bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal variations of hydrochemical characteristics of irrigation water: a case study of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, USA
Authors: De La Garza Miranda Nicole , Ren Jianhong , Ancona Veronica
Published: March 2023

Hydrochemical characteristics of irrigation water and their spatiotemporal variations can provide critical information for ensuring healthy crop growth and determining the best water management practices. The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) is heavily dependent upon ditch irrigation to deliver water from the Rio Grande River to support its staple crop production. To date, no studies have been conducted to quantify the water quality and its variations along the distribution system. This research measured water quality parameters at seven sites in LRGV irrigation water in 2021. Chemical indices including salinity hazard (SH), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), magnesium hazard (MH), Kelly's Ratio (KR), and permeability index (PI) were calculated. Classification diagrams were prepared. Results revealed the locations that had doubtful water for irrigation use and more problematic water quality index levels. June and August had the highest index levels, which may have been attributable to the large rainfall events in May and July. The SH, Na%, KR, and MH indices exceeded recommended levels. ANOVA analyses showed significant temporal variations in SAR, RSC, MH, KR, and PI. These findings indicate the importance of incorporating water quality spatiotemporal variation information in routine irrigation planning and management.
Programas de bienestar universitario y algunas implicaciones en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de una universidad pública
Authors: Obispo-Salazar Kelly , Paba-Barboda Carmelina , Munera-Luque Kenia , Suescún-Arregocés Jesus David , Daza-Corredor Alexander
Published: March 2023

Los programas de bienestar universitario en las instituciones de educación superior contribuyen en la mejora de los procesos académicos y la calidad de vida de los estudiantes. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la concepción de dichos programas y las implicaciones que estos tienen en el rendimiento académico de estudiantes de una universidad púbica. La perspectiva metodológica abordada fue cualitativa con diseño fenomenológico. Los participantes fueron estudiantes pertenecientes a una universidad pública que estuviesen beneficiados por los programas de la Dirección de Bienestar Universitario. El tamaño de la muestra fue de 47 estudiantes (19 mujeres y 28 hombres), la técnica de recolección de información fue el grupo focal, y para el tratamiento de los datos se empleó el análisis temático. Se encontró que los programas de bienestar universitario tienen implicaciones positivas en el rendimiento académico. No obstante, este impacto se genera desde la concepción del rendimiento académico como variable multimodal. En general, para los participantes los beneficios que ofrece el bienestar universitario influyen positivamente en el rendimiento académico en la medida en que ayudan a disminuir problemas económicos y fortalecer factores psicosociales.
WITHDRAWN: Identification and Validation of Autophagy-related Genes in Sepsis-related Acute Kidney Injury (S-AKI) via Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Yuting , Bi Xinwen , Shuai Yu , Zeng Ling , Zheng Xiaoming , Chi Xinjin
Published: March 2023

Since the authors are not responding to the editor’s requests to fulfill the editorial requirement, therefore, the article has been
withdrawn from the journal "Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening".

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER:

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of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
COVID-19 and Pregnancy Complications: Meta-analysis and Systematic
Review
Authors: Gokce Sefik , Herkiloglu Dilsad
Published: March 2023

Introduction::

Although the number of studies conducted among pregnant women with coronavirus (COVID-19) is increasing rapidly, most of the studies are small-scale. Accordingly, data on the relationship between COVID-19 and pregnancy are limited. In addition, there is limited information about which complications COVID-19 causes in pregnant women compared to the normal population, and at what rates. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the data of studies and meta-analyses on pregnancies with COVID-19, and to determine the complication rates caused by COVID-19 in pregnancies.

Methods:

Clinical, observational, or cohort studies published (or epub ahead of print) between January 2020 and December 2021 in any language were scanned in PubMed and Google Scholar. While scanning, the combinations of the terms “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “coronavirus”, “pregnancy”, “PROM”, or “preterm birth” were used.

Results:

A total of 52 articles and data on 11088 pregnant women were included in the meta-analysis after the screening of 6166 studies. In addition, data belonging to 10 meta-analyses were examined in order to obtain additional information. In the studies covered by this meta-analysis, the rate of premature rupture of membranes was found in 16.8%; preterm birth in 10.3%; low birth weight newborns in 9.2%; maternal or fetal mortality in 3.0%, and other adverse outcomes (fetal distress or abnormal APGAR score, abortion, etc.) in 17.5%. The vertical contamination rate was found to be 2.1%.

