bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical epidemiology of domestic and industrial hand and wrist circular saw injuries
Authors: Pantelić Anđela , Gambiroža Katarina , Matić Slađana , Tulić Goran
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Hand injuries are extremely common. It is estimated that almost a quarter of all injuries treated in the emergency department are hand injuries, due to the fact that the hand is highly exposed to trauma, as the result of its function and its protective movement. These injuries are usually seen in the young working age population, and they involve simultaneous damage to several different tissues. Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of hand injuries sustained by the circular saw, as well as to assess existing risk factors, in order to improve the prevention of these injuries. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study involving 365 patients, treated during a five-year period. The patients suffered hand injury with a circular saw, either at home or at work. All patients were surgically treated at a single medical center. The patients were mostly men, with an average age of 48.6 ± 14.71 years. The data, which was collected from the medical records, included localization and type of injury, dominance of the injured hand, the type of surgical procedures performed, and the length of hospital stay. Results: The non-dominant hand was injured more often (62%), and this was usually the left hand (60%). The majority (83.2%) of patients were injured at home, while significantly less patients were injured in the workplace (16.7%). Most often, the patients sustained injuries to several different tissues, while there were only 12.5% of isolated injuries. The most commonly injured structures were extensor tendons of the wrist and fingers (245), followed by phalanges (226). Most of the patients sustained injury to one finger (35.1%), especially the thumb (68.4%), while two fingers were injured in 35.1% and three fingers in 20% of cases. The hand was injured in 7.27% of the cases, and the forearm was injured in 5.45% of the cases. Of the 995 surgical procedures carried out in total, the most commonly performed operation was tenorrhaphy (44.67%), followed by fracture fixation (29.3%). Finger reamputation was performed in 6.67% of cases, neurorrhaphy in 6%, and tendon reinsertion in 4% of cases. There was a total of 46 replantations (4.67%), and 27 revascularizations (2.67%). The average length of hospital stay was 9.04 ± 3.91 days. Conclusion: Working with a circular saw is a high-risk activity. The injuries sustained are severe. They can result in significant functional deficit and have major socioeconomic consequences. Lack of prior training and improper handling are clear risk factors. Clinical and epidemiological analysis is therefore of extreme importance, as it can be the key to the prevention of these injuries.
Filling the gap between implicit associations and behavior: A linear mixed-effects Rasch analysis of the Implicit Association Test
Authors: Epifania Ottavia M. , Anselmi Pasquale , Robusto Egidio
Published: September 2022

The measure obtained from the Implicit Association Test (IAT; Greenwald et al., 1998. DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.74.6.1464) is often used to predict people’s behaviors. However, it has shown poor predictive ability potentially because of its typical scoring method (the D score), which is affected by the across-trial variability in the IAT data and might provide biased estimates of the construct. Linear Mixed-Effects Models (LMMs) can address this issue while providing a Rasch-like parametrization of accuracy and time responses. In this study, the predictive abilities of D scores and LMM estimates were compared. The LMMs estimates showed better predictive ability than the D score, and allowed for in-depth analyses at the stimulus level that helped in reducing the across-trial variability. Implications of the results and limitations of the study are discussed.
Interculturalidad en las políticas educativas españolas en el siglo XXI
Authors: Torrelles Montanuy Angels
Published: September 2022

La educación intercultural en el siglo XXI se ha definido como un enfoque prioritario en las políticas educativas de los países europeos. Esta consideración se ha visto influenciada por el incremento de alumnado extranjero, que ha propiciado contextos educativos más diversos culturalmente. Este estudio se centra primero en el desarrollo del marco político de la educación intercultural en el ámbito europeo, para concretizar luego este discurso en el contexto educativo español a través del análisis de sus políticas educativas: legislación y planes implementados por las administraciones de las diferentes comunidades autónomas, con la finalidad de identificar y reconocer los enfoques que sustentan la educación intercultural. Se ha utilizado una metodología cualitativa, mediante dos instrumentos: el análisis documental y la realización de sesenta entrevistas en profundidad a representantes técnicos y políticos de administraciones educativas de todas las comunidades autónomas. Los resultados muestran que la educación intercultural en España a nivel de discurso está vinculada a la perspectiva intercultural europea. Además, dichos resultados indican que a través de los años y por territorios existen una variedad de orientaciones que están comunicadas entre sí, situándose actualmente la mayoría de ellas en una educación intercultural ligada al modelo inclusivo y dentro de los planes de convivencia.
Maternidad y educación superior en Chile: explorando los significados de las experiencias estudiantiles en la Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana
Authors: Valencia-Gálvez Lorena , Hernández-Arencibia Raynier , Andrade-Guzmán Carlos , Flores-Fuentes Francisca
Published: September 2022

La maternidad ha sido históricamente una de las principales causas de abandono escolar entre las mujeres en la educación superior en Chile. La vida universitaria impone exigencias a las estudiantes que son madres que a menudo superan sus capacidades y redes de apoyo. Este estudio investiga los significados asociados a la maternidad, con un enfoque en los facilitadores e impedimentos de la experiencia universitaria. A través de un estudio cualitativo se entrevistó a 29 madres-estudiantes, de los tres campus de la Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, y se reconocieron diversos elementos asociados a los tres temas del estudio. Entre otros, los resultados muestran que la maternidad en la universidad sería una experiencia compleja, pero también transformadora, que promueve la responsabilidad y la motivación para terminar los estudios. Los obstáculos más retratados son la falta de tiempo y la falta de apoyo. Algunas conclusiones del estudio muestran la necesidad de fortalecer las políticas institucionales de acompañamiento a los estudiantes universitarios.
Tannik Asit ile Güçlendirilmiş Poli(Vinil Alkol) Hidrojel Filmlerin Sentezi ve Karakterizasyonu
Authors: DEMİRBİLEK BUCAK Celile , OLUKMAN ŞAHİN Merve
Published: September 2022

