bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative assessment of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity between whole plant and parts of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Tandon Dhananjay , Gupta A. K. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundSphaeranthus indicus is an important medicinal plant, which is used to cure various illnesses. The present study is the first investigation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant and phytochemical analysis ofSphaeranthus indicusfrom Chhattisgarh, India.MethodsThe whole plant and plant parts were extracted with polar and non-polar solvents such as water, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane to assess various bioactivities. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were performed by ager well diffusion method and ferrous reducing capacity, respectively; However free radical scavenging activity was analyzed using DMPD and DPPH scavenging assay. The DMPD and DPPH assay were performed in a time dependent manner. Qualitative and quantitative analysis were performed for the total phytochemicals present in the plant extracts. The total content of phenols, flavonoids and terpenoids was analyzed by colorimetric methods.ResultsEthyl acetate and hexane extract of plant inflorescence and stem exhibited significant antibacterial activity against tested bacterial pathogens. The clinically isolated gram positive pathogenic bacteria responded better as compared to clinically isolated gram negative bacteria as well as pathogenic gram positive and negative bacteria acquired from Microbial Type Culture Collection, India. The leaf and inflorescence exhibited potent antioxidant activity. The polar fraction of leaf methanol extract exhibited the highest reducing power capacity. The aqueous extract of inflorescence exhibited highest inhibition against DMPD and DPPH radicals. The whole plant aqueous extract showed maximum inhibition while aqueous extract of inflorescence exhibited high inhibition among different plant parts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and cardiac glycosides in plant parts. Total terpenoid content was found to be highest in polar fraction of stem methanol extract and ethyl acetate extract of inflorescence. However, total phenol was found to be highest in polar fraction of leaf methanol extract, similarly highest flavonoid content was observed in aqueous extract of leaf.ConclusionThe results suggest that biological activities of plant parts depend on content of active phytochemicals. The inflorescence could be a potential source of antimicrobial and antioxidant compound. Further, investigation pertaining isolation and characterization of active ingredient may provide an insight regarding its phytochemical activity.
A Case of Hypoglycemia Associated With the Ketogenic Diet and Alcohol Use
Authors: Spoke Christopher , Malaeb Samar 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The ketogenic diet, which has become an increasingly popular diet, severely restricts carbohydrate intake to shunt metabolism towards fatty acid oxidation and production of ketones as a fuel source. There have been many studies illustrating the positive effects of a ketogenic diet in weight loss and other benefits; however, the long-term effects and potential adverse events of a ketogenic diet have not been well studied or documented in literature. There are a few case reports of ketogenic diet resulting in hypoglycemia. We report a case of hypoglycemia with a blood glucose of 39 mg/dL and ketosis in a 69-year-old woman who strictly followed a ketogenic diet for nearly one year. She presented with malaise, sugar cravings, and mental fogginess, and after intake of alcoholic beverages, was admitted to the hospital with hypoglycemia. She had elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate, and low insulin and C-peptide, all consistent with a starvation ketosis. This case illustrates that adherence to a ketogenic diet for a prolonged period of time, in combination with alcohol intake, can disrupt normal glucose homeostatic mechanisms and result in a significant degree of hypoglycemia. This pattern of hypoglycemia may not present with classic symptoms, most likely partly due to effects of the ketogenic diet on brain function. This case provides insight that supports the need to counsel patients about alcohol intake while on the ketogenic diet. More information is needed on long-term complications of the ketogenic diet on glucose homeostasis in the body as well as in the brain.
Frequency of Blood Eosinophilia in newly diagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients
Authors: Khan Ghulam Maqtada , Zuberi Faisal Faiyaz , Zahra Syeda Bizat uz , Ghafoor Lubna 
Published: April 2020

