bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of a fecal flotation technique for porcine isosporosis
Authors: Gan Yun , Saeed El-Ashram , Li Xiao-bing , Zhang Yuan , Tang Tao , Weng Ya-biao , Lin Rui-qing
Published: January 2023

Porcine isosporosis is a highly pathogenic parasite that has become one of the most important diseases responsible for piglet diarrhea, weight loss, and mortality, resulting in significant economic losses for the pig sector. Currently, fecal examination, primarily using the saturated saline flotation technique, is a standard approach for detecting Isospora suis oocysts in piglets with porcine isosporosis. However, fecal samples often include too many contaminants that float on the liquid surface, resulting in a blurred visual field under microscopy and lowering the accuracy of Isosporaidentification. This study used urea as a flotation solution to enhance and improve the Isospora fecal examination technique. Simultaneously, soap granules (sodium salts of fatty acids) and a silicate defoaming agent were employed to reduce the impact of protein, fat, and air bubbles in piglet feces, resulting in an improved swine Isospora fecal detection technique. Clinical assessment of piglet fecal samples from three pig farms revealed that the positive rate of porcine isosporosis increased, and the detection rate increased by nearly five times. This approach is simple and effective. It is appropriate for clinical use as it allows for the prompt formulation of preventative and control plans, therefore helping to reduce economic losses caused by porcine isosporosis.
The Effects of developmental model of Peer Evaluation on the Virtual Teaching Quality of Basic Medical Sciences Faculty
Authors: Doroh Mohammad Habibi , farajpour arezou , Amirmajdi Elham Mokhtari
Published: January 2023

Background: After the Corona pandemic, medical education has shifted to virtual education, but there has been limited time and possibilities for empowering faculty for this purpose. Therefore, it seems necessary to evaluate the quality of the provided training and provide feedback to the faculty in order to improve the quality of training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of teacher formative evaluation by peer evaluation method on the quality of virtual teaching of basic medical sciences faculty.
Methods: In this study, seven trained faculty members observed and based on a checklist evaluated the quality of 2 virtual sessions taught by each faculty of basic medical sciences, and provided them feedback; after at least 2 weeks, their Virtual teachings were again observed and evaluated. The results before and after providing feedback were compared through SPSS software.
Results: After intervention, significant improvements were observed in the average scores of "overall virtual performance", "virtual classroom management" and "content quality". Specifically, there was a significant increase in the average score of "overall virtual performance" and "virtual class management" among female faculty, and the average score of “overall virtual performance” among permanently employed faculty members with more than 5 years of teaching experience, before and after intervention (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Virtual and online education can be a suitable platform for the implementation of formative and developmental model of peer evaluation of faculty; and should be considered as an opportunity to empower and improve the quality of the faculty’ performance in virtual education.
Towards Seismic Damage Assessment Model for Soil Structure Interaction-based Building
Authors: Belhadj Fatma Zohra , Belhadj Ahmed Fouad , Chabaat Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Buildings located in seismic risk areas are susceptible to damage, so evaluation of the seismic performance of building structures is essential for accurate seismic design. Seismic Damage Assessment (SDA) is a difficult task for individual building structures dealing with FiniteElement Analysis (FE) and simulation techniques are time-consuming due to the complex model. Moreover, computational techniques based on FE with Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) for earthquake damage assessment of buildings require high computational efforts to build the database for the development of the area-based prediction model. Therefore, this study provides a framework for an artificial neural network (ANN)-based model as a reliable alternative to developing a rapid decision-making tool for building SDA. To establish the SDAbased ANN model, three inputs, including seismic, building, and soil were selected as the main parameters, and seismic responses with soil-structure interaction were generated using a multi-step analysis process proposed. The results obtained demonstrate the high accuracy of the SDA-Net model proposed as a predictive approach and rapid decision support tool for structures with SSI impacts as a predisaster management approach for the assessment of damage and a handy tool for safe and durable structures against natural disasters.
Investigation of case findings for sarcopenia using comparative measurements of the iliopsoas muscle and rectus abdominis on CT
Authors: Ryu Koichi , Namiki Takao , Kaji Yuka , Yang Jieru , Watanabe Yuki , Ohashi Noriyuki , Hashiba Noriaki , Nakamura Michimi , Hirasaki Yoshiro
Published: January 2023

