bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Cross-Jurisdictional Data Exchange on the Estimating of HIV Population Living in the District of Columbia (Preprint)
Authors: Hamp Auntre , Doshi Rupali , Lum Garret , Allston Adam
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Accurate HIV surveillance data is essential to monitoring the trends to end the HIV epidemic. Due to strict policies around data security and confidentiality, HIV surveillance data has not been routinely shared across jurisdictions, with the exception of a biannual case-by-case review process to identify and remove duplicate cases (Routine Interstate Duplicate Review, RIDR). HIV surveillance estimates for the District of Columbia (DC) are complicated by migration and care-seeking throughout the metropolitan area, which includes Maryland (MD) and Virginia (VA). To address gaps in HIV surveillance data, the health departments of DC, MD and VA established HIV surveillance data sharing agreements. While the Black Box (a privacy data integration tool external to the health departments) facilitated the secure exchange of data between DC, MD and VA, its previous iterations were limited by frequency and scope of information exchanged. The health departments of DC, MD and VA engaged in data sharing to further improve HIV surveillance estimates.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this evaluation were to assess the impact of cross-jurisdictional data-sharing on the estimation of persons living with HIV (PLWH) in DC and the reduction of cases in the RIDR process.

METHODS

The data sharing agreements established in 2014 allowed for the exchange of HIV case information (e.g. current residential address) and laboratory information (e.g. test types, result dates and results) from the enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS). Regular data exchanges began in 2017. The participating jurisdictions transferred data (via secure file transfer protocol) for individuals having a residential address in a partnering jurisdiction at the time of HIV diagnosis and/or evidence of receiving HIV-related services at a facility located in a partnering jurisdiction. DC DOH compared the data received to the DC eHARS and imported updated data that matched to existing cases. Evaluation of changes in current residential address and HIV prevalence were conducted by comparing data before and after the HIV surveillance data exchanges.

RESULTS

After the HIV surveillance data exchange, an average of 390 fewer cases were estimated to be living in DC for each year from 2012 to 2016. Among cases with a residential status change, 66.4% of cases had relocated to MD and 19.8% had relocated to VA; the majority of these cases had relocated to counties bordering DC. Relocation in and out of DC differed by mode of transmission, race/ethnicity, age group and gender. After the data exchange, the volume of HIV cases needing RIDR decreased by 74% for DC-MD and 81% for DC-VA.

CONCLUSIONS

The HIV surveillance data exchange between the public health departments of DC, MD and VA reduced the number of cases misclassified as DC residents and reduced the number of cases needing RIDR. Continued data exchanges will enhance the ability of the DC DOH to monitor the local HIV epidemic.
Temporal Associations Between Social Activity and Mood, Fatigue, and Pain in Older Adults With HIV: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study (Preprint)
Authors: Paolillo Emily W , Tang Bin , Depp Colin A , Rooney Alexandra S , Vaida Florin , Kaufmann Christopher N , Mausbach Brent T , Moore David J , Moore Raeanne C
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Social isolation is associated with an increased risk for mental and physical health problems, especially among older persons living with HIV (PLWH). Thus, there is a need to better understand real-time temporal associations between social activity and mood- and health-related factors in this population to inform possible future interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine real-time relationships between social activity and mood, fatigue, and pain in a sample of older PLWH.

METHODS

A total of 20 older PLWH, recruited from the University of California, San Diego HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program in 2016, completed smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys 5 times per day for 1 week. Participants reported their current social activity (alone vs not alone and number of social interactions) and levels of mood (sadness, happiness, and stress), fatigue, and pain. Mixed-effects regression models were used to analyze concurrent and lagged associations among social activity, mood, fatigue, and pain.

RESULTS

Participants (mean age 58.8, SD 4.3 years) reported being alone 63% of the time, on average, (SD 31.5%) during waking hours. Being alone was related to lower concurrent happiness (beta=−.300; 95% CI −.525 to −.079; P=.008). In lagged analyses, social activity predicted higher levels of fatigue later in the day (beta=−1.089; 95% CI −1.780 to −0.396; P=.002), and higher pain levels predicted being alone in the morning with a reduced likelihood of being alone as the day progressed (odds ratio 0.945, 95% CI 0.901-0.992; P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of EMA elucidated a high rate of time spent alone among older PLWH. Promoting social activity despite the presence of pain or fatigue may improve happiness and psychological well-being in this population.
A Systematic Literature Review of Shared Decision Making in Cancer Care (Preprint)
Authors: McHorney Colleen A. , Murray Lindsey T. , Jagun Dayo , Whiteley Jennifer , Kimel Miriam , Donelson Sarah
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Shared decision making (SDM) is a process in which health care providers and patients relate to and influence each other as they collaborate in making decisions about patients’ health care. Hypothesized as a means to improve quality of care, successful applications of SDM in routine cancer care have not been widely documented.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the literature to determine if elements of SDM implementation between cancer patients and their clinicians were more or less successful at improving the quality of care and health outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of SDM approaches and outcomes in cancer care was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE. An integrative model for SDM was used to classify elements included in SDM intervention studies and the resulting outcomes.