Conclusion:

The findings obtained in this meta-analysis show that COVID-19 significantly increases the maternal or fetal mortality rate in pregnant women and has a negative effect on the preterm birth rate. According to the data we have obtained, COVID-19 also causes the development of some complications, such as fetal distress. The findings also show that COVID-19 is transmitted vertically at a rate of around 2% during pregnancy.
Analysis of the Imaging Features and Prognosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Complicated with Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Zhang Yi-Wen , Wu Dan , Zhu Zhen-Zhen , Ou Jin-Chun , Kong Zhuo-Chao , Zhu Wen-Fang , Shi Qing-Ming , Wang Min
Published: March 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the imaging characteristics of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary embolism and analyze the prognosis of the condition, thereby reducing the mortality and misdiagnosis rate of complications in this type of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, a total of 70 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA)
from January 2016 to May 2021 in Anhui Chest Hospital were included. Among them, 35 patients with pulmonary embolism combined with
pulmonary tuberculosis were set as the study group, and the other 35 patients with pulmonary embolism only were set as the control group. The
imaging findings of chest CT examination, the incidence of pulmonary hypertension, the level of N-terminal proto-B-type brain natriuretic peptide
(NT-proBNP), and the prognosis of patients were compared between the two groups. The incidence of deep venous embolism was evaluated by
ultrasonography of the lower extremity.

Results:

In the study group, the median age of patients was 71 years, and the ratio of males to females was 2.5 to 1. In the control group, the median age was 66 years old, and the male-to-female ratio was 2.2 to 1. There were 16 cases (16/35, 45.71%) in the study group and 10 cases (10/35, 28.57%) in the control group with an increased level of NT-proBNP. Pulmonary hypertension occurred in 10 patients (10/35, 28.57%) in the study group and 7 patients (7/35, 20.00%) in the control group. Patients who lost follow-up included 5 in the study group (5/35, 14.29%) and 3 in the control group (3/35, 8.57%). There were 17 cases (17/35, 48.57%) in the study group and 3 cases (3/35, 8.57%) in the control group with pulmonary artery widening, and the difference was significant (P <.001). There were 13 deaths in the study group (13/35, 37.14%) and 1 death in the control group (1/35, 2.86%), and the difference was significant (P <0.001).

Conclusion:

Special signs of pulmonary artery widening, pulmonary hypertension of varying degrees, and increased levels of NT-proBNP of varying degrees can be found in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary embolism, and the three signs are positively correlated. The mortality of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary embolism is significantly higher than that of patients with pulmonary embolism alone. Pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary embolism both occur in the ipsilateral lung, causing clinical symptoms to cover each other, thereby making diagnosis difficult.
Formulation of Thiamine-Laden Chitosan Nanosphere for Nutraceutical
Application
Authors: Kaur Harsimran , Kaur Mandeep , Rajesh Preeti , Kaur Harsimrat
Published: March 2023

Introduction::

Thiamine, often known as vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin that
can be added to food or purchased as a supplement. It plays an important role in many cellular
processes and is crucial for overall human health. The synthesis and characterization of Thiamineencapsulated
chitosan nanospheres for sustained release and improved bioavailability is the major
objective of this study.

Materials and Methods:

The chitosan nanospheres were prepared using sodium tripolyphosphate
(TPP) as cross-linking agent.

Results::

The ionic interactions between chitosan and TPP produced small-sized stable
nanospheres for the incorporation of Thiamine. The conjugate was characterized through a UV
spectrophotometer and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The size and morphology
were determined using Zetasizer and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). An average size of 504
nm size was obtained for the nanospheres. The in vitro release studies were performed for 30 days
to assess the sustained release of thiamine from nanoencapsulates. Cellular uptake of the
thiamine-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles was studied in the human cervical cancer cell lines
(HeLa) and mus-musculus 3T3 L1 cell lines.

Conclusion::

This study is an early design and development of a technology for encapsulating
water-soluble vitamins in biodegradable polymers, which can be examined for the vitamin's
long-term bioavailability.
Eupatorin from Orthosiphon aristatus: A Review of The Botanical Origin,
Pharmacological Effects and Isolation Methods
Authors: Chriscensia Erika , Aqila Arham Alya , Chrestella Wibowo Elizabeth , Gracius Lavisiony , Nathanael Joshua , Hartrianti Pietradewi
Published: March 2023

Orthosiphon aristatus has been known for its medicinal uses. One of the compounds
responsible for the pharmacological activities of O. aristatus is a flavonoid called Eupatorin (EUP).
EUP has been studied for its pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, vasodilating,
antiproliferative, hepatoprotective, analgesic, and antidiabetic properties. Despite its importance
and abundance, currently, there is no published paper that reviews the characteristics, pharmacological
activities and isolation methods of EUP. This review summarizes the botanical origin, phytochemical
characteristics, pharmacological activities, isolation, as well as identification and characterization
methods of EUP from O. aristatus. This paper also compares different isolation methods
based on the parameters and the resulting yields. Various isolation methods had been used to obtain
EUP. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the most commonly used
method to isolate EUP, followed by preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) and crystallization
for the purification. Various spectroscopic methods, including UV-Vis, FT-IR, Mass, and
NMR spectroscopy have been commonly used to identify and characterize EUP. This paper
provides a comprehensive insight into EUP from O. aristatus which might be beneficial for future
research using this compound.
Evaluation of BMP-2 as a Differentiating and Radiosensitizing Agent for
Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Mahmoudi Roghayeh , Afshar Saeid , Amini Razieh , Jalali Akram , Saidijam Massoud , Najafi Rezvan
Published: March 2023

