bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients’ perspective on the use of mobile applications for the provision of supportive care in radiotherapy
Authors: Sammut Maria Stella , Mercieca Susan
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

This study aimed to investigate the patient’s perception of the usefulness and limitations of a mobile application as part of the supportive care provided to patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Methods:

Patients undergoing radiotherapy between February 2023 and March 2023 at a local oncology hospital (n = 150) were invited to complete a questionnaire that assessed the patient’s smartphone knowledge, willingness to use an app during radiotherapy, perceptions of the usefulness of specific app features, and barriers to using such applications. For quantitative analysis, frequencies were obtained for all areas of interest, and the results were correlated with the patient’s demographics.

Results:

Of the 39 participants who completed the questionnaire, 82·1% had a smartphone device, 59% could use their smartphones with minimal to no help and 41% had not used their smartphones for medical purposes before. However, 79·5% of patients showed a strong interest in using a mobile app during radiotherapy. Age, gender and level of education had no significant impact on the acceptability of using the mobile application for radiotherapy purposes.

Conclusion:

Overall, the findings indicate that most patients have access to mobile technology and are willing to use the mobile app as an additional supportive care tool.
Solar Storms May Scramble Signals for Migratory Birds
Authors: Besl J.
Published: November 2023

Birds use Earth’s magnetic field to migrate, but severe space weather may interfere with navigation and reduce the number of birds in the sky.
Occurrence of Postmidnight Bottom‐Type Scattering Layer Over Low Latitude
Authors: Meng Xing , Niu Jun , Weng Libin , Wang Sicheng
Published: November 2023

The bottom‐type scattering layer (BSL) that occurs at postsunset or presunset has been reported in previous studies. In this work, two cases of postmidnight BSL occurring on geomagnetic quiet days (12 and 29 April 2015) were investigated by using the observational data obtained by beam 4 and 5 of Sanya VHF radar. These BSLs initiate at 00:06–00:18 LT within an altitude range of 220–240 km. Their thickness are relatively uniform, about 10 km. The altitude and Doppler velocities of the BSLs oscillate with time and the oscillation period of Doppler velocities is about 1 hr. During the presence of postmidnight BSL, spread echoes and satellite traces (STs) appeared in the ionograms recorded by Sanya ionosonde. The oscillation of Doppler velocities and the presence of STs suggest that the postmidnight BSL may be related to the F region bottomside large‐scale wave structure. Amplitude scintillations (S4) larger than 0.2 were also recorded by Sanya GPS scintillation receiver. These observations could imply an important role of gravity waves in the generation of the postmidnight BSL.
Stratospheric Aerosol Injection Can Reduce Risks to Antarctic Ice Loss Depending on Injection Location and Amount
Authors: Goddard P. B. , Kravitz B. , MacMartin D. G. , Visioni D. , Bednarz E. M. , Lee W. R.
Published: November 2023

Owing to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, the Antarctic Ice Sheet is vulnerable to rapid ice loss in the upcoming decades and centuries. This study examines the effectiveness of using stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) that minimizes global mean temperature (GMT) change to slow projected 21st century Antarctic ice loss. We simulate 11 different SAI cases which vary by the latitudinal location(s) and the amount(s) of the injection(s) to examine the climatic response near Antarctica in each case as compared to the reference climate at the turn of the last century. We demonstrate that injecting at a single latitude in the northern hemisphere or at the Equator increases Antarctic shelf ocean temperatures pertinent to ice shelf basal melt, while injecting only in the southern hemisphere minimizes this temperature change. We use these results to analyze the results of more complex multi‐latitude injection strategies that maintain GMT at or below 1.5°C above the pre‐industrial. All these multi‐latitude cases will slow Antarctic ice loss relative to the mid‐to‐late 21st century SSP2‐4.5 emissions pathway. Yet, to avoid a GMT threshold estimated by previous studies pertaining to rapid West Antarctic ice loss (1.5°C above the pre‐industrial GMT, though large uncertainty), our study suggests SAI would need to cool about 1.0°C below this threshold and predominately inject at low southern hemisphere latitudes (∼15°S ‐ 30°S). These results highlight the complexity of factors impacting the Antarctic response to SAI and the critical role of the injection strategy in preventing future ice loss.
Aquatic Carbon Export and Dynamics in Mountain Headwater Streams of the Western U.S.
Authors: Clow D. W. , Akie G. A. , Striegl R. G. , Penn C. A. , Sexstone G. A. , Keith G. L.
Published: November 2023

