bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial navigation questionnaires as a supportive diagnostic tool in early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Laczó Martina , Svatkova Radka , Lerch Ondrej , Martinkovic Lukas , Zuntychova Terezie , Nedelska Zuzana , Horakova Hana , Vyhnálek Martin , Hort Jakub , Laczó Jan
Published: November 2023

Background: Impaired spatial navigation is an early marker of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the utility of reported navigation abilities is poorly understood. We examined the ability of self- and informant-reported spatial navigation questionnaires to discriminate between clinically and AD biomarker-defined participants from the Czech Brain Aging Study (CBAS). The associations of the questionnaires with objective measures of spatial navigation, atrophy of AD-related brain regions, AD biomarker abnormalities, and biomarker status were also examined.
Methods: In total, we recruited 262 CBAS participants, including 41 cognitively normal (CN) older adults and 221 participants from the memory clinic cohort with subjective cognitive decline (SCD, n=76), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI, n=117), and mild dementia (n=28). Participants and their informants completed three spatial navigation questionnaires. Cognitive functions, spatial navigation using real-space and computerized versions of a human analog of the Morris Water Maze, and MRI-derived volume or thickness of six AD-related brain regions were assessed. Biomarker assessment, including measurement of amyloid-β1-42, p-tau181, and total tau in cerebrospinal fluid or dual-phase amyloid PET imaging or both, was performed in a subset of the memory clinic cohort (n=137) to stratify participants by amyloid-β and AT(N) status.
Results: Informant-reported spatial navigation questionnaires distinguished participants with aMCI and mild dementia from CN participants, and amyloid-β positive aMCI participants from amyloid-β negative aMCI and CN participants. In contrast, informant-reported spatial navigation abilities were similar in amyloid-β negative aMCI and CN participants. Among participants in the memory clinic cohort (i.e., SCD, aMCI and mild dementia), informant-reported poorer spatial navigation abilities were associated with less accurate performance on real-space and computerized spatial navigation tasks, greater atrophy of the posterior hippocampus and the posteromedial entorhinal cortex, greater AD biomarker abnormalities, and amyloid-β positive status. Self-reported spatial navigation abilities were similar across all participant groups and were not associated with atrophy of AD-related brain regions, AD biomarker abnormalities, or biomarker status. Next, self—reported spatial navigation abilities were only weakly associated with objective measures of spatial navigation.
Conclusions: Informant-reported spatial navigation questionnaires may be a useful screening tool for early AD in clinical settings, reflecting atrophy of AD-related brain regions and AD pathology.
Media representation of African individuals in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mental health
Authors: Akosile Wole , Tiyatiye Babangida , Bojuwoye Adebunmi , Antabe Roger
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 crisis has profoundly impacted mental health globally, including in Australia. This study focuses on the media representation of Australians of African descent during the pandemic and its unintended effects on mental health. Media coverage of COVID-19 restriction breaches by individuals from African backgrounds in Australia has contributed to significant emotional and mental distress. Through content analysis of media content from popular Australian publications, we examined the prevalence of racially motivated rhetoric surrounding COVID-19 breaches within culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Our findings consistently emphasise the term "Covidiots" when reporting on COVID-19 breaches among individuals from African backgrounds. Specifically, three African girls were subjected to ongoing harassment, public shaming, and criminalization by the Australian media in relation to COVID-19 breaches, in comparison to other racial groups. These findings underscore the consistent portrayal of people from African communities as outsiders and the racial profiling they experience in media coverage of significant issues like COVID-19. Such portrayals have the potential to negatively impact mental health.
Concentration of mercury levels in saliva, milk and hair of nursing mothers in southeastern Iran
Authors: Behrooz Reza Dahmardeh , Khammar Sanaz , rajaei Fatemeh , Burger Joanna
Published: November 2023

This research on lactating mothers in the city of Chabahar. In this descriptive-analytical and questionnaire study, a random sample of 80 mothers were selected to examine mercury levels in their hair, milk and saliva. There was a significant correlation between mercury levels in mothers' saliva and hair, but only a weak correlation was found between mercury levels in milk and hair, and in milk and saliva. The number of children and length of mother's pregnancy were associated with the amount of mercury in mothers' milk. The number of teeth filled with amalgam of mothers, consumption of fish and marine products, consumption of fruit, and weight of the infant at birth were also associated with the amount of mercury in breast milk. Chewing gum, fish consumption, infant's birth weight, weight, and length of pregnancy were among the factors associated with the amount of mercury in mothers' saliva. The results of this study showed that although the amount of mercury in women's hair, milk and saliva is lower than the standards established by WHO and USEPA, it should be kept in mind that any amount of mercury can be harmful and there is no beneficial effect of mercury.
Feedback control of heart rate during robotics-assisted tilt table exercise in patients after stroke: a clinical feasibility study
Authors: Brockmann Lars , Saengsuwan Jittima , Schuster-Amft Corina , Hunt Kenneth
Published: November 2023

