Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of cooling on shaping ability of thermally treated files in canal models with double curvature

Background This study compared the ability of thermally treated files in shaping simulated canals with double curvature. Fifty-six canals were enlarged to a final size of 25 with ProTaper Next (PTN) or ZenFlex (ZF). Materials Half of the samples were shaped with cooled files (n = 14 each). The amount of removed resin was measured and canal deviation was determined at eight levels. Shaping time and maximum shaping torque values were also recorded. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and LSD, Kruskal–Wallis, and chi-square tests at a 0.05 significance level. Results Compared to PTN and cooled PTN, ZF and cooled ZF required lesser time to shape the canals. The maximum torques were found comparable between the groups. All the groups generated negligible deviations at every canal level evaluated and maintained the canal geometry. Although not significant, the cooled PTN and ZF files exhibited lesser canal deviations than their counterparts. Conclusion All groups demonstrated similar shaping ability whilst maintaining the original curvature of the canal in simulated canals with double curvature. However, ZF groups were able to shape the canals faster than PTN groups. There was a trend that cooled files made lesser canal deviations compared to their counterparts.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Domestic Abuse Against Turkish Immigrant Women in Germany

Introduction The most common but most hidden form of violence against women is domestic violence. One out of every three women in the world is exposed to physical, psychological or sexual violence by her close partner at any time in her life (Ünal and Gülseren, 2020). As a result of the social isolation measures and quarantine regulations brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, reports of domestic violence against women have increased. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological violence, psychological maltreatment and depression, anxiety among Turkish immigrant women living in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The Profile of Psychological Abuse of Women, Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) Scale, and The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were delivered to participants. Results Our results show that participants who had been exposed to psychological abuse and domestic violence reported to have higher depression and anxiety scores. Furthermore, participants with low income and married to spouses with no formal education or only primary school graduates were reported to have higher depression, anxiety, domestic abuse and psychological maltreatment scores during the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that Turkish immigrant women who had experienced psychological abuse and domestic violence by their partners during the pandemic were reported to have higher depression and anxiety. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
Genetic Profiling of Cell-Free DNA in Liquid Biopsies: A Complementary Tool for the Diagnosis of B-Cell Lymphomas and the Surveillance of Measurable Residual Disease

Simple Summary Genetic profiling of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from liquid biopsies (LiqBio) is a possible alternative to genetic profiling of tissue biopsies to diagnose B-cell lymphoma (BCL), and a complementary tool of PET/CT to determine measurable residual disease (MRD). The aim of our study was to confirm the utility of LiqBio for diagnosis and surveillance of BCL. We confirmed the correlation between somatic mutations in paired LiqBio and tissue biopsies at diagnosis in a population of 78 patients; furthermore, we identified additional mutations in LiqBio at diagnosis from patients with no available tissue samples or no mutations detected in tissue samples. As a surveillance tool for MRD detection, LiqBio combined with PET/CT showed to be a valuable method, improving the PET/CT specificity. Abstract Purpose: To assess the potential value of LiqBio as a complementary tool for diagnosis and surveillance of BCL. Methods: This prospective multi-center study included 78 patients (25 follicular lymphomas (FL) and 53 large B-cell lymphomas (LBCL)). We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) of cfDNA LiqBio and paired gDNA tissue biopsies at diagnosis and compared the mutational statuses. Also, through NGS of LiqBio, we identified MRD biomarkers and compared this novel LiqBio–MRD method with PET/CT in detecting MRD at follow-up. Results: We identified mutations in 71% of LiqBio and 95% of tissue biopsies, and found a correlation between variant allele frequency of somatic mutations. Additionally, we identified mutations in 73% of LiqBio from patients with no available tissue samples or no mutations in them. Regarding the utility of LiqBio–MRD as a dynamic monitoring tool, when compared with the PET/CT method, a lower sensitivity was observed for LiqBio–MRD at 92.3% (vs. 100% for PET/CT), but a higher specificity of 91.3% (vs. 86.9% for PET/CT). Conclusion: Genetic profiling of tumor cfDNA in plasma LiqBio is a complementary tool for BCL diagnosis and MRD surveillance.
Prediction of Emergency Cesarean Section Using Detectable Maternal and Fetal Characteristics Among Saudi Women

