bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of MicroRNA-652 Expression with Radiation Response of
Colorectal Cancer: A Study from Rectal Cancer Patients in a Swedish
Trial of Preoperative Radiotherapy
Authors: Pathak Surajit , Meng Wen-Jian , Sriramulu Sushmitha , Jothimani Ganesan , Jangamreddy Jaganmohan Reddy , Banerjee Antara , Ganesan Alagu Theivanai , Adell Gunnar , Zhang Xueli , Sun-Zhang Alexander , Zhang Hong , Sun Xiao-Feng
Published: April 2023

Background::

Radiotherapy is a standard adjuvant therapy in patients with progressive rectal
cancer, but many patients are resistant to radiotherapy, leading to poor prognosis. Our study identified
microRNA-652 (miR-652) value on radiotherapy response and outcome in rectal cancer patients.

Methods:

miR-652 expression was determined by qPCR in primary rectal cancer from 48 patients with
and 53 patients without radiotherapy. The association of miR-652 with biological factors and the
prognosis was examined. The biological function of miR-652 was identified through TCGA and GEPIA
database searches. Two human colon cancer cell lines (HCT116 p53+/+ and p53-/-) were used for
in vitro study. The molecular interactions of miR-652 and tumor suppressor genes were studied
through a computational approach.

Results:

In RT patients, miR-652 expression was significantly decreased in cancers when compared to
non-radiotherapy cases (P=0.002). High miR-652 expression in non-RT patients was with increased
apoptosis marker (P=0.036), ATM (P=0.010), and DNp73 expression (P=0.009). High miR-652 expression
was related to worse disease-free survival of non-radiotherapy patients, independent of gender,
age, tumor stage, and differentiation (P=0.028; HR=7.398, 95% CI 0.217-3.786). The biological
functional analysis further identified the prognostic value and potential relationship of miR-652 with
apoptosis in rectal cancer. miR-652 expression in cancers was negatively related to WRAP53 expression
(P=0.022). After miR-652 inhibition, the estimation of reactive oxygen species, caspase activity,
and apoptosis in HCT116 p53+/+ cells was significantly increased compared with HCT116 p53-/-
cells after radiation. The results of the molecular docking analysis show that the miR652-CTNNBL1
and miR652-TP53 were highly stable.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest the potential value of miR-652 expression as a marker for the prediction
of radiation response and clinical outcome in rectal cancer patients.
Association of Human Endogenous Retrovirus-W (HERV-W)
Copies with Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Semsari Hanieh , Babaei Esmaeil , Ranjkesh Mohammadreza , Esmaili Nafiseh , Mallet François , Karimi Abbas
Published: April 2023

Background:

Pemphigus is classified as a group of chronic, recurrent, and
potentially fatal bullous autoimmune diseases that leads to blisters and skin lesions
resulting from IgG antibodies and the loss of cellular connections in the epidermis.
Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) sequences and their products (RNA, cytosolic
DNA, and proteins) can modulate the immune system and contribute to autoimmunity.
The extent to which, HERV-W env copies may be involved in the pathogenesis of
pemphigus remains to be elucidated.

Aim:

This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the relative levels of HERV-W env
DNA copy numbers in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of pemphigus
vulgaris patients and healthy controls.

Methods:

Thirty-one pemphigus patients and the corresponding age- and sex-matched
healthy controls were included in the study. The relative levels of HERV-W env DNA
copy numbers were then evaluated by qPCR using specific primers, in the PBMCs of the
patients and controls.

Results:

Our results indicated that relative levels of HERV-W env DNA copy numbers in
the patients were significantly higher than that in the controls (1.67±0.86 vs. 1.17±0.75;
p = 0.02). There was also a significant difference between the HERV-W env copies of
male and female patients (p = 0.001). Furthermore, there was no relationship between
the HERV-W env copy number and disease onset (p = 0.19). According to the obtained
data, we could not find any relationship between the HERV-W env copy number and
serum Dsg1(p=0.86) and Dsg3 (p=0.76) levels.

Conclusion:

Our results indicated a positive link between the HERV-W env copies and
pathogenesis of pemphigus. The association between clinical severity score and HERVW
env copies in the PBMCs as a biomarker for pemphigus needs further studies.
Current State of Platelet-rich Plasma in the Treatment of Rheumatic
Disease: A Retrospective Review of the Literature
Authors: Jacobs Adam , Elghawy Omar , Lugo Baruqui Diego , Aly Elghawy Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Rheumatic diseases are a spectrum of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases that cause damage to the musculoskeletal system as well as vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system.

Methods:

The study of rheumatic disease has made great pro-gress in the understanding and management of these conditions in the last few decades using dis-ease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and synthesized biological immunomodulating therapies. How-ever, one potential treatment that has not been well investigated in rheumatic disease is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is proposed to facilitate the healing of injured tendons and ligaments through a variety of mechanisms, including mitogenesis, angiogenesis and macrophage activation via cyto-kine release, although its exact mechanism is unclear.

