bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strains in the implant collars supporting a cantilevered cross‐arch bar prosthesis. An in vitro study
Authors: Baaj Rakan , Khalili Maryam , Luke Allyn , Weiner Saul
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To examine the strains in the collar area of implants supporting a cantilevered cross‐arch bar prosthesis during vertical load application.

Materials and methods

A milled cross‐arch metal framework supported by four implants in a trapezoidal design was supported in polymethylmethacrylate. T‐strain gage rosettes were attached to the crestal areas of the implants with two grids, one recording circumference strain of the crestal area of the implant and the second recording vertical strain, torquing strains of the implant. The framework was subject to vertical loading from an MTS 810 mechanical system. Loading sites were directly on anterior and posterior implants, and on a cantilever at 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30 mm (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 of the anterior–posterior spread) distal from the posterior implant on the right side. The anterior–posterior (A–P) spread from anterior to posterior implants was 15 mm. Sites were loaded individually with 50 and 100 N. The data from the rosettes were transferred to a desktop computer and processed using StrainSmart 5000 software.

Results

Means and standard deviations were calculated for the 10 trials at each of the loading sites. Two‐way ANOVAs were done separately for each dependent variable, the vertical grid, and the circumferential grid. The independent variables were the load magnitude and the load site. Tukey's test was used to compare groups post hoc. When directly loading the implants, loading the anterior implant resulted initially in compression followed by increasing tensile strain with 100 N loads. Loading the implant adjacent to cantilever (the posterior implant) resulted in greater strain at the collar than that observed with anterior implant with minimal bending strains. When loading the cantilever, anterior implant showed increasing bending strain at greater cantilever length, whereas the circumferential strains were greater for the supporting implant adjacent to the cantilever, particularly at 100 N loads, p ≤ 0.001.

Conclusions

Limiting cantilever lengths to A–P spread ratios of 0.5 are preferred. Ratios greater than 1.0 should be avoided as flexing of the collar may occur. The dimensions of the implant, particularly wall thickness, adjacent to the cantilever should be carefully considered when planning the cantilevered implant‐supported prosthesis.
The influence of sexual activity on sleep: A diary study
Authors: Oesterling Carlotta Florentine , Borg Charmaine , Juhola Elina , Lancel Marike
Published: January 2023

Aiming to promote overall health and well‐being through sleep, the present studies examine to what extent sexual activity serves as a behavioural mechanism to improve sleep. The relation between sexual activity, i.e., partnered sex and masturbation with or without orgasm, and subjective sleep latency and sleep quality is examined by means of a cross‐sectional and a longitudinal (diary) study. Two hundred fifty‐six male and female participants, mainly students, completed a pre‐test set of questionnaires and, thereafter, a diary during 14 consecutive days. The cross‐sectional study was analysed using analysis of covariance and demonstrated that both men and women perceive partnered sex and masturbation with orgasm to improve sleep latency and sleep quality, while sexual activity without orgasm is perceived to exert negative effects on these sleep parameters, most strongly by men. Accounting for the repeated measurements being nested within participants, the diary data were analysed using multilevel linear modelling (MLM). Separate models for subjective sleep latency and sleep quality were constructed, which included 2076 cases at level 1, nested within 159 participants at level 2. The analyses revealed that only partnered sex with orgasm was associated with a significantly reduced sleep latency (b = −0.08, p < 0.002) and increased sleep quality (b = 0.19, p < 0.046). Sexual activity without orgasm and masturbation with and without orgasm were not associated with changes in sleep. Further, no gender differences emerged. The present studies confirm and significantly substantiate findings indicating that sexual activity and intimacy may improve sleep and overall well‐being in both men and women and serve as a directive for future research.
Graduates' preparedness for the changing doctor‐patient relationship: A qualitative study
Authors: Brennan Nicola , Langdon Nicola , Keates Natasha , Mattick Karen , Gale Thomas
Published: January 2023

Background

A positive doctor‐patient relationship is a crucial part of high‐quality patient care. There is a general perception that it has been changing in recent years; however, there is a lack of evidence for this. Adapting to the changing doctor‐patient relationship has been identified as an important skill doctors of the future must possess. This study explores (1) multiple stakeholder perspectives on how the doctor‐patient relationship is changing and (2) in what ways medical graduates are prepared for working in this changing doctor‐patient relationship.

Methods

We conducted a national qualitative study involving semi‐structured interviews with multiple stakeholders across the United Kingdom. Interviews lasting 45–60 minutes were conducted with 67 stakeholders including doctors in the first 2 years of practice (ECD's), patient representatives, supervisors, deans, medical educators and other health care professionals. The interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, analysed, coded in NVivo and analysed thematically using a Thematic Framework Analysis approach.

Results

The main ways the doctor‐patient relationship was perceived to be changing related to increased shared decision making and patients having increasing access to information. Communication, patient‐centred care and fostering empowerment, were the skills identified as being crucial for preparedness to work in the changing doctor‐patient relationship. Graduates were reported to be typically well‐prepared for the preconditions (communication and delivering patient‐centred care) of patient empowerment, but that more work is needed to achieve true patient empowerment.

