bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Piper species from the eastern slopes of the Andes in northern South America
Authors: Trujillo William , Trujillo Edwin Trujillo , Ortiz-Morea Fausto Andrés , Toro Diego A. , Jaramillo M. Alejandra
Published: August 2022

We describe four new species of Piper from the Amazonian slopes of the northern Andes. Piper hoyoscardozii is distinguished from similar climbing species, P. dryadum and P. flagellicuspe, by its longer peduncles. The Amazonian species Piper indiwasii is distinguished from P. scutilimbum from Panama and northern Colombia by the narrowly spatulate leaf base extension. Piper nokaidoyitau is characterised by the presence of larger leaves and longer spikes than similar species, P. anonifolium and P. hostmannianum. Finally, P. velae is characterised by cordulate leaf bases in all nodes, petioles 0.8–1.5 cm long and pubescent fruits, which easily distinguish it from the related species, P. holdridgeanum.
Available names for Rangifer (Mammalia, Artiodactyla, Cervidae) species and subspecies
Authors: Harding Lee E.
Published: August 2022

Advancements in molecular and phylogenetic analysis have revealed the need for greater taxonomic resolution sinceRangifer(Reindeer and caribou: Cervidae) was last revised in 1961. Recent literature shows that many of the subspecies and several species synonymised out of existence are, in fact, valid, some names have been misapplied, and new subspecies-level clades are in need of description. This paper reviews available names for recently defined ecotypes of reindeer and caribou in compliance with ICZN rules for zoological nomenclature.
Predator-prey systems with defense switching and density-suppressed dispersal strategy
Authors: Chu Jiawei , Jin Hai-Yang
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we consider the following predator-prey system with defense switching mechanism and density-suppressed dispersal strategy

   \begin{document}$ \begin{equation*} \begin{cases} u_t = \Delta(d_1(w)u)+\frac{\beta_1 uvw}{u+v}-\alpha_1 u, & x\in \Omega, \; \; t>0, \\ v_t = \Delta(d_2(w)v)+\frac{\beta_2 uvw}{u+v}-\alpha_2 v, & x\in \Omega, \; \; t>0, \\ w_t = \Delta w-\frac{\beta_3 uvw}{u+v}+\sigma w\left(1-\frac{w}{K}\right), & x\in \Omega, \; \; t>0, \\ \frac{\partial u}{\partial \nu} = \frac{\partial v}{\partial \nu} = \frac{\partial w}{\partial \nu} = 0, & x\in\partial\Omega, \; \; t>0, \\ (u, v, w)(x, 0) = (u_0, v_0, w_0)(x), & x\in\Omega, \ \end{cases} \end{equation*} $\end{document}

where $ \Omega\subset{\mathbb{R}}^2 $ is a bounded domain with smooth boundary. Based on the method of energy estimates and Moser iteration, we establish the existence of global classical solutions with uniform-in-time boundedness. We further prove the global stability of co-existence equilibrium by using the Lyapunov functionals and LaSalle's invariant principle. Finally we conduct linear stability analysis and perform numerical simulations to illustrate that the density-suppressed dispersal may trigger the pattern formation.
The comparative analysis of two molecular indices in random polyphenyl and spiro chains
Authors: Raza Zahid , Guirao Juan LG , Bassioni Ghada
Published: August 2022

Zagreb indices are well-known and historical indices that are very useful to calculate the properties of compounds. In the last few years, various kinds of Zagreb and Randic indices are investigated and defined to fulfil the demands of various engineering applications. Phenylenes are a class of conjugated hydrocarbons composed of a special arrangement of six- and four-membered rings. This special chain, produced by zeroth-order Markov process has been commonly appeared in the field of pharmacology and materials. Here, we compute the expected values of a multiplicative versions of the geometric arithmetic and atomic bond connectivity indices for these special hydrocarbons. Moreover, we make comparisons in the form of explicit formulae and numerical tables between the expected values of these indices in the random polyphenyl $ \mathbb{P}_n $ and spiro $ \mathbb{S}_n $ chains.
Indian textile sector, competitiveness, gender and the digital circular economy: A critical perspective
Authors: Kanupriya
Published: August 2022

This perspective is an attempt at describing the complex liaison between the Indian textile sector and the factors determining its export competitiveness. These dynamics range from logistics to the digital circular economy. In still greater detail, these could be listed as the geographical spread and the dynamism of exports, product combination and the level of specialization of exports, technical and skill levels across the industry as also efficiency, which in turn is influenced by the cost of production, delivery timetables, dependability of producers; and the image of the product brand and the exporter nation. Use of tools such as review of studies and Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) have been made so as to explain the theory of competitiveness in the Indian textile exports relative to its major competitors such as China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The study addresses several important issues as to the competitiveness and challenges before the Indian textile sector as far as its export performance is concerned. It suggests some alternatives to the current logistics- centric competitiveness discourse, chiefly, sustainable and gendered aspects of trade. The main contention of this perspective is that if understood sincerely, a gender -friendly Digital Circular Economy could work wonders for one and all.
Baltic and east European shipbuilding influences in the Swedish Empire: tracing local and inter-regional shipbuilding traditions from the armed vessel Bodekull, built 1659-1661 and sunk 1678
Authors: Eriksson Niklas
Published: August 2022