Objective: To determine Blood Eosinophilia frequency in newly diagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients.
Methods: An observational cross-sectional research on newly diagnosed COPD patients with age ≥ 40 years was performed at Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases, Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi. COPD patients diagnosed in outpatient clinic or admitted in Chest Unit during six-month period from September 2018 to May 2019 were selected. Each patient underwent spirometry, and blood was tested for eosinophilia (≥ 2% eosinophils in blood), after obtaining informed consent and clinical history.
Results: One hundred and fifty COPD patients were diagnosed and evaluated for Blood Eosinophilia, out of which 86 (57.3%) and 64 (42.7%) patients were Males and Females respectively with mean age of 63.72 ± 10.24 years. Current Smokers were 48 (32.0%), Ex-Smokers 15 (10.0%), and Biomass Exposure was present in 76 (50.7%) of patients. Spirometric severity of COPD was Mild in 11 (7.3%), Moderate in 68 (45.3%), Severe in 59 (39.3%), and Very Severe in 12 (8.0%) patients. Blood Eosinophilia was present in 59 (39.3%) patients of COPD among which majority 43 (72.9%) were having Moderate 24 (40.7%) and Severe 19 (32.2%) COPD respectively.
Conclusion: Frequency of Blood Eosinophilia in newly diagnosed COPD patients was high, among which most of the COPD patients were moderate to severe.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1624
How to cite this:Khan GM, Zuberi FF, Bizat-uz-Zahra S, Ghafoor L. Frequency of Blood Eosinophilia in newly diagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):750-754. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1624
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Do you really get what you are looking for? Exploring the medical call writing trend in tertiary care hospitals
Authors: Khan Abdul Rahim , Mahboob Usman , Baseer Najma 
Published: April 2020

Objective: To explore the trend of medical call writing by doctors working in tertiary care hospitals.
Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the quality of medical calls written by the doctors at three tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between June 2016 to June 2017. An instrument was developed following AMEE Guide 87. Its content validity and reliability were established by 33 consultants from twenty specialties. A total of 198 medical calls (66 each) were collected from medicine, surgery and allied specialties and evaluated on the basis of validated instrument.
Results: During instrument development, six items with content Validity Ratio of 0.78 & Kappa value of 0.70 were deemed most significant in every medical call written. Among all the calls, the great majority (96% and 84.34%) mentioned the reason for referral (item 1) and history of presenting problem (item 2), respectively, while item 6 (explicit mention of the doctor who will receive the call) was addressed the least (17.6%). Item 3 (Result of physical examination) and 4 (what tests have been done/arranged by the referring doctor and a summary of the main findings) were stated in < 30% of the calls whereas item 5 (diagnosis/provisional diagnosis) was specified in less than half of the calls.
Conclusion: In this study, the written medical calls of different specialties were evaluated using specifically designed six items instrument. Unfortunately, the content of medical calls assessed was found to be inadequate probably because medical call writing is not explicitly taught at under and postgraduate levels.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1642
How to cite this:Khan AR, Mahboob U, Baseer N. Do you really get what you are looking for? Exploring the medical call writing trend in tertiary care hospitals. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):699-704. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1642
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Fatty liver in Pakistani cohort with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wagan Dr Abrar Ahmed , Bhutto Abdul Qadir , Khan Daim , Raheem Abdul 
Published: April 2020