Background:

Despite effective clinical responses, a large proportion of patients undergo resistance
to radiotherapy. The low response rate to current treatments in different stages of colorectal cancer
depends on the prominent role of stem cells in cancer.

Objective:

In the present study, the role of BMP-2 as an ionizing radiation-sensitive factor in colorectal
cancer cells was investigated.

Methods:

A sphere formation assay was used for the enrichment of HCT-116 cancer stem cells (CSCs).
The effects of combination therapy (BMP-2+ radiation) on DNA damage response (DDR), proliferation,
and apoptosis were evaluated in HCT-116 and CSCs. Gene expressions of CSCs and epithelialmesenchymal
transition (EMT) markers were also evaluated.

Results:

We found that the sphere formation assay showed a significant increase in the percentage of
CSCs. Moreover, expression of CSCs markers, EMT-related genes, and DNA repair proteins significantly
decreased in HCT-116 cells compared to the CSCs group after radiation. In addition, BMP-2 promoted
the radiosensitivity of HCT-116 cells by decreasing the survival rate of the treated cells at 2, 4, and 6 Gy
compared to the control group in HCT-116 cells.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicated that BMP-2 could affect numerous signaling pathways involved in
radioresistance. Therefore, BMP-2 can be considered an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of
radioresistant human colorectal cancer.
The Red Planet
Authors: Popoviciu Dan Răzvan
Published: March 2023

Among the planets in our Solar System, Mars is the closest to Earth in terms of
distance and similarity. However, current environmental conditions on its surface are
hostile to any life form. While it provides enough space for sheltered, enclosed
settlements, the final goal should be terraforming the Red Planet, which is perfectly
achievable at our current technological level.
Terraformation consists of two stages. Ecosynthesis (creating conditions for microbial
life) can be accomplished within a century, by a synergistic approach using nuclear
blasts, greenhouse gasses, orbital mirrors, thermal aquifer drilling, directed asteroidal
impacts, etc., Caeliformation (creating a breathable atmosphere for humans) would take
several centuries, involving the controlled introduction of terrestrial life forms and
atmospheric conversion through photosynthesis. Even after that, a continuous effort
would be required to ensure habitability in the long term.
Beyond Edges
Authors: Popoviciu Dan Răzvan
Published: March 2023

Our Solar System represents just a tiny fraction of the Galaxy and the whole Universe.
Now we know for sure that many stars host planetary systems, starting with our close
“neighbor”, Alpha Centauri.
However, the first problem on the way to our Universe-wide expansion is getting there
in reasonable amounts of time. This can only be done by faster-than-light travel, which,
in turn, needs “bypassing” normal space-time.
There are some ideas on how we could accomplish these, even if research is still at its
beginnings.
Until then, thousands of exoplanets were already discovered. Some of them seem to be
rather easy to terraform and settle, while others could also be colonized, by using
synergistic means of planetary engineering.
Oral Habits and its Prevention in Children
Authors: Sakhare Dhanashree , Chandra H. Sharath , Raghunath Reddy M.H
Published: March 2023

 A habit is a repetitive action that is being done automatically and is resistant
to change. In the infantile period, certain repetitive behaviours are common, the
majority of them begin and stop spontaneously. If oral habits persist beyond a
particular developmental age, it results in unfavourable outcomes for the developing
teeth, occlusion and surrounding orofacial tissues. Oral habits are considered one of the
main causes of malocclusion, leading to unfavourable growth and development of
dentoalveolar, which starts in the early childhood and mixed dentition stage. The
severity of malocclusion depends on the frequency, duration, and intensity of the habit.
Early detection and interception of the habit should be done by parent/child habit
awareness and counselling, elimination, etiology, behaviour modifications and
correction of malocclusion.
Dental Materials Used in Pediatric Dentistry
Authors: Iyer Vidya , Vijay M.
Published: March 2023

The chapter describes various dental materials commonly used in Pediatric
dental practice. Making an informed choice of the restorative material to be used in
different clinical conditions is essential to ensure a successful and satisfactory
restorative outcome. Knowledge of dental materials with their unique set of advantages
and applications is an important determinant in the formulation of a treatment plan.
Dental materials used for pulp therapies and full coverage restorations in primary teeth
are exhaustive in their scope and as such, have been dealt with in depth in separate
chapters.
Multimedia Education Program on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Management, Prevention of Complication and Side-Effects of Drugs on Hepatitis-B Among Hepatitis Patients – A Pre-Experimental Study
Authors: Biswas Ratul Ch
Published: March 2023

