bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Electron-Beam Modification of Zinc-Sulphide Phosphors for Solid-State Radioluminescent Light Sources (SRLS)
Authors: Zelenina Elena V. , Bakhmetyev Vadim V. , Sychov Maxim М. , Shvindin Mikhail A.
Published: July 2021

Radioluminescence technologies are at the front line of the optic and electronic studies. Effective, self-contained and safe radioluminescent light sources can find their application in space industry, in medicine and in military technologies. The question of the performance improvement of the solid-state radioluminescent light sources (SRLS) without raising the included activity of working radionuclide can be solved by upgrading the phosphor crystalline structure. The electron-beam treatment for zinc-sulphide phosphors initial batch has been studied in a wide range of concentrations of the activating agent (Cu) for improving the radioluminescent performances of the phosphors, for creating the structural defects that form centers of luminescence. The changes of the phase composition were investigated under different synthesis conditions. It is revealed that electron-beam treatment of the initial batch leads to the growth of the wurtzite phase content in zinc-sulphide phosphors synthesized below the phase transition temperature. The changes of the phase content promote the spectral redistribution under the tritium beta-excitation. It is obviously the reflection of the fact of «green» luminescence centers rearrangement between the volume of the crystal and its surface. The correlations between structural configuration and performances of ionizing luminescence were found. Electron beam treatment gave the 20% increase of brightness of the radioluminescence. The achieved enhancement of luminescence performances allows the development of advanced tight-packed SRLS with minimal radioactivity and high energy-light conversion.
Synthesis of Y2O3: Eu Luminescent Phosphor with Increased Dispersion for Use in Medical Purposes
Authors: Vlasenko Anna B. , Bakhmetyev Vadim V. , Mjakin Sergey V.
Published: July 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising modern method for treatment of oncological, bacterial, fungal and viral diseases. However, its application is limited to diseases with superficial localization since the body tissues are not transparent for visible light. To address this problem and extend PDT application to abdominal diseases, an enhanced method of X-ray photodynamic therapy (XRPDT) is suggested, involving X-ray radiation easily penetrating the body tissues. The implementation of this approach requires the development of a pharmacological drug including a photosensitizer stimulated by visible light to yield active oxygen and a nanosized phosphor converting X-ray radiation into visible light with the wavelength required for the photosensitizer activation. This study is aimed at obtaining X-ray stimulated phosphors with nanosized particles suitable for XRPDT application. For this purpose, Y2O3:Eu phosphors were synthesized via hydrothermal processing of the corresponding mixed acetate followed by annealing. To prevent from the undesirable agglomeration of the particles in the course of hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent annealing, different techniques were used, including rapid thermal annealing (RTA), microwave annealing and addition of finely dispersed pyrogenic silica (aerosil) to the phosphor. The microwave annealing was carried out using a special installation including a resonance chamber for maintaining a standing wave of microwave radiation. The performed research allowed the determination of hydrothermal processing optimal duration affording the synthesis of phosphors with the highest luminescence brightness. The application of microwave annealing is found to provide phosphors with a more perfect crystal structure compared with RTA. The developed method of Y2O3:Eu phosphor synthesis involving pyrogenic silica addition to the autoclave allowed the preparation of samples with the amorphous structure and significantly reduced the particle size without a considerable decrease in the luminescence brightness. The particle size of the phosphor synthesized with aerosil addition is less than 100 nm that allows its implementation in pharmacological drugs for XRPDT.
Impact of water scarcity on Agriculture in Mi Oya River Basin
Authors: Madumali G. V. H. M. , Manamperi M. M. S. B.
Published: July 2021

There is a finite amount of fresh water on earth and only 3% of the total water in the world is freshwater while less than 1% is readily usable by humans. Water availability varies in time and space. One river basin may be suffering extended drought while neighbouring river basins may be experiencing devastating floods. Water scarcity can be defined as a lack of sufficient water or not having access to safe water supplies. When considering the situation in the Mi Oya river basin, clearly it can be identified water scarcity in this area as mentioned by the definition. Therefore, the purpose of the study is, identify the impacts of water scarcity on agriculture while introducing mitigation methods to the recognized impacts. Accordingly, research problems seek answers for the questions of what are the main fields of agriculture affected by water scarcity and to which extent it impacts agricultural activities in this area. The main objective of the study is to identify the impact of water scarcity on agriculture in the Mi Oya river basin. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used for data collection through questionnaires, structural and semi-structural interviews, and case studies. As well as a mixed method of descriptive and analytical have been applied for the data analysis and discussion. Accordingly, results proved that paddy cultivation as the main field affected due to water scarcity and at least one season or abandon because of the insufficient water in the area. Therefore, people have to use adaptive methods for water scarcity. Finally, can be concluded that it is very important to recognize these kinds of impacts as we are having an agricultural economy and because of water scarcity considered as a global crisis around.
Activation and Kinetics of Circulating T Follicular Helper Cells, Specific Plasmablast Response, and Development of Neutralizing Antibodies following Yellow Fever Virus Vaccination
Authors: Sandberg John Tyler , Ols Sebastian , Löfling Marie , Varnaitė Renata , Lindgren Gustaf , Nilsson Ola , Rombo Lars , Kalén Markus , Loré Karin , Blom Kim , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf
Published: July 2021