Research in the Swedish military archives has revealed the identity of the ‘Edesö Wreck’ as the Bodekull belonging to the Swedish navy. The vessel was one of around 45 struss vessels ordered by King Karl X Gustav in 1659 to be used to transport troops and horses between the Danish isles. As a consequence of the king’s sudden death in January 1660 and the end of the war against Denmark, the semi-finished purpose-built invasion fleet was rebuilt into vessels for which the navy had better use. It is still possible, however, to trace the original design of the vessel through the preserved hull structure.
From Jonah to Jack Tar: the integration of whaleboats into the British Royal Navy
Authors: Breene Morgan
Published: August 2022

One of the most distinctive technologies associated with the 19th century whaling industry is the whaleboat. A fast, manoeuvrable craft, the whaleboat was adopted by the Royal Navy as a ship’s boat, however, the precise date and rationale for this adoption is unknown due to a lack of engagement with the ways in which technologies were transmitted between commercial and naval fleets. Interactions between the whaling and naval fleet in the 18th and 19th centuries can be used to facilitate a discussion on the means by which the whaleboat transitioned from commercial craft to widely deployed naval ship’s boat.
The Grande Passe 1 shipwreck, 2nd century BC, Hyères, France
Authors: Sabastia Alex
Published: August 2022

The Grande Passe 1 shipwreck lies 45 m deep off the coast of Porquerolles Island, Hyères, southern France. Discovered in 1975, new fieldwork campaigns in 2017 and 2018 brought to light a part of the hull (keel, planking, frames), indications of its cargo from the 2nd century BC (Graeco-Italic amphorae), and three well preserved iron anchors. This paper provides a first archaeological analysis of the wreck.
Wooden shipbuilding in Cyprus from the late 19th to the mid-20th century
Authors: Nicolaou Constantinos
Published: August 2022

Wooden shipbuilding in Cyprus was a craft based on traditional, pre-industrial design and construction methods. The transition of the island administration at the end of the 19th century from the Ottoman to the British Empire with resultant economic and social changes, and then the turmoil of two World Wars with their population movements, impacted on the craft in the first half of the 20th century. The evolution of traditional wooden shipbuilding in Cyprus during the 20th century constitutes an excellent example of how geographic and socio-economic changes can affect shipbuilding.
Two ships under rocks: a glimpse into rural shipbuilding in western Pomerania
Authors: Auer Jens
Published: August 2022

The wrecks of two clinker-built vessels were excavated and lifted off the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in northern Germany as part of the archaeological mitigation procedures for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.The ships formed part of an underwater barrier created by Swedish forces during the Great Northern War in 1715. As a result of the excavation carried out by the state authority for culture and monu­ments in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, both wrecks were documented underwater, disassembled, lifted and studied on the surface. All ship timbers were recorded in detail using a structured-­light scanner and photogrammetry before the wrecks were moved into temporary wet storage. After completion of the marine construction project, the wrecks will be re-deposited near their original locations.
Sewn-plank construction techniques in the western Indian Ocean: evidence from the timbers of Al Baleed, Oman
Authors: Ghidoni Alessandro
Published: August 2022

The boat timbers discovered in the Islamic port of Al Baleed in southern Oman constitute a unique collection within the context of the Indian Ocean’s maritime technology between the 10th and 15th centuries AD (Belfioretti, Vosmer 2010). The timbers consist of planks from sewn-boats that have been recycled in the site’s buildings, and include preserved ropes, caulking material and decorative motifs. A study of the remains reveals a variety of forms, techniques and materials used for the construction of the sewn vessels involved in Indian Ocean maritime trade during the Middle Islamic period.
The Maʻagan Mikhael B shipwreck: a summary of four excavation seasons
Authors: Cohen Maayan , Creisher Michelle , Cvikel Deborah
Published: August 2022

Abstract:The Maʻagan Mikhael B shipwreck was discovered off the Mediterranean coast of Israel in 2005. The hull remains are in a good state of preservation, comprising the endposts, aprons, framing timbers, hull planks, stringers, mast step assembly and bulkheads. The most significant finds are the ceramic shards and the complete amphorae. Other finds include bricks, rigging elements, wooden artefacts, coins, organic finds and animal bones. The ship was dated to the 7th-8th centuries AD – a good reason to excavate it in order to evaluate its significance in the period of transition in ship construction from shell-first to frame-first.
Indigenous navigation in the Caribbean Basin: a historical, ethnoarchaeological and experimental approach to the Caribbean-Guyanese kanawa
Authors: Bérard Benoît , Biar Alexandra
Published: August 2022

The early human occupation of the Antilles was based on the manufacture and use of expanded and extended dugout canoes named kanawa. The same boat type is also associated with the Carib linguistic family groups precolonial expansion along the coasts from Brazil to Venezuela. This paper describes this type of boat and its construction process in a comparative approach to archaeological and ethnohistorical data related to the Antillean archipelago and an ethnoarchaeological study of the contemporary construction process of the kanawa by the Kali’na Amerindians of Guiana (French Guiana/Suriname). Lastly, an experimental maritime archaeology programme carried out in the Antilles over several years allows us to discuss the nature of navigation permitted by this type of boat.
Ship timber from the Baltic with a special emphasis on wood from Old Prussia and Poland
Authors: Springmann Maik-Jens
Published: August 2022

