bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of plasma atherogenic index in predicting malignancy in the presence of Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System 3 (PI-RADS 3) prostate lesions
Authors: Senel Samet , Ceviz Kazim , Kasap Yusuf , Tastemur Sedat , Olcucuoglu Erkan , Uzun Emre , Polat Muhammed Emin , Koudonas Antonios
Published: September 2022

Purpose:The prevalence of the clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) among the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 3 cases is estimated to be 16%, which suggests that the indication for biopsy by the combined method may be further refined. Plasma atherogenic index (PAI) was shown to be positively correlated with the presence of malignity in patients with suspicious findings for renal cell cancer and colon cancer in reported studies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether there is an association with the presence of malignity in a patient with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible lesions, classified as PI-RADS 3 and PAI.
Methods:This retrospective study reviewed the data of 139 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided systematic and cognitive fusion prostate biopsy for PI-RADS 3 lesions in multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). The patients were divided to two groups as malign (n=33) and benign (n=106) according to pathology results. The association between age, body mass index [BMI], comorbidities, smoking status, prostate specific antigen [PSA], PSA density [PSAD], free/total PSA, prostate weight, lesion diameter, triglyceride value, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-Cholesterol value, PAI value data and presence of malignity were investigated by descriptive and multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created to evaluate the predictive role of the parameters and cut-off values were found.
Results: PSA, PSAD, lesion diameter and PAI value were statistically significantly higher in the malignant group compared to the benign group, the free/total PSA ratio was lower (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.025, p<0.001, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, PSA > 9.9 ng/ml (OR=4.579; 95% Cl=1.455-14.413; p=0.009), free/total PSA < 12.1% (OR=5.851; 95% CI=1.752-9.442; p <0.001), lesion diameter > 13.5 mm (OR=5.695; 95% CI=1.694-19.146; p=0.005) and PAI > 0.13 (OR=3.821; 95% CI=1.208-12084; p=0.022) were identified as independent risk factors for presence of prostate malignancy.
Conclusion: PAI demonstrated a strong association with PCa and additionally proved to be predictive in the discrimination between malignity positive and negative PI-RADS 3 lesions and it may be used as a predictive parameter in the decision of biopsy in patients with PI-RADS 3 lesions.
Efficacy of cooling + oral dexamethasone as primary prevention for hand-foot syndrome associated with liposomal doxorubicin
Authors: Nara Katsuhiko , Taguchi Ayumi , Yamamoto Takehito , Tsuruga Tetsushi , Tojima Yuri , Miyamoto Yuichiro , Tanikawa Michihiro , Sone Kenbun , Mori Mayuyo , Takada Tappei , Suzuki Hiroshi , Osuga Yutaka
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD)-induced hand-foot syndrome (HFS) frequently lowers the quality of life of ovarian cancer patients. Wrist and ankle cooling, having a limited preventive effect, has been the commonest supportive HFS care. In this study, we retrospectively assessed the primary preventive effect of a combination of cooling and oral dexamethasone therapy (cooling + oral Dex) on HFS.
Methods: This study is a single-arm retrospective, observational study. Recurrent ovarian cancer patients were administered PLD ± bevacizumab. We retrospectively examined the efficacy of hands and feet cooling (from the start of PLD to the end) + oral Dex (day 1-5: 8 mg/day, day 6, 7: 4 mg/day) for primary HFS prevention.
Results: This study included 74 patients. The initial dose of PLD was 50 mg/m2 and 40 mg/m2 for 32 (43.2%) and 42 (56.8%) patients, respectively. HFS of Grade ≥ 2 and Grade ≥ 3 developed in five (6.8%) and one (1.4%) patient(s), respectively. The incidence of ≥ Grade 2 and ≥ Grade 3 HFS was much lower than those reported in previous studies. Dose reduction was required in 13 patients (17.6%) mainly because of neutropenia or mucositis; there was no HFS-induced dose reduction. Meanwhile, PLD therapy was discontinued mainly because of interstitial pneumonia (4 patients) and HFS (one patient).
Conclusions: We demonstrated the efficacy of cooling and oral Dex as primary prevention for PLD-induced HFS. This combination therapy can be considered primary prevention for HFS in ovarian cancer patients on PLD.
Effective treatment of severe stenosis of the carotid and coronary arteries: A case study
Authors: Sugiyama Kayo , Ato Fuminori , Watanuki Hirotaka , Tochii Masato , Miyachi Shigeru , Matsuyama Katsuhiko
Published: September 2022

It is considered acceptable to conservatively manage coronary artery bypass grafting patients with carotid artery disease without the need for preoperative corrective carotid revascularization. However, in the present case, rapidly progressive stroke symptoms with penumbra shown in the arterial spin labeling, carotid artery stenting was performed successfully.
A New enhanced Fuzzy Support Vector Machine with Pinball Loss
Authors: Verma Ram Nayan , Srivast Rakesh , Subbarao Naidu ,   Dr. Gajendra Pratap Singh1
Published: September 2022

