bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of efficacy and safety of teriparatide and hyaluronic acid - calcitonin combination treatments in Chinese osteoporotic patients with risk of bone fracture: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Hou Changju
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of teriparatide and hyaluronic-calcitonin combination treatment in Chinese osteoporotic patients with risk of bone fracture.Methods: Osteoporotic patients aged 30 to 80 years, with at least one vertebral fracture and immediate risk of new vertebral fractures, were recruited from Hangzhou First People's Hospital. They were randomly assigned to two groups (50/group) treated with either teriparatide (20 μg/day) or hyaluronic acid + calcitonin (1:1 ratio, 200 IU daily) for 12 months. The patients were followed up every 3 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated using x-ray absorptiometry. The proportion of patients with new fractures was recorded. Changes in serum osteocalcin and serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) from baseline to endpoint were also measured.Results: Treatment with teriparatide at a dose of 20 μg/day resulted in a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with new fractures (p < 0.05), when compared to patients treated with a combination of hyaluronic acid + calcitonin (200 IU daily). Teriparatide treatment for 12 months resulted in significant increase in lumbar BMD. Significant increases in spine BMD were evident after 3 months of treatment. There were significantly greater increases in serum osteocalcin and BSAP levels in teriparatide-treated patients than in those given hyaluronic acid + calcitonin. The most common treatment adverse event reported by both sexes was dizziness.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that teriparatide is efficacious and well tolerated in Chinese men and post-menopausal women with osteoporosis, when compared to the combination of hyaluronic acid and calcitonin. The efficacy of teriparatide is not associated with gender differences.

Keyword: Teriparatide, Calcitonin, Hyaluronic acid, Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, Postmenopausal, Bone mineral density
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism and capecitabine-induced toxicity in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Xie Xiong-wei , Wang Mao-ren , Zhang Yong-lian
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism on toxicity in gastric cancer (GC) patients treated with capecitabine.

Methods: One hundred and twenty-six GC patients were treated with capecitabine in the study. DNA from GC patients was genotyped for MTHFR A1298C using direct sequencing. Toxicity evaluations were graded. Clinical response was assessed.

Results: In 87.3 % of the patients, capecitabine toxicity was observed. As for MTHFR A1298C polymorphism, 55.6 % patients who exhibited it were associated with reduced MTHFR activity. MTHFR A1298C was associated with capecitabine-related toxicity (p = 0.008); in addition, MTHFR A1298C was significantly associated with gastrointestinal toxicity (p = 0.026), but not with other types of toxicity.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that MTHFR A1298C may be useful for predicting toxicity in GC patients receiving capecitabine treatment, especially gastrointestinal toxicity.

Keywords: MTHFR, Polymorphism, Gastric cancer, Toxicity
Imidazole-thiazolidinone inhibits oesophageal cancer cell proliferation via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at S phase
Authors: Wang Qian , Yuan Yuan , Jiang Mi , Huang Lihua , Huang Jie , Shen Hongyuan
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effect of imidazole-thiazolidinone on oesophageal cancer (OC) cell proliferation, and the mechanism of action involved.Methods: Human OC cells (HCE-6 and KYSE-1170) were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1 % penicillin/streptomycin solution at 37 ˚C for 24 h in a humidified atmosphere of 5 % CO2 and 95 % air. After attaining 60 -  70 % confluency, the cells were treated with serum-free medium and graded concentrations of imidazolethiazolidinone (up to 160 μM) for 24 h. Normal cell culture without imidazole-thiazolidinone served as control. Cells in logarithmic growth phase were selected and used in this study. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using 3 (4,5 dimethyl thiazol 2 yl) 2,5 diphenyl 2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and flow cytometric assays, respectively. The levels of expression of apoptosis-related proteins were determined using Western blotting.Results: Treatment of HCE-6 and KYSE-1170 cells with imidazole-thiazolidinone for 48 h led to significant and dose-dependent reduction in their  proliferation, as well as significant and dosedependent increase in the number of apoptotic cells (p < 0.05). Light microscopy revealed significantreduction in HCE-6 cell count, detached cells, reduced cell size and irregular cytoplasmic vacuoles. Imidazole-thiazolidinone treatment significantly and dose-dependently decreased HCE-6 and KYSE-1170 cell migration, and arrested HCE-6 cell cycle at S phase (p < 0.05). In HCE-6 cells, imidazolethiazolidinone treatment significantly and dose-dependently upregulated the expressions of cleaved caspase-3/8/9 and bax, but down-regulated bcl-2 expression significantly and dose-dependently (p < 0.05). However, metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) expressions in HCE-6 and KYSE-1170 cells were significantly and dose-dependently down-regulated by imidazole-thiazolidinone treatment (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggest that imidazole-thiazolidinone suppresses OC cell proliferation via induction of apoptosis and arrest of cell cycle at S phase.

