bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of bone marrow edema in different parts of the knee joints
Authors: Hu Hao , Liu Hanwen , Yu Kun , Liu Yinshen , LI Maoru , Mao Haili , Guo Xing , Tan Meiyun
Published: January 2024

Background
The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in reducing symptoms and normalizing imaging features in periprosthetic bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) of the knee.
Methods
The clinical data of 42 patients with knee bone marrow edema syndrome who attended the Department of Joint Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January 2021 to December 2023 were collected, and they were divided into three groups according to the different parts of the knee edema: the femur group (26 cases), the tibia group (9 cases), and the patella group (7 cases). The visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, the knee score (HSS) of the Hospital for Special Surgery of the United States, and the area of BME on magnetic resonance imaging (cm2 ) were observed before and after three months of shock wave treatment in each group.
Results
Overall VAS score decreased from 5.40 ± 1.624 to 1.57 ± 1.328 before treatment (P < 0.05), and HSS score increased from 83.05 ± 9.063 to 93.00 ± 4.129 before treatment (P < 0.05); the area of BMES decreased from 3.876 ± 3.277 cm2 before treatment to 1.294 ± 0.352 cm2 (P < 0.05) before and after treatment. There was no significant difference between the three groups before and after treatment. (P > 0.05)
Conclusion
Overall ESWT is effective in the treatment of periprosthetic BMES, leading to a decrease in VAS scores, an increase in HSS scores, and a significant decrease in the area of bone marrow edema on T2WI of MRI (except for the patellofemoral group where the decrease in the area of bone marrow edema was not statistically significant, but the overall trend was downward).
Astragaloside IV Suppressed CST1 Expression to Regulate Proliferation and Glycolysis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: An Shan , Cai HongYan
Published: January 2024

Background: Lung cancer is an all-too-common malignant growth, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 75% to 80% of all occurrences. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a crucial active substance of Astragalus, which has immunomodulatory and anti-tumour functions. The effects of AS-IV on the proliferation and glycolysis progress of NSCLC cells are currently unknown. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of cysteine protease inhibitor (CST1) mRNA in tissues and cells. The changes in CST1, hexokinase 2 (HK2) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) protein levels were ascertained by Western blotting. CCK-8, EdU staining and cell scratch assays were used to measure the variations in the biological properties of NSCLC cells. Lactate production and glucose consumption were measured using kits. Additionally, a mouse subcutaneous xenograft model of NSCLC was constructed to evaluate the influence of AS-IV on the volume and weight of NSCLC tissues, and Ki-67 staining was applied to evaluate cell proliferation. Results: CST1 displayed a marked expression in NSCLC. AS-IV impeded the proliferation, migration and survival of NSCLC cells in a dose-dependent manner. AS-IV also reduced HK2 and PKM2 expression levels and inhibited glycolysis in NSCLC cells. Overexpression of CST1 partly restored the repressive effect of AS-IV on NSCLC progression. However, silencing CST1 strengthened the restraining influence of AS-IV treatment on NSCLC. In addition, AS-IV was able to inhibit tumour growth in vivo. Conclusion: AS-IV can suppress CST1 expression, causing a decrease in the proliferation, migration and glycolysis advancement of NSCLC cells.
In vitro anti-influenza virus (H1N1) activity of eleven species of Korean medicinal mushrooms
Authors: Ryoo Rhim , Lee Hyorim
Published: January 2024

Background: Oseltamivir is the most commonly used antiviral drug for the treatment and prevention of influenza. However, there are growing concerns about its use due to the risk of psychiatric side effects.Methods:Eleven species of edible medicinal mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus,Phallus rubrovolvata,Phallus luteus,Morchella esculenta,Grifola frondosa,Sarcodon imbricatus,Tricholoma bakamatsutake,Pachyma hoelen,Sparassis latifolia,Amanita caesareoides,andMarasmius siccus) were collected from forests in Korea to evaluate their anti-influenza A properties. After collection, the identification of each mushroom type was verified with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene sequencing using fungal-specific primers. Extracts were prepared by heating dried mushroom powder at 100℃ for 2 h. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated by MTT assay. The anti-influenza A properties of each extract were evaluated using the ASTM E1052-11 protocol, which is the international standardized approach.Results:The efficacy of the mushroom extracts against influenza A was evaluated using hot mushroom extract solutions, each of which had a concentration of 10 g powdered mushroom per liter of hot water. This ratio was selected as all of the mushrooms had little cytotoxic effect at this concentration. The influenza virus reduction titer ofPleurotus ostreatuswas 5.519, with a virus removal efficacy of 99.999%. This was the highest antiviral efficacy among the 11 mushroom species. The virus inhibition titers ofPhallus rubrovolvataandP.luteuswere 4.477 and 2.247, respectively. Their virus inhibition efficacies were 99.997% and 99.433%, respectively. The efficacy ofM. esculentawas 90.303%. The antiviral effects ofGrifola% that ofG. frondosawas 78.788%, and that ofS. imbricatuswas 75.758%. The virus suppression efficacy ofTricholoma bakamatsutakeandPachyma hoelenwere 66.667% and 63.636%, respectively. The extract solutions of the remaining three species (Sparassis latifolia,Amanita caesareoides, andMarasmius siccus) all showed a virus reduction efficacy of 60%.Conclusions:This study demonstrates the potential of mushroom extracts for medicinal use as antiviral treatments for influenza A infections.
Developing empathy as a process of re-humanization: insights from South American students and their experiences with contemplative practices.
Authors: Quiroga Gaston Bacquet
Published: January 2024

