bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Se réinventer pour former les étudiants en situation de pandémie mondiale – le cas d’une enseignante en technique d’hygiène dentaire
Authors: Vachon Catherine , Charest Hélène
Published: May 2021

La pandémie mondiale liée à la COVID-19 a provoqué des changements sans précédent dans le monde entier, notamment en éducation. Lors de la déclaration de l’état d’urgence sanitaire en mars 2020, des centaines d’enseignants provenant de partout au Québec ont dû modifier leurs stratégies d’enseignement rapidement afin que les apprenants aient accès à l’éducation à laquelle ils ont droit. Ces besoins d’adaptation ont ainsi amené madame Hélène Charest, enseignante en technique d’hygiène dentaire au cégep de Chicoutimi, à travailler avec ses étudiants pour créer du matériel de prévention, contribuant ainsi à la formation obligatoire des étudiants en technique d’hygiène dentaire et à l’offre de services aux enfants fréquentant des écoles et des centres de la petite enfance de la région du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
Religious Leadership in New Religions
Authors: Ališauskienė Milda , Irons Edward
Published: May 2021

The introduction to this special issue on religious leadership in new religions discusses questions arising from existing published theoretical and empirical research into religious leadership. Theoretical contributions are made in articles by five authors, James T. Richardson, David G. Bromley, Liselotte Frisk, Susan J. Palmer, and Milda Ališauskienė. The articles by Frisk, Palmer, and Ališauskienė discuss original empirical data disclosing features of women’s religious leadership in new religions and the influence of social context and power relations to it. This special issue of Nova Religio on “Religious Leadership in New Religions: Theoretical and Empirical Trajectories” is dedicated to our colleague, Swedish scholar of new religions, Liselotte Frisk (11 March 1959–29 October 2020).
Phase equilibria in the Gd–Cr–Ge system at 1070 K
Authors: Konyk M. , Romaka L. , Stadnyk Yu. , Romaka V.V. , Pashkevych V.
Published: May 2021

The isothermal section of the phase diagram of the Gd–Cr–Ge ternary system was constructed at 1070 K over the whole concentration range using X-ray diffractometry, metallography and electron microprobe (EPM) analysis. Three ternary compounds are realized in the Gd–Cr–Ge system at the temperature of annealing: Gd117Cr52Ge112 (Tb117Fe52Ge112 structure type,  space group Fm-3m, Pearson symbol cF1124, a = 2.8971(6) nm), GdCr6Ge6 (SmMn6Sn6 structure type, space group P6/mmm, Pearson symbol hP16, a = 0.51797(2), c = 0.82901(4) nm) and GdCr1-хGe2 (CeNiSi2 structure type, space group Cmcm, Pearson symbol oS16, a = 0.41569(1)-0.41593(8), b = 1.60895(6)-1.60738(3), c = 0.40318(1)-0.40305(8) nm). For the GdCr1-xGe2 compound the homogeneity range was determined (x=0.73 – 0,69).
Inelastic energy loss of Ar ions scattered Al2O3 surface under grazing incidence
Authors: Ashirov A.S. , Qurbanov M.K. , Tangribergenov I.U. , Karimov M.K. , Otabaeva K.U.
Published: May 2021

In this paper presents the investigation of the surface Al2O3  by ion  scattering spectroscopy. The trajectory of small angle scattered ions calculated by the method of binary collision approximation.  It was found dependence of inelastic energy loss and trajectories of scattered ions. The value of inelastic energy loss scattered ions almost depend to the angle of incidence and the geometrical parameters of surface semichannels.
Reflux after intravitreal injection: an anterior segment optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Ersan Ismail , Yildiz Aydin , Ersan Ismail , Yildiz Aydin
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To investigate the intraocular pressure and conjunctival thickness changes following the intravitreal injection Methods: Sixty eyes of 60 patients having intravitreal injection for age-related macular degeneration, macular edema associated with diabetes, central retinal vein occlusion, and branch retinal vein occlusion were enrolled. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by Tonopen-Avia (Reichert Inc., NY, USA) in sitting position and five superior-temporal conjunctival images were obtained using the Anterior Segment 5 Line Raster scanning protocol of Cirrus HD-OCT 4000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA) just before the intravitreal injection. 0.05 ml bevacizumab with 27-gauge needle, 0.05 ml ranibizumab with 30-gauge needle, or dexamethasone implant with 23-gauge needle was injected into the vitreous cavity. The second IOP measurements and OCT measurements were taken within 5 mins of injection. Results: The ranibizumab group included 25 subjects, the bevacizumab group included 23 subjects, and the dexamethasone group included 12 subjects. IOP increases following intravitreal injection were significantly higher in ranibizumab and bevacizumab groups compared with Dexamethasone implant group (p<0.001 and p=0.007, respectively). Although, the increase of conjunctival thickness following the intravitreal injection was highest in Dexamethasone implant group, the differences between the groups did not reach statistically significance (p=0.153). Conclusion: A higher IOP elevation is observed if a small-gauge needle is used for intravitreal injection. The conjunctival thickness changes following the intravitreal injection did not differ between the groups
Custom contact lenses and cornea-scleral contact lenses from irregular astigmatism
Authors: Silguero D Pérez , Pisa P Encinas , Blasco I Bermal , Silguero MA Pérez , Silguero D Perez , Pisa P Encinas , Blasco I Bermal , Silguero MA Perez
Published: May 2021

