bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal Antimalarial Dose Regimens for Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine with or without Azithromycin in Pregnancy Based on Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Salman Sam , Baiwog Francisca , Page-Sharp Madhu , Griffin Susan , Karunajeewa Harin A. , Mueller Ivo , Rogerson Stephen J. , Siba Peter M. , Ilett Kenneth F. , Davis Timothy M. E. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Optimal dosing of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy remains to be established, particularly when coadministered with azithromycin (AZI). To further characterize SP pharmacokinetics in pregnancy, plasma concentration-time data from 45 nonpregnant and 45 pregnant women treated with SP-AZI (
n
= 15 in each group) and SP-chloroquine (
n
= 30 in each group) were analyzed. Population nonlinear mixed-effect pharmacokinetic models were developed for pyrimethamine (PYR), sulfadoxine (SDOX), and
N
-acetylsulfadoxine (the SDOX metabolite NASDOX), and potential covariates were included. Pregnancy increased the relative clearance (CL/F) of PYR, SDOX, and NASDOX by 48, 29, and 70%, respectively, as well as the relative volumes of distribution (V/F) of PYR (46 and 99%) and NASDOX (46%). Coadministration of AZI resulted in a greater increase in PYR CL/F (80%) and also increased NASDOX V/F by 76%. Apparent differences between these results and those of published studies of SP disposition may reflect key differences in study design, including the use of an early postpartum follow-up study rather than a nonpregnant comparator group. Simulations based on the final population model demonstrated that, compared to conventional single-dose SP in nonpregnant women, two such doses given 24 h apart should ensure that pregnant women have similar drug exposure, while three daily SP doses may be required if SP is given with AZI. The results of past and ongoing trials using recommended adult SP doses with or without AZI in pregnant women may need to be interpreted in light of these findings and consideration given to using increased doses in future trials.
Effects of sintering atmospheres on phase transformation, oxygen vacancy and photoabsorption behaviors of highly Fe-doped titania crystals
Authors: Wang Xiaohuan , Shi Zhiming , Wang Lina 
Published: February 2017

Fe-doped TiO2 crystals were successfully prepared using a sol–gel technique in reducing and oxidizing atmospheres. The effects of sintering atmosphere on phase transformation, oxygen vacancy concentration and photoabsorption behaviors were investigated. The results indicate that upon sintering in reducing atmosphere, Ti and Fe ion valences were decreased and highly Fe ions (12 mol%) were entirely dissolved into titania crystals, increasing oxygen vacancy concentration and leading to increased photoabsorption capability. In contrast, sintering in oxidizing atmosphere causes precipitation of the Fe2O3 phase, which is detrimental to the photoabsorption capability. The best photoabsorption performance is obtained by sintering 12 mol% Fe-doped TiO2 in reducing atmosphere, resulting in an absorption edge of approximately 435 nm, which is much higher than that of undoped TiO2 in the oxidizing atmospheres with the absorption edge 352 nm.
α-B Crystallin Reverses High Diastolic Stiffness of Failing Human Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Franssen Constantijn , Kole Jeroen , Musters René , Hamdani Nazha , Paulus Walter J. 
Published: February 2017

Background—
Cardiomyocytes with a less distensible titin and interstitial collagen contribute to the high diastolic stiffness of failing myocardium. Their relative contributions and mechanisms underlying loss of titin distensibility were assessed in failing human hearts.

Methods and Results—

Left ventricular tissue was procured in patients with aortic stenosis (AS, n=9) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n=6). Explanted donor hearts (n=8) served as controls. Stretches were performed in myocardial strips, and an extraction protocol differentiated between passive tension (F
passive
) attributable to cardiomyocytes or to collagen. F
passive
-cardiomyocytes was higher in AS and DCM at shorter muscle lengths, whereas F
passive
-collagen was higher in AS at longer muscle lengths and in DCM at shorter and longer muscle lengths. Cardiomyocytes were stretched to investigate titin distensibility. Cardiomyocytes were incubated with alkaline phosphatase, subsequently reassessed after a period of prestretch and finally treated with the heat shock protein α-B crystallin. Alkaline phosphatase shifted the F
passive
–sarcomere length relation upward only in donor. Prestretch shifted the F
passive
–sarcomere length relation further upward in donor and upward in AS and DCM. α-B crystallin shifted the F
passive
–sarcomere length relation downward to baseline in donor and to lower than baseline in AS and DCM. In failing myocardium, confocal laser microscopy revealed α-B crystallin in subsarcolemmal aggresomes.

