bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of pancreatic fstula after pancreatoduodenectomy using machine learning
Authors: Suvorov V. A. , Panin S. I. , Kovalenko N. V. , Zhavoronkova V. V. , Postolov M. P. , Tolstopyatov S. E. , Bublikov A. E. , Panova A. V. , Popova V. O.
Published: January 2024

Objective: to analyze the results of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and identify predictive risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) using machine learning (ML) technology.

Material and Methods. A nonrandomized study of treatment outcomes in 128 patients, who underwent PD for periampullary carcinoma between 2018 and 2023, was conducted. To predict PF, the ML models based on the multilayer perceptron and binary logistic regression (BLR) in SPSS Statistics v.26, were used. The Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to assess the accuracy of the models. To compare ROC curves, the DeLong test was used.

Results. Clinically significant PF occurred in 19 (14.8 %) patients (grade B according to ISGPS 2016 – in 16 (12.5 %), grade C – in 3 (2.3 %)). The data of 90 (70.3 %) patients were used to train the neural network, and 38 (29.7 %) were used to test the predictive model. In multivariate analysis, the predictors of PF were a comorbidity level above 7 points on the age-adjusted Charlson scale, a diameter of the main pancreatic duct less than 3 mm, and a soft pancreatic consistency. The diagnostic accuracy of the ML model estimated using the area under the ROC curve was 0.939 ± 0.027 (95 % CI: 0.859–0.998, sensitivity: 84.2 %, specificity; 96.3 %). The predictive model, which was developed using BLR, demonstrated lower accuracy: 0.918±0.039 (95 % CI: 0.842–0.994, sensitivity: 78.9 %, specificity: 94.5 %) (p=0.02).

Conclusion. The use of machine learning technologies makes it possible to increase the probability of a correct prediction of the occurrence of pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy.
Variability of the mitochondrial genome in young Yakut patients with breast cancer
Authors: Tikhonov D. G. , Egorov A. N. , Golubenko M. V. , Molokov A. Yu. , Belyavskaya V. A. , Gervas P. A. , Skryabin N. A.
Published: January 2024

Background. The Sakha (Yakutia) population, the indigenous population of Siberia living in Yakutia, has one of the lowest rates of breast cancer (BC) incidence worldwide. The low BC incidence among the indigenous population of Yakutia has been reported by several authors, but to date the reasons for this phenomenon have not been fully elucidated. It should be noted that the study of factors that reduce the risk of BC is important for its prevention. In several studies, no hereditary BC was found in the Yakuts, and no pathogenic variants of the BRCA1/2 genes associated with hereditary syndromes of breast and ovarian cancers were found. In this regard, we decided to shift the focus to studying the mitochondrial genome of Sakha BC patients using the sequencing method.

The purpose of the study was to identify BC-associated mitochondrial genome variants in Sakha patients.

Material and Methods. The study included 14 Sakha patients diagnosed with BC. The median age of the patients was 49 years. DNA isolation was performed using phenol-chloroform extraction. DNA libraries were prepared using the Nextera Flex kit (Illumina, USA).Whole-genome sequencing of the mitochondrial genome was performed on a MiSeq instrument (Illuminа, USA). in the Shared Use Centre of the Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The results obtained in BC patients were compared with those of control subjects.

Results. In Sakha women with BC, 159 mitochondrial genome variants that differed from the human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) reference sequence (rCRS) were identified. Likely pathogenic variants m.3736G>A of the MT-ND1 gene and m.7279T>C of the MT-CO1 gene were shown to be associated with BC. For the first time, variants predisposing to BC (m.10398A>G; m.14783T>C; m.15043G>A; m.15301G>A) were identified. A distinctive feature of the mitochondrial genome of populations with a low BC incidence is a high level of mtDNA variants with changes in the length of the polycytosine region in the D310 locus.

Conclusion. For the first time, mtDNA variants with changes in the length of the polycytosine tract in the D310 locus and likely pathogenic variants m.3736G>A of the MT-ND1 gene and m.7279T>C of the MT-CO1 gene were identified in Sakha BC women. The data obtained indicate that further studies on the role of the identified mtDNA variants in the development of BC using a larger sample of Sakha patients are required.
An analysis of service quality and complaint handling in the Jordanian healthcare sector: Implications for TQM and customer retention
Authors: M. Aboalganam Khaled , Alzghoul Amro , Alhanatleh Hasan
Published: January 2024