Objective: To show the improvement of visual acuity in five clinical cases of irregular astigmatism, achieved with contact lenses of different materials and geometries. Case reports: Five case reports are exposed and their adaptations for the use of this type of lenses are evaluated. After inserting corneo-scleral lenses or soft contact lenses, each adaptation is evaluated. Results: All patients have improved meaningfully their visual acuity without affecting their corneal integrity and improving their quality of life. Conclusion: Advances in the design and materials of contact lenses have helped eye-care professionals to solve visual problems that would have been difficult to solve years ago. Keywords: irregular astigmatism, keratoconus, keratoplasty, custom contact lenses, cornea-scleral contact lenses
Managing solitary choroidal tuberculoma in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Dhami Abhinav , bajaj Dhami Nimrata , kaur Malhi Ravinder , Singh Dhami Gobinder
Published: May 2021

Aim: We describe a case of young immunocompetent 18-year-old female patient who presented with sudden painless diminution of vision in left eye with vision of 20/100 on Snellen’s chart. Retinal evaluation showed a massive solitary choroidal granuloma. A positive Mantoux test (20X20 mm) was noted. The patient was started on anti-tubercular therapy and oral steroids and showed resolution of the granuloma with subretinal fluid at macula. After 3 months of oral therapy, the persistent subretinal fluid was managed with intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide(2 mg). This case highlights favorable resolution of granuloma with oral therapy and a safer efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide in treating subretinal fluid due to choroidal tuberculoma with good visual outcome. Introduction: Choroidal tuberculoma is a rare ocular form of tuberculosis (TB) and is a diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge, especially when occurring without other manifestations of the disease.1,2 Involvement of the choroid occurs by direct infection or indirect immune‐mediated hypersensitivity and is the commonest clinical manifestation of intraocular TB.3 The presentation varies from a solitary choroidal granuloma (tuberculoma) to multiple choroidal tubercles, a subretinal abscess or choroiditis. We present a case of an immunocompetent patient, who presents with massive choroidal granuloma and responded to oral antitubercular and steroid therapeutic regimen. Visual acuity improved with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection which resulted in resolution of subretinal fluid after 3 months
To evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in different types of glaucoma
Authors: Batool Aqsa , Nehal Iqra , Riaz Areej , Javed Muzna , Hussain Tahir , Hameed Talpur Abdul , Azam Shua
Published: May 2021

Objective: Glaucoma is a multifaceted eye disease which is classified as physical damage of retinal ganglion cells which may effect in loss of vision and permanent blindness. While physical damage of glaucoma can be clinically evaluated the optic nerve head and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Our objective is to evaluate the mean RNFL thickness in all types of glaucoma. Methodology: This prospective and cross sectional study was conducted in Glaucoma Clinic of Al Ibrahim Eye Hospital (AIEH), Karachi, for the period from May 2019 to October 2019, after ethical approval from Institutional Research Committee. A total of 64 glaucoma patients were chosen by using non-probability purposive sampling technique. The participant comprised, no known eye disease, no visual impairment, IOP below 22 mmHg, and no obvious retinal disease or defect were included while individuals having a history of ocular diseases or pathology with residual visual impairment, retinal diseases, amblyopia, and history of intraocular surgery or laser therapy were excluded from the study. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: 64 patients of both genders with mean age of 55.54±15.58 years. The mean intraocular pressure of right eye and left eye was 16.46±8.06 and 16.75±7.82 mmHg, respectively. The mean RNFL thickness in superior, inferior, temporal and nasal quadrant of the right eye was measured 68.23±25.44, 66.79±27.50, 51.75±12.58 and 47.73±18.82 microns, respectively while the mean RNFL thickness in superior, inferior, temporal and nasal quadrant of the left eye was measured 76.01±22.72, 67.42±21.25, 54.37±13.0 and 49.62±11.57 microns, respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed that analysis of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness with optical coherence tomography is the best tool for the diagnosis of glaucoma. It has also been observed in our study that frequency of changes in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was mostly found in primary open angle glaucoma patients
Effects of aging, phenotype and carbohydrate feeding on caloric efficiency and adiposity in the LA/Ntul//-cp (corpulent) rat
Authors: L Tulp Orien
Published: May 2021

