bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory Sandboxes (Experimental Legal Regimes) for Digital Innovations in BRICS
Authors: Gromova E. , Ivanc T.
Published: May 2020

Step by step, new digital technologies are capturing different spheres of our life. The opportunities of their application are almost infinite, and potential is very promising. But digital innovations as a trend represent a challenge for every modern state. Especially for member-countries of the BRICS union who seek to become the world’s leading countries. For this reason, the most important task for the members of BRICS is to create adequate “smart” regulation, which offers alternative ways of regulatory impact on transforming business relations. Using the regulatory sandbox as an experimental legal regime is one of the ways to test the creation, production, and realization of digital innovation. Having been first applied in 2016 in the United Kingdom, nowadays this model is successfully implemented in such countries as Singapore, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. Member-countries of BRICS are only beginning to adopt this unorthodox tool; in most of its countries the legal framework is ongoing now. The aim of this research is to analyze current legislation and legal framework on the regulatory sandboxes in BRICS countries, define features of national models, difficulties and further prospects of its usage. This research is based on the comparative and formal juridical analysis of legislation, draft laws, and research papers dedicated to regulatory sandboxes in BRICS. The authors identify different barriers and risks of using regulatory sandboxes for the digital innovations successfully and offer some ways to overcome these challenges, including the formulation of guidelines for operating regulatory sandboxes based on a balance of public and private interests. The authors conclude that it is necessary to update legislation on the regulatory sandboxes for reaching positive effect from the digital transformation and make several suggestions for optimization its provisions. The results achieved in research paper can be used both in the lawmaking process as well as the foundation for further scientific researches.
Contributions of Indian Authors in the Subject Category Law of the Web of Science Core Collection: ABibliometric Analysis
Authors: Kumar D. , Singh B.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of research works in the subject category Law published with the affiliation of India in the Web of Science Core Collection. A total of 529 published works by Indian authors from Indian law schools and institutions on or relating to the subject of the law have appeared in law journals and other sources. The works are indexed in the Core Collection for the years 1999–2019 and have been cited 2,041 times over this 20-year period. To conduct the analysis of the published data based on norms such as author-wise, country-wise and citation-wise figures, normative bibliographic techniques were applied to attain the objectives. After adetailed discussion of the analysis of the data, the research arrives at the conclusion that Indian authors have fewer published works in the subject category Law in the Core Collection than two other Asian countries, but that there has been a gradual increase in their number since 2011.
Topical Melatonin Niosome Gel for the Treatment of 5-FU-Induced Oral Mucositis in Mice
Authors: Uthaiwat Prangtip , Daduang Jureerut , Priprem Aroonsri , Settasatian Chatri , Chio-Srichan Sirinart , Lee Yao-Chang , Mahakunakorn Pramote , Boonsiri Patcharee
Published: May 2020

Background:

Oral mucositis, one of the most common complications of 5-Fluorouracil
(5-FU) treatment, leads to several problems, including pain, diarrhea and malnutrition, and reduces
the quality of life and subsequent treatments. Melatonin, a neurohormone with anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant activities, was encapsulated in niosomes and embedded in a mucoadhesive gel formulation
as a Melatonin Niosome Gel (MNG) to perform oral mucositis treatment.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of MNG for the treatment of 5-FU-induced
oral mucositis in mice.

Methods:

Oral mucositis was induced in ICR mice by 5-FU and randomly assigned to receive daily
applications of the topical oral MNG, a fluocinolone acetonide gel, a blank niosome gel, or no
treatment for 5 days in comparison with a normal group. Average body weights, food consumption,
and behaviors of the mice as well as microscopic histopathology, Fourier-Transform Infrared
Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and oxidative stress markers of
the tongues were monitored and collected after sacrifice.

Results:

In comparison to the normal group, the average body weights of the 5-FU-MNG mice did
not deviate from that of the normal group, nor was there a significant difference in the time to sleep
or licking (p>0.05 for both parameters). In addition, the mice treated with MNG and fluocinolone
acetonide did not show significantly different histopathological, FTIR, interleukin-1β or malondialdehyde
(MDA) results in the tongues used as the oral tissue samples.

Conclusion:

Topical MNG potentially inhibits inflammation and lipid oxidative stress in 5-FU-induced
oral mucositis.
The Role of Mitochondrial Impairment in Alzheimer´s Disease Neurodegeneration: The Tau Connection
Authors: Quntanilla Rodrigo A. , Tapia-Monsalves Carola
Published: May 2020

Accumulative evidence has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in
the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mitochondrial impairment actively contributes to the
synaptic and cognitive failure that characterizes AD. The presence of soluble pathological forms of
tau like hyperphosphorylated at Ser396 and Ser404 and cleaved at Asp421 by caspase 3, negatively
impacts mitochondrial bioenergetics, transport, and morphology in neurons. These adverse effects
against mitochondria health will contribute to the synaptic impairment and cognitive decline in AD.
Current studies suggest that mitochondrial failure induced by pathological tau forms is likely the result
of the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). mPTP is a mitochondrial
mega-channel that is activated by increases in calcium and is associated with mitochondrial
stress and apoptosis. This structure is composed of different proteins, where Ciclophilin D (CypD)
is considered to be the primary mediator of mPTP activation. Also, new studies suggest that mPTP
contributes to Aβ pathology and oxidative stress in AD.