A single dose of the replication-competent, live-attenuated yellow fever virus (YFV) 17D vaccine provides lifelong immunity against human YFV infection. The magnitude, kinetics, and specificity of B cell responses to YFV 17D are relatively less understood than T cell responses. In this clinical study, we focused on early immune events critical for the development of humoral immunity to YFV 17D vaccination in 24 study subjects. More specifically, we studied the dynamics of several immune cell populations over time and the development of neutralizing Abs. At 7 d following vaccination, YFV RNA in serum as well as several antiviral proteins were detected as a sign of YFV 17D replication. Activation of Th1-polarized circulating T follicular helper cells followed germinal center activity, the latter assessed by the surrogate marker CXCL13 in serum. This coincided with a plasmablast expansion peaking at day 14 before returning to baseline levels at day 28. FluoroSpot-based analysis confirmed that plasmablasts were specific to the YFV-E protein. The frequencies of plasmablasts correlated with the magnitude of neutralizing Ab titers measured at day 90, suggesting that this transient B cell subset could be used as an early marker of induction of protective immunity. Additionally, YFV-specific memory B cells were readily detectable at 28 and 90 d following vaccination, and all study subjects tested developed protective neutralizing Ab titers. Taken together, these studies provide insights into key immune events leading to human B cell immunity following vaccination with the YFV 17D vaccine.
Vector Strategies to Actualize B Cell–Based Gene Therapies
Authors: Jeske Amanda M , Boucher Paul , Curiel David T , Voss James E
Published: July 2021

Recent developments in genome editing and delivery systems have opened new possibilities for B cell gene therapy. CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases have been used to introduce transgenes into B cell genomes for subsequent secretion of exogenous therapeutic proteins from plasma cells and to program novel B cell Ag receptor specificities, allowing for the generation of desirable Ab responses that cannot normally be elicited in animal models. Genome modification of B cells or their progenitor, hematopoietic stem cells, could potentially substitute Ab or protein replacement therapies that require multiple injections over the long term. To date, B cell editing using CRISPR-Cas9 has been solely employed in preclinical studies, in which cells are edited ex vivo. In this review, we discuss current B cell engineering efforts and strategies for the eventual safe and economical adoption of modified B cells into the clinic, including in vivo viral delivery of editing reagents to B cells.
Supernumerary lacrimal puncta
Authors: Al Saleh Ahmed , Vargas Jose M. , Al Saleh Abdullah S.
Published: July 2021

Supernumerary lacrimal punctum is rare, and very few cases have been reported. Most patients are asymptomatic, but in some excessive tearing could be a symptom. In addition, obstruction of the canaliculi causing canaliculitis has been reported. We describe four cases in detail with their presentations and diagnosis. The first patient presented with a right eye lesion and during examination, the left eye was less than mid dilated compared to that of the right eye. Further examination of the left eye revealed two left lower lid puncta. In another patient who was evaluated for diabetic retinopathy, two left lower lid puncta that shared the same canaliculus were noted. Furthermore, two lower lid puncta were found in a patient who came for cataract follow-up. Finally, in a patient who was following up in the retinal clinic, two lower lid puncta were documented. Probing to the accessory punctum showed that the canaliculus had an immediate horizontal course, unlike the rest of the puncta which showed a vertical then a horizontal course. Furthermore, in the accessory punctum, there was a soft stop, around 4 mm of the inserting probe. In summary, supernumerary lacrimal punctum is rare, and ophthalmologists need to be aware of this abnormality.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms can be Reduced by Effectively Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliances
Authors: Escobar Lina , Rodriguez Héctor L. , Castellanos Jaime E.
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and can persist until adulthood. This disorder negatively affects almost all personal, academic, and work fields and often strains parent-child relationships. On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Some studies have suggested an association between OSA and ADHD in children and adults.