Background: Patients with neurological disorders including stroke use rehabilitation to improve cognitive abilities, to regain motor function and to reduce the risk of further complications. Robotics-assisted tilt table technology has been developed to provide early mobilisation and to automate therapy involving the lower limbs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of employing a feedback control system for heart rate (HR) during robotics-assisted tilt table exercise in patients after a stroke.
Methods: This feasibility study was designed as a case series with 12 patients (n = 12) with no restriction on the time post-stroke or on the degree of poststroke impairment severity. A robotics-assisted tilt table was augmented with force sensors, a work rate estimation algorithm, and a biofeedback screen that facilitated volitional control of a target work rate. Dynamic models of HR response to changes in target work rate were estimated in system identification tests; nominal models were used to calculate the parameters of feedback controllers designed to give a specified closed-loop bandwidth; and the accuracy of HR control was assessed quantitatively in feedback control tests.
Results: Feedback control tests were successfully conducted in all 12 patients. Dynamic models of heart rate response to imposed work rate were estimated with a mean root-mean-square (RMS) model error of 2.16 beats per minute (bpm), while highly accurate feedback control of heart rate was achieved with a mean RMS tracking error (RMSE) of 2.00 bpm. Control accuracy, i.e. RMSE, was found to be strongly correlated with the magnitude of heart rate variability (HRV): patients with a low magnitude of HRV had low RMSE, i.e. more accurate HR control performance, and vice versa.
Conclusions: Feedback control of heart rate during robotics-assisted tilt table exercise was found to be feasible. Future work should investigate robustness aspects of the feedback control system. Modifications to the exercise modality, or alternative modalities, should be explored that allow higher levels of work rate and heart rate intensity to be achieved.
B7-H3 promotes the migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells via regulating the actin cytoskeleton and RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Anjing , Zhu Xingchao , Wu Hongya , Wang Jiayu , Zhang Mengting , Xiang Jingrong , Xia Suhua , shi Tongguo , Xi Qinhua
Published: November 2023

Aberrant expression of B7 homolog 3 protein (B7-H3) has been detected in various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC) and implicated in modulating multiple biological functions of CRC cells. However, its role in CRC metastasis has not yet been determined. In this study, we demonstrated that B7-H3 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and positively associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. B7-H3 knockdown significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of CRC cells. B7-H3 overexpression had the opposite effect. Moreover, we determined that B7-H3 could regulate actin cytoskeleton and the RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 pathway. Importantly, the BDP5290, an inhibitor of the RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 axis, reversed the effects of B7-H3 overexpression on actin filament accumulating, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. In sum, our study concluded that B7-H3 facilitated CRC cell actin filament accumulating, migration, and invasion through the RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 axis.
A case report of early detection of rare femoral shaft bone metastasis in a penis cancer patient
Authors: Ajay Kumar Yadav , Sandip Kumar Mandal , Suman Gnawali , Ganga Dutta Adhikari , Nitu Sharma , Pandey Shailesh Kumar , Dhakal Deepika , Anil Pandit
Published: November 2023

Background. Bone metastasis is very common in the advanced stage of numerous carcinomas. In penile carcinoma, lymph nodes metastasis is somehow common but it is very rare reported to be secondary from penile cancer. till the date, there are only few cases of penis carcinoma reported bone metastasis in literature worldwide.

Case Presentation. Herein, We presented a 51-year-old Nepalese male with squamous cell carcinoma of penis. computed tomography (ct) scan of the patient revealed that there was carcinoma involving glans penis and precure with bilateral external & internal inguinal lymphadenopathies. After then, the patient was under gone for partial penectomy and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy and complete 6-cycle chemotherapy. After one year of treatment, patient developed thigh pain and headache and he advised to have magnetic Resonance imaging (mRi) of brain, 99mTc-MDP whole body bone scan and ct scan of pelvis and thigh. The examination report reveals that there was a sclerotic change in vertex of skull bone and moderate 99mTc-MDP uptake in right proximal shaft of femur just below the neck d/d metastasis. The histopathological examination of the true cut biopsy taken from the lesion of the femur showed metastatic keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma which is rare case of femoral shaft bone metastasis secondary from penile carcinoma. Then patient was sent for surgical reconstruction of femur. Based on the case studies review femur shaft bone metastasis from penile cancer is extremely rare.

