bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Samsun İlindeki Fındık Tarımsal Üretici Birliklerinin Mevcut Durum Analizi
Authors: Kılıç Topuz Bakiye , BOZOĞLU Mehmet
Published: December 2018

Türkiye’de fındık, sağladığı üretim değeri, istihdam ve ihracat geliriyle stratejik bir öneme sahiptir.Türkiye’nin fındık üretiminin %14’ü ise Samsun İlinde gerçekleştirilmektedir. Fındık piyasalarının etkin olarakişleyebilmesi için üreticilerin yaygın ve etkili bir şekilde örgütlenmelerine ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Araştırmanıntemel amacı, Samsun İlindeki Fındık Tarımsal Üretici Birliklerinin mevcut durumu ve sorunlarının ortayakonulmasıdır. Araştırmanın ana materyalini, Samsun İlinde faaliyet gösteren 3 Organik Fındık Tarımsal ÜreticiBirliği yöneticilerinden ve bu birliklerin üyeleri arasından Basit Tesadüfi Örnekleme yöntemlerine göre seçilen 92çiftçiyle yapılan anketlerden elde edilen veriler oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada fındık üreticilerinin birlik şeklindeörgütlenmelerinin yaygın olmadığı, birliklerin gelirleri ve kârlarının çok düşük olduğu, birliklerin ’sinin üstörgütlenmesinin olmadığı, birlik yöneticilerinin genelinin eğitim seviyelerinin düşük olduğu, birlik üyelerininsorumluluklarını yaygın olarak yerine getirmedikleri ortaya konulmuştur. Bununla birlikte, birliklerin ürünpazarlama, girdi temini ve ihracatta üyelerine sadece aracı oldukları, herhangi bir dış kaynaklı proje yürütmedikleribelirlenmiştir. Fındık Tarımsal Üretici Birliklerinin geliştirilebilmesi için kendilerine projeye dayalı finansal veteknik yardımların sağlanarak rekabet güçlerinin artırılması gerekli görülmektedir.
X Band Radar Sistemleri için Mikroşerit Yürüyen Dalga Anten Tasarımı
Authors: BELEN Mehmet Ali , MAHOUTI Peyman
Published: December 2018

Günümüzde, telekomünikasyon ve askeri uygulamalarda ayarlanabilir anten dizilerinin kullanımı gittikçeartmaktadır. Askeri sistemlerinde, ayarlanabilir antenler değişen sistem ihtiyaçlarına ve çevre koşullarına yüksekuyumlulukları nedeniyle ilgi çekmektedir. Bu antenler uygulama gereksinimlerine göre çalışma frekanslarını,analob yönlendiriciliklerini, huzmelerini, polarizasyonlarını değiştirme özelliğine sahiptirler. Hem insan izlemehem de görüntüleme uygulamalarında, radar sistemi dar bir huzmeye sahip olmalı ve huzme hızla farklı yönleritarayabilmelidir. Bu nedenle huzme kontrolü, takip, tespit, arama gibi temel radar işlevleri kritik öneme sahiptir.Huzme kontrollü sistemler, karmaşık ve yüksek maliyete yol açan kontrol edilebilir elemanlara sahip büyük antendizilerinin kullanılmasını gerektirirler. Bu çalışmada karmaşıklığın ve maliyetin giderilmesi için yürüyen dalgaanten modeli incelenmiştir. Yürüyen dalga anten modeli standart mikroşerit dizi modeline dayanmaktadır. Yürüyendalga modelli radar yapılarında, dizi elemanlarına uygulanan frekans artımının kontrolü ile huzme hareketi; açı,menzil ve zaman eksenlerinde kontrol edilebilir ve bu sayede arama, tespit ve takip gibi temel radar fonksiyonlarıyerine getirilebilir. Yine aynı şekilde frekans artımının kontrolü ile hüzme genişliği ve menzil çözünürlüğü gibiradar performans parametreleri optimize edilebilir. Bu çalışma kapsamında 9.4GHz ile 10.8GHz frekanslarıarasında çalışan frekans değişimine bağlı olarak ana hüzme yönlendiriciliğine sahip yürüyen dalga anten modelitasarımı yapılmıştır. Tasarlanan antenin kazancı 8dB ile 13dB arasında değişmektedir. Anahüzme açısı 00 ile 270arasında yönlendirilebilmektedir.
The social dynamics around shared sanitation in an informal settlement of Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Chipungu Jenala , Tidwell James B. , Chilengi Roma , Curtis Valerie , Aunger Robert
Published: December 2018

This study explored the social dynamics affecting collective management of shared sanitation in the Bauleni compound of Lusaka, Zambia. In-depth interviews were conducted with landlords (n = 33) and tenants (n = 33). Elinor Ostrom's eight design principles for the management of common-pool resources was used as a framework to analyse the data. Social capital within plots was also assessed. Pit latrines were predominantly shared by landlords and tenants on residential plots. However, unwelcome non-plot members also used the latrines due to a lack of physical boundaries. Not all plot members fulfilled their cleaning responsibilities equally, thereby compromising the intended benefits for those conforming. Landlords typically decided on latrine improvements independent of tenants. Latrines were not systematically monitored or maintained, but punishment for non-conformers was proportionate to the level of infraction. There was no system in place for conflict resolution, nor local organizations to regulate the management of sanitation. Lastly, there were few enterprises associated with peri-urban sanitation. Social capital was moderately high, and tenants were willing to invest money into improving sanitation. The social dynamics illuminated here provide an important basis for the development of a behavioural intervention targeted towards improving urban sanitation.
Assessing climate and land-use change impacts on streamflow in a mountainous catchment
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liang Liqiao , Cai Yanpeng , Wang Xuan , Li Chunhui
Published: December 2018