The Hypothesis:

It has been suggested that therapeutic intervention in OSA has a significant improvement in abnormal behaviors such as hyperactivity, inattention, and aggression, and in cognitive and school performance. OSA can lead to ADHD-like symptoms that disappear when OSA is sufficiently treated. The use of oral appliance therapy (OAT) is being studied as a method to control OSA. We hypothesize that the management of OSA with OAT could reduce ADHD symptoms.

Evaluation of the Hypothesis:

In patients who present with OSA and ADHD simultaneously, it should be evaluated whether the treatment of OSA with the use of OAT as rapid maxillary expansion devices or oral mandibular advancement devices reduces the symptoms of both OSA and ADHD, which would allow the establishment of an alternative method of treatment for both pathologies that is less invasive and less expensive.
25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Deficiency – A Potential Risk Factor Neonatal Sepsis Correlation with Biochemical Markers and Neonatal Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score
Authors: Mahmoud Nagwa Mohamed Sabry , Elela Mostafa Ahmed El Sayed Ahmed Abu
Published: July 2021

Background:

Sepsis could be a life-threatening organ dysfunction generated due to the dysregulation of the immunological response to infection. An operational definition of organ dysfunction applicable to neonates that predicts mortality within the infection setting is lacking. The neonatal sequential organ failure assessment (nSOFA) score was developed to predict mortality from late-onset neonatal sepsis in term babies (late-onset sepsis [LOS]).

Objectives:

This study aimed to focus on Vitamin D role in late-onset neonatal sepsis in term babies and to search out the correlation of Vitamin D levels with inflammatory markers, the severity of the disease, and association with nSOFA score and mortality risk.

Patients and Methods:

We screened all term newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to suspected or confirmed LOS during the study period. Our final cohort consisted of 148 patients with valid test results and data. Neonates with suspected LOS (Group 1 n = 52) confirmed LOS (Group 2 [n = 74]) or septic shock (group 3 [n = 24]). Baseline clinical data, nSOFA score within the first 24 h, cardiovascular support, the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of the NICU stay, 7th and 28th-day mortality recorded, plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D), C-reactive protein, and pre- and procalcitonin were investigated. Newborns were followed until they discharge from the NICU or death.

Results:

Term newborns with late-onset neonatal sepsis had lower levels of 25(OH) D. We revealed a negative correlation between the levels of 25(OH) D and biochemical markers/nSOFA score in all patients with late-onset neonatal sepsis. Thirty-seven (25%) patients with LOS died within 28 days of NICU admission (with a median 25(OH) D level of 18.3 nmol (interquartile range: 8.7–23.8). There were 35 patients (23.64%) who received vasopressors (N-SOFA ≥3) during their NICU stay. These patients had significantly lower 25(OH) D levels.(P < 0.0001). Lower 25(OH) D levels among study groups were independently associated with a higher n-SOFA score.

Conclusion:

Our results showed that Vitamin D deficiency predisposed to the development of late-onset neonatal sepsis negatively correlated with biochemical markers and nSOFA score.
Oral health status and microbial load of Streptococcus mutans in children with Cerebral palsy in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi
Authors: Kaushal Drishti , Kalra Namita , Khatri Amit , Tyagi Rishi , Singh NP , Aggarwal Anju , Saha Rumpa
Published: July 2021

Background:

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a childhood debilitating condition which impairs the physical and mental ability of an individual to maintain oral health.

Aim:

The objective of the present study was assessment of dental neglect and burden of treatment needs of children affected with CP as compared to normal children in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi.

Settings and Design:

A sample size of 104 children of age group of 6–14 years was selected, in which 52 children of CP (case group) and 52 normal school children (control group) were recruited.

Materials and Methods:

Children from both groups were examined, and calculation of drug master files (DMFS), defs, oral hygiene index (OHI), and gingival index was done. The presence of trauma and malocclusion was assessed. Present caries activity was assessed by the level of Streptococcus mutans present in saliva in both groups. Treatment needs were then assessed based on intraoral findings.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software. Student's t-test and nonparametric statistical tests such as Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney test were used as per the nature of variables studied for statistical analysis with the level of significance denoted at P < 0.05.

Results:

The mean DMFS, gingival index, OHI, and treatment needs were observed to be higher in the CP group. Increased S. mutans levels were observed in saliva of CP patients. Defs score, trauma, and malocclusion were not statistically significantly higher in CP group as compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

Cerebral palsy group had a poor oral and gingival health, a higher DMFT and burden of treatment needs and an increased risk of further caries progression due to high caries activity indicated by increased level of salivary Streptococcus mutans than the control group.
Evaluation of stress in three different fiber posts with two-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Patil Dharmaraj Basavaraj , Reddy E Rajendra , Rani S Thabitha , Kadge Snehal Shivraj , Patil Sheetal D , Madki Pooja
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

The primary function of corono-radicular post is to provide retention for the core and to reinforce and to replace the remaining coronal tooth structure. There is considerable controversy regarding optimal choice of the material. An ideal post system should exhibit fracture resistance higher than the average masticatory forces. Finite elemental analysis (FEA) method facilitates precise analysis of the distribution and magnitude of stresses at any point of complex and irregular structures. Thus, this FEA study has been undertaken to evaluate the fracture stress distribution patterns in three fiber posts, viz., carbon, glass fiber, and everStick with an FEA.

