bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived facilitators and barriers to chronic disease management in primary care networks: a qualitative study
Authors: Foo Chuan De , Surendran Shilpa , Tam Chen Hee , Ho Elaine Qiao Ying , Matchar David Bruce , Car Josip , Koh Gerald Choon Huat
Published: September 2020

Background: The increasing chronic disease burden in developed countries has placed tremendous strain on tertiary healthcare infrastructure and resources. Therefore, there is an urgent need to shift chronic disease management from tertiary to primary care providers to mitigate the increase in demand for chronic care at hospitals. The organization of private general practitioners (GPs) into Primary Care Networks (PCNs) is a pragmatic move by Singapore, a developed and multi-ethnic urban city, to provide private GPs with team-based care capabilities and a platform to track care indicators for better management of chronic patients. As the PCN initiative is still in its embryonic stages, there is a void in research regarding its ability to empower private GPs to manage chronic patients effectively. This qualitative study aims to explore the facilitators and barriers for the management of chronic patients by private GPs in the PCN. Method: We conducted 30 semi-structured in-depth interviews with GPs enrolled in a PCN. Qualitative analysis of audio transcripts was performed to generate themes which highlighted the facilitators and barriers faced by PCN in the early stages of its development. Results: Our results suggest that PCNs facilitated private GPs to more effectively manage chronic patients through 1) provision of ancillary services such as diabetic foot screening, diabetic retinal photography and nurse counselling to permit a “one-stop-shop”, 2) systematic monitoring of process and clinical outcome indicators through a chronic disease registry (CDR) to promote accountability for patients’ health outcomes and 3) funding streams for PCNs to hire additional manpower to oversee operations and to reimburse GPs for extended consultations. Barriers include high administrative load in maintaining the CDR due to the lack of a smart electronic clinic management system and financial gradient faced by patients seeking services from private GPs which incur higher out-of-pocket expenses than public primary healthcare institutions.Conclusion: PCNs demonstrate great promise in empowering and motivating private GPs to manage chronic patients. However, barriers will need to be addressed to ensure the quality and comprehensiveness of PCNs in managing more chronic patients in the face of an ageing population.
Health related QoL in Celiac Disease patients in Slovenia
Authors: Turk Eva , Micetic-Turk Dusanka , Šikić-Pogačar Maja , Tapajner Alojz , Vlaisavljević Veljko , Rupel Valentina Prevolnik
Published: September 2020

Background: Measurements of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among celiac disease patients using a validated questionnaire have been lacking in Slovenia. This study aims to measure HRQoL in celiac disease (CD) patients using EQ-5D internationally validated questionnaire and comparing it to the HRQoL of the general population. Methods: In this cross sectional analysis all of the approximately 2,000 members of the Slovenian Celiac Society were invited to take part. We used a 3 step approach for recruitment and data collection. HRQoL was evaluated through the EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L instrument (Slovenian version) and analysed using the ordinal logistic regression. Results: Out of 321 patients who gave their consent, 247 celiac patients were included in the study (77%). 68% of the participants were female and 53% of them lived in an urban setting. Most patients originated from North-East Slovenia, whereas approximately 30% of patients came from other Slovenian regions. The EQ-5D respondents’ self-reported health status at the time of the study show that most patients have slight or no problems when living with CD. The duration of the gluten-free diet, academic education and rare (<1x year) doctor visits affect EQ-5D in a positive way. On the other hand, higher age and chronic rheumatic disease were negatively associated with EQ-5D also when compared to the general population. Conclusion: This is the first Slovenian study to measure the HRQoL of Slovenian CD patients, using an internationally validated questionnaire. The results of our study show that HRQoL is slightly impaired among Slovenian patients with CD. Clinical characteristics are better determinants of their HRQoL than socio-demographic factors. Greater awareness of the impact of CD on patients’ HRQoL would improve the holistic management of CD patients.
Mixed type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: diagnosis, surgical approach and outcomes
Authors: Xiang Ming , Wu Chun , Pan Zhengxia , Wang Quan , Xi Linyun
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To summarize the diagnosis and treatment of 13 patients with mixed-type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) and propose another classification for mixed TAPVC.

Methods

A retrospective review of 13 patients with mixed TAPVC undergoing repair at a single institution was conducted between January 2010 and November 2019. The diagnosis of mixed-type TAPVC was made in all patients using echocardiography combined with computed tomography angiography. According to the mixed TAPVC anatomy, there were 3 patients with type I TAPVC (2+2 veins), 10 patients with type II TAPVC (3+1 veins) and no patients with type III TAPVC. Correspondingly, there was 1 patient with the “SVC+VV” subtype, 2 patients with the “CS+C” subtype, 8 patients with the “CS+VV” subtype, 1 patient with the “CS+SVC” subtype and 1 patient with the “RA+SVC” subtype according to our classification system. All patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Results

The median weight at surgery was 4.6±1.0 kg (3.4-7.3 kg), and the median age at surgery was 96.2±81.2 days (10-242 days). The median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 132.7±25.1 minutes (range, 100 to 190 min). The cross-clamping time was 69.2±14.4 minutes (range, 45 to 88 min). The hospital mortality rate was 7.7% (1 of 13), with late mortality occurring in 1 patient because of pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) 7 months after surgery. The average follow-up after surgery was 3.4 ± 2.2 years (range, 5 months to 8 years). The survival rates at 3 and 5 years were both 90.9% ± 8.7% (95% CI: 73.8%-108%). All remaining surviving patients were asymptomatic.

