bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal Piglet Interaction with Environmental Enrichment Ropes
Authors: Hartoonian Phoebe , Sundman Emiline , Gabler Nicholas K. , Millman Suzanne T. , Stalder Kenneth J , Karriker Locke A. , Johnson Anna K.
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to determine if neonatal piglets would interact with environmental enrichment ropes, drawing them away from the sow. A total of 84 piglets from 9 sows were housed in farrowing stalls. Litters were provided with environmental enrichment ropes hung at piglet eye level above a heat mat on Day 2 to Day 5 after farrowing. Litters were assigned to one of three rope treatments: 1) sunflower oil (OIL), 2) semiochemical (SC) and 3) milky cheese (MC). Overall, 75% (63/84) of the piglets interacted with the ropes. Piglets preferred the plain OIL treatment compared to both the MC and SC treatments, as indicated by a greater total percent of pigs interacting with the OIL ropes. Overall, this study determined that piglets did interact with enrichment ropes, which drew them away from the sow. At this early stage of life, a piglet’s main motivators are sow-directed, so an environmental enrichment tool that draws piglets away from the sow is a significant finding.
Do Mexican TN-Visa swine caretakers’ euthanasia attitudes differ by age?
Authors: Yarian Jacob K , Skaar Brad , Johnson Anna K. , Stalder Kenneth J , Ross Jason W. , Millman Suzanne T. , Pairis-Garcia Monique D , Robles Ivelisse , Arruda Andreia , Jass Cassandra
Published: September 2022

Currently, Hispanic and Latino caretakers makeup 17.2% of the total animal production and aquaculture workforce in the UnitedStates (U.S.). Yet, littleis known about swine euthanasia attitudes as it relates to age demographics. The objective of this project was to investigate if there wereeuthanasia attitudinal differences between ≤ 30 yr and > 30 yr swinecaretakers on a TN-visa from Mexico working on a commercial sow farm. An online Qualtrics survey was delivered in Spanish language andcompleted by 40 caretakers (n= 20 ≤ 30 yr and n = 20 > 30 yr). Eligiblerespondents were swine caretakers on a Trade NAFTA (TN) visa and who spoke andread Spanish as their first language. Results will be presented descriptively. The majority of caretakerswere male (63%), and98% had received a higher education, with 55% never euthanizing an animal priorto this job. Average residency in the U.S. was 3.1 yr. Regardless of caretaker age,all reported to being confident, knowledgeable, could make decisions, and werecomfortable in performing euthanasia. Furthermore, there were no differenceswhen euthanasia was being considered on an adult pig versus a neonatal piglet. Inconclusion, these results suggest pigs and piglets are likely to receive timelyand humane euthanasia to alleviate suffering on-farm regardless of caretakerage that are on a TN-visa from Mexico.
Use of biologically relevant enrichment to improve nursery-aged pig weaning transition
Authors: Sundman Emiline , Geary Alexandria , Gabler Nicholas K. , Stalder Kenneth J , Johnson Anna K. , Karriker Locke A. , Millman Suzanne T.
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to determine if a biologically relevant environmental enrichment (EE) biscuit-maintained novelty and affected nursery pig performance over the first seven days. Thirty mixed sex piglets, aged 19-24 days, were allocated to 3 pens. Each pen received 2 ropes with 2 biscuits per rope (defined as the EE) at the feeder for the first 7 days after weaning. Each pen was randomly allocated 1 of 3 treatments: positive control (POS, plain biscuits), maternal pheromone (MP, biscuits dipped in an oil-based sow maternal pheromone), and jam (JAM, biscuits dipped in strawberry jam). Biscuits were replaced daily. Descriptive data collected included EE interactions, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and fecal scores. EE interactions were evaluated in the 1st and 12th hour after daily EE replacement using instantaneous scan sampling at 10 second intervals. Average EE interaction frequency across the 1st hour was POS 372 ± 165, JAM 291 ± 96, MP 314 ± 223. Interaction frequency was consistently higher during the 1st hour compared to the 12th hour after EE replacement. ADG and ADFI were highest for pigs in the POS treatments (ADG 0.234, kg/d, ADFI 0.20 ± 0.13 kg/d) and lowest for pigs in the JAM treatment (ADG 0.186 kg/d, ADFI 0.16 ± 0.09 kg/d). In conclusion, nursery pigs showedhigh levels of interaction with the environmental enrichment over the entire week, and POS treatment was the most successful in enticing pigs to interact with the EE with potential impacts on subsequent performance.
Cambios en los espacios de biblioteca tras la pandemia de la Covid-19
Authors: Gallo-LeÃ³n JosÃ©-Pablo
Published: September 2022

