bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El voto diferenciado: un estado del arte
Authors: Idrobo Luz
Published: September 2021

Este artículo parte de la revisión teórica, en el campo de los análisis del comportamiento político, de un fenómeno electoral como el voto diferenciado también denominado Split ticket voting o escisión del voto. Así, en las próximas páginas se dará cuenta de los principales enfoques y debates sobre el voto diferenciado, con el fin entender, por medio de una revisión bibliográfica y un análisis de contenido, los principales enfoques y casos de estudio más relevantes del voto diferenciado en el campo de la ciencia política. De esta manera, se plasma a continuación el primer avance de una investigación doctoral en curso.
Impacto de las políticas públicas y normativas locales sobre el espacio público. Casos de estudio: Manizales, Medellín y Quito
Authors: Peralta-Lozano Lorena , Cárdenas María Fernanda , Giraldo-Ospina Tania , Botero-Rivera Tiffany
Published: September 2021

El espacio público urbano no solo articula los diversos usos y actividades en las ciudades, es también, uno de los elementos más relevantes para las ciudades contemporáneas, que deben garantizar a sus habitantes espacios de socialización, recreación y expresión que redunden en una construcción de ciudadanía y en una mejor calidad de vida para la población. No obstante, el reconocimiento de su importancia en las normas y en las políticas públicas de orden nacional y local, no es suficiente para materializar las metas trazadas. Este trabajo analiza dos ciudades colombianas y a Quito, las cuales tienen, además, limitaciones para su crecimiento dadas por el relieve del territorio en el que se asientan. Se contrastaron las normas y políticas públicas de los últimos diez años, y los espacios públicos en las tres ciudades, lo que permitió evidenciar diferencias en la ejecución de las políticas entre los dos países y en los indicadores que dan cuenta de los espacios públicos totales. Por otro lado, se encontraron similitudes en la distribución desigual e inequitativa de los espacios públicos y zonas verdes existentes, de los cuales muchos barrios aún carecen o tienen muy pocos, mientras otros concentran gran cantidad de área.
AS MULHERES E A PRISÃO: UMA ANÁLISE DO ENCARCERAMENTO FEMININO ANTE AS VIOLAÇÕES DE DIREITOS DA PERSONALIDADE
Authors: Siqueira Dirceu Pereira , Andrecioli Sabrina Medina
Published: September 2021

Diante de um cenário de invisibilidade, violência e descaso em que estão inseridas as mulheres em situação de cárcere,vem à tona a importância de estudar a temática do encarceramento feminino. O presente trabalho tem comofinalidade promover reflexões sobre o sistema prisional feminino brasileiro, no qual se busca evidenciar, por meioda história, as mulheres ante o poder punitivo e seu processo de criminalização e vitimização sob uma perspectivade gênero. Assim, é de grande importância que a análise da vulnerabilidade das mulheres em situação de cárcerese dê por intermédio de uma epistemologia e criminologia feminista comprometida com as vicissitudes de gênerosnecessárias neste ambiente de punição. Verifica-se a indispensabilidade de buscar intervenções que possammelhorar as condições de vida dessa população por meio de criação de políticas públicas específicas. Para tanto,vale-se do raciocínio hipotético-dedutivo, mediante pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, descritiva e exploratóriapara o esclarecimento de elementos legais gerais para definição de conceitos filosóficos e jurídicos, com o intuitode levantamento de hipóteses reflexivas sobre a temática do cárcere brasileiro e seus problemas, especificamenteo encarceramento feminino.
CELEBRATING THE 90th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ORIENTAL STUDIES AT THE BELGRADE UNIVERSITY
Authors:   Department of Oriental Studies, Faculty of Philology, Belgrade University, Mitrović Anđelka , Miljković Ema ,   Department of Hisory, Faculty of Philosophy, Niš University
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the overview of the development of the Oriental Studies at the Belgrade University, on behalf of the 90th anniversary of that Department. The paper focus itself on the beginning of the studies, later changes as well as the innovations brought by the contemporary times and the challenges of the university in changing. The authors emphasize the urge to
NEW METHODS IN THE RESEARCHING OF OLD DUBROVNIK`S LITERATURE
Authors:   Faculty of Philosophy, University of Nis, Republic of Serbia, Arsić Irena
Published: September 2021

The research of the Ancient Dubrovnik`s literature had primarily began by its biographers; afterwards significant documents that had been found in the Dubrovnik`s archive made possible to the researchers to give immense contributions in this field. The 21st century brought, in the area of the historiography especially, new approaches toward research of the renaissance and baroque literature of the Ancient Dubrovnik. New findings in Marin Držić`s biography, as well as research of the social status in Dubrovnik, especially of its aristocracy have made possible to apply the new methods in studies of the works written during the time of the Renaissance ,and above all the comedies. Additionally, the forming of the Dubrovnik`s myth, which has been constructed for centuries by the writers of the Old Republic provides new and more intellectual view on their literary contribution.
CLASSIFICATION OF COGNITIVE AREAS IN TEACHING GEOGRAPHY
Authors: Kurejšepi Esad
Published: September 2021

