bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced recurrence rates with partial resection for stage III T1-2 colon cancer compared to hemicolectomy resection: a SEER database analysis
Authors: Zeng Hao , Chen Dongbo , Xue Xueyi , Zheng Biaohui , Liang Baofeng , Zhong Xuejing , Zou Pang , Xu Dongbo , Wang Xiaojie , Lin Shuangming
Published: November 2023

Purpose
The aim of our study was to compare the oncological survival outcomes between partial colectomy (PC) and hemicolectomy (HC) in patients diagnosed with stage III T1-2 colon cancer.
Methods
A total of 4,248 patients diagnosed with stage III T1-2 colon cancer, who underwent either hemicolectomy (n = 2,348) or partial colectomy (n = 1,900) between 2010 and 2019, were included in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We conducted a comparative analysis of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) between these two surgical groups. Additionally, we sought to determine the optimal thresholds for the number of harvested lymph nodes and tumor size. Predictive nomograms for patients with Stage III T1-2 colon cancer were constructed using independent risk factors identified CSS.
Results
The results revealed significant differences between the PC and HC groups in terms of age, gender, race, tumor site, histopathology, stage, pT, pN, scope of regional lymph nodes, postoperative chemotherapy, postoperative radiation, harvested lymph nodes, CEA pretreatment, marital status, and tumor size (all with P < 0.05). It was observed that hemicolectomy patients had slightly lower OS and CSS rates than patients who underwent partial colectomy (all with P < 0.001). Following propensity score matching (PSM), the OS and CSS rates in the two groups remained significantly different (P < 0.05). The survminer R package was employed to determine the optimal thresholds for harvested lymph node and tumor size counts in stage III T1-2 colon cancer patients, which were found to be 10 and 4.7 cm, respectively. Notably, CSS did not significantly differ between patients with ≥ 10 lymph nodes harvested and those with ≥ 12 lymph nodes harvested (P = 0.72). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, as well as survival analyses of stage III T1-2 colon cancer patients, demonstrated that patients receiving partial colectomy experienced a superior survival benefit compared to those undergoing hemicolectomy.
Conclusions
In the treatment of stage III T1-2 colon cancer patients, partial colectomy demonstrates significant oncological advantages over hemicolectomy. Harvested a minimum of 10 lymph nodes is more effective than the conventional threshold of 12 lymph nodes in distinguishing between patients with a favorable and unfavorable prognosis.
Mixed-sex clusters on grass blades –breeding strategy of the ornate dog tick, Dermacentor reticulatus
Authors: Wężyk Dagmara , Romanek Wiktoria , Małaszewicz Wiktoria , Behnke Jerzy M. , Bajer Anna
Published: November 2023

Introduction
Dermacentor reticulatus is second only to Ixodes ricinus in importance as a vector of infectious organisms, especially Babesia canis, the agent of canine babesiosis. The geographical range of this species, together with local densities, continue to increase in many regions of Europe. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that D. reticulatus possesses an efficient breeding strategy allowing for a rapid increase in tick numbers and densities by formation of mixed sex clusters/aggregations, while questing in the environment.
Methods
To test this hypothesis, we carried out an observational study in spring 2023, at three sites in two regions, in Central and NE Poland, both characterised by high tick densities. At each site, a 400 metre long transect was inspected for questing ticks. All noticed ticks were collected and tick numbers and sexes per stem were recorded. Differences in tick distribution by site and sex were analysed statistically.
Results
In total 371 D. reticulatus (219 females and 152 males) were collected from 270 grass stems over a combined 1200 metres of transect. The majority of grass stems (54.2%) were occupied by just a single individual and two-tick clusters were the second most common category. Six D. reticulatus individuals were the maximum observed on only one particular grass stem.
Mixed-sex clusters were significantly more common than single-sex clusters at all three sites. With study sites combined, mixed sex clusters accounted for 17.4% (CL95=13.9-21.6%) of observations, while for multiple males and multiple females the values were 2.6 % (1.4 – 4.7%) and 5.6% (3.7 – 8.3%), respectively.
Conclusion
Mixed-sex clusters of D. reticulatus ticks were significantly more common than single-sex clusters, which we hypothesise reflects an efficient, likely pheromone-mediated, breeding strategy of this expansive tick species.
Accelerating Change in Healthcare: Leveraging Kotter's Model for a Successful Integration of Artificial Intelligence.
Authors: Alrabie Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Artificial intelligence in healthcare has a significant potential to deliver more efficient and effective medical services, as opposed to the current conventional practices. Although the transitioning into an artificial intelligence-based healthcare is considerably challenging, numerous cases around the world proven efficient and effective. The objective of this paper is to investigate why Kotter’s change management model is the favourable model for said change. In order to achieve that objective, a qualitative set of data has been collected and analysed. Kotter’s model has been validated based on a comparative review as well as models analysis counting in the most commonly used change management models. The paper concludes the necessity for a change management model, considering the magnitude and novelty of the change, which consequently indicates that in order to improve the delivery of medical services, by reducing cost, increasing accuracy and precision, an artificial intelligence initiative must be put in place, aided by change management. The paper also offers a framework to aid with mitigating and overcoming failures and setbacks when implementing the model.
Stigma relating to tuberculosis infection prevention and control implementation in rural health facilities in South Africa – a theoretical analysis with opportunities for mitigation
Authors: Westhuizen Helene-Mari , Ehrlich Rodney , Somdyala Ncumisa , Greenhalgh Trisha , Tonkin-Crine Sarah , Butler Chris C
Published: November 2023

