bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ghrelin Based Therapy of Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Liang Yuan , Yin Wenzhen , Yin Yue , Zhang Weizhen
Published: June 2020

Background:

Ghrelin, a unique 28 amino acid peptide hormone secreted by the gastric
X/A like cells, is an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR).
Ghrelin-GHSR signaling has been found to exert various physiological functions, including stimulation
of appetite, regulation of body weight, lipid and glucose metabolism, and increase of gut
motility and secretion. This system is thus critical for energy homeostasis.

Objective:

The objective of this review is to highlight the strategies of ghrelin-GHSR based
intervention for therapy of obesity and its related metabolic diseases.

Results:

Therapeutic strategies of metabolic disorders targeting the ghrelin-GHSR pathway involve
neutralization of circulating ghrelin by antibodies and RNA spiegelmers, antagonism of
ghrelin receptor by its antagonists and inverse agonists, inhibition of ghrelin O-acyltransferase
(GOAT), as well as potential pharmacological approach to decrease ghrelin synthesis and secretion.

Conclusion:

Various compounds targeting the ghrelin-GHSR system have shown promising efficacy for intervention of
obesity and relevant metabolic disorders in animals and in vitro. Further clinical trials to validate their efficacy in human being are urgently needed.
Gallic Acid Protects from Acute Multiorgan Injury Induced by Lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine
Authors: Rakshit Samrat , Nirala Satendra K. , Bhadauria Monika
Published: June 2020

Background:

Secondary metabolites of plants, the polyphenols, play a vital role in protection
from many health problems in human beings. Structurally favored phytochemicals may be studied
to protect multiorgan injury. At pharmacological doses, gallic acid is nontoxic to mammals and is generally
absorbed in the intestine.

Aims:

In this present study, gallic acid was evaluated for its protective efficacy against Lipo Polysaccharide
(LPS) and d-Galactosamine (D-GalN) induced multiorgan injury, i.e., liver, kidney and brain.

Methods:

Three different doses of gallic acid (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg p.o.) were administered to the experimental
animals for 6 consecutive days, followed by exposure to LPS (50 μg/kg I.P.) and D-GalN
(300 mg/kg I.P.) on the 6th day.

Discussion:

Exposure to LPS and D-GalN severely increased lipid peroxidation, CYP2E1 activity and
tissue lipids while lowered protein content. Gallic acid restored all these parameters towards control in
dose dependent manner and 20 mg/kg dose provided the best protection. Histological study showed
improved histoarchitecture of liver, kidney and brain that supported biochemical endpoints.

Results:

Exposure to LPS and D-GalN resulted in increased oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines.
Altered hematology and serology due to LPS and D-GalN were restored towards control by
gallic acid. Declined antioxidants such as reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase due
to injurious effects of LPS and D-GalN were rejuvenated by gallic acid.

Conclusion:

Gallic acid minimized oxidative stress and provided best protection at 20 mg/kg dose
against LPS and D-GalN induced multi organ acute injury.
MicroRNAs in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and their Regulation by Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Forouzanfar Fatemeh , Asgharzade Samira
Published: June 2020

Noise exposure (NE) has been recognized as one of the causes of sensorineural hearing loss
(SNHL), which can bring about irreversible damage to sensory hair cells in the cochlea, through the
launch of oxidative stress pathways and inflammation. Accordingly, determining the molecular mechanism
involved in regulating hair cell apoptosis via NE is essential to prevent hair cell damage. However,
the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the degeneration of sensory cells of the cochlea during NE
has not been so far uncovered. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to demonstrate the regulatory
role of miRNAs in the oxidative stress pathway and inflammation induced by NE. In this respect, articles
related to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), oxidative stress, inflammation, and miRNA from
various databases of Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar, PubMed; Library,
Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA), and Web of Science were searched and retrieved.
The findings revealed that several studies had suggested that up-regulation of miR-1229-5p,
miR-451a, 185-5p, 186 and down-regulation of miRNA-96/182/183 and miR-30b were involved in
oxidative stress and inflammation which could be used as biomarkers for NIHL. There was also a
close relationship between NIHL and miRNAs, but further research is required to prove a causal association
between miRNA alterations and NE, and also to determine miRNAs as biomarkers indicating
responses to NE.
Characteristic of Cyclodextrins: Their Role and Use in the Pharmaceutical Technology
Authors: Lachowicz Malwina , Stańczak Andrzej , Kołodziejczyk Michał
Published: June 2020

