bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL MOODS OF THE DOCTORS STARTING THE TRAINING AT THE QUALIFICATION IMPROVEMENT COURSES (BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY)
Authors: Sichkoriz Orest
Published: May 2018

The quality of medical care depends on the training of specialists, carried out, in particular, through continuous medical education.

Aim. To form the recommendations for improving the postgraduate medical education system in the context of the overall reform of the health care system.

Materials and methods. The survey involved 823 doctors who were starting the training at the qualification improvement courses (27.40 % – males and 70.60 % – females) aged from 24 to 50+. In order to realize the purpose of the study we used, as the main method of social psychological information collecting, the method of questioning in the form of standardized (formalized) interview.

Results. Doctors of all specialties used knowledge acquired during previous courses, although with certain differences. Significant difference was found in satisfaction with the level of obtained practical skills during previous courses: 81.04±1.66 % of surgeons, therapeutic, pediatric, dental specialists were very satisfied or rather satisfied, when this indicator in case of doctors of the medico-prophylactic and pharmaceutical specialties was only 39.02±3.00 %. Regarding the level of theoretical knowledge, 85.51±1.49 % of surgeons, therapeutic, pediatric and dental specialists were very satisfied or satisfied with the theoretical part of qualification improvement courses and 57.20±3.05 % of doctors of the medico-prophylactic and pharmaceutical specialties were not satisfied or completely dissatisfied. 85.15±1.50 % of doctors of surgical, therapeutic, pediatric and dental specialties completely or partly used the ideas offered during the previous courses, when 31.82 ±2.87 % of the doctors of the medico-prophylactic and pharmaceutical specialties did not use anything in their practice. 72.42±1.56 % of doctors of all specialties consider that they have not yet reached their own career maximum. Almost half of doctors of all specialties wanted to receive more theoretical and practical knowledge during the courses, although 40.15±3.02 % of doctors of the medico-prophylactic and pharmaceutical specialties were interested in obtaining large volumes of information from their foreign counterparts, while only 4.29±0.86 % of doctors of surgical, therapeutic, pediatric and dental specialties were interested in gaining such information.

Conclusion. The survey indicates the need to change and update the content of the qualification improvement courses work programs, as well as the creation of new ones, which is a prerequisite for the reorganization of the postgraduate medical education system. It is reasonable to create curricula and programs according to the specialties of doctors and basing on the previous survey results concerning queries and expectations.
THE ROLE OF PEPSINOGENES AND SOME INTESTINAL HORMONES IN PATHOGENESIS OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE
Authors: Boichuk Vira
Published: May 2018

80 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were examined. The diagnosis of GERD was based on the history of the disease, complaints of patients, the results of daily monitoring of pH in the lower third of the esophagus, data of fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy, chromoendoscopy, 13C-octanoic breath test, gastrin-17 (G-17) concentration, pepsinogens I and II (P I and II) and cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (C-P) in serum.

After 24 hours pH monitoring of the lower third of the esophagus in 40 patients with GERD, the predominance of acid was found, and the other 40 patients had mixed refluxes. In patients with predominance of acid reflux, the mean values of half-life of solid food evaluation (T1/2) according to 13C-octanoic breath test was (45.25±1.34) min. With the predominance of mixed refluxes in patients, there was a tendency towards hypokinetic motility of the stomach, indicating a slowdown in half-life of solid food evaluation from the stomach up to (139.24±11.87) min. With the predominance of acid reflux also was observed a significant reduction in the concentration of G-17 and C-P, an increase in P I and a decrease in the concentration of P II. Hypergastrinemia, high levels of C-P and P II (37.44±3.41) μg/l (p<0,05) were diagnosed with the predominance of mixed refluxes.
RISK FACTORS AND COMORBIDITY IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE
Authors: Kushnir Yuliia
Published: May 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk factors and the incidence of comorbidity in patients with coronary heart disease, depending on the presence of atrial fibrillation.

Materials and methods of research: a retrospective analysis of 222 stories of illnesses of patients with coronary heart disease who undergo inpatient treatment, aged from 39 to 88 years, has been conducted. Depending on the presence of atrial fibrillation, all patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (main) - patients with ischemic heart disease with atrial fibrillation (n = 105), group 2 (comparison) - patients with ischemic heart disease without atrial fibrillation (n = 117).

Results. In the group of patients without AF, the proportion of persons with inherited exacerbations of IHD was 64.29 %, while in the main group - 25.0 %, the differences did not reach the statistically significant level, but this relationship is confirmed by the results of the rank correlation analysis - between the presence AP and heredity revealed a significant weak feedback - c=-0.21 (p<0.05). The diseases that were observed in the examined patients with coronary artery disease present acute violation of cerebral circulation, angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes, pathology of the kidneys and the thyroid gland, diastolic dysfunction and obesity. The groups differed in the proportion of patients with stroke - in the group with AF, it was significantly (p=0.002) higher - 23.81 %, in compare to 8.55 % in the comparison group.

