bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collisional Evolution of the Inner Zodiacal Cloud
Authors: Szalay J. R. , Pokorný P. , Malaspina D. M. , Pusack A. , Bale S. D. , Battams K. , Gasque L. C. , Goetz K. , Krüger H. , McComas D. J. , Schwadron N. A. , Strub P.
Published: September 2021

The zodiacal cloud is one of the largest structures in the solar system and strongly governed by meteoroid collisions near the Sun. Collisional erosion occurs throughout the zodiacal cloud, yet it is historically difficult to directly measure and has never been observed for discrete meteoroid streams. After six orbits with Parker Solar Probe (PSP), its dust impact rates are consistent with at least three distinct populations: bound zodiacal dust grains on elliptic orbits (α-meteoroids), unbound β-meteoroids on hyperbolic orbits, and a third population of impactors that may be either direct observations of discrete meteoroid streams or their collisional by-products (“β-streams”). The β-stream from the Geminids meteoroid stream is a favorable candidate for the third impactor population. β-streams of varying intensities are expected to be produced by all meteoroid streams, particularly in the inner solar system, and are a universal phenomenon in all exozodiacal disks. We find the majority of collisional erosion of the zodiacal cloud occurs in the range of 10–20 solar radii and expect this region to also produce the majority of pickup ions due to dust in the inner solar system. A zodiacal erosion rate of at least ∼100 kg s−1 and flux of β-meteoroids at 1 au of (0.4–0.8) × 10−4 m−2 s−1 are found to be consistent with the observed impact rates. The β-meteoroids investigated here are not found to be primarily responsible for the inner source of pickup ions, suggesting nanograins susceptible to electromagnetic forces with radii below ∼50 nm are the inner source of pickup ions. We expect the peak deposited energy flux to PSP due to dust to increase in subsequent orbits, up to 7 times that experienced during its sixth orbit.
Comparison of radical prostatectomy and external beam radiotherapy in high-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Chun Seok-Joo , Kim Jin Ho , Ku Ja Hyeon , Kwak Cheol , Lee Eun Sik , Kim Suzy
Published: September 2021

Purpose: We evaluated clinical outcomes of high-risk prostate cancer patients receiving external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or radical prostatectomy (RP).Materials and Methods: Patients were classified as high-risk prostate cancer and received definitive treatment between 2005 and 2015. Patients with previous pelvic radiotherapy, positive lymph node or distant metastasis were excluded. The primary outcomes were prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Results: Of 583 patients met the inclusion criteria (77 EBRT and 506 RP). The estimated 10-year PCSS was 97.0% in the RP and 95.9% in the EBRT (p = 0.770). No significant difference was seen in the DMFS (p = 0.540), whereas there was a trend in favor of RP over EBRT in overall survival (OS) (p = 0.068). Propensity score matching analysis with confounding variables was done, with 183 patients (66 EBRT and 117 RP) were included. No significant difference in DMFS, PCSS or OS was found. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated similar oncologic PCSS, OS, and DMFS outcomes between EBRT and RP patients.
The Impact of Online Game Addiction on Adolescent Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Purwaningsih Eni , Nurmala Ira
Published: September 2021

Abstract:
Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 determined that Internet Gaming Disorders (IGD) were included as mental health disorders. Among adolescents, excessive online gaming has become a lifestyle and is associated with psychological symptoms (psychopathological symptoms and life satisfaction), social health (social interactions) and physical health (general health and body mass index). The IGD has now become a problem all over the world.
 
AIM: This study aims to analyze the impact of online game addiction on adolescents using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) approach.
 
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were searched extensively from the Pubmed, Sage, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. The search used the keywords "online game addiction", "mental health", and "youth". The inclusive criteria for the included  literature in this study  were as follow; the literature had to be sourced from journal article, written in English, available in full text, the published between  2011-2021, and the age of the adolescent subject should be 13-18 years. We identified 81 articles of which 20 were deemed relevant for this systematic review.
 
RESULTS: This review study shows that problematic online gaming behavior has a strong negative correlation with various subjective health outcomes.
 
CONCLUSION: Early relevant prevention for  adolescents from the IGD is the appropriate use of  internet/ gadgets as the only option to avoid or to reduce the symptoms of internet addiction and online games.
 
Keywords :
Online game addiction; Mental health; Adolescents; Good Health and Wellbeing
Ramipril Increases Adma Concentration in Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats Induced by Isoproterenol
Authors: Aliska Gestina , Dhuha Alief , Rahmatini Rahmatini , Hamdani Rita , Afriani Nita , Tofrizal Tofrizal , Ali Hirowati , Pratiwi Nisa , Nuranisyah Vinta , Mahata Liganda Endo , Kurnia Dedy
Published: September 2021