Materials and Methods:

The FE stress analysis was performed with the FE software program (CATIA). Three two-dimensional FEA models of central incisor were simulated, and elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio of all the materials were fed to the software. For all the models, a 200 N vertical force was applied on the lingual surface of the tooth at an angle of 45°. Stress concentration and distribution were evaluated and noted down for all the models. To evaluate the stresses within the restored tooth, the modified von Mises failure criterion was used. The equivalent stresses found in the tested models were compared with the tensile strength of the respective materials. Contact stresses in the luting cement–dentin interface were calculated.

Results:

Finite element method revealed that maximum stress concentration was at the point of stress application. The stress value was highest in carbon fiber post followed by glass fiber post and least stresses found in everStick post. Maximum stress was observed at the labial surfaces of crown. However, the stress values and distribution were more homogenous in everStick post.

Conclusion:

The present findings suggest that everStick post has uniform stress distribution within tooth structure.
Association of salivary physicochemical characteristics and peptide levels with dental caries in children
Authors: Ramezani Jamileh , Khaligh Mehrdad Rezaei , Ansari Ghassem , Yazdani Yaghoub , Mohammadi Saeed
Published: July 2021

Aim:

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the association of physicochemical properties and antimicrobial peptide levels of saliva with caries activity in children.

Materials and Methods:

The required volume of unstimulated saliva was collected from 41 children aged 3–12 years with no systemic diseases. Caries activity was calculated using DMFS and dmfs records for each participating child. Collected saliva samples were then examined for their flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity. The concentration of three peptides was assessed including LL-37, human neutrophil peptide (HNP) 1–3, and human beta-defensin (HBD)-3 through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation between caries activity score (CAS) and salivary variables was looked using the linear regression and Spearman's correlation method. The comparison of CAS means between high- and low-value groups of salivary items was performed using independent sample t-test while the association of CAS and salivary parameters in categorical scale was tested by Chi-square test.

Results:

No statistically significant differences were found between the CAS means at low and high categories of each salivary physicochemical parameter and those of antimicrobial peptides. There was a negative correlation between HNP1–3 and CAS and also between HBD-3 and CAS, but these results were not statistically meaningful. High HNP1–3 concentration was noted in 67% of the low caries rate group and 29% of the high caries rate group, with a statistically significant difference between the low and high caries rate groups (P = 0.019).

Conclusion:

Salivary inherent factors are not dominant determinants in caries activity. The current results may suggest that α-defensins (HNP1–3) have a protective role against dental caries.
Effectiveness of the use of xylitol chewing gum in prevention of dental caries
Authors: Mota Kelly Rodrigues , da Silva João Vitor Farias , Borges Cristine D'Almeida , Leite de Marcelos Priscylla Goncalves Correia , Alvares Pamella Recco , Santos Júnior Valdeci Elias dos
Published: July 2021

This systematic review of the literature assessed the effectiveness of using chewing gum containing only xylitol compared to prevention strategies or placebo in reducing the incidence of carious lesions in children using data obtained from randomized controlled trials. Electronic search was carried out in PubMed MEDLINE, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on the Health Science, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Scientific Electronic Library Online through the period between 2000 and 2020. Included clinical studies were done in children when the xylitol was dispensed in gum and the preventive effect of xylitol on tooth decay was compared to other preventive strategies or control groups. The studies were evaluated for their quality to obtain the level of evidence. The preventive fraction of each study was extracted. Two hundred studies were found. After analyzing the inclusion and removal of duplicates, only five studies were analyzed for the quality of evidence. With the analysis through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system, it was possible to verify the very low level of scientific evidence on the effectiveness of gums containing only xylitol for the prevention of caries in children. The preventive fraction obtained varied between − 0.31 and 0.57 depending on the compared prevention strategy. The conflicting results, limitations, and inconsistencies of the studies allow us to establish that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of gums containing only xylitol for the prevention of caries in children. Other properly designed clinical trials need to be carried out.
Applicability of Boston University approach for prediction of mesiodistal width of canines and premolars in the primary schoolchildren of rural Bengaluru
Authors: Thomas Richardson V , Bajaj Neeti
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Boston University (BU) approach is a method for early prediction of unerupted permanent mandibular teeth widths based on the mesiodistal widths (MDWs) of primary mandibular canines and first molars. The present study was conducted to test the validity of BU approach by comparing it with Tanaka–Johnston (T/J) approach in the contemporary population.

