bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An objective structured practical examination for laboratory skills in a pharmacy technician programme
Authors: McPherson Peter A C , Johnston Ben 
Published: September 2023

Background: Pharmacy technician education is typically at the pre-degree level and comprises instruction in scientific and clinical disciplines. The assessment of practical laboratory skills often utilises attainment-referenced methods, which are not always appropriate for vocationally-focused programmes.
Methods: An objective structured practical examination (OSPE) was introduced to assess student competency in three key areas (accurate weighing, calibrating a pH meter and performing a dilution). Students were assessed using weighted criterion-based assessment criteria and an overall global performance rating, which allowed cut scores to be determined using a borderline regression method. Student opinions were collected using online questionnaires on a five-point Likert scale.
Results: The move to OSPEs did not significantly alter the distribution of student results from previous years (mean ± SD, OSPE vs legacy: 77 ± 19% vs 73 ± 21%), suggesting that academic integrity was maintained. There was a high level of consistency in Likert score responses (Cronbach’s α = 0.823), with students clearly favouring the OSPE approach.
Conclusion: The move to an OSPE-based assessment was successful and provided a basis for the development of similar assessment strategies in the pharmacy technician programme.
O WEB CURRÍCULO NA INTERAÇÃO DAS TECNOLOGIAS ARTICULADAS AO CURRÍCULO NA EDUCAÇÃO A DISTÂNCIA
Authors: Dias Graciele , Almeida Agnólia Pereira de , Andrade Jaqueline Edy de , Pareschi Sheila Costa Silva , Modesto Valéria Teixeira 
Published: September 2023

O documento traz como temática a web currículo na interação das tecnologias articuladas ao currículo na educação a distância, tendo como objetivo identificar as características entre web currículo e currículo na educação a distância, articulado a aplicabilidade de propiciar os conhecimentos científicos com base no que o estudante traz de sua vivência. A integração das tecnologias no processo de ensino aprendizagem tem assumido um papel de destaque entre as possibilidades e desafios dos dias atuais na educação. Sabe-se que se tem discutido muito a respeito e algumas pesquisas recentes mostram que incorporar as tecnologias ao currículo, ainda é um grande desafio, as novas abordagens, que fazem parte das experiências dos alunos e das instituições de ensino, visto ser uma inovação que está interligada às novas metodologias, a interatividade e a formação docente. As tecnologias hoje em dia têm que estar presente nos espaços da sala de aula, de fácil acesso no momento da necessidade dos alunos, estas por sua vez devem ser vistas como uma grande aliada ao currículo escolar, proporcionando um ambiente de aprendizagem rico em informações, dinâmico e interativo. Ao utilizar as tecnologias, aliada ao web-currículo e articulando as práticas pedagógicas, os professores propõem atividades diversificadas que são realizadas ao longo do processo, qualificando o trabalho na formação de cidadãos éticos e estéticos. Diante deste, o uso das TICs pode auxiliar justamente, quando trabalhado com um currículo internacionalizado, com a avaliação dos processos sendo possível identificar os avanços e dificuldades do aluno.
A Clinical Study on Pipaladi Leh in Tamak Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma) in Children
Authors: Mohar  , Keerti Verma  , Anup Kumar Gakkhar  
Published: September 2023