Further, inhibition of mPTP through the reduction of CypD expression prevents cognitive and synaptic
impairment in AD mouse models. More importantly, tau protein contributes to the physiological
regulation of mitochondria through the opening/interaction with mPTP in hippocampal neurons.
Therefore, in this paper, we will discuss evidence that suggests an important role of pathological
forms of tau against mitochondrial health. Also, we will discuss the possible role of mPTP in the
mitochondrial impairment produced by the presence of tau pathology and its impact on synaptic
function present in AD.
Радиационные константы в спектре иона W VII
Authors: Логинов А.В. , Никитченко В.И.
Published: May 2020

Radiative transition probabilities 4f135p66p + 4f145p56p - 4f136s, 4f137s, and 4f137s levels lifetimes for erbium-like W VII were calculated smiempirically in intermediate coupling scheme using experimental energy levels. Radial transition integrals were derived in length form with Hartree-Fock functions.
Hybrid Structures of a-C:H Films Covered with Ag Nanoparticles for Application in Photonics-=SUP=-*-=/SUP=-
Authors: Abboud M.M. , Konshina E.A. , Shcherbinin D.P.
Published: May 2020

n this paper, the optical density and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of thin-film hybrid structures based on amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C : H) with a wide (2.7 eV) and narrow (0.4 eV) optical gap covered with granulated silver films were studied. The main goal was to study the impact of nanostructures morphology and the thickness of granulated silver films on these hybrid structures spectra. Ag films of 2 nm, 4 nm, and 10 nm gravimetric thicknesses were deposited by thermal evaporation on a-C : H film surfaces previously prepared by direct current CVD. With increasing Ag film thickness, the main dipole band intensity was enhanced, and the quadrupole mode band appeared in the optical density spectra of the hybrid structures. The influence of Ag NP sizes on the quenching and enhancement of photoluminescence intensity of a-C : H films with the different optical gap was shown. Exciton-plasmon interactions in the structures with the Ag film of 10 nm thickness led to the PL intensity enhancement of the wide- and narrow-gap a-C : H films to 2 and 19 times at a wavelength of 488 nm. Nevertheless, the PL intensity of the narrow-gap film remained lower as compared to a wide-gap a-C : H film. The impact of a cross-section amplification and the Purcell effect on the PL enhancement of a-C : H in the thin-film structures as a result of localized surface plasmon resonance excitation in Ag nanoparticles are discussed. Keywords: silver nanoparticles, morphology nanostructure, amorphous hydrogenated carbon, optical density spectra, exciton-plasmon interactions, photoluminescence.
Passive Social Sensing with Smartphone: A Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Heng , Ibrahim Ahmed , Parsia Bijan , Poliakoff Ellen , Harper Simon
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Smartphones are widely used and have become hubs of personal communication. Combined with multiple sensors, they are capable of monitoring social interaction passively.

OBJECTIVE

To review the published empirical English literature of social sensing with smartphones passively.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we constructed a search string considering variations of the term smartphone. The search was conducted in ACM Digitial Library, IEEE Xplore and Web of Science. Snowballing method was also applied following Wohlin guidelines after the initial search. Papers were included if they were empirical, only used sensors on smartphones to collect data, measuring social interaction or social activity level, required minimum user interaction and described as passive.

RESULTS

The search produced 688 results, of which 15 eligible articles were identified, two more articles were added from the snowballing. Participants of included studies range from 5 to 163, and described experiments length range from two weeks to two years. The aim of all studies is to understand human social behaviours, especially, some of them correlate social interaction levels with health-related topics. Android is the most popular operating system for capturing calls, messages and Bluetooth data, which are the three most frequently used sensors. Various data analysis methods, including simple as correlation, complex as machine learning, have been utilized. Benefits such as ubiquitousness, unobtrusiveness, powerfulness, and continuity and challenges such as privacy, accuracy and methodology were reported and summarized from reviewed studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the reviewed studies confirmed the feasibility and validity of passive smartphone social sensing, they suffered from issues of sensing strategy, privacy concerns, sample sizes, the significance of experiments and data integrity. The recommendation is to conduct more research on a theoretical basis, build personalized models and implement state-of-art technologies. The smartphone social sensing technology provides innovative opportunities to measure human social behaviour objectively. It has a promising future with concerns including methodology, privacy and evolvement addressed by interdisciplinary collaborations between technology experts, computer scientists and psychologists.
Multifactor model for the association between time-averaged serum albumin and clinical factors of hemodialysis patients based on the whale optimization algorithm (Preprint)
Authors: Yang Cheng-Hong , Moi Sin-Hua , Chen Yin-Syuan , Chuang Li-Yeh , Li Bo-Sheng , Chen Jin-Bor
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Time-averaged serum albumin (TSA) is commonly associated with clinical outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) patients and considered a surrogate indicator of nutritional status. Whale optimization (WO)-based feature selection algorithm could address the challenges associated with the complex characteristics of multifactor interactions and could be combined with regression models.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to demonstrate an optimal multifactor TSA-associated model, which could be applied in the interpretation of the association between TSA and clinical factors in HD patients.

