bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyphenols and oral health
Authors: Nikita Lolayekar  , Chaitanya Shanbhag
Published: September 2022

Polyphenols (PPs) are reactive metabolites abundant in plant derived foods, especially fruits, seeds and leaves. Polyphenols exert preventive activity against infectious and degenerative diseases including oral diseases. Objective: This non-systematic review discusses the preventive activity of PPs in the diet against oral diseases as well as their limitations. Literature review: Relevant references have been used to summarize the beneficial effects of PPs in our diet and to understand why they are receiving increasing interest from health professionals for potential clinical use, as well as food manufacturers and consumers alike. Conclusion: Better knowledge of dietary polyphenols could offer a very economical public health intervention in maintaining oral health.
Anti-nucleolin Aptamer as a Boom in Rehabilitation of Breast Cancer
Authors: Janani S.K. , Dhanabal S.P. , Sureshkumar Raman , Nikitha Upadhyayula Sai Surya
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It’s important to target the complex pathways using a suitable targeted delivery system. Targeted delivery systems can effectively act on cancer cells and lead to the annihilation of tumor proliferation. They mainly employ targeting agents like aptamers linked to the formulation. Based on the expression of the receptors on the surface of the cancer cells, suitable aptamers can be developed. AS1411 is one such aptamer that has the ability to bind to the over-expressed nucleolin present in breast cancer cells. Nucleolin is a phosphoprotein that is involved in various aspects like cell growth, differentiation and survival. Mostly they are found in the nucleolus, nucleus, cytoplasm and cell surface. The shuttling effect of the nucleolin between nucleus and cytoplasm serves as a bonus for the AS1411 aptamer. Because of the shutting effect the internalization of the drug compound or chemotherapeutic drug inside the cell can be achieved. In this article, we have discussed about nucleolin, anti-nucleolin aptamer, namely, AS1411, and its application in exhibiting various anticancer activities including apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastasis, stimulation of tumor suppressor (i.e P53) and inhibition of tumor inducer. Further, the ways of internalization namely macropinocytosis is also discussed. Additionally, we have also discussed about the superiority of the aptamer compared to the antibodies. As well as the limitations of the aptamers are also discussed. By considering all above parameters, we hope this aptamer will be effective in the management and eradication of breast cancer cells.
Network Pharmacology Study on the Mechanism of Gastrodin Reversing
Depressive Symptoms in Traumatically Stressed Rats
Authors: Zhao Ruodan , Li Xie , Zhang Haizhu , Chen Xubing , Wang Ying
Published: September 2022

Background:

Depression is a typical outcome of the repair of posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). Based on network pharmacology and neuropharmacology experiments, this study
aimed to explore how gastrodin (GAS) reverses depressive symptoms in traumatically stressed rats.

Methods:

GAS-related targets were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction; depression-related targets
were collected from GeneCards and therapeutic target database (TTD); protein-protein interaction
(PPI) network was constructed with its action mechanism being predicted by gene ontology (GO)
analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment. The animal model of
PTSD was replicated by single prolonged stress (SPS). The antidepressant effect of GAS was investigated
by the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The levels of tyrosine hydroxylase
(TH) and corticotropin-releasing factor type I receptor (CRF1) in locus ceruleus (LC) and the
expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus
(PVN) and central amygdala (CeA) were measured by immunofluorescence.

Results:

GAS significantly shortened the tail suspension and swimming immobility in SPS rats in
TST and FST experiments (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The network analysis showed that the critical antidepressant
targets of GAS were 86 targets such as GAPDH, CASP3 MMP9, HRAS, DPP4, and
TH, which were significantly enriched in the pathways such as pathways neuroactive ligandreceptor
interaction. High doses of GAS could significantly reduce the level of TH and CRF in CEA
in the brain of rats with depressive symptoms (p < 0.01) and, at the same time, lower the expression
of CRF in PVN (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The effect of GAS on depressive symptoms in SPS rats may be closely related to its
reduction of CRF expression in PVN and CeA and inhibition of neuron (NE) synthesis in LC.
Baseline Plasma BDNF Levelsare Associated with Antianhedonic Effects of
Repeated-Dose Intravenous Ketamine in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Zheng Wei , Gu Limei , Zhou Yanling , Wang Chengyu , Lan Xiaofeng , Zhang Bin , Li Zezhi , Ning Yuping
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

Evidence has shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated
with anhedonia symptoms in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients, while the rapid antianhedonic
effects of ketamine may occur independently of depressive symptoms. To our knowledge, the relationship
between plasma BDNF (pBDNF) and the effect of repeated-dose intravenous ketamine on anhedonic
symptoms has not been investigated.

Methods:

Seventy-five Chinese individuals with MDD received ketamine treatments. Anhedonia and
pBDNF concentrations were evaluated with a subscale of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating
Scale (MADRS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at baseline, day 13 and day 26.

Results:

Baseline pBDNF levels were associated with changes in anhedonic symptoms on day 13
(r=0.30, P=0.008). Interestingly, pBDNF concentrations were associated with changes in anhedonia
symptoms on day 26 (r= -0.32, P=0.02). Baseline pBDNF levels were higher in antianhedonic responders
than in antianhedonic nonresponders (F=4.2，P=0.04). Ketamine reduced anhedonia symptoms
in antianhedonic responders compared to nonresponders on days 13 and 26 (all Ps<0.05). The
baseline high BDNF group had a lower level of anhedonia than the low BDNF group on days 13
(P<0.001) and 26 (P=0.01).

