bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural modification and evaluation of Dielectric, Magnetic and Ferroelectric Properties o f Nd- modified BiFeO3– PbTiO3 Multiferroic Ceramics
Authors: Baloni Manoj , Sharma Ram Chhavi , Singh Hemant , Khan Bushra , Singh Manoj K , Thakur Vikash N , Kumar Ashok
Published: May 2021

0.9Bi1 − xNdxFeO3 – 0.1PbTiO3 solid solution where x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 were success fully synthesized by the standard solid-state reaction method. The effect of Nd3+ion substitution on structural, micro structural, ferroelectric, magnetic, dielectric and magneto-electric properties of 0.9BiFeO3-0.1PbTiO3 have been investigated. The XRD analysis for the samples under study revealed distorted rhombohedral structure with R3C space group. 0.9Bi1 − xNdxFeO3 – 0.1PbTiO3 where x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 i.e.(BNFPT)x compounds crystallised as single-phase materials with the same structure as the parent BiFeO3 compound.. The SEM study revealed the uniform grain scattering for all prepared samples. Raman spectroscopy showed disappearance of some Raman modes indicated a structural phase transition with substitution of Nd dopants at Bi site and also confirmed the distorted rhombohedral perovskite structure of (BNFPT)x compounds with R3c symmetry. Dielectric measurements showed magnetoelectric coupling around Neel temperature in all the samples and also improved dielectric properties with addition of dopants in BiFeO3(BFO) compound. All the prepared samples exhibit weak ferro-magnetic character at room temperature. However, the variation in linear behavior and enhancement in magnetization is found at 5 K which shows gradual increase in remnant magnetization from 0.00785 emu/g to 0.37513 emu/g with increase in Nd doping for all (BNFPT)x samples. Nd doping reduces leakage current by three orders of magnitude, from 10− 4 to 10− 7. Ferroelectric study revealed the pinning effect in hysteresis loops with low remnant polarization.
Mg and Cd biosorption by native bacteria form Djebel Onk mine (Algeria)
Authors: Rabia Hakim , Hamou Malek Ould , Kasperkiewicz Katarzyna , Krzykawski Tomasz , Malicka Monika , Bodnaruk Iryna , Merchichi Amira , Skowronek Magdalena , Augustyniak Maria
Published: May 2021

Mining and processing of phosphate ore are one of the most important branches of the economy in developing countries, including Algeria. However, this activity can negatively influence the environment, as huge amounts of waste, which contains dangerous metals, are released during ore processing. Therefore, in line with environmental needs, conventional methods of ore beneficiation should be gradually replaced with safe, biotechnological methods that involve (among others) the biosorption phenomenon. This work aimed at the investigation of biosorption abilities of native microorganisms, isolated from Djebel Onk ore (Kef Essnoun region, Algeria). Examined bacterial strains differed in their efficiency of metal accumulation. In the vast majority of native bacteria, the content of Cd or Mg found was higher than in a reference B. subtilis strain. Incubation of phosphate ore with selected bacterial strains (for 20 minutes and at different pH) significantly increased the recovery of Mg and Cd. Thus, we showed that biosorption could be much more effective for native bacteria isolated from the specific substrate. We have shown that Bacillus sp. HK4 strain can be used to remove various metals over a wide pH range, and it can be considered in the development of eco-friendly measures to clean ore and post-flotation waste.
Changes in Surface Urban Heat Island Effect with the Development of New Towns
Authors: Lee Kyungil , Kim Yoonji , Sung Hyun Chan , Kim Seung-Hee , Jeon Seong Woo
Published: May 2021

A new town is a planned and built within a relatively short period compared to existing cities. It is suitable for climate and thermal research, particularly formulating urban planning strategies to analyse problems such as urban heat islands (UHIs). Herein, a comprehensive approach was demonstrated for determining changes in surface UHI (SUHI) distribution during 1989–2048 in two new towns with different urban planning. A significant increase in built-up areas was observed from 1989 (< 5%) to 2018 (> 40%) in both new towns. However, the areas where SUHIs occurred before and after development increased further (approximately 12.25%) in Bundang new town where the green area ratio was lower and the building density was higher. However, in terms of SUHI intensification, the building structure of Pangyo new town, which has a lower floor area ratio, was analysed to be more suitable. Moreover, without effective mitigation, the built-up area in each new town is estimated to increase to approximately 60%, and the SUHI intensity in most areas to increase by 4°C in 2048. Thus, these results combined with architectural assessment models can improve the understanding of thermal environmental impacts of urbanisation and help mitigate urban thermal hazards.
A Rare, Complicated Busoga Hernia
Authors: Mohanty Arnab , Rajpal Aditya
Published: May 2021