Hepatitis is considered a public health challenge on the Asian continent and also in India. But due to the paucity of the data, the exact burden of the condition has not been established. Better disease-related knowledge will help to improve attitudes toward managing the complications and side effects and also prevent the further spread of infection. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude regarding management, prevention, complications, and side effects of drugs among hepatitis B patients in Bengaluru, India. A hospital-based pre-experimental study was undertaken with 60 hepatitis-B patients who were admitted to KCG Hospital in Bengaluru. Knowledge and attitude regarding hepatitis-B were assessed using a validated questionnaire containing demographic data, a 30-item knowledge questionnaire, and 16-item Likert scale responses, respectively. SPSS V20.0 was used for data analysis and interpretation. The descriptive statistics were presented with the mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage. The data were analyzed using a paired t-test. Further, to check the association, chi-square analysis was used. In the pre-test, 41 (68.3%) of the participants had inadequate knowledge, 19 (31.7%) had moderate knowledge, and none of the study participants had adequate knowledge. Furthermore, 60 (100%) participants had a neutral attitude, and none of the participants had an unfavorable and favorable attitude towards a hepatitis B patient. The findings of the study indicate that hepatitis B patients have a lack of knowledge and attitude regarding the prevention of complications, management, and side effects of drugs, which may lead to the further spread of infection in the community and hospital itself. Extensive health education, community reach, and health workers participation in campaigns related to hepatitis can have a rational control over the management of the disease.
Urban Quality of Life in Nasr City: An assessment of the reformation project of the built environment
Authors: Fouad Tarek Mohamed Tarek Fouad AbdElBakey , Amal Ahmed Abdou  , Ahmed Abdelghani Morsi
Published: March 2023

Large-scale urban renewal initiatives are undertaken by governments in cities under pressure to improve residents' quality of life (QoL) and mitigate economic and environmental issues. In 2019, as a part of the Egypt 2030 vision, the government initiated a road network reformation project to solve mobility issues in the districts linking the east and west of Cairo, including Nasr City District. To investigate if the built environment of Nasr City District still meets residents' satisfaction, this research is being undertaken to examine residents' satisfaction with the reformation project, which had an impact on their QoL.
Online Purchase Environment Using Blockchain-Based Solutions: An acceptance of online grocers
Authors: Sham Rohana , Lim Wei Victree , Setapa Mariam , Kamal Mohammad Arif
Published: March 2023

The Internet has enabled e-commerce activities, including online grocery purchases. Although all users dream of a hassle-free and safe transaction, not all online payment methods are safe and acceptable. Thus, one of the solutions is to integrate blockchain technology. However, the acceptance of Blockchain among urban users still needs to be discovered. This paper aims to determine the factors affecting the acceptance of Blockchain and online delivery networks for grocery purchases in urban areas. A total of 384 responses were collected among urban online purchasers through questionnaires. The independent variables, namely Accuracy, online payment, and Cybersecurity, significantly impact the dependent variable.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a US National Telemedicine Curriculum for Medical Students and Residents: Multi-institutional Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bajra Rika , Frazier Winfred , Graves Lisa , Jacobson Katherine , Rodriguez Andres , Theobald Mary , Lin Steven
Published: March 2023

Background

Telemedicine use increased as a response to health care delivery changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, lack of standardized curricular content creates gaps and inconsistencies in effectively integrating telemedicine training at both the undergraduate medical education and graduate medical education levels.

Objective

This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based national telemedicine curriculum developed by the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine for medical students and family medicine (FM) residents. Based on the Association of American Medical Colleges telehealth competencies, the asynchronous curriculum featured 5 self-paced modules; covered topics include evidence-based telehealth uses, best practices in communication and remote physical examinations, technology requirements and documentation, access and equity in telehealth delivery, and the promise and potential perils of emerging technologies.

Methods

A total of 17 medical schools and 17 FM residency programs implemented the curriculum between September 1 and December 31, 2021. Participating sites represented 25 states in all 4 US census regions with balanced urban, suburban, and rural settings. A total of 1203 learners, including 844 (70%) medical students and 359 (30%) FM residents, participated. Outcomes were measured through self-reported 5-point Likert scale responses.

Results

A total of 92% (1101/1203) of learners completed the entire curriculum. Across the modules, 78% (SD 3%) of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they gained new knowledge, skills, or attitudes that will help them in their training or career; 87% (SD 4%) reported that the information presented was at the right level for them; 80% (SD 2%) reported that the structure of the modules was effective; and 78% (SD 3%) agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied. Overall experience using the national telemedicine curriculum did not differ significantly between medical students and FM residents on binary analysis. No consistent statistically significant relationships were found between participants’ responses and their institution’s geographic region, setting, or previous experience with a telemedicine curriculum.

