bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of socio-economic factors on contraceptive choices among women in North East India: a perspective
Authors: Shullai Wansalan K. , Singh A. Santa , Sharma Nalini
Published: June 2023

Background: Socio economic status plays a vital role in determining the awareness and conscious decision making of a woman pertaining to contraceptive use. Family planning has been recognized as one of the most cost-effective solutions for achieving gender equality and equity by empowering women with knowledge and in making reproductive choices by accessing contraceptive methods.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 1000 married women of reproductive age group in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, Meghalaya, from April 2021 to April 2022. NEIGRIHMS being a tertiary referral centre caters to patients from the entire North Eastern Region of India. A validated questionnaire was used for sociodemographic information, knowledge, awareness and attitude towards different contraceptive methods.
Results: Out of 1000 married women, 82.5% women were aware about contraceptive methods, 67.5% women had knowledge on the different types of contraceptive methods available and only 370 (37.04%) of the participants are using at least one type of contraceptive methods and of these, 280 (28%) women preferred condom. Bivariate analysis revealed that factors such as current age, economic status and occupation, were seen to influence the utilization of contraceptive methods among women.
Conclusions: While it is noteworthy to see the efforts made by the Government towards achieving the various health targets but sincerer and dedicated efforts are needed to ensure increased awareness about the importance of family planning.
Carta geoambiental do Timbó - João Pessoa/PB
Authors: Sabino Genilda Maria , Almeida José Antonio Pacheco de
Published: June 2023

Este trabalho trata de um estudo em área “especial” dita de risco: a Encosta do Timbó em João Pessoa-PB. A questão em estudo enfatiza as situações de equilíbrio e situações em desequilíbrio, abordando áreas suscetíveis a riscos de deslizamentos, soterramentos, escoamento superficial (difuso e concentrado com ravinamentos). Algumas considerações são feitas no sentido de alertar sobre novas situações de agravantes que podem se instalar na área, acarretando graves consequências, principalmente com a prática de desmatamento, mutilações na topografia e ocupações inadequadas. Algumas sugestões são direcionadas visando atenuar os fenômenos ocorrentes e melhorar significativamente a ambiência, tendo como mensagem principal: Mais vale evitar acidentes do que salvar uma vítima.
Projeto de um controlador neural aplicado a servomecanismo acionado a motor de corrente contínua
Authors: Menezes Filho José Bezerra De
Published: June 2023

O objetivo do presente trabalho é mostrar o projeto de um controlador de velocidade de motor de corrente contínua utilizando uma Rede Neural de Multicamada (RNMC) com pesos ajustados segundo a técnica de realimentação do erro de velocidade. O gráfico de uma simulação realizada em computador digital é mostrado.
Effects of Handover Education Using the Outcome-Present State Test (OPT) Model and SBAR in Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Design
Authors: Seo Yon Hee , Jang Kyeongmin , Ahn Jung-Won
Published: June 2023

Background: Since most of nursing students lack clinical reasoning competency, for effective handover education, it is necessary to include a strategy to improve the clinical reasoning competency in the practical training course of the nursing department.
Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental research design using a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design to verify the effectiveness of the practice education program using the OPT model and SBAR. The subjects were 73 third-year students participating in clinical practice or clinical alternative practice in Korea.
Results: The experimental group showed significantly better communication clarity (t=-12.262, P<.001), communication confidence (t=-12.486, P<.001), problem-solving processes (t=-13.100, P<.001), and team efficacy (t=-6.197, P<.001) compared to before the intervention. However, there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-intervention scores of the control group.
Conclusion: In a situation where clinical practice is difficult for nursing students, the handover education program using the OPT model and SBAR can helps improve their communication clarity, communication confidence, problem- solving process, and team efficacy.
Predictors of Non-Adherence to Medications in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Nikolic Aleksandra , Djuric Sonja , Biocanin Vladimir , Djordjevic Katarina , Ravic Marko , Stojanovic Aleksandra , Milovanovic Olivera , Skerlic Jasmina , Pavlovic Radisa , Turnic Tamara Nikolic
Published: June 2023

Background: Elevated blood pressure (BP) is one of the leading causes for developing major cardiovascular events and still represents a major public health challenge worldwide. We aimed to provide data on predictors of poor adherence to medication in hypertensive patients in Serbia.
Methods: Observational, analytical study was undertaken at a group of 388 patients who refilled their medications in the Pharmacy Institution, “Apoteka Kragujevac”, Kragujevac, Serbia between Jan and Mar 2019. Afterward, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the influence of the variables associated with the adherence. We used a self-developed questionnaire and SF-36 to assess the influence of the quality of life on medication adherence.
Results: Results revealed four independent predictors of non-adherence: increased number of medications, living in a city, forgetfulness of the dosing regimen and low energy. The odds of non-adherence were the highest among the participants living in the city and the low energy was the only factor inversely associated with the level of non-adherence.
Conclusion: Many factors were associated with the non-adherence to medication. Further studies are needed to find the most appropriate protocol to promote adherence. The four risk factors (increased number of medications, living in a city, forgetfulness of the dosing regimen and low energy) are associated with non-adherence in adult hypertensive patients.
Effectiveness of the "Internet-Plus"-Based Life-Cycle Management on Pediatric Chronic Diseases
Authors: Liu Jing , Nie Hongying , Rao Fan
Published: June 2023