Result::

There has been a great deal of work in determining the exact preparation method and composition of PRP for regenerative purposes in or-thopedic surgery, sports medicine, dentistry, cardiac surgery, pediatric surgery, gynecology, urolo-gy, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and dermatology. Despite this, there is a paucity of research on the impact of PRP on rheumatic disease

Conclusion::

This study aims to summarize and evaluate the current research concerning the use of PRP in rheumatic disease.
Current Status of Pharmacokinetic Research of Clinical Trial Records in
the Female Population in India: A Systematic Review
Authors: Velmurugan Hemasri , Thangaraju Pugazhenthan
Published: April 2023

Background:

Pharmacological treatment influence men and women in distinct ways. Over
the last decade, pharmacological research has significantly enhanced our understanding of many elements determining medicine prescription. The objective of this study is to carefully assess the clinical
pharmacokinetic studies involved female subjects in India.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review to assess clinical trial records' pharmacokinetic data in
the female population of all age groups. The keywords 'pharmacokinetics’ or 'pharmacokinetic parameters’ or ‘bioavailability’ was used in the clinicaltrials.gov website and clinical trial registry of India
[CTRI] website to find eligible clinical trials or records carried out between January 1, 2000 and June
30, 2022. Interventional studies, pharmacokinetics, pharmacokinetic parameters, bioavailability, female participants, India were all included in an advanced search filter on the two websites.

Results:

In a total of 714 records, 17 (2.4%) records of interventional clinical trials with pharmacokinetic data involving the female population were assessed. All 17 trials were conducted in 15 research
settings, with 27.3% of studies conducted in Maharashtra, followed by Karnataka (12.7%) and New
Delhi (9.1%). A total of 30 pharmacokinetic parameters were studied in trials with peak concentration
(C max) and area under the curve (AUC) of plasma or tissue concentration, accounting for 23.3% of
the trials. The majority of drug trials focused on treating neoplasms accounted for 14 trials (76.4%).

Conclusions:

This review provides an overview of the current status and gaps in pharmacokinetic research in female populations. More studies should be conducted to properly examine the often limited
data available on pharmacokinetic studies to guide trial design to make future clinical trials feasible
and economical
Evaluation of the Adsorptive Performance of Rambutan-shaped γ-Al2O3
Micro-nanostructure against Wastewater Containing the Azo Dye: Methyl
Orange
Authors: Ju Zheng , Xu Jing , Zhang Jingui , Kong Jing , Shen Ming
Published: April 2023

Aim:

The aim of this study is to explore and evaluate the possibility of rambutan-shaped
micro-nanostructured γ-Al2O3 material’s usage as an adsorbent in industrial wastewater processing.

Background:

Every year, more than 7 million tons of dyestuff-containing wastewater are produced
in the industry. Although there are many adsorbents like fly ash and clays, the shortages limit their
actual applications. It is still necessary to find a new cheaper adsorbent.

Objective:

The paper aimed to investigate the adsorption capacity and decolorization ability of rambutan-
shaped γ-Al2O3 material synthesized via a composite soft template method.

Methods:

The rambutan-shaped γ-Al2O3 material was prepared and characterized via XRD, TEM,
FE-SEM, and FT-IR (See our group’s published article in “Ming Shen*, et al., Acta Phys.-Chim.
Sin. 2013, 29 (10), 2286-2294”). The methyl orange aqueous solution was selected as the model of
industrial wastewater. The methyl orange solution (15.0 mg·L-1) with different pH (2~9) was exposed
to a series of amounts of γ-Al2O3 powder ranging from 10.0 to 70.0 mg. Different concentrations
of methyl orange solution, ranging from 5.0 to 200.0 mg·L-1 were also tested with the same
amount of γ-Al2O3 powder (50.0 mg). The adsorption-calcination cycle analysis was performed
with methyl orange solution (50.0 mg·L-1) and 500.0 mg of γ-Al2O3 powder at pH=3.

Results:

The γ-Al2O3 material exhibits excellent adsorption capacity (114.10 mg·g-1) towards acidic
methyl orange aqueous solution. At the same time, the decolorization rate of the γ-Al2O3 material
reaches about 88%. This material still keeps a 50% decolorization rate after 6 repeats of the adsorption-
calcination cycle. Moreover, the excellent self-sedimentation ability of this material also provides
an easy separation for future industrial applications.

Conclusion:

The γ-Al2O3 material with rambutan-like micro-nanostructure presents excellent adsorption
capacity/decolorization ability and self-sedimentation ability. It can be used as a new type
of adsorbent for wastewater processing. The rambutan-shaped micro-nanostructure plays an important
role in maintaining the adsorption ability of the γ-Al2O3 material.
Co-delivery of Siape1 and Melatonin by 125I-loaded PSMA-targeted Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Liu Ying , Hao Lin , Dong Yang , Dong Bing-Zheng , Wang Xin-Lei , Liu Xing , Hu Zheng-Xiang , Fang Gao-Chuan , Wang Guang-Yue , Qin Jia-Xin , Shi Zhen-Duo , Pang Kun
Published: April 2023

Background:

Both apurinic/apyrimidinic endodeoxyribonuclease 1 (APE1) inhibition
and melatonin suppress prostate cancer (PCa) growth.