Las restricciones vividas durante la pandemia de la Covid-19 cambiaron el uso de los espacios bibliotecarios y pueden afectar al diseÃ±o e incluso a la necesidad de los mismos. Nos faltan datos concluyentes para saber si se recuperarÃ¡ el uso. Sin embargo, las opiniones profesionales seÃ±alan que se reforzarÃ¡ la digitalizaciÃ³n, pero que la presencialidad seguirÃ¡ siendo necesaria. No hay ejemplos de bibliotecas planificadas de acuerdo a las experiencias de la pandemia, pero todo parece indicar que las tendencias arquitectÃ³nicas anteriores continÃºan o se han visto reforzadas.
PWM CONVERTER BASED ON TAKAGI-SUGENO FUZZY LOGIC INFERENCE FOR INTERNET OF THINGS SYSTEMS
Authors: Ponomarenko R. , Demchuk A.
Published: September 2022

The aim of the study is to apply fuzzy logic in IoT systems to estimate various environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, etc., and to convert them using the Takagi-Sugeno algorithm into a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to control motor speed, thermal power of heaters and other parameters in an energy efficient way.
The paper explores the use of fuzzy data converters based on intelligent fuzzy inference systems in Internet of Things systems. An approach has been developed for converting fuzzified input parameters read from sensors in a PWM signal based on the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy algorithm. Based on the proposed method, an IT-based smart fan was developed that supports a PWM signal. Therefore, the proposed fuzzy PWM converter method was used to simulate the operation of a fuzzy model using three parameters: temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in relation to the PWM signal. The proposed method demonstrates the ease of training a reasonable fan control system and enables efficient energy consumption.
PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY SERIOUS GAMES
Authors: VOINALOVYCH O. V. , MARCZUK A. , ZUBOK T. O.
Published: September 2022

Insufficient attention of scientists to substantiation of theoretical bases of occupational safety serious games is noted. It is also important to improve the practice of using the serious game as an active occupational safety training method. The structure of serious games is proposed, which relates to the detection of occupational safety violations at the enterprise and other issues, which allows to model the elements of future professional activity. Methodological approaches to the use of occupational safety serious games are described, which are aimed at intensifying independent creative activity during the training of officials of the agro-industrial complex and training of students. The application of the formulated principles allows to acquire the ability to make optimal decisions on occupational safety in production conditions and in case of non-standard situations. On the example of the use of serious games in the educational process on certain topics of the discipline “Occupational Safety” shows their effectiveness, assessed by the results of the following test control.
Body Image Distortion in Patients with Depression and Normal Persons as Good Enough Draw a Person Test
Authors: Bidaki Reza
Published: September 2022

Aim and Background: Body image refers to the perception and feeling that a person has about his/her physical self and its constituents. This research studies the comparison of body image distortion in patients with depression and normal in Rafsanjan city, Iran. Method: This is a descriptive-analytical study with case and control group. The investigated population consists of all patients with depressive disorder who referred to psychiatric Children and Adolesce outpatient clinics of Rafsanjan City (A city in southwest of Iran) in 2014. Drawing test of "Good enough - Harris" had been used in 40 depressed patients and 40 non-depressed as a control group.Chi-square test for data analyzing had been used. Results: The results showed that depressed patients in painting of the dummies were different in the most aspects as compared to control group. Conclusion: We suggest using "dummy test Good enough- Harris " in order to complementary diagnosis of depressed Persons.
Depression as a Risk Factor for Dementia in older people with type 2 Diabetes and the Mediating Effect of Inflammation
Authors: Esmael Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Objective: The aim of this study is to detect the relation between depression and dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Clinically diagnosed Type 2 diabetes underwent screening for depression using Beck's Depression Inventory scale and subsequent risk of dementia defined using medical reports, prescription data and death certificates. The mediating act of inflammation systemically was measured by assessing four inflammatory markers (C reactive protein, ESR and Fibrinogen). Results: The study was conducted on 102 diabetic type 2 patients, included 48 males and 54 females. Patients divided into 12 (11.7%) patients with depression and 90 (88.3%) patients without depression (mean age 61±8.6 and 60.9±9.2 respectively). Mean BMI in depressive patients was 33.5 ± 9.3 and was 31.9 ± 8.9 in non-depressive cases (P value 0.01). There were no significant differences in patients with and without depression regarding the presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking as risk factors of dementia. Patients with depression had significant impaired cognition and the total MoCA scores were significantly lower than those of patients without depression (23.21 ± 3.48 vs 26.34 ± 3.78, P <0.05). Complication of diabetes in patients with depression as neuropathy was significant (P value 0.005). Other complications as diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy were non-significant. Inflammatory markers levels in patients with depressive symptoms were significantly higher (P value < 0.01). Conclusion: In patients with type 2 diabetes, there is an important association between dementia and depression. Systemic inflammation had a significant role in the relation between depression and dementia.
Corynebacterium spp.: Underestimated Pathogens with High Virulence Potential
Authors: Mangutov E. O. , Kharseeva G. G. , Gerasimov V. N. , Alieva A. A. , Voronina N. A. , Alutina E. L. , Slukin V. P. , Khokhlova O. E. , Gaitrafimova A. R. , Fursova N. K.
Published: September 2022

