bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Mode of Delivery by Angle of Progression (AOP) before the Onset of Labor by Transperineal Ultrasound in Nulliparous Women
Authors: Minajagi Priyanka Shankerappa , Srinivas Sujatha Bagepalli , Hebbar Shripad
Published: November 2019

Background:

Prediction of the mode of delivery is crucial for better labour outcome.
Recent studies suggest that the angle of progression (AOP), measured using transperineal ultrasound,
can substantially aid the assessment of fetal head descent during labor, thereby predicting
the mode of delivery.

Objective:

To assess the ability of the AOP measured by transperineal ultrasound to predict the
mode of delivery in nulliparous women before the onset of labor.

Methods:

A prospective observational study was conducted at our hospital, of nulliparous women
who had presented to the antenatal clinic at ≥ 38 weeks of gestation but not in labor. AOP was
measured using transperineal ultrasonography and compared among the women having Caesarean
section (CS) due to labor dystocia and vaginal delivery (VD). Various other confounding factors
which increase the risk of caesarean section were analyzed.

Results:

Among total 120 nulliparous women, the mean AOP was narrower in patients undergoing
CS (n = 28) compared to those with VD (n = 92) (91.6 ± 6.1° vs. 100.7 ± 6.9°; P < 0.01). Multivariable
logistic regression analysis revealed that narrow AOP values (OR 3.66; P < 0.001; 95% CI 1.7-
14.5) and occiput-posterior fetal position (OR 1.63; P = 0.04; 95% CI 1.0-7.5) were the independent
risk factors for CS. An AOP ≥ 96° (calculated from the ROC curve) was associated with VD in
95% (76/80) of women and an AOP < 96° was observed among 60% (24/40) of women who underwent
CS.

Conclusion:

Narrow AOP (< 96°) and occiput-posterior fetal position are at higher risk for CS due
to labor dystocia. AOP measured at the antenatal period could accurately predict the mode of delivery,
thereby modifying labor outcome.
Multi-level 3D Densenets for False-positive Reduction in Lung Nodule Detection Based on Chest Computed Tomography
Authors: Lu Xiaoqi , Gu Yu , Yang Lidong , Zhang Baohua , Zhao Ying , Yu Dahua , Zhao Jianfeng , Gao Lixin , Zhou Tao , Liu Yang , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2019

Objective:

False-positive nodule reduction is a crucial part of a computer-aided detection
(CADe) system, which assists radiologists in accurate lung nodule detection. In this research, a
novel scheme using multi-level 3D DenseNet framework is proposed to implement false-positive
nodule reduction task.

Methods:

Multi-level 3D DenseNet models were extended to differentiate lung nodules from falsepositive
nodules. First, different models were fed with 3D cubes with different sizes for encoding
multi-level contextual information to meet the challenges of the large variations of lung nodules. In
addition, image rotation and flipping were utilized to upsample positive samples which consisted of
a positive sample set. Furthermore, the 3D DenseNets were designed to keep low-level information
of nodules, as densely connected structures in DenseNet can reuse features of lung nodules and then
boost feature propagation. Finally, the optimal weighted linear combination of all model scores
obtained the best classification result in this research.

Results:

The proposed method was evaluated with LUNA16 dataset which contained 888 thin-slice
CT scans. The performance was validated via 10-fold cross-validation. Both the Free-response Receiver
Operating Characteristic (FROC) curve and the Competition Performance Metric (CPM)
score show that the proposed scheme can achieve a satisfactory detection performance in the falsepositive
reduction track of the LUNA16 challenge.

Conclusion:

The result shows that the proposed scheme can be significant for false-positive nodule
reduction task.
Quantitation of Pregabalin by HPLC-UV Method using Ninhydrin Derivatization: Development and Validation
Authors: Mutalabisin Fathiy , Helaluddin Abul Bashar Mohammed , Sengupta Pinaki , Mohamed Farahidah , Chatterjee Bappaditya
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

A simple and reliable high performance liquid chromatographic method has
been developed for the quantitative determination of pregabalin in bulk and dosage form. Pregabalin, a
γ amino butyric acid analogue, has negligible sensitivity to UV or fluorescence detection. Hence, it has
been derivatized by ninhydrin to form a chromophoric complex that could be quantified by UV detection.

Materials and Methods:

The concentration of ninhydrin was set to 5 mg/ml and a phosphate buffer
solution (pH 7.4) was used as a solvent for the reaction. The resultant complex was separated by HPLC
and detected by a UV detector at 569nm wavelength.

Results:

The developed method showed a linear response within 50 to 600 μg/mL of pregabalin. The
method was accurate with mean recovery values within 100 ± 2%. The repeatability of the method was
established by intra-day and inter-day precision study. Finally, a commercial pregabalin capsule was
assayed by the developed HPLC method including ninhydrin derivatization. The result of the mean
assay was found to be 100.37 ±2.94 %.

