bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PharmRL: Pharmacophore elucidation with Deep Geometric Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Aggarwal Rishal , Koes David Ryan
Published: September 2024

Molecular interactions between proteins and their ligands are important for drug design. A pharmacophore consists of favorable molecular interactions in a protein binding site and can be utilized for virtual screening. Pharmacophores are easiest to identify from co-crystal structures of a bound protein-ligand complex. In this work, however, we develop a deep learning method that can identify pharmacophores in the absence of a ligand. Specifically, we train a CNN model to identify potential favorable interactions in the the binding site, and develop a deep geometric Q-learning algorithm that attempts to select an optimal subset of these interaction points to form a pharmacophore. With this algorithm, we show better prospective virtual screening performance, in terms of F1 scores, on the DUD-E dataset than random selection of ligand identified features from co-crystal structures. We also conduct experiments on the LIT-PCBA dataset and show that it provides efficient solutions for identifying active molecules. Finally, we test our method by screening the COVID moonshot dataset and show that it would be effective in identifying prospective lead molecules even in the absence of fragment screening experiments. Alongside, we provide a Google Colab notebook for ease of use of the developed method.
Host-calibrated time tree caps the age of giant viruses
Authors: Ku Chuan , Tee Hwee Sze
Published: September 2024

Viruses are widespread parasites with important impacts on public health, economy, and ecosystems. However, little is known about their origins, ages, and early evolutionary relationships with hosts. Here, we infer the maximum divergence times for eukaryotic giant DNA viruses (Nucleocytoviricota) with dating analyses calibrated by known host taxa. The last common ancestor of Nucleocytoviricota existed after 1,000 million years ago, suggesting a much later origin than that of the eukaryotes. The early evolution of Nucleocytoviricota either coincided with or postdated a substantial increase in the oxygen levels on the Earth’s surface during the Neoproterozoic Era. The lineage diversification of giant viruses was frequently associated with host shifts, including two major transitions from amoebozoan to animal hosts that led to the emergence of iridoviruses and African swine fever viruses within the last 400 million years. These results outline the evolutionary timescale of a major virus group and are pivotal for further understanding the virus-host interactions and their potential ecological roles in the Earth history.
Development of Secure Infrastructure for Advancing Generative AI Research in Healthcare at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Ng Madelena Y. , Helzer Jarrod , Pfeffer Michael A. , Seto Tina , Hernandez-Boussard Tina
Published: September 2024

The increasing interest in leveraging generative AI models in healthcare necessitates secure infrastructure at academic medical centers. Without an all-encompassing secure system, researchers may create their own insecure microprocesses, risking the exposure of protected health information (PHI) to the public internet or its inadvertent incorporation into AI model training. To address these challenges, our institution implemented a secure pathway to the Azure OpenAI Service using our own private OpenAI instance which we fully control to facilitate high-throughput, secure LLM queries. This pathway ensures data privacy while allowing researchers to harness the capabilities of LLMs for diverse healthcare applications. Our approach supports compliant, efficient, and innovative AI research in healthcare. This paper discusses the implementation, advantages, and use cases of this secure infrastructure, underscoring the critical need for centralized, secure AI solutions in academic medical environments.
Trans Health is Public Health: The Prevalence of HIV Among Trans and Gender Expansive People in Kazakhstan
Authors: Reeder Kelsey G. , Lee Yong Gun , Sung Jimin , Vinogradov Vitaliy , Zhakupova Gulnara , Mergenova Gaukhar , Davis Alissa , Paine Emily Allen , Primbetova Sholpan , Terlikbayeva Assel , Kali Sultana , Hunt Timothy , Wu Elwin
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Trans and gender expansive (TGE) individuals around the world are at increased risk for contracting HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yet the combination of stigma, accessibility challenges, and a lack of trans-specific, trans-affirming interventions perpetuates rates of infection. Due to the severe paucity of data on TGE communities and HIV in Central Asia, this study describes HIV infections (both known and newly detected) and STIs among TGE in a multicity Kazakhstan study.
Methods: This study utilized behavioral and biological assay data collected in a NIDA-funded clinical trial of a behavioral HIV preventive intervention for substance using cis and trans gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) across three Kazakhstan cities (Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent). We specifically focus on HIV infection, as well as three other STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis), among 68 TGE individuals who participated in the trial from August 2018 to March 2022.
Results: Findings reveal that while the majority (69%) of TGE participants have undergone HIV testing in their lifetime—with 32% having completed an HIV test in the prior 6 months—over a third (37%) of participants did not know their current HIV status. Fourteen (21%) of the participants were confirmed to be living with HIV, and 11 (79%) of these confirmed infections were reportedly unknown prior to testing. STI testing revealed that 47% of the TGE sample tested positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis, with almost 10% testing positive for more than one of these STIs.
Conclusions: Findings from this study demonstrate high rates of HIV and STIs among TGE individuals in this sample population in Kazakhstan, as well as a discrepancy between HIV status awareness and confirmed HIV diagnosis (with higher rates of confirmed HIV diagnosis). Additionally, the HIV testing rates fall short of the 90-90-90 and 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets for 2020 and 2030, respectively. These results underscore the need for additional research, interventions, and services to address HIV and other STIs and increase testing—concomitantly redressing the conditions leading to marginalization—among TGE in Kazakhstan.
Clinical Trial Number: NCT02786615
Conciencia metacognitiva entre adolescentes de secundaria: Desarrollo y validación de una versión abreviada del MAI, Jr.
Authors: Gutierrez de Blume Antonio P. , Rhodes Sam , Bryck Richard L.
Published: September 2024

