bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What dress code do we teach students and residents?: A survey of patients' and their families' preferences regarding physicians' appearance
Authors: Goto Michiko , Sakamoto Ryota , Wakabayashi Hideki , Takemura Yousuke
Published: March 2022

Background: From the late 1960s, physician's appearance has been actively studied in the West, and until the early twenty-first century, patients tended to prefer “formal dress” attire along with white coats for physicians. However, people’s attitudes today toward dress code has not been clarified while it may have changed.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of dress codes from the patient’s perspective to suggest the future of dress codes.Methods: Outpatients and their families in a university hospital and small-to medium-sized hospital were surveyed. We inquired which of the different styles of white coats and different colors of scrubs were most desirable for male and female physicians. We used Scheffet’s pair-comparison method to show the rankings.Results: Patients and their families expected their physicians to wear white coats rather than scrubs. Furthermore, the more traditional and formal dress code was preferred. The least preferred color of scrubs was yellow.Conclusion: The study found that patient’s preference for a traditional, conservative appearance has not changed over time. It did not match today's perspective on infection prevention. Although, both perspectives, patient preferences and infection prevention are important for education and gaining patient trust.
Optimizing Kinetics of Anionic Redox Reaction in Cathode Material by Distinct 4d Transition-metal Substitution
Authors: Dai Kehua , Zhao Beibei , Shao Weiwei , Zhang Wenjuan , mao jing , Wu Jinpeng , Zhuo Zengqing , Zhang Liang , Li Ning , Tong Wei , Liu Gao , Yang Wanli
Published: March 2022

Anionic redox reactions (ARR) offer significant opportunities for developing high-energy-density batteries. However, suffering from the sluggish anionic kinetics, the concept meets serious challenges on practical application. Recently, the interplay between cationic and anionic redox processes on kinetics is revealed and the mixed cationic/anionic redox process shows faster kinetics. In this work, we further find that stronger TM(4d)–O(2p) (e. g. Ru–O) hybridization improves the kinetics of independent ARR. The redox reactions of Na2/3Mg1/3Mn1/2Ru1/6O2 (NMMR) and their evolution of Ru, Mn, and O during charging and discharging is studied in detail. The O and TM redox process in initial cycle are distinguished. Then, the different influence on kinetics in ARR and TM redox stages by Ru substitution is unraveled. The significantly improved Na+ diffusion coefficient in NMMR indicates stronger TM(4d)–O(2p) (Ru–O) hybridization does optimize the kinetics of ARR.
Drug Treatment Courts and Community-Level Crime: A Stacked Event Study Analysis
Authors: Hibbard Patrick
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Explore the extent to which adult drug treatment courts (ADCs) affect community-level crime, demonstrate the application of stacked event study estimation in quasi-experimental criminology research, and introduce a crime data optimization strategy. Methods: Static and dynamic fixed effects estimation were performed on a longitudinal dataset constructed to address potential issues of bias, which included crime data linked to a unique list of ADCs and relevant control variables, resulting in over 52,000 county-year observations between 1990 and 2018. Results: Crime reduction estimates range from 2% property index to a violent index drop of 6%. Counterfactual analysis indicates over 417,000 fewer crimes within this sample between 1995 and 2013 (which accounts for the stack design). Conclusions: Considering their limited footprint, ADCs have an outsized effect on crime alluding to complex interactions between participants and communities. Though further investigation is needed, expanding these programs would likely continue to improve public safety.
Women’s experience and perspectives toward genital cosmetic surgery: A qualitative study
Authors: Safari Kolsoom , Piro Tiran Jamil , Saeed Awaz Aziz , Hassan Warda
Published: March 2022

Background Nowadays female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) has become quite popular, which has led to a broad variety of medical and social implications. After these surgeries, most women experienced anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric conditions. The present study was carried out in order to explore women’s perspective and experience toward genital cosmetic surgery based on their context and cultural aspects.Methods This study is a qualitative content analysis and collected data were analyzed through the approach introduced by Graneheim and Lundman (2004) after interview with nine women who experienced genital cosmetic surgeries in the city of Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq in 2021-2022. ResultsAfter semi-structured interviews which carried out with participants, the main themes, including “husband satisfaction” and “self-confidence” have been extracted. Some relevant subthemes and meaning units like “ugly appearance”, “anxiety related to husband undesirable intercourse”, and “dyspareunia” were retrieved from the participants’ stories, and the related conclusions of each theme were explored.Conclusion Study findings suggest that female genital cosmetic surgery improves the women’s body image and sexual function and the couples’ sexual satisfaction, especially that of husbands. Because of people sociocultural aspects in Kurdistan region, they need to be more aware of female sexual needs and marital relationship. To investigate the issue more, conduction of further studies is recommended.
Control and complications of diabetes in urban primary care units in Thailand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Puangpet Thanapat , Pongkunakorn Tanyaporn , Chulkarat Nahathai , Bunlangjit Chutikan , Surawit Apinya , Pinsawas Bonggochpass , Mongkolsucharitkul Pichanun , Mayurasakorn Korapat
Published: March 2022

