bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medicines use review service in community pharmacies in Spain: REVISA project
Authors: Soler Nuria García-Agua , Gómez-Bermúdez Eugenia , Baixauli-Fernández Vicente J. , Bellver-Beltrán Sara , Velasco-Martínez Javier , Jiménez-Moreno Pablo , Arranz-Esteban María del Mar , Romero-Sánchez Javier M. , García-Ruiz Antonio J. , Jódar-Sánchez Francisco
Published: September 2019

Background: Community pharmacy services play an important role in controlling some factors related to medicine use, and pharmaceutical services integrated with primary healthcare services are critical to achieve the desired outcomes and to significantly reduce harms that can otherwise arise from multiple medicine use, such as non-adherence or medicine-related problems. The aim of the REVISA project is to carry out a study on preliminary implementation of the medicines use review (MUR) service in Spanish pharmacies through pharmacist-led initiatives to obtain a better understanding of patients’ medication adherence and medicine-related problems, together with satisfaction and acceptability of the service and whether patients might be willing to pay for it in the future. Methods: A preliminary implementation, cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted using a convenience sample of voluntary community pharmacies from all regions of Spain. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were undertaken. Results: Sixty-four community pharmacies participated and a total of 495 patients were enrolled. A slight predominance of women (56%) was noted, with a mean age of 66.09±14.71 years and a mean consumption of 5.68±2.97 medicines. As results of MUR, a total 550 referrals were made. Non-adherence with the medication (OR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.17 to 2.58), polypharmacy (OR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.20) and help with medication (OR=3.03; 95% CI: 1.45 to 6.34) were associated with referrals. Patients were adherent for 68.3% of their medicines. However, at the patient level, only 31.5% were adherent. Polypharmacy patients older than 65 years increased the risk of non-adherence (OR=1.56; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.30).The mean time employed by the pharmacists in the MUR was 52.80±31.52 minutes (MUR-related cost of €17.27). Most patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with the MUR service (98.5%) and a willingness to pay for it (84%). Conclusions: The MUR service in community pharmacies in Spain can be delivered, that it appears to be acceptable to patients and that most patients said they would be willing to pay for it. Pharmacists self-reported the length of time taken to deliver a MUR although the feasibility of incorporating into everyday practice would need to be assessed.
Smoking is Associated with a Higher Risk of Unplanned Medical Visits among Adult Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Selya Arielle , Johnson Eric L , Weber Tess L , Russo Jaymi , Stansbury Cheryl , Anshutz Drake , Griese Emily , Hsu Benson
Published: September 2019

Background

Smoking exacerbates the complications of diabetes, but little is known about whether patients with diabetes have more unplanned medical visits. This study examines the association between smoking status and unplanned medical visits among patients with diabetes.

Methods

Data were drawn from electronic medical records (EMR’s) from a large healthcare provider in the Northern Plains region of the US, from adult (≥18 years old) patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who received care within this healthcare system at least once during the 3-year period spanning 2014-16 (N=62,149). The association between smoking status (current, former, or never smoker) and having ≥1 unplanned visit (comprised of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, hospital observations, and urgent care) was examined after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). The top ten most common diagnoses for unplanned visits were examined by smoking status.

Results

Both current and former smoking were associated with an approximately 1.2-fold increase in the odds of having at least one unplanned medical visit in the 3-year period (OR=1.22, 95% CI=1.16-129; OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.19-1.28, respectively), relative to never-smokers. Most common diagnoses for all patients were pain-related. However, diagnoses related to musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders were more common among smokers. Smoking is associated with a higher rate of unplanned medical visits among patients with diabetes in this regional healthcare system.

Conclusions

Results from this study reveal higher rates of unplanned visits among smokers and former smokers, as well as increased frequencies of unplanned medical visits among current smokers.
Closing the pediatric gap in the first 90: is caregiver sex associated with HIV status of orphans and vulnerable children? Learning from the USAID Kizazi Kipya Project in Tanzania
Authors: Exavery Amon , Charles John , Kuhlik Erica , Barankena Asheri , Koler Alison , Kikoyo Levina , Jere Elizabeth
Published: September 2019

Background Tanzania has met only 50.1% of the 90% target for diagnosing HIV in children. Context-specific strategies are necessary to find the hidden children for HIV testing. This study assesses the association between caregiver sex and HIV status of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). Methods Data originate from the community-based, USAID-funded Kizazi Kipya Project, which works towards increasing OVC’s and their caregivers’ uptake of HIV/AIDS and other social services in Tanzania. Included in this study are 39,578 OVC ages 0–19 years who the project served during January-March 2017 in 18 regions of Tanzania and who voluntarily reported their HIV status. Data analysis involved multi-level logistic regression, with OVC HIV status as the outcome and caregiver’s sex the main independent variable.Results Three-quarters (74.3%) of the OVC included in the study had female caregivers, and their overall HIV prevalence was 7.1%. The prevalence was significantly higher (p<0.001) among OVC with male caregivers (7.8%) than among OVC with female caregivers (6.8%), and indeed, multivariate analysis showed that OVC with male caregivers were significantly 40% more likely to be HIV-positive than those with female caregivers (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.08–1.83). This effect was the strongest among 0–4 year-olds (OR=4.02, 95% CI 1.61–10.03), declined to 1.72 among 5–9 year-olds (OR=1.72, 95% CI 1.02–2.93), and lost significance for children over age 9 years. This effect was adjusted for OVC sex and nutritional status; caregiver marital status, education level, and HIV status; family’s place of residence, size, wealth quintile, and health insurance ownership; and co-residence of multiple OVC. Conclusion OVC in Tanzania with male caregivers have a 40% higher likelihood of being HIVpositive than those with female caregivers. HIV risk assessment activities should target OVC with male caregivers, as well as OVC who have malnutrition, HIV-positive caregivers, or caregivers who do not disclose their HIV status to community volunteers. Further, younger HIV-positive OVC are more likely to live in rural areas, while older HIV-positive OVC are more likely to live in urban areas. These factors should be integrated in HIV risk assessment algorithms to enhance HIV testing yields and pediatric case-finding in the OVC population in Tanzania.
Integration of Palliative Care in Services for Children with Life Limiting Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Their Families: A Delphi Study
Authors: Guerin Suzanne , Kiernan Gemma , Courtney Eileen , McQuillan Regina , Ryan Karen
Published: September 2019