Tamak Shwasa is a term that encompasses many diseases such as shortness of breath as the main symptom. But we can also associate bronchial asthma with Tamak Shwasa because of the remaining four, three of them are incurable and the fourth is Kshudra Shwasa, which is caused by overwork and overeating, it can be cured in a simple way. Early onset is easy to treat, but the chronic condition is difficult to treat. In Ayurveda, the word Shwasa defines its meaning as a disease in itself as well as symptoms and problems of other diseases. The patient has an attack of a disease that threatens his life. Acharya Charaka describes Tamak Shwasa as a Yappya type of illness in which the patient has to rely on medicine for relief. Acharya Charak teaches different good thoughts about Tamak Shwasa. Every Ayurvedic practitioner should have a detailed knowledge of Tamak Shwasa to distinguish between Chikitsa and disease assessment. In Pipalaadi leh therapy, 04 pts. i.e., 09.76% of the patients attained marked improvement, 33 pts. i.e., 80.48% of the patients attained moderate improvement and 04 pts. i.e., 09.76% of the patients attained mild improvement.
Effect of Malus Domestica (Apple Peel) Extract on Peripheral Blood and Bone Marrow Cells of Prednisolone Treated Mice
Authors: Iram Kamal  , Rizwan Faisal  , Lubna Amer  , Abdul Mudabbir Rehan  , Sadia Chiragh  
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Apple peel is rich in many bioactive compounds and has been studied for its beneficial effects and protective role in multiple disorders, but its effect on blood cells and bone marrow needs to be investigated.
Aims & Objectives: To determine the effects of apple peel extract on peripheral blood and bone marrow cells of prednisolone treated mice.
Place and duration of study: Pharmacology Department of Post Graduate Medical Institute and Pathology Department of Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore from June to September, 2016.
Material & Methods: Forty Swiss albino mice were randomized into five equal groups. Normal control group was given distilled water. Model group was given prednisolone 4 mg/kg orally. Experimental low, medium, and high dose groups were given 25 mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100 mg/kg apple peel extract respectively along with prednisolone for 14 consecutive days by oral route. On 14th day, blood was analyzed for red blood cell, platelet, total leukocyte, and differential leukocyte count whereas, bone marrow was analyzed for erythropoiesis, megakaryocytes, myelopoiesis, lymphocyte and plasma cell count.
Results: Prednisolone treatment group exhibited significantly raised neutrophil and decreased lymphocyte percentage, whereas anon-significant rise in RBC, WBC, and platelet count was noted as compared to the normal group. Bone marrow smear megakaryocytes, myelopoiesis, lymphocytes, and cellularity: fat ratio also increased non-significantly by prednisolone treatment. Low dose of apple peel extract enhanced these effects, making significant difference, while medium and high doses negated these effects in accordance with their dose.
Conclusion: Apple peel extract in low dose complemented the effect of prednisolone on hematological parameters of mice peripheral blood and bone marrow, while high dose nullified these effects in a dose dependent manner.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Trends Towards Covid-19 Pandemic: Comparison Between Individuals with Medical and Non-Medical Backgrounds
Authors: Mirza Zeeshan Sikandar  , Bilal Husnain Bajwa  , Hasan Zahid  , Sobia Ali  , Sabiha Iqbal  , Syed Imran Ali Shah  
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious viral disease with high morbidity and mortality. Successful control of COVID-19 requires an approach of safety and cautious behavior of the general public as well as healthcare workers which can be attained by enhancing awareness based on scientific evidence.
Aims & Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of Covid-19 safety precautions in people with a medical and allied health background and compare them with non-medical people from the local population.
Place and duration of study: Study was conducted at Central Park Medical College from July 2020 to September 2020.
Material & Methods: A total of 976 people participated in the study and were segregated into two groups; Group 1 (People having medical background; n=388) and Group 2 (People having non-medical background; n=588) to compare KAP scores between Group 1 and Group 2 by using validated scales on Google forms. Data were presented as percentages and frequencies. Independent sample t-test was used to analyze statistical differences.
Results: Higher knowledge scores were observed for group 1 as compared to group 2 (9.92 + 2.27 v/s 9.16 +2.53; p= 0.001). Better knowledge, good attitude and safe practice trends were observed in group 1 (medical background) as compared to group 2 (non-medical background).
Conclusion: Individuals with a medical background are more knowledgeable and exhibit a cautious attitude and better safety practices regarding COVID-19 as compared to the general population. There is a need to educate the general population about safety measures for COVID-19 including social distancing, usage of masks, self-isolation, avoidance of gatherings and others.
Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) Versus Interval Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) Complications: Which is better?
Authors: Muhammad Ikram  , Amna Javed  , Ayesha Shahid  , Sara Muneer  , Fariha Tahir  
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) is an effective mode of contraception. But its timing of insertion remained debateable. Studies has shown that Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) is associated with less complications as compared to interval IUCD. But controversial results have been noted. This study aims to compare intricacy & efficacy of PPIUCD Vs interval IUCD.
Aims & Objectives: To compare the complications of postpartum versus interval intrauterine device insertion (Copper T) in females seeking contraception in teaching hospital of Lahore.
Place and duration of study: The six months study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore from 15-3-2018 to 15-9-2018.
Material & Methods: In this Randomized controlled trial 200 women were enrolled and divided into 2 groups. In group A, IUCD (Copper T) was implanted within 10 minutes of delivery of placenta (PPIUCD). In group B, IUCD (Copper T) was implanted after 6 weeks of delivery (Interval IUCD) and both groups were asked to follow up for 6 months and present in case of any complication. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results: In this study, the frequency of bleeding was (Group-A: 12% & Group-B: 18%, p-value=0.235), per vaginal discharge (Group-A: 4% & Group-B: 9%, p-value=0.152), abdominal pain (Group-A: 4% & Group-B: 14%, p-value=0.013), pelvic inflammatory disease (Group-A: 5% & Group-B: 11%, p-value=0.118) and IUCD removal (Group-A: 9% & Group-B: 14%, p-value=0.268) was higher in Group-B patients. However, expulsion rate was observed to be higher in Group-A patients (8% Vs 3% in Group B).
Conclusion: Based on this study, it can be analyzed that Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) is more effective than Interval IUCD in terms of lower bleeding, PV discharge, pelvic inflammatory disease, abdominal pain and IUCD removal.
Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Fiction
Authors: Tischler Nancy M. 
Published: September 2023