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that baseline pBDNF concentrations may predict the antianhedonic
effect in individuals with MDD treated with repeated doses of ketamine.

Clinicl Trial Registration Number:

ChiCTR-OOC-17012239.
Targeting the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) for Neuropsychiatric
Disorders
Authors: de Miranda Aline Silva , Macedo Danielle S. , Rocha Natalia P. , Teixeira Antonio L.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Neuropsychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s
disease (AD) and related dementias, are associated to significant morbidity and mortality
worldwide. The pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders remain to be fully elucidated,
which has hampered the development of effective therapies. The Renin Angiotensin System
(RAS) is classically viewed as a key regulator of cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. The discovery
that RAS components are expressed in the brain pointed out a potential role for this system in central
nervous system (CNS) pathologies. The understanding of RAS involvement in the pathogenesis of
neuropsychiatric disorders may contribute to identifying novel therapeutic targets.

Objective:

We aim to report current experimental and clinical evidence on the role of RAS in physiology
and pathophysiology of mood disorders, schizophrenia, AD and related dementias. We also aim to
discuss bottlenecks and future perspectives that can foster the development of new related therapeutic
strategies.

Conclusion:

The available evidence supports positive therapeutic effects for neuropsychiatric disorders
with the inhibition/antagonism of the ACE/Ang II/AT1 receptor axis or the activation of the
ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis. Most of this evidence comes from pre-clinical studies and clinical
studies lag much behind, hampering a potential translation into clinical practice.
Mechanotransductive Receptor Piezo1 as a Promising Target in the
Treatment of Neurological Diseases
Authors: Bryniarska-Kubiak Natalia , Kubiak Andrzej , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka
Published: September 2022

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the role of physical factors in biological
processes. This direction was ultimately confirmed by the recent 2021 Nobel Prize in medicine and
physiology awarded in ½ to Ardem Patapoutian for his discovery of Piezo1 and Piezo2 mechanosensitive
receptors. Among them, Piezo2 is responsible for sensing touch, while Piezo1 is engaged in a variety
of mechanotransduction events. Piezo1 is expressed in various central nervous system cells,
while its expression may be affected in the course of various pathological conditions. Recently, thanks
to the development of Piezo1 modulators (i.e. Yoda1, Jedi1/2 and Dooku2), it is possible to study the
role of Piezo1 in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases including ischemia, glioma, and
age-related dementias. The results obtained in this field suggest that proper modulation of Piezo1 receptor
might be beneficial in the course of various neurological diseases.
Mesenchymal Cells are a Promising -But Still Unsatisfying- Anti-
Inflammatory Therapeutic Strategy for Osteoarthritis: A Narrative
Review
Authors: Rosini Sergio , Saviola Gianantonio , Comini Laura , Molfetta Luigi
Published: September 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease with both degenerative and inflammatory charac-teristics, affecting the osteochondral unit with the involvement of cartilage, subchondral bone and periarticular tissues. OA can produce chronic pain with neuropathic and inflammatory characteris-tics, leading to an increased disability. OA is secondary to many predisposing factors where the inflammatory process plays a key role. To manage OA, it would seem logical to block the factors influencing the inflammatory process at different levels, T lymphocytes, neutrophils, and the balance between phenotype-1 macrophages (M1, pro-inflammatory) and phenotype-2 macrophages (M2 anti-inflammatory), the managing cells. The efforts to repair and rebuild the lost cartilage and the attempts to implant autologous or heterologous material, with or without growth factors and the administration of drugs or the use of medical devices, have failed their objective. TNF-alpha and IL-1 inhibitors can only have a transient effect on pain; intra-articular oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins are able to stimulate the activation of M2, while growth factors need to be better investigated. Also, intra-articular injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can inhibit the proliferation of T-lymphocytes, leading to cartilage repair and to osteophytes inhibition thanks to the release of exosomes, nanosized particles which are the active components. Gut microbiota has a potential role in the development of OA and could be able to influence the response to therapeutic agents.
Emphysematous Osteomyelitis: Novel Use of PET-MRI and a Review of
Characteristic Imaging Findings
Authors: Purohit Kush , Shen Beiyi , Bravo-Martinez Alvaro , Halterman Justin , Mufti Musa
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Emphysematous osteomyelitis (EO) is an extremely rare bone infection by gas-forming bacteria with few documented cases in the literature. Our study aims to highlight characteristic imaging features, including the novel use of positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) in the diagnosis of this potentially fatal entity.

Case:

Radiography and computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis were performed due to complaints of persistent back pain in a 36 year old male with history of recent abdominal aorta surgery. Sacroiliac joint aspiration was performed and a follow-up PET-MRI was subsequently performed.
Results: Radiography and CT demonstrated bilateral sacroiliitis, osteonecrosis and EO in the bony pelvis. Left sacroiliac joint aspiration identified Staphylococcus aureus as the causative organism. PET-MRI revealed EO with left iliopsoas abscess and abdominal aortic graft infection. The patient's symptoms resolved following antibiotic therapy and image-guided abscess drainage.

