bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One-year outcomes of Aflibercept for refractory diabetic macular edema in Bevacizumab nonresponders
Authors: Salimi Ali , Vila Natalia , Modabber Milad , Kapusta Michael 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
A sub-population of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) responds less effectively to off-label use of Bevacizumab. Approval of Aflibercept for DME has offered Bevacizumab nonresponders an alternative therapeutic option. Herein, we investigate the anatomical and functional changes associated with Aflibercept treatment in Bevacizumab nonresponders with chronic DME in a Canadian setting.

Methods:
A retrospective study of eyes with persistent DME that were switched to Aflibercept due to nonresponse following ≥6 consecutive monthly Bevacizumab injections was performed. Anatomical and functional changes and the predictors of response were assessed using patients' characteristics prior to receiving their first (baseline) and seventh consecutive Aflibercept injections (follow-up).

Results:
Twenty-four eyes were included, with a mean age of 63.9 ± 10.7 years, an average of 16.8 ± 8.5 Bevacizumab injections prior to switching to Aflibercept, and mean follow-up duration of 11.8 ± 1.7 months following switching to Aflibercept. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly from 0.49 ± 0.13 to 0.41 ± 0.11 logMAR (P < 0.001) and central subfield thickness (CST) decreased by 119.4 μm from 409.4 ± 85.8 μm to 290.0 ± 64.5 μm (P < 0.001), with 50% of eyes showing complete anatomical response. Worse BCVA and higher CST at baseline predicted greater vision improvements (P = 0.001 and P = 0.035, respectively) while a larger decrease in CST was associated with greater baseline CST (P = 0.001) and better glycemic control (P = 0.039).

Conclusion:
Our data from a real-world clinical setting highlight the efficacy of Aflibercept as an alternative therapeutic option for DME recalcitrant to Bevacizumab, with potential additional benefit to those with worse vision, greater CST, and better glycemic control at baseline.
Impact of accreditation on documentation and staff perception in the ophthalmology department of an Indian medical college
Authors: Ajay K , Poka Avinash , Narayan M 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers operates the health-care accreditation program in India. Research on impact of accreditation on eye-care centers is scarce. This article was conceptualized to scientifically evaluate the changes in documentation brought about by accreditation and its effects on staff in the Ophthalmology Department of an Indian Medical College.

Methods:
This was conducted as a quasi-experimental study in four steps. First, a point-based evaluation of case sheets in both pre-accreditation and postaccreditation phase, along with statistical analysis of the results, was done. Step two involved analysis of quality indicators and patient safety indices in successive years from inception of data to post-accreditation phase. Step three comprised a survey of staff employing a validated tool, and finally, face-to-face semistructured interviews with designated authorities, including finance departmental head, completed the study.

Results:
A statistically significant difference was seen in scores achieved by the pre and postaccreditation case sheets, with the postphase case sheets achieving 15% increased scores over the prephase case sheets. Quality indicator indices displayed improvements post-accreditation. There was an accompanying increase in quantity of documentation. Financial data analysis showed increased expenditure for accreditation under multiple heads. Staff believed that accreditation led to increased workload but did not express decreased satisfaction and felt that accreditation was eventually beneficial. However, staff believed rewards for improving quality can be enhanced.

Conclusion:
Accreditation increases quality and quantity of documentation, and staff workload. Increased financial costs also ensue.Staff believe that accreditation improves quality, is beneficial, but desire enhanced rewards.
Patients’ Experiences of Seclusion during Admission in Psychiatric Settings in KwaZulu-Natal: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Umubyeyi Benoite , Banamwana Gilbert , Mukangabire Pacifique , Kagabo Innocent , Jeanne D’Arc Jeanne D’Arc , Bagaragaza Emmanuel 
Published: January 2021

Background
In South Africa, seclusion is one of the practices used in the management of disruptive behaviors in psychiatric settings. Despite its continued use, seclusion is always subject to controversial debates, and patients who undergo it express a range of negative experiences.
Objective
To explore the experiences of patients regarding seclusion during their admission in a psychiatric hospital. Methods
A qualitative descriptive design was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten patients attending a community psychiatric clinic in KwaZulu-Natal. Interviews were analyzed using content analysis.
Results
Two themes emerged from the findings: controversial views of seclusion and negative experiences of seclusion. Seclusion was considered more as a punishment measure which was often used abusively, than a therapeutic intervention. Participants expressed loneliness, humiliation, and powerlessness following their seclusion experience. Limited patient-staff interaction and communication worsened patients’ negativity towards seclusion. Conclusion
Findings from this study underscore the need to review practices, policies and procedures regarding the use of seclusion. Seclusion should be only used when the need is absolute and as the last treatment option. Open communication between the care providers and the patients should be emphasized during the time of seclusion.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2020;3(3):342-361
The Implementation of the Stay Home Measure and its Effectiveness in Containing the Spread of 2019-nCoV in East African Countries: Case of Rwanda, and Kenya
Authors: Korukire Noel , Rutayisire Reverien , Rumagihwa Liberatha , Kayitesi Isabelle , Ineza Marie Claire , Niyitegeka Charite , Mukangendo Mecthilde , Mukeshimana Madeleine , Birasa Liliane , Basheija David , Ngaruiya Faith , Gasana Canisius , Niyonkuru Umuhire Viviane 
Published: January 2021

