bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of COVID-19 Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning: A Review
Authors: Mondal M. Rubaiyat Hossain , Bharati Subrato , Podder Prajoy
Published: July 2021

Background:

This paper provides a systematic review of the application of Artificial Intelligence
(AI) in the form of Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques in fighting
against the effects of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Objective & Method:

The objective is to perform a scoping review on AI for COVID-19 using preferred
reporting items of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature
search was performed for relevant studies published from 1 January 2020 till 27 March 2021. Out
of 4050 research papers available in reputed publishers, a full-text review of 440 articles was done
based on the keywords of AI, COVID-19, ML, forecasting, DL, X-ray, and Computed Tomography
(CT). Finally, 52 articles were included in the result synthesis of this paper. As part of the review,
different ML regression methods were reviewed first in predicting the number of confirmed
and death cases. Secondly, a comprehensive survey was carried out on the use of ML in classifying
COVID-19 patients. Thirdly, different datasets on medical imaging were compared in terms of the
number of images, number of positive samples and number of classes in the datasets. The different
stages of the diagnosis, including preprocessing, segmentation and feature extraction were also reviewed.
Fourthly, the performance results of different research papers were compared to evaluate
the effectiveness of DL methods on different datasets.

Results:

Results show that residual neural network (ResNet-18) and densely connected convolutional
network (DenseNet 169) exhibit excellent classification accuracy for X-ray images, while
DenseNet-201 has the maximum accuracy in classifying CT scan images. This indicates that ML
and DL are useful tools in assisting researchers and medical professionals in predicting, screening
and detecting COVID-19.

Conclusion:

Finally, this review highlights the existing challenges, including regulations, noisy data,
data privacy, and the lack of reliable large datasets, then provides future research directions in
applying AI in managing COVID-19.
An Audit of Interim Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
Published in Three High Impact Factor Medical Journals Over a Seven-
year Period (2012-2018)
Authors: Bose Debdipta , Ravi Renju , Gogtay Nithya , Thatte Urmila M. , Borse Tanvi
Published: July 2021

Background:

Interim analysis is an integral component of clinical research and drug development
in particular and helps reduce ‘time to market’ for an intervention or stop further development
of unsafe and ineffective interventions. In this audit, we evaluated the extent of use of interim
analyses in published RCTs in three leading journals and their impact on regulatory approval.

Methodology:

RCTs published in JAMA, NEJM and Lancet in the year 2012 to 2018 were extracted.
Each RCT was scrutinized using the filter term ‘Interim’. Both descriptive and inferential statistics
were used to analyze the data. The factors (therapeutic areas, nature of interventions, source of
funding and phases of trials) associated with Interim analysis and its impact on drug approval were
analyzed.

Results:

The majority of RCTs with interim analysis belonged to oncology (27%) and cardiology
(17.2%) and were related to drugs (70%). Majority of the RCTs were in phase 3 (56.3%) and funded
exclusively by Pharmaceutical industry (36.2%). A total of 2% and 14% studies led to accelerated
approval and normal regulatory approval. The choice of alpha spending function was not mentioned
in 44.8% studies and 21% studies used O-Brien Fleming method. A total of 18.5% studies
were stopped early. The oncology trials, drug as intervention and Phase 3 trials were associated
with the conduct of interim analysis which was associated with significantly higher numbers of accelerated
and routine regulatory approvals.

Conclusion:

Majority of the RCTs with interim analysis were from oncology and most did not report
a stopping rule. Interventions that were drugs (rather than devices or surgical procedures). and
phase 3 trials (relative to other phases of RCTs). were associated with significantly higher number
of interim analyses which was also associated with significantly higher number of regulatory approvals.
Six CT83-related Genes-based Prognostic Signature for Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Guimin , Wang Yongmei , Wang Ruixian
Published: July 2021

Background:

This study aims to explore the prognostic values of CT83 and CT83-
related genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods:

We downloaded the mRNA profiles of 513 LUAD patients (RNA sequencing data) and
246 NSCLC patients (Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array) from TCGA and GEO
databases. According to the median expression of CT83, the TCGA samples were divided into high
and low expression groups, and differential expression analysis between them was performed.
Functional enrichment analysis of differential expression genes (DEGs) was conducted. Univariate
Cox regression analysis and LASSO Cox regression analysis were performed to screen the optimal
prognostic DEGs. Then we established the prognostic model. A Nomogram model was constructed
to predict the overall survival (OS) probability of LUAD patients.

Results:

CT83 expression was significantly correlated to the prognosis of LUAD patients. A total
of 59 DEGs were identified, and a predictive model was constructed based on six optimal CT83-
related DEGs, including CPS1, RHOV, TNNT1, FAM83A, IGF2BP1, and GRIN2A, which could
effectively predict the prognosis of LUAD patients. The nomogram could reliably predict the OS
of LUAD patients. Moreover, the six important immune checkpoints (CTLA4, PD1, IDO1, TDO2,
LAG3, and TIGIT) were closely correlated with the risk score, which were also differentially
expressed between the LUAD samples with high and low risk scores, suggesting that the poor
prognosis of LUAD patients with high risk score might be due to the immunosuppressive
microenvironments.

