bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON BETWEEN FLOW CYTOMETERIC METHOD AND OTHER METHODS FORRETICULOCYTE COUNT IN DIAGNOSIS OF PHENYLHYDRAZINE-INDUCED HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA
Authors:   Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University., Mohammed Baker Rania , Abdel-Monem Gad Fatma ,   Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University., Mostafa Fararh Khalid ,   Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University.
Published: March 2021

Reticulocyte count is the salient evidence of the effectiveness of bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Currently, the reticulocyte counting is a challenge for clinical laboratoriesmainly for the ordinary ones, which still use the manual method.This study was designed to evaluate the performance of flow cytometer for reticulocytes counting comparing to traditional and optimized manual methods which helpful in diagnosis of phenylhydazine-induced anemia.For that 45 male white Albino rats were divided into 5 groups, control group,phenylhydrazine group (PHZ) which injected by phz(20 mg/kg b.w, I/P),quercetin+phz group (quercetin, 50 mg/kgb.w per os), silymarin+phz group (silymarin, 100 mg/kgb.w per os) and quercetin group. Whole blood samples of these groups were collected at day 3, 5 and 10 after 1st injection of phz which used for reticulocyte counts by flow cytometeric method and other manual methods in addition to measurement ofCBC and osmotic fragility. Analysis of the results showed that phenylhydrazine injection induced hemolytic anemia with significant reticulocytosis and using of flow cytometer in reticulocyte count more precise, easy and fast than traditional and optimized manual methods. Furthermore, degree of hemolysis was significantly increases in phz group comparing to other groups. Therefore, we concluded that flow cytometric method for reticulocyte counts was simple, fast and highly reliable comparable to traditional and optimized manual methods. Also optimized manual showed that more perfect than traditional manual method and nearly to accuracy of flow cytometeric method.
FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT IN LIGHT OF PANDEMIC COVID-19FOR MEDIUM CARE POSITIVE CASES UNIT(MCU)AT 57357CCHE
Authors:   57357 Hospital (CCHE), Cairo, Egypt., A. Amin Afaf , A. Saleh Gulsen ,   57357 Hospital (CCHE), Cairo, Egypt., S. Khedr Ahmed ,   57357 Hospital (CCHE), Cairo, Egypt.
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus to which humans have not got immunity. It originated in China and has quickly spread around the world.It is a disease caused by an infection by SARS-CoV-2 virus, first identified in the city of Wuhan, in Chinas Hubei province in December 2019. COVID-19 was previously known as 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) respiratory disease before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the official name as COVID-19 in February 2020. Like the other coronaviruses, the SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily causes respiratory tract infections, and the severity of the COVID-19 disease can range from mild to fatal.
THE AGRO-PASTORAL CONFLICTS AND FORAGE SPECIES PRIZED BY CATTLE: CASE OF THE NORTHERN PERIPHERY OF THE MBAM AND DJEREM NATIONAL PARK (ADAMAOUA-CAMEROON)
Authors:   AssistanteauDepartement de GeographiedelUniversite de Ngaoundere, Cameroun., Mvu Njoya Marie , Duplex Rufin Ambahe ,   Responsable du suivi ecologique au Parc National du Mbam et Djerem, Tibati, Cameroun.
Published: March 2021

In the outskirts of the northern periphery of Mbam and Djerem National Park, agro-pastoral conflicts have become very frequent in recent years. The resulting damage is so surprising that it leaves no one indifferent. Unfortunately, many writings analyze the causes of these agro-pastoral conflicts without, however, dwelling on the fodder resources which constitute not only the staple food of cattle but also one of the primary factors of these antagonisms. To overcome this knowledge gap, the authors adopted the survey method in order to identify, on the one hand, the attributes of agro-pastoral conflicts and the plant species consumed in all seasons by cattle on the northern periphery of the PNMD and, on the other hand, the relationship between these forage species with the frequency of agro-pastoral conflicts according to the protagonists and the seasons. Thus, from field observations and a questionnaire sent to 44 breeders and 103 farmers in four control villages, it results, after processing the data, that the high frequency of conflicts experienced by the farmers in the dry season (35.9 %) and especially by the breeders (70.5%) is due to the location of the forage species prized in this season at the bottom of the valleys where the herds are concentrated and compete. On the other hand, the low frequency of conflicts experienced during the rainy season especially by breeders, except in Mbitom, is more justified by the extension of fodder registers to woody leaves from the start of this season. Finally, the fodder fields of Brachiaria constitute a partial solution to the shortage of pastures even if it sometimes gives rise to new conflicts between herders.
LOGIT MODEL INTERPRETATION OF TRAVEL MODAL CHOICE/ MODAL SPLIT IN AIZAWL CITY
Authors:   Department of Economics, Govt. J.Thankima College., Pachuau Lalrinkimi , a Vanlalchhawna ,   Department of Economics, Mizoram University.
Published: March 2021

