bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact and adaptation to flooding: A focus on water supply, sanitation, and health in rural communities on the Barotse floodplain in Zambia
Authors: MILUPI Inonge D. , Wallace Corinne Schuster , Janes Craig
Published: February 2022

Globally it is recognised that climate change impact is manifested through severe weather events that cause, for example, flooding. Floods have large social consequences for communities and individuals. This paper investigates the impact of flooding on water supply and sanitation conditions together with flood-induced health problems on the Barotse floodplain in Zambia. The study also explored rural response measures and adaptation strategies. This study relied on intensive field investigation in May 2021 where 99 households from different villages in the floodplain were randomly sampled to participate in a questionnaire survey. Key informants, including government officials from the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Local Government and Housing, were also interviewed. The findings showed that water supply and sanitation conditions are severely interrupted during flood periods, and this leads to various waterborne diseases. The findings further revealed that all pit latrines in the study area become submerged and therefore unsafe to use. Adaptation measures include boiling water before use and water disinfection using chlorine. Other, adaptive measures noted in the study area include open water defecation due to inundation of toilets, which further contaminates drinking water supplies.Based on the findings, the researchers propose that the government and other stakeholders should prioritise flood-proof water and sanitation facilities in the study area in order to improve the health of the rural community during floods.
Compatibility of Different Commercial Alloys in High Temperature Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zhang Gen , Jiang E , Liu Weiwei , Yang Hong , Wu Yulong , Huang Yanping
Published: February 2022

In this work, compatibility and long-term integrity of candidate structural materials, including austenitic stainless steel 316NG, Fe-Ni based alloy 800H and Ni-based alloy 625, were tested in high-temperature and high pressure SCO2. The exposure time was up to 3000 h. The results showed that the corrosion kinetics approximately followed a parabolic law for 316NG and 800H. After 3000 h exposure, all of oxide layers, mainly composed by Cr2O3, were continuous, compact and protective, and their thicknesses were about 21~45 nm, 64~88 nm and 34~43 nm respectively. In case of carburization, dark spots corresponding carbon deposition was observed on the surface and a little enriched in underneath the oxide for 800H. Moreover, enrichment of trace elements was found at oxide/substrate interface through GDOES and TEM analysis, i.e., enrichment of Mn, Si for 316NG, enrichment of Mn, Si, Al, Ti for 800H and enrichment of Ti, Al for alloy 625.
Involving Young People and Key Stakeholders in the Co-Production of an Educational Package for the English Schools-Based Universal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme
Authors: Fisher Harriet , Chantler Tracey , Finn Adam , Kesten Joanna , Hickman Matthew , Letley Louise , Mounier-Jack Sandra , Thomas Clare , Worthington Katie , Yates Julie , Audrey Suzanne
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: The English schools-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme is routinely offered to all young people aged 12-13 years, to prevent cancers affecting the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus and oral cavity. Lower uptake among some population groups has been identified, in part, because of unmet information needs among young people. To address these unmet needs we report intervention planning and development processes to co-produce an educational package about the HPV vaccine.METHODS: We used co-production research methodologies and the ‘person-based approach’ involving the following iterative stages: (i) collating and analysing primary and secondary evidence, including HPV vaccine communication materials and interviews and workshops); (ii) developing guiding principles; (iii) undertaking a behavioural analysis informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel and the Behaviour Change Technique taxonomy; (iv) development of a preliminary logic model; (v) co-production of resources, and; (vi) refinement of resources informed by feedback from young people and key stakeholders. RESULTS: We co-produced EDUCATE, a theory-based educational package, that is designed to be delivered to young people prior to being offered the HPV vaccine to support uptake. Young people and key stakeholders identified the following key issues to include as content: (i) HPV-related information; (ii) how vaccines work; (iii) safety and side-effects of the HPV vaccine; (iii) eligibility for the HPV vaccination programme, and; (iv) preparation of young people to receive the HPV vaccine. A manual for professionals (e.g. immunisation nurses, school staff) delivering the intervention and a PowerPoint presentation, interspersed with five short films, were co-produced with young people and key stakeholders. Following feedback, the content of the EDUCATE package was refined to increase acceptability, engagement, and persuasiveness to the target users.CONCLUSION: Engagement with young people and key informants was integral to the development of our rigorously developed, theory-based intervention to address young people’s information needs about the HPV vaccination programme. The acceptability and persuasiveness of the package has been maximised by working closely with young people and key stakeholders to develop the content. Future studies to examine how the EDUCATE package is implemented in practice and the impact on uptake of the HPV vaccination programme are planned.TRIAL REGISTRATION: N/A
ADH4 is a TP53-associated immunometabolic signature for prediction of prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Mou-bin , Zhang Yuan , Jiang Hui-hong , Wang Zhen-yu , Zhai Bo
Published: February 2022

