bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tolerability and efficacy assessment of an oral collagen supplement for the improvement of biophysical and ultrasonographic parameters of skin in middle eastern consumers
Authors: Samadi Aniseh , Movaffaghi Maryam , Kazemi Faegheh , Yazdanparast Taraneh , Ahmad Nasrollahi Saman , Firooz Alireza
Published: March 2023

Background

Topical skin care products often do not reach the deeper layers of the skin, and oral hydrolyzed collagen is one of the newest and most popular systemic supplementations for skin rejuvenation. However, there are limited information in case of Middle Eastern consumers

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of an oral collagen supplement for improvement of skin elasticity, hydration, and roughness in Middle Eastern consumers.

Methods and Materials

It was a 12‐week, before‐after clinical study, conducted on 20 participants (18 women and 2 men) aged 44.15 ± 5.36 years with skin type III–IV. Skin elasticity parameters (R0, R2, R5, and R7), skin hydration and friction, as well as the thickness and echo density of the dermis, were measured after six and 12 weeks daily intake of the study product, as well as 4 weeks after stopping its use (week 16). Participants' satisfaction was assessed on the basis of their answers to the standard questionnaire, and tolerability of the product was assessed by monitoring the adverse effects.

Results

A significant improvement was detected in R2, R5, and skin friction at week 12 (p‐values 0.041, 0.012 and <0.01, respectively). At week 16, the values remained at an increased level, which indicates the persistence of the results. The increase of dermis density in week 16 was also significant (p‐value = 0.03). Moderate overall satisfaction was reported with the treatment, and a few gastrointestinal complications were reported.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that oral collagen peptides could significantly improve the skin elasticity, roughness, and dermis echo density, and they also proved to be safe and well‐tolerated.
Assessment of quality of life and self‐esteem in male patients with androgenetic alopecia before and after hair transplantation
Authors: Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Golparvaran Maryam , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with androgenetic alopecia experience a significant decrease in self‐esteem and quality of life. There are several methods by which these factors may be improved.

Aims

Determining whether patients feel better about themselves with a better quality of life after undergoing hair transplant procedure.

Patients/Methods

35 people were chosen from Jordan Skin and Hair Clinic in Tehran, Iran. Following hair transplant, follow‐up subjects had their quality of life and level of self‐esteem assessed using the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), respectively. The means of quantitative results were compared using paired T‐test. The chi‐square test was done to compare preoperative and postoperative characteristics qualitatively. Differences were regarded significant if p < 0.05. Analysis of covariance was applied to evaluate the effect of marital status and educational level on outcome variables (ANCOVA).

Results

Our findings showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between pre‐ and post‐operative hair transplantation for quality of life, and mean score increased to 2.17. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups, with an average self‐esteem score on RSES rising to 5.35 (p < 0.001). A statistically significant link between educational achievement and quality of life was found (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study found postoperative psychological aspects of AGA patients significantly improve than preoperative. Our results show that there is a statistically significant difference between the self‐esteem and quality of life of AGA patients before and after hair restoration surgery.
Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in children and adolescents evaluated with Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Minervini Giuseppe , Franco Rocco , Marrapodi Maria Maddalena , Fiorillo Luca , Cervino Gabriele , Cicciù Marco
Published: March 2023

Background

The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in children and adolescents is not well‐known. This is partly because TMD is not often diagnosed in children and partly because there is no agreed‐upon definition of TMD. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that there are gender differences in the prevalence and presentation of TMD in adult. The aim was to assess the prevalence of TMDs in subjects aged 8–19 evaluated with Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (DC/TMD) and to assess gender differences.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs were systematically searched until 30 November 2022, to identify studies presenting children and adolescents patients affected by TMDs.

Results

Out of 40 papers, three studies were included. The included subjects in this review were 1914 (1093 female and 821 male). Seven hundred and thirty‐six on 1914 patients (38.4%) presented TMD. Among 1093 female, 489 (44.7%) presented TMD, while 247/821 male (30%) experienced TMD. Meta‐analysis revealed that the female had a higher TMD prevalence than male (RR 2.10; 95% CI: 1.21–3.65).

Conclusion

TMD prevalence in children and adolescence varies between 20% and 60%. Female had a higher prevalence of TMDs compared to male.
Prevalence of and prognostic factors for Candida superinfection in oral lichen planus and lichenoid reactions: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saepoo Jirayu , Kerdpon Duangporn , Pangsomboon Kanokporn
Published: March 2023

Background

Oral candidiasis occasionally occurs in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) or lichenoid reaction (OLR). However, not all patients undergoing corticosteroid therapy develop Candida superinfection. Thus, the identification of prognostic risk factors may help to identify patients at risk of Candida superinfection.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to review patients with OLP/OLR who received steroid therapy at a single dental hospital between January 2016 and December 2021. The prevalence of Candida superinfection and prognostic factors were assessed.

