bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes and Overweight or Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Partial Crossover
Authors: Lee Angela S. , Johnson Nathan A. , McGill Margaret J. , Overland Jane , Luo Connie , Baker Callum J. , Martinez-Huenchullan Sergio , Wong Jencia , Flack Jeffrey R. , Twigg Stephen M.
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes and overweight or obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty inactive adults with type 1 diabetes who had BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and HbA1c ≥7.5% were randomized to 12 weeks of either HIIT exercise intervention consisting of 4 × 4-min HIIT (85–95% peak heart rate) performed thrice weekly or usual care control. In a partial crossover design, the control group subsequently performed the 12-week HIIT intervention. The primary end point was the change in HbA1c from baseline to 12 weeks. Glycemic and cardiometabolic outcomes were measured at 0, 12, and 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Participants were aged 44 ± 10 years with diabetes duration 19 ± 11 years and BMI 30.1 ± 3.1 kg/m2. HbA1c decreased from 8.63 ± 0.66% at baseline to 8.10 ± 1.04% at 12 weeks in the HIIT intervention group (P = 0.01); however, this change was not significantly different from the control group (HIIT −0.53 ± 0.61%, control −0.14 ± 0.48%, P = 0.08). In participants who undertook at least 50% of the prescribed HIIT intervention, the HbA1c reduction was significantly greater than control (HIIT −0.64 ± 0.64% [n = 9], control −0.14 ± 0.48% [n = 15], P = 0.04). There were no differences in insulin dose, hypoglycemia on continuous glucose monitoring, blood pressure, blood lipids, body weight, or body composition between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there was no significant reduction in HbA1c with a 12-week HIIT intervention in adults with type 1 diabetes. However, glycemic control may improve for people who undertake HIIT with greater adherence.
THE IMPLICATION OF ETHNOMEDICAL UNDERSTANDING ON THE CONSERVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS VOCABULARY IN THE SOUTH KUTA COMMUNITY
Authors: Andiani Dyah , Rasna I Wayan , Suandi I Nengah
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to find out (1) ethnomedical understanding on the conservation of medicinal plants vocabulary in the South Kuta community, (2) the implication of ethnomedical understanding on the conservation of medicinal plants vocabulary in the South Kuta community. The design of this study was descriptive research design. The subjects in this study were 200 people. The objects in this study were in the form of understanding of the ethnomedical vocabulary, medicinal plants, and the implications of ethnomedical understanding on the preservation of vocabulary on traditional medicinal plants. Data collection were conducted by distributing questionnaires, interviews, document recording, and observation. Data analyses were conducted by the descriptive method of quantitative and qualitative. The presentation was done formally and informally. The results showed that the percentage of understanding which was very dominant or above 50%are aloe vera, turmeric, ginger, and kencur. The implications of ethnomedical understanding on vocabulary preservation of medicinal plants for the people of South Kuta include vocabulary linkages, the making of traditional medicines, the making and utilization of them, such as the manufacture and use of herbs for traditional medicine made from turmeric, dadap, aloe vera, ginger, and kencur. Making vegetables, from Moringa leaves, and dadap which is mashed and pasted/smeared, andong, dadap, kelor, turmeric, ginger, kencur. In addition, the manufacture of scrubs from turmeric, and kencur. Words of traditional medicinal plants which were not listed in implication mean the community just understood or knew but the implementation related to ethnomedical had not been done. In short, the percentage of public understanding which is dominant or above 50% is the understanding of the word of aloe vera, turmeric, ginger, and kencur. The implications of the ethnomedical understanding of vocabulary preservation of medicinal plants of the people of South Kuta include the linkage of vocabulary to the manufacture of traditional medicines and their utilization, such as the manufacture and use of herbs for traditional medicine made from turmeric, dadap, aloe vera, ginger, and kencur.
THE STUDY OF FEMINISM IN THE NOVEL NAYLA BY DJENAR MAESA AYU
Authors: Kusumaningrum Ni Ketut Veri , Rasna I Wayan , Artawan Gde
Published: July 2020

This research aims to determine (1) the narrative structure of novel Nayla by Djenar Maesa Ayu, (2) the role of women figure in the novel Nayla by Djenar Maesa Ayu, (3) the struggle of women figure in the novel Nayla by Djenar Maesa Ayu. This research uses feminism study with qualitative research. The data was collected by using library research. The library method was used at finding out the data in the novel Nayla by Djenar Maesa Ayu and in other literature which supports this research. The analyzed data are narrative structure, the role of women figure and the struggle of women figure in the novel Nayla by Djenar Maesa Ayu. The data were analyzed through the stage of reduction, presentation and data collection. The subject of this research is the novel Nayla by Djenar Maesa Ayu, the object of this research is the narrative structure, the role of women figure and the struggle of women figure in the novel Nayla by Djenar Maesa Ayu. The result of this research refers to (1) The Narrative structure in the novel Nayla by Djenar Maesa Ayu was include figure, characterization, plot and background. (2) The role of women figure in the novel Nayla by Djenar Maesa Ayu was found in the social domain, domestic and public. (3) The struggle of women figure in the novel Nayla by Djenar Maesa Ayu was manifested by struggling in maintaining in the status as women, the struggle in maintaining the gender. The form of feminism was described in the novel Nayla as never surrender, not dependent to the parents, and behaves deviate. Novel Nayla to present the relationship of gender that leads to a superior. Novel Nayla as the main character show business to make a women who has the dignity of which is equivalent to the men. Based on the results of analysis and advice for women in order to improve the quality of the field of education, domestic, and the public so that gender equality can be achieved.
APPLICATION OF SAINTIFIC-INNOVATIVE LEARNING MODELS IN INDONESIAN TEACHERS
Authors: Astrawan I Kadek Vera , Martha I Nengah , Artika I Wayan
Published: July 2020

