bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Policy Compliance among retailers in Bhutan: A multisite community intervention study
Authors: Gyeltshen Tshewang , Penjor Tshering , Dorji Lham , Tshering Lobzang , Kinley Kinley , Dorji Kinley , Subedi Bhim Nath , Tshering Dorji , Kumar Dil , Xu Yvonne Yiru , Dorji Gampo , Gueye8 Ghislain 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Alcohol use is a major public health problem in Bhutan. Compliance with regulations at point of sales is an important strategy in alcohol control. Retail outlets were briefed on sales regulations and provided notification with rules and directed to display in the premises. The extent to which licensed alcohol outlets responded to possible alcohol purchase was assessed through the use of young proxy‐purchasers, adults feigning alcohol intoxicated and sober adults. A total of 854 visits (pre versus post visits) were made across four district towns. Two towns (Damphu town in Tsirang district and Pema Gatshel town in Pema Gatshel district) received pre- and post-intervention purchase surveys while other two neighboring towns (Khuruthang town in Punakha and Bajo town in Wangdue) were administered only baseline surveys. Results: Retailers rarely checked the age and/or identification (ID) of the proxy‐purchasers before the intervention. There was 22.7% (8.6, 37) percent increase in compliance with laws after the intervention. While some strategies are suggested, the strongest and most effective measure to prevent under‐age drinking and over service to intoxicated, more rigorous enforcement of existing liquor laws are required.Conclusion: Alcohol control requires ongoing government enforcements supplemented by public awareness and knowledge.
Perceived stress and its associated factors among health care providers during COVID-19 outbreak in Ilu Aba Bor and Bunno Bedelle Zones of Oromia regional state, South West, Ethiopia, 2020: A Cross sectional study
Authors: Alemayehu Yadeta , kenea Adamu , Gelan Ibsa , Bacha Lemi , Tolessa Geremew 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Pandemic corona virus outbreak has global distribution and world health organization stated that there is a high risk of pandemic corona virus out spreading to other developing countries that can make health professionals serving in third world countries to fear for morbidity and mortality. Even though the problem is given a concern in Western countries, in developing countries like Ethiopia the data is limited and the concern for these front liners is low.Objectives: To assess level of perceived stress and associated factors among health care providers during corona virus outbreak in Ilu Aba Bora and Bunno Bedelle Zones, Oromia regional state, South West Ethiopia, 2020.Methods: Facility based cross sectional study design was conducted among 365 respondents. Perceived stress was assessed using perceived stress scale (PSS) instrument. The data was organized and processed by the use of epi info-7 and analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: The prevalence of perceived stress due to pandemic corona virus among health care providers working in public health facilities was 57%. In Multivariate logistic regression being married (AOR=4.6, 95% CI: 3.51; 9.33), less than one year work experience (AOR= 2.57, 95%CI: 1.83-7.32) and having BSc degree and lower educational background (AOR=3.8, 95%CI: 2.81; 7.03) had significantly associated with perceived stress among health care providers at p value of less than 0.05.Conclusion: Lower work experience, being married and lower educational background was significantly associated with perceived stress. Ministry of health in collaboration with ministry of education and other stakeholders should facilitate stress management skills inductive trainings to practitioners of newly recruited health care providers working in health care facilities.
Dirac Redux - Dirac’s Equation in Physical Spacetime without Internal Degrees of Freedom
Authors: Andoni Sokol 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Dirac equation (DE) is one of the cornerstones of quantum physics. We prove in the present contribution that the notion of internal degrees of freedom of the electron represented by Dirac’s matrices is superfluous. One can write down a coordinate-free manifestly covariant equation by direct quantization of the energy-momentum 4-vector P with modulus m: P(psi) = m(psi) (no slash!), the spinor (psi) taking care of the different vector grades at the two sides of the equation. Electron spin and all the standard DE properties emerge from this equation. In coordinate representation, the four orthonormal time-space frame vectors x0, x1, x2, x3 formally substitute Dirac’s gamma-matrices, the two sets obeying to the same Clifford algebra. The present formalism expands Hestenes’ spacetime algebra (STA) by adding a reflector vector x5, which in 3D transforms a parity-odd vector x into a parity-even vector x5x and vice versa. STA augmented by the reflector will be referred to as STAR, which operates on a real vector space of same dimension as the equivalent real dimension of Dirac’s complex 4 x 4 matrices. There are no matrices in STAR and the complex character springs from the signature and dimension of spacetime-reflection. This appears most clearly by first showing that STAR comprises two isomorphic subspaces, one for the generators of polar vectors and boosts and the other for the generators of axial vectors and rotors, comprising Pauli spin vectors. These then help to discuss the symmetries, probability current, transformation properties and nonrelativistic approximation of STAR DE. By proving that Dirac’s matrices are redundant, because all the information from them is contained in spacetime-reflection, it becomes relevant to reexamine those areas of modern physics that take Dirac matrices and their generalizations as fundamental.
Specific parameters for formation of the tuberculosis risk group among children with HIV infection in a big city
Authors: Shamuratova L. F. , Sevostyanova T. A. , Mazus A. I. , Tsyganova E. V. , Serebryakov E. M. , Denisova E. A. 
Published: March 2021