Relevance. Corynebacterium spp., being opportunistic microorganisms, play a role in the development of inflammatory diseases of various localization, including HCAI. Possessing multiple resistance to AMP and pathogenic properties, they cause infections that are not controlled by means of vaccine prophylaxis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and virulent properties of Corynebacterium spp. strains isolated from patients with inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. Materials and methods. Strains of Corynebacterium spp. isolated from the pharynx and nose of patients with inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract (99 pcs.) and practically healthy individuals (33 pcs.) at 2017–2021 in Rostov-on-Don. The ultrastructure of corynebacteria was studied using a TecnaiG2 Spirit BioTWIN transmission electron microscope (FEI, Czech Republic); cytopathic effect (CPE) on CHO-K1 cell culture; virulence in the larval model of the wax moth Galleria mellonella. Results and discussion. The species diversity of Corynebacterium spp. strains isolated from patients is much wider than in the examination of practically healthy individuals (16 and 6 species of Corynebacterium, respectively). An electron microscopic study revealed morphological features of the cell ultrastructure of various strains of Corynebacterium spp., possibly associated with their ability to damage. The strains of C. striatum, C. aurimucosum, C. coyleae, C. falsenii, C. argentoratense, C. afermentans, C. amycolatum, C. freneyi, C. simulans isolated from patients had the highest level of CPЕ. Corynebacterium spp. strains isolated from patients had different levels of virulence against G. mellonella larvae. This testified to the importance of establishing not so much the species as the strain of these microorganisms. Conclusion. A wide species diversity of strains of Corynebacterium spp., isolated from patients with inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, mainly of childhood, was found. The most frequently isolated species were C. pseudodiphtheriticum, C. propinquum and C. accolens. Strains of Corynebacterium spp., isolated from patients, were mainly characterized by a high level of cytotoxicity and virulence, which indicates their role in the development of the infectious process.
Use of heparin to rescue immunosuppressive monocyte reprogramming by glioblastoma-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Himes Benjamin T. , Fain Cori E. , Tritz Zachariah P. , Nesvick Cody L. , Jin-Lee Helen J. , Geiger Philipp A. , Peterson Timothy E. , Jung Mi-Yeon , Parney Ian F.
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE

The profound immunosuppression found in glioblastoma (GBM) patients is a critical barrier to effective immunotherapy. Multiple mechanisms of tumor-mediated immune suppression exist, and the induction of immunosuppressive monocytes such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is increasingly appreciated as a key part of this pathology. GBM-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can induce the formation of MDSCs. The authors sought to identify the molecular consequences of these interactions in myeloid cells in order to identify potential targets that could pharmacologically disrupt GBM EV–monocyte interaction as a means to ameliorate tumor-mediated immune suppression. Heparin-sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are a general mechanism by which EVs come into association with their target cells, and soluble heparin has been shown to interfere with EV-HSPG interactions. The authors sought to assess the efficacy of heparin treatment for mitigating the effects of GBM EVs on the formation of MDSCs.

METHODS

GBM EVs were collected from patient-derived cell line cultures via staged ultracentrifugation and cocultured with monocytes collected from apheresis cones from healthy blood donors. RNA was isolated from EV-conditioned and unconditioned monocytes after 72 hours of coculture, and RNA-sequencing analysis performed. For the heparin treatment studies, soluble heparin was added at the time of EV-monocyte coculture and flow cytometry analysis was performed 72 hours later. After the initial EV-monocyte coculture period, donor-matched T-cell coculture studies were performed by adding fluorescently labeled and stimulated T cells for 5 days of coculture.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analysis of GBM EV–treated monocytes demonstrated downregulation of several important immunological and metabolic pathways, with upregulation of the pathways associated with synthesis of cholesterol and HSPG. Heparin treatment inhibited association between GBM EVs and monocytes in a dose-dependent fashion, which resulted in a concomitant reduction in MDSC formation (p < 0.01). The authors further demonstrated that reduced MDSC formation resulted in a partial rescue of immune suppression, as measured by effects on activated donor-matched T cells (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors demonstrated that GBM EVs induce broad but reproducible reprogramming in monocytes, with enrichment of pathways that may portend an immunosuppressive phenotype. The authors further demonstrated that GBM EV–monocyte interactions are potentially druggable targets for overcoming tumor-mediated immune suppression, with heparin inhibition of EV-monocyte interactions demonstrating proof of principle.
Growth risk classification and typical growth speed of convexity, parasagittal, and falx meningiomas: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Hirayama Ryuichi , Iwata Takamitsu , Kuroda Hideki , Nakagawa Tomoyoshi , Takenaka Tomofumi , Kijima Noriyuki , Okita Yoshiko , Kagawa Naoki , Kishima Haruhiko
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors, and their clinical and biological characteristics vary by location. Convexity, parasagittal, and falx meningiomas account for approximately 50%–65% of intracranial meningiomas. Focusing only on these locations, the aim of this study was to determine the typical speed of tumor growth, to assess the growth risk, and to show the possible tumor volume that many lesions can reach after 5 years.