This study aims to examine the application of innovative-learning model that includes aspects of planning, implementation, evaluation, and constraints faced by Indonesian teachers in SMA Negeri 1 Kubu. The design of this research is descriptive-qualitative. The subjects of this research are 3 teachers and the object of this research is planning, implementation, evaluation, and obstacles of application of learning model. This research used observation, interview and documentation method. Data were analyzed using identification, classification, interpretation, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that (1) learning model planning is divided into two, namely syllabus and preparation of RPP. The syllabus used is derived from Kemdikbud and RPP is based on Permendikbud No. 103 year 2014. (2) implementation of learning based on scientific approach, ie observing, asking, trying, associating, and communicating. In addition, teachers vary the learning model with bamboo dancing, articulation, and active debate. (3) evaluation of learning based on curriculum 2013, that is assessment of process and result. (4) obstacles encountered include aspects of planning, implementation, and evaluation. The conclusion of this research is planning of learning model based on syllabus and RPP. Implementation of learning model based on scientific approach steps. Evaluation of learning model based on curriculum 2013, that is assessment of process and result. Constraints faced include aspects of planning, implementation, and evaluation. Teachers are advised to be more careful in preparing RPP and the school provides training related to the implementation of innovative-scientific model of learning.
Evaluasi Pasca Diklat Teknis Substantif PTK Pola Baru di Balai Diklat Keagamaan Denpasar (Studi Kasus di Kantor Kementerian Agama Kota Mataram Tahun 2017)
Authors: Sifa _
Published: July 2020

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan dampak pendidikan dan pelatihan (diklat) Teknis Substantif Penelitian Tindakan Kelas Pola Baru (DTSPTK Pola Baru) terhadap kompetensi pengetahuan, keterampilan, kinerja dan karir alumni diklat di Balai Diklat Keagamaan Denpasar, khususnya di Kantor Kementerian Agama Kota Mataram. Fokus evaluasi ini adalah dampak atau manfaat diklat yang dikenal dengan istilah evaluasi pasca diklat. Desain penelitian ini berupa penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif dan kualitatif (Mix methods research). Simpulan penelitian menunjukkan adanya dampak diklat terhadap penerapan kompetensi pengetahuan terkait PTK dengan hasil efektif (88.00%), dampak diklat pada aspek penerapan kompetensi keterampilan terkait PTK menunjukkan hasil efektif (86.10%), efektif juga dalam peningkatan kinerja (88.00%%), efektif dalam peningkatan karir (87.10%), dan efektif pada aspek dukungan pimpinan (86.80%), serta efektif pada aspek rencana perubahan (85.90%). Terdapat peningkatan prestasi akademik baik oleh peserta didik dari para alumni maupun alumni itusendiri. Ada 62 prestasi akademik diraih peserta didik di bawah bimbingan para alumni DTSPTK Pola Baru mulai dari tingkat kota Mataram, provinsi NTB, dan nasional. Selain itu, satu prestasi akademik diraih pula oleh alumni. Terdapat 18 (delapan belas) alumni yang sudah memanfaatkan laporan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas hasil diklatnya untuk naik pangkat ke jenjang karir di atasnya. Pada aspek rencana perubahan, ada 9 (sembilan) judul Penelitian Tindakan Kelas yang baru dan siap untuk ditindaklanjuti menjadi sebuah hasil laporan penelitan Tndakan kelas. Karena menunjukkan efektivitas yang memadai, maka DTSPK Pola Baru dapat dijadikan salah satu alernatif dari diversifikasi diklat di BDK Denpasar khususnya, dan di BDK lain di Indonesia.
Evaluación del logro del perfil de egreso en grados universitarios: tendencias y desafíos
Authors: Huamán Huayta Ludencino Amador , Pucuhuaranga Espinoza Teresa Nilda , Hilario Flores Nora Esther
Published: July 2020

