bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community Origin and Previous Use of Antimicrobials Increase the Risk of Nosocomial Multidrug-resistant Bacteria Colonisation in the Intensive Care Unit in a Brazilian Hospital
Authors: Vandresen Debora , Werlang Maria Helena B. , Silva Mirian Carla B. , Link Juliana S. , N. Fortes Paulo Cezar
Published: December 2019

Background:

Hospitalised patients are often surrounded by microorganisms, and antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a major and growing threat to public health.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and the risk factors for colonisation by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in a Brazilian hospital.

Methods:

Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who underwent nasal and rectal swab cultures for the surveillance of colonisation by MDROs were evaluated in a retrospective study. MDROs were determined by routine microbiological cultures.

Results:

Of the 785 patients included in this study, 86 presented positive results for MDRO colonisation. Overall, the most frequently isolated organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (41.9%), followed by Escherichia coli (33.7%). The main type of resistance was the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). The prevalence of MDRO infections was significantly associated with the patient's origin (community or hospital-acquired). Having been submitted to previous antimicrobial drug therapy was significantly associated with MDRO infection (relative risk [RR]: 4.02 [2.60 - 6.23]).

Conclusion:

MDRO ICU colonisation was variable, with similar frequencies as other centres, and important factors, including previous hospital stay and antibiotic use, were closely related to MDRO colonisation. Therefore, control interventions should reduce their rates, especially considering the particularities of each geographic centre.
Mathura (MBI) - A Novel Imputation Measure for Imputation of Missing Values in Medical Datasets
Authors: Bai B. Mathura , Mangathayaru N. , Rani B. Padmaja , Aljawarneh Shadi
Published: December 2019

Aims:

Propose an imputation measure for filling missing data values so as to make the
incomplete medical datasets as complete datasets. Apply this imputation measure on imputed datasets
to achieve improved classifier accuracies.

Objective:

The basic intention of the present study is to present an imputation measure to find the
proximity between medical records and an approach for imputation of missing values in medical
datasets to improve the accuracy of existing classifiers.

Methods:

The performance of proposed approach is compared to existing approaches with respect
to classifier accuracy and also by performing non-parametric test called Wilcoxon test.

Results & Conclusion:

Experiments are conducted by considering three benchmark datasets
CLEVALAND, PIMA, ECOLI and by applying proposed imputation technique with KNN, J48
and SMO classifiers and classifier accuracies are determined. The results obtained are then compared
to thirteen existing benchmark imputation techniques available in KEEL repository. Experiment
results proved the importance of the proposed imputation technique.
Modelamiento de la eficiencia productiva de trozas de lenga (Nothofagus pumilio) destinadas a la producción de madera aserrada en la Patagonia chilena
Authors: Alzamora Rosa M. , Pinto Antonio , Ulloa Carolina , Aguilera Alfredo
Published: December 2019

Un análisis productivo y económico fue realizado sobre una muestra de 184 trozas de lenga (Nothofagus pumilio) obtenidas en el Predio Monte Alto, XII Región, Chile. Las trozas se destinaron a producir las calidades: selecta (S) y común (C1, C2 y C3), y maderas cortas de ancho variable. El análisis de eficiencia productiva se realizó utilizando dos fronteras de producción estocásticas (FE) tipo Cobb-Douglas y Translog. Este enfoque permite modelar funciones de producción y obtener medidas de eficiencia técnica (EFt). Los atributos de troza usados en los modelos fueron diámetro menor, largo y la productividad del proceso. La EFt promedio de las trozas fue 0,85 y 0,78 calculada con FE Cobb-Douglas y Translog, respectivamente, lo que implica que en promedio las trozas podrían reducir el uso de los insumos en 15% o 22% y alcanzar el mismo nivel de producción. Las trozas con mayor EFt (≥ 0,9) se caracterizaron por presentar un diámetro menor promedio de 33 cm en ambos modelos y por generar un valor de recuperación promedio de USD 33 m-3 (a precios de 2017) y USD 29 m-3, respectivamente. Hubo correlaciones positivas y significativas entre la eficiencia, el volumen de los productos de mayor precio y el valor residual de las trozas (r = 0,53; p ≤ 0,05).
Concordance Between Watson for Oncology and a Multidisciplinary Clinical Decision-Making Team for Gastric Cancer and the Prognostic Implications: Retrospective Study
Authors: Tian Yulong , Liu Xiaodong , Wang Zixuan , Cao Shougen , Liu Zimin , Ji Qinglian , Li Zequn , Sun Yuqi , Zhou Xin , Wang Daosheng , Zhou Yanbing
Published: December 2019

Background

With the increasing number of cancer treatments, the emergence of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) provides patients with personalized treatment options. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has developed rapidly in the medical field. There has been a gradual tendency to replace traditional diagnosis and treatment with AI. IBM Watson for Oncology (WFO) has been proven to be useful for decision-making in breast cancer and lung cancer, but to date, research on gastric cancer is limited.

Objective

This study compared the concordance of WFO with MDT and investigated the impact on patient prognosis.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed eligible patients (N=235) with gastric cancer who were evaluated by an MDT, received corresponding recommended treatment, and underwent follow-up. Thereafter, physicians inputted the information of all patients into WFO manually, and the results were compared with the treatment programs recommended by the MDT. If the MDT treatment program was classified as “recommended” or “considered” by WFO, we considered the results concordant. All patients were divided into a concordant group and a nonconcordant group according to whether the WFO and MDT treatment programs were concordant. The prognoses of the two groups were analyzed.

Results

The overall concordance of WFO and the MDT was 54.5% (128/235) in this study. The subgroup analysis found that concordance was less likely in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive tumors than in patients with HER2-negative tumors (P=.02). Age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, differentiation type, and clinical stage were not found to affect concordance. Among all patients, the survival time was significantly better in concordant patients than in nonconcordant patients (P<.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that concordance was an independent prognostic factor of overall survival in patients with gastric cancer (hazard ratio 0.312 [95% CI 0.187-0.521]).

Conclusions

The treatment recommendations made by WFO and the MDT were mostly concordant in gastric cancer patients. If the WFO options are updated to include local treatment programs, the concordance will greatly improve. The HER2 status of patients with gastric cancer had a strong effect on the likelihood of concordance. Generally, survival was better in concordant patients than in nonconcordant patients.
Evaluating the Effect of Daily Diary Instructional Phrases on Respondents’ Recall Time Frames: Survey Experiment
Authors: Stone Arthur A , Wen Cheng K Fred , Schneider Stefan , Junghaenel Doerte U
Published: December 2019

Background

Daily diaries are extensively used for examining participants’ daily experience in behavioral and medical science. However, little attention is paid to whether participants recall their experiences within the time frames prescribed by the task.

Objective

This study aimed to describe survey respondents’ self-reported recall time frames and to evaluate the impact of different daily diary items on respondents’ reported affective states.

Methods

In this study, 577 participants completed a mood survey with one of the following 4 time frame instructions: (1) today, (2) since waking up today, (3) during the last 24 hours, or (4) in the last day. They were also asked to indicate the periods they considered when answering these items and to recall the instructional phrases associated with the items.

Results

Almost all participants in the today (141/146, 96.6%) and since waking up today (136/145, 93.8%) conditions reported using periods consistent with our expectations, whereas a lower proportion was observed in the during the last 24 hours (100/145, 69.0%) condition. A diverse range of responses was observed in the in the last day condition. Furthermore, the instructions influenced the levels of some self-reported affects, although exploratory analyses were not able to identify the mechanism underlying this finding.

Conclusions

Overall, these results indicate that today and since waking up today are the most effective instructional phrases for inquiring about daily experience and that investigators should use caution when using the other 2 instructional phrases.
Strategies for the Successful Implementation of a Novel iPhone Loaner System (iShare) in mHealth Interventions: Prospective Study
Authors: Yang William E , Spaulding Erin M , Lumelsky David , Hung George , Huynh Pauline Phuong , Knowles Kellen , Marvel Francoise A , Vilarino Valerie , Wang Jane , Shah Lochan M , Xun Helen , Shan Rongzi , Wongvibulsin Shannon , Martin Seth S
Published: December 2019

Background

As smartphone ownership continues to rise, health care systems and technology companies are driven to develop mobile health (mHealth) interventions as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools. An important consideration during mHealth intervention development is how to achieve health equity despite demographic differences in smartphone ownership. One solution is through the recirculation of loaner smartphones; however, best practices for implementing such programs to optimize security, privacy, scalability, and convenience for participants are not well defined.

Objective

In this tutorial, we describe how we implemented our novel Corrie iShare program, a 30-day loaner iPhone and smartwatch recirculation program, as part of a multi-center mHealth intervention to improve recovery and access to guideline-directed therapy following acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study utilizing a smartphone app and leveraged iOS enterprise features as well as cellular data service to automate recirculation.

Results

Our configuration protocol was shortened from 1 hour to 10 minutes. Of 200 participants, 92 (46.0%) did not own an iPhone and would have been excluded from the study without iShare. Among iShare participants, 72% (66/92) returned their loaned smartphones.

Conclusions

The Corrie iShare program demonstrates the potential for a sustainable and scalable mHealth loaner program, enabling broader population reach while optimizing user experience. Implementation may face institutional constraints and software limitations. Consideration should be given to optimizing loaner returns.
Effectiveness of Lilly Connected Care Program® (LCCP®) App-Based Diabetes Education for Type 2 Diabetic Patients Treated with Insulin: A Retrospective Real-World Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Yiyu , Liu Chaoyuan , Luo Shuoming , Huang Jin , Li Xia , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Diabetes poses a heavy economic and social burden worldwide. Mobile apps show great potential for diabetes self-management education. However, there is limited evidence for the effectiveness of providing general diabetes education through mobile apps.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of the Lilly Connected Care Program® (LCCP®) app-based diabetes education for glycemic control.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included diabetic patients recruited to the LCCP platform from September 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019. Each patient was followed up for 12 weeks. According to the number of diabetes education courses they had completed, the patients were divided into three groups: group A (0-4 courses), group B (5-29 courses) and group C (≥30 courses). The main outcomes were the change in blood glucose at the 12th week compared with baseline and the differences in blood glucose at the 12th week among the three groups. The association between the number of diabetes education courses completed and the average blood glucose and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) at the 12th week was assessed by multivariate linear regression analysis controlling for other confounding covariates. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the factors influencing patients’ engagement in the diabetes education courses.

RESULTS

A total of 5011 participants were enrolled. Their mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose (PBG) were significantly lower at the 12th week than at baseline (FBG, 7.46 ± 1.95 vs 7.79 ± 2.18 mmol/L, P <.001; PBG, 8.94 ± 2.74 vs 9.53 ± 2.81 mmol/L, P <.001). Compared with group A, the groups that completed more diabetes education courses had lower FBG (group B, β=-0.15, 95% CI -0.26－-0.03; group C, β= -0.29, 95% CI -0.41－-0.16; P for trend <.001) and PBG (group B, β=-0.29, 95% CI -0.46－-0.11; group C, β= -0.47, 95% CI -0.66－-0.28; P for trend <.001) and a higher frequency of SMBG at the 12th week (group B, β=1.17, 95% CI 0.81－1.53; group C, β = 4.21, 95% CI 3.81－4.62; P for trend <.001). Age and education were related to patients’ engagement in the diabetes education courses. Compared with young patients (18-34 years old), middle-aged patients (35-59 years old) and elderly patients (≥ 60 years old) completed more diabetes education courses (middle-aged group, β=2.22, P=.01; elderly group, β=2.42, P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The app-based diabetes education is effective for glycemic control and SMBG behavior improvement in type 2 diabetic patients with insulin therapy. Young patients' engagement in the education courses is relatively low. We need to conduct in-depth interviews with users to further improve the curriculum.
Survei status gizi balita di Agats, Asmat, Papua: Analisis situasi pascakejadian luar biasa gizi buruk
Authors: Pudjohartono Maria Fransiska , Rinonce Hanggoro Tri , Debora Josephine , Astari Pritania , Winata Monica Gisela , Kasim Fadli
Published: December 2019

A recent extraordinary event of malnutrition in children in Asmat, Papua, Indonesia has drawn enormous attention. To help in post-emergency rehabilitation, Gadjah Mada University sent a Kuliah Kerja Nyata – Peduli Bencana (KKN-PB) team to Agats, Asmat in March 17 – April 20, 2018. As part of situation analysis, the team surveyed the nutritional status of under five-years-old children in Agats, Asmat. The subjects were under five-year-old children coming to posyandus in five areas in Agats in March-April 2018. The data of sex, age, weight, and height were obtained, then the nutritional status in the form of Z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ) was calculated using WHO Anthro version 3.2.2 software. Nutritional status was determined based on criteria from World Health Organization (WHO). Among the 372 children, 35 (9.4%) children were underweight and 7 (1.9%) were severely underweight. Twenty one (5.7%) children were stunted and 12 (3.2%) were severely stunted. As many as 23 (6.2%) children were found to be wasted and 6 (1.6%) were severely wasted. The percentages of children with malnutrition found in this survey were lower than the percentages for Indonesia and Papua overall, but percentages in two posyandus were higher than the national and Papua percentages. The relatively low total percentages may be accounted for by concentration of malnutrition cases in districts other than Agats and lack of coverage of children absent from posyandu. Prevalence of malnutrition varied in different age groups possibly due to inadequacy of complementary foods, changes in incidence of infections, and addition of siblings. Further surveys are needed using home visits that will also enable to analyze of socio-economic factors at the same time as nutritional status determinants in Agats and other districts in Asmat.
Pengaruh pelatihan kader yandu lansia dalam menciptakan desa ramah dan sehat bagi lansia di Desa Purwobinangun, Sleman
Authors: Sumarni Sumarni , Sutomo Adi Heru , Tursina Cempaka , Purwanta Purwanta , Wahdini Ade Indah , Kusumaningrum Nanda
Published: December 2019

Merapi eruption can cause a psychological traumatic for elderly such as depression, increasedisability, and decrease quality of life. We need to train the cadres to make an elderly care village. The aim of this study is to know the influence of cadre training in knowledge and skill for elderly healthiness. This study uses secondary data from community research on May until September 2018 in Desa Purwobinangun, Sleman. The target is cadres and 80 elderlies in Desa Purwobinangun, Sleman. The instruments in this study such as Module Ramah dan Sehat Lansia, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini Mental State Examination(MMSE), questionnaire about knowledge and skills of a traditional games, and questionnaire about early detection and treatment in old age health. The data will be shown in quantitative data. After trained, the average value of the knowledge of coping with local cultural wisdom games, social and religious support, brain gymnastics, and friendly elderly increased by 30 points, 50 points, 40 points, and 50 points respectively.Changes in the average value of the skills of elderly yandu cadres in tackling local cultural wisdom games, social and religious support, brain gymnastics, and friendly elderly have increased by 17.12 points, 19.18 points, 28.68 points, and 27.58 points. For changes in the trend of health problems, the elderly who are not hypertensive increased by 7 people, for the elderly who have diabetes mellitus there was no change in the number before and after training, while the elderly who experienced depression fell by 18 people. For the elderly who experience cognitive impairment decreased by 18 people and elderly who have high quality of life increased by 22 elderly. Yandu training for the elderly can improve the knowledge and skills of the elderly yandu cadre in the management of health problems in the elderly. Cadres empowerment can increase knowledge and skill of cadre to treat health problem in elderly
Kader hidup sehat dalam upaya promotif penyakit denegeratif
Authors: Huriyati Emy , Ratrikaningtyas Prima Dhewi , Projosasmito Siti Rahmah , Farmawati Arta
Published: December 2019

Degenerative diseases occur because of interactions between genetics and lifestyle. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Sleman Regency is higher than the provincial average and occupies the second position in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) or Special Region of Yogyakarta. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus 3.1% and central obesity is 29.8%. Health cadres have routinely carried out posyandu activities but have a role in preventing the risk of degenerative diseases which have not gone well. Research methods conducted with quasi-experimental one group pre-test and post-test designs on health cadres who were given counseling, tutorial, and discussions. The post test material was the cadre's knowledge before counseling and discussion were held. The measurement results are analyzed using quantitatif and pair t test analysis. The results of material delivery did not have a significant effect on the increase in knowledge of degenerative diseases p = 0.225 known from the pre-test (4.3 ± 1.6) and post-test (4.8 ± 1.4) with an increase in the mean of 0.4. Although statistically does not show significance, there is an increase in the value between pre and post test. There is an increase in the average knowledge before and after counseling.
Intervensi melalui social media campaign dan panduan kantin sehat untuk meningkatkan perilaku makan sehat pada mahasiswa Departemen Teknik Mesin, Universitas Gadjah Mada
Authors: Audinah Meia , Tutstsintaiyn Ribia , Harkati Atiq , Zainab Zainab , Baiquni Fahmi , Prabandari Yayi Suryo
Published: December 2019

Social media campaign intervention program and healthy canteen kit is a strategy to increasing knowledge, attitudes, and modify the environment in order to achieve improved healthy eating behavior of students of the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Mechanical Engineering Department. This study measured preeliminary outcomes from social media campaign interventions and the healthy canteen kit conducted in form of knowledge, attitudes, acceptance, and adoption of the program. This study used quasi experiment with quantitative and qualitative approach. First, quantitative research used pre-post test questionnaire (n = 52) to find out the changes in knowledge and attitudes of the social media campaign program. Second, qualitative research used semi-structured interview methods (n = 9) to determine the response and adoption of social media campaign programs and healthy canteen guidelines. The social media intervention campaign was conducted in May - August 2018 through official account Line and Instagram of KM DTM. Making process of a healthy canteen guide was a collaboration prepared together with the stakeholder in April - August 2018. The results on social media campaign programs presented a differences in mean of knowledge score of healthy eating before and after intervention with a significance level of 0.03 (p < 0.05) and there were significant differences in healthy eating attitudes before and after intervention ( p < 0.05) with an average difference of 1.0. Qualitatively, the dietary social media campaign showed good acceptance. Acceptance of healthy canteen guidelines was considered good and can be applied in the UGM Mechanical Engineering Department. Measuring the results of a healthy diet quantitatively and qualitatively showed positive results. The acceptance and adoption of healthy canteen guidelines is considered good and can be applied.
Perbandingan kadar merkuri, kreatinin, dan urea pada pekerja industri di Kotagede dan Banguntapan, Yogyakarta sebagai indikator pencemaran
Authors: Hastuti Pramudji , Sutarni Sri
Published: December 2019

Study from the Environmental Office of Yogyakarta, indicates in Kotagede found the pollution of mercury from the environment because of improper disposal of wastewater. This study aims to assess the levels of mercury, creatinine and urea in the serum and urine of people working in several industries in Kotagede and Banguntapan. Subjects of this study were 52 employees in several industries in Kotagede Yogyakarta with a range of ages between 20 - 71 years and length of work between 3 - 38 years. A total of 42 people with the age range was 21 - 63 years and the length of work between 1 - 20 years were taken from industrial employees in Bantul who have almost the same geographical conditions as Kotagede. Determination of mercury levels using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method while the determination of urea and creatinine levels by a Dyasis kit. In Kotagede, there were 3 people (5.8%) with the average mercury serum of 0.217 ppb and no mercury in the urine was found in all subjects. In Banguntapan, one person (2.4%) had 0.200 ppb mercury serum and 6 people (14.3%) had an average mercury urine level of 0.395 ppb. Urine creatinine and urea levels in subjects from Kotagede were higher than those from Banguntapan (p<0.05), despite being on the normal range. The presence of mercury in several industrial employees in Kotagede and Banguntapan is still on the low range even though it was correlated to creatinine levels.
Evaluasi HbA1c, hs-CRP, dan indeks massa tubuh pada populasi sehat: Sebuah studi komunitas
Authors: Wahyuningsih Arum Tri , Anshori Fuad , Herningtyas Elizabeth Henny , Ratnaningsih Tri
Published: December 2019

Insulin resistance as a cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with subclinical inflammatory processes. Insulin resistance with obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia contribute to metabolic syndrome that increased risk of cardiovascular disease. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an inflammatory marker that is thought to be associated with both type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. This study evaluated hs-CRP, HbA1c, and body mass index in a healthy community. This cross-sectional study is an observational analytic study evaluating the association between hs-CRP, HbA1c, and body mass index. The research subjects were all healthy on a community gathering in community service programs, and if there were any signs or symptoms of infection or inflammation, they would be excluded. Measurements of hs-CRP and HbA1c were carried out using the HPLC and ELISA methods, respectively. The measurement results were analyzed to evaluate the characteristics of the subject and assess the relationship between the parameters studied with different mean and correlation tests. In 25 subjects involved, it was found that 96% had an HbA1c value of <6.5% with a normal body mass index of 15 subjects (60%), and the rest were in the category of overweight. The median hs-CRP level was 2.99 mg / L (0.81-13.74 mg / L), with a low heart risk category of only 4% of all study subjects. There was no correlation between hs-CRP with HbA1c (r = 0.35; p = 0.868) and body mass index (r = 0.37; p = 0.069). Only one subject was included in the diabetes diagnostic criteria, but 96% of the study population had hs-CRP, which was included in the medium-risk and high-risk category for heart disease. There was no association between hs-CRP and HbA1c and body mass index in healthy populations in this community.
Initiation of Sekolah Sadar Gizi by conducting nutritional status assessment and nutritional education to junior high school student
Authors: Helmyati Siti , Huriyati Emy , Wisnusanti Setyo Utami , Wigati Maria
Published: December 2019

School is a strategic place to form nutrition behaviors of the students, for example, is by initiating Sekolah Sadar Gizi (Nutrition Awareness School). The first step to initiate Sekolah Sadar Gizi is collecting the nutrition situation data of the students. Nutrition education and nutritional status assessment are examples of how the data can be collected. This is a community services program aimed to provide the nutrition situation of the students and to educate the students to initiate Sekolah Sadar Gizi. The activities were conducted in August – October 2017 at Muhammadiyah 3 Junior High School. There were 2 main activities, nutritional status assessment, and nutrition education. The results show that over-nutritional and under-nutritional problem happened in all classes, either class 7, 8, or 9. The highest number of stunted and obese children is in class 8 which was around 7% and 15%. Meanwhile, the number of wasted children was around 5% and obese children were around 20%. From nutrition education which followed by Palang Merah Remaja of the school, the score of 60% of the participants was increasing. Considering the burden of nutritional problems in the school, initiation of Sekolah Sadar Gizi is highly recommended.
Kidney Function Test of Female Wistar Rat (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769) of Subchronic Toxicity Test of Arthrospira maxima sp. and Chlorella vulgaris sp.
Authors: Mulyati Mulyati , Yuliana Anita , Widiyanto Slamet
Published: December 2019

Arthrospira maxima and Chlorella vulgaris are contained a high protein and antioxidant levels that can be used as functional foods or supplements to improve health. Furthermore, this material needs to be monitored for safety. The aims of this research were determined the subchronic toxicity test of microalgae A. maxima and C. vulgaris on kidney function. Parameters of this research were creatinine levels, urea levels, kidney index, and histological structure of the kidney glomerular. Besides that, the progression of body weight was observed. Five teen female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout,1769) divided into three groups randomly were one control group and two treatment groups using A. maxima and C. vulgaris in the same dose were 2500 mg/kg of body weight. Subchronic toxicity test was conducted by oral gavage every day during 90 days — the measurement of creatinine levels and urea levels on the 30th, 60th, and 90th day. Kidney index and glomerular histology of rat’s kidney was prepared after necropsy at the end of this research. Base on the results, it can be concluded that consume of Arthrospira maxima, and Chlorella vulgaris at 2500 mg/kg of body weight increased creatinine and urea levels. Bodyweight, kidney index, and pathological glomerular cells of histological kidney were still in normal value.
POLYHERBAL PREPARATION AND COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON DIET-INDUCED HYPERLIPIDEMIA
Authors: NUZHAT QURESHI  , RAGHVENDRA DUBEY  , NILESH KUMAR PATHAK
Published: December 2019

Objective: The objective of this research article is to develop and evaluate polyherbal preparation and comparative studies on diet-induced hyperlipidemia.

Methods: After the extraction, pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening was done. The lipid-lowering activity of polyherbal formulation (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) may be attributed to the phytoconstituents present such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroids, proteins, tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, and triterpenes. In acute oral toxicity study, there were no behavioral changes seen up to 4 h and no mortality was observed up to the end of 24 h even at the maximum tested dose level of 2000 mg/kg per oral. It was considered maximum safe dose. Male and female albino rats weighing 150–200 g were used for the study. Hydroalcoholic extract of all plants was prepared having a dose of 2000 mg/kg. The doses were selected according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline no. 425. The procedure was divided into two phases: Phase I (observation made on day 1) and Phase II (observed the animals for the next 14 days of drug administration). Animals received a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. After the administration of Healthcare Administration, food was withheld for 3–4 h. If the animal dies, conduct the main test to determine the LD50. The study was conducted by measuring various parameters, namely, daily feed intake (g), water intake (ml), body weight (g), lipid profile high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), CHL level (mg/dl), and blood glucose level (mg/dl).

Results: Results showed a significant decrease in blood glucose level and serum lipid profile such as total cholesterol, LDL, and increasing serum HDL level, so could be useful in the treatment of hypolipidemia.

Conclusion: Polyherbal formulations (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) have hypoglycemic activity and significantly improve lipid profile levels in diet-induced experimental rats.
AN EVALUATION ON PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF ANTIBIOTICS IN PAEDIATRIC INPATIENTS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: SABISHRUTHI S  , KAVITHA S  , JAGAN NATHAN B  , KALICHETI PRIYANKA  , ARSHATH A
Published: December 2019

Objective: Our objective of the study was to evaluate the prescribing patterns of drugs with cost analysis in pediatric inpatients at tertiary care hospital.

Methods: It is an observational prospective study carried out in pediatric inpatients with a sample of 180 patients based on age, inclusion, and exclusion criteria for period of 3 months. The patient’s data were collected using patient case record form and analysis of the data was done.

Results: Of 180 patients data were collected, the results show that majority of gender admitted in the hospital were male children 94 (52%) and many are from age group of early childhood (2–5 years) 67 (37%). Respiratory tract infections are diagnosis most commonly analyzed and off overall 236 prescribed antibiotics cephalosporins 86 (43%) and combination of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid 25 (71%) is the class of antibiotics prescribed higher than other class of drugs. Parental 173 (73%) route of administration was observed to be followed more than other route. The percentage of cost variation of antibiotics observed in the study reveals that the huge variations were seen in the cost of medication in maximum and minimum cost.

Conclusion: The present study reveals that the prescribed antibiotics were as per the diagnosis of the patient and not by proceeding proper culture sensitivity testing. Hence, awareness about antibiotic must be created among practicing physicians to increase the therapeutic compliance of the patient.
A PRESCRIPTION AUDIT AND ASSESSMENT OF DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
Authors: SURABHI ARORA  , AFROZ ABIDI  , DILSHAD ALI RIZVI
Published: December 2019

Objective: The objective of our study is to assess the prescription and drug utilization pattern in a tertiary care teaching and referral hospital in Uttar Pradesh, to investigate the rational use of drugs.

Methods: The study was carried out in the general medicine outpatient department (OPD) setting for a period of 3 months in our tertiary care teaching and referral hospital. The prescriptions were randomly sampled and the photocopies of all the prescriptions were obtained from the OPD during the period of the study and were processed and analyzed for the demographic profile, drug profile, fixed-dose combinations, therapeutic classes of antibiotic prescribed, morbidity profile according to the disease pattern, and prescription pattern including the errors in prescription and the assessment of polypharmacy.

Results: A total of 350 prescriptions were randomly sampled, out of which 312 prescriptions were fit to be analyzed. The total number of drugs in 312 prescriptions was 1022. Basic information of patient was written in 79.25% prescriptions, 84.25% prescriptions were legible, and only 71.21% prescriptions were complete. The majority of prescriptions had at least five drugs ordered which constituted around 43.14% of total number of prescriptions leading to polypharmacy.

Conclusions: Our study highlights that there is a scope for improvement in prescribing patterns in areas of writing legible and complete prescriptions. To lay down the principles of rational pharmacotherapeutics, proper training of the prescribers on rational prescription writing is the need of an hour for improving the quality of prescriptions.
STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF ALGINATE, TYPE OF CROSS LINKERS, AND MUCOADHESIVE POLYMERS ON DRUG RELEASE FROM LOVASTATIN-LOADED MUCOADHESIVE CROSS-LINKED MICROBEADS
Authors: VENKATA RAMANA REDDY K  , NAGABHUSHANAM MV
Published: December 2019

Objective: The aim of the current study is to prepare and lovastatin-loaded alginate microbeads were prepared using emulsification gelation internal method by the use of different cross-linking agents, polymer effect in different concentrations on drug release and its combination with hydrophilic polymers on drug release.

Methods: The effect of sodium alginate concentration and its combination with other hydrophilic polymers on particle size and shape, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies, entrapment efficiency, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies conducted to determine compatibility of drug and used excipients and in vitro drug release was studied. The efficiency of mucoadhesion strength of microbeads is determined by wash-off study.

Results: The optimum condition for preparation alginate beads and produces sustained release manner was occurred at 3% polymer mixture. Infrared spectroscopic study confirmed the presence of compatibility between drug-polymer additives, good drug entrapment, and SEM studies prove microbeads were in spherical and rough particles. XRD and DSC were used to confirm successful entrapment of drugs into the alginates microbeads. The in vitro release profile could be altered notably by changing formulation parameters to give a sustained release of drug from the microbeads.

Conclusion: The kinetic modeling of the release data indicate that drug release from the microbeads follow anomalous transport mechanism and super Case-II transport mechanism and drug release is controlled by both swelling and relaxation of the polymer chains. It was found to be drug release is pH dependent. This will help in overcoming the drawbacks of lovastatin with a short half-life, improves the bioavailability. The release kinetics of drug from the alginate beads followed zero order.
EVALUATION OF ANTIPYRETIC AND ANTIULCER ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS L. IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS
Authors: VANITA KANASE  , DEEPALI MANE
Published: December 2019

Objective: The purpose of the present study was aimed at evaluating the antipyretic and antiulcer activity on leaves of Alstonia scholaris L. (Family Apocynaceae) on albino Wistar rats. The antipyretic and antiulcer activity of the ethanolic extract of the A. scholaris L. leaves in three different concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were compared with standard paracetamol and pantoprazole, which was evaluated by employing brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia and ethanol-induced ulcer model. The biochemical parameters such as the volume of gastric juice secretion, pH, total acidity, ulcer index, percentage protection, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were also studied.

Methods: A. scholaris leaves were extracted with ethanol by Soxhlet extraction method. The dried extract was used for further phytochemical and pharmacological analysis. The antipyretic effect was studied using brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia. The ethanol-induced ulcer model was used to study the antiulcer effect.

Results: The percentage yield of ethanolic extract of A. scholaris leaves was 15.81%w/w, respectively. The extract showed significant antipyretic and antiulcer effects when compared with standard paracetamol and pantoprazole.

Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of A. scholaris has significant antipyretic and antiulcer activity.
PREVALENCE OF GLUTAMATE CARBOXYPEPTIDASE II C1561T, REDUCED FOLATE CARRIER 1 A80G, AND METHIONINE SYNTHASE A2756G GENE POLYMORPHISMS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG SOUTH INDIANS
Authors: NITHYA K  , ANGELINE T  , PRISCILLA AS  , ASIRVATHAM AJ
Published: December 2019

Objective: Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1), and methionine synthase (MTR) genes involved in the folate metabolic pathway may play a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of genetic polymorphisms of GCPII C1561T, RFC1 A80G, and MTR A2756G in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among South Indians.

Methods: The study subjects consisted of 100 healthy individuals and 200 patients with T2DM. Genetic polymorphisms (GCPII C1561T, RFCI A80G, and MTR A2756G) in the folate metabolic pathway were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Statistical analysis was performed to test the level of significance.

Results: With regard to GCPII C1561T and MTR A2756G gene polymorphisms, significant differences were not found when diabetic patients (with and without complications) and controls were compared according to different statistical models (dominant, recessive, and overdominant) p>0.05. A case–control genetic association analysis of RFC1 A80G gene polymorphism has shown that there was 3.7-fold increased risk for patients without complications and 4.9-fold increased risk for diabetic patients with complications.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the GCPII C1561T and MTR A2756G gene polymorphisms were not significantly associated with diabetes and its complications. Whereas, the RFCI A80G gene polymorphism involved in folate metabolism confers increased risk for diabetes and its complications in South Indian population.
EVALUATION OF ANTIPARKINSONIAN ACTIVITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF THE SEEDS OF VIGNA ACONITIFOLIA IN WISTAR ALBINO RAT
Authors: SUSHMITA SINGH  , IMTIYAZ ANSARI
Published: December 2019

Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the antiparkinsonian activity of hydroalcoholic extract of the seeds of Vigna aconitifolia (HEVA) in Wistar albino rat.

Methods: In rats, catalepsy was induced using haloperidol (4 mg/kg i.p.). Treatment groups received bromocriptine (4 mg/kg) and HEVA at the dose of (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) orally. Bar test for catalepsy, motor coordination test by rotarod, and locomotor activity by actophotometer were carried out to assess behavioral changes. Assay of dopamine and catalase was also carried out to assess biochemical parameters.

Results: Bromocriptine and HEVA-treated groups showed a significant difference in behavioral and biochemical parameters as compared to haloperidol control group in the experimental models.

Conclusion: Vigna aconitifolia seeds exhibited significant antiparkinsonian activity in haloperidol mouse model.
IN VITRO CEFIXIME DISSOLUTION IN PHARMACOPEIA-RECOMMENDED MEDIUM AND SIMULATED GASTROINTESTINAL FLUIDS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: ANES AM THABIT  , AHMED MS AL-GHANI
Published: December 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare in vitro dissolution of cefixime in a pharmacopeial-recommended medium and in simulated gastrointestinal fluids.

Methods: Before dissolution testing, the drug content in the tested materials was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The dissolution media used in this study were recommended by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) as well as four different media that mimic gastric and intestinal fluids in fed and fasted states. The tested materials included the pure drug and two 0.2-g capsule brands (original and test).

Results: The pharmacopeial medium showed no difference in both extent and rate of the drug dissolution between the tested materials. In the contrary, the difference was significant when the simulated fluids were used. Moreover, it was found that the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) of fed state showed 21–32% decrement in the drug dissolution compared to that of the corresponding fasted-state simulated fluid. Indeed, this finding agreed those of in vivo bioavailability studies published in literature.

Conclusion: The SIF is much more valid as a medium for in vitro testing of cefixime capsule than the one recommended by the USP.
AQUATIC/SEMI-AQUATIC MACROPHYTES USED IN HERBAL REMEDIES FROM THE WETLANDS OF WESTERN ASSAM, NORTH-EAST INDIA
Authors: UPEN DEKA  , TAPAN DUTTA  , SANJAY TALUKDAR
Published: December 2019

Objective: The aim of present investigation has been carried out for the documentation of ethnomedicinally important aquatic/semi-aquatic plants used by the rural people living in the vicinity of two major wetlands, i.e., Deepor Beel and Chandubi Beel of Western Assam, India.

Methods: Intensive field surveys were conducted with the local traditional healers to gather information on medicinal plants used by them in treatment of various ailments.

Results: Altogether 31 medicinal plant species belonging to 25 genera and 14 families have been documented from both the wetlands. Of 31 plant species, nine species were found to be used in skin disease, six in jaundice and liver problem, four species each in fever and urinary tract, two species in dysentery and snakebite, and remaining are found to be used in cough, stomach pain, wounds and cuts, neuralgia, toothache, tonsillitis, blood pressure, and smallpox.

Conclusion: Unfortunately, the population of ethnomedicinally used macrophytes Nelumbo nucifera, Euryale ferox, and Trapa natans which are rare in these two wetlands are decreasing alarmingly due to commercial exploitation, natural as well as excessive anthropogenic pressure in these two wetlands.
MOMORDICA CHARANTIA NANO DRY POWDER ORAL FORMULATION IN CONTROLLING HISTAMINE-INDUCED BRONCHOSPASM
Authors: KARTHIKA P  , BHUVANESWARI K  , BALACHANDER R
Published: December 2019

Objective: Momordica charantia (MC) (bitter gourd) is known traditionally to possess medicinal values. This edible vegetable is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been studied for its bronchospasm preventive action. With the recent development in nanoformulations, this study was done to identify the effectiveness of MC nanoformulation in comparison to crude MC formulation in protecting animal from histamine-induced bronchospasm.

Methods: The optimized MC nanoformulation was prepared with polyethylene glycol and soy phosphatidylcholine. The MC crude powder was prepared by drying in hot air oven and grinding in a blender. Eight guinea pigs of both sexes were given once daily MC nanoformulation per oral by mixing with water for 7 days. Evaluation of the formulation was done on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th h on day 1 and day 7 after administration of MC for protection in developing pre-convulsive dyspnea due to histamine-induced bronchospasm.

Results: An analysis of variance test revealed statistically significant results in the protection of animals from developing bronchospasm after treatment with the MC nanoformulation in comparison to the control values. About 75% of animals were protected from developing bronchospasm on day 7 attributing to the cumulative effect of nanoformulation.

Conclusion: The study proved that the MC nanoformulation could effectively prevent histamine-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs.
BIOANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF CANAGLIFLOZIN IN HUMAN PLASMA BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY–TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: DEEPAN T  , BASAVESWARA RAO MV  , DHANARAJU MD
Published: December 2019

Objective: A validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed for canagliflozin in human plasma along with stability studies.

Methods: The chromatographic separation of canagliflozin was performed on Zorbax XDB phenyl (75 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 mm) using methanol:acetate buffer (80:20 v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The LC–MS/MS system consists of API 4000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with turbospray ionization and an AS8020 automatic sample injector.

Results: The retention time of canagliflozin was 1.15 min and total runtime was 2 min. The multiple reaction monitoring was 462.5/267.1 (m/z) for canagliflozin and 466.4/267.2 (m/z) for internal standard (canagliflozin D4), respectively. The method was linear over the range of 10–7505 ng/ml. The calculated slope ranged from 0.0451 to 0.0502 and intercepts from 0.0102 to 0.0456 with coefficients of the determination of 0.9970. The overall mean recovery of internal standard and canagliflozin was 76.66 and 79.77, respectively.

Conclusion: The method was successfully validated and it was found to be within the limits for accuracy, precision, and linearity and it is stable under analytical conditions used.