bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the Provision of Bagea Enriched with Sea Urchin Gonads on Weight Gain in Toddlers of the Bajo Ethnic
Authors: Banudi La , Koro Suriana , Anasiru Muhammad Anas , Nurmiaty Nurmiaty
Published: March 2022

Cassava starch extract and sea urchin gonads can be used as ingredients for making various kinds of food formulas. This study is expected to be able to develop cassava starch extract as a formula for making bagea added with sea urchin gonads which are rich in nutrients to make it good for pregnant women. This study was aimed at analyzing the effect of the provision of bagea enriched by sea urchin gonads on weight gain in toddlers of the Bajo community. In making the formula of bagea, the researchers used a quasi-experimental design. After the data were collected, they were then checked for feasibility, coded, and reduced. Furthermore, data were presented in tabular form, showing percentage and frequency, and analyzed using statistical tests. Consuming bagea enriched with sea urchin gonads has an effective effect on weight gain in toddlers of the Bajo tribe (p = 0.000). Furthermore, the provision of additional food from a government program (in form of biscuits) has also an effect on weight gain in toddlers of the Bajo tribe (p = 0.000). Apart from that, the researcher also found a difference between the consumption of bagea enriched with sea urchin gonads and the provision of additional food (biscuits) from the government program on weight gain in toddlers of the Bajo tribe (p = 0.000). Therefore, the proposed suggestion for health workers (nutrition improvement programmers) is that they should use bagea as one of the additional feeding interventions to improve nutritional status (weight gain) in toddlers.
DNA Marker Tightly Linked to the Double Flower Locus in Rosa X Damascena Mill. F. Trigintipetala Suitable for Marker Assisted Breeding
Authors: Rusanov Krasimir , Rusanova Mila , Kovacheva Natasha , Atanassov Ivan
Published: March 2022

The present study reports the development of a DNA marker tightly linked to the double flower (DF) phenotype in R. × damascena, suitable for marker assisted breeding. The development of this marker is based on previous identification of genome region associated with the DF phenotype in R. × damascena and recent studies demonstrating involvement of the AP2/TOE gene in the formation of DF in several species from the Rosaceae family. We identified a polymorphic region named RdDF upstream of the AP2/TOE gene in R. × damascena and used the sequence data for designing PCR primers. Segregation analysis of the four alleles of RdDF in a population of 104 plants obtained after self-pollination of R. × damascena showed that one of the alleles (RdDF-B, 203 bp) is tightly linked to the DF phenotype. Analysis of the segregation of two SSR markers located at a distance of approximately 1578 kb and 1129 kb on both sides of RdDF, showed that walking away from the developed RdDF marker results in the observation of simple flower recombinant plants, supporting association of RdDF with the DF phenotype. The application of the developed RdDF marker for marker assisted selection (MAS) and breeding programmes involving R. × damascena, as well as further study of the molecular base of DF formation in this species are discussed.
Development and validation of a multi-parameter nomogram for predicting prostate cancer: a retrospective analysis from Handan Central Hospital in China
Authors: Nan Libin , Guo Kai , Li Mingmin , Wu Qi , Huo Shaojun
Published: March 2022

Background

To explore the possible predicting factors related to prostate cancer and develop a validated nomogram for predicting the probability of patients with prostate cancer.

Method

Clinical data of 697 patients who underwent prostate biopsy in Handan Central Hospital from January 2014 to January 2020 were retrospectively collected. Cases were randomized into two groups: 80% (548 cases) as the development group, and 20% (149 cases) as the validation group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent risk factors for prostate cancer. The nomogram prediction model was generated using the finalized independent risk factors. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and the area under receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) of both development group and validation group were calculated and compared to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the nomogram prediction model. Clinical utility curve (CUC) helped to decide the desired cut-off value for the prediction model. The established nomogram with Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Derived Cancer Risk Calculator (PCPT-CRC) and other domestic prediction models using the entire study population were compared.

Results

The independent risk factors determined through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were: age, tPSA, fPSA, PV, DRE, TRUS and BMI. Nomogram prediction model was developed with the cut-off value of 0.31. The AUC of development group and validation group were 0.856 and 0.797 respectively. DCA exhibits consistent observations with the findings. Through validating our prediction model as well as other three domestic prediction models based on the entire study population of 697 cases, our prediction model demonstrated significantly higher predictive value than all the other models.

Conclusion

The nomogram for predicting prostate cancer can facilitate more accurate evaluation of the probability of having prostate cancer, and provide better ground for prostate biopsy.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of the A/H5N8 subtype, clade 2.3.4.4b, caused outbreaks in Kazakhstan in 2020
Authors: Amirgazin Asylulan , Shevtsov Alexandr , Karibayev Talgat , Berdikulov Maxat , Kozhakhmetova Tamila , Syzdykova Laura , Ramankulov Yerlan , Shustov Alexandr V.
Published: March 2022

Background

Large poultry die-offs happened in Kazakhstan during autumn of 2020. The birds’ disease appeared to be avian influenza. Northern Kazakhstan was hit first and then the disease propagated across the country affecting eleven provinces. This study reports the results of full-genome sequencing of viruses collected during the outbreaks and investigation of their relationship to avian influenza virus isolates in the contemporary circulation in Eurasia.