Conclusion

This study offers a conceptual advance by identifying how the doctor‐patient relationship is changing particularly around the ‘patient‐as‐knowledge‐source’ dimension. On the whole ECD's are well‐prepared for working in the changing doctor‐patient relationship with the exception of patient empowerment skills. Further research is now needed to provide an in‐depth understanding of patient empowerment that is shared among key stakeholders (particularly the patient perspective) and to underpin the design of educational interventions appropriate to career stage.
Evaluation of the accuracy of fully automatic cephalometric analysis software with artificial intelligence algorithm
Authors: Duran Gökhan Serhat , Gökmen Şule , Topsakal Kübra Gülnur , Görgülü Serkan
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether fully automatic cephalometric analysis software with artificial intelligence algorithms is as accurate as non‐automated cephalometric analysis software for clinical diagnosis and research.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective archive study using lateral cephalometric radiographs taken from individuals aged 12‐20 years. Cephalometric measurement data were obtained from these lateral cephalometric radiographs by manual landmark marking with non‐automated computer software (Dolphin 11.8). Again, the same radiographs were made using fully automatic digital cephalometric analysis software OrthoDx™ (AI‐Powered Orthodontic Imaging System, Phimentum) and WebCeph (Assemblecircle, Seoul, Korea) with artificial intelligence algorithm, without manual intervention of the researcher and fully automatic markings and measurements were made by the software.

Results

According to the consistency test, a statistically significant good level of consistency was found between Dolphin and OrthoDx™ measurements and Dolphin and WebCeph measurements in angular measurements (ICC > 0.75, P < .01, ICC > 0.75, P < 0, respectively. 01). A weak level of consistency was found in linear measurement and soft tissue parameters in both software (ICC < 0.50, P < .05, ICC < 0.50, P < .05), and the difference between measurements was statistically found to be different from “0.”

Conclusion

The results obtained from fully automatic cephalometric analysis software with artificial intelligence algorithms are similar to the results of non‐automated cephalometric analysis software, although there are differences in some parameters. To minimize the margin of error in artificial intelligence‐based fully automatic cephalometric software, the manual intervention of the observer is needed.
The etiology, clinical features, and treatment options of hemifacial microsomia
Authors: Luo Songyuan , Sun Hao , Bian Qian , Liu Zhixu , Wang Xudong
Published: January 2023

The second most frequent craniomaxillofacial congenital deformity is hemifacial microsomia (HFM). Patients often accompany short mandible, ear dysplasia, facial nerve, and soft tissue dysplasia. The etiology of HFM is not fully understood. To organize the possible up‐to‐date information on the etiology, craniofacial phenotypes, and therapeutic alternatives in order to fully comprehend the HFM. Reviewing the potential causes, exploring the clinical features of HFM and summarizing the available treatment options. Vascular malformation, Meckel's cartilage abnormalities, and cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) abnormalities are three potential etiology hypotheses. The commonly used clinical classification for HFM is OMENS, OMENS‐plus, and SAT. Other craniofacial anomalies, like dental defects, and zygomatic deformities, are still not precisely documented in the classification. Patients with moderate phenotypes may not need any treatment from infancy through adulthood. However, patients with severe HFM require to undergo multiple surgeries to address facial asymmetries, such as mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO), autologous costochondral rib graft (CCG), orthodontic and orthognathic treatment, and facial soft tissue reconstruction. It is anticipated that etiology research will examine the pathogenic mechanism of HFM. A precise treatment for HFM may be possible with thoroughly documented phenotypes and a pathogenic diagnosis.
Arthroscopy Confers Excellent Clinical Outcomes in Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS) Patients Aged 50 Years and Above
Authors: Yang Fan , Shi Yuanyuan , Zhang Zhu , Zhang Xin , Huang Hongjie , Ju Xiaodong , Wang Jianquan
Published: January 2023

Objective

Hip preservation surgery has expanded to include treatment of hip pathology in elderly patients. Most data on efficacy of arthroscopy treatment in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has been generated from Western populations, while studies in the older Asian FAIS population are lacking. Here, we report efficacy of hip arthroscopy for treatment of Asian patients aged 50 years and above.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 775 hips that were treated arthroscopically for FAIS between 2016 and 2019. Patients with a history of hip surgery, contralateral surgery during the follow‐up period, lateral center‐edge angle (LCEA) <25°, Tӧnnis grade ≥2, and incomplete records were excluded. Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), such as modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score‐Activities of Daily Living (HOS‐ADL), International Hip Outcome Tool 12‐component form (iHOT‐12), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were compared pre‐ and post‐operation. We also recorded radiographic measures, intraoperative findings, procedures, complications, and subsequent surgical revisions. Finally, we correlated demographics with PRO improvement among the study group.