Background: We aimed to assess the effect of life-cycle management on the satisfaction and health outcomes of children with chronic diseases and their parents, as well as the career benefits of healthcare workers.
Methods: Participants were children with chronic diseases who received long-term treatment at the Three Gorges Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing University from January 2021 to November 2022. From the first admission, compare the children's disease onset, satisfaction and professional benefits of medical staff among "Medical and Nursing Integration" + "Internet plus"-based life cycle management group (n = 221, the experimental group), the routine management group (n = 53, the control group 1) and the "Medical and Nursing Integration" group (n = 67, control group 2).
Results: The overall satisfaction of children in the experimental group (100 %) was higher than that in the control group 1 (98.11%) and control group 2 (98.51%). The times of second admission and third admission of patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in control group 1 were (both P<0.001) and control group 2 (both P<0.01). Nurses' sense of professional benefit, professional identity, and doctor's satisfaction with nurses in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group 1 (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001) and control group 2 (all P<0.05).
Conclusion: The application of "Medical and Nursing Integration" + "Internet plus"-based life cycle management in chronic disease nursing management can effectively improve the management on pediatric chronic diseases.
The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on the Level of Hope in Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Gavrilovic Jagoda , Kovacevic Marija , Ristic Dragana Ignjatovic , Peulic Marija , Gavrilovic Aleksandar
Published: June 2023

Background: We aimed to determine the level of hope in breast cancer patients along with the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on the expressed level of hope.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on the sample size of 72 female patients with breast cancer diagnosis. The study was conducted at the University Clinical Center of Kragujevac, Serbia from November 2020 until March 2022. Data were collected from the patients in a form of the Sociodemographic Variables Questionnaire (Q-SV). The Herth Hope Index (HHI) was used in assessing the level of hope.
Results: The value of the total HHI score was ranging from 14 to 48, whereas the mean value of the HHI score was 40.00±5.92. The significantly higher level of hope was reported in female patients who: searched the Internet for gathering information on their disease (39.24±6.23; P=0.047), were religious (38.77±6.13; P=0.003), believed in God (38.45±5.51; P=0.004), had no formal medical education (38.44±5.75; P=0.036) and after therapy (38.76±6.49; P=0.022).
Conclusion: Hope is an existential internal resource possibly affecting the manner in which female patients perceive their own health state and future as well. A better understanding of the meaning of hope during treatment can be of great value in supporting cancer patients.
Men’s Smoking Trajectories and Health-Related Quality of Life in the Whole Family: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Masihay-Akbar Hasti , Amiri Parisa , Naseri Parisa , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: June 2023

Background: We aimed to investigate the latent smoking classes in men and their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of themselves, their wives and offspring.
Methods: Using Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), 1781 men with marital stability and 8-18-year-old offspring were followed for 15 years (1999-2014). Latent class growth modeling (LCGM) was used to identify men's smoking patterns in 1139 men with at least three non-missing measurements of cigarettes per day (CPD); they had 1908 children (8-18 years at baseline). HRQoL and its physical and mental component summaries (PCS and MCS) was measured at the last follow-up using the SF-12v2 questionnaire. The associations of men's smoking classes with HRQoL of the family members were examined using generalized linear model.
Results: LCGM revealed four trajectories for men's smoking patterns; non/rare smokers, decreasing light, persistent moderate smokers, and persistent heavy smokers. Persistent smoking men, regardless of the amount of smoking (light or heavy), had lower scores in general health (ß= -7.80 for moderate and ß= -10.71 for heavy class) but not overall PCS. Al three trajectories of smoker men had poorer overall MCS than non/rare smokers. Living with persistent heavy smoker men was associated with decreased overall MCS in women (ß= -4.20), in particular role emotional (ß= -8.82) and mental health (ß= -9.42). No significant association was detected between fathers' smoking patterns and offspring HRQoL in young adulthood.
Conclusion: Our results show men's heavy and persistent smoking worsens their own and their spouses' HRQoL, mainly in mental health dimensions.
Using Relative and Absolute Measures for Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health: Experiences from a Retrospective Cohort Study on COVID-19
Authors: Mehdizadeh Parisa , Baygi Valiollah , Teymourzadeh Ehsan
Published: June 2023

