bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formulation, Development, Evaluation and Solubility Enhancement of Lercanidipine Hydrochloride by Solid Dispersion Techniques
Authors: Mankar S. D. , Rachh Punit R. 
Published: December 2021

Background: Solid dispersions (SDs) are the dispersion of hydrophobic drugs in an inert hydrophilic carrier. SDs are prepared to improve the dissolution properties and bioavailability of slightly water-soluble drug molecules by dispersing them into an inert hydrophilic carrier.
Aims and Objective: Evaluate the dissolution and solubility of Solid Dispersion of Lercanidipine Hydrochloride (LER).
Materials and Methods: To study the effect of polymer, dissolution and solubility studies were carried out. Solid state characterizations of prepared solid dispersions were performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).Drug- carrier interactions were studied by FT-IR spectroscopy, whereas X-ray diffraction of powder was done to demonstrate the crystal structure of the dispersions.
Results: The prepared solid dispersion exhibited 94% drug release at 30 minutes which is higher than both LER pure and LER MKT. Better dissolution characteristic of solid dispersion was confirmed by 9.86 min MDT and 63.12% DE30 which is higher than that of LER MKT (13.64 MDT, 46.92 % DE30) Solid state characterization revealed that enhancement of dissolution is the result of conversion of crystalline form of LER to less crystalline and/or amorphous form.
Conclusion: Solid dispersion of LER can successfully be prepared with the PEG6000 in the ratio of 1:6 using solvent evaporation technique. It is a successful and easy approach for the increase in onset of action of drug after administration and facilitates treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Assessment of Knowledge and Practices on Effective Hand Hygiene among Rural and Urban Population of South India: A Web Based Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Ishrar S. M. G. , Nagavalli C. , Reddy V. Vikas , Navya G. 
Published: December 2021

Aims: The study aims to assess the level of awareness regarding Hand hygiene among the population in urban and rural areas of South India.
Study Design: A web based cross sectional survey.
Place and Duration of Study: An online study was conducted among public of South India for a period of 6 months.
Methodology: The data was collected through online mode by providing google link to fill questionnaire form through various social media platforms. The questionnaire consists of demographic details, knowledge and practice related questions. SPSS was used to interpret data and chi-square test, independent T test, backward multiple regression analysis was done.
Results: From the collected data a total of 1178 responses were collected (urban:726, rural:452). From independent T test the knowledge mean score of HH was: 10.07±2.136 for urban population and 9.79±2.138 for rural population. By this urban population has more knowledge than rural population. From backward multiple regression analysis of Knowledge score, the findings shown that the urban male residents with 2 members household residing in Tamilnadu have preferably more knowledge than others when compared with demographic details. From the independent T test the HH practice mean score was 11.25±1.991 for urban residents and 10.77±2.280 for rural residents. From the Backward multiple regression analysis of Practice score, the findings shown that most parsimonious combination of region (rural, urban), age group (10-30 years, 30-60 years and >60 years), gender(female, male), state and UT (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Telangana, Andaman and nicobar, Puducherry, Lakshadweep), household (2, 3, 4, >4 members), education level (10 and below 10, intermediate, UG, PG, Ph. D) in predicting the practice score.
Conclusion: The study results concluded that urban residents have preferably more knowledge than rural residents. Creative campaigns and awareness programs should be conducted to attain persistent improvement in HH practices.
Computational Analysis for Physicochemical Properties of Compounds in Senna auriculata Leaves Methanolic Extract to have Antidiabetic Potentials and their Molecular Interaction with α-amylase
Authors: Dukhyil Abdulaziz Bin 
Published: December 2021