Obesity develops in the obese phenotype of the LA/Ntul//-cp (corpulent) specific pathogen-free rat strain by 5 to 6 weeks of age. Groups [n=12 -20 rats/phenotype] of female congenic lean and obese LA/Ntul//-cp (corpulent) rats were fed ad libitum standardized Purina diets for 4, 14, or 24 months or the same diet plus a 16% (w/v) sucrose solution supplement from 12 weeks of age, and measures of body weight, caloric intake, and caloric efficiency (CE) determined at each age group. Body weights of lean animals remained similar at all ages studied, while body weights of obese phenotype were significantly greater than their lean littermates at each age studied. The sucrose supplement was without significant effect on final body weights in the lean phenotypes at all ages studied (p=n.s.) but were associated with greater body weights at ages 4, 14 and 24 months of age in the obese phenotype (p=<0.05). CE was determined as the ratio of kcal/gram of body weight per day remained relatively constant in lean animals throughout the age range, but CE was more efficient in the obese phenotype at all ages studied and became progressively more efficient with the sucrose supplement feeding with increasing age. The results of this study indicate that CE is associated with the predisposition for the development of obesity in the obese phenotype of this strain and likely implicates multiple metabolic factors that contribute to a greater efficiency of energy utilization and or energy conservation in the obese than in the lean phenotype of this strain, and the metabolic impact of added sucrose was associated with an additive impact on the CE of weight gain and adiposity in the obese phenotype of this congenic rodent strain
Hypophosphatasia screening in pediatric age based on records
Authors: Villate Olatz , Díez-Lopez Ignacio , Aldamiz-Echevarría Luis , Andrade Fernando , Suarez Pablo , González-Lamuño Domingo , Unceta María , Arza Arantza , Mar Rovira María del
Published: May 2021

Introduction: hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a congenital disease, characterized by a defect in bone and dentary mineralization, secondary to a deficiency in the biosynthesis of non-specific tissue isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP), resulting in decreased levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the extracellular accumulation of its substrates. Our goal was to establish the interest of screening the hospital databases of pediatric patients with low levels of ALP for the diagnosis of HPP. Materials and methods: during the period from September 2016 to September 2017, 23231 patients were tested for ALP, 1752 of them showed low levels of ALP. Based on the clinic, basal disease and that in previous analyses they did not present ALT norm values, 14 cases were selected: 8 cases associated with early puberty, 1 case of low size, 1 case of liver disease and myasthenia and 1 case of teething problems. ALPL gene was studied in those cases. Results: the latter case was of an 8-year-old male with a pathological variant of HPP: c.343_348dupACCGCC (p.Thr115_Ala116dup) in exon 5 in dominant heterozygous, inherited from his mother. At the substrate level the levels of pyridoxal-5-phosphate were above 50μg/L. Conclusion: the diagnostic strategy with a high index of clinical suspicion of HPP should include the observation of low levels of serum ALP activity. Our study shows that HPP is an underdiagnosed disease.An appropriate protocol to detect HPP in a clinical setting in tertiary care hospitals is required.
Diabetes potentiates ROS production in granulocytes from patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Nogueira-Machado Jose Augusto , Ferreira Gabriela Rossi , Volpe Caroline Maria Oliveira , Villar-Delfino Pedro Henrique , Rocha Silva Fabiana
Published: May 2021

Background: Type 2 diabetes (DM2) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are inflammatory pathologies. Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia and CKD by the gradual and irreversible loss of kidney function. Both diseases develop oxidative stress, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis. This study aimed to determine ROS production by granulocytes from renal patients (CKD) with or without diabetes. Methods: Granulocytes from patients with DM2, CKD, CKD-DM2, and healthy controls were purified using the Ficoll-Hypaque gradient method. Granulocyte ROS generation in the absence or the presence of PDB (an activator of NADPH-oxidase) or Concanavalin A (Toll- receptor 3,9 activator) was evaluated in a luminol-dependent chemiluminescence method. The cell-free DNA in the serum of DM2, CKD, and CKD-DM2 patients was measured by the fluorescence method before and after hemodialysis. Results: Our results show a significant increase in ROS production by granulocytes from patients with CKD, DM2, and CKD-DM2 compared to healthy control (p<0.05). CKD-DM2 group produced the most significant ROS levels with or without NADPH-oxidase activation. ROS production showed a significant increase in the presence of ConA. In contrast, mitochondrial (internal) ROS showed a different ROS response. DNA extrusion was higher in the CKD-DM2 group after hemodialysis suggesting cell death. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that CKD-DM2 patients produced high ROS generation levels and increased DNA extrusion after hemodialysis. It may suggest that CKD-DM2 disease is more severe and has a worse clinical prognosis.
Magnesium status in a population of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Morocco
Authors: Quiddi Wafa , Tarmidi M , Mansouri A , Amine M , Baizri H , Boukhira A , Chellak S , Wake Addisu Dabi
Published: May 2021

