bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning to perform role-filler binding with schematic knowledge
Authors: Chen Catherine , Lu Qihong , Beukers Andre , Baldassano Christopher , Norman Kenneth A.
Published: March 2021

Through specific experiences, humans learn the relationships that underlie the structure of events in the world. Schema theory suggests that we organize this information in mental frameworks called “schemata,” which represent our knowledge of the structure of the world. Generalizing knowledge of structural relationships to new situations requires role-filler binding, the ability to associate specific “fillers” with abstract “roles.” For instance, when we hear the sentence Alice ordered a tea from Bob, the role-filler bindings customer:Alice, drink:tea and barista:Bob allow us to understand and make inferences about the sentence. We can perform these bindings for arbitrary fillers—we understand this sentence even if we have never heard the names Alice, tea, or Bob before. In this work, we define a model as capable of performing role-filler binding if it can recall arbitrary fillers corresponding to a specified role, even when these pairings violate correlations seen during training. Previous work found that models can learn this ability when explicitly told what the roles and fillers are, or when given fillers seen during training. We show that networks with external memory learn to bind roles to arbitrary fillers, without explicitly labeled role-filler pairs. We further show that they can perform these bindings on role-filler pairs that violate correlations seen during training, while retaining knowledge of training correlations. We apply analyses inspired by neural decoding to interpret what the networks have learned.
Research progress on the application of feed additives in ruminal methane emission reduction: a review
Authors: Sun Kang , Liu Huihui , Fan Huiyu , Liu Ting , Zheng Chen
Published: March 2021

Background

Ruminal methane (CH4) emissions from ruminants not only pollute the environment and exacerbate the greenhouse effect, but also cause animal energy losses and low production efficiency. Consequently, it is necessary to find ways of reducing methane emissions in ruminants. Studies have reported that feed additives such as nitrogen-containing compounds, probiotics, prebiotics, and plant extracts significantly reduce ruminant methane; however, systematic reviews of such studies are lacking. The present article summarizes research over the past five years on the effects of nitrogen-containing compounds, probiotics, probiotics, and plant extracts on methane emissions in ruminants. The paper could provide theoretical support and guide future research in animal production and global warming mitigation.

Methods

This review uses the Web of Science database to search keywords related to ruminants and methane reduction in the past five years, and uses Sci-Hub, PubMed, etc. as auxiliary searchers. Read, filter, list, and summarize all the retrieved documents, and finally complete this article.

Results

Most of the extracts can not only significantly reduce CH4 greenhouse gas emissions, but they will not cause negative effects on animal and human health either. Therefore, this article reviews the mechanisms of CH4 production in ruminants and the application and effects of N-containing compounds, probiotics, prebiotics, and plant extracts on CH4 emission reduction in ruminants based on published studies over the past 5 years.

Conclusion

Our review provides a theoretical basis for future research and the application of feed additives in ruminant CH4 emission reduction activities.
Sinomacrops bondei, a new anurognathid pterosaur from the Jurassic of China and comments on the group
Authors: Wei Xuefang , Pêgas Rodrigo Vargas , Shen Caizhi , Guo Yanfang , Ma Waisum , Sun Deyu , Zhou Xuanyu
Published: March 2021

Anurognathids are an elusive group of diminutive, potentially arboreal pterosaurs. Even though their monophyly has been well-supported, their intrarelationships have been obscure, and their phylogenetic placement even more. In the present work, we present a new genus and species from the Middle-Late Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation, the third nominal anurognathid species from the Jurassic of China. The new species provides new information concerning morphological diversity for the group. Furthermore, we provide a new phylogenetic analysis incorporating into a single data set characters from diverging phylogenetic proposals. Our results place them as the sister-group of Darwinoptera + Pterodactyloidea, as basal members of the Monofenestrata.
Metastatic Carcinoma Breast Presenting as Appendicular Abscess
Authors: (Pate) Meenakshi Yeola , Singh Kushagra , Tote Darshana , Aalam Azeem Javed , Gharde Pankaj
Published: March 2021