It is essential to assess streamflow response to climate and land-use change in catchment basins that serve cities and their surrounding areas. This study used the Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM) to simulate streamflow under different climate and land-use change scenarios in the Dashi River catchment, China. The most sensitive soil parameters were maximum infiltration, porosity, field capacity, and wilting point, while the most sensitive vegetation parameters were leaf area index (LAI) and vegetation height. The suitability of the DHSVM model was aligned with Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficients (NSE) greater than 0.41 and 0.84 at daily and monthly scales, respectively. Streamflow increased/decreased with increasing/decreasing precipitation, while it decreased with increasing air temperature. Furthermore, streamflow decreased with the increase in forestland due to higher water consumption, especially during summer. Results from this study could help us to better understand streamflow response to changes in climate and land use.
Espasmo Hemifacial: relato e comparação entre dois casos
Authors: Alves Peruzini Giovanna , Miranda Wienen Camila , Corrêa Barros Fernando , Nogueira Monteiro Gabriela , Senra da Silva Layla , Rodrigues de Souza Pinto Mariana , Poncioni de Macedo Rodrigo , Gonçalves Samel Victória , Tiel Chan
Published: December 2018

O espasmo hemifacial (EH)é caracterizado por contrações tônicas-clônicas musculares involuntárias dos músculos inervados pelo sétimo par craniano. O presente estudo tem o intuito de relatar dois casos de EH de etiologias distintas, descrevendo os principais sinais, sintomas e o tratamento da patologia. No caso 1, foi constatada a presença de uma alça vascular (EH secundário),através da RNM. Após o insucesso da terapêutica anterior, houve introdução da toxina botulínica, obtendo sucesso no tratamento. Já no caso 2, a paciente apresentou TC de crânio e RNM sem alterações (EH idiopático), também apresentando melhora ao tratamento com a neurotoxina do tipo A.O tratamento pode incluir resultados curativos por intermédio de cirurgia microvascular descompressiva e sintomáticos. Sendo assim, é imprescindível a eficácia diagnóstica e terapêutica, o que contribui significativamente à qualidade de vida dos pacientes, que sofrem de baixa autoestima, depressão e interação social prejudicada.
Análise da resistividade de estruturas de concreto submetidas ao ataque corrosivo de sulfato de magnésio
Authors: Souza Marcus , Domingues Leonardo , Moreno Marques Natália , Alves Izabela , José da Costa Gomes Gustavo
Published: December 2018

O estudo do comportamento do concreto diante ao ataque de íons sulfatos, pode ser descrito por meio de ensaios acelerados que, além do rígido controle das invariáveis intervenientes no processo, no que diz respeito à qualidade dos materiais envolvidos, na dosagem dos agregados e do aglomerante, controle na etapa de cura do concreto, oferece baixo custo e certa velocidade na coleta de dados. Busca-se ao máximo estender a durabilidade das estruturas visando diminuir custos com reparos e manutenções ao longo da vida útil da mesma. Uma boa maneira de se chegar a resultados satisfatórios é na escolha certa dos materiais a serem utilizados buscando as características necessárias para resistir às ações a qual a edificação estará submetida. Neste trabalho, busca-se orientar e propor uma descrição do mecanismo de ataque do agente agressor, para elaboração de projetos, as diferentes formas em que o Sulfato de Magnésio pode entrar em contato com o concreto, e também comprovar a relevância da relação água/cimento (a/c) e comparar a resistividade entre dois tipos de cimento, onde constatou a melhor eficiência do cimento CPIII RS - 40, comparado ao cimento CPII E 32, quando ambos submetidos às mesmas condições de agressividade, em ensaios de corrosão acelerada.
Metastatic Brain Tumors: To Treat or Not to Treat, and with What?
Authors: Tai Patricia , Joseph Kurian , Assouline Avi , Souied Osama , Leong Nelson , Ferguson Michelle , Yu Edward
Published: December 2018

A long time ago, metastatic brain tumors were often not treated and patients were only
given palliative care. In the past decade, researchers selected those with single or 1-3 metastases
for more aggressive treatments like surgical resection, and/or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS),
since the addition of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) did not increase overall survival for the
vast majority of patients. Different studies demonstrated significantly less cognitive deterioration
in 0-52% patients after SRS versus 85-94% after WBRT at 6 months. WBRT is the treatment of
choice for leptomeningeal metastases. WBRT can lower the risk for further brain metastases, particularly
in tumors of fast brain metastasis velocity, i.e. quickly relapsing, often seen in melanoma
or small cell lung carcinoma. Important relevant literature is quoted to clarify the clinical controversies
at point of care in this review. Synchronous primary lung cancer and brain metastasis
represent a special situation whereby the oncologist should exercise discretion for curative treatments,
with reported 5-year survival rates of 7.6%-34.6%. Recent research suggests that those
patients with Karnofsky performance status less than 70, not capable of caring for themselves, are
less likely to derive benefit from aggressive treatments. Among patients with brain metastases
from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the QUARTZ trial (Quality of Life after Radiotherapy
for Brain Metastases) helps the oncologist to decide when not to treat, depending on the performance
status and other factors.
The Role of Dermoscopy in Assessment of the Activity and Scarring Response in Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Al-Refu Khitam
Published: December 2018

Background:

The diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is usually made by clinical examination and by histopathology. Recently, dermoscopy has become an integral part in diagnoses of many inflammatory disorders and one of these is DLE.