Background: Primary health care system plays a central role in caring for persons with diabetes. Thai National Health Examination Survey (NHES) reports that only 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) achieve optimal glycemic control. We sought to evaluate the quality of diabetic care (QOC), prevalence of microvascular complications, and associated risk factors among T2DM patients treated at primary care units in urban areas in Thailand.Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study of 488 T2DM patients aged over 35 years from 25 primary care units in Samutsakhon, Thailand was conducted during February 2018 to March 2019. Clinical targets of care (TOC) and processes of care (POC) were measured to evaluate QOC. Logistic regression models were applied to explore the association between risk factors and glycemic control.Results: 41.2% of women and 44.4% of men achieved hemoglobin A1C (A1C) < 53 mmol/mol, while 31.3% of women and 29.7% of men had poor glycemic control (A1C > 63 mmol/mol). 39 participants (8%) achieved all TOC and 318 participants (65.2%) achieved all POC. Significant risk factors for poor glycemic control included diabetes duration > 6 years (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.20-2.79), being overweight (AOR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.58-4.08), obesity (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.00-2.86), triglycerides > 1.7 mmol/l (AOR= 1.68, 95% CI = 1.08-2.62), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥ 2.6 mmol/l (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.00-2.35). Diabetic retinopathy was significantly related to obesity (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.00-4.86), over waist circumference (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI = 0.77-2.31), and diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.48-1.96).Conclusion: Access to essential diabetic screening in primary care units is crucial to determine status of disease control and guide disease management. Duration of T2DM, high body mass index, triglyceride and LDL-C were independently associated with poor glycemic control. Obesity was highly associated with diabetes retinopathy. Effort should be taken seriously toward monitoring these factors and providing effective care.
Surgical treatment of uremic tumoral calcinosis: a case report and concise review of the literature
Authors: ZHENG Shi-wei , SUN Biao , LIU Chao , HU Xuefu
Published: March 2022

Uremic tumoral calcinosis (UTC) is a severe complication in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.It is characterized by massive ectopic periarticular deposition of calcium–phosphorus compounds, especially around the weightbearing joints.We herein describe a 39-year-old uremic female on long-term continuous ambulatory hemodialysis for 8 years who developed UTC in the right gluteal region,featuring severe soreness and restriction of her right hip joint. She underwent incomplete surgical excision, showing typical tumoral calcinosis on histology, resolved the clinical symptoms.In addition, we conducted a pertinent literature search on PubMed,EBSCO, Ovid LWW and Springer database on the basis of the keywords “tumoral calcinosis”, without any time restriction, than we identified additional articles by reviewing the citations of published articles on the topic.We present a concise review on the etiology, pathogenesis, histological characteristics, diagnosis, available treatment options and overall systemic management of this particular disease based on the literature search.
Higher blood nicotine concentrations following smokeless tobacco (pituri) and cigarette use linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes for central Australian Aboriginal pregnancies
Authors: Ratsch Angela , Bogossian Fiona , Burmeister Elizabeth A , Ryu BoMi , Steadman Kathryn
Published: March 2022