RESULTS

From 1,018 unique publications, 23 articles meeting eligibility criteria were included. Only three studies addressed elements of patient-clinician interaction as part of the study objectives. Interventions included decision aid (DA) evaluation (n=22) and clinician communication training (n=1). SDM elements commonly included were: defining/explaining the problem (n=23); presenting options (n=19); discussing pros and cons (n=17); assessing patient priorities and preferences (n=17); clinician knowledge and recommendations (n=15); and making or deferring treatment decisions (n=12). The most frequently-measured outcomes were patient-reported outcomes including treatment preference or decision (n=12), decisional conflict (n=10), patient satisfaction (n=10), patient participation (n=9), and patient knowledge (n=7). No clear patterns demonstrating relationships between SDM elements and outcomes were identified. Information on how patients and clinicians utilized DA information to promote SDM was limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of SDM in cancer care has been increasing. However, the term “SDM” was generally applied to studies that focused on the development and/or evaluation of DAs which limited the current analyses to a review of SDM elements as part of the DAs. Most studies did not include a qualitative or quantitative measure of SDM specific to patient-clinician communication and interaction. Instead, there was an underlying assumption that SDM occurred organically with DA implementation. Without a qualitative or quantitative measure of SDM, identification of successful SDM elements and their relationships to patient outcomes remains unclear. Additional research is warranted on SDM implementation and measurement in real-world cancer care settings.
CLOZAPINE-INDUCED DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Alex Soumya Mary , Menon Vidya P , B Sabarish , P Umadevi , Ts Dipu
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to report a case of a person with psychiatric illness treated with clozapine presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). A clinical monitoring was done on a 38-year-old Indian man affected by schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type presented with DKA after 3 months of clozapine therapy (250 mg/day). After treatment of DKA and discontinuation of clozapine, the patient improved symptomatically, his blood sugar levels normalized and insulin requirements also decreased. This report thus highlights that clinicians should be vigilant about the potential risk of new-onset diabetes and DKA in patients taking clozapine and utilize appropriate clinical and laboratory monitoring early in the course of treatment to prevent serious adverse effects.
ANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR THE ESTIMATION OF IMATINIB MESYLATE AND ITS DIMER IMPURITY IN PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATION BY REVERSE-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Kuna Arun Kumar , Seru Ganapaty , Radha Gadela Venkata
Published: March 2018

Objective: The present study is to develop a simple, specific, and validated reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of imatinib mesylate and its dimer impurity in pharmaceutical dosage form.Methods: A HPLC instrument incorporated with column HiQ Sil C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), mobile phase as methanol and acetate buffer pH 3.5 in the ratio of 80:20 v/v was used for the determination of the imatinib mesylate and its dimer impurity. The detection wavelength was set at 273 nm. The flow rate of the mobile phase was 1.0 mL/min.Results: The retention time for imatinib mesylate was 8.060, and for dimer impurity, it was 11.398. The calibration plot was linear (R2=0.9971) and the % mean recoveries for imatinib mesylate were in the range of 99.83–101.57, and for dimer impurity, it was in the range of 98.16–99.18. The limit of detection concentration was found to be 0.570 μg/ml for imatinib mesylate and 0.033 μg/ml dimer impurity and limit of quantification concentration was 1.728 μg/ml for imatinib mesylate and 0.099 μg/ml dimer impurity.Conclusion: The projected method was validated and successfully functional for the estimation of imatinib mesylate and dimer impurity in formulations. It can be adopted apparently for routine quality control and research tests.
STUDYING INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS IN PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR IN SELECTED DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Authors: Zeinab Mousavi Seyede , Rasekhi Saeed , Golestani Mina , Imani Ali
Published: March 2018

Objectives: Competitiveness is the ability of countries in increasing market share, profits, value added, and staying at the scene of fair and international competition for a long period of time. This is realized through market authority and establishing activities based on comparative and competitive advantages. On the other hand, the research-based pharmaceutical industry makes a major contribution to the prosperity of the world economy. It is a robust sector that has been one of the pillars of industrialized economies and is increasingly recognized as an important sector in the developing world as well. Furthermore, global sales of pharmaceutical products represent the international spread of medical technology that comes as the result of highly intensive R and D efforts in the exporting countries (International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations, 2012). The present study aimed to analyze and investigate the international competitiveness of pharmaceutical sector in selected developed countries using traditional and new indices of competitiveness.Methods: In this study, revealed comparative advantage index and also static and dynamic intra-industry trade (IIT) indices were used in the period 2000–2012.Results: The results indicated the growing competitiveness in most of the selected countries. Furthermore, the findings suggested that countries with higher levels of international trading of pharmaceutical goods have a higher potential of competitiveness based on IIT and comparative advantage indices.Conclusions: For increase in international competitiveness in pharmaceutical industry, selected developed countries pay attention to both comparative and competitive advantages.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE VOLATILE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS EFFECT ON THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Authors: Orujov Ragim Almamed , Jafarova Rana Anver
Published: March 2018