Conclusions

Both undergraduate medical education and graduate medical education learners, represented by diverse geographic regions and institutions, indicated that the curriculum was broadly acceptable and effective.
Roles and Competencies of Doctors in Artificial Intelligence Implementation: Qualitative Analysis Through Physician Interviews
Authors: Tanaka Masashi , Matsumura Shinji , Bito Seiji
Published: March 2023

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a term used to describe the use of computers and technology to emulate human intelligence mechanisms. Although AI is known to affect health services, the impact of information provided by AI on the patient-physician relationship in actual practice is unclear.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of introducing AI functions into the medical field on the role of the physician or physician-patient relationship, as well as potential concerns in the AI era.

Methods

We conducted focus group interviews in Tokyo’s suburbs with physicians recruited through snowball sampling. The interviews were conducted in accordance with the questions listed in the interview guide. A verbatim transcript recording of all interviews was qualitatively analyzed using content analysis by all authors. Similarly, extracted code was grouped into subcategories, categories, and then core categories. We continued interviewing, analyzing, and discussing until we reached data saturation. In addition, we shared the results with all interviewees and confirmed the content to ensure the credibility of the analysis results.

Results

A total of 9 participants who belonged to various clinical departments in the 3 groups were interviewed. The same interviewers conducted the interview as the moderator each time. The average group interview time for the 3 groups was 102 minutes. Content saturation and theme development were achieved with the 3 groups. We identified three core categories: (1) functions expected to be replaced by AI, (2) functions still expected of human physicians, and (3) concerns about the medical field in the AI era. We also summarized the roles of physicians and patients, as well as the changes in the clinical environment in the age of AI. Some of the current functions of the physician were primarily replaced by AI functions, while others were inherited as the functions of the physician. In addition, “functions extended by AI” obtained by processing massive amounts of data will emerge, and a new role for physicians will be created to deal with them. Accordingly, the importance of physician functions, such as responsibility and commitment based on values, will increase, which will simultaneously increase the expectations of the patients that physicians will perform these functions.

Conclusions

We presented our findings on how the medical processes of physicians and patients will change as AI technology is fully implemented. Promoting interdisciplinary discussions on how to overcome the challenges is essential, referring to the discussions being conducted in other fields.
Collecting Food and Drink Intake Data With Voice Input: Development, Usability, and Acceptability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Millard Louise A C , Johnson Laura , Neaves Samuel R , Flach Peter A , Tilling Kate , Lawlor Deborah A
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Voice-based systems such as Amazon Alexa may be useful for collecting self-reported information in real time from participants of epidemiology studies using verbal input. In epidemiological research studies, self-reported data tend to be collected using short, infrequent questionnaires, in which the items require participants to select from predefined options, which may lead to errors in the information collected and lack of coverage. Voice-based systems give the potential to collect self-reported information “continuously” over several days or weeks. At present, to the best of our knowledge, voice-based systems have not been used or evaluated for collecting epidemiological data.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using Alexa to collect information from participants, investigate participant acceptability, and provide an initial evaluation of the validity of the collected data. We used food and drink information as an exemplar.

METHODS

We recruited 45 staff members and students at the University of Bristol (United Kingdom). Participants were asked to tell Alexa what they ate or drank for 7 days and to also submit this information using a web-based form. Questionnaires asked for basic demographic information, about their experience during the study, and the acceptability of using Alexa.

