bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Plasma Epstein–Barr virus DNA Load During the Follow-up Periods Predicts Recurrence and Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: He Sha-sha , Yang Yun-ying , Wang Yan , Ren Yu-feng , Wang Cheng-tao , Zhu Mei-yan , Lu Li-xia , chen yong
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

Epstein Barr virus DNA (EBV DNA) load has been identified as a prognostic factor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, while the dynamic changes in the long period have not been explored. In this study, we evaluated EBV DNA kinetics and its role in the survival.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 900 NPC patients. Plasma EBV DNA levels were measured at various time points after treatment. The correlations of EBV kinetics with recurrence and metastasis were analyzed. After stratifying patients according to the EBV results, survival was compared using Kaplan–Meier estimates. 12 and 24-month landmark analyses for OS data were performed according to the EBV groups.

RESULTS

Patients with post-EBV < 2,500 copies/mL achieved better survival than the higher ones. Furthermore, patients with continuously elevated EBV DNA had significantly poorer OS (HR: 2.542, 95%CI: 2.077–3.111, P < 0.001), DMFS (HR: 2.970, 95%CI: 2.392–3.687, P < 0.001), LRFS (HR: 1.699, 95%CI: 1.072–2.692, P = 0.013), and PFS (HR:2.535, 95%CI: 1.987–3.233, P < 0.001) than patients with continuously normal EBV or those with elevated levels at any time-point. The 5-year OS with elevated EBV was lower than the remission group by the 12 and 24-month landmark analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated EBV DNA after treatment was a better predictive indicator of survival than the baseline concentrations. Furthermore, continuously elevated EBV DNA after treatment indicated recurrence, metastasis and unfavorable prognosis for NPC. In addition, EBV DNA was predictable no matter how long the follow-up time.
IDO1/COX2 Expression Is Associated With Poor Prognosis In Colorectal Cancer Liver Oligo-metastases
Authors: Ma Wenjuan , Wang Xing , Wang Lulu , Chen Tinglan , Hu Shanshan , Xu Haineng , Pan Zhizhong , Chen Gong , Zhou Zhongguo , Zhang Rong-xin
Published: July 2020

Background: IDO1 and COX2 have emerged as promising immunotherapy targets, and their inhibitors could enhance T cell responses to tumor cells. Whether IDO1 and COX2 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with liver oligometastases could be an independent predictor for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of IDO1 and COX2 expression with OS and PFS in CRC patients with liver oligometastases.Methods: The expression levels of IDO1 and COX2 were assessed by immunohistochemistry in 107 specimens from patients with liver oligometastases. The correlation between the expression of IDO1 and COX2 and the clinicopathological parameters and OS/PFS in patients was examined.Results: The expression level of IDO1/COX2 was significantly correlated with age and was not associated with gender, BMI, T stage, N stage, primary tumor size, liver metastasis size, CEA, CA19-9, CD3 TILs or CD8 TILs. In univariate analysis, we found that IDO1/COX2 expression, CEA and N stage all yielded significantly poor OS and PFS outcomes. In our multivariate Cox model, IDO1/COX2 coexpression, CEA and N stage were found to be significantly correlated with OS; IDO1/COX2 coexpression and CEA were significantly correlated with PFS.Conclusions: IDO1/COX2 coexpression has a pivotal role and may act as a potential prognostic biomarker for survival in CRC patients with liver oligometastases.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice and rheumatologists: a cross-sectional multinational study
Authors: Ziade Nelly , Hmamouchi Ihsane , Kibbi Lina el , Abdulateef Nizar , Halabi Hussein , Abutiban Fatemah , Hamdi Wafa , Rakawi Manal el , Eissa Mervat , Masri Basel
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice and on the rheumatologists themselves, and to develop suggestions to improve the practice.MethodsA cross-sectional web survey was designed by members of the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR), validated by its scientific committee and disseminated through e-mail and social media. It included close-ended questions about the impact of the pandemic on the activities (in percentage, where 100% corresponds to complete suspension), and open-ended questions about unmet needs. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors of impact. Suggestions were developed to improve practice.ResultsA total of 858 rheumatologists were included in the analysis (27.3% of registered), 37% were 35-44 years-old, 60% were females and 48% worked in the private sector. The impact of COVID-19 was a decrease of 69% in hospitalizations, 65% in outpatient clinic, 56% in infusion centers and 43% in income. It was associated with the region (highest in the Gulf), the use of telemedicine, the impact on income and the practice sector (lowest in private). Telemedicine was mostly based on traditional telephone contacts and e-mails and reimbursed in 12%. Fifteen rheumatologists (1.8%) were infected and 156 cases of COVID-19 among patients were reported, of whom 22% died. The top-cited unmet needs were: access to drugs and a telemedicine platform.Conclusion The negative COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice may compromise rheumatic diseases control. Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are recommended to improve the practice.
The prognostic role of plasma fibrinogen in adult secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Yin Guangli , Man Changfeng , Liao Shengen , Qiu Hon'gxia
Published: July 2020