Hidrojeller, kullanım alanlarının çeşitli olması nedeniyle fazlaca ilgi görmektedir. Bununla birlikte, mevcut hidrojellerin çoğu, mekanik enerjiyi dağıtmada ya da deformasyon altında yüksek gerilebilirliği korumada sınırlamaya sahip olması gibi nedenlerden dolayı yüksek mekanik etkilere sahip değildir. Bu çalışmada, yüksek mekanik özelliğe sahip poli(vinil alkol) (PVA)−tannik asit (TA) hidrojel fimleri, adım adım fiziksel çapraz bağlama ve doygun NaCl çözeltisinde 6 saat bekletilerek hazırlanmıştır. TA' nın birçok fonksiyonel gruba sahip olması PVA ile kolayca hidrojen bağı oluşturmasına sebep olmuştur. Bu hidrojen bağları sentezlenen PVA/TA hidrojel filmlerinin mekanik özelliklerinin daha iyi olması anlamına gelmektedir. Çeşitli oranlarda TA eklenmesi ile sentezlenen PVA bazlı hidrojel filmler FTIR analizi ile karakterize edilerek, şişme davranışları, denge su içerikleri, termal özellikleri ve mekanik özellikleri incelenmiştir. TA oranı arttıkça şişme oranının ve denge su içeriğinin düştüğü, termal özelliklerinin iyileştiği, sertlik özelliklerinin azaldığı gözlenmiştir
Şanlıurfa İlindeki KOBİ’lerin Endüstri 4.0 Farkındalık Seviyesinin ve Geçiş Sürecindeki Önceliklerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: SARİİSİK Gencay , DEMİR Sercan , ÖĞÜTLÜ Ahmet Sabri
Published: September 2022

Ülkemizin orta gelir düzeyinden yüksek gelir düzeyine hızla geçiş yapabilmesi için küresel rekabet koşullarına dayanıklı vekatma değeri yüksek ürünlerin üretilebilmesi ve bölgesel imalat sektöründeki KOBİ’lerin yenilikçi yönlerinin artırılmasıgerekmektedir. Bu bağlamda, KOBİ’lerin Endüstri 4.0 sürecine girebilmeleri için yönetim, finansman, tedarik, üretim vepazarlama kabiliyetlerinin dijital dönüşüm ile geliştirilmesi bu geçiş aşamasında önemli rol oynamaktadır. Bunun içinKOBİ’lerin Endüstri 4.0’ a geçiş sürecinde farkındalıklarının artırılması önemli bir gereklilik haline gelmiştir. Bu çalışmada,Şanlıurfa ilinde faaliyet gösteren KOBİ’lerin Endüstri 4.0 kavramına yaklaşımları, farkındalık seviyeleri ve geçiş sürecindekiöncelikleri incelenmiştir. Şanlıurfa ili organize sanayi içinde ve dışında bulunan yüz yirmi KOBİ’ye ulaşılarak, KOBİ’lerindağılımı, Endüstri 4.0 kavramına yaklaşımı, Endüstri 4.0 farkındalık seviyesi ve Endüstri 4.0’a geçiş sürecinde önceliklerineilişkin toplam on beş soru ile görüşleri alınmıştır. Özellikle Endüstri 4.0 farkındalık seviyesi ve geçiş sürecinde öncelikleri ileilgili dokuz hipotez kurulmuştur. Bu hipotezler istatistiksel olarak test edilerek, sektörel bazda farklılıklar bulunmuştur.Şanlıurfa ilinde faaliyet gösteren başta tekstil sektöründeki KOBİ’lerin Endüstri 4.0 farkındalık seviyelerini artırabilmeleriiçin kalkınma ajansı ve KOSGEB destekleri ile teknoloji altyapılarını geliştirmeleri gerekmektedir.
[Renewable Resources, High to Low Enthalpy Geothermal, opportunities and perspectives]
Authors: Cerutti Paolo
Published: September 2022

Abstract not available
[In Italian]
Competition on the Railway Market in a Segment of Public Service Obligations in Terms of Effectiveness: Study in V4 Countries
Authors: Dolinayova Anna , Domeny Igor
Published: September 2022

Since the introduction of new European Union legislation seeking to establish a single European railway area and increase the railway sector’s competitiveness, competition has also become a reality in this, until then, monopoly market. In addition to allowing open access to the railway market with freight and passenger services, competition in the regulated part of the market has been increasing, specifically in the segment of public passenger transport services. Public tendering for providing public services has increased the quality of services for passengers and contracting authorities; however, the question remains whether this model of awarding these services is also effective from a socioeconomic viewpoint. This study focused on evaluating contracting authorities of public services in the Visegrád-4 countries regarding public spending effectiveness. Based on the chosen model inputs and outputs related to performance and value indicators of public service contracts, we calculate individual contracting authorities’ relative effectiveness using nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. We subsequently tested assumptions of the difference in effectiveness according to awarding services, individual countries or ownership of railway undertakings. We came to the conclusion that it is not possible to confirm that public tenders in V4 countries significantly increased the effectiveness of public spending in comparison with direct awards or other ways of awarding PSO. Discussions on the main results and research limitations are also part of this paper.
Treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured posterior cerebral arterial dolichoectasia with aortic arch anomaly
Authors: Yun Yeong-Il , Chang Chul-Hoon , Kim Jong-Hun , Jung Young-Jin
Published: September 2022

