bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islamic Moral Value of self-reliance: A Drive for Poverty Alleviation and Entrepreneurship amongst Women in Kontagora Emirate, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Hauwa'u Talatu
Published: August 2022

The Islamic moral value of self-reliance is a value system that has been emphasized in numerous Ayat of the Glorious Qur’an and Ahadith of the Prophet (SAW). Kontagora Emirate consists of six local government areas with diverse cultural values and different languages, but with the majority of its population being Muslims and women. This paper seeks to look into the moral obligation in the conduct of business or trade by women in Islam and the conditions to be observed by Muslim women during vocations. It also aims to find out how they acquire the entrepreneurial skills; the duration taken to learn a particular skill and the types of businesses, trades, vocations etc. What impact does it have on the Muslim woman’s status economically, socially, educationally, politically? In order to achieve the above objectives, the paper adopts the survey method complimented with interview. The findings of the paper are that most Muslim women in Kontagora Emirate engage in one form of trade/vocation or the other through self help efforts such as Adashi and mini-women self help efforts kungiya. The paper concludes that with the help of Government and non-governmental/private individual’s assistance the women in Kontagora Emirate will achieve more and contribute more to economic growth of the Emirate and the state at large.
Runoff estimation using digital image processing for residential areas
Authors: Soni Pramod , Medhi Hemanta , Sagar Anitya , Garg Pulkit , Singh Abhay , Karna Umesh
Published: August 2022

With the burgeoning population worldwide, the demand for freshwater supply is increasing, mostly in urban areas, due to the influx of people for better livelihood. To mitigate this burden of freshwater demand and build a sustainable water management system, harvesting rainwater during the rainfall season is a viable option. Runoff estimation studies in the past are time-intensive as parameter estimation for an area is complex by the conventional method. In this study, the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Allahabad campus was selected as a pilot project to assess a methodology that uses Google Earth images for obtaining the runoff coefficients. This method is easy and consumes less time in runoff estimation. This was compared with the conventional method. Using the conventional method (Arc-GIS), the equivalent runoff coefficients for these catchments were found to be 0.2780, 0.3553, and 0.4111, respectively. The range of error (compared to the traditional method) in runoff obtained from the proposed method with a default k value (0.8) was found to be 8.16–13.55%, with an average value of 9.91%. However, with a slightly modified value of k (0.9), the errors were significantly reduced to 1.94–3.32%, with an average of 2.15%.
Application of biochar as an innovative soil ameliorant in bioretention system for stormwater treatment: A review of performance and its influencing factors
Authors: Chen Yao , Wu Qiong , Tang Yinghui , Liu Zhen , Ye Lilan , Chen Renyu , Yuan Shaochun
Published: August 2022

As an emerging environment functional material, biochar has become a research hotspot in environmental fields because of its excellent ecological and environmental benefits. Recently, biochar has been used as an innovative soil ameliorant in bioretention systems (BRS) to effectively enhance pollutant removal efficiency for BRS. This paper summarizes and evaluates the performance and involved mechanisms of biochar amendment in BRS with respect to the removal of nutrients (TN (34–47.55%) and PO43--P (47–99.8%)), heavy metals (25–100%), pathogenic microorganisms (Escherichia coli (30–98%)), and organic contaminants (77.2–100%). For biochar adsorption, the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models are the most suitable kinetic and isothermal adsorption models, respectively. Furthermore, we analyzed and elucidated some factors that influence the pollutant removal performance of biochar-amended BRS, such as the types of biochar, the preparation process and physicochemical properties of biochar, the aging of biochar, the chemical modification of biochar, and the hydraulic loading, inflow concentration and drying–rewetting alternation of biochar-amended BRS. The high potential for recycling spent biochar in BRS as a soil ameliorant is proposed. Collectively, biochar can be used as an improved medium in BRS. This review provides a foundation for biochar selection in biochar-amended BRS. Future research and practical applications of biochar-amended BRS should focus on the long-term stability of treatment performances under field conditions, chemical modification with co-impregnated nanomaterials in biochar surface, and the durability, aging, and possible negative effects of biochar.
Biodegradation characteristics and mechanism of quinoline by Ochrobactrum sp. strain C2
Authors: Zhao Qiancheng , Hu Qiaoyu , Qiu Ziliang , Yu Caihong
Published: August 2022