Conclusion:

A prognostic model based on six optimal CT83 related genes could effectively predict
the prognosis of LUAD patients.
Migraine and Obesity: Is There a Relationship? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Hatami Mahsa , Soveid Neda , Lesani Azadeh , Djafarian Kurosh , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: July 2021

Background and Objective:

Many studies have evaluated the risk of migraine headache
in obese persons, suggesting controversial conclusions. The aim of this systematic review and meta-
analysis of the observational studies was to clarify the association between migraine and obesity.

Methods:

Scopus and PubMed electronic databases were systematically searched up to February
2019 for observational studies providing data dealing with migraine disorder in obese subjects, as
well as normal-weight controls. The random effects model was applied for assessing pool effect
size, and inter-study heterogeneity was evaluated by conducting subgroup analyses.

Results:

Among 1122 publications, 16 studies (10 cross-sectional, 5 cohort studies and 1 case-control
study) were detected and were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled data analysis illustrated
an elevated risk of migraine headache (Prevalence ratio estimate = 1.29, 95% CI, 1.15 - 1.44, p
= 0.000) in obese individuals compared to normal-weight persons. Subgroup analyses revealed that
geographical distribution was an important source of heterogeneity (p = 0.04). Significantly greater
migraine prevalence was found in European and Asian patients, but no statistically significant relationship
with obesity was observed in American patients.

Conclusions:

Based on a cumulative meta-analysis of available studies indicating an association between
migraine and obesity, obesity can be appropriately considered as an overall risk factor for migraine
headaches. Additional high-quality original studies considering frequency, severity, and duration
of headaches are required to clarify confident evidence.
Behavioral Activation and Depression Symptomatology: Longitudinal Assessment of Linguistic Indicators in Text-Based Therapy Sessions (Preprint)
Authors: Burkhardt Hannah A , Alexopoulos George S , Pullmann Michael D , Hull Thomas D , Areán Patricia A , Cohen Trevor
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Behavioral activation (BA) is rooted in the behavioral theory of depression, which states that increased exposure to meaningful, rewarding activities is a critical factor in the treatment of depression. Assessing constructs relevant to BA currently requires the administration of standardized instruments, such as the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS), which places a burden on patients and providers, among other potential limitations. Previous work has shown that depressed and nondepressed individuals may use language differently and that automated tools can detect these differences. The increasing use of online, chat-based mental health counseling presents an unparalleled resource for automated longitudinal linguistic analysis of patients with depression, with the potential to illuminate the role of reward exposure in recovery.

OBJECTIVE

This work investigated how linguistic indicators of planning and participation in enjoyable activities identified in online, text-based counseling sessions relate to depression symptomatology over time.

METHODS

Using distributional semantics methods applied to a large corpus of text-based online therapy sessions, we devised a set of novel BA-related categories for the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software package. We then analyzed the language used by 10,000 patients in online therapy chat logs for indicators of activation and other depression-related markers using LIWC.

RESULTS

Despite their conceptual and operational differences, both previously established LIWC markers of depression and our novel linguistic indicators of activation were strongly associated with depression scores (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]-9) and longitudinal patient trajectories. Emotional tone; pronoun rates; words related to sadness, health, and biology; and BA-related LIWC categories appear to be complementary, explaining more of the variance in the PHQ score together than they do independently.

CONCLUSIONS

This study enables further work in automated diagnosis and assessment of depression, the refinement of BA psychotherapeutic strategies, and the development of predictive models for decision support.
Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Transdiagnostic Internet Intervention for Adolescents with Anxiety and Depressive Disorders (Preprint)
Authors: Păsărelu Costina-Ruxandra , Dobrean Anca , Andersson Gerhard , Zaharie Gabriela Corina
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Transdiagnostic interventions delivered for children and adolescents show promising results. In order to increase access to treatment, recent developments in technology has led to alternatives to face to face interventions. Transdiagnostic Internet interventions can be effective for adult anxiety and depressive disorders, but research is more limited regarding the efficacy of such treatments for young populations diagnosed with anxiety and or depressive disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a transdiagnostic internet intervention for adolescents diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders based on Rational emotive behavior therapy.

METHODS

We tested the preliminary efficacy of a six-week intervention in an open trial, pre-post design including 15 participants.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that the intervention is feasible and can be included as a treatment for adolescents with anxiety and depressive disorders, being associated with moderate to large pre-post effect sizes on self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as on negative patterns of thinking and knowledge acquisition. Satisfaction with the intervention was high.

