bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural sources, biosynthesis, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms of shikimic acid and its derivatives
Authors: Gandhi Gopalsamy Rajiv , Vasconcelos Alan Bruno Silva , Antony Poovathumkal James , Montalvão Monalisa Martins , de Franca Mariana Nobre Farias , Hillary Varghese Edwin , Ceasar Stanislaus Antony , Liu Dan
Published: April 2023

Shikimic acid is a hydroaromatic compound possessing critical biological properties, such as antibacterial and antiviral activity. This review mainly focused on shikimic acid and its derivatives. We first briefly introduced the sources of shikimic acid and its derivatives and discussed their biosynthesis. Several in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that shikimic acid and its derivatives exhibit diverse bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, bone protective, skin protective, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities. We mainly focused on the related molecular mechanisms. Overall, the wide range of bioactivities of shikimic acid and its derivatives indicate that a more detailed exploration of their potential for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases is warranted.
Canada India Healthcare Summit 2021
Authors: Lakshmanan Vaikuntam I. , Chockalingam Arun , Kalyanasundaram S.
Published: April 2023

The Canada India Health-care Summit 2021, (“CIHS 2021”), is the 3rd Summit, focusing on healthcare, organized by Canada India Foundation, as part of an ongoing series of thematic Canada India Forums, to highlight opportunities for collaboration between Canada and India in key strategic sectors and make public policy recommendations to the respective governments. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – University Health Network and the Consulate General of India in Toronto were co-organizers of the Summit. CIHS 2021 was focused on three themes: (1) artificial intelligence and its contribution to overcome COVID-19, (2) biotechnology and its contribution to overcome COVID-19, and (3) pandemic responses and initiatives. The Summit was held on May 20, 2021– May 21, 2021, and was preceded by three webinars. More than 60 healthcare experts and government leaders spoke at the Summit, to nearly 500 virtual attendees. A full report of the Summit with specific policy recommendations was made to the Canadian and Indian governments.
Artificial intelligence and its contribution to overcome COVID-19
Authors: Chockalingam Arun , Tyagi Vibha , Krishnan Rahul G. , Khan Shehroz S , Chandar Sarath , Beg Mirza Faisal , Mahajan Vidur , Patel Parasvil , Mullapudi Sri Teja , Thakkar Nikita , Bhasin Arrti A , Tyagi Atul , Ye Bing , Mihailidis Alex
Published: April 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has a great impact on our daily living and makes our lives more efficient and productive. Especially during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, AI has played a key role in response to the global health crisis. There has been a boom in AI innovation and its use since the pandemic. However, despite its widespread adoption and great potential, most people have little knowledge of AI concepts and realization of its potential. The objective of this white paper is to communicate the importance of AI and its benefits to society. The report covers AI applications in six different topics from medicine (AI deployment in clinical settings, imaging and diagnostics, and acceleration of drug discovery) to more social aspects (support older adults in long-term care homes, and AI in supporting small and medium enterprises. The report ends with nine steps to consider for moving forward with AI implementation during and post pandemic period. These include legal and ethical data collection and storage, greater data access, multidisciplinary collaboration, and policy reform.
Chronic noncommunicable diseases and COVID-19
Authors: Farkouh Michael E , Bhasin Arrti A , Ko Dennis T , Roy Aviral , Khurana Indira , Chockalingam Arun
Published: April 2023

This white paper will summarize the key topics, outcomes, and recommendations from the Canada-India Healthcare Summit 2021 COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Initiatives sessions held on May 20–21, 2021. In particular, the authors have focused their attention on topics on the effect of COVID-19 on noncommunicable diseases, depression, research on substance abuse, and post COVID-19 pain management. The authors have developed a better understanding of these conditions' interplay with COVID-19 infection. The paper also deals with important topics around the effects of NCD on COVID-19 and vice versa, as well as key considerations around research and development, innovation, policy, and finally, summarizes the ways forward in which Canada and India could collaborate strategically. We also include key points raised during the summit.
Enveloped virus-like particles as a platform for vaccine development
Authors: Diaz-Mitoma Francisco
Published: April 2023

Vaccination is the most effective approach in preventing and controlling the global public health threat of infectious diseases. Enveloped virus-like particles (eVLPs) offer advantages over other subunit vaccines because of their self-adjuvanting properties. Their optimal size and particulate structure activate antigen-presenting cells. The flexibility in manufacturing, applications, and advantages for preventing or treating disease are highlighted by the vaccine candidates described in this review. Previous preclinical and clinical studies demonstrated the immunogenicity of two eVLP vaccine candidates designed to protect against cytomegalovirus. The expression of viral envelope proteins in the eVLPs induces a robust neutralizing antibody response, which is considered a correlate of protection in many viral infections. VBI has developed two vaccine candidates against SARS CoV2, VBI-2902a, and VBI-2905a. Ongoing clinical development of these vaccine candidates will assess human safety and immunogenicity, after one or two doses in previously vaccinated and unvaccinated, individuals (NCT04773665).
Differentially Expressed Inflammatory Cell Death-Related Genes and the Serum Levels of IL-6 are Determinants for Severity of Coronaviruses Diseases-2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Heidarvand Mohammad , Hosseini Reza , Kazemi Mohammad , Andalib Alireza , Sami Ramin , Eskandari Nahid , Ghezelbash Behrooz
Published: April 2023