Conclusion:

This is the first time we are reporting pregabalin analysis using ninhydrin derivatization
for HPLC analysis. Therefore, the developed method can be considered as a significant improvement in
pregabalin quantitation and it can be easily applied for routine quality control tests of pregabalin.
A Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Schisandrol B After Oral Administration of Schisandrol B Monomer and Schisandra chinensis Extract
Authors: Wu Zijing , Liang Dahu , Xu Maodi , Liu Yanhao , Xie Haitang
Published: November 2019

Background:

Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.) is a perennial deciduous woody vine
plant, which is beneficial to all systems of the body.

Objective:

The goals of the present study were to compare the pharmacokinetics of schisandrol B in
rats after the oral administration of schisandrol B monomer (10 mg/kg) and S. chinensis extract (equivalent
to 10 mg/kg schisandrol B) and to explore interactions among the components in S. chinensis
extract.

Methods:

Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into the monomer and
S.chinensis extract groups. Plasma samples were extracted with methyl tert-butyl ether, and chromatographic
separation was performed on an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse XDB-C18 (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 μm)
column with the mobile phase consisting of methanol (containing 0.1% formic acid)-water (containing
0.1% formic acid and 5 mmol ammonium acetate). This analysis was achieved by multiple reaction
monitoring modes in an electrospray interface.

Results:

The seven lignans had a good linear relationship within the determination range (r>0.9950);
the intra- and inter-day precision was <12.08% and accuracy was 88.64%-111.61%. The pharmacokinetic
parameters (T1/2, Tmax, MRT0-∞, CL, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞) of schisandrol B showed significant
differences between the two groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The validated method has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics of schisandrin,
schisandrol B, schisandrin A, schisandrin B, schisandrin C, schisanhenol, and schisantherin A.
The pharmacokinetic differences indicate that other components in the extract may increase the absorption
of schisandrol B, decrease the rate of elimination, and improve the bioavailability of schisandrol B.
The Role of Hyperhomocysteinemia in the Development of Changes in the Lungs
Authors: Samborska Inga , Kovalchuk Oleksandr , Fagoonee Sharmila , Falalyeyeva Tetyana , Maievskyi Oleksandr
Published: November 2019

Background:

In recent years, attention of the scientific community has been drawn to the
study of the role of homocysteine in the pathology of diseases in general and the respiratory system
in particular. Violations of the synthesis and disposal of homocysteine are the cause of its excessive
accumulation in the body, which subsequently leads to damage to all organs and systems.

Methods:

We conducted this study on 64 white non-linear rats of 6-8 and 24-26 months old rats,
which were divided into two control and experimental groups during the experiment. The study of
ultrastructural changes in the lungs of rats was performed using an electron microscope.

Results:

The results of the conducted study show that all the animals of the experimental group, corresponding
to 32 (50%) cases, possess conspicuous morphological changes in the structure of the
lungs.

:

The specific features of mature animals were the narrowing of the alveolar space of the part of the
alveoli and the increase in the number of macrophages in them. Partial desquamation of capillary
endothelial lining and a slight increase of collagen fibers in interalveolar membranes were observed
compared to control animals. A characteristic feature for older animals was the growth of connective
tissue, predominantly collagen fibers, which led to pneumosclerosis. The thickening of the aerogemic
barrier was also detected, and the endothelial lining was intermittent or desquamated.

Conclusion:

Mature animals of the experimental group were characterized by activation of
inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, due to increased production of macrophages and, as a
consequence, the launch of the humorous link of immunity, while in old rats were determined by
fibrosis, disorders of the trophic and gas metabolism, as well as damage to the endothelium part of
lungs.
The Impact of Spironolactone on Markers of Myocardial Oxidative Status, Inflammation and Remodeling in Hyperthyroid Rats
Authors: Mayyas Fadia A , Aljohmani Ahmad I , Alzoubi Karem H
Published: November 2019

Background:

Hyperthyroidism promotes the development and progression of cardiovascular
diseases (CVD). Aldosterone, a key mediator of myocardial inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis,
may be activated in hyperthyroidism.

Objective:

To assess the impact of hyperthyroidism on aldosterone levels and myocardial oxidative
status, inflammatory and fibrotic markers in hyperthyroid rats, and to test if the use of spironolactone
(an aldosterone antagonist) attenuates these changes.

Methods:

Adult Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups; controls, spironolactone treated
rats (Spir, 50mg/kg/day), hyperthyroid rats (Hyper, daily intraperitoneal levothyroxine 0.3mg/kg/day),
and spironolactone treated hyperthyroid rats (Hyper+Spir) for 4 weeks. Blood pressure (Bp), and levels
of serum and myocardial aldosterone, oxidants/antioxidants, inflammatory and fibrotic markers were
measured.

Result:

Levothyroxine increased serum thyroid hormones and increased Bp, heart rate and heart to
bodyweight ratio. Relative to control, serum aldosterone levels were increased in Hyper and Hyper+
Spir groups. In parallel, cardiac lipid peroxides and serum endothelin-1 were increased whereas
cardiac superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and matrix metalloproteinase -2 were reduced in
the Hyper group. Spironolactone decreased serum thyroid hormones and improved cardiac lipid peroxides
and metalloproteinase -2 levels. The use of spironolactone decreased serum nitrite levels and increased
cardiac SOD and glutathione. Cardiac levels of aldosterone, endothelin-1, transforming growth
factor-beta and nitrite were similar among all groups.

