bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Branchless Gene C lbl in Watermelon Encoding a Terminal Flower 1 Protein Regulate S the Number of Lateral Branch
Authors: Dou Junling , Yang Huihui , Sun Dongling , Yang Sen , Sun Shouru , Zhao Shengjie , Lu Xuqiang , Zhu Huayu , Liu Dongming , Ma Changsheng , Yang Luming , Liu Wenge
Published: May 2021

Lateral branching is one of the most important traits, which directly determines plant 27 architecture and crop productivity. Commercial watermelon has the characteristics of multiple 28 lateral branches, and it is time-consuming and labor costing to manually remove the lateral 29 branches in traditional watermelon cultivation. In our present study, a lateral branchless trait was 30 identified in watermelon material W CZ, and genetic analysis revealed that it was controlled by a 31 single recessive gene, which named as Clbl . A bulked segregant sequencing (BSA seq) and 32 linkage analysis was conducted to primarily mapping of Clbl on watermelon chromosome 4 33 Next-generation sequencing aided marker discovery and a large mapping population consisting of 34 1406 F 2 plants was used to further mapped the Clbl locus into a 9011 bp candidate region which 35 harbored only one candidate gene Cla018392 encoding a TERMINAL FLOWER 1 gene. Sequence 36 comparison of Cla018392 between two parental lines revealed that there was a SNP detected from 37 C to A in the coding region in the branchless inbred line WCZ , which resulted in a mutation of 38 Alanine (GCA) to Glutamate (GAA) at the fourth exon A dCAPS marker was developed from the 39 SNP locus, which was co-segregated with the branchless phenotype in both BC 1 and F 2 population, 40 and it was also further validated in 152 natural watermelon accessions. qRT PCR and in situ 41 hybridization showed that the expression levels of Cla0 18392 was significantly reduced in the 42 axillary bud and apical bud in the branchless line WCZ Ectopic expression of ClTFL1 in 43 Arabidopsis showed an increased number of lateral branches. The results of this study will be 44 useful for better understanding the molecular mechanism of lateral branch development in 45 watermelon and for the development of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for new branchless 46 watermelon cultivars.
A New Supported Manganese-Based Coordination Complex as a Nano-Catalyst for the Synthesis of Indazolophthalazinetriones and Investigation of Its Antibacterial Activity
Authors: ariannezhad maryam , habibi davood , heydari somayyeh , Abadi vahideh khorram
Published: May 2021

A new magnetic supported manganese-based coordination complex (Fe3O4@SiO2@CPTMS@MBOL@ Mn) was prepared in consecutive stages, characterized via various techniques (VSM, SEM, TEM, XRD, FT-IR, EDX, TG-DTA and ICP) and used as a capable nano-catalyst for the fast and green synthesis of divers 2H-indazolo[2,1-b]phthalazine-1,6,11(13H)-triones in a simple and efficient procedure from the one pot three-component condensation reaction of aldehydes, dimedone and phthalhydrazide in refluxed ethanol in excellent yields and fast reaction times. The Mn catalyst can be recycled and reused without notable loss of the catalytic activity. Also, the antibacterial properties of the Mn supported nano-catalyst were studied against a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived From Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Improve the Engraftment of Myogenic Cells by Secreting Urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR)
Authors: Elhussieny Ahmed , Nogami Ken’ichiro , Sakai-Takemura Fusako , Maruyama Yusuke , Takemura Natsumi , Soliman Wael Talaat , Takeda Shin'ichi , Miyagoe-Suzuki Yuko
Published: May 2021

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked recessive disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Transplantation of myogenic stem cells holds great promise for treating muscular dystrophies. However, poor engraftment of myogenic stem cells limits the therapeutic effects of cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to secrete soluble factors necessary for skeletal muscle growth and regeneration. Methods: we induced MSC-like cells (iMSCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and examined the effects of iMSCs on the proliferation and differentiation of human myogenic cells and on the engraftment of human myogenic cells in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of NSG-mdx4Cv mice, an immunodeficient dystrophin-deficient DMD model. We also examined the cytokines secreted by iMSCs and tested their effects on the engraftment of human myogenic cells.Results: iMSCs promoted the proliferation and differentiation of human myogenic cells to the same extent as bone marrow-derived (BM)-MSCs in coculture experiments. In cell transplantation experiments, iMSCs significantly improved the engraftment of human myogenic cells injected into the TA muscle of NSG-mdx4Cv mice. Cytokine array analysis revealed that iMSCs produced insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at higher levels than did BM-MSCs. We further found that uPAR stimulates the migration of human myogenic cells in vitro and promotes their engraftment into the TA muscles of immunodeficient NOD/Scid mice. Conclusions: Our results indicate that iMSCs are new tools to improve the engraftment of myogenic progenitors in dystrophic muscle.
Nurses' Presence at the Patient Bedside: Challenges Experienced by Nurses
Authors: Fallahnezhad Tahereh , Norouzadeh Reza , Samari Banafshe , Ebadi Abbas , Abbasinia Mohammad , Aghaie Bahman
Published: May 2021