The issue of assessment was studied in the past. In particular, evaluation, testing and evaluation of students' knowledge and achievements are as old as schools.
Dynamics features of a resonant vibromachine with self-synchronizing inertial vibroexciters in the presence of vibration limiter
Authors: Panovko Grigory , Shokhin Alexander
Published: September 2021

The work is devoted to the problem of ensuring the near-resonance vibration modes stability of the technological vibromachines at fluctuating mass of processed material. Vibrations of the machine are excited by two self-synchronizing inertial vibroexciters driven by asynchronous electric motors rotating in opposite directions. A planar model of a vibromachine on a linear elastic suspension is considered. The interaction of the machine working element with the processed material is described using the added mass and viscous friction forces proportional to the material mass. To expand the frequency range of vibration exciter self-synchronization the possibility of using an additional elastic limiter is considered. The limiter is mounted between the working element and the machine foundation with a predetermined initial clearance. The modes of the working element vibrations and vibroexciter self-synchronization are analyzed depending on the change in the material mass and the initial clearance. It is found that the introduction of the elastic limiter allows to significantly reduce the sensitivity of the vibration amplitudes to material mass changes in the resonant frequency range, and also leads to stabilization of the mutual phase of vibration exciters rotation. A decrease in the initial clearance leads to an expansion of the stable operating modes frequency range, at the same time the vibration amplitudes decrease.
Insomniac disorders in patients with traumatic brain injury complicated with subdural hematoma
Authors: Balandin Anatoliy A. , Balandina Irina A. , Pankratov Mikhail K.
Published: September 2021

The objective: to determine the frequency of insomniac disorders in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) complicated with subdural hematoma, for early detection and prevention of sleep disorders in recovery periods. Materials and methods. A survey was conducted in 102 patients with TBI complicated with acute subdural hematoma who were operated on in the Neurosurgical Department of the M.A. Tverye State medical center in Perm in the period from 2018 to 2019. The study included patients with the most frequent localization of subdural hematoma. Group I consisted of 31 patients (30%) with a hematoma localized in the frontotemporal region, group II - 28 patients (27%) with a hematoma localized in the parietal - temporal region, group III - 18 patients (18%) with a hematoma localized in the frontotemporal - occipital region, group IV - 25 patients (25%) with a hematoma localized in the parietal-occipital region. On day 13-14 after surgical intervention to remove the subdural hematoma, the patients were interviewed using the ISI scale to determine the presence and severity of insomnia. Results. The severity of condition on admission was assessed as 13-12 points on the Glasgow scale in the largest number of patients. The most severe general condition on admission was noted in patients with subdural hematoma localized in the frontal-parietal-occipital area. Out of 102 patients, only one patient was found to have moderate sleep disturbances when assessing the insomnia severity index and 13 patients were found to have mild sleep disturbances. The most common complaints of the patients when interviewed were a feeling of heaviness in the head after sleep, intermittent, shallow sleep. Conclusion. Interrupted sleep and heaviness in the head afterwards, as well as the need for daytime sleep, are the most frequent complaints about the sleep process in patients with a traumatic brain injury complicated with a subdural hematoma on the 13th-14th day after injury.
Effect of GHK-D-Ala peptide on innate immunity mechanisms and lipid peroxidation processes in infected wounds
Authors: Rakhmetova Kamila K. , Dolgintsev Maksim E. , Bobyntsev Igor’ I. , Bezhin Alexandr I. , Vorvul’ Anton O. , Belykh Andrey E.
Published: September 2021

The objective is to study the effects of Gly-His-Lys-D-Ala (GHK-D-Ala) peptide on mechanisms of innate immunity and lipid peroxidation processes in infected wound. Materials and methods. The experiments were carried out on 80 Wistar male rats. The infected wound was modeled by applying a full-layer wound on the back and performing primary wound surgery with primary suturing 24 hours later. GHK-D-Ala peptide was injected at a dose of 0.5 µg/kg into the wound area every day for 30 days. The phagocytic activity of blood neutrophils was studied in spontaneous and stimulated nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test (NBT-test). The activity of lipid peroxidation (LPO) processes in rats’ blood serum was assessed by the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and acylhydroperoxides (AHP). Results. GHK-D-Ala administration had a positive effect on both phagocytosis mechanisms and the level of LPO products in comparison with the control group. There was a significant increase in NST-positive neutrophils in the spontaneous test against peptide administration on days 3, 7, 10, and 30 (p˂0.001) and in the stimulated NST test on days 3, 7, and 10 (p < 0.001). The functional neutrophil reserve had been significantly increased by day 10 (p˂0.05) and had been significantly lower by day 30 (p < 0.05). Phagocytic index and phagocytic number were significantly higher on days 3 and 10 (p < 0.01). The phagocyte activity index significantly increased on days 3 and 10 (p < 0.05-0.001).A significant decrease in the MDA concentration was demonstrated on days 3, 7, 10, and 30 (p<0,001). There was a significant decrease in the content of AGP on days 3, 7, 10 and 30 (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The corrective effect of Gly-His-Lys-D-Ala peptide on the phagocytic activity of granulocytes and the processes of lipid peroxidation in infected skin wounds was established.
On the way to Fedor Karpov’s archive: Traces in the Chudov monastery?
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Bulanin Dmitrii M.
Published: September 2021