Conclusion:

EO is a lethal variant of osteomyelitis with a dearth of published cases. Pertinent imaging characteristics of EO on radiography, CT and PET-MRI are discussed here, along with a review of the literature surrounding this rare condition.
Predictive Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Multi-parametric Analysis
for Malignant Transformation of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma: A
Comprehensive Prediction Model
Authors: Zhang Duo , Zhang Jianjun , Zhou Jin , Xu Jine , Guo Ying , Zhang Zhigang , Liu Yang , Chen Yang , Wang Shumei , Liu Chong
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Accurate preoperative prediction of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) malignant transformation is essential and challenging. In this study, 3.0T magnetic resonance was used for qualitative, quantitative, and multi-parametric analysis to evaluate the predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in malignant transformation.

Methods:

The data of patients with SNIP (n=83) or SNIP-transformed squamous cell carcinoma (SNIP-SCC) (n=21) were analysed retrospectively. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to establish models to predict the risk factors for the malignant transformation of SNIP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the ability of independent risk factors and related combination models to predict malignant transformation of SNIP.

Result:

Convoluted cerebriform pattern (CCP) mutation, apparent diffusion coefficient ratio (ADCr), and wash-in index (WII) 2 and 3 were independent risk factors for predicting malignant transformation of SNIP, with area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of 0.845, 0.862, 0.727, and 0.704, respectively. The AUC of the quantitative parameter model combined with ADCr and WII 2 and 3 was 0.910 for diagnosing malignant transformation. The AUC of the comprehensive model comprising all independent risk factors was 0.937, with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 90.48%, 90.36%, and 92.31%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Compared with assessing independent risk factors of CCP mutation, ADCr and WII, and the quantitative parameter model, the comprehensive model could improve the differential diagnosis ability of SNIP and SNIP-SCC, which provides an important imaging basis for the possible accurate preoperative evaluation of malignant transformation of SNIP.
Development and Validation of Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for
the Estimation of Fisetin in Novel Cubosomal Nanoformulation: Application
to the Marketed Formulation and Selected Plant Extracts
Authors: Jalalpure Sunil , Kurangi Bhaskar , Kedar Tukaram , Kazi Taufik
Published: September 2022

Background:

Fisetin (FIS) is a bioactive flavonoid found in various plants, reported for
many pharmacological activities, and presently marketed as a nutraceutical. To overcome less water
solubility and bioavailability issues, FIS cubosomal nanoformulation has been prepared and characterized.

Objective:

To estimate FIS in prepared novel cubosomes, an RP-HPLC analytical method development
with the most sensitivity, economical, robust, and wide applicability in marketed FIS formulations
and plant extracts also.

Method:

An RP-HPLC method was developed and validated as per ICH Q2R1 guidelines by using
C-18 Phenomenex Luna 5μ, 100A0 column, LC-20 AD pump, and Shimadzu LC solution 1.25 software.
The combination of acetonitrile and formic acid (0.1%v/v) in the ratio of 25:75 v/v was used as
a mobile phase for chromatographic separation using a PDA detector at 360 nm and a flow rate of 1
ml/min.

Results:

The developed method was remarkably linear in the range of 0.1 to 16 μg/ml (R2 ˃ 0.999).
This method was found to be accurate (recovery 98.24 to 100.65 %), precise, robust (% RSD ˂ 2), and
more sensitive than the earlier reported method with LOD and LOQ values of 17.26 and 52.31 ng/ml,
respectively. The FIS estimation was also performed using the developed method in the marketed FIS
formulation Doctor’s Best ® Fisetin, and different plant extracts such as strawberry, grapes, black tea,
and green tea. The forced degradation study suggests that FIS was unstable in alkaline and oxidative
stress conditions.

Conclusion:

For FIS estimation in cubosomal nanoformulation, a widely applicable, novel, robust,
most sensitive, and economical RP-HPLC method was developed and validated and also applied to
marketed formulations and plant extracts.
Energy Harvesting from Ambient Vibration at Low Force/Acceleration
Input
Authors: Zarog Musaab
Published: September 2022

Background:

Ambient vibration is a promising source to provide low-power electronic devices with energy. The piezoelectric direct effect is widely used to generate energy from mechanical stress. Generating sufficient power in milliwatts is often obtained with input acceleration greater than 1g (9.81 m/s2)

Aim:

In this work, the author demonstrated that low acceleration (between 0.1g and 0.9 g) vibration sources can be utilized to generate a satisfactory level of electric power.

Method:

A low pre-stress was introduced by fixing the piezo structure to the shaker using adhesive tape. the driving force which was less than 0.06 N. The harvester was tested at a vibration frequency of 173 Hz.