La medición precisa y exacta de los fenómenos metacognitivos nunca ha sido más necesaria que en el acelerado mundo actual, en el que el alumno dispone de grandes cantidades de información. El MAI, Jr. (ver Sperling et al., 2002) es una medida de autoinforme de conciencia metacognitiva de 18 preguntas ampliamente utilizada. Sin embargo, esta medida no ha sido reexaminada en cuanto a validez de constructo y consistencia interna desde su inicio en 2002. En este documento se informa sobre los hallazgos de un estudio de 2 años en el que trabajamos para validar una versión abreviada del MAI, Jr. En el transcurso de 2 años, 601 estudiantes de 6.º a 8.º grado participaron en nuestro estudio. En cada año, los datos se examinaron mediante análisis factorial exploratorio con extracciones de factores comunes (factorización del eje principal [PAF]) y rotaciones oblicuas (promax). Los resultados de este estudio respaldan la validación de una escala abreviada de 7 ítems. Se discute por qué se prefieren medidas más cortas con validez de constructo y consistencia interna apropiadas.
Developing a System of Economic Security Indicators for Holdings: Theory and Practice
Authors: Kokorina Daria
Published: September 2024

The article introduces the case of economic security analysis of the Romashin Technology Research and Production Holding, Obninsk, Russia. The author relied on various theoretical and practical aspects of economic security indicators as a system. The holding in Obninsk united seven enterprises, each of which conducted its own business activities. As a result, a timely preventive diagnosis of risks and threats became a rather complicated issue.The research objective was to identify and justify a set of economic security indicators for the holding in question. A comprehensive analysis of financial reports of all organizations within the holding made it possible to identify external and internal threats to the economic security of the entire holding and its parts. The diagnostics was carried out on the basis of safety indicators, which were divided into safety groups. If the indicators were outside the regulatory level, the holding was recommended to stabilize them. The study also revealed some opportunities for further development, as well as yielded measures to eliminate the negative external impact. Government Decree No. 351, March 12, 2022, allowed Russian companies not to publish reports, thus protecting them against potential harm from unfriendly countries. However, the Decree prevented the author from getting access to the current financial data, which made the analysis retrospective.
Key Factors in Regional Economic Model: Systematizing Indicators
Authors: Koziy Kirill
Published: September 2024

Unstable economic development affects the national economy. The rate, severity, and direction of the current transformations in the context of global changes and the new world order place new demands on the sustainability and stability of such economic systems as regions. Development is a directed process of transformation that affects all the constituent aspects of the developing object. The author examined the mechanism of regional economic development as a unity of investment attractiveness, innovative activity, and labor productivity. The research objective was to systematize the indicators of these factors as a generalized logical diagram. It is a model of economic development driven by a totality of elements aimed at creating and maintaining a system of sustainable and balanced economic development of the region. The study relied on a review of domestic publications, as well as on the method of logical analysis, content analysis, description, and generalization. The method of system identification made it possible to construct a generalized logical diagram. By using a targeted impact on economic processes, one can create a system of sustainable and balanced economic development of the region based on an efficient model of consistent economic processes. The results can be applied in various areas of economic development.
Neuropeptide Network of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – A Review
Authors: Jayamurali Dheepthi , Ravishankar Nivetha , Manoharan Nivedita , Parasuraman Rajeshwari , Jayashankar Sri Kameshwaran , Govindarajulu Sathya Narayanan
Published: September 2024

Background:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the ubiquitous reproductive disorder,
has been documented as highly prevalent (6-9%) in India. 10% of women globally are predicted
to have the disease. The highly mutable endocrinopathy, with differential clinical criteria for
each diagnosis of PCOS, can mask the severity of the syndrome by influencing the incidence and
occurrence of PCOS.

Area Covered:

When there is a solid theoretical hypothesis between the neuroendocrine origin
and ovarian origin of PCOS, recent evidence supports the neuroendocrine derivation of the pathology.
It is considered of neuroendocrine basis – as it controls the ovarian axis and acts as a delicate
target because it possesses receptors for various gonadal hormones, neurotransmitters & neuropeptides.
Can these neuroendocrine alterations, variations in central brain circuits, and neuropeptide
dysregulation be the tie that would link the pathophysiology of the disorder, the occurrence of all
the 1˚ and 2˚ symptoms like polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism, obesity, insulin resistance,
etc., in PCOS?

