bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction Effect of Mode of Illustration and Colour Preference on Pupils’ Achievement in Phonics
Authors: Ibenegbu Christopher Ifeanyi
Published: December 2021

The study investigated the interaction effect of mode of illustration and colour preference on pupils’ achievement in phonics in Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area of Nigeria. The study employed a non-equivalent quasi‐experimental 2 x 3 factorial research design. Some 167primary two pupils from 4 schools were used for the study. The English Achievement Test (EAT) was used to collect data. Three hypotheses were tested. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed that there was a significant main effect for the mode of illustration on pupils’ achievement in phonics F(1,165) = 123.221, p = .000; there was a significant main effect of colour preference on pupils’ achievement in phonics F (2,165) = 55.198, p = 000; and there was a significant interaction effect of illustration and colour preference on pupils’ achievement in phonics F (2,165) = 7.593, p = .001. Because the children-generated illustrations were more effective in teaching phonics and enhancing pupils achievement in phonics, the Ministries of Education should ensure that textbook author incorporate children-generated illustrations in the instructional materials for pupils in primary schools. These materials should be rendered in pupils most preferred colours.
An Imbalance Between RAGE/MR/HMGB1 and ATP1α3 is Associated with Inflammatory Changes in Rat Brain Harboring Cerebral Aneurysms Prone to Rupture
Authors: Shikata Eiji , Miyamoto Takeshi , Yamaguchi Tadashi , Yamaguchi Izumi , Kagusa Hiroshi , Gotoh Daiki , Shimada Kenji , Tada Yoshiteru , Yagi Kenji , Kitazato Keiko T. , Kanematsu Yasuhisa , Takagi Yasushi
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose: An aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a devastating event. To establish an effective therapeutic strategy, its pathogenesis must be clarified, particularly the pathophysiology of brain harboring intracranial aneurysms (IAs). To elucidate the pathology in brain harboring IAs, we examined the significance of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE)/mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) pathway and Na+/K+-ATPase (ATP1α3).Methods: Ten-week-old female rats were subjected to oophorectomy as well as hypertension and hemodynamic changes to induce IAs, and were fed a high-salt diet. Brain damage in these rats was assessed by inflammatory changes in comparison to sham-operated rats fed a standard diet.Results: Six weeks after IA induction (n = 30), irregular morphological changes, i.e., an enlarged vessel diameter and vascular wall, were observed in all of the left posterior cerebral arteries (Lt PCAs) prone to rupture. Approximately 20% of rats had ruptured IAs within 6 weeks. In brain harboring unruptured IAs at the PCA, the mRNA levels of RAGE and MR were higher, and that of ATP1α3 was lower than those in the sham-operated rats (p < 0.05, each). Immunohistochemically, elevated expression of RAGE and MR, and decreased expression of ATP1α3 were observed in the brain parenchyma adjacent to the Lt PCA, resulting in increased Iba-1 and S100B expression that reflected the inflammatory changes. There was no difference between the unruptured and ruptured aneurysm rat groups. Treatment with the MR antagonist esaxerenone abrogated these changes, and led to cerebral and vascular normalization and prolonged subarachnoid hemorrhage-free survival (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Regulation of the imbalance between the RAGE/MR pathway and ATP1α3 may help attenuate the damage in brain harboring IAs, and further studies are warranted to clarify the significance of the down-regulation of the MR/RAGE pathway and the up-regulation of ATP1α3 for attenuating the pathological changes in brain harboring IAs.
The Hyaluronan-Related Genes HAS2, HYAL1-5, HYALP1 are Associated with Prognosis, Cell Viability and Spheroid Formation Capacity in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Riecks Jette , Győrffy Balázs , Kiesel Ludwig , Passi Alberto , Vigetti Davide , Götte Martin
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Hyaluronan modulates tumor progression, including cell adhesion, cohesion, proliferation and invasion, and the cancer stem cell phenotype. In ovarian cancer, high levels of stromal hyaluronan are associated with poor prognosis. In this work hyaluronan synthases (HAS1-3) and hyaluronidases (HYAL1-5, HYALP1) were examined with regard to different levels of gene expression and its influence on ovarian cancer patients survival. The impact of a siRNA depletion of hyaluronic acid synthase HAS2 was investigated in vitro.Methods: Using the Kaplan Meier Plotter tool, we investigated the influence of hyaluronic synthesis enzymes on the survival of a collective of 1435 ovarian cancer patients. We studied SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells subjected to HAS2 siRNA or control siRNA treatment in terms of HAS1-3, HYAL2 and HYAL3 mRNA expression. We investigated the ability to form spheroids using the Hanging Drop method and the response to chemotherapy at different concentrations using the MTT Assay. By String analysis, interactions within the enzymes of the hyaluronic acid system and with binding partners were visualized. Results: HAS2 improves cell viability, the capability to form tumor spheroids and has a negative prognostic value regarding overall survival. Lower HAS2 expression and high expression of HYAL2 and HYAL3 favours the survival of ovarian cancer patients. HAS2 knockdown cells and control cells showed a moderate response to in vitro chemotherapy with Taxol, Cisplatin and combinatorial treatment. Conclusion: In conclusion our study shows that the hyaluronic acid system has a relevant influence on the survival of ovarian cancer patients and could therefore be considered as a possible prognostic factor.
Higher Long-term Visit-to-Visit Variability in Fasting Plasma Glucose Predicts New-Onset Heart Failure in the General Population
Authors: Wang Yueying , Qi Wenwei , Zhang Nan , Tse Gary , Li Guangping , Wu Shouling , Liu Tong
Published: December 2021