Mountain headwater streams actively cycle carbon, receiving it from terrestrial landscapes and exporting it through downstream transport and gas exchange with the atmosphere. Although their importance is now widely recognized, aquatic carbon fluxes in headwater streams remain poorly characterized. In this study, aquatic carbon fluxes were measured in 15 mountain headwater streams and were used in a geostatistical analysis to determine how landscape characteristics influence aquatic carbon fluxes. In‐stream sensors were used to measure fluorescent dissolved organic matter (fDOM) (a surrogate for dissolved organic carbon (DOC)) at a subset of sites to characterize dynamic responses to hydroclimatic events. Wetlands have a positive influence on aquatic carbon fluxes, whereas perennial snow/ice has the opposite effect, reflecting differences in soil organic matter content in these landscapes. Mean annual temperature (MAT) has a complex influence on DOC, with peak DOC exports in basins with MAT of 0–2°C. Precipitation has a strong positive influence on aquatic carbon fluxes, and declining snowpacks in the western United States may reduce future aquatic carbon exports. fDOM (and by implication DOC) and showed strong dynamic responses to snowmelt and rain events, with fDOM increasing and decreasing during events. Combining results from this study with those from a companion study on CO2 exchange yielded total aquatic carbon fluxes of 7.2–15.7 g C m−2 yr−1 (median = 12.22), similar to those from forests and peatlands. Given net ecosystem production (NEP) of similar magnitude, NEP calculations that do not account for losses via the aquatic pathway can substantially overestimate terrestrial carbon sequestration.
Influence of Tectonic and Geological Structure on GIC in Southern South Island, New Zealand
Authors: Ingham M. , Pratscher K. , Heise W. , Bertrand E. , Kruglyakov M. , Rodger C. J.
Published: November 2023

As part of a 5‐year project to assess the risk posed by geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) to the New Zealand electrical transmission network, long‐period magnetotelluric (MT) measurements have been made at 62 sites in southern South Island of New Zealand, a region where there was an absence of previous MT data. The data are largely 3‐dimensional in character, but show distinct features that can be related to the known tectonic and geological structure. In this work we focus on how the measured MT impedance tensors, and a simple interpretation of conductivity structure, can be used to assess the influence of tectonic and geological structure on GIC. We use the impedance tensors to calculate the magnitudes and orientations of induced electric fields in response to various orientations of inducing magnetic field. The electric fields so calculated are then used in a simplified model of the transmission network to calculate GIC at grounded substations. Our results confirm that tectonic/geological structure in the lower South Island and the resulting electrical conductivity variations have important impacts on the GIC magnitude. In the south‐west, smaller induced electric fields, associated with the higher conductivity in that region, lead to much reduced GIC at a substation in that area. In contrast, higher electric fields occurring in a NW‐SE band across the center of the region, contribute to much larger GIC in Dunedin city. Our results thus help explain the observed GIC reported at transformers in the region.
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease and sarcopenia additively increase mortality: a real-world study
Authors: Zhao Qianwen , Yin Yifan , Deng Yunlei
Published: November 2023

Background and aims

Sarcopenia is associated with worse prognosis for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, disease progression in the MAFLD-related sarcopenia is largely unknown. We aimed to clarify the relationship between MAFLD and/or sarcopenia with mortality and liver fibrosis in the real world.

Methods

A total of 13,692 individuals were selected from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys and linked mortality until December 2019. MAFLD is diagnosed based on a radiologically diagnosed hepatic steatosis and the presence of any one of the following three conditions: overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), or metabolic dysregulation. Sarcopenia is defined by weight-adjusted skeletal muscle mass.

Results

The mean age was 43.7 ± 15.97 years, and 47.3% of the individuals were male. MAFLD was diagnosed in 4207/13,692 (30.73%) participants, and the proportion of sarcopenic was 19.42% amongst subjects with MAFLD. The mean follow-up duration was of 23.7 ± 7.62 years. MAFLD (aHR 1.152, 95% CI 1.070–1.241) and sarcopenia (aHR 1.123, 95% CI 1.042–1.210) were related to increased all-cause mortality in MAFLD after adjustment for age, sex, race, marital status, education, and smoking. Stratified analysis revealed that MAFLD and sarcopenia additively increased the risk of mortality (aHR 1.247, 95% CI 1.132–1.373) and liver fibrosis (aOR 2.296, 95% CI 1.718–3.069 assessed by NFS score >0.676; aOR 2.218, 95% CI 1.788–2.752 assessed by FIB-4 score >1.3) in fully adjusted models (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion

Sarcopenia in individuals with MAFLD portends increased mortality and significant liver fibrosis. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting at increasing skeletal muscle mass should be explored for patients with MAFLD.
Nucleolar reorganization after cellular stress is orchestrated by SMN shuttling between nuclear compartments
Authors: Musawi Shaqraa , Donnio Lise-Marie , Zhao Zehui , Magnani Charlène , Rassinoux Phoebe , Binda Olivier , Huang Jianbo , Jacquier Arnaud , Coudert Laurent , Lomonte Patrick , Martinat Cécile , Schaeffer Laurent , Mottet Denis , Côté Jocelyn , Mari Pierre-Olivier , Giglia-Mari Giuseppina
Published: November 2023

Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the multifunctional protein Survival of Motor Neuron, or SMN. Within the nucleus, SMN localizes to Cajal bodies, which are associated with nucleoli, nuclear organelles dedicated to the first steps of ribosome biogenesis. The highly organized structure of the nucleolus can be dynamically altered by genotoxic agents. RNAP1, Fibrillarin, and nucleolar DNA are exported to the periphery of the nucleolus after genotoxic stress and, once DNA repair is fully completed, the organization of the nucleolus is restored. We find that SMN is required for the restoration of the nucleolar structure after genotoxic stress. During DNA repair, SMN shuttles from the Cajal bodies to the nucleolus. This shuttling is important for nucleolar homeostasis and relies on the presence of Coilin and the activity of PRMT1.
Streptomyces alleviate abiotic stress in plant by producing pteridic acids
Authors: Yang Zhijie , Qiao Yijun , Konakalla Naga Charan , Strøbech Emil , Harris Pernille , Peschel Gundela , Agler-Rosenbaum Miriam , Weber Tilmann , Andreasson Erik , Ding Ling
Published: November 2023