Background: In central Australia, Aboriginal women use wild tobacco plants, Nicotiana spp. (locally known as pituri) as a chewed smokeless tobacco, with this use continuing throughout pregnancy and lactation. Our aim was to describe the biological concentrations of nicotine and metabolites in samples from mothers and neonates and examine the relationships to maternal self-reported tobacco use, maternal and neonatal outcomes.Methods: Central Australian Aboriginal mothers (and their neonates) who planned to birth at the Alice Springs Hospital (Northern Territory, Australia) provided biological samples: maternal blood, arterial and venous cord blood, amniotic fluid, maternal and neonatal urine, and breast milk. These were analysed for concentrations of nicotine and five metabolites.Results: A sample of 73 women were enrolled who self-reported: no-tobacco use (n=31), tobacco chewing (n=19), or smoking (n=23). Not all biological samples were obtained from all mothers and neonates. In those where samples were available, higher total concentrations of nicotine and metabolites were found in the maternal plasma, urine, breast milk, cord bloods and Day 1 neonatal urine of chewers compared with smokers and no-tobacco users. Tobacco-exposed mothers (chewers and smokers) with elevated blood glucose had higher nicotine and metabolite concentrations than tobacco-exposed mothers without elevated glucose, and this was associated with increased neonatal birthweight. Neonates exposed to higher maternal nicotine levels were more likely to be admitted to Special Care Nursery. By Day 3, urinary concentrations in tobacco-exposed neonates had reduced from Day 1, although these remained higher than concentrations from neonates in the no-tobacco group.Conclusions: This research provides the first evidence that maternal pituri chewing results in high nicotine concentrations in both the mother and neonate and that exposure may be associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes similar to those from smoked tobacco use in pregnancy. Screening for the use of a broader range of tobacco and nicotine products during pregnancy would provide a more inclusive assessment and contribute to a more accurate determination of tobacco exposure. This knowledge will better inform maternal and foetal care, and direct attention to targeted cessation strategies that are appropriate to the tobacco and nicotine use profile of the population.Note to readers: In this research, the central Australian Aboriginal women chose the term ‘Aboriginal’ to refer to themselves, and ‘Indigenous’ to refer to the broader group of Australian First Peoples. That choice has been maintained in the reporting of the research findings.
Cost-effectiveness of colorectal screening in a European country. A comparison of five alternative screening strategies
Authors: Lopes Luís , Certo Manuela , Veiga Paula , Canena Jorge
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe implementation of an organized screening strategy should include a cost-effectiveness analysis for the governments to take decisions that promote health and better allocate resources which does not happen most of the times. This study aimed to evaluate the most cost-effective strategy for CRC screening in a European Country.MethodsA cost-effectiveness (CE) probabilistic Markov model was developed to compare the costs and the quality-adjusted life expectancy of 50-year-old average-risk individuals submitted to five alternative screening strategies based on colonoscopy, computed tomography (CT) and FIT, as well as no screening. We calculated the costs from the perspective of a third payer (Portuguese National Health Service) and populated the model with data from published literature. Probability of being cost-effective was estimated for different thresholds of willingness-to-pay.ResultsColonoscopy 3/10 years is the most cost-effective strategy for colorectal screening in Portugal, with an estimated ICER of 802 €/ QALY when compared with colonoscopy every 10 years. The FIT and CT colonography based strategies are dominated by colonoscopy-based strategies. Biennial FIT, the strategy currently being used in Portugal, showed the smallest gains in life years gained (498.3 days) the smallest reduction in the incidence of CRC (-37%) and the smallest reduction in CRC mortality (-57%) between all the screening strategies. The findings were robust to probabilistic sensitivity analysis.ConclusionsColonoscopy based strategies offer the best value for the money in Portugal. Biennial FIT, the screening strategy in Portugal should be replaced by a colonoscopy-based strategy.
Synthesis and application of N_doped FeNi3/TiO2 nano-photocatalyst in advanced oxidation process to remove reactive red 195 dye from aqueous medium
Authors: Sahebdadzehi Z. , Khodadadi M. , Dorri H.
Published: March 2022

Dyes are one of the most dangerous chemical compounds in industrial wastewater, including textile wastewater. Reactive dyes have many applications in the textile industry. Nevertheless, due to the high solubility and stability of these dyes in water, the discharge of wastewater containing these dyes to receiving waters prevents the transmission of sunlight to aquatic environments and disrupts biological processes. The aim of this study was to synthesize N_doped FeNi3/TiO2 nano-photocatalyst and to investigate the removal efficiency of reactive red 195 dye from aqueous medium. In this study, the effect of important variables was investigated including initial concentration including pH (3-11), contact time (5 - 200 minutes), dye concentration (5 - 40 mg l-1), and nanocomposite dose (1 - 6 g l-1), in removal of reactive red 195 dye. The characteristics of the synthesized nanocomposites were also studied using BET, FTIR, FESEM, and VSM techniques. The results of this study revealed that increasing the contact time and decreasing the dye concentration enhanced the adsorption efficiency. The highest percentage of RR 195 dye adsorption was 82% after 90 minutes at the adsorbent concentration of 4 g l-1, pH=3 and the initial concentration of RR 195 of 5 mg l-1. Detection techniques also confirmed the synthesis of good quality synthesized nanocomposites. According to the results, the advanced oxidation process of N-doped FeNi3/Tio2 nano-photocatalyst had a high efficiency removal of reactive red 195 dye adsorption from aqueous medium. As a result, this method can be used effectively in the treatment of colored wastewater.
Predictors of Cord Blood Unit Cell Content in a Volume Unrestricted Large Series Collections: a Chance for a Fast and Cheap Multiparameter Selection Model
Authors: Fumarola Stefania , Lucarini Alessandra , Lucchetti Giovanna , Piroli Luana , Pierelli Luca
Published: March 2022

Background
Cord blood plays a very important role in stem cell transplantation and therapy, with an emerging implication also in regenerative medicine. The number of cells available in a single cord blood unit (CBU), in particular the CD34 + and total nucleated cell (TNC) content, influences the transplantation clinical outcome. We analysed a very large series of CBUs, collected for private banking without any specific volume restriction, to deeply investigate the best predictors of cord blood stem cells content.
Methods
Maternal and neonatal clinic laboratory data of a total 2583 UCBs were obtained from the InScientiaFides cord blood bank based in Republic of San Marino. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to better interpret the data and to build a predictive model to select, the CBU with high CD34 + content.
Results
Our univariate analysis show that seasonality and the geographical area affect the quality of umbilical cord blood. Gestational age, babie’s gender and birth weight have a positive correlation with CB TNC content. The babie’s birth weight affect positively also CD34 + content and CBU volume while the cesarean delivery affect the CB volume only. Our predictive model, based on multivariate analysis, shows that male babie’s, gestational age lower to 39 weeks, cesarean delivery and CBUs with a content of TNC higher than 3,44x 108 (group A) have a significant higher CD34 + content than group B (female babie’s, gestational age higher than 39 weeks and vaginal delivery). The group A have a 37,5% of CBUs with a concentration of CD34 + > 2x106, while no CBUs with high concentration of CD34 + were detect in group B.
Conclusion
This study, conducted on a very large series of CBUs without any specific volume constraint, highlighted the prenatal and maternal factors that significantly influence the quality of the CBU collected. Specifically, it highlights that volume is not the best predictor of CD34 + CBU content; for this reason it cannot be taken into consideration alone for the analysis of the collected samples. Our final aim is to identify relevant factors, immediately available, that help to choice UCB with high CD34 + cell content, especially in simultaneous deliveries.
Multi-omic Characterization of Pediatric ARDS via Nasal Brushings
Authors: Williams James Garrett , Joshi Rashika , Haslam David , Yehya Nadir , Jones Rhonda L. , Paranjpe Aditi , Pujato Mario , Roskin Krishna M. , Lahni Patrick M. , Varisco Brian M.
Published: March 2022