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) contributes to 90% cases of diabetes–the ninth leading cause of death. Magnesium (Mg) levels have been found consistently low in the patients with T2DM around the world. Objective: The objective of our work was to assess the Mg status in the patients with T2DM. Material and methods: A descriptive prospective study including 103 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was carried out at Avicenna Military Hospital in Marrakesh over a period of four months (October 2019 - January 2020). The patients with T2DM and age above 35years with no history of Mg supplementation, cancer or autoimmune disease were included in the study. Blood samples were analyzed for fasting glucose, lipid profile, HbA1c, and serum magnesium. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16, Pearson correlation was performed to establish the relationship between Mg and metabolic variables in T2DM patients. Results: The study included 103 T2DM patients with 56 (54.4%) males and 47 (45.6%) females. Prevalence of hypomagnesemia was 14.56%. Mean age of the patients and duration of diabetes were 59±9 years and 9±4years, respectively. Most common antecedent conditions were dyslipidemia (43.7%), hypertension (42.7%), and retinopathy (25.2%). Hypomagnesemia was significantly associated with HbA1c (P=0.003) and arterial hypertension (P=0.002). Magnesium had negative linear relationship with increased fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. Conclusion: In Morocco, the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in T2DM patient is low, but it has negative linear relationship with fasting blood sugar and HbA1c.
Prevalence of malnutrition risk in elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Valente Ana , Silva Elsa , Andrade Cláudia , Narciso Lúcia , Alves Emília
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is more common in the elderly and is associated with obesity. People with diabetes are already at risk of poor health because of the disease complications. Diabetic patients often have an obese appearance and malnutrition is often unrecognized and untreated. Aim: The present study is to assess the prevalence of malnutrition risk in a sample of elderly people with type 2 diabetes. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 47 elderly diabetic patients. Clinical and anthropometric data (weight and height) were obtained by consulting clinical records. To archived sociodemographic and lifestyle information it was applied a questionnaire. Waist circumference (CP), arm (PB) and leg (PP) perimeters were measured were performed according to standard procedures. The body fat percentage (BF) was calculated from the anthropometric equation of Deurenberg (1998). The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®), validated for the geriatric population was used to assessment nutritional risk. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the computer software for Windows, SPSS®, version 25.0 (SPSS INc, Chicago). Statistical significance was considered when p <0.05. Results: The average age of the participants was 74.2±5.3 years with 53.2% males and 46.8% females. The mean value of HbA1c was 8.30±1.98%. There was no statistical significance (p=0.50) between the mean BMI of men (28.9±4.8) and women (30.0±5.7). According to the evaluation of Lipschitz (1994), 51.9% of men and 68.4% of women are overweight. Results of the nutritional status assessment according to the MNA® showed that 27.7% of diabetic patients were at risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: The prevalence of the malnutrition risk in the present study is very relevant (27.7%), being crucial the nutritional monitoring of participants at nutritional risk and/or overweight, in order to avoid deterioration in their health status and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment of natural surface waters using new composite flocculants-coagulants
Authors: P Kudryavtsev
Published: May 2021

Coagulation is an essential process in the treatment of water and industrial wastewater. In the field of drinking water treatment since ancient times, water purification using coagulants using various substances has been practiced. Coagulation is the most common method of purification of natural and wastewaters from the bulk of colloidal, finely dispersed, and partially dissolved contaminants. The characteristics of the new composite flocculants-coagulants ASFC and ISFC developed by the authors are presented in comparison with conventional aluminum and iron salts. The titration method was used to study the behavior of coagulant flocculants at different pH. The titration method was used to study the behavior of coagulant flocculants at different pH. The ζ-potentials and isoelectric points for aluminum hydroxide obtained by hydrolysis of a coagulant are determined. The nature of the interaction of active silicic acid and the products of hydrolysis of aluminum salts as components of composite flocculants-coagulants is shown. The characteristics of natural waters are given, on which the efficiency of using the obtained flocculants-coagulants is investigated. A comparison of the coagulating ability of coagulants in water purification with high color from the Orsha River and with medium color from the Volga and Tvertsa rivers is presented.
The boom, the blunder and the brunt of Wetlands conversion and urbanisation in Port Harcourt Municipality
Authors: Ibama Brown , Nengi Dapa Idaminabo
Published: May 2021

Port Harcourt municipality as a developing city has over the years been inundated with rapid urbanisation and continuous city expansion. This development has led to an increasing demand for more land to cope with such pace of transformation. Land as a natural resource is finite, yet the demand for more land is unlimited. Based on this increasing demand for land for infrastructural, commercial, residential, institutional and industrial services, government, individuals and communities alike have resort to the reclamation and conversion of available wetlands within the Port Harcourt municipality. This study sets out to identify the boom, the blunder and the brunt of wetlands reclamation and conversion within Port Harcourt Municipality; with specific objectives to ascertain the nature of spatial expansion within the wetland areas in Port Harcourt municipality; identify the extent to which urban growth has affected land use in the wetland areas within Port Harcourt municipality; and to establish the boom, blunder and the brunt of wetland depletion and conversion for urban land uses within the Port Harcourt municipality. The study adopts a quasi-experimental research design, it involves the gathering of retrospective data from various sources without the manipulation of the data sources. Sampling technique was multi-stage; listing of all forty-one wetland settlements; three settlements were purposively selected for ease of access and growing insecurity. Satellite images of the study sites were obtained from Google earth, delineated and gridlines were superimposed on the images. A time series analysis using ERDAS imagine 2014 version, was used to show spatial changes between the years 1986 to 2000, and 2000 to 2016, a time period spanning thirty years. The study indicates that from 1986 to 2000, Port Harcourt municipality lost a total of 1,255,500 m2, this translates to a 5% loss. This loss occurs at an average rate of 89,678.57m2 per annum. From 2000 to 2016, the rate of loss was 108,956.25m2 per annum, and approximately 7.69% of wetlands totalling 1,743,300m2 was lost to urbanisation. Improved urban services, economic prosperity, increased revenue represents some of the boom. Unnecessary incursion into the wetlands by groups, depletion of habitat for flora and fauna species, development of unplanned settlements is some of the blunders and declining urban quality of life, massive urban flooding, pressure on existing urban services, depletion of the already lean state resources are the brunt. Some recommendations include; conduct periodic geospatial mapping of wetlands to enable the listing of identified wetlands and identify existing species of flora and fauna for conservation, tourism development and preservation; there should be a strengthened development control framework to guide and encourage professionally trained and equipped manpower to manage wetlands and ensure acceptable best practices.
Polymerase chain reaction: a creative review
Authors: Nazir Iffat , Zaid Mahmood Hafiz , E Mustafa Sana
Published: May 2021

