bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of influencing factors of hospitalization expenses for Crohn's disease patients: Based on LASSO and linear mixed model
Authors: Wu Li , Lv Zhijie , Lai Linjing , Zhou Penglei
Published: September 2022

Aims

Crohn's disease (CD) is a global disease that is dramatically increasing. This study aimed to identify the primary drivers of hospitalization expenses for CD patients to provide guidance on the allocation and control of health care costs.

Methods

This study retrospectively collected the homepage data of the electronic medical records of CD patients in two tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China, from January 2016 to December 2021. The influencing factors of hospitalization expenses for CD were analyzed. A linear mixed model with least absolute shrinkage (LASSO-LMM) was used to develop a predictive model for hospitalization expenses for CD patients.

Results

A total of 4,437 CD patients were analyzed in this study. CD patients' age, length of hospital stay, admission route, comorbidities, and main treatment were found to be statistically significant variables for CD patients' hospitalization expenses. The AIC and BIC of LASSO-LMM model were 319.033 and 306.241, respectively. Patients who were older, had a longer hospital stay, and had comorbidities had higher hospitalization expenses. The hospitalization expenses of outpatients were lower than those of emergency patients. The weight of surgical treatment was the highest among three treatments (0.602).

Conclusions

Identifying and examining factors that influence hospitalization expenses for CD patients can help to control healthcare expenditures. Treatment mode was the most important impact on CD hospitalization expenses. Medical security departments can consider implement personalized and precise hospitalization expense compensation scheme base on LASSO-LMM prediction model in the future.
Mind the gap: Identifying training needs of community health workers to address mental health in U.S. Latino communities during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Garcini Luz M. , Kanzler Kathryn E. , Daly Ryan , Abraham Cristina , Hernandez Ludivina , Romero Raquel , Rosenfeld Jason
Published: September 2022

Addressing mental health is an important part of the COVID-19 response among historically underserved communities, which have been disproportionately affected. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are well placed to offer insights about barriers to mental health service use in their communities, and they are well positioned to address mental health gaps by providing education, resources, and assistance to bridging the gap for the use of more traditional mental health services. Using the perspectives of CHWs, this project identified barriers faced by CHWs in assisting community members with their mental health needs, along with relevant training needs to more effectively deliver mental health resources, referrals, and recommendations to community members. Survey data along with data from focus groups were collected among 43 CHWs in communities that have been historically underserved near the U.S.-Mexico border region. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics whereas qualitative data were analyzed through systematic methods. Identified barriers to assisting community members with their mental health needs exist at the personal, community, environmental and organizational levels, and ranged from fear and mistrust to limited services, resources, funding and training opportunities. To help address the aforementioned barriers and facilitate access to mental health service use in their communities, CHWs identified and described opportunities for training in core areas including communication, mental illness symptom identification, trauma, self-care and stress reduction, and cultural awareness and sensitivity. Needs-based training programs that incorporate the insights of CHWs are a crucial part of promoting community-based mental health to address existing mental health disparities in access to and use of mental health services.
Understanding the implementation of the holiday activities and food programme in the North East of England using normalization process theory
Authors: Defeyter Margaret Anne , Finch Tracy , Crilley Eilish Samantha , Shinwell Jackie , Mann Emily
Published: September 2022

Following several pilot projects, in 2020, the Department for Education (DfE) in England committed funding of £220M p. a to its Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to support all 153 upper-tier local authorities, comprising City Councils, County Councils and Metropolitan Borough Councils, to provide an activity and food programme for children who are in receipt of means-tested free school meals. In this study, qualitative interviews were conducted with representatives from three Local Authorities in the North East of England who were responsible for overseeing the implementation and delivery of HAF programmes in their Local Authority area to examine how the summer HAF programme was implemented during summer 2021. Interviews were conducted with eight participants prior to the implementation of the HAF programme, and four interviews were conducted after the programme had been delivered. Using a directed content analysis approach, an interpretative framework was co-developed, based on the four constructs (and selected sub-constructs) of Normalization Process Theory. This framework guided data coding. The analysis aimed to identify and understand the barriers and opportunities in relation to HAF implementation within local authorities. Participants did not perceive HAF as a totally new initiative as many had either commissioned or delivered holiday clubs in the past. However, the increased scale and scope of HAF was perceived as highly complex, involving multiple local authority departments and stakeholders. Nonetheless, HAF funding enabled local authorities to improve the quality and reach of their holiday programmes. Strong networks and good communication between all stakeholders supported successful delivery, despite tight delivery timescales. However, the rigidity of some of the DfE guidance was a barrier for some providers, particularly the recommended delivery model of 4 h a day, 4 days a week for 4 weeks, with many individual holiday clubs struggling to meet this level of delivery, and local authority leads interpreting the guidance at a club level rather than an individual child access level. Furthermore, participants considered the HAF eligibility criteria too restrictive. Many councils were developing long-term plans for HAF delivery, integrated into planning across several departments, and all local authorities were actively seeking ways to engage with and embed HAF within local communities.
Association between urinary metals and leukocyte telomere length involving an artificial neural network prediction: Findings based on NHANES 1999–2002
Authors: Xia Fang , Li Qingwen , Luo Xin , Wu Jinyi
Published: September 2022

Objective

Leukocytes telomere length (LTL) was reported to be associated with cellular aging and aging related disease. Urine metal also might accelerate the development of aging related disease. We aimed to analyze the association between LTL and urinary metals.