Background: Nursing presence is one of the important dimensions of care. The presence of nurses improves the outcome of treatment, self-care, satisfaction and reduces patients' loneliness and anxiety. The literature review shows that most studies have conducted on concept analysis of the nursing presence while nurses face many challenges to present at the patient bedside. The study aimed to identify the challenges of nurses' presence at patients' bedside from the perspective of nurses. Methods: This is a qualitative content analysis study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nineteen nurses. Data analysis performed using Zhang's eight stages approach. Results: Three categories emerged: (1) professional challenges with sub-categories: shortage of medical staff, improperly scheduled visits and rounds, time-consuming supervision, inadequate competence, and cultural unfamiliarity, (2) job attenuation with sub-categories: ignoring the needs of nurses, inappropriate management styles (3) unsuitable environment with sub-categories: inadequate medical facilities, ward congestion, and non-standard hospital environment. Conclusions: This study identified the challenges and barriers of nurses' presence at the patient's bedside in different dimensions from the clinical nurses' perspective. Nursing managers must adopt appropriate strategies to solve the challenges of nurses' presence at patients' bedside to achieve the positive benefits of the more effective nurses' presence at patients' bedside.
NAC Transcription Factors ATAF1 and ANAC055 Negatively Regulate Thermomemory in Arabidopsis
Authors: Alshareef Nouf Owdah ,   Annapurna Devi Allu3, Woo Yong H. , de Werk Tobias , Kamranfar Iman , Mueller-Roeber Bernd , Tester Mark , Balazadeh Salma , Schmöckel Sandra M.
Published: May 2021

Pre-exposing (priming) plants to mild, non-lethal elevated temperature improves their tolerance to a later higher-temperature stress (triggering stimulus), which is of great ecological importance. ‘Thermomemory’ is maintaining this tolerance for an extended period of time. NAM/ATAF1/2/CUC2 (NAC) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) that modulate responses to abiotic stresses, including heat stress (HS). Here, we investigated the potential role of NACs for thermomemory. We determined the expression of 104 Arabidopsis NAC genes after priming and triggering heat stimuli, and found ATAF1 expression is strongly induced right after priming and declines below control levels thereafter during thermorecovery. Knockout mutants of ATAF1 show better thermomemory than wild type, revealing a negative regulatory role. Differential expression analyses of RNA-seq data from ATAF1 overexpressor, ataf1 mutant and wild-type plants after heat priming revealed five genes that might be priming-associated direct targets of ATAF1: AT2G31260 (ATG9), AT2G41640 (GT61), AT3G44990 (XTH31), AT4G27720 and AT3G23540. Based on co-expression analyses applied to the aforementioned RNA-seq profiles, we identified ANAC055 to be transcriptionally co-regulated with ATAF1. Like ataf1, anac055 mutants show improved thermomemory, revealing a potential co-control of both NAC TFs over thermomemory. Our data reveals a core importance of two NAC transcription factors, ATAF1 and ANAC055, for thermomemory.
Surgical Success Evaluation in Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency Due to Chemical Injury – How to Be Accurate?
Authors: Korkmaz Ilayda , Palamar Melis , Egrilmez Sait , Gurdal Mehmet , Yagci Ayse , Selver Ozlem Barut
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To evaluate limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) success in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) due to chemical injury in a tertiary eye care center in Turkey by using ‘Limbal Stem Cell Working Group’ LSCD grading system.Methods: Medical records of 80 eyes of 80 patients who underwent LSCT for LSCD secondary to chemical injury were included. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to performed surgery as limbal autograft, limbal allograft, cultivated limbal epithelial cell transplantation (CLET). Surgical success was defined as improvement in the post-operative 1st year LSCD stage.Results: The mean age of the patients was 37.9±15.7(4-71) with a Male/Female ratio of 2.4. Forty-five(56.3%) patients were injured with alkaline and 16(20%) were injured with acid substance. The mean follow-up time was 60.3±30.6(6-118.6) months. Limbal autograft, allograft and CLET were performed in 58(72.5%), 12(15%) and 10(12.5%) eyes, respectively. The interval between injury and surgery in limbal autograft, limbal allograft and CLET were 43.3±94.1(0.5-592); 14.5±10.6(2.4-32.5) and 122.8±158.9(21.1-504) months, respectively (p=0.02). The overall surgical success rate was 65%. Surgical success rates in each groups were 65.5%, 41.7% and 90%, respectively (p=0.03).Conclusion: It is vital to accurately determine the stage of the LSCD in order to evaluate the surgical success rates. Surgery type and a longer time interval between the chemical injury and surgery seems to be the most important factors associated with a higher surgical success rate. Despite the limited subject number for subgroups, the results were remarkable to emphasize the significance of the novel LSCD grading system.
Optimization of Surgeon Ergonomics With Three-dimensional Heads Up Display for Ophthalmic Surgeries
Authors: Gupta Yogita , Tandon Radhika
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To describe the variables that may be utilized in the optimization of three dimensional heads up surgeries (3D-HUS) for achieving better ergonomics among ophthalmic surgeons. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at the operating room of a tertiary eye care centre, equipped with ARTEVO 800 3D surgical microscope and display monitor. The parameters noted were: monitor height (MH), surgeon eye to floor distance (ETFD) surgeon eye to monitor distance (ETMD) (Fig. 1a) and viewing tilt (VT) angle. The neck and eye strain of the surgeon and assistant were scored as per Borg’s CR-10 scale, before and after surgeries.Results: 15 surgeries were analysed. The minimum ETMD was 51 inches and eye strain reduced with shorted ETMD. VT and ETFD was higher for right eye surgeries. The optimum MH was between 50 to 55 inches. Overall, neck strain and eye strain were in the range of 0-3 and 0-1, respectively.Conclusion: The various parameters affecting 3D image quality, neck and eye strain are: chair height, viewing tilt angle, eye centration, monitor distance, laterality of the eye and room illumination.
A novel ANG-BSA/BCNU/ICG MNPs integrated for targeting therapy of glioblastoma
Authors: Lin Fan , Xiong Xiao-Li , Cui En-Ming , Lei Yi
Published: May 2021