Aims:

This research emphasizes the utility of dermoscopy in the assessing lesions of DLE from the point of activity of the disease.

Patients and Methods:

Thirty-one patients diagnosed with DLE were included in this study. The total number of examined lesions was 125 lesions. All of the lesions were assessed by dermoscopy at different stages of the activity of the diseases.

Results:

The dermoscopic features of DLE vary according to the stage of activity of the disease. There are characteristic dermoscopic features for the lesions of the scalp different from that of the body. In the active and early phase, the most common dermoscopic features were the presence of lesional and perilesional scales, follicular keratotic plugging, telangiectasia, arborized blood vessels, follicular red dots and perifollicular scales. In addition, there are less common dermoscopic features such as pigmentary changes, white rosettes and pinpoint white dots. For active scalp lesions, the follicular plugging and perifollicular scales were more prominent than that of the body DLE lesions. For inactive and late DLE lesions, the most significant dermoscopic changes were perifollicular whitish halos, variable patchy whitish hypopigmented areas, and the presence of white colored structureless areas.

Conclusion:

The present study provides new insights into the dermoscopic variability of DLE lesions at different levels of activity.
MicroRNA-224 (rs188519172 A>G) Gene Variability is Associated with a Decreased Susceptibility to Coronary Artery Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Mir Rashid , Jha Chandan K. , Elfaki Imadeldin , Rehman Suriya , Javid Jamsheed , Khullar Naina , Banu Shaheena , Chahal Sukh Mohinder Singh
Published: December 2018

Aim:

The microRNAs regulate the expression of multiple genes involved in diseases such
as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we have investigated the association between
the miR-224 gene polymorphism (rs188519172A>G) and susceptibility of coronary artery disease
CAD.

Methodology:

Hundred CAD patients and 100-matched healthy control were included. Genotyping
of the miR-224 (rs188519172A>G) polymorphism was performed using Amplification refractory
mutation system PCR method (ARMS-PCR).

Results:

A significant difference was observed in the genotype distribution among CAD patients and
healthy controls (P=0.018). The frequencies of all three genotypes GG, GA, AA reported in the patient’s
samples were 33%, 66% and 01%, and in the healthy controls samples, were 16%, 82% and
2% respectively. A multivariate analysis based on logistic regression was conducted for each group
to estimate the association between miR-224 rs188519172 genotypes and risk to coronary artery disease.
Results show that the miR-224 (rs188519172 A>G) polymorphism was associated with a decreased
risk to CAD in a codominant model, GA genotype vs. GG (OR = 0.39 (95 % CI, 0.19-0.76),
RR 0.58 (0.38-0.90, P=0.006). In the dominant model, (GA+AA vs. GG), there was also a significant
association with the OR=0.38 (95 % CI (0.19-0.76), RR 0.58 (0.38-0.89), and P=0.006. Whereas, in
the recessive model, (GG+GA vs. AA), there was no significant association of CAD with OR=0.49
(95% CI (0.044-5.54), RR 0.74 (0.33-1.68), and P=0.48.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicated that miR-224 (rs188519172) GA genotype is associated with a
decreased susceptibility to CAD.
Wastewater Chlorination for Reuse, an Alternative for Small Communities
Authors: Quartaroli Larissa , Cardoso Bárbara Henrique , de Paula Ribeiro Gabriela , da Silva Gustavo Henrique Ribeiro
Published: December 2018

Reuse of wastewater is a practice that has been employed all over the world, mainly in agriculture, where the main aim is to reduce the demand for water and provide nutrients. However, these waters for reuse often have excessive amounts of pathogenic microorganisms, requiring a specific disinfection step even after being subjected to a purification process. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the potential use of calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite as disinfectant agents for the sanitary effluent of the treatment system based on constructed wetlands for later reuse. Disinfection tests were carried out in batch, using three dosages of hypochlorite (5, 10 and 15 mg.L−1) and different contact. In all disinfection tests, inactivation of indicator microorganisms (total coliforms and E. coli) was considered effective for the two disinfectant agents adopted, satisfying the criteria for reuse according to the World Health Organization (WHO). There was no formation of trihalomethanes after disinfection tests.
Ambient Assisted Living as Support for Aging in Place: Quantitative Users’ Acceptance Study on Ultrasonic Whistles (Preprint)
Authors: Biermann Hannah , Offermann-van Heek Julia , Himmel Simon , Ziefle Martina
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Given the fact of an aging society, new supply measures and living concepts are needed, especially as health impairments along with care dependency increase with age. As many elderly people wish to stay at home for as long as possible, ambient assisted living (AAL) represents a support for aging in place.