Aims: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is chronic disorder well known for increased glucose level in blood. This disease can be controlled by inhibiting the enzyme (e.g., α-amylase) involve in carbohydrate hydrolysis. Senna auriculata leaves methanolic extract (SALME) have potential antidiabetic properties and it was also found to be safe in preclinical studies. In this study the aim was to explore the molecular interactions of α-amylase and bioactive compounds in SALME and their physicochemical properties.
Methodology: Computational approach such as molecular docking and physicochemical analysis prediction was applied to understand the antidiabetic potential of natural compounds present in SALME.
Results: The results showed from physicochemical analysis that out of 11 only 7 compounds are having drug like properties which are orally and intestinally better bioavailable. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis explained that three compounds (C3, C4, and C7) have lower binding energy, ΔG (-8, -9.1, -9.5 kcal/mol) and better binding affinity, Ki (7.31 x 105, 4.68 x 106, and 9.2 x 106 M-1, respectively) than the acarbose ΔG (-7.8 kcal/mol) and Ki (6.18 x 105 M-1), a well-known FDA approved medication for DM. The study also explained the binding pattern that the catalytic residue such as Asp197, Glu233 and Asp300 are involved in stabilizing the natural compounds with in the catalytic active site of target enzyme.
Conclusions: From the results it has been concluded that these three compounds found in SALME have better inhibitory potential for α-amylase in comparison with acarbose. Further validation of the findings is required through molecular dynamics simulation, ADME-T study, and in-vitro enzyme inhibition by the purified compounds.
Effectiveness of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Intervention for School going Children on Hygiene Practices, Absenteeism, Diarrhea, and Respiratory Infection: An Interventional Study Protocol
Authors: Dakhode Sarika , Gaidhane Abhay 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene beyond the household, and particularly in the school setting, are crucial to the health and education of children. Ashram schools where children from tribal community are taking education in India are mostly ignored. Thus, inclusion of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in schools as part of the SDG, necessitates assessing the coverage and utilization in all types of schools; Government, private, funded including Ashram (residential) schools. Hence, we plan this research to study the effectiveness of proposed WASH in Ashram school with regards to hygiene practices, diarrheal diseases, respiratory infection and school absenteeism.
Methods: Interventional study will be conducted in all eight Ashram schools of Wardha district. Baseline data regarding WASH practices and absenteeism, diarrhea, and respiratory infection will be collected. Intervention model for adopting safe WASH practices will be developed implemented in randomly selected four ashram schools. Survey and interview questionnaire will be adopted from UNICEF monitoring package modules. Children of forth, fifth and sixth classes (460), teachers, and Principles(8) will be interviewed; and school environment will be reviewed. After collection of post intervention data in ODK tool, descriptive statistics, two-sample t-tests and unadjusted mean percentages for all outcome variables were calculated by aggregating individual-level data to the school level.
Conclusion: The intervention package is based on community mobilization and participation; life skill education, capacity building of school staff related to WASH. This will contribute to bring long term changes and improvement in health status and academic performance of school children.
Role of IL-33 and IL-1α in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Parveen Gulshan , Qadir Aaisha , Sarfraz Abubakar , Butt Ahmad Farooq , Aftab Rubab , Laghari Qurrat-Ul-Ain , Hadi Faheem , Sumreen Laila , Ali Qurban , Altaf Awais , Sattar Huma , Naz Anam , Arooj Mahwish , Malik Arif 
Published: December 2021

Aim: The current study conducted with aims to evaluate the levels of various inflammatory cytokines in women affected by ovarian cancer.
Methods: Case-control study was conducted from 1st January 2018 to 4th March 2018 among women affected by ovarian cancer in Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Pakistan. Ovarian cancer patients (n=50) and control individuals (n=50) were included in present study. Serum was separated from patients and control individuals from which levels of various interleukins (IL-6, IL-33, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1α) and TNF-α were measured by ELISA kit method.
Results: The results of present study explain that increased levels of IL-10, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were recorded in women affected by ovarian cancer in contrary with control individuals. Elevated trend of IL-33 and IL-1α were recorded in ovarian cancer patients (9.02±2.55 pg/ml and 8.44±2.55 pg/ml) in contrary with healthy group (3.88±1.02 pg/ml and 3.56±1.32 pg/ml) with statistical significant p-value=0.000.
Conclusion: Study has concluded that inflammatory cytokines particularly IL-1α and IL-33 are major source of inflammatory pathway in the development of ovarian cancer invasion, proliferation and metastasis.
Awareness of Diabetic Foot and its Risk Factors in the General Population of Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abukanna Abdelrahman Mohamed Ahmed , Alshamlani Ghaida Abdullah R. , Sultan F. Alenezi,Ahlam , Alanazi Reham Arif A. , Alanazi Shahad Fahis A. 
Published: December 2021