Background: Tumor protein p53 (TP53) is one of the most frequent mutated genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whose mutations influenced tumor microenvironment (TME) and associated with a worse prognosis. Thus, finding out an accurate prognostic signature could be beneficial for improving the prognosis of HCC.Methods: HCC genetic mutation data, transcriptome data and clinical data were downloaded from the TCGA database to clarify specific TP53-associated signature based on differential expression genes (DEGs). We investigated the predictive value of this signature on the overall survival (OS), immune analysis and validation in clinical specimens.Results: In total, our research exhibited 270 mutant genes and TP53 mutation occupied 28%. Besides, 81 upregulated genes and 27 downregulated genes were identified. Enrichment analysis showed that mutant-type TP53 were enriched for pathways related to cell cycle and cell metabolism, while clustered most enriched for terms related to metabolic process and immune response. The gene alcohol dehydrogenase4 (ADH4) was identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis and a nomogram was also established to validate this prognostic signature. Moreover, the low-ADH4 group in both TP53 mutant type and wild type displayed significantly worse OS than the high-ADH4 group. In addition, immune infiltration with higher expression of B cell groups showed an differential immune microenvironment. Specially, ADH4 expression and the prognostic prediction values were further validated in clinical samples.Conclusions: The TP53-associated immunometabolic signature is a specific and independent prognostic biomarker for HCC patients, and could provide potential prognostic biomarker for the development of novel immunotherapies.
Association Between Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Maternal Vitamin D Levels During The Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Li Chong , Gong Ya-qin , Xia Yun-yu , Wang Xiao-chun , Chen Lin , Yan Shan-jun , Lu Ke
Published: February 2022

Background: Evidence for an association between the amount of ambient fine particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere and vitamin D status of pregnant women is limited. We aimed to examine the independent association between ambient fine PM and maternal levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) during the second trimester and to explore possible modifications to the association by meteorological factors. Methods: 27,768 pregnant women presenting for prenatal examination who were tested for serum 25OHD concentration during the second trimester between January 1, 2016, and 31 December, 2020, were included in this retrospective analysis. Exposure to PM was evaluated based on daily average PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 μm (PM10). Corresponding meteorological data for daily average atmospheric temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, sunshine duration, and wind speed, were collected. Results: Vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/mL), inadequacy (12-20 ng/mL), and adequacy (≥20 ng/mL) were respectively present in 23.5%, 41.3%, and 35.2% of pregnant women during their second trimester. The maximum cumulative effects of PM2.5 occurred at lag 45 days, and the maximum cumulative effects of PM10 occurred at lag 60 days. In crude models, 45-day moving daily average PM2.5 concentrations were negatively associated with 25OHD levels (β, −0.200; 95% CI, −0.206 to −0.193), as were 60-day moving daily average PM10 concentrations (β, −0.142; 95% CI, −0.146 to −0.137). After adjusting for temporal and meteorological factors, the effect values were drastically reduced (adjusted β of PM2.5, −0.032; 95% CI, −0.046 to −0.018; adjusted β of PM10, −0.039; 95% CI, −0.049 to −0.028). Conclusions: Our study showed an independent negative association between ambient fine PM in the atmosphere and maternal serum 25OHD levels during the second trimester of pregnancy. However, the effect values were small after adjusting for temporal and/or meteorological factors, which indicates that ambient fine PM may have a limited influence on maternal serum 25OHD levels.
Development, validity, and reliability of a Japanese version of End-of-Life in Dementia scales
Authors: Toya Sayaka , Uchida Yoko , Yamazaki Tsuneo , Saito Tomoyuki , Chiba Yuhei , Kawashima Tomoyuki , Takai Yukari , Yamaguchi Haruyasu
Published: February 2022

Background: End-of-life care quality should ideally be evaluated by patients themselves. However, patients suffer clinical symptoms and conspicuous cognitive and physical decline in end-stage dementia. Therefore, family members and nurses are often good proxies for evaluating patients’ satisfaction with end-of-life care and symptoms in end-stage dementia. The End-of-Life in Dementia scales, originally written in English, were specifically designed to examine the quality of end-of-life care for persons with dementia. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the End-of-Life in Dementia scales and evaluate its validity and reliability in Japan.Methods: The Japanese version of the End-of-Life in Dementia scales (EOLD-J) was created by translating the following original scale measurements: Satisfaction with Care (SWC-EOLD-J), Symptom Management (SM-EOLD-J), and Comfort Assessment in Dying with dementia (CAD-EOLD-J). Participants were 113 family members of deceased residents who received end-of-life care and died at 33 participating nursing homes, and 113 nurses who provided care to the residents. Participants were asked to recall the residents’ last months and respond using the designated scales. The reliability of the scales was evaluated using a Cronbach’s alpha. The construct validity of the relationships between the SWC-EOLD-J scores and the Japanese Decision Regret Scale (DRS-J), the SM-EOLD-J and the short version of Quality of Life Questionnaire for Dementia (short QOL-D), and the CAD-EOLD-J and the short QOL-D were evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The short QOL-D is composed of positive and negative dimensions.Results: Responses from 83 deceased residents’ family members, and 62 nurses were analyzed. The Cronbach’s alphas of the SWC-EOLD-J was 0.77, the SM-EOLD-J was 0.60, and the CAD-EOLD-J was 0.88. The SWC-EOLD-J score was significantly correlated with DRS-J (γ＝0.504, p < 0.001). The SM-EOLD-J score was significantly correlated with subscale of the short QOL-D: negative dimension ( γ＝0.587, p < 0.001), the CAD-EOLD-J score was significantly correlated with subscale of the short QOL-D: negative dimension (γ＝0.509, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study developed the EOLD-J and confirmed the reliability and validity of this scale.
Pendampingan Pemetaan Potensi Ekowisata bagi Masyarakat Desa Banjarasri, Kalibawang, Kulon Progo
Authors: Yohanes Satyayoga Raniasta  , Adimas Kristiadi
Published: February 2022