Many dendrochronological analyses of shipwrecks in Europe indicate that timber from Prussia was used for shipbuilding far from its point of origin. This suggests that the export of timber for shipbuilding to Western Europe was very important, especially in a period from the 14th to the 17th century. But how can we identify such products and in what quality and quantity were they shipped? This short paper and the Timber Project at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark try to provide some answers.
Structurally Predominant Bottoms in Frame-First Construction: the Case of the Barque du Léman
Authors: Bloesch Paul
Published: August 2022

The lateen-rigged barque du Léman (Lake Geneva, France/Switzerland, 19th-20th centuries) was skeleton-built in genuine post-medieval Mediterranean tradition, however, its bottom was constructed in a very particular way: the heavy planks, made of silver fir (Abies pectinata) and almost as thick as the frames were sided, ran uninterrupted over most of the bottom's length. The rest of the planking was made of oak (at the ends of the bottom) and of larch (at the sides). Obviously, the bottom's structural strength mainly depended on these fir planks.
The assembly of hulls in Southeast Asian shipbuilding traditions: from lashings to treenails
Authors: Manguin Pierre-Yves
Published: August 2022

This article describes the techniques used in Southeast Asian boats and ships to assemble planks and frames as observed over the past two millennia in archaeological and ethnographical contexts. Planks were ﬁrst lashed with vegetal ﬁbre and dowelled, with frames also lashed to planks. The sewing of the planks later gave way to treenails only, with frames still lashed to planks. In large ships, the lashings of planks to frames were ﬁnally also replaced by treenails, as could still be observed in Indonesia in the late 20th century.
Artistic and symbolic elements of the Maltese luzzu
Authors: Akrivopoulou Efthymia , Muñoz Irene
Published: August 2022

Almost in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese islands provide harbours for various types of traditional fishing boat. One of these types, and the focus of this research, is the luzzu. Decorated with different colours and symbols, the once prominent luzzu is today found in only a few harbours. Using in situ research, these boats were studied to understand how the symbolism of their decorations might have changed throughout the years.
What influenced British East Indiamen ship design?
Authors: Bennett Kurt
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the author’s PhD research and explores the archaeological case study, Edwin Fox, to demonstrate changes in British East Indiaman ship design and construction during the mid-19th century. A range of methods have been employed during this investigation, including: 3D laser scanning, dendrochronology, fibre analysis and archival research to understand what influenced design and construction technologies over time. This paper contri­butes to our understanding of British colonial merchant ship design and building practices.
The Paragan 1 shipwreck, Corsica: a 17th–18th century coaster
Authors: Rieth Eric , Cibecchini Franca
Published: August 2022

The wreck is located in the Bay of Paragan near Bonifacio, southern Corsica and was discovered in 2015. It has been dated by Ligurian faïence to the end of the 17th-beginning of the 18th century. Since 2016, the wreck has been the object of an underwater excavation within the framework of the MoMArch international training school (A*Midex, Aix-Marseille University, CCJ, DRASSM). The wreck displays several “architectural fingerprints” that are characteristic of the practices of Mediterranean frame-first construction and which have been attested archaeologically since the Middle Ages. One objective of the excavation is to provide answers relating to the architectural principles and building processes of the ship. Another objective is to restore the shape of the hull and rigging with the aim of identifying the architectural type of the Paragan 1 ship in the technical context of coasters of the western Mediterranean basin.
The Tallinn cog : smart conservation
Authors: Ehanti Eero , Häyhä Heikki , Lätti Priit
Published: August 2022

This article presents the conservation project of a medieval shipwreck find in Tallinn, Estonia. The object, the well-preserved wreck of a Hanseatic cog, is briefly introduced, but the main focus is on conservation measures. The decision-making process is discu­ssed, and the conservation plan summarised. At this late stage of the project, it can be concluded that the choices made and conservation actions carried out have proven to be successful.
Early modern reused ship timbers from Boqueirão do Duro, Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Lopes Gonçalo C. , Bettencourt José , Fonseca Cristóvão , Silva Tiago , Carvalho Patrícia , Pinto Coelho Inês
Published: August 2022

Archaeological excavations conducted at the riverside area of Lisbon (Boqueirão do Duro, Santos) in 2016 revealed archaeological remains from the 18th to the 19th centuries, including the remains of a late 19th-century factory named Vulcano e Colares built on top of an ancient beach and later port.The waterfront archaeological contexts were wide-ranging. There were several timbers from a large ship dismantled on the beach, port structures that reused ship elements, and an assemblage of pre-shaped timbers. Among the dismantled elements were keels, keelsons, stems, floor timbers, futtocks, hull planks, wooden sheathing, and an uncommon find, three complete bilge pumps.
The Fougueux (1785-1805): prototype of an 18th–19th century French construction method
Authors: Rodríguez Mariscal Nuria E. , Ciarlo Nicolás C. , Alzaga García Milagros , Rieth Eric , Izaguirre Lacoste Manuel
Published: August 2022