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to ruptured posterior cerebral artery (PCA) intracranial arterial dolichoectasia (IADE) is very rare. As these lesions are difficult to treat microsurgically, neurointervention is preferred because the dolichoectatic artery does not have a clear neck, and the surgical field of view was deep seated with the SAH. However, in some cases, neurointervention is difficult due to anatomical variation of the blood vessel to access the lesion. In this case, a 30-year-old male patient presented with a ruptured PCA IADE and an aortic arch anomaly. Aortic arch anomalies render it difficult to reach the ruptured PCA IADE via endovascular treatment. The orifice of the vertebral artery (VA) was different from the usual cases, so it was difficult to find the entrance. After only finding the VA and arriving at the lesion along the VA, trapping was performed. Herein, we report the PCA IADE with aortic arch anomaly endovascular treatment methods and results.
Finite Groups Whose Co-prime Order Graphs Have Positive Genus
Authors: Li Huani , Zhong Guo , Ma Xuanlong
Published: September 2022

Given a finite group G, the co-prime order graph of G is the simple undirected graph whose vertex set is G, and two distinct vertices x; y are adjacent if gcd(o(x); o(y)) = 1 or p, where p is a prime, and o(x) and o(y) are the orders of x and y, respectively. In this paper, we prove that, for a fixed positive integer k, there are finitely many finite groups whose co-prime order graphs have (non)orientable genus k. As applications, we classify all finite groups whose co-prime order graphs have (non)orientable genus one and two.
Novel Ceria and Ceria-based Nanocomposites as Potential Catalysts for Methanol Decomposition and Total Oxidation of Ethyl Acetate
Authors: Dimitrov Momtchil , Issa Gloria , Kovacheva Daniela , Tsoncheva Tanya
Published: September 2022

The focus of our study is the development of novel ceria-based materials that can be successfully used as catalysts in various environmentally friendly processes due to a significant improvement of ceria intrinsic characteristics. In particular, the combination of ceria with low-dimensional carbon materials such as graphene oxide (GO) and nanodiamond (ND) appears as a very promising approach. Actually, the decrease of ceria crystallite sizes deep in the nanoscale have been found to convert them into highly effective destructive adsorbent materials owing to their high surface area, strong adsorbability, and large number of highly reactive sites. Besides, the addition of a nanostructured carbon containing component (nanodiamond or graphene oxide) contributes to both mechanical and catalytic properties of the obtained nanocomposite hybrids. The results show that the novel ceria and ceria-based composite materials significantly outperform the hydrothermally obtained ceria catalyst used for comparison in both activity and selectivity to CO and hydrogen in the methanol decomposition reaction, and in the process of total oxidation of ethyl acetate due to their significantly improved redox behaviour and textural characteristics.
The Effect of Smoking on the Morphology of Lung Cancer
Authors: Popova Iva , Zlatev Atanas , Milanov Vladimir , Zlatev Asen
Published: September 2022

Smoking as a cause of cancer development has been the subject of research by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) [1, 2]. The highest rates are for lung (up to 90% of cases), oral cavity (92%) and larynx (87%) cases [3]. Smoking is one of the most important causes in the etiology of lung cancer [3, 4].
The purpose of the study was to determine whether smoking had an effect on the morphological type of lung cancer. One hundred and fifty patients with histologically proven lung cancer by gender, age, smoking experience, and morphology of lung cancer were studied.
The number of men is twice that of women; the highest number of patients is between 40 and 60 years of age. 76.6% of patients are active smokers, 88.6% of them have used cigarettes for more than 10 years, and 59% have smoked more than 20 cigarettes daily. Of the nonsmoking patients, 48.6% are passive smokers.
The distribution by morphological type of lung cancer in smokers indicates that the ratio of squamous type of cancer (59%) is the highest, followed by adenocarcinoma (29.5%), and small cellular cancer (11.3%).
Vitamin D Status of Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Slavcheva-Prodanova Olga , Konstantinova Maia , Tsakova Adelina , Savova Radka , Archinkova Margarita
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the serum levels of 25(OH)vitamin D in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes and controls, and to determine whether patients had higher prevalence of vitamin D alterations and if they were correlated to disease duration/metabolic control.

A cross-sectional study of 123 patients (65 females) aged 11.84 ± 3.86 years and 46 non-diabetic controls (23 females), aged 10.2 ± 4.69 years was performed. 25(OH)vitamin D level was determined by electrochemiluminescence detection technology.

There was no statistically significant difference between 25(OH)vitamin D levels in diabetic patients and in controls (p = 0.17). The mean level of 25(OH)vitamin D in patients was lower – 71.61 ± 32.34 nmol/L than in controls – 78.32 ± 26.49 nmol/L. We used the Bulgarian Society of Endocrinology recommended ranges to define vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency as 25(OH)vitamin D level < 25 nmol/L and 25–49 nmol/L, respectively. None of the patients and 4.3% of controls (n = 2) had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D insufficiency was observed in 19% of patients (n = 23) and in 8.7% of controls (n = 4).

