bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pola komunikasi interpersonal pelatih dan atlet tunarungu-wicara cabang olahraga atletik di NPCI Jawa Barat
Authors: Puspita Violine Intan , Suranto Suranto
Published: April 2024

Abstrak            Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mendeskripsikan pola komunikasi interpersonal serta pesan verbal dan non verbal dalam komunikasi yang dilakukan oleh pelatih dan atlet tunarungu wicara pada cabang olahraga atletik di NPCI Jawa Barat. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian dengan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif yang bersifat postpositivisme. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling dengan sumber primer pelatih atlet tunarungu-wicara di NPCI Jawa Barat. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi kegiatan latihan atlet dan wawancara pelatih atlet tunarungu-wicara di NPCI Jawa Barat. Uji keabsahan data dilakukan dengan triangulasi sumber dan analisis data dilakukan dengan model Miles dan Hubermen. Hasil penelitian ini mengungkapkan pola komunikasi interpersonal yang digunakan oleh pelatih dengan atlet tunarungu-wicara cabang olahraga atletik di NPCI Jawa Barat adalah pola komunikasi primer dan komunikasi sekunder, sedangkan pesan yang digunakan adalah kombinasi komunikasi nonverbal dan verbal. Pola komunikasi interpersonal pelatih dengan atlet tunarungu-wicara cabang olahraga atletik di NPCI Jawa Barat dapat dikatakan efektif karena telah memenuhi lima hukum komunikasi interpersonal yang efektif yang meliputi REACH (respect, empathy, audible, clarity, dan humble).Kata kunci : Pola Komunikasi, Komunikasi Interpersonal, Tunarungu Abstract            This research was conducted to describe patterns of interpersonal communication as well as verbal and non-verbal messages in communication carried out by trainers and athletes with hearing impairment in athletics at NPCI West Java. This research is a research with a qualitative approach with a descriptive method that is postpositivism. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling with the primary source being deaf-mute athlete trainers at NPCI West Java. The data collection method used was observation of athlete training activities and interviews of deaf-speech athlete trainers at NPCI West Java. Data validity was tested by source triangulation and data analysis was performed using the Miles and Hubermen models. The results of this study reveal that the pattern of interpersonal communication used by coaches with deaf-speech-deaf athletes in athletics at the West Java NPCI is a pattern of primary communication and secondary communication, while the message used is a combination of nonverbal and verbal communication. The pattern of interpersonal communication between coaches and deaf-speech athletes in athletics at the West Java NPCI can be said to be effective because it fulfills the five laws of effective interpersonal communication which include REACH (respect, empathy, audible, clarity, and humble).Keywords : Patterns of Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Deaf
Analisis resepsi toxic relationship dalam drama Korea Nevertheless di kalangan mahasiswa Yogyakarta
Authors: Wahyuni Laila Putri , Widiarti Pratiwi Wahyu
Published: April 2024

Abstrak            Penelitian ini megenai pemaknaan toxic relationship dalam drama Korea Nevertheless di kalangan mahasiswa Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui bagaimana pemaknaan pesan toxic relationship dalam drama Korea Nevertheless di kalangan mahasiswa Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif metode deskriptif. Metode pengumpulan data dengan wawancara. Sumber data dalam penelitian ini adalah enam informan mahasiswa Yogyakarta yang ditetapkan dengan metode purposive sampling. Analisis data menggunakan teknik analisis resepsi encoding/decoding yang membagi audiens menjadi tiga posisi yaitu dominan hegemoni, negosiasi, dan oposisi. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah : (1) Keenam informan sebagian besar berada di posisi oposisi dalam pemaknaan toxic relationship di drama Nevertheless, dimana cenderung menolak pesan yang disampaikan media massa; (2) Terdapat beberapa faktor yang mempengaruhi pemaknaan informan mengenai toxic relationship dalam drama Nevertheless yaitu media habits, latar belakang sosial budaya, framing knowledge, dan pengalaman pribadi.Kata kunci : Resepsi, Toxic Relationship, Korean Drama, Media Massa Abstract            This research is about the meaning of toxic relationship in the Korean drama Nevertheless among Yogyakarta students. This study aims to find out how the toxic relationship message is interpreted in the Korean drama Nevertheless among Yogyakarta students. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method approach. Data collection method by interview. The data sources in this study were six Yogyakarta student informants who were determined by the purposive sampling method. Data analysis used encoding/decoding reception analysis techniques which divided the audience into three positions, namely dominant hegemony, negotiation, and opposition. The results of this study are: (1) Most of the six informants are in an oppositional position in the meaning of toxic relationship in the drama Nevertheless, where they tend to reject messages conveyed by the mass media; (2) There are several factors that influence the meaning of informants regarding toxic relationships in the drama Nevertheless, namely media habits, socio-cultural background, framing knowledge, and personal experience.Keywords: Reception, Toxic Relationship, Korean Drama, Mass Media
The effect of an increased body mass index and obesity on the thickness of epicardial adipose tissue in men who underwent STEMI
Authors: Zakovryashina I. N. , Khaisheva L. A. , Shlyk S. V. , Shaposhnikova V. V. , Zakusilova A. D.
Published: April 2024

Objective:to assess the thickness of epicardial adipose tissue in patients of different BMI, to establish relationships with the lipid profile during 48 months of observation.