Objective: To determine the frequency of fatty liver (non-alcoholic) disease, Framingham 10-year cardiovascular risk score in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Methods: This study was conducted from September 1st to March 19, 2019, at Rheumatology OPD, Central Park Medical College Lahore. One hundred ninety two seropositive rheumatoid arthritis patients were recruited. Demographic details were noted, BP, BMI, smoking habits, and waist circumference were noted, then sent to radiology department for ultrasound scan of abdomen by an expert radiologist. On next day 10 ml blood was taken by phlebotomist for lipid profile and fasting blood sugar levels, after availability of results 10-years Framingham cardiovascular risk score was calculated.
Results: Females were (81.3%) mean age of (45.4) years, fatty liver was present in n=39 (20.3%). In positive cases comorbid like metabolic syndrome was present (71.8%), diabetes mellitus (33.3%), hypertension (59%) FRS score (intermediate to high in (33.3%), history of hakeem/desi medication use (51.3%), while on regression analysis all study parameters except DMARD’s had significant association with fatty liver (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is very widely prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis patients. As in general population, it is multifactorial in origin and needs careful monitoring and treatment.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1984
How to cite this:Wagan AA, Bhutoo AQ, Khan D, Raheem A. Fatty liver in Pakistani cohort with rheumatoid arthritis. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):723-728. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1984
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Antifibrotic Effects of the Thiazolidinediones in Eosinophilic Esophagitis Pathologic Remodeling: A Preclinical Evaluation
Authors: Nhu Quan M. , Hsieh Lance , Dohil Lucas , Dohil Ranjan , Newbury Robert O. , Kurten Richard , Moawad Fouad J. , Aceves Seema S. 
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION:
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a T-helper 2 (Th2), eosinophilic disease associated with pathologic tissue remodeling that leads to end-organ dysfunction. During early-stage disease, inflammation and subepithelial fibrosis are coupled and reversible, but in late-stage or therapy-resistant disease, there can be uncoupling of these features with progressive esophageal rigidity and strictures contributing to clinical dysphagia and food impactions. No current pharmacotherapeutic interventions directly target esophageal fibrosis. Based on the ability of the thiazolidinediones (TZD) to regulate intestinal and hepatic fibrosis, we tested the antifibrotic effects of the TZDs, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, in preclinical studies using primary human esophageal fibroblasts.

METHODS:
Primary fibroblasts isolated from normal or EoE esophagi were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in the absence or presence of TZDs and, in some experiments, without or with budesonide and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Immunohistochemical analysis of human esophageal biopsies was performed.

RESULTS:
EoE esophageal biopsies and esophageal fibroblasts expressed higher levels of the TZD receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), than normal controls. PPAR-γ was inducible by the Th2 cytokine, interleukin 4 (IL-4). TZD significantly reduced TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast and fibrotic gene and protein expression preferentially in EoE, but not normal esophageal fibroblasts. In esophageal fibroblasts, TGF-β1 increased phosphorylated Smad2/3 and p38, but TZDs preferentially inhibited p38 phosphorylation, suggesting signaling pathway-specific effects. The TZDs were more potent than budesonide at decreasing collagen-1α1 expression.

DISCUSSION:
The TZDs preferentially exert antifibrotic effects in TGF-β1-activated EoE fibroblasts and provide a preclinical foundation for further investigation of the potential of the TZDs in EoE pathologic remodeling.
Application of Square and Oblong Pore Shapes in Rotating Membrane Emulsification to Produce Novel Particulate Products
Authors: Aryanti Nita , Williams Richard Andrew , Yuan Qinchung 
Published: April 2020

Rotating membrane emulsification (RMR) has been intensively developed and applied for producing emulsion as well as particulate products such as microcapsules. Polyurea microcapsules were generally prepared by interfacial polycondensation polymerisation with addition of modifier to produce more stable microcapsules. In this research, development of the RMR was applied for producing polymer particles stabilised by nanoparticle without any addition of surfactant or modifier. Two types of membrane pores, the square (Type-A) with hydraulic diameter (Dh) of 84 mm and oblong pores with an aspect ratio of 0.33 (Type-B) having Dh of 69 mm was investigated. For the membranes designed in this research, pore shape A membrane could produce good uniformity in both polyurea microcapsule and polymer particle. In the polymer stabilised particle, this membrane type obtained a narrower size distribution than the usage for o/w emulsification. Reasonable uniform particles at high membrane rotation speed could also be achieved with the use of Type-A membrane. The uniformity confirmed that there was only minor breakup of products during operation at high membrane rotation. This attractive feature was significant in the production of fragile or shear-sensitive particulate products since the delicate structure of these products is possibly easy to destroy at high membrane rotation speed. Keywords: polyurea microcapsules; particles stabilised nanoparticles; slotted pore
Progressive Exercise Strategies to Mitigate Shoulder Injuries Among Weight-Training Participants
Authors: Escalante Guillermo , Fine Daniel , Ashworth Kyle , Kolber Morey J. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
Nontraumatic shoulder disorders are prevalent among weight-training participants as a result of training patterns as well as adaptive shoulder joint and muscle characteristics. This article presents a progressive approach to exercises designed to mitigate well-known joint and muscle characteristics that have been associated with shoulder disorders. Using a progressive evidence-based model, practical applications are presented that will guide sports medicine and strength training professionals in their ability to provide an evidence-informed upper extremity weight-training program for both patients and clients.
La valeur de la vide
Authors: Petitimbert Jean-Paul 
Published: April 2020