Conclusions—
High cardiomyocyte stiffness contributed to stiffness of failing human myocardium because of reduced titin distensibility. The latter resulted from an absent stiffness-lowering effect of baseline phosphorylation and from titin aggregation. High cardiomyocyte stiffness was corrected by α-B crystallin probably through relief of titin aggregation.
Enumeration and Cartesian Product Decomposition of Alternate Optimal Fluxes in Cellular Metabolism
Authors: Şeref Onur , Brooks J. Paul , Huang Bernice , Fong Stephen S. 
Published: February 2017

We introduce a framework for finding and analyzing all optimal solutions to a linear-programming-based model for cellular metabolism. The implementation of a pivoting-based method for generating alternate optimal reaction fluxes is described. We present a novel strongly polynomial algorithm to decompose a matrix of alternate optimal solutions of an optimization problem into independent subsets of variables and their respective alternate solutions. The matrix can be reconstructed as a Cartesian product of these subsets of alternate solutions. We demonstrate that our strategy for enumeration is more efficient than other methods, and that our Cartesian product matrix decomposition can quickly recover independent substructures. The framework is applied to analyze the metabolic reconstruction of a disease-causing organism, revealing metabolic pathways that are independently regulated. Data and the online supplement are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2016.0724 .
What influences nurses to undertake accurate assessment of the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Authors: Summers Caroline , McLeod Anne 
Published: February 2017

Aim: To identify influencing factors that have an impact on nurses' performance of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Objectives: To appraise contemporary primary research investigating nurses' performance of the GCS; to identify concerning factors that have an impact on nurses' performance of the GCS; to facilitate a more accurate and consistent use of the tool and to formulate recommendations for optimising its reliability. Background: The GCS has been routinely used for over 40 years as an objective neurological tool to assess a patient's level of consciousness following head injury. Users have, however, found certain aspects of the GCS confusing, despite the fact that using the tool accurately is of utmost importance for patient's safety. Method: Six databases were searched to review studies (published 2006–2016) that addressed factors influencing nurses' performance of the GCS. Findings: Seven studies were identified and critically reviewed. Knowledge and experience were found to be the main factors, although issues with accuracy and application of painful stimuli were also highlighted, in addition to the fact that scores between health-care providers were inaccurate. Recommendations: Educational interventions should be implemented and the Neuroscience Nurse Benchmarking Group (NNBG) guidelines made more widely available. To ensure consistency, nurses taking handover should observe how the GCS was obtained and documented. Conclusion: This review has found that knowledge and experience are the most significant factors influencing nurses' performance of the GCS, and that inconsistencies were found regarding the application of painful stimuli and accuracy of documentation.
The ARTP Accredited Spirometry Register: Improving the quality of diagnostic spirometry in adults, and addressing the myths and misconceptions
Authors: Loveridge Christine 
Published: February 2017