Methods

In this research, we screened all cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset, and download the eligible dataset in NHANES 1999–2002 containing demographic, disease history, eight urine metal, and LTL. The analysis in this research had three steps including baseline difference comparison, multiple linear regression (MLR) for hazardous urine metals, and artificial neural network (ANN, based on Tensorflow framework) to make LTL prediction.

Results

The MLR results showed that urinary cadmium (Cd) was negatively correlated with LTL in the USA population [third quantile: −9.36, 95% confidential interval (CI) = (−19.7, −2.32)], and in the elderly urinary molybdenum (Mo) was positively associated with LTL [third quantile: 24.37, 95%CI = (5.42, 63.55)]. An ANN model was constructed, which had 24 neurons, 0.375 exit rate in the first layer, 15 neurons with 0.53 exit rate in the second layer, and 7 neurons with 0.86 exit rate in the third layer. The squared error loss (LOSS) and mean absolute error (MAE) in the ANN model were 0.054 and 0.181, respectively, which showed a low error rate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in adults especially the elderly, the relationships between urinary Cd and Mo might be worthy of further research. An accurate prediction model based on ANN could be further analyzed.
Effect of inactivated COVID-19 vaccination on intrauterine insemination cycle success: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Zijin , Wu Yixuan , Lin Yanshan , Cao Mingzhu , Liang Zhu , Li Lei , Lin Jiali , Chen Qian , Liu Jianqiao , Liu Haiying
Published: September 2022

Background

Vaccine hesitancy was found in couples seeking artificial reproductive technology (ART) services. As the main vaccine used in China, investigations into the influence of inactivated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines on human fertility is needed.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included data on COVID-19 vaccination, clinical characteristics, and reproductive outcome of 1,000 intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles in 653 couples from March 2021 to March 2022 in a single university hospital-based center for reproductive medicine. The IUI cycles were divided into two categories based on sperm source, including 725 cycles in 492 women undergoing artificial insemination with their husband's sperm (AIH) and 275 cycles in 161 women undergoing artificial insemination with donor sperm (AID). Women were then divided into two groups. The vaccine exposed group included women vaccinated prior to insemination and the unexposed group included women who were not vaccinated or vaccinated after insemination. Reproductive outcomes including ongoing pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate were assessed.

Results

Inactivated COVID-19 vaccinated women prior to intrauterine insemination in AIH cycles have comparable ongoing pregnancy rate (11.1 vs. 10.3%, P = 0.73), clinical pregnancy rate (12.5 vs. 11.3%, P = 0.60) as compared with unvaccinated counterparts. Similarly, there were no significant differences in ongoing pregnancy rate (20.9 vs. 28.1%, P = 0.17), clinical pregnancy rate (21.7 vs. 28.8%, P = 0.19) between vaccine exposed and unexposed groups in AID cycles. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that inactivated COVID-19 vaccination status cannot independently influence the reproductive outcomes of AIH and AID cycles. Subgroup analysis of vaccine exposed cycles showed that doses of vaccination and Interval between the last dose of vaccination and insemination have no influence on the reproductive outcomes of AIH cycles.

Conclusions

No negative effects were found on female fertility in IUI cycles following exposure to the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. These findings indirectly reflect the safety of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine toward reproductive health and help to mitigate vaccine hesitancy among people planning to conceive.
Prediction models and associated factors on the fertility behaviors of the floating population in China
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxia , Zhu Zhixin , Gu Lanfang , Chen Liang , Zhan Yancen , Li Xiuyang , Huang Cheng , Xu Jiangang , Li Jie
Published: September 2022

The floating population has been growing rapidly in China, and their fertility behaviors do affect urban management and development. Based on the data set of the China Migrants Dynamic Survey in 2016, the logistic regression model and multiple linear regression model were used to explore the related factors of fertility behaviors among the floating populace. The artificial neural network model, the naive Bayes model, and the logistic regression model were used for prediction. The findings showed that age, gender, ethnic, household registration, education level, occupation, duration of residence, scope of migration, housing, economic conditions, and health services all affected the reproductive behavior of the floating population. Among them, the improvement duration of post-migration residence and family economic conditions positively impacted their fertility behavior. Non-agricultural new industry workers with college degrees or above living in first-tier cities were less likely to have children and more likely to delay childbearing. Among the prediction models, both the artificial neural network model and logistic regression model had better prediction effects. Improving the employment and income of new industry workers, and introducing preferential housing policies might improve their probability of bearing children. The artificial neural network and logistic regression model could predict individual fertility behavior and provide a scientific basis for the urban population management.
Association between blood lead levels and hyperlipidemiais: Results from the NHANES (1999–2018)
Authors: Zhang Yangchang , Liu Weiwei , Zhang Wei , Cheng Rui , Tan Andi , Shen Shisi , Xiong Yang , Zhao Limei , Lei Xun
Published: September 2022

