bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Modification Approach for Tapioca Starch Using Gamma Irradiation and Carboxymethylation
Authors: Ali Imtiaz , Ahmad Maqsood , Ridha Syahrir , Iferobia Cajetan Chimezie , Lashari Najeebullah
Published: February 2023

Native starches are modified to enhance their characteristics in terms of thermal stability, cold water solubility, and bacterial susceptibility, which limit their industrial applications. In this work, dual modification of tapioca starch by gamma irradiation followed by carboxymethylation was carried out, and the modified starch characteristics were examined. Four dosages of gamma irradiation (25, 35, 45, and 60 kGy) were used for the first modification stage, followed by carboxymethylation using different parameters. The required modification of starch was characterized by FTIR, SEM, TGA, and XRD. Experimental findings showed that the dual modification enhanced the thermal stability of the starch. In addition, carboxymethylation impacted starch's morphology and reduced its crystallinity. Furthermore, the dual-modified starches exhibited excellent characteristics and could be used in specific applications, including oil and gas, textile, paper, packaging, 3D printing, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
INTERCOUNTRY FORECAST OF ENERGY SYSTEMS' EFFICIENCY
Authors: Chygryn Olena , Koibichuk Vitalia , Kocherezhchenko Roman
Published: February 2023

In order to obtain high-quality predictive results of electricity consumption in the context of different countries and years, theoretical foundations and terminology regarding the use of "Decision Tree" models and their ensemble architecture "Random Forest" were considered. This architecture helped to find the optimal forecast result without such unpleasant effects as: overtraining, model insufficiency. MAE and MSE metrics were considered and implemented to determine the quality, such a set can show business value, for example, MAE will only show the absolute error, which can tell the quality of the model for decision makers, and MSE metric, which can be useful for neural network model engineers for quality improvement using gradient descent. To implement the forecast model, the Python programming language was used using Numpy, Pandas and Sklearn libraries. The result of the theoretical study of the predictive model is a consistent study of details and definitions in relation to the theoretical basis for understanding what problems are solved by decision trees and why they can be used to create a forecast in the energy field. The result of practical implementation is a model with an absolute average error of 6.90%, which means that the model is adequate and workable, it can be used both as a basis for forecasting and as a self-sufficient model. The study provides an algorithm and demonstrates the implementation of a sequence of actions for creating a predictive model regardless of its type and architecture, providing insight not only in the details of implementation with the help of specific tools, but also at a more abstract level of description of actions. Also demonstrated is work with data processing to meet the needs of models, creation of new variables, and data transformation, which is also a mandatory practice for obtaining quality results. The absolute average error gives general information about the quality of the created model, but specific results can also give certain information in terms of a specific country, for example, the result of the forecast for Ukraine for 2021 is -1.90 value of the target variable "Net electricity import as share of demand", in while the true value is -3.40, the difference between the two figures is even smaller than the expected error.
Alopecia in oncology: the practical significance of fundamental research
Authors: Stanoevich I. V. , Khvostovoy V. V. , Tishina E. I. , Dyachkova V. I. , Petrochenko D. V. , Bykanova A. M. , Silina L. V. , Stanoevich U. S.
Published: February 2023

Purpose. To reflect the current understanding of the frequency, molecular mechanisms, and means of overcoming alopecia in cancer patients, taking into account the fundamental data of recent years on the physiology of the hair follicle and the pharmacological profile of the toxicity of anticancer drugs.

Material and Methods. A literature search using Medline, Pubmed, etc. databases was carried out. More than 200 publications devoted to the study of alopecia were found, of which 42 were included in this review.

Results. Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is a common adverse effect in cancer patients undergoing treatment. The frequency and molecular mechanism of the development of alopecia are related to the pharmacological features of the drug-based treatments, initial nutritional premorbid status, and predisposing polymorphisms of genes involved in drug conversion and excretion. Focal or diffuse alopecia may be the first sign of malignant growth within the paraneoplastic syndrome, primary or metastatic malignancies of the scalp, or be a manifestation of nutritional insufficiency. Baldness negatively affects the psycho-emotional state of patients, exacerbating depressive disorders, anxiety, reducing self-esteem and adherence to treatment. Thus, prevention or rapid overcoming of alopecia can significantly improve the quality of life of cancer patients. The use of scalp cooling or ‘cold caps’ is proven to be an effective way of combating chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

Conclusion. Further studies are needed to prevent and treat alopecia in cancer patients.
Molecular genetic risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients with thoracoabdominal malignant tumors
Authors: Korolyova A. A. , Gerasimov S. S. , Lyubchenko L. N.
Published: February 2023

Background. Ischemic stroke is one of the most frequent causes of postoperative death in patients with thoracoabdominal malignant tumors. The role of molecular genetic factors of cardiovascular risk in the development of this complication in cancer patients has not yet been studied properly. The identification of genetic determinants of arterial thrombosis will allow predicting an increased risk of ischemic stroke and will create the possibility of pathogenetically justified prevention among carriers of genetic markers of thrombophilia.