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is a stigmatised disease due to its associations with poverty, HIV, transmission risk and mortality. The use of visible TB infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, such as masks or isolation, can contribute to stigma.
Methods
To explore stigma in this condition, we conducted in-depth individual interviews with 18 health workers and 15 patients in the rural Eastern Cape of South Africa using a semi-structured interview guide and narrative approach. We used reflexive thematic analysis and applied Link and Phelan’s theoretical model of stigma.
Results
Participants shared poignant narratives of TB stigma, often entailing TB IPC, with some feeling ‘less than human’. We found TB IPC measures sometimes exacerbated stigma, for example through introducing physical isolation that became prolonged, or through a mask marking the person out as being ill with TB. In this context, stigma emerged from the narrow definition of what mask-wearing symbolises, in contrast with broader uses of masks as a preventative measure. In this way, the health facility itself was shown to play an important role in generating and perpetuating IPC related stigma. We applied ‘ubuntu’ as African humanist conceptual framework to develop recommendations of how TB IPC implementation could be destigmatised.
Conclusion
Health facilities may unwittingly perpetuate stigma, but they also have the potential to reduce it. Ubuntu emphases shared humanity and collective wellbeing and could engage with some of the deep-rooted contributors to TB stigma. An ubuntu-informed approach could underpin a local policy change to universal masking, thereby destigmatising an important IPC practice.
Theoretical investigation into the effect of Sulfur impurities on the electronic properties of Graphene using density functional theory
Authors: Ghafel Hussein , Salman M. K. , ahmed Ali ben
Published: November 2023

The electrical properties of Graphene (G.Q.D.) are studied in this research using density functional theory (DFT) by pure G.Q.D. and G.Q.D. with one S impurity, G.Q.D. with two S impurity, G.Q.D. with three S impurity graphene is intriguing because it can be adjusted electronically. We employed Graphene as a model to investigate the effect of Sulfur (S) on the electrical properties of G.Q.D. using density functional theory (DFT). Three distinct forms of S generate zinc and oxygen atoms at the ortho, meta, and para positions by changing a G.Q.D. geometry using S. A.G.Q.D. According to our findings, the presence and shape of S substantially impact the band gap values of the G.Q.D. structure. The electrical properties of the G.Q.D. are influenced not only by the amount of G.Q.D. diodes present but also by how the S diodes are arranged within the G.Q.D. We can tailor the bandgap of the G.Q.D. by appropriately doping S. These findings shed light on how chemical doping impacts the electronic characteristics of G.Q.D. and encourages the development of Nanodevices with enhanced electronic performance.
Willingness to Pay for Potting Mix Containing Eastern Redcedar Biochar under Alternative Information Sets
Authors: Silwal Pratikshya , Dunn Bruce L. , Norwood F. Bailey
Published: November 2023

Biochar is considered an environmentally friendly potting mix ingredient because it sequesters carbon, and its biomass can be obtained from renewable resources. If the biomass is obtained from the undesirable eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), then it has the additional benefit of helping to curtail its spread and protect natural habitats. If consumers recognize this benefit, then they may be willing to pay a premium for potting mix made from eastern redcedar biochar. This study used an internet survey of potting mix customers to measure the size of this potential premium. The results showed that consumers were willing to pay $2.42/ft3 more for potting mix containing 20% eastern redcedar biochar (by weight). This premium was even larger for respondents who were aware of the weedy nature of eastern redcedar.
Evaluation of Commercial Viability of Eco-friendly Alternatives to Traditional Floral Foam and Their Effects on Vase Life of Five Species of Cut Flowers
Authors: Etheredge Coleman L.
Published: November 2023

Increasingly, consumers are indicating that they would be willing to pay a premium for floral designs from a more sustainable floral provider. During the past several years, more environmentally sustainable floral foams and foam alternative media have been developed as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional floral foams comprised of phenol-formaldehyde plastics. Phenol-formaldehyde foam breaks down into microplastics, which ends up in landfills, soils, and waterways—including the planet’s oceans—if not disposed of properly. Eco-friendly foam alternatives are made from natural materials such as basalt minerals and coconut (Cocos nucifera) fiber (coir). The objective of this study was to investigate eco-friendly floral substrates for their commercial viability in the floral industry by analyzing the vase life of five of the most commonly use cut flower species in traditional vs. eco-friendly foam alternatives. Flowers selected for the experiment included ‘Freedom’ rose (Rosa hybrid), ‘Orange Queen’ alstroemeria (Alstroemeria hybrid), ‘Atlantis Yellow’ chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum), ‘Pink Nelson’ carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), and ‘Million Star’ baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculate). The flowers were selected based on their importance to the floral industry with regard to their overall volume of use in floral arrangements and volume of production. The findings from this study indicate the traditional phenol-formaldehyde–based floral foam maintained vase life longer for a majority of the flowers tested when compared with basalt floral fiber medium and coir pouches. However, the basalt floral fiber medium maintained a vase life of more than 7 days for all flowers tested, indicating it is an adequate medium to use in retail floral design production. The coir pouch did not maintain the customer-expected vase life of 7 days for all but one of the cultivars tested. This indicates that coir pouches are generally not suitable for traditional everyday retail floral design use, but could potentially be acceptable for special occasion designs in which the consumer prefers or specifies a more sustainable approach and/or can accept a shorter vase life.
Irrigation water quality from wastewater reuse or groundwater sources: bridging the water–nutrient–food nexus
Authors: Baanu B. Bharani , Babu K. S. Jinesh
Published: November 2023