Inguinal herniae are the most common herniae encountered in the Surgical OPD or even the emergency setting. The indirect variety has a higher rate of bowel obstruction due to the constriction of the sac at the superficial ring. Direct herniae, owing to the larger defect, are relatively safe from complications. Busoga hernia (1) is a rare subtype, which is prone to strangulation of contents, owing to the extremely narrow neck under continual tension within a tough fascial sling.
COVID-19 Treatment Protocols in the WHO African Region - Results of a Survey
Authors: Mukankubito Immaculee , Annan Edith Andrews , Sougou Aissatou , Taguembou Diana , Kniazkov Stanislav , Loua André , Mankele Ray , Nikiema Jean-Baptiste , Bisoborwa Geoffrey , Julius Ossy Kasilo Muganga
Published: May 2021

Background: As of May 2021 no ethiotropic treatment for COVID-19 demonstrated safety and efficacy. A number of clinical trials are underway to investigate candidate products, most of them are repurposed products. As new evidenced emerges, WHO updates its recommendations on clinical management to support Member States amending their treatment protocols. Hydroxychloroquine / Chloroquine (HCQ/CQ) and Lopinavir + Ritonavir arms of the Solidarity Trial were discontinued. There is strong recommendation against administrating these products to COVID-19 patients. In contrary, Corticosteroids were identified as lifesaving medicines, substantially reducing mortality for critically ill patients. This study aimed at checking the alignment of countries’ COVID-19 treatment protocols in the WHO African region with the WHO recommendations, and analyze their impact on supply chain and quality of care. Methods: In October-November 2020, country treatment protocols were collected, and data on therapeutics were summarized in an Excel Sheet to facilitate their comparison with the WHO recommendations. Results: From the thirty protocols collected, 50% were recommending HCQ/CQ for mild COVID-19. The proportion was quite similar for moderate and severe cases accounting 57% and 53 % of protocols respectively, while 27% were still recommending HCQ/CQ for critically ill patients. Antibiotics were recommended in 53% and 80 % of protocols for mild and moderate cases respectively. Only 47 % and 60% of protocols were recommending corticosteroids for severe and critical cases respectively. Convalescent Plasma was reflected in few protocols. Discussion: HCQ and CQ were the standard treatment of COVID-19 in most of countries, diverting resources from the supply chain for essential services. There is a serious risk of antibiotic misuse, which can potentially lead to antimicrobial resistance surge, the increased rates of morbidity, mortality, treatment costs and financial burden for patients and communities. Slow uptake of corticosteroids may compromise the quality of care for severe and critical cases.Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that, in cases similar to COVID-19 without efficacious treatment, treatment protocols are handled as living documents to be timely amended. Proactive update of country protocols to reflect evolving scientific evidences is critical, to ensure that all patients benefit from high standard quality of care.
Identification of cathelicidin gene from Hoplobatrachus rugulosus and the antioxidant capacity of PC29 peptide
Authors: Tankrathok Anupong , Karnmongkol Chutima , Punpad Arpaporn , Wiriyaumpaiwong Piyachat , Srisam Nattapong , Rattanavichai Wutti , Tanomtong Alongkod , Daduang Sakda , Klaynongsruang Sompong
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Emerging Strains Of SARS-Cov2 And Their Inhibition by The Use of Phytochemicals: An In-Silico Analysis
Authors: Khan Mohammad Faheem , Ahamad Tanveer , Ansari Waseem Ahmad , Khan Mohsin Ali , Khan Zaw Ali , Khan Mohd Aamish
Published: May 2021

Recently identified coronavirus namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus with a genome of 29.9 kb in size encoding 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and 27 different structural and non-structural proteins. Among the structural proteins, trimeric-shaped spike glycoprotein is responsible for the entry of the SARS-CoV2 genome into host cells by interacting with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors that are present on the cell surface with high affinity. Notably, inhibition of spike protein is considered a prime target for the development of drugs against COVID-19. Viruses can mutate, and SARS-CoV-2 is no exception. Since the first whole genome of SARS-CoV2 was published in February 2020, at least 4400 amino acid substitutions and several thousand mutations have been identified to date. As of today, more than 3500 new variants of SARS-CoV2 have been sequenced with a high spreading and infectivity rate which makes the virus more contagious. These new variants have been spread to several countries including United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, South Africa, India, and other countries, etc. Therefore, herein, we analysed the new SARS-CoV2 strains, constructed the 3D homology models of Brazil P.1 and Indian B.1.617 variants, and screened them against 100 phytochemicals having previously identified anti-viral activity. Our study revealed that the top three phytochemicals for each of the new strains might serve as potential anti- SARS-CoV-2 agents for further drug discovery and development process to tackle COVID-19.
Manjiroite or hydrous hollandite?
Authors: Post Jeffrey E. , Heaney Peter J. , Fischer Timothy B. , Ilton Eugene S.
Published: May 2021