Keywords: Imidazole-thiazolidinone, Oesophageal cancer, Metastasis, Cell cycle arrest, Apoptosis
Knowledge, attitude and perception on PharmD program among penultimate and final-year undergraduate pharmacy students in a Nigerian university – An intervention study
Authors: Aje Akinniyi A. , Okhamafe Augustine O.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To carry out an interventional study on the knowledge, attitude and perception of penultimate and final year undergraduate pharmacy students of the University of Ibadan on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among penultimate and final-year undergraduate students of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan using semi-structured questionnaire. A seminar was organized for the intervention group. The data were summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Pre-intervention PharmD knowledge assessment of majority, 63 (94.0 %) control group and 63 (87.5 %) intervention group participants was below average. Post-intervention, 38 (52.8 %) intervention group participants had satisfactory scores, while 54 (80.6 %) of control group had below average scores. Generally, the participants had good PharmD attitude and perception. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between pre- and post-intervention PharmD knowledge assessment among the intervention group. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed between the post-intervention PharmD knowledge of the control group and the intervention group.

Conclusion: Baseline below average PharmD knowledge of study participants improved significantly in the intervention group post-intervention. Generally, the participants had a good attitude and perception towards the PharmD program.

Keywords: PharmD, Pre-post intervention, Undergraduate pharmacy students, Knowledge, Attitude, Perception, University of Ibadan
Efficacy and safety of guselkumab for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: A metaanalysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Tao Xing-Bao , Huang Yin-Qiu , Zhou Yi-Hong , Zhang Lv-Lang , Chen Yao-Kai
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To conduct a systematic analysis on data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different doses of guselkumab, and provide high-quality evidence for its use in the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO).

Methods: Related studies were searched using online search engines including MEDLINE, PubMed, and central registry of Cochrane controlled trials from January 2001 to October 2017. Only randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials involving guselkumab- and placebo-treated PsO subjects were included.

Results: Five eligible double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trials involving patients with moderate-to-severe PsO subjects treated with guselkumab were included. Compared with the placebo groups, the proportion of patients with improvements in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 (RR= 12.14; 95% CI= 9.11-16.16; p < 0.001); PASI 90 (RR= 23.26; 95% CI =14.57-37.13; p < 0.001), and PASI 100 (RR = 37.66; 95% CI = 15.81-89.69; p < 0.001) were significantly higher than those in guselkumab-treated groups. Furthermore, the guselkumab-treated groups showed significant decreases in Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) score (RR = 10.46; 95% CI = 7.96-13.83; p < 0.001) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score (SMD = -1.3; 95% CL = -1.4 to -1.19; p < 0.001), when compared with the placebo groups. However, there were no significant differences in adverse events (AEs) (RR = 1.01; 95% CL = 0.93-1.11; p > 0.05); severe adverse events (SAEs) (RR = 1.32; 95% CI =0.69-2.54; p > 0.05) and study discontinuations (RR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.42-1.48; p > 0.05) between the two groups.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis summarizes available evidence for the use of guselkumab in psoriasis. The results suggest that guselkumab is superior to placebo in moderate-to-severe psoriasis, and is welltolerated, effective, and safe in improving the severity of disease and quality of life.

Keywords: Guselkumab, Effectiveness, Safety, Plaque psoriasis, Meta-analysis, Quality of life
Proteomics analysis of differentially-expressed proteins in uterus of primary dysmenorrhea mice following administration of nuangong zhitong
Authors: Xie Yazhen , Qian Jianqiang , Lu Qibin
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To use label-free proteomic method to investigate the mechanism of action of nuanggong zhitong decoction (NZD) on primary dysmenorrhea (PD).

Methods: A mouse model of PD was established through oxytocin administration. The mice were divided into control group (normal mice), model group (PD mice administered normal saline), and treatment group (mice given NZD). The serum levels of PGE2 and PGF2α in the mice were measured by ELISA. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) among the three groups were revealed by identifying the proteins that were up-regulated (or down-regulated) in model group and down-regulated (or up-regulated) in the treatment group. The DEPs in the three groups were identified using Nano- HPLC-MS/MS, and their functions were investigated using bioinformatics analyses. The accuracy of proteomics was verified with western blot analysis.

Results: Thirty-eight up-regulated and 66 down-regulated DEPs were identified. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the DEPs were related to immune response, signal conduction, protein binding, and metabolism. STRING analysis indicated a total of 53 DEPs have direct or indirect functional links. Western blot results revealed that levels of Stat1, Rock1, vinculin and vaveolin-1 were consistent with the results of proteomic analysis.

Conclusion: These findings provide further insights into the mechanism underlying the protective effects of NZD.

Keywords: Primary dysmenorrhea, Uterus, Nuangong zhitong decoction, Vinculin, Caveolin, Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), Bioinformatics
Effect of dexmedetomidine post-treatment on oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by myocardial ischemiareperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Geng Zhihai , Zhu Xuelian , Han Xi , Xin Xianfeng
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To study the effect of dexmedetomidine on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI)- induced imbalance on oxidant-prooxidant status and apoptotic changes in rats.