Results

Eighty‐two eligible patients with OLP/OLR were retrospectively reviewed. The overall prevalence of Candida superinfection during the study period was 35.37%; the median time‐to‐event between initiation of corticosteroid therapy and diagnosis of superinfection was 60 days (interquartile range; 34–296). The ulcerative type of OLP/OLR, number of topical steroid applications, poor oral hygiene, and oral dryness were significantly associated with superinfection (p < 0.05; Fisher's Exact test) and were identified as prognostic factors in univariable risk ratio regression. Multivariable risk ratio regression revealed the ulcerative type of OLP/OLR and number of topical steroid applications were significant prognostic factors for Candida superinfection in patients with OLP/OLR.

Conclusion

Candida superinfection occurs in approximately one‐third of patients with OLP/OLR undergoing corticosteroid therapy. Patients with OLP/OLR should be closely monitored in the first 2 months (60 days; median time to infection) after steroid prescription. The ulcerative type of OLP/OLR and a higher number of topical steroid applications per day may represent prognostic factors to identify patients at risk of Candida superinfection.
Optimal estimating function for weak location‐scale dynamic models
Authors: Francq Christian , Zakoïan Jean‐Michel
Published: March 2023

Estimating functions provide a very general framework for the statistical inference of dynamic models under weak assumptions. We consider a class of time series models consisting in the parametrization of the first two conditional moments which – by contrast with classical location‐scale dynamic models – do not impose further constraints on the conditional distribution/moments. Quasi‐likelihood estimators (QLE) are obtained by solving estimating equations deduced from those two conditional moments. Conditions ensuring the existence and asymptotic properties (consistency and asymptotic normality) of such estimators are provided. We propose optimal QLEs in Godambe's sense, deduced from a condition obtained by Chandra and Taniguchi (2001,Annals of the Institute of Statistical Mathematics53, 125–141). The particular case of the quasi‐maximum likelihood estimators is considered. For pure location models, a data‐driven procedure for optimally choosing the QLE is proposed. Our results are illustrated via Monte Carlo experiments and real financial data.
Community collections: Returning to an (un)imagined future
Authors: Massola Catherine
Published: March 2023

Drawing on fieldwork in an Aboriginal community in Western Australia, this article chronicles the life of a collection of Indigenous art and material culture through archival research, ethnography, observation, and interviews. Moving from a school to community keeping spaces, through a natural disaster, to an art center and a university conservation center, this examination reveals how entanglements between people and the collection play out in the local context. The moving and returning of the collection signifies various trajectories that articulate with different value systems and demonstrates that negotiating differences between groups and individuals is an inevitable and necessary part of maintaining and caring for collections in source communities. The article attests that time is needed at local levels to support Indigenous‐led processes which include value creation, cultural protocols, change, continuity, and the (re)valuation of objects.
Comparing the relative influence of obesity and ancestry on timing of dental development
Authors: Strumpf Matthew , Marion Ian , AlQahtani Sakher , da Fonseca Marcio A. , Nicholas Christina L.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The dentition is one of the most accurate features for age estimation in children. However, there is some evidence that timing of dental development varies across populations. Recent research suggests that dental development may also be susceptible to influence by environmental factors, such as obesity. Given that there are also population differences in average body mass, it is possible that this may be a confounding variable that was not accounted for in prior work. We aim to compare the relative association between body mass index (BMI) and ancestry with timing of dental development.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional chart review was undertaken using panoramic radiographs of 6‐ to 12‐year‐olds (n = 281). Age, ancestry, sex, height, and weight were obtained. Dental development was assessed using the Demirjian method, and chronological age was subtracted from estimated dental age to determine relative timing of dental development (ΔAge). BMI was calculated based upon recorded height/weight within 6 months of time of radiograph.

Results

We found no difference in timing of dental development (accelerated/delayed) across ancestry groups (African‐American, Euro‐American, Hispanic, Asian; P = .15). Overweight/obese subjects had statistically significantly advanced (precocious) dental development (P < .001). Compared to normal‐weight subjects, children who were overweight's age were overestimated by 5.76 months (0.48 years) and children with obesity by 5.97 months (0.49 years) on average.

Conclusions

BMI appears to have a greater impact on relative timing of dental development than ancestry in this population. Our results support other findings that obesity results in accelerated growth and development.
Pregabalin in patients with post‐traumatic peripheral neuropathic pain: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Maleki Mohsen Saheban , Zamani Zahra , Amiri Roya , Kakhki Samaneh , Jafari Mojtaba , Amani Behnam , Amani Bahman , Amanat Nasir
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of pregabalin versus placebo in post‐traumatic peripheral neuropathic pain (PTNP).

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant evidence up to January 2022. The Cochran tool was used to assess the quality of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Data analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis software.