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females worldwide and presents mostly as a hard painless lump in breast. Authors report a case of a 59-year-old female who presented to emergency department with complaints of pain and lump in right iliac fossa, high grade fever with chills and rigor, multiple episodes of vomiting. She was febrile having tachycardia with normal blood pressure. Examination revealed a firm tender lump in right iliac fossa with guarding of abdomen. Incidental finding of a large left sided breast lump was noted. Radiological investigations revealed appendicular abscess. She was undertaken for emergency diagnostic laparoscopy followed by appendectomy. Surprisingly, histopathology revealed deposits of ductal carcinoma in appendix. She developed faecal fistula at incision site. On further evaluation of left breast lump it was diagnosed as locally advanced breast carcinoma. Patient was managed with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by left sided Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) and adjuvant chemotherapy. She was on regular follow-up since then. Appendicular metastasis is one of the rare sites of metastasis of breast malignancy and presentation as appendicular abscess made the diagnosis and management challenging.
Effect of Animation Distraction on Pain Response during Venepuncture among Children
Authors: Divya . , Danieal Deepa
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Children are the most valuable resource, and childhood is the world of a miracle. Every child in a lifetime may face many illnesses and hospitalisation. Pain is a common problem faced by a hospitalised child. Venepuncture is an invasive procedure followed in the hospital, which may produce pain, fear, anxiety, and discomfort in children. The animation distraction is one of the cost-effective non-pharmacological methods which may distract the child during any procedure and reduce the pain stimuli. Aim: To find the effect of animation distraction on pain response during venepuncture. Materials and Methods: An evaluative research approach with a quasi-experimental (post-test only control group) design was adopted in the study. The sample comprised of 40 children (20 each in the control and experimental group) aged 4-12 years undergoing venepuncture was selected by using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. A small 5-20 minutes of animated videos based on the children’s age and choice were displayed to the experimental group during the venepuncture procedure. Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale was used to assess the pain response after venepuncture in both the control and experimental group. Results: The data was collected, recorded systematically, and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The experimental group’s mean post-test pain score (3.4±1.68) was lower than the control group (8.2±1.53) with p<0.001. Three-fourths of the control group (75%) had severe pain, whereas in the experimental group, none of the samples experienced severe pain, and 55% of the samples had moderate pain. Notably, 5% of the samples from the experimental group reported no pain during venepuncture. The calculated t-value t(38)=9.79 is greater than the table value t(38)=2.02 at 0.05 level of significance. Conclusion: The animation distraction was highly effective in reducing the pain response in children during venepuncture.
Celiac Disease in Children with Chronic Diarrhoea: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bhavika YM , Kumar DG Prasanna , Harish HN
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Celiac disease is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, very often underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness among the general practitioners. Aim: To study the prevalence of celiac disease among children with chronic diarrhoea. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which, 890 children between the age group of 1-18 years with history of chronic diarrhoea (loose stools or increased frequency for more than two weeks) were enrolled, between November 2015 and January 2018 in a tertiary care centre in India. The children were screened with serological tests for celiac disease and among those who were tested positive; the diagnosis was confirmed by intestinal biopsy. Results: Of the 890 patients with chronic diarrhoea, 252 (28.3%) were tested positive for anti-tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies with levels more than 10 times the upper normal limit. Among the 252 patients with positive serology, 144 patientshad intestinal biopsy findings suggestive of celiac disease (Marsh stage 3b and 3c) while the rest had normal or mild (marsh grade 1, 2 and 3a) histological changes. Conclusion: Celiac disease is one of the most important causes of chronic diarrhoea and hence should be actively looked for in children presenting with chronic diarrhoea.
Evaluation of the Phytochemicals, Nutritional and Anti-nutritional Compositions of Fresh, Sprouted and Toasted Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Extracts
Authors: Bamidele Titilayo O. , Sunday Haruna G. , Mathew Auta , Ombugadu Jesse , Maryam Abdullahi
Published: March 2021

The current study evaluated the Phytochemicals Nutritional and Anti-nutritional Compositions of Fresh, Sprouted and Toasted Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) Seed extracts. The phytochemicals, proximate, amino acids, microminerals and antinutrients compositions were determined following standard laboratory procedures in autoanalizer machines. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by LSD and Duncan test for levels of significance. Results revealed the presence of Tannins, Saponins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Cardiac glycosides, Terpenoids in the three samples but anthroquinones was absent in sprouted and toasted watermelon seeds. Saponins (2.15 ± 0.07 mg/100 g), Tannins (40.63 ± 0.13 mg/100 g) Cyanogenic glycosides (3.55 ± 0.35 mg/100 g). There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the concentrations of the phytochemicals in all the samples except for cyanogenic glycosides which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the fresh sample. Percentage protein (24.87 ± 0.48) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the sprouted sample, ash (%) (2.63 ± 0.11) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the sprouted, fibre (20.64 ± 0.23) and moisture (%) (2.88 ± 0.19) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the toasted and carbohydrates (%) (9.81 ± 1.27) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the sprouted. Results obtained for Amino acids and mineral analyses showed no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the three samples and Phytates (0.31 ± 0.01%) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the fresh sample while oxalates (0.85 ± 0.01%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the sprouted sample. The fresh, sprouted and toasted watermelon seeds may possess nutritional and health benefit by the virtue of their richness in phytochmicals, microminerals and amino acids, however the safety of the fresh sample is not guaranteed due to its high concentration of anti-nutrients.
Worktext in Precalculus: Evaluation and Acceptability
Authors: Esquierdo Ida E. , Ballado Ronato S.
Published: March 2021

