bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Cell Wall Proteins of Aminoglycosides Resistant and Sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates
Authors: Sharma Devesh , Gautam Sakshi , Srivastava Nalini , Khan Abdul Mabood , Bisht Deepa
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

The rising prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) strains resistant
to aminoglycosides (amikacin and kanamycin) challenges effective TB control and treatment.
Understanding the mechanisms behind this resistance is crucial since aminoglycosides are a mainstay
of TB therapy.

Aim:

The study aimed to analyze the cell wall proteins overexpressed in aminoglycoside-resistant
isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using proteomics approaches.

Methods:

We used two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to compare the cell
wall proteomes of aminoglycosides-resistant and susceptible clinical isolates. The overexpressed
protein spots were excised and identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS).
The identified proteins were subsequently analyzed for molecular docking, pupylation site
identification, and STRING analysis.

Results:

We found a total of nine significantly upregulated proteins in aminoglycosides-resistant
isolates. Three of these proteins were the same (isoform), resulting in the identification of seven
unique proteins. Specifically, Rv3841 and Rv1308 belonged to intermediary metabolism and respiration;
Rv2115c to the cell wall and cell processes; Rv2501c, Rv2247 and Rv0295c to lipid
metabolism; and Rv2416c to virulence, detoxification/adaptation. Notably, variations in these proteins
support cell wall integrity, aiding mycobacteria's establishment and proliferation. Molecular
docking study revealed that both drugs bind strongly to the proteins' active site regions. Additionally,
the GPS-PUP algorithm successfully identified possible pupylation sites within these proteins,
except Rv0295c. Based on interactome analysis using the STRING 12.0 database, we have
identified potential interactive partners suggesting their role in aminoglycosides resistance.

Conclusion:

Overexpressed proteins not only act to counteract or regulate drug effects but also
have a role in protein dynamics that allow for resistance. Some of these identified proteins may
serve as innovative drug targets and biomarkers for the early detection of drug-specific resistance
in M.tb. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which these potential protein
targets contribute to resistance in AK and KM M.tb isolates.
Catalyst Activation of Peroxymonosulfate for Reactive Species Generation and Organic Pollutant Degradation: A Mini Review
Authors: Zou Niling , Ou Hongsen , Tan Ping
Published: November 2024

This review focuses on the application and mechanisms of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in
advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). It clarifies the significance of PMS in degrading organic pollutants,
highlighting its high efficiency in treating persistent contaminants, such as antibiotics. The
review details the roles and mechanisms of various catalysts, including single-atom catalysts, metal
oxides, non-metal oxides and their composites, as well as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), in
activating PMS. It emphasizes the influence of catalyst surface active sites on both radical and nonradical
activation pathways. Key factors affecting PMS activation efficiency, such as PMS concentration,
pH value, coexisting ions, and temperature, are examined to underline the importance of
optimizing these parameters for effective reaction conditions. By synthesizing existing research, the
review not only illustrates the extensive application potential of PMS in AOPs but also identifies
future research challenges and directions. This provides a theoretical foundation and technical support
for developing efficient, economical, and sustainable water treatment technologies.
Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of Gracilaria edulis Extract in Copper-exposed Zebrafish Embryos: An Anti-inflammatory Perspective
Authors: Binesh Ambika , Venkatachalam Kaliyamurthi , Ramachandran Saravanan
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Harnessing the bioactive compounds from seaweed for inflammatory diseases
holds great promise for developing new and effective treatments that are natural, sustainable,
and potentially free from the side effects commonly associated with synthetic drugs.

Method:

The objective of this study was to examine the phytochemical levels, as well as the antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties of the edible red seaweed Gracilaria edulis. The methanol
extract of the seaweed showed potent radical scavenging activity. Analysis using GC-MS techniques
identified two distinct phytochemical compounds in G. edulis extract, namely 1,1-dipropylhydrazine
and 4-chlorobuten-3-yne.

Results:

When tested on copper-induced zebrafish embryos, the extract reversed the upregulation of
MMP9 and NFκBp65, as evidenced by western blotting and zymography methods.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds found in G. edulis extract could be
utilized for the development of natural sources for antiradicals, food supplements, nutraceuticals, and
various functional foods with therapeutic applications.
Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms, Clinical Trials and Patent Landscapes of Berberine: A Review
Authors: Saini Vishakha , Deswal Geeta , Dhingra Ashwani K. , Singh Jagdeep , Kumar Jatin , Saini Avdesh
Published: November 2024