The 74-gun French ship Fougueux (1785-1805) belonged to the Spanish-French fleet that faced the British in the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. This warship was lost off the coast of Sancti Petri after the battle. About two centuries later, an array of iron cannons and wooden remains were studied at this site by the Underwater Archaeology Centre of Andalusia. This paper presents the results of the analysis of the ship’s construction method, whose particularities place it within the tradition of French naval construction between the late 18th century and early 19th century.
Keynote address: The Centre Camille Jullian: 50 years of maritime and nautical archaeology
Authors: Pomey Patrice
Published: August 2022

This article retraces the principal activities of the Centre Camille Jullian – UMR 7299 (CCJ) in Mediterranean nautical archaeology from its beginnings with the pioneering underwater excavations of the Planier III and Madrague de Giens wrecks from the end of the 1960s, to the beginning of the 1980s, through the 1990s and the wrecks of Marseille’s ancient harbour, and up until the most recent developments. This latter period has seen the CCJ gradually extend its activities into father flung Mediterranean regions through international collaborations in Italy, Croatia, Egypt and the Black Sea, and the increasingly advanced integration of multiple interdisciplinary approaches. The theoretical and methodological foundations on which the innumerable projects of its researchers are based have allowed the study of ancient Mediterranean ships to be tackled in innovatory and constantly renewed ways.
The size of wooden components in relation to the tonnage of Greek and Roman ships
Authors: Nantet Emmanuel
Published: August 2022

This article focuses on the size of tonnage as an impact on the size of wooden components in a ship. It is based on a list of 66 tonnages, elaborated via a methodology employing three methods to determine tonnage (reconstruction of the hull lines, the tonnage formula, and the weight of the cargo). This list notes the thickness of the planking and of the moulded side of the frames. However, the article also explores further factors that are involved, particularly the evo­lution of the architectural type.
Finding Scepter: assessing European influences in early Swedish shipbuilding and evaluating new excavation techniques
Authors: Hansson Jim
Published: August 2022

In 2017 the Swedish National Maritime and Transport Museums were commissioned to monitor the excavation at the old shipyard at Skeppsholmen’s quay in Stockholm in case remains were revealed. The shipyard was the biggest workplace in the 17th century. During the excavation a careening dock that was used for the maintenance and repair of large naval ships was first found. It was made of a large number of huge piles. The piles were pulled up and massive ship parts appeared beneath. It turned out to be a large shipwreck in oak. Due to the short time available we tried a new technique. We used a powerful suction digger so as not to damage the roots of trees during excavations. The suction digger helped us to remove the fill material very smoothly and quickly. With this method we managed to uncover large parts of the starboard side. A great number of dendro-samples were taken and it was also possible to conduct detailed archaeological documentation.The identification of the Scepter was made with the support of archaeological observations and dendrochronological samples, confirmed by archival documents. With these results we could see that this ship was indeed the first flagship of King Gustav II Adolf. The ship had a long and exciting history that now could be revealed.This is a fine example of how salvage archaeology together with new techniques can give us new information and great history that was once forgotten.
Redesigning Assessment
Authors: Halupa Colleen M.
Published: August 2022

This chapter provides a practical guide for university faculty on how to construct assessments that measure true student learning rather than recall and immediate knowledge. Guidance on the use of assessment to align and scaffold student learning to meet both course and programmatic outcomes is provided. The major portion of this chapter deals with the discussion of assessment types that are appropriate to measure the six different levels of Bloom's taxonomy at both the course and program level to assist students in attaining skills in analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of content. The chapter includes a discussion on variety and authenticity in assessment as well as consideration of student learning styles. The use of grading and mastery rubrics to measure performance on assessments is also included to provide a rounded approach to the assessment process.
Intensive care unit-acquired weakness: A review from molecular mechanisms to its impact in COVID-2019
Authors: Gonzalez Andrea , Abrigo Johanna , Achiardi Oscar , Simon Felipe , Cabello-Verrugio Claudio
Published: August 2022

Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW) is a generalized and symmetric neuromuscular dysfunction associated with critical illness and its treatments. Its incidence is approximately 80% in intensive care unit patients, and it manifests as critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy, and muscle atrophy. Intensive care unit patients can lose an elevated percentage of their muscle mass in the first days after admission, producing short- and long-term sequelae that affect patients’ quality of life, physical health, and mental health. In 2019, the world was faced with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. COVID-19 produces severe respiratory disorders, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, which increases the risk of developing ICU-AW. COVID-19 patients treated in intensive care units have shown early diffuse and symmetrical muscle weakness, polyneuropathy, and myalgia, coinciding with the clinical presentation of ICU-AW. Besides, these patients require prolonged intensive care unit stays, invasive mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit pharmacological therapy, which are risk factors for ICU-AW. Thus, the purposes of this review are to discuss the features of ICU-AW and its effects on skeletal muscle. Further, we will describe the mechanisms involved in the probable development of ICU-AW in severe COVID-19 patients.
Dose-Dependent Effect of Retrieval-Extinction on Preventing Reinstatement of Cocaine-Associated Memory in Mice
Authors: Chang Heng-Ai , Dai Wen , Hu Sherry Shu-Jung
Published: August 2022

