bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress in Polynuclear Ruthenium Complex-Based DNA Binders/Structural Probes and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Zhang Si-Qi , Gao Li-Hua , Zhao Hua , Wang Ke-Zhi
Published: December 2018

Ruthenium complexes have stood out by several mononuclear complexes which have entered
into clinical trials, such as imidazolium [trans-RuCl4(1H-imidazole)(DMSO-S)] (NAMI-A) and
([Ru(II)(4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)2-(2(2'-,2'':5'',2'''-terthiophene)-imidazo[4,5-f] [1,10]phenanthroline)]
2+) (TLD-1433), opening a new avenue for developing promising ruthenium-based anticancer
drugs alternative to Cisplatin. Polynuclear ruthenium complexes were reported to exhibit synergistic
and/or complementary effects: the enhanced DNA structural recognition and DNA binding as well as
in vitro anticancer activities. This review overviews some representative polynuclear ruthenium
complexes acting as DNA structural probes, DNA binders and in vitro anticancer agents, which were
developed during last decades. These complexes are reviewed according to two main categories of
homo-polynuclear and hetero-polynuclear complexes, each of which is further clarified into the metal
centers linked by rigid and flexible bridging ligands. The perspective, challenges and future efforts
for investigations into these exciting complexes are pointed out or suggested.
Structure and Function of L,D- and D,D-Transpeptidase Family Enzymes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Tolufashe Gideon F. , Sabe Victor T. , Ibeji Colins U. , Ntombela Thandokuhle , Govender Thavendran , Maguire Glenn E.M. , Kruger Hendrik G. , Lamichhane Gyanu , Honarparvar Bahareh
Published: December 2018

Peptidoglycan, the exoskeleton of bacterial cell and an essential barrier that protects
the cell, is synthesized by a pathway where the final steps are catalysed by transpeptidases.
Knowledge of the structure and function of these vital enzymes that generate this macromolecule
in M. tuberculosis could facilitate the development of potent lead compounds against tuberculosis.
This review summarizes the experimental and computational studies to date on these aspects
of transpeptidases in M. tuberculosis that have been identified and validated. The reported structures
of L,D- and D,D-transpeptidases, as well as their functionalities, are reviewed and the proposed
enzymatic mechanisms for L,D-transpeptidases are summarized. In addition, we provide
bioactivities of known tuberculosis drugs against these enzymes based on both experimental and
computational approaches. Advancing knowledge about these prominent targets supports the
development of new drugs with novel inhibition mechanisms overcoming the current need for
new drugs against tuberculosis.
The Substantial Improvement of Amphotericin B Selective Toxicity Upon Modification of Mycosamine with Bulky Substituents
Authors: Borowski Edward , Salewska Natalia , Boros-Majewska Joanna , Serocki Marcin , Chabowska Izabela , Milewska Maria J. , Ziętkowski Dominik , Milewski Sławomir
Published: December 2018

Background:

It is assumed that the unfavorable selective toxicity of an antifungal drug
Amphotericin B (AmB) can be improved upon chemical modification of the antibiotic molecule.

Objective:

The aim of this study was verification of the hypothesis that introduction of bulky substituents
at the amino sugar moiety of the antibiotic may result in diminishment of mammalian in
vitro toxicity of thus prepared AmB derivatives.

Methods:

Twenty-eight derivatives of AmB were obtained upon chemical modification of the
amino group of mycosamine residue. This set comprised 10 N-succinimidyl-, 4 N-benzyl-, 5 Nthioureidyl-
and 9 N-aminoacyl derivatives. Parameters characterizing biological in vitro activity
of novel compounds were determined.

Results:

All the novel compounds demonstrated lower than AmB antifungal in vitro activity but
most of them exhibited negligible cytotoxicity against human erythrocytes and three mammalian
cell lines. In consequence, the selective toxicity of majority of novel antifungals, reflected by the
selective toxicity index (STI = EH50/IC50) was improved in comparison with that of AmB, especially
in the case of 5 compounds. The novel AmB derivatives with the highest STI, induced substantial
potassium efflux from Candida albicans cells at concentrations slightly lower than IC50s
but did not trigger potassium release from human erythrocytes at concentrations lower than 100
μg/mL.

Conclusion:

Some of the novel AmB derivatives can be considered promising antifungal drug
candidates.
Hypoglycemic and Hypolipemic Effects of a New Lecithin Formulation of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo- Controlled Study
Authors: Mollace Vincenzo , Scicchitano Miriam , Paone Sara , Casale Francesca , Calandruccio Carla , Gliozzi Micaela , Musolino Vincenzo , Carresi Cristina , Maiuolo Jessica , Nucera Saverio , Riva Antonella , Allegrini Pietro , Ronchi Massimo , Petrangolini Giovanna , Bombardelli Ezio
Published: December 2018

Objective: Hyperlipemia represents an independent risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis
in patients undergoing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Moreover, the pharmacological treatment
of dyslipemia in patients undergoing type 2 DM (e.g. by means of statins), is accompanied by
relevant side effects and oral supplementation with natural antioxidants, such as Citrus polyphenols,
has recently been suggested to improve cardioprotection in such patients. However, due to the poor
gastrointestinal absorption of polyphenols, novel formulations have recently been developed for getting
a better bioavailability of polyphenolic rich fractions of citrus species extract rich in polyphenols.