About 40% of newly-discovered entities are poorly soluble in water, and this may be an obstacle
in the creation of new drugs. To address this problem, the present review article examines the
structure and properties of cyclodextrins and the formation and potential uses of drug – cyclodextrin
inclusion complexes. Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides containing six or more D-(+)-
glucopyranose units linked by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds, which are characterized by a favourable toxicological
profile, low local toxicity and low mucous and eye irritability; they are virtually non-toxic
when administered orally. They can be incorporated in the formulation of new drugs in their natural
form (α-, β-, γ-cyclodextrin) or as chemically-modified derivatives. They may also be used as an excipient
in drugs delivered by oral, ocular, dermal, nasal and rectal routes, as described in the present
paper. Cyclodextrins are promising compounds with many beneficial properties, and their use may be
increasingly profitable for pharmaceutical scientists.
Nucleophilic Acylation with Aromatic Aldehydes to 2 Bromoacetonitrile: An Umpolung Strategy for the Synthesis of Active Methylene Compounds
Authors: Singh Shailesh , Tiwari Jyoti , Jaiswal Deepali , Sharma Amit Kumar , Singh Jaya , Singh Vandana , Singh Jagdamba
Published: June 2020

Background:

A novel one-pot N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalysed acylation of 2-
bromoacetonitrile with aromatic aldehydes is reported. The protocol involves carbonyl umpolung reactivity of
aldehydes in which the carbonyl carbon attacks nucleophilically (as d1 nucleophile) on the electrophilic terminal
of 2-bromoacetonitrile to afford 3-aryl-3-oxopropanenitrile. The salient features of this procedure are short reaction
time, operational simplicity, ambient temperature, no by-product formation and high yields.

Materials and Methods:

A flame-dried round bottom flask was charged with Imidazolium salts (3a) (0.20
mmol). Aldehyde 1a (1.0 mmol), 2-bromoacetonitrile 2 (1.0 mmol), and THF / t-BuOH 5 mL; 10:1) were added
at positive nitrogen pressure followed by the addition of DBU (0.15 mmol) through stirring. The resulting yellow-
orange solution was stirred at room temperature for 5-6 h. After completion of the reaction (TLC monitored),
the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The product was purified using hexane /
EtOAc (10:1) as an eluent to provide analytically pure compound 4a. Physical data of representative compounds
and the NMR spectroscopic data are in agreement with the literature value.

Results and Discussion:

The salient features of this procedure are short reaction time, operational simplicity,
ambient temperature, no by-product formation and high yields.

Conclusion:

To sum up, we have developed a convenient, efficient and one-pot route for 3-oxo-3-
phenylpropanenitrile synthesis from NHC promoted direct nucleophilic acylation of aromatic aldehydes using 2-
bromoacetonitrile. This method provided a wide range of products and good yields. To best of our knowledge,
this is the new report for the synthesis of 3-oxo-3-phenylpropanenitrile through NHC promoted nucleophilic acylation
of aromatic aldehyde.
Antiplatelet Therapy And Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Davanzo René Hameau , Alarcon Alberto Fuensalida , Calquin Jorge Quitral , Varela Pablo Sepulveda , Sepulveda Alejandro Martinez , Herreros Ramón Corbalán , Patel Sanjay , Rodriguez Gonzalo Martinez
Published: June 2020

Dual antiplatelet therapy is one of the cornerstones of modern percutaneous coronary interventions.
The development of new therapeutic agents has significantly reduced ischemic events
at the risk of increased bleeding complications. Therefore, efforts are currently focused on optimizing
therapeutic algorithms to obtain the greatest anti-thrombotic benefit associated with the lowest
risk of bleeding, that is, the greater net clinical benefit.
A significant number of trials evaluating different drug combinations or adjustments in treatment
duration have been completed. However, clinical translation of these results is often difficult due to
the heterogeneity of the therapeutic approaches.
The aim of this manuscript is to provide an updated review of the literature regarding the use of
dual antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty and stenting.
Growth Inhibitory Properties of Synthetic Chalcones
Authors: Kottapalle Gajanan D. , Deshmukh Nagesh J. , Shinde Avinash T.
Published: June 2020

Background:

In the present study, chalcones were synthesized from 2-hydroxy-1-
acetonaphthone and substituted aromatic aldehydes were synthesized by Claisen Schmidt condensation
reaction using potassium hydroxide as a base. The synthesized chalcones were purified by recrystallization
from ethanol and evaluated for antibacterial activity by well diffusion method. The antibacterial
activity was evaluated against Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus species, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus
aureus using Ciprofloxacin as a standard.

Methods:

The target molecules were prepared by reacting 2-hydroxy-1-acetonaphthone and various
substituted aromatic aldehyde in the presence of suitable condensing agents. The structure of synthesized
compounds was confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral
data. These synthesized compounds were also screened for antibacterial activity.

Results:

In the present study, free hydroxyl group in position 2 or 4 of aldehyde ring of synthesized
chalcones appears to be a very important requirement in increasing the activity (2-5 and 8-13). When
the hydroxyl group in position 4 is alkylated (14, 15), the chalcones become less active. When more
complex substituent is present on the aldehyde ring (6, 7) there is a decrease in the activity.

