bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collect Your Happiness: A Case Study of Using Positive Psychology Principles in Technology Design (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Lekai , Sun Shouqian , Zhang Kejun , Wolterink Kevin , Xing Baixi
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

More and more of our daily activities depend on smartphones and applications. Thus, an increasing number of studies are interested in whether interactive applications can be used to improve happiness of individuals.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to develop and test a digital application designed for happiness.

METHODS

This paper presents an application called Collect Your Happiness (CYH) that is based on some positive psychology principles. It can not only enhance people’s happiness by collecting their daily happy moments, but provide small tasks to improve their happiness levels. A cross-cultural measurement between the Chinese and Dutch was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this intervention by SHS, SWLS, PGWBI, and MAAS. In addition, collected moments were coded based on Selig- man’s PERMA model to analyze the cultural differences.

RESULTS

Results show that CYH can help people from both countries improve their happiness. The Chinese tended to find their happiness in relationships (R) with their friends and family, however, the Dutch tended to search for meaning (M) and engagement (E) in their lives.

CONCLUSIONS

In this paper, we developed an application that provided recording positive things, reminders for the past happy moments and tasks for users to gain happiness. The CYH successfully enhance the happiness of the cross-cultural users for four weeks. We also explored the difference of happiness between the Dutch and the Chinese based on Seligman’s PERMA model, and established a multimedia database of happiness for future research. Despite some limitations, most users found the application helpful to improve their happiness. By directly measuring subjective and multidimensional perspectives of happiness, there is potential to more successfully promote people’s happiness. Overall, our study not only complement existing positive psychological interventions that enhance human happiness, but it also suggests novel ways of applying positive psychology principles in the future technology design.
IDENTIFICATION OF FATTY ACIDS IN SACHA INCHI OIL (CURSIVE PLUKENETIA VOLUBILIS L.) FROM ECUADOR
Authors: W Carrillo , Mf Quinteros , C Carpio , D Morales , G VÁsquez , M Álvarez , M Silva
Published: February 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify fatty acids in a sacha inchi oil sample.Methods: Sacha inchi oil was obtained of sacha inchi seeds using the cold pressing method. Fatty acids analysis was carried out using the gas chromatography with a mass selective detector and using the database Library NIST14.L to identify the compounds.Results: Sacha inchi seeds have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids with 34.98% of ɷ6 α- Linoleic and 47.04% of ɷ3 α- Linolenic. Sacha inchi seeds only have 3.98% of palmitic acid.Conclusions: Sacha inchi seed is a good source of fatty acids ɷ3 and ɷ6, being ɷ3 and ɷ6 in a good proportion. Sacha inchi oil can be used to elaborate functional foods.
CHIA PROTEIN CONCENTRATE (SALVIA HISPANICA L.) ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY
Authors: M CÁrdenas , C Carpio , J Welbaum , E Vilcacundo , W Carrillo
Published: February 2018

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of chia proteins concentrates in in vitro conditions.Methods: Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) were utilized to obtain chia protein concentrate at different pH 2.0, pH 3.0, pH 4.0, pH 5.0, and pH 6.0 using the isoelectric precipitation method and to evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory and in vitro inhibition of peroxidation lipid of chia protein concentrates.Results: The best treatment to obtain chia protein concentrate was at pH 3.0 with a value of 25.53% yield using water as solvent and 38.13% yield using NaCl 1M as solvent. The higher protein content was found in the chia protein concentrate at pH 4.0 with values of 91.18% and 57.87% of protein content. All chia protein concentrates presented high in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and inhibition peroxidation lipid. Chia protein concentrate at pH 3.0 (100–100 μg/ml) presented anti-inflammatory activity with values ranging from 56.32% to 103.00% in a form dependent doses. Chia protein concentrate at pH 6.0 presented a value range of 92.80–95.98% of inhibition of peroxidation lipid.Conclusion: This study suggests that chia protein concentrates possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in in vitro conditions.
ANTIHEPATITIS C VIRUS ACTIVITY OF INDONESIAN MAHOGANY (TOONA SURENI)
Authors: Hafid Achmad Fuad , Wahyuni Tutik Sri , Tumewu Lidya , Apryani Evhy , Permanasari Adita Ayu , Adianti Myrna , Aoki Utsubo Chie , Widyawaruyanti Aty , Inge Lusida Maria , Soetjipto Soetjipto , Fuchino Hiroyuki , Kawahara Nobuo , Hotta Hak
Published: February 2018