In molecular biology, a scientific technique PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is used to generate thousands to millions of copies of a single particular DNA sequences to amplify a single or few copies of a piece of DNA across several orders of magnitude. For multiple applications, PCR is an ordinary and often vital practice used in medicinal and biological research labs and is used for diagnosis and investigation of multiple diseases. In PCR mainly three major steps are involved. Denaturation, annealing, and extension. PCR can be used to detect not only the human genome but also the genome of viruses and bacteria. PCR is especially useful in forensic laborites because a very small amount of original DNA is required. In the development of cancer, genes have been implicated through PCR
Functional in silico analysis of human tyrosinase and OCA1 associated mutations
Authors: Sergeev Yuri , Patel Milan
Published: May 2021

Oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the tyrosinase gene. OCA1 exists in two forms: OCA1A and OCA1B. OCA1A is caused by a full loss of the human tyrosinase protein (Tyr), leading to an absence of pigment in skin, hair, and eyes, while OCA1B has reduced Tyr catalytic activity and pigment. The current understanding of the disease is hampered by the absence of information regarding the alterations of protein structure and the effects leading to either form of OCA1. Here, we used computational methods to find a general mechanism for establishing this link. Tyr and mutant variants were built through homology modeling, glycosylated in silico, minimized, and simulated using 100 ns molecular dynamics in water. For OCA1B mutants, cavity size is linked to DDG values for mutants, suggesting that partial loss of Tyr is associated with the destabilizing effect of the EGF-like domain movement. In OCA1A, active site mutation simulations indicate that the absence of O2 leads to protein instability. OCA1B mutants are described in severity by the size of the cavity within the EGF–Tyr interface, while active site OCA1A mutants are unable to fully coordinate copper, leading to an absence of O2 and Tyr instability. In patients with known genotypes, free energy changes may help identify the severity of the disease by assessing either the allosteric effect of the EGF-Tyr cavity in OCA1B or the active site instability in OCA1A.
Synthesis and simulation of new cyclodextrin derivatives breaker for Aß42
Authors: Keniche Assia , Taleb Katia ouled
Published: May 2021

The amyloid Ab-42, a peptide involved, following a conformational change in b sheets in the pathology of the main neurodegenerative disorder of Alzheimer's disease, is targeted in our study, the latter of which reports the synthesis of two Inhibitors linked to a specific recognition sequence synthesized during this work (Tryp-Val-Val-COOH), one linked to an aziridine and the other to a methylated β-CD in order to be able to stop the aggregation of the peptide involved.
Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemisty and pharmacological activities of Rumex nervosus
Authors: Gemechu Worku , Woldekidan Samuel , Teka Firehiwot , Mohammed Jemal , Ashebir Rekik , Sisay Bihonegn , Abebe Abiy , Meresa Asfaw
Published: May 2021

The genus Rumex is cosmopolitan plants consisted of about 200 species. Rumex nervosus that is known as nutraceutical plants widely distributed around the world. This review documents fragmented information on the ethnomedicial uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of R. nervosus. The review articles are carried out by searching in PubMed, Google scholar and Google search up to December 2020. R. vernosus is traditionally used to treat eye disease, headache, teaniacapitis, haemorrhoids, dysentery, stomach-ache, diarrhoea, pharyngitis, arthritis, eczema, abscess and gynecological disorders. Secondary metabolites such as anthraquinones, naphthalenes, flavonoids, stilbenoids, triterpenes, carotenoids, and phenolic acids have been identified for this herb. The extracts of R. nervosus exhibited a wide range of pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, anti -inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, anticoccidial and antileishimanial activities. These pharmacological studies have established a scientific basis for therapeutic uses of R. nervosus.
Formulation and evaluation of orally disintegrating tablet containing taste masked mirtazapine
Authors: Prabhat Shrestha , Rajan Shrestha , Sahana Shrestha
Published: May 2021