CONCLUSIONS

Transdiagnostic Internet interventions for adolescents with anxiety and depressive symptoms are feasible. Future testing of the efficacy of such interventions in randomized controlled trials should be conducted.
Changing Demographics of NIDDK-Funded Physician-Scientists Doing Kidney Research
Authors: Abood Delaney C. , King Spencer A. , Eaton Douglas C. , Wall Susan M.
Published: July 2021

Background and objectives

Although US physician-scientists have made enormous contributions to biomedical research, this workforce is thought to be getting smaller. However, among kidney researchers, changes have not been fully quantified.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We mined National Institutes of Health RePORTER to explore demographic changes of early-career and established physician and nonphysician principal investigators doing kidney-focused research. We searched for National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)–funded K series and R01 awards focused on the kidney that were active between 1990 and 2020 and determined if their emphasis was basic or clinical science. We then used public databases available on the internet to determine if these funded investigators were physicians or nonphysicians, the year in which they received either their MD (physicians) or their terminal graduate degree (nonphysicians), their sex, and whether they received their terminal degree from a US or international institution.

Results

Kidney-focused R01-funded principal investigators are aging, particularly among physicians. Moreover, the relative representation of physicians among both early-career and established principal investigators is falling, particularly among those doing basic science research. In contrast, the number and relative representation of nonphysician-scientists are increasing. There is also greater representation of women and international graduates among physician and nonphysician R01-funded, kidney-focused NIDDK investigators. However, although there are greater numbers of women physician principal investigators doing both basic as well as clinical research, women physician principal investigators are increasingly more likely to do clinical rather than basic science research.

Conclusions

The physician-scientist workforce is increasingly made up of women and international medical graduates. However, the physician-scientist workforce is older and represents a smaller proportion of all principal investigators, particularly among those doing basic science research.
MYRICETIN NANO-PHYTOSOMES PEEL-OFF GEL MASK FORMULATION AS ANTIOXIDANT
Authors: PURNAMASARI NUR AINI DEWI , DZAKWAN MUHAMMAD , PRAMUKANTORO GANET EKO , MAULUDIN RACHMAT , ELFAHMI
Published: July 2021

Objective: Peel-off gel mask is an alternative preparation which can increase the convenience of use and is expected to increase the antioxidant activity of myricetin nano-phytosomes. Myricetin has various activities, namely as a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, allergy, and anti-cancer. This study aims to determine the nano-phytosome myricetin can be formulated into a gel peel-off mask, determine the concentration of PVA which has the best physical properties of the gel peel-off mask, and determine the antioxidant activity.

Methods: The thin layer hydration method was used to manufacture Myricetin nano-phytosomes, then dried using the freeze-drying method. The resulting nano-phytosome characterization included particle size, polydispersion index, zeta potential and absorption efficiency. Peel-off gel mask were made with variations in the concentration of the PVA gelling agent, namely F1 3.5%, F2 7%, F3 14%. The resulting peel-off gel mask was tested for physical quality including organoleptic test, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, adhesion, drying time and testing for antioxidant activity.

Results: The resulting peel-off gel mask has the good physical quality and met the existing requirements, where the different PVA concentrations resulted in different physical qualities, the higher the PVA, the faster the dry time. All three formulas exhibited very strong antioxidant activity based on DPPH assay with IC50 value of 14.8 ppm (F1), 15.37 ppm (F2), and 15.87 ppm (F3).

Conclusion: Myricetin nano-phytosomes can be formulated into a gel peel-off mask, Formula 2 with a 7% concentration of PVA produces the best physical quality of the peel-off gel mask, the three gel peel-off mask formulas have excellent antioxidant activity.
OPTIMIZATION OF STARCH CROTONATE AS A NOVEL SUPERDISINTEGRANT IN THE FORMULATION OF FAST DISSOLVING TABLETS THROUGH 23 FACTORIAL DESIGN
Authors: PRAKASH RAO A. HARI OM , RADA SANTOSH KUMAR , KANDUKURI SHAMBHAVI
Published: July 2021

Objective: To synthesize, characterize and evaluate starch crotonate as a superdisintegrant in the formulation of Piroxicam fast dissolving tablets by employing 23 factorial design.

Methods: Starch crotonate was synthesized and its physical and micromeritic properties were performed to evaluate it. The fast dissolving tablet of Piroxicam were prepared by employing starch crotonate as a superdisintegrant in different proportions in each case by direct compression method using 23 factorial design.

Results: The starch chrotonate prepared was found to be fine, free flowing and amorphous. Starch crotonate exhibited good swelling in water with swelling index (50%). The study of starch crotonate was shown by fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). The drug content (100±5%), hardness (3.6–4 kg/sq. cm), and friability (<0.15%) have been effective with regard to all the formulated fast dissolving tablets employing starch crotonate. The disintegration time of all the formulated tablets was found to be in the range of 18±03 to 66±03 sec. The optimized formulation F8 had the least disintegration time i.e., 18±03 sec. The wetting time of the tablets was found to be in the range of 49.92±0.11 to 140±0.18s. The In vitro wetting time was less (i.e., 74±0.37s) in optimized formulation F8. The water absorption ratio of the formulated tablets was found to be in the range of 27.58±0.01 to 123.07±0.33%. The percent drug dissolved in the optimized formulation F8 was found to be 99.83% in 10 min.

