bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Smartphone-based Method for Measuring the Antioxidant Efficacy of Commercial Beverages
Authors: Kim Gyeong Hee , Huh Chang Soon , Kim Moon-Moo
Published: December 2024

Background:

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems can damage cells by
oxidizing membrane lipids, proteins, DNA, and enzymes. Antioxidants are essential in mitigating
these effects and are extensively used in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and dietary supplements.
They play a crucial role in the neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby preventing
cellular damage, DNA mutations, and the development of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and
coronary heart disease. To effectively mitigate these diseases, it is essential to develop rapid and
efficient methodologies for assessing antioxidant activity.

Methods:

The smartphone colorimetric biosensor system and DPPH radical scavenging assay were
developed and employed to determine the antioxidant activity of various beverages.

Results:

A comparative analysis of the DPPH radical scavenging assay for beverages was conducted
using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer (R2=0.9907) and a smartphone-based colorimetric biosensor application
(R2=0.9929). The results demonstrated a strong correlation between the two methods across
all beverages tested. Specifically, the antioxidant capacities were 15% for orange juice, 21% for Miero
Fiber, and 12% for Coca-Cola. The linear correlation across different concentrations for all beverages
showed an R2 value of 0.9929, validating the accuracy and effectiveness of the smartphonebased
detection system.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the practicality of using smartphone-based technology for detecting
antioxidants and opens avenues for more accessible and faster health diagnostics. By utilizing
smartphone biosensor technology, the accessibility of antioxidant assessments is enhanced, further
promoting the adoption of preventative health strategies.
Exploring the Potential Clinical Applications of Salivary Cortisol in the Diagnosis and Management of Cushing’s Syndrome, Diabetes, Depression, and Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scribante Andrea , Pellegrini Matteo , Ghizzoni Martina , Pulicari Federica , Giannì Aldo Bruno , Spadari Francesco
Published: December 2024

Background

Current research primarily aims to investigate the potential of salivary cortisol for early diagnosis as well as clinical management and monitoring of disease progression. Its utility extends to a range of multidisciplinary settings, encompassing conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome, stress, and depression, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and periodontal disease, within dentistry. This systematic review aimed to analyze recent literature on the use of salivary cortisol as a biomarker for various clinical and pre-clinical conditions, including stress, depression, diabetes, Cushing's Syndrome (CS), and periodontal disease. Specifically, the review sought to evaluate its application in screening, diagnosis, clinical management, and monitoring disease progression.

Materials and Methods

Employing PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus databases, the search strategy utilized Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms, including “Cushing’s syndrome”, “diabetes mellitus type 2”, “hydrocortisone”, “saliva”, “biomarker”, “depression”, and “periodontal disease”, following the PICO model. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess bias risk for randomized clinical studies, while the ROBINS-I tool was used for observational studies.

Results

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, 25 studies, comprising controlled interventions, pre-post studies, and observational/cohort or cross-sectional studies, were analyzed. We found a correlation between salivary cortisol levels and various health conditions. Elevated salivary cortisol was associated with increased disease severity in periodontitis, characterized by higher probing pocket depths and a greater plaque index. Patients with chronic periodontitis exhibited notably higher cortisol levels compared to healthy individuals, suggesting a link between stress and inflammatory responses in periodontal disease. Furthermore, salivary cortisol was identified as a valuable biomarker for detecting conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome and type 2 diabetes, with altered cortisol patterns indicative of disease progression. The findings highlighted the potential of salivary cortisol as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in assessing health status and managing related conditions.

Conclusion

Salivary cortisol serves as a crucial biomarker for the diagnosis and management of several health conditions, including Cushing's disease, diabetes, stress, depression, and periodontal disease. Its ease of measurement and reliability provide valuable insights into the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the standardization of testing methods could enhance diagnostic accuracy. Continued research is essential to elucidate the interconnections among these conditions, which may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Prevalence of Root Canal Treatment for First Permanent Molars among Children:A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bamashmous Nada Othman , Dhafar Wala , Almalik Manal Ibrahim , Turkistani Jihan , Sabbagh Heba Jafar
Published: December 2024

Objective

The First Permanent Molar (FPM) is the tooth most susceptible to caries. Various treatment modalities are available for the management of deep carious lesions, with root canal therapy (RCT). However, the literature is lacking data regarding the prevalence of RCT in FPM. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of RCT in FPM among children aged 9-18 years in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Children aged 9-18 years who underwent RCT in three major treatment centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between September, 2010 and June, 2019, were included in the study. A data collection form was developed to extract information from the electronic records of the patients, including demographic data and details related to the root canal-treated teeth.

