bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Need to Regulate the Term “Natural” in Food Labeling
Authors: Molins Ricardo
Published: April 2023

The term “natural” appears in the label of food products valued in the billions of dollars, and yet, nobody, particularly consumers, can be sure of its meaning.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v06n01pi (DOI assigned 1/24/2019)
Analysis of South Asian Free Trade Agreement: Focus on Food Safety
Authors: Lake Jacob
Published: April 2023

The South Asian Free Trade Agreement, at time of inception, encompassed some of the world's least liberalized economies. These economies were well positioned to experience gains from a multilateral agreement. In this paper, we critically analyze the structure, effectiveness and impact of the agreement in terms of not only trade, but also food safety and other issues of interest specific to the participating countries in the context of the agreement. The results of the analysis suggest underperformance in terms of both trade and food safety. To better understand some of the regional specific challenges present in the food safety environment in the region, the paper also examines the status of the Indian carabeef industry.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v06n02p018 (DOI assigned 1/24/2019)
Evolution of Medicines Regulatory System in Bhutan: History, Status and Challenges
Authors: Jamphel Kinga , Chejor Pelden
Published: April 2023

Bhutan is a small landlocked Kingdom in the eastern Himalayas, situated between China and India. Health care in Bhutan is provided free by the government, as guaranteed under the Constitution. No proper system for regulation of medicines existed before 2003. The Essential Drugs Program, instituted in 1986, played the role of regulatory authority and issued technical clearances for sale and distribution of medicines. Notable improvements were seen in the procurement, quantification and store management of medicines under the umbrella of the Essential Drugs Program. The path to medicines regulation in Bhutan started with the enactment of The Medicines Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan in 2003. The Drug Regulatory Authority, established under the Ministry of Health in 2004, began to register medicines before they were imported into Bhutan. Premises licensed for manufacture, sale, distribution, storage and dispensing medicines are monitored for regulatory compliance. Systems for pre-marketing and post-marketing control of medicines were initiated. Bhutan's medicines regulatory system has gradually evolved over the last decade. As a new regulatory system, it faces a number of challenges as the scope of regulatory activities continues to expand. However, there is a need to further strengthen the capacity of drug testing laboratories, and the availability and capacity of regulatory human resources should be enhanced and infrastructure improved for effective regulation of medicinal products in the country. As systems evolve and people change over time, institutional memory is lost. It is important to document the steps adopted by Bhutan, so that other small nations can learn from Bhutan's experiences. This article documents the path Bhutan has taken towards strengthening the regulatory system for medicines. The article also addresses the challenges invovled and recommends measures to address them.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v06n02p035 (DOI assigned 3/11/2019)
New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms) (NSNR(O)): Microbial Characterization and Key Elements for Importation to Canada
Authors: Singh Om
Published: April 2023

Any new substance imported into or manufactured in Canada is subject to New Substances Notification (NSN) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) of 1999. The manufacturer or importer needs to comply with the New Substances Notification Regulations (NSNR) before the substance can be sold in the Canadian marketplace. While the section of the NSNR for biotechnology products has been in place since September 1, 1997, few microorganisms have been reviewed. The regulations also apply to various "higher" organisms such as fish, livestock, and insects (depending on the type of use). Applicants are required to provide a variety of technical information about their products in their NSN submissions to Environment Canada, the regulatory agency responsible for approving new substances in Canada. However, improper interpretation of the regulations leads to challenges for manufacturers/importers in the application process. There are ways to reduce an application's major deficiencies and/or potential for rejection. This paper aims to emphasize best practice tips for bringing new microorganisms to the Canadian marketplace that can benefit biotechnology product manufacturers at the forefront.

https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v08singh
A Special Issue of the Journal of Regulatory Science on Genetically Modified Organisms
Authors: Molins Ricardo
Published: April 2023

The Journal of Regulatory Science, now in the first year in continuous publication mode, is proud to publish its first Special Issue, which examines some proposals from industry to facilitate the structuring of a more widely accepted, science based, standardized future international regulatory framework for approval of genetically modified organisms.

doi: 10.21423/jrs-v09i1molins
Analytical Uncertainty in Animal Feed Laboratories: A Current Evaluation of AAFCO Proficiency Testing Data for Select Analytes
Authors: Herrman Timothy , Lee Kyung-min , Hsieh Yi-Cheng , Williams Sara
Published: April 2023

