bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kronik böbrek hastalarında ferrik karboksimaltoz tedavisinin serum fosfor düzeyine etkisi
Authors: ISIKTAS SAYILAR Emel
Published: January 2021

Amaç: Çalışmamızda kronik böbrek hastalarında Ferrik karboksimaltoz (FKM) replasmanının başta fosfor olmak üzere mineral metabolizma parametreleri ve anemi profili üzerindeki etkisinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Eylül 2018 ve Mart 2020 tarihleri arasında kronik böbrek hastalığı nedeniyle takip edilen ve demir eksikliği anemisi nedeniyle FKM tedavisi verilmiş 59 hasta çalışmaya dahil edilmiştir. Tüm hastalara FKM tek doz 1000mg olarak verilmiş, tedavi öncesi ve tedavi sonrası 1. ay ve 3. ay laboratuvar tetkikleri değerlendirilmiştir.

Bulgular: Tedavi öncesi ortalama serum fosfor düzeyi 3.82±0.65 mg/dL, hemoglobin değeri 11.19±1.55 g/dL ve ferritin düzeyi 25.70 (11.90-54.70) µg/L bulunmuştur. FKM replasmanı sonrası 1. ayda 19 hastada (%32.2) hipofosfatemi gelişmiştir ve serum fosfor düzeyinde başlangıca göre ortalama %17.8 oranında düşüş izlenirken kalsiyum, PTH, 25(OH)D vitamini, kreatinin ve eGFR düzeylerinde anlamlı değişiklik olmamıştır. Hiçbir hastada FKM ilişkili yan etki gözlenmemiştir. Tedavi sonrası 3. ayda 25 hastada (%42.3) hemoglobin değeri ≥1 g/dL artış göstermiştir.

Sonuç: Diyalize girmeyen kronik böbrek hastalarında demir eksikliği anemisi tedavisinde FKM iyi tolere edilen ve hızlı etki gösteren bir parenteral tedavi seçeneğidir. Sıklıkla asemptomatik ve geçici olarak ortaya çıkan hipofosfatemi önemsiz ve tedavi kararını etkilemeyecek bir yan etki olarak kabul edilebilir.
COVID-19 pandemisinin yetişkinlerin diyet davranışları, fiziksel aktivite ve stres düzeyleri üzerine etkisi
Authors: ERDOĞAN YÜCE Gülyeter , MUZ Gamze
Published: January 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışma ile COVID-19 pandemisi kısıtlamalarında Türk toplumundaki yetişkinlerin diyet davranışları, fiziksel aktivite ve stres düzeylerindeki değişimin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Kesitsel tipte tasarlanan bu çalışma, 9-18 Haziran 2020 tarihleri arasında Türkiye’nin farklı illerinde yaşayan 18 yaş ve üzerindeki herkese açık olarak yapılmıştır. Pandemi süreci tedbirleri nedeniyle veriler elektronik anketlerle toplanmıştır. Veri toplama araçlarını dolduran 579 kişi araştırmanın örneklemini oluşturmuştur. Araştırma verilerinin toplanmasında tanıtıcı bilgi formu, diyet davranışı formu, Uluslararası Fiziksel Aktivite Anketi- Kısa Formu ve Algılanan Stres Ölçeğinin dört maddelik formu kullanılmıştır.

Bulgular: Katılımcıların, %69.7’sinin sevdiği gıdaları daha fazla tükettiği, %70.4’ünün yemeklerden sonra atıştırma sıklığının arttığı, %74.8’inin çay ve kahve, %65.1’inin çikolata ve tatlı gibi şekerli gıda, %68.9’unun un ve unlu mamul ve %67.9’unun meyve tüketiminin arttığı belirlenmiştir. Katılımcıların %54.1’inin, kadınların %56.3’ünün, erkeklerin ise %48.1’inin inaktif olduğu belirlenmiştir. Kadınların algılanan stres seviyesinin daha yüksek olduğu ve farkın anlamlı olduğu bulunmuştur .

Sonuç: Kısıtlamalar süresince sevilen gıdaların daha fazla tüketildiği, çalışmaya katılanların yarısına yakının, kadınların ise yarısından fazlasının tüm günü kapalı ortamda geçirdiği ve katılımcıların yarısından fazlasının inaktif olduğu bulunmuştur.
Megakaryoblast ve bazofil hücre tipine sahip Ph (+) KML hücre hatlarının Wnt ve Frizzled ilişkili gen ifadelerinin karşılaştırılması
Authors: PEHLİVAN Melek , SERCAN Hakkı Ogün
Published: January 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışmada blastik fazda farklı hücre serilerinde tutulum gösteren iki farklı Ph (+) kronik miyeloid lösemi (KML) hücre hattında, Wnt sinyal yolağı ana oyuncuları olan Wnt ve Frizzled genlerinin ifade farklılıklarının incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Megakaryoblast (MEG-01) ve bazofil (KU812) hücre tipine sahip Ph (+) KML hücre hatları kültüre edildikten sonra, RNA izolasyonları gerçekleştirilmiştir. RNA konsantrasyonları spektrofotometrede belirlendikten sonra, cDNA çevrimi yapılmıştır. PCR ile Wnt ve Frizzled genlerinin ifade düzeyleri analiz edilmiş, iki hücre hattının Wnt ve Frizzled ekspresyon verileri birbirleri ile karşılaştırılmıştır.