Objective: Toona sureni (Indonesian mahogany) is a member of Meliaceae family and locally known as suren. Previous study reported that T. sureni leaves extract exhibited antiviral activity with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 13.9 ± 1.6 μg/ml against hepatitis C virus (HCV) J6/JFH1. Cytotoxicity analysis of T. sureni leaves extract did not reveal any cytotoxicity effect; therefore, further study was taken to investigate the active substances from the extract.Methods: Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-HCV was conducted using Huh-7.5 cells infected with HCV J6/JFH1 in the presence of extracts, fractions, or compounds from the plant.Results: Ethyl acetate fraction (Fr E) exhibited high anti-HCV activity with IC50 value of 1.7 μg/ml. Further, separation of Fr E by open column chromatography resulted in nine sub-fractions (sub-Fr E1-E9). Sub-Fr E3 and E4 have IC50 value of 29.90 μg/ml and 7.68 μg/ml, respectively. Polyphenols compounds have been isolated from sub-Fr E3 and E4. The structures have been determined to be ethyl gallate (1), methyl gallate (2), catechin (3), gallic acid (4), and quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside (5). Among the isolated compounds, gallic acid showed to possess strong anti-HCV activity with IC50 value of 15.9 μg/ml.Conclusion: T. sureni and its isolated compound, gallic acid, may be good candidates to develop for alternative and/or complementary agents of anti-HCV infection.
INFLUENCE OF GRAM-NEGATIVE STRAIN KLEBSIELLA OXYTOCA ON BIOCORROSION
Authors: S Chitra , B Anand
Published: February 2018

Several studies of biofilms must accept that biofilms may develop in an enormous number of environments. This biofilm forms colonization on the solid surfaces by extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) secreted by the microbial cells. The EPSs secreted by microbial cell stimulate corrosion in the engineered materials due to the presence of polyanionic neutral macromolecules. Many techniques have been described measuring and inhibiting microbiologically influenced corrosion; however, none has been accepted as an industry standard. This is because the risks posed to the marine biosphere due to the use of antifouling inhibitors. Recently, a large amount of literature has been edited on the influence of toxic biocides on non-targeted organisms in the marine environment are most likely. It has been shown that the modifications of antifouling inhibitors by the non-toxic drugs can reduce microbial adhesion and some disentangle effects toward the environment. Hence, in this paper, the inhibition effect of neomycin trisulfate on the Klebsiella oxytoca on mild steel corrosion has been investigated using weight loss measurement, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These studies have shown that neomycin trisulfate shows better inhibition toward the microbe. The agreement with the experimental data was also found to be satisfactory. Further, surface morphological examination through SEM confirms that the inhibitor inhibits the microbes by blocking the EPS
EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMALARIAL POTENTIAL OF STREPTOMYCES SP.
Authors: C Sweetline , R Usha
Published: February 2018

Objective: Isolate, screen and identify Streptomyces sp. from mangrove soil from pichavaram, Tamil Nadu, India, and study the molecular identification of selected Streptomyces sp. and check the antimalarial activity for the purified compound.Methods: The16SrRNA secondary structure and the restriction sites of KMA08 were predicted using Genbank online software, respectively. Antiplasmodial activity of the 80% Ethyl acetate extract of Streptomyces sp. against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei in mice using the 4 days suppression test was conducted. A total of 30 mice assigned to 5 groups of 6 animals each were infected with chloroquine-sensitive (P. berghei) intraperitoneally. The Ethyl acetate extract (10, 20, and 30 ml/kg), standard drug (chloroquine, 10 mg/kg) and distilled water were administered orally daily for the treatment period. Percent Parasitemia was determined on the 5th day from Giemsa stained smears obtained from tail vein and percent parasitemia suppression was calculated. Daily measurement of rectal temperature was also taken while body weight and packed cell volume were recorded on day 0 and 5.Results: Results showed the extract produced a dose-dependent reduction in parasite density compared to the control group. Percept parasitemia calculation revealed 21.3, 65.3, and 80.5% inhibition at 10, 20, and 30 ml/kg of the extract, respectively.Conclusion: The study revealed the present work indicated that Streptomyces sp. has as promising antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine sensitive P. berghei in a dose-dependent. As part of the drug discovery process, these promising finding may contribute to the medicinal and pharmaceutical field for malarial treatment.
EVALUATION OF BIOACTIVITIES OF MORINDA TINCTORIA LEAVES EXTRACT FOR PHARMACOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS.
Authors: Sivakumar Thangavel , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Lakshmi Priya Kamaraj , Kesika Periyanaina , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: February 2018

Objective: The present study was aimed to prepare Morinda tinctoria leaves extracts with the different solvent system and to evaluate the bioactivities.Methods: The extracts of M. tinctoria were qualitatively analyzed for the primary phytochemical content. The functional groups of extract were determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The antimicrobial properties were determined by plate assays. The antioxidant and in vitro anti-inflammatory properties and membrane stabilizing nature of aqueous extract of M. tinctoria (AEM) were measured using a spectrophotometer.Results: The aqueous, ethanolic, and acetone extracts of M. tinctoria were prepared. AEM contains quinones, steroids, terpenoids, phenols, glycosides, and tannins. FTIR result showed that AEM comprises of alkyl halides, 1°, 2° amines, aromatics, aliphatic amines, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, ethers, and alkanes, saturated aliphatic, and phenolic groups. The antimicrobial property of M. tinctoria varied based on the solvent used for the extraction. About 86.90±0.36, 78.58±0.13, and 80.33±0.09% of total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity were observed in AEM, respectively. The 1, 1- diphenyl 2-picrylhyorazyl and 2, 2-Azinobis-(3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acids) assay results indicated 85.20±0.50 and 52.41±0.60% of free radical scavenging activity in AEM. The protease activity (44.10±0.26%) and protein degradation (44.38±0.58%) were proscribed by AEM. AEM prevents 69.36±0.20% of cell lysis.Conclusion: The results revealed that the AEM leaves were harmless and enriched with potent bioactive principles, which is further used for food and pharmacological applications.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ACCURACY OF RECORDING BLOOD PRESSURE EITHER BY AUTOMATED OSCILLOMETRIC METHOD OR BY SPHYGMOMANOMETER IN BOTH NORMOTENSIVE AND HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS - A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: R Sobana , S Parthasarathy
Published: February 2018