Results

Three RCTs involving 821 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. A significant difference was observed between pregabalin and placebo in terms of the pain score (the standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.14, 95% CI: 0.28 to −0.006, p = 0.04) and sleep interference (MD = −0.25, 95% CI: −0.39 to −0.11, p = 0.00). There was also a significant difference between pregabalin and placebo regarding somnolence (risk ratio [RR] = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.64–4.71, p = 0.00), dizziness (RR = 4.13; 95% CI: 2.71–6.28, p = 0.00), and disturbance in attention (RR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.02–8.65, p = 0.04). However, no significant difference was observed between pregabalin and placebo in terms of headache (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 0.70–2.06, p = 0.50), fatigue (RR = 1.42; 95% CI: 0.82–2.47, p = 0.20), nausea (RR = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.88–2.62, p = 0.13), constipation (RR = 1.84; 95% CI: 0.78–4.29, p = 0.15), and discontinuation (RR = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.45–5.06, p = 0.49).

Conclusion

Compared with placebo, pregabalin showed better efficacy in reducing PTNP and improving sleep interference. However, it was associated with higher adverse events. Further RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.
Accountability, governance, and institutional change in intergovernmental relations: A theoretical framework
Authors: Benveniste Joseph , Mizrahi Shlomo
Published: March 2023

This article develops an explanatory framework of institutional change in intergovernmental relations. Using new institutionalism, we focus on a main explanatory factor—the players' perceptions of their own accountability and that of others. Integrating the concepts of multiple accountability and felt accountability, we develop the concept of an accountability gap, meaning differences between the perceptions of players in the central government about their responsibility to provide local services and the perceptions of players at the local level about their responsibilities. Our claim is that perceptual gaps concerning accountability in a two‐tiered or multi‐tiered system may influence their interests, strategies, and behavior and hence determine the timing and pace of specific institutional changes. We illustrate the theoretical framework by examining how Spain managed the COVID‐19 pandemic.

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French, Edward P., and Doug Goodman. 2011. “Local Government Human Resource Management Past, Present, and Future: Revisiting Hays and Kearney's Anticipated Changes a Decade Later.”Politics & Policy39(5): 761–85.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00312.x.

Kwon, Sung‐Wook, and Sylvia Gonzalez‐Gorman. 2019. “Influence of Local Political Institutions on Policy Punctuation in Three Policy Areas.”Politics & Policy47(2): 300–25.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12295.
On the multiresource flexible job‐shop scheduling problem with arbitrary precedence graphs
Authors: Kasapidis Gregory A. , Dauzère‐Pérès Stéphane , Paraskevopoulos Dimitris C. , Repoussis Panagiotis P. , Tarantilis Christos D.
Published: March 2023

This paper aims at linking the work presented in Dauzère‐Pérès et al. (1998) and more recently in Kasapidis et al. (2021) on the multiresource flexible job‐shop scheduling problem with nonlinear routes or equivalently with arbitrary precedence graphs. In particular, we present a mixed integer linear programming (MIP) model and a constraint programming (CP) model to formulate the problem. We also compare the theorems introduced in Dauzère‐Pérès et al. (1998) and Kasapidis et al. (2021) and propose a new theorem extension. Computational experiments were conducted to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of all propositions. Lastly, the proposed MIP and CP models are tested on benchmark problems of the literature and comparisons are made with state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
Assumptions, uncertainty, and catastrophic/existential risk: National risk assessments need improved methods and stakeholder engagement
Authors: Boyd Matt , Wilson Nick
Published: March 2023

Two key shortcomings of national risk assessments (NRAs) are: (1) lack of justification and transparency around important foundational assumptions of the process, (2) omission of almost all the largest scale risks. Using a demonstration set of risks, we illustrate how NRA process assumptions around time horizon, discount rate, scenario choice, and decision rule impact on risk characterization and therefore any subsequent ranking. We then identify a neglected set of large‐scale risks that are seldom included in NRAs, namely global catastrophic risks and existential threats to humanity. Under a highly conservative approach that considers only simple probability and impact metrics, the use of significant discount rates, and harms only to those currently alive at the time, we find these risks have likely salience far greater than their omission from national risk registers might suggest. We highlight the substantial uncertainty inherent in NRAs and argue that this is reason for more engagement with stakeholders and experts. Widespread engagement with an informed public and experts would legitimize key assumptions, encourage critique of knowledge, and ease shortcomings of NRAs. We advocate for a deliberative public tool that can support informed two‐way communication between stakeholders and governments. We outline the first component of such a tool for communication and exploration of risks and assumptions. The most important factors for an “all hazards” approach to NRA are ensuring license for key assumptions and that all the salient risks are included before proceeding to ranking of risks and considering resource allocation and value.
Climate change and spatial agricultural development in Turkey
Authors: Karahasan Burhan Can , Pinar Mehmet
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the impact of climate change on the spatial distribution of agricultural production in Turkey between 2004 and 2019. Our findings show that climate change has a pervasive impact on agricultural development. The empirical results show that the average temperature is negatively associated with agricultural land use, grain, and legume production. Moreover, regional variability analyses reveal the nonmonotonic relationships between climatic factors and agricultural output. Climate change hurts agricultural production in northern and central regions the most. This finding points out the ineffectiveness of one‐size‐fits‐all‐type policies for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change in topography with sizeable spatial dissimilarities. Overall, our results suggest that climate change will significantly threaten the evolution of agricultural activities that are critical for regional development. In addition, findings show that spatial spillovers and heterogeneity will be crucial for designing climate change policies for rural and agricultural development.
Dynamics of the rogue lump in the asymmetric Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov system
Authors: Guo Lijuan , Wang Lihong , Chen Lei , He Jingsong
Published: March 2023