Background
Sarcopenia is considered to be a major factor in frailty, and early detection of sarcopenia is important to prevent frailty. Weakness of the lower abdominal region (WLAR) is one of the findings in Kampo (Traditional Japanese) medicine that indicates a condition similar to sarcopenia. We hypothesized that there may be a correlation between the iliopsoas (psoas) muscle and the rectus abdominis. In this study, we used measurements taken from computed tomography (CT) scans of the iliopsoas muscle and rectus abdominis, and investigated which measurements of abdominal muscle indices are relevant to a diagnosis of sarcopenia.
Method
The subjects were 100 consecutive patients (50 males and 50 females) who were treated in our department. We collected their age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and WLAR findings, which were divided into three levels: f(0): no WLAR, f(1): suspected WLAR and f(2): obvious WLAR. We also measured CT images of iliopsoas and rectus abdominis muscle-related indices and the psoas muscle index (PMI) was calculated.
Results
The correlation coefficient between the rectus abdominis data obtained from multiple regression analysis and the PMI was R2 = 0.36 or higher for both females and males, indicating that the size of the iliopsoas muscle can be predicted from measurements of the rectus abdominis muscle. In both females and males, this suggests that sarcopenia groupings determined by the PMI in the iliopsoas muscle are consistent with groupings based on WLAR. The length of the rectus abdominis muscle was measured, and the mean of each of the three WLAR groups showed significant differences in upper rectus abdominis muscle dehiscence and lower rectus abdominis muscle dehiscence in females. In males, there were significant differences in muscle dehiscence only of the upper rectus abdominis.
Discussion
It is known from previous reports that the iliopsoas muscle is an indicator of sarcopenia. This study suggests that the rectus abdominis muscle might also be an indicator of sarcopenia based on the relationship between the measured values of the iliopsoas and rectus abdominis muscles. When the cutoff values identified with the PMI were applied, significant differences were found among the groups based on PMI and WLAR values, which are currently used for diagnosis. These results suggest that WLAR may provide a useful way of screening case findings for sarcopenia.
Conclusion
In this study, we were able to identify positive correlations between the rectus abdominis and iliopsoas muscles by obtaining measurements from CT images. Our results indicate that the status of the rectus abdominis might be used in the diagnosis of sarcopenia.
Management and outcome of patients with femoral head fractures: The mid-term follow-up with injuries and associated prognostic factors
Authors: Shakya Sujan , Chen Jialei , Sun JiaChen , Xiang Zhou
Published: January 2023

Background
Femoral head fractures are rare injuries that are often associated with poor functional outcomes and complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, treatment methods and approaches, complications, and functional outcomes of femoral head fractures.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of fifty patients who sustained femoral head fractures from January 2011- December 2018. There were thirty-seven (74%) males and thirteen (26%) females with a median age of 40 years. According to Pipkin’s classification, there were eighteen (36%) Pipkin I, ten (20%) Pipkin II, eight (16%) Pipkin III, and fourteen (28%) Pipkin IV patients. Treatment methods were categorized into non-operative, operative by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and immediate total hip replacement (THR). The recorded surgical approach consists of an anterior(S-P) approach, posterior(K-L) approach, lateral stab, and combined anterior + lateral stab approach for fixation. The patients were also stratified by the Injury Severity Score (ISS), associated injuries, and, mechanism of injuries. The modified harris hip score (MHHS) was used to evaluate the ongoing complications with the clinical outcome of patients with two years or greater follow-up.
Results
Eight (16%) patients were managed successfully with closed reduction without surgery and thirty-seven (74%) patients required operative reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the femoral head and acetabulum, and 5 (10%) patients required immediate THR. Six (12%) developed AVN, and four (8%) required a secondary THR. Sixteen patients (33%) developed post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), eight (16%) developed heterotopic ossification (HO) and six patients (12%) had sciatic nerve injury, none requiring operative treatment. Overall functional results according to MHHS were, excellent in two (4%) patients, good in sixteen (32%) patients, fair in twenty-two (44%) patients, and poor in ten (20%) patients. A statistically significant difference in outcome was observed among four pipkin subtypes.
Conclusion
Femoral head fractures are a rare injury that is often associated with poor outcomes. In this study, we report the functional outcomes and complications of all treatment approaches for femoral head fracture based on the Pipkin classification. The treatment aim should always be the anatomical reduction of the fragments. This study, adds to the growing literature on femoral head fracture and provides a reference for the clinical treatment to guide patient management.
Trial registration:
Our study was approved by the Clinical Research and Biomedical Ethical Committee of West China Hospital, Sichuan University performed following the Declaration of Helsinki. All the participants provided written informed consent to attend the study.
Gut Microbiota Induces Hepatic Steatosis by Modulating the T Cells Balance in High Fructose Diet Mice
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqiong , Zhang Xianjuan , Niu Delei , Zhang Shuyun , Wang Hui , Zhang Xueming , Nan Fulong , Jiang Shasha , Wang Bin
Published: January 2023

