bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ankara-Malazgirt Bulvarı ve Eskişehir Yolu’nun Çukurambar Semtine Çevresel Etkileri
Authors: Gölle Ebru , Ercoskun Ozge
Published: February 2020

Günümüzde teknolojinin hızla ilerlemesi, nüfus artışı, kentlerin yayılması sonucunda ulaşım kavramı önemli olgulardan biri haline gelmiştir. Ulaşım sistemleri hakkında yapılan çalışmalar ivme kazanmakta, kentler ulaşım ile şekillenmektedir. Plansız yapılaşmanın kentlerin en büyük sorunu haline gelmesi, kentleşmenin önemli noktalarından biri olan ulaşım sistemlerinin planlanması, uygulanması sürecinde doğal çevrenin göz ardı edilmesi; ekolojik dengenin bozulması, tarım topraklarının kaybedilmesi ciddi çevre sorunları oluşmaktadır. Bu çalışmada amaç, Ankara kenti Çukurambar Semti ve çevresindeki ulaşım akslarının çevresel etkilerini araştırmaktır. Araştırma, Eskişehir Yolu’nun kentin en önemli aksı haline gelme sürecinde dönüşümleri, alandaki ulaşım akslarının çevresel etkilerini ele almaktadır. 1990 yılı sonrası Ankara’da kentsel dönüşümün hızlanmasıyla kent merkezine yakın olan Çukurambar’ın rant alanı olması nedeniyle seçilmiştir. Giriş bölümünde, geçmişten günümüze Ankara kenti için yapılan planlar incelenmiştir. Çukurambar’da kentsel dönüşümün planlanma süreci, Odtü arazisinden geçen yol, imar planlarında da etüt edilmiştir. Geçmişten günümüze Çukurambar Semti’nin dönüşümü ele alınmıştır. Alanın geçmişi ve geleceği hakkında kestirimler yapmak için sorunlar araştırılmıştır. Eskişehir Yolu’nun doruk saatlerde trafik sıkışıklığı ile yarattığı çevresel etkiler araştırılmıştır. Alanda Eskişehir Yolu’nun Çukurambar Semti’ne erişilebilirliği ölçülmüştür. Odtü arazisinin dönüşümü ile Anadolu Bulvarı’na bağlanan Malazgirt Bulvarı’nın yarattığı çevresel etkiler ortaya konulmuştur. Yapılan dönüşümün üstyapı konusunda olması, alana yüklenen nüfusun fazla gelmesiyle altyapı sıkıntısı baş göstermiş, trafik sıkışıklığı yaşanmaya başlamış, bir yaşam alanı olan Çukurambar Semti’nin iş odaklı görülmesiyle altyapısı gözardı edilmiştir. Gökdelenlerden oluşan kimliksiz bir alana dönüşen semtte, 2013 sonrası Odtü’nün bölünerek açılmasıyla oluşturulan Malazgirt Bulvarı ve Eskişehir Yolu’nun Çukurambar’ı ikiye böldüğü, yapılan yol bağlantılarının trafik sıkışıklığını azaltmadığı görülmüştür. Sonuçta kentin bir bütün olarak ele alınması gerektiğini, fakat yapılan imar planları ve düzenlemelere bakıldığında genelde yayılarak tarım toprakları yok edildiği, kısa vadeli çözümlerle kentin geliştiğini ve ulaşıma ayrılan alanın arttırıldığını söylemek mümkündür. Ulaşım bir amaç değil bir araç olarak görülmeli, sürdürülebilir ulaşım politikaları ile alandaki olumsuz çevresel etkileri en aza indirgemeyi hedefleyen entegre, kapsamlı, bütünleşik planlar ile kent planlanmalıdır.
Modulatory Effects of Food Restriction on Brain and Behavioral Effects of Abused Drugs
Authors: Carr Kenneth D.
Published: February 2020

Energy homeostasis is achieved, in part, by metabolic signals that regulate the incentive motivating effects of food and its cues, thereby driving or curtailing procurement and consumption. The neural underpinnings of these regulated incentive effects have been identified as elements within the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. A separate line of research has shown that most drugs with abuse liability increase dopamine transmission in this same pathway and thereby reinforce self-administration. Consequently, one might expect shifts in energy balance and metabolic signaling to impact drug abuse risk. Basic science studies have yielded numerous examples of drug responses altered by diet manipulation. Considering the prevalence of weight loss dieting in Western societies, and the anorexigenic effects of many abused drugs themselves, we have focused on the CNS and behavioral effects of food restriction in rats. Food restriction has been shown to increase the reward magnitude of diverse drugs of abuse, and these effects have been attributed to neuroadaptations in the dopamine-innervated nucleus accumbens. The changes induced by food restriction include synaptic incorporation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors and increased signaling downstream of D1 dopamine receptor stimulation. Recent studies suggest a mechanistic model in which concurrent stimulation of D1 and GluA2-lacking AMPA receptors enables increased stimulus-induced trafficking of GluA1/GluA2 AMPARs into the postsynaptic density, thereby increasing the incentive effects of food, drugs, and associated cues. In addition, the established role of AMPA receptor trafficking in enduring synaptic plasticity prompts speculation that drug use during food restriction may more strongly ingrain behavior relative to similar use under free-feeding conditions.
Glycation With Fructose: The Bitter Side of Nature’s Own Sweetener
Authors: Amani Samreen , Fatima Shamila
Published: February 2020

Fructose is a ketohexose and sweetest among all the natural sugars. Like other reducing sugars,
it reacts readily with the amino- and nucleophilic groups of proteins, nucleic acids and other biomolecules
resulting in glycation reactions. The non-enzymatic glycation reactions comprise Schiff base
formation, their Amadori rearrangement followed by complex and partly incompletely understood reactions
culminating in the formation of Advance Glycation End products (AGEs). The AGEs are implicated
in complications associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, Parkinson’s disease, etc.