RationaleWhile nasal brushing transcriptomics can identify disease subtypes in chronic pulmonary diseases, it is unknown whether this is true in pediatric ARDS (PARDS).ObjectivesDetermine whether nasal transcriptomics and methylomics can identify clinically meaningful PARDS subgroups that reflect important pathobiological processes.MethodsNasal brushings and serum were collected on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 from control and PARDS subjects from two centers. PARDS duration was the primary endpoint.Measurements and Main ResultsTwenty-four control and 39 PARDS subjects were enrolled. Two nasal methylation patterns were identified. Methyl Subgroup 1 had hypomethylation of cell adhesion genes and had only PARDS subjects. Methyl Subgroup 2 contained PARDS and control subjects with hypomethylation of cell metabolism genes. Neither methylation pattern had longer PARDS duration. Four transcriptomic patterns were identified with temporal patterns indicating injury, repair, and regeneration. Over time, both inflammatory (Subgroup B) and cell injury (Subgroup D) patterns transitioned to repair (Subgroup A) and eventually homeostasis (Subgroup C). Control specimens were largely Subgroup C. In comparison with 17 serum biomarkers, the nasal transcriptome was more predictive of prolonged PARDS. Initial Transcriptomic Subgroup B or D subjects had median PARDS duration of 8 days compared to 2 in A or C (p=0.02). For predicting PARDS duration ≥ 3 days, nasal transcriptomics was more sensitive and serum biomarkers more specific. ConclusionsPARDS nasal transcriptome may reflect distal lung injury, repair, and regeneration. A combined nasal PCR and serum biomarker assay could be useful for predictive and diagnostic enrichment.RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT#03539783 May 29, 2018
Hydrogen gas alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury and inhibits inflammatory response
Authors: Wei Youzhen , Yin Hongling , Feng Yajing , Duan Yi , Ma Shaolin , Guo Zhongliang
Published: March 2022

Background: The two main causes of body inflammation caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced acute lung injury (ALI) are chronic inflammation and oxidant / antioxidant imbalances. Hydrogen (H2), a gaseous molecule without known toxicity, could react with hydroxyl radical to remove the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Both in vivo and vitro studies support the protective effect of hydrogen on injuries caused by oxidative stress and inflammations. Methods: In vivo study, mice were randomly divided into three groups: H2 control group, LPS group and LPS+H2 group. The mice were euthanized at the indicated time points and the specimens were collected. The 72h survival rates, cytokines contents, pathological changes, expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) and oxidative stress indicators were observed. In vitro study, according to different culture conditions, RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages were divided into the following groups: PBS group, LPS group and LPS+H2 group. The cell Viability, intracellular ROS, cytokines and expression of TLR4 and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) were observed. Results: In vivo, the 72h survival rate of hydrogen inhalation mice was increased to 80%, and H2 significantly lighten LPS-induced lung damages and decreased inflammatory cytokine release. Besides, H2 showed remarked anti-oxidative activity to reduce the MDA and NO contents in lung. In vitro, H2 down-regulated the levels of ROS, NO, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Second, H2 inhibited the expression of TLR4 and the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). In summary, these findings supported that H2 attenuates LPS-induced inflammatory responses, which may be mediated by TLR4-NF-κB pathway.
Research on Temperature Control System of Capacitor Hot Press Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhang Feng
Published: March 2022

In the production of film capacitors, the temperature control of the capacitor hot press is very important. PID control algorithm is widely used in the capacitor hot press. However, traditional PID control algorithm often has difficulty setting parameters. It is not suitable for such a large hysteresis and nonlinear temperature control system. Through the research of traditional PID control algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and fuzzy control algorithm, an improved particle swarm algorithm is proposed, and the Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) algorithm is applied in the fuzzy PID temperature control system. The temperature control system is simulated by MATLAB. The research results show that the fuzzy PID temperature control system based on IPSO is superior to other temperature control system in terms of adjustment time, overshoot and anti-interference ability.
Current status of and barriers to liver cancer treatment in China: a questionnaire-based study from the perspective of doctors
Authors: Wei Qiaoxin , Zhou Haiyang , Hou Xinhui , Liu Xiaoping , Chen Sisi , Huang Xueying , Chen Yu , Liu Mei , Duan Zhongping
Published: March 2022