Conclusion:

Hyperthyroid status was associated with an increase in aldosterone and oxidant/
inflammatory biomarkers. The use of spironolactone enhanced antioxidant defenses. Aldosterone
antagonists may serve as potential drugs to attenuate the development of cardiac disease in hyperthyroidism.
FRET Study Between Carbon Quantum Dots and Malachite Green by Steady-State and Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Rooj Bipin , Dutta Ankita , Mukherjee Debojyoti , Islam Sahidul , Mandal Ujjwal
Published: November 2019

Background:

Understanding the interaction between different organic dyes and
carbon quantum dots helps us to understand several photo physical processes like electron
transfer, energy transfer, molecular sensing, drug delivery and dye degradation processes
etc.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study is to whether the carbon quantum dots can
act as an electron donor and can participate in the different photo physical processes.

Methods:

In this work, Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDLs) are synthesized in most economical
and simple carbonization method where petals of Nelumbo nucifera L. are used as a
carbon precursor. The synthesized CQDLs were characterized by using experimental techniques
like UV−Vis absorption, FT-IR, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), steadystate
and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.

Results:

The spectral analysis shows that the so synthesized CQDLs are spherical in shape
and its diameter is around 4.2 nm. It shows the fluorescence emission maximum at 495 nm
with a quantum yield of 4%. In this work the interaction between Carbon Quantum Dots
(CQDLs) and an organic dye Malachite Green (MG) is studied using fluorescence spectroscopic
technique under ambient pH condition (At pH 7). The quenching mechanism of
CQDLs with MG was investigated using Stern-Volmer equation and time-resolved fluorescence
lifetime studies. The results show that the dominant process of fluorescence
quenching is attributed to Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) having a donor acceptor
distance of 53 Å where CQDLs act as a donor and MG acts as an acceptor.

Conclusion:

This work has a consequence that CQDLs can be used as a donor species for
different photo physical processes such as photovoltaic cell, dye sensitized solar cell, and
also for antioxidant activity study.
An Automatic Question Generation System Using Rule-Based Approach in Bloom’s Taxonomy
Authors: Gnanasekaran Deena , Kothandaraman Raja , Kaliyan Kannan
Published: November 2019

Background:

In this competing era, education has become part of everyday life. The process
of imparting the knowledge to the learner through education is the core idea in the Teaching-
Learning Process (TLP). An assessment is one way to identify the learner’s weak spot in the area
under discussion. An assessment question has higher preferences in judging the learner's skill. In
manual preparation, the questions are not assured in excellence and fairness to assess the learner’s
cognitive skill. To generate questions is the most important part of the teaching-learning process. It
is clearly understood that generating the test question is the toughest part.

Objective:

The proposed system is to generate the test questions that are mapped with bloom’s taxonomy
to determine the learner’s cognitive level. The cloze type questions are generated using the
tag part-of-speech and random function. Rule-based approaches and Natural Language Processing
(NLP) techniques are implemented to generate the procedural question of the lowest bloom’s cognitive
levels.

Methods:

Proposed an Automatic Question Generation (AQG) system which autom Proposed an Automatic Question Generation (AQG) system which, automatically generates
the assessment questions from the input file Dynamically.atically generates the assessment questions dynamically from the input file.

Results and Conclusion:

The outputs are dynamic to create a different set of questions at each execution.
Here, the input paragraph is selected from the computer science domain and their output efficiency
is measured using precision and recall.
Teaching Pedagogies of Entrepreneurship Education and Entrepreneurial Intention of Students of Higher Education in Nigeria: An Evaluation
Authors: Lawan Lawan   A. , Gujrati Ranjana
Published: November 2019

Entrepreneurship education was introduced in Nigerian higher education institutions as a compulsory course for students regardless of area of specialization in 2006/2007 academic session. This paper investigates the impact of selected teaching pedagogies (Normal lecture, Case study, Meeting entrepreneurs, Expert lecture, Incubation facility, Business plan development, Industry tour, Group discussion, Entrepreneurial stories, and Live project) used in delivering these courses on student's entrepreneurial intention. Data were collected during scheduled lecture period with the aid of questionnaire on 405 students of universities, colleges of education and polytechnics in the three regions of Northern Nigeria (The North-East, North-Central, and North-West). Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was applied to select the participants. Descriptive along with inferential statistics were used for the analysis. Ordinal logistic regression was used to estimate the impact of each of these courses on students' entrepreneurial intention. Findings indicate that four out of the ten teaching pedagogies namely; Normal lecture, Case study, Expert lecture, and Incubation facility leada positive and significant impact on students' entrepreneurial intentions.Therefore, higher education institutions in Nigeria need to set specific entrepreneurship education goals and come up with an effective blend of both conventional and innovative teaching pedagogies, through which students' mental and practical capabilities can be improved towards successful entrepreneurship. the teaching pedagogies applied in The study also recommends that entrepreneurship education area must be in alignment with the career interests of the students and with the objectives for which the course is offered.
Mudra: An Initiative Towards Promoting Entrepreneurship In India
Authors: Singh Anjali , Jaiswal K.K.
Published: November 2019