A quinoline-degrading strain, C2, which could completely degrade 250 mg/L of quinoline within 24 h, was isolated from coking wastewater. Strain C2 was identified as Ochrobactrum sp. on the basis of 16S rDNA sequence analysis According to 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis, Strain C2 was identified as Ochrobactrum sp. Strain C2 could utilize quinoline as the sole carbon sources and nitrogen sources to grow and degrade quinoline well under acidic conditions. The optimum inoculum concentration, temperature and shaking speed for quinoline degradation were 10%, 30 °C and 150 r/min, respectively. The degradation of quinoline at low concentration by the strain followed the first-order kinetic model. The growth process of strain C2 was more consistent with the Haldane model than the Monod model, and the kinetic parameters were: Vmax = 0.08 h−1, Ks = 131.5 mg/L, Ki = 183.1 mg/L. Compared with suspended strains, strain C2 immobilized by sodium alginate had better degradation efficiency of quinoline and COD. The metabolic pathway of quinoline by Strain C2 was tentatively proposed, quinoline was firstly converted into 2(1H) quinolone, then the benzene ring was opened with the action of catechol 1,2-dioxygenase and subsequently transformed into benzaldehyde, 2-pentanone, hydroxyphenyl propionic acid and others.
Base-Promoted Regioselective Bromination of Imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines
with CBr4 as Bromine Source
Authors: Zhang Fengmei , He Pei , Liu Chunbo , Shen Qinpeng , Xia Jianjun , Han Ying , Xiong Wen , Li Zhenjie , Tang Shiyun , Liu Zhihua
Published: August 2022

A bromination of hydrocarbons with CBr4 as a bromine source, promoted by NaOH, has
been developed. The reaction method with high efficiency and regioselectivity for the synthesis of
C3-brominated imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines. An effective and simple method of C-X bond construction has
been developed, which is a supplement to the halide of imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines.
Dexamethasone Loaded Electrospun Nanocomposite Ocular Insert:
In-vitro Drug Release and Mechanical Assessment
Authors: Benival Derajram , Agarwal Rishabh , Rana Dhwani , Salave Sagar
Published: August 2022

Background:

Dexamethasone is currently available as suspension for the treatment of anterior ocular inflammatory diseases that are given through eye drops. Upon topical delivery by eye-drops, less than 5% of the drug gets absorbed when applied topically as eye drops. The major portion of administered drug either comes out from the eye or gets subjected to nasolacrimal drainage resulting in poor bioavailability.

Objective:

The present study is aimed at developing polymeric ocular insert containing dexamethasone as a drug by employing the use of electrospinning technique.

Methods:

Dexamethasone (0.1% w/v) loaded electrospun sheet was also made using 10% w/v EC: HPMC: PEO (60:20:20) in solvent system of ethanol: water (90:10) at optimized electrospinning parameters of 12kV with a flow rate of 0.8mL/hr and distance of 20 cm between tip and collector.

Results:

The prepared nanocomposite insert was characterized for DSC and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy revealing no physical-chemical interaction between drug with polymers. The thickness of the electrospun sheet was found to be 270±0.02 μm and % drug content was found to be 0.43±0.01% w/w. The release profile showed that around 95% drug was released in 48 hrs. This release profile showed the prepared drug-loaded electrospun ocular insert was best suitable for once-a-day delivery. Assessment of mechanical properties like young’s modulus, tensile strength, and % elongation showed that the prepared insert can be handled easily without any breakage or damage.

Conclusion:

Upon delivery in conjunctival sac, this is best suitable for once-a-day delivery. The developed electrospun insert, consisting of a unique polymer composite of biodegradable polymers, avails the benefits of nanofibers imparting prolonged release and this novel formulation overcomes the limitations of conventional therapies. This reduces the dosing frequency and improves patient compliance.
Huntington's Disease: Molecular Basis, Pathophysiology and Biomarker
Authors: Siddiqui Sarfraj Ahmad , Prakash Anand
Published: August 2022

Huntington's disease (HD), a hereditary autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder is characterised by weak cognitive and motor functions. The symptoms most commonly prevail among 30-50 years age group people. The coordination and movement abilities gradually worsen, and mental abilities mostly decline that progress towards dementia. The basis behind the HD disease is neuronal death due to mutations in huntingtin (HTT) protein, a protein required for the development and survival of neurons. There is an increase in the number of CAG repeats that generally code for glutamine within the HTT gene, resulting in an expansion of polyglutamine chain in HTT protein. This mutated HTT protein is toxic causing neuronal death and motor dysfunction. There is no known therapy for this disease other than suggestive relief treatment approaches. The review will be discussing here the molecular mechanism, pathophysiology and the potential biomarkers associated with HD.
Medicinal Plants and Natural Compounds as Antiparkinsonian Agents
Authors: Zahra Walia , Birla Hareram , Singh Saumitra Sen , Rathore Aaina Singh , Dilnashin Hagera , Singh Richa , Keshri Priyanka Kumari , Singh Surya Pratap
Published: August 2022

Medicinal plants have been used since ages for the treatment of human
diseases in the Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda. Parkinson's diseases (PD) on the
other hand is a kind of neurodegenerative disorder that shows debilitating symptoms;
and the treatment of the disease rely on the symptomatic management. The drugs
available for the treatment of the disease show severe side effects on prolonged usage.
Thus, many medicinal plants and their derivative natural compounds have been tested
for their anti-Parkinsonian activity with minimal side effects. Mucuna pruriens,
Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia are the example of medicinal plants that have
shown anti-Parkinsonian activity while the natural compounds found in medicinal
plants like Baicalein, curcumin, Ginseng, Resveratol have also maintained the nerve
cell function and prevented the neuronal death. Thus, the polyphenols and other
bioactive constituent of medicinal plants should be further studied for their therapeutic
intervention against PD.
Comparative Income Combination of Farming and Cattle Bali in Palangga Subdistrict South Konawe Regency
Authors: Sani La Ode Arsad , Hafid Harapin , Munadi Laode Muh , Doni Ahmad
Published: August 2022