Background: Coagulation abnormality is common in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), but the more frequently reported anomaly is an isolated decrease in fibrinogen (FIB). Nonetheless, the prognostic value of FIB in adult secondary HLH (sHLH) remains uncertain. Methods: Circulating plasma levels of FIB were measured at diagnosis in 293 cases of adult sHLH. We categorized FIB levels into tertiles. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to evaluate the relationship between FIB and mortality. Restricted cubic spline models and two-piecewise Cox proportional hazards models were used to address the nonlinear association between FIB and mortality.Results: During a median follow-up of 52 (interquartile ranges, 18-221) days, 208 deaths occurred, with 137 deaths in MHLH and 71 deaths in non-MHLH. After multivariable adjustment, compared to the highest tertile of FIB, the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of mortality for tertile 2 and tertile 1 were 0.88 (0.61-1.26) and 1.51 (1.05-2.18), respectively. The restricted cubic spline curve displayed a nonlinear and inverse relationship between FIB and mortality. Furthermore, threshold effect analysis demonstrated that the inflection point for the curve was at a FIB level of 1.76 g/L. The HRs (95% CIs) for mortality were 2.47 (1.52-4.04) and 0.83 (0.64 -1.09) on the left and right side of the inflection point, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that plasma fibrinogen is nonlinearly and inversely associated with the risk of mortality in adult secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
Fall Inducing Movable Platform (FIMP) for Overground Trips and Slips
Authors: Er Jie Kai , Donnelly Cyril John William , Wee Seng Kwee , Ang Wei Tech
Published: July 2020

Background: The study of falls and fall prevention/intervention devices requires the recording of true falls incidence. However, true falls are rare, random, and difficult to collect in real world settings. A system capable of producing falls in an ecologically valid manner will be very helpful in collecting the data necessary to advance our understanding of the neuro and musculoskeletal mechanisms underpinning real-world falls events. Methods: A fall inducing movable platform (FIMP) was designed to arrest or accelerate a subject's ankle to induce a trip or slip. The ankle was arrested posteriorly with an electromagnetic brake and accelerated anteriorly with a motor. A power spring was connected in series between the ankle and the brake/motor to allow freedom of movement (system transparency) when a fall is not being induced. A gait phase detection algorithm was also created to enable precise activation of the fall inducing mechanisms. Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM1D) and one-way repeated measure ANOVA were used to evaluate the ability of the FIMP to induce a trip or slip. Results: During FIMP induced trips, the brake activates at the terminal-swing or mid-swing gait phase to induce the lowering or skipping strategies, respectively. For the lowering strategy, the characteristic leg lowering and subsequent contralateral leg swing was seen in all subjects. Likewise, for the skipping strategy, all subjects skipped forward on the perturbed leg. Slip was induced by FIMP by using a motor to impart unwanted forward acceleration to the ankle with the help of friction-reducing ground sliding sheets. Joint stiffening was observed during the slips, and subjects universally adopted the surfing strategy after the initial slip. Conclusion: The results indicate that FIMP can induce ecologically valid falls under controlled laboratory conditions. The use of SPM1D in conjunction with FIMP allows for the time varying statistical quantification of trip and slip reactive kinematics events. With future research, fall recovery anomalies in subjects can now also be systematically evaluated through the assessment of other neuromuscular variables such as joint forces, muscle activation and muscle forces.
Correlation of P53 and Bcl-2 With the Presence of Hpv-16 in Sudanese Female Patients Diagnosed With Cervical Pre-cancerous and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of The Cervix.
Authors: Ali Eman Taha , Mohamed Nouh S. , Hassan Lamis Ahmed , Shafig Irene R. , Muneer Mohamed S. , Mohamed Areeg Magzoub , Fiamma Maura , Chacko Mintu Elsa , Ahmed Ayman , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The persistence of high-risk Human Papilloma virus-16 (HPV-16) is considered as a predisposing factor for the development of the cervical carcinoma and the prognosis of the disease. However, other multifactorial risk factors including cell proliferation and apoptosis markers were also studied and linked to the development and progression of cervical carcinoma. This study is aiming at investigating the association between the presence of HPV-16 and the expression of p53 and Bcl-2 in benign and malignant cervical lesions using immunohistochemical staining methods.
Results

A total of 150 cases with different cervical lesions were studied, their age ranges from 34 to 67 years (mean 49.5 ± 6.9). Out of the 150 cases; 97 (64.7%) were malignant, 37 (24.7%) were pre-cancerous and 16 (10.7%) were benign lesions. The association between the expression of Bcl-2 and p53, the different histopathological diagnosis, and the type of lesion was statistically significant (p value < 0.0001) Furthermore the statistical analysis of Bcl-2 expression revealed a significant correlation with the cancer grade (p value = 0.018). Nevertheless, p53 expression showed no association with the cancer grade. Regarding the correlation between the presence of HPV-16 and the markers the results were found to be statistically significant.
Breast Papillary Lesions Diagnosed and Treated using Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Excision
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Gao Hua , Xu Minling , Wu Yang , Gao Dezong
Published: July 2020