Soil microbiota can confer fitness advantages to plants and increase crop resilience to drought and other abiotic stressors. However, there is little evidence on the mechanisms correlating a microbial trait with plant abiotic stress tolerance. Here, we report that Streptomyces effectively alleviate drought and salinity stress by producing spiroketal polyketide pteridic acid H (1) and its isomer F (2), both of which promote root growth in Arabidopsis at a concentration of 1.3 nM under abiotic stress. Transcriptomics profiles show increased expression of multiple stress responsive genes in Arabidopsis seedlings after pteridic acids treatment. We confirm in vivo a bifunctional biosynthetic gene cluster for pteridic acids and antimicrobial elaiophylin production. We propose it is mainly disseminated by vertical transmission and is geographically distributed in various environments. This discovery reveals a perspective for understanding plant-Streptomyces interactions and provides a promising approach for utilising beneficial Streptomyces and their secondary metabolites in agriculture to mitigate the detrimental effects of climate change.
Assessment of soil quality in an arid and barren mountainous of Shandong province, China
Authors: Wang Lu , Guo Jianyao , Liu Xiumei , Li Kun , Ma Liang , Tian Yehan , Wang Jinming , Zhang Qingdong , Tian Yaozhen , Li Chuanrong , Lu Min
Published: November 2023

Forest soils are important components of forest ecosystems, and soil quality assessment as a decision-making tool to understand forest soil quality and maintain soil productivity is essential. Various methods of soil quality assessment have been developed, which have occasionally generated inconsistent assessment results between soil types. We assessed the soil quality of five communities (herb, shrub, Quercus acutissima, Pinus thunbergii, and Q. acutissima–P. thunbergii mixed plantation) using two common methods of dry and barren mountains in the Yimeng Mountain area, China. Sixteen soil physical, chemical and biological properties were analysed. The soil quality index was determined using the established minimum data set based on the selection results of principal component analysis and Pearson analysis. Silt, soil total phosphorus (P), soil total nitrogen (N), L-leucine aminopeptidase, acid phosphatase and vector length were identified as the most representative indicators for the minimum data set. Linear regression analysis showed that the minimum data set can adequately represent the total data set to quantify the impact of different communities on soil quality (P < 0.001). The results of linear and non-linear methods of soil quality assessment showed that the higher soil quality index was Pinus forest (0.59 and 0.54), and the soil quality index of mixed plantation (0.41 and 0.45) was lower, which was similar to the herb community (0.37 and 0.44). Soil quality was mostly affected by soil chemical properties and extracellular enzyme activities of different communities, and the different reasons for the low soil quality of mixed plantations were affected by soil organic carbon (C) and total C. Overall, we demonstrate that the soil quality index based on the minimum data set method could be a useful tool to indicate the soil quality of forest systems. Mixed plantations can improve soil quality by increasing soil C, which is crucial in ecosystem balance.
Crypsis by background matching and disruptive coloration as drivers of substrate occupation in sympatric Amazonian bark praying mantises
Authors: de Alcantara Viana João Vitor , Campos Duarte Rafael , Vieira Camila , Augusto Poleto Antiqueira Pablo , Bach Andressa , de Mello Gabriel , Silva Lorhaine , Rabelo Oliveira Leal Camila , Quevedo Romero Gustavo
Published: November 2023

Background matching and disruptive coloration are common camouflage strategies in nature, but few studies have accurately measured their protective value in living organisms. Amazon's Bark praying mantises exhibit colour patterns matching whitish and greenish-brown tree trunks. We tested the functional significance of background matching and disruptive coloration of different praying mantis morphospecies (white, grey and green) detected by DNA barcoding. Through image analysis, avian visual models and field experiments using humans as potential predators, we explored whether the background occupation of mantises provides camouflage against predation. Data were obtained for individuals against their occupied tree trunks (whitish or greenish-brown) and microhabitats (lichen or bryophyte patches), compared to non-occupied trunks. White and grey mantises showed lower colour contrasts against occupied trunks at the scale of tree trunk, with no differences in luminance contrasts. Conversely, green mantises showed lower colour and luminance contrasts against microhabitats and also exhibited high edge disruption against greenish-brown trunks. The camouflage of white and green mantis models against colour-matching trunks increased search time and reduced encounter distance of human predators. We highlight the importance of camouflage strategies at different spatial scales to enhance individual survival against predators. Specifically, we present a stunning study system to investigate the relationship of phylogenetically related species that use camouflage in sympatry.
Predicting glaucoma progression using deep learning framework guided by generative algorithm
Authors: Hussain Shaista , Chua Jacqueline , Wong Damon , Lo Justin , Kadziauskiene Aiste , Asoklis Rimvydas , Barbastathis George , Schmetterer Leopold , Yong Liu
Published: November 2023