METHODS

A total of 829 HD patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Monthly serum albumin data tracked from January 2009 to December 2013 were converted into TSA categories based on a critical value of 3.5 g/dL. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between TSA categories and multiple clinical factors using three types of feature selection models, namely the fully adjusted model, stepwise model, and whale optimization algorithm (WOA) model.

RESULTS

The WOA yielded the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) value, which indicated that the WOA could achieve superior performance in multifactor analysis when compared to the fully adjusted and stepwise models. The significant features in the optimal multifactor TSA-associated model included age, creatinine, potassium, and HD adequacy index (Kt/V level).

CONCLUSIONS

The WOA algorithm could select five features from 15 clinical factors, which is the minimum number of selected features required in multivariate regression models for optimal multifactor model construction to achieve high model performance. Therefore, the application of the optimal multifactor TSA-associated model could facilitate nutritional status monitoring in HD patients.

CLINICALTRIAL

All data were retrospectively collected using an approved data protocol (201800595B0) with a waiver of informed consent from patients.
Efficiency and/or Effectiveness in Managing Organizations
Authors: Najar Boushra W.
Published: May 2020

Does efficiency or effectiveness lead to successful organization management? Being efficient means investing as minimum resources as possible in order to get a desired result. Being effective by contrast means to achieve a desired result by using the right means or pursuing the right action. The question is not how to do this or that but rather, in what way the resources and efforts of a business should be directed to produce superior results rather than the usual efficient outcomes it can create. Organizational efficiency is the ratio between inputs and outputs in an organization. Organizational effectiveness is whether the organization fulfills its goals in doing the right thing. Concentrating on efficiency rather than effectiveness may limit an organization, so the argument of this article is that an organization should focus on effectiveness that is to pursue the right action. An effective organization is one that succeeds in adapting itself in place, time and content to a rapidly changing reality; such a business or public organization would succeeds over time in fulfilling and achieving its goals.
Propiedades psicométricas de una escala de autoeficacia percibida para el uso correcto del condón en jóvenes universitarios
Authors: Pérez Bautista Yuma Yoaly , Robles-Montijo Silvia Susana , Guevara Benítez Carmen Yolanda , Díaz-Loving Rolando
Published: May 2020

El presente trabajo tuvo como propósito obtener las propiedades psicométricas de un instrumento diseñado para medir autoeficacia percibida para usar correctamente el condón, en jóvenes universitarios. En el estudio participaron 447 estudiantes elegidos de seis instituciones públicas y privadas ubicadas en la Ciudad y el Estado de México. El instrumento consta de doce afirmaciones que tienen un formato de respuesta en escala tipo Likert de cuatro puntos, que van de nada capaz a muy capaz. A través del Análisis Factorial Exploratorio (AFE) y el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) se obtuvieron las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento, las cuales revelaron una escala unifactorial con buena consistencia interna. Los datos recabados indican que la autoeficacia para el uso correcto del condón estuvo asociada al sexo de los participantes, su experiencia sexual y las experiencias previas de éxito y fracaso al usar el condón.
Información visual del contenido de sacarosa de una bebida azucarada reduce su consumo
Authors: Beltrán-Cortés Ana Laura , Martínez-Moreno Alma Gabriela , Llanes-Cañedo Claudia , Sánchez-Caballero Berenice , López-Espinoza Antonio
Published: May 2020

El consumo de bebidas azucaradas en México es excesivo y descontrolado. A pesar de los esfuerzos en políticas públicas para atender este problema los resultados son insuficientes en el combate a la obesidad. Estudios sobre comportamiento alimentario han evaluado el efecto de recibir información visual sobre el contenido de sacarosa de bebidas sobre su consumo con atractivos resultados para reducir su consumo. Se llevaron a cabo dos experimentos con el objetivo de examinar el efecto de la presencia o ausencia de información sobre el contenido de sacarosa de una bebida carbonatada y azucarada sobre su consumo. A partir de técnicas de observación conductual se registró la frecuencia, latencia y duración del consumo de la bebida en tres condiciones: “sin etiqueta” (sin información), “etiqueta” (información) y “etiqueta+sacarosa” (información visual del contenido de sacarosa de la bebida). Los resultados evidenciaron que la disponibilidad de información visual “extra” sobre el contenido de sacarosa de la bebida se tradujo en menor consumo, menor frecuencia y mayor latencia respecto a las otras condiciones. Se discute el impulso a alternativas unidisciplinarias para el control en el consumo de bebidas azucaras contra la combinación de medidas remediales basadas en la educación de la población.
Guías de intervención para universitarios con depresión y riesgo de suicidio
Authors: Arenas Landgrave Paulina , Escobedo Ortega Natalia , Góngora Acosta Susana , Guzmán Alvarez Liliana , Martínez Luna Sofía Cristina , Malo Serrano Hugo Miguel
Published: May 2020