Conclusion:

Newly synthesized chalcones (1-15) show good and moderate antibacterial activity. We
believe that the new hydroxy substituted (in aldehyde ring) chalcones (2-5 and 8-13) reported in this
work may provide an interesting insight for further optimization.
Minocycline Increases in-vitro Cortical Neuronal Cell Survival after Laser Induced Axotomy
Authors: Yulug Burak , Ozansoy Mehmet , Alokten Merve , Ozansoy Muzaffer B.C. , Cankaya Seyda , Hanoglu Lutfu , Kilic Ulkan , Kilic Ertugrul
Published: June 2020

Background:

Antibiotic therapies targeting multiple regenerative mechanisms have the
potential for neuroprotective effects, but the diversity of experimental strategies and analyses of
non-standardised therapeutic trials are challenging. In this respect, there are no cases of successful
clinical application of such candidate molecules when it comes to human patients.

Methods:

After 24 hours of culturing, three different minocycline (Sigma-Aldrich, M9511, Germany)
concentrations (1 μM, 10 μM and 100 μM) were added to the primary cortical neurons 15
minutes before laser axotomy procedure in order to observe protective effect of minocycline in
these dosages.

Results:

Here, we have shown that minocycline exerted a significant neuroprotective effect at 1 and
100μM doses. Beyond confirming the neuroprotective effect of minocycline in a more standardised
and advanced in-vitro trauma model, our findings could have important implications for future studies
that concentrate on the translational block between animal and human studies.

Conclusion:

Such sophisticated approaches might also help to conquer the influence of humanmade
variabilities in critical experimental injury models. To the best of our knowledge, this is the
first study showing that minocycline increases in-vitro neuronal cell survival after laser-axotomy.
Paris Saponin VII Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Erythroleukemia Cells by a Mitochondrial Membrane Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lin Xin , Gajendran Babu , Varier Krishnapriya M. , Liu Wuling , Song Jingrui , Rao Qing , Wang Chunlin , Qiu Jianfei , Ni Wei , Qin XuJie , Wen Min , Liu Haiyang , Li Yanmei
Published: June 2020

Background and Purpose:

Leukemia is considered a top-listed ailment, according to WHO, which
contributes to the death of a major population of the world every year. Paris Saponin VII (PS), a saponin which
was isolated from the roots of Trillium kamtschaticum, from our group, was reported to provide hemostatic,
cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities. However, its molecular mechanism underlying the anti-proliferative effects
remains unclear. Thus, this study hypothesized to assess that mechanism in PS treated HEL cells.

Methods:

The MTT assay was used to analyze the PS inhibited cell viability in the HEL cells. We further found
that PS could induce S phase cell cycle arrest through flow cytometry as well as the western blot analysis of
intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic molecules.

Results:

The MTT assay showed the IC50 concentration of PS as 0.667μM. The study revealed that PS treatment
inhibits cell proliferation dose-dependently. It further caused mitochondrial membrane potential changes by PS
treatment. Mechanistic protein expression revealed a dose-dependent upsurge for Bid and Bim molecules, while
Bcl2 and PARP expression levels were significantly (P<0.05) down-regulated in PS treated HEL cells resulting
in caspase -3 release and increased the Bim levels upon 24h of incubation.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that PS possesses an excellent anti-leukemic activity via the regulation of
the mitochondrial pathway, leading to S phase cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis, suggesting it
as a potential alternative chemotherapeutic agent for leukemia patients.
Магнитные свойства двухфазных магнитных боросиликатных стекол, содержащих наночастицы beta-Fe-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=- и Fe-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=-
Authors: Борисов С.А. , Набережнов А.А. , Nacke B. , Nikanorov A.
Published: June 2020

The magnetic properties of two-phase borosilicate glasses containing in the skeleton a mixture of β-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been studied. The sizes of nanoparticles have been determined, the value of blocking temperature (TB ~ 330 K) for ensemble of superparamagnetic nanoparticles is obtained. It is shown that in the high applied magnetic fields the specific magnetization of these glasses increases sharply at approaching and below Neel temperature for the bulk β-Fe2O3.
Communication Behavior Changes Between Patients With Diabetes and Healthcare Providers Over 9 Years: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Benis Arriel , Barak Barkan Refael , Sela Tomer , Harel Nissim
Published: June 2020

Background

Health organizations and patients interact over different communication channels and are harnessing digital communications for this purpose. Assisting health organizations to improve, adapt, and introduce new patient–health care practitioner communication channels (such as patient portals, mobile apps, and text messaging) enhances health care services access.

Objective

This retrospective data study aims to assist health care administrators and policy makers to improve and personalize communication between patients and health care professionals by expanding the capabilities of current communication channels and introducing new ones. Our main hypothesis is that patient follow-up and clinical outcomes are influenced by their preferred communication channels with the health care organization.