Background

Research on the association between blood lead (Pb) and lipid biomarkers have yielded inconsistent results, and epidemiological studies on blood Pb levels and hyperlipidemia are scarce. The present study aimed to examine the association between blood Pb levels and hyperlipidemia in adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

A total of 43,196 participants in the NHANES from 1999 to 2018 were included in the final analysis. Hyperlipidemia was determined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines. Blood Pb levels were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to determine the correlation between blood Pb levels and hyperlipidemia.

Results

In the multivariable logistic regression model, high blood Pb levels were significantly associated with hyperlipidemia after adjusting for confounders (OR 1.41; 95%CI: 1.18–1.67). Furthermore, elevated blood Pb levels were associated with an increased risk of hyperlipidemia across the four quartile (Q) groups (Q1: OR 1.00; Q2: OR 1.16 [95%CI: 1.04–1.29]; Q3: OR 1.39 [95%CI: 1.21–1.59]; and Q4: OR 1.33 [95%CI: 1.15–1.54]; P for trend <0.05). Significant moderating effects were found in the subgroup analysis stratified by age, education, hypertension, and diabetes (P < 0.05). In sensitivity analysis, the ORs for hyperlipidemia across the quartiles of blood Pb levels were 1.00, 1.17 (95%CI: 1.05–1.30), 1.42 (95%CI: 1.24–1.62), and 1.38 (95%CI: 1.19–1.60) for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively (P for trend <0.001) after removing adults with arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and the ORs were 1.00, 1.13 (95%CI: 1.01–1.25), 1.38 (95%CI: 1.21–1.56), and 1.32 (95%CI: 1.16–1.52) for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively (P for trend <0.001) after including pregnant women.

Conclusion

The current study showed a positive association between blood lead levels and hyperlipidemia.
Gender-inclusive business models in livestock value chains in low- and middle-income countries: What can we learn from the literature?
Authors: Baltenweck Isabelle , Ouma Emily Awuor , Nagujja Janet
Published: September 2022

Gender inequality is one of the key challenges of the twentyfirst century. Gender equality is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and getting a more equal society is increasingly seen as supporting the achievement of the other SDGs. At the same time, the question remains: how to support gender equality in practice? This paper looks at gender-inclusive business models in the livestock sector. Such models can contribute to women's economic empowerment (an intermediate indicator toward gender equality) directly by addressing barriers to women's participation in livestock markets, or indirectly by involving them as implicit beneficiaries where such businesses provide services or products in circumstances where women face constraints such as poor access to inputs. A review of the literature was conducted to assess inclusive business models that are successful in increasing women's participation in livestock or livestock products marketing and its associated benefits and outcomes, focusing on low- and middle-income countries. The review included peer-reviewed publications, gray literature, and websites from non-government organizations that implement inclusive business models. A literature search was conducted using Google scholar and Research4Life databases for publications since 2010. Websites from development and international organizations implementing inclusive business models were also searched. Data from included records were extracted according to a pre-defined extraction form. A total of 29 studies were included. Results from the review show scarcity of literature and lack of research rigor in the few studies that document outcomes associated with inclusive business models. The few studies on gender-inclusive business models are mainly on collective action and contract farming to support women and men farmers to access markets, inputs, and services. Tangible benefits for women involved are reported, including women empowerment and change in gender norms to some extent.
Upscaling point-scale soil hydraulic properties for application in a catchment model using Bayesian calibration: An application in two agricultural regions of New Zealand
Authors: Rajanayaka Channa , Woodward Simon J. R. , Lilburne Linda , Carrick Sam , Griffiths James , Srinivasan M. S. , Zammit Christian , Fernández-Gálvez Jesús
Published: September 2022

Hydrological modeling for landscape and catchment scale applications requires upscaling of soil hydraulic parameters which are generally only available at point scale. We present a case study where hourly root zone soil water content and drainage observations from nine flat, pastoral sites (Waikato and Canterbury regions in New Zealand) were used to develop an upscaling approach to parameterize the soil water balance module of the TopNet catchment model, based on scaling multi-layer soil profile information from the national soil data base, S-map, to the single-layer soil profile used in TopNet. Using a Bayesian calibration approach, the hydraulic behavioral parameters of TopNet's soil water balance module were identified. Of the eleven calibration parameters considered three were found to be insensitive to data (stress point, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rate); three were correlated and could be determined from specific soil water content observations (wilting point, field capacity and drainable water); and five were correlated and could be determined from combined specific soil water content and drainage observations (drainage rate, saturated hydraulic conductivity profile, effective soil depth, soil water holding capacity and wetting front suction). Based on the eight correlated parameters, upscaling functions were then developed to derive suitable model parameters from S-map-hydro for each site. The validity of the upscaling functions was verified at each site. The approach used in this research can be used to parameterize the TopNet model at other similar locations, and also provides a transferable framework to parameterize other catchment-scale hydrology models where point-scale soil hydraulic data available.
Bacterial bioinoculants adapted for sustainable plant health and soil fertility enhancement in Namibia
Authors: Mataranyika Paidamoyo N. , Chimwamurombe Percy M. , Venturi Vittorio , Uzabakiriho Jean D.
Published: September 2022