Aim. To compare the frequency of carriage of procoagulant mutations in the genes of the hemostasis system in cancer patients who have suffered an ischemic stroke and in cancer patients without concomitant cardiovascular diseases.

Material and Methods. The non-randomized observational pilot research included 105 patients with thoracoabdominal tumors treated at the Thoracoabdominal Department of N. N. Blokhin National Research Center of Oncology during the period 2018–2019. The study group (n=24) consisted of patients with a history of ischemic stroke or perioperative stroke. The control group (n=81) included patients without concomitant cardiovascular diseases, including a family history. The real time polymerase chain reaction technique was used to determine the gene polymorphisms of blood coagulation.

Results. We found a statistically significant difference in the frequency of carriage of the heterozygous variant (GA) mutation of the F2 gene (c2=6,881, p=0,009), homozygous mutation (TT) of the of the ITGA2 gene (c2=15,724, p<0,001), the heterozygous variant (TC) mutation of the ITGB3 gene (c2=3,861, p=0,05) as well as the general frequency of genetic aberrations in these genes between patients with thoracoabdominal malignant tumors, who had ischemic stroke and patients with thoracoabdominal malignant tumors without cardiovascular pathology.

Conclusion. Based on the results of the genotyping of factors associated with a high thrombogenic risk, a statistically significant difference in the frequency of occurrence of polymorphisms of hemostasis system genes F2, ITGA2, ITGB3 was revealed between patients with thoracoabdominal malignant tumors, who had ischemic stroke and those without cardiovascular diseases. The role of the genetic factor in the development of ischemic stroke in cancer patients requires further study.
Диагностика и коррекция слухового восприятия у детей 8–10-летнего возраста с умственной отсталостью
Authors: Карантыш Галина В. , Муратова Марианна А. , Гутерман Лариса А. , Менджерицкий Александр М. , Воробьева Елена В.
Published: February 2023

Введение. Статья посвящена выявлению особенностей слухового восприятия с использованием нейропсихологического и инструментальных методов у детей 8–10-летнего возраста с умственной отсталостью. Актуальность работы заключается в необходимости разработки подходов к улучшению способности к обучению детей с умственной отсталостью. Новизна исследования состоит в оценке эффективности психокоррекционных мероприятий, проводимых с использованием методов интегрированного воздействия на сенсорное восприятие у детей с умственной отсталостью. Методы. В исследовании приняли участие дети 8–10-летнего возраста без нарушений слуха в анамнезе: контрольная группа (n = 34) и дети с умственной отсталостью (n = 36). Детей с умственной отсталостью разделили на 2 подгруппы, в одной из которых проводили коррекционную работу в течение 6 месяцев с использованием методов интегрированного воздействия на сенсорное восприятие. Все дети были дважды обследованы с использованием методов тональной аудиометрии, регистрации длиннолатентных слуховых вызванных потенциалов, нейропсихологического тестирования. Результаты. При повторном обследовании (после проведенных коррекционных мероприятий) у детей с умственной отсталостью установлено снижение порогов тональной аудиометрии, а также латентностей отдельных пиков длиннолатентных слуховых вызванных потенциалов, что коррелировало с повышением эффективности прохождения нейропсихологических тестов. В подгруппе детей с умственной отсталостью, с которыми не проводили коррекционной работы, а также в контрольной группе изменений исследованных показателей не выявлено. Обсуждение результатов. В заключение делается вывод о том, что применение методик, направленных на развитие полисенсорного восприятия у детей с умственной отсталостью, способствует улучшению слухового гнозиса.
Dificultades de la interpretación y comprensión hermenéutica del texto: escritura, apropiación y sentido. Una propuesta de lectura a partir de Sartre y Ricoeur
Authors: Rojas Valdés Mitchel Angelo
Published: February 2023

En este escrito, se busca exponer, de forma acotada, una problemática inherente a la interpretación hermenéutica de textos: cómo asegurar la comprensión adecuada del texto, cómo lograr acceder al sentido del texto; en otras palabras, a través de qué procedimientos se puede asegurar una buena interpretación del texto que se tiene en frente. Por ello, se destacarán las dificultades que afloran en el quehacer interpretativo: la situación de distanciamiento histórico-temporal y su carácter de duplicidad, el problema de la intención del autor o de la autonomía del texto, el problema de la unidad de sentido del texto o la pluralidad de este que hace erosión e irrumpe como flujo en la escritura, etc. Estas dificultades llevan al planteamiento radical de la pregunta por la plausibilidad de una interpretación hermenéutica del texto. Para abordar este cometido y sondear las dificultades antedichas, se sopesarán brevemente las propuestas de autores como Gadamer, Sartre, Ricoeur, Derrida y Barthes, y se sostendrá que una posible solución estaría en algunas propuestas de «lectura» que se despliegan a partir de la postura sartreana y ricoeuriana.
El poema integral en Un par de vueltas por la realidad, de Juan Ramírez Ruiz
Authors: De la Sota Díaz Edmundo
Published: February 2023