The proposal to create a National Register of clinicians who perform spirometry has been greeted with some trepidation. Christine Loveridge describes how the new system will work The publication in September 2016 of Improving the quality of diagnostic spirometry in adults: The National Register of certified professionals and operators ( NHSE 2016 ) has been the subject of both discussion and perhaps controversy as some see this as ‘red tape’ and hoops to jump through. This article aims to address these concerns and dispel some of the myths and misconceptions that exist around spirometry training, assessment and accreditation. It will direct those practising spirometry to the most appropriate route to accreditation. The national register document above (seen as a competence framework) will be followed in 2017 with a commissioning document which aims to overarch both the ‘how to’ guide to quality assured diagnostic spirometry ( PCC 2013 ) and the competence framework described above.
The Applicability of the NCLEX-RN to the Canadian Testing Population: A Review of Regulatory Body Evidence
Authors: Salfi Jenn , Carbol Barry 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe NCLEX-RN® was adopted by Canadian regulators in 2011 as the test which entry-level nurses must pass in order to be certified to practice. As part of their justification for adopting the exam, the Canadian regulators pointed to two studies conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). These studies aimed to determine the applicability of the NCLEX-RN® test plan to the Canadian testing population (NCSBN, 2014),with the NCLEX-RN® providing “a fair, valid, and psychometrically sound measurement” of nursing competencies of entry-level RNs in Ontario, Canada (NCSBN, 2012, p. 8). The purpose of this article is to report the findings from a review of the above two NCSBN studies in order to assess whether they provide sufficient evidence to conclude that the NCLEX-RN® is applicable to the Canadian testing population. While some evidence was found of the use of best practice principles in survey and research design, both authors call into question the evidence provided by the NCSBN, and deny the claims that the NCLEX-RN®, as currently designed, is an appropriate assessment tool for Canadian entry-level nurses.
An Integrated Framework for Disseminating Health Information to Students in Zimbabwe
Authors: Matingwina Thomas , Raju Jaya 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUniversity students in Zimbabwe lack immediate access to accurate health information. There is lack of explicit and integrated structures for disseminating health information to students in Zimbabwe. Informed by the salutogenic theory of health, the study assessed the health information needs of students and evaluated existing health information dissemination methods at National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Zimbabwe, in developing a framework for disseminating health information. A case study strategy was used to gather data within the pragmatic paradigm of grounded constructivism. The findings reveal that students need health information on a wide range of health topics and prefer mobile electronic media, workshops, qualified health professionals and peers for their health needs. There are significant gaps between the strategies that are being used by NUST to disseminate health information and the health information needs of the students. Therefore, this paper proposes a needs-based, integrated information dissemination framework for promoting health amongst students. The proposed framework emphasizes utilization of synchronous information and communication technologies, the need for integration of activities, a viable policy, health information literacy training and the use of a mix of persuasion techniques as an effective health promotion strategy.
Mechanistic study of stereoselectivity in azoalkane denitrogenations
Authors: Abe Manabu , Hatano Sayaka 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Since 1965, the stereoselectivity in azoalkane denitrogenation has attracted much attention in both synthetic organic chemistry and physical organic chemistry. In this paper, a short review of the recent findings on the mechanism underlying the fascinating stereoselectivity in azoalkane denitrogenation is presented. The two types of singlet diradicals, i.e. the puckered and planar conformations, were found to play important roles in the stereoselectivity in the photochemical denitrogenation of cyclic azoalkanes. The presence of the puckered singlet diradical, which is the third isomer in homolysis, resolves the mechanistic puzzle reported so far for the stereoselectivity in azoalkane denitrogenations.
Investigation on Antioxidant Compounds from Marine Algae Extracts Collected from Binuangeun Coast, Banten, Indonesia
Authors: Nursid Muhammad , Marasskuranto Endar , Atmojo Karren Budi , Hartono Mulyo Pandu , Nur Meinita Maria Diyah , R Riyanti 
Published: February 2017

Marine algae contains bioactive secondary metabolites that have potential to be developed as antioxidant. The aims of this research were to investigate antioxidant activity and total phenolic compound of marine algae collected from Binuangeun Beach, Banten and to characterize antioxidant compounds from selected algae species. Antioxidant activity was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay and Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) Assay, while total phenolic content was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau method. Isolation of bioactive antioxidant compound was performed using SiO2 column chromatography and preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidan activity evaluation was conducted to methanol extracts from 20 species (7 Chlorophyta, 9 Phaeophyta and 4 Rhodophyta). Results showed that Padina australis extract was found to be the most active. The major bioactive antioxidant compound was identified as fucoxanthin and a polar compound that was suspected as phenolic compound. The extracts of P. australis presented the highest phenolic content (58.59 mg GAE/g). A significant correlation between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content was found, indicating that phenolic compounds are the major contributors to the antioxidant properties of P. australis.
C-reactive protein levels in children with uncomplicated malaria
Authors: Castelino Dipthi Nishal , Avabratha K. Shreedhara 
Published: February 2017