As a noninvasive behavioral intervention, the retrieval-extinction (R-E) procedure has drawn much research attention for its capacity to target the reconsolidation of maladaptive memories. However, later research findings suggest that the cause and consequence of R-E may be more complicated than previously suggested. For example, the R-E procedure could increase an animal's motivation for drug-seeking under certain circumstances, and the reversed extinction-retrieval (E-R) procedure could also suppress the drug memory. Two possible mechanisms underlying the R-E procedure have been proposed: the reconsolidation-update and extinction-facilitation hypotheses. To elucidate the paradoxical prior findings and examine these two hypotheses, we systematically examined the efficacy of the extinction (E), R-E, and E-R procedures in mice's low-dose versus high-dose cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) memory. We showed that the dose of cocaine is a crucial determinant of the efficacy of the three behavioral interventions. The E procedure exerted a long-lasting suppression of the low-dose cocaine CPP memory, while the R-E procedure induced more memory defects than the E and E-R procedures in its long-term suppression of the high-dose cocaine CPP memory. It warrants further investigation of whether the R-E procedure's underlying neurochemical and molecular mechanisms differ from the E and E-R procedures.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Bupivacaine Administration through Chest Tube and Intercostal Blockage in Patients with Rib Fractures
Authors: Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad , Kolahdouzan Mohsen , Pourazari Pezhman , Yazdani Emad
Published: August 2022

Background:

There are several methods to control pain, especially in traumatic patients with rib fractures. Intrapleural analgesia (IPA) and intercostal block methods are recommended in patients with rib fractures to control pain. Here, we aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of IPA and intercostal block on patients’ clinical conditions.

Materials and Methods:

This is a randomized clinical trial that was performed in 2020–2021 on thirty traumatic patients with rib fractures. We collected the results of arterial blood gas in all patients before interventions including HCO3, pH, pO2, and pCO2 and also evaluated pain of patients. The first group underwent intercostal blockade with standard method with bupivacaine, and for the second group of patients, a chest tube was implanted. Patients were monitored for up to 12 h for pain intensity and need for analgesics.

Results:

The mean levels of HCO3 decreased in both groups after the interventions, and this decrease was more significant in patients in the intercostal blockade group (P < 0.05). The mean levels of pO2 increased in both groups after interventions, especially in patients in the intercostal blockade group (P < 0.05). The mean pCO2 levels also decreased in both groups (P < 0.05). The mean pain intensity in both groups decreased significantly after the intervention (P < 0.05) and also the mean pain intensity in the intercostal blocking group decreased significantly more than the group treated with chest tube (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Intercostal blockade through bupivacaine is more effective than chest tube administration of bupivacaine in patients with rib fractures.
Antrodia Salmonea Extract Inhibits Cell Proliferation Through Regulating Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Cheng Pang-Ting , Cheng Yu-Chiao , Oner Muhammet , Li Yu-Hsuan , Chen Mei-Chih , Wu Jyh-Horng , Chang Ting-Chieh , Celik Ayse , Liu Fang-Ling , Wang Hsin-Yi , Lai Chih-Ho , Hsieh Jer-Tsong , Chen Chieh-Yin , Lin Ho
Published: August 2022

Antrodia salmonea (AS) is a fungus, which belongs to a fungal family of Taiwanofungus salmoneus with the features of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Recent studies have shown that AS has anti-cancer functions in ovarian and breast cancer. However, the effects of AS on prostate cancer (PCa) proliferation remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of AS in PCa proliferation through apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation in PCa cell lines. Our results showed that Antrodia salmonea extract (ASE) inhibited PCa cells growth with a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ASE decreased the anchorage-independent growth formation ability in PC3 cells. Moreover, ASE-induced cell growth inhibition in PCa cells (DU145, PC3) was correlated to decreased cell cycle-related proteins such as cyclin A/B and cyclin-dependent kinase CDK1/2/4, and increased cell cycle inhibitor proteins p21. Besides, ASE decreased the total protein level of epidermal growth factor receptor and its downstream signaling pathways Akt and Erk in both PCa cells. We found that apoptotic markers such as cleaved-PARP protein levels increased significantly in DU145 cells indicating ASE might induce apoptosis. In conclusion, our results suggest that ASE may have the ability to induce PCa cell death through regulating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis pathways.
Transient Rectangular Alopecia after Endovascular Embolization
Authors: Herrero-Moyano María , Hernández Patricia Muñoz , Castañon Paula García , Monreal Jose Luis Caniego
Published: August 2022

Transient rectangular alopecia after endovascular embolization (TRAEE) is considered a specific form of radiodermatitis that is probably underreported in the literature. We present a case series of four patients from our hospital describing dermoscopic and histopathologic findings. Dermoscopic findings overlap with those of alopecia areata; therefore, TRAAE may be misdiagnosed without a precise history. Histopathology analysis of one of our cases showed different characteristics from the only report in the literature (high proportion of follicles in telogen phase). Initial reports considered that total radiation doses between 3 and 5 Gy produced TRAEE, whereas doses higher than 7Gy could trigger permanent alopecia. However, one of our patients exposed to a total dose of 7.6 Gy had complete hair regrowth.
Development of a quality assurance system in radiation oncology: A 12-year experience in a University Hospital
Authors: Nobnop Wannapha , Lorvidhaya Vicharn , Wanwilairat Somsak , Watcharawipha Anirut , Tharavichitkul Ekkasit , Onchan Wimrak , Chakrabandhu Somvilai , Klunklin Pitchayaponne , Jia-Mahasap Bongkot , Muangwong Pooriwat , Chitapanarux Imjai
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

This study aimed to report 12 years of experience in the development of a quality assurance system in radiation oncology in a university hospital.