Juan Ramírez Ruiz es el autor del concepto del poema integral. Esta propuesta poética (publicada en formato de manifiesto) fue considerada la partida de nacimiento del grupo Hora Zero (en la década de los 70). En este documento, la idea expresa era que debía escribirse poesía tal como se indicaba en este manifiesto fundacional. El artículo pretende verificar el cumplimiento del mandato poético en la propia escritura lírica del autor del manifiesto. En esta perspectiva, el análisis del poema «Un par de vueltas por la realidad» (poema insignia del primer libro del autor) se sustenta en las categorías propuestas en la pragmática de Luis Ángel Luján, en la hermenéutica de Terry Eagleton y en la retórica textual de Stéfano Arduini.
Recent Advances on the Antimicrobial Activities of Schiff Bases and
their Metal Complexes: An Updated Overview
Authors: Jorge Juliana , Del Pino Santos Kristiane Fanti , Timóteo Fernanda , Piva Vasconcelos Rafael Rodrigo , Ignacio Ayala Cáceres Osmar , Juliane Arantes Granja Isis , de Souza David Monteiro , Allievi Frizon Tiago Elias , Di Vaccari Botteselle Giancarlo , Luiz Braga Antonio , Saba Sumbal , Rashid Haroon ur , Rafique Jamal
Published: February 2023

Schiff bases represent a valuable class of organic compounds, synthesized via
condensation of primary amines with ketones or aldehydes. They are renowned for possessing
innumerable applications in agricultural chemistry, organic synthesis, chemical
and biological sensing, coating, polymer and resin industries, catalysis, coordination
chemistry, and drug designing. Schiff bases contain imine or azomethine (-C=N-) functional
groups which are important pharmacophores for the design and synthesis of lead
bioactive compounds. In medicinal chemistry, Schiff bases have attracted immense attention
due to their diverse biological activities. This review aims to encompass the recent
developments on the antimicrobial activities of Schiff bases. The article summarizes the
antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimalarial, and antileishmanial activities of Schiff bases
reported since 2011.
Pathogenetic and Therapeutic Role of Gut Microbiome in Immunoglobin A
Nephropathy
Authors: Li Hong-Bo , Zhou Jia-Lin , Xie Pin-Peng , Feng Ya-Ting , Chen Yue , Zhang Dan-Feng , Wang De-Guang , Pan Hai-Feng
Published: February 2023

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a common primary glomerulonephritis, which is mainly characterized by excessive IgA deposition in the glomerular mesangial area. Although exploring the pathogenesis of IgAN and improving the treatment strategies continuously, the exact pathogenesis of IgAN remains unclear and the disease still leads to high mortality. Recently, emerging evidence has demonstrated that dysregulated intestinal mucosal immunity and gut microbiome imbalance may play a combined role in the development and progression of IgAN. It has been suggested that reconstructing the intestinal microenvironment and maintaining the stability and metabolic balance of gut microbiome are expected to become new treatment strategies. Meanwhile, inhibiting mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) controlled by the gut microbiome may become an alternative treatment, especially used to reduce the excessive production of IgA in IgAN. In this review, we summarized the correlation between gut microbiome and the pathogenesis of IgAN, as well as the therapeutic potential of gut microbiome in this disease.
Evaluation of Wound Healing Potential of Root Bark Extract of Berberis
aristata and Molecular Docking Analysis of Berberis Phytoconstituents
Authors: Shrivastav Alankar , Mishra Arun Kumar , Gupta Ashessh Kumar
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

The root bark of Berberis aristata has been utilized by indigenous peoples
for wound treatment for centuries. The mature root barks are crushed into a paste and applied to the
wound's surface.

Objective:

The focus of this research is to analyse the wound healing activities of an ethanolic extract
of Berberis aristata, as well as to use molecular docking to establish the likely mechanism of the potent
phytochemical. There is no scientific evidence to support the usage of root bark extract of Berberis
aristata.

Methods:

The Herbal ointment, which comprises (1%, 2%, and 4% w/w) ethanolic extract of root
bark, was developed to test the wound healing ability of incision and excision wounds, and the molecular
mechanism was established using Auto-Dock software.

Results:

Epithelization stage, wound index, % wound contraction area, hydroxyproline content, DNA
estimate, and histopathological assessments were performed on the incision wound model. Tensile
strength was assessed in an excision wound model. TLC was used to identify the samples after successive
extractions with different solvents based on polarity.

Conclusion:

Berberine and Tetrahydropalmatine were major active phytoconstituent found in root barks
of Berberis aristata as secondary metabolites. Animals treated with 4% w/w formulation demonstrated
considerable wound contraction, epithelization time, and wound index in the excision model. In contrast,
to control and standardize the concentrations of hydroxyproline, total amino acids, and DNA in recovering
tissue were higher. At 4% w/w extract formulation, the parameters studied indicated a substantial result.
Berberine and tetrahydropalmatine, active metabolites which are present in the ethanolic extract of
Berberis aristata, were found to be responsible for wound healing. Based on ligand interactions, the findings
verified Berberis aristata ethnomedicinal claim in a wound healing capacity.
Protective Impact of Vanillic Acid on Lipid Profile and Lipid Metabolic
Enzymes in Diabetic Hypertensive Rat Model Generated by a High-Fat
Diet
Authors: Ashokkumar Natarajan , Vinothiya Kolanji
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Diabetes is the most common component of metabolic syndrome, including
abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipoproteinemia.