Abstract. The fuzzy support vector machine (FSVM) assigns each sample a fuzzy membership value based on its relevance, making it less sensitive to noise or outliers in the data. Although FSVM has had some success in avoiding the negative effects of noise, it uses hinge loss, which maximizes the shortest distance between two classes and is ineffective in dealing with feature noise near the decision boundary. Furthermore, whereas FSVM concentrates on misclassification errors, it neglects to consider the critical within-class scatter minimization. We present a Fuzzy support vector machine with pinball loss (FPin-SVM), which is a fuzzy extension of a reformulation of a recently proposed support vector machine with pinball loss (Pin-SVM) with several significant improvements, to improve the performance of FSVM. First, because we used the squared L2- norm of errors variables instead of the L1 norm, our FPin-SVM is a strongly convex minimization problem; second, to speed up the training procedure, solutions of the proposed FPin-SVM, as an unconstrained minimization problem, are obtained using the functional iterative and Newton methods. Third, it is proposed to solve the minimization problem directly in primal. Unlike FSVM and Pin-SVM, our FPin-SVM does not require a toolbox for optimization. We dig deeper into the features of FPin-SVM, such as noise insensitivity and within-class scatter minimization. We conducted experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets with various sounds to validate the usefulness of the suggested approach. Compared to the SVM, FSVM, and Pin-SVM, the presented approaches demonstrate equivalent or superior generalization performance in less training time.
Convolution-Based Approach for modeling the Paliperidone Extended Release and Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) PK of Once-, and Three-Monthly Products Administration and for Optimizing the Development of New LAI products
Authors: Gomeni Roberto , Bressolle-Gomeni Françoise
Published: September 2022

The aim of this paper was to develop a new modeling approach for describing the paliperidone PK resulting from the administration of extended-release once-a-day oral dose, and once- and three monthly long-acting injectable products and to compare the performances of this new approach to the traditional modeling strategy.
The results of the analyses indicated that the traditional and convolution-based models showed comparable performances in the characterization of the paliperidone PK. However, the convolution-based approach showed several appealing features that justify the choice of this modeling as a preferred tool for modeling LAI products and for deploying an effective model-informed drug development process (MIDD).
In particular, the convolution-based modeling can a) facilitate the development of in-vitro/in-vivo correlation, b) be used to identify formulations with optimal in vivo release properties, and c) be used for optimizing the clinical benefit of a treatment by supporting the implementation of integrated models connecting in-vitro and in-vivo drug release, in-vivo drug release to PK, and PK to PD and biomarker endpoints.
A case study was presented to illustrate the benefits and the flexibility of the convolution-based modeling outcomes. The model was used to evaluate the in-vivodrug release properties associated with a hypothetical once-a-year administration of a LAI product with the assumption that the expected paliperidone exposure during a 3-year treatment overlays the exposure expected after repeated administrations of a 3-month LAI product.
A mathematical modeling framework for deciphering the dynamics of tumour-immune interactions in presence of checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Sen Pramita , Ghosh Sushmit
Published: September 2022

Targeting checkpoint proteins expressed on surfaces of T cells as a consequence of sustained tumour antigen stimulation leads to reinvigoration of immune responses and durable clinical benefits in cancer patients. However, the therapeutic interventionsusing checkpoint inhibitors like anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 produce different outcomes in different individuals as a consequence of complex interactions between tumour antigens, immune cells and immune responses. Here a discrete time mathematical model is proposed for establishing the quantitative underpinningsof the tumour-immune interplay occurring during tumour growth. The mathematical motif succintlydescribes the tumour growth history with time, the dynamics of tumour antigens and effector T cells and emphasizes on the effect of primary immune responses alone and combination of primary and secondary immune responses on tumour regression. The model compares the tumour growth dynamics observed in persons lacking secondary immune responses with that observed in persons with both immune responses. The anti-tumour immune responses comprising the primary and secondary responses are downregulated by the checkpoint proteins like PD1 and CTLA4 upon continuous stimulation by tumour antigens. The anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 inhibitors inhibit the checkpoint proteins and re-strengthen the immune responses resulting in sustained tumour growth or elimination of the tumour. The model developed further forecasts the effect of variation in the strength of immune responses on tumour growth dynamics, and the various outcomes observed when the monotherapy or combination therapy is discontinued after a certain period of time. Further, the model predictions are used to explore the synergistic interactions between the inhibitors and report the maximum synergy achievable for the drug combination.
Enhancing chaos in multistability regions of Duffing map for an image encryption algorithm
Authors: Natiq Hayder , Roy Animesh , Banerjee Santo , Misra A. P. , Fataf N. A. A.
Published: September 2022

