bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free-living amoebae (Acanthamoeba spp.): diagnosis by PCR method in different sources of water in Rabat, Morocco
Authors: El Mahdi Sakhi , Mostafa Moumni , Horia Radid , Mohamed Arahou , Mohamed Fekhaoui 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Free-living amoebae are ubiquitous protozoa, frequently found in the aquatic environment. Acanthamoeba spp., in some conditions, causes amoebic keratitis. Our research project aimed at studying in vivoAcanthamoeba spp. that are possibly present in water destined for human consumption. Thus, we can evaluate the rate of water contamination by determining the critical areas of its presence. In total, 150 water samples were analysed from Rabat. All the samples were collected from five different sources: river, fountain water, seawater, public bath water and tap water. The samples were distributed over three seasons: spring, summer and autumn. The positive samples by culture method were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The obtained results by microscopic identification and PCR method showed a high percentage of the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in water in Rabat. However, during the sampling period, we noticed a non-uniform division of the positive samples with a remarkably high rate during summer. Our study showed that water contamination by Acanthamoeba spp. in Rabat, Morocco is at high risk of having a negative impact on public health. It is necessary to do a follow-up and study the health impacts to better evaluate the risk associated with this contamination by Acanthamoeba spp.
Application of response surface methodology to optimize the COD removal efficiency of an EGSB reactor treating poultry slaughterhouse wastewater
Authors: Williams Y. , Basitere M. , Ntwampe S. K. O. , Ngongang M. , Njoya M. , Kaskote E. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The poultry slaughterhouse industry consumes a large volume of potable water for bird processing and equipment cleaning, which culminates in the generation of high strength poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (PSW). The wastewater contains high concentrations of organic matter, suspended solids, nitrogen and nutrients. Most poultry slaughterhouses in South Africa (SA) discharge their wastewater into the municipal sewer system after primary treatment. Due to its high strength, PSW does not meet SA's industrial discharge standards. Discharge of untreated PSW to the environment raises environmental health concerns due to pollution of local rivers and fresh water sources, leading to odour generation and the spread of diseases. Thus, the development of a suitable wastewater treatment process for safe PSW discharge to the environment is a necessity. In this study, a biological PSW treatment process using an Expanded Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB) was evaluated. Response surface methodology coupled with central composite design was used to optimize the performance of the EGSB reactor. The dependant variable used for optimization was chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal as a function of two independent variables, hydraulic retention time (HRT) and organic loading rate (OLR). The interactions between HRT, OLR and COD removal were analysed, and a two factorial (2FI) regression was determined as suitable for COD removal modelling. The optimum COD removal of 93% was achieved at an OLR of 2 g-COD/L/d and HRT of 4.8 days. The model correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.980 indicates that it is a good fit and is suitable for predicting the EGSB's COD removal efficiency.
Rapid Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria in Whole Blood Samples Using 23S rRNA PCR Assays
Authors: Firoozeh Farzaneh , Shiralinezhad Azam , Momen-Heravi Mansooreh , Aghadavod Esmat , Zibaei Mohammad 
Published: May 2019

Purpose:Bloodstream infections are a general cause of death among hospitalized patients. Rapid diagnosis and timely treatment can reduce mortality. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the 23S rRNA PCR assays as a rapid detection method for diagnose of sepsis in patients with suspected bacteremia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shahid Beheshti University Hospital in Kashan from November 2017 to December 2018. The blood samples of 265 patients with suspected bacteremia were studied by blood culture and 23S rRNA PCR techniques. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and Chi-square test.Results:Eighty (30.2%) blood samples of 265 suspected patients, were identified as positive by PCR assays, whereas 27 (10.2%) were identified as positive by the blood culture technique. The statistical analysis showed a significant association between the results of PCR assays and blood culture and factors such as prior antibiotic use and underlying diseases (P˂0.05). Also a significant correlation was observed between laboratory and clinical criteria and the results of both PCR assays and blood culture (P˂ 0.05).Conclusion:The 23S rRNA PCR method is a rapid and sensitive technique specially for diagnosing sepsis among patients in whom bacteremia is difficult to diagnose with culture method including neonates and patients who have taken antibiotics before microbial culture.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Healthcare Workers in a Low Incidence Country
Authors: Coppeta Luca , Pietroiusti Antonio , Neri Anna , Janni Aurelio , Baldi Savino , Papa Francesca , Magrini Andrea 
Published: May 2019