Background: The management of papillary lesions of the breast remains controversial, and thus, we assessed the value of vacuum-assisted excision (VAE)-guided ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of breast papillary lesions. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 108 patients with papillary lesions diagnosed using VAE between August 2014 and January 2019. Cases without postoperative breast imaging in the follow-up were excluded, and 85 cases were eligible for the study. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 53 months, with 38 months on average. All the papillary lesions were located away from the skin or nipple with a size less than or equal to 30 mm, and the lesions categorized as C2-4b were completely excised using VAE. All VAEs were per­formed using an 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy nee­dle under the guidance of ultrasound using a 10 MHz linear probe. Results: Most patients with breast papillary lesions were asymptomatic (56.5%), and when the size of the breast papillary lesion was more than 20 mm on ultrasound imaging, atypical hyperplasia may have been concomitant. Breast lesions might have been pathologically diagnosed as papilloma after biopsy when they were categorized as BI-RADS 4a on ultrasound images. The rate of underestimation was 7.7% in papillary lesions diagnosed with VAE, and the recurrence rate of papilloma after VAE was low. Conclusions: Breast papilloma was a common lesion on ultrasonographic screening, and VAE was applicable for completely excising small papillomas, even papillomas with atypical hyperplasia, to obtain an accurate diagnosis with a low rate of underestimation and recurrence. We believe that papilloma diagnosed by VAE might not require immediate excision, and imaging follow-up may be safe for at least 3 years.
Group or Individual Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE)? A Qualitative Analysis of Acceptability
Authors: Reicherzer Leah , Kramer Franziska , Labudek Sarah , Jansen Carl-Philipp , Nerz Corinna , Nystrand Malin J. , Becker Clemens , Clemson Lindy , Schwenk Michael
Published: July 2020

Background: The Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) program is an effective but resource-intensive fall prevention program delivered one-to-one in participants’ homes. A recently developed group-based LiFE (gLiFE) could enhance large-scale implementability and decrease resource intensity. The aim of this qualitative focus group study is to compare participants’ experiences regarding acceptability of gLiFE vs LiFE.Methods: Programs were delivered in seven group sessions (gLiFE) or seven individual home visits (LiFE) within a multi-center, randomized non-inferiority trial. Four structured focus group discussions (90 – 100 minutes duration; one per format and study site) on content, structure, and subjective effects of gLiFE and LiFE were conducted. Qualitative content analysis using the method of inductive category formation by Mayring was applied for data analysis. Coding was managed using NVivo.Results: In both formats, participants (N=30, 22 women, ngLiFE=15, nLiFE=15, mean age 78.5±6.6 years) were positive about content, structure, and support received by trainers. Participants reflected on advantages of both formats: the social aspects of learning the program in a peer group (gLiFE), and benefits of learning the program at home (LiFE). In gLiFE, some difficulties with the implementation of activities were reported. In both formats, the majority of participants reported positive outcomes and successful implementation of new movement habits.Conclusion: This is the first study to examine participants’ views on and experiences with gLiFE and LiFE, revealing strengths and limitations of both formats that can be used for program refinement. Both formats were highly acceptable to participants, suggesting that gLiFE may have similar potential to be adopted by adults aged 70 years and older compared to LiFE. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03462654. Registered on March 12, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03462654.
Inhibitory Effect of Phytochemicals from Azadirachta indica A Juss. and Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and Spike Protease- An In Silico Analysis
Authors: CH RAMAKRISHNAMACHARYA , MURALIKUMAR VANITHA , S CHANDRASEKAR
Published: July 2020

COVID 19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is spreading worldwide and affected 10 million people with a mortality rate between 0.5 % to 5%. Medicinal plants from China, Morocco, Algeria, Africa and India were tested for antiviral efficacy in SARS-CoV-2. Ayurveda Medicine described many medicinal plants. The Nimba (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is used in fever, bacterial and viral infections, and Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers) is used as antiviral, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory purposes. The combination of both these plants is called Nimbamritam, and it is widely used in pyrexia, dermatitis, viral infections, etc. Spike protease (PDB ID 6VXX) and Mpro (PDB ID 6LU) were retrieved from RCSB and 16 ligands from A. indica and 6 ligands from T. cordifolia were obtained from IMPPAT and PubChem. AutoDock Vina embedded PyRx was used for docking. Remdesivir was taken as a reference drug. In silico study of Cordifolide A of T cordifolia showed the highest scores with -8.2 Kcal/mol and -10.3Kcal/mol with Mpro protease and Spike protease respectively. Cordifolide A had 4 H bonds and Kaempferol had 7 non-conventional bonds, including van der Waal with Mpro (6LU7) protease. The interactions with 6VXX had 5 H bonds in each ligand Cordifolide A and Azadirachtin B. The prevention of virus entry by targeting spike protease host receptor ACE2 and restricting replication of the viral genome by targeting Mpro residues were identified in our study. A. indica and T. cordifolia are promising therapeutic agents in COVID 19.
São Paulo drought: trends in streamflow and their relationship to climate and human-induced change in Cantareira watershed, Southeast Brazil
Authors: de Freitas Gabriela Nicoleti
Published: July 2020