Background:

Inflammatory cell death, PANoptosis, has been suggested to orchestrate the lymphocyte decrement among coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. The main aim of this study was to examine the differences in the expression of key genes related to inflammatory cell death and their correlation with lymphopenia in the mild and severe types of COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty-eight patients (36 to 60 years old) with mild (n = 44) and severe (n = 44) types of COVID-19 were enrolled. The expression of key genes related to apoptosis (FAS-associated death domain protein, FADD), pyroptosis (ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARD)), the adapter protein ASC binds directly to caspase-1 and is critical for caspase-1 activation in response to a broad range of stimuli), and necroptosis (mixed lineage kinase domain-like, MLKL) genes were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay, and compared between the groups. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay.

Results:

A major increase in the expression of FADD, ASC, and MLKL-related genes in the severe type of patients was compared to the mild type of patients. The serum levels of IL-6 similarly indicated a significant increase in the severe type of the patients. A significant negative correlation was detected between the three genes' expression and the levels of IL-6 with the lymphocyte counts in both types of COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion:

Overall, the main regulated cell-death pathways are likely to be involved in lymphopenia in COVID-19 patients, and the expression levels of these genes could potentially predict the patients' outcome.
Evaluation of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L) Effects on Anxiety in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Askari Fariba , Seidi Jamal , Naqshbandi Mohammad Khaled , Kashefi Hajar , Shami Sholeh
Published: April 2023

Background:

Anxiety is a common psychiatric condition in cardio-vascular diseases. Saffron appears to have a wide range of therapeutic effects on psychiatric conditions and cardio-vascular disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of saffron on anxiety in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Materials and Methods:

In this clinical investigation, we selected 80 patients with ACS from Tohid Medical Center, Sanandaj. Patients were divided randomly into two groups, intervention group (n = 41), and control group (n = 39), based on how they received saffron and placebo every 12 hours for 4 days, respectively. The Spielberger Anxiety Inventory was completed before and after the intervention in both groups.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding the mean scores of the trait and state anxiety before and after the intervention (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The present study did not corroborate the therapeutic effects of saffron on reducing anxiety in patients with ACS.
Evaluation of Rap1GAP and EPAC1 gene expression in endometriosis disease
Authors: Dehghanian Mehran , Yarahmadi Ghafour , Sandoghsaz Reyhaneh Sadat , Khodadadian Ali , Shamsi Farimah , Vahidi Mehrjardi Mohammad Yahya
Published: April 2023

Background:

Endometriosis is a female reproductive system disease in which the endometrial tissue is found in other women's organs. Various factors are effective in the development of endometriosis, and because of the interaction of genetics and environmental factors, this disease is a multi-factorial disease. MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways are activated by growth factors and steroid hormones and are known as two important pathways involved in the processes of growth, proliferation, and survival of endometriosis cells. Raps, monomeric GTPase of the Ras family, are able to activate these pathways independent of Ras. The goal of our study was to evaluate the expression level of Rap1GAP and EPAC1 genes as two important RapGAPs (GTPase-activating proteins) and RapGEFs (guanine nucleotide exchange factors), respectively, in endometriosis tissues and normal endometrium tissues.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 15 samples of women without signs of endometriosis were taken as control samples. Fifteen ectopic and 15 eutopic samples were taken from women with endometriosis using laparoscopic surgery. The expression of EPAC1 and Rap1GAP genes was investigated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique, and the results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test.

Results:

EPAC1 upregulated significantly in ectopic tissues compared to eutopic and control tissues. Rap1GAP expression was lower in ectopic tissues compared to control and eutopic tissues.

Conclusions:

Based on these results, it may be concluded that changes in the expression of the Rap1GAP and Epca1 genes may play a role in the pathways involved in the pathogenesis, displacement, and migration of endometriosis cells.
Elderly Population Has Higher Prevalence of Polypharmacy Associated with Poor Quality of Life and Low Compliance after Recovery from COVID-19
Authors: Nivatti Jyotsana , Halder Sumita , Goel Ashish , Gupta Rachna , Wason Rhea
Published: April 2023

Background:

Long term effects of COVID are not fully understood yet. The geriatric population has been badly affected. The impact of COVID-19 on the health-related quality of life after recovery and patient compliance is a matter of concern especially in the geriatric population where polypharmacy is often prevalent.

Aims and Objectives:

This study intended to observe the occurrence of polypharmacy (PP) among COVID-19 recovered older patients with multimorbidity and explore its association with health-related quality of life and compliance in these patients.

Materials and Methods:

Total 90 patients, above 60 years of age having two or more co-morbidities and recovered from COVID-19 infection were included in this cross-sectional study. Number of pills taken daily by each patient was noted, to determine the occurrence of PP. WHO-QOL-BREF was used to assess the effect of PP on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Medication adherence was measured using a self-reported questionnaire.