Methods:

Here, we investigated the effect of standard bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF®) as well
as of its phytosomal formulation (BPF Phyto), in patients with type 2 DM and hyperlipemia. A randomized,
double blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 60 patients suffering from type 2
DM and mixed hyperlipemia.

Patients were divided into three groups: one receiving placebo, the second receiving standard BPF and
the third BPF Phyto.

Results:

In the groups receiving BPF and BPF Phyto, a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose,
serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides accompanied by increased HDL cholesterol was observed.
This effect was associated with significant reduction of small dense atherogenic LDL particles, as detected
by means of proton NMR Spectroscopy, thus confirming the hypolipemic and hypoglycemic
effect of bergamot extract both when using standard formulation as well as BPF Phyto. No differences
were seen in the therapeutic response among groups receiving BPF and BPF Phyto, thus suggesting a
substantial bioequivalence in their hypoglycemic and hypolipemic profile. However, when comparing
the pharmacokinetic profile of naringin (the major component of BPF) and its metabolites, in patients
treated with BPF Phyto, an at least 2,5 fold increase in its absorption was found, confirming in human
studies the better profile of BPF Phyto compared to standard BPF.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that better absorption and tissue distribution of BPF Phyto formulation
represents an innovative approach in supplementation treatments of cardiometabolic disorders.
Effect of Angle and Type of Customized Abutment (Castable & Cast-to) on Torque Loss and Fracture Resistance After Cyclic Loading
Authors: Shirazi Moeen Hosseini , Memarian Maryam , Alikhasi Marzieh , Zeighami Somayeh
Published: December 2018

Background:

Implant placement with more than 25° angle and use of customized abutments are still challenging in implant dentistry. Also, casting is still the most commonly used method for fabrication of customized abutments.

Objective:

This study evaluated the effect of angulation and type of abutment (castable and cast-to) on torque loss and fracture resistance after cyclic loading.

Methods:

Two implants were mounted with 0 and 30° angle on a gypsum model. Castable and Cast-to abutments were casted by cobalt-chromium alloy on each implant (10 samples in 4 groups). Rotational freedom was measured by a video-measuring microscope. The reverse torque values before and after cyclic loading (500,000 cycles) were measured by a digital torque-meter. Abutments were subjected to fracture resistance test in a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis, two-way ANOVA and repeated measures tests.

Results:

Difference between castable and cast-to abutments regarding rotational freedom was not significant. Torque loss in castable abutments was significantly greater than cast-to abutments before and after cyclic loading (P < 0.05). The effect of abutment angle on torque loss before and after cyclic loading was not significant.

Conclusion:

Irrespective of the abutment angle, torque loss was significantly higher in castable groups. Considering the high fracture resistance, abutment fractures were not clinically an issue.
Antineoplastic Chemotherapy and its Effects on the Gastrointestinal Parasitism of the Dog
Authors: Costa João Lory , Alho Ana Margarida , Gomes Lídia , Eiras Ana , Nunes Telmo , Vicente Gonçalo , Lopes Patrícia , Madeira de Carvalho Luís
Published: December 2018

Background:

In veterinary medicine, an increasing incidence of neoplastic diseases has been followed by a growth in the use of chemotherapeutic drugs, often associated with opportunistic infections.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs undergoing antineoplastic chemotherapy in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, as well as their evolution throughout the protocol and respective effects of chemotherapy on dogs’ lifestyle.

Methods:

Faecal samples were collected in a group of 30 dogs being treated for neoplastic diseases under different protocols, previous (G1) and during chemotherapy (G2). In total, 60 samples were analysed by Willis flotation, natural sedimentation, Baermann technique and faecal smear stained with Ziehl-Neelsen. A survey to characterize animal lifestyles and deworming care were also conducted with dog’s tutors.

Results:

In total, there were two positive samples for the protozoan Giardia sp., one of which is in association with the nematode Toxascaris leonina. The two dogs only obtained positive results during chemotherapy (G2). An overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic diseases of 6.7%, in G2, and 0%, in G1, was obtained.

Conclusion:

The low parasite prevalence has not allowed the evaluation of an association between the use of antineoplastic compounds and infections by gastrointestinal parasites. However, it was concluded that the studied groups were efficiently dewormed, as well as they did not experience any obvious changes in their parasitological component and its lifestyle.
Intestinal helminths in Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus) from Northwest Spain
Authors: Muñoz Sara , Ramos Pedro Luis , Carretón Elena , Diosdado Alicia , González-Miguel Javier , Simón Fernando , Morchón Rodrigo
Published: December 2018

Background:

We present a study about helminth parasites in wolf (Canis lupus signatus) from Sierra de la Culebra, a protected area in the Northwest of Spain, where is the largest population of wolves of the Spanish territory and one of the largest in Western Europe.

Materials and Methods:

To this aim, 93 fecal samples were collected during May and June of 2013 using 33% zinc sulphate flotation technique and classified based on their morphology, color, structure and size.