Objectives: Automatic devices based on oscillometric principle are widely used for the estimation of blood pressure (BP). Mercury sphygmomanometer mean systolic BP (MSBP) and its derived cuff pressure are the traditional mode of estimation which is a validated and authenticated procedure. Automated machines using oscillometric method are slowly replacing the conventional technique. This study was done to compare the BP recorded by the mercury sphygmomanometer MSBP and the automated technique using oscillometric method automated office BP (AOBP).Methods: Two hundred subjects aged 40–65 years with mid-arm circumference 27–34 cm were recruited. MSBP and AOBP were recorded adhering to guidelines given by the American Heart Association Joint National Committee. The subjects were divided into two groups as normotensive (Group 1) and hypertensive (Group 2), and statistical analysis was performed.Results: The mean systolic and diastolic pressures estimated by oscillometric method and sphygmomanometer were calculated and compared with each other by paired t-test separately for Groups 1 and 2. In mormotensives (Group 1), the mean systolic pressure MSBP was 114.21±7.5 mmHg and AOBP was 118.24±11.0 mmHg. The mean diastolic MSBP was 72.1±3.5 mmHg and AOBP was 76.4±1.2 mmHg. Subjects of Group 2 (hypertensive) showed mean systolic pressure MSBP of 144.42±18.5 mm Hg and AOBP of 159.74±22 mmHg. The mean diastolic MSBP was 87.2±9.5 mmHg and AOBP was 96.9±9.2 mmHg. In Group 1, the difference was statistically not significant, while in Group 2, comparison by paired t-test showed a mean difference of systolic pressure by 15.32±1.25 (p<0.005), and mean difference of diastolic pressure by 8.9±5.8 (p<0.005).Conclusion: Hence, we conclude that oscillometric pressure recordings by the automated device are closer to manual measurements in normotensives but showed a significant high value in hypertensives. We suggest caution in treating hypertensives with values derived from automated machines only.
ANTIDIABETIC EFFECTS OF PUMPKIN (CUCURBITA MOSCHATA DURCH) FLESH AND SEEDS EXTRACTS IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED MICE
Authors: Marbun Novarianti , Sitorus Panal , Sinaga Siti Morin
Published: February 2018

Objective: The present study is to investigate the antidiabetic effect of pumpkin flesh and seeds ethanolic extracts in STZ-induced diabetic mice.Methods: The study begins with making the ethanolic extracts of pumpkin flesh and seeds and then evaluates the physicochemical characterization, phytochemical screening, and induced diabetic mice using STZ.Result: The physicochemical evaluation shows that the extracts had a good and high purity level, while the phytochemical screening showed both pumpkin flesh and seeds extracts have a various of phytoconstituents. The pumpkin flesh and seeds ethanolic extracts (dose level 150 mg/kg) showed a significant reduction of the blood glucose.Conclusion: Pumpkin flesh and seeds ethanolic extracts exhibited significant antidiabetes activity in STZ-induced mice.
SINGLE-NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS OF CALCIUM-SENSING RECEPTOR ENCODING GENE ASSOCIATED WITH CALCIUM KIDNEY STONE DISEASE IN BABYLON PROVINCE
Authors: Isam Zahraa , Omran Rabab , Mahmood Ammad Hassan
Published: February 2018

Objective: The calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor that is mainly expressed in the parathyroid and the kidneys where it regulates parathyroid hormone secretion and renal tubular calcium reabsorption. Inactivating and activating CASR gene due to mutations severally caused hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the risk factor of CASR rs1801725 (Ala986Ser) patients with renal disease.Method: The blood samples were collected from 100 patients and divided into two groups, each one containing 50 samples; chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, who admitted Merjan Teaching Hospital in Babylon Province, Iraq, from February to July 2016. In addition, healthy persons as a control group (50 samples). Genotyping of CASR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) was performed using a polymerase chain reaction technique, followed by single-strand conformation polymorphism. Accordingly, these DNA polymorphisms were confirmed using DNA sequencing.Results: The conformational haplotypes of CASR, exon7 NCBI Primer3plus reference were obtained in three patterns, including two, three, and four bands, due to the presence SNPs within the studied region. These SNPs leads to change three amino acid residues of CASR, including amino acid substitutions were Ala 128→ Ser 128, Leu 155→Tye 155, and Leu 156→ Ser 156 that may affect or modified the tertiary structure of the receptor, subsequently the function like the affinity to calcium ion may be effected.Conclusion: These results suggest that the variants of CASR SNP, namely, rs1801725 might be involved in susceptibility to kidney stone disease.
A PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF CAUSES AND TREATMENT OF INFERTILITY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, ERODE
Authors: Baby Amala , A Varghese Anila , Jose Cindy , Kandasamy Krishnaveni , Rajagopal Shanmuga Sundaram
Published: February 2018