Conclusions: The presence of atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary heart disease is associated with a high degree of comorbidity. First of all, with the combination of IHD and atrial fibrillation, a high incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, acute cerebrovascular disorder, kidney disease and thyroid gland is established.
Communication and the Shaping of Human Personality; Deconstructing the Nature/Nurture Debate in Light of the Menace of Street Children in Nigeria
Authors: Alakwe Kizito Ogedi , Ogbu Silk Ugwu
Published: May 2018

At the core of the knowledge inquiry about behavioural differences is the nature versus nurture debate which has been central to the development of various theories of human personality. The metaphor of a pendulum, swinging back and forth between nature and nurture, has been used to depict the opinion of scholars and practitioners in the social sciences and psychology in this debate. Nature / Nurture debate seeks to proffer answers to the following questions: why do people differ significantly in temperament, approach to challenges and level of intelligence even when they are siblings sharing from the same pool of genes? The debate also seeks to understand why people with different genetic trait behave alike within a group. How does our physical environment affect human behaviour and what role does communication play in the development of human personality? In the context of street children in Nigeria, should we attribute human personality to nature or nurture? These are issues this paper seeks to deconstruct. Methodologically, the paper examines critical theories of human personality and utilises a mix of review of relevant literature, comments and observations to discuss the role of communication in the formation of human personality. It concludes that though nature contributes towards human behaviour and personality, communication, which is the tool that drives socialisation, is central to the development of personality among the street children of Calabar. Thus, if communication can influence personality negatively, then the street children of Calabar have a chance of being rehabilitated through a different kind of communication aimed at behaviour modification.
Capitalization of banks: theory, practice and directions of ensuring
Authors: Myronenko Mark , Polova Olena , Khaietska Olha , Koval Natalia
Published: May 2018

In the article, the essence of the concept of a banking institution “capitalization” is revealed. The current state of capitalization level of domestic banks is investigated. The directions of strengthening the capitalization are offered, which will increase the com¬petitiveness of domestic banking institutions in the world financial market and will ensure the national economy stability on the way toward integration into the world economy.It is proved that the prospects for the development of any bank are largely determined by its capitalization level. Lack of proper development inhibits both individual banks and the banking sector as a whole.In the context of the recent financial crisis, the provision of sufficient capital for banks has been one of the key issues, because the lack of capital was the greatest threat to the banking system stability. With this in mind, the issue of the banking system capitaliza¬tion is particularly topical.Today, the development of the Ukrainian banking system under economic instability has faced the increase in competitiveness of domestic banks compared with foreign ones, in order to preserve the national priorities of the banking system in general under conditions of foreign capital movement.The processes of concentration in the banking system of Ukraine are analyzed using Herfindahl-Hirschman index in terms of assets and equity, allowing to estimate the level of monopolization and, therefore, the impact on economic development. To con¬sider the increase in the level of capitalization and reliability of the banking institutions of Ukraine, it would be advisable, first of all, for banks to improve the quality of capital and to ensure a sufficient level of coverage of risks taken by banks.
STANDARD MODELS (RECOMMENDATIONS) OF DEVELOPMENT FOR TERRITORIES WITH HIGH CONCENTRATION OF INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL
Authors: Пигунова М. , Pigunova M.
Published: May 2018

The paper features some topical issues of industrial development strategic planning for territories with high concentration of industrial potential. The author has investigated a role of regional authorities in rendering methodological support to local governments in development of documents of strategic planning in the sphere of the industry: as a result, standard models (recommendations) of development have been defined for certain territories. The research has revealed some features of goal-setting in the sphere of industrial policy and definition of mechanisms of activity stimulation at industrial enterprises on the regional and local levels. This system of indicators allows one to identify types of economy of municipal units (as in the case of the Voronezh region), to characterize their industrial potential, and to give recommendations on stimulation of activity in the sphere of the industry of separate municipal units in the Voronezh region. The author concludes that there is a strong need for coordination when developing strategic planning documents in the sphere of industrial development on the levels of state (federal, regional) and municipal management. Moreover, the author stresses the importance of the regional industrial policy standardization and integrated approach to consideration of territorial aspects.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SINGLE-INDUSTRY TOWNS: NEW MEASUREMENT
Authors: Пыжев А. , Pyzhev A. , Сырцова Е. , Syrtsova E. , Гордеев Р. , Gordeev R.
Published: May 2018