Mean level of HbA1c in all patients was 78 mmol/mol (9.28% ± 1.85) whereas the mean duration of the disease was 5.25 ± 4.03 years. No correlation between metabolic control and disease duration on the one hand, and vitamin D levels on the other, was found.

To our knowledge this is the first study to examine vitamin D levels in Bulgarian pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. Presence of disease does not influence vitamin D levels – we found no correlation with metabolic control (HbA1c), nor with disease duration. Our results show no significant differences between 25(OH)vitamin D levels in diabetic patients and in controls. Vitamin D insufficiency is slightly but not significantly prevalent in diabetic patients.
An in silico study of how histone tail conformation affects the binding affinity of ING family proteins
Authors: Gül Nadir , Yıldız Ahmet
Published: September 2022

Background

Due to its intrinsically disordered nature, the histone tail is conformationally heterogenic. Therefore, it provides specific binding sites for different binding proteins or factors through reversible post-translational modifications (PTMs). For instance, experimental studies stated that the ING family binds with the histone tail that has methylation on the lysine in position 4. However, numerous complexes featuring a methylated fourth lysine residue of the histone tail can be found in the UniProt database. So the question arose if other factors like the conformation of the histone tail affect the binding affinity.

Methods

The crystal structure of the PHD finger domain from the proteins ING1, ING2, ING4, and ING5 are docked to four histone H3 tails with two different conformations using Haddock 2.4 and ClusPro. The best four models for each combination are selected and a two-sample t-test is performed to compare the binding affinities of helical conformations vs. linear conformations using Prodigy. The protein-protein interactions are examined using LigPlot.

Results

The linear histone conformations in predicted INGs-histone H3 complexes exhibit statistically significant higher binding affinity than their helical counterparts (confidence level of 99%). The outputs of predicted models generated by the molecular docking programs Haddock 2.4 and ClusPro are comparable, and the obtained protein-protein interaction patterns are consistent with experimentally confirmed binding patterns.

Conclusion

The results show that the conformation of the histone tail is significantly affecting the binding affinity of the docking protein. Herewith, this in silico study demonstrated in detail the binding preference of the ING protein family to histone H3 tail. Further research on the effect of certain PTMs on the final tail conformation and the interaction between those factors seem to be promising for a better understanding of epigenetics.
Incidence and Severity of Postdural Puncture Headache following Subarachanoid Block using 25G Quincke and 25G Whitacre Spinal Needles: A Double-blinded, Randomised Control Study
Authors: Balusamy Devanathan , Khoirom Surmila , Charan Nameirakpam , Nahakpam Sonia , Devi Ningombam Joenna , Divyabharathi Srinivasan , Devi Laishram Rani , Ali Mohd Ayub
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Postdural Puncture Headache (PDPH) is the most common complication of dural puncture. Clinical studies have shown that use of small guage needles with pencil point tip is associated with lower incidence and severity of PDPH than with cutting tip needles. Aim: To compare the incidence and severity of PDPH between 25G cutting (Quincke) and 25G non cutting (Whitacre) needles. Materials and Methods: In this randomised controlled study conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical SciencesImphal, Manipur, India from September 2019 to September 2021. A total of 150 patients of both sexes, age <60 years and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II, undergoing lower abdominal or lower limb surgeries under spinal anaesthesia were enrolled for this study and divided into two groups with 75 patients in each group. Spinal anaesthesia was performed with 25G Quincke needle in one group and 25G Whitacre needle used in other group to compare the incidence and severity of PDPH (severity was determined by limitation of patient activity and treatment required). Results: Overall 14 patients (9.33%) developed PDPH – 2 in the Whitacre spinal needle (2.6%), and 12 in the Quincke spinal needle (16%), with p-value of 0.009. The incidence of failed spinal anaesthesia was significantly higher with Whitacre spinal needle 12 (16%) than with Quincke needle 4 (5.3%), with p-value of 0.03. Incidence of PDPH was more in female patients 12 (14.8%) compared with male patients 2 (2.9%),with p-value of 0.018. Severity of PDPH ranged from mild (n=10) to moderate (n=2) in Quincke needle group, whereas in Whitacre group patients had only mild form of PDPH (n=2). Conclusion: Incidence and severity of PDPH was significantly lower in 25G Whitacre spinal needle than 25G Quincke needle. Failure rate of spinal anaesthesia was more in Whitacre needle than in Quincke needle.
Effect of Fentanyl and Dexmedetomidine as Additives to 0.5% Ropivacaine in Ultrasound Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Elective Upper Limb Surgeries: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Umamaheshwar M , Shwetha KM , Bhogadi Ramarao
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is a superior alternative to general anaesthesia for upper limb surgeries, and use of ultrasound makes it safe and efficient in implementation. Ropivacaine, having significantly higher threshold for cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity and more potent blocker of A and C fibres, renders good sensory blockade and lesser motor. Hence, to overcome this, additives are added. Aim: To evaluate the block characteristics with addition of either fentanyl or dexmedetomidine to 0.5% ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial block. Materials and Methods: This randomised double-blinded clinical trial, was conducted on 50 patients posted for upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block were randomly allocated to either receive 30 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine with 50g fentanyl (Group RF) or 30 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine with 50g dexmedetomidine (Group RD).The time for onset of sensory block and motor block were noted. Intraoperative hemodynamics were monitored in all the patients. Postoperatively Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scoring for pain, the time for rescue analgesia and the duration of sensory and motor blockade were noted. Results: Both groups were comparable with respect to age, gender and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grading. The onset of both sensory (p-value 0.008) and motor block (p-value 0.0005) was faster in Group RD compared to Group RF which was highly significant statistically. The duration of sensory (p-value 0.0005) and motor block (p-value 0.0005) was longer in Group RD compared to Group RF which was highly significant statistically. The requirement for rescue analgesia was lesser in Group RD since the mean VAS score was persistently low which was statistically significant (p-value <0.01) compared to Group RF. Conclusion: The blockade improved better with addition of dexmedetomidine than fentanyl to 0.5% ropivacaine. There were no increased incidence for side effects.
Analysis of Radiological Hazard Indices from Mining Sites in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Samson Dauda , Joseph Soja Reuben , Umar Ibrahim
Published: September 2022