Background: Previous studies suggested an adverse association between higher fasting blood glucose (FBG) and heart failure. However, FBG values fluctuate continuously over time, the association between FBG variability and the risk of heart failure is uncertain.Aims: We investigated the relationship between visit-to-visit variability in FBG and the risk of new-onset heart failure.Methods and Results: This was a population-based cohort study using the Kailuan dataset, which comprises of medical claims and a biennially health checkup information from a Chinese cohort. A total of 98 554 individuals (mean age: 53.63 years) who had at least two health checkups with FBG measurement between 2006 and 2012 without preexisting heart failure were included. FBG variability was calculated using the variability independent of the mean, coefficient of variation, standard deviation, and average successive variability (ARV). Participants were divided into quartiles of ARV. Cox regression was used to identify heart failure. Over a mean follow-up of 6.27 years, 1218 individuals developed heart failure. The incidence of heart failure was 1.97 per 1000 person-years. After adjusting for baseline FBG and other potential confounders, individuals in the highest quartile of the ARV of FBG had 32.6% higher risk of developing heart failure compared to those in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio, 1.326; 95% confidence interval, 1.120-1.570). This association remained significant in patients with or without prevalent hypertension. In subgroup analyses, individuals who were younger (<65 years), without diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease, and with a body mass index<25 kg/m2 experienced a higher risk of heart failure.Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that high FBG variability is independently associated with the development of new-onset heart failure. Future studies should explore whether measures to reduce variability can lead to improve clinical outcomes. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489. Registered on 24-08-2011.
Biomedical Applications Of Novel Green Biomaterial Synthesized From Endophytic Bacteria Cronobacter Sakazakii
Authors: M Love Edet , S Hemalatha
Published: December 2021

Endophytic bacteria from the flower of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis was isolated and identified as Cronobacter sakazakii. The supernatant of the biomass of this endophyte was utilized for biomaterial synthesis which was confirmed by a change in colour and characterized by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, FESEM, EDAX, Zeta potential and DLS. The antibacterial efficacy of the biomaterial against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria was determined via agar well diffusion, MIC, MBC and biofilm formation assays. The antioxidant and anti-arthritic assays were also performed. The result reveals antibacterial effect of biomaterial against the multi-drug-resistant E. coli, S. aureus and K. pneumonia strains. This report is the first to reveal the isolation and identification of endophytic bacteria from the flower of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, alongside its biomaterial synthesis, characterization and biomedical applications. Our result implies that the synthesized biomaterial can be utilized as an effective antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-arthritic agent and can be incorporated in pharmaceutical formulation for drug development.
Urinary Cotinine-Verified Smoking Status and Serum Lipid Profiles and Lipid Ratios in Korean Older Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nam Myung Ji , Lee Chung-woo , Kim Hyunjin , Yoo Ji Won , Lee Kyu Na , Han Kyungdo , Jung Jin-Hyung , Park Yong-Gyu , Kim Do-Hoon , Park Joo-Hyun
Published: December 2021

Background: Serum lipid profile is an important factor in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease, and smoking is considered to affect serum lipid levels adversely by altering lipid metabolism. Although traditional lipid profiles are important in patient evaluation for predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease, the clinical significance of lipid ratios has recently gained attention as well. We aimed to investigate the relationship between smoking and serum lipid profiles and ratios in Korean older adults.METHODS: This cross‐sectional analysis used a nationally representative sample from the 2014–2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). In total, 4,349 participants aged ≥60 years with urine cotinine values were included. The outcome was a comparison of unfavorable lipid profiles/ratios in respect to urine cotinine-verified smoking status (urine cotinine level ≥50 ng/mL), and quantification of the associations between smoking and unfavorable lipid profiles/ratios using multivariable logistic regression analyses. In our analyses, the lowest quartile (Q1) of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and the highest quartile (Q4) of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC), and their ratios (TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and TG/HDL-C) were considered as unfavorable.Results: The percentages of unfavorable lipid profiles/ratios except for serum TC and LDL-C were significantly higher in the urine cotinine-verified smoker group. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of urine cotinine-verified smokers for the Q1 of HDL-C and for the Q4 of TG, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and TG/HDL-C were 1.67 (95% CI: 1.29–2.17) and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.14–1.96), 1.50 (95% CI: 1.14–1.97), 1.44 (95% CI: 1.10–1.89), and 1.75 (95% CI: 1.35–2.28), respectively.Conclusion: Urine cotinine-verified smoking status was significantly associated with unfavorable serum lipid profiles/ratios in Korean older adults.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Among Community Pharmacy in Gondar Town, Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Zimamu Libsuye Yalgaw , Agimas Muluken Chanie , Wubet Gashaw Mehiret
Published: December 2021

