bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publicly Funded Home and Community-Based Care for Children With Medical Complexity: Protocol for the Analysis of Medicaid Waiver Applications (Preprint)
Authors: Keim-Malpass Jessica , Letzkus Lisa C , Constantoulakis Leeza
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Children with medical complexity are a group of children with multiple chronic conditions and functional limitations that represent the highest health care utilization and often require a substantial number of home and community-based services (HCBS). In many states, HCBS are offered to target populations through 1915(c) Medicaid waivers. To date, no standard methods or approaches have been established to evaluate or compare 1915(c) waivers across states in the United States for children.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this analysis was to develop a systematic and reproducible approach to evaluate 1915(c) Medicaid waivers for overall coverage of children with medical complexity.

METHODS

Data elements were extracted from Medicaid 1915(c) approved waiver applications for all included waivers targeting any pediatric age range through October 31, 2018. Normalization criteria were established, and an aggregate overall coverage score was calculated for each waiver.

RESULTS

Data extraction occurred in two phases: (1) waivers that were considered nonexpired through December 31, 2017, and (2) the final sample that included nonexpired waivers through October 31, 2018. A total of 142 waivers across 45 states in the United States were included in this analysis. We found that the existing adult HCBS taxonomy may not always be applicable for child and family-based service provision. Although there was uniformity in the Medicaid applications, there was high heterogeneity in how waiver eligibility, transition plans, and wait lists were defined. Study analysis was completed in January 2019, and after analyzing each individual waiver, results were aggregated at the level of the state and for each diagnostic subgroup. The published results are forthcoming.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically evaluate 1915(c) Medicaid waivers targeting children with medical complexity that can be replicated without the threat of missing data.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

RR1-10.2196/13062
NARINGIN REVEALS AMELIORATIVE PROPERTY OVER ELEVATED OXIDATIVE STRESS LEVELS IN ANIMAL MODELS
Authors: Singh Zorawar , Kaur Adeshwinder , Sharma Shivam
Published: December 2018

Oxidative stress (OxiS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Free radicals interact with different cell components including DNA, proteins, and lipids to become stable. In this process, these free radicals damage the integrity of these biological moieties and result in various health implications. Naringin (NG), a naturally occurring phytochemical commonly found in grapefruit juice has been explored for its protective role against OxiS. In this short review paper, an attempt has been made to compile the study reports revealing the antioxidative nature of NG in different animal models. Studies have reported NG as a potential antioxidant in various health ailments including diabetes, cardiac fibrosis, cognitive dysfunction, and neurodegeneration.
FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF ALMOND GUM BASED SUSTAINED RELEASE MATRIX TABLET OF INDOMETHACIN
Authors: Sunayana S Ruchi , Dv Gowda , Gupta N Vishal , Sivadasu Praveen , M Manjunath
Published: December 2018

Objective: The aspiration of the current research involves employing various concentrations of polymer and filler to develop indomethacin sustained release (SR) matrix tablets. The objective of this research work is to reduce dosing frequency thereby increasing patients compliance and enhanced therapeutic activity.Methods: Polymers such as Almond gum (AG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and starch at different concentrations were used for formulating SR polymeric matrix tablets. Evaluation of pre-compression and post-compression parameters was done for both granules and formulated tablets.Results: Results obtained from pre-compression parameters and post-compression parameters suggested that all the parameters are within the prescribed limits, demonstrating that formulated granules had shown better flow properties. The morphological characteristics of the developed tablet were observed by employing scanning electron microscope where the surface of the tablet was found to be smooth from the in vitro dissolution study, combination of AG (30 mg) with PVP (30 mg), and starch used as a filler has sustained the release of drug up to 10 h.Conclusion: Therefore, developed polymeric matrix tablet exhibited enhanced potency over a conventional tablet by exhibiting an excellent dissolution profile for a period of 10 h.
EVALUATION OF IN VIVO IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF EULOPHIA NUDA L.
Authors: Kanase Vanita , T Patil Diptesh
Published: December 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo immunomodulatory activity of an aqueous and ethanolic extract of dried tubers of Eulophia nuda (ENA and ENE).Methods: Effect of both the extracts was evaluated on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, serum antibody response, and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression in Swiss albino mice.Results: The extracts showed stimulation of DTH reaction in mice in response to T-cell dependent antigen by both ENE () and ENA (); significant increase in serum antibody titer at of ENA (768.01) and ENE (768.33) extract at 200 mg/kg, compared to control group (213.33); Combined treatment of ENA+Cytochromes P450 [CYP]-25 mg/kg and ENE+CYP-25mg/kg (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) doses of ENA and ENE each with 25 mg/kg resulted in restoration of bone marrow activity as compared with CYP treatment alone.Conclusion: Both specific and non-specific immunostimulating properties of the ENE and ENA tubers in in vivo experimental methods suggest its therapeutic usefulness in immunocompromised conditions.
EXISTING AND NOVEL THERAPIES FOR PSORIASIS
Authors: Navya Ch. Naga , Jain Gaurav K , Jain Vikas
Published: December 2018