The subject matter of this study pertains to the population of Aizawl city, Mizoram. The data is based on the usage of public or private transportation by individuals irrespective of their ownership of private vehicles. The sample includes respondents who are teachers,high-school and college teachers taken separately, of all age groups, different educational backgrounds, as also different income levels who are mobile, belonging to Aizawl city and around.The study examines only the demand side factors influencing travel decisions. The supply side aspects, relating to public transports are taken as given. A study of this kind is beneficial to many parties like the government in its policy implication and also to the private entities as it is directed towards reduced travel expense. Insight of the mechanisms of the travel decision process will benefit governments to formulate policies that better address consumers needs in transport. The study will also enable public transport managers to understand their consumers needs preference and psyche. Furthermore, since no study of this nature has been conducted for the city of Aizawl, the present study will contribute to the birth of a recorded empirical work. It will also lead to further, deeper, more significant research in the area.This study attempts to contribute to the understanding of how local public transport demand is affected by different factors. The focus of this study is to examine the cause of preference of public transportation over private or vice versa by passengers. Considering the increased use of public transportation by individuals and especially by those who also own private vehicles, it is important to understand what causes this preference of one means over the other and the personal benefits involved with it. Careful analysis also shows that the respondents prefer private transportation to public. The logit model shows that of the variables affecting transport mode choice by individual among high school teachers that is most significant is accessibility and flexibility of the private transportation. Also the variables affecting transport mode choice by individual among college teachers that is most significant is time issues secondly, accessibility and flexibility of the private transportation which was also observed in the preceding sections of the chapter The small sample size, with little variability across the quantitative variables could be the reason of the low significance, yet high odd ratios.
IS FLAT FOOT A PREVENTABLE FACTOR IN CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY?
Authors: a Srinivasan , Kumar Prathap , a Velladuraichi , Kumar Ilaya , b Sritharan
Published: March 2021

The presence of a venous pumping mechanism in the foot may be signiï¬cant for venous return in the lower extremities. The anatomy and physiology of venous foot pump {VFP} is essential of effective interventions for prevention, treatment, and management of venous disease in the lower limbs. Though many studies have identified the risk factors for prevalence of venous disease, only few have investigated for risk factors for venous disease progression. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of flatfoot and varicose vein and the progression of venous disease. We did a pilot study on 12 patients with bilateral varicose vein with bilateral pes planus where we presume the cause of CVI is secondary to VFP dysfunction.
SYNDROME DOGILVIE EN POST-OPERATOIRE DUNE CESARIENNE A PROPOS DUN CAS
Authors:   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II Fes., El Hilali Fouzia , Gounain Fatimazahra ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II Fes., Karam Saoud Mohamed ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II Fes., Mamouni Nissrine ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II Fes., Errarhay Sanaa ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II Fes., Bouchikhi Chahrazed ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II Fes., Banani Abdelaziz ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II Fes.
Published: March 2021

Le syndrome dOgilvie est une complication postoperatoire rare qui peut survenir apres un accouchement par cesarienne.Elle se caracterise par une dilatation massive du colon sans obstacle mecanique. Une detection et une intervention precoces sont necessaires pour eviter une morbidite et/ou une mortalite graves. Nous rapportons dans notre travail un cas dun syndrome dOgilvie en post operatoire dune cesarienne pour presentation de siege avec bassin limite, avec une bonne amelioration clinique apres un traitement conservateur.
Phacoanaphylactic endophthalmitis as sympathetic ophthalmia after corneoscleral injury
Authors: Leparskaya N. L. , Khoroshilova-Maslova I. P. , Voronin A. S.
Published: March 2021

A penetrating corneoscleral injury case with the development of bilateral phacoanaphylactic inflammation of a sympathetic ophthalmia kind in a 59-year-old woman is described. The case reveals a difference between bilateral phacoanaphylactic inflammation and classical sympathetic ophthalmia. Unlike the latter, the clinical case showed on the “healthy” eye a sluggish inflammation of anterior uveitis type with a slowly progressing lens opacity, for which local and systemic corticosteroid therapy proved insufficiently effective. The morphological picture showed that the inflammation was located in the anterior part of the eye around the damaged lens with the formation of a macrophage-neutrophil abscess, which is typical for phacoanaphylactic inflammation, and the absence of granulomatous inflammation in the ciliary body, where plasmacellular infiltration prevailed.

Conclusions. Phacoanaphylactic inflammation and sympathetic inflammation are autoimmune in their nature having different autoantigens. In phacoanaphylactic inflammation, autoantigen is the lens protein, while in sympathetic inflammation it is the uveoretinal antigen. The only method of treating phacoanaphylactic inflammation is to remove the cataract-altered lens. Our patient underwent phacoemulsification in her single eye, after which the symptoms of uveitis with hypertension disappeared completely and her vision was restored.
Assessment of Anti-inflammatory Activity of 3-Acetylmyricadiol in LPSStimulated Raw 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Ahmad Gazanfar , Hassan Reyaz , Dhiman Neerupma , Ali Asif
Published: March 2021

Background:

Pentacyclic triterpenoids are a biologically active class of
phytoconstituents with diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory action.

