bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of vegetation on flow hydraulics in compound open channels with non-prismatic floodplains
Authors: Rahim A. Samadi , Yonesi Hojjat Allah , Rahimi H. R. , Shahinejad B. , Podeh H. Torabi , Azamathulla Hazi Mohammad
Published: May 2023

The present paper aims to evaluate the effect of emergent rigid vegetation density on the flow's turbulence structure and hydraulic parameters at the non-prismatic floodplains. The experiments were performed using the physical model of the asymmetric non-prismatic compound channel. The results show that the velocity distribution in the vegetation flow is more influenced by the drag force caused by the vegetation than by the bed shear stress and does not follow the law of logarithmic velocity distribution throughout the non-prismatic section. The intense velocity gradient at the interface of the main channel and the floodplain leads to the development of strong secondary currents, increased Reynolds shear stresses, apparent shear stresses and momentum exchange in this region. Vegetation also decreases mean kinetic energy in the floodplain and increases it in the main channel. The mean turbulence exchange coefficient for the non-prismatic compound channels without vegetation was 0.23 and for the divergent and convergent compound channels was 0.035 and 0.020, respectively. The comparison of the local drag coefficient results shows that the fluctuations of this parameter are greater in the divergent section than in the convergent section due to the strong secondary currents in the interface.
miR-129-5p/FGF2 Axis is Associated with Homocysteine-induced Human
Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Injury
Authors: Li Jian , Wang Mingzhu , Wu Xiaoling , Xie Nanzi , Wang Haifeng , Huang Junling , Sheng Fei , Ma Wenlin
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

Homocysteine (Hcy)-induced endothelial cell injury is a key event in atherosclerosis
pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying Hcy-induced
endothelial injury by assessing the effects of Hcy on endothelial cell proliferation and the microRNA
(miR)-129-5p/fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) axis.

Methods:

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with Hcy to construct
an endothelial cell injury model. Expression levels of FGF2 in Hcy-induced HUVECs were determined
using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. An FGF2 overexpression
lentiviral vector was constructed to upregulate FGF2 expression in HUVECs via lentivirus
transduction. A cell counting kit-8 assay was used to explore the effects of FGF2 overexpression
on HUVEC proliferation. An upstream regulatory miRNA was predicted, and its targetbinding
relationship with FGF2 was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results:

We found that FGF2 expression in HUVECs was inhibited by Hcy treatment. Lentivirus
transduction led to the overexpression of FGF2 in HUVECs, which significantly reversed the effect
of Hcy on endothelial cell proliferation. miR-129-5p was experimentally validated as an upstream
regulator of FGF2, and its decreased levels in HUVECs led to increased FGF2 expression.
In addition, HUVEC proliferation was enhanced by the knockdown of miR-129-5p, and this effect
was reversed by Hcy treatment.

Conclusion:

Taken together, the results of this study revealed that Hcy inhibits FGF2 expression
in HUVECs, and FGF2 is regulated by upstream miR-129-5p to improve the effect of Hcy on endothelial
cell proliferation.
Targeting TRIM29 As a Negative Regulator of CAR-NK Cell
Effector Function to Improve Antitumor Efficacy of these Cells:
A Perspective
Authors: Saleh Zahra , Noroozi Maryam , Eshkevar Vakili Mahsa , Kabelitz Dieter , Nasrollahi Hamid , Kalantar Kurosh
Published: May 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells are among the most important cells in innate immune
defense. In contrast to T cells, the effector function of NK cells does not require prior
stimulation and is not MHC restricted. Therefore, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK
cells are superior to CAR-T cells. The complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME)
makes it necessary to explore various pathways involved in NK cell negative regulation.
CAR-NK cell effector function can be improved by inhibiting the negative regulatory
mechanisms. In this respect, the E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif containing 29
(TRIM29) is known to be involved in reducing NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine
production. Also, targeting TRIM29 may enhance the antitumor efficacy of CAR-NK
cells. The present study discusses the negative effects of TRIM29 on NK cell activity
and proposes genomic deletion or suppression of the expression of TRIM29 as a novel
approach to optimize CAR-NK cell-based immunotherapy.
A Computational Study of Famciclovir Derivatives Against Thymidine
Kinase as a Molecular Target for the Development of Novel Anticancer
Drugs via Suicide Gene Therapy Concepts
Authors: Thangavelu Saravanan , Thangavelu Prabha , Kumar M.R. Pradeep , Singaravel Sengotuvelu , Vivekanandan Lalitha , Murugesan Jagadeeswaran , Thangavel Sivakumar
Published: May 2023

Background:

The viral thymidine kinase (TK) phosphorylates the antiviral medication
famciclovir (FCV), which treats herpes simplex virus (HSV-TK). The phosphorylated FCV destroys
the infected cells by preventing cellular DNA synthesis.

Objective:

We hypothesize that FCV impurity, which is a related substance to FCV, should be efficient
in killing cells independent of HSV-TK and is currently the most widely used suicide agent for
gene therapy of cancer.