OBJECTIVE

AAL combines medical and care technology within living environments and is, therefore, a promising approach to cope with demographic change in terms of fast-growing care needs and fewer skilled workers. Ultrasonic whistles represent one innovative technical possibility for such supportive housing solutions. Central fields of application are home automation, emergency service, and positioning. As AAL technologies affect sensitive areas of life, it is of great interest under which conditions they are accepted or rejected, taking individual user requirements into account. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate users’ perception and evaluation of ultrasonic whistles.

METHODS

In this study, we examined the acceptance of ultrasonic whistles in home care by function and room using a Web-based questionnaire. Besides an evaluation of the overall usefulness, we focused on the intention to use ultrasonic whistles; 270 participants assessed home automation, emergency service, and positioning as specific functions of ultrasonic whistles. Furthermore, bathroom, bedroom, and living room were evaluated as specific usage locations (rooms). With regard to the user’s perspective, the focus was set on age and attitudes toward aging of care receivers.

RESULTS

This study revealed a significant influence of function (F2,269=60.444; P<.001), room (F2,269=41.388; P<.001), and the interaction of function and room (F4,269=8.701; P<.001) on the acceptance of ultrasonic whistles. The use of emergency services within the bathroom represented the most accepted alternative, whereas positioning within the living room received the comparably lowest evaluations. Although user diversity played a minor role for acceptance overall, the assessment of single applications differed among user groups, particularly with regard to age differences (F20,500=1.988; P<.01) in the evaluation of specific installation options such as automated doors.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed profound insights into the user-centered assessment of ultrasonic whistles in home care and discovered function and room as influencing acceptance parameters. Concerning user characteristics, age, and attitude toward aging partly affected these evaluations, forming the basis for and showing the importance of further investigations in this context.
Using a Virtual Serious Game (Deusto-e-motion1.0) to Assess the Theory of Mind in Primary School Children: Observational Descriptive Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lázaro Esther , Amayra Imanol , López-Paz Juan Francisco , Martínez Oscar , Pérez Alvarez Manuel , Berrocoso Sarah , Al-Rashaida Mohammad , García Maitane , Luna Paula , Pérez-Núñez Paula , Rodriguez Alicia Aurora , Fernández Paula , Parada Fernández Pamela , Oliva-Macías Mireia
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Given the interactive media characteristics and intrinsically motivating appeal, virtual serious games are often praised for their potential for assessment and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to validate and develop normative data for a virtual serious game (Deusto-e-motion1.0) for the evaluation of emotional facial expression recognition and social skills, both of which are components of the theory of mind.

METHODS

A total of 1236 children took part in the study. The children were classified by age (8-12 years old), gender (males=639, females=597), and educational level (between the third and sixth years of Primary Education). A total of 10 schools from the Basque Country and 20 trained evaluators participated in this study.

RESULTS

Differences were found in Deusto-e-motion1.0 scores between groups of children depending on age and gender. Moreover, there was a moderately significant correlation between the emotional recognition scores of Deusto-e-motion1.0 and those of the Feel facial recognition test.

CONCLUSIONS

Deusto-e-motion1.0 shows concurrent validity with instruments that assess emotional recognition. Results support the adequacy of Deusto-e-motion1.0 in assessing components of the theory of mind in children.
Penyelamatan Air Tanah dan Penanggulangan Sampah Melalui Program Biopori Dan Komposter Di Pemukiman Kecil di Kelurahan Ciputat dan Ciputat Timur
Authors: Permanasari Eka , Hendola Feby , Purisari Rahma , Safitri Ratna
Published: December 2018

The growth of middle class in Indonesia has raised the number of houses being built in cities like Depok, Bogor, Bekasi Tangerang. Big real estates have emerged in these supporting cities along with the mushroomed numbers of small clusters adjacent to them. Stand on 3000-5000 m2 land, these clusters have limited public facilities such as proper sanitation, water catchment, and waste management. The water catchment area have reduced significantly which causes deficit ground water supply during the dry season. Another problem is the households waste left unsorted and directly sent to the garbage collector have made the number of solid waste piling up in the dumping site. This research analyzes three small clusters which locations are adjacent to Bintaro Jaya housing estate. This program focus in three programs: (a. Changing people’s mindset in handling the household waste by choosing the right products (front strategy), sort the waste, and treat the organic waste (rear strategy); (b) Installing minimum 2 biopores on every house and open areas; (c) Making composter to transform household waste into compost. Through FGD and social intervention, this research has encouraged community to change their behavior towards biopore and composter program installed in three small clusters in Bintaro.
INVESTIGATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTINOCICEPTIVE EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF ARTEMISIA AFRA IN WISTAR RATS
Authors: Gondwe Mavuto , Mpalala Anda , Zongo Lusanda , Kamadyaapa David , Ndebia Eugene , Sewani-rusike Constance , Shauli Mathulo , Iputo Jehu
Published: December 2018