Aims: To analyse the radiological hazard indices from mining sites in Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Experimental study design using Gamma ray spectroscopy with a well calibrated Sodium Iodide (NaI) detector.

Place and Duration of Study: Adamawa State, Nigeria and Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria, and Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) Laboratory, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria between November 2019 and August 2020.

Methodology: Fifteen composite samples of soil from four mining sites collected using the systematic sampling techniques were analysed for activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 and Gamma Absorbed Dose Rate, Radium Equivalent Activity, External Hazard Index, Annual Effective Dose Rate and Excessive Life Cancer Risk were calculated.

Results: Mean activity concentrations Ra-226 (107.60Bq/kg), Th-232 (84.89Bq/kg), and K-40 (475.34Bq/kg) were all above the world average values 35Bq/kg, 30Bq/kg and 400Bq/kg recommended by UNSCEAR. Mean Gamma Absorbed Dose Rate, Radium Equivalent Activity, Annual Effective Dose Rate, External Hazard Index, and Excessive Life Cancer Risk were 120.31nGy/h, 265.469Bq/kg, 0.148mSv/y, 0.401, and 0.369 respectively, against recommended values 59nGy/h, 370Bq/kg, 1mSv/y, 0.45, and 0.29 according to UNSCER, NEA-OECD and ICRP.

Conclusion: High values of Activity Concentrations, Gamma Absorbed Dose, and Excessive Life Cancer Risk poses significant threat to the host community, especially around the 3 mining sites SA, SB and SC.

Therefore, safety distance from mining areas is recommended by the competent Authority responsible for radiation protection matters in Nigeria. General awareness to enlighten the public about the possible dangers of undue radiation exposure and the risk of residing close to mining vicinity is required, for adequate protection of the host community.
Role of RNA –Binding Proteins in Controlling Cell to Cell Communication and Molecular Trafficking in Plants
Authors: Roy Satyesh Chandra
Published: September 2022

Cell to Cell communication is the most important process in all living organisms. This communication network is essential for growth, differentiation, development and metabolic functions. As plant cell has a rigid cell wall so there are some special ways for using communication network through a special structure called Plasmodesmata. The messages from the DNA of dividing cells pass signals or messages to other cells through RNA molecules. But RNA molecules cannot pass independently to other cells, so some proteins are needed that are bound to RNA (RNA-binding Proteins). These proteins actually carry signals from one cell to another. In plants plasmodesmata is very small that carries only water and micronutrients. But it has been noted that its size is not constant but is very dynamic where their sizes can change according to their need. The role of plasmodesmata and RNA-binding proteins in communication as well as their roles in molecular trafficking have been discussed.
A New Record to Rust Fungi of South Western Province Kandahar, Afghanistan
Authors: Ahmadi Hayatullah , Changtian L. I. , Ehsan Qudratullah
Published: September 2022

A rust fungus occurring on Centaurea iberica leaves from Arghandab district, southwestern province Kandahar Afghanistan is described and illustrated. A critical morphological and microscopical examination revealed it to be Puccinia calcitrapae. After conducting a literature survey, it was found that this fungus is the first record to be reported from southwestern province Kandahar. A detailed taxonomic description of this fungus along with its distribution is provided. Weeds cause serious problems in agriculture in Afghanistan especially in southwestern province Kandahar. These plants reduce yield and the quality of crops by competing for water, nutrients and sunlight. The improper or excessive usage of herbicides has led to development of resistance in some weed species while contaminating the environment; therefore, biological control has an increasing role as an alternative method for controlling special weed. Previous studies in other countries revealed that this rust fungus are good biological control agents for these weeds.
Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Pulicaria dysenterica Methanol Extracts
Authors: Kozarević Ermina Cilović , Dautović Esmeralda , Halilčević Dalila , Softić Adaleta , Srabović Nahida , Šarić-Kundalić Broza , Delić Nina , Kolarević Lamija , Mekić Lejla , Ibišević Merima , Horozić Emir , Arsenijević Jelena , Maksimović Zoran
Published: September 2022

Aims: The aims of the study were to analyse the polyphenols of Pulicaria dysenterica (L.) Bernh. methanolic extracts from aerial and underground parts, assessment of antioxidant activity and to evaluate their cytotoxicity on HeLa cells of cervical cancer.

Methodology: The total phenolic content (TPC) of extracts was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of individual polyphenolic compounds were performed by the reverse phase HPLC method. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by both, 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl radical and FRAP assay, while cytotoxicity of the extracts was assessed by MTT assay.