A field study is done to analyze the effects of water reuse for irrigation with a focus on seed germination, crop morphology, crop yield, nutritional values of edible parts, fertilizer reduction, and benefit–cost ratio. For the study, three different crops, Lablab bean, tomato, and chilli, are considered and every crop type is irrigated with groundwater (GW), diluted treated wastewater (DTWW), and treated wastewater (TWW). The study reveals that the DTWW is optimal for seed germination. Crops irrigated with the TWW have the highest morphological characteristics. Crop yield is highest for the TWW-irrigated Lablab bean and DTWW-irrigated tomato. Chilli remains unproductive until the end due to thermal stress. Nutritional values of the edible parts of the DTWW- and TWW-irrigated crops are lower than the GW-irrigated crops. Crops irrigated with the DTWW and TWW are applied with the reduced quantities of N, P and K fertilizers. Indeed, even when the dosages are low those crops are able to produce higher yields than the GW-irrigated crops which are applied with full fertilization. As the crop yield is high and fertilizer cost is less, the benefit–cost ratio is higher for water reuse irrigation than the GW irrigation.
Silencing MFHAS1 Induces Pyroptosis via the JNK-activated NF-κB/Caspase1/
GSDMD Signal Axis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Jin Yue , Zhai Mingrui , Cao Rongyi , Yu Hongmin , Wu Chunli , Liu Yanhong
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Breast cancer has emerged as the most widespread cancer globally surpassing lung
cancer, and has become a primary cause of mortality among women. While MFHAS1 has been implicated in
the pathophysiology of various diseases, its precise involvement in breast cancer remains unclear.

Methods:

This study endeavors to elucidate the regulatory function of MFHAS1 in breast cancer cell pyroptosis
and the associated molecular mechanisms. Our findings indicate that the inhibition of MFHAS1 can impede
the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells, while also inducing cell pyroptosis via caspase1-dependent
activation of GSDMD.

Results:

This process results in the cleavage of cell membranes, leading to the release of inflammatory factors
and LDH. Subsequent investigations revealed that the silencing of MFHAS1 can promote JNK phosphorylation,
thereby activating the JNK signaling cascade. Notably, this effect can be counteracted by the JNK-specific
inhibitor sp600125. Ultimately, our investigation substantiated the identical function of MFHAS1 in breast
cancer tissue derived from animal models.

Conclusion:

To summarize, our findings demonstrate that the inhibition of MFHAS1 elicits pyroptosis in human
breast cancer cells through the facilitation of JNK phosphorylation and the activation of the downstream
NF-κB/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling cascade, thereby proposing the prospect of MFHAS1 as a viable therapeutic
target for breast cancer.
Three Novel CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC Recombinant Forms of HIV-1 Identified in Shijiazhuang City, China
Authors: Lu Xinli , Ma Lin , Yan Li , Liu Meng , Wang Yingying , An Ning , Li Qi
Published: November 2023

Background::

Hebei, a province with a low Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence,
is also a region with the most abundant HIV-1 genetic diversity. HIV-1 recombinant
forms have been the key factor influencing the effectiveness of HIV-1 control and therapy.

Objectives::

We aimed to study inter-subtype recombinant structures of new HIV-1-second generation
recombinant forms.

Methods::

Monitoring the HIV-1 subtype by phylogenetic and recombinant breakpoint analyses
are the two most frequent methods among men who have sex with men (MSM). Here, three near
full-length genomes (NFLGs) were obtained from HIV-1 seropositive MSM in Shijiazhuang City,
China, who have never received antiretroviral therapy in 2021.

Results::

Phylogenetic analysis indicated that three NFLGs were novel inter-subtype recombinant
forms between CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE. For the NFLG 21S009, four CRF07_BC gene fragments
were inserted into the pol, vif-vpr, vpu-env, and nef-3` LTR gene regions within a CRF01_
AE backbone, respectively. For the NFLG 21S095, four breakpoints were identified in
HIV-1 pol and vpu regions. The NFLG 21S370 contained four gene recombinant breakpoints
within HIV-1 pol and vpu-env gene regions. Of these three NFLGs, the NFLG 21S009 contained
the most breakpoints, distributed in the pol, vif, vpr, vpu, env, and nef regions, respectively. In the
gag-pol regions, three NFLGs had only one CRF07_BC gene fragment inserted into gene points
between 4250 and 4792.

Conclusion::

Our findings provide strong evidence that the surveillance of novel recombinant
forms is necessary for the increase in better control of HIV.
Synthesis, DPPH Radical Scavenging, Cytotoxic Activity, and Apoptosis
Induction Efficacy of Novel Thiazoles and Bis-thiazoles
Authors: Negm Amr , Al-Faiyz Yasair S. , Riyadh Sayed M. , Sayed Abdelwahed R.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Heterocyclic materials-containing thiazoles exhibited incredible im-portance in pharmaceutical chemistry and drug design due to their extensive biological properties.