Result:

The maximum power of 1.5 mW was achieved when the harvester resistance matches the load resistance value. At maximum harvested power, the efficiency was found to be 1.6.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that prestreseed piezoceramics is good candidate for vibration energy harvesting.
Regenerative Medicine and Interventional Endoscopic Pain Surgery for Degenerative Conditions of the Spine
Authors: Dowling Álvaro , Vera Juan Carlos , Lewandrowski Kai-Uwe
Published: September 2022

Regenerative medicine is a subspecialty of medicine that seeks to recruit and enhance the body's own inherent healing armamentarium in the treatment of patient pathology. In regenerative spine care, the intention is to assist in the repair and potentially replace or restore damaged tissue through autologous or allogenic biologics. In the authors' opinion, future spine care will likely evolve into a blend of prevailing strategies from interventional pain management and minimally invasive spine surgery. This form of spine care nowadays is commonly called interventional pain surgery. The interest in regenerative medicine in general and in interventional pain surgery of the spine is growing given the high patient awareness of problems with traditional spine surgery, whose focus is on decompression of pinched nerves and correction of spinal instability and deformity. However, reoperation- and complication rates are high with those open corrective spine surgeries as many of the spine's degenerative conditions are being only treated surgically when the disease has progressed to its end-stage. The sole application of image-based medical necessity criteria for surgical intervention in the spine seems slightly out of step with the growing demand for less aggressive and burdensome procedures that could perhaps be instituted earlier in the disease process where the goal is to heal the spinal injury or repair damage from the degenerative process more naturally. In this chapter, the authors review and discuss the current state of the art in regenerative biologic therapies and interventional pain care of the spine from their perspective as endoscopic spine surgeons. Simplifying therapeutic measures and strategies are at the heart of what patients request of us as surgeons. This field's applications in modern spine care are clearly in their infancy, except for fusion. The authors will discuss potential applications of select advanced biologics technologies and their attempts at integrating them into their endoscopic spinal stenosis surgery program to treat degenerative spinal disease and instability-related symptomatic end-stage degenerative vacuum disc disease in the elderly.
Clear and Transparent Methyl Ester Sulphonate Micellar Systems for Mild Hair Shampoo Applications
Authors:   KLK OLEO, Tan Emily , Danov Krassimir ,   Sofia University, Stanimirova Rumyana ,   Sofia University, Kralchevsky Peter ,   Sofia University, Slavova Tatiana ,   Sofia University, Yavrukova Veronika ,   Sofia University, Ung Yee Wei ,   KLK OLEO, Xu Hui ,   KLK OLEO, Petkov Jordan ,   KLK OLEO, Cheong Ai Mun ,   KLK OLEO
Published: September 2022

"Methyl ester sulphonates (MES), which are produced from renewable vegetable oil-based materials and have an ISO 16128 natural origin index of 0.84, are promising new surfactants for conditioning hair shampoos. Previous studies have shown that MES has low skin irritation potential (i.e., mild to the skin), provides easier deposition of conditioning agents compared to sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES), and readily delivers desired rheology profiles. A drawback of MES is that it has poor solubility at low temperatures. The Krafft temperatures (TK) of MES-C16 and MES-C18 are 28 °C and 41 °C, respectively, which can be lowered substantially by using eutectic mixtures of MES-C16 and MES-C18; for example, MES-C16/C18 (3:1, w/w) has a TK of 15 °C. At temperatures below 15 °C, all mixtures of MES-C16 and MES-C18 are turbid due to the formation of MES crystals, and phase separation could occur during long-term storage. The solubility of MES could be further improved by incorporating the MES molecules into the micelles of other surfactants. In this study, the solubility of MES in pure water at 5 °C in the presence of alkyl polyglucosides (APG) was investigated. The results showed that the solubility of MES improved by > 28 times in the presence of APG at low total surfactant concentrations and predicts that at higher total surfactant concentrations, solutions of MES and APG will remain transparent at 5 °C when the weight fraction of MES-C16, MES-C18, MES-C16/C18 (80:20), and MES-C16/C18 (60:40) are below 28 %, 15 %, 35 %, and 38 %, respectively. Predictions for MES-C16/C18 (80:20) and MES-C16/C18 (60:40) were verified using 25 % total surfactant concentration and storage at 5 °C for 12 weeks. MES/APG-based surfactant systems have promising potential in hair shampoo applications, because both surfactants have low skin irritation potentials and are produced from renewable raw materials."
Novel Encapsulated Ionic Liquid Analogous for Free Fatty Acid Conversion to Fatty Acid Methyl Ester
Authors:   International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Mirghani Mohamed , Hayyan Adeeb ,   University of Malaya, Hizaddin Hanee ,   Universiti Malaya, Hamid Mahar Diana ,   Universiti Malaya, Saleh Jehad ,   King Saud University, Zulkifli M.Y. ,   Universiti Malaya, Al Abdulmonem Waleed ,   Qassim University, Alhumaydhi Fahad ,   Qassim University, Aljohani Abdullah ,   Qassim University
Published: September 2022

The development of an efficient and green catalyst can be considered as a major contribution for the esterification of free fatty acid (FFA) in non-edible oil feedstocks. The DES was encapsulated in medical capsules for esterification of free fatty acid. The DES was synthesized from allyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (Allyl) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). The FFA content was reduced to < 2 % under optimum conditions (catalyst dosage 2% (wt/wt) catalyst to oil, 10:1 molar ratio of oil to methanol at 60 °C for 60 min reaction time). The formation of a eutectic mixture endows the catalyst with advantages for esterification reaction such as improvements in recyclability and hygroscopicity of PTSA.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ROOF DECORATIVE ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS OF RUMAH LIMAS BUMBUNG PERAK (RLBP) TOWARDS HERITAGE INTERPRETATION OF PERAK TENGAH
Authors: Abdul Halim Choo Iryani , Abdul Rashid Mohd Sabrizaa , Alaudin Kartina , Jamaludin Nazrul Helmy
Published: September 2022

Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) is one of the traditional Malay houses of Perak that can be seen in Perak Tengah. Perak Tengah is one of the regions in Perak with a rich collection of historical remnants such as traditional houses, tombs, and arts and crafts. The cultural heritage value it has is highly potential to be highlighted that can help boost the area's rural tourism. However, the lack of heritage interpretation due to limited research has disabled the effort to promote the rural heritage of Perak Tengah. Therefore, this research aims to understand and interpret the roof decorative architectural components of one of the traditional Malay houses of Perak, which is the RLBP, as part of the tangible heritage of Perak Tengah. Data collection was conducted using multiple case studies. A total of 20 roof decorative architectural components of RLBP have been analysed in the data analysis. The findings of this research contribute toward establishing the character and identity of the decorative architectural components of the RLBP as one of the tangible heritage values of Perak Tengah, thus enhancing the heritage interpretation of the area.
INTERPRETATION OF HERITAGE SITE: VISITORS’ SATISFACTION ON THE INTERPRETIVE EXHIBITS IN DATARAN BANDAR
Authors: Wan Shamsuddin Wan Iskandar Zulkarnain , Said Shahrul Yani , Harun Siti Norlizaiha
Published: September 2022

Interpretation of a building or a site could be made easier using interpretive exhibits. While protecting the built heritage and conserving the traditional and cultural values present a real challenge for conservation stakeholders, making sure that the history is being told clearly is also a must. This study aims to investigate the existing ‘realities’ on heritage interpretive exhibits at Dataran Medan Bandar, Alor Setar. The study assessed the existing presentation quality of the exhibits, whether they served the purpose of telling the history of the objects or monuments. The assessment revealed almost half of the respondents believed that improvement is needed. The findings reflected important aspects to be considered in the interpretation and presentation of comprehensive knowledge of and awareness in presenting the story of the place. The incorporation of integrated approaches of inculcating heritage values that are conveyed to visitors through effective presentation strategy supported by sustainable philosophy is proposed.
POPULATION REDISTRIBUTION AND CONCENTRATION IN MALAYSIA, 1970-2020
Authors: Nai Peng Tey , Siow Li Lai
Published: September 2022

This paper uses published census data to examine population redistribution and concentration in Malaysia since 1970. The population growth rate varied widely across states and districts, and between urban and rural areas. Consequently, the population has become ever more concentrated in the cities. In 2020, 41% of the population lived in 12 districts, making up 2.6% of the total land area. About one in four Malaysians live in the Greater Kuala Lumpur (commonly known as the Klang Valley – comprising the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur and four adjacent districts in Selangor), compared to 4.3% in 1970. The population in urban areas increased from 28% in 1970 to 75% in 2020, and most are in the cities. The rapid growth of urban population and concentration of population in major cities pose sustainable development challenges. However, the agglomeration of diverse labour pools provides economies of scale.
Modeling the Potential Impact of Missing Race and Ethnicity Data in Infectious Disease Surveillance Systems on Disparity Measures: Scenario Analysis of Different Imputation Strategies
Authors: Ansari Bahareh , Hart-Malloy Rachel , Rosenberg Eli S , Trigg Monica , Martin Erika G
Published: September 2022

Background

Monitoring progress toward population health equity goals requires developing robust disparity indicators. However, surveillance data gaps that result in undercounting racial and ethnic minority groups might influence the observed disparity measures.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the impact of missing race and ethnicity data in surveillance systems on disparity measures.

Methods

We explored variations in missing race and ethnicity information in reported annual chlamydia and gonorrhea diagnoses in the United States from 2007 to 2018 by state, year, reported sex, and infection. For diagnoses with incomplete demographic information in 2018, we estimated disparity measures (relative rate ratio and rate difference) with 5 imputation scenarios compared with the base case (no adjustments). The 5 scenarios used the racial and ethnic distribution of chlamydia or gonorrhea diagnoses in the same state, chlamydia or gonorrhea diagnoses in neighboring states, chlamydia or gonorrhea diagnoses within the geographic region, HIV diagnoses, and syphilis diagnoses.

Results

In 2018, a total of 31.93% (560,551/1,755,510) of chlamydia and 22.11% (128,790/582,475) of gonorrhea diagnoses had missing race and ethnicity information. Missingness differed by infection type but not by reported sex. Missing race and ethnicity information varied widely across states and times (range across state-years: from 0.0% to 96.2%). The rate ratio remained similar in the imputation scenarios, although the rate difference differed nationally and in some states.