Bulgular: Yapılan analizler sonrasında MEG-01 hücrelerinin Fzd1-9 genlerini, KU812’nin ise Fzd3, Fzd4, Fzd5, Fzd6, Fzd7, Fzd9 genlerini ifade ettiği gözlenmiştir. MEG-01 hücreleri Wnt2b ve Wnt3 genlerini eksprese ederken, KU812 hücrelerinin ise sadece Wnt3’ü eksprese ettiği saptanmıştır.

Sonuç: KU812 ve MEG-01 hücre hatlarının, Wnt sinyal genlerinin ifade düzeyleri açısından birbirinden farklılık gösterdiği belirlenmiştir. İki KML Ph (+) hücre hattında gözlenen Wnt sinyal genlerinin ifade düzeyleri arasındaki farklara, hücrenin orjini, füzyon bölgeleri ve hücre tipine özgü olabilecek sinyal ileti uyarı ve yolaklarındaki farklılıkların neden olabileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu nedenle model hücre hatları kullanılarak yapılan çalışmalar da birden fazla hücre hattının seçilmesi önerilmektedir.
Exploration of sedentary behaviour among general practitioners: protocol for a mixed methods study
Authors: Mayne Richard S. , Hart Nigel D. , Heron Neil
Published: January 2021

Background: Many general practitioners (GPs) are sedentary for most of their working day. Levels of sedentary behaviour may have been exacerbated by increased use of telemedicine in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as this is traditionally performed while sitting down. Excessive sedentary behaviour is associated with many adverse health outcomes and increased all-cause mortality. This study will gain quantitative data on levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs and general practice specialty trainees (GPSTs), to identify to what extent general practice is a sedentary occupation, as well as qualitative data regarding the barriers and facilitators to reducing sedentary behaviour in the general practice setting.

Methods: The study follows a sequential, mixed-methods model. The first stage will involve the dissemination of a questionnaire survey, where participants self-estimate their sedentary behaviour on a working day and on a non-working day. The second stage will use thigh-worn accelerometers and a sleep/work log to obtain objective data regarding sedentary behaviour among a purposive subset of participants who responded to the questionnaire. The third stage will involve semi-structured interviews with a purposive subset of accelerometer study participants, analysed with the application of a theoretical framework regarding the acceptability of healthcare interventions.

Conclusions: This paper outlines a protocol for a sequential, mixed-methods study exploring sedentary behaviour among GPs and GPSTs. Findings of this study will shed light on the new ways of working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will be relevant to clinicians working in similar primary care settings throughout the world.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04556695. Date of registration: 21st September 2020.

 
Limiting factors for snail’s pace success of immunization
Authors: Arunachalmath Pavitra V. , Murteli Vijayakumar B.
Published: January 2021

Background: The practice of immunization dates back to hundreds of years. Buddhist monks drank snake venom to confer the immunity against snake bite. World Health Organization (WHO) covers broad scope of global activities in order make the globe free of vaccine preventable diseases. Many surveillance activities are going on, in order to fulfill the aim of disease free globe.Methods: Children admitted to the Pediatric ward of Belgavi Institute of Medical Sciences were enrolled and parents/ guardians were enquired about the vaccination the child received and their knowledge about immunization and interpretation was done to find out the reasons for snail’s pace of successful elimination of the vaccine preventable diseases.Results: Out of 630 participants, 364 had partial immunization and 12 (1.9%) were un- immunized. Poor knowledge being the first reason found in 247 (67.9%) children. No visit by the health worker was the 2nd reason found in 220 (60.4%) children and child illness was the third reason in 116 (31.9%) children.Conclusions: In order to increase the rates of immunization in the community, improving the knowledge of community, about the benefits of immunizing their children as well as empowering the grass root health workers in immunizing the children of their locality can help us achieve a nation free of vaccine preventable diseases.
Outcome of kangaroo mother care in terms of hospital stay among preterm infants in a tertiary health care center Bhuj, Kutch: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Patel Jaivik Sureshbhai , Solanki Gopi Alabhai
Published: January 2021