Methods

This study analyzes data stored in electronic medical records and logs documenting access to various communication channels between patients and a health organization (Clalit Health Services, Israel). Data were collected between 2008 and 2016 from records of 311,168 patients diagnosed with diabetes, aged 21 years and over, members of Clalit at least since 2007, and still alive in 2016. The analysis consisted of characterizing the use profiles of communication channels over time and used clustering for discretization purposes and patient profile building and then a hierarchical clustering and heatmaps to visualize the different communication profiles.

Results

A total of 13 profiles of patients were identified and characterized. We have shown how the communication channels provided by the health organization influence the communication behavior of patients. We observed how different patients respond differently to technological means of communication and change or don’t change their communication patterns with the health care organization based on the communication channels available to them.

Conclusions

Identifying the channels of communication within the health organization and which are preferred by each patient creates an opportunity to convey messages adapted to the patient in the most appropriate way. The greater the likelihood that the therapeutic message is received by the patient, the greater the patient's response and proactiveness to the treatment will be.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/10734
Assessing Bias in Population Size Estimates Among Hidden Populations When Using the Service Multiplier Method Combined With Respondent-Driven Sampling Surveys: Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chabata Sungai T , Fearon Elizabeth , Webb Emily L , Weiss Helen A , Hargreaves James R , Cowan Frances M
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Population size estimates (PSEs) for hidden populations at increased risk of HIV, including female sex workers (FSWs), are important to inform public health policy and resource allocation. The service multiplier method (SMM) is commonly used to estimate the sizes of hidden populations. We used this method to obtain PSEs for FSWs at 9 sites in Zimbabwe and explored methods for assessing potential biases that could arise in using this approach.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to guide the assessment of biases that arise when estimating the population sizes of hidden populations using the SMM combined with respondent-driven sampling (RDS) surveys.

METHODS

We conducted RDS surveys at 9 sites in late 2013, where the Sisters with a Voice program (the program), which collects program visit data of FSWs, was also present. Using the SMM, we obtained PSEs for FSWs at each site by dividing the number of FSWs who attended the program, based on program records, by the RDS-II weighted proportion of FSWs who reported attending this program in the previous 6 months in the RDS surveys. Both the RDS weighting and SMM make a number of assumptions, potentially leading to biases if the assumptions are not met. To test these assumptions, we used convergence and bottleneck plots to assess seed dependence of RDS-II proportion estimates, chi-square tests to assess if there was an association between the characteristics of FSWs and their knowledge of program existence, and logistic regression to compare the characteristics of FSWs attending the program with those recruited to RDS surveys.

RESULTS

The PSEs ranged from 194 (95% CI 62-325) to 805 (95% CI 456-1142) across 9 sites from May to November 2013. The 95% CIs for the majority of sites were wide. In some sites, the RDS-II proportion of women who reported program use in the RDS surveys may have been influenced by the characteristics of selected seeds, and we also observed bottlenecks in some sites. There was no evidence of association between characteristics of FSWs and knowledge of program existence, and in the majority of sites, there was no evidence that the characteristics of the populations differed between RDS and program data.

CONCLUSIONS

We used a series of rigorous methods to explore potential biases in our PSEs. We were able to identify the biases and their potential direction, but we could not determine the ultimate direction of these biases in our PSEs. We have evidence that the PSEs in most sites may be biased and a suggestion that the bias is toward underestimation, and this should be considered if the PSEs are to be used. These tests for bias should be included when undertaking population size estimation using the SMM combined with RDS surveys.
Disseminating the Foundations of Knowledge Translation and Patient Engagement Science Through the KnowledgeNudge Blog and Twitter Profile: Quantitative Descriptive Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Sibley Kathryn M , Khan Masood , Roche Patricia L , Faucher Patrick , Leggett Carly
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

There is a documented need to build capacity for theory- and evidence-informed knowledge translation (KT) and patient engagement (PE) practice in health research. Dissemination of foundational content online coupled with social media promotion may build capacity by increasing awareness, knowledge, and positive attitudes.

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study sought to (1) describe exposure and engagement of the KnowledgeNudge KT and PE dissemination strategy (online blog and Twitter profile) over 2 years and (2) identify and compare characteristics of individual posts with the most and least exposure and reach.

METHODS

Exposure was assessed by blog site views per month and Twitter profile impressions per month. Engagement was assessed by Twitter profile interactions per month. Descriptive statistics were calculated for 6-month blocks and compared using one-way analysis of variance or Student t test. Individual post exposure was assessed by average post views per week. Individual post reach was assessed by average post reads per week. High- and low-profile blog posts with the highest and lowest 10th percentile for exposure and reach were identified.

RESULTS

A total of 99 posts and 755 tweets were published during the study period. There was a significant increase in exposure (P=.004) and reach (P<.001) during the final 6 months. Seven high-profile and 6 low-profile posts were identified. High-profile posts had a significantly greater average word count than low-profile posts (P=.003). There were no other significant differences between posts.