Conclusion

Mixed TAPVC can be repaired with good results in children and can be correctly diagnosed with echocardiography combined with computed tomography angiography. The classification system we propose is pragmatic and can guide the surgical approach.
Time trends in the regional distribution of physicians, nurses and midwives in Europe
Authors: Winkelmann Juliane , Muench Ulrike , Maier Claudia B.
Published: September 2020

Background. Country-level data suggest large differences in the supply of health professionals among European countries. However, little is know about the regional supply of health professionals taking a cross-country comparative perspective. The aim of the study was to analyse the regional distribution of physicians, nurses and midwives in the highest and lowest density regions in Europe and examine time trends.Methods. We used Eurostat data and descriptive statistics to assess the density of physicians, nurses and midwives at national and regional levels (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) 2 regions) for 2017 and time trends (2005-2017). To ensure cross-country comparability we applied a set of criteria (working status, availability over time, geographic availability, source). This resulted in 145 European Union (EU) countries and Switzerland being available for the physician analysis and eight countries for the nurses and midwives analysis. Density rates per population were analysed at national and NUTS 2 level, of which regions with the highest and lowest density of physicians, nurses and midwives were identified. We examined changes over time in regional distributions, using percentage change and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).Results. There was a 2.4-fold difference in the physician density between the highest and lowest density countries (Austria national average: 513, Poland 241.6 per 100,000) and a 3.5-fold difference among nurses (Denmark: 1702.5, Bulgaria: 483.0). Differences by regions across Europe were higher than cross-country variations and varied up to 5.5-fold for physicians and 4.5-fold for nurses/midwives and did not improve over time. Capitals and/or major cities in all countries showed a markedly higher supply of physicians than more sparsely populated regions while the density of nurses and midwives tendeds to be higher in more sparsely populated areas. Over time, physician rates increased faster than density levels of nurses and midwives.Conclusions. The study shows for the first time theThe large variation in health workforce supply at regional levels and time trends by professions across the European region. This highlights the importance for countries to routinely collect data at in sub-national geographic areas in order for workforce planners, employers, educators and others to develop integrated health workforce policies and initiatives that may impact supply offor health professionals at regional levels.
Nutritional, phytoconstituents, and free radical scavenging potentials of Cola lepidota K. Schum. and Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill. leaves
Authors: Bob-Chile Agada Adaeze , Amadi Peter Uchenna
Published: September 2020

This study was carried out to determine the essential oil components, protein qualities, fatty acid composition, and free radical scavenging potentials of leaves of Cola lepidota K. Schum. (Malvaceae) and Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill. (Irvingiaceae) using chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. Thirty five bioactive components were isolated from C. lepidota leaves with myrcene, phytol, ephedrine, hexadecanoic acid, and 1,14-tetradecanediol as the main compounds while phytol, 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 5-(hydroxymethyl)-, 1-hexadecyne, carotene, and humulene were the predominant components of the I. gabonensis leaves. Leucine and arginine were the predominant essential amino acids, whereas glutamic acid and serine were the main non-essential amino acids in both leaves. The total amino acid (TAA) (70.92 g/100g), total non-essential amino acid (TNEAA) (45.87 g/100 g), and total acidic amino acid (TAAA) (23.01 g/100 g) of C. lepidota were high whereas I. gabonensis recorded higher Total essential amino acid (TEAA) (28.98 g/100 g), total aromatic amino acid (TArAA) (7.21 g/100 g), total branched chain amino acid (TBCAA) (14.28 g/100g), predicted protein efficiency ratios (P-PERs), and essential amino acid index (EAAI). C. lepidota contained 55.72% of unsaturated fatty acids, with predominance of linolenic and linoleic acids, while I. gabonensis produced 74.46% of saturated fatty acids, having myristic, lauric, and palmitic acid as the main compounds. All the radical scavenging potentials of both leaves were concentration dependent and produced higher DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and ABTS radical scavenging potentials than the standards. This study has thus provided the scientific backing for the inclusion of both leaves for dietary and therapeutic purposes.
Pregnant mice submitted to Surgical Embryo Euthanasia (SEE) induce loss of expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase isoform and NO concentration in the maternal-fetal interface
Authors: Fernandes Lidia Jacinta Nunes , Lippe Eliana Mara Oliveira
Published: September 2020