Background The aim of this study was to explore expert professionals’ opinions on service provision to children under six with life-limiting neurodevelopmental disabilities (LLNDD), including the goals of care and the integration and coordination of palliative care in general and specialist services.Methods A Delphi design was used with three survey rounds, one open-ended and two closed response rounds. Primary data collected over a six-month period from expert professionals with five years’ (or more) experience in pediatric, intellectual disability and/or palliative care settings. Ratings of agreement and prioritization were provided with agreement expressed as a median (threshold = 80%) and consensus reported as interquartile ranges. Stability was measured using non-parametric tests.Results Primary goals of care were achievement of best possible quality of life, effective communication and symptom management. Service integration and coordination were considered inadequate, and respondents agreed that areas of deficiency included palliative care. Improvement strategies included a single care plan, improved communication and key worker appointments.Conclusions The findings suggest that services do not serve this group well with deficiencies in care compounded by a lack of information on available services and sub-optimal communication between settings. Further research is needed to develop an expert-based consensus regarding the care of children with LLNDD.
Analysis rates of drunk driving accidents and temporal distribution between 2012 and 2016 and risk factors
Authors: Shen Mei , Du Yue , Zhou Hua sheng
Published: September 2019

Background: This study aimed to understand the temporal distribution characteristics of road traffic collisions and the drunk driving collisions and casualty rates in some districts of Guangzhou city to develop suggestions for prevention of drunk driving. Methods: Data such as test results, casualties, and occurrence time from a total of 4986 traffic collisions reports issued by the Health Laboratory Centre of Southern Medical University between 2012 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Outcome measures included the relationship between the temporal distribution and rate of drunkdriving collisions and casualties. Data from the recent five years indicated that the number of collisions declined yearly, and the detection detection rate of drunk driving increased yearly. Drunk driving collisions mainly occurred during the period from 22:00-04:00 every day. The number of traffic collisions and the detection rate of drunk driving were significantly higher in the nighttime than that in the daytime. Most collisions occurred on Wednesday. The detection rate of drunk driving collisions was high in February, October, November and December, all with a percentage of more than 63%. The casualty rate of collisions that did not involve drunk driving was significantly higher than that of drunk driving collisions. Conclusion: Through the analysis of drunk driving in some districts of Guangzhou, we can control the intensity of drunk driving inspection so as to prevent road traffic collisions caused by drunk driving. At the same time, the government should step up publicity and education on the hazards of drunk driving to reduce the occurrence of drunk driving Road traffic collisions.
Overweight and Obesity among children under five in Ethiopia: Further Analysis of 2016 National Demographic Health Survey: A Case Control Study
Authors: Weldearegay Haftom Gebrehiwot , Gebrehiwot Tesfay Gebregzabher , Abrha Mulugeta Woldu , Mulugeta Afework
Published: September 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the determinants of overweight and obesity among children under five years in Ethiopia.

Results

Data from a total of 672 (224 cases and 448 controls) under five years of age children were included in the study. Urban residence (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.29, 5.34), boys (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.22) and age of the child less than six months (AOR=3.40, 95%CI: 2.05, 5.64) were the determinants for being childhood overweight and obesity.
Birth order is associated with caries development in young children: a register-based cohort study
Authors: Julihn Annika , Soares Fernanda Cunha , Hammarfjord Ulrika , Hjern Anders , Dahllöf Göran
Published: September 2019