In experimental animals, the induction of isoproterenol which is a synthetic of catecholamine, can cause acute myocardial infarction where the pathophysiology and morphology are the same as myocardial infarction in humans. Isoproterenol induction will increase oxidative stress, which will damage the enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), thus causing asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels to increase in circulation. Increased levels of ADMA will inhibit the activity of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase, which results in decreased nitric oxide resulting in endothelial damage. This study aims to determine the effect of Ramipril on asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in rats (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar strain with acute myocardial infarction.
Eighteen male Wistar rats (150-250 g) were randomly allocated into three groups: negative control group, positive control, and treatment group. The treatment group was pretreated with Ramipril at dose 3 mg/kg BW orally for seven days. Acute myocardial infarction was induced in positive control groups and treatment groups by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (85 mg/kg BW) for two consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, rats from all groups were anesthetized and sacrificed for blood sample collection to evaluate the level of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine with Enzym-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The result showed that ADMA levels were increased in the treatment group after pretreated with Ramipril. This study concluded that pretreatment with Ramipril increased ADMA concentration in acute myocardial infarction rats induced by isoproterenol.
Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reverse Hepatic Fibrosis, Improved Vascularity, and Attenuate the Apoptosis in Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatic Fibrosis Experimental Rats
Authors: Mostafa Abeer , Altaib Zainab , Sayed Walaa , Rashwan Eman , Albrakati Ashraf
Published: September 2021

Background: Liver fibrosis is a sequel of different chronic inflammatory diseases. The most effective treatment for end-stage liver fibrosis is liver transplantation; but the shortage of donor organs, immunological rejection, surgical complications, and high medical costs limit the transplantation. That’s why we are in argent need to develop new strategies in treatment.  Objectives: to evaluate the role of MSCs in regenerating liver cells and reverse hepatic fibrosis. Materials and Methods: 30 Animals were randomly divided into three groups (10 animals each): group 1: a negative control; group 2: induced liver fibrosis (pathological control).; group 3: induced liver fibrosis that received undifferentiated BM MSCs (3×106 cells/ml intraperitoneally/single dose); The extent of fibrosis, vascularization, and inflammation and hepatic cell apoptosis were evaluated together with assessment of liver functions. Results: The MSCs treated group showed significant improvement of liver functions, and attenuation of fibrosis histopathologicaly and down regulate the expression of TGF ß versus the induced fibrosis group. inflammatory marker(TNF,IL-6) were down regulated and vascularity was restored in MSCs treated group  compared to CCL4 induced fibrosis rats.  Conclusion: MSCs provide promising therapeutic agents in treatment of liver fibrosis.
Association of Urinary Interferon Gamma Protein-10 Levels and Low Levels of Cluster of Differentiation 4 Serum in Patients with Tuberculosis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection
Authors: Elvira Dwitya
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most frequent opportunistic infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients that lead to increasing of morbidity and mortality. Very low cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) levels causing problem in TB/HIV diagnostic because unspecific clinical manifestation. Urine interferon gamma protein-10 (IP10) examination is a method that is relatively easier and safer to do, so it can be used as an alternative method in establishing the diagnosis TB/HIV.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between urinary IP-10 and level of CD4 serum in patients with TB/HIV coinfection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. M. Djamil Hospital, Padang, Indonesia, involved 30 patients with active TB/HIV coinfection whose urine and blood serum were collected to evaluate IP-10 and CD4 level.

RESULTS: There is a significant relationship between urine IP10 levels as a biomarker for the diagnosis of active pulmonary TB in HIV patients and serum CD4 levels in TB-HIV coinfected patients with moderate correlation strength.

CONCLUSION: Further research is needed with a larger sample size to see the effect of low serum CD4 levels on the sensitivity of urine IP10 diagnosis.
The Effect of Calendarized Drug Package on Patients Compliance with Antibiotics
Authors: Zulfa Ilil Maidatuz , Handayani Widya
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Patients’ compliance with antibiotics has been one of the global challenges in combating antibiotics resistance. Patients will tend to forget their antibiotics, especially when they feel better. Related to this phenomenon, the development of medication reminder media is essential.

AIM: This experimental study was aimed to develop and apply calendarized package as a medication reminder media in patients with short-course antibiotics to improve their compliance.

METHODS: Calendarized package was prepared from the labeling of the original package of antibiotics with stickers. Patients above 18 years old who were prescribed short-course oral antibiotics (not more than 7 days) during the study period were asked to participate in this study. Patients were grouped into two groups (control and intervention group). Patients’ demographical data, medications prescribed, and the last antibiotics course day was recorded. Patients were then contacted for compliance evaluation on the latest antibiotics course day.

RESULTS: A total of 150 patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited in this study. Seventy-six patients were grouped into the intervention group, while the remaining 74 patients were the control group. The results showed that the number of compliant patients in the intervention group was higher (72.37%) than those in the control group (45.95%), respectively (p < 0.000).

