bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Live imaging of delamination in Drosophila shows epithelial cell motility and invasiveness are independently regulated
Authors: Inaki Mikiko , Matsuno Kenji
Published: July 2022

Delaminating cells undergo complex, precisely regulated changes in cell-cell adhesion, motility, polarity, invasiveness, and other cellular properties. Delamination occurs during development and in pathogenic conditions such as cancer metastasis. We analyzed the requirements for epithelial delamination in Drosophila ovary border cells, which detach from the structured epithelial layer and begin to migrate collectively. We used live imaging to examine cellular dynamics, particularly epithelial cells’ acquisition of motility and invasiveness, in delamination-defective mutants during the time period in which delamination occurs in the wild-type ovary. We found that border cells in slow border cells (slbo), a delamination-defective mutant, lacked invasive cellular protrusions but acquired motility, while JAK/STAT-inhibited border cells lost both invasiveness and motility. Our results indicate that invasiveness and motility, which are cooperatively required for delamination, are regulated independently. Our reconstruction experiments also showed that motility is not a prerequisite for acquiring invasiveness.
Physics-informed machine learning with differentiable programming for heterogeneous underground reservoir pressure management
Authors: Pachalieva Aleksandra , O'Malley Daniel , Harp Dylan Robert , Viswanathan Hari
Published: July 2022

Avoiding over-pressurization in subsurface reservoirs is critical for applications like CO2 sequestration and wastewater injection. Managing the pressures by controlling injection/extraction are challenging because of complex heterogeneity in the subsurface. The heterogeneity typically requires high-fidelity physics-based models to make predictions on CO2 fate. Furthermore, characterizing the heterogeneity accurately is fraught with parametric uncertainty. Accounting for both, heterogeneity and uncertainty, makes this a computationally-intensive problem challenging for current reservoir simulators. To tackle this, we use differentiable programming with a full-physics model and machine learning to determine the fluid extraction rates that prevent over-pressurization at critical reservoir locations. We use DPFEHM framework, which has trustworthy physics based on the standard two-point flux finite volume discretization and is also automatically differentiable like machine learning models. Our physics-informed machine learning framework uses convolutional neural networks to learn an appropriate extraction rate based on the permeability field. We also perform a hyperparameter search to improve the model’s accuracy. Training and testing scenarios are executed to evaluate the feasibility of using physics-informed machine learning to manage reservoir pressures. We constructed and tested a sufficiently accurate simulator that is 400 000 times faster than the underlying physics-based simulator, allowing for near real-time analysis and robust uncertainty quantification.
Basic fibroblast growth factor opens and closes the endothelial blood-brain barrier in a concentration-dependent manner
Authors: Kriaučiūnaitė Karolina , Pociūtė Agnė , Kaušylė Aida , Verkhratsky Alexei , Pivoriūnas Augustas
Published: July 2022

Multiple paracrine factors have been implicated in the regulation of barrier properties of human brain endothelial cells (BECs) in different physiologic and pathologic settings. We have recently demonstrated that autocrine secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by BECs is necessary for the establishment of endothelial barrier (as demonstrated by high trans-endothelial electric resistance, TEER), whereas exogenous bFGF inhibits TEER in a concentration-dependent manner. In the present study we analysed the contribution of MAPK/ERK and STAT3 signalling pathways to the inhibitory effects of exogenous bFGF. Treatment with bFGF (8 ng/ml) for 3 days increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and STAT3. Treatment with FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) inhibitor PD173074 (15 µM) suppressed both basal and bFGF-induced activation of ERK1/2 and STAT3. Suppression of STAT signalling with Janus kinase inhibitor JAKi (15 nM) alone or in the presence of bFGF did not change TEER in BEC monolayers. Exposure to JAKi affected neither proliferation, nor expression and distribution of tight junction (TJ) proteins claudin-5, occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). In contrast, treatment with MEK 1/2 inhibitor U0126 (10 µM) partially neutralized inhibitory effect of bFGF thus increasing TEER, whereas U0126 alone did not affect resistance of endothelial barrier. Our findings demonstrate that MAPK/ERK signalling pathway does not affect autocrine bFGF signalling-dependent BECs barrier function but is largely responsible for the disruptive effects of the exogenous bFGF. We speculate that bFGF may (depending on concentration and possibly origin) dynamically regulate permeability of the endothelial blood-brain barrier.
Frequency of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms in the UAE population and their associations with 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels, obesity, diabetes and hypertension
Authors: Gariballa Salah , Al-Bluwi Ghada S. M. , Yasin Javed
Published: July 2022