The problems of sustainable development of single-industry towns are of a great importance for Russian cities situated in Siberia, where such settlements has been a major part of modern urbanism since the Soviet period of rapid industrialization. This topic has been given very little attention in scientific literature, so it is quite important to study the sustainability of single-industry towns using different techniques of assessment and policy-making to achieve the public interest goals. The analysis of current social, economic and ecological status of Siberian monotowns has showed that the problem of sustainability poses a real challenge there. The paper features the general approaches to assess the sustainability of Russian one-industry towns. It has been shown that this problem might be solved by expanding of recently developed approaches to assess the sustainability of Russian regions.
SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF ARCTIC SINGLE-INDUSTRY TOWNS: MONCHEGORSK CASE STUDY
Authors: Зайцев Д. , Zajcev D.
Published: May 2018

Single-industry towns, such as Monchegorsk, nave a significant role in the system of resettlement in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. These towns have some economical, geographical and natural-climatic specifities. In a global market economy characterized by recurring crises and market instability, social risks are growing with respect to the development of both the mono-settlements themselves and the country as a whole. Thus, during the crisis periods, single-industry cities become zones of social discontent, which threatens the social and economic stability of the entire state. The article reviews the problems of an arctic single-industry town on the case study of Monchegorsk. The analysis of demographic processes, indicators of the standard of living, the situation on the labor market, provision of basic social services. It has been revealed that the main factors affecting the socioeconomic problems of the arctic single-industry towns are the demographic problems associated with the natural and migratory decline of the population, as well as the problems associated with housing and communal services and social infrastructure. The paper introduces some solutions for the basic social problems.
LIVING STANDARDS AS INDICATOR OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SINGLE-INDUSTRY TOWNS
Authors: Морозова Елена , Morozova Elena
Published: May 2018

The socio-economic development of the territory is determined by many parameters of both economic and social nature. Some of them may indicate positive trends, whereas others point at negative ones. This situation makes it impossible to draw an unambiguous conclusion about the vector of changes in the region or municipality. In such conditions, it is important to define integrated indicators that would comprehensively assess the situation on the territory in question. One of these indicators is the living standards. In single-industry towns, which are special objects of attention and management, monitoring the state and changes in the quality of life should become an important tool and a parameter of monitoring the socio-economic situation. It is important to analyze not only the objective, but also the subjective components of the living standards in the community. The paper substantiates the approach to living standard assessment with the help of statistical and sociological markers. It features specific indicators of the living standards and conditions, the integration of which makes it possible to obtain an adequate assessment of the quality of life in a municipal formation, including a monoprofile one.
Comparison of the treatment performance of a high rate algal pond and a facultative waste stabilisation pond operating in rural South Australia
Authors: Buchanan Neil , Young Paul , Cromar Nancy J. , Fallowfield Howard J.
Published: May 2018

South Australian community wastewater management schemes (CWMS) treat wastewater using waste stabilisation ponds before disposal or reuse. This study compared the performance of a facultative pond, 6,300 m2, 27.5 d theoretical hydraulic retention time (THRT), with a high rate algal pond (HRAP) operated at depths of 0.32, 0.43 and 0.55 m with THRT equivalent to 4.5, 6.4 and 9.1 d respectively. Both ponds received influents of identical quality, differing only in quantity, and were operated in similar climatic conditions. The depth of HRAP operation had only a minor influence on treatment performance. The study showed that the quality of the treated effluent from the HRAP was equivalent to that of the facultative pond, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand removal >89%, NH4-N removal 59.09–74.45%. Significantly, Escherichia coli log10 reduction values by the HRAP, 1.74–2.10, were equivalent to those of the facultative pond. Consequently, HRAPs could replace facultative ponds within CWMS while maintaining treated effluent quality. The benefit would be halving the surface area requirement from 4.2 m2 capita−1 for the facultative pond to between 2.0 and 2.3 m2 capita−1, depth dependent, for an HRAP, with significant attendant reductions in the capital costs for construction.
Governança ambiental para o desenvolvimento sustentável em uma unidade de conservação no semiárido nordestino: desafios e perspectivas
Authors: Bilar Alexsandro B. C. , Pimentel Rejane M. M.
Published: May 2018