Methods:

Synthesis of thiazoles and bis-thiazoles from the reaction of 2-((6-Nitro-benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)methylene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide with hydrazonoyl chlorides in dioxane and in the existence of triethylamine as basic catalyst. The antioxidant, in vitro anti-proliferative, and cytotoxicity efficacy of thiazoles and bis-thiazoles were measured.

Results:

In this work, novel series of 5-methyl-2-(2-(-(6-nitrobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)meth-ylene)hydrazinyl)-4-(aryldiazenyl)thiazoles (4a-f) were prepared via the reaction of hydrazonoyl chlorides 2a-f with 2-((6-nitrobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)methylene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (1) in dioxane and employing triethylamine as basic catalyst. Following the same procedure, bis-thiazoles (6, 8, and 10) have been synthesized by utilizing bis-hydrazonoyl chlorides (5, 7, and 9) and carbothioamide 1 in a molar ratio (1:2), respectively. The distinctive features in the structure of isolated products were elucidated by spectroscopic tools and elemental analyses. The antioxi-dant, in vitro anti-proliferative, cytotoxicity, and anti-cancer efficacy of thiazoles and bis-thia-zoles were evaluated. Compounds 4d and 4f were the most potent antioxidant agents. Gene ex-pression of apoptosis markers and fragmentation assay of DNA were assessed to explore the bi-ochemical mechanism of synthesized products. Thiazoles significantly inhibited cell growth and proliferation more than bis-thiazoles. They induced apoptosis through induction of apoptotic gene expression P53 and downregulation of antiapoptotic gene expression Bcl-2. Moreover, they in-duced fragmentation of DNA in cancer cells, indicating that they could be employed as anti-cancer agents by inhibiting tumor growth and progression and can be considered effective com-pounds in the strategy of anti-cancer agents’ discovery.

Conclusion:

Synthesis, DPPH Radical Scavenging, Cytotoxic activity, and Apoptosis Induction Efficacy based on Novel Thiazoles and Bis-thiazoles.
Analysis of the Relationship between Rheumatoid Arthritis and
Osteoporosis Based on Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Feichao Song , Rongrong Chen , Ji Shichang , Liu Bingjie , Junfeng Zhang
Published: November 2023

Background:

As the global population ages, the World Health Organization has found
a yearly increase in the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. This trend poses a challenge
to public health and healthcare and calls for the implementation of more preventive and treatment
measures to address these health issues.

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis
(RA) and osteoporosis (OP) using the Mendelian randomization (MR) method.

Methods:

OP diagnosis was based on the gold standard of bone mineral density (BMD). Single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from the genome-wide association research
database formed by RA and BMD, with a parameter setting of P < 5×10-8, chain imbalance
r2<0.01, and kb = 10,000. Five complementary MR methods, including inverse variance weighted
(IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median, simple mode estimation based on mode, and
weighted estimation based on mode, were used to evaluate the causal relationship between RA
and OP/BMD using odds ratio (OR) values and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Sensitivity analyses
were performed using heterogeneity tests, horizontal pleiotropy, and individual rejection tests.

Results:

A total of 78 instrumental variables were identified that were closely related to both RA
and BMD in mixed populations, while 14 instrumental variables were identified in the European
population and 38 instrumental variables were identified in the Asian population. Using IVW as
the main analysis method, the MR analysis results of RA and BMD showed the following: mixed
population OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.93-1.00; European population OR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.27-1.12; and
Asian population OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.90-1.01. Sensitivity analyses showed that the MR results
were robust.

Conclusion:

The study found insufficient evidence of a causal relationship between RA and OP/BMD,
suggesting that RA may not have a direct effect on OP/BMD.
Lipid-Based Nanocarriers in the Management of Pulmonary
Complications in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Maheshwari Shubhrat , Singh Aditya
Published: November 2023

Code 35, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) causes respiratory
failure, inflammation, and decreased airway mucociliary clearance. The absence of trustworthy
preclinical models that replicate the anatomical, immunological, and bioelectrical characteristics
of human CF lungs restricts the discovery of new therapies for the disease. Alternative
carriers to liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic carriers include lipid-based nanocarriers
(LBCs). Delivering medicines, nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics
via LBCs has received more and more attention in recent years. Due to their simple production,
physicochemical stability, and scalability, these nanocarriers have caught the attention of the
industrial sector. Because of these qualities, LBCs are well suited for industrial manufacturing.
Clinical trials are already being conducted on a number of LBC-containing items and are likely to
swiftly grow in popularity. For commercial applications to produce enough formulations for clinical
research, a large-scale manufacturing facility is necessary. The mainstay of treatment for CF,
asthma, and chronic obstructive lung disease is the inhalation of corticosteroids and topical bronchodilators.
These drugs are given through a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), a dry powder inhaler
(DPI), a jet, or an ultrasonic nebulizer. Although the sheer number of gadgets may be overwhelming
for patients and doctors, each has unique benefits.
Immunological Approaches in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Pour-Reza-Gholi Fatemeh , Assadiasl Sara
Published: November 2023

:

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, has no definite
treatment so far. In fact, a combination of metabolic, hemodynamic, and immunological factors
are involved in the pathogenesis of DN; therefore, effective disease management requires a
holistic approach to all predisposing contributors. Due to the recent findings about the role of inflammation
in the initiation and progression of kidney injury in diabetic patients and considerable
advances in immunotherapy methods, it might be useful to revise and reconsider the current
knowledge of the potential of immunomodulation in preventing and attenuating DN. In this review,
we have summarized the findings of add-on therapeutic methods that have concentrated on
regulating inflammatory responses in diabetic nephropathy, including phosphodiesterase inhibitors,
nuclear factor-kB inhibitors, Janus kinase inhibitors, chemokine inhibitors, anti-cytokine antibodies,
cell therapy, and vaccination.
Blend U-Net: Redesigning Skip Connections to Obtain Multiscale Features for
Lung CT Images Segmentation
Authors: Leng Pengfei , Xu Zhifei , Zhu Zhaohui , Pan Zhigeng
Published: November 2023

Background::

Lung cancer is a pervasive and persistent issue worldwide, with the highest morbidity and mortality among all cancers for many years. In the
medical field, computer tomography (CT) images of the lungs are currently recognized as the best way to help doctors detect lung nodules and thus
diagnose lung cancer. U-Net is a deep learning network with an encoder-decoder structure, which is extensively employed for medical image
segmentation and has derived many improved versions. However, these advancements do not utilize various feature information from all scales,
and there is still room for future enhancement.

Methods::

In this study, we proposed a new model called Blend U-Net, which incorporates nested structures, redesigned long and short skip connections, and
deep supervisions. The nested structures and the long and short skip connections combined characteristic information of different levels from
feature maps in all scales, while the deep supervision learning hierarchical representations from all-scale concatenated feature maps. Additionally,
we employed a mixed loss function to obtain more accurate results.

Results::

We evaluated the performance of the Blend U-Net against other architectures on the publicly available Lung Image Database Consortium and
Image Database Resource Initiative (LIDC-IDRI) dataset. Moreover, the accuracy of the segmentation was verified by using the dice coefficient.
Blend U-Net with a boost of 0.83 points produced the best outcome in a number of baselines.

Conclusion::

Based on the results, our method achieves superior performance in terms of dice coefficient compared to other methods and demonstrates greater
proficiency in segmenting lung nodules of varying sizes.
Application of the Different Analytical Methods for Non-chromophoric
Pharmaceutical Compounds
Authors: Singh Neha , Pannu Sumit , Singh Karanvir , Akhtar Md Jawaid , Anchliya Ankit , Alam Khan Shah
Published: November 2023

The physicochemical properties of non-chromophoric compounds that lack a group to absorb UV-visible radiation
make them difficult to analyze with a simple detector. Pharmaceutical formulations and their unknown impurities,
which show weak or no response with a UV detector, remain undetected and pose a challenge to the
analysis of these compounds. Direct measurement of a chromophore complex formed between the compound
and the colored ions present in the electrolyte solution with UV detection is one of the validated methods to analyze
non-chromophoric compounds. The derivatization with either chromophore or fluorescent group for the
detection of the non-chromophoric compounds with HPLC-UV-Vis or fluorescence detector is also commonly
used to study the physicochemical properties of the pharmaceutical formulations. The other techniques to analyze
such non-chromophoric compounds include conductivity (ionic molecules), amperometry (molecules
oxidized or reduced), mass spectrometry, evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD), condensation nucleation
light scattering detector (CNLSD), capillary electrophoresis (CE), gas chromatography (GC), etc. This review
covers various separation and detection techniques developed for the analysis of non-chromophoric compounds.
Cross-talk between Peptide Neurotransmitters and their Role in Homeostasis of Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
Authors: Rani Soni , Yadav Shubham , Mondal Ghorai Soma
Published: November 2023

:

The bidirectional communication among the different peptide neurotransmitters
and their receptors influences brain, immunity, and behavior. Among the peptide neurotransmitters,
Glutamate is the primary excitatory while; gamma-aminobutyrate (γ-GABA),
is the inhibitory neurotransmitter. Glutamatergic/GABAergic imbalances are seen in many
neurological and autoimmune disorders. With an aim to understand more deeply the intricacies
of glutamate/GABA homeostasis, we provide a critical review of glutamate, glycine
and GABA peptide neurotransmitters and their role in the brain, behavior, and immunity.
Another aspect of maintaining this homeostasis has its origin in the gut-brain-axis which
influences mood and behavior via the bidirectional biochemical exchange network between
central (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS). This present review also provides
evidence of the cross-talk between glutamate, glycine, and GABA along the microbiotagut-
brain axis, thus any variations in this axis bear the consequences of the pathological
condition. Drugs like alcohol, Benzodiazepines (Barbiturates) and neurosteroids inhibit the
excitatory action of glutamate leading to an overall increase of glutamate/GABA ratio that
causes relaxation of nerves. However, these drugs are misused and abused among drug
addicts and now their commercial production is either banned or downsized and heavily
monitored. Because only a limited number of drug molecules are considered in pharmaceutics
and clinics as antidepressants, it is essential to focus on alternate peptide modulator
analogues which are safe, eco-friendly and can be used as drugs to relieve stress and anxiety.
In this review, we present a synopsis of the studies on synthetic GABAergic agonists or
GABA modulators that can be targeted for future therapeutics and clinics.
IPSAAS Attributes Dissensions and SMEs Tax Payment Compliance Integrity
Authors: Babatunde Shakirat Adepeju
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis study analyses International Public Sector Accounting Standards' effects on the integrity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) tax payment compliance. This study uses a cross-sectional survey design based on primary data from a questionnaire administration. The sample size is three hundred and nine SMEs. This study employs Descriptive, Pearson Correlation and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) statistical analysis. Findings show that among the tax payment compliance impeding factors are the government's inability to satisfy SMEs in service delivery improvement and developmental goal promise actualisation. SMEs' resistance to pay tax results from a flawed tax dispute resolution system at a severe mitigating significant level. The governance responsiveness through IPSASs attributes dissension contradicts John Locke's social contract doctrine of civil society rights and benefits.  Hence, this study recommends that officeholders should enhance the SMEs' tax payment compliance level. Public officers' approach to governance should reduce taxpayers' exploitation for self-aggrandisement.  Keywords:Tax payment compliance, Integrity, International Public Sector Accounting Standards, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government Responsiveness
There is hope that health care may deliver on its promise
Authors: Jiwa Moyez
Published: November 2023