Aims and Objective:

The aim of the study was to determine the applicability of BU approach for prediction of the MDWs of canines and premolars in the primary schoolchildren of rural Bengaluru.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted in 100 healthy schoolchildren of rural Bengaluru aged between 7 and 11 years. The MDWs of canines and premolars were predicted using both T/J and the considered BU approaches for all the children and were compared.

Results:

The correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant correlation between the predicted tooth size from the two predicted methods in the upper and lower arches (P < 0.001), with Pearson's correlation coefficient showing the very strong positive relationship (r = 0.7). Significant differences were seen between the mean predicted width of canines and premolars by both the approaches (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In spite of the limitations, we recommend the use of BU approach to predict arch length-tooth material discrepancy at an early age and to get at least an approximate estimation of the required space. We also advocate the necessity of further research on this approach prospectively.
Occurrence of 17α-ethinylestradiol in Paranoá Lake watershed (Brasília, Brazil): sewage, freshwater and treated water
Authors: Gomes Juliana Pinheiro , Timo Giulia Oliveira , Paula Lícia Murito de , Costa Thales Viana Labourdette , Rocha Júnior Paulo Roberto de Souza , Mello Mauricio Homem de , Oliveira Jaime Lopes da Mota
Published: July 2021

Emerging contaminants such as 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) can be discharged from sewage systems and contaminate water supplies. Paranoá Lake is a strategic water reservoir in Brasília (Brazil) that receives treated sewage from sewage treatment plants (STPs) and has recently become a water supply. This study monitored EE2 residues in different matrices from Paranoá Lake watershed using the ELISA method. This monitoring was performed together with the local environmental agency in two periods. EE2 was detected in all sewage samples showing that this residue is continually being discharged into the lake. However, EE2 was found in only one freshwater sample (0.07 ng L-1), which is below the predicted no-effect concentration considered as a risk for aquatic animals. EE2 was not detected in treated water. Nevertheless, the increased use of freshwater as a water supply signals the need for continuous EE2 monitoring in the lake.
Remote self-assessment follow-up for medical termination of pregnancy at Geneva University Hospitals: an insight into its acceptability, success rate and costs
Authors: Vanetti Alessandra , Catarino Rosa , Yaron Michal
Published: July 2021

AIMS OF THE STUDY
Remote follow-up based on self-assessment plus a telephone call with a healthcare provider is a safe and reliable method for assessing the success of medical termination of pregnancy (mTOP) and can lead to an important reduction in costs. The aim of the study was to analyse its efficacy, acceptability and associated costs.

METHODS
This was a retrospective comparative study analysing two follow-up protocols for home-based mTOP. A total of 201 women were included: 56 for a standard in-clinic follow-up and 145 for a remote follow-up based on self-assessment with a low-sensitivity urine pregnancy test and a questionnaire. The main outcome was the total number of outpatient consultations needed for each procedure and the associated costs (according to the Swiss tariff system); acceptability and satisfaction were assessed using questionnaires.

RESULTS
Demand for home-based termination increased by 7.8% in the observation period. There was a reduction in diagnosis of retained products of conception, with a consequent decrease of follow-up consultations from 1.47 to 0.41 appointments per patient. A reduction of 38.9% in the average cost per patient (including supplementary follow-up appointments) was observed. Moreover, the remote alternative led to higher patient satisfaction (95.1% vs 55.0%) and acceptability (84.8%). The choice for long-acting reversible contraceptives was not affected by the removal of in-person consultation.

CONCLUSION
A remote follow-up procedure is an acceptable and less costly alternative to hospital-based follow-up with a higher rate of acceptability and adherence by the studied population.
The role of the Swiss list of occupational diseases in the protection of workers’ health
Authors: Graczyk Halshka , François Marjorie , Krief Peggy , Guseva Canu Irina
Published: July 2021