Materials and methods:121 men were selected for an open prospective study. Three main groups were identified: group 1 — 24 patients with normal BMI (20%), group 2 — 35 men with excess BMI (29%), group 3 — 62 obese patients (51%). The control group (4) included 27 practically healthy men. Three stages of prospective observation of patients were determined: at the time of hospitalization, 12 and 48 months (±2 weeks) from the index event.

Results:EAT thickness measured by echocardiography in patients with STEMI correlated with BMI, waist circumference (WC) throughout of the entire study, the strength of the connection was significantly higher with OT. EAT thickness in patients with STEMI increased in the over-BMI and obesity groups from the beginning to the end of the study (p <0.05) and was statistically significantly higher than in the control group and in patients with normal BMI. Throughout the study, eVT had a weak positive correlation with the level of blood triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-C.

Conclusions:the thickness of epicardial adipose tissue correlates with waist circumference and atherogenic indicators of lipid metabolism.
Serological monitoring of actual natural focal infections in the Rostov Region (2020–2022)
Authors: Bereznyak E. A. , Trishina A. V. , Pichurina N. L. , Egiazaryan L. A. , Simonova I. R. , Gayevskay N. E. , Logvin F. V. , Batashev V. V. , Noskov A. K.
Published: April 2024

Objective: to study the level of the immune layer of the population to pathogens of natural focal infectious diseases in order to establish the epidemic activity of natural foci of particularly dangerous infectious diseases in the Rostov region.

Materials and methods: blood serums of healthy donors living in the administrative territories of the region were collected in the period from 2020 to 2022. Specific antibodies in blood sera were determined by the ELISA method. Serum specific IgG class immunoglobulins were used as a serological marker of the transmitted infection.

Results: IgG to the Crimean hemorrhagic fever virus was not detected in 2020. In 2021, the share of seropositive results was 0.7%, in 2022 — 2.0%. The proportion of IgG to West Nile virus in 2020 was 8.7%, in 2021 — 9.9%, in 2022 — 12.4%. Serological testing revealed an immune layer to ixodic tick–borne borreliosis in 2020–2022: 3.1%, 2.6% and 2.0%, respectively. Antibodies to hantaviruses, pathogens of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in the blood of residents of the region in 2020 were found in 7.0% of samples, in 2021 — 4.5%, in 2022 — 7.1%. The share of positive samples in the study for Ku fever in 2022 was 2.3%. Conclusion: Seropositive samples were detected for all studied natural focal infections. The greatest variety of natural focal infections confirmed by serological monitoring data was detected in cities (Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog, Zernograd, Kamensk-Shakhtinsky) and districts of RO (Salsky, Neklinovsky, Remontnensky).

Conclusion. The results of the serological monitoring made it possible to identify the circulation of pathogens of KGL, LZN, ICB, Ku fever, hantaviruses in the territory of two districts of the region. The detection of specific antibodies in the blood sera of healthy donors indicates the epidemic activity of natural foci. Also, a comprehensive study of healthy donors expanded the understanding of the area of the most relevant natural focal infections such as (KGL, LZN, ICB), and less frequently registered at present (HFRS and Ku fever).
The risks of healthcare-associated infections in healthcare settings of the Rostov region
Authors: Nenadskaya S. A. , Kovalev E. V. , Erganova E. G. , Leonenko N. V. , Noskova O. A. , Batashev V. V. , Vodyanitskaya S. Yu. , Dorofeeva I. K. , Chernaya A. S. , Voloshka A. A.
Published: April 2024

Objective: to analyze the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in healthcare settings of the Rostov region and the risks of their occurrence in order to develop proposals for improving the complex of anti-epidemic and preventive measures to prevent HAIs in healthcare settings of the Rostov region at present.

Materials and methods: the materials for the work were data from reports "On the state of sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population in the Rostov region" during 2009–2022, inspection reports and instructions from officials of the Department of Rospotrebnadzor in the Rostov region, expert opinions of specialists from the filial of the Federal Budgetary Healthcare Institution "Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Rostov Region" in Rostov-on-Don on selective inspection of healthcare setting in 2021-2023. The work used an operative and retrospective epidemiological analysis.

Results: the results of the analysis of the incidence of HAIs and the risks of their occurrence in healthcare settings of the Rostov region distinctly demonstrated the relevance of the problem of HAIs. To ensure the safety of medical care in the Rostov region, additional professional training programs about prevention of HAIs have been developed for medical workers.

Conclusion: the results obtained made it possible to identify the risks of HAIs and propose specific measures to improve the complex of anti-epidemic and preventive measures to prevent HAIs in healthcare settings of the Rostov region.
Results of a screening examination for the presence of markers of West Nile fever in the central and southern territories of Russia
Authors: Udovichenko S. K. , Putintseva E. V. , Baturin A. A. , Ryabinina L. A. , Toporkov A. V.
Published: April 2024

Objective: to study the intensity of contact with the causative agent of West Nile fever (WNF) of the population of certain central and southern territories of Russia.