Conclusions

We found that missing race and ethnicity information affects measured disparities, which is important to consider when interpreting disparity metrics. Addressing missing information in surveillance systems requires system-level solutions, such as collecting more complete laboratory data, improving the linkage of data systems, and designing more efficient data collection procedures. As a short-term solution, local public health agencies can adapt these imputation scenarios to their aggregate data to adjust surveillance data for use in population indicators of health equity.
Fine-tuned Sentiment Analysis of COVID-19 Vaccine–Related Social Media Data: Comparative Study
Authors: Melton Chad A , White Brianna M , Davis Robert L , Bednarczyk Robert A , Shaban-Nejad Arash
Published: September 2022

Background

The emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the necessary separation of populations have led to an unprecedented number of new social media users seeking information related to the pandemic. Currently, with an estimated 4.5 billion users worldwide, social media data offer an opportunity for near real-time analysis of large bodies of text related to disease outbreaks and vaccination. These analyses can be used by officials to develop appropriate public health messaging, digital interventions, educational materials, and policies.

Objective

Our study investigated and compared public sentiment related to COVID-19 vaccines expressed on 2 popular social media platforms—Reddit and Twitter—harvested from January 1, 2020, to March 1, 2022.

Methods

To accomplish this task, we created a fine-tuned DistilRoBERTa model to predict the sentiments of approximately 9.5 million tweets and 70 thousand Reddit comments. To fine-tune our model, our team manually labeled the sentiment of 3600 tweets and then augmented our data set through back-translation. Text sentiment for each social media platform was then classified with our fine-tuned model using Python programming language and the Hugging Face sentiment analysis pipeline.

Results

Our results determined that the average sentiment expressed on Twitter was more negative (5,215,830/9,518,270, 54.8%) than positive, and the sentiment expressed on Reddit was more positive (42,316/67,962, 62.3%) than negative. Although the average sentiment was found to vary between these social media platforms, both platforms displayed similar behavior related to the sentiment shared at key vaccine-related developments during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Considering this similar trend in shared sentiment demonstrated across social media platforms, Twitter and Reddit continue to be valuable data sources that public health officials can use to strengthen vaccine confidence and combat misinformation. As the spread of misinformation poses a range of psychological and psychosocial risks (anxiety and fear, etc), there is an urgency in understanding the public perspective and attitude toward shared falsities. Comprehensive educational delivery systems tailored to a population’s expressed sentiments that facilitate digital literacy, health information–seeking behavior, and precision health promotion could aid in clarifying such misinformation.
Patient perspectives on the daily burden of prostate cancer: an online patient study (Preprint)
Authors: Joly Florence , Lefevre Lucile , Stitou Hind , Bombezin--Domino Alexis
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. Due to medical advances and early diagnosis, long-term well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have become more important nowadays.

OBJECTIVE

We performed an observational study to evaluate the impact of prostate cancer diagnosis and its treatments on patients' daily lives. This study also assessed the relationship between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and prostate cancer patients, the availability of supportive services and information, and related unmet needs.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted on the patient platform Carenity. 72 patients undergoing treatment for prostate cancer answered 35 questions between October 2020 and March 2021, regarding the impact of prostate cancer on their daily lives, their relationship with their HCPs, and their expectations regarding treatment options and services that aim at improving their daily lives.

RESULTS

72 patients with prostate cancer completed the questionnaire. Mean age was 65 years, most patients were married or in a relationship (79%), 63% were retired. On average, patients were first diagnosed 5.7 years ago and were diagnosed at 60. 30% of the respondents were affected by the metastatic stage of the disease.
The results highlighted the major difficulties that prostate cancer patients experienced along their patient journey. The reported effects were both physical and emotional, with the greatest impact on sexual life (mean impact of 7.6/10, 10 standing for the strongest impact), intimate life (6.4/10), and general mood (5.5/10). Most patients had discussions with HCPs about their daily lives and/or concerns and rated these conversations positively; at the time of the diagnosis (for 66% of patients) or when choosing the treatment (76%) the main contact person was the urologist, while the general practitioner was the one seen during follow-up visits (82%). However, the respondents mentioned they wanted their HCPs to provide more information and spend more time with them and listening to them. Prostate cancer patients' expectations regarding therapy mostly regarded its efficacy and a hope for a longer life (86%), as well as few side effects (66%). Respondents shared unmet needs for supportive services (53%) and access to information (21%). Most of the burdens reported were present whatever the stage of the disease. Differences in care preferences and in the level of impact on quality of life are observed regarding the cancer stage.
A higher impact on different aspects of patients’ daily life reported by metastatic cancer patients (e.g., impact of the disease on patients’ mood, rated 6.3/10 vs 5.2/10 on average for non-metastatic cancer patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with prostate cancer face a variety of burdens in their daily lives. It is important to address these burdens as early as possible by providing better information and supportive care as part of a personalized care pathway.
Cytokine profile in patients with atrophic gastritis in comorbidity with thyroid gland pathology
Authors: Mosiychuk L.M. , Tatarchuk O.M. , Konenko I.S. , Petishko O.P.
Published: September 2022