Fructose is highly reactive and forms glycation products that differ both in structure and reactivity as
compared to those formed from glucose. Nearly all tissues of higher organisms utilize fructose but only
a few like the ocular lens, peripheral nerves erythrocytes and testis have polyol pathway active for the
synthesis of fructose. Fructose levels rarely exceed those of glucose but, in tissues that operate the polyol
pathway, its concentration may rise remarkably during diabetes and related disorders. Diet contributes
significantly to the body fructose levels however, availability of technologies for the large scale
and inexpensive production of fructose, popularity of high fructose syrups as well as the promotion of
vegetarianism have resulted in a remarkable increase in the consumption of fructose. In vivo glycation
reactions by fructose, therefore, assume remarkable significance. The review, therefore, aims to highlight
the uniqueness of glycation reactions with fructose and its role in some pathophysiological situations.
Evaluation of the Diagnostic Properties of Serum hsa-miR-223-5p in the Detection of Gastric Cancer: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Aalami Amir H. , Pouresmaeil Vahid , Amirabadi Amir , Mojahed Fatemeh H. , Rad Mahdi Q. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2020

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRs) are a group of small non-coding and single-stranded RNAs of 18
to 25 nucleotides. The study of microRNAs is one of the new ways to detect cancer. In this study, the serum
expression of miR-223 in patients with GC was measured and compared with the control group.

Methods:

This case-control study was conducted on 39 patients with GC and 39 control subjects who visited the
Reza Radiotherapy and Oncology Center, Mashhad, Iran, due to gastrointestinal complaints. The demographic
information was collected, and the serum levels of miR-223 were measured using the real-time PCR technique
in all study subjects. The association between the GC of miR-223 and tumor staging and cancer progression was
assessed.

Results:

The miR-223 expression in GC patients was 3.10-fold higher than that of the control group
(p<0.0001). The miR-223 expression was significantly higher in the GC stages and grades compared to the
control group (p<0.0001 each). However, there was no significant effect for age, smoking, and gender on miR-
223 expression in GC and controls. At the optimal cutoff value of 0.7436, the maximal sensitivity of 89.74%
and specificity of 84.62% were achieved for miR-223 (p<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity for miR-223 for
differentiating low grades from high grade were 92.31% and 73.08% (p=0.0003), and for differentiating low
stages from the high stage was 81.82% and 39.29% respectively (p=0.696).

Conclusion:

This study revealed that miR-223 could be considered as a non-invasive diagnostic marker in the
early diagnosis of GC.
Immunostimulating Activity of Gold-modified Nanodiamond Particles
Authors: Plotnikov Evgenii , Nina Skoryk , Daniil Savelyev , Plotnikov Vladimir
Published: February 2020

Background:

The fight against infectious diseases includes two main components –
immediate direct anti-infective action and stimulation of one's own immunity.

Objective:

In this study, we investigated the properties of diamond nanoparticles modified with
gold. The use of such gold nanoparticles as indirect anti-infectious agents and immunostimulators
has certain prospects.

Materials and Methods:

Gold hydrosols were synthesized by the reduction in an aqueous solution
of gold (III) with sodium citrate (Na3Cit) under heating. Modification procedure of nanodiamond
by gold requires incubation, a small sample of nanodiamond in a defined volume of a gold sol for
about 24 hours in a dark place. We use human blood cells as test objects. The reaction of blastic
transformation of lymphocytes was applied here as a test of biological actions of modified nanodiamond.

Results:

Modified nanodiamond do not have a toxic influence on blood cells. Modified nanodiamond
possesses stimulation effects on spontaneous proliferation of lymphocytes and does not significantly
affect phytohemagglutinin-induced proliferation. Nanodiamond slightly increases phagocytosis
parameters of neutrophil leucocytes.

Conclusion:

Thus, results showed that the nanodiamond modified by gold possesses immunostimulating
activity, increases the phagocytic activity of neutrophilic leukocytes and stimulates lymphocytes
in the spontaneous proliferation test. Gold-modified nanodiamond could be considered as
a non-direct anti-infective agent through immune stimulation.
Role of Vitamins in Biotransformation for Human Health
Authors: Köse Merve Deniz , Ak Büsra , Atak Eylem , Bayraktar Oguz
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Vitamins are nutraceutical groups involved in important processes that
provide energy production, strengthening the immune system, fighting free radicals, the production
of red blood cells. Biotransformation is a process involving the use of biological agents as catalysts
to perform the transformation of chemical compounds. Biotransformation processes offer
advantages as high regioselectivity, stereospecificity, and mild operating conditions when
compared to chemical reactions. In most cases, the aim of using biotransformation is to introduce
chirality into a molecule, to achieve a regioselective functionalization or to selectively convert a
functional group among other groups with similar reactivity. The biotransformation of vitamins
can be defined as the sum of the processes by which vitamins are altered by the biological
reactions in the body. Biotransformation leading to a new way of synthesis of vitamins has recently
been studied. In the literature, there are various studies about using vitamins as nutraceuticals.