The well-succeeded pregnancy in humans and rodents is the consequence of close interaction between maternal and fetal cells with intervening of cytokines and chemical mediators. In this process a pregnant uterus subset NK cells - uterine Natural Killer cells (uNK cells) play a pivotal modulatory role under the influence of local physiological hypoxia and other alterations. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the expression and commitment of induced form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NO concentration in the homeostasis of pregnant uterus. It was used normal pregnant mice on gd 10th and those submitted to surgical intervention to induce mechanical lesion in the embryos (SEE). Uterine samples were collected at 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 h after embryo lesion and processed for paraffin embedding and tissue homogenate. The samples destinate for paraffin embedding was performed the Dolichos biflorus (DBA) lectin cytochemistry and anti-iNOS immunocytochemistry. The samples destinate to tissue homogenates were processed for SDS-PAGE and Western-blot using anti-iNOS and evaluate of NO concentration. The embryo-injured uterine segments showed hyperemia and hemorrhage at mesometrial region in which the DBA lectin reaction showed altered uNK cells suggesting the degranulation. Positive reaction with anti-iNOS was seen on uNK cells, trophoblast giant cells, endometrial stromal and decidual cells and smooth muscle cells in the normal pregnant uterus, but 1 and 2 h after embryo lesion, the iNOS labeling decreased or was absent only in uNK cells. The same results was obtained with NO concentration. These results confirm the unique constitutive expression of iNOS in the pregnant mice uterus, being the uNK cells the only one responsive against stress of embryo failure, besides showing that excessive NO produced by quick activation of uNK-iNOS should affect the local vascular permeability.
Violence against women as an obstacle to women's productivity in Nigeria: A challenge to recreate contemporary Nigerian society
Authors: Chukwu Christian Chima , Ume Ignatius Sunday
Published: September 2020

Women's lives and their bodies have been the unacknowledged casualties of men for too long. As a result of violence perpetrated against them, their productivity in workplaces have decreased over time. Understanding that productivity improvement is a key objective for industries, the thrust of the study is, therefore, to evaluate, from a sociological perspective, the consequences of violence on women's productivity in contemporary Nigerian society. A sample 595 respondents was selected through the multistage sampling techniques amongst working class women. The questionnaire was subjected to face and content validation by experts from gender and women studies. Chi-square was adopted to test the hypotheses at 0.05 levels of significance. Findings reveal that violence against women disrupts women's lives, destroys their health, undermines their confidence, and takes away their psychological sense of esteem, as well as undermines their full participation in social life. Secondly, the study show that women make several medical visits every year to treat injuries resulting from assaults by spouse thereby limiting the number of hours spent in the office. Essentially, violence against women lessens the woman's inability to work and promote productivity. Based on this, the study concludes that since women represent an important population group in Nigeria, there is an urgent need to address marital violence against them, particularly those in the formal sector of the economy because they make meaningful contributions to the overall labour force and general societal well-being of all and sundry. In view of this, the study recommends, amongst others, that government through state and non-state actions should ensure the strict enforcement of laws that protect women's rights, as well as deter their partners from subjecting them to violence. In addition, educational and religious institutions should re-orientate men to be more accommodating in their relationship with their women partners on the ills associated with marital violence particularly wife abuse, with a view to getting them unlearn such violent behaviours. Finally, there is a need for advocacy and concerted action that will involve the educational, health, civil and religious sectors of the society to evolve sustainable structures that will empower women and provide support to enable victims to react appropriately to violence.
Recent Challenges and Advances in the Sensorless Commutation of Brushless DC Motors
Authors: Soni Umesh K. , Tripathi Ramesh K.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Brushless DC motors are highly efficient motors due to their high torque to
weight ratio, compact design, high speed operating capability and higher power density. Conventional
Hall sensor based rotor position sensing is affected by the heating, vibration, interference and noise.

Objective:

The innovative, cost-effective and easily implementable sensorless techniques are essential
in order to achieve high efficiency, reduced current and reduced torque pulsations. Furthermore,
a delay free, high load fast startup is also an important issue.

Methods:

In this paper, an extensive review of various techniques based on the detection of freewheeling
diode current, phase back EMF zero crossing point detection, back EMF integration method
and third harmonic back EMF was done. The effect of various PWM strategies on back EMF
detection were studied. Later on, the sensorless schemes based on flux linkage estimation and flux
linkage increment were introduced. The load torque observers, unknown input observers, sliding
mode observers, L∞ − induced observers, H∞ − deconvolution filter for back EMF estimation were
also reviewed. As the brushless DC motors have no back EMF at starting and for back EMF based
commutation, minimum speed is required for sufficient back EMF. Therefore various strategies of
an open and close-loop reduced current startup have been studied to achieve effective commutation
without reverse torque. Initial Position Detection (IPD) schemes, which are mostly based on saliency
and current response to inductance variation, are effective where reverse torque is strictly prohibited.
A detailed review of these Initial Position Detection techniques (IPD) has also been presented.

Results:

The detailed mathematical and graphical analysis has been presented here in order to understand
the working of the state-of-the-art sensorless techniques.

Conclusion:

The back EMF detection using direct and indirect methods of terminal voltage filtering
has the problem of delay and attenuation. PWM noise, freewheeling diode spikes and disturbance in
detected back EMFs are also major drawbacks. The problems such as, parameter detuning, underestimation
and overestimation, offset problem, system noise and observer gain variation, etc. limit the
applicability of observer based technique. Therefore, a more robust and precise position estimation
scheme is essential.
Surface Water Purification Using Blended Coagulant’s -A Sustainable Approach
Authors: Saritha Vara , Karnena Manoj Kumar , Dwarapureddi Bhavya Kavitha
Published: September 2020

Background:

Solutions to challenges of access to potable water have been the
focus of many studies around the world, which also is one of the goals of sustainable development.

Objective:

This study attempts to address this issue wherein we tested the efficiency of
blended coagulants in removing pollutants from surface water. Previous studies have reported
and suggested the requirement of blended coagulants that are tailor-made for treating
geographically specific water samples since single coagulants will not be effective in
removing all pollutants.