This study aims to investigate the interconnections among total quality management, service quality, customer retention, and moderating influence of customer complaint handling within the healthcare industry of Jordan. The paper used a quantitative approach, by using PLS-SEM as an approach selected for data analysis. 417 valid replies were gathered. The results found a positive association between total quality management and service quality (p-value < 0.05), underscoring the significance of total quality management principles in improving the provision of healthcare services. The study demonstrates a significant correlation between service quality and customer retention, thereby validating the importance of delivering exceptional healthcare experiences in boosting customer retention. Moreover, it is imperative to acknowledge that the degree of service quality plays a crucial function in facilitating the connection between total quality management and customer retention (p-value < 0.05). Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that customer complaints handling serves as a mechanism for reducing the negative effects of service quality on customer retention. The results offer useful insights for healthcare managers in Jordan, underscoring the significance of integrating total quality management practice, improving service quality, and developing efficient procedures for handling complaints. These approaches are imperative in fortifying customer interactions and augmenting customer retention rates.
UNTUKMU.COM : THE CROWDSOURCING APPLICATION TO LEVERAGING THE USED OF SECONDHAND GOODS
Authors: Arifin Yulyani , Permai Syarifah Diana , Pudjihastuti Herena , Dwiputra Kristian , Faisal Fiandra Rheza , Marcellino Marcellino
Published: January 2024

Information technology can be used in profit or non-profit activities. The concept of crowdsourcing has been widely used in fundraising in the form of money, better known as crowdfunding. In general, most people has secondhand items that are still good to use by others. On the other hand, there are also many people who need those items but cannot afford to buy them. A Website application with the Crowdsourcing concept can be used to bring together donors with recipients of donations in the form of goods.This study conducted data collection to assess the needs of application through questionnaires and analyzed the data using descriptive statistical analysis and Chi Square independence tests, and then developed a website-based application untukmu.com.  This study examined the relationship between age, type of work and intention to donate and the type of goods needed. The Chi Square independence test showed that there is no relationship between age and type of work to the intention to donate.  The descriptive statistics analysis showed that the majority (82%) of the types of goods usually donated by the donors are clothing. The results of the analysis provides input for the development of the application Untukmu.com. In the last stage, the study evaluated the level of satisfaction of the users (i.e. the donors) based on the level of ease of using the application and the time needed to master the application. The analysis showed that there is no relationship between the ease of use of the application and the donors satisfaction,  but there is relationship between time needed to master the application to the user satisfaction. Untukmu.com application has a good usability level since users have no difficulty in using this application and are satisfied with the features available in the application.
STRATEGY CAMPAIGN "SENTUHAN KEHIDUPAN" OF JOHNSON & JOHNSON INDONESIA IN BUILDING CORPORATE IMAGE
Authors: Nursanti Pradnya , Haryanti Astrid
Published: January 2024

This research aims to identify the campaign strategy of Sentuhan Kehidupan from Johnson & Johnson Indonesia in building corporate image. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques in the form of semi-structured interviews, observation, documentation, and literature studies. The results of this research show that the campaign strategy is to perform problem analysis first, determine the objectives, messages, objectives, tactics, resources allocation time and evaluation methods.
Lithuania’s geo-energy landscape: a brief overview of CCUS, hydrogen, and geothermal
Authors: Rashid Abdul , Malik Shruti , Karaliute Vilte , Makauskas Pijus , Kaminskaite Ieva , Pal Mayur
Published: January 2024

Lithuanian energy landscape is changing because of a strong push to reduce carbon emissions and reliance of fossil-based energy production. EU climate directive promotes investments into carbon capture and storage technologies along with renewable energy resource development. CCUS, hydrogen and geothermal are some technologies which could promote reduction in carbon emissions and along with reducing dependence on fossil-based energy sources. Lithuania already has large potential for carbon and hydrogen storage and in past had a working geothermal power plant for district heating. In this work we revisit the carbon storage potential in Lithuania subsurface and provide a high-level estimate of potential of generating hydrogen energy from depleted hydrocarbon fields using in-situ methods. We also evaluate the prospects of development of geothermal energy production from deep Cambrian reservoirs where temperature above 85 °C has been documented.
Exploring CO2 storage potential in Lithuanian deep saline aquifers using digital rock volumes: a machine learning guided approach
Authors: Malik Shruti , Makauskas Pijus , Sharma Ravi , Pal Mayur
Published: January 2024

The increasing significance of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) as a climate mitigation strategy has underscored the importance of accurately evaluating subsurface reservoirs for CO2 sequestration. In this context, digital rock volumes, obtained through advanced imaging techniques such as micro-Xray computed tomography (MXCT), offer intricate insights into the porous and permeable structures of geological formations. This study presents a comprehensive methodology for assessing CO2 storage viability within Lithuanian deep saline aquifers, namely Syderiai and Vaskai, by utilizing petrophysical properties estimated from digital rock volumes of samples from analogous formations. It also demonstrates the potential of integrating advanced imaging techniques, machine learning, and numerical modeling for accurate assessment and effective management of subsurface CO2 storage.
Nanobiohybrids using organic nanoparticles for applications in water and wastewater treatment
Authors: Priyadarshini Upasana , Neelancherry Remya
Published: January 2024