Background: Drugs can treat diseases, reduce symptoms, and enhance patients’ health and quality of life. However, taking a drug is not always as easy as just swallowing a pill. This is because drugs have some unwanted effects. Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality and contribute to excessive health care costs. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of health care providers on adverse drug reporting among community pharmacists, Gondar, Ethiopia Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study designs were used from July - August 2021. The sampling method was a survey from community pharmacists. Self-administered questioner was used, and the collected data was entered into Epi-info Version 7.0 and exported to SPSS version 20 software for analysis. Result: The study included 215 community pharmacy professionals to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adverse drug reaction reporting. From a total of 215 community pharmacy professionals, 34 (15.8%) of the respondents were able to differentiate ADR from side effects and only 56(26%) respondents felt that they are adequately trained in ADR reporting. Out of 215 respondents, 78(36.3%) and 146(67.9%) knew the availability of the national reporting system and ADR reporting form in Ethiopia respectively. The study revealed that 21.4% [95% CI: 18.6-35.9] and 42.3% [95% CI: 38.2-65.9] of community pharmacists have poor knowledge and negative attitude towards ADR reporting respectively. Conclusion: Underreporting of ADR by community pharmacists was identified in this study. Training sessions to clarify the role of various community pharmacists in ADR reporting will hopefully fill the observed gap in knowledge and practices. The community pharmacy should formulate strategies to enhance the detection and reporting of ADRs.
Two Novel Heterozygote Mutations of ATM in a Chinese Family with Dystonia-Dominant Ataxia Telangiectasia and Literatures Review
Authors: Liu Zhijun , You Ming-Feng , Wang Ya-Ling , Xu Yan
Published: December 2021

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive disorder with high clinical heterogeneity. A-T may present in complicated variable forms, mainly including classic A-T and milder forms. Contrary to the classic A-T, the milder form does not present the cardinal features of A-T, including ataxia and telangiectasia. A few ATM mutations have been reported in variant A-T cases manifested as isolated dystonia without any signs of classical A-T. To date, more than 400 disease-related ATM mutations have been identified in patients with A-T. In this study, target exome-sequencing was performed in an AT pedigree with predominant dystonia. Two novel ATM mutations, p.I2683T and p.S2860P, were identified in the family. We then reviewed previously published literatures of genetically confirmed A-T cases with predominant dystonia and summarized the clinical characteristics of dystonia-dominant A-T. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A-T patient with predominant dystonia in China. Dystonia may appear as one of the predominant manifestations or initial symptom of A-T. ATM genetic testing should be early considered for those patients with predominant dystonia, despite without accompanying ataxia or telangiectasia.
Health Information and Monitoring of Sexually Transmitted Infections (SIM Study): a Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol for Enhancing Adherence to Syphilis Treatment and Follow-up
Authors: Wendland Eliana Marcia Ros , de Oliveira Vanessa M. , Souza Flavia , Pereira Gerson , Gerbase Antonio
Published: December 2021

Background: Syphilis has recently resurfaced as a significant public health problem. Since the 2000s, isolated syphilis outbreaks have increasingly occurred in North America, Europe, and Australia; in Brazil, there have been progressive increases in both congenital and acquired syphilis. There are several possible explanations, such as misdiagnosis of acquired syphilis, which could increase the number of untreated transmitters in the population; failure to initiate or complete treatment; and nontreatment of sexual partners (leading to reinfection). Mobile technologies have been successfully used to promote behaviour changes and can positively impact treatment and follow-up adherence in patients with infectious diseases. The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate treatment and monitoring methods in patients with syphilis, including follow-up by telephone, via a game in a smartphone app and at public health centres.Methods: The SIM study is a single-centre, randomized controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up period. The aim is to identify the most effective method of follow-up regarding patient compliance with treatment. The tests will be performed in a mobile unit in easily accessible locations. The goal is to perform 10,000 rapid tests for syphilis. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis according to VDRL tests will be randomized to one of three arms: telephone, smartphone game, or conventional in-person follow-up. All analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle.Conclusion: If we find differences in effectiveness, a major change in the conventional approach for this patient population may be needed, potentially affecting current Brazilian health policy strategies.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Gardening in the United States: Postpandemic Expectations
Authors: San Fratello David , Campbell Benjamin L. , Secor William G. , Campbell Julie H.
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic altered the way many consumers and businesses transacted business. Concerning the green industry, many households began gardening and/or purchased more green industry products. As the pandemic ends and households begin to return to normal, green industry firms need to understand this new normal. Using an online national survey of households, we assessed which households were more likely to remain in the market after entering during the height of the pandemic (2020). Findings indicated that younger consumers (i.e., Millennials and younger individuals who were born in 1985 or after) were less likely to indicate they always garden (before the pandemic) but more likely to have started gardening during the pandemic and perceived that they would not continue to garden as states returned to normal (2021). This age group was also more likely to not have gardened in 2020, but they intended to garden in 2021. This finding shows a dichotomy in gardening preferences in this young age group. Further findings indicated that race, household income, number of children in the household, and the impact of the pandemic on the household also help explain the household’s decision to garden or not.
Formation of the modern paradigm of countering gender-based violence in the activities of international organizations
Authors: Rufanova Viktoriia Mykolaivna
Published: December 2021