Metabolic diseases are often associated with high fructose (HF) consumption. HF has also been found to alter the gut microbiota, which then favors the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanisms underlying of the gut microbiota on this metabolic disturbance are yet to be determined. Thus, in this study, we further explored the effect the gut microbiota concerning the T cells balance in an HF diet mouse model. We fed mice 60% fructose-enriched diet for 12 weeks. At 4 weeks, HF diet did not affect the liver, but it caused injury to the intestine and adipose tissues. After 12 weeks, the lipid droplet aggregation was markedly increased in the liver of HF-fed mice. Further analysis of the gut microbial composition showed that HF decreased the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and increased the levels of Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, and Oscillibacter. In addition, HF can increase the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in the serum. T helper type 1 (Th1) cells were significantly increased, and regulatory T(Treg) cells were markedly decreased in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of the HF-fed mice. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) alleviates systemic metabolic disorder by maintaining liver and intestinal immune homeostasis. Overall, our data indicated that intestinal structure injury and intestinal inflammation might be early, and liver inflammation and hepatic steatosis may be a subsequent effect following HF diets. Gut microbiota disorders impairing the intestinal barrier function and triggering immune homeostasis imbalance may be an importantly responsible for long-term HF diets induced hepatic steatosis.
"Heritability of airway structure variables in twins with completed active growth"
Authors: Šidlauskienė Monika , Sidlauskas Mantas , Sidlauskas Antanas , Juzenas Simonas , Lopatiene Kristina
Published: January 2023

Background: To evaluate the genetic and environmental influences on craniofacial and airway dimensions using cephalometric analysis and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) based zygosity determination in a group of post-pubertal twins.
Materials and methods: 22 cephalometric variables of 94 pairs of twins with completed growth were analysed. Zygosity was determined using 15 specific DNA markers. A genetic analysis was performed using maximum likelihood genetic structural equation modelling (GSEM).
Results: The genetic heritability estimates of cephalometric variables describing upper airway dimensions, skeletal variables, soft palate size, maxilla relationship with hyoid bone, sagittal position of mandible. The lower airway parameters were determined by environmental factors.
Conclusions: The upper airway dimensions are strongly determined by genes while the lower airway parameters are affected by environmental factors.
Trial registration: The protocol has been approved by the Kaunas Regional Ethical Committee No BE – 2-41., 2020 May 13.
WEE1 and PARP-1 play critical roles in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): A novel approach to targeted MDS therapy
Authors: Okabe Seiichi , Tanaka Yuko , Gotoh Akihiko
Published: January 2023

Background
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal bone marrow disorder defined by cytopenia and is associated with an increased risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The outcome of MDS is poor, and as a result, alternative therapeutic approaches are needed to improve survival. The inhibition of the DNA damage response pathway, including poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), has been approved to treat several cancers, and WEE1 is overexpressed in many cancers. Therefore, a WEE1 inhibitor in combination with a PARP-1 inhibitor could inhibit the proliferation of MDS and AML.
Methods
We analyzed whether WEE1 was regulated in the progression of MDS and AML. We also evaluated the efficacy of MK-1775 (WEE1 inhibitor) and talazoparib (PARP-1 inhibitor).
Results
WEE1 expression was higher in the AML cells than in the MDS cells. However, PARP-1 expression remained unchanged. MK-1775 or talazoparib alone inhibited MDS and AML cells after 72 hours, and cellular cytotoxicity and caspase 3/7 activity were increased. The combined use of MK-1775 and talazoparib produced superior efficacy than either drug alone, and SKM-1 colony formation was reduced. Significant cell populations in the sub-G1 phase were shown in the cell-cycle analyses. Additionally, γ-H2AX expression and caspase 3 activity were increased. The combined treatment also changed the mitochondrial membrane potential.
Conclusions
A combination of WEE1 and PARP-1 inhibition enhanced the efficacy and is proposed as a new therapeutic option for patients with MDS or AML. Our findings have clinical implications for a potential novel therapeutic strategy for MDS patients.
ADHD genetic burden associates with older epigenetic age: Mediating roles of education, behavioral and sociodemographic factors among older adults
Authors: Arpawong Thalida Em , Klopack Eric T. , Kim Jung Ki , Crimmins Eileen M.
Published: January 2023

Background: Shortened lifespans are associated with having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is likely mediated by its characteristic behavioral and sociodemographic factors that are also associated with accelerated physiological aging. Such factors include exhibiting more depressive symptoms, more cigarette smoking, higher body mass index, lower educational attainment, lower income in adulthood, and more challenges with cognitive processes compared to the general population. A higher polygenic score for ADHD (ADHD-PGS) is associated with having more characteristic features of ADHD. The degree to which (1) the ADHD-PGS associates with an epigenetic biomarker developed to predict accelerated aging and earlier mortality is unknown, (2) an association would be mediated by behavioral and sociodemographic correlates of ADHD, or (3) an association would be mediated first by educational attainment, then by behavioral and sociodemographic correlates. We evaluated these relationships in a population-based sample of older adults from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study, among N=2,311 older adults of European-ancestry with blood based epigenetic and genetic data. The ADHD-PGS was calculated from a prior genomewide meta-analysis. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation levels shown to index biological aging and earlier age of mortality were quantified by a blood-based biomarker called GrimAge. We used a structural equation modeling approach to test associations with single and multi-mediation effects of behavioral and contextual indicators on GrimAge, adjusted for covariates.
Results: The ADHD-PGS was significantly and directly associated with GrimAge when adjusting for covariates. In single mediation models, the effect of the ADHD-PGS on GrimAge was partially mediated via smoking, depressive symptoms, and education. In multi-mediation models, the effect of ADHD-PGS on GrimAge was mediated first through education, then smoking, depressive symptoms, BMI, and income.
Conclusions: Findings have implications for geroscience research in elucidating lifecourse pathways through which the ADHD genetic burden and symptoms can alter risks for accelerated aging and shortened lifespans, as indexed by an epigenetic biomarker. More education appears to play a central role in attenuating negative effects on epigenetic aging from behavioral and sociodemographic risk factors related to ADHD. We discuss implications for the potential behavioral and sociodemographic mediators that may attenuate negative biological system effects.
NK cells encapsulated in micro/macropore-forming hydrogels via 3D bioprinting for tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Kim Dahong , Jo Seona , Lee Dongjin , Kim Seok-Min , Seok Ji Min , Yeo SeonJu , Lee Jun Hee , Lee Jae Jong , Lee Kangwon , Kim Tae-Don , Park Su A
Published: January 2023