Violence in any of its manifestations is the practice of dehumanizing another. By perpetrating violent acts on another, we diminish their value and take away their dignity. The underlying philosophy of nonviolence, on the other hand, informed as it is by traditions that have historically influenced each other from Hinduism to Western secular movements, is fueled by this understanding and thus, it encourages practitioners to recognize the humanity in the oppressor, in those who are different, have been marginalized or thought of as less valuable. Developing empathy is a key component in the path towards that recognition, and this is why it was a key component of a nonviolence training program undertaken with two groups of trainee teachers in Chile. Participants were led in a series of exercises aimed at fostering empathy and compassion; such exercises were informed by the principles of contemplative pedagogy. Later in the study, participants had an opportunity for leading their peers through empathy-development tasks chosen by themselves. Examples of these exercises include tasks from the Wayfairer project, guided meditation, nonviolent communication exercises, Tonglen meditation and compassion through recognition. Results of the study show success in being able to recognize the humanity of the other through our differences, in recognizing the many shared elements of our human experience and in helping participants develop feelings of warmth and closeness towards others. The challenges of silent meditation were acknowledged, while practices that encouraged sharing were favored.
Immune landscape and TAM density in endometrial cancer: implications for immune checkpoint inhibitors efficacy
Authors: Saux Olivia Le , Sabatier Renaud , Treilleux Isabelle , Renaud Léa-Isabelle , Brachet Pierre-Emmanuel , Martinez Alejandra , Frénel Jean-Sébastien , Abdeddaim Cyril , Berthet Justine , Barrin Sarah , Colombe-Vermorel Amélie , Odeyer Laetitia , Lainé Alexandra , Caux Christophe , Dubois Bertrand , Ray-Coquard Isabelle
Published: January 2024

Background
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have demonstrated their efficacy in endometrial cancer (EC), mismatch repair deficient/microsatellite instability high (MMRd/MSI-H) and mismatch repair proficient/ microsatellite stable (MMRp/MSS) tumors present different sensitivity profiles to ICI. Moreover, a third of patients with MMRd/MSI-H tumors present primary resistance to ICI alone. We aimed to characterize dissimilarities in the tumor immune microenvironment of ICI-treated MMRd/MSI-H vs MMRp/MSS EC, and to identify possible mechanisms of resistance.
Methods
EC patients treated with ICI in 6 French comprehensive cancer centers were identified and classified as ICI-Responders or Non-Responders based on best objective response. A seven-color multi-immunofluorescence staining (CD20, CD4, CD8, FoxP3, CD68, CK, DAPI) was performed on sections from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary tumors. Cell densities and spatial proximity were analyzed using inForm software. T/B lymphoid aggregates (LA) and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) were separately quantified. Microsatellite status, presence of LA/TLS and immune cell densities were correlated to response to treatment.
Results
Twenty-one MMRd/MSI-H and 12 MMRp/MSS tumors were analyzed. We observed more MMRd/MSI-H tumors with LA/TLS compared to MMRp/MSS cases: 81% vs 17%, p = < 0.001. There were more CD8 + T effector cells in the vicinity of B cells in MMRd/MSI-H tumors compared to MMRp/MSS tumors (1.26 [0-3.40] vs 0.49 [0-1.86], p = 0.017), suggesting cooperation between effector T cells and B cells in MMRd/MSI-H tumors. No differences were shown in terms of the presence of LA/TLS and the subsequent response to ICI in EC (p = 0.400). Using a multivariate logistic regression model, we found that a low density of CD68+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the stroma, was associated with response to ICI in EC (Odds Ratio (OR) = 11.67, CI95 [1.69-237.45], p = 0.033) and showed good accuracy in predicting response to ICI in the whole cohort (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI [0.59–0.91]).
Conclusions
We provide a comprehensive characterization of the immune landscape in EC patients treated with ICIs. The distinct immune infiltrate patterns observed in MMRd/MSI-H and MMRp/MSS tumors, coupled with the significant negative association between TAM density and ICI response, underscore the potential of immune components as predictive biomarkers.
The additional consumption and savings of paid energy of traction substations when using on-board and stationary storage devices
Authors: Katsay A. V.
Published: January 2024

In traction power supply systems for city electric transport without storage devices, a significant part of the recovery energy is usefully reused for the load in the process of inter-train flows along the contact network. The excess part of the recuperation is dissipated by heat in the braking resistors. The use of on-board storage devices makes it possible to redirect all recovery energy from the car's traction drive to them. The remaining amount of no more than two-thirds of the received recuperation energy is supplied back to the traction drive from the storage device, excluding internal losses, since due to ohmic resistance, the actual efficiency of any type of storage device does not exceed 64 %. The on-board storage device consumes a significant amount of paid energy from the traction substation for its transportation by car, compensation for self-discharge, etc. The total balance of recovery energy returned to traction and losses from additional energy consumption for on-board storage devices is negative. When stationary storage devices operate in the contact network, useful recuperation flows are completely preserved. The excess part of the recovery is redirected to the contact network, where one part of it powers a low-power non-traction load while charging the storage device, and the other goes to the storage device, charging it. After a short period of storage in the storage device, the remainder of the excess recovery is released into the network for the load that appears in it. A stationary storage device has no energy consumption for transportation, and the consumption of paid energy for its own needs and compensation for self-discharge is significantly less than that of an on-board storage device due to its higher load factor. The stationary storage device has a positive balance of recovery energy which allows additional savings of paid energy from the traction substation in the amount of up to 10 % relative to such consumption during useful recovery flows without the use of storage devices.
Accessibility to WASH and waste management services in African urban informal settlements: A comparative analysis
Authors: Hassan Abdulhakim Wagini , Zhang Danrong , Ibrahim Muhammad
Published: January 2024