Glaucoma is a slowly progressing optic neuropathy that may eventually lead to blindness. To help patients receive customized treatment, predicting how quickly the disease will progress is important. Structural assessment using optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to visualize glaucomatous optic nerve and retinal damage, while functional visual field (VF) tests can be used to measure the extent of vision loss. However, VF testing is patient-dependent and highly inconsistent, making it difficult to track glaucoma progression. In this work, we developed a multimodal deep learning model comprising a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory (LSTM) network, for glaucoma progression prediction. We used OCT images, VF values, demographic and clinical data of 86 glaucoma patients with five visits over 12 months. The proposed method was used to predict VF changes 12 months after the first visit by combining past multimodal inputs with synthesized future images generated using generative adversarial network (GAN). The patients were classified into two classes based on their VF mean deviation (MD) decline: slow progressors (< 3 dB) and fast progressors (> 3 dB). We showed that our generative model-based novel approach can achieve the best AUC of 0.83 for predicting the progression 6 months earlier. Further, the use of synthetic future images enabled the model to accurately predict the vision loss even earlier (9 months earlier) with an AUC of 0.81, compared to using only structural (AUC = 0.68) or only functional measures (AUC = 0.72). This study provides valuable insights into the potential of using synthetic follow-up OCT images for early detection of glaucoma progression.
Transgenerational effect of Afidopyropen on Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Shafi Muhammad Salman , Iqbal Naeem , Naqqash Muhammad Nadir , Saeed Shafqat , Usman Muhammad , Abid Allah Ditta , Shahzad Muhammad Sohail , Riaz Hasan , Bashir Muhammad Amjad , Alajmi Reem Atalla
Published: November 2023

Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is the most devastating insect-pest in cotton crop. It is vector of the cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV) and is responsible for huge losses to cotton industry in Pakistan and worldwide. It is mainly controlled by insecticides but the injudicious use of insecticides has resulted in insecticide resistance and population resurgence in addition to various harmful effects on the humans, non-target organisms and the environment. Transgenerational studies are very helpful to choose a best insecticidal option. In the current study, age-stage two-sex life table analysis was used to identify transgenerational effects of sublethal doses of afidopyropen. The adults of B. tabaci were treated with three concentrations of afidopyropen i.e., LC10, LC30 and LC50. The results indicated significant changes in the progeny i.e. the fecundity decreased in treated population; and female and male longevity of their progeny were more in control as compared to treated populations. Similarly, population parameters like intrinsic rate of growth (r), net reproductive rate (R0) and limiting rate of growth (λ) were significantly decreased in the treated adult progeny with values of 0.08–0.11, 4.85–7.46 and 1.09–1.12 per day, respectively. Based on the reduced biotic potential, afidopyropen can be suggested as an effective alternative option for the management of B. tabaci.
Polysorbate 80 surface modified SLNs of formoterol suppress SNCA gene and mitochondrial oxidative stress in mice model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sola Piyong , Garikapati Kusuma Kumari , Krishnamurthy Praveen Thaggikuppe , Kumari Mamta
Published: November 2023

The present study hypothesises that the selective brain β2 receptor activation through β2-adrenoreceptor agonist (β2ARA), Formoterol (FMT), suppresses SNCA gene expression, a pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in brain. Further, it is also hypothesized that brain targeted delivery of Formoterol via polysorbate-80 surface modified solid lipid nanoparticles of Formoterol (FMT-SLNs-PS80) can improve its stability, therapeutic efficacy and avoid/reduce peripheral off-target side effects. FMT-SLNs-PS80 was prepared by solvent injection method, the formulation was optimized by using Box–Behnken design and characterized by measuring drug content, entrapment efficacy, particle size, zeta potentials and poly dispersibility. The FMT-SLNs-PS80, significantly decreases the SNCA expression, mitochondrial membrane damage and rotenone induced changes in oxidative (SOD, CAT, GSH and ROS) stress markers in SH-SY5Y cell lines. The ex vivo permeation study of the formulation using everted chicken ileum exhibited a steady state flux. The pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies of the formulation in rats showed a significant improvement in the kinetic parameters when compared to naïve FMT, further the formulation also improved the brain bioavailability of FMT. The anti-Parkinson’s efficacy studies of the formulation in mice showed a significant neuroprotection against rotenone-induced changes in behavioural and biochemical parameters. Further, the histopathological analysis of mice brain confirms a significant neuroprotective benefit. The present study successfully establishes the brain targeted delivery and anti-Parkinson’s therapeutic efficacy of FMT-SLNs-PS80.
Laser scanner and UAV digital photogrammetry as support tools for cosmic-ray muon radiography applications: an archaeological case study from Italy
Authors: Beni Tommaso , Borselli Diletta , Bonechi Lorenzo , Lombardi Luca , Gonzi Sandro , Melelli Laura , Turchetti Maria Angela , Fanò Livio , D’Alessandro Raffaello , Gigli Giovanni , Casagli Nicola
Published: November 2023