Worktext plays a vital role in any classroom setting particularly in mathematics. Despite the development of the new technologies that allow high-quality instructional materials, demand for textbooks or worktexts continues to grow. The era of modern technology makes students to be more inquisitive and the acquisition of new learning is high. With the implementation of the K to 12 curriculum, teachers are challenge to develop relevant and research–based instructional materials. At present, few instructional materials could be utilized for senior high school students particularly in PreCalculus which is based on the learning competencies of the subject. This study developed a worktext in PreCalculus based on the curriculum guide provided by the Department of Education. After which, the worktext was evaluated by the Calculus experts in selected State Universities in Region 8 and selected PreCalculus teachers in public schools in Northern Samar on the level of validity and acceptability. Results showed that the content validity of the worktext as assessed by the respondents based on aims, objectives, knowledge, contextualization, summing up, practice, reinforcement, and enrichment are very much valid. The level of acceptability of the worktext based on clarity, usefulness, language and style, illustration, presentation, suitability, adequacy, and timeliness are very highly acceptable. Thet – test for independent samples was also utilized to determine the significant difference in the level of validity and acceptability of the worktext and results showed that both Calculus experts and PreCalculus teachers strongly agreed that the worktext is valid and highly acceptable. Revisions of the worktext were made based on the suggested comments of the respondents.
Mortality in Systemic Lupus Erythematous in Milton Cato Memorial Hospital Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; A 5-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Okikiade Adedeji , Anderson Ikeokwu , Browne-Caesar Twanna , Afolayan-Oloye Olayinka , David Ugwu
Published: March 2021

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) is a rare, severe and lasting autoimmune disease that can vary in severity from mild to possibly life-threatening with a multi-system manifestation characterized by symptoms relating to joint, skin or mucosal inflammation, or with a varying degree of haematological abnormality or constitutional features, with women affected predominantly with peak onset (15-44) years of age.

Aim: This study was aimed at estimating the incidence and mortality of Systemic Lupus Erythematous lupus in Milton Cato Memorial Hospital Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including temporal trends and variations in age and sex from 2014 to 2018 by using routinely collected administrative health data/patient records.

Methods: From 2014 to 2018, individuals with SLE were identified from the hospital records of Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, which records information on all patient coming in for healthcare services. A structured data extraction tool was employed to extract the data from the hospital record using the open data kit (ODK). Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and R Studio statistical software for analysis. The Chi-square test was used to test for association. All statistical tests were two-tailed and Level of Confidence was set at 95%, and P=<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of patient with SLE was 28.52 ± 13.03 years old and the median age was 30 years old, almost all 25(92.6%) were females. Every year, women showed a significantly increase in incidence of Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE), there was an annual decrease in the incidence from 2014 to 2018, with a peak incidence in 2016 (0.11/1000 person-years). The lowest incidence was noted in 2018 (0.02/1000 person-years). Among sex, there was an annual decrease in the incidence from 2014 to 2018, with a peak incidence in 2015 and 2016 for male (0.02/1000 person-years) and in 2016 for females (0.21/1000 person-years) respectively. The lowest incidence was noted in 2018 (0.00/1000 person-years) and (0.04/1000 person-years) for both male and female respectively. Case fatality from SLE shows that 2017 had the highest case fatality of 33% compared to the other years, 2014 (25%), 2015(25%) and 2016 (9%) with 2018 having no case fatality at all.

Conclusions: This study showed that the incidence of SLE in Saint Vincent have decreased in the last decade, whereas the mortality rates of SLE have increased. Age and sex were found to be risk factors for SLE. This discovery of increased mortality of SLE suggests that this disease is no longer rare and will have implications for future healthcare planning and health service utilizations.
Dietary Habits and Anthropometric Measures of a Dental Student Population
Authors: Yoo Ah Reum , Son Philip Hyunbae , Kingsley Karl , Polanski Joshua M.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Health professionals are expected to understand the relationship between diet and nutrition and overall health. Many relationships between oral health and diet and nutrition are known to contribute to health or disease development. However, few studies to date have evaluated the current dietary habits and behaviors of dental students in the United States. The objective of this study was to complete a longitudinal study of diet and exercise behaviors among dental students during their academic experience at UNLV SDM.

Methods: Using and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved protocol, students in four dental cohorts were asked to take a survey regarding their dietary behaviors, nutrition intake and exercise. A total of n=302/327 students participated, yielding an overall response rate of 92.3%. Self reported age, ethnicity and body mass index (BMI) were also collected.

Results: A total of n=302 students completed the survey, for an overall response rate of 92.3% (n=302/327). Males represented 57.9% of respondents, which closely matched the overall percentage of males among the student population overall (56%, P=0.6870), while the percentage of minority respondents in the study sample (58.9%) was slightly higher than in the overall student population (51.6%, P=0.1095). Self-reported height and weight were higher among males (as expected) – although body mass index (BMI) measuring the ratio of height-to-weight was lower for females (24.53 +/- 4.65) than males (26.15 +/- 3.84), P=0.3711. To determine if dietary factors may account for these differences both positive dietary health behaviors (fruit and salad consumption) and negative health behaviors (processed snacks and sugar sweetened beverages) were assessed. Females reported higher consumption of fruits and salads (P=0.0131) and lower consumption of processed foods and snacks (P=0.0114) than males. However, analysis of exercise found that males reported more sessions of physical activity per week than females (P=0.023) and also reported more overall minutes of vigorous exercise (P=0.002).