Only a small portion of the work written by Fedor Karpov, a diplomat and publicist who worked under the Grand Prince Vasili III, has been preserved. A detailed assessment of his literary activity is additionally complicated by the fact that Karpov’s writings were mainly extracted from the so-called formulaire collection. There, the researcher has to rely primarily on the literary context in order to get an idea of the aesthetic, ideological and political position of the writer, whose works were included into the formulaire collection. As far as Karpov is concerned, he was related primarily with the scribes from the Joseph-Volokolamsk monastery. The author of the article tries to demonstrate the significance of the Chudov monastery in the activity of the writer and diplomat, especially in the fate of Karpov’s works. It is shown in the article that the replicas of the works by Fedor Karpov in the book writing activity of the Kremlin monastery can be traced throughout the 16th century: up until 1525 Karpov was in regular correspondence with Maxim the Greek who lived in Chudov, his Panegyric to Vasili III was reflected in The Book of Degrees, which has been compiled many times and edited in the same monastery.
Verbs meaning ‘know’ in Old Church Slavonic and Old Russian writing: Distributive, quantitative and semantic properties
Authors:   Kazan Federal University, Zholobov Oleg F. , Baranov Victor A. ,   Izhevsk State Technical University
Published: September 2021

The article presents the first attempt of a distributive and quantitative analysis of the lexico-semantic series in the Old Russian language based on three multi-genre subcorpora of the historical corpus “Manuscript” (manuscripts.ru): lists of the Gospels, menaia, and chronicles. The authors made a correlation between the software processing of the diachronic corpus of data and their historical and linguistic status. The semantic relations between the verbs with the general meaning ‘know’ in the Old Russian language are considered: věděti, vdati, znati. Their substitution in the modern Russian standard by only the verb znat’ raises the question about this lexical group’s evolutionary dynamics. The authors established that the entire series belongs to the original lexical system, although the verb vědati was not found in Old Slavonic manuscripts and became widespread in Old Russian sources, both colloquial and literary. The analysis proves that the verb vědati in the Old Russian written sources acts as a substitute for the athematic verb věděti. The revealed quantitative bigram-indicators made it possible to establish contrasting collocations with the verbs věděti and vědati, on the one hand, and with the verb znati, on the other. Among the collocates of the verb znati, there were neither abstract nouns nor collocates that attach propositions. Distributive areas of the synonymy distribution in the verb row were found, which reflected the start of diachronic competition in the chain of lexemes. As a method for assessing the proximity of the bigrams’ components (analyzed verbs and their collocates), the authors used the statistical measure T-score and the r-Pearson correlation coefficient to determine the distribution’s degree series mutual correspondence.
About Old Russian lexicography (new information about the 17th century lexicographer David Zamaray)
Authors:   Institute for Linguistic Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Levichkin Alexander N.
Published: September 2021

The article is devoted to several dictionary monuments related to the Azbukovnik genre, which arose and developed in Old Russian lexicography in the 17th century. Several manuscripts of these monuments, judging by the handwriting, are related to the lexicographer David Zamaray who was the head of the Moscow Printing House in the early 17th century. The characteristic handwriting of David Zamaray, with which the manuscripts with his author’s notes were written, is found in the manuscripts of the National Library of Russia (RNL), Solovetskoye sobr., No. 302/322, RNB, Sophijskoe sobr., No. 1567. Also, presumably Zamaray can be attributed to the list of manuscripts of the Russian State Library (RSL), collection S.O.Dolgova, No. 45. Manuscripts of the National Library of Russia, Solovetskoye collection, No. 302/322 and RSL, collection S.O.Dolgova, No. 45 refer to the little-studied period of the formation of the Azbukovnik genre. The first manuscript, organized alphabetically and partly by thematic organization of the vocabulary material, probably served as a reference for David Zamaray in his work on other dictionaries. The second manuscript is part of the lexicographic tradition of the early alphabet books, in which manuscripts of two editions are distinguished. The RNL manuscript, Sophia collection, No. 1567 is a manuscript of a separate edition of the Sixth Azbukovnik described in the article in comparison with other lexicographic monuments.
Local Government Staff Performance Management in Tanzania: Experience of Open Performance Review and Appraisal System (OPRAS) in Kinondoni Municipal Council
Authors:   Department of Social Studies, The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy- Karume Campus, Mtasigazya Paul
Published: September 2021