The author conducted a retrospective review of the activities of international organizations through the prism of their role in forming the legislative foundation for combating gender-based violence. It is noted that for the first time at the international level the norm of equality of all people was enshrined in Art. 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. An important step towards combating gender-based violence was the signing in 2011 of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. The Istanbul Convention visualizes the issue of gender-based violence. It has been determined that women and girls are increasingly exposed to severe forms of violence, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, forced marriage, crimes committed in the name of so-called "honor", and genital mutilation, which constitutes a significant violation of human rights. for women and girls and is a major obstacle to achieving equality between women and men.

The author singles out three conditional periods of formation of the modern paradigm of counteraction to gender - based violence in the activity of international organizations: 1) 1945 - 1974. The basic foundations of gender equality are laid at the level of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Combating gender-based violence was not considered through the prism of sex discrimination. The activities of the world community were aimed primarily at combating discrimination against women in the political, socio-economic and cultural spheres of society. 2) 1975-2010.During this period, all 4 World Conferences on the Status of Women were held. In 1979, the General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Articles 30 of the Convention clearly define discrimination against women and propose an agenda for action at the national level to end such discrimination. The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, adopted by the General Assembly in 1993, contains a definition of violence against women. 3) 2011 - to the present time. This period covers the process of realizing the scale of the spread of gender-based violence. A key event of this period was the adoption in 2011 of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. Activation of the world community to intensify the fight against gender-based violence. Adoption of sustainable development goals, in which gender equality is recognized as the general idea (Goal 5) and condition of sustainable development.
A SELF-EDUCATION OF PERSONALITY IS IN PARADIGM OF MODERN EDUCATION
Authors: Burluka Elena
Published: December 2021

It is investigational as in a oriented of the modern system of education to activity of personality, independence in the choice of subjects and time of mastering of information. It is marked that passing to the new paradigm of education with the dominant of self-education, coincides with the individual necessities of people and takes place at combination of institutional education and self-education. The self-education of personality is considered as the sociocultural phenomenon, that is related not only to education but also with development of society on the whole.
THEOLOGICAL BASIS OF PRINCIPLES OF HYGIENE ANDAPPEARANCE OF MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS
Authors: Kuryliak Valentyna
Published: December 2021

The religious and theological basis of the components of the teachings of a healthy lifestyle of members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, namely the principles of hygiene and appearance of the faithful of this denomination, are analyzed.

The purpose of the article is to determine the theological basis of the principles of hygiene and appearance of the faithful of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The peculiarities of the Adventists' interpretation of the Holy Scriptures regarding the application of the Old Testament hygienic instructions in the conditions of modern realities are highlighted. Emphasis is placed on a number of principles in Adventism regarding the contents of a Christian's wardrobe. It is highlighted that from the Adventist point of view, it is the clothing and appearance of a person that is an important indicator of a Christian character and a silent testimony to the values ​​that a person adheres to. It is emphasized that important in the appearance of a person are gender differences in clothing, which clearly indicates a male or female identity. Emphasis is placed on regular consumption of sufficient water to prevent and improve physical condition, and good health in turn is a reliable basis for the perception of high moral values, including spiritual ones. The analysis of the theological basis of the principles of hygiene and appearance of members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church presents a holistic concept of Adventists, namely: human health is three interrelated components: physical, mental and spiritual. The key thesis of the theological basis in Adventism on hygiene and appearance is the following statement: there is no point in disturbing the Lord's prayers if one ignores the moral principles and laws of hygiene and appearance that are already set forth in the Scriptures and understandable because most diseases is the result of a wrong way of life and a departure from moral and ethical Christian values.
Sistem Keamanan Ruangan Berbasis Arduino Uno R3 Dengan Sensor PIR dan Fingerprint
Authors: Mahfudh Adzhal Arwani , Ramadhani Sahrul , Fathoni Mochammad Ali Ridho
Published: December 2021

Sistem keamanan ini memanfaatkan teknologi mikro kontroler berupa Arduino Uno R3 sebagai pusat pengendali keamanan , selain itu teknologi keamanan ini dilengkapi dengan  sensor Passive Infra Red (PIR)  yang diletakkan dalam ruangan serta fingerprint sebagi akses masuk yang telah dirancang untuk mengamankan barang yang ada dalam ruangan, teknologi ini dirancang untuk mengamankan objek dalam  ruangan dengan membatasi akses masuk ruangan tersebut melalui teknologi fingerprint sebagai pembuka utama pintu masuk. Sistem keamanan ini dibangun dengan konsep gerbang logika dan  bahasa pemrograman C dan C++ serta di lengkapi dengan teknologi pengaman ketika terjadi permasalahan daya listrik.
Implementasi Metode Profile Matching Pada Penjurusan Bidang Minat Siswa (Studi kasus di SMA 12 Semarang)
Authors: Muljono Muljono , Permatasari Wulanda Yuniar
Published: December 2021