Objective: The goal of the research is studying the functional changes in the central nervous system against the background of intoxication with the minimum dosages of gasoline, benzene and acetone.Methods: The research was performed on 45 white mice divided into 3 groups; each group received corresponding hydrocarbon in the exposure chamber by inhaling. The functional state of the CNS was assessed with a complex of integral tests: By summation of subliminal pulses, the ability of animals to restore rectilinear movement after centrifugation, by the tone of skeletal muscles, and by the activity of muscle static work.Results: The durations of the narcosis phases in case of acute inhalation poisoning are different for all studied substances. The study of the functional changes in the CNS on the background of intoxication with low dosages has revealed that at the first exposure to benzene for activating the motor reaction the required number of electric pulses from the outside increases, the muscle tone increases, the ability to static work reduces, and the time for rectilinear movement and “animal hypnosis” increases. At the same time, on the background of intoxication during the fifth exposure, a decrease is observed in the number of electric pulses from the outside for activating the motor reaction, the muscle tone remains increased, the ability to static work is reduced, and the time of “animal hypnosis” is shorter than that during the first exposure.Conclusion: Against the background of the repeated use of small doses of benzene, the CNS adapts to the action of the toxic factor. With that, the ability of the CNS to sum the subliminal pulses, the cholinergic innervation of the skeletal muscles tone and other integral tests during the fifth exposure change less than during the first exposure.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MICONAZOLE NITRATE NANOEMULSION AND CREAM
Authors: Maha Hetty Lendora , Sinaga Kasmirul Ramlan , Sinaga Kasmirul Ramlan , Masfria Masfria , Masfria Masfria
Published: March 2018

Objective: The present study is to determine the evaluation profile of the preparations nanoemulsion and cream of miconazole nitrate.Methods: Preparation of nanoemulsi with concentrations 1%, 1.5%, and 2% using the principle of low-energy emulsification and miconazole nitrate cream was then performed physical evaluation of the preparation which included organoleptic test, pH measurement, viscosity test, emulsion type, cycling test, centrifugation test, particle size measurement with particle size analyzer, and homogeneity test of cream preparations.Result: Based on organoleptic test, it can be seen that the miconazole nitrate nanoemulsion preparations produced are clear, colored weak yellow, and the cream is white. The average pH of the nanoemulsion preparations ranged from 6.01 to 6.25, while the cream preparations were 5.95–6.52. The average viscosity values of nanoemulsion preparations were 1707 cps, 1920 cps, and 1987 cps, respectively. In the cycling test, the nanoemulsion preparation remained weak yellow and odorless, and the cream preparation remained white and did not experience phase separation. In the centrifugation test, the nanoemulsion preparation and the cream were centrifuged at a rate of 3800 for 5 h, after centrifugation tests, both the nanoemulsing and cream preparations did not show any phase separation, in the nanoemulsion preparation possibly due to the high viscosity of the preparation. On the type nanoemulsi test, by dripping methylene blue on the formula. After observed, the blue methylene is evenly dispersed into the formula, indicating that all four formulas have an oil-in-water emulsion type (o/w). The particle size of the nanoemulsion preparation ranged from 102.36 nm to 309.11 nm.Conclusion: The results of evaluation of miconazole nitrate nanoemulsion preparations were better than cream preparations.
DESIGN, SYNTHESIS OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE HETEROCYCLES CONTAINING INDOL- THIAZOLYL- THIAZOLIDINONE DERIVATIVES
Authors: Walmik Prabhakar , Naraboli Basavaraj S , B Swathi , Ghanti Somashekhar
Published: March 2018

Objective: The present study envisage a novel series of thiazole, indole and thiazolidine derivatives, namely, N-((5-Substituted-2-phenyl-1 H-indol-3-yl)methylene)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-5,7,-dimethylbenzo [d]thiazole-2-amine (4a-c), 2-(5-substituted-2-phenyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-3-(4,5,6,7- trimethylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-thiazolidin-4-one (5a-c) and 5-benzylidine-2-(5-substituted-2phenyl-1H-indol-3yl)-3-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-5,5,7- trimethylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl) thiazolidin-4-one (6a-c).Methods: All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by infrared, 1H, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectral data and elemental analysis and evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity.Results: Novel compounds N-((5-Substituted-2-phenyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methylene)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-5,7,-dimethylbenzo [d]thiazole-2-amine (4a-c), 2-(5-substituted-2-phenyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-3-(4,5,6,7-trimethylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-thiazolidin-4-one (5a-c) and 5-benzylidine-2-(5-substituted- 2phenyl-1H-indol-3yl)-3-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-5,5,7-trimethyl benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)thiazolidin-4-one (6a-c) have been made and characterized using spectral and analytical data. The results of antibacterial and antifungal activities showed that some of the synthesized compounds exhibited promising activities.Conclusion: All the newly synthesized compounds were carried out by the broth microdilution method (NCCLS. 2002) in a DMF concentration of 500, 250, 125, and 62.5 μg/ml. Gentamycin and fluconazole are used as reference standards for antibacterial and antifungal activity, respectively. The final results revealed that compounds 4b, 5b, and 6b exhibited potent antimicrobial activity when compared to the standard drugs.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL ANTIBACTERIAL GEL CONTAINING ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF MIKANIA MICRANTHA KUNTH LEAVES
Authors: Harahap Nina Irmayanti , Nainggolan Marline , Harahap Urip
Published: March 2018