We investigate the dynamics of a 2D chaotic Duffing map that exhibits coexisting chaotic attractors and periodic orbits with a typical set of system parameters. Such unusual behaviors in low-dimensional maps are unacceptable, especially in the applications of chaos-based cryptography. To this end, the Sine-Cosine chaotification technique is used to propose a modified Duffing map in enhancing its chaos complexity in the multistable regions. Based on the enhanced Duffing map, a new image encryption algorithm is developed with the principles of confusion and diffusion. While in the former, hyperchaotic sequences are generated for scrambling of plain-image pixels, the latter is accomplished by the elliptic curves, S-box, and hyperchaotic sequences. Simulation results and security analysis reveal that the proposed encryption algorithm can effectively encrypt and decrypt various kinds of digital images with high-level security.
SBLMD - ANN – MOPSO based hybrid approach for determining optimum parameter in CNC milling
Authors: Mishra Rohit , Singh Bhagat
Published: September 2022

In the recent decades, researchers have proposed various techniques to mitigate chatter effects in milling operation. Still a robust methodology is yet to be developed that can suggest stability bounds pertaining to higher metal removal rate (MRR). In the present work, experimentally acquired acoustic signals in milling operation have been processed using a modified Spline Based Local Mean Decomposition (SBLMD) technique in order to extract tool chatter features. Further, six artificial neural network (ANN) training algorithms viz. Resilient Propagation (RP), Conjugate Gradient Based (CGP and SCG), Quasi-Newton Based (BFGS and OSS) and Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm (LM) has been used to train the acquired chatter vibration and metal removal rate data set. Over-fitting or under-fitting issues may arise from the random selection of a number of hidden neurons. The solution to these problems is also proposed in this paper. Among these training algorithms, suitable one has been selected and further invoked to develop prediction models of chatter severity and metal removal rate. Finally, multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) has been applied to optimize developed prediction models for obtaining an optimal range of input parameters pertaining to stable milling with higher productivity.
Identifying evolving priorities in national river governance from Parliamentary Questions
Authors: Azhoni Adani , Holman Ian , Grabowski Robert C.
Published: September 2022

Rivers and their surrounding land provide resources and services that result in trade-offs requiring legislative and institutional interventions, for which the perspectives of law-policymakers and their societal values and political expediencies play a major role in decision-making. This study critically evaluates the evolving land–river governance in large democratically elected governments with complex developmental priorities and how law-policymakers’ recognition of emerging issues of river management influences common pool environmental resources governance. We selected an emerging economy – India – and analysed Parliamentary Questions (PQs) between 1999 and 2020 using a mixed method approach. Conflicting priorities over economic development, pollution management, socio-cultural values and inter-state–centre issues shape the evolving priorities of land–river governance. A declining focus on large-scale dams coupled with increasing attention on inter-basin water transfers, river conservation and pollution abatement, demonstrates an evolution away from the earlier narrow view of rivers for irrigation and hydropower. Our analysis demonstrates how the priorities of law-policymakers and political expedience play a critical role in river governance and thereby provide important insights into common pool environmental resources governance for sustainable development while also identifying important knowledge gaps and suggesting scopes for interdisciplinary studies.
WDFY3-AS2: A Potential Prognostic Factor and Therapeutic Target
Related to Cancer
Authors: Mou Jie , Chen Jinlan , Wu Yinxin , He Yuequan , Zhou Gang , Yuan Chengfu
Published: September 2022

Background:

Abundant studies have shown that non-coding RNA is connected
with tumor cell growth, migration and invasion. As a newly discovered non-coding
RNA, WDFY3-AS2 has gradually emerged in the molecular mechanism of various tumors
and has a potential prospect as a biological indicator of tumor prognosis. This review
describes the pathophysiological mechanism and prognostic value of WDFY3-AS2
in different cancers.

Objective:

This review reveals the changes and roles of WDFY3-AS2 in many tumors
and cancers. The change of WDFY3-AS2 can be used as a cancer biomarker and plays
an important role in improving tumor growth, migration and invasion. WDFY3-AS2 is
unique because it can be considered a prognostic marker for many tumors and is of great
significance for clinical diagnosis and treatment. WDFY3-AS2 shows the potential prognostic
value and the prospect of therapeutic targets in various tumors.

Methods:

PubMed reviewed the related literature to analyze and summarize the regulatory
molecular mechanism of WDFY3-AS2 in various tumors and its value as a prognostic
indicator.

Results:

The abnormal expression of LncRNA WDFY3-AS2 in many cancers was connected
with the poor prognosis of cancer patients, including diffuse glioma, hepatocellular
carcinoma, ovarian cancer, esophageal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, Clear
Cell Renal Carcinoma, Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Lung adenocarcinoma,
which participated in the recovery of orthodontic teeth. WDFY3-AS2 has revealed the
cellular process of cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion.