Methods: Ninety (90) male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups – sham, model and post-treatment. In model rats, the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery was ligated for 25 min, prior to their being subjected to reperfusion for 2 h. Rats in the post-treatment group were subjected to ligation at the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery for 25 min, but they were intravenously injected with dexmedetomidine at a dose of 10 μg/kg prior to reperfusion. There was no ligation in the sham group. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assayed. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) levels were also evaluated. Apoptosis was measured with TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

Results: Compared with the sham group, MDA level in the model group was significantly rose, while SOD and GSH-Px activities were markedly decreased (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were higher LDH and CK-MB activities in model rats than in the sham rats, but they were significantly lower in the posttreatment group than in the model group (p < 0.05). Apoptosis was higher in model rats than in sham operation rats, but was markedly decreased in post-treatment rats than in model rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Post-treatment with dexmedetomidine exerts myocardial protective effect via significant reduction in oxidative stress-induced myocardial injury and apoptosis.

Keywords: Dexmedetomidine, Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, Antioxidant status, Programmed cell death
Hepatoprotective effect of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L (chick peas) against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats
Authors: Majeed Mudasir , Hussain Abdullah Ijaz , Anwar Haseeb , Irfan Shahzad , Chatha Shahzad Ali Shahid , Ali Qasim , Mukhtar Imran , Hafeez Zahra
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To determine the hepatoprotective potential of ethanol extracts of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. (chick peas).

Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats using oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The rats were then orally administered different doses of the ethanol extracts of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. for 21 days. Oxidative stress parameters and hepatoprotective profiles were determined in serum samples using standard procedures. The effect of the treatments on liver histology was also determined.

Results: Administration of extracts of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. to CCl4 treated rats at a dose of 300 mg/kg resulted in a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in oxidative stress parameters, whereas catalase activity significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05); on the other hand, ALT and AST levels were decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05), when compared to the control group.

Conclusion: High doses of Cicer arietinum L (desi and kabuli cultivars) seem to have hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. This finding underscores the therapeutic importance of Cicer arietinum L. as a plant with hepatoprotective properties.

Keywords: Cicer arietinum, Phenolics, Hepatotoxicity, Chick peas, Catalase
Extraction optimization of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver and its effect on bone quality in OVX rats
Authors: Zhao ZhengNan , Yang XiangLong , Li Maoxun , Yu Fang , Liang HaiDong
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To maximize the yield of extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver and its effect on bone quality.

Methods: Different extraction indices were optimized with response surface methodology (RSM) for maximization of extract yield from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver. Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used to identify the effects of temperature, time, and liquid to solid ratio on extract yield from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver. After 4-week acclimatization, thiry-two rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 8): group 1 (sham) given vehicle only; group 2 (OVX rats given Eucommia ulmoides Oliver extract at a dose of 4 g/kg; group 3 (OVX + vehicle); group 4 (OVX + EUOE), i.e., OVX rats given Eucommia ulmoides Oliver extract (4 g/kg). Sham rats had intact ovaries. After surgery, the rats received gentamicin intramuscularly for 3 successive days. Two months after surgery, blood and trabecular bones was taken for analysis.

Results: Temperature and liquid-to-solid ratio had marked impact on extract yield from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, with the best conditions being temperature of 88 °C, time of 137 min, and liquid to solid ratio 16:1. Using these optimized conditions, the maximum yield of extract obtained experimentally (2.53%) was very close to the predicted value of 2.49 %. There was a good fit between the mathematical model evolved and the data on extract yield. The extract significantly (p < 0.01) increased the Ca and P and Cr levels in OVX + EUOE group compared to those in OVX control. Moreover, the extract significantly (p < 0.01) increased macro-mechanical indices of trabecular bone in OVX+EUOE group, relative to those in OVX control.

Conclusion: The yield of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver extract has been successfully optimized using RSM. The extract exhibited strong effects on bone quality.

Keywords: Optimization, Eucommia ulmoides, Box–Behnken design, Response surface methodology, Bone loss, Gene
Bisleuconothine A protects periodontal tissue via the regulation of RANKL expression and infiltration of inflammatory cells
Authors: Wang Fang , Sun Ping , Sun Qiang
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of bisleuconothine A on periodontal tissue in rats and the mechanism involved.

Methods: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 32) weighing 180 - 200 g (mean weight, 190 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to four groups of eight rats each: control group, periodontitis group, bisleuconothine A (50 mg/kg) group and bisleuconothine A (100 mg/kg) group. Rats in the treatment groups received bisleuconothine intraperitoneally for two weeks. Periodontitis was induced in the rats using standard procedures. Serum and tissue samples were used for biochemical analysis. Alveolar bone loss was measured in rat maxillae, while the activity of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) was determined in serum. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 (IL-1β and IL-6) were determined in gingival tissue using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Gene and protein expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) were measured in gingival tissue using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.

