±0.05, L. cephalotes 164.93±0.02, and C. reflexa Roxb. 146.37±0.00 mg milligram quercetin equivalent per gram. The antioxidant potential showed by E. alba IC50 33.48±0.82 μg/ml and the values ranged from E. alba 33.48±0.82 to A. sowa 47.62±1.09 μg/ml. The α-amylase inhibitory activity showed by A. sowa 76.78±2.00–E. alba 777.36±9.66 μg/ml. The result of brine shrimp toxicity showed LC50 value >1000 μg/ml. Among the seven plant extracts, only the plant extract of E. alba showed a zone of inhibition 14 mm against Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions: The plant extract of T. foenum-graecum showed the highest phenolic content, and T. cordifolia showed the highest flavonoid content. The highest antioxidant potential exhibited by E. alba and the highest α-amylase inhibition activity showed by A. sowa. The plant extract of E. alba showed moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus. All plant extracts were found non-toxic against brine shrimp larvae although further study is needed to assess its mechanism of action.
ANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND METHOD VALIDATION FOR DETERMINATION ASSAY AND CONTENT UNIFORMITY OF LEVONORGESTREL BY REVERSED-PHASE HIGHPERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Pal Vikas kumar , Pal Yogendra
Published: May 2020

Object: The main objective of the complete study is to develop a new method and also to validate the developed method for the determination of Assay and Content Uniformity of Levonorgestrel by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).

Methods: RP-HPLC method was developed for simultaneous estimation of levonorgestrel using Hypersil ODS, 125 mm×4.6 mm×5 μm C8 column with a mixture of water, and acetonitrile solution with a ratio of 50:50 as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.3 mL/min with a detection of quantification wavelength of 242 nm. Method was selected after calculating system suitability and validated as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines.

Results: The developed analytical method parameters found within the limits as given in ICH and USP Guidelines and the total chromatographic analysis time per sample was 8 min with Levonorgestrel Eluting with retention time of 4.479, 4.479, and 4.467 min, respectively. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied for the determination of dissolution of levonorgestrel tablets.

Conclusion: The method is simple, precise, specific, and accurate. The newly developed method can be used for routine analysis of Levonorgestrel in tablet dosage form.