bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydroethanolic Extract of Lampaya Medicinalis Phil. (Verbenaceae) Decreases Proinflammatory Marker Expression in Palmitic Acid-exposed Macrophages
Authors: Ormazabal Paulina , Cifuentes Mariana , Varì Rosaria , Scazzocchio Beatrice , Masella Roberta , Pacheco Igor , Vega Wladimir , Paredes Adrián , Morales Glauco 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Obesity is a major health problem associated with increased comorbidities,
which are partially triggered by inflammation. Proinflammatory macrophage infiltration in adipose
tissue of individuals with obesity increases chronic inflammation. Obesity is associated with elevated
plasma levels of saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid (PA), which promotes inflammation in vivo
and in vitro. Infusions of Lampaya medicinalis Phil. (Verbenaceae) are used in the folk medicine of
Northern Chile to counteract inflammation of rheumatic diseases. Hydroethanolic extract of lampaya
(HEL) contains spectrophotometrically defined compounds that may contribute to the observed effect
on inflammation.

Methods:
We evaluated the phytochemical composition of HEL by high-performance liquid chromatography
coupled to diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-
tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). We assessed whether the exposure to HEL affects
PA-induced expression of proinflammatory factors in THP-1 macrophages.

Results:
HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-MS/MS analyses showed the presence of considerable amounts of
flavonoids in HEL. The PA-induced phosphorylation of the inflammatory pathway mediators IKK and
NF-κB, as well as the elevated expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α),
were reduced in cells pre-exposed to HEL.

Conclusion:
These findings give new insights about the effect of HEL reducing IKK/NF-κB proinflammatory
pathway, likely explained by the number of flavonoids contained in the extract. More studies
would be needed to define the possible role of Lampaya as a preventive approach in subjects with
obesity whose circulating PA might contribute to chronic inflammation.
The Relationships Among the Organizational Factors of a Tertiary Healthcare Center for Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Palestine
Authors: Mosleh Rami , Hawash Mohammed , Jarrar Yazun 
Published: May 2020

Background:Diabetes prevalence at Palestine was 10%, with a rising fund crisis, and diabetes healthcare problems. There was a limited research concerning diabetes healthcare dimensions including organizational factors and their predictors.Objectives:This study described patient characteristics and organizational factors, and assessed relationships among organizational factors of type 2 diabetes health care in Palestine.Methods:This study is a retrospective cross sectional study, recruited by convenience sampling method in 330 participants from a type 2 diabetes patients list. It was carried out at Ramallah, Palestine. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v 19) was used to analyze data on patient characteristics and organizational factors collected from personal interview and medical records review.Results:The results showed that 51.2% were males, and 88.5% had additional chronic diseases. Preventive healthcare and patient–healthcare professionals’ relationship were the most prominent organizational factors in statistically significant relationships among organizational factors.Conclusion:This study reflected the need for reviewing prescription mode, and educational programs that emphasize the diabetes self–care management and the health care providers’ role that would be of great benefit in health outcomes further.
Folate-Targeted Polyacrylamide/Punicic Acid Nanomicelles for Flutamide Delivery in Prostate Cancer: Characterization, In Vitro Biological Evaluation, and its DFT Study
Authors: Mirsafaei Razieh , Varshosaz Jaleh , Mirsattari Seyed N. 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Targeted nanocarriers can be used for reducing the unwanted side effects of
drugs in non-target organs. Punicic acid, the polyunsaturated fatty acid of pomegranate seed oil, has
been shown to possess anti-cancer effects on prostate cancer and the study also covers recent patents
related to prostate cancer. The objective of the current study was to synthesize a co-polymeric micelle
for delivery of Flutamide (FL) in prostate cancer using Polyacrylamide (PAM) and Punicic Acid (PA).

Methods:
The co-polymer of PAM and PA was synthesized and conjugated to folic acid. The successful
conjugation was studied computationally by the density functional theory method and was confirmed
by the FT- IR and 1HNMR. The folate-PAMPA micelles produced by the film casting method
were characterized physically. FL was loaded in the nanomicelles and its release test was done at different
pH. The Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) was measured by pyrene as a fluorescent probe.
Their cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated on PC3 prostate cancer cells. The molecular geometry
and vibrational frequencies of two different possibilities for conjugation were calculated using
the B3LYP/6-31G basis set.

Results:
The CMC of the micelles and their particle size were 79.05 μg/ml and 88 nm, respectively.
The resulting nanocarriers of FL showed significantly more cytotoxic effects than the free drug at
a concentration of 25 μM. The calculated results showed that the optimized geometries could well reproduce
the structural parameters, and the theoretical vibrational frequencies were in good agreement
with the experimental values.