Objective: This study was to check the effectiveness of Mikania micrantha Kunth against the microbial species of Staphylococcus epidermis, to observe the zone of inhibition, and to develop a topical gel formulation of M. micrantha Kunth for the treatment of acne vulgaris.Methods: The extraction was done by maceration method and continues with phytochemical screening and herbal gel formulation (four formulas) using hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose as a base. The gel was evaluated for the physical appearance, pH, homogeneity, and antibacterial.Result: The ethanolic extract of M. micrantha Kunth had a high value of alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. All of the formula (F1-F4) showed a good result in physicochemical and antibacterial evaluation.Conclusion: M. micrantha Kunth can be used to treat the skin diseases, especially acne vulgaris problem.
ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PIPER BETLE L. LEAVES IN CATFISH, CLARIAS GARIEPINUS
Authors: S Kavitha , Perumal Parthasarathi
Published: March 2018

Objective: The present study was undertaken to assess the α-amylase inhibitory activity and antidiabetic experimental catfish model and antioxidant properties of Piper betle L. ethanolic (PBE) extract.Methods: The phytochemical analysis of PBE extract was performed. The PBE extract was tested for their inhibitory effect on the α-amylase assay, which compared to the control, acarbose. The absorbance was read at 540 nm using a spectrophotometer, and IC50 values were calculated. In this present investigation, diabetes mellitus was induced in catfish, Clarias gariepinus by epaxial musculature injection to glucose and standard drug, Metformin hydrochloride. After 24-h incubation, the treated fishes were dissected, and the blood, liver, tissue samples, and epaxial musculature regions were collected. In addition, the antioxidant properties of PBE were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging (ABTS) assays.Results: The phytochemical screening of PBE revealed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoids, tannins, phenol, glycosides, sterols, saponins, and quinines. Furthermore, the values of (μg/ml) 3.038 and 7.672 α-amylase enzyme inhibition were excellent activity when compared to the acarbose. Moreover, elevated the glucose level (mg/dl) was estimated in blood 1.9±0.35, liver 0.5±0.25, tissue 0.2±0.25, and epaxial musculature 0.8±0.2 after 24-h incubation. The antioxidant effect of maximum activity was found in PBE; IC50 values (μg/ml) of DPPH and ABTS were 9.362 and 6.606, respectively.Conclusions: These studies might be responsible for the P. betle L. that was used as the new source of antidiabetic and antioxidant agents.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE TOWARD PHARMACOVIGILANCE AND ADVERSE DRUG REACTION REPORTING AMONG NURSING STAFF AND STUDENTS
Authors: B Dharini , Reddy V Nagarjuna , M Deepalakshmi , A Pramod Kumar
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess awareness of Pharmacovigilance among the healthcare professionals and to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention for improving awareness of Pharmacovigilance among the nursing staff and nursing students from Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a validated questionnaire that included demographic details and 20 survey items to evaluate the participants’ knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and Pharmacovigilance. All participants received an interactive educational intervention in the form of a lecture. A pre- and post-KAP questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the impact of educational intervention among the participants. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences statistical software, version 16, was used to analyze the data.Results: A total of 103 healthcare professionals in the study responded to the pre- and post-KAP survey questionnaires. 66 nursing students and 37 nursing staff were involved in the study. The increased awareness among the study subjects about pharmacovigilance between pre- and post-intervention was statistically significant (p<0.001) which showed the effectiveness of educational intervention carried out.Conclusion: The results show that participants in the study were only moderately aware of ADR monitoring. However, they had expressed a positive attitude toward Pharmacovigilance and ADRs reporting. There is a need to create awareness among the nursing fraternity about ADR reporting for improving the spontaneous reporting.
PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY, AND MASS SPECTROSCOPY AND IN VITRO ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF ANNONA SQUAMOSA SEEDS LINN.
Authors: Mehta Shuchi Dave , Paliwal Sarvesh
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of the present study is to evaluate in vitro anticancer property and phytochemical analysis using liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy (LCMS) method of hydroalcoholic extract of seeds of Annona squamosa (AS) Linn. Seeds of AS Linn. are traditional medicine treating various diseases and have shown anticancer activity. Due to lack of survival benefit, cancer is a deadly global disease.Method: The anticancer activity was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B assay method on five cancer cell lines: Breast cancer cell line, cervix cancer cell line (SiHa), colon cancer cell line (HT)-29, liver cancer cell line, and ovary cancer cell line (Ovcar). The phytochemical analysis was performed using LCMS method.Result: The phytochemical characterization was done using LCMS method which showed 15 different molecular weight compounds. The extract showed an average in vitro anticancer activity at a concentration of 100 μg/ml against all cancer cell lines. The best activity was observed against Ovcar-5 cell line (69.72) and was also significant against HT and SiHa cell lines.Conclusion: The phytochemical analysis showed the wide range of phenols and flavonoid which are showing potent anticancer activity of AS seeds.
POTENCY OF CHIVES (ALLIUM SCHOENOPRASUM L.) LEAVES INFUSE AS INHIBITOR CALCIUM LITHOGENESIS ON URINARY TRACT
Authors: Sinaga Siti Morin , Iksen Iksen , Haro Ginda , Wardhany Selvy
Published: March 2018