Methods

Samples were collected from diseased birds during the 2020 outbreaks in Kazakhstan. Initial virus detection and subtyping was done using RT-PCR. Ten samples collected during expeditions to Northern and Southern Kazakhstan were used for full-genome sequencing of avian influenza viruses. Phylogenetic analysis was used to compare viruses from Kazakhstan to viral isolates from other world regions.

Results

Phylogenetic trees for hemagglutinin and neuraminidase show that viruses from Kazakhstan belong to the A/H5N8 subtype and to the hemagglutinin H5 clade 2.3.4.4b. Deduced hemagglutinin amino acid sequences in all Kazakhstan’s viruses in this study contain the polybasic cleavage site (KRRKR-G) indicative of the highly pathogenic phenotype. Building phylogenetic trees with the Bayesian phylogenetics results in higher statistical support for clusters than using distance methods. The Kazakhstan’s viruses cluster with isolates from Southern Russia, the Russian Caucasus, the Ural region, and southwestern Siberia. Other closely related prototypes are from Eastern Europe. The Central Asia Migratory Flyway passes over Kazakhstan and birds have intermediate stops in Northern Kazakhstan. It is postulated that the A/H5N8 subtype was introduced with migrating birds.

Conclusion

The findings confirm the introduction of the highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the A/Goose/Guangdong/96 (Gs/GD) H5 lineage in Kazakhstan. This virus poses a tangible threat to public health. Considering the results of this study, it looks justifiable to undertake measures in preparation, such as install sentinel surveillance for human cases of avian influenza in the largest pulmonary units, develop a human A/H5N8 vaccine and human diagnostics capable of HPAI discrimination.
New Nurses’ Work Adaptation Experience
Authors: Doo Eun-Young , Seo Hyung-Eun , Kim Miyoung
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the work adaptation experiences of new nurses who underwent stress while transitioning into the workforce.Methods: In-depth semi-structured group and individual interviews were conducted with 18 nurses working at a general hospital from December 2018 to February 2019. Colaizzi’s phenomenological approach was followed for the data analysis.Results: Four clusters of themes were drawn from meaningful data regarding the nurses’ adaptation experience: “Weakened mind and body”, “Reaching one’s mental and physical limits”, “Fighting back against work stress”, and “Assuming the role of a nurse”. The new nurses were the most stressed during the three to six months following independence from the preceptor, and after seven months on the job, they experienced some resolution by adapting to human relationships with their colleagues.Conclusions: This study suggests a broad and longer perspective to which new nurses need to adapt, both at work and in human relationships, to overcome their difficulties.
Factors Affecting Nursing Intention for Patients with Emerging Infectious Diseases among Nurses in Hospitals Dedicated to COVID-19: A Focus on the Mediating Effects of Job Crafting
Authors: Lim Yu Na , Park Ju Young
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the relationship between job complexity, infection prevention environment, and nursing intention for patients with emerging infectious diseases, with a focus on the mediating effect of job crafting in hospitals dedicated to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: The study surveyed 202 nurses with at least 3 months of work experience who encountered COVID-19 patients at a dedicated COVID-19 hospital. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS/WIN 25.0, and the mediating effect was analyzed through the SPSS PROCESS macro, using regression analysis.Results: It was demonstrated that job crafting fully mediated the relationship between job complexity and nursing intention for patients with emerging infectious diseases. Furthermore, this study showed that job crafting partially mediated the relationship between infection prevention environment and nursing intention for patients with emerging infectious diseases.Conclusion: It was confirmed that job crafting of nurses in a hospital dedicated to COVID-19 was an important mediating factor in their nursing intention for patients with emerging infectious diseases, and this finding is expected to support efforts to further improve nursing intention for patients with emerging infectious diseases.
Cognitive and Emotional Assessment toward Suicidal People: Korean Suicide Stigma Scale for General Public
Authors: An Soontae , Lee Hannah
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This study conducted two online surveys to rectify unclear factors of the existing scale and to modify suicide stigma scale with enhanced emotional aspects. The purpose of the first survey was to examine emotional responses toward suicide attempters and to revise items from existing scales. The purpose of the second survey was to verify the validity and reliability of the Korean Suicide Stigma Scale (KSSS).Methods: The subject of this study is General Public. In the first online survey, 57 participants responded open-ended question regarding emotional aspect of attitudes toward suicidal person. 552 participants for the second survey responded to quantitative items for measuring suicide stigma. Descriptive and frequency analysis were used to examine the participant's demographic characteristics. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used to assess construct and convergent validity.Results: The results yielded 7-factors with 28 items: Incompetence, Immorality, Selfishness, Sympathy, Social Exclusion, Dishonor, and Disgust. The Glorification factor, which was included in the previous scale, was deleted. ‘Dishonor’ and ‘Disgust’ factors were newly added.Conclusion: The KSSS is similar to the scales developed in the Western countries, however it also reflects Korea’s unique Confucian cultural values. The KSSS can be used to systematically measure suicide stigma, and will help us develop effective suicide prevention strategies to reduce stigma in Korean society.
Risk Factors according to Fall Risk Level in General Hospital Inpatients
Authors: Lee Yeon Hwa , Kim Myo Sung
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the predictors of falls according to the fall risk level in general hospital inpatients.Methods: Data were extracted from electronic medical records from January 2017 to December 2019. This study included 170 fallers and 340 non-fallers, who were matched for gender, age, clinical department, and length of stay before falls among inpatients aged 18 years and over. The collected data were analyzed with the x2 test, Fisher exact test, independent t-test, and logistic regression analysis using SPSS for Windows version 24.0.Results: In the low-risk group, defecation disorder (odds ratio [OR]=12.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.16~134.33, p=.037) and laxative use (OR=9.62, 95% CI=2.14~43.22, p=.003) were statistically significant risk factors for falls. In the medium-risk group, disorientation (OR=2.40, 95% CI=1.11~5.19, p=.026) was a statistically significant risk factor for falls. In the high-risk group, disorientation (OR=12.54, 95% CI=1.39~113.26, p=.024) and hypoglycemic agent use (OR=5.39, 95% CI=1.58~18.44, p=.007) were statistically significant risk factors for falls.Conclusion: The results of this study show that risk factors for falls differed among the fall risk groups. It is necessary to use fall prevention strategies tailored to fall risk groups and fall risk assessment tools that have been revised accordingly.
Fintech Operations and Banks’ Profitability
Authors: Onuorah A. C. , Oboro O. G. , Ofanson C. E.
Published: March 2022