Background: Although vitamin D levels and underlying vitamin D receptor (VDR) genetic polymorphisms have been linked to many common diseases including obesity, the association remains unclear. We aimed to determine the genotypes & allele percentage frequency distribution of four polymorphisms FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI in the VDR gene in healthy Emirati individuals and their association with vitamin D levels and chronic conditions including diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity Methods: 277 participants who were part of a randomized controlled trial had their assessment that included clinical and anthropometric data. Whole blood samples were taken for measurements of vitamin D [25(OH) D], four vitamin D receptors gene polymorphism SNPs including BsmI, FokI, TaqI and ApaI, metabolic and inflammatory markers and related biochemical variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis used to assess the influence of vitamin D receptors gene SNPs on vitamin D status after adjusting for clinical parameters known to influence vitamin status in the study population. Results: Overall, 277 participants with a mean (±SD) age of 41±12 and 204 (74%) female were included in the study. There were statistically significant differences in vitamin concentrations between different genotypes of the 4 VDR gene polymorphisms (p<0.05). There were however no statistically significant differences in vitamin concentrations between subjects with and those without the 4 VDR gene polymorphisms genotype and alleles except for AA and AG and allele G in Apal SNP (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant independent associations between vitamin D status and the 4 VDR gene polymorphisms after adjusting for dietary intakes, physical activity, sun exposure, smoking and body mass index. In addition, no significant differences found in the frequency of the genotypes & alleles of the 4 VDR genes among patients with obesity, diabetes and hypertension compared to those without these medical conditions. Conclusion: Although we found statistically significant differences in vitamin concentrations between different genotypes of the 4 VDR gene polymorphisms, however multivariate analysis revealed no association after adjusting for clinical parameters known to influence vitamin D status. Furthermore, no association found between obesity and related pathologies and the 4 VDR gene polymorphisms.
Benefits from GnRHa therapy in boys with idiopathic central precocious puberty when initiating treatment after age 9 years: findings from a real-world retrospective study
Authors: Ni Ming-ming , Yang Shu-ting , Wu Wen-wen , Wang Shan-shan , Li Man , Liu Qing-qing , Ji Xing
Published: July 2022

Background: GnRHa treatment was established for improving final adult height (FAH) in children presenting with Idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) up to age 8, while several controversies remained for older age groups. The primary objective was to evaluate whether boys diagnosed with ICPP over 9 years of chronological age (CA) could achieve a height benefit from GnRHa treatment.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 23 boys treated for idiopathic central precocious puberty between January 2018 and January 2021 at Jiangsu Children's Medical Center. All patients started treatment with intramuscular depot GnRHa at a dose of 80-100 μg/kg, followed by continuous intramuscular injection every 28 days at a dose of 60-80 μg/kg. The hormonal parameters, bone age/chronological age ratio, FAH, growth velocity (GV), tanner staging and body mass index (BMI) were assessed during the treatment period.Results: After one course of treatment (3 months), the basal FSH and testosterone levels were reduced, while the basal LH value was not significantly changed compared with those before treatment. Furthermore, the mean BA/CA ratio reduction was statistically significant at month 12. The mean PAH following administration of GnRHa after 12 months was statistically improved compared with those at baseline. In addition, the clinical sign of puberty and GV were significantly improved and the BMI remained unchanged as desired at month 12.Conclusions: This analysis highlighted the positive outcome on the decrease in the rate of bone maturation, with a favorable effect on progression of clinical signs of puberty. Furthermore, our study confirmed improved PAH even in the older children at onset of treatment (ages 9-10), emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment in such population.
Common Temporary Restorations and Spacers among Endodontists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: ALNASSAR FAISAL
Published: July 2022

Background
Coronal leakage is the most common reason for root canal treatment failure. Temporary restorations are necessary for preventing both short- and long-term coronal leakage during and after treatment completion. This study aimed to determine the most commonly used temporary restoration during and post endodontic treatment and the frequency of spacer use.
Methods
A total of 450 online questionnaires comprising 15 questions (4 demographic questions and 11 questions related to the objective of the study) were sent to endodontists in Saudi Arabia via WhatsApp and Twitter. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 when assessed using a chi-square test.
Results
A total of 370 (82.22%) participants completed the survey; 56.2% of the endodontists placed cotton pellets between visits but not after obturation (P = 0.001). Most endodontists (65.9%; P = 0.001) adopted cotton pellet placement following obturation for easy removal and ease in locating the pulp chamber prior to the final restoration; 66% of the endodontists did not prefer spacer placement beneath the temporary restoration following obturation (P = 0.001). A total of 68.45% of the dentists, restorative dentists, and prosthodontists preferred the placement of the cotton pellet by endodontists in the pulp chamber (between the gutta-percha and the temporary restoration; P = 0.001). Glass ionomer cement was the most common temporary restorative material used. Double sealing was employed in the anterior (4%) and posterior teeth (66%) (P = 0.001).
Conclusions
Double sealing with Cavit and glass ionomer cement is the most commonly used technique for access cavity restoration following obturation.
Ultrasensitive E-Shaped Metamaterial Terahertz Biomedical Sensor
Authors: Sallam Mai O. , Ismail Tawfik , El-Batawy Yasser M.
Published: July 2022