Results

The prevalence of RCT in FPM was 3% (811/27,414) with a mean age of 14.00±2.36. The male-to- female ratio was 1:1.74. Mandibular FPM was more frequently treated with RCT compared to the maxillary FPM, and the most commonly treated teeth were lower-left FPM (36.3%). The majority of patients (79.3%) had one treated FPM.

Conclusion

This study provides baseline data on RCT prevalence in FPMs among children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The findings highlight a prevalence rate of 3%, suggesting an early onset of dental disease during childhood.
In Vitro Study of the Osterix and Osteopontin Genes Expression in Conditioned Medium- and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field-induced Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Raesi Rasoul , Haji Ghasem Kashani Maryam
Published: December 2024

Background

Conditioned medium and electromagnetic field stimulate osteogenic gene expression and proliferation in rBMSCs for osteoblast differentiation in vitro.

Aim

This study aimed to determine the expression of Osterix and Osteopontin genes in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by medium and pulsed electromagnetic fields.

Methods

The experimental groups included rBMSCs cultured in α-MEM containing 10% FBS (negative control), in osteogenesis differentiation medium (positive control), and exposed to EMF (50 Hz, 1 mT), 30 min daily. The treatment groups were also exposed to CM (CM group), simultaneously exposed to osteogenesis differentiation medium and EMF (OD+50 Hz group), and also exposed to CM and EMF (CM+50 Hz group). Osterix (OSX) and Osteopontin (OPN) gene expression were evaluated by Real-time PCR, after 14 days.

Results

The OSX gene expression was significantly increased in the OD and CM+50HZ groups, as compared to the negative control (p˂0.05). These results demonstrated that CM+50HZ and OD promoted the expression of the OSX gene. This gene was also significantly decreased in the CM, 50HZ, and OD+5OHZ groups, compared to the OD group (p˂0.05). It was suggested that these treatments had an inhibitory effect on the expression of the OSX gene. The positive control group had a significantly higher level of OPN gene expression, than that of negative control. The CM, OD+50HZ, CM+50HZ, and 50HZ groups showed no significant difference of that gene expression, compared to the negative control.

Conclusion

In vitro osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs occurs 14 days after induction, preparing osteoblasts for tissue engineering by combining CM and EMF for 30 minutes.
Corrigendum to: 4D Flow MRI of Portal Vein Hemodynamics in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Yu Hailong , Zhao Di , Shen Wen , Bai Xu , Zheng Meng , Ji Jiachen , Li Rui , Cai Jianming , Dong Jinghui , Liu Changchun
Published: December 2024

In the online version of the article, a change was made in
the author’s funding section. The funding in the online version
of the article titled “4D flow MRI of portal vein hemodynamics
in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic liver disease.”
has been updated in “Current Medical Imaging Reviews”, 2024; 20:
e15734056269300 [1].

The original article can be found online at

https://www.benthamscience.com/article/138805

Original:

FUNDING
This research was supported by the new technology and
new business project of PLA General Hospital (project name:
Abdominal vascular 4D flow MR Imaging, number: 010314)

Corrected:

FUNDING

This research was supported by the New Technology and
New Business Project of Chinese PLA General Hospital
(project name: Abdominal vascular 4D flow MR Imaging,
number: 2023XJS-03) and Capital’s Funds for Health
Improvement and Research, CFH (number: 2024-2-5066).
Role of Microbes and Microbiomes in Wastewater Treatment for Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Rajendran Suganthi , Murugaiyan Sinduja , Ramesh Poornima , Dinesh Govindaraj Kamalam
Published: December 2024

Industrial development improves our life quality. Nevertheless, the
industries, such as those producing paper and pharmaceutical products, generate large
amounts of industrial wastewater. This wastewater contains various pollutants, which
are organic and inorganic. Various physical, chemical, and biological methods have
been employed to eliminate the pollutants. Both physical and chemical methods
involve more capital and produce secondary contaminants. During wastewater
treatment, the wastewater microbiome facilitates the degradation of organic matter,
reduction of nutrients, and removal of pathogens and parasites. For the purification of
water and the preservation of the ecosystem, microbes in wastewater treatment are
crucial. However, little is known about how microbial diversity is controlled and for
what reasons. The varied microbial community supports flocculation, heterotrophic
respiration, nitrification under aerobic conditions, and denitrification under anaerobic
conditions. Although recycled water is reinstated for recreational and agricultural use,
biomonitoring is vital for assessing treatment effectiveness. Microorganism-based
biological treatment is developing as an effective and environmentally friendly method.
This chapter thoroughly introduces biological wastewater treatment, growth and
kinetics, and different microbial community types that include bacteria and fungus,
actinomycetes, algae, plants, and the range of microbial wastewater treatment, among
other topics.
Current State and Future Prospects of Microbial Genomics in Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Nagendran Saraswathy , Mehta Pooja
Published: December 2024