Background The worldwide rate of cesarean section (CS) is increasing. Development of prediction models for a specific population may improve the unmet need for CS as well as reduce the overuse of CS. Objective To explore risk factors associated with emergency CS, and to determine the accuracy of predicting it. Methods A retrospective analysis of the medical records of women who delivered between January 1, 2021-December 2022 was conducted, relevant maternal and neonatal data were retrieved. Results Out of 1793 deliveries, 447 (25.0%) had emergency CS. Compared to control, the risk of emergency CS was higher in primiparous women (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.06), in women with higher Body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.47), in association with history of previous CS (OR 4.81, 95% CI 3.24 to 7.15) and in women with abnormal amniotic fluid (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.55 to 3.41). Additionally, women with hypertensive disorders had a 176% increased risk of emergency CS (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.35–5.63). Of note, the risk of emergency CS was more than three times higher in women who delivered a small for gestational age infant (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.93–5.59). Based on the number of risk factors, a prediction model was developed, about 80% of pregnant women in the emergency CS group scored higher grades compared to control group. The area under the curve was 0.72, indicating a good discriminant ability of the model. Conclusion This study identified several risk factors associated with emergency CS in pregnant Saudi women. A prediction model showed 72% accuracy in predicting the likelihood of emergency CS. This information can be useful to individualize the risk of emergency CS, and to implement appropriate measures to prevent unnecessary CS.
Magnetic Properties of a High-Pressure Torsion Deformed Co-Zr Alloy

Co-Zr amorphous alloys exhibit soft magnetic properties, whereas the Co-rich crystalline magnetic phases in this alloy system displayed a hard magnetic behavior. In this study, an initial two-phase Co-Zr composite with an overall composition of 75 at. % Co and 25 at. % Zr was processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT), and the effects of severe plastic deformation and subsequent thermal treatment on the composite’s structural evolution and its magnetic properties were investigated. HPT processing allowed us to achieve an amorphous microstructure with low coercivity in its as-deformed state. To further tune the alloy’s magnetic properties and study its crystallization behavior, various annealed states were investigated. The microstructural properties were correlated with the magnetic properties, and a decreasing coercivity with increasing annealing temperatures was observed despite the onset of crystallization in the amorphous alloy. At higher annealing temperatures, coercivity increased again. The results appear promising for obtaining tuneable rare-earth free magnetic materials by severe plastic deformation.
Intention to Undergo Clinical Breast Examination and Its Associated Factors among Women Attending Rural Primary Healthcare Facilities in South Central Ethiopia

Background: Breast cancer is a global public health problem with higher mortality in developing countries. The Ethiopian National Cancer Control Plan recommends clinical breast examination (CBE) for all women aged >18 years. However, there is low breast examination practice in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to describe level of intention to undergo CBE and associated factors among women visited selected rural healthcare facilities in south central Ethiopia using Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: This study used facility-based cross-sectional study design. A total of 420 women participated in this study. Interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was adopted from previously published research works and Ajzen’s TPB manual. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 27, was used for analysis. Binary logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with intention to undergo CBE. Results: In this study, nine out of ten women had never had CBE. Mean score for intention to undergo CBE was 12.55 (SD ± 3.22; min 5, max 20). Intention to undergo CBE was negatively associated with being in the second and middle wealth quantiles compared to the highest wealth quantile, and with the spouse not being able to read or write compared to having attended formal education. Positive attitude and higher subjective norm had relevant association with intention to undergo CBE. Conclusion: The high score for intention to undergo CBE should encourage primary healthcare facilities to offer CBE. Behavioral change communication interventions could address women’s attitude, subjective norm, and spouse’s education associated with intention to undergo CBE.
Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli Characterization in a Tertiary Care Center from El Bajio, Mexico

Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CR-GNB) are a major public health concern. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CR-GNB and the frequency of carbapenemase-encoding genes in a tertiary referral center from El Bajio, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and October 2022; Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) were screened for in vitro resistance to at least one carbapenem. CR-GNB were further analyzed for carbapenemase-production through phenotypical methods and by real-time PCR for the following genes: blaKPC, blaGES, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, and blaOXA-48. In total, 37 out of 508 GNB were carbapenem-resistant (7.3%, 95% CI 5.2–9.9). Non-fermenters had higher rates of carbapenem resistance than Enterobacterales (32.5% vs. 2.6%; OR 18.3, 95% CI 8.5–39, p < 0.0001), and Enterobacter cloacae showed higher carbapenem resistance than other Enterobacterales (27% vs. 1.4%; OR 25.9, 95% CI 6.9–95, p < 0.0001). Only 15 (40.5%) CR-GNB had a carbapenemase-encoding gene; Enterobacterales were more likely to have a carbapenemase-encoding gene than non-fermenters (63.6% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.08); blaNDM-1 and blaNDM-5 were the main genes found in Enterobacterales; and blaIMP-75 was the most common for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mcr-2 gene was harbored in one polymyxin-resistant E. cloacae. In our setting, NDM was the most common carbapenemase; however, less than half of the CR-GNB showed a carbapenemase-encoding gene.
The Microbiome and Protein Carbamylation: Potential Targets for Protein-Restricted Diets Supplemented with Ketoanalogues in Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), metabolic derangements resulting from the interplay between decreasing renal excretory capacity and impaired gut function contribute to accelerating disease progression and enhancing the risk of complications. To protect residual kidney function and improve quality of life in conservatively managed predialysis CKD patients, current guidelines recommend protein-restricted diets supplemented with essential amino acids (EAAs) and their ketoanalogues (KAs). In clinical studies, such an approach improved nitrogen balance and other secondary metabolic disturbances, translating to clinical benefits, mainly the delayed initiation of dialysis. There is also increasing evidence that a protein-restricted diet supplemented with KAs slows down disease progression. In the present review article, recent insights into the role of KA/EAA-supplemented protein-restricted diets in delaying CKD progression are summarized, and possible mechanistic underpinnings, such as protein carbamylation and gut dysbiosis, are elucidated. Emerging evidence suggests that lowering urea levels may reduce protein carbamylation, which might contribute to decreased morbidity and mortality. Protein restriction, alone or in combination with KA/EAA supplementation, modulates gut dysbiosis and decreases the generation of gut-derived uremic toxins associated, e.g., with cardiovascular disease, inflammation, protein energy wasting, and disease progression. Future studies are warranted to assess the effects on the gut microbiome, the generation of uremic toxins, as well as markers of carbamylation.
Large Ovarian Cystadenoma in an Adolescent Girl: A Case Report

Ovarian cystadenomas are rare neoplastic tumors arising from the ovarian surface epithelium. While commonly observed in adult women, their occurrence in adolescents is exceedingly uncommon. The management of large ovarian cystadenomas in this age group poses unique challenges due to acute presentations and potential complications. We present the case of a 16-year-old girl who presented with sudden, severe abdominal pain and distension. Imaging revealed a 15 cm complex cystic mass originating from the right ovary, consistent with a cystadenoma. Urgent surgical intervention led to the right salpingo-oophorectomy, confirming the benign nature of the tumor. This report highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing rare ovarian neoplasms in adolescents. Timely recognition, appropriate imaging, histopathological evaluation, and surgical intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes and reducing potential complications.
The Effectiveness of Technology-Based Daily Food Recording in Increasing Children's Daily Intake: Literature Review

The technology-based daily recording of children's dietary is expected to be able to provide an easier overview of children nutritional status. So, it will reduce the number of nutritional imbalances in children. This research aimed to know determine the effectiveness of children's daily dietary recording with an application to estimate children's nutritional needs. The research method was used a literature review study. Result: From the results of the study, it was concluded that the use of food recording applications, either use photos or not, provide increased information on children's daily nutrition. The application allows an estimation of the food portion and nutrition of children's diet. It may become a benchmark for parents or health workers in providing children's diets. The dietary assessment application can be used both in the community and in hospitals to monitor children nutrition status. It is recommended that further research to include food waste in the calculation so that the daily energy estimate is more accurate.
Who are the Cosmopolitans? How Perceived Social Sorting and Social Identities Relate to European and National Identities

Transnational European identities influence public debates and electoral dynamics across Europe, with sociodemographic factors strongly associated with these identities. Meanwhile, little attention has been paid to how people’s perceptions of a political group’s sociodemographic profile relate to their identification with Europe. I argue that such perceptions, in combination with social identities, are significantly associated with the strength of individuals’ identification with political groups. An individual is more likely to have a robust European identity if they perceive that social groups they like share the same pro-European opinion. In contrast, if they perceive that groups they like align with the anti-European camp, they are likely to have a weaker European identity. By employing novel survey data from Italy and Austria, I find empirical support for my argument. This paper contributes to the debate on the mechanisms that connect social and political identities and explains how cleavages emerge in the mass public.
Determinants of economic growth in East African countries: A dynamic panel model approach

Abstract The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinant of economic growth in the region of East African countries from 2002 to 2018. In order to investigate empirically the key determinants of economic growth in East African countries, this study used a dynamic panel model. To improve efficiency, Generalized Moments Method (GMM) estimators are used. Based on panel data from the East African countries during the 2002–2018 period, this study, therefore, estimated the determinants of economic growth in the region. The result suggests that government expense, government revenue, volume of imports and exports of goods and services significantly contribute to the economic growth of the countries. However, the consumer price index, current account balance, gross government debt, and foreign direct investment lead to negative economic growth. The paper has three policy implications; first, promoting open trade and ensuring peace and stability in the region is a paramount policy to enhance the economic growth of the region. East African Countries should move forward in creating stability regionally and internally within the countries. Second, countries in East Africa are recommended to strengthen and sustain their policies on government expenses, government revenue and revise their policies on government debt, inflation and current account balance. Major reforms are required in foreign direct investment and general government debt within the region. Third, to address obstacles in trade, climate change and the tax collection system, political and economic integration is fundamental to the region and to making the region competitive in the international trade arena.
Giving Graphene a New Edge

