bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloning and functional characterization of two abiotic stress tolerance genes, AtLTP1 and LeCBF1, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ibrahim Yomna H. , Basry Mahmoud A. , El-Maaty Shereen A. , Tawfik Mohamed S. , Basita Hussein A. , El-Assal Salah E. 
Published: November 2023

Background
Salinity is one of the most damaging abiotic stress factors in agriculture, it has a negative impact on crop growth, production, and development. It is predicted that salinity will become much more severe due to global climate change. Moreover, soil salinization affects three hectares of agricultural land every minute, increasing the salinity-affected area by 10% annually. The improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in plants was made possible by recent developments involving transgenes and the isolation of some abiotic stress tolerance genes.

Objective
The current study aimed to synthesize, clone and characterize two abiotic stress tolerance genes Lipid transfer protein (AtLTP1) of Arabidopsis thaliana and Stress-inducible transcription factor C-repeating binding factor (LeCBF1) of Solanum lycopersicum in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Materials and methods
The above-mentioned genes were synthesized, cloned into the pYES2 vector then transformed into Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model eukaryotic system. The yeast growth was measured at (OD600 nm) in a spectrophotometer, RT-PCR expression analysis and estimation of intracellular proline content after exposure to different salt concentration were performed to characterize and evaluate the physiological roles of the selected genes in the yeast.

Results and conclusion
The AtLTP1 and LeCBF1 genes were cloned into the pYES2 vector for Saccharomyces cerevisiae expression. After being exposed to increasing concentrations of sodium chloride (0, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2., 2.2, and 2.3 M) for 7 days, transgenic yeast cells were tested for their ability to survive under increasing salt-stress conditions and their growth response. A spectrophotometer was used to measure yeast growth at OD600nm. The growth of the control cells was dramatically hindered when the salt content was increased to 1.9 M NaCl. However, two transgenic yeast lines continued to grow well, at a slower rate, up to 2.3 M NaCl. The two genes’ expression in transgenic yeast in response to salt stress was verified by RT-PCR. In this transgenic yeast, the precise primers of LeCBF1 and AtLTP1 amplified the genes successfully at 633 base pairs and 368 base pairs, respectively. The findings showed that increasing salinization level considerably boosted the transgenic yeast’s intracellular proline accumulation. It was suggested that the possibility of utilizing these genes to produce salt tolerant transgenic plants, consequently, increase the amount of land that can be exploited for agriculture.
Enhanced gelatin based films integrated with xanthan and cellulose derivatives as potential packaging materials
Authors: Mohamed Salah A.A. , Ali Eman A. , Othman Abdelmageed M. , Elsayed Alaa E. 
Published: November 2023

Background
Films based on gelatin can be useful for pharmaceutical and food packaging, but they have some drawbacks.

Objective
In this study, we aimed to evaluate three series of edible composite films based on gelatin for pharmaceutical and food packaging.

Materials and methods
Three series of composite films based on gelatin were prepared by blending with three different polysaccharides, xanthan, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Film composites were prepared by solution casting with glycerol (30% weight). Burst strength, mechanical, contact angel, water vapour permeability rate (WVPR), and air permeability test were tested for the three series of composite films. The antibacterial activity of the produced sheets against Gram-positive bacteria B. mycoides, a nonfilamentous fungus called C. albicans, and Gram-negative bacteria E. coli was examined.

Results
This work reports the successful preparation of stand-alone natural antimicrobial edible composite films with excellent mechanical properties. The addition of HPMC and HEMC had enhanced the thermal stability of gelatin-xanthan composite films. Mechanical properties; tensile strength and elongation percent were investigated. The results showed that the addition of 0.1% of HEMP and HPMC to gelatin–xanthan composite enhanced the elongation% to equal 59.33% and 25.33%, respectively, while the tensile values were 5.570 and 6.617 mPa, respectively. Xanthan addition had improved the antibacterial activity of gelatin films. The results showed that the different composite series have varying relative effects on microbial development effectiveness.

Conclusion
According to the results, these composite films can be considered as promising natural active edible packaging materials.
Anticataract effects of Pergularia daemia leaf on in-vitro glucose induced goat eye lens model
Authors: Vaghela Ujjval P. , Sheth Devang B. , Parekh Kushal , Jani Bhavik , Ajudia Ravi , Trivedi Rahul , Brahmbhatt Harshkumar , Gohil Dilsar 
Published: November 2023

Background
The primary factors contributing to the development of cataracts in diabetes mellitus are the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress. It is widely recognized that the progression of cataracts can be attenuated by the presence of antioxidants. The prospect of utilizing natural plants as a source of antioxidants is highly promising.