Ecosystem degradation through human actions is a global phenomenon. The
international society has established goals to stop and reverse these trends, and the
restoration industry faces the vital but difficult challenge of putting these goals into
practice. Microbial communities are integral to all ecosystems because they perform
critical roles like nutrient cycling and other geochemical processes. They are the
indicators of the success of ecological restoration, including plantation forests, postmining areas, oil and gas activities, invasive species management, and soil
stabilization. Since the last 2 decades, advancements in microbial genomics have
allowed researchers to focus on microbial ecology and dynamics of environmentally
balanced vis-a-vis damaged ecosystems. Advancements have significantly improved
our capacity to define diversity in microbial ecology and its putative functions in metaomics methods brought about by developments in high-throughput sequencing (HTS)
and bioinformatics. These tools may boost the likelihood that damaged ecosystems will
be restored. The current article focuses on using meta-omics techniques to monitor and
assess the outcomes of ecological restoration projects and to monitor and evaluate
interactions between the various organisms that make up these networks, such as
metabolic network mapping. We provide an overview of functional gene editing with
the CRISPR/Cas technology to improve microbial bioremediation. The existing
understanding will be strengthened by creating more efficient bioinformatics and
analysis processes.
Basic and Traditional Microbial Techniques in Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Akil Prasath R. V. , Akila S. , Shankar M. , Raveena R. , Prasanthrajan M. , Boomiraj K. , Karthika S. , Keerthana Selvaraj
Published: December 2024

The onset of the anthropogenic destruction of ecosystems is one of the
ongoing problems that can threaten the existence of organisms, including humans. The
emerging problem can be effectively addressed through restoration ecology, a naturebased solution that promises to be cost-effective. Microorganisms, including bacteria,
fungi, and viruses, are omnipresent and provide numerous benefits to the ecosystem,
such as sustainable plant productivity, enriched soil nutrients, increased soil carbon
pool, decomposition, and a stable environment for human life. Soil microorganisms
also play a fundamental role in ecosystem functioning and conserving plant diversity.
Exploring voluminous beneficial microorganisms and promoting the reestablishment of
these beneficial microbes in the soil will preserve Earth's diverse native plant
populations, which, in turn, will help in improving soil and be a vital player in
enhancing ecosystem primary productivity, food chain, and locking away atmospheric
carbon into its plant body and soil. Microbial restoration can be achieved by basic and
traditional methods, i.e., (i) by treating the soil with organic matter-rich manure
harvested from bio piles, (ii) composting, (iii) graze manuring, (iv) natural manuring,
and (v) plant-assisted microbial restoration technique. Regenerative/carbon farming can
also be practiced in parallel to enhance the restoration rate and protect beneficial
microbial life in the soil. However, the increasing use of microbial inoculants is also
raising several queries about their effectiveness and their impacts on autochthonous soil
microorganisms, which should be cautiously considered before introducing
bioinoculants for restoration. Even if bioinoculants restore the microbial community, they have the following shortcomings: (i) prolonged persistence of microbial colonies
and detection in soil; (ii) the monitoring of the impact of the introduced bioinoculants
on native soil microbial communities, which needs to be monitored examined
periodically. This chapter delves into fundamental and conventional techniques and
approaches that can be employed to maintain soil microbial populations. Furthermore,
the chapter investigates the possibility of creating protocols for regulatory or
commercial objectives, emphasizing the significance of ecological restoration by using
bioinoculants or microbial colonies in degraded sites.
Data Management and Security in Blockchain Networks
Authors: Dhabu M. M. , Tiwari Ashish , Sharma Kavita , Koushik V. S.S. , Sreedhar Vrudhula , Jithin V. V. , Abhilash Malla
Published: December 2024

Blockchain is one of the major enhancements in this era of information
technology. In this chapter, we will dig in deep for data management and security in
blockchain networks. Blockchain is a decentralized, immutable, traceable, and
trustworthy network for storing and retrieving information. As far as the need to store
data is concerned, various factors come into consideration, such as network security,
data security, cyber security risk, and data integrity in storage systems. Storing data in
blockchain gives us rapid query processing and enhanced data auditing schemes with
its public ledger, which leads to low computation costs and quick traceability. Here,
data is distributed and decentralized. Storing data in chains leads to better data quality,
owing to block chains' immutability, transparency, and traceability, which enables
users to get better analytics and mining results. Generally, the main threats to data are
users’ privacy, anonymity, and data tampering. Storing data in the blockchain ensures
these issues don’t arise. Being the whole process is auditable, consistency and accuracy
of blockchain are not compromised, although it gives high safety and security markups
to the data stored. Current implementations of blockchain in real time show high
computational cost, time, and latency, which leads to low scalability. High levies are
charged to users for peer-to-peer transactions in public blockchains. However, the most
discussed issues are related to blockchain security, data management challenges, and
policies around the world.
Cyber Attacks on Big Data System
Authors: Das Lipsa , Yadav Suman Avdhesh , Bhargava Deepshikha , Dadhich Khushi
Published: December 2024