Methods:

The role of vitamins in the biotransformation can be diversified. They can be a source or
final product in the biotransformation. In the present study, various roles of vitamins in the
biotransformation were explained.

Results:

When it is compared with traditional methods, obtained data showed that with
biotransformation properties such as; activity of the vitamins, nutritional value of the food and
productivity of the process were increased.

Conclusion:

Even though the biotransformation of vitamins has been studied, there is no review
paper about the biotransformation of vitamins and their benefits. In this review, the
biotransformation of vitamins and vitamins that are used in the biotransformation were mentioned.
Fungsi Pengawasan Parlemen dalam Perspektif Gender
Authors: Aziz SR Abdul
Published: February 2020

As a branch of power in a democratic system, parliament has a function of control over the executive. This function is carried out to ensure that what is ordered by the Act is carried out properly by the executive, as well as to prevent at least minimizing deviations of power. In a gender perspective, the supervision carried out by parliament must accommodate and consider all interests for justice for all citizens. The interests of all citizens without discrimination against both men and women. Legislative activities and budget allocations carried out by the parliament together with the government must form a unity with a supervisory function to ensure the decision-making process along with political decisions that are gender responsive.Â Keywords: parliamentary oversight, democracy, gender responsiveness.
Penerapan metode pembelajaran kooperatif tipe TGT untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik dalam pembelajaran PPKN
Authors: Kurniawati Rury , Daniamiseno Abdul Gafur
Published: February 2020

Penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK) ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar dan persentase peserta didik yang mencapai kriteria ketuntasan minimal (KKM). Penelitian dilakukan dalam 3 kali siklus pembelajaran. Sebelum dan sesudah pelaksanaan penelitian dilakukan pretest dan posttest untuk mengetahui tingkat pemahaman peserta didik yang tercermin dalam capaian hasil belajar dan jumlah peserta didik yang mencapai KKM. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan rata-rata hasil belajar meningkat dari 82,31 pada siklus ke-1, 87,69 pada siklus ke-2 dan 83,85 pada siklus ke-3. Persentase peserta didik yang mencapai KKM juga mengalami peningkatan mencapai 80,77% pada siklus ke-1, 88,46% pada siklus ke-2, dan 88,46% pada siklus ke-3. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan model pembelajaran kooperatif TGT dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar dan persentase peserta didik Pendidikan Pancasila dan Kewarganegaraan yang mencapai KKM. AbstractThe objective of this classroom action research was to improve learning outcomes and the percentage of students who achieve a Minimum Completeness Criterion (MCC). The study was conducted in 3 cycles. Pretest and posttest were done during the process to determine the average learning outcomes and the number of students who passes a KKM. The result showed the average learning outcomes increased from 82.31 in 1st cycle to 87.69 in 2nd cycle and become 83.85 in 3rd cycle. In addition, the percentage of students who pass a KKM reached 80.77% in 1st cycle, 88.46 % in 2nd cycle and 88.46 % in 3rd cycle. It can be concluded that the application of the cooperative learning TGT can improve learning outcomes and the percentage of students who pass a KKM of The Pancasila and Civic Education.
Gender differences: Participation in agricultural production in Ethiopia
Authors: Yadeta Gudina , Fojo Gudina Abashula
Published: February 2020