Conclusion:

This review anticipates providing a comprehensive overview of how neuropeptides
such as Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B, Dynorphin A, β-Endorphin, Nesfatin, Neuropeptide Y,
Phoenixin, Leptin, Ghrelin, Orexin, and Neudesin influence PCOS, the understanding of which
may help to establish potential drug candidates against precise targets in these central circuits.
Ginger-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Natural Solution for Alopecia
Authors: Hao Yixin , Yang Qiujun , Zhang Han , Bai Chunyu , Liu Xibin , Gao Yuhua
Published: September 2024

Background:

Ginger (Zingiber officinale (L.) Rosc), as an edible plant-derived nanoparticle,
offers several advantages, such as a high return rate, low budget, no ethical barriers, and
good for health. Ginger-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (GDEVs) are nanoscale vesicles isolated
from ginger.

Methods:

In this study, GDEVs were used to treat the alopecia mouse model, and its main active
components and potential mechanism of action were investigated. The LC-MS/MS analysis of
GDEVs revealed the presence of 1299 chemical compounds, among which auxiliary components
were identified. Interestingly, the crux of the analysis lies in the discovery of 13 specific ingredients
that play a pivotal role in hair proliferation. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective
effect of GDEVs on hair loss. These advantages make ginger-derived nanoparticles a
promising solution to overcome technical limitations associated with mammalian nanoparticles.
This study elucidates the mechanism of action of GDEVs in the treatment of alopecia. However,
the active ingredients and mechanism of action of GDEVs in the treatment of hair loss are unknown.

Results:

GDEVs were isolated from ginger using the differential centrifugal method. Network
pharmacological analysis of the GDEVs revealed that the anti-hair loss effect of GDEVs on alopecia
was closely linked to its ability to reduce inflammation and promote the proliferation of hair
follicle stem cells. Subsequently, it was applied to the balding areas of hair-loss mice using a
brush. The results demonstrated that the application of GDEVs led to a rapid recovery of the balding
areas and promoted the growth of healthier hair.

Conclusion:

This experiment reported that GDEVs can effectively suppress the inflammatory activity
in the alopecia model mice.
In-Vitro and In-Silico Studies of Brevifoliol Ester Analogues against Insulin Resistance Condition
Authors: Binwal Monika , Sen Sumati , Vishwakarma Sadhna , Sarfraz Aqib , Bhukya Balakishan , Khan Feroz , Negi Arvind Singh , Srivastava Santosh Kumar , Bawankule Dnyaneshwar U.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Brevifoliol is a diterpenoid that occurs naturally in the plants of Taxus
genus and is widely used as chemotherapy agent for the management of cancer. A series of semisynthetic
esters analogues of brevifoliol were prepared by Steglich esterification and attempted
for their pharmacological potential against insulin resistance conditions using in-vitro and
in-silico assays.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to understand the pharmacological potential of eighteen semisynthetic
analogs through Steglich esterification of Brevifoliol against insulin resistance condition

Methods:

In the in-vitro study, insulin resistance condition was induced in skeletal muscle cells
using TNF-α, pro-inflammatory cytokine and these cells were treated with brevifoliol analogues.
The most potent analouge was further validated using in-silico docking study against the tumor
necrosis factor (TNF-α) (PDB ID: 2AZ5) and Human Insulin Receptor (PDB ID: 1IR3), using
the Auto dock Vina v0.8 program.

Results:

Although, all the analogues of Brevifoliol significantly exhibited the pharmacological
potential. Among all, analogue 17 was most potent in reversing the TNF-α induced insulin resistance
condition in skeletal muscle cells and also to inhibit the production of TNF-α in LPSinduced
inflammation in macrophage cells in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, in-silico molecular
docking studies revealed that analogue 17 possesses a more promising binding affinity
than the selected control drug metformin toward the TNF-α and insulin receptor.

Conclusion:

These findings suggested the suitability of analogue 17 as a drug-like candidate for
further investigation toward the management of insulin resistance conditions.
CvTMorph: Improving Local Feature Extraction in Medical Image Registration for Respiratory Motion Modeling with Convolutional Vision Transformer
Authors: Chen Peizhi , Zou Xupeng , Gou Yifan
Published: September 2024

Background:

Accurately modeling respiratory motion in medical images is crucial for various applications, including radiation therapy planning. However,
existing registration methods often struggle to extract local features effectively, limiting their performance.

Objective:

In this paper, we aimed to propose a new framework called CvTMorph, which utilizes a Convolutional vision Transformer (CvT) and
Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to improve local feature extraction.

Methods:

CvTMorph integrates CvT and CNN to construct a hybrid model that combines the strengths of both approaches. Additionally, scaling and square
layers are added to enhance the registration performance. We have evaluated the performance of CvTMorph on the 4D-Lung and DIR-Lab datasets
and compared it with state-of-the-art methods to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Results:

The experimental results have demonstrated CvTMorph to outperform the existing methods in terms of accuracy and robustness for respiratory
motion modeling in 4D images. The incorporation of the convolutional vision transformer has significantly improved the registration performance
and enhanced the representation of local structures.