Nanomedicine can improve the traditional disease treatment by actively targeting and enhancing the controlled release of drugs in the focus tissue in vivo, moreover the integration of diagnosis and treatment can be achieved by using tracer molecules to indicate the accumulation of nanodrugs in the focus. However ， almost all chemotherapeutic drugs and gene drugs failed to effectively treat glioblastoma (GBM) on account of the existence of blood-brain barrier (BBB) which play a role in GBM. So far, the survival rate of patients with GBM has been hardly improved. In the present study, we constructed an integrated nanoprobe based on albumin nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted diagnosis and treatment of GBM. The nanoprobe consists of albumin-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO), Carmustine (BCNU) and indocyanine green (ICG) to achieve bimodal imaging and drug delivery. And the surface-coupled Angopep-2 (ANG, TFFYGGSRGKRNNFKTEEY) polypeptide can specifically bind to low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), which is overexpressed in BBB and GBM cells. In the in vitro experiments, we verified that the targeting ability of nanoprobes to GBM cells was significantly better than that of the control group. In addition, in the in vivo experiments, nanoprobes significantly increased the accumulation of brain tumors compared with the control group. Cell killing of GBM cells (U87MG) with ANG-BSA/BCNU/ICG magnetic NPs shows a higher inhibitory effect compared with controls. This novel targeting imaging and drug delivery system provides an efficient strategy for targeted therapy and intraoperative localization of GBM.
Classicalization of Quantum Fluctuations at the Planck Scale in the Rh=ct Universe
Authors: MELIA FULVIO
Published: May 2021

The quantum to classical transition of fluctuations in the early universe is still not completely understood. Some headway has been made incorporating the effects of decoherence and the squeezing of states, though the methods and procedures continue to be challenged. But new developments in the analysis of the most recent Planck data suggest that the primordial power spectrum has a cutoff associated with the very first quantum fluctuation to have emerged into the semi-classical universe from the Planck domain at about the Planck time. In this paper, we examine the implications of this result on the question of classicalization, and demonstrate that the birth of quantum fluctuations at the Planck scale would have been a `process' supplanting the need for a `measurement' in quantum mechanics. Emerging with a single wavenumber, these fluctuations would have avoided the interference between different degrees of freedom in a superposed state. Moreover, the implied scalar field potential had an equation-of-state consistent with the zero active mass condition in general relativity, allowing the quantum fluctuations to emerge in their ground state with a time-independent frequency. They were therefore effectively quantum harmonic oscillators with classical correlations in phase space from the very beginning.
Green bean biochemical attributes of Arabusta coffee hybrids from Kenya using HPLC and soxhlet extraction methods
Authors: Cheserek Jane Jerono , Ngugi Kahiu , Muthomi James Wanjohi , Omondi Chrispine O , Ezekiel Njoroge Kihara
Published: May 2021