Traditional Chinese medicine has used berberine (BBR) for a long time. Berberine is a
natural compound found in several plants, including Berberis lyceum Royle, Berberis thunbergii DC,
Berberis koreana Palib., Berberis vulgaris L., Mahonia aquifolium, Mahonia bealei (Fort.) Carr.,
and Chelidonium majus L. Berberine is believed to help treat many diseases, such as ovarian and
colorectal cancer, high blood pressure, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, heart disorders,
depression, viral infections, and inflammatory diseases. However, when taken orally, berberine
quickly breaks down in the body, leading to low levels in the bloodstream. This means that its absorption
in the intestines is limited, which reduces its effectiveness despite its potential health benefits.
The liver is the main organ that processes and uses berberine in both animals and humans, and
about 84% of berberine and its byproducts are excreted in the feces. We thoroughly reviewed the
available research on berberine from reliable sources like PubMed, ScienceDirect, ClinicalTrials.
gov, and Scopus. Our study summarizes the latest findings on the therapeutic benefits of berberine
and provides updated information on clinical research and patents. This review covers the various
pharmacological effects of berberine, including its use in treating Alzheimer's disease, high blood
pressure, neuroprotective effects, anti-arrhythmia, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, cancer, and depression.
Enhancing Image Dehazing Efficiency with Dual Colour Space Attentional Deep Networks
Authors: A M Ashwini , A B Anne Gowda , N Sridevi , Krishna Nanditha , N V Babu , D Anil Kumar
Published: November 2024

Aims and Background:

Image dehazing is an essential task in computer-vision, aimed at
enhancing the clarity and visibility of images degraded by fog and haze. Traditional methods often
struggle with handling the complex scattering effects of haze and maintaining the natural colours of
the scene.

Objectives and Methodology:

To address these challenges, we propose a novel approach termed
Dual Colour Space Attentional Deep Network (DCSADN) for efficient image dehazing. Our method
leverages the advantages of two-colour spaces: RGB and YCbCr, to boost the network's skill to
capture both the luminance and chrominance information, thereby improving the dehazing performance.
We employ a multi-stage training strategy to optimize the performance of the DCSADN.
This multi-stage approach ensures that the network generalizes well across different types of haze
conditions. Extensive experiments demonstrate the superiority of our method over state-of-the-art
dehazing techniques.

Results:

The results indicate that our approach not only achieves higher quantitative scores in terms
of Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) but also produces
dehazed images with more natural colours and details.

Conclusion:

The findings reveal that the dual colour space processing and attentional modules are
crucial for the enhanced performance of our method and providing a valuable tool for improving
image quality in hazy conditions.
Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Cilnidpine Via Ultradeformable
Vesicle Loaded Patch: Statistical Optimization, Characterization and
Pharmacokinetic Assessment
Authors: Reddy Dagada Maheswara , Mohan Mothilal
Published: November 2024

Objective:

The study aimed to address the limitations of oral delivery and enhance the bioavailability
of Cilnidipine (often prescribed as antihypertensive drug) (CND) through the development
of transdermal patches containing ultra-deformable transferosomes.

Methods:

CND, known for its low oral bioavailability and adverse effects, was encapsulated in
transferosomes using a thin film hydration method. Seventeen formulations were made (using Box
Behnken Design), varying Soya lecithin, Tween-80, and rotary evaporator’s speed, and evaluated for
vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and entrapment efficiency (EE %). The better formulation
was selected based on these parameters and incorporated into transdermal patches. Physicochemical
properties, in-vitro and ex-vivo permeation, and skin irritancy studies were conducted on the patches.
Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted using male Wistar albino rats.

Results:

The study found that the developed transferosomal formulations had vesicle sizes between
185 nm and 401 nm, entrapment efficiency (EE%) between 63% and 92%, and zeta potential ranging
from -52 mV to -20 mV. Both in-vitro and ex-vivo permeation studies showed that transferosomal
formulations provided significantly better drug permeation than plain Cilnidipine patches, with
increased permeation linked to higher PEG-400 concentrations. The transferosomal patches did not
cause skin irritation. The optimized formulation exhibited a higher % drug release (85.7±1.5%). In
pharmacokinetic studies using male Wistar albino rats, the transferosomal patch CTP-17 demonstrated
a higher maximum concentration (Cmax) of 1565.068 mcg/ml and a greater area under the
curve (AUC) of 13225.352 μg h/ml compared to oral administration.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that the transferosomal patches of CND offer a promising approach
for effective transdermal delivery, potentially improving hypertension management for prolonged
periods in a controlled manner.
Investigation of Novel Quinoline Derivatives Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors as Anticancer Agents a Computational Approach
Authors: Mhaske Ganesh S. , Sonkusare Diksha R. , Ganage Asmita D. , Toraskar Shraddha M. , Rokade Siddhesh V. , Dighe Shweta B. , Sakpal Pramod H.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Newer chemical entities are created and synthesis has been made feasible
by a variety of computer-aided drug design (CAAD) techniques. In addition to facilitating
the visualisation of the ligand-target binding process, the application of in silico methodologies
and structure-based drug design (SBDD) allows for the prediction of receptor affinities and significant
binding pocket locations.

Objective:

The goal of the current study was to identify new quinoline derivatives by
computational methods specially designed to bind the EGFR receptor in the treatment of breast
cancer.

Materials and Methods:

ChemAxon Marvin Sketch 5.11.5 was used to create derivatives
of quinolines. The admetSAR online web tools and SwissADME were utilised to forecast
the toxicity and pharmacokinetic characteristics of several substances. A multitude of software
programmes, such as Autodock 1.1.2, MGL Tools 1.5.6, Procheck, Protparam ExPasy
tool, PyMOL, and Biovia Discovery Studio Visualizer v20.1.0.19295 were also employed to
ascertain the ligand-receptor interactions between quinoline derivatives and the target receptor
(PDB -5GNK).