The objective of the study: to establish specific parameters for formation of tuberculosis risk group in HIV positive children of 0-17 years old in order to plan tuberculosis prevention activities.Subjects and methods. The main statistical rates on tuberculosis, HIV infection and their combination in children of 0-17 years old for 2009-2018 were studied. All new cases of TB/HIV co-infection were analyzed in children of 0-17 years old in Moscow for 2004-2018.Results. While the incidence of tuberculosis and HIV infection among children has been decreasing in Moscow over a 10-year period (2009-2018), the group with advanced risk to develop tuberculosis due to HIV infection is growing, both due to children born by HIV positive women (by 1.8 times), and children with confirmed HIV infection (by 2.1 times), which is partly explained by intensive migration in the big city.In the structure of the followed up of children with HIV infection, it has been established that the number and proportion of the following categories tend to grow: children above 8 years old; those at the stage of secondary diseases and advanced stages of HIV infection; and migrants from other regions.In 2004-2018, the combination of tuberculosis and HIV infection was detected most often among children aged 8-11 years (14/34; 41.2%), who had not previously been tested for HIV infection, and among people who had lived outside of Moscow before the disease was detected (16/34; 47.1%). The most severe forms of HIV/TB co-infection including fatal ones, were also observed among children from the migrant population without regular medical follow-up.
Short course chemotherapy in children suffering from drug resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Klevno N. I. , Аksenova V. A. , Kazakov A. V. , Kovalevskaya E. B. 
Published: March 2021

The objective: to study the effect of short course chemotherapy regimens on treatment outcomes in children with drug resistant tuberculosis.Subjects and methods. In 2017-2019, 31 children at the age from 3 to 17 years old, received short course chemotherapy which lasted for 12-15 months. Children of both genders were enrolled in the study, they all were new pulmonary tuberculosis cases with multiple drug resistance or at risk of MDR, with no history of previous treatment with reserve anti-tuberculosis drugs, and without severe concomitant diseases. Before the treatment was prescribed, all children underwent lung computed tomography additionally to general clinical and laboratory tests.Results. The chemotherapy regimen for each child consisted of 4-6 drugs selected individually with the consideration of resistance pattern of the child or suspected index case. In all cases, the combination of drugs included fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin or moxifloxacin). Amikacin (67.7%), aminosalicylic acid (80.6%) and prothionamide (74.2%) were frequently prescribed. 54.8% of children received pyrazinamide and 48.4% – cycloserine. Given the limited lesions, only 16.1% of children received linezolid and 9.7% of children received bedaquiline. The main chemotherapy course made 13.2 ± 0.5 months (from 12 to 15 months depending on the form of tuberculosis and changes during treatment). The duration of the intensive phase made 4.8 ± 0.3 on the average. 2 (6.5 ± 4.4%) of 31 children developed adverse events requiring the cancellation of the drugs causing them.Conclusion. This study has demonstrated satisfactory tolerability and good efficacy of these short course regimens for treatment of multiple drug resistant tuberculosis. No relapses of tuberculosis were reported.
Classroom Interaction In English Speaking Class (A Study At Sma Santu Fransiskus Ruteng, Flores)
Authors: Daar Gabriel Fredi 
Published: March 2021