Objective:

This study evaluated the therapeutic efficiency of self-assembled and prostate-specific
membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted nanocarrier loading 125I radioactive particles and encapsulating
siRNA targeting APE1 (siAPE1) and melatonin for PCa.

Methods:

The linear polyarginine R12 polypeptide was prepared using Fmoc-Arg-Pbf-OH. The
PSMA-targeted polymer was synthesized by conjugating azide-modified R12 peptide to PSMA
monoclonal antibody (mAb). Before experiments, the PSMA-R12 nanocarrier was installed with
melatonin and siAPE1, which were subsequently labeled by 125I radioactive particles. In vitro biocompatibility
and cytotoxicity of nanocomposites were examined in LNCaP cells and in vivo biodistribution
and pharmacokinetics were determined using PCa tumor-bearing mice.

Results:

PSMA-R12 nanocarrier was ~120 nm in size and was increased to ~150 nm by melatonin
encapsulation. PSMA-R12 nanoparticles had efficient loading capacities of siAPE1, melatonin,
and 125I particles. The co-delivery of melatonin and siAPE1 by PSMA-R12-125I showed synergistic
effects on suppressing LNCaP cell proliferation and Bcl-2 expression and promoting cell apoptosis
and caspase-3 expression. Pharmacokinetics analysis showed that Mel@PSMA-R12-125I particles
had high uptake activity in the liver, spleen, kidney, intestine, and tumor, and were accumulated
in the tumor sites within the first 8 h p.i., but was rapidly cleared from all the tested organs at
24 h p.i. Administration of nanoparticles to PCa tumors in vivo showed that Mel@PSMA-R12-
125I/siAPE1 had high efficiency in suppressing PCa tumor growth.

Conclusion:

The PSMA-targeted nanocarrier encapsulating siAPE1 and melatonin is a promising
therapeutic strategy for PCa and can provide a theoretical basis for patent applications.
Survival Prediction of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on the
Prognostic Index and Sparrow Search Algorithm-Support Vector Machine
Authors: Wang Yanfeng , Zhang Wenhao , Yang Yuli , Sun Junwei , Wang Lidong
Published: April 2023

Aim:

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the highest incidence and mortality
cancers in the world, and recent studies show that the incidence of ESCC is on the rise, and the
mortality rate remains high. An effective survival prediction model can assist physicians in treatment
decisions and improve the quality of patient survival.

Introduction:

In this study, ESCC prognostic index and survival prediction model based on blood indicators
and TNM staging information are developed, and their effectiveness is analyzed.

Methods:

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and COX regression analysis are used to find influencing factors
that are significantly associated with patient survival. The binary logistic regression method is utilized
to construct a prognostic index (PI) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Based on
the sparrow search algorithm (SSA) and support vector machine (SVM), a survival prediction model for
patients with ESCC is established.

Results:

Eight factors significantly associated with patient survival are selected by Kaplan-Meier survival
analysis and COX regression analysis. PI is divided into four stages, and the stages can reasonably
reflect the survival condition of diverse patients. Compared with the other four existing models, the
sparrow search algorithm-support vector machine (SSA-SVM) proposed in this paper has higher prediction
accuracy.

Conclusion:

In order to accurately and effectively predict the five-year survival rate of patients with
ESCC, a survival prediction model based on Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, COX regression analysis,
binary logistic regression and support vector machine is proposed in this paper. The results show that
the method proposed in this paper can accurately predict the five-year survival rate of ESCC patients.
Recent Advances in the Ecoepidemiology, Virulence and Diagnosis of Cryptococcus Neoformans and Cryptococcus Gattii Species Complexes
Authors: Kenosi Kebabonye , Mosimanegape Jongman , Daniel Loeto , Ishmael Kasvosve
Published: April 2023

Emerging environmental pathogenic fungal infections, including cryptococcosis, continue to pose a significant threat to humans with compromised immunity and, to some extent, healthy ones. Cryptococcus neoformans was originally identified as the main etiological agent of human cryptococcosis, but recent studies have also identified the occurrence of opportunistic infections caused by Cryptococcus gattii. These two saprophytic facultative yeasts present a paradox as they can infect humans without requiring a host for replication or survival, a phenomenon termed readymade virulence. Many cryptococcal virulence traits appear to have dual effects that provide survival advantages in both animal hosts and the environment. Several molecular techniques have been developed to provide in-depth knowledge of these species complexes. This review will focus on the description of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii (CnCg) species complexes and associated cryptococcal pathogenesis, ecological niches, and virulence factors employed by the pathogens to cause disease.
Microbiological Quality of Feed
Authors: Zadravec Manuela , Mikuš Tomislav , Pradervand Nicolas , Vrhovnik Igor Ujčič
Published: April 2023

Background:

In most countries, the microbiological quality of complete feed mixtures, grains, silages and hay is sadly a much-underrated aspect of official feed control. Monitoring the microbiological quality of feeds downgrades any of the poor quality feeds and stimulates feed mills to produce better quality feeds, therefore, enforcing the prominence of high-quality feeds on the market.