Conclusion:
Folate-PAMPA nanomicelles may be promising for the enhancement of FL cytotoxicity
and seem to potentiate the effect of chemotherapeutic agents used in prostate cancer treatment.
Developing a Theory-Driven Serious Game to Promote Prescription Opioid Safety Among Adolescents: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Abraham Olufunmilola , Thakur Tanvee , Brown Randall 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundAdolescents in North America are severely affected by the opioid crisis, yet there are limited educational resources for educating teens about prescription opioid safety and misuse. Empirical literature lacks evidence regarding teen education about prescription opioid safety through serious games and lacks conceptual models and frameworks to guide the process of game development for this purpose.ObjectiveThis study aims to conceptualize and design a serious game prototype to teach teens about prescription opioid safety and propose a conceptual framework for developing a serious game to educate youth about safe and responsible use of prescription opioids.MethodsThe initial steps of the project comprised of the formulation of an integrated conceptual framework that included factors from health behavior models and game development models. This was followed by the formal process of serious game development, which resulted in a game prototype. The assessment of the game prototype was done through group discussions, individual interviews, and questionnaires with adolescents following gameplay. Field notes were used to keep track of the responses from the group discussions. Content and thematic analyses were used to analyze field notes and responses to the open-ended questionnaire, which were then used to refine the game prototype.ResultsA total of 10 playtests with over 319 adolescents and emerging young adults (AYAs) in community settings such as middle schools, high schools, and colleges were conducted by the project team between March and June 2019. The AYAs provided feedback on the initial game prototype using questionnaires administered through Qualtrics or in-person on paper. Preliminary feedback suggested that the teens found the game objectives, outcomes, and design appealing. Overall, the game was perceived as realistic, and learning outcomes seemed achievable. Suggestions for improvement included the need for additional direction on gameplay, clearer instructions, concise dialog, and reduced technical problems in the gameplay.ConclusionsWe propose a conceptual framework for developing a serious game prototype to educate youth about prescription opioid safety. The project used a theory-driven conceptual framework for the development of a serious game targeting the prevention of adolescent opioid misuse and garnered preliminary feedback on the game to improve the quality of gameplay and the prototype. Feedback through informal assessments in community settings suggests that the youth and their families are interested in a game-based approach to learn about prescription opioid safety in homes and schools. The next steps include modifications to the game prototype based on feedback from the community, integration of learning analytics to track the in-game behaviors of players, and formal testing of the final prototype.
Effect of Platform Swing Walkway on Locomotor Behavior in Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mohsen Hanaa , Samy Omnya 
Published: May 2020

Background
Limited attention has been given to the effectiveness of the platform swing walkway, which is a common way to improve gait pattern through activation of sensory stimuli (visual, auditory, vestibular, and somatosensory).

Objective
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a platform swing walkway on gait parameters in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods
A total of 30 children of both sexes (aged 6-8 years) with diplegic CP were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned into two groups of equal number: the control group (n=15) and the study group (n=15). The control group received the conventional physical therapy plan, whereas the study group received the same conventional physical therapy program in addition to gait training on a platform swing walkway. Temporal parameters during the gait cycle were collected using gait tracker video analysis, and the Growth Motor Function Measure Scale (GMFM-88) was used to assess standing and walking (Dimensions D and E) before and after the treatment program.

Results
A statistically significant improvement in both groups was noted when comparing the mean values of all measured variables before and after treatment (P≤.05). There were significant differences between the control and study groups with respect to all measured variables, which favored the study group when comparing the posttreatment outcomes (P≤.05).

Conclusions
Results suggest that gait training on platform swing walkways can be included as an alternative therapeutic modality to enhance gait parameters and gross motor function in children with diplegic CP.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NTC04246658; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NTC04246658
Smartphone App to Self-Monitor Nausea During Pediatric Chemotherapy Treatment: User-Centered Design Process
Authors: Eliasen Astrid , Abildtoft Mikkel Kramme , Krogh Niels Steen , Rechnitzer Catherine , Brok Jesper Sune , Mathiasen René , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Dalhoff Kim Peder 
Published: May 2020

Background
Nausea and vomiting are common and distressing side effects for children receiving chemotherapy. Limited evidence is available to guide antiemetic recommendations; therefore, prospective and reliable evaluation of antiemetic efficacy is needed. Smartphone apps can be used to effortlessly and precisely collect patient-reported outcomes in real time.

Objective
Our objective was to develop a smartphone app to monitor nausea and vomiting episodes in pediatric cancer patients aged 0 to 18 years and to test its usability and adherence to its use.

Methods
We used a user-centered design process and the evolutionary prototype model to develop and evaluate the app. Multidisciplinary group discussions and several rounds of patient feedback and modification were conducted. We translated the validated Pediatric Nausea Assessment Tool to assess nausea severity in children aged 4 to 18 years. The child’s own term for nausea was interactively incorporated in the nausea severity question, with response options expressed as 4 illustrative faces. Parent-reported outcomes were used for children aged 0 to 3 years. Reminders were sent using push notifications in order to ensure high response rates. Children aged 0 to 18 years who were undergoing chemotherapy were recruited from the Department of Pediatric Oncology at Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet to evaluate the app.

