bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and a ROCK inhibitor (fasudil) for refractory macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: a pilot study
Authors: Fekri Sahba , Nourinia Ramin , Rahimi-Ardabili Babak , Daneshtalab Arash , Sabbaghi Hamideh , Ahmadieh Hamid , Kheiri Bahareh
Published: June 2022

Background

To investigate the adjunctive effect of an intravitreal ROCK inhibitor (fasudil) in combination with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) on refractory macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods

In this prospective interventional case series, 17 eyes of 17 patients (10 men, 7 women) with refractory RVO-related macular edema underwent three consecutive intravitreal injections of bevacizumab plus fasudil. Monthly evaluation was continued up to 12 months and IVB injection was performed if needed during the follow-up. Changes in the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was the primary outcome measure. The secondary outcome measures included central macular thickness (CMT) changes and any adverse events.

Results

BCVA significantly improved (mean change: −0.15 LogMAR; P = 0.017) after 3 consecutive intravitreal injections of fasudil in combination with bevacizumab. CMT significantly decreased (mean change: −206 µm; P = 0.028). The anatomical and functional improvement was maintained during the 12 month follow-up. No adverse effects were noticed.

Conclusion

Intravitreal ROCK inhibitors may break the resistance to anti-VEGF therapy and improve the RVO induced macular edema via affecting the VEGF-independent pathways.
Do different lipid components accelerate the pathogenesis and severity of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Authors: Mondal Lakshmi Kanta , Pramanik Subhasish , Chowdhury Subhankar , Bose Chiranjit , Bera Debgopal , Saha Ayindrila , Bhattacharjee Koena
Published: June 2022

Background

To assess the association of lipid and lipid-derived toxic molecules in pathogenesis and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

The present cross-sectional study included 14 healthy individuals (HC) without T2DM, 22 T2DM subjects without DR (DNR), 24 T2DM subjects with mild non-proliferative DR (MNPDR), and 24 T2DM subjects with high-risk proliferative DR (HRPDR). All subjects underwent plasma and vitreous analysis for estimation of total lipid (TL), free fatty acid (FFA), lipid peroxides (LPOs) like malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-Hydroxy-noneal (HNE), the advanced lipoxidation end product (ALE) like Hexanoyl-lysine (HLY) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) following standard spectrophotometric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods respectively.

Results

The concentration of TL, FFA, markers of lipid peroxidation and lipoxidation as well as VEGF in plasma and vitreous were found to be significantly elevated stepwise inT2DM subjects (HRPDR > MNPDR > DNR) compared to healthy controls (HC).Further, plasma conventional lipid components like total cholesterol (TCH), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG), FFA and TL showed their significant positive correlations with vitreous level of different LPOs, ALE and VEGF in the DR group.

Conclusion

Total lipid and lipid-derived detrimental biomolecules ultimately result in increased secretion of VEGF and thus not only add as associated mediators in the pathogenesis of DR, these also accelerate the severity of microangiopathy in T2DM.
An exploratory clinical trial on the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist dulaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Ugamura Daisuke , Hosojima Michihiro , Kabasawa Hideyuki , Tanabe Naohito , Yoshizawa Yuta , Suzuki Yoshiki , Saito Akihiko , Narita Ichiei
Published: June 2022

Background

Dulaglutide is a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the efficacy and safety of dulaglutide remain unclear in insulin-treated patients with T2DM on maintenance hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

Dulaglutide treatment was initiated, and the insulin dose was adjusted according to the needs of individual participants. Primary outcomes were changes in the mean and standard deviation (SD) of blood glucose (BG) levels and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) evaluated by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for six days, glycated albumin (GA), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), pre-dialysis blood glucose levels, and daily total insulin dose from the baseline over 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were changes in treatment satisfaction and QOL levels from the baseline, measured by using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) and the Diabetes Therapy-Related Quality of Life questionnaire (DTR-QOL) scores.

Results

The analysis was performed on the 12 participants who completed the study. The GA level (median − 1.8 [interquartile range − 6.6, − 0.3] %; p = 0.026) and daily total insulin dose (− 15.0 [− 24.5, − 9.4] U/day; p = 0.002) significantly decreased without increasing hypoglycemia (area over the glucose curve < 70 mg/dL: 0.0 [− 0.2, 0.0] mg·24 h/dl; p = 0.917). Four patients successfully withdrew from insulin therapy. The levels of HbA1c, SD of BG, and MAGE showed a decreasing tendency, but no significant improvement. Regarding treatment satisfaction and QOL, the total scores of DTSQ (8.0 [0.3, 12.5]; p = 0.041) and DTR-QOL (15.5 [− 1.8, 42.0]; p = 0.023) significantly improved.

Conclusion

Dulaglutide may help improve glycemic control, treatment satisfaction, and QOL without increasing hypoglycemia in insulin-treated patients with T2DM on maintenance HD.

Trial registration This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network-Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) on October 11, 2016 (registration ID, UMIN000024283).
Depression, sexual dysfunction, life satisfaction and marriage satisfaction in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Aydın Tuba , Onger Mehmet Emin
Published: June 2022

Background

Marriage satisfaction is one of the factors that affects life satisfaction in healthy people and patients. In the current literature, it is found there is a positive correlation between marriage and life satisfaction. Many factors such as sexual dysfunction, depression and neurological disorders affect negatively marriage and life satisfactions. However, there is not enough research dealing with how multiple sclerosis (MS) affects women's marital and life satisfaction. This study aimed to examine marital satisfaction and life satisfaction of female patients with MS (pwMS) in relation to sexual dysfunction and depression. A total of 139 married women (MS Group: 81, Control Group: 58) were recruited in the study. Then both groups’ participants were requested to fill the relevant documentary; Demographic Information Form, Marital Life Scale (MLS), Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS), Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Results

Regarding the percentages of the relevant parameters; it was examined that 60.96% of pwMS and 62.07% of control group have depression, respectively. In addition, 89.16% of pwMS and 86.21% of control group have sexual dysfunction, respectively. Furthermore, 55.52% of pwMS and 44.83% of control group have high life satisfaction, whereas 60.24% of pwMS and 56.90% of control group have high marriage satisfaction, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between marriage satisfaction and life satisfaction (p < 0.001) and there was a weak negative correlation between marriage satisfaction and sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001). In addition, there were weak negative correlations between marriage satisfaction and depression level (p < 0.001) and between life satisfaction and sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001), respectively. Similarly, there was a weak negative correlation between life satisfaction and depression level (p < 0.001), whereas there was a weak positive correlation between depression level and sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001). Finally, while there was no significant difference in the marriage satisfaction and sexual dysfunction between the groups in points of life satisfaction and depression level (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction and depression are important problems that affect women’s marriage and life satisfaction. Sexual dysfunction is a common problem for women, regardless of MS.
Serum sclerostin and sympathetic skin response: relationship with myeloma bone disease
Authors: Omran Alaa A. , Nageeb Rania S. , Waley Ahmad Barakat , Nageeb Ghada S. , Eisa Mohamad
Published: June 2022

Background

Myeloma bone disease (MBD) is a common complication that significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in multiple myeloma (MM). Serum sclerostin level and sympathetic activity can affect MBD. The purpose of this study is evaluation of serum sclerostin level and sympathetic activity (using sympathetic skin response “SSR”) in MM patients, and studying the relationship between both of them as well as their relationship with MBD. 35 smoldering myeloma patients (group I) and 35 newly diagnosed MM (group II) and 35 controls (group III) were included in the study. All the participants were subjected to complete history taking, and clinical examination. Assessment of serum sclerostin level, SSR, MM stages [by the international staging system (ISS)], MBD grading (according to the Durie–Salmon staging system) were done for all patients within 7 days from the diagnosis.

Results

Undetectable and decreased SSR amplitude are significantly more detected in group I and II (compared with group III). Autonomic manifestations, and loss of SSR is significantly more detected in group II than group I. Autonomic manifestations were absent in group III. SSR amplitude of median and tibial nerves is significantly decreased in group II than group I and III. MBD was detected in all patients of group II. Serum sclerostin and LDH were significantly increased in group II than group I. Group I and II had significantly higher levels of sclerostin when compared with group III. Group II had significantly higher levels of sclerostin and lower levels of ALP in comparison with group I. Serum sclerostin level was correlated positively with LDH and negatively with ALP and SSR amplitude. MBD was significantly affected by ISS stage III, LDH level, SSR affection and serum sclerostin level ≥ 0.40 ng/ml. SSR response affection was the most significant risk factor for advanced MBD followed by increased sclerostin level.

Conclusions

Serum sclerostin level was significantly increased and sympathetic activity was significantly decreased in MBD. Loss of the SSR response was the most significant risk factor for advanced MBD followed by increased sclerostin level.

Recommendations

Potentially validating the use of bone-turnover markers in larger studies, in addition to electrophysiological examination of SSR to stratify patients who are at high-risk for progressive MBD, as the use of newer agents with anabolic effects such as anti-sclerostin antibodies have shown potential in repair of MBD. These newer agents could potentially change the treatment landscape in patients with MBD.
Factors affecting anxiety and depression during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study of three different populations
Authors: Ayhan-Balik Cemile Hurrem , Karakaya Seda , Kutlu Fatma Yasemin
Published: June 2022

Background

This paper was the first study comparing levels of anxiety and depression and assessing the affecting factors among the general population, frontline healthcare workers, and COVID-19 inpatients in Turkey during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data from the general population (n = 162), frontline healthcare workers (n = 131), and COVID-19 inpatients (n = 86) using Individual Characteristics Form, Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory in this cross-sectional study.

Results

An increased prevalence of depression and anxiety were found predominantly in frontline healthcare workers (p < 0.001). COVID-19 inpatients and frontline healthcare workers were more likely to demonstrate anxiety (p < 0.001) than the general population. In the regression analysis, while fear of infecting relatives was a significant predictor of anxiety and depression in the general population, gender and experiencing important life events were associated with anxiety. Fear of infecting relatives and lack of personal protective equipment while providing care were predictors of anxiety and depression in healthcare workers (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the fear of being re-hospitalised due to re-infection was a predictor of depression and anxiety levels of the COVID-19 inpatients.

Conclusion

Policymakers and mental health providers are advised to continuously monitor psychological outcomes and provide necessary health support during this pandemic.
The efficacy of clopidogrel in preventing recurrent cardiovascular events among Arab population carrying different CYP2C19 mutations: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alkattan Abdullah N. , Radwan Nashwa M. , Mahmoud Nagla E. , Alfaleh Amjad F. , Alfaifi Amal H. , Alabdulkareem Khaled I.
Published: June 2022

Background

The prevalence and the role of CYP2C19 gene mutations concerning recurrent Cardiovascular Events (CVEs) among patients treated with clopidogrel is still controversial especially among Arab people. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the frequency of CYP2C19 polymorphic alleles among the Arab population and to investigate the efficacy of clopidogrel as an antiplatelet drug among those carrying different variants of this gene.

Methodology

Two authors independently searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE databases at any year for studies related to the role of CYP2C19 gene on the prognosis of patients with CVEs treated with clopidogrel. The review included Arab people who were genotyped to determine the frequency of CYP2C19 genotypes and alleles (the qualitative part). Concerning the quantitative part (meta-analysis), only patients who previously had CVEs and using clopidogrel as secondary prophylaxis had been included. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale for non-randomizes Studies was utilized to consider the risk of bias among included studies. We analyzed the data using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval and the quality of evidence of each outcome measure was judged using GRADE approach.

Results

The current study revealed that 4% of Arabs reported in the included studies are homozygous, and 25% are heterozygous for the CYP2C19*2 allele. While 3% and 18.5% of them are homozygous and heterozygous of CYP2C19*17 alleles, respectively. A significant increased risk of recurrent CVEs by about threefold was associated with CYP2C19*2 or CYP2C19*3 allele carriers (OR = 3.32, CI = 1.94–5.67, and OR = 3.53, CI = 1.17–10.63, respectively). However, no significant increased risk among carriers of CYP2C19*17 mutation (OR = 0.80, (CI = 0.44–1.44) was documented.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that Arabs carrying CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 alleles could be at increased risk of decreasing the antiplatelet efficacy of clopidogrel and an alternative drug should be prescribed for those patients to avoid recurrent CVEs. However, few available studies were included in the quantitative part of the analysis and further studies with large sample size are recommended to confirm our results.
The epidemiology of funnel chest repairs in Germany: monitoring the success of Nuss’ procedure
Authors: Heydweiller Andreas , Oetzmann von Sochaczewski Christina
Published: June 2022

Background

In recent years, the Nuss procedure was gaining ground in pectus excavatum repair, but the scientific focus had been on complications compared to conventional repairs. Despite a substantial prevalence of pectus excavatum in population-based studies, the adoption of minimally invasive funnel chest repair and subsequent replacement of conventional procedures has not been assessed on a population-based level.

Methods

We analysed German administrative case-based data on funnel chest repairs separate by age group and operative procedure: conventional or minimally invasive. Changes over time between 2010 and 2018 were analysed by linear regression.

Results

There were x̅ = 256 operations per year, which did not change throughout the study time, but following the introduction of minimally invasive repairs, their usage increased particularly in males aged 15 to 19 years by 8.7 procedures per year (P = 0.0142) and was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in conventional repairs in all relevant age groups. We observed a shift of operations towards the age group of 15 to 19 years, whose numbers increased by 5.3 yearly procedures (P = 0.0222), whereas they decreased in all other relevant age groups. These shifts could not be observed in females in a similar fashion, but in both males and females, the numbers of minimally invasive per conventional repair increased.

Conclusions

In Germany, the introduction of the Nuss procedure did result in a concentration of funnel chest repairs in adolescence and a replacement of conventional repairs. Data from other healthcare systems are missing but are direly needed to assess the current situation in other healthcare systems.

Level of evidence

III.
Linking organizational climate for evidence-based practice implementation to observed clinician behavior in patient encounters: a lagged analysis
Authors: Williams Nathaniel J. , Becker-Haimes Emily M. , Schriger Simone H. , Beidas Rinad S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Theory and empirical research suggest organizational climate for evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation may be an important and malleable target to improve clinician use of EBPs in healthcare; however, this work has been criticized for overreliance on self-report measures of implementation outcomes and cross-sectional designs. This study combines data from two studies spanning 7 years to test the hypothesis that higher levels of organizational EBP implementation climate prospectively predicts improved clinician adherence to an EBP, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as rated by expert observers.

Methods

Biennial assessments of EBP implementation climate collected in 10 community mental health agencies in Philadelphia as part of a systemwide evaluation (time 1) were linked to subsequent observer ratings of clinician adherence to CBT in clinical encounters with 108 youth (time 2). Experts rated clinician adherence to CBT using the Therapy Process Observation Coding System which generated two primary outcomes (a) maximum CBT adherence per session (i.e., highest rated CBT intervention per session; depth of delivery) and (b) average CBT adherence per session (i.e., mean rating across all CBT interventions used; depth and breadth of delivery).

Results

On average, time 2 clinician adherence observations occurred 19.8 months (SD = 10.15) after time 1 organizational climate assessments. Adjusting for organization, clinician, and client covariates, a one standard deviation increase in organizational EBP implementation climate at time 1 predicted a 0.63-point increase in clinicians’ maximum CBT adherence per session at time 2 (p = 0.000), representing a large effect size (d = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.63–1.24) when comparing organizations in the upper (k = 3) versus lower tertiles (k = 3) of EBP implementation climate. Higher levels of time 1 organizational EBP implementation climate also predicted higher time 2 average CBT adherence per session (b = 0.23,p< 0.001,d = 0.72). Length of time between assessments of climate and adherence did not moderate these relationships.

Conclusions

Organizational EBP implementation climate is a promising predictor of clinicians’ subsequent observed adherence to CBT. Implementation strategies that target this antecedent may improve the delivery of EBPs in healthcare settings.
Evaluating blinatumomab implementation in low- and middle-income countries: a study protocol
Authors: Duffy Caitlyn , Santana Victor , Inaba Hiroto , Jeha Sima , Pauley Jennifer , Sniderman Liz , Ghara Niharendu , Mushtaq Naureen , Narula Gaurav , Bhakta Nickhill , Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Brandt Heather
Published: June 2022

Background

The recent implementation of novel therapies has accelerated progress in pediatric cancer care. Despite the significantly poorer survival of patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), administation complexities and other significant resource barriers have limited the translation of these novel therapies in these regions. This study aims to develop a model that can be used to support the implementation of novel therapies, such as blinatumomab (bispecific antibody therapy for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia [B-ALL]) in LMIC centers, with the long-term goal of developing an implementation framework for similar future efforts.

Methods

In this study, mixed methods will be applied to understand the key contextual considerations that can be accounted for through a training program and prospectively designed implementation activities. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research will guide the activities related to implementation evaluation in parallel with a drug donation program. A multidisciplinary research team comprising high- and low-middle income healthcare professionals, industry, and implementation scientists has been assembled with the common goal of improving safe access to blinatumomab. To assess the factors affecting blinatumomab administration, semi-structured interviews with diverse collaborators and quantitative assessments of organizational characteristics will be conducted, together with quantitative and qualitative assessments of feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and cost of blinatumomab implementation. A quantitative assessment of stakeholder perceptions of different implementation strategies used as part of the multifaceted approach will also be performed. Finally, we will examine the key domains and processes used and construct the implementation roadmap for translation of novel therapies.

Discussion

This study will rigorously develop an implementation roadmap for translation of novel therapies in low-resource settings. The knowledge gained in the formative assessment will reveal the priority areas and key implementation strategies. Thereby, the resultant roadmap will facilitate future scale-out strategies for novel therapies in LMICs, thus increasing access, building capacity for management, and ultimately improving the care for children in LMICs.
Microsponges: a breakthrough tool in pharmaceutical research
Authors: Tiwari Abhishek , Tiwari Varsha , Palaria Binita , Kumar Manish , Kaushik Deepak
Published: June 2022

Background

A microsponge delivery system (MDS) is an innovative and unique way of delivering drugs in a structured manner. Using microsponge drug delivery, regulated drug delivery may now be achieved quickly and easily.

Main body

MDS comprises porous microspheres ranging in size from 5 to 300 microns, with a large porous structure and a very tiny spherical shape. MDS is normally used to deliver drugs via topical channels, but they have recently shown the potential approach to drug delivery via oral, ophthalmic and parenteral routes. MDS can easily modify the pharmaceutical release contour and improve formulation stability while minimising the negative impact of the drug. The fundamental purpose of microsponge drug administration is to reach the highest possible peak plasma concentration in the blood. The capacity of MDS to self-sterilise is their most prominent attribute.

Conclusions

MDS is used as anti-allergic, anti-mutagenic and non-irritant in innumerable investigations. This review includes formulation, criteria for drugs to be incorporated in MDS, formulation methods, assessment parameters, and role of MDS in the management of various disorders. This review will be quite useful in the future in exploring the MDS in different disorders.

Graphical Abstract
In silico approach for the development of phenolic derivatives as potential anti-angiogenic agents against lysyl oxidase-like 2 enzyme
Authors: Aqeel Muhammad Tahir , Nisar-Ur-Rahman  , Khan Arif-ullah , Ashraf Zaman , Khan Samiullah , Arif Muazzam
Published: June 2022

Background

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) has recently been explored as extremely pivotal protein involved in angiogenesis which results in metastasis of numerous types of cancers. Hence, LOXL2 is an exciting new target for drug development against tumor progression and its spread to distant organs. Newly synthesized derivatives of natural phenolic antioxidant guaiacol (T1 to T8) were evaluated for their potential as anti-angiogenic agents using in silico approach. The drug likeness properties and toxicity of the synthesized derivatives have also been determined. Active binding sites of LOXL2 protein were determined by online server DoGSiteScorer, and lead–target interactions and conformations of pose analysis were done by using AutoDock Vina and Discovery Studio 4.0. The GUSAR model was applied to find the toxicity and ADMET properties. On the other hand, the chemoinformatics prediction was also performed using online FAF Drug Server and Molinspiration online server.

Results

Lead molecules from T1 to T8 showed promising binding affinity values, especially T5 and T8 showed best fit in the binding pocket of target enzyme (binding energies − 7.9 and 8.0 kcal/Mol, respectively). The stability of docked complexes was further evaluated using molecular dynamic simulation studies using GROMACS force field, and both leads (T5 and T8) were found to be strongly bounded to the active binding sites. The ADMET results revealed that all experimental molecules were virtually nontoxic and showed compliance with rule of five.

Conclusion

The present work will further enable researchers to understand how computer-aided drug designing tools may help to expedite new drug discovery process in a minimum cost.
Sustainable production through biostimulants under fruit orchards
Authors: Rana Vishal Singh , Sharma Sunny , Rana Neerja , Sharma Umesh
Published: June 2022

The world population is expected to be around 9 billion by 2050 which would be 34 per cent greater than the today’s population. This will enhance the food demand to match the rising population. Horticultural commodities in general and fruit in the particular has been designated as the source of nutraceuticals. For reaching up optimum level of production, Biostimulants may come up with and the emerging concept of to meet out with this challenge and over the last decade, utilization of natural plant biostimulants is gaining importance. The use of biostimulants can be extensively exploited under fruit crops as they contribute towards a crucial role in enhancing the anatomical, morphological, physiological, that ultimately ameliorated the fruit productivity, and quality of the fruits. In addition, the application of biostimulants helps in promoting physiological actions like photosynthesis, nutrients metabolism, enzymatic activities, chlorophyll, protein and carbohydrate content. It also helps to mitigate abiotic stress like water stress, salinity, temperature, and changes related to oxidation–reduction reaction, reactive oxygen species detoxification, stress signaling, and hormonal pathways. After much exploration regarding the effects of biostimulants on fruit crops, there is still a void that exists in the area related to its impact on various traits. Henceforth, an appropriate tactics approach is much needed under the areas of research about biostimulants.

Graphical Abstract
Remotely mind-controlled metasurface via brainwaves
Authors: Zhu Ruichao , Wang Jiafu , Qiu Tianshuo , Han Yajuan , Fu Xinmin , Shi Yuzhi , Liu Xingsi , Liu Tonghao , Zhang Zhongtao , Chu Zuntian , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Qu Shaobo
Published: June 2022

The power of controlling objects with mind has captivated a popular fascination to human beings. One possible path is to employ brain signal collecting technologies together with emerging programmable metasurfaces (PM), whose functions or operating modes can be switched or customized via on-site programming or pre-defined software. Nevertheless, most of existing PMs are wire-connected to users, manually-controlled and not real-time. Here, we propose the concept of remotely mind-controlled metasurface (RMCM) via brainwaves. Rather than DC voltage from power supply or AC voltages from signal generators, the metasurface is controlled by brainwaves collected in real time and transmitted wirelessly from the user. As an example, we demonstrated a RMCM whose scattering pattern can be altered dynamically according to the user’s brain waves via Bluetooth. The attention intensity information is extracted as the control signal and a mapping between attention intensity and scattering pattern of the metasurface is established. With such a framework, we experimentally demonstrated and verified a prototype of such metasurface system which can be remotely controlled by the user to modify its scattering pattern. This work paves a new way to intelligent metasurfaces and may find applications in health monitoring, 5G/6G communications, smart sensors, etc.
PERSONAL GROWTH DYNAMICS AND THE DEVELOPMENT LEVEL OF PERSONAL COPING RESOURCES OF TEENAGERS
Authors:   Secondary School No. 61 in Chelyabinsk, Serysheva O.M. ,   South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University
Published: June 2022

The problem of value orientations’ formation of teenagers in the context of a general educational organization is actualized. The review on the views of researchers on the concepts of “personal growth”, “coping”, “coping resources” is presented. The idea of close connection between personal growth and personal coping resources is substantiated. The current situation of the problem of personal growth of teenagers in modern general education organization is revealed. The assessment of the formation of adolescents' personal coping resources is made by studying the dynamics of the indicators of the teenagers’ value attitudes to family, themselves, and a human being in general. The author uses the diagnostic methodology of I.V. Kuleshova, P.V. Stepanov, and D.V. Grigoriev. The results of the study of the personal growth of students in grades 5–11 are presented. The possible reasons influencing the personal growth of a student are identified and described. The author concludes that the formation of the value attitude of teenagers to the world around them and to themselves is directly related to the development of personal coping resources, which, in turn, affect personal growth.
PROJECT TO FORM TEACHERS’ READINESS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS’ SELF-DETERMINATION
Authors:   Yakupovskaya school, Platonova L.D. ,   South Ural State University
Published: June 2022

Supporting students’ self-determination is a pedagogical task according to legislative acts, social demand and analysis of scientific literature. However, modern research proves that in practice, teachers are not sufficiently motivated and do not have necessary knowledge to provide this assistance. Generalization and consideration of the literature has revealed that existing projects to support students’ self-determination are mostly aimed at students, and the formation of teachers' readiness to support students remains unexplored. Thus, there is a need to increase the level of teachers’ readiness to support students’ self-determination and develop a project to raise it. The article describes the development and implementation of the project aimed to form teachers’ readiness to support students’ self-determination. The author clarifies the concept of pedagogical project, describes pedagogical models and projects aimed to support students’ self-determination; develops a project to form teachers’ readiness to promote students’ self-determination; describes the components of this project; implements and evaluates its effectiveness. The methods of scientific analysis and synthesis, survey and statistical data processing were used. The novelty of our project is in the fact that we develop teachers’ readiness to assist students’ self-determination. The teacher training program was implemented in person, remotely and in a blended form. Comparison of the effectiveness of the project depending on the form of implementation makes it possible to conclude that the most effective one is a face-to-face form.
DIGITAL DISTANCE LEARNING TOOLS IN ACADEMICS’ ESP TRAINING
Authors:   South Ural State University, Kuzmina N.N. , Kochkina D.V. ,   South Ural State University, Kuzmin M.G. ,   South Ural State University
Published: June 2022

To create comfortable conditions for international students at Russian universities academics should have high fluency in English for specific purposes (ESP) and be able to use English as instruction language in the educational process. Moreover, digitalization of all the spheres of human life forces educators to use distance learning technologies. However, the members of the academic staff are not always able to use suitable digital tools when teaching in a foreign language. The purpose of the research is to develop and implement a complex of digital distance learning tools for the faculty that study at ESP courses of the continuing professional development program “Lingva” realized at South Ural State University. The authors defined the concept of “digital distance learning tools”; evaluated the degree of awareness of the academics of the types and purposes of digital tools in distance foreign language learning. The effectiveness of the use of digital tools in distance foreign language learning was analyzed; the educators’ attitudes to the types of digital distance learning tools were identified. A complex of digital distance learning tools based on the analysis of educators’ needs was introduced into teaching English. Theoretical (analysis of modern scientific and methodological literature) and empirical (questionnaires, interviews, methods of mathematical processing of the data obtained) methods were applied. The findings revealed that the major part of the surveyed academics were not aware of some digital tools and the possibilities of their application. Educators implemented some typical digital distance learning tools at their lessons, and would like to learn more about language learning platforms, sites for the development of speech activity types, and other features of LMS Moodle. Educators, in general, do not apply digital tools to the full extent for two main reasons: they do not have enough time to master necessary skills and they often encounter technical challenges. The findings may assist lecturers, language training practitioners in ESP training for academics via digital distance learning tools.
“IT DOESN’T SCARE ME NOW!”: CHANGES IN TEACHER IDENTITY AFTER EMI TRAINING
Authors:   South Ural State University, Volchenkova K.N. , Nenakhova A.A. ,   Lyceum No. 67, Egorova E.Yu. ,   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Eltsin
Published: June 2022

Although English Medium Instruction (EMI) in tertiary education enhances the international prestige of academic staff, the practices of universities regarding the training of EMI staff are few in the literature as well as the analysis of the impact the such courses have on EMI academic staff. University staff are pushed towards teaching through English with little administrative support, which causes the creation of EMI training courses. The paper offers a practical example of how to apply research findings, university context, needs analysis and course feedback to syllabus design for teacher training in EMI in the context of a Russian university. It describes piloting of an EMI training course. The authors present the content of an EMI training course; analyze feedback from EMI teacher trainees to show how the EMI training course influences academic staff identity. The respondents recognized that the EMI course had improved them both professionally (innovative methods of teaching, interactive lecturing techniques, EMI strategies) and personally (increased level of language proficiency, boosted confidence in teaching in English). Although the course design has naturally been influenced by Russian context, the underlying principles, problems and solutions can usefully inform the development of EMI teacher training courses in other parts of the world.
Ethnomedicinal uses of the Ferns of Shishikoh Valley, District Chitral, Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Kifayat , Shah Ghulam Mujtaba , Alam Jan , Gul Alia , Irfan Muhammad
Published: June 2022

The indigenous communities of Shishikoh valley are often using various ferns taxa regularly. The current research work was intended for documenting the ethnomedicinal knowledge of ferns. A total of 18 taxa were recorded that belonged to 9 genera and 6 families being used in the treatment of different ailments. Pteridaceae was the leading family with 6 taxa (33.33%), followed by Aspleniaceae with 4 taxa (22.22%), Athyriaceae and Equisetaceae each with 3 taxa (16.67%) followed by Dryopteridaceae and Marsileaceae each with 1 taxon (5.56%). The reported ferns taxa were used as anthelminthic, anti-rheumatic, astringent and wound healing agents and in the treatment of different ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, gonorrhea, hepatitis, infertility, influenza, kidney disorders, measles, oral ulcer, oral thrush, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, pharyngitis, scorpion bite, sinusitis, tonsillitis and tuberculosis. Ethnomedicinal knowledge is a valuable source for the innovation of different allopathic, homeopathic and herbal drugs that are used for the treatment of different ailments. The fern species may be used commercially for medicinal purposes through sustainable way. Their proper cultivation and awareness about medicinal values among local community leads to discover new drugs.
A creative approach for undergraduate nursing students to learn anatomy and physiology: a qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Barbagallo Michael S. , Porter Joanne E. , Abdelkader Amany , James Ainsley
Published: June 2022

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) courses in undergraduate nursing programs are often considered challenging for students. Typically, a wide variety of teaching strategies, including dissection, experiments, illustrations and photographs are used to engage students. This study aimed to explore and describe the learning experiences of an open creative assessment task on undergraduate nursing students of learning A&P. A total of eight students participated in semi-structured interviews. Two major themes emerged from the data, this included ‘Bringing A&P to life’ which included two sub-themes of ‘Learning through peer teaching’ and ‘An easy way to learn’, with the second major theme, ‘Custom made learning’ which included four sub-themes, ‘To grade or not to grade’, ‘Catering for different learning styles’, ‘Logistics of group work’, and ‘Effect of group dynamics’. This qualitative exploratory study contributes to further pedagogical insights into art and/or creative approaches to teaching.
Impact of introduction of the growth assessment protocol in a South Indian tertiary hospital on SGA detection, stillbirth rate and neonatal outcome
Authors: Ravula Pallavi Chandra , Veluganti Sridevi , Gopireddy Murali Mohan Reddy , Aziz Nuzhat
Published: June 2022

Objectives

India has a high rate of stillbirths, and many deaths are due to fetal growth restriction and potentially preventable. Screening and identification of the small for gestational age (SGA) fetus during the antenatal period has been shown to reduce stillbirths. We set out to evaluate the impact of implementing the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP), a programme designed for screening for SGA.

Methods

Observational study comparing two-time epochs; before (years 2011–2014) and after (years 2015–2018) introduction of GAP. The programme includes identification of risk factors, risk categorization, serial fundal height measurement, customised fetal growth charts and appropriate referral protocols. Fetal growth charts and birth centiles were generated based on the hospital database of normal outcome pregnancies, customised to women’s ethnicity, parity, height, and weight. The protocol was introduced following training of obstetric and midwifery care providers. We evaluated SGA detection rates, stillbirth rates (from 28 weeks) and neonatal morbidity at term.

Results

There were 26,199 and 31,498 births, with 115 and 108 stillbirths in the pre and post-GAP implementation periods, respectively. SGA detection rates increased from 51.1 to 67.1%, representing a 31% improvement (p<0.001). Overall stillbirth rates declined from 4.4 to 3.4 per 1000 births (RR 0.78 CI 95% 0.60–1.02) and at term from 1.5 to 0.6 (RR 0.37 CI 95% 0.20–0.66). Neonatal intensive care admission and neonatal encephalopathy in term neonates also decreased significantly.

Conclusions

Introduction of the GAP programme in an Indian tertiary maternity service was associated with improved antenatal detection of SGA and reduced stillbirth rates and neonatal morbidity.
Temporal and spatial tuning of optical constants in praseodymium doped ceria by electrochemical means
Authors: Kalaev Dmitri , Seo Han Gil , Tuller Harry L.
Published: June 2022

Temporal and spatial tuning of the refractive index of optical thin films is desired for flat optics applications. The redistribution of mobile ions in mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIEC) has been demonstrated to serve as a viable means for achieving optical tuning down to the nanoscale. Here we studied the dynamic range of the optical tuning achievable in the refractive index, in the MIEC oxide – Pr
x
Ce1−x
O2−δ
(PCO), for x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4, at 500 °C, by in-situ spectrophotometry. Significant increases in the modulation of both the imaginary and real optical constants in the visible and the adjacent spectra were obtained for increased doping levels. Device employing an electrochemical titration method was implemented to modulate the oxygen concentration, and thereby the optical transmission of PCO. Incorporation of a patterned top electrode allowed for the demonstration of spatial control of PCO thin film properties by in-situ video imaging of the optical switching process. The electrochemically induced optical state is shown to remain non-volatile upon quenching the device to room temperature under applied bias.
Experimental Research on Shear Strength of Remolded Debris Flow Structures
Authors: Jiang Yu , Zhou Zhenhua , Shi Changhao , Zhe Feng , Li Zhengkai , He Hongzhi
Published: June 2022

To investigate the strength characteristics of remolded debris flow structures and influencing factors, Jiangjia Gully debris flow deposits in the Yunnan province were chosen as the research object. Considering influencing factors such as gradation types, water contents, and vertical pressures, four gradation types were reconstituted and shear strength tests were carried out on the remolded samples. Based on the interaction between these factors, the influence mechanism of each factor on the strength of the remolded structure was explored, and the strength development mechanism of the remolded structure was analyzed on this basis. The results show that the shear strength of the remolded structure is mainly provided by fine particles and that the effect of water content on the remolded structure is not merely a single feedback mechanism but works together with the external load and inhibits the strength development of the structure in some cases; the degree of influence of each factor on the shear strength of the remolded structure is ranked as follows: vertical load > gradation type > water content > water content * gradation type > gradation type * vertical load > water content * vertical load. At the same water content and gradation, external vertical load has a positive effect on the enhancement of the shear strength of the remolded structure, but at the same vertical load, gradation and water content show an inhibitive effect; the content of fine particles in different gradation structures determines the structural type of the remolded structure, but the water content and vertical load, as external factors, exert a positive impact on the shear strength of the remolded structure via the rearrangement of particles in the structure and the regulation of pore water pressure, which in turn affects the shear strength of the remolded structure.
An In Situ Design / Analysis Method of Antimicrobial Effect Using Nano TiO2 for Disinfecting COVID-Affected Places
Authors: Ananth Kumar T. , Rajakumar G. , Arun Samuel T. S. , Nirmal D.
Published: June 2022

A new airborne transmittable disease, coronavirus (COVID-19), was discovered by China in late December 2019. The virus is spread by direct contact with infected people’s respiratory droplets (from coughing and sneezing) and virus-infected surfaces. COVID-19 can survive for hours on surfaces, but disinfectants can kill it. Pathogens have evolved and become resistant to conventional drugs and disinfectants. This proposed new approach using TiO2 for infectious diseases is needed to outwit these cunning saboteurs. Nanotechnology creates a unique way to modify material at the level of atoms and particles. Nanotechnology has enabled self-cleaning surfaces based on the advanced oxidation process (AOP). The outside is coated with a thin layer of nanosized TiO2 (titanium dioxide) photocatalyst. UV rays stimulate nano TiO2 and initiate AOP. The process reactions lead to the formation of oxygen vacancies in surface-bound water particle surfaces. Because of copper doping (1 % Weight of copper and 0.5 % Weight of copper), the bandgap is minimized and excitation occurs at visible light. Consequently, these photocatalyst surfaces have changed properties. Microorganisms are inactivated, excess toxins are degraded, and pollutants are removed. Toilet seats, floors, hospitals, homes, airports, railways, and road terminals can all be coated with TiO2. Microorganisms can be killed by TiO2-coated or TiO2 doped with copper. These purify the air in hospitals. They can also be used to kill microorganisms on road pavements. They can also be used to coat intravenous masks and catheters to stop COVID-19.
The Influence of Waste Rice Straw Ash as Surrogate Filler for Asphalt Concrete Mixtures
Authors: Aliyu Yaro Shehu Nura , Sutanto Dr. Muslich Hartadi , Usman Dr. Aliyu , Jagaba Ahmad Hussani , Sakadadi Muktar Yakubu
Published: June 2022

Mineral fillers in asphalt concrete have improved the mix design qualities significantly. However, the high cost, scarcity, adverse impact towards environment and the inability of conventiona filller to enhance mixtures performance due to the increase in traffic loading  have necessitated an investigation into viable alternatives in manufacturing asphalt concrete. Thus, researchers have been looking into using agricultural waste in asphalt pavements to improve sustainability and pavement performance. Waste rice straw (WRS) is a high-volume agricultural waste often burnt for electricity or discarded. In this study, WRS ash (WRSA) was sourced locally, incinerated, ball-milled, and sieved to pass BS sieve No.200 to generate fine powder WRSA, which can be utilised as the surrogate mineral filler. This study evaluated the effect of utilising WRSA as a partial substitute of mineral filler on the volumetric and Marshall properties of the WRSA modified asphalt mixtures. The tests were conducted on a series of asphalt concrete specimens prepared based on Marshall's design with the optimal bitumen content for all varying substitution percentages 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100% WRSA and, the engineering properties of the asphalt mixtures were investigated. The study outcomes show that using WRSA as a surrogate filler inmproves asphalt concrete's Marshall stability and quotients value by  33% and 61% at the optimal replacement of 75%. Based on the result, it can be clinched that WRSA can be incorporated as a filler surrogate to promote sustainability.