Objectives:

To collect the results of the microbiological feed quality, done over a period of one year, all of which originate from Croatia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Furthermore, identify the presence of feedingstuffs with poor microbiological quality in some parts of the European market and therefore have the most impact on animal health and welfare.

Methods:

Feed quality was assessed through a single Verband deutscher landwirtschaftlicher Untersuchungs - und Forschungsanstalten (VDLUFA) method based on a systematic approach, which categorizes feed into categories from 1 to 4 according to bacteria, moulds, and yeasts content, and their ecology and hazard significance.

Results:

Although the most analyzed samples of feed belong to the most desirable quality level 1, it should be emphasized that almost all feed types can be found samples of quality level 4, unacceptable for feed.

Conclusion:

The obtained results give an overview of the advantages of monitoring the microbiological quality of feeds for governmental authorities, producers, and consumers alike and potentially provide more information concerning the new aspects of the risk assessment of certain types of feeds or their raw materials.
Refractive Error Prevalence in South Indian Youngsters Studying Professional Courses
Authors: Masimania Vinothini , Ravindrana Yazhini , Raghavendran Srikanth , Selvaraj Stalin
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

The aim of this study is to find the prevalence of refractive error within the south Indian University student population and correlates it with their lifestyle and food habits.

Methods:

The student community was randomly selected in the university and asked various questions like age, gender, iris colour, food habit, and body mass index using a standard questionnaire using google forms. A total of 74 students were selected for the professional institute with the age group of 20 to 22. From our analysis, half of the female population (48.33%) and three fourth of the male population (69.56%) were found to have refractive error is the most prevalent refractive error in this population (100%). Female students (55.17%) showed less refractive error in contradiction,male individuals (75%) exhibited higher prevalence. Refractive error is equally distributed between black (55.55%) and brown (53.84%) eyed individuals. People with higher fast food uptake are at high risk of refractive error (57.57%).

Results:

Myopia was observed higher in the urban population in comparison to the rural population. The modified Plackett Burman method is used to predict the phenotypic characteristics among the different factors analysed.

Conclusion:

From the observations, we developed the mathematical model to validate the various parameters and finally we concluded that black eyeball colour and females have a significant influence on myopic incidence.
Untangling Intimate Care Experiences for Patients Admitted to Public Hospitals in South Africa
Authors: Shakwane Simangele
Published: April 2023

Background:

Hospital admission can be a traumatic and humiliating experience for patients due to the institutionalised attire they must wear. Intimate care may trigger experiences of helplessness and disrespect due to exposure to their body parts and having to be touched by nurses.

Objective:

This research aimed to explore and describe patients’ perceptions of their bodies and their experiences of intimate care execution during their hospital stay.

Methods:

A qualitative explorative-descriptive design and Trauma-informed care framework were used to explore and describe the participants’ perceptions and experiences of intimate care execution during admission to the two sampled hospitals. Twenty participants admitted to medical and surgical units were purposively recruited. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to give meaning to the data.

Results:

Three overarching themes emerged from the data: the sacredness of the human body; Patients want their dignity to be respected during intimate care and touch; and creating the nurse-patient intimate care relationship. Patients wish the nurses to maintain their dignity and privacy. Intimate care and touch should be initiated in a safe environment where patients can make informed decisions.

Implications for Nursing:

Declothing of personal attire during admission violates patients’ dignity and privacy and is dehumanising. During intimate care and touch, nurses should create a cultural, religious and gender safe environment, allowing inpatients to make informed decisions regarding the care provided to their bodies.

Conclusion:

Patients’ beliefs system should be incorporated into autonomy and informed decisions about the care to be provided to naked bodies. Hospitalisation should not reinforce physical and psychological trauma. Respect and dignity are paramount when caring for the patient’s body.
Nursing Students' Academic Performance using the Online Teaching Methods: The Experience from Jordan
Authors: Al-Dweik Ghadeer , Momani Aaliyah , Al Zaghmouri Abeer , Al-Yateem Nabeel , AbuRuz Mohannad Eid
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all courses shifted to online teaching. This paper aimed to estimate the impact of online vs. face-to-face course delivery on students' Grade Point Average (GPA) and to find if there is any difference in students' GPA based on selected sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 3445 students enrolled in all faculties were included. Paired t-test, independent t, and ANOVA were used to answer research questions.

Results:

The online GPA was significantly higher than face-to-face GPAs among the total study population. The online GPAs for female students, students in middle years, and those from mainly theoretical fields or faculties were significantly higher than face-to-face GPAs.