Objective: Infertility has a serious impact on the psychosocial well-being of women in the developing world. The objective of the study was to evaluate the causes and treatment pattern of infertility patients in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: The prospective observational study focused on the sociodemographic properties of infertile patients, causes of infertility, and various treatments carried out in a tertiary care hospital, Erode, Tamil Nadu.Results: Of 200 cases, the majority was due to female factor (45.5%), followed by male factors (26%), both gender factors (25.5%), and unexplained etiology (6%). It was observed that major causes of male infertility (MI) were oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OATS - 48.42%), followed by asthenozoospermia (17.89%), azoospermia (11.57%), erectile dysfunction (7.36%), oligoasthenozoospermia (5.26%), varicocele (3.15%), oligospermia (2.10%), necrozoospermia (2.10%), asthenoteratozoospermia (1.05%), and asthenozoospermia+erectile dysfunction (1.05%). In cases of female infertility (FI), the pattern of causes was polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) (29.6%), followed by tubular block (13.23%), cyst (6.66%), hypothyroidism (4.44%), endometriosis (4.44%), hormonal problems (4.44%), fibroid (3.7%), fibroid+cyst (3.7%), premature ovarian failure (2.96%), thin endometrium (2.96%), multifollicularovary (2.96%), PCOD+hormonalproblems (2.96%), and hypothyroidism+hormonal problems (2.22%). Intrauterine insemination was the most commonly assisted reproductive technology employed, followed by in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Of 200 infertile couples, 57 (28.5%) were unable to conceive within 6 months and 72 (36%) after 6 months following first consultation, 44 (22%) defaulted/lost follow-up/were still under consultation, 13 (6.5%) conceived with the help of assisted reproductive treatment, 10 (5%) conceived with the help of drug treatment, anddd 4 (2%) had spontaneous pregnancy.Conclusion: The major cause of infertility was found to be PCOD in females and OATS in males. The most commonly prescribed drugs were antioxidants for males and progesterone for females.
PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY ANALYSIS OF CALAMUS ROTANG LINN LEAF EXTRACTS
Authors: Y Pallavi , Kpj Hemalatha
Published: February 2018

Objective: The present study was aimed at phytochemical screening, quantification, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of hexane, chloroform and ethanol leaf extracts of Calamus rotang.Methods: Leaf extracts were prepared according to the polarity of the solvents, i.e., hexane, chloroform, and ethanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening involved the qualitative methods to detect the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, etc. Quantitative estimation of alkaloids using boldine as standard, phenols using gallic acid as standard, and flavonoids using quercetin as standard were done. HPTLC analysis was done with all three extracts along with quercetin and rutin standards using mobile phase for flavonoids, i.e., 90:10 ratio of chloroform and methanol solvents.Results: Phytochemical screening showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc. Hence, quantification was done for these phytochemicals. Alkaloids were present significantly more in hexane leaf extract, i.e., 2.54±0.216mg boldine equivalents/g. Phenols were present significantly more in ethanolic leaf extract, i.e., 49.04±0.364 mg gallic acid equivalents)/g. Flavonoids were present in significant amount in ethanolic leaf extract, i.e., 458.85±5.74 mg quercetin equivalents/g. HPTLC analysis of hexane, chloroform, and ethanolic extracts showed the presence of flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin, and some unknown flavonoid compounds.Conclusion: Ethanolic leaf extract showed a high amount of phenols and flavonoids. Hence, the extract can be further exploited further for in vitro and in vivo research work.
SCREENING AND CONFIRMATION OF DIFFERENT SYNTHETIC ADULTERANTS IN SLIMMING PRODUCTS
Authors: Fakhri Sajad , Mohammadi Bahareh , Jalili Ronak , Hajialyani Marziyeh , Bahrami Gholamreza
Published: February 2018

Objective: The presence of synthetic drugs (as adulterant) in slimming herbal products of world markets has contravened the country’s law and has created many troubles for some consumers of slimming products. This study aims to use a simple and reliable method for simultaneously finding and validating the presence of possible adulterants in some slimming products, which could not be discriminated due to misleading packaging.Method: Fifteen slimming products were obtained from the Iran pharmaceutical markets. Liquid chromatography-ultraviolet and LC-mass spectrometry methods were performed for simultaneous screening and confirmation of adulterants.Results: The most abundant adulterant was Phenolphthalein, which has been used in 11 cases of the 15 slimming products. Furthermore, 5 products included caffeine, two included phendimetrazine, and two included protriptyline.Conclusion: The performed method was successful in detection of different adulterants. According to the presence of synthetic drugs in slimming herbal products, and their threats to people’s health it is necessary to create awareness in this case through public authorities.
SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF SOME MANNICH BASES OF QUINAZOLINONE NUCLEUS
Authors: D Priya , R Srimathi , Gv Anjana
Published: February 2018

