Efficacy Research Articles

Progress on biosynthesis and function of the natural products of Zi Cao as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb.

Zi Cao is an important traditional medicinal plant resource in China. Shikonin and its derivatives, as the purple-red naphthoquinones among natural products of its roots, are commonly used clinically in the treatment of sores and skin inflammations. Over the past few decades, due to their highly effective multiple biological activities, pharmacological effects, good clinical efficacy and high utilization value, shikonin and its derivatives have attracted increasing attention of domestic and foreign researchers. For this reason, the wild plant germplasm resources have been suffering a grievous exploitation, leading to a serious threat to the habitat. With the development of the biosynthesis, molecular metabolism and biotechnology, as well as the continuous innovation of research methods on the biological activities and pharmacological effects of plant natural products, significant progress has been made in the research on the biosynthetic pathways and related regulatory genes of shikonin. The pharmacological action and its mechanism of shikonin have also been deeply elucidated, which greatly promoted the basic research and clinical application development of shikonin. In this review, we briefly introduce and analyze the classification of Zi Cao, structure and composition of natural shikonin and its biosynthesis pathway, functional genes related to the regulation of shikonin biosynthesis, and biological activities and pharmacological functions of shikonin. Finally, we address possible prospective for the trend on the future research and development of natural shikonin and its derivatives, hoping to provide a useful reference for the deep mining and development of medicinal natural products from important Chinese medicinal materials, and to promote the modern development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion Still Formally Unproven

The evidence for efficacy of endovascular therapy for large-vessel ischemic stroke is based on trials that enrolled mainly patients with anterior

A Re-examination of the Effect of Attitude, Religiosity, Self- Efficacy, and Moral Obligation on the Compliance Behavior of Income Zakat

A Re-examination of the Effect of Attitude, Religiosity, Self- Efficacy, and Moral Obligation on the Compliance Behavior of Income Zakat

Treating Acute Posttraumatic Headache

Intravenous metoclopramide plus diphenhydramine is effective in treating primary headaches. To test this treatment's efficacy for posttraumatic

Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for trauma-affected refugees – A case series

Psychotherapy for nightmares and sleep disturbances in refugees suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an unexamined area. This case study examines efficacy, acceptability, and patient experiences with Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) in 8 refugees with Middle Eastern background and PTSD-related nightmares. The aims of the study were to examine: A. if changes before and after IRT can be detected on measures of sleep quality, PTSD, level of functioning, and quality of life, B. if IRT is acceptable to refugees with PTSD-related nightmares, and C. patients’ individual and shared experiences through the three stages of IRT including changes in nightmare frequency on a sleep log. Qualitative (open questions) and quantitative methods (sleep-log, structured measures, drop-out, cancellation-, and no-show rates) were applied in order to create a thick description of the patients’ experiences throughout their IRT treatment process. Despite relatively high drop-out, cancellations and no-show rates; findings indicate that IRT is acceptable for the patients included in this study. Furthermore, a reduction in nightmare frequency, improvement in sleep quality and daytime functioning was indicated for most patients. IRT seems to be a good non-trauma-focused alternative to trauma-focused therapy for trauma-affected refugees and might also be used as an add on to standard trauma-focused treatment.

Burgeoning Data on COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness

The Pfizer (BNT162b2) and Oxford/AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1) vaccines have shown remarkable efficacy in phase 3 trials as well as effectiveness in mass

The Effectiveness of the Model Employability Skills Learning Based on Trainer Simulator Air Conditioner in Vocational High Schools

The rate of unemployment growth in the province of Riau Islands is very high. The unemployment rate, particularly for SMK, is 12.98%; about 8,959; for SMA, 10.91% or about 7,530 people. The issues are poor work ethics, insufficient problem-solving strategies, critical thinking skills, the ability to work and the consistency of business performance, just skills which are deemed good enough. This thesis seeks to ana-lyze the efficacy of a Vocational High School Air Conditioner Job Simulator Learning Model. The study design was quasi-experimental, applied to learning in the experimental and control lessons. The study included students taking the Air Conditioner course. The method used was the Efficiency Test. The find-ings showed that the student performance test results with the Employability skill learning model based on the trainer simulator air conditioner were higher than the results of the work-oriented training performance test. Thus it can be inferred that the use of the Air Conditioner Simulator Employability Skill Learning Model is more efficient than learning on a work basis.