Background: Neonates born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy are called premature infants. The birth of premature infants is associated with several problems, such as frequent hospital admissions, infections, apnea and others. Evidence suggests that kangaroo mother care is effective and safe alternative to conventional neonatal care, especially in under-resourced settings and may reduce morbidity and mortality in low birth weight infants as well as increase breastfeeding.Methods: Present observational study conducted in the department of pediatrics, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat for the Duration of 1 year. Source of data are all live new born of gestational age of less than 37 weeks and birth weight below 2500 gm delivered at GAIMS, Bhuj. Primary outcome measures were: rate of infection time frame 1-2 weeks (during hospital stay), frequency of presume sepsis and need for antibiotics, length of stay (time frame 1-2 weeks) and total days in hospital during recruitment period.Results: An average length of hospital stay was 15.31±12.01 days among neonates in our study group. Among those with infection duration of stay was 21.03±15.627 days and among those without infection were 12.09±10.402 days. There was significant difference in length of hospital stay among those with infection and without infection.Conclusions: Kangaroo mother care improves physiological indices in normal levels, thus it might positively influence the premature infant’s physical health. The present study has important implications in the care of preterm and LBW infants in the developing countries, where expensive facilities for conventional care may not be available at all places.
Prevalence of vitamin d deficiency and its correlation with anthropometric measurements in neonates in a tertiary care center: a cross sectional study
Authors: A. Ashvini , A. Nalini , Raghupathy N. S.
Published: January 2021

Background: Globally hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent among all population unsparing pregnant mothers. Maternal hypovitaminosis has negative implications on growing fetus. In India, only limited data available on prevalence of neonatal vitamin D level. Hence this study was done to estimate the prevalence of cord blood vitamin D levels and its relation with anthropometric measurements in newborns.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center on 30 newborns. Cord blood 25 OHD levels and anthropometric measurements were taken. Data were analyzed statistically.Results: Among 30 newborns, 10%, 43% and 46% of babies had vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/ml), insufficiency and sufficiency respectively. 23% were low birth weight. 43% of low-birth-weight babies had statistically significant (p value<0.0001) hypovitaminosis D. No correlation found between vitamin D status and other anthropometric measurements.Conclusions: Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D has negative implications on birth weight which needs further studies.
Facial asymmetry in a newborn
Authors: Madipelli Sheela
Published: January 2021

Facial asymmetry especially Neonatal asymmetric crying facies (NACF) is not an uncommon diagnosis. Many cases are undiagnosed or underreported. Early determination of the etiology is important for better cosmetic outcome. Newborn infant presents at birth with asymmetry of the right side of the face every time he cried. Infant's face is symmetric when he is calm and not crying. Infant is born at full term by elective cesarean section. Pregnancy was uncomplicated and the infant had normal APGARS.  No forceps, vacuum or other instruments were used to facilitate the delivery. No family history of similar asymmetry of face, cardiac defects or neurological problems. Infant is both breastfeeding and bottle feeding with normal sucking and no drooling. On examination, vitals are within normal limits. Infant has asymmetry of the lower face when crying with no asymmetry of the upper face. He had no lagophthalmos and nasolabial folds were intact. Infant had no asymmetry of the face when he was not crying or quiet. A harsh systolic murmur is noted at the left lower sternal border. Infant has good peripheral pulses, good perfusion and no cyanosis. Infant is moving all extremities and has no neurological deficits. Rest of the physical examination is within normal limits. NACF is not uncommon and the actual incidence may be higher, as milder cases are either undiagnosed or underreported. A thorough birth history and careful physical exam are important as well as looking for associated anomalies like cardiac defects. Early determination of etiology is important as cosmetic outcome is better in the nerve compression group than the muscle hypoplasia group.
Child with post COVID MISC presenting with atypical Kawasaki like features in a rural medical college
Authors: Ravivarma Poovendhan , Vijayakumar Vimalraj , Ramanathan .
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 in pediatric population is often milder but a segment of cases tend to worsen out and present with pediatric multi system inflammatory syndrome. Here we present a 3 year-old female child presenting with acute febrile illness, generalized rashes with loose stools. On examination child was in fluid refractory shock requiring vasoactives, oxygen by non-rebreather mask, antibiotics and other supportive. Investigations revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis, with normal absolute lymphocyte count, thrombocytopenia and elevated inflammatory markers with negative COVID real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) and positive COVID immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, suggesting a post COVID-19 sequelae. Children presenting with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) most often have a silent course of acute COVID infection. Lymphopenia and thrombocytosis are not always associated with MIS-C. COVID antibody with inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer plays an important role in the management and during follow up. More pediatric studies are needed regarding the role of aspirin in MIS-C with Kawasaki disease overlap, choice of anticoagulant in a thrombocytopenic child and any markers which could predict the development of MIS-C during acute COVID infection.
Chronic retained esophageal foreign body: a case report
Authors: Chhabra Gurpreet Singh , Grover Anumeet Singh , Kaur Gagandeep
Published: January 2021

Chronic esophageal foreign bodies (CEFB) are associated with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality in adults. However, the presentation, management and outcome of chronic esophageal foreign bodies in children are not well described. Seventy-six percent of patients presented with a primary complaint of respiratory symptoms, with respiratory distress being the most common followed by asthmatic symptoms and cough. Twenty-two percent of patients had primarily gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting and dysphagia. We present a case report of 2year 6month old male with 3 months history of cough and vomiting later diagnosed to be a case of upper esophageal foreign body impaction.
Association of serum amylase and lipase levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: R. Hareesh , K. V. Harish , Savith Akshatha
Published: January 2021