The study examined how Fin Techs affect the banks’ profit in Nigeria. The intent of this research was to see how the advancement of Fin Techs has affected banking performance in Nigeria. Annual transaction volumes from digital payment platforms, digital banking platforms, digital lending and loans platforms, and digital investment and crowd contributory platforms were used to achieve this, while profitability in Nigeria was measured using the aggregate ROA for all deposit money banks (DMBs). Secondary data on the selected FinTech platforms and banks for a period of 11 years, from 2010 to 2020 were used for this study. The ordinary least square (OLS) regression estimation technique was utilized for data analysis, with diagnostic tests such as ADF for unit root detection, Jarque-Bera for data normality, and Relation matrix for suspected multicollinearity being employed to assess the data's and model's fitness. The results showed no evidence of auto-correlation and indicated that the model is fit with 74 percent. Furthermore, due to the increased amount of transactions flowing through these technologies in conjunction with banks, the regression result demonstrated that the introduction of FinTechs has greatly boosted banks’ profit. Thus, Nigerian banks have reaped enormous benefits from financial innovations. The paper recommends that banks should take advantage of financial innovations to immediately boost their profitability by reaching out to the unbanked. These FinTechs make it possible for banking to be initiated and completed without emphases on physical appearance.
Diagnostic Modalities of Tuberculosis- Then and Now
Authors: Tayal Devika , Sethi Prabhpreet , Jain Prerna
Published: March 2022

Tuberculosis is one of the most ancient diseases known to affect humans and according to WHO remains major cause of death after HIV/AIDS. It remains a global public health problem due to increasing number of undiagnosed and drug resistant cases. Early diagnosis and immediate initiation of treatment is crucial to prevent the extensive spread of this deadly disease. Nowadays advancements in molecular based test imparted better and rapid diagnosis of TB. Several commonly used methods to screen and diagnose TB are clinical, immunological, microscopy, radiography, and bacterial culture. Molecular diagnostic methods including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), line probe assays (LPA), GeneXpert, whole genome sequencing (WGS) etc have been employed to diagnose and characterize TB. Here, we reviewed use of these currently available and other future promising diagnostic methods along with their sensitivity, specificity, advantage and disadvantage of each method. Although new diagnostic methods have been developed, they require extensive amount of studies to validate their confirmatory role in the diagnosis of TB. There is increased requirement for biomarker discovery, validation and translation into clinical tools. High-burden countries will need to improve their efficiency of health care delivery and ensure better uptake of new technologies.
Gamma Irradiation Induced Chromosome Aberrations in Meiotic Cells of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Alam Qamre , Ahmad Khah Mushtaq , Azad Z. R. Azaz Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: Due to the ever-increasing human population and rapid urbanization, the available agricultural land becomes limited for the production of food grains. As a result, there is an urgent need for creating genetic variability upon which improved varieties could be made. The technology of induced mutagenesis plays an essential role in inducing genetic variations among crop species where hybridization is very challenging. Therefore, the present study has been designed to assess the mutagenic impact of gamma irradiation on the cytological behaviour of T. aestivum L in M1 and M2 generation.

Materials and Methods: Bread wheat seeds of selected cultivar were irradiated at BARC, Mumbai with five doses. The irradiated and non-irradiated seeds were sown under field condition with three replicates for each dose according to randomized block design to raise the M1 and M2 generations for morphological and meiotic analysis. For meiosis, immature panicles were collected in early morning and immediately fixed in carnoy’s solution for at least 24 hours. Thereafter, anthers from buds were excised and squashed in acetocarmine followed by photomicrography of suitable PMCs to estimate chromosome aberrations.