The increase in dryland agriculture elicits the need to develop sustainable practices that improve crop yield and protect soil fertility. The use of biofertilisers adapted to nutrient deficient soils and arid climates would help achieve this. In this review, the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria is explored as a possible solution to the current state of dryland agriculture and climate change threats to agriculture. Plant microbe interactions form the basis of this review as evidence has shown that these interactions often exist to improve the health of plants. This is achieved by the production of important biochemicals and enzymes like indole acetic acid and amino cyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase while also actively protecting plants from pathogens including fungal pathogens. Research, therefore, has shown that these plant-growth promoting bacteria may be exploited and developed into biofertilisers. These biofertilisers are both economically and environmentally sustainable while improving soil quality and crop yield. The literature presented in this review is in context of the Namibian climate and soil profiles.
The vulnerability of a centralized food system: An opportunity to improve food security in times of COVID-19-Peru perspective
Authors: Tirado-Kulieva Vicente Amirpasha , Miranda-Zamora William Rolando , Hernández-Martínez Ernesto , Choque-Rivera Tania Jakeline , Luque-Vilca Olivia Magaly
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 has had a strong impact on the food supply chain (FSC) in many countries. The objective of this study was to determine the vulnerability of the FSC in a developing country, namely Peru. The main weakness of the FSC is its centralization, and COVID-19 aggravated this deficit in Peru. This prevents its stability on a large scale, especially in rural areas, which suffer from food and nutritional insecurity. In spite of this, the food system was stabilized due to agricultural, livestock and fishing potential of Peru. In addition, the efforts of local producers and informal vendors helped to maintain the availability of food throughout the country. Several examples of short (and decentralized) FSC were described, highlighting their importance for supplying the population in different areas of the country. In addition, they allow for rapid resolution of interruptions such as the current health crisis. Also mentioned are some suggestions for strengthening Peru's FSC such as the use of new technologies, self-production of food and the exploitation of non-conventional food sources. Emphasis is placed on the importance of environmental sustainability of the FSC and of implementing strategies to prevent illness among workers. This study aims to reflect on the importance of having a resilient and flexible FSC. Taking Peru as a model, the information provided is useful to understand how to improve the food system through the intervention of all the agents involved, such as government, academia, industry and the population.
The endoscopic prediction model of simple endoscopic score for Crohn’s disease (SES-CD) as an effective predictor of intestinal obstruction in Crohn’s disease: A multicenter long-term follow-up study
Authors: Xu Weimin , Hua Zhebin , Wang Yaosheng , Gu Yubei , Zhong Jie , Cui Long , Du Peng
Published: September 2022

Background

The simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD) is a widely used index to evaluate clinical and endoscopic activity. However, the association and predictive value of SES-CD for intestinal obstruction in Crohn's disease (CD) remains unclear. We aimed to establish the best cut-off indicators of SES-CD for early clinical intervention and subsequent prevention of intestinal obstruction in CD.

Methods

Data on patients with CD evaluated at our institute from January 2016 to January 2022 were retrospectively collected. The SES-CD and Crohn's Disease Activity Index scores used in the analysis indicated the results of the first clinical and colonoscopy evaluations after hospitalization. The primary outcome was the occurrence of intestinal obstruction during admission and follow-up.