É inegável a importância da Caatinga para os equilíbrios fitogeográfico e ecossistêmico de todo o país, mas dados do Ministério do Meio Ambiente apontam um desmatamento de 46% da área desse bioma. No intuito de reduzir os efeitos da degradação ambiental e preservar a natureza, o Estado usa estratégias, como a criação das áreas legalmente protegidas, destinadas à preservação dos ecossistemas florestais e sua biodiversidade, à luz dos princípios e diretrizes constantes na Política Nacional do Meio Ambiente. O Parque Estadual Mata da Pimenteira em Serra Talhada/PE é a primeira unidade de conservação estadual na Caatinga pernambucana. Este estudo, realizado em fevereiro e junho de 2015, objetivou identificar os principais desafios e perspectivas da atual gestão do referido parque para fazer cumprir o que estabelece o seu Plano de Manejo. Ao ser entrevistado, o atual gestor do parque apontou como dificuldades: a falta de recursos humanos e materiais, assim como a necessidade de capacitação dos membros do Conselho Gestor. Ao contrastar a fala do gestor com as prioridades constantes no Plano de manejo do parque e os dados obtidos com a pesquisa de campo, evidencia-se que as carências por ele externadas prejudicam o alcance dos objetivos dessa unidade de conservação, no entanto, há perspectivas de melhora desse cenário.
Drugs for Targeted Therapies of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tam Chit , Wong Jack Ho , Ng Tzi Bun , Tsui Stephen Kwok Wing , Zuo Tao
Published: May 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one type of neurodegenerative diseases, which is prevalent in the elderly. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and phosphorylated tau-induced neurofibrillary tangles are two pathological hallmarks of this disease and the corresponding pathological pathways of these hallmarks are considered as the therapeutic targets. There are many drugs scheduled for pre-clinical and clinical trial that target to inhibit the initiators of pathological Aβ and tau aggregates as well as critical Aβ secretases and kinases in tau hyperphosphorylation. In addition, studies in disease gene variations, and detection of key prognostic effectors in early development are also important for AD control. The discovery of potential drug targets contributed to targeted therapy in a stage-dependent manner, However, there are still some issues that cause concern such as the low bioavailability and low efficacy of candidate drugs from clinical trial reports. Therefore, modification of drug candidates and development of delivery agents are essential and critical. With other medical advancements like cell replacement therapy, there is hope for the cure of Alzheimer’s disease in the foreseeable future.
Insights on Melatonin as an Active Pharmacological Molecule in Cancer Prevention: What’s New?
Authors: Bjørklund Geir , Rajib Samiul Alam , Saffoon Nadia , Pen Joeri J. , Chirumbolo Salvatore
Published: May 2018

Along with playing an important role in circadian rhythm, melatonin is thought to play a significant role in preventing cells from damage, as well as in the inhibition of growth and in triggering apoptosis in malignant cells. Its relationship with circadian rhythms, energetic homeostasis, diet, and metabolism, is fundamental to achieve a better comprehension of how melatonin has been considered a chemopreventive molecule, though very few papers dealing with this issue. In this article, we tried to review the most recent evidence regarding the protective as well as the antitumoral mechanisms of melatonin, as related to diet and metabolic balance. From different studies, it was evident that an intracellular antioxidant defense mechanism is activated by upregulating an antioxidant gene battery in the presence of high-dose melatonin in malignant cells. Like other broad-spectrum antioxidant molecules, melatonin plays a vital role in killing tumor cells, preventing metastasis, and simultaneously keeping normal cells protected from oxidative stress and other types of tissue damage.
Multifunctional Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy and Imaging
Authors: Dilnawaz Fahima
Published: May 2018

Background:

Cancer is a widespread disease and has a high mortality rate. Popular
conventional treatment encompasses chemotherapy, radiation and surgical resection.
However, these treatments impart lots of toxicity problems to the patients mostly due to their
non-selectiveness nature, which invokes drug resistances and severe side-effects.

Objectives:

In this regard, nanotechnology has claimed to be a smart technology that provides
the system with the ability to target drugs to the specific sites. With the use of
nanotechnology, various nanomaterials that are widely used as a drug delivery vehicle are
created for biomedical applications. Amongst variously diversified nanovehicles, mesoporous
silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted enormous attention due to their structural characteristics,
great surface areas, tunable pore diameters, good thermal and chemical stability, excellent
biocompatibility along with ease of surface modification. Furthermore, the drug release
from MSNs can be tailored through various stimuli response gatekeeper systems. The
ordered structure of MSNs is extremely suitable for loading of the high amount of drug molecules
with controlled delivery for targeting the cancer tissues via enhanced permeability and
retention effect or further with surface modification, it can also be actively targeted by various
ligands.

Methods:

The review article emphases the common synthetic methods and current advancement
of MSNs usages for stimuli response drug delivery, immunotherapy as well as the
theranostic ability for cancer.

Conclusion:

Although MSNs are becoming the promising tool for more efficient and safer
cancer therapy, however, additional translational studies are required to explore its multifunctional
ability in a clinical setting.
Natural Products: Key Prototypes to Drug Discovery Against Neglected Diseases Caused by Trypanosomatids
Authors: Varela Marina Themoteo , Fernandes João Paulo S.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Neglected tropical diseases are a group of infections caused by microorganisms
and viruses that affect mainly poor regions of the world. In addition, most
available drugs are associated with long periods of treatment and high toxicity which limits
the application and patient compliance. Investment in research and development is not seen as
an attractive deal by the pharmaceutical industry since the final product must ideally be cheap,
not returning the amount invested. Natural products have always been an important source for
bioactive compounds and are advantageous over synthetic compounds when considering the
unique structural variety and biological activities. On the other hand, isolation difficulties and
low yields, environmental impact and high cost usually limit their application as drug per se.