Robusta coffee yields higher than Arabica coffee. However, it is limited by the inferior cup quality. The biochemical compounds found in coffee interact and determines the final cup quality. The objective of the study was to characterize the biochemical compounds found in Arabusta coffee hybrids. Twenty coffee genotypes including the Arabusta hybrids, backcrosses, Robusta and Arabica coffee were established at KALRO-Alupe (Busia) and Siaya -ATC in the year 2015. Coffee cherry was harvested and processed in the year 2018 and the green beans were analysed for sucrose, oil, trigonelline, caffeine and chlorogenic acids using the HPLC and soxhlet method. There were significant differences amongst the genotypes for these biochemical compounds across the two different environments (Busia and Siaya counties). Robusta recorded higher levels of caffeine and chlorogenic acids while the Arabusta hybrids recorded intermediate levels of the biochemical compounds between the Robusta and Arabica coffee species. The Genotype by Environment (G x E) interaction effect was only significant for chlorogenic acids. Caffeine, sucrose, oil and trigonelline levels were significantly high for genotypes evaluated in Siaya when compared to Busia. Chlorogenic acid had a positive significant association with caffeine, but was negatively correlated with coffee oil and sucrose. Coffee oil indicated a positive significant association with sucrose and Trigonelline. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) differentiated the genotypes based on the levels of biochemical compounds indicating high genetic variation amongst the genotypes. Arabusta hybrids exceeded Robusta coffee in performance of biochemical compounds which implies that there was a successful introgression of quality genes
Postharvest conservation of Tommy atkins mango fruits during storage using Moringa oleifera oil-based coating
Authors: Silva Semirames , Sousa Ana Paula , Gomes Josivanda , Andrade Romário , Lima Gustavo , Siqueira Eliezer , Silva Wilton , Silva Cleide Silva e , Filho Francisco , Campos Ana Regina
Published: May 2021

Among several biodegradable coatings used to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits, those that can be obtained from Moringa oleifera stand out due to their extraordinary biochemical, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Another aspect is their constitution which is composed of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals and natural bioactive compounds, that can be applied for the development of functional foods due to their nutritional and pharmaceutical properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bio-based coating produced from different concentrations of Moringa oleifera seed oil added to cassava starch in the postharvest conservation of Tommy atkins mango fruits. The bio-based coating was applied to mango fruits stored at room temperature (27 °C) for 15 days. Mangoes were submitted to the following treatments: moringa oil (Moringa oleifera) in 4 concentrations: 0.5% (v/v) + cassava starch; 1% (v/v) + cassava starch; 1.5% (v/v) + cassava starch and a control treatment without coating (0%), during 15 days of storage (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days), adding up to 24 treatments with three replications. The application of moringa-oil-based coating prolonged the postharvest shelf life of the Tommy atkins mango by maintaining the physicochemical and physical properties during 12 days of storage at room temperature when compared to control treatment. M. oleifera oil-based coatings delayed the degradation of the pigments, making the bio-coated fruits gain shine and remain with it
Estimating surface water and vadose water resources for an ungauged inland catchment in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Liem Duy , Dang Phuong Dong Nguyen , Nguyen Loi Kim
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to assess water resources for the La Vi catchment, an ungauged inland basin in Vietnam. An Internet of Things-based automatic meteorological station has been installed in the catchment to record hourly weather data from 2016. By comparing water level observations with limited discharge measurements, discharges from November 2015 to February 2018 were calculated at Tan Hoa bridge using the slope-area method. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool was calibrated and validated for the wet season of 2015 and 2017, respectively, using the previously calculated water discharges. Statistical measures including Nash–Sutcliffe index, percent bias, and coefficient of determination indicated the satisfactory performance of the model in simulating water discharge on daily time steps during both periods. The results of the water resources assessment in the catchment showed that the annual average of blue water flow, green water flow, and green water storage reached 1,596.50, 371.13, and 15.36 mm, respectively. The blue water flow reached a higher value in the center of the catchment. Meanwhile, the high-value areas of green water flow and green water storage were in the western upstream and the riverside downstream. These findings could provide a valuable scientific foundation for sustainable watershed management.
Climate change and water supply: governance and adaptation planning in Florida
Authors: Maliva Robert G. , Manahan William S. , Missimer Thomas M.
Published: May 2021