Objectives
In order to determine the antioxidant activity of MDA level, Catalase activity, and Total protein level as well as to evaluate the morphological changes in goat eye lens, we investigated the anticataract effects of Pergularia daemia leaf on an in vitro glucose-induced goat eye lens model.

Material and methods
Six groups of 36 each were created out of lenses. ‘Normal Control’ (5.5 mM) constituted Group I. The remaining five groups used glucose (55 mM) to create an experimental diabetic cataract. Group II: ‘ Disease Control‘ (experimental, untreated diabetic cataract lenses). Enalpril 12 ng/ml and 55 mM glucose make up Group III. Lenses treated with a 250 μg/ml extract of Pergularia daemia leaves were placed in group IV. Lenses treated with a 500 μg/ml preparation of Pergularia daemia leaves, group V. Lenses treated with a 1000 μg/ml extract of Pergularia daemia leaves are in Group VI. Malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation, catalase activity, and total proteins were among the biochemical factors found in lens homogenates that were examined. In each group, the morphology of the lenses was compared.

Results
The antioxidant enzyme activity, preservation of total proteins, catalase levels, and reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased in Pergularia daemia. Additionally, the methanolic extracts of Pergularia daemia leaves effectively delayed the development of opacity in the lenses while maintaining their shape.

Conclusion
The in-vitro glucose-induced goat eye lens model demonstrated anti-oxidant and anticataract capabilities as well as the preservation of lens shape in an anticataract study.
Auditing of outpatient prescriptions in selected primary healthcare centers in Tripoli, Libya
Authors: Atia Ahmed , Eldubiea Hajer , Belhag Haneen 
Published: November 2023

Background
Irrational prescribing is a worldwide issue. Prescription auditing can assist in identifying medication errors caused by inappropriate prescribing. It is a systematic tool for analyzing the quality of medical care, including diagnostic and treatment procedures.

Objective
The present study aimed to assess the prescription quality and prescribing trends in selected primary healthcare centers in Tripoli.

Materials and methods
The study was conducted in the outpatient department at selected primary healthcare centers for the period of 2 months from 1st Feb to 30th March 2023 and included a total of 214 prescriptions. All collected prescriptions were analyzed for the presence or absence of essential prescription components such as prescriber information, patient information, and drug details such as dosage form, strength, frequency, and dosage form. The observed data was presented in the form of a number and a percentage.

Results and conclusion
A total of 214 prescriptions were collected and analyzed, out of which 863 prescription writing errors were noted with an average of 4.03 errors per each prescription, among them 767 errors of prescriber omission and 96 of drug-related errors. Most of these omissions were due to failure in mentioning the patient’s address (n=211, 48.2%), followed by the prescriber’s specialization (n=143, 43.5%), and the prescriber’s name (n=112, 37.1%). Additionally, 96 omission errors related to drugs (0.44 errors per each prescription) were found being due to missing drug dosages (n=7, 7.3%) and strength of medication (n=10, 10.4%). The total number of drugs prescribed was 621, among them 129(20.8%) prescriptions were for analgesics, followed by 113(18.2%) were for antibiotics. There are some areas where the quality of prescription writing in the selected primary healthcare centers needs to be improved.
Understanding the Components of Theory of Mind in Depression: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Ghosh Debaleena , Halder Susmita 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Theory of mind (ToM) is the capacity to infer the mental states of others to understand and predict their behavior. As depression is characterized by prominent social and interpersonal difficulties, exploration of ToM functioning is particularly relevant in depression. ToM is a fundamental ability that consists of two distinct but connected components: socioperceptual (decoding) and sociocognitive (reasoning). However, ToM is still an underexplored and controversial area of research in depression. In this light, the present study explores the different components of ToM in individuals with depression.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, participants of both genders (n = 60) were pooled as per the inclusion and exclusion criterion and screened for depression through Beck Depression Inventory. The socioperceptual component of ToM was assessed using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test and the sociocognitive component of ToM was assessed using ToM Assessment Scale.

Results:
There were significant differences between individuals with depression and healthy controls in both the components of ToM. Healthy controls had higher means on both the measures with respect to the individuals with depression.