Banjarasri Village, Kalibawang, Kulon Progo has tourism potential to be developed into a village with a tourism concept that attracts local, regional, and national tourism activities. Tourism potential with the theme of ecotourism and culture is very suitable for developing in Banjarsari Village when looking at the typological and geographical characteristics. However, this potential has not yet been developed and packaged properly as a tourist destination. For this reason, community service activities carried out by the Duta Wacana Christian University aim to help explore and find existing tourism concepts and together with the community and local government to formulate a more appropriate ecotourism concept by using 5 (five) basic characteristics of ecotourism, including 1) nature-based; 2) ecologically sustainable; 3) environmentally educative; 4) locally beneficial, and 5) generate visitors. The method of this service activity is through Focus Group Discussions, Participatory Workshops, as well as Field Surveys of potential points with the local community in exploring and discovering the tourism potential of Banjarasri Village, and the results are used to make a Village Tourism Map, as well as proposed supported amenities designs
Isolation and Biochemical Characterization of Xylanase Enzyme Producing Bacteria from Goat Rumen
Authors: Sultana Sharmin , Sawrav Md. Sad Salabi , Rahma Md. Bokhtiar , Hossain Md. Shohorab , Haque Md. Azizul
Published: February 2022

The rumen microbial communities of ruminants are thought to be the most promising biochemical source of inordinately diversified and multi-functional cellulolytic enzymes with unique functional adaptations to improve biotechnological processes. The exploitation of rumen microbial genetic variety has been limited due to a lack of effective screening culture techniques and a lack of understanding of the rumen microbial genetic diversity. This study is conducted to isolate and characterize rumen bacteria from goat rumen that have capability to produce xylanase enzyme. Serial dilutions technique is applied to isolate bacteria from goat rumen and repeated tubing of the selectively enriched microbial cultures by using the specific media for rumen bacteria. Following that, all of the isolates were underwent Methyl Red (MR) test & Voges-Proskauer (VP) test to identify organisms metabolic pathway, Triple Sugar Iron Agar (TSI) Test to determine bacterial ability to utilize sugar, Motility Indole and Urease activity test (MIU) to determine motility, Urease utilization and can produce Indole or not, Citrate utilization test to utilize citrate as carbon and energy source, Oxidase test, Catalase test to check the presence of catalytic enzyme where all isolates found promising which indicates that all five isolates are superior and capable to produce xylanase.
Isolation and Biochemical Characterization of Cellulase Producing Goat Rumen Bacteria
Authors: Sultana Sharmin , Sawrav Md. Sad Salabi , Das Snygdha Rani , Alam Mehfuz , Aziz Md. Abdul , Hossain Md. Al-Amin , Haque Md. Azizul
Published: February 2022

Cellulose is the most prevalent polymer on the planet and has long been utilized for a variety of industrial applications. The study's goal was to screen and isolate cellulase-producing bacteria from the rumen of a goat collected from different location of Dinajpur district. To do so, rumen content samples from two distinct goats were collected. In this investigation, rumen cellulase-producing bacteria were isolated and characterized after serial dilution of five isolates up to six fold and inoculation into Nutrient agar. Following that, all of the isolates were underwent Methyl Red (MR) test & Voges-Proskauer (VP) test to identify organism’s metabolic pathway, Triple Sugar Iron Agar (TSI) Test to determine bacterial ability to utilize sugar, Motility Indole and Urease activity test (MIU) to determine motility, Urease utilization and can produce Indole or not, Citrate utilization test to utilize citrate as carbon and energy source, Oxidase test, Catalase test to check the presence of catalytic enzyme. The result revealed the colonial characterization of bacteria and also where proven all five isolates are promising enough and superior in quality to produce cellulose.
Performance Analysis of BPSK & 8-FSK Modulation Technique through AWGN Channel in Wireless Communication System
Authors: Forkan Md. , Halder Amit , Ripa Mst. Nazmun Nahar , Tanshen Md. Riyad
Published: February 2022