Results:

PP was found in 94.4% while hyper polypharmacy was found in 45.56% of patients. The overall mean score of HRQOL in patients with PP was 187.91 ± 32.98, indicating poor quality of life with PP (p value 0.0014) whereas the overall mean score of HRQOL in patients with hyper polypharmacy was 177.41 ± 26.11, showing poor quality of life with hyper polypharmacy (p value 0.0005). Increased number of pills corelated with poor quality of life (r =0.49). The medication adherence was found to be poor in patients who received mean number of pills 10.44 ± 2.62 whereas the adherence was good if the mean number of pills was 8.20 ± 2.63, (p value of 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Polypharmacy is highly prevalent among COVID-19 recovered patients and is associated with poor quality of life as well as poor medication adherence.
Effects of Obesity on Severity of Menopausal Symptoms in Urban and Rural Women
Authors: Sreenivas Sudha Bakthavathsalam , Kashyap Pranav Balaji
Published: April 2023

Background:

According to the WHO, obesity is an epidemic and is quantified by obesity indices. Menopause is a crucial period with a tendency toward weight gain and has profound implications on the morbidity and mortality of women. This study provides a greater insight into the aggravating adverse effects of obesity on the lifestyles of urban and rural women during their menopausal phase. Hence, this cross-sectional study aims at analyzing the effects of obesity indices on the severity of menopausal symptoms in urban and rural women.

Objectives:

1. To compare the obesity indices in rural and urban women and to study the severity of menopausal symptoms in them. 2. To assess the influence of the area and body mass index (BMI) on menopausal symptoms.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study comprised 120 women, of which 60 healthy women volunteers between the age group of 40 and 55 years from the urban area and 60 age-matched healthy women volunteers from the rural area were recruited. The sample size was calculated based on stratified random sampling. After obtaining informed consent anthropometric measurements were recorded and the Menopausal Rating Scale was used for assessing the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Results:

A positive correlation was observed between the severity of menopausal symptoms and BMI as well as waist circumference in urban women. The problems related to menopausal symptoms were milder in rural women.

Conclusions:

Our study concludes that obesity worsens the severity of several menopausal symptoms which is greater among obese urban women owing to the urban lifestyle and increased stress levels.
Ultrasonography for Assessment of Sarcopenia
Authors: Gupta Monica , Lehl Sarabmeet Singh , Lamba Amtoj Singh
Published: April 2023

The human skeletal muscle has a pivotal role in preserving health by maintaining mobility, balance, and metabolic homeostasis. Significant muscle loss as a part of aging and accelerated by disease leads to sarcopenia which becomes an important predictor of quality of life in older persons. Therefore, clinical screening for sarcopenia and validation by precise qualitative and quantitative measurement of skeletal muscle mass (MM) and function is at the center-stage of translational research. Many imaging modalities are available, each having their strengths and limitations, either in interpretation, technical processes, time constraints, or expense. B-mode ultrasonography (US) is a relatively novel approach to evaluating muscle. It can measure several parameters such as MM and architecture simultaneously including muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, echogenicity, pennate angle, and fascicle length. It can also evaluate dynamic parameters like muscle contraction force and muscle microcirculation. US has not gained global attention due to a lack of consensus on standardization and diagnostic threshold values to diagnose sarcopenia. However, it is an inexpensive and widely available technique with clinical applicability. The ultrasound-derived parameters correlate well with strength and functional capacity and provide potential prognostic information. Our aim is to present an update on the evidence-based role of this promising technique in sarcopenia, its advantages over the existing modalities, and its limitations in actual practice with the hope that it may emerge as the “stethoscope” for community diagnosis of sarcopenia.
Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components
Authors: Nandhini R. , Nath Banashree , Gaikwad Harsha S. , Sharma Manjula , Meena Snehlata
Published: April 2023

Aim:

This study aims to determine the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and recognize its abnormal components in pre and postmenopausal women. We also aim to recognize the abnormal components in postmenopausal women with regard to duration since menopause.

Materials and Methods:

The cross-sectional study was undertaken among pre- and post-menopausal women between 40 and 65 years. Women with MS were identified as per the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III.

Results:

A total of 220 women were enrolled comprising 112 premenopausal and 108 postmenopausal women, the prevalence of MS among them being 33% and 51.85%, respectively. Postmenopausal status was found to be independently associated with MS when adjusted for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratios = 14.77, 95% confidence intervals: 1.77–23.33). All the components were proportionately higher in postmenopausal group, the rise in blood pressure (BP) (P = 0.003) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (0.027) being statistically significant. The risk of MS, abdominal obesity, and high BP were highest in <5 years since menopause and decreased thereafter. The risk for low HDL and high triglyceride increased with the number of years since menopause, reaching the peak level in the 5–9-year group and then decreased while the risk of high fasting blood sugar increased reaching peak in the 10–14 years’ group.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of MS is significantly high in postmenopausal women. Screening of women in premenopausal period will give an opportunity to intervene and prevent the menace of MS in Indian women predisposed to abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular adverse events.
Environmental risk factors for cardiovascular diseases using geographic information systems in an urban slum, Bengaluru
Authors: Srinivasan Deepa , Johnson Avita Rose , Jang Subin , Mathew Savan Sara , Fathima Farah Naaz
Published: April 2023

Background:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a growing epidemic, is influenced by various environmental factors, and the potential connection is not studied adequately.