Objective:

This study aims to determine whether vanillic acid has antihyperlipidemic properties in diabetic
hypertensive rats.

Methods:

For this study healthy male albino Wister rats (180-220 gm) were selected. A 20-week highfat
diet (HFD) was given to produce diabetic hypertension in Wister rats. Control and diabetic hypertensive
rats were treated with vanillic acid. Vanillic acid effects on lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides,
phospholipids, free fatty acids, high-density lipoproteins (HDL)) and lipid metabolizing enzymes
LPL, LCAT, and HMG CoA reductase studied by a conventional method. To understand the
effect of vanillic acid control, experimental rat lipid and metabolic enzymes were studied and treated
and controlled animal liver tissues were observed using the different histology staining agents.

Results:

Vanillic acid caused considerable lipid profile reductions except for HDL and increased
plasma HDL levels. After eight weeks of vanillic acid administration also boosts lipid marker enzyme
activity (HMG CoA reductase, LPL, and LCAT). In addition, vanillic acid reduces the accumulation
of collagen in liver tissues.

Conclusion:

These research studies suggest that vanillic acid has antihyperlipidemic effects in diabetic
hypertensive rats fed an HFD.
Exploration and Validation of Lead Molecules against Yellow Fever
through High Throughput Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics
Simulation
Authors: Kathiresan Nachammai , Pandi Sangavi , Sahul Thameema Parveen , Subbaraj Gowtham Kumar , Ganapathy Priyanka , Chandrashekar Kirubhanand , Kulanthaivel Langeswaran
Published: February 2023

Background:

Yellow fever (YF) is a mosquito-borne flaviviral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) that
causes severe hepatitis, renal failure, bleeding, and quick terminal events such as shock and multi-organ
failure. There are currently no particular anti-viral medications for the management of the YF virus
(YFV). Despite the availability of a commercial YFV vaccination, there are roughly 30,000 fatalities
globally each year, with instances rising over the previous 20 years. After being translocated into the endoplasmic
reticulum lumen, glycosylated NS1 resides as a membrane-associated dimer, where it is required
for viral genome replication. The secreted hexamer NS1 has a role in immune evasion and pathogenesis
and has been discovered as a possible diagnostic marker for the early identification of viral infections.

Objective:

The main aim of this study is to analyze the small molecule as a potent drug candidate against
the target NS1 protein.

Methods:

In this study, Computational approaches, including high throughput virtual screening, molecular
docking, and dynamics simulation, were carried out against the target NS1 protein using three different
chemical libraries Enamine, Asinex, and NCI. The selected lead compounds were validated through
HOMO-LUMO analysis, ADME prediction, and Toxicity parameters to analyze the biological and pharmacological
properties of the lead small molecules.

Results:

From the result, it was concluded that the leads possessed the highest docking scores, interacting
with the binding residues, and were stable in the simulation period.

Conclusion:

Overall findings revealed that the lead three small molecules could act as the potential drug
candidate for the target NS1 protein to inhibit the diseasing efficacy of Yellow fever.
Forecasting of Permeate Conductivity using MLR and ANN Methods of
Boujdour Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant
Authors: Kherraf Siham , Bakkouche Chaymae , Barhmi Soukaina , Mabrouki Jamal , El Hajjaji Souad , Elfatni Omkeltoum , Dhiba Driss , Maissine Khlifa
Published: February 2023

Background:

For many years, seawater desalination technique has been operational to deal
with water scarcity. In Boujdour region, located near the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Morocco, most
water drinking is produced by a reverse osmosis seawater desalination plant. The permeate conductivity
prediction is used to evaluate the performance of desalination plants.

Objective:

The present paper focuses on the modeling and comparison of the Artificial Neural Network
(ANN) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) for the prediction of permeate conductivity for a one-year
period.

Methods:

Six input variables are considered, including turbidity, temperature, pH, feed conductivity, feed
flow, and transmembrane pressure (TMP). Firstly, the MLR identifies the most important variables influencing
the permeate conductivity with the aim of developing a regression model for the dependent and
independent parameters. Secondly, the ANN method is examined to analyze the performance of desalination
plant. A study of the effect of the number of neurons and the number of hidden layers on the efficiency
of the neural network has been made.