Conclusion: Starch crotonate, when combined with sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium, with Piroxicam was found to be an effective super disintegrant which improved the dissolution efficiency and could therefore be used in the formulation of quick dissolving tablets to provide immediate release of the contained drug within 10 min.
RECENT STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING SOLUBILITY AND ORAL BIOAVAILABILITY OF PIPERINE
Authors: SALSABILA HULWA , FITRIANI LILI , ZAINI ERIZAL
Published: July 2021

Piperine, the main bioactive compound found in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), has long been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This compound has remarkable potential pharmacological properties, including being anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective. Recent studies have reported piperine activity as an antiviral against SARS-CoV-2, which caused COVID-19. Nevertheless, the clinical use of piperine is still limited, due to its poor water solubility and bioavailability; therefore, various approaches have been developed in order to solve these limitations. This review summarises recent studies (i.e. uploaded to electronic databases in the last 10 y) regarding strategies that have been investigated to improve piperine’s solubility and pharmacokinetic properties, using ‘piperine’, ‘solubility’, ‘bioavailability’, and ‘formulation’ as keywords. Articles that have focused on piperine as the main compound were selected and sorted based on their modification and formulation types. Studies reported various approaches: from derivatives and analogue synthesis, crystal engineering, complexation, particle size reduction (micro-and nanonisation), and lipid-and polymer-based drug delivery systems, to inorganic and hybrid nanoparticles. This review also highlights limitations and challenges for these approaches and encourages further studies to optimise piperine’s potential benefits.
DEVELOPMENT AND IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF BUSPIRONE LOADED IN SITU NANOEMULSION GEL
Authors: TRIPATHI KAMALESH , MANNA NIRANJAN KUMAR
Published: July 2021

Objective: Buspirone, is a medication primarily used for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), relieve symptoms of anxiety and unipolar depression. This drug exhibit low bioavailability (approximately 5%) due to extensive first-pass metabolism and non-targeted delivery results in numerous side effects. It is taken by mouth, and it may take up to four weeks to have an effect. The present investigation aimed at the development of buspirone in situ nanoemulsion gel to evaluate its potential for efficacious nose to brain drug delivery.

Methods: Buspirone-loaded nanoemulsions (BNEs) were prepared by aqueous titration (Spontaneous emulsification) method using Oleic acid, Tween 80, and PEG 400 as oil, surfactant and cosurfactant respectively. The NEs (FC1-FC8) were characterized for pharmaceutical characteristics (Appearance, thermodynamic stability, polydispersity index (PDI) value, globule size, pH, Viscosity, Conductivity and Refractive index). In vitro drug release study from nanoemulsions (NEs) was carried out using Keshary–Chien cell (KC cell, 25 ml) in phosphate buffer pH 5.5.

Results: Formulation FC5 with mean globule size of 105.4±1.10 nm, PDI value 0.230±0.01 and drug release 90±0.39% in 6 h (h) was developed as mucoadhesive nanoemulsion gel formulation with 17.5 % W/W of Pluronic F127. The nanoemulsion gel was homogenous, transparent, and possessed a bioadhesive strength of 1605 Dyne/cm2. In vitro cumulative drug release was found to be 90.00±0.39 % at the end of 6 h.

Conclusion: The gel had no effect on the structural integrity of nasal mucosa. Hence, the study postulates that In situ nanoemulsion gel of buspirone could be used as an intranasal formulation for targeted brain delivery via nasal route.
APPLICATION OF 3D PRINTING IN INNOVATED DRUG DELIVERY: A REVIEW
Authors: JASSIM ZAINAB EASSA
Published: July 2021

Increasing requests for modified and personalized pharmaceutics and medical materials makes the implementation of additive manufacturing increased rapidly in recent years. 3D printing has been involved numerous advantages in case of reduction in waste, flexibility in the design, and minimizing the high cost of intended products for bulk production of. Several of 3D printing technologies have been developed to fabricate novel solid dosage forms, including selective laser sintering, binder deposition, stereolithography, inkjet printing, extrusion-based printing, and fused deposition modeling. The selection of 3D printing techniques depends on their compatibility with the printed drug products. This review intent to provide a perspective on the incentives and possible applications of 3D printed pharmaceuticals, besides a practical viewpoint on how 3D printing could be included across the pharmaceutical field.
EFFECT OF STERILIZATION USING GAMMA RADIATION ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF GEL CONTAINING ALOE VERA POWDER
Authors: BUDIMAN ARIF
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aims to prepare sterile gel containing aloe vera (AV) powder and evaluate its physicochemical properties after sterilization by gamma radiation.

Methods: The gel was prepared using carbomer as stabilizer, and sterilized by gamma radiation. The physical stability was evaluated including organoleptic, pH, viscosity and sterilization. Furthermore, malic acid concentration was determined as a marker compound contained in the gel.