Background: Birth order has been shown to affect the health of the child; less is known, however, about how birth order affects caries development in children. Thus, the present study investigated the association between birth order and dental caries development in young children. Methods: This retrospective registry-based cohort study included all children born in 2000–2003 who were residing in Stockholm County, Sweden, at age 3 years (n = 83,147). The study followed the cohort until subjects reached 7 years of age. Children with registry data on dental examinations and sociodemographic characteristics at ages 3- and 7 years constituted the final study cohort (n = 65,259). The outcome variable was “caries increment from age 3- to 7 years” (Δdeft > 0) and the key exposure, “birth order”, was divided into five groups. A forward stepwise logistic binary regression was done for the multivariate analysis with adjustments for sociodemographic factors. Results: At age 3 years, 94% had no fillings or manifest caries lesions. During the study period, 22.5% (n = 14,711) developed dental caries. The final logistic regression analysis found a statistically significant positive association between birth order and caries increment. Further, excess risk increased with higher birth order; with the mother’s first-born child as reference, risk for the second-born child was OR 1.17, 95% CI=1.12–1.23; for the third-born child, OR 1.47, 95% CI=1.38–1.56; for the fourth-born child, OR 1.69, 95% CI=1.52–1.88; and for the fifth-born or higher birth-order child, OR 1.84, 95% CI=1.58–2.14. Conclusions: These findings show that birth order influences caries development in siblings, suggesting that birth order can be regarded as a predictor for caries development in young children. This factor may be helpful in assessing caries risk in preschool children and should be considered in caries prevention work in young children with older siblings.
Does sunlight drive seasonality of TB in Vietnam? A retrospective environmental ecological study of Tuberculosis seasonality in Vietnam from 2010-2015
Authors: Bonell Ana , Contamin Lucie , Thai Pham Quang , Thuy Hoang Thi Thanh , Doorn Rogier H van , White Richard , Nadjm Behzad , Choisy Marc
Published: September 2019

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health burden, with an estimated quarter of the world’s population being infected. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the “End TB Strategy” in 2014 with emphasis placed on knowing the epidemic. Vietnam is 12th in the world ranking of high burden countries by WHO definition. TB spatial and temporal patterns have been observed globally with evidence of Vitamin D playing a role in the seasonality. We explored the presence of temporal and spatial clustering of TB in Vietnam and their determinants to aid public health measures.Methods Data were collected by the National TB program of Vietnam from 2010-2015 and linked to the following datasets: socio-demographic characteristics; climatic variables; influenza-like-illness (ILI) incidence; geospatial data. The TB dataset was aggregated by province and quarter. Descriptive time series analyses using LOESS regression were completed per province to determine seasonality and trend. Harmonic regression was used to determine the amplitude of seasonality by province. A mixed-effect linear model was used with province and year as random effects and all other variables as fixed effects.Results There were 610,676 cases of TB notified between 2010-2015 in Vietnam. Heat maps of TB incidence per quarter per province showed substantial temporal and geospatial variation. Time series analysis demonstrated seasonality throughout the country, with peaks in spring/summer and troughs in autumn/winter. Incidence was consistently higher in the south. However, relative seasonal amplitude was more pronounced in the north. Mixed-effect linear model confirmed that TB incidence was associated with time and latitude. Of the demographic, socio-economic and health related variables, population density, percentage of those under 15 years of age, and HIV infection prevalence per province were associated with TB incidence. Of the climate variables, absolute humidity, average temperature and sunlight were associated with TB incidence.Conclusion Incidence decreased and the relative seasonal amplitude of TB increased with latitude in Vietnam. Temporal and spatial hotspots were found. Seasonality of TB was associated with reduced hours of sunlight at a lag of six months.
Detection of genetic variations of five MMAF-related genes and their associations with litter size in goat
Authors: Wang Zhen , Pan Yun , He Libang , Chen Hong , Pan Chuanying , Qu Lei , Song Xiaoyue , Lan Xianyong
Published: September 2019

Background: Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) makes an assignable contribution to male infertility, including QRICH2 , CFAP43 , CFAP44 , CFAP69 , CCDC39 , AKAP4 and DNAH1 gene. This work studied 28 putative indel mutations of MMAF related genes including QRICH2 , CFAP69 , CFAP43 , CCDC39 and DNAH1 gene and their correlation with the first-born litter sizes of 769 Shaanbei white cashmere (SBWC) goats.
Results: Electrophoresis and DNA sequencing analysis showed the 11-bp indel within QRICH2 ( QRICH2 -P4), the three indel variations in CFAP69 ( CFAP69 -P4, CFAP69 -P6 and CFAP69 -P7) and the 27-bp indel of DNAH1 ( DNAH1 -P1) were found to be polymorphic. The 27-bp indel variation within DNAH1 was not in consistent with HWE and the other four indel of QRICH2 and CFAP69 were in consistent with HWE. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis showed the 8-bp indel ( CFAP69 -P4) and the 6-bp indel ( CFAP69- P6) within CFAP69 were in complete LD with each other (D'=0.99, r 2 =1.00). The 27-bp indel mutation within DNAH1 was strongly significantly associated with first-born litter sizes of SBWC goats ( P ＜0.01) and the average litter size of II genotype was significantly greater than ID and DD genotypes ( P = 0.003). In single-lamb and multi-lamb of goat groups, the genotype distributions of the 27-bp indel was significantly different ( P = 0.002). While the 11-bp indel variation of QRICH2 and three indel mutations (P4, P6 and P7) of CFAP69 identified were not ( P ＞0.05).
Conclusions: These findings suggest the 27-bp indels in the goat DNAH1 can be used as an effective molecular marker for marker-assisted selection of goats reproduction breeding in the future.
Responses of Long‐Term Cattle Manure on Soil Physical and Hydraulic Properties under a Corn–Soybean Rotation at Two Locations in Eastern South Dakota
Authors: Ozlu Ekrem , Kumar Sandeep , Arriaga Francisco J.
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Manure improved soil hydrological properties in comparison with those of inorganic fertilizer and control.