The (2 + 1)‐dimensional asymmetric Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov (ANNV) equation describes an incompressible fluid such as waves with weakly nonlinear restoring forces, long internal waves in a density‐stratified ocean, or acoustic waves on a crystal lattice. In this paper, we construct a new kind of solutions doubly localized in both time and space, that is, a rogue lump wave, of the ANNV equation using the binary Darboux transformation (BDT). This solution is expressed by a class of semirational functions, in which lumps appear from one line soliton and then rapidly disappear into another line soliton. Phase parameter newly introduced in eigenfunctions plays a vital role in controlling the distinct dynamical behaviors of these rogue lumps. The explicit formulas of the approximate locations and heights of rogue waves, lumps, and line solitons are given by asymptotic analysis. Their collision process is discussed in detail. These results further help us to understand the extreme and transient waves in a variety of physical systems.
The novel HLA‐DRB5*02:35 allele characterized by two different sequencing‐based typing techniques
Authors: Dhuyser Adèle , Pérès Michaël , Morel Thomas , Clément Sandra , Aarnink Alice
Published: March 2023

The novel allele HLA‐DRB5*02:35 differs from HLA‐DRB5*02:02:01 by one non‐synonymous nucleotide substitution in exon 2.
Implementation of Inerter-Based Dynamic Vibration Absorber for Chatter Suppression
Authors: Dogan Hakan , Sims Neil D. , Wagg David J.
Published: March 2023

Chatter is one of the major issues that cause undesirable effects limiting machining productivity. Passive control devices, such as tuned mass dampers (TMDs), have been widely employed to increase machining stability by suppressing chatter. More recently, inerter-based devices have been developed for a wide variety of engineering vibration mitigation applications. However, no experimental study for the application of inerters to the machining stability problem has yet been conducted. This article presents an implementation of an inerter-based dynamic vibration absorber (IDVA) to the problem of chatter stability, for the first time. For this, it employs the IDVA with a pivoted-bar inerter developed in the study by Dogan et al. (2022, “Design, Testing and Analysis of a Pivoted-Bar Inerter Device Used as a Vibration Absorber, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing,” 171, p. 108893) to mitigate the chatter effect under cutting forces in milling. Due to the nature of machining stability, the optimal design parameters for the IDVA are numerically obtained by considering the real part of the frequency response function (FRF), which enables the absolute stability limit in a single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) to be maximized for a milling operation. Chatter performance is experimentally validated through milling trials using the prototype IDVA and a flexible workpiece. The experimental results show that the IDVA provides more than 15% improvement in the absolute stability limit compared to a classical TMD.
Design and Implementation of a Synergy-Based Cable-Driven Humanoid Arm With Variable Stiffness
Authors: Xiao Hang , Tang Jianyin , Lyu Shengnan , Xu Kun , Ding Xilun
Published: March 2023

Cable-driven arms have the advantages of light weight, large workspace, good compliance, high-speed, and acceleration. This paper proposes a cable-driven variable stiffness humanoid arm that can reproduce typical daily postures of the upper limb with a few actuators via kinematic synergy. A kinematic model of the arm is established to obtain the design parameters corresponding to different postures. The dimension reduction of the actuation is realized through a synergy analysis of the driving cables. A coupling actuation mechanism is designed to reduce the number of actuators required to generate specific postures of the arm via cables. Optimization of the geometric parameters of the joints is conducted to improve posture reproduction accuracy. The stiffness of the arm could be regulated by adjusting the cable tension. Stiffness modeling of the joint is performed to evaluate the influence of cable tension. A prototype of the arm is designed. The workspace is analyzed under the actuation of the designed coupling mechanism. The transformation among the targeted postures is simulated to validate the feasibility of the actuation dimension reduction design of the arm. Robustness analysis is conducted which indicates the use of synergic actuation weakens the arm's robustness. With the proposed dimension reduction method, the actuation dimensions are reduced from 9 to 4, which leads to the diminution of the reachable workspace and manipulability. The reproduction accuracy of the targeted postures is 84.3%. The proposed method can be applied to the dimension reduction designs of other cable-driven robots.
Area selective atomic layer deposition of SnO2 as an etch resist in fluorine based processes
Authors: Yang Xin , Nallan Himamshu , Coffey Brennan M. , Ekerdt John G.
Published: March 2023