The study investigates the existing scenario and spatial distribution pattern disparity of service distribution of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and waste management services (WMS) in urban informal settlements within the Zaria metropolis and generates recommendations for the policymakers for improvements. The study highlights challenges in urban settlements, including insufficient water, sanitation, and waste services, contributing to diseases like diarrhea and cholera. It stresses the importance of better water quality, sanitation, and waste management, and highlights the impact of governance and policies on service gaps. It also suggests using collaborative methods and technologies like GIS for solutions, employing GIS and statistics to analyze service availability and access for residents. The findings underscore the dominant role of the private sector in water treatment plant distribution (71.43%) over public facilities (28.57%). It highlights disparities in toilet types between public and private spaces: pit toilets (55.11%) are prevalent in public restrooms, while the data indicate that most water sources are poorly maintained: Only 0.50% of boreholes are newly constructed, while a significant 43.15% are poorly maintained, and 30.62% are well maintained. Moreover, private toilets are predominantly pit toilets, constituting 3.11% of the total, with no water closets toilets reported.
Editorial
Authors: Pereira Íris Susana Pires , Helena Maria Helena , Gomes Maria João
Published: January 2024

Com a publicação do nº 2 do Volume 36, encerramos o primeiro ano de edição da Revista Portuguesa de Educação (RPE) na modalidade de fluxo contínuo.
Este número inclui dezasseis artigos, a maioria dos quais apresenta estudos sobre perspetivas de estudantes, professores e diretores de agrupamentos de escolas sobre diferentes dimensões do processo educativo formal e informal. Apesar de também se recorrer a outras abordagens metodológicas, dominam os estudos descritivo-interpretativos, com contributos para a construção de conhecimento sobre práticas pedagógicas, desenvolvimento profissional de professores e gestão e administração escolar.
Socjologiczny obraz domu dla ukraińskich kobiet prowadzonego przez księży pallotynów w Ołtarzewie k. Warszawy. Sprawozdanie z badań PPPiW w perspektywie aplikacji analiz juwentologicznych
Authors: Choczyński Marcin , Zaręba Sławomir
Published: January 2024

Tekst stanowi informację o badaniach socjologicznych przeprowadzonych przez socjologów z Uniwersytetu Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w 2023 r. w pallotyńskim Centrum „Przyszłość dla Ukrainy”. Z uwagi na charakterystykę społeczną badanej próby, która składała się z ukraińskich kobiet – uchodźczyń wojennych – zdecydowano się na aplikację jakościowej metodologii opartej na technice wywiadu częściowo ustrukturyzowanego. Narzędziem badawczym stał się papierowy scenariusz wywiadu, a formą udzielania odpowiedzi esej pisemny udzielany bezpośrednio na rozdanych kobietom kartach – warto dodać, że wszystkie pytania przetłumaczono na język ukraiński. Przebywające w Ołtarzewie Ukrainki opisywały swoje doświadczenia i postawy odnośnie ośmiu obszarów: specyfiki miejsca, adaptacji, bezpieczeństwa, religijności, emocji, problemów, strat oraz planów i marzeń. Ostatecznie w badaniach wzięło udział 28 kobiet – mieszkanek Centrum – o heterogenicznych charakterystykach społeczno-demograficznych, co pozwoliło na oddanie wielowątkowego obrazu ich funkcjonowania w obecnych uwarunkowaniach.
Smoking Behavior Change and the Risk of Heart Failure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yoo Jung Eun , Jeong Su-Min , Lee Kyu Na , Lee Heesun , Yoon Ji Won , Han Kyungdo , Shin Dong Wook
Published: January 2024

Background

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common initial manifestations of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. Although smoking is an independent risk factor for HF, there is a lack of data for the incidence of HF according to changes in smoking behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective

We aimed to examine the association between interval changes in smoking behavior and the risk of HF among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service database. We identified 365,352 current smokers with type 2 diabetes who had 2 consecutive health screenings (2009-2012) and followed them until December 31, 2018, for the incident HF. Based on smoking behavior changes between 2 consecutive health screenings, participants were categorized into quitter, reducer I (≥50% reduction) and II (<50% reduction), sustainer (reference group), and increaser groups.

Results

During a median follow-up of 5.1 (IQR 4.0-6.1) years, there were 13,879 HF cases (7.8 per 1000 person-years). Compared to sustainers, smoking cessation was associated with lower risks of HF (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.90, 95% CI0.86-0.95), whereas increasers showed higher risks of HF than sustainers; heavy smokers who increased their level of smoking had a higher risk of HF (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04-1.24). In the case of reducers, the risk of HF was not reduced but rather increased slightly (reducer I: aHR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08-1.21; reducer II: aHR 1.03, 95% CI 0.98-1.09). Consistent results were noted for subgroup analyses including type 2 diabetes severity, age, and sex.