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Artemisia afra.Methods: Animals were randomly divided into five groups of six animals each and administered with normal saline (2 ml/kg), indomethacin (10 mg/ kg), and A. afra at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. For the anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced paw edema was used while the hot plate and acetic acid induced-writhing tests were used to assess the antinociceptive activity.Results: Pretreatment with A. afra at a dose of 100 mg/kg did not show any significant biological effects (p>0.05) for any of the three tests, when compared against saline-treated control group. At a dose of 200 mg/kg, A. afra demonstrated significant effects (p<0.01), during the 5th h reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema by 12%. The highest dose (400 mg/kg) of A. afra demonstrated more potent effects by decreasing the carrageenan-induced paw swelling (p<0.001–0.05) during the 3rd, 4th, and 5th h, by up to 38% when compared against saline-treated control group. Both the 200 and 400 mg/kg, A. afra doses achieved a significant increase (p<0.05) in reaction time in the hot plate test. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, pretreatment with A. afra (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced pain by 39% (p<0.01) by comparison with the saline control.Conclusion: Experimental data demonstrated that aqueous extract of A. afra possesses anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties in experimental acute inflammation and pain. These findings support the usage of A. afra in managing inflammation and pain in traditional practice.
FUSOGENIC LIPOSOME FOR THE TREATMENT OF FUNGAL MENINGITIS: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Susan Alex Irene , Jose Jeneetta , R Rahul , Gopal Anju , Priya Anu
Published: December 2018

Fungal meningitis is an infection which is caused by fungus which spreads through the blood to the spinal cord. People with weakened immunity get this disease easily like persons with AIDs, etc. To make sure the disease is fungal meningitis, a sample is taken from the cerebrospinal fluid and it is sent to the laboratory. Usually, fungal meningitis is not mediated from person to person, but it is caused when a fungi are inhaled from the surrounding and spread into the blood to the central nervous system. Normally medications such as vaccines, IV, and oral suspensions are given to the people for curing fungal meningitis. Commonly used drugs are Amphotericin B and fluconazole oral suspension. Amphotericin B is an antifungal, antiprotozoal, and hydrophobic drug. However, these drugs cannot give a directly as medication therapy for the patients, because it offers toxic effect and side effects, absorption rate is slower, and crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is getting difficult. Adverse effects can be minimized with the application of nanotechnology. Therefore, in human medical services, the availability of molecular nanotechnology will provide rapid progress. Nanoparticle (NP) systems help to improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs which has been explained using Noyes–Whitney equations. Nanoparticles offers several advantages as a drug delivery system, such as better drug bioavailability, reduction of dosing frequency enables them for the betterment of diseases, can cross the BBB, and it is very cost-effective. Types of NP include polymeric NP, carbon nanotubes, metallic structures, nanocrystals, and fusogenic liposomes. Fusogenic liposomes are a peculiar class of phospholipid vesicles. The fusogenic liposomes can deliver encapsulated NP into the targeted sites and also can cross the BBB. On comparing with cationic liposomes, fusogenic liposomes are more effective as well as rapid in the drug delivery.
LEVONORGESTREL-RELEASING INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM IN ADENOMYOSIS; PREDICTORS FOR RESPONSE AND CLINICAL OUTCOME
Authors: J Alizzi Fadia , Khaliq Showman Hind Abdul , A Fawzi Hayder
Published: December 2018

Objectives: The aim is to detect clinical and ultrasonographic characters that predict the response of adenomyosis to levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and to evaluate the clinical efficacy and the time needed to show a response.Methods: A prospective single-arm study conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad/Iraq from August 2015 to March 2018. Women with symptomatic adenomyosis with age 39 years and above and who completed their families had been enrolled in this study. LNG-IUS was used as a treatment; the outcome measure was to evaluate its effect in improving the symptoms and the time needed to show a clinical response. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the contribution of the clinical and ultrasonographic parameters to the prediction of the response to LNG-IUS.Results: Over the mean duration of follow-up period of the study (22.7±9.9 months), there was a significant improvement in menstrual blood loss, dysmenorrhea, and hemoglobin (Hb) with significant decrease in uterine volume (p˂0.001). The time to show response was as early as 3 months and the first 6 months is the best time to predict failure. Initial menstrual blood loss and Hb were good predictors to show response while uterine volume an excellent one (positive predictive value 80% and negative predictive value 97.2%).Conclusion: Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device is an effective treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis in term of time to response and duration of response. The presenting Hb, menstrual blood loss, and uterine volume are useful predictors of response.
INFANT’S SKIN AND CARE NEEDS WITH SPECIAL CONSIDERATION TO FORMULATION ADDITIVES
Authors: Sindhura Dk Siri , Jain Vikas
Published: December 2018

Infancy is the time of adaptation from intrauterine life to the rather dry and cold, environment. Infant skin is more sensitive due to the immature immune system, hence, effortlessly prone to complications. Children from different age groups face diverse skin problems such as cradle cap, infant eczema, diaper rash, prickly heat, and many more. During early infancy, the products such as mild cleansers and lotions are used, and later, massage oils, creams, lotions, soaps, bubble bath, and other products are utilized for another few years, as a part of routine care. The preterm infants are more prone to skin damage and percutaneous toxicity from topically applied products. The ingredients incorporated in infant care products require special attention while choosing a product for them. Topical application of any such product requires thorough screening for potentially harmful ingredients before its exposure to the infant’s skin. Products used for infants should be safe and restricted of fragrance, coloring agents, parabens, plant oils, extracts, and other obnoxious ingredients. The literature is flooded with the list of safer excipients that can be utilized for the development of skin care products for infants and children.
EVALUATION OF REVERSAL EFFECTS OF EUGENIA JAMBOLANA SEED EXTRACTS AGAINST HIGH-FRUCTOSE DIET-INDUCED INSULIN RESISTANCE IN ALBINO RATS
Authors: Bmhrk Gupatha , Adiga Mn Sachidananda , Nayak Im Nagendra , Deb Roy Asitava , Kumar Ak Sampath
Published: December 2018