The animal feed regulatory community utilizes analytical variations (AVs) that account for the normal variability that occurs within and between laboratories.  The AV was created using the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) proficiency testing (PT) program results and represent the coefficient of variation times 2 (2 CV). This study was performed to assess the accuracy of the published AVs within the association’s Official Publication (OP) using AAFCO PT data from 2014 to 2020. This study also reevaluated the current AV values by applying the concept of the measurement uncertainties including the expanded uncertainty (U), Horwitz value, and 2 CV for the assessment of the label guarantees. Although greater variations were observed at lower concentrations, the majority of data points from the PT rounds showed an acceptable reproducibility for the select analytical methods except for cobalt, fat, fiber, moisture, and selenium where 2 CV was higher than the current AAFCO AV.  Regression models were developed based on the 95% tolerance interval of expanded uncertainty and 2 CV and were validated using the 2019-2020 AAFCO PT data. The validation data fell within the expanded uncertainty and 2 CV model bounds indicating the new models were fit-for-purpose and accurately characterized current AAFCO PT data.  The study results imply the AAFCO AV and its issues need to be better understood to improve an accuracy and traceability of the laboratory’s measurement and thus regulatory decisions to help animal feed producers and processors lower economic losses.
A new journal for the emerging field of Regulatory Science
Authors: Editors IJRS
Published: April 2023

The growing popularity of the term “Regulatory Science” and accompanying effort to advance this discipline among regulators and academicians necessitates an accompanying scientific journal, accessible to all and free to authors and readers alike. Toward this end, the International Journal of Regulatory Science (IJRS) editors endeavor to elevate the discourse involving the application of science to the regulatory process. We hope this journal will provide momentum to this emerging discipline, appropriately named regulatory science, and provide a written forum to help define this field.
Basic haematological and biochemical parameters of farmed red deer and fallow deer blood
Authors: TAJCHMAN KATARZYNA , KOWALIK SYLWESTER , JANISZEWSKI PAWEŁ , K. LICZNERSKA , Ż. STEINER-BOGDASZEWSKA
Published: April 2023

Knowing the blood composition and determining the range of reference values for individual species of domestic animals is a key factor in monitoring their individual and herd health. The aim of the study was to determine the values of selected morphological and biochemical blood parameters, and also to compare the results obtained for farm red deer (Cervus elaphus) with fallow deer (Dama dama). Blood haematological parameters were determined using an automatic haematological analyzer with appropriate software, while biochemical parameters were determined using an automatic analyzer using the spectrophotometric method. The values of morphological and biochemical blood parameters of both deer species were close to the reference values of the blood of domestic ruminants. The only significant differences concerned the level of glucose and total cholesterol. Mean glucose levels of 145.90 ± 28.56 g/dl in red deer and 96.31 ± 14.51 g/dl in fallow deer were higher compared to glucose levels in sheep, goats and cattle. In contrast, the cholesterol level of 59.90 ± 3.18 mg/dl and 77.23 ± 13.74 mg/dl, respectively, in of the researched species was significantly lower compared to the reference level for domestic ruminants. To conclude, it can be assumed that these differences in blood composition may result from the species diversity of the tested animals compared to sheep, goats and cattle. In addition, it should be borne in mind that different husbandry procedures are used for these species, including limited interference with their feeding habits, which in this case are closer to the conditions of their natural habitat.
A atuação diplomática da Missão Militar Brasileira de Instrução no Paraguai (MMBIP) na década de 1940
Authors: Souto Cíntia , Luiz André
Published: April 2023

O presente artigo analisa a fundação da Missão Militar Brasileira de Instrução no Paraguai (MMBIP), em 1942, que inaugurou a cooperação militar entre os dois países que persiste até hoje. O texto tem por objetivo analisar a fundação da MMBIP e seu funcionamento nos primeiros anos. A pesquisa em fontes primárias, demostra que, em seus primeiros anos, a MMBIP teve uma dimensão diplomática tão importante quanto a militar, contribuindo para o incremento das relações bilaterais entre Brasil e Paraguai. A atuação da Missão e outras inciativas diplomáticas no período interferiram na preponderância argentina no subsistema platino e encaminharam o equilíbrio na década de 1960 e a preponderância brasileira a partir da década de 1970.
La relación ontológica. El ser según Maurice Nédoncelle
Authors: Benítez Pedro A.
Published: April 2023

El presente artículo expone la noción de “ser” de Maurice Nédoncelle. Primero se explica la tesis de este filósofo personalista francés sobre la reciprocidad de las conciencias. Enseguida se trata de su ontología en general. Luego, se discute su concepción sobre el ser entendido como relación trascendental. Sostengo que la concepción de Nédoncelle sobre el ser es coherente con las posiciones personalistas sobre la naturaleza de la persona.
El reino mesiánico y el enano jorobado. Glosa del primer fragmento de Sobre el concepto de historia
Authors: Cruz Aponiuk Juan
Published: April 2023