To deal with emergencies like water shortages and water pollution, scientists have worked on making materials and technologies that function well enough. The current technologies are not ‘100%’ efficient at providing potable water. Therefore, it is essential to come up with new and better ways to purify water. Nanotechnology offers inventive water treatment techniques. Nanomaterials are fabricated with useful properties for adsorption, catalysis, sensing, and optoelectronics applications, such as reactivity, high-aspect ratio, controlled pore volume as well as electrostatic, hydrophilic, and hydrophobic interactions. Anions, metal ions, microorganisms, and organic compounds can be eliminated using nanoparticles (NPs). Minimal NP concentrations are required for water treatment, making their application cost-effective. Biopolymeric materials have a number of advantages over their synthetic counterparts due to their easy biodegradability and low impact on the environment. Because of their minimum toxicity, improved adsorption capability, excellent biodegradability, significant photocatalytic potential and biocompatibility, nanobiohybrids have a significant role in the field of water and wastewater treatment. This chapter summarizes various production methods of diversified nanobiohybrids synthesized in recent years, with a particular focus on nanobiocomposites.
Sustainable wastewater treatment using magnetic nanohybrids
Authors: Patil Anirudh Gururaj , Alangadu Kothandan Vivekanandan , Hemavathi A. B. , Suri Shweta , Pande Ranjana , Kagale Sneha , Yadav Snehal , Patil Gouri
Published: January 2024

Water pollution by various toxic contaminants has become one of the most serious problems across the globe. Various technologies have been used since ages to treat water and waste water that include filtration (membrane and gravel) and chemical (precipitation, coagulation, flocculation, adsorption, ion exchange, and electrochemical) methods. Although it requires an expensive material, commercial adsorbents are widely used in the industries for waste water treatment. Adsorption is generally used because of its adaptability in design and operation, reversibility, and feasibility. The choice of right and environmentally friendly adsorbent material for especially heavy metals has become the need of the hour. The nanomaterial/composites have demonstrated remarkable capacity for elimination of heavy metals from water. Different magnetic nanohybrid adsorbents have different adsorbing efficiencies for heavy metals due to their intrinsic properties such as surface area, functional group, zeta potential, and pore structure. Magnetic nanohybrid materials not only possess the properties of nanomaterials but also have magnetic properties that enable them as excellent adsorbents or catalysts in water pollution remediation. Also, extrinsic factors such as pH, temperature, and contact time influence the adsorption. In the last few decades, nanotechnology has received special attention and different nanomaterials or composites have been developed for water purification. Among which nanohybrid materials, combined with two or more compositions together possess a great advantage with new properties, diverse functionalities, and unlimited possibilities. In this chapter, sustainable waste water treatment with focus on nanohybrids is discussed that include sources of pollutants, methods of magnetic nanohybrid preparation, and factors influencing adsorption followed by applications and challenges.
Nanobiohybrids: a promising approach for sensing diverse environmental water pollutants
Authors: Jebarani D. Angelene Hannah , Alex Sruthi Ann
Published: January 2024

Water resource management has become the need of the hour with continuous depletion of good quality water. Sensors are important tools for monitoring the environmental water quality and quantifying the presence of various harmful pollutants (pesticides, heavy metals, and micro-organisms). Biosensors designed with functional biological molecules as recognition elements use a transducer, which converts a biological response into electrochemical, optical, gravimetric, magnetic, or thermal signals that can be easily quantified. The advent of nanotechnology has revolutionized material design and properties of sensing platforms. Materials in the nanoscale dimension possess interesting characteristic features such as high surface-area-to-volume ratio, high conductivity, functionalizability, shock-bearing ability, color tunability, photo-reactivity, and magnetization. Nanomaterial-integrated biomolecules with enhanced functional properties are termed as nanobiohybrids. The amalgamation of the tuneable characteristics of nanomaterials with functional biological molecules by means of functionalization and/or immobilization creates sophisticated transducers for enhancing the analytical performance of sensors. The resultant nanobiohybrid sensor systems are robust, exhibit relatively short response time with improved specificity and have higher sensitivity enabling detection of even trace volumes of analyte molecules. Recent advancements in research and engineering also promote the possibilities of device miniaturization, portability, and incessant monitoring of water quality. This chapter intends to discuss the impact of various toxic pollutants in water, the importance of nanomaterials in design of novel nanobiohybrids, the different nanomaterials relevant for use in design of sensors for environmental analysis, and finally the different transduction mechanisms that enable the detection and quantification of toxins in water.
A Study on the Publishing Activities of Japanese colonial eras through the Analysis of Press Articles of the Publication Ceremony : Focusing on newspaper articles of the Donga Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo
Authors:   The Korean Publishing Science Society, Cho Jung Mi
Published: January 2024