Occupational disease lists (ODLs) are essential legal mechanisms for recognising pathologies related to exposure to occupational hazards. In 2017, Switzerland revised its ODL and solicited stakeholders to review the ODL proposal. This revision represented an important and rare event, and was an opportunity to assess the legal status and role of Swiss ODL. In this research, we examined the structure and content of this revised Swiss list, by comparing it to other official recommendations and ODLs, including those of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Commission (EC). In addition, we assessed the effectiveness of the Swiss ODL from the occupational and public health perspectives, in considering the process of reporting and recognition of occupational diseases as a measure for protecting the health of workers.
Although the Swiss ODL appears to be in accordance with the ILO and EC recommendations, its role as a legal mechanism of workers’ protection is not optimal. Its effectiveness is limited by the conditions for recognising a disease as occupational, which are determined by Swiss federal law and are stricter than in other countries. The overall burden of occupational diseases has a significant economic, social and moral impact on working populations, their families and society as a whole. As such, more transparency with respect to the ODL revision and conditions for recognising occupational disease and to the data on recognised and reported cases, along with continuous education of physicians are required to enhance the effectiveness of the Swiss system of recognition and reporting of occupational diseases and protection of Swiss workers.
Chest pain in a patient with polyarteritis nodosa and Behcet's disease; myocardial infarction or aortic dissection?
Authors: ASIL Serkan , TAŞKAN Hatice , MURAT Ender , EŞKİ Selen , YÜKSEL Uygar Çağdaş
Published: July 2021

Aortic diseases have high mortality and are usually late or misdiagnosed. Especially in patients with inflammatory vasculitis, diagnosis is often confused with other causes of chest pain and this causes a delay in diagnosis. Vascular complications are the most important predictors of mortality and morbidity in Behcet’s disease and also polyarteritis nodosa. The diagnosis of aortitis is usually obtained by vascular imaging, but partly made only by biopsy on occasion of an operation. Here we present a case of pathologically proven fatal aortitis and aortic dissection in a patient with Polyarteritis nodosa and Behcet's disease.
Pandemic 2020: Economic pressure and evaluation of a primary health care innovation programme for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment
Authors: Renaldi Fransiskus Samuel , Sauriasari Rani , Riyadina Woro
Published: July 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected two vital sectors: the economy and health. Subsequently, people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) face the dilemma of risking having a severe prognosis or non-compliance treatment. 
Aim: This study determines the relationship problems between the economic aspects and compliance behaviour in T2DM patients during the pandemic and how community health centres solve them.   
Methods: Data were collected from interviews with 20 T2DM patients and nine health workers in the Central Bogor region. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.  
Results: Most patients tended to prioritise their economic condition. Besides, the community health centre has innovated an internet-based health service with particular policies to solve the problems.     
Conclusion: Economic pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic has changed patients’ mindsets. Community health centres respond with particular policies to sustain patient treatment adherence.
Microencapsulation of Jeringau Rhizome essential oils (Acorus calamus L.) using β-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Ledianasari  , Tristiyanti Deby , Tanjung Elva Maulydha , Barani Lovelyta
Published: July 2021

Background: The way to improve the stability of jeringau rhizome essential oils is microencapsulation using β-cyclodextrin.    
Aim: To determine the efficiency of coating the jeringau rhizome essential oil with β-cyclodextrin and examine its thermostability.   
Method: The microencapsulation method used was freeze-drying with a ratio of 1:20 and 1:30.    
Results: The microcapsule efficiency at the ratio of 1:20 and 1:30 was 81.67% and 60.70%, respectively. The thermostability test results showed that the degradation constant of 1:20 microcapsule at 50oC and ambient temperature was 0.0054 and 0.0029, respectively, with a half-life of 128.33 hours and 238.97 hours. Meanwhile, the degradation constant of 1:30 microcapsule was 0.0182 and 0.0080, with a half-life of 38.07 hours and 86.63 hours.   
Conclusion: The highest efficiency is in the ratio of 1:20 with a percentage of 81.67%. In the thermostability test, the 1:20 microcapsule was better protected and had a longer half-life than the 1:30 microcapsule.
IR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics used as a simple and rapid method to determine the caffeine content of tea products
Authors: Wulandari Lestyo , Sutipno Diana Hanifiyah , Pratoko Dwi Koko
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Tea is a popular beverage that comes from Camellia sinensis. Tea is generally categorised into four types: black tea, oolong tea, green tea, and white tea. These four types are distinguished based on the presence or absence of a fermentation process during their processing. One of the compounds that play a role in providing freshness to tea is caffeine.     

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the caffeine content in the tea samples that are on the market.   

Methods: This was done using the near-infrared (NIR)-chemometric method and using the TLC-Densitometry method as a comparison. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics has been developed as a simple method to analyse the caffeine content in a  tea sample. IR spectra of tea samples were correlated with caffeine content using chemometrics.   

Results:  In this study, the partial least squares (PLS) model of the NIR model that showed the best calibration with r-square was 0.958, and the root mean squared error of calibration (RMSEC) value was 0.070. The PLS calibration model of the NIR models was further used to predict the unknown caffeine content in commercial samples. The significance of the caffeine content that had been measured with NIR and TLC-Densitometry was evaluated using a two paired sample t-test.   