Results
The app’s most important function was to record nausea severity in children. After assistance from a researcher, children aged 4 to 18 years were able to report their symptoms in the app, and parents were able to report symptoms for their children aged 0 to 3 years. Children (n=20, aged 2.0-17.5 years) and their parents evaluated the app prospectively during a collective total of 60 chemotherapy cycles. They expressed that the app was user-friendly, intuitive, and that the time spent on data entry was fair. The response rates were on average 92%, 93%, and 80% for the day before, the first day of, and the next 3 days after chemotherapy, respectively. Researchers and clinicians were able to obtain an overview of the patient’s chemotherapy dates and responses through a secure and encrypted web-based administrative portal. Data could be downloaded for further analysis.

Conclusions
The user-friendly app could be used to facilitate future pediatric antiemetic trials and to refine antiemetic treatment during chemotherapy.
A Web- and App-Based Connected Care Solution for COVID-19 In- and Outpatient Care: Qualitative Study and Application Development
Authors: Schinköthe Timo , Gabri Mariano Rolando , Mitterer Manfred , Gouveia Pedro , Heinemann Volker , Harbeck Nadia , Subklewe Marion 
Published: May 2020

Background
From the perspective of health care professionals, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) brings many challenges as well as opportunities for digital health care. One challenge is that health care professionals are at high risk of infection themselves. Therefore, in-person visits need to be reduced to an absolute minimum. Connected care solutions, including telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and secure communications between clinicians and their patients, may rapidly become the first choice in such public health emergencies.

Objective
The aim of the COVID-19 Caregiver Cockpit (C19CC) was to implement a free-of-charge, web- and app-based tool for patient assessment to assist health care professionals working in the COVID-19 environment.

Methods
Physicians in Argentina, Germany, Iran, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United States explained their challenges with COVID-19 patient care through unstructured interviews. Based on the collected feedback, the first version of the C19CC was built. In the second round of interviews, the application was presented to physicians, and more feedback was obtained.

Results
Physicians identified a number of different scenarios where telemedicine or connected care solutions could rapidly improve patient care. These scenarios included outpatient care, discharge management, remote tracking of patients with chronic diseases, as well as incorporating infected physicians under quarantine into telehealth services.

Conclusions
The C19CC is the result of an agile and iterative development process that complements the work of physicians. It aims to improve the care and safety of people who are infected by COVID-19.
EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANALGESIC, ANTIPYRETIC EFFECT OF EICOSANE, PENTADECANE, OCTACOSANE, AND HENEICOSANE
Authors: OKECHUKWU PATRICK NWABUEZE 
Published: May 2020

Objective: Marantodes pumilum (MP) is a plant widely used in traditional medicine in the Southeast Asian region and been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and antiulcer properties. The aim of the study is to identify the bioactive phytochemicals present in the purified leaf extract of MP using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and to determine their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effect in a rat model.
Methods: A dichloromethane crude extract of MP was partially purified using column chromatography, and the bioactive compounds were identified using GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of the identified bioactive compounds were evaluated using formalin, carrageenan, acetic acid, and brewer’s yeast to induce the rats.
Results: Eicosane, pentadecane, octacosane, and heneicosane were identified as bioactive compounds in purified leaf extract of MP. These bioactive compounds did not show any toxicity on the rats at 1000 mg/kg. There was no mortality, and no apparent behavioral, physiological, and morphological changes of the internal organs occurred. They exhibited a very significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia.
Conclusions: Eicosane and pentadecane were able to show very strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. The observed effects of the bioactive compounds are similar to previous reports on crude and partially purified leaf extract of MP. The finding suggests that eicosane and pentadecane maybe the major bioactive compounds present in the purified leaf extract of MP.
ATENOLOL MICROPARTICLES BY TWO-FACTOR TWO-LEVEL CENTRAL COMPOSITE DESIGN
Authors: SHARMA ARTI , K BATRA SUNIL 
Published: May 2020