In this study, we investigated an unusual natural Mn oxide hollandite-group mineral from the Kohare Mine, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, that has predominantly water molecules in the tunnels, with K, Na, Ca, and Ba. The specimens are labeled as type manjiroite, but our analyses show that Na is not the dominant tunnel species, nor is it even the primary tunnel cation, suggesting either an error in the original analyses or significant compositional variation within samples from the type locality. Chemical analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis measurements combined with Rietveld refinement results using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data suggest the chemical formula: (K0.19Na0.17Ca0.03Ba0.01H2O1.60)(Mn5.024+Mn2.823+Al0.14Fe0.02)O13.47(OH)2.53. Our analyses indicate that water is the primary tunnel species, and although water has been reported as a component in natural hollandites, this is the first detailed study of the crystal structure and dehydration behavior of a natural hydrous hollandite with water as the predominant tunnel species. This work underscores the rarity of natural Na-rich hollandite phases and focuses new attention on the role of hydrous components of hollandite-like phases in determining their capacities to exchange or accommodate various cations, such as Li+, Na+, Ba2+, Pb2+, and K+ in natural systems.
Trust in Public Risk Management and Social Dynamics in the Case of Flood Risk
Authors: Dias Pierre , Bertoldo Raquel , Guignard Séverin , Schleyer-Lindenmann Alexandra
Published: May 2021

Climate change forces coastal communities exposed to floods to involve residents more actively in risk prevention, notably through official communication including behavioral recommendations. In order to improve prevention impact, this study aims to understand how inhabitants deal with this official information and integrate it into their relation to flood risk. This qualitative study is based on the theoretical postulate that the social dynamics nested in the relations between risk managers and inhabitants contributing to explain inhabitants’ relationship to flood risk. These social dynamics are analysed through the type of trust granted by inhabitants to risk managers and the level of knowledge inhabitants state to have. 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with inhabitants of a coastal city subject to flood hazards, recruited through snowballing method until saturation point. Results suggest that inhabitants who feel that they have little knowledge are prone to display social trust toward risk managers and a positive vision of communications provided on this risk, while those who are aware about floods, endorse a calculating trust based on the technical aspects of management, and eventually a form of distrust about communications delivered by public actors. These types of trust reflect a relation to flood risk embedded in the social space where individuals and groups take positions in social dynamics. In this sense and to be successful, preventive communication should consider not only the actual content of the message but also the social mechanisms that support its interpretation, in particular the trust between the messenger and the receiver.
Optimisation of the nanofiltration process of residual wastewater from table olives using synthetic solutions for the recovery of phenolic compounds
Authors: Cazares-Carrión Karem Y. , Abreu-Naranjo Reinier
Published: May 2021

Synthetic solution of ultrafiltration permeate from brine wastewater from the elaboration process of table olives was used to investigate the simulation and optimisation of the nanoﬁltration process with the aim of reducing the contents of salt and organic material, as well as maintaining the major phenolic content in the permeate of nanofiltration as a contribution to their possible recovery. The synthetic solution was elaborated by considering the main characteristics of the ultrafiltration permeate of residual brine from table olive fermentation. A response surface methodology – central composite design (RSM-CCD) was used. The efficiency of conductivity (Ec), total polyphenol content (TPC) and chemical oxygen demand rejections (RTPC and RCOD) were the response variables selected. Transmembrane pressure (TMP), cross-ﬂow velocity (CFV) and nanomembrane type (NF270 and NF245) were the independent variables. The range for RTPC was from 0.59 to 3.34%, while the values for Ec were higher than the NF270 membrane, being between 13.63 and 24.13%. The RSM-CCD results indicate that the optimum that satisfies the objectives of the research were: nanomembrane (NF245), TMP (14.43 bar) and CFV (1.50 m/s). This allowed the permeate to keep 97.39% of polyphenol contents and reduce organic material and salts by 52 and 23%, respectively.
The Effect of Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha Nasal Drops to Prevent COVID-19 Pneumonia for Medical Staff in an Epidemic Area
Authors: Meng Zhongji , Wang Tongyu , Chen Li , Chen Xinhe , Li Longti , Qin Xueqin , Li Hai , Luo Jie
Published: May 2021

Background:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known
as Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), has caused the sixth world’s public health emergency.
Healthcare staff, as the frontline population fighting the pandemic, are exposed to a high risk of infection.
Therefore, developing a protective intervention for medical staff is of significant importance.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness and safety of recombinant human
interferon alpha (rhIFN-α) nasal drops for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
through administering it to medical staff.

Methods:

This was a prospective open-label clinical trial with parallel intervention assignment conducted
on 2944 medical staff including both doctors and nurses from Taihe Hospital, Shiyan City,
Hubei Province, China from January 21, 2020 to July 30, 2020. The participants were bifurcated into
two groups of low risk and high risk groups according to the level of direct exposure to
COVID-19 patients. The individuals of the low-risk group received rhIFN-α nasal drops for one
month in addition to first level protection, and the high-risk group received a combination of
rhIFN-α nasal drops coupled with thymosin-α1 with either second or third-level protection protocol.
Moreover, the new-outset of COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosed by chest computed tomography
(CT), after thirty days, was the primary outcome. The adverse reactions were recorded in all participants.