Here, we propose SnO2 as a reactive ion etching (RIE) mask in fluorine-based etching processes. Tin forms nonvolatile compounds with fluorine at the process temperatures enabling tin to function as an etch mask. We investigate atomic layer deposition (ALD) of SnO2 on silicon thermal oxide, silicon native oxide, H-terminated Si(001), and polystyrene surfaces using tetrakis(dimethylamino) tin(IV) and H2O at 170 °C to understand film nucleation patterns. Pinhole free films of approximately 1 nm thick SnO2 form on silicon thermal oxide and silicon native oxide and resist etching with SF6 under conditions that etch 0.3 μm into silicon. Nucleation delays were observed on H-terminated Si(001) producing continuous films with pinhole defects. Etch proof-of-concept is studied by UV crosslinking polystyrene, dissolving away non-crosslinked polystyrene to expose native oxide, and depositing 20–100 ALD cycles of SnO2. Well-defined grid patterns are transferred 1.2 μm into Si(001) with SF6 RIE when 50 ALD cycles of SnO2 are grown, which is approximately 4 nm thick.
Elucidating the Mechanism of Action of the Gram-Negative-Pathogen-Selective Cyclic Antimicrobial Lipopeptide Brevicidine
Authors: Zhao Xinghong , Zhong Xinyi , Yang Shinong , Deng Kai , Liu Lu , Song Xu , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Zhou Xun , Jia Renyong , Lin Juchun , Tang Huaqiao , Ye Gang , Yang Jianqing , Zhao Shan , Lang Yifei , Wan Hongping , Yin Zhongqiong , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: March 2023

Due to the accelerated appearance of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens in clinical infections, new first-in-class antibiotics, operating via novel modes of action, are desperately needed. Brevicidine, a bacterial nonribosomally produced cyclic lipopeptide, has shown potent and selective antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative pathogens.
The Capsule Increases Susceptibility to Last-Resort Polymyxins, but Not to Other Antibiotics, in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: D’Angelo Francesca , Rocha Eduardo P. C. , Rendueles Olaya
Published: March 2023

The extracellular capsule is a virulence factor present in many facultative pathogens, but its role in antimicrobial resistance remains controversial. To shed light on this debate, we tested six antibiotics on four
Klebsiella pneumoniae
species complex strains.
Eat or Be Eaten: Strategies Used by
Legionella
to Acquire Host-Derived Nutrients and Evade Lysosomal Degradation
Authors: Shames Stephanie R.
Published: March 2023

To replicate within host cells, bacterial pathogens must acquire host-derived nutrients while avoiding degradative antimicrobial pathways. Fundamental insights into bacterial pathogenicity have been revealed by bacteria of the genus
Legionella
, which naturally parasitize free-living protozoa by establishing a membrane-bound replicative niche termed the
Legionella
-containing vacuole (LCV).
Evaluation of Phenotypic Tests to Detect Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Klebsiella oxytoca Complex Strains
Authors: Campos-Madueno Edgar I. , Moser Aline I. , Keller Peter M. , Perreten Vincent , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice , Endimiani Andrea
Published: March 2023

Klebsiella oxytoca
complex (
Ko
C) species may overproduce their chromosomal class A OXY β-lactamases, conferring reduced susceptibility to piperacillin-tazobactam, expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and aztreonam. Moreover, since clavulanate maintains its ability to inhibit these enzymes, the resulting resistance phenotype may falsely resemble the production of acquired extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs).
Candida albicans Oropharyngeal Infection Is an Exception to Iron-Based Nutritional Immunity
Authors: Solis Norma V. , Wakade Rohan S. , Filler Scott G. , Krysan Damian J.
Published: March 2023

Nutritional immunity is a response by which infected host tissue sequesters nutrients, such as iron, to prevent the microbe from efficiently replicating. Microbial pathogens subjected to iron nutritional immunity express specific genes to compensate for low iron availability.
Change in the Gut Microbiome and Immunity by Lacticaseibacillusrhamnosus Probio-M9
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zheng Yan , Sun Zheng , Cao Chenxia , Zhao Wei , Liu Yangshuo , Zhang Wenyi , Zhang Heping
Published: March 2023

Although the global market for probiotics is growing explosively, there is still an active debate about whether the consumption of probiotics is beneficial for nonpatients. In this study, we recruited 100 adults from a college in China and performed 6 weeks of intervention for half of the volunteers.
Sweat conductivity for diagnosing cystic fibrosis after positive newborn screening: prospective, diagnostic test accuracy study
Authors: Bedran Renata Marcos , Alvim Cristina Gonçalves , Sader Olívia Gonçalves , Alves Júnior José Vicente , Pereira Fernando Henrique , Nolasco Daniela Magalhães , Zhang Linjie , Camargos Paulo
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess the accuracy of sweat conductivity among newborns and very young infants.