RESULTS

Of the 37 participants with valid data, most (n=30, 81%) were aged 20 to 39 years and 23 (62%) were female. Across 29 participants with Alexa and web entries corresponding to the same intake event, 60.1% (357/588) of Alexa entries contained the same food and drink information as the corresponding web entry. Most participants reported that Alexa interjected, and this was worse when entering the food and drink information (17/35, 49% of participants said this happened often; 1/35, 3% said this happened always) than when entering the event date and time (6/35, 17% of participants said this happened often; 1/35, 3% said this happened always). Most (28/35, 80%) said they would be happy to use a voice-controlled system for future research.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there were some issues interacting with the Alexa skill, largely because of its conversational nature and because Alexa interjected if there was a pause in speech, participants were mostly willing to participate in future research studies using Alexa. More studies are needed, especially to trial less conversational interfaces.
Smartphone and Mobile App Use Among Physicians in Clinical Practice: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Mauricette , Bin Mahmood Abu Bakar Shakran , Lee Eng Sing , Smith Helen Elizabeth , Tudor Car Lorainne
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Health care professionals are increasingly using smartphones in clinical care. Smartphone use can affect patient quality of care and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to describe how physicians use smartphones and mobile apps in clinical settings.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported the results according to PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. We used the following databases in our literature search: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and gray literature for studies published since 2010. An additional search was also performed by scanning the reference lists of included studies. A narrative synthesis approach was used.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies, published between 2016 and 2021, were included in this review. Of these studies, 8 used surveys and 2 used surveys with focus group study designs to explore smartphone use, its adoption, experience of using it, and views on the use of smartphones among physicians. There were studies with only general practitioners (n=3), studies with only specialists (n=3), and studies with both general practitioners and specialists (n=4). Physicians use smartphones and mobile apps for communication (n=9), clinical decision-making (n=7), drug compendium (n=7), medical education and training (n=7), maintaining health records (n=4), managing time (n=4), and monitoring patients (n=2) in clinical practice. The Medscape medical app was frequently used for information gathering. WhatsApp, a nonmedical app, was commonly used for physician-patient communication. The commonly reported barriers were lack of regulatory oversight, privacy concerns, and limited Wi-Fi or internet access. The commonly reported facilitator was convenience and having access to evidence-based medicine, clinical decision-making support, and a wide array of apps.

CONCLUSIONS

Smartphones and mobile apps were used for communication, medical education and training, clinical decision-making, and drug compendia in most studies. Although the benefits of smartphones and mobile apps for physicians at work were promising, there were concerns about patient privacy and confidentiality. Legislation is urgently needed to protect the liability of health care professionals using smartphones.
US Adults Practicing Healthy Lifestyles Before and During COVID-19: Comparative Analysis of National Surveys (Preprint)
Authors: Tam Hon Lon , Chair Sek Ying , Leung Isaac Sze Him , Leung Leona Yuen Ling , Chan Alex Siu Wing
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Practicing healthy lifestyles can reduce the risk to develop noncommunicable diseases and the related mortality. Studies showed that practicing healthy lifestyles could enhance disease-free life expectancy and preserve bodily functions. However, engagement in healthy lifestyle behavior was suboptimal.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to define individuals’ lifestyle characteristics before and during COVID-19 and determine the factors associated with practicing a healthy lifestyle. This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2019 and 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys.

METHODS

US individuals aged ≥18 years were interviewed via phone call. Healthy lifestyles were assessed through corresponding questions regarding the maintenance of optimal body weight, physical activity, daily consumption of at least five portions of fruits and vegetables, current smoking status, and alcohol consumption. Missing data were imputed using a package in the R statistical software. The effects of practicing a healthy lifestyle on cases without missing data and those with imputation were reported.

RESULTS

There were 550,607 respondents (272,543 and 278,064 from 2019 and 2021, respectively) included in this analysis. The rates of practicing a healthy lifestyle were 4% (10,955/272,543) and 3.6% (10,139/278,064) in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Although 36.6% (160,629/438,693) of all 2021 respondents had missing data, the results of the logistic regression analysis for cases without missing data and those with imputation were similar. Of the cases with imputation, women (odds ratio [OR] 1.87) residing in urban areas (OR 1.24) with high education levels (OR 1.73) and good or better health status (OR 1.59) were more likely to practice healthier lifestyles than young individuals (OR 0.51-0.67) with a low household income (OR 0.74-0.78) and chronic health conditions (OR 0.48-0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

A healthy lifestyle should be strongly promoted at the community level. In particular, factors associated with a low rate of practice of healthy lifestyles should be targeted.
Production, purification and characterization of chitinase from Micromonospora sp. AR17
Authors: Harvinda Yohanes , Ustadi Ustadi , Putra Masagus Muhammad Prima
Published: March 2023

N‐acetylglucosamine (NAG) is the monomer product of chitin, which has been widely used as a bioactive com‐ pound in applications such as anti‐tumor, anti‐microbial, and antioxidant activities. In production, biological processes using enzymes are preferable to chemicals due to environmental issues. This study aims to determine the activity, purity level, and molecular weight of purified chitinase from Micromonospora sp. AR17 determines the concentration of NAG produced by purified chitinase that has been characterized. Chitinase was produced by fermentation in colloidal chitin broth at 40 °C, pH 7, for 7 days, while chitinase activity was checked every 24 h. The optimal fermentation time was used to produce chitinase for a further purification step. Enzyme purification was carried out by ultrafiltration, ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography (Q Sepharose Fast Flow), and gel filtration (Sephacryl S‐300). The purified enzyme was then char‐ acterized for optimum time, pH, and temperature to produce NAG. The results suggested that the fourth day was the optimal time for chitinase production, with chitinase activity of 0.0040 U/mL and a NAG concentration of 7.62 µg/mL. The purifica‐ tion step successfully increased the purity by 6.82 times with chitinase‐specific activity at 1.4648 U/mg. Production of NAG with purified chitinase produced a NAG concentration of 32.472 µg/mL with an incubation time of 30 min at 40 °C and pH 7.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Activities of Curcuma purpurascens Blume, A Review
Authors: Pramiastuti Oktariani , Wahyuono Subagus , Fakhrudin Nanang , Astuti Puji
Published: March 2023