Results: TPC of the samples were 127.62±2.22 and 244.12±8.84 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract. In the extracts chlorogenic acid in amount of 10.06±0.96 and 11.32±0.28 mg/g, flavonoid rutin in amount of 5.68±0.13 mg/g and three caffeic acid derivatives were recorded. Extract from underground parts achieved better antioxidant activity with IC50 value 55.36±0.75 µg/mL and FRAP value 2411.12±37.22 µmol Fe2+g-1 compared to the one from aerial parts. Extract from aerial parts achieved better cytotoxic activity with 50% inhibition of viability (IC50) at concentration of 0.389±0.07 mg/mL, against HeLa cells, compared to the extract from underground parts.

Conclusion: Analyzed Pulicaria dysenterica extracts contained phenolic acids and flavonoids. The extracts showed good antioxidant activity and cytotoxic properties against HeLa cells in vitro.
Therapeutic itinerary of patients with diabetes mellitus in the basic network / Itinerário terapêutico do paciente com diabetes mellitus na rede básica
Authors: Alves dos Passos Barreto Renata Gabriely , De Albuquerque Franco Oliveira Iasmim , Bento Fraga Adhara Shuamme , Ferreira dos Santos Elenalda , Silva dos Anjos Thaynara , Miyar Otero Liudmila
Published: September 2022

Objetivo: conhecer o itinerário terapêutico dos pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus na rede de atenção à saúde pública de Sergipe e identificar os pontos de falhas nessa rede. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal, realizado em um hospital de ensino e pesquisa no município de Aracaju, Sergipe. A amostra foi composta por 13 participantes com diabetes, internados no referido hospital, no período de maio de 2015 a dezembro de 2016. Foram realizadas análises de tendência central e associações através do teste Exato de Fisher. Resultados: foram identificadas falhas no itinerário terapêutico dos participantes, quanto ao percurso percorrido entre diagnóstico até as internações; o papel da atenção secundária a saúde; a baixa resolutividade da atenção primária dos problemas apresentados a fim de evitar a procura da assistência terciária. Conclusão: a interface dos fluxos pré-estabelecidos pelo sistema público de saúde, para assistência integral aos pacientes com complicações crônicas por diabetes, ainda é insuficiente.
Moving to More Evidence-Based Primary Care Encounters
Authors: Barry Michael J. , Tseng Chien-Wen
Published: September 2022

This Viewpoint discusses ways in which free time during patient visits, resulting from removal of tradition- and reimbursement-driven care in favor of more evidence-based care, could be used to achieve better health outcomes based on recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force evidence-based preventive care.
The Dr Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act
Authors: Sindhu Kunal K. , Adashi Eli Y.
Published: September 2022

This Viewpoint discusses the burnout crisis in American medicine that has negatively influenced patient care and the physical and mental health of US physicians, as well as the first dedicated federal effort aimed at improving the mental health of US physicians.
Effect of Pharmacist Email Alerts on Concurrent Prescribing of Opioids and Benzodiazepines by Prescribers and Primary Care Managers
Authors: Sacarny Adam , Safran Elana , Steffel Mary , Dunham Jacob R. , Abili Orolo D. , Mohajeri Lobat , Oh Patricia T. , Sim Alan , Brutcher Robert E. , Spevak Christopher
Published: September 2022

Importance

Policy makers have sought to discourage concurrent prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines (coprescribing) because it is associated with overdose. Email alerts sent by pharmacists may reduce coprescribing, but this intervention lacks randomized evidence.

Objective

To investigate whether pharmacist emails to practitioners caring for patients who recently received opioids and benzodiazepines reduce coprescribing of these medications.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Randomized clinical trial (intention to treat) conducted in 2019-2021 of patients and their practitioners (prescribers and primary care managers) in the National Capital Region of the Military Health System. Participants were 2237 patients who were recently coprescribed opioids and benzodiazepines. These patients had 789 practitioners eligible for emails.

Interventions

Patients were randomized to email alerts to their practitioners or as-usual care. Clinical pharmacists sent the email alert. Messages were standardized and designed to facilitate coordination between practitioners, increase awareness of guidelines, and provide action steps and resources.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were patients’ days received of opioids, benzodiazepines, and concurrent opioids and benzodiazepines during the 90 days following enrollment evaluated using 1-sided hypothesis tests. Secondary outcomes included total prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines by patients’ practitioners, including to patients outside the study, to test for broader outcomes on their prescribing.

Results

Of 2237 patients, 1187 were assigned to treatment and 1050 to control; 1275 (57%) were women. Patients received a mean (SD) of 31 (44) days of opioids and 33 (34) days of benzodiazepines in the 90 days before enrollment. There were no detected differences in the primary end points, including patients’ receipt of opioids (adjusted difference, 1.1 days; 95% CI, -∞ to 3.0; P = .81), benzodiazepines (adjusted difference, −0.6 days; 95% CI, -∞ to 1.4; P = .30), and opioids and benzodiazepines together (adjusted difference, −0.1 days; 95% CI, -∞ to 0.7; P = .41). Of 789 practitioners, 429 were considered the treatment group, 325 were considered controls, and 35 were excluded. There were no detected differences in practitioners’ total prescribing of opioids, benzodiazepines, or both drug classes together.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial of pharmacist emails to practitioners, email alerts failed to detectably reduce coprescribing, highlighting the value of alternative approaches. Combining randomization with quality improvement activities may help stakeholders seeking evidence-based interventions to encourage guideline-concordant care.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03887247
New mechanistic insights into coupled binuclear copper monooxygenases from the recent elucidation of the ternary intermediate of tyrosinase
Authors: Kipouros Ioannis , Solomon Edward I.
Published: September 2022