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder due to insulin resistance caused by destruction of beta cells of pancreas. Insulin resistance in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients leads to hyperglycemia. Serum amylase and lipase levels is an exocrine enzyme produced by acinar cells of pancreas. Altered levels of serum amylase and lipase leads to endocrine disorders, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus.Methods: This is a case-control study conducted in Akash Institute of Medical Sciences, A total 100 subjects (50 cases and 50 controls). All the subjects included after informed consent, blood samples are collected from the all the subjects. The serum amylase and was estimated by using enzymatic commercial available kits and fasting blood sugar (FBS), post-parandial blood sugar (PPBS), renal function test (RFT) and liver function test (LFT) was also estimated by laboratory standard methods.Results: This study evaluated the FBS, PPBS, RFT, LFT, Amylase and Lipase levels in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and compare them with healthy controls. The serum amylase and lipase levels more significantly elevated in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and compared with the healthy controls. The study also found that significantly elevated levels of FBS, PPBS, RFT and LFT in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and compared with the healthy controls, The statistically significant levels of serum amylase and lipase levels in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus when compared with the controls (p=0.0001).Conclusions: The study suggesting that to estimation of serum amylase and lipase levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients useful for early detection of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Because elevated levels of serum amylase and lipase in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus, these levels are positively correlated with the FBS and PPBS.
Analytical method development and validation studies for the estimation of H2 receptor antagonist drug (Ranitidine)
Authors: Manjunath Renuka , Jha Deepak Kumar
Published: January 2021

Background: An analytical science in the development, finding a new molecules and procreation of pharmaceuticals has been an extensive approached. From the evaluation over small quantities of complex biological substances to the quality monitoring of the finished dosage form, the use on analytical technology know- how covers an ample thoroughness over techniques or disciplines.

Methods: Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) approach has been promoted for the discernment over Ranitidine (RAN) within pharmaceutical dosage form split of RAN was accomplished inside a unaccompanied chromatographic run of an Phenomenix column size 5 μm 4.6x250 mm along with UV analysis at 227 nm wavelength, below isocratic conditions, using Ammonium acetate and Methanol (pH 6.0) in 80:20 ratio. Validation parameters had been observed in accordance with exhibit linearity, accuracy, precision, Limit of Quantitation and Limit of detection in conformity in imitation of ICH guidelines.  

Results: The contemporary approached demonstrates significant linearity upon the range concerning 50-202.5 μg/ml for RAN followed by intra-day and inter-day precision, expressed so the relative standard deviation (RSD), on replicates is <2.0 and accuracy among the range over 98-102%.

Conclusions: The flourished RP-HPLC technique was once innovative, suitable for detecting RAN in pure form and in pharmaceutical preparation.
Evaluation of the relationship between adolescents’ nutritional habits and school achievements
Authors: Aylaz Rukuye , Akturk Ummuhan , Isik Kevser , Aslan Sinan , Yildirim Hilal
Published: January 2021

Background: This research was performed for the purpose of evaluating the relationship between adolescents’ nutritional habits and school achievements.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and it was performed with the participation of adolescents. Research sample was composed of a total of 1,651 students selected via cluster sampling method from six high-schools and their equivalents chosen through simple random sampling in a manner to ensure that each high school type was represented in the sample from 46 high-schools.  

Results: The mean of students’ school achievement scores is 72.95±12.28. As per analysis of the correlation between means of scores obtained by students from nutrition exercise behavior scale (NEBS) sub-scales and means of students’ school achievement scores, it was found that students’ school achievement was positively correlated with sub-scales of healthy nutrition-exercise behavior and regularity of meal patterns.

Conclusions: It was ascertained that, as scores obtained by students from NEBS increased, students’ school achievement scores went up. It is recommended that, through the cooperation to be established between health professionals, school staff and family, adolescents should be enticed to acquire the healthy food selection autonomy and to make it a part of their lifestyles as of early age.
COVID-19 Ontologies and their Application in Medical Sciences: Reviewing BioPortal
Authors: Yousefianzadeh Omid , Taheri Abolfazl
Published: January 2021

The high incidence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the resulting increase in data and information in this area have led medical centers to use different methods to manage them due to the huge amount of information. One of the best ways to avoid confusion in documenting and managing health information is to use new information tools such as ontology. Researchers have used a tool around the world since the late 1990s to support decision-making in various fields. In this regard, the National Center for Biomedical Ontology has established a medical ontology database called BioPortal. In the present research, published ontologies in the field of Covid-19 in this database have been explored.
Adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Risk of Breast and Endometrial Cancers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mazandaranian Mohammad Reza , Rezazadeh Arezoo , Bahrami Alireza
Published: January 2021