Conclusion:  Although many populations face significant dietary and related behavioral challenges, medical and dental students face particular stress and time-limited challenges that may negatively influence positive health outcomes.  In addition, the perceived clinical relevance of nutrition education may impact future dietary and nutrition-related discussions and provider recommendations. This is among the first dietary studies of self-reported dental student dietary patterns and health behaviors, which demonstrates areas for education and improvement may be needed to increase student wellness, overall health and well-being - as well as targeted points for clinical education that might increase the perceived relevance of dietary and nutrition education.
Predictive Performance Analysis of PDF – IDF Model Types Using Rainfall Observations from Fourteen Gauged Stations
Authors: Nwaogazie Ify L. , Sam M. G. , David A. O.
Published: March 2021

The design of structures for flood mitigation depends on the adequate estimation of rainfall intensity over a given catchment which is achieved by the rainfall intensity duration frequency modelling. In this study, an extensive comparative analyses were carried out on the predictive performance of three PDF – IDF model types, namely: Gumbel Extreme Value Type 1 (GEVT – 1), Log-Pearson Type 3 (LPT – 3) and Normal Distribution (ND) in 14 selected cities in Southern Nigeria. This is to rank the order of best performance. The principle of general model development was adopted in which rainfall intensities at different durations and specified return periods were used as input data set. This is not same as return period specific model that involves rainfall intensities for various durations and a given return period. The predicted rainfall intensity values with the PDF – IDF model types indicate high goodness of fit (R2) and Mean Squared Errors (MSE) ranging from: (a) R2 = 0.875 – 0.992; MSE = 33.17 – 224.6 for GEVT – 1; (b) R2 = 0.849 – 0.990; MSE = 65.34 – 405.5 for LPT – 3 and (c) R2 = 0.839 – 0.992; MSE = 29.23 – 200.2 for ND. The comparative analysis of all the 42 general models (14 locations versus 3 model types) considered showed that the order of best performance is LPT – 3 1st, GEVT - 1 2nd and ND 3rd for each return period (10, 50 and 100 years). The Kruskal Wallis test of significance indicates that no significant difference exists in the predictive performance of the three General models across the board. This may be due to the fact that the fourteen locations of the study area are bordering with the Atlantic Ocean and seems to have similar climatology. These developed General models are recommended for the computation of intensities in the fourteen locations for the design of flood control structures; and the order of preference should be LPT – 3 > GEVT – 1 > ND.
An Analysis of Attitude towards Green Products among the Urban and Rural Consumers
Authors: Patil Bhavini B. , Hasalkar Suma
Published: March 2021

The growing environmental concern amongst the public has demanded organizations, businesses and individuals to be responsible and conscious in their everyday activity not to cause any harm to the environment. Most environmental problems are caused by the way people living and continuously damaging the environment. The study was conducted with the aim to assess the awareness and knowledge among the consumers about green products. The exploratory research design was adopted to conduct the study. The data was collected from 600 educated consumers from the urban and rural areas of Dharwad and Belagavi district. The data was analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean,‘t’ test and correlation coefficient.  The results revealed that Both in urban and rural the areas majority of the consumers belonged 22-29 years of age group and more than half of the consumers selected for study were graduates in urban area and studied upto 12th standard in rural area. With regard to occupation one third of the consumers selected for the study were students, followed by unemployed and self employed consumers. Majority of the consumers had medium family income of rupees 7,380-51,780 per month. Maximum number of the selected consumers belonged to upper middle socio economic category. Maximum number of the selected consumers belonged to upper middle socio economic category. The female consumers in both the locality had favourable attitude towards green products compared to male consumers. There was highly significant difference between the gender and between the locations at 0.01 level. There was significant difference between the gender and location at 0.05 level of significance.
Toxicity of Jatropha and Neem Oil Combination on Pink Hibiscus Mealybug
Authors: Holtz Anderson Mathias , Piffer Ana Beatriz Mamedes , Holtz Filipe Garcia , Carvalho José Romário de , Aguiar Ronilda Lana , Andrade Fernanda Pereira , Pratissoli Dirceu , Neto Vergilio Borghi
Published: March 2021