El suicidio en jóvenes es una problemática que ha ido en aumento tanto a nivel mundial como en nuestro país durante los últimos años. Dentro de la población universitaria se ha presentado un incremento considerable de muertes por suicidio a partir de lo cual es necesario desarrollar medidas preventivas para evitar esta conducta, así como guías que permitan implementar acciones específicas a partir de las cuales intervenir de manera eficaz y oportuna ante esta problemática en los jóvenes. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo describir las guías de prevención, intervención y posvención ante la conducta suicida basados en tratamientos breves que se diseñaron e implementaron en un programa de atención a universitarios con depresión y riesgo de suicidio en una institución pública de educación superior en la Ciudad de México.
Un mañana significativo: el sentido de vida y la perspectiva de tiempo futuro.
Authors: Osorio-Castaño César Augusto
Published: May 2020

Los conceptos de perspectiva de tiempo futuro y sentido de vida han sido estudiados durante las últimas décadas por la psicología, pero, no existen investigaciones que los relacionen. Ambos conceptos han mostrado tener impacto en el bienestar y la calidad de vida de las personas. Es por esto, que el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la relación entre el sentido de vida y la perspectiva de tiempo futuro. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo exploratorio de tipo correlacional Los participantes fueron 72 jóvenes entre los 18 y los 22 años (M= 19.7 y DE= 1.061). Los instrumentos utilizados son la Escala Dimensional de Sentido de Vida y la Escala de Perspectiva de Tiempo Futuro. Los datos recolectados fueron analizados en SPSS 22.0  y se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Los hallazgos muestran que los conceptos de sentido de vida y perspectiva de tiempo futuro  correlacionan positiva y significativamente; r = 0.720  (0.000) (p < 0.001). Se discuten, además, los resultados a la luz de futuras intervenciones e investigaciones a realizar.
Propiedades psicométricas de la versión corta de la escala de Empoderamiento y Agencia Personal en estudiantes universitarios.
Authors: Padilla Gámez Nélida , Pérez Bautista Yuma Yoaly , Cruz del Castillo Cinthia
Published: May 2020

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo evaluar las características psicométricas del empoderamiento en estudiantes universitarios así como validar la versión corta de la escala  de Empoderamiento y Agencia personal (EMPAP; Padilla Gámez & Cruz del Castillo, 2018). Dicho instrumento tiene por objetivo evaluar la autopercepción del empoderamiento a través de cuatro factores que miden: agencia personal, autoconciencia, empoderamiento en la salud y empoderamiento social. El instrumento consta de 47 reactivos en escala de respuesta tipo Likert de 5 puntos que evalúan en un continuo de 0 a 5, situaciones en las que los individuos perciben menor o mayor empoderamiento. La versión corta de la escala se desarrolló a través de un análisis factorial confirmatorio. Para este estudio participaron 255 estudiantes de los cuales el 38% son hombres y  62% mujeres, con edades entre 17 y 29 años, pertenecientes a las carreras: de psicología, medicina, biología, optometría, enfermería y odontología. Los resultados arrojaron un modelo que conserva las cuatro dimensiones originales con 12 reactivos y un buen ajuste en GFI, AGFI, CFI, y RMSEA. El coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach total fue de .81, por tanto se puede concluir que se obtuvo una versión corta, válida y confiable y sensible a la población universitaria.
Impacto de una intervención en resiliencia en deportistas universitarios lesionados.
Authors: Moo-Peña Juan Carlos , Góngora Coronado Elías Alfonso
Published: May 2020

El deporte es una actividad que puede proporcionar beneficios físicos y psicológicos a quien lo practica. Sin embargo, conlleva un riesgo el cual se traduce en la lesión deportiva factor relacionado con muchos otros factores de índole psicológico entre los cuales se encuentra la resiliencia cuyos efectos positivos pueden beneficiar tanto a deportistas lesionados como deportistas con antecedentes lesivos. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo conocer el efecto de una intervención en resiliencia en el área de las lesiones deportivas en un grupo de deportistas universitarios de una institución pública del estado de Yucatán, México. Para medir las variables se utilizaron el cuestionario de resiliencia, La escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg en su adaptación al español, la subescala de Enfrentamiento a los Problemas de la Vida y la Escala de Apoyo Social Familiar y de Amigos – AFA-R. La muestra estuvo constituida por 137 deportistas universitarios de distintas modalidades deportivas que tuvieron o se encontraban en un proceso de lesión deportiva y de los cuales 5 deportistas con las puntuaciones más bajas recibieron el programa de intervención.  Los resultados muestran a través de un pre-test y post-test que los participantes mejoran sus puntuaciones en las escalas después de su participación en el programa de resiliencia. A modo de conclusión, se observó a través del análisis del tamaño o magnitud del efecto, que la intervención si tuvo un efecto positivo en la población de deportistas en la que fue aplicada.
Factores que intervienen en la elección de contingencias compartidas de altruismo parcial ¿es suficiente la mera presencia física?
Authors: Pulido-Ávalos Lizbeth , Rangel-Bernal Nora Edith , Ortiz-Rueda Gerardo Alfonso
Published: May 2020