:

In the current study, we isolated 3-Acetylmyricadiol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, from
the ethyl acetate bark extract of Myrica esculenta and evaluated it for anti-inflammatory potential.

Methods:

The ethyl acetate bark extract of the M. esculenta was subjected to column
chromatography to isolate 3-Acetylmyricadiol. MTT assay was performed to check cell viability.
The production of proinflammatory mediators like nitric oxide, IL-6, TNF-α were observed after
the administration of 5, 10, 20 μM of 3-Acetylmyricadiol in LPS-activated raw 246.7 macrophages
by the reported methods.

Results:

MTT assay indicated more than 90% cell viability up to 20 μM of 3-Acetylmyricadiol.
The administration of 3-Acetylmyricadiol inhibited the production of nitric oxide, IL-6, TNF-α in
a dose-dependent manner significantly in comparison to LPS treated cells. The maximum effect
was observed at 20 μM of 3-Acetylmyricadiol which resulted in 52.37, 63.10, and 55.37 %
inhibition of nitric oxide, IL-6, and TNF-α, respectively.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory action of 3-Acetylmyricadiol and can serve
as a potential candidate in the development of the clinically efficient anti-inflammatory molecule.
ACE2 as a Key Target for Treatment of COVID-19 Related Cardiovascular Diseases: Current Progress and Prospect
Authors: Li Shuainan , Ma Wenya , Yang Fan , Xu Yan , Xu Binbin , Cai Benzhi
Published: March 2021

ACE2 has long been known as an injury protective protein, which can protect against a
variety of organ damage such as the heart, liver, kidney, and lung. Especially in cardiovascular diseases,
as a negative regulator of RAAS, ACE2 is an extremely important protective factor that
mainly plays a role by converting Ang II to Ang-(1-7). Nevertheless, with the recent outbreak of
COVID-19, it is exposed that another identity of ACE2 is the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2,
which previously serves as the entry receptor for SARS. With the in-depth clinical research, it is
found that the severity and susceptibility of COVID-19 are related to cardiovascular diseases, and
SARS-CoV-2 binding to ACE2 receptor is also potentially associated with heart injury symptoms.
Therefore, in this article, we mainly summarize the relationship between ACE2, COVID-19, and
cardiovascular diseases/heart injury.
miR-666-3p Mediates the Protective Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes Against Oxygen-glucose Deprivation and Reoxygenation-induced Cell Injury in Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells via Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway
Authors: Kong Li-yun , Li Yan , Rao Ding-yu , Wu Bing , Sang Cheng-peng , Lai Ping , Ye Jun-song , Zhang Zu-xiong , Du Zhi-ming , Yu Jun-jian , Gu Liang , Xie Fa-chun , Liu Zi-you , Tang Zhi-xian
Published: March 2021

Background:

Previous studies have reported that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-
derived exosomes can protect primary rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs)
against oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury.

Objective:

The aim was to identify the key factors mediating the protective effects of MSC-derived
exosomes.

Methods:

Primary rat BMECs were either pretreated or not pretreated with MSC-derived exosomes
before exposure to OGD/R. Naïve cells were used as a control. After performing small RNA
deep sequencing, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to
validate microRNA (miRNA) expression. The effects of rno-miR-666-3p on cell viability, apoptosis,
and inflammation in OGD/R-exposed cells were assessed by performing the Cell Counting Kit
8 assay, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Moreover, the
role of rno-miR-666-3p in regulating gene expression in OGD/R-exposed cells was studied using
mRNA deep sequencing. Lastly, to evaluate whether mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1)
was the target of rno-miR-666-3p, western blotting and the dual-luciferase assay were performed.

Results:

MSC-derived exosomes altered the miRNA expression patterns in OGD/R-exposed
BMECs. In particular, the expression levels of rno-miR-666-3p, rno-miR-92a-2-5p, and rnomiR-
219a-2-3p decreased in OGD/R-exposed cells compared with those in the control; however,
MSC-derived exosomes restored the expression levels of these miRNAs under OGD/R conditions.
rno-miR-666-3p overexpression enhanced cell viability and alleviated the apoptosis of OGD/R-exposed
cells. Moreover, rno-miR-666-3p suppressed OGD/R-induced inflammation. mRNA deep sequencing
revealed that rno-miR-666-3p is closely associated with the MAPK signaling pathway.
Western blotting and the dual-luciferase assay confirmed that MAPK1 is the target of rnomiR-
666-3p.