Objective:

In this review, the use of natural products as prototypes for the semi-synthesis or
total synthesis, as well as natural products as promising hits is covered, specifically regarding
compounds with activities against trypanosomatids such as Trypanosoma spp. and Leishmania
spp.

Methods:

Selected reports from literature with this approach were retrieved.

Conclusion:

As summary, it can be concluded that natural products are an underestimated
source for designing novel agents against these parasites.
Innovative Methodology in the Discovery of Novel Drug Targets in the Free-Living Amoebae
Authors: Baig Abdul Mannan
Published: May 2018

Despite advances in drug discovery and modifications in the chemotherapeutic regimens, human infections caused by free-living amoebae (FLA) have high mortality rates (~95%). The FLA that cause fatal human cerebral infections include Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris and Acanthamoeba spp. Novel drug-target discovery remains the only viable option to tackle these central nervous system (CNS) infection in order to lower the mortality rates caused by the FLA. Of these FLA, N. fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), while the A. castellanii and B. Mandrillaris are known to cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The infections caused by the FLA have been treated with drugs like Rifampin, Fluconazole, Amphotericin-B and Miltefosine. Miltefosine is an anti-leishmanial agent and an experimental anti-cancer drug. With only rare incidences of success, these drugs have remained unsuccessful to lower the mortality rates of the cerebral infection caused by FLA. Recently, with the help of bioinformatic computational tools and the discovered genomic data of the FLA, discovery of newer drug targets has become possible. These cellular targets are proteins that are either unique to the FLA or shared between the humans and these unicellular eukaryotes. The latter group of proteins has shown to be targets of some FDA approved drugs prescribed in non-infectious diseases. This review out-lines the bioinformatics methodologies that can be used in the discovery of such novel drug-targets, their chronicle by in-vitro assays done in the past and the translational value of such target discoveries in human diseases caused by FLA.
Flexibility of Organic Thermoelectric Material for Photovoltaic Solar Energy Management and Conversion
Authors: Ogedengbe Emmanuel O.B. , Igbekoyi Omokehinde , Bakare Abideen , Alonge Olufemi J. , Shitta Manasseh B. , Rosen Marc A.
Published: May 2018

Objective:

The flexibility on a design maneuvering of building automation systems with the integration of organic solar cells is investigated.

Methods:

The energy demand load of the Engineering Lecture Theatre (ELT) at the University of Lagos is analyzed and parametric studies of the heat and charge transport within aMimosa pudicabased solar wafer are conducted, along with the modelling of a network of microchannels. A walk-through energy audit of all the devices that are installed or operated within the ELT and the thermophysical properties of the building envelope are considered, with the aim of satisfying the ASHRAE standard for thermal comfort and indoor air quality. A two-dimensional finite volume formulation of the heat and charge transfers within the boundaries of the flexible laminate and the organic extract is utilized.

Result:

Parametric analysis of the flow phenomenon and temperature distribution, especially across the wafer, at various operating conditions helps to determine significant design criteria, and assists in confirming the feasible power performance of the organic solar cell for building energy management.

Conclusion:

The results are anticipated for the design of reliable building automation systems for effective demand side monitoring, and for estimation of the economic viability of a proposed development of hybrid organic-inorganic based solar energy system for independent power generation within the Faculty of Engineering.
Algal biofuel: A promising perspective
Authors: Naik Aishwarya N. , Singh Mrinalini , Qurishi Yasrib
Published: May 2018

The depleting energy resources and rising environmental issues have led to significant research in the field of producing fuel using alternative means. Biofuel can serve as better means to cope up with the depleting fossil and petroleum fuels. The novel properties of algae have set them as the best among all other biomasses and as a better alternative to the energy crisis. Algal biofuels are grouped under “Third generation biofuels” which has gained significant attention recently. Combustion of fossil and petroleum fuel releases sulphur dioxide in the air causing air pollution and acid rain. Most of the research on algal biofuel is done using microalgae which have high oil content along with faster growth rate. The potential of algae for producing biofuel can be improved by obtaining more efficient methods and by overcoming its certain limitations. The present review highlights the advantages, various types and production of algal biofuel.
A Group-Based Online Intervention to Prevent Postpartum Depression (Sunnyside): Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Duffecy Jennifer , Grekin Rebecca , Hinkel Hannah , Gallivan Nicholas , Nelson Graham , O'Hara Michael W
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Postpartum depression (PPD) has a 20% 3-month prevalence rate. The consequences of PPD are significant for the mother, infant, and the family. There is a need for preventive interventions for PPD, which are effective and accessible; however, many barriers exist for women who attempt to access perinatal depression prevention programs. Internet interventions for the treatment and prevention of depression are widely accepted as efficacious and may overcome some of the issues pertaining to access to treatment barriers perinatal women face. However, internet interventions offered without any human support tend to have low adherence but positive outcomes for those who do complete treatment. Internet support groups often have high levels of adherence but minimal data supporting efficacy as a treatment for depression. Taken together, these findings suggest that combining the treatment components of individual interventions with the support provided by an internet support group might create an intervention with the scalability and cost-effectiveness of an individual intervention and the better outcomes typically found in supported interventions.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe the development of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) internet intervention with peer support to prevent PPD and examine preliminary depression and site usage outcomes.