Result:

Almost all components were shown to be less hazardous, orally consumable and to have
the appropriate pharmacokinetic characteristics based on in silico study. All newly generated
derivative compounds have higher docking scores when compared to the widely used medication
sorafenib.

Conclusion:

Interactions with quinoline analogues boost binding energy and the number of Hbonds
produced, making them a suitable place to start when creating compounds for further exploration.
The quinoline moiety increases its potential as a novel therapy alternative for breast
cancer and could facilitate more comprehensive in vivo, in vitro, chemical-based, and pharma
studies by medicinal chemists.
A Comprehensive Survey on Cyber-Physical System Security in the Internet of Things (IoT): Addressing and Solutions
Authors: Murugan G , Padmaja C. , Sindhuja R. , Yarde Pallavi , Chitanya Guduri , Bamane Kalyan Devappa , Sudhakar M.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) integrate computing, control, and
communication technologies, bridging cyberspace and the physical world to enhance critical
infrastructure and safety-critical systems. Existing surveys often address CPS security from a
single perspective, necessitating a more comprehensive approach.

Methods:

This paper presents a thorough review of CPS security from three perspectives: the
physical domain, the cyber domain, and the cyber-physical domain. We examine attacks on
physical components like sensors, cyber-attacks targeting CPSs, and integrated cyber-physical
attacks. For each domain, we analyse corresponding detection and defence mechanisms.

Results:

Our review reveals that CPSs face significant security threats across all domains. In
the physical domain, attacks on sensors can disrupt system operations, but various defences are
available. In the cyber domain, CPSs are vulnerable to malware, hacking, and denial-of-service
attacks, with several detection and defence strategies in place. The cyber-physical domain
highlights complex threats where cyber-attacks cause physical damage, requiring comprehensive
security approaches.

Conclusion:

By examining CPS security from multiple perspectives, this review provides a
holistic understanding of current threats and defence mechanisms. It identifies future research
directions to enhance CPS security, aiming to better protect critical infrastructure against
evolving cyber threats.
Smart Health Monitoring Approach to Diagnose Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorderbased on Real-Time Activity and Heart Rate Variability using Boosting Models
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Singh Kuldeep , Kaur Prabhpreet , Priya Bhanu , Kumar Gajendra , Sharma Abhishek
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent
chronic mental health condition that significantly impacts the psychological and physical wellbeing
of millions of adolescents. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for effective
treatment and mitigating the disorder's adverse effects. Despite extensive research efforts,
current methods often fall short in simultaneously accounting for daily motor activity and heart
rate variability in ADHD detection.

Method:

Addressing these gaps, this paper introduces a histogram-based gradient-boosting
classifier for analyzing real-time activity and heart-rate variability data to automate ADHD diagnosis.
By extracting twelve key features from the data and selecting the most significant
ones with the extra tree model, we evaluate these features using various classifiers, including
histogram-based gradient boosting, light gradient boosting machine, extreme gradient boosting,
gradient boosting, and adaptive boosting.

Results:

The histogram-based gradient-boosting model, validated through ten-fold crossvalidation,
outperforms other classifiers with an accuracy of 99.12%, an F1 measure of
99.12%, and a sensitivity of 99.13%. Additionally, it achieves a specificity of 99.1%, an AUC
of 0.9995, and a minimal FDR of 0.88%. These results demonstrate that the proposed approach
offers a highly effective and precise solution for automated ADHD diagnosis.

Conclusion:

The implications of these findings suggest that integrating real-time activity and
heart-rate variability data into diagnostic processes can significantly enhance the accuracy and
efficiency of ADHD assessment, potentially leading to earlier and more reliable diagnoses, improved
patient outcomes, and more tailored treatment strategies.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Bacteria Isolated from Hemocultures of Patients Attended in a Campaign Hospital During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Werneck Almeida Avella Russo Marina , dos Santos Chagas Camila , Galimberti Arruk Viviana , Luiz Affonso Fonseca Fernando , Marie Van der Heijden Natario Inneke
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Primary bloodstream infections are most commonly related to health care
and are associated with intravascular devices, increasing patient mortality, length of stay, and health
care costs. Among the complications of hospitalizations for COVID-19, bloodstream infection is one
of the most prevalent, requiring prevention and early treatment. Due to the contingency of hospital
resources during the pandemic, understanding the prevalence and incidence of antimicrobial agents
that cause bloodstream infections and using exams judiciously are essential public health measures,
avoiding the misuse of antimicrobials and being able to establish treatment.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile and the prevalence
of etiological agents of bloodstream infections in patients with COVID-19 at the field hospital in the
city of São Bernardo do Campo - SP.

Method:

A descriptive, observational, and retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on the
results of blood cultures already collected for diagnostic purposes from patients from May to August
2020 at the same hospital.