CONCLUSION: The application of the calendar on the package indicates the positive impact on the patients’ compliance with antibiotics. However, in this study, the compliance measurement was conducted indirectly because of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. However, several limitations should be considered. Future research using a bigger sample size and stricter compliance measurement method is needed to confirm this finding.
Introduction. Les études de cohortes
Authors: Pry René
Published: September 2021

Une cohorte est la constitution d’un groupe de sujets partageant un certain nombre de caractéristiques, suivis longitudinalement à l’échelle individuelle, selon un protocole préétabli. En France il existe quelques grandes cohortes, réalisées soit en population générale soit en recrutant des sujets présentant des troubles particuliers. Plateformes pour la recherche en sciences de la vie, en santé et en éducation, ces cohortes, financées pour dix ans, permettent de se doter de bases de données mutualisables et évolutives. De nombreuses questions, concernant en particulier les déterminants biologiques, médicaux, sociaux et environnementaux des maladies ou des troubles, et leurs interactions, peuvent ainsi bénéficier de nouvelles approches. La constitution en parallèle de banques biologiques, le recours aux technologies nouvelles de la communication, le partage de données et la coopération internationale, ainsi qu’une approche longitudinale viennent renforcer le dispositif de recherche.
Recommandations dans le suivi et l’accompagnement précoce des bébés à risque de développer un trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA) : dernières avancées scientifiques
Authors: Franchini Martina , Schaer Marie , Eliez Stephan
Published: September 2021

Dans cet article, nous présentons les dernières recherches scientifiques en lien avec le suivi précoce des bébés à risque de développer un trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA). En particulier, nous nous focalisons sur les avancées scientifiques qui permettent de mieux identifier les difficultés qui peuvent se manifester chez les bébés à risques (notamment, les jeunes frères et sœurs d’enfants ayant déjà reçu un diagnostic). En effet, 10 à 20 % des jeunes frères et sœurs d’un enfant ayant reçu un diagnostic de TSA rencontrent aussi les critères pour un diagnostic de TSA (Grønborg, Schendel & Parner, 2013 ; Ozonoff et al. , 2011), ce qui est supérieur à la prévalence dans une population tout-venant. Les dernières recherches montrent que des difficultés dans le développement peuvent déjà être détectées avant l’âge auquel un diagnostic peut être formellement posé (c.-à-d., dans les deux premières années de vie des enfants). Les recommandations cliniques issues de ces recherches proposent ainsi de suivre les bébés à risque de manière répétée dans leur développement précoce, et en particulier lorsque des inquiétudes développementales sont identifiées, soit par des évaluations standardisées et/ou structurées, soit par les inquiétudes parentales. Des études préliminaires montrent également l’intérêt d’intervenir auprès de cette population dès la moindre inquiétude dans le développement de l’enfant, même avant qu’un diagnostic ne puisse être formellement posé. Ces recommandations rejoignent les préconisations de l’instruction « Triptyque » du 3 e plan Autisme relative au cadre national de repérage, de diagnostic et d’interventions précoces en France.
Prospective longitudinal research in infants at elevated likelihood for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Roeyers Herbert
Published: September 2021

Dans les quinze dernières années, la recherche sur les signes précoces du trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA) a évolué, passant de modèles rétrospectifs à des études longitudinales prospectives d’enfants présentant un risque élevé de développer un TSA. Alors qu’au départ, les études se concentraient presque exclusivement sur les frères et sœurs ayant un aîné atteint de TSA, d’autres populations, en premier lieu les bébés très prématurés, sont de plus en plus examinées. Les principaux objectifs sont l’identification des marqueurs précoces et des trajectoires neurodéveloppementales des TSA afin d’améliorer la fiabilité du diagnostic et des interventions. Dans cet article, quelques découvertes initiales de nos recherches en cours à l’université de Gand sont présentées, qui peuvent être considérées comme des pistes prometteuses pour de futurs travaux. Nous soutenons cependant que des projets transdisciplinaires multi-sites à grande échelle au niveau national et international sont clairement nécessaires pour réaliser des progrès substantiels dans ce domaine. Dans le même temps, une attention particulière aux préoccupations et aux dilemmes éthiques sont extrêmement importants.
Le tournant idéaliste du spiritualisme
Authors: Lurson Guillaume
Published: September 2021

Cet article cherche à mettre en évidence, au sein de l’histoire du spiritualisme, la fonction transcendantale d’un possible basculement vers l’idéalisme. Au travers de la comparaison et de la confrontation des philosophies de Ravaisson, de Lachelier et de Brunschvicg, on cherchera ainsi à interroger la légitimité de ce passage. En effet, si le spiritualisme refuse dans un premier temps l’idéalisme, c’est pour le considérer ensuite comme un moyen nécessaire afin de dépasser les apories initiales de la philosophie de Ravaisson. Le passage à l’idéalisme a-t-il signé la trahison du spiritualisme, ou a-t-il au contraire permis sa poursuite la plus adéquate ?
Morale de bienveillance et morale d’inquisition. La littérature russe devant le totalitarisme
Authors: Rouger Jean Robert
Published: September 2021