Results: The results displayed a progressive elevation in the chromosomal aberrations along with a significant influence on seedling emergence, plant survival and pollen fertility. The most frequent meiotic aberrations detected include chromatin clumping, univalents and early chromosome segregations at metaphase and lagging chromosomes, chromatin bridges and chromosome clumping at anaphase/telophase while unorientation, scattering, polarity disturbances and micronuclei were also noticed. In addition, the frequency of these chromosome aberrations significantly decreased in M2 generation depicting the reclamation in genomic structure.

Conclusion: The present investigation supports the discovery that gamma irradiations are very effective in creating rapid genetic variability in crop plants including Triticum aestivum which could be essentially exploited for future mutation breeding programmes. The results revealed that the higher treatment doses are toxic whereas lower doses of gamma irradiations seem quite beneficial in generating promising traits with less toxicity. In this study, the cytotoxicity has increased along with gamma irradiation doses and therefore, the genetic structure of the selected bread wheat cultivar is highly affected, which will possibly create new favorable genetic changes in the following generations that would be useful for plant breeders for its improvement.
Factors Associated with Treatment Failure for Microscopy-positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis at the General Reference Hospital of Beni (DR Congo) between 2010 and 2020: Case-control Study
Authors: Baudouin Kambale Musondivwa , Pascal Kule Posho , Franck Dimoke Okito , Raymond Assani Ramazani
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Failure to treat microscopy-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (MPT+) poses a risk to public health through the spread of infection and could be a gateway to anti-tuberculosis drug resistance. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of PMT+ TB patients with treatment failure, to measure the degree of association between the various factors and TB treatment failure, and to formulate recommendations for improving NTP activities.

Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study conducted from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020 at the CDTMR of the General Referral Hospital of Beni. The cases are patients treated for PMT+ and who had a therapeutic failure. Three controls for each case were selected among patients with PMT+ who were declared cured. Data analysis was performed using Epi-Info version 3.5.3 for Windows.

Results: 128 patients were included in the study. 32 patients were treatment failures. The mean age of cases and controls was 42 years (+/- 14), the M/F sex ratio was 31 and 2.4 in cases and controls respectively, urban residents accounted for 90.3% and 83.2% in cases and controls respectively. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between treatment failure and weight loss at first control (OR=1.55), non-decrease in bacillary density at first control (OR=25.5) and treatment discontinuation (OR=20.5). After adjustment, weight loss of 1 kg (adjusted OR=1.92), no decrease in BAAR density (adjusted OR=8.30) and treatment discontinuation (adjusted OR=12.2) remained significantly associated with treatment failure.

Conclusion: Active surveillance should be instituted in TB patients with PMT+ who present at first check-up with weight loss, non-decrease in bacillary density on direct examination and/or a notion of treatment discontinuation.
Lifestyles and their Influence on Sleep Disorders
Authors: Agarwal Shashi K.
Published: March 2022

Sleep is a complex physiological event that occupies nearly one-third of human life. Poor sleep adversely affects several bodily systems. Prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to premature death. Adequate sleep duration and sleep quality are important for a healthy life. For most adults, sleep duration of 7 to 9 hours is healthy. Going to sleep rapidly, sleeping undisturbed through the night, and waking up refreshed are important qualities that should accompany an ideal sleep duration. The determinants of sleep duration and quality are diverse and include several physical and mental health factors. Lifestyle factors also play an important role. The five major lifestyles that adversely impact human health are smoking, obesity, excess alcohol consumption, lack of physical exercise, and an unhealthy diet. These can also disturb sleep duration and sleep quality, leading to sleep disorders. This manuscript provides a narrative review of the various interactions between these lifestyles and human sleep.
Long Scarf Related Injuries in Female Bike Riders Reported at Different Tertiary Care Hospitals Karachi
Authors: Iqbal Sadaf , Memon Farhana , Zulfiqar Bushra , Shafaatullah . , Memon Ashfaq Ahmed , Noor Maryam
Published: March 2022

Objective: To determine the frequency of long scarf related injuries in female bike riders.

Study Design: This is an observational study.

Setting: This study was conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi and aims to calculate the type of injury due to long scarf in female bike riders. It was conducted during the period of Dec, 2020 to Nov, 2021.

Materials & Methods: Participants visiting the emergency department due to motor bike accidents and female patients were screened for long scarf related injuries. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 21 and descriptive statistics were used.

Results:  For one year time, we received 174 patients due to motor bike accidents and 20.6% injuries were due to long scarf in females. As 36 patients matched our inclusion criteria due to long scarf while riding a motor bike. The mean age of females was found to be 34 years (range 16-55 years). Majority of the patients had more than one site of injury and left leg fracture was the most common injury found in 44.6% of females. Out of 32 patients, 14 patients required admission urgently. 