Background : Liver cancer is a severe public health problem worldwide, and it creates a relatively higher disease burden in China than in the Western world. Despite achieving notable progress in China, potential imbalances in some aspects of medical services for liver cancer may persist across different regions and hospitals. This warrants serious consideration of the actual status of and barriers to liver cancer treatment. We intended to explore the present status of and obstacles in liver cancer treatment.Methods: In February 2021, a national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,500 doctors from 31 provinces of mainland China using a self-administered online questionnaire. All doctors completed the questionnaire about their general information, perspectives on the current status of liver cancer treatment, and expectations for future treatment. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the differences caused by the regions, professional titles, and hospital levels of the doctors. Results: Treatment conditions, medications, and treatment strategies were inconsistent across different economic regions and hospitals of varied levels. With respect to obstacles in treatment, 76.59% of the doctors were unsatisfied with the current treatment for liver cancer. Important factors that influenced their satisfaction with the treatment for liver cancer included early diagnosis and the disclosure of true conditions to patients.Conclusions: There persists unevenness in the treatment of liver cancer in China, besides barriers to treatment. Researchers should pay attention to the detection and treatment of liver cancer and the propagation of novel progress among doctors in underdeveloped areas.
Molecular detection of Microsporidia in Cows in Jahrom south of Iran
Authors: Shafiee Amin , shokoohi Gholamreza , saadatnia Aminallah , abolghazi Ahmad
Published: March 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A modified pipe model improved the accuracy of crown biomass estimation in a larch (Larix olgensis) plantation forest in northeast China
Authors: Huang Chenyu , Chen Lu , Zhuang Liwen , Sang Weiguo
Published: March 2022

Pipe model theory has the potential to be widely applied in the estimation of tree allometry parameters, although it remains uncertain whether it can provide accurate estimation of the crown biomass of plantation forest. In this study, an improved pipe model was used for the first time to estimate the crown biomass of Larix olgensis plantations in northeast China. The results of linear regression analysis showed that crown biomass could be accurately estimated from the stem area at the crown base, which could be calculated using the tree height, crown base height, and stem area at breast height. Furthermore, covariance analysis was applied to analyze the differences in site-related factors that affect crown biomass. There was no significant difference between sites in the crown biomass of L. olgensis plantations in the research area, while the effect of tree age on crown biomass estimation should be considered. Our study showed that a modified pipe model could accurately estimate the crown biomass of larch plantations in northeast China, which has great significance for the determination of crown biomass in Chinese plantations using pipe model theory.
Anti-inflammatory effect of N-(trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-cyano-3-hydroxy-crotonic acid amide and Gluconic acid on Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma controlling
Authors: Liu Xing , Nasab Entezar Mehrabi , Athari Seyyed Shamsadin
Published: March 2022

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are main airway disease with a higher prevalence. Eosinophilic inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness, mucus hyper-secretion, and reversible airflow obstruction are immunopathogenesis symptoms of rhinitis and asthma. Crotonic acid has bioactivity on the inflammation and Gluconic acid as chelator may protect crotonic acid activity in airway and with together may control allergic rhinitis and asthma. Allergic rhinitis and asthma mice were treated with crotonic and gluconic acid. At least, total IgE, histamine, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels were measured. In lung tissues, goblet cell hyperplasia, mucus hyper-secretion, and inflammation were evaluated.The level of IL-5, Goblet cell hyperplasia, perivascular and peribronchial inflammation were controlled by crotonic in asthma and allergic rhinitis groups. But total IgE, histamine, IL-4, IL-13 levels and Mucus hyper-secretion had no significant chenges between treated and non-treated asthma and rhinitis groups.Crotonic acid can control eosinophilic inflammation via harnessing of IL-5 and prevent goblet cell hyperplasia. When it was used with gluconic acid, had strong effect on control of allergic rhinis and asthma immunopathology.
Application of small-probe endoscopic ultrasonography combined with precut endoscopic mucosal resection in the treatment of rectal carcinoids
Authors: ZHANG Si-yu , Bian Xiao-ping
Published: March 2022