De prime abord, l’expression d’une bonté immédiate, synonyme d’un simple bouleversement émotionnel, ne semble pas pouvoir être un fondement de la morale. Mais par ailleurs, l’obéissance inconditionnelle à la discipline imposée par un État au nom d’une cause commune interdit toute autonomie du jugement. Tel est le dilemme dont témoigne la littérature russe dans les œuvres de Vassili Grossman et d’Evguénia Guinzbourg. Poursuivant une recherche antérieure, relative à l’analyse philosophique de la littérature, nous essayons de montrer ici que nos positions morales, même portées par une théorie éthico-politique élaborée, sont bien, comme le dit Kant dans ses Leçons d’éthique , « sous la condition de la bonté ». Si nous oublions cela, nous sommes inévitablement conduits dans la voie d’une insurmontable brisure éthique entre morale et civilité.
PPGIS applied to environmental communication and hazards for a community-based approach: a dualism in the Southern Italy "calanchi" landscape
Authors: Lugeri Francesca Romana ,   ISPRA Istituto Superiore Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale, V. Brancati 48. Roma Italy, Farabollini Piero , De Pascale Francesco , Lugeri Nicola ,   UNICAM Dip. Earth Sciences. Via Gentile Ⅲ da Varano, 62032 Camerino MC Italy,   Department of Culture and Society, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Published: September 2021

The need of protection of the territory is a priority for the society, which is an integral part of it (unfortunately, this coincidence is often forgotten): the new environmental issues require the development of innovative management strategies and of appropriate knowledge and models. The balanced use of resources, essential for the survival and well-being of society, can be optimised through the promotion of the territory. The identification and the sustainable development of local resources can only be achieved by directing development policies towards a path of integration between ecological needs, protection of the landscape and socio-economic and cultural needs. The landscape, read as a result of the interaction between human and natural processes, is a rich heritage to safeguard, enhance and promote. The key requirement underlying each cultural and environmental enhancement project is the knowledge of the territory in its manifold aspects; knowledge that can be properly synthesised through cartographic representation: maps are tools to make data easily accessible and meaningful. In this contribution, after having carried out a review of the literature on GIS technologies and having provided some work examples, we analyse some proposals about the application of PPGIS on communication of environmental promotion initiatives; PPGIS, in fact, are effective in risk communication and information and in the consequent prevention of disasters. The mediated and participatory use of PPGIS technologies, furthermore, allows a community-based approach, fundamental for reducing the disaster risk.
As viagens de Carybé à República de Benin: história, cultura e política no Golfo da Guiné – África
Authors: Whitaker Dulce Consuelo Andreatta , Fiamengue Elis Cristina , Vitorino Diego da Costa
Published: September 2021

Neste artigo debatemos as possibilidades e os limites do relato etnográfico, analisando o rico diário de viagens de Carybé à Benin nos anos de 1969 e 1987. Ao nos depararmos com suas impressões sobre a cultura e o cotidiano neste pequeno país da África, localizado na região do Golfo da Guiné, decidimos colocar à luz da história a descrição sincrônica que o artista constrói. A partir das relações históricas e políticas dos reinos do Benin, de Oyo e do Daomé, elaboradas numa perspectiva africanista, foi possível compreender as contradições no processo de formação da República de Benin e suas interpenetrações culturais, o colonialismo e a resistência africana contra séculos de escravidão. Além disso, elaboramos uma análise diacrônica dos registros no diário de Carybé e de sua busca por uma estética e estilística de herança africana.
Mining automation in Canadian hardrock mines - a progress report
Authors: Udd J E , Pathak J
Published: September 2021

The Canadian mining industry has just lived through one of the most turbulent decades, the 1980s. The early years, which were marked by a world economic downturn, placed considerable stress on the industry in terms of maintaining markets and survival. One of the
important outcomes of the experience has been the industry's decision to accelerate the use of new technology and automation in hardrock underground mines. Industry has realized the absolute necessity of productivity enhancement and global competitiveness. The efficient diffusion of new technology
to all segments of the industry is important if the Canadian mining industry is to fully benefit from these developments. This paper gives an account of the progress made in Canada since the beginning of the 1980s in the development and use of new technology.
Monitoring of excavation performance
Authors: Herget G
Published: September 2021

For the design of large construction and mining projects it is difficult to obtain representative data on rock strength and stress. Difficulties may arise from: poorly defined areas of homogeneity in the rock mass, insufficient number of measurements, incorrect
material models for the calculation of excavation performance.
Monitoring is capable of confirming predictions of stress redistribution in the rock mass at an early stage of excavation activity. In Canada new mechanical devices have been developed to monitor deformation in the elastic range of hard rock and to identify creep parameters in evaporites. Field
results are described.
MRL3DPLT documentation - an interface program for the general purpose plotting program MRLPLT (CRAY-1S version)
Authors: Yu Y S , Wong A S , Toews N A
Published: September 2021