CONCLUSIONS

The increases in KnowledgeNudge exposure and engagement offer preliminary evidence in support of this dissemination strategy for the practice of KT and PE. Variation in individual post exposure and reach warrants further exploration to tailor content to user needs. Future work will include a prospective evaluation strategy to explore the effect of KnowledgeNudge on awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.
Associations of Health Literacy, Social Media Use, and Self-Efficacy With Health Information–Seeking Intentions Among Social Media Users in China: Cross-sectional Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Niu Zhaomeng , Willoughby Jessica , Zhou Rongting
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Empirical research has demonstrated that people frequently use social media for gathering and sharing online health information. Health literacy, social media use, and self-efficacy are important factors that may influence people’s health behaviors online.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the associations between health literacy, health-related social media use, self-efficacy, and health behavioral intentions online.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adults 18 years and older (n=449) to examine predictors of health-related behavioral intentions online including health literacy, social media use, and self-efficacy in China using 2 moderated mediation models. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Self-efficacy mediated the effects of health literacy (Bindirect=0.213, 95% CI 0.101 to 0.339) and social media use (Bindirect=0.023, 95% CI 0.008 to 0.045) on health behavioral intentions on social media. Age moderated the effects of health literacy on self-efficacy (P=.03), while previous experience moderated the effects of social media use on self-efficacy (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Health literacy and health-related social media use influenced health behavioral intentions on social media via their prior effects on self-efficacy. The association between health literacy and self-efficacy was stronger among younger respondents, whereas the association between health-related social media use and self-efficacy was stronger among those who previously had positive experiences with health information on social media. Health practitioners should target self-efficacy among older populations and increase positive media experience related to health.
Psychological Treatment of Low Sexual Desire in Women: Protocol for a Randomized, Waitlist-Controlled Trial of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Treatments (Preprint)
Authors: Meyers Milena , Margraf Jürgen , Velten Julia
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Psychological therapies are effective treatments for hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD; formerly hypoactive sexual desire disorder), a common sexual dysfunction among women. Access to evidence-based treatments, however, remains difficult. Internet-based interventions are effective for a variety of psychological disorders and may be a promising means to close the treatment gap for HSDD.

OBJECTIVE

This article describes the treatment protocol and study design of a randomized controlled trial, aiming to study the efficacy of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions delivered via the internet for women with HSDD to a waitlist control group. Outcomes are sexual desire (primary) and sexual distress (secondary). Additional variables (eg, depression, mindfulness, rumination) will be assessed as potential moderators or mediators of treatment success.

METHODS

A cognitive behavioral and a mindfulness-based self-help intervention for HSDD will be provided online. Overall, 266 women with HSDD will be recruited and assigned either to one of the intervention groups, or to a waitlist control group (2:2:1). Outcome data will be assessed at baseline, at 12 weeks, and at 6 and 12 months after randomization. Intention-to-treat and completer analyses will be conducted.

RESULTS

We expect improvements in sexual desire and sexuality-related distress in both intervention groups compared to the waitlist control. Recruitment has begun in January 2019 and is expected to be completed in August 2021. Results will be published in 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

This study aims to contribute to the improvement and dissemination of psychological treatments for women with HSDD and to clarify whether cognitive behavioral and/or mindfulness-based treatments for HSDD are feasible and effective when delivered via the internet.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03780751; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03780751

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/20326
Interpersonal Perception of Time-Use Patterns in Romantic Relationships: Protocol for the IP-COUPLES Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bertrand Romain , Vrkljan Brenda , Kühne Nicolas , Charvoz Linda , Vuillerme Nicolas
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Perceptual congruence has been defined as the level of agreement between partners on various aspects of their shared lives, including perceived engagement in individual and jointly performed activities. While the level of adjustment made by partners to such activities is thought to contribute to a couple’s sense of mutuality, perceptions of time use concerning activity engagement has yet to be considered. As such, this study will determine the level of perceptual congruence between partners with respect to perceived time use in their respective and shared activities.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the IP-COUPLES study is to determine the similarities and differences between partners in terms of their perceptual congruence with respect to independent and jointly performed activities. This study will also examine the association between independent and joint activities in terms of perceptual congruence of time use and the strength of this association.

METHODS

This descriptive observational study includes 100 couples from Western Switzerland who are recruited using snowball sampling methods. The Life Balance Inventory (LBI), a self-report questionnaire that captures activity configuration congruence, will measure independent and joint perceptions of both time use allocated to daily activities and corresponding satisfaction. Due to COVID-19, the protocol can be administered virtually by the primary investigator. The mean scores of perceptual congruence variables will be used for analysis, namely perceived congruence of time use in terms of independent and jointly performed activities. For the first objective, an independent t test will be used for each variable to compare the mean score between activities on the LBI. For the second objective, the correlations between the mean scores for these activities will be calculated for each variable using the Pearson correlation.