The article presents a study that examined the effectiveness of the implementation of OPRAS on local government staff performance in the Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) in Tanzania. The study adopted a case study research design and used questionnaires, in-depth interview and documentary review in data collection. The Sample size was 100 respondents selected through purposive sampling and the content analysis and cross tabulation methods were used in data analysis. The major study findings indicate that there was a weak implementation of OPRAS because there was no communication of the needs for OPRAS to employees, provision of OPRAS related training, and motivations to public servants were inadequately addressed. Furthermore, in local government authorities (LGAs) particularly KMC, there has been very little concern, demonstrated by inadequate funds and mechanisms put in place that ensure its implementation is effective and sustainable. In regard to this, the findings demonstrated an absence of viable efforts in terms of plans and strategies set to establish an effective and sustainable implementation of OPRAS in the KMC. The financial constrains caused by the absence of a specific budget for OPRAS implementation, laxity of the management in monitoring the implementation of OPRAS in the KMC, as well as inadequate funds disbursed by the central government to KMC are the major factors restraining the effective implementation of OPRAS in the KMC. It is therefore concluded that there is a need for the government to strictly adhere to the processes required in the implementation of OPRAS, such as communicating the need for OPRAS to public servants and setting adequate funds for OPRAS to be conducted.
RELIABILITY, VALIDITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF THE TURKISH VERSION OF THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE FOR ADOLESCENTS
Authors: AYGUN POLAT Elif , ATALAY GÜZEL Nevin , KAFA Nihan
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The small number of Turkish versions of questionnaires assess the level of physical activity of adolescents creates a need for a valid, reliable, inexpensive and practical questionnaire for large-scale studies. This study aimed to investigate the validity, reliability, and cross-cultural adaptation of the Turkish version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A).

Methods: The 150 adolescent students between the ages of 14 and 18 years (age=15.67±0.83 years) were included in the study. Test-retest and internal consistency analyses were performed to evaluate reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) method. Total step counts were recorded for one week using an electronic pedometer to assess the questionnaire's convergent validity. The relationship between total score obtained from PAQ-A and total step counts recorded by the pedometer

Results: Cronbach's alpha value was found to be 0.86 for the entire questionnaire, indicating a questionnaire's high internal consistency. The ICC values for test-retest reliability were found to be within the range of 0.71 to 0.99, indicating that test-retest results were highly correlated. There was a moderate, positive and statistically significant (r=0.527, p
DEVELOPMENT OF PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH KNOWLEDGE QUIZ IN TURKISH PEOPLE: VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY
Authors: AL'DEGES Wala'a , TOPRAK ÇELENAY Şeyda
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Although pelvic floor problems are a wide and important issue, the tools that question individuals’ knowledge level related to these problems are not comprehensive and sufficient. This study aimed to develop a Pelvic Floor Health Knowledge Quiz (PFHKQ) and to determine its validity and reliability. Methods: A 37-item quiz was prepared to comprehensively measure the participants' knowledge of pelvic floor health and administered in 370 participants. Face validity, content validity, construct validity and known-group validity were analyzed. The Person Separation Index (PSI) and the Kuder-Richardson-20 (KR-20) coefficient values were calculated for reliability. Results: The face validity analysis showed that all items of the test were quite understandable (range 83.02%-98.11%). According to the Rasch model, a knowledge quiz with three subscales (function/dysfunction; risk/etiology; diagnosis and treatment) and 29 items were defined. Individuals who were health professionals or students in the health field had more knowledge based on the scores they received from the PFHKQ compared to the other participants (p < 0.05). There were differences between the participants' knowledge scores in terms of previously having heard of any pelvic floor problems and pelvic floor exercises (PFE) (p < 0.05). It was found that the PSI and the KR-20 values were 0.892 and 0.890 for the function/dysfunction subscale, 0.938 and 0.920 for the risk/etiology subscale, 0.912 and 0.924 for the diagnosis and treatment subscale, and 0.952 and 0.926 for the PFHKQ total score, respectively. Conclusion: The PFHKQ was found to be a valid and reliable tool in the Turkish people.
INVESTIGATION OF ACADEMICIANS AND STUDENTS' PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDES FOR DISTANCE PHYSIOTHERAPY AND REHABILITATION EDUCATION IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: BAYRAK Gökhan , ŞAVKIN Raziye , BÜKER Nihal
Published: September 2021

Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions and instructors tried to continue without disruption through distance education (DE) instead of canceling their lectures. This study aims to investigate of academicians and students' perception and attitudes for distance physiotherapy and rehabilitation education in COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was conducted at School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation between May to June 2020. Study information were given to 22 academicians be assigned in distance education and Distance Education Perceptions Scale questionnaires were filled. Web Based Instruction Attitude Scale online survey link was sent to through students' class WhatsApp groups to all of the 620 undergraduate students. Results: Academicians' perception of DE were at moderate level, most of the academicians stated that students don’t have the opportunity to think analytically in DE, the quality of education does not increase and learning outcomes are not equivalent to traditional education. More than half of the students stated that DE could be an alternative solution to the "education problem". However, they found the DE boring due to technical problems and did not feel belonging to the university they were enrolled. Conclusion: Although DE is seen as an alternative solution in terms of continuing educational activities during the pandemic process, attitudes towards DE create uncertainty for both academicians and students. This may be due to the fact that physiotherapy education has practical course contents. The quality of DE can be increased by making the use of technology more user-friendly and by providing basic technical training for users.
Assessment of Combination Approaches of Phytoconstituents with Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sartaj Ali , Baboota Sanjula , Ali Javed
Published: September 2021

Objective:

Available conventional therapies are commonly used for the treatment of breast cancer,
such as surgical procedures, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These therapies can be
either given alone or in combination with other therapies. Various side effects associated with chemotherapies,
including toxicity and multidrug resistance, have limited the use of chemotherapy, thus making it less effective
than the above mentioned therapies. This review focus has been summarised as the application of anticancer
with phytoconstituents that could be a promising and effective treatment strategy for breast cancer treatment.