This study empirically analyzed 63 ‘publication ceremony’ reported in 142 articles in the Dong-A Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo from 1928 to 1940. The findings of this study are as follows: first, the first ‘publication ceremony’ was reported in June 28, 1928, and the number of publication commemorative meetings increased from 1937 to 1939. First, the first publication anniversary coverage was reported in June 1928, with a sharp increase in coverage after 1937. Second, the coverage of publication anniversaries was mainly centered on literary books, and the types of articles were divided into pre-publication articles announcing the contents of the meeting and post-publication articles showing photos of the meeting. Third, the main elements of publication ceremony are characterized by various changes based on 1937. Before 1937, the purpose of publishing anniversary events was to bring together writers and social organizations, but they gradually changed into publisher-centered events. As a result, the publication celebrations of this period are characterized by the social relations and context of writers, authors, and intellectuals surrounding books, and the publishing activities based on them.
Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sulfonylation using Sodium Sulfinates as
Sulfonyl Radical Precursors
Authors: Liang Sen , Gu Jia-Xin , Zeng Cheng-Chu
Published: January 2024

Sodium sulfinates have been widely utilized as sulfonyl radical precursors for
preparing a diverse array of value-added sulfur-containing compounds (sulfones, sulfonamides,
sulfonates, thiosulfonates, etc.) through S-C, S-N, S-O and S-S bonds formation reactions.
Organic electrosynthesis has become an attractive alternative to conventional
methods for redox reactions because it utilizes electric current instead of chemical redox
agents. As such, the electrochemical generation of sulfonyl radicals from sodium sulfinates
and their applications in organic electrosynthesis have attracted much attention. In this
review, the recent advances in the electrochemical sulfonylation of organic compounds
involving sodium sulfinates as sulfonyl radical precursors since 2015 were reviewed, along
with related reaction mechanisms.
Recent Advances in the Preparation of Protein/peptide Microspheres by
Solvent Evaporation Method
Authors: Sun Huayan , Luo Weiwei , Huang Xiaowu
Published: January 2024

:

Protein/peptide drugs are extensively used to treat various chronic and serious diseases.
The short half-life in vivo of protein and peptide as therapeutics drug limit the realization of
complete effects. Encapsulating drugs in microspheres can slow the speed of drug release and
prolong the efficacy of drugs. The solvent evaporation method is widely used to prepare protein/
peptide microspheres because of its facile operation and minimal equipment requirements.
This method has several challenges in the lower encapsulation efficiency, fluctuant release profiles
and the stabilization of protein/peptides, which researchers believe may be solved by adjusting
the preparation parameter or formulation of microspheres. The article discusses the formulation
parameters that govern the preparation of protein/peptide-loaded microspheres by the
solvent evaporation method, which provides an overview of the current promising strategies for
solvent evaporation for protein/peptide microspheres. The article takes parameter evaluation as
the framework, facilitating subsequent researchers to quickly find possible solutions when encountering
problems.
Pharmacological Action and Research Progress of Taraxasterol
Authors: Zhang Yu , Shaari Ramizu Bin , Awang Nawi Mohamad Arif Bin , Hassan Akram Bin , Cui Caiyun
Published: January 2024

:

Primarily sourced from Asteraceae family herbs such as the Dandelion, Taraxasterol
is a pentacyclic triterpenoid lauded for its extensive biological functionalities. Its therapeutic
potency is demonstrated in various disease models, encompassing enteritis, arthritis, acute hepatic
injury, and pneumonia. Scientific literature underscores its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
and antineoplastic attributes. The primary aim of this study is to thoroughly explore the diseasemodulating
mechanisms and effects of taraxasterol. We endeavor to provide an exhaustive review
of the experimental subjects, intervention components, distinct action modalities, contributing
factors, and protein pathway expressions associated with taraxasterol, systematically represented
via diagrams and tables. Such a schematic representation encourages a continued academic
dialogue concerning taraxasterol's pharmacological characteristics. This review is envisioned
as a practical guide for the selection of experimental subjects and methodologies in prospective
research. It is intended to further illuminate taraxasterol's pharmacodynamics, thereby
offering theoretical and empirical justification for its clinical application.
MicroRNAs in Anticancer Drugs Hepatotoxicity: From Pathogenic
Mechanism and Early Diagnosis to Therapeutic Targeting by Natural
Products
Authors: Atteia Hebatallah Husseini
Published: January 2024

:

Patients receiving cancer therapies experience severe adverse effects, including hepatotoxicity,
even at therapeutic doses. Consequently, monitoring patients on cancer therapy for
hepatic functioning is necessary to avoid permanent liver damage. Several pathways of anticancer
drug-induced hepatotoxicity involve microRNAs (miRNAs) via targeting mRNAs. These
short and non-coding RNAs undergo rapid modulation in non-targeted organs due to cancer
therapy insults. Recently, there has been an interest for miRNAs as useful and promising biomarkers
for monitoring toxicity since they have conserved sequences across species and are
cellular-specific, stable, released during injury, and simple to analyze. Herein, we tried to review
the literature handling miRNAs as mediators and biomarkers of anticancer drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
Natural products and phytochemicals are suggested as safe and effective candidates in
treating cancer. There is also an attempt to combine anticancer drugs with natural compounds to
enhance their efficiencies and reduce systemic toxicities. We also discussed natural products
protecting against chemotherapy hepatotoxicity via modulating miRNAs, given that miRNAs
have pathogenic and diagnostic roles in chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity and that many
natural products can potentially regulate their expression. Future studies should integrate these
findings into clinical trials by formulating suitable therapeutic dosages of natural products to
target miRNAs involved in anticancer drug hepatotoxicity.
Knowledge and Awareness of Emerging Cancer Therapies and their
Regulations among Budding Scientists in India: A Survey
Authors: Sharma Pinky , Jhawat Vikas , Singh Jatinder , Dutt Rohit
Published: January 2024

Background:

Academic clinical research is considered the most important for cancer research
because it frequently tests novel drug combinations, investigates rarer diseases, and lowers the
risk for future commercial investments. However, due to the potential risks to the cancer patient, clinical
research is governed by strict regulations. In high-income countries, comprehensive cancer centers
(CCCs) have been established to align academic clinical cancer research with the regulatory
framework. In comparison, academic clinical cancer research is considered ineffective in low-income
countries.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of Indian health
science students regarding cutting-edge cancer therapeutics and their underlying regulatory requirements.

Results:

The survey found that 163 out of the 265 respondents were aware of the challenges of developing
safe and effective anticancer therapeutics. 43 respondents found no challenges, while 59
respondents were unaware of any. Out of 163, 44 respondents identified technical challenges, 31
identified regulatory issues, and 88 identified both challenges in developing novel anticancer therapeutics.
Interestingly, only 83 students out of 265, study cancer therapy regulations in their curriculum.
This clearly indicates that most of India's health science students have a significant lack of understanding
about the regulations for new cancer treatments.

Conclusion:

Academic clinical cancer research in India is just recognized as a prerequisite for degree
completion due to a lack of regulatory foundation. An emphasis should be placed on restructuring the
coursework offered to health science students to improve their ability to translate theoretical cancer
research to real-world clinical care.
Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analyses Identify the Core Genes and Pyroptosis-Related Mechanisms of Nardostachys Chinensis for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Xue Weiqi , Luo Yuan , He Weifeng , Yan Mengyuan , Zhao Huanyi , Qing Lijin
Published: January 2024

Background:

Nardostachys chinensis is an herbal medicine widely used in the treatment
of atrial fibrillation (AF), but the mechanism is unclear.

Objective:

To explore the molecular mechanism of N. chinensis against AF.

Methods:

The TCMSP was used to screen the active N. chinensis compounds and their targets.
Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for AF were identified using open-access databases. Using
Venn diagrams, the cross-targets of N. chinensis, pyroptosis, and AF were obtained. The
genes underwent molecular docking as well as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). A nomogram
based on candidate genes was constructed and evaluated with the clinical impact curve.
After that, the immune infiltration of the dataset was analyzed by single sample GSEA
(ssGSEA). Finally, microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) were predicted based
on candidate genes.

Results:

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and caspase-8 (CASP8) were obtained as candidate genes
by taking the intersection of DEGs, targets of N. chinensis, and pyroptosis-related genes. Tolllike
receptor (TLR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways
were linked to candidate genes. Additionally, immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that
CASP8 was associated with natural killer T cells, natural killer cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs),
myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), macrophages, CD8 T cells, and CD4 T cells. Finally,
miR-34a-5p and several TFs were found to regulate the expression of CASP8 and TNF.

Conclusion:

CASP8 and TNF are potential targets of N. chinensis intervention in pyroptosisrelated
AF, and the TLR/NLRP3 signaling pathway may be associated with this process.
Electrochemical Sensors Go Nano: Carbon Nanomaterials for Ultrasensitive Heavy Metal Analysis
Authors: Zhou Qingwei , Fu Li , Zhu Jiangwei
Published: January 2024

Background:

Heavy metal contamination of food and the environment is a major
concern worldwide. Conventional detection techniques like atomic absorption spectroscopy
(AAS), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively
coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) have limitations including high costs and insufficient
sensitivity. Electrochemical sensors based on carbon nanomaterials have emerged as an
attractive alternative for rapid, affordable, and ultrasensitive heavy metal analysis.

Methods:

This review summarizes recent advances in using carbon nanomaterials like ordered
mesoporous carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene and carbon dots for electrochemical sensing of
toxic heavy metals. Synthesis methods, characterization techniques, functionalization strategies
and detection mechanisms are discussed.