Results:

Of the 300 blood cultures analyzed, 73.7% of the samples showed no bacterial growth.
Among the others, the main bacteria found were Klebsiella pneumoniae, sensitive to tigecycline,
present in 30 (10%), followed by Staphylococcus sp. (coagulase-negative, non-lugdunensis), sensitive
only to doxycycline, gentamicin, tetracycline, and vancomycin, in only 2 (14.3%) samples.

Conclusion:

In this study, a low rate of laboratory-confirmed bacterial coinfection was identified in
patients with COVID-19.
Cleaning and Disinfection of Surfaces in a COVID-19 Respiratory Syndrome Unit: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Rigonato Elaine Mazuqui , Lima Helder de Pádua , Alvaro Sousa Alvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa , dos Santos Jose Luis Guedes , Jorge Beatriz Maria , Klock Patricia , Gonçalves Viviane Perbeline , Schneider Guilherme , de Andrade Denise , Batista Odinéa Maria Amorim , Santos Junior Aires Garcia dos
Published: November 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the impact of an educational intervention on the
cleaning and disinfection processes within a respiratory syndrome unit, serving as a designated facility
for COVID-19 patients.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental design was employed, incorporating a pre-intervention and postintervention
assessment. The evaluation of surfaces involved various monitoring techniques, including
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing, colony-forming unit analysis, and visual inspections. All
statistical analyses were conducted at a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05).

Results:

Following the implementation of the educational intervention, a notable reduction in surface
contamination rates was observed. Significant improvements were noted for specific surfaces when
utilizing the ATP testing method, including benchtops (p = 0.030), mattresses (p = 0.014), doorknobs
(p = 0.014), and armchairs (p = 0.014). Furthermore, a decrease in the total count of aerobic bacteria
was observed for benchtops (p = 0.014), mattresses (p = 0.014), and doorknobs (p = 0.014). Visual
inspection results also indicated enhancements, with approval rates for benchtops, armchairs, and
mattresses rising from 0% before the intervention to 37.5% afterward.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study demonstrate substantial improvements in approval rates following
the implementation of the educational intervention. Additionally, this research provides valuable
insights for the development of ongoing educational initiatives for the healthcare team, incorporating
evaluation and feedback mechanisms as well as updates to cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Anticancer Drug Development, Pharmaceutical Progress
Authors: Lu Da-Yong , Lu Ting-Ren
Published: November 2024

Anticancer drug development is becoming complex and demanding because human
cancer leads to 12% of global human mortality. Chemical and pharmacological breakthroughs
play leading roles in updating drug evaluation and development for different types of tumors.

Chemical and pharmacological breakthroughs manifest in different facets. A large proportion of
financial and workload increases in drug discovery must be paid off. In front of complexity,
difficulties, and financial increase of drug development, evaluative promotion must go miniature-
wise and single-cell-wise. Multi-omics knowledge and technology are greatly expanded
and understood in depth. This type of technical trend is suitable for current experimental exploration
and clinical occasions. Technical and pharmacologic advances are especially emphasized
to address this trend.

Presently, the anticancer pharmaceutical study is multi-faceted and risk-taking. To keep up this
momentum, multi-disciplinary drug evaluation, clinical selection, and combination principles
should be discovered. Past and futuristic chemical and pharmacological interactions and breakthroughs
are discussed.

In summary, the landscape of pharmaceutical investigation should be integrated with chemical
and pharmacological knowledge in every facet of drug development and clinical personalization.
Endoscopic Ultrasound Assessment of Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas: Case Series in Latin American Population
Authors: Luis Sabbagh , Gabriela Rodriguez , Sandra Huertas , Andrea Rodriguez , Diego Aponte , Daniela Sabbagh
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas (SPN) are uncommon
lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound is considered the standard examination because of its capability
to acquire a suitable core tissue sample. This study details the experience of eleven cases within
a Latin American population diagnosed with SPNs through the endoscopic ultrasound-guided
fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) approach.

Methods:

Retrospective reviews of records from a 6-year period, from January 2018 to December
2023, were performed at Clínica Reina Sofía in Bogotá, Colombia. We included eleven patients
with surgically proven solid pseudopapillary tumors who had undergone preoperative
EUS−FNB. The clinical history, EUS findings, biopsies, and immunohistochemical profile were
reviewed.

Results:

In this study of eleven SPN patients (median age: 31.9 years, 90.1% female, all Hispanic),
abdominal pain (63.6%) was the predominant symptom. The indication for EUS was predominantly
a pancreas-dependent mass (90.1%). Tumors were located more frequently on the
pancreatic neck, with regular morphology, well-defined borders, and predominantly hypoechoic
and heterogeneous appearances on EUS. The average tumor diameter was 4.3 cm [range 1.2- 10
cm]. Most tumors were solid (63.6%), and elastography revealed a mixed pattern. EUS-Doppler
indicated hypovascularity in all cases. Vascular compression occurred in three patients. No
lymph nodes were observed. There were no complications related to the procedure. The histopathological
analysis using EUS-FNB yielded consistent results with post-surgical biopsies.