Methods:

This review is designed on relevant literature that was screened on the basis of in-scope criteria in the
title, abstract, and keywords of the searched articles. The available literature was searched on PubMed,
ScienceDirect, MedlinePlus, and Google scholar up to May 2021. A total of 47 articles were selected out of 168
articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results:

The major limitations accompanying available conventional treatment, mainly chemotherapy, include
low bioavailability at the specific site of tumor cells, the occurrence of multidrug resistance, and high doserelated
side effects. The phytoconstituents possessing anticancer properties and, when used in combination with
chemotherapeutic agents, impart promising and potential therapeutic value. Many in vitro and in vivo studies
showed that phytoconstituents could enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer treatment.

Conclusion:

The combination approaches of phytoconstituents with chemotherapeutic drugs provide less
toxicity to normal cells, reduce side effects, and overcome multidrug resistance, thus making the combination
approaches an effective strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.
A Review: Discovering 1,3,4-oxadiazole and Chalcone Nucleus for Cytotoxicity
/ EGFR Inhibitory Anticancer Activity
Authors: Patil Shital , Bhandari Shashikant
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Cancer is reported to be one of the most life-threatening diseases. Major limitations
of currently used anticancer agents are drug resistance, very small therapeutic index, and severe,
multiple side effects.

Objective:

The current scenario necessitates developing new anticancer agents, acting on novel targets
for effectively controlling cancer. The epidermal growth factor receptor is one such target, which is
being explored for 1,3,4-oxadiazole and chalcone nuclei.

Method:

Findings of different researchers working on these scaffolds have been reviewed and analyzed,
and the outcomes were summarized. This review focuses on Structure-Activity Relationship
studies (SARs) and computational studies of various 1,3,4-oxadiazole and chalcone hybrids/
derivatives reported as cytotoxic/EGFR-TK inhibitory anticancer activity.

Result and Conclusion:

1,3,4-oxadiazole and chalcone hybrids/derivatives with varied substitutions
are found to be effective pharmacophores in obtaining potent anticancer activity. Having done a thorough
literature survey, we conclude that this review will surely provide firm and better insights to the
researchers to design and develop potent hybrids/derivatives that inhibit EGFR.
Pharmacological Actions and Underlying Mechanisms of Catechin: A Review
Authors: Baranwal Aadrika , Aggarwal Punita , Rai Amita , Kumar Nitesh
Published: September 2021

Background:

Catechin is a phytochemical and is a major component of our daily use beverages, which has shown great potential in improving general health and fighting against several medical conditions. Clinical studies have confirmed its effectiveness in conditions ranging from acute upper respiratory tract infection, neuroprotection, to cardio-protection effects. Though most studies relate their potential to anti-oxidative action and radical scavenging action, still the mechanism of action is not clearly understood.

Objective:

The present review article is focused on addressing various pharmacological actions and underlying mechanisms of catechin. Additionally, we will try to figure out the major adverse effect and success in trials with catechin and lead to a conclusion for its effectiveness.

Methods:

This review article is based on the recent/ most cited papers of PubMed and Scopus databases.

Description:

Catechin can regulate Nrf2 and NFkB pathways in ways that impact oxidative stress and inflammation by influencing gene expression. Other pathways like MAPKs and COMT and receptor tyrosine kinase are also affected by catechin and EGCG that alter their action and barge the cellular activity. This review article explored the structural aspect of catechin and its different isomers and analogs. It also evaluated its various therapeutic and pharmacological arrays.

Conclusion:

Catechin and its stereo-isomers have shown their effectiveness as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-neuroprotective, bactericidal, memory enhancer, anti-arthritis, and hepato-protective mainly through its activity to alter the pathway by NF-κB, Nrf-2, TLR4/NF-κB, COMT, and MAPKs.
Enhanced Mefenamic Acid Release from Poloxamer-Silicon Dioxide Gel
Filled in Hard Gelatin Capsules - An Application of Liquid Semisolid Matrix
Technology for Insoluble Drug
Authors: Sultana Misbah , Sultana Safia , Hussain Khalid , Saeed Tariq , Butt Mobashar Ahmad , Raza Syed Atif , Mahmood Rizwan , Hassan Saeed , Anwer Ubaid Ullah , Bukhari Nadeem Irfan
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Liquid Semisolid Matrix (LSSM) technology involves the filling of drugmixed
gel in hard gelatin capsules for different applications.

Methods:

In continuation of our previous work on LSSM technology, 10% (w/w) of practically insoluble
model drug, mefenamic acid was incorporated in gels of different poloxamers with 8%
(w/w) SiO2.