Women occupy disadvantaged position despite their immense labor contributions to paid and unpaid activities. This study investigated gender differences pertaining to domestic and agricultural activities. The study employed a cross sectional survey design with a mixed research approach of data collection and analysis. Among 17th kebeles that are found in Yayo district, Witate and Hamuma were selected purposively. By doing so, among the total 2060 husbands and wives who live together, 324 of them were picked randomly by using Raosoft sample size determination formula. Descriptive statistics, independent T-test and chi-square were used as quantitative methods of data analysis were as thematic analysis was used as a qualitative method of data analysis. The study revealed that rural women had higher participation in agricultural activities such as weeding, threshing and storing, marketing and livestock management than men. Chi-square test showed that there were an association between gender and participation in decision making with regard to using agricultural inputs, poultry production and household expenditures. With regard to participation in human capitals such as training on agriculture and rural development, chi-square showed significant gender differences between responding husbands and wives. Therefore, it demands an effective policy intervention and awareness creation to address women’s working conditions.
Pengaruh motivasi kerja dan kepemimpinan kepala sekolah terhadap kinerja guru IPS bersertifikat pendidik
Authors: Nugroho Febry Adi , Marzuki Marzuki
Published: February 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan antara motivasi kerja dan kepemimpinan kepala sekolah terhadap kinerja guru IPS bersertifikat pendidik di SMP Kabupaten Magelang secara sendiri-sendiri maupun secara bersama-sama. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian ex-postfacto. Teknik analisis data menggunakan uji penaruh dengan regresi sederhana dan regresi ganda dengan sampel sebanyak 80 guru. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan motivasi kerja terhadap kinerja guru; (2) terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan kepemimpinan kepala sekolah terhadap kinerja guru; dan (3) terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan motivasi kerja dan kepepmimpinan kepala sekolah terhadap secara bersama-sama  terhadap kinerja guru. Kuatnya kontribusi X1, dan X2 terhadap Y teramati dari besarnya koefisien regresi R=0,884 dan p<0,05 atau memberikan sumbangan efektif 88,4% terhadap kinerja guru IPS bersertifikat pendidik di Kabupaten Magelang. AbstractThis research aims to know the influence of work motivation and the headmaster’s leadership of the teacher’s performances of the Magelang Regency separately and simultaneously. This research is ex-post facto. Data analysis techniques using the test of influence with simple regression and multiple regression with a sample of 80 teachers. The results of this research show that (1) there are positive and significant impacts of work motivation on teacher’s performances; (2) there are positive and significant effects of headmaster’s leadership on teacher’s performances; dan (3) there are positive and significant effects of work motivation and headmaster’s leadership simultaneously teacher’s performances. The contribution of X1and X2 contribution on Y observed by the regression coefficient was 0.884 and p<0.05 or giving effective contribution as much as 88,4% toward the teacher’s performances of Social Studies Teachers Holding Teacher Certificates in Magelang Regency.
Dampak Bantuan Operasional Sekolah di MTs Nurul Yaqin Praya dan MTs Al-Ittihadiyah NW Sepakat
Authors: Nursaptini Nursaptini , Suyanto Suyanto
Published: February 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dampak Bantuan Operasional Sekolah (BOS) terhadap tantangan kemandirian Madrasah Tsanawiyah Nurul Yaqin Praya dan Madrasah Tsanawiyah Al-Ittihadiyah Nahdlatul Wathan (NW) Sepakat Lombok Tengah. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif studi kasus. Subyek penelitian adalah pengelola yayasan, kepala madrasah, guru, bendahara BOS, komite madrasah, orangtua siswa, siswa dan Tim Manajemen BOS Kementrian Agama Kabupaten Lombok Tengah. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara, observasi, dan studi dokumentasi. Analisis data dilakukan dengan mengadaptasi Model Spiral Analisis yang dikembangkan Creswell meliputi mengorganisasikan data, membaca dan membuat memo, mendeskripsikan, mengklasifikasikan, dan menafsirkan data menjadi kode dan tema, menafsirkan data, menyajikan data, dan memvisualisasikan data. Hasil penelitian ini adalah pada awal berdirinya madrasah merupakan institusi pendidikan yang tumbuh dan berkembang dari dan oleh masyarakat. Segala kebutuhan madrasah berasal dari masyarakat mulai dari biaya pembangunan gedung, biaya operasional dan lainnya berasal dari swadaya masyarakat. Namun keadaan berbeda setelah adanya BOS. Bantuan Operasional Sekolah dijadikan sumber utama pemenuhan biaya nonpersonalia madrasah, tidak ada usaha dari pengelola madrasah dalam mendapatkan tambahan biaya nonpersonalia. Hal ini menyebabkan segala aktivitas pembelajaran dapat berjalan apabila dana BOS dicairkan. AbstractThis study aims to reveal the impact of School Operational Assistance (SOA) on the challenge of independence of Madrasah Tsanawiyah Nurul Yaqin Praya and Madrasah Tsanawiyah Al-Ittihadiyah Nahdlatul Wathan (NW) Sepakat. The approach used in this study is a qualitative case study. The research subject the foundation managers, headmasters, teachers, treasurers SOA, school committee, parents, student,  SOA management team in the central Lombok Ministry of Religion. The data were collected through observation, interviews and documentation. The data analysis was carried out by adapting the Spiral Model of analysis developed by Creswell including organizing data, reading and creating memo, describing, classifying, and interpreting the data into code and themes, interpreting data, presenting data and visualizing data. The results of this study are at the beginning of the establishment of the madrasa was an educational institution that grew and developed from and by the community. But the situation is different after the SOA. School Operational Assistance is used as the main source of madrasa nonpersonal cost. There is no effort from the madrasa manager to obtain additional nonpersonal cost. This causes all learning activities to run if the SOA funds are disbursed.
A Web-Based Intervention to Reduce Decision Conflict Regarding HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: Protocol for a Clinical Trial
Authors: Nelson LaRon E , Ajiboye Wale , Djiadeu Pascal , Odhiambo Apondi J , Pedersen Cheryl , Ramos S Raquel , Lofters Aisha , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Williams Geoffrey
Published: February 2020

Background

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for populations at high ongoing risk for infection. There are noted racial disparities in the incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for African, Caribbean, and Canadian Black (ACB, black) populations in Ontario, Canada. Although blacks represent only 4.7% of the Ontario population, they account for 30% of HIV prevalence and 25% of new infections in the province. The existing clinical public health practice toolkit has not been sufficient to optimize PrEP uptake, despite the overwhelming evidence of PrEP’s efficacy for reducing HIV transmission risk. Since its establishment as an effective HIV prevention tool, the major focus in behavioral research on PrEP has been on understanding and improving adherence. To date, there is no known formalized intervention in place designed to support ACB men and women at high risk of making high-quality decisions regarding the adoption of PrEP as an HIV prevention practice.