Conclusion: A considerable number of injuries and deaths can be prevented by simple interventions and carefulness while riding on motorcycle. We have identified this problem only in a small group of population but this issue needs to be highlighted at a higher place.
Anti-cariogenic & Cytotoxic Activity of Red Sandal (Pterocarpus santalinus) Ethanolic Extract
Authors: Palani Harini , Arivarasu Lakshminarayanan , Rajeshkumar S. , Thangavelu Lakshmi
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Pterocarpus santalinus, with the common names red sanders, red saunders, red sandalwood, Rakt Chandan, and saunderswood, is a species of Pterocarpus endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India. This tree is valued for the rich red colour of its wood.The use of ethanolic extract is a cost-effective way to produce a quality extract from a large volume of plants.Pterocarpus santalinus has a characteristic anti-cariogenic and cytotoxic activity.This study aimed to find the Anti cariogenic and cytotoxic activity of Pterocarpus santalinus (Red sandal) ethanolic extract preparation.

Materials and Methods: The anticariogenic activity was done by using agar well diffusion technique and the cytotoxic activity was done by Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay. Pterocarpus santalinus were purchased commercially from an herbal health centre, in Chennai.  The obtained powder Pterocarpus santalinus stored in an airtight container. 5 gram of powder is mixed with 50 ml of ethanol and kept in the orbital shaker for 72  hours , after it has boiled in a heating mantle at 62- 70 degree c for 5-10 min. The extract is filtered using whatman filter paper 1.The filter extract again contracted using heating mantle.

Results: The extract shows very good anticariogenic and cytotoxic activity of  P.santalinus ethanolic extract by using Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay.

Conclusion: The Anti-cariogenic and cytotoxic activity of Pterocarpus santalinus ethanolic extract preparation was effective.
Virtual Screening to Identify the Protein Network Interaction of Theophylline in Red Complex Pathogens
Authors: Amrithaashri S. , Priyadharshini J. Vijayashree , Girija A. S. Smiline , Ganesh P. Sankar
Published: March 2022

Background: Plants, herbs and plant derived compounds have been used since decades in folk and traditional medicine. These compounds were found to be non-toxic and compatible with the human cells. Screening of this exhaustive collection of compounds seems to be a herculean task. Hence, virtual screening methods have been developed to predict the potential targets of these compounds enabling researchers to acquire preliminary data on the compound intended to be tested in vitro.

Aim: The present study aims to identify protein targets of theophylline in red complex pathogens which are mainly associated with periodontitis.

Methods: The STITCH v5.0 pipeline was mainly used to classify drug-protein interactions, while VirulentPred and VICMPred were used to determine the proteins' virulence properties and functional classes. PSORTb v3.0 was used to determine the subcellular localization of viral proteins, and BepiPred v1.0 Linear Epitope Prediction was used to classify epitopes.

Results: Proteins of red complex pathogens implicated in cellular process, metabolism, and virulence were identified to interact with theophylline. The virulent proteins attacked by the drugs were present in the cytoplasm, which would improve the drugs' antimicrobial efficacy even more. Finally, epitope prediction showed a number of epitopes in virulent proteins that can be targeted.

Conclusions: Proteins involved in the cellular process, metabolism, and virulence of red complex pathogens targeted by theophylline were identified. To substantiate the true interactions between the drugs and the protein arsenal of pathogens, further in vitro experiments on a broad range of pathogens are required.
Antioxidant and Anti Inflammatory Activity of Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Red Tea
Authors: Bharathi R. , Rajasekar Arvina , Rajeshkumar S.
Published: March 2022

Background: Recently, nanoparticles have been playing a pivotal role in modern material development. Nanotechnology has provided great possibilities in various fields of science and technology. The antioxidant characteristics of Aspalathus linearis, also known as rooibos, include antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral capabilities.

Aim: To determine the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of copper nanoparticles synthesized using red tea.

Materials and Methods: Preparation of the red tea extract, synthesis of copper nanoparticles, preparation of nanoparticles powder and then antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of nanoparticles were analysed. Antioxidant activity and anti- inflammatory activity was assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay and inhibition of albumin denaturation assay. The standard used was diclofenac sodium in various concentrations.

Results: The formation of copper nanoparticles was indicated by the peak found in the spectroscopy. Copper nanoparticles synthesized using red tea showed highest absorbance at a concentration of 50μl (82%) when it was subjected to DPPH assay to check for its antioxidant property at a wavelength of about 517 nm. Copper nanoparticles synthesized using red tea showed highest absorbance at a concentration of 50μl (92.2%) when it was subjected to inhibition of albumin denaturation assay to analyse for its anti-inflammatory activity at a wavelength of about 660 nm.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that red tea mediated copper nanoparticles showed good antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity. It can be concluded that the antioxidant activity of red tea is not as efficient as Diclofenac but it can be more efficient when it’s concentration is raised to safe levels and anti-inflammatory activity of red tea is as efficient as Diclofenac.
Anti Inflammatory Activity of Musa Sapientum and Its Mediated Copper Nanoparticles- An In Vitro Study
Authors: Akshaya R. , Ganesh S. Balaji , Rajeshkumar S.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Musa sapientum commonly known as ‘banana’ is widely used in Indian folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Copper nanoparticles demonstrate a very strong catalytic activity, a property that can be attributed to their large catalytic surface area. The copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) have been a strong focus on applications to health-related processes due to its antibacterial properties and antifungal activity in addition to their catalytic, optical, and electrical properties. The aim of the study is to check the anti-inflammatory activity of musa sapientum and its and it's mediated copper nanoparticles.