Results:

Gels exhibited plasticity or pseudoplasticity along thixotropy at 2 and 24 h enabling their
easy filling into hard gelatin capsules without content seepage. Mefenamic acid gels prepared with
L64 and L92 maintained their apparent viscosities for the study period of one month. Around
100% mefenamic acid was released within 90 min from L64- and in 150 min from L92-SiO2 gels,
both with first-order kinetics. In 12 month long-term stability studies, only mefenamic acid-L64-
SiO gel at 30°C/65% RH indicated dispersion stability with similar rheology and release pattern to
that at 2, 24 and 30 days. No chemical drug-polymer interactions were found in FTIR.

Conclusion:

The release of practically insoluble mefenamic acid could be enhanced from gel formulated
with L64 and SiO2.
Dual Monoamine Oxidase and Cholinesterase Inhibitors with Different Heterocyclic Scaffolds
Authors: Gulcan Hayrettin O. , Orhan Ilkay E.
Published: September 2021

For the last two decades, there has been research interest on the design of molecules possessing
dual inhibitory potential on cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase enzymes, particularly for
the treatment of two major neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson’s
disease (PD). Many compounds have been synthesized for this purpose, and some of them have been
shown to display activities comparable or superior to the activities of current drugs used for the
treatment of AD and PD. Within the concept of this review study, we have aimed to present the current
drugs used for the treatment of AD and PD, their mechanism of action, the discussion behind the
theory of designing dual inhibitor agents, and the presentation of the most active compounds with
diverse heterocyclic scaffolds displayed in research studies published in the recent period.
Skin Involvement in Paediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Passanisi Stefano , Salzano Giuseppina , Lombardo Fortunato
Published: September 2021

Skin involvement is an overlooked aspect in the management of paediatric patients with
type 1 diabetes. A comprehensive search of published literature using the PubMed database was
carried out using the following key terms: “children,” “pediatric/paediatric patients,” “skin,” “skin
disorders,” “type 1 diabetes.” Dermatological side effects are frequently observed among diabetic
children and adolescents. Insulin-induced lipodystrophies and allergic contact dermatitis caused by
insulin pumps or glycaemic sensors are the most common skin reactions in these patients. Furthermore,
several diabetes-associated skin diseases such as necrobiosis lipoidica, granuloma annulare,
vitiligo, and bullosis diabeticorum may already be present in paediatric patients. Paediatric diabetes
specialists should pay attention to their patients’ skin to recognize these disorders, identify the potential
causes, and choose the most suitable treatment. Finally, the evaluation of skin concentrations
of advanced glycation end-products using non-invasive diagnostic techniques may be used to
assess the risk of chronic complications of diabetes as early as adolescence.
Breaking the Silence of Tumor Response: Future Prospects of Targeted Radionuclide
Therapy
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Pareri Aanchal Udaynath , Koijam Arunkumar Singh
Published: September 2021

Therapy-induced tumor resistance has always been a paramount hurdle in the clinical triumph of cancer
therapy. Resistance acquired by tumor through interventions of chemotherapeutic drugs, ionizing radiation, and
immunotherapy in the patients is a severe drawback and major cause of recurrence of tumor and failure of therapeutic
responses. To counter acquired resistance in tumor cells, several strategies are practiced such as chemotherapy
regimens, immunotherapy and immunoconjugates, but the outcome is very disappointing for the patients as well as
clinicians.
Radionuclide therapy using alpha or beta-emitting radionuclide as payload becoming a popular practice for cancer
therapy. With the improvement in dosimetric studies, development of high-affinity target molecules and design of
several novel chelating agents which provide thermodynamically stable complexes in vivo, the scope of radionuclide
therapy has increased by leaps and bounds. Additionally, radionuclide therapy along with the combination of
chemotherapy is gaining importance in pre-clinics, which is quite encouraging. Thus, it opens an avenue for newer
cancer therapy modalities where chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are unable to break the silence
of tumor response. This article describes, in brief, the causes of tumor resistance and discusses the potential of
radionuclide therapy to enhance tumor response.
Neuroprotective Role of the B Vitamins in the Modulation of the Central
Glutamatergic Neurotransmission
Authors: Huang Shu-Kuei , Lu Cheng-Wei , Lin Tzu-Yu , Wang Su-Jane
Published: September 2021

Background:

Regulation of glutamate release is crucial for maintaining normal brain
function, but excess glutamate release is implicated in many neuropathological conditions. Therefore,
the minimum glutamate release from presynaptic nerve terminals is an important neuroprotective
mechanism.

Objective:

In this mini-review, we analyze the three B vitamins, namely vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin
B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), that affect the 4-aminopyridine (4-
AP)-evoked glutamate release from presynaptic nerve terminal in rat and discuss their neuroprotective
role.

Methods:

In this study, the measurements include glutamate release, DiSC3(5), and Fura-2.