Results

A total of 248 patients with a median follow-up time of 2 years [interquartile range: 1.0–4.0] were enrolled, of which 28.2% developed intestinal obstruction. An SES-CD score of 8 was the most significant threshold evaluation, and SES-CD ≥8 had the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.705), with a sensitivity of 52.9% and specificity of 88.2% in predicting intestinal obstruction. Furthermore, SES-CD ≥8 had the greatest risk factor for intestinal obstruction (odds ratio: 7.731; 95% confidence interval: 3.901–15.322; p < 0.001) and significantly decreased the overall intestinal obstruction-free survival (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The SES-CD endoscopic prediction model could be an effective predictor of intestinal obstruction in patients with CD. More frequent follow-up and colonoscopic surveillance should be considered in patients with SES-CD score ≥8 to prevent the development of intestinal obstruction.
Oncological outcomes of rectal cancer patients with anastomotic leakage: A multicenter case-control study
Authors: Peltrini Roberto , Carannante Filippo , Costa Gianluca , Bianco Gianfranco , Garbarino Giovanni Maria , Canali Giulia , Mercantini Paolo , Bracale Umberto , Corcione Francesco , Caricato Marco , Capolupo Gabriella Teresa
Published: September 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of anastomotic leakage (AL) on oncological outcomes after restorative rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent anterior resection for rectal adenocarcinoma between January 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected from three colorectal surgery centers. Patients with grade B and C leaks according to the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer classification were identified and compared with the control group. Estimated recurrence and survival rates were compared using the log-rank method and Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 367 patients were included in the study, with a mean follow-up of 59.21 months. AL occurred in 64 patients (17.4%). Fifteen patients with AL (23.5%) developed local recurrence (LR) compared to 17 (4.8%) in the control group (p < 0.001). However, distant recurrence rates were similar (10.9% vs. 9.6%; p = 0.914) between the groups. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with AL had a reduced 5-years local recurrence-free survival (96% vs. 78%, log-rank p < 0.001). AL (OR 4.576; 95% CI, 2.046–10.237; p < 0.001) and node involvement (OR 2.911; 95% CI, 1.240–6.835; p = 0.014) were significantly associated with LR in multivariate analysis. AL was significantly associated with DFS only at univariate analysis (HR 1.654; 95% CI: 1.024–2.672; p = 0.037), with a difference between 5-year DFS of patients with and without AL (71.6% vs. 86.4%, log-rank p = 0.04). Only male gender, pT3-4 stage, and node involvement were identified as independent prognostic factors for reduced DFS in the multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion

In this cohort of patients, AL was associated with a significant risk of LR after rectal cancer surgery.
Vaccination with recombinant Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoite-formation deficient 1 (rTgBFD1) antigen provides partial protective immunity against chronic T. gondii infection
Authors: Tian Xiaowei , Yang Zhenke , Wan Guangmin , Xie Tong , Wang Meng , Sun Hanqi , Mei Xuefang , Zhang Zhenchao , Li Xiangrui , Wang Shuai
Published: September 2022

As an apicomplexan pathogen,Toxoplasma gondiistill remains a major threat to public health and requires special attention. In fact, positive attempts to identify more effective antigens to provide protection are important to control toxoplasmosis. Latest scientific advances inT. gondiistudy hint at the probability of theT. gondiibradyzoite-formation deficient 1 (TgBFD1) as an ideal vaccine candidate, since this molecule plays a critical role in regulating the chronic infection ofT. gondii. Thus, BALB/c mouse models of acute and chronicT. gondiiinfections were used to evaluate the TgBFD1 protection efficacy in this study. Before conducting animal trials, antigen analysis of TgBFD1 was performed using DNAstar software and Western blots. The preliminary results suggested that TgBFD1 should be a potent immunogen. Then, this conclusion is confirmed by ELISA assays. After immunization with rTgBFD1, high levels of specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and cytokines (Interferon γ and interleukin 10) were observed, indicating that TgBFD1 could induce strong protective antibody responses. While TgBFD1-specific IgG antibodies were measurable in vaccinated mice, no protection was observed in the acuteT. gondiiinfection (RH strain) assay. However, a noticeable decrease in brain cysts counts of immunized mice compared with negative controls in the latentT. gondiiinfection (PRU strain) assay was observed. Taken together, these results indicated that rTgBFD1 had the remarkable ability to elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses and could provide partial protective immunity against chronicT. gondiiinfection.
COX-2 expression in mammary invasive micropapillary carcinoma is associated with prognostic factors and acts as a potential therapeutic target in comparative oncology
Authors: Vieira Thaynan Cunha , Oliveira Evelyn Ane , Santos Bárbara Jaime dos , Souza Fernanda Rezende , Veloso Emerson Soares , Nunes Cristiana Buzelin , Del Puerto Helen Lima , Cassali Geovanni Dantas
Published: September 2022

Pure human and canine mammary invasive micropapillary carcinoma is a rare malignant epithelial tumor accounting for 0.9 to 2% of all invasive mammary carcinomas and present a high rate of lymphatic invasion and metastasis, with unfavorable prognosis. Surgery and chemotherapy are standard treatments for almost all mammary cancer in both species, as well as hormonal and target therapies available for human patients. However, depending on the patient's clinical staging, satisfactory therapeutic results for invasive micropapillary carcinoma are a challenge due to its high capacity of invasion and metastasis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) isoform is an important enzyme stimulated by cytokines, growth factors and oncogenes activation to synthetizes prostaglandins in inflammatory process. COX-2 overexpression is associated with angiogenesis and invasion and contributes to cancer development, disease progression, tumor recurrence and regional lymph node metastasis in human and canine mammary carcinomas. This enzyme can be targeted by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and its inhibition can reduce tumor growth and metastasis in several cancer types. Given the similarity between both species, the present study aims to elucidate the involvement of COX-2 mRNA and protein expression in canine (cIMPC) and human (hIMPC) pure invasive mammary micropapillary carcinoma, with clinicopathological and survival data. Twenty-nine cases of cIMPC and 17 cases of hIMPC were analyzed regarding histologic type, grade, age, tumor size, lymph node condition, extracapsular extension, inflammatory infiltrate and immunophenotype. When available, information on adjuvant treatment, recurrence, metastasis and overall survival were collected. The present study demonstrated COX-2 protein expression in 65.5% of cIMPC and 92.3% of hIMPC, and an association with more advanced histological grades in bitches and higher Ki67 in women. COX-2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in cIMPC than in hIMPC, and its expression was not associated with COX-2 protein expression in both species. COX-2 mRNA expression was associated with negative-ER hIMPC as well as higher Ki67. cIMPC demonstrated proportional early development, more regional metastasis, and a prevalence of negative estrogen receptor, than hIMPC. This is the first time COX-2 expression is associated with negative prognostic factors in both cIMPC and hIMPC, besides the overexpression of COX-2 protein in such unfavorable histological type, which suggests that COX-2 can act as a potential target in IMPC.
A mini-review of the effects of inhalational and intravenous anesthetics on oxidative stress in dogs
Authors: Tomsič Katerina , Nemec Svete Alenka
Published: September 2022