MRL3DPLT is an interface program to MRLPLT which is a general purpose program for graphical representation of data over two-dimensional regions. MRL3DPLT consists of two subprograms - PLTSTRS and PLTDSP. Their basic functions are to convert the 3-D finite element
analysis data (SAPOUT), generated by the three-dimensional finite element program SAP3D, into input data files acceptable to MRLPLT.
This report provides information on the file usage, program capabilities and data input instructions. In addition, a simple CRAY-1S Job Control Language (JCL) set up for access to the CRAY-1S supercomputer is given in sections 5 and 6.
A cross-sectional study of insomnia severity and cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients under remission
Authors: Yella Siva Anoop , Kumar Ch Siva , Miryala Gireesh Kumar , Pabbathi Lokeswara Reddy , Singagari Sai Naveen
Published: September 2021

Background:

Sleep disturbances are commonly seen in mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Even though psychiatric symptoms are treated, sleep disturbances remain to be persisting in some groups of patients. Persistent sleep disturbances could lead to relapse of the disorder per se or could lead to cognitive dysfunction or impairment. Depending on the severity of insomnia, cognitive impairment can vary among remitted patients.

Methodology:

A total of 200 patients suffering from mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder under remission are taken for the study. After obtaining the sociodemographic profile of the patients, insomnia severity is calculated using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scale and cognitive impairment is assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). ISI scores are compared ith MoCA scores and cognitive impairment is assessed in those patients using statistical analysis.

Results:

The mean age as found to be 32.08, the mean ISI score is 20.55, and the mean MoCA score is 23.15. ISI score as negatively correlated to MoCA score and age. MoCA score as positively correlated to age.

Conclusions:

Cognitive impairment, as observed on MoCA score, as more hen the insomnia severity is high and also ith increasing age. Correcting the underlying insomnia in remitted patients is very important in preventing cognitive impairment.
A comparative study on effect of 4% gelatin and dextran-40 on blood glucose levels during surgery under subarachnoid block – A randomised, prospective study
Authors: Gajula Sreehari Kunichetty , Bhadri Sreenivasulu , Mukkara Madhusudan
Published: September 2021

Background:

Stress response to surgery induces hyperglycaemia to limited extent. An additive hyperglycaemic response, secondary to the metabolism of intravenous fluids, can thus prove detrimental to the well-being of the patient, if ignored.

Methods:

We compared the effects of 4% gelatin and dextran-40 on blood glucose levels during surgery under subarachnoid block and their potential to induce hyperglycaemia. Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I and II patients were randomised into two groups, 30 patients in each. Group 1 patients were preloaded with 4% Gelatin (10 mL/kg) and Group 2 patients were preloaded with dextran-40 in normal saline (10 mL/kg), over a period of 30 min. Just prior to preloading, base line capillary blood glucose (CBG) level was noted this is followed by subsequent readings at 20 min interval until 100 min from base line reading. All patients received normal saline (0.9%) as a maintenance fluid. Under strict aseptic precautions, subarachnoid block using 15 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine at L3-L4 or L4-L5 level was given after preloading.

Results:

The CBG levels in both the groups at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 min from base line were within physiological limits. In group 2, the maximum CBG level was found at 60 min from onset of preloading (P = 0.017), when compared with corresponding CBG level in Group 1. Preloading the patients prior to subarachnoid block with 4% gelatin or dextran 40 do not raise CBG levels significantly above the physiological limits.
Alcohol-Related Dementia: Rethink How Much You Drink
Authors: Mateus Raquel , Wick Jeannette Y.
Published: September 2021

People have consumed alcohol for centuries. Most clinicians who work with people who have dementia acknowledge that alcohol may cause or exacerbate dementia’s symptoms. Alcohol-related dementia (ARD) has been recognized since the 1960s, but clinicians rarely use this diagnosis.
Regardless, it is common and develops pursuant to long-term excessive alcohol consumption. It may, in some cases, evolve into Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Diagnosis can be obscured if patients are not truthful about their alcohol consumption. Often, friends or family provide a better picture
of the patient’s alcohol history than patients do themselves. Thiamine treatment may prevent or improve symptoms. Abstinence from alcohol is critical, but it is difficult for older people with long histories of heavy drinking. Consultant pharmacists can help the heath care team develop
nuanced care plans for patients who have ARD.
Bempedoic Acid: A First-in-Class Agent for Lowering Cholesterol Levels
Authors: McGraw-Senat Candis M. , Dillard Nakoasha , Guelda Taylor , Samuel Essie , Ling Hua
Published: September 2021

Despite statin therapy being the cornerstone for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, a significant number of patients do not tolerate statin therapy because of muscle-related adverse effects or cannot achieve their individual low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) goals with statin therapy alone. Several nonstatin agents have been evaluated for the management of LDL-C levels and reduction of cardiovascular (CV) risk in these patients, but there are some limitations with their use. Bempedoic acid is a novel nonstatin agent for the management of lipid disorders, via the inhibition of adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase (ACL). It was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration based on several phase III trials which showed promising results regarding safety and efficacy. Though CV outcome data are not available yet, bempedoic acid may be a useful adjunct therapy for select patients. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the major findings in these clinical trials and discuss the potential role of bempedoic acid in clinical practice and its use in older people.
Cannabis for Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain: A Case of an Older Person
Authors: Griffin Hailee , Fixen Danielle
Published: September 2021