Background: Patients face a serious threat if a solid tumor leaves behind partial residuals or cannot be completely removed after surgical resection. Immunotherapy has attracted attention as a method to prevent this condition. However, the conventional immunotherapy method targeting solid tumors, that is, intravenous injection, has limitations in homing in on the tumor and in vivo expansion and has not shown effective clinical results.
Method: To overcome these limitations, NK cells (Natural killer cells) were encapsulated in micro/macropore-forming hydrogels using 3D bioprinting to target solid tumors. Sodium alginate and gelatin were used to prepare micro-macroporous hydrogels. The gelatin contained in the alginate hydrogel was removed because of the thermal sensitivity of the gelatin, which can generate interconnected micropores where the gelatin was released. Therefore, macropores can be formed through bioprinting and micropores can be formed using thermally sensitive gelatin to make macroporous hydrogels.
Results: It was confirmed that intentionally formed micropores could help NK cells to aggregate easily, which enhances cell viability, lysis activity, and cytokine release. Macropores can be formed using 3D bioprinting, which enables NK cells to receive the essential elements. We also characterized the functionality of NK 92 and zEGFR-CAR-NK cells in the pore-forming hydrogel. The antitumor effects on leukemia and solid tumors were investigated using an in vitro model.
Conclusion: We demonstrated that the hydrogel encapsulating NK cells created an appropriate micro-macro environment for clinical applications of NK cell therapy for both leukemia and solid tumors via 3D bioprinting. 3D bioprinting makes macro-scale clinical applications possible, and the automatic process shows potential for development as an off-the-shelf immunotherapy product. This immunotherapy system could provide a clinical option for preventing tumor relapse and metastasis after tumor resection.
A comparative study of passive drug diffusion through human skin via intercellular and sweat duct route: effect of aging
Authors: Ranjan Aditya , Duryodhan Vijay S. , Patil Nagesh D.
Published: January 2023

A method of drug delivery that could provide control over
medicine reaching the bloodstream for systemic circulation would be
of immense importance. This work presents a comparative study of
the temporal and spatial variation of drugs diffusing passively
through two separate routes of human skin, namely intercellular
(ICR) and sweat duct route (SDR). Analysis is carried out for two
age groups (young < 40 years and old > 60 years of age).
Governing equations based on Fick’s law for mass transfer has been
solved numerically using an in-house developed code. The code has
been validated thoroughly with numerical and experimental work from
literature. Each skin route is modeled into three compartments
sandwiched between donor and receiver compartment. To understand
the role of diffusion and partition coefficient on drug permeation,
four drugs, namely hydrocortisone, transcinnamic acid, caffeine,
and benzoic acid, are considered. Drug diffusion rate is found
greater through ICR as compared to SDR. Further, the amount of
drugs diffusing through both routes increases with age. Desirable
drug characteristic is inferred to be a lower value of partition
coefficient and a higher value of diffusion coefficient. This study
could lead to real-time assessment of medicines reaching the
bloodstream and beyond.
Comparative effectiveness of Cangrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the multicenter M.O.Ca. registry
Authors: Pepe Martino , Carulli Eugenio , Larosa Claudio , Napoli Gianluigi , Nestola Palma Luisa , Carella Maria Cristina , Giordano Salvatore , Tritto Rocco Pio , Bartolomucci Francesco , Cirillo Plinio , Zoccai Giuseppe Biondi , Giordano Arturo , Ciccone Marco Matteo
Published: January 2023