The research aims to determine the income of cattle business combined with horticultural farming and palawija in April-June 2020 in Palangga District, South Konawe Regency. The location determination method is purposive, where there are farmers with horticulture and palawija farming. Respondents in the study were 40 farmers. The data is analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively to compare cattle income, horticulture, and palawija. The results showed that the average income of livestock business amounted to Rp. 8.779.500/year and horticultural and palawija farming Rp. 18.889.950/year, Bali cattle business income combined horticultural farming of Rp. 20.931.200/year and Bali cattle business combined palawija farming of Rp. 6.738.250/year.
Histological structure of Pectoralis thoracicus, small intestine, and growth performance of broiler chicken after supplementation of peanut hulls (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Lembayu Rana Puti Lembayu , Armandu Alfonsus Chrystian , Saragih Hendry Trisakti
Published: August 2022

The main factor that must be considered in achieving the success of the broiler industry is feed. Processed peanuts from home industries produce waste material in the form of peanut hulls. This study aims to determine the effect of peanut hulls supplementation (PHS) on feed on the histological structure of the Pectoralis thoracicus (PT) muscle, small intestine, and the growth performance of broiler chickens. This study used 360 chickens then divided into 4 treatment groups with each group amounting to 90 with 3 replications. The control group (K) was given basal feed, perlakuan 1 (P1) group with PHS 0.25% /kg basal feed, group P2 with PHS 0.5%/kg basal feed, and group P3 with PHS 1%/kg basal feed. The treatment was carried out until the chicken was 18 days old. The parameters observed were chicken body weight at post-hatch age, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 days, feed conversion ratio (FCR), histological structure of pectoralis muscle, and small intestine. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA, significance (P≤0.05). The results showed that body weight and FCR values of groups P1, P2, P3 were significant towards the control. The results of the pectoralis muscle treatment group were increased significantly compared to the control. The morphological results of duodenum and jejunum groups P1, P2, P3 were significantly increased towards the control. The conclusions of this study indicate that PHS in feed shows improved body weight, the FCR value, muscle performance of PT, and structure of small intestine of broiler chickens with the addition of the most optimal supplement of peanut hulls, which is 0.5%/kg basal diet.
Nutrient, phytochemical, and digestibility evaluation of papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) as an alternative feedstuff for ruminants
Authors: Haris Muhamad Ichsan , Mayulu Hamdi , Suyadi Suyadi
Published: August 2022

Ruminants have a complex digestive system so they can utilize forage nutrients to convert them into food products of high economic value (meat and milk) and papaya leaves have the potential to be an alternative source of new feedstuff. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Animal Feed Chemistry, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Hasanuddin University Makassar (for proximate analysis), Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta (for quantitative and qualitative analysis). The study was used proximate analysis to determine the nutritional content of papaya leaf, in vitro analysis to measure dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD), and Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) for quantitative and qualitative tests of alkaloid compounds. The results showed that the DMD values of dry leaf and fresh leaf DMD were 72.74% and 78.44%, respectively. The highest score of rations DMD and OMD was R2FPL (69.98%) and R2DPL (61.92%), respectively. A qualitative test of papaya leaf bioactive compounds using UV 254 light obtained 3 spots with a detectable Rf value of 0.72 and a quantitative test with piperine test parameters showed the results of the analysis were "not detected". The results showed that papaya leaves were suitable as an alternative feedstuff for ruminants (cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep).
Comparative analysis of Hermetia illucens L. mixed chicken feed and commercial chicken feed to growth performance, carcass weight, and meat proximate content of Gallus domesticus L.
Authors: Nurdiansyah Muhamad Aldi , Permana Agus Dana
Published: August 2022

The development of the broiler farming industry to meet the needs of chicken meat in Indonesia has problems including the availability and high prices of commercial feed. This is due to the use of high-priced protein sources from a fish meal as a commercial feed composition. One option that can replace a fish meal as a composition of broiler feed is Hermetia illucens L. larvae flour. This study aims to determine the difference between H. illucens mixed chicken feed (HiMCF) and commercial chicken feed (CCF) on growth performance of Gallus domesticus L. with parameters Final Body Weight (FBW), Daily Feed Intake (DFI), Daily Weight Gain (DWG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Approximate Digestibility (AD), Efficiency of Conversion Digestibility (ECD), carcass weight with 3-joint wings, forequarter, and leg quarter, and the meat proximate content. In this study, G. domesticus were cultivated for 33 days with HiMCF and CCF treatment. The complete proximate content of feed and meat was analyzed descriptively, while growth and carcass weight were analyzed by statistical SPSS T-test (T-test, = 0.05). The feeding of HiMCF and CCF treatment on the growth of broiler chickens to DFI, DWG, FCR, AD, and ECD was the same except for FBW. While the feeding of HiMCF and CCF treatment to the carcass weight was not the same except for 3-joint wings. The feeding of HiMCF and CCF treatment gave the same proximate content of broiler chicken meat. Based on this research, the HiMCF can be an alternative feed for broiler chickens.
Advances in the application of nanomaterials for natural stone conservation
Authors: Gherardi Francesca , Maravelaki Pagona Noni
Published: August 2022