Breast and endometrial cancers are the most prevalent cancers among women all over the world, with breast cancer being the first cause of cancer mortality in women. Major known risk factors for breast and endometrial cancers are obesity, low physical activity, and unhealthy and poor diet, contributing to about 30%-35% of cancer incidence. Recent evidence supports that adherence to a healthy dietary pattern such as the Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and endometrial cancers. The data for the current review were identified through a systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the following search terms/keywords: “Mediterranean diet,” “Mediterranean dietary pattern,” “breast,” “mammary,” “endometrial,” “cancer,” “carcinoma,” and “neoplasm.” The reference lists of the included papers were also searched manually. Through the review process, eight case-control studies, four cohort studies, and one clinical trial were identified. The included studies were conducted among postmenopausal and premenopausal women in the United States and some European countries. The review suggests a protective role for the MD against breast cancer risk in both populations. According to the fact that there was insufficient research on the association of the MD pattern and endometrial cancer risk, its protective effect cannot be interpreted with certainty. Further studies in this area, especially interventional studies, are needed to determine causality.
Nonprescription Corticosteroid Use, Per Capita Consumption and Pattern of Distribution of Commonly Used Corticosteroids in Khuzestan Province Pharmacies Throughout 2016
Authors: Dehghan Samira , Kouti Leila , Gorji Reza Zibandeh , Eslami Kaveh , Soleymani Janet , Bafrooei Hossein Barzegar , Younesi Farideh
Published: January 2021

Background: Corticosteroids are widely used in many medical problems; therefore, they are easily available in all types of pharmacies. Because of their dramatic response and different available formulations, the non-prescription use of these drugs is high, even though there are many side effects related to their use. The present study evaluates and compares the data reported by FDA, main health insurance organizations and pharmaceutical companies that distribute the corticosteroids.
Methods: This descriptive correlational, cross-sectional study was designed to assess the prevalence, distribution pattern, per capita prescription and non-prescription consumption of 11 high-consumption corticosteroids in private and public pharmacies of Khuzestan province throughout 2016.
Results: The results indicated that the highest distribution of corticosteroids is related to private pharmacies. Among the cities of Khuzestan, the highest rate of non-prescription use of corticosteroids was in Haftkel city, and the lowest was in Andika city. Among the drugs, prednisolone 5 mg tablets and dexamethasone 5 mg tablets have the highest per capita prescription and non-prescription consumption in Khuzestan province, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the per capita consumption of corticosteroids is high, and the pharmacies seem to dispense these drugs widely. Therefore accurate recording of the distribution and dispense of corticosteroids by FDA on a monthly and annual basis is crucial. It is necessary to increase the supervision of drug companies that provide the supply of corticosteroids
Nilotinib and Imatinib Utilization in Iran over 14 years
Authors: Mansouri Ava , Hirbod Kimia , Taghizadeh-Ghehi Maryam , Jafarzadeh Kohneloo Aarefeh , Solduzian Mohammad , Hadjibabaie Molouk
Published: January 2021

Background: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) are drugs of choice for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) treatment. CML healthcare costs greatly exceed of other haematological malignancies treatment mostly due to TKIs. There are several generic and brand preparations of imatinib and nilotinib, the only available TKIs, in Iran with different prices and varied insurance coverage. We have studied TKIs utilization and also investigate the effect of different insurance coverage on TKIs utilization in Iran.
Methods: This was drug utilization study about Imatinib and Nilotinib over 14 years. It was conducted in two phases; data extraction from pharmaceutical wholesale data (2003-2017) for utilization trend assessment and registered data of prescriptions from Sizdah-Aban Pharmacy (2011-2014) for utilization trend and insurance coverage assessment such as; prescriptions frequency, number of TKIs, insurance companies and their cost coverage in each prescription.
Results: Imatinib consumption increased significantly from 2003 to 2013. This trend stopped afterward. Nilotinib consumption had ascending trend. The trend line of years 2014 to 2017 was steeper and statistically significant (β=0.0014, p-value=0.02). The amount of nilotinib cost coverage by insurance companies increased significantly from 2011 to 2014 (p-value=0.04). The coverage of imatinib costs by insurance companies changed slightly during the study period that was not statistically significant. Frequency of prescriptions with full cost coverage doubled for nilotinib, while did not change remarkably for imatinib, from 2011 to 2014. Mean (SD) of imatinib and nilotinib counts per prescription was significantly higher in prescriptions for which 100% of the cost was covered.
Conclusion: We found increasing trend in nilotinib utilization and observed some effects from nilotinib cost coverage by insurance on its consumption. This study made a clear picture for policy makers to monitor imatinib and nilotinib use appropriateness and design the proper cost-effective studies to make evidence-based decisions.
Effect of Insecurity on the Provision of Pharmaceutical Care in Akwa Ibom State: The Community Pharmacist’s Perspective
Authors: Ndem Ekpedeme , Orok Edidiong , Bassey Felix
Published: January 2021