Background: One approach to reducing the burden of diseases can be to identify socioeconomically vulnerable groups. We aimed to estimate the socioeconomic inequality of in-hospital deaths using relative and absolute indices of socioeconomic inequality.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study on Covid-19 patients; age, gender, marital status, education level, date of admission, diagnostic method, and final condition were measured. Socioeconomic inequality in in-hospital death was assessed using three approaches. We used the relative index of inequality (RII) to measure relative inequality. We used two approaches to evaluate absolute inequality: the slope index of inequality (SII) and the concentration index (ci).
Results: Overall, 587 patients’ data were collected and 42 (7.2%) of these patients died in the hospital. There were statistically significant differences between the case-fatality rates of different levels of education (P<0.001). In addition, all the inequality indices showed that the distribution of COVID-19-related deaths was higher among the lower education levels. Accordingly, after controlling the effect of age, gender, and comorbidities the RII indicated that the case fatality rate in the lowest education level was 9.42 (95% CI: 2.23 to 39.01, P<0.001) times compared to the case fatality rate in the highest level of education.
Conclusion: The results of all three approaches indicate considerable education inequality in CFR in favor of groups of high education levels. These results can improve the prioritization and impact of public health interventions, including prevention and diagnosis of Covid-19 in favor of vulnerable groups.
Association between School Health Education and Health Behaviors: Analysis of Korean Secondary School Students
Authors: Kim Ee-Gyeong , Chung Min Gyo
Published: June 2023

The Article Abstract is not available.
The Dilemma of Delicate Healthcare Team in Developing Countries and the Role of Pharmacists in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Majid , Riaz Muhammad
Published: June 2023

The Article Abstract is not available.
Basic Findings of Incidence of Breast Cancer in Allied Hospital Faisalabad, Pakistan: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Munawwar Aasma , Sajjad Amna , Faisal Shahla , Rasul Azhar , Zarbab Aneeqa , Bibi Afshan , Ahmad Adnan , Siddique Salma
Published: June 2023

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. We aimed to know the past trends of age-specific breast cancer incidence rates in Faisalabad city.
Methods: A retrospective study was designed at Allied Hospital Faisalabad (AHF), Pakistan from 2014-2018. Overall, 12742 cancer patients presented throughout these years, out of which 3390 were breast cancer cases. Descriptive statistics were computed and the results were presented as counts and percentage for categorical variables. Means and standard errors were computed for the continuous variables. For testing the association among categorical variables, a chi-square test of independence was used and the p-values less than 0.05 are reported as significant.
Results: 84.70% patients were diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma and 15.30% were all other types reported in the Allied Hospital Faisalabad. The incidence of breast cancer was outrageous in the 40-49 year-old age group (1021 patients, 30.12%) and the mean age is 45 in all years. An increase of 34.86% was observed from 2014 to 2018. The comprehensive four-year data (2015 to 2018) were further analyzed for histology, surgery, staging and grading pattern as 2014 files data was insufficient to discuss. The stage III and grade III were most common throughout the years from 2015 to 2018 with 33.9% and 55.71% respectively.
Conclusion: Breast cancer is diagnosed more commonly in women than in any other type of cancers in Faisalabad city. There is a need to upgrade the existing hospital facilities to make the women diagnose the cancer at an earlier stage.
The Effect of SMS Education on Self-Care Training in Diabetic Patients in Present New Challenges
Authors: Rouzbahani Arian Karimi , Zaveh Zahra Ghalichi , Poursadeqiyan Mohsen
Published: June 2023

The Article Abstract is not available.
Using EOS Imaging Technique to Provide Reference Values for Proximal, Distal, and Total Thoracic Kyphosis in the Iranian Population
Authors: Ghandehari Hasan , Tanhapour Samaneh , Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Rooyan Pooria
Published: June 2023

Background & Objectives: EOS, as a new imaging technique, has several benefits over conventional radiography in measuring spinal curvatures. In this study, we aimed to use EOS to determine the normal values of thoracic kyphosis besides its association with the participants’ age and gender.
Materials & Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 100 individuals with no history of spinal abnormality were included. Spinal curvatures, comprising proximal thoracic segment, distal thoracic segment, and total thoracic kyphosis, were measured on EOS images using a Cob method. The demographic characteristics of the participants, such as age and gender were also extracted from medical profiles.
Results: The study population included 31 males and 69 females with a mean age of 27.2 ± 17.4 years (range 6-66). The mean curvatures of proximal and distal thoracic segments were 14.5 ± 6.5º and 32.7 ± 7.5º, respectively. The mean total thoracic kyphosis was 47.2 ± 7.2º. Besides, distal and total thoracic kyphosis, but not proximal thoracic segment, were significantly more in participants aged over 40 years (p=0.03, p=0.04, and p=0.07, respectively). No significant association was found between the thoracic curvatures and participants’ sex.
Conclusion: It seems that there is a direct relationship between distal and total thoracic kyphosis and aging; however, more studies are required in order to approve our results.
Evaluation of Factors influencing the birth of Thalassemia in Family Members with Thalassemia Major in Southeast Iran in 2021
Authors: Naderi Majid , Najafi Sahar , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein , Ramezani Siakhulak Fariba , Yaghoubi Saeedeh , Sadeghi Bojd Younes
Published: June 2023