Conclusion:

MSC-derived exosomes restore rno-miR-666-3p expression in OGD/R-exposed
BMECs. Moreover, this specific miRNA exerts protective effects against OGD/R by suppressing
the MAPK signaling pathway.
The Role of Machine Learning in Centralized Authorization Process of Nanomedicines in European Union
Authors: Santana Ricardo , Onieva Enrique , Zuluaga Robin , Duardo-Sánchez Aliuska , Gañán Piedad
Published: March 2021

Background:

Machine Learning (ML) has experienced an increasing use, given the possibilities
to expand the scientific knowledge of different disciplines, such as nanotechnology. This
has allowed the creation of Cheminformatic models capable of predicting biological activity and
physicochemical characteristics of new components with high success rates in training and test partitions.
Given the current gaps of scientific knowledge and the need for efficient application of
medicines products law, this paper analyzes the position of regulators for marketing medicinal
nanoproducts in the European Union and the role of ML in the authorization process.

Methods:

In terms of methodology, a dogmatic study of the European regulation and the guidance
of the European Medicine Agency on the use of predictive models for nanomaterials was carried
out. The study has, as the framework of reference, the European Regulation 726/2004 and has focused
on the analysis of how ML processes are contemplated in the regulations.

Results:

As a result, we present a discussion of the information that must be provided for every
case for simulation methods. The results show a favorable and flexible position for the development
of the use of predictive models to complement the applicant's information.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that Machine Learning has the capacity to help improve the application
of nanotechnology medicine products regulation. Future regulations should promote this kind
of information given the advanced state of the art in terms of algorithms that are able to build accurate
predictive models. This especially applies to methods, such as Perturbation Theory Machine
Learning (PTML), given that it is aligned with principles promoted by the standards of Organization
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), European Union regulations, and European
Authority Medicine. To our best knowledge, this is the first study focused on nanotechnology
medicine products and machine learning used to support technical European public assessment reports
(EPAR) for complementary information.
Restoration of Root Filled Teeth; Current Opinions and Techniques
Authors: Wahab Fouad Kadim , Mahasneh Sari Adel , Sawair Faleh Abdelhafeeth , Hamdan Mahmoud Anwar , Hattar Susan Nweiser , AL-Rabab’ah Mohammad Abdalla
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To examine current decision-making preferences of Jordanian dentists when Restoring Root Filled Teeth (RFT).

Materials and Methods:

834 Jordanian general dentists, prosthodontists and endodontists were invited to participate in a validated online survey with a 62% participation rate. Respondents were invited to answer 24 questions about their preferences for techniques and materials they use to restore RFT. The questions aimed at exploring restorative strategies commonly employed by Jordanian dentists when managing root filled teeth with extensive loss of tooth structure.

Results:

A minority of dentists consider direct resin restoration as the sole restoration for RFT with extensive loss of tooth structure. Full coverage metal-ceramic and all-ceramic crowns are more popular than endocrowns when restoring RFT with indirect restoration. Fiber posts are the most popular type of posts, followed by prefabricated metal posts. Glass ionomer is the most preferred cement for luting metal posts, while conventional dual resin cement with separate etch and rinse bonding strategy is the most employed when bonding fiber posts. The majority of dentists tend not to pretreat fiber posts. Loss of post/core retention or fracture of coronal tooth structure are the two most common reasons observed by dentists when RFT fail.

Conclusion:

Use of post and core is still preferred over more conservative approaches when restoring RFT with extensive loss of coronal tooth structure. Longevity of restorations can be enhanced by training practicing dentists on evidence-based adhesive strategies.
Harnessing the Natural Pool of Polyketide and Non-ribosomal Peptide
Family: A Route Map towards Novel Drug Development
Authors: Girija Aiswarya , Vijayanathan Mallika , Sreekumar Sweda , Basheer Jasim , Menon Tara G. , Krishnankutty Radhakrishnan E. , Soniya Eppurathu V.
Published: March 2021

:

The emergence of communicable and non-communicable diseases has posed a health
challenge for millions of people worldwide and is a major threat to the economic and social development
in the coming century. The occurrence of the recent pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, caused by
lethal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, is one such example. Rapid research and development
of drugs for the treatment and management of these diseases have become an incredibly
challenging task for the pharmaceutical industry. Although, substantial attention has been paid to
the discovery of therapeutic compounds from natural sources having significant medicinal potential,
their synthesis has made a slow progress. Hence, the discovery of new targets by the application
of the latest biotechnological and synthetic biology approaches is very much the need of the
hour. Polyketides (PKs) and non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) found in bacteria, fungi and plants are
a diverse family of natural products synthesized by two classes of enzymes: polyketide synthases
(PKS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS). These enzymes possess immense biomedical
potential due to their simple architecture, catalytic capacity, as well as diversity. With the advent
of the latest in-silico and in-vitro strategies, these enzymes and their related metabolic pathways,
if targeted, can contribute highly towards the biosynthesis of an array of potentially natural
drug leads that have antagonist effects on biopolymers associated with various human diseases. In
the face of the rising threat from multidrug-resistant pathogens, this will further open new avenues
for the discovery of novel and improved drugs by combining natural and synthetic approaches.
This review discusses the relevance of polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides and the improvement
strategies for the development of their derivatives and scaffolds, and how they will be beneficial
for future bioprospecting and drug discovery.
Factors Affecting HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Uptake among Usndergraduate Students of Khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Abdalla Ashraf Mohamed , Abusalih Howeida H.
Published: March 2021