Objective: This study examined the antilithogenesis activity by in vitro and histopathologic study from the infuse solution of chives leaves powder.Methods: The study begins with standard phytochemical screening on the powder of chives leaves. For performing in vitro antilithogenesis activity, atomic absorption spectrophotometry method was adopted to measure the dissolved calcium level. Histopathologic study was using animal models.Result: Phytochemical screening of chives leaves powder has a lot of phytochemical constituents. In vitro assay showed that chives infuse can dissolve the human calcium stone (47.7% for 12.5% concentration of chives leaves infuse). The histopathologic study showed that chives leaves can be used to treat the calcium lithogenesis.Conclusion: This experiment provides evidence that chives leaves have highlighted the potential efficacy for the treatment of calcium lithogenesis.
PRESCRIPTION PATTERN IN OBESE AND NON-OBESE INFERTILE WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: Mm Asha Avirah , Alias Aswathy , Sajith Manjusha , Nimbargi Vandana , Kumdale Shivhar
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the treatment options for the management of obese and non-obese infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with 75 infertile PCOS women. The demographic details, body mass index, menstrual patterns, and current medication related to infertility were noted. The collected data were statistically represented in terms of range, frequency tables, and standard deviation wherever appropriate.Results: A majority of the infertile PCOS women were aged 24–27 years with a mean age of 25.72±3.53 years, belonging to middle socioeconomic class (44%) and mostly found to be urban residents 68%. Most of the PCOS women were overweight (32%) and obese (21%) with irregular menstrual pattern (90.67%). In combination therapy, clomiphene citrate (CC) pre-treated with oral contraceptives (OC) (37.93%) was mostly given to obese PCOS patients followed by CC with metformin pre-administered with OC (31.03%), whilen on-obese PCOS patients were mostly administered CC with gonadotropins pre-treated with OC(44%). In single therapy, OC was mostly administered to both non-obese (90%) and obese PCOS patients (88.90%).Conclusion: This study concluded that most of the infertile PCOS women were overweight and obese, a major risk actor causing hyperandrogenicity. CC pre-treated with OC and metformin with CC pre-treated with OC were mostly prescribed to obese PCOS patients. Lifestyle modifications along with treatment are strongly recommended, especially in obese PCOS patients.
MITRAGYNA SPECIOSA-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY-TREATED EFFECTIVELY BY PIPER BETLE: SCOPE AS A FUTURE ANTIDOTE
Authors: Haslan Haszianaliza , Haji Suhaimi Farihah , Das Srijit
Published: March 2018

Objective: Consumption of Mitragyna speciosa (MS) leads to various toxicities including hepatotoxicity. Piper betle (PB) is a herb that possesses various therapeutic properties. The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of PB methanol extract (PBME) on MS-induced hepatotoxicity which could pave the way for any future antidote.Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into control and experimental groups. The control group was further divided into the negative (G-T80) and positive (G-PB) control groups. The G-T80 group (n=6) received oral gavage of the vehicle, 15% Tween 80. The G-PB group (n=6) received PBME 200 mg/kg/day, orally. The experimental group was divided into two groups, i.e., The G-MS and G-MS (PB) groups. The G-MS group (n=6) received only MS methanol extract (MSME) 500 mg/kg/day, while the G-MS (PB) group (n=6) received MSME with concomitant treatment with PBME.Results: Histopathology examination of the G-T80 and G-PB groups showed normal histology of the liver. The G-MS group showed liver injury features such as microvesicular steatosis, ballooning degeneration, acidophilic bodies, scattered focal necrosis, fibrous portal expansion, bridging fibrosis, sinusoidal congestion, and dilatation. These features were fewer in the G-MS (PB) group which received concomitant treatment with PBME.Conclusion: Administration of PBME exerted a protective effect against MS-induced hepatotoxicity. Future clinical trials using PB as an antidote may help in combating MS-induced hepatoxicity.
ROLE OF EXOGENOUS ADVANCED GLYCATION END PRODUCTS IN ORAL CARCINOGENESIS: A REVIEW
Authors: Nandakumar Arulmozhi , N Priyadharsini , Kumar A Ramesh , Mahesh Murugan
Published: March 2018