Conclusions

Smoking cessation was associated with a lower risk of HF among patients with type 2 diabetes, while increasing smoking amount was associated with a higher risk for HF than in those sustaining their smoking amount. There was no benefit from reduction in smoking amount.
Medical Students’ Perceptions on Identifying and Addressing Emotional Responses in Emergency Medicine: Pilot Investigation
Authors: Agarwal Anish Kumar , Gonzales Rachel , Munden Cory , Albright DaCarla , Tsao Suzana
Published: January 2024

Background

Training in acute care, such as emergency medicine (EM), where exposure to critically ill and injured patients is high, impacts the well-being of trainees and contributes to burnout. Investigating how, and if, trainees prepare for these situations is necessary to ensure they are supported.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate medical students’ perspectives and emotional preparedness for handling acute care and trauma.

Methods

We conducted a pilot investigation using a remote digital survey of medical students during their EM clerkship at a large, urban academic institution. The primary outcome of interest was student-reported preparedness and comfort in handling trauma and critical care patient encounters. Secondary outcomes included awareness of well-being resources and comfort in accessing digital well-being resources.

Results

A total of 57 medical students completed the voluntary digital survey, and half of the students (n=28, 49%) reported having witnessed the care of a critically ill or a penetrating trauma patient (eg, a victim of gun violence). A majority (n=40, 70%) had thought about how these events may impact them, and over half felt unprepared to identify the emotional impact these cases may have on them (n=31, 54%) or address the emotional or mental health impact (n=36, 63%). Less than a quarter (n=14, 25%) were aware of digital mental health resources, and 58% (n=33) did not feel fully comfortable connecting with resources if needed. Students who had previously witnessed critical care were significantly more likely to report feeling well prepared in identifying the emotional impact and addressing this impact.

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional survey, students did not feel fully prepared to identify or address the emotional impact of working in EM. Additionally, they lacked awareness of or comfort with accessing digital institutional resources meant to support their well-being, such as a large web-based platform. These findings can help inform and guide interventions by educational and academic leaders. The aim would be to create and promote environments that empower students with tools to identify their own emotions and connect to well-being resources.
Immersive Technologies for Depression Care: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Reategui-Rivera C Mahony , Villarreal-Zegarra David , De La Cruz-Torralva Kelly , Díaz-Sánchez Paquita , Finkelstein Joseph
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Depression significantly impacts quality of life, affecting approximately 280 million people worldwide. However, only 16.5% of those affected receive treatment, indicating a substantial treatment gap. Immersive technologies (IMTs) such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality offer new avenues for treating depression by creating immersive environments for therapeutic interventions. Despite their potential, significant gaps exist in the current evidence regarding the design, implementation, and use of IMTs for depression care.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to map the available evidence on IMT interventions targeting depression treatment.

METHODS

This scoping review followed a methodological framework, and we systematically searched databases for studies on IMTs and depression. The focus was on randomized clinical trials involving adults and using IMTs. The selection and charting process involved multiple reviewers to minimize bias.

RESULTS

The search identified 16 peer-reviewed articles, predominantly from Europe (n=10, 63%), with a notable emphasis on Poland (n=9, 56%), which contributed to more than half of the articles. Most of the studies (9/16, 56%) were conducted between 2020 and 2021. Regarding participant demographics, of the 16 articles, 5 (31%) exclusively involved female participants, and 7 (44%) featured participants whose mean or median age was >60 years. Regarding technical aspects, all studies focused on VR, with most using stand-alone VR headsets (14/16, 88%), and interventions typically ranging from 2 to 8 weeks, predominantly in hospital settings (11/16, 69%). Only 2 (13%) of the 16 studies mentioned using a specific VR design framework in planning their interventions. The most frequently used therapeutic approach was Ericksonian psychotherapy, used in 56% (9/16) of the studies. Notably, none of the articles reported using an implementation framework or identified barriers and enablers to implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review highlights the growing interest in using IMTs, particularly VR, for depression treatment but emphasizes the need for more inclusive and comprehensive research. Future studies should explore varied therapeutic approaches and cost-effectiveness as well as the inclusion of augmented reality to fully realize the potential of IMTs in mental health care.
Cancer Briefs: Evaluation of Infotainment on Social Media for Public Engagement about Cancer Clinical Trials (Preprint)
Authors: Sommers Jonathan , Dizon Don S , Lewis Mark A , Stone Erik , Andreoli Richard , Henderson Vida
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Lack of information, awareness, and misconceptions about clinical trials are major barriers to cancer clinical trial participation. Digital and social media are dominant sources of health information and offer optimal opportunities to improve public medical awareness and education by providing accurate and trust-worthy sources of health information from reliable sources. Infotainment, material intended to both entertain and inform, is an effective strategy for engaging and educating audiences that can be easily disseminated using social media and may be a novel way to improve awareness about clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether infotainment videos, disseminated using social media, could drive health information seeking behaviors related to cancer clinical trials.