Results

A total of 57 hips met the inclusion and exclusion requirements and were therefore included in the final analysis. After the follow‐up period (3.3 years), most patients exhibited significantly higher PROs than preoperative values, HOS‐ADL (65.0–81.7), iHOT‐12 (44.3–69.1), mHHS (58.9–81.7), and VAS (5.8–2.2; all p < 0.001). Shorter symptom duration was significantly correlated with improved HOS‐ADL (p = 0.015), and mHHS score (p = 0.022). The overall rate of complications and rate of revisions were 5.3% and 7.0%, respectively, and none of the patients required total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Conclusions

Arthroscopic surgery confers significant clinical outcomes in most FAIS patients in the Asian population who are aged 50 years and above. These benefits are accompanied by either a low revision rate or conversion to THA, while shorter symptom duration is positively correlated with improved HOS‐ADL and mHHS scores.
Policy conflicts in shale development in China and the United States
Authors: Bailey Kathleen S. , Yi Hongtao , Heikkila Tanya , Weible Christopher M.
Published: January 2023

Policy conflicts are ubiquitous in many countries. Yet research on policy conflict is typically based on cases in western, democratic countries. As a result, little is known about the characteristics of policy conflicts in non‐western countries, such as China, or how these characteristics compare to western contexts. The Policy Conflict Framework (PCF) was recently developed to help scholars identify, diagnose, and compare policy conflict characteristics. This research uses the PCF to guide a comparative analysis of the nature of policy conflicts in China and the United States. With interview data on policy actors from Chongqing, China and Colorado, USA, we present the findings by comparing the differences and similarities of policy conflicts in the two countries around shale oil and gas development. We conclude with the strengths and limitations of this comparative study of policy conflicts in China and other national contexts, along with recommendations for conducting PCF research in China.
The limits of imperial incorporation: Alternative sociological frameworks to study Asian American subjects
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Tran Victoria
Published: January 2023

This paper argues existing scholarship on Asian American communities is limited by an assumption that incorporation into the US can productively address racial and economic precarity. As an alternative, we offer “Extinguishing Asian (American) Insurgency”, a theoretical framework that incorporates histories of colonialism, imperialism, and postcolonial politics of incorporation into contemporary sociological analyses of Asian subject formation. Applying Du Boisian sociology alongside Frantz Fanon and Joy James, the framework adopts a global, relational analysis of Asian Americans and the US state. We demonstrate the framework's utility through two case studies: anti‐colonial Sikh diasporic politics through the Gadar Party and US state efforts to tie diasporic South Vietnamese identity to an anti‐communist politic. As such, we encourage the study of alternative possibilities of Asian subject formation that are extinguished by state incorporation, particularly through imperialism and military serivce. Specifically, we address sociologists who extinguish the insurgent Asian American subject in their scholarship by assuming incorporation and pro‐state politics as a natural end goal of migration, or those who simply do not name the US as the institutional force extinguishing possibilities of Asian Americans' insurgency.
Prevalence of parvovirus B19 antibodies in pregnant women in northern Benin
Authors: De Paschale Massimo , Ceriani Cristina , Cerulli Teresa , Cagnin Debora , Cavallari Serena , Zaongo Dieudonné , Diombo Kouma , Priuli Gianbattista , Viganò Paolo , Finazzi Sergio , Clerici Pierangelo
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection in pregnancy is generally asymptomatic, but in about 3% it can cause complications, including miscarriage, severe foetal anaemia and foetal hydrops. The seroprevalence in pregnancy ranges from 20% to 82% in Africa, but there are no data for Benin. We therefore retrospectively assessed the seroprevalence of B19V in pregnant women attending the Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital in Tanguiéta, a rural district of Atacora, in northern Benin.

Methods

We searched for anti‐B19V immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in 227 sequential sera from as many women (mean age 26.3 years, range: 16–41) of whom 30 were in the first trimester, 66 in the second and 131 in the third. Samples that tested positive for IgM were analysed with an immunoblot test and the viral genome (DNA‐B19V) was searched for using a polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Of the 227 women, 153 (67.4%) were positive for IgG anti‐B19V, 7 (3.1%) for IgM and 73 (32.2%) were non‐immune. Six IgM‐positive women were also IgG positive. The difference in IgG seroprevalence between trimesters or ages was not statistically significant. Of the seven IgM‐positive samples, three were confirmed positive by immunoblot (of which two were DNA‐B19V positive), three were indeterminate (DNA‐B19V negative) and one was negative (DNA‐B19V negative). Of the three women with confirmed positive IgM, two were in the third trimester and one in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Conclusions

The seroprevalence of anti‐B19V IgG among pregnant women in Benin is high and in line with those reported in some African countries. IgM seroprevalence is also similar to that described in some African countries in non‐epidemic periods. The low viral load observed depicts non‐acute infections, but it is difficult to establish the precise time of the infection, especially for women tested in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, when the observed viremia could be a sign of an acute infection that occurred in the previous trimester. Consequently, clinical follow‐up and further investigations to highlight possible foetal consequences are indicated.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: January 2023