Results:

Parasites were present in 66.67% of the samples and classified as Eucoleus aerophilus (50.54%), Strongyloides sp. (27%), Ancylostomidae gen. sp. (19.35%), Toxocara Canis (10.75%), Taeniidae gen. sp. (9.68%), Trichuris vulpis (9.68%) and Toxascaris leonina (2.15%). Their distributions were very heterogeneous with the highest prevalence being in Northwest Spain. These differences found can be attributed to local environmental factors (ambient temperature, humidity) as well as animal feeding and social behavior.

Conclusion:

A wide helminthofauna is observed in the studied wolves, similar to other studies carried out in Europe (Estonia, Finland, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden). In addition, this study constitutes the first description of the presence of Strongyloides sp. in Iberian wolf in Spain.
Comparative evaluation of the use of a chitosan-based multicomponent remedy in patients with acantholytic lesion of the tissues of the prosthetic bed to provide conditions for the use of removable dentures
Authors: Genyk Bogdan
Published: December 2018

The article describes the offered by us multicomponent remedy based on chitosan, to provide analgesic and wound-healing effect in patients with acantholytic lesions of the prosthetic bed tissues.

Objective of the study. To improve the conditions of removable dentures use for patients with acantholytic pemphigus.

Materials and methods. The study involved 56 patients with acantholytic pemphigus, aged from 45 to 63 years old, who were divided into 2 clinical groups. The main group used the proposed remedy; the comparative group received the standard local pemphigus treatment. Methods for determining the area of ​​mucus lesion and the method for determining the intensity of pain syndrome were used to evaluate the final results.

Results of the study and their discussion. The average value of visual analogue scale (VAS) was 4.76±0.56 cm in patients of the main group during the first day. During the 7th and 14th day, the value decreased to 2.4±0.28 cm and 1.87±0.12 cm, respectively. In patients of the comparison group, the average value of VAS was 5.07±0.36 cm as for the first day and 4.45±0.45 and 2.36±0.17 cm during the 7th and 14th days, respectively. The ratio of the mean value of the affected area in patients of the main group and the comparison group was 1.04 during the first day, and during the 7th and 14th day the area of ​​injury in patients of the main group was lower 1.29- and 1.84 -fold, respectively.

Conclusions The results of the study confirm the necessity of using a multicomponent remedy based on chitosan together with the removable dentures in patients with acantholytic pemphigus, due to its clearly expressed epithelial and analgesic action.
Pelaksanaan tugas dan fungsi kepala sekolah pendidikan menengah negeri
Authors: Nai Hendrikus , Wijayanti Wiwik
Published: December 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan tugas dan fungsi kepala sekolah dalam hal pengarahan, pengambilan keputusan, dan pendelegasian wewenang serta pengembangan sekolah. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis fenomenologi.Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik observasi, wawancara dan studi dokumen. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah model analisis interaktif Milles & Huberman untuk mendeskripsikan dan menganalisis empat aspek pelaksanaan tugas dan fungsi kepala sekolah yang dijalankan pada kedua sekolah tersebut. Penelitian ini menghasilkan empat temuan utama. Pertama,pengarahan dan pemberian motivasi oleh kepala sekolah pada umumnya dilakukan pada saat upacara bendera dan rapat bersama dewan guru. Kedua, pengambilan keputusan oleh kepala sekolah dilakukan melalui rapat dewan guru dan karyawan sekolah. Ketiga, Pendelegasian wewenang kepala sekolah menengah negeri di Tanah Merah Kabupaten Boven Digoel Papua dilakukan secara formal, non formal dan pendelegasian otomatis.. Keempat, program pengembangan sekolah belum dilakukan secara maksimal oleh kepala sekolah.Kata kunci:tugas dan fungsi, kepala sekolah, sekolah menengah negeri THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALSAbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the school principal implementation of duties and functions: directing done by the principal, the decision made by the principal, the delegation of authority made by the principal, and the development of schools. This was a qualitative study using phenomenology approach.. Data collection technique used observation, interview and document study. Analysis of the data used was an interactive model Miles & Huberman to describe and analyze four aspects of leadership that run on two schools. This research results in four major findings. First, guidance and motivation by principals are generally performed at a flag raising ceremony and meeting with the teachers. Second, the decision made by the school’s principal was done through meetings by teachers and school employees. Third, the delegation of authority from school principal in the state high schools in Tanah Merah District Digoel Papua is done formally, non formally and automatically. Fourth, school development has not been done maximally yet by the school’s principal.Keywords: Duties and function, school principal, high school
Pengaruh kultur sekolah, konsep diri, dan status sosial ekonomi orang tua terhadap perilaku konsumtif siswa
Authors: Zahrawati Fawziah , Faraz Nahiyah Jaidi
Published: December 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kultur sekolah, konsep diri, dan status sosial ekonomi orang tua secara parsial dan secara bersama-sama terhadap perilaku konsumtif siswa SMA Negeri di Kota Yogyakarta. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian ex-post facto. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas XI SMA Negeri di Kota Yogyakarta yang berjumlah 2.706 siswa. Sampel penelitian sebesar 366 siswa. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah kuesioner. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif, analisis regresi sederhana, dan analisis regresi berganda. Hasil penelitian ini adalah: (1) kultur sekolah berpengaruh terhadap perilaku konsumtif siswa SMA Negeri di Kota Yogyakarta dengan sumbangan sebesar 23,3%, (2) konsep diri berpengaruh terhadap perilaku konsumtif siswa SMA Negeri di Kota Yogyakarta dengan sumbangan sebesar 22,1%, (3) status sosial ekonomi orang tua berpengaruh terhadap perilaku konsumtif siswa SMA Negeri di Kota Yogyakarta dengan sumbangan sebesar 12,5%, dan (4) kultur sekolah, konsep diri, dan status sosial ekonomi orang tua secara bersama-sama berpengaruh terhadap perilaku konsumtif siswa SMA Negeri di Kota Yogyakarta dengan sumbangan sebesar 36,2%.Kata kunci: kultur sekolah, konsep diri, status sosial ekonomi orang tua, perilaku konsumtif THE EFFECT OF SCHOOL CULTURE, SELF-CONCEPT, AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF PARENTS ON CONSUMPTIVE BEHAVIOR STUDENTSAbstractThis study aims to investigate the effect of school culture, self-concept, and socio-economic status of parents partially and simultaneously on consumptive behavior of state senior high school students in the city of Yogyakarta. This was an ex post facto study. The research population was all eleventh grade students in state senior high school in the city of Yogyakarta with total of 2,706 students. The research sample was 366 students. The data were collected through a questionnaire. The data were analyzed by means of the descriptive analysis, simple regression analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The results of the study are: (1) school culture has an effect on consumptive behavior of state senior high school students in the city of Yogyakarta with a contribution of 23.3%, (2) self-concept has an effect on consumptive behavior of state senior high school students in the city of Yogyakarta with a contribution of 22.1%, (3) socio-economic status of parents has an effect on consumptive behavior of state senior high school students in the city of Yogyakarta with a contribution of 12.5%, and (4) school culture, self-concept, and socio-economic status have effects on consumptive behavior of state senior high school students in the city of Yogyakarta with a contribution of 36.2%.Keywords: school culture, self-concept, socio-economic status of parents, consumptive behavior
Developing a model of partnership management between the vocational high school and the employment domain in the curriculum of industrial working practice
Authors: Gani Harbiyah , Usman Husaini
Published: December 2018