Siswa kelas X SMA belum dapat menentukan bidang minat apa yang harus mereka pilih disebabkan oleh pengetahuan yang kurang. Meskipun kepala sekolah serta guru telah memberikan pengarahan pada siswa, namun tidak sepenuhnya memberikan solusi masalah yang dihadapi siswa kelas X SMA. Selain itu sekolah juga dituntut untuk terus saling bersaing untuk memiliki kualitas siswa yang baik dan memajukan kualitas sekolah, sehingga sistem atau teknologi yang mendukung penjurusan juga harus diadakan untuk mendukung akreditas sekolahan. Kemampuan penalaran berbasis kemiripan data atau profile matching adalah salah satu elemen utama pada sistem berbasis pengetahuan. Kemampuan pada sistem berbasis pengetahuan mampu mendefinisikan kemiripan dengan sangat baik. Hasil percobaan yang dilakukan perhitungan profile matching dapat memberikan perbandingan, pada peminatan kelas IPA siswa sebanyak 192 hanya 84% saja yang positif bisa masuk. Sedangkan jika peminatan kelas IPS seluruh siswa sebanyak 192 semuanya bisa masuk. Sehingga dengan adanya sistem yang diterapkan dengan metode Profile Matching  ini akan dapat membantu sekaligus menjadi tambahan dukungan dalam siswa SMA kelas X yang ingin mendaftar peminatan sekolah
Effect of pH Variation on Cross-Linking of Water-Soluble and Acid-
Soluble Chitosan with Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Gallium-67
Authors: Alishahi Alireza , Heidarieh Marzieh , Kamali Narjes D. , Rajabifar Saeed , Mirsadeghi Hojat , Kordjazi Moazame
Published: December 2021

Background:

Chitosan is a cationic biopolymer obtained from deacetylating chitin, a natural compound present in crustacean shell, fungi and exoskeleton of insects. Chitosan involves various applications, including as drug and gene delivery systems, as wound dressing material and scaffolds for tissue engineering, agriculture, textile, food and feed nanotechnology, and in wastewater treatments. Chitosan-TPP particle has been figured out as the most important and sta-ble nanoparticle for chitosan application in various fields.

Objective:

In this study, chitosan was chemically modified by sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Af-terward, TPP-chitosan was radiolabeled with the gallium-67 radionuclide. The effect of several factors on labeling yield, such as chitosan solubility, acidity and concentration of TPP-chitosan so-lution, and incubation time with gallium-67, were investigated.

Methods:

To prepare [67Ga] gallium-chitosan complex, chitosan (0.5 ml) was dissolved in 2.2 mCi of [67Ga] gallium chloride solution. The obtained solution was stirred for 5 min and then kept for 30 min at room temperature. The radiochemical purity and radiolabeling yield were measured via radiochromatography, which was performed by using a radio thin-layer chromatography (TLC) scanner instrument. To investigate the effect of chitosan kind and concentration on the labeling yield, two kinds of chitosan (acid-soluble chitosan and water-soluble chitosan) at two different concentrations (1% and 0.5%) and different pH were used. In addition, labeling efficiency and sta-bility of the 67Ga-TPP-chitosan complex (acidic/water soluble chitosan) at both concentrations (0.5 and 1%) and at room temperature were assessed for 30, 45 and 60 min.

Results:

The incubation time did not have any significant effect on labeling yield. The acidic solu-ble chitosan exhibited the highest radiolabeling yield at pH=9.3-10.4, while water-soluble chitosan showed the highest radiolabeling yield at pH > 5. Also, the prepared complex was stable in the fi-nal solution at room temperature and could even be used 24 hours after preparation for further ap-plication.

Conclusion:

Taken together, the TPP-modified water-soluble chitosan at the concentration of 0.5 % depicted the highest radiochemical yield (>95 %) in the optimized condition (pH= 6.2–7.6). Therefore, TPP modified water-soluble chitosan can prove to be an effective carrier for therapeutic radionuclides in tumor treatment.
Health System Strategies and Adolescent Sexual Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature using Rodgers Concept Analysis Framework
Authors: Nunu Wilfred Njabulo , Makhado Lufuno , Mabunda Jabu Tsakani , Lebese Rachel Tsakani
Published: December 2021

Background:

Health Systems Strategies play a key role in determining Adolescent Sexual Health outcomes. This study aims to review the literature on the relationship between Health Systems Strategies and Adolescent Sexual Health issues guided by Rodger's evolutionary concept analysis framework. The study further develops a Conceptual Framework that would guide a study that seeks to “Develop strategies to facilitate safe sexual practices in adolescents through Integrated Health Systems in selected Districts in Zimbabwe.”