Conclusion. The best of our knowledge; this is the first early detected bone metastases to shaft of the femur in a patient with penile cancer. early diagnosis helps to radical treatment as well as palliative treatment. surgery is the preferred option of the treatments, especially for metastatic foci in the long bones.
ANALYSIS OF HSSLC (CLASS XII) ARTS EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPERSIN MIZORAM (INDIA) USING THE COGNITIVE LEVELS OF BLOOMS TAXONOMY OF EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Authors:   Department of Education, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram, India., a Lalchhuanmawii , b Zoramchhuana ,   Department of Education, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram, India.
Published: November 2023

In education, evaluation means a study designed to determine the effectiveness of instruction. It provides empirical evidences about the effectiveness of teaching strategies, tactics and aids and suggests modifications and improvements for remediation. The primary concern of evaluation is to bring about improvements in the teaching-learning process so that the learner develops his potential to the optimum level. The modern concept of evaluation is put forward by Bloom and is based upon a triangular model showing relationship between educational objectives, learning experiences and evaluation procedures. Using Blooms Taxonomy to help design examinations and analyze the results could greatly improve the quality of assessment in education.
DOCKING STUDIES FOR EXPLORING THE ANTI-CANCER POTENTIAL OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India., Bhumika Reddy Battagiri Sai , Rushitha Bhimavarapu Sai ,   Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India., Chalasani Nitya ,   Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India., Priya Anaparthi Shanmukha ,   Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India., Sajja Tanmayi ,   Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India., Nandini Kommireddy ,   Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India., Gowrisetty Moulya ,   Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India., Singh Ranwas Reethika ,   Department of Molecular Biology, Cresent Biosciences, ICRAB Campus, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Published: November 2023

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, necessitating innovative approaches for drug discovery and development. In this study, we employed molecular docking simulations to investigate the potential anti-cancer properties of bioactive compounds against critical oncogenic targets. A diverse set of bioactive compounds, sourced from natural products and synthetic libraries, were selected for their known biological activities and structural diversity.While cancer diagnoses have been documented for a century, the root causes remained elusive to physicians. This study aimed to pinpoint potential antitumor compounds within Stevia rebaudiana. Through GC-MS analysis, fifteen compounds were detected in the leaves. In silico analysis of these bioactive compounds against PRAD1 was conducted to assess their anti-cancer potential. Docking outcomes highlighted Tetradecanoic acid and Stigmastan-3,5-diene as the most promising candidates bound to PRAD1.The identified lead candidates offer promising avenues for the development of novel anti-cancer therapeutics, emphasizing the importance of integrating computational approaches in early-stage of drug discovery.
Difficulties in diagnosing moyamoya disease
Authors: Melnikova Yu. S. , Sadykova D. I. , Makarova T. P. , Yasav D. M. , Khamidullin A. F. , Bikmullin M. F.
Published: November 2023

Moyamoya disease is a progressive cerebrovascular disease characterized by bilateral stenosis of the supraclinoid (proximal) part of the internal carotid arteries and the initial segments of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries, with subsequent involvement of the vertebrobasilar basin and accompanied by the development of a basal network of anastomoses. The disease most often manifests itself at the age of 5 to 30–40 years, which makes this pathology an actual and significant cause of functional disorders in children and young people. Diagnosis of moyamoya disease can be difficult because of the polymorphism of its clinical manifestations. This disease must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of symptoms of cerebral ischemia, since early detection and therapeutic intervention can improve the prognosis by preventing irreversible brain damage. The article presents its own clinical observation of a 6-year-old child with moyamoya disease with a predominant lesion of the right internal carotid artery basin.
Clinical features of post-COVID-19 syndrome in children
Authors: Volgina S. Ya. , Sachkova O. G. , Sadykov M. M. , Gamirova R. G.
Published: November 2023

Most children make a full recovery from a new coronavirus infection, but some of them have a variety of persistent symptoms for a long time. A wide range of symptoms that occur within weeks or months after infection with SARS-CoV-2 is referred to as a long COVID (post-COVID-19 syndrome). The review presents literature data on the duration and clinical features of post-COVID-19 syndrome in children. The paucity of studies on long COVID conditions does not allow us to draw unambiguous conclusions. However, it should be borne in mind that the consequences of a new coronavirus infection can have a significant impact on the health of children and their quality of life in the future.
Human parechovirus infections in children: modern concepts
Authors: Sabitova A. M. , Anokhin V. A. , Khaliullina S. V. , Fatkullina G. R. , Evdokimova A. E.
Published: November 2023

This article is a review of modern ideas about human parechovirus infection in children. At this time human parechoviruses are a common cause of infectious diseases in childhood with clinical presentation of acute gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract pathology, fever, and rash. Severe forms damaging the central nervous system or the development of sepsis are possible in newborns and infants and are almost exclusively associated with parechovirus A type 3 (HPeV-A3). The infection is transmitted mainly via food and droplet routes. The main method of infection diagnosis is the detection of viral RNA by real-time PCR in cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and feces. No treatment for the parechovirus infection has been developed so far.
Diagnostics of combined hereditary cardiovascular pathology in a teenager
Authors: Sadykova D. I. , Groznova O. S. , Pirogova G. V. , Slastnikova E. S. , Galimova L. F. , Firsova N. N. , Kucheriavaia A. A. , Khaliullina Ch. D.
Published: November 2023

Dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the leading causes of heart failure in children with a variety of clinical characteristics. A 12-year-old patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, who underwent surgical treatment for implantation of the Abbott HeartMate III Left Ventricular Assist Device as a bridge to donor heart transplantation, is presented. Establishing an accurate diagnosis in the presented observation became possible thanks to the use of a modern molecular genetic method — whole genome DNA testing by next generation sequencing (NGS). The description of this case will help expand the range of possible clinical manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy and reminds us of the importance of dynamic monitoring of children with cardiac arrhythmias.
Modernizmden Bir Kopuş: Pictures
Authors: Şarkdemir Hakan
Published: November 2023

Modernist eleştirmenlere göre her bir sanatın kendi özerkliğini kendine en uygun ortamın sınırları çerçevesinde tanımlamak zorunda olması, modern sanatların tarihsel bir özelliğidir. Bu bakış açısı, resim sanatının iki boyutluluğunu heykelin üç boyutluluğundan kesin bir çizgiyle ayırır. Buna göre farklı mecraları bir araya getirdiği için teatralleşen bir sanat, modernist paradigmayla çelişir. Özellikle Minimalizm, Kavramsal Sanat, Somut Şiir gibi anlayışlar böylesi bir diyalektikle bağdaşmaz. Yetmişli yıllarda “Pictures” sergisiyle öne çıkan Temellük Sanatı da bu anlamda modernist ütopyanın dışında kalır. Geleneksel medyumların yanı sıra, fotoğraf, film, performans gibi farklı ortamları sanatsal üretime dâhil eden Temellük sanatçıları, sıklıkla kültürel alandan ödünç aldıkları kavramları, imgeleri ve görüntüleri kullanırlar. Post-medium çağına özgü öncü bir eğilim olarak, özerklik ve orijinallik gibi paradigmaları sorgularlar. Bu çalışma, kökenini tragedyada bulan çağdaş sanatın önemli bu uğrağını ele alarak geleceğin ileri sanatına katkı sunmayı hedefler.
Storage stability and anti-caking agents in spray-dried fruit powders: A review
Authors: Pui Liew Phing , Saleena Lejaniya Abdul Kalam , Ghazali Hasanah Mohd
Published: November 2023

Fruit powders possess numerous benefits compared to fresh raw materials, i.e., extended shelf-life, convenient transportation and storage, a wide range of applications, etc. Nonetheless, the storage time of fruit powders depends on such factors as storage conditions, packaging, etc.

This review suggests a comprehensive analysis of articles, reviews, reports, and books indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and eLIBRARY.RU, as well as reported at conference proceedings and other scholarly resources in 2005–2022.

Due to their high hygroscopicity, powders tend to absorb moisture from the environment and become prone to caking. Anticaking agents can prevent powders from this process. Different packaging materials also affect the compounds and properties of fruit powders. Accelerated degradation and temperature models can predict shelfp-life. This review featured the effectiveness of different anti-caking agents, as well as the impact of various packaging methods on the storage of powders. Calcium phosphate demonstrated excellent anti-caking properties, reduced hygroscopicity, and enhanced flowability. Aluminum laminated packaging proved effective in protecting powders during storage. As the storage time increased, powders demonstrated only a slight increase in moisture content. Their L* value (light to dark) and b* value (yellow to blue) decreased while the a* value (green to red) and the total color change increased. Caking increased as the flowability, pigment content, and antioxidant content went down.

The review has practical implications for developing new technologies aimed at prolonging the storage time of spray-dried fruit powders.
Carrot productivity and its physiological response to irrigation methods and regimes in arid regions
Authors: Tlig Warda , Mokh Fathia El , Autovino Dario , Iovino Massimo , Nagaz Kamel
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to optimize water irrigation management for improving carrot productivity and water-saving in arid regions of southern Tunisia. Field studies were conducted over two seasons (2017–2019) to evaluate the effects of drip irrigation (DI) and surface irrigation (SI) methods coupled with three irrigation regimes on agronomic parameters of carrot crops. Irrigation regimes consisted of water replacements of cumulated crop evapotranspiration (ETc) at levels of 100% (I100), 70% (I70), and 40% (I40) when the readily available water in I100 treatment was depleted. Results showed a reduction in carrot yield by 13–22% and 22–32% with I70 and I40 treatments compared to I100, respectively. Yield is affected by the irrigation method with a reduction of around 6–7% under the surface method for both years. The water productivity (WP) was found to significantly vary among regimes and methods, where the highest values were observed for the I40 regimes and drip method. Drip and I100 irrigation techniques seem to optimize carrot production. Under situations of water shortage, adopting deficit irrigation treatment (DI70) could be an alternative for managing carrot irrigation and improving water productivity.
A green and simplified approach for the quantitative and sensitive analysis of heavy metal ions in sea and stream waters
Authors: Duran Celal , Camoglu Aslihan Yilmaz , Ozdes Duygu , Bekircan Olcay
Published: November 2023