Objective: In the present work, a series of five Mannich bases of quinazolinone nucleus synthesized by treating quinazolinones with various aromatic amines.Methods: A series of Mannich bases of quinazolinone synthesized by refluxing quinazolinone with anthranilic acid, amine, and formaldehyde in ethanol. The chemical structures of synthesized compounds were confirmed by thin-layer chromatography using the suitable solvent system and characterized by melting point and IR. The compounds screened for their antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity.Results: Antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds was done using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging method. Compounds II and III showed values at 53% and 36%, respectively, when compared to that of standard ascorbic acid 24% at 10 μg/ml. Compounds II and IV showed excellent activity against Gram-negative organism Escherichia coli using ciprofloxacin as standard.Conclusion: All the synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity by cup plate by measuring inhibition zone using E. coli at a concentration range of 200–600 mcg/ml, and antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH method.
COMPARISON OF HEALTH LITERACY AMONG IRAQI WOMEN WITH DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS
Authors: Al-nema Zena Mudhfar
Published: February 2018

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to compare the health knowledge of women of different age groups. To evaluate different methods for developing health literacy.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2014 to January 2016 in Baghdad, Iraq. All candidates were females, age ≥18 years, neither medical staff nor medical students.The sample was divided into two groups: Group A: Females aged18–45 years, Group B: Females aged >45 years. A comparison between the two groups regarding their health literacy and the source of information was made.Results: The final sample included 213 women, of them, there were 107≤45 years (Group A) and 106>45 years (Group B) women. Significant difference was found between both groups regarding the knowledge about the prevention of cholera where the accurate answers were 46.7% in Group A versus 80.1% in Group B. The main source of information for both groups was the personal experience. However, internet was used more (42%) by the younger women (Group A), and television was used more (52.8%) by the older women (Group B).Conclusion: Young women had a better literacy on common medical problems, but the old showed overall limited health literacy. Pharmacists, physicians, and activities of the Ministry of Health played an impotent role in health literacy in the old women.
MOLECULAR DOCKING OF AMITRIPTYLINE TO CERULOPLASMIN, RETINOL-BINDING PROTEIN, AND SERUM ALBUMIN
Authors: Merugu Ramchander , Singh Kalpana V
Published: February 2018

Objective: A drug’s efficiency depends on the binding capacity of the drug with the particular plasma protein. The less bound drug can be easily diffused through cell membranes. The present study deals with in silico studies of amitriptyline binding to three plasma proteins human ceruloplasmin (HCP), cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP), and human serum albumin (HSA) and tries to establish the binding capacity behavior with the frontier molecular orbital approach.Methods: Amitriptyline is selected as legend and docked with three plasma proteins HCP, HCP PDB ID 1KCW, CRBP PDB ID 5LJC, and HSA. Docking calculations were carried out using docking server. frontier molecular orbital calculations are performed through web-based computational chemistry interface WEBMO version 17.0.012e using server Buchhner.chem.hope.edu. on computational engine MOPAC.Results: HCP and HSA predominantly show polar and hydrophobic interactions, whereas CRBP forms hydrogen bond apart from polar and hydrophobic interactions. Favorable values of inhibition constant, Ki, is obtained which is equal to 1.13 μM for CRBP, 6.00 μM for HCP, and 2.00 μM for has.Conclusion: A studies prove that amitriptyline can bind to all three plasma proteins, namely, HCP, CRBP, and HSA. Amitriptyline binds to an HSA and HCP through polar and hydrophobic interactions while weak electrostatic interactions felicitate diffusion of amitriptyline through the plasma membrane. Comparatively, strong hydrogen bond in CRBP may make the bound drug to be released at a slow rate. Strong binding of amitriptyline to CRBP is also evident from the least value of inhibition constant, Ki, which is equal to 1.13 μM for CRBP, 6.00 μM for HCP, and 2.00 μM for has.
THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF RENALASE ENZYME IN CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS
Authors: Al-shamma Zainab A A
Published: February 2018

Objective: The objective of this research was to study the possible role of renalase in the controlling blood pressure (BP) in patients with different stages of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) to decrease the incidents of cardiovascular disease in these patients.Methods: The serum levels of renalase were determined by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) methods in 68 non-diabetic CKD patients in different stages (2–5). Fifty healthy control subjects were included in this study. Renalase high-sensitive C-reactive protein and Cystatin-C were measured by ELISA which is included first incubating the test serum in an antigen-coated polystyrene plate, then enzyme-labeled anti-immunoglobulin is added and the enzyme then remaining in plate after washing provides a measure of the amount of specific antibody in the serum, and in the final step, a substance is added that the enzyme can convert to some detectable signal, most commonly a color change in a chemical substrate.Results: There were a significant difference between serum levels of renalase, in CKD patients stage 5, and CKD patients 2–3 stage than in their healthy control group (p<0.05), in addition to a significant difference in renalase level between CKD stage, 2–3 and stage 5 (p<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between serum renalase with systolic BP (p<0.05) in CKD patients stage 5. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between the serum renalase and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p<0.05) in both groups.Conclusions: The main conclusion of the study was the positive significant correlation with systolic BP in CKD patients (stage 5). In addition, the serum renalase levels were elevated according the CKD stage in patients with CKD in different stages (2–5) and it increased with the deterioration of renal function.
ROLE OF SERUM LIPIDS IN GALLSTONE PATHOGENESIS: A CASE–CONTROL STUDY FROM PUNJAB
Authors: Kaur Apinder , Kaur Amandeep , Kaur Satbir
Published: February 2018