Results and Conclusion:

Results confirm that the MLR and ANN models forecast the permeate conductivity
with a suitable coordination coefficient of the real and predicted values. ANN model has been successfully
tested for reliability with a correlation coefficient R2 of 99.097% and a mean square error (MSE)
of 0.002607.
Preclinical Effects of Melatonin on the Development of Ehrlich's Tumor: A Biochemical, Cognitive, and Molecular Approach
Authors: Lopes Ivan Pereira , Bagatela Bianca Souza , Lopes Andrey Pereira , Silveira Elaine Ferreira , Petri Giuliana , Santos Jose Francisco Ramos , Perez Matheus Moreira , da Veiga Glaucia Luciano , da Costa Aguiar Alves Beatriz , Perazzo Fabio Ferreira , Feder David , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso
Published: February 2023

Background:

It has already been shown that melatonin is an antitumoral molecule that
affects malignant cells via some mechanisms. The benefit played by this hormone on cancer is due
to its antioxidant effects.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the preclinical effects of melatonin in mice with the Ehrlich
ascites tumor.

Methods:

Twenty Balb/c male mice with Ehrlich tumor were treated with different melatonin doses.
Their inflammatory and oxidative stress were accessed by gene expression. Hepatotoxicity and
hematological parameters were also evaluated through biochemical analyses. Animal welfare was
analysed weekly from the categories guided by the NC3Rs.

Results:

Gene expression analyses have shown that only Tnfα and Sod1 were expressed in all
groups studied. Only the M-3 group showed increased Tnfα expression compared to the control.
All groups treated with melatonin showed decreased Sod1 expression compared to the control. No
signs of hepatotoxicity were caused by any of the melatonin doses used in the treatment

Conclusion:

In animals with Ehrlich´s tumor treated with melatonin, a decrease in oxidative
stress, an amelioration in welfare and in cognitive tasks could be observed, even if the treatment
has not reduced the size of the tumor itself. In parallel with the already patented use of melatonin
in the treatment of sleep disorders or chronic kidney disease, our results propose its use to improve
the general well-being of breast cancer patients.
Comparison of Learning Facilitated by Traditional and Virtual Case Studies for Teaching the Nursing Approach to Care
Authors: Qaisar Rabia , Bouzoubaa Hind , Lajane Halima , Lamiri Abderrahmane , Benchadlia Fatimazahra , Abidi Omar , Khyati Abderrahim
Published: February 2023

Aim:

The objective of this study is to investigate the adoption of these two strategies for teaching the steps of the care process to Moroccan nursing students. We attempt to answer the following questions: What is the preference of nursing students between traditional case studies and virtual case studies? What are their suggestions for improving teaching practices? According to their point of view, which of the teaching strategies is more conducive to the appropriation of knowledge and the development of skills related to the care process?

Background:

Case-based learning has long been one of the active teaching strategies widely used by nursing educators. However, the constraints inherent to traditional case study learning have prompted educators to seek alternative teaching practices. Today, virtual case studies are recognised as one of the most recommended and innovative teaching approaches to address these constraints in the nursing context.

Objective:

the present study aims to explore students' perceptions of traditional case studies and virtual case studies as facilitated learning methods for teaching the nursing process.

Methods:

We conducted a questionnaire survey at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques Casablanca in 2021 among first-year polyvalent nursing students. The course ‘Conceptualization and Care Planning’ was taught based on these two different pedagogies.

Results:

Comparing the means via a t-test of the paired samples showed that there was a significant difference for all items (p-value<0.005) between learning facilitated by traditional case studies and virtual case studies.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that virtual case studies are an innovative and well-received educational tool for nursing students compared to traditional case studies.
Sustainable Construction Materials: Recycled Aggregate Concrete from Known Concrete Strength Debris
Authors: Issa Camille A. , Hilal Georgio
Published: February 2023

Background:

Landfills receive construction and demolition wastes (CDW) that are the debris generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings, roads, and bridges. CDW are resources that could be used in new construction projects, thus eliminating the need for virgin materials to be mined and processed.

Objective:

The main objective of this study is to develop a novel investigation of the mechanical behavior of concrete mix design incorporating recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) from casted concrete debris of known compressive strength while meticulously monitoring the effective water-to-cement ratio.

Methods:

The following four variables were monitored while performing the concrete mix design: the percentage of recycled coarse aggregates (RCA), the percentage of recycled fine aggregates (RFA), the gradation of the recycled material used, and the original compressive strength of the casted concrete debris. The initial strength and size of the debris versus the quantity of usable recycled materials obtained were investigated. The consequence of the utilization of each variable in the final concrete mix was determined. The mechanical properties investigated were the compressive strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity of concrete made with different percentages of recycled materials.

Results:

The result of this study is achieving an optimum concrete mix design that also results in minimizing the negative impact on the environment by reducing the amount of CDW being dumped in landfills.

Conclusion:

The combination of both recycled coarse and recycled fine aggregates resulted in an increase in mechanical performance of the concrete while enhancing the environmental value of the final material.
Depression and Quality of Life among Women Hospitalized during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yusefi Ali Reza , Davarani Esmat Rezabeigi , Kavosi Zahra , Mehralian Gholamhossein
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

The outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) can lead to the development of several mental disorders. Women are an important part of any society, and psychological factors can affect their quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the depression level among hospitalized women and its relationship with their quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

Methods:

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 465 women admitted to public educational hospitals affiliated with the Minister of Health, Iran. The data collection tools were the Goldberg Depression Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the data by applying SPSS software version 23.