General anesthesia increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can exacerbate or increase oxidative stress and thus affect the prognosis of surgical procedures. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular, dermatologic, oncologic, and other diseases in dogs, as well as ischemia and reperfusion injury. Some anesthetics, such as halogenated anesthetics, have been shown to stimulate the production of ROS, while others, such as propofol, have antioxidant properties. However, the antioxidant effects of these anesthetics may not be sufficient to counteract oxidative damage at the doses used clinically. Nevertheless, the effects of anesthetics should be considered to minimize oxidative damage during anesthesia in dogs to improve the outcome of procedures requiring general anesthesia. This mini-review addresses the current knowledge on oxidative stress during inhalational and intravenous anesthesia in dogs. There is still a lack of information on the management of anesthesia in dogs with respect to oxidative stress. Further research, including comprehensive clinical studies is needed to better understand oxidative injury mechanisms and improve perioperative protocols during anesthesia in dogs.
Survival After Simultaneous Pancreas‐Kidney Transplantation in Type 1 Diabetes: The Critical Role of Early Pancreas Allograft Function
Authors: Ji Mengmeng , Wang Mei , Hu Wenjun , Ibrahim Mohamed , Lentine Krista L. , Merzkani Massini , Murad Haris , Al-Hosni Yazen , Parsons Ronald , Wellen Jason , Chang Su-Hsin , Alhamad Tarek
Published: September 2022

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) carries about a 7%–22% risk of technical failure, but the impact of early pancreas allograft loss on subsequent kidney graft and patient survival is not well-defined. We examined national transplant registry data for type 1 diabetic patients who received SPK between 2000 and 2021. Associations of transplant type (i.e., SPK, deceased‐donor kidney transplant [DDKA], living‐donor kidney transplant [LDKA]) with kidney graft failure and patient survival were estimated by multivariable inverse probability of treatment-weighted accelerated failure-time models. Compared to SPK recipients with a functioning pancreas graft 3 months posttransplant (SPK,P+), LDKA had 18% (Time Ratio [TR] 0.82, 95%CI: 0.70–0.95) less graft survival time and 18% (TR 0.82, 95%CI: 0.68–0.97) less patient survival time, DDKA had 23% (TR 0.77, 95%CI: 0.68–0.87) less graft survival time and 29% (TR 0.71, 95%CI: 0.62–0.81) less patient survival time, and SPK with early pancreas graft loss had 34% (TR 0.66, 95%CI: 0.56–0.78) less graft survival time and 34% (TR 0.66, 95%CI: 0.55–0.79) less patient survival time. In conclusion, SPK,P+ recipients have better kidney allograft and patient survival compared with LDKA and DDKA. Early pancreas graft failure results in inferior kidney and patient survival time compared to kidney transplant alone.
A Study on the Effect of a Regular Exercise Habit on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: You Jungwan
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise habits and types on the HRQOL of adults with CP, based on the fact that regular exercise habits, such as exercise, physical activity, etc., during leisure time have a positive effect on the improvement of HRQOL. A total of 215 adults (164 Men and 51 Women; 50 Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level I, 116 Level II, 24 Level III, and 25 Level IV) with CP but ambulant were recruited for this study. The mean (± SD) age of the subjects was 35.74 ± 9.65 years. They were evaluated using Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–36 (SF-36), the world’s most popular questionnaire for measuring health status, which is used widely in research targeting all healthy and elderly individuals with disabilities and is also used for the evaluation of HRQOL. SF-36 includes 8 subscales with 36 questions. In addition, in order to investigate further into exercise habits and types, four more detailed questions were asked: presence of exercise habits at least once a week; duration of exercise in adults who have exercise habits with CP; weekly exercise frequency; time of a single exercise session. The following are the results of the analysis of variance to confirm the difference in HRQOL depending on the presence of exercise habits in adults with CP. A significant difference was found in all items, except for the BP item, among the subscales of the HRQOL (p < 0.01), with higher values observed for those with exercise habits compared with those with no exercise habits. A significant difference was found in all items, except for BP, among the subscales of HRQOL (p < 0.01). Additionally, a positive (+) correlation was found in RP, VT, RE, MH, and MCS (p < 0.05) in terms of exercise duration in adults who have exercise habits with CP. In addition, a negative (−) correlation was found in SF, RE, and MCS (p < 0.05) in terms of the weekly exercise frequency. However, no significant correlation was found in all subscales of HRQOL in terms of the time of a single exercise session. In conclusion, it has become clear from adults with CP that engaging in regular exercise at least once a week has a positive effect on improving all subscales of HRQOL except for BP. Efforts by individuals, groups, and families all need to be made in order for adults with CP to have regular exercise habits to improve their HRQOL.
Chemical Characterization for the Detection of Impurities in Tainted and Natural Curcuma longa from India Using LIBS Coupled with PCA
Authors: Kumar Tejmani , Rai Abhishek Kumar , Dwivedi Abhishek , Kumar Rohit , Azam Mohammad , Singh Vinti , Yadav Neelam , Rai Awadhesh Kumar
Published: September 2022