Results: The gel was successfully prepared containing 20% AV powder and 25% carbomer. The physical properties including organoleptic, pH and viscosity were not significantly changed after sterilization, and also stable even after 28 storage days. Meanwhile, malic acid concentration before and after sterilization were 47.2 mg/ml and 43.9 mg/ml, respectively. This showed the physicochemical properties were not significantly different after sterilization.

Conclusion: Gamma radiation is suitable to sterilize gel containing AV powder.
Parametric Analysis and Investigation of Rotary Friction Welding based on Comparative Study between SS304 and SS316
Authors: Dhutre Nikita
Published: July 2021

: In today’s economical challenging world, metal industries are facing problems such as high cost and time, lack of strength. Rotary friction welding provides satisfactory results to overcome these problems. Rotary friction welding is done by convection mechanism. Due to increased sophistication of metals and their composition, it has become essential for various industries to have precise understanding of all material properties and how they can be welded in the most efficient way. In this research paper, ss304 and SS316 ARE taken into consideration for parametric analysis and comparison due to their high utilization rate in various industries. The research paper considers the analysis of Temperature, Pressure, Time for weld, Heat affected zone in rotary friction welding technology. It considers the strength of the weld (breaking, ultimate, yield strengths).
Memorial da Terra: AMZ.21
Authors: Nascimento Hugo do
Published: July 2021

Memorial da Terra é um projeto de investigação permanente que busca propor desde os lugares da arte, miradas críticas a cerca das dinâmicas territóriais na Amazônia - os modelos de ocupação e exploração, as violências estruturais, os modos de representação, os processos de identificação, desvios e silenciamentos. Trabalho de inventari_ação sempre inacabado, pode assumir diferentes formas ao se tornar público. Desde os arquivos acumulados, AMZ.21 apresenta um remix de fotocópias produzidas aravés de emulsões fotosensíveis de jenipapo e urucum, extraídas e processadas na Ilha de Caratateua, a nomes de 420 pessoas, ambientalistas, indígenas, sindicalistas, quilombolas, trabalhadores sem-terra, vítimas direta dos conflitos pela terra na Amazônia brasileira do século XXI .
Poeta entre pintores
Authors: Perloff Marjorie , Mattoso Ana Clara , Brandão Augusto Melo
Published: July 2021

O ensaio trata da relação entre a obra poética de Frank O’Hara e a pintura, em especial com as vanguardas do expressionismo abstrato na cena artística da Nova York dos anos 1950 e 1960. O texto integra o terceiro capítulo do livro homônimo escrito pela crítica e ensaísta Marjorie Perloff, todavia inédito em língua portuguesa. Analisando as relações de O’Hara com artistas visuais no plano afetivo, intelectual, profissional e artístico, Perloff enfatiza as experimentações formais desse autor cuja poesia foi diretamente influenciada pela action painting, pelo happening e pela sua atuação como crítico e curador do MOMA. O ensaio apresenta ainda duas colaborações artísticas de O’Hara com os pintores Larry Rivers e Norman Bluhm, que Perloff denomina poemapinturas, dado o entrelugar formal que os caracteriza, poeta e pintor agindo simultaneamente sobre uma mesma superfície.  Poesia e pintura revelam-se, na obra de O’Hara, partes de uma mesma matéria vivente. (Resumo e palavras-chave elaborados pelos tradutores).
A Rehabilitation of Missing Maxillary Anterior Teeth in a Severe Skeletal Class III Malocclusion Patient Requiring Implants
Authors: Mohamed Kassim Zethy Hanum , Abdul Hamid Abdul Latif , Ghazali Nadhirah , Balasingham Puvanendran
Published: July 2021

Management of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in a young patient may range from simple to complex. In a situation where teeth are lost, a reliable and conservative treatment option is an implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis (i-FDP), as this treatment option negates the need to prepare sound abutment teeth as in the case of conventional fixed bridges. However, the placement of implants is usually prosthetically driven to allow for a 3D functional and aesthetic restoration. In the presence of severe skeletal Class III malocclusion, treatment may incorporate pre-surgical orthodontic treatment, followed by jaw surgery to correct the skeletal discrepancies and finally post-surgical orthodontic treatment before the rehabilitation with implants. A multidisciplinary treatment approach in a stepwise manner is required to address the patient’s overall treatment needs. This case report presents a joint prosthodontics, orthodontics and oral maxillofacial surgical management of a young adult male patient with a Skeletal Class III malocclusion who required rehabilitation of avulsed missing anterior teeth sustained from childhood TDI. The severity of the skeletal relationship required a Le Fort I maxillary advancement and a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy for the setback of the mandible in combination with orthodontics for correction of malocclusion and arch relationship prior to implant placement. Correction of the malocclusion and jaw deformity allowed the functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of the missing teeth using an i-FDP.
Lower incisor changes following non-extraction orthodontic decompensation in Class III surgical cases
Authors: Zakaria Nor Nadia , Kamarudin Yasmin , Ong Kah Shin , Koo Zi Qing
Published: July 2021