A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), is a new public health issue that is threatening the entire world. The first cases were detected in China by the end of 2019 and spread worldwide rapidly. A significant number of hospitalization and deaths have been recorded globally. So far, Public health measures, including staying at home, are the only available efficient control measures that help to stop the spread of the disease. This paper aims to document how the stay home measure was implemented and highlight its effects on the prevention of the spread of the disease in Rwanda and Kenya. The selection of Kenya and Rwanda was based on the fact that authors able to access the daily report from these countries. The authors reviewed the available literature to inform their views. In Rwanda, the stay-home strategy was strictly enforced, and movements were highly restricted, while in Kenya, movements were allowed in some counties with respect to preventive measures in place. The authors of this paper conclude that the stay home measure is a key measure to the containment of the spread of the outbreak. The paper recommends further studies to document the statistical association between the mode of implementation of the stay home measure and the decrease of new cases of 2019-nCoV.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2020;3(3):362-371
Close Encounters: Staging Julius Caesar, Coriolanus and Antony and Cleopatra in contemporary South Africa
Authors: De Waal Marguerite 
Published: January 2021

Is there room, as Natasha Distiller asked in 2012, for a “close encounter” with Shakespeare in post-apartheid South Africa? This question has become increasingly pertinent. Following the Fallist movements which were ignited at universities across the country in 2015, calls for the decolonisation of curricula and cultural institutions have been coupled with growing resistance against pervading socio-economic inequalities. Amongst other things, the student protests represented a rejection of “old ways of reading” characterised in both ideological and material terms by exclusion, lack of access and disempowerment. This article suggests that Distiller’s question may be engaged with reference to stage adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays in educational and/or academic settings which took place before, during and after the student movements of 2015–16. These are two productions by the National Children’s Theatre aimed at secondary school students – Coriolanus (2016) and Antony and Cleopatra (2018) – and two university productions: The Julius Caesar Project (2013) at the University of the Witwatersrand, and DCoriolanus (2017) at the University of Pretoria. Through close consideration of the strategies and decisions employed in staging these productions, the paper argues that the medium of theatre, and the ways in which it has been used by South African performers and theatre-makers, is key to understanding how both subversive and productive “close encounters” with Shakespeare might be enacted
Evaluation of the cytotoxic and antiviral effects of ethanol extract of three Opuntia species of Peste des Petits ruminant virus
Authors: Altaf Imran , Ashraf Faryal , Ashraf Muhammad , Ashraf Moneeb , Javeed Aqeel , Munir Neelma , Bashir Rasheeda 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To assess in vitro the virocidal effects of different species of cactus plant on the lethal action of Peste des petits virus (PPRV).Method: Ethanol extracts of different cactus plants were obtained. A serial twofold dilution of the extracts was prepared. Cytotoxic and antiviral activities were examined through MTT assay at various concentrations. Vero cell lines were grown in 96 well plates up to an 80 % confluent monolayer. The plates were divided into two groups, one for antiviral and the other for cytotoxicity activity. The cells were exposed to various concentrations of the ethanol extracts to assess the cytotoxicity, whereas to assess the antiviral activity, PPRV was re-incubated with the extracts and then exposed to cells. MMT dye was added and the results were evaluated as cell survival (%).Results: At higher concentrations, i.e., 500 - 1000 μg/mL, ethanol extracts from all the Opuntia species displayed cytotoxic effects. The ethanol extract of OM exhibited the greatest antiviral potential of all the extracts, while the extract of Opuntia stricta (OS) was the least effective against PPRV in the cultured cells. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the concentration of Opuntia manocantha (OM), Opuntia delinii OD and Opuntia stricta (OS) with reference to antiviral activity. OM showed antiviral activity against PPRV from 3.25 to 125 μg/mL, OD antiviral activity from 31.25 to 62.5 ug/ml whereas OS showed antiviral activity at 2.5 μg/mLConclusion: The ethanol extract of Opuntia species reduces the infection of PPRV in Caprine.
Keywords: Cactus, Opuntia spp., Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), Vero cell line
A reliable chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin in human serum