The way in which companies process and leverage large swaths of
information has completely changed due to Big Data technologies. Furthermore, these
technologies have also created new openings for global hackers who aim to
compromise the hefty vaults of information. The sheer scale and complexity of Big
Data systems and their frameworks have made them difficult to assault, which has also
opened them up to a variety of attacks. For instance, cybercriminals deploy various
forms of malware, such as viruses and worms, that erode the integrity of the
information. Alternatively, perpetrators use aggressive approaches, sometimes relying
on victims to go outside their networks and expose their critical information. Their
vulnerability often increases due to an absence of powerful encryption, which can
further increase their susceptibility by focusing on the complexity of these systems.
The effects of such attacks are significant and extend far beyond merely operational
continuity. Even greater problems relate to an organization's confidentiality and the
integrity of its data. However, by focusing on advanced threat detection methods,
stronger access controls, and encrypted Big Data systems, organizations should be at
least partially able to reduce these threats. Moreover, some semblance of the current
security may be maintained throughout the Big Data systems' lifetimes. As society
increasingly relies on large-scale data processing, it becomes essential to overcome the
unique obstacles presented by cyber threats. Doing so ensures that these critical
systems can continue to operate efficiently and reliably.
Current Assessment and Future Perspectives of Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Saraç Nurdan , Uğur Aysel , Baygar Tuba , Demir İrem
Published: December 2024

Herbal secondary metabolites have become more and more significant in
recent years because of the negative side effects of synthetic medications used to treat a
variety of illnesses and the growing demand for natural industrial products. Green
chemicals are becoming more and more popular, particularly as a result of the negative
environmental impacts of synthetic chemicals. Among these green chemicals,
especially herbal products are used in the pharmaceutical industry, in the production of
natural dyes, and in the production of herbal fragrances and flavor substances. The
importance of these secondary metabolites has led in recent years to investigate the
possibilities of increasing their production using tissue culture technology. Thanks to
plant tissue culture, it is possible to obtain secondary metabolites more cheaply and
efficiently, without being affected by seasonal fluctuations. Secondary metabolites are
obtained from medicinal plants and are also named as phytochemicals, natural
products, or plant constituents. The studies about the plant secondary metabolites have
been increasing in the last 50 years. These molecules have a major role in the
adaptation of plants to their environment and also in the defense system of predators;
and response to environmental stresses.
Bioreactor Sytems: Physiology of Cell Cultures
Authors: Kaya Ergun , Çiçek Sedat
Published: December 2024

Cell culture in plants is a technique in which cells of plant tissues are
developed in vitro in an artificial environment suitable for growth and proliferation. By
developing different cell culture environments, it is possible to conduct many
experimental studies such as cell proliferation, differentiation, identification of growth
factors, understanding the mechanisms underlying the normal functions of various cell
types, cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions, and determining the effects of molecules
thought to be effective in metabolic pathways. Therefore, cell cultures have become
one of the major tools used in cellular and molecular biology. Bioreactor systems,
developed as an alternative support to traditional cell culture studies, aim not only for
large-scale mass propagation, but also for the application of various physiological
approaches, especially in plant protoplast cells, understanding metabolic pathways, and
the factors effective in secondary metabolite production, and especially the application
of transformation-oriented methods. In this context, this chapter aims to examine the
physiology of cell cultures on a bioreactor basis and shed light on physiological
processes with current and/or future approaches.
Genomics - Proteomics Approaches in Plant Physiology
Authors: Galatalı Selin , Ağar Hacer
Published: December 2024

Today, climate change, the impact of which is felt more and more due to
global warming, also affects food security. Increasing population and global warming
cause challenges in food demand and medicine supply. New approaches need to be
developed to tackle these challenges and maintain the current balance. In particular,
plant physiology studies have been carried out in many fields since the beginning of
human life due to its vital importance. With modern technologies, plant physiology
studies have moved to a higher level. Studies at the molecular level, known as
genomics and proteomics, are progressing towards the cultivation of plants with
superior properties such as being more resistant and having higher nutrient content. The
use of genomic techniques such as whole genome sequencing, comparative genomics,
molecular markers, and proteomic approaches such as gel-based, affinity, and reagentbased, mass spectrometry has led to the acquisition of comprehensive data in the field
of plant physiology. These data have led to a better understanding of plant morphology
and development, the analysis of the complex interactions between genes and proteins,
and the collective development of genetic-based breeding efforts. In this chapter, basic
genomic and proteomic approaches in the field of plant physiology and past and
present studies on economically important plants are presented.
Seed Physiology: Future Applications and Current Limitations
Authors: Kaya Ergun
Published: December 2024