Florida has been described as ‘ground zero’ for climate change in the United States with coastal communities vulnerable to sea-level rise and water supplies under threat from saline-water intrusion, changes in precipitation amounts and patterns, and temperature-driven increases in demands. Water utilities and regional suppliers are responsible for their own water supply plans and adaptation strategies, which are developed largely by a relatively small group of technical specialists (internal and contracted). Water supply planning is prescribed by the state water governance system and local community planning processes. The degree of engagement of large coastal communities and water utilities and regional water suppliers in Florida with climate change research is generally high. Climate change-induced impacts to water supplies and demands over the common 20-year planning horizon are likely to be small relative to increases in demand caused by projected on-going population growth and normal climatic variation. Water utilities in Florida have been incidentally moving toward more climate-resilient supplies (e.g., brackish groundwater desalination) due to the unavailability of additional permittable, inexpensive fresh groundwater rather than climate change concerns. Climate change will narrow the alternatives for future water-supply development.
Energy consumption in anaerobic and aerobic based wastewater treatment plants in Italy
Authors: Ranieri Ezio , Giuliano Silvia , Ranieri Ada Cristina
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to carry out an experimental investigation on electricity consumption in wastewater treatment plants in Italy based on aerobic and anaerobic digestion wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The data refer to plants managed by two major water resources management companies in Italy, Hera and Acquedotto Pugliese (AQP). The survey makes use of statistical tools for data analysis of 202 urban wastewater treatment plants. In order to extend the reliability of the survey, electricity consumption data were analysed through three specific energy demand indicators: kWh/m3, kWh/PE•year, kWh/kgCODremoved referred to each plant. The results show that anaerobic systems are advantageous in terms of electricity consumption per m3 as they achieve more than 50% saving with values ranging from 1.02 kWh/m3 for aerobic plants, instead of 0.43 kWh/m3 for the anaerobic ones. Differences have been found in terms of anaerobic digestion efficiency between the data concerning the plants in northern Italy – Hera Company with an average of 0.33 kWh/m3- and those in Apulia – AQP company with an average of 0.53 kWh/m3. Aerobic systems showed more energy consumption also for HERA-managed WWTP. If anaerobic digestion were implemented on all the AQP WWTP, energy savings should be of approximately 16% and approximately 42% if related to HERA anaerobic-based WWTP average performance.
INVESTIGATION OF FEMALE TOLERANCE OF THE HEAD-TO-FOOT G-LOADS ON A SHORT-ARM CENTRIFUGE BEFORE AND AFTER 8-DAY ISOLATION
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Koloteva M.I. , Glebova T.M. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Salnikov A.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: May 2021

The main purpose of the pioneered Russian study was to compare tolerance of head-to-foot g-loads (+Gz) by female and male subjects rotated on a short-arm centrifuge before and after 8-d isolation using the subjective and objective data. Results of the investigation demonstrated compatibility of g-tolerance by men and women. However, during the runs before isolation heart rate in female subjects grew significantly in comparison to the male subjects. Though higher in women, dynamics of blood pressure measured at the earlobe and arm was not statistically different from the male data.
ОПЫТ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ В УСЛОВИЯХ МКС ТЕХНИЧЕСКИХ СРЕДСТВ НАУЧНОЙ АППАРАТУРЫ «БАР». ЧАСТЬ 1. АКУСТИЧЕСКИЕ ПРИБОРЫ
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Deshevaya E.A. , Bychkov V.B. ,   Russian Metrological Institute of Technical Physics and Radio Engineering, Mendeleevo, Moscow region, Malakh M.P. ,   Russian Metrological Institute of Technical Physics and Radio Engineering, Mendeleevo, Moscow region, Orlov V.O. ,   Russian Metrological Institute of Technical Physics and Radio Engineering, Mendeleevo, Moscow region, Shubralova E.V. ,   Central Research Institute for Machine Building, Moscow
Published: May 2021

The paper presents the results of operational testing of two acoustic components of research equipment «Bar» (a leak detector and ultrasound analyzer) onboard the ISS Russian segment. It was found that the ultrasonic (US) background noise interferes in leak search; besides, it exceeds dramatically the adopted noise level constraint thus impacting crew health and efficiency, and oral communication. The narrow-band noise spectra were measured and the expressed tone property of the US noise was demonstrated. The authors make the point that the present noise level constraints for space habitats do not take into account all realities of the life of cosmonauts and lack a solid medical and acoustic background.
Elderly Muslim Wellbeing: Family Support, Participation in Religious Activities, and Happiness
Authors: Taufik Taufik , Dumpratiwi Ajeng N. , Prihartanti Nanik , Daliman Daliman
Published: May 2021

Aims:

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of family support and participation in religious activities on the happiness of elderly muslims.

Background:

An increase in the number of older age people should be balanced with the increased quality of their life. The quality of life is influenced by internal factors such as self-quality, as well as external factors such as family support and religious activities.

Objective:

The objective of this research was to identify differences in the level of happiness of elderly muslims based on several factors: Work, health, salary, Islamic study, and marriage.

Methods:

Three hundred and ten elderly muslims (133 male, 177 female) participated in this study. Respondents were selected by simple random sampling of the elderly muslim population in seven districts in Central Java province, Indonesia.

Results:

The results showed 1) there was a correlation between family support and participation in religious activities and the happiness of elderly Muslims, 2) a healthy elderly person has a higher level of happiness than a sick elderly person; elderly who partake in Islamic studies one to two times a week have higher happiness than the elderly who do not; the retired elderly have the highest happiness compared to the elderly who still work and the elderly who do not (the lowest level of happiness), and there was no difference in the level of happiness in terms of salary and marriage.