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the reversal effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of jamun seeds against high-fructose (HFr) diet-induced insulin resistance (IR) in albino rats.Methods: Thirty male albino rats were divided into five groups (n=6), and all the group rats except normal control were provided with HFr (60% w/v) to their drinking water daily for 42 days. Group 1 and 2 served as a normal and fructose control. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were supplemented with metformin (MET 500mg/kg p.o) and aqueous and ethanolic extracts of jamun seeds (Jamun seed aqueous extract [JSAE] and Jamun seed ethanolic extract [JSEE] 1000 mg/kg of each p.o), from day 28 to day 42, respectively. Physical (body weights, food, and water intake) and biochemical (glucose, insulin, and lipid) parameters were estimated, and Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR values were calculated.Results: HFr diet significantly (p<0.05) increased weight gain and water intake with decreased food intake in rats. HFr-fed rats exhibited a significant (p<0.05) increase in fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid levels along with increased HOMA-IR values and confirms the development of IR. Supplementation with MET, JSAE, and JSEE significantly (p<0.05) restored the physical parameters and reversed fasting glucose and lipid levels in comparison with HFr control. Whereas, only JSAE had significantly reversed the fasting insulin levels in comparison with HFr control. HOMA-IR values were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in both the extract groups of HFr-fed rats, and the results were comparable to MET.Conclusion: Our study concludes that both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of jamun exhibit a significant reversal effect against HFr diet-induced IR, due to insulin-sensitizing actions at the target tissues.
A COMPARISON OF INTRAVENOUS ONDANSETRON AND PALONOSETRON IN PREVENTING POST-OPERATIVE NAUSEA AND VOMITING AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY - A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Adhana Sumita , Dwivedi Puneet
Published: December 2018

Objectives: Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a frequently experienced complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study was planned to compare the antiemetic efficacy of palonosetron with ondansetron in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods: A total of 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into two groups. Group O (n=50) received ondansetron (8 mg) and Group P (n=50) received palonosetron (0.075 mg) 3 min before induction of anesthesia. Post-operatively, patients were assessed for the occurrence of nausea, retching, or vomiting at 0–2, 2–6, 6–24, 0–24, and 24–48 h time intervals. The overall incidence of PONV in time frame (0–48 h) was determined. The need of rescue antiemetic, side effect profile, and patient satisfaction scores were also assessed.Results: The incidence and severity of nausea at all the time intervals were comparable in the two groups. The incidence of vomiting was significantly less in Group P as compared to Group O in 0–2 h (2% vs. 14%, p=0.027) and 0–24 h time intervals (10% vs. 30%, p=0.012). The overall incidence of PONV in 0–48h was lesser in Group P as compared to Group O (28% vs. 50%, p=0.024). Rescue antiemetic was required in greater number of patients in Group O as compared to Group P (p=0.038). Side effect profile and patient satisfaction scores were comparable in the two groups.Conclusion: Palonosetron is better than ondansetron in lowering the overall incidence of PONV in 0–48 h time interval, in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
A SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION, VALIDATION AND FORCED DEGRADATION STUDIES OF 5-FLUOROURACIL AND TEGAFUR IN A PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORM USING REVERSED-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD
Authors: Mistry Vaishali , Yelwe Akshay , Deshpande Amey
Published: December 2018

Objective: The present study describes the stability indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for simultaneous estimation of 5-fluorouracil and tegafur in pharmaceutical dosage forms.Method: 5-fluorouracil and tegafur the propose RP-HPLC method were developed by using Shimadzu Prominence-i LC-2030 HPLC system equipped with UV detector and chromatographic separation was carried on shim-pack gist c18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μ) column at a flow rate of 1 ml/min and the run time was 10 min. The mobile phase consisted of methanol and water in the ratio of 50:50% v/v and elements were scanned using a UV detector at 271 nm.Result: The retention time of 5-fluorouracil and tegafur was found to be 2.74 and 3.66 min, respectively. A linearity response was observed in the concentration range of 13.4 μg/ml–31.3 μg/ml for 5-fluorouracil and 6 μg/ml–14 μg/ml for tegafur, respectively. Limit of detection and limit of quantification of 5-fluorouracil were 10.97 μg/ml and 33.26 μg/ml and for tegafur are 4.89 μg/ml and 14.83 μg/ml, respectively.Conclusion: The stability indicating that the method was developed by subjecting drugs to stress conditions such as acid and base hydrolysis, oxidation, photo and thermal degradation, and degraded products formed were resolved successfully from samples.
A REVIEW ON THE SYNTHETIC METHODOLOGIES OF CHROMONES
Authors: Vanguru Mahathy , Merugu Ramchander , Garimella Swetha , E Laxminarayana
Published: December 2018