Maconellicoccus hirsutus (pink hibiscus mealybug) is a polyphagous pest species reported in about 350 species of host plants worldwide. The chemical control method is still the most used for the control of agricultural pests. In view of this, we aim to evaluate the potential of the concentration of oils extracted from the species Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Jatropha curcas (Jatropha) on M. hirsutus, aiming at a management alternative for the pest. The experiments were carried out in air-conditioned chambers at a temperature of 25 ± 1ºC, relative humidity of 70 ± 10% and a photophase of 12h. The concentration 3% (v v-1) (defined in preliminary dilution tests) was used in the tests, with 11 interaction ratios between the oils. Mortality was assessed daily up to 72 hours after spraying. The application was carried out in two ways: indirect - on the food and walking surface; and direct - about insects. The indirect application caused higher levels of mortality in relation to the direct application. However, there was no significant difference between the concentrations for the indirect application. In the form of direct application, the combination of 60:40% neem oil and jatropha oil was the treatment that provided the highest mortality of the M. hirsutus (86.21%). The combinations between neem and jatropha oils demonstrated the potential to control M. hirsutus in both routes of application, being an alternative for the management of this pest.
Curative Effects of Aqueous and Ethanol Stem Bark Extracts of Vitex doniana on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Sulaiman Mohammed A. , Dahiru Daniel , Jada Mahmoud S. , Hayatu Ahmed I.
Published: March 2021

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute the number one cause of mortality at the global level, representing 30% of all global deaths. Therefore, finding ways to reduce deaths due to CVDs remain an important public health goal. Traditional healers in northern Nigeria use the stem bark of Vitex doniana to treat hypertensive patients. This study was aimed to investigate the cardiocurative potential of Vitex doniana on doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity in rats.

Methods: Thirty five (35) adult Albino rats weighing 175 ± 25 g were used, of which 30 were induced with cardiotoxicity by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin (10 mg/kg) for three consecutive days. Rats were treated by oral administration of Silymarin (100 mg/kg) and Vitex doniana aqueous or ethanol extract (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days and thereafter were sacrificed on the 15th day. Blood, plasma and serum were analyzed for lipid profile and serum markers for cardiotoxicity.

Results: Phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids and glycosides. Oral treatment with Vitex doniana extracts significantly (p<0.05) lowered the elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL but significantly (p<0.05) increased the level of HDL (18.61 ± 0.55 mg/dl to 57.98 ± 0.78 mg/dl). The extracts also significantly (p<0.05) decreased the levels of serum marker enzymes for cardiotoxicity ALT, AST, CK – mb and LDH.

Conclusion: The prophylactic cardiocurative use of Vitex doniana stem bark has been confirmed in this study as the extracts exhibited hypolipidemic and cardiocurative effects in dose dependent manner in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity rat model.
Prevalence and Risk Factor of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease among Hail Population, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kuddus Mohammed , Aldarwish Hadi Abdulaziz , Tufaif Ali Ahmed Al , Al-Tufaif Mohammed Ahmed , Alharbi Ali Howaidi
Published: March 2021

Aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that develops when the contents of the stomach reflux into the esophagus due to large hiatal hernia or lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction. The common symptoms of the disease include heartburn and regurgitation. It takes place mainly among youngers, females, and obese people. The aims of the study include GERD prevalence among Hail population and the related risk factors.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Between July to December 2020.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted with 704 subjects aged more than 15 years, through self-administered questionnaire consisting of 22 questions. The questionnaire included demographic data, GERD clinical symptoms, and individual behaviour. Statistical data analyzed by using SPSS version 22.

Results: Out of 704 subjects, nearly half of the participants were males (51.7%). GERD was found in 408 (58%) participants among them 276 (39.2%) had mild symptoms, 9.9%, had moderate symptoms and 62 (8.8%) had severe condition. Most significant predictors of GERD (P <0.05) were Females with chronic health problems, anxiety, and having Spicy food. The participants with sports activity had less risk to develop GERD.

Conclusion: The results showed high prevalence of GERD among Hail population with many significant predictors. Public health providers should increase awareness about GERD and its significant effects on community.
Prevalence of Antibiotic Use and Factors Associated With Self-medication among University Students in Malaysia
Authors: Ali Ibrahim Mohamed , Albawani Sami Mohammed , Abdulsalam Rasheed , Allaq Abdulmutalib Alabeed
Published: March 2021

Self-medication with antibiotics is a global menace especially in developing countries due to lack of knowledge, poor access to the proper health care, and the weakness in the government’s role in monitoring and controlling the use of antibiotics. Thus, this study was carried out to identify the prevalence of antibiotic use during self-medication and the associated factors with self-medication among the students of Lincoln University College Malaysia. A quantitative research approach (i.e. cross-sectional study) was utilized. A simple sampling technique was employed to select 240 respondents among the students. The survey was used to collect data through the process of questionnaires’ validation. Descriptive statistics were used to examine all the research hypotheses. Though the prevalence of self-medication among the respondents as well as the misuse of antibiotics during self-medication was relatively low, there is, however, an urgent need to provide university students with health education programs to help them understand the proper use of the drugs and to increase their awareness about the risk of self-medication without supervision from qualified health providers.
Design of Guggul Lipid Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Using Box-Behnken Design – An Evaluation Study
Authors: Murthy B. R. Srinivas , Yelavarthi Prasanna Raju , Devanna N. , Basha D. Jamal
Published: March 2021

Aim: Guggul lipid, a lipophillic antihyperlipidemic moiety, undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism and has low bioavailability. In order to address this limitation, guggul lipid loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GNPs) were designed, optimized and processed by 3- factor 3- level Box- Behnken design (BBD).