Conclusion:

CvTMorph offers a promising solution for accurately modeling respiratory motion in 4D medical images. The hybrid model, leveraging
convolutional vision transformer and convolutional neural networks, has proven effective in extracting local features and improving registration
performance. The results have highlighted the potential of CvTMorph for various applications, such as radiation therapy planning, and provided a
basis for further research in this field.
A Novel Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) Immunoassay for Detection of Anti-drug Antibodies (ADAs) to a Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) PYX-106
in Human Serum
Authors: Yin Feng , Adhikari Diana , Liu Xiaodong F. , Xu Tao , Liao Lili , Landauer Tessa , Ke Yan , Yang Wensheng , Simon Teri , Lei Wenji , Pinkas Jan
Published: September 2024

Background:

PYX-106 is a fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb), targeting sialic acid
binding immunoglobulin-like lectin-15 (Siglec-15), an immunosuppressive agent with widespread
expression across various tumor types.

Methods:

To facilitate the evaluation of immunogenicity for PYX-106 in human serum, a validated
method was established to enable the detection (screening, confirmatory, and titration) of antibodies
to PYX-106 in human serum samples.

Results:

The Screening Cut-Point Factor (SCPF), Confirmatory Cut-Point (CCP), and Titration
Cut-Point Factor (TCPF) were found to be 1.51, 26.9%, and 1.86, respectively. Sensitivity was determined
to be 1.81 ng/mL in the screening assay and 1.25 ng/mL in the confirmatory assay. Low
Positive Control (LPC) was set at 6.00 ng/mL, and High Positive Control (HPC) was set at 1000
ng/mL. The drug tolerance was up to 500 μg/mL at the HPC level, up to 241 μg/mL at the ADA 100
ng/mL level, and up to 38.9 μg/mL at the LPC level. The intra-assay percent coefficient of variation
(%CV) was ≤ 2.1% for Positive Controls (PCs) in the screening assay and ≤ 1.0% for PCs in the
confirmatory assay. The inter-assay %CV was ≤ 15.3% for PCs in the screening assay and ≤ 2.1%
for PCs in the confirmatory assay. No hook effect, hemolysis effect, lipemia effect, or bilirubin interference
was found in this ADA method. Anti-PYX-106 antibodies were found stable in human serum
for at least 23 hours 51 minutes at room temperature or after six freeze/thaw cycles.

Conclusion:

Anti-PYX-106 ADA, bioanalytical assay validation, was reported for the first time in
any biological matrix. This ADA method has been successfully applied to human sample analysis to
support a clinical study.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Activity of Cerium-doped TiO2/C Composite Aerogels
Authors: Shao Xia , Li Wenjue , Zhang Zitong , Xia Lei
Published: September 2024

Background:

In recent years, the problem of dye wastewater pollution has garnered significant
attention. To solve this problem, photocatalysis technology has emerged as a promising approach,
offering significant advantages and serving as a pivotal method for the degradation of
wastewater containing dyes. Due to the unique electrochemical properties of rare earth metal elements
and the ability of Ce doping to suppress and prohibit the recombination of the photogenerated
electron-hole pairs, a simple sol-gel method was employed for the preparation of cerium-doped
TiO2/C aerogel composites in this paper.

Methods:

When the sol-gel reaction occurs, cerium nitrate is added and the amount of cerium nitrate
is changed to prepare a set of samples. The samples are comprehensively characterized, and their
photocatalytic activity is evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB).

objective:

Due to the unique electrochemical properties of rare earth metal elements and the ability of Ce doping to suppress prohibit the recombination of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, a simple sol-gel method was employed for the preparation of cerium-doped TiO2/C aerogel composites in this paper.

Results:

The results showed that the photocatalytic degradation rate of MB is the highest when the
cerium nitrate in TiO2 was 0.3 mmol, due to its relatively large specific surface area and moderate
TiO2 grains, as Ce content increases. The photocatalytic efficiency of MB remained relatively stable
with increasing sample dosage. When the MB concentration was 20 mg/L, the photocatalytic degradation
rate under visible light irradiation was higher than that under UV irradiation. Defects can be
formed on the surface of TiO2 through Ce doping, where more surface groups are formed, thus improving
the photocatalytic activity of the sample.

Conclusion:

This study shows that cerium-doped TiO2/C has the potential to effectively solve the
problem of dye wastewater pollution in nature.
Bacterial Culture Results and Antibiograms in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients in Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Viet Nguyen Trieu , Hung Nguyen Thanh , Khang Ho Anh , Lien Nguyen Thi Ngoc
Published: September 2024

Background

The inappropriate use of antibiotics for chronic rhinosinusitis, exceeding established guidelines, is a growing concern in Vietnam. This practice is contributing to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the results of culture and antibiogram of bacteria on patients in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, who were treated for chronic rhinosinusitis in 2022-2023.