Objective: To review the safety and efficacy of cannabis use for chronic pain in older people. Setting: The case took place in a geriatric primary-care clinic in Colorado. Practice Description: The clinic serves adults 75 years of age
and older where clinical pharmacists are used for medication consults and follow-up. Practice Innovation: Older people are using cannabis to treat a variety of conditions, with use increasing as more states legalize cannabis medically and recreationally. The primary reason
for use is pain. Pharmacists in Colorado can assist with education regarding cannabis use and evaluate if cannabis may be safe for older people. Main Outcome Measurement: This case evaluates the use of a combination CBD:THC cannabis product in a 78-year-old female patient
who was previously using opioids for degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. Results: The patient found improvement in her pain when using the combination cannabis product without any adverse effects. Conclusion: Further safety and efficacy evidence
is needed for using combination cannabis products for pain management in older people.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Cost Burden of Fall-Related Hospital Admissions in India
Authors: Puvvada Rahul Krishna , Undela Krishna , Parthasarathi Gurumurthy
Published: September 2021

Objective: To assess prevalence, risk factors, and cost burden of fall-related hospital admissions among older people in India. Previous studies conducted in India have not focused on the number of fall-related hospital admissions. Design: A prospective
observational study was carried out over 12 months. Socio-demographic, medical and medication details were collected from the patients, medical records, and treating physicians. Setting: The study was conducted in internal medicine, orthopedics, and emergency departments
of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Mysuru, Southern India. participants: Patients 60 years of age or older, of any gender, admitted to hospital were included in this study. Main Outcome Measure: Prevalence of fall-related hospital admission, fall-related
hospital admission associated with medication use, and direct cost incurred due to fall-related hospital admission. Results: A total of 1,036 patients [Males 53.6%] with a mean (SD) age of 69.3 (8.1) years were included in the study. A total of 188 patients were admitted
due to falling with the prevalence of 18.1%. The majority of patients fell due to environmental factors [105 (55.8%)]. Among medication-related falls (20), the majority were associated with the use of antihyperglycemics and antihypertensives. Increasing age, female gender, and multiple comorbidities
were identified as risk factors for fall-related hospital admissions. Conclusions: Falls are a common reason for hospital admission among older populations. Clinicians need to focus on modifiable risk factors to reduce the prevalence of falls and advise patients and their
caregivers about appropriate self-care behaviors.
The Importance of Electronic Health Record Access For Accurately Completing Drug Regimen Reviews
Authors: Mehlman Kaylee A. , Cho Victoria , Meyers Timothy W.
Published: September 2021