Cet article est consacré à l’étude sémiotique de la notion de vide et du sens qu’elle peut prendre en marketing, et plus particulièrement en communication comme en design de produits. Il s’appuie sur un exemple international originaire du Japon, celui de la marque MUJI.Le cadre méthodologique choisi pour cette analyse du discours non verbal tenu par une marque est le modèle interactionnel développé en socio-sémiotique par E. Landowski.L’étude s’efforce de rendre compte de l’efficacité stratégique attendue de l’indétermination sémantique délibérément affichée dans les campagnes publicitaires de la marque, là où l’on s’attendrait classiquement à des significations clairement articulées. Elle montre sur quelle base (à savoir la syntaxe de «l’ajustement») et avec quels effets les récepteurs sont invités à attribuer par eux-mêmes un sens aux très grands espaces vides apparaissant sur les affiches MUJI.Elle explique en outre comment une politique publicitaire aussi inhabituelle est devenue une philosophie de marque, et comment cette philosophie a été également appliquée au design des produits : le cœur de l’étude vise à montrer comment une «éthique de marque» et une «esthétique de marque» peuvent se manifester à la fois dans des signes bidimensionnels et tridimensionnels (c.-à-d. dans des affiches et dans des produits), et exploiter ensemble le même régime interactionnel de l’«ajustement».Enfin, l’étude se termine sur l’analyse de la structure énonciative mise en œuvre dans l’ensemble des productions de la marque. La dernière partie de l’article est ainsi consacrée aux différents types d’énonciataires construits par ces « textes » (publicités et produits), ainsi qu’à la notion de méta-choix, un concept proposé par Landowski, et comment cette nouvelle approche de la gestion de la marque remanie l’ensemble du paradigme marketing.
The endangered Daffodil Orchid Ipsea speciosa (Orchidaceae): Population status in unprotected areas in the Central Highlands, Sri Lanka
Authors: Kottawa-Arachchi J. Dananjaya , Liyanage M. G. S. , Karunarathne H. K. B. M. I. , Abeyweera N. H. A. S. , Kulasinghe B. Y. M. , Kahawandala K. R. S. C. B. 
Published: April 2020

The Daffodil Orchid, Ipsea speciosa, is a rare endemic terrestrial orchid species found in the highland grasslands of Sri Lanka. Due to the restricted distribution range, this species is considered as an endangered taxon. This study aimed to assess the present state of I. speciosa populations outside of protected areas. During field investigations of nine selected grasslands, the abundance of I speciosa and accompanying plant species composition was determined. The abundance of I. speciosa varied from 2 to 23 flowering plants per site. Species composition in study sites consisted of 41 plant taxa that included 12 invasive species. Habitat deterioration, intentional burning, clearing of vegetation, and spread of invasive alien plant species were found to be the most significant threats to highland grasslands and the orchid. During the survey, we observed the rapid spreading of invasive species in most of the sites which suggests that the terrestrial orchid population could shrink further. Apart from intentional burning, other serious threats to the orchids are various anthropogenic activities such as illegal collection for medicinal purposes and establishing timber plantations that negatively impact native grassland flora including terrestrial orchids. Our results suggest that a continuous monitoring program for I. speciosa should be initiated. Additionally, monitoring of potentially adverse anthropogenic activities is considered to be vital for the conservation of valuable grasslands and native flora of Sri Lanka.
Key worDS: Epidendroideae, grasslands, invasive species, native flora, terrestrial orchids, threatened species
The tonkin snub-nosed monkey <i> Rhinopithecus avunculus </i> population in the Quan Ba forest, north-east Vietnam: an identification of priority habitat for conservation
Authors: Dang Nguyen Xuan , Nghia Nguyen Xuan , The Pham Van 
Published: April 2020