La expectativa del estudiante universitario es formarse profesionalmente para insertarse en el campo laboral y mostrar un desempeño óptimo. Para ello, debe evidenciar el logro del perfil de egreso en el grado que oferta la universidad, según su modelo educativo. La cuestión es cómo se desarrollan y se evalúan las competencias declaradas en el perfil de egreso, cuáles son los mecanismos de aseguramiento del avance y logro que satisfagan las expectativas del estudiante, de los empleadores y de la sociedad. Por esta razón el objetivo fue analizar las principales tendencias y desafíos respecto a la evaluación del logro del perfil de egreso en los grados universitarios. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo e interpretativo con base en el metaanálisis documental de 21 publicaciones ubicadas en Google Académico, Scielo, Dialnet, Fuente Académica Plus y Ebsco. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: artículos científicos que presentaran experiencias de evaluación del logro del perfil de egreso, grados o titulaciones universitarias diversas, publicados entre 2009 y 2019. Se identificaron cinco tendencias de evaluación del logro del perfil de egreso: a) coherencia entre plan de estudios e instrumentos de evaluación de asignaturas con el perfil de egreso; b) al final de los estudios universitarios; c) progresiva durante la formación; d) progresiva y al final de los estudios, y e) evaluación por egresados y empleadores. Conjuntamente muestran significativos aportes en cuanto a estrategias, instrumentos, actores involucrados y resultados que abren perspectivas de investigación y desarrollo. Se concluye que existe la necesidad de implementar un sistema progresivo, integral y participativo de evaluación del logro del perfil de egreso en los grados universitarios, basado en el conocimiento, la experiencia previa y los desafíos planteados a la universidad.
Kecanduan Game Online dan Empati pada Mahasiswa
Authors: Kurniawati Rahmi , Harmaini Harmaini
Published: July 2020

Empathy is a person's ability to recognize and understand the emotions, thoughts and attitudes of others. One of the things that affect one's empathy is addiction to online games. This study aims to determine whether the level of online gaming addiction will reduce empathy in students. The research subjects were 120 students of the Faculty of Science and Technology of UIN Suska Riau, obtained using purposive sampling. The instrument in this study is the online game addiction scale which is a modification of the Chen and Chang scale and the result of the adaptation and modification of the empathy scale of the Davis scale. Pearson correlation analysis results obtained there is a negative relationship between online game addiction with empathy for students means that the higher the duration of a person's time playing online games, the less the level of one's empathy. Keywords: Empathy, Addiction to online games
Desempenho agronômico e qualitativo de cultivares de feijoeiro dos grupos comerciais carioca e especial na época de inverno
Authors: Alves Marcus Vinicius , Filla Vinicius Augusto , Coelho Anderson Prates , Tiraboschi Leal Fabio , Trombeta Bettiol João Víctor , Borges Lemos Leandro
Published: July 2020

No Brasil, existe uma ampla disponibilidade de cultivares de feijoeiro de vários grupos comerciais. Nesse sentido, estudos para avaliar o potencial produtivo dos genótipos são necessários para a indicação das melhores cultivares aos produtores. Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho agronômico e qualitativo de cultivares de feijoeiro dos grupos comerciais carioca e especial e indicar os melhores genótipos dentro de cada grupo. O experimento de campo foi conduzido na Unesp, Jaboticabal, SP, na safra de inverno de 2017. Foram utilizadas dez cultivares de feijoeiro comum, sendo cinco do grupo comercial carioca: BRS Estilo, BRS MG Majestoso, BRS Ametista, BRS Notável e BRS Cometa e cinco do grupo comercial especial: BRS MG Realce, BRS Embaixador, BRS FC 305, BRS Executivo e BRS Ártico. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (Teste F) e as médias comparadas pelo teste de agrupamento de Scott-Knott a 5% de probabilidade. Para as características de desempenho agronômico, a cultivar BRS MG Majestoso se destacou dentro do grupo comercial carioca e as cultivares BRS Embaixador e BRS Executivo dentro do grupo comercial especial. Na qualidade dos grãos, se destacaram as cultivares BRS Estilo no grupo comercial carioca e a BRS Embaixador no grupo comercial especial.
Skin burns from monochloroacetic acid leak in a chemical plant: a case report
Authors: Tao Yiming , Liu Tingting , Jian Xiangdong
Published: July 2020

The patient, a 45-year-old male chemical factory worker, was burned by monochloroacetic acid discharged from a ruptured pipe. The patient was merely flushed with water and did not leave the workplace immediately. As a result, he suffered local burn symptoms, which gradually worsened. Two and a half hours after the accident, he developed symptoms of systemic poisoning, such as lethargy and dyspnoea. After a thorough debridement of the wound surface and subsequent skin grafting combined with early glucocorticoid therapy and haemofiltration, a satisfactory result was achieved, and the patient eventually recovered. With the widespread use of monochloroacetic acid in China, incidents of poisoning with this chemical are becoming increasingly common, with more than 100 cases reported in the past ten years in China alone.
Potential benefit of retrospective use of neutron monitors in improving ionising radiation exposure assessment on international flights: issues raised by neutron passive dosimeter measurements and EPCARD simulations during sudden changes in solar activity
Authors: Sovilj Marina Poje , Vuković Branko , Radolić Vanja , Miklavčić Igor , Stanić Denis
Published: July 2020