Manure decreased soil bulk density but increased C stocks and water retention compared with inorganic fertilizer.

The higher rate of manure decreased soil bulk density and increased C stocks compared with lower rates of manure and inorganic fertilizer.

Manure can enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil hydrological properties, such as soil water retention (SWR) and water infiltration (qs), which are crucial for crop production. The present study was conducted to investigate the impacts of different rates of manure (low, medium, and high) and inorganic fertilizer (INF) on soil bulk density (ρb), penetration resistance (SPRc), SWR, and qs at two long‐term experimental sites located in eastern South Dakota. The study sites were established under reduced‐till corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation. Dairy solid manure was used for the Brookings site, whereas beef solid manure was used for the Beresford site. On an average, manure application (1.02 Mg m−3) reduced the ρb by 19% compared with INF application (1.27 Mg m−3) at 0‐ to 10‐cm depth for the Brookings site and by 11% for the Beresford site (manure, 1.08 Mg m−3; fertilizer, 1.21 Mg m−3). Soil qs was significantly increased by 33 and 29% at the Brookings site and by 43 and 36% at the Beresford site under manure application compared with the INF and control. On average, SWR with manure application was higher compared with that of fertilizer at both depths for the Brookings and Beresford sites. Pearson correlation analysis showed that ρb and SPRc were negatively correlated and that SOC stock and qs were positively correlated with SWR and pore size distributions. This study showed that long‐term manure application can be beneficial in enhancing soil physical and hydraulic properties, which can enhance crop production.
PENGEMBANGAN MASYARAKAT LOKAL BERBASIS MAJELIS TAKLIM DI KECAMATAN MIJEN KOTA SEMARANG
Authors: Riyadi Agus
Published: September 2019

Majlis taklim is a vehicle for strong interaction and communication between ordinary people with the mualim (teacher), and between fellow members of the assemblies taklim without being limited by place and time. Thus the majlis taklim become an alternative religious education institution for those who do not have enough energy, time, and opportunity to study the religion in formal education. This is what makes the majlis taklim has its own value compared to other religious institutions. Therefore, the development of teaching-based community-based society gives emphasis on process-oriented goals (process goals) where the community in this case is the board and teachers majelis taklim tried to be integrated and developed capacity in an effort to prevent their own problems and problems in the community, comparatively based on the willingness and ability to help oneself (self help) in accordance with democratic principles. The stages used to conduct community development based on majelis taklim through several stages, namely; preliminary study on the picture of majelis taklim, identification of problem and potential of majelis taklim, preparation of alternative action plan, structuring and implementation of action program, and evaluation

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Majelis taklim merupakan wahana interaksi dan komunikasi yang kuat antara masyarakat awam dengan para mualim, dan antara sesama anggota jamaah majelis taklim tanpa dibatasi oleh tempat dan waktu. Dengan demikian majelis taklim menjadi lembaga pendidikan keagamaan alternatif bagi mereka yang tidak memiliki cukup tenaga, waktu, dan kesempatan menimba ilmu agama dijalur pandidikan formal. Inilah yang menjadikan majelis taklim memiliki nilai tersendiri dibanding lembaga-lembaga keagamaan lainnya. Oleh karena itu pengembangan masyarakat berbasis majelis taklim memberikan penekanan pada tujuan yang berorientasi pada proses (process goal) dimana masyarakat yang dalam hal ini adalah para pengurus dan pengajar majelis taklim dicoba untuk diintegrasikan serta dikembangkan kapasitasnya dalam upaya mencegah masalah mereka sendiri serta masalah di masyarakat, secara komparatif berdasarkan kemauan dan kemampuan menolong diri sendiri (self help) sesuai dengan prinsip-prinsip demokratis. Adapun tahapan-tahapan yang digunakan untuk melakukan pengembangan masyarakat berbasis pada majelis taklim melalui beberapa tahapan, yaitu; studi pandahuluan tentang gambaran majelis taklim, identifikasi masalah dan potensi majelis taklim, penyusunan alternative rencana aksi, penataan dan pelaksanaan program aksi, dan evaluasi.
STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI DAKWAH MASYARAKAT ATAS KONFLIK TANAH DI DESA SUROKONTO WETAN KECAMATAN PAGERUYUNG KABUPATEN KENDAL
Authors: Rachmawati Farida , Rokhmad Abu , Supena Ilyas
Published: September 2019

Land is an important source of life for farmers. Society’s effort maintain and obtain recognition for landoften lead to conflict. Include land conflict in Surokonto Wetan Village, Pageruyung District, Kendal Regency. This study aims to knowing history and conflict dynamics in Surokonto Wetan village, analyzing communication strategic that using by society to settlement of land conflict. The result showing that: firstly, land conflict in Surokonto Wetan is asyimmetric conflict between society and Perhutani. Secondly, communication strategic that using by society in Waisbord framework about problem definition, goal selection affecting strategic choosing, tactics and continuity movement  relating with people’s motivation to better change. The basis of various actions is to free land to be owned by societys and free two detained societys, this goal underlies every manifestation of community action through demonstrations, negotiations, appeals until the goal is reached.