Objective: Pathogenesis of gallstone (GS) disease is multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. The main pathogenic factor responsible for the hypersecretion of cholesterol into bile is the impaired lipid metabolism, which actually reflects the likelihood of GS formation. The study aims to determine the significance of serum lipids in the etiology of GS disease and to identify the possible confounding effects of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) on GS disease.Methods: A case–control study was conducted on 97 ultrasonically confirmed GS cases and 92 healthy controls which were further divided on the basis of gender, age group (≥40 and <40 (y)), BMI (obese and non-obese), and number of stones (single and multiple). The serum lipid parameters were estimated using the enzymatic kit assay. The statistical analysis of the lipid parameters in relation to age, gender, obesity, and stone number was done using the Student’s t-test, Chi-square test, and Mann–Whitney U-test. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly higher in cases as compared to controls (p=0.0001 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.3–61.2] and p=0.0001 [95% CI: 36.6–64.2], respectively). The serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was non-significantly lower in GS patients as compared to controls (p=0.4). Obese female patients of age group ≥40 (y) had an abnormal lipid profile with a significant rise in mean TC, LDL-C, and triglycerides (TG) (p<0.05) and were at higher risk of developing the GS disease as compared to controls. However, no probable effect of abnormal lipid profile, age, gender, and BMI on increasing the number of stones was found (p>0.05).Conclusion: Abnormal lipid parameters, especially high TC and LDL-C, were found to be significantly associated with GS disease. Increased age, obesity, and female gender along with dyslipidemia altogether elevate the risk of formation of GS. The formation of single/multiple stones was not influenced by the abnormal lipid profile, age, gender, and BMI.
INVESTIGATING THE FREQUENCY OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE IN DENTISTRY STUDENTS OF AHVAZ JUNDISHAPUR UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES IN SOUTHWEST OF IRAN
Authors: Gilavand Abdolreza , Shooriabi Mohammad , Malakootian Mehrnoosh
Published: February 2018

Objective: In spite of great developments in infection control during recent years, many problems are still seen at the level of faculties, private, and public hospitals. Therefore, this research was carried out to evaluate the frequency of occupational exposure in dentistry students of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Southwest of Iran.Methods: This study was conducted using a descriptive and cross-sectional method in 2016. The population of the study included all the 124 dentistry students graduated from Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (AJUMS), southwest of Iran, who started their clinical education. The data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS 22 software.Results: A total of 84 (67.7%) of the participants were male and 40 (23.3%) were female. Of all the participants, 54.8% of the students had no occupational exposure, 17.9% had needle stick experience, 17.9% of them had splash exposure, and 8.9% had a history of exposure to both needlestick acid and patient discharge. In the current research, no significant relationship was found between job exposure and age, gender, and marital status (p<0.05). However, a significant relationship was found between occupational exposure, year of admission to university, academic semester, and educational environment (p<0.05).Conclusion: Given the relatively high prevalence of occupational exposure in students, the development of prevention and exposure to occupational protocols and requiring students to comply with these protocols in clinical dentistry environments is recommended.
ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL ON (ACTINOMYCES SP.) THAT CAUSES DENTAL BLACK STAIN IN CHILDREN
Authors: Lavine Priscilla , Fauziah Eva , Rizal Mochamad Fahlevi , Budiardjo Sarworini Bagio
Published: February 2018

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a natural antibacterial agent to reduce the viability of the chromogenic bacteria Actinomyces sp., which causes dental black stains.Methods: Actinomyces sp. was isolated from the saliva of a child diagnosed with black stain. Each streak of bacteria was cultured on a selective medium Actinomyces agar and confirmed visually and through a gram staining procedure. Each bacterial culture was exposed to VCO in concentrations of 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100%. Afterward, viability testing with a methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium assay was conducted, and the results were read using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reader.Results: The reduction of bacterial viability of Actinomyces sp. showed a significant difference between the negative control group and the groups treated with various concentrations of VCO 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100%.Conclusion: The minimum concentration of VCO necessary to kill Actinomyces sp. is VCO 12.5%.
A REVIEW ON ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN DIABETES
Authors: Rajendiran Deepa , Packirisamy Subbulakshmi , Gunasekaran Krishnamoorthy
Published: February 2018

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease. Oxidative stress plays a major part in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Supplementation with antioxidants and the medicinal plants which possess antioxidants activity have been reported their hypoglycemic activity. The antioxidants are used to treat and reduce the complication of diabetes mellitus. The diet supplementations of antioxidants vitamins are beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. This review article was summarizing the role of antioxidants in diabetes mellitus.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY FINGERPRINT PROFILE OF BAUHINIA TOMENTOSA LINN. LEAVES
Authors: R Balabhaskar , K Vijayalakshmi
Published: February 2018