Materials and methods: the screening survey covered 1,230 people in 11 regions of the Russian Federation. The work used molecular genetic, immunological and statistical methods.

Results: WNVmarkers, indicating an acute infectious process, were detected in 1.4% of samples. For the first time, local cases of the disease were confirmed in 9 regions of central Russia and the North Caucasus. The circulation of West Nile virus genotype 1 in the territory of the Republics of Ingushetia and Mordovia, genotype 2 in the Ivanovo and Nizhny Novgorod regions, Chuvash and Kabardino- Balkarian Republics is shown. The results of studying the immune layer revealed the presence of antibodies to the West Nile virus of the IgG class in 4.5% of the examined local population, with the highest rates in the Chechen Republic (10%) and the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (14%). The maximum level of population immunity was noted among people in the age groups 20–29 years old and amounted to 9.7%, 30–39 years old – 7.8%.

Conclusion: the results obtained significantly supplemented our understanding of the spread of WNV in Russia and the activity of disease foci, and can be used in planning and conducting monitoring studies.
Primary ovarian leiomyoma in a patient with uterine leiomyoma
Authors: Tskhay V. B. , Grebennikova E. K. , Brekhova I. S. , Yametova N. M. , Dzhunagova E. Sh.
Published: April 2024

A small, unilateral tumor. Most ovarian leiomyomas (OLM) are benign, but can range from benign to borderline with malignant degeneration. In many patients, OLM are asymptomatic and are detected accidentally during surgery. In rare cases, OLM can be accompanied by severe symptoms as their size increases. This situation requires differentiation these formations from malignant ovarian tumors, which is more often observed during the perimenopausal and menopausal periods. Being discussed that the source of OLM is smooth muscle blood vessel cells, so more undiagnosed small asymptomatic OLMs can be expected. This article presents a clinical case of OLM in a 39-year-old woman operated for uterine myoma. In the case we presented the coexistence of uterine fibroids and ovarian leiomyoma, which subsequently received diagnostic confirmation.
Ahorros fiscales y valor de la firma en los diferentes sistemas tributarios
Authors: Silverio Milanesi Gastón , Agustina Tennina María
Published: April 2024

Los sistemas de imposición sobre las ganancias empresarias se agrupan en dos clases conocidas bajo la denominación de integrados y clásicos, siendo el último el de mayor difusión en la literatura financiera. Sus características impactan en el valor de la firma. Partiendo de los diferentes modelos para estimar el valor actual de los ahorros fiscales, el trabajo describe los sistemas, sensibiliza variables y cuantifica el valor de la firma mediante el modelo de descuento de flujos de fondos. Seguidamente, se lleva a cabo un análisis descriptivo y comparativo de los sistemas tributarios, alícuotas, ahorro fiscal, costo del capital y valor de la firma apalancada mediante el modelo de descuento de flujo de fondos. Se toma la información financiera agregada de un conjunto de países integrantes de la OCDE y América Latina. Los resultados permiten exponer los errores comunes de especificación al emplear directamente el modelo clásico en la valoración de empresas. Además, expone las relaciones funcionales existentes entre valor de la firma y efecto fiscal en los diferentes sistemas tributarios correspondientes a la muestra de países estudiados.
The interest rate pass-through by loan size: Evidence for Mexico, 2011-2019
Authors: Cotler Pablo , Carrillo Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

This paper measures the impact of changes in the central bank's reference rate on bank lending rates at both the aggregate level and by loan size. Our data come from the payroll and personal loan markets in Mexico for the period comprising 2011 to 2019. We use an autoregressive model with distributed lags, which allows for the possibility of asymmetric effects. The results show, among other findings, that the pass-through is small; it is not necessarily positive; asymmetric behaviour cannot be ruled out; and, its value depends on the loan size. These results imply that the effectiveness of monetary policy is weakened, in addition to the fact that the reaction of banks to changes in the target interest rate may have distributional implications. The originality of the paper lies in the grouping of interest rates by loan size and the use of a methodology that allows us to assess the existence of asymmetries. Its main shortcoming is the lack of data regarding the characteristics of the borrowers.
Basel IV and the structural relationship between SA and IMA
Authors: Rossignolo Adrián F.
Published: April 2024

The current paper aims at ascertaining the massive overhaul of the Trading Book or Basel IV, comparing the capital requirements of the Standardized and Internal Models Approaches in market crisis context. Throughout an integral sequential analysis encompassing every step of both regimes –including several specifications for the latter-, the study finds that the radical revamp achieves its main objective: raising capital for market risks. Simultaneously, the Standardized Approach appears favored, establishing a high floor as a credible fall-back and penalizing the Internal Models with complex structures and stringent validation tests. With the general purpose apparently attained, it would be wise to review the whole process and grant some flexibility to local supervisors in its application. The investigation was focused on Mexican stock markets during Covid-19, and it is understood that extending it to more countries could bolster the results. The present article ranks among the first to study the effects of Basel IV and highlights some of its flaws, particularly the probably excessive capital levels and the crackdown on Internal Models, which could dent profits, restrict innovation and shrink credit.
Detection of bla-AIM Metallo Beta Lactamase Gene among Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia and Carbapenem Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Various Infections in AL- Najaf Province
Authors: Baqer AL-Mayali Enas Jalil , Ghani Al-Muhanna Sddiq , Ameer Al-Kraety Israa Abdul
Published: April 2024