Objective:

Hence, our study was aimed at assessing the environmental risk factors for CVD and assessing perceptions about the same among the adults residing in an urban slum, Bengaluru.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a validated environmental assessment tool – Environmental Profile of Community Health. It consists of two parts: (i) an assessment of the physical environment for CVD-risk behaviors and (ii) a questionnaire to collect residents' perceptions of their community's environmental risks for CVD.

Results:

The community had two environmental risk factors for CVD-tobacco stores and fast-food restaurants. The community had ten convenience stores, all of which sold tobacco products. Vegetables and fruits were available, and the community also had a park for recreation. We interviewed a total of four study participants with a mean age of 38.5 ± 5.4 years. All participants reported that they have seen people smoke outside public places and inside residences. They felt that society disapproved of women and children smoking while men were excluded. Study participants have reported seeing tobacco and junk food advertisements. Tobacco was easily accessible and available to all ages.

Conclusions:

The urban community was not CVD-friendly. Awareness regarding risk factors for CVD was good. Adequate urban planning, policy-level advocacy, and tailor-made lifestyle changes for patients are the key to preventing CVD.
Poor risk factor control among stroke survivors - A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Shani SD , Sylaja PN , Sarma P Sankara , Raman Kutty V
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

A cross-sectional survey was done to find out the prevalence and control status of cardiovascular risk factors among stroke survivors within a post-stroke period of 3 months to 1 year.

Methodology:

The data on the prevalence of risk factors were taken from past medical history and medical records. The risk factor control is defined as achieving the targeted levels of blood pressure, blood sugars and cholesterol. Data on a diet, physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption were also collected. Standard instruments were used to measure blood pressure, weight, height, and waist circumference (WC). The blood sugar and lipid values were taken from labratory reports.

Results:

Stroke survivors (N = 240) participated. Around 75% of the participants were obese or overweight. Normal WC was found only in 25% of the participants. Majority of the participants were not following a healthy diet (62.5%) or doing recommended physical activity (87.1%). The prevalence of diabetes (61.2%), hypertension (88.6%), and dyslipidemia (96%) were high among stroke survivors. The targeted level of diabetic control and hypertension control level was achieved by 26% and 36.2, respectively, while around 72% attained lipid control.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is very high among stroke survivors, and it is poorly controlled.
Dietary approaches in management of noncommunicable diseases
Authors: Lunghar Janeline , Banu A. Thahira
Published: April 2023

The prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has increased drastically over recent decades, with 41 million deaths each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally. Unhealthy food choices and food habits, excessive calories, and inactivity are apparent factors to NCDs, namely obesity, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Healthy dietary intake and calorie restrictions have a promising effect on longevity. Eventually, adopting these strategies may delay the onset and decrease the burden of NCDs. Recent findings proved that nutrition has a strong association with the prevalence of NCDs. American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund says 30%–40% of cancers are preventable by adopting healthy food choices, dietary restrictions, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining body mass index. This review focuses on dietary intake and dietary restrictions and finally leads to understand the vital role of gut microbiome in managing NCDs.
The readiness of frontline health workers in enhancing diabetes and hypertension self-management education and practice in the community settings in Delhi, India
Authors: Basu Saurav , Garg Suneela , Hossain Samar , Gupta Divya , Duggal Kushagr
Published: April 2023

The present study was conducted among accredited social health activists (ASHAs), female frontline health workers of India, to assess their knowledge of self-care management for diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) and understand their readiness to promote medical adherence. Only 21 (41.2%) participants (n = 51) were aware of all the four major behavioral risk factors, including physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco smoking, and harmful alcohol use that increased the risk of development and progression of DM and HTN. The ASHAs were positively inclined toward participation in health education activities through home visits but were disinclined to be involved in the home distribution of medications.
Underweight and overweight/obesity among middle aged and older adults in India
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective :

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of underweight and overweight/obesity among middle aged and older adults in India.

Materials and Methods :

The cross-sectional sample consisted of 72,262 individuals (≥45 years) from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India Wave 1 in 2017–2018. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the factors associated with underweight and overweight/obesity relative to normal weight.

Results :