Se condujo un estudio a fin de evaluar el papel de la exposición a diferentes tipos de arreglos contingenciales (individual, colectivo y compartido) en el establecimiento y la cualidad de los intercambios verbales dados entre los participantes, así como el papel de la mera presencia física sobre la elección de contingencias compartidas de altruismo parcial. Se empleó una tarea de armado de rompecabezas virtuales en una situación diádica como procedimiento. 60 estudiantes de posgrado fueron distribuidos al azar en 30 díadas. Los participantes fueron ubicados en una misma sala o en salas experimentales distintas con y sin la posibilidad de establecer intercambios verbales. Tales condiciones permitieron contrastar el efecto bajo diferentes arreglos contingenciales de la mera presencia física de los participantes respecto del establecimiento de intercambios verbales entre los mismos sobre la elección de contingencias compartidas. En general, se encontró que el tipo de contingencia a la que los participantes fueron expuestos se relacionó con una cualidad predominante de los intercambios verbales establecidos, y que la elección de contingencias compartidas de altruismo parcial se relacionó, a su vez, con una cualidad de intercambios verbales en particular (estratégica) y no con la mera presencia física de los participantes en coparticipación.
Violência obstétrica: manifestações postadas em grupos virtuais no Facebook
Authors: Moré Pauletti Jéssica , Portella Ribeiro Juliane , Corrêa Soares Marilu
Published: May 2020

O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar as manifestações acerca da violência obstétrica postadas em grupos virtuais do Facebook. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, exploratória e descritiva; realizada em grupos públicos hospedados na rede social virtual Facebook que abordam a temática de violência obstétrica. A coleta de dados foi realizada no mês de setembro de 2018. O material para análise foi composto por 44 postagens publicadas no ano de 2017, submetidos a proposta operativa de Minayo. No que se refere especificamente a tipologia das postagens, constatou-se que a mesma é diversificada, constituindo-se principalmente pela divulgação de notícias, de histórias e vivências pessoais, e pela publicação de citações de frases de efeito. Como lacuna na assistência à mulher no período gravídico-puerperal que culminam em violência obstétrica, as postagens selecionadas para esse estudo evidenciaram a negação de seus direitos e as ações praticadas pelos profissionais de saúde que cunham negligência, imperícia e imprudência. As postagens mostram que, mesmo com a política de humanização do parto e nascimento, ainda hoje as práticas que buscam garantir o protagonismo da mulher e seus direitos no período gravídico-puerperal possuem pouco reconhecimento no âmbito social, refletindo na prática assistencial violenta.
La naturaleza del cuidado humanizado
Authors: Cruz Riveros Consuelo
Published: May 2020

El objetivo del siguiente artículo reflexivo es analizar la naturaleza del cuidado humanizado en Enfermería. Esta discusión se contextualiza durante la práctica del quehacer en los diferentes campos de trabajo donde se desenvuelve el profesional de la salud, considerando el sujeto del cuidado, el acto de cuidado, la comunicación y el paradigma holístico. El análisis se obtuvo mediante la búsqueda teórica multidisciplinar que presenta variados autores. La literatura utilizada busca comprender y profundizar, en los componentes necesarios para la realización de un cuidado humanizado. Se consultaron diversos autores a través de la exploración bibliográfica abarcando 34 documentos. En conclusión, la práctica sin la comprensión de los atributos sólo lleva a la realización de la atención presentando como característica principal una relación vertical- unidireccional entre el profesional y el usuario. Los atributos indispensables en la realización del cuidado humanizado son: el ser humano, relación profesional – usuario, sujeto del cuidado, comunicación y enfoque holístico.
Educar para la vida y la muerte a los estudiantes de Enfermería: “del miedo al amor”
Authors: Palomar Gallardo María Cinta , Romero Palomar María , Pérez García Esteban , Romero Palomar María Isabel
Published: May 2020

Esta investigación surge de la observación fenomenológica como enfermera asistencial cuidando a pacientes al final de la vida y como docente de enfermería en la asignatura “Afrontamiento de la muerte: intervención interdisciplinar”.  Existen grandes carencias sobre formación en los cuidados al final de la vida, la muerte y el duelo. Para cubrir esta necesidad de formación de los alumno/as realizo una propuesta de intervención docente en la asignatura “Afrontamiento de la muerte: intervención interdisciplinar”, cuyo objetivo es evaluar el impacto que la propuesta educativa de la asignatura tiene sobre los estudiantes de Enfermería. Metodología: Esta investigación está enmarcada en el paradigma interpretativo o hermenéutico, de enfoque cualitativo. Desde una mirada fenomenológica, se plantea un estudio descriptivo y como instrumento de investigación se tomarán los diarios reflexivos de los alumnos/as, matriculados en la asignatura que eligieron la opción de asistencia a clase. Resultados: El número de diarios fueron 36, pero se seleccionaron de forma aleatoria 14. El análisis cualitativo ha permitido estructurar el discurso del alumnado en 5 categorías de análisis: Motivo de elección de la asignatura; Crecimiento personal; Logros en el proceso de aprendizaje; Aplicación profesional de las técnicas desarrolladas en la asignatura; Valoración de la asignatura por parte del alumno. Conclusiones: La intervención educativa de la asignatura, ha tenido un alto impacto en los alumnos/as, en dos dimensiones importantes para sus vidas. Por un lado, aumentando sus competencias académicas como futuros profesionales, y por otro adquiriendo habilidades y actitudes positivas sobre la muerte, para vivir y amar la vida.
A Herb-drug interaction study: Screen the inhibitory effects of Insulin plant extract on rat liver CYP2D6 isoenzyme upon concurrent administration of Aripiprazole
Authors: Gupta Harshita , Kamble Bhagyashree
Published: May 2020