The period before 1991, witnessed that the government contact were the main reason for the success of the Indian business, the decisions during this phase was mostly based not on the dynamics of free market but on the connections, due to which large scale success stories in India were few, with limited capital and subdued entrepreneurship. After liberalization the entrepreneurship in India has transformed drastically and the major contributor is the banking system which has gained flexibility with time. Banks have played an important role in developing entrepreneurs as all entrepreneurs don't necessarily come from sound financial background. They always need loans at initial level for generating capital to start their work. With this mindsetPradhanMantri Mudra Yojana or Modi loan known as MUDRA was launched by NarendraModi thwhich stands for Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency on 8 April,2015 the target audience are the small business owners who are often neglected, as banks and financial institution focus more on granting products and services to the secured lot who will pay a higher rate of interest and will have their money's secured. The MUDRA bank Yojanawould be helpful in getting this trend changed.The paper deals with an overview of Mudra Yojana, the products offered under the scheme, the progress of the MUDRA Yojana , challenges and opportunities in its way and its role in boosting entrepreneurship in India. The paper concludes that Mudra Yojana so far does not seem to have significantly altered secular trends in lending to target segments.
Critical Review of Trends, Drivers, Issues, and Challenges of Primary Healthcare Services in India
Authors: Bhumit A Shah  , Madhusudan N. Pandya
Published: November 2019

The Indian health care system is typical in nature and the Government has invested in building a strong public healthcare infrastructure. The pivotal role is played by the evolution of foremost non-public sector facilities created by the Government as healthcare emerges as the priority sector of the Government of India. However, with a population of virtually 1.35 Billion, with a majority living within the rural hinterlands, there is a scope to enhance the healthcare facilities to improve the health of individuals. It is noteworthy to mention that approximately about 70 per cent of the disbursal on health expenditure is borne by the individual, a steep value that pushes several families into debt. The recently proclaimed “Ayushman Bharat” scheme in India, that will cowl a minimum of 40 per cent of the population, envisages a holistic approach. It seeks to deal with the inherent issues of accessibility and affordability and supply an all-around answer to healthcare needs for the masses. The bottom line of the scheme entails enhancing accessibility, and providing cost- effective insurance to the people at the bottom of pyramid. It leverages the strengths of the general public sector and private players to redefine the health care delivery system. An attempt is made in this research article is made to review in brief the current status of healthcare in India and components of healthcare sector. This article also provides brief discussion on the challenges and opportunities faced by India's Healthcare sector in delivering healthcare services.
Bath Soap Production Management Technique for Usage Efficiency
Authors: Kumar Rajesh
Published: November 2019

Soap is in use since human civilization. People had been using to wash their hands using different materials, not exactly like the soap of today. Some soil is used to clean the hands after toilet. No doubt that soil gave the similar results what we get from the present soap. But using the soil in present day is totally out of question. The present day soap is important daily use item and hence we have to find a solution for avoiding the loss of material during use. Soap is a cleaning material for human body. It is daily used by every person. Its consumption is in huge quantity. Its wastage can not be tolerated at any cost. A new production management technique discussed in this paper helps to save the loss of soap and also make it easily catchable for use. Full and proper use of soap material by people is the topic of discussion of this paper.
Objetos de Aprendizaje Accesibles: Análisis desde sus metadatos y su relación con las normas ecuatorianas NTE ISO IEC 40500 y 24751
Authors: Ingavelez-Guerra Paola Cristina , Hilera-González José Ramón , Otón-Tortosa Salvador
Published: November 2019

El presente documento constituye un estudio de la accesibilidad de objetos de aprendizaje acorde a las normativas WCAG 2.0 y sus metadatos de accesibilidad para lo cual se emplea una muestra de 15 objetos de aprendizaje realizados por diferentes instituciones de educación superior del Ecuador. Se considera la importancia del empleo de metadatos de accesibilidad en los recursos digitales educativos para su posterior información idónea en necesidades y preferencias de posibles usuarios en situación de discapacidad. Se presenta la evaluación comparativa de la muestra y se determina su relación de cumplimiento de la Norma Técnica Ecuatoriana 40500 (WCAG 2.0).
Perspectives of People Who Are Overweight and Obese on Using Wearable Technology for Weight Management: Systematic Review
Authors: Hu Ruiqi , van Velthoven Michelle Helena , Meinert Edward
Published: November 2019

Background

Obesity is a large contributor to preventable chronic diseases and health care costs. The efficacy of wearable devices for weight management has been researched; however, there is limited knowledge on how these devices are perceived by users.

Objective

This study aimed to review user perspectives on wearable technology for weight management in people who are overweight and obese.

Methods

We searched the online databases Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane library for literature published from 2008 onward. We included all types of studies using a wearable device for delivering weight-loss interventions in adults who are overweight or obese, and qualitative data were collected about participants' perspectives on the device. We performed a quality assessment using criteria relevant to different study types. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used for randomized controlled trials. The Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) was used for nonrandomized studies. The Oxman and Guyatt Criteria were used for systematic reviews. We used the critical appraisal checklist for qualitative studies. Data were extracted into a data extraction sheet and thematically analyzed.