 

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Tanah merupakan sumber kehidupanyang penting bagi masyarakat petani. Usaha mempertahankan dan memperoleh pengakuan atas tanah tak jarang menimbulkan konflik. Termasuk konflik tanah yang terjadi di Desa Surokonto Wetan Kecamatan Pageruyung Kabupaten Kendal. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui bagaimana sejarah dan dinamika konflik tanah di Desa Surokonto Wetan, menganalisis strategi komunikasi yamg digunakan  masyarakat untuk penyelesaian konflik. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan, pertama, konflik tanah di Surokonto Wetan merupakan jenis konflik asimetris yang melibatkan masyarakat dengan Perum Perhutani.Kedua, Strategi komunikasi yang digunakan masyarakat dalam kerangka Waisbord terkait definisi permasalahan, tujuan yang ingin dicapai yang mempengaruhi pemilihan strategi, taktik dan kontinuitas gerakan terkait motivasi orang terhadap perubahan yang lebih baik. Dasar berbagai aksi adalah untuk membebaskan tanah agar dimiliki warga dan membebaskan dua warga yang ditahan, tujuan ini mendasari setiap aksi masyarakat yang terwujud melalui demonstrasi, negosiasi, kasasi yang dilakukan hingga tercapai tujuan.
HUMOR DALAM PESAN DAKWAH
Authors: Hilmi Mustofa
Published: September 2019

Humor in dakwah has an important position. The difficult material can be accepted by mad'u easily. Beside to attract attention, humor also can be used as a tool of education for mad'u and as a tool critic to against inequality that happens in society without loss the basic character of smooth and not provocative. Using improper of humor will cause a blurring the essence and purpose dakwah. There are four ethical criteria of humor which must be considered by dai. First, humor educative is humor which has the content of educating and the mission of enlightenment. Second, critical humor is humor who stimulate dai to do analysis a number of inequality and imbalance reality of life. Third, not racist, humor not contains insult, desecration, stigmatic against someone, institution, religion, race, and class. Fourth, doesn’t contain pornographic. Humor is not exploit sensational body through talk of dirty and porn.

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Humor dalam dakwah menempati posisi penting. Materi yang sulit dapat dengan mudah dicerna mad’u melalui humor. Selain untuk menarik perhatian, humor juga bisa digunakan sebagai sarana edukasi mad’u dan bahkan dapat dipakai sebagai alat kritik tajam terhadap ketimpangan yang terjadi di masyarakat dengan tanpa kehilangan karakter dasarnya yang halus serta tidak provokatif. Namun penggunaan humor yang tidak tepat akan menyebabkan kaburnya esensi dan tujuan dakwah. Terdapat empat kriteria etis humor yang harus diperhatikan dai yaitu Pertama, humor edukatif yakni humor yang memiliki kandungan pesan mendidik dan membawa misi pencerahan, Kedua, humor kritis yakni humor yang menstimulus dai untuk melakukan analisis terhadap sejumlah ketimpangan dan ketidakseimbangan realitas kehidupan, Ketiga, tidak rasis, humor tidak berisi hinaan, penodaan, dan citraan stigmatis terhadap seseorang, lembaga, agama, ras, atau golongan, Keempat, Tidak berunsur pornografi, yaitu humor yang tidak mengeksploitasi tubuh dan sensasional badaniyah melalui pembicaraan jorok dan porno.
A rapid and efficient removal approach for degradation of metformin in pharmaceutical wastewater using electro-Fenton process; optimization by response surface methodology
Authors: Dolatabadi Maryam , Ahmadzadeh Saeid
Published: September 2019

Presence of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical products in aquatic environments has received high concern due to their undesirable effect on wildlife and human health. Current work deals with developing a treatment model based on the electro- Fenton (EF) process for efficient removal of metformin (MET) from an aqueous medium. The obtained experimental results revealed that over the reaction time of 10 min and solution pH of 3, the maximum removal efficiency of 98.57% is achieved where the value of MET initial concentration, current density, and H2O2 dosage is set at 10 mg.L−1, 6 mA.cm−2, and 250 μL.L−1, respectively, which is in satisfactory agreement with the predicted removal efficiency of 98.6% with the desirability of 0.99. The presence of radical scavengers throughout the mineralization of MET under the EF process revealed that the generation of •OH radicals, as the main oxidative species, controlled the degradation mechanism. The obtained kinetics data best fitted to the first order kinetic model with the rate constant of 0.4224 min−1 (R2 = 0.9940). The developed treatment process under response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for modeling the obtained experimental data and successfully applied for efficient removal of the MET contaminant from pharmaceutical wastewater as an adequate and cost-effective approach.
Study of the adsorption and photocatalytic properties of copper oxide with different morphologies in removal of Cr(III) ion from aqueous media
Authors: Kondabey Jamileh , Ghorbani Mohammad Hossein , Aghaie Hossien , Fazaeli Reza
Published: September 2019