Purpose: We sought to explore the application value of small-probe endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in combination with precut endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in the treatment of rectal carcinoids. Methods: Biopsies were performed on patients with rectal submucosal swelling found by colonoscopy at our hospital, and patients whose pathological results were considered indicative of a neuroendocrine tumor were evaluated further. After EUS and computed tomography examinations, patients without peripheral disease or metastasis were treated with precut EMR. Results: Thirty-eight patients were considered to have neuroendocrine tumors by pathological biopsy; of these, 37 patients were treated with precut EMR, and one patient with muscularis propria involvement was treated with surgery. The precut EMR operation time was 28 ± 12 minutes, the whole resection rate was 96.6%, and the complete resection rate was 100%. There were no cases of intraoperative perforation, all of which were located in the rectum. The lesion diameter range was 0.6 to 2.0 cm. There were 10 cases of immediate bleeding during the operation and one case of delayed bleeding after the operation. The length of postoperative follow-up was three to 12 months without recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion: Small-probe ultrasound endoscopy can clarify the depth and diameter of rectal carcinoid invasion, demonstrating a high guiding value for the selection of treatment methods. Precut EMR is a safe, time-saving, and effective method for treating rectal neuroendocrine tumors less than 20 mm in diameter.
Clinical study on the effect of individual rod bending in internal fixation of AO-A3 thoracolumbar fractures: a retrospective clinical study
Authors: Shi Zongpo , Wang Boyao , Zhang Chen , Yang Guangxu , Min Nicolas Yap San , Chen Ji , Chen Qiang
Published: March 2022

Background: Spinal pedicle screw internal fixation is a mature technique for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. A large number of studies have shown that the bending angle of the connecting rod has a significant correlation with the postoperative spinal stability. However, there has been no study to determine a reliable method to guide the bending angle of the connecting rod during operation. The purpose of our research was to explore an individualized rod bending method and analyze its effect in AO-A3 thoracolumbar fractures. Methods: The angles (angles A, B，A', B') of upper and lower motion segments before and after fracture were measured in 64 patients. By analyzing the correlations between H and angle changes(ΔA, ΔB) of the vertebra, a linear regression model was established to derive the bending angle. A total of 48 patients with fractures(AO-A3) were included and assigned to observation groups and control groups in order to measure the sagittal parameters after three years of follow-up, including LL, TK, SVA ,ASD,PT, PI and SS.Result: There was a significant linear correlation between H and angle change (ΔA, ΔB) of the vertebra. The correlation coefficient was 12.24 and 8.62,respectively. The formula for guiding bending rod was 1.50×(A’+B’)+31.29H-0.38. Compared with normal group, there were significant differences in LL, TK, PT and SS in the control group(P＜0.05), but no significant differences in the observation group(P＞0.05). The incidences of SVA>50mm were 23.08% and 22.73% in the two group respectively and the incidences of ASD were 7.69% and 13.64%, respectively. There was significant difference identified between the two groups in ASD(P＜0.05), but not in SVA＞50mm(P＞0.05). Conclusion: Using this method to guide the bending rod during the operation can well restore the sagittal angle and reconstruct the stability of the spine after operation.
Employing the equity lens to understand multisectoral partnerships: lessons from a mixed-method study in Canada
Authors: Gupta Suvadra Datta , Pisolkar Vaidehi , Alhassan Jacob Albin Korem , Judge Allap , Engler-Stringer Rachel , Gauvin Lise , Muhajarine Nazeem
Published: March 2022

BackgroundMultisectoral approaches to health are collaborations between stakeholders across multiple sectors, usually formed to combat issues that affect health but go beyond the purview of one particular sector. The significance of multisectoral partnerships to attain health equity has been widely acknowledged. However, the extent which equity can be attained depends upon the perceptions of various stakeholders. We examine how multisectoral partnerships promoting healthy eating and active living conceptualized and employed an equity lens in their work.MethodThis study is part of a larger pan-Canadian mixed-method research and knowledge sharing program entitled MUSE (Multisectoral Urban Systems for health and Equity in Canadian cities). Data collected from both quantitative and qualitative sources for two sites of the MUSE project-Saskatoon and Toronto were analyzed. In the qualitative part, 30 semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted with key stakeholders from six different multisectoral partnerships based in Saskatoon and Toronto. Data were analyzed in an inductive way. In the quantitative part, a survey with 37 stakeholder organizations was carried out. Simple descriptive statistics (means and percentages) were used to see the distribution of data and to supplement the qualitative analysis.ResultsEquity was not a central component in program design although participants addressing equity, did so by discussing accessibility. How much consideration was given to equity varied as a function of the type of partnership. Most participants emphasized geographical accessibility but a few mentioned financial accessibility. Collaborative leadership style facilitated participatory decision-making process, and thereby upheld equity in the partnership decision making process. Communication, networking, and negotiation skills were found to be core competencies of a leader that contributed in upholding equity in partnership dynamics. The study also found some challenges to embed equity in partnership works, such as the lack of comprehensive understanding of population health and the equity tenet within it.ConclusionsFindings indicate that multisectoral partnerships aimed at promoting healthy eating and physical activity struggle to attain equity within the partnership as well as in the partnership-based works aimed at reducing health equity in populations. Factors identified can support decision-makers commit to and work to attaining equity within their partnerships as well as in the partnership-based work in the community and beyond.
Morphology of a median callosal artery in human fetuses: some similarities and differences from adults
Authors: Vasovic Ljiljana , Mrkaic Ana
Published: March 2022