G raphene and graphene-like materials can host—at their edges—localized states whose properties can differ dramatically from those of bulk states. Three types of edge states have been established in these materials—zigzag, bearded, and armchair—named after their geometry. Now Daohong Song of Nankai University in China and collaborators have used a graphene-like photonic crystal to demonstrate the possibility of a fourth edge, called twig, with exotic topological features. The researchers suggest that twig edge states could exist in other honeycomb-lattice structures, broadening the options for realizing topologically protected energy transport via edge states in materials [1].
The effect of prescribed fires on abiotic and biotic factors in the southern region of Puerto Rico

Field fires can modify soil nutrient cycling and alter soil microbial communities (SMC), although the latter is not well understood. In the southern region of Puerto Rico, field fires have become a significant problem during the dry season. To mimic the effects of a field fire, we performed prescribed fires on a hillside at the Juana Díaz Agricultural Experiment substation in October 2015 and March 2017. A complete randomized block design was established in Yauco soil (Typic calciustolls) that included the following treatments: negative control (unburned), positive control (burned plots, no remediation), mulching treatment (burned plots remediated with Leucaena spp. mulch), and surfactant treatment (burned plots remediated with a surfactant). In the first burning (2015), soil samples were collected before burning and at 30, 180, and 420 days after burning (DAB). In the second burning (2017), soil samples were collected at 30, 90, and 270 DAb. soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure were assessed using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Overall, burning increased soil exchangeable Ca2+ (except after 30 DAB in the second burning) and decreased exchangeable K+ when compared to unburned soils. compared to unburned plots, total fungal PLFA was significantly lower in burned plots with or without mulch and surfactant treatments, and total bacterial PLFA did not differ between burned and unburned plots after 30 days. Total microbial biomass was significantly (P<0.05) higher in mulch and surfactant treated burned soil compared to unburned and burned plots without treatment after 90 DAB (2017) and 420 (2015) DAB. The use of mulch and surfactant treatments in prescribed burning fields increased microbial communities 90 DAB. This study emphasizes short-term changes in microbial communities and suggests they are highly resilient to disturbances after prescribed fires.
COVID-19 Pandemic and its Effects on Mental Health: Challenges of Senior Citizens in Nepal

This study explores the mental health problems of senior citizens (above 60 years) due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kirtipur municipality. A qualitative research design with purposive sampling was used to choose the senior citizens and the study area. Data were taken from ten in-depth interviews and ten observations. Data were analyzed through thematic and verbatim methods. It is found that senior citizens had mental tension such as losing self-confidence, anxiety, forgetfulness, and loss of interest in work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on this study, it is recommended that the Kirtipur municipality must identify the causes of the mental problems of senior citizens and support them to minimize the effects.
Controlling Eastern Redcedar on Rangelands and Pastures

A growing problem on many rangelands and pastures is the invasion of eastern redcedar(Juniperus virginiana). The encroachment of this coniferous, non-sprouting tree has reduced the amount of available forage on grazing lands and increased livestock handling problems. If a program of eastern redcedar control is not initiated by landowners, the ultimate result could be a significant loss of grazing on these lands. Using Nebraska as an example, the status of eastern redcedar in Nebraska has been rapidly changing. Recent inventories show an increase in acreage infested by eastern redcedar while other forest types were declining. Total woodland acreages in Nebraska declined about 10% from 1955 to 1983. In 1955, approximately 2% of all woodlands were predominately eastern redcedar (Stone 1961). In 1983, over 15% of all woodlands were occupied by eastern redcedar (Raile 1986). Eastern redcedar expanded from approximately 54,000 acres in 1955 to over 188,000 acres in 1983. Size class distribution gives another view of what is transpiring with this species. Over 54% of the eastern redcedar trees are currently in the one to five inch diameter breast height (DBH) size class. Over 40% of the trees are in the 5-11 inch DBH size class while only 6% are over eleven inches in DBH (Raile 1986). This indicates a young eastern redcedar population. Where is this expansion occurring? Most of the increase is occurring in non-commercial forest land, which is typically pasture and rangeland with scattered trees. The following table shows the acreages of eastern redcedar in Nebraska by land class for 1983 (Raile 1986).