Conclusion:
The findings of the study clearly indicate that individuals with depression appear to be significantly impaired in their ability to “read” social interactions. To better understand depression and improve psychotherapeutic treatment, a more suitable method for evaluating fundamental mentalizing categories should be taken into consideration.
An Exploratory Study of Awareness about Five Concerned Mental Disorders among the Rural Population of Ahmedabad District
Authors: Patel Jigar G. , Ravtani Nikita P. , Bamania Prashant M. , Mehta Prakash I. , Marvania Nidhi P. 
Published: November 2023

Background:
The National Mental Health Survey estimated that about 10.6% of the population currently suffered from a mental disorder. The treatment gap was found to be 76%–85% in developing countries. To get the large Indian population involved in their own mental health, the only way forward is through enhancing awareness on mental health.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to know about awareness of five concerned mental disorders, i.e., depression, anxiety, mania, schizophrenia, and substance use disorder among the rural population of India.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 1000 samples were collected randomly from seven villages of Ahmedabad district. Participants were aged 18 years or above. The questionnaire consisted of description and pictorial representation of five mental illnesses, namely, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, mania, and substance use disorder, in Gujarati language. The participants were asked if they could identify the characteristics as disorders and whether it was treatable by a doctor. The awareness of participants was determined based on that.

Results:
In our study, out of 1000 participants, we found that 577 (57.7%) participants could identify mental disorders and 518 (51.8%) acknowledged that the latter were medically treatable. Only 493 (49.3%) were aware of both. Out of 577 participants who could identify the disorders, 146 (14.6%) participants were not aware about the treatment availability by a doctor. There was no significant difference in awareness across different sociodemographic variables.

Conclusion:
There is poor awareness regarding mental health disorders and treatment availability for the same among the rural population of Ahmedabad.
Psychosocial Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Related State-imposed Lockdown on Patients Presenting with Respiratory Complaints: A Study from North India
Authors: Garg Ravi Kumar , Garg Kranti , Chopra Vishal 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Clinical presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mimics many respiratory ailments.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and subsequent state-imposed lockdown on patients presenting with respiratory complaints.

Methodology:
This was a prospective study on 82 outpatients at a tertiary care institute from North India during the period of strict lockdown. Baseline assessment was conducted using socioclinical pro forma, COVID-19-related questionnaire, lockdown-related questionnaire, and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) Hindi version. Reassessment was done twice: immediately and 41–45 days after relaxation of strict lockdown. Quality of life (QOL) at first and second follow-up versus the prelockdown times (Score A and Score C) and first follow-up versus unlockdown (Score B) was noted.

Results:
Psychological distress was experienced in 45.1% and 17.1% of patients at baseline and first follow-up (P < 0.001). Clinical symptoms, worry for COVID-19, negative thoughts, and total score (lockdown) decreased significantly at first follow-up. The mean C score was significantly better than the mean A score (P < 0.001). Baseline and follow-up psychological distress was significantly more in those with poorer values of total score (lockdown) and its domains. On logistic regression, follow-up GHQ-12 correlated positively with Domain 2 (P = 0.027; odds ratio [OR] = 0.7) and “worry for COVID” (P = 0.017; OR = 10.136).

Conclusion:
Persons presenting with respiratory complaints and experiencing “worry for COVID-19” at the start of the lockdown were more likely to also experience psychological distress, which decreased significantly but persisted for prolonged periods even after relaxation in lockdown. Policymakers, while indulging in mental health planning in pandemics, should not ignore this issue of development and perpetuation of psychological distress in such otherwise “psychologically normal” individuals.
Correlation and Inter-rater Agreement between Patient, Caregiver and Clinician-administrated Versions of WHODAS 2.0 among the Persons with Bipolar Affective Disorder: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Paul Fayaz Ahmad , Tyagi Shikha , Das Subhash 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Bipolar affective disorders are dimensional illnesses in which patients experience, during the long-term course of illness, fluctuating levels of severity of manic and depressive symptoms interspersed with symptom-free periods. It is a highly exhausting and relapsing psychiatric disorder associated with significant morbidity and comorbidity. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) is an International Classification of Functioning-based multidimensional instrument that was developed for measuring disability.

Aim and Objective:
The present study aimed to check the correlation and inter-rater agreement amongst the patient, caregiver, and clinician-administered version of the WHODAS 2.0 among persons with bipolar affective disorder.

Materials and Methods:
The study was cross-sectional in nature. Thirty samples of patients with bipolar affective disorder as per ICD-10 criteria were selected using a consecutive sampling technique. Patients above 18 years of age with a total duration of illness of at least more than 2 years were included and used self, proxy, and interviewer-administered versions of WHODAS 2.0.

Results:
The total score of WHODAS 2.0 shows that the interclass correlation coefficient between the patient and caregiver, caregiver and clinician, and patient and clinician was 0.655 (0.469–0.802), 0.599 (0.395–0.767), and 0.722 (0.586–0.820), respectively, indicative of moderate reliability. Caregivers showed a higher mean in cognition, 3.73 (3.13); mobility, 2.63 (1.73); and self-care, 0.867 (1.25), than other raters. Clinicians showed a higher mean (standard deviation) in getting along with people, 4.13 (1.69); life activities of the household, 5.46 (2.67); and participation in society, 10.70 (2.56), than other raters.