Authors: Džodić Predrag , Veličković-Radovanović Radmila , Koraćević Maja , Spasić Ana , Živanović Slavoljub , Catić-Đorđević Aleksandra , Cvetković Tatjana 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To develop and validate a simple chromatographic method for the analysis of ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin in human serum.Methods: After protein precipitation had been performed, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection was utilized for the analysis of ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin in human serum. Analytical column Zorbax SB-C18 (150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., particle size 3.5 μm) was used as a stationary phase. Chromatographic separation was realized with the mobile phase 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in water for chromatography - methanol (66:34, v/v), at the flow rate of 1 mL/min, temperature of 35 oC and detection at 280 nm. The method validation was performed according to the guidelines of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).Results: The chromatographic run time was about 12 minutes and no interference was observed. For ciprofloxacin, the method was linear over a concentration range of 0.5-50 μg/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9874. For moxifloxacin, the method was linear over a concentration range of 0.5-50 μg/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9946. Since relative standard deviation (RSD) and relative recovery values were within acceptable limits according to EMA guidelines, good intra-day precision, inter-day precision, as well as the accuracy of the method, were observed.Conclusion: A simple and reliable HPLC-UV method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin in human serum. The method can be applied for therapeutic drug monitoring but also and pharmacokinetic studies of ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin.
Keywords: Human serum, Ciprofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Protein precipitation, HPLC, UV detection, Method validation
Periodontal status among adult cigarette smokers using Miswak (Salvadora persica) for oral hygiene: A crosssectional study from Asir Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Javali Mukhatar A. , Joseph Betsy , AlQahtani Nabeeh A. , Khader Mohasin Abdul , Abullias Shahabe Saquib , AlQahtani Saad M. 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To compare the periodontal status of exclusive users of Miswak (Salvadora persica) with that of exclusive toothbrush users among adult smokers of cigarettes in Saudi Arabia.Methods: This educational-institutional study included one hundred and fifty adult patients (age and socioeconomic status matched, SES) between the ages of 18 and 75, and were listed as the group I, II, and III, with 50 participants each (participants with no oral hygiene, toothbrush users and miswak users respectively). Oral hygiene habits, the number of cigarettes smoked, and time since the habit began. Periodontal and radiographic parameters were reported.Results: All parameters related to periodontium (plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (Rec), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone loss (BL)) showed that the analysed groups exhibited differences (p < 0.001). Least amount of BL (anterior and posterior) was found in toothbrush users and Miswak users, while least amount of attachment loss (both anterior and posterior) was recorded among Miswak users (p > 0.05). Positive association was found for GI (r = 0.753) and recession (r = 0.436, p < 0.001) in terms of the number of cigarettes smoked in group I, and anterior PPD (r = 0.388, p < 0.001) in group III for the duration of smoking. A negative correlation was found for BOP in group III (r = - 0.339, p < 0.05) in terms of frequency of tooth cleaning and GI (r = - 0.381) (p < 0.001) in group II, in terms of time taken attain oral hygiene.Conclusion: This study indicates less severe periodontal damage among adult current cigarette smokers in miswak users than in toothbrush users. Thus, there some potentials for miswak use for promotion of oral hygiene.
Keywords: Periodontal status, Adult cigarette smokers, Miswak, Oral hygiene
Effect of “HuChou San” on ABCC11 mRNA levels and MRP8 protein expression in skin tissue from bilateral axilla of axillary osmidrosis patients
Authors: Chen Bin Chen , Wang Huichun , Wu Baojin 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of “HuChou San” on axillary osmidrosis (AO) by measuring ABCC11 mRNA levels and MRP8 protein expression in axillary skin tissues from “HuChou San”-treated AO patients.Methods: Forty AO patients undergoing treatment at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital were enrolled in the study. Tissues from axillary regions were initially treated for 10 min with a solution of copper sulphate and zinc sulphate, followed by treatment with gentle application of “HuChou San” once daily for 3 months. Ten healthy individuals served as untreated control. Axillary skin tissue was surgically collected at 0, 1, 2, and 3 months of treatment. The expressions of ABCC11 mRNA and MRP8 protein in axillary skin samples were determined using qPCR and Western blot, respectively.Results: The qPCR and Western blot results showed higher levels of ABCC11 mRNA and MRP8 protein in AO patient tissues than in healthy controls. However, “HuChou San” treatment markedly reduced tissue levels of ABCC11 mRNA and MRP8 protein (p < 0.05), when compared to tissues extracted prior to treatment. These effects were time-dependent and increased as treatment duration increased (p < 0.05).Conclusion: “HuChou San” powder significantly and time-dependently reduced ABCC11 mRNA and MRP8 protein expressions in AO axillary tissue of AO patients. It is known that ABCC11 mRNA and MRP8 protein are two important indices of AO. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that“HuChou San” has potentials for use as a novel alternative therapy for AO.