The basis of the evolutionary development of a plant is reproduction.
Because reproduction ensures the continuity of species, therefore, immediately after
fertilization, the seed becomes the recipient of substances assimilated in the plant. As
growth continues, the seed basically goes through three main physiological stages. The
period in which 80% of the growth occurs is the period of cell division and elongation,
the supply of nutrients from the mother plant through the funiculus, and the intense
increase in seed weight. The funiculus degenerates and the seed breaks its connection
with the parent plant. The seed has reached the maximum dry matter. This period is
called mass maturity. Although physiological maturity has been considered for many
years, it has been determined that the seed is not physiologically mature during this
period. In the drying period, the seed begins to dry. During this period, environmental
conditions, rain, temperature, diseases and pests to which the seed is exposed reduce
the quality. It is imperative to carefully combine advances in seed management,
vegetative propagation, biotechnology, and molecular genetics to support forestry
practices that strive to balance socioeconomic requirements, biodiversity, and climate
change with sustainable production. The production, preservation, and repair of seeds
all start with seed physiology and technology. This chapter aims to explain the
physiological processes that affect the formation, growth, and development of seeds,
which are the basis of the continuity of plant generations, by evaluating the
perspectives of future applications and current limitations.
Genetic Transformation: Current Opinion And Future Prospect
Authors: Özkaya Damla Ekin
Published: December 2024

Nowadays, it is possible to transfer desired foreign genes into the genomes
of various plant species in a stable manner through genetic engineering applications.
Through genetic transformation, plants can gain resistance to diseases, environmental
pressures, and various chemical compounds such as herbicides and pesticides.
Numerous genetic transformation procedures, primarily involving the transport of
exogenous genes and the regeneration of transformed plants, have been continuously
discovered and improved for high efficiency and convenient manipulation. The
delivery of biomolecules by nanomaterials has piqued the curiosity of researchers in
recent years. To improve crops, plant molecular biology breakthroughs must be
translated into an effective genotype-independent plant transformation system.
Improving the nutritional quality of plants is another important advantage of genetic
transformation. Genetic transformation studies on plants started in the 1980s, and
effective genetic transformation methods have been developed until today. These
methods are generally divided into direct transformation and indirect transformation.
Each of the developed techniques has some advantages and disadvantages. When
deciding which method to use in transformation, it is very important to consider these
advantages and disadvantages and to choose the most appropriate method for the plant
to be gene transferred for a successful transformation. In this context, this chapter is
aimed at explaining genetic transformation methods in plants in detail, the
developments in genetic transformation from the past to the present, and the
expectations about the genetic transformation process in the future.
Bioinformatics Approaches in Plant Physiology
Authors: Uras Mehmet Emin
Published: December 2024

Bioinformatics has proven to be a powerful tool in enhancing productivity
across various fields, including plant biology. Bioinformatics provides significant
capabilities for the acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation of large amounts
of genomic data. With the help of next-generation sequencing technologies, large
amounts of genetic data can be generated rapidly. The integration of bioinformatics
tools into plant physiology allows the analysis of large amounts of genomic
information, providing a better understanding of functional aspects of developmental,
metabolic, and reproductive processes. Moreover, it offers a scientific framework for
pre-experimental planning, in-experimental management, and post-experimental data
analysis. The key applications of bioinformatics comprise gene and pathway
identification, molecular docking, sequence analysis, RNA and protein sequence
analysis and prediction, gene expression analysis, protein-protein interaction analysis,
and statistical techniques that can be executed from genome to phenome. In order to
enhance plants, bioinformatics may play a crucial role in encouraging the public release
of all sequencing data through repositories, rationally annotating genes, proteins, and
phenotypes, and elucidating links between the many components of the plant data. The
integration of bioinformatics into plant physiology has the potential to facilitate crop
improvement, identification, and/or development of new plant-based functional
chemicals and biofortified functional foods and plants that are more resistant to stress
conditions. Therefore, this contributes to a more comprehensive understanding in all
areas of biology. These new approaches include pan-genomics, artificial intelligence,
machine and deep learning applications, CRISPR technology and genome editing,
single-cell RNA sequencing, third-generation sequencing systems, RNA engineering
and post-transcriptional editing, and metagenomic studies. This chapter reviews the
applications of bioinformatics methods in plant physiology and biological databases
and their potential contributions to plant physiology.
Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Plant Physiology
Authors: Ali Balcı Mehmet , Akgüller Ömer
Published: December 2024