The unpredictable effects of climate change impose the safeguarding of Cultural Heritage (CH) with effective and durable materials as a vital solution in the invaluable socioeconomic resource of CH. Conservation products and methodologies are addressed under recent advancements in colloidal science providing multi-functional solutions for cleaning, consolidation, protection, and monitoring of the architectural surfaces. Nanoscience significantly contributes to enrich the palette of materials and tools that can guarantee an effective response to aggressive environmental agents. Nanostructured multi-functional nanoparticles, nanostructured fluids, and gels for stone conservation are reviewed and future perspectives are also commented. The stability and high flexibility in designing tailored made nanoparticles according to the specific characteristics of the substrate enable their use in a variety of applications. Stemming from the well-performed in lab applications with nanomaterials, the testing onsite and the monitoring of their effectiveness are of crucial importance, considering also the constructive feedback from conservators and heritage stakeholders that can unquestionably contribute to the improvement and optimisation of the nanomaterials for CH protection.
Het Atelier doorzocht. Theater op het kruispunt met beeldende kunst
Authors: Lambert Rosa
Published: August 2022

De voorstelling Atelier (Damiaan De Schrijver, Matthias De Koning en Peter Vanden Eede, 2017) was de aanleiding voor het symposium ‘Time and Space to Create (and to Be Human)’, georganiseerd door onderzoeksgroep ARIA in oktober 2018. Waar het symposium Atelier benaderde vanuit institutioneel oogpunt, kiest dit artikel voor een kunsttheoretische bril. In Atelier fungeert de theaterscène immers als werkplek, laboratorium, een letterlijk ‘atelier’ waarin de acteurs een theatraal onderzoek voeren rond de aard van kunst. Zo onthullen de makers op ironische wijze enkele fundamentele componenten van de kunstvorm. Ze brengen vragen aan het licht over de beginselen van het creatieproces eigen aan theater, en naar het statuut van het lichaam, object en toeschouwer binnen dat theatraal kader: Hoe beweegt een acteur zich tussen personage en lichaam? Hoe komt het dat een urinoir, eens op het podium geplaatst, zich kan ontpoppen tot een kunstwerk? Hoe (on)misbaar is de aanwezigheid van een toeschouwer? Dit artikel plaatst die vragen tegen de achtergrond van Erika Fischer-Lichtes discours over het lichaam van de performer, Arthur Danto’s kunstfilosofische beschouwing van minimal art en Erving Goffmans Frame Analysis. Door deze kunsttheoretische inzichten te verbinden met Atelier, zal dit artikel de diepere inzet van het theaterwetenschappelijk onderzoek uit de voorstelling aan de oppervlakte brengen.
Facilitated COIL conversational model: a virtual exchange between a private university in the US and a teacher college in South Sudan
Authors: Bloomquist Candace D. , Hobson C. J. , Ayaga James , Trott Christopher , Suiter Sandra , Freeman Austin D.
Published: August 2022

This practice report explores a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) course focused on awareness and esteem development for women teachers in South Sudan and volunteers associated with a US-based university. Pedagogy of hope was utilized as an educational tool for implementation and evaluation. Assessments of this COIL course focused on data from exit tickets and a final writing assignment. Self-perceptions of the participating teachers were analyzed based on their sense of preparedness, confidence, comfort levels with the class, and any impact the course had on teachers’ sense of teaching as a personal calling. Practitioners and teaching professionals interested in international virtual exchange will find key takeaways related to building partnerships starting with low-stakes initiatives and using COIL to help ignite advances in digital maturity in South Sudan.
Clinical Study of Incomplete Cervical Dilation in Dairy Cattle and Buffaloes
Authors: Sagar Ram . , Saxena Atul , Kumar Sharad , Kumar Sudhir
Published: August 2022

A total of 17 clinical cases of cows and buffaloes suffering from incomplete cervical dilation (ICD) were included in the study. Among these cases, 35.29% and 64.71% cases were observed in cows and buffaloes, respectively. Pluripara were more affected as compared to primiparous animals. Treatment procedures adopted in these cases were mechanical manipulation of the cervix and a combination of four drugs (PGF2andalpha;, Betamethasone, Estrogen, and Valethamate bromide). All the animals responded to the treatment protocol. The combined hormonal treatment (PGF2andalpha;, Betamethasone, Estrogen, and Valethamate bromide) was suitable for managing incomplete cervical dilation.
Correlación entre cognición social y lenguaje en el trastorno del espectro autista
Authors: Orozco-Henao Eliana , Bernardo-Zuluaga Juan , Zuluaga-Arroyave Valencia
Published: August 2022