Results

We included 19 studies: 5 randomized controlled trials, 6 nonrandomized studies, 5 qualitative studies, and 3 reviews. Mixed perceptions existed for different constructs of wearable technologies, which reflects the differences in the suitability of wearable technology interventions for different individuals in different contexts. This also indicates that interventions were not often tailored to participants' motivations. In addition, very few wearable technology interventions included a thorough qualitative analysis of the participants' view on important features of the intervention that made it successful.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of determining the type of intervention most suitable for an individual before the intervention is used. Our findings could help participants find a suitable intervention that is most effective for them. Further research needs to develop a user-centered tool for obtaining comprehensive user feedback.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42018096932; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=96932
Comparing the Relaxing Effects of Different Virtual Reality Environments in the Intensive Care Unit: Observational Study
Authors: Gerber Stephan M , Jeitziner Marie-Madlen , Sänger Simon D , Knobel Samuel E J , Marchal-Crespo Laura , Müri René M , Schefold Joerg C , Jakob Stephan M , Nef Tobias
Published: November 2019

Background

After a prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay, approximately 50%-75% of all critically ill patients suffer from neurocognitive late effects and a reduction of health-related quality of life. It is assumed that the noisy and stressful ICU environment leads to sensory overload and deprivation and potentially to long-term cognitive impairment.

Objective

In this study, we investigated three different virtual reality environments and their potentially restorative and relaxing effects for reducing sensory overload and deprivation in the ICU.

Methods

A total of 45 healthy subjects were exposed to three different environments, each 10 minutes in length (dynamic, virtual, natural, and urban environments presented inside the head-mounted display, and a neutral video on an ICU TV screen). During the study, data was collected by validated questionnaires (ie, restoration and sickness) and sensors to record physiological parameters (240 hertz).

Results

The results showed that the natural environment had the highest positive and restorative effect on the physiological and psychological state of healthy subjects, followed by the urban environment and the ICU TV screen.

Conclusions

Overall, virtual reality stimulation with head-mounted display using a dynamic, virtual and natural environment has the potential, if directly used in the ICU, to reduce sensory overload and deprivation in critically ill patients and thus to prevent neurocognitive late effects.
Mood and Stress Evaluation of Adult Patients With Moyamoya Disease in Korea: Ecological Momentary Assessment Method Using a Mobile Phone App (Preprint)
Authors: Yang Yong Sook , Ryu Gi Wook , Park Chang Gi , Yeom Insun , Shim Kyu Won , Choi Mona
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a known progressive obstructive cerebrovascular disorder. Monitoring and managing mood and stress are critical for patients with MMD, as they affect clinical outcomes. The ecological momentary assessment (EMA) method is a longitudinal study design by which multiple variable assessments can be performed over time to detect momentary fluctuations and changes in psychological dimensions such as mood and stress over time.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify predicting factors associated with momentary mood and stress at both the within-person and between-person levels and to examine individual fluctuation of mood over time in the short term using an EMA method combined with a mobile phone app.

METHODS

Participants aged older than 18 years were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea, between July 2018 and January 2019. The PsyMate scale for negative affect (NA) and positive affect (PA) and the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress Scale were uploaded on patient mobile phones. Using a mobile app, data were collected four times a day for 7 days. Pearson correlations and mixed modeling were used to predict relationships between repeatedly measured variables at both the between-person and within-person levels.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 93 participants was 40.59 (SD 10.06) years, 66 (71%) were female, and 71 (76%) were married. Participants provided 1929 responses out of a possible 2604 responses (1929/2604, 74.08%). The mean momentary NA and PA values were 2.15 (SD 1.12) and 4.70 (SD 1.31) out of 7, respectively. The momentary stress value was 2.03 (SD 0.98) out of 5. Momentary NA, PA, and stress were correlated (P<.001) and varied over time in relation to momentary variables. Common momentary variables associated with momentary mood and stress at both the within-person (level 1) and between-person (level 2) levels were identified. Momentary NA increased when being alone and being at the hospital at both levels, whereas momentary PA increased when eating or drinking, resting, being at a café, restaurant or a public place but decreased when being alone at both levels. Momentary stress increased when being at the office, at a public place, or as the time of the day went by but decreased when resting or during the weekend. Different factors affecting mood and stress at different levels were identified. Fluctuations in individual momentary mood over time at the within-person level were captured.

CONCLUSIONS

The EMA method using a mobile phone app demonstrated its ability to capture changes in mood and stress in various environmental contexts in patients with MMD. The results could provide baseline information for developing interventions to manage negative mood and stress of patients with MMD based on the identified predictors affecting mood and stress at two different levels.