Background:

HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services provide an importatnt start to HIV/AIDS prevention and care. The literature showed that the uptake of VCT is very low, and it is affected by many factors among university students, which are considered as high-risk group for HIV/AIDS infection.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to identify the factors that affect the uptake of voluntary counseling and testing among the undergraduate students.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the undergraduate students from the faculty of sciences at the Khartoum university with a sample size of 192. The students were selected by systematic random technique. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and data were entered and analyzed by using the SPSS (computer program). IRB approval was obtained from the University of Science and Technology, and informed consent was taken from all participants.

Results:

A total of 192 students participated in this study 107 (55.7%) male and 85 (44.3%) female. Out of these, 100 (52.1%) were in the age group of 15-20, while 92 (47.9%) were in the age group of 21-25. Regarding the knowledge about VCT; 149 (78%) students had good knowledge. The study revealed that about 17 (9%) of the students took the HIV test, and 118 (62%) expressed their willingness to uptake VCT in the future. Reasons that hindered HIV testing during this study include: 1) Some students did not consider themselves at risk (84 i.e. 44%), some students did not know the place where the test is provided (74 i.e. 38.%), some of them did not hear about VCT (32 i.e. 17%) and some were afraid of the test results (17 i.e. 32%). The study found that VCT uptake is positively associated with age, sexual intercourse, and considering themselves self at

risk of HIV infection (p=0.05,0.00.0.03 respectively). Moreover, the study also found an association between willingness to uptake VCT in the future with sexual intercourse and considering themselves at risk of HIV of HIV infection (p = 0.03, 0.00 respectively).

Conclusion:

The uptake of VCT is very low among university students, and it is associated with age and risk perception and sexual intercourse. The most important factors include not considering themselves at risk or not knowing the place of testing or no knowledge about the test or the fear of being positive. On the other hand, willingness to uptake the test was considerably high.
Unity in Adversity: Multilingual Crisis Translation and Emergency Linguistics in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dreisbach Jeconiah Louis , Mendoza-Dreisbach Sharon
Published: March 2021

In this globalised era, technological innovations in mobility and travel brought in international and intercultural contact which historically exposed the world population to diseases of pandemic levels. As we are already living in multilingual and multicultural societies, this contact amongst peoples necessitates the need for multilingual knowledge and educational materials production pertaining to public health measures. As established in recent literature on multilingual crisis translation initiatives from China and the Philippines, this discursive piece proposes that emergency language services should be formally institutionalised in public health organisations, most certainly in crisis prevention, responses, and mitigation. The COVID-19 pandemic expedited the need for such expertise and language experts all over the world are currently proposing to establish a new field in linguistics to tackle public health translation in emergency situations – emergency linguistics.
Ethical Insight and Safety Principles of Working with Cadaver among the First-year Medical School Students-An Educational Research
Authors: Khorsandi Mahboobeh , Vakilian Katayon , Fadavi Mohsen , Bayat Parvindokht
Published: March 2021

Background:

This study aimed to conduct a workshop to improve the ethics and safety of working with a cadaver.

Materials and Methods:

This interventional study was conducted on 37 freshmen medicine students working with a cadaver. A workshop was held by a medical ethics expert. Two weeks later, the questionnaires were again distributed among the participants. The data were analyzed by Paired-T and Wilcoxon test using SPSS 21 software.

Results:

The mean score of the ethical insight increased after the workshop (P=0.001). The insight on the safety did not show a significant variation (P=0.830).

Conclusion:

It is recommended to hold a workshop to teach the ethical points of working with the cadaver before the students’ entrance to the dissection hall.
The Effects of Meditation with a Biofeedback Program on Stress and Depression Levels among People with Mild Depression Diabetes
Authors: Patarathipakorn Ormanee , Ruchiwit Manyat , Smith Marlaine
Published: March 2021

Background:

The increased amount of depression among people with diabetes is a burden on society. Biofeedback and meditation can impact the self-regulation of this group.

Objective:

This study aims to study the effect of combining meditation with a biofeedback training program on the stress and depression among diabetes people with mild depression.

Methods:

This study is based on a randomized controlled trial approach.

One hundred two participants were divided into three groups of 34 participants each, involving meditation, a combination of meditation and Skin Conductance (SC) with Skin Temperature (ST) biofeedback, and a control group. All three groups received routine nursing. Measurements were made using the Symptoms of Stress Inventory (SOSI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and MANOVA and MANCOVA. The duration of the study was from June 2018 to October 2019.

Results:

There were statistically significant differences in stress and depression among the three groups. Those receiving both meditation and biofeedback had the greatest reduction in the linear combination of stress and depression. Accordingly, the biofeedback program is a program that is capable of helping people learn how to relax, as biofeedback instruments feed information back to people through on-screen visual signals, thus enabling them to learn about their progress and success.