Objective: This study aims to prepare the taste-masked granules of Mirtazapine by mass extrusion technique and formulate it into an oral dispersible tablet using different super disintegrates. Methods: Taste masked granules of mirtazapine were prepared by mass extrusion technique using Eudragit EPO in different ratios. The drug-polymer ratio was optimized based on the percent drug release in SSF and SGF. Taste masking efficacy of drug-polymer complex was determined by developing the bitterness threshold value of Mirtazapine. The selected drug-polymer complex was formulated into an oro-dispersible tablet by direct compression method. A randomized design was used to investigate individual effect of three different super disintegrates each in different concentrations. Ten formulations were developed including a controlled formulation without the addition of superdisintegrants. A comparative study was done based on various pre-compression and post-compression parameters. Results: Eudragit EPO was able to mask the bitter taste of Mirtazapine effectively in 1:2 ratio by mass extrusion method. The minimum disintegration time and wetting time was found to be 13.6±2.7 and 18.13±0.24 seconds with the formulation containing crospovidone 5% (F9). It was found that the wetting time and disintegration time followed the order SSG>CCS>CPV. The selected best formulation was subjected to an incompatibility study design. The IR spectrum showed that all the excipients were chemically compatible. Conclusion: Thus, in this study unpalatable taste of Mirtazapine was masked using Eudragit EPO polymer by mass extrusion technique, and superdisintegrants were added to prepare orally disintegrating tablets of Mirtazapine. This research work suggests a rapid, simple and cost effective method for formulating Mirtazapine ODT.
Multiple dermatofibromas in a patient with lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome: a new case report
Authors: Samia Mrabat
Published: May 2021

Dermatofibroma (DF) is a common benign skin tumor. It is often a solitary lesion occurring on the lower limbs. Multiple DFs is rare. This is associated with auto-immune conditions and immunosuppression. We report a new case of multiple dermatofibromas in a patient with lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome.
Comparative analysis of anti-cellulite market products containing vegetal cosmetic assets
Authors: Pedriali Moraes Carla Aparecida
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Cellulite is characterized by a weakness of the fascia which accumulates fat lobules alongside irregular lobular hypertrophy that causes skin dimpling and occurs mostly in women after puberty. Cellulite may arise from a sum of different conditions, such as emotional alterations, genetics, sedentary lifestyle, hormones, weight gain and poor nutrition. There are several techniques designed to prevent and treat cellulite, but consumers prefer topical lotions and creams due to them being more affordable. This work aimed to review studies published in scientific literature on major plant-based active ingredients used in anti-cellulite formulations commonly available to consumers. Methodology: Nine formulations available to consumers were reviewed: 3 from Brazilian companies, 3 from US companies and 3 from European companies. Results and discussion: The main active ingredients found in products claiming to reduce cellulite damage are: asiaticoside (obtained from Centella asiatica), Saponin (found in horse chestnut), Hedera helix (found in ivy), and caffeine. Conclusion: There is a great diversity and vegetal assets; however, the most used are caffeine, for its lipolytic action, centella asiatica for presenting its anti-inflammatory action, ivy for improving circulation due to its action of vasoconstrictor and chestnut India that helps in strengthening vessels. Cosmetics are often used as a co-adjuvant of other techniques, such as modeling massage and ultrasound, which makes the active more easily penetrate the skin. Similar raw materials are incorporated into the cosmetic formulations with the skin, which will hydrate it, thus facilitating the penetration of the active substance into the skin.
Neurocutaneous melanosis with pulmonary metastasis: looking beyond the skin
Authors: Bhatt Taseer Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Neurocutaneous melanosis are neuroectodermal disorders characterized by giant congenital melanocytic nevus or multiple (≥3) nevus’s associated with melanocytic leptomeningeal tumour. Central nervous system tumour can be benign or malignant and usually presents at an early age. The neurological manifestation includes raised intracranial pressure, seizures and spinal cord compression. The dissemination of malignant nevomelanocytes to the peritoneal cavity has been observed with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in neurocutaneous melanosis. We report an infant of neurocutaneous melanosis with primary central nervous system melanoma and its metastasis to the lung in view of rarity.
Giant pulmonary chondroid hamartoma in a 74-year-old female patient. A case report and brief review of literature
Authors: Pojda Jan , Hürlimann Sandra , Leiser Alfred
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary hamartomas are the most frequent benign tumors of the lung most commonly seen in men in the 5-6th decades of life. Usually smaller than 4 cm and asymptomatic they can occasionally present as large lesions. Herein we present a case of a very large chondroid hamartoma in a 74-year-old female patient along with a brief review of the literature.
Bacterial fabric: introductory studies on the application of biomimetics in the bacterial fermentation process
Authors: Holanda Maciel Dulce Maria , Wandscheer Luísa Córdova , Novelli Daniela
Published: May 2021

Thinking about innovations that reduce environmental impact and offer quality consumer goods is a way of proposing a future scenario governed by eco-efficiency values. Through an exploratory bibliographic and documentary research, which qualitatively analyses Kombucha authors and fermenters, this article seeks to identify the relationship between biomimetics and bacterial fabric production as an eco-efficient product in the fashion market chain. The general objective of this case study is to explain the fermentation process to encourage the search for raw materials inserted in the sustainability proposal.
Six-year follow-up in patients with urinary stress incontinence treated with Altis® single-incision sling: a prospective single-center study
Authors: Viruega-Cuaresma Dakota , De-Miguel-Manso Sonia , García-García Elena , Badillo-Bercebal Carmen E , Gobernado-Tejedor Julio A , Pérez-Febles Marta
Published: May 2021