Psoriasis is adjudged as prototypic papulosquamous skin condition attributed by the erythematous papules (or) plaques. It occurs at any age but commonly seen in age groups of 20–30 and 50–60 years. Psoriasis affects around 2% of the world population. Psoriasis has a broad spectrum of skin indications occurring in different forms with common characteristics. It is clinically classified as non-pustular and pustular psoriasis. Existing therapies include topical therapy, systematic therapy, and phototherapy. Biological drugs and novel immunological factors have been identified as alternative therapy to conventional therapies. These biological drugs show more efficacies with fewer side effects in long-term application.
MOSQUITO LARVICIDAL EFFICACY OF THE ACETONE LEAF EXTRACT OF SOLANUM TRILOBATUM AGAINST CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS AND AEDES AEGYPTI
Authors: A Lalitha , S Thangapandiyan
Published: December 2018

Objective: The main objective of our study is to control the vector-borne disease. It is one among the major disease burden in developing countries. There are lots of researches carried out using the various plant extracts against larvicidal activities of the Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti. The present investigation was aimed to investigate the phytochemical analysis and mosquito larvicidal activities of Solanum trilobatum in acetone extract against the second instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti. Methods: The leaf extract of S. trilobatum was subjected to phytochemical analysis and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry analysis. The mortality rates of the second instar larvae were recorded after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure. The lethal concentration (LC)50 and LC90 were determined followed by probit analysis.Results: The LC50 values for C. quinquefasciatus were found to be 265.69 ppm, 227.59 ppm, 212.42 ppm, and 189.47 ppm at various time intervals, and the LC90 values were 558.27 ppm, 504.92 ppm, 479.09 ppm, and 444.28 ppm. Similarly, LC50 values for A. aegypti were noticed at 301.09 ppm, 256.01 ppm, 209.75 ppm, and 167.44 ppm and the LC90 values were 582.34 ppm, 477.52 ppm, 419.40 ppm, and 371.84 ppm for the time interval of 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h.Conclusion: The result of the current work revealed that the leaf extract of the S. trilobatum has the potential to be acted as an alternative for the controlling of the mosquitoes.
A STUDY ON FORMULATION AND ACCEPTABILITY OF ANTI-COLD MOCKTAILS WITH VITAMIN C ENRICHED INGREDIENTS
Authors: A Arun , X Disalva , M Murali
Published: December 2018

Objectives: Common cold is a widespread respiratory infection among all age groups. This creates a great nuisance and discomfort making a person feels ill. Common cold can also be treated with home-made remedies. The study gives attention to develop and formulate Mocktail drinks with Vitamin C enriched ingredients to fight against cold.Method: Developed Mocktails are tested for the presence of vitamins, and evaluated with sensory evaluation among 50 panelist members, feedback data collected are analyzed with statistical software SPSS (21.0).Results: The study exhibits that the formulated recipes of Mocktails are identical in aroma analysis with one-way ANOVA test proves, the recipes are significantly different in taste and appearance. The Freidman’s test shows that the Mocktail with pineapple juice (Code C) is more preferred by panelist members.Conclusion: The developed Mocktail recipes are rich in Vitamin C and significantly different in their organoleptic parameters furthermore preferably acceptable.
EFFECTIVENESS AND MECHANISM OF PHYSICIAN HERBS FROM KALI PUTIH BATUR BANJARNEGARA CENTRAL JAVA AGAINST DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY
Authors: Kintoko Kintoko , Witasari Hardi Astuti , Wulan Kusumo Djati , Kapri Halid , Muldiyana Tya , Wahyono Slamet
Published: December 2018

Objectives: Complications in the kidneys (nephropathy) are one of the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) most common microvascular and estimated to reach 30–40% of all sufferers of DM. Until now there is no cure drug that can prevent diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, the handling of this issue should be done seriously, one of them through an exploration of drug discovery and drug material. Ristoja in 2015 in the ethnic Javanese Banyumasan successfully explores the types of plants, herb, and traditional medicine culture. One is conducted by the Kaliputih Traditional Medicine, Batur, Banjarnegara, Central Java. Based on the results of the interview, traditional medicine has herb for disease therapy kidney failure which consists of 11 species of plants.Methods: The herbs were extracted by infundation method. Sprague Dawley albino male rats were divided into 3 groups (normal, positive, and negative) and 3 sample test groups with 3 different doses (18, 36, and 54 mL/kg body weight [BW]) previously induced streptozotocin. Observations were carried on the levels blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) kidney immunohistochemically and histology analysis.Results: Statistical results showed a significant increase of BUN levels in all dose variation groups after being given herbs, compared to the negative control group. The result of the examination of biochemical parameters of creatinine levels statistic showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in the dose 18 and 36 mL/kg BW compare with the negative group. The result of the study on histopathology kidney organs there are are damages to each test in each organ that is necrosis. The result of NF-κB, COX-2, and TGF-β expression no significant decrease compared with the negative controls.Conclusion: The herbs are not capable of nephropathy diabetic and need more research to know that activity as nephroprotective.
DESIGN, PREPARATION, AND EVALUATION OF SELF-MICROEMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM OF BAMBUTEROL HYDROCHLORIDE
Authors: Saggar Sachin , Upadhayay Ashutosh , Goswami Manish
Published: December 2018