The 2013–2015 drought in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo exposed the lack of resilience of the regional water supply system, highly dependent on the Cantareira reservoirs. In this paper, inflows to each of the four main Cantareira reservoirs are tested for systematic change. Persistent trends in streamflow, rainfall, temperature and evapotranspiration are first evaluated. Streamflow was also tested for step change. Double-mass curves were employed to assess modification in the precipitation–runoff relationship. Subsequently, we used the climate elasticity method and the ABCD model to quantify the relative contribution of climate and human activities into the detected trends. Only Cachoeira and Atibainha sub-basins showed a significant downward trend in streamflow. The results for step change were also significant, and the year of occurrence coincided with breakpoints in precipitation–runoff relationship. For both Cachoeira and Atibainha, human activities had a more significant impact on streamflow reduction than climate variability. Land use and cover maps suggest that the reduction of pasture/abandoned land parallel to an increase in reforestation/silviculture is behind streamflow reduction. The results highlight the importance of coordinating land-use patterns and water management, as an important contributor beyond any considerations of a changing climate. Implications for better managing regional water resources are discussed.
Efficient and Regioselective Ring-opening of Epoxides with Carboxylic Acid Catalyzed by Graphite Oxide
Authors: Mirza-Aghayan Maryam , Tavana Mahdieh Molaee , Niazi Elaheh Golam Alipour , Boukherroub Rabah
Published: July 2020

An efficient, simple and regioselective ring-opening reaction of epoxides with various carboxylic
acids under metal-free conditions is reported. The ring-opening of epoxides takes place in the
presence of graphite oxide as an efficient and available catalyst to produce the corresponding
2-hydroxy monoester and 1,2-diester derivatives in good yields. Regioselective attack of the nucleophile,
short reaction times, metal-free conditions and reusability of catalyst are among the advantages
of the present protocol.
ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ПРОФЕСІЙНО-ОСОБИСТІСНОЇ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ МЕДИЧНИХ СЕСТЕР
Authors: Марараш Г. Г.
Published: July 2020

Резюме. У статті обґрунтовано зміст поняття «професійно-особистісна компетентність» медичної сестри терапевтичного відділення; представлено результати дослідження таких її компонентів як комунікативний, особистісно-поведінковий і мотиваційний. Зауважено, що в медсестер спостережено високий рівень комунікабельності, проте констатовано середній рівень комунікативної культури. Виокремлено емоційні «перешкоди», що з’являються у процесі спілкування «медсестра – пацієнт»: небажання зближуватися з людьми, негнучкість, нерозвиненість емоцій, невміння контролювати емоції; знижена емпатійність. Виявлено досить високі оптимізм та активність медичних сестер, переважання альтруїстичних мотивів щодо вибору медичної професії. Визначено перспективні завдання розвитку професійно-особистісної компетентності медсестер терапевтичного відділення: підвищення рівня комунікативної культури шляхом розвитку емоційної компетенції та подолання емоційних бар’єрів у спілкуванні; розвиток поміркованої емпатійності, зокрема установок, що сприяють емпатії, здатності до проникнення. Це особливо важливо у контексті тих профілактичних задач, які вирішуються у роботі з пацієнтами, хворими на АГ. Актуальними засобами допомоги медичним сестрам щодо подолання власної невпевненості як професіонала, а також розвитку самоповаги і самопослідовності визначено активне залучення їх до розробки і впровадження корпоративних програм підтримки особистого здоров’я, науково-дослідницьких, профілактичних, едукаційних проєктів. А ресурсом для розвитку професійно-особистісної компетентності – їхній оптимізм та альтруїстичні мотиви вибору медичної професії.
АНАЛІЗ ГЕНДЕР-ЗАЛЕЖНОГО РУХОВОГО ПАТТЕРНУ У ПАЦІЄНТІВ З МОРБІДНИМ ОЖИРІННЯМ ЗА РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМИ ТЕСТОВИХ ВПРАВ FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN
Authors: Аравіцька М. Г.
Published: July 2020

Резюме. Цілі: визначення змін гендер-залежного рухового паттерну у пацієнтів з морбідним ожирінням (МО) із урахуванням рівня реабілітаційного комплаєнсу.

Методи. Обстежено 74 осіб із МО. За результатами визначення реабілітаційного комплаєнсу їх було поділено на дві групи. Групу порівняння склали особи з низьким рівнем комплаєнсу. Основну групу склали особи з високим рівнем комплаєнсу, які проходили річну програму корекції із застосуванням заходів для підтримки комплаєнсу, модифікації харчування, збільшення фізичної активності, лімфодренажу, психокорекції. Контрольну групу склали 63 особи з нормальною масою тіла.

Результати. У пацієнтів з МО всі результати вправ Functional Movement Screen були статистично значуще гіршими, ніж у осіб із нормальною масою тіла (p<0,05). Між чоловіками та жінками з МО не визначено різниці за результатами тестів «Крок через бар’єр» та «Лінійний випад» (р>0,05). Жінки показали кращий результат, ніж чоловіки, за тестами «Плечова мобільність», «Активне піднімання прямої ноги» (р<0,05). Результат чоловіків був кращим порівняно з жінками за вправами «Глибоке присідання», «Стабільність тулуба при розгинанні рук», «Колова стабільність» (р<0,05). Застосування створеної програми спричинило покращення за всіма тестами FMS в обох статевих групах порівняно з вихідним результатом та результатом групи порівняння (р<0,05). При цьому різниці у показниках між чоловіками та жінками не виявлялось (р>0,05). Пацієнти з низьким рівнем реабілітаційного комплаєнсу не продемонстрували ніяких позитивних змін порівняно з вихідним результатом (р>0,05).