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 1Anastasia Panagakos, Cosumnes River College, USAAurora Pestaño, University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR), PhilippinesDaniel Tia, University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny Abidjan, GRATHEL , Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)Ivan Lenard, Elementary school Ladimirevci, CroatiaMd. Nasir Uddin, Prime Minister’s Office, BangladeshMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanMiriam Parise, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, ItalyMOHD NORAZMI BIN NORDIN, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, MalaysiaQingzhi Huan, Peking University, ChinaRima Meilita Sari, Universitas Samudra Indonesia, IndonesiaSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan    James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com
Athletic Trainers’ Perceptions of Their Scope of Practice
Authors: Welch Bacon Cailee E. , Cabra Nydia L. , Pennington Taryn C. , Eberman Lindsey E. , Cavallario Julie M.
Published: January 2023

All athletic trainers (ATs) must meet regulatory standards as outlined in state practice acts. While state practice acts are similar, some variations can lead to misunderstanding or unfamiliarity with appropriate scopes of practice. We aimed to describe ATs’ perceptions regarding athletic training scope of practice. Only 29.7% of respondents correctly identified state government as the agency that defines athletic training scope of practice and 51.7% agreed their respective state practice act limits the skills they can perform. To advocate for the profession, ATs must have a primary understanding of the laws and regulations that promote ATs to work at their fullest ability.
Association of THBS3 with Glycoprotein D Promotes Pseudorabies Virus Attachment, Fusion, and Entry
Authors: Pan Yudi , Guo Longjun , Miao Qian , Wu Ling , Jing Zhaoyang , Tian Jin , Feng Li
Published: January 2023

Herpesvirus entry occurs through a cascade of virus-cell interactions, and multiple surface glycoproteins play a role in virus binding and entry during the virus invasion process. Early studies showed that attachment to cells by PRV, as well as other alphaherpesviruses, is mediated by interactions between the viral glycoprotein gC and cell membrane proteoglycans carrying heparan sulfate chains (HSPGs).
Optimized Compiler for Distributed Quantum Computing
Authors: Cuomo Daniele , Caleffi Marcello , Krsulich Kevin , Tramonto Filippo , Agliardi Gabriele , Prati Enrico , Cacciapuoti Angela Sara
Published: January 2023

Practical distributed quantum computing requires the development of efficient compilers, able to make quantum circuits compatible with some given hardware constraints. This problem is known to be tough, even for local computing. Here, we address it on distributed architectures. As generally assumed in this scenario,
telegates
represent the fundamental remote (inter-processor) operations. Each telegate consists of several tasks: (i) entanglement generation and distribution, (ii) local operations, and (iii) classical communications. Entanglement generations and distribution is an expensive resource, as it is time-consuming. To mitigate its impact, we model an optimization problem that combines running-time minimization with the usage of distributed entangled states. Specifically, we formulated the distributed compilation problem as a dynamic network flow. To enhance the solution space, we extend the formulation, by introducing a predicate that manipulates the circuit given in input and parallelizes telegate tasks.

To evaluate our framework, we split the problem into three sub-problems, and solve it by means of an approximation routine. Experiments demonstrate that the run-time is resistant to the problem size scaling. Moreover, we apply the proposed algorithm to compile circuits under different topologies, showing that topologies with a higher ratio between edges and nodes give rise to shallower circuits.
BlockQoS: Fair Monetization of On-demand Quality-of-Service using Blockchains
Authors: Shabir Muhammad Muneem , Danish Syed Muhammad , Zhang Kaiwen
Published: January 2023

Video conferencing has become an essential tool for working from home. However, poor audio/video quality resulting from unstable Internet connections undermines the productivity of important tasks. Additionally, the static monetization model for ISP networks, which employs third parties, cannot support on-demand and dynamic Quality-of-Service sessions that are necessary to maximize the Quality-of-Experience (QoE) of video conferencing.

To address this, we introduce BlockQoS: Fair Monetization of On-Demand Quality-of-Service using Blockchains. BlockQoS allows clients to request and manage their Quality-of-Service requirements through a blockchain-based platform operating using a smart contract. It implements a decentralized monetization model to eliminate third parties, enforce transparency in service-level agreements (SLAs), and reduce blockchain operating costs by utilizing off-chain billing validated using zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARK). Additionally, we propose a Quality-of-Service delivery verification mechanism that enforces service level agreements on the hardware external to the blockchain, and a dynamic evaluation method based on the concept of Nash equilibrium in game theory that prevents malicious behavior by ISPs and users. We implemented BlockQoS over Ethereum with a Ryu controller, zk-SNARK, and SGX. Our experiments show that BlockQoS offers transaction cost reduction of up to 88% (gas cost) and latency reduction of up to 87% compared to the state-of-the-art on-chain solutions.
E-government Service Adoption by Citizens: A Literature Review and a High-level Model of Influential Factors
Authors: Tremblay-Cantin Claudie-Ann , Mellouli Sehl , Cheikh-Ammar Mustapha , Khechine Hager
Published: January 2023