Objective: The self-micro-emulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) of bambuterol hydrochloride was designed, prepared, and evaluated to overcome the problem of poor bioavailability.Methods: The designing of the formulation included the selection of oil phase, surfactant, and cosolvent/cosurfactant based on the saturated solubility studies. Psuedoternary phase diagram was constructed using aqueous titration method, to identify the self-emulsifying region. Different ratios of the selected surfactant and cosolvent/cosurfactant (Smix) were also studied and used to construct the ternary phase diagram. The prepared formulations of the SMEDDS were evaluated for drug content, morphology, globule size, robustness to dilution, emulsification time, optical clarity, and stability.Results: The formulation containing 10 mg bambuterol hydrochloride, triacetin (12.50% w/w), Tween 80 (43.75% w/w), and ethanol (43.75% w/w) was concluded to be optimized. The optimized SMEDDS not only showed optimum globule size, zeta potential, and drug content but was also found to be robust to dilution, formed emulsion spontaneously, and was stable. The optimized SMEDDS showed increased permeability of the drug across the intestinal membrane in ex vivo studies.Conclusion: The results suggest that bambuterol hydrochloride can be formulated as self-microemulsifying drug delivery system, and further, SMEDDS can be used to improve the oral bioavailability of bambuterol hydrochloride.
IDENTIFICATION OF CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROTIC LESIONS IN RAT INDUCED BY INTRAVENOUS CANDIDA ALBICANS
Authors: Prasetya Rendra Chriestedy , Fatimatuzzahro Nadie , Ayu Susilawati I Dewa , Yonenda Ayu Prativia
Published: December 2018

Objective: This study aimed to identify the sign of coronary atherosclerosis lesion in rat induced by intravenous Candida albicans.Methods: This research was an experimental laboratories (in vivo) that used 15 male Wistar rat, divided into three groups of the control, the first treatment group injected by C. albicans intravenously with concentration of the 10−10 cells/mL and the second treatment group injected by C. albicans intravenously with concentration of the 10−12 cells/mL. 0.2 mL of C. albicans were injected to the first and second treatment group on 1st, 4th, 9th, 16th, and 23rd day. On the 5th week, rats were sacrificed, taken its hearts that contained the coronary artery. Rat’s heart had been fixed; histological preparations were made and painted with Picrosirius Red and Sudan IV, observed by a microscope.Results: The artery walls of the first and second treatment group were thicker than the control group. Lesions and disposition lipids of the first and second treatment group were more frequent than the control group.Conclusion: Intravenous C. albicans can increase the risk of coronary atherosclerosis.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF ACETAMINOPHEN AND IBUPROFEN MIXTURE IN TABLET UTILIZING CENTERED AVERAGE ON SPECTRUM RATIO BY SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC TECHNIQUE
Authors: Bachri Muchlisyam , R P Tuty , R Edward
Published: December 2018

Objectives: Centered average on spectrum ratio by spectrophotometric technique has been done validated for acetaminophen (ACT) and ibuprofen (IBU) in mixture. The goal of this research is to analyze concurrent determination of ACT and IBU mixture in tablet, using pH 7.2 phosphate buffer and ethanol (91:9) as solvent mixture.Methods: The spectrophotometric technique was made by addition of standard solution from IBU, and the absorption spectrum of each drug has been recorded, which is divided by corresponding concentration as a dividing factor; after that, the centered flat of ratio spectra of ACT and IBU concentrations was determined by calibration graphs with measuring at obtained maximum wavelengths 244 nm for ACT and 221 nm for IBU.Results: The research results showed that linearly correlation acetominophen and IBU are 3.0–9.0 μg/mL and 5.0–13.0 μg/mL, respectively, and linearly regression equations are 1.5800X+0.4809 and 0.0991X+0.0205 with coefficient correlation are 0.9962 and 0.9990. Result of ACT and IBU in local tablet is 100.72±0.12% and 98.82±0.06% with the average of percentage recovery for ACT and IBU is 100.01% and 100.31%, and relative standard deviation value is 0.03% and 0.06% respectively.Conclusion: It can be concluded that centered average on spectrum ratio spectrophotometric technique is a smooth, accelerated, correct, and rigid for the analysis of ACT and IBU in mixture.
A PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW ON CURCUMA PSEUDOMONTANA J.GRAHAM
Authors: Kanase Vanita , D Singh Jyoti
Published: December 2018

Curcuma pseudomontana J. Graham belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, commonly known as hill turmeric. It is an endemic to the Western and Eastern Ghats, of peninsular India. C. pseudomontana rhizome is beneficial against leprosy, dysentery, and cardiac diseases. The Savara, Bagata, and Valmiki tribes of Andhra Pradesh use tuber extracts to cure jaundice and Bagata tribes use this plant for diabetes. In the present study, the preliminary phytochemical study and antioxidant activity of the rhizome extracts of C. pseudomontana were evaluated. Phytochemical screening indicated that rhizomes are rich in a variety of primary and secondary metabolites such as carbohydrates, alkaloids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, and saponins. The study highlights the biochemical and ethnopharmacological significance of an endemic C. pseudomontana. The results of pharmacognostic analysis will be helpful in developing standards for quality, purity, and sample identification. The current review summarizes the pharmacognostic parameters such as macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical constituents, fluorescence analysis, nutritive value, behavior analysis of rhizome powder, and pharmacological activities prove it is a useful medicinal plant.
CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECT OF NEEM SEED OIL AND ITS ACTIVE FRACTIONS ON FEMALE ALBINO RABBITS
Authors: Vyas Vijeyata , Purohit Ashok
Published: December 2018