Conclusion:
People suffering from bipolar affective disorder are prone to disability albeit in the mild-to-moderate variety. The findings show that there was moderate reliability between the patient and caregiver, caregiver and clinician, and patient and clinician among the patient rated, caregiver rated on the overscore of WHODAS 2.0.
Comparative evaluation of calcium ion release, pH change, and dentinal tubule penetration of four different formulations of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicaments – An in vitro study
Authors: Thonai Salouno , Kataki Rubi , Das Lima , Begum Firdushi , Deka Adrija , Borah Diganta Kumar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aim:
The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the release of calcium ion, pH change, and dentinal penetration depth of four different formulations of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicaments.

Materials and Methods:
Eighty mandibular single-rooted premolar teeth were divided into four groups (n = 20): Group 1 – calcium hydroxide (CH) + distilled water (DW), Group 2 – nanocalcium hydroxide + DW, Group 3 – calcium hydroxide + chitosan, and Group 4 – calcium hydroxide + 2% chlorhexidine gluconate. Biomechanical preparation was done till the F2 rotary ProTaper system and intracanal medicaments were placed. Calcium ions and pH were assessed at 24 h, 7 days, 15 days, and 30 days using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer and pH meter, respectively. The evaluation of tubule penetration was scanned under a field emission scanning electron microscope.

Results:
A significant difference was seen in calcium ion release and pH change among the four groups at 24 h, 7 days, 15 days, and 30 days as well as depth of dentinal penetration.

Conclusion:
Calcium hydroxide mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gel showed alkaline pH and the highest calcium ion release as well as significant dentinal tubule penetration among all the four groups under observation. Both combinations can enhance antimicrobial effectiveness as intracanal medicaments. Further clinical study should be carried out to optimize its use as an alternative treatment modality.
Comparative evaluation of the effect of 37% orthophosphoric acid pre-etching on the microtensile enamel bond strength using universal adhesive and two-step self-etch adhesive systems – An in vitro study
Authors: Menon Krutika , Vijayaraghavan Siddheswaran , Dhanyakumar N. M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Context:
The significance of enamel etching has been well-researched and established. Limited literature is available comparing the enamel bond strengths of the two-step self-etch adhesive system and the newly introduced universal adhesive (UA) system with prior acid etching.

Aims:
The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of composite to enamel with and without 37% orthophosphoric acid pre-etching using a recently introduced UA and a two-step self-etch adhesive.

Subjects and Methods:
This in vitro, experimental study was conducted on 48 extracted human third molar teeth. Two enamel surface fragments were obtained per tooth, polished using 600-grit silicon carbide abrasive paper, and randomly divided into four groups-CLEARFIL SE BOND with and without acid pre-etching and G-Premio Bond with and without acid pre-etching. The samples were etched using 37% phosphoric acid gel for 30 s, followed by the bonding protocol. Composite resin blocks were built incrementally to a thickness of approximately 6 mm, and the restored samples were stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37°C. They were then sectioned, mounted, and subjected to a μTBS test using a universal testing machine.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Statistical analysis of the data was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test using SPSS software version 22.0.

Results:
Samples bonded with the UA subjected to prior acid etching protocol demonstrated the highest enamel μTBS. In contrast, those treated with the two-step self-etch adhesive without prior acid etching demonstrated the lowest enamel μTBS. Pre-etching with phosphoric acid significantly increased the enamel bond strength of both bonding agents, with the universal agent showing better results than the two-step adhesive system.

Conclusions:
Enamel etching with phosphoric acid significantly increases the bond strength of self-etch adhesives. UA with prior acid etching showed the maximum enamel μTBS. Two-step self-etch adhesive without prior acid etching yielded enamel μTBSs unacceptable for long-term, durable bonding.
The United Kingdom National Health Service through the Lens of an Overseas Clinical Observer: A Reflective Account Based on Personal Experience
Authors: Salami Babatunde Abayomi , Ahmad Nadeem , Ayantunde Abraham Abiodun , Praveen Bandipalyam , Adesanya Adedoyin Adekunle 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This article provides insight into an aspect of the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom (UK) through the perspective of an overseas clinical observer. The NHS is a government-funded medical and health care service in the UK and has developed over the years providing a high standard of medical care and professionalism. The Clinical Observership Programme has been designed primarily for International Medical Graduates to experience how the NHS functions and the kind of services it offers. This article explores the overseas observer’s experience in a surgical unit of the NHS including the organisational structure, delivery of care and challenges of the system. This article also highlights the observer’s perspective of surgical care in the NHS compared to surgical care in low-resource income countries. The Clinical Observership is useful in learning about UK medical practice and gaining experience in a different cultural and professional environment. This is a reflective first-hand account based on personal experience.