Objective: To challenge the standard of practice by evaluating the identification of medication discrepancies found depending on type of access to an electronic health record (EHR). In other words, is there a difference in the number of discrepancies between a pharmacist
with only access to the postacute long-term care (PALTC) EHR (ie, single-access pharmacist [SAP]) compared with a pharmacist with access to both the PALTC and hospital EHRs (ie, dual-access pharmacist DAP) In October 2018, the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation (IMPACT) Act
mandated admission drug review (DRR) upon admission to a post-acute, long-term care (PALTC) facility. Summary: This was a prospective study investigating the occurrence of medication therapy problems (MTP) identified by two different DRR processes; SAP versus DAP. Data were
collected in a community hospital and a stand-alone PALTC facility. It was found that the DAP identified more safety-related medication needs and medication omissions than an SAP. There was a significant association between the type of access and whether a MTP (ie, yes or no) was discovered,
the type of medication-related need, and MTP category. Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that current standard of practice should change to require access to both hospital and PALTC EHR systems for a pharmacist completing the medication reconciliation. Until the
gap in EHR interoperability is closed, the potential breakdown in communication associated with SAP places patients transitioning from hospital to PALTC facilities at increased risk for medication problems and accompanying adverse medication events.
Risk of COVID-19 transmission in heterogeneous age groups and effective vaccination strategy in Korea: a mathematical modeling study
Authors: Ko Youngsuk , Lee Jacob , Seo Yubin , Jung Eunok
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the possibility and conditions of maintaining an effective reproductive number below 1 using a mathematical model.METHODS: The total population was divided into five age groups (0-17, 18-29, 30-59, 60-74, and ≥75 years). Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) was used to estimate the transmission rate of each age group. Mathematical model simulation was conducted until December 31, 2021, by establishing various strategies for vaccination and social distancing without considering variants.RESULTS: MLE results revealed that the group aged 0-17 years had a lower risk of transmission than other age groups, and the older age group had relatively high risks of infection. If 70% of the population will be vaccinated by the end of 2021, then simulations showed that even if social distancing was eased, the effective reproductive number would remain below 1 near August if it was not at the level of the third re-spreading period. However, if social distancing was eased and it reached the level of the re-spreading period, the effective reproductive number could be below 1 at the end of 2021.CONCLUSIONS: Considering both stable and worsened situations, simulation results emphasized that sufficient vaccine supply and control of the epidemic by maintaining social distancing to prevent an outbreak at the level of the re-spreading period are necessary to minimize mortality and maintain the effective reproductive number below 1.
A hypertension risk score for adults: a population-based cross-sectional study from the Dubai Household Survey 2019
Authors: Mahmoud Ibrahim , Sulaiman Nabil , Hussein Amal , Mamdouh Heba , AL Nakhi Wafa K. , Hussain Hamid Y. , Ibrahim Gamal M.
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a risk score model for predicting hypertension specific to the population of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to facilitate prevention and early intervention.METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from the Dubai Household Health Survey 2019 was conducted. Demographic and physical parameters, as well as blood glucose levels, were included in the data. The risk factors for hypertension were identified using bivariate analysis. A risk score model was developed using the enter method, where all significant predictors of hypertension in bivariate analyses were entered in a single step with the primary outcome of hypertension status (yes/no). The model was validated internally by splitting the data into Emirati and non-Emirati populations.RESULTS: A total of 2,533 subjects were studied. The significant risk factors for hypertension identified were male sex, older age (≥40 years), education level, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidaemia. The model showed a high discrimination ability between individuals with and without hypertension, with an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75 to 0.79), excellent sensitivity (81.0%; 95% CI, 71.9 to 88.2) and moderate specificity (56.0%; 95% CI, 45.7 to 65.9).CONCLUSIONS: The model developed by this study is simple, convenient, and based on readily available demographic and medical characteristics. This risk score model could support initial hypertension screening and provide an effective tool for targeted lifestyle counselling and prevention programs.
COVID-19 outbreak in a military unit in Korea
Authors: Kim Chanhee , Kim Young-Man , Heo Namwoo , Park Eunjung , Choi Sojin , Jang Sehyuk , Kim Nayoung , Kwon Donghyok , Park Young-Joon , Choi Byeongseop , Ha Beomman , Jung Kyounghwa , Park Changbo , Park Sejin , Lee Heeyoung
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVES: This study presents the response of a military unit to an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Gyeonggi Province. As soon as 2 soldiers were identified as index cases, the infectious disease investigators of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and the Armed Forces Epidemiologic Investigation Center discussed the investigation and response plan for an imminent massive outbreak.METHODS: The joint immediate response team (IRT) conducted interviews with confirmed COVID-19 patients, reviewed their medical records, performed contact tracing using global positioning system data, and undertook a field investigation. For risk assessment, the joint IRT visited all 8 sites of the military units and the army chaplain’s church to evaluate the transmission risk at each site. The evaluation items included the size of the site, the use of air conditioning, whether windows were opened, and whether masks were worn. Pooled testing was used for the low-risk population to quickly detect the spread of COVID-19 in the military base.RESULTS: One day before the symptom onset of the index case, the lecturer and >50% of the attendees were infected with COVID-19 while attending a lecture that lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes. Attendees were not wearing masks and were in a poorly ventilated room.CONCLUSIONS: Since COVID-19 can be spread before symptom onset, contact tracing must be performed to investigate potential exposures prior to symptom onset and to manage any exposed persons.
Enzymatic and fecundity evaluation of Fasciola hepatica exposed to different doses of γ- irradiation in Ethiopian sheep
Authors: Tadesse Abebayehu , Eguale Tadesse , Ashenafi Hagos , Tilahun Getachew , Ayana Dinka
Published: September 2021

The upshot of γ-irradiated Fasciola hepatica infection on the activity of plasma glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and γ-glutamyl  transpeptidase (GGT) was evaluated in 36 sheep infected with a single dose of 30, 60, 120, and 240 grays and those kept as negative and positive control over 17 weeks. During this period, serum and faecal samples, as well as body weight gains, were taken at weekly intervals. Furthermore, the effects of the irradiation dose (500) for oral vaccination and on the recovery of adult flukes were assessed following primary infection. Eggs were first detected in the faeces of infected sheep on week 8 post-infection. The parasite viability was severely  affected by doses of γ-irradiation of 120 Gy or 240 Gy. In the aforementioned doses, relatively low numbers of mature flukes of about 60 (17.1%) and 38 (10.8%) were recovered than the control group, respectively. The sensitized lambs also showed less hepatic damage  compared with the controls as indicated by lower levels of the serum enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase and γ- glutamyl transferase  significant body weight loss was observed between weeks 6 and 8 post-infection followed by a steady increase of the mean weight of  infected animals across time. In conclusion, vaccination of sheep with γ irradiated metacercariae of F. hepatica appeared to affect the number and development of the fluke population resulting in reduced hepatic damage during migration, reduced fecundity after patency, as measured by worm and egg counts, levels of serum glutamate dehydrogenase and γ- glutamyl transferase.
Comparative evaluation of the immune responses of seven chicken ecotypes to vaccination against Newcastle disease
Authors: Sarba Edilu Jorga , Kemal Endashaw , Galan Eyob , Sori Teshale , Woube Yilkal Asfaw , Abdi Reta Duguma
Published: September 2021