Conclusion:

This study found that online instruction improved the academic performance of some students at certain phases. Online teaching benefited female students, colleges offering largely theoretical knowledge (law, Islamic studies, social studies), and middle-year students. Health and medical faculties were less suited for entirely online instruction. This study proposes online teaching as a valid and effective teaching method equivalent to face-to-face teaching methods under specific criteria: Entirely in theoretical disciplines or as part of programs as standing modules in practical fields, Female and middle-years students, especially those taking theoretical courses. The study also recommends that online teaching is a valid possibility amid extreme weather, health, natural, or political situations. Finally, online teaching should be implemented continuously to prepare staff and students for the application of online teaching during emergencies.
Acceptability and Uptake of HIV Self-screening among Educators at High Schools in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Mkhize N , Mmmampedi Huma , MM Mokgatle , Oguntibeju O
Published: April 2023

Background:

The estimated overall HIV prevalence rate in South Africa was approximately 12.6% in 2017. Knowledge of one’s HIV status is an entry point to care and treatment services. The utilisation of HIV testing and counselling services in South Africa remains low, with issues such as limited privacy and long queues cited as barriers to the uptake of these services. This study was conducted to determine the acceptability and uptake of HIV self-testing among educators at high schools in Pretoria, Gauteng Province.

Methods:

The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative research design involving the completion of a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data were collected from

333 educators working in 26 different high schools under provincial departments of education in Tshwane. Data collected were analysed using STATA Software version 13.0.

Results:

A proportion of (55%; n=182) of the participants were aware of the HIV self-testing method. Most of the participants (70%; n=232) indicated that they would personally use HIV self-testing to know their HIV status, citing confidentiality as the main benefit associated with this method. However, only (12%; n=35) had ever tested for HIV using HIVST. Being married was found to be 0.3 times less likely to influence the willingness to use HIVST (P<0.001), while having ever tested for HIV was found to be 3 times more likely to influence the acceptability of HIVST (P<0.01). Adults (older than 35 years) were found to be 0.37 less likely to use HIVST (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Despite the high acceptability of HIVST, its uptake was very low among the participants. There was a significant association between acceptability and age, marital status, and the history of testing for HIV. More studies on HIVST among professionals in the educational sector should be conducted for the evidence-based implementation of this testing modality.
Prevalence of Suicidal Behavioural Experiences in the University: Implications for Childhood Development
Authors: Ede Moses Onyemaechi , Okeke Chinedu Ifedi
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

This study surveyed the prevalence of suicidal behavior in a higher education setting. Two particular purposes, two research questions, and two null hypotheses were used to steer this study in order to achieve the objectives. This descriptive design made use of the University of Nigeria Nsukka's student demographics.

Methods:

A total of 100 students made up the study's sample. To obtain the sample, an unintentional sampling method was employed. For this study, a self-created questionnaire called the Suicidal Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ) was utilized. The data collected was analyzed using mean and percentages.

Results:

The findings indicated that university students do not engage in suicide behavior. Additionally, it demonstrated the rarity of suicide thoughts. Gender has no discernible effect on the replies of male and female tertiary institution students based on their encounters with suicidal behavior. The mean replies of male and female tertiary institution students on the occurrence of suicide events show no discernible gender-based differences.

Conclusion:

According to the findings, it is advised that suicide education and prevention be taught in schools and that guidance counselors post bulletins on suicidology.
Determinants of Intention and COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors among the Urban Population: The Use of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Sima , Maheri Mina , Khalkhali Hamid Reza , Didarloo Alireza
Published: April 2023

Background and Purpose:

COVID-19 is a new viral disease that has led to a pandemic due to its high infectivity. Since many people do not have access to available vaccines, preventive behavior is the only way to fight the disease. Despite the great emphasis on preventive behaviors, many people do not follow them so the etiology of this issue seems necessary; hence, the present study aimed to determine the predictors of intention and COVID-19 preventive behaviors using the theory of planned behavior.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was descriptive-analytical and was conducted among individuals over 18 years of age living in Urmia. Samples were selected by snowball and convenience sampling. Data were collected using a valid and reliable electronic researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 4 sections (demographic characteristics, questions about knowledge, questions about constructs of the theory of planned behavior, and questions about COVID-19 preventive behaviors), and they were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Results:

The results indicated a positive and statistically significant correlation between the COVID-19 preventive behaviors and constructs, namely the attitude (p < 0.001, r = 0.65), subjective norms (p < 0.001, r = 0.67), perceived behavioral control (p < 0.001, r = 0.72), and behavioral intention (p < 0.001, r = 0.76). Based on regression analyses, the constructs of the theory of planned behavior predicted a total of 65% of the variance of COVID-19 preventive behaviors and 73% of the variance of behavioral intention. Among the constructs, behavioral intention (p < 0.001, β = 0.393) was the strongest predictor of behavior, and perceived behavioral control (p < 0.001, β = 0.546) was the strongest predictor of behavioral intention.