<em>Classroom interaction emphasizes on the effectiveness of the students participation in the dialogue, and finally improving the ability of speaking. It involves all participants; teacher, learners and learning sources. There are some different purpose of using speaking. Each purpose implies knowledge of the rules that account for how spoken language reflects the context in which the speech occurs (Richard and Renandya, 2002:201). The study aims at finding out how classroom interaction employed in speaking class at SMA Santu Fransiskus Ruteng, Flores. It’s used mixed method combining the use of descriptive quantitative and qualitative study design with phenomenological approach. It’s used random sampling, with 45 students taken as the samples. Meanwhile, employing a qualitative research design and phenomenological approach, the data for this study are mostly collected through interview completed by observation and documentation. For the purpose of deep interview, the participants are 1 English teacher and 4 students taken purposively. The study showed that 1) there is one aspect of classroom interaction mostly categorized as high level of implementation; Response and Asks Questions (28=62.2%). Data of interviewed confirmed that students needs appreciation for learning progress or achievement they may make. It encourages them to be more active and participative. 2) Feelings acceptance, praises or encouragement, and ideas use or acceptance implementation (40=88.9%) and giving directions, criticisms or authority justification (38=84.4%) were mostly in the category of medium level. Meanwhile, initiation was mostly in the category of low level (24=53.3%). Data of interview confirmed that low initiation is caused by students learning habit. Most students do the activities of learning English when English teacher fosters them to learn. It’s in the form of quiz, assignment, mid test or final test. Leaning is merely conducted to improve and increase English score. Other activities such as memorizing vocabularies, writing stories, answering questions based on the passages, building up sentences and other classroom activities designed are done under teacher’s control and design. In the next phase, students find it difficult to accomplish complex tasks. They are only able to accomplish simple tasks. Learning autonomy which is oriented to build up speaking ability hardly ever done. To this extend, English teacher pay more attention to the topic chosen in teaching learning processes. It determines whether the students initiate interaction or not.</em>
Construing the Challenges and Opportunities of Intercultural Language Teaching Amid Covid-19 Pandemic: English Teachers' Voices
Authors: Sugianto Ahmad , Ulfah Nadya 
Published: March 2021

<em>Due to globalization, intercultural competence becomes one of the prominent competences in English teaching. Unfortunately, the current condition, the COVID-19 pandemic happened may not lead the intercultural language teaching run as expected because it should be moved to an online setting. Through combining qualitative and quantitative research methods with questionnaires and interviews, this study aimed to unravel the teachers' competence and the challenges and opportunities of intercultural language teaching during the current situation. This study concluded that most of the teachers' intercultural competence was deemed moderate. Furthermore, some challenges found comprised the aspects of internet access and students' psychological aspect, such as attitudes toward intercultural language teaching and learning conducted in an online classroom. Meanwhile, the opportunities found comprised the aspect of language skills, attitudes, and the other supporting skill such as critical thinking development.</em>
Second Language Learner Perceptions on Web-Based Language Learning
Authors: Walisundara WMUSK 
Published: March 2021