Background: Malaria is one of the biggest burden in terms of morbidity and mortality among all infectious diseases and continues to be a major health problem in India. The objective of this study was to study the levels of C-reactive protein in children with uncomplicated Malaria. To correlate C-reactive protein levels with malaria parasite density and species of Malaria.Methods: Retrospective study was done in Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka. 50 patients below 15 years of age malaria parasite positive by fluorescent test (MPFT) and by Peripheral smear formed the subjects and CRP levels and parasite densities was noted down into the proforma.Results: The age group predominantly was children more than 10 years. Plasmodium vivax was the type of malaria in 60% children. Most common symptoms were fever (100%), chills and rigors (41%), vomiting (48%) and headache (24%). Clinical signs observed were hepatomegaly (30%) and splenomegaly (64%). Mean levels of C reactive protein (CRP) were 42.91%with standard deviation of 31.62. Mean CRP levels were high in children with Falciparum malaria (44.51±34.19).58% had CRP levels ranging from 6-50 mg/l. 50% children with CRP levels >50 mg/L had parasite density of (++++) which is 100 parasites per 1 field of quantitative buffy coat.Conclusions: C-reactive protein levels are markedly elevated in acute malarial infection in paediatric age group.It correlates well with disease severity.
From the Editors
Authors: Gunduz Prof. Dr. Mustafa 
Published: February 2017

Dear Readers,It is the great honor for us to publish sixth volume, second issue of Global Journal of Sociology: Current Issues.Global Journal of Sociology: Current Issues welcomes original empirical investigations and comprehensive literature review articles focusing on sociological issues. The scope of Global Journal of Sociology: Current Issues includes, but is not limited to the following major topics as Child, Youth and Old Age, Communication and Art, Culture and Changes, Deviance and Social Control, Economy and Development, Education, Ethnic Relations, Human Rights and Collective Good, Gender and Human Rights, Identity, Image and Social Cohesion, Localization and Globalization, Organizations, Professions and Work, Political Sociology and Law Issues, Social Security and Public Health, Sociology of Marriage and Family, Sociology of Population and Migration, Sociology of Religion, Collective Behavior and Social Movements and Theoretical, Comparative and Historical Studies.Â Â Adaptive management, national health strategies and emergency situations, informing citizens, building trust and evaluation of the scholar fatigue phenomenon among teenagers topics have been included into this issue. The topics of the next issue will be different. You can make sure that we will be trying to serve you with our journal with a rich knowledge in which different kinds of topics are discussed in 2016 Volume.A total number of nine (9) manuscripts were submitted for this issue and each paper has been peer reviewed by the reviewers specialized in the related field. At the end of the review process, a total number of four (4) high quality research papers were selected and accepted for publication.We present many thanks to all the contributors who helped us to publish this issue.Â Best regards,Prof. Dr. Mustafa GunduzEditor â€“ in Chief
The evaluation of scholar fatigue phenomenon and some factors that cause it on a group of teenagers from Iasi
Authors: Albu Adriana , HodorcÄƒ Raluca Mihaela , Onose Ionut , Negrea Magda , CrÄƒcanÄƒ Irina 
Published: February 2017