The use of light detection and ranging technologies, i.e. terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), airborne laser scanner (ALS) and mobile laser scanner (MLS), together with the unmanned aerial vehicles digital photogrammetry (UAV-DP) and satellite data are proving to be fundamental tools to carry out reliable muographic measurement campaigns. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a workflow to correctly plan and exploit these types of data for muon radiography aims. To this end, a real case study is presented: searching for hidden tombs in the Etruscan necropolis of Palazzone (Umbria, Italy). A high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and three-dimensional models of the ground surface/sub-surface of the study area were created by merging data obtained using different survey methods to achieve the most accurate three-dimensional environment. Indeed, the simulated muon flux transmission used to infer relative transmission values, and the estimated density distribution, depends on the reliability of the three-dimensional reconstructed ground surface model. The aim of this study is to provide knowledge on the use of TLS and UAV-DP data and GPS-acquired points within the transmission-based muography process and how these data could improve or worsen the muon imaging results. Moreover, this study confirmed that muography applications require a multidisciplinary approach.
Deep neural network-based phase calibration in integrated optical phased arrays
Authors: Kim Jae-Yong , Kim Junhyeong , Yoon Jinhyeong , Hong Seokjin , Neseli Berkay , Kwon Namhyun , You Jong-Bum , Yoon Hyeonho , Park Hyo-Hoon , Kurt Hamza
Published: November 2023

Calibrating the phase in integrated optical phased arrays (OPAs) is a crucial procedure for addressing phase errors and achieving the desired beamforming results. In this paper, we introduce a novel phase calibration methodology based on a deep neural network (DNN) architecture to enhance beamforming in integrated OPAs. Our methodology focuses on precise phase control, individually tailored to each of the 64 OPA channels, incorporating electro-optic phase shifters. To effectively handle the inherent complexity arising from the numerous voltage set combinations required for phase control across the 64 channels, we employ a tandem network architecture, further optimizing it through selective data sorting and hyperparameter tuning. To validate the effectiveness of the trained DNN model, we compared its performance with 20 reference beams obtained through the hill climbing algorithm. Despite an average intensity reduction of 0.84 dB in the peak values of the beams compared to the reference beams, our experimental results demonstrate substantial agreements between the DNN-predicted beams and the reference beams, accompanied by a slight decrease of 0.06 dB in the side-mode-suppression-ratio. These results underscore the practical effectiveness of the DNN model in OPA beamforming, highlighting its potential in scenarios that necessitate the intelligent and time-efficient calibration of multiple beams.
Conversion of methylmercury into inorganic mercury via organomercurial lyase (MerB) activates autophagy and aggresome formation
Authors: Takanezawa Yasukazu , Ishikawa Kouhei , Nakayama Shunsuke , Nakamura Ryosuke , Ohshiro Yuka , Uraguchi Shimpei , Kiyono Masako
Published: November 2023

Methylmercury (MeHg) is converted to inorganic mercury (iHg) in several organs; however, its impact on tissues and cells remains poorly understood. Previously, we established a bacterial organomercury lyase (MerB)-expressing mammalian cell line to overcome the low cell permeability of iHg and investigate its effects. Here, we elucidated the cytotoxic effects of the resultant iHg on autophagy and deciphered their relationship. Treatment of MerB-expressing cells with MeHg significantly increases the mRNA and protein levels of LC3B and p62, which are involved in autophagosome formation and substrate recognition, respectively. Autophagic flux assays using the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) revealed that MeHg treatment activates autophagy in MerB-expressing cells but not in wild-type cells. Additionally, MeHg treatment induces the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and p62, specifically in MerB-expressing cells. Confocal microscopy revealed that large ubiquitinated protein aggregates (aggresomes) associated with p62 are formed transiently in the perinuclear region of MerB-expressing cells upon MeHg exposure. Meanwhile, inhibition of autophagic flux decreases the MeHg-induced cell viability of MerB-expressing cells. Overall, our results imply that cells regulate aggresome formation and autophagy activation by activating LC3B and p62 to prevent cytotoxicity caused by iHg. These findings provide insights into the role of autophagy against iHg-mediated toxicity.
Controlled swelling of biomaterial devices for improved antifouling polymer coatings
Authors: Jesmer Alexander H. , Marple April S. T. , Wylie Ryan G.
Published: November 2023

Nonspecific interactions between cells and implantable elastomers often leads to failure modes for devices such as catheters, cosmetic and reconstructive implants, and sensors. To reduce these interactions, device surfaces can be coated with hydrophilic polymers, where greater polymer density enhances antifouling properties. Although graft-from coating techniques result in higher density polymer films and lower fouling in controlled settings, simpler graft-to methods show similar results on complex implanted devices, despite limited density. To address the need for improved graft-to methods, we developed Graft then shrink (GtS) where elastomeric materials are temporarily swollen during polymer grafting. Herein, we demonstrate a graft-to based method for poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (pOEGMA) on swollen silicone, GtS, that enhances grafted polymer content and fouling resistance. Total grafted polymer content of pOEGMA on toluene swollen silicone increased over ~ 13 × compared to non-swollen controls, dependent on the degree of silicone swelling. Increases in total grafted polymer within the top 200 µm of the material led to bacterial and mammalian cell adhesion reductions of 75% and 91% respectively, compared to Shrink then Graft (StG) antifouling polymer coated controls. GtS allows for the simple 3D coating of swellable elastomers (e.g., silicone medical devices) with improved antifouling pOEGMA coatings.
l-Lysine supplementation affects dietary protein quality and growth and serum amino acid concentrations in rats
Authors: Xiao Chao-Wu , Hendry Amy , Kenney Laura , Bertinato Jesse
Published: November 2023