The study was to develop a model of partnership management between the vocational high school (VHS) and the employment domain in the curriculum of industrial working practice under the activities of planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation in the vocational high schools of Banda Aceh. The study used the research and development method design with several phases that had been developed by Borg & Gall. The data type in the study was qualitative and quantitative. For the qualitative data analysis, the researcher used the interactive analysis that had been developed by Milles & Huberman. On the other hand, for the quantitative data analysis the researcher used a Likert-scale measure. The research subjects were vocational education practitioners and experts. The data gathering was conducted by means of documentation, observation, interview, and Delphi techniques; all of the methods were implemented until the researcher found the conceptual model. Then, the researcher involved the experts in the model testing by using the Delphi technique resulting in a hypothetical model from the conceptual to be used as the basis for developing the final model. Eventually, the researcher drew the following conclusion: (1) The partnership between the VHS and the employment domain had been pursued by all of the vocational high schools in the City of Banda Aceh but there had not been any clear and integrated model of partnership management; and (2) the researcher generated a model development of partnership management between the VHS and the employment domain in the curriculum of industrial working practice clearly, practically, and effectively.
Introducing a New Algorithm for Classification of Etiology in Studies on Pediatric Pneumonia: Protocol for the Trial of Respiratory Infections in Children for Enhanced Diagnostics Study (Preprint)
Authors: Rhedin Samuel Arthur , Eklundh Annika , Ryd-Rinder Malin , Naucler Pontus , Mårtensson Andreas , Gantelius Jesper , Zenk Ingela , Andersson-Svahn Helene , Nybond Susanna , Rasti Reza , Lindh Magnus , Andersson Maria , Peltola Ville , Waris Matti , Alfvén Tobias
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

There is a need to better distinguish viral infections from antibiotic-requiring bacterial infections in children presenting with clinical community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) to assist health care workers in decision making and to improve the rational use of antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE

The overall aim of the Trial of Respiratory infections in children for ENhanced Diagnostics (TREND) study is to improve the differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral etiologies in children aged below 5 years with clinical CAP, by evaluating myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) as a biomarker for viral CAP and by evaluating an existing (multianalyte point-of-care antigen detection test system [mariPOC respi] ArcDia International Oy Ltd.) and a potential future point-of-care test for respiratory pathogens.

METHODS

Children aged 1 to 59 months with clinical CAP as well as healthy, hospital-based, asymptomatic controls will be included at a pediatric emergency hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Blood (analyzed for MxA and C-reactive protein) and nasopharyngeal samples (analyzed with real-time polymerase chain reaction as the gold standard and antigen-based mariPOC respi test as well as saved for future analyses of a novel recombinase polymerase amplification–based point-of-care test for respiratory pathogens) will be collected. A newly developed algorithm for the classification of CAP etiology will be used as the reference standard.