Background: Pharmaceutical care is an important aspect of healthcare provided by pharmacists which is associated with good clinical outcomes and improved quality of life. Robberies and insecurities is a common occurrence in community pharmacies and when left unchecked can have economic, financial consequences and also influence the provision of care. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived effect of insecurity on the provision of pharmaceutical care in community pharmacies in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Methods: This study was a cross sectional survey among community pharmacists in community pharmacies in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. All community pharmacies in Uyo metropolis were visited and an informed consent was obtained from the pharmacists before the beginning of the study. A semistructured questionnaire was used in the collection of data in this study. The questionnaire evaluated the perceived effect of the current robberies on pharmaceutical care where the evaluation statements were structured in Likert scale format.
Results: A total of 76 pharmacists consented to participate in the study where 56 (73.7%) were males and 20 were females. The mean age of the study participants was 28.25±1.543 years and 82.9% of the participants had 1-10 years’ community pharmacy experience. Majority of the pharmacists agreed that insecurity has hindered history taking (52%), blood pressure checks (84.2%), patient counselling (80.2%) and decreased sales (52.6%).
Conclusion: There is a negative perceived effect of recent insecurities on the provision of pharmaceutical care services and sales. This aspect should be explored in further studies and research.
Licorice in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation: A Review
Authors: Raoufinejad Kosar , Rajabi Mehdi
Published: January 2021

Clinical advantages of licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) have been investigated for several years. It has been traditionally used for a variety of disorders. Different constituents with various characteristics have been isolated from Glycyrrhiza spp. extracts. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the pharmacological efficacy and safety of licorice extract constituents to treat the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris (AV) and the associated postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Anti-androgenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, depigmenting, and skinturnover-accelerating properties have been identified for licorice extract which could be effective against AV and PIH through multiple pharmacological mechanisms. The active compounds responsible for these pharmacological activities, molecular mechanisms, safety profile, as well as the in vitro, in vivo, animal, and clinical studies are discussed. Licorice extract possesses broadspectrum activity and could be considered as an effective and safe option in the treatment of AV and its associated PIH. However, evidence-based clinical trials are required to prove its efficacy as well as safety. We hope this paper can provide new insights for further studies, particularly large controlled clinical trials.
Drug Interactions of Green Tea
Authors: Meyboodi Mahsa , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang , Emami Seyed Ahmad , Karbasforooshan Hedyieh
Published: January 2021

Green tea (GT) is among the most common drinks in the world. There are some reports on interactions between GT and some drugs. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive review of this subject. The data are collected by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, and Embase. The keywords used as search terms are “camellia sinensis”, “pharmacodynamics”, “pharmacokinetic”, “EGCG”, and “drug interaction”. We have found 24 eligible articles. Finally, the related papers are given in our review. GT is containing polyphenols that interfere with many drugs. The most important of these polyphenol compounds is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which most of the reported interactions are due to the presence of EGCG. Interaction of GT with different drugs occurs in the context of both pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics that includes drug absorption, metabolism, and renal excretion. The mechanisms of these interactions consist of increase in the concentration included several medications such as melatonin, midazolam, and amlodipine consuming after GT; these interactions can be toxic. Additionally, it has been reported that serum levels of several drugs such as nadolol, digoxin, amoxicillin, and clozapine are decreased and their efficacy are reduced when they simultaneously administer with GT. The serum concentration of rhodamin 123, quinidine, and doxorubicin have increased when these drugs were co-administered with GT. GT has pharmacodynamics interactions with a few drugs such as a hydrochlorothiazide. As proposed and discussed here, GT has the potential for interactions with numerous other drugs and thus clinicians should be aware of reported and potential interaction of GT with various medications in order to avoid adverse reactions and achieve expected clinical response.
Outcomes of thyroid operations in patients of different age groups
Authors: ÇİFTÇİ Ali , TİRYAKİ Çağrı
Published: January 2021

Objectives: To determine the effects of age on preoperative findings and on outcomes of thyroid surgeries.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the demographics, surgical and pathological data, postoperative complications and biochemical results including calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels of patients who undertaken thyroid operations.
Results: Totally 288 consecutive patients operated for thyroid diseases were included in the study. The patients were grouped regarding their ages as patients in the 3rd decade (n = 26), 4th decade (n = 60), 5th decade (n = 81), 6th decade (n = 77) and 7th decade (n = 44). There was not any significant difference between groups regarding the preoperative diagnoses (p = 0.09). With an advance in age, the presence of multiple nodules in preoperative period was increasing (p = 0.015). On postoperative period, the pathological diagnosis was malignant in 46 (15.9%) patients. There was not any significant difference between groups regarding the tumor type (p = 0.80). The most common tumor type was papillary carcinoma in all age groups. Postoperative complications were determined in 68 (23.6%) patients and there was not any significant difference regarding the presence of postoperative complications in all age groups (p = 0.26).
Conclusions: In conclusion, there was not any significant difference regarding postoperative outcomes in patients operated for thyroid diseases who were in the different decades of their lives. We can suggest that, thyroid surgeries are as safe in elderly patients as in younger patients.
Usage of Non-chemical Methods to Counter the Damages Caused by Tomato Mosaic Virus
Authors: Saleem Suleman , Zeshan Muhammad Ahmad , Iftikhar Yasir , Shabbir Muhammad Asif , Sajid Ashara , Bashir Sonum , Ghani Muhammad Usman
Published: January 2021