Design

Prospective, population-based, diagnostic test accuracy study.

Setting

Public Statewide Newborn Screening Programme where the incidence rate of cystic fibrosis (CF) is ≈1:11 000.

Patients

Newborns and very young infants with positive two-tiered immunoreactive trypsinogen.

Interventions

Sweat conductivity and sweat chloride were performed simultaneously, on the same day and facility by independent technicians, with the cut-off values of 80 mmol/L and 60 mmol/L, respectively.

Main outcome measures

Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), overall accuracy, positive and negative likelihood ratios (+LR, -LR) and post (sweat conductivity (SC)) test probability were calculated to assess SC performance.

Results

1193 participants were included, 68 with and 1108 without CF, and 17 with intermediate values. The mean (SD) age was 48 (19.2) days, ranging from 15 to 90 days. SC yielded sensitivity of 98.5% (95% CI 95.7 to 100), specificity of 99.9% (95% CI 99.7 to 100), PPV of 98.5% (95% CI 95.7 to 100) and NPV of 99.9% (95% CI 99.7 to 100), overall accuracy of 99.8% (95% CI 99.6 to 100), +LR of 1091.7 (95% CI 153.8 to 7744.9) and -LR of 0.01 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.10). After a positive and negative sweat conductivity result, the patient’s probability of CF increases around 350 times and drops to virtually zero, respectively.

Conclusion

Sweat conductivity had excellent accuracy in ruling in or ruling out CF after positive two-tiered immunoreactive trypsinogen among newborns and very young infants.
Association of red cell distribution width (RDW) and the RDW to platelet count ratio with cardiovascular disease among US adults: a cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2020
Authors: Ainiwaer Aikeliyaer , Kadier Kaisaierjiang , Abulizi Anniwaer , Hou Wen Qing , Rehemuding Rena , Maimaiti Halimulati , Yakufu Mubalake , Ma Xiang , Ma Yi-Tong
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate the association between red cell distribution width (RDW) and the RDW to platelet count ratio (RPR) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and to further investigate whether the association involves population differences and dose–response relationships.

Design

Cross-sectional population-based study.

Setting

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2020).

Participants

A total of 48 283 participants aged 20 years or older (CVD, n=4593; non-CVD, n=43 690) were included in this study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the presence of CVD, while the secondary outcome was the presence of specific CVDs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between RDW or the RPR and CVD. Subgroup analyses were performed to test the interactions between demographics variables and their associations with disease prevalence.

Results

A logistic regression model was fully adjusted for potential confounders; the ORs with 95% CIs for CVD across the second to fourth quartiles were 1.03 (0.91 to 1.18), 1.19 (1.04 to 1.37) and 1.49 (1.29 to 1.72) for RDW (p for trend <0.0001) compared with the lowest quartile. The ORs with 95% CIs for CVD across the second to fourth quartiles were 1.04 (0.92 to 1.17), 1.22 (1.05 to 1.42) and 1.64 (1.43 to 1.87) for the RPR compared with the lowest quartile (p for trend <0.0001). The association of RDW with CVD prevalence was more pronounced in females and smokers (all p for interaction <0.05). The association of the RPR with CVD prevalence was more pronounced in the group younger than 60 years (p for interaction=0.022). The restricted cubic spline also suggested a linear association between RDW and CVD and a non-linear association between the RPR and CVD (p for non-linear <0.05).

Conclusion

There are statistical heterogeneities in the association between RWD, RPR distributions and the CVD prevalence, across sex, smoking status and age groups.
Cancer pain management: long-term maintenance therapy
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano , Bellavia Giuseppe , Giuliana Fausto
Published: March 2023

This is a case report regarding a patient on maintenance therapy with methadone wth cancer pain. Minimal increase in methadone dose and a better modulation of administration intervals were effective, allowing the achievement of an optimal analgesia in a short time. This effect was maintained at home after discharge up the last follow-up 3 weeks after discharge. Existing literature is discussed and it is suggested to use the same drug, methadone, in increased doses.
Thermal control mechanism of ventilated–closed block layer composite embankment of expressway in warm permafrost regions
Authors: Yuan Chang , Yu Qi-hao , Li Dong-wei , Chen Xin , Qian Jin , Wang Zhenhua , Lai Yuan-ming
Published: March 2023