Conclusion:

The molecular mechanism of LncRNA WDFY3-AS2 regulating tumor specifically
proves that WDFY3-AS2 has a good prospect in the biological index of prognosis
or clinical treatment target of cancer patients.
A Review on Traditional Anti-ulcer Medicinal Plants
Authors: Singh Ambrish K. , Shahzad Naiyer , Arun Priyamvada , Shukla Jyoti , Kumar Ajay , Nandi Manmath K. , Abduljaleel Zainularifeen , Al-Ghamdi Saeed S. , Alzahrani Abdullah R.
Published: September 2022

Traditional remedies have been used for generations to treat and maintain people's health and indigenous medicinal plants are an important part of this system, which, unlike western medicine, provides cures for practically all illnesses with no side effects. Such an ulcer is a chronic ailment that affects most of the world's population and has no absolute cure. An ulcer is the erosion of mucous lining in the gastrointestinal tract due to over secretion of HCl in the stomach, leading to inflammation and soreness. Consumption of highly spicy meals, an obese lifestyle, an unplanned diet, the use of excessive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, smoking, stress, an irregular sleep cycle, and regular alcohol consumption are all possible causes of ulcers. Ayurvedic and traditional medicine practitioners employ a variety of indigenous medicinal plants to cure ulcers. This review covers a wide variety of medicinal plants that may work as anti-ulcer and deserves more investigation.
Triacylglycerols are a Rich Source of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Red
King Crab Juveniles (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
Authors: Sikorskaya Tatyana V.
Published: September 2022

In the Sea of Japan and the Okhotsk Sea, the red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus
is the major commercial species of the crab. The crab is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids
(PUFAs). The composition of triacylglycerol (TG) molecular species in freshly collected juveniles
of P. camtschaticus has been determined for the first time. By supercritical fluid chromatography
with mass-spectrometry, 45 molecular species of TG were identified. Most of the molecular
species contained docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA;
20:5n-3), arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), and monounsaturated fatty acid 18:1. Thus, DHA,
EPA, and AA received from the diet are used to build phospholipids (PL) and also stored in TG
in P. camtschaticus juveniles. Therefore, the crab is a rich source of PUFAs, which are concentrated
both in structural PL and in reserve TG.
Orally Administered Curcumin Inhibits Breast Cancer In vivo and
Reduces Cell Proliferation In vitro in an Iron Dependent Manner
Authors: Inzunza-Soto Marce , Leal-León Emir , Vergara-Jiménez Marcela , López-Moreno Samuel , Cedano-Prieto Dora Maria , Franco Moises , Jiménez-Ferrer Jesús Enrique , Alegría Herrera Elian Yuritzi , Alvarez Jonathan Cortés , Alemán-Hidalgo David , Teran-Cabanillas Eli
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUNG:

Increased intracellular iron metabolism is a hallmark of breast cancer. Curcumin is an iron chelator with suggested anti-proliferative effects in breast cancer cell lines. However, preclinical studies in murine models are required to validate these important benefits

AIMS:

Therefore, this study was aimed to determine if the iron-chelating properties of curcumin are responsible for its anti-proliferative effect in breast cancer cells and to investigate the translation of this effect to in vivo models

METHODS:

For in vitro experiments, human MCF-7 and mouse 4T1 breast cancer cells were tested. Cell proliferation was assessed in presence and absence of different concentrations of FAC (ferric ammonium citrate) and curcumin. For in vivo studies, 4T1 cells were implanted into BALB/c mice. After tumor development, animals were divided into four groups (n=5); control, curcumin, optimized curcumin (OC) and chemotherapy group. Tumor volumes were calculated prior and posterior oral gavage treatments.

RESULT:

Curcumin inhibited cell proliferation in both MCF-7 and 4T1 cell lines in a seemingly iron-dependent manner. FAC addition inhibited the anti-proliferative effect exhibited by curcumin. Moreover, curcumin group showed a significantly decreased in tumor growth; interestingly, treatment with OC supplement induced the opposite effect.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that curcumin may have an important positive impact in breast cancer, due to its iron dependent anti-proliferative properties.
Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Emergency Department: High-
Volume vs. Low-Volume Peg Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: A
Randomized Trial
Authors: Saviano Angela , Petruzziello Carmine , Riccioni Maria Elena , Di Pumpo Marcello , Petrucci Martina , Brigida Mattia , Zanza Christian , Candelli Marcello , Franceschi Francesco , Ojetti Veronica
Published: September 2022

Background:

Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding (LGIB) is a common cause of
admission to the Emergency Department (ED). Early colonoscopy is the exam of choice for
evaluating LGIB, and an adequate colon cleansing is essential. High-volume solution 4L-PEG is
largely used, but it has some limitations. Low-volume solution 2L-PEG may improve patient’s
tolerability and compliance, reducing the time of administration and speeding up the exam.

Patients And Methods:

We conducted a randomized 1:1, prospective observational monocentric
study in 228 patients (144M/84F) with LGIB. 121 (69M/52F) received the High-Volume, while
107 (75M/32F) received Low-Volume. They completed a “satisfaction questionnaire” (taste and
smell, mood, time of taking, general experience). We collected the results of the Boston Bowel
Preparation Scale (BBPS) and the final diagnosis.
The study was retrospectively registered on clinicaltrial.gov with protocol number NCT0536
2227.

Results:

A mean value of BBPS 6,3 was achieved by both groups (p=0.57). Regarding smell,
taste, mood and time of taking (1 to 5), we do not find any statistically differences. The overall
satisfaction between the two preparations was 2.90 for low-volume compared to 3.17 for Highvolume
(p=0.06). No side effects were reported. The proportion of patients without an evident
source of bleeding was higher in High volume preparations compared to Low-volume (39% vs.
30%, respectively).