Objective: Chromatographic fingerprint is an effective method for doing the fingerprinting of a plant species. In this study, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of Bauhinia tomentosa was done in n-hexane, chloroform, and ethanol extracts.Methods: The extract of leaves was developed using toluene:ethyl acetate:formic acid:glacial acetic acid (7:3:0.1:0.1) for n-hexane, toluene:ethyl acetate:formic acid (6:2:0.5) for chloroform, and chloroform:methanol:formic acid (8:1.5:0.2) for ethanol extract as mobile phase using standard procedures and scanned under ultraviolet at 254 nm, 366 nm, and 520 nm.Results: The HPTLC fingerprinting results showed several peaks with different Rf values. The HPTLC fingerprinting of n-hexane extract at 266 nm showed 15 peaks. The HPTLC fingerprinting of chloroform extract at 520 nm showed 22 peaks. The HPTLC fingerprinting of the ethanol extract at 366 nm showed 13 peaks.Conclusion: These fingerprinting results will be helpful in the identification and authentication of the species and also to identify new bioactive components in this medicinal plant.
ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS EXTRACTS OF CLAUSENA DENTATA (WILLD.) ROEM
Authors: Kamaraj Raju , Maduram Annamalai
Published: February 2018

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to study the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of various extracts of Clausena dentata. Clausena (Rutaceae) is a genus of about 23 species of unarmed trees and shrubs. The stem bark of C. dentata is used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of wounds and sprains. Even though C. dentata has a lot of potential medical uses, the study of pharmacological properties is very scarce.Methods: The plant C. dentata was collected in May 1999 from Kadagaman, near Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India, and authenticated by Centre for Advanced Study in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai. The dry powder of stem bark was extracted with hexane, chloroform, and methanol. The extracts were subjected to thin-layer chromatography and phytochemical screening. Further, the extracts were tested for analgesic by the tail flick and anti-inflammatory by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema using plethysmometer.Results: Qualitative chemical tests revealed the presence of various phytochemicals such as alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrate, proteins and amino acids, phytosterols, and volatile oil. The hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts exhibited significant analgesic activity as compared to control group (Tween 80, 1%). The anti-inflammatory activity of C. dentata extracts revealed that the percent inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema was highly significant as compared to control group after 4 h of injection.Conclusion: The presence of coumarin and alkaloids all the extracts promising properties of analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
DYSLIPIDEMIA AMONG THE ELDERLY IN SLUMS OF WEST DELHI
Authors: Gonmei Zaozianlungliu , Dwivedi Supriya , Toteja Gurudayal Singh , Singh Karuna , Vikram Naval Kishore , Bansal Priyanka Gupta , Rathore Suman
Published: February 2018

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia among the elderly in slums of West Delhi.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in slums of West Delhi covering a total of 234 elderly aged 60 and above. 5 ml blood was collected from 103 elderly and was analyzed for serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by enzymatic method using fully automatic analyzer (Roche Hitachi-902). Dyslipidemia was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program, ATP-III guidelines.Results: The overall prevalence of high cholesterol (≥200 mg/dl), high triglyceride (≥150 mg/dl), low HDL cholesterol (male - <40 mg/dl; female - <50 mg/dl), and high LDL cholesterol (≥130 mg/dl) was 20.39%, 45.63%, 64.08%, and 17.31%, respectively.Conclusion: Low HDL cholesterol and high triglyceride were the most form of dyslipidemia among the elderly. Awareness on dietary and lifestyle modification for management of dyslipidemia needs to be imparted.
ASSOCIATION OF INTERLEUKIN-4 CYTOKINE AND IL-4Rα GENE POLYMORPHISM IN β-LACTAM ALLERGIC PATIENTS
Authors: Khadhim Manal M , Hassan Dhuha A
Published: February 2018