Results:

2415 of 2944 individuals belonged to the low-risk group, while 529 to the high-risk
group. There was no COVID-19 pneumonia in either of the group after thirty days. The pulmonary
CT scans were negative for COVID-19 pneumonia in both the groups with no new clinical symptoms.
No serious adverse event was observed during the course of the intervention.

Conclusion:

The rhIFN-α nasal drops along with augmented safeguards based on standard physical
isolation could effectively protect medical staff against COVID-19 pneumonia.
Studying behaviours and attitudes towards science and technology
Authors: Kato-Nitta Naoko
Published: May 2021

What makes research important is an important philosophical question that is a consideration for many researchers. Further important considerations are the public's perception of science and how an individual's perception of science and technology is shaped. These are some of the complex
ideas that social scientist Dr Naoko Kato-Nitta, Department of Statistical Data Science, Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Japan, is exploring. She is working on a series of projects related to public perceptions and attitudes towards different scientific disciplines and fields. She hopes
that answering such important questions will facilitate the creation of a science communication model for the public understanding of science. Kato-Nitta's research focuses on human behaviour and psychology and how it relates to issues at the interface of technology and society. A key question
that she is seeking to answer from the standpoint of cultural capital is how the extent of the general public's participation in science communication can be determined. In the first research to connect social stratification theory and science communication research, Kato-Nitta divided the
concept of Bourdieu's cultural capital into two sub-concepts: scientific and technical cultural capital and literary and artistic cultural capital. She went on to consider how these two types of cultural capital affect the exhibit-viewing behaviours of the general public.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE TERRITORY OF NADDNIPRIANSKA UKRAINE AT THE END OF 40-S OF THE 19TH – THE BEGINNING OF THE 20TH CENTURY
Authors: Romantsov Volodymyr , Huz Anton
Published: May 2021

An attempt of analysis of written sources of the history of the Roman Catholic Church on the territory of Ukraine at the end of 40-s of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th century was performed in the article. Such types of sources as act documents were selected due to the type-specificity principle. Concordat of 1847 as an international agreement between Vatican and the Russian Empire has become a crucial object of analysis. The legislative acts included into “The full collection of laws of the Russian Empire” are considered among the documents of the authorities engaged in the study that are crucial legislative acts the power of which was extended on all administrative and territorial units. The documents of religious organizations are represented in the study by the bull of “Diocesan separation” written by the Pope of Rome Pius IX.Business documentation, statistical materials, among of which is “The first general census of inhabitants of the Russian Empire in 1897”, are considered in the study. Moreover, “Diocesan Gazette” – an official periodical of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Russian Empire is presented in the study. Compendiums dated of the second half of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th century are a particular type of written sources, namely they are represented by “Commemorative books”, for example, an issue: “The Roman Catholic hierarchy in the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Poland and a list to secular and monastic clergy in Lutsk-Zhytomyr diocese and Podillia province” that contained essential statistical information as well as records regarding a hierarchical structure of the diocesan clergy of the Roman Catholic Church on the territory of Naddniprianska Ukraine in defined period.
Спектроскопия потерь энергии отраженных электронов γ-Fe-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-
Authors: Паршин А.С. , Михлин Ю.Л. , Александрова Г.А.
Published: May 2021

The reflection electron energy losses spectra, obtained in a wide primary electron energy range of 200 - 3000 eV, are investigated. From these experimental spectra, for each primary electron energy, the spectra of the inelastic scattering cross section of electrons are calculated as the dependence of the product of the inelastic electron mean free path and the differential inelastic scattering cross section of electrons on the electron energy loss. The analysis of the fine structure of the reflection electron energy losses was carried out by decomposing the electron energy losses spectra in the region of energy losses of valence electrons into elementary peaks. A relationship is established between each of their elementary peaks with single and multiple energy losses due to the excitation of bulk and surface plasmons and interband transitions of electrons from the valence band to free states above the Fermi level. The analysis of the obtained results was carried out on the basis of experimental and theoretical literature data on the band structure of  Fe2O3.
Особенности поведения электро- и магнитосопривления Cd-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-As-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=--30 mol.% MnAs при высоких давлениях
Authors: Сайпулаева Л.А. , Хизриев К.Ш. , Мельникова Н.В. , Тебеньков А.В. , Бабушкин А.Н. , Захвалинский В.С. , Риль А.И. , Маренкин С.Ф. , Гаджиалиев М.М. , Пирмагомедов З.Ш.
Published: May 2021

Представлены результаты исследования электро- и магнитосопротивления (МС) композита, состоящего из дираковского полуметалла Cd3As2 и 30 mol.% ферромагнетика MnAs при давлениях до 50 GPa. В диапазоне давлений 16-50 GPa наблюдалось гистерезисное поведение транспортных свойств при двух последовательных циклах приложения и снятия давления. Измерения МС в режиме подъема и сброса давления выявили особенности в виде максимумов отрицательного и положительного МС, величины относительного магнитосопротивления (Delta R/R0) достигали ~20 и ~5.3% соответственно. Установлена нестабильность моноклинной структуры Cd3As2 в результате ее частичного разложения при декомпрессии. Ключевые слова: высокое давление, композит, удельное электросопротивление, отрицательное магнитосопротивление, структурный фазовый переход.
Cancer Cachexia: The Comparative Mechanisms of Weight Loss after Esophagectomy and Bariatric Surgery
Authors:   Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin, Ireland, Tansey David J , Roux Carel W le ,   Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin, Ireland,   Diabetes Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland.  * Correspondence: Carel W le Roux
Published: May 2021