Background: Cangrelor, the first intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor (P2Y12-I), has been approved on the basis of three large RCTs from the CHAMPION program which nevertheless have been criticized for the low bleeding risk of the enrolled patients, the large quote of chronic coronary syndromes (CCS), and the use of Clopidogrel as control arm even in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We sought to investigate, in the setting of ACS, the comparative performance of Cangrelor in terms of in-hospital ischemic and haemorrhagic outcomes compared with the current gold-standard of oral P2Y12-I.
Methods: The study retrospectively enrolled 686 consecutive patients admitted to the Divisions of Cardiology of Policlinico of Bari and L. Bonomo Hospital of Andria for ACS and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study population was divided according to the P2Y12-I treatment strategy in two groups: patients given an oral P2Y12-I and patients receiving Cangrelor in the CathLab followed by an oral P2Y12-I. Clinical endpoints included death, ischemic and bleeding events occurring during hospital stay.
Results: Cangrelor treated patients presented higher clinical risk profile at presentation and faced higher death rate. However, after PS matching, in-hospital mortality resulted comparable between the groups and Cangrelor use was associated with reduced in-hospital definite stent thrombosis (p=0.03).
Conclusions: Data from our real-world registry highlight that, in the setting of ACS, Cangrelor is prevalently used in patients with very challenging clinical presentations. The adjusted analysis provides for the first time promising data on stent thrombosis reduction associated with Cangrelor use.
Guided tissue regeneration techniques involving blood-derived products in periradicular surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baniulyte Gabriele , Burns Lorna , Ali Kamran
Published: January 2023

Background: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has been gaining popularity in dentistry as an aid to surgical techniques since 1982. The latest advancement in the GTR discipline examines the use of blood-derived products, but no systematic review had been carried out to date on its use in periradicular surgery. Therefore, the objective of this review was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of standard periradicular surgery versus periradicular surgery employing GTR techniques involving blood-derived products.
Methods: Randomised controlled trials investigating the outcomes of GTR techniques involving blood-derived products versus standard periradicular surgery technique, were included for review. Studies were excluded if they contain patients who have previously undergone periradicular surgery or treatment was carried out on unrestorable teeth (i.e., due to periodontal disease or root fractures). The databases MEDLINE, Embase, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, and Cochrane CENTRAL were used to locate published reports of studies, last searched on 16th December 2022. Reference lists of relevant past systematic reviews were used to identify further studies. Unpublished studies were sought using international trials registries and repositories. Two blinded reviewers carried out independent screening of records for inclusion and the selected studies were critically appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool prior to data extraction and synthesis. The results are presented in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.
Results: Two-hundred and sixty-one records were screened on title and abstract, and 17 studies were further screened against full text. Fourteen studies were excluded at this stage and 3 randomised controlled trials were included in the systematic review with a total of 85 patients. Meta-analysis was undertaken for the outcome of healing. The overall treatment effect was 0.78 (95% CI 0.18 to 3.34), favouring control group.
Discussion: The meta-analysis of 3 studies showed no significant difference in healing between intervention and control groups. Critical appraisal of the included trials identified deficiencies in indirectness and imprecision, downgrading the overall certainty to ‘low’. Therefore, more strong evidence is required to recommend routine use blood derived products to improve the clinical outcomes of periradicular surgery in conjunction with guided tissue regeneration.
Apigenin-Melatonin: a novel prostate cancer Radiation Sensitizer
Authors: Bahreghani Morteza Taghavi , Alizadeh Shaban , Geraily Ghazale , Shojaei Mehdi , Shirazi Alireza , rezapoor Saeed
Published: January 2023

Background: Radiotherapy is a common modality in prostate cancer (PrCa), with a dose of 80Gy. A higher dose of ionizing radiation is often needed to achieve an appropriate response; however, clinical evidence indicates that increasing the dose may lead to side effects. Therefore, finding a substance that sensitizes PrCa to ionizing radiation improves radiotherapy’s therapeutic efficacy. Thus, we aimed to assess the radiosensitization effect of Apigenin-Melatonin on Lymph Node Carcinoma of the Prostate (LNCaP).
Method: The effect of Apigenin, Melatonin, and ionizing radiation, alone and together, on the cells' viability plus the apoptosis induction, were tested by MTT assay, Annexin V, and PI. In addition, Bax and Bcl-2 genes expression was assessed by real-time PCR.
Results: LNCaP co-treatment by Apigenin and Melatonin inhibited PrCa cells' viability synergically. Also, LNCaP co-treatment with Apigenin and Melatonin, 2h before radiotherapy, significantly reduced the LNCaP cells' viability compared to the cells co-treated by Apigenin and Melatonin. Also, LNCaP co-treatment with Apigenin, Melatonin, and ionizing radiation significantly increased early apoptosis by decreasing Bcl-2 gene expression and increasing Bax gene expression.
Discussion: Our results revealed that Apigenin-Melatonin reduces LNCaP cells' viability. Plus, Apigenin-Melatonin could overcome the radioresistance of the LNCaP cells, enhancing radiation-induced apoptosis.
A poly(carbazole-alt-triazole) with thiabendazole side groups as an “on-off-on” fluorescent probe for detection of Cu(Ⅱ) ion and cysteine
Authors: Gao Liting , Xu Jinyao , Luo Haoyue , Lei Hong , Chen Xinai , Wan Jiayi , Feng Juhua , Liu Kuan
Published: January 2023