El presente artículo tiene por objeto de estudio el vínculo entre teología y filosofía a través del análisis del primer fragmento de Sobre el concepto de historia, de Walter Benjamin. Benjamin usa la alegoría de un autómata que siempre obtiene la victoria en la partida del ajedrez, pero que, en realidad, esconde un enano jorobado que mueve las piezas, para exponer cómo el “materialismo histórico” necesita de la teología para su triunfo. Se indaga cómo la idea de teología de Benjamin impide la clausura totalitaria. Se analiza a través de diversos conceptos teológicos como inversión, recapitulación, rememoración, el enano jorobado, redención, nihilismo, violencia pura, vida inescribible, en tanto índices del reino mesiánico. A partir de estos conceptos teológicos, el artículo expone cómo la idea marxista de una sociedad sin clases es una secularización del reino mesiánico.
Solvatochromism and Thermochromism of Fluconazole: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Olivares Fernando , Lazcano Francisco , Castillo Marcelo , Barúa Maria , Escalada Juan , Pinto Vitorino Graciela
Published: April 2023

This research aims to study fluconazole (FNZ)-solvent interactions in pure solvents through theoretical and experimental solvatochromism. This study showed a bathochromic shift as the polarity of the solvent increases, where the excited state of FNZ is of higher polarity and lower energy than that of the ground state. The multiparametric statistical analysis highlighted solvent polarizability, dispersion, and electronic induction as solvent parameters of great importance, with the basicity of solvent and hydrogen bond acceptor capacity as having certain relevance. The thermochromic effect was also determined by exposing the three pKa values of FNZ. In conclusion, this study shows the importance of the π-π stacking interaction of the FNZ dihalogenated phenyl ring, the solvent basicity for the hydroxyl group, and its acidity for the N4’ of one of the triazoles stand out, as well as the acid-base equilibria involving the -OH group and the two N4’.
Temporal changes of QT dispersion in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: ÖZYILDIRIM Serhan , HEPER Gülümser
Published: April 2023

Aim: Ischemic stroke is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and can lead to fatal arrhythmias even in the absence of underlying cardiac pathology. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of acute ischemic stroke on QT dispersion and its temporal changes over time.

Methods: A total of 124 patients with acute ischemic stroke who did not receive any reperfusion treatment were included in the study. Corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) values were obtained from 12-lead surface electrocardiograms taken within the first 12 hours and after 48 hours of stroke onset. These values were compared with those of 93 age and sex-matched control subjects. The effects of diabetes and lesion lateralization on QT dispersion were also analyzed. Stroke patients whose lesions were clearly localized to either the right or left hemisphere were divided into two subgroups. The change in QT dispersion overtime during the follow-up period was also determined.

Results: The study included 124 patients with acute ischemic stroke (54 females and 70 males) with a mean age of 67±11 years, as well as a control group of 93 subjects (49 females and 44 males) with a mean age of 69±8 years. The QTcd values of the stroke group were significantly longer than the control group in the first 12 hours of symptom onset. However, after 48 hours, the QTcd values of the stroke group decreased and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. The presence of diabetes mellitus caused a more significant increase in QT dispersion, and after 48 hours, the QTcd values of diabetic stroke patients were still significantly longer. The QTcd values of patients with left hemispheric lesions were significantly longer than those of patients with right hemispheric lesions, and this difference persisted after 48 hours.

Conclusion: This study found that QT dispersion increases during the first few hours of ischemic stroke and decreases during the treatment period. This increase is more obvious and lasts longer in stroke patients with diabetes and left hemispheric lesions. The results suggest that QT dispersion may be a useful prognostic indicator for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Kojic Acid and Kojic Acid Ester: Review on Nanotechnology-based
Approach for Enhancing the Delivery Efficacy
Authors: Lokman Hakim Nur Yasmin Diana , Joginder Singh Hardeep Kaur , Kang Nien How , Siau Hui Mah , Zee Wei Lai
Published: April 2023

Kojic acid (KA), a fungal secondary metabolite, is commonly used in the cosmetic industry
as a skin-whitening agent because of its ability to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin
production. However, KA has shown poor depigmenting effects and becomes unstable after prolonged
storage. Its use in cosmetics products has also been restricted due to its hydrophilic nature. To overcome
these limitations, the structure of KA can be altered to form KA derivatives, such as KA ester
(KAE), with improved chemical and biological properties. For instance, multiple studies have shown
that KAE is more effective at inhibiting tyrosinase, is less toxic and more stable than KA, thus making
it more beneficial. Aside from structural modification, nanotechnology applications such as
nanoemulsion, and others have shown the ability to strengthen the efficacy of both KA and KAE by
increasing skin permeability and delivering the drug more precisely to the targeted site with better
controlled release rate. Therefore, the aim of this review article is to discuss the importance of modifying
KA’s chemical structure as well as the role of nanoemulsion, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN),
nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), liposomes and ethosomes in improving topical delivery of KA and
KAE for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
The impact of accessible capital on labor growth of small and medium enterprises in Vietnam
Authors:   International Economics Faculty, Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Ha Van Dung , Nguyen Van Tung , Dang Nhan Truong Thanh
Published: April 2023