Keywords: ABCC11 mRNA, MRP8 protein, Axillary osmidrosis, HuChou San
Pretreatment with Shenxiong Drop Pill induces AQP4- mediated neuroprotective effect on middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats
Authors: Jin Shuo-guo , Deng Ji-li , Chen Ze-ran , Yang Fang , Liu Mei-jun , Sun Hong-hui , Ran Ning-jing , Zhang Li , Yang Dong-dong , Chen Wei-yin 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of Shenxiong Drop Pill (SXDP) pretreatment on rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats, and the mechanism involved.Methods: Ninety-nine SD rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control group, MCAO group, shamoperated group and SXDP group. The MCAO model was established via thread occlusion. Rats in the SXDP group was administered SXDP 7 days before induction of MCAO. Neurological deficit score (NDS) was determined using Bederson's neurological behavioral scoring method, while cerebral infarction volume was measured using TTC staining. Integrated optical density (IOD) of Nissl Body was evaluated via Nissl staining. Brain water content was measured using dry-wet method. The expression level of AQP4 in brain tissues was determined using immunocytochemistry.Results: The SXDP treatment resulted in significant reduction in NDS, marked improvement in IOD of Nissl Body, and significant reductions in cerebral infarction volume, brain water content, and expression level of AQP4, relative to control (p< 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that SXDP pretreatment exerts neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia in rats by decreasing in cerebral edema through a mechanism involving downregulation of the expression of AQP4.
Keywords: Middle cerebral artery occlusion, Cerebral ischemia, Aquaporins-4, Cerebral edema, Neuroprotection
Disposition kinetics of ceftriaxone and determination of its therapeutic dose in dogs
Authors: Eke Ifeanyi G. , Eze Ukamaka U. , Anaga Aruh O. , Chah Kennedy F. , Anene Boniface M. , Asuzu Isaac U. 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the disposition kinetics of ceftriaxone (CFZ) in dogs with a view to determining its therapeutic dose and dosing frequency.Methods: Twelve (12) Basenji dogs (n = 4), divided into 3 groups (A, B and C), were used for the study. Ceftriaxone was administered intramuscularly at doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg once to groups A, B and C respectively. Plasma CFZ concentration was determined by agar well diffusion assay at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h post-treatment, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were determined.Results: Intramuscular injection of CFZ to dogs resulted in rapid absorption, distribution and elimination (p < 0.05). The elimination half-life was short and did not change significantly with increase in dose. Serum concentration of CFZ changed significantly (p < 0.05) with increase in dose of CFZ. The maximum serum concentration (Cmax, 15.00 ± 1.18, 141.37 ± 15.87 and 259 ± 5.21 μg/mL) for groups A, B and C respectively were significantly (p < 0.05) different. The steady state CFZ concentrations; 0.94, 8.81 and 16.19 μg/mL for groups A, B and C, respectively, were significantly (p < 0.05) different. However, there was no significant difference in the time to reach steady state concentrations (Tmax, 00±0.021, 4.00±0.10 and 4.30±0.12 for groups A, B and C respectively). The therapeutic dose of CFZ was therefore determined to be 25 – 50 mg/kg every 4 h.Conclusion: Ceftriaxone undergoes rapid elimination in dogs with a short elimination half-life, thus making it an inconvenient prescription for out-patients in veterinary clinics.
Keywords: Ceftriaxone, Pharmacokinetic profile, Dogs, Therapeutic dose, Veterinary clinic
Uncaria gambir (W. Hunter) Roxb: From phytochemical composition to pharmacological importance
Authors: Saad Mohd Faiz Mat , Goh Hoe-Han , Rajikan Roslee , Yusof Tengku Roslina Tuan , Baharum Syarul Nataqain , Bunawan Hamidun 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To present an overview of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects of the ‘wonder’ plant, Uncaria gambir (W. Hunter) Roxb.Methods: The literature search for information on phytochemical composition and pharmacological importance of U. gambir was undertaken using diverse electronic search engines, including Google, Scopus, Web of Science, scientific literature, and databases (Pubmed, Springer and Science Direct). Other relevant literature sources include books, book chapters, conference papers, theses, and other scientific publications.Results: Uncaria gambir Roxb possesses significant medicinal potentials as an antioxidant, anthelmintic, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, and for the management of osteoarthritis. Interest has increased among researchers for the utilization of this plant in complementary medicine, for example, to relieve sore throat, spongy gum, and dysentery, to treat atherosclerosis and obesity, and to prolong sexual intercourse.Conclusion: Uncaria gambir demonstrates significant pharmacological properties. This review will be useful for prospective research and development of this ethnomedicinal plant into potentially valuable health products.
Keywords: Anthelmintic, Antibacterial,Anti-Diabetic, Osteoarthritis, Uncaria gambir