Methods

It is a cross-sectional study, including 113 patients who came for treatment with a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Mekong Delta, Vietnam, from 2022-2023. The bacterial cultures were identified, and their antibiograms were performed in the Microbiology laboratory of Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 20.0.

Results

The rate of bacterial growth was 97.35%. The cultured bacterial composition had 8 genera, 22 species, and 116 samples, of which 2 bacterial species were cultured, accounting for 5.45%. Antibiogram showed that Streptococcus pneumonia was resistant to cefaclor (83.33%), cefuroxime (100%), trimethoprim+
sulfamethoxazole (100%), and susceptible to chloramphenicol (100%) and vancomycin (100%). Streptococcus haemolyticus was resistant to amoxicillin+clavulanic acid (85.71%) and ampicillin (100%) and susceptible to linezolid (100%) and rifampin (100%). Streptococcus epidermidis was resistant to amoxicillin+clavulanic acid (82.35%), ampicillin (100%), penicillin (100%) and susceptible to linezolid (91.18%) and rifampin (88.24%). Streptococcus aureus was resistant to amoxicillin+clavulanic acid (95%) and ampicillin+sulbactam (90%), and susceptible to linezolid (90%) and synercid (95%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was resistant to amikacin (100%), meropenem (100%) and tobramycin (90%).

Conclusion

This study offers some useful information to doctors in the Mekong Delta and across Vietnam. It can be used as a good orientation in choosing the most appropriate antibiotics for treating patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. It is important to be conscious of the current trend of the bacteriological profiles and to regulate the antibiotic treatment regime to improve the effectiveness and reduce antibiotic resistance rate.
In vitro Tolerance of Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Candida albicans Biofilms to Dalbavancin and Anidulafungin
Authors: Mora Francisco , Ballaz Santiago , Castillo Ivette , Ramirez Hegira , Fernandez Moreira Esteban
Published: September 2024

Background:

Concerns about infections resulting from bacterial biofilm formation in invasive devices such as catheters and prostheses are becoming widespread in the public health domain. Staphylococcus haemolyticus, a coagulase-negative bacterium, and Candida albicans, a yeast, have become recurrent pathogens of these diseases because their presence in these devices enhances the likelihood of infection. It is believed that these microorganisms produce biofilms, which complicate treatment and slow the patient´s recuperation. Dalba-vancin is a semisynthetic, lipoglycopeptide-class antibiotic utilized as an anti-infective agent to break down gram-positive bacteria biofilms. Anidulafungin is an echinocandin class anti-fungal medication that works very well against resistant yeast strains and removes biofilms.

Objective:

This study aims to examine the anti-infective agents´ tolerance to the biofilms of Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Candida albicans.

Methods:

Polymicrobial biofilms were grown in a CDC Biofilm Reactor (CBR) for use in in vitro experiments.

Results:

When dalbavancin maintained its antibiotic activities against Staphylococcus hae-molyticus in comparison with their activity against the sessile forms, the antifungal anidula-fungin lost efficacy in eliminating Candida albicans.

Conclusion:

The planktonic forms of microbes are examined in relation to the tolerance to these anti-infective drugs.
Recent Advances in Functions and Biotechnological Potential of Pleiotropic Transcriptional Factor AdpA
Authors: Ostash Bohdan
Published: September 2024

:

The specialized metabolism of the members of class Actinomycetes served as one of
the deepest sources of compounds for the pharmaceutical industry. Within this class species of
genus Streptomyces stand out as the most diverse and prolific producers of novel scaffolds. At
some point at the end of the 20th century, chemical-microbiological screening of actinomycetes
seemed to largely sample their specialized metabolism chemical space. Contrary to traditional discovery
methods that directly focus on the molecule or its bioactivity, the availability of sequenced
actinomycete genomes opens the door for novel biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC) for specialized
metabolism. The genome-based approaches reveal the striking richness and diversity of BGCs, to
which the “pre-genome” discovery paradigm was myopic. In most cases, small molecules encoded
within these BGCs remain unknown, and finding efficient ways to probe such unexplored
BGCs becomes one of the pressing issues of current biotechnology. Here, the focus is on the biology
of pleiotropic transcriptional factor (TF) AdpA, whose gene is invariably present in Streptomyces
genomes. The review will portray how this TF impacts the morphogenesis and metabolism
of Streptomyces and how it can be exploited to discover novel natural products.
A Survey: Digital Image Watermarking-Robustness and Imperceptibility
Authors: CHAUDHARY HIMANSHI , P Vishwakarma Virendra
Published: September 2024