Methodology: A 3-factor 3-level BBD was employed to investigate combined influence of formulation variables on percent entrapment efficiency (EE) and percent drug release (DR) of GNPs prepared by ionic gelation method. The generated polynomial equation was validated and desirability function was utilized for optimization. Optimized GNPs were evaluated for physicochemical, morphological, release characteristics, solid state characterization and in-vitro cell line studies.

Results: Amounts of chitosan, sodium tripolyphosphate and guggul were selected as independent variables had variably influenced EE and DR. Optimized GNPs were produced with an average size of 96.5 nm, electro kinetic potential of -15.4 mV, EE of 92.98% and DR of 95.12% in 24 h with sustained release. Physicochemical and in-vitro characterization revealed existence of guggul in amorphous form in GNPs without interaction and exhibited sustained release profile following first order with Higuchi kinetics. GNPs possessed lipase inhibition activity with IC50 value of 14.72 µg/ml and better viability against various cell lines with CTC50 values (256.24 to 321.27 µg/ml).

Conclusions: Design and optimization of GNPs by BBD proved to be an effective and promising approach. High entrapment of guggul followed controlled release were the outcomes of GNPs prepared by ionic gelation with improved cell viability.
Evaluation of the use of chlorpromazine for agitation in pediatric patients
Authors: Ahmed Rajwoana , Maroney Megan , Fahim Germin , Ghin Hoytin Lee , Mathis Andrew Scott
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Chlorpromazine is a first-generation antipsychotic used for behavioral problems in pediatric patients. However, other therapies may demonstrate both improved outcomes and fewer side effects. Within our institution, chlorpromazine has been the standard medication used for treatment of pediatric agitation. The study objective was to evaluate the appropriateness of chlorpromazine use (including efficacy, appropriate dosing, drug interactions, and tolerability) to optimize the treatment of pediatric agitation.

Methods

Data regarding drug interactions, patient behavior, dosing, and side effects was collected for each patient administered chlorpromazine from January 2019 through June 2019. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics assessing the incidence of drug-drug interactions (DDIs), incidences of inefficacy, inappropriate dosing, and side effects.

Results

A total of 70 patients and 130 administrations of oral or intramuscular chlorpromazine were evaluated. Of these administrations, 49 (38%) resulted in a DDI. Eighteen (14%) administrations were ineffective for managing symptoms of agitation. Eleven (8%) administrations were dosed inappropriately, and 46 (35%) administrations resulted in side effects possibly caused by chlorpromazine.

Discussion

Results from this study demonstrate opportunities for improvement in patient care due to instances of drug interactions, inefficacy, inappropriate dosing, and side effects with the use of chlorpromazine.
Impact of holding home stimulant(s) on agitation in a child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric population
Authors: Mathew Anupha M. , Robert Sophie , Ross Clint , Weeda Erin , Pruitt Adrienne
Published: March 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the rates of agitation-related interventions associated with initial holding versus continuation of home stimulant(s) in a child and adolescent population at the time of admission to an inpatient psychiatric facility.

Methods

This retrospective chart review included patients less than 18 years of age who were admitted to an academic medical center between July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2018. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those continued on their home stimulant(s) and those who had them held. We compared both groups on agitation-related outcomes by examining the difference in the number of level I or II events or as-needed medication administrations. Mechanical restraints and closed-door seclusions were grouped as level I events, and level II events consisted of nonmechanical restraint.

Results

The analysis included 169 patients. In total, 126 (75%) patients were continued on their home stimulant, and 43 (25%) had them held. The occurrence of the composite endpoint of level I or II events or as-needed intramuscular medication administration was numerically higher in the group that had their home stimulant held (27.9% vs 23%; P = .52). Level I events were also numerically higher but not statistically significant in the group that had their home stimulant held (16.3% vs 11.9%; P = .46).

Discussion

The composite outcome of as-needed intramuscular medication administration and level I or II events was numerically higher in the group that had their home stimulant held. Use of a larger sample size and adjusted analyses may help elucidate covariates that impact agitation-related outcomes.
Survey of prescriptive authority among psychiatric pharmacists in the United States
Authors: Lee Kelly C. , Silvia Richard J. , Cobb Carla D. , Moore Tera D. , Payne Gregory H.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Despite the high prevalence of those with mental illnesses, there is a critical shortage of psychiatric providers in the United States. Psychiatric pharmacists are valuable members of the health care team who meet patient care needs, especially those practicing with prescriptive authority (PA).

Methods

A cross-sectional electronic survey was administered to Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs) and non-BCPP members of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. The objective of this study was to compare demographic and practice characteristics between respondents with and without PA.

Results

Of the 334 respondents, 155 (46.4%) reported having PA. Those with PA, including those with Veterans Affairs (VA) affiliated PA, had fewer mean number of years of licensure than those without PA (P = .008 and P = .007, respectively). The majority with PA practiced in outpatient settings (53.5%). Respondents with PA (including those with VA-affiliated PA) were more likely to have their positions funded by practice sites (P < .001). The most common referral source for medication management for those with PA were physicians although pharmacists also provided referrals in both VA and non-VA settings. Pharmacists with PA were more likely to track practice outcomes versus those without PA (P < .001).