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a "rapidly evolving pathogen of concern" that is increasingly being identified. The World Health Organization also recognizes it as one of the hospitals' most significant multi-drugresistant pathogens. Also, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen that causes most
healthcare-associated infections, and it is considered a paradigm of antibiotic resistance development. In many
hospitals across the globe, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged as a significant source
of infection. The present study aimed to study the isolation and diagnosis of S. maltophilia and P. aeruginosa
from different clinical samples, Evaluate the occurrence of carbapenem resistance of P. aeruginosa isolated
from clinical samples and investigate the dissemination of the bla-AIM genes between these isolates. A total
of 850 specimens were collected from various clinical samples between 2022 and 2023. The specimens included 220 swabs (burn), 200 (urine), 140 (stool), and 130(wound). 90 (ear),50 (throat), 10 (Cerebrospinal
fluid), and 10 (blood). Represented by 680 specimens contained bacterial growth, and 170 specimens had no
bacterial growth. Out of the 680 bacterial growth isolates, 410 revealed growths of Gram-negative bacteria,
and 270 were Gram-positive bacteria. On MacConkey ag, ar 180/410 bacteria were lactose ferment; other
isolates, es 230/410 of the isolates were lactose non-fermented bacteria. In a cross-sectional manner, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates during this period were isolated and identified
depending on the primary methods of diagnosis, then the use of the VITEK-2 compact system. The results
showed 42 isolates of S. maltophilia and 80 isolates of P. aeruginosa from total Gram-negative bacteria. The
results show that only five isolates contained the AIM gene, with a percentage of (10.4 %) of the 48 Carbapenem Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, five isolates from 42 S. maltophilia contain the AIM
gene with a percentage (11.9%), based on the Polymerase chain reactions assay.
Keywords: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Carbapenem Resistance, Pseudomonas aerginosa.
The Role of Quorum Quenching in Medical Application
Authors: Mohammad Ghada A. , Waleed Hadi Huda
Published: April 2024

The attempts are continuing in the various fields of life sciences to resolve a big problem, which is the ability
of bacteria to cause pathogenicity for humans, animals, and plants, whether by chemical or biological methods
and in ways that are hoped to be safe. Among these attempts, the control of the Quorum Sensing (QS) mechanism that occurs naturally in bacteria under certain conditions helps to increase the virulence of bacteria,
starting from its ability to adhere and form a biofilm. Then, the tissues are invaded with various enzymes
according to the tissue type, increasing antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the idea came to solve these problems
through a mechanism opposite to the Quorum Quenching (QQ), which lies in the investigation of substances
that can disrupt the QS pathway, whether at the molecular level or the physiological level, as well as benefiting
from different organisms (Prokaryotes or Eukaryotes) that live in the same environment and produce substances that inhibit bacterial signaling molecules. Lastly, the discovery of varying novel QQ agents from extreme environmental bacteria will be most interesting in the future.
Keywords: Quorum sensing, quorum quenching, acyl homoserine lactones, medical application.
Comparative Analysis of Threshold Cycle Results for RNA Extraction in SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR Using Magnetic Beads and Spin Column Methods
Authors: Tilawati Sitanggang Fardiah , Perdinan Simanjuntak James , Nasrah Nasrah , Bar Arvida , Ridwansyah Ridwansyah
Published: April 2024

Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) belongs to the large family of SARS-CoV viruses, initially emerging
in 2002-2003. In humans, this virus triggers respiratory infectious diseases. COVID-19, a new variant of
SARS-CoV, was identified in humans following an unprecedented incident in Wuhan, China, in December
2019. This virus typically manifests mild symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever.
The Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), specifically the realtime Reverse Transcription Polymerase
Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) examination, is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for diagnosing COVID-19. This study assessed potential differences in Threshold Cycle results during RNA extraction using magnetic beads compared to spin columns in the SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR method. The population for this study was selected through accidental sampling from nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs
of COVID-19 patients obtained between December 2022 and April 2023, with Threshold Cycle values
<30,000. The samples were stored at -80°C. The findings revealed that the average N (VIC) was 23.359, and
RdRP (FAM) was 25.558 in the Magnetic Beads method, indicating a lower value compared to the average N
(VIC) of 29.200 and RdRP (FAM) of 29.661 in the Spin Column method. This suggests that the Magnetic
Beads method exhibited greater sensitivity than the Spin Column method. The statistical analysis confirmed
these differences, with a P value of 0.003 in N (VIC) and the P value of 0.000 in RdRP (FAM). Consequently,
it can be concluded that there is a significant 19.5% difference in the Threshold Cycle during RNA extraction
using Magnetic Beads and Spin Column in the examination of the SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR method.
Keywords: Sars-CoV-2; rRT-PCR; Magnetic Beads; Spin Column; Threshold Cycle
Incidence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Coryphaena hippurus (dorado fish) and Thunnus alalunga (albacore fish) sold in high-demand markets in Guayaquil City
Authors: Hidalgo Aura , León Melissa , Salazar Llorente Enrique , Maridueña- Zavala María Gabriela , Cevallos Cevallos Juan
Published: April 2024