The amount of incisor decompensation during pre-surgical orthodontics may affect the outcome of Class III orthognathic cases. The purpose of this study was to assess the lower incisor changes post-orthodontic decompensation in Class III surgical cases and to investigate the amount of crowding as a predictive factor. This was a retrospective study reporting on 22 Class III orthognathic cases. The lower incisor angulation (LIA) and distance of the lower incisor edge to the A-Pogonion line (Li-APo) were measured on pre-treatment and pre-surgical lateral cephalograms whereas crowding was measured on digitised pre-treatment study models. Pearson’s correlation (p <0.05) was used to assess the correlation of crowding with LIA and Li-APo changes, and prediction of the lower incisor decompensation was conducted using linear regression analysis. Results showed lower incisors were retroclined at 79.84° ± 7.08° and positioned ahead of APo line by 6.52 mm ± 2.97 mm at the start of treatment. Pre-surgical LIA and Li-APo were found to increase following orthodontic decompensation to 90.43° ± 5.96° and 10.34 mm ± 3.25 mm, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.592) between crowding and Li-APo changes which was statistically significant, p value = 0.004, and had a strong predictor with 31.8% predictability. However, LIA showed a weak correlation (r = 0.329) with crowding and was not statistically significant (p = 0.135). Li-APo changes during orthodontic decompensation can be predicted with 31.8% predictability using the formula; Li-APo change = 2.064 + 0.503 (crowding).
Conduct responsible research to escape from predatory journals
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Tariqur
Published: July 2021

Academics and researchers, willingly or unwillingly, continue to fall a “victim” to predatory journals. The entire cascade of moving forward in academia depends on one’s ability to publish papers - as many as possible and in the shortest possible time. Such a requirement for a “number” persuades an academician or a researcher to race for an increased number of papers rather than to ensure the quality of the papers they want to publish. Thanks, but no thanks to the predatory journals - for providing a comfortable avenue for those papers to get published. An effective way out could be to train the academics and create awareness among them to conduct research following the codes of responsible research. Policymakers may also need to consider adopting policies that will not force their academic and research staff to race against time and compromise the codes of responsible research.
What Drives Excess Trading during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Nie Chin Phaik
Published: July 2021

Manuscript type: Research paperResearch aims: This study aims to examine the underlying psychological and sociological factors that drive excess trading in the Malaysian stock market during a global health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/Methodology/Approach: A self-administered online questionnaire was collected from 271 individual investors to examine the association between big-five personality traits and trading frequency. Demographic information and investment behaviours of investors were also included in the study. The multinomial logit regression model was used to test the research hypotheses. Research findings: Findings show that personality traits such as openness to experience and agreeableness have a significant influence on trading frequency. Demographic factors and investment behaviours such as gender, household income level, years of investment experience and type of investor all have a significant positive relationship with trading frequency. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the current investor behaviour literature in Malaysia, which remains to be very limited, especially during a global health crisis. The study indicates that personality traits, demographic, socio-economic factors, and investment behaviours affect the trading frequency of Malaysian. Practitioner/Policy implication: This study offers insights for financial institutions and individual investors on the type of personality traits, demographic, socio-economic factors, and investment behaviours that drive excess trading during a global health crisis. The findings provide important contributions to avoid serious mistakes in investment analysis and trading profitable investment strategies, thus improving individual and team performance. Research limitation/Implications: Some results are not significant and may be limited due to the small sample size used in this study. Future research could recruit more retail investors to confirm the significance level of those variables. Besides, the study can be conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic to explore whether there is any significant difference in the variables during and after the global health crisis.
Materiality Disclosure in Sustainability Reporting: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Ngu Sie Bing , Amran Azlan
Published: July 2021

Manuscript type: Research paper Research aims: This paper aims to examine the determinants that influence companies to report material sustainability information in their corporate annual reports. Design/Methodology/Approach: To validate the determinants influencing materiality disclosure, content analysis was conducted on the annual reports of the top 113 Malaysian public listed companies in 2016, and the smart partial least squares technique was employed to examine the proposed relationships. Research findings: The empirical results indicate that board activity and board independence play a significant role in the determination of materiality disclosure. The results also reveal that board size, company size, profitability, leverage and industry are insignificant predictors of materiality disclosure. The results indicate that many listed companies in Malaysia disclose some amount of material sustainability information. However, the level of disclosure remains relatively low. Theoretical contribution/Originality: Notwithstanding that materiality is regarded as a key reporting principle in the preparation of sustainability reports, research on the application of the materiality concept in sustainability reporting remains to be an unexplored theme in Malaysia. This work sheds light on materiality disclosure in sustainability reporting of large companies operating in Malaysia through the combined views of the stakeholder and legitimacy theories. Practitioner/Policy implications: The results should be of great interest to policymakers who are concerned with formulating sustainability policies to achieve greater materiality disclosure. It also provides strategic insights to companies that board characteristics, such as board activity and board independence, influence materiality disclosure. Board members are urged to consider the importance of the reporting materiality determination process; otherwise, poor reporting may result in conflict with major stakeholder groups who do not see the material issues disclosed in the sustainability reports. Research limitation/Implications: The results are limited to the context of Malaysia. Future researchers can compare materiality disclosure with other countries, such as Singapore and Thailand, to enrich the sustainability reporting literature.
The Ancestors of a New Society: The Tribes (Buzoku) and their Journey through the Misunderstandings of the Japanese Countercultural Scene
Authors: Melchy Yaxkin
Published: July 2021