METHODS

Patients with radiologically suspected convexity, parasagittal, or falx meningiomas at the authors’ institution were studied retrospectively. The relative growth rate (RGR) and annual volume change (AVC) were calculated from MRI at more than 3-month intervals. Based on sex, age, and signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI, the cases were classified into three groups: extremely high-growth, high-growth, and low-growth groups.

RESULTS

The data of 313 cases were analyzed. The median RGR and AVC for this entire cohort were 6.1% (interquartile range [IQR] 2.4%–16.0%) and 0.20 (IQR 0.04–1.18) cm3/year, respectively. There were significant differences in sex (p = 0.018) and T2-weighted MRI signal intensity (p < 0.001) for RGR, and T2-weighted MRI signal intensity (p < 0.001), tumor location (p = 0.025), and initial tumor volume (p < 0.001) for AVC. The median RGR and AVC were 17.5% (IQR 8.3%–44.1%) and 1.05 (IQR 0.18–3.53) cm3/year, 8.2% (IQR 2.9%–18.6%) and 0.33 (IQR 0.06–1.66) cm3/year, and 3.4% (IQR 1.2%–5.8%) and 0.04 (IQR 0.02–0.21) cm3/year for the extremely high-growth, high-growth, and low-growth groups, respectively, with a significant difference among the groups (p < 0.001). A 2.24-times, or 5.24 cm3, increase in tumor volume over 5 years was typical in the extremely high-growth group, whereas the low-growth group showed little change in tumor volume even over a 5-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, the typical speed of tumor growth was calculated, focusing only on patients with convexity, parasagittal, and falx meningiomas. In addition, the possible tumor volume that many lesions in these locations can reach after 5 years was shown based on objective indicators. These results may allow clinicians to easily detect lesions that require frequent follow-up or early treatment by determining whether they deviate from the typical range of the growth rate, similar to a growth chart for children.
Glosa do uchwały Sądu Najwyższego z dnia 9 listopada 2021 r., I KZP 5/21
Authors: Smarzewski Marek Ryszard
Published: September 2022

W komentowanej uchwale Sąd Najwyższy stwierdził, że nie popełnia przestępstwa z art. 233 § 1a Kodeksu karnego świadek, który składa fałszywe zeznanie z obawy przed grożącą mu odpowiedzialnością karną, jeżeli – realizując prawo do obrony – zeznaje nieprawdę lub zataja prawdę, nie wyczerpując jednocześnie swoim zachowaniem znamion czynu zabronionego określonego w innym przepisie ustawy. W doktrynie i w orzeczni­ctwie słusznie przyjmuje się, że prawo do obrony to prawo do obrony człowieka, a nie jego statusu w postępo­waniu karnym. Prawo to obejmuje zatem nie tylko wyjaśnienia, lecz także zeznania składane przez oskarżonego w toku postępowania. Podejście do art. 233 § 1a K.k., zgodne z tezą wyrażoną w uchwale, urealnia prawo spraw­cy czynu zabronionego do obrony, chroniąc go przed samooskarżeniem również jako świadka
Experimental Study for Benzene/Water Removal by Air Gap Membrane Distillation
Authors: Gaur Divya , Singh Kailash , Upadhyaya Sushant , Meena Shiv Om
Published: September 2022

Benzene, a hazardous chemical, is one of the effluents which are eliminated by various industries as waste products into the water bodies. Various techniques are used for the separation of benzene from waste water such as liquid-liquid extraction, adsorption, absorption and pervaporation, and membrane distillation (MD). In this work, the air gap membrane distillation technique is used for the removal of benzene from benzene-water solution. Microporous hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane was used in the membrane module in the AGMD setup. The effect of various parameters, such as feed bulk temperature and air gap width, were studied on permeate flux and membrane selectivity. It was observed that on increasing the feed bulk temperature from 40°C to 60°C, the permeate flux increases exponentially from 2.95 kg/m2·h to 4.63 kg/m2·h at an air gap of 3 mm. However, on increasing the air gap width from 3 mm to 11 mm, the permeate flux decreased tremendously from 4.63 kg/m2·h to 0.93 kg/m2·h at 2 lpm of feed flow rate under a constant feed temperature of 60°C. It was also found that the selectivity of benzene in permeate increases from 40.57 to 63.74, on increasing the feed bulk temperature from 40°C to 60°C, which clearly indicates the separation of benzene by using air gap membrane distillation. The UV-Vis spectrophotometer is used for determining the concentration of benzene in permeate at the wavelength of 255 nm. The membrane morphology of the hydrophobic PTFE membrane was studied using FE-SEM, prior and after the experimental runs for continuous 200 hours.
Comparative of Green-Synthesis of Bimetallic Nanoparticles Iron/Nickel (Fe/Ni) and Supported on Zeolite 5A: Heterogeneous Fenton-like For Dye Removal From Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Abdul Hassan Maysoon M. , Hassan Sahar S. , Hassan Ahmed K.
Published: September 2022