Foodborne diseases affect around 600 million people in the world. In Ecuador, the Ministry of Public Health
(MSP) reported 12,203 cases of food poisoning caused mainly by Salmonella species, hepatitis virus or other
pathogenic microorganisms in 2019. However, there are no reports of diseases caused by Vibrio species in
Ecuador. The present study assessed the presence of V. parahaemolyticus, mesophilic aerobics, total coliforms
and E. coli. Samples of Coryphaena hippurus (dorado fish) and Thunnus alalunga (albacore fish) in 3 different
markets in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. As a result, Vibrio parahaemolyticus was not found in any of the
60 samples analyzed. In contrast, the E. coli levels met the requirements established in the INEN 183 - 2013
Standard norm. All samples from Market 1 were within the acceptance range regarding mesophilic aerobic
levels. However, high mesophilic aerobic levels were obtained in 60% of the albacore samples and 50% of
the dorado samples from this market. In the same way, 40% of the albacore and 100% of Dorado samples
from market 3 were high in mesophilic microorganisms. However, the mesophilic aerobic analyses revealed
safer levels in samples from market 1 than in markets 2 and 3, according to the NTE INEN. 183:2013.
Keywords: Foodborne diseases1
, fish2
, Albacore3
, E coli4
, mesophilic aerobics5
, Dorado6
Use of Biofeedback-Based Virtual Reality in Pediatric Perioperative and Postoperative Settings: Observational Study
Authors: Orgil Zandantsetseg , Karthic Anitra , Bell Nora F , Heisterberg Lisa M , Williams Sara E , Ding Lili , Kashikar-Zuck Susmita , King Christopher D , Olbrecht Vanessa A
Published: April 2024

Background

Biofeedback-based virtual reality (VR-BF) is a novel, nonpharmacologic method for teaching patients how to control their breathing, which in turn increases heart rate variability (HRV) and may reduce pain. Unlike traditional forms of biofeedback, VR-BF is delivered through a gamified virtual reality environment, increasing the accessibility of biofeedback. This is the first study to systematically integrate VR-BF use in the pediatric perioperative setting, with the ultimate goal of evaluating the efficacy of VR-BF to reduce pain, anxiety, and opioid consumption once feasibility and acceptability have been established.

Objectives

The primary objective was to develop a clinical trial protocol for VR-BF use in the pediatric perioperative setting, including preoperative education and training, and postoperative application of VR-BF in children undergoing surgery. A secondary objective was to evaluate the patient and parent experience with VR-BF.

Methods

A total of 23 patients (12-18 years of age) scheduled for surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital were recruited using purposive sampling. Following training, participants independently completed a daily, 10-minute VR-BF session for 7 days before surgery and during their inpatient stay. Participants could use VR-BF up to 2 weeks after hospital discharge. Patient- and session-level data of VR-BF usage and achievement of target HRV parameters were measured to identify the optimal frequency and duration of sessions before and after surgery for this population. Standardized questionnaires and semistructured interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative information about patients’ experiences with VR-BF.

Results

Patient-level data indicated that the highest odds of achieving 1 session under target HRV parameters was after 4 sessions (odds ratio [OR] 5.1 for 4 vs 3 sessions, 95% CI 1.3-20.6; OR 16.6 for 3 vs 2 sessions, 95% CI 1.2-217.0). Session-level data showed that a session duration of 9 to 10 minutes provided the greatest odds of achieving 1 session under target HRV parameters (OR 1.3 for 9 vs 8 min, 95% CI 1.1-1.7; OR 1.4 for 8 vs 7 min, 95% CI 1.1-1.8; OR 1 for 10 vs 9 min, 95% CI 0.9-1.2). Qualitative data revealed patient satisfaction with the VR-BF technology, particularly in managing perioperative stress (17/20, 85%). Few patients reported VR-BF as beneficial for pain (8/20, 40%).

Conclusions

Children and adolescents undergoing surgery successfully learned behavioral strategies with VR-BF with 10-minute sessions once daily for 5 days. To integrate VR-BF as a therapeutic intervention in a subsequent clinical trial, patients will be instructed to complete three 10-minute sessions a day for 7 days after surgery.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials NCT04943874; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04943874
The Challenges in Using eHealth Decision Resources for Surrogate Decision-Making in the Intensive Care Unit (Preprint)
Authors: Sun Wan-Na , Kao Chi-Yin
Published: April 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