Conclusion:

In summary, a combination of meditation and SC and ST biofeedback can reduce stress and depression in people with mild depression diabetes.
Pharmacokinetics of Bio-shell-silver-core Nanoparticles (AgNP) in Sprague-Dawley Rats - In Vivo Study
Authors: Parveen Asra , Malashetty Vijaykumar B. , Marla Sushruta , Reddy Shanth , Sirsand Sidramappa , Yalagatti Manjunath , Abbaraju Venkataraman , Deshpande Raghunandan
Published: March 2021

Background:

Silver nanoparticles have been widely used in the field of nanomedicine.
A comprehensive understanding of their pharmacokinetics is crucial for proper risk assessment and
safe biomedical applications.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of silver nanoparticles by determining
their potential toxicity following 28 days of administration in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods:

The silver nanoparticles were administered by intravenous injection at the doses of 100,
200 and 500 μg/kg body weight for 28 consecutive days. Animals in the control group were received
sterile water for injection. Each group consists of 10 male and 10 female rats.

Results:

No treatment-related effects were seen in any of the parameters monitored in rats given
100, 200 and 500 μg/kg body weight/day of silver nanoparticles.

Conclusion:

The study proved that the use of up to 500 µg/kg body weight biosynthesized silver nanoparticles have no toxic effect in the target organs and found safe. However, the safety of the nanoparticles might be attributed to the covering of biological moieties on nanoparticles. Hence, the biofunctionalized nanoparticles can be safely used by selecting the required size and dose in medicines and drug delivery systems.
Получение TiN-покрытий реактивным анодным испарением титана в разряде с самонакаливаемым полым катодом
Authors: Меньшаков А.И. , Емлин Д.Р.
Published: March 2021

A method for TiN-coatings deposition by anodic evaporation of titanium in a high-current gas discharge (30 A) with a self–heated hollow cathode in an Ar+N2 medium is proposed. Optical spectral analysis shows that a large amount of activated titanium is present in the gas-discharge plasma, and the proportion of metal ions coming from the plasma to the substrate, taking into account the single-charge ions, reaches 70%. At a nitrogen flow of 5 sccm, TiN-coatings with a thickness of 2 µm and a hardness of up to 24 GPa were obtained. The deposition rate at a distance of 7 cm from the vapor source was ~4 µm/h.
Application of Eye Tracking in Puzzle Games for Adjunct Cognitive Markers: Pilot Observational Study in Older Adults
Authors: Krebs Christine , Falkner Michael , Niklaus Joel , Persello Luca , Klöppel Stefan , Nef Tobias , Urwyler Prabitha
Published: March 2021

Background

Recent studies suggest that computerized puzzle games are enjoyable, easy to play, and engage attentional, visuospatial, and executive functions. They may help mediate impairments seen in cognitive decline in addition to being an assessment tool. Eye tracking provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of gaze, which is highly useful in understanding visual search behavior.

Objective

The goal of the research was to test the feasibility of eye tracking during a puzzle game and develop adjunct markers for cognitive performance using eye-tracking metrics.

Methods

A desktop version of the Match-3 puzzle game with 15 difficulty levels was developed using Unity 3D (Unity Technologies). The goal of the Match-3 puzzle was to find configurations (target patterns) that could be turned into a row of 3 identical game objects (tiles) by swapping 2 adjacent tiles. Difficulty levels were created by manipulating the puzzle board size (all combinations of width and height from 4 to 8) and the number of unique tiles on the puzzle board (from 4 to 8). Each level consisted of 4 boards (ie, target patterns to match) with one target pattern each. In this study, the desktop version was presented on a laptop computer setup with eye tracking. Healthy older subjects were recruited to play a full set of 15 puzzle levels. A paper-pencil–based assessment battery was administered prior to the Match-3 game. The gaze behavior of all participants was recorded during the game. Correlation analyses were performed on eye-tracking data correcting for age to examine if gaze behavior pertains to target patterns and distractor patterns and changes with puzzle board size (set size). Additionally, correlations between cognitive performance and eye movement metrics were calculated.

Results

A total of 13 healthy older subjects (mean age 70.67 [SD 4.75] years; range 63 to 80 years) participated in this study. In total, 3 training and 12 test levels were played by the participants. Eye tracking recorded 672 fixations in total, 525 fixations on distractor patterns and 99 fixations on target patterns. Significant correlations were found between executive functions (Trail Making Test B) and number of fixations on distractor patterns (P=.01) and average fixations (P=.005).