Single amino acid (AA) supplementations in foods are increasing, however their potential nutritional and physiological impacts are not fully understood. This study examined the effects of l-lysine (Lys) supplementation on protein quality of diets, serum AA concentrations and associations between the ratio of supplemental Lys to dietary protein (X) with body weight gain (BWG) in Sprague–Dawley male rats. Rats were fed one of 10 diets containing either 7% or 20% casein and supplemented with 0% (Control), 1.5%, 3%, 6% Lys or 6% Lys + 3% l-arginine (Arg) (8 rats/diet group) for 1 week. Lys supplementation reduced the protein quality of the casein-based diets (p < 0.01). BWG was reduced by supplemental Lys when X > 0.18. Free Lys supplementation dose-dependently increased serum Lys levels (p < 0.01), while increased protein-bound Lys (1.4% vs 0.52%) had little effect on serum Lys (p > 0.05). In the 7% casein diets, ≥ 1.5% supplemental Lys reduced serum alanine, asparagine, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, serine, tyrosine, valine, carnitine, ornithine, and increased urea. Supplementation of ≥ 3% Lys additionally reduced tryptophan and increased histidine, methionine and α-aminoadipic acid (α-AAA) compared to the Control (p < 0.05). In the 20% casein diets, addition of ≥ 1.5% Lys reduced serum asparagine and threonine, and ≥ 3% Lys reduced leucine, proline, tryptophan, valine, and ornithine, and 6% Lys reduced carnitine, and increased histidine, methionine, and α-AAA. Overall, this study showed that free Lys supplementation in a Lys-sufficient diet reduced the protein quality of the diets and modified the serum concentrations of many amino acids. Excess free Lys intake adversely affected growth and utilization of nutrients due to AA imbalance or antagonism. Overall lower protein intake increases susceptibility to the adverse effects of Lys supplementation.
A supramolecular system mimicking the infection process of an enveloped virus through membrane fusion
Authors: Furukawa Hiroto , Kimura Yuuna , Inaba Hiroshi , Matsuura Kazunori
Published: November 2023

Membrane fusion is an essential step for the entry of enveloped viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus and influenza virus, into the host cell, often triggered by the binding of membrane proteins on the viral envelope to host cell membrane. Recently, external stimuli was shown to trigger membrane fusion in an artificial system. Direct observation of artificial membrane fusion using a giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV), which is similar in size to a cell, is useful as a biological model system. However, there are no model systems for studying membrane fusion of enveloped viruses with host cells. Here, we report a supramolecular model system for viral entry into a GUV or cell through membrane fusion. The system was constructed by complexing a cationic lipid bilayer on an anionic artificial viral capsid, self-assembled from viral β-annulus peptides. We demonstrate that the cationic enveloped artificial viral capsid electrostatically interacts with the anionic GUV or cell, and the capsid enters the GUV or cell through membrane fusion. The model system established in this study will be important for analyzing membrane fusion during infection of a natural virus.
CO2 activation dominating the dry reforming of methane catalyzed by Rh(111) based on multiscale modelling
Authors: Díaz López Estefanía , Comas-Vives Aleix
Published: November 2023

Rh(111)-catalyzed dry reforming of methane (DRM) was studied via a multiscale modeling approach, identifying CO2 activation as the rate-determining step, emphasizing the approach's usefulness in providing catalytic understanding.
The digestion and absorption characteristics of human milk phospholipid analogs: a combination study between in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Shen Jiaxin , Wu Yanping , Wei Teng , He Yangzheng , Liu Xiaoru , Deng Zeyuan , Li Jing
Published: November 2023

The digestion and absorption characteristics of human milk phospholipids analog.
Conveyance of sofosbuvir through vesicular lipid nanocarriers as an effective strategy for management of viral meningitis
Authors: Satapathy Bhabani Sankar , Sahoo Pralaya Kumar , Pattnaik Snigdha , Nayak Amit Kumar , Maharana Laxmidhar , Sahoo Rudra Narayan
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to deliver a potential water-soluble antiviral drug (sofosbuvir) through optimized vesicular lipid nanocarriers (LNs) to the rat brain as a novel strategy against viral meningitis.
Depression, anxiety, and stress disorders detection in students during the Covid-19 pandemic using Naïve Bayes algorithm
Authors: Rahmadani Annisa , Setianingsih Casi , Mentari Dirgantara Fussy , Rosihan Ambarita Ayub , Ikhsan Arifin Hafid , Pangasian Manalu Indratama , Lio Pratama Muhammat
Published: November 2023

During the Covid-19 pandemic, students in Indonesia carried out bold learning from home as a social effort during the pandemic. This bold learning process is considered to be still less effective and efficient and has resulted in some students, especially students having homework during the brave learning period. This has an impact on the psychology of students such as the emergence of depression, anxiety, and stress. Sources of psychological disorders not only from academics but from within themselves also affect mental health. The results of a survey on mental health during the pandemic conducted by the Association of Indonesian Mental Medicine Specialists (PDSKJI) showed that 64.8% of respondents experienced psychological problems in the age group of 19-24 years and over 60 years. In this study the author will make a system of Tests for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Disorders in Students. The results of this test are the severity of each psychological disorder and treatment recommendations based on the test results. The psychological scale used in this study is the DASS-42 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale) which has 42 statements and 3 categories of disorders, namely depression, anxiety, and stress. Each category has 5 levels, namely normal, mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. The Test System for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Disorders for Students uses the Naïve Bayes method with the accuracy of the dataset obtained by 86.44%, so it can be said that this system is running according to the purpose.
Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding as a Predictor of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to RSUP Dr. Sardjito, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Padmaya Setiawan Tabita , Budiono Eko , Ratnasari Neneng , Bayu Nugroho Dhite
Published: November 2023