RESULTS

The IP-COUPLES study protocol was developed in 2019 and 2020. Enrollment began in June 2020. Data collection will continue until October 2021 to account for time needed for recruitment due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Analysis and presentation of results are expected in 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is exploratory, as it is the first to our knowledge to investigate how perceived time-use patterns with respect to independent or jointly performed activities are similar or different among romantic couples. By investigating the interpersonal perception of time-use patterns among couples, the IP-COUPLES study is an important first step to understanding how romantic partners’ daily activities are contributing to the level of satisfaction as a partner and as a couple and to the sense of mutuality between partners in a romantic relationship.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/21306
Influenza Screening via Deep Learning Using a Combination of Epidemiological and Patient-Generated Health Data: Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Choo Hyunwoo , Kim Myeongchan , Choi Jiyun , Shin Jaewon , Shin Soo-Yong
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Screening for influenza in primary care is challenging due to the low sensitivity of rapid antigen tests and the lack of proper screening tests.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a machine learning–based screening tool using patient-generated health data (PGHD) obtained from a mobile health (mHealth) app.

METHODS

We trained a deep learning model based on a gated recurrent unit to screen influenza using PGHD, including each patient’s fever pattern and drug administration records. We used meteorological data and app-based surveillance of the weekly number of patients with influenza. We defined a single episode as the set of consecutive days, including the day the user was diagnosed with influenza or another disease. Any record a user entered 24 hours after his or her last record was considered to be the start of a new episode. Each episode contained data on the user’s age, gender, weight, and at least one body temperature record. The total number of episodes was 6657. Of these, there were 3326 episodes within which influenza was diagnosed. We divided these episodes into 80% training sets (2664/3330) and 20% test sets (666/3330). A 5-fold cross-validation was used on the training set.

RESULTS

We achieved reliable performance with an accuracy of 82%, a sensitivity of 84%, and a specificity of 80% in the test set. After the effect of each input variable was evaluated, app-based surveillance was observed to be the most influential variable. The correlation between the duration of input data and performance was not statistically significant (P=.09).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that PGHD from an mHealth app could be a complementary tool for influenza screening. In addition, PGHD, along with traditional clinical data, could be used to improve health conditions.

CLINICALTRIAL
Long-Term Opioid Therapy in Spine Center Outpatients: Protocol for the Spinal Pain Opioid Cohort (SPOC) Study (Preprint)
Authors: Manniche Claus , Stokholm Lonny , Ravn Sophie L , Andersen Tonny E , Brandt Lars PA , Rubin Katrine H , Schiøttz-Christensen Berit , Andersen Lars L , Skousgaard Søren G
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Spinal pain is the leading cause of patient-years lived with chronic pain and disability worldwide. Although opioids are well documented as an effective short-term pain-relieving medication, more than a few weeks of treatment may result in a diminishing clinical effect as well as the development of addictive behavior. Despite recognition of opioid addiction in pain patients as a major problem commonly experienced in the clinic, no reference material exists on the scope of long-term problems in novel opioid users and the link to clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The main aims of this study are to describe baseline and follow-up characteristics of the Spinal Pain Opioid Cohort (SPOC), to evaluate the general use of opioids in spinal pain when an acute pain episode occurs, and to demonstrate the prevalence of long-term opioid therapy (LTOT).

METHODS

Prospective clinical registry data were collected from an outpatient spine center setting during 2012-2013 including patients with a new spinal pain episode lasting for more than 2 months, aged between 18 and 65 years who had their first outpatient visit in the center. Variables include demographics, clinical data collected in SpineData, the Danish National Patient Register, and The Danish National Prescription Registry. The primary outcome parameter is long-term prescription opioid use registered from 4 years before the first spine center visit to 5 years after.

RESULTS

This is an ongoing survey. It is estimated that more than 8000 patients fulfill the SPOC inclusion criteria. In 2019, we began the intellectual process of identifying the most relevant supplementary data available from the wide range of existing national registries available in Denmark. We have now begun merging SpineData with relevant opioid data from Danish national registers and will continue to extract data up to 2021-2022. We will also be looking at data regarding somatic or psychiatric hospitalization patterns, patient usage of health care resources, as well as their working status and disability pensions.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this survey will be the first to document the scope of long-term problems regarding LTOT and opioid addiction following new spinal pain episodes and comparing descriptive follow-up data between substance users and nonusers.