BPSK and 8-FSK modulation techniques are used in a variety of wireless communication systems. It has a substantial impact on wireless communication channels. The significance of analyzing and comparing the performance of these two modulation techniques over the AWGN fading channel cannot be overstated. This research can be used to determine the best technique for implementing in an AWGN fading channel. To investigate the performance of BPSK and 8-FSK modulation schemes on an AWGN channel in order to calculate the error rate quantity, and to provide a solution in such cases by providing a simple programmable interface for error rate calculators and switching between different techniques using channel block-sets. The performance analysis is carried out by utilizing the MATLAB Simulink software to synthesize the design. A simulated comparative result is shown using the AWGN channel to analyze the performance of these systems. The results clearly show that the BPSK modulation technique outperforms the 8-FSK modulation technique over the AWGN channel.
Feasibility Study of Solar Irrigation System in Rural Areas of Pirgacha Upazila of Rangpur District, Bangladesh
Authors: Kamruzzaman H.M. , Haque A K M Mahmudul
Published: February 2022

In this present work, possibility of using solar irrigation system in remote areas of Bangladesh have been studied. In this regard, Itakumari, Pirgacha Upazila of Rangpur District has been selected as the area of study. For primary data, survey among people of Itakumari, two field visits (Ramchandrapur of Kawnia upazila and Jaigir of Mithapukur upazila), underground water-level related information from BADC and market study of solar system are taken into account. Considering three irrigation seasons per year and all necessary costs, installation cost of solar irrigation system is calculated and compared with that of diesel pump system and electric pump system to find the payback period. It has been seen that, whatever is the amount of land, payback period is almost double for solar pump system with battery compared to without battery. Beside this, to water 35 decimal arable land by solar pump with battery, it would take almost five years for full return of installation cost. This study shall help policy makers to choose the best criteria in order to implement solar irrigation system in rural regions of Bangladesh.
Social Network Images Vulnerability Detection Using Graph Neural Network (GNN)
Authors: Hassan Md. Rakibul , Jhumur Jharka Akter , Siddika Ayesha , Kamal Kazi M. Amanat , Sakib Md. Nazmus
Published: February 2022

The empirical study involves detecting vulnerable images in social media. Use a vulnerable image detection dataset with a 78% data accuracy rate using a graph neural network. The study investigates that sharing vulnerable pictures on social networks might cause cyberbullying or stalking victims leads to many stressful events. The inexcusable behavior by many people is encompassing in the digital world. This phenomenon leads to threats of violence, slander, or even leakage of personal images may be included. The study associates vulnerability detection with the pictures posted on social media. In this way, the people of the society will be able to identify the vulnerable images and help to build social awareness. The ability of GNN to model the dependence between nodes in a network allows for a breakthrough in graph analysis research. A graph autoencoder framework can help GNNs solve the network embedding challenge. The approach associate's construction of a custom dataset with two classes, involve Vulnerable and Nonvulnerable images. We declare image size and batch size. After creating the GNN model data is trained using 10 epochs and then plot the accuracy and loss curve. The significance of the accuracy rate reached a satisfactory level. For the statistical approach, a confusion matrix is constructed to compare the actual and prediction data this helps to understand the performance of the proposed model. Graph neural network is very effective to classify images and other things. The findings constructed a Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) is an effective framework for representation learning of graphs.
Android Based Personal Finance Management Application: Design and Development
Authors: Makalew Brilly Andro
Published: February 2022

The aim of this work is to design an application with the main function to ease the user in the process of managing their personal finance. The process of evaluating their financial activities record should becomes easier because the application enables their own financial goal to be monitored, controlled, and evaluated using the data. There are two phases in this research: (1) concept evaluation phase, and (2) content realization phase. The first phase produced a list of approved features that had undergone a series of concept testing. All features support all three time period: past, present, and future. Users can see their past activities, record their present transaction, and plan their future goals. The second phase produced a design for a mobile application, specifically in a form of use case diagram and class diagram. Feature comparison between similar applications had also been done twice, in the beginning and at the end. All process are done to ensure that the concept are designed as objective as possible.
Influences of anthropogenic activities on water quality in the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Thai-Hoang Le , Thong Truong , Loc Hoang Thai , Van Pham Thi Trang , Thuy Pham Thi Phuong , Thuoc Tran Linh
Published: February 2022