Oesophageal cancer is the ninth most common cancer and the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide [1]. Over the past number of years, due to earlier diagnosis and better treatment, we are seeing improvements in the survival rates of oesophageal cancer, with more patients living longer post-esophagectomy surgery. Unintentional weight loss is a common unintended feature seen in patients post-esophagectomy done with curative intent. Many recent studies have demonstrated the links between the pathophysiology of the weight loss following esophagogastric cancer surgery and the biological mechanism of weight loss following bariatric surgery. The predominant cause of the weight loss in both circumstances appears to the postoperative alterations in gut hormone signalling. This paper explores these over-lapping gut hormones signalling mechanisms and discusses the use of this increased understanding of hormone signalling to develop potential pharmacologic targets for the management of unintentional weight loss post-esophagogastric cancer surgery.
Availability, Formulation, Labeling, and Price of Low-sodium Salt Worldwide: Environmental Scan
Authors: Yin Xuejun , Liu Hueiming , Webster Jacqui , Trieu Kathy , Huffman Mark D , Miranda J Jaime , Marklund Matti , Wu Jason H Y , Cobb Laura K , Li Ka Chun , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Neal Bruce , Tian Maoyi
Published: May 2021

Background

Regular salt is about 100% sodium chloride. Low-sodium salts have reduced sodium chloride content, most commonly through substitution with potassium chloride. Low-sodium salts have a potential role in reducing the population's sodium intake levels and blood pressure, but their availability in the global market is unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the availability, formulation, labeling, and price of low-sodium salts currently available to consumers worldwide.

Methods

Low-sodium salts were identified through a systematic literature review, Google search, online shopping site searches, and inquiry of key informants. The keywords “salt substitute,” “low-sodium salt,” “potassium salt,” “mineral salt,” and “sodium reduced salt” in six official languages of the United Nations were used for the search. Information about the brand, formula, labeling, and price was extracted and analyzed.

Results

A total of 87 low-sodium salts were available in 47 out of 195 (24%) countries worldwide, including 28 high-income countries, 13 upper-middle-income countries, and 6 lower-middle-income countries. The proportion of sodium chloride varied from 0% (sodium-free) to 88% (as percent of weight; regular salt is 100% sodium chloride). Potassium chloride was the most frequent component with levels ranging from 0% to 100% (potassium chloride salt). A total of 43 (49%) low-sodium salts had labels with the potential health risks, and 33 (38%) had labels with the potential health benefits. The median price of low-sodium salts in high-income, upper-middle-income, and lower-middle-income countries was US $15.00/kg (IQR 6.4-22.5), US $2.70/kg (IQR 1.7-5.5), and US $2.90/kg (IQR 0.50-22.2), respectively. The price of low-sodium salts was between 1.1 and 14.6 times that of regular salts.

Conclusions

Low-sodium salts are not widely available and are commonly more expensive than regular salts. Policies that promote the availability, affordability, and labeling of low-sodium salts should increase uptake, helping populations reduce blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.1111/jch.14054
Using Biometric Sensor Data to Monitor Cancer Patients During Radiotherapy: Protocol for the OncoWatch Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Holländer-Mieritz Cecilie , Vogelius Ivan R , Kristensen Claus A , Green Allan , Rindum Judith L , Pappot Helle
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) experience severe side effects during radiotherapy (RT). Ongoing technological advances in wearable biometric sensors allow for the collection of objective data (eg, physical activity and heart rate), which might, in the future, help detect and counter side effects before they become severe. A smartwatch such as the Apple Watch allows for objective data monitoring outside the hospital with minimal effort from the patient. To determine whether such tools can be implemented in the oncological setting, feasibility studies are needed.

OBJECTIVE

This protocol describes the design of the OncoWatch 1.0 feasibility study that assesses the adherence of patients with HNC to an Apple Watch during RT.

METHODS

A prospective, single-cohort trial will be conducted at the Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen, Denmark). Patients aged ≥18 years intended for primary or postoperative curatively intended RT for HNC will be recruited. Consenting patients will be asked to wear an Apple Watch on the wrist during and until 2 weeks after RT. The study will include 10 patients. Data on adherence, data acquisition, and biometric data will be collected. Demographic data, objective toxicity scores, and hospitalizations will be documented.

RESULTS

The primary outcome is to determine if it is feasible for the patients to wear a smartwatch continuously (minimum 12 hours/day) during RT. Furthermore, we will explore how the heart rate and physical activity change over the treatment course.