Buzoku 部族, generally translated as The Tribe (or The Tribes), was a transnational collective of artists, poets, activists, and young people who soon became one of the most vital Japanese counterculture voices. Between 1967 and 1980, they participated in what they called “building a new society into the shell of this civilization” in the Japanese islands. Despite scholars and mass media’s recent interest in their lives and literary works, there are common misunderstandings resulting from characterizing Buzoku as the Japanese hippies, or fūten. This paper focuses on the transition period (1965-1968), going from the foundation of the prior group named Bum Academy to the formation of Buzoku. This article recounts this part of their history to show that this transition was vital for forging Buzoku’s identity and original ideology guided by a cross-cultural approach to spirituality and arts. They used a range of synchronization, translation, appropriation, and juxtaposition skills to set the bases of a “dreamed” community of tribes. This research shows that at least one countercultural collective in Japan’s sixties scene was involved in complex linguistic, artistic, and spiritual synchronizations with the global scene while simultaneously practicing the art of embodying the dream of building a new civilization.
Litter mixing effect on decomposition rate and nutrient release to water: low quality leaves of coastal species
Authors: Wei Lili
Published: July 2021

Non-additive effect on litter decomposition often occurs in mixed
terrestrial communities but little investigated on coastal ecosystems.
We selected three common mangrove species and one alien saltmarsh
species from a coastal wetland stand to test whether non-additive effect
occurs when the litters of these coastal species mixed together. To
avoid the heterogeneity of soil conditions and to detect nutrient
release into water, we conducted an in vitro litter-bag experiment in a
glasshouse. Among three litter mixtures, the non-additive effect was
observed in the litter mixture composed of mangrove species
Aegiceras corniculatum vs. Kandelia obovata (antagonistic)
and A. corniculatum vs. Avicennia marina (synergistic),
but not in the litter mixture of A. corniculatum vs.
Spartina alterniflora (the alien saltmarsh species). The strength
of non-additive effect was unrelated to litter initial trait
dissimilarity. Instead, litter decomposition rate and mass remaining of
litter mixtures were strongly related to the community-weighted mean of
leaf carbon. The nutrients and carbon released into water were more
likely controlled by litter decomposition rate rather than by litter
initial nutrient concentrations. These findings would lead to the
expectations on ecosystem scale that the mangrove stand mixed with
A. corniculatum and K. obovata accumulates more organic
carbon in the sediment and releases less nutrients into water column
than the stand composed of A. corniculatum and A. marina .
It is also implying that the alien species S. alterniflora
invasion may not reduce soil carbon stock of mangrove forests. These
hypotheses need to be further tested and which will be suggestive for
the protection or reconstruction of coastal wetlands.
To MUF or not to MUF, that is the question
Authors: Bloom Jordan , Vlahakes Gus
Published: July 2021

There is no abstract, as this is an editorial comment.
Identifying trend shifts in vegetation greenness in China from 1982 to 2015
Authors: Jiang Ping , Ding Wenguang , Ye Yuan , Hu Liequn , Ye Weifeng
Published: July 2021

Understanding vegetation evaluation is critical for exploring changes in
terrestrial ecosystems and identifying upcoming challenges. However,
analyses that simultaneously examine abrupt changes in vegetation
greenness at the national, regional, biome and pixel scales in China are
still rare. Using long-term (1982–2015) satellite time series data in
conjunction with the Breaks for Additive Season and Trend (BFAST)
technique, we identified breakpoints in the Normalized Difference
Vegetation Index (NDVI) in China. Results showed that the annual mean
NDVI gradually increased during the 34-year period. 68.8% of the
vegetated area exhibited upward trends in NDVI, most of which was
distributed in Southeast China and the Loess Plateau. Changes in NDVI
trends occurred in 78.7% of the total vegetated areas, while hotspots
were concentrated in Northwest and North China. A rapid increase in
breakpoints was detected after 1999, mainly concentrated in North and
Northwest China, and corresponding to the times and areas with the
highest ecological engineering efforts. Positive shifts in NDVI trends
were more common and generally distributed on the eastern side of the Hu
Huanyong line, while browning (negative) shifts were mainly distributed
on the western side and were gradually expanding, indicating a possible
tendency towards environmental degradation. Although unstable vegetation
areas had higher frequencies of breakpoints, the proportion of stable
vegetation experiencing NDVI trend shifts was higher after 2000,
probably because human intervention buffered external disturbances in
unstable areas. Identifying hotspot areas of shifts in vegetation
greenness can provide scientific reference for sustainable land
development and carbon neutrality target achievements.
Staphylococcus Hyicus, an aggressive and novel pathogen causing endocarditis
Authors: Kirk Frazer , Mashicharan Mary , Braddick Maxwell , Saxena Pankaj
Published: July 2021