Chromium Cr(III) is considered as a toxic pollutant in industrial wastewater. Photocatalytic processes can be used as an efficient method for the treatment of heavy metal wastewaters. This study was conducted to synthesize copper (II) oxide (CuO) with dendrite, leaf and feather morphologies. Synthesized CuO with dendrite and leaf morphologies were characterized by XRD, SEM, and BET/BJH and CuO with feather morphology by XRD, SEM, BET/BJH, FTIR, TEM and DRS techniques. Parameters such as morphology CuO, the contact time (h), and adsorbent dosage (g) in adsorption of Cr(III) and morphology CuO, pH and initial concentration of Cr(III) in the photocatalytic oxidation were investigated. The results demonstrate that CuO feather at 24 h contact time with 0.1 g adsorbent with an adsorption efficiency of 57.24% has the highest efficiency compared to CuO of dendrite and leaf. Oxidation results demonstrate that CuO feather at 2 h with 0.1 g adsorbent dosage and pH = 7 had 89.14% removal efficiency. Also, oxidation results demonstrate that CuO feather at 2 h with 0.1 g adsorbent dosage and pH = 8 had 99.99% removal efficiency, which indicates the high efficiency of the feather.
GEOPROCESSAMENTO APLICADO A ANÁLISE DO USO DO SOLO NA ÁREA DE PROTEÇÃO AMBIENTAL DOS MANANCIAIS DO CÓRREGO LAJEADO, CAMPO GRANDE - MS
Authors: Andrade Bruna da Silva , Melo Marta Regina da Silva , Da Silva Mauro Henrique Soares
Published: September 2019

O monitoramento ambiental de Unidades de Conservação é fundamental para assegurar a manutenção da biodiversidade e efetiva proteção dessas áreas naturais. Desse modo, as técnicas de sensoriamento remoto e geoprocessamento são importantes ferramentas que permitem compreender as mudanças na cobertura do solo, auxiliando no diagnóstico ambiental e ordenamento territorial. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar a evolução multitemporal da cobertura vegetal e uso do solo na Área de Proteção Ambiental dos Mananciais do Córrego Lajeado, entre os anos de 1995 e 2015, em Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. Verificou-se redução da vegetação em 3,95% e aumento de 11,26% de áreas urbanas na APA do Lajeado. Foram identificadas áreas com disposição indevida de resíduos sólidos e manejo inadequado do solo, os quais exercem pressões negativas sobre o ambiente.
Prognostic Value of Cardiac Biomarkers Assessment in Combination with Myocardial 2D Strain Echocardiography for Early Detection of Anthracycline-Related Cardiac Toxicity
Authors: Mahjoob Mohammad P. , Sheikholeslami Seyed A. , Dadras Morvarid , Mansouri Hamdollah , Haghi Mahshid , Naderian Mohammadreza , Sadeghi Leila , Tabary Mohammadreza , Khaheshi Isa
Published: September 2019

Background:

Anthracyclines, a widely used chemotherapy agent with a definite survival
improvement, can result in cardiac toxicity presenting with HF (heart failure).

Objective:

We aim to assess the predictive value of cardiac biomarkers assessment in combination
with myocardial two-dimensional strain echocardiography for early detection of cardiac toxicity in
patients who underwent Anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Method:

Fifty-two consecutive adult patients scheduled to undergo the first course of
Anthracycline-based chemotherapy were subjected to the study. All the patients underwent highly
sensitive 2D echocardiographic evaluation before the treatment, 4 and 12 weeks after completion of
first-course chemotherapy. Longitudinal and segmental strains were measured. Serum levels of
High-sensitive cardiac troponin I (hscTn-I) and N-terminal-pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) were also
assessed before the initiation and 3 weeks after completion of first-course chemotherapy.

Result:

Fifteen patients (28.8%) revealed a decrease in LVEF (Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction)
throughout the evaluations, while just 5 patients met the criteria of cardiac toxicity (9.6%). AUC for
Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) ROC curve at 4 weeks of follow-up was calculated to be 0.968.
Inferoseptal Systolic Longitudinal Strain (SLS) had the highest AUC value (AUC: 0.934) among
different wall SLS. LVESD (Left Ventricular End-Systolic Diameter) at first and second evaluation
could predict the risk of cardiac toxicity among LVESD, LVEDD (Left Ventricular End Diastolic
Diameter) and LVEDV (Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Volume). Among cardiac biomarkers, hscTnI
had higher sensitivity, while NT-proBNP had higher specificity for cardiac toxicity.

Conclusion:

This study has shown that hs-cTnI with good sensitivity can predict cardiac toxicity in
Anthracycline-based chemotherapy receiver. The use of strain with speckle echocardiography
method has a prognostic value; however, both longitudinal and segmental strain should be assessed.
Lateral and inferoseptal SLS (Segmental Longitudinal Strain) are specific markers of cardiac
toxicity in the course of anthracycline-related cardiac toxicity.
Variable Gain for Iterative Learning Control
Authors: Su Jianhuan , Zhang Yinjun , Chen Mengji
Published: September 2019

Background:

At present, the gain of most ILC algorithms is fixed, and the convergence
speed of the system depends on the learning law, which will lead to the complexity of the structure
of the learning law, and variable gain can accelerate the convergence speed without changing the
structure of the learning law as variable gains are introduced into ILC.

Objective:

In this paper, the D-type learning law is used. Firstly, the variable gain iterative learning
controller is designed. Secondly, the convergence of the learning law is analyzed.

Methods:

Finally, in order to illustrate the effectiveness of this method, the simulation is carried out
using MATLAB.