RESULTS

A pilot study was performed from June to August 2017. The enrollment of study subjects started in November 2017. Results are expected by the end of 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from the TREND study can be an important step to improve the management of children with clinical CAP.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/12705
Rapid Analysis of Diagnostic and Antimicrobial Patterns in R (RadaR): Interactive Open-Source Software App for Infection Management and Antimicrobial Stewardship (Preprint)
Authors: Luz Christian Friedemann , Berends Matthijs S , Dik Jan-Willem H , Lokate Mariëtte , Pulcini Céline , Glasner Corinna , Sinha Bhanu
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Analyzing process and outcome measures for all patients diagnosed with an infection in a hospital, including those suspected of having an infection, requires not only processing of large datasets but also accounting for numerous patient parameters and guidelines. Substantial technical expertise is required to conduct such rapid, reproducible, and adaptable analyses; however, such analyses can yield valuable insights for infection management and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) teams.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to present the design, development, and testing of RadaR (Rapid analysis of diagnostic and antimicrobial patterns in R), a software app for infection management, and to ascertain whether RadaR can facilitate user-friendly, intuitive, and interactive analyses of large datasets in the absence of prior in-depth software or programming knowledge.

METHODS

RadaR was built in the open-source programming language R, using Shiny, an additional package to implement Web-app frameworks in R. It was developed in the context of a 1339-bed academic tertiary referral hospital to handle data of more than 180,000 admissions.

RESULTS

RadaR enabled visualization of analytical graphs and statistical summaries in a rapid and interactive manner. It allowed users to filter patient groups by 17 different criteria and investigate antimicrobial use, microbiological diagnostic use and results including antimicrobial resistance, and outcome in length of stay. Furthermore, with RadaR, results can be stratified and grouped to compare defined patient groups on the basis of individual patient features.

CONCLUSIONS

AMS teams can use RadaR to identify areas within their institutions that might benefit from increased support and targeted interventions. It can be used for the assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and for visualizing and communicating analyses. RadaR demonstrated the feasibility of developing software tools for use in infection management and for AMS teams in an open-source approach, thus making it free to use and adaptable to different settings.
Readability and Quality of Online Information on Osteoarthritis: An Objective Analysis With Historic Comparison (Preprint)
Authors: Murray Kieran Edward , Murray Timothy Eanna , O'Rourke Anna Caroline , Low Candice , Veale Douglas James
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of disability in people older than 65 years. Readability of online OA information has never been assessed. A 2003 study found the quality of online OA information to be poor.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the readability and quality of current online information regarding OA.

METHODS

The term osteoarthritis was searched across the three most popular English language search engines. The first 25 pages from each search engine were analyzed. Duplicate pages, websites featuring paid advertisements, inaccessible pages (behind a pay wall, not available for geographical reasons), and nontext pages were excluded. Readability was measured using Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and Gunning-Fog Index. Website quality was scored using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria and the DISCERN criteria. Presence or absence of the Health On the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode) certification, age of content, content producer, and author characteristics were noted.

RESULTS

A total of 37 unique websites were found suitable for analysis. Readability varied by assessment tool from 8th to 12th grade level. This compares with the recommended 7th to 8th grade level. Of the 37, 1 (2.7%) website met all 4 JAMA criteria. Mean DISCERN quality of information for OA websites was “fair,” compared with the “poor” grading of a 2003 study. HONcode-endorsed websites (43%, 16/37) were of a statistically significant higher quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Readability of online health information for OA was either equal to or more difficult than the recommended level.
Digital Mental Health Interventions for Depression, Anxiety, and Enhancement of Psychological Well-Being Among College Students: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Lattie Emily G , Adkins Elizabeth C , Winquist Nathan , Stiles-Shields Colleen , Wafford Q Eileen , Graham Andrea K
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

College students are increasingly reporting common mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, and they frequently encounter barriers to seeking traditional mental health treatments. Digital mental health interventions, such as those delivered via the Web and apps, offer the potential to improve access to mental health treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to review the literature on digital mental health interventions focused on depression, anxiety, and enhancement of psychological well-being among samples of college students to identify the effectiveness, usability, acceptability, uptake, and adoption of such programs.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (registration number CRD42018092800), and the search strategy was conducted by a medical research librarian in the following databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Elsevier), PsycINFO (EbscoHost), the Cochrane Library (Wiley), and Web of Science (Thomson Reuters) from the date of inception to April 2019. Data were synthesized using a systematic narrative synthesis framework, and formal quality assessments were conducted to address the risk of bias.

RESULTS

A total of 89 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of interventions (71/89, 80%) were delivered via a website, and the most common intervention was internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (28, 31%). Many programs (33, 37%) featured human support in the form of coaching. The majority of programs were either effective (42, 47%) or partially effective (30, 34%) in producing beneficial changes in the main psychological outcome variables. Approximately half of the studies (45, 51%) did not present any usability or acceptability outcomes, and few studies (4, 4%) examined a broad implementation of digital mental health interventions on college campuses. Quality assessments revealed a moderate-to-severe risk of bias in many of the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that digital mental health interventions can be effective for improving depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being among college students, but more rigorous studies are needed to ascertain the effective elements of these interventions. Continued research on improving the user experience of, and thus user engagement with, these programs appears vital for the sustainable implementation of digital mental health interventions on college campuses.
Reinforcement Learning Based Method for Managing Type 1 Diabetes (Preprint)
Authors: Oroojeni Mohammad Javad Mahsa , Agboola Stephen Olusegun , Jethwani Kamal , Zeid Ibrahim , Kamarthi Sagar
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease marked by high levels of blood glucose. It results from issues related to how insulin is produced and/or how insulin functions in the body. In the long run, uncontrolled blood sugar can damage the vessels that supply blood to important organs such as heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Currently there are no effective algorithms to automatically recommend insulin dosage level considering the characteristics of a diabetic patient.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work is to develop and validate a general reinforcement learning framework and a related learning model for personalized treatment and management of Type 1 diabetes and its complications.