Methods:

Three coagulants, two natural and one chemical, were blended for the present
study in various ratios. Turbidity removal of the bi and tri-blend coagulants of water samples
with initial turbidity of 70 and 150NTU was above 95% - 100%.

Results:

Removal of Physico-chemical parameters by blended coagulants in surface waters
was up to 48% for electrical conductivity, 80% for total solids, 36% for hardness,
40% for alkalinity and 57% for chlorides. The results are supported with analysis from
SEM images showing adsorbed floc on to coagulant and FTIR spectra presenting the
functional groups responsible for coagulation.

Conclusion:

Hence, it can be concluded that the natural coagulants tested in the present
study are promising solutions for the challenges of water quality.
SARS-CoV-2 and its Predicted Potential Natural Inhibitors: A Review and Perspective
Authors: Samji Priyanka , Rajendran Manoj Kumar , Warrier Vidya P.
Published: September 2020

:

SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus, has caused the pneumonia outbreak in the entire world
and every day, the number of cases is increasing in an exponential manner. Unfortunately, there is no
clinically approved drug or vaccine specific for SARS-CoV-2 to date, and analysis of the current rate of
spread of infection suggests that there is no time to wait for the approval of drugs and vaccine production.
The sequence and phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 has shown that it is very much similar to
SARS/SARS-like coronaviruses and belongs to the betacoronavirus genera and bats are likely to be the
native host of the SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, the SARS-CoV-2 S protein and SARS-CoV S protein
shared an almost identical 3-D structure in the RBD domain and the SARS-CoV-2 S protein was found
to have a significant binding affinity to human ACE2. Further, RdRp and 3CLpro protease of SARSCoV-
2 share over 95% of sequence similarity with those of SARS-CoV. Recently, various molecular
docking studies have been carried out to search for natural compounds that can target S protein, RdRp,
3CLpro, and nsp proteins of SARS-CoV-2. This review is an attempt to give a comprehensive idea of
the different natural products that can be used to target SARS-CoV-2. However, further research is necessary
to investigate the potential uses of these predicted SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in combating the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Sobre algunos mitos y realidades de la ganadería bovina
Authors: Naranjo Ramirez Juan Fernando
Published: September 2020

El auge de la televisión por cable, el advenimiento de Internet y la expansión de las redes sociales han contribuido a que se difundan profusamente mensajes que están afectando en gran manera el sistema agroalimentario al difundir imprecisiones y generar, en algunas esferas, pánico hacia el consumo de productos de origen animal. El imaginario colectivo ha estado cargado de creencias que, en la mayoría de los casos, no tienen suficientes fundamentos y, en muchos otros, tienen un sentido político o intenciones sin sustento técnico ni científico. El objetivo de este documento es presentar elementos de juicio para examinar algunos mitos relacionados con los sistemas de producción bovina con el fin de aportar al debate sobre el consumo de este tipo de carne, que ha tomado fuerza alrededor del mundo.
Feasibility of a Digital Health Intervention to Improve Diet Quality Among Women With High Blood Pressure: Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Steinberg Dori M , Kay Melissa C , Svetkey Laura P , Askew Sandy , Christy Jacob , Burroughs Jasmine , Ahmed Hira , Bennett Gary G
Published: September 2020

Background

Over 100 million individuals have high blood pressure, and more than half of them are women. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern is a proven lifestyle approach to lower blood pressure, yet population-level adherence is poor. Innovative strategies that promote DASH are needed.

Objective

This paper aims to improve adherence to the DASH diet among women with hypertension or prehypertension.

Methods

We conducted a 3-month randomized controlled feasibility trial comparing app-based diet tracking (active comparator) to app-based diet tracking plus feedback on DASH adherence via text message (intervention). The intervention platform extracted nutrient data from the app, compared it to DASH recommendations, and sent tailored feedback text messages. Outcomes included the number of days participants tracked their diet, changes in their DASH adherence score, and blood pressure.

Results

The women (N=59) had a mean age of 49.9 (SD 11.9) years and were primarily non-Hispanic White (41/59, 69%) and college educated (49/59, 83%). The mean baseline DASH score was 2.3 (SD 1.3). At 3 months, the intervention and active comparator participants had similar mean days tracked per week (4.2, SD 2.1 days vs 4.6, SD 2.7 days; P=.54) and mean changes in their DASH score (0.8, 95% CI 0.2-1.5 vs 0.8, 95% CI 0.4-1.2; P=.75). Intervention participants had lower systolic (mean difference: –2.8 mmHg, 95% CI –1.8 to 7.4; P=.23) and diastolic (mean difference: –3.6 mmHg, 95% CI –0.2 to 7.3; P=.07) blood pressure compared with active comparator participants. Most intervention participants (23/29, 79%) said they would recommend the DASH Cloud intervention to a friend or family member. However, only 34% (10/59) indicated that the feedback text messages helped them reach their diet goals.