Conclusion:

In the context of diagnostic evaluation for SPNs, EUS-FNB emerges as a pivotal
procedure. In this descriptive study, EUS-FNB showed a remarkable preoperative diagnostic
yield of 100% compared to post-surgical histopathology for solid pseudopapillary tumors.
Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Nie Tong , You Li , Tang Fang , Duan Yanhui , Nepovimova Eugenie , Kuca Kamil , Wu Qinghua , Wei Wei
Published: November 2024

Background:

Age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) pose a formidable challenge to
healthcare systems worldwide due to their complex pathogenesis, significant morbidity, and mortality.

Scope and Approach:

This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the central role of the microbiotagut-
brain axis (MGBA) in ND pathogenesis. Specifically, it delves into the perturbations within the
gut microbiota and its metabolomic landscape, as well as the structural and functional transformations
of the gastrointestinal and blood-brain barrier interfaces in ND patients. Additionally, it provides a
comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in medicinal and dietary interventions tailored to
modulate the MGBA for ND therapy.

Conclusion:

Accumulating evidence underscores the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in ND pathogenesis
through the MGBA. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and associated metabolites instigate structural
modifications and augmented permeability of both the gastrointestinal barrier and the blood-brain
barrier (BBB). These alterations facilitate the transit of microbial molecules from the gut to the brain
via neural, endocrine, and immune pathways, potentially contributing to the etiology of NDs. Numerous
investigational strategies, encompassing prebiotic and probiotic interventions, pharmaceutical trials,
and dietary adaptations, are actively explored to harness the microbiota for ND treatment. This
work endeavors to enhance our comprehension of the intricate mechanisms underpinning ND pathogenesis,
offering valuable insights for the development of innovative therapeutic modalities targeting
these debilitating disorders.
Herbal Nutraceuticals for Disease Prevention and Management
Authors: Pachaiappan Raman , Vasudevan Vinduja , Prabaharan Janani , Dhanabalan Anantha Krishnan , Devadasan Velmurugan
Published: November 2024

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in nutraceuticals, which
offer health advantages and are alternatives to the existing treatment. Nutraceuticals
can be extracted, incorporated as dietary supplements, and added to foods. Nutrients,
herbs, and dietary supplements are the primary components of nutraceuticals that make
them useful for preserving health, combating various diseases, and enhancing the
quality of life. The booming expansion, research advancements, marketing fervor,
quality control, and regulation will have a significant impact on their success or failure.
The intention of this review is to evaluate the principal nutraceuticals that have an
important function in the mitigation and cure of infectious as well as non-infectious
illnesses.
Herbal Medicine: History, Contemporary Use and the Future
Authors: Ganguly Rik , Ingty Prosperwell , Yadav Shashi Kumar , Ngoruh Angneh , Devadasan Velmurugan , Bhattacharjee Atanu
Published: November 2024

The plant kingdom is as diverse as the animal kingdom. There are several
species that are yet to be discovered or whose therapeutic properties are undiscovered.
Many of the species may have become extinct before they were discovered. This work
investigates the function of herbalism in the context of its history and significance. The
diversified geographical terrain sustaining several indigenous species of plants of
medicinal importance is described. The usage of herbal practices and several
techniques are highlighted. The toxicity of plant-based medicines and the progress of
several clinical trials are also discussed.
Plant Edible Oils - Detection of Disease-Causing Compounds due to Repeated Heating of Oils
Authors: Mitra Trinankur , Nagarjun S. , Thulasiram S. , Singh Pinki Kumari , Vasudevan Vinduja , Krishnan Nagasathiya , Devadasan Velmurugan , Gopinath Subash C.B. , Pachaiappan Raman
Published: November 2024

The repetitive frying of food items in the same plant edible oil in order to
reduce the cost is a common practice among street food vendors. However, repeated
heating and frying can cause spoilage of oil by altering the physicochemical and
nutritional qualities of cooking oils. The fried food items in the reused and reheated
cooking oil lead to various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes,
atherosclerosis, etc. The health risks associated with using reused and reheated cooking
oil are causing a significant concern in the medical world. The focus of this study was
to identify the structurally modified fatty acids and formation of various toxic
compounds in the reused and reheated cooking oil samples derived from plant-based
and animal-based fast food items for comparative analysis. Fatty acid methyl esters
(FAMEs) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The
major toxic compounds detected from plant-based oil samples were phorbol (2.06%)
and campesterol (50.06%). On the other hand, from animal-based oil, hentriacontane
(50.8%), trimethylsilyloxytetradecane (70.2%), and estra-1,3,5 (10)-trien-17-β-ol
(12.40%) were detected. Also, the amino acid profiling of the oil samples was
performed using HPLC. Higher concentrations of the amino acids found were lysine
(4.30μg/mL in plant-based oil samples and 5.24μg/mL in animal-based oil samples),
phenylalanine (3.03μg/mL in plant-based oil samples and 40.6μg/mL in animal-based
oil samples) and aspartic acid (9μg/mL in plant-based oil samples and 10.6μg/mL in animal-based oil samples). The outcome of this study infers that continuous
consumption of food items deeply fried and heated with re-used oils would indirectly
lead to complications in humans, and this comparative study reflects the distinction
between the types of diets, animal-based and plant-based, and also between unused oil
stock and repeatedly used cooking oil stock.
Conformity Through Fear: A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of COVID-19 Information Adverts
Authors: Gill Kyle A. , Lennon Henry
Published: November 2024