Methods:

Adolescents, Health Systems, Sexual Health, and Strategies were used to search for published literature (in English) on Google Scholar, PUBMED, EBSCO, Cochran Library, and Science Direct. A total of 142 Articles and 11 reports were obtained, and the content was screened for relevance. This led to 42 articles and 03 reports being found suitable and relevant, and thus, the content was reviewed. Thematic analysis was done to identify attributes, antecedents, and consequences of Health Systems Strategies on Adolescent Sexual Health. These findings were then used to inform the development of the Conceptual Framework.

Results:

Key attributes, antecedents and consequences of Health System Strategies on Adolescent Sexual Health were identified. Strategies to Improve Adolescent Sexual Health outcomes were also identified.

Conclusions:

Different contextual factors influence policy changes and the consequences are mixed, with both positive and negative outcomes.
Peptide Functionalised Nanocarriers for Bone Specific Delivery of PTH (1-34) in Osteoporosis
Authors: Salave Sagar , Rana Dhwani , Benival Derajram
Published: December 2021

:

Osteoporosis represents a major public health burden especially considering the aging population worldwide. Treatment modalities for osteoporosis are classified into two categories based on the effect on bone remodelling: anabolic drugs and antiresorptive drugs. Anabolic drugs are preferred as it stimulates new bone formation. Currently, PTH (1-34) is the only peptide-based drug approved as an anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis by both USFDA as well as EMA. However, its non-specific delivery results in prolonged kidney exposure, causing hypercalcemia. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems functionalized by conjugating it with homing moieties, such as peptides, offer an advantage of targeted delivery with reduced off-target effects. Here, we propose an innovative and targeted nanovesicle approach to efficiently deliver PTH (1-34) to the bone surface using peptides as a homing moiety. The proposed innovative delivery approach will augment the specific interaction between the drug and bone surface without producing side effects. This will reduce the off-target effects of PTH (1-34), and at the same time, it will also improve the outcome of anabolic therapy. Therefore, we postulate that the proposed innovative drug delivery approach for PTH (1-34) will establish as a promising therapy for osteoporotic patients, specifically in postmenopausal women who are at greater risk of bone fracture.
Antidiabetic Potential of Silver/Chitosan/Ascorbic Acid Nanocomposites
Authors: Abu El Qassem Mahmoud Esraa Ahmed , Mohamed Ayman S , Fahmy Sohair R. , Soliman Amel Mahmoud , Gaafar Khadiga
Published: December 2021

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is the most common health problem in the world. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exposed great intrinsic anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. Chitosan is an oligosaccharide biopolymer with a great ability to lower hyperglycemia, and ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin with strong antioxidant activity.

Objective:

The present study aimed to estimate AgNPs/chitosan/ascorbic acid nanocomposite (Ag-NCs) anti-diabetic properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Method:

Eighteen male Wistar albino rats were divided into three main groups (6 rats/group); control, diabetic, and Ag-NCs groups. Control group: after a single dose of citrate buffer at PH 4.5 (0.1 mol/L, i.p), the rats orally received 1 ml distilled water daily for four weeks. The diabetic model was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p) for type 1 diabetes and the rats orally received 1 ml distilled water daily for four weeks. The diabetic group was treated orally with Ag-NCs (0.25 mg/Kg body weight) daily for four weeks.

Results:

AgNPs/chitosan/ascorbic acid nanocomposite group showed a reduction in the concentrations of glucose, NO, MDA, LDL, and the activities of AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT. At the same time, it caused a general increase in insulin, albumin, TB, TC, TG, HDL, CAT, SOD, and GSH levels. The histopathological investigation illustrated regeneration of damaged pancreatic beta cells and a clear improvement in the hepatic architecture.

Conclusion:

The suggested mechanism of action for Ag-NCs in decreasing diabetic complications in the liver involved two pathways; the hypoglycemic activity and the antioxidant role of AgNPs, chitosan, and ascorbic acid.
On the Importance of High–Fidelity Numerical Modelling of Ocean Wave Energy Converters under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Windt C.
Published: December 2021

Abstract. Numerical modelling tools are commonly applied during the development and optimisation of ocean wave energy converters (WECs). Models are available for the hydrodynamic wave structure interaction, as well as the WEC sub–systems, such as the power take–off (PTO) model. Based on the implemented equations, different levels of fidelity are available for the numerical models. Specifically under controlled conditions, with enhance WEC motion, it is assumed that non-linearities are more prominent, re- quiring the use of high–fidelity modelling tools. Based on two different test cases for two different WECs, this paper highlights the importance of high–fidelity numerical modelling of WECs under controlled conditions.
Resignation culture in Vietnam today
Authors: Van Vu Hong , Phong Nguyen Xuan , Vinh Luong Ngoc , Hoa Pham Thi
Published: December 2021