METHODS

User-centered design groups were used to develop the internet intervention. Once the intervention was developed, women who were 20 to 28 weeks pregnant with symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8 scores of 5-14) but who had no major depression diagnosis were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare 8 weeks of a CBT-based internet intervention with peer support to an individual internet intervention designed to prevent PPD. Assessments took place at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks (end of treatment), and then 4 weeks and 6 weeks postpartum.

RESULTS

A total of 25 women were randomized. Of these, 24 women completed the RCT. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores at 6 weeks postpartum remained below the clinical threshold for referral for treatment in both groups, with depression measures showing a decrease in symptoms from baseline to postpartum. At 6 weeks postpartum, only 4% (1/24) met the criteria for PPD. There was no difference between groups in adherence to the intervention, with an average of 14.55 log-ins over the course of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest women were responsive to both peer support and individual internet interventions to prevent PPD and that peer support may be a useful feature to keep participants adherent.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02121015; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02121015 (archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/765a7qBKy)
Context-Sensitive Ecological Momentary Assessment: Application of User-Centered Design for Improving User Satisfaction and Engagement During Self-Report (Preprint)
Authors: Srinivas Preethi , Bodke Kunal , Ofner Susan , Keith NiCole R , Tu Wanzhu , Clark Daniel O
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) can be a useful tool for collecting real-time behavioral data in studies of health and health behavior. However, EMA administered through mobile technology can be burdensome, and it tends to suffer from suboptimal user engagement, particularly in low health-literacy populations.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to report a case study involving the design and evaluation of a mobile EMA tool that supports context-sensitive EMA-reporting of location and social situations accompanying eating and sedentary behavior.

METHODS

An iterative, user-centered design process with obese, middle-aged women seeking care in a safety-net health system was used to identify the preferred format of self-report measures and the look, feel, and interaction of the mobile EMA tool. A single-arm feasibility field trial with 21 participants receiving 12 prompts each day for momentary self-reports over a 4-week period (336 total prompts per participant) was used to determine user satisfaction with interface quality and user engagement, operationalized as response rate. A second trial among 38 different participants randomized to receive or not to receive a feature designed to improve engagement was conducted.

RESULTS

The feasibility trial results showed high interface satisfaction and engagement, with an average response rate of 50% over 4 weeks. Qualitative feedback pointed to the need for auditory alerts. We settled on 3 alerts at 10-min intervals to accompany each EMA-reporting prompt. The second trial testing this feature showed a statistically significant increase in the response rate between participants randomized to receive repeat auditory alerts versus those who were not (60% vs 40%).

CONCLUSIONS

This paper reviews the design research and a set of design constraints that may be considered in the creation of mobile EMA interfaces personalized to users’ preferences. Novel aspects of the study include the involvement of low health-literacy adults in design research, the capture of data on time, place, and social context of eating and sedentary behavior, and reporting prompts tailored to an individual’s location and schedule.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03083964; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03083964
The Impact of Training and Development and Supervisor Support on Employees Retention in Academic Institutions: The Moderating Role of Work Environment
Authors: Bibi Palwasha , Ahmad Ashfaq , Majid Abdul Halim Abdul
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the impact of training and development and supervisors support on employees retention. Furthermore, the current study also investigates the moderating effect of the work environment on the relationship between training and development, supervisors support, and employees’ retention. A survey was undertaken to collect data from 250 faculty members working in public sector universities in Pakistan. PLS path modeling was employed to analyze the data. The results revealed that training and development and the support of the supervisors had a significant relationship with the retention of employees. Similarly, the results also revealed that the work environment moderated the relationship between training and development, supervisors support, and employees’ retention. Finally, the implications, limitations and recommendations for further research were discussed.
EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT, Α-GLUCOSIDASE AND Α-AMYLASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITIES OF ATALANTIA RACEMOSA AND SENNA UNIFLORA LEAVES
Authors: Rahul Adhav , Subhash Deokule
Published: May 2018