Green synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles of Fe/Ni (G-Fe/Ni-NPs) and zeolite-5A supported (G-Z-Fe/Ni-NPs) as heterogeneous Fenton-like oxidation for the decolourisation of reactive red 120-dye (RR120) from the aqueous medium using green tea extract as a reducing agent. Zeolite-5A from local kaolin is prepared and characterised using the hydrothermal method and is used as a supporting material for Fe/Ni-NPs. (SEM), (EDX), (AFM), (XRD), (FT-IR), (BET). Its zeta potential were used to characterise G-Fe/Ni-NPs and G-Z-Fe/Ni-NPs. The decolourisation efficiency (Ed) of the RR120-dye using a heterogeneous Fenton-like for G-Fe/Ni-NPs and G-Z-Fe/Ni-NPs is 99.8% and 99.9%, respectively, under the optimum conditions: [H2O2] = 20 and 1 mmol/L, respectively, by G-Fe/Ni-NPs, NPs dosage = 0.1 g/L, [RR120-dye] = 25 mg/L and pH = 3. The results show that the reactivity of Fe/Ni-NPs was improved when zeolite-5A was used as support, showing fast removal. Three kinetic models (first-order, second-order, and Behnajady–Modirshahla–Ghanbary, BMG) were evaluated. The first-order, (econd-order and BMG models were found to be the best models representing the experimental kinetic data of RR120-dye in the state of G-Fe/Ni-NPs and G-Z-Fe/Ni-NPs, respectively. The study of the thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) for the removal of RR120-dye at 30°C, 40°C and 50°C indicates an appropriate, spontaneous, and endothermic reaction. The Ed using Fenton-like and adsorption processes are compared.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Cardiovascular Indices among Male Paddy Cultivators While Engaged in Manual Reaping Task
Authors: Chatterjee Ayan , Chatterjee Sandipan , Mukherjee Shankarashis
Published: September 2022

Agriculture including the cultivation of food crops like paddy is important in India both from the stand point of food security and providing livelihood to millions of countrymen. It is an open-air occupation and to a great extent not mechanized fully in many parts, it poses a challenge to the human resources involved in it; the gravity of the situation is on the rise with climate change becoming more of a reality than a possibility in the future. In this backdrop, a study has been conducted with the objectives to assess the degree of physiological strain of human resources in different types of tasks in paddy cultivation with respect to thermal environmental conditions prevailing in the open-air workplace at three different times of the day at different seasons and also assesses the impact of posture during carrying out of work as experienced by them. The results of the present study indicated that the individuals have different degrees of physiological strain.
Multi Kernel Support Vector Machine for Particulate Matter Estimation
Authors: Gaur Deepak , Mehrotra Deepti , Singh Karan
Published: September 2022

The presence of particulate matter, in the atmospheric environment, affects the health of living creatures as well as the ecosystem. Estimation of particulate matter has become one of the most challenging study for researchers. There are numerous computer techniques for the estimation of these particles. In this study, a multi kernel support vector machine (M-SVM) approach is introduced for the categorisation of particulate matter captured as digital images. Images from the archive of many outdoor scene (AMOS) have been taken for implementation purpose. The model is trained to predict the level of particulate matter captured as a digital image. An experimental model with M-SVM classification predicts the particulate matter captured as image among three levels, i.e., whether an image has a normal level, critical level or highly critical level. Simulated results were found to analyse the particulate matter with 98% of accuracy, which ensures efficient recognition of our experimental method.
An Ecological Comparison of Benthic Invertebrate Communities Between Sewage and Tigris River Water – Baghdad
Authors: Hashim Rasha Ahmed
Published: September 2022

In the current study, two sites were selected from the city of Adhamiya, central Baghdad. The first site is the Adhamiya Corniche, which includes a sample of river water and the second includes domestic sewage in the same area. The total density of benthic invertebrates was 775 ind/m2, which is divided into 15 taxa. Biological indices were found, such as the stability index, the abundance index, the biodiversity index (Shannon’s index), the homogeneity index, and the invader’s guide. The result showed an increase in the density of benthic invertebrates, as well as an increase in the diversity of these organisms.
On the spectral gap of higher-dimensional Schrödinger operators on large domains
Authors: Kerner Joachim , Täufer Matthias
Published: September 2022