Objective: Glycation is the chemical reaction involving the modification of proteins and amino acids in the presence of reducing sugars, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are heterogeneous compounds whose accumulation is implicated as the pathogenesis in various chronic diseases.Method: A narrative review of all the articles known to the authors was conducted.Results: Tobacco and diet are the two major sources of exogenous AGE and the foremost characteristic of the glycotoxins, formed from tobacco curing reaction, is their high reactivity and innate ability to cross the cell membrane and bind with serum proteins and formation of adducts with amino acids of nucleic acids. Binding of AGEs to their receptor for AGE activates mechanisms which favor production of reactive oxidative species and proinflammatory cytokines. AGEs are also implicated as key players in cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells and also significantly contribute to genotoxicity. Salivary estimation of AGEs is a promising exposition to monitor the prognosis of oral pre-cancers and cancer.Conclusion: This review aims in eliciting the role of AGEs in pathogenesis of oral cancer and its possible development as a biomarker to monitor the initiation and progression of cancer.
SPECTROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF ACTIVATED CHARCOAL AS A POISON ANTIDOTE FOR GLICLAZIDE DRUG
Authors: Hassen Jasim Hamadi , Ayfan Abdalkareem Hamad , Farhan Yaser Mohamad
Published: March 2018

Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the ability of activated charcoal in adsorbing overdosage of gliclazide drug, and to study the effects of pH, concentration and time on this process.Methods: To evaluate the effect of pH, concentration and time; 50 ml of the drug solution (100 mg/L) were allowed to stand with the activated charcoal for 1 h at pH of 1.5, 4, 7, and 9 for pH study. 50 ml of the drug solution concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 (mg/L) were allowed to stand with 1 g activated charcoal for 1 h for concentration study. 50 mg of the drug solution (100 mg/L) were allowed to stand with the activated charcoal for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min for time study. The concentrations of the adsorbed drug were determined spectrophotometrically.Results: The adsorption of the gliclazide drug on activated charcoal was found to be pH, concentration, and time-dependent. The amounts of the drug adsorbed were 3, 0.75, 0.6, and 0.5 mg/g for pHs 1.5, 4, 7, and 9, respectively, for pH study. For concentration study, the amounts adsorbed were 0.15, 0.22, 0.33, and 0.58 mg/g for concentrations 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L, respectively. For time study, the amounts were 0.3, 0.4, 0.51, and 0.65 mg/g for reaction times 15, 30, 45, and 60 min, respectively.Conclusion: The best adsorption circumstances of gliclazide drug on activated charcoal that were found; acidic pH, a high concentration of the drug and longtime of contact.
METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS CARRIAGE AMONG HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: T Latha , Bhat Anil K , H Manjunatha Hande , Mukhopadyay Chiranjay , Devi Elsa Sanatombi , Nayak Baby S
Published: March 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carrier status in anterior nares and hands of health-care professionals working in orthopedic wards of a tertiary care hospital and to decolonize them to reduce spread of MRSA to their patients.Methods: The study was conducted in a super specialty, tertiary care teaching hospital. The samples were collected from anterior nares, palm, web spaces, and fingertips of 140 health-care professionals (48 doctors, 74 nurses, and 18 technicians) working in orthopedic wards using sterile pre-moistened swabs. MRSA carrier status was identified by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.Result: Most (76.4%) of the health-care professionals were <30 years of age and 51% were male. MRSA in anterior nares of doctors was 4.3%, nurses 1.4%, and technicians 0.7% and none had MRSA in their hands. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) growth was more among nurses (nurses - 5.7%, doctors - 2.1%, and technicians - 1.4%) in anterior nares. In addition, 1.4% nurses’ hands were colonized with MSSA. Both MRSA and MSSA carriers were decolonized effectively and repeat sampling showed no growth.Conclusion: Health-care professionals have a greater chance of transmitting MRSA to patients and orthopedic patients are more susceptible for infection. Although MRSA carrier status was not very high among orthopedic health-care professionals compared to previous studies, it cannot be ignored. Nasal mupirocin and bath with chlorhexidine soap were effective in decolonization. Periodic screening and treatment of colonizers would help in elimination of MRSA carriage.
COMBINATION EFFECT OF LISINOPRIL AND DILTIAZEM AS ANTI FIBROSIS IN PERITONEUM OF RATS
Authors: Putranto Wachid , Effendi Imam , Kusmardi Kusmardi , Shatri Hamzah
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of combination between lisinopril and diltiazem in reducing expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and fibrosis peritoneum in a male rat treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).Method: This was an experimental study, post-test only control group design. Thirsty Dawley Sprague rats are divided into five groups: Control group (Group 1), CAPD liquid 4,25% (Group 2), lisinopril 1.44 mg oral and CAPD (Group 3), and diltiazem CD 6.48 mg oral and CAPD (Group 4), lisinopril 1.44 mg+diltiazem CD 6.48 mg oral and CAPD (Group 5). After 4 weeks, rats sacrificed expression of TGF-β and peritoneal fibrosis are conducted by histopathology with hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunology with anti-human-TGF-β.Result: Twenty peritoneal of rats can be examined. Mean score of TGF-β in control group is 1, 8, in CAPD group is 2, in lisinopril and CAPD group is 1, 8, in diltiazem CD and CAPD group is 1, 8, in lisinopril and diltiazem CD and CAPD group is 1, 7 (p=0.959). Mean score of peritoneal fibrosis in control group is 1, 1, in CAPD group is 2, 6, in lisinopril and CAPD group is 1, 2, in diltiazem CD and CAPD group is 1, 3, in lisinopril and diltiazem CD, and CAPD group is 1, 5 (p=0,268).Conclusion: Combination of lisinopril and diltiazem lower the expression of TGF-β and peritoneum fibrosis better than lisinopril or diltiazem but statistically not significant. Combination of lisinopril and diltiazem lower the peritoneal fibrosis but statistically not significant, and it does not better than lisinopril or diltiazem.
DEVELOPMENT OF ULTRAVIOLET-SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD FOR ANALYSIS OF AMOXAPINE IN PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORM
Authors: Rangari Shweta , Patil Shraddha , Mahajan Rutuja , Ahmed Abrar , Raut Nishikant A
Published: March 2018