Conclusion: The caffeine content measured with both methods gave no significant difference.
Acute toxicity test of 96% ethanol extract of Syzygium myrtifolium leaves in white mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: Indriani Lusi , Effendi E. Mulyati , Fadillah Kevin Christofer
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Acute toxicity effects appear within a short time following the oral administration of either a single dose or repeated doses of toxin within 24 hours. Acute toxicity testing involves the administration of a range of doses across several groups of experimental animals with one dose administered per group, followed by the observation of toxic effects and mortality.     Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the lethal dose 50 (LD50) and acute toxicity of an ethanol extract of Syzygium myrtifolium leaves in white mice.      Methods: Exposed groups consisted of a negative control group (carboxymethylcellulose sodium) and four treatment groups (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg body weight (bw)). Mortality was observed for 14 days following oral administration.     Results: The results demonstrated an LD50 of 1995 mg/kg bw, categorised as moderately toxic. Observed toxic effects included white lesions in the lungs, blackened liver, organ swelling, and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity and thorax.
Satisfaction of drug information services implementation in Air Itam, Selindung, Girimaya, Gerunggang and Melintang health centre Pangkalpinang City
Authors: Djuria Rachmawati Felani
Published: July 2021

Background: Previous studies have shown that the service quality of the pharmaceutical drug information service has not been optimally implemented. This problem also occurred in Pangkalpinang city. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a study on the satisfaction of drug information service implementation to improve the quality of pharmaceutical services.    

Aim: Examining the satisfaction of drug information service implementation in Air Itam, Selindung, Girimaya, Gerunggang, and Melintang health centres Pangkalpinang city.     

Method: This observational research was conducted from March to December 2018 in Air Itam, Selindung, Girimaya, Gerunggang, and Melintang health centres, Pangkalpinang city. It involved 150 patients selected by accidental sampling techniques, and the bivariate analyses were performed using the dependent t-test.    

Results: The quality of drug information service implementation in all dimensions was good, and there were significant differences in tangibility (p < 0.0001), reliability (p = 0.025), and empathy (p = 0.011). All respondents were quite satisfied with the drug information service implementation in all dimensions, with a significant difference in the dimensions of tangibility (p = 0.002), reliability (p = 0.045), and empathy (p = 0.045).     

Conclusion: All respondents were quite satisfied with the drug information service implementation in all dimensions.
Mother’s knowledge and practices towards self-medication of fever among children under five years in Muncar Banyuwangi, Indonesia
Authors: Rachmawati Sinta , Khotimah Khusnul , Norcahyanti Ika
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Self-medication is the use of medicines by individuals to treat mild symptoms or minor illnesses. It can overcome minor ailments and complaints, such as fever. Fever is a sign of disease often suffered by children under five years. Knowledge and self-medication practice of fever must be mastered well by the mother to handle this symptom correctly.     Aims: This study aimed to explore mothers’ knowledge and practices toward self-medication of fever among children under five years and the relationship between knowledge and practices.     Method: This study was observational with a cross-sectional design. It involved 385 mothers from Muncar District Banyuwangi, Indonesia. It used a validated questionnaire to collect the data, including five categories, three for knowledge and two for practice. The relationship between knowledge and practice was analyzed by the Chi-square test.    Result: The three categories of knowledge were good (83 respondents), sufficient (206 respondents), and insufficient (96 respondents), while the two categories of practice were good (213 respondents) and insufficient (172 respondents). The chi-square test yielded a p-value <0.001.    Conclusion: This study revealed a significant relationship between knowledge and practice. Hence, the better the knowledge, the better the practice in fever self-medication.
Dissolution profile of Curcumin from solid dispersion prepared at a high drug load of Curcumin using Poloxamer 407 as the carrier
Authors: Setyaningsih Dewi , Hartini Yustina Sri , Patramurti Christine , Putri Sastira , Murti Yosi Bayu
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Curcumin, a BCS II drug, suffers from poor bioavailability. Increasing curcumin dissolution is a way to increase its bioavailability. Solid dispersion formulation can be used to improve curcumin dissolution. However, the successful curcumin solid dispersion is limited to a relatively low drug load (< 20%).     
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the dissolution behaviour of curcumin at a higher drug load (27.9%, 42.3%, and 56.6%) using a surfactant carrier of poloxamer 407.    
Methods: The solvent evaporation method was employed to prepare high drug load solid dispersion of curcumin. A physical mixture of the corresponding solid dispersion formulation was prepared as a control. Drug load, dissolution behaviour in 180 minutes, and dissolution efficiency (DE180) were determined.   
Results: The results showed that incorporating curcumin into a poloxamer 407 solid dispersion significantly improves the dissolution rate of curcumin. In the solid dispersion formula, the dissolution behaviour of curcumin was found to be carrier-dependent.
The results of the questionnaire survey of students trained in the classes "Endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract" using the virtual endoscopic simulator GI-Bronch Mentor Simbionix in Ryazan State Medical University
Authors: Romanov A. N. , Tanishina E. N. , Trushin S. N. , Mikheev A. V. , Polyakov A. V. , Ogoreltsev A. Yu.
Published: July 2021