CLINICALTRIAL

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN69685117; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN69685117

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/21380
COVID-19 Mortality Underreporting in Brazil: Analysis of Data From Government Internet Portals (Preprint)
Authors: Veiga e Silva Lena , de Andrade Abi Harb Maria Da Penha , Teixeira Barbosa dos Santos Aurea Milene , de Mattos Teixeira Carlos André , Macedo Gomes Vitor Hugo , Silva Cardoso Evelin Helena , S da Silva Marcelino , Vijaykumar N L , Venâncio Carvalho Solon , Ponce de Leon Ferreira de Carvalho André , Lisboa Frances Carlos Renato
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

In Brazil, a substantial number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and deaths have been reported. It has become the second most affected country worldwide, as of June 9, 2020. Official Brazilian government sources present contradictory data on the impact of the disease; thus, it is possible that the actual number of infected individuals and deaths in Brazil is far larger than those officially reported. It is very likely that the actual spread of the disease has been underestimated.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the underreporting of cases and deaths related to COVID-19 in the most affected cities in Brazil, based on public data available from official Brazilian government internet portals, to identify the actual impact of the pandemic.

METHODS

We used data from historical deaths due to respiratory problems and other natural causes from two public portals: DATASUS (Department of Informatics of the Unified Healthcare System) (2010-2018) and the Brazilian Transparency Portal of Civil Registry (2019-2020). These data were used to build time-series models (modular regressions) to predict the expected mortality patterns for 2020. The forecasts were used to estimate the possible number of deaths that were incorrectly registered during the pandemic and posted on government internet portals in the most affected cities in the country.

RESULTS

Our model found a significant difference between the real and expected values. The number of deaths due to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was considerably higher in all cities, with increases between 493% and 5820%. This sudden increase may be associated with errors in reporting. An average underreporting of 40.68% (range 25.9%-62.7%) is estimated for COVID-19–related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant rates of underreporting of deaths analyzed in our study demonstrate that officially released numbers are much lower than actual numbers, making it impossible for the authorities to implement a more effective pandemic response. Based on analyses carried out using different fatality rates, it can be inferred that Brazil’s epidemic is worsening, and the actual number of infectees could already be between 1 to 5.4 million.
Attitudes towards English Literature: The Case of EFL Students at Three Saudi Colleges
Authors: Kassem Hassan M.
Published: June 2020

The primary aim of the study was to investigate the attitudes held by Saudi EFL students and the difficulties they have in studying English literature. Another aim was to explore gender differences in attitudes towards English literature. The relationships between (1) general motivational orientations to learn English and attitudes towards English literature, and (2) general motivational orientations to learn English and attitudes towards English literature, and performance in literary courses were also explored. A cohort of 180 Eighth level majors at three Saudi colleges completed a researcher-developed 28-item questionnaire probing their general motivational orientations to learn English and attitudes towards English literature in terms of emotions associating studying English literature, cultural and religious sensitivities about studying English literature and the importance of studying English literature. Participants were found to hold positive attitudes towards English literature. They reported no cultural or religious sensitivities about studying English literature in their context. The difficulties they reported facing when studying English literature included difficult vocabulary and literary terms, difficult content and long pieces of literature, lack of language proficiency, and having to exert great effort. No gender differences were found in attitudes. Intrinsic motivation was found to be a significant predictor of positive attitudes towards English literature. Finally, a significant positive relationship was found between general motivational orientations to learn English and attitudes towards English literature, and performance in literary courses. Instructional implications and suggestions for further research are provided.
STUDIES ON SOLID DISPERSIONS OF LEFLUNOMIDE
Authors: PR MAHAPARALE , VP THORAT
Published: June 2020

Objective: Leflunomide is Non steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drug, which is poorly water soluble. In present study attempt has been made to prepare and characterize solid dispersions of leflunomide to increase solubility of drug.Method: Â In Preparation of solid dispersion of leflunomide different polymer like PEG 4000, PEG 6000, Poloxamer 188 and Poloxamer 407 were used. Â Effects of several variables such as type of carrier used, drug: carrier ratios, method of preparation were studied. The evaluation of solid dispersions was done by solubility study, dissolution study and X-ray diffractometry.Â Result: Improvement in dissolution of drug was observed in all solid dispersions as compared to pure drug alone. Solid dispersions prepared using Poloxamer 188 showed fastest in vitro drug release. Solid dispersions prepared using solvent evaporation method showed relatively faster drug release than melt evaporation method. XRD patterns indicated reduced crystallinity of drug particles, which suggests mechanism of enhanced solubility and dissolution of drug in solid dispersion systems.Conclusion: Â A significant result obtained with the study indicated that solid dispersion by solvent evaporation can successfully be further explored and employed to improve solubility and dissolution characteristics of poorly soluble drugs.Keywords: Leflunomide, Solid dispersion, Carrier
EVALUATION OF IN VIVO IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CAPPARIS MOONII
Authors: G KANASE VANITA , SHETTIGAR SHRUTI
Published: June 2020

Objective: The present study was intended to evaluate the in vivo immunomodulatory activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of dried fruits of Capparis moonii Wight.