The present manuscript explores a spectroscopic technique to select turmeric powder, free from impurities, and has compounds of medicinal importance among the tainted and natural turmeric. Six Curcuma longa (turmeric powder) samples, named S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6, were analyzed to discriminate between tainted and natural turmeric using the LIBS and multivariate technique. Other techniques such as UV–Vis, FTIR, and EDX are also used to ascertain the elements/compounds showing the medicinal properties of C. longa. Spectral lines of carbon, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, strontium, barium, and electronic bands of CN molecules were observed in the LIBS spectra of turmeric samples. Spectral signatures of toxic elements such as lead and chromium are also observed in the LIBS spectra of all samples except S6. Adulteration of metanil yellow, a toxic azo dye, is used to increase the appearance of curcumin when the actual curcumin content is low. The presence of spectral lines of lead and chromium in the LIBS spectra of S1 to S5 suggested that it may be adulterated with lead chromate which is used for coloring turmeric. Further, the presence of sulfur in EDX analysis of sample S5 indicates that it may also have been adulterated with metanil (C18H14N3NaO3S). The concentration of samples’ constituents was evaluated using CF-LIBS, and EDX was used to verify the results obtained by CF-LIBS. The principal component analysis applied to the LIBS data of the turmeric samples has been used for instant discrimination between the sample based on their constituents. We also analyzed antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid content of different turmeric samples and found a negative Pearson correlation with heavy metals. The presence of curcumin in turmeric is confirmed using LIBS and UV–Vis, which have medicinal properties.
Reconstruction of Oronasal Fistula with Tongue Flap: A Cleft Palate Report
Authors: Vale Francisco , Pereira Flávia , Saraiva José , Carrilho Eunice , Prata Ribeiro Madalena , Marques Filipa , Travassos Raquel , Nunes Catarina , Paula Anabela Baptista , Francisco Inês
Published: September 2022

Oronasal fistula can persist after conventional secondary alveolar bone graft surgery, which may lead to functional issues, such as regurgitation of fluids from the oral to the nasal cavity. This manuscript describes a clinical case of a patient with a bilateral cleft lip and palate that underwent tongue graft surgery for closure of an oronasal fistula after three failed local mucosa flap surgeries. The multidisciplinary treatment was comprised of orthodontic treatment, mucosa and alveolar grafts for palate closure and aesthetic rehabilitation of the anterior maxillary teeth. Smile aesthetics were noticeably improved, enhancing the patient’s self-perception and confidence.
Biomechanics of Pulmonary Autograft as Living Tissue: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nappi Francesco , Avtaar Singh Sanjeet Singh
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The choice of valve substitute for aortic valve surgery is tailored to the patient with specific indications and contraindications to consider. The use of an autologous pulmonary artery (PA) with a simultaneous homograft in the pulmonary position is called a Ross procedure. It permits somatic growth and the avoidance of lifelong anticoagulation. Concerns remain on the functionality of a pulmonary autograft in the aortic position when exposed to systemic pressure. Methods: A literature review was performed incorporating the following databases: Pub Med (1996 to present), Ovid Medline (1958 to present), and Ovid Embase (1982 to present), which was run on 1 January 2022 with the following targeted words: biomechanics of pulmonary autograft, biomechanics of Ross operation, aortic valve replacement and pulmonary autograph, aortic valve replacement and Ross procedure. To address the issues with heterogeneity, studies involving the pediatric cohort were also analyzed separately. The outcomes measured were early- and late-graft failure alongside mortality. Results: a total of 8468 patients were included based on 40 studies (7796 in pediatric cohort and young adult series and 672 in pediatric series). There was considerable experience accumulated by various institutions around the world. Late rates of biomechanical failure and mortality were low and comparable to the general population. The biomechanical properties of the PA were superior to other valve substitutes. Mathematical and finite element analysis studies have shown the potential stress-shielding effects of the PA root. Conclusion: The Ross procedure has excellent durability and longevity in clinical and biomechanical studies. The use of external reinforcements such as semi-resorbable scaffolds may further extend their longevity.
The NF-κB Pharmacopeia: Novel Strategies to Subdue an Intractable Target
Authors: Verzella Daniela , Cornice Jessica , Arboretto Paola , Vecchiotti Davide , Di Vito Nolfi Mauro , Capece Daria , Zazzeroni Francesca , Franzoso Guido
Published: September 2022