Objective: The objective of this research was to formulation, optimization, and evaluation of gastric-mucoadhesive microparticles which contains selective β1 receptor antagonist atenolol.
Methods: The following chemicals were used, atenolol (Gangwal Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai), ethyl cellulose (EC) (Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai), Carbopol 940 (Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai), liquid paraffin (Arora Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi), and Span 80 (Central Drug House (P) Ltd., New Delhi). Microparticles were prepared by the emulsification solvent evaporation technique using polymers of Carbomer 934p (CP) and EC. Disc formulations were prepared by direct compression technique from microparticles. Microparticles of combined polymers were designed according to 22 factorial central composite design (CCD), taking EC concentration and surfactant concentration as the independent variables. A total of 13 batches were prepared. The dependent variables were percentage of % drug released and % entrapment efficiency.
Results and Discussion: All evaluation tests were done for the prepared 13 formulations, such as percentage entrapment efficiency, percentage drug release, swelling index, percentage yield, and particle size analysis. The entrapment efficiency of optimized formulation was found to be 72.02%. The entrapment efficiency increases with increase in EC concentration and stirring speed. Optimized formulation was further subjected to study of drug release kinetics based on the R2 value; it was observed that Korsmeyer Peppas release kinetic model was found to be best suited for formulation of atenolol with EC: carbopol 934 by solvent evaporation method.
Conclusion: The optimized formulation of microparticles containing atenolol was found to be homogeneous, good appearance and had well flow properties and better release kinetics.
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A POLOXAMER- AND CHITOSAN-BASED IN SITU GEL-FORMING INJECTABLE DEPOT
Authors: Nair Hema a , BEGUM NAZIA 
Published: May 2020

Objective: The present study is intended to investigate the applicability of poloxamer- and chitosan-based temperature induced in situ injectable gelling depot for once a week therapy as an intramuscular injection employing olanzapine as a model drug.
Methods: The thermosetting gel was prepared by admixture of a solution of poloxamer P127 and a solution of olanzapine and chitosan in aqueous acetic acid. The resultant formulation was characterized for gelation temperature, gelation time, viscosity, syringeability, pH, drug content, and in vitro drug release. The in vitro release of olanzapine from the gelled depot was followed using USP paddle type II apparatus in conjunction with a dialysis bag. The gel was injected ex vivo into chicken muscle and observed by subsequent dissection.
Results: The formulation was designed to have a phase transition temperature of 34°C and gelled in <10 s at 37°C. Addition of chitosan imparted favorable rheological properties to the poloxamer gel and resulted in a pseudoplastic mixture with low viscosity in the sol state and higher viscosity post gelation. The preparation had a pH of 5.4, appropriate drug content and readily passed through a 20 gauge needle. The release of olanzapine was unhindered by the dialysis bag. Following an initial bust, a sustained, zero-order release of the remainder of drug was observed up to 9 days. The injectable was found to form a compact depot when evaluated ex vivo.
Conclusion: The developed system showed several features which make it a suitable vehicle for sustained intramuscular delivery of drugs.
ESTIMATION OF PHENOLIC CONTENT, FLAVONOID CONTENT, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ALPHA-AMYLASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF SOME SELECTED PLANTS FROM SIRAHA DISTRICT NEPAL
Authors: Numer Alam  , Sharma Khaga raj 
Published: May 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to estimate the phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant, antibacterial, and α-amylase inhibitory activity of some selected plants such as Anethum sowa, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Lepidium sativum, Cuscuta reflexa, Eclipta alba, Leucas cephalotes, and Tinospora cordifolia collected from Siraha district of Nepal using in vitro studies.
Methods: Methanol extracts of these medicinal plants were prepared by cold percolation method. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed by color differentiation method. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, the α-amylase enzyme inhibitory activity was studied using starch as a substrate, pancreatic α-amylase as the enzyme, and acarbose as standard.
Results: Phytochemical screening showed that the plant extracts were found a rich source of secondary metabolites. The phenolic content estimation showed T. foenum-graecum 939.764±0.01, L. sativum 551.63±0.02, A. sowa 306.34±0.06, L. cephalotes 233.19±0.03, T. cordifolia 211.76±0.02, E. alba 202.67±0.02, and C. reflexa Roxb. 145.09±0.09 mg milligram gallic acid equivalent per gram. The flavonoid content estimation showed T. cordifolia 852.07±0.11, L. sativum 553.81±0.05, E. alba 322.13±0.02, A. sowa 329.02±0.05, L. cephalotes 164.93±0.02, and C. reflexa Roxb. 146.37±0.00 mg milligram quercetin equivalent per gram. The antioxidant potential showed by E. alba IC50 33.48±0.82 μg/ml and the values ranged from E. alba 33.48±0.82 to A. sowa 47.62±1.09 μg/ml. The α-amylase inhibitory activity showed by A. sowa 76.78±2.00–E. alba 777.36±9.66 μg/ml. The result of brine shrimp toxicity showed LC50 value >1000 μg/ml. Among the seven plant extracts, only the plant extract of E. alba showed a zone of inhibition 14 mm against Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusions: The plant extract of T. foenum-graecum showed the highest phenolic content, and T. cordifolia showed the highest flavonoid content. The highest antioxidant potential exhibited by E. alba and the highest α-amylase inhibition activity showed by A. sowa. The plant extract of E. alba showed moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus. All plant extracts were found non-toxic against brine shrimp larvae although further study is needed to assess its mechanism of action.