Background: Foot ulcers may be complicated to toe amputation or limb amputation which can be prevented by patient education on self-management and appropriate foot care procedures.
Study Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the awareness of diabetic foot and its risk factors among the general population of Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in primary health care centers in Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia, during the period from 1st September to 10th October 2021. Data was collected by personal interview with the attendees of the primary health care center, using a predesigned questionnaire.
Results: Almost 60% of participants have knowledge about diabetic foot. The Source of information about diabetic foot was doctors and nurses in 13% and 11.9% social media in our study population. 62.7% know that diabetic foot risk may be reduced by controlling blood sugar level, 13% by checking the feet every day and several times a day, and 9.2% reported wearing shoes and socks on a daily basis. 65.6%, 66.7%, 48.4%, 82.6% and 62.1% knew that skin infections, foot abscess, bone infections, gangrene, and foot deformity are complications of diabetic foot respectively. Good knowledge of diabetic foot was significantly associated with age and educational level but not with marital status.
Conclusion: The level of knowledge of diabetic foot and its related complications is relatively average. Due to the high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Saudi Arabia, it is vital that the population has appropriate information and awareness about this illness to enable continued promotion of public health measures to limit its prevalence. It is also crucial for DM patients to understand the medication and lifestyle modifications that may enable them to better regulate their blood glucose and prevent the complications.
Sacubitril/ Valsartan in Advanced Heart Failure: Is it Just a Matter of Contractility or are there Effects on the Pulmonary Circulation? A Real Life Monocentric Experience
Authors: Serra Walter , Bonura Rosario , Alabrese Renato , Ferretti Marco 
Published: December 2021

Background: Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V), an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), is the first drug to demonstrate a mortality benefit in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. S/v had a 20% reduction in the primary composite endpoint of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization, compared with subjects receiving enalapril. However, the mechanisms are not clear. The aim of this prospective, non-randomized study was to assess the clinical and instrumental effects of this agent in patients with HFrEF and pulmonary hypertension.
Methods: To investigate the effects of S/V in HFrEF, we selected 40 consecutive patients (31 males, 9 females, mean age 64±19 years) in the NYHA class II-III, because they had left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% at echocardiography. Etiology: 22 CHD, 3 Myocarditis, 15 IDCM.
Results: 2 patients took the maximum dose of 97/103 mg, 2 stopped the therapy due to a creatinine increase, all the others took the dose of 49/52 mg. During a mean ± SD follow-up of 24±6 months, no patients died. PASP decreased from 42.71 to 36 mm/Hg (p <0.0001); 6MWT improved from 402 m to 453 m (p <0.0001). Mean LVEF increased from 28.9% to 31.5% p <0.005); NYHA mean class improved from 1.95 to 1.70. An AICD was implanted in 20 patients.
Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that in patients with severe heart failure, S/V is able to improve 6MWT and PASP, even in the absence of a significant improvement of ventricular contractility. S/v may reduce the fluid retention and pulmonary vasoconstriction that contribute to heart failure symptoms.
Formulation Consideration and Skin Retention-Permeation Study of Insitu Nanogel Containing Dimethylfumarate for Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Patel Deepa , Patel Sneha 
Published: December 2021

Aims and Objective: to develop and evaluate an insitu nanogel formulation containing dimethylfumarate for targeted topical delivery therapy of psoriasis.
Study Design: 32 full factorial design
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutics, Parul Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Parul University, Vadodara, between 2016 to 2019.
Methodology: Nanogel were formulated by chemical cross linked gel method using Polyvinyl alcohol and Hyaluronic acid (1:5) ratio using Glutaraldehyde (GA) (25 %w/v) and Hydrochloric acid (HCl) (6%v/v) as a crosslinking agent and catalyst. Dimethylfumarate loaded nanogel were clear and showed physicochemical parameters desired for topical delivery and stability.
Results: The Permeation profile of dimethylfumarate through rat skin from selected nanogel formulation exhibited highest skin uptake. The Micoscopic observations indicated that the optimized nanogel had n significant effect on the microscopic structure of the sin and epithelial cells appered mostly unchanged. The surface epithelium lining and the granular cellular structure of the skin were totally intact. The developed Nanogel may be a potential drug delivery vehicle for targeted topical delivery of dimethylfumarate in the treatment of psoriasis.
Conclusion: As per drug retention study the highest amount of drug retained on the skin and lowest amount of drug permeate to the skin. Hence it was observed that there was no signiﬁcant correlation between skin retention and skin permeation study.
Evaluation of the Diagnostic Utility of Geohelminths from Environmental and Stool Samples in Nnewi Metropolis
Authors: Obi Chioma Maureen , Akunna Anikpe Chinwoke , Oshim Ifeanyi Onyema , Unaeze Bright , Ugochukwu Okeke Monique 
Published: December 2021