Objective: In the present investigation, contraceptive efficacy of neem seed oil and its fractions have been examined in female albino rabbits to find out their contraceptive potential.Methods: The experimental protocol was designed for intact control, Neem seed oil alone and its six active fractions in eight groups for 30 days. The estimation of serum biochemistry, histometry of reproductive organs, and hematological parameters were done.Results: Oral administration of Neem seed oil alone and its Fraction IV and V causes significant reduction in weight of ovary and uterus which reflects antiestrogenic function of plant material. Significant increase in serum cholesterol and phospholipid in Neem seed oil alone and its Fraction IV and V-treated groups reflects that they may affect the intraovarian estrogen level either by inhibiting the ovarian cell function or by inhibiting follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone secretion through hypothalamus-hypophysis axis and impaired estrogen synthesis.Conclusion: From the ongoing work, it can be concluded that Neem seed oil alone and its Fraction IV and V cause functional sterility in female albino rabbits without causing any side effect on general metabolism.
P-SELECTIN GLYCOPROTEIN LIGAND-1 GENE POLYMORPHISMS IN SUDANESE PREGNANT WOMEN WITH THROMBOSIS
Authors: A Elhassan Abdelrahman , Hassan Fathelrahman Mahdi , B Eltahir Hanan
Published: December 2018

Objectives: In this study we aimed to investigate whether P-selectin gene polymorphism is associated with thrombosis in Sudanese pregnant women in Khartoum state.Methods: After informed consent, 96 Sudanese pregnant women with thrombosis and 53 healthy pregnant women were recruited in the study. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood. Genotyping of PSGL-1 gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification for exon 14 and electrophoresis.Results: The frequency of the B allele was found to be significantly higher in pregnant women with thrombosis (26%) compared to the controls (17.4%).Conclusion: The AB genotype was found to be higher in women with thrombosis 40.6% than in healthy controls 20% (p=0.02). Our results suggest that the PSGL-1 AB genotype is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis in Sudanese pregnant women.
EVALUATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF MEDICINAL PLANTS SAUROPUS ANDROGYNUS L. AND ERYTHRINA VARIEGATA L.
Authors: Kb Laveena , M Chandra
Published: December 2018

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bioactive, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts of medicinal plants Erythrina variegata L., and Sauropus androgynus L.Methods: Total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin content, total antioxidant capacity, 1, 1diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity, and reducing power assay of the extracts were determined by spectrophotometric methods.Results: Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content was more in E. variegata compared to S. androgynus, and the alkaloid, saponin, and carotenoid content was high in S. androgynus. The overall antioxidant activity of S. androgynus was found to be higher than E. variegata. Antibacterial activities of the selected plants were studied against human pathogenic organisms, namely Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: The present study reveals that the selected plants would exert several beneficial effects by virtue of their natural antioxidant activity; further characterization of the phenolic composition is needed and could be harnessed as drug formulation.
TREATMENT OF VARIOUS DISEASES BY CANNA INDICA L. - A PROMISING HERB
Authors: Kanase Vanita , Vishwakarma Sunita
Published: December 2018

In recent years, ethnobotanical and traditional application of natural compounds, principally of plant origin established much attention as they are well tested for their effectiveness and generally believed to be non-toxic for human use. Canna indica L. is a tropical herb belonging to the family Cannaceae. It has been extensively used in a traditional remedy for the treatment of many complaints. The phytochemical analysis of C. indica exhibited that it contained various phytochemicals including alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, anthocyanin pigments, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, carbohydrates, proteins, oils, and many other chemical compounds. The pharmacological studies showed that this plant exerted anthelmintic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, cytotoxic, hemostatic, hepatoprotective, molluscicidal, and other effects. This review attempts to illuminate the available literature on C. indica (L.) with respect to ethnobotany, chemical constituents, and summary of numerous pharmacological activities. Every part of C. indica has valuable properties that can serve humanity so the whole plant can be broadly studied for further research aspects.
APPLYING GATA3 IN DIFFERENTIATING UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA FROM PROSTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA: AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY
Authors: Abdullah Weam Hamzah , Kerbel Hadeel Abdulelah , Al Husseini Rafid Fakhir
Published: December 2018

Objectives: Urothelial carcinoma and prostatic adenocarcinoma are the most common tumors of genitourinary system. Both tumors can demonstrate a broad morphology or present as poorly differentiated carcinoma occurring in urinary bladder or prostate or both organs that raise the suspicion of a locally extending or metastatic carcinoma from either organs. Accurate distinction between these tumors is mandatory because of different tumor biology and therapeutic protocols. In equivocal tumor morphology, the primary option is to use immunohistochemical panel in surgical pathology that includes differentiation markers that will assist pathologists to avoid misdiagnosis. The aim of this study is immunohistochemical evaluation of GATA3 in urothelial carcinoma and prostatic adenocarcinoma with correlation to different clinicopathological parameters.Methods: We used formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 51 patients of urothelial carcinoma and 15 patients of prostatic adenocarcinoma including different grades, stages, and types. Monoclonal antibody for GATA3 was used for immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections, and GATA3 expression was semi-quantitatively scored using H-score method.Results: Of 51 urothelial carcinomas, 96% were GATA3 positive with a mean H-score = 212. No correlation between GATA3 expression and clinicopathological parameters includes grade and stage. Lower GATA3 expression was noted in urothelial carcinoma variants. All of prostatic adenocarcinoma cases did not show GATA3 reactivity.Conclusion: GATA3 reactivity is a reliable factor to confirm diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma and exclude prostatic adenocarcinoma. The routine use of GATA3 as differentiation marker for urothelial carcinoma may be advocated based on the results of this study.
ASSESSMENT OF PRESCRIBING PATTERN AMONG ORTHOPEDIC IN-PATIENTS USING WHO PRESCRIBING INDICATORS
Authors: S Abhilash , Rao Rashmi R , Yadunath P Sivaguha
Published: December 2018