Conclusion:

Low volume bowel preparation showed the same efficacy and tolerability with
better satisfaction compared with high volume. Low-volume could represent an effective and
more desirable preparation for patients in the ED.

Clinical Trial Registration Number:

NCT05362227.
Perspective on Cav-1 for its Potential as Newer Therapeutics for
Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Pushpa Tryphena K. , Gupta Sunil Kumar , Srivastava Saurabh , Khatri Dharmendra Kumar , Singh Shashi Bala
Published: September 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease affecting
around 10 million people worldwide. Dopamine agonists that mimic the action of natural dopamine in
the brain are the prominent drugs used in the management of PD symptoms. However, the therapy is
limited to symptomatic relief with serious side effects. Phytocompounds have become the preferable
targets of research in the quest for new pharmaceutical compounds. In addition, current research is directed
towards determining a newer specific target for the better treatment and management of PD.
Cav-1, a membrane protein present on the caveolae of the plasma membrane, acts as a transporter for
lipid molecules in the cells. Cav-1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases,
like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), PD, etc. In this review, we have extensively discussed the role
of Cav-1 protein in the pathogenesis of PD. In addition, molecular docking of some selective phytochemical
compounds against Cav-1 protein (Q03135) was performed to understand their role. The best
phytochemical compounds were screened based on their molecular interaction and binding affinity
with the Cav-1 protein model.
Comparative Analysis of Cocoa Beans from Different Climatic Regions in Togo
Authors:   ISTOM, Kalnin Daniel
Published: September 2022

"In this study, we compare beans of Theobroma cacao from different climatic regions of Togo. Togo is a country in West Africa, in the Gulf of Guinea, located between the latitudes 6° and 11° north, it is therefore in the tropical equatorial zone. The country extends over 600km from north to south and 160km from west to east. This explains the diversity of climates within it. Indeed, it is possible to identify two distinct zones: a tropical Guinean climate with 4 seasons in the south and a Saudi climate with two seasons in the north. These differences in climates imply diversity in the composition of cocoa beans. Among the varieties present in Togo, the Forastero variety is in the majority, followed by Trinitatio. The Criollo variety is not very abundant. The composition can also be influenced by the genetic variety of cocoa beans that are used for chocolate production, growing conditions, and post-harvest techniques. The amount of triacylglycerol in cocoa beans can vary depending on its origin, environmental conditions, agricultural practices, and also post-harvest treatments. of the bean. The aim of the study is therefore to analyze and compare the different beans of different varieties of Theobroma cacao according to the climatic regions of Togo. We use Calorimetric analysis (DSC), Visual analysis (Cut Test), Sensory analysis using a test panel for the identification and differentiation of cocoa beans from different origins. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) allows for a determination of a rough lipid profile. The cut test allows the analysis of the fermentation during the post-harvest processes observing their coloration and compartmentalization, which are two characteristics fundamentally related to the chemical composition. Sensory analysis is used in conjunction with previous analyses, it allows to highlight correlations between observed physicochemical properties and sensory qualities analyzed."
Effect of Waxes on Oil Separation and Texture Properties of Peanut Butter
Authors:   North Carolina A&T State University, Ferdaus Md. Jannatul , Blount Rycal , Zauner Nathan , Silva Roberta
Published: September 2022

Peanuts have a nutrient-dense profile and are considered a great source of protein. They are largely consumed as commercially produced peanut butter. Currently, to avoid oil separation, hydrogenated and palm oils are added as a stabilizer, which increases the saturated fat percentages in peanut butter. This study aims to understand the impact of waxes and wax-oleogels on the oil separation and texture properties of peanut butter, and consequently, reduce the saturated fat content. In a preliminary test, three waxes (rice bran, beeswax, and carnauba) were added to natural peanut butter in different amounts (1%, 1.5%, and 2%). As a result, carnauba and rice bran waxes improved the rheological properties and decreased significatively (p >0.05) the oil separation after four weeks, with no significant difference (p >0.05) between the percentage of waxes. Thus, for the final test were chosen 1% of rice bran and carnauba waxes. Two types of peanut butter were produced, one natural peanut butter from roasted groundnuts and a second using peanut defatted flour and wax-based oleogel (containing 1% rice bran or carnauba waxes). The peanut butters were evaluated by their texture properties (firmness, spreadability, and adhesivity), oil content and oil separation. The both peanut butter were standardized to have approximately the same amount of oil and wax. The results showed that the spreadability was improved using 1% of both waxes (1218.0±92.1 for carnauba and 1999.1±72.0 for rice bran) compared to their control (340.7±11). The wax-oleogels added to the peanut flour also improved the spreadability (11730.8±248.7 for carnauba oleogel and 4787.4.1±101.8 for rice bran) compared to the control (2009.2±137.7). Rice bran and carnauba wax, significantly improve the texture properties and oil separation of butter from groundnut. This behavior was also observed with the addition of wax-based oleogel to peanut flour.
Effect of the Fat Content of Cream on the Physical Properties of Butter
Authors:   Utah State University, Jones Annalisa , Martini Silvana
Published: September 2022