Results:

The riboflavin, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin produced significant inhibitory effects on
4-aminopyridine-evoked glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes)
in a dose-dependent relationship. These presynaptic inhibitory actions of glutamate release are attributed
to inhibition of physiologic Ca2+-dependent vesicular exocytosis but not Ca2+-independent
nonvesicular release. These effects also did not affect membrane excitability, while diminished cytosolic
(Ca2+)c through a reduction of direct Ca2+ influx via Cav2.2 (N-type) and Cav2.1 (P/Q-type)
Ca2+ channels, rather than through indirect Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release from ryanodine-sensitive intracellular
stores. Furthermore, their effects were attenuated by GF109203X and Ro318220, two protein
kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, suggesting suppression of PKC activity. Taken together, these results
suggest that riboflavin, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin inhibit presynaptic vesicular glutamate
release from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes, through the depression Ca2+ influx via voltage-
dependent Cav2.2 (N-type) and Cav2.1 (P/Q-type) Ca2+ channels, and PKC signaling cascade.

Conclusion:

Therefore, these B vitamins may reduce the strength of glutamatergic synaptic transmission
and is of considerable importance as potential targets for therapeutic agents in glutamate-
induced excitation-related diseases.
The Challenges of Biomedical Waste Management During the Ongoing
Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) Pandemic: The Current Scenario
Authors: Vadakedath Sabitha , Kandi Venkataramana , Suvvari Tarun Kumar , Kutikuppala Lakshmi Venkata Simhachalam , Godishala Vikram , Shahapur Praveen R.
Published: September 2021

:

The novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that has emerged and spread throughout the world
causing CoV disease-19 (COVID-19) has since its discovery affected not only humans and animals but
also the environment. Because of the highly infectious nature of the virus, and the respiratory aerosol
transmission route, face masks and personal protective equipment have become mandatory for public
and healthcare workers, respectively. Also, the complex nature of the pathogenicity of the virus, wherein,
it has been associated with mild, moderate, and severe life-threatening infections, has warranted increased
laboratory testing and placing the infected people in isolation and under constant observation in
quarantine centers or at dedicated hospitals. Some infected people, who are generally healthy, and do
not show symptoms have been placed in home quarantines. At this juncture, there has been increased
amount of Biomedical Waste (BMW), and infectious general waste along with plastic disposable recyclable
and non-recyclable waste. The increased BMW along with the potentially hazardous plastic
waste collection, segregation, transport, and disposal has assumed increased significance during the
ongoing pandemic. Therefore, this review attempts to investigate the current scenario of BMW management
and strategies to minimize BMW and prevent potential environmental pollution.
Direct-acting Antivirals Inducing HCV-RNA Sustained Suppression
Improve Xerophthalmia in HCV-infected Patients
Authors: Gallelli Luca , Caroleo Benedetto , Colangelo Lidia , Donato Maria , Balestrieri Marco , Soda Mauro , Palleria Caterina , Sambataro Gianluca , Cosentino Sonia , Muraca Lucia , Alcaro Teresa , Scorcia Vincenzo , De Sarro Giovambattista
Published: September 2021

Background:

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection represents a global problem, and it is
related to both hepatic and extra-hepatic manifestations (e.g., xerophthalmia). New direct-acting antivirals
(DAAs), IFN-free treatments, are commonly used to manage HCV infection. However, the
impact of new DAAs on dry eyes (xerophthalmia) is lacking. In this study, we evaluated its incidence
in HCV patients and the effect of DAAs on this manifestation.

Methods:

We performed an observational open-label non-randomized study in HCV patients from
01 April 2018 to 01 June 2020.

Results :

Patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation,
Schirmer's test, and Break-up time test. Enrolled patients were divided in two groups: Group 1:
HCV patients with xerophthalmia: 24 patients (16 male and 8 female), HCV-RNA 2,685,813 ±
1,145,698; Group 2: HCV patients without xerophthalmia: 35 patients (19 male and 16 female),
HCV-RNA 2,614,757 ± 2,820,433. The follow-ups (3 and 6 months after the enrollment) documented
an improvement in both eyes’ manifestations and HCV-infection (HCV-RNA undetected).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, in this study, we reported that xerophthalmia could appear in HCV patients,
and DAAs treatment reduces this manifestation without the development of adverse drug reactions.
Psychosocial and Behavioral Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Indian Population: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Joshi Megha , Shah Aangi , Trivedi Bhavi , Trivedi Jaahnavee , Patel Viral , Parghi Devam , Thakkar Manini , Barot Kanan , Jadawala Vivek
Published: September 2021

Background

During the year 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic spread from China to the rest of the world, which prompted the world to implement a widespread mandated quarantine or social isolation. The impending uncertainty of the pandemic must have resulted in a variety of widespread mental health maladies. There has been documentation in the literature about a lot of these in small populations of the world but limited studies have been conducted in India, leading to limited evidence in the literature.

Objective

The main objective of our study is to investigate the mental health effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the general population in India both quantitatively and qualitatively. These results will help contribute to reducing the knowledge gap that is recognized in the literature, which is the result of the unprecedented and novel nature of the pandemic.

Methods

We designed and validated our own questionnaire and used the method of circulating the questionnaire via WhatsApp (Facebook Inc). WhatsApp is a social media app that is very popularly used in India; hence, it turned out to be an effective medium for gathering pilot data. We analyzed the pilot data and used them to validate the questionnaire. This was done with the expertise of our mentor, Nilima Shah, MD (psychiatry). We gathered pilot data on 545 subjects and used the results to determine the changes that were needed for the questionnaire while simultaneously validating the questionnaire.

