Mental health mobile apps during Covid-19 Pandemic to evaluate stress level in Selangor

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted negatively on public mental health. As a result, monitoring the level of the population mental health is a priority during crises. This study aims to measure stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Selangor. Cross-sectional study was done using SELANGKAH apps, where users are Selangor citizens. Data was collected from September 2021 until March 2022. This app was initially used as contact tracing and mental health modules (SEHAT) were added, consisting of a validated Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire. Out of 42072 SEHAT users, 6411 people had completed the questionnaire. Majority were female (53.6%), Muslims (79.6%), had formal education up to secondary (49.0%), low income (89.9%), and young and middle- aged adults (59.7%). Majority have a moderate stress (66.8%), while 23.3% and 9.9% are low and high levels, respectively. High stress is significantly associated with females, high education, younger age groups, and low monthly income. Several factors could have contributed to this throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, such as online learning, uncertainty on study duration, financial constraints and limited social interactions. Moreover, as an effect of prolonged pandemic and MCO, a surge in the number of job terminations has also affected the source of income, which contributed to high levels of stress among the general population. The level of stress in Selangor was high during the pandemic as an effect of MCO

Flaxseed (linum usitatissimum) ethanolic extract affects WNT signalling pathway-associated molecules; β-catenin and DKK1 expressions, during osteoblast differentiation of SHED

WNT signalling is important in regulating developmental process including bone development. Additionally, WNT signalling also involves in lineage differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), including osteogenic differentiation, through canonical WNT pathway. Flaxseed (linum usitatissimum) is a plant with many health benefits including promoting bone health. Our previous study demonstrated that Flaxseed ethanolic extract (FEE) reduced the osteoblast differentiation potential of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), a type of MSC. Hence, we aimed to analyse the effect of FEE on WNT signalling pathway-associated molecules; β-catenin, and DKK1 expressions, during the osteoblast differentiation of SHED. SHED cultured in osteoblast induction media (OIM) was treated with FEE at 4 mg/ml. RNA extracted from cells cultured at day 7, 14 and 21 was subjected to reverse-transcriptase PCR for β-catenin, and DKK1 gene expression analysis. FEE at 4 mg/ml significantly reduced β-catenin and DKK1 expression of SHED at day 7 (0.5293 ± 0.01, 1.0792 ± 0.02 respectively, p < 0.01) but induced their expression at day 14 (0.7675 ± 0.05, 1.7176 ± 0.07 respectively, p < 0.01). The expression was later reduced at day 21 (0.2592 ± 0.01, 1.0653 ± 0.04 respectively, p < 0.01). Changes in the β-catenin, and DKK1 expressions levels at different time frame might explain how FEE reduced the osteoblast differentiation potential of SHED. Overall, FEE modulates the expressions of WNT signalling pathway-associated molecules: β-catenin, and DKK1, during the process of osteoblast differentiation of SHED which could possibly interrupt the process of osteogenesis in the current environment

INTER-ENG 2020

These proceedings contain research papers that were accepted for presentation at the 14th International Conference Inter-Eng 2020 ,Interdisciplinarity in Engineering, which was held on 8–9 October 2020, in Târgu Mureș, Romania. It is a leading international professional and scientific forum for engineers and scientists to present research works, contributions, and recent developments, as well as current practices in engineering, which is falling into a tradition of important scientific events occurring at Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology in the George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy Science, and Technology of Târgu Mures, Romania. The Inter-Eng conference started from the observation that in the 21st century, the era of high technology, without new approaches in research, we cannot speak of a harmonious society. The theme of the conference, proposing a new approach related to Industry 4.0, was the development of a new generation of smart factories based on the manufacturing and assembly process digitalization, related to advanced manufacturing technology, lean manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and manufacturing tools and equipment. The conference slogan was “Europe’s future is digital: a broad vision of the Industry 4.0 concept beyond direct manufacturing in the company”

Chapter 34 - Biocompatibility of nanocellulose: Emerging biomedical applications

Nanocellulose already proved to be a highly relevant material for biomedical applications, ensued by its outstanding mechanical properties and, more importantly, its biocompatibility. Nevertheless, despite their previous intensive research, a notable number of emerging applications are still being developed. Interestingly, this drive is not solely based on the nanocellulose features, but also heavily dependent on sustainability. The three core nanocelluloses encompass cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). All these different types of nanocellulose display highly interesting biomedical properties per se, after modification and when used in composite formulations. Novel applications that use nanocellulose includewell-known areas, namely, wound dressings, implants, indwelling medical devices, scaffolds, and novel printed scaffolds. Their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility using recent methodologies are thoroughly analyzed to reinforce their near future applicability. By analyzing the pristine core nanocellulose, none display cytotoxicity. However, CNF has the highest potential to fail long-term biocompatibility since it tends to trigger inflammation. On the other hand, neverdried BNC displays a remarkable biocompatibility. Despite this, all nanocelluloses clearly represent a flag bearer of future superior biomaterials, being elite materials in the urgent replacement of our petrochemical dependence