With the Internet expanding, multimedia security has become a significant problem.
As digital image manipulation is getting simpler, the certification of authenticity has become
more difficult. Digital watermarking outperforms conventional security methods for protecting
photos from attacks. The need for reliable image authentication methods in the contemporary
digital era has always been a hot topic among academics and researchers. When transmitting sensitive
information today through a regular correspondence route, many hacks are possible. Everyone,
therefore, requires their digital data to be non-tampered. Many solutions are available like
stenography, cryptography, and watermarking. Watermarking gives promising results when it
comes to the authenticity of the images. The robustness and imperceptibility of several existing
watermarking techniques are demonstrated in this study and critical analysis is performed. Additionally,
the author provides a thorough introduction to key ideas like the transform domain and
the spatial domain. This study also offers a thorough analysis of contemporary methods for watermarking
digital images while showcasing established practices in various domains. Hence, this
research study could potentially serve as a viable resource for researchers seeking to develop effective
watermarking techniques for practical applications.
Optimization and Characterization of Mucoadhesive Buccal Films using Mimosa Seed-based Natural Polymer for Controlled Drug Release: A Sustainable Approach
Authors: Sabale Vidya , Khade Ankita , Jiwankar Manasi , Sabale Prafulla
Published: September 2024

Background:

The present study attempted to develop cost-effective, biocompatible and
biodegradable mucoadhesive buccal films exploring and using Mimosa pudica seed polymer,
marking its potential as a sustainable drug delivery in pharmaceutical development.

Methods:

The extracted polymer was characterized for solubility, viscosity, loss on drying, pH,
swelling index, starch, and mucilage ingredients. Compatibility between the polymer, drug, and excipients
was assessed using FTIR analysis. Buccal film trial batches were formulated using the
film casting technique and were optimized using the 23 full factorial design. Optimized formulation
was characterized for drug release, permeability, mucoadhesive study, similarity, and difference
factor along with histological and stability study.

Results:

The polymer’s pH, loss on drying, swelling index, and viscosity were 6.2, 6.8%, 81.77%,
and 50,000 cP respectively. FTIR studies showed the compatibility between natural polymer, the
model drug metoprolol succinate, and the excipients used. The early trial batches of polymeric
films showed an extended drug release comparable to the standard polymers with a good permeability
flux of 0.4048 ± 0.081 mcg*cm-2*h-1. The optimized film provided a controlled release of
52.31 ± 0.035% for more than 8 h following zero order kinetics. Mucoadhesive strength was
found to be 32.25 ± 0.29 g. The similarity factor f2 (90.2) and difference factor f1 (8.197) indicated
no significant difference compared to the standard formulation. Histological study demonstrated
the non-irritant nature of the films and stability was established from the stability studies.

Conclusion:

Thus, a sustainable approach using natural polymeric buccal films was found promising
for mucoadhesion and controlled release.
Correct Use of HCQ Did Not Cause Extra Fatalities in COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Boretti Alberto , Banik Bimal
Published: September 2024

A recent study has claimed that nearly 17,000 people in the U.S. and five other countries
died prematurely during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the compassionate use of
hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for treatment. However, this study's conclusions are contentious due to
reliance on flawed data and the neglect of significant evidence supporting HCQ's efficacy in early
outpatient treatment. Our critique challenges the validity of the study, highlighting its methodological
weaknesses and the confounding factors it overlooked. By reviewing the comprehensive body of
scientific literature, we demonstrate that treatment with HCQ, particularly in combination with zinc
and antibiotics, consistently yielded positive outcomes, especially in the early stages. This work aims
to provide a balanced and objective assessment of HCQ's impact on COVID-19, emphasizing the
importance of early intervention and proper dosage.
Expanding Prospects for Dermal Health with Bioactive Phytochemicals
Authors: Garg Ishu , Singh Neelam , Neha  , Harish  , Barman Moumita , Gupta Puneet , Sharma Manoj
Published: September 2024

The largest and most defensive organ in the human body is the skin. Skin health significantly
affects the quality of life due to its crucial function in aesthetic appearance. The onset of numerous
skin illnesses is frequently accompanied by chronic skin inflammation. Immune-mediated
reactions defend the body against external harm and need to be quickly controlled. If unregulated,
they can result in long-term cellular damage and a variety of skin diseases. Dermatological illnesses
encompass a wide range of skin conditions, including but not limited to acne, eczema, psoriasis,
vitiligo, dermatitis, skin cancer, and fungal infections. Phytochemicals are produced by plants
as a defense mechanism against pathogens that have various biological activities and can be harnessed
for therapeutic purposes. Through the quenching of free radicals and the suppression of nuclear
factor-κB, phytochemicals shield the skin from damage. Phytochemicals also offer a safe topical
delivery system for improving the skin and regenerative treatment. Some phytochemicals' direct
molecular targets have been identified, and their underlying mechanisms of action are being
researched. In this review, we summarise current studies on phytochemicals' impacts on dermal illnesses
and their underlying mechanisms of action.
Predicting Depressive Symptoms Using GPS-Based Regional Data in Germany With the CORONA HEALTH App During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Edler Johanna-Sophie , Winter Michael , Steinmetz Holger , Cohrdes Caroline , Baumeister Harald , Pryss Rüdiger
Published: September 2024

Background

Numerous studies have been conducted to predict depressive symptoms using passive smartphone data, mostly integrating the GPS signal as a measure of mobility. Environmental factors have been identified as correlated with depressive symptoms in specialized studies both before and during the pandemic.