The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus is among the World’s 25 most endangered primates. At present, the species is found only in few forest areas in Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang Provinces, north-east Vietnam with a total number not exceeding 250 individuals. The forest block in Cao Ma Po, Ta Van and Tung Vai Communes of Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province (the Cao - Ta - Tung forest) harbors the second largest population of Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey. This population was estimated to be conisted of about 30–35 individuals in 2007. However, it faces a number of serious threats (wildlife hunting, habitat degradation by widespread forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom plant, etc.) that may lead the population to be extinct in near future. The population was reduced to 15–21 individuals in 2016 due to these threats. In 2017–2018, we conducted a study to identify a priority habitat area to establish the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area. The results of our study show that the distribution of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population is confined to a small area (about 5,000 ha) belonging to the Theng Chu Phin, Dao Dan Chai, Ta Lay mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 295. This area harbors the best forest of the Cao - Ta - Tung area. The forest covers 92.3% of the area, and only 7.7% of the area is a non-forest land. There are two types of forest: evergreen broad-leaved forest (50.0% of total area) and limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest (42.3%). The evergreen broad-leaved forest has been degraded to medium and restoration status. Tsao-ko cardamom Amomum tsao-ko fields are widespread. The limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest of almost primary status remains in very steep slopes and limestone mountains. The Cao - Ta - Tung forest was designated as a watershed protection forest that allows farming of agricultural and medicinal plants inside the forest and the forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom is widespread becoming the most serious threat to the long-term survival of the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population. In order to ensure long-term survival of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population, the area of the Theng Chu Pin, Dao Dai Chai, Ta Lay, Tung Lau mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 285 must be designated as a special-use forest, i.e. to establish a Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area.
Biological characteristics of the japanese scad <i>Decapterus maruadsi </i> in Thuan An estuary, Thua Thien Hue Province
Authors: Anh Tran Thi Ngoc , Huan Nguyen Xuan , Thanh Tran Trung , Nam Nguyen Thanh 
Published: April 2020

A total of 257 Decapterus maruadsi individuals of collected from Thuan An estuary in Phu Vang District, Thua Thien Hue Province were analyzed. Results showed that the fork length ranged from 90 mm to 215 mm (160.2 mm on average) and mainly in the 140–180 mm range (86.8 %). Of three age groups (0+ to 2+), the fished stock belongfrom is primarily to the 1+ age group (63.8%) and 0+ age group (28.8%). Of five stomach fullness levels (0 to 4), the second and fourth degree made up significantly proportions, being 29.6% and 31.5%, respectively. For the five fat levels (0 to 4), the fourth degree made up 86.0%. The females to males ratio was 1.00 : 1.42. von Bertalanffy’s growth model followed the equation: Lt = 203.77 × (1–e-0.3747(t+3.0272)).
A new species of the genus <i> Trigonura </i> Sichel, 1865 (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) from Vietnam
Authors: Long Khuat Dang , Hiep Nguyen Duc , Hoa Dang Thi , Ngat Tran Thi 
Published: April 2020

Based on the specimens of chalcid parasitoid wasps collected by malaise traps set in fruit orchards in the adjacent area of Ha Noi city from 2018–2019, one new species of the genus Trigonura, T. vietnamica Long, sp. n., was described and illustrated. Two species of this genus from Vietnam are keyed, the comparative characters of the new species were also given to compare with two similar species from the Oriental Region, T. indica Narendran and T. luzonensis Narendran.