We study the asymptotic behaviour of the spectral gap of Schrödinger operators in two and higher dimensions and in a limit where the volume of the domain tends to infinity. Depending on properties of the underlying potential, we will find different asymptotic behaviours of the gap. In some cases the gap behaves as the gap of the free Dirichlet Laplacian and in some cases it does not.
Effect of super activated platelet lysate on cell proliferation, repair and osteogenesis
Authors: Guo Xiaorui , Liu Chunxiang , Zhang Yi , Bi Liangjia
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Platelet lysate (PL) is considered as an alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) and facilitates the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal cells. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore whether super activated platelet lysate (sPL), a novel autologous platelet lysate, has the ability to inhibit inflammation and promote cell proliferation, repair and osteogenesis as a culture medium. METHODS: Different concentrations of sPL on human fetal osteoblastic 1.19 cell line (hFOB1.19) proliferation and apoptotic repair were investigated; And detected proliferative capacity, inflammatory factor expressions and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) stimulated by LPS under 10% FBS and 5% sPL mediums. RESULTS: sPL promoted hFOB1.19 proliferation and had repairing effects on apoptotic cells. No significant difference in proliferation and IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF-α expressions of hDPCs in FBS and sPL medium stimulated by LPS. hDPCs in sPL osteogenic medium had higher osteogenic-related factor expressions and ALP activity. LPS promoted osteogenic-related factor expressions and ALP activity of hDPCs in FBS osteogenic medium, but opposite effect showed in sPL medium. CONCLUSION: sPL promoted osteoblast proliferation and had restorative effects. Under LPS stimulation, sPL did not promote hDPCs proliferation or inhibit inflammation. sPL promotes osteogenic differentiation of hDPCs.
Microbiological profiles and antibiotic resistance of periprosthetic joint infection after hip replacement in patients with fracture or non-fracture: A comparative study
Authors: Hu Lifeng , Fu Jun , Zhou Yonggang , Chai Wei , Zhang Guoqiang , Hao Libo , Chen Jiying
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the worst complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Unfortunately, effective prevention strategies to reduce the burden of PJI have not been fully determined in hip replacement patients with fracture and non-fracture. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze and compare the demographic characteristics, microbiological profiles and antibiotic resistance of PJI after hip replacement between patients with fracture and non-fracture. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 132 patients who treated PJI. There were divided into two groups: non-fracture group (64 patients infected after hip replacement for fracture) and non-fracture group (68 patients infected after hip replacement for non-fracture). Microorganisms were obtained from the synovial fluid and infected necrotic tissue in the joint capsule, medullary cavity, or acetabulum in all patients, and microbiological profiles and antibiotic resistance were evaluated. RESULTS: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the most common pathogenic microorganisms in all patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) accounted for 25% in all pathogenic microbes. Staphylococci showed high drug resistance rates to clindamycin, levofloxacin, and all of the first- and second-generation cephalosporins. MRS isolates in non-fracture group had higher drug resistance rates to clindamycin and levofloxacin than than those in fracture group. Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) showed high drug resistance rates to Aztreonam, gentamicin and all of the third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins. Furthermore, GNB isolates in the non-fracture group showed higher resistance rates to gentamicin and all of the third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins. CONCLUSIONS: MRS isolates in the non-fracture group showed higher drug resistance rates to clindamycin and levofloxacin, and GNB isolates in non-fracture group showed higher drug resistance rates to gentamicin and all of the third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins.
Comparison of two different manual techniques for an exercise program for the management of chronic neck pain: A randomized clinical trial study
Authors: Lytras Dimitrios , Sykaras Evaggelos , Iakovidis Paris , Kasimis Konstantinos , Kottaras Anastasios , Mouratidou Charikleia
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Both spinal manipulation (SM) and Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) have a positive effect in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP), especially when they are combined with therapeutic exercise (TE). However, it has not been determined which of the above combinations is more effective in patients with CNP. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of two different manual techniques (SM and INIT), when combined with the same TE program in the management of CNP. METHODS: Eighty women with CNP, allocated into four groups of 20 persons each. The first group followed a 10-week TE program, the second TE and INIT, the third TE and SM, and the fourth was the control group. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) of the neck muscles, neck active Range of Motion (ROM), Maximum Isometric Strength (MIS) of the neck muscles, craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) and SF-36 questionnaire scores were evaluated before, during and after the treatment period, with a six-month follow-up. RESULTS: There was between groups differences between the three intervention groups and the control group (p< 05), with the positive effects being maintained until the six-month follow-up. However, this improvement occurred earlier in the “TE + INIT” and “TE + SM” groups than in the “TE” group. Differences between the “TE + INIT” and the “TE + SM” groups were noticed only in the neck muscles PPT values, in which the “TE + INIT” group showed greater improvement. Furthermore, some non-statistically significant indications for further improvement of “TE + SM” were noted in the left lateral flexion ROM. CONCLUSION: The addition of INIT as well as SM in the same TE program can further increase the beneficial effect of exercise in women with CNP. In most measurements both combinations seem to be equally effective. However, INIT improved more local muscle tenderness, whereas SM aided more in the neck lateral flexion ROM.
The short-term effects of instrument-based mobilization compared with manual mobilization for low back pain: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Alshami Ali M. , Alqassab Fadhila H.
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Despite being used as a manipulation technique, no studies have examined the effectiveness of physiotherapy instrument mobilization (PIM) as a mobilization technique on pain and functional status in patients with low back pain (LBP). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of PIM in patients with LBP and to compare it with the effectiveness of manual mobilization. METHODS: This is a double blind, randomized clinical trial. Thirty-two participants with LBP were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The PIM group received lumbar mobilization using an activator instrument, stabilization exercises, and education; and the manual group received lumbar mobilization using a pisiform grip, stabilization exercises, and education. Both groups had a total of 4 treatment sessions over 2–3 weeks. The following outcomes were measured before the intervention, and after the first and fourth sessions: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scale, Pressure pain threshold (PPT), lumbar spine range of motion (ROM), and lumbar multifidus muscle activation. RESULTS: There were no differences between the PIM group and the manual group in any outcome measures. However, over the period of study, there were improvements in both groups in NPRS (PIM: 3.23, Manual: 3.64 points), ODI (PIM: 17.34%, Manual: 14.23%), PPT (PIM: ⩽ 1.25, Manual: ⩽ 0.85 kg.cm2), lumbar spine ROM (PIM: ⩽ 9.49∘, Manual: ⩽ 0.88∘), and/or lumbar multifidus muscle activation (percentage thickness change: PIM: ⩽ 4.71, Manual: ⩽ 4.74 cm; activation ratio: PIM: ⩽ 1.17, Manual: ⩽ 1.15 cm). CONCLUSIONS: Both methods of lumbar spine mobilization demonstrated comparable improvements in pain and disability in patients with LBP, with neither method exhibiting superiority over the other.
Musculoskeletal pain among medical students at two Jordanian universities
Authors: Samarah Omar Q. , Maden Hana A. , Sanwar Basheer O. , Farhad Abdallah P. , Alomoush Forat , Alawneh Anas , Hadidi Fadi Al , Bashaireh Khaldoon , Hammad Yazan S.