Conclusion:

The research results indicated the efficiency of the theory of planned behavior in predicting COVID-19 preventive behaviors; hence, the theory and its effective constructs, especially behavioral intention, can be utilized in the development of educational programs and interventions to change the citizens' behavior towards COVID-19.
Low-carbon Economic Assessment of Microgrid based on EC-AHP and
Triangular Fuzzy Number
Authors: Wang Honggang , Wang Minnan , Chen Anqing , Yu Yangqi , Xiao Ge
Published: April 2023

Aim:

With the in-depth study of microgrid system planning and operation strategy,
comprehensive management and effective evaluation of various planning schemes and implementation effects are required.

Introduction:

A comprehensive evaluation method based on the elasticity coefficient analytic
hierarchy process (EC-AHP) and triangle fuzzy number is proposed. Meanwhile, considering the
changes in the internal and external environment of the system, a comprehensive evaluation index
system for a microgrid with the coordinated operation of "source-grid-load-storage" is constructed
combined with the existing microgrid planning and operation evaluation index system.

Methods:

The EC-AHP method avoids the limitation of using the "1-9" scaling method to determine the judgment matrix in the traditional AHP method, and uses the elasticity coefficient to
reflect the degree of influence of the index changes on the expert's score, which reflects the importance of the index for the evaluation result. Introducing triangular fuzzy numbers to the evaluation of microgrid planning and operation can provide a comprehensive linguistic rating for
evaluation indexes and systems

Results:

Through applying the constructed evaluation index system and evaluation method to
the calculation example of a regional microgrid, the pros and cons of various evaluation indexes
of the microgrid and the weak links in the planning and operation process are obtained.

Conclusion:

The results show that the index system and evaluation method constructed in this
paper can provide a basis for the improvement of microgrid planning and operation strategies,
which can then be applied to the general management of the microgrid system.
The Immunoadsorption Effect of Veno-arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Refractory Septic Shock, Ventilator-associated Pneumonia, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Following Severe Pulmonary Contusions
Authors: Mostafa Allam Mohamed Gaber Ibrahim
Published: April 2023

Background:

The utilization of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for immunoadsorption has proven efficacious in reducing mortality rates among neonatal and pediatric patients afflicted with severe sepsis and septic shock. However, the effectiveness of this treatment in adult patients with septic shock remains controversial.

Objective:

This study was designed to assess the potential of VA-ECMO as an immunoadsorption therapy in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of VA-ECMO in improving clinical outcomes, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), weaning from mechanical ventilation, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and mortality rates in patients with concurrent severe pulmonary contusions, septic shock, and respiratory failure resulting from ARDS and VAP.

Methods:

This study enrolled a cohort of 100 adult patients with severe pulmonary contusions resulting in persistent respiratory failure despite ten days of mechanical ventilation. These patients subsequently developed severe sepsis, VAP with ARDS presentation, and high Murray score (>3 points), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (> 12 points), and Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) (> 6 points). The patients were then divided into two groups: group A (n = 50) received conventional management, while group B (n = 50) underwent VA-ECMO. Moreover, the outcomes, including improvement in ARDS and VAP, successful weaning from mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, improvement of one or all parameters of Murray, SOFA, and CPIS scores, morbidity rate, and mortality rate were compared between the two groups and recorded after 14 days of treatment.

Results:

This study revealed that patients in group B showed significant improvement in Murray, SOFA, and CPIS scores. Furthermore, a large percentage of patients in group B were successfully weaned from both inotropic support and mechanical ventilation and were discharged from ICU. However, no significant difference in the mortality rate was observed between the two groups.

Conclusion:

VA-ECMO notably impedes the progression of sepsis, shortens ICU stay, and expedites the weaning from inotropic support and mechanical ventilation. However, it has no impact on the mortality rate of adult patients with septic shock.
Introduction
Authors: Bin Saeedan Abdulaziz , Nazam Ansari Mohd. , Almohisen Amal
Published: April 2023

Cancer is a complex family of diseases that usually begins with
carcinogenesis, in which abnormal cells divide or develop wildly by not following the
regular path of cell division and likewise can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells
demonstrate transformations in metabolism, which is frequently more anaerobic than
normal and probably can tolerate hypoxic surroundings. The remarkable variability of
the disease, at all levels, is the major challenge for cancer medicine. Six biological
abilities gained during the multi-stage advances of human tumors are the maintenance
of proliferative signaling, the prevention of growth suppressors, cell death resistance,
replicative immortality allowance, angiogenesis induction, invasion, and metastasis
activation. In this chapter, we discuss the features of cancer cells and the epidemiology
of cancer for better understanding.
Exogenous Factors and Cancer
Authors: Alhajhussein Baraa T. , Wakid Majed H. , Alsawi Najwa Mohamad , Hamdy Amin Hesham , Alonazi Fahad Nasser
Published: April 2023