Currently, training using simulation technologies is an integral part of the modern educational process. The introduction of these technologies makes it possible to link theoretical training with practical activity. The aim of this study was to find out the students' opinion about the influence of simulator classes on the quality of education, on the choice of a future specialty, and whether they were interested in studying in these classes.In the course of the study, it was revealed that, according to students, simulation classes improved the quality of mastering theoretical material not only in this discipline, but also in related clinical disciplines, and that the classes were interesting. Thus, the research carried out indicates the need to integrate simulation training into the main educational programs.
Simulation training in health education
Authors: Nikolina O. D. , Butko V. V.
Published: July 2021

Medical education as a constituent link between yesterday's student and future specialist doctor, at the preclinical stage, decides on the patient's safety in the provision of medical care. The conditions, quality and methods of providing medical care to the population, as well as the safety of patients, is an integral and main task of medical workers. Practical skills and manipulations should be acquired and practiced not on patients, but in Simulation Training Centers using high-tech simulators. An already prepared student comes to the patient with a baggage of knowledge, practiced practical skills, when a hand is placed, there are developed algorithms, certain knowledge and experience in performing practical skills. This allows without risk to the health and life of the patient to obtain professional skills on simulators and use their experience in further work [1].
A Study on Association between the Perceptions of Principals and Teachers Regarding College Principals’ Leadership Style in Perspective of Situational Leadership Theory
Authors:   University of Education, Munir Hina , Akhter Mumtaz
Published: July 2021

The current study demonstrates the association between the perceptions of the designations regarding college principals’ leadership style in perspective of situational leadership theory. This article is quantitative in nature and ex-post-facto research design was adopted. The population was comprised of all colleges which are affiliated with the University of the Punjab in Lahore Division. Multistage sampling technique was adopted for selecting sample. Thus, the sample of the study was comprised of 74 college principals and 370 teachers on the basis of their job experience. The instrument of LBA-II Self/Other was adopted. The data was analyzed on SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics. There was disassociation between the perceptions of the designations regarding the primary, developing and diagnosis leadership style, except the secondary leadership style where was association found between the perceptions of the designations. Whereas, there was no difference in teachers and principal’s perceived leadership style flexibility and effectiveness.
Analyzing the Role of Contemporary Teaching Techniques and Importance of Drama in Learning English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Dr. Saba Sadia  , Dr. Rana Umair Nadeem  , Dr. Afsheen Sallahddin
Published: July 2021

This research explores the important activities and principles of the teaching of drama in learning English as a foreign language. This research is qualitative in nature and the analysis is based on theoretical grounds and a strong theoretical framework. It concentrates on the brief history of drama in education, its basic principles, techniques, and the possibilities and advantages that drama in education brings into English language learning. The aim of this research, Drama in Learning English as a Foreign Language, is not only to introduce drama in education to the readers but also present drama in the context of English language learning, and subsequently support the concept of drama being an English language learning method. I define drama, its general concepts, principles, and aims. I concentrate on the role of drama in learning English as a foreign language, its techniques, and the benefits that drama brings into the learning. This research is helpful for the teachers to understand the drama and activates related to it in the classroom.
The Popular Political Parties and their Participation in Pakistan’s Democratic System
Authors: Dr. Zahid Yasin  , Jathol Iqra , Dr. Muhammad Muzaffar
Published: July 2021

Abstract:
Since independence of Pakistan on 14 August, 1947; role Political parties are one of the most important and influential element of Pakistan’s politics. Two popular parties have had ruled various periods in Pakistan's history. This article tries to examine their participation and their role in politics and Pakistan’s democratic system. Question arises that how political parties and their actions influence on state’s democratic system. This document also seeks to debate the part of major political parties in the development process of Pakistan’s politics when they are in power or in opposition. The political system in Pakistan is not well developed. As a result, the people of Pakistani are deprived of adequate leadership, which is seen as a threat to Pakistan‘s national security or domestic system.
Key words: Political parties, power, democratic system, leadership.