Background & Objectives: Beta-thalassemia is one of the complex diseases that causes many social and economic problems for the patient and his family. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing the birth of thalassemia (intermedia or major) in family members with thalassemia major in Sistan and Baluchistan province.Materials & Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted by census sampling on 48 families of thalassemia major patients with at least two children with thalassemia (intermedia or major) in their members. Data were collected through direct interviews and a review of patients' documents. The results were analyzed by SPSS (version 22) and Mann-Whitney U, Independent t-test, Wilcoxon, and Chi-square tests.Results: In this study, statistical evaluations showed that the birth of thalassemia in family members with thalassemia major whose mothers are housewives was 100% and in families that had no premarital counseling was 91.7%. There was a significant relationship between variables related to mothers' awareness of thalassemia, including their place of residence and Sistani and Baluchestani ethnics, and the birth of thalassemia in family members with thalassemia major (in both cases, P-value = 0.05); However, there was no significant relationship between other variables related to mothers' awareness such as age groups and maternal education with the birth of thalassemia in family members with thalassemia major (P-Value = 0.98 and P-Value = 0.22, respectively).Conclusion:  Informing and educating before marriage for high-risk families with thalassemia children, as well as financial support for low-income families can inform parents, prevent the birth of thalassemia, and improve the quality of life of these patients.
The Evaluation of Efflux Pump Genes norA, norB and norC Related to Fluoroquinolones Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Blood Infection
Authors: Dalir Fatemeh , Morovvati Abbas , Javadi Ali , Afkhami Hamed , Khaledi Mansoor , Fathi Javad , Mohsenipour Zeinab , Dirbaziyan Ashkan , Zargar Mohsen
Published: June 2023

Background & Objective: Recently, ciprofloxacin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains, due to efflux pumps, has become a significant challenge. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the frequency of norA, norB, and norC efflux pump genes and their roles in resistance to ciprofloxacin in clinical isolates of S. aureus.

Materials & Methods: A total of one hundred clinical blood samples were collected from patient in Qom hospitals and S. aureus isolates were identified by standard microbiological tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined by the disk diffusion method using CLSI guidelines. Subsequently, the presence of norA, norB, and norC efflux pump genes in ciprofloxacin isolates was detected using the PCR method.

Results: Among one hundred clinical samples, 36 S. aureus isolates were recovered and the results of antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that twenty of them were resistant to ciprofloxacin. 15 isolates were resistant to norfloxacin and one isolate was resistant to ofloxacin. Moreover, the norA, norB, and norC genes were found in 58%, 30%, and 41% of ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, respectively.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, norA, norB, and norC efflux pumps may play a significant role in the development of resistance to ciprofloxacin in clinical isolates of S. aureus. Detecting these genes may prove useful in suggesting an effective treatment model for infections caused by S. aureus.
Analysis of Salicaceae Collections Data in Some Herbaria of Türkiye
Authors: ACAR Pelin
Published: June 2023

Building on centuries of research based on herbarium specimens gathered through time and around the world, much research on the analysis of collections data in the herbarium is being done. In this study, it was analyzed the herbarium sheets from the family Salicaceae. According to the herbarium records examined, Salicaceae family is represented by two genera in Turkish herbariums. A collection of 917 herbarium records for the genus Salix and 242 for the genus Populus was considered from the six biggest herbaria of Türkiye as ANK, ISTO, HUB, AEF, ISTE and GAZI. The number of taxa in herbaria collections, distribution, and the number of taxa according to family, distribution of taxa by collection date and locations, and comparison of Turkish data with well-known herbaria from the world were evaluated in the current study. Python programming language was applied for the data cleaning and visualization using pie charts, plots, bar graphs and map plots. ISTO holds most of the genus Salix with 287 records, followed by AEF with 221 records and HUB with 148 records. Total genus Salix collections of herbaria include 53 taxa. The oldest Salix herbarium sheet dates back to the mid-1800s (GAZI), whereas most herbarium sheets were collected from 2000-2001 (AEF). Most records for both genera Salix/Populus, were collected from Ankara province. It is followed by Bolu and Kars districts, respectively. Furthermore, the locations from which the Salicaceae members have been collected are presented with the help of a Turkish province map.
A Research on the Socioeconomic Structure and Perspectives of Agricultural Products Exporters in Afghanistan
Authors: RAHİMİ Mohammad Sharif , ARTUKOĞLU Metin
Published: June 2023