This retrospective cohort study explored the association between Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding (UGIB) and mortality in adult COVID-19 patients admitted to RSUP Dr. Sardjito Yogyakarta hospital from January 2021 to October 2022. Data, sourced from electronic medical records (EMRs) and analyzed using R Studio, aimed to discern if UGIB could predict mortality in COVID-19 patients, considering other relevant comorbidities. The univariate analysis identified several significant mortality-associated factors. Notably, UGIB presented an odds ratio (OR) of 2.14 (95% CI 1.48-3.11, p < 0.001) for increased mortality. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.34-1.81), hypoalbuminemia (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.70-2.48), hyperkalemia (OR 3.35, 95% CI 2.44-4.67), and renal impairment (OR 2.91, 95% CI 2.41-3.53) also exhibited significant associations. In contrast, being female reduced mortality risk (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69-0.90). The multivariate analysis, after adjusting for influential factors, indicated UGIB as an independent predictor with an OR of 1.68 (95% CI 1.022.79, p = 0.042). The results underscore UGIB’s significance in predicting COVID-19 patient mortality, suggesting the need for proactive interventions to enhance patient management and outcomes.
In Silico Pharmacokinetics Study of 2,5-Dibenzylidenecyclopentanone Analogs as Mono-Ketone Versions of Curcumin
Authors: Marbun Prajona , Hakim Arief Rahman , Sri Octa Ujiantari Navista , Sulistyo Ari Sudarmanto Bambang , Endro Nugroho Agung
Published: November 2023

The absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion (ADME) profile is a crucial parameter that indicates the pharmacokinetics of the drug. The pharmacokinetic properties of a drug represent the fate of the drug in the body. Curcumin is a main compound in turmeric produced by plants of the Curcuma longa species, and has several pharmacological effects in animal and human clinical studies. However, preclinical and clinical studies have shown that curcumin has pharmacokinetic limitations such as poor bioavailability and rapid metabolism which restrict its widespread use. Therefore, various modifications and synthesis of some analogs using curcumin as a lead compound with variations in the main structure and attached substituents have been carried out to explore the pharmacological effects as drug candidates. One of the widely developed methods is the modification of curcumin’s main structure, specifically the conversion from diketone to mono-ketone.In 1997, 2,5-dibenzylidene cyclopentanone analogs were synthesized and their biological activity were performed. However, there is no further information related their pharmacokinetic properties. Therefore, those properties were predicted by performing ADME calculation in two online servers, ADMETsar 2.0 and ADMETlab 2.0.. By utilizing the online servers ADMETsar 2.0, and ADMETLab 2.0 for in-silico screening of pharmacokinetic properties, from the 17 compounds, it was found that the variation among pharmacokinetic aspects was observed, either decreasing or increasing drug likeness properties of 2,5-dibenzylidene cyclopentanone analogs compared to curcumin. In addition, the interaction those analogs with protein or enzymes involved during ADME process such as blood plasma protein (albumin), p-Glycoprotein, and CYP3A4 was evaluated by performing molecular docking.. The docking results showed a sufficiently positive correlation with ADME screening outcomes.
A Survey of Community Perceptions and Knowledge Toward Antibiotic Resistance: Case Study in Magelang, Indonesia
Authors: Arfianto Erki , Hadi Sulistyaningrum Indriyati , Pribadi Prasojo , Lutfiyati Heni , Eka Septiana Vanny , Ratna Puspitadewi Amalia , Amalia Rizka , Citra Ayu Pangestuti Rayi , Falyauma Nufikha
Published: November 2023

One of the main causes of antibiotic resistance is the unprescription dispensing of antibiotics, which can result in the improper use of antibiotics. The purpose of a self-administered questionnaire-based study was to gauge participants’ understanding and opinions regarding antibiotic resistance. In October 2019, a cross-sectional descriptive survey was self-administered to individuals. For this survey, Total of 455 respondents were used. Respondents who were residing in Magelang, spoke Indonesian, and were older than eighteen were the inclusion criteria. Six sections made up the questionnaire: demographic information; five questions about general antibiotic resistance information; five questions about the advantages of antibiotics; three questions about prescription antibiotics; four questions about using antibiotics personally; and five questions about antibiotic knowledge. Data analysis were used SPSS version 21, research data is treated as a descriptive analysis. The results show that majority of respondents have the perception that antibiotics are the best choice for treating fever (26.5%), 72.3% of participants are aware of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, 53.8% of respondents said they completely trusted medical experts’ advice. Health professionals have a greater responsibility to alert the public about antibiotic use and resistance. In conclusion, it is important to increase knowledge about antibiotic resistance because it concerns the general public’s opinion regarding antibiotic resistance and their level of awareness of the risks associated with it. Ultimately, this can change people’s attitudes and actions to use antibiotics wisely.
Optimization of the Procurement Process of Pharmaceutical Supplies at Dr. M Goenawan Partowidigdo Pulmonary Hospital with a Lean Six Sigma Approach
Authors: Mutiara Supatmanto Ulfia , Chalik Sjaaf Amal , Andriani Helen , Hartati Wellya , Utaminingsih Lukluk
Published: November 2023