There are significant constraints that limit the present SMEs from extending up in terms of labor and employment. Firms have a higher demand for workforce and thus create employment when enlarging their business operation scale. There has been a theoretical gap related to the labor growth of SMEs in developing countries, such as Vietnam, and a necessity of finding solutions to overcome difficulties in accessing capital to foster firms’ labor growth. Most of the previous studies on growth used the statistical frequency method. Meanwhile, the results of the Bays method can ignore the influence condition due to the small sample or missing observations. While previous studies often used debt ratio or financial leverage in the model, these are two different approaches. This study used the Bayesian estimation method to examine the labor growth of SMEs in Vietnam due to the impact of equity and liabilities, which better reflects the impact of each specific component of capital used for business growth, along with a group of control variables. The research results demonstrate that debt has a positive effect while equity has a negative impact on business growth. Enterprise size, male entrepreneurs, and businessmen with educational and vocational qualifications in the group of undergraduate and graduate, college, and vocational secondary schools have a positive impact on the growth of enterprises. Firm age, export factors, and untrained entrepreneurs have a negative impact on firm growth.
Comparing the Effectiveness of the Blended Delivery Mode With the Face-to-Face Delivery Mode of Smoking Cessation Treatment: Noninferiority Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Siemer Lutz , Pieterse Marcel E , Ben Allouch Somaya , Postel Marloes G , Brusse-Keizer Marjolein G J
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Tobacco consumption is a leading cause of death and disease, killing >8 million people each year. Smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related diseases. Although combined treatment for addiction is promising, evidence of its effectiveness is still emerging. Currently, there is no published research comparing the effectiveness of blended smoking cessation treatments (BSCTs) with face-to-face (F2F) treatments, where web-based components replace 50% of the F2F components in blended treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this 2-arm noninferiority randomized controlled trial was to determine whether a BSCT is noninferior to an F2F treatment with identical ingredients in achieving abstinence rates.

METHODS

This study included 344 individuals who smoke (at least 1 cigarette per day) attending an outpatient smoking cessation clinic in the Netherlands. The participants received either a blended 50% F2F and 50% web-based BSCT or only F2F treatment with similar content and intensity. The primary outcome measure was cotinine-validated abstinence rates from all smoking products at 3 and 15 months after treatment initiation. Additional measures included carbon monoxide–validated point prevalence abstinence; self-reported point prevalence abstinence; and self-reported continuous abstinence rates at 3, 6, 9, and 15 months after treatment initiation.

RESULTS

None of the 13 outcomes showed statistically confirmed noninferiority of the BSCT, whereas 4 outcomes showed significantly (P<.001) inferior abstinence rates of the BSCT: cotinine-validated point prevalence abstinence rate at 3 months (difference 12.7, 95% CI 6.2-19.4), self-reported point prevalence abstinence rate at 6 months (difference 19.3, 95% CI 11.5-27.0) and at 15 months (difference 11.7, 95% CI 5.8-17.9), and self-reported continuous abstinence rate at 6 months (difference 13.8, 95% CI 6.8-20.8). The remaining 9 outcomes, including the cotinine-validated point prevalence abstinence rate at 15 months, were inconclusive.

CONCLUSIONS

In this high-intensity outpatient smoking cessation trial, the blended mode was predominantly less effective than the traditional F2F mode. The results contradict the widely assumed potential benefits of blended treatment and suggest that further research is needed to identify the critical factors in the design of blended interventions.

CLINICALTRIAL

Netherlands Trial Register 27150; https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/nl/trial/27150

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3851-x
Guideline-Adherent Physiotherapy for Patients With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis in Germany: Protocol for an Implementation Research Project Using the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behavior Change Wheel (Preprint)
Authors: Bahns Carolin , Scheffler Bettina , Kopkow Christian
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Hip and knee osteoarthritis is common and leads to pain, stiffness, and disability. Clinical practice guidelines provide recommendations based on the best available evidence to assist health care professionals and patients in clinical decision-making. However, several studies have reported a gap between guideline recommendations and clinical practice in physiotherapy. Improved implementation strategies and the removal of existing barriers may facilitate the transfer of evidence into clinical practice and contribute to optimized quality of care.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to describe the current physiotherapy practice in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis and to investigate physiotherapists’ adherence to clinical practice guidelines, to identify and specify barriers to and facilitators of guideline use and implementation, and to develop and pilot test a theory-based tailored implementation intervention aiming to increase guideline use in osteoarthritis care.

METHODS

The research project is divided into 4 parts. During the first part, we will conduct a nationwide web-based survey among German physiotherapists to evaluate the current management of hip and knee osteoarthritis and to evaluate whether treatment aligns with guideline recommendations. Subsequently, semistructured interviews will be conducted to specify barriers to and facilitators of guideline use and implementation among physiotherapists (part 2). On the basis of these findings, in part 3, we will develop a theory-driven implementation intervention based on the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behavior Change Wheel, which will be evaluated in a controlled pilot study in terms of effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability (part 4).