Background. Optimization of the management of patients with precancerous conditions of the stomach in comorbid pathology is an urgent task of gastroenterology. The purpose of the study: to evaluate the content of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at different degrees of vascularization of the thyroid gland in patients with atrophic gastritis. Materials and methods. A study was conducted in 120 patients with atrophic gastritis and thyroid pathology. All of them underwent a sonological examination of the thyroid gland using an ultrasound scanner Toshiba Xario (Japan), which revealed poor vascularization of the parenchyma in 82 (68.3%) cases, moderate vascularization was diagnosed in 20 (16.7%) patients and marked— in 18 (15.0%). Quantitative content of cytokines (interleukins (IL) 8, 10, 18, tumor necrosis factorα), vascular endothelial growth factor in the blood serum was determined by immunoenzymatic assay using Vector-Best reagents. Results. Among patients with poor vascularization, only atrophic changes of the gastric mucosa were diagnosed in almost half— 39 (47.6%) people, while dysplastic changes of the gastric mucosa were found in a third of patients with marked vascularization. Intestinal metaplasia was detected in half of cases, regardless of the degree of vascularization of the thyroid parenchyma. Cytokine imbalance was found in patients with atrophic gastritis, with the greatest shift in case of marked vascularization of the thyroid parenchyma due to a 4-fold increase in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 (р<0.05) and by 1.7 times of IL-18 (p<0.05), with a simultaneous decrease in the content of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by 3.2 times (p<0.05) compared to control indicators. The level of VEGF in the blood serum of patients with atrophic gastritis with moderate and marked vascularization of the thyroid parenchyma was significantly increased by 1.5 (p<0.05) and 1.7 times (p<0.05), respectively, compared to that of people with poor vascularization. Correlations were revealed between the degree of vascularization of the thyroid parenchyma and the level of IL-8 (r=0.491; p=0.031) and VEGF (r=0.444; p=0.019) in patients with atrophic gastritis. Conclusions. Patients with atrophic gastritis had a cytokine imbalance, which deepens as the vascularization of the thyroid gland increases that is possibly related to common pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of comorbid pathology.
Modulation of lipid peroxidation and energy metabolism in the gastric mucosa as a mechanism ofantiulcer activity of placental cryoextract in the healing of stress-induced ulcers
Authors: Koshurba I.V. , Hladkykh F.V. , Chyzh M.O.
Published: September 2022

Background. Peptic ulcer disease has a leading place in the overall structure of digestive diseases: its prevalence is 6.00–10.0% of the population in developed countries, and mortality ranges from 6 to 9.7 per 100 thousand population. An important etiological factor of this pathology is the neuropsychological background, primarily stress, which under repeated exposure becomes the initiating factor of physiological imbalance between the elements of aggression and protection of the gastric mucosa. The purpose was to establish the mechanisms of the protective activity of placental cryoextract based on the biochemical indicators of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant protection in the gastric mucosa on a model of stress-induced erosive-ulcerative damage. Materials and methods. Studies were performed on 28 nonlinear laboratory male rats weighing 200–220g. Stress-induced gastric ulcer was modeled under water-immobilization stress in rats according to the K.Y. Takagi etal. In the gastric mucosa, the content of reactants with thiobarbituric acid was determined spectrophotometrically by the method of T. Asakawa etal., catalase activity— spectrophotometrically by the method of M.A.Korolyuk etal., the content of reduced glutathione— spectrophotometrically by the method of E.D. Beutler etal., the level of adenyl nucleotides was determined using chromatographic method. Energy charge was calculated by D.E. Atkinson equation. Results.The prophylactic five-day use of placental cryoextract led to a decrease in the severity of stress-induced lipid peroxidation and energy imbalance in the gastric mucosa. Thus, it was found that rats who received placental cryoextract had a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in adenosine triphosphate content by 73.3%, an increase in adenosine diphosphate (p<0.001) by 37.3% and a decrease in adenosine monophosphate (p<0.001) by 47.6% that led to an increase in energy charge (p<0.001) by 35.1% compared to rats exposed to water-immobilization stress without correction (control group). It was shown that the use of placental cryoextract led to a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in the antioxidant-prooxidant index by 3.1 times versus control group, which was (26.60±0.96) and (8.60±0.43), respectively. Conclusions. Prophylactic five-day administration of placental cryoextract leads to the restoration of balance in the system of adenyl nucleotides and, accordingly, to a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in the energy charge by 35.1% compared to the control animals. Inhibition of stress-induced hyperactivation of lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa is one of the mechanisms of its antiulcer activity.
POSTOJI LI RAST DESNOG POPULIZMA U EVROPI?
Authors: Dostanic Dusan
Published: September 2022

Tokom poslednjih godina učestalo se govori o rastu desnog populizma u Evropi. Pri tome najčešće nije reč o vrednosno neutralnoj izjavi, nego se taj navodni rast predstavlja kao izazov, ako ne i kao opasnost za demokratiju, pa čak i Zapad u celini. U ovom članku iznose se tri zamerke takvom široko prihvaćenom narativu. Prva zamerka odnosi se na nepreciznu definiciju populizma. Naime, u literaturi nije sasvim nejasno šta je populizam i šta bi trebalo da predstavlja. Drugi prigovor se tiče metodoloških problema merenja navodnog rasta populizma, koji jednim delom proističu iz neprecizne definicije pojma čiji rast bi trebalo meriti. Naposletku, treći prigovor se odnosi na moralno-političku opterećenost pojma populizma. U članku se zaključuje da pojam populizma, a sa njim i dominantna naracija o rastu desnog populizma u prvom redu služi kao borbeni pojam, odnosno sredstvo u konkretnoj političkoj borbi.
¿A qué nos referimos con Gobierno Abierto? Una reinterpretación a partir de su evolución histórica
Authors: Amastal Molina Jhovany
Published: September 2022