Background:
Tuberculosis prevention is a major goal in the hospital setting. Because of the possible progression or reactivation of latent disease, the screening of healthcare workers is an important issue in the TB control program. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of LTBI (latent tuberculosis infection) and to evaluate the main risk factors related to this condition in a teaching hospital in Italy.

Methods:
We reviewed the data of a tuberculosis screening conducted on 3622 healthcare professionals in a teaching hospital in Rome. All subjects were evaluated by QuantiFERON test which if positive, was followed by appropriate clinical and diagnostic procedures.

Results:
Latent Tuberculosis Infection LTBI condition was detected in 2.1% of the cases, most commonly in men. Male gender, higher age class, country of birth and nurse job were statistically related with the positivity to QuantiFERON test.

Conclusion:
LTBI was relatively uncommon in our population, however, given the potential risk of reactivation and progression to overt disease, the screening of healthcare workers and students is recommended in the hospital of low-incidence countries.
Non-adherence to Immunosuppressant after Lung Transplantation – A Common Risk Behavior
Authors: Annette Lennerling , Annika Kisch , Anna Forsberg 
Published: May 2019

Background:
After lung transplantation, life-long treatment with immunosuppressive medication is required to prevent rejection and graft loss but adherence to immunosuppressive treatment may be difficult for the lung recipient. Adherence is essential and non-adherence to immunosuppressive treatment can lead to graft loss and death.

Objective:
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of non-adherence 1 to 5 years after lung transplantation in relation to symptom burden, health literacy, psychological well-being and relevant demographic variables.

Methods:
117 adult lung recipients, due for their annual follow-up 1-5 years after lung transplantation, participated. Four self-report instruments were used for assessment: the Basel Assessment of Adherence with Immunosuppressive Medication Scale, the Newest Vital Sign, the Psychological General Well-Being and the Organ Transplant Symptom and Wellbeing Instrument. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results:
Thirty percent of the lung recipients were non-adherent. The most common non-adherence dimension was not taking a dose (43%) and not being punctual with the regimen (80%). Of those working full time or part time, 43% were non-adherent (p=.032). A higher level of non-adherence was reported a long time after LuTx with the highest level at the 3-year follow-up.

Conclusion:
The level of non-adherence among lung recipients was high. The highest levels were found among those who had returned to work. Non-adherence increased with time after lung transplantation.
Recent Trends in Antifungal Agents: A Reference to Formulation, Characterization and Applications
Authors: Pawar Kajal , Gadhave Rutuja , Waydande Swati , Pawar Pravin 
Published: May 2019

Background & Objectives:
Fungi are the heterotrophic eukaryotic organisms which are
useful as they causes the biodegradation. There are still some harmful species like yeasts, molds and dermatophytes
which cause the infections. As the fungi are eukaryotics, they do not respond to the antibiotic
therapy due to the limitations associated with the traditional antibiotic therapies. There are several antifungal
agents introduced to treat such infections. These antifungal agents posses severe problems like drug
resistance and toxicity due to the higher dose which comprises the need for newer alternatives over
conventional dosage forms. Novel drug delivery systems proved to be a better approach to enhance the
effectiveness of the antifungals and enhance patient compliance by reducing the adverse effect.

Discussion:
This review focused on the general information about fungal infections, types and mechanism
of action of antifungal agents and overview of formulation approaches such as vesicular system, colloidal
system, nanoparticulate system and in situ gelling which are often studied for antifungal treatments.