METHODS

We created the Cancer Briefs video series, which comprised 3 videos focused on immunotherapy and clinicals trials (video 1), promotion of a specific clinical trial (video 2), and diversity in clinical trials (video 3). We instituted a dissemination and marketing process to measure video engagement and health information seeking behaviors among public audiences on social media.

RESULTS

Even with a very modest marketing budget, the Cancer Briefs video series substantially increased health information seeking behavior by increasing research organization webpage visits by 873.8% (video 1), 41,300% (video 2), and 3,682.2% (video 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that digital and social media tools can be tailored for specific target audiences, are scalable, and can be disseminated at low cost, making it an accessible educational, recruitment, retention strategy focused on improving the conduct of clinical trials.
Home Dialysis in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Reaves Allison C. , Weiner Daniel E. , Sarnak Mark J.
Published: January 2024

Kidney failure with replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease are frequently comorbid. In patients with kidney failure with replacement therapy, cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Conventional thrice-weekly in-center dialysis confers risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including acute hemodynamic fluctuations and rapid shifts in volume and solute concentration. Home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) may offer benefits in attenuation of cardiovascular disease risk factors primarily through improved volume and BP control, reduction (or slowing progression) of left ventricular mass, decreased myocardial stunning, and improved bone and mineral metabolism. Importantly, although trial data are available for several of these risk factors for home hemodialysis, evidence for PD is limited. Among patients with prevalent cardiovascular disease, home hemodialysis and PD may also have potential benefits. PD may offer particular advantages in heart failure given it removes volume directly from the splanchnic circulation, thus offering an efficient method of relieving intravascular congestion. PD also avoids the risk of blood stream infections in patients with cardiac devices or venous wires. We recognize that both home hemodialysis and PD are also associated with potential risks, and these are described in more detail. We conclude with a discussion of barriers to home dialysis and the critical importance of interdisciplinary care models as one component of advancing health equity with respect to home dialysis.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TRANSDERMAL PATCHES FROM ELEUTHERINE BULBOSA URB. BULB EXTRACT WITH PLASTICIZER VARIATIONS
Authors: JAMALUDIN WAHYUDIN BIN , MUTHIA RAHMI , KARTINI KARTINI , SETIAWAN FINNA , JUHRAH SITI , YULIDA NURIL
Published: January 2024

Objective: This research aimed to develop a transdermal drug delivery system from Eleutherine bulbosa Urb. bulbs as an alternative treatment with minimum side effects compared to other pain medications and increased drug penetration by determining the optimum formula(s) for transdermal patches prepared with varying plasticizer concentrations.
Methods: Eleutherine bulbosa Urb. bulbs were extracted by maceration using 96% ethanol. The extract was formed into transdermal patches using the solvent casting method with six formulations (F1-F6) and different types and concentrations of the plasticizer: polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 or dibutyl phthalate. The derived patches were then evaluated for their organoleptic properties, homogeneity, weight uniformity, thickness, folding endurance, pH level, moisture content, and acceptability (hedonic scale).
Results: The evaluation of the physical properties found that all patches were dark brown, opaque, smooth-textured, and had a typical odor of the bulb’s ethanol extract and uniform weight and thickness. Other characteristics included pH ranging from 5.0±0.00 to 5.86±0.04 and a moisture content between 1.04±0.04% and 4.13±0.08%. In addition, the folding endurance was 267 times for F1 and >300 times for F2-F6. The acceptability test using the five-point hedonic scale showed different preferences for these formulas.
Conclusion: F6 is the optimum formula for producing transdermal patches with excellent physical properties.
DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTERIZATION AND PHARMACOKINETIC EVALUATION OF OPTIMIZED VILDAGLIPTIN SUSTAINED RELEASE MATRIX TABLET USING BOX-BEHNKEN DESIGN
Authors: GUPTA SANJAY KUMAR , PATRA SRADHANJALI
Published: January 2024

Objective: The principal objective of this research was to develop and optimize cost-effective sustained-release Vildagliptin (VLN) tablets using the wet granulation method.
Methods: The tablets were prepared by the non-aqueous wet granulation method. A Box-Behnken design was used to study the effect of the independent variables, i.e., HPMC K100 M, Eudragit RSPO and PVP K30, on the dependent variables swelling index, in vitro drug release at 8 and 12 h. The drug's physiochemical properties were investigated using ultraviolet (UV), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The hardness, thickness, weight variation, content uniformity, swelling index, and in vitro drug release study of the formulated tablets were all evaluated. The optimized formulation Opt-VLD-SR was evaluated for pharmacokinetic parameters like AUC, Cmax, tmax and MRT.
Results: The FTIR and DSC studies confirmed that no interaction occurred between the drug, polymers and excipients. The crystalline nature of VLN remained unchanged in the optimised formulation tablet, according to DSC studies. With the optimal concentration of both polymers, formulation Opt-VLN delayed drug release for up to 12 h. The formulated Optimized Sustained-release tablets (Opt-VLD-SR) showed significantly lower Cmax±3.01ng/ml) than conventional IR tablets (256.17±8.02ng/ml). In the pharmacokinetic study, the MRT for Optimized-VLD-SR is (7.40h) showed a better result than the Vildagliptin IR marketed product (3.70 h.), which leads to higher bioavailability of Vildagliptin. 
Conclusion: Sustained release tablets of VLN with a combination of diffusion and erosion-controlled drug release mechanisms have been successfully developed.
THE SIMULTANEOUS QUANTIFICATION OF RIFAMPICIN AND ISONIAZID IN PATIENTS WITH TUBERCULOSIS APPLIED TO VOLUMETRIC ABSORPTIVE MICROSAMPLING DEVICES USING HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: RENDATI HEMA NOVITA , HARAHAP YAHDIANA , RAHMAYANTI
Published: January 2024