Conclusion:

Family support and participation in religious activities are the main predictors of subjective well-being in the muslim elderly. In addition, there are other predictors such as health and participation in Islamic studies.
Case Report: Successful Treatment of Giant Condyloma Acuminata with Intralesional Injection of Purified Protein Derivative
Authors: Alhashmi Saud , Sadek Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Condyloma acuminata can be treated with different modalities, including topical and destructive procedures. However, treatment of large recalcitrant lesions tends to be difficult with the risk of pain, scarring and recurrence. Here we report a case of a large foul-smelling condyloma acuminata, treated successfully with intralesional purified protein derivative (PPD) injections.
Language attitudes towards Serbian Sign Language and experiences with deaf education in Serbia
Authors: Raicevic Bajic Dragana , Nikolic Gordana , Gordic Mihailo , Mouvet Kimberley , Van Herreweghe Mieke
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we report on data obtained from interviews with 28 deaf signers and three hearing teachers of deaf pupils regarding their experiences with and attitudes towards deaf education and Serbian Sign Language (SZJ). Following transcription of the data, we conducted thematic analyses of the deaf informants’ and teachers’ comments. Data, which indicate that a change in language attitudes among deaf people has taken place compared to the oralist ideology still prevalent among teachers, are considered within a broader historical context by giving the first account of SZJ, its place in education and its history. In the light of the results, we highlight the importance of teacher training for promoting a cultural-linguistic minority perspective in deaf education in Serbia that would allow for deafness to be viewed as human diversity rather than disability.
Editorial: Studying diversity and gender in times of Corona
Authors: Vanlee Florian , Vandenbroucke Mieke , Goethals Tina
Published: May 2021

DiGeSt 8(1) General Issue - Editorial
ASSESSING MRT FEEDER BUS SERVICES PERFORMANCE THROUGH PASSENGER’S SATISFACTION LEVEL IN THE SELECTED STATIONS OF KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA
Authors: Olabayonle Oladejo Aliu , Mohamad Muhammad Rijal , Bachok Syahriah , Mohd Zahari Mohammad Zarif
Published: May 2021

Resultant impacts of mobility increase within the Klang Valley, for example, congestion, parking problem and air pollution have highlighted the reason for a move towards the use of more sustainable transport modes within the cities. Hence the need for effective and reliable public transport. It is perceived that Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) feeder buses hold the guarantee of easing the growing congestion in Klang Valley if they are managed efficiently and sustainably. For this reason, this research expands the exploration of the MRT feeder bus services quality by evaluating the passengers' level of satisfaction. A quantitative approach was employed for this study by administration of the questionnaire. A total of 303 survey forms were collected through convenience sampling. The study's findings confirmed the efficiency and effectiveness of services provision. Surveys showed that most riders (62.7%) were females with the majority possessing a bachelor’s degree and above (64.4%). Also, a large proportion of the riders fell into the age group category between 20 and 29 years (69.0%), with less than half of the respondents earning an average monthly income of above RM 6,000 (45.9%). Most of the respondents were satisfied with the overall quality (above 80% satisfactory) but punctuality, waiting and travel times as well as services frequency of this first and last mile connection (FLM) had left a lot to be desired. The study also found significant relationships between gender and the fear of crime as well as conditions of bus stops. Thus, it recommends overall enhancement of service with safer environment for female riders and an increase in the service frequency of the MRT feeder buses to retain the existing users and attract more new users.
eHealth in Geriatric Rehabilitation: Systematic Review of Effectiveness, Feasibility, and Usability
Authors: Kraaijkamp Jules J M , van Dam van Isselt Eléonore F , Persoon Anke , Versluis Anke , Chavannes Niels H , Achterberg Wilco P
Published: May 2021

Background

eHealth has the potential to improve outcomes such as physical activity or balance in older adults receiving geriatric rehabilitation. However, several challenges such as scarce evidence on effectiveness, feasibility, and usability hinder the successful implementation of eHealth in geriatric rehabilitation.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to assess evidence on the effectiveness, feasibility, and usability of eHealth interventions in older adults in geriatric rehabilitation.

Methods

We searched 7 databases for randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized studies, quantitative descriptive studies, qualitative research, and mixed methods studies that applied eHealth interventions during geriatric rehabilitation. Included studies investigated a combination of effectiveness, usability, and feasibility of eHealth in older patients who received geriatric rehabilitation, with a mean age of ≥70 years. Quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and a narrative synthesis was conducted using a harvest plot.

Results

In total, 40 studies were selected, with clinical heterogeneity across studies. Of 40 studies, 15 studies (38%) found eHealth was at least as effective as non-eHealth interventions (56% of the 27 studies with a control group), 11 studies (41%) found eHealth interventions were more effective than non-eHealth interventions, and 1 study (4%) reported beneficial outcomes in favor of the non-eHealth interventions. Of 17 studies, 16 (94%) concluded that eHealth was feasible. However, high exclusion rates were reported in 7 studies of 40 (18%). Of 40 studies, 4 (10%) included outcomes related to usability and indicated that there were certain aging-related barriers to cognitive ability, physical ability, or perception, which led to difficulties in using eHealth.