Butter used in commercial pastry making is often extruded into sheets for better use in lamination. Butter extrusion can result in water loss, and the degree of water loss is affected by the physical properties of the butter, which in turn can be affected by the fat content of the cream. In this study, butter was made from creams with different amounts of fat (38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48%) to understand how physical properties of butter, including water loss, are affected by the cream’s fat content. Physical properties measured include solid fat content, melting profile, water droplets size, hardness, viscoelastic behavior, water content, and water loss. Significant differences were not identified between cream fat content levels in most of the physical properties. However, strong correlations were identified between water loss and fat content of cream, enthalpy, G’, delta, and water content. These correlations identified that increasing the fat content of the cream had a positive correlation with water loss and with water content. As determined in a previous study, water loss is highly correlated with water content. Water loss was also positively correlated with enthalpy and G’. A negative correlation was determined between water loss and delta. Overall, these results indicate that water loss increases with an increased fat content of cream (p-value: 0.01, r: 0.918), with higher water content in the butter (p-value: 0.001, r: 0.971) and with higher melting enthalpy (p-value: 0.004, r: 0.950) and delta (p-value: 0.001, r: 0.975) and a decreased G’ (p-value: 0.043, r: 0.826).
Pemberdayaan Perempuan Dalam Pengembangan Pariwisata Berdasarkan Hukum Adat Tenganan Pegringsingan Dan UNWTO
Authors: Fadli Mohammad , Sholehudin Miftahus , Liemanto Airin
Published: September 2022

This sociolegal research with an economic and sociocultural approach aims to analyze how the position of Adat Law in Tenganan Pegringsingan Bali with a patrilineal kinship system, places the role of women in overcoming sociocultural impacts, especially in the tourism sector which has fallen due to covid 19. The results show that as a specialized UN agency in the field of tourism, UNWTO is committed to enhancing the positive impact of tourism development on women’s lives, and, in so doing, contributing to the achievement of the Fifth Sustainable Development Goal: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”. Since 2007, UNWTO has been working, through its Ethics, Culture and Social Responsability Department, in partnership with UN Women and a range of external partners across the globe, to bring gender issues to the forefront of the tourism sector, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment and encouraging member states to mainstream gender issues in their respective tourism policies.
Kedudukan Dan Perlindungan Hukum Penyandang Disabilitas Dalam Pewarisan
Authors: Navisa Fitria Dewi
Published: September 2022

This research aims to whether in the legislation a person with a disability who is under guardianship is also a legal subject who has the right to obtain inheritance rights as an heir. This juridical normative research is intended to understand legal protection of civil rights for heirs (with disabilities) who are under guardianship. The results shows that if a person is not able to take care of himself, in this case is a person with a disability, then it is necessary to provide amnesty, because in the process of inheriting a person with a disability is considered incapable and his position is equal to an immature person, then the facilitator must be assisted to receive an inheritance, so that he does not lose the inheritance rights. Applications to become “curatele” can be submitted at the District Court / Religious Court for Muslims in their respective jurisdictions. In terms of obtaining the right to inherit, there are legal protection for the heirs of disabilities persons in the Private Law Act and Act Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities.
Preliminary User Evaluation of a New Dental Technology Virtual Simulation System: Development and Validation Study
Authors: Pang Mengwei , Zhao Xiaohan , Lu Daiyu , Dong Yihan , Jiang Lin , Li Jie , Ji Ping
Published: September 2022

Background

With the advancements in the dental health care industry, the demand for dental technicians has increased. Dental technicians should be thoroughly assessed and trained in practical skills and pass professional certification examinations to ensure that they are competent to work closely with dentists. Unfortunately, such training courses and tests are in short supply worldwide. The use of virtual simulation technology can help solve these problems.

Objective

This study presents a new strategic framework design for a certified dental technician practical examination called as the certified Objective Manipulative Skill Examination of Dental Technicians (OMEDT), which is based on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). We present the development and validation of the OMEDT system, a new virtual simulated training system, to meet the demands of the OMEDT framework. The combination of OMEDT and the OMEDT system can solve the complex problems encountered in the certified dental technician practical examination with excellent efficiency, high quality, and low cost.

Methods

The OMEDT framework design was constructed according to the OSCE guide and the Chinese vocational skill standards for dental technicians. To develop the OMEDT system, we organized a new framework based on the virtual learning network platform, the haptic feedback system, and the real-time dental training and evaluation system. The effectiveness evaluation of the OMEDT system was divided into 2 phases: in the first phase, 36 students were recruited to use the test module to finish the task and their performance data were collected and analyzed; and in the second phase, a questionnaire was administered to 30 students who used the system for their studies and graduation exams.