Objective: Evaluating the prescribing indicators regularly help to monitor the prescriptions to reduce indiscriminate use of drugs. The present study was conducted to explore the prescribing pattern in orthopedic in-patients using the WHO prescribing indicators in a tertiary care teaching hospital, Mangalore.Methods: Data was collected from case records of orthopedic in-patients regarding patient demographics, diagnosis, and details of drugs in a structured pro forma and analyzed for the WHO prescribing indicators using descriptive statistics. Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation, percentages as applicable.Results: A total of 379 patient prescriptions were included in the study which consisted of 2195 drugs. Of the 379 patients, 221 (58.3%) were male and 158 (41.7%) were female. The mean age group of the patients was 44 years. Acute trauma such as fractures, tendon damage, and disc prolapse (57.8%) were the most common indications for admission. Analgesics were the most commonly prescribed group of drugs comprising 27.28% of the prescriptions followed by multivitamins (20.68%) and proton-pump inhibitors (17.12%). The most commonly prescribed analgesic was nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (86.81%). Most of the drugs (65.80%) were administered through the oral route and 40.31% of drugs were fixed-dose combinations. The mean number of drugs per prescription was 5.79± 2.59. Antibiotics were prescribed in 60.4% of the prescriptions. 76.3% of prescriptions were with injectables. Use of drugs by generic name was 7.7% and only 44% of drugs were from the national list of essential medicines 2015.Conclusion: The study provides an insight into the prescribing pattern in orthopedic in-patients. It highlights the importance of emphasizing rational drug prescribing and toward improving awareness of the physicians and medical students to the WHO recommended standards on prescribing indicators.
OPTIMUM CONDITIONS FOR N-ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE PRODUCTION FROM TIGER SHRIMP (PENAEUS MONODON) SHELL BY SERRATIA MARCESCENS
Authors: Halim Yuniwaty , Hardoko Hardoko , Handayani Ratna , Lucida Vania
Published: December 2018

Objective: The aim of this research was to determine the optimum condition for Serratia marcescens to produce optimum amount of N-acetyl glucosamine using chitin isolated from tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) shells.Methods: This research was conducted using submerged fermentation method. The treatments used were various fermentation temperatures (20, 30, and 37°C), pH (6, 7, and 8), and incubation period (2, 4, 6, and 8 days).Results: Chitinolytic index of Serratia marcescens was 2.203±0.59 after 2 days of incubation. Optimum temperature for N-acetyl glucosamine production using S. marcescens was at 30°C. Optimum pH and incubation period for N-acetyl glucosamine production were at pH 8 and 6 days of incubation period.Conclusion: S. marcescens is able to ferment chitin from shrimp shell to produce N-acetyl glucosamine of 41,166.11±4,480.59 mg/l at optimum fermentation condition.
OPTIMIZATION AND EVALUATION OF CHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE ORAL STRIP FOR PEDIATRIC USE
Authors: Mahmood Sura Zuhair , Sabry Hiba Sabah , Yousif Nora Zawar , Salman Zeina D
Published: December 2018

Objective: The goal of performing this study is to prepare an oral strip, especially designed for pediatric use that provides fast onset of action with ease of swallowing particularly for young individuals who suffer from difficulty of swallowing, in addition provides maximum therapeutic effectiveness by reducing the first pass effect.Materials and Methods: The oral strip was prepared by solvent casting technique through using different sole polymers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose [HPMC] 15cp, HPMC 50cp, polyvinyl alcohol, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose). Maltodextrin (MD) was added as the secondary polymer in different ratios to optimize the release parameters, and disintegration time (DT), three different plasticizers were employed (propylene glycol, dibutyl phthalate, and glycerin) to boost the film forming polymer characteristics.Results: From this study, it is obvious that F10 which composed of HPMC as a main polymer and MD as a secondary polymer in ratio 2:1, respectively, provides adequate physicochemical characteristics, in vivo/in vitro DT (40/36 s), respectively, nevertheless a satisfactory release parameters as (59.9%) released at 2 min and 80% of drug released at 14.8 min.Conclusion: The optimized formula is pretty encouraging to originate an oral strip that provides ease of administration, fast onset of action with wide acceptance for the pediatric population.
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY–MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS, IN VITRO ACTIVITIES, AND IN SILICO MOLECULAR DOCKING OF MAJOR COMPONENTS OF MICHELIA ALBA DC ESSENTIAL OIL AND SCENTED EXTRACTS
Authors: Khammee Thongchai , Jaratrungtawee Amornmart , Kuno Mayoso
Published: December 2018