Висновки. Тестові вправи Functional Movement Screen є простим і наочним методом реабілітаційного обстеження, який можна використовувати для демонстрації динаміки рухової дієздатності у програмах фізичної терапії хворих ожирінням.
PECULIARITIES OF TEACHING THE CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SUBJECT TO STUDENTS OF THE DENTAL FACULTY IN MODERN CONDITIONS REFORM OF MEDICAL EDUCATION
Authors: Virstyuk N. G. , Vasylechko М. М. , Vakalyuk І. І. , Kocherzhat О. І. , Chovganyuk О. S.
Published: July 2020

Summary. The aim of the work is to study the effectiveness of using interactive teaching methods and practical skills in the educational process, which will help improve the quality of training for students of the dental faculty at the Department of Internal Medicine of the Dentistry Faculty named after Professor M.N. Berezhnitsky.

          Based on the study of the effectiveness of using interactive teaching methods and the development of practical skills in clinical pharmacology in the educational process in the fourth year of study on the Dentistry Faculty under the medical education reform demonstrate, that only a comprehensive approach to the study of clinical pharmacology with the assimilation of modern theoretical material, the development of practical skills at the patient’s bedside, and by solving situational problems, self-awareness of classroom and extracurricular work allows students to explore clinical pharmacology in accordance with the modern requirements of medical reform. The knowledge acquired at the department about pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, interaction and side effects of drugs, effectiveness, safety of prescribed drugs and acquired practical skills contribute to the development of professionalism of a future specialist.
Bioinsecticidal effect of Tagetes erecta (Asteraceae) on the pine sawfly Zadiprion vallicola (Diprionidae)
Authors: Toribio-Hernández Edgar , Grande-Romero Yajaira Cecilia
Published: July 2020

The present study was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the bioinsecticidal effect of Tagetes erecta leaves on larvae of Zadiprion vallicola. Water, acetone and ethanol extracts of T. erecta leaves were extracted by maceration. The extracts were applied in concentrations of 250 mg/L, 500 mg/L, 750 and 1000 mg/L and distilled water used as control. Mortalities were corrected in proportion and an analysis of variance was performed. In addition, the LC50 was calculated for the various extracts obtained. There were differences in mortality in concentrations (F = 171.4, p < 0.001), between solvents (F = 1060, p < 0.001) and in their interactions (F = 7.3, p < 0.001). For the control group the mortality was null, due to the extracts; the greater mortalities were presented in applications greater than 500 mg/L. As concentrations increased, mortality marked a tendency to stabilize. Acetone and ethanolic extracts, with mortalities of 0.81 and 0.96, were highly effective compared to water extracts with a mortality of 0.64. The ethanol extracts produced an LC50 of 63.1 mg/L and the acetonic extracts of 64.5 mg/L, low concentrations compared to that produced by the water extracts of 398.1 mg/L. The effects of these extracts on the mortality of Z. vallicola are similar to those reported for the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, and therefore represent a valuable alternative for its control, especially in the case of ethanol extracts.
The Role of Knowledge Management Operations in Developing Human Resources Capabilities
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed Sulaiman , Al-Azawy Muhamad Abdul Wahab
Published: July 2020

Knowledge  Management  and  its  processes  represent  one  of  the  recent   conceptual  development  in  the  recent  management  philosophy , an  one  of  its active  practices , and  the  most  consist  with  the  speeding  changes  in  the  business  world , and  its  reflects  on  different  tasks  and   activities  of  organization  which  performed  by  human  recourses  in  according  to  the  abilities  and  capabilities which  they  acquired , this  lead  organizational  management  to  have  interest  on   Knowledge  Management  and  its  processes , there  is  an expect  that these  process  will  contribute  in  developing  human  recourse  capabilities  ,  so  this  study  came  to  determine  the  role  of  the  Knowledge  Management  processes  in  developing  human  recourse  capabilities  in  a scientific  methodology  and  field  analysis  in  some  industrial  organizations in Dohuk  Province \ Iraqi  Kurdistan  Region  , by  testing  some  hypotheses which reflect  correlation  and  effect  relationships  between  the Knowledge Management processes represents ( knowledge  acquiring , participating , storing , and  applying )  in  developing  human  recourse  capabilities  in  the  researched  organizations  reaching  to point  down   some  relevant  conclusions  , as  well  as  providing  some  necessary  recommendations  for  the  organizations  in  general  and  the  researched especially.
The Effects of Telemonitoring on Patient Compliance With Self-Management Recommendations and Outcomes of the Innovative Telemonitoring Enhanced Care Program for Chronic Heart Failure: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ding Hang , Jayasena Rajiv , Chen Sheau Huey , Maiorana Andrew , Dowling Alison , Layland Jamie , Good Norm , Karunanithi Mohanraj , Edwards Iain
Published: July 2020

Background

Telemonitoring enables care providers to remotely support outpatients in self-managing chronic heart failure (CHF), but the objective assessment of patient compliance with self-management recommendations has seldom been studied.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate patient compliance with self-management recommendations of an innovative telemonitoring enhanced care program for CHF (ITEC-CHF).