Objective: Rifampicin and isoniazid are the main tuberculosis treatment regimens requiring blood level measurement to optimize the treatment process. This study aims to analyze rifampicin and isoniazid quantitatively in volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) prepared from a small volume of TB patients using HPLC.
Methods: Analytes on the VAMS tip were extracted using 1000 ml of acetonitrile containing 10 µg/ml of cilostazol as an internal standard. Analytical separation was performed on the C-18 column at 40 ℃ with a mobile phase mixture of 50 mmol ammonium acetate buffer pH 5.0-acetonitrile-methanol (40:30:30), flow rate 0.5 ml/min. The analysis was carried out with the calibration curve over a range of 1.0–30 µg/ml for rifampicin and 0.4-20 µg/ml for isoniazid.
Results: Analyte analysis in 21 patients showed that the measured value of rifampicin was 3.39–16.77 µg/ml, and isoniazid was 2.63–10.43 µg/ml at 2 h post-dose. 52.38% of patients had low blood concentrations in at least one of the drugs, 28.57% of the patients were in the therapeutic range, and 23.81% had a high blood concentration of isoniazid alone.
Conclusion: The concentration of rifampicin and isoniazid in 21 tuberculosis patients varied. Dose adjustment is needed because most patients had low blood concentrations of one of the drugs, and a limited number had a high blood isoniazid concentration alone. Only some patients simultaneously had plasma concentrations within the target range of the drugs. This method was valid and reliably utilized for therapeutic drug monitoring of antituberculosis.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF DEXTROMETHORPHAN-HBr, GUAIFENESIN, AND DIPHENHYDRAMINE-HCl IN TABLET DOSAGE FORM BY RATIO DIFFERENCE SPECTROPHOTOMETRY METHOD
Authors: TARIGAN RIDA EVALINA , ANDRY MUHAMMAD , ZULMI MARPAUNG ANNISA TIFANY , NASUTION MUHAMMAD AMIN , LUBIS MUHAMMAD FAUZAN
Published: January 2024

Objective: This study aims to develop a spectrophotometric method with the Ratio Difference method using ethanol pro analysis solvent to obtain the results of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide (HBr) levels of Guaifenesin and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (HCl) in tablets.
Methods: The Ratio Difference Sprctrophotography method involves dividing the mixture spectrum by the standard spectrum of each analyte and reducing the ratio to obtain a spectrum that does not depend on the concentration of the analyte used as a divider and can directly determine the levels of Dextromethorphan HBr, Guaifenesin, and Diphenhydramine HCl in the range 200-400 nm wavelength using experimentally calculated absorbance.
Results: The maximum wavelengths of Dextromethorphan HBr, Guaifenesin, and Diphenhydramine HCl were obtained at 278 nm, 273 nm, and 252 nm, respectively. The average % accuracy obtained was 99.60% for Dextromethorphan HBr, 98.98% for Guaifenesin, and 100.32% for Diphenhydramine HCl in dosage forms.
Conclusion: This method was successfully applied with simultaneous estimation to determine Dextromethorphan HBr, Guaifenesin, and Diphenhydramine HCl levels in tablet preparations and met the validation requirements.
REVOLUTIONIZING THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY: DIOSGENIN-LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES UNLEASH ADVANCED CARRIERS
Authors: ASLAM RAMSHA , TIWARI VARSHA , UPADHYAY PRASHANT , TIWARI ABHISHEK
Published: January 2024

Objective: The pharmaceutical industry has paid a lot of attention to solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) because they show promise as drug delivery vehicles. The purpose of this research was to create and characterize SLN loaded with Diosgenin.
Methods: To create SLN, the natural bioactive component diosgenin was encapsulated in a solid lipid matrix of compritol ATO 888. A modified solvent emulsification-evaporation process was used to create the SLN. Using a Box-Behnken Design (BBD), we were able to identify the optimal values for the drug-to-solid lipid ratio, surfactant concentration, and ultrasonication period that constitute an effective formulation.
Results: It was found that the improved formulation had particle sizes of 170.96 nm, polydispersity indices (PDI) of 0.231, and entrapment efficiencies of 64.549±0.553% %. The zeta potential value of -40.2 mV was indicative of a steady dispersion. The average particle size of the SLN was measured to be 103.1429 nm, and their spherical morphology was validated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. The optimized formulation did not undergo any chemical changes, as shown by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing. The in vitro drug release investigation showed that the SLN released Diosgenin continuously for 28 h.
Conclusion: The optimized formulation of SLN, achieved through the BBD, offers a promising strategy to improve drug solubility while ensuring controlled drug release and long-term storage stability.
IMPROVED SOLUBILITY OF CHOLECALCIFEROL AS BOVINE SERUM ALBUMIN (BSA) NANOPARTICLES
Authors: TANJUNG YENNI PUSPITA , BARLIANA MELISA INTAN , JONI I. MADE , CHAERUNISAA ANIS YOHANA
Published: January 2024