This paper develops and evaluates a new topology of a planar metamaterial terahertz sensor. The sensor is constructed by overlapping two E-shaped gold patches placed on top of a grounded dielectric substrate. The absorption spectrum includes peak resonances as a result of the electric field being contained within the gaps between the metallic arms. Two geometrical configurations of the proposed structure are presented and compared. The first configuration realizes a perfect overlap between the horizontal arms of the two E-patches. Almost absorption of (98%) occurs at 5.74 THz with an average sensitivity of 2.8 THz/RIU and a quality factor of 11.39, when the analyte refractive index is varied in the range between n = 1 to n = 1.4. The overlapping distance between the metallic arms is minimized for the second configuration. Therefore, the electric field is more localized within the small gap created between the overlapped arms of the two E-patches. The absorption, sensitivity, and quality factor of the modified structure are 96%, 2.7 THz/RIU, and 27, respectively. The new structure has a notable enhancement in the quality factor while the absorption level and the sensitivity are barely affected.
Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside inhibits ovarian cancer by modulating FOXO3a to regulate integrin beta 1 and p-STAT3/Bcl-2
Authors: Liu Yi , Cheng Jun , Dai Quanwu , Zeng Gege , He Jiawei , Huang Zhenyang , Li Jing , Wang DongHua , Gong Wei
Published: July 2022

Although ovarian cancer has long been recognized as a serious threat to women's health worldwide, major questions remain about effective treatment. Plants are considered as a huge resource for searching anti-cancer compounds. In previous studies, the plant-derived agent kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (KR) was shown to have anti-tumor effects on lung cancer, colon cancer, and malignant melanoma. However, its mechanism of action is not well understood. Here, we demonstrated that KR inhibited expression of integrin beta 1 and suppressed the motility and adhesion ability of ovarian cancer cells. Anoikis resistance of ovarian cancer cells was inhibited by KR through suppression of the p-STAT3/Bcl-2 axis. KR also increased the expression of FOXO3a. And inhibition of FOXO3a abrogated the effect of KR on integrin beta 1 and the p-STAT3/Bcl-2 axis in ovarian cancer. In addition, KR did not affect normal cells, even at high concentrations. These results revealed that activation of FOXO3a is a good target for ovarian cancer therapy, and that KR is a potential candidate compound for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Physiological Linkage of Thyroid and Pituitary Sensitivities
Authors: Fitzgerald Stephen paul , Bean Nigel G , Falhammar Henrik , Hoermann Rudolf
Published: July 2022

Objectives
The sensitivities of the pituitary to thyroxine feedback, and the thyroid to thyrotropin stimulation determine the free thyroxine /thyrotropin feedback loop and can be described mathematically by two curves. It is not well understood how the two curves combine in a healthy population with normal thyroid function to express the individual balance points that are observed. This study was directed at this issue testing the possibilities of random combination and directed linkage between the two curves.
Methods
We reverse-engineered two sets of population data, on the assumption of independent combinations of thyroid and pituitary sensitivities, to obtain estimates of the curve describing thyroid sensitivity. Sensitivity studies were performed.
Results
No analysis resulted in a physiologically feasible estimate of the curve describing thyroid sensitivity. There was evidence of linkage of the two curves in terms of their combination throughout the normal range. Thyroid response curves reflecting a low free thyroxine response to thyrotropin tended to be combined in individuals with thyrotropin curves reflecting a high thyrotropin response to free thyroxine, and vice versa.
Conclusions
Thyroid and pituitary sensitivities are linked, being combined in individuals in a non-random directed pattern. Direct mutual interaction may contribute to this linkage. This linkage precludes the derivation of the curves describing these sensitivities from population data of the free thyroxine and thyrotropin relationship and complicates their derivation by physiological experimentation. This linkage and probable interaction may also bestow evolutionary advantage by minimising inter-individual variation in free thyroxine levels and by augmenting homeostasis.
Association of plant-based diet and chronic kidney disease in Iranian Kurdish population: The RaNCD Cohort Study
Authors: Moloudpour Behrooz , Jam Samira Arbabi , Darbandi Mitra , Janati Ali , Gholizadeh Masoumeh , Najafi Farid , Pasdar Yahya
Published: July 2022

Background: Plant-based diet has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this hypothesis is raised that following a plant-based diet may improve the functioning of the kidneys. The aim of study was to determine the association between plant-based diet index (PDI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from Ravansar non-communicable diseases (RaNCD) cohort study on 9,746 participants aged 35-65 years, in western Iran. CKD was assessed by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. The PDI was calculated based on food intake using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and The food items were distributed into 18 food groups. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate odds ratio (ORs).Results: 1,058 (10.86%) of participants had CKD (eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m2), and the mean of PDI was 54.22± 6.68. The mean of eGFR in the group with high PDI score was significantly higher than the group with low PDI score (forth quartile: 79.20± 0.36 vs. first quartile: 72.95± 0.31, P<0.001). Adherence to a plant-based diet was more prevalent in the higher socioeconomic status (P<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of CKD in the third and fourth quartile of PDI was 25% (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.62- 0.91) and 39% (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.48- 0.78, P trend<0.001) lower than the first quartile, respectively.Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that having a plant-based diet may be preventing the development of CDK. However, further studies are recommended.
Autism and anorexia nervosa: longitudinal prediction of eating disorder outcomes
Authors: Leppanen Jenni , Sedgewick Felicity , Halls Daniel , Tchanturia Kate
Published: July 2022