Scholar fatigue should be carefully evaluated to be able to interfere when needed. Goals: the evaluation of differences/similarities regarding fatigue at pupils studying at different. High schools. Material and methods: the study was done on a group of 237 teenagers studying at 3 different high schools in Iasi: Sport high school (75 teenagers), Music High school (73 students) and Grammar School (89 students). The pupils had to fill in a questionnaire regarding the emersion of fatigue. The results were analysed using the PearsonÂ CHI Square test. Results and discussions: in 45.99% of cases, students are often tired, the calculated differences being statistically significant for a p<0.01 (f=4, Ï‡Â²=15.500),Â fatigue being often acknowledged by Grammar School teenagers. The phenomenon appears in the middle of the week (48.10% ,p>0.001 f=4, Ï‡Â²=20.862) and at midday (43.03%, p<0.01, f=4, Ï‡Â²=11.738). The statistically significant differences show a high frequency of positive answers for Grammar School students. One of the factors favouring the appearance of fatigue is the small number of sleeping hours (6-7 hours -75.94%). The calculated differences are statistically significant for a p<0.001 (f=4, Ï‡Â²=21.716) and show a high frequency of teenagers who sleep a little at Grammar School. Conclusions: the appearance of fatigue is different for each highschool, which enforces an exact knowledge of the features of teenagersâ€™ loads.Keywords: highschool, scholar load, insufficient sleep.Â Â
Atorvastatin inhibits brain oxidative stress of Streptozotocininduced diabetic rat
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Taghi , Jahromi Mojtaba Gaedniaye , Mirjalili Mohammad Hossein , Binabaj Mehdi Ramezani , Jafari Mahvash , Salem Fatemeh 
Published: February 2017

It is well known that production of ROS compounds and generation of oxidative stress during diabetes are the most important mechanisms of tissue damage. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of atorvastatin treatment, as an antioxidant, to prevent the brain tissue oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (five rats in each group) as followed: normal, normal treated was orally received 20 mg/kg/day atorvastatin for 30 days, diabetic group was given 40 mg/kg streptozotocin by intravenous injection and diabetic treated similar to normal treated rats. After 30 days of treatment, rats were sacrificed under deep anesthesia to remove the brain. After tissue homogenization, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by biochemical methods. In addition to increase blood glucose level in diabetic rats (78%), brain SOD and CAT activities were significantly increased compared with normal rats. Also, diabetes significantly decreased the GSH content of brain tissue by 57%, and increased the brain MDA level by 35%. Finally treatment with atorvastatin significantly decreased the augmented brain CAT activity and the MDA level during diabetes. Based on the finding of this study, diabetes-induced hyperglycemia provoked the production of free radicals in the brain tissue that leading to oxidative stress. Also, treatment with atorvastatin may have prevented from hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in the brain of diabetic rat.
Eclipta alba ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced structural and functional changes in liver of mice
Authors: Patel Monali R. , Verma Ramtej J. 
Published: February 2017

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Eclipta alba extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)–induced structural and functional changes in livers of mice. Healthy adult Swiss strain female albino mice were orally administered with CCl4 (826 mg/kg body weight/day, p.o.) alone and along with Eclipta alba extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight/day, p.o.) for 30 days. The degree of protection was determined by measuring histopathological changes and lipid peroxidation in liver as well as activities of ALT, AST, ACP, ALP, LDH, γ-GT enzymes and bilirubin contents in serum of mice. The histopathological studies revealed severe necrosis, fatty infiltration, lymphocytic infiltration and fibrosis in liver of CCl4 treated mice. In addition, biochemical studies revealed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation. The enzymes activities as well as bilirubin contents in serum were significantly (p<0.05) increased in CCl4 only treated mice when compared with the control group. However, co-treatment of CCl4 along with Eclipta alba extract showed significant reductions in activities of enzymes and bilirubin content as compared with CCl4 alone treated mice. The effects were dose-dependent (r = 0.9826 to 1). Carbon tetrachloride induced lipid peroxidation was significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological changes were also ameliorated on treatment with Eclipta alba extract. The ameliorative effects of Eclipta alba on CCl4–induced hepatotoxicity could be due to its antioxidative property. The extract was found to be safe as evidenced by their high LD50.