CONCLUSIONS

The study will assess the feasibility of using the Apple Watch for home monitoring of patients with HNC. Our findings may provide novel insights into the patient’s activity levels and variations in heart rate during the treatment course. The knowledge obtained from this study will be essential for further investigating how biometric data can be used as part of symptom monitoring for patients with HNC.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04613232; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04613232

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/26096
Designing Videos With and for Adults With ADHD for an Online Intervention: Participatory Design Study and Thematic Analysis of Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Flobak Eivind , Nordby Emilie Sektnan , Guribye Frode , Kenter Robin , Nordgreen Tine , Lundervold Astri J
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) represent a heterogeneous group with both strengths and difficulties associated with the diagnosis. An online intervention attuned to their needs may improve their everyday functioning. When designing online interventions, it is important to adapt the therapeutic content to the values and needs of the target group.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes and evaluates a participatory process used to produce content for an online intervention for adults with ADHD by producing video vignettes clarifying core training principles grounded in the participants' everyday experiences.

METHODS

We report on the qualitative data from 2 research phases: the design and evaluation of video vignettes for an online intervention. In the first phase, 12 adults with ADHD, 2 clinicians, and 2 research assistants participated in the production of video vignettes for the online intervention. In the second phase, participants (n=109) gave feedback on the videos as part of a clinical trial of the intervention. A subgroup (n=7) was interviewed in-depth regarding their experiences with the videos. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

In the first phase, the participants with ADHD contributed with experiences from challenging everyday situations. In the process, we navigated between therapeutic principles and the participants' experiential perspectives to create content relevant and consistent with the target group's values and experiences. In the second phase, we identified 3 themes related to the participants' experiences and interpretation of the video vignettes: (1) recognition of ADHD-related challenges, (2) connection with the characters and the situations, and (3) video protagonists as companions and role models for change.

CONCLUSIONS

A participatory design process for designing online mental health interventions can be used to probe and balance between the therapeutic principles defined by clinicians and the participants’ experiences with mental health issues in the production of therapeutic content. In our study, the inclusion of video vignettes in an online intervention enabled a contextualized and relevant presentation of everyday experiences and psychosocial factors in the life of an adult with ADHD.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04511169; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04511169
Factors Influencing Willingness to Share Health Misinformation Videos on the Internet: Web-Based Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Keselman Alla , Arnott Smith Catherine , Leroy Gondy , Kaufman David R
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The rapidly evolving digital environment of the social media era has increased the reach of both quality health information and misinformation. Platforms such as YouTube enable easy sharing of attractive, if not always evidence-based, videos with large personal networks and the public. Although much research has focused on characterizing health misinformation on the internet, it has not sufficiently focused on describing and measuring individuals’ information competencies that build resilience.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess individuals’ willingness to share a non–evidence-based YouTube video about strengthening the immune system; to describe types of evidence that individuals view as supportive of the claim by the video; and to relate information-sharing behavior to several information competencies, namely, information literacy, science literacy, knowledge of the immune system, interpersonal trust, and trust in health authority.

METHODS

A web-based survey methodology with 150 individuals across the United States was used. Participants were asked to watch a YouTube excerpt from a morning TV show featuring a wellness pharmacy representative promoting an immunity-boosting dietary supplement produced by his company; answer questions about the video and report whether they would share it with a cousin who was frequently sick; and complete instruments pertaining to the information competencies outlined in the objectives.

RESULTS

Most participants (105/150, 70%) said that they would share the video with their cousins. Their confidence in the supplement would be further boosted by a friend’s recommendations, positive reviews on a crowdsourcing website, and statements of uncited effectiveness studies on the producer’s website. Although all information literacy competencies analyzed in this study had a statistically significant relationship with the outcome, each competency was also highly correlated with the others. Information literacy and interpersonal trust independently predicted the largest amount of variance in the intention to share the video (17% and 16%, respectively). Interpersonal trust was negatively related to the willingness to share the video. Science literacy explained 7% of the variance.

CONCLUSIONS

People are vulnerable to web-based misinformation and are likely to propagate it on the internet. Information literacy and science literacy are associated with less vulnerability to misinformation and a lower propensity to spread it. Of the two, information literacy holds a greater promise as an intervention target. Understanding the role of different kinds of trust in information sharing merits further research.

CLINICALTRIAL
CURRENT UPDATES ON COVID-19 VACCINES
Authors: KIRAN MISRA SHASHI , PATHAK KAMLA , PATHAK DEVENDER , YADAV RAMAKANT
Published: May 2021

Background: COVID-19 caused the world to shut down and made us to critically look out at our advanced healthcare systems that are well prepared for heart diseases, cancers, organ transplantation but not for attack of a tiny virus. WHO and other authorized bodies are continuously issuing advisory on preventive measurements, tracking the outbreak and distributing vital medical kits. Scientific community and vaccine experts have developed and started to distribute safe and effective immunization worldwide.

Objective: The paper outlines several developed and developing immunization vehicles for the management of COVID -19 that will hit global market in year 2021.

Method: Non clinical and clinical data are collected from authentic sources of World Health Organization portal and press release provided by COVID-19 vaccine developers.