Materials and Methods: 1g of musa sapientum was weighed aseptically and then dissolved in 100ml of distilled water. Then the solution is boiled for about 5 minutes at a temperature of about 60-80 degree celsius and then allowed to cool down followed by filtration of extract and then copper nanoparticles were synthesised and anti inflammatory activity was done.

Results:  It has been identified that, in 10µL concentration, the percentage of inhibition was noted as 43.5%, 20µL concentration shows 47.5% of inhibition, 30µL shows 83.6%, 40µL shows 85.4% and 50µL concentration shows 85.8% of inhibition which results in good anti inflammatory activity observed from 10 to 50µL concentration. From the study it can be clearly seen that a concentration dependent increase in the anti inflammatory activity was evident in copper nanoparticles and the standard in this study.

Conclusion : It has been concluded that the copper nanoparticles synthesised using the extract of  musa sapientum have shown better anti-inflammatory activities.
Academic Resilience of Healthcare Professional Students in Pakistan: Need of the Hour
Authors: Malik Madeeha , Salma Umme , Hussain Azhar , Rana Shazana
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Due to the challenging and competitive academic environment throughout the world, the mental health of students enrolled in healthcare professions is largely affected resulting in burnout and poor quality of life. Lack of academic counseling and poor teaching strategies further aggravates this situation leading to development of poor resilience among healthcare students. The inability to cope with academic stress can provoke serious consequences which needs to be addressed.

Objective: The present study was designed to assess academic resilience and its associated factors among healthcare professional students in Pakistan.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. A pre-validated questionnaire i.e. Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) was self-administered to a sample of 382 healthcare professional students selected using convenience sampling technique for measuring resilience. After data collection, data was cleaned, coded and entered in SPSS.

Results: The results of the current study highlighted that mean scores of resilience of different healthcare professional students were: Medicine students (70.22, ±13.73), followed by the pharmacy students (66.61, ±15.48) and then nursing students (65.86, ±15.76).

Conclusion: The present study concluded moderate academic resilience among students of different healthcare profession. Medicine students were found most resilient, followed by pharmacy and nursing students. Educators and educational institutions must assess and build resilience among healthcare students by identifying the factors to ensure success in this competitive healthcare environment.
Surgical Apgar Score: Utility in Predicting Postoperative Outcome in Cases of Exploratory Laparotomy
Authors: Srivastava Nimesh , Bagawan M. B.
Published: March 2022

Aims and Objective: The aim of this study is to correlate SURGICAL APGAR score in predicting post-operative mortality and morbidity.

Materials and Method: This was a prospective study. All patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria in Krishna institute of medical sciences karad were included in the study which was conducted from December 2019 to July 2021. All patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy were scored according to surgical Apgar scoring system and their score was correlated with post-operative outcome.

Result: In our study, the mean surgical Apgar score among study subjects was 4.68 ±1.67. Majority of the study subjects had surgical APGAR score between 5 to 6 (51.43%), followed by 3 to 4 (28.57%). The p<0.0001 is highly significant in our study. Statistically significant results were seen in the score groups, with score groups of 0-2 showing 7.14%, 3-4 with 2.85%, 5-6 with 1.42%, 7-10 with 0% mortality.

Conclusion: From the study it was concluded that SURGICAL APGAR score is an excellent predictor of post operative outcomes in regard to complications and mortality.
In-silico Screening and Identification of Novel Trypanothione Reductase Inhibitor from Leishmania
Authors: Rafeeq Misbahuddin M. , Sain Ziaullah M. , Amir Khwaja Mohd , Binothman Najat , Aljadani Majidah , Alzamami Ahmad , Alturki Norah A. , Almutairi Abdulrahman , Alniwaider Rashed Ahmed , Aloufi Ahmed Hamdan , Habib Alaa Hamed
Published: March 2022

The negative effects of leishmanicidal medications are numerous, and drug resistance to all of them has been observed. As a result, new medication development and the identification of novel therapeutic targets are critical. Leishmania major trypanothione reductase (Lm-TR), a NADPH-dependent flavoprotein oxidoreductase critical for thiol metabolism, is required for parasite viability.  Since it lowers trypanothione, a chemical required by Leishmania's tryparedoxin/tryparedoxin peroxidase system to neutralise hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced by host macrophages during infection, this enzyme is essential for parasite survival in the host.

Because it is not found in the mammalian host, this enzyme is a promising target for novel anti-leishmania medicines. A three-dimensional model of Lm-TR was created using I-TASSER server. Virtual screening of about 5000 sigma aldrich compounds, acquired from the ZINC database, was carried out using Autodock vina tool. Top ten compounds were tabulated based on binding affinity. 