METHODS

This research presents a model-free reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm to recommend insulin level to regulate the blood glucose level of a diabetic patient considering his/her state defined by A1C level, alcohol usage, activity level, and BMI value. In this approach, an RL agent learns from its exploration and response of diabetic patients when they are subject to different actions in terms of insulin dosage level. As a result of a treatment action at time step t, the RL agent receives a numeric reward depending on the response of the patient’s blood glucose level. At each stage the reward for the learning agent is calculated as a function of the difference between the glucose level in the patient body and its target level. The RL algorithm is trained on ten years of the clinical data of 87 patients obtained from the Mass General Hospital. Demographically, 59% of patients are male and 41% of patients are female; the median of age is 54 years and mean is 52.92 years; 86% of patients are white and 47% of 87 patients are married.

RESULTS

The performance of the algorithm is evaluated on 60 test cases. Further the performance of Support Vector Machine (SVM) has been applied for Lantus class prediction and results has been compared with Q-learning algorithm recommendation. The results show that the RL recommendations of insulin levels for test patients match with the actual prescriptions of the test patients. The RL gave prediction with an accuracy of 88% and SVM shows 80% accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the RL algorithm can select actions that improve patient condition by taking into account delayed effects, it has a good potential to control blood glucose level in diabetic patients.
NEW VALIDATED METHOD DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ESTIMATION OF SULFAMETHOXAZOLE AND TRIMETHOPRIM IN BULK FORM BY VISIBLE SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: Swetha Gajjela , Kumar Kusuma Praveen , Sirisha Kalam
Published: December 2018

Objective: To develop three novel, sensitive, simple validated visible spectrophotometric methods for the quantitative estimation of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) and trimethoprim (TMP) in bulk form.Methods: Methods were based on coupling the diazotized aromatic primary amino group of the studied drugs with o-phenylenediamine (OPD) in an acidic medium. The first two methods have been proposed for estimation of SMZ and rest for TMP. The resulting products were measured by spectrophotometric (method I, II and III) tools. The methods were validated as per ICH guidelines.Results: In method I, the absorbance was measured at 482 and 457 nm with linearity ranges of 4.0-40.0 and 5.0-45.0 µg/ml for SMZ. On the other hand, method III was devoted to estimate TMP spectrophotometrically at 457 nm with linearity range of 5-30 μg/ml. The r2 value for all methods were found to be 0.99. The percentage recoveries of SMZ and TMP were found to be 97.98%, 97.56% and 97.55% respectively. The developed methods were subjected to detailed validation procedure in their pure forms.Conclusion: The study concludes that visible spectrophotometric validation methods can be very efficient and economically promising technique for the quantitative analysis of SMZ and TMP in bulk form. The statistical analysis of data indicates that the developed methods were reproducible and specific. It was found that there is a good agreement between the obtained results and those obtained by the reported methods; moreover they can be used for the routine estimations of SMZ and TMP in bulk form.
LANNEA BARTERI ENGL. (ANACARDIACEAE) PLANT USED IN THE TREATMENT OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN IVORY COAST: BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL STUDIES OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT
Authors: Brice Bredou Jean , Benson Boua Boua , Fernique Konan Kouadio , Mida Kabran Guy Roger , Christian Kouassi Kouadio , Nathalie Guessennd Kouadio , Akhanovna Mamyrbekova -bekro Janat , Yves-alain Bekro
Published: December 2018

Objective: This research aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity and determine the chemical composition of the aqueous extract of the bark of Lannea barteri Engl. (DA) used in the traditional treatment of urinary tract infections in the Ivory Coast.Methods: The material is composed of DA, the bacterial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, isolated from the urine of patients from different hospitals and subsequently stored. The qualitative analysis was performed using color-based detection tests and thin layer chromatography (TLC) reactions and the quantification of total phenols, flavonoids, flavone aglycones and anthocyanins using the method of Folin Ciocalteu. The method of diffusion on Mueller Hinton (MH) agar medium has been used for sensitivity tests. Results: The phytochemical screening of DA has revealed the presence of polyphenols, terpenes, and derivatives, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Furthermore, the quantification of some polyphenols such as flavonoids, flavone aglycones, and anthocyanins was determined. The total polyphenols found was 0.757±0.003 mg/g MS representing respectively; 0.230±0.01 for flavonoids; 0.028±0.02 for flavone aglycones and 0.016±0.02 mg/g MS for anthocyanins. DA is bactericidal against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, which are mainly responsible for urinary tract infections.Conclusion: The bark of Lannea barteri Engl. (DA) is rich in flavonoids, flavone aglycones, and anthocyanins which are probably responsible for its antibacterial properties on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. This research thereby supports the use of this plant in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
ANTIBIOTICS PRESCRIPTION PATTERN IN RURAL AREA OF BANGLADESH: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN DEBIDWAR UPAZILA OF COMILLA DISTRICT
Authors: Khanam Umme Salma , Al Masud Kazi Nuruddin , Khurshed Tahmid , Chakma Utsha
Published: December 2018