CLINICALTRIAL
Benefits of Mobile Apps for Cancer Pain Management: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Zheng Caiyun , Chen Xu , Weng Lizhu , Guo Ling , Xu Haiting , Lin Meimei , Xue Yan , Lin Xiuqin , Yang Aiqin , Yu Lili , Xue Zenggui , Yang Jing
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Pain ratings reported by patients with cancer continue to increase, and numerous computer and phone apps for managing cancer-related pain have been developed recently; however, whether these apps effectively alleviate patients’ pain remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the role of mobile apps in the management of cancer pain.

METHODS

Literature on the use of apps for cancer pain management and interventions, published before August 2019, was retrieved from the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO. The effects of apps on cancer pain were evaluated using RevMan5.3 software, and the rates of adverse drug reactions were analyzed using the R Statistical Software Package 3.5.3.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies were selected for the analysis: 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 4 before-after studies, 2 single-arm trials, 1 prospective cohort study, and 1 prospective descriptive study. The 5 RCTs reported data for 487 patients (240 patients in the intervention group and 247 patients in the control group), and the remaining studies reported data for 428 patients. We conducted a meta-analysis of the RCTs. According to the meta-analysis, apps can significantly reduce pain scores (mean difference [MD]=–0.50, 95% CI –0.94 to –0.07, I2=62%, P=.02). We then used apps that have an instant messaging module for subgroup analysis; these apps significantly reduced patients’ pain scores (MD=–0.67, 95% CI –1.06 to –0.28, I2=57%, P<.01). Patients using apps without an instant messaging module did not see a reduction in the pain score (MD=0.30, 95% CI –1.31 to 1.92, I2=70%, P=.71). Overall, patients were highly satisfied with using apps. Other outcomes, such as pain catastrophizing or quality of life, demonstrated greater improvement in patients using apps with instant messaging modules compared with patients not using an app.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of apps with instant messaging modules is associated with reduced pain scores in patients with cancer-related pain, and patient acceptance of these apps is high. Apps without instant messaging modules are associated with relatively higher pain scores. The presence of an instant messaging module may be a key factor affecting the effect of an app on cancer pain.
STUDIES ON THE LARVICIDAL EFFICACY OF LEAF EXTRACT OF VITEX NEGUNDO AGAINST CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS
Authors: POONGUZALI J  , KALAIVANI M
Published: November 2019

Objective: Mosquitoes are one of the most significant vectors among arthropods. Infection due to mosquito plays a major health problem in developing countries. Repeated use of synthetic insecticides for mosquito control has disrupted natural biological control systems and led to resurgences in mosquito populations. Plants may be an alternative source of mosquito control, potential as insecticide. Controlling of mosquitoes at the larval stage is easy, as target specificity of the larvicide used can be ensured.

Methods: The present study has assessed the role of larvicidal activity of aqueous, chloroform, and methanol leaf extracts of Vitex negundo plant against first, second, third, and fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. Mortality rates were recorded after 24 h and 48 h to evaluate the larvicidal activity against C. quinquefasciatus.

Results: Among the three extracts, the methanol extract was found to be the most effective providing 86.67% mortality at 200 ppm concentration against the larvae of C. quinquefasciatus, when compared with aqueous and chloroform extracts, where the mortality rate is 83.33% and 70.00%, respectively.

Conclusions: The results therefore clearly indicate that V. negundo leaf extracts possess larvicidal activity against the larvae and could be a possible source of mosquito larvicides.
PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION AND EVALUATION OF IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF THE PLANT CYPERUS TEGETUM ROXB
Authors: ATANU CHATTERJEE  , RITU KHANRA  , PRANABESH CHAKRABORTY  , HIMANGSHU SEKHAR MAJI
Published: November 2019

Objective: The objective of the present study is to isolate the lead molecules and the antioxidant activity is also evaluated.

Method: Cyperus tegetum Roxb. (Cyperaceae) is found in the tribal area of West Midnapur district of West Bengal, India. It is commonly known as Madur Kathi. Different chromatographic techniques, namely, thin-layer chromatography, column chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to isolate and identify the different secondary metabolites.

Results: The different spectral studies (nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR], infrared [IR], and ultraviolet [UV]) confirmed the presence of stigmasterol as an isolated compound from the extract of C. tegetum (ECT). HPLC analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, namely, rutin (retention time [Rt]: 3.00), myricetin (Rt: 3.9), and quercetin (Rt: 5.6) and phenolic acids, namely, gallic acid (Rt: 4.0), caffeic acid (Rt: 5.4), chlorogenic acid (Rt: 7.3), and ferulic acid (Rt: 8.8) in ECT. ECT showed strong reducing power, diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate radical, superoxide anion scavenging, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities when compared to standard compounds.

Conclusion: From this study, several flavonoid and phenolic compounds were identified by RP-HPLC analysis. Flavonoids are rutin, quercetin, and myricetin and phenolic compounds are gallic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, respectively. The different spectral studies (NMR, IR, and UV) confirmed the presence of stigmasterol as an isolated compound from ECT.
IN VITRO CYTOTOXICITY ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC LEAF AND FRUIT EXTRACT OF ZANTHOXYLUM OVALIFOLIUM WIGHT AGAINST DALTON’S LYMPHOMA ASCITES AND EHRLICH ASCITES CARCINOMA CANCER CELL LINES
Authors: PAVANI P  , RAJA NAIKA
Published: November 2019

Objectives: The objective of the present study, the methanolic leaf and fruit extraction of Zanthoxylum ovalifolium, was examined for in vitro cytotoxicity using trypan blue dye exclusion technique.