In this study, which assessed Afghanistan’s agricultural exports from the perspective of agricultural exporters, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 62 of a total of 600 identified exporters. Exporters were separated as fresh vegetable and fruit exporters and dried fruit and medicinal plant exporters, which constitute the main items of Afghanistan’s exports, and the data were evaluated. According to the exporters, the biggest obstacle for them to increase exports is the energy problem, followed by the problems of finding a market, cash shortage, bureaucracy, goods transport, unjustified excuses of civil servants, lack of international certificates, lack of standard places for processing and packaging, and insufficient warehouse. Potential risks and security issues directly or indirectly affect the business world. However, one of the most important obstacles to the growth of trade and the private sector is the market structure, where various conflicts are experienced and intervened in. The main solutions are effective and sustainable marketing services, practices that encourage foreign trade, incentives for investors, policies to reduce tariffs and customs clearance costs, strengthening the country's economic infrastructure, and increasing security measures. It is clear that the suggestions put forward by the research will make significant contributions to the economic development of Afghanistan.
El prisma de la escritura académica: la producción textual en el contexto de la profesionalización docente
Authors: Giraldo-Gaviria David Mauricio
Published: June 2023

La escritura académica ha constituido un tema central en la profesionalización del cuerpo profesoral en las disciplinas. El presente artículo de reflexión tiene por objetivo analizar por qué la escritura académica es un prisma que responde a los intereses de las tradiciones disciplinares en la profesionalización docente. Para el efecto, se presentan algunas apreciaciones a la luz de tres categorías de análisis: 1) Prácticas de escritura académica y géneros discursivos: la respuesta al contexto de formación docente; 2) Representaciones sociales más allá de los discursos: estrategias para la cualificación de la escritura académica del profesorado y 3) Escribir para sistematizar y divulgar: de las ideas a la concreción del texto académico. De las reflexiones efectuadas, consideramos que la escritura académica es relevante en el momento que se comprende como un proceso, el cual es revestido de intereses formativos del profesorado, de la tradición académica disciplinar y de procesos de Alfabetización.
SP-A and SP-D surfactant proteins and conventional risk factors for chronic non-infectious human diseases
Authors: Nikolaev K. Yu. , Kharlamova O. S. , Kosarev I. A. , Dadashova N. F. , Lapitskaya Ya. K.
Published: June 2023

Surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D, which belong to the family of collagen-containing type C lectins, are used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for many acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of conventional risk factors for chronic non-infectious diseases on SP-A and SP-D protein levels by means of systemic and structural analysis on the basis of relevant publications from international databases and official WHO reports. This analytical review concludes that widespread expression of SP-A and SP-D is documented in numerous studies, and, although the lungs remain the main site of synthesis of surfactant proteins, one can expect its significant impact on the immune and inflammatory response in many organs and tissues. The authors note that there are several known extrapulmonary effects of these proteins. However, many mechanisms of additional cellular effects of SP-A and SP-D outside the bronchopulmonary system still remain unstudied, which indicates the prospects for further research in this area.
A clinical case of a successful treatment of an interrupted ovarian pregnancy
Authors: Sulima A. N. , Davydova A. A. , Beglitse D. A. , Matyash O. V. , Fedorov E. A.
Published: June 2023

A rare clinical case of successful treatment of an interrupted ovarian pregnancy (ОР), the incidence of which is 0.4– 1.3 % of all ectopic pregnancies (ЕР), is described. The exact etiopathogenetic mechanism of OP development is still unknown. The rupture of OP mainly occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy 91.0 %, in the second trimester it is 5.3 %, and in the third it’s 3.7 %. Untimely diagnosis of EP in the ovaries can be fatal with massive bleeding and is associated with the risk of ovariectomy with a subsequent decrease in fertility in patients of reproductive age. It is very difficult to diagnose OP. Differential diagnosis should be carried out with interrupted tubal pregnancy, rupture of the ovarian cyst, as well as with torsion of the ovarian cyst. The article presents the results of a pathomorphological study confirming the diagnosis and adequacy of the performed therapeutic measures. The algorithm of OP diagnosis, justification and decision- making on the method of patient’s management and treatment are shown. The presented clinical case will allow physicians of various specialties to know about this EP rare form, to suspect and successfully diagnose OP in the early stages of gestation, which will avoid severe, and sometimes life-threatening, complications or reduce their development.
A review of the Botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Arctotis arctotoides (L.f.) O.Hoffm. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Grierson D. , Otang W.M. , Afolayan A.J.
Published: June 2023

Background: Arctotis arctotoides (Asteraceae) is used by the rural people of the Eastern Cape for the treatment of epilepsy, indigestion and catarrh of the stomach, and the leaf juice or paste is applied topically to treat wounds and skin disorders. Unfortunately, no previous reviews are available for this important medicinal plant. Hence, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Arctotis arctotoides.

Methodology: This review was carried out using a comprehensive and systematic literature search on the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus. Searches were undertaken using the key word “Arctotis arctotoides” and the six synonyms of Arctotis arctotoides identified in the Plant List.