A novel conjugated polymer PCZBTA-TBZ containing thiabendazole as recognition unit was synthesized via Suzuki coupling reaction, and its structural characterization, spectroscopic analysis and photophysical properties were investigated. In the metal ion response study, the addition of Cu2+ led to the occurrence of the PET mechanism, which significantly quenched the fluorescence of the polymer PCZBTA-TBZ with a quenching effect of 98%. According to the density functional theory calculation, compared with other polycarbazoles or other alternative copolymers containing carbazole, with alternating carbazole and triazole enhances the electron mobility and reduces the energy band gap of the polymer. Due to the strong coordination ability between Cu2+ and Cys, the adding Cys competes the Cu2+ in the [PCZBTA-TBZ-Cu2+] complex, blocking the occurrence of PET, and the fluorescence intensity of PCZBTA-TBZ is restored. The addition of other amino acids caused almost no change. The polymer is expected to be used for dual fluorescence detection of specific metal ions and Cys.
Community Engagement Processes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Health Research Settings: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Mthembu Zinhle , Mogaka John J O , Chimbari Moses J.
Published: January 2023

Background:Community Engagement is an important ethical imperative in research. Although substantial research emphasizes its real value and strategic importance, much of the available literature focuses primarily on the success of community participation, with little emphasis given to specific community engagement processes and strategies in relation to intended outcomes in research environments. The study’s objective was to explore the nature of community engagement strategies in health research settings in low- and middle-income countries.Methods:The study design was informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched for peer-reviewed, English-language literature published between January 2011 and December 2021 through three databases on the internet (PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar). The terms "community engagement," "community involvement," "participation," "research settings," and "low- and middle-income countries" were merged in the search.Results:The majority of publications (8/10) were led by authors from low- and middle-income countries, with many of them (9/10) failing to continuously include important aspects of study quality. Articles were most likely to describe community engagement in consultation and information sessions, even though they were less participatory. The articles covered a wide range of health issues, but the majority were concerned with infectious diseases such as Malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis, followed by studies on the environment and broader health factors. Articles were largely under-theorized.Conclusions:Despite the lack of theoretical underpinnings for various community engagement strategies, community engagement in research settings was variable. Future studies should go deeper into community engagement theory, acknowledge the power dynamics underpin community engagement, and be more practical about the extent to which communities may participate.
Ready, Set, Go! The role of organizational readiness to predict adoption of a family caregiver training program using the Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory
Authors: Houtven Courtney H. Van , Drake Connor , Malo Teri L. , Decosimo Kasey , Tucker Matthew , Sullivan Caitlin , D’Adolf Josh , Hughes Jaime M. , Christensen Leah , Grubber Janet M. , Coffman Cynthia J. , Sperber Nina R. , Wang Virginia , Allen Kelli D. , Hastings S. Nicole , Shea Christopher M. , Zullig Leah L.
Published: January 2023

Background: Caregivers FIRST is an evidence-based program addressing gaps in caregivers’ skills. In 2020, the Veterans Health Administration Caregiver Support Program (CSP) Office nationally endorsed Caregivers FIRST, offering credit in leadership performance plans to encourage all 142 VA medical centers (VAMCs) to implement locally. Performance plan inclusion may create incentives to adopt but may be insufficient for early program implementation. Instead, organizational readiness for change, a theory-driven determinant of implementation, may be an important predictor of implementation.
Methods: In a cohort observational study, we surveyed CSP managers about their facilities’ readiness to implement using the Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) instrument. We compared ORIC change commitment (5 items) and change efficacy (7 items) domains among VAMCs that implemented Caregivers FIRST within one year (‘adopters’) to those that did not (‘non-adopters’). We categorized adopters from earliest to latest, as: ‘innovators’, ‘early adopters’, ‘early majority’ and ‘late adopters’ or ‘laggards’. We examined differences in ORIC domains and site characteristics between ‘adopters’, ‘non-adopters’, and between ‘adopter’ subcategories. We fit separate logistic regression models to assess whether ORIC and site characteristics were associated with early adoption among ‘adopters’.
Results: Fifty-one of 63 (81%) VAMCs with CSP manager survey respondents adopted Caregivers FIRST during the first year. ORIC change commitment and efficacy were similar for ‘adopters’ and ‘non-adopters’. However, sites that adopted earlier (innovators and early adopters) had higher ORIC change commitment and efficacy scores than the rest of the ‘adopters'. Logistic regression results indicated that higher ORIC change commitment (odds ratio [OR]= 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–5.95)] and ORIC change efficacy (OR= 2.60; 95% CI, 1.12–6.03) scores were associated with increased odds that a VAMC was categorized as an ‘innovator’, ‘early adopter’, or ‘early majority’. Site level characteristics were not associated with Caregivers FIRST early adoption category.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study is the first to prospectively assess organizational readiness and the timing of subsequent program adoption. Early adoption was associated with higher ORIC change commitment and change efficacy and not site level characteristics. These findings yield insights into the role of organizational readiness to accelerate program adoption.
Trial registration: This study was registered on March 22, 2018 at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT03474380).
Development of a lightweight thermoelectric generator taking advantage of additive manufacturing technologies
Authors: Fanciulli Carlo , Abedi Hossein , Nespoli Adelaide , Dondè Roberto , Terra Caterina La , Migliorini Francesca , Passaretti Francesca , De Iuliis Silvana
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Clinical retrospective analysis with a predictive model for diffused-tenosynovial giant cell tumors of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Liu Ying , Yingying Huang , Dongwang Zhu , Jiang Li , Tongchao Zhao , Yining He , Ronghui Xia , laiping Zhong
Published: January 2023