Background: Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) is the most common and important pathogen of tomato crop. The infected plants show mosaic, mottle, wrinkling, reduced leaf size and uneven ripening of fruits. ToMV is transmitted mechanically, by cultural operations, farm implements and also through seed. Methods: The present study was planned to evaluate environment friendly strategies for the management of ToMV disease. Different non-chemical means viz., Elephant Ear plant extract, Eucalyptus extract, Zinc and Boron solution, NPK solution, Milk and Urea were used on four tomato varieties (Tanja, Chico, Manik and Sahil). All the treatments were used at three different concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) and replicated three times. Result: The maximum disease reduction was recorded in plants treated with NPK solution (16.35%) and minimum in plants treated with Elephant Ear plant extract (29.65%). The maximum mean disease severity was recorded at 1 percent concentration of all the treatments (32.46%) which was statistically significant from that of 2 and 3% (24.74% and 19.23%), respectively. Among the varieties, minimum disease severity was recorded in Manik (24.64%) variety and maximum in Chico (31.27%) variety. All the treatments contributed towards reduction in disease severity of which NPK solution being most efficient.
Performance of Canola (Brassica napus L.) at Different Age of Seedling under System of Mustard Intensification
Authors: Singh A. , Singh G. , Singh L.
Published: January 2021

Background: Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) also known as ‘rape’ is bright yellow flowering member of family Brassicaceae, cultivated for its oil rich seed. It is third most important oilseed crop after soybean and oil palm. Despite an important oilseeds crop there is little advancement in suitable crop management strategies for improving crop productivity. The SRI has set of principles such as use of young seedlings, one seedling per hill, square planting, mechanical weeding, addition of organic matter. Recently the SRI is being successfully experimented in other crops such as wheat, maize, soybean, blackgram, kidney bean, potato in the name of System of Crop Intensification. Methods: This research experiment was carried out at the Student’s Research Farm, Khalsa College, Amritsar during the rabi season of 2018-19. The Split plot design with three replications was carried under age of seedling in main plot treatments A1 [20 day seedling], A2 [30 day seedling] and A3 [40 day seedling] and four intra row spacing treatments in sub plots S1 [15cm], S2 [30 cm], S3 [45 cm] and S4 [60 cm]. Result: Seed yield decreased progressively with increase in age of seedling. Wider spacing between plants (45 cm) observed high number of siliquae per plant than closer spacing (15 cm). Seed yield was significantly highest when crop was transplanted with 45 cm intra row spacing. The per cent increase in seed yield in different SMI (System of Mustard Intensification) spacing treatments over closer spacing S1 (15 cm) were 21.62, 6.36, 4.89, per cent in S3, S4 and S2 respectively.
Effect of Drought-induced Stress on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Zea mays L.
Authors: Maksimović Tanja , Janjić Nina , Lubarda Biljana
Published: January 2021

Background: Drought is one of the major abiotic factors leading to diminishing growth, development and productivity of plants worldwide. Considering that germination is the first phase of growth which in large measure determines plant quality and yield, knowing the effects of different factors on this process is of major importance. This paper studies the effect of drought-induced stress on seed germination and seedling growth of Zea mays L. (the Sweet corn and the hybrid Pioneer B23). Methods: The effect of water stress was caused by different concentrations of mannitol: 5%, 10% and 20%. In the control, we used distilled water. The germination test was performed in three trials of 45 seeds each. The germination percentage, germination potential, drought resistance index were calculated at 3, 5 and 7 days. Growth of seedlings and biomass content were calculate at 14 days. Result: The results show significant differences between the variety and hybrid examined. The pioneer B23 seed germinated in larger number and more quickly. The Sweet corn variety seedling growth was completely absent after treatment with mannitol. The observed difference is certainly not just a consequence of higher mannitol concentrations, but also a difference in the water-retention capability of the variety and hybrid studied.
ATRIBUTOS FUNCIONALES DE PLÁNTULAS DE MANGLE BAJO CONDICIONES AMBIENTALES CONTRASTANTES
Authors: Guillén Rivera Benjamín Eliú , López-Portillo Guzmán Jorge Alejandro , Pérez Sánchez Eunice
Published: January 2021

En Veracruz, México, los manglares se distribuyen en 750 km del litoral. Los principales factores de pérdida de manglares han sido causados por la sobreexplotación de recursos por empresas comerciales. El 11 % de los manglares se encuentra en el estuario del río Tuxpan, por ello se seleccionó la laguna Tampamachoco, que fue estudiada en tres sectores: Norte, Centro y Sur. El objetivo fue la restauración de la zona afectada por actividades comerciales. Se estudiaron las condiciones propicias para el crecimiento de nuevas plántulas en lugares no aptos. Se hicieron colectas y se midieron las características morfométricas y fisicoquímicas para determinar el desarrollo del manglar. Los factores que se identificaron como limitantes fueron: poca fluidez del agua, un índice extremo de salinidad y temperaturas altas. Los resultados mostraron que las tres zonas registran condiciones variantes entre ellas, lo cual puede estar relacionado a las altas temperaturas y al estrés ocasionado por los cambios fisicoquímicos.
A Working Condition Diagnosis Model of Sucker Rod Pumping Wells Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Xiang , He Yanfeng , Li Fajun , Wang Zhen , Dou Xiangji , Xu Hui , Fu Lipei
Published: January 2021