Results:

According to the results, 48.60% of the women were mentally healthy. While 15.27% of them were more likely to develop depression, 13.12% of the others were borderline depressed. At the same time, 12.69% of the women who participated in the study suffered from a mild to moderate level of depression, 7.74% of women had moderate to severe depression, and 2.58% of the rest tolerated severe depression. Other results show that the mean score of quality of life (QOL) of the women was 58.49±11.51 (out of 120). Moreover, a significant and inverse correlation between depression and QOL was observed among the studied women (r=-0.564, P<0.001). Statistically significant relationships between depression and the variables of age (P=0.007), place of residence (P=0.04), marital status (P=0.006), level of education (P<0.001), and income level (P=0.03) were also observed. Moreover, there was also a statistically significant relationship between women's QOL and their marital status (P=0.02).

Conclusion:

According to the results, providing social support and establishing effective communication based on mutual interaction among hospitalized women and healthcare workers can be recommended to decrease their level of depressive disorder and enhance their QOL.
Mental Health Status and the Readiness of Nursing Students to Serve During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brajshori Naime , Paice Leonora , Alloqi Tahirbegolli Iliriana , Dervishaj Ukehaxhaj Antigona , Kryeziu Blerta , Gogebakan Yildiz Derya , Hoti Flaka , Osmani Shkelzen , Tahirbegolli Bernard
Published: February 2023

Aims:

This study aims to assess the state of mental health of nursing students in Kosovo and their willingness to provide professional health services for individuals at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional survey, undergraduate nursing students from three higher education institutions in Kosovo participate from May 25, 2020, to June 5, 2020. Data was collected through a structured, anonymous, self-directed questionnaire via the online platform-google forms. Questions about nursing knowledge, skills and competencies, and willingness to work, if necessary, in healthcare facilities in Kosovo before graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic, were organised according to the Likert scale.

Results:

Four hundred and seventy-two nursing students (82% female; and mean age 20.3±1.8 years) participated in the study. 18.2% of students required further evaluation for depression, 48.3% for anxiety, and 30.7% for stress. 77.8% of students agreed that they had acquired sufficient knowledge, 80.6% that they had sufficient skills, and 75.9% that they had sufficient competencies, during their studies, to work as nurses. Female students had higher stress (8.55±4.06) and anxiety scores (6.65±4.08) compared to their male counterparts (7.46±4.35; and 5.02±4.07; respectively) (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among categories of stress, anxiety and depression, and nursing student’s willingness to work or not during COVID-19 pandemic (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

Most nursing students in Kosovo appear ready and willing to join qualified nurses in healthcare institutions in delivering health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights:

Most nursing students are willing to provide health services during the pandemic.

The female students had higher stress and anxiety scores than their counterparts.

This study discovered that students needed psychological support during the pandemic.

Serving during the pandemic will put into practice problem-solving skills.
Terpenoids and Triterpenoid Saponins: Future Treatment for Depression
Authors: Mando Zaynab , Al Zarzour Ragdhaa Hamdan , Alshehade Salah , Afzan Adlin , Shaari Khozirah , Hassan Zurina , Mahror Norlia , Zakaria Fauziahanim
Published: February 2023

Background:

Depression is a crippling mental disorder with high prevalence around the
world. The available clinical antidepressants have been effective to a certain degree, and different
side effects have limited their application. This leads to the necessity of finding new treatments.
Herbal plants are a substantial source of new drug leads. Terpenoid compounds are secondary metabolites
representing an enormous category of structures found commonly in plants either as aglycones
or attached to sugar moieties. These phytochemicals have been extensively studied for their
various biological effects, and several have been investigated for potential therapeutic effects in the
treatment of depression.

Aim:

This review aims to highlight the current knowledge on some terpenoids and triterpenoid
saponins as potential antidepressant agents and their mechanisms of action, which may provide a
better understanding of the potential antidepressant-like effects of these compounds and lead to the
development of auspicious molecules with high efficiency and low side effects for depressive disorders
treatment.

Methods:

A total of 16 plants containing antidepressant agents are reviewed in this article. 9 terpenoids
and 23 triterpenoid saponins compounds have been reported to becommonly found in plant
extracts, indicating potential use for depression. To enhance the datum of this review, the mechanism
of action for the candidate compounds has been predicted via functional enrichment analysis.

Results:

The behavioural and neurochemical effects, as well as the possible mechanisms of action,
have been evaluated in rodents by different predictive models of depression, mainly the acute
stress models of the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The involved
mechanisms include enhancing monoamine neurotransmitters, ameliorating brain-derived neurotrophic
factor (BDNF), and normalizing the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Preclinical
studies support the potential antidepressant activities of some terpenoid compounds. Furthermore,
the functional enrichment analysis has confirmed the previous pre-clinical findings and predicted
further mechanisms of action, including cellular calcium ion homeostasis, cellular response
to dopamine, endocrine resistance, and regulating GABAergic, serotonergic, glutamatergic, and
dopaminergic synapse, bedsides neurotransmitter reuptake.