Since air transport became more accessible, more and more people have been exposed to ionising radiation of cosmic origin. Measuring the neutron dose equivalent is a good approximation of total ambient dose equivalent, as neutrons carry about 50 % of the dose at flight altitudes. The aim of our study was to compare our measurements of the neutron component of secondary cosmic radiation dose, taken with passive dosimeters, with the data obtained from a simulation generated by EPCARD software, which is common in assessing flight crew exposure to ionising radiation. We observed deviations (both above and below) from the expected proportion of the neutron component (between 40 and 80 %), which pointed to certain issues with actual passive dosimeter measurement and the EPCARD simulation. The main limitation of the dosimeter are large uncertainties in high energy neutron response, which may result in underestimation of neutron dose equivalent. The main drawback of the software simulation is monthly averaging of solar potential in calculations, which can neglect sporadic high energy events. Since airlines worldwide almost exclusively use software (due to costs and convenience) to estimate the dose received by their crew, it is advisable to retrospectively recalculate the dose taking into account neutron monitor readings when solar activity changes.
Phytochemical Composition of Brewers’ Spent Grains
Authors: Ivanova Kristina , Bakalov Ivan , Shopska Vesela , Nedyalkov Peter , Kostov Georgi
Published: July 2020

Brewers’ spent grains (BSG) are the main waste product of the brewing industry, accounting for about 85% of the total waste materials. Their composition is different (due to various brewing technologies) but includes high levels of dietary fiber, proteins, essential amino acids, polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins and fats. The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenolic content and antioxidant activity (the radical scavenging assay (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) of 19 different malt types and their BSG. The highest phenolic content was demonstrated by the BSG of Caraaroma malt, whereas the BSG of Carafa Special type 1 had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Based on the results obtained, malts with the highest biological value were selected for inclusion in the composition of functional foods.
A note on the irrelevance of unit root tests and cointegration tests
Authors: Alghalith Moawia
Published: July 2020

We show that, in practice, the standard unit root tests, cointegration tests, and similar tests are unreliable. This conclusion is more generally applicable to other related regression-based tests. In particular, these tests attempt to solve a problem by creating another problem.
Impact of Short-Term Abandonment on the Structure and Functions of Semi-Natural Dry Grasslands
Authors: Uogintas Domas , Rašomavičius Valerijus
Published: July 2020

A study of the impact of short-term abandonment on the structure and functions of semi-natural dry grasslands in Lithuania was performed. Data on the abundance of vascular plant species, hay and litter samples were collected. At the same time, plant functional traits and Ellenberg indicator values were used to evaluate the effect of abandonment on the structure and functions of semi-natural dry grasslands. The results showed that litter layer was significantly heavier in unmanaged plots compared to that in managed plots. The vascular plant species pool was higher in managed plots, where 62 vascular plant species were identified, while in unmanaged plots 46 species were identified. The species richness was significantly higher in managed semi-natural dry grasslands. Unmanaged plots had 12.3 ± 0.6 species, while managed plots had 17.7 ± 1.2 species per one square metre. Functional plant traits were similar in mowed and abandoned communities, while functional diversity was lower in unmanaged communities. These results are a clear indicator that the managing of semi-natural dry grasslands creates heterogeneity of the environment.
The Genus Corispermum L. (Amaranthaceae) in the Baltic States
Authors: Evarts-Bunders Pēteris , Evarte-Bundere Gunta , Medne Maija , Bojāre Aiva , Krasnopoļska Dana , Svilāne Inita
Published: July 2020

The paper presents the data on taxonomical diversity and distribution patterns and dynamics of the Corispermum species in the Baltic States over the last hundred years. Field studies and the herbarium material analyses were carried out. The distribution dynamics was analysed by comparing all known localities of the Corispermum species in two time periods: by 1990, and from 1991 to the present. Analysis of the herbarium material confirmed that currently there are four species in the Baltic States: Corispermum hyssopifolium, C. declinatum, C. intermedium and C. pallasii. The only endemic species to the Eastern Baltic Region, C. intermedium, is considered as typical for annual vegetation on embryonic shifting dunes and other coastal habitats. In Lithuania, this species is considered extinct or almost extinct, as has not been found for more than 30 years, only its hybrids with C. pallasii. The largest and most stable population of C. intermedium has been found on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Rīga in Latvia. Other species such as ephemerophytic C. hyssopifolium and C. declinatum also prefer dry and disturbed habitats. Both have become less frequent in recent years. However, potentially invasive C. pallasii has been observed in the region with increasing distribution dynamics. The Estonian and Latvian herbaria analysis confirmed that all specimens previously identified as C. algidum after re-examination were identified as C. pallasii or C. intermedium and more often as hybrid C. intermedium × C. pallasii.
Comparative Evaluation of Argania spinosa and Olea europaea Leaf Phenolic Compounds and their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Lfitat Aziza , Zejli Hind , Bousselham Abdelkamel , Atki Yassine El , Lyoussi Badiaa , Gourch Abdelkader , Abdellaoui Abdelfattah
Published: July 2020