Objective: This study aims to report the optimum formula for BSA nanoparticles cholecalciferol (BSA-NP cholecalciferol), which can increase the solubility of cholecalciferol.Methods: BSA cholecalciferol nanoparticles was prepared by desolvation method with variations in solvent/non-solvent ratio, BSA concentration, pH of BSA solution, and cholecalciferol concentration. For this purpose, particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential were measured. Furthermore, the solubility test of the best BSA-NPs cholecalciferol formula was carried out.Results: The most optimal BSA nanoparticle cholecalciferol characterization results have a particle size of 166.6±50.3 nm, a zeta potential of-32.1 mV, and a percentage encapsulation efficiency (%EE) for cholecalciferol of 82.9±0.72%. The solubility of BSA-NP cholecalciferol is four times higher than that of pure cholecalciferol.Conclusion: The optimum formula for BSA-NP cholecalciferol with a solvent/non-solvent ratio of 1/2, a concentration of BSA of 2.5%, a BSA solution pH 6, and a cholecalciferol concentration of 0.1% will increase the solubility of cholecalciferol by four times compared to pure cholecalciferol.
BIOANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF 2-(4-ETHOXYPHENYL SULPHONAMIDO) PENTANE-DIAMIDE, A NOVEL ANTITUMOR AND ANTIANGIOGENIC AGENT, IN RAT SERUM AND APPLICATION OF THE METHOD IN DETERMINATION OF PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETERS
Authors: YEASMIN NILUFA , MISHRA SUVASISH , SARKER KOUSHIK , SEN SUBRATA
Published: January 2024

Objective: The present study focuses on the development and validation of a bioanalytical method for the quantification of 2-(4-ethoxyphenyl sulphamido) pentane-diamide, a candidate antitumor and antiangiogenic agent, in rat serum. The developed method was subsequently applied to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of the compound.
Methods: To quantify the compound and determine its pharmacokinetic properties in rats, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) bioanalytical method has been developed and the pharmacokinetic parameters were computed by compartmental model analysis.
Results: A linear relationship was detected within the concentration range of 10 to 5000 ng/ml prepared by adding standard solutions of the test compound to the pooled serum of 10 SD rats, which exhibits high levels of precision, accuracy, and reproducibility. An appreciable recovery in the range of 97.20±0.63 to 93.22±1.48 percent was determined, with no noticeable impact from the matrix. The pharmacokinetic parameters, namely oral absorption rate constant (Ka) (5.054±0.238 1/h), elimination rate constant (KE) (2.585±0.357 h), volume of distribution (V) (8.173±0.333 L/kg), and bioavailability of (73.2%), were determined by the utilization of PK-solver software.
Conclusion: We developed a simple yet precise and validated LC-MS method to analyze the drug candidate in rat serum. Simple protein precipitation and extraction were cost-effective. This bioanalytical approach was successful due to its good linearity, high recoveries, no matrix influence, and matrix stability. PK solver derived I. V. and oral pharmacokinetics parameters from the best-fit one-compartment model. Because of its high oral absorption, biological half-life, and bioavailability, the compound is suitable for oral administration.
ENHANCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION AND BIOAVAILABILITY OF SIMVASTATIN BY SOLID DISPERSION TECHNIQUE USING SUGAR-BASED CARRIERS
Authors: JYOTHI NAKKA VENKATA NAGA , GUBBIYAPPA KUMAR SHIVA , NAGARAJU NAGESH
Published: January 2024

Objective: The research aims to enhance poorly water-soluble drug Simvastatin (SMV) solubility and bioavailability by solid dispersion (SD) using various sugar carriers like lactulose, xylitol, Sorbitol, and soluplus.
Methods: First, the drug was subjected to determine bulk density, carr’s index, Hausner’s ratio, angle of repose, solubility analysis in various solvents like 0.1 N HCl, 6.8pH, 7.2pH phosphate buffers, methanol, and ethanol and preformulation studies. via various carrier concentrations (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, and 1:3), SMV solid dispersions (SD s) were made by solvent evaporation and fusion. The various physiochemical parameters of each formulation were tested.
Results: For various physicochemical criteria, all of the formulations were found to be within the allowed pharmacopoeial limits. Preformulation studies such as FT-IR demonstrated the lack of interactions between drugs and excipients. In comparison to the other solvents, 0.1N HCl showed SMV to be more soluble. The SDs underwent yield, entrapment, and in vitro drug release study evaluations. 88 to 100.68% recovery rates and 92 to 101% capture efficiency were observed. While SDs containing Sorbitol released 74-98% of the medicine, formulations utilizing Sorbitol demonstrated 80-99% drug release, and formulations using xylitol as a carrier released 83-99% of the drug. For more than 60 min, the formulation, including lactulose, delivered 91-100% of the Simvastatin dose.
Conclusion: Lactulose-containing SMV SDs demonstrated superior release characteristics, and an optimized formulation with a 1:1.5 drug-to-carrier ratio has been chosen.
NOVEL BIOMATERIAL ASSISTED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ORAL DISEASES–FUTURE THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
Authors: CHANDRAN MRIDULA R. , USHA R.
Published: January 2024