This study reveals the thermal control mechanism of a ventilated–closed block layer composite embankment structure by analyzing the heat transfer and temperature change based on the measured data of the high-grade highway experimental engineering in the Beiluhe area of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. During the cold season, natural convection occurred in the block layer when the upper boundary temperature was approximately 2 °C lower than that of the bottom boundary. In addition, heat from the foundation was transferred upwards through the block layer via heat convection. During the warm season, air inside the block layer was almost static, and external heat was transferred downwards through the block layer via heat conduction. The equivalent thermal conductivity of the block layer in the cold season was approximately 17.4 times that of the warm season, and heat release through the block layer was 9.65 times that of heat absorption, exhibiting a thermal semiconductor effect. The results show that the frozen soil foundation was in net exothermic state, the permafrost table continuously rose, and the mean annual soil temperature continuously decreased above 14 m depth. This research can contribute to thermal control technology development and construction scheme selection of expressway in permafrost regions.
Vortices number and the critical atoms number of a rotating Bose–Einstein condensates in two-dimensional optical lattice
Authors: Hassan Ahmed S. , Soliman Shemi S. M. , Mahmoud Alyaa A.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the vortices number and the critical atoms number are calculated. Calculations are performed for ultracold trapped Bose gas in two-dimensional deep optical lattice. Hellmann–Feynman theorem is used here to calculate the expectation values of the angular momentum and thermal average of square radius (in situ size). The above-mentioned parameters are calculated from the thermodynamic grand potential [Formula: see text]. The latter is calculated using a conventional semi-classical approximation. This thermodynamic grand potential allows us to investigate the impacts of the finite size and inter-atomic interaction effects. The obtained result for the vortices number has a peak with increase in the rate of rotation. While the critical atoms number has increase in nature with increase in the critical temperature. These parameters show a major dependence on the inter-atomic interaction, depth of optical lattice and number of particles.
Modulational instability in lossless left-handed metamaterials in nonlinear Schrödinger equation with non-integer dimensional space
Authors: Sylvere Azakine Sindanne , David Vroumsia , Justin Mibaile , Joseph Mora , Betchewe Gambo , Inc Mustafa
Published: March 2023

Apply style for article title, author, affiliation and email as per stylesheet. Several decades ago, antennas had simple shapes that were described in Euclidean geometry. Nowadays, scientists try to make the structure of fractal geometry for applications in the field of electromagnetism, which has led to the development of new innovative antenna devices. Non-integer dimensional space (NDS) is useful to describe the concept of fractional space in fractal structure for real phenomenon of electromagnetic wave propagation. In this work, we investigate effects of NDS and normalized frequency on modulational instability (MI) gain in lossless left-handed metamaterials (LHM). We derive the nonlinear Schrödindiger equation (NLSE) with non-integer transverse laplacian. By means of linear stability analysis method, MI gain expression is also determined. Different forms of figures are obtained due to the signs of group velocity dispersion (GVD) and defocusing/focusing nonlinearity. We show how the increasing value of the normalized frequency enhances the amplitude as well as the bandwidth of MI gain, and waves are more unstable due to non-integer dimension. The obtained results are new and have a relatively newer application in telecommunication by constructing the fractal-shaped antennas operating in multi-frequency bands.
Kinetics of electric destruction of polymer compositions
Authors: Aliyeva I. K. , Naghiyev T. G. , Aliyeva E. R.
Published: March 2023

The dependence of the electrical durability [Formula: see text] (time from the application of constant voltage until breakdown) on the temperature [Formula: see text] (in the range of 77–300 K) at different values of the electric field strength [Formula: see text] of polymer compositions of polypropylene and low-density polyethylene (PP–LDPE) with different supramolecular structures (SMS) was measured. At elevated temperatures ([Formula: see text] above 200 K), the dependence of lg[Formula: see text] is linear, indicating a thermofluctuational mechanism of breakdown preparation; at low temperatures ([Formula: see text] below 200 K) [Formula: see text] does not depend on [Formula: see text], which will allow us to conclude about its tunneling mechanism. The transition temperature of the linear dependence of [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] lies in the [Formula: see text] K range and depends on the value of the applied constant electric field.
Meningeal Mechanisms and the Migraine Connection
Authors: Levy Dan , Moskowitz Michael A.
Published: March 2023

Migraine is a complex neurovascular pain disorder linked to the meninges, a border tissue innervated by neuropeptide-containing primary afferent fibers chiefly from the trigeminal nerve. Electrical or mechanical stimulation of this nerve surrounding large blood vessels evokes headache patterns as in migraine, and the brain, blood, and meninges are likely sources of headache triggers. Cerebrospinal fluid may play a significant role in migraine by transferring signals released from the brain to overlying pain-sensitive meningeal tissues, including dura mater. Interactions between trigeminal afferents, neuropeptides, and adjacent meningeal cells and tissues cause neurogenic inflammation, a critical target for current prophylactic and abortive migraine therapies. Here we review the importance of the cranial meninges to migraine headaches, explore the properties of trigeminal meningeal afferents, and briefly review emerging concepts, such as meningeal neuroimmune interactions, that may one day prove therapeutically relevant.
Superconductivity of Electrodeposited Sn Films
Authors: Huang Q.
Published: March 2023