RESULTS

Data collection of the web-based survey among German physiotherapists (part 1) was completed in December 2021. The semistructured interviews (part 2) were conducted between January and September 2023. Recruitment of physiotherapy practices to participate in the development of the implementation intervention is expected to start in January 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This research project aims to develop a theory-driven implementation intervention to facilitate the transfer of evidence from hip and knee osteoarthritis guidelines in physiotherapy practice. We hypothesize that successful implementation will lead to increased guideline adherence in physiotherapists, which in turn will improve the quality of care. The results from our project will provide valuable knowledge concerning the development process and effectiveness of tailored implementation interventions.

CLINICALTRIAL

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/47834
Correction: The Association of a Geographically Wide Social Media Network on Depression: County-Level Ecological Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Beauchamp Alaina M , Lehmann Christoph U , Medford Richard J , Hughes Amy E
Published: April 2023

UNSTRUCTURED
Trends and cross-country inequalities in the global burden of osteoarthritis, 1990-2019: a population-based study (Preprint)
Authors: Cao Fan , Xu Zhiwei , Wang Peng , Ni Jing , Fu Zi-Yue , Ni Qin-Yu , Wang Qian-Qian , Tao Li-Ming , Hou Sheng-Ping , Jiang Zheng-Xuan , Pan Hai-Feng
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of adult activity limitation and a major cause of deformity in aging people, therefore gradually becomes a global public health issue.

OBJECTIVE

We here provide a comprehensive evaluation of the trends and cross-country inequalities of global OA burden over the last 30 years.

METHODS

The estimates and 95% uncertainty interval (UI) for incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of OA were extracted from Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 as measures of OA burden. We described OA epidemiology at global, regional, and national levels, analyzed 1990-2019 trends in OA burden from overall, local, and multi-dimension scopes, decomposed OA DALYs, and quantified cross-country inequalities in OA DALYs.

RESULTS

GBD 2019 estimated 527,811,871 (95% UI: 478,667,549 to 584,793,491) prevalent cases, 41,467,542 (95% UI: 36,875,471 to 46,438,409) incident cases and 18,948,965 (95% UI:9,571,298 to 37,659,660) DALYs of OA occurred worldwide in 2019, with the highest cases in East Asia and highest age-standardized rate (ASR) in high-income North America. The global burden of OA increased overall from 1990 to 2019 with the fastest growth observed in the first decade of the 21st century, although there were variations in incidence, prevalence and DALYs of OA across countries. Decomposition analysis revealed that OA knee (62.78%), women (60.47%), and middle sociodemographic index (SDI) quintile region (32.35%) were responsible for the most significant DALYs, whose changes were primarily driven by population growth and aging. A significant increase in SDI-related inequalities was detected, and the gap in DALYs between the highest SDI countries and the lowest SDI countries increased from 179.5 (95% CI: 149.3 to 209.8) per 100,000 in 1990 to 341.9 (95% CI: 309.5 to 374.4) per 100,000 in 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

From 1990 to 2019, there was a significant increase in OA burden globally (particularly in OA knee burden), which was primarily driven by population growth and aging. Countries with high SDI shouldered disproportionately high OA burden, and the magnitude of the SDI-related inequalities across countries increased over time.
MATERNAL DEATHS IN PUNJAB: A 3-YEAR AUDIT FROM A TERTIARY LEVEL GOVERNMENT INSTITUTE
Authors: Grover Suparna , Sharma Sujata , Sidana Himanshi , Chhabra Ajay
Published: April 2023

Objective: This study aims to recognize the most common causes and delays in maternal death.
Methods: This is an observational study from Government Medical College Amritsar from the period December 2017 to November 2020 which included all cases of maternal death irrespective of gestational age and up to 42 days postpartum.
Results: Maternal mortality ratio in our institute during 3-year study period (2018–2020) was 1081 per 100,000 live births. About 90.9% of the maternal deaths were unregistered emergency cases, 11.7% were brought dead, and 33.8% deaths took place within 24 h of admission. Direct obstetric causes were the most common causes of maternal death (49%), while indirect causes were responsible for 42.8% deaths. Hypertensive disorders and hemorrhage were responsible for almost one third cases and severe anemia was an aggravating factor in 31.5%. Maternal deaths were associated with type 1 delay in 57.6%, type 2 delay in 9% cases, and type 3 delay in 21.2%.
Conclusion: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and obstetric hemorrhage continue to be the leading threats to maternal lives. Improvement in public health services and special campaigns focusing on prevention of viral hepatitis and other infectious diseases can be helpful in decreasing maternal death due to indirect causes. Need of the hour is quality intrapartum and emergency obstetric care at first referral units. Indirect causes of maternal death are a significant public health issue which needs to be addressed.
FORMULATION AND IN VITRO CHARACTERIZATION OF THIOCOLCHICOSIDE PRONIOSOMES FOR ORAL DELIVERY
Authors: Antil Deepa , Sharma Rahul , BHUSHAN BHARAT
Published: April 2023