Results: Bisleuconothine A treatment significantly and dose-dependently reduced alveolar bone loss, as well as serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, but increased BALP activity in periodontitis rats (p < 0.05). It also significantly and dose-dependently reduced mRNA expressions of RANKL and MMP-9, but significantly increased OPG mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Similarly, treatment with bisleuconothine A significantly and dose-dependently down-regulated RANKL, p-NF-kB, p-IkBα and iNOS proteins in gingival tissue of periodontitis rats (p < 0.05). The results of histopathological examination indicated that bisleuconothine A treatment significantly reversed histological changes in periodontal tissues of periodontitis rats. It also significantly reduced the degree of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell infiltration in periodontal tissue.

Conclusion: The results obtained show that bisleuconothine A protects periodontal tissue via the regulation of RANKL expression and infiltration of inflammatory cells.

Keywords: Bisleuconothine A, Expression, Inflammation, Periodontitis, RANKL
Potentials of neuron-specific enolase as a biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Hu Ruirui , Liu Hongmei , Li Wen , Zhou Lili , Liu Xiangyu , Ding Yuanyuan
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the potentials of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) as a biomarker for gastric cancer (GC).

Methods: Gastric cancer (GC) patients (n = 412) who underwent gastrectomy were recruited over a 3- year period for this study. Their clinicopathological data such as age, sex, histological type, depth, tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis were analyzed. The patients were followed up for four years and the outcomes were also assessed. Histological changes in biopsies and levels of expression of NSE in biopsies and serum of patients were determined using immunohistochemical staining, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.

Results: Immunohistochemical staining showed that NSE was differentially expressed in the cytoplasm of GC cells. Histological changes in biopsies of patients in the overexpression group were not significantly different from those of patients in under-expression group (p > 0.05). In NSE overexpression group, the number of patients in early stage GC subgroup (n = 186, 86.10 %, T1) were significantly higher than that in advanced GC subgroup (n = 124, 62.20 % T2–T4) (p < 0.05). However, in NSE under-expression group, there were more patients in advanced GC subgroup (n = 72, 37.70 %) than in early GC subgroup (n = 30, 13.80 %) (p < 0.05). Patients in NSE overexpression group survived longer than those in NSE under-expression group (p < 0.05). The level of expression of NSE significantly decreased with increase in TNM stage (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum NSE level between GC patients and healthy control (p > 0.05). The results of the correlation analysis indicated that NSE levels were positively associated with GC.

Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggest that NSE could serve as a potential biomarker for GC.

Keywords: Biomarker, Gastric cancer, Neuron-specific enolase, Overexpression, TNM staging
Analgesic effect of flurbiprofen ester and its effect on serum inflammatory factors and Β-endorphin expression in rats with incision pain
Authors: Ye Xiaomin , Ye Xianhua , Ye Nannan
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To study the analgesic effect of flurbiprofen ester in rats with incision pain, and its effect on serum inflammatory factors and β-endorphin expression.

Methods: Seventy-five (75) healthy rats with foot contraction threshold induced by basic mechanical stimulation were randomly assigned to control, model control and treatment groups. Flurbiprofen was administered in 3 doses: 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg. Then, 3 mL of ventricular blood was taken from anesthetized rats and the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), interleukin-1 β, interleukin-6 and β-endorphin were measured. The expression of β-endorphin in the spinal cord of rats with lumbar enlargement and ARC was determined.

Results: The TNF- α, interleukin-1 β and interleukin-6 concentrations were significantly lower in treatment group than in model rats, and decreased with time and dose (p < 0.05). In the treatment group, the level of serum β-endorphin decreased with increase in dose at 1 h, but increased with increase in dose at 5 h and 10 h (p < 0.05). The levels of β-endorphin in the spinal cord, was significantly lower in model rats than in control rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Pre-administration of flurbiprofen ester reduces serum inflammatory factors and upregulates β-endorphin expression in rats with incision pain. Thus, it flurbiprofen exerts analgesic effect.

Keywords: Flurbiprofen ester, Incision pain, Rat, Analgesia, Inflammatory factor, β-endorphin
Synergistic effect of a combination of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and thymosin α1 on Lewis lung cancer transplanted tumor in mice
Authors: Lan Haiyan , Hao Yanrong , Lv Yanru , Li Guangyu , Mo Yuncong , Zheng Cheng , Yuanfa Li
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To study the synergistic effect of a combination of granulocyte-macrophage colonystimulating factor and thymosin-α1 on the treatment of Lewis lung cancer transplanted tumor.Methods: C57BL/6 mice were used. A mouse model of Lewis lung cancer was established using Lewis lung cancer cell lines. The mice were randomly divided into blank control group, polyene taxol (DTX) group, DTX thymosin α1 (Tα-1) group, and DTX granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) group, with 8 mice per group. The degree of tumor inhibition, thymus mass, thymus index, spleen mass, spleen index, IL-6, TNF-1, IFN-1, CD4+, CD8+ T cells and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ were determined by ELISA and flow cytometry.Results: Body mass, thymus mass, thymus index, spleen mass, spleen index, IL-6, TNF-1, IFN-1, CD4+, CD8+ T cells and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in DTX + Tα-1 group, DTX + GM-CSF group and DTX + Tα-1 + GM-CSF group were significantly elevated (p < 0.05), relative to the corresponding levels in DTXmice (p < 0.05). Body mass, degree of tumor inhibition, thymus mass, thymus index, spleen mass, spleen index, IL-6, TNF-1, IFN-1, CD4, CD8 T cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in DTX + Tα-1 + GM-CSF mice were significantly elevated, relative to the DTX + Tα-1 and DTX + GM-CSF groups (p < 0.05). Thestate of the tumor was significantly improved in the DTX + Tα-1 and DTX + GM-CSF mice.Conclusion: A combination treatment of GM-CSF, Tα-1 and DEX effectively enhances the resistance of mice and suppresses chemotherapy-induced decrease in body weight. This finding may be of clinical significance.