Aripiprazole belongs to the atypical antipsychotic category of drug. Cytochrome2D6 (CYP2D6) is one of the prominent enzymes that play a key role in the metabolism of Aripiprazole and further formation of an active metabolite, Dehydroaripiprazole takes place. Patients under the treatment with this potent moiety have been reported with the high blood glucose level as a side effect. In addition to this, literature suggests that the leaves of Insulin plant (Costus igneus) are usually administered by diabetic patients (2-3 times) to manage the sugar level without concerning to the physicians. There might be probability while concurrent administration of (Aripiprazole and Insulin plant leaves), leaves inhibit the enzyme and ultimately Dehydroaripiprazole exhibit poor pharmacological action. Hence, the present work was done to investigate the inhibitory effect of Insulin plant extract (IPE) on CYP2D6, with the co-administration of Aripiprazole (to examine the changes in a metabolite of Aripiprazole). In order to carry out this protocol firstly, IPE was prepared by the successive extraction method. Methanolic extract of Insulin plant was found enriched with the Quercetin, which was used as a marker to carry out this study. Presence of Quercetin was confirmed with the Ultra-violet spectroscopy (UV) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analytical methods. Characterization of Aripiprazole was done with the help of different analytical tools such as: HPLC, melting point, and UV. Aripiprazole alone and with the several dilutions of IPE were incubated using isolated rat liver microsome (RLM) and analyzed using HPLC. HPLC data demonstrated that the, mixture of IPE+Aripiprazole (herb and drug in liver microsomes), in comparison to Aripiprazole+RLM (alone drug in liver microsomes) has not shown any significant inhibition of the enzyme, and inhibitory concentration (IC50) value found to be 4.49µg/ml. Therefore this study concluded that IPE has shown safe results even at the highest clinical dose after oral administration i.e., 20-1000µg/ml and did not show any significant CYP2D6 inhibition. Nevertheless, to confirm these observations, inclusion of in vivo studies will be advantageous. As per our knowledge, this is the first attempt made on the detection of Herb- Drug interactions (HDI’S) between Insulin plant and Aripiprazole.
Biological Potential of Tribulus terrestris
Authors: Dighe Shantanu U. , Jadhav R.S. , Vikhe D.N.
Published: May 2020

Plants have a significant role in preserving human health and improving quality of life. gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) one of such plants, is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for various therapeutic properties like balya(strengthening),  brimhana (nutritive), rasayana(rejuvenator), mootrala(diuretic), shothahara(anti-inflammatory), vajikarana (aphrodisiac) etc. and useful in the management of mutrakrichhra (dysurea), ashmari (renal calculi) etc. It is a perennial plant, grown predominantly in India and Africa. Its extract contains alkaloids, saponins, resins, flavanoids and nitrates. As its therapeutic values, a review has been done to gather information on different aspects of gokshura. Further Ayurvedic references, the present paper also emphasizes on recent researches carried out on this plant for its pharmacological evaluation.

Keywords: Tribulus terrestris, Diuretic, Pharmacology
SARS – COV-2 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Critical Review on Novel Coronavirus Pathogenesis, Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Jain Ruchi , Jain Nilesh , Jain Surendra Kumar , Dhakar Ram C
Published: May 2020

The 2019-nCoV is officially called SARS-CoV-2 and the disease is named COVID-19. The Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) caused pneumonia in Wuhan, China in December 2019 is a highly contagious disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it as a global public health emergency. This is the third serious Coronavirus outbreak in less than 20 years, following SARS in 2002–2003 and MERS in 2012. Currently, the research on novel coronavirus is still in the primary stage. It is currently believed that this deadly Coronavirus strain originated from wild animals at the Huanan market in Wuhan by Bats, snakes and pangolins have been cited as potential carriers. On the basis of current published evidence, we systematically summarize the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of COVID-19. This review in the hope of helping the public effectively recognize and deal with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and providing a reference for future studies.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Coronavirus, pneumonia, Respiratory infection
Ameliorative effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Nigella sativa seed against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in rats
Authors: Uchendu Ikenna Kingsley
Published: May 2020

Objective:  The aim of this study is to investigate the ameliorative effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa (HANS) against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: Twenty five (25) albino rats, with average weight (105±5g), were randomly grouped into five groups: A-E, of five (5) rats per group. Group A rats served as normal control, Group B (Negative Control) received intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride CCl₄ (0.4ml/kg, i.p.) only, Group C received CCl₄ and low dose HANS (400mg/kg, oral), Group D received CCl₄ and high dose HANS (800mg/kg, oral), and Group E (Positive control), received CCl₄ and Vitamin C (200mg/kg, oral), for 3 days. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by measuring serum levels of total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) using standard methods.  Histopathological analysis of the liver was also carried out. Results: The extracts significantly stablized biochemical markers of hepatic injury, and preserved the histoarchitecture of the liver tissues against CCl4 damage. The protective effect was not dose-dependent, as low dose HANS (400mg/kg), showed better protection than the high dose HANS (800mg/kg). Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Nigella sativa has antihepatotoxic effects.

