bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Collectivistic Cultures More Prone to Rapid Transformation? Computational Models of Cross-Cultural Differences, Social Network Structure, Dynamic Social Influence, and Cultural Change
Authors: Muthukrishna Michael , Schaller Mark
Published: June 2019

Societies differ in susceptibility to social influence and in the social network structure through which individuals influence each other. What implications might these cultural differences have for changes in cultural norms over time? Using parameters informed by empirical evidence, we computationally modeled these cross-cultural differences to predict two forms of cultural change: consolidation of opinion majorities into stronger majorities, and the spread of initially unpopular beliefs. Results obtained from more than 300,000 computer simulations showed that in populations characterized by greater susceptibility to social influence, there was more rapid consolidation of majority opinion and also more successful spread of initially unpopular beliefs. Initially unpopular beliefs also spread more readily in populations characterized by less densely connected social networks. These computational outputs highlight the value of computational modeling methods as a means to specify hypotheses about specific ways in which cross-cultural differences may have long-term consequences for cultural stability and cultural change.
Autopsy Findings of Central Nervous System Anomalies in Intact Fetuses Following Termination of Pregnancy After Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis
Authors: Struksnæs Camilla , Blaas Harm-Gerd Karl , Vogt Christina
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Central nervous system (CNS) anomalies are the second most frequent category of congenital anomalies after congenital heart defects (CHDs). In this study, the aim was to investigate the distribution of different CNS anomalies with associated anomalies and karyotype in a fetal autopsy population of terminated pregnancies over a 30-year period and to correlate the ultrasonographic diagnoses of CNS anomalies with autopsy findings.

Materials and Methods

This study includes 420 intact fetuses with CNS anomalies terminated at gestational ages 11+ 0 to 33+ 6 over a 30-year period from 1985 to 2014. An ultrasound (US) examination was performed at the National Centre for Fetal Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim. The autopsies were performed at the Department of Pathology at the same hospital or a collaborating hospital. The anomalies were subcategorized according to the classification by the World Health Organization.

Results

Neural tube defects such as anencephaly (22.4%, 107/477) and spina bifida (22.2%, 106/477) constituted the most common CNS anomalies, followed by congenital hydrocephalus (17.8%, 85/477). In total, the karyotype was abnormal in 21.0% of all termination of pregnancies (TOPs), with trisomy 18 as the most frequent abnormal karyotype. CHDs, skeletal anomalies, and urinary anomalies were the most common associated organ anomalies. Throughout the study period, there was full agreement between US and postmortem findings of CNS anomalies in 96.9% (407/420) of TOPs.

Conclusion

In this study of autopsy findings of CNS anomalies in intact fetuses terminated after prenatal US diagnosis, neural tube defects were most common. About half of the fetuses had isolated serious CNS anomalies, while the other half were CNS anomalies associated with structural and/or chromosomal anomalies. The prenatal US diagnoses were in good concordance with autopsy findings. In particular, due to challenges of diagnoses made early in pregnancy, it is necessary to continue the validation practice.
Hemoglobin Levels and Serum C-Reactive Protein in Patients With Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Huang Christina M. , Lowes Michelle A. , Cserti Christine , Alavi Afsaneh
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Anemia of chronic inflammation is associated with many inflammatory diseases. Little is known about anemia in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This study aimed to review the levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and investigate its relationship with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and disease severity in HS patients.

Methods:

This was a retrospective chart review of all HS patients from 2015 to 2017 with Hb and CRP blood work. Patient demographics, disease severity, and laboratory results were extracted. Data were analyzed descriptively. A linear regression model was used for the association between Hb and CRP. Two-tailed t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used to compare differences between sexes and disease severities.

Results:

Of the 25 patients included, 14 (56%) were female. The median age and disease duration of all patients were 41 years (range, 19-56 years) and 10 years (range, 1-40 years), respectively. The overall median CRP level was 11.5 mg/dL (range, 1-86.7 mg/dL). The median Hb levels for women and men were and 123.5 g/L (range, 90-142 g/L) and 152.0 g/L (range, 109-166 g/L), respectively. Anemia was found in 42.9% (6/14) of women and 27.3% (3/11) of men. There was an inverse relationship between Hb and CRP levels in both sexes (men: r = ‒0.88; P = .0006; women r = ‒0.65; P = .012).

Conclusions:

Anemia was prevalent in the HS population, and Hb levels inversely correlated with CRP. Physicians should be aware that anemia is common in inflammatory states, and that CRP could be a biomarker in patients with HS.
Supplying social capital through music education: A study on interaction in special educational needs students’ concerts
Authors: Kivijärvi Sanna , Poutiainen Ari
Published: June 2019

While the interest in understanding how music affects an individual’s development is growing, the significance of music education for a more equal society has also been frequently discussed. In this study, we pay special attention to the potential for social capital that music learning, making, and experiencing offer. We report upon the reactions and feedback from the audience and performers in attendance at concerts organised by the Resonaari Centre for Music Education in 2012 and 2014. Our research is based on two online questionnaires and group discussions with the students, teachers, and audience members. The findings explicate the importance and benefits of music, music-making, and music education for student musicians with special educational needs and for their relatives, friends, and audience.
The politics of the workshop: craft, autonomy and women’s liberation
Authors: Withers D-M
Published: June 2019

The women’s liberation movements that emerged in Britain in the late 1960s are rarely thought of through their relationship with technology and technical knowledge. To overlook this is to misunderstand the movement’s social, cultural and economic interventions; it also understates how the technical environment conditioned the emergence of autonomous, women-centred politics. This article draws on archival evidence to demonstrate how the autonomous women’s liberation movement created experimental social contexts that enabled de-skilled, feminised social classes to confront their technical environment and the deficits they experienced within it. The context for forging such politics was the workshop. More than a one-off, skill-sharing event, the workshop was a mobile habitus, adapted from a Marxist craft politics that prioritised the distribution of collective knowledge and responsibility and enabled the realisation of women's self-determination and autonomy. The workshop was discursively extended through women-authored publications in the 1970s and 1980s and designated a specific orientation within knowledge that supported women to practise a range of technical knowledge and gain expertise. An important, and largely forgotten political legacy of women's liberation is its world-making activisms: how it created social contexts that supported de-skilled, feminised classes to substantially intervene, shape and re-build their environments. Such histories can inspire how we practise politics today within an environment characterised, some theorists claim, by dramatic scales of de-skilling and dispossession.
Responses of Well-differentiated Human Sinonasal Epithelial Cells to Allergen Exposure and Environmental Pollution in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ahmadzada Sejad , Ende Jesse A. , Alvarado Raquel , Christensen Jenna M. , Kim Joo-Hye , Rimmer Janet , Harvey Richard J.
Published: June 2019

Background

Evidence suggests that intrinsic cell dysfunction leads to dysregulated immune responses to environmental triggers in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Although epidemiological and in vivo studies support this theory, in vitro studies are lacking.

Methods

Epithelial cells from human sinonasal mucosa were cultured using an air–liquid interface culture model producing a well-differentiated phenotype. Specimens were characterized as chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) or without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps and healthy control mucosa. Culture wells were exposed to house dust mite (HDM), diesel exhaust particles (DPM), or a combination (HDM + DPM) over 24 hours and responses in the 3 groups compared. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were measured to assess mucociliary and barrier function, respectively. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and 33 (IL-33) were measured after 24 hours. Results following challenge testing are expressed as fold change from baseline.

Results

Baseline CBF was lower in CRSsNP compared with control (5.27 ± 0.51 Hz vs 5.88 ± 1.22 Hz, P = .003). HDM significantly reduced CBF and TEER in the CRSwNP group compared with its vehicle (CBF: 0.55 ± 0.25 vs 1.03 ± 0.22, P < .001; TEER: 0.54 [0.13] Ω cm2 vs 0.93 [0.5] Ω cm2, P = .001). In CRSwNP and CRSsNP, HDM induced an increase in IL-6 compared with its vehicle (CRSwNP: 81.11 [67.19] pg/mL vs 3.15 [44.64] pg/mL, P = .016; CRSsNP: 321.46 [182.04] pg/mL vs 21.54 [53.93] pg/mL, P = .004). Results are expressed as median (interquartile range) and in IL-33 in CRswNP (84.04 [69.96] pg/mL vs 16.62 [20.19] pg/mL, P = .025). Exposure to DPM did not affect CBF, TEER, and cytokine release in all groups.

Conclusion

CRSwNP and CRSsNP cells exhibit altered responses particularly to HDM even after they have been removed from their host and cultured in vitro, suggesting an intrinsic cell dysfunction of the upper airway epithelium.
A Decade of Training in Global Public Health: Achievements and Lessons Learned
Authors: Paxton Anne , Pillai Aravind , Elul Batya , El-Sadr Wafaa M.
Published: June 2019

Accumulating evidence demonstrates an increasing interest among students in global experiences, particularly among students engaged in public health professional training and scholarship. The 2-year Global Health Training Program within the Master of Public Health program at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health was created with the goal of developing global health professionals equipped with skills, experience, and perspectives to address the global health challenges of today and the future. The 2-year Master of Public Health program is interdisciplinary, involving faculty and students from five departments across the School, and offering students a wide range of global health courses selected from the School and University. In addition, students are required to undertake a 6-month, continuous, mentored professional practicum experience in a low- or middle-income country. A total of over 300 students have graduated from this program over the past 10 years. Students have completed practica in 75 countries at global health agencies, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and community-based organizations. The involvement of a large number of faculty in global health research and practice provides a critical asset to the program given the emphasis of the program on applied experience.
Controlling Malaria Spread with Insecticide-treated Nets: Reactions Trailing Usage and Mortality Consequences in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Igwe Ijeoma , Agwu Prince , Okoye Uzoma , Onyeneho Nkechi , Aronu Ngozi , Odii Aloysius
Published: June 2019

Reports reveal that under-5 mortality rates in Nigeria are very high, with malaria being the leading contributor to this. Yet, insecticide treated net (ITN) seems poorly used as a preventive measure. This study investigates the relationship between malaria disease, compliance with using ITNs and under-5 mortality rate in Anambra State, Nigeria. Focus group discussions involving 24 health workers and 48 community dwellers were used in sourcing data. Data analysis was done on recognised themes using NVivo9 software. Theory of planned behaviour guided the study, as it seeks to explain the connection between culturally induced norms and health-seeking behaviours. The study revealed that malaria disease contributes heavily to under-5 mortality in the study area. However, its prevention is marred by certain cultural perceptions towards the disease and preventive measures, as well as by health system inefficiencies. It suggests that more medical and helping professionals, especially social workers, should engage in help improving the situation.
Risk of spontaneous preterm labor in pregnancies achieved by in vitro fertilization and complicated with severe form of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A case control study
Authors: Dobrosavljevic Aleksandar , Rakic Snezana , Mihajlovic Sladjana
Published: June 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the potential impact of severe Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) on the risk of preterm birth. Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a serious complication in the methods of in vitro fertilization. The pathophysiology of this process is not clear enough and the treatment is symptomatic. Human chorionic gonadotropin (h-CG) is the most important known cause of this condition. Findings of other authors often do not match when it comes to complications that may occur in pregnancy.

Methods: In the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic “Narodni Front” a case control study was conducted on 50 female patients with severe forms of OHSS in the period from January 2008 to March 2015. A control group was created based on age and it involved 59 patients with pregnancy achieved with IVF/ICSI during the same period, but in which OHSS did not occur.

Results: Patients with the pregnancy complicated by OHSS, had a considerably higher rate of preterm labor, whether this was labor before gestation week 37 (56.0% vs. 30.5%) or before gestation week 34 (34.0% vs. 6.8%); significantly lower weight of newborns, as in the newborns with low body weight <2500g (45.6% vs. 25.0%) and specially in the newborn with very low body weight <1500 grams (19.1% vs. 3.8%), as well as preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), (11.76% vs. 1.59%).

Conclusions: Pregnancy achieved by the IVF/ICSI method in which severe form of OHSS has been developed could have an increased risk of preterm birth.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.145

How to cite this:Dobrosavljevic A, Rakic S, Mihajlovic S. Risk of spontaneous preterm labor in pregnancies achieved by in vitro fertilization and complicated with severe form of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A case control study. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):923-928.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.145

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Correlation of Paraoxonase-1 with glycated hemoglobin and lipid profile among Sudanese diabetic patients
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed M
Published: June 2019

Objective: To examine concentration of Paraoxonase 1 enzymes across both Sudanese patients suffering from Type-I and Type-II diabetes.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done in Khartoum/Sudan during the period from June 24th 2018 to August 23, 2018. One hundred seven diabetic patients (40 T1DM and 67 T2DM) compared with 45 healthy people from both genders. Biochemical parameters include PON1, FBG, HbA1C, and lipids were done and compared between study groups.

Results: PON1 was reduced in patients than controls (P < 0.01), in addition PON1 was lower in T1DM than T2DM (P < 0.01), moreover, FBG, HbA1c and lipids was higher in diabetes than controls (P < 0.05). PON1 inversely correlated with LDL and apo B in T1DM (P < 0.01) and T2DM (P < 0.05), in addition PON1 correlated with HDL and apo A1 in T1DM (P < 0.01), inversely correlated with LDL in T2DM (P < 0.05) and with apo A1 in T2DM (P < 0.01). Moreover, PON1 inversely correlated with diabetes duration in T1DM (P < 0.01) and T2DM (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Sudanese T1DM and T2DM have a lower PON1 concentration than healthy subjects, T1DM have lower level of PON1 than T2DM. PON1 was inversely correlated with bad lipids and duration of diabetes, but it has positive correlation with good lipids.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.26

How to cite this:Ahmed AM. Correlation of Paraoxonase-1 with glycated hemoglobin and lipid profile among Sudanese diabetic patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):1050-1054. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.26

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The effects of simulation-based education on initial neonatal evaluation and care skills
Authors: Karakoc Ayse , Demirgoz Bal Meltem , Bingol Fadime , Aslan Begum
Published: June 2019

Objective: Neonatal evaluations performed at the very first minutes following postpartum are the most important steps in deciding for neonatal resuscitation. Therefore, the newborn initial care and evaluation notion and skills of midwives in the delivery hall are quite important. The study was planned to determine the effects of simulation education on newborn evaluation and care skills in midwifery students.

Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study. The population of the study was composed of the 4th year students of Marmara University Faculty of Health Sciences (65 students in total), who selected the Intern Newborn course in the 2017-2018 Fall and Spring semesters.

Results: The areas where the control group students did not apply at all or needed the help of the trainer were observed as delivery room preparation (86.2%), initial neonatal evaluation (96.6%) and registration/safety (69%). According to “the Guide for Newborn Evaluation at the Delivery Room,” the differences in the mean total scores and all sub-dimension scores were found to be significant in favor of the experiment group.

Conclusion: Education programs that are carried out by computer-assisted simulation and in accordance with the teaching guide were effective on improvement of knowledge-skills on newborns’ first evaluations in the delivery room.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.350

How to cite this:Karakoc A, Bal MD, Bingol FB, Aslan B. The effects of simulation-based education on initial neonatal evaluation and care skills. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):911-917. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.350

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The effect of oral progesterone for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding in women taking warfarin following prosthetic valve replacement
Authors: Nadeem Shafaq , Abbas Shahid , Jalal Anjum
Published: June 2019

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of oral progesterone for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding in patients taking warfarin after prosthetic valve replacement.

Methods: A total of 85 women of reproductive age, who were on warfarin due to prosthetic valve replacement were enrolled in the study. After detailed evaluation, their menstrual bleeding was quantified using Pictorial Bleeding Evaluation Chart. The patients were then prescribed an oral progesterone (Norethisterone) 5 mg three times daily. The first follow up was done after one-month then at 3-months and at six months. The improvement in PBAC score was recorded at each visit. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS (version 23.0). The mean ± Standard Deviation were calculated for quantitative variables while qualitative variables were presented in frequency table. The normality of data was checked using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Due lack of normal distribution of data in various groups, the Wilcoxon Sign Rank test was used to test the significance before and after treatment. The p-value of <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 30.13±7.69 years. The mean PBAC score was 162.8 ± 24.86 before initiation of treatment while at the end of the treatment it was 105.48 ± 8.38. Forty-six (54.1%) patients had continuous per vaginal bleeding, 33 (38.8%) had menorrhagia, 4 (4.7%) had inter-menstrual bleeding and 2 (2.4%) had menorrhagia along with polymenorrhea. The mean dose of warfarin taken by the patients was 5.85 ± 2.69 mg. The median parity of the patients was 2. The Wilcoxon Sign Rank test showed p-value of <0.00001 for comparison of the pre-treatment PCBA values with those of one, three and six-months after the treatment. The Friedman’s test also had a p-value of <0.00001. This confirmed that the post treatment bleeding was significantly less than pretreatment bleeding.

Conclusion: The warfarin induced abnormal uterine bleeding can be controlled effectively and safely with low dose of oral progesterone.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.907

How to cite this:Nadeem S, Abbas S, Jalal A. The effect of oral progesterone for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding in women taking warfarin following prosthetic valve replacement. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):887-892. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.907

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Flaxseed Oil Attenuates Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Brain Injury via Improvement of Fatty Acids Contents
Authors: Youness Eman R. , Hussein Jihan S. , Ibrahim Amr M. M. , Agha Fatma E.
Published: June 2019

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is immensely globally used as a food aroma and additive, several studies indicated its toxicity in different body organs. Here, we aimed to evaluate brain dysfunctions in experimental animal that administered MSG and appreciate the beneficial role of flaxseed oil in attenuating this effect. In this study, forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups; control, flaxseed oil, MSG and treated groups. Kidney and liver functions were estimated, malondialdehyde (MDA) and paraoxonase (PON1) were measured by colorimetric methods. Blood fatty acids and neurotransmitters parameters were estimated by HPLC. Our results revealed that MSG administration significantly increased oxidative stress and omega-6 fatty acids and decreased brain neurotransmitters as well as omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA). Whereas treatment with flaxseed oil significantly attenuated all these disadvantages. The results of this study indicated that MSG was responsible for brain dysfunction that appeared in disturbances of neurotransmitters levels. In addition , the administration of omega-3 fatty acids in treated group effectively attenuated this dysfunctions through replacing omega-6 fatty acids in the neurocells by omega-3 fatty acids that represent in our study by flaxseed oil.
Protective Effect of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids against Experimental Lung Injury Induced by Acute Ethanol Inhalation
Authors: Medhat Dalia , El-Khayat Zakaria , El-Banna Mona , Abdel-Latif Yasmin , Morsy Safaa , El-Daly Sherien M. , Seid Hussein Jihan
Published: June 2019

Ethanol-induced diseases include oxidative mechanisms by which prolonged endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress results in genesis and accumulation of cytotoxic total fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs, non-oxidative metabolites of ethanol). FAEEs participate in the pathogenesis of alcoholic lung disease. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) offer a possible protective effect against damage induced by ethanol inhalation. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of flaxseed and fish oils administration against toxicity induced by ethanol inhalation. Forty healthy female albino rats were divided into four groups (control, ethanol, flaxseed and fish oils). Lung superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Plasma advanced oxidation end product (AOPP) and phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase (PI3K) were determined. Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids were extracted and fractionated by HPLC. Ethanol inhalation results in significant increase in lung MDA, plasma AOPP and erythrocyte membrane arachidonic acid (AA), linolenic acid (LA), and oleic acid (OA) along with a significant decrease in erythrocyte membrane alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), lung SOD, and plasma PI3K while pretreatment with flaxseed and fish oils daily (1.2 ml/kg) significantly attenuated these parameters. Supplementation of marine PUFAs reduced the oxidative stress induced by ethanol inhalation in experimental animals.
Epileptic Seizure Data Classification Using RBAs and Linear SVM
Authors: Tripathi Alpika , Srivastava Geetika , Singh K.K. , Maurya P.K.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this paper is to make a distinction between EEG data of normal and epileptic subjects. Methods: The dataset is taken from 20-30 years healthy male/female subjects from EEG lab of Dept. of Neurology, Dr. RML Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow (India). The feature extraction has been done using the Hilbert Huang Transform (HHT) method. The experimental EEG signals have been decomposed till 5th level of Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) followed by calculation of high order statistical values of each IMF. Relief algorithm (RBAs) is used for feature selection and classification is performed using Linear Support Vector Machine (Linear SVM). This paper gives an independent approach of classifying Epileptic EEG data with reduced computational cost and high accuracy. Our classification result shows sensitivity, specificity, selectiv­ity and accuracy of 96.4%, 79.16%, 84.3% and 88.5% respectively. The proposed method has been analyzed to be very effective in accurate classification of epileptic EEG data with high sensitivity.
Effect of Myristica Fragrans Extract on Lipid Profile, Glucose, Body Weight, Food Intake, Liver and Renal Functions in Experimental Obese Rats
Authors: Vangoori Yakaiah , Dakshinamoorthi Anusha , Kavimani S.
Published: June 2019

The effect of the ethanolic extract of Myristica fragrans was evaluated on cafeteria diet induced body weight, glucose and lipid elevations in albino rats. 30 rats were taken randomly and divided into five groups and six each. Group-1 normal control and Group 2-5 were give cafeteria diet for 6 weeks to induce obesity and treatment period was 10 weeks. After 70 days of treatment, the extract, at doses of 200 and 400mg/kg, significantly reduced the body weight, glucose and lipid levels (p < 0.001) dose dependently. The standard drug Orlistat at 50mg/kg effectively prevented the body weight, glucose and lipid levels when compared with control and test groups. With these observations and previous data, the study concludes that Myristica fragrans extract can stimulate AMP-Kinase enzyme system and can reduce glucose and lipid concentrations. This may be useful for obesity treatment.
Metamaterial Inspired Gain Enhanced Elliptical Curved CPW fed Multiband Antenna for Medical and Wireless Communication Applications
Authors: Kishore M. Purna , Madhav B. T. P. , Mohan Reddy S. S.
Published: June 2019

This article presents a novel elliptical curved coplanar waveguide fed antenna with defected ground. Electromagnetic coupling between splitring resonator (SRR) on other side to the substrate to CPW feeding line on the top side resulting the frequency notches in the wideband. The SRR shaped etched portion in the ground plane not only miniaturizing the antenna, but also providing good bandwidth in the operating bands. Antenna providing multiband characteristics for PCS, Bluetooth, LTE, ISM (Medical Application Band) and Wi-Fi communication (2-3.6 GHz), WLAN IEEE 802.11a/h/j/n (4.5-5.825 GHz), satellite system X-band downlink (7.5-9 GHz) and satellite communication applications at (12-16 GHz) & (17.5-18.5 GHz) respectively. This antenna offering quad band notching with penta band operation from 2-20 GHz. The size of the antenna is 40X44X1.6 mm with peak gain value of 7.18 dB with average efficiency parameter more than 68%. The manufactured antenna prototype is tested for validation and the obtained measurement matching with respect to the optimized simulation result.
Evaluation of Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Vinca Rosea
Authors: V. V. M, Anand Priya , Kranthi K. , Punnagai K. , David Darling Chellathai
Published: June 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has developed into serious health problem worldwide. α-glucosidase inhibitors are used in management of Type II Diabetes mellitus. Medicinal plants are known to be effective in treating various diseases and disorders. Catharanthus roseus belonging to family Apocyanaceae is very well known for its anticancer property. The present study was aimed to compare the alpha glucosidase inhibitory effect of leaves and flowers extracts of Vinca rosea by an in-vitro assay. Methanolic extracts were obtained using Soxhlet apparatus. Yeast alpha glucosidase was used as the enzyme source. Acarbose was used as the reference drug. The % inhibition was calculated. The results proved that both leaves and flowers extract of Vinca rosea possess α-glucosidase inhibitor activity. The leaf extract (57.87%) showed a better activity when compared to flower extracts (48.31%). The result supports Vinca rosea as a potential source in treating Diabetes mellitus.
Biofeedback Flutter Device
Authors: Rekha K. , Anandh Vaiyapuri , Sundar Doss D. Samuel , Dinesh A.
Published: June 2019

The Flutter is a medical handheld device, which is designed for patients suffering from various lung diseases. This device is designed to mobilize the excessive secretion of in the direction of airways and helps to loosen the mucus from the lungs and removed. Sometimes mucous in the lungs can become thick and hard to clear from the airways. If this mucous stays in the airways, it could block them, making it harder to breathe. Infection is also possible when mucous stays trapped in the airways. When one breathes out through the Flutter, it causes the ball inside to bounce. This bouncing causes increased pressure inside the chest and sends vibrations down through the airways. The combination of increased pressure and vibrations helps the mucous move from the lungs into the airways where it can be coughed out. Some patients cannot blow very forcefully, so our project is designed in such a way that the resistance of the blow is measured using a strain gauge. If the value goes below the certain threshold, limit the beep sound is heard and a light indication is provided so that we can find whether the patient should blow out even more faster. This device is small, portable, and easy to use and has no side effects.
In-Vitro Evaluation of Antifungal and Anticancer Properties of Tagetes Erecta Petal Extract
Authors: Vedam V. A Varahi , Stanley Xavier Alphienes , Chellathai David Darling
Published: June 2019

Tagetes erecta, also known as African marigold has numerous medicinal values. With the rising need to explore better antifungal, anticancer agents in therapeutics, we have done this study to evaluate the antifungal and anticancer properties of Tagetes erecta petal extract. Antifungal activity against was evaluated against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium crysogenum fungal strains in disc diffusion method using Amphotericin-B, fluconazole as positive controls. Breast cancer line (MCF-7) was used to study the anticancer property of ethanolic petal extract using cytotoxicity assay, in which 5-fluorouracil was used as control. Compared to standard antifungal agents, T.erecta petal extract displayed good efficacy in increasing the diameter of zone of inhibition with disc diffusion method. In cytotoxicity assay, IC50 value was observed to be at concentration of 125µg/ml. This study demonstrated that the petal extract of Tagetes erecta could be a valuable lead, which has the potential to be explored for its use against fungal infection, and breast carcinoma in the upcoming years by the scientific fraternity.
Psychosocial Correlates of Resilience Among Older Adults in Mexico
Authors: Cossío-Torres Patricia-Elizabeth , Padrón-Salas Aldanely , Sathiyaseelan Anuradha , Soria-Orozco Manuel , Nieto-Caraveo Amado
Published: June 2019

There is a tremendous global increase in the older adults’ population. Mental health in older age is as important in as it is for other age categories. Majority of older adults show healthy states, vitality, good humor and enthusiasm in performing various activities, interest in continuing to contribute to their family and society despite the difficulties of this stage of life due to large part to resilience they have. The aim of the study was to establish social and psychosocial factors associated with resilience. A cross-sectional and correlation study was conducted on older adults who were hospitalized in a public General Hospital of Mexico in 2013. Resilience, gender, occupation, family environment, self-esteem, presence of critical life events, and the presence of significant persons were assessed. 186 older adults participated. Higher levels of resilience were found in males and employed people. Participants with a functional family and high self-esteem had the highest levels of resilience. Besides, 15% of the variance of the total resilience score was explained by family environment, and 27% was explained by self-esteem (p<0.05). Although all participants were older adults, individual characteristics such as gender, occupation and self-esteem; besides family environment, were found to be associated to the levels of resilience in this population. Specific programs- -enhancing these factors are needed to improve resilience.
Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Bay, Pandan, Citrus Leaves and Their Combination in Vitro
Authors: Nurdin Samsu U. , Sabarina Devi , Subeki Subeki , Astuti Sussi
Published: June 2019

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of bay (B), pandan (P), citrus leaves (C) and their combinations against starch hydrolysis enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes) and antioxidant activity and to examine the role of polyphenol compounds in enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activity. Three single leaves extracts and five of their combinations were applied to inhibit α-glucosidase hydrolyzing p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranosyde or α-amylase hydrolyzing starch solution as well as to scavenge free radicals. The leaf extracts and their combination showed inhibition activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes with range of inhibition activities were between 17.63% to 26.04% and 20.14% to 35.30% respectively. There is no significantly differ among the extracts in modulation of α-glucosidase activity, but each extract exhibited different effect on α-amylase or antioxidant activities. Mixing P with B and C increases the inhibitory activity of the extract against α-amylase as seen that percent of inhibition of BPC is significantly higher than P, eventhough their total phenolic content was not different. The synergism or antagonism effect was not observed when the extracts were combined as the enzyme inhibition or antioxidant activities are not depend on the proportion of the extract in the mixtures. The role of polyphenol compounds on inhibition of the starch digestion enzymes and on antioxidant activity was not observed. Further study is required to fully elucidate the effect of the leaf or their combinations on diabetic animal models or diabetic patients.
Challenges of Indian Girls with Maternal Schizophrenia
Authors: Sathiyaseelan Anuradha , B. Sathiyaseelan , Suhas Desai Tanmayi
Published: June 2019

Schizophrenia, earlier known as dementia praecox, is considered to be one of the most devastating mental illnesses due to its impact on the individual as well as family members. The Indian context characterized by one’s rootedness to family, warrant enquiry about difficulties and burnouts faced by girl children. When it is the mother who is suffering from the illness, there tends to be a huge lag in terms of primary care giving. A disturbed home environment along with inadequate parenting have shown to adversely affect the girl children. The present qualitative research study aimed to explore challenges faced by the girl children with maternal schizophrenia with the help of 43 Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) across India. Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA) was adopted and interviews were conducted using a validated interview guide. Thematic analysis revealed that girl children whose mothers are diagnosed with schizophrenia faced challenges in self, family and social sphere of life. Neglect, self blame and the question ‘why me’ were recurrent themes. They experienced difficulties in cognitive, behavioral and social domains. The added burden of family responsibilities and social stigma made the surroundings challenging. Exploring the world of girls with maternal schizophrenia would deepen our understanding about impact of schizophrenia on family members and aid us develop interventions to support the care givers.
Occurrence, characterization, and antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus in meat, meat products, and some seafood from Libyan retail markets
Authors: Naas Hesham T. , Edarhoby Ramadan A. , Garbaj Aboubaker M. , Azwai Salah M. , Abolghait Said K. , Gammoudi Fatim T. , Moawad Ashraf A. , Barbieri Ilaria , Eldaghayes Ibrahim M.
Published: June 2019

Aim: The aim of the current investigation was to screen the presence of Staphylococci spp., especially S. aureus in meat, meat products of different animal species, and some seafood sold in some retail markets in Libya using cultural and molecular techniques, and to study their antibiotics resistance profiles.

Materials and Methods: A total of 139 samples from red meat, meat products, and seafood were collected from many areas in Libya. Enumeration and isolation of Staphylococci spp. and S. aureus by normal cultural methods followed by molecular identification using molecular techniques by bacterial DNA extraction and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA.

Results: Out of 139 samples, 112 (80.6%) were contaminated with different species of Staphylococci based on cultural characteristics of Staphylococci on Baird-Parker medium, for which S. aureus was detected in only 32 samples (23%). However, only six out of 18 (33.3%) isolates sent for sequencing were confirmed to be S. aureus using the molecular technique. The six identified isolates of S. aureus were tested for antimicrobial resistance against 24 most commonly used antibiotics. All isolates were resistant to only two antibiotics (cefotaxime and clindamycin). Among these six isolates, only one confirmed to be Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that food of animal origin could be a source of S. aureus with antimicrobial resistance characteristics that can be spread through the food chain, and raise the importance of these results for public health.
Application of Response Surface Methodology for the Optimization of Essential Oils from Pomelo [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck] Leaves using Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation Method
Authors: DAO TAN PHAT , TRAN THIEN HIEN , Nguyen Duy Trinh , Nguyen Duy Chinh , Nguyen Dai Hai , Hong Le Nhan Thi , Sy Do Trung , Thanh Huong Nguyen Thi , Minh Bui Le
Published: June 2019

Pomelo leaves oil has many applications regarding hair nourishment and stimulation. Recently, new methods of extracting essential oil used have been increasingly developed to replace traditional methods. In this research, maximization of essential oils yield from Citrus grandis was studied by the combination of microwave assisted hydro-distillation (MAHD) and response surface methodology (RSM). We found that the maximum essential oil yield was 0.3197 % with 91.3 % desirability corresponding to factors such as material and water ratiosof 3.04:1, extraction time at 62.76 min and microwave power of 482.17 W. ANOVA analysis for quadratic model also gives favourable outcome including the high determination coefficient (R2 = 0.9443), significant F-value and p-value of coefficients. All these values indicate that this model is significant between experimental and predicted variables.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Investigation of Mn(II) and Co(II) Complexes of Schiffs Base Ligand
Authors: Tyagi Monika , Chandra Sulekh
Published: June 2019

Complexes of chlorides and acetates of Mn(II) and Co(II) with ligand, 3-[mercapto-[1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-ylimino)-methyl]-benzene-1,2-diol has been synthesized and characterized. The metal complexes so formed were characterized by molar conductance, elemental analysis, mass, EPR, IR and electronic spectral studies. Geometry of the ligand and its metal complexes was optimized by (B3LYP) functional with 6-31G (d,p) basis sets method of the Gaussian 09 W. All the metal complexes were found to be non-electrolytes. Metal complexes are represented as [M(L)2X2] [where L = Schiffs base ligand, M = Mn(II), Co(II) and X = Cl–, CH3COO–]. Octahedral geometry for Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes was determined by means of spectral studies and molecular modelling. Ligand and its metal complexes were screened against three bacteria- P. aeruginosa, S. pyogens and B. subtilis using well diffusion method. Complexes are found to be more potent as compare to the ligand.
Antifungal Activity of Synthesized Benzothiazole Derivatives using Structure Activity Relationship
Authors: Toshniwal Madhu , Bundel Mahendra , Ravikant  , Pareek Arun
Published: June 2019

In the field of drug discovery the benzothiazole is found to be a magical compound. Computational tools were used to predict their molecular property, drug likeness, overall drug score and toxicity risks which are essential parameter for a chemical to be qualified as a drug. As good results were observed by computational tools then novel series of 2-amino-6-substituted benzothiazoles with halo ketone have been synthesized by conventional method. All the synthesized compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis and IR, 1H NMR data in full accordance with their expected (depicted) structures. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antifungal activity using standard drug ampicillin.
Identification and Quantification of Germacrene D from the Extracts of Zanthoxylum ovalifolium Leaves by AgNO3-TLC Densitometric Method
Authors: Theerthavathy B.S. , Khanum Shaukath Ara , Kiran S. Ravi
Published: June 2019

Germacrene D an important sesquiterpenoid has been extracted from leaves of Zanthoxylum ovalifoilum and high performance thin-layer chromatographic method has been developed for its simultaneous identification and determination. The compound was extracted by cold extraction and separated and identified on a AgNO3 impregnated silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates with dichloromethane:acetone (9.8:0.2 v/v) as mobile phase. The quantification of geremcare D was carried out by densitometry scanning performed at λ = 254 nm by reflectance scanning. This facilitated a well-resolved band for the compound with a Rf value of 0.46 ± 0.01. Linear regression concentration analysis data for mean calibration plots showed good linear relationship in the range of 1000-10000 ng/mL, with a correlation coefficient, slope and intercept of 0.9985 ± 0.0004, 21.62 ± 0.435 and 3308.87 ± 10.24, respectively. The minimum amount of germacrene D that could be authentically detected (LOD) and quantified (LOQ) were determined and found to be 212.07 and 521.23 ng/spot, respectively. The method was validated by considering the parameters linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity and robustness wherein, it is evident from the results that the proposed method was simple, safe and reliable.
Synthesis of Hierarchical Graphene-MnO2 Nanowire Composites with Enhanced Specific Capacitance
Authors: Veldevi T. , Kumar K. Thileep , Kalaivani R.A. , Raghu S. , Shanmugharaj A.M.
Published: June 2019

Hierarchical nanostructured graphene–manganese dioxide nanowire (G-MnO2-NW) composites have been prepared by hydrothermal synthesis route using water/1-decanol as the medium. Synthesized materials were analyzed using various characterization tools to corroborate their chemical compositions, structure/morphology and surface area. Electrochemical measurements of the synthesized G-MnO2-NW electrode materials delivered the highest specific capacity (255 Fg-1), high rate capability and improved cycling stability at 0.5 Ag–1 in 1M sodium sulfate solution and this fact may be attributed to its high surface area and porosity. Moreover, synthesized G-MnO2-NW electrodes displayed better energy and power density, when compared to the MnO2-NW based electrodes.
Synthesis, Growth and Characterization of New Promising Organic Non-Linear Optical Crystal: L-Alanine Alaninium Nitrate
Authors: Krishnamoorthi G. , Uvarani R.
Published: June 2019

A relative study on pure L-alanine alaninium nitrate (LAAN) single crystals and doped with lanthanum oxide, urea and glycine were developed from fluid solution by slow evaporation strategy at room temperature. X-ray diffraction result reveals that LAAN crystallites with system with space bunch P21 and cell parameters a = 7.836 Å, b = 5.428 Å, c = 12.809 Å and β = 94.25°. These parameters were marginally changes for doped crystals compared to pure LAAN crystal. The UV results recommend that the great transmission property of the doped LAAN crystal within the whole visible region guarantees its reasonableness for second harmonic generation applications. The presence of dopants within the LAAN crystal was further affirmed through ICP studies. The functional groups were analyzed through Fourier change infrared spectra investigation. The microhardness and dielectric study at 100 Hz was found to be broadly higher than that of pristine LAAN. The AC conductivity was found to extend after doping due to the induced defects in crystal lattice. The grown crystals were also subjected to second harmonic generation efficiency tests and it was found to be La2O3 doped LAAN crystal is 2.8 times greater than that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP).
Optimization of Extraction Parameters for Antioxidant and Total Phenolic Content of Ficus carica L. Latex from White Genoa Cultivar
Authors: Shahinuzzaman M. , Yaakob Zahira , Sani Norrakiah Abdullah , Akhtar Parul , Islam Md. Zahidul , Mimi Mst. Afsana , Shamsudin Shamsul Akmal
Published: June 2019

In this study, the extraction parameters for antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Ficus carica L. latex from White Genoa cultivar were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Effect of temperature, extraction time and solvent concentration for maceration extraction were investigated. The antioxidant activity was determined with DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay and expressed as percent of inhibition. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu assay and expressed as μg GAE/mL. The optimum points that maximize the DPPH inhibition are 32 °C temperature, 31.50 min extraction time and 65 % ethanol. The optimum points for TPC are 32 °C temperature, 37.50 min extraction time and 70 % ethanol. The predicted DPPH inhibition and TPC at these predicted points are 67.08 % and 313.811 μg GAE/mL respectively. In this model, the F value (26.03 and 20.96), R-Squared value (0.9591 and 0.9497) and signal to noise ratio (13.431 and 12.799) are reasonable to fit the model.