Objective: The present study was carried out to estimate the possible role of Interleukin-4 (IL-4)RαQ576R genes polymorphism in the development of immune reaction against penicillin, as well as to study the effect of IL-4 cytokine in regulating allergic reactions.Materials and Methods: Measurement of serum IL-4 concentration was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique; IL-4RαQ576R gene polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment lengths polymorphisms. Comparisons for statistical significance were performed using Mann–Whitney U-test.Results: Comparing with control subjects, there was a significantly increased level of IL-4 (348.53 pg/ml) in penicillin allergic patients versus (284.72 pg/ml) in sera of control subjects. The IL-4RαQ576R alleles were significantly higher in the penicillin allergic individual compared with apparently healthy control subjects.Conclusions: Data study suggested that IL-4 cytokine have some important roles in penicillin hypersensitivity reaction, additionally the IL- 4RαQ576Rgene polymorphisms might involve in modulating of penicillin hypersensitivity.
The Relationship Between Preclinical Grading and USMLE Scores in US Allopathic Medical Schools
Authors: Kim Seungjun , George Paul
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives: Pass/fail preclinical grading is associated with improved student well-being. Studies do not demonstrate differences in United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores after adopting pass/fail grading, but were conducted at unrepresentative, highly selective institutions, and average scores increased overall during the study periods. We investigated the effect of preclinical grading on USMLE scores across 96 US medical schools.
Methods: Preclinical grading systems were identified with the 2017 Association of American Medical Colleges Medical School Admissions Requirements. Median undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores and average Step 1 and Step 2 clinical knowledge (CK) scores were available for 96 of 142 US medical schools on US News Grad Compass. Multiple linear regression was used to adjust for entering student characteristics, and one-tailed Student’s t tests were used to test for noninferiority. Noninferiority margins were calculated using standard errors from the USMLE Score Interpretation Guidelines and average class size.
Results: Fifty-six (58.3%) of 96 schools use pass/fail preclinical grading. After adjusting for MCAT, pass/fail grading was not associated with significant differences in average Step 1 (P=0.98) or Step 2 CK (P=0.63). The 90% confidence interval of the effect of pass/fail grading on Step 1 (-1.27, 1.24) did not cross the noninferiority margin of -1.33 (P=0.043). The 90% confidence interval for Step 2 CK (-1.46, 0.81) also did not cross the noninferiority margin of -1.5 (P=0.044).
Conclusions: Pass/fail preclinical grading is noninferior to tiered preclinical grading in terms of USMLE scores.
Same Content, Different Methods:
Authors: Raleigh Meghan F. , Wilson Garland Anthony , Moss David Alan , Reineke-Piper Kristen A. , Walden Jeffrey , Fisher Daniel J. , Williams Tracey , Alexader Christienne , Niceler Brock , Viera Anthony J. , Zakrajsek Todd
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives: There is a push to use classroom technology and active teaching methods to replace didactic lectures as the most prevalent format for resident education. This multisite collaborative cohort study involving nine residency programs across the United States compared a standard slide-based didactic lecture, a facilitated group discussion via an engaged classroom, and a high-fidelity, hands-on simulation scenario for teaching the topic of acute dyspnea. The primary outcome was knowledge retention at 2 to 4 weeks.
Methods: Each teaching method was assigned to three different residency programs in the collaborative according to local resources. Learning objectives were determined by faculty. Pre- and posttest questions were validated and utilized as a measurement of knowledge retention. Each site administered the pretest, taught the topic of acute dyspnea utilizing their assigned method, and administered a posttest 2 to 4 weeks later. Differences between the groups were compared using paired t-tests.
Results: A total of 146 residents completed the posttest, and scores increased from baseline across all groups. The average score increased 6% in the standard lecture group (n=47), 11% in the engaged classroom (n=53), and 9% in the simulation group (n=56). The differences in improvement between engaged classroom and simulation were not statistically significant.
Conclusions: Compared to standard lecture, both engaged classroom and high-fidelity simulation were associated with a statistically significant improvement in knowledge retention. Knowledge retention after engaged classroom and high-fidelity simulation did not significantly differ. More research is necessary to determine if different teaching methods result in different levels of comfort and skill with actual patient care.
Satisfaction, Motivation, and Retention in Academic Faculty Incentive Compensation Systems:
Authors: Willis Deanna , Williams Jane , Gebke Kevin , Bergus George
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives: The use of incentive compensation in academic family medicine has been a topic of interest for many years, yet little is known about the impact of these systems on individual faculty members. Better understanding is needed about the relationship of incentive compensation systems (ICSs) to ICS satisfaction, motivation, and retention among academic family medicine faculty.
Methods: The Council of Academic Family Medicine (CAFM) Educational Research Alliance (CERA) conducted a nationwide survey of its members in 2013. This study reports the results of the incentive compensation question subset of the larger omnibus survey.
Results: The overall response rate was 53%. The majority (70% [360/511]) of academic faculty reported that they are eligible for some type of incentive compensation. The faculty reported moderate satisfaction, with only 38% being satisfied or highly satisfied with their ICS. Overall mean motivation and intent to remain in their current position were similar. The percentage of total income available as an incentive explained less than 10% of the variance of those outcomes. Faculty perceptions of appropriateness of the measures, understanding of the measurement and reward systems, and perception of due process are all related to satisfaction with the ICS, motivation, and retention.
Conclusions: ICSs are common in academic family medicine, yet most faculty do not find them to motivate their choice of activities or promote staying in their current position. Design and implementation are both important in promoting faculty satisfaction with the ICS, motivation, and retention.
The Cost of Family Medicine Residency Training:
Authors: Pauwels Judith , Weidner Amanda
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives: Numerous organizations are calling for the expansion of graduate medical education (GME) positions nationally. Developing new residency programs and expanding existing programs can only happen if financial resources are available to pay for the expenses of training beyond what can be generated in direct clinical income by the residents and faculty in the program. The goal of this study was to evaluate trended data regarding the finances of family medicine residency programs to identify what financial resources are needed to sustain graduate medical education programs.
Methods: A group of family medicine residency programs have shared their financial data since 2002 through a biennial survey of program revenues, expenses, and staffing. Data sets over 12 years were collected and analyzed, and results compared to analyze trends.
Results: Overall expenses increased 70.4% during this period. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) GME revenue per resident increased by 15.7% for those programs receiving these monies. Overall, total revenue per resident, including clinical revenues, state funding, and any other revenue stream, increased 44.5% from 2006 to 2016. The median cost per resident among these programs, excluding federal GME funds, is currently $179,353; this amount has increased over the 12 years by 93.7%.
Conclusions: For this study group of family medicine programs, data suggests a cost per resident per year, excluding federal and state GME funding streams, of about $180,000. This excess expense compared to revenue must be met by other agencies, whether from CMS, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), state expenditures or other sources, through stable long-term commitments to these funding mechanisms to ensure program viability for these essential family medicine programs in the future.