Conclusion:

Terpenoids and triterpenoid saponins provide a large number of natural compounds.
This review sheds light on terpenoids and triterpenoid saponins compounds with antidepressantlike
activity and their potential mechanisms of action. However, more evaluations are required to
confirm that these compounds are promising for discovering antidepressant drugs.
Acute Spontaneous Colonic Perforation in a Case of Newly Confirmed Scleroderma: Case Report
Authors: Goodwin Glenn , Ryckeley Christian , Fox Davide , Ashley Michael , Dubensky Laurence , Danckers Mauricio , Slesinger Todd
Published: February 2023

Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that principally affects the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and viscera. One of the more well-known subgroups of scleroderma is the limited cutaneous form of the multisystem connective tissue disorder known as CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasis) syndrome. In this report, we present a case of a spontaneous colonic bowel perforation in a patient with incomplete features of CREST. Our patient underwent a complicated hospital course involving broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage, surgical hemicolectomy, and immunosuppressives. She was eventually discharged home with a return to functional baseline status after esophageal dysmotility confirmation via manometry. Physicians managing patients with scleroderma ensuing to an emergency department encounter must anticipate the multitude of complications that can occur, as was seen in our patient. The threshold for pursuing imaging and additional tests, in addition to admission, should be relatively low, given the extremely high rates of complications and mortality. Early multidisciplinary involvement with infectious disease, rheumatology, surgery, and other respective specialties is crucial for patient outcome optimization.
Exploring the Perceptions of mHealth Interventions for the Prevention of Common Mental Disorders in University Students in Singapore: Qualitative Study
Authors: Salamanca-Sanabria Alicia , Jabir Ahmad Ishqi , Lin Xiaowen , Alattas Aishah , Kocaballi A Baki , Lee Jimmy , Kowatsch Tobias , Tudor Car Lorainne
Published: February 2023

Background

Mental health interventions delivered through mobile health (mHealth) technologies can increase the access to mental health services, especially among university students. The development of mHealth intervention is complex and needs to be context sensitive. There is currently limited evidence on the perceptions, needs, and barriers related to these interventions in the Southeast Asian context.

Objective

This qualitative study aimed to explore the perception of university students and mental health supporters in Singapore about mental health services, campaigns, and mHealth interventions with a focus on conversational agent interventions for the prevention of common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Methods

We conducted 6 web-based focus group discussions with 30 university students and one-to-one web-based interviews with 11 mental health supporters consisting of faculty members tasked with student pastoral care, a mental health first aider, counselors, psychologists, a clinical psychologist, and a psychiatrist. The qualitative analysis followed a reflexive thematic analysis framework.

Results

The following 6 main themes were identified: a healthy lifestyle as students, access to mental health services, the role of mental health promotion campaigns, preferred mHealth engagement features, factors that influence the adoption of mHealth interventions, and cultural relevance of mHealth interventions. The interpretation of our findings shows that students were reluctant to use mental health services because of the fear of stigma and a possible lack of confidentiality.

Conclusions

Study participants viewed mHealth interventions for mental health as part of a blended intervention. They also felt that future mental health mHealth interventions should be more personalized and capable of managing adverse events such as suicidal ideation.
Artificial Intelligence–Based Chatbots for Promoting Health Behavioral Changes: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Aggarwal Abhishek , Tam Cheuk Chi , Wu Dezhi , Li Xiaoming , Qiao Shan
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI)–based chatbots can offer personalized, engaging, and on-demand health promotion interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and intervention characteristics of AI chatbots for promoting health behavior change.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in 7 bibliographic databases (PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, and JMIR publications) for empirical articles published from 1980 to 2022 that evaluated the feasibility or efficacy of AI chatbots for behavior change. The screening, extraction, and analysis of the identified articles were performed by following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 15 included studies, several demonstrated the high efficacy of AI chatbots in promoting healthy lifestyles (n=6, 40%), smoking cessation (n=4, 27%), treatment or medication adherence (n=2, 13%), and reduction in substance misuse (n=1, 7%). However, there were mixed results regarding feasibility, acceptability, and usability. Selected behavior change theories and expert consultation were used to develop the behavior change strategies of AI chatbots, including goal setting, monitoring, real-time reinforcement or feedback, and on-demand support. Real-time user-chatbot interaction data, such as user preferences and behavioral performance, were collected on the chatbot platform to identify ways of providing personalized services. The AI chatbots demonstrated potential for scalability by deployment through accessible devices and platforms (eg, smartphones and Facebook Messenger). The participants also reported that AI chatbots offered a nonjudgmental space for communicating sensitive information. However, the reported results need to be interpreted with caution because of the moderate to high risk of internal validity, insufficient description of AI techniques, and limitation for generalizability.