Objective: The study was aimed to evaluate the antibiotic prescription pattern by physicians in the area of study.Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out with a self-designed standard questionnaire by manual data collection over a three months period at the Debidwar Upazila of Comilla District. The data were collected by directly interviewing the participants. Microsoft Excel 2010 was used for the analysis of the collected data.Results: Out of 242 patients, 60.74% of patients were male, 39.26% of patients were female. Majority of the patients (50%) belonged to age group 9 to 20 and in terms of profession, 53.30% were students. Among the previous disease history, hypertension (20.25%) was found at the dominant position. Common cold (28.95%) was the frequent reason for visiting doctor and ciprofloxacin was prescribed to 30.17% patients (Male: 21.90%, Female: 8.26%). Before prescribing anti-bacterial agents or any other agents, only 23.55% patients were recommended diagnostic tests and in 81.81% cases, physicians simply prescribed medicine by his/her own assumption and culture and sensitivity test was recommended and done for 18.18% patients.Conclusion: Prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics for common cold and diarrhea, prescribing antibiotics or medicine based on presumption was the clear indications of irrational antibiotics use and inappropriate prescription pattern.
HENOCH-SCHONLIEN PURPURA ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATITIS C AND COMPENSATED CIRRHOSIS
Authors: Pamu Sagar , Sarangi Ramesh , Abubakar Mohammed
Published: December 2018

An unordinary case report of henoch-schonlein purpura (HSP) in a relationship with hepatitis C and compensated cirrhosis was identified in 14 y aged male patient. He was admitted in the pediatric department with stomach pain, yellow skin, rashes with tingling and erythematous injuries over the legs with agony and swelling since multi-day. He feels pain during walking and appears to be with swelling of lower leg muscles. His unusual liver function test was distinguished with elevated levels of bilirubin-3 mg/dl, basic phosphatase-314 U/l, aspartate aminotransferase-55 U/l and alanine aminotransferase-60 U/l. His skin biopsy shows up leukocytoclastic vasculitis and IgA depositions. Liver biopsy revealed nuclei enlargement with extensive cell change and scattered cell plates. His blood test was with the presence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies. He was finally diagnosed as HSP associated with HCV and compensated cirrhosis.
Academics Alone Together: Liberal Arts Graduate Students’ Writing Networks
Authors: Hedengren Mary , Harrison Hannah V
Published: December 2018

Graduate writers who develop networks of writing are positioned to enter into the larger discourse community during and after graduate work. Our study surveyed graduate writers in the humanities about the sources of writing feedback they use and how much they trust or fear those sources. The results indicate that graduate students do employ a variety of sources and strategically assess when and how to use those sources. Still, many graduate students do not get frequent feedback on their writing, and others believe “we take what we get” in writing feedback. Student services who serve graduate students should work in conjunction with graduate program administrators and advisors to encourage students to develop effective networks of writing feedback, including important peer networks.
PRINSIP-PRINSIP DASAR MANAJEMEN DALAM ISLAM (Kajian Pendidikan Menurut Hadis Nabi)
Authors: Junaidi Junaidi
Published: December 2018

Sejak manusia menghendaki sebuah tatanan masyarakat yang romantis dan harmonis, maka sejak itu pula manusia melakukan aktivitas kontemplasi merenungi fenomena-fenomena kehidupannya. Hasil dari perenungan panjang manusia tersebut, disepakati bahwa pendidikan sebagai instrumen terbaik dalam menciptakan sebuah kehidupan yang harmonis dan romantis. Islam melalu Al-Quran dan Hadis telah menetapkan sebuah sistem pendidikan yang hasanah bagi upaya menciptakan kemaslahatan hidup umat manusia. Namun demikian, dewasa ini pendidikan Islam terus dihadapkan pada berbagai problema yang semakin kompleks. Oleh karena itu, upaya berbenah diri melalui penataan sumber daya manusia dengan peningkatan kompetensi dan penguatan institusi mutlak harus dilakukan, dan semua itu mustahil tanpa manajemen yang profesional. Lebih jauh, tulisan ini ingin mengetengahkan tentang prinsip-prinsip dasar manajemen dalam Islam, utamanya ditinjau menurut hadis nabi.
MASJID DAN KEMISKINAN (Refleksi Hasil Penelitian â€Pemanfaatan Dana Masjid untuk Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Umatâ€)
Authors: Ibrahim Maimun
Published: December 2018