The UK Government has produced an array of televised information adverts or ‘campaigns’ to increase public awareness of COVID-19 and promote compliance with its subsequent policy. Research has shown that compliance with public health policy is influenced by fearful visual-verbal campaign messaging strategies, and that emotive representations of ‘risk’ aregenerally perceived to be more effective than non-emotive discourse. However, how the Government has semiotically constructed and utilised fear within their COVID-19 campaigns to nudge public compliance remains unexplored. Preliminary analysis of seventeen COVID-19 adverts revealed four sequential phases to the Government’s pandemic response: responsibility, management, mitigation, and reflection. An in-depth Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of four selected adverts (one screenshot per advert, per phase), revealed that fear was constructed using less conventional meaning potentials in favour of more implicit multimodal semiotic interactions. By portraying a ‘good’ pandemic subject as one who makes ‘moral’ and ‘rational’ decisions to comply with COVID-19 policy, pre-existing societal inequalities which might hinder compliance, particularly for the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups of society, were reduced and problematised. This raises ethical concerns over notions of ‘expertise’ and the ‘rationalising’ of ‘irrational’ lifestyles. Future research should further explore multimodal nudges in public health campaigns to hold producers accountable.
‘Tinpot Revolutionary Agitation’: Framing Brexit-related Demonstrations in the British Pro-Brexit Press
Authors: Parnell Tamsin
Published: November 2024

This corpus-assisted critical discourse analytical study examines representations of real and imagined Brexit-related demonstrations in five British pro-Brexit newspapers in March andSeptember 2019. These two months correspond to the United Kingdom’s original withdrawal date from the European Union (March) and the attempted prorogation (suspension) of the UK Parliament (September). Examining social actor and action representation (KhosraviNik, 2010; van Leeuwen, 1995) in concordance lines from two semantic domains (Rayson, 2008), the paper illustrates that the newspapers represent the democratic actions of Remain-backing MPs as illegitimate coups and rebellions. In contrast, real and imagined Leave-backing protests are framed as legitimate expressions of justified despair, even if they are violent. Alongside these conflicting representations, the newspapers depict politicians’ metaphors of unrest as harmful to individuals and the imagined community of the nation (Anderson, 2006). The study argues that the newspapers’ discourses of unrest delegitimise calls for political action that could have, at the time of the articles’ publications, prolonged Brexit. It concludes that by blaming politicians, citizens, and activists for unrest in the UK, the newspapers avoid acknowledging the role their coverage might play in reproducing and reifying social and political divisions.
British Media Representations of EU Migrants Before and After the EU Referendum
Authors: Islentyeva Anna
Published: November 2024

One of the most topical issues in British media and political discourses both before and after the 2016 EU referendum was European migration to the UK, which caused concern about mass migration and the potential loss of nationalsovereignty. This paper analyses discursive representations of EU migrants in the British press between 2013 and 2018. The corpus-assisted analysis traces the linguistic devices employed in the press in reference to European migrants and migration within the EU in the prereferendum (2013–2015) and post-referendum periods (2016–2018), with a focus on the different patterns employed by the left- and right-wing newspapers. The analysis also aims to uncover discursive differences in terms of how Europeans are represented compared with the British. The data represent two specialised news corpora, each containing 500 editorials, opinion pieces and news reports from five mainstream British newspapers. The study combines corpus-assisted analysis with discourseanalytical methods to investigate ideological bias in the British press.
Migrants, COVID-19, and Italy: A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of the Construction of and Resistance to Nationalist Discourses
Authors: Barbici-Wagner Alessia , Catalano Theresa , Meadows Bryan
Published: November 2024

Migration has historically been a controversial issue around the world and one that has often been harnessed by people in power (or people hoping to gain power) for their own political agendas. In times of a global pandemic, the scapegoating of migrants has only increased, often rooted in nationalist ideologies which lead to policies and practices that harm migrants and the larger society. The present paper employs multimodal critical discourse analysis to explore how nationalist ideologies supported by right-wing populism are constructed visually and verbally during COVID-19 on Italian social media in regard to migration. We analyze Giorgia Meloni’s (leader of the nationalist party “Fratelli D’Italia”) Twitter thread discussing the arrival and detention of migrants in Italy in July-August 2020 as a representative sample of the discourse. Findings show one example of how nationalist discourses scapegoat migrants visually and verbally, but also how this discourse can be countered by the public via social media. Additionally, subtle details revealed in the visual analysis show the importance of multimodal research in un-packing ideologies that are easy to deny and hence more dangerous because of social media’s capacity to spread (mis)information.
National Narration and Organisational Crisis: A Discourse-Mythological Analysis of the Imperial War Museum During the Second World War
Authors: Deans Phillip , Kelsey Darren
Published: November 2024