Conclusion:
We concluded that the novel drug delivery systems are the essential techniques for delivering
the antifungal agents to their target site with desired concentration. Moreover, the researchers focused
on these novel drug deliveries which mainly concentrate on controlling & sustaining the release
of antifungal agents.
Combine Drug Delivery of Thymoquinone-Doxorubicin by Cockle Shellderived pH-sensitive Aragonite CaCO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Ibiyeye Kehinde M. , Zuki Abu B.Z. , Nurdin Norshariza , Ajat Mokrish 
Published: May 2019

Background:
Cockleshell-derived aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticles were prepared
by the top-down approach for combine delivery of two types of drugs.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize thymoquinone-doxorubicin
loaded cockle shell-derived aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticle. Aragonite calcium carbonate
nanoparticles encapsulating thymoquinone and doxorubicin alone were also prepared.

Methods:
The blank and drug-loaded nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning
electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Zeta potential, Fourier transformed infrared
and X-ray diffraction. Drug delivery properties, in vitro drug release study at pH 7.4, 6 and 4.8,
and effect of blank nanoparticles on MCF10A, 3T3, MDA MB231 cells were also analyzed.

Results:
The blank and drug-loaded nanoparticles were pleomorphic and their sizes varying from
53.65 ± 10.29 nm to 60.49 ± 11.36 nm with an overall negative charge. The entrapment efficiency
of thymoquinone and doxorubicin were 41.6 and 95.8, respectively. The FTIR showed little alteration
after loading thymoquinone and doxorubicin while XRD patterns revealed no changes in the
crystallizations of nanoparticles after drug loading. The drug release kinetics of doxorubicin and
thymoquinone from the nanoparticles showed a continuous and gradual release after an initial
burst release was observed. At pH 4.8, about 100% of drug release was noticed, 70% at pH 6 while
only 50% at pH 7.4. The cell viability was 80% at a concentration of 1000 ug/ml of blank
nanoparticle.

Conclusion:
The cockle shell-derived pH sensitive aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticle provides
an effective and simple means of multiple drug delivery and function as a platform for pH
controlled release of loaded therapeutic agents.
DRY POWDER FORMULATION FROM PHYSALIS PERUVIANA L. FRUITS EXTRACT WITH ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY FORMULATED VIA CO-SPRAY DRYING
Authors: BERNAL CARLOS A. , RAMOS FREDDY A. , BAENA YOLIMA 
Published: May 2019

Objective: To establish the drying conditions of an extract of fruits of Physalis peruviana using spray drying (SD) technique by applying a statistical experimental design (SED), to obtain powders for direct compression, retaining the antidiabetic activity.
Methods: A 2[6-2] fractional factorial SED was used to get a suitable SD operating conditions to produce powder extract of P. peruviana with high process yield, acceptable moisture content, good flowability, low hygroscopicity and satisfactory morphological and particle size. Operating variables studied were air inlet temperature, atomization air flow rate, feed-rate pump, aspiration rate, extract concentration and coadjuvant proportion. P. peruviana powder obtained under the operating conditions selected was evaluated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and by in vitro α-amylase inhibition assay, to prove that the antidiabetic activity was remained after the SD.
Results: Injection temperature (120 °C), atomization air flow rate (600 l/h), pump setting (5 %), aspirator setting (100 %), extract concentration (7.5 % p/p) and extract: coadjuvant ratio (1:0.75), were the operational conditions selected. Dry extract showed an amorphous state by XRPD and a probable protective effect of coadjutant on the extract, characterized by DSC and the antidiabetic in vitro assay. Antidiabetic activity of the extract remained after its transformation to a solid state by SD in the chosen conditions.
Conclusion: The results suggest that coprocessed extract could be used for the production of compressed solids or employed as an intermediate herbal product for the treatment of diabetes.
ROLE OF HYDROPHILIC SURFACTANTS IN THE EMULSIFICATION MECHANISTICS OF TYPE III SELF-MICRO-EMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS (SMEDDS)
Authors: HASAN NASER M. Y. 
Published: May 2019