Methods

We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial with a 6-month follow-up. The ITEC-CHF program comprised the provision of Bluetooth-enabled scales linked to a call center and nurse care services to assist participants with weight monitoring compliance. Compliance was defined a priori as weighing at least 4 days per week, analyzed objectively from weight recordings on the scales. The intention-to-treat principle was used to perform the analysis.

Results

A total of 184 participants (141/184, 76.6% male), with a mean age of 70.1 (SD 12.3) years, were randomized to receive either ITEC-CHF (n=91) or usual care (control; n=93), of which 67 ITEC-CHF and 81 control participants completed the intervention. For the compliance criterion of weighing at least 4 days per week, the proportion of compliant participants in the ITEC-CHF group was not significantly higher than that in the control group (ITEC-CHF: 67/91, 74% vs control: 56/91, 60%; P=.06). However, the proportion of ITEC-CHF participants achieving the stricter compliance standard of at least 6 days a week was significantly higher than that in the control group (ITEC-CHF: 41/91, 45% vs control: 23/93, 25%; P=.005).

Conclusions

ITEC-CHF improved participant compliance with weight monitoring, although the withdrawal rate was high. Telemonitoring is a promising method for supporting both patients and clinicians in the management of CHF. However, further refinements are required to optimize this model of care.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12614000916640; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366691
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Niat dan Keputusan Konsumen Membeli Sayuran dan Buah Secara Online
Authors: Listyowati Esi Asyani , Suryantini Any , Irham Irham
Published: July 2020

Compared to other goods, online trading on fresh agricultural products such as vegetables and fruit is still relatively new for the Indonesian people. What drives this growing interest in  purchasing  agricultural products online? This study aims to examine the factors influence consumers' intentions in purchasing vegetables and fruit online and further  analyzes the influence of purchase intentions on consumers’ decision to make the purchases online. The study was based on analysis of 146 users of online vetabales stores in various more than 10 online platfom accessible in Indonesia from July to August 2018. Users are aged from 15 to more than 54 years. Using seven exogenous latent variables predicted to influence purchase intentions, this study found four variables which proved to influence purchasing intentions, namely perceived usefulness, perceived price, income, and electronic word of mouth. Three variables were perceived ease of use, trust, and perceived risk prevention does not affect the purchase intention. The purchase intention as the first endogenous latent variable proved to influence consumer purchasing decisions as the second endogenous latent variable.
Membaca Fenomena Menguatnya Perayaan “Islamisasi” di Indonesia Pasca Reformasi
Authors: Jayanto Dian Dwi
Published: July 2020

The strengthening of Islamization (Islamisasi) or the revival of religious awakening in the post-reform Indonesia has become an appealing topic to be studied by social scientists. Islamization, in this study, is not defined in terms of the discourse of religious political relations (such as relations of state and religion), but refers to the existence of social religious expressions which are marked by considerable exploration to form a new meaning of Islam (Islamization) which involves various elements, especially capitalism and modernity. This paper provides an overview of how social scientists see the phenomenon of Islamization in the post-reform Indonesia. This overview is important in order to discuss the viewpoints or better known as "standing positions" of scientists in seeing the phenomenon of Islamization in Indonesia. This paper uses a literature study in the form of collecting various relevant studies related to the analysis of Islamization in the post-reform Indonesia. It then simplifies a number of selected studies from various scientific writings and finds various perspectives, including ones which see this phenomenon as a symptom of radicalism, a form of the success of commodification of Islam. Another perspective makes use of the concept of Post-Islamism and links it with the hybrid identity concept. In the end, this paper concludes that there are two big perspectives, besides the mainstream perspective of radicalism and terrorism, namely the commodification of Islam and Post-Islamism. This research argues that these two perspectives can be used as a basis for thinking in reading the dynamics of increasing social-religious expression in Indonesia with different analytical levels.
DEVELOPMENT AND CLINICAL EVALUATION OF TOPICAL HYDROQUINONE NIOSOMAL GEL FORMULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF MELASMA
Authors: AMMAR AMAL A. , SALEM HODA A. , ELADAWY SHEREEN A. , ELSAMAD ZINAB I. ABD , KOHAF NEVEEN A.
Published: July 2020

Objective: The goal of the present study was to develop niosomal gel as a nanocarrier for improved depigmentation effect of hydroquinone (HQ). As well as to evaluate the prepared niosomes for entrapment efficiency, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential, and in vitro release study. As an ultimate point of the objectives was to evaluate the best-prepared niosomal gel formula clinically in well-diagnosed patients of melasma and the results were compared with a commercial product.

Methods: The effect of incorporation of co-surfactant such as Tween 20, Tween 40, and Tween 60 with Span 80, was studied to determine the highest entrapment efficiency and the desired release rate. Niosomes showed the highest entrapment efficiency was incorporated in different gelling agents like Carbopol 934 and Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC Na) with different concentrations. Accelerated stability testing of HQ from niosomal gel formulations; the expiry date t90 was estimated. The best-prepared niosomal gel formula was studied clinically in patients of melasma and the results were compared with the commercial product (Clearique 2%)®Delta Pharma Company. 

Results: There was a significant increase in the clinical efficacy of the niosomal therapy and a highly significant decrease regarding to modified melasma area and severity index (MASI), duration to achieve improvement, side effects, and the recurrence of melasma in patients treated with niosomal gel compared to the commercial product.