Objetivo. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación entre cognición social y lenguaje, en una muestra de menores con diagnóstico de Trastorno del Espectro Autista del Instituto DINA (Desarrollo Integral del Niño con Autismo) y un grupo control de la ciudad de Manizales. Método. Esta investigación es de tipo cuantitativo, con un diseño cuasiexperimental y un alcance de tipo correlacional. El tipo de muestra es no probabilística por conveniencia de 78 participantes: 39 niños, con diagnóstico de Trastorno del Espectro Autista en Grado uno y 39 niños de grupo control, en edades comprendidas entre los 6 a 16 años. Resultado. Existen correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre las pruebas. Sin embargo, el coeficiente de correlación en todas ellas se encuentra en un nivel bajo (C.C<0,3) o moderado (0,3<C.C.<0,7). Conclusión. A pesar de que en el análisis de las pruebas el índice de correlación no es significativo, se hace necesario seguir en esta línea de investigación, puesto que en la realidad de los niños se hace evidente cómo el lenguaje juega un papel en la cognición social, razón por la cual, se deben tomar en cuenta la elección de las pruebas y otras variables intervinientes.
Racial Disparities in Patient-Provider Communication During Telehealth Visits Versus Face-to-face Visits Among Asian and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Patients With Cancer: Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Acoba Jared D , Yin Chelsea , Meno Michael , Abe Justin , Pagano Ian , Tamashiro Sharon , Fujinaga Kristy , Braun-Inglis Christa , Fukui Jami
Published: August 2022

Background

Telehealth visits increase patients’ access to care and are often rated as “just as good” as face-to-face visits by oncology patients. Telehealth visits have become increasingly more common in the care of patients with cancer since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Asians and Pacific Islanders are two of the fastest growing racial groups in the United States, but there are few studies assessing patient satisfaction with telemedicine among these two racial groups.

Objective

Our objective was to compare satisfaction with communication during telehealth visits versus face-to-face visits among oncology patients, with a specific focus on Asian patients and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) patients.

Methods

We surveyed a racially diverse group of patients who were treated at community cancer centers in Hawaii and had recently experienced a face-to-face visit or telehealth visit. Questions for assessing satisfaction with patient-physician communication were adapted from a previously published study of cancer survivors. Variables that impact communication, including age, sex, household income, education level, and cancer type and stage, were captured. Multivariable logistic models for patient satisfaction were created, with adjustments for sociodemographic factors.

Results

Participants who attended a face-to-face visit reported higher levels of satisfaction in all communication measures than those reported by participants who underwent a telehealth encounter. The univariate analysis revealed lower levels of satisfaction during telehealth visits among Asian participants and NHOPI participants compared to those among White participants for all measures of communication (eg, when asked to what degree “[y]our physician listened carefully to you”). Asian patients and NHOPI patients were significantly less likely than White patients to strongly agree with the statement (P<.004 and P<.007, respectively). Racial differences in satisfaction with communication persisted in the multivariate analysis even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. There were no significant racial differences in communication during face-to-face visits.

Conclusions

Asian patients and NHOPI patients were significantly less content with patient-physician communication during telehealth visits when compared to White patients. This difference among racial groups was not seen in face-to-face visits. The observation that telehealth increases racial disparities in health care satisfaction should prompt further exploration.
The Impact of Time Horizon on Classification Accuracy: Application of Machine Learning to Prediction of Incident Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Simon Steven , Mandair Divneet , Albakri Abdel , Fohner Alison , Simon Noah , Lange Leslie , Biggs Mary , Mukamal Kenneth , Psaty Bruce , Rosenberg Michael
Published: August 2022

Background

Many machine learning approaches are limited to classification of outcomes rather than longitudinal prediction. One strategy to use machine learning in clinical risk prediction is to classify outcomes over a given time horizon. However, it is not well-known how to identify the optimal time horizon for risk prediction.

Objective

In this study, we aim to identify an optimal time horizon for classification of incident myocardial infarction (MI) using machine learning approaches looped over outcomes with increasing time horizons. Additionally, we sought to compare the performance of these models with the traditional Framingham Heart Study (FHS) coronary heart disease gender-specific Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Methods

We analyzed data from a single clinic visit of 5201 participants of a cardiovascular health study. We examined 61 variables collected from this baseline exam, including demographic and biologic data, medical history, medications, serum biomarkers, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic data. We compared several machine learning methods (eg, random forest, L1 regression, gradient boosted decision tree, support vector machine, and k-nearest neighbor) trained to predict incident MI that occurred within time horizons ranging from 500-10,000 days of follow-up. Models were compared on a 20% held-out testing set using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Variable importance was performed for random forest and L1 regression models across time points. We compared results with the FHS coronary heart disease gender-specific Cox proportional hazards regression functions.