Objetives: Single incision slings are the latest generation of suburethral bands that seek to minimize morbidity and major complications of transobturator bands. In short and medium term, their results in terms of success and safety are similar to transobturator and retropubic bands. Nevertheless, there is little data on their long-term outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate safety and efficacy of Altis® mini-sling during the short, medium and long-term follow-up. Methods: Prospective observational study in 67 women who underwent surgery with Altis® for a period of 6 years (2013-2019). The main variables evaluated were: total continence, objective cure and subjective cure (satisfaction). The secondary variables studied were: complications and number of pads used per day after surgery. Statistics: Student t-test or U-Mann-Whitney for quantitative variables, Chi-Square for categorical variables. Results: Objective cure rates were: 96.77%, 87.04%, 87.50%, 85.71%, 76.92% and 50% (from 1 to 6years), and total continence: 85.48%, 72.22%, 64.88%, 50%, 46.15% and 50% (from 1 to 6years). Degree of satisfaction was: 9, 8.2, 8.3, 7.7, 7.6 and 6.5 points (from 1 to 6years). 30 patients (44.78%) had some type of complication and the most common were: “de novo” urinary urgency (20.90%), recurrence of stress urinary incontinence (14.93%) and pain (5.97%). Conclusion: Altis® presents high rates of objective and subjective continence in short and medium-term (1-5years), during 6-year follow-up. It is safe and does not associate severe complications. We found a high percentage of “de novo” urgency and recurrence of stress urinary incontinence, especially after the fifth year.
Dilemma of COVID19 vaccine during pregnancy
Authors: AlAbdulwahab Munirah , Asiri Mufareh
Published: May 2021

The 2019 Coronavirus caused by single stranded RNA virus. Morbidity and mortality are high among pregnant women. Covid 19 vaccine considered safe for adult and protective. Issues of safety raised toward pregnant women and vaccine. The authorization of Covid 19 vaccine for pregnant and nursery women need more studies and trials.
Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of postpartum bell´s palsy
Authors: Ling Huang Wei
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Pregnant women have more risk for Bell´s palsy compared to non-pregnant women. The majority of cases occur in the third semester of the immediate period post-partum. In traditional Chinese medicine, Bell´s palsy occurs due to the invasion of the external pathogenic factor Wind-Cold attacking the face´s channel. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate why women in post-partum period had more propensity to Bell’s palsy and that the patient has chakras’ energy deficiencies that leads to propensity to develop this problem. Methods: through one case report, 36 years old women who had cesarean section in on November 14th 2020. She wakes up in the next day with the face completely deviated to the right side and cannot close her eyelid in the right eye. She searched for Western medicine physician that orientate her to intake corticosteroids. She went to the author´s clinic and told the doctor that she always turns on the fan on top of her because she was felling much hot in her body during the pregnancy and after the partum. The treatment consisted in Chinese dietary counseling, auricular and systemic acupuncture. It was orientated to restart to intake the homeopathies, crystal based medications that was recommended to her one year ago, and she stopped to intake during the pregnancy. Results: After the first acupuncture session, her face improved very well (50 percent) and she could smile and move the tongue, close her right eyelid better, and the deviation reduced completely using three acupuncture sessions. She also was orientated to avoid raw foods, cold water and walk barefoot and dry the hair after washing it and avoid to go outside her home during the guard period (for a period of 40 days). Conclusion: Women in the post-partum period has more propensity to develop Bell´s palsy because they lost very much Blood and other fluids during the child-birth and usually loose much energy in this process weakening the body and had more propensity to the invasion of Cold and Wind, generation in this form, Bell´s palsy symptoms.
Obstetric outcomes really worse with the induction of labor
Authors: Gómez Jorge Duro , León Justo Martínez , Marín Ana Belén Rodríguez , Fuentes Rosa María Llamas
Published: May 2021

Objective: to describe the obstetric outcomes in patients with an active induction of labor (IOL). Methods: 1037 deliveries were included. In case of IOL, women with unfavorable cervix (Bishop≤6) start with 2 tablets of 25mcg vaginal misoprostol followed by a new tablet every 4 hours up to a maximum of 4 doses. In case of any contraindication for misoprostol a 10mg tablet of dinoprostone was inserted into the vagina. In any case, a cardiotocographic record during 30 minutes was performed previous to each dose. When Bishop was >6, artificial rupture of membranes and oxytocin stimulation was performed. Results: Of 351 spontaneous deliveries, 57 (16.24%) were urgent cesarean section, 211 (60.11%) were eutocic, 58 (7.12%) ended by forceps and 58 (16.52%) by vacuum. Among the IOL (556), 127 (22.84%) completed the delivery by urgent cesarean section, 291(52.33%) were eutocic, 55 (9.89%) ended by forceps and 81 (14.56%) by vacuum Conclusion: the active attitude during the IOL favors results similar to those when the delivery is spontaneous.
Transcription, torsional stress and the bending dynamics of DNA
Authors: Singha Roy Subhamoy
Published: May 2021