Analyzing phenotypic traits, diagnosing diseases, and anticipating yields are
just a few of the many applications of plant organ segmentation in precision agriculture
and plant phenotyping. Because plant structures are so varied and intricate, traditional
methods have a hard time keeping up. By combining several data sources, such as
images and point clouds, graph neural networks (GNNs) have completely altered crop
organ segmentation. In this research, we present a new method for rethinking plant
organ segmentation by using the powerful features of GNNs. The approach takes a
look at point clouds of plant shoots and uses graph representations to capture deep
structural intricacies and intricate spatial interactions. One important novelty is the use
of betweenness centrality for weighting edges and vertex, which guarantees that the
segmentation results are biologically significant. The model's ability to understand
geometric and topological details is improved, leading to more accurate segmentation
through dynamic computing and continuous updates of Forman-Ricci curvatures. This
all-encompassing work opens new doors for plant phenotyping research by improving
the accuracy of organ segmentation and facilitating the integration of complicated
mathematical theories into biological analysis.
Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kotadiya Manisha C.
Published: December 2024

Mass spectrometry is the most effective method for determining molecular structure.
It typically offers information on a substance's molecular weight, but it may also show atomic
mass units and up to ten-hundredths of atomic mass units depending on the mass analyzer's
accuracy. Furthermore, it offers information on the ions (positive charged) created in between
the ionization process, related to the molecule's chemical structure and the type of bonds.
During these years, the technique paired with the use of software and databases, has been
spectacular, enhancing ionization processes and ion analysis. This chapter will demonstrate
how mass spectrometry has aided in quality control analysis.
Soil Biodiversity, Macrobiota
Authors: Popoviciu Dan Răzvan
Published: December 2024

The most abundant multicellular organisms in the soil are fungi (although
the group also contains unicellular members – yeasts). Fungi are an extremely diverse
group of heterotrophic organisms. Most are saprophytic, playing key roles in
decomposition and pedogenesis processes. We can add parasitic species, as well as
lichens, and photoautotrophic symbiotic associations. Similar to an organization and
way of life are mycetozoa and pseudofungi (oomycetes and their relatives). Plants are
present in the soil only through their underground organs (roots, rhizomes, bulbs, etc.),
but have an essential contribution to the genesis and functioning of soil, once their
various underground and aboveground components decompose. Finally, animals are
some of the main consumers of soil. Here we may find nematodes, annelids, insects,
and other arthropods and some species of vertebrates that use soil as a temporary or
permanent living environment.
Processes of Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Protection and Membrane Destruction of Renal Epithelium in the Pathogenesis of Dysmetabolic Nephropathy in Children
Authors: Aib Nadia , Lukianenko Nataliia , Petritsa Nazar , Iskiv Mariana
Published: December 2024

It should be noted that oxidative stress, as a universal mechanism of tissue hypoxia at the cellular level, accompanied by non-enzymatic free radical oxidation and accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (LPO) in the blood, has attracted particular interest among medical professionals in our time. Research in the last decade has shown that there are all reasons to consider the activation of free radical LPO as a nonspecific component of physiological and pathological reactions characterizing the stress of activation of homeostasis maintenance systems.
The aim of stady to establish the relationship between the impact of LPO processes, antioxidant defense, and membrane destruction of renal epithelium in children with dysmetabolic nephropathy.
Materials and methods. Two groups of examined children were formed from the examined group, including those with dysmetabolic nephropathy and secondary urinary tract infections: Group I - 52 individuals in whom dysmetabolic nephropathy was complicated by the superimposition of inflammatory processes in the kidneys and urinary tract - complicated DN (I-UDN), and Group II - 56 children with uncomplicated course of DN (II-DN), (a total of 108 children). The control group consisted of 65 healthy children. In children of all groups, the indicator of LPO process activity and the indicator of catalase activity in blood and urine were determined as a mechanism for regulating the antioxidant system of the body.
Results. Against the intensification of lipid peroxidation and membrane destruction processes in the bodies of children with DN, the possibilities of antioxidant protection are exhausted, which, in turn, leads to even greater intensity of the LPO process. The catalase activity indicator in urine is an informative, reliable, and sensitive marker not only for the result of the impact of epigenetic factors on a child's body but also a prognostic marker for a more severe course of dysmetabolic nephropathy in children.
Conclusions.The revealed facts allow us to assert that against the background of intensification of lipoperoxidation and membrane destruction processes in the body of children with DN, the possibilities of antioxidant protection are depleted, which in turn leads to an even greater intensity of the process of lipid peroxidation. And the index of catalase activity in urine is an informative, reliable and sensitive marker not only of the result of the impact of epigenetic factors on the child's body, but also a prognostic marker of a more severe course of dysmetabolic nephropathy in children.
Awareness and Application of Preventive Technologies for the Early Detection of Head and Neck Cancer by Dentists and Primary Care Physicians
Authors: Detsyk Oryna , Fedoryka Nataliia
Published: December 2024