Background
This study aimed to find out the characteristics in relation to tumor recurrence in diffused-tenosynovial giant cell tumor of temporomandibular joint and to develop and validate the prognostic model for personalized prediction.
Methods
From April 2009 to January 2021, patients with diffused-tenosynovial giant cell tumor of temporomandibular joint at a single center were included in this study. The clinical features and local recurrence-free survival were assessed through the expression of the Ki-67 index and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor expression. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the prognostic factors for local recurrence-free survival. An independent predictor nomogram and pertinent tumor characteristics were included.
Results
The retrospective study enrolling seventy eligible patients at the Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. During the follow-up time, eleven patients suffered tumor recurrence. Age was an independent risk factor for local recurrence-free survival (P = 0.032). The Ki-67 index varied significantly in different sites (P = 0.034) and tumor volume (P = 0.017). Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop the prediction model using both statistical significance and prognostic indicators. The C-index of the nomogram based on age, site, Ki-67, and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor was 0.833. These variates provided good predicted accuracy for a nomogram on local recurrence-free survival. Diffused-tenosynovial giant cell tumor from the temporomandibular joint is extremely uncommon, and certain clinical traits are linked to the tumor proliferation index.
Conclusions
We identified the risk indicators and developed a nomogram in this study to forecast the likelihood of local recurrence-free survival in patients with diffused-tenosynovial giant cell tumor from temporomandibular joint.
Information Transparency with Immediate Release: Oncology Clinician and Patient Perceptions
Authors: O'Brien Elizabeth , Vemuru Sudheer , Leonard Laura , Himelhoch Ben , Taft Nancy , Jaiswal Kshama , Cumbler Ethan , Sams Sharon , Wolverton Dulcy , Ahrendt Gretchen , Yi Jeniann , Lin Chen-Tan , Miles Randy , Hampanda Karen , Tevis Sarah
Published: January 2023

Introduction:
As part of the 21st Century Cures Act, beginning April 2021, electronic health information (EHI) must be immediately released to patients. This change poses challenges for both oncology clinicians and patients whose priorities and experiences may differ. In this study, we sought to evaluate clinician and patient perspectives regarding the immediate release of EHI.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a group of 8 clinicians and 12 patients using purposeful sampling to capture a diverse array of participants. Open-ended questions explored clinicians’ and patients’ perceptions of the immediate release of patient health information and how they adjusted to this change. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and de-identified. Transcripts were thematically analyzed, reviewed to develop a coding rubric, and independently coded until thematic saturation was achieved.
Results:
Forty unique codes were identified, which were then mapped to 10 themes. These themes included Interpreting Results, Strategies for Patient Interaction, Patient Experiences, Communication Strategies, and Provider Limitations, among others. Clinicians and patients demonstrated varying levels of confidence in patient understanding of results and differences in perceived patient distress emphasizing the impersonal nature of electronic release and necessity for therapeutic clinician-patient communication. Unique recommendations to support patients receiving complex results reports were found.
Conclusions:
Clinicians and patients have varying insights on the role of immediate release of medical information in cancer care. Understanding these perspectives may be helpful for devising ways to improve communication between clinicians and patients and in developing patient-centered tools (glossaries, summary pages, additional resources, and more) to aid in understanding complex medical information.
Increased Risk of Death Following Recurrent Ketoacidosis Admissions: A Brazilian Cohort Study of Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Santos Sarah S. , Ramaldes Luana A. L. , Dualib Patricia M. , Gabbay Monica A. L. , Sá João R. , Dib Sergio A.
Published: January 2023