Material and Methods:

We developed the Quality Assurance Program in Radiation Oncology (QUAPRO) in 2008 to detect treatment deviation in the radiotherapy (RT) process with three steps of near-miss detection: simulation and prescription (primary check, PC), treatment planning (secondary check, SC), and treatment delivery process (tertiary check, TC). We transferred our paper-based medical records to electronic-based radiotherapy information systems (RTISs) in 2013. QUAPRO was completely integrated into RTIS in 2017. Since then, electronic-based incident reporting has been conducted. The program is called the Radiation Incident Learning System (RILS). The near-miss rates were compared during the three time periods: 2008–2012, 2013–2017, and 2017–2020.

Results:

Five years of paper-based QUAPRO for 2008–2012 demonstrated a fluctuation in the checking ratio, with a gradually increasing rate of near misses of 3.5–19.7%. After electronic-based medical records were developed in 2013, the results revealed a dramatic increase from a rate of 2.7 to 4.2 in the number of checks per patient and achieved an increased rate of near misses of 24.7% for PC, SC, and TC. The rate of near misses gradually decreased to 5.3% after 2017 because of RT workflow improvement.

Conclusion:

The analysis of 12 years in near-miss data reflected the effectiveness of our quality assurance program. The QUAPRO system can detect near-miss incidents in the whole RT workflow and illustrate the detection improvement when integrated into electronic-based medical records. Regular feedback and exploration of near-miss reporting are recommended for proper RT workflow improvement.
ISP Good Clinical Practice Recommendations for the management of Dentin Hypersensitivity
Authors: Grover Vishakha , Kumar Ashish , Jain Ashish , Chatterjee Anirban , Grover Harpreet Singh , Pandit Nymphea , Satpathy Anurag , Madhavan Pillai Baiju Radhamoni , Melath Anil , Dhruvakumar Deepa , Thakur Roshani , Joshi Nilesh V. , Deshpande Neeraj , Dadlani Himanshu , Meenakshi A. Archana , Ashok K. P. , Reddy K. Vinathi , Bhasin Meenu Taneja , Salaria Sanjeev Kumar , Verma Abhishek , Gaikwad Rajesh Prabhakar , Darekar Hemant , Amirisetty Ramesh , Phadnaik Mangesh , Karemore Vaibhav , Dhulipalla Ravindranath , Mody Dhawal , Rao Tushar Shri , Chakarpani Swarna , Ranganath V.
Published: August 2022

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a rising concern in clinical dentistry that causes pain and discomfort and negatively affects the quality of life of patients. Indian Society of Periodontology conducted a nationwide survey, involving 3000 dentists in December 2020, which revealed significant knowledge gaps regarding DH, viz., under-diagnosis, incorrect differential diagnosis, and treatment strategies/recommendations for the management of DH patients in daily clinical practice. The current paper has been envisioned and conceptualized to update the practicing Indian dentists regarding the so-called enigma of dentistry “Dentin Hypersensitivity,” based on the best available contemporary evidence. An expert panel was constituted comprising 30 subject experts from across the country, which after extensive literature review and group discussions formulated these recommendations. The panel advocated routine screening of all dentate patients for exposed dentin areas and DH to avoid under-diagnosis of the condition and suggested an early preventive management. Consensus guidelines/recommendations for the use of desensitizing agents (DAs) at home, including the use of herbal agents, are also provided within the backdrop of the Indian context. The guidelines recommend that active management of DH shall be accomplished by a combination of at home and in-office therapies, starting with the simplest and cost-effective home use of desensitizing toothpastes. A diagnostic decision tree and a flowchart for application in daily practice are designed to manage the patients suffering from DH or presenting with exposed dentin areas in dentition. Various treatment methods to manage DH have been discussed in the paper, including the insights from previously published treatment guidelines. Further, a novel system of classification of DH patients based on specific case definitions has been developed for the first time. Explicit charts regarding the available treatment options and the chronology of institution of the agent, for the management in different case categories of DH, have been provided for quick reference. The management strategy takes into account a decision algorithm based on hierarchy of complexity of treatment options and intends to improve the quality of life of the patient by long-term maintenance with an innovatively defined triple C's or 3Cs approach.
Self-esteem and oral health-related quality of life of women with periodontal disease – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shamim Rohina , Nayak Rashmita , Satpathy Anurag , Mohanty Rinkee , Pattnaik Naina
Published: August 2022

Aim:

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of periodontal disease on self-esteem and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in women.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 522 women (mean age − 38.92 ± 14.3 years). Oral hygiene status, plaque level, gingival inflammation, probing depth, and periodontal status were assessed. The self-esteem was assessed using a Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and the OHRQoL was measured using a 14-item oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire.