The aim. To assess the awareness and application of basic preventive technologies for head and neck cancer (HNC) early detection in the practice of dentists and primary care physicians (PCPs).
Materials and methods. There were interviewed 233 dentists and 66 primary care physicians.
Results. Only one in five PCPs (19.7% vs. 59.7% of dentists) conducts a full examination of the head and neck area for each patient visit. However, the technical quality of their examinations is characterized by greater oncological vigilance compared to dentists, who primary focus on the teeth condition (83.7% vs. 45.0% of PCPs) and much less often assess the oral mucosa (18.5% vs. 95.5%, respectively) or palpate the lymph nodes (6.9% vs. 83 .3%). The dentists are less aware of the benefits of screening for HNC (16.3% vs. 42.4% of PCPs) and the possibility of it being carried out by other doctors, in particular PCPs (14.2% vs. 72.7% of interviewed PCPs) or otorhinolaryngologists (25.3% vs. 50.0%). They overestimate the role of oncologists (45.9% vs. 16.7%), do not have sufficient knowledge about the risk factors of cancer, namely papillomavirus infection (30.0 % vs. 36.4%), alcohol abuse (62.2% vs. 36.4%), heredity (41.2% vs. 24.2%). However, they also acknowledge their own lack of awareness in the prevention of HNC (20.6% and 13.6%). It has been shown that identified informational and organizational deficiencies can lead to improper detection of oncological and precancerous diseases of head and neck area: 43.3% of dentists and 30.3% of PCPs not encounter such cases in their practice.
Conclusions. It is necessary to improve the organization of early detection of HNC, taking into account the established gaps in awareness and the deficiencies of the usage of preventive technologies in the activities of dentists and PCPs.
The Efficacy of a Metaverse-Based Family Sculpture Tool in Anxiety Reduction: A Controlled Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yoo Sang Hyun , Yang Hong-Sik , Choi Eun-Jin
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

The metaverse has recently been employed in various ways in psychotherapy, demonstrating notable effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety disorders and phobias.

OBJECTIVE

The metaverse has recently been employed in various ways in psychotherapy, demonstrating notable effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety disorders and phobias.

METHODS

Traditional family sculpture methods, known for their ability to identify and address familial relationship dynamics, were adapted to a metaverse environment, facilitating immersive, nonphysical therapeutic interactions. Participants (n = 79) were divided into five groups: family sculpture, meditation, combined meditation and family sculpture, no-intervention, and a placebo group engaging in a wish lantern activity. The study employed standardized tools (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7], Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9], Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]) to measure psychological outcomes and conducted pre- and post-intervention assessments.

RESULTS

Results revealed that the combined meditation and family sculpture group exhibited the most significant reductions across all measures (PSS: t(12) = 2.193, P = .049; GAD-7: v = 28, P = .021; PHQ-9: v = 56, P = .044), demonstrating a synergistic effect between the two techniques. The family sculpture group effectively reduced anxiety (GAD-7: t(17) = 2.699, P = .015), whereas the meditation group significantly decreased stress and depression (PSS: v = 100.5, P = .022; PHQ-9: v = 96, P = .041). Satisfaction levels were the highest in the combined meditation and family sculpture group, reflecting participants’ positive perceptions of emotional stabilization and the usability of metaverse technology.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the potential of metaverse-based interventions to expand access to psychotherapy, offering a novel and engaging platform for therapeutic innovation. Future research should explore larger sample sizes, extended intervention durations, and technical refinements to validate the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of these digital psychotherapeutic approaches.
Transtheoretical model-based, stage-matched intervention for healthy dietary intake among sedentary office workers: study protocol for a cluster randomised trial in a developing country (Preprint)
Authors: Godevithana Janaka , Wijesinghe Champa Jayalakshmie , Wijesinghe Millawage Supun Dilara Wijesinghe
Published: December 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Background: An unhealthy diet is a well-established risk factor for the development of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and office workers are at a higher risk of NCD due to their sedentary work style. Transtheoretical model-based (TTM) and stage-matched interventions effectively influenced dietary behavioural changes. The effectiveness of such interventions in the context of developing countries is yet to be assessed.
Methods: A cluster randomised trial will be conducted in 20 clusters divided into intervention and control arms. A cluster will be an office with 30 clerical-type workers who are sedentary at work. A stage-matched intervention based on processes of behaviour change will be implemented in intervention clusters for three months. Participants will be provided with an intervention matched with their stage of change at the baseline. Pre-contemplators and contemplators will receive awareness-raising and emotional arousal interventions. Others will receive goal-setting and self-monitoring interventions. Stage of change and dietary intake will be assessed at the baseline and post-intervention through a staging algorithm and 24-hour dietary recall supplemented by a picture guide and computer software. Adherence to intervention will be assessed monthly. We hypothesise that participants will achieve a progressive change in the stage of change and healthy dietary intake in intervention clusters compared to control clusters.
Discussion: The current study will assess the effectiveness of a stage-matched intervention based on TTM enriching the current knowledge base with new evidence from sedentary office workers in a developing country.
Trail registration: The study was registered in the Sri Lankan Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. SLCTR/2020/025; Date 15th December 2020)
The Experiment of Recycled Paper Making Process and Its Water Resistance on a Household Scale Industrial.
Authors: Suryandono Alexander Rani , Hardiansyah Wisnu Agung , Lazulfa Nada Indana , Nabilah Asti Ainun
Published: December 2024