Water quality for the surface water along the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City was assessed for four groups of water samples collected at the agricultural, industrial, residential, and less impacted areas. A variety of parameters indicating water quality including physicochemical parameters, nutrients, heavy metals, and antibiotic residues were measured for both the rainy and dry seasons, two main tropical seasons in HCM City using the standard methods. The results showed that the river water in the rainy season was detected with significantly higher values of turbidity, BOD5, PO4-P, NH4-N, NO3-N; and lower values of pH, temperature, conductivity, DO, salinity, Cu, Zn, As, Ni, Hg compared to that in the dry season. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim were highly detected in the industrial areas compared to the agricultural and residential areas. Multivariate analyses suggested that the industrial and residential activities were more important contributors to the pollution of the Saigon River than the agricultural activities in HCM City.
Evaluating the potential impact of energy-efficient ammonia control on the carbon footprint of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Boiocchi Riccardo , Bertanza Giorgio
Published: February 2022

An assessment was performed for elucidating the possible impact of different aeration strategies on the carbon footprint of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. Using a calibrated model, the impact of different aeration strategies was simulated. The ammonia controller tested showed its ability in ensuring effluent ammonia concentrations compliant with regulation along with significant savings on aeration energy, compared to fixed oxygen set point (DOsp) control strategies. At the same time, nitrous oxide emissions increased due to accumulation of nitrification intermediates. Nevertheless, when coupled with the carbon dioxide emissions due to electrical energy consumption for aeration, the overall carbon footprint was only marginally affected. Using the local average CO2 emission factor, ammonia control slightly reduced the carbon footprint with respect to the scenario where DOsp was fixed at 2 mg·L−1. Conversely, no significant change could be detected when compared against the scenarios where the DOsp was fixed. Overall, the actual impact of ammonia control on the carbon footprint compared to other aeration strategies was found to be strictly connected to the sources of energy employed, where the larger amount of low CO2-emitting energy is, the higher the relative increase in the carbon footprint will be.
Analyzing Problems of Making Strategic Decisions for Diversification of Intergrated Economic Structures
Authors: Biryukov A. A.
Published: February 2022

Diversification is a type of strategic planning of enterprise functioning, which is connected with extending investment activity. A process of diversification adequately planned and arranged could raise productivity of company work and each of its divisions. Russia has got a positive experience of production diversification in both civil and defense purpose products, however this experience was so dubious and controversial that hindered the development of a common concept. The theoretical basis of the strategy is not uniform and universal, which in its turn makes its application more complicated. The article studies the notion of diversification and shows key advantages of its use. The author analyzes consequences of incorrectly developed strategy of diversification in integrated economic structures and also provides stages of realizing the diversification strategy.
Mechanochemistry - A Promising Tool on the Synthesis of Organometallic Pincer
Compounds: Current State and Future Perspectives
Authors: Gómez-Benítez Valente , Germán-Acacio Juan Manuel , Morales-Morales David
Published: February 2022

Among the different synthethic proceedures available where the reactivity of substances is exploited using solid–state chemistry, such as microwave irradiation, ultrasound (sonochemistry), photochemistry, and mechanochemistry, the latter stands out as a synthetic tool on various areas of chemistry and materials sciences, acquiring great relevance in recent years. Thus, mechanochemistry has been applied in different areas such as organic synthesis, preparation of metal complexes, multicomponent pharmaceutical solid forms, catalysis, polymers, etc. However, despite the attractiveness of this sustainable technique, its application in the synthesis of coordination and organometallic compounds has been very incipient. On the other hand, pincer compounds have been a privileged ligand platform that has been profusely used for the synthesis of organometallic and coordination compounds for the last 20 years, finding applications on a large number of areas of chemistry, this being particularly true in the case of catalysis, being able to activate bonds difficult to activate such as C-H bonds, due in part to their characteristic thermal robustness. In this sense, on this perspective paper we present the current state of mechanochemistry in the preparation of organometallic pincer compounds and discuss future perspectives for the synthesis of these foremost interesting species via mechanochemistry.
Role of Bisphenol A in Autophagy Modulation: Understanding the Molecular Concepts and Therapeutic Options
Authors: Das Srijit , Sirasanagandla Srinivasa Rao , Sofin R.G. Sumesh , Al-Huseini Isehaq
Published: February 2022

Bisphenol A (4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol) is an organic compound commonly used in plastic bottles, packaging containers, beverages, and resin industry. The adverse effects of bisphenol A in various systems of the body have been studied. Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation process that leads to the regeneration of new cells. The role of bisphenol A in autophagy modulation involved in the pathogenesis of diseases is still debatable. A few research studies have shown bisphenol Ainduced adverse effects to be associated with autophagy dysregulation, while a few have shown the activation of autophagy to be mediated by bisphenol A. Such contrasting views make the subject more interesting and debatable. In the present review, we discuss the different steps of autophagy, genes involved, and the effect of autophagy modulation by bisphenol A on different systems of the body. We also discuss the methods for monitoring autophagy and the roles of drugs, such as chloroquine, verteporfin, and rapamycin, in autophagy. A proper understanding of the role of bisphenol A in the modulation of autophagy may be important for future treatment and drug discovery.
Osthole: Synthesis, Structural Modifications, and Biological Properties
Authors: Xu Hui , Ren Zili , Lv Min
Published: February 2022