Objective: The main objective of the present study was to develop a controlled release formulation of proniosomes of thiocolchicoside.
Methods: The formulations of proniosomes were prepared with thiocolchicoside varying the Span 60 and cholesterol ratio in the range of 4.5:1–1:4.5 using sucrose stearate as carrier by slurry method. The different proniosomal formulations prepared were characterized for micromeritic properties and further %Entrapment efficiency, %Drug content, and loading efficiency were also determined. The best optimized formulation F8 was characterized for particle size distribution, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, in vitro dissolution studies, and in vitro release kinetics to determine the release pattern of the drug from the formulation. Further, the formulated proniosomes were subjected to stability studies.
Results: The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy study showed no interaction between drugs and other excipients. The entrapment efficiency of proniosomes formulations found within the range of 49.71–83.62%. The formulation F8 was characterized for the in vitro dissolution studies which showed drug release 94.30% within 24 h when compared with pure drug. Kinetic analysis of drug release profiles showed that the drug release was followed by Korsmeyer–Peppas model (R2=0.9413) resulted in controlled release. The mean particle size and zeta potential of proniosome derived niosomes were found to be 118.34 nm with polydispersity index 14.9% and −36.8, respectively, and has reasonably good stability characteristics as well.
Conclusion: Proniosomal formulation of thiocolchicoside may be used as controlled drug delivery system for oral administration. Hence, proniosomes could act as a promising alternative option for oral drug delivery.
A REVIEW OF NANOGELS AS NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Authors: KARANAM MAHESHWARI , GOTTEMUKKULA LAKSHMIDEVI
Published: April 2023

The term “nanogel” refers to highly cross-linked hydrogels with a size between 20 and 200 nm. Due to their tiny size, they have higher penetration and greater drug-loading capacity. They release the medication using mechanisms such as photochemical internalization, volume transition, pH responsiveness, thermo sensitive, and photo isomerization. They can be categorized according to whether they respond to stimuli or not as well as the kind of links that are present in the gel structure’s network chains. Using photolithography, modified pollutants, and emulsions, one can create nanogel. Reverse microemulsion polymerization, inverse mini-emulsion polymerization, and the free radical cross-linking polymerization method are all examples of polymerization. Cancer, diabetes, inflammation, and bone regeneration are just a few conditions that can be treated with nanogels. The cutting-edge medication delivery technology for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs is nanogels. This article focuses on the historical data regarding herbal nanogels, which have high patient compliance, delivery rate, and efficacy when used to treat various illnesses. The topic of stimulus-responsive nanogels, including pH-and temperature-responsive systems, is also covered.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL, FORMULATION, AND EVALUATION OF ANTIFUNGAL HERBAL SOAP USING CURCUMA AMADA ROXBURGH AND PRUNUS DULCIS
Authors: C HARI PRASATH , S DIVYAPRIYA , KUMAR V DHANA RANGESH
Published: April 2023

Objective: Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxburgh) belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, a type of annual plant. It is commonly used for culinary and therapeutic purposes, which also has the maximum amount of health benefits. The main objective of the study is formulation of antifungal herbal soap which is alternate to chemical products. Methods: In the present study, aqueous, ethanol, and chloroform extract of mango ginger were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and determined the antioxidant activity using DPPH assay and FRAP assay. Furthermore, the ash and moisture content of the rhizome was analyzed. The aqueous extract of mango ginger is used in the GC-MS study to identify the compounds present in the mango ginger. The oil was extracted from mango ginger and subjected to antifungal activity by the well-diffusion method against three fungi, namely, Candida tropicalis, Candida auris, and Candida albicans. Using the extracted mango ginger oil and almond oil, antifungal Herbal Soap is formulated. Result: This study shows that aqueous extract of mango ginger has a greater number of carbohydrates, phenol, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity than other extracts. Antifungal activity is observed at various concentrations of extract, which shows that the highest zone of inhibition is 1.4 cm for C. auris. The formulated soap has a good aroma, and color – mustard yellow. This soap is base in nature and its pH is 8.9. Conclusion: According to the above studies, the formulated antifungal herbal soap may rectify the problems of fungal skin infections.
A STUDY TO DERIVE BARRIERS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG ADULTS OF TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL INDIA
Authors: Sharma Arun , Verma Prashant , Thakur Aditya , Tiwari Rajesh
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The aim of the study was to derive the barriers of physical activity among the adults of tertiary care teaching hospital.
Methods: It was descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out in the tertiary care teaching institute of Central India. The study was conducted during the period from January 2020 to October 2021. Study subjects were Participants belonging to 18–65 years age group studying or working at tertiary care teaching institute.
Results: The proportion of insufficient physical among the participants was 8.62% while majority of the them, that is, 82.18% had moderate physical activity, whereas 9.2% of the respondents had vigorous physical activity. One hundred and sixteen (33.33%) had shown any of the perceived barriers to physical activity. Twenty (66.67%) in insufficiently active and 96 (33.57%) in moderately active group have shown any of the perceived barrier.
Conclusion: As the long-term consequences of physical inactivity can lead to health problems among people, understanding the factors that influence participation in physical activity and barriers that leads to inactivity is important to help design successful interventions and strategies that increase their level of engagement in activity.
TO EVALUATE THE SERUM ASCORBIC ACID LEVELS IN FRESH MYOCARDIAL INFRACTION PATIENTS AND TO COMPARE THEM WITH NORMAL HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS
Authors: KAUR NAVDEEP , KAUR JASPREET , KAUR JASWANT
Published: April 2023