Methodology: In vitro cytotoxicity activity of methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of Z. ovalifolium. Against Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell lines evaluated using trypan blue exclusion method. Non-viable cell absorbs blue color of trypan blue while viable cell does not absorb the dye. The percentage of total number of viable and non-viable cells is calculated using % viability=(live cell count/total cell count)×100.

Results: Cytotoxicity activity of methanolic leaf and fruit extract against chosen tumor cell line at different concentrations of 10, 20, 50,100, and 200 μg/ml, respectively. The result confirmed that the fruit extract at 200 showed less toxic effect against DLA and EAC cell line showed 72% and 75% of inhibition growth of cell line and the most potent 80% and 82% of cell death were found in leaf extract against the chosen tumor cell line. The present study indicates that both leaf and fruit extract of Z. ovalifolium were appreciable antitumor activity against DLA and EAC cell lines may be due to the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids and alkaloids present in the plant.

Conclusion: Zanthoxylum ovalifolium wight fruit and leaf methanolic extracts showed satisfying result of cytotoxicity activity against DLA and EAC cell line. Hence, Z.ovalifolium could be suggested as an important source of anticancer agent for pharmacological industries.
the FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL BATH SOAP CONTAINING METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF THREE AYURVEDIC VARNYA HERBS
Authors: GANA MANJUSHA K  , BALAKRISHNAIAH P  , SYAMALA R  , MOUNIK N  , RAVI CHANDRA T
Published: November 2019

Objectives: The ultimate aim of this study is to formulate and evaluate the herbal bath soap using methanolic extracts of three plants having ethnic and dermatological importance in Ayurveda, namely, Hemidesmus indicus, Cyperus rotundus, and Saussurea lappa.

Methods: The roots of H. indicus and S. lappa and rhizomes of C. rotundus were extracted with ethanol using Soxhlet apparatus. Then, these extracts were used to make soap by reacting oil and lye in a process of saponification.

Results: The soap made was evaluated for physicochemical characters such as total fatty matter, moisture content, and pH and found to be 77, 5.3%, and 8 and for other parameters, good characteristics were observed.

Discussion: The soap also exhibited good cleaning efficiency in removing microbes on hands.

Conclusion: Hence, based on the antimicrobial effects and parameters, the formulated soap can further be standardized and an alternative to commercial medicinal and skin whitening soaps.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF STATISTICALLY DESIGNED IBUPROFEN FASTDISSOLVING TABLETS EMPLOYING STARCH GLUTAMATE AS A NOVEL SUPERDISINTEGRANT
Authors: SANTOSH KUMAR R  , SAHITHI MUDILI
Published: November 2019

Objective: The main aim of the present work is to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of the ibuprofen by formulating it into fast-dissolving tablets employing starch glutamate as a novel superdisintegrant.

Materials and Methods: Starch glutamate was prepared from native potato starch and glutamic acid by the esterification process. Drug-excipient compatibility studies were performed between the starch glutamate and ibuprofen with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. Ibuprofen fast dissolving tablets were formulated employing different superdisintegrants along with the starch glutamate (a novel superdisintegrant) by the direct compression method. The prepared ibuprofen fast-dissolving tablets were evaluated for various pre- and post-compression parameters along with the in vitro and in vivo release characteristics. Optimized formulation stability studies were performed at accelerated conditions for 6 months as per the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and WHO guidelines.

Results: Drug-excipient compatibility studies indicated that prepared starch glutamate was compatible with ibuprofen drug, and it can be used as a superdisintegrant in the formulation of fast-dissolving tablets. Fast-dissolving tablets of ibuprofen were formulated by employing starch glutamate as a superdisintegrant showed good tablet properties and showed an increased dissolution efficiency of the drug. Among all the formulations (F1–F8), the formulation F4 which contains 5% starch glutamate and 5% croscarmellose sodium as superdisintegrants showed 99.7±0.34% drug dissolution within 5 min. Peak plasma concentration of optimized formulation F2 was achieved in a short period of time and increased relative bioavailability and F2 was found to be stable during accelerated stability testing as per the ICH stability guidelines.

Conclusion: From drug-excipient compatibility studies, disintegration time, in vitro dissolution studies, and pharmacokinetic studies, it was concluded that starch glutamate can be used as a superdisintegrant in the formulation of fast-dissolving tablets to increase the solubility as well as bioavailability of the poorly soluble drugs.
REDUCTION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA AND INTERFERON-GAMMA CONCENTRATION ON TUBERCULOSIS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS AS A MARKER IN DECREASE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Authors: NELLY MARISSA  , NUR RAMADHAN  , SARI HANUM  , MARLINDA  , EKA FITRIA  , ABIDAH NUR
Published: November 2019

Objective: This study aimed to determine the decreased immune response of tuberculosis (TB) with diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

Methods: A total of 105 TB patients who were undergoing treatment at health centers and hospitals in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar were included in this study. Data collection was carried out by interviewed to obtained demographic and respondent categories based on the diagnosis. Measurements of height and weight were also conducted to obtain body mass index data. 5 mL peripheral blood was taken from each respondent group into a TB with DM (TB+DM) and TB without DM (TB-DM). The blood tested usage tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) using IFN-γ release assay.