Results and Conclusion:

The simulation results show that the variable gain iterative learning control
can improve the convergence speed of the iteration, and weaken the restrictions on the initial input.
Medical Device Rules - 2017, India: An Insight
Authors: Sharma Damini , Chandra Amrish
Published: September 2019

According to “Medical Device Rules-2017” (MDR-2017), “Medical Devices (MDs) are
the substances which are used for in-vitro diagnosis and surgical dressings, surgical bandages,
surgical staples, surgical sutures, ligatures, blood, and blood component collection bag with or
without anticoagulant and substances including mechanical contraceptives, disinfectants and insecticides
and devices notified from time to time under sub-clause (iv) of clause (b) of section 3 of the
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940”. According to this definition, MDs are classified into four classes: -
class A, class B, class C and class D. The purpose of this review article is to present an overview of
the regulatory registration requirement of MD in India according to the new MDR-2017.
UV KÜRLENDİRİLMİŞ HİBRİD SOL JEL YÖNTEMİYLE POLİSTİREN YÜZEY ÖZELLİKLERİNİN İYİLEŞTİRİLMESİ
Authors: BALBAY Şenay
Published: September 2019

Polistiren
(PS) atmosfer ortamında UV ışığına maruz bırakıldığında hızlı bir şekilde
sararır ve kademeli olarak gevrekleşmeye uğrar. Bundan dolayı PS’nin
özelliklerinin iyileştirilmesi amacıyla UV kürlendirme sol gel kaplama alanında
çalışmalar hızla devam etmektedir. Bu çalışmada kimyasal bozunma problemine
karşı PS yüzey özelliklerini iyileştirmek amacıyla UV ile kürlenebilen hibrit
sol jel kaplamasının geliştirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Orijinal ve UV ile
kürlendirilmiş hibrit sol jel kaplanmış PS plakaların sararma testi öncesi ve
sonrasında renk ve parlaklık ölçümleri, sertlik, FT-IR ve SEM analizleri
gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sonuç olarak 0,5 g Al2O3 inorganik bileşiği kullanılarak
hazırlanmış hibrid sol-jel ile kaplanmış PS plakaların yüzey özelliklerinin önemli
ölçüde iyileştiği gözlenmiştir.
Introducing Artificial Intelligence Training in Medical Education (Preprint)
Authors: Paranjape Ketan , Schinkel Michiel , Nannan Panday Rishi , Car Josip , Nanayakkara Prabath
Published: September 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

Health care is evolving and with it the need to reform medical education. As the practice of medicine enters the age of artificial intelligence (AI), the use of data to improve clinical decision making will grow, pushing the need for skillful medicine-machine interaction. As the rate of medical knowledge grows, technologies such as AI are needed to enable health care professionals to effectively use this knowledge to practice medicine. Medical professionals need to be adequately trained in this new technology, its advantages to improve cost, quality, and access to health care, and its shortfalls such as transparency and liability. AI needs to be seamlessly integrated across different aspects of the curriculum. In this paper, we have addressed the state of medical education at present and have recommended a framework on how to evolve the medical education curriculum to include AI.
An Exploratory of Study of a Text Messaging Intervention to Reduce Problematic Alcohol Use among Adults 50 and Older (Preprint)
Authors: Kuerbis Alexis , Behrendt Silke , Aurora Varnica , Muench Frederick J.
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Given both a worldwide aging population and increasing rates of high-risk alcohol use, rates of adults 50 and older with high-risk alcohol use and associated problems are rapidly growing. Several barriers to prevention, intervention, and treatment persist among this group. Mobile interventions, specifically those who use text messaging (TM), can provide an opportunity for early intervention and prevention of problems.

OBJECTIVE

This study is a secondary analysis of data from a pilot study of a TM intervention among high-risk drinkers (N=151) with one third of the participants 50 to 65 years old. Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention for older adults (OA) were explored compared to their younger adult (YA, 21-49 years old) counterparts.

METHODS

Between age group differences at baseline and end of treatment (12 weeks) were explored. An age group by TM type (loss framed/gain framed, tailored, or assessment only) interaction was tested to determine whether there was a moderating effect of age group on TM type.

RESULTS

Few baseline differences emerged between age groups, except that OA drank almost daily, while YA drank fewer days but more heavily on the days they drank. Only OA ranked boredom as one of the most challenging situations to not drink heavily. The TM intervention was effective at 12 weeks in reducing drinking among both age groups, though slightly more effective for YA than for OA and with tailored messaging outperforming the other two TM types on drinking outcomes. Among OA, loss and gain framed messages were effective on the additional health outcomes. All participants reported satisfaction with the intervention and two-thirds in both age groups elected to continue receiving TM after the study period concluded.

CONCLUSIONS

There is preliminary evidence that TM is feasible, acceptable, and effective across age groups. Findings also suggest that further adaptation of TM across age group could enhance its effectiveness.
A Preliminary Review of Neurolinguistics Research in Simultaneous Interpreting (SI)
Authors: Moratto Riccardo
Published: September 2019

The present review article, with no pretense of being exhaustive, aims at shedding light on some of the major empirical studies conducted in recent years in Simultaneous Interpreting (SI) from a neurolinguistics point of view.Some of the issues that will be covered include the definition and development of expertise in SI, neuronal adaptation and the cognitive complexity of SI. The present preliminary review will end with some questions that future research could focus on and, hopefully, provide some answers to.
ONCE DAILY IMMEDIATE-AND EXTENDED-RELEASE BILAYER TABLETS OF ETORICOXIB: A STUDY ON THE RELEASE KINETICS
Authors: MISHRA BIBASWAN , MOHANTY BISWARANJAN
Published: September 2019

Objective: In the present work, the main objective was to develop bilayer extended release matrix tablets of etoricoxib by providing a loading dose followed by maintenance dose that expected to improve the therapeutic efficacy of the medication with less toxic effect.