Results

The OMEDT and the corresponding skill training virtual simulation OMEDT system were developed, and preliminary user evaluation was performed to assess their effectiveness and usefulness. The OMEDT system was found to improve students’ practical skills by training with the evaluation results. In addition, several key research topics were explored, including the effects of positive feedback of the knowledge of results on the improvement of the students’ skill level and the common sense transformation of educators in the virtual simulation technology environment.

Conclusions

The development of OMEDT and the OMEDT system has been completed and their effectiveness has been verified.
A Bioinformatics Tool for Predicting Future COVID-19 Waves Based on a Retrospective Analysis of the Second Wave in India: Model Development Study
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Asghar Adil , Dwivedi Prakhar , Kumar Gopichand , Narayan Ravi K , Jha Rakesh K , Parashar Rakesh , Sahni Chetan , Pandey Sada N
Published: September 2022

Background

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, health policymakers globally have been attempting to predict an impending wave of COVID-19. India experienced a devastating second wave of COVID-19 in the late first week of May 2021. We retrospectively analyzed the viral genomic sequences and epidemiological data reflecting the emergence and spread of the second wave of COVID-19 in India to construct a prediction model.

Objective

We aimed to develop a bioinformatics tool that can predict an impending COVID-19 wave.

Methods

We analyzed the time series distribution of genomic sequence data for SARS-CoV-2 and correlated it with epidemiological data for new cases and deaths for the corresponding period of the second wave. In addition, we analyzed the phylodynamics of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in the Indian population during the study period.

Results

Our prediction analysis showed that the first signs of the arrival of the second wave could be seen by the end of January 2021, about 2 months before its peak in May 2021. By the end of March 2021, it was distinct. B.1.617 lineage variants powered the wave, most notably B.1.617.2 (Delta variant).

Conclusions

Based on the observations of this study, we propose that genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants, complemented with epidemiological data, can be a promising tool to predict impending COVID-19 waves.
Nigerian and Ghanaian young people’s experiences of care for common mental disorders in inner London: Protocol for a multimethod investigation (Preprint)
Authors: Isiwele Anthony , Rivas Carol , Stokes Gillian
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

A recent review in England revealed that CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) are still not responsive to the specific needs of Black young people and other minorities even in areas with ethnically diverse populations. They found that commissioners and service planners failed to engage with these young people and their families to understand their needs and expectations. Direct engagement with ethnic subgroups is a gap in knowledge that this study aims to address.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to engage NAGYP (Nigerians and Ghanaians young people) with experiences of care for common mental disorders in London to increase understanding of their needs and to give voice to their views and preferences. Their parents, carers and practitioners’ views will also be sought for service improvement.

METHODS

Three combined contemporary complementary methodologies - Thematic Content Analysis, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, and Intersectionality-Based Policy Analysis will be utilised across three comprehensive phases: (1) A scoping review where relevant themes will be critically analysed and will inform further phases of this study. Detailed mapping of community and mental healthcare services in 13 inner London boroughs to investigate what professionals actually do rather than what they say they do; (2) Scrutinises mental healthcare legislations, policies and procedures to undertake intersectionality multileveled analysis of power, models of care and constraints; (3) Representative n = 30 NAGYP participants aged 16 – 25 years old, n = 20 parents or carers, and n = 20 practitioners will be engaged.

RESULTS

The study has been approved by UCL Institute 0of Education Research Ethics Committee Z6364106/2022/02/28 (health research) and recruitment has begun in the 13 inner boroughs of London. Data collection through semi-structured interviews and focus groups are expected to be finalised by early 2024 and publish the study by early 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining multiple qualitative methodologies and methods will enable rigorous investigation into the lived experiences of NAGYP of care received for common mental disorder in London. Findings from this study may provide insight into what might contribute to reducing the negative connotations and harmful superstitions of mental health related issues, elicit evidence-based interventions, and preventive or early access to interventions. It could positively impact and might free-up some social resources that could be used to deal with problems resulting from mental illness such as school dropout, anti-social behaviours, knife crime, and juvenile detention centres
Electronic real-time monitoring reveals limited adherence to long-term opioid prescriptions in pain patients. (Preprint)
Authors: Houghton David , Merritt Christina , Miller Sierra , Hommel Jonathan , Cunningham Kathryn , Wilkes Denise
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Pain management physicians are increasingly focused on limiting unnecessary opioid prescribing and reducing harmful use, yet existing tools for monitoring opioid adherence have limited accuracy. Medication event monitoring systems (MEMS), such as “smart bottles”, are an emerging technology for tracking medication usage in real-time, but have not been tested in chronic pain patients on long-term opioid regimens.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a preliminary clinical trial to investigate the utility of MEMS for monitoring opioid adherence and compared to traditional adherence monitoring methods.

METHODS

Opioid-maintained patients (OMPs; n=28) were randomly assigned to either receive MEMS bottles containing their opioid medication for a 90-day period or track their own medication usage via self-report diaries. Additional data regarding physician-rated adherence and urine drug screen (UDS) results were collected.