Artikel ini merupakan refleksi dari hasil penelitian yang membahas tentang pemanfaatan dana masjid untuk pemberdayaan ekonomi umat. Dasar pemikiran yang dikembangkan beranjak dari tesa bahwa masjid merupakan sentral ibadah dan pembinaan umat. Sampai tahun 2010 jumlah masjid dan mushalla di Indonesia sudah mencapai 800.000 buah, sementara Provinsi Aceh memiliki 3.212 buah masjid. Secara kuantitatif, jumlah ini cukup menggembirakan walaupun realita kualitatif masih sangat memprihatinkan. Keprihatinan ini mencuat karena ternyata banyaknya jumlah masjid tidak disertai kesemarakan umat Islam dalam memakmurkan masjid. Penelitian ini dilakukan di tiga lokasi masjid dalam Kota Banda Aceh, yaitu Masjid Baitu-al Muâ€™minin Kecamatan Ulee Kareng, Masjid Al-Furqan, Beurawe Kecamatan Kuta Alam dan Masjid Babu-an Najah Desa Surin Kecamatan Meuraxa. Pemilihan 3 lokasi Kecamatan di atas karena peneliti sering melakukan shalat di masjid tersebut dan sudah melakukan survey awal, dan terdapat banyak dana yang dimiliki masjid. Metode yang digunakan dengan wawancara mendalam terhadap pimpinan BKM, Imam Masjid dan tokoh masyarakat. Hasilnya adalah tersedianya dana yang cukup memadai pada beberapa masjid terutama di Kota Banda Aceh seperti Masjid Baitu al-Mukminin Desa Lamteh Rp. 26 juta, Masjid Al-Furqan Beurawe Rp. 155.255.125,-, Masjid Babun Najah Desa Surin Kecamatan Meuraxa Rp. 36 juta lebih. Adapun sumber dana masjid 90% dari sumbangan masyarakat setempat, sumbangan dari donatur baik di luar maupun di dalam lokasi masjid. Sumber dana yang tersedia di masjid tidak digunakan bahkan sama sekali untuk pemberdayaan ekonomi umat. Adapun alasan tidak digunakannya dana tersebut untuk pemberdayaan ekonomi antara lain karena tidak dibolehkan oleh hukum syaraÊ», karena dana tersebut diperuntukkan untuk keperluan masjid. Alasan lain adalah belum terpikirkan program pemberdayaan ekonomi umat karena belum pernah dilakukan oleh pengurus sebelumnya dan alasan-alasan lain.
FUNGSI STRATEGIS TUHA PEUT DALAM MELAKUKAN PENGAWASAN DAN PENCEGAHAN KORUPSI DANA GAMPONG
Authors: Suganda Delfi
Published: December 2018

Gampong adalah pemerintahan terendah dalam sistem pemerintahan di Indonesia. Beberapa tahun belakangan ini, gampong ataupun desa diberikan kewenangan yang besar dalam melakukan tatakelola pemerintahan desa terutama dalam mengelola keuangan gampong. Tuha peut diberikan kewenangan dalam melaksanakan fungsi pengawasan, terutama mengawasai kinerja pemerintahan gampong. Rumusan masalah pada penelitian ini dibatasi pada bagaimanakah peran tuha peut dalam melakukan pencegahan korupsi dana gampong? Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian kualitatif sebagai proses untuk memberikan pemahaman yang komplek yang terjadi pada interaksi manusia.
KONTRIBUSI PEMIKIRAN DR. ABDUL RAHMAN AL-SUMAIT DALAM AKTIVITAS DAKWAH
Authors: Imran Muhammad Ali
Published: December 2018

Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Sumait merupakan tokoh pendakwah kotemporer abad ini. Kontribusi pemikirannya pada bidang dakwah di pandang vital, khususnya untuk membina kemajuan umat yang bernuansa khairul ummah. Adapun tujuan penulisan ini adalah: Pertama, untuk mengetahui konsep pemikiran Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Sumait dalam aktivitas dakwah. Kedua, untuk mengetahui strategi dan metode pendekatan yang digunakan Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Sumait dalam menjalankan aktivitas dakwah. Ketiga, untuk mengetahui kontribusi pemikiran Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Sumait dalam aktivitas dakwah. Keempat, untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor pendukung dan penghambat yang dihadapi Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Sumait dalam bidang dakwah.  Penelitian ini, merupakan jenis penelitian kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui studi literatur. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, bahwa konsep pemikiran Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Sumait dalam aktivitas dakwah merupakan sebuah sistem yang saling berhubungan antara keahlian dalam ilmu kedokteran, kemanusiaan dan ilmu agamanya. Ini yang membedakan Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Sumait dengan pendakwah lain. Hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan, bahwa Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Sumait merupakan tokoh pendakwah yang fleksibel karena strategi dan metode pendekatan dakwah yang digunakan sesuai dengan posisi dan kondisi dakwah. Kontribusi Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Sumait adalah mengislamkan non-Muslim yang dirintis dengan kelelahan dan pengorbanan dari setiap hambatan ketika menjalankan aktivitas dakwah di Afrika.
Eficacia de los mecanismos jurídicos para la protección de los derechos de las comunidades negras vulnerados por la actividad minera: el caso del municipio de Río Quito, Chocó
Authors: Mosquera Caro Escolástica del Rosario , Hinestroza Cuesta Lisneider
Published: December 2018

El marco jurídico colombiano permite el desarrollo de la actividad minera en territorios de comunidades negras como es el caso del municipio de Río Quito situado en el departamento del Chocó. En este artículo se presenta una investigación de carácter descriptivo sobre la vulneración de los derechos de las comunidades negras por la actividad minera en el municipio de Río Quito, las cuales por mandato constitucional cuentan con diversos mecanismos jurídicos que le permiten la protección de sus derechos como la acción popular, la acción de grupo y la acción de tutela de forma excepcional. En el 2008 el ejercicio de la actividad minera realizada de forma ilegal en Río Quito generó la contaminación de las aguas con tóxicos como mercurio, aceite combustible para motores y aceites lubricantes, colocando en alto riesgo la existencia de sus habitantes, al afectar con ello la salud, la vida y el entorno cultural.