Conclusions

Overall, this study shows that eye tracking in puzzle games can act as a supplemental source of data for cognitive performance. The relationship between a paper-pencil test for executive functions and fixations confirms that both are related to the same cognitive processes. Therefore, eye movement metrics might be used as an adjunct marker for cognitive abilities like executive functions. However, further research is needed to evaluate the potential of the various eye movement metrics in combination with puzzle games as visual search and attentional marker.
Barriers to Use of Remote Monitoring Technologies Used to Support Patients With COVID-19: Rapid Review
Authors: Houlding Elizabeth , Mate Kedar K V , Engler Kim , Ortiz-Paredes David , Pomey Marie-Pascale , Cox Joseph , Hijal Tarek , Lebouché Bertrand
Published: March 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for the development and adoption of a broad range of remote monitoring technologies (RMTs) in health care delivery. It is important to demonstrate how these technologies were implemented during the early stages of this pandemic to identify their application and barriers to adoption, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Objective

The purpose of this knowledge synthesis was to present the range of RMTs used in delivering care to patients with COVID-19 and to identify perceived benefits of and barriers to their use. The review placed a special emphasis on health equity considerations.

Methods

A rapid review of published research was conducted using Embase, MEDLINE, and QxMD for records published from the inception of COVID-19 (December 2019) to July 6, 2020. Synthesis involved content analysis of reported benefits of and barriers to the use of RMTs when delivering health care to patients with COVID-19, in addition to health equity considerations.

Results

Of 491 records identified, 48 publications that described 35 distinct RMTs were included in this review. RMTs included use of existing technologies (eg, videoconferencing) and development of new ones that have COVID-19–specific applications. Content analysis of perceived benefits generated 34 distinct codes describing advantages of RMTs, mapped to 10 themes overall. Further, 52 distinct codes describing barriers to use of RMTs were mapped to 18 themes. Prominent themes associated with perceived benefits included a lower burden of care (eg, for hospitals, health care practitioners; 28 records), reduced infection risk (n=33), and support for vulnerable populations (n=14). Prominent themes reflecting barriers to use of RMTs included equity-related barriers (eg, affordability of technology for users, poor internet connectivity, poor health literacy; n=16), the need for quality “best practice” guidelines for use of RMTs in clinical care (n=12), and the need for additional resources to develop and support new technologies (n=11). Overall, 23 of 48 records commented on equity characteristics that stratify health opportunities and outcomes, including general characteristics that vary over time (eg, age, comorbidities; n=17), place of residence (n=11), and socioeconomic status (n=7).

Conclusions

Results of this rapid review highlight the breadth of RMTs being used to monitor and inform treatment of COVID-19, the potential benefits of using these technologies, and existing barriers to their use. Results can be used to prioritize further efforts in the implementation of RMTs (eg, developing “best practice” guidelines for use of RMTs and generating strategies to improve equitable access for marginalized populations).
Application of Eye Tracking in Puzzle Games for Adjunct Cognitive Markers: Pilot Observational Study in Older Adults (Preprint)
Authors: Krebs Christine , Falkner Michael , Niklaus Joel , Persello Luca , Klöppel Stefan , Nef Tobias , Urwyler Prabitha
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that computerized puzzle games are enjoyable, easy to play, and engage attentional, visuospatial, and executive functions. They may help mediate impairments seen in cognitive decline in addition to being an assessment tool. Eye tracking provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of gaze, which is highly useful in understanding visual search behavior.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the research was to test the feasibility of eye tracking during a puzzle game and develop adjunct markers for cognitive performance using eye-tracking metrics.

METHODS

A desktop version of the Match-3 puzzle game with 15 difficulty levels was developed using Unity 3D (Unity Technologies). The goal of the Match-3 puzzle was to find configurations (target patterns) that could be turned into a row of 3 identical game objects (tiles) by swapping 2 adjacent tiles. Difficulty levels were created by manipulating the puzzle board size (all combinations of width and height from 4 to 8) and the number of unique tiles on the puzzle board (from 4 to 8). Each level consisted of 4 boards (ie, target patterns to match) with one target pattern each. In this study, the desktop version was presented on a laptop computer setup with eye tracking. Healthy older subjects were recruited to play a full set of 15 puzzle levels. A paper-pencil–based assessment battery was administered prior to the Match-3 game. The gaze behavior of all participants was recorded during the game. Correlation analyses were performed on eye-tracking data correcting for age to examine if gaze behavior pertains to target patterns and distractor patterns and changes with puzzle board size (set size). Additionally, correlations between cognitive performance and eye movement metrics were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 13 healthy older subjects (mean age 70.67 [SD 4.75] years; range 63 to 80 years) participated in this study. In total, 3 training and 12 test levels were played by the participants. Eye tracking recorded 672 fixations in total, 525 fixations on distractor patterns and 99 fixations on target patterns. Significant correlations were found between executive functions (Trail Making Test B) and number of fixations on distractor patterns (P=.01) and average fixations (P=.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study shows that eye tracking in puzzle games can act as a supplemental source of data for cognitive performance. The relationship between a paper-pencil test for executive functions and fixations confirms that both are related to the same cognitive processes. Therefore, eye movement metrics might be used as an adjunct marker for cognitive abilities like executive functions. However, further research is needed to evaluate the potential of the various eye movement metrics in combination with puzzle games as visual search and attentional marker.
Associations Between Uncertainty Stress, Life Stress and Internet Addiction Among Medical Students (Preprint)
Authors: Qian Yang , Wu Zhihua , Yang Tingzhong , Jiang Shuhan , Wu Dan , Oliffe John L.
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Internet Addiction (IA) is a growing issue predominate in adolescents and young adults. The effects of diverse stressors on IA have been highlighted though there is little consensus about the specific underpinnings of IA.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aims to investigate associations between uncertainty stress, life stress and IA among Chinese university medical students.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey employing multi-stage sampling was used. Data were collected from 6061 students from 27 university medical programs across China. Associations between uncertainty stress, life stress, and IA were examined by means of multiple linear regression and indirect effect models.