Conclusions

eHealth can potentially improve rehabilitation outcomes for older patients receiving geriatric rehabilitation. Simple eHealth interventions were more likely to be feasible for older patients receiving geriatric rehabilitation, especially, in combination with another non-eHealth intervention. However, a lack of evidence on usability might hamper the implementation of eHealth. eHealth applications in geriatric rehabilitation show promise, but more research is required, including research with a focus on usability and participation.
A Handheld Metabolic Device (Lumen) to Measure Fuel Utilization in Healthy Young Adults: Device Validation Study
Authors: Lorenz Kent Arnold , Yeshurun Shlomo , Aziz Richard , Ortiz-Delatorre Julissa , Bagley James Robert , Mor Merav , Kern Marialice
Published: May 2021

Background

Metabolic carts measure the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced and oxygen consumed by an individual when breathing to assess metabolic fuel usage (carbohydrates versus fats). However, these systems are expensive, time-consuming, and only available in health care laboratory settings. A small handheld device capable of determining metabolic fuel usage via CO2 from exhaled air has been developed.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity of a novel handheld device (Lumen) for measuring metabolic fuel utilization in healthy young adults.

Methods

Metabolic fuel usage was assessed in healthy participants (n=33; mean age 23.1 years, SD 3.9 years) via respiratory exchange ratio (RER) values obtained from a metabolic cart as well as % CO2 from the Lumen device. Measurements were performed at rest in two conditions: fasting, and after consuming 150 grams of glucose, in order to determine changes in metabolic fuel usage. Reduced major axis regression and simple linear regression were performed to test for agreement between RER and Lumen % CO2.

Results

Both RER and Lumen % CO2 significantly increased after glucose intake (P<.001 for both) compared with fasting conditions, by 0.089 and 0.28, respectively. Regression analyses revealed an agreement between the two measurements (F1,63=18.54; P<.001).

Conclusions

This study shows the validity of Lumen for detecting changes in metabolic fuel utilization in a comparable manner with a laboratory standard metabolic cart, providing the ability for real-time metabolic information for users under any circumstances.
Assessing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy, Confidence, and Public Engagement: A Global Social Listening Study
Authors: Hou Zhiyuan , Tong Yixin , Du Fanxing , Lu Linyao , Zhao Sihong , Yu Kexin , Piatek Simon J , Larson Heidi J , Lin Leesa
Published: May 2021

Background

Monitoring public confidence and hesitancy is crucial for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Social media listening (infoveillance) can not only monitor public attitudes on COVID-19 vaccines but also assess the dissemination of and public engagement with these opinions.

Objective

This study aims to assess global hesitancy, confidence, and public engagement toward COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

We collected posts mentioning the COVID-19 vaccine between June and July 2020 on Twitter from New York (United States), London (United Kingdom), Mumbai (India), and Sao Paulo (Brazil), and Sina Weibo posts from Beijing (China). In total, we manually coded 12,886 posts from the five global metropolises with high COVID-19 burdens, and after assessment, 7032 posts were included in the analysis. We manually double-coded these posts using a coding framework developed according to the World Health Organization’s Confidence, Complacency, and Convenience model of vaccine hesitancy, and conducted engagement analysis to investigate public communication about COVID-19 vaccines on social media.

Results

Among social media users, 36.4% (571/1568) in New York, 51.3% (738/1440) in London, 67.3% (144/214) in Sao Paulo, 69.8% (726/1040) in Mumbai, and 76.8% (2128/2770) in Beijing indicated that they intended to accept a COVID-19 vaccination. With a high perceived risk of getting COVID-19, more tweeters in New York and London expressed a lack of confidence in vaccine safety, distrust in governments and experts, and widespread misinformation or rumors. Tweeters from Mumbai, Sao Paulo, and Beijing worried more about vaccine production and supply, whereas tweeters from New York and London had more concerns about vaccine distribution and inequity. Negative tweets expressing lack of vaccine confidence and misinformation or rumors had more followers and attracted more public engagement online.

Conclusions

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is prevalent worldwide, and negative tweets attract higher engagement on social media. It is urgent to develop an effective vaccine campaign that boosts public confidence and addresses hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccine rollouts.
An Instrument for Measuring Social Participation to Examine Older Adults' Use of the Internet as a Social Platform: Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Anderberg Peter , Abrahamsson Linda , Berglund Johan Sanmartin
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Older people’s use of the internet is increasingly coming into focus with the demographic changes of a growing older population. Research reports several benefits of older people’s internet use and highlights problems such as various forms of inequality in use within the group. There is a need for consistent measurements to follow the development and use of the internet in this group and to be able to compare groups both within and between countries, as well as follow the changes over time.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to create an instrument to measure an older person’s perception of the benefits of their online social participation, unconnected to specific applications and services. The instrument to measure internet social participation proposed in this paper builds on social participation factors and is a multidimensional construct incorporating both social relations and societal connectedness.