Objective

We propose 2 aims to address these gaps in HIV prevention and implementation science. First, the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF) for use in the PrEP decisional needs of black patients was adapted. Second, the decision support intervention to estimate effect size compared with control conditions in reducing decision conflict and predicting adherence over 60 days was pilot tested.

Methods

In aim 1, we propose a cross-sectional qualitative descriptive study using data collected from key informant interviews with eligible PrEP patients (n=30) and surveys with health professionals (n=20) involved in HIV PrEP management. Data obtained from aim 1 will be used to develop a decision support intervention based on the ODSF. In aim 2, the adopted decision support intervention using a block-randomized design to estimate effect size compared with control conditions in reducing decision conflict and predicting adherence over 60 days was pilot tested. Hypothesis testing will be de-emphasized in favor of generating effect size estimates.

Results

A research award was funded on March 25, 2017 (Multimedia Appendix 1). Ethical approval was received on March 25, 2019 (with supplemental approval received on May 10, 2019). Data collection started on April 9, 2019. As of September 30, 2019, we enrolled 29 patients and 24 health care providers for aim 1. We are currently analysing the data collected for aim 1. Aim 2 is scheduled to start in May 2020.

Conclusions

This study will provide evidence-based information on the decisional needs of black patients who are at risk of HIV and have been offered PrEP. The study will also test the effect of decision support intervention in reducing decision conflict, adoption of PrEP, and adherence to PrEP.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/15080
Deep Learning-Based Automated Mole Detection: An Algorithm with Future Implication for Tele-dermatology (Preprint)
Authors: Tran Quoc-Viet , Chin Yen-Po , Nguyen Phung-Anh , Lee Ming-Yang , Yang Hsuan-Chia , Huang Chih-Wei , Le Nguyen-Quoc-Khanh , Hsu Min-Huei , Li Yu-Chuan , Su Shun-Feng
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The automatic segmentation of skin lesions has been reported using the data of dermoscopic images. It is, however, not applicable to real-time detection using a smartphone.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine a deep learning model for detecting and localizing positions of the mole on the captured images to precisely extract the crop images of the model without any other objects.

METHODS

The data were collected through public health events in Taiwan between December 2017 and February 2019. All the participants who concerned about the risk of their moles were asked to take the mole-images. Images were then measured and determined the risks by three dermatologists. We labeled the mole position with bounding boxes using the ‘LabelImg’ tool. Two architectures, SSD and Faster-RCNN, have been used to build eight different mole-detection models. The confidence score, intersection over union (IoU), and mean average precision (mAP) with the COCO metrics were used to measure the accuracy of those models.

RESULTS

2790-mole images were used for the development and the validation of the models. The Faster-RCNN Inception Resnet model had the highest overall mAP of 0.245, following by 0.234 of the Faster-RCNN Resnet 101, and 0.227 of the Faster-RCNN Resnet 50 model. The SSD Mobilenet v1 model had the lowest mAP of 0.142. The Faster-RCNN Inception Resnet model had a dominant AP of 0.377, 0.236, and 0.129 for the large, medium, and small size of moles. We observed that the Faster RCNN Inception Resnet has shown the best performance with the high confident scores (over 97%) for all kinds of moles.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully developed the detection models based on the techniques of SSD and Faster-RCNN. These models might help researchers to localize accurately the position of the moles with its risks as a feasible detection app on the smartphone. We provided the pre-trained models for further studies via GitHub link, https://github.com/vietdaica/Mole_Detection.
Effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy on smoking cessation among pulmonary tuberculosis patients of Mangaluru, India: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint)
Authors:   Jagannath
Published: February 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Tuberculosis and tobacco smoking are two largely preventable public health concerns that independently pose a considerable threat to global health. The current estimates put the annual global mortality from the two epidemics at over six million. It is remarkable to note that TB and tobacco use are co-prevalent in many developing nations and these are said to be overburdened by the collision of the two epidemics.

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy on smoking cessation among the pulmonary tuberculosis patients undergoing Directly Observed Therapy- Short Course. This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, two-arm, single blinded trial being conducted in Mangaluru, India. The total sample size including both the arms is 300. This study will be conducted between January 2019 and August 2020. Extra-pulmonary TB, smokeless tobacco users, patients with contraindications for NRT such as recent MI, angina pregnancy & lactation will be excluded from the study.Block Randomization will be done to obtain the two groups using a permuted The experimental group will be given nicotine replacement therapy and brief advice and the control group will be given brief advice and sugar-free chewing gum as a placebo for 3 months on a tapering dosage basis. The smoking status of the patients will be confirmed by urine cotinine test at the baseline and endline. Carbon monoxide monitoring and Fagerstom score will be recorded on a monthly basis.The participants will be followed for another 3 months to obtain a binary variable of smoking cessation status as "Quitter" or Non-quitter". The study also determines the TB outcome between tobacco quitters and non-quitters. Ethical clearance is obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of Nitte (deemed to be University) and the trial is registered with Clinical Trials Registry of India.
The feasibility and utility of an eye movement recording application: a randomized trial (Preprint)
Authors: Chang Hee Jin , Kim Sooyoung , Kwon In-Sun , Yu Han Young , Jeong Seong-Hae
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Examination of eye movement both with fixation and without fixation is important in the management of patients with dizziness and imbalance. At present, a device that records eye movement without fixation usually utilizes Frenzel glasses with a desktop-based recording system. This system is inconvenient because Windows devices are large and require substantial power, and no Windows-based mobile phone exists. A mobile device application (app) could address those concerns.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and feasibility of mobile app-based Frenzel tests in dizziness clinics.