The prevalence of normal weight (18.5–22.9 kg/m2) was 36.7%, underweight (<18.5 kg/m2) 20.8%, overweight (23.0–24.9 kg/m2) 14.2%, Class I obesity (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) 20.8%, and Class II obesity (≥30.0 kg/m2) 7.4%. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression, the factors positively associated with underweight were older age (≥70 years) (adjusted relative risk ratio [ARRR]: 1.94, confidence interval [CI]: 1.75–2.14), food insecurity (ARRR: 1.19, CI: 1.07–1.33), poor or fair self-rated health status (ARRR: 1.14, CI: 1.05–1.33), and current tobacco use (ARRR: 1.42, CI: 1.31–1.53). The factors negatively associated with underweight were higher education (≥10 years) (ARRR: 0.67, CI: 0.48–0.92), high subjective socioeconomic status (ARRR: 0.78, CI: 0.67–0.92), urban residence (ARRR: 0.72, CI: 0.61–0.84), high life satisfaction (ARRR: 0.83, CI: 0.75–0.91), hypertension (ARRR: 0.64, CI: 0.58–0.69), diabetes (ARRR: 0.50, CI: 0.42–0.59), and heart disease or stroke (ARRR: 0.74, CI: 0.61–0.89). The factors positively associated with overweight/obesity were higher education (≥10 years) (ARRR: 2.09, CI: 1.87–2.33), high subjective socioeconomic status (ARRR: 1.44, CI: 1.31–1.59), urban residence (ARRR: 1.94, CI: 1.79–2.11), high life satisfaction (ARRR: 1.12, CI: 1.04–1.20), hypertension (ARRR: 1.89, CI: 1.76–2.02), type 2 diabetes (ARRR: 1.80, CI: 1.59–2.04), and raised cholesterol (ARRR: 2.75, CI: 2.11–3.58). The factors negatively associated with overweight/obesity were older age (≥70 years) (ARRR: 0.44, CI: 0.39–0.49), male sex (ARRR: 0.59, CI: 0.54–0.64), food insecurity (ARRR: 0.85, CI: 0.76–0.94), vigorous physical activity (>once/week) (ARRR: 0.91, CI: 0.84–0.99), current tobacco use (ARRR: 0.69, CI: 0.64–0.74), and heavy episodic alcohol use (ARRR: 0.70, CI: 0.58–0.85).

Conclusion :

One in five middle-aged and older adults in India were underweight and more than two in five were overweight/obese, confirming a dual burden of malnutrition in India.
Optical coherence tomography biomarkers after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with diabetic macular edema
Authors: Matias Maria João , Miranda Vítor , Aguiar Catarina Pestana , Duarte Lilianne
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective:

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) plays a crucial role in guiding the treatment and establishing the prognosis of diabetic macular edema (DME). We aimed to determine which OCT biomarkers respond better to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) switch after antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment poor response.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-eight eyes with DME, submitted to IVTA switch, were included in this retrospective study. OCT biomarkers and best-corrected visual acuity (VA) were assessed, before and after treatment with a mean follow-up of 2.9 months.

Results:

IVTA switch resulted in improved VA, central foveal thickness (CFT), and macular volume. Intraretinal cysts decreased or disappeared completely (P = 0.007) in 84.2% of the eyes, as well as the hyperreflective foci (P = 0.004) and the subretinal fluid (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

We show that IVTA switch is an effective rescue therapy in anti-VEGF therapy refractory DME. OCT plays an important role in selecting the most appropriate treatment, namely between anti-VEGF and steroids.
The art of fixing a ticking time bomb: Combined phacoemulsification and amniotic membrane transplantation
Authors: Tang Allan Chong-Su , Teh Swee Sew , Yong Geng-Yi , Tan Zhi-Han , Yong Xiu-Rong
Published: April 2023

Bleb leakage is a notorious complication of glaucoma filtration surgery which increases the risk of sight-threatening conditions. A 25-year-old female with severe bilateral juvenile open-angle glaucoma was treated for blebitis and exogenous endophthalmitis secondary to chronic bleb leak after undergoing XEN implantation, followed by multiple rounds of bleb needling, and augmented trabeculectomy. In the right eye, visual acuity was hand movement with cataract, intraocular pressure was 6 mmHg and the bleb was large, highly elevated from 10 to 1 o’clock, avascular, thin wall, and cystic with leaking points. Combined surgery of low-setting phacoemulsification and amniotic membrane transplantation without excising and manipulating the bleb was performed in the same setting. At postoperative 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year, her right vision had improved to 6/24, and the intraocular pressure was 12–14 mmHg, and the bleb leakage had resolved. This successful treatment was accomplished by maintaining the bleb’s viability, preventing additional injury, and promoting wound healing.
Isolation and identification of Vibrio spp. with potential ability to produce polysaccharide monooxygenase from diseased Penaeus monodon
Authors: Giap Ho Ta , Vu Ngo Nguyen , Van Vu Van
Published: April 2023

Polysaccharide monooxygenases (PMOs) and Glycoside Hydrolases (GH) play a crucial role in breaking down chitin and cellulose. Research on PMOs has mainly focused on their role in the production of bioethanol from biomass. Still, the potential of PMOs as virulence factors in microorganisms is not been fully studied. Some pathogenic bacteria secrete PMOs, which have been identified as virulence factors. The ability of Vibrio species to metabolize chitin is well-known, but the question of which Vibrio species contains the PMO gene remains unanswered. Materials and methods: Black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon was collected from a culture pond in Long An, Vietnam. Thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose and CHROMagar Vibrio agar were used to isolate, Vibrio bacteria from the shrimp samples. Mixed bases primers were designed to detect PMOs gene from Vibrio strains. Results: Total of 35 different strains of bacteria were isolated from the guts and pancreas of the shrimp sample. Based on biochemical tests, there were a total of 20 different Vibrio strains identified among 35 isolated strains. The PCR results showed that six isolates could have the PMOs gene. The partial 16S rDNA fragments of six isolate Vibrio strains were sequenced. Comparing 16S rDNA sequences with sequences available in NCBI databases revealed that all the sequences are Vibrio spp. 16S rDNA sequences.
Disinfection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus on flat surface by 460 nm light and hydrogen peroxide combination
Authors: Thien Truong Nguyen Thuan , Vu Ngo Nguyen , Tin Tran Trung , Van Vu Van , Hoai Nguyen Thi Thu , Thiet Vu Minh
Published: April 2023