Purpose
A variable artery in the anterior cerebral circulation, named median callosal artery (MdCA) belongs to one of the three groups of anteromedial central branches of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA). The lack of information on the status of the MdCA in human fetuses inspired the authors to explore and present its morphological features.
Methods
Archived personal data on preserved descriptions, length and outer diameter (OD) of main arteries in the brain base with support of the corresponding slides of 193 human fetuses is retrospectively analyzed.
Results
There is 87/193 or 45.07% of MdCA cases in fetuses aging 12.5 to 25 gestational weeks (17 weeks, in average). The MdCA was more frequent in male fetuses. The MdCA originating from the single ACoA is found in 4.66% of the cases. There are also MdCAs originating from the so-called anterior communicating rete (16.58%), as well from the partially duplicated (5.69%) and total duplicated ACoA (10.88%). The OD of the MdCA (0.1 − 0.4 mm) is not in relationship with the diameters of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). It is proved an unusual convergent union of initial ACA medial vessels and partial duplication at MdCA beginning and its trunk fenestrations, as well as bilateral distribution of MdCA branches.
Conclusion
Presented data on uncommon appearance of MdCA abnormalities and the possible convergent union of initial vessels of the MdCA which belongs to the carotid system will be an important contribution to the anatomy of cerebral arteries in the midline.
Effect of erosive media on microhardness and fracture toughness of CAD-CAM materials
Authors: Elraggal Alaaeldin , Afifi Rania , Abdelraheem Islam
Published: March 2022

Background: Erosive acids might create surface flaws and deteriorate the mechanical properties of CAD-CAM materials. This invitro study aimed to investigate the effect of simulated gastric HCl and extrinsic erosive acids on surface microhardness and fracture toughness of CAD-CAM materials. Methods: 400 bar-shaped specimens (17x4x2mm) were prepared from 4 different CAD -CAM materials (n=100/group); monolithic zirconia (Ceramill Zolid HT+, Amanngirbach, Austria), lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein), nanohybrid resin composite (Grandio Blocs, VOCO) and polymer-infiltrated glass network (Vita Enamic, VITA Zahnfabrik). Specimens from each material type were further subdivided into 5 groups (n=20) according to the erosive media applied (simulated gastric HCl, white wine, Coca-Cola, orange juice, and artificial saliva that served as a control). Specimens were immersed for 24 hrs in an incubator at 37 ℃, then ultrasonically cleaned in distilled water and air-dried. Half of the specimens were tested for Vickers microhardness (VH) at parameters of 500 gf for 10 s, while the rest of the specimens underwent 3-point flexure till fracture. Fractured surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for fracture toughness (KIC) calculation using the quantitative fractographic analysis method. Data collected were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (α=0.05) after verification of data normality and homogeneity of variances. Results: Erosive media created surface flaws that lowered the surface microhardness of the material and initiated the fracture pattern under different loads according to material type. The material type was a more predominant factor than erosive media that affected either the microhardness or the fracture toughness of CAD-CAM materials. The highest VH and KIC values were found among Ceramill Zolid HT+ groups followed by IPS e.max CAD and Grandio Blocs regardless of the erosive media employed. Erosive media significantly reduced the VH and KIC in VITA Enamic specimens compared to the rest of the material types. Conclusion: All CAD-CAM materials used, except Vita Enamic, showed high resistance against the erosive acids indicating higher longevity of the material in patients frequently exposed to either extrinsic or intrinsic acid.
Identification of core promoter and variants regulating chicken CCKAR expression
Authors: wang zhepeng , Reid Angus M A , Wilson Peter W , Dunn Ian C
Published: March 2022

Background: Decreased expression of chicken CCKAR gene attenuates satiety, which contributes to increased food intake and growth of modern broilers. The study aims to define the core promoter of CCKAR, and to identify variants associated with expression activity.Methods and results: The 21-kb region around the CCKAR was re-sequenced to detect sequence variants. A series of 5’-deleted promoter plasmids were constructed to define the core promoter of CCKAR. Effect of sequence variants located in promoter (PSNP) and conserved (CSNP) regions on promoter activity was analyzed by comparing luciferase activity between haplotypes. A total of 182 variants were found in the 21-kb region. But no large structural variants were found. The pNL-328/+183, the one with the shortest insertion, showed the highest activity among six promoter constructs. To find out variants associated with CCKAR expression, this study compared promoter activities between haplotypes on each construct. We detected significant difference of promoter activities between haplotypes on four of six promoter constructs. The high-growth haplotype of pNL-1646/+183, pNL-799/+183 and pNL-528/+183 showed lower activities than the low-growth haplotype, which is in the direct with decreased expression of CCKAR in high-growth chickens. The expected difference was also detected on the CSNP5-containing construct.Conclusions: The data reveals the core promoter of CCKAR located within the 328-bp region upstream from the transcription start site. Low promoter activities shown the high-growth haplotypes in the reporter assay suggest that CSNP5 and promoter variants form promising molecular basis for decreased expression of CCKAR and high growth of chickens.
In vitro and In vivo effects of Cucumis melo seeds extract and its purified trypsin inhibitor on angiogenesis and tumor characteristics in balb-c mice with breast cancer in comparison with tamoxifen
Authors: Haghshenas Mohammad Reza , Rezaei Shahla , Azarpira Negar , Koohpeyma Farhad , Yousefi Reza , Heidari Mojdeh , Doaei Saeid , Mazloom Zohreh
Published: March 2022