El Gobierno Abierto se ha posicionado en el centro del debate académico y política, sin embargo, más allá de lograr un consenso sobre su definición y estructuración, ha generado una serie de divergencias y resultados parciales en sus evaluaciones. Por lo que, este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar su configuración, resaltando tanto los objetivos como los instrumentos utilizados. En este sentido, se argumenta que el Gobierno Abierto es un dispositivo intermedio de comunicación que se deriva de una serie de decisiones y acciones de cocreación que buscan el fortalecimiento del estado de rendición de cuentas. Bajo dichos supuestos, se hace uso de un método descriptivo-analítico y técnicas de análisis documental.
Fortalezas y claroscuros de las políticas públicas para la rendición de cuentas en Baja California
Authors: Vera Martínez Martín Cutberto , Rocha Romero David , Álvarez Torres Cheryl
Published: September 2022

La corrupción se ha intensificado en las últimas décadas. El secretismo para utilizar y disponer de los recursos públicos es práctica común entre los gobiernos. Para combatirla, la transparencia y el acceso a la información pública en México son herramientas necesarias. Ambas han tenido un avance significativo en los últimos años, debido principalmente a los esfuerzos que se han logrado a través de las grandes reformas constitucionales y la participación de la sociedad. Baja California da cuenta de estos avances con la participación del Consejo Ciudadano por la Transparencia y Combate a la Corrupción, entre otros organismos de la sociedad civil, a quienes se les reconoce como los precursores de la ley de transparencia de 2005 en la entidad. Caminar hacia el gobierno abierto y la ampliación de los sujetos obligados, como los partidos políticos, apunta a una transparencia proactiva.
Transparencia, acceso a la información y gobernanza subnacional en México de Maximiliano García Guzmán
Authors: Ortega Carmona Daniel
Published: September 2022

Reseña del Libro "Transparencia, acceso a la información y gobernanza subnacional en México" del Dr. Maximiliano García Guzmán
Ecommerce Website with Recommendation System Including Chatbot and Reverse Image Search
Authors: Badave Preeti , Bhomaj Bhakti , Bindu Bhargavi , Shivarkar Riddhi , Dhavase Prof Nikhil
Published: September 2022

Abstract: In Today’s generation, it has become a need to get clear vision, prioritize and effortlessly to provide appropriate information to decrease the problem of information overload, which has created a major problem for many users using internet. Recommender systems is capable to solve this major problem by using searching technique through a huge volume of dynamically generated useful data to provide users with personalized content and services depending on their interest. Recommendation system plays an important role in the internet world and is used in many applications. Recommendation systems are of three types: 1) collaborative filtering 2) content based and 3) hybrid based approach. With the advancement of machine learning for decades, there are still numerous problems insolvable, such as image recognition and location detection, image classification, image generation, speech recognition, natural language processing and so on. In this emerging field of deep learning, the research on topic like image classification has always been the topmost traditional research to be evolved. Simultaneously, Image recognition technology is also beneficial to gradually respond in better way to the development of international indicators, and betterment the development and progress in various fields. Hence, image processing technology which is based on machine learning has always been widely used in feature image segmentation, classification and recognition, and is an important topic in various fields. It allows you to find similar products in your store in a very easy way. Let the customer find the product based on the photo. What's more, you no longer have to manually match similar products, it will be done automatically by AI algorithm. The main purpose of this project is to use the concept of a machine learning algorithm to build a Recommendation and Reverse Image Search and recognition with the help of convolutional neural networks (CNN).
Javanese Character Recognition Based on K-Nearest Neighbor and Linear Binary Pattern Features
Authors: Susanto Ajib , Mulyono Ibnu Utomo Wahyu , Sari Christy Atika , Rachmawanto Eko Hari , Ali Rabei Raad
Published: September 2022

Javanese script (Hanacaraka) is one of the cultures owned by Indonesia. Javanese script is found in temples, inscriptions, cultural and prehistoric sites, ancient Javanese manuscripts, Gulden series banknotes, street signage, and palace documents. Javanese script has a form with an article, and the use of reading above the script is a factor that affects the character detection process. Punctuation marks, clothing, Swara script, vowels, and consonants are parts of the script that are often found in Javanetest scripts. Preserving Javanese script in the digital era, of course, must use technology that can support the digitization of Javanese script through the script detection process. The concept of script image is the image of Javanese script in ancient manuscripts. The process of character detection using certain techniques can be carried out to extract characters so that they can be read. Detection of Javanese characters can be found by finding a testing image. Here, we had been used 10 words images consisting of 3 to 5 syllables with the vowel aiu. Dataset process by Linear Binary Pattern (LBP) feature extraction, which is used to characterize images and describe image textures locally. LBP has been used in r=4 and preprocessing is also done by thresholding with d=0.3. This process can be done using the K-Nearest Neighbor algorithm. In 10 datasets of Javanese script words, an average accuracy value of 90.5% was obtained. The accuracy value of 100% is the highest and 50% is the lowest.