Osthole, a naturally occurring coumarin-type compound, is isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine Cnidium monnieri (L.) and exhibits a broad range of biological properties. In this review, the total synthesis and structural modifications of osthole and its analogs are described. Additionally, the progress on bioactivities of osthole and its analogs has been outlined since 2016. Moreover, the structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action of osthole and its derivatives are discussed. These can provide references for future design, development, and application of osthole and its analogs as drugs or pesticides in the fields of medicine and agriculture.
Network-based Drug Repurposing: A Critical Review
Authors: Selvaraj Nagaraj , Swaroop Akey Krishna , Nidamanuri Bala sai soujith , Kumar Rajesh R , Natarajan Jawahar , Selvaraj Jubie
Published: February 2022

New drug development for a disease is a tedious, time-consuming, complex, and expensive
process. Even if it is done, the chances for success of newly developed drugs are still very
low. Modern reports state that repurposing the pre-existing drugs will have more efficient functioning
than newly developed drugs. This repurposing process will save time, reduce expenses and
provide more success rate. The only limitation for this repurposing is getting a desired pharmacological
and characteristic parameter of various drugs from vast data about medications, their effects,
and target mechanisms. This drawback can be avoided by introducing computational methods
of analysis. This includes various network analysis types that use various biological processes
and relationships with various drugs to simplify data interpretation. Some of the data sets now
available in standard, and simplified forms include gene expression, drug-target interactions, protein
networks, electronic health records, clinical trial results, and drug adverse event reports. Integrating
various data sets and interpretation methods allows a more efficient and easy way to repurpose
an exact drug for the desired target and effect. In this review, we are going to discuss briefly
various computational biological network analysis methods like gene regulatory networks, metabolic
networks, protein-protein interaction networks, drug-target interaction networks, drugdisease
association networks, drug-drug interaction networks, drug-side effects networks, integrated
network-based methods, semantic link networks, and isoform-isoform networks. Along with
this, we briefly discussed the drug's limitations, prediction methodologies, and data sets utilised in
various biological networks for drug repurposing.
Влияние осаждения атомов Ba и имплантации ионов Ba-=SUP=-+-=/SUP=- на электронную структуру монокристаллического Ge
Authors: Ташмухамедова Д.А. , Умирзаков Б.Е. , Эргашов Ё.С. , Юсупжанова М.Б. , Ёркулов Р.М.
Published: February 2022

The effect of the adsorption of Ba atoms with a thickness of  ≤ 3 - 4 monolayers and the implantation of Ba+ ions with an energy of E0 = 0.5 - 2 keV on the density of states of electrons in the valence band, the parameters of the energy bands, and the emission and optical properties of Ge (111) has been studied for the first time. It is shown that during the adsorption of Ba atoms with  = 1 monolayer, the value of the thermoelectric work function  decreases by  1.9 eV, and the value of the secondary electron emission coefficient квантовm and the quantum yield of photoelectrons Y increases by 1.5 - 2 times. In the case of implantation of Ba+ ions with E0 = 0.5 keV at an irradiation dose D = 61016 cm-2, the density of state of valence electrons and the parameters of the energy bands change sharply; the quantum yield of photoelectrons increases by a factor of 2 or more. The observed changes are explained by the formation on the surface of a thin ( 25 - 30 Å) amorphous doped layer consisting of nanoscale phases of the Ba - Ge type ( 60 - 65 at.%) And excess (unbound) Ba and Ge atoms. In this case, the band gap Eg decreases by  0.3 eV.
Digital Health Interventions for Weight Management in Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kouvari Matina , Karipidou Melina , Tsiampalis Thomas , Mamalaki Eirini , Poulimeneas Dimitrios , Bathrellou Eirini , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Yannakoulia Mary
Published: February 2022

Background

Recent meta-analyses suggest the use of technology-based interventions as a treatment option for obesity in adulthood. Similar meta-analytic approaches for children are scarce.

Objective

The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine the effect of technology-based interventions on overweight and obesity treatment in children and adolescents.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane Library for randomized clinical trials to identify interventional studies published between January 2000 and February 2021.

Results

In total, 9 manuscripts from 8 clinical trials of 582 children or adolescents were considered eligible. BMI, BMI z-score, and other BMI-related baseline metrics during and after intervention were considered as primary outcomes. In 7 of 8 studies, a technology-based intervention was applied in addition to conventional care. Of the 8 studies, 6 studies were conducted in the United States, 1 in Australia, and 1 in northwestern Europe. In total, 5 studies included adolescents, whereas the rest addressed children aged 9 to 12 years. Intervention duration ranged from 3 to 24 months. Significant differences between groups in BMI metric changes were reported by 5 of the 8 studies. Pooled analysis revealed an overall significant decrease in BMI metrics in the intervention group (standardized mean difference –0.61, 95% CI –1.10 to –0.13; P=.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that significance was lost in case of no parental involvement (standardized mean difference –0.36, 95% CI –0.83 to 0.11; P=.14). The small number of clinical trials found, the varying study quality, and the study heterogeneity are some limitations of this review.