Keywords: carbon tetrachloride, hepatotoxicity, medicinal plants, Nigella sativa, hydroalcoholic extract
Vimentin and Cytokeratin Immunostaining: The Role in Basic Diagnosis and Prognosis of Sarcomas
Authors: Ogenyi Samuel Ifedioranma , Madukwe Jonathan , Onyemelukwe Anulika Obianuju , Ngokere Anthony Ajuluchukwu
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Specific diagnosis which provides diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic information to guide patient care defines the primary goal of sarcoma management and care. The role of immunohistochemistry, using vimentin (mesenchymal linage marker) and cytokeratin (epithelial linage marker) as basic markers for diagnosis and classification of sarcomas for specific management strategies and prognosis was elucidated in the present study.

Materials and Methods: Twenty four (24) archived paraffin wax processed tissue block sarcoma samples were randomly selected from the histopathology Laboratories and museums of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi and National hospital Abuja and necessary data obtained from records. Blocks were re-embedded with fresh paraffin wax and 3µ thick sections cut with the aid of a rotary microtome. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining method was employed to confirm diagnosis before proceeding to immunohistochemistry. Antibodies for vimentin and pancytokeratin were employed for immunohistochemistry while exposed mouse and rabbit specific horseradish peroxides/diaminobenzidine detection IHC kit was employed for immunostaining.

Results: The mean age of patients was 26 years while the ages range from 11 to 48 years with 14 (58.3%) females and 10 (41.7%) males. Vimentin had strong positive immunoreactivity for all sarcoma samples whereas cytokeratin had positive immunoreactions for synovial sarcoma only, which also showed co-expression of both genes.

Conclusion: Vimentin and cytokeratin may play vital role as basic biomarkers not only for diagnosis and characterization of sarcomas but for specific management regime and prognostication. However, IHC must be performed at high standard using appropriate antibodies, samples and reagents.

Keywords: Sarcoma, immunohistochemistry, vimentin, cytokeratin, biomarker.
Humoral response of broilers to live Newcastle Disease virus vaccines manufactured by different companies
Authors: Mehmood Muhammad Danish , Anwar Huma , Hashim Aamra , Ismail Muhammad , Hussain Sajjad
Published: May 2020

Increased incidence and severity of fatal Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) in commercial and domestic poultry has been reported from across Pakistan. The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of various live NDV vaccines (Gallivac, Intervet and Ceva) by adapting different vaccination schemes in broilers. Antigenic count of each vaccine and its generated antibody were determined by Haeamagglutination and Haemagglutination inhibition tests respectively. Two different NDV vaccination schemes were tested in such a way that one group had received three vaccines in different time periods whereas, the other after priming at 0 day, was followed by a single booster dose. For this purpose, healthy broilers were divided into four groups A, B, C, and D. On zero day of vaccination, there was no detectable anti NDV-HI titer for all vaccines (Gallivac=2, Intervet=2 & Ceva=2). In first vaccination scheme, detectable anti NDV-HI titer was observed on 16th day of vaccination (Gallivac=3.8, Intervet=4.2 & Ceva=3.6). All vaccines showed protective anti NDV-HI titer on 32nd day, post vaccination (Gallivac=5.8, Intervet=6.2, Ceva=5.8). In second vaccination scheme, detectable anti NDV-HI titer was achieved on 16th day of post vaccination (Gallivac=3.8, Intervet=4.2 & Ceva=3.6). While on 32nd day vaccination, all vaccines showed protective anti NDV-HI titer (Gallivac=5.4, Intervet=5.6 & Ceva=5.2). It is concluded that the two-dose vaccination program, with interval of 12 days, is much effective than the 3-dose vaccination scheme. However, in broilers, anti-NDV antibody titer was induced by all three types of vaccines manufactured by various companies.

Keywords: Newcastle disease virus, Humoral Response, Haemagglutination inhibition test, Vaccine schedule
Effect of Granulation Methods on Drug Release Studies in Sustained Release Matrix Tablets of a Poorly Soluble Drug prepared using Synthetic Polymers
Authors: Ayalasomayajula Lakshmi Usha , Radha Rani E. , Ksheera Bhavani A.V.S. , Vyasa Murty A.
Published: May 2020

Vomiting or emesis is the abnormal emptying of stomach and upper part of intestine through esophagus and mouth. It occurs due to stimulation of the emetic (vomiting) centre situated in the medulla oblongata. Domperidone, a D2 receptor antagonist has antiemetic and prokinetic action is used as a model drug in the present work to prepare Sustained release matrix tablets using various synthetic polymers like Eudragit and HPMC K15 M. The tablets are designed to have a pH dependent release profile in order to prevent initial drug release in the stomach to reduce the possible gastro-irritant and ulcerogenic effects of the drug. Different polymer and diluent concentrations and various compression techniques like wet granulation technique and direct compression techniques were used in order to release the contents of the tablets in a sustained manner over a certain period of time. Domperidone is BCS Class II drug and its solubility was enhanced by preparing solid dispersions using solvent evaporation technique. In the present work solid dispersions containing drug and polymer mixture in the ratio 1:1 was further formulated into tablets by incorporating various synthetic polymers in three different concentrations. The tablets were prepared using different granulating techniques. Formulation (F3) containing drug and  polymers in the ratio 1:1 prepared by wet granulation technique could sustain the drug release over a period of 12h and hence considering all the post compression parameters it was optimized as the better formulation. FTIR, DSC, X-Ray Diffraction, SEM studies were performed for optimized solid dispersion mixture and also the optimized formulation.