Resignation culture is a political culture, a culture of behavior based on conscience when leaders see themselves as having shortcomings, shortcomings, or in other words, they are no longer worthy to undertake the task. will resign. Voluntary resignation is a serious expression of a leader's high self-esteem, political leadership, and moral integrity. Self-resignation requires putting the interests of the organization and society above the interests of individuals and local interests, bravely overcoming selfishness, ambition for power, and vanity of the leader. manage. Based on clarifying a number of theoretical issues about the resignation culture, the study analyzes the current situation (manifestations) of the resignation culture in Vietnam, thereby proposing recommendations to build and develop the resignation culture in Vietnam.
Voices for egalitarian society
Authors: Nala M. , Ravichandran S.
Published: December 2021

Periyar E. V. Ramasami Naicker is a social reformer far ahead of his times in Tamil Nadu. He wanted men and women to live with dignity and have equal opportunity to develop their faculties. To secure this, he was against all types of discrimination and advocated social justice and a rational outlook. His voices are echoed for an egalitarian and casteless society where equality of status of all the people including women is ensured. Dravidians are inspired by him, and they emulate his courage, which came not from bravery but from a deep commitment to Self-Respect, which gained Periyar the world’s adulation.
Development Strategy of Taman Wisata Alam (TWA) Angke Kapuk, Penjaringan, North Jakarta
Authors:   Researcher at PEPES Research Group, Malang Veteran Street Malang, Amali Rifqi Nur
Published: December 2021

The research was implemented in Taman Wisata Alam Angke Kapuk, North Jakarta on February - March 2016. The purpose of this research were to know and analyze: (1) profile of Taman Wisata Alam Angke Kapuk, (2) the existing internal and external factors of Taman Wisata Alam Angke Kapuk, (3) the proper development strategy and management based on the analysis of SWOT. Research methodology utilized in this study include; descriptive research design, quantitative and qualitative type of data, primary and secondary source of data, incidental sampling technique, data collection using an observation, interview, questionnaire completion and documentation, and likert scale to measure the degree of visitors statement and opinion. Data analysis using SWOT and decision making using grand strategy matrix. The results revealed that the coordinate is at (0.72;1), which also means that it lies at Quadrant I. The findings showed that the suitable development strategy for Taman Wisata Alam Angke Kapuk of the current condition is the aggressive strategy or SO strategy by making use all of strenghts to reach all possible opportunities.
A Música de Hans Erdmann no Filme Nosferatu, Eine Symphonie des Grauens (Friedrich Murnau, 1922)
Authors: Amorós-Pons Anna , Gómez-Otero Nuria
Published: December 2021

Este artigo centra-se no estudo da banda sonora musical do compositor Hans Erdmann, feita para o filme alemão Nosferatu, Eine Symphonie des Grauens (Nosferatu, o Vampiro; 1922) pelo realizador Friedrich Murnau. A metodologia combina a técnica qualitativa do estudo de caso com abordagens recentes na análise musicológica de bandas sonoras de filmes. Esta investigação destaca os elementos estilísticos, recursos estruturais, influências musicais, referências de compositores e orquestração instrumental da partitura. A criação romântica de Erdmann é também influenciada pelo estilo barroco, classicismo e impressionismo. Este artigo constitui um novo contributo na área, uma vez que não foram encontrados estudos musicais ou cinematográficos com o tratamento aqui oferecido.
Charting the Information and Misinformation Landscape to Characterize Misinfodemics on Social Media: COVID-19 Infodemiology Study at a Planetary Scale
Authors: Chen Emily , Jiang Julie , Chang Ho-Chun Herbert , Muric Goran , Ferrara Emilio
Published: December 2021

Background

The novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, has come to define much of our lives since the beginning of 2020. During this time, countries around the world imposed lockdowns and social distancing measures. The physical movements of people ground to a halt, while their online interactions increased as they turned to engaging with each other virtually. As the means of communication shifted online, information consumption also shifted online. Governing authorities and health agencies have intentionally shifted their focus to use social media and online platforms to spread factual and timely information. However, this has also opened the gate for misinformation, contributing to and accelerating the phenomenon of misinfodemics.

Objective

We carried out an analysis of Twitter discourse on over 1 billion tweets related to COVID-19 over a year to identify and investigate prevalent misinformation narratives and trends. We also aimed to describe the Twitter audience that is more susceptible to health-related misinformation and the network mechanisms driving misinfodemics.

Methods

We leveraged a data set that we collected and made public, which contained over 1 billion tweets related to COVID-19 between January 2020 and April 2021. We created a subset of this larger data set by isolating tweets that included URLs with domains that had been identified by Media Bias/Fact Check as being prone to questionable and misinformation content. By leveraging clustering and topic modeling techniques, we identified major narratives, including health misinformation and conspiracies, which were present within this subset of tweets.

Results

Our focus was on a subset of 12,689,165 tweets that we determined were representative of COVID-19 misinformation narratives in our full data set. When analyzing tweets that shared content from domains known to be questionable or that promoted misinformation, we found that a few key misinformation narratives emerged about hydroxychloroquine and alternative medicines, US officials and governing agencies, and COVID-19 prevention measures. We further analyzed the misinformation retweet network and found that users who shared both questionable and conspiracy-related content were clustered more closely in the network than others, supporting the hypothesis that echo chambers can contribute to the spread of health misinfodemics.