Curcuma sp. is generally used for medicine, starch sources, preservatives, dyes and cosmetics. The use of Curcuma spp. for medical has increased because there have been many studies related to its active ingredients, such as flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, quinones, and terpenoids, as well as pharmacological activities, including wound healing, antioxidants, antifungal, anticancer, gastroprotective, and hepatoprotective. Curcuma purpurascens Blume is a species of Curcuma from family Zingiberaceae and used for traditional medicine. This article focuses on reviewing the literatures on C. purpurascens and discussing its morphology, phytochemical content, and pharmacological aspects. The method used to review this article was by exploring several databases such as Scopus, Pub Med, and Google Scholar to identify and download original articles and research journals related to the morphology, phytochemical content, and biological activity of Curcuma purpurascens Blume. The result of this review will later provide information about the uses and presence of Curcuma purpurascens Blume which is still rarely studied so further study related to its pharmacological activity tests and active compound as natural medicines can be explored.
Diversity of Fusarium Endophytes Isolated from Wild Bananas in Pandenglang, Indonesia
Authors: Maryani Nani , Yulianti Siti , Ramadhani Indriati , Khastini Rida Oktorida , Leksono Suroso Mukti
Published: March 2023

A group of Fusarium spp., in the Fusarium oxysporum species complex is known as pathogens on bananas, i.e., Fusarium wilt or Panama Disease. However, many Fusarium spp. are also known to be endophytes inside healthy banana plants and have been less explored and investigated. Fusarium endophytes have been demonstrated to be effective against the Fusarium pathogen that causes wilting in some crops such as tomatoes and watermelon. Thus, we explored endophytes Fusarium from local bananas in Pandenglang Banten for further use as biocontrol of Fusarium wilt. Four wild banana accessions were identified, from which 9 Fusarium isolates recovered from its pseudostems asymptomatic plants. All isolates were characterized based on their morphological characters and sequence of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene. These isolates belong to four complexes of Fusarium i.e. Fusarium equiseti species complex, Fusarium oxysporum species complex, Fusarium sambucinum species complex, and Fusarium solani species complex (currently described as Neocosmospora). Further study on molecular characterization of these isolates using specific genes and their potential antagonists of pathogens still needs to be discovered for other use as a biocontrol against Fusarium wilt.
Genetic Variation of Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) based on Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat
Authors: Putri Nabila Rizki Ananda , Kusnanda Prima Sekti , Angellya Bunga Finovel , Sartika Dian , Purnomo Purnomo , Daryono Budi Setiadi
Published: March 2023

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) is a Cucurbitaceae plant that has been widely cultivated in Indonesia. Butternut squash is known to have various cultivars. A new cultivar introduced by the Faculty of Biology UGM is named ‘Citra Laga’ which is expected to be able to compete with the imported cultivars. The number of cultivars within a species may indicate genetic variation. This research was conducted to observe genetic variation and the phenetic relationship between ‘Citra Laga’ and the imported butternut squash cultivars based on the molecular marker ISSR. The ISSR analysis between ‘Citra Laga’ and the imported cultivars showed an average low polymorphism rate by 18.61% with a high similarity percentage of 83.7%. Thus, it can be said that the genetic variation is low and ‘Citra Laga’ is not genetically much different from the imported cultivars.
ОДНОС НАСТАВНИКА ПРЕМА ИНОВИРАЊУ НАСТАВНЕ ПРАКСЕ: ПРОЦЕНЕ ИСТРАЖИВАЧА
Authors: Malinić Dušica , Đerić Ivana , Šefer Jasmina
Published: March 2023

The evaluations by researchers monitoring attitudes towards innovations among teacher groups were analyzed during the process of implementing innovations in one elementary school.  The teachersʼ attitudes towards innovative practice were evaluated from the following perspectives: (1) motivation of teacher groups to grasp and implement knowledge and skills acquired during the intervention,  (2) improvement of teacher groups in the area of knowledge and skills, (3) the role of researchers in enhancing motivation of teacher groups to change their practice, (4) the role of the teacher groups in motivating individuals to change practices (while working on  professional issues). Sixteen researchers/evaluators followed up six teacher groups during the intervention. The researchers had a double role. They were educators on the teacher training course and facilitators in the teacher working groups. A method of structured guided interviews was applied in the case follow up study. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed. The results show that the teacher groups manifested а moderate motivation in each of the following areas: implementing student group work, open ended tasks, creative play, student research activities and critical dialogue in class. After training, teacher skills in implementing the previously mentioned types of activities in class were significantly improved in all areas, but the greatest improvement was in the most unfamiliar area of open-ended tasks. The influence of the researches on the teacher groupsʼ motivation appears to be stronger than the influence of teacher groups on individuals. Suggestions were listed relating to the innovative process in class, from the perspectives of researchers/evaluators.
Portrait of psychological well-being in individuals who have coming out as gender dysphoria
Authors: Kuway Hana Gracya , Huwae Arthur
Published: March 2023