Keywords: Granulocyte macrophage, Colony-stimulating factor, Thymosin, Docetaxel, Lewis lung cancer, Transplanted tumor
Benjankul supplementation improves hepatic fat metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Kamchansuppasin Achiraya , Vongthoung Kevalin , Temrangsee Pomthep , Munkong Narongsuk , Lerdvuthisopon Nusiri
Published: June 2020

No Abstract.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of Lebanese community pharmacists with regard to self-management of low back pain
Authors: Dabbous Mariam K. , Moustafa Sara M. , Sakr Fouad R. , Akel Marwan G. , Safwan Jihan H. , Cherfan Michelle M. , Rahal Mohamad K.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To determine the knowledge, attitude and reported practice of Lebanese community pharmacists who advise persons who present with low back pain.Methods: This was a multi-center cross-sectional study conducted in over 300 community pharmacies across Lebanon from December 2017 to May 2018. Pharmacists working at a community pharmacy were considered eligible, and those who volunteered to participate completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed for self-completion by the pharmacist and included demographic questions about the respondent, questions that assessed knowledge and attitude toward low back pain, and questions about treatment to reflect and characterize the nature of practice. The primary outcome was to determine the knowledge, attitude and reported practice of the Lebanese pharmacists advising people who presented with low back pain. The secondary outcome was to assess factors that affect knowledge, attitude, and practice.Results: The response of 320 community pharmacists was analysed. The proportion of pharmacists with good knowledge about low back pain (51. 7 %) was slightly higher than those with poor knowledge (48. 3 %). Oral therapy was the most prescribed dosage form for back pain compared to local patch and cream. Among oral dosage forms, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most prescribed medications (42 %). Of the patients’ referral to the physician if necessary, 73.1 % of the referrals were by pharmacists.Conclusion: Community pharmacists in Lebanon demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge of back pain, yet major gaps still exist, particularly in terms of the quality of advice. Hence, more education is needed to provide better quality of advice.

Keywords: Attitude, Knowledge, Low back pain, Reported practice, Quality of advice
Carboprost tromethamine prevents caesarean sectionassociated postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Li , Jiang Hong-mei , Yang Rui-rui
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effect of carboprost tromethamine on post-partum hemorrhage associated with caesarean section.Methods: One hundred patients with postpartum hemorrhage induced by cesarean section who were admitted to Binzhou People’s Hospital from October 2016 to August 2018 were selected. They were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and treatment group. Patients in the control group were administered oxytocin, while those in the treatment group received oxytocin in combination with carboprost tromethamine. The incidence of hemorrhage and adverse reactions were compared for the two groups.Results: The two groups showed gradually increasing degrees of postpartum hemorrhage within 24 h, but the treatment group had significantly lower volume of postpartum hemorrhage than the control group at different time points (p < 0.05). At the 1st, 3rd and 5th days after delivery, the height of the uterine fundus decreased gradually in the two groups, but was smaller in the treatment group than in the oxytocin group at all time points (p < 0.05). Total response in the treatment group was 98 %, which was significantly higher than 78 % in the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group (12 %) was significantly lower than that in the control group (24 %, p < 0.05).Conclusion: Carboprost tromethamine prevents postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean section. It effectively reduces bleeding and promotes uterine involution, without obvious adverse reactions.

Keywords: Carboprost tromethamine, Oxytocin, Cesarean section, Postpartum hemorrhage
Parvimonas micra as a rare cause of spondylodiscitis – case series from a single centre
Authors: Durovic Ana , Eberhard Noëmi , Schären Stefan , Widmer Andreas F.
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND
The anaerobe Parvimonas micra is usually recovered as part of the normal flora or in polymicrobial infections of odontogenic or gastrointestinal origin. P. micra has rarely been described as the causative organism of pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Here we report multiple cases of spondylodiscitis caused by this organism and compare their clinical features with the published literature.

METHODS
We performed a retrospective review of all institutional cases with P. micra spondylodiscitis between 01 June 2012 and 31 May 2019. For comparison, the literature was searched for studies reporting vertebral infections with P. micra in adult patients.