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a debilitating multi-perceptual condition afflicting many individuals, especially individuals in the medical profession. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among medical students at Jordanian universities during the complete virtual learning process. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 593 medical students at two Jordanian universities was conducted. A modified Nordic questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal pain in three body regions. RESULTS: Five hundred ninety-three students at the two Jordanian universities participated in this study. The prevalence of having MSK pain during the past week in the neck, shoulder, and lower back was 34.6%, 27%, and 41%, respectively; during the past 12 months, it was 61.2%, 45.5%, and 63.1%, respectively. Overall prevalence of having MSK pain was 58.9% in the last week and 78.1% in the past 12 months. 66.8% of students who had psychosomatic symptoms and 62.3% of those with depressive symptoms in the past week had MSK pain. Students who studied 8 hours per day had higher percentages of MSK pain (68.4%) (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.965–1.312). The average number of hours using a computer per day was significantly associated with MSK pain (p= 0.032). MSK pain during the last week was significantly associated with psychosomatic symptoms (OR 1.842, 95% CI 1.272–2.668, p= 0.001). Family history of MSK pain was significantly related to the presence of the problem in participants (OR 1.732, 95% CI 1.182–2.538, p= 0.005). Gender, depressive symptoms, average hours of computer use per day, and average hours of study at home per day did not show significant relationships with MSK pain over the year. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of MSK pain was observed among medical students. Measures to balance in-person and virtual learning should be considered in medical schools to minimize the risk of MSK pain.
Factors associated with spinal instability in low back lumbar diseases with leg pain: Analysis of sagittal translation and segmental angulation
Authors: Takahashi Makoto , Iwamoto Koji , Tomita Kazuhide , Ueda Shinji , Igawa Takeshi , Miyauchi Yukio
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Determining the association between radiographic spinal instability assessment and lower back lumbar diseases with lower limb symptoms can contribute to evidence-based assessment and treatment in clinical practice and rehabilitation. Therefore, radiological evidence of lumbar spine instability assessment, such as sagittal translation (ST) and segmental angulation (SA), is clinically important. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with the assessment of spinal instability in lumbar disc herniation with leg pain and discogenic low back pain using ST and SA. METHODS: We examined 112 patients with lumbar disc herniation with leg pain and 116 with discogenic low back pain at our clinic from 2016 to 2021. Data on age, gender, sports activities, and occupation were collected from medical records. Additionally, ST and SA of L4 and L5 during maximum trunk flexion and extension were measured using radiography. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Simple logistic regression analysis showed that ST and SA (odds ratio [OR]: 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.19) were associated with lumbar disc herniation. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only ST was associated with lumbar disc herniation (OR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.78–3.00). CONCLUSION: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ST was associated with lumbar disc herniation with leg pain and had a stronger association than SA.
Acute effect of diagonal stretching using the posterior oblique sling system on contralateral ankle dorsiflexion
Authors: Lim Wootaek
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: A significant increase in the dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) after calf muscle stretching has been widely studied. However, it has been shown that the upper body is connected to the ankle joint by passive connective tissues. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of upper-back stretching on the mobility of the contralateral ankle. METHODS: In the supine position, DFROM in the contralateral leg was measured. In the sitting position with and without trunk rotation, DFROM was measured in both legs. In the sitting position with trunk rotation, dorsiflexion was measured only in the contralateral leg. Static diagonal stretching combining trunk rotation with slight trunk flexion was performed in the sitting position with a neutral pelvis. RESULTS: After stretching, DFROM in contralateral and ipsilateral legs were measured in the sitting position with a neutral pelvis. In the contralateral leg, significant differences in ΔDFROM were observed between the sitting position with trunk rotation and the supine position and between the sitting position with trunk rotation and the sitting position after stretching. CONCLUSION: In clinical settings, diagonal stretching of the unilateral posterior trunk causes a significant increase in the DFROM of the contralateral lower limb.
CD133 is an independent predictive and prognostic marker in metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Hefni Ahmed Mubarak , Sayed Ayat Mohammed , Hussien Marwa T. , Abdalla Ashraf Zeidan , Gabr Adel Gomaa
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: CD133 is a transmembrane glycoprotein and is considered the most common cell surface marker to identify cancer stem cells in hematological and solid tumors, including breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of immunohistochemical expression of CD133 on response rate and survival in metastatic breast cancer, as well as to correlate it with various demographics and clinicopathological characteristics. METHODS: One-hundred metastatic breast cancer patients were prospectively recruited at the Medical Oncology Department at South Egypt Cancer Institute during the period from January 2018 to January 2020. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation between CD133 positive patients with various adverse clinicopathological parameters such as high grade (p= 0.013), higher tumor (p= 0.001), and nodal staging (p= 0.024) during a median follow-up time of 17 months. In addition, cases with CD133 positive expression had a significantly lower survival time than those with negative expression (3-years OS 37.4% versus 85.5%, p= 0.024). Regarding the response rate, CD133 positive patients had a lower response rate than negative patients (50% versus 54%, p= 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Positive CD133 is correlated with poor prognosis in metastatic breast cancer patients.
Transcription factor GATA1 represses oxidized-low density lipoprotein-induced pyroptosis of human coronary artery endothelial cells
Authors: Bai Chen , Wang Jiangang , Li Jingxing
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis (AS) is defined as a chronic inflammatory disorder underly the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Endothelial pyroptosis is associated with AS-like diseases and other CVDs. OBJECTIVE: This work was designed to expound on the effect of GATA-binding protein 1 (GATA1) on pyroptosis of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) in AS. METHODS: HCAECs were treated with oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to establish HCAEC injury models. Plasmids for overexpressing GATA1 or silencing retinoic acid-related orphan receptor α (RORα) were transfected into HCAECs. Thereafter, the mRNA levels of GATA1 and RORα in HCAECs were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HCAEC viability was examined using the cell counting kit-8 method. The levels of pyroptosis-related proteins NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cleaved-Caspase-1, N-terminal of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N), and pyroptosis-related inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were determined using Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. The targeting relationship between GATA1 and RORα was verified using the chromatin-immunoprecipitation assay. Then, the rescue experiment was conducted to explore the effect of RORα on pyroptosis of ox-LDL-treated HCAECs. RESULTS: In ox-LDL-treated HCAECs, GATA1 and RORα expressions were decreased, HCAEC viability was reduced, and the levels of NLRP3, cleaved-Caspase1, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 were elevated. GATA1 overexpression increased HCAEC viability and attenuated pyroptosis. GATA1 bound to the RORα promoter region to stimulate RORα transcription, and RORα suppression facilitated ox-LDL-induced pyroptosis of HCAECs. CONCLUSIONS: GATA1 activated RORα transcription and therefore limited pyroptosis of ox-LDL-treated HCAECs.
A Deep Learning Approach for the Performance Estimation of a Stochastic CONWIP Flow-Shop System
Authors: Vespoli Silvestro , Salatiello Emma , Grassi Andrea , Guizzi Guido , Santillo Liberatina Carmela
Published: September 2022