RESULTS

OMPs who received MEMS demonstrated highly heterogenous dosing patterns, with a substantial number of patients rapidly using excessive amounts of medication and/or “stockpiling” unused medication. MEMS data did not correlate with physician-rated adherence (p = 0.24) and UDS results (p = 0.77). Our hypothesis that MEMS data would reveal greater non-adherence than self-report data was supported, as scores from MEMS were significantly lower than scores from diaries from participants in the MEMS condition (p < 0.001) as well as from participants in the control condition (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the stark contrast between traditional indices of opioid adherence and actual medication usage as well as underscore how real-time monitoring could be used to improve patient outcomes, minimize harm, and aid in clinical decision-making. The findings also demonstrate the limits in our understanding of naturalistic patterns of opioid medication use when administered as needed and the importance of future research on innovative technology-based strategies to limit opioid misuse and diversion.

CLINICALTRIAL

This study was preregistered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03752411).
Financial Analysis for the Community Forest of Herbs Agroforestry Pattern in Gerbosari Village Kulon Progo District
Authors: Arinah Hafizah , Andayani Wahyu , Purwanto Ris Hadi
Published: September 2022

This research aimed to assess the feasibility of herb agroforestry utilization in the community forest of Gerbosari Village, Kulon Progo. This research measured NPV (Net Present Value), Net B/C (Net Benefit-Cost Ratio), IRR (Internal Rate of Return), and AEV (Annual Equivalent Value) as the financial feasibility criteria. A stratified sampling method was employed in which sixty farmers were classified into three strata based on the size of their lands. Based on the financial feasibility analysis, in stratum I, the values of the criteria measured were NPV of IDR15,757,980.56/ha/25 years, Net B/C of 1.62, IRR of 22.12%, and AEV of IDR1,296,647.20/year. In stratum II, the values of criteria measured were NPV of IDR14,255,408.39/ha/25 years, Net B/C of 1.76, IRR of 23.78%, and AEV of IDR1,173,007.88/year. Finally, in stratum III, the criteria measured were NPV of IDR19,444,703.86/ha/25 years, Net B/C of 2.21, IRR of 32%, and AEV of IDR1,600,009.64/year. The results suggest that herb agroforestry plays an important role in farmers' livelihood particularly as a source of income in both the short and long terms. The herb agroforestry utilization contributes positively to the economy of Gerbosari Village, Kulon Progo District.
The Patterns of Law Enforcement on Eradicating Illegal Activities to Protect Sumatran Tiger Habitat in Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation, Bukit Barisan National Park
Authors: Firmansyah Ardi Bayu , Imron Muhammad Ali , Wibowo Richo Andi , Mukti Guntur Wibawa , Risgianto Risgianto , Herawati Maria Edna
Published: September 2022

Law enforcement plays a vital role to prevent the extinction of endangered species, including the Sumatran tiger. We investigated the roles of private sector involvement in Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation (TWNC) for supporting law enforcement by Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) agencies. We explored the relationship between law enforcement in the environment and forestry on illegal activities within the habitat of the Sumatran tiger in the TWNC area. We collected data on law enforcement and illegal activities during the period of 2000-2018 from BBSNP and TWNC management through secondary data and conducted semi-structured interviews with selected persons, including managers and staff. Additional data on illegal activities data was also obtained through the SMART programme. Our study showed that law and non-law enforcement approaches on environment and forestry during 2001-2018 reduced illegal activities within the TWNC area. However, the approach was not effective to reduce illegal activities if not implemented synergistically. This was evidenced by the guard posts burning case in the TNWC area. We highlighted that the law and non-law enforcement approach on environment and forestry must be implemented involving more synergy ways to reduce illegal activities in the habitat of Sumatran tiger in TWNC.
Physical and Chemical Properties Improvement of Soils from Progo River Estuarine after Rehabilitation using Sonneratia sp
Authors: Faridah Eny , Prehaten Daryono , Koranto Cahyono Agus Dwi , Atmanto Winastuti Dwi , Supriyo Haryono , Nurjanto Handojo Hadi
Published: September 2022

Mangrove planting in Progo River Esturaine in Kulon Progo was hindered by its marginal conditions, where the land was dominated by very dynamic sandy substrat. This condition has caused the growth of various planted mangrove seedlings by Forestry UGM team (2015-2016) was very low. Nevertheless, it was found that Sonneratia can grow well in the location. It was expected that Sonneratia can improve site condition so it became suitable for the growth of other mangrove species. This research aimed to assess soil properties of Progo River estuarine after  rehabilitation using Sonneratia. Characterisation of soil physical (texture) and chemical (salinity, pH, and soil organic matter) properties were conducted in the Laboratory of Tree Physiology and Forest Soil, Faculty of Forestry UGM. Soil samples were collected from Sonneratia plant area in various growing conditions. The results showed that growth of Sonneratia affected soil physical properties particularly increasing the proportion of clay and silt, but not soil texture class. In general, more proportion of clay and sand were detected in the bigger Sonneratia plants and in the outer section of root system. The growth of Sonneratia also affected soil chemical properties particularly soil organic matter but not soil pH and salinity.