Background: Recently, elevated levels of autistic traits and autism diagnoses have been reported among people with anorexia nervosa (AN). In clinical settings high levels of autistic traits have been linked to more complex, highly comorbid illness presentation and poorer outcome. This study aimed to examine whether autistic traits predict AN symptom profile in long term. Methods: Altogether 118 women with lived experience of AN completed two autism assessments at time 1, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the short version of the Autism Quotient (AQ10). Measures assessing AN symptom profile, including eating disorders symptoms, anxiety, depression, OCD symptoms, and BMI, were also recorded. The symptom profile measures were administered again 6 months and 2 years later. We conducted two analyses to examine the extent to which the ADOS and AQ10 scores predicted broad AN symptom profile at each three time points.Results: Overall, high levels of autistic traits were consistently associated with worse psychological symptoms, but not BMI, across all time points. Both the analysis using baseline ADOS scores and self-reported AQ10 scores showed similar pattern. Limitations: The sample consisted of young women only and it is therefore, difficult to ascertain whether these findings extend to other genders. Additionally, 70% of the participants who completed the self-report questionnaires at Time 1 also agreed to undergo ADOS assessment. This may have limited the power of the analysis involving ADOS scores compared to the analysis using AQ10 scores. Conclusions: The present findings solidify previously reported associations between autistic traits and worse psychological outcome among people with AN. The findings also suggest that self-report measures may be sufficient for assessing autistic traits among people with AN. Importantly, the study highlights the need for development and further investigation of neurodiversity accommodations in the treatment of AN.
Extracellular HSP90α inhibits ferroptosis through GPX4 in NSCLC cells
Authors: Wan Xuan , Wang Jiajian , Du Jiangzhou , Fang Yuting , Dong HangMing , Cai Shaoxi
Published: July 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common subtype of lung cancer in the world. Extracellular HSP90α (eHSP90α) promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and leads to NSCLC resistance in combination with targeted drugs. However, the molecular mechanism by which HSP90α induces EMT is unclear.Here, we used the STRING database to screen for proteins that interact with HSP90α in lung cancer cells, and found that the relationship between HSP90α and GPX4 is essential for ferroptosis in NSCLC cells. We also found that extracellular HSP90α increased E-cadherin expression by silencing LRP1 with siRNA, while decreased N-cadherin, Vimentin, and GPX4 expression, eHSP90α promoted EMT and inhibited ferroptosis by upregulating GPX4. We further found that hrHSP90α and TGF-β1 inhibited ferroptosis.The AKT signaling pathway was involved in eHSP90α-inhibited EMT. Meanwhile, we also confirmed that Ferrostatin-1 and hrHSP90α accelerated gefitinib resistance.These findings suggest that eHSP90α promoted EMT through LRP1 and inhibited ferroptosis by upregulating GPX4 in NSCLC cells. There may be mutual regulation between EMT and ferroptosis, and ferroptosis-inducing therapy may provide a new treatment strategy for gefitinib-resistant NSCLC.
Directions in fuzzy relation equations: conclusions from the current state of the art
Authors: Małgorzata Rataj , Matusiewicz Zofia
Published: July 2022

In our paper, we analyze those aspects of the research area thathave been most popular and we examine the relationships between the various sub-disciplines in thefield. We identify publications and authors that have influenced the development of the discipline, aswell as research institutes and groups that specialize in given research topics. Our work aims notonly to analyze current developments, but also to outline opportunities for collaboration betweenResearchers, to identify major scientific breakthroughs, identify the centers developing fuzzyrelational equations, and identify authors with significant achievements in the discipline. The maingoal of this analysis is to establish opportunities for developing a model and a computer applicationbased on existing scientific work.Our analysis shows that the main centres developing fuzzy set relation equations are located inthe Islamic Azad University in Iran, the University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic and Hanshan Normal University in China.Furthermore, the leading mentors of our time arePedrycz, Khorram, Stepnicka, and Jafari.In addition, important articles have been published byDrewniak, Higashi, Klir, Molai, Pervilieva, Sessa, Shieh.
Improvement of Body Image Flexibility in Adolescent Female Athletes undergoing Education about Nutrition and Body Image
Authors: Vidlock Kathryn , Liggett Catherine , Oberlag Nicole
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of an educational program in adolescent female athletes in increasing body image flexibility.Methods: A cohort with pre and posttests was done measuring body image flexibility in adolescent female athletes. Athletes participated in educational sessions about nutrition, body image flexibility, and RED-S (relative energy deficiency in sport). Body image flexibility was measured by the BI-AAQ (Body Image – Acceptance and Action Questionnaire).Results: Increases were shown in all teams and overall. Specifically, mean BI-AAQ scores from 45.2 to 57.2 or difference of 12.0 (p-value <0.01). The cheer team showed an increase of the mean scores from 42.3 to 52.0 or difference of 9.7 (p-value 0.033). Overall scores improved from 43.6 to 54.1 or difference of 10.4 (p-value <0.01). Individual questions results shows that the cross country/track team had significant improvement in 8 of the 12 questions and the cheer team had significant improvement in 4 of the 12 questions.Discussion: This prospective cohort study examined the efficacy of three educational sessions during the athletic season. The positive outcomes in the short educational sessions suggest that starting education early may help with the mindset of positive body image flexibility at least short term.Conclusion: There was statistically significant short term increase in body image flexibility in adolescent female athletes with education about body image, performance, and nutrition. Registration Clinicaltrial.gov # NCT05222360
Docetaxel chemotherapy plus androgen-deprivation therapy in high-volume disease metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer in Chinese patients: an efficacy and safety analysis
Authors: Guo Zhuifeng , Lu Xuwei , Yang Fan , Qin Liang , Yang Ning , Wu Jiawen , Wang Hang
Published: July 2022