Internal barriers in the procurement process and pharmaceutical supply planning are barriers that can be controlled through interventions. The research focuses on proposing changes to the pharmaceutical supply management system, particularly in the aspects of planning and procurement within the internal team of the RSPG Cisarua Bogor. The intervention in this research applying lean six sigma extends only up to the “improve” phase. Data collection involves in-depth interviews with informants involved in the pharmaceutical supply planning and procurement process, as well as observation and document analysis. The research ends in group discussions to reach an agreement. The research findings reveal that a lack of established procedures in the pharmaceutical supply procurement process contributes to prolonged procedures and the absence of efficiency benchmarks within the system. Moreover, an unavailability of tools to facilitate the pharmaceutical supply procurement process causes low internal team communication. The “improve” phase of lean six sigma leads to proposed changes to the standards of operational procedures for routine pharmaceutical procurement, indicator applications of procurement efficiency and the utilization of the ABC VEN functioning as a tool within the pharmaceutical supply procurement process. The proposed improvement to tackle the matter includes the utilization of ABC VEN and efficiency indicators to overcome waste overproduction identified during the pharmaceutical supply planning process. In addition, it also involves the establishment of a new standard of operating procedure covering timelines, tools for pharmaceutical supply categorization based on ABC VEN and procurement efficiency indicator to handle waste waiting during the pharmaceutical supply procurement process.
Practice skills and compliance of private pharmacies with regulations on the prescription drug: A multi-method study in Vietnam
Authors: Phuong Thuy Nguyen Thi , Nguyen Binh Thanh , Do Xuan Thang , Vo Trung Quang , Nguyen Trung Duc , Van Thuan Nguyen , Kristina Susi Ari
Published: November 2023

Professional practice of pharmacists plays a crucial role in the reinforcement of drug retailers’ services to achieve optimal health care provision to customers. To evaluate the professional skills and compliance of retail pharmacy staff with selling prescription drugs by surveying patients’ knowledge of drugs and role-playing the customer buying antibiotics without a prescription. A cross-sectional study was conducted with two kinds of surveys at 480 drug retail establishments using the cluster sample technique among 12 provinces/cities in Vietnam. Clients were interviewed to assess their knowledge about drugs. Moreover, the method of acting as a client was used in two common scenarios in order to evaluate the implementation of professional regulations and professional practice skills of drug sellers: a child acute respiratory infection (ARI) case and an amoxicillin case without a prescription. The data were presented as frequency and percentage. The basic tests were used to compare the ratios and means between the two groups. The total number of interviewed customers was 2389 while the figure for role-playing was 960 cases. When customers buy medications with a prescription, 100% of those were fully aware of the dosage of the drugs they purchased, which was higher than the scenario of buying without a prescription (93.1%). In role-play scenarios, the rate of drug sellers asking patients to explore information was higher in the ARI children case than in the amoxicillin case. Besides, 100% of customers were consulted on treatment in both cases, and the rate of advising was at a low rate in both scenarios 3.8% in the amoxicillin case compared to 15.4% in the ARI case. Drug sellers did not respond well to requirements in professional practice and were influenced by economic concerns in business.
The acceptability of and willingness to pay for a herpes zoster vaccine: A systematic review
Authors: Thi Bich Tran Hien , Quang Vo Trung , Thi Khanh Tran Tuong , Thuy Nhu Nguyen Ha , Nguyen Ngoc Le Han , Ngoc Bui Tran Quan , Dung Diep Hanh , Tai Ung Quyen , Ari Kristina Susi
Published: November 2023

Patients, predominantly the elderly, with Herpes Zoster (HZ) not only suffer symptoms of the disease but also bear considerable expenses. This study systematically reviewed the acceptability of and willingness to pay for the HZ vaccine. This review was registered in PROSPERO 2023 (CRD42023403062). We used “acceptance”, “willing to pay”, and “HZ vaccine” (and variations thereof) as keywords in a systematic search for original English research articles published up to April 7, 2023. The search was conducted over Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Google Scholar in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The inclusion criteria were as follows: studies (1) that mentioned HZ vaccination, (2) related to acceptability or willingness to pay, and (3) with full texts available and peer-reviewed prior to final publication. Grey literature, letters to editors, commentaries, case reports or series, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, articles of poor quality, and articles with ambiguously defined and measured outcome variables were excluded. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Finally, the search yielded 24 studies, of which 9 were conducted in Asia, 8 in Europe, and 7 in America. General adults or patients aged 50 or older were often the target populations, for whom treatments were accompanied by healthcare providers’ recommendations. The willingness to pay and willingness to accept the vaccine ranged from $8 to $150 and 16.6% to 85.8%, respectively. Compared to the US, Asia and Europe had higher acceptance rates for HZ immunization. The most frequent excuses given for not being vaccinated are side effects, cost, lack of recommendations, anti-vaccination views, ignorance about the HZ vaccine, and the belief that one is not at risk for the disease. National campaigns should be developed to increase public awareness of HZ, and more international research should be conducted to understand the WTA and WTP for HZ immunizations.