Results:

High surface area, electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic activity of carbon nanomaterials
enable preconcentration of metal ions and signal amplification at electrode interfaces.
This results in remarkably low detection limits down to parts per trillion levels. Functionalization
with metal nanoparticles, molecularly imprinted polymers and other nanocomposites further
improves sensor selectivity and sensitivity. These sensors have been applied for the quantitative
detection of arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, and other toxic metals in lab samples.

Conclusion:

Electrochemical sensors based on carbon nanotubes, graphene, mesoporous carbon,
and carbon dots are rapidly emerging as an ultrasensitive, cost-effective alternative to conventional
techniques for on-site screening of heavy metal contamination in food and environment.
Further validation using real-world samples and integration into portable field testing kits can
enable widespread deployment.
Identification of Mitophagy-Related Genes in Sepsis
Authors: Zeng Xiao-Yan , Zhang Min , Liao Si-Jing , Wang Yong , Ren Ying-Bo , Li Run , Li Tian-Mei , Mao An-Qiong , Li Guang-Zhen , Zhang Ying
Published: January 2024

Background:

Numerous studies have shown that mitochondrial damage induces inflammation
and activates inflammatory cells, leading to sepsis, while sepsis, a systemic inflammatory
response syndrome, also exacerbates mitochondrial damage and hyperactivation. Mitochondrial
autophagy eliminates aged, abnormal or damaged mitochondria to reduce intracellular mitochondrial
stress and the release of mitochondria-associated molecules, thereby reducing the inflammatory
response and cellular damage caused by sepsis. In addition, mitochondrial autophagy
may also influence the onset and progression of sepsis, but the exact mechanisms are unclear.

Methods:

In this study, we mined the available publicly available microarray data in the GEO database
(Home - GEO - NCBI (nih.gov)) with the aim of identifying key genes associated with mitochondrial
autophagy in sepsis.

Results:

We identified four mitophagy-related genes in sepsis, TOMM20, TOMM22, TOMM40,
and MFN1.

Conclusion:

This study provides preliminary evidence for the treatment of sepsis and may provide
a solid foundation for subsequent biological studies.
Functionalization of Semi-conductive Interfaces with Cucurbit[n]urils
Authors: Ngwekazi Andisiwe , Arendse Christopher , Baker Priscilla
Published: January 2024

Cucurbiturils are a class of macrocyclic compounds with highly polar carbonyl portals
and a hydrophobic cavity. They are usually utilized as efficient host molecules in supramolecular
chemistry applications due to their high binding affinity for positively charged or cationic compounds.
This review investigates the application of CB[n] immobilization at semi-conductive interfaces
to produce electrochemical sensors. Critical to the production of thin film electrode preparations
is the solubility of the CB[n] to produce homogeneous thin films when deposited. The solubility
of CB[n] molecules in organic and inorganic solvents is limited; however, CB[7] has been applied
successfully in the production of a wide range of electrochemical sensors. Furthermore, we
introduce simple drop-casting of efficiently solubilized CB[7] as a simple yet effective method for
producing CB[7] modified electrochemical sensors for the sensitive reporting of dopamine in aqueous
solutions in the concentration range of 3.33×10-9 to 1.16×10-8 M with a sensitivity of 0.315
μA/M, (n=3).
Recent Advances in the Construction of Coumarin or Quinolin-2-ones Compounds via Radical Cascade Reactions
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Tang Wei , Zhou Kai , Huan Xiao-Xiao , Chen Zhi-Wei
Published: January 2024

Free radical reactions occupy an important position in synthetic organic chemistry as
well as medicinal chemistry, significantly complementing and extending the synthesis of coumarin
or quinolin-2-one compounds. Moreover, the use of constructing coumarin or quinolin-2-one compounds
functionalized at the C3 position has certain advantages over traditional noble metalcatalyzed
or high-temperature cyclization, which is more in line with the advocates of green chemistry.
The design of alkenes or alkynes as radical acceptors for cascade reactions presents a novel
and robust approach to obtaining coumarin or quinolin-2-one molecules. These radical cascade
cyclization reactions have been well explored and studied over the past decade. As a result, we
have compiled a mini-review of the rapidly developing cutting-edge research in this field, featuring
typical examples and in-depth exploration of the underlying mechanisms.
Physico-chemical characteristics of edible film from breadfruit starch (Artocarpus altilis) and beeswax
Authors: Ermawati Tesya Anggun , Nurindra Rahmadhia Safinta
Published: January 2024