Results:

Younger, employed women with higher income had significantly better OHRQoL and self-esteem. Women with healthy periodontium had better OHRQoL. Probing depth and community periodontal index scores were found to have a significant positive correlation with most of the sub-scale items and total OHIP-14 score in women with low self-esteem. Women with good OHRQoL and normal self-esteem were seen to be maintaining significantly better oral hygiene. No such statistically significant difference was observed in women with low self-esteem. Multiple regression analysis for the prediction of OHIP-14 score indicated that the best model included probing depth as the only statistically significant predictor (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Periodontal disease has a significant negative impact on self-esteem and OHRQoL in women.
Detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis in umbilical cord blood of new-born and in subgingival plaque of pregnant participants with periodontal disease and its association with pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Savitha J. N. , Bhavya B. , Yadalam Umesh , Khan Safiya Fatima
Published: August 2022

Background:

Preterm low birth weight (PLBW) is one of the causes of infant mortality and morbidity. Most of the studies have indicated the periodontal-systemic interlink. The association of periodontal pathogen on pregnancy outcome still stands inconclusive. The aim of the study was to detect the prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in umbilical cord blood of new-born infant and correlate the same pathogen in subgingival plaque of pregnant women and to determine the adverse pregnancy outcomes and also to determine the correlation between periodontitis and the association of P. gingivalis in preterm birth/low birth.

Materials and Methods:

The present study included 130 pregnant participants in their full-term and preterm delivery with periodontitis. Periodontal disease was diagnosed clinically using gingival index, pocket depth, plaque index, and clinical attachment level. Umbilical cord blood samples and plaque samples collected using Gracey curette were subjected to culture for the detection of P. gingivalis. The results were subjected to the statistical analysis using the SPSS software.

Results:

The comparison of P. gingivalis in umbilical cord blood and plaque between preterm and full-term group was found to be significantly increased in preterm group. A statistically significant difference was also seen for the clinical parameters between the two groups, with increased values seen in case of preterm labor. Odd's ratio on the comparison of prevalence of periodontitis among full term and preterm group was statistically significant in preterm birth as compared with full-term birth.

Conclusion:

The study results showed statistically significant association of P. gingivalis with PLBW. Periodontal disease significantly affects the adverse pregnancy outcome.
Comparative evaluation of nutmeg mouthwash and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash on halitosis and plaque control
Authors: Padol Monika Vasantrao , Vishwakarma Prashanth , Dodamani Arun Suresh , Gore Anup Wamanrao , Chachlani Karina Shyamlal , Kharkar Shradha Pramod
Published: August 2022

Background:

Myristica fragrans, commonly known as nutmeg, has been shown to have many medicinal properties including reduction of plaque and oral halitosis. In the present study, a mouthwash was prepared from nutmeg oil to compare its effectiveness with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate mouthwash on halitosis and plaque control.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 60 participants having plaque and plaque-induced oral halitosis were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups as Group A (30) and Group B (30). Nutmeg and 0.2% CHX gluconate mouthwash were administered in Group A and Group B, respectively, for 21 days twice daily. Plaque index and organoleptic score were recorded at baseline, 14th day, and 21st day. The data were collected, tabulated in Microsoft Excel Sheet, and subjected to statistical analysis using appropriate statistical tests.

Results:

The percentage of change in plaque score between baseline and 14th day was 12.3% and 9.44% (P = 0.741), between baseline and 21st day 39.2% and 39.4% (P = 0.889), and between 14th and 21st day 27.7% and 29.9% (P = 0.805) for Group A and Group B, respectively, while the percentage of change in halitosis score between baseline and 14th day was 24.7% and 16.3% (P = 0.201), between baseline and 21st day 54.5% and 56.3% (P = 0.487), and between 14th and 21st day 34.9% and 40.0% (P = 0.393) for Group A and Group B, respectively.

Conclusion:

Nutmeg mouthwash is organic, economical, and equally effective as compared to 0.2% CHX gluconate mouthwash (Clinical Trials Registry-India/2020/10/028540).
Transcutaneous Osseointegration for Oncologic Amputees with and Without Radiation Therapy
Authors: Hoellwarth Jason Shih , Tetsworth Kevin , Akhtar Muhammad Adeel , Oomatia Atiya , Al Muderis Munjed
Published: August 2022

Context:

Transcutaneous osseointegration for amputees (TOFA) consistently confers significant improvement in mobility and quality of life (QOL) for amputees using a traditional socket prosthesis. Limb radiation therapy (XRT) Has traditionally been considered hard contraindication against TOFA but has never actually been examined.

Aims:

This study evaluated the changes in mobility and QOL, and also the complications, for oncologic amputees provided TOFA: 9 with XRT, and 23 with no radiation therapy (NRT).

Settings and Design:

A retrospective registry review of all oncologic amputees was performed.

Subjects and Methods:

The patients' mobility (daily prosthesis wear hours, K-level, Timed Up and Go, and 6-min walk test [6MWT]) and QOL survey data (Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation) were compared before TOFA and at the latest follow-up.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Fisher's exact test for frequencies, and Student's t-test for means (significance, P < 0.05).