Oral health is integral to maintaining systemic health as the mouth and oral cavity connect our digestive system with the external environment. The incidence of oro-dental disorders has been emerging as a serious threat to the healthcare sector owing to the increasing complexity of oral microbiome. Conventional treatment modalities are often limited by drug resistance and unwanted inflammatory responses. Recently, therapeutic strategies that can reinstate microbial homeostasis in the oral microenvironment have been implicated in the management of odontogenic infections. Biomaterial-based drug delivery systems, including nanocarriers, dendrimers, hydrogels, oral thin films, oral patches, and other stimuli-responsive polymeric systems, facilitate targeted administration of antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory agents to the site of infection. Bio adhesivity of the polymeric carriers facilitates faster disintegration and accurate dosing of the pharmacological agent to the target site. Moreover, restorative dentistry has been revolutionized by the advent of bio-functional templates that offer improved osseointegration and long-term stability of implants. A comprehensive review of the potential applications of biomaterial-mediated therapeutic strategies in the management of caries, peri-implantitis, periodontitis, and other oro-dental infections is explored here.
AN LC-ESI-MS/MS METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF INFIGRATINIB IN BIOLOGICAL MATRICES
Authors: SUNKARA PHANI KUMAR , CHAGANTY SREEDHARA , RAMAKRISHNA K.
Published: January 2024

Objective: The study was aimed to develop a precise and simple liquid chromatographic electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (LC-ESI-MSMS) technique is essential for the quantification of Infigratinib in biological matrices.
Methods: Chromatographic resolution was attained with PhenominexC18 (50 mm×2.6 mm, 3 µm) stationary column and a mobile solvent composition of 0.1% HCOOH, methyl alcohol and acetonitrile in the proportion of 10:10:80. Chromatograms were resolved by an isocratic separation with a flowing rate of 0.50 ml/min at 40 °C.
Results: Quantitation was executed by monitoring the transitions of m/z. 560.19/189.13 for Infigratinib and 494.5→394.5 for Imatinib internal standard in multiple reaction monitoring. The standard curve regression line was y = 0.0016x+0.0062 and the correction coefficient (r2) was 0.9994. The % CV outcomes for matrix effect at Lower-QC and Higher-QC were 4.95% and 3.61% respectively. The percentage average recoveries for Infigratinib in Higher-QC (900ng/ml), MQC (600ng/ml) and Lower-QC (3ng/ml) were 93.27%, 94.69% and 97.24% respectively. The intra and interday precisions of analytical procedure was estimated by assessing the %CV outcomes and were in between 1.88 to 5.93% for the QC samples.
Conclusion: The developed procedure can be useful for the assessment of Infigratinib in biological matrices in quality control, forensic and bioavailability studies.
FORMULATION OF MEMORY SUPPORT TARGETED NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS (NLCS) LOADED WITH KELULUT HONEY EXTRACT PRODUCED WEST KALIMANTAN
Authors: PRATIWI LIZA , HERMAWATI ERY , WIJIANTO BAMBANG
Published: January 2024

Objective: The purposes of this study were to find active compounds of the secondary metabolites, screen and determine the comparison of solid lipid, liquid lipid, and surfactant to produce the optimal NLCs formulation, analyze characteristic optimal NLCs loaded honey extract, and analyze the effectiveness of the optimal NLCs formulation as memory support in vitro. The Design-Expert software used for optimal NLCs kelulut honey extract formulation. Methods: The research method begins with the extraction process using ethanol solvent's maceration method. The formulation of NLCs begins with screening honey extracts for various solid lipids, liquid lipids, and surfactants. Next, the formulation design uses a D-optimal mixture design to obtain 14 run variations of glyceryl monostearate: tocopherol oil: tween 20 and evaluation using transmittance response, pH, and entrapment efficiency. The data on the response is entered into the software to obtain the optimal NLCs honey extract formula. The optimal NLCs honey extract were evaluated for transmittance, pH, entrapment efficiency, particle size, transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and in vitro activity as memory support. Results: Based on the evaluation, the water content of honey extract was 5.74 %±0.144; metals present in honey are Pb (0.003 mg/kg) and Cd (0.175 mg/kg). Phenolic and Total Flavonoids are 25.91 mg GAE/g±0.15 extract and 182.36 mg GAE/g extract±0.28. The optimal NLCs obtained combined glyceryl monostearate: tocopherol oil: tween 20 with a 0.5: 5.54: 23.96 composition ratio. The optimal NLCs kelulut honey extract formulation for transmittance value was 94.58%±1.54, pH was 6.59±0.15, and Entrapment efficiency was 99.89 %±0.09. Determination for particle size was 327 nm±0.57, and TEM and FTIR provided details on their structure. Evaluation for memory support in vitro, IC50 NLCs optimal formula 61.99±0.34; honey without extract 72.59±0.79; honey extract 38.55±0.24; and NLCs of base optimal formula without extract 829.81±0.93. The real-time stability shows optimal NLCs honey extract stable in real-time stability and freeze-thaw. Conclusion: NLCs from honey extract can be formulated from optimal NLCs using Design-Expert software. NLCs from honey extract has physical characteristics according to requirements and is stable. In vitro antioxidant studies revealed that the optimal formulation NLCs loaded honey extract had higher activity memory support with IC50 61.99±0.34.