Tyrosinase is the most predominant member of the coupled binuclear copper (CBC) protein family. The recent trapping and spectroscopic definition of the elusive catalytic ternary intermediate (enzyme/O2/monophenol) of tyrosinase dictates a monooxygenation mechanism that revises previous proposals and involves cleavage of the μ‐η2:η2‐peroxide dicopper(II) O–O bond to accept the phenolic proton, followed by monophenolate coordination to copper concomitant with aromatic hydroxylation by the non‐protonated μ‐oxo. Here, we compare and contrast previously proposed and current mechanistic models for monophenol monooxygenation of tyrosinase. Next, we discuss how these recent insights provide new opportunities towards uncovering structure–function relationships in CBC enzymes, as well as understanding fundamental principles for O2 activation and reactivity by bioinorganic active sites.
Microplastics/microfibers in settled indoor house dust—exploratory case study for 10 residential houses in the Kanto area of Japan
Authors: Lim Eunsu , Tanaka Hirofumi , Ni Yuan , Bai Yifan , Ito Kazuhide
Published: September 2022

Although microplastic (size ≤5 mm) pollution in marine ecosystems has received global attention, the presence of microplastics and microfibers in indoor environments is also a major concern. Compared to the available field survey data on microplastics in the ocean, such information remains limited for indoor environments. Microplastics in indoor environments may act as adsorbents for chemical compounds, which may result in multiple adverse health effects on residents. Establishment of reproducible sampling and analysis methods aiding comprehensive field measurements of indoor microplastics in Japan is required. This study conducted the first field survey of indoor microplastics in settled dust in 10 residential houses in the Kanto area of Japan and explored their composition and morphology. Micro‐Fourier transform infrared (μ‐FT‐IR) spectrophotometry and laser direct infrared (LDIR) analysis were used for the qualitative analysis of microplastics. The μ‐FT‐IR and LDIR analyses revealed the presence of large quantities of microplastics in the settled dust. The samples were composed of cellulose, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, alkyd resins, polysulfone, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyamides. The μ‐FT‐IR and LDIR analyses were suitable for identifying large fibrous materials and small particles, respectively. Thus, the two methods are complementary for the comprehensive identification of microplastic composition in settled dust.
3D Printing of Dual‐Cure Networks Based on (Meth)acrylate/Bispropargyl Ether Building Blocks
Authors: Sommer Katharina , Rieger Paul , Müller Stefanie Monika , Schwarz Romana , Trimmel Gregor , Feuchter Michael , Griesser Thomas
Published: September 2022

In recent years, dual‐cure chemistry has been exploited to realize interpenetrating networks (IPNs) that provide enhanced thermo‐mechanical properties. In this contribution, photoinduced curing of (meth)acrylates is used to build the desired 3D structure, whereas the thermally triggered polymerization reaction of 2H‐chromene functionalized building blocks is utilized to create the IPN. This strategy combines the advantages of traditional UV‐curable monomers with high‐performance thermosets. After the successful synthesis of the bispropargyl ether derivative, i.e., 4,4′‐(propane‐2,2‐diyl)bis((ethynyloxy)benzene), its thermally induced conversion to the corresponding 2H chromene functionalized prepolymer is studied by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The network formation as well as the printability of various formulations containing different amounts of the thermo‐curable building block is investigated. The obtained IPNs provide enhanced thermo‐mechanical properties making these resins suitable for the additive manufacturing of functional 3D parts for high‐performance applications.
Role of Powder Metallurgical Processing on Mechanical Response of Nickel–Phosphorus‐Coated Graphene Nanoflakes/Titanium Matrix Composites
Authors: Cao Xihao , Ma Haitao , Jia Guorong , Dai Guoqing , Guo Yanhua , Sun Zhonggang , Liu Hongbing , Chang Hui
Published: September 2022

Herein, the nickel–phosphorus‐coated graphene nanoflakes/Ti6Al4V composites (Ni‐P@GNFs/Ti6Al4V composites) are fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP), respectively. The results show that the Ni‐P@GNFs/Ti6Al4V composites prepared by SPS, in which the agglomeration of Ni‐P@GNFs is weak and the size of α phase is small, possess improved mechanical properties relative to those of the Ni‐P@GNFs/Ti6Al4V composites prepared by HIP. The compressive yield strengths of Ni‐P@GNFs/Ti6Al4V composites prepared by SPS enhance from 1116.29 MPa (0 wt% GNFs) to 1367.33 MPa (1 wt% GNFs), and microhardness increases from 302.83 to 479.43 HV. The Ni‐P@GNFs/Ti6Al4V composites prepared by HIP reach a yield strength of 1299.59 MPa and microhardness of 410.10 HV. In addition, serious agglomeration of GNFs leads to a significant drop in ductility (from 47.47% to 25.76%) in the Ni‐P@GNFs/Ti6Al4V composites prepared by HIP.
Facile Fabrication of Injectable Alginate and Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐Based Soft Electrodes toward the Goal of Neuro‐Regenerative Applications
Authors: Perkucin Ivana , Lau Kylie S. K. , Chen Tianhao , Iwasa Stephanie N. , Naguib Hani E. , Morshead Cindi M.
Published: September 2022