The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine: Good Efficacy, but Weigh the Options

Researchers have published the results of the placebo-controlled phase 3 trial of Johnson & Johnson's Ad26.COV2.S vaccine conducted in the U.S., South

CULTIVATING RESEARCH CULTURE: CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM TOWARD INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE TEACHERS SELF-EFFICACY, RESEARCH ANXIETY AND RESEARCH ATTITUDE

The teachinglearning process is built on evidence based practice. Teachers must consider the research foundations in order to apply evidence based practice effectively. According to previous results, only a few teachers at the school participate in action research. It suggests that the school's research culture has not yet been completely accepted, despite the fact that it is being promoted which is articulated on the training needs assessment indicate that teachers need a lot of training in doing action research. On these premises, a study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of capacity building program toward initiati ves to improve the teacher’s self efficacy, research anxiety and research attitude. It employed descriptive evaluative research design. It administered likert questionnaires to 50 teachers. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that most of the teacher respondent s are Technology Livelihood Education Teachers with a 6 10 years of teaching in the public school and bachelor’s degree holder. More so, teachers have high research self efficacy, low anxiety, and high positive attitude toward conducting action research. Notably, Teacherdescribed the capacity building program towards research initiative in conducting action research as highly effective. However, the level of the research culture index of the schoo l were fair which the scored below 80%. It showed that significant relationship between research self efficacy, research anxiety, and research attitude and the profile of novice teachers researchers.Similarly, there was a statistically significant assoc iation between research self efficacy,research anxiety, and research attitude among novice teachers researchers. When novice teachers researchers are categorized according to profile, there is a substantial gap in the evaluation of research self effi cacy, research anxiety, and research attitude. This study recommended to adapt these capacity building program in the division level to help the teacher raise their level of capability in research.

Эффективность применения кортикостероидов в лечении госпитализированных пациентов с новой коронавирусной инфекцией (COVID-19)

Эффективность применения кортикостероидов в лечении госпитализированных пациентов с новой коронавирусной инфекцией (COVID-19)

Clinical Study Safety and Efficacy of Tablet Extract Compared to Hyperuricemia Herbs Aqueous Extract

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder that is often found in the community, and requires long-termtreatment. To determine the effi cacy and safety of the hyperuricemia herbs, clinical studies have been carried out on the effi cacy and safety of tablet preparations compared to boiled of the hyperuricemia herbs. The clinical study was conducted with an open label research design, randomized clinical study and parallel design. The study involved 55 subjects who had met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were randomized and divided into groups of tablets or boiled with intervention for 28 days. The tablet group took tablets with a dose of 3x2 tablets per day and the boiled group drank infusion with a dose of 3 times a glass per day. Blood uric acid was examined at D0, D14 and D28. SGOT, SGPT, urea, and creatinine were examined at D0 and D28. The tablet reduced uric acid (7.74 mg/dL to 6.53 mg/dL) and the boiled reduced uric acid (7.93 mg/dL to 7.09 mg/dL). The administration of tablet preparations eliminates the clinical symptoms of swollen/pain of leg, swollen/pain of hand, stiff ness, pain and other symptoms at the deff erent time than boiled administration. The administration of both preparations for 28 days in the subjects did not increase the value of SGOT, SGPT, urea and creatinine and no symptoms of serious side eff ects were found.

Efficacy of PCR Analysis of Mip, Doth and Gspd Genes with Culture in Detection of Legionella pneumophila.

The article's abstract is not available.

OM-85 in the prevention of respiratory infections: State-of-the-art and future perspectives in clinical practice.

Respiratory infections (RI) significantly burden patients, their families, and society. Respiratory infection recurrence (RRI) usually depends on a defect of the immune response, which can be more or less transient and/or selective. In particular, children, older people, heavy smokers, and patients with chronic diseases, characterized by an inadequate immune response, may be at risk of developing RRI. In this context, OM- 85 could represent a valuable option in the management of RRI. OM-85 is a bacterial lysate containing the extracts of some common pathogens, including Branhamella catarrhalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella ozaenae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus viridans, and Staphylococcus aureus. Methodologically rigorous studies have documented the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of OM-85. OM-85 enhances the natural and acquired immune response through multifaceted mechanisms. Substantial evidence has shown that OM-85 can prevent respiratory infections, reduce the number of COPD exacerbations, and shorten the disease duration at home or in hospital. OM-85 can enhance the effectiveness of the 'flu vaccination without affecting the vaccine tolerability. The preventive use of OM-85 can reduce the use of antibiotics, contributing to contrast antibiotic resistance and saving the high cost of chronic respiratory diseases. Further studies should define the ideal candidate to OM-85 treatment.

Extracellular Products of Endophytic Fungi Isolate C.1.1 and C.3.3 from Cempaka Kuning Branch (Michelia champaca L.) as an Antimicrobial

Michelia champaca L. is known to have effi cacy as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer.In general, endophytic fungi that live in plant tissues is capable of producing secondary metabolites as theirhost plant. The objective of this research is to examine the antimicrobial potential of endophytic mold isolates C.1.1 and C.3.3 from yellow cempaka branches (Michelia champaca L.). Isolates obtained from previous research, fi rst was rejuvenated on PDA. Fermentation was carried out on each isolate for 12 days. The fermented supernatant was then extracted partially with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol solvent. The extract was then concentrated and tested for antimicrobial activity using disk diff usion and microdilution methods. N-butanol extract of endophytic fungi isolates of yellow champaca branches was able to inhibit the microbial growth with the largest inhibition area in isolate C.1.1 in Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (12.26 mm), Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 (11.40 mm), Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (10.50 mm), and Metichillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (11.30 mm) with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Concentration of 12,5% . It was concluded that both endophytic fungi isolates of yellow champaca branches had the potential to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes.