Chromones group of compounds and their derivatives form the essential component of pharmacophores in many biologically active molecules. They exhibit a wide range of biological activities such as antibiotic, antitumor, antiviral, antioxidant, antipsychotic, and antihypoxic activities. These applications have stimulated a continuous search for the synthesis of new compounds in this field and are being extensively investigated. The various methodologies so far reported for the synthesis of these compounds with the compounds biological applications are discussed in this communication
DESIGN AND STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF MOUTH DISSOLVING SUBLINGUAL FILM OF FIXED DOSE COMBINATION OF DOXYLAMINE SUCCINATE AND PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE USING DESIGN OF EXPERIMENT IN THE TREATMENT OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Suresh Bobde Suwarna , Hemraj M Tank
Published: December 2018

Objective: The present research aims at formulating a mouth dissolving sublingual film of fixed dose combination of doxylamine succinate (DS) and pyridoxine hydrochloride (PH) that would provide faster onset of action and hence relief from the condition of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.Methods: Mouth dissolving films were prepared using a solvent casting technique. A 23 full-factorial design of eight formulations was set up with three independent variables: X1 - polymer 1 HPMC E15 concentration, X2 - polymer 2 HPMC E5 concentration, and X3 - plasticizer PEG 400 concentration. The responses, i.e., dependent variables measured for the study were Y1 disintegration time in seconds, Y2 tensile strength in kg/cm2, Y3 drug release in the percentage of DS, and Y4 drug release in the percentage of PH. All the formulations were evaluated for physicochemical parameters such as clarity, weight, thickness, folding endurance, surface pH, and content. The design expert software 11.0 trial version was used for statistical analysis of the responses.Results and Conclusion: All the film formulations were found to be transparent, non-tacky, and easily peelable having the satisfactory tensile strength and folding endurance. The concentration of polymer 1 and 2 was found to have a significant effect on disintegration time and drug release of mouth dissolving films. The best film formulation DP1 was found to have a disintegration time of 77.66 s and found to release 96.22% of DS and 95.43% of pyridoxine HCl in 21 min.
AN OVERVIEW OF MEDICINAL VALUE OF CURCUMA SPECIES
Authors: Kanase Vanita , Khan Farha
Published: December 2018

Curcuma is a genus of about 100 accepted species in the family Zingiberaceae that contains such species as turmeric and Siam tulip. They are native to Southeast Asia, southern China, ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 naturalized in other warm parts of the world such as Tropical Africa, Central America, Florida, and various islands of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. Few known species of Curcuma with reported pharmacological activity are Curcuma longa, Curcuma aeruginosa, Curcuma pseudomontana, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Curcuma zedoaria, Curcuma angustifolia. Among them, C. longa is the one species extensively studied and has ancient traditional medicinal uses. These Curcuma species have been used in traditional medicine as a household remedy for various diseases, including biliary disorders, anorexia, cough, diabetic wounds, hepatic disorders, rheumatism, and sinusitis. For the past few decades, extensive work has been done to establish the biological activities and pharmacological actions of Curcuma species and its extracts. This review article is created with an intention to give an overview on the reported research carried out on the Curcuma species such as anticancer activity, antitumor, antitubercular, antibacterial, antimicrobial, toxicity activity, and wound healing. And also, these Curcuma species can be considered as herbal medicinal plant having a plethora of research opportunities based on its traditional use and biological activity.
EVALUATION OF SERUM TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR 4 AND NUCLEAR FACTOR-ΚBP65 PROTEINS IN ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
Authors: Sathiyamoorthy Jayalalitha , Shyamsundar Vidyarani , Babu N. Aravindha , Shanmugam Subbaih , G. Mani Jagadeesan. , Chinnaiyan Ponnuraja , Hari Rajeswary
Published: December 2018

Objective: The present study is aimed to estimate the serum toll-like receptor 4 (sTLR 4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 proteins in patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: The study was performed in prospective cases of 22 OSCC patients, 10 oral epithelial dysplasia patients, 8 control with chewing habits, and 4 control patients. The estimation of sTLR 4 and NF-κBp65 proteins was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The Pearson correlation test was performed to find out the relationship between these two proteins. Results: There was an increase in the sTLR 4 protein level in study groups OSCC, oral premalignant disorders, control with chewing habits, and control habits such as 1.31 ng/ml±1.06 ng/ml, 1.99 ng/ml±0.98 ng/ml, and 2.11 ng/ml±0.61 ng/ml, respectively, when comparable (p=0.008) to control patients with 0.60 ng/ml±0.24 ng/ml. However, in the case of serum level NF-κBp65 protein all the study groups including the control showed same values. The Pearson correlation test showed significant relationship (rpearson=0.91, [p<0.0005]) of these two proteins only in the OSCC patients. Conclusion: It can be concluded that serum levels of TLR 4 are increased in OSCC patients, but there was no variation seen for the NF-κBp65 protein. There is a strong interrelationship exist between the serum levels of TLR 4 and NF-κBp65 proteins in the OSCC patients only.
EFFECTS OF A COMBINATION THERAPY WITH ATORVASTATIN AND METFORMIN ON THE GLYCEMIC CONTROL AND ADIPOSITY INDICES IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED OVERWEIGHT PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Mohammed Samer Shukur , Mustafa Wael Waleed , Hussain Saad Abdulrahman
Published: December 2018