The mortality rate in intensive care units (ICUs) is notably high, with patients often relying on surrogates for critical medical decisions due to their compromised state. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of eHealth. The challenges of applying eHealth tools, including economic disparities and information inaccuracies are addressed. This study then introduces eHealth literacy and the assessment tools to evaluate users’ capability and literacy levels in using eHealth resources. A clinical scenario involving surrogate decision-making is presented. This simulated case involves a patient with a hemorrhagic stroke who has lost consciousness and requires medical procedures such as tracheostomy. However, due to the medical surrogate’s lack of familiarity with eHealth devices and limited literacy in using eHealth resources, difficulties arise in assisting the patient in making medical decisions. This scenario highlights challenges related to eHealth literacy and solution strategies are proposed. In conclusion, effective ICU decision-making with eHealth tools requires a careful balance between efficiency with inclusivity. Tailoring communication strategies and providing diverse materials are essential for effective eHealth decision resources in the ICU setting. Health professionals should adopt a patient-centered approach to enhance the decision-making experience, particularly for individuals with limited eHealth literacy.
Interpretable Deep Learning System for Identifying Critical Patients Through the Prediction of Triage Level, Hospitalization, and Length of Stay: Prospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lin Yu-Ting , Deng Yuan-Xiang , Tsai Chu-Lin , Huang Chien-Hua , Fu Li-Chen
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Triage is the process of accurately assessing patients’ symptoms and providing them with proper clinical treatment in the emergency department (ED). While many countries have developed their triage process to stratify patients’ clinical severity and thus distribute medical resources, there are still some limitations of the current triage process. Since the triage level is mainly identified by experienced nurses based on a mix of subjective and objective criteria, mis-triage often occurs in the ED. It can not only cause adverse effects on patients, but also impose an undue burden on the health care delivery system.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to design a prediction system based on triage information, including demographics, vital signs, and chief complaints. The proposed system can not only handle heterogeneous data, including tabular data and free-text data, but also provide interpretability for better acceptance by the ED staff in the hospital.

METHODS

In this study, we proposed a system comprising 3 subsystems, with each of them handling a single task, including triage level prediction, hospitalization prediction, and length of stay prediction. We used a large amount of retrospective data to pretrain the model, and then, we fine-tuned the model on a prospective data set with a golden label. The proposed deep learning framework was built with TabNet and MacBERT (Chinese version of bidirectional encoder representations from transformers [BERT]).

RESULTS

The performance of our proposed model was evaluated on data collected from the National Taiwan University Hospital (901 patients were included). The model achieved promising results on the collected data set, with accuracy values of 63%, 82%, and 71% for triage level prediction, hospitalization prediction, and length of stay prediction, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our system improved the prediction of 3 different medical outcomes when compared with other machine learning methods. With the pretrained vital sign encoder and repretrained mask language modeling MacBERT encoder, our multimodality model can provide a deeper insight into the characteristics of electronic health records. Additionally, by providing interpretability, we believe that the proposed system can assist nursing staff and physicians in taking appropriate medical decisions.
The Association of Macronutrient Consumption and BMI to Exhaled Carbon Dioxide in Lumen Users: Retrospective Real-World Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yeshurun Shlomo , Cramer Tomer , Souroujon Daniel , Mor Merav
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Metabolic flexibility is the ability of the body to rapidly switch between fuel sources based on their accessibility and metabolic requirements. High metabolic flexibility is associated with improved health outcomes and a reduced risk of several metabolic disorders. Metabolic flexibility can be improved through lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and eating a balanced macronutrient diet. Lumen is a small handheld device that measures metabolic fuel usage through exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2), which allows individuals to monitor their metabolic flexibility and make lifestyle changes to enhance it.

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aims to examine the postprandial CO2 response to meals logged by Lumen users and its relationship with macronutrient intake and BMI.

METHODS

We analyzed deidentified data from 2607 Lumen users who logged their meals and measured their exhaled CO2 before and after those meals between May 1, 2023, and October 18, 2023. A linear mixed model was fitted to test the association between macronutrient consumption, BMI, age, and gender to the postprandial CO2 response, followed by a 2-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

The model demonstrated significant associations (P<.001) between CO2 response after meals and both BMI and carbohydrate intake (BMI: β=–0.112, 95% CI –0.156 to –0.069; carbohydrates: β=0.046, 95% CI 0.034-0.058). In addition, a 2-way ANOVA revealed that higher carbohydrate intake resulted in a higher CO2 response compared to low carbohydrate intake (F2,2569=24.23; P<.001), and users with high BMI showed modest responses to meals compared with low BMI (F2,2569=5.88; P=.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we show that Lumen’s CO2 response is influenced both by macronutrient consumption and BMI. The results of this study highlight a distinct pattern of reduced metabolic flexibility in users with obesity, indicating the value of Lumen for assessing postprandial metabolic flexibility.
Automated Psychotherapy in a Spaceflight Environment: Advantages, Drawbacks, and Unknowns (Preprint)
Authors: Smith Logan
Published: April 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Various behavioral and mental health issues have been reported by space crews for decades, with the overall number of mental health complications expected to be higher than is publicly known. The broad range of mental health complications encountered in space is expected to grow as people venture deeper into space. Issues with privacy, dual relationships, and delayed communications make rendering effective psychological therapy difficult in a spaceflight environment and nearly impossible in deep space. Automated psychotherapy offers a way to provide psychotherapy to astronauts both in deep space and low Earth orbit. Although automated psychotherapy is growing in popularity on Earth, little is known about its efficacy in space. This viewpoint serves to highlight the knowns and unknowns regarding this treatment modality for future deep space missions, and places an emphasis on the need for further research into the applicability and practicality of automated psychotherapy for the spaceflight environment, especially as it relates to long-duration, deep space missions.
Protective effects of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. extract against UVB‐induced oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats (Rattus novergicus Berkenhout, 1769)
Authors: Tyas Dian Ayuning , Wijayanti Nastiti , Nuringtyas Tri Rini , Wahyuono Subagus
Published: April 2024