Objective：To investigate the efficacy and safety of docetaxel chemotherapy combined with androgen-deprivation therapy for patients with high-volume disease metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Methods: 153 cases of high-volume disease metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer in Minhang Hospital between January 2018 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, including the number of patients, age, initial PSA level, gleason score, TNM stage and ECOG score. 90 patients in the endocrine therapy group received continuous ADT, and 63 patients in the combined chemotherapy group received docetaxel plus ADT. The progression-free survival time (time from initiation of prostate cancer treatment to progression to CRPC), PSA response rate, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results: All 153 cases were closely followed up for a period of 12.3 to 35.3 months, with a median follow-up time of 23.5 months. The median time to reach the lowest point of PSA in the two groups was 6.3 months and 7.9 months (P = 0.018) in the combination chemotherapy group and the ADT group alone, with 27 (42.9%) and 12 (13.3%) cases in the two groups Within 12 months of treatment, PSA decreased to below 0.2ng / ml (P = 0.02), and progression-free survival was 16.9 months (6.5 to 28.5 months) and 11.2 months (4.3 to 22.7 months) in the two groups. (P＜0.001). There were 18 cases (28.6%) and 54 cases (60%) in the two groups with disease progression (P＜0.001). There were 6 cases (9.5%) and 15 cases (16.7%) in the combination chemotherapy group and the ADT group died of prostate cancer and related complications, respectively. All 63 cases in the combined chemotherapy group completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy. 39 (61.9%) cases experienced varying degrees of neutropenia, of which 12 (19%) experienced grade 3 to 4 neutropenia, with 6 cases (9.5%) developed febrile neutropenia. 30 cases (47.6%) had toxic reactions in the digestive system, and 3 case (4.3%) had grade 3 liver dysfunction. 27 cases (42.8%) had skin and mucosal toxicity. 9 cases (14.3%) had mild fluid retention. No blood and digestive toxicity were observed in the ADT group. 33 cases (52.4%) and 48 (53.3%) of the two groups had symptoms of afternoon hot flashes and fatigue, (P = 0.961). Conclusion: Docetaxel chemotherapy combined with endocrine therapy could be one of effective treatments for delaying castration resistance of HVD-mHSPC，which could prolong PFS effectively and obtain a higher PSA response rate, high safety under close monitoring, and controllable adverse reactions.
Laparoscopic Drainage Versus Interventional Radiology In Management Of Appendicular Abscess: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Negm Said , Mousa Bassam , Shafiq Ahmed , Abozaid Mohamed , Allah Ehab Abd , Attia Adel , Abozaid Eslam , Farag Ahmed
Published: July 2022

Background:
Laparoscopic drainage of appendicular abscess has become a novel technique due to its advantages over interventional & open surgery like complete exploration of the abdomen, exclusion of other pathologies, excision of the appendix at same session, better cosmoses, decrease incidence of wound infection & incisional hernia, better visualization of surgical field, fine handling of edematous tissue and drainage of multiple collections.
Methods:
This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial included all patients who developed the manifestations of appendicular abscess and referred to the Zagazig University Hospital Emergency Department between January 2020 and February 2022. The study was prospectively approved by Zagazig University Faculty of Medicine Institutional Review Board (Approval Number: 55342/24.1.2020), and was retrospectively submitted in clinicaltrials.gov in June 2022 (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05419440). The sample size was 172 patients divided into two equal group, laparoscopic group involved 86 patients (group1), interventional radiology group involved 86 patients (group2).
Results:
172 patients divided into equal groups, group (1) laparoscopic drainage group included 86 patients, 48(55.8%) patients of them were male, 38 (44.2%) patients were female, with the age of the patients range from 16–60 years with median of the age (41.2 ± 12.2), group (2) interventional radiology group included 86 patients, 44 (51.2%) patients were male, 42 (48.8%) patients were female, with age range from 16–60 years, with the median of age (36.8 ± 10.9). The complications in both groups were bowel injury, fecal fistula, recurrence, pelvic collection and mortality with incidence of occurrence 1(1.2%), 3 (3.5%), 0 (0%), 0 (0%), 0(0%) respectively in group (1) while in group(2) were 5(5.8%), 0(0%), 3(3.5%), 8(9.3%), 1(1.2%) respectively. Regarding quality of life in both groups were excellent, good, poor with incidence of 48(55.8%), 38(44.2%), 0(0%) respectively in group (1), and 12(14%), 59(68.6%), 15(17.4%) respectively in group(2).
Conclusion:
Laparoscopic management of appendicular abscess can be safely applied in a good experienced hand with no mortality & morbidity, without the need for interval appendectomy.
Characterization of Natural Hepatoprotectors and Added Foods by Photoacoustic Spectroscopy and Colorimetry
Authors: Saucedo-Alfonzo D. A. , Dominguez-Pacheco A. , Hernandez-Aguilar C. , Cruz-Orea A.
Published: July 2022