Objective

This study combined a data-based approach using passive smartphone data to predict self-reported depressive symptoms with a wide range of GPS-based environmental factors as predictors.

Methods

The CORONA HEALTH app was developed for the purpose of data collection, and this app enabled the collection of both survey and passive data via smartphone. After obtaining informed consent, we gathered GPS signals at the time of study participation and evaluated depressive symptoms in 249 Android users with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The only GPS-based data collected were the participants’ location at the time of the questionnaire, which was used to assign participants to the nearest district for linking regional sociodemographic data. Data collection took place from July 2020 to February 2021, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Using GPS data, each dataset was linked to a wide variety of data on regional sociodemographic, geographic, and economic characteristics describing the respondent’s environment, which were derived from a publicly accessible database from official German statistical offices. Moreover, pandemic-specific predictors such as the current pandemic phase or the number of new regional infections were matched via GPS. For the prediction of individual depressive symptoms, we compared 3 models (ie, ridge, lasso, and elastic net regression) and evaluated the models using 10-fold cross-validation.

Results

The final elastic net regression model showed the highest explained variance (R2=0.06) and reduced the dataset from 121 to 9 variables, the 3 main predictors being current COVID-19 infections in the respective district, the number of places in nursing homes, and the proportion of fathers receiving parental benefits. The number of places in nursing homes refers to the availability of care facilities for the elderly, which may indicate regional population characteristics that influence mental health. The proportion of fathers receiving parental benefits reflects family structure and work-life balance, which could impact stress and mental well-being during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Passive data describing the environment contributed to the prediction of individual depressive symptoms and revealed regional risk and protective factors that may be of interest without their inclusion in routine assessments being costly.
Predicting and Monitoring Symptoms in Patients Diagnosed With Depression Using Smartphone Data: Observational Study
Authors: Ikäheimonen Arsi , Luong Nguyen , Baryshnikov Ilya , Darst Richard , Heikkilä Roope , Holmen Joel , Martikkala Annasofia , Riihimäki Kirsi , Saleva Outi , Isometsä Erkki , Aledavood Talayeh
Published: September 2024

Background

Clinical diagnostic assessments and the outcome monitoring of patients with depression rely predominantly on interviews by professionals and the use of self-report questionnaires. The ubiquity of smartphones and other personal consumer devices has prompted research into the potential of data collected via these devices to serve as digital behavioral markers for indicating the presence and monitoring of the outcome of depression.

Objective

This paper explores the potential of using behavioral data collected with smartphones to detect and monitor depression symptoms in patients diagnosed with depression. Specifically, it investigates whether this data can accurately classify the presence of depression, as well as monitor the changes in depressive states over time.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, we collected smartphone behavioral data for up to 1 year. The study consists of observations from 164 participants, including healthy controls (n=31) and patients diagnosed with various depressive disorders: major depressive disorder (MDD; n=85), MDD with comorbid borderline personality disorder (n=27), and major depressive episodes with bipolar disorder (n=21). Data were labeled based on depression severity using 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores. We performed statistical analysis and used supervised machine learning on the data to classify the severity of depression and observe changes in the depression state over time.

Results

Our correlation analysis revealed 32 behavioral markers associated with the changes in depressive state. Our analysis classified patients who are depressed with an accuracy of 82% (95% CI 80%-84%) and change in the presence of depression with an accuracy of 75% (95% CI 72%-76%). Notably, the most important smartphone features for classifying depression states were screen-off events, battery charge levels, communication patterns, app usage, and location data. Similarly, for predicting changes in depression state, the most important features were related to location, battery level, screen, and accelerometer data patterns.

Conclusions

The use of smartphone digital behavioral markers to supplement clinical evaluations may aid in detecting the presence and changes in severity of symptoms of depression, particularly if combined with intermittent use of self-report of symptoms.
mHealth Engagement for Antiretroviral Medication Adherence Among People With HIV and Substance Use Disorders: Observational Study
Authors: Mi Ranran Z , Yang Ellie Fan , Tahk Alexander , Tarfa Adati , Cotter Lynne M , Lu Linqi , Yang Sijia , Gustafson Sr David H , Westergaard Ryan , Shah Dhavan
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite the increasing popularity of mobile health (mHealth) technologies, little is known about which types of mHealth system engagement might affect the maintenance of antiretroviral therapy among people with HIV and substance use disorders.

Objective

This study aimed to use longitudinal and detailed system logs and weekly survey data to test a mediation model, where mHealth engagement indicators were treated as predictors, substance use and confidence in HIV management were treated as joint mediators, and antiretroviral therapy adherence was treated as the outcome. We further distinguished the initiation and intensity of system engagement by mode (expression vs reception) and by communication levels (intraindividual vs dyadic vs network).