Protecting the skin from the effects of UVB radiation using natural products is crucial in the cosmeceutical industry. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Bangle (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) against UVB‐induced skin damage in Wistar albino rats. The rhizomes were macerated using 70% ethanol v/v, followed by n‐hexane to obtain n‐hexane soluble and n‐hexane insoluble fraction. The antioxidant properties of the ethanol extracts and n‐hexane soluble fraction were evaluated using a 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The study also examined the antiphotoaging properties through reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging assay, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) expression, and tyrosinase expression against UVB radiation in Wistar albino rats. The results demonstrated that the Z. cassumunar extract and fraction effectively converted DPPH radicals into a more stable compound. Analysis revealed the presence of Benzene, 4‐(1Z)‐1,3‐butadien‐1‐yl‐1,2‐dimethoxy‐ and (E)‐4‐(3,4‐Dimethoxyphenyl) but‐3‐en‐1‐ol as the primary compounds in both the extract and fraction, suggesting their contribution to the observed activity. Furthermore, Z. cassumunar compounds could reduce UVB‐induced ROS production and may protect against skin photoaging by changing the expression of MMP‐1 and tyrosinase levels in Wistar albino rats. These findings suggest that Z. cassumunar holds promise for preventing skin aging.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite/Alginate Composites: Study of pH and Sintering Influenced on the Structural, Morphological, and Clindamycin Release Behavior
Authors: Wulandari Wulandari , Islami Dini Muthi'ah , Jamarun Novesar , Wellia Diana Vanda , Emriadi Emriadi
Published: April 2024

The hydroxyapatite/alginate (HAp/Alg) composite was synthesized using an in-situ precipitation route. The effect of pH (8, 9, 10, and 11) and calcination temperature (300, 500, 700, and 900 °C) were studied by characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM with EDAX). XRD results show the hexagonal crystal system of HAp for each pH value and the biphase (HAp and whitelockite) for the sintering temperature at 700 and 900 °C. The FTIR spectra show no impurity peaks. SEM images revealed spherical-like (HAp/Alg-11) and flake-like (HAp/Alg-900) particles with good homogeneity, size, and shape that could be notable for biomedical utilization, such as drug delivery material. Drug loading and release ability of pure HAp, HAp/Alg-11, and HAp/Alg-900 composites have been investigated with clindamycin hydrochloride as the drug model. The maximum clindamycin HCl release from HAp, HAP/Alg-11, and HAp/Alg-900 reached 74.48, 92.75, and 69.65% in the 8th hour. HAp/Alg-11 has the highest release because it has the largest surface area of 162.584 m2/g. Antibacterial test results showed HAp/Alg-11 has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, confirming that HAp/Alg-11 composite has the potential to be applied as drug delivery.
A Univariate Optimization Strategy for Pre-concentration of Cobalt(II) in Various Matrixes by a DLLME before Analysis Using FAAS
Authors: Mehdi Zaman Sahb , Alshamkhawy Saher Abdel Reda Ali
Published: April 2024

A procedure based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) for cobalt (Co) quantification in an Iraqi environmental matrix by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) was applied in this work. A case-study approach was chosen to obtain further in-depth information on the Co levels and to evaluate the effectiveness of N-salicylideneaniline (SAN) as a complexing agent for pre-concentration and extraction of Co. An univariate strategy was utilized to achieve the optimum extraction conditions. The estimated limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) under optimum conditions were 1.04 and 3.47 µg L−1, respectively. The results achieved by the proposed system were compared with those using the microwave digestion/graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (MWD/GF-AAS) for digest samples and also for some water samples (Direct GF-AAS). The proposed procedure was applied for analyzing eleven environmental samples. The detectable Co levels for water samples ranged from 0.72 to 4.30 µg L−1 with a relative standard deviation of 3.7–8.8%, while the concentration for solid samples ranged from 0.17–4.51 µg g−1 (2.4–11.8 RSD %). DLLME/FAAS proposed procedure is effective, simple, and has the benefit of minimizing the organic solvent consumption by a few microliters, which results in little waste.
New Charge-Transfer Complexes of Organochalcogenide Compound Based on Aryl Acetamide Group with Quinones: Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant, and Computational Study
Authors: Hassan Attared Fadhel , Al-Haidery Nahed Hazim , Kareem Suhad Rajab , Malik Sabah Abbas , Al-Jadaan Shaker Abdel Salem , Al-Saadawy Nuha Hussain
Published: April 2024