A biographical encyclopedia of American and British Christian-themed writers from World War II to the present, covering acclaimed literary works and popular evangelical fiction.
Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Fiction offers 90 alphabetically organized entries covering the field�s most important writers. Each entry includes a brief biography, religious and educational background, a survey of major works and themes, and a summary of critical response, as well as a bibliography of major works and criticism.
Effectiveness of swallowing therapy and forced expiratory technique to prevent aspiration for dysphagia in frail elders
Authors: Nathan C.V. Senthil , Lakshmi J. Kavitha , G. Vaishnavi , Abraham M. Manoj 
Published: September 2023

Introduction and Aim: Difficulty or trouble in eating is termed to beDysphagia, which indicates experience of food encountering delays or obstructions as it moves to the stomach from the mouth. Elderly population is prone to develop dysphagia because of various illnesses that affect their swallowing function, thereby raising the threat of aspiration. The primary goal of the current learning is to assess the effectiveness of swallowing therapy and the forced expiratory technique as preventive measures against aspiration in frail elderly individuals with dysphagia.

Methodology: This study is an experimental study done at ACS Medical College and Hospital, specifically in the Physiotherapy OP department. The study involved a sample of 20 individuals and had a treatment duration of 6 weeks. The participants were elderly individuals ranging from 65 to 85 years of age, comprising both males and females. Participants who scored above 18 in the mini mental state exam and fall within levels 3 to 6 according to the FIOS classification were included The outcome measures used in the study were the functional intake oral scale and the gugging swallowing screen.

Results: Comparing the Functional Intake Oral Scale (FIOS) Score between the Pre-test and Post-test mean values of 4.40 and 6.40 (Swallowing Therapy) reveals a significantly significant difference between the two mean values at P 0.001. Comparing the gugging swallowing screen (GUSS)score between the Pre-test and Post-test mean values of 11.30 and 17.60 (Swallowing Therapy), it is very significant that there is a difference between the Pre-test and Post-test mean values at P 0.001.

Conclusion: It is concluded that there is significant improvement in effects of swallowing therapy for dysphagia in frail elders and forced expiratory technique to prevent aspiration.
In silico molecular docking studies of drugs Donepezil and Galantamine towards SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro)
Authors: A. Sumitha , Brindha Devi Parthiban , Subramanian Vidhya , B. Geetha , G. Vaishnavi 
Published: September 2023

Introduction and Aim: COVID-19(Corona viral disease) has caused morbidity and mortality across the globe. In spite of some repurposed drugs and vaccines, researchers are in search of effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Donepezil and Galantamine are acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs with pharmacological benefit in Alzheimer’s therapy. An effort has been made in this study for in silico evaluation of drugs Donepezil and Galantamine for its antiviral activity against Coronavirus.

Materials and Methods: Molecular docking studies of ligands Donepezil and Galantamine were executed by using corona viral Protease (Mpro) protein as a target. Docking study was performed using Autodock 4.2.6 software. The activity of ligands depends on hydrogen bond interactions with active sites of protein of Mpro protein and docking score.

Results: Docking studies reveal that the compound Donepezil is well interacted with nonpolar amino acids. The Galantamine molecule has good affinity towards the protein and reveals the docking score of -7.3 kcal/mol. The tight binding of ligands Donepezil and Galantamine to the protein of MPro will stop further replication and transcription of viral proteins.

Conclusion: Ligands Donepezil and Galantamine are well engaged with the active site of the main protease (M Pro) of SARS-CoV-2. These compounds can help in novel drug identification towards Covid-19.
Detection of differentially expressed circulating micro-RNA among Indians with Type 2 Diabetes using a global expression profile and systematic analysis
Authors: Sambashivaiah Sucharita , Priyanka Ashwini , Nimbalkar Vidya , V. P. Snijesh , Prabhu Jyothi 
Published: September 2023

Introduction and Aim: In recent years research on molecular mechanisms leading to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has discovered the promising role of microRNA (miRNA) as an early biomarker for the diagnosis of the clinical state. However, there is a lack of data from the Indian population exploring the global expression of circulating miRNA using precise and sensitive methods. The aim was to identify and quantify the circulating miRNAs from biological samples of T2DM and healthy controls using the Nanostring nCounter Platform.