The current pandemic events make it necessary to develop foods with a higher content of nutrients that have a better impact on the health of the population. The improvement of daily food mixtures by adding nutraceutical materials with bioactive substances has a favorable effect on food products and consumers. In the present study, photoacoustic spectroscopy and colorimetry were used to characterize hepatoprotective plants and tortillas added with black radish (2 and 8%) and black radish and turmeric (3%). The main findings were: 1) Of the evaluated hepatoprotectants Silybum marianum, Peumus boldus and Raphanus sativus; the black radish peel is the one that presents the highest level of photoacoustic signal at the wavelength (250 -900 nm). 2) The “tortillas” characterized by PAS and colorimetry, presented a positive correlation between the photoacoustic signal at the wavelength of 450 nm. and the color variables a* and b*. Likewise, there is a correlation between the color parameter L* and the amplitude of the photoacoustic signal at the wavelength of 350 nm. 3). The dehydration process modifies the color of the tortilla, being the variable L*, the most affected and to a lesser degree a* and b*. The PAS technique and colometry permit the study of naturals hepatoprotectors, and blends of cornmeal added with black radish.
Political Dynasties and Corruption: Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Savio Luan da Costa , Souza Wallace Patrick Santos de Farias
Published: July 2022

In this study, we investigate whether dynastic mayors are more or less likely to engage in corruption when compared to non-dynastic mayors. Using data from random government audits conducted in the Brazilian municipalities, we use RDD on close elections to compare municipalities that barely had a dynastic candidate elected as mayor to those that did not. The identification of relatives in politics is based on the matching of their last names. We find that dynastic mayors are more likely to engage in practices of over-invoicing compared to non-dynastic mayors.
Pangenome and genomic taxonomy analyses of Leuconostoc gelidum and Leuconostoc gasicomitatum
Authors: Johansson Per , Säde Elina , Hultman Jenni , Auvinen Petri , Björkroth Johanna
Published: July 2022

Background: Leuconostoc gelidum and Leuconostoc gasicomitatum have dual roles in foods. They may spoil cold-stored packaged foods but can also be beneficial in kimchi fermentation. The impact in food science as well as the limited number of publicly available genomes prompted us to create pangenomes and perform genomic taxonomy analyses starting from de novo sequencing of the genomes of 37 L. gelidum/L. gasicomitatum strains from our culture collection. Our aim was also to evaluate the recently proposed change in taxonomy as well as to study the genomes of strains that had have different lifestyles in foods. Methods: We selected as diverse a set of strains as possible in terms of sources, previously conducted genotyping results and geographical distribution, and included also 10 publicly available genomes in our analyses. We studied genomic taxonomy using pairwise average nucleotide identity (ANI) and calculation of digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) scores. Phylogeny analyses were done using the core gene set of 1141 single-copy genes and a set of housekeeping genes commonly used for lactic acid bacteria. In addition, the pangenome and core genome sizes as well as some properties, such as acquired antimicrobial resistance (AMR), important due to the growth in foods, were analysed. Results: Genome relatedness indices and phylogenetic analyses supported the recently suggested classification that restores the taxonomic position of L. gelidum subsp. gasicomitatum back to the species level as L. gasicomitatum. Genome properties, such as size and coding potential, revealed limited intraspecies variation and showed no attribution to the source of isolation. Distribution of the unique genes between species and subspecies was not associated with the previously documented lifestyle in foods. None of the strains carried any acquired AMR genes or genes associated with any known form of virulence. Conclusion: Genome-wide examination of strains confirms that the proposition to restore the taxonomic position of L. gasicomitatum is justified. It further confirms that the distribution of L. gelidum and L. gasicomitatum between different foods or lifestyles is not a result of functional and phylogenetic diversification at the genome level. Thus, we consider that the distribution and lifestyle of L. gelidum and L. gasicomitatum in foods has not been driven by the evolution of functional and phylogenetic diversification detectable at the genome level.
Clinical characteristics of patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage diagnosed by cytological examination of 1000 bronchoalveolar lavage samples.
Authors: Prasad Pallavi , Gupta Aviral , Nath Alok , Hashim Zia , Khan Ajmal , Krishnani Narendra
Published: July 2022