Health care is an increasingly bureaucratic environment in which key services are delivered. Individual practitioners can do little to reduce overarching burdens of working in such conditions. It is possible, however, to improve the experience of those who are being served, or even to improve outcomes by paying attention to details that are rarely considered when planning healthcare improvements. The interaction between healthcare practitioners and patients takes place in a private space and involves physical, emotional, and social exchanges that have been shown to impact the success of medical treatment. This editorial identifies the elements of the consultation that warrant special attention.
Building Resilience in Students: Managed and Minimised Stress in Students
Authors: Kassymova Gulzhaina , Podberezniy Vladimir V. , Arpentieva Mariam , Zhigitbekova Bakhyt , Schachl Hans , Kosherbayeva Aigerim , Aganina Kundyz , Vafazov Farid , Golubchikova Marina G. , Korobchenko Andrey I.
Published: November 2023

Stressful events in students' and teachers' personal, academic, and professional lives are widespread. The paper discusses many effective methods and techniques for correcting and preventing stress that are simple to learn and practice. They give good results in working with children, adolescents, and youths in training and education. Some practices are more complex and require more attention and effort to understand and master them, but they also have broader capabilities in various situations. Therefore, training sessions aimed at training in the prevention and correction of (di)stress conditions are very relevant and necessary. The results showed that there is a conscious and urgent need for students to reduce anxiety and stress, including ways to deal with learning stresses. Stress management can and should be structured and systematically organized, including in the instrumental sense: students need to be taught how to manage stress and themselves, increase their resistance to stress (resilience), and be trained to use different coping techniques with anxiety, as appropriate. In an empirical study, representatives of other groups of students from three Kazakh universities answered questions from three author's stress questionnaires. According to the respondents, the study results showed that students need knowledge about stress. The study showed the urgent need for special educational and training seminars, lectures, and even courses on (di)stress and physical, mental, and moral injuries and coping with them. Such classes are needed to help schoolchildren and students cope with stress and avoid problems with moral, mental, and physical health to prevent other negative consequences of school and related strains.
The Relationship Between Lockdowns and Video Game Playtime: Multilevel Time-Series Analysis Using Massive-Scale Data Telemetry
Authors: Zendle David , Flick Catherine , Halgarth Darel , Ballou Nick , Cutting Joe , Drachen Anders
Published: November 2023

Background

COVID-19 led governments worldwide to enact a variety of containment and closure policies. Substantial attention has been directed toward the idea that these public health measures may have unanticipated negative side effects. One proposed effect relates to video games. There is a nascent evidence base suggesting that individuals played video games for longer and in a more disordered manner during lockdowns and school closures specifically. These increases are commonly framed as a potential health concern in relation to disordered gaming. However, the evidence base regarding changes in gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic is based on self-report and, thus, is susceptible to bias. Therefore, it is unclear what the true consequences of lockdowns were for gaming behavior worldwide.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to estimate whether any specific lockdown policy led to meaningful increases in the amount of time individuals spent playing video games.

Methods

Rather than relying on self-report, we used >251 billion hours of raw gameplay telemetry data from 184 separate countries to assess the behavioral correlates of COVID-19–related policy decisions. A multilevel model estimated the impact of varying enforcement levels of 8 containment and closure policies on the amount of time that individual users spent in-game. Similar models estimated the impact of policy on overall playtime and the number of users within a country.

Results

No lockdown policy can explain substantial variance in playtime per gamer. School closures were uniquely associated with meaningful increases in total playtime within a country (r2=0.048). However, this was associated with increases in the number of unique individuals playing games (r2=0.057) rather than increases in playtime per gamer (r2<0.001).