E-government services refer to services offered by governments using information technology (IT). Many governments around the globe are investing heavily in IT to enhance service delivery to their citizens. However, citizens do not always use these services so that they often forgo their potential benefits because of key interconnected considerations that are perceived to transpire from their use. Over the years several studies examined IT adoption in e-government services contexts, building a rich albeit fragmented body of knowledge in the process. Indeed, the diversity found in these studies and the fast and continuous change that characterizes IT in general, make the identification and the synthesis of the main factors influencing citizens’ adoption of E-government services a relevant and timely endeavor. For this reason, this study builds on the findings of a systematic literature review to provide a high-level framework that conceptually structures the state of knowledge on the topic, and that informs both researchers and practitioners on the main factors influencing e-government services adoption by citizens.
Assessment of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Parameters in the Angads Aquifer (Northeast Morocco): Application of Principal Component Analysis and Piper and Schoeller–Berkaloff Diagrams
Authors: Taoufiq L. , Kacimi I. , Saadi M. , Nouayti N. , Kassou N. , Bouramtane T. , El-Mouhdi K.
Published: January 2023

Groundwater is a vital resource and a development lever for many countries, including Morocco. To develop these resources, mineralogical and hydrogeochemical studies as well as a bacteriological study were carried out on the groundwater of the Angads aquifer, which is located in the northeast of Morocco to highlight the processes at the origin of mineralization, their quality for human consumption and irrigation, as well as the hydrogeochemical facies of these waters. To do this, a multivariate statistical analysis using principal component analysis, varimax rotation of factors, and hierarchical ascending classification were conducted for all the groundwater samples of the Angads aquifer in Oujda. The main results revealed that these waters present faecal contamination by faecal and total coliforms and faecal streptococci. And another one by nitrates due to the high values of NO3−, as well as the mineralization of these waters is controlled by the nature of the geological formations crossed and the residence time in the aquifer, which is confirmed by the presence of ions such as Cond, HCO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42−. Concerning the quality of the groundwater, according to Moroccan standards and the World Health Organization, the results show that they are generally unsuitable for human consumption and irrigation. Two diagrams were used to study the facies: Piper and Schoeller–Berkaloff. The results show that these waters are highly mineralized, with the chloride and sulphate calcic and magnesian facies dominating with 89.47%. To protect this vital resource, sustainable management actions must be implemented, in particular, to reduce the use of pesticides, control the use of fertilizers, and clean up and purify the groundwater.
Changes in Lacrimal Punctum Position and Tear Meniscus Height after Correction of Horizontal Laxity in Involutional Lower Eyelid Entropion
Authors: Yokoyama Tatsuro , Vaidya Aric , Kono Shinjiro , Kakizaki Hirohiko , Takahashi Yasuhiro
Published: January 2023

Purpose. To examine changes in the position of the lower eyelid punctum and tear meniscus height (TMH) after correction of horizontal laxity of the lower eyelid in involutional lower eyelid entropion. Methods. This prospective, observational study included 42 sides of 36 patients with involutional entropion who underwent a lateral tarsal strip procedure or transcanthal canthopexy (+ lower eyelid retractor advancement). The horizontal distance from the medial margin of the lower lacrimal punctum to the medial canthus was measured using ImageJ software. TMH was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. All measurements were performed preoperatively, at postoperative 3‐month and at postoperative 6‐month. Results. The lower lacrimal punctum significantly shifted laterally at 3‐month follow‐up and slightly returned toward its original position at 6‐month follow‐up (Friedman’s test, P  <  0.001). Although the differences did not reach statistical significance, TMH in the lower eyelid increased at 3‐month follow‐up and then slightly decreased at 6‐month follow‐up (Friedman’s test, P = 0.076). Conclusions. The results of this study imply that lateral shift of the lower lacrimal punctum prevents effective drainage of tears accumulated in the lacrimal lake, resulting in increased TMH after correction of horizontal laxity of the lower eyelid in involutional entropion.
Ameliorative Effects of Vitamins A, C, and E on Sperm Parameters, Testis Histopathology, and Oxidative Stress Status in Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle‐Treated Rats
Authors: Ziamajidi Nasrin , Khajvand-Abedini Maryam , Daei Sajedeh , Abbasalipourkabir Roghayeh , Nourian Alireza
Published: January 2023

One of the most often utilized nanoparticles (NPs) in several technologies is zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs. However, these NPs are said to have harmful effects on the reproductive system. Thus, we designed this study to specify the potential preventive activity of vitamins (Vits) A, C, and E, as antioxidants, against toxicity of ZnO NPs in the testes of rats. A total of 54 Wistar rats were arranged in 9 groups of 6 and then orally received water (control 1), olive oil (control 2), Vit A (1000 IU/kg), Vit C (200 mg/kg), Vit E (100 IU/kg), ZnO (200 mg/kg), ZnO+Vit A, ZnO+Vit C, and ZnO+Vit E. To determine the amount of testicular injury, sperm analysis and histological evaluation were performed. In addition, oxidative stress status was examined using colorimetric and qRT‐PCR methods. Our findings suggest that ZnO NPs cause adverse effects on sperm parameters and testicular histology. Furthermore, oxidative biomarkers (malondialdehyde and total oxidant capacity) were enhanced in the ZnO group. By contrast, the gene expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) noted a remarkable decrease in the ZnO group regarding control (p < 0.05). However, oxidative markers were remarkably mitigated after combined treatment of ZnO NPs and Vits A, C, or E compared to the rats given ZnO NPs (p < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the ZnO NP group, the rats receiving Vits+ZnO NPs exhibit increased antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate the abovementioned Vits’ ameliorative effects on toxicity incurred by ZnO NPs.
Breast‐Conserving Surgery in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Hengle , Wang Zunyi , Liu Wei , Wang Peng , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: January 2023