RESULTS
Over 7 years, six cases were identified: one with a polymicrobial infection (with P. micra and Fusobacterium nucleatum) and five with P. micra as the only pathogen isolated. The six patients with P. micra infections were between 63 and 82 years old (median 72 years) and presented with persistent lower back pain. Common findings were infection of the lumbar spine region (in 6/6 cases) and recent dental inflammation (4/6 cases). 3/6 patients had previously undergone decompressive spinal surgery due to spinal stenosis (2 to 11 years before). In 4/6 cases the organism was detected in blood cultures drawn at admission. Treatment consisted of antibiotics for all patients and additional decompressive surgery due to abscess formation in half the cases. Outcomes were mostly favourable, but persistent pain was a common complaint after resolution of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

P. micra is a rare cause of spondylodiscitis. Nevertheless, recent dental procedures with subsequent back pain should lead to the consideration of possible anaerobic causes of spondylodiscitis. Heightened awareness of this pathogen and improvements in diagnostic methods might lead to higher detection rates.
What interventions do general practitioners recommend avoiding? A nationwide survey from Switzerland
Authors: Neuner-Jehle Stefan , Grischott Thomas , Markun Stefan , Maeder Marc , Rosemann Thomas , Senn Oliver
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND
To address low-value interventions in healthcare, “Choosing Wisely” campaigns provide recommendations of interventions to avoid (RIAs). These are usually developed by expert panels rather than general practitioners (GPs). The aim of our study was to develop RIAs for ambulatory general medicine based on the suggestions of GPs, with their involvement from the very beginning.

METHODS
This was a nationwide online Delphi survey among Swiss Society of General Internal Medicine members. In round one, each participant suggested two interventions perceived as particularly inappropriate. In round two, the 16 most frequent RIAs were rated by importance on a 0–100 scale and compared with “Choosing Wisely” lists. We calculated descriptive statistics for suggestions and importance ratings, and used regression models to search for associations with GP characteristics.

RESULTS
Response rates were 7.4% (538/7318) for round one and 18.2% (1357/7468) for round two. GPs provided 1074 suggestions. Out of the 16 most frequent RIAs, 13 corresponded to existing “Choosing Wisely” lists. The RIAs rated most important were: antibiotics in viral infections, unnecessarily duplicated tests and imaging in unspecific low back pain (means 88.5–91.7, standard deviations 18.6–19.9). None of the GPs’ characteristics were associated with any of the five highest rated RIAs except for working in a hospital setting.

CONCLUSION
Most RIA suggestions from GPs were concordant with previously published recommendations of interventions to avoid, independently of GPs knowledge of these and reflecting their high clinical relevance. In addition, our study revealed some more relevant topics and may help to develop future “Choosing Wisely” recommendations, with the final goal to reduce low-value care.
ENTREVISTA COM A ESCRITORA SURDA SHIRLEY VILHALVA
Authors: Vilhalva Shirley
Published: June 2020

Shirley Vilhalva, nascida em Campo Grande, estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, no ano de 1964, pedagoga, professora da Universidade Federal do mato Grosso do Sul – UFMS. Escritora e poeta surda, tem contribuído com a Comunidade Surda a partir do desenvolvimento de diversos projetos de pesquisa e de divulgação da Cultura Surda. Estreia na Literatura com a publicação do livro Despertar do Silêncio, no ano de 2004, de cunho autobiográfico, suscita profundas reflexões acerca dos desafios e conquistas das pessoas surdas no Brasil, não deixando de proporcionar momentos de verdadeira fruição e deleite.

Em meio ao isolamento causado pela crise mundial causada pela pandemia do coronavírus, concedeu-me, gentilmente, esta entrevista, na qual discute aspectos da Literatura Surda e de seu particular processo criativo. A entrevista foi concedida no dia 24 de abril, dia em que se comemoram os 18 anos da lei 10.436 que reconheceu a Libras como segunda língua oficial do Brasil, sendo a primeira língua para a comunidade surda.
ANÁLISE DE DISCURSO E ENSINO DE LITERATURA BRASILEIRA COM SUJEITOS SURDOS ENTRE-LÍNGUAS: DIZERES SOBRE O RACISMO E SUJEITO NO BRASIL DO SÉCULO XIX E SUA INSISTÊNCIA NO XXI
Authors: Belmiro Buscácio Lívia Letícia
Published: June 2020

Com base na Análise de discurso (PÊCHEUX, 2008, 2009, 2011; ORLANDI, 1984, 2002), relato procedimentos metodológicos de uma prática realizada na disciplina de literatura com aprendizes surdos no Ensino Médio do CAP-INES. Ao abordar o período considerado como Realismo/ Naturalismo no Brasil, trabalhamos com o discurso sobre o racismo na formação do Brasil-nação no século XIX e seus efeitos até hoje, analisando diferentes materiais, como O mulato (1881), de Aluísio de Azevedo, a pintura A redenção de Cam (1895), de Modesto Brocos; além de materiais de arquivo coletados em sites institucionais e redes sociais. O trabalho resultou na assunção de um lugar de leitor pelos aprendizes surdos, possibilitando que gestos de leitura sobre a temática fossem relacionados ao próprio lugar de sujeito na experiência com o discurso.
Fatores associados à necessidade de hemotransfusão em recém-nascidos cadastrados em um ambulatório de Follow-up
Authors: Caldeira Antonio , Caroline Ribeiro Ramos Andreia , Prates Caldeira Isabella , Soares Castro Patrícia , Almeida Carneiro Jair , Pinho Lucineia
Published: June 2020