Objective: The current investigation was conducted to investigate the total phenol, total flavonoid content, antioxidant, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase activities in leaves of Atalantia racemosa and Senna uniflora. Methods: Different crude solvent extracts were prepared and concentrated using rotary evaporator, these solvent extracts were tested to estimate the antioxidant radical scavenging activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2’-azinobis, 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) methods using spectrophotometer. The extracts were screened by α-amylase inhibition assay and α-glucosidase inhibition assay to estimate the antidiabetic potential of the studied plant with the help of microplate reader.Results: A potent antioxidant activity, i.e. mean percentage inhibition of DPPH and ABTS radical was observed in A. racemosa ethanol (71.5 ± 0.026%) and ethyl acetate extract (97.3 ± 0.076%), respectively, at the concentration of 400 μg/mL. Similarly, highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were observed in A. racemosa methanolic (82.4 ± 0.016%) and ethyl acetate 91.1±0.018 extracts, respectively.Conclusions: The present study revealed that the A. racemosa extracts possessed good antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities; hence, it can be used as a source of natural free radical scavenger and antidiabetic supplement(s). However, further study needs to be carried out to know the active compound and its mode of action.
IMPROVED ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF ESSENTIAL OIL IN DRUG OINTMENT THROUGH RAPID STATIC CHROMATOGRAPHY HEADSPACE FOR QUALITY CONTROL ANALYSIS
Authors: Nk Dhir , M Joshi , V Kaur
Published: May 2018

Objective: The objective for new methodology was to develop a rapid analytical method for drug quantification in ointment samples and eliminate the usage of hazardous solvents in the sample and standard preparation, less elution time of component of interest to sustained green chemistry applications.Methods: Headspace (HS) chromatography was used along with gas chromatography (GC) having direct sample treatment with the help of calibration slope method.Results: All essential oil (EO) was well separated from each other and eluted 1.6 times faster from traditional classical GC method. The present method does not require any hazardous solvents for sample preparation. Conclusion: This method provides the accurate and precise results for EO added in ointment samples and can be used for routine quality control testing before releasing the final product release for the consumers.
NOVEL HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR SIMPLE, ECONOMICAL, AND RAPID DETERMINATION OF FENOFIBRATE IN BULK AND PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORM
Authors: Potawale Rani S , Hangad Tabassume I
Published: May 2018

Objective: A simple, novel, sensitive, and rapid high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been developed and validated for quantitative determination of fenofibrate in bulk and formulations.Methods: The chromatographic development was carried out on HPTLC plates precoated with silica gel 60 F254 using a single solvent dichloromethane as a simple mobile phase. Densitometric detection was carried out at 292 nm.Results: Rf value of drug was found to be 0.33±0.02. The method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization Guideline with respect to linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. The calibration curve was found to be linear over a range of 20–400° ng band−1° with a regression coefficient of 0.999. The method has proved high sensitivity and specificity.Conclusion: Proposed densitometric method was found to be new, simple, and economic for routine quantification of fenofibrate in bulk and pharmaceutical formulation.
CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF SCRUB TYPHUS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL AT EASTERN INDIA
Authors: Dhar Srikant Kumar , Kabi Sobhitendu , Das Chandan , Samant Swati , Tripathy Debasmita , Kumar Amit , Sahu Mahesh Chandra
Published: May 2018

Objective: Our hospital, tertiary care hospital in the capital of the state of Odisha, had been witnessing pyrexia of unknown origin, associated with breathlessness, renal, and liver impairment, which did not respond to high antibiotics but to doxycycline; therefore, the present study was undertaken to identify whether scrub typhus is the etiological agent, and thereafter, their characteristic features were further evaluated as an effort in supporting its diagnoses and treating patients accordingly.Methods: A total of 65 adult patients (age >15 years) admitted with pyrexia between April 2015 and October 2017 were evaluated. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) scrub typhus test was done in all these patients. IgM scrub typhus test positive samples were included in the study and various clinical parameters analyzed.Results: Of the 65 patients included in the study, all were found to be positive for IgM antibodies against Orientia tsutsugamushi. The cases were seen mainly in the months between September and November. The common symptoms found were fever, myalgia, breathlessness, rash, and abdominal pain and rarely altered sensorium. The diagnostic features like eschar were found in 23% patients. Nearly, two-thirds of patients had fever more than 7 days and myalgia (76.92%), headache (58.46%). The most common complications were renal failure (20%) followed by pneumonia (10.76%). Laboratory findings of high C-reacting protein (89.23%) and leukocytosis are found in 35.38%.Conclusion: Our results showed that scrub typhus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin associated with breathlessness, myalgia, rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, hepatorenal syndrome, or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Empirical treatment with doxycycline may be given in the cases with strong suspicion of scrub typhus.
MANIA INDUCED BY STEROID-ADULTERATED HERBAL MEDICINE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Gan Lydia Lay Yen , Woon Luke Sy-cherng , Zawawi Maria Ulfaahmad , Midin Marhani
Published: May 2018