Choosing to be a gender dysphoria is quite difficult to voice yourself in behavior, expression, even in dress, good and bad responses always come. In Indonesia, it is still fairly sensitive to talk about gender deviation. Individuals who have been diagnosed as gender dysphoria by psychologists / psychiatrists could propably feel unconfortable in society. Some of them who have come out in the environment but have not been fulfilled in terms of psychological well-being due to several factors. Based on the phenomenon that occurs, researchers want to examine the portrait of psychological well-being, both through dimensions and factors in individuals who have come out as gender dysphoria. The method used in this study is qualitative descriptive phenomenology. The data collection process is carried out by using observations, interviews, and documents. Data analysis is performed using interactive data analysis methods. The results of this study show that in general gender dysphoria individuals who have come out have been fulfilled in the picture of psychological well-being for themselves and the surrounding environment, where it appears that participants have fulfilled the dimensions and factors of psychological well-being theory of Ryff and Keyes (1995). Researchers also found a new factor that affects psychological well-being, namely the self-love factor.
Distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal and nerve fibers in rat stomach in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus
Authors: Velickov Aleksandra , Petrovic Vladimir , Djordjevic Branka , Velickov Asen , Petrovic Aleksandar , Lazarevic Milica , Cvetkovic Julija
Published: March 2023

Diabetic peristalsis disorders are common complications in diabetes mellitus type 2. Disturbance of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) caused by metabolic changes in diabetes could explain the symptoms of diabetic gastroenteropathy. Although heterogenous interstitial cell types represent only 5% of the cell population of the muscle layer in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), they are important for conducting electrical signals and regulating muscle excitability. The aim of this study was to investigate the alterations of the myenteric and intramuscular ICCs in the gaster of rats with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2), as well as determine their distribution in relation to smooth muscle cells and enteric nerve structures. Male Wistar rats were used and DT2 was induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) application. The stomach specimens were exposed to type III transmembrane tyrosine kinase (c-KIT), neurofilament (NF-M) protein and desmin antibodies to investigate the ICC, enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells. Morphological changes of the cells were quantified by the numerical areal density of intramuscular ICC, the ICC score of myenteric ICC and the volume density of nerve fibers. In conclusion, a statistically significant decrease in the number of intramuscular ICC and myenteric ICC without nerve fiber loss were observed in all stomach regions in rats with STZ-NA-induced DMT2.
Long Noncoding RNA lncRHPL Regulates Hepatic VLDL Secretion by Modulating hnRNPU/BMAL1/MTTP Axis
Authors: SHEN Xuan , ZHANG Yajun , JI Xuetao , LI Bo , WANG Yuzhu , Huang Yun , ZHANG Xu , YU Jingxian , ZOU Ruihan , QIN Dongdong , ZHOU Hongwen , WANG Qian , LI John Zhong
Published: March 2023

Dysregulation of hepatic very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion contributes to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, such as Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hyperlipidemia. Accumulating evidence have suggested that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) had malfunctioning roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.  However, the function of lncRNAs in controlling hepatic VLDL secretion remains largely unillustrated. Here, we identified a novel long non-coding RNA, lncRHPL, which was liver-enriched, downregulated upon high fat diet feeding, and inhibited by oleic acid treatment in primary hepatocytes. With genetic manipulation in mice and primary hepatocytes, depletion of lncRHPL induces hepatic VLDL secretion accompanied with decreased hepatic lipid contents. Conversely, lncRHPL restoration reduces VLDL secretion with an increased lipid deposition in hepatocytes. Mechanistic analyses indicate that lncRHPL binds directly to heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein U (hnRNPU), thereby enhances its stability, and that hnRNPU can transcriptional activate Bmal1, leading to inhibition of VLDL secretion in hepatocytes. lncRHPL deficiency accelerates the protein degradation of hnRNPU and suppresses the transcription of Bmal1, which in turn activates VLDL secretion in hepatocytes. Taken together, lncRHPL is a novel suppressor of hepatic VLDL secretion. Activating the lncRHPL/hnRNPU/Bmal1/MTTP axis represent a potential strategy for the maintenance of intrahepatic and plasma lipid homeostasis. 