Tin (Sn) films are electrodeposited on Au seed layers for the investigation of superconductivity. The effects of the presence of suppressing additives in electrolyte, the thickness of Sn films, and the room temperature aging of deposited Sn films on the superconducting transition behavior are systematically studied. In addition, the crystallographic structure of electrodeposited Sn and its evolution along with aging time are characterized and are discussed in conjunction with the superconductivity behavior. The current work represents an important step towards the processing of technologically viable superconducting devices.
Periodic hypoxia, intermittent pain, and caffeine in male and female neonatal rats: corticosterone, insulin resistance, and hepatic gene expression
Authors: Gehrand Ashley L. , Phillips Jonathan M. , Raff Hershel
Published: March 2023

Preterm infants experience multiple stressors including periodic neonatal hypoxia, maternal/caregiver separation, and acute pain from clinical procedures. Although neonatal hypoxia or interventional pain are associated with sexually dimorphic effects that may last into adulthood, the interaction of these common preterm stressors and caffeine pretreatment remains unknown. We hypothesize that an interaction of acute neonatal hypoxia, isolation, and pain modeling the experience of the preterm infant will augment the acute stress response and that caffeine routinely given to preterm infants will alter this response. Male and female rat pups were isolated and exposed to six cycles of periodic hypoxia (10% O2) or normoxia (room air control) and/or intermittent pain by administering needle pricks (or touch control) to the paw on postnatal ( PD) days 1–4. An additional set of rat pups was pretreated with caffeine citrate (80 mg/kg ip) and studied on PD1. Plasma corticosterone, fasting glucose, and insulin were measured to calculate homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (index of insulin resistance). Glucocorticoid-, insulin-, and caffeine-sensitive gene mRNAs were analyzed in the PD1 liver and hypothalamus to evaluate downstream markers of glucocorticoid action. Acute pain with periodic hypoxia led to a large increase in plasma corticosterone, which was attenuated by pretreatment with caffeine. Pain with periodic hypoxia led to a 10-fold increase in hepatic Per1 mRNA expression in males, which was attenuated with caffeine. The augmentation of corticosterone and HOMA-IR at PD1 after periodic hypoxia with pain suggests early intervention to attenuate the stress response may mitigate the programming effects of neonatal stress.
Blind Spot in the Radar of MEST-C Score: Type and Severity of Tubulointerstitial Nephritis in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Asrar Iram , Hussain Mudassar , Afzal Aurangzeb , Hassan Usman , Ishtiaq Sheeba
Published: March 2023

Background. The updated version of predictive classification for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) prognosis “The Oxford Classification” identifies five histopathological features including mesangial hypercellularity (M), endocapillary proliferation (E), segmental glomerulosclerosis (S), tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T) and crescents (C), the MEST-C. However, few studies suggest that tubulointerstitial inflammation, which is not included in the MEST-C, is also linked to disease progression and is, consequently, a neglected determinant of prognosis among others. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate this histopathological parameter in patients with IgA nephropathy. Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan. Data of histopathological and immunofluorescence proven renal biopsies (300) of IgA nephropathy patients from January 2016 through May 2022 were extracted using a convenient sampling technique. Biopsies were histologically reviewed for type and severity of tubulointerstitial inflammation, in addition to the MEST-C score. Renal biopsies of patients who had a history of transplant, autolyzed tissue, no glomeruli on histological examination, and/or a tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis score of 2 (T2) in MEST-C scoring were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20. An association between the variables was analyzed using the chi-square and Fischer exact tests. A

p

value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 247/300 biopsies were eligible for inclusion. The mean age at the time of biopsy was 31.90 ± 12.48 with 63.6% in the age group between 21 and 40 years, and 69.6% were male. Tubulointerstitial inflammation was observed in 90.2% cases with 49.4% showing moderate while 4.5% showing severe degree of inflammation. A strong association of both the type and severity of tubulointerstitial inflammation was found with M, E, T, and C scores (

p

value < 0.05). Conclusion. The high-frequency and strong statistical association of tubulointerstitial inflammation with the M, E, T, and C scores in our study elucidate its prognostic role in the progression and management of IgA nephropathy.
Recent Progress in the Classification and Operation of Sacral Fractures
Authors: Sun Nian , Liu Yijun , Yan Haohan , Zhang Zhiqiang , Li Yanbing , Zeng Canjun
Published: March 2023

Most sacral fractures are caused by high-energy, violent injuries, often accompanied by lumbosacral plexus injuries, which can cause instability of the posterior pelvic ring or lumbosacral junction in severe cases. Currently, the most commonly used clinical classification methods are Denis classification, Tile classification, Isler classification, and Denis II classification. In recent years, lumbosacral vertebral injury classification and injury degree scoring systems have often been applied clinically as the choice of treatment methods. At present, the internal fixation and implantation methods of sacral fracture are developing in the direction of positive, efficient, safe, and minimally invasive. But different fixation methods have their own indications, which should be strictly followed. This article reviews the classification of sacral fractures and the latest progress in surgical treatment.