The molecules with the ids ZINC04245710 and ZINC03869768 had the highest binding affinities of -11.4 and -11.2 kcal/mol, respectively. These compounds had the maximum binding affinity and the appropriate amount of hydrogen bonds. These molecules may be able to efficiently block the activity of the target enzyme (Lm-TR) and so serve as novel agents to combat cutaneous leishmaniasis. In search for new anti-Leishmania medications that are more effective and less cytotoxic, these molecules may provide a good starting point for a hit-to-lead procedure.
A Simplified Review on Microsphere and Their Different Applications
Authors: Bidkar Shital , Maniyar Sana , Bidkar Jayant , Mantry Shubrajit , Dama Ganesh
Published: March 2022

Microspheres are small free-flowing particles with 1-1000um diameter and can be used to overcome the problems of conventional drug delivery. By altering the materials, methods, and polymers the therapeutic efficacy of microspheres containing drug content can be altered. We have discussed about microspheres, their various types, techniques used to manufacture microspheres, also about the advantages and different application of microsphere. Microspheres are used in novel drug delivery system. The microsphere will be assessed using a variety of procedures to determine its quality. Microspheres will play an important role in the delivery of novel medication in the future. Microspheres use in treatment of different disease conditions.
The role of RNA regulators, quorum sensing and c‐di‐GMP in bacterial biofilm formation
Authors: Condinho Manuel , Carvalho Beatriz , Cruz Adriana , Pinto Sandra N. , Arraiano Cecília M. , Pobre Vânia
Published: March 2022

Biofilms provide an ecological advantage against many environmental stressors, such as pH and temperature, making it the most common life‐cycle stage for many bacteria. These protective characteristics make eradication of bacterial biofilms challenging. This is especially true in the health sector where biofilm formation on hospital or patient equipment, such as respirators, or catheters, can quickly become a source of anti‐microbial resistant strains. Biofilms are complex structures encased in a self‐produced polymeric matrix containing numerous components such as polysaccharides, proteins, signalling molecules, extracellular DNA and extracellular RNA. Biofilm formation is tightly controlled by several regulators, including quorum sensing (QS), cyclic diguanylate (c‐di‐GMP) and small non‐coding RNAs (sRNAs). These three regulators in particular are fundamental in all stages of biofilm formation; in addition, their pathways overlap, and the significance of their role is strain‐dependent. Currently, ribonucleases are also of interest for their potential role as biofilm regulators, and their relationships with QS, c‐di‐GMP and sRNAs have been investigated. This review article will focus on these four biofilm regulators (ribonucleases, QS, c‐di‐GMP and sRNAs) and the relationships between them.
Ultrathin Ferrimagnetic GdFeCo Films with Low Damping
Authors: Bainsla Lakhan , Kumar Akash , Awad Ahmad A. , Wang Chunlei , Zahedinejad Mohammad , Behera Nilamani , Fulara Himanshu , Khymyn Roman , Houshang Afshin , Weissenrieder Jonas , Åkerman Johan
Published: March 2022

Ferromagnetic materials dominate as the magnetically active element in spintronic devices, but come with drawbacks such as large stray fields and low operational frequencies. Compensated ferrimagnets provide an alternative as they combine the ultrafast magnetization dynamics of antiferromagnets with a ferromagnet‐like spin‐orbit‐torque behavior. However, to use ferrimagnets in spintronic devices their advantageous properties must be retained also in ultrathin films (t < 10 nm). In this study, ferrimagnetic Gdx(Fe87.5Co12.5)1−x thin films in the thickness range t = 2–20 nm are grown on high resistance Si(100) substrates and studied using broadband ferromagnetic resonance measurements at room temperature. By tuning their stoichiometry, a nearly compensated behavior is observed in 2 nm Gdx(Fe87.5Co12.5)1−x ultrathin films for the first time, with an effective magnetization of  = 0.02 T and a low effective Gilbert damping constant of α = 0.0078, comparable to the lowest values reported so far in 30 nm films. These results show great promise for the development of ultrafast and energy efficient ferrimagnetic spintronic devices.
A Core–Sheath Sensing Yarn‐Based Electrochemical Fabric System for Powerful Sweat Capture and Stable Sensing
Authors: Wang Lie , Lu Jiang , Li Qianming , Li Luhe , He Er , Jiao Yiding , Ye Tingting , Zhang Ye
Published: March 2022