Methods: Bilayer tablets of etoricoxib was developed successfully with the meticulous proportion of release controlling Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose K100 (HPMC K100) and lactose. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique. Granules for immediate layer and extended layer for different formulations were prepared separately. The formulations were developed and evaluations were performed to examine the parameters that affect the in vitro performance of the tablets. The drug-excipient compatibility was ensured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study.

Results: The values of physical parameters of all formulations were found within appreciable limit. Formulation containing HPMC K 100 and lactose in the proportion of 2:1 in the extended release layer was able to release 26.22% of drug in 15 min and shown a steady release of drug for an extended period of 12 h. The dissolution data was put in Korsemeyer–Peppas model in order to find out n value, which describes the drug release mechanism. The n-value of different formulations were found to be variable. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study revealed absence of any other new peaks and also no differences in the positions of the absorption bands in the bilayer tablet F8 that indicate the lack of significant interactions between etoricoxib and other excipients.

Conclusion: It had been concluded that once daily immediate-and extended release bilayer tablet of etoricoxib can be formulated with profound physical characteristics and dissolution properties. This resulted in reducing the daily dose and thus minimise the cardiovascular toxicity of etoricoxib.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF QUERCETIN NANOPARTICLE GEL FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: KARLIANA DEANTARI , ANWAR EFFIONORA , BAHTIAR ANTON
Published: September 2019

Objective: To analyze the effects of the topical gel that consists of quercetin nanoparticles on the mono iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis.
Methods: Injection of lecithin-quercetin into chitosan-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) was used to prepared quercetin nanoparticle. Evaluation parameter for the quercetin nanoparticle including polydispersity index, zeta potential, particle size using particle size analyzer and morphology were executed using a transmission electron microscope. The evaluation of quercetin nanoparticle gel includes organoleptic and also a homogeneity of quercetin nanoparticle gel includes pH and viscosity. Quercetin nanoparticle gel was given for osteoarthritis (OA) animal model. The amount dosage of quercetin nanoparticle used in this study was 0.84, 1.68, and 3.37 mg/g gel. Measurement of the edema volume was conducted on day 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, and 70.
Results: The quercetin nanoparticle gel dosage 1, 2, and 3 could reduce inflammation on two osteoarthritis animal models. On DMM group, 14 d after the treatment, there were significant differences between negative group and dosage 3 (P=0.028) and A. conyzoides extract gel (P=0.015). It has shown that injection of mono iodoacetate intraarticularly significantly increased the volume of edema in all groups that had been given by mono iodoacetate on day 7 to day 28. On the 42 d after administration of quercetin nanoparticle gel, there were significant differences between the normal and dosage 3 group (P= 0.000).
Conclusion: Quercetin nanoparticle gel could reduce inflammation and prevent cartilago damage on histological evaluation.
ACUTE TOXICOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL DERIVATIZED FOURTH AND FIFTH GENERATION POLY (PROPYLENEIMINE) DENDRIMERS
Authors: DWIVEDI NITIN , PARMAR DUSHYANT KUMAR , KESHARWANI PRASHANT , SHAH JIGNA
Published: September 2019

Objective: The aim of the present study leads a comparative assessment of the toxicological profile of PEGylated fourth and fifth-generation poly (propylene imine) dendrimers (PPI).

Methods: 4.0G and 5.0G generations of PPI dendrimer were synthesized and PEGylated with Mono polyethylene glycol 5000 (MPEG-5000). Each PEGylated 4.0G and 5.0G dendrimeric generation were administered in three different doses: 2.5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg (i.e., low, intermediate and high dose) to wister rats. After the dose administration, the blood and tissue samples of wister rats were collected after 24 h and 15 d after. All the collected samples were proceeded for hematological, biochemical and histopathological studies.

Results: After 24 h of (250 mg/kg) dose administration PEGylated 5.0G PPI dendrimer the RBC count, hemoglobin content and WBC count were found 7.873±0.129 mill/cmm, 13.833±0.491g/dl and 9033.33±2384.906 mill/cmm, while PEGylated 4.0G PPI dendrimer indicated RBC count, hemoglobin content and WBC count 8.733±0.239 mill/cmm, 14.033±0.12 g/dl and 9666.667±2567.316 mill/cmm, in blood samples as compare to RBC count 9.346±0.037 mill/cmm, hemoglobin content 15.35±0.15 g/dl and WBC count 8500±286.675 mill/cmm of the animals of normal control group. Thus there are no remarkable changes (p>0.05) in RBC count, hemoglobin content and other hematological profile after 24 h in comparison of normal control group of animals. Similarily insignificant changes (p>0.05) in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and sections of different organs indicate inoffensive nature of both generations of PEGylated 4.0G and 5.0 G PPI dendrimers.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that fifth-generation PPI dendrimers are more suitable as compared to fourth generation of PPI dendrimer, while both dendrimers are not generating any severe toxicity.