Material and Methods: The miRNA analysis was performed using the NanoString nCounter platform. The T2DM patients within a duration of 5 to 15 years without any complications were recruited. The healthy controls were identified without any chronic diseases. The NanoString nCounter platform probes were used to detect the newly discovered miRNAs in the chosen panel of nearly 800 miRNAs.

Results: Our analysis has identified many unique miRNAs that are not reported earlier such as miR -25-3p, miR451a, miR365a, miR-129-2, miR-1271, miR572, and others.

Conclusion: Identification of differential patterns of circulating miRNAs could offer optimistic chances for managing T2DM diagnostically and prognostically. The specific expansion of the miRNAs to know the intercommunication among miRNAs and other genes involved in the development of T2DM must be further explored to uncover the potential role in clinical practice.
Predictive value of insulin marker before and after recovery of Grave’s disease patients
Authors: Salih Ali Abeer , Hazim Hamoode Rana , A. Khalaf Zena , Abdullah Lafttah Al-Rubaii Bahaa 
Published: September 2023

Introduction and Aim: Grave’s disease is a disease of the thyroid glands. Early diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can improve treatment and control. This study examined hyperthyroidism-related insulin hormone alterations before and after radioactive iodine 131 treatment. This study also examined how the medical condition affected these indicators.

Materials and Methods: The participants in this study included 50 people who were diagnosed with Grave’s disease, as well as 23 healthy individuals as controls. Direct inquiry was used as the technique for gathering demographic information from the patients who participated in the study. The thyroid stimulating and insulin hormonal levels of each patient were recorded before and after undergoing a hypothyroidism treatment regimen of three months that consisted of a dose of radioactive iodine 131 ranging from 10 to 20 mci.

Results: This research indicated a significant relation to exist between age and insulin levels among patients diagnosed with Grave’s disease. In addition, the research also demonstrated a significant association between levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and insulin hormones in patients both before and after radiation therapy.

Conclusion: Insulin hormonal levels could be used as a predictor of the severity of hyperthyroidism.
Patterns of clinical and biochemical studies on elderly patients with anemia in the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Mamatova Sabirakhan , Karabekova Nazgul , Madraimova Venera , Tazhibaeva Umutai , Akmaral Taalaibek kyzy , Arstanbekova Mira , Mamatov Sagynali , Imanalieva Farida 
Published: September 2023

Introduction and Aim: Most studies indicate that between 10% and 45% of older people have anemia. The etiology is diverse and usually complicated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and hematological models of anemia in elderly residents of nursing homes in Kyrgyzstan's southern regions who are 60 years of age and older.

Materials and Methods: A total of 223 elderly persons, including 97 (43.5%) men and 126 (56.5%) women, participated in this study at nursing facilities in the southern areas of Kyrgyzstan. The elderly persons were 77.95.18 years old on average.

Results: 23.3% of the 223 older people in the study living in wards of nursing facilities in the southern areas of Kyrgyzstan were anemic. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (50%) was the most prevalent type of anemia, followed by vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (26.7%), and anemia of chronic disease (23.1%). Both blood ferritin and serum iron levels were considerably below normal, which is common for IDA. The value of vitamin B12 in the blood, which was within the usual limits (461.0–5.73 ng/l), was also revealed, indicating IDA.

Conclusion: Anemia affects quality of life and increases morbidity and mortality in elderly people.
Zanubrutinib (Brukinsa)
Authors: CADTH  
Published: September 2023

CADTH recommends that Brukinsa be reimbursed by public drug plans for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) if certain conditions are met.
Brukinsa should only be covered to treat adult patients with previously untreated CLL for whom fludarabine-based treatment is inappropriate or patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) CLL who have received at least 1 prior systemic therapy. Patients receiving Brukinsa should be in relatively good health (i.e., have a good performance status, as determined by a specialist). Patients who have progressed on a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor or patients with prolymphocytic leukemia or Richter’s transformation should not be eligible for coverage.
Brukinsa should only be reimbursed if prescribed by clinicians with expertise and experience in the treatment of CLL and monitoring of therapy and if it is associated with cost savings for drug programs relative to ibrutinib or acalabrutinib. Patients who experience disease progression while taking Brukinsa or who cannot tolerate the drug would not be eligible for continued coverage.