Background: Melon seeds as an excellent supply of protease inhibitors may have a protective role against tumor progression and angiogenesis. However, its anti-angiogenesis effects and related mechanism of action during cancer progression remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the impact of bioactive compounds of melon seed on the expression of angiogenesis genes in breast cancer cell lines.Methods: Trypsin inhibitor (TI) was purified from the seed powder of Cucumis melo (Muskmelon) Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined for TI, extract of melon seed powder (EXT), and tamoxifen (TAM) by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Breast tumor was induced by subcutaneous injection of MC4-L2 cell line in blab-c inbreed mice breast tissue. After tumor growth, mice were treated with TI, EXT, and TAM in different doses and combinations to examine their effects on the tumor characteristics and the expression of angiogenesis-related genes including MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGF using the RT-PCR method.Results: TI, EXT, TAM, and adjuvant treatment of TI+TAM resulted in a reduction in expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGF. All treatments improved breast tumor characteristics and necrosis. The RT-PCR method verified the positive effects of treatments on breast cancer cell lines and tumors.Conclusion: The results indicated that trypsin Inhibitor Purified from Cucumis melo seeds alone and in combination with tamoxifen might be a potential therapy with beneficial anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor effects in breast cancer. Further studies are warranted.
How effective and reliable is YouTube videos about mPCNL in the treatment planning process?
Authors: Yılmaz Mehmet , Şahin Yusuf , Hacibey İbrahim , Sönmez Salih Zeki , Muslumanoglu Ahmet Yaser
Published: March 2022

In this study, reliability, efficacy, and quality of YouTube videos on miniaturized PCNL procedures were assessed using a scoring system.Video searches were conducted using keywords miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL), ultra-miniPCNL (UMP) and super-miniPCNL (SMP) via https://www.youtube.com. All videos >2 minutes, in English and containing the procedure of mPCNL were ordered and listed according to relevance and popularity. Validated GQS and Reliability scales were used for quality and content analysis of the videos, confirmed video power index (VPI) was used to assess video popularity, and the mPCNL score, developed by 3 endourologists, was used to measure the informational and educational value of the videos.While specialists (61.9%) were the main source for uploading 63 videos included in the study, the largest target group was patients (61.9%). Operation procedures (68.3%) was the main content and the highest upload region was Asian continent (66.7%). The majority of videos were in English (60.3%), focused on standard mPCNL rather than miniaturization subtypes (77.8%). Mean VPI, GQS, reliability, mPCNL scores were 4.61, 2.86, 2.61, 9.58 respectively. These parameters, which were positively correlated, were found to be statistically significantly higher for videos of 'academic' origin, 'Physicians' target audience and 'English audio' language format(P<0.05).Since mPCNL videos, which are popular and have high informational and educational value, are aimed at medical professionals rather than patients, they are not functional in treatment selection and explaining the procedure. By raising its standards, video portals can make the treatment process practical as a functional bridge between patients and healthcare professionals.
Contextual validation of the prediction of postoperative complications of colorectal surgery by the "ACS NSQIP ® Risk Calculator " (Sousse, Tunisia, 2015-2019)
Authors: Abdelkrim Mehdi ben , ELGHALI Mohamed Amine , MOUSSA Amany , ABDELAZIZ Ahmad BEN
Published: March 2022

Context: Models for predicting individual risks of surgical complications are advantageous for operative decision making and the nature of postoperative management procedures.Objective: Validate the "ACS NSQIP ® Risk Calculator" in the prediction of postoperative complications during colorectal cancer surgery, operated during the years 2015-2019.Methods : this is a prognostic validation study of the “ACS NSQIP ® ” applied retrospectively to patients operated on for colorectal cancer in the surgical department of FarhatHached hospital, during the 2015 and 2019 five-year term. Three levels of adjustment. Discrimination and calibration were carried out mainly by ROC curves (AUC≥0.8).Results: In this study, 129 patients were included with a sex ratio of 1.22 and a median age of 62 years. The most common operative procedure was low segmental colectomy with colorectal anastomosis. Thirty-seven patients (28.7%) had had at least one postoperative complication. The prediction and cuts-off points values of mortality (AUC=0.858; CI95% [0.570-0.960]; Cuts-off points=1.8%), cardiac complications (AUC=0.824; CI95% [0.658-0.990] ; cuts-off points=1.8%), thromboembolic complications (AUC=0.802; CI95% [0.617-0.987]; cuts-off point=3.1%) and renal insufficiency (AUC=0.802; CI95% [ 0.623-0.981]; cuts-off point=1.2%) were adjusted according to level 1 of the calculator.Conclusion: This work contextualized the prediction of postoperative complications in colorectal surgery in the university general surgery department of FarhatHached in Sousse (Tunisia), making it possible to improve the quality and safety of surgical care. The application of the Tunisian mini calculator is recommended as well as the generalization of validation following the development of a generic calculator for all operating procedures.