Methods: The effect of both the extracts was evaluated by carbon clearance assay in mice, and they showed a significant increase in the phagocytic index at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg dose. The effect of the extracts on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and antibody titer assay was evaluated in ovalbumin immunized mice.

Results: Both extracts showed a significant effect on DTH response and stimulation of antibody titer at 200 mg/kg dose. The effects of the extracts in cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression mice were also statistically significant.

Conclusion: The studies demonstrated specific and non-specific immunostimulating properties of both the ethanol and aqueous extract of C. moonii fruits in various in vivo experimental methods suggesting its therapeutic usefulness in immunocompromised conditions.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTI-NOCICEPTIVE ACTIVITY OF CURCUMA LONGA LINN. WITH THAT OF IBUPROFEN IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
Authors: PHUKAN SWOPNA , DAS SAHELI
Published: June 2020

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the analgesic activities of Curcuma longa Linn. in the experimental animals.

Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, after getting approval from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (No MC/68F/2009/MAR-19/02). Healthy rodents weighing between 150 and 200 g were selected and randomly divided into five groups, each group consisting of six animals. Tail-flick analgesiometer was used to assess the analgesic activity of C. longa Linn. and ibuprofen in the experimental animals. Appropriate statistical analyses like Student’s t-test were used to analyze the data.

Results: The mean reaction time (s) was prolonged on gradually increasing the dose of C. longa Linn. from 200 to 400 mg/kg. At 400 mg/kg dose C. longa Linn. produced similar analgesic activity as compared to ibuprofen (30 mg/kg).

Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that curcumin has the capacity to attenuate pain, and when administered in high doses, may produce similar activity as other conventional NSAID’s.
COMPARATIVE BIOEQUIVALENCE STUDIES OF CINNARIZINE AND ITS DIFFERENT AVAILABLE MARKETED FORMULATION DRUGS
Authors: KUMAR SANJEEV , M AMIN MIR , KUMAR SARVESH , KUMAR ANUJ
Published: June 2020

Objective: The main focus of the study was to investigate the marketed formulations of cinnarizine and it is marketed analogous.

Methods: The study involved the analysis of basic pre-formulation studies, namely, physical properties, melting point, Fourier-transform infrared, loss on drying, assay of cinnarizine, standard curve, and partition co-efficient of various marketed tablets of cinnarizine.

Results: Cinnarizine is an H1-receptor antagonist drug which is widely used for the treatment of dynamical sickness, vomiting, and vertigo. In this study, five known marketed formulations of cinnarizine were evaluated for weight variation, hardness, drug content, friability, disintegration time, and in vitro dissolution as well as the drug release kinetics of the tablets. As per the study, the drugs show low disintegration time and good hardness, also in vitro dissolution studies have shown near about 90% drug release at the end of the first 10 min and then cumulative drug release of not less than 92% in the nearby 10 min. Hence, these formulations show lower friability, acceptable taste, and shorter disintegration time which make them suitable to be accepted. Thus, the tablets are good for the use, so allow them to be marketed for the wellbeing of humans.

Conclusion: It had been found that all the tablets show acceptable limits for various parameters of analysis, in a sustained manner. Thus, all the tablets are effective for usage under standard conditions.
COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS STUDY OF COMBINED ANTIHYPERTENSIVES FOR NIGERIAN PATIENTS
Authors: UKWE CHINWE VICTORIA , ADIBE MAXWELL OGOCHUKWU , CE OKAFOR , C ANOSIKE , A ISAH , SO IKE , BC ANISIUBA , GC NWURUKU
Published: June 2020

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the clinical and economic effectiveness of four combination antihypertensives recommended for Nigerians.

Methods: An open, randomized, controlled, and longitudinal double-blind trial of four groups of antihypertensives combinations: Telmisartan/ chlorthalidone/amlodipine (TCA), TC, CA, and TA was conducted among hypertensive patients. The participants were recruited from three hospitals in Enugu, and randomly assigned to the study groups. The primary outcome for this study was blood pressure (BP) control, based on Joint National Committee-8 and cost per BP control. The secondary outcomes were cost per quality adjusted life years (QALY) and patients’ self-reported health status. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Of the 110 patients enrolled in the study, more than half were women (55.5%). The mean age of patients was 54.93±12.38. The enrollees had hypertension for over 9 years (9.17±8.40). About 77% of the patients completed the study in all the groups except for TA (66.7%). There was no difference in BP in all the groups at baseline and at end-of-study (p>0.050). However, the probability of BP control was highest in TCA group (0.37±0.01), followed by TC group (0.23±0.02). The TA group showed the most favorable cost per QALY, then CA, TC, and TCA in that order. The group with the most favorable cost per BP control was TCA (70.92±0.04), then TA (94.16±0.05).

Conclusion: The triple combination therapy of TCA had the best cost per BP control in the management of hypertensive patients. It demonstrated the highest probability of BP control.