Objectives. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) combined with breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) in treating triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) and analyze the influencing factors and predictors of the efficiency and prognosis of NAC. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted by dividing patients into two groups according to two different therapy methods. With BCS as the exposure factor, 46 cases were assigned to the exposed group and 80 cases to the nonexposed group. We compare the difference in operation‐related indicators, postoperative complications, local recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate, and overall survival (OS) rate between the two groups. The factors affecting the efficiency and prognosis of NAC were analyzed by binary logistic regression, and the optimal cutoff value was determined by the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The survival curve was plotted, and the univariate log‐rank test was performed to analyze the difference in OS between the two groups. The influencing factors of OS were analyzed by the Cox risk regression model. Results. NAC + BCS resulted in significantly less intraoperative blood loss, lower incidence of postoperative complications, and shorter operative time and length of hospital stay than that in NAC (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in local recurrence, distant metastasis, or OS between the two groups (P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the clinical stage I and Ki‐67 high expression were independent protective factors of the efficacy of NAC. The high expression of Ki‐67 and nondecline expression of Ki‐67 were independent risk factors of prognosis. Ki‐67 high expression was an independent risk factor of OS (P < 0.05). The ROC curve showed that the AUC of Ki‐67 for NAC efficacy, prognosis, and OS were 0.706, 0.820, and 0.687, respectively, with optimal cutoff values of 25.5%, 29.0%, and 32.5%, respectively. Survival analysis showed that the OS of patients with NAC + BCS was 73.9% and NAC + MRM was 70.0% (P > 0.05). In the low expression subgroup of Ki‐67, the OS of the two groups were 100.0% and 77.8%, respectively (P = 0.060). In the high expression subgroup of Ki‐67, the OS of the two groups were 53.8% and 63.6%, respectively (P = 0.419). Conclusions. NAC + BCS is a good method for treating TNBC, which has an obvious short‐term effect and a good long‐term prognosis. Clinical stage I and the high expression of Ki‐67 are independent protective factors for the efficacy of NAC. The high expression of Ki‐67 and nondecline expression of Ki‐67 are independent risk factors of prognosis. Ki‐67 is a potential predictor for the efficacy, prognosis, and OS of NAC in TNBC patients. The high expression of Ki‐67 indicates better NAC efficacy, a poorer prognosis, and a lower OS.
Cystic Glioblastoma: A Mimicker of Infection? A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Thirugnanasambandam Ram Prakash , Silva Gaudy Massiel Vanegas , Wu Alexander H. , Kim Charles J. , Cimpeanu Emanuela , Minkowitz Jeremy , Shao Charles Yanping , Chiu Edwin
Published: January 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent malignant and aggressive type of glioma. Most cases of GBM present as a single solitary solid tumor; however, there are rare instances in which it may present as a cystic lesion. Here, we report an even rarer case of GBM presenting as bilateral multicystic lesions, mimicking infectious etiology. Our case highlights the importance of identifying clinical features of cystic GBM to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. A literature review was conducted in PubMed, looking at the common characteristics and treatment options for cystic GBM.
Approximate Solutions for Nash Differential Games
Authors: Megahed A. A. , Hemeda A. A. , Madkour H. F. A.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we are concerned with an open-loop Nash differential game. The necessary conditions for an open-loop Nash equilibrium solution are obtained, also the existence for the solution of the dynamical system of the differential game is studied. Picard method is used to find an approximate solution, and the uniform convergence is proved. Finally, we constructed figures for the analysis of the differential game. These results can be applied between economic and financial firms as well as industrial firms.
Correlation Analysis between Uric Acid and Metabolic Syndrome in the Chinese Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nie Guqiao , Wan Jing jing , Jiang Lei , Hou Shu kai , Peng Wen
Published: January 2023

Background. Currently, both metabolic syndrome and hyperuricaemia have attracted extensive attention in public health. The correlation between uric acid and metabolic syndrome is controversial. Research on the relationship between uric acid and metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling elderly people is relatively lacking. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between uric acid and metabolic syndrome in the community-dwelling elderly people. Design. Cross-sectional study. Methods. We collected the physical examination data of 1,267 elderly people in Gutian community in Wuhan and used SPSS IBM 25.0 for data analysis. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed, and ROC curves were drawn. Results. The uric acid level of the nonmetabolic syndrome group was lower than that of the metabolic syndrome group (337.31 vs. 381.91 µmol/L;