METHODS

We performed an investigator-initiated, blinded-outcome assessor, parallel, randomized controlled crossover trial at Chungnam National University Hospital between August 2019 and October 2019. Certified medical staff were randomly assigned to the intervention group (i.e., a mobile app-based Frenzel glass system, n=15) or the observation group (i.e., a conventional desktop-based Frenzel glass system, n=15); the groups applied the respective systems for the preparation of eye movement recording and switched systems. The primary outcome was the elapsed time in seconds it took the participants to prepare the system for eye recording simulation. The secondary outcomes were perceived stress and satisfaction scores after completion of the operation, as measured by a questionnaire using ten-point Likert scales.

RESULTS

The mean time of machine preparation for eye recording simulation was reduced by 50% in the mobile app group compared to the desktop group in both study periods (38.0±7.1 vs. 76.0±8.7). We detected no carryover effect. Participants also reported lower stress while using app than while using the desktop system (2.3±1.3 vs. 4.6±2.4; p<0.001). The app obtained a mean overall satisfaction score of 9.2 out of 10.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of an eye movement recording app in a dizziness examination was well adopted by users and decreased the time and stress related to machine operation.

CLINICALTRIAL

This trial is registered with cris.nih.go.kr under number KCT 0004403.
Stakeholder Feedback of Electronic Medication Adherence Products: Qualitative Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Faisal Sadaf , Ivo Jessica , McDougall Aidan , Patel Tejal
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Medication management among older adults continues to be a challenge, and innovative electronic medication adherence products have been developed to address this need.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine user experience with electronic medication adherence products, with particular emphasis on features, usefulness, and preferences.

METHODS

Older adults, caregivers, and health care providers tested the usability of 22 electronic medication adherence products. After testing 5 products, participants were invited to participate in a one-on-one interview to investigate their perceptions and experiences with the features, usefulness, and preference for electronic medication adherence products tested. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using exploratory inductive coding to generate themes. The first 13 interviews were independently coded by 2 researchers. The percentage agreement and Cohen kappa after analyzing those interviews were 79% and 0.79, respectively. A single researcher analyzed the remaining interviews.

RESULTS

Of the 37 participants, 21 (57%) were older adults, 5 (14%) were caregivers, and 11 (30%) were health care providers. The themes and subthemes generated from the qualitative analysis included product factors (subthemes: simplicity and product features, including availability and usability of alarms, portability, restricted access to medications, and storage capacity) and user factors (subthemes: sentiment, affordability, physical and cognitive capability, and technology literacy and learnability).

CONCLUSIONS

Electronic medication adherence products have the potential to enable independent medication management in older adults. The choice of a particular product should be made after considering individual preferences for product features, affordability, and the sentiment of the users. Older adults, caregivers, and health care providers prefer electronic medication adherence products that are simple to set up and use, are portable, have easy-to-access medication compartments, are secure, and have adequate storage capacity.
A Challenging Case of Adrenal Insufficiency Presenting with Hypertensive Crisis
Authors: Al-Abdouh Ahmad , Jalali Ghazal Kooshk , Sakiani Sanaz
Published: February 2020

Adrenal insufficiency is the deficient production or action of glucocorticoids, with or without deficiency in mineralocorticoids or adrenal androgens. It usually presents with anorexia, abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, fatigue, and hypotension. We report a case of 67 year old male, who is known to have hypertension, presented to emergency room with severe headache and was found to have high blood pressure 241/135mmHg and hypoosmolar hyponatremia. He was started on intravenous nicardipine and his blood pressure dropped suddenly, became orthostatic, and required fluid resuscitation but his headache resolved. On next day, the cosyntropin test was suggestive of primary adrenal insufficiency. The patient was started on oral hydrocortisone with improvement in his blood pressure and hyponatremia.
A PROSPECTIVE CONSIDERATIONS AND COMPARATIVE EFFICACY BETWEEN IVABRADINE VS BETA BLOCKERS IN SOUTH INDIAN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME PATIENTS
Authors: Lekkala Hemanth Kumar
Published: February 2020

Objectives: the objective of this study was to assess the role of heart rate in acute coronary syndrome with reduced ejection fraction, to assess contraindications for beta blockers, to assess the tolerability between Ivabradine and Beta-Blockers, to assess efficacy between Ivabradine and Beta Blockers, to assess patient condition according to NYHA classification.

Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted for a duration of6 months Study population includes 100 patients in which Group A-50, Group B-50. We were selected the subjects according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were classified in one of four categories based on their symptoms in regards to normal breathing and varying degrees in shortness of breath by using (The New York Heart Association) NYHA Classification.

Results: Majority of the patients were in age group between (55-64)(32%) years of age are highly affected with ACS. Prevalence of ACS is high in Rural (56%). Both drugs decreased the mean heart rate to 89.97±10.27 (Group-A) versus 86.76±13.14 (Group-B) beats per minute (P=0.24). The result obtained are clinically and statistically significant with statistical significance at P>0.05.

Conclusion:  In the present study we considered and compared the efficacy between Ivabradine and Beta Blockers in south Indian acute coronary syndrome patients shows Ivabradine is as effective as betablockers in reduction of heart rate.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PERCEPTION OF NURSES AND PHYSICIANS REGARDING PHARMACEUTICAL-INITIATED CLINICAL RESEARCH IN UAE, QATAR, OMAN, BAHRAIN, AND JORDAN
Authors: SHEREEN HAMMAD
Published: February 2020

Objective: The objective of the study was to understand the reasons for the limited number of pharmaceutical-initiated clinical studies in the Middle East region, by assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to pharmaceutical-initiated clinical trials among health-care professionals (HCPs) in UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan.

Methods: The study was conducted using an online questionnaire-based survey. The HCP respondents were from UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan and had a good understanding of the English language. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the responses.

Results: The HCPs were not inclined toward participation in clinical trials and research activities. The reasons for their limited participation included a lack of time, resources, and limited awareness about their legal protection associated with such studies, and the lack of necessary training and education related to clinical research.

Conclusions: Although there is a willingness to participate in clinical trials conducted by pharmaceutical companies, HCPs face various ethical, administrative, and academic barriers. Addressing these issues would help increase the number of trials conducted in the Middle East region.
TO STUDY THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS EXTRACTS OF CLAUSENA DENTATA (WILLD.) ROEM.
Authors: ANNAMALAI MADURAM  , RAJU KAMARAJ
Published: February 2020

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to study the antibacterial activity for the various extracts of Clausena dentata against human pathogens. 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 microbiological properties is very scarce.

Methods: The plant C. dentata was collected 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 qualitative phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Vibrio cholerae, and Staphylococcus aureus and compared with ciprofloxacin.

Results: Qualitative chemical tests revealed the presence of various phytochemicals such as alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrate, proteins and amino acids, phytosterols, and volatile oil. The antibacterial activity result reveals that all the extracts were are more active against V. cholerae. The activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was mild.

Conclusion: The activity against V. cholerae was comparable with that of 5 μg/mL ciprofloxacin at the concentration of C. dentata 40 μg/mL. The orders of antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria are hexane, methanol, and chloroform extract of C. dentata.
DEVELOPMENT OF NANOPARTICULATE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM FROM MARINE SOURCE AGAINST HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS
Authors: N HARIKRISHNAN , S MOHAMIED ANAS , S GEJALAKSHMI
Published: February 2020

Objective: Nanotechnology techniques are a creation and exploitation of materials, devices, and systems through the control of matter on the nanometer length scale, i.e., involvement of atoms, molecules, and supramolecular structures. Every existing treatment modalities against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) offer a marginal increase in the life expectancy as chitosan was converted to its derivative aminoethyl chitosan by chemical method evaluated for anti-HIV activity.

Methods: Isolation of chitosan from crab shell by chemical method involves four basic steps; protein separation, calcium carbonate separation, deproteinization, and demineralization.

Results: The results revealed the anti-HIV activity of the prepared nanoparticulate system. Cytotoxicity assay of the nanoparticulate system was carried out and the cytotoxic concentration 50% (CC50) value was found to be 38.07±1.42 μg/ml, indicating that the nanoparticulate system is not cytotoxic. HIV-1 infection inhibition assay was carried out and the nanoparticulate system showed excellent inhibitory activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 3.75±0.57 μg/ml.

Conclusions: It concludes, the CC50 and inhibitory concentration 50% IC50 values, the selectivity index of the nanoparticle was found to be 17.65 compared to the standard drug nevirapine (82.32), indicating the usefulness of the formulated nanoparticulate system as potential anti-HIV agent.
Novel Geobacillus thermoleovorans KNG 112 Thermophilic Bacteria from Bandaru Hot Spring: A Potential Producer of Thermostable enzymes.
Authors: K r Kotresh , S e Neelagund , D m Gurumurthy
Published: February 2020

Amylase and lipase producing novel bacterium (strain IC5) were isolated from Bandaru hot spring, Karnataka, India. The cell was found to be thermophilic, gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, capable of growing at different optimum parameters of pH 7,  temperature 55°C and tolerated maximally 0-8% (w/v) NaCl, which has the ability to show good amylotic and lipolytic activities.  Phylogenetic analysis of the bacterium using the 16S rRNA gene was revealed that the strain belongs to genus Geobacillus. The isolated strain IC5 was in close resemblance with the gene of Geobacillus thermoleovorans EC-5 having 99% of similarities. During the production of amylase, the maximum activity was found when temperature and pH ranged from 50 to 60 ºC and from 7 to 8 respectively. The strain used starch as a carbon source with an agitation speed of 120rpm for maximal amylase production.
BIOGENESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM AGRO-WASTE
Authors: R KANCHANA , APURVA FERNANDES
Published: February 2020

Objective: Biogenesis of multifunctional silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using agro-wastes (paddy straw [PS] and sugarcane bagasse [SB]) was reported in this study that could be deployed for biomedical and environmental applications.