Keywords: Solubility enhancement, Solid dispersions, Solvent Evaporation, Wet granulation, Direct Compression.
Assessment of Self-Care Practices among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in a Secondary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Chinnappan Jeeba , KP Athira , Iqbal Faheem , V Jasna , Ashok Purnima , Varghese Rini Susan
Published: May 2020

Background: Diabetes is one of the major health problems worldwide that can be effectively managed by good self-care activities like medication adherence, exercise, monitoring of blood glucose, foot care and diet. Objectives: The study assessed the self-care activities of diabetic patients using summary of diabetes self-care activities scale (SDSCA) and the variables (Age, gender, educational level, socioeconomic status (SES)) associated with it. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken in 400 Type 2 diabetic patients. Self-care practices of the patients were evaluated by using SDSCA and correlation with variables were determined statistically. Results: Among 400 diabetic patients about 215 (53.75%) had an average score of self-care. Self-care was poor in 184 (46%) subjects, and only 1 subject (0.25%) scored good. Blood sugar monitoring was the highest (100%) followed by medication adherence (92.75%) whereas inadequate levels of self-care were reported in foot care (1.5%), and physical activity (31.5%) domains. A significant positive correlation was found between self-care practices and socio-demographic variables such as age (r=0.298, p=0.000), income (r=0.490, p=0.000) occupation (r=0.433, p=0.000), education (r=0.582, p=0.000), and Socio-Economic status (r=0.599, p=0.000). Conclusion: The study revealed higher level of adherence to self-care activities in terms of blood sugar monitoring and medication taking behaviour in the current setting, but self-care in other domains such as foot care is critically low. Age, education and Socio-Economic status seems to affect the self-care practice by the patients.

Keywords:  Diabetes, Diabetes self- care, Diabetic foot care, Summary of diabetes self-care activities (SDSCA) score.
Fractionation, Phytochemical Screening and Free Radical Scavenging Capacity of Different Sub-Fractions from Pituranthos scoparius Roots
Authors: Karbab Ahlem , Mokhnache Kamel , Arrar Lekhmici , Baghiani Abderahmane , Khennouf Seddik , Charef Noureddine
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to prepare three sub-fractions from Pituranthos scoparius roots (PSR), characterize their phytochemicals contents and to investigate their free radical scavenging activity by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydroxyl scavenging activities. Tannins, ﬂavonoids, steroids, and other bioactive compounds were found in the different sub-fractions. The Ethyle acetate extract (EAE) and chloroform extract (ChE) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity using ABTS (17.8 ± 0.87 µg/mL and 18.15 ± 0.68 µg/mL), respectively. Whereas, Crude extract (CrE) have been presented strong hydroxyl scavenging activity (14.9 ± 0.8 µg/mL). This study indicates that PSR extracts has potent free radical scavenging, and may prove to be of potential health benefit as well as additional resources for natural antioxidants.

Keywords: Medicinal plant; phytochemical screening; sub-fractions, free radical scavenging.
Development and Preclinical Testing of Nasal Aerosol for the Delivery of Novel Spray Dried Polyherbal Formulation to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Nadendla Rama Rao , Santhi Priya Nagam
Published: May 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate anti-alzheimer’s activity of novel herbal aerosol spray formulation containing pure extracts of Curcuma longa, Commiphora wightii and Withania somnifera.Pressurized aerosol packs containing polyherbal spray dried dispersions in the concentration range of 0.5, 1 and 2% w/v dispersed in 10/90, 20/80, 30/70/ 40/60, 50/50) propellant blends of HFA-134a were developed in 3 in 1 aerosol filling machine and evaluated. Behavioural studies were performed in male wistar rats and histopathological studies were performed. The preparations were also assessed for AChE inhibitory activity. Results with P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Chitosan exhibited compatibility with the polyherbal extracts in FT-IR studies. DSC thermogram revealed an endothermic peak of 65ᵒC with chitosan. Spray dried poly herbal extracts exhibited a spherical morphology particle size distribution of 5-50µm with a practical yield of 20-30%. Aerosol formulations exhibited a particle size range below 10µm. average weight per actuation of canister was 7-8mg with a total 210 deliveries per pack. Zeta potential of the formulations was ±0.997. HPTLC fingerprinting showed band ranges at 256 and 366nm. The optimized aerosol spray in behavioral tests exhibited 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg intranasally reversed the scopolamine induced amnesia. Histopathological findings showed decreased Ach activity in male albino wistar rats. Percentage inhibition of formulation and standaed on AChE activity shoed an IC50 of 62% for 10mg/kg aerosol spray and 72% with 20mg/kg aerosol spray dosing.

Keywords: alzhiemer’s disease; herbal; spray dried chitosan; aerosol; nasal spray;