This study aims to prepare charge transfer complexes derived from organochalcogenide of arylamide derivatives with different quinones. A new charge-transfer complexes have been developed through a direct reaction between (PhNHCOCH2)2Se, (o-CH3PhNHCOCH2)2Se, and (PhCH2NHCOCH2)2E, where E = S, Se, and Te are electron donors and different quinones are electron acceptors. The quinones used in the reaction were 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinones (DDQ), 7,7’,8,8’-tetracyanoquinodimethane, and tetracyanoethane. The electron donors and electron acceptor mol were 1:1, and the reaction was conducted in acetonitrile. Infrared, 1H and 13C-NMR spectroscopic data characterized all complexes. The complexes’ antioxidant activity was evaluated through α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl at 10–0.312 mg/mL. The results showed that all complexes exhibited promising antioxidant activities. Among them, (PhCH2NHCOCH2)2S·DDQ compound had the least IC50 value of 6.725 mg/mL, indicating a potent scavenging property compared to other compounds. The molecular structures of charge-transfer complexes were investigated using hybrid density functional theory (B3LYP) and basis set 3-21G. We obtained geometrical structures' highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) surfaces and energy gaps through geometric optimization. We also investigated the molecular shapes and contours of the prepared compounds through geometrical optimization and compared the HOMO energy of the CT compounds to investigate donor and acceptor properties.
Preparation and Characterization of Magnetic Material/Chitosan Composite Modified with Glycidyl-Trimethylammonium Chloride
Authors: Mukhayani Feri , Kunarti Eko Sri , Kamiya Yuichi , Nuryono Nuryono
Published: April 2024

Glycidyl-trimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) containing quaternary ammonium (QA) groups is commonly used as a base catalyst for any organic reaction. This research prepared a novel composite of GTMAC attached to chitosan-coated magnetic material (MM/Chi/GTMAC) using a precipitation method. The effect of chitosan and GTMAC contents on MM/chi/GTMAC properties was studied, where the chitosan content varied from 0, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 mol, and GTMAC varied from 0, 0.3, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, and 3 mL with the constant mass of MM (0.4640 g). The physicochemical and morphological properties were characterized with FTIR, SEM-EDX, XRD, TGA, UV-vis, AAS, and zeta-sizer, and the magnetic strength was simply tested with an external magnet. The result showed that a mixture containing chitosan and GTMAC of 0.358 g and 1.5 mL was an optimum composition, in which MM/chi(0.5)/GTMAC(1.5) has high thermal stability, low chitosan and Fe solubility, and optimum content of QA (0.284 mol/g) without loss of magnetic strength. The higher the amount of chitosan, the lower the magnetic properties, and the higher the GTMAC did not increase the QA content. Therefore, the composite produced has the potential to be a novel heterogeneous base catalyst that is quickly recovered from any organic reaction media.
Optimization of Essential Oil Production from Cymbopogon citratus in Vietnam by Hydro-Distillation
Authors: Do Thi Cam Van , Vu Thi Cuong
Published: April 2024

Citral-rich lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oils have been reported to exhibit anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, leading to wide applications in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, perfumery markets, and pest inhibition. Vietnam has abundant lemongrass, which can be centralized to develop a lemongrass-based essential oil industry. In this work, essential oils were extracted from lemongrass harvested from the Bac Giang and Phu Yen provinces of Vietnam. The study aimed to investigate the influential factors, including distillation time, raw material size, water quality, and water-to-material ratio, to optimize oil production from C. citratus in a 10 L hydro-distillation boiler. The maximum oil yield was obtained under the optimal conditions: distillation time of 180 min, the plant material size of 2–3 mm, reverse osmosis (RO) and/or distilled water, and water-to-material ratio of 5/1 (mL/g). The maximum yields of lemongrass oil from Bac Giang and Phu Yen provinces were determined as 2.55 and 3.96 mL/kg, with corresponding citral contents analyzed of 45.5 and 68.1%, respectively. From the experimental data, a protocol for essential oil production from Vietnam’s C. citratus by the hydro-distillation technique was proposed.
Phytochemistry and Antidiabetic Activity from the Leaf Midrib of Nypa fruticans Wurm.
Authors: Nasution Rosnani , Jeon Yoon , Fadillah Hadis , Bahi Muhammad , Marianne Marianne
Published: April 2024

This study aims to determine the antidiabetic activity of n-hexane and ethanol extracts of Nypa fruticans leaf sheaths. The ethanol extract, with the most active antidiabetic properties from the n-hexane extract, was characterized using GC-MS. The total phenol, total flavonoid, and antioxidant properties were determined, and then the ethanol extract was fractionated. An antidiabetic activity test was carried out using the glucose tolerance method in male Swiss Webster mice. The results showed that subfraction A (the effect of fractionation of ethanol extract) was the most capable of reducing blood sugar levels, namely 247.67 mg/dL in 30 min (the activity is 98.67% compared to glibenclamide). The ethanol extract can reduce blood glucose levels by 203.34 mg/dL at 30 min (81.01% compared to glibenclamide). The results of total phenolic and total flavonoid content tests for the ethanol extract were obtained at 18.0349 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 2.8309 mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively. On the other hand, the IC50 antioxidant activity of the extract is 417.4399 ppm. Characterization using GC-MS on the extract showed that the dominant phytoconstituent in the extract is 4-methoxy-6-(2-propenyl)-1,3-benzodioxole, with a composition of 63.45%.