Results: In the first phytochemical study of Arctotis arctotoides, the authors reported that sesquiterpenoids predominated in the root oil while the essential oils of the leaves, flowers and stems had both monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids. The literature survey reveals that Arctotis arctotoides has been investigated in four pharmacological areas, including antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and anti-oxidant activities. Three toxicity screens for the crude extracts of A. arctotoides on cell lines, rats and brine shrimp were identified in the literature.

Conclusion: Studies detailing the bioactivity of the crude extracts and the isolated phytochemicals have provided partial evidence regarding the traditional use of A. arctotoides in the treatment of wounds in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. However, in order to fully exploit the medicinal potential of A. arctotoides, the expansion of existing traditional knowledge into the bordering communities where the plant is not currently used for the stated indications will support the greater use of the plant in primary healthcare.
Modification Color Filtering in HSV Color Space
Authors: Kusnandar Toni , Santoso Judhi , Surendro Kridanto
Published: June 2023

The health condition of plants can be determined by calculating the vegetation index. A healthy plant is identified from photosynthetic activity that reflects a lot of green and absorbs red and blue. Image information from a visible light camera will provide a Red-Green-Blue (RGB) value for each pixel which will be used to calculate the vegetation index. RGB values are largely determined by lighting conditions (scene) at the time of shooting by the camera. Plant images are influenced by high variability of illumination conditions due to changes in natural lighting conditions; bright, cloudy or nearby object illumination. RGB represents a non-uniform color space, thereby needing transformation to other color spaces. The purpose of color space transformation is to replicate the original information from the real world without changing any actual information. Color space transformation often causes information loss, including when mapping colors. The main contribution of this study is the simplification and improvement to the selection speed of desired colors in the HSV color space using the Heaviside step function. Modification was performed by sorting out the green color at a hue value of 90°-150°. The modified results showed that green can be distinguished from other colors. The experimental results on images taken using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) showed that the results of the proposed modification increase the speed of computation time by an average of 16.60%.
Stakeholders and social network analysis to reduce vitamin A deficiency among children 15 - 23 months in Iran
Authors: rajaeieh golnaz , Takian Amirhossein , Bakhtiari Ahad , Nasrabadi Fatemeh Mohammadi , kalantari Naser
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD among children 15–23 months has risen from 0.5–18.3% within ten years in Iran. The success of the public health programs for controlling VAD depends on the different stakeholders' commitment, ownership, and responsibility. That is why it’s so important to identify and employ them. Method: This is a qualitative study. We conducted a content analysis of the legal documents. the stakeholders' analysis was based on the stakeholder analysis framework in the policymaker software tool and the research objectives. Gephi software version 0.9.2 was used for stakeholder network analysis and VAD risk factors. Result: 45 stakeholders are identified. 71%stakeholders are public,4.5% of stakeholders are international, 11.11%stakeholders are private, and 13% of Stakeholders are a civil society. the Ministry Of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) has the highest direct impact on this policy. 62%and38% of stakeholders are related to executive and education matters. The computed network metrics, including degree, closeness, betweenness, and eigenvector centralities, are reported. The Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Health and Food Security, UNICEF, FAO, and Deputy of public health (universities) had the highest degree value Conclusion: MOHME, is the most important stakeholder in VAD policy, in addition to legislating, they are also important through coordinating with other stakeholders. Since some powerful and influential stakeholders had a low or medium interest level to participate in policy processes, Using careful and effective strategies, ongoing negotiations, receiving advocacy, and promoting awareness among senior managers and policy-makers, can be helpful
Dopamine signals encode internal reward value rather than externally indicated attributes
Authors: Hickman Robert , Al-Mohammad Alaa , Stasiak Arkadiusz , Schultz Wolfram , Hill Daniel
Published: June 2023

The dopamine reward prediction error signal is known to be subjective but has so far only been related to explicit external stimuli and rewards. However, personal choices are based on private internal values of the rewards at stake. Without indications of an agent’s private internal value, we do not know whether dopamine neurons, or any reward neurons, encode the internal value. The well-established Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) auction-like mechanism allows participants to place bids for freely stating their private internal value for a good. BDM bids are known to reflect the agent’s true internal valuation, as inaccurate bidding results in suboptimal reward (‘incentive compatibility’). In our experiment rhesus monkeys placed BDM bids for juice rewards without specific external constraints. Their bids for physically identical rewards varied trial by trial and increased overall for larger rewards. Responses of midbrain dopamine neurons followed the trial-by-trial variation of bids despite constant, explicitly predicted reward amounts; correspondingly, the dopamine responses were similar when the animal placed similar bids for different reward amounts. Support Vector Regression demonstrated accurate prediction of the animal’s bids by as few as twenty dopamine neurons, demonstrating the validity of the dopamine code for internal reward value. Thus, dopamine responses reflect the instantaneous internal subjective reward value rather than the value imposed by external stimuli.
The Effect of Media Exposure on Coulrophobia Symptoms
Authors: Gan Avery YS.
Published: June 2023