We conducted this study to determine and compare the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the argan and olive leaves as well as their antioxidant capacity in aqueous, methanolic, and ethyl acetate extracted fractions. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated in comparison with synthetic antioxidants by assessing DPPH• radical scavenging capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, scavenging ability by inhibiting the β-carotene/linoleic acid emulsion oxidation, and by the ABTS radical scavenging activity assay. Total phenolic content in argan samples ranged from 221.69 ± 2.07 to 1.32 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g DW and in olive samples from 144.61 ± 0.82 to 1.21 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g DW. Total flavonoids content in argan samples varied from 267.37 ± 1.12 to 25.48 ± 0.02 mg QE/g DW, while in olives from 96.06 ± 0.78 to 10.63 ± 0.05 mg QE/g DW. In vitro antioxidant studies strongly confirmed the antioxidant potency of argan and olive leaves and their richness in secondary metabolites that are effective in free radicals scavenging and metal chelating capacities, indicating their antioxidant power.
Comparative characteristics of proton pump inhibitor effectiveness in the treatment of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer
Authors: Balitska Olesya P. , Germanyuk Tamara A. , Hryhoruk Yuliia M. , Ivko Tatiana I. , Tomashevska Yuliia O. , Koval Vasyl M. , Polishchuk Yuliia M. , Hutsol Viktoriia V. , Artemchuk Myhailo A.
Published: July 2020

Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers as based on literature.

Materials and methods: The materials of this research are the results of 86 original studies on the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors analysis.

Methods. Descriptive, statistical, retrospective.

Results and Conclusion. According to the clinical random researches, Omeprazole preparations are not included in the list due to proven better effectiveness of Esomeprazole drugs. Moreover, lansoprazole drugs are not included according to proven short-acid inhibitory effect. In addition, the brand of mentioned above preparation does not exist on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine. Furthermore, rabeprazole preparations are presented in the research by Pariet (brand) and by the effective generic Barol, while pantoprazole preparations are represented in the research by Kontrolok (brand) and by the generic Pultset, as well as by Nolpaza. Herein, the Pantosan effect was not significantly different from the effect of Pultset and Nolpaza, but the preparation is much more expensive. In terms of efficiency (%), 4 week repair of mucosal defects was carried out by way of the following treatment regimens: Barol + Amoxicillin + Clarythromycin (90.9±6.2), Pariet + Amoxicillin + Clarythromycin (83±2.6), Kontrolok + Amoxicillin + Clarythromycin (100±1.3), Pultset + Amoxicillin + Clarythromycin (88±4.1), Nolpaza + Amoxicillin + Clarythromycin (72±4.1), Ezolonh + Amoxicillin + Clarythromycin (87.7±3.8), Neksium + Amoxicillin + Clarythromycin (96.1±3.1).
Personal and higher-level values of pharmacy students declaring work with patients as a preferred career path – preliminary results
Authors: Turska Dorota , Skrzypek Michal , Marzec Agnieszka , Szczygiel Karolina
Published: July 2020

Introduction and Aim. The study aims to review the premise according to which a specific set of personal values is characteristic of pharmacy students indicating work in direct contact with the patient and building a therapeutic relationship as a preferred area of professional activity. The theoretical basis for the study draws on the Schwartz model of personal values.

Material and Method. The research was conducted among 211 students at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University in Lublin, aged 21-30 years (M=23.17; SD=1.26). The reference group (n=83) was composed of respondents declaring preference for a professional activity implying direct contact with patients (mainly retail pharmacy). The control group included students declaring preference for a professional path not entailing direct contact with patients. The study employed the Polish version of the Schwartz Value Survey, as well as the authors’ own questionnaire pertaining to career path preference.

Results. Students declaring preference for direct contacts with patients as their chosen career path, compared to respondents declaring preference for the other alternatives were more likely, as compared to the control, to express preference for the personal values of “security” and scored higher in terms of the higher-level value “conservation”. In addition, a higher preference (oscillating around statistical significance) for the personal value “benevolence” of the control group was demonstrated.

Conclusions. The preference for the values revealed by pharmacy students declaring a choice of retail pharmacy gives rise to concern about the possibility of implementing a new model of pharmaceutical care in Poland.
Proteolytic parameter changes in the plasma of patients with bladder cancer – depending on tumor stage
Authors: Dmytryk Viktor , Luhovska Tetiana , Yakovlev Pavel , Savchuk Olexiy , Halenova Tetiana , Raksha Nataliia , Ostapchenko Ludmila
Published: July 2020

Bladder cancer (BC) is a worldwide common disease with a high mortality rate. Recognizing the dynamic changes in plasma that proteases and their inhibitors undergo might be valuable in understanding the carcinogenesis of invasive bladder cancer and in identifying BC patients with poor prognosis. This study aims to determine the activity of the proteolytic enzyme system and their inhibitors in patients with BC. In this paper, the total proteolytic activity, the activity of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and serine proteases was analyzed by the method of caseinolytic activity. For detection of activity of some inhibitors of proteolysis, we used the unified method for determining the activity of alpha-1-antitrypsin (α1A) and alpha-2-Macroglobulin (α2M) in human plasma. The level of medium-mass molecules (MMM) was assessed spectrophotometrically by applying the Nikolaichik method.