Staphyloxanthin (STX) is a carotenoid pigment produced by Staphylococcus aureus to protect the bacteria from oxidation stress. Eliminating Staphyloxanthin from S. aureus cell membrane by inducing the pigment photolysis using 460nm light, then killing weakened bacteria with an H2O2 solution could be a new approach to develop anti - Staphylococcus aureus procedure. A model to prove the feasibility of this combination to kill Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) bacteria on a flat surface was tested. Material and method: Staphyloxanthin pigment extracted from MRSA bacteria was treated with 460nm light at different light intensities to evaluate the photolysis potential of 460nm light. The change in MRSA shape after 460nm light treatment was also investigated by Scanning electron microscopy. Using glass cover-slips as an emulated model for contact surface in public, the combination of different 460nm light intensities and H2O2 0.75% was tested on the surface loaded with MRSA living cells, and the number of MRSA cells survived after treatment was enumerated. Result: Higher intensity and longer light treatment yielded a higher photolysis effect, as 100 and 200 mW/cm2 light intensity could degrade 77.50% to 83.45% of STX pigment after 20 minutes of irradiation. Also, MRSA cells had significant changes as more wrinkles and bumps appeared under high-intensity 460nm light. When tested on the flat surface of the coverslip, the strongest MRSA eradication effect can be observed in the combination of 200 mW/cm2 light treatment with 0.75% H2O2 solution, as 100% MRSA cells were completely killed after 20 minutes of treatment.
ERGONOMİ 4.0 VE AKILLI FABRİKALAR: YENİ İŞ TASARIMINA YÖNELİK İNSAN FAKTÖRÜ TEMELLİ BİR ÖLÇEK ÖNERİSİ
Authors: YILMAZ KAYA Burcu , ADEM Aylin , DAĞDEVİREN Metin
Published: April 2023

Son yıllarda süreçlerde yaşanan hızlı dijitalleşme etkileri ile sistemler için yeni teknolojiler geliştirilirken iş sistemi tasarımları da bu hızlı değişimden payını almaktadır. İşçi refahı ile endüstriyel sistem üretkenliği arasındaki güçlü ilişkiye bağlı olarak Endüstri Mühendisliği literatüründe ergonomi ve insan faktörleri mühendisliğine olan ilgi artmaktadır. Endüstri 4.0 uygulamalarını iş sistemlerinde hayata geçirebilmek ve iş tasarımını uyarlayabilmek için bilimsel araştırmacılar ve yöneticiler risk faktörlerinin değerlendirmesi ve ergonomik düzenlemelerin gerçekleştirilmesi için geleneksel bakış açısı ile gelişmekte olan yeni teknolojiyi entegre eden, aynı zamanda mevcut sistemde var olan fiziksel ergonomik riski dengelemek ve azaltmak için müdahaleler öneren yaklaşımlar geliştirmelidir. Bu çalışmada Endüstri 4.0 bileşenlerinden akıllı fabrika ve akıllı üretim alanlarına geçiş süreçlerinde iş tasarımında fiziksel risk seviyesini azaltarak iş ve iş yerinin ergonomik uygunluğu arttıracak sistem tasarımı için işbirlikçi robot (collaborative robot–Cobot) teknolojilerinin kullanımı ele alınmıştır. Çalışmada Cobot teknolojisinin atanacağı iş istasyonu seçiminde dikkat edilmesi gereken faktörler araştırılarak insan-robot etkileşimli üretim hatlarında gerçekleştirilecek uygulamalar için bir uygunluk skalası geliştirilmiştir.
Formación profesional del docente y la III Convención colectiva única de trabajadores universitarios. Caso: Universidad de Oriente
Authors: Ronceros Morales Cristhian , Miranda Mudarra Yadira del Valle , Rivera Machado María Eugenia , Javier Alexander Ramirez León Javier Alexander Ramirez León
Published: April 2023

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el nivel de correlación entre la formación profesional del docente de la escuela de ciencias sociales y administrativas (ECSA) de la UDO Núcleo de Monagas, en el periodo 2015 – 2020 y los beneficios otorgados por la III Convención Colectiva Única (CCU) de Trabajadores para el Sector Universitario. Es una investigación de tipo correlacional, tomando como población los 149 docentes adscritos a la escuela de ciencias sociales y administrativas (ECSA) de la Universidad de Oriente Núcleo Monagas. En la investigación se concluye que existe una correlación positiva débil entre las variables Formación Profesional (trabajo de ascenso y estudios de posgrados) y la III Convención Colectiva. Se puede inferir que los docentes se preocupan por su formación profesional siguiendo lo establecido en la Gaceta 70 de la UDO y su reglamento de personal docente y de investigación, y no lo hacen por el beneficio socioeconómico poco significativos que reciben de la III Convención Colectiva.
Valoración de la capacidad aeróbica de estudiantes de Educación Física a través del Test de Cooper
Authors: Rosario Rodríguez José Luis
Published: April 2023