Objective: The essential oil and scented extracts of Michelia alba DC. were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and investigated for antidiabetic activities in vitro and in silico.Methods: The identification of steam distilled essential oil and scented extracts of M. alba was performed by GC–MS on the Agilent 7890A chromatograph couple with GC-7000 Mass Triple Quadrupole. The extractions have been evaluated the antidiabetic activities by alpha-amylase (α-amylase) assay using starch as substrates. In addition, computational molecular docking analysis of significant components was studied to understanding how selected compounds interacted with α-amylase using AutoDock 4.2.Results: The yields of M. alba of steam distilled essential oil and solvent extractions including hexane, diethyl ether, and dichloromethane were 0.16%, 0.02%, 0.47%, and 0.92%, respectively. GC–MS analysis of essential oil revealed that the main component was monoterpenoids β-linalool (65.03%). Meanwhile, 2-methylbutanoic acid was a primary in hexane extract (36.54%) and dichloromethane extract (33.07%). In the case of ether extract, the primary compound was β-linalool (37.32%) same as in essential oil. The antidiabetic activities evaluation demonstrates that essential oil and scented extracts have shown promising α-amylase inhibition activity. Essential oil from steam distillation revealed the best inhibition potential with a half maximal inhibitory concentration value of 0.67±4.7 mg/ml and their significant components demonstrated negative binding energies, indicating a high affinity to the α-amylase-binding site using molecular docking simulation.Conclusion: Data from this study suggest that essential oil and scented extracts of M. alba DC possess in vitro α-amylase activities and can be used for therapy of diabetes.
IS DOSE TITRATION REQUIRED FOR ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AGENTS IN GERIATRIC DIABETIC PATIENTS?
Authors: Shastry Rajeshwari , M R Adhikari Prabha , D Ullal Sheetal , N. Chowta Mukta , D Acharya Sahana
Published: December 2018

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the antihypertensive drug usage and dosage differences between geriatric and non-geriatric diabetics with reference to the duration of hypertension and creatinine clearance (Crcl).Methods: In this observational study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were grouped into geriatric (age ≥60 years) and non-geriatric (age <60 years). Patients’ demographic data, duration of hypertension, drugs prescribed, and serum creatinine were recorded after the patients had a stabilized antihypertensive dose for 6 months. Crcl was calculated using Cockcroft–Gault formula. The dosages of antihypertensives were converted into equivalent doses for easy comparison within a group. For angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), enalapril was considered as prototype, and for angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) losartan, beta-blocker atenolol, and calcium channel blockers (CCBs), amlodipine was considered as prototype. Univariate analysis was done for comparison of drug doses between groups.Results: A total of 336 diabetics with hypertension were included, of which 252 were geriatric and 84 non-geriatric. Duration of hypertension was expectedly longer in the geriatric group (8.40±7.26 vs. 5.46±5.67; p=0.001). Systolic blood pressure was higher in geriatrics (137.14±13.51 vs. 133.38±12.49; p=0.01). When adjusted for the duration of hypertension and Crcl, there were no significant differences in the mean converted equivalent doses of beta-blockers, CCBs, ARBs, and hydrochlorothiazide between geriatrics and non-geriatrics. However, statistically significant lower converted equivalent doses of all ACEIs were needed in geriatrics compared to non-geriatrics, when adjusted for duration of hypertension and Crcl. Enalapril required 20.57% and ramipril required 18.36% dose reduction in geriatrics compared to non-geriatrics.Conclusion: A 20% dosage reduction is needed for ACEIs in the elderly.
ENGLISH FOR PHARMACY: AN ESP COURSE IN A CLIL CONTEXT
Authors: Woźniak Monika , Acebes de la Arada Desirée
Published: December 2018

This article deals with an ESP course taught as an obligatory subject in a pharmacy undergraduate degree programme in Spain. The language course is only one of the contexts involving disciplinary English as the degree programme integrates English in several content subjects. The ESP course is an attempt to find the right balance between students’ language needs, pharmacy-specific language skills, and the language-related demands of pharmacy content subjects which integrate English. The co-existence of ESP and CLIL teaching is seen as an opportunity for a closer cooperation and coordination with disciplinary experts to make connections between disciplines and activities towards better learning outcomes. We propose a course aimed at raising students’ language awareness through focused tasks which will cater to student’s communicative needs related to the two main themes of the course: chemistry and pharmaceutical care.
TEACHING IN CLOUDS: USING THE G SUITE FOR EDUCATION FOR THE DELIVERY OF TWO ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES COURSES
Authors: Constantinou Elis Kakoulli
Published: December 2018

Being one of the most important and influential advancements in information technology since the emergence of the Internet, cloud computing has invaded the area of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), among other fields, due to its flexibility, availability, practicality and cost effectiveness. In 2006 Google developed its Apps for Education, currently referred to as “G Suite for Education”, that provide teachers and students with access to different tools, such as Classroom, Mail, Drive, Calendar, Docs, etc., each serving different educational purposes. This paper reports on a research study conducted at the Cyprus University of Technology Language Centre in Fall 2016, in the context of two blended English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses for first-year students of the Departments of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science and Commerce, Finance and Shipping, which are based on social constructivist approaches with elements of connectivism and student-centered teaching methods. The study aimed at eliciting data on the students’ views regarding the ease of use of G Suite for Education tools, difficulties encountered during their use, and their efficiency in the teaching and learning process. Data was obtained through an online questionnaire, consisting of Likert scale and open-ended questions, administered to the students at the end of the semester. Findings illustrate that students viewed the use of G Suite for Education tools in their EAP courses very positively, both in terms of ease of use and efficiency in the learning and teaching process, encountering only minor difficulties during their use.
DESIGNING AND LAUNCHING A YEAR-LONG EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMME AT LSE CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE FOR BUSINESS LONDON – CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE FOR BUSINESS (CLCB)
Authors: Xiang Catherine Hua
Published: December 2018