Conclusions

Previous work using self-report data has suggested that important increases in heavy gaming may occur during pandemics because of containment and closure (“lockdown”) procedures. This study contrasts with the previous evidence base and finds no evidence of such a relationship. It suggests that significant further work is needed before increases in disordered or heavy gaming are considered when planning public health policies for pandemic preparedness.
The Efficacy of an mHealth App in Facilitating Weight Loss Among Japanese Fitness Center Members: Regression Analysis Study
Authors: Eguchi Akifumi , Kawamura Yumi , Kawashima Takayuki , Ghaznavi Cyrus , Ishimura Keiko , Kohsaka Shun , Matsuo Satoru , Mizuno Shinichiro , Sasaki Yuki , Takahashi Arata , Tanoue Yuta , Yoneoka Daisuke , Miyata Hiroaki , Nomura Shuhei
Published: November 2023

Background

Self-tracking smartphone apps have emerged as promising tools to encourage healthy behaviors. In this longitudinal study, we used gym use data from members of a major fitness club that operates gyms throughout Japan from January 2014 to December 2019.

Objective

Our objective was to assess the extent to which a health and fitness self-tracking mobile app introduced to gym members on January 1, 2018, contributed to their weight loss. The app allows users to input information regarding diet, sleep, weight, and gym exercise so that they can receive personalized feedback from an artificial intelligence chatbot to improve their health behaviors.

Methods

We used linear regression to quantify the association between app use and weight loss. The primary outcome of the study was the weight loss achieved by each gym user, which was calculated as the difference between their initial and final weights in kilograms, as recorded in the app. Individuals who did not attend the gym or failed to use the mobile app at least twice during the study period were excluded from the analysis. The model accounted for age, gender, distance between the gym and the member’s residence, average weekly number of times a member used the gym, user’s gym membership length in weeks, average weekly number of times a member input information into the app, and the number of weeks that the app was used at least once.

Results

Data from 26,589 participants were analyzed. Statistically significant associations were detected between weight loss and 2 metrics related to app use: the average weekly frequency of use and the total number of weeks in which the app was used at least once. One input per week was found to be associated with a loss of 62.1 (95% CI 53.8-70.5) g, and 1 week of app use was associated with 21.7 (95% CI 20.5-22.9) g of weight loss from the day of the first input to that of the final input to the app. Furthermore, the average number of times that a member used the gym weekly was also shown to be statistically significantly associated with weight loss: 1 use per week was associated with 255.5 (95% CI 228.5-282.6) g of weight loss.

Conclusions

This empirical study demonstrated a significant association between weight loss among gym members and not only the frequency of weekly gym use but also the use of a health and fitness self-tracking app. However, further work is needed to examine the mechanisms through which mobile apps affect health behaviors and to identify the specific app features that are most effective in promoting weight loss.
Patients, Doctors, and Chatbots
Authors: Erren Thomas C
Published: November 2023

Medical advice is key to the relationship between doctor and patient. The question I will address is “how may chatbots affect the interaction between patients and doctors in regards to medical advice?” I describe what lies ahead when using chatbots and identify questions galore for the daily work of doctors. I conclude with a gloomy outlook, expectations for the urgently needed ethical discourse, and a hope in relation to humans and machines.
Challenges and needs in digital health practice and nursing education curricula: A Gap analysis study (Preprint)
Authors: Livesay Karen , Walter Ruby , Petersen Sacha , Abdolkhani Robab , Zhao Lin , Butler-Henderson Kerryn
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Australian nursing programs aim to introduce students to digital health requirements for practice. However, innovation in digital health is more dynamic than education providers’ ability to respond. It is uncertain whether what is taught and demonstrated in nursing programs meets the needs and expectations of clinicians regarding capability of nurse graduates. This analysis takes the outputs of two studies into digital health capabilities and compares these to the National Nursing and Midwifery Digital Capability Framework.

OBJECTIVE

To identify gaps through a triangulation process, examined items present in the Framework as opposed to those that identified items that were missing from the Framework when compared to the perspectives of clinical nurses and the confidence and knowledge to teach of Nurse Educators.

METHODS

This study triangulates the findings from two studies of the DASH project and National Nursing and Midwifery Digital Capability Framework. The first a qualitative study considering the experiences of nurses with digital health technologies during COVID-19 pandemic and the second a survey of Nurse Educators identifying their confidence and knowledge to teach and demonstrate digital health concepts.

RESULTS

It demonstrate the range of components identified in the studies, that are present in the Framework and those items that are not evident in the Framework.

CONCLUSIONS

A series of statements and questions was formulated to direct a co-design process with nursing stakeholders to develop a curriculum for uplift of digital health capabilities for Nurse Educators to teach and undertake simulation-based learning with entry to practice nursing students.
Some neurological and laboratory indexes in active duodenal ulcer depending on Helicobacter pylori presence
Authors: Tkachenko O.V. , Demydas O.V.
Published: November 2023