Objective: Decreased serum magnesium and ascorbic acid has been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). The present study was planned to evaluate the status of ascorbic acid in patients suffering from MI and to compare them with normal healthy individuals.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Medicine, Government Medical College, Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar. Fifty patients already diagnosed with MI, attending medicine OPD and IPD. Fifty healthy individuals with ages and sex-matched from the same population served as controls. Plasma acorbic acid levels and lipid profiles were also estimated.
Result: In our study, we observed that the difference between the plasma ascorbic acid levels of normal individuals and the patient of MI was statistically highly significant (p<0.001). It was also seen that the maximum number of subjects was found the age of 51–70 years in MI patients.
Conclusion: Decreased plasma ascorbic acid levels may be one of the causes of MI, so its supplementation may delay MI and its complications.
EFFECTS OF DEXAMETHASONE AS AN ADJUVANT TO ROPIVACAINE ON DURATION AND QUALITY OF POST-OPERATIVE ANALGESIA IN ULTRASOUND-GUIDED TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE BLOCK IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING LOWER-SEGMENT CESAREAN SECTION
Authors: DEGANWA MANGILAL , AGARWAL ASTHA , GOYAL VIGYA , JAIN VIJETA , JETHAVA DURGA
Published: April 2023

Aim: The aim of this study was to measure the effect of adding dexamethasone to ropivacaine on the duration and quality of post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing lower-segment caesarean section (LSCS) who are receiving ultrasound-guided transverse abdominal plane (TAP) blocks.
Methods: An interventional, prospective, randomized, and double-blind trial was conducted at a hospital. Before beginning the investigation, the Institutional Ethics Committee permission was acquired. The patient characteristics were analyzed using the Students t-test for continuous variables and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. A total of 60 patients were randomly split into two groups of 30 each.
Results: Time to first rescue analgesia was significantly shorter in Group R (11.62±3.80 h) than the Group D (19.04±4.20 h) (p<0.001). The total tramadol requirement in post-operative period was significantly higher in Group R (86.67±30.55 mg) than the Group D (35.56±39.54 mg) (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The use of dexamethasone along with 0.1% ropivacaine prolongs the analgesic duration of TAP block in patients undergoing LSCS.
SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES AMONG 1st- AND 2nd-YEAR MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATES
Authors: PRABHAKARAN SONISH S , Prabha MP Sneha , S ASHA , Palappallil Dhanya Sasidharan
Published: April 2023