Conclusions

The studies reported herein describe functional and acceptable technology-based approaches, in addition to conventional treatments, to enhance weight loss in young populations.
Patient Portal Messaging for Asynchronous Virtual Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Huang Ming , Khurana Aditya , Mastorakos George , Wen Andrew , He Huan , Wang Liwei , Liu Sijia , Wang Yanshan , Zong Nansu , Prigge Julie , Costello Brian , Shah Nilay , Ting Henry , Fan Jungwei , Patten Christi , Liu Hongfang
Published: February 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, patient portals and their message platforms allowed remote access to health care. Utilization patterns in patient messaging during the COVID-19 crisis have not been studied thoroughly. In this work, we propose characterizing patients and their use of asynchronous virtual care for COVID-19 via a retrospective analysis of patient portal messages.

Objective

This study aimed to perform a retrospective analysis of portal messages to probe asynchronous patient responses to the COVID-19 crisis.

Methods

We collected over 2 million patient-generated messages (PGMs) at Mayo Clinic during February 1 to August 31, 2020. We analyzed descriptive statistics on PGMs related to COVID-19 and incorporated patients’ sociodemographic factors into the analysis. We analyzed the PGMs on COVID-19 in terms of COVID-19–related care (eg, COVID-19 symptom self-assessment and COVID-19 tests and results) and other health issues (eg, appointment cancellation, anxiety, and depression).

Results

The majority of PGMs on COVID-19 pertained to COVID-19 symptom self-assessment (42.50%) and COVID-19 tests and results (30.84%). The PGMs related to COVID-19 symptom self-assessment and COVID-19 test results had dynamic patterns and peaks similar to the newly confirmed cases in the United States and in Minnesota. The trend of PGMs related to COVID-19 care plans paralleled trends in newly hospitalized cases and deaths. After an initial peak in March, the PGMs on issues such as appointment cancellations and anxiety regarding COVID-19 displayed a declining trend. The majority of message senders were 30-64 years old, married, female, White, or urban residents. This majority was an even higher proportion among patients who sent portal messages on COVID-19.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients increased portal messaging utilization to address health care issues about COVID-19 (in particular, symptom self-assessment and tests and results). Trends in message usage closely followed national trends in new cases and hospitalizations. There is a wide disparity for minority and rural populations in the use of PGMs for addressing the COVID-19 crisis.
Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an mHealth Smoking Cessation Intervention for Persons with HIV (Preprint)
Authors: Schnall Rebecca , Liu Jianfang , Alvarez Gabriella , Porras Tiffany , Ganzhorn Sarah , Boerner Samantha , Huang Ming-Chun , Cioe Patricia
Published: February 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

The prevalence of smoking in the United States general population has gradually declined to the lowest rate ever recorded; however, this has not been true for persons with HIV (PWH). We conducted a pilot test to assess the feasibility and efficacy of the Lumme Quit Smoking App, a mobile application and a smartwatch with sensing capabilities to improve smoking cessation in PWH. Forty participants were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned 1:1 to the control arm which received an 8-week supply of NRT, a 30-minute smoking cessation counseling session, and weekly check-in calls with study staff, or to the intervention arm which additionally provided the Lumme Quit Smoking App and a smartwatch. Of the 40 participants enrolled, 37 completed the follow-up study assessments and 16 used the app every day during the 56-day period. During the 6-month recruitment and enrollment period, 122 people were screened for eligibility with 67.2% deemed ineligible. Smoking criteria and incompatible tech were the major reasons for ineligibility. There was no difference in the proportion of 7-day point prevalence abstinence by study arms and no significant decrease in exhaled carbon monoxide for the intervention and control arms separately. However, the average exhaled carbon monoxide decreased over time when analyzing both arms together. Results suggest excellent feasibility and acceptability of using a smoking sensor app among this smoking population. The knowledge gained from this research will enable the scientific community, clinicians, and community stakeholders improve tobacco cessation outcomes for PWH.
The Acceptability of Adherence Support via Mobile Phones for Antituberculosis Treatment in South India: Exploratory Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jose Nisha K , Vaz Clint , Chai Peter R , Rodrigues Rashmi
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

India has the greatest burden of tuberculosis (TB). However, over 15% of the people on antitubercular therapy (ATT) in India are nonadherent. Several adherence monitoring techniques deployed in India to enhance ATT adherence have had modest effects. Increased adoption of mobile phones and other technologies pose potential solutions to measuring and intervening in ATT adherence. Several technology-based interventions around ATT adherence have been demonstrated in other countries.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to understand the acceptance of mobile phone adherence supports for ATT using self-administered quantitative measures among patients with TB in South India.