Starch or other polysaccharides-based packaging is environmentally friendly and can be used as an alternative to tackle the environmental issue. Bio-based polymers can be made into flexible packaging sheets used as edible films. Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is one of the most common sources of starch, and it could be used to make edible films. When beeswax was added, the amount of water vapor permeability (WVP) decreased, and the mechanical properties of starch-based edible films improved. This study aimed to identify the effects of breadfruit starch and beeswax, as well as the best formulation of the edible film. The edible film was made using breadfruit starch (3%, 4%, and 5% (b/v)) and beeswax (0%, 0.5%, and 1% (b/v)) as biopolymers by the casting method. Furthermore, this research was conducted to determine the quality of edible film based on its physical and chemical properties. The results showed that adding beeswax and breadfruit starch to edible films significantly affected thickness, tensile strength, elongation, solubility, transparency, moisture content, and water vapor transmission rate. The edible film with 4% breadfruit starch and 0.5% beeswax produced a better edible film than other formulations. The thickness is 0.251 mm, the tensile strength is 2.454 MPa, the elongation is 44.31%, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is 6.587 g/m2/24hours, the transparency is 1.666 A/mm, the solubility is 31.77%, and the moisture content is 13.82%.
Effect of earthworm and papain enzyme concentration on antioxidant activity of earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) protein hydrolysate
Authors: Salsabila Dianah , Hidayat Nur , Suprayogi Suprayogi
Published: January 2024

The earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (African Night Crawler) can be used as a raw material for making protein hydrolysates. Hydrolysis of earthworms using papain enzyme produces peptides that have bioactivity as antioxidants. Antioxidant activity in earthworm hydrolysate is caused by phenolic compounds that have an important role in neutralizing free radicals. This study aims to determine the effect of earthworm concentration and papain enzyme concentration on soluble protein, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. This study used the Randomized Block Design (RBD) method arranged with two factors, namely earthworm concentration (20% 30%, and 40% (w/v)) and papain enzyme concentration (8%, 10%, and 12% (w/v)) with three replications. Data analysis used Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and continued with the DMRT test. The results showed that earthworm concentration, papain enzyme concentration, and the interaction between the two factors had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the test results of soluble protein, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The treatment with earthworm concentration (40% (w/v)) and papain enzyme concentration (12% (w/v)) produced the highest mean soluble protein, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of 11.47%, 23.07 mg GAE/mL hydrolysate, and 3301.42 ppm.
The Relationship between Self-Compassion and Predictors of Depressed Mood in Parents of People with Eating Disorders
Authors: Fox Pamela , Burgess Gerald H. , Irons Chris
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between self-compassion and possible predictors of depressed mood in parents of people with eating disorders. A questionnaire design was conducted cross‐sectionally in a sample of 112 parents of people with eating disorders. Participants completed measures of depressed mood, experiences of entrapment, shame, guilt, self-criticism and self-compassion. Regression analyses showed entrapment and self-criticism to be mediators between the relationship of shame and depressed mood. Self-compassion appeared to reduce the experience of depressed mood through its effect on shame and entrapment. Self-compassion also appeared to reduce the experience of depressed mood through its effect on self-criticism. This study explored processes of depression and the buffering effects of self-compassion on these processes. These findings support an evolutionary understanding of depressed mood and the potential benefits of applying compassion-focused interventions for parents of people with eating disorders.
Pure Wisdom or Potemkin Villages? A Comparison of ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4 on USMLE Step 3 Style Questions: Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Knoedler Leonard , Alfertshofer Michael , Knoedler Samuel , Hoch Cosima C , Funk Paul F , Cotofana Sebastian , Maheta Bhagvat , Frank Konstantin , Brébant Vanessa , Prantl Lukas , Lamby Philipp
Published: January 2024

Background

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) has been critical in medical education since 1992, testing various aspects of a medical student’s knowledge and skills through different steps, based on their training level. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including chatbots like ChatGPT, are emerging technologies with potential applications in medicine. However, comprehensive studies analyzing ChatGPT’s performance on USMLE Step 3 in large-scale scenarios and comparing different versions of ChatGPT are limited.

Objective

This paper aimed to analyze ChatGPT’s performance on USMLE Step 3 practice test questions to better elucidate the strengths and weaknesses of AI use in medical education and deduce evidence-based strategies to counteract AI cheating.

Methods

A total of 2069 USMLE Step 3 practice questions were extracted from the AMBOSS study platform. After including 229 image-based questions, a total of 1840 text-based questions were further categorized and entered into ChatGPT 3.5, while a subset of 229 questions were entered into ChatGPT 4. Responses were recorded, and the accuracy of ChatGPT answers as well as its performance in different test question categories and for different difficulty levels were compared between both versions.

Results

Overall, ChatGPT 4 demonstrated a statistically significant superior performance compared to ChatGPT 3.5, achieving an accuracy of 84.7% (194/229) and 56.9% (1047/1840), respectively. A noteworthy correlation was observed between the length of test questions and the performance of ChatGPT 3.5 (ρ=–0.069; P=.003), which was absent in ChatGPT 4 (P=.87). Additionally, the difficulty of test questions, as categorized by AMBOSS hammer ratings, showed a statistically significant correlation with performance for both ChatGPT versions, with ρ=–0.289 for ChatGPT 3.5 and ρ=–0.344 for ChatGPT 4. ChatGPT 4 surpassed ChatGPT 3.5 in all levels of test question difficulty, except for the 2 highest difficulty tiers (4 and 5 hammers), where statistical significance was not reached.