Staphylococcus hyicus (S. hyicus) is a rare, likely zoonotic infective
organism. Clinically significant human infection by S. hyicus has only
been recorded 3 times, where it has caused infections including
cellulitis, osteomyelitis/spondylodiscitis and septicemia. (1-3).
Hereafter, the case summary describes the first documented case of
endocarditis due to S. hyicus.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Locust Invasion on Farm Households in Punjab and Sindh: Analysis from Cross-Sectional Surveys in Pakistan
Authors: Yamano Takashi , Sato Noriko , Wasim Arif Babur
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the results of two mobile phone surveys conducted by the Asian Development Bank among farmers in Punjab and Sindh provinces in Pakistan in mid-2020 during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The surveys collected information about how COVID-19-related measures and economic and transport disruptions affected farmers’ harvests, marketing efforts, input prices, and financial needs. The surveys found that the COVID-19 pandemic had significant negative impacts on farm households in both provinces. The paper provides additional context on COVID-19-related effects on local and regional economies and food supply chains. It also covers a simultaneous locust invasion along the India–Pakistan border, which has created “crisis within a crisis” in the surveyed provinces and exacerbated conditions that could lead to famine, disease, and increased poverty.
Coronavirus infection in patients with HIV infection, features of the course
Authors: Stepanova E. V. , Leonova O. N. , Shelomov A. S. , Vinogradova T. N.
Published: July 2021

Purpose. Analyze and identify the features of the course of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in HIV-infected patients.

Materials and methods. An analysis of the course of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was carried out in 16 patients with HIV infection who were hospitalized at the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Healthcare Institution Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases from April to October 2020. All patients underwent a study of biological material from the oropharynx and nasopharynx for COVID-19 and diagnosed based on a positive PCR result.

Results. In HIV-infected patients with diagnosed coronavirus infection caused by COVID-19, signs of progression of HIV infection, clinical, immunological, virological (75%), opportunistic diseases and comorbidities (chronic viral hepatitis in the cirrhotic decompensated stage, cardiovascular diseases and others) (94%). A small sample of patients did not allow to determine with reliable accuracy the mutual influence of existing diseases and pathologies, but, of course, multiple comorbid pathologies play a role in the development of severe conditions and unfavorable outcomes. A clinical case is presented.

Conclusion. The provoking factors have been identified that play a role in the development of infection and more severe forms of coronavirus infection caused by COVID-19 in HIV-infected patients (injecting drug use, alcohol abuse, late stage of HIV infection (4B, 4C) and progression of earlier stages (4A ), a low number of CD4 lymphocytes (less than 200 cells / μl), multiple comorbid pathology (HIV infection, opportunistic diseases, comorbidities, especially chronic liver damage in the stage of decompensated cirrhosis), absence, interrupted antiretroviral therapy, multiple changes of regimens, absence prevention of opportunistic diseases). A patient with HIV infection at ART. 4B with multiple comorbidity, the possibility of long-term persistence of the COVID-19 virus coronavirus with positive and negative results for more than 2 months and later development of lung damage caused by COVID-19 was established.
Relationship between expression of HBV-infection markers in placenta and clinical data of mothers and their newborns
Authors: Belopolskaya M. A. , Karev V. E. , Avrutin V. Yu. , Dmitriev A. V. , Gusev D. A.
Published: July 2021

Vertical transmission of viral hepatitis B (HBV) is one of the main transmission ways in endemic regions. There is a relationship between structural changes in the placenta and the clinical course of HBV infection. The risk of vertical transmission of hepatitis B depends on the condition of the placenta.

The goal of this work was to study the relationship between HBsAg and / or HBcorAg expression in placenta on the one hand, and clinical parameters of mothers and newborns on the other hand.

The study included 19 patients with CHB who gave birth at the Botkins infectious disease hospital in 2019. The first group included patients with markers of HBV infection (HBsAg and / or HBcorAg) detectable via immunohistochemical examination in at least one of the layers of the placenta. In patients from the second group, no markers of HBV infection were detected in any layer of the placenta. Inflammatory changes in placenta were detected in all women from the first group and in 9 (64%) women from the second group. HBsAg in umbilical cord blood was detected in 3 (16%) newborns. In two patients, whose children had HBsAg in the umbilical cord blood, no markers of HBV infection were detected in placenta. In the first group, only one newborn had HBsAg in umbilical cord blood. In two patients receiving an antiviral treatment during pregnancy, markers of HBV infection were identified in the placenta. Markers of HBV infection in placenta were also detected in women with undetectable viral load.

Conclusions

Markers of HBV infection can be found in placenta at low maternal viral load.

HBsAg in umbilical cord blood can be detected even in patients with no markers of HBV infection in placenta.

Antiviral treatment during pregnancy does not prevent the possibility of placenta’s infection with HBV.