METHODS

This exploratory study was conducted at a TB treatment center (TTC) at a tertiary care center in Thrissur District, Kerala, India. We recruited 100 patients with TB on ATT using convenience sampling after obtaining written informed consent. Trained study staff administered the questionnaire in Malayalam, commonly spoken in Kerala, India. We used frequency, mean, median, and SD or IQR to describe the data.

RESULTS

Of the 100 participants diagnosed with TB on ATT, 90% used mobile phones routinely, and 84% owned a mobile phone. Ninety-five percent of participants knew how to use the calling function, while 65% of them did not know how to use the SMS function on their mobile phone. Overall, 89% of the participants did not consider mobile phone–based ATT adherence interventions an intrusion in their privacy, and 93% did not fear stigma if the adherence reminder was received by someone else. Most (95%) of the study participants preferred mobile phone reminders instead of directly observed treatment, short-course. Voice calls (n=80, 80%) were the more preferred reminder modality than SMS reminders (n=5, 5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Mobile phones are likely an acceptable platform to deliver ATT adherence interventions among individuals with TB in South India. Preference of voice call reminders may inform the architecture of future adherence interventions surrounding ATT in South India.
Family Social Support and Weight-Related Behaviors of School-Age Children (Preprint)
Authors: Delaney Colleen , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Families are a key provider of support that may encourage positive weight-related behaviors. Yet, little is known about the relation of family support to children’s performance of weight-related behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this exploratory secondary analysis was to investigate the associations between family social support for key weight-related behaviors (i.e., eating, physical activity, sleep) and children’s performance of those behaviors.

METHODS

Online survey responses of mothers (N=524) of young children were used to categorize their families as giving low, moderate, or high family support for each of these behaviors: fruit/vegetable intake, breakfast intake, limiting sugar-sweetened beverage intake, physical activity, limiting sedentary screentime, and sleep. Analysis of Variance and Tukey post-hoc tests were used to compare children’s weight-related behaviors by level of family support provided for each weight-related behavior. Binomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio for meeting the recommendation for each weight-related behavior (model outcome) between those with a low and high level of family support (primary predictor) for the behavior.

RESULTS

ANOVA revealed that children in families with high support for breakfast ate this meal significantly more often. Additionally, children in families with low support of sugar-sweetened beverage had significantly greater intake. Surprisingly, families with moderate support for physical activity and sleep tended to have children with lower physical activity level, sleep duration, and sleep quality, and fewer days/week with set bedtimes than those with low and high support. Binomial logistic regression revealed that high family support for eating breakfast, limiting sugar-sweetened beverages, and getting sufficient sleep had a greater odds of meeting recommendations for these behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that greater family support for healthy weight-related behaviors tends to be associated with children’s performance of these behaviors. Future interventions should further examine the impact of different types of family support on weight-related behaviors to better understand this complex interplay.
Key Stakeholders’ Experiences and Perceptions of Virtual Reality for Older Adults Living with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis (Preprint)
Authors: Flynn Aisling , Healy David , Barry Marguerite , Brennan Attracta , Redfern Sam , Houghton Catherine , Casey Dympna
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Technology is increasingly being used and is evolving in the dementia care landscape. Once such technology that has gained traction in the last decade is virtual reality (VR). VR is being applied to many areas of dementia care including cognitive assessment and training, reminiscence therapy, music therapy and other recreational VR applications. Despite the plethora of applications, they are often not shaped by the experiences and perceptions of older adults living with dementia. There is currently no qualitative evidence synthesis which explores this area. This review aims to provide qualitative evidence to support existing systematic reviews in this area.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis is to explore key stakeholders’ experiences and perceptions of VR for older adults living with dementia. It aims to explore the barriers and facilitators to VR use and provide recommendations for future design and implementation.

METHODS

Qualitative evidence synthesis was used which involved a systematic search of six databases to identify studies which qualitatively explored key stakeholders’ experiences and perceptions of VR for older adults living with dementia. Thematic synthesis was used to integrate the findings from 14 studies (from 15 reports).The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The confidence placed in the review findings was assessed using GRADE Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual).

RESULTS

15 reports of 14 studies were included in the review consisting of a range of levels of VR immersion, stages of dementia and care contexts. Three analytical themes were generated: stepping into virtuality, a virtual world and returning to reality. The results indicate the importance of sensitively designing and introducing VR to this population as often, older adults living with dementia have no prior experience using this technology. VR can be a positive experience for older adults living with dementia and can provide meaningful experiences such as enhancing connections, positive expressions and long-term impacts on everyday functioning. However, it should be acknowledged that there are negative associations which need to be accounted for prior, during and after use.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the positive implications as well as negative associations of VR use. It emphasizes the need for VR design and implementation that is driven by the needs and views of older adults living with dementia and other key stakeholders. Future research needs to explore the vital role older adults living with dementia play in the design process and how they can be empowered to meaningfully design and use this technology.