Transurethral Thulium: YAG laser vapoenucleation of the prostate

Laser prostate surgery is currently considered as being an alternative to other surgical approaches like mono or bipolar transurethral resection and classical open surgery. The implementation of transurethral Thulium: YAG laser vapoenucleation of the prostate opens up new avenues in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore, the use of Th uVEP and the subsequent fragmentation of vapoenucleated adenomatous nodules may completely change the surgical approach in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The study included 23 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, who underwent minim invasive surgical treatment via transurethral Thulium: YAG laser vapoenucleation within the Urology Clinic of „Nicolae Testemitanu” SUMPh. The patients tolerated the surgical procedure well. Patients, with mean age of 62.4±3 years, were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months aft er the surgery. A constant improvement of the IPSS and QoL scores was determined. A 15-point IPSS and 2-point Qol decrease was registered. No signifi cant decrease in IIFE-5 score was reported. The highest Qmax and Qmean increase was registered at 12 months: 150% and 139.4% respectively. The mean urine output increased to 59ml or 47.9%. The mean prostate volume decreased to 41±5cm3 (-4.1%), whereas the volume of residual urine showed a decrease of about 66±18ml (-77%). Given the excellent effi cacy of minimally invasive ThuVEP, it might be recommended as a surgical method of choice in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Serum total protein concentration and liver enzymes activities in albino rats model administered with ethanolic leaf extract of Ficus capensis

There is an increased use of the Ficus capensis plant and concerns about safety alongside efficacy have been raised. The aim of this work is to study the total protein, bilirubin and serum liver enzyme activities in albino rats administered graded concentrations of ethanol extract of F. capensis leaf. Twenty-four albino rats were shared into four groups and different concentrations of the leaf extract were administered with respect to body weight (250, 150 and 100 mg/kg) respectively while the fourth group (Control) was administered distilled water only. The serum liver enzymes activities were determined using the Randox Laboratory Kit while the total protein and bilirubin concentrations were determined by Spectrophotometric methods. The results showed p≤0.05 decrease in total protein and globulin concentrations, with an increase in bilirubin and albumin/globulin concentration and a slight decrease in the albumin concentration in 250 and 150 mg/kg. Furthermore, the administration of the extract caused p≤0.05 increase in the enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase at 250 and 150 mg/kg. For aspartate transaminase, there was p≤0.05 increase in 250 mg/kg. From the study, the liver is implicated in the administration of high doses of ethanol extract of F. capensis hence lower doses are recommended. Key words: Ficus capensis, liver enzymes, total protein, bilirubin, spectrophotometer.

Effects of the aquatic exercise program on diabetes self efficacy and self care behaviors in diabetic patients in community

Effects of the aquatic exercise program on diabetes self efficacy and self care behaviors in diabetic patients in community

Analysis Validity and Reliability of Self -Efficacy and Metacognitive Awareness Instrument Toward Mathematical Reasoning

This study was conducted to analyze the degree of validity and reliability of an instrument to measure self-efficacy and metacognitive awareness of university students toward mathematics reasoning. A total of 184 respondent of a public university in Malaysia has been chosen to answer the instrument. Findings from Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) support three dimensions of self-efficacy and six dimensions of metacognitive awareness of students toward mathematics reasoning that has been conceptualized. The overall internal consistency reliability of Cronbach Alpha coefficients was above 0.9. Based on the analysis performed, it can be concluded that developed instrument has sufficient evidence of validity and reliability to measure self-efficacy and metacognitive awareness of university students toward mathematics reasoning.

Penggunaan Asap Cair dari Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit untuk Pengendalian Jamur Phytophthora citrophthora secara In Vitro

Efficacy of wood vinegar produced from empty fruit bunches (EFB) against Phytophthora citrophthora fungus was evaluated. The objective of the present work is to to evaluate antifungal properties of wood vinegar from EFB against P. citrophthora fungus . Three kinds of wood vinegar were used three temperatures i.e. 350, 400 and 450 °C. Efficacy of wood vinegar from EFB for antifungal is a factorial 3 by 4 in a completely randomized design; the first factor was pyrolysis temperature of wood vinegar from EFB (350, 400, and 450 °C) and the second factor was treatment of concentration of wood vinegar from EFB (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 %, v/v). The results showed that pyrolysis temperature effect of wood vinegar from EFB and concentration of wood vinegar were significantly different for inhibition of fungal growth. The highest inhibition was on wood vinegar for EFB with temperature pyrolysis of 450 ° C and concentration of wood vinegar of 1% with average value of 100%.

Rule-based inferencing diagnosis in HBIM

The aim of this paper is the implementation of a methodological workflow for the diagnosis of masonry settlings, within the HBIM approach, developing a rule-based logical inference tool in Visual Programming Language. The rule-based inferencing diagnosis is a guided process, which increases the confidence factor about settlings and actual causes, on the basis of surveyors’ technical insights and evidences. The final step is the suggestion of appropriate interventions. The results show that inference logic is directly applicable to the diagnosis problem; their efficacy depends on i) the structured parametric and data modelling of decay patterns in the HBIM model and ii) the knowledge base training. The application has been validated on a case study, Masseria Don Cataldo (Bari, South Italy).