METHODS

A short instrument for measuring social participation over the internet was created. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted in a random selection of persons aged 65 years or older (n=193) on 10 initial items. Further validation was made by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in the remaining group (n=193).

RESULTS

A 1-factor solution for the social internet score was decided upon after exploratory factor analysis (EFA; based on a random sample of half the data set). None of the questionnaire items were excluded based on the EFA, as they all had high loadings, the lowest being 0.61. The Cronbach α coefficient was .92. The 1-factor solution explained 55% of the variance. CFA was performed and included all 10 questionnaire items in a 1-factor solution. Indices of goodness of fit of the model showed room for improvement. Removal of 4 questions in a stepwise procedure resulted in a 6-item model (χ26=13.985; χ2/degrees of freedom=1.554; comparative fit index=0.992; root mean square error of approximation=0.054; standardized root mean square residual=0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed instrument can be used to measure digital social participation and coherence with society. The factor analysis is based on a sufficient sample of the general population of older adults in Sweden, and overall the instrument performed as expected.
Combining Ketamine and Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Philipp-Muller Aaron Emile , Reshetukha Taras , Vazquez Gustavo , Milev Roumen , Armstrong Dawn , Jagayat Jasleen , Alavi Nazanin
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Over one third of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) do not respond to current interventions. Ketamine presents a potential treatment option; however, its effects are temporary. Administering ketamine alongside psychotherapy is one potential means of prolonging its effects; however, only a few studies have investigated this treatment method to date, and none have tested ketamine with internet-based or electronically delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (e-CBT).

OBJECTIVE

This open-label randomized controlled trial aims to assess the efficacy of a combined treatment method of subanesthetic intravenous ketamine and e-CBT for treating patients with PTSD.

METHODS

In total, 20 patients with refractory PTSD recruited from a community clinic will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=10), receiving a combination of ketamine and therapist-administered e-CBT over 14 weeks, or a waitlist control group (n=10), receiving the experimental treatment after 14 weeks. Both groups will be assessed for the symptoms of PTSD and comorbid disorders before treatment, at two midway points, and at the end of the experiment.

RESULTS

PTSD symptoms of participants in the experimental group are expected to improve significantly more than those of participants in the waitlist control group (P=.05) with a large effect size (η2=0.14).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to assess the relationship between e-CBT and ketamine and their combined ability to treat refractory PTSD. If successful, this study will open web-based, asynchronous therapeutic options for patients with PTSD and will provide new insights into the functional role of glutamate in trauma-related disorders as well as in learning, memory, and fear extinction.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04771767; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04771767.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/30334
The Development of an mHealth Tool for Children With Long-term Illness to Enable Person-Centered Communication: User-Centered Design Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Wiljén Angelica , Chaplin John Eric , Crine Vanessa , Jobe William , Johnson Ensa , Karlsson Katarina , Lindroth Tomas , Schwarz Anneli , Stenmarker Margaretha , Thunberg Gunilla , Öhlén Joakim , Nilsson Stefan
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Children with long-term illnesses frequently experience symptoms that could negatively affect their daily lives. These symptoms are often underreported in health care. Despite a large number of mobile health (mHealth) tools, few are based on a theoretical framework or supported by scientific knowledge. Incorporating universal design when developing a product can promote accessibility and facilitate person-centered communication.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to identify the symptom-reporting needs of children with cancer and congenital heart defects that could be satisfied by using a mobile app. Another aim is to evaluate how the child might interact with the app by considering universal design principles and to identify parents’ views and health care professionals’ expectations and requirements for an mHealth tool.

METHODS

User-centered design is an iterative process that focuses on an understanding of the users. The adapted user-centered design process includes 2 phases with 4 stages. Phase 1 involved interviews with 7 children with long-term illnesses, 8 parents, and 19 health care professionals to determine their needs and wishes for support; a workshop with 19 researchers to deepen our understanding of the needs; and a workshop with developers to establish a preliminary tool to further investigate needs and behaviors. Phase 2 involved interviews with 10 children with long-term illnesses, 9 parents, and 21 health care professionals to evaluate the mock-up (prototype) of the mHealth tool. Data were synthesized using the interpretive description technique.

RESULTS

A total of 4 aspects of needs emerged from the synthesis of the data, as follows: different perspectives on provided and perceived support; the need for an easy-to-use, non–clinic-based tool to self-report symptoms and to facilitate communication; the need for safety by being in control and reaching the child’s voice; and a way of mapping the illness journey to facilitate recall and improve diagnostics. The children with long-term illnesses expressed a need to not only communicate about pain but also communicate about anxiety, fatigue, fear, and nausea.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicated that the PicPecc (Pictorial Support in Person-Centered Care for Children) app is a potential solution for providing communicative support to children with long-term illnesses dealing with multiple symptoms and conditions. The interview data also highlighted symptoms that are at risk of being overlooked if they are not included in the mobile app. Further studies are needed to include usability testing and evaluation in hospitals and home care settings.