P
<
0.05

). Uric acid was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.177,

P
<
0.001

), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.135,

P
<
0.001

), body mass index (r = 0.234,

P
<
0.001

), waist circumference (r = 0.283,

P
<
0.001

), and triglycerides (r = 0.217,

P
<
0.05

). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.268,

P
<
0.001

) showed the opposite trend. Logistic regression analysis results suggested that uric acid is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. The result is described as exp (B) and 95% CI (1.003 [1.001, 1.005]). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, we found that the area under the curve of uric acid to diagnose metabolic syndrome was 0.64 (sensitivity: 79.3%, specificity: 45.1%). Conclusion. We observed an association between uric acid levels and metabolic syndrome in the elderly Chinese population. The best threshold value for uric acid in predicting metabolic syndrome diagnosis was 314.5 μmol/l.
Poor Quality of Life in HIV‐Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men is Associated with Excess‐Type Constitution of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Liao Li-Lan , Wang Chien-Chun , Wu Chien-Lung , Chu Yi-Shun , Chou Yi-Chang , Hsu Chung-Hua
Published: January 2023

Introduction. This study explored the pathological constitution as it relates to low quality of life in HIV‐infected MSM patients, as a reference for clinical treatment. Methods. It had a cross‐sectional research design using structured questionnaires to collect data, including patient’s basic data, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, Wang Qi constitution, and WHOQOL‐BREF‐Taiwan version questionnaires. We considered the association between constitutions and quality of life of HIV‐infected MSM patients. Results and Discussion. The project accepted 203 HIV‐infected MSM participants. The three most common pathological constitutions were Yang deficiency 15.5%, yin deficiency 13.1%, and qi deficiency 11.2%. The study determined scores for various quality of life domains: psychological (13.44 ± 2.27), social relationship (13.81 ± 2.80), physiological (14.43 ± 2.41), and environmental (14.78 ± 2.21). The TCM constitution is strongly correlated with the quality of life. Excess constitution had the worst quality of life. Comparing the infected time over one year with the time of <0–2 weeks, the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were determined for abnormal CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (OR: odds ratio: 0.03, 0.07, respectively, p < 0.001). Compared with the Gentleness constitution, there is a significant difference between the Deficiency and Excess constitution in sleep status and negative mood by multiple regression analysis (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The Excess constitutions was correlated with worse quality of life. Even if the immune system was restored, the psychosocial domain, sleep status, and negative mood were not improved.
Discharge Age and Weight for Very Preterm Infants in Six Countries: 2012–2020
Authors: Edwards Erika M. , Greenberg Lucy T. , Horbar Jeffrey D. , Gagliardi Luigi , Adams Mark , Berger Angelika , Leitao Sara , Luyt Karen , Ehret Danielle E.Y. , Rogowski Jeannette A.
Published: January 2023

Background: Postmenstrual age for surviving infants without congenital anomalies born at 24–29 weeks’ gestational age from 2005 to 2018 in the USA increased 8 days, discharge weight increased 316 grams, and median discharge weight z-score increased 0.19 standard units. We asked whether increases were observed in other countries. Methods: We evaluated postmenstrual age, weight, and weight z-score at discharge of surviving infants without congenital anomalies born at 24–29 weeks’ gestational age admitted to Vermont Oxford Network member hospitals in Austria, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA from 2012 to 2020. Results: After adjustment, the median postmenstrual age at discharge increased significantly in Austria (3.6 days, 99% CI [1.0, 6.3]), Italy (4.0 days [2.3, 5.6]), and the USA (5.4 days [5.0, 5.8]). Median discharge weight increased significantly in Austria (181 grams, 99% CI [95, 267]), Ireland (234 [143, 325]), Italy (133 [83, 182]), and the USA (207 [194, 220]). Median discharge weight z-score increased in Ireland (0.24 standard units, 99% CI [0.12, 0.36]) and the USA (0.15 [0.13, 0.16]). Discharge on human milk increased in Italy, Switzerland, and the UK, while going home on cardiorespiratory monitors decreased in Austria, Ireland, and USA and going home on oxygen decreased in Ireland. Conclusions: In this international cohort of neonatal intensive care units, postmenstrual discharge age and weight increased in some, but not all, countries. Processes of care at discharge did not change in conjunction with age and weight increases.
Identificación temprana, diagnóstico preciso y tratamiento de la silicosis
Authors: Li Tian , Yang Xinyu , Xu Hong , Liu Heliang
Published: January 2023

La silicosis es un problema de alcance global, y ha supuesto una carga significativa para la sociedad y para las familias de los pacientes. La etiología de la silicosis es clara, prevenible y controlable, pero su aparición suele pasar desapercibida y su evolución es prolongada. Por ello, es difícil diagnosticarla en una fase temprana y tratarla eficazmente, por lo que los trabajadores no son conscientes de las consecuencias de la exposición al polvo. Así, la falta de detalles en el historial laboral y la lenta progresión de la enfermedad pulmonar contribuyen al deterioro de los pacientes hasta que la silicosis desemboca en fibrosis. Estos problemas son los factores clave que dificultan el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la silicosis. Este artículo revisa la literatura sobre la identificación temprana, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la silicosis; asimismo, analiza las dificultades para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la enfermedad, y discute su rumbo de desarrollo futuro.
Compact low profile 5.8 GHz MPA for on-body applications
Authors: Yousif Siba Monther , Mekki Anwer Sabah , Lafta Ahmed Jumaa
Published: January 2023