Background and objective: Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening condition due to the extravasation of blood in the alveoli, resulting in hypoxemia and even acute respiratory distress syndrome. This study aimed to describe the clinico-radio-pathological profile of patients diagnosed with DAH and classify it into immune and nonimmune DAH.
Methods: This was a retrospective analytical study. Of a total of 1000 cases of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) received for cytological examination, patients fulfilling the clinical, radiological, and laboratory details of cases satisfying the clinical and cytological criteria of DAH (n=47) were studied.
Results: The most common cause of immune DAH was ANCA-associated vasculitis (n=13, 27.6%), and that of nonimmune DAH was infections (n=10, 21.3%). Twenty-nine patients (61.7%) had hemoptysis. The most common radiological finding was ground-glass opacities (n=33, 70.2%). In univariate analysis, female sex, mean hemoglobin at admission, total leucocyte count (TLC), platelet count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were significantly associated with immune-DAH. However, in multivariate analysis, female sex, higher TLC, high platelets, and high ESR were significantly associated with immune DAH. Patients were treated with corticosteroids (n=25, 46.3%), intravenous cyclophosphamide (n=12, 22.2%), plasma exchange (n=7, 13.0%), intravenous immunoglobulin (n=5, 9.3%) and rituximab (n=5, 9.3%). The overall mortality was 8.5% (n=4).
Conclusion: DAH is a life-threatening syndrome that may be classified into immune and nonimmune DAH. Immune-DAH requires aggressive management, whereas nonimmune DAH cases respond best to conservative management.
Teen dating violence interventions for sexual minority youth: A scoping review
Authors: Smith Ariel U. , Singer Randi , Jann Janna , Matthews Alicia (Phoenix) , Crooks Natasha
Published: July 2022

Background. Sexual minority youth (SMY) are disproportionately impacted by teen dating violence (TDV). However, current interventions do not address the distinct needs of SMY. Culturally safe and effective TDV prevention interventions targeted to SMY are needed. The purpose of this review is to (1) examine TDV interventions that are inclusive of SMY and (2) determine the effectiveness of the interventions in terms of both knowledge and behavioral changes.Methods. A scoping review was conducted and includes studies that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) evaluated a TDV prevention program,(2) included participants who identify as lesbian/gay, bisexual, unsure, or queer; (3) reported outcomes for SMY; and (4) were published in the English language. The Effective Public Health Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and Garrard Matrix Method were employed to critically evaluate articles and synthesize findings.Results. A comprehensive search was conducted using five electronic databases that revealed 878 articles. Three articles were included in this review. Findings revealed that culturally targeted interventions improved dating violence knowledge and decreased the acceptance of sexual violence from pre-post intervention. However, current interventions have limited impact on behavioral outcomes among SMY. Moreover, quality assessments revealed that existing interventions were either weak or moderate, highlighting the need for additional research and culturally targeted TDV interventions.Discussion/Conclusion. Implications for future intervention development regarding measurement, recruiting and community partnership, institutional review board issues, improving behavioral outcomes, addressing unique risk factors, cultural targeting, intervention design, and methodological approaches are described.
Analgesic efficacy of local versus proximal nerve blocks afterhallux valgus surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Ravanbod Hamid
Published: July 2022

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) surgery is an orthopaedic procedure that commonly causes mild to moderate postoperative pain. Effective management of this pain has become an important element of modern hallux valgus surgical treatment. A local anaesthetic (LA) with an antinociceptive effect can control this pain. However, relatively few papers have evaluated this strategy in depth. The objective of the current systematic review was to address this demand by comparing the efficacy of proximal and local blocks in controlling postoperative pain following hallux valgus surgery.Main text: Ovid-MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, and Embase were searched from their inceptions through December 29, 2021. Observational and clinical trial publications in peer-reviewed English-language journals with a sample size of at least 20 were included. The trials involved adults over 18 who could describe their discomfort and had a bunionectomy. The included studies were evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias 2 method. Descriptive analysis synthesised the results.Among the 439 articles identified, five studies compromising 459 participants were included. Ankle blocks were superior to control in two studies (P = 0.001, P < 0.001) and superior to local blocks in one study (P < 0.001). Additionally, one study showed that popliteal and ankle blocks administered with lidocaine or levobupivacaine were equivalent (P = 0.123 and P = 0.055, respectively). However, one of these five included studies indicated that ankle blocks were not effective (P = 0.123) in reducing postoperative pain.Conclusions: The key findings presented herein suggest that regional blocks effectively reduce postoperative pain and that an ankle block has more supportive evidence for its effectiveness. However, an adequate assessment of the effectiveness of various administrative routes was challenging due to the lack of reliable evidence. This needs to be addressed in future studies.Trial registration: PROSPERO registration: CRD42022307974
Coffee ice cream as an innovative functional dairy food
Authors: Shazly Ahmed B. , Fouad Mohamed , Elaaser Mostafa , Sayed Rehab , El-Aziz Mahmoud Abd
Published: July 2022