The causation of cancer, whether exogenous or endogenous, is a cornerstone
of cancer prevention and treatment. Many intrinsic factors are discussed in other
chapters of this book; this chapter will shed light on exogenous factors influencing
cancer with detailed specific examples of microbial, physical and chemical factors.
Microbial role in cancer has been debated over many centuries, whether as an
antagonist or a cause, since Imhotep’s time through the mid-17th century when cancer
was considered contagious, and later cancer hospitals were forcefully moved out of the
cities as isolation camps. There are now vivid evidences that specific microbial
pathogens are causing up to 25% of cancer cases (lymphoma, solid or others), and in
some cases, a single pathogen was found in association with many types of cancer,
such as HPV and EBV, to a lesser extent.
Also, several non-biological factors are classified as carcinogens as humans are
exposed to millions of chemicals whether in environment or smoke processed food.
Ethics
Authors: Kahl Alandra
Published: April 2023

Ethical behavior by researchers, analysts and statisticians is paramount to
the creation and reporting of data in all fields. Without ethics, data obtained and
analyzed cannot be relied upon. A short discussion of ethical standards for all involved
in data handling, research and statistical analysis is included, as this important aspect of
the field cannot be understated.
Introductory Statistics
Authors: Kahl Alandra
Published: April 2023

This textbook is a primer for students on statistics. It covers basic statistical operations, an introduction to probability, distributions and regression. The book is divided into a series of 10 chapters covering a basic introduction to common topics for beginners.

The goal of the book is to provide a sufficient understanding of how to organize and summarize datasets through descriptive and inferential statistics for good decision-making. A chapter on ethics also informs readers about best practices for using statistics in research and analysis.

Topics covered:

1. Introduction to Statistics

2. Summarizing and Graphing

3. Basic Concepts of Probability

4. Discrete Random Variables

5. Continuous Random Variables

6. Sampling Distributions

7. Estimation

8. Hypothesis Testing

9. Correlation and Regression

10. Ethics
Repurposing Drugs: A New Paradigm and Hopes for Life-threatening Diseases
Authors: Chawla Ruchi , Rani Varsha , Kumar Krishan , Mishra Mohini
Published: April 2023

The process of repurposing drugs is an alternative to the conventional drug
discovery process. It is a cost-effective and time-efficient process with high returns and
low risk that utilizes mechanistic information of the existing drugs to investigate their
novel applications against other disease conditions. The most significant benefit of
drug repositioning is that it brings new life against novel/ orphan/ resistant diseases and
pandemic outbreaks like COVID-19. As a result, widespread use of the drug
repurposing strategy will not only aid in the more efficient fight against pandemics but
will also combat life-threatening diseases. Therefore, repurposing drugs can provide a
quick response to these unpredictable situations. In this chapter, we have tried to focus
on various drug-repurposing strategies along with therapeutics for repurposing drugs
against life-threatening diseases wherein little or no treatment is readily available. 
Repurposed Drugs/Potential Pharmacological Agents Targeting Cytokine Release and Induction of Coagulation in COVID-19
Authors: Singh Arpita , Kumar Verma Ajay , Kumar Pandey Anuj , Bajpai Jyoti
Published: April 2023

Global public health has been challenged by the coronavirus 2019 (COVID- 19) and has been a threat to clinical management to fight this viral infection. Due to the lack of specific therapies, there is a race among the scientific fraternity to find its specific cure to date. COVID-19 symptoms range from mild fatigue to potentially fatal pneumonia, cytokine storm (CS), and multi-organ failure. Hence, investigating the repurposing of current medications for use in the management of COVID-19 patients is a realistic approach. It is prudent to investigate using repurposed medications in the management of COVID-19 patients. In the meantime, researchers are testing a number of antiviral and immunomodulatory medicines to combat the infection. Although antiviral as well as supportive medications are undoubtedly vital in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, anti-inflammatory agents play an essential part in COVID-19 patient care due to their potential to prevent additional injury and organ damage and/or failure. Moreover, COVID-19-mediated infection can be linked with coagulopathy. The most common thrombotic events in COVID-19 are venous thromboembolic (VTE), which are linked with increased severity of disease and poor clinical outcomes. Here, we evaluated medicines that potentially modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and assist in COVID-19 management. We emphasized various pro-inflammatory cytokines as targets of repurposed drugs and targeted induction coagulation in COVID- 19 patients using the available literature and studies.
Material and Biomaterial for Biosensing Platform
Authors: Naghib Seyed Morteza , Katebi Seyed Mahdi , Ghorbanzade Sadegh
Published: April 2023

The fourth chapter focuses on essential materials for biosensing platform
research, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, conductive polymer, and other
advanced materials. This chapter describes the function of each biosensing platform
and the most recent advances in the synthesis and application of advanced materials.
After three sections on the subject's fundamentals, this and the following two chapters
present experimental and research-relevant material. For this purpose, carbon-based
materials will be examined first, including the following categories: fluorines, carbon
nanotubes, graphene, nanodiamonds of carbons, carbon nanohorns, carbon dots, and
carbon nanofibers. This section examines the research on these materials and the types
of conductive polymers utilized in electrochemical biosensors. Several polymers and
their functional techniques, including MNPPFs, MIP/SIPs, and dendrimers, are
examined in the following sections. The nanoparticles, such as Au, Pt, Ag, Pd, Ni, Cu,
Fe2O3
, TiO2
, ZnO, zeolites and other aluminosilicates, inorganic quantum dots, doped
inorganic NMs, nanowires, Carbon black, and calixarenes, are then investigated. Then,
biological materials are examined, including enzymatic nanocomposites, nucleic acid
nanocomposites, immunoassay-based nanocomposites, aptamers, and biopolymeric
nanocomposites. Finally, sandwich- or composite-based biosensor materials are
discussed. 
Basic Practical Principles for Studying Electro-chemical Biosensor
Authors: Naghib Seyed Morteza , Katebi Seyed Mahdi , Ghorbanzade Sadegh
Published: April 2023