Results

There were 4190 participants included in the analysis, with 2522 (60.2%) female participants and an average age of 72.6 years. Over 10,000 days of follow-up, there were 813 incident MI events. The machine learning models were most predictive over moderate follow-up time horizons (ie, 1500-2500 days). Overall, the L1 (Lasso) logistic regression demonstrated the strongest classification accuracy across all time horizons. This model was most predictive at 1500 days follow-up, with an AUROC of 0.71. The most influential variables differed by follow-up time and model, with gender being the most important feature for the L1 regression and weight for the random forest model across all time frames. Compared with the Framingham Cox function, the L1 and random forest models performed better across all time frames beyond 1500 days.

Conclusions

In a population free of coronary heart disease, machine learning techniques can be used to predict incident MI at varying time horizons with reasonable accuracy, with the strongest prediction accuracy in moderate follow-up periods. Validation across additional populations is needed to confirm the validity of this approach in risk prediction.
Veterans Affairs Health Care Provider Perceptions of Virtual Reality: Brief Exploratory Survey
Authors: Preston A'mie M , Brown Lana , Padala Kalpana P , Padala Prasad R
Published: August 2022

Background

Virtual reality (VR), a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world, has become increasingly useful within the psychiatric and medical fields. This VR technology has been applied in medical school trainings, exposure therapy for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and reminiscence therapy associated with mood disorders for older adults. Perceptions of VR through the lens of the health care provider require further exploration. VR has grown in popularity; however, this modality continues to be underused in most Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals.

Objective

A web-based survey was used to explore health care provider perceptions of immersive VR availability and use for older adults and identify potential barriers for immersive VR use in older adults with cognitive impairment.

Methods

An 8-item web-based survey was developed to obtain health care provider feedback. This survey was disseminated throughout a single Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN). The VR survey was developed via the Survey Monkey platform and distributed through the secure VA email network. Providers were asked to voluntarily participate in the brief, anonymous survey and offer their perceptions of immersive VR use within their patient population. Survey data were reviewed and interpreted using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 49 respondents completed the survey over a 15-day period. Of them, 36 respondents (73%) had heard of a VR device, though the majority (n=44, 90%) had never used or prescribed a VR device. Respondents identified several potential barriers to immersive VR use in older adults with cognitive impairment (eg, hearing difficulties, perceptions of technology, cognitive concerns, access to resources, and visual impairment). Despite the barriers identified, providers (n=48, 98%) still reported that they would feel comfortable prescribing immersive VR as an intervention for their patient population.

Conclusions

Survey findings revealed that health care providers within this VISN for VAs have heard of VR, although they may not have actively engaged in its use. Most of the providers reported that they would prescribe the use of an immersive VR intervention for their older adult patients. This key point highlights the desire to implement VR strategies for patient use by their providers. If underlying barriers can be addressed and relatively resolved, this technological intervention has the potential to create substantial breakthroughs in clinical care.
Cyclosporine in the Treatment of Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome: Retrospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zita Sophia , Broussard Lindsey , Hugh Jeremy , Newman Sabrina
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe, life-threatening reaction to a culprit drug that frequently involves end-organ damage. Corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for DRESS syndrome; however, corticosteroids may be contraindicated in certain patient populations. There are currently only 54 cases detailing the use of cyclosporine for the treatment of DRESS syndrome reported in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this case series was to examine the treatment of DRESS syndrome with cyclosporine in a large patient cohort by aggregating time to symptom resolution, recurrence rate, and treatment dose and duration.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective cohort study. Patients diagnosed with DRESS syndrome by a board-certified dermatologist and treated at the University of Colorado Hospital from 2015 to 2019 were included.

RESULTS

Our inclusion criterion was met by 19 occurrences of DRESS syndrome. With a short course of cyclosporine, 17 of 19 patients in our cohort (89%) had resolution of symptoms (mean treatment length of 5.26 days). DRESS syndrome’s relapse after treatment with cyclosporine occurred in 3 of 19 (16%) occurrences of the cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports the use of cyclosporine in the treatment of DRESS syndrome, particularly in patients who are unable to sustain prolonged immunosuppression. Further research is necessary to compare the efficacy of cyclosporine to the current standard of care in a larger study population and investigate long-term outcomes.

CLINICALTRIAL
The VISION-MD (Measurement of Vital Signs by Lifelight® Software in Comparison to the Standard of Care) observational study: protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Wiffen Laura , Brown Thomas , Brogaard Maczka Annika , Kapoor Melissa , Pearce Laurence , Chauhan Milan , Chauhan Anoop , Saxena Manish
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Measuring vital signs (VS) is an important aspect of clinical care but is time consuming and requires multiple pieces of equipment and trained staff. Interest in the contactless measurement of VS has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, including for non-clinical situations. Lifelight® is an app being developed as a medical device for the contactless measurement of VS using remote photoplethysmography via the camera on smart devices such as phones and tablets. The VISION-D (Measurement of Vital Signs by Lifelight® Software in Comparison to the Standard of Care – Development )and -V (Validation) studies demonstrated the accuracy of Lifelight compared with standard of care measurement of blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate, supporting certification of Lifelight as a class I Conformité Européenne (CE) medical device.