Conclusions

A digital health intervention to improve DASH adherence is feasible and produces moderately high engagement among women with elevated blood pressure. The intervention did not enhance DASH adherence over diet tracking alone but resulted in greater reductions in blood pressure. Larger studies are needed to determine how digital health interventions can improve population-level adherence to DASH.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03215472; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT03215472
Assessment of mHealth Interventions: Need for New Studies, Methods, and Guidelines for Study Designs
Authors: Ologeanu-Taddei Roxana
Published: September 2020

This viewpoint argues that the clinical effects of mobile health (mHealth) interventions depends on the acceptance and adoption of these interventions and their mediators, such as usability of the mHealth software, software performance and features, training and motivation of patients and health care professionals to participate in the experience, or characteristics of the intervention (eg, personalized feedback).
A Competence Based Curriculum in Teaching Financial Education-What Happens in Classrooms?
Authors: Julius Katete , Birekeraho Safari John , Kabuto Alex Barigye
Published: September 2020

This paper looks at the transformative pedagogy-changing from Knowledge Based Curriculum (KBC) to Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) in lower secondary schools of Rwanda, which was adapted in 2016 by Rwanda Education Board (REB) through the Ministry of Education. The emphasis of this paper takes bias on financial education that the new competence based curriculum made it compulsory to lower secondary students, which is from senior one to senior three. The government of Rwanda made a significant effort to change the way the curriculum is taught into teaching and learning that equips learners with competent skills, values and attitudes suitable for this 21st century. Financial education involves imparting values, skills and attitudes through teaching and learning that enables the learner to easily visualise viable entrepreneurial decisions in daily life, allocating resources reasonably, making career trajectory quite easy, save for the future, manage available resources in our daily life, and many other areas such as having the culture of paying taxes, preparing business plans that are quite viable and feasible. In this paper, we will explore how the transition is, it is still demanding and little have changed from what ought to be, explore challenges that involves competence based pedagogy. This paper provides a critical review of the pedagogical practice of financial education, with an emphasis on the link between the theoretical practice and the ideal way of teaching and learning financial education. It being theoretical analysis, secondary data were used to analyse the challenges and possible strategies of transforming from theory to practice in the Rwandan schools.
FORMULATION, DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERISATION OF NIMODIPINE LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES
Authors: P. N. REMYA , N. DAMODHARAN
Published: September 2020

Objective: The aim of the present study is to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of Nimodipine using hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication technique and to improve the dissolution characteristics of the drug.
Methods: The Nimodipine-loaded SLN was prepared using palmitic acid and stearic acid as a lipid matrix and Tween-80 as an emulsifier by a hot homogenization and ultra-sonication method. The physicochemical characteristics of SLN were investigated for entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, particle size analysis, Fourier transform infrared studies, scanning electron microscopy, and stability studies.
Results: The mean particle size, PDI, Zeta potential and entrapment efficiency of optimized Nimodipine SLN formulation of stearic acid was found to be 119.54 nm, 0.165,-17.60mV, 85% and for palmitic acid was found to be 132.54 nm, 0.155,-17.0mV, 81% respectively. In vitro drug release studies indicated that after an initial burst release, SLN could provide prolonged release of Nimodipine. The selected SLNs have shown good stability for a period of 180 d.
Conclusion: SLN formulations showed the best results in EE as well as in vitro drug release and therefore, these results indicate that SLN might be a promising delivery system to enhance the release of Nimodipine.
EVALUATION OF MYRICETIN NANOPHYTOSOME WITH THIN-SONICATION LAYER HYDRATION METHOD USING ETHANOL AND ACETONE SOLVENTS
Authors: PURNAMASARI NUR AINI DEWI , DZAKWAN MUHAMMAD , PRAMUKANTORO GANET EKO , MAULUDIN RACHMAT , ELFAHMI
Published: September 2020

Objective: Nano-phytosome is a nanotechnology that is used to improve the bioavailability of active ingredients contained in plants by binding to active ingredients with phospholipids which have properties that resemble cell membranes. The active ingredient used in the nano-phytosome formulation is myricetin. Myricetin is a natural flavonoid compound that has antioxidant properties with low bioavailability and permeability. The purpose of this study was to determine the characterization of the nano-phytosome myricetin formulation with different solvents using ethanol and acetone.

Methods: Nano-phytosome was made using a thin-sonication hydration method by comparing the acetone and ethanol solvents as well as the variation of the myricetin: phosphatidylcholine: cholesterol ratio. Characterization of nano-phytosome includes particle size, polydisperse index, zeta potential, absorption efficiency and antioxidant activity, and TEM test.

Results: Characterization and evaluation of myricetin nano-phytosome using two different solvents, acetone and ethanol. The particle size of all formulas has a size between 10-1000 nm, the use of ethanol solvent produces the smallest particle size of 198.1 ± 1,74 nm and the lowest polydispersity index of 0.175 ± 0,020 in ethanol solvent.

Conclusion: The ethanol solvent is better compared to the acetone solvent, and the best formula is formula 4 with the ratio of myricetin: phosphatidylcholine: cholesterol (1: 1: 0.4).
BORON-SILICA BASED MESOPOROUS FOR CURCUMINOID ISOLATION FROM TURMERIC EXTRACT
Authors: FIRMANSYAH ADANG , NUGRAHANI ILMA , WIRASUTISNA KOMAR RUSLAN , IBRAHIM SLAMET
Published: September 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop the isolation method for curcuminoid from turmeric extract using boron-silica based mesoporous as an adsorbent.