Objective: In many type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, metformin is prescribed concomitantly with hypolipidemic agents, particularly statins. Meanwhile, variability in response to metformin is one of the most important problems in the efficacy of this combination. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of adding atorvastatin with metformin on the glycemic control, adiposity indices, and lipid profile of overweight patients newly diagnosed with type T2DM.Methods: A total of 50 overweight patients with T2DM were allocated into two groups, the first one received 850 mg/day of sustained release metformin and the second group received 10 mg/day atorvastatin in addition to the metformin. The patients were followed for 90 days through evaluating fasting serum glucose (FSG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and the lipid profile at baseline and after 90 days. In addition, the safety of the protocol was monitored through the evaluation of the renal and liver functions.Results: HbA1c, FSG, BMI, and VAI values were significantly decreased in both treatment groups compared with baseline. Meanwhile, the combination improves all the lipid profile components with respect to the baseline. No significant differences reported between the two groups regarding all the measured parameters. The addition of atorvastatin produced a slight but significant negative impact on the renal and liver functions.Conclusion: Addition of 10 mg/day atorvastatin with metformin in the treatment of newly diagnosed T2DM overweight patients did not produce significant improvement in glycemic control, adiposity index, and lipid profile compared with the use of metformin alone.
EVALUATION OF PRICE DISPARITY AMONG GENERIC MEDICINES IN INDIA
Authors: Shaik Reena , M Muragundi Pradeep
Published: December 2018

Objective: Even though the generic medicines are considered to be a cheaper option compared to the branded medicines in India, there is a need to study the price disparity among the generic medicines. Hence, the present study aims to evaluate the price disparity in generic medicines under Government Scheme in India.Methods: It was found that there were 101 generic medicines approved at a fixed price for procurement under the Central Government Health Services scheme. The prices of these medicines were searched for their availability as well as for current price in Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (under Jan Aushadhi scheme) website.Results: The major category of the generic medicine were antibiotics (53.45%) followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (10.89%) and cardiovascular (6.93%) drugs. It was evident from the result obtained by comparing the prices across categories that there were both positive and negative deviations.Conclusion: It was very much evident from the results of the mean of differences that even though fixed price contracts being in place, there is a price disparity in the generic drug prices seen under Government Scheme.
CHARACTERIZATION OF MONOHEADED TRYPSIN INHIBITORS FROM THE SEEDS OF ABELMOSCHUS MOSCHATUS L.
Authors: Kumar Dokka Muni , K. P. J Hemalatha , Davuluri Siva Prasad
Published: December 2018

Objective: The objective of the present study was to characterize the monoheaded trypsin inhibitors, Abelmoschus moschatus trypsin inhibitor-I (AMTI-I) and AMTI-II from the seeds of A. moschatus with respect to their specificity, mode of action, and active site residues.Methods: Standard methods were followed in determining inhibitory activities of monoheaded inhibitors. IC50 values and inhibitory constants (Ki) of AMTI-I and AMTI-II were determined. Studies on complex formation and chemical modification of inhibitors were performed.Results: AMTI-I and AMTI-II were found to be serpins, strongly active against trypsin, moderately active against porcine elastase, Staphylococcus aureus protease, and Aspergillus oryzae protease. AMTI-I and AMTI-II have shown non-competitive type of inhibition toward bovine trypsin with Ki values of inhibitors for trypsin found to be 0.25±0.02 nM and 0.22±0.06 nM, respectively. Complex studies revealed the formation of stable 1:1 complex of trypsin with both AMTI-I and AMTI-II. Chemical modification of the functional groups of the inhibitors by selective reagents indicated that arginine residues are essential for their trypsin inhibitory activities.Conclusion: Investigations on the specificity of protease inhibitors are important for understanding their physiological role, control mechanisms involved in the regulation of proteolysis in biological systems and mode of action.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF TULSI (OCIMUM SANCTUM) AND NEEM (AZADIRACHTA INDICA) METHANOL EXTRACT
Authors: Kumar Vipul , Chakraborty Anurag , Kaur Manpreet , Pandey Sony , Jena Manoj Kumar
Published: December 2018

Objective: This study was focused on to compare the antimicrobial activity of methanolic leaf extracts of tulsi and neem.Methods: We have chosen tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and neem (Azadirachta indica) to compare their antimicrobial activity toward Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Phytochemical extracts have been made by the use of methanol as solvent and dried leaf powder by the cold maceration extraction process. Phytochemical analysis for some secondary metabolites has been done using standard protocols. Nutrient agar plates were inoculated with the above-mentioned microorganisms by spreading bacterial inoculum on the surface of the media. Wells (6 mm in diameter) were punched in the agar. The phytochemical extracts of neem and tulsi were allowed to diffuse into the medium, and after incubation of 24 h at 37°C, the zones of inhibition were observed.Results: Statistical analysis showed that tulsi was more effective toward S. aureus while neem was more effective toward E. coli. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tulsi for both the microorganisms was 0.4 g/ml, and the MIC of neem for both the microorganisms was 0.2 g/ml. When both the tulsi and neem extract were mixed with each other for every concentration at equal volume, they have shown better effects in comparison to individual neem or tulsi extract and also the MIC got reduced to 0.2 g/ml for both the bacteria.Conclusions: Leaf extracts of both the A. indica and O. sanctum have shown antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. A. indica has higher antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, whereas the O. sanctum was found to be more effective against E. coli (indicated by the zone of inhibition). When both the extracts were mixed with each other, they have shown a better effect toward both bacteria.