Methods:

This study proposes the binding affinity of these derivatives for the active site of TK
through molecular docking to a protein (PDB ID: 1W4R). The derivatives' reliability was ensured
through the in-silico preliminary drug designing model by screening their Lipinski rule of five violations,
if any, ADMET prediction for their profile using online tools. Using MOE 2009.10 computational
software, we performed molecular docking of approximately 22 famciclovir derivatives alongside
the famciclovir drug.

Results:

Our results suggest that these derivatives are indicative of possible chemical stability irrespective
of all the parameters used to evaluate the selected derivatives as a possible drug candidates
for their cytotoxicity. FC20 (i.e., 2-(2-(2-((1-(9-(4-Acetoxy-3-(acetoxymethyl)butyl)-2-amino-9Hpurin-
8-yl)ethyl)amino)-9H-purin-9-yl)ethyl)propane-1,3-diyl diacetate) and FC21 (i.e., 2-Amino-1,9-
dihydro-9-(4-hydroxybutyl)-6H-purin-6-one), showed maximum and minimum scores of -26.95 and -
7.21 kcal/mol, respectively when compared to famciclovir (-15.4122 kcal/mol).

Conclusion:

Considering that there might be a cytotoxicity effect due to competition between protein
TK and the suicidal gene of famciclovir derivatives. The outcome of the study proved that the FCV
impurity could successfully modify an HSV-TK-dependent antiviral drug into an anti-tumor drug.
Further, it can be used for the design and development of novel compounds of FCV impurity that
could be cytotoxic agents if properly delivered to cancer cells.
Concise Review on Scientific Approaches to Burns and Scars
Authors: Malhotra Hitesh , Sharma Prerna , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Kaushik Peeyush , Rani Nidhi
Published: May 2023

Burns are large open surgical lesions bathed in virulent pus that result in rupturing of the
cutaneous membrane, which has serious consequences such as an extensive loss of proteins, and
body fluids, increased chances of infections, and sometimes death. These can be classified based
on their penetration levels, i.e., first-degree burns penetrating the epidermis, second-degree burns
including both epidermis and dermis, third-degree burns to both layers including the hair follicular
cells, sweat glands and various core tissues, fourth-degree burns to adipose tissue, fifth stage burns
to muscles, and sixth stage burns to bones. Wound healing/wound repair is a very perplexing process
in which the tissues of the affected/burnt area repairs themselves to attain their original form
and functionality but develop a scar at the wound site. This article mainly focuses on the algorithms
to differentiate various degrees of burns, general first aid approaches to burns and scars, the
rationale of treatment of burns, basic mechanisms highlighting the healing processes in humans in
terms of free from scar formation as well as with scar formation at their elementary levels including
cellular as well as biochemical levels, utility, and progression of pre-clinical data to humans
and finally approaches for the improvement of scar formation in man.
Total Saponins of Panax Notoginseng Modulate the Astrocyte Inflammatory
Signaling Pathway and Attenuate Inflammatory Injury Induced by Oxygen-
Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion Injury in Rat Brain Microvascular
Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wei Xiaobing , Wen Yiqi , Hu Yongzhen , Guo Xuli
Published: May 2023

Objective:

Reperfusion after cerebral ischemia causes brain injury. Total saponins of Panax
notoginseng (PNS) have potential roles in protecting against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. However,
whether PNS regulates astrocytes on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) injury in rat
brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and its mechanism still need further clarification.

Methods:

Rat C6 glial cells were treated with PNS at different doses. Cell models were established by
exposing C6 glial cells and BMECs to OGD/R. Cell viability was assessed, and levels of nitrite concentration,
inflammatory factors (iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α), and oxidative stress-related factors
(MDA, SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC) were subsequently measured through CCK8, Grice analysis, Western
blot, and ELISA, respectively. The co-cultured C6 and endothelial cells were treated with PNS for 24
hours before model establishment. Then transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) activity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) content, and mRNA and protein levels
and positive rates of tight junction proteins [Claudin-5, Occludin, ZO-1] were measured by a cell resistance
meter, corresponding kits, ELISA, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Results:

PNS had no cytotoxicity. PNS reduced iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels in astrocytes,
promoted T-AOC level and SOD and GSH-Px activities, and inhibited MDA levels, thus inhibiting oxidative
stress in astrocytes. In addition, PNS alleviated OGD/R injury, reduced Na-Flu permeability, and
enhanced TEER, LDH activity, BDNF content, and levels of tight junction proteins Claudin-5, Occludin,
ZO-1 in the culture system of astrocytes and rat BMECs after OGD/R.

Conclusion:

PNS repressed astrocyte inflammation and attenuated OGD/R injury in rat BMECs.
Preclinical Evidence for the Effectiveness of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Boxin , Zhang Jinyu , Zhou Zijing , Feng Baofeng , He Jingjing , Yan Wei , Zhou Xinghong , Amponsah Asiamah Ernest , Guo Ruiyun , Du Xiaofeng , Liu Xin , Cui Huixian , O'Brien Timothy , Ma Jun
Published: May 2023

Background:

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a complication of diabetes mellitus that
endangers human health. DCM results in cardiac dysfunction, which eventually progresses to heart failure.
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), a type of multipotent stem cell, have shown promising therapeutic
effects in various cardiovascular diseases and diabetic complications in preclinical studies due to their
immunomodulatory and regenerative abilities. However, there is still a lack of evidence to summarize the
effectiveness of MSCs in the treatment of DCM. Therefore, a meta-analysis and systematic review are
warranted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of MSCs for DCM in preclinical studies.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search in English or Chinese was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE,
web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Internet from inception to June 30,
2022. The summarized outcomes included echocardiography, morphology, and pathology. Data were
independently extracted and analyzed by two authors. The software we adopted was Review Manager5.4.1.
This systematic review was written in compliance with PRISMA 2020 and the review protocol
was registered on PROSPERO, registration no. CRD42022350032.

Results:

We included 20 studies in our meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of
DCM. The MSC-treated group showed a statistically significant effect on left ventricular ejection fraction
(WMD=12.61, 95% CI 4.32 to 20.90, P=0.003) and short axis fractional shortening (WMD=6.84, 95% CI
4.09 to 9.59, P < 0.00001). The overall effects on the ratio of early to late diastolic mitral annular velocity,
left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, maximum positive pressure development, maximum negative
pressure development, left ventricular relaxation time constant, heart weight to body weight ratio, fibrosis
area, and arteriole density were analyzed, suggesting that MSCs represent an effective therapy for the
treatment of DCM.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest a therapeutic role for MSCs in the treatment of DCM, and these results
provide support for the use of MSCs in clinical trials of patients with DCM.
Carbon Nanotubes in Breast Cancer Treatment: An Insight into Properties, Functionalization,
and Toxicity
Authors: Srivastava Neha , Mishra Yachana , Mishra Vijay , Ranjan Abhigyan , Tambuwala Murtaza M.
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. It is the main reason why women die
from cancer. Early diagnosis due to increased public awareness and better screening helps to tackle the disease through
surgical resection and curative therapies. Chemotherapies are frequently used for cancer treatment, but these have
severe adverse effects due to a lack of target specificity. Formulation development scientists and clinicians are now
particularly concerned with developing safe and efficient drug delivery systems for breast cancer treatment. Potentially
relevant literature to get the latest developments and updated information related to properties, functionalization, toxicity
and application of carbon nanotubes in breast cancer treatment has been obtained from Web of Science, Scopus,
and PubMed portals. Nanomedicine has emerged as a novel tool for target-specific delivery systems and other biomedical
applications. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are gaining popularity due to their unique mechanical and physiochemical
properties for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It is a promising carrier that can deliver micro and macromolecules
to the cancer cell. CNTs can be functionalized at the surface with different functional groups, which helps in
targeting the drugs to target cancer cells. The present review has elaborated on different functionalization approaches
and toxicity aspects of CNTs.
The Effects and Mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Stems
and Leaves Flavonoids on Myelin Sheath Degeneration Induced by
Composite Aβ in Rats
Authors: Congcong Xu , Yuanyuan Ye , Caixia Li , Yazhen Shang
Published: May 2023

Background:

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system,
and its characteristic pathological changes are closely associated with Aβ deposition and neurofibrillary
tangles. Many studies have found that malignant changes in the myelin sheath and oligodendrocyte
(OL) are accompanied by the occurrence and development of AD. Therefore, any method that can resist
myelin sheath and OL disorders may be a potential strategy for AD.

Objective:

To investigate the effects and mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi stem and leaf
flavonoids (SSFs) on the myelin sheath degeneration induced by Aβ25-35 combined with AlC13 and
RHTGF-β1 (composite Aβ) in rats.

Methods:

A rat AD model was established by intracerebroventricular injection of composite Aβ. The
Morris water maze was used to screen the memory impairment rat model. The successful model rats
were divided into the model group and the 35, 70, and 140 mg/kg SSFS groups. The myelin sheath
changes in the cerebral cortex were observed with an electron microscope. The expression of the oligodendrocyte-
specific protein claudin 11 was detected with immunohistochemistry. The protein expression
levels of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), myelin-associated glycoprotein
(MAG) and myelin basic protein (MBP), sphingomyelin synthase-1 (SMS1), and sphingomyelinase-2
(SMPD2) were assayed by Western blotting.

Results:

The intracerebroventricular injection of composite Aβ caused degeneration of the myelin
sheath structure and was accompanied by the decreased claudin 11, MOG, MAG, MBP, and SMS1,
and increased SMPD2 protein expression in the cerebral cortex. However, 35, 70, and 140 mg/kg
SSFs can differentially ameliorate the above abnormal changes induced by composite Aβ.

Conclusion:

SSFs can alleviate myelin sheath degeneration and increase the protein expression of
claudin 11, MOG, MAG, and MBP, and the effective mechanism may be related to the positive regulation
of SMS1 and SMPD2 activities.
Xanthones from Securidaca inappendiculata and Securidaca longepedunculata:
Chemistry and Biological Activity
Authors: Bojase Gomotsang , Ombito Japheth O.
Published: May 2023

The genus Securidaca (Polygalaceae) comprises 49 taxonomically accepted species distributed in Asia and Africa. The roots, barks, and leaves of Securidaca species are famous for medicinal purposes, especially in Africa and Asia. In this paper, we review the xanthones isolated from S. inappendiculata and S. longepedunculata, the two main species that have been investigated and the bioactivities of these compounds to evaluate the traditional use of these plant species and future development. The references regarding Securidaca species were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and SciFinder between 1990 and 2022. Chemical structures of more than 70 xanthones isolated mainly from the stems and roots of S. inappendiculata and S. longepedunculata are presented. These xanthones might be responsible for the ethnomedicinal uses reported in the literature based on the exhibited biological properties such as cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antiviral, and erectile dysfunction of these compounds. Reviewing the research progress made on the isolated xanthones from the genus Securidaca lays a foundation for the future utilization and development of this genus.
Hexokinase and Glycolysis: Between Brain Cells Life and Death
Authors: da Mata Larissa Rodrigues Souza , dos Santos Lais Damásio , de Cerqueira Cesar Marcelo
Published: May 2023

Hexokinase catalyses the first regulatory step of the glycolytic pathway. We can say without
any exaggeration that both hexokinase and glycolysis are involved in the control of brain cells' life
and death. To perform these pivotal roles, hexokinase occurs in four different isoforms in mammalian
cells. Type I isozyme is best suited for energy generation, introducing glucose in glycolysis. In contrast,
Type II and Type III isoforms product is directed to generation of NADPH through the pentose
phosphate pathway, utilized in biosynthetic processes. Nevertheless, hexokinase has another unique
property to accomplish its multiple functions: the capacity for mitochondrial binding. Linked to its
role in apoptosis control, the binding of hexokinase inhibits the action of apoptosis inducers, such as
Bax, from initiating the release of intramitochondrial proteins. Akt mediates HKII binding to mitochondria.
Overexpression of the phosphatase SHIP2 reduces Akt activity and enhances apoptosis, emphasizing
the role of hexokinase in cell death. Furthermore, hexokinase also participates in cellular
signaling and functional regulation. Adding complexity to this multidimensional enzyme´s attributes,
glycolysis occurs in aerobic or anaerobic situations. “Aerobic glycolysis” participates in the control of
cell excitability, in synapse formation and neurite growth. Here we provide an overview of the multiple
roles of hexokinase and glycolysis in neuronal metabolic association with astrocytes, oligodendrocytes,
and microglia. We also provide an update on the role of hexokinase and glycolysis in microglia
activation and in brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Evaluating the Feasibility of Emotion Expressions in Avatars Created From Real Person Photos: Pilot Web-Based Survey of Virtual Reality Software
Authors: Dechsling Anders , Cogo-Moreira Hugo , Gangestad Jonathan Spydevold , Johannessen Sandra Nettum , Nordahl-Hansen Anders
Published: May 2023

Background

The availability and potential of virtual reality (VR) has led to an increase of its application. VR is suggested to be helpful in training elements of social competence but with an emphasis on interventions being tailored. Recognizing facial expressions is an important social skill and thus a target for training. Using VR in training these skills could have advantages over desktop alternatives. Children with autism, for instance, appear to prefer avatars over real images when assessing facial expressions. Available software provides the opportunity to transform profile pictures into avatars, thereby giving the possibility of tailoring according to an individual’s own environment. However, the emotions provided by such software should be validated before application.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate whether available software is a quick, easy, and viable way of providing emotion expressions in avatars transformed from real images.

Methods

A total of 401 participants from a general population completed a survey on the web containing 27 different images of avatars transformed, using a software, from real images. We calculated the reliability of each image and their level of difficulty using a structural equation modeling approach. We used Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis testing under a multidimensional first-order correlated factor structure where faces showing the same emotions represented a latent variable.

Results

Few emotions were correctly perceived and rated as higher than other emotions. The factor loadings indicating the discrimination of the image were around 0.7, which means 49% shared variance with the latent factor that the face is linked with. The standardized thresholds indicating the difficulty level of the images are mostly around average, and the highest correlation is between faces showing happiness and anger.

Conclusions

Only using a software to transform profile pictures to avatars is not sufficient to provide valid emotion expressions. Adjustments are needed to increase faces’ discrimination (eg, increasing reliabilities). The faces showed average levels of difficulty, meaning that they are neither very difficult nor very easy to perceive, which fits a general population. Adjustments should be made for specific populations and when applying this technology in clinical practice.
A Smart System for Remote Monitoring of Patients in Palliative Care (HumanITcare Platform): Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Castillo Padrós Manuel Ramón , Pastor Nuria , Altarriba Paracolls Júlia , Mosquera Peña Marcelino , Pergolizzi Denise , Salvador Vergès Àngels
Published: May 2023

Background

Due to the complexities of advanced illnesses and their treatments, it can be difficult for patients in palliative care to maintain their quality of life. Telemedicine interventions in chronic disease management engage patients in their care, provide continuous follow-up by their health care providers, identify symptoms earlier, and allow a quick response to illness-related decline.

Objective

We aimed to detail and reflect on the design of an app and evaluate its feasibility to monitor the clinical situation of patients with advanced illnesses.

Methods

This study used a mixed methods design using qualitative methods to inform app development and design and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis of patient evaluations. Palliative care units in 2 Spanish university hospitals (Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and University Hospital Complex of Ferrol in A Coruña) carried out a literature review, designed the study protocol, and obtained approval from the Ethics Committee from June to December 2020. In addition, focus group meetings were held, and the design and technical development of the app were elaborated on and subsequently presented in the participating palliative care units. From January to March 2021, the app was made public on the App Store and Play Store, and a pilot study with patients was carried out in April to September 2021.

Results

Six focus group meetings were held that included doctors, nurses, app developers, technology consultants, and sponsors. In addition, the technology consultants presented their results 3 times in the participating palliative care units to obtain feedback. After the app’s final design, it was possible to publish it on the usual servers and begin its evaluation in patients (n=60, median age 72 years). Sixty percent (n=36) of the participants were women and 40% (n=24) were men. The most prevalent advanced pathology was cancer (n=46, 76%), followed by other diseases (n=7, 12%) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n=5, 8%). Seventy percent (n=42) of the patients were already in follow-up prior to the start of the study, while 30% (n=18) were included at the start of their follow-up. The information in the app was collected and entered by relatives or caregivers in 60% (n=36) of the cases. The median follow-up was 52 (IQR 14-104) days. In all, 69% (n=41) had a follow-up >30 days (10 were deceased and 9 were missing data). The use of the different sections of the app ranged from 37% (n=22) for the glycemic record to 90% (n=54) for the constipation scale). Patients and caregivers were delighted with its ease of use and usefulness.

Conclusions

Incorporating an intelligent remote patient monitoring system in clinical practice for patients in palliative care can improve access to health services and provide more information to professionals.
A Novel Mobile App for Personalized Dietary Advice Leveraging Persuasive Technology, Computer Vision, and Cloud Computing: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Guan Vivienne , Zhou Chenghuai , Wan Hengyi , Zhou Rengui , Zhang Dongfa , Zhang Sihan , Yang Wangli , Voutharoja Bhanu Prakash , Wang Lei , Win Khin Than , Wang Peng
Published: May 2023

Background

The Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) translate the best available evidence in nutrition into food choice recommendations. However, adherence to the ADG is poor in Australia. Given that following a healthy diet can be a potentially cost-effective strategy for lowering the risk of chronic diseases, there is an urgent need to develop novel technologies for individuals to improve their adherence to the ADG.

Objective

This study describes the development process and design of a prototype mobile app for personalized dietary advice based on the ADG for adults in Australia, with the aim of exploring the usability of the prototype. The goal of the prototype was to provide personalized, evidence-based support for self-managing food choices in real time.

Methods

The guidelines of the design science paradigm were applied to guide the design, development, and evaluation of a progressive web app using Amazon Web Services Elastic Compute Cloud services via iterations. The food layer of the Nutrition Care Process, the strategies of cognitive behavioral theory, and the ADG were translated into prototype features guided by the Persuasive Systems Design model. A gain-framed approach was adopted to promote positive behavior changes. A cross-modal image-to-recipe retrieval model under an Apache 2.0 license was deployed for dietary assessment. A survey using the Mobile Application Rating Scale and semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the usability of the prototype through convenience sampling (N=15).

Results

The prominent features of the prototype included the use of image-based dietary assessment, food choice tracking with immediate feedback leveraging gamification principles, personal goal setting for food choices, and the provision of recipe ideas and information on the ADG. The overall prototype quality score was “acceptable,” with a median of 3.46 (IQR 2.78-3.81) out of 5 points. The median score of the perceived impact of the prototype on healthy eating based on the ADG was 3.83 (IQR 2.75-4.08) out of 5 points. In-depth interviews identified the use of gamification for tracking food choices and innovation in the image-based dietary assessment as the main drivers of the positive user experience of using the prototype.

Conclusions

A novel evidence-based prototype mobile app was successfully developed by leveraging a cross-disciplinary collaboration. A detailed description of the development process and design of the prototype enhances its transparency and provides detailed insights into its creation. This study provides a valuable example of the development of a novel, evidence-based app for personalized dietary advice on food choices using recent advancements in computer vision. A revised version of this prototype is currently under development.
Mobile Phones and HIV Testing: Multicountry Instrumental Variable Analysis From Sub-Saharan Africa (Preprint)
Authors: Iacoella Francesco , Tirivayi Nyasha
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Sub-Saharan Africa has been a technological hothouse when it comes to mobile phone technology adoption. However, evidence on the role played by mobile technology on infectious disease prevention has been mostly limited to experimental studies.

OBJECTIVE

This observational study investigates the role of mobile phone connectivity on HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

We make use of the novel and comprehensive OpenCelliD cell tower database and Demographic and Health Survey geocoded information for over 400,000 women in 29 sub-Saharan African countries. We examine, through ordinary least square and instrumental variable regressions, whether women’s community distance from the closest cell tower influences knowledge about HIV testing facilities and the likelihood of ever being tested for HIV.

RESULTS

After finding a negative and significant impact of distance to the nearest cell tower on knowledge of HIV testing facility (–0.7 percentage points per unit increase in distance) and HIV testing (–0.5 percentage points per unit increase), we investigate the mechanisms through which such effects might occur. Our analysis shows that distance to a cell tower reduces HIV-related knowledge (–0.4 percentage points per unit increase) as well as reproductive health knowledge (–0.4 percentage points per unit increase). Similar results are observed when the analysis is performed at community level.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the effect of mobile phone connectivity is channeled through increased knowledge of HIV, sexually transmittable infections, and modern contraceptive methods. Further analysis shows that cell phone ownership has an even larger impact on HIV testing and knowledge. This paper adds to the recent literature on the impact of mobile-based HIV prevention schemes by showing through large-scale analysis that better mobile network access is a powerful tool to spread reproductive health knowledge and increase HIV awareness.

CLINICALTRIAL
A Digital Single-Session Intervention (Project Engage) to Address Fear of Negative Evaluation Among College Students: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Ghosh Arka , Cohen Katherine A , Jans Laura , Busch Carly A , McDanal Riley , Yang Yuanyuan , Cooper Katelyn M , Schleider Jessica L
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, college science courses are transitioning from a traditional lecture format to active learning because students learn more and fail less frequently when they engage in their learning through activities and discussions in class. Fear of negative evaluation (FNE), defined as a student’s sense of dread associated with being unfavorably evaluated while participating in a social situation, discourages undergraduates from participating in small group discussions, whole class discussions, and conversing one-on-one with instructors.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the acceptability of a novel digital single-session intervention and to assess the feasibility of implementing it in a large enrollment college science course taught in an active learning way.

METHODS

To equip undergraduates with skills to cope with FNE and bolster their confidence, clinical psychologists and biology education researchers developed Project Engage, a digital, self-guided single-session intervention for college students. It teaches students strategies for coping with FNE to bolster their confidence. Project Engage provides biologically informed psychoeducation, uses interactive elements for engagement, and helps generate a personalized action plan. We conducted a 2-armed randomized controlled trial to evaluate the acceptability and the preliminary effectiveness of Project Engage compared with an active control condition that provides information on available resources on the college campus.

RESULTS

In a study of 282 upper-level physiology students, participants randomized to complete Project Engage reported a greater increase in overall confidence in engaging in small group discussions (P=.01) and whole class discussions (P<.001), but not in one-on-one interactions with instructors (P=.05), from baseline to immediately after intervention outcomes, compared with participants in an active control condition. Project Engage received a good acceptability rating (1.22 on a scale of –2 to +2) and had a high completion rate (>97%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a foundation for a freely available, easily accessible intervention to bolster student confidence for contributing in class.

CLINICALTRIAL

OSF Registries osf.io/4ca68 http://osf.io/4ca68
Peculiarities of the structural and functional state of the heart in patients with arrhythmias depending on the severity of cognitive disorders
Authors: Stadnik S.M. , Radchenko O.M.
Published: May 2023

Background. The purpose of our work was to find out the dependence of changes in the cognitive sphere on the features of the structural and functional state of the heart and central hemodynamics in patients with arrhythmias. Material and methods. We have examined 139 patients with different clinical forms of arrhythmias. All of them underwent extended neuropsychological testing and central hemodynamic studies. The state of central hemodynamics was assessed by an ultrasound examination of the heart. The state of intracardiac hemodynamics, structural changes in various parts of the heart were evaluated; based on this, the type of heart remodeling was determined. Correlations of hemodynamic indicators with the results of neuropsychological testing were evaluated. Results. In patients with mild cognitive disorders (CD), the left ventricular myocardial contractility index did not differ significantly from that in patients without CD, but in people with moderate CD it was 9.6 % lower (p = 0.044). With moderate CD, the dilatation of the left parts of the heart increased (end-diastolic volume — by 16.5%, p =0.049; left atrium — by 9.9 %, p = 0.049), which, along with increased hypertrophy of the interventricular septum by 12.8 % (p = 0.048) and of the left ventricular posterior wall by 12.9 % (p = 0.048), led to an increase in the pulmonary artery pressure by 24.8 % (p = 0.015). Among patients with CD, concentric (42.2 %) and eccentric (22.6 %) left ventricular hypertrophy was more often detected (p = 0.048 and p = 0.027); in those without CD, concentric remodeling of the left ventricle prevailed (p = 0.037). In patients with mild CD, higher stroke volume was recorded — by 8.3 % (p = 0.049) compared to those without CD. However, according to indicators of cardiac output, cardiac index and total peripheral vascular resistance, differences were unreliable (p > 0.05). Patients with moderate CD reported an increase in stroke volume and cardiac output by 7.6 (p = 0.043) and 14.9 % (p = 0.014), respectively, compared to those without CD. Indicators of central hemodynamics had the greatest impact on the sphere of attention, regulatory functions, visual-spatial and mnestic deficits. The highest odds ratio for the development of CD were found for left ventricular ejection fraction (2.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.82–3.29, p < 0.001). Conclusions. The identified associations of cognitive dysfunction, central hemodynamics and heart remodeling are important for optimizing an individualized approach to patient management and predicting the development of CD.
A Review on Mobile App Based Self Controlled Shopping Cart with Advanced Billing System
Authors: Tiwari Ardhendu Shekhar , Srivastava Drishti , Singh Laxmi , Bagh Er. Ranjan Das
Published: May 2023

Abstract: By linking common devices, the internet of things (IoT) is transforming people's lives. Shopping in large malls is now an everyday occurrence in major cities. On holidays and special sale days, there is a large crowd at malls. People purchase different items and put them in carts and go to the billing counter for payments. During that time, they have to wait in a long queue to get their products scanned using an RFID reader with help of a barcode scanner and get billed. To modify that customer has to purchase smartly in shopping malls. Each product is attached with an RFID tag, and when placed into a smart shopping cart, can be automatically read by a cart equipped with an RFID reader, so that the billing can be conducted from the shopping cart itself. In this way, customers can avoid waiting in a long queue at the checkout points. Inventory management also becomes much easier, because all the items can be automatically read by an RFID reader instead of manually scanned by the customer. The uniqueness of this project is that we are making a Mobile application which includes a voice module in which we will give instructions for the movement of the cart and for the location of the particular rack in which the items are present. This innovative system will help the stores to see a rise in their sales along with delighting customers. As a result, this project is extremely beneficial and will be in high demand in the future.
The Novel Method for Prediction of Neurodegenerative Diseases Using Human GAIT Analysis
Authors: Yuktha  , Naaz Roohi , Singh Shivam , Kiran Asst. Prof. Prathibha
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Analyzing human motion is essential for diagnosing movement disorders and guiding neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s diseases and Alzheimer’s diseases. Optical motion capture systems are the standard for estimating diseases, but the equipment is expensive and requires a predefined space, while wearable sensors systems can estimate in any environment and the use of these technological instruments can be of great support in both clinical diagnosis and severity assessment of these pathologies. Here the sensors, features and processing methodologies have been reviewed in order to provide a highly consistent work that explores the issues related to human gait analysis. First, the phase of human gait cycle are briefly explained, along with some non-normal gait patterns (gait abnormalities) typical of some neurodegenerative diseases. Then the most common processing techniques for both feature selection and extraction and for classification and clustering. Finally, a conclusive discussion on current open problem and future directions is outlined.
Masculinidades disidentes como disputa al macho: tres videoperformances de Cristina Coll
Authors: Trupia Agustina
Published: May 2023

El artículo aborda la masculinidad que es encarnada en identidades que no se autoperciben como varones cisgénero. Se toman tres videoperformances de la artista argentina Cristina Coll en las que se introducen figuraciones de masculinidades disidentes: En el baño (2002), Errores (2011) y Yo, Velázquez (2014). Estas videoperformances introducen un modo disidente de comprender la masculinidad por retomar elementos asociados a esta, pero en estrecha imbricación con otras sensibilidades, y otros modos de habitar y de pensarse. Se exploran sus vinculaciones con prácticas drag king y obras teatrales en las que se trabajó con el travestismo escénico ligado a masculinidades.
Vulnerabilidad, resiliencia y riesgo de desastres
Authors:   Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Posada-Pérez Natalia María , Londoño Torres Gloria Esperanza ,   Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Zapata Zabala Maryoris Elena ,   Universidad de San Buenaventura, Moreno Carmona Norman Darío ,   Universidad de San Buenaventura, Valencia Londoño Paula Andrea ,   Universidad de Medellín, Trujillo Orrego Sandra Patricia ,   Universidad de Medellín, Duque Monsalve Luisa Fernanda ,   Universidad de San Buenaventura, Hidalgo Montoya César Augusto ,   Universidad de Medellín, Parra Toro Juan Camilo ,   Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid, Cárdenas González Katerine Isabel ,   Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid, Valdés Quintero Juan Carlos ,   Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid, Vega Johnny Alexander ,   Universidad de Medellín, Marín Rodríguez Nini Johana ,   Universidad de Medellín, Hurtado María Isabel ,   Universidad de Medellín, Botero Blanca A. ,   Universidad de Medellín, Hoyos Haider J. ,   CORPORACIÓN AUTÓNOMA REGIONAL DE LOS VALLES DEL SINÚ Y SAN JORGE, Mons Steven Johan ,   Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Palomino-Ángel Sebastián ,   Universidad de San Buenaventura, Pérez Garcés Helena ,   Universidad de San Buenaventura, Arias Araya Aarón ,   Universidad de San Buenaventura, Ceballos López Julián David ,   Universidad de San Buenaventura, Rojas Betancur Milton Andrés ,   Universidad de Medellín, Valencia Londoño Diana Elizabeth ,   Universidad de San Buenaventura, Sánchez Luz Amparo ,   Corporación Región
Published: May 2023

"Los fenómenos naturales, y su impacto en la infraestructura y las comunidades, son unos de los temas más importantes y presentes en las agendas internacionales, y que, de acuerdo con el Programa Mundial de Evaluación de los Recursos Hídricos de la ONU, es una responsabilidad compartida que juega un papel fundamental en el desarrollo de las comunidades; más aún en tiempos donde los desastres naturales tienen un mayor impacto, debido a la exposición excesiva y a la vulnerabilidad de los elementos en riesgo en las zonas rurales, y al incremento en la frecuencia y severidad de los fenómenos naturales. Las consecuencias derivadas del cambio climático han provocado la aparición de amenazas de origen natural, tales como inundaciones, movimientos en masa y avenidas torrenciales, las cuales, a su vez, pueden desencadenar condiciones de riesgo si se considera que muchas comunidades, independientemente de su grado de desarrollo, son vulnerables desde múltiples perspectivas (sociales, económicas, ambientales, físicas) que les traen, como consecuencia, la pérdida de vidas humanas y de bienes materiales."
Kewenangan Penuntutan Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi terhadap Kasus Tindak Pidana Pencucian Uang
Authors: Murniyanti Murniyanti , Lasmadi Sahuri , Imam Munandar Tri
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine and analyze the authority of the KPK in carrying out prosecutions for money laundering crimes originating from criminal acts of corruption and the legal consequences arising from the prosecution's authority by the corruption eradication commission. The research method used is normative juridical with a statute approach, a conceptual approach, and a case approach. The results of the study indicate that the KPK does not have the authority to prosecute cases of money laundering crimes because it is not clearly regulated in both the KPK Law and the Money Laundering Law. The KPK's prosecution authority is not in accordance with the principle of legality (Lex Scripta and Lex Certa) and is contrary to the attribution authority which results in legal uncertainty in the process of resolving money laundering cases. Suggestion: There should be a legal reform of Law Number 8 of 2010 concerning the Prevention and Eradication of the Crime of Money Laundering by clarifying the authority of the Prosecutor from the Prosecutor's Office to prosecute money laundering crimes And the Panel of Judges handling the case should make legal discoveries or Recht Vinding.
Abstrak
Tujuan Penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis kewenangan KPK dalam melakukan penuntutan pada tindak pidana pencucian uang yang berasal dari tindak pidana korupsi  dan akibat hukum yang timbul dari kewenangan penuntutan oleh komisi pemberantasan korupsi tersebut. Metode Penelitian yang digunakan adalah Yuridis Normatif dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan (statute approach), pendekatan konsep (conceptual approach), dan pendekatan kasus (case approach). Hasil Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa KPK tidak memiliki kewenangan untuk melakukan penuntutan terhadap kasus tindak pidana pencucian uang karena tidak diatur  secara jelas baik dalam Undang-Undang KPK maupun Undang-Undang TPPU. Kewenangan penuntutan KPK tersebut tidak sesuai asas legalitas (Lex Scripta dan Lex Certa) dan  bertentangan dengan kewenangan atribusi yang mengakibatkan timbulnya ketidakpastian hukum dalam proses penyelesaian perkara tindak pidana pencucian uang. Saran: Hendaknya dilakukan pembaharuan hukum terhadap Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 2010 tentang Pencegahan dan Pemberantasan Tindak Pidana Pencucian uang dengan memperjelas kewenangan Jaksa dari Kejaksaan untuk melakukan penuntutan tindak pidana pencucian uang Dan Majelis Hakim yang menangani perkara tersebut sebaikanya melakukan penemuan hukum atau Recht Vinding.
Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Korban Malapraktik Dokter dalam Perspektif Hukum Pidana
Authors: Rajumi Asri , Liyus Herry , Siregar Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

This article aims to find out, to examine the legal protection regulations for a doctor's malpractice victims in a criminal law perspective, as well as knowing a future criminal law policy regarding legal protection against malpractice victims. This type of study was normative-juridical juridical's juridical juggler, who was examining a fuzzy-up of laws that caused uncertainty in the doctor's malpractice protection system. The approach used was statute approach, case approach, conceptual approach. The results of this study based on witness and victim protection laws, health laws, medical practice laws, hospital laws have yet to specifically discuss malpractice laws and law-protection policies against malpractice victims are an integral part of efforts to promote social welfare that cannot be removed from state objectives. Therefore offer protection to victims of malpractice and also provide protection to the community. However, the concept of malpractice in laws does not exist, so the implementation of malpractice legal protection is important because of all human rights.
Abstrak
Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui, menganalisis tentang peraturan perlindungan hukum bagi korban malapraktik dokter dalam perspektif hukum pidana, serta mengetahui kebijakan hukum pidana kedepan mengenai perlindungan hukum terhadap korban malapraktik. Tipe penelitian ini adalah yuridis normatif, yaitu mengkaji tentang adanya kekaburan hukum yang menimbulkan ketidakpastian dalam pengaturan perlindungan hukum korban malapraktik dokter. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah pendekatan undang-undang (statute approach), pendekatan kasus (case approach), dan pendekatan konseptual (conceptual approach). Hasil dari penelitian ini berdasarkan Undang-Undang Perlindungan Saksi dan Korban, Undang-Undang Kesehatan, Undang-Undang Praktik Kedokteran, Undang-Undang Rumah Sakit belum spesifik membicarakan perlindungan hukum korban malapraktik dan Kebijakan perlindungan hukum terhadap korban malapraktik merupakan bagian integral dari usaha meningkatkan kesejahteraan sosial yang tidak dapat dilepas dari tujuan negara. Oleh karena itu memberikan perlindungan kepada korban malapraktik sekaligus juga memberikan perlindungan kepada masyarakat. Akan tetapi, konsep malapraktik dalam undang-undang tidak ada, maka dalam implementasi perlindungan hukum korban malapraktik itu penting karena hak semua orang.