Result: Different platforms including mRNA, DNA, Viral vectors, Synthetic peptides etc. have been conversed that are globally involved for elimination of SARS-CoV-2, a causative virus of COVID-19.

Conclusion: Numerous academic institutions and companies of worldwide have developed and evaluated their inoculums after extremely compressed clinical trial agendas. Worldwide eminent developers such as Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZenaca and Bharat Biotech are ready with their esteemed products for the management of pandemic COVID-19. They explored pharmaceutical technologies reliant on genetics, nanoengineering and biotechnology for successful development of these anti SARS-CoV-2 inoculums. Taking account on conditions of more vulnerable community including immunocompromised, geriatrics and comorbidities patients the safety and efficacy of vaccine are yet to be monitored..
EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT MODALITIES IN TREATMENT OF FRACTURE METATARSAL
Authors: KAUSHIK SATYAPRATEEK , RK VERMA , SP GUPTA , RAJKUMAR BHAIRWA
Published: May 2021

Objectives: This study mainly aims to evaluate the efficacy of three different modalities in treatment of fracture metatarsal.

Methods: A hospital-based prospective comparative study was conducted in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Jaipur, from December 2018 to June 2020, involving 50 patients above 16 years of age presented with isolated metatarsal fractures and grade I open fractures were included in the study. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were then allocated to one of three groups. Group A – Conservative management, Group B – K-wire fixation, and Group C – external Fixator. Outcome measurement was done using AOFAS MID FOOT SCALE (100 points total).

Results: Majority of 29 patients belong to 35–60 years of age group followed by 18 patients in 26–35 years. Maximum number of cases is reported in male category that was 45 cases. Majority of the cases falls under the category of road traffic accidents that are 28 cases which is about 56% of the total cases. In 37 cases right foot was involved, whereas 13 cases are on the left side, suggesting the right was the dominant side. About 48% of the second metatarsal and 30% of the third metatarsal showed the maximum involvement. Maximum number of cases were designated as excellent having score between 90 and 100 that was about 38 cases which are 76% of total cases suggesting every treatment modality was good in its own right. There was a significant difference between the different treatment modalities at final follow-up p<0.05.

Conclusion: All treatment modalities equally good, achieving good fracture union, decreased incidence of pain, and achieve a good range of movements, but complications rate was more in the conservative group as compared to other groups.
FABRICATION OF MICROEMULSION LOADED SUBLINGUAL FILM FOR RAPID ABSORPTION OF FENTANYL CITRATE IN TRANSIENT BREAKTHROUGH PAIN
Authors: MUNDHEY D. , SAPKAL N. , DAUD A.
Published: May 2021

Objective: The present research work aims to develop a microemulsion loaded sublingual film for rapid absorption of fentanyl citrate in transient breakthrough pain.

Methods: The Fentanyl citrate microemulsion loaded sublingual film was prepared using Capmul MCM C8 (oil), tween 20 (surfactant) and propylene glycol (co-surfactant) with different grades of film-forming polymer (HPMC) using a film casting machine. The films were evaluated for in vitro disintegration study, tensile strength, folding endurance, content uniformity, drug content, in vitro dissolution, pH, thickness and weight variation, scanning electron microscopy, ex vivo permeation study, droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, % moisture content and stability study were evaluated.

Results: The optimized film formulation showed desired mechanical properties (tensile strength of 0.291 kg/cm2) and a minimum disintegration time of 20 s. The optimized sublingual film formulation exhibited 43.16 % of FC microemulsion loading. Morphological study showed the absence of drug crystals on the polymeric surface. Permeation studies through goat sublingual mucosa indicated 89% fentanyl citrate release through fentanyl citrate microemulsion loaded sublingual film, whereas only 40% fentanyl citrate release was obtained when it was directly added to film without microemulsion strategy.

Conclusion: The present study indicated that extend of permeation of fentanyl citrate when added to the sublingual film in microemulsion form was around 2.225 folds higher than when added directly to film without microemulsion. The present microemulsion embedded film technology could be a promising alternative to conventional drug delivery systems and traditional routes of administration for breakthrough pain management.
DEVELOPMENT AND STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF GASTRORETANTIVE FLOATING MICROSPHERES OF PREGABALIN PREPARED BY W/O/O MULTIPLE EMULSION METHOD
Authors: KHARB MONIKA , TANWAR Y. S.
Published: May 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop a gastroretentive microsphere of pregabalin using design of experiment (DoE) to decrease dosing frequency and increasing bioavailability.

Methods: Pregabalin microsphere was prepared by W/O/O multiple emulsion method using a mixture of ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as rate-controlling polymer. Mixed solvent system comprising of dichloromethane (DCM) and acetonitrile (ACN) and light liquid paraffin was chosen as primary and secondary oil phase respectively. Taguchi design was employed for factor screening and Box Behnken design was used for the optimisation of critical process parameters.