Somatic-neurological and psychosomatic relationships are an integral part of the pathophysiological mechanisms in numerous diseases. The results of one of the fragments of a comprehensive clinical and paraclinical study of the nervous system state indexes in active duodenal ulcer (DU) are reported. It aimed to assess the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) on clinical-neurological and laboratory indexes. Sixty persons with an average age of 39.80 ± 1.29 years were examined. The patients were divided into two groups based on H.pylori presence or absence. The examinations included the following: analysis of complaints according to the developed questionnaire, neurological status assessment, autonomic dysfunction analysis (by A.M. Vayn questionnaire), complete blood count, evaluating the levels of C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, urea and creatinine in blood, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio calculation. The appropriate statistical methods were used for data processing. It was found that complaints of headache, dizziness and paresthesia as well as asthenodepressive syndrome and polyneuropathy of various severity and with different clinical manifestations were more common (p < 0.05) in patients with active DU on the background of Н.pylori. Sympathicotonia was significantly more frequent and eutonia was significantly less frequent in the active DU in patients infected with Н.pylori. An increased C-reactive protein level was significantly more common in Н.pylori patients. The identified neurological and laboratory features indicate a probable pathophysiological significance of Н.pylori in somatoneurological relationships, particularly in DU.
Target blood pressure level in patients in the pre- and post-stroke period: features of antihypertensive therapy depending on the stage of hypertension (literature review)
Authors: Zozulya I.S. , Volosovets A.O. , Boiko A.V.
Published: November 2023

Today, the problem of managing patients in the pre- and post-stroke period is associated with the target level of blood pressure. However, it is difficult to determine, because patients differ in age, duration and stage of hypertension, and comorbidities. Instrumental studies of the brain reveal its various lesions, as well as damage to the heart, impaired autoregulation of cerebral circulation, atherosclerosis of the major vessels of the head and neck. All these factors are certainly crucial for planning the long-term antihypertensive therapy.
Định lý Weierstrass cho hàm có giá trị khoảng
Authors: Nguyễn Chí Tâm , Trần Văn Duy , Huỳnh Thanh Du , Nguyễn Trung Phát , Đinh Ngọc Quý
Published: November 2023

Trong bài báo này, các phiên bản mở rộng của định lý Weierstrass cổ điển cho hàm có giá trị khoảng được đưa ra. Các kết quả được đề xuất là mới và tổng quát cho định lý Weierstrass cổ điển. Nhiều ví dụ cụ thể được trình bày để so sánh và minh họa cho các kết quả thu được.
Nghiên cứu lượng hấp thụ Co2 của rừng tràm (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell) ở các độ dày than bùn khác nhau tại vườn quốc gia U Minh Hạ, tỉnh Cà Mau
Authors: Trần Quốc Khải , Dương Văn Nhã , Nguyễn Tấn Truyền , Huỳnh Kiệt Anh Tuấn
Published: November 2023

Nghiên cứu được tiến hành nhằm ước lượng khả năng hấp thụ CO2 của rừng tràm (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell) tại Vườn Quốc gia U Minh Hạ, tỉnh Cà Mau. Số liệu được thu thập qua 12 ô tiêu chuẩn theo các độ dày than bùn: T (cm) < 40, T (cm)  = 40 - 70, T (cm) = 70 - 100, T (cm) = 100 - 120 và giải tích 21 cây cá thể. Số liệu sau khi thu thập được phân tích để tìm phương trình thích hợp cho mối quan hệ giữa các nhân tố. Kết quả cho thấy phương trình mô tả tốt nhất cho mối quan hệ giữa sinh khối, carbon tích lũy với đường kính thân cây có dạng: Y = (a + b/X)2. Có sự khác nhau giữa lượng CO2 hấp thụ của quần thể rừng tràm ở các độ dày than bùn: T (cm) < 40 là 237,51 tấn/ha, T (cm) = 40 - 70 là 167,73 tấn/ha, T (cm) = 70 - 100 là 42,89 tấn/ha, T (cm) = 100 - 120 là 58,87 tấn/ha. Tổng giá trị hấp thụ CO2 của rừng tràm tại khu vực nghiên cứu là 364.140.005.825 đồng.
Nghiên cứu động học suy giảm hàm lượng polyphenol và hoạt tính sinh học của bột sấy phun cao chiết trâm vỏ đỏ (Syzygium Zeylanicum (L.) DC.) trong điều kiện cưỡng bức
Authors: Nguyễn Minh Trung , Bùi Thị Bích Huyên , Nguyen Quang Vinh
Published: November 2023

Bột sấy phun cao chiết trâm vỏ đỏ (Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC.) là sản phẩm giàu polyphenol, có hoạt tính kháng oxy hóa và kháng đái tháo đường in vitro cao. Nghiên cứu này nhằm mục đích đánh giá động học của quá trình suy giảm hàm lượng polyphenol và hoạt tính sinh học của bột sấy phun cao chiết Trâm vỏ đỏ. Nghiên cứu được thực hiện trong điều kiện kích thích ở nhiệt độ 40 và 60°C, và độ ẩm tương đối là 75 và 90% trong 50 ngày. Kết quả cho thấy, tốc độ suy giảm hàm lượng polyphenol và hoat tính sinh học của bột sấy phun cao chiết Trâm vỏ đỏ phụ thuộc vào nhiệt độ và độ ẩm bảo quản. Bột sấy phun bảo quản ở điều kiện 40°C và độ ẩm tương đối thấp (75%) giữ được các hoạt tính sinh học ổn định hơn, với thời gian bán rã và suy giảm 90% hoạt tính lần lượt là 346,57 ngày và 1.151,29 ngày; hệ số nhiệt động (Q10) là 1,5 và năng lượng kích hoạt (Ea) là 35.125,4 J mol-1. Sự phân hủy của hàm lượng polyphenol tuân theo mô hình bậc nhất và hằng số phân hủy nằm trong khoảng 0,002 – 0,006 ngày−1.