Resident brain neural precursor cells (NPCs) are electrosensitive cells that respond to electric field application by proliferating, differentiating, and undergoing rapid and directed cathodal migration. Harnessing NPC potential is a promising strategy to facilitate neural repair following injury or disease. The use of electric fields to activate NPCs is limited by current electrode designs which are typically made of conductive metals that are stiff and can lead to neuroinflammation following implantation, in part due to the mechanical mismatch between physiological conditions and material. Herein, the design of a novel, injectable biobased soft electrode with properties suitable for electrical stimulation in vivo is explored. The recent interest in using biologically derived polymers which are relatively abundant and afford economic feasibility have been built upon. Sodium alginate is utilized to form soft hydrogels, thereby addressing the issue of mechanical mismatch, and the conductive polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), to generate an innovative new material. It is demonstrated that the optimized alginate PEDOT blend matches the modulus of the brain and is suitable for injection and is not cytotoxic to neural cells. Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrate minimal activation of inflammatory cells upon implantation in the brain compared to classically used platinum‐based electrodes.
Fast‐Charging Zn–Air Batteries with Long Lifetime Enabled by Reconstructed Amorphous Multi‐Metallic Sulfide
Authors: Wang Ansheng , Zhang Xilin , Gao Shan , Zhao Chunning , Kuang Siyu , Lu Shanshan , Niu Juntao , Wang Geng , Li Weifang , Chen Da , Zhang Haijun , Zhou Xiaomeng , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Bin , Wang Weichao
Published: September 2022

Developing fast‐charging Zn–air batteries is crucial for widening their application but remains challenging owing to the limitation of sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics and insufficient active sites of electrocatalysts. To solve this issue, a reconstructed amorphous FeCoNiSx electrocatalyst with high density of efficient active sites, yielding low OER overpotentials of 202, 255, and 323 mV at 10, 100, and 500 mA cm−2, respectively, is developed for fast‐charging Zn–air batteries with low charging voltages at 100–400 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the fabricated 3241.8 mAh (20 mA cm−2, 25 °C) quasi‐solid Zn–air battery shows long lifetime of 500 h at −10 and 25 °C as well as 150 h at 40 °C under charging 100 mA cm−2. The detailed characterizations combine with density functional theory calculations indicate that the defect‐rich crystalline/amorphous ternary metal (oxy)hydroxide forms by the reconstruction of amorphous multi‐metallic sulfide, where the electron coupling effect among multi‐active sites and migration of intermediate O* from Ni site to the Fe site breaks the scaling relationship to lead to a low theoretical OER overpotential of 170 mV, accounting for the outstanding fast‐charging property. This work not only provides insights into designing advanced OER catalysts by the self‐reconstruction of the pre‐catalyst but also pioneers a pathway for practical fast‐charging Zn–air batteries.
Vertical Growth of 2D Covalent Organic Framework Nanoplatelets on a Macroporous Scaffold for High‐Performance Electrodes
Authors: Jiang Yanqiu , Zhang Ziyang , Chen Di , Du Jigang , Yang Yuhao , Wang Song , Guo Fan , Chen Xinyu , Gao Chao , Wang Wen‐Jun , Liu Pingwei
Published: September 2022

Hierarchically structural engineering of electrodes is critical to achieving high energy density and high power density in electrochemical energy storage (EES). However, rational regulation of the mesoscopic structure that coordinates microscopic and macroscopic structural features simultaneously remains a significant challenge. Here, the construction of electrodes with well‐defined hierarchical pores spanning multiple length scales from 1 nm to 50 µm is reported. Vertically aligned 2D covalent organic framework (COF) nanoplatelets with a thickness around 30 nm are in situ grown on macroporous graphene aerogel scaffold by a reversible polycondensation‐termination strategy. The obtained electrode thus combines abundant accessible active sites and efficient transport expressways for both ions and electrons. When used for supercapacitors, a superior gravimetric capacitance of 289 F g−1 as well as outstanding capacitance retention at both high charge/discharge rates of 77% from 0.5 to 50 A g−1 and high mass loading of 74% from 1.2 to 10.4 mg cm−2 are achieved. Hierarchical engineering of mesostructured 2D COF units on the macroporous scaffold will bring unprecedented structural designability and performance enhancement for EES electrodes.
A flexible modeling approach for biomarker‐based computation of absolute risk of Alzheimer's disease dementia
Authors: Hartz Sarah M. , Mozersky Jessica , Schindler Suzanne E. , Linnenbringer Erin , Wang Junwei , Gordon Brian A. , Raji Cyrus A. , Moulder Krista L. , West Tim , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Cruchaga Carlos , Hassenstab Jason J. , Bierut Laura J. , Xiong Chengjie , Morris John C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

As Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers rapidly develop, tools are needed that accurately and effectively communicate risk of AD dementia.

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal data from >10,000 cognitively unimpaired older adults. Five‐year risk of AD dementia was modeled using survival analysis.

Results

A demographic model was developed and validated on independent data with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for 5‐year prediction of AD dementia of 0.79. Clinical and cognitive variables (AUC = 0.79), and apolipoprotein E genotype (AUC = 0.76) were added to the demographic model. We then incorporated the risk computed from the demographic model with hazard ratios computed from independent data for amyloid positron emission tomography status and magnetic resonance imaging hippocampal volume (AUC = 0.84), and for plasma amyloid beta (Aβ)42/Aβ40 (AUC = 0.82).

Discussion

An adaptive tool was developed and validated to compute absolute risks of AD dementia. This approach allows for improved accuracy and communication of AD risk among cognitively unimpaired older adults.