Objective: Evaluation of the self-emulsifying behaviour of type III lipid systems comprising mixed medium chain glycerides (Miglyol 812-Imwitor 988) and wide range of hydrophilic surfactants in an attempt to identify self-emulsifying microemulsion formulations, prevaricate the crystallization tendency of Cremophor RH40 in the pre-microemulsion concentrate, to shed some light on the mechanistic behavior of these systems after aqueous dispersion.
Methods: Non-ionic surfactants with HLB in the range 14 to 16.5 are investigated amongst these are; Cremophor RH40, Cremophor EL, Crillet 4 (polysorbate 80), Crillet 1 (polysorbate 20) and Tagat O2. Optimum oil blends of Miglyol 812-Imwitor 988 and various non-ionic surfactant systems were verified using self-emulsification performance studies, oil droplet diameter measurements and dynamic equilibrium phase studies.
Results: Oil blends of Miglyol 812 as an oil and Imwitor 988 as a cosurfactant were optimized for microemulsion systems at ratios of 1:1 in the case of Cremophor RH40 or EL, and at 2:3 in the case of Crillet 4 or Tagat O2. In order to obtain small droplet size and fast dispersion rate for type III lipid systems, hydrophilic surfactants with HLB values between 13 and 15 were found to be the optimum.
Conclusion: Spontaneous micro-emulsification in type III lipid system was attributed to the “diffusion and stranding” theory. Yet, the formation of liquid crystalline phases as intermediate phases during dilution of the oil formulation with water appears to be quintessential for the mechanistics of emulsification regardless type of lipid class system.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GRAPHENE GRAFTED CHITOSAN/POLYANILINE NANOCOMPOSITES FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF ANTICANCER DRUG DOXORUBICIN
Authors: MOHANTY SUCHISMITA , SARANGI SUBRATA , ROY GOURI SANKAR 
Published: May 2019