Objective: Knowing the exact amount of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in pharmaceutical dosage form is of utmost importance to meet regulatory requirements and to ensure patient safety. Spectrophotometric analysis provides a simple, efficient, and economic approach for estimation of API in the pharmaceutical dosage form. In the present work, we have developed simple, sensitive, and highly economic ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method for the estimation of amoxapine in a pharmaceutical formulation.Methods: Amoxapine shows maximum absorbance of light at wavelength 297 nm in water. The linearity study revealed that it obeys Beer-Lambert’s law over the range of 2–20 μg/mL. Absorptivity value of amoxapine was found to be 206.6±1.341.Result: The tablet formulation was successfully analyzed by developed UV spectrophotometric method. The developed method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines with respect to accuracy, precision, specificity robustness . The limit of detection and limit of quantitation was found to be 19.8 and 60.50 ng/mL, respectively.Conclusion: The developed method is simple, precise, accurate, and cost-effective and can be used for routine analysis of amoxapine.
DRUG PRESCRIPTION PATTERN OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN WEST BENGAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL AND QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY
Authors: Adhikari Anjan , Chakraborty Dipesh , Indu Rania , Bhattacharya Sangita , Ray Moumita , Mukherjee Ramanuj
Published: March 2018

Objective: Cancer is a disease of uncontrolled division of cells in any part of the body. Breast cancer most common in women accounts for 13% of the death worldwide. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the drug prescription pattern of breast carcinoma patients in a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal.Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational questionnaire-based study done for a period of 6 months at the Department of Pharmacology in Collaboration with the Department of Surgery and Department of Radiotherapy of a Tertiary Care Hospital at Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Female patients with breast cancer (originated from epithelial tissues) of different types and grade attending surgery outdoor patient department were taken as subjects for the study, after signing informed consent.Results: The present study evaluated 28 patients (n=28) diagnosed as breast cancer by the physicians of the department of surgery and radiotherapy. It was observed that breast cancer was mostly found in the middle age group. Breast carcinoma in postmenopausal women accounted to 75%. The most prevalent breast cancer was invasive ductal carcinoma, accounting to 75% of the study population. 5-Fluorouracil, epirubicin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel/paclitaxel, and carboplatin were mostly used as chemotherapeutic agent.Conclusion: Breast carcinoma being a prevalent type of cancer in females, the present study tried to evaluate the pattern of prescribing chemotherapeutic agents for breast cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital. Such study is essential to evaluate and refine the therapeutic regimen of the cancer patients to reduce their sufferings.
AN ANALYTICAL MODEL FOR PREDICTION OF CONTROLLED RELEASE FROM BULK BIODEGRADING POLYMER MICROSPHERES
Authors: Sivandzade Farzane
Published: March 2018

Objective: A convenient numerical model has been developed to predict release profile of different types of agents from bulk biodegrading polymer microspheres, including magnitude methods are less accurate than analytical methods. Usually, this study used analytical solutions for the model and compared the analytical results with numerical solution and experimental data.Methods: The objective drug controlled release profiles were modeled based on a four-phase pattern. Then, a specific formulation was considered based on Fick’s second law. After calculating various parameters, the equations were solved using an analytical method.Results: Comparison results showed that analytical solution can reproduce experimental behavior of controlled release systems with a higher accuracy.Conclusion: Although in previous work, drug release profile from a polymer matrix composed of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid was predicted using readily attainable parameters and representing tunable matrix properties by a numerical method, the proposed analytical method can give more accurate results compared to the numerical method.
EFFECT OF HEALOL OIL ON WOUND HEALING IN WISTAR RATS: A NOVEL STUDY
Authors: V Sujith , G Poornima , O Balaji , Kl Bairy , K Praveen , N Somayaji
Published: March 2018