Background: Recurrent DKA (rDKA) remains an acute type 1 diabetes complication even in post-insulin era. This study aimed to analyze the predictors and effects of rDKA on the mortality of patients with type 1 diabetes.
Methods: Patients hospitalized (n = 231) wih diabetic ketoacidosis (between 2007 to 2018) were included. Laboratorial and clinical variables were collected. Mortality curves were compared in four groups: diabetic ketoacidosis as a new-onset type 1 diabetes (group A), single diabetic ketoacidosis episode after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (group B), 2–5 diabetic ketoacidosis events (group C), and >5 diabetic ketoacidosis events during follow-up period (group D).
Results: During the follow-up period (approximately 1823 days), the mortality rate was 16.02% (37/231). The median age at death was 38.7 years. In the survival curve analysis, at 1926 days (5 years), the probabilities of death were indicated by ratios of 7.78%, 4.58%, 24.40%, and 26.63% in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. One diabetic ketoacidosis episode compared with ≥2 events had a relative risk of 4.49 (p = 0.004) of death. Neuropathy (relative risk 10.04; p < 0.001), retinopathy (relative risk 7.94; p < 0.01), nephropathy (relative risk 7.10; p < 0.001), mood disorders (relative risk 3.57; p = 0.002), antidepressant use (relative risk 3.09; p = 0.004), and statin use (relative risk 2.81; p = 0.0024) increased the risk of death.
Conclusions: Patients with type 1 diabetes with >2 diabetic ketoacidosis episodes have four times greater risk of death in 5 years. Microangiopathies, mood disorders, and use of antidepressants and statins were important risk factors for short-term mortality.
Overcoming seed coat imposed dormancy in wild species of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)
Authors: Lamichaney Amrit , SJ Satheesh Naik , Hazra Kali Krishna , Datta Dibendu , Katiyar PK
Published: January 2023

Occurrence of physical dormancy in the form of hard seed coat prevents proper utilisation and conservation of wild species of pigeonpea, which offers a source of many useful traits. Hence, in the present investigation attempt has been made to understand the variability in hardseededness and the pre-treatments to overcome it in 44 accessions comprising of 10 wild pigeonpea species (Cajanus scarabaeoides, C. crassus, C. platycarpus, C. cajanifolius, C. lineatus, Rynchosia minima, R. bracteata, R rothii, R rufescens and R. aurea). The level of hardseededness varied from 36–100%, with an average of 76.5%. Likewise, the time to initiate germination (T1), achieve 50% germination (T50) and mean germination time (MGT) varied between 16.18-249.9h, 94.7-607.7h and 37.5-153.2h, respectively. Overall, all the treatments reduced hardseededness and improved germination over the control, with partial incision on seed coat (PSCI) being the best treatment for all the species recording 70–98% germination, except for R. aurea (30%) and C. cajanifolius (59%). The hot water treatment (HWT) for 30 and 60 minutes was the best treatment for C. cajanifolius recording germination of 66–70% as compare to 11% in control. The sulphuric acid scarification (SAT) for 2 m was the best pre-treatment for overcoming dormancy and improving germination in R. bracteata, R. rothii and R. rufescens. The result indicated a significant inter and intra species variation in the effectiveness of pre-treatments in overcoming physical dormancy, suggesting that the optimum pre-treatment for overcoming hardseededness should be standardised for each accession. Also the dormancy breaking pre-treatments not only reduced hardseededness and improved final germination percent but it also reduced time for T1, T50 and MGT, suggesting that use of such pre-treatments before sowing could result into higher, uniform and rapid germination.
The Synergistic Effect of Biochar and Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)/poly(2- hydroxyethylmethacarylate)/Chitosan) Hydrogels on Saline Soil Properties and Carrot Productivity
Authors: Abdeen Sayed A. , hefni hassan , Awadallah-F Ahmed , El-Rahman Nasser R. Abd
Published: January 2023

Background Soil Salinity is one of the most important factors limiting crop production. Moreover, with the increasing population and saline soil worldwide there is no choice but to use saline soil to increase the agricultural area. Therefore, to increase carrot productivity under saline conditions, it's necessary to provide good management such as applying hydrogels and biochar for improving soil properties. Methodology Hydrogels (PEtOx-HEMA-CS) were prepared from poly (2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), chitosan (CS), and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA as crosslinker), by exposure those to gamma irradiation at range from 0–50 kGy with 0.9 kGy/h, and obtained three types of hydrogels according to concentration of chitosan. The PEtOx-HEMA-CS hydrogels were prepared for enhanced water holding capacity for agriculture purposes. The chemical structures of those were investigated by FTIR, XRD and SEM. Biochar (BC) as an active substance was physically mixed with those hydrogels at different ratios (0/100, 0.5/99.5, 1/99 and 100/0 (g/g) biochar/hydrogels). BC, PEtOx-HEMA-CS and the mixture of PEtOx-HEMA-CS-BC were mixed with saline soil at ratio 0.05 and 0.1% w/w of prepared materials/soil. Pot agriculture carrot experiments were conducted to mitigate the salinity hazards by using biochar with and without hydrogels. Findings The obtained data referred that there is a significant decrease in soil salinity and exchangeable sodium percentage and increase in organic matter, cation exchange capacity, field capacity, permanent wilting point and available water especially at (PEtOx-HEMA-CS5)0.1-BC1. The highest increment percentage of NP and K were 36.36, 70 and 72%, respectively. Also, the relative increase of carrot productivity was 49.63% at the highest rates of biochar and hydrogels. However, the highest value of water use efficiency was observed at the mixture of biochar and hydrogels at (PEtOx-HEMA-CS5)0.1-BC1. Conclusion Finally, applying biochar combined with (PEtOx-HEMA-CS5) could be recommended as a good approach to enhance carrot productivity and water use efficiency under saline soil conditions.