White paper waste usually is recycled into pulp as a basic material for making new sheets of paper. Recycled paper panel can be used as building elements. The objects of observation in this research include the manufacturing process and water resistance of recycled paper panels on a household scale. The process of making paper using a household blender compared with a paper chopper. The resulting paper pulp from these two tools is then mixed, printed, and tested for water resistance. Paper models without binding media were used as standards, compared with organic binding media made from tapioca flour and white adhesives. Four different paper thicknesses were made to test their water resistance performance. As a result, paper with a white adhesive binder can last more than 30 minutes after being exposed to water and when dry can be reused while paper without a binding medium is damaged by water.
IN-FILL DESIGN IDENTIFICATION AS PRELIMINARY STUDY OF HERITAGE SITE CONSERVATION IN BOROBUDUR AREA
Authors: Dharma Putri Pusparini Dharma Putri , Adishakti Laretna Trisnantari
Published: December 2024

Hold a rural architecture atmosphere as their attribute, Borobudur Temple Compounds area facing urbanize impacts by massive development that threatened that attribute. Where this compounds has been registered as a World Heritage since 1995. The such as in social, political, and economic sectors, including architecture as well as regional layout. This issue becoming a big threat to the architecture preservation in the region. By using several parameters and virtual reconstruction as an identification tools, this research stand as an effort to preserve in the form of documentation. The process was carried out by directly visiting several villages in the Borobudur temple compound area and continued by conducting digital modeling and drawing. Most types of buildings have a gable roof but some deviations are found in a small part of the observed objects. This research identified the variety of infill design; space arrangements, construction structures, and aesthetic elements. On the other hand, this also a critics for government documentation and regulation regarding local architecture surrounding. This research final aimed to be positioned as a prelude to the data documentation stage in the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) process.
Mikhail Lermontov as Alexander Pushkin’s Spiritual Successor
Authors: Kiseleva Irina A
Published: December 2024

This article considers the phenomenon of Alexander Pushkin to be a value vector for the develo­pment of Lermontov’s artistic and personal genius. Following an examination of reminiscences of Pushkin’s works in Lermontov’s bibliography, the author concludes that Pushkin’s legacy was at the root of the formation of Lermontov’s historical views and served as the foundation for his understanding of nationality as acceptance of the spiritual and moral guidelines of Russian culture. It is in his dialog with Pushkin that Lermontov comprehends the ontological underpinnings of human existence. Pushkin’s heritage manifests itself both at the speech and value-semantic levels of the text. Lermontov progresses from direct borrowings, which indicate acceptance of Pushkin’s worldview as unquestionably true, to peer-to-peer dialog, in which Pushkin’s discourse not only serves as semantic support, but also unfolds its spiritual perspective. Lermontov sees Pushkin’s writings as both an existent and recognized legacy of a genius and an insight into his inner life.
The influence of local wisdom-based science learning on the cultural heritage conservation character
Authors: Yasir Mochammad , Hartiningsih Try , Rahma Annuria Auliya
Published: December 2024

Local wisdom such as Madura bull racing and keris has uniqueness and values that are still preserved. However, there is a problem in the Gen-Z's lack of self-awareness towards the importance of local wisdom values so that there needs to be integration of local wisdom as a context with science through learning. This research aims to analyze the influence of science learning based on the local wisdom context on the cultural heritage conservation character. This true experimental research used a randomized subject control-group pre-test and post-test design with 64 science bachelor candidates. Data collected using the observation of the cultural heritage conservation character and then analyzed using the Paired Sample Test, Effect Size, N-gain, and Independent Sample Test. The results show that science learning based on the local wisdom context has proven to have an effective influence on improving the cultural heritage conservation character for bachelor science candidates. This research implies that the use of the context of local wisdom in science learning can enhance the cultural heritage conservation character as an alternative way of preserving and developing cultural and tourism heritage in the era of Sustainable Development.