Discussion

The current study confirms the variability in PA among psychiatric pharmacists. Demographics of the respondents reflect changes in residency accreditation and increased numbers of psychiatric residencies within VA facilities. Psychiatric pharmacists with PA reported treating psychiatric and medical conditions, creating added value. Psychiatric pharmacists should be empowered to track outcomes and help meet the critical shortage of psychiatric providers.
Parent‐Reported Medication Side Effects and Their Impact on Health‐Related Quality of Life in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Chédeville Gaëlle , McGuire Katherine , Cabral David A. , Shiff Natalie J. , Rumsey Dax G. , Proulx‐Gauthier Jean‐Philippe , Schmeling Heinrike , Berard Roberta A. , Batthish Michelle , Soon Gordon , Gerhold Kerstin , Gerschman Tommy , Bruns Alessandra , Duffy Ciaran M. , Tucker Lori B. , Guzman Jaime ,   CAPRI Registry Investigators
Published: March 2021

Objective

To describe the frequency and severity of parent‐reported medication side effects (SEs) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) relative to physician‐reported actionable adverse events (AEs), and to assess their impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

Newly diagnosed JIA patients recruited between 2017 and 2019 to the Canadian Alliance of Pediatric Rheumatology Investigators (CAPRI) Registry were included. Parents reported presence and severity (0 = no problem, 10 = very severe) of medication SEs at every clinic visit. Physicians were asked to report any actionable AE. HRQoL was assessed using the Quality of My Life (QoML) questionnaire (0 = the worst, 10 = the best) and parent's global assessment (0 = very well, 10 = very poor). Analyses included proportion of visits with SEs or actionable AEs, cumulative incidence by Kaplan‐Meier methods, and HRQoL impact measured with longitudinal mixed‐effects models.

Results

SEs were reported at 371 of 884 (42%) visits (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 39, 45%) in 249 patients, with a median of 2 SEs per visit (interquartile range [IQR] 1–3), and median severity of 3 (IQR 1.5–5). Most SEs were gastrointestinal (32.5% of visits) or behavioral/psychiatric (22.4%). SE frequency was lowest with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs alone (34.7%) and highest with prednisone and methotrexate combinations (66%). SE cumulative incidence was 67% (95% CI 59, 75) within 1 year of diagnosis, and 36% (95% CI 28, 44) for actionable AEs. Parent global and QoML scores were worse with SEs present; the impact persisted after adjusting for pain and number of active joints.

Conclusion

Parents report that two‐thirds of children with JIA experience SEs impacting their HRQoL within 1 year of diagnosis. SE mitigation strategies are needed in managing JIA.
Propagation‐Based Phase Contrast Computed Tomography as a Suitable Tool for the Characterization of Spatial 3D Cell Distribution in Biomaterials
Authors: Wieland D. C. Florian , Krueger Simone , Moosmann Julian , Distler Thomas , Weizel Alina , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Seitz Hermann , Jonitz-Heincke Anika , Bader Rainer
Published: March 2021

The 3D structural investigation of soft tissue samples under near physiological conditions is challenging as most established techniques require embedding, staining, or cutting samples. Such manipulations can induce artifacts or result in a tremendous workload by, e.g., the preparation of multiple 2D images to retrieve the volume information. A non‐invasive technique allowing to image the soft tissue in a 3D fashion is propagation‐based phase contrast computed tomography. We explore the methods' unique properties to assess the 3D distribution and size of human chondrocytes within collagen scaffolds in a liquid environment without embedding. To seek if the identification of differences in cell distribution is possible, we have seeded cartilage cells on collagen scaffolds that were unstimulated or stimulated by alternating electric fields for 7 days. Analysis of the 3D cell distributions reveals that the migration depth of the chondrocytes into the scaffold is nearly doubled along with the total number of cells due to the applied electric field. Further analysis shows no specific size distribution of the chondrogenic cells. Our results indicate that propagation‐based phase contrast computed tomography is a suitable tool to determine the 3D distribution of cells within a biomaterial investigated under aqueous conditions.
Origin of Efficiency and Stability Enhancement in High‐Performing Mixed Dimensional 2D‐3D Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review
Authors: Mahmud Md Arafat , Duong The , Peng Jun , Wu Yiliang , Shen Heping , Walter Daniel , Nguyen Hieu T. , Mozaffari Naeimeh , Tabi Grace Dansoa , Catchpole Kylie R. , Weber Klaus J. , White Thomas P.
Published: March 2021