<p><em>The focus of the current study was to investigate the perceptions of English as a second language learners on using computer assisted language learning (CALL) for improving academic writing skills. The study was conducted for thirteen weeks with 82 second year undergraduates from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Sri Lanka. Switching Replication was used for the research design. The data were analyzed using mix method approach. The findings indicate that the participants preferred the in-class environment more than the CALL environment for academic writing skills. Participants’ lack of experience in CALL, poor writing and vocabulary skills and the negative interference from the technical issues were some of the issues that had a negative effect on the participants in the CALL environment. Yet the success of the intervention both in the first and second phases indicates the effectiveness of CALL for developing academic writing skills</em></p>
Pharmacognostic Profile, In-vitro Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Potential of Ethanolic Fruit Extract of Pyrus communis Linn.
Authors: Singh Sonia , Bajpai Meenakshi , Mishra Pradeep 
Published: March 2021

Background:
The Ethanolic Extract of Pyrus communis L. fruit (EEPC) was assessed
for hepatoprotective and in vitro antiradical activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity
in rat’s liver.

Methods:
The degree of hepatoprotection was screened by measuring biochemical parameters, including
serum Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase
(ALP), Total Albumin (TA), Total Protein (TP) and Total Bilirubin (TB). The antiradical activity
was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide
free radical scavenging property. The hepatoprotective effects of the extract were compared with Silymarin
used as a standard drug (100 mg/kg, p.o, bodyweight).

Results:
The ethanolic extract of the fruit has the capabilities to scavenge free radicals, in vitro, respectively.
Additionally, the ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, p.o, bodyweight) exhibited
marked hepatoprotective action regarding CCl4 intoxicated rodents in a dose-dependent manner.
EEPC at a dose of 400mg/kg could afford significant dose-dependent protection against CCl4 induced
hepatocellular injury.

Conclusion:
Biochemical samples obtained from the animals treated with ethanolic extracts
(400mg/kg, body weight) showed a significant decrease in the levels of serum markers indicating
hepatic cell protection.
Predictability of Elimination and Excretion of Small Molecules in Animals
and Humans, and its Impact on Dosimetry for human ADME Studies with
Radiolabeled Drugs
Authors: Roffel Ad , Lier Jan Jaap van , Rozema Gerk , van Hoogdalem Ewoud-Jan 
Published: March 2021

Background:
We assessed the extent to which urinary and fecal excretion of 14C-labeled
drug material in animal ADME studies was predictive of human ADME studies. We compared observed
plasma elimination half-lives for total drug-related radioactivity in humans to pre-study predictions,
and we estimated the impact of any major differences on human dosimetry calculations.

Methods:
We included 34 human ADME studies with doses of 14C above 0.1 MBq. We calculated ratios
of dosimetry input parameters (percentage fecal excretion in humans versus animals; observed
half-life in humans versus predicted pre-study) and output parameters (effective dose post-study versus
pre-study) and assessed their relationship.

Results:
A quantitative correlation assessment did not show a statistically significant correlation between
the ratios of percentages of 14C excreted in feces and the ratios of dosimetry outcomes in the entire
dataset, but a statistically significant correlation was found when assessing the studies that were
based on ICRP 60/62 (n=19 studies; P=0.0028). There also appeared to be a correlation between the
plasma half-life ratios and the ratios of dosimetry results. A quantitative correlation assessment
showed that there was a statistically significant correlation between these ratios (P<0.0001).

Conclusion:
In all cases where the plasma elimination half-life for 14C in humans was found to be
longer than the predicted value, the radiation burden was still within ICRP Category IIa. Containment
of the actual radiation burden below the limit of 1.00 mSv appeared to be determined partly also by
our choice to limit 14C doses to 3.7 MBq.
Anticancer Effects of Ginsenoside Rh2: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lu Jin-Jian , He Xin-Ling , Xu Xiao-Huang , Shi Jia-Jie , Huang Mingqing , Wang Yitao , Chen Xiuping 
Published: March 2021

Background:
As one of the effective pharmacological constituents of Ginseng Radix et
Rhizoma, ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) exerts a remarkable anticancer effect on various cancer cell lines
in vitro and strongly inhibits tumor growth in vivo without severe toxicity.