Resumen El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo principal determinar la capacidad aeróbica de estudiantes de Educación Física a través del Test de Cooper a través del cual se persiguió conocer la condición física de estos, además de que los mismos conocieran el proceso de manera que posteriormente puedan poner en práctica como docentes. La metodología empleada se basó en un enfoque descriptivo transversal fundamentado en un componente cuantitativo. Las técnicas de recolección de datos empleadas fueron el Test de Cooper y la observación participante y como instrumento fue aplicada una matriz de datos. La población de estudio se compuso de 228 estudiantes y la muestra fue de 9 estudiantes, todos cursantes de la Licenciatura en Educación Física. Los resultados obtenidos del Test de Cooper indican que los estudiantes realizan la actividad aeróbica a muy baja intensidad, sin embargo, el consumo de VO2 máx. es excelente. Se concluyó que la intensidad aeróbica de los estudiantes es leve, el consumo de VO2 máx. es excelente y que la capacidad aeróbica de los estudiantes es eficiente.
Ambientación del aula como escenario estimulador en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes de Pre-Primario
Authors: Román Santana Wanda Marina , Gómez Cabreja Elisa María
Published: April 2023

Esta investigación estuvo enfocada en la ambientación del aula como se convierte en un espacio que estimula el aprendizaje, la misma tuvo como objetivo general analizar la importancia de la ambientación del aula como escenario estimulador en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes de Pre-Primario. La metodología usada fue basada en un enfoque cuantitativo con un diseño no experimental del tipo descriptiva. Como técnica de investigación se utilizó la encuesta y como instrumento un cuestionario de preguntas cerradas que fue aplicado a las docentes. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el 93% de las docentes encuestadas relacionan el contenido con la ambientación del aula debido a que ambientan el aula tomando en cuenta los contenidos, el 90% concuerdan en que afecta de manera significativa las condiciones físicas del aula en los estudiantes y en ese mismo orden el 73% tienen como criterio fundamental para la ambientación de su aula que los estudiantes se sientan interesados por los contenidos. Concluyendo que la ambientación áulica favorece en gran medida el aprendizaje, haciéndolo ver como un escenario estimulador en el aprendizaje de los niños de educación infantil, donde la ubicación y la elección del color son factores importantes.
Dilemmas Of Singlehood In Contemporary Pakistani Culture: A Qualitative Study Of Unheard Voices
Authors: Sultana Aneela , Zeeshan Mehwish , Ahmed Farooq
Published: April 2023

Marriage has always been central to women’s lives in Pakistan and to remain single is not only considered socially unacceptable but also perceived as non-compliance to the cultural hegemony of the institute of marriage. Pakistan is a country where marriage is considered mandatory and singlehood is viewed as anomalous particularly in the case of women. The present study put light on the experiences of those women who remain unmarried in a traditional society like Pakistan where women are generally seen only as wives and mothers. This study attempted to analyse the perspectives of never-married women with greater emphasis on the issues and challenges faced by them. The primary objective of this paper is to highlight the cultural and psycho-social aspects ofsinglehood and to voice the opinions and ‘lived experiences’ of the never-married female from their perspective. In Pakistani culture, women are generally expected to get married by their mid-twenties. The study was conducted with the help of a qualitative phenomenological approach. It relied on anthropological methods of data collection from twenty never-married women over the age of thirty-five years. Findings revealed that respondents in this study acknowledged their latent desire to be married and having fulfilled lives, however, owing to some tragic socio-familial circumstances, such as financial constraints, the death of father and the responsibility to look after widowed mother and younger siblings, caste-based endogamy, lack of physical attractiveness, failure to find a compatible spouse, were identified as some of the contributory. Regardless of whether the causes for their single status were circumstantial or optional, unmarried women experience criticism, disgrace, loneliness, and feeling of being left out in a patriarchal societal setup where traditional gender role expectations bound women with marriage and motherhood.
From 24/7 To 9-5: The Co-Optation And Indigenization1 Of Feminism By Women Rights NGOS In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Alam Aisha , Sanauddin Noor
Published: April 2023

The study explores the nature and form of the contemporary women's rights movement utilizing a contextual understanding of feminist activities accentuated by selected women NGOs. The thematic working areas of these organizations were aimed to gauge the status of women in the region to see how coherent and impactful the women’s movement is to achieve its goals in the presence and pressure of government and donor policies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 participants working in Peshawar-based women/feminist NGOs using the purposive sampling technique. Herbert Blummer's theoretical model of stages of social movements was used to validate the findings. The study findings revealed that the contemporary women's rights movement in the region of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is diverse, fragmented and its existence is dependent on the efforts made by individuals and organizations. Furthermore, the women's rights struggle has been NGOized because NGOs are donors dependent for their activities, and volunteerism became a rare virtue as feminism is commercialized and carried out mostly for social media stories and for attacking more funding for the NGOs. Street activism which used to be the backbone of the Pakistani women’s movement has now changed into paid activism. In short, the definition of the contemporary women's rights movement is different from the water-tight definition discussed in the textbooks. It is rudimentary that may potentially be evolved into a vibrant and organized movement subject to favorable circumstances.
CHUNKS IN L2 WRITING: PEDAGOGICAL IMPLICATIONS FROM GERMAN UNIVERSITY LANGUAGE ENTRANCE EXAMS
Authors: McGury Sandra , Wulff Nadja
Published: April 2023

Before their enrollment in a German university, international prospective students face the challenge of mastering coherent written texts for language entrance exams which assess the test takers’ ability to compare and contrast, discuss, or argue for a position using the appropriate linguistic tools and following norms conforming to the accepted standards within German academia. This paper discusses how test takers perform in such tasks and which strategies they make use of.