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to functionalized graphene (f-GE) grafted chitosan (CS)/Polyaniline (PANI) with Montmorillonite (MMT) was different feed ratio known as f-GE-g-(CS/MMT-PANI).
Methods: The prepared f-GE-g-(CS/MMT-PANI) was formulated using the solvent casting method. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermogravimetric (DTG) and swelling in stimulated in the different biological fluid. The model drug Doxorubicin (DOX) was used for controlled drug delivery purpose.
Results: From FTIR result was clearly demonstrated that the model drug DOX did not change in any molecular level at f-GE-(CS/MMT-PANI) (i.e. at<10 nm scale). Additionally, in DSC result, DOX was interacted with nanocomposites at scale>100 nm level. With CS as the carrier, 60% of the drug was released in SIF for the initial 120 min and this increased to 80–82% with f-GE-g-CS/MMT/PANI matrix. But in SGF, CS as the carrier, 46% of the drug was released in 140 min and this increased to 78% with f-GE-g-CS/MMT/PANI. In vitro drug release system was carried out by Korsmeyer Peppas’s power law. DOX and other drugs like Doxorubicin (DOX) was presented an exceptional higher drug result in different pH medium.
Conclusion: It was observed that CS/MMT was decreasing less drug release rate compared to f-GE-g-(CS/MMT-PANI). So that it can be clearly understood that f-GE-g-(CS/MMT-PANI) grafted nanocomposites have enhanced drug release activity in different pH medium.
ENERGY SAVINGS ON CURCUMINE DERIVATIVE GAMAVUTON-0 SYNTHESIS USING MICROWAVE IRRADIATION
Authors: Harimurti Sabtanti , Nugroho Winny Setyo , Pramono Ardi 
Published: May 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a more effective and environmentally friendly synthesis method for anti-cancer curcumine derivatives, namely 1,5-bis (4’-hydroxy-3’-metoxyfenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one or gamavuton-0.
Methods: The experiment was conducted using two different energy sources, i.e. conventional heating and microwave irradiation. Vanillin and acetone were used as starting materials, and hydrochloric acid as the catalyst. During synthesis, variations in the synthesis period were carried out to study the effect of time on the gamavuton-0 produced. Based on experimental data, energy consumption between conventional method and microwave were evaluated.
Results: Evaluation of energy consumption was calculated based on experimental data. It was found that energy consumption for production using microwave irradiation was reduced to 0.0014 kWh/gram of crude gamavuton-0 products from 0.19 KWh/gram of crude gamavuton-0 product using conventional heating.
Conclusion: Based on calculations from experimental data, microwave irradiation during the synthesis of gamavuton-0 significantly saves energy consumption for synthesis.
SIMULTANEOUS IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF HYDROQUINONE, TRETINOIN AND BETAMETHASONE IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS BY ISOCRATIC REVERSED PHASE HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Maggadani Baitha , Harmita Harmita , Harahap Yahdiana , Hutabalian Hanna 
Published: May 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to obtain a simple and selective analysis method for determination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and betamethasone in whitening creams using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Methods: Reverse Phase HPLC was used for method development, validation studies, and sample analysis. The method was optimized by evaluating several parameters that affects extraction of the sample, composition and types of mobile phase and also flow rate. Chromatographic separation was optimized on a C18 column [Sunfire, 250 x 4.6 mm, 5µm] utilizing a mobile phase consisting acetonitrile, methanol (90:10 v/v) and slightly addition of glacial acetic acid to reach pH 5in the ratio of 30: 50:20 v/v at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min with UV detection at 270 nm and 350 nm.
Results: The analytical methods fulfilled the validation requirements including accuracy, precision, linearity, selectivity, detection limits, and quantitation limits. The results showed the mean levels of hydroquinone, tretinoin and betamethasone in samples A and B were 1.78%; 0.07%; 0.12% and 2.00%; 0.07%; 0.13% respectively.
Conclusion: The method was successfully applied for the determination of cosmetic formulation containing hydroquinone, tretinoin and betamethasone simultaneously. There were seven samples analyzed and two samples were positive containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, and betamethasone.
Update on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs
Authors: Nuttall Timothy J. , Marsella Rosanna , Rosenbaum Michele R. , Gonzales Andrea J. , Fadok Valerie A. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Improved understanding of the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis in dogs has led to more effective treatment plans, including skin barrier repair and new targeted treatments for management of allergy-associated itch and inflammation. The intent of this review article is to provide an update on the etiologic rationale behind current recommendations that emphasize a multimodal approach for the management of atopic dermatitis in dogs. Increasing knowledge of this complex disease process will help direct future treatment options.
Bilateral pararhinotomy with middle meatal antrostomy of the maxillary sinus in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with chronic rhinitis
Authors: Summa Noémie M. , Sanchez-Migallon Guzman David , Keller Krista A. , Woods Sarah Jones , Hawkins Michelle G. , Hunt Geraldine B. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

CASE DESCRIPTION
A 4-year-old spayed female mixed-breed rabbit was evaluated because of a 3-year history of sneezing and nasal discharge that were refractory to medical management.

CLINICAL FINDINGS
Signs of chronic left-sided rhinitis and sinusitis were observed on physical examination and confirmed by CT evaluation. Lysis of the rostral aspect of the left maxillary bone and destruction of nasal turbinates were evident on CT images.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
Pararhinotomy of the left maxillary sinus through the facies cribrosa was performed. Purulent material was removed from the maxillary sinus recesses, a middle meatal antrostomy was completed to allow permanent drainage into the left middle nasal meatus, and the tissues were closed routinely. Microbial culture of a sample from the maxillary sinus recesses revealed Bordetella bronchiseptica, undetermined fastidious nonenteric bacteria, and Streptococcus viridans. Medical management was continued, and nasal discharge resolved but sneezing persisted. Increased sneezing and bilateral nasal discharge developed 1.5 years later; CT examination revealed right-sided rhinitis, and culture of a nasal swab sample revealed Bordetella spp, Staphylococcus spp, and Micrococcus spp. Right-sided pararhinotomy and middle meatal antrostomy were performed, and medical management continued. A subsequent recurrence was managed without additional surgery; 4 years after the initial surgery, the rabbit was still receiving medical treatment, with mild intermittent nasal discharge and sneezing reported.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This report describes a surgical approach for treatment of chronic rhinitis in companion rabbits with maxillary sinus involvement that included creation of a permanent drainage pathway from the maxillary sinus to the middle nasal meatus.