To stay competitive, modern market scenarios are forcing a radical shift in the manufacturing concept, focusing companies’ attention on customer satisfaction through increased product customization and quick response strategies. Significant progress has been made in the field of Industry 4.0 technologies, but there is still an open gap in the literature regarding methodologies for efficiently managing a manufacturing system’s available productive resources. Spearman et al. proposed the CONtrolled Work-In-Progress (CONWIP) production logic, which allows controlling Work-In-Progress (WIP) in a production system while monitoring throughput. However, in order to face with the increased variability that enters into the production system, an affordable performances estimation tool is still required. Taking advantages of the recent innovation in the field of machine learning, this paper contributes to the development of a tool for estimating the performance of a production line using a deep learning neural network. The results demonstrated that the proposed estimation tool outperforms the current best-known mathematical model when estimating the throughput of a CONWIP Flow-Shop production line with a given processing time distribution and WIP value.
An Attendance Checking System on Mobile Devices Using Transfer Learning
Authors: Thanh-Du Huynh , Huk Maciej , Hung Dung Nguyen , Thai-Nghe Nguyen
Published: September 2022

IoT applications have been used in many contexts, especially applications on mobile devices. This work presents an attendance checking system by identifying and recognizing human faces on mobile devices using a transfer learning approach. This system includes a mobile application and a web application. These two applications are communicated by using APIs. The mobile application detects human faces by using the camera on that mobile device, then, the face features are extracted using the FaceNet model, and finally, the attendees are identified by computing similarity with existing faces in the database. The proposed system was tested on a dataset with 358 images of 52 employees in our office. Results show that the accuracy is about 93.46% on the test set and 97.06% in the real environment. Thus, this system could be used for checking attendances in several real contexts.