Results: Taguchi design revealed that polymer: drug, DCM: ACN and PVP: EC is the critical factor for the preparation of microspheres. The optimized formulation was prepared using polymer: drug (4.95:1), DCM: ACN (53.76: 46.24) and PVP: EC (2:5) which showed mean particle size of 203.34±4.82 µm, practical yield of 87.52±2.91 %, encapsulation efficiency of 96.43±3.14 %, floating ability up to 90.42±1.64 % and T60% of 332.81±5.84. Drug release from microsphere followed Higuchi Kinetic model.

Conclusion: In a nutshell, microspheres with excellent flowability and great encapsulation efficiency were successfully developed. These can be useful in improving patient compliance by reducing frequent dosing.
PHARMACOVIGILANCE IN THE ERA OF COVID-19: A CONCISE REVIEW OF THE CURRENT SCENARIO, IMPLICATIONS, AND CHALLENGES
Authors: DUTTA SIDDHARTHA , AMBWANI SNEHA , MISHRA GOVIND , LAL HINA , RAM KISHNA , KUMAR TARUN
Published: May 2021

The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has now affected the entire globe which was first surfaced in China in December 2019. In absence of effective therapy to manage COVID-19, repurposed therapies were being used to manage the condition. In view of an urgent need for definitive therapy, multiple repurposed drugs, and investigational drug candidates are being tried in clinical trials which may lead to the emergence of unknown short term and long term adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and hence it is crucial to assess the safety of the tried therapeutic interventions. The lag in the pharmacovigilance activities in the midst of this pandemic fosters under-reporting of ADRs. Difficulty in causality assessment due to factors like wide variations in clinical presentation, concomitant use of multiple drugs, associated comorbidities, drug-drug and drug-disease interaction which forestalls the appropriate causality assessment. Hydroxychloroquine, a repurposed antimalarial drug has been a part of hue and cry at present because of its in-question safety in patients with cardiac disorders. National and International Drug monitoring centers have stressed upon reporting of ADRs and to boost up the process and come up with various recommendations. We can overcome these issues by working cohesively, motivating HCPs and patients to report ADRs electronically, and by setting up dedicated pharmacovigilance rapid response team to tackle the issues at the earliest.
Analytics on Antimicrobial Activity of Lichen Extract
Authors: Yadav Hitendra , Nayaka Sanjeeva , Dwivedi Manish
Published: May 2021

Lichen has a great medicinal value and represents the symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. The genus Usnea longissima (Parmeliaceae), is a fruticose lichen with numerous biological activities like antimicrobial, antifungal and inhibitory activities for plant and human pathogens. Taxonomically it is well distinguished by pale greenish to yellowish-green colour and pendulous thallus with dense branches usually emerging from the main stem. Its fungal partner releases an extracellular compound called Usnic acid, a derivative of Dibenzofuran which is a naturally occurring secondary metabolite. In the present work, antimicrobial activities of Usnea longissimi are explored in various extraction solvents. The crude extracts were prepared in methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone and different concentrations (2.5,5,10,15,20mg/ml) followed by the determination of its antimicrobial activity against various microbes viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Fusarium oxysporum using agar well diffusion process. The maximum zone of inhibition was observed in the 15 mg/ml methanolic extract for Escherichia coli(34 mm), 10 mg/ml methanolic extract for Staphylococcus aureus (30 mm), 10 mg/ml ethyl acetate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16 mm) and 0.5 mg/ml ethanolic extract for Fusariumoxysporium (14 mm). Usnea longissimi have shown significant antibacterial and antifungal activity that encourage us to explore novel antimicrobial components within lichen biodiversity. These lichens further can be used as food supplements to cure various human diseases.
AlN:Eu keramiku spektrālās īpašības un luminiscences mehānismi
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Ruska Rihards , Bērziņa Baiba , Trinklere Laima
Published: May 2021

The current study was dedicated to exploring luminescence of AlN ceramics with europium admixture (AlN:Eu). Photoluminescence as well as its excitation spectra, taken at wide spectral intervals, at different temperatures and environments (vacuum and air), were used to study the optical properties of the material.AlN:Eu ceramics were dominated by the well-known red and green luminescence of Eu ions, around 530 nm and 600 nm, which could be excited by both visible and UV light. In ceramics with a higher Eu content, more intense luminosity of the bands associated with europium, especially around 530 nm, was observed, while, contrary to lower concentration sample, no luminescence bands between 440 nm and 500 nm were observed. The differences, most likely, can be explained by the different structure of the material at different concentrations of admixture. At excitation of samples with 340 nm light, mutually different changes in 530 nm luminescence intensity were also observed when temperatures of materials were lowered: at higher Eu concentrations, the intensity increased, whereas at lower concentrations – decreased. The analysis of the experimental results allows to propose several mechanisms that are responsible for the luminescence of the considered materials, consisting mainly of the emission of defects related to Eu ions. They include both intracenter and recombination mechanisms, whose contribution to luminescence depends on the spectral structure of the excitation light. The obtained data can be used for further research and development of new persistent luminescence materials.