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease of poultry with high mortality. The local velogenic viral pool of the ND strains  influences its severity and occurrence. ND vaccination is the most feasible approach to control the disease. However, some ND-vaccinated groups within chicken populations are susceptible to velogenic ND infection developing outbreaks with marked pathological lesions and shedding of the virus. Vaccine strain-related factors as well as inadequate vaccine application and delivery methods during vaccination might explain the suboptimum ND vaccine efficacy. In this study, however, we propose that host factors may contribute to the suboptimal vaccine efficacy in vaccinated chickens. We, therefore, compared the immune response of five Ethiopian chicken ecotypes to ND  immunization in the presence of two reference breeds (Fayoumi and Bovans). All chickens received initial immunization at age of 21 days with HB1 ND vaccine followed by two-times LaSota booster immunization at age 50 and 120 days. Subsequently, serum was collected fortnightly post-vaccination at age 35, 65, and 135 days for immune response analysis using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. HIantibody was significantly higher at days 135 > 65 > 35 in each ecotype following the third, second, and first vaccination, respectively. The different chicken ecotypes had significant differences in HI antibody response to the ND vaccination. Accordingly, the HI titer was  significantly higher in Jarso > Cheffe > Fayoumi > Arsi > Bovans > Tepi > Horro suggesting antibody titer and ND vaccine efficacy of the ND vaccine depends on host factors. Moreover, some chicken groups within each ecotype had low HI titer. Chicken ecotypes with weak immune responses may not completely clear the virus from their body; thus, they can serve as a reservoir host by maintaining the ND  virus. We conclude that herd immunity level and blanket vaccination program based on the results of a single host genetic group can be misleading during developing and recommending a new vaccine. Hence, understanding the host determinant factors in the immune response during vaccination can lead to improved efficacy and protection against ND in chicken populations.
In vitro antiplasmodial evaluation of ethanolic and n-hexane extracts of Parinari curatellifolia stem bark
Authors: Omoniwa Babasoji P. , Okaiyeto Kunle , Omoniwa David O. , Olorunyomi Olumuyiwa A.
Published: September 2021

Parinari curatellifolia and other Parinari species are used traditionally in many parts of Africa as a remedy for malaria among other diseases. To ascertain this folkloric claim, the antiplasmodial potential of ethanol extract of Parinari curatellifolia stem bark (EEPCSB) and n-hexane extract of Parinari curatellifolia stem bark (HEPCSB) on Plasmodium falciparum was studied. Parasites were grown in a 96-well plate containing Roswell Park Memorial Institute-1640. The wells were grouped into: control (untreated), artemether-treated, EEPCSB-treated and HEPCSBtreated groups. Treatments were administered to the tune of 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/ml. Parasitemia was observed by microscopy after 24, 48 and 72h of incubation. EEPCSB and HEPCSB elicited dose and duration-dependent reduction (p<0.05) in parasitemia when compared with the untreated group. The recorded percentage parasite inhibition by the extracts was lower (p<0.05) when compared with artemether. There was no difference (p>0.05) in plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase activity of EEPCSB-treated and artemether-treated groups. Findings from this study show that extracts of P. curatellifolia stem bark, especially EEPCSB, demonstrated excellent inhibitory activities against P. falciparum and can be a good source of compounds for the development of novel antimalarial drugs.

Keywords: Parinari curatellifolia; Extracts; Plasmodium falciparum; Parasitemia; Antiplasmodial
In vitro quality evaluation of brands of promethazine tablets marketed in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olakojo Oluwatobi O. , Usman Isah S.
Published: September 2021

The increasing number of multisource pharmaceuticals has necessitated the need for continuous quality assessment of products available for atients’ consumption. Promethazine is an anti-histamine used in cases of nausea, vomiting, motion sickness etc. The study was to examine the in vitro quality parameters for ten brands of promethazine hydrochloride tablets sold in retail pharmacies in Edo State, Nigeria. The parameters determined were identification, weight variation, friability, hardness, disintegration, dissolution rate and assay. All samples were evaluated for conformity with British Pharmacopoeia (BP) 2017 standards. Results obtained showed tablet weight ranging from 0.08 g ± 1.77 % to 0.255 g ± 3.557 %, hardness from 4.36 ± 0.58 to 8.33 ± 3.21 kg/cm2, friability of < 1 %, disintegration time of 2.47 ± 0.90 to 69.66 ± 7.23 min and assay of 61.32 ± 2.04 to 183.19 ± 0.11%. The ten batches but one released more than 80 % of their drug content within 30 min. Analysis of similarity factor revealed other samples but PR-7 can be interchangeable with PR-1 based on dissolution profile. The results showed that not all samples examined passed all the pharmacopoeia tests for satisfactory quality. Thus, they all cannot be used interchangeably in clinical practice.

Keywords: Promethazine; Quality Control; Dissolution; Pharmacopoeial specifications