Conclusions

In this study, ChatGPT 4 demonstrated remarkable proficiency in taking the USMLE Step 3, with an accuracy rate of 84.7% (194/229), outshining ChatGPT 3.5 with an accuracy rate of 56.9% (1047/1840). Although ChatGPT 4 performed exceptionally, it encountered difficulties in questions requiring the application of theoretical concepts, particularly in cardiology and neurology. These insights are pivotal for the development of examination strategies that are resilient to AI and underline the promising role of AI in the realm of medical education and diagnostics.
Acceptance and User Experiences of a Wearable Device for the Management of Hospitalized Patients in COVID-19–Designated Wards in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Action Learning Project (Preprint)
Authors: Luu An Phuoc , Nguyen Truong Thanh , Cao Van Thi Cam , Ha Trinh Hoang Diem , Chung Lien Thi Thu , Truong Trung Ngoc , Nguyen Le Nhu Tung , Dao Khoa Bach , Nguyen Hao Van , Khanh Phan Nguyen Quoc , Le Khanh Thuy Thuy , Tran Luu Hoai Bao , Nhat Phung Tran Huy , Tran Duc Minh , Lam Yen Minh , Thwaites Catherine Louise , Mcknight Jacob , Vinh Chau Nguyen Van , Van Nuil Jennifer Ilo ,   Vietnam ICU Translational Applications Laboratory (VITAL)
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Wearable devices have been used extensively both inside and outside of the hospital setting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in some contexts, there was an increased need to remotely monitor pulse and saturated oxygen for patients due to the lack of staff and bedside monitors.

OBJECTIVE

A prototype of a remote monitoring system using wearable pulse oximeter devices was implemented at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August to December 2021. The aim of this work was to support the ongoing implementation of the remote monitoring system.

METHODS

We used an action learning approach with rapid pragmatic methods, including informal discussions and observations as well as a feedback survey form designed based on the technology acceptance model to assess the use and acceptability of the system. Based on these results, we facilitated a meeting using user-centered design principles to explore user needs and ideas about its development in more detail.

RESULTS

In total, 21 users filled in the feedback form. The mean technology acceptance model scores ranged from 3.5 (for perceived ease of use) to 4.4 (for attitude) with behavioral intention (3.8) and perceived usefulness (4.2) scoring in between. Those working as nurses scored higher on perceived usefulness, attitude, and behavioral intention than did physicians. Based on informal discussions, we realized there was a mismatch between how we (ie, the research team) and the ward teams perceived the use and wider purpose of the technology.

CONCLUSIONS

Designing and implementing the devices to be more nurse-centric from their introduction could have helped to increase their efficiency and use during the complex pandemic period.
Usability of an App for Medical History Taking in General Practice From the Patients’ Perspective: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Albrink Klara , Schröder Dominik , Joos Carla , Müller Frank , Noack Eva Maria
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

A future shortage of physicians, especially in general practice, will result in an increasing workload for health care providers as a whole. Therefore, it is important to optimize patient-encounter processes to increase time efficiency related to visits. Utilizing digital tools to record patients’ medical histories prior to a consultation offers great potential to achieve this goal. The collected information can be stored into the practice’s electronic medical record, allowing for the general practitioner to review structured information of the patients’ complaints and related medical history beforehand, thereby saving time during the encounter. However, the low usability of new digital developments in this setting often hinders implementation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability of an app designed for medical history taking in general practice to capture the patients’ perspective.

METHODS

Between November 2021 and January 2022, we recruited 406 patients with acute complaints in one out-of-hour urgent care and seven general practice clinics. These study participants used the app during their waiting time and subsequently assessed its usability by completing the System Usability Scale (SUS), a robust and well-established 10-question survey measuring the perceived usability of products and technologies. Additionally, we collected general participant information, including age, sex, media usage, health literacy, and native language. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to identify patient characteristics associated with low or high SUS scores.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 397 patients (56.7% female, 43.3% male). The mean total SUS score was 77.8 points; 54.4% (216/397) of participants had SUS scores of 80 points or higher, indicating high usability of the app. In a multiple linear regression predicting SUS score, male sex and higher age (65 years or older) were significantly negatively associated with the SUS score. Conversely, a higher health literacy score and German as the native language were significantly positively associated with the SUS score.

CONCLUSIONS

Usability testing based on the SUS anticipates successful implementation of the app. However, not all patients will easily adapt to utilizing the app, as exemplified by the participants of older age in this study who reported lower perceived usability. Further research should examine these groups of people, identify the exact problems in operating such an app, and provide targeted solutions.

CLINICALTRIAL

German Clinical Trials Register World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set DRKS00026659; https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=DRKS00026659