This paper focuses on designing and launching the first year-long executive education programme, namely Chinese Language and Culture for Business (CLCB) at LSE (London School of Economics) in London. The essential features of this program include the curriculum design, delivery mode and on-going student support. A blended learning (BL) approach is adopted in the Mandarin teaching, with course delivery and assessment taking place in face-to-face contact hours in class, combined with the use of online learning environment and mobile technology out of class. This combination is used to meet the needs of busy business professionals, to provide them with online and offline support, and thus to maximise their learning outcome. From the intercultural communication perspective, the programme provides intensive training and business master sessions addressing core values    of Chinese culture and Chinese business communication styles. The invited guest speakers who hold senior positions in different businesses areas share their live experiences with the students on the unique Chinese business concepts and practice such as ‘hanxu’ and ‘heqishengcai’. Meanwhile, talks and events, from China Business Briefings to Open Business Forum, are organized to provide the students with global networking opportunities. Embedded in this program, a fortnight summer study trip to Tsinghua University enables students to fully immerse themselves in Chinese language and life. The paper addresses some practical considerations and challenges in designing the programme with the hope to shed light on and provide pedagogical implications for other programme leaders and course designers in the field of language teaching for specific purposes.
Relación de obesidad con esteatosis hepática no alcohólica en una unidad de medicina familiar
Authors: García Pimentel Julián , Saavedra Chávez Vladimir Jacob , Gómez Alonso Carlos , Cárdenas Lara Armando , Mendiola Pastrana Indira R. , Chacón Valladares Paula
Published: December 2018

Objetivo: analizar la relación entre obesidad y esteatosis hepática no alcohólica en una unidad de medicina familiar (umf). Métodos: estudio transversal analítico. La muestra fue de 119 pacientes de ambos sexos, seleccionados mediante un muestreo por conveniencia, de 16 a 80 años, que acudieron a la umf no. 75 de Morelia, Michoacán, México, de noviembre de 2016 a abril de 2017, sin antecedente de patología hepática, patología crónica sistémica, embarazo o toxicomanías. Se calculó índice de masa corporal y se realizaron estudios de laboratorio. Se realizó ecografía hepática con la cual se estableció el diagnóstico de esteatosis hepática no alcohólica (ehna). Se utilizó prueba de χ2 para diferencia de proporciones y prueba anova para diferencia de tres o más medias. Un valor p< 0.05 fue considerado estadísticamente significativo. Resultados: participaron 76 mujeres y 43 hombres. 1.7% tenía bajo peso (n=2), 47.9% presentaba peso normal (n=57) y 50.4% sobrepeso y obesidad (n=60). 52.9% de los pacientes fueron diagnosticados con ehna (n=63). Los pacientes con sobrepeso y obesidad presentaron mayor grado de ehna en comparación con los de peso normal (p=0.000). Los pacientes sedentarios presentaron mayor grado de ehna en comparación con los no sedentarios (p=0.000). A mayor grado de ehna los valores de aspartato aminotransferasa, alanino aminotransaminasa y colesterol fueron mayores (p=0.000). Conclusión: Los pacientes con sobrepeso, obesidad y sedentarismo presentan mayor prevalencia de esteatosis hepática no alcohólica.
Rinosinusitis: perspectiva actual y abordaje diagnóstico
Authors: González Olvera Sergio , Sánchez Rangel Antonio , Milián Solís Ximena , Perea Herrera Alejandro
Published: December 2018

La rinosinusitis es una de las enfermedades respiratorias que más afecta la calidad de vida de los pacientes, a pesar de ello, todavía existen brechas en el abordaje clínico, por lo que no todos los casos son correctamente diagnosticados, como consecuencia el manejo y tratamiento no siempre son los adecuados. De acuerdo con la Academia Americana de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello, esta entidad es la quinta causa de prescripción y uso de antibióticos. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar un panorama actual de la enfermedad y brindar una orientación para su correcto diagnóstico y abordaje terapéutico.
Czy niskie stopy procentowe zmniejszają udział dochodów odsetkowych w bankach spółdzielczych w Polsce?
Authors: Kozak Sylwester
Published: December 2018

Niekonwencjonalna polityka monetarna prowadzona przez banki centralne po światowym kryzysie finansowym doprowadziła do pojawienia się zerowych, a nawet ujemnych stóp procentowych. Na podstawie danych z Europejskiego Banku Centralnego, Narodowego Banku Polskiego i Komisji Nadzoru Finansowego za lata 2009–2017 zauważono, że wieloletnie utrzymywanie ultraniskich stóp procentowych przyczynia się do obniżenia marży odsetkowej netto i udziału dochodów odsetkowych w dochodach działalności bankowej w krajach strefy euro. W Polsce i innych krajach Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej nastąpił proces odwrotny. Niższe stopy procentowe sprzyjały zwiększeniu akcji kredytowej i udziału wyniku odsetkowego. Duże banki spółdzielcze rozszerzając obszar działalności na duże aglomeracje miejskie, realizowały strategię podobną do sektora banków komercyjnych. Małe banki spółdzielcze mając ograniczone możliwości zwiększania akcji kredytowej, znacznie wolniej zwiększały udział zarówno dochodów odsetkowych, jak i nieodsetkowych. Wyniki wskazują, że dla dochodów odsetkowych dochody nieodsetkowe w dużych bankach spółdzielczych są komplementarne, a w małych są substytucyjne i stanowią narzędzie do ich dywersyfikacji.
Efektywność i skuteczność kształcenia akademickiego na przykładzie Szkoły Głównej Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie
Authors: Pietrzak Piotr , Gołaś Marlena
Published: December 2018