Wearable sweat sensing technologies have received wide attention for personalized health monitoring with continuous and molecular‐level insight in a noninvasive manner. However, it remains significantly challenging to simultaneously capture a sufficient volume of sweat and achieve stable contact between electrodes and sweat, especially in a relatively mild sweating condition. Herein, a wearable electrochemical fabric sensor is developed by embroidering diversified sensing yarns with a multi‐ply cotton sheath and carbon nanotube‐based sensing fiber core into a super‐hydrophobic fabric substrate. The device allows for sweat enrichment among the core–sheath sensing yarn and reduce ineffective diffusion, thus remarkably increasing the sweat capture efficiency. As a result, only 0.5 µL of sweat is needed to achieve stable circuit connectivity, 1/20 of the lowest volume reported to date. The device also maintains a highly durable sensing performance, obtained even during dynamic deformation processes such as bending, twisting, and shaking. It can be further designed into an integrated sports shirt system, which can perform real‐time monitoring of multiple chemical information (e.g., glucose, Na+, K+, and pH) of sweat for users at the states of both intense exercise conditions such as badminton and relatively mild conditions like walking and eating.
Ambipolar Self‐Host Functionalization Accelerates Blue Multi‐Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence with Internal Quantum Efficiency of 100%
Authors: Bian Jinkun , Chen Su , Qiu Lili , Tian Rundong , Man Yi , Wang Yidan , Chen Shuo , Zhang Jing , Duan Chunbo , Han Chunmiao , Xu Hui
Published: March 2022

Emerging multi‐resonance (MR) thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters can combine 100% exciton harvesting and high color purity for their organic light‐emitting diodes (OLED). However, the highly planar configurations of MR molecules lead to intermolecular‐interaction‐induced quenching. A feasible way is integrating host segments into MR molecules, namely a “self‐host” strategy, but without involving additional charge transfer and/or vibrational components to excited states. Herein, an ambipolar self‐host featured MR emitter, tCBNDADPO, is demonstrated, whose ambipolar host segment (DADPO) significantly and comprehensively improves the TADF properties, especially greatly accelerated singlet radiative rate constant of 2.11 × 108 s−1 and exponentially reduced nonradiative rate constants. Consequently, at the same time as preserving narrowband blue emission with an FWHM of ≈28 nm at a high doping concentration of 30%, tCBNDADPO reveals state‐of‐the‐art photoluminescence and electroluminescence quantum efficiencies of 99% and 30%, respectively. The corresponding 100% internal quantum efficiency of tCBNDADPO supported by an ultrasimple trilayer and heavily doped device demonstrates the feasibility of the ambipolar self‐host strategy for constructing practically applicable MR materials.
Crystal Growth Regulation of 2D/3D Perovskite Films for Solar Cells with Both High Efficiency and Stability
Authors: Zhou Tong , Xu Zhiyuan , Wang Rui , Dong Xiyue , Fu Qiang , Liu Yongsheng
Published: March 2022

Reducing the electronic defects in perovskite films has become a substantial challenge to further boost the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells. Here, 2D (NpMA)2PbI4 perovskite and 1‐naphthalenemethylammonium iodide (NpMAI) are separately introduced into the PbI2 precursor solutions to regulate the crystal growth in a 2D/3D perovskite film using a two‐step deposition method. The (NpMA)2PbI4 modulated perovskite film shows a significantly improved film quality with enlarged grain size from ≈500 nm to over 1000 nm, which greatly reduces the grain‐boundary defects, improves the charge carrier lifetime, and hinders ionic diffusion. As a result, the best‐performing device shows a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.37% for a small‐area (0.10 cm−2) device and a superior PCE of 22.26% for a large‐area (1.01 cm−2) device. Importantly, the unencapsulated device shows a dramatically improved operational stability with maintains over 98% of its initial efficiency after 1500 h by maximum power point (MPP) tracking under continuous light irradiation.
Designing “Core–Shell” Insoluble‐SiW11Fe@δ‐Bi2O3 Z‐Scheme Heterojunction for Photo‐Driven Nitrogen Reduction Reaction and Evaluating the Impact of Oxygen toward Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Yang Peng , Zhao Ruixue , Liu Jiquan , Wang Tianyu , Feng Caiting , Hu Huaiming , Xue Ganglin
Published: March 2022

Photo‐driven nitrogen fixation is regarded as a promising sustainable strategy to generate low‐concentration NH3/NH4+. Insoluble SiW11Fe@δ‐Bi2O3 with “core–shell” structure and Z‐scheme featured heterojunction is constructed under solvothermal conditions. Chemisorption of nitrogen improves significantly due to increased oxygen vacancies on δ‐Bi2O3 as induced by insoluble SiW11Fe salt. Z‐scheme heterojunction is suggested according to energy diagram analyses and electron paramagnetic resonance spin‐trapping experiments, which can be well correlated to enhanced transient photocurrent and catalytic efficacy. [Ru(bpy)3]2+ counter ion in the composite acts as a photosensitizer, leading to improved light harvesting. These merits account for superior performance of Ru2.5SiW11Fe@δ‐Bi2O3. NH3/NH4+ production rate of 121 µmol gcat−1 h−1 is achieved under simulated sunlight irradiation in nitrogen atmosphere, but reduces on switching to air. The impact of oxygen over nitrogen reduction is investigated, and productions of both NH3/NH4+ and H2O2 are evaluated when using gas mixture feedstock with different V(N2):V(O2) ratios. The performance of nitrogen reduction depends mainly on its volume ratio in mixture feedstock, in addition to reduction capability of photocatalyst. By reducing the latter one appropriately, nitrogen reduction would be slightly favored when using air as feedstock.