Elimination of the matrix effect is a major challenge in developing a method for the quantification of heavy metals (HMs) in water samples. In this regard, the current research describes the simultaneous analyses of Cu(II), Cd(II), and Ni(II) ions in water matrices through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) after preconcentration with carrier element-free co-precipitation (CEFC) technique by the help of an organic co-precipitant, 3-{[5-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]-methyl}-4-[2,4-(dichlorobenzylidene)amino]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)-thione (CCMBATT). Based on our literature research, CCMBATT was employed for the first time in this study as an organic co-precipitant for the preconcentration of HMs. Factors such as solution pH, concentration of co-precipitant, sample volume, standing time, centrifugation rate, and time were thoroughly examined and optimized to achieve the highest efficiency in terms of HM recovery. The limits of detection (LODs) (with 10 number of tests) of 0.54, 0.34, and 1.95 μg L−1 and the relative standard deviations (RSD %) of 2.1, 3.3, and 3.0 were determined for Cu(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) ions, respectively. Recovery results of HMs for the spiked samples were in the range of 92.8–101.0%, demonstrating the trueness of the method and its applicability to the water samples matrix.
In vitro Production of Dendritic Cells as Cancer Immunotherapy: Highlights on Sample Source, Culture Period, Differentiation and Maturation Cytokines
Authors: Facicilia Geofanny , Sartika Cynthia Retna , Rostinawati Tina
Published: November 2023

Dendritic cells (DC) are antigen-presenting cells between innate and adaptive immune cells and commonly used as immunotherapy. Despite this promising potential, protocols detailing the specifics of the DC production are varied, affecting the potency of dendritic as immunotherapy. There are various factors affecting the production and DC potency, such as sample source, culture period, differentiation and maturation cytokines. Due to the limited number and quality of DC in humans, the monocyte could be isolated and differentiated to mature DC. The purity and viability monocytes shall be maintained to produce a high yield of DC. Negative sorting maintains the potency of DC as a therapeutic agent. Monocytes from umbilical cord blood (UCB) are naïve and can be differentiated to DC easily. Meanwhile, the tumor microenvironment (TME) may inhibit DC maturation from monocyte-derived peripheral blood. Without pro-inflammatory cytokines and a short maturation period, DC remain immature and fails to activate T cells. Long-period culture correlates with decreased DC viability and function. This review outlines several factors which can produce higher cytotoxic T cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines that might help each facility in developing its protocol to ensure the best procedure in DC production. Increasing purity and yield through close and automatic system under GMP production are mandatory to decrease risk of contamination during DC production.Keywords: differentiation cytokines, maturation cytokines, culture period, sample source, isolation technique
Localized Delivery of Bioactives using Structured Liposomal Gels
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Dua Kamal , Tiwari Sanjay
Published: November 2023

Liposomes have gained a lot of interest for drug delivery applications, and some of these preparations
have been commercialized. These are formulated with biocompatible components and can be used for delivering
a wide range of payloads differing in aqueous solubility and molecular weight. Liposome-based delivery
approaches are limited mainly by two factors: (a) poor dispersion stability, and (b) pre-mature leakage of
payloads. In this review, we have discussed the stabilization of liposomal vesicles by their entrapment in hydrogels.
Studies reveal that such hydrogels can maintain the structural integrity of liposomes. Release of liposomes
from the hydrogel network can be modulated through careful screening of matrix former and degree of
its cross-linking. Accordingly, we have reviewed the approaches of stabilizing liposomal vesicles through entrapment
in hydrogels. Application of liposome-embedded hydrogels has been reviewed in context of localized
drug delivery. Our discussion is focussed on the delivery of bioactives to the skin. Such an approach appears
alluring from the standpoint of minimizing the undesirable distribution of payload(s) the systemic circulation
and off-target sites.
Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectrum Characterization of Bacillus Mycoides
Authors: Trisnawati Luh Putu Adi , Aini Luqman Qurata , Abadi Abdul Latief , Prillianti Kestrillia Rega , Prabowo Matheus Randy
Published: November 2023

The presence of Bacillus mycoides and its ability to grow and spread quickly certainly affect the growth of the target pathogen and it can cause invalid detection results. Therefore, the presence of contaminant bacteria needs to be detected to ensure the specificity of the detection results against the target pathogenic bacteria. Various kinds of detection methods are commonly used, such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) are time-consuming and not always very specific. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy methods were adopted to provide a comprehensive and reliable method for bacterial analysis. In this study, FTIR spectroscopy was used as an initial guess for the identification of bacterial isolates. Our results showed that there are dominant peaks from the FTIR spectrum obtained that were most associated with protein and carbohydrate in the range of wave number 400-4000 cm-1.
Borderline personality features predict empathy for animals but not for children
Authors: Vonk Jennifer , Pappas Jacob
Published: November 2023