Conclusions

We presented a summary and analysis of the major misinformation discourse surrounding COVID-19 and those who promoted and engaged with it. While misinformation is not limited to social media platforms, we hope that our insights, particularly pertaining to health-related emergencies, will help pave the way for computational infodemiology to inform health surveillance and interventions.
The Long-Term Effectiveness of Internet-Based Interventions on Multiple Health Risk Behaviors: Systematic Review and Robust Variance Estimation Meta-analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Tzelepis Flora , Mitchell Aimee , Wilson Louise , Byrnes Emma , Haschek Alexandra , Leigh Lucy , Oldmeadow Christopher
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Smoking tobacco, poor nutrition, risky alcohol use, and physical inactivity (SNAP) behaviors tend to cluster together. Health benefits may be maximized if interventions targeted multiple health risk behaviors together rather than addressing single behaviors. The internet has wide reach and is a sustainable mode for delivery of interventions for multiple health behaviors. However, no systematic reviews have examined the long-term effectiveness of internet-based interventions on any combination of or all SNAP behaviors in adults aged 18 years or older.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review examined, among adults (aged ≥18 years), the effectiveness of internet-based interventions on SNAP behaviors collectively in the long term compared with a control condition.

METHODS

The electronic databases Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched to retrieve studies describing the effectiveness of internet-based interventions on ≥2 SNAP behaviors published by November 18, 2019. The reference lists of retrieved articles were also checked to identify eligible publications. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials or cluster randomized controlled trials with adults examining an internet-based intervention measuring the effect on ≥2 SNAP behaviors at least 6 months postrecruitment and published in English in a peer-reviewed journal. Two reviewers independently extracted data from included studies and assessed methodological quality using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. A robust variance estimation meta-analysis was performed to examine the long-term effectiveness of internet-based interventions on all 4 SNAP risk behavior outcomes. All SNAP outcomes were coded so they were in the same direction, with higher scores equating to worse health risk behaviors.

RESULTS

The inclusion criteria were met by 11 studies: 7 studies measured the effect of an internet-based intervention on nutrition and physical activity; 1 study measured the effect on smoking, nutrition, and physical activity; and 3 studies measured the effect on all SNAP behaviors. Compared with the control group, internet-based interventions achieved an overall significant improvement across all SNAP behaviors in the long term (standardized mean difference –0.12 [improvement as higher scores = worse health risk outcomes], 95% CI –0.19 to –0.05; I2=1.5%, P=.01). The global methodological quality rating was “moderate” for 1 study, while the remaining 10 studies were rated as “weak.”

CONCLUSIONS

Internet-based interventions were found to produce an overall significant improvement across all SNAP behaviors collectively in the long term. Internet-based interventions targeting multiple SNAP behaviors have the potential to maximize long-term improvements to preventive health outcomes.
Scoping review of digital biomarker-based studies (Preprint)
Authors: Motahari-Nezhad Hossein , Fgaier Meriem , Mahdi Abid Mohamed , Péntek Márta , Gulácsi László , Zrubka Zsombor
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Sensors and digital devices have revolutionized the process of measuring, collecting, and storing health data. Digital biomarkers are defined as objective, quantifiable, physiological, and behavioral measures contained in digital devices that are portable, wearable, implantable, or digestible. The clinical utility of digital biomarkers is being supported by an increasing body of research.

OBJECTIVE

The present study intends to investigate the scope of digital biomarker-based systematic reviews.

METHODS

The current scoping review was organized using PRISMA-ScR. Limiting the search to English full-text systematic reviews of digital biomarkers that included at least one randomized controlled trial involving a human population and reporting changes in participants' health status. PubMed and the Cochrane library were searched. Separately, two reviewers screened and selected records. In addition, the qualified papers' reference lists were examined for additional reviews. The World Health Organization's (WHO) classification systems for diseases (ICD-11), health interventions (ICHI), and bodily functions (ICF) were used to classify populations, interventions, and outcomes.

RESULTS

66 reviews met the inclusion criteria, mostly were published by authors from the United States of America (18, 27.28%). The most prevalent disease areas were Circulatory System (n=12, 18.18%) and External Causes (n=12, 18.18%). 27 and 23 interventions were connected to health-related behaviors and the circulatory system, respectively. Looking after one's health (physical activity) (n=22) and demographic changes (mortality) (n=19) were the most commonly reported outcomes. A substantial number of digital devices, mostly in the form of wearables (n=39/66, 59.09 %) were employed as interventions (n=43/66, 65.15 %). Position sensors (n=33/66) and heart /pulse rate sensors (n=32/66) were identified as the most prevalent types of sensors utilized to capture digital biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital biomarker clinical research encompasses a wide range of technologies, populations, interventions, and clinical outcomes, with cardiovascular and physical activity sensors being the most explored. This necessitates a more thorough examination of the strength and quality of evidence regarding the health consequences of digital biomarker-based therapy.