Objective:
This article reviewed existing evidence supporting the anticancer effects of Rh2 to classify
and conclude previous and current knowledge on the mechanisms and therapeutic effects of
Rh2, as well as to promote the clinical application of this natural product.

Conclusion:
This article reviewed the anticancer efficacies and mechanisms of Rh2, including the
induction of cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death, repression of metastasis, alleviation of
drug resistance, and regulation of the immune system. Finally, this paper discussed the research
and application prospects of Rh2.
Suppression of Molecular Targets and Antiproliferative Effect of Citronellal on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Fatima Kaneez , Luqman Suaib 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) requires targeted therapies to better
manage and prevent metastatic mammary gland tumors. Due to the resistance problem associated
with the approved drugs, researchers are now focusing on phytochemicals for the treatment of
TNBC as they possess pleiotropic mode of action and fewer side effects.

Objective:
To investigate the antiproliferative effect of citronellal on triple-negative breast cancer
cells.

Method:
Anticancer potential of citronellal was explored by employing SRB, MTT, and NRU antiproliferative
assay. Further, the effect of citronellal was observed on molecular targets (Tubulin,
COX-2, and LOX-5) utilizing in vitro and in silico methods. Furthermore, the efficacy of citronellal
was examined on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cells. In addition, the safety profiling of it was observed
at 300 and 1000 mg/kg of body weight in mice.

Results:
Citronellal suppresses the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells by more than 50% in NRU assay
and ~41% and 32% in SRB and MTT assay, respectively. Further, citronellal's effect was observed
on molecular targets wherein it suppressed LOX-5 activity (IC50 40.63±2.27 μM) and prevented
polymerization of microtubule (IC50 63.62 μM). The result was more prominent against
LOX-5 as supported by molecular docking interaction studies, but a non-significant effect was observed
at the transcriptional level. The efficacy of citronellal was also determined in Ehrlich
Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) model, wherein it inhibited the growth of tumor cells (45.97%) at 75
mg/kg of body weight. It was non-toxic up to 1000 mg/kg of body weight in mice and did not
cause significant lysis of erythrocytes.

Conclusion:
These observations could provide experimental support for citronellal to be used as a
chemopreventive agent for breast cancer.
Development of Ultrasound-assisted Extraction Conditions for the Optimal Yield of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Properties from Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia Citriodora) Leaves
Authors: Saifullah Md , McCullum Rebecca , Vuong Quan V. 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), is native to Australia and has a significant
value as an aromatic herb and folk medicine. Recently, it has shown potential applications
in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Objective:
This study was designed to identify the most suitable safe solvent for the extraction of
phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties from lemon myrtle leaves and then apply response
surface methodology (RSM) to develop the optimal conditions (time, temperature, and sonication
power) for the extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties from lemon myrtle using
ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE).

Methods:
Five different solvents viz water, acetone, ethanol, acetone: water (50:50), and ethanol:
water (50:50) were tested for extraction efficiency of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties
from dried lemon myrtle leaves. A three-level three-factor Box-Behnken design was employed
to elucidate the effect of sonication time, extraction temperature, and sonication power on the
yields of total phenolics, antioxidant capacities, and major individual compounds (gallic acid and
hesperetin).

Results:
The results showed that solvents have a significant impact on the extraction efficiency of
bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties from lemon myrtle, and 50% acetone is the best
solvent. Mathematical models were reliable for the prediction of optimal extraction conditions and
the optimal conditions for the extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, as well
as gallic acid and hesperetin are 50 min, 60°C and sonication power of 250 W.

Conclusion:
These optimal conditions and 50% acetone in water (as solvent) are recommended to
extract phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity from lemon myrtle leaves as a functional
food ingredient.