The Imperial War Museum (IWM) first opened in London, United Kingdom, on 9 July 1920. Until the Second World War (1939-1945), this museum conducted itself as an institution thatcommemorated heroism and sacrifice in the First World War (1914-1918). But when the United Kingdom declared war against Germany on 3 September 1939, that framing lost its relevance; major developments in British wartime mythology were occurring and a change to national narration was required. Thus, the IWM anticipated the prospect of cultural irrelevance. An organisational crisis ensued. This study captures two key factors in this case of the IWM. Firstly, we consider the cultural mythology which the museum knew it was embedded within and needed to represent accordingly to remain relevant after the Second World War. Secondly, we consider the ensuing legal contradictions that it perceived and unnecessarily feared for itself – both internally and through its dialogue with relevant authorities. The museum’s mythological entanglement with wider cultural and political factors made its sense of crisis simultaneously justified and unjustified. Our discoursemythological analysis shows how such a paradoxical phenomenon played out and what lessons can be learnt from it.
Comparison of Auscultation Quality Using Contemporary Digital Stethoscopes (Preprint)
Authors: Saraya Norah , McBride Jonathon , Singh Karandeep , Sohail Omar , Das Porag Jeet
Published: November 2024

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3D total body photography, a promising innovation for early skin cancer detection: narrative review (Preprint)
Authors: Voet Griet , Baete Fran , Delanoye Emilie , Vande Velde Nele
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is a global health concern due to its high and still increasing incidence and associated healthcare cost. Belgium is no exception as one in five people are diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 75. A promising innovation, the VECTRA WB360, a three-dimensional total body photography system allows clinicians to objectively compare the totality of the skin on a macroscopic level on further appointments. The integrated lesion visualisation software allows automated detection, counts and assessment of skin lesions. Detailed comparison of individual lesions is possible through the attached digital dermatoscope.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to review available literature on the use of the Vectra in research and clinical settings, and to summarise the clinical utility, advantages and limitations reported for this system.

METHODS

An electronic literature search was conducted on PubMed using a combination of following search terms: 3D imaging, VECTRA WB360, melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, their synonyms and associated entry terms.

RESULTS

Our literature search yielded 11 relevant papers. According to multiple studies, the VECTRA WB360 images were of a high enough quality to allow on-screen diagnosis of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers by dermatologists. The integrated lesion visualisation software is capable of detecting and counting naevi and distinguishing melanoma from other skin lesions with high accuracy. Integrating a convolutional neural network enhances both the sensitivity and specificity of the software. However, dermatologists achieved greater specificity and thus remained superior to machine and artificial intelligence.

CONCLUSIONS

At this time the Vectra 3D TBP provided high enough image quality to detect NMSC by a clinician remotely examining the images without the addition of dermoscopy. The longitudinal comparation of 3D TBP images has aided the detection of melanomas in research studies. The CNN for naevi classification has high accuracy and the CNN for lesion malignancy risk (DEXI) reported higher accuracy than the one used for the 2D TBP system. Despite these promising results, expert overview is still recommended, and AI should be used as a support tool.
A gamified experience for learning emergency radiology in the virtual world Second Life: design, reproducibility, outcomes, and medical students’ perceptions (Preprint)
Authors: Pérez-Baena Alba Virtudes , Rudolphi-Solero Teodoro , Lorenzo-Álvarez Rocío , Ruiz-Gómez Miguel José , Sendra-Portero Francisco
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The integration of new technologies such as virtual worlds, clinical environments simulation, and case-based learning can contribute to improving the practical understanding of medical students, developing technical and communication skills, and promoting educational innovation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to design and develop a gamified learning experience on emergency radiology in the virtual world Second Life (SL), and to analyze the reproducibility of the experience, as well as the outcomes and students' perceptions.

METHODS

The experience was integrated into a two-week radiology clerkship. Teams of 3-4 students reviewed seven clinical cases presented in virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) stations and answered two randomly assigned cases. The students then discussed the cases in a synchronous virtual meeting and received a seminar on emergency radiology. Finally, they voluntarily completed a perception questionnaire, which included questions on a 1 to 5 Likert scale (from strongly disagree to strongly agree), assessment of the cognitive load of the game, 10-point rating of the experience, and open-ended comments.

RESULTS

A total of 352 students participated in this study over two academic years: 182 in 2020-21 and 170 in 2021-22. The students demonstrated strong competence in team-based resolution of clinical cases, with mean scores (± standard deviation) of 7.36 ± 1.35 in 2020-21 and 8.41 ± 0.99 in 2021-22 (P < .001). The highest cognitive load was observed in avatar editing and OSCE case-solving, with median values of 7 (95% CI = 0.20) and 6 (95% CI = 0.19), respectively, and significantly lower values recorded in 2021-22 (P = .047 and P < .001, respectively). The perception questionnaire had a 90.6% response rate. The students rated the experience highly, with average scores exceeding 8.0 out of 10 across various aspects. Notably, the highest-rated aspects were the teaching staff (9.13±1.15), OSCE cases (8.60±1.31), project organization (8.42±1.67), OSCE rooms (8.36±1.62). The lowest rated aspect was the connectivity to Internet (6.68±2.53). Despite the positive scores, all aspects were rated significantly lower in 2021-22 compared to 2020-21 (P-values ranging from < .001 to .028).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that a game-based learning experience in the SL virtual world, featuring virtual OSCE stations and team-based activities, is feasible and reproducible within a radiology clerkship. By combining asynchronous activities with synchronous group meetings in a playful context, this experience fosters clinical reasoning and teamwork, providing educational value that students highly appreciate. Expanding the use of OSCE stations in 3D virtual environments could further benefit education in radiology and other medical fields.
Melangkah Maju, Namun Terhalang: Kegagalan Representasi Politik Pemuda Thailand dalam Isu Demokratisasi Pasca-Pemilu 2019
Authors: Arjunanda Rizky Demas
Published: November 2024