Objective: The objectives of our study were to estimate the prevalence of self-medication, to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication, and to compare the risk factors of self-medication practices among 1st-and 2nd-year medical undergraduates, of a Government Medical College in Kerala, India.
Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee approval and informed consent. A pre-validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed and variables associated with self-medication were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to compute adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
Results: The response rate was 59.47% (233/375). More than three-quarters of the participants responded correctly to the query on definition of over-the counter drug. As compared to 46.8% of 1st years, 67.6% of 2nd years had practiced self-medication in the past 6 months. The most common medical condition/symptom for consuming self-medication was for managing the common cold and paracetamol was the most common medication. The risk of developing adverse drug reactions was considered a serious threat after self-medication by around three-quarters of the participants. There was a significant association of self-medication practice among the 2nd years as compared to the 1st years (p=0.009, OR-1.64 (95% CI 1.16–2.31).
Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication was high among medical students and there was a greater risk of self-medication among the 2nd years (1.64 times) as compared to the 1st-year students. The study revealed that the students exhibited inadequate knowledge regarding appropriate self-medication. Although they had a positive attitude toward self-medication they commonly engaged in inadequate self-medication practices. Knowledge of medicines obtained for similar previous illnesses and the feeling that there is no need to consult a doctor for minor ailments that were the main reasons for self-medication.
ASPARTATE PLATELET RATIO INDEX AS A PREDICTOR OF SEVERITY OF FIBROSIS IN CHRONIC HEPATITS C
Authors: NARAYANAN KANNAN , ZACHARIAH SUE ANN , KURIAN V SHEELA
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Hepatitis C is an important emerging cause for chronic liver disease in India, with high risk for chronicity and hepatocellular carcinoma. Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is the most common cause for chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and liver transplantation. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for evaluation of fibrosis - however it remains fraught with drawbacks and limitations. The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), a tool with limited expense and widespread availability is a promising non-invasive alternative to liver biopsy for detecting hepatic fibrosis in CHC.
Objectives: (1) The objectives of the study were to determine the association between APRI and severity of fibrosis in Hepatitis C (2) and to describe the clinical profile of patients with Hepatitis C.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study in 60 patients diagnosed with hepatitis C for more than 6 months admitted to the General Medicine and Medical Gastroenterology Departments of Govt Medical College, Kottayam. Data were collected with a structured pro forma and analyzed using SPSS.
Results: 35 of 60 patients belonged to METAVIR F3 (severe fibrosis) and F4 (cirrhosis). An APRI of 0.5 was associated with a finding of F3 or F4 with a sensitivity of 97.14% and a specificity of 88%. 31 of the 60 patients belonged to F4. An APRI of 1.5 or more was a predictor for cirrhosis with a sensitivity of 93.1% and specificity of 96.77%. The positive predictive value of cirrhosis APRI threshold >1.5 is 96.4%.
ASSESSMENT OF THE PATTERN OF AGRICULTURAL ACCIDENTS IN A TRIBAL DISTRICT, RATLAM, CENTRAL INDIA
Authors: S Kot Lokendra , K Patidar Anand , Jain Anurag , Sharma Vikash , Gupta Jitendra , Gupta Mahesh
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) Study the various type of agricultural accident in selected district. (2) Study the various factors associated with agricultural accidents.
Methods: An observational cross-sectional study conducted after getting ethical approval from ethical committee in villages of Ratlam District selected by stratified random sampling method for the duration of 1 year. Data collected using predesigned structured pro forma through selected villages using key informant approach. Study financially supported by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).
Discussion: Total 865 were victims of agricultural accidents in our study which include 22.20% (192) females and 77.80% (673) males. Most of the victims (46.24%) who met agricultural accident were from age of 30–45 years and about 6.47% (37 – males and 19 – females) victims were below age of 15 years. Mean age of victims was 32.98 and SD 12.415.
Conclusion: Mean ages of victims were 32.98 and SD 12.415. Young workers recorded the highest rate of agricultural injury with 52 accidents per 1000 workers. Incidence of agricultural accidents found to be ≈ 26.11 per 1000 workers per year. Total 865 agricultural injuries were reported, of which 457 (52.83%) by hand tool (Sickle/Pick-axe/hand hoes). The overall accident’s incidence rate calculated was 3.66/1000/year. Sickle accidents were highest which constituted 400(46.24%). The right hand fingers (101) are most affected part followed by the left hand fingers (95).
ROLE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY-GUIDED FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY IN HEPATIC LESIONS: A PROSPECTIVE AND OBSERVATIONAL STUDY AT A TERTIARY HEALTH-CARE CENTRE IN CENTRAL INDIA
Authors: MAHALE RAVIKANT , NAMDEO RATNAKAR , MERAVI JYOTI , THAKRE SANDEEP , SHRIVASTAVA VIJAY
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The liver is a common site for primary as well as secondary malignancies. Ultrasonography (USG)-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a rapid, accurate, economical, and safe diagnostic procedure for various hepatic lesions. The aims of the study were to categorize and study the cytomorphological features of the hepatic lesions, study the age and sex distribution and analyzing cytological features of the hepatic lesions, and to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of USG-guided FNAC in diagnosing hepatic lesions.
Methods: A prospective and observational study of 64 patients with clinically and radiologically diagnosed hepatic lesions and referred for FNAC in department of pathology of a tertiary care hospital. USG-guided FNAC was performed in each patient and cytological features were analyzed.
Results: In our study, out of total 64 USG-guided FNAC of liver, metastasis was most common – 33 cases (51.56%), followed by primary hepatocellular carcinoma – 18 cases (28.12%), liver abscess – 6 cases (9.37%), and 7 cases (10.93%) were unsatisfactory smears.
Conclusion: USG-guided FNAC, in expert hands being simple, safe, quick, reliable, cost-effective, efficient, and easily available OPD-based procedure and with less number of complications, it has a very important role in accurate diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma, secondary malignant tumors of liver, and inflammatory lesions of liver.
Evaluating the Feasibility of using Construction and Demolition Waste in Subgrade
Authors: V. R. Athira , K. Kannan
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The expansion in infrastructure due to the building and demolition operations, more construction and demolition waste are produced and this waste must be properly disposed of and managed. This paper proposes to evaluate the feasibility of using construction and demolition waste (CDW) for the subgrade of roads. The subgrade material is fully replaced by the finer portions of CDW and its practicality is analysed. The properties were identified by conducting compaction, direct shear, CBR etc. The properties of finer portions of CDW were compared with the basic requirements of subgrade material. The results indicated that the subgrade material can be fully replaced by finer portions only after suitable modification of CDW.