Methods: The formation of mesoporous materials were conducted using the sol-gel technique. The characterization of mesoporous materials was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transforms infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The extraction of turmeric was done by solvent extraction using ethanol 96 %. The isolation of curcuminoid was achieved by the adsorption method using mesoporous materials, both for silica-based mesoporous (MCM) and boron-silica based mesoporous (BMCM). The elution of curcuminoid-loaded mesoporous was conducted using various solvents. The concentration of total curcuminoid and its compounds was measured by visible spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results: Morphology of MCM and BMCM shows the homogenous regular spherical shape, but having a different size. MCM has a smaller diameter particle size (500-600 nm) compared to BMCM (700-900 nm). On the other hand, BMCM has a smaller pore size (1-5 nm) compared to MCM (5-20 nm). The FTIR spectra of BMCM shows the additional vibration at 1400-1600 cm for B-O-H bond. Visible spectrometry measurement shows that the highest concentration of curcuminoid eluted from BMCM is 65.411±0.056 ppm by using ethyl acetate as a solvent, while the concentration of curcuminoid eluted from MCM is 11.503±0.054 ppm by using the same solvent. The results of curcuminoid adsorption and elution, indicating that ethyl acetate is the best solvent to elute curcuminoid due to its 98.83 % purity using HPLC analysis.

Conclusion: It was concluded that boron-silica based mesoporous showed stronger curcuminoid adsorption than silica-based mesoporous therefore found to be a potential adsorbent for curcuminoid isolation from turmeric extract.
INTRANASAL TOPIRAMATE POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLES FOR EPILEPSY: IN VITRO AND EX-VIVO INVESTIGATION
Authors: KUKUDKAR PRAVIN , RAHATE SONIYA , TRIVEDI RASHMI , UMEKAR MILIND , TAKSANDE JAYSHREE
Published: September 2020

Objective: The presence of tight junctions in blood-brain barrier creates a major problem for the delivery of drugs and severely affects adequate therapeutic concentration to reach the brain. For the treatment of epilepsy, oral route of administration is most convenient but shows delayed absorption. Moreover, in emergency cases, parenteral administration is not possible as it requires medical assistance. Thus, an alternative route of drug delivery is highly desirable for an effective outcome.

Methods: In the present study, bioadhesive chitosan nanoparticles of topiramate for intranasal administration were prepared by ionotropic gelation method using chitosan as bioadhesive polymer and sodium tripolyphosphate as the crosslinking agent. The prepared nanoparticles were evaluated for physicochemical properties like particle size, surface morphology, drug content, entrapment efficiency, thermal behavior and crystallinity, in vitro drug diffusion, ex vivo bio adhesion, and ex vivo biocompatibility studies in excised sheep nasal mucosa.

Results: Differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction study showed molecular dispersion of drug into the polymer matrices and conversion of it into an amorphous form. Nanoparticles obtained were discrete in nature (size 313.5 nm) and appropriate for intranasal administration. The topiramate nanoparticles revealed high encapsulation efficacy, strong bioadhesion potential and high ex vivo permeation and did not exhibit any deformity to the nasal mucosa. In vitro drug diffusion of optimized formulation showed 92.91% release of drugs after 180 min. Ex-vivo permeation of drugs across nasal mucosa was 89.03 % after 180 min.

Conclusion: Hence, the intranasal administration of topiramate using chitosan can be a promising alternative for brain targeting and the treatment of epilepsy.
GUM KARAYA-G-POLY (ACRYLAMIDE): MICROWAVE ASSISTED SYNTHESIS, OPTIMISATION AND CHARACTERISATION
Authors: KAUR LOVELEENPREET , GUPTA G. D.
Published: September 2020

Objective: The objective of the present research is to formulate acrylamide grafted Karaya gum by using microwave-assisted grafting method and optimisation is performed by using Box behnken design.

Methods: The extracted mucilage of gum Karaya was modified into grafted gum Karaya by using a microwave-assisted method. Acrylamide was used as monomer and ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) is used as redox initiator. The experimental design for optimisation include three independent variables gum concentration (X1), ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) amount (X2) and irradiation time (X3) while the dependent variables were % yield (Y1), % grafting (Y2) and % grafting efficiency (Y3). The optimised formulation was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.

Results: After optimisation the formulation with acrylamide amount 5 g, ceric ammonium nitrate amount 200 mg and irradiation time of 2 min was selected as optimized formulation. The optimised formulation has percentage grafting of 853.5%, with grafting efficiency of 77.59%.

Conclusion: The application of box behnken design for optimisation was performed successfully in microwave assisted grafting of acrylamide on karaya gum.
NANOEMULSION OF OKRA FRUIT EXTRACT AS ANTIDIABETIC TREATMENT
Authors: DJAMIL RATNA , ZAIDAN SARAH , RAHMAT DENI , PRATAMI DIAH KARTIKA , HAKIM FELIX
Published: September 2020

Objective: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) has potential antidiabetic activity. This study created a nanoemulsion of okra extract (NOE) and examined its activity on alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in mice.

Methods: Okra was macerated with 70% ethanol and dried in a rotary evaporator into the crude extract. The extract was encapsulated in a solution of glyceryl caprylate, propylene glycol, and glycerine to form a nanoemulsion. To determine the antihyperglycaemic effect of okra extract, 35 male mice (Mus musculus L.) were divided into seven groups: a non-diabetic normal control group and six diabetic mice groups (untreated negative control, glibenclamide-treated positive control, and four treatments with okra ethanol extract (OEE) at 200 and 400 mg/kg BW and NOE at 200 and 400 mg/kg BW).