OBJECTIVE

To support further development of the Lifelight app, the observational VISION-MD (Multi-site Development) study (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCTNCT04763746) is collecting high-quality data from a broad range of patients, including those with VS measurements outside the normal healthy range and critically ill patients.general practice; vital signs/methods; vital signs/standards; photoplethysmography; remote photoplethysmography; rPPG; Lifelight; contactless; software

METHODS

High-resolution videos of the face are being recorded using Lifelight software whilst simultaneously measuring VS using standard of care techniques (sphygmomanometer for blood pressure and pulse rate; manual counting of respiratory rate). Training data are being collected first and used to train the Lifelight algorithms to identify small areas of high-quality signal; the accuracy of the algorithms will then be evaluated using separate test data.

RESULTS

Recruitment began in May 2021 but was hindered by the restrictions instigated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to collect measurements from approximately 1950 participants (driven by the rate of machine learning). The analyses are expected to be completed in early 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifelight has the potential to bring about a paradigm shift in the way VS are monitored, in the clinic and in community settings. This study will support refinement of data collection and processing, in order to develop a robust app suitable for routine clinical use.

CLINICALTRIAL

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04763746
Remote placements for medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: scoping review (Preprint)
Authors: Marsh Seren , Au-Yeung Desson , Kalin Asli
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic declared in March 2020 has disrupted medical student teaching globally.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to understand the experiences of medical students undertaking remote placements and determine placement aspects which can be practically implemented to maximise educational benefit for students. We present a literature review of all the studies of remote clinical placements for medical students performed and published to date.

METHODS

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched in October 2021 for full-text English language primary research papers describing remote clinical placements for medical students. Papers exploring the learning of doctors/other healthcare professionals and papers not focusing on remote clinical consultations were excluded. A total of 8 papers were eligible for inclusion. Baseline study characteristics were extracted, followed by thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Several common themes were identified: the set-up and evaluation of remote consultations involving medical students; students’ and supervisors’ experiences; and educational value for students. Students generally reported positive experiences with remote consultations, referencing improved confidence levels, history-taking skills, and communication skills. The type of remote consultation and technology used varied with the setting. Important aspects to consider when setting up such clinics include appropriate supervision and debrief, pre-placement training, and selection of clinical cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Remote consultations have educational value for medical students, sharing benefits with face-to-face consultations as well as having their own unique benefits. We believe that remote clinical placements should become a core feature of medical student training, especially given their likely longevity in both primary and secondary care.
ASSESSMENT OF WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY OF POTENT HERBAL EXTRACTS GEL IN ALBINO WISTAR RAT
Authors: WAYAL VIPUL , NV THORAT
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to formulate and determine the wound healing activity of gel containing the blend of potent herbal extracts from various plants such as Curcuma longa L., Tridax procumbens L., and Jatropha curcas L.
Methods: The crude extracts were obtained by the Soxhlet extraction and maceration method. Preliminary phytochemical screening was done for all extracts. Two different concentrations of extract gels (HF1 and HF2) were prepared using Carbopol 934 as a gel base. Prepared gels were further evaluated for different parameters such as appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, skin irritation test, and stability studies. Excision wound model used to determine wound healing activity in albino Wistar rat. Animals were divided into four groups and each group contains six animals (n=6). Soframycin was used as a standard treatment. Prepared formulations were applied to wounds for all 14 days of study. Wound contraction rate was measured at specified day’s intervals during the study.
Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of the bioactive phytoconstituents. Both the gel formulations showed good gelling properties and homogeneity. The pH of both gels lies in the normal pH range of human skin and there is no skin irritation. Formulations were found within the specified limit in stability studies. The obtained results of wound contraction rate were higher in Group IV which was treated with HF2 gel formulation compared to the control group (*p<0.05).
Conclusion: It was concluded that the prepared herbal gel formulation shows a promising wound healing effect compared to synthetic medicament.
BREASTFEEDING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES IN MOTHERS OF INFANT OF 0–12 MONTHS OF AGE
Authors: AGRAWAL VIJAY , KUMAR MEENA SUSHIL , AGRAWAL CHARUSMITA , BANSAL SHARAD
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate current status of knowledge, attitude, and breastfeeding practices in mothers of infant of 0–12 months of age. Methods: After ethical approval, this questionnaire-based observational study was carried out for a period of 1.5 year in Department of Paediatrics, SMS Medical College and Attached Hospitals, Jaipur. All mothers of the infant of age 0–12 months brought to department were included in the study. Twenty-five questions related to knowledge, attitude, and practices were used to get data in a questionnaire. Results: Out of total 500 study participants, maximum 156 (31.2%) were in age group of 26–30 years. Mean score of knowledge and attitude was 11.55±4.17. In the present study, no significant difference was found between different age group, religion, age of the children, and mode of delivery for knowledge and attitude score. (p>0.05) Significantly higher knowledge and attitude score was found among urban participants, who lived in joint family, having higher education, more antenatal visits, and whose delivery took place in private hospital (p˂0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude, and practices for breast feeding were found significantly more in mothers of urban residence, of higher education level, having good occupation, live in joint family, and went for more antenatal visits and who went for delivery at private hospital.
3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY: A CUSTOMIZED ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY
Authors: PUND ATUL , MAGAR MANOJ , AHIRRAO YOGESH , CHAUDHARI ATUL , AMRITKAR AMOL
Published: August 2022