Traditional herbal medicines are generally perceived as natural and safe. Nonetheless, adulteration of such complementary products, including Chinese Proprietary Medicines with undeclared drugs, notably steroids, is a recognized problem. While there are many accounts of Cushing’s syndrome due to steroid content in traditional medicines, psychiatric complications caused by the similar insults are not reported throughout the literature. We report a case of acute mania after the short-term use of steroid-adulterated herbal product in a previously healthy young male. It shows that psychiatric complications can occur in such a scenario without the physical and metabolic features of Cushing’s syndrome, and pharmacodynamic interaction between the herbal ingredient and adulterant is a possible factor. The case also highlights the need for awareness of culturally influenced health product consumption and its potential effects on clinical conditions, as well as the important role of a robust surveillance system for such products.
POLYMORPHIC DELETIONS OF GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASES M1, T1 AND BLADDER CANCER RISK IN ALGERIAN POPULATION
Authors: Hireche Ahmed , Kherouatou Naouel Chaoui , Ribouh Asma , Abadi Noureldine , Shi Ming Jun , Satta Dalila
Published: May 2018

Objective: Glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) and GST theta 1 (GSTT1) genes are two xenobiotic metabolizing genes in Phase II of the detoxification process. The polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1 genes, and smoking are involved in many cancers such as bladder cancer. Our aim was to assess the role of smoking status and GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes in bladder cancer development in Algerian population.Methods: The current case–control study included 175 bladder cancer patients and 188 controls matched for age, gender, and ethnic origin. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction using blood genomic DNA. Possible associations of stage and grade with the obtained genotypes were also tested.Results: A significant associations were observed between bladder cancer risk and tobacco smoke (p value: p=1.21E-08), GSTM1 null genotype (p=0.018), GSTT1 null genotype (p=0.009), and GSTM1/GSTT1-double null genotype (p=0.001). The combined effect of smoking and testing deletions increased the risk of bladder cancer and the most important risk was observed among smokers carrying GSTM1/GSTT1-double null genotype (p=1.09E-05). No significant association was shown between stage and grade of bladder cancer and the testing genotypes.Conclusion: This study indicated that smoking, GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, and GSTM1/GSTT1-double null genotypes individually represent a risk factor for bladder cancer in Algerian population. The interaction smoking gene increased the risk considerably. In fact, it is suggested that patients with cigarette smoking habit and combined GSTM1 and T1 genes deletion might be at increased risk of bladder cancer.
IN VITRO AND IN SILICO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF 1.5-BIS (3’-ETHOXY-4’-HYDROXYPHENYL)-1-4-PENTADIENE-3-ONE
Authors: Purwanggana Agus , Mumpuni Esti , Mulatsari Esti
Published: May 2018

Objective: The main objective of this research were screened in vitro and in silico of 1,5-bis (3'-ethoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one as potential antibacterial agents.Methods: The in vitro antibacterial study was carried against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis (gram positive) and Escherichia coli, Salmonella thypi (gram negative) using broth dilution method to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), disc diffusion method to determine the diameter of inhibition zone. In silico antibacterial study was carried using computational software Protein-Ligand ANT System (PLANTS), computational docking was carried using receptor with Protein Data Bank (PDB) file 3MZD. The structures were optimized prior docking using YASARA, and MarvinSketch. The results of antibacterial testing were compared to two positive control drugs i. e amoxicillin and cefadroxil.Results: In vitro evaluation showed that 1,5-bis (3'-ethoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one has a better antibacterial activity than amoxicillin and cefadroxil with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 0.15 ppm and diameter of inhibition zone of 11.27±0.31, 11.35±0.39, 11.25±0.33, and 11.05±0.45 mm in Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella thypi, respectively. These results in line with in silico evaluation that showed 1,5-bis (3'-ethoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one has more negative docking score than amoxicillin, cefadroxil, and cloxacillin acyl as a native ligand on the 3MZD receptor.Conclusion: This results obtained in this research work were 1,5-bis (3'-ethoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one compound potential as an antibacterial agent.
EL ESTADO EN LA ENCRUCIJADA JUSTICIA SOCIAL Y PAZ EN MÉXICO
Authors: Benítez Rivera R. David
Published: May 2018

México atraviesa actualmente un proceso de descomposición generalizada, tanto en su economía como en sus instituciones de gobierno, que parecen incapaces de garantizar seguridad, certeza electoral y respeto a los derechos mínimos, como el libre tránsito, la libertad de expresión, la salud o la educación. Además de tomar en consideración los elementos internos que han hecho posible esta crisis, como la puesta en práctica de políticas de corte “neoliberal” y el consecuente abandono de políticas sociales, este artículo intenta enmarcar los acontecimientos nacionales en unos procesos globales de reconfiguración estatal. Ante ello, resulta necesario partir de una comprensión general de la relación intrínseca entre capitalismo y Estado, como expresiones de la modernidad, para luego poder dar cuenta del impacto que esta relación tiene en la orientación y transformación de las estructuras de gobierno y las subjetividades. En este sentido, la violencia aparece como expresión de la construcción de una nueva legitimidad en la dominación estatal y capitalista. Así, la paz no puede restringirse al mero cese de la violencia criminal. Su búsqueda necesariamente pasa por la cuestión de la justicia social.