Objetivo: conhecer a frequência e os fatores associados à necessidade de hemotransfusão em recém-nascidos acompanhados em um serviço seguimento de recém-nascidos de alto risco. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo com base em dados secundários, a partir do grupo de crianças de ambulatório de seguimento no norte de Minas Gerais. Foram coletadas variáveis relacionadas às condições de gestação, parto e permanência na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. Após análises bivariadas, seguiu-se regressão de Poisson com as variáveis que se mostraram associadas até o nível de 20%. No modelo final, permaneceram apenas as variáveis que se mostraram associadas à necessidade de hemotransfusão até o nível de 5%, registrando-se as razões de prevalência e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Foram coletados dados de 282 neonatos. Houve ligeiro predomínio do sexo masculino. Mais da metade apresentavam peso de nascimento abaixo de 1500 gramas (59,6%). Entre as intercorrências apresentadas, a sepse foi a mais comum (58,9%). A anemia com necessidade de hemotransfusão foi identificada em 96 prontuários (34,0%). Em uma análise conjunta, as variáveis que se mostraram estatisticamente associadas à necessidade de hemotransfusão para o grupo estudado foram: o peso de nascimento menor que 1500g (RP=1,25; IC95%:1,09-1,39), o tempo de oxigenioterapia igual ou superior a 15 dias (RP=1,42; IC95%:1,29-1,56) e a ocorrência de sepse (RP=1,11; IC95%:1,01-1,23). Conclusão: Observou-se elevada frequência de hemotransfusão para o grupo estudado. As variáveis associadas destacam o papel da prematuridade e dos cuidados com os prematuros no período neonatal.
Analyzing The Presence Of Women’s Wards Facility In Government Hospitals Of Karachi
Authors: Iraqi Khalid Mahmood , Manzoor Asma , Manzoor Seema
Published: June 2020

Changing global trends have made people more aware and conscious about their health and attainment of quality life by accessing healthcare services. But countries like Pakistan are not able to maintain quality healthcare services for common people. The healthcare service providers are not able to face challenges in this regard. The system of healthcare in Pakistan faces many issues and challenges of imbalance and insufficiency regarding deliverance and access to effective and quality healthcare services. The governments should develop an appropriate health system whose mechanism can be easily accessible for people especially women. For this purpose data from public hospitals has been collected to analyze specific issues within the boundaries of a specific environment and situation, because proper and accurate data availability can assure the effective policy making mechanism. In this study data has been collected by semi-structured interview schedule. Three public hospitals (Civil, Jinnah and Abbasi Shaheed) were selected as a universe of the study, and the respondents were purposively selected for conducting interviews in detail. The findings of this study reveal that in developing countries like Pakistan the healthcare services are not provided adequately in the public sector. People do not have easy access to healthcare opportunities for many reasons among which one reason is poverty, which leads to ill health and low health status. This growing dissatisfaction leads to imbalance societal gap, which demands appropriate measures and policies by the government. Government hospitals have some women specific wards but public private partnership has not been very effective, despite the establishment of Act and collaborations in public-private domain.
Push And Pull Factors Of Internal Migration In Balochistan Province: A Case Study
Authors: Ahmed Nisar , Ishrat Sumera
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore various push and pull factors of internal migration in Balochistan, to get an insight to the social life of migrants and investigate the psychological issues along with their health status. The present study was Exploratory in nature. The Universe was selected as District Hubchowki, District Gwadar and District Turbat, Balochistan. The Population comprised on the heads of families (Male Member). The data was collected by Snowball Sampling Techniques. Research Instruments like Questionnaire and Observation used for data collection. The data analysis and Hypotheses Testing was conducted through statistical methods. The recommendations of the study were comprised of the increasing rate of rural to urban migration over the time in Pakistan reflect the urban bias government polices along with lack of planning and implementation of rural development programs and schemes in the country. It will provide meaningful future urban planning in the country as migration has vast socio-economic impact upon habitants of the country. All these factors have significant relationship with the internal migration.
Plea Bargain In White-Collar Crimes: An Argumentative Analysis
Authors: Syed Sonia Ambreen
Published: June 2020

Plea bargain is a widely practiced and common characteristic in various international legal systems. However, in Pakistan it is rebuked for providing a legitimate outlet to white-collar offenders so they are not only able to clear their names from National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) investigation, but are also absolved from heavy financial penalization by submitting a meagre amount from their fraudulently acquired wealth. This article aims to study the theory of plea bargain and its origin, based on the theoretical research method of study. A critical analysis of the societal and constitutional implications of article 25 of National Accountability Bureau Ordinance (NAO), 1999 Pakistan, is also done. Coherent arguments are given in favour of retaining the provision of plea bargain while proposing specific guidelines to enhance the transparency of this process.
Management Related Issues Of NGOs In District Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Authors: Ranjha Asif Naveed , Nadeemullah Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad
Published: June 2020