Monitoring the working conditions of sucker rod pumping wells in a timely and accurate manner is important for oil production. With the development of smart oil fields, more and more sensors are installed on the well, and the monitored data are continuously transmitted to the data center to form big data. In this work, we aim to utilize the big data collected during oil well production and a deep learning technique to build a new generation of intelligent diagnosis model to monitor working condition of sucker rod pumping wells. More than 5×106 of well monitoring records, which covers information from about 1 year for more than 300 wells in an oilfield block, are collected and preprocessed. To show the dynamic changes of the working conditions for the wells, the overlay dynamometer card is proposed and plotted for each data record. The working conditions are divided into 30 types, and the corresponding data set is created. An intelligent diagnosis model using the convolutional neural network (CNN), one of the deep learning frameworks, is proposed. By the convolution and pooling operation, the CNN can extract features of an image implicitly without human effort and prior knowledge. That makes a CNN very suitable for the recognition of the overlay dynamometer cards. The architecture for a working condition diagnosis CNN model is designed. The CNN model consists of 14 layers with six convolutional layers, three pooling layers, and three fully connected layers. The total number of neurons is more than 1.7×106. The overlay dynamometer card data set is used to train and validate the CNN model. The accuracy and efficiency of the model are evaluated. Both the training and validation accuracies of the CNN model are greater than 99% after 10 training epochs. The average training elapsed time for an epoch is 8909.5 seconds, and the average time to diagnosis a sample is 1.3 milliseconds. Based on the trained CNN model, a working condition monitoring software for a sucker rod pumping well is developed. The software runs 7 × 24 hours to diagnosis the working conditions of wells and post a warning to users. It also has a feedback learning workflow to update the CNN model regularly to improve its performance. The on-site run shows that the actual accuracy of the CNN model is greater than 90%.
N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)retinamide suppresses SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated cell-cell fusion and viral infection in vitro 
Authors: Hayashi Yasuhiro , Tsuchiya Kiyoto , Yamamoto Mizuki , Nemoto-Sasaki Yoko , Tanigawa Kazunari , Hama Kotaro , Tanikawa Takashi , Gohda Jin , Maeda Kenji , Inoue Jun-ichiro , Yamashita Atsushi
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), persists worldwide with limited therapeutic options. Since membrane fusion between SARS-CoV-2 and host cells is essential for the early step of the infection, the membrane compositions, including sphingolipids, in host cells are considered to affect the viral infection. However, the role of sphingolipids in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 remains unclear. Here, we assessed several inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolism enzymes against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated cell-cell fusion and viral infection in vitro. Among the compounds tested, only N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-HPR, also known as fenretinide), an inhibitor of dihydroceramide Δ4-desaturase 1 (DES1) and well known for having antitumour activity, suppressed cell-cell fusion (50% effective concentration [EC50] = 4.1 mM) and viral infection ([EC50] = 4.4 mM), wherein the EC50 values are below its plasma concentration in previous clinical trials on tumours. DES1 catalyses the introduction of a double bond in dihydroceramide, and the inhibition efficiencies observed were consistent with an increased ratio of saturated sphinganine-based lipids to total sphingolipids and the decreased cellular membrane fluidity. These findings, together with the accumulated clinical data regarding the safety of 4-HPR, make it a likely candidate drug to treat COVID-19.
Increased Duration of Pollen and Mold Exposure are Linked to Climate Change
Authors: Paudel Bibek , Chu Theodore , Chen Meng , Sampath Vanitha , Prunicki Mary , Nadeau Kari
Published: January 2021

Pollen and molds are environmental allergens that are affected by climate change. As pollen and molds exhibit geographical variations, we sought to understand the impact of climate change (temperature, carbon dioxide, precipitation, smoke exposure) on common pollen and molds in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the largest urban areas in the United States. When using time-series regression models between 2002 and 2019, the annual average number of weeks with pollen concentrations higher than zero increased over time. For tree pollens, the average increase in this duration was 0.47 weeks and 0.51 weeks for mold spores. Associations between mold, pollen and meteorological data (e.g. precipitation, temperature, atmospheric carbon dioxide level, and area covered by wildfire smoke plumes) were analyzed using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, which found that the peak concentrations of tree and grass pollens are associated with seasonal patterns of maximum temperature and precipitation. In addition, the peak concentrations of weed pollens are associated with seasonal temperature changes. We did not find clear associations of pollen and spore concentrations with carbon dioxide levels and wildfire smoke exposure. This study’s findings suggest that spore and pollen activities are related to changes in observed climate change variables.