Perovskite solar cells are a potential game changer for the photovoltaics industry, courtesy of their facile fabrication and high efficiency. Despite this, commercialization is being held back by poor stability. To become economically feasible for commercial production, perovskite solar cells must meet or exceed industry standards for operational lifetime and reliability. In this regard, mixed dimensional 2D‐3D perovskite solar cells, incorporating long carbon‐chain organic spacer cations, have shown promising results, with enhancement in both device efficiency and stability. Dimensional engineering of perovskite films requires a delicate balance of 2D and 3D perovskite composition to take advantage of the specific properties of each material phase. This review summarizes and assesses the current understanding, and apparent contradictions in the state‐of‐the‐art mixed dimensional perovskite solar cell literature regarding the origin of stability and performance enhancement. By combining and comparing results from experimental and theoretical studies it is focused on how the perovskite composition, film formation methods, additive and solvent engineering influence efficiency and stability, and identify future research directions to further improve both key performance metrics.
Enhancing Light and X‐Ray Charging in Persistent Luminescence Nanocrystals for Orthogonal Afterglow Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Huang Kai , Dou Xiaojing , Zhang Yifan , Gao Xiuping , Lin Jing , Qu Junle , Li Yang , Huang Peng , Han Gang
Published: March 2021

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are an emerging type of optical nanomaterial that possess long‐lasting afterglow after the excitation has stopped. Recently, bottom‐up synthesis of PLNPs has offered uniform and small nanocrystals that are desirable for various bioapplications. However, the lack of a simple method to enhance the afterglow of these PLNPs is one of the key obstacles hindering their further development and applications. Herein, a simple strategy is demonstrated that can amplify both light and X‐ray charged persistent luminescence in monodispersed Zn2GeO4:Mn PLNPs via the non‐equivalency substitution of zinc ions with lithium ions in the lattice matrix and concomitant to the electron traps tailoring. It is significant that, in addition to increasing the intensity of the afterglow, this nanoscale atomic level substitution can preserve the desirable uniform size and morphology of the PLNPs. Furthermore, since the two excitations (light and X‐ray) are independent of each other, a light/X‐ray orthogonally encrypted spatio‐temporal dual‐dimensional afterglow anti‐counterfeiting is demonstrated via these nanoparticles. It is believed that this simple method offers a foundation for new opportunities to unleash the optical performance in PLNPs. This will also pave the way to the development of such PLNPs for numerous photonic and bioapplications, which are limited in existing methods.
Multifunctional Injectable Hydrogel Dressings for Effectively Accelerating Wound Healing: Enhancing Biomineralization Strategy
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sun Xinyu , Wang Jiao , Zhang Yalan , Dong Mengna , Bu Tong , Li Lihua , Liu Yingnan , Wang Li
Published: March 2021

Bacterial infection can cause chronic nonhealing wounds, which may be a great threat to public health. It is highly desirable to develop an injectable wound dressing hydrogel with multifunctions including self‐healing, remodeling, antibacterial, radical scavenging ability, and excellent photothermal properties to promote the regeneration of damaged tissues in clinical practice. In this work, dopamine‐modified gelatin (Gel‐DA) is employed for the first time as a biotemplate for enhancing the biomineralization ability of gelatin to synthesize dopamine‐modified gelatin@Ag nanoparticles (Gel‐DA@Ag NPs). Further, the prepared Gel‐DA@Ag NPs with antioxidant activity and near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation synergistic antibacterial behavior are fixed in the guar gum based hydrogels through the formation of borate/didiol bonds to possess remolding, injectable, and self‐healing performance. In addition, the multifunctional hydrogels can completely cover the irregular wound shape to prevent secondary injury. More importantly, these hydrogel platforms under NIR can significantly accelerate wound healing with more skin appendages like hair follicles and blood vessels appearing. Therefore, it is expected that these hydrogels can serve as competitive multifunctional dressings in biomedical field, including bacteria‐derived wound infection and other tissue repair related to reactive oxygen species overexpression.
A Bioinspired Elastic Hydrogel for Solar‐Driven Water Purification
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Ozden Sehmus , Bizmark Navid , Arnold Craig B. , Datta Sujit S. , Priestley Rodney D.
Published: March 2021

The global demand for clean and safe water will continue to grow well into the 21st century. Moving forward, the lack of access to clean water, which threatens human health and strains precious energy resources, will worsen as the climate changes. Therefore, future innovations that produce potable water from contaminated sources must be sustainable. Inspired by nature, a solar absorber gel (SAG) is developed to purify water from contaminated sources using only natural sunlight. The SAG is composed of an elastic thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel, a photothermal polydopamine (PDA) layer, and a sodium alginate (SA) network. Production of the SAG is facile; all processing is aqueous‐based and occurs at room temperature. Remarkably, the SAG can purify water from various harmful reservoirs containing small molecules, oils, metals, and pathogens, using only sunlight. The SAG relies on solar energy to drive a hydrophilic/hydrophobic phase transformation at the lower critical solution temperature. Since the purification mechanism does not require water evaporation, an energy‐intensive process, the passive solar water‐purification rate is the highest reported. This discovery can be transformative in the sustainable production of clean water to improve the quality of human life.