Methods

Tailored for people with HIV living with substance use disorders, the mHealth app was distributed among 208 participants aged >18 years from 2 US health clinics. Supervised by medical professionals, participants received weekly surveys through the app to report their health status and medication adherence data. System use was passively collected through the app, operationalized as transformed click-level data, aggregated weekly, and connected to survey responses with a 7-day lagged window. Using the weekly check-in record provided by participants as the unit of analysis (N=681), linear regression and structure equation models with cluster-robust SEs were used for analyses, controlling within-person autocorrelation and group-level error correlations. Racial groups were examined as moderators in the structure equation models.

Results

We found that (1) intensity, not initiation, of system use; (2) dyadic message expression and reception; and (3) network expression positively predicted medication adherence through joint mediators (substance use and confidence in HIV management). However, intraindividual reception (ie, rereading saved entries for personal motivation) negatively predicts medication adherence through joint mediators. We also found Black participants have distinct usage patterns, suggesting the need to tailor mHealth interventions for this subgroup.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of considering the intensity of system engagement, rather than initiation alone, when designing mHealth interventions for people with HIV and tailoring these systems to Black communities.
Measuring the Difference Between Teaching and Non-Teaching Anesthesia Staff Workload at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia (Preprint)
Authors: Ali Shammah Ahmed
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The workload on healthcare workers has increased significantly in recent years. This study evaluates the workload differences between teaching and non-teaching anesthesia staff at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital and examines its impact on performance and vigilance.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the difference in workload between teaching and non-teaching anesthesia staff, measure the workload in different anesthesia stages, and understand the effects of workload on performance and patient safety.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using a Google Forms survey was conducted among anesthesia staff (Anesthesia Technologists, Specialists, and Consultants) at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

The workload density was slightly higher during the induction, maintenance, and recovery periods in teaching cases compared to non-teaching cases. The majority of participants strongly agreed that increased workload reduces performance and vigilance during surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

There is only a slight difference in workload between teaching and non-teaching cases, but this small change can significantly affect patient outcomes in anesthesia settings. Further studies are recommended to include more hospitals in Makkah.
A robot-delivered training program to improve children's mental health and resilience: a pilot in Dutch primary schools (Preprint)
Authors: Zijp Anne , Aardoom Jiska J , Blanson Henkemans Olivier A. , van der Pal Sylvia , Vlasblom Eline , Versluis Anke
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Mental health problems often start at an early age, often extending into adulthood, which can lead to physical and mental problems such as substance abuse, sleep problems, depressive disorders and suicidal tendencies. Therefore, it is important to invest in the mental health of young people through, for example, initiatives focused on mental health promotion and prevention. The ePartners robot buddy offers children training modules focused on enhancing resilience and mental health, more specifically targeting self-image, social skills and/or addressing unhelpful feelings and thinking patterns in their daily life situations.

OBJECTIVE

The study primarily aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the intervention according to the children and their teachers, and secondarily to evaluate its potential effects on the mental well-being (general mental well-being, quality of life (QoL) and self-efficacy) of children.

METHODS

A single-arm, pre-post pilot intervention study with a duration of 6 weeks was conducted in three primary schools, involving children and their teachers. Primary outcomes were assessed post-intervention and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using questionnaires.

RESULTS

In general, data show that the intervention was generally perceived as moderately feasible and acceptable according to both teachers (n=7) and children (n=74), although several challenges were identified with the implementation and integration of the intervention into the school setting. Teacher-reported quality of life of children improved significantly from baseline (M= 36.0, SD=4.6) to post-intervention (M=37.2, SD=3.8, t(64)=2.77; p= .01), however, the children’s self-reported QoL did not significantly change over time. No significant changes in general mental well-being and self-efficacy scores were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides valuable insights into the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of a robot-delivered mental health-promoting intervention within a primary school setting. Further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and address existing limitations in terms of the implementation of such interventions in the school setting.
Edward James Ted Hughes and his Animal Kingdom
Authors: Shah Dr. Nazir Mohammad , Misra Shatakshi , Dev Dr. Keshav
Published: September 2024

This study explores the focus on the animal world in Ted Hughes' poetry. It argues that Hughes uses animals as vivid symbols of pure instinct and strength in addition to using them as symbolic figures. In analyzing poems such as "Hawk Roosting," "Pike," and "The Thought Fox," the article shows how these animals serve as mirrors, reflecting the darkness and violence that are part of human nature. Hughes' depiction of the natural environment also emphasizes the severe ecological realities and the continuous struggle for survival. As the speaker in poems like "The Thought Fox" longs to get back in touch with nature, the poet's sorrow over humanity's estrangement from nature is highlighted in the study's last section. Ultimately, Hughes's animal kingdom offers an effective frame through which we can examine the natural world ourselves, and the complex relationships among the three.