Fear is a fundamental emotion developed by humans for evolutionary purposes. This is transmitted in human DNA through the generations to help our survival. However, people may argue that the irrational fear of clowns is standing on the opposite side of survival purposes since clowns have no hazard. Coulrophobia is relatively new as a subtype of anxiety disorder, and so less research investigates the specific reason that triggered the phobia. This study utilised the Fear of Clown Questionnaire (FCQ) to assess symptoms of coulrophobia and employed correlation analysis, independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, and regression coefficients to identify potential predictors of these symptoms. The analysis results indicated that individuals with media exposure exhibited higher scores on total items in the FCQ, indicating that their symptoms of coulrophobia differ from those of the control group. In addition, the findings revealed a significant negative correlation between exposure to the non-exposure group and coulrophobia symptoms (r=-.739, p<.001), indicating that media exposure is associated with higher symptom severity, further supporting the impact of exposure on coulrophobia symptoms.
Ecosystem Graphs: The Social Footprint of Foundation Models
Authors: Bommasani Rishi , Soylu Dilara , Liao Thomas , Creel Kathleen , Liang Percy
Published: June 2023

Foundation models (e.g. ChatGPT, StableDiffusion) pervasively influence society, warranting immediate social attention. While the models themselves garner much attention, to accurately characterize their impact, we must consider the broader sociotechnical ecosystem. We propose Ecosystem Graphs as a documentation framework to transparently centralize knowledge of this ecosystem. Ecosystem Graphs is composed of assets (datasets, models, applications) linked together by dependencies that indicate technical (e.g. how Bing relies on GPT-4) and social (e.g. how Microsoft relies on OpenAI) relationships. To supplement the graph structure, each asset is further enriched with fine-grained metadata (e.g. the license or training emissions). We document the ecosystem extensively at this https URL. As of March 16, 2023, we annotate 262 assets (64 datasets, 128 models, 70 applications) from 63 organizations linked by 356 dependencies. We show Ecosystem Graphs functions as a powerful abstraction and interface for achieving the minimum transparency required to address myriad use cases. Therefore, we envision Ecosystem Graphs will be a community-maintained resource that provides value to stakeholders spanning AI researchers, industry professionals, social scientists, auditors and policymakers.
Estimating real-world walking speed from a single wearable device: analytical pipeline, results and lessons learnt from the Mobilise-D technical validation study
Authors: Kirk Cameron , Kuederle Arne , Mico-Amigo M. Encarna , Bonci Tecla , Paraschiv-Ionescu Anisoara , Ullrich Martin , Soltani Abolfazl , Gazit Eran , Salis Francesca , Alcock Lisa , Aminian Kamiar , Becker Clemens , Bertuletti Stefano , Brown Philip , Buckley Ellen , Cantu Alma , Carsin Anne-Elie , Caruso Marco , Caulfield Brian , Cereatti Andrea , Chiari Lorenzo , D'Ascanio Ilaria , Garcia-Aymerich Judith , Hansen Clint , Hausdorff Jeffrey , Hiden Hugo , Hume Emily , Keogh Alison , Kluge Felix , Koch Sarah , Maetzler Walter , Megaritis Dimitrios , Mueller Arne , Niessen Martijn , Palmerini Luca , Schwickert Lars , Scott Kirsty , Sharrack Basil , Sillen Henrik , Singleton David , Vereijken Beatrix , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Yarnall Alison , Rochester Lynn , Mazza Claudia , Eskofier Bjoern , Din Silvia Del
Published: June 2023

Background:
Estimation of walking speed from wearable devices requires combining a set of algorithms in a single analytical pipeline. The aim of this study was to validate a pipeline for walking speed estimation and assess its performance across different factors (complexity, speed, and walking bout duration) to make recommendations on the use and validity of wearable devices for real-world mobility analysis.
Methods:
Participants with Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Proximal Femoral Fracture, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, and healthy older adults (n = 97) were monitored in the laboratory and for 2.5 hours in the real-world, using a wearable device worn on the lower back. Two pipelines for estimating WS were validated across 1298 detected walking bouts, against 1365 walking bouts detected by a multi-sensor reference system.
Results:
In the laboratory, the mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute relative error (MARE) for estimation of walking speed ranged from − 0.06 to 0.04 m/s and 2.1–14.4% respectively, with ICCs ranged between good (0.79) and excellent (0.91). The real-world MAE ranged from − 0.04 to 0.11, and MARE from 1.3–22.7%, where ICCs showed moderate (0.57) to good (0.88) agreement. Errors were lower for cohorts with no major gait impairments, for less complex gait tasks and when considering longer walking bouts.
Conclusions:
We demonstrated that the analytical pipelines estimated walking speed with good accuracy. Accuracy was dependent upon confounding factors, highlighting the importance of undertaking a robust technical validation of wearable device-derived walking speed before clinical application.
Trial registration
ISRCTN – 12246987.
The clinical outcome, pathologic spectrum, and genomic landscape of 454 cases of salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: xi wang , li wei , yan jing , Li Binbin
Published: June 2023