Conclusion: The incorporation of hydroquinone in niosomal gel improves its therapeutic effect regarding clinical effect, duration of treatment, side effects, recurrence and patient compliance.
METHOD DEVELOPMENT ON ANALYSIS CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE AND 4-HYDROXYCYCLOPHOPHAMIDE IN DRIED BLOOD SPOT AND ITS APPLICATION IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
Authors: HARAHAP YAHDIANA , GUSTIYANTI NURLITA , SUNANTO AYU EGAHMUSTIKA , HARMITA  , PURWANTO DENNIJOKO
Published: July 2020

Objective: To develop the method for the simultaneous analysis of cyclophosphamide and 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide (4-OHCP) in Dried Blood Spot (DBS) using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and its application in breast cancer patients for therapeutic drug monitoring.

Methods: Sample preparation used protein precipitation with methanol and acetonitrile (2:1 v/v). The separation was conducted using 1.7μm (2.1 x 100 mm) Waters AcquityTM UPLC C18 column; mobile phase consists of 0.01% formic acid and methanol (50:50 v/v) with isocratic elution, column temperature 30 °C, flow rate 0.3 ml/min and hexamethylphosphoramide (HMP) used as an internal standard. Analysis was performed by a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with a positive ion mode of Electrospray Ionization. Cyclophosphamide was detected at m/z 260.968>139.978, 4-OHCP at m/z 338.011>224.979, and HMP at m/z 180.17>92.08. The method was applied to quantify cyclophosphamide and 4-OHCP in DBS of breast cancer patients. Blood samples were collected at 2 and 4 h after cyclophosphamide administration for therapeutic drug monitoring.

Results: The method was linear in the range of 50–30.000 ng/ml for cyclophosphamide and 10–1000 ng/ml for 4-OHCP. Lower Limit of Quantification (LLOQ) concentration of cyclophosphamide was 50 ng/ml and 4-OHCP was 10 ng/ml. Accuracy and precision within-run and between-run met the requirements with % diff and CV, not exceeding ±15% and not more than ±20% for LLOQ concentration. The results from DBS samples of cancer patients showed that the level of cyclophosphamide was in the range of 6045.980 ng/ml to 37024.403 ng/ml and 4-OHCP was in the range 33.155 ng/ml to 246.362 ng/ml.

Conclusion: The developed method met the requirements of all validation parameters under the Guideline on Bioanalytical Method Validation by the European Medicines Agency in 2011. Method can be applied on DBS of cancer patients and the results showed that cyclophosphamide and 4-OHCP was detected on 17 samples of breast cancer patients. This can be one of the parameters for therapeutic drug monitoring.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ETHAMBUTOL POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLES
Authors: HUSSAIN MONOWAR , SARMA ANUPAM , RAHMAN SHEIKH SOFIUR , SIDDIQUE ABDUL MATIN , EESWARI TANUKU PAVANI
Published: July 2020

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis which most commonly affects the lungs. TB has the highest mortality rate than any other infectious disease occurs worldwide. The main objective of the present investigation was to develop polymeric nanoparticles based drug delivery system to sustain the ethambutol (ETB) release by reducing the dose frequency.

Methods: The Preformulation studies of drug ETB were done by physical characterization, melting point determination, and UV spectrophotometric analysis. The ETB loaded nanoparticles were prepared by double-emulsion (W/O/W) solvent evaporation/diffusion technique. The prepared polymeric nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, drug loading, drug-polymer compatibility study, surface morphology, in vitro drug release, and release kinetics.

Results: Based on the result obtained from the prepared formulations, F11 showed the best result and was selected as the optimized formulation. Optimized batch (F11) showed better entrapment efficiency (73.3%), good drug loading capacity (13.21%), optimum particle size (136.1 nm), and zeta potential (25.2 mV) with % cumulative drug release of 79.08% at the end of 24 h.

Conclusion: These results attributed that developed polymeric nanoparticles could be effective in sustaining the ETB release over 24 h. Moreover, the developed nanoparticles could be an alternate method for ETB delivery with a prolonged drug release profile and a better therapeutic effect can be achieved for the treatment of tuberculosis.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF LIQUID CRYSTAL EMULSION CONTAINING EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AS SKIN ANTI-AGING
Authors: SEPTIANINGSIH ULVA DWI AYU , REVENY JULIA , ARIANTO ANAYANTI
Published: July 2020

Objective: The purpose of this research was to formulate and evaluate the and anti-aging activity and the characteristic of liquid crystal emulsion of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).

Methods: Preparation of liquid crystal emulsion was made using the variation of alkyl polyglycoside and caprylic triglyceride as surfactant with concentration ratio was 3:5 (F1), 4:4 (F2), 5:3 (F3) and 5% extra virgin olive oil as an anti-aging substance. The liquid crystal emulsions were evaluated for an organoleptic test, microscopic, pH value, viscosity, particle size, zeta potential during 12 w storage at room temperature and centrifugation test. The selected liquid crystal emulsion was examined with anti-aging activity (moisture, pore, spot, and wrinkle) using a skin analyzer to volunteer’s skin.