Due to the diversity of engineering disciplines involved in electrochemical
biosensor studies, it is essential to be familiar with some topics, including experimental
design, electrochemical laboratory tools, primary biology literature, and biological
elements, to understand this area perfectly. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a
quick review of these topics. In the section on the design of experiments (DOE), we
discuss the principles of DOE, different approaches, guidelines for designing, and the
DOE process. This section helps researchers to conduct studies systematically. After
that, electrochemical instrumentation will be discussed. Potentio stat structure and
function, elements of electrochemical cells, and experiments with two, three, and four
electrodes are the topics that will be addressed. The final section of this chapter will
introduce some basic biological concepts and elements. 
Electrochemical Biosensors in Practice: Materials and Methods
Authors: Naghib Seyed Morteza , Katebi Seyed Mahdi , Ghorbanzade Sadegh
Published: April 2023

A biosensor is an integrated receptor-transducer device that converts a biological response into an electrical signal. The design and development of biosensors have taken center stage for researchers or scientists in the recent decade owing to the wide range of biosensor applications in healthcare and disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring, water and food quality, and drug delivery. Due to their adaptability, ease of use in relatively complex samples, and portability, the significance of electrochemical biosensors in analytical chemistry has increased manifold. Electrochemistry has been pivotal in developing transduction methods for biological processes and biosensors. In parallel, the explosion of activity in nanoscience and nanotechnology and their huge success have profoundly affected biosensor technology, opening new avenues of research for electrode materials and transduction.

Electrochemical Biosensors in Practice: Material and Methods particularly explores the use of silver and gold nanoparticles for signal amplification, photocurrent transduction, and aptamer design. Therefore, the book serves as an introductory text for those specializing in biosensors and bioelectronics and their practical applications.

Key features

Includes structured information for easy understanding of the subject

Provides an introduction to biosensors and electrochemical biosensor classification

Explains fundamental concepts and practical electrochemistry techniques for research

Provides notes on essential electrochemical sensor materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, conductive polymers, and other advanced materials

Provides information about electrochemical biosensor development

Informs readers about recent applications and research findings

Includes references for further reading
Corporate Social Responsibility: The Experiences of China, Japan and Bhutan. A Comparative Approach
Authors: Monti Federica
Published: April 2023

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has its roots in the
United States, between the 1930s and 1950s. Following the first definition proposed by
Howard Bowen, who is today considered the father of CSR, it soon became a concept
of great interest to the scientific community. Over the decades, this community has
gradually shifted its interest from a definition of CSR to its implementation.
Nevertheless, in today’s highly globalized and pluralized economies, affected as they
are by new social issues, deficiencies in the theorization and conceptualization of CSR
are still considered significant and pending challenges, which need to be resolved
before there can be a univocal and global understanding of CSR. In this context, culture
plays an important and distinctive role: the more global and de-territorialized a
corporate’s activities, the wider the differences to which its CSR approach is exposed.
Consequently, when applied to a pluralized and globalized market service, the more
difficult the theorization and conceptualization of CSR become. The experiences of
Japan and China, both deeply touched by Confucianism over time, represent two
interesting examples of special dimensions of CSR from which Western countries can
learn much. The CSR approach of Bhutan offers another interesting perspective.
Recognising that the objective identification of corporate duties is extremely complex,
and that it is equally complex to identify criteria, on the basis of which a corporate
practice may be considered to conform to the principles of CSR, the chapter wants to
stimulate debate around the question: Does CSR need to be regulated and defined, as
‘something’ new in corporates’ management experience, or is it perhaps something
that has always existed, and in some situations, is self-regulating and therefore it
translates only in a tool for competition?
Treatment of Cancer
Authors: AlEnazi Naif , Alanazi Ayisha Q. , Al-Rabia Mohammed W. , Albisi Fahad
Published: April 2023

Surgery, the oldest cancer treatment, is a mainstay in the cure and control of
most cancers. Indeed, for many patients, surgery, usually in combination with
chemotherapy, is the only hope for long-term survival or cure. But surgery can do more
than treat cancer; it can also diagnose cancer (diagnostic surgery), investigate cancer
further (staging surgery), debulk tumors (debulking surgery), relieve pain (palliative
surgery), prevent cancer from occurring in the first place (preventative surgery), restore
the appearance or function of the body after cancer surgery (reconstructive surgery) and
help medical staff to administer chemotherapy (access surgery). This chapter looks at
each of these purposes of cancer surgery in detail. 