Coffee ice cream is one of the best options when we're looking for a caffeinated dessert with a desirable taste and health benefits. In this study, the use of concentrated coffee extract (CCE) in ice cream production as an innovative functional dairy food was evaluated. The most abundant phenolic component in CCE was chlorogenic acid, with 7.39 mg/mL, followed by pyrocatecol, naringin, gallic acid, and catechin. Folic acid, with 4.67 mg/mL, was the most abundant B-complex vitamins in CCE, followed by thiamin and riboflavin. CCF also showed antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. Ice cream formulated with 3% CCE showed higher overrun (41.76%), fat destabilization (15.14%), and melting rate (1.19 g/min) than that formulated with 5% CCE and control ice cream. Adding probiotic bacteria B. breve Bb-12 and L. plantaru enhanced the viscosity of the mixture, as well as the overrun and melting rate of the final ice cream. However, adding CCE to ice cream had no effect on survival of probiotic bacteria during storage at –20°C when compared to control ice cream. CCE-containing ice creams showed higher antioxidant activity against the DPPH and ABTS radicals, with the increase proportionate to the amount of CCE. Ice cream with 3% CCE had a favorable brown color, less bitterness, the desired coffee flavor, and a smoother texture than ice cream with 5% CCE.
The Effect of Enhanced Milieu Teaching with Book Reading on Communication Ability of Young Children with Developmental Disabilities
Authors:   Korean Journal Of Early Childhood Special Education, Han Song I , Choi Hye Sung
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Enhanced Milieu Teaching with Book Reading(EMT-BR) on the communication ability, the level of support required, and maintenance of two young children with Developmental Disabilities(DD). Participants in the study were two young children with DD at kindergarten special class in G city. A multiple probe design across settings was used to investigate functional relationship between EMT-BR and the communication ability .The results of this study indicated that two participants with DD learned and used their language targets as a result of EMT-BR. First of all, two participants did not communicate with the experimenter during baseline. However, two participants with DD learned and used language targets with assistance with the experimenter as a results of EMT-BR. In addition, during the intervention the most frequently used level of support was time delay and open questions. Finally, they maintained acquired language targets after two or three weeks after the intervention was terminated. This study meaningful that EMT-BR for children with disabilities have been used to communicate using words that were not often used by children with disabilities.
The Effect of Creative Problem Solving Program for Pre-Early Childhood Special Teacher on their Creativity and Self-Efficacy
Authors:   Korean Journal Of Early Childhood Special Education, Kwon MI Eun
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a creative problem solving program on the creativity and self-efficacy of pre-primary special education teachers. For this purpose, 15 students who took the ‘Creative Problem Solving Program’, an non-curricular program and special education for children at N University located in G city, were targeted. The creative problem-solving program consisted of a process of recognizing problems using various creative thinking techniques for 15 sessions, generating ideas, and then planning and implementing them. To analyze the effects of pre-primary special education teachers on creativity and self-efficacy, a paired t-test was conducted to compare the differences between the pre-test and the post-test of the creative problem-solving program. As a result, after the creative problem solving program, there was a significant improvement in the creativity(t=-8.897,p<.001) and self-efficacy(t=-4.602,p<.001) of the pre-primary special education teachers. These results show that the creative problem-solving program affects the confidence or belief in creativity and self-competence, including the creative flexibility and alternative solving skills of pre-primary special education teachers. Through this, it is thought that the creativity program using creative problem-solving methods will be helpful in the application of curricular and non-curricular curriculum for pre-primary special education teachers.
Roles and Support Needs of Early Childhood Special Education Teacher in Special Education Support Centers
Authors:   Korean Journal Of Early Childhood Special Education, Park So-young , Yoon Song ha , Yoo Jang Soon
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the roles, difficulties, points of reward, and support needs of early childhood special education teachers working in special education support centers through their experiences and perception. For the research method, Focus Group Interview(FGI) was conducted with 6 early childhood special education teachers who had more than 2 years of work experience in special education support center. As a result of the study, 5 categories and 23 sub-themes were derived. In the special education support center, the duties and roles of early childhood special education teachers were diagnosis and evaluation, itinerant education, therapy support, infant class operation, in-service training program operation, etc. They felt the reward of working in the special education support center was positive and rewarding in the center's administrative work, and infant class operation support. The difficulties were to complaints, conducting diagnostic evaluations, appropriate placement according th children’s educational needs, counseling with parents, lack of understanding of work due to lack of work and field experience. The improvement related to the work of the special education support center required division of work, systematic training support, and a balanced teacher arrangement. Needs for support related to the work of the special education support center included administrative and financial support and placement of a special education supervisor for early childhood special education. Based on the results of this study, the role of early childhood special education teachers working in the special education support center and improvement measures were discussed to strengthen their professionalism.