bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recapitulation of folliculogenesis to ovulation in a biomimetic micro-cavity ovary
Authors: Ye Min , Shan Yiran , