bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Densitometry and Videodensitometry for Quantitating the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Using Thin Layer Chromatography – Systematic Review
Authors: Ramadhani Firmansyah Ardian , Kusumawati Idha , Primaharinastiti Riesta , Rullyansyah Subhan , Sandhori Fajar Jamaluddin , Prasetyawan Hanif Rifqi
Published: October 2023

Background: Chromatography is one of the analytical techniques widely used for the quality control process in the pharmaceutical industry. One of the analytical methods used in drug analysis is Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). The analysis process of TLC can be performed using densitometry (scanner) or videodensitometry (videoscan). The principal analysis of densitometry (scanner) is based on the density measured from each spot on the TLC plate using a specific wavelength range, and videodensitometry (videoscan) is performed by taking pictures of the plate using a Visualizer at a specific wavelength. Objective: This review article discusses the application of densitometry and videodensitometry methods for quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical products. Methods: This study was conducted using a systematic review method using the PRISMA statement from January to April 2023. Four databases were searched: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar with inclusion criteria: studies on thin layer chromatography analysis using densitometry and videodensitometry. Results: Based on the ten articles in this study, it is known that the active ingredient concentrations in pharmaceutical products can be determined using densitometry and videodensitometry. The statistical analysis results show no significant difference between the two methods' chemical concentrations of active ingredients in pharmaceutical products. Conclusion: TLC densitometry and videodensitometry is a valid methods analysis that can be used for quantitating the active pharmaceutical ingredient concentration in finished pharmaceutical products.
Translation and Cultural Adaptation of Multi-Attribute Utility Instrument (MAUI) Indonesian Version of the 15D Questionnaire
Authors: Dian Parwati  , Libriansyah  , Gesnita Nugraheni  , Yunita Nita
Published: October 2023

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that cannot be cured and progressively develop into a complication affecting the patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The utility is a measure of preference-based HRQoL. Indirect utility measurements can be measured using the Multi-Attribute Utility Instrument (MAUI) instrument, one of which is the 15D questionnaire that has never been translated and adapted culturally in Indonesian. Objective: Translating and culturally adapting the 15D questionnaire to Indonesian diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: The translation process was carried out through the stages of forward translation, reconciliation, and backward translation involving two qualified translators and three experts in their field. The pilot test stage involved eight respondents consisting of 6 diabetes mellitus patients and two healthy individuals. Results: Problems in the linguistic validation process led to more conformity of word equivalents from the original to the target language. The agreement found was in the area of semantic equivalence, idiomatic equivalence, and experiential equivalence. The problem was resolved by reconciliation during the Focus Group Discussion, which translators and experts in their field attended and discussed with the original author to get equality of meaning in terms of language and culture. The Indonesian version of the 15D questionnaire tested on eight respondents showed results that were easy to understand and straightforward. Conclusion: The Indonesian version of the 15D questionnaire is valid from the linguistic and cultural adaptation stage. Further research is needed relating to the validation and reliability of the questionnaire.
In vivo Evaluation of Extracted and Fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves against Testosterone-Induced PCOS Model in Rattus Norvegicus
Authors: Khairi Widayatul , Nuraini Harmastuti  , Gunawan Pamudji Widodo
Published: October 2023

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder. Parameters characteristic of the disorder include weight gain, insulin resistance and malondialdehyde (MDA). The traditional medicine used is Moringa oleifera. Objectives: The aim was to determine the effect of weight loss and blood glucose levels, MDA levels and histopathological features of the ovarian follicles in the rat model PCOS-insulin resistance induced by testosterone. Methods: Extraction process, followed by fractionation using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and water, identification of compound content using TLC, and rats were grouped into 7 groups (n=5), namely normal group, negative group, positive group, extract, fraction water, ethyl acetate fraction and n-hexane fraction by looking at the characteristic parameters and ovarian histopathology. Data analysis using ANOVA and Kruskal-wallis. Results: The yield of the extract was 30.4%, the water fraction was 85.59%, the ethyl acetate fraction was 6.64% and the n-hexane fraction was 4.05%. Positive for flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids in the ethyl acetate fraction, the water and extract fractions were positive for tannins, the n-hexane fraction was positive for steroids. The modeling sample group obtained extract body weight 195.40 g, water fraction 195.80 g, ethyl acetate fraction 194.00 g, n-hexane fraction 196.00 g, blood glucose level extract 83.00 mg/dL, water fraction 84.27 mg/dL, ethyl acetate fraction 80.00 mg/dL, n-hexane fraction 122.85 mg/dL, MDA extract content 2.704 nmol/mL, water fraction 3.547 nmol/mL, 1.685 nmol/mL, 5.308 nmol /mL and can improve ovarian histopathology. Conclusion: The most effective value is the ethyl acetate fraction because it has the highest decrease in PCOS characteristics.
The Prevalence of Mental Health Illness among Jordanian Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alali Mahmoud , Al-Hajjaj Maher , Al-Dalabeeh Wasan , Alwahkyan Abdullah , Alsakaji Obada , Salameh Mohammad , Hamdan Qusai , Arabiat Abdallah , Alhamawi Saed , Al-Shdaifat Amjad
Published: October 2023

Background

As a major virus outbreak in the 21st century, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented hazards to mental health globally. Health care workers, patients with COVID-19 are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire consisted of four parts: sociodemographic, current and previous health status, measures in a social isolation, and the Arabic version of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results:

We had 110 patients who completed the data. 89 (80.9%) of patients recovered from COVID-19. They ranged from 18-84 with a mean of 37.6 years (SD = 9.8 years). We had 33.6% of patients re-ported moderate to extremely severe depression compared to 18.2% with mild reported symptoms. The anxiety severity showed that (35.4%) out of patients had moderate to extremely severe anxiety, compared to (6.4%) who had mild anxiety. While stress severity showed that (22.7%) had moderate to extremely severe stress compared to (13.6%) who had mild stress.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 has caused a significant increase in the prevalence of mental health illness in the general population. Large systematic reviews are required to set the general overall of impact of this pandemic on mental health.
The Silent Pandemic by Super Pathogens during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Das Sibi , Gladston Jibin , Silvanose Christudas
Published: October 2023

Post-COVID-19 bacterial infections are a significant threat to global health, mainly due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. The review highlights the importance of using antibiotics judiciously and following appropriate guidelines and recommendations. The article also examines the potential indirect contribution of steroids to antibiotic resistance through immune suppression in severe cases of COVID-19. Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide that continues as a silent pandemic caused by the major AMR superbug includes Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), Extended-spectrum Beta Lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL) which is resistant to cephalosporin and Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ongoing surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic use and resistance helped to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance and shrink it from pandemic to endemic.
Primary Series COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness among Health Care Workers in the Country of Georgia, March–December 2021
Authors: Katz Mark A. , Castro Madelyn Yiseth Rojas , Chakhunashvili Giorgi , Chitadze Nazibrola , Ward Caleb , McKnight C. Jason , Lucaccioni Héloïse , Finci Iris , Zardiashvili Tamila , Pebody Richard , Kissling Esther , Sanodze Lia
Published: October 2023

Background
Healthcare workers (HCWs) have suffered considerable morbidity and mortality during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Few data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) are available from middle-income countries in Europe. We evaluated primary series COVID-19 VE against laboratory-confirmed
COVID-19 among HCWs in Georgia.
Methods
HCWs in six hospitals in Georgia were invited to enroll in a prospective cohort study conducted during March 19–December 5, 2021. Participants completed weekly symptom questionnaires.
Symptomatic HCWs were tested by RT-PCR and/or rapid antigen test (RAT), and participants were routinely tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR or RAT, regardless of symptoms. Serology was collected at enrolment, and quarterly thereafter, and tested by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We defined primary series vaccination as two doses of COVID-19
vaccine received ≥14 days before symptom onset. We estimated VE as (1-hazard ratio)*100 using a Cox proportional hazards model with vaccination status as a time-varying covariate. Estimates were adjusted by potential confounders that changed the VE estimate by more than 5%, according to the change-in-estimate approach.
Results

Overall, 1561/3849 (41%) eligible HCWs enrolled and were included in the analysis. The median age was 40 (IQR: 30-53), 1318 (84%) were female, and 1003 (64%) had laboratory evidence of prior SARS-Cov-2 infection. At enrolment, 1300 (83%) were unvaccinated; By study end, 1082 (62%) had completed a primary vaccine series (69% BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech); 22% BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm); 9% other). During the study period, 191(12%) participants had a new PCR- or RAT-confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. VEa gainst PCR- or RAT- confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was 58 (95%CI: 41; 70) for all primary series vaccinations, 68% (95%CI: 51; 79) for BNT162b2, and 40% (95%CI: 1; 64) for BBIBP-CorV vaccines. Among previously infected HCWs, VE was 58% (95%CI: 11; 80). VE against medically attended COVID-19 was 52% (95%CI: 28; 68), and VE against hospitalization was 69% (95% CI: 36; 85). During the period of predominant Delta variant circulation (July-December 2021), VE against symptomatic COVID-19 was 52% (95%CI: 30; 66).
Conclusions
Primary series vaccination with BNT162b2 and BBIBP-CorV was effective at preventing
COVID-19 among HCWs, most of whom had previous infection, during a period of mainly Delta circulation. Our results support the utility of COVID-19 primary vaccine series, and the importance of increasing coverage, even among previously infected individuals.
Development of Slope Detection ASIC for On-Chip Current Sensing in Voltage Converters
Authors: Ravasz Richard , Stopjakova Viera , Maljar David , Arbet Daniel , Nagy Lukas , Kovac Martin
Published: October 2023

This article introduces the design and analysis of a slope detection circuit tailored for on-chip sensing of the load current in DC-DC converters. The novel indirect sensing approach is grounded in measuring the output voltage slope across the filtering capacitor during discharge phases. Consequently, this slope data can be effectively harnessed to control the converter switches. The slope detector circuit was designed in standard 65 nm CMOS technology using the nominal supply voltage of 1.2 V and can be used for current sensing within the range from one to hundreds of mA. Since the proposed circuit has mainly digital character, the robustness to process, temperature and supply voltage variations can be ensured rather conveniently.
Risk Biomarkers for Biochemical Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer Using Clinical and MRI-Derived Semantic Features
Authors: Guerra Adalgisa , Alves Filipe Caseiro , Maes Kris , Maio Rui , Villeirs Geert , Mouriño Helena
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of a predictive model for detecting extracapsular extension on pathology (pECE+) on biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) within 4 years after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods: Retrospective data analysis from a single center between 2015 to 2022. Variables under consideration included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, patient age, prostate volume, MRI semantic features and Gleason score (GS). We also assessed the influence of pECE+ and positive surgical margins on BCRFS. using the Kaplan-Meier survival function and Cox regression model were assessed. Additionally, we analyzed the MRI features on BCR (biochemical recurrence) in low/intermediate risk patients. Results: 177 participants with a follow-up exceeding 6 months post-RARP were included. The 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year risks of BCR after curative prostatectomy were 5%, 13%, and 21%, respectively. The survival analysis showed that adverse MRI features as macroscopic ECE on MRI (mECE+), capsular disruption, high tumor capsular contact length (TCCL), GS≥8, positive surgical margins (PSM), and pECE+ on pathology were risk factors for BCR. In low/intermediate-risk patients (pECE- and GS <(4+4)) the presence of adverse MRI features, has been shown to increase the risk of BCR. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of incorporating predictive MRI features for detecting extracapsular extension pre-surgery in influencing early outcomes and clinical decision-making; mECE+, TCCL, capsular disruption, and GS≥8 based on pre-surgical biopsy were independent prognostic factors for early BCR. The presence of adverse features on MRI can assist in identifying low/intermediate-risk patients who would benefit from closer monitoring.
Mechanical interaction of a projectile body with a bore walls of an electromagnetic accelerator. Task problem
Authors: Plekhanov Alexander Valentinovich , Ryzhov Sergey Yurievich
Published: October 2023

The vibration of the accelerator rails under the action of electromagnetic forces is considered. The armature and with it the right boundary of electromagnetic forces application moves along the barrel bore from the breach to muzzle. The rail accelerator is simply considered as a Bernoulli-Euler beam of finite length, lying on a viscoelastic foundation, with cantilever support from the side of the accelerator breech. The rail vibration is described by a differential equation in partial derivatives of the fourth order in coordinate and the second order in time. Using the eigenmode expansion method an analytical solution of the equation is obtained taking into account the change in the armature speed along the length of the barrel. Taking into account the peculiarities of the expression for natural vibration modes for this problem made it possible to simplify the calculations and take into account appropriate number of harmonics along the entire trajectory of the armature, which is difficult in the traditional application of the method, and thereby increase the accuracy of predicting the amplitude and nature of rail vibrations during the shot. The proposed approach allows testing and debugging numerical methods for solving complex problems, as well as more correctly designing the barrel of a rail accelerator.
Analysis of architectural and planning solutions of polyclinics as a management tool in the implementation of lean manufacturing.
Authors:   National Research Institute of Public Health named after N. A. Semashko, Shinkareva N. V. ,   Krasnogorsk Regional Hospital, Gorenkov R. V. ,   National Research Institute of Public Health named after N. A. Semashko,   First Moscow State Medical University named after I.I. THEM. Sechenov (Sechenov University), Kurmangulov A. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Tyumen State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Aleksandrova O.Yu. ,   National Research Institute of Public Health named after N. A. Semashko, Orlov S. A. ,   National Research Institute of Public Health named after N. A. Semashko,   National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health of Russia, Shinkarev S. V. ,   Krasnogorsk Regional Hospital
Published: October 2023

In the clinics of the Moscow region, within the framework of the project «A new model of a medical organization providing primary medical care», there is difficulty in achieving the target indicators of the project criteria. The analysis of the architectural and planning characteristics of polyclinics that affect the achievement of the criteria of this project was carried out. Purpose: analysis and evaluation of the architectural and planning capabilities of polyclinics in the Moscow region for the successful implementation of lean production technologies. Materials and methods: 224 polyclinics of the Moscow region were included in the project, statistical reporting forms were evaluated: Analysis of data from the federal register of medical organizations, forms of federal statistical observation No. 30, No. 47. shortage of polyclinic capacity), depreciation of polyclinic buildings. Research methods – analytical, observation, expert, mathematical, statistical. Results. In the clinics of the Moscow region, there is an imbalance between the attached population and the design capacity of the clinics. Also, a pronounced variability in the area of polyclinics in the Moscow region was revealed, 34% of polyclinics have a shortage of space. The physical deterioration of buildings leads to a limitation in their operation. Conclusions. Polyclinics of the Moscow region differ in variability in terms of capacity, shortage or redundancy of the area of polyclinics, wear and tear of the building, architectural and planning features of polyclinics. These criteria must be taken into account when choosing projects for the most effective achievement of results.
Self-assessment of reproductive health by future doctors.
Authors:   FSBI «H. Turner National Medical Research Center for Сhildren’s Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery» of Ministry of Health of the Russia, Kokushin D. N. , Sokolova V. V. ,   FGBOU VO «St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University» of the Ministry of Health of the Russia, Kirilenko V. V. ,   FGBOU VO «St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University» of the Ministry of Health of the Russia, Zhgulyova A. A. ,   FGBOU VO «St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University» of the Ministry of Health of the Russia, Kuzmin A. N. ,   FGBOU VO «St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University» of the Ministry of Health of the Russia
Published: October 2023

The reproductive health of the younger generation is of particular medical and social importance. The state of health of today’s youth, their reproductive potential and attitudes will be reflected in the demographic situation of Russia’s future. To maintain and improve the reproductive health of young people, a whole range of medical measures is being implemented. Of interest is the state of reproductive health of future doctors who receive a comprehensive education in the field of health care and have the highest level of knowledge about risk factors and health-saving technologies. T h e p u r p o s e o f t h e s t u d y : to analyze the responses of medical students to assess their reproductive health and commitment to maintaining it. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . An anonymous survey of 460 medical students studying at medical universities in St. Petersburg was conducted (September-October 2022). Methods of analytical and descriptive statistics were used. R e s u l t s . There is a low effectiveness of activities to inform adolescents about sexual education and reproductive health. Most students do not consider their own health as a priority for the coming years, give a low assessment of their physical condition, rarely go in for sports or do not do it at all, every second eats irregularly. A third of young people suffer from acute and chronic extragenital diseases, and every fifth has a pathology of the reproductive system. 72.6% of girls and only 21.4% of boys visit a gynecologist/urologist/andrologist at least once a year, more often for preventive purposes. During sexual intercourse, respondents prefer barrier contraceptives that meet the requirements of availability, reliability and ease of use. C o n c l u s i o n s . When developing strategies for improving and maintaining reproductive health, gender differences, medical and social characteristics and motivation of young people should be taken into account. To improve reproductive health-saving behavior, it is necessary to increase the availability of preventive measures, incl. anonymous counseling.
Reversing Inequity in Mpox Vaccine Distribution, Fulton County, Georgia, June–September 2022
Authors: O’Neal Joshua , Lopes da Rosa Jessica , Astin Meka , Folkes David , Crowder Dewayne , Holland David P.
Published: October 2023

Racial/ethnic disparities in the administration of mpox vaccine in Fulton County, Georgia, threatened to undermine the effectiveness of the response. To counteract this inequity, the Fulton County Board of Health partnered with local agencies serving Black and Latino men who have sex with men to coordinate efforts and reserve blocks of time for clients of these agencies to receive a vaccine. The disparities were reversed and approached equity with case rates. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(12):1263–1266. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307416 )
E-Liderança no Setor Público Brasileiro: A Influência da Qualidade da Comunicação no Comprometimento e Desempenho das Equipes
Authors: Paschoiotto Waldemir Paulino , Sehnem Simone , Cohen Eric David
Published: October 2023

Objetivo da pesquisa: Analisar a e-liderança no setor público, verificando a relação dos estilos de transformacional e transacional com variáveis importantes como a qualidade da comunicação, o comprometimento e o desempenho dos servidores públicos.
Enquadramento teórico:  A pesquisa utiliza como base teórica estudos sobre a e-liderança e os estilos transformacional e transacional, destacando os elementos determinantes desse fenômeno das equipes virtuais, especialmente a qualidade da comunicação e sua possível relação com comprometimento e desempenho.
Metodologia:  Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa, desenvolvida por meio de levantamento com 158 servidores públicos de 3 instituições diferentes, das esferas federal e estadual: Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU), Agência Nacional de Transporte Aquaviário (Antaq) e Tribunal de Contas do Estado de Santa Catarina (TCE/SC).  A análise empregou técnicas de estatística descritiva e modelagem de equações estruturais.  Para medir os construtos da pesquisa, foram adotadas escalas utilizadas em outros estudos, cujos resultados demonstraram sua qualidade psicométrica.
Resultados: Verificou-se que a qualidade da comunicação se relaciona positivamente com o comprometimento e exerce influência positiva na forma como as equipes enxergam a e-liderança, o que favorece o estilo de e-liderança transformacional. Os dois estilos de liderança exercem influência positiva no comprometimento. A relação entre comprometimento e desempenho não se mostrou significativa. Somente o estilo transformacional influenciou positivamente o desempenho dos servidores que trabalham em equipes virtuais.
Originalidade:  Este estudo se destaca por explorar uma temática inovadora relacionada à liderança de equipes virtuais no setor público e amplia a discussão sobre os fatores que podem colaborar com a missão dos e-líderes das instituições públicas.
Contribuições teóricas e práticas:  A presente pesquisa oferece contribuições para o campo da gestão pública pois fornece evidências empíricas que podem auxiliar os gestores públicos a delinear estratégias gerenciais e de educação corporativa, com enfoque na seleção e desenvolvimento de líderes mais aptos a apresentar resultados relevantes para a sociedade.
Palavras-chave: E-liderança. Setor público. Qualidade da comunicação. Comprometimento. Desempenho.
Impact of Lead and Zinc Heavy Metal Pollution on the Growth and Phytoremediation Potential of Sulla carnosa in Sabkha El Kalbia, Tunisia
Authors: bouzidi amal , krouma abdelmajid
Published: October 2023

Heavy metal pollution from human and natural activities poses significant environmental and health concerns for wildlife and humans, with lead and zinc being particularly threatening. This study focuses on Sebkha El Kalbia in Tunisia, highlighting the challenges faced by local communities in addressing heavy metal pollution. The area is prone to contamination through rivers and streams that transport pollutants from industrial zones and rural areas into the salt pan. The recent establishment of an industrial zone has worsened pollution levels, calling for strict regulatory measures and clean technologies to limit heavy metal pollution and protect human health and the environment. The study assesses the impact of lead and zinc pollution on the growth of Sulla carnosa and its potential for phytoremediation. Soil and plant samples from contaminated areas were analyzed, revealing high levels of heavy metal contamination. The growth parameters of Sulla carnosa, such as plant height, weight, and enzymatic activity, were examined, showing a significant reduction in plant growth when exposed to high metal concentrations. However, Sulla carnosa demonstrated promising phytoremediation potential, with preferential metal accumulation in the roots and improved enzymatic activity. These findings highlight Sulla carnosa as a potential candidate for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils.
Community-based type 2 diabetes care by lay village health workers in rural Lesotho Protocol for a cluster-randomized trial within the ComBaCaL cohort study (ComBaCaL T2D TwiC)
Authors: Gerber Felix , Gupta Ravi , Lejone Thabo Ishmael , Tahirsylaj Thesar , Lee Tristan , Kohler Maurus , Haldemann Maria Ines , Räber Fabian , Chitja Mamakhala , Manthabiseng Molulela , Khomolishoele Makhebe , Mota Mota , Bane Matumaole , Sematle Pauline Mamorontsane , Makabateng Retselisitsoe , Mphunyane Madavida , Phaaroe Sejojo , Basler Dave Brian , Kindler Kevin , Seelig Eleonora , Briel Matthias , Chammartin Frédérique , Labhardt Niklaus Daniel , Amstutz Alain
Published: October 2023

Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) poses a growing public health burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Task-shifting to lay village health workers (VHWs) and the use of digital clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are promising approaches to tackle the current T2D care gap in LMICs. However, evidence on the effectiveness of lay worker-led T2D care models, in which VHWs initiate and monitor drug treatment in addition to community-based screening and referral services, is lacking.
Methods
We are conducting a cluster-randomized trial nested within the ComBaCaL (Community-Based Chronic Disease Care Lesotho) cohort study (NCT05596773) using the trial within cohort (TwiC) design to assess the effectiveness of a VHW-led, CDSS-assisted T2D care model in rural Lesotho. Participants are non-pregnant members of the ComBaCaL cohort study with T2D. The ComBaCaL cohort study is conducted in approximately 100 villages in two rural districts in Lesotho and is managed by trained and supervised VHWs. In intervention villages, VHWs offer a community-based T2D care package including lifestyle counselling, first-line oral antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet treatment guided by a tablet-based CDSS to participants who are clinically eligible, as well as treatment support to participants who prefer or clinically require facility-based T2D care. In control clusters, all participants will be referred to a health facility for T2D management. The primary endpoint is the mean glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 12 months after enrolment. Secondary endpoints include the 10-year risk for cardiovascular events estimated using the World Health Organisation risk prediction tool.
Discussion
The trial was launched on May 13, 2023, and has enrolled 194 participants at the date of submission (August 9, 2023). To our knowledge, the trial is the first to assess task-shifting of T2D care to VHWs at community level, including the prescription of first-line antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet medication in sub-Saharan Africa, and will thus provide the missing evidence on the effectiveness of such a T2D care model in this setting. The study is operating within the established Lesotho VHW program. Similar community health worker programs which exist across sub-Saharan Africa may benefit from the findings.
Trial registration
The trial has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05743387; February 24 2023).
Flood Risk Zonation and Its Assessment: a Study of Bolpur Subdivision, West Bengal, India
Authors: Paul Sanjit , Baskey Sumanta Kumar , Jana Narayan Chandra
Published: October 2023

The change of climate, land use patterns, and other human activities have raised the trends of floods over the past few decades. The present paper has tried to find out the flood risk zones and their assessment in Bolpur Subdivision by using various geospatial data in GIS environment with the help of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. To perform and validate the model, a flood inventory map was developed. Total of eight parameters have been taken to find out the flood risk zones viz. Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Elevation, Slope, Annual rainfall, Land Use and Land Cover (LULC), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Distance from the river, and Drainage density. Each thematic layer carries a fixed weighted score in the AHP method which helped to compute the final flood risk map of the study area. Accordingly, the assessment of flood scenarios has been done with the help of flood risk map. The results suggest that around 22% of the region is in the high and very high flood risk zones, requiring rapid attention. The ROC curve was used to validate and analyze the accuracy of the flood risk map, and the accuracy of AUC is 0.927, or 92.7%. Eventually, floods cannot be avoided, but this study can assist authorities in flood management and mitigation.
Neuron Enriched Exosomal MicroRNA Expression Profiles as a Marker of Early Life Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Yakovlev Vasily , lapato dana , Rana Pratip , Ghosh Preetam , Frye Rebekah , Roberson-Nay Roxann
Published: October 2023

Background
Alcohol consumption may impact and shape brain development through perturbed biological pathways and impaired molecular functions. We investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption rates and neuron-enriched exosomal microRNA (miRNA) expression to better understand the impact of alcohol use on early life brain biology.
Methods
Neuron-enriched exosomal miRNA expression was measured from plasma samples collected from young people using a commercially available microarray platform while alcohol consumption was measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Linear regression and network analyses were used to identify significantly differentially expressed miRNAs and to characterize the implicated biological pathways, respectively.
Results
Compared to alcohol naïve controls, young people reporting high alcohol consumption exhibited significantly higher expression of four neuron-enriched exosomal miRNAs including miR-30a-5p, miR-194-5p, and miR-339-3p, although only miR-30a-5p and miR-194-5p survived multiple test correction. The miRNA-miRNA interaction network inferred by a network inference algorithm did not detect any differentially expressed miRNAs with a high cutoff on edge scores. However, when the cutoff of the algorithm was reduced, five miRNAs were identified as interacting with miR-194-5p and miR-30a-5p. These seven miRNAs were associated with 25 biological functions; miR-194-5p was the most highly connected node and was highly correlated with the other miRNAs in this cluster.
Conclusions
Our observed association between neuron-enriched exosomal miRNAs and alcohol consumption concurs with results from experimental animal models of alcohol use and suggests that high rates of alcohol consumption during the adolescent/young adult years may impact brain functioning and development by modulating miRNA expression.
Safety of Immediate Weight-Bearing as Tolerated After Well-Reduced Geriatric Hip Fracture: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Chun-Hung , Liao Po-Feng , Chen Chiang-Sang
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:
Proximal femur fractures are major traumatic injuries in elderlypopulations; however,practical postoperative weight-bearing protocols are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes and investigate whether early weight-bearing following proximal femur nail fixation is associated with loss of reduction.
METHODS:
This prospective single-center study included 14 proximal femur fracture cases (classified by AO/OTA 2018) that underwent intramedullary nail fixation. Clinical outcomes included Harris functional hip score and visual analog scores (VAS) to assess pain. Demographic data, radiological parameters, time to weight-bearing, mortality rate, medical and surgical complications, and final ambulation status were recorded.
RESULTS:
The mean patient age was 74.1 years. There was significant improvement in the Harris and pain scores between the time of first weight-bearing and at 12-months follow-up. Mean Harris score improved from 74.86 immediately postoperatively to 88.5 at 12 months follow-up. Mean VAS score improved from 3 immediately postoperatively to 0 at 1-month follow-up. Mean length of hospital stay was 5.6 days. No mortality was noted, and only patients withhelical blade oversliding requested implant removal after bone union.
CONCLUSIONS:
Early weight-bearing was associated with better hip functional score, a shorter hospital stay, and fewer medical complications without increasing the loss of reduction or any surgical complications at 12-months follow-up.
Anomalous and Chern topological waves in hyperbolic networks
Authors: Fleury Romain , Chen Qiaolu , Zhang Zhe , Qin Haoye , Bossart Aleksi , Yang Yihao , Chen Hongsheng
Published: October 2023

Hyperbolic lattices are a new type of synthetic materials based on regular tessellations in non-Euclidean spaces with constant negative curvature. While so far, there has been several theoretical investigations of hyperbolic topological media, experimental work has been limited to time-reversal invariant systems made of coupled discrete resonances, leaving the more interesting case of robust, unidirectional edge wave transport completely unobserved. Here, we report a non-reciprocal hyperbolic network that exhibits both Chern and anomalous chiral edge modes, and implement it on a planar microwave platform. We experimentally evidence the unidirectional character of the topological edge modes by direct field mapping. We demonstrate the topological origin of these hyperbolic chiral edge modes by an explicit topological invariant measurement, performed from external probes. Our work extends the reach of topological wave physics by allowing for backscattering-immune transport in materials with synthetic non-Euclidean behavior.
The effects of psychological distress after surgery in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion
Authors: Li Qiang , Luan Jian , Lin Yong , Kong Meng , Guo Xinhu , Zhao Jindong
Published: October 2023

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological distress pre-operatively, at 3, 6, and 12 months in patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion surgery.Methods A total of 440 patients received instrumented lumbar spine fusion were enrolled. The psychological distress was evaluated using the Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ) and the Modified Zung Depressive Index (ZDI). The results of lumbar fusion surgery were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA-29), and the visual analog scale (VAS).Results Psychological distress was reported among 23% of patients and 7, 5.5, and 4.0% of the patients pre-operatively, at 3, 6, and 12 months after lumbar surgery, respectively. The mean MSPQ score decreased from 8.78 (before operation) to 4.30, 3.52, and 3.43 at postoperative 3, 6 and 12 months inpsychological distress patients (p < 0.001). The mean ZDI score decreased from 17.78 to 12.48, 10.35, and 9.61 (p < 0.001). The mean ODI score decreased from 22.91 to 11.78, 10.13, and 9.96 (P < 0.001). The mean JOA score increased from13.65 to 22.30, 23.43, and 23.61 (P < 0.001). The mean low back pain (LBP VAS) score decreased from 4.48 to 1.96, 1.52, and 1.51 (P < 0.001), moreover, the mean leg pain (LP VAS) score decreased from 5.30 to 1.30, 1.04, and 1.03 (P < 0.001).Conclusions Psychological distress patients with may experience surgical intervention benefits of equal with ordinary patients. Moreover, reduced pain and disability after the surgical intervention may also alleviate psychological distress. Hence, we highly recommend psychological distress patients undergo surgical intervention like normal patients, but the appropriate screening measures and interventions are necessary.
Development and Preliminary Validation of Questionnaire on Care Needs of Family Caregivers of Disabled Elderly People in China:a mixed methods study
Authors: Zhou Chuncong , Fang Yi , Zheng Enjie , Zhu Lijuan , Lu Yangling , Yin Zhiqin
Published: October 2023

Background
Ensuring the wellness of disabled elderly individuals requires prioritizing the care needs of their caregivers. However, current practice lacks validated tools to measure the needs of caregivers in a home environment. Thus, this study develops a questionnaire on the care needs of family caregivers of disabled older people in China and tests its reliability and validity.
Methods
We used a standard development process to generate the questionnaire. The pilot testing included cognitive interviews and surface validity assessments to ensure interpretation as intended. Then we used a cross-sectional study method to conveniently select 640 Chinese family caregivers of disabled elderly people from August 1, 2022, to June 11, 2023, for face-to-face investigation. Exploratory factor analysis aided in project reduction and factor estimation, with 30 participants undergoing retest evaluations every two weeks. Confirmatory factor analysis evaluated the structural validity of the model, while internal consistency and retest reliability determined the reliability.
Results
These tests established the model: content validity, surface validity, item analysis, and exploratory factor analysis. Six factors extracted from the initial analysis explained 62.891% of the observation variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed good model fit and the questionnaire had good reliability and validity. The final questionnaire contains 21 items focusing on six dimensions: care assistance (three items), care environment (three items), care information (three items), formal support (four items), care ability (six items), and self-development (two items).
Conclusion
The care needs questionnaire for family caregivers of the disabled elderly is a good tool for evaluating the needs of family caregivers in their care activities.
Development of an inclusive and cost-effective Afrocentric predictive model for stroke: A novel approach
Authors: Nweke Martins , Oyirinnaya Praise , Nwoha Polycarp , Mitha Sara , Mshunqane Nombeko , Govender Nalini , Ukwuoma Maryjane , S Ibeneme
Published: October 2023

Background: Prediction of stroke is indispensable for the initiation of the necessary preventive and prophylactic measures. The conspicuous omission of African data in most of the validated prediction models questions their appropriateness for the region. This study therefore aimed to develop an inclusive and cost-effective Afrocentric predictive model for stroke (CAPMS). Methods and Analyses: We employed an evidence synthesis approach namely meta-analysis structured as per the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched PubMed, Scopus, African Journals, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, from inception to date. Case-control and cohort studies that reported the risk factors of stroke and corresponding risk estimates were included. Screening of the titles and abstracts was undertaken by two independent reviewers. We conducted meta-analyses using Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) version 3. Result: Majority of the eligible studies (>50%) investigated both ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke. In Africa, more than 20 risk factors of stroke were identified however only 18 met the eligibility for meta-analysis. Our findings shows that homocysteine (Rw = 13.9, Ri = 0.67), hypertension (Rw = 5.6, Ri =0.94) and cardiac events (Rw =3.1, Ri = 0.8) were the three most powerful independent predictors of stroke in Africa. Low consumption of green vegetables (Rw =2.4, Ri = 1.0), stress (Rw = 1.76, Ri =1.0) and hypertension were the most clinically responsive risk factors of stroke. All biomarkers except homocysteine were cost-effective having an investigative price of less than $13.6. Critical risk point was fitted at the 90th percentile being 12.7. The cumulative Rw and investigative costs of CAPMS 1 (15.8 and $2.4) and CAPMS 2 (14.9 and $7.2) showed good performance index and cost-effectiveness. Conclusion: Targeted screening with the CAPMS 1 & CAPMS 2 model represents cost-effective innovation in practice of stroke screening in African clinics and communities. We recommend immediate validation of CAPMS to ascertain its performance, feasibility and acceptability in the region.
Ecological Risk Profiles of Heavy Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Soil Around Industries in Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Ogundele Damilola Tope , Iyanda Yusuf Ayodeji , Bello Aishat Adewolu , Oludele Olusanya Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

Ecological risk profiles of heavy metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons were assessed in soil from selected occupational workplaces in Ilorin, Nigeria. Soil samples from nine (9) occupational workplaces, - automobile workshops, wood and furniture, and metal & steel industries sites were collected randomly, composited and digested. Cadmium, Copper, Chromium, Iron and Lead were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The pollution status and ecological risk parameters were determined using standard models (Contamination Factor, Enrichment Factor, Geo-accumulation Index, Ecological Risk Factor and Potential Ecological Risk Index). For the determination of PAHs, soil samples were extracted using QUECHERS method. The cleaned extracts were analyzed for the presence of 16 EPA priority PAHs using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results showed that Iron concentration ranged between (4807.20 ± 23.15 mg/kg -12031. ± 40.25 mg/kg) in soil samples from the nine (9) selected study areas which were higher than the World Health Permissible limit of (445 mg/kg). The concentration range of the other heavy metals from the nine (9) selected study areas are, Cadmium (1.15 ± 0.40 mg/kg − 1.98 ± 0.46 mg/kg), chromium (15.0 ± 1.52 mg/kg − 142.30 ± 50.55 mg/kg), Copper (17.85 ± 4.60 mg/kg – 85.20 ± 13.80mg/kg) and Lead (5.8 ± 4.20mg/kg – 27.0 ± 10.24 mg/kg) accordingly. The standard models revealed the study area to be moderately contaminated with heavy metals. The GC-MS result revealed that (0.53%) anthracene was detected in Egbejila automobile workshop. Aliphatic chain compounds such as (Dibutylpthalate, Di-n-octylpthalate and Bis (2-ethyl hexylpthalate) which could be traced to plastic products and automobile upholstery were also detected.
Biomass of Euglena sp.produced in Mineral Medium Supplemented With Craft Brewery Residue
Authors: Alves Giséle , Rizzetti Tiele Medianeira , Linton Maria Angelica Oliveira , Hoeltz Michele , Dupont Adriana , Rocha Vitória Costa da , Ferraz Leonardo Ritzel , Schneider Rosana de Cassia de Souza
Published: October 2023

Industrial waste from craft breweries can be used to grow microorganisms due to its high nutrient content. Reusing waste and reducing its improper disposal are great economic and environmental strategies. Thus, the objective was to cultivate Euglena sp. in benchtop 1-L photobioreactors using different concentrations of NPK-enriched (0.5–6.0 g L− 1) mineral medium with and without the supplementation with a mixture of brewing residues (BR-Mix) with increase of scale (30 L) and BR-Mix supplementation (30% v:v). Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, fatty acids, and antioxidant potential) were analyzed. The BR-Mix-supplemented medium (0.5 g L− 1 NPK) yielded 15.3 ± 1.4% lipids, 35.1 ± 0.1% proteins, 9.07 ± 0.001% carbohydrates, and 61.3% polyunsaturated totty acids. The antioxidant potential was 170.9 ± 26.3 µmol eq g− 1 of Trolox. Supplementing with 25% BR-Mix resulted in a different biomass composition compared to control (without supplementation): increasing the content of carbohydrates (38.5%), paramylon (91%), and lipids (17.38%), and reducing proteins (26,6%) and antioxidant potential (41,8 µmol eq g− 1).
C9orf72 Overexpression in Asthenozoospermia: Implications for Spermatogonia Proliferation through mitophagy and glucose metabolism
Authors: Lu Hui , Xu Dongchuan , Zhao Liqiang , Ruan Hailing , Wang Anguo , Li Yejuan , Lu Weiying
Published: October 2023

Background
The role of the C9orf72 gene in sperm function and asthenozoospermia remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the expression of C9orf72 was abnormal in patients with asthenozoospermia and its effects on spermatogonia proliferation.
Methods
Semen samples were collected from 27 men with asthenozoospermia and 31 normal men. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were employed to detect the protein expression of C9orf72 in semen samples. Mouse spermatogonia (GC-1 spg) transfected with C9orf72-overexpressing lentivirus were assessed for cell viability, apoptosis, ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential changes, colocalization between autophagosomes and mitochondria, glucose content and glucose energy metabolism-related protein expression. The effect of the mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1 on C9orf72-induced apoptosis in GC-1 spg cells was investigated.
Results
The results showed that the C9orf72 protein was significantly upregulated in asthenozoospermic semen samples and negatively correlated with sperm progressive motility. Overexpression of C9orf72 inhibited proliferation, increased apoptosis, and elevated ROS levels in GC-1 spg cells. Enhanced mitophagy was observed in C9orf72-overexpressing cells, as indicated by mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, decreased MitoTracker Red CMXRos-labeled mitochondria, and increased LC-3-labeled autophagy. Moreover, glucose energy metabolism was impaired in C9orf72-overexpressing cells, with decreased glucose uptake and reduced protein expression of GLUT1, GLUT3, HK2 and LDHA. The mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1 partially reversed C9orf72-induced apoptosis in GC-1 spg cells.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that C9orf72 is significantly overexpressed in asthenozoospermic semen samples and negatively correlated with sperm progressive motility. C9orf72 overexpression inhibits spermatogonia proliferation, and the mechanism by which it inhibits the proliferation of spermatogonia may be through promoting mitophagy and inhibiting glucose metabolism, representing a potential regulatory mechanism underlying asthenozoospermia.