Results: The group treated with NOE at 400 mg/kg BW (NOE400) had the lowest average blood glucose level of 93.4 mg/dL among hyperglycaemic mice. The decrease in blood glucose levels in NOE400 (52.05%) was significantly different from those in the positive control (42.63%) and OEE treatments (39.32%). The nanoemulsion used in this study fulfills quality requirements, with a mean particle size of 134.7 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.512, and a zeta value of −26.72 mV.

Conclusion: NOE reduced blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic mice better than OEE. Nanoemulsion can improve the antidiabetic activity of okra extract by increasing penetration of active compounds into interstitial space so that their delivery and bioavailability are higher.
CARMUSTINE LOADED NANOSIZE LIPID VESICLES SHOWED PREFERENTIAL CYTOTOXICITY AND INTERNALIZATION IN U87MG CELL LINE ALONG WITH IMPROVED PHARMACOKINETIC PROFILE IN MICE: A STRATEGY FOR TREATMENT OF GLIOMA
Authors: SATAPATHY BHABANI SANKAR , PANDA JNANRANJAN
Published: September 2020

Objective: Successful treatment of glioma still remains a tough challenge. The present study aims at the development and evaluation of carmustine loaded nanosize phospholipid vesicles (CNLVs) for the treatment of glioma.

Methods: The experimental NLVs were developed by conventional lipid layer hydration technique and were characterized by different in vitro tools such as diffraction light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), in vitro drug loading capacity, drug release study etc. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the optimized drug-loaded NLVs were carried out in U87MG human glioblastoma cell line. In vivo pharmacokinetic study was conducted in Swiss albino mice.

Results: DLS data showed an average vesicle diameter of 92 nm with narrow size distribution. Optimized CNLVs were spherical in shape with a smooth surface as depicted from FESEM data. Cryo-TEM study confirmed formation of unilamellar vesicles with intact outer bilayer. A reasonable drug loading of 7.8 % was reported for the optimized CNLVs along with a sustained release of CS over a 48 h study period. In vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed a considerable higher toxicity of CNLVs than free drugs in the U87MG cells. Confocal microscopy showed a satisfactory internalization of the optimized drug-loaded NLVs in the tested cell line. Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated an enhanced mean residence time of optimized CNLVs in blood than free drug.

Conclusion: Results depicted the potential of experimental CNLVs for the treatment of glioma after further in vivo tests.
EVALUATION OF FAMOTIDINE LOADED 3D-NANO-CELLULOSE NETWORK USED FOR ORAL ADMINISTRATION
Authors: MAI VAN-HUNG , NGUYEN XUAN-THANH , PHUNG THI-KIM-HUE , L. E. THI-PHUONG
Published: September 2020

Objective: Evaluation Of Famotidine Loaded 3D-Nano-Cellulose Network three dimensional nano-cellulose network (3DNC) Used For Oral Administration. 3DNC is produced from bacteria living in fermented green tea and is the material containing nano-sized fibers, which is capable of loading Famotidine to form a prolonged release therapy to improve drug bioavailability.

Methods: Used healthy white rabbits, weight approximately 2.5-2.7 kg, the same age, laboratory standard, is supplied from The National Institute of Drug Quality Control. The rabbits have adapted to laboratory conditions at least one week and have starveling in 12 h, supplied fully water during the preparation. Rabbits are divided into 4 groups (n=3 for each group). Every rabbit is given 1 capsule or 1 tablet with a single dose of 20 mg/rabbit: group 1 (commercial drugs), group 2 (3DNC-standard medium (SM) loaded drug), group 3 (3DNC-coconut medium (CM) loaded drug) Group 4 (3DNC-rice medium (RM) loaded drug).

Results: The results have shown that 3DNC has the involvement of the nano-sized cellulose fibers with three-dimensional networks that are capable of loading Famotidine and prolonged drug release. The 3DNC cultured in the drug-loaded SM with slow-release and slow-release catalysts, the 3DNC was cultured in CMs and tablets with medium release rates, in comparison with the 3DNC was cultured in RM loaded at a rapid release rate in the same pH = 2.

Conclusion: Experiment on rabbits showed that the drug-loaded 3DNCs could help to prolong the drug release, in which the extended-release time of the 3DNC cultured in SM and CM was higher than that of the 3DNC grown in RM. The 3DNC loaded drugs help improve Famotidine bioavailability compared to commercial tablets.
PART II: OPTIMIZATION OF ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE SUSTAINED RELEASE LAYER IN ANTIHYPERTENSIVE BILAYER TABLET
Authors: TRIVEDI HARSH , PATEL KUNAL , OZA NISHANT A. , SAGAR SWATI
Published: September 2020

Objective: Aim of the present study was the optimization of the sustained release (SR) layer of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) 40 mg and compressed with the immediate-release (IR) layer of hydralazine hydrochloride (HHC) 25 mg to decrease the dosing frequency and development of a novel b. i. d dosage form.