Increasing roles of non-government organizations in the solution of social problems and development have got importance worldwide. Thousands of NGOs provide different kind of needed services to people in Pakistan. NGOs working for the solution of social problems face various types of challenges which include specific management problems to run organizations’ matters. This research was conducted to explore management related problems of NGOs in District Bahawalpur. Majority of respondent NGOs among selected sample of 116 reported that lack of financial resources not only creates but also increases management problems of local level NGOs. The research also found other internal and external management issues including lack of staff, untrained staff, no assistance and guidance of NGOs from concerned government departments, untrained executive body members, no interest of executive body members in development projects or their extra interference in NGOs matters, no ability of project designing and embezzlement in NGOs’ finances. This research recommends NGOs to hire trained and hardworking staff, design better projects, manage funds in a better way and make financial matters transparent. Also, government should guide, train and fund local level NGOs considering their importance.
Transforming Urban Settlements, The Orangi Pilot Project’s Low-Cost Sanitation Model
Authors: Riaz Sakina
Published: June 2020

The book presented herein unfolds the vicissitudes of urban settlements with reference to Karachi city. This book provides a different perspective and describes the formulation and execution of the Orangi Pilot Project’s Sanitation Model. It is neatly designed and well produces by the author. No heuristic study so far appears to have been conducted in this area. The Orangi Pilot Project (OPP) is famous internationally and locally for its low cost sanitation programme which initiated in the lanes and vicinity of Orangi Town, the largest informal settlement in Karachi housing more than a million people, nearly three decades ago. The book is an edited and a bridged version of a study conducted by the author submitted to Water Aid, UK, one of the United Kingdom’s leading charity organization.
Leadership Styles Of Women Entrepreneurs: An Exploratory Study At SME Sector At Karachi
Authors: Cheema Farooq-e-Azam , Zarif Tayyaba , Nisa Aziz –un–
Published: June 2020

This study is an exploratory, based on leadership styles of women entrepreneurs in the SME Sector, of Karachi with an interpretive approach. The data has been collected through primary and secondary sources via in depth interviews and questionnaires on leadership styles The focus is on exploring their dominant leadership styles, influencing employees to achieve efficacy in their organizations. The study reveals that women entrepreneurs generated innovative business systems and culture which is based on their unique leadership styles that led to their success in the SME sector. The common denominators of success among these women were constant across the nature of business; size of the organization; industry; age; educational level; family support; and, previous work experience. The factors that basis to their success mainly are their shared personality traits of being hardworking, determined, dedicated, modest, challenge seekers, trend setters, motivated, innovative, multi-tasking and employee retention. The styles of leadership based on Robert Galford theory namely; ambassador, advocate, creative builder, truth seeker, experienced guide, people mover, revealed the veracity of their skills in leadership. The findings of study have a positive connotation and it will be beneficial for training and guiding of upcoming women entrepreneurs.
The Cultural Stigma Attached With Inter-Tribal Marriages Encourages Forced Marriages: Four Selected Case Studies From Rural Sindh
Authors: Rid Saeed Ahmed
Published: June 2020

Forced marriages are a common practice in rural areas of Pakistan in general and Sindh in particular. Inhumane customs of honour-killing (karo-kari), child marriage, marriage with Quran and marriage in compensation (sangchatti) which are the worst form of forced marriages still continue to haunt the rural Sindh. Women are the special target of those customs and cultural practices. This research argues that the cultural stigma attached with intertribal marriages and emphasis on consanguineal marriages in rural Sindh is one of the root-causes of the most of the problems related to forced marriages in Sindh. In this regard criminal side of the problem has already been emphasized in human rights reports and research papers but the cultural side has not been studied specially in the context of the rural Sindh. This paper is an attempt to shed a power light on all those issues. Using four selected case studies it is explored that how the taboo attached with intertribal marriages promotes forced Marriages in rural context of Sindh. Moreover, an attempt has also been made to understand the exact legal position regarding forced marriages according to the international Law, local Pakistani law and Shariah law. Above all it is also discussed in this paper that what could be done to decrease the instances of forced marriages among the rural communities of Sindh.
The Role Of NGOs In Community Development In Balochistan
Authors: Bashir Siraj
Published: June 2020

Community Development (CD) is an approach aimed at improving the quality of life of the community. The approach for improvement can be achieved through a number of ways and organizations which includes, the Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) "a private organization that pursue activities to reduce suffering, promote the interest of the poor , protect the environment, provide basic social services or undertake community development". This paper discusses the role and contribution of NGOs towards development in Balochistan. NGOs have several projects, programs and roles which support people to bring development in communities. In addition, NGOs mobilize the communities to be self-dependent. The study includes interviews, document analysis and field studies with staffs and the beneficiaries of NGOs. The study helps the communities to find out their own problems and solve them according to their own local resources. Recommendations made as to the best practices of community development programs for NGOs to improve the living standard of people in province of Balochistan.