Although empathy is not a defining feature of borderline personality disorder, there is a growing body of work suggesting deficits in some components of empathy toward humans. There is no research investigating the link between borderline personality features (BPF) and empathy toward animals, which may be less threatening to individuals that struggle in interpersonal relationships and fear rejection. We examined BPF and self-reported distress and viewing times of photographs depicting dogs and children in twelve adverse circumstances in a college student sample (N = 464) with trait empathy as a mediator in Study 1. BPF predicted distress to dog but not child photos. There were significant indirect effects of BPF on distress to dog and child photos through personal distress. In Study 2 (N = 524), we further examined the processes underlying these associations by modelling a serial mediation of BPF with distress to dog and child photos through anxious and avoidant attachment to trait empathy toward animals and humans. We replicated the finding that BPF predicted distress to dog but not child photos. BPF predicted both anxious and avoidant attachment styles, which negatively predicted empathy for humans and animals. Empathy for humans mediated the associations with distress for child photos whereas empathy for animals mediated the associations with distress for dog photos. Further research is needed to determine the causal pathways between BPF, attachment, and empathy to animals and humans.
Relationship between multicultural experiences and multicultural counseling competencies among Malaysian counselor trainees
Authors: Harun Maizatul Mardiana , Jaafar Wan Marzuki Wan , Ismail Asmah , Kamaruddin Mohd Shahrul
Published: November 2023

The multicultural counseling course attended by counselor trainees is expected to enrich their multicultural experience through the academic environment, as they come from different backgrounds and personal multicultural experiences. While most multicultural counseling courses focus on the three components of multicultural counseling competence, counselor trainees should be provided with more multicultural exposure and interactions during classes to develop skills to work with diverse clients. Therefore, this descriptive-correlational study explores the relationship between multicultural experiences (personal and academic) and multicultural counseling competencies (self-reported and observer-rated) among Malaysian counselor trainees. All four instruments had been adapted and translated into the Malay language before being completed by 208 randomly selected counselor trainees. This study reported that counselor trainees scored at low levels of personal multicultural experience, high levels of academic multicultural experience, moderate levels of self-perceived multicultural counseling competence, and high levels of observed multicultural counseling competence. The findings showed no significant relationships between personal and academic multicultural experience and self-perceived and observed multicultural counseling competence. In conclusion, the findings imply that there are practices of experiential pedagogy in delivering multicultural counseling courses in counselor education programs. However, more research is needed to identify the underlying variables, such as counseling self-efficacy or self-introspectiveness, which may link the study variables, as this will serve as the most critical aspect in sustaining the counselor trainees’ multicultural counseling competencies.
Optimizing Telehealth for Diabetes Management in the Deep South of the United States: Qualitative Study of Barriers and Facilitators on the Patient and Clinician Journey
Authors: Bazzano Alessandra N , Patel Tejal , Nauman Elizabeth , Cernigliaro Dana , Shi Lizheng
Published: November 2023

Background

The Deep South of the United States, and Louisiana in particular, bears a greater burden of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease compared with other regions in the United States. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a substantial increase in telehealth visits for diabetes management to protect the safety of patients. Although there have been significant advancements in telehealth and chronic disease management, little is known about patient and provider perspectives on the challenges and benefits of telehealth visits among people living with diabetes and providers who care for patients with diabetes in Louisiana.

Objective

This study aimed to explore barriers, facilitators, challenges, and benefits to telehealth for patients with diabetes and health care providers as they transitioned from in-person to remote care during the early COVID-19 pandemic to understand potential optimization.

Methods

A total of 24 semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 patients living with diabetes and 6 clinicians who served patients with diabetes to explore their experiences and perceptions of telehealth services for diabetes care. Approximately half of the participants identified as Black or African American, half as White, and 75% as female. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by experienced qualitative researchers using inductive and deductive techniques. A narrative, descriptive approach to the patient and clinician journey framed the study, including the development of internal journey maps, and reflexive thematic analysis was applied to the transcripts, with special attention to barriers and facilitators.

Results

In total, 5 themes illustrated barriers and facilitators for participants: convenience, safety, and comfort are the benefits of telehealth for patients and clinicians; yet telehealth and in-person visits are valued differently; the convenience of telehealth may have a downside; technology acts as a double-edged sword; and managing expectations and efficiency of the visit experience was an important factor. Individual experiences varied in relation to several factors, including comfort level and access to technology, health system protocols for providing telemedicine, and level of diabetes control among patients.