W artykule podjęto dyskusję na temat efektywności i skuteczności kształcenia akademickiego. Dokonano przeglądu literatury krajowej i zagranicznej w tym zakresie. W artykule zaprezentowano także wyniki wstępnych badań dla dwunastu wydziałów Szkoły Głównej Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie. Analiza efektywności i skuteczności działalności dydaktycznej dotyczyła lat akademickich 2014/2015–2015/2016. Żaden z uwzględnionych w badaniu wydziałów nie odznaczał się pełną efektywnością i skutecznością. Istnieje potrzeba kontynuacji badań na większej, ale wewnętrznie jednorodnej próbie badawczej.
Znaczenia ziemi rolniczej w kształtowaniu struktury społecznej polskiej wsi
Authors: Marks-Bielska Renata
Published: December 2018

Celem pracy było wskazanie ewolucji znaczenia ziemi w kształtowaniu struktury społecznej. Analizy zagadnienia dokonano na podstawie wybranych pozycji krajowej literatury przedmiotu. Zakres czasowy dotyczy lat 1944–2016. Ziemia pełni ważną funkcję w kształtowaniu struktury społecznej polskiej wsi. Wielkość gospodarstwa była dawniej podstawowym kryterium statusu społecznego na wsi i wśród rolników. Obecnie o miejscu w strukturze społecznej polskiej wsi w wysokim stopniu decyduje również obszar użytkowanej ziemi (w formie własności lub dzierżawy). Zmienia się sytuacja użytkowników ziemi rolniczej. Są nimi bowiem nie tylko osoby identyfi kujące się z zawodem rolnika. W składzie struktury społecznej polskiej wsi znajduje się coraz więcej osób, które w świetle prawa są rolnikami (posiadają wymagany areał gruntów rolnych), ale wieś jest dla nich tylko miejscem zamieszkania. Następną grupę tworzą tzw. nieobecni właściciele, których z wsią łączy posiadanie gruntów rolnych, które traktują często jako lokatę kapitału (wzrost cen gruntów i możliwość otrzymywania dopłat ze środków Unii Europejskiej i z budżetu krajowego). W wyniku transformacji ustrojowej swoje usytuowanie w strukturze społecznej wsi znaleźli także dzierżawcy i nabywcy ziemi przejętej do Zasobu Własności Rolnej Skarbu Państwa po byłych państwowych gospodarstwach rolnych.
The fractional k-metric dimension of graphs
Authors: Kang Cong , Yero Ismael , Yi Eunjeong
Published: December 2018

Let G be a graph with vertex set V (G). For any two distinct vertices x and y
of G, let R{x,y} denote the set of vertices z such that the distance from x
to z is not equal to the distance from y to z in G. For a function g defined
on V (G) and for U ? V (G), let g(U)= ? s?U g(s). Let k(G) = min{|R{x,y}|: x ? y and x,y ? V (G)}. For any real number k ?[1,k(G)], a real-valued
function g : V(G)?[0,1] is a k-resolving function of G if g(R{x,y}) ? k
for any two distinct vertices x,y ? V(G). The fractional k-metric
dimension, dimkf(G), of G is min{g(V(G)):g is a k-resolving function of
G}. In this paper, we initiate the study of the fractional k-metric
dimension of graphs. For a connected graph G and k?[1,k(G)], it's easy to
see that k ? dimkf(G)? k|V(G)|/k(G); we characterize graphs G satisfying
dimkf(G)=k and dimkf(G)=|V(G)| respectively. We show that dimkf(G)
? k dimf(G) for any k ? [1,k(G)], and we give an example showing that
dimkf(G)- k dimf(G) can be arbitrarily large for some k?(1,k(G)];
we also describe a condition for which dimkf(G) = kdimf(G) holds. We
determine the fractional k-metric dimension for some classes of graphs, and
conclude with two open problems, including whether ?(k) = dimkf(G) is a
continuous function of k on every connected graph G.
Maximally and super connected multisplit graphs and digraphs
Authors: Guo Litao , Su Guifu , Volkmann Lutz , Zhao Xingke
Published: December 2018

Fault tolerance is especially important for interconnection networks, since
the growing size of networks increases their vulnerability to component
failures. A classical measure for the fault tolerance of a network in the
case of vertex failures is its connectivities. A network based on a graph G
= (X1?X2?...? Xk,I,E) is called a k-multisplit network, if its vertex set
V can be partitioned into k+1 stable sets I,X1,X2,...,Xk such that X1
?X2?...?Xk induces a complete k-partite graph and I is an independent
set. In this note, we first show that: for any non-complete connected
k-multisplit graph G = (X1?X2?...?Xk,I,E) with k ? 3 and |X1| ? |X2| ?...? |Xk|, each of the following holds (1) If |X1?X2?...?Xk-1| ?
?, then k(G) = ?(G). (2) If |X1?X2?...?Xk-1| < ?, then k(G)? |X1?
X2?...? Xk-1|. (3) ?(G) = ?(G). (4) If |X1?X2?...?Xk-1| > ?
with respect to |X1| ? 2 and ? ? 2, then G is super-k. (5) G is super-?. In
addition, we present sufficient conditions for digraphs to be maximally
edge-connected and super-edge connected in terms of the zeroth-order general
Randic index of digraphs.