Methods: The SNPs were synthesized using agro-waste extracts and the synthesized SNPs were characterized by ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and energy dispersion spectral (EDS) analysis and evaluated for their multifunctional applications.

Results: UV–visible absorption scan of SNP revealed a broad peak at 420 nm indicative of the surface plasmon resonance using 10 mM silver nitrate with the reaction time of 24 h for PS SNP and 10 min for SB SNP. The synthesized SNPs were of size ranges from 50 to 70 nm. The SNPs were investigated to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against pathogens, efficacy in sewage water treatment and in biofilm inhibition.

Conclusion: This study has demonstrated the eco-friendly synthesis of SNPs using the agro-wastes. The synthesized NPs displayed remarkable antimicrobial activity, biofilm inhibition, and in sewage water treatment. These activities have shown that these NPs can find useful biomedical and environmental applications.
A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA
Authors: JERIN JAMES  , JAMUNA RANI
Published: February 2020

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India and to analyze the causality according to the Naranjo scale.

Methods: This study was carried out at the SRM Medical College, Chennai, a tertiary care hospital, which is an ADR monitoring center under Pharmacovigilance Programme of India, over a period of 1 year, from September 2017 to August 2018, after approval by the Institutional Ethics Committee. These ADRs were reported by the clinical pharmacy team of our hospital to the department of pharmacology. The relevant data were collected from the patient case notes, treatment charts, laboratory data reports, ADR notification forms, patient interview, and reporter interviews after written informed consent was obtained from each patient. Patients of either sex of all ages who developed ADR within the hospital were included in the study. Patients who developed ADR outside the hospital were excluded from the study. The collected ADRs were subjected to the Naranjo causality assessment scale. Hartwig’s scale was used to assess the severity of the reaction. The causalities and other aspects of the ADRs were analyzed in detail.

Results: A total of 80 ADRs were reported during this study period. The ADRs were most frequently reported in the adult age group (75%) with slight female preponderance (60%). Antibiotics contributed to the maximum number of ADRs which accounted for 52.5% of the total, of which beta-lactams were the highest (37.5%) followed by analgesics. Causality assessment of ADRs by the Naranjo scale showed that the maximum reactions could be categorized as probable (85%) followed by the possible category (15%). The most common presentation of ADR was itching (45%) followed by rashes (30%). Three cases of severe adverse reactions were reported, one case each of anaphylaxis to pantoprazole and diclofenac and one case of Steven–Johnson syndrome to cotrimoxazole.

Conclusion: ADRs are a common occurrence but are often not recognized. Even if recognized, they are underreported as many physicians are unaware that all ADRs should be reported to ADR monitoring centers. ADRs are an important cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world and are an important public health concern. It inflicts a negative impact on the treatment and exerts a greater economic burden on the patient if it results in prolongation of the duration of hospitalization or other comorbidities. Therefore, the practicing physicians, as well as the nursing staff, should be sensitized of the importance of ADR reporting to their respective pharmacovigilance centers.
ANALYSIS OF GENE COPY NUMBER VARIATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH CARDIAC SEPTAL DEFECTS USING MULTIPLEX LIGATION-DEPENDENT PROBE AMPLIFICATION
Authors: YASHVANTHI BORKAR  , KRISHNANANDA NAYAK  , RANJAN SHETTY K  , RAJASEKHAR MOKA
Published: February 2020

Objective: Cardiac septal defects (CSDs), the most common human congenital heart malformations are complex and heterogeneous. Progress in molecular biology has helped to identify many genes responsible for cardiac morphogenesis. However, etiologic factors in familial as well as isolated syndromes are being identified; the root genetic cause still needs to be resolved and its mechanism is yet to be revealed. The objective of this study is to identify DNA copy number variations (CNVs) and their possible association with septal defects.

Methods: Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to detect DNA copy number in non-syndromic CSDs using the P311-A1 Kit consisting of probes for the key genes, namely, NKX2-5 (NK2 transcription factor related, locus 5), GATA4 (GATA binding protein 4), TBX5 (T-box transcription factor), bone morphogenetic protein 4, and CRELD1 (cysteine rich with EGF-like domains 1).

Results: We studied 124 clinically diagnosed CSD subjects, of which 111 (89.5%) had atrial septal defects and 13 (10.5%) had ventricular septal defects. MLPA assay was carried out in all these patients after a thorough clinical and cytogenetic screening. CNVs were identified in 16 (12.9%) cases, of which heterozygous deletions and heterozygous duplications were detected (8 patients each) with apparent phenotypes.

Conclusion: MLPA could be a useful assay for the detection of CNVs and to be adopted as the first line of screening in patients with congenital heart diseases.