A compact microstrip patch antenna (MPA) with a T shape monopole technique is designed, simulated, and measured. By using fire retardant material (FR-4) as a substrate with a low profile, the proposed antenna is designed and simulated to be used for on-body biomedical applications. A center frequency of 5.78 is achieved with a gain of 11.78 dB and a matching impedance of -47.47 dB. A 1.48 W/Kg (10 gm) as a specific absorption rate (SAR) is achieved and 29.69 dB front to back ratio with a bandwidth of 3.376 GHz. The antenna was examined in free space as well as on-body using CST-MW software. The proposed antenna is fabricated and examined. Finally, a comparison is done among simulated results, measured results, and the dual-band dual-mode antenna. The proposed antenna overcomes the latter work in terms of small size, high matching impedance, high front to back ratio, and operating bandwidth.
Investigation of coupling loss caused by misalignment in optical fiber
Authors: Haque Md Ashraful , Zakariya Mohd Azman , Sawaran Singh Narinderjit Singh , Paul Liton Chandra , Ishraque Md. Fatin
Published: January 2023

In a fiber optic communication system, optical fiber is used as a transmission medium consisting of a flexible filament that guides the optical signal to be transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver or vice versa. Like any other communication medium, the optical fiber cable faces some losses that can be caused by the material and length of the fiber. One of the main reasons for losses in optical communication systems is misalignment during the fiber to fiber joining process. This type of loss is also known as coupling loss, which is caused by an imperfect physical connection between two fibers. The coupling losses are most often caused by three misalignment issues: end gap displacement, lateral displacement, and angular displacement. The main goal of this article is to investigate coupling loss caused by misalignment in optical fiber using the Modicom 6 module. Before we can find a way to reduce the coupling losses in the fiber optic system, we need to have a concrete idea about the nature of coupling losses due to misalignment. An ideal fiber coupler should not lose light and should be insensitive to light dispersion.
The impacts of green LaBSiO5: Tb3+, Ce3+ phosphor on lumen output of white LEDs
Authors: Tung Ha Thanh , Dang Huu Phuc , That Phung Ton
Published: January 2023

The traditional solid-state technique was used to create LaBSiO5 phosphors doped with Ce3+ and Tb3+ at 1,100 °C. These phosphors' phase purity and luminous characteristics are looked at. Under ultraviolet (UV) light stimulation, LaBSiO5: Tb3+ phosphors emit bright green light, whereas LaBSiO5 samples incorporated with Ce3+ emit blue-violet light. With UV ray stimulation, LaBSiO5 samples incorporated with Ce3+ as well as Tb3+ emit blue-violet as well as green illumination. The 5d-4f shift for Ce3+ is responsible for the blue-violet radiation, while the 5D4→7F5 transition of Tb3+ is responsible for the green radiation. The mechanism for power conversion between Ce3+ and Tb3+ was examined since there is a spectral overlap among the stimulation line for Tb3+ and the emitting line for Ce3+.
The Well of Confusion: On the Titles of the Maharal’s Books
Authors: Sládek Pavel , Weiss Aleš
Published: January 2023

R. Judah Leva ben Betzalel (the Maharal, c. 1525–1609), authored more than ten works, publishing most of them during his lifetime. Although the Maharal’s works were, since the mid-20th century, the subject of academic research, the title of the Maharal’s work ספר באר הגולה (Prague 1598) is still erroneously read as Beʾer ha-golah and understood as The Well of Exile. This article places the existing debate about this title into the context of the Maharal’s other books, resumes arguments formulated in existing scholarship and suggests yet another solution to the problem based on a detailed analysis of the Maharal’s own introduction, and on the typography of the editio princeps. We propose reading the title as Beʾer ha-goleh; while its meaning is probably intentionally ambivalent, this points both to the idea of a ‘well, which is being uncovered’ and hints at its author’s deep feeling on the condition of Exile.
Skepticism Is Wrong for General Reasons
Authors: Chudnoff Elijah
Published: January 2023

According to Michael Bergmann’s “intuitionist particularism,” our position with respect to skeptical arguments is much the same as it was with respect to Zeno’s paradoxes of motion prior to our developing sophisticated theories of the continuum. We observed ourselves move, and that closed the case in favor of the ability to move, even if we had no general theory about that ability. We observe ourselves form justified beliefs, and that closes the case in favor of the ability to form justified beliefs, even if we have no general theory about that ability. I think this is a mistake. Our position with respect to skeptical arguments is like our current position with respect to Zeno’s paradoxes. Mathematics shows where Zeno’s reasoning goes wrong and provisions explanations of the ability to move. Epistemology shows where the skeptic’s reasoning goes wrong and provisions explanations of the ability to form justified beliefs.