Results: The average concentration of both TNF-α and IFN-γ was higher in TB-DM group (TNF-a 5.2 pg/mL; IFN-g 1.5 IU/mL) than in TB+DM group (TNF-a 2.06 pg/mL; IFN-g 2.86 IU/mL). There were significant differences in TNF-α between the two groups but no significant differences in IFN-γ protein concentration.

Conclusion: The immune response of TB patients with DM symptoms was markedly reduced by the decreased expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ.
The Canadian Journal of Higher Education/La Revue canadienne d’enseignement supérieur
Authors: Pidgeon Michelle Elizabeth , Pullman Ashley , Archer Walter , Groleau Amélie
Published: November 2019

The Canadian Journal of Higher Education (CJHE) has been the sole journal for higher education scholarship in Canada for over 40 years, and is the primary source of commentary on trends and relevant research in the Canadian postsecondary context. Since its inauguration in 1971, the CJHE has promoted both English- and French- language higher education research, and the shi from a print to open access journal in 2009 further promoted the accessibility of this scholarship. Along with documenting the success and growth of the CJHE, this article highlights ongoing production challenges and the need to support greater diversity in regard to language, themes, and authorship. It concludes by presenting a vision plan for the future – an articulation of hopes for the field of higher education in Canada.

RésuméLa Revue canadienne d’enseignement supérieur (RCES) est l’unique revue savante dans le domaine de l’enseignement supérieur canadien depuis plus de 40 ans en plus d’être la principale source analyse de tendances et de recherches pertinentes dans le contexte postsecondaire canadien. Depuis son inauguration en 1971, la Revue s’est employée à promouvoir la recherche sur l’éducation supérieure en langue anglaise et française, et le passage en 2009 d’une publication papier à une publication en libre accès a contribué encore davantage à l’accessibilité de ce domaine de connaissances. En plus de documenter le succès et l’essor de la Revue canadienne d’enseignement supérieur, nous soulignons les défis de production actuels ainsi que la nécessité de soutenir une plus grande diversité en ce qui a trait à la langue de publication, aux thèmes des articles et aux auteurs potentiels. Nous concluons en présentant la notre plan d’avenir qui articule nos espoirs concernant le champ de l’enseignement supérieur au Canada.
Encounters in Theory and History of Education/Encuentros en Teoría e Historia de la Educación/Rencontres en Théorie et Histoire de l’Éducation
Authors: Brennan Kathleen PJ
Published: November 2019

Rosa Bruno-Jofré (Queen’s University, Canada) and Gonzalo Jover Olmeda (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain) co-founded Encounters in Theory and History of Education in 2000. Encounters was created to support scholarly work on the theory and history of education and disseminate it to the widest audience possible. With this goal in mind, Encounters has always been completely open access, and publishes articles in English, French, and Spanish. This article explains the history, publication process, and future of Encounters.

Résumé

Rosa Bruno-Jofré (Queen’s University, Canada) et Gonzalo Jover Olmeda (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain) ont co-fondé Rencontres en théorie et histoire de l’éducationen l’an 2000. Ils ont créé Rencontresafin d’appuyer la recherche sur la théorie et l’histoire de l’éducation et la disséminer au plus vaste public possible. Afin d’atteindre ce but, Rencontresa toujours été disponible en libre accès et publie des articles en anglais, français et espagnol. Cet article explique l’histoire, le processus éditorial et l’avenir de Rencontres.
Activity of Muntingia calabura Leaves Ethanolic Extract on Glucose and Insulin Blood Levels in Streptozotocin-induced Rat
Authors: Syahara Suci , Harahap Urip , Widyawati Tri
Published: November 2019

Objectives: The research  aims to determine the effect of Muntingia calabura leaves extract on improving diabetes conditions, by analyzing blood glucose and insulin levels of male Rattus novergicus which is given high fat diet and induce streptozotocin 30 mg/kg BB with a two-week interval.

Design: This research was a purely experimental with pretest and post test control group design. This research was divides into 6 groups. Three treatment groups were treated by Muntingia calabura leaves extract with the doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg. Other groups are negative control (CMC-Na), positive control (glibenklamid) and normal control.

Interventions: The variables specified in this study are variations in the concentration of extract used. variations in extract concentration are expected to affect the results of glucose concentration and blood insulin in rats.

Main outcome measure: The main parameters measured in this study were rat blood glucose and insulin levels.

Results: The result of this research indicate that the ethanol extract of Muntingia calabura leaves able to reduce blood glucose levels effectively at dose 500 mg/kg (97, 17 mg/dL) so that insulin levels increase well (0,839 µg/mL).

Conclusion: Muntingia calabura leaves ethanol extract can reduce glucose levels and increase blood insulin levels in rats.