Results

The study protocol was approved in September 2020 by the institutional review board at Vadilal Sarabhai General Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Conclusions

The following preliminary assumptions can be made about the study based on the pilot data: the majority of the survey respondents were male (289/545, 53%), most of them were educated and employed as health care workers (199/545, 36.5%). The majority of the responders were self-employed (185/545, 33.9%), single (297/545, 54.5%), and stayed with their families (427/541, 79%) for the lockdown, which helped them psychologically. Findings that are specific to mental health have been elaborated upon in the manuscript. It is evident from the data collected in previous literature that the pandemic has had significant detrimental effects on the mental health of a vast proportion of the Indian population.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/29896
Evaluating the Efficacy of Automated Smoking Treatment for People With HIV: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vidrine Damon J , Bui Thanh C , Businelle Michael S , Shih Ya-Chen Tina , Sutton Steven K , Shahani Lokesh , Hoover Diana Stewart , Bowles Kristina , Vidrine Jennifer I
Published: September 2021

Background

Smoking prevalence rates among people with HIV are nearly 3 times higher than those in the general population. Nevertheless, few smoking cessation trials targeting smokers with HIV have been reported in the literature. Efforts to develop and evaluate sustainable, low-cost, and evidence-based cessation interventions for people with HIV are needed. Given the widespread proliferation of mobile phones, the potential of using mobile health apps to improve the reach and efficacy of cessation interventions is promising, but evidence of efficacy is lacking, particularly among people with HIV.

Objective

This study will consist of a 2-group randomized controlled trial to evaluate a fully automated smartphone intervention for people with HIV seeking cessation treatment.

Methods

Participants (N=500) will be randomized to receive either standard treatment (ST; 250/500, 50%) or automated treatment (AT; 250/500, 50%). ST participants will be connected to the Florida Quitline and will receive nicotine replacement therapy in the form of transdermal patches and lozenges. This approach, referred to as Ask Advise Connect, was developed by our team and has been implemented in numerous health systems. ST will be compared with AT, a fully automated behavioral treatment approach. AT participants will receive nicotine replacement therapy and an interactive smartphone-based intervention that comprises individually tailored audiovisual and text content. The major goal is to determine whether AT performs better in terms of facilitating long-term smoking abstinence than the more resource-intensive ST approach. Our primary aim is to evaluate the efficacy of AT in facilitating smoking cessation among people with HIV. As a secondary aim, we will explore potential mediators and moderators and conduct economic evaluations to assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of AT compared with ST.

Results

The intervention content has been developed and finalized. Recruitment and enrollment will begin in the fall of 2021.

Conclusions

There is a critical need for efficacious, cost-effective, and sustainable cessation treatments for people with HIV who smoke. The AT intervention was designed to help fill this need. If efficacy is established, the AT approach will be readily adoptable by HIV clinics and community-based organizations, and it will offer an efficient way to allocate limited public health resources to tobacco control interventions.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05014282; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05014282

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/33183
Concordance and accuracy Of Teledermatology using mobile phones in the outpatient clinic Of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center: A Cross-sectional study (Preprint)
Authors: Preclaro Ivan Arni Caballero , Gulmatico-Flores Zharlah , Tianco Elizabeth Amelia Velasco
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Dermatologists rely on visual findings, thus teledermatology is uniquely compatible to provide dermatologic care. The use of mobile phones in a store-and-forward approach, where gathered data is sent to a distant health provider for later review, may be a potential bridge to seek dermatologic care.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the agreement between face-to-face consult and teledermatologic consult through the store-and-forward approach using mobile phone, and its accuracy compared to histopathologic diagnosis.

METHODS

The study design is a cross-sectional study of participants consecutively recruited from dermatology patients who presented with skin or mucosal complaint and without prior dermatologist consultation. Photographs were taken using a standard phone (iPhone 6s plus) and a 4-mm skin punch biopsy was taken on each patient, the gold standard to which the study result was compared to. The photographs were sent to three consultant dermatologists using a store-and-forward approach, for independent diagnosis and treatment plan.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients were included, with a median age of 41 years old. There was moderate to almost perfect agreement in terms of final diagnosis between face to face dermatologic diagnosis and teledermatologic diagnoses. The third teledermatologist had the highest agreement with the clinical dermatologist in terms of final diagnosis (kappa = 0.84; p <.001). Between the three dermatologists, there was moderate to almost perfect agreement as well. Agreement between pairs of teledermatologists ranges from 0.45 to 0.84. The three teledermatologists had moderate to substantial agreement with the biopsy results, with the third teledermatologist having the highest accuracy (kappa = 0.77; p < .001). Overall, there was a moderate agreement in the diagnosis of patients across raters.

CONCLUSIONS

Teledermatology is a viable alternative to face-to-face consultations. Our results show moderate to substantial agreement in diagnoses from face-to-face consultation and store-and-forward teledermatology.