Objective: Wound healing is a complex process, and various plant extracts have been used to study the effect of medicinal plants on wound healing. Healol oil is used in some tribal areas for ulcer healing and treatment of burn wounds. There are no animal studies done so far using healol oil to find out its role in the treatment of wounds. Hence, the aim of our study is to find the effect of healol oil in excision as well burn wounds in Wistar rats.Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats were used, 18 rats in excision wound model and remaining in burn wound model. Each model consists of three groups of six rats each. Povidone-iodine was used as a standard control in excision wound model and silver sulfadiazine was used as a standard control in burn wound model. Healol oil was used as test drug in both the models. Period of epithelization and wound contracture rates were analyzed. Histopathological analysis of the skin tissue was done. One-way analysis of variance was used followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for statistical analysis using SPSS version 23 software, P value of <0.05 was taken as statistical significance.Results: Both standard and test groups showed significantly faster wound healing (p<0.001) compared to control rats treated with paraffin wax in both the models. In excision model standard povidone was significantly (p<0.001) better compared to healol oil whereas in burn model, silver sulfadiazine and healol oil showed comparable results with respect to period of epithelization without statistical significance (p>0.05).Conclusion: Wound healing property of healol oil is proved, and further clinical trial can be done to find out the effect of healol oil on chronic wounds due to various etiologies.
PRE-ANESTHETIC MEDICATIONS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING EXPLORATORY LAPAROTOMY: RESULTS OF A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Patil Anant D , Kulkarni Madhuri
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the pattern of pre-anesthetic medication utilization in patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we reviewed the records of patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy under general anesthesia. Descriptive data of the pre-anesthetic medications used in the patients are presented.Results: A total of 49 patients with mean age of 65.85±34.15 years were included in the study. The study population was dominated by male patients (65.85%). Two major indications for exploratory laparotomy in the study population were perforation peritonitis 19 (38.77%) and intestinal obstruction 9 (18.37%). Ondansetron was used in all patients. metoclopramide and ranitidine were used in 48 (98%) patients each. Midazolam was given to 43 (87.8%) patients. A total of 41 (83.7%) patients received anticholinergic agent glycopyrrolate or atropine. Pentazocine and fentanyl were used in 39 (79.6%) and 10 (20.4%) patients, respectively.Conclusion: Ondansetron, metoclopramide, ranitidine, midazolam, glycopyrrolate, and pentazocine were the major pre-anesthetic medications in patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy. Glycopyrrolate was the most preferred anticholinergic agent.
PHARMACOTHERAPY OF NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER: A SHORT REVIEW
Authors: O Balaji
Published: March 2018

Lung cancer is a global health problem with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most common histopathological variant causing almost 28% deaths in the United States of America. Platinum compounds were the mainstay of treatment, and since past 10 years, various newer targeted therapies have come into play. Epidermal growth factor receptor and anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations play a major role in the development of advanced disease. Hence, targeted therapies and immunotherapies will remain an integral part in the management of advanced disease. Hence, this review focuses on the newer drugs approved by Food and Drug Administration to treat NSCLC
DIFFERENCES IN DENTAL CALCULUS INDICES AND SALIVARY CALCIUM AND PHOSPHATE LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS AND PERITONEAL DIALYSIS THERAPY
Authors: Kirana Thea , Sutadi Heriandi , B Budiardjo Sarworini
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the differences in dental calculus indices and calcium and phosphate levels in children with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 15 children undergoing HD therapy and 15 undergoing PD therapy were subjected to intraoral examination for dental calculus indices. Whole unstimulated saliva samples of all subjects were collected and subjected to calcium and phosphate analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Mann–Whitney and independent t-tests.Results: The dental calculus indices were significantly lower and salivary calcium level was significantly higher in the PD group than those in the HD group (p<0.05). The salivary phosphate level was lower in the PD group (p≥0.05) but without significance.Conclusion: The PD group had lower dental calculus indices and higher salivary calcium level. The higher salivary phosphate levels in the HD group may have contribute to the higher dental calculus indices, probably because phosphate plays an important role in dental calculus formation.
EVALUATION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF CALCIUM ALGINATE BEADS MODIFIED WITH ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ADHATODA VASICA LEAF EXTRACT ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: Thomas Deepa , M S Latha , Thomas K Kurien
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of calcium alginate (Ca-ALG) loaded with ethanolic extract of Adhatoda vasica (A. vasica) leaves against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli).Methods: Ca-ALG beads containing ethanolic extract of A. vasica leaves were developed by ionic gelation technique. The prepared Ca-ALG beads were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial effect of A. vasica leaf extract loaded Ca-ALG beads was examined against S. aureus and E. coli. Results: FT-IR studies revealed the cross-linking of ALG and calcium ions. The spherical morphology of the beads was designated by SEM. The prepared beads were found to display distinctive growth inhibition against S. aureus and E. coli.Conclusion: The antibacterial activity analysis indicated that the prepared beads have good activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The present study proposes a strategy to enhance antibacterial properties of ALG which are widely used in biomedical applications.
PRINTING DEFECT IDENTIFICATION IN PHARMACEUTICAL BLISTERS USING IMAGE PROCESSING
Authors: Karthik Durga , K Vijayarekha , Ar Arun
Published: March 2018

Objective: Our aim is to detect printing defects in pharmaceutical tablets from the manufacturing line using image processing techniques.Methods: The printed labels contain the details of the chemical composition, date of manufacture, date of expiry, manufacturing location, etc., images of the labels are obtained and processed using image processing algorithms to detect any defects on the labels before dispatch.Results: The printing defects on the labels such as missing letters, words, lines, and disorientation of alignments.Conclusion: Euclidean distance method was used for comparison that yielded 95% accuracy in removing tablets with printing defects.