Three dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as one of the most promising additive manufacturing technology for producing 3D objects, with applications ranging from engineering prototyping to medications and cell-laden medical models. 3D printing techniques involve the deposition of materials such as thermoplastic polymers or hydrogel in sequential layers one on top of another to produce 3D object, regardless of the type, or underlying theory. The rapid rise in the number of published articles and patents in recent years indicates 3D printing’s current momentum in developing various drug delivery systems for pharmaceutical applications. While 3D printing techniques have a promising future, they must overcome a number of challenges before they can be used in commercial-scale production. The current ways of modifying drug delivery while making 3D printed dosage forms with different drug release patterns and properties are discussed in this review. These achievements are related to the delivery and development of patient-specific medicines. Major benefits of each type of 3D printing application, which are discussed; however, a critical review will show the limitations and constraints associated with 3D printing. Future research could focus on developing and adapting the techniques to suit with a wider range of materials. More emphasis on developing cost-effective printing technologies and compatible materials with these printers is needed to broaden the range of applications for 3D printed products.
Comparative Analysis of Forensic Digital Evidence on Android Smartphone based Instant Messaging Using NIST Framework
Authors: Kusumadewa Rendy Bramesta , Syaifuddin Syaifuddin , Sari Zamah
Published: August 2022

Smartphones are currently experiencing rapid development along with technological developments. The rapid development of smartphones is also followed by the increasing use of social media and instant messaging. One of the well-known instant messaging applications, namely Whatsapp, issues a notification that its user content, whether uploading, storing, receiving or sending anything on WhatsApp, the company can use, reproduce, and display or distribute it. With this notification, WhatsApp users switch to more private instant messaging, namely Telegram and Signal Messenger. This study uses the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) method, namely collection, examination, analysis, presentation. This study uses two smartphones with root and non-root conditions that have installed the whatsapp, telegram, and signal messenger applications. The case used in this study is a narcotics sale and purchase transaction. Digital evidence was obtained using four forensic tools, namely MOBILedit Forensic Express, Oxygen forensics, Belkasoft Evidence, and Magnet Axiom. This study produces digital evidence in the form of chat files, images, videos, perpetrator accounts, contacts, locations and conversations that have been deleted from smartphone devices. The calculation of the index result from the percentage of evidence obtained by the WhatsApp application on a smartphone with root conditions using the forensic tool Oxygen forensic got the result, namely 50%. Telegram gets 50% results using Oxygen forensic with root conditions. While the signal gets the result, which is 30% using MOBILedit with root conditions.
Structural Relationships among Negative Parenting Attitude, Covert Narcissism, Relationship Addiction, and Dating Violence Behavior: Based on the results from the university students
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Jung Oh-young , Chang Seok-jin
Published: August 2022

Objectives This study examined the structural relationship between parents' negative parenting attitude, covert narcissism, relationship addiction tendency, and dating violence behavior perceived by university students and identified the paths of major variables that directly or indirectly affect the occurrence and maintenance of dating violence.
Methods An online survey was conducted from February 26 to March 15, 2021, targeting 479 college students from four-year universities across the country, and the data were used for analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, frequency analysis, and reliability analysis were conducted with the use of SPSS 25.0 and Amos 25.0 programs. Mediating effect verification was conducted through confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and path decomposition in order to analyze structural relationships.
Results First, it was found that the higher the negative parenting attitude, the higher the effect on the perpetration of dating violence, and it was verified that the negative parenting attitude and dating violence were closely related. Second, as a result of examining whether expressive narcissism plays a mediating role in the effect of parents' negative parenting attitudes perceived by college students on dating violence, no significant mediating effect of expressive narcissism was confirmed. Third, relationship addiction tendency was found to play a mediating role in the effect of negative parenting attitudes perceived by college students on the behavior of perpetrators of dating violence.
Conclusions This study integratedly analyzed the variables between covert narcissism and relationship addiction, which are individual internal variables, in the relationship between the negative parenting attitudes of parents and the dating violence perpetrators perceived by college students. Through this, it is meaningful in that it provided the basis for preventing dating violence in advance.