Conclusions

Recommendations for optimization include providing support to help guide and inform patients about what to expect and how to prepare for telehealth visits as well as allowing clinicians to schedule telehealth and in-person visits during discrete blocks of time to improve efficiency. Further research should address how hybrid models of telehealth and in-person care may differentially impact health outcomes for patients with diabetes, particularly for people with multiple chronic conditions in settings where access to technology and connectivity is not optimal.
National Initiatives on Salt Substitutes: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Kong Bingxuan , Yang Shanyue , Long Jiewei , Tang Yuhan , Liu Yang , Ge Zeng , Rong Shuang , Wu Yangfeng , Ding Gangqiang , Yang Yuexin , Yao Ping , Gao Chao
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Salt substitutes are edible salts that contain less sodium chloride owing to its partial substitution with other minerals, which serve as an important and effective intervention and public health strategy targeting hypertension and its secondary diseases, despite a small degree of controversy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the current salt substitute initiatives in various nations and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) worldwide and summarize their types and characteristics.

METHODS

A scoping review was performed based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and the latest guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches were conducted on Google; government websites on food, health, and other related topics; PubMed; Web of Science; and Google Scholar from January 2022 to May 2022. Initiatives related to salt substitutes that were included in the study focused on the involvement of governments or IGOs through the publication of standards, actions, collaborations, funding, and so on. Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel (version 2019; Microsoft Corp) based on predefined items and analyzed using narrative synthesis and frequency count methods.

RESULTS

A total of 35 initiatives from 11 countries (of which 9 are high-income countries) and 3 IGOs were identified. We classified all salt substitute initiatives into 5 types, namely benefit-risk assessments and cautions; plans and actions; regulations and standards; labels; and food reformulation, cooperation with the food industry, and media. More than half (18/35, 51%) of the salt substitute initiatives were launched within the past 5 years. Except for regulations and standards, salt substitute initiatives are, in general, part of the salt reduction framework. No nation or IGO has yet reported on the monitoring and implications of the use of salt substitutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limited number of salt substitute initiatives worldwide at present, a review on the different types and characteristics of such initiatives could be helpful in providing a reference for policy makers and stakeholders. Given the great potential of salt substitutes in improving hypertension and stroke, we call on more nations to pay attention to these substitutes and propose salt substitute initiatives in line with their national conditions.
An Individualized Postoperative Pain Risk Communication Tool for Use in Pediatric Surgery: Co-Design and Usability Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Wood Michael D , West Nicholas C , Fokkens Christina , Chen Ying , Loftsgard Kent C , Cardinal Krystal , Whyte Simon D , Portales-Casamar Elodie , Görges Matthias
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Risk identification and communication tools have the potential to improve health care by supporting clinician-patient or family discussion of treatment risks and benefits and helping patients make more informed decisions; however, they have yet to be tailored to pediatric surgery. User-centered design principles can help to ensure the successful development and uptake of health care tools.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop and evaluate the usability of an easy-to-use tool to communicate a child’s risk of postoperative pain to improve informed and collaborative preoperative decision-making between clinicians and families.

METHODS

With research ethics board approval, we conducted web-based co-design sessions with clinicians and family participants (people with lived surgical experience and parents of children who had recently undergone a surgical or medical procedure) at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Qualitative data from these sessions were analyzed thematically using NVivo (Lumivero) to identify design requirements to inform the iterative redesign of an existing prototype. We then evaluated the usability of our final prototype in one-to-one sessions with a new group of participants, in which we measured mental workload with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index (TLX) and user satisfaction with the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ).

RESULTS

A total of 12 participants (8 clinicians and 4 family participants) attended 5 co-design sessions. The 5 requirements were identified: (A) present risk severity descriptively and visually; (B) ensure appearance and navigation are user-friendly; (C) frame risk identification and mitigation strategies in positive terms; (D) categorize and describe risks clearly; and (E) emphasize collaboration and effective communication. A total of 12 new participants (7 clinicians and 5 family participants) completed a usability evaluation. Tasks were completed quickly (range 5-17 s) and accurately (range 11/12, 92% to 12/12, 100%), needing only 2 requests for assistance. The median (IQR) NASA TLX performance score of 78 (66-89) indicated that participants felt able to perform the required tasks, and an overall PSSUQ score of 2.1 (IQR 1.5-2.7) suggested acceptable user satisfaction with the tool.

CONCLUSIONS

The key design requirements were identified, and that guided the prototype redesign, which was positively evaluated during usability testing. Implementing a personalized risk communication tool into pediatric surgery can enhance the care process and improve informed and collaborative presurgical preparation and decision-making between clinicians and families of pediatric patients.