CONCLUSIONS

AI chatbots have demonstrated the efficacy of health behavior change interventions among large and diverse populations; however, future studies need to adopt robust randomized control trials to establish definitive conclusions.
Correction: Desires for Individual- and Interpersonal-Level Patient Portal Use for HIV Prevention Among Urban Sexual Minority Men: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jackman Kevon-Mark P , Tilchin Carla , Wagner Jessica , Flinn Ryan E , Trent Maria , Latkin Carl , Ruhs Sebastian , Fields Errol L , Hamill Matthew M , Mahaffey Carlos , Greenbaum Adena , Jennings Jacky M
Published: February 2023

UNSTRUCTURED
Comprehensive treatment of patients with gastric variceal bleeding
Authors: Chooklin S.M. , Chuklin S.S.
Published: February 2023

Gastro-oesophageal varices are the major clinical manifestations of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Bleeding from gastric varices is usually severe and is associated with higher mortality and a higher risk of rebleeding than from esophageal varices. The management of variceal bleeding is complex, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving pharmacological, endoscopic, and radiological interventions. In terms of treatment, three stages can be considered: primary prophylaxis, active bleeding, and secondary prophylaxis. The main goal of primary and secondary prophylaxis is to prevent variceal bleeding. However, active variceal bleeding is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to stop it and achieve long-term hemostasis. This review describes the features of pharmacological, endoscopic and interventional radiological prophylactic and treatment options in gastric variceal bleeding. We searched the literature in the MedLine database on the PubMed platform.
Phytochemical Investigation of Tectona Grandis Lin. by different Solvent Fractions
Authors: Singh Lalit Pal
Published: February 2023

Abstract: The objective of the present work is to carry out the phytochemical screening of different fractions obtained from methanolic extract of Tectona grandis leaves. Physicochemical analysis was done to determining total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash, extractive value, moisture content, crude fiber content and foaming index. Phytochemical investigations were carried out on different fractionto determine various active constituents present in it by using standard preliminary phytochemical tests. The inorganic element, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc and manganese were found in the extract of leave Florescence analysis of the fractions were reported which gives the sensitivity of the chemical in different chemical reagents. Preliminary phytochemical screening of different fractions of Alcoholic extract showed the presence of the phytoconstituents like alkaloids, glycoside, proteins and amino acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins and sterols.
Historical Method: A Critical Review
Authors: More Dr. Dadasaheb
Published: February 2023

Abstract: Historical research describes the past things what was happened. This is related with investigating, recording as well as interpreting the past events with respect to the in present perspectives. Historical research is a procedure for the observation with which researcher. It is a systematic collection and objective evaluation of the collected data with respect to the first occurrence to verify causes and effects related to the events with the help of these two explain the present events as well as anticipate for the future work purpose
A Study of Machine Learning Effectiveness in Detecting Credit Card Fraud: KNIME
Authors: T Prathibha , B C Dr. Arjun
Published: February 2023

Abstract: Credit cards are becoming the most widely utilized form of payment. The numbers of fraud users are growing as quickly as the technology. This paper discusses the performance of three popular Machine Leaning techniques for predicting credit card fraud detection. In this paper we used Machine Learning algorithms such as Decision Tree, Random Forest and Simple Regression tree for handling the imbalanced credit dataset. KNIME is used as data analytical tool for the purpose of simulation. The Comparative Study related to Accuracy is being tested and the Regression tree will give the best result
Effect of foliar fertilizer application on yield, and yield components of tea (Camellia sinensis Var. Assamica (Mast.) Kitamura)
Authors: Haq Muthia Syafika , Rachmiati Yati , Karyudi Karyudi
Published: February 2023

The experiment on the effect of foliar fertilizer (29% N, 10% P2O5, 10% K2O, 3% MgO, 5% SO3, and micro compound B, 0,0075% Cu, 0,026% Fe, 0,032% Mn and 0,023% Zn) concentration on growing tea (Camellia sinensis) and productivity was conÂ­ducted in Research Institute for Tea and CinÂ­chona Experimental Plantation on the altitude of 1.350 m above sea level and Andisol type soilfrom August to November 2013 with GMB 7 clones. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with 3 treatments and 4 replicates. Concentration levels of fertilizer were 1) 0% as control, 2) 2%, and 3) 4%. The results showed that productivity increased significantly, control (465,25 g/10 plantation) compared with the plants were treated with 2% (564,58 g/10 plantation) and 4% (573,46 g/10 plantation) fertilizer, respectively. The increase of productivity was due to increased of plucking point, quantity and weight of pecco and length of leaves.Â
Briskness index of black tea based on arrangement technique of brewing period
Authors: Rohdiana Dadan , Shabri Shabri
Published: February 2023

Research of briskness index of black tea base on arrangement technique brewing period has been done. The aim of this research is to find the best brewing periode arrangement technique which indicated the height of briskness index by determine of theaflavin and caffeine content. Result of this research shown that brewing periode arrangement for 12 minutes initiated brewing for 3 minutes has the highest of briskness index, i.e. 22.71 with theaflavin and caffeine content were 0,29% and 0,97% dry basis respectively. In contras, brewing periode arrangement technique for 3 minutes initiated by brewing periode 12 and 6 minutes respectively were liquor with the lowest of briskness index i.e. 13.73 with theaflavin and caffeine content were 0.10% and 0.66% dry basis respectively. This research concluded that black tea could be brewed until 3 times.