Objectives To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular features of salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC).Design The clinical features, treatment outcomes, and pathological parameters of 454 MECs were evaluated, and their genomic features were analyzed using whole-exome sequencing and whole-transcriptome sequencing.Results 414 patients were alive without relapse at follow-up, after an average period of 62 months (1–116 months). The disease progressed after initial treatment in 40 patients. The lungs were the most common site of distant metastasis. For classical MECs, histologic gradings of the AFIP, modified Healey, and MSK systems were significantly associated with recurrence and lymph nodal metastasis; these gradings were significantly related to lymph nodal metastasis for the subtypes. Older age, minor salivary gland involvement, clinical symptoms, high TNM stage, high-grade tumor, and improper surgical modality were the main prognostic factors. BAP1 was the most frequently mutated gene in MEC. Mutations in CDKN2A, MET, and TP53 were more frequently found in aggressive tumor phenotypes. MAML2 rearrangement was observed in 42% of patients, and EWSR1 rearrangement in 8%. Specific genetic events (in TP53 and FBXW7) associated with CRTC1–MAML2 fusion might cause MEC progression and might be associated with unfavorable prognosis.Conclusions A complete understanding of the high heterogeneity of MEC in histology and genetics would help in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Inhibition of ACSS2-mediated H3K9 crotonylation alleviates kidney fibrosis via IL-1β-dependent macrophage activation and tubular cell senescence
Authors: Li Lingzhi , Xiang Ting , Wu Yiting , Feng Han , Liu Jing , Tao Sibei , Guo Fan , Fu Ping , Ma Liang
Published: June 2023

Histone lysine crotonylation (Kcr), a novel posttranslational modification, is widespread as acetylation (Kac); however, its roles are largely unknown. In this study, we report that histone Kcr of tubular epithelial cells was significantly elevated in fibrotic kidneys. By screening these crotonylated/acetylated factors, a crotonyl-CoA-producing enzyme—ACSS2 (acyl-CoA synthetase short chain family member 2)—was found to remarkably promote histone 3 lysine 9 crotonylation (H3K9cr) without influencing H3K9ac. Combined analysis of ChIP and RNA sequencing revealed that the hub proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β (which is regulated by H3K9cr), may play a significant role in kidney fibrosis. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of ACSS2 both attenuated kidney fibrosis, as well as suppressed H3K9cr-mediated IL-1β expression, which thereby alleviated IL-1β-dependent macrophage activation and tubular cell senescence. Collectively, our findings uncover that H3K9cr plays a critical, previously unrecognized role in kidney fibrosis, where ACSS2 represents an attractive target for strategies that aim to slow fibrotic kidney disease progression.
WITHDRAWN: A cohort study on growth hormone therapy in Chinese children with Prader-Willi syndrome – the effect of treatment age
Authors: Zhou Qiong , Chao Yun-Qi , Dai Yang-Li , Shen Zheng , Dong Guan-Ping , Zou Chao-Chun
Published: June 2023

Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare multisystemic genetic disorder. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy is the most established form of treatment for PWS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rhGH treatment age on the treatment outcome of children with PWS.Methods A retrospective analysis of 167 genetically confirmed Chinese children with PWS followed between 2017 and 2022. Unadjusted and adjusted generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to study the long-term trends in anthropometric parameters, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and glucose metabolism parameters during rhGH treatment in PWS. To compare the incidence of hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and scoliosis before and after rhGH treatment.Results The cohort had a significant increase in height/length standard deviation score (SDS). Compared to the infant group, there was an increase in height/length SDS by 0.42 (P = 0.045) and body mass index (BMI) SDS by 1.80 (P = 0.037) in the preschool group at year 3 and an increase in weight SDS by 1.09 (P = 0.037) and BMI SDS by 1.91 (P = 0.008) in the toddler group at year 3. BMI SDS remained stable in the school-age group. IGF-1 was consistently lower in the infant group than in the other groups over time (P < 0.05). Both fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) increased significantly in the school-age group compared to the infant group (P < 0.001). The incidence of hypothyroidism was increased in the cohort (P < 0.05), independent of treatment age (P > 0.05).Conclusions rhGH is effective in improving height/length SDS in children with PWS, especially in preschool, as well as weight and BMI-SDS in infancy and toddlerhood. rhGH appears to maintain a stable BMI-SDS in PWS long after school age. It is important to pay attention to changes in HOMA-IR during rhGH treatment. Further monitoring of high IGF-1 levels in older PWS is needed. Watch for hypothyroidism, which is often found in PWS infants, and further investigate whether it is related to long-term rhGH treatment.