In this research, we found that the local opening of base pairs induces the formation of kinks which facilitates the bending of double helix. The conformational properties of DNA can be mapped onto the Heisenberg spin system and denaturation occurs through quantum phase transition (QPT) induced by a quench when the temperature effect is incorporated through the quench time. The nonequilibrium effect in QPT introduced through the quench generate defects like kinks end antikinks, the density of which depends on the quench time and hence on temperature. It is here argued that when we transcribe this result in the rod –like-chain (RLC) model of DNA, these defects correspond to bends. The dynamical formation of these bends during local denaturation associated with transcription hinders free rotation of the transcribed DNA and helps the torsional stress to propagate down the DNA. This explains the observed large torsional stress near the point of transcription. We have estimated the bend length which is found to be in good agreement with experiments.
A Study To Determine The Effect Of Egg Albumin Dressing On Peristomal Wound Healing of the Colostomy Patients In A Selected Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal
Authors: Chakraborty Ms. Rimi , Roy Dr Arpan Dutta , Ghosh Dr Sayantan , Singh Dr Pankaj Kumar , Paul Dr. Prolay
Published: May 2021

The researcher conducted a quasi experimental study to evaluate the effect of egg albumin dressing on peristomal wound healing in a selected hospital, Kolkata, with the objectives to assess the peristomal skin condition of colostomy patients before treatment, to evaluate the effect of egg albumin dressing on healing of peristomal area and reduction of pain, to find out the association between the peristomal wound healing and selected variables. The final study was conducted at Curzon ward, Victoria ward of SSKM hospital, Kolkata. Ethical permission was sought out from Ethical Committee of SSKM hospital, Kolkata. Informed consent was taken from all respondents. The sample was selected according to their selected criteria. The sample selection was done by purposive sampling. They were randomly assigned into two groups (experimental and control group) in 1:1 ratio. The study concluded with its limitations, implications and recommendations for conducting a study may be conducted for a longer duration of observation with the treatment.
Interactions- Readdressing the issue
Authors: Paul Prolay , Das Lipika , BM Tanushree , Kurian Berlin P , Ghosh Sayantan , J C Darshan , Roy Arpan Dutta , Dey Sudip
Published: May 2021

Broadly drugs include all the chemical substances excluding food that affect the bodily processes. The drug is considered to be a medicine if it benefits the body. Whereas, if the drug is injurious to the body, it’s considered as a poison. Therefore, the same chemical can be a boon or curse with respect to the situation, condition of use, dosage and the individual using it. In this contemporary healthcare era, a huge number of medications are formulated each year and new interactions between drugs are reported every now and then. As a result, it is no more practical for doctors to be dependent on the memory alone to avoid possible drug interactions. Changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism or elimination of drugs are referred to as pharmacokinetic interactions, resulting in alteration in the level of drugs and its metabolites. The effect of drug changes from person to person than expected because it causes different reaction when a drug reacts with the food or dietary supplements they take (drug -food interaction). So, the effect of the drug is altered by means of increasing, decreasing, or producing a new effect which cannot be produced on its own the effect caused by food or dietary supplements. These interactions may occur due to accidental misuse or due to other factors such as lack of knowledge about it. This review provides a comprehensive literature review on various drug interaction. Generally, drug food interactions are neglected and not well defined but it can cause mild to serious effects. However, all clinicians, pharmacists and nurses should be aware of drug interaction to avoid the consequences caused by drug interactions.
Convalescent Plasma to Limit Coronavirus Associated Complications: A Proof of Concept Phase-2 Clinical Study at a designated COVID-19 hospital in Mumbai city
Authors: Pardiwalla Behram , Yadav Ajaykumar , Bhatia Ashima , Toraskar Kedar , Sharma Vijay , Shah Manishkumar , Gutte Ranjeet , Kumbhar Dhananjay , Gohel Dhaval , Narayan Preeti , Savla Honey , Nagda Nimitt , Bopardikar A.
Published: May 2021

Objective: With few treatment options available to manage coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), health systems devised strategies to manage covid-19 using repurposed drugs and revisiting older strategies, such as convalescent plasma. This study was planned to evaluate safety and efficacy of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma in hospitalized subjects with COVID-19.

Method: An open label, single centre, two arm, prospective, randomised, controlled exploratory phase 2 study was conducted at a covid-19 designated center. 20 subjects (≥18 years) were admitted to hospital (screened 15 June to 27 July 2020) with confirmed moderate covid-19 (partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood/ fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio between 200 mm Hg and 300 mm Hg or a respiratory rate of more than 24/min with oxygen saturation 93% or less on room air): 10 subjects were assigned to convalescent plasma with standard treatment (test arm) and 10 subjects to standard treatment only (control arm). Subjects in the test arm received either single or two doses of convalescent plasma 24 hours apart based on their clinical condition as per investigator’s discretion.

Results: Subjects in test arm showed earlier resolution of symptoms of fever, shortness of breath and cough and the mean duration for RT-PCR test turning negative was better in the test arm. One subject in the control arm progressed to severe ARDS, while none in test arm progressed to severe ARDS. There was no difference in the use of respiratory support (invasive and non-invasive ventilation) between the 2 arms. There was no mortality observed in the study and no serious adverse reaction observed with the transfusion of convalescent plasma in the study.

Conclusion: This was an exploratory proof of concept study to explore the effectiveness of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 subjects and sample size was not large enough to detect a statistically significant difference however subjects in test arm of this study showed better outcomes in few of the efficacy parameters as compared to subjects in control arm. The use of convalescent plasma transfusion was also observed to be safe.