The activity of MMPs was elevated in all groups of patients. Moreover, the activity of serine proteases was found to be enhanced in patients with Stage I, III and IV BC, while the activity of α1A was up by 1.4 and 1.3 times in patients with Stage I and Stage IV. The most significant increase was observed with regard to the activity of α2M in patients with I and III stages of BC. In addition, the level of MMM correlated with cancer stage. Indeed, the highest increase in the activity of protease inhibitors was observed in Stage I bladder cancer patients, which might signify their protective role at the onset of the bladder carcinogenesis. In contrast, significant growth in activity of α2M in patients with III stage of BC may point at a compensatory mechanism that inhibits tumor growth.
Effect of Achillea santolina essential oil on bacterial biofilm and its mode of action
Authors: Al-Shuneigat Jehad , Al-Sarayreh Sameeh , Al-Saraireh Yousef , Al-Qudah Mahmoud
Published: July 2020

Increased multidrug resistance prompted researchers to search for a new drug that has the ability to overcome antibiotic resistant pathogens. Essential oils have been used in folk medicine for centuries, therefore, they could be employed as an effective alternative to antibiotics without having secondary side effects.

The aim of the present study was to test the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil of Achillea santolina and to ascertain its mode of action.

Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC) susceptibility assays were performed using a biofilm inoculator with a 96-well plate with peg led. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was performed in normal microtitre plates using a twofold dilution series.

Achillea santolina essential oil (ASEO) was able to overcome the resistance of all tested bacteria. The MIC values were in the range of 250-1000 µg/ml, while the MBC values were in the range of 500-2000 µg/ml. ASEO increased leakage of potassium ions from the cell membrane and increased release of cellular materials – suggesting that the cell membrane is the target and site of action of ASEO. Moreover, ASEO was able to inhibit initial adherence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (ATCC 43300) at sub-inhibitory concentrations through alterations to cell membrane.
Optimization of tablet formulation containing ginger dry extract
Authors: Malek Walid A.A. , Ruban Olena Anatoliivna , Kutova Olga V. , Herbina Nataliia A.
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus is one of the world’s most common diseases, therefore the development and introduction of new effective drugs for diabetes treatment into clinical practice is an important task for the health systems of many countries of the world.

Aim. The aim of our work was to determine and substantiate the quantitative ratio of excipients for the development of the optimal composition of directly compressible ginger dry extract tablets.

Materials and methods. To choose the optimal composition of tablets containing ginger dry extract, the effect of various quantitative ratios of the excipients Kollidon K30 and Neusilin UFL 2 on tablet mass pharmaceutical technical parameters, determined by established methods, was studied. For processing the experimental data, mathematical methods were used: design of experiment, regression analysis and a technique based on the theory of vector optimization.

Results. The interrelation between factors that were studied and technological parameters of tablet mass and compressed tablets were analyzed using regression equations.

Conclusions. The studies conducted allowed to chose the optimal composition of ginger dry extract tablets: ginger dry extract – 60%, Galen IQ 721 – 34.5%, Kollidon K30 – 3.5%, Neusilin UFL 2 – 1%, calcium stearate – 1%. The chosen tablet formulation is characterized by pharmaceutical technical parameters meeting the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia and the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine.
Microbiological purity of syringes containing composites in the context of cross-infection prevention in dental practices
Authors: Bialowska Joanna , Bojar Witold , Zareba Tomasz , Tyski Stefan , Tymczyna-Borowicz Barbara
Published: July 2020

Cross-infection involves the transmission of microorganisms through secretions, bodily fluids and excreta, as well as undisinfected surfaces and medical equipment. In the dental office, diseases are transmitted via various routes, e.g. from patient to dentist or other member of dental team, from doctor or dental team member to patient, from patient to another patient, from dental office to community and from community to patient. The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of infection control in dental practices based on the qualitative and quantitative assessment of microbiological contaminants detected on the surface of filling material packaging used in dental offices. The material for research were 9 packages containing dental materials during their use in 3 dental settings. The packages were placed in sterile flasks and rinsed to wash microorganisms from the surfaces. The washes were filtered through membrane filters and cultured under proper aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and at elevated CO2 concentration. Microbial growth on TIO and TSB media was observed. The contamination of most samples remained low as indicated by the growth from one to a maximum of five colonies on TSA. The contamination remained at the level of 10-50 CFU/package, i.e. <100 CFU/single package. The tests evaluating the contamination of dental package surfaces with aerobic bacteria confirmed high hygiene standards observed in dental offices from which the packages were brought.
The role of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer
Authors: Dworzanska Anna , Strycharz-Dudziak Malgorzata , Dworzanski Jakub , Stec Agnieszka , Rajtar Barbara , Drop Bartlomiej , Polz-Dacewicz Malgorzata
Published: July 2020

Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is the most common malignancy caused by EBV infection. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as major components of innate immune system are crucial in the development of inflammatory processes and carcinogenesis. The aim of our study was to evaluate tissue and serum level of TLR9 in EBV-positive and EBV-negative gastric cancer patients. The study involved 30 EBV(+) and 30 EBV(-) patients. EBV DNA was detected in fresh frozen tumor tissue. In serum samples TLR9 level, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and antibodies against EBV were detected using ELISA tests. TLR9 level was also measured in homogenate of tumour tissue. TLR9 level was statistically lower in EBV(+) patients both in serum and tissue, with statistically higher level in tissue than in serum. Lower level of TLR9 was accompanied by higher level of Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen (EBVCA), Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA) and early antigen (EA). A lower level of TLR9 was detected in patients with poorly differentiated cancer (G3) and greater lymph nodes involvement (N3-N4). Lower level of TLR9 in patients with EA may point to TLR9 role in reactivation of EBV infection.
Comparative Histological Analysis of Intestines of Loach, Grass Carp and Catfish Provide Insights into Adaptive Characteristics in Air-Breathing Fish
Authors: Huang Longfei , Yang Lijuan , Liu Jianfang , Cao Xiaojuan
Published: July 2020

Accessory respiratory is generally accepted to have evolved independently on numerous occasions in adaption to aquatic hypoxia in freshwater habitats. In general, the air-breathing organ in fish is believed to be structurally modified to supplement respiration. In this study, intuitive evidence for elaborate structural modifications of the intestine, an air-breathing organ in mud loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), compared with two other obligate aquatic breathers, grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), were directly provided by histological and morphometric methods. As a result, a sharply decreasing height of mucosal folds and thickness of muscularis were manifested in loach intestine from its anterior to posterior region. Compared with grass carp and yellow catfish, loach had the smallest ratios of mucosal fold height/muscularis thickness to intestinal lumen radius in the posterior intestine. These suggested that the posterior intestine is the air-breathing location for the loach. Furthermore, length density of capillary (0.46±0.05 μm−2) in the posterior intestine of the loach was significantly higher than those of grass carp and yellow catfish. Meanwhile, diffusion distance of air-blood barrier (1.34±0.04 μm) in the posterior intestine of the loach was significantly smaller than those of the other two fish species. In summary, the characteristics of highly vascularized, short diffusion distance of air-blood barrier, thinned and flattened made the posterior intestine a perfect air-breathing location for the loach.
Antioxidant Activity and Polyphenolic Profile of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Green Husks and Liqueurs
Authors: Kulačanin Dijana , Bijelić Sandra , Šućur Jovana , Bogdanović Borivoje , Ercisli Sezai , Malenčić Đorđe
Published: July 2020

The beneficial effects of walnuts and walnut products on human health, due primarily to their rich polyphenolic content, have been appreciated as an empirical fact for centuries. The purpose of this study is to determine the polyphenolic contents of liqueurs made from the walnut selections ‘Rasna’ and ‘Sava’ and the walnut cultivar ‘Šampion’ (all harvested at three different times), as well as the polyphenolic contents of their green husks. The walnut liqueurs were prepared according to two traditional recipes using young walnut fruits. The highest antioxidant capacity was recorded in the liqueur made from the ‘Rasna’ walnut selection (89.94%), whereas the highest contents of phenols (83.28 mg GAE/g FW), flavonoids (0.83 mg QE/g FW) and proanthocyanidins were found in the liqueur made from the ‘Šampion’ cultivar (14.75 mg CE/g FW). The youngest ‘Rasna’ walnuts, harvested at the first experimental time point, exhibited the highest phenolic and tannin contents, whereas the highest flavonoid content was observed in the ‘Šampion’ cultivar. The biochemical results obtained indicate a decrease in the polyphenolic content of walnut fruits with their growth and development. Moreover, the polyphenolic profiles of the walnut liqueurs considered were found to be greatly affected by the method of preparation and the cultivar/selection of walnuts.
Adoption of Rice Post-Harvest Technologies Among Smallholder Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Adisa Banji Olalere , Famakinwa Michael , Adeloye Kolawole Adelekan
Published: July 2020

The study assessed adoption of rice post-harvest technologies among smallholder farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 120 respondents through a structured interview schedule using a multistage sampling procedure. Percentages, means, Chi-square and correlation were used to analyse the data and draw inferences. The results show that about 52.5% of the respondents had favourable perception, while 47.5% had unfavourable perception towards adoption of the rice post-harvest technologies. Rice milling (mean=4.54) and harvesting matured panicles at the right time (mean=4.47) ranked highest among the adopted post-harvest technologies, while majority (65%) of the respondents adopted the rice post-harvest technologies at moderate level and 35% had high level of adoption. Inadequate capital (mean=1.75) and poor extension contacts (mean=1.67) were the major constraints associated with the adoption. Also, there was significant association between sex (χ2= 38.174), marital status (χ2=32.85) and adoption of the rice post-harvest technologies, while age (r=-0.531), household size (r=0.414) and the quantity of rice produced (r=0.345) had significant relationship with adoption of the post-harvest rice technologies. There was moderate level of adoption among the farmers. Financial institutions, governments and non-governmental organisations should provide functional credit facilities and government should employ more extension agents to promote adoption of high-quality enhancing post-harvest technologies for sustainable rice production in Nigeria.
Inappropriate hemodialysis treatment and palliative care
Authors: Novotný Rudolf , Novotná Zuzana , Andraščíková Štefánia
Published: July 2020