Results: The result showed that all formulas had stable storage for 12 w at room temperature (25±1 °C). Liquid crystal emulsion with a surfactant concentration of alkyl polyglycosides and caprylic triglycerides 4:4 (F2) showed the presence of liquid crystal, the stable value of pH (6.9) and viscosity (4995 mPa), smallest particle size 5.727 µm, and highest zeta potential-34.5 mV after 12 w storage at room temperature.

Conclusion: EVOO liquid crystal emulsion (F2) showed better skin anti-aging activity (condition of moisture content, pore, spot, and wrinkle) than conventional emulsion. It concluded that the formula was stable physically and showed better skin anti-aging activity than conventional emulsion.
The QUALITY BY DESIGN APPROACH FOR SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE AND SALMETEROL XINAFOATE
Authors: KULKARNI PANKAJ N. , JADHAV C. K. , DODAKE-SUPEKAR ALAKNANDA M. , GILL CHARANSINGH H.
Published: July 2020

Objective: To develop and validate a novel and simple reverse phase Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) method for simultaneous determination of Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Xinafoate from pharmaceutical finished product, applying Quality by design (QbD) approach.

Methods: The proposed analytical method developed and validated in a linear gradient condition at a flow rate of 0.40 ml/min over Waters ACQUITY BEH Shield RP 18, 2.1*100 mm, 1.7 µm column by maintaining column oven temperature at 30 °C and Sample cooler temperature at 15 °C. Chromatograms monitored and recorded at 215 nm.

Results: The proposed method has been validated as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines with respect to system suitability, specificity, precision, linearity, accuracy, range, solution stability and robustness. This method is qualified in all parameters in case of system suitability and specificity; precision observed within the limit of 2.0%, the excellent linear response observed with correlation coefficient (R2) for Salmeterol 0.99999 and Fluticasone Propionate 0.99999, for Accuracy within the limit of 98% to 102%.

Conclusion: A selective, suitable and accurate reverse phase UPLC method for simultaneous Determination of Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Xinafoate in the pharmaceutical finished product has been developed and validated successfully.
MICROENCAPSULATION OPTIMIZATION OF PROPOLIS ETHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM TETRAGONULA SPP USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: PRATAMI DIAH KARTIKA , MUN’IM ABDUL , HERMANSYAH HERI , GOZAN MISRI , SAHLAN MUHAMAD
Published: July 2020

Objective: This research aimed to encapsulate the propolis through spray drying to overcome problematic handling properties of propolis and to optimize the microencapsulation by using response surface methodology (RSM).

Methods: The propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) was microencapsulated by spray drying with maltodextrin and gum arabic. RSM was applied for the optimization of microencapsulation efficiency, yield, moisture content, solubility in water, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity of spray-dried propolis (SDP) microcapsules.

Results: The highest process efficiency reached a microencapsulation yield of 75.35%. The highest solubility of SDP in water was 91.47%, with a moisture content of 0.96%. SDP exhibiting the highest TPC of 307.325 mg GAE/g, with a microencapsulation efficiency of 81.48%. Ferric reducing antioxidant power analysis showed its highest antioxidant activity with a low EC50 19.12 ug/ml with DPPH analysis, and a high reducing power capacity of 314.64 mg GAE/g.

Conclusion: Microencapsulation optimization of propolis ethanolic extract from Tetragonula spp. using RSM indicated that SDP with 1:2 ratios of the microwall to core (propolis), inlet temperature at 115 °C, and flow rate 20% represented the optimum conditions. Microencapsulation has successes improved physical appearance and the solubility index and protected and enhanced bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties of propolis in optimum condition by using spray drying.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MUCOADHESIVE BUCCAL TABLETS OF CARVEDILOL
Authors: CHANDARANA DHAVAL A. , PATEL KEYUR S. , PATEL SAMIR C. , PATEL DEEPA R. , PRAJAPATI SHAILESH T.
Published: July 2020

Objective: The aim of the study was to formulate and evaluate mucoadhesive buccal tablets of carvedilol to avoid the first-pass metabolism.

Methods: Mucoadhesive Buccal tablets of carvedilol were prepared by direct compression techniques using a combination of bioadhesive polymers such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and polyethlyelne oxide WSR-1105 (PEO WSR-1105). In order to improve solubility of carvedilol, solid dispersion was prepared using poloxamer 188. A 32 Full factorial design was applied to investigate the combined effect of the two independent variables i.e. concentration of HPC (X1) and concentration of PEO WSR-1105(X2) on the dependent variables, % in vitro drug release at 1 h (Y1), % in vitro drug release at 4 h (Y2), mucoadhesive strength (Y3) and mucoadhesion time (Y4).

Results: Optimized mucoadhesive buccal tablets shows in vitro drug release of 96.23±2.45 in 8 h, mucoadhesive strength of 18.20±1.44 g, mucoadhesion time 420±2.6 min and surface pH 6.75±0.015. Drug excipients compatibility study by FTIR showed no interaction between drug and excipients.

Conclusion: From all parameters and experimental design evaluation, it was concluded that the drug release rate decreased with an increase the concentration of HPC and PEO WSR-1105 and mucoadhesion property increased with increase the concentration of PEO WSR-1105. The in vitro release kinetics revealed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model is followed and drug release is by anomalous diffusion.