CLINICALTRIAL
Technology-Supported Guidance Models to Stimulate Nursing Students’ Self-Efficacy in Clinical Practice: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Bresolin Paula , Steindal Simen A , Bingen Hanne Maria , Zlamal Jaroslav , Gue Martini Jussara , Petersen Eline Kaupang , Nes Andréa Aparecida Gonçalves
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

In nursing education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills is crucial for developing competence in clinical practice. Nursing students encounter challenges in acquiring these essential skills, making self-efficacy a critical component in their professional development. Self-efficacy pertains to individual’s belief in their ability to perform tasks and overcome challenges, with significant implications for clinical skills acquisition and academic success. Previous research has underscored the strong link between nursing students’ self-efficacy and their clinical competence. Technology has emerged as a promising tool to enhance self-efficacy by enabling personalized learning experiences and in-depth discussions. However, there is a need for a comprehensive literature review to assess the existing body of knowledge and identify research gaps.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to systematically map and identify gaps in published studies on the use of technology-supported guidance models to stimulate nursing students’ self-efficacy in clinical practice.

METHODS

This scoping review followed the framework of Arksey and O’Malley and was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic, comprehensive literature search was conducted in ERIC, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2011 and April 2023. The reference lists of the included papers were manually searched to identify additional studies. Pairs of authors screened the papers, assessed eligibility, and extracted the data. The data were thematically organized.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies were included and four thematic groups were identified: (1) technological solutions for learning support, (2) learning focus in clinical practice, (3) teaching strategies and theoretical approaches for self-efficacy, and (4) assessment of self-efficacy and complementary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Various technological solutions were adopted in the guidance models to stimulate the self-efficacy of nursing students in clinical practice, leading to positive findings. A total of 7 out of 8 studies presented results that were not statistically significant, highlighting the need for further refinement of the applied interventions. Nurse educators play a pivotal role in applying learning strategies and theoretical approaches to enhance nursing students’ self-efficacy, but the contributions of nurse preceptors and peers should not be overlooked. Future studies should consider involving users in the intervention process and using validated instruments tailored to the studies’ intervention objectives, ensuring relevance and enabling comparisons across studies.
Estrategias de prevención de la obesidad durante los primeros mil días de vida: revisión de alcance
Authors: Mayo Abarca Jorge Alberto , Martínez Figueroa Gabriela Iveth , Cárdenas Villarreal Velia Margarita , Cruz Chávez Norma Edith
Published: November 2023

Objetivo: saber cuáles son las principales estrategias de acción que han publicado las organizaciones internacionales de salud y cuáles se están practicando en México para prevenir el sobrepeso y la obesidad en los primeros mil días de vida. Metodología: revisión de alcance en los documentos técnicos e informes publicados en las bases de datos de la OMS, la OPS, el UNICEF, los CDC y el portal del Gobierno de México de 2014 a 2022. Resultados: las estrategias internacionales se centran en el control prenatal oportuno, la etapa posnatal, la alimentación adecuada, la estimulación física y sueño y la capacitación a los proveedores de salud. En México las estrategias se alinean a las recomendaciones que los organismos internacionales han dado. Limitaciones: los resultados deben tomarse como el reporte actual de la situación, porque la síntesis que se hace tiene solo una función informativa. Valor: la información aquí contenida posibilita tener un panorama general de un problema de salud que tiene vacíos de información y ofrecer una guía para futuras investigaciones. Conclusiones: México adapta las estrategias internacionales para la prevención de sobrepeso y obesidad en los primeros mil días en diversos programas de salud, pero no se las ha evaluado.
Cyber Bullying
Authors: Banasode Ms. Swapna S , V Nidhi K , P Sabhareesh Balaji , Kamath Tanvi , S Tushar
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Cyberbullying involves the use of cell phones or social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter to harass, threaten, or intimidate individuals, adversely impacting their mental health. Our project focuses on the detection of such harmful commentsusing a machine learning algorithm, categorizing them into two severity levels: "low" and "high." Given the ubiquitous nature of social media, especially in the post-pandemic era, it has become an integral part of our lives for communication across all age groups. While it facilitates easy communication, social media also presents challenges, such as the escalation of hateful comments beyond the realm of healthy discourse. Recognizing the potential harm caused by these comments, our solution aims to identify and classify them based on severity using machine learning, enabling appropriate intervention.
CNN Based Facial Recognition with Age Invariance
Authors: Bhat Mr. Abhilash L , Kumar N Nithesh , Y Poojitha , Thulasi Siripireddy , Arvind V
Published: November 2023

Abstract : As the world has seen exponential expansion over the previous decade, there has been an unusual increase in the crime rate as well as an increase in the number of criminals/missing persons. Face recognition can extract the individualistic characteristics of the human face. A straightforward and adaptable biometric technology is face recognition. The technology used to recognize and identify faces in images or videos is called face detection and recognition. The process of removing facial features has gotten easier as technology has advanced. This study describes the use of an automated security camera for realtime face recognition. With this system, we can instantly identify and detect the faces of the criminals in a live video feed captured by a camera. Criminal records typically include the offender's picture and personal information. Thus, we are able to use these photos in addition to his information. The security camera's recorded footage is transformed into frames. After a face is identified in a frame, it undergoes pre-processing and feature extraction. The characteristics of the real-time image processing are compared to those of the images kept in the criminal database.