 

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THE ROLES OF DISCOURSE MARKERS IN DISCOURSE
Authors: Diem Pham Ngoc
Published: April 2023

With the emergence of globalization, language is a medium of communication in human daily activities and plays a vital role across cultures and becomes a popular subject in various linguistic ventures. Hence, looking into the functions of discourse markers in spoken and written text or thought which becomes an interesting research topic for discourse analysts (Blakemore, 1992; Schiffrin, 1999), is a relevant and productive academic attempt. In this paper, the researcher explores three main theoretical frameworks for studying discourse markers: coherence theory, relevance theory and adaptation theory.
 

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CREATION OF QUESTIONNAIRE KEYWORDS WITH THE CISE METHOD FOR KMS USER SATISFACTION EVALUATION
Authors:   Universitas Budi Luhur, Tju Teja Endra Eng
Published: April 2023

This study aims to obtain user satisfaction factors for a knowledge management system so that a questionnaire can be made for evaluation or measurement. The SECI method is used with the CISE sequence which consists of four knowledge creation steps, namely C-combination, I-nternalization, S-socialization, and ending E-externalization. The stage begins with literature studies and then modifications are made with the selection, addition, and incorporation of existing models. From understanding and analyzing several models, discussions or brainstorming with colleagues were then carried out so that a final model was obtained to compile a list of keywords and statements as a questionnaire based on indicators related to knowledge management and the satisfaction of knowledge management system users. The results obtained there are eight user satisfaction factors divided into technical aspects (knowledge quality, knowledge sharing, system quality, service quality) and social aspects (management support, system use, perceived usefulness, user attribute). Five attributes were obtained from each of these factors as keywords resulting in 40 questionnaire statements. It can be concluded that the factors of user satisfaction knowledge management system can be built from the satisfaction of information system users in general by adding distinctive factors including the creation, transfer, and documentation of knowledge.
ANALISIS SENTIMEN TWITTER TERHADAP WACANA PENUNDAAN PEMILU DENGAN METODE SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE
Authors:   Universitas Methodist Indonesia, Manalu Darwis Robinson , L. Tobing Mario Christofell , Yohanna Margaretha
Published: April 2023

Machine learning plays an important role in managing important issues to classify and predict information that develops ahead of the General Election in Indonesia. Especially in knowing public sentiment on the discourse on the postponement of the 2024 election through Twitter social media. So it is necessary to analyze the discourse by categorizing it as positive or negative. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) model is used for analysis and classification. The sample data used were 100 tweets data which were then scraped in the period January 2022 – May 2022. The processing was done using Python programming and Jupyter Lab tools. Before doing the analysis, do preprocess to eliminate unnecessary words and information so that the level of accuracy of the results of this Twitter sentiment classification can provide a closer picture of reality. As for the results of the grouping carried out positive sentiment in as many as 40 data tweets and negative sentiment in as many as 60 data tweets. The classification test results on tweets data with a good level of accuracy of 92%. These results are expected to be a reference for future researchers who want to improve accuracy or analysis results.
PEMANFAATAN JARINGAN LORA UNTUK MONITORING KENDARAAN OPERASIONAL PADA INSTALASI PENELITIAN DAN PENGKAJIAN TEKNOLOGI PERTANIAN (IP2TP) KEBUN PERCOBAAN PASAR MIRING BPTP SUMATRA UTARA
Authors:   Universitas Methodist Indonesia, Simanjuntak Ben My Cardo , Larosa Fati Gratianus Nafiri , Gea Asaziduhu
Published: April 2023

Balai Pengkajian Teknologi Pertanian (BPTP) North Sumatera has an experimental garden "Pasar Miring" that is useful for academic activities, both practicum and research, installation of VUB (Varitas Unggul Baru) rice seed propagation for specific location, assessment and agricultural development. Currently official vehicles operating are 3 units, and the experimental garden area is approximately 15 hectares. Thus the administrator has difficulty knowing the position of the official vehicle during working hours due to the absence of technology that can be used by the office. So to find out the position of the official vehicle when operating, and for vehicle safety from criminal acts and also to avoid misuse of official vehicles. The propose of this paper is a monitoring system for official vehicle by using a desktop application and using Lora (Long Range) Frequency. Lora RFM95 transmitter is placed on the official vehicle and the Lora RFM95 Receiver will be set on the laptop. Lora can send the location of the official vehicle to the desktop application by Internet of Things (IoT) concept via the internet network.