Background: Geohelminths are groups of four intestinal soil transmitted parasites.They are of public health concern due to their serious morbidity they cause in children which are the major groups affected.
Aim/Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of wet mount and concentration techniques of stool and soil samples for identification of geohelminths.
Methodology: Eighty stool samples were collected from four primary schools, while forty soil samples were collected from the important sites (playground, and classroom areas) in each of the school accessed. The stool samples were examined with the wet preparation and formol-ether concentration technique, while the soil samples were examined with the formol-ether concentration technique. Ethical approval was sought from the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology. Results: The results of geohelminths showed an overall prevalence of 6.25% (5/80) from the stool samples, and 27.5% (11/40) obtained from the soil. Recovery rates from the stool showed the presence of only two geohelminth;Hookworm (5%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (1.25%). Out of the four schools examined only three showed positive results with geohelminth infections, while the remaining school showed positive results with only Giardia.lamblia. The recovery rates from the soil also showed the same pattern of distribution as with the stool but with a higher prevalence of Hookworm (20.7%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (7.5%) with the toilet areas showing the highest prevalence (50%). The dominant specie of geohelminth observed in both stool and soil was Hookworm. The results also showed that both male (6%) and female (6.7%) are susceptible to the infection with no significant difference between their prevalances (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of Hook worm was poorly reported by wet mount technique.The diagnostic performance of concentration methods for the diagnosis of Hook worms in the samples was notably high as compared to wet mount techniques.
Value Chain Analysis of Namgang Chilli: The Produce of Pakshikha, Chukha, Bhutan
Authors: Gautam Khem Prasad , Ratna Rajnish , Dhakal Keshar Nath , Dhakal Hita Nath 
Published: December 2021

Chilli is the most ubiquitous spice used in Bhutanese cuisine. Almost all dishes in Bhutan contain chillies in various forms. Bhutan produces many variants of chilli, one of which is Namgang chilli. Commonly known for being one of the hottest and tastiest variants in Bhutan, it is cultivated in Pakshikha, Bongo Gewog, Chukha. This study is aimed at identifying value chain actors of Namgang chilli, their roles, margins, and mapping out its overall value chain. The quantitative and qualitative data for this study were obtained from 29 of the 49 Namgang chilli-cultivating households in Pakshikha. Other published sources were also referred for gathering secondary data required for this study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and chain mapping was performed to identify actors and their supply linkages. Margin analysis was conducted to assess the value gained by each player in the value chain. The identified actors of the value chain were input suppliers, farmers, transporters, retailers, and consumers. Farmers, retailers, and transporters share 53.6, 28.7, and 5 percentage of the margin respectively. Some of the critical constraints and challenges faced by farmers are rising pest infestation; lack of awareness about modern tools and techniques; lack of agency support; lack of motivation and encouragement for mass commercial farming; no initiative for organizing farmers’ cooperative/group; and ack of crop protection mechanism. The findings suggest that the overall value chain of Namgang chilli is underdeveloped. Therefore, relevant agencies should intervene and encourage farmers to form groups/cooperatives for Namgang chilli cultivation. The chilli farmers could be provided with technical supports in the form of knowledge and training to improve efficiency in the production and marketing of the commodity.
Resource Based Conflict and Climate Change in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria
Authors: Ogele Eziho Promise 
Published: December 2021

The study examined the effects of climate change on the local economy occasioned by resource-based conflict in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. The alteration in weather conditions in the Niger Delta region is associated with anthropogenic activities of the transnational oil companies for over five decades in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Despite the degree of oil exploration and exploitation, the Niger Delta region remained underdeveloped in social amenities. The inhabitants were deprived and alienated from the Petrodollar benefits. The launching of artisanal refining by the locals as a way of getting from Petro Dollar business became inevitable. These activities have increased greenhouse gas emission leading to the alteration in weather conditions in the Region Sadly, the Joint Military Task Force deployed to monitor and arrest culprit bombard and burn down the artisanal refining equipment unprofessionally, thereby increasing greenhouse gas emission into the atmosphere. Given the above, the Niger Delta inhabitants are experiencing alteration in weather condition leading to poor agricultural harvest. The study adopted Frustration/Aggression theoretical as its framework. The study relied on primary through questionnaires and interview, while secondary sources data was through journals, books, newspapers, among others. The study unraveled that resource-based conflict occasioned deprivation and frustration increased greenhouse gas emission. The study recommends amongst others convening a climate change summit that will involve all the stakeholders in the oil activities in the Region.