RESULTS

After controlling for respondents’ demographics (i.e., age, sex, and monthly expenses), the findings showed that the overall IA prevalence was 11.8% (95% CI: 11.7 - 12.43 %). Uncertainty stress (adjusted OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 2.11 – 3.10) and life stress (adjusted OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.31 – 2.21) were positively associated with IA. Population Attributable Risk (PAR) of uncertainty stress associated with IA was 25%, and life stress was 5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The contribution of uncertainty stress to IA is significantly higher than that of life stress. High uncertainty stress, being male and higher socio-economic status were associated with IA.
Development of a Credible Virtual Clinician Promoting Colorectal Cancer Screening via Telehealth Apps for and by Black Men: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wilson-Howard Danyell , Vilaro Melissa J , Neil Jordan M , Cooks Eric J , Griffin Lauren N , Ashley Taylor T , Tavassoli Fatemeh , Zalake Mohan S , Lok Benjamin C , Odedina Folakemi T , Modave Francois , Carek Peter J , George Thomas J , Krieger Janice L
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, promotion of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Black men was delivered by community health workers, patient navigators, and decision aids (printed text or video media) at clinics and in the community setting. A novel approach to increase CRC screening of Black men includes developing and utilizing a patient-centered, tailored message delivered via virtual human technology in the privacy of one’s home.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to incorporate the perceptions of Black men in the development of a virtual clinician (VC) designed to deliver precision messages promoting the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit for CRC screening among Black men in a future clinical trial.

METHODS

Focus groups of Black men were recruited to understand their perceptions of a Black male VC. Specifically, these men identified source characteristics that would enhance the credibility of the VC. The modality, agency, interactivity, and navigability (MAIN) model, which examines how interface features affect the user’s psychology through four affordances (modality, agency, interactivity, and navigability), was used to assess the presumed credibility of the VC and likability of the app from the focus group transcripts. Each affordance triggers heuristic cues that stimulate a positive or a negative perception of trustworthiness, believability, and understandability, thereby increasing source credibility.

RESULTS

In total, 25 Black men were recruited from the community and contributed to the development of 3 iterations of a Black male VC over an 18-month time span. Feedback from the men enhanced the visual appearance of the VC, including its movement, clothing, facial expressions, and environmental surroundings. Heuristics, including social presence, novelty, and authority, were all recognized by the final version of the VC, and creditably was established. The VC was named Agent Leveraging Empathy for eXams (ALEX) and referred to as “brother-doctor,” and participants stated “wanting to interact with ALEX over their regular doctor.”

CONCLUSIONS

Involving Black men in the development of a digital health care intervention is critical. This population is burdened by cancer health disparities, and incorporating their perceptions in telehealth interventions will create awareness of the need to develop targeted messages for Black men.
Should I post this on Instagram?: Contrasting Social Media Use between Young adults with IBD and Type 1 Diabetes (Preprint)
Authors: Rajanala Susruthi , Wilson Jennifer , Mitchell Paul , Garvey Katharine , Fishman Laurie
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

There is increasing focus on social media usage among young adult patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to understand and compare the social media habits of youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of subjects from Boston Children’s Hospital outpatient IBD and diabetes clinics. Patients over the age of 18 were invited to complete a brief anonymous survey, which asked about the various ways they use several social media platforms.

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients were included evenly split across disease type. Eighty-three percent of participants spent at least 30 minutes per day on social media, most commonly on Instagram and Facebook. While the content varied based on the platform, patients with IBD posted or shared content related to their disease significantly less than those with T1D (38% vs 23%, P=0.02) Among Instagram users, IBD patients were less likely to engage with support groups (22% vs 56%, P=0.04). Among Twitter users, IBD patients were less likely to seek disease information (77% vs 29%, P=0.005) Among Facebook users, IBD patients were less likely to post about research and clinical trials (31% vs 65%, P=0.04) or for information seeking (49% vs 87%, P=0.003), IBD patients were also less likely to share their diagnosis with friends or family in person.

CONCLUSIONS

Young adults with IBD were less willing to share diagnosis, post or explore disease on social media. This could lead to a sense of isolation and should be further explored.