The paper discusses inappropriate (futile) treatment by analyzing the casuistics of palliative patients in the terminal stage of illness who are hospitalized at the Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics of the Faculty hospital with policlinic (FNsP). Our research applies the principles of palliative care in the context of bioethics. The existing clinical conditions of healthcare in Slovakia are characteristic of making a taboo of the issues of inappropriate treatment of palliative patients. Inductive-deductive and normative clinical bioethics methods of palliative care and ethical strategy are applied for defining issues found in inappropriate hemodialysis treatment. An algorithm of hemodialysis treatment requires the definition of those lege artis criteria which, in the context of a patient’s autonomy and his/her decision, precondition the avoidance of the situation in which hemodialysis treatment is inappropriate (futile). Futile treatment in a terminal condition is ethically inappropriate medical treatment that extends the suffering of patients and their relatives. Its definition is determined by the relevant legislation and the methods of bioethics. An active palliative strategy is aimed at managing the process of incurable diseases in the patient’s bio-psycho-socio-spiritual continuity in the process of special bioethics. The global bioethical objective of general bioethics for palliative care is based on the paradigm of social harmony and solidarity in the context of an authentic modus of the patient’s existence as a constitutive principle for the phenomenon of the patient’s being to finite being (death).
Using the Methodological Procedures for Water Erosion Risk Areas Identification for Sustainable Land Use
Authors: Petlušová Viera , Petluš Peter , Tobiašová Erika , Hreško Juraj
Published: July 2020

The countries of the European Union have joined, inter alia, soil protection in the Common Agricultural Policy (hereinafter referred to as CAP). Accelerated soil erosion is a problem resulting from inappropriate land management, which affects both the presence of organic matter and the soil structure. The tool for elimination of negative impacts on soil can be its sustainable use. This requires the use of an accurate system to improve its condition. The first step should be problem identification and localisation. The research is aimed at the identification of water erosion risk areas by using selected methodological procedures. The research area was located at the intensively used hilly land of the Southwestern Slovakia. The digitisation of the manual interpretation of erosion risk areas with the use of aerial photos, erosion modelling, chemical analysis of soil organic matter (SOM) and analysis of soil structure were used. Verification was implemented via the field research with the use of the soil probes. Methods affirmed significant presence of the water erosion in the area. Efficient identification of erosional processes is possible via combination of presented methods by taking into consideration geological, geomorphological, pedological and geographical conditions and the use of the area over a longer period of time. The results of using methods that ensure accurate and effective localisation of erosion surfaces can be used for sustainable land use and its conservation.
Assessments of Biodiversity and Habitat Services in Cities – Exemplified by Dresden (Germany) and Liberec (Czech Republic)
Authors: Bastian Olaf , Cudlín Pavel , Pechanec Vilém , Brzoska Patrycia , Štěrbová Lenka , Včeláková Renata , Purkyt Jan , Grunewald Karsten
Published: July 2020

The choice of suitable biodiversity assessment methods for practical purposes in city planning and decision-making is still a challenging problem. Despite the availability of a wide variety of methods for almost all dimensions of diversity (mainly species and habitat diversity, including spatial aspects), few of them have entered the practical ‘daily’ work. In the example of in-depth examinations in German and Czech cities (e.g., Dresden and Liberec), it was found that the most frequently applied analyses are those of protected species and habitats in urban nature conservation in general, and particularly in city development planning to derive avoidance, protection and compensation measures. Preference analyses (questionnaires, structured interviews) are becoming increasingly popular. Economic calculations of habitat values and the valuation of ecosystem services are still in their infancy. We will present methods that are presently being applied or could be included in a practical methodological toolkit to analyse and valuate biodiversity in urban nature conservation, city planning and decision-making.
Comparison of Machine Learning Models to Predict Risk of Falling in Osteoporosis Elderly
Authors: Cuaya-Simbro German , Perez-Sanpablo Alberto-Isaac , Muñoz-Meléndez Angélica , Uriostegui Ivett Quiñones , Morales-Manzanares Eduardo-F. , Nuñez-Carrera Lidia
Published: July 2020

Falls are a multifactorial cause of injuries for older people. Subjects with osteoporosis are more vulnerable to falls. The focus of this study is to investigate the performance of the different machine learning models built on spatiotemporal gait parameters to predict falls particularly in subjects with osteoporosis. Spatiotemporal gait parameters and prospective registration of falls were obtained from a sample of 110 community dwelling older women with osteoporosis (age 74.3 ± 6.3) and 143 without osteoporosis (age 68.7 ± 6.8). We built four different models, Support Vector Machines, Neuronal Networks, Decision Trees, and Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBN), for each specific set of parameters used, and compared them considering their accuracy, precision, recall and F-score to predict fall risk. The F-score value shows that DBN based models are more efficient to predict fall risk, and the best result obtained is when we use a DBN model using the experts’ variables with FSMC’s variables, mixed variables set, obtaining an accuracy of 80%, and recall of 73%. The results confirm the feasibility of computational methods to complement experts’ knowledge to predict risk of falling within a period of time as high as 12 months.