NF-κB transcription factors are major drivers of tumor initiation and progression. NF-κB signaling is constitutively activated by genetic alterations or environmental signals in many human cancers, where it contributes to almost all hallmarks of malignancy, including sustained proliferation, cell death resistance, tumor-promoting inflammation, metabolic reprogramming, tissue invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. As such, the NF-κB pathway is an attractive therapeutic target in a broad range of human cancers, as well as in numerous non-malignant diseases. Currently, however, there is no clinically useful NF-κB inhibitor to treat oncological patients, owing to the preclusive, on-target toxicities of systemic NF-κB blockade. In this review, we discuss the principal and most promising strategies being developed to circumvent the inherent limitations of conventional IκB kinase (IKK)/NF-κB-targeting drugs, focusing on new molecules that target upstream regulators or downstream effectors of oncogenic NF-κB signaling, as well as agents targeting individual NF-κB subunits.
Sprouting and Hydrolysis as Biotechnological Tools for Development of Nutraceutical Ingredients from Oat Grain and Hull
Authors: Jiménez-Pulido Iván Jesús , Rico Daniel , Martinez-Villaluenga Cristina , Pérez-Jiménez Jara , Luis Daniel De , Martín-Diana Ana Belén
Published: September 2022

Oat consumption has increased during the last decade because of the health benefits associated with its soluble dietary fiber (β-glucan), functional proteins, lipids, and the presence of specific phytochemicals, such as avenanthramides. Oat is consumed mainly as whole grain, and the hull (seed coat), comprising 25–35% of the entire grain, is removed, generating a large amount of waste/by-product from the milling industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of biotechnological strategies, such as sprouting for oat grain (OG) and hydrolysis for oat hull (OH), to enhance antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and lower the glycemic index (GI). Sprouting produced significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in free (32.10 to 76.62 mg GAE (100 g)−1) and bound phenols (60.45 to 124.36 mg GAE (100 g)−1), increasing significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the avenanthramide (2c, 2p and 2f) soluble phenolic alkaloid content and anti-inflammatory properties of OG. On the other hand, the hydrolysis of OH using Viscoferm (EH2-OH) and Ultraflo XL (EH21-OH) increased by 4.5 and 5-fold the release of bound phenols, respectively; meanwhile, the use of Viscoferm increased the 4.55-fold soluble β-glucan content in OH, reaching values close to those of OG (4.04 vs. 4.46 g (100 g)−1). The study shows the potential of both strategies to enhance the nutritional and bioactive properties of OG and OH and describes these processes as feasible for the industry to obtain an ingredient with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Single or combined biotechnological tools can be used on oat grains and hulls to provide nutraceutical ingredients.
Processing of Calcium Magnesium Silicates by the Sol–Gel Route
Authors: Alecu Andrada-Elena , Costea Claudiu-Constantin , Surdu Vasile-Adrian , Voicu Georgeta , Jinga Sorin-Ion , Busuioc Cristina
Published: September 2022

In this work, calcium magnesium silicate ceramics were processed through the sol–gel method in order to study the crystalline and morphological properties of the resulting materials in correlation with the compositional and thermal parameters. Tetraethyl orthosilicate and calcium/magnesium nitrates were employed as sources of cations, in ratios specific to diopside, akermanite and merwinite; they were further subjected to gelation, calcination (600 °C) and thermal treatments at different temperatures (800, 1000 and 1300 °C). The properties of the intermediate and final materials were investigated by thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. Such ceramics represent suitable candidates for tissue engineering applications that require porosity and bioactivity.
Acoustic Source Characterization of Marine Propulsors
Authors: Tanttari Jukka , Hynninen Antti
Published: September 2022

Marine propulsors represent one of the most important contributors among anthropogenic sounds radiated into water. Blade based propulsors, e.g., propellers, generate tones at the blade passing frequency and its harmonics, especially in cavitating conditions. In addition to hydrodynamic noise, pressure fluctuations cause vibrations in ship hull leading to mechanical noise. For noise prediction purposes, it is highly beneficial to characterize the noise sources as simplified, complex valued arrays having information on source positions, source strengths and phases. In this paper, procedure to characterize marine propulsors as acoustic sources with inverse method is introduced. First, the numerical model with complete hydro-acoustic sources is investigated. Second, a source model composed of sensible number and distribution of elementary (“equivalent”) compact sources is specified. Then selected responses are used as input in source characterization with inverse method. Finally, the model with equivalent sources is solved and the results are validated by comparison against the results from the complete simulation model. The introduced acoustic source characterization procedure of marine propulsors is applicable also for the responses determined experimentally, e.g., in a cavitation tunnel when the pressure transducer array is determined appropriately.