Artikel ini menyelidiki kegagalan representasi politik pemuda Thailand dalam isu demokratisasi pasca-Pemilu 2019, dengan menyoroti pemuda sebagai basis sosial krusial. Artikel ini memperkenalkan kebaruan kerangka berbasis kekuasaan Törnquist untuk memahami kompleksitas representasi politik dalam konteks demokrasi yang terdepolitisasi. Berbeda dari studi sebelumnya, artikel ini menawarkan analisis holistik di luar penjelasan tradisional, seperti pendekatan kultur politik dan pembangunan institusi demokratis. Dengan menggunakan metode studi kasus kualitatif, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap hubungan sebab-akibat antara demokrasi yang terdepolitisasi dan kegagalan representasi politik pemuda, dengan menggunakan observasi non-partisipan dan analisis berbagai sumber sekunder untuk pengumpulan data. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa kegagalan representasi politik pemuda tidak semata-mata disebabkan faktor-faktor konvensional tetapi secara rumit terjalin dalam manifestasi demokrasi yang terdepolitisasi. Secara khusus, terdepolitisasinya isu demokratisasi menghambat kapasitas representatif terpilih untuk secara efektif menyuarakan tuntutan pemuda. Sementara itu, fragmentasi gerakan pemuda memperparah tantangan pemuda dalam menggalang momentum politik substansial. Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi substansial terhadap diskursus ilmiah tentang studi demokrasi, terutama dalam domain representasi politik. Dengan menggunakan kerangka berbasis kekuasaan, artikel ini menawarkan pemahaman komprehensif dari berbagai tantangan di balik kegagalan representasi politik pemuda.
Study on the Reform of Rural Residential Base Use Right Transfer in the Context of Comprehensive Rural Revitalization
Authors: Zhang Qiaohui , Miao Qixiang , Zhang Kefei
Published: November 2024

Homestead resources are important resources in rural areas, with the rapid development of urbanization, more and more agricultural population is transferred to cities and towns, and the situation of idle rural homesteads is becoming more and more serious. Promoting the transfer of the right to use the residence base, revitalizing idle land resources, is conducive to promoting the economic and social development of rural areas, and contributes to the realization of the goal of rural revitalization. Since the reform of the “three rights of the residence base” proposed by the central document No. 1 of 2018, various regions have explored the transfer of the residence base. At present, the reform of the transfer system of the right to use the residence base is still in the groping stage, and there are still many problems in the reform process, such as incomplete legislation on the residence base and chaotic management, etc. In this context, the analysis of the problems faced in the process of the transfer of the residence base will help to alleviate the contradiction of the residence base and help rural revitalization.
Determination of Organic Acids in Orange Fruit by HPLC
Authors: Liu Tianhe
Published: November 2024

Objective: To establish a method for rapid determination of 6 organic acids by HPLC. Methods: Ultimate C18 chromatographic column (4.6×250mm, 5μm) was used, the mobile phase was phosphate buffer solution (pH2.0), the flow rate was 0.5mL/min, and the detection wavelength was 210nm. Results: An HPLC analysis method for tartaric acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, and citric acid was established, and the relative standard deviation was 1.38%~4.43%, the detection limit was 0.012~2.291 mg/L, and the recovery rate of organic acids was 89.7%~105.8%. Conclusion: This method has fast analysis speed, high reproducibility, and sensitivity, and is suitable for the determination of organic acids in oranges.
Impact of foliar spray of micronutrients and plant growth regulators on growth and yield of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49
Authors: Meena Sonam , Kumar Sanjay , Meena Rajesh Kumar , Divaker Nikita , Meena Kriparam , Meena Rakesh
Published: November 2024

Guava (Psidium guajava L.), Botanically, guava belongs to the family Myrtaceae. Its basic chromosome number is 11 (2n 2x = 22), foliar application is based on the principle that the nutrients are quickly absorbed by leaves and transported to different parts of the plant to fulfil the functional requirement of nutrition. Experiment was carried out at the Horticultural Research Farm-1, Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow- 226025 (U.P.), India during the year 2020-2021, to study the impact of foliar spray of micronutrients and plant growth regulators on guava fruit performance. Observations are recorded fruit set, fruit retention, fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, fruit volume and fruit yield, applications of foliar spray with Borax 0.5%+GA3 40 ppm is most effective in performance of guava fruits viz, fruit set (70.28 %), fruit retention (61.35 %), fruit length (8.68 cm), fruit width (7.83 cm), fruit weight (139.96 g) fruit volume (125.80 ml) and fruit yield (64.85 kg/tree).