Results:

Regarding mobility, the cohorts were similar to one another before and after TOFA, and both cohorts improved following osseointegration (statistically significant: XRT wear hours [P = 0.029], NRT K-level [P < 0.001], and NRT 6MWT [P = 0.046]). Both cohorts' QOL was also similar before and after TOFA, and both cohorts again improved following osseointegration (significant differences: XRT problem score [P = 0.021], NRT problem score [P < 0.001], and NRT global score [P < 0.001]). Three XRT patients (33%) and one NRT patient (4%) required removal (P = 0.048).

Conclusions:

While radiation therapy may be associated with increased risk of postoperative implant loosening, it seems unjustifiable to flatly contraindicate osseointegration for oncologic amputees solely because of prior limb irradiation.
Weight Pruning-UNet
Authors: Rao Patike Kiran , Chatterjee Subarna , Sharma Sreedhar
Published: August 2022

Background:

Accurate semantic segmentation of kidney tumors in computed tomography (CT) images is difficult because tumors feature varied forms and occasionally, look alike. The KiTs19 challenge sets the groundwork for future advances in kidney tumor segmentation.

Methods:

We present weight pruning (WP)-UNet, a deep network model that is lightweight with a small scale; it involves few parameters with a quick assumption time and a low floating-point computational complexity.

Results:

We trained and evaluated the model with CT images from 210 patients. The findings implied the dominance of our method on the training Dice score (0.98) for the kidney tumor region. The proposed model only uses 1,297,441 parameters and 7.2e floating-point operations, three times lower than those for other network models.

Conclusions:

The results confirm that the proposed architecture is smaller than that of UNet, involves less computational complexity, and yields good accuracy, indicating its potential applicability in kidney tumor imaging.
Quantitative Analysis of Inter- and Intrahemispheric Coherence on Epileptic Electroencephalography Signal
Authors: Wijayanto Inung , Hartanto Rudy , Nugroho Hanung Adi
Published: August 2022

When an epileptic seizure occurs, the neuron's activity of the brain is dynamically changed, which affects the connectivity between brain regions. The connectivity of each brain region can be quantified by electroencephalography (EEG) coherence, which measures the statistical correlation between electrodes spatially separated on the scalp. Previous studies conducted a coherence analysis of all EEG electrodes covering all parts of the brain. However, in an epileptic condition, seizures occur in a specific region of the brain then spreading to other areas. Therefore, this study applies an energy-based channel selection process to determine the coherence analysis in the most active brain regions during the seizure. This paper presents a quantitative analysis of inter- and intrahemispheric coherence in epileptic EEG signals and the correlation with the channel activity to glean insights about brain area connectivity changes during epileptic seizures. The EEG signals are obtained from ten patients’ data from the CHB-MIT dataset. Pair-wise electrode spectral coherence is calculated in the full band and five sub-bands of EEG signals. The channel activity level is determined by calculating the energy of each channel in all patients. The EEG coherence observation in the preictal (Cohpre
) and ictal (Cohictal
) conditions showed a significant decrease of Cohictal
in the most active channel, especially in the lower EEG sub-bands. This finding indicates that there is a strong correlation between the decrease of mean spectral coherence and channel activity. The decrease of coherence in epileptic conditions (Cohictal
<Cohpre
) indicates low neuronal connectivity. There are some exceptions in some channel pairs, but a constant pattern is found in the high activity channel. This shows a strong correlation between the decrease of coherence and the channel activity. The finding in this study demonstrates that the neuronal connectivity of epileptic EEG signals is suitable to be analyzed in the more active brain regions.
Electrodermal Activity for Measuring Cognitive and Emotional Stress Level
Authors: Rahma Osmalina Nur , Putra Alfian Pramudita , Rahmatillah Akif , Putri Yang Sa’ada Kamila Ariyansah , Fajriaty Nuzula Dwi , Ain Khusnul , Chai Rifai
Published: August 2022

Stress can lead to harmful conditions in the body, such as anxiety disorders and depression. One of the promising noninvasive methods, which has been widely used in detecting stress and emotion, is electrodermal activity (EDA). EDA has a tonic and phasic component called skin conductance level and skin conductance response (SCR). However, the components of the EDA cannot be directly extracted and need to be deconvolved to obtain it. The EDA signals were collected from 18 healthy subjects that underwent three sessions – Stroop test with increasing stress levels. The EDA signals were then deconvoluted by using continuous deconvolution analysis (CDA) and convex optimization approach to electrodermal activity (cvxEDA). Four features from the result of the deconvolution process were collected, namely sample average, standard deviation, first absolute difference, and normalized first absolute difference. Those features were used as the input of the classification process using the extreme learning machine (ELM). The output of classification was the stress level; mild, moderate, and severe. The visual of the phasic component using cvxEDA is more precise or smoother than the CDA's result. However, both methods could separate SCR from the original skin conductivity raw and indicate the small peaks from the SCR. The classification process results showed that both CDA and cvxEDA methods with 50 hidden layers in ELM had a high accuracy in classifying the stress level, which was 95.56% and 94.45%, respectively. This study developed a stress level classification method using ELM and the statistical features of SCR. The result showed that EDA could classify the stress level with over 94% accuracy. This system could help people monitor their mental health during overworking, leading to anxiety and depression because of untreated stress.