Methods: Drug excipients compatibility study was carried out by FT-IR and a preliminary study was conducted for screening of polymer. The amount of HPMC K100M (X1) and the amount of Polyoxtm WSR303 (X2) were chosen as independent variables in 32full factorial designs. While % cumulative drug releases at 1 h (Q1) (Y1), % cumulative drug release at 2 h (Q2) (Y2), % cumulative drug release at 4 h (Q4) (Y3) and % cumulative drug release at 6 h (Q6) (Y4), were taken as dependent variables and statistically evaluation by using sigma plot 13.0. In the present study, according to the U. S. P. 2007 the following constraints were used for the selection of an optimized batch: Q1=15% to 30%, Q2=50% to 70%, Q4=65% to 85% and Q6>75%. To validate the evolved mathematical models, a checkpoint batch was selected from its desirability value.

Results: FT-IR spectra show that the drug and excipients were compatible with each other. The calculated F values found for Q1, Q2, Q4, and Q6 were 084.583, 038.188, 057.719, and 118.396, respectively. All Calculated F values are greater than the tabulated value for all dependent variables. Prepared checkpoint batch selected from its desirability value 1 and it gives a 93.40±1.29 % drug release within 6 h.

Conclusion: This bilayer formulation of anti-hypertensive drugs decreases the dosing frequency of HHC and ISDN.
MESOPOROUS AEROGEL OF ARENGA PINNATA ENDOSPERM AND THEIR APPLICATION TO ADSORB VITAMIN E FROM PALM FATTY ACID DISTILLATE
Authors: TARIGAN JULIATI BR. , BARUS DIANA A. , ANGIN SABARMIN PERANGIN , SEBAYANG FIRMAN , - MISDAWATI
Published: September 2020

Objective: The mesoporous aerogel (MA) has been produced from Arenga pinnata endosperm (APE) and was used to adsorb vitamin E from palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD).

Methods: The adsorption process was carried out through the alcogel stage, followed by drying under dry air and reduced pressure. In the present work response surface methodology based on Box-Benhken design experiment was used to investigate the effect of dry APE types (1–3), the concentration of APE (1–1.5%, wt./v) and solvent exchange time (12–36 h).

Results: Based on the result, the optimum parameter to produce aerogel with low-density value are as follows: APE type of 1 with a concentration of 1.5% (wt./v) and 48 h solvent exchange time. The MA occurred from this parameters has diameter of 3.142–3.212 nm. The surface morphology of MA had changed from roughly hollowed to smooth and the amorf intensity decreased after vitamin E adsorption process.

Conclusion: The APE aerogels could adsorb vitamin E because the pores of aerogels and the galactomannan as the main component contains the branches galactose, which have hydrophilic phase and mannose which have hydrophobic phase, therefore, hydrophobic vitamin E are easy adsorbed on aerogels.
DEVELOPMENT AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF PHYTOSOME OF TERBINAFINE HYDROCHLORIDE FOR ORAL DRUG DELIVERY
Authors: SHARMA SHIVAM , VIVEK
Published: September 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and in vitro evaluation phytosome of terbinafine HCL to enhance the bioavailability for oral route.

Methods: The novel phytosome of terbinafine hydrochloride (TFH) was formulated with the molar ratio (1:2) of drug and phospholipid by using solvent evaporation technique. The resulting TFH-PC was determined by means of particle size analyzer (PSA), percentage yield, microscopy, drug content, transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Substantial contact of terbinafine HCL with phospholipids was completed through Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Results: The all relevant results of TFH-PC were showed that the percentage entrapment efficiency of formulation was found in 76% to 90%. In vitro release data were exhibited approximately 65% to 79% of the drug released from the TFH-PC formulation by using dialysis membrane technique. Therefore, Formulation (F3) was accomplished that phytosome contain the superior physical characters and compatibility with drug and phospholipids than to make it easy to overcome the competence of drug to pass the lipid-rich bio-membrane.

Conclusion: In present work, terbinafine loaded phytosome was formulated for increasing the oral bioavailability of selected drug. Hence, TER-HCL phytosome were effectively improved the absorption of drug in form of phospholipids complex.
ROLE OF NANOEMULSION FOR SAFE AND COST-EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF AMPHOTERICIN B
Authors: SINGH DISHA , KAUR LAKHVIR , ANAND NUPUR , SINGH GURJEET , DHAWAN R. K. , KAUR NARINDER
Published: September 2020

Amphotericin B is a highly effective antifungal agent and its use has been surged drastically due to its effectiveness against a wide range of fungal infections. It is effective against both topical and systemic infections and even this is the only drug having high efficacy against Leishmania, Candida, Aspergillus and many more. Owing to this, the demand of Amphotericin B is gaining momentum. However, this drug possesses numerous drawbacks like toxicity, poor solubility to name a few, due to which its current use is dwindling. So far the numbers of formulations have been marketed in order to triumph over its toxicity and solubility related issues. Unfortunately, no single study conducted hitherto gain success in overcoming its lethal ramifications. Among all formulations, nanoemulsions are at the top to combat all issues related to this drug. Nanoemulsion has shown enhanced stability, reduced cost and toxicity. This review will assimilate complete information on the use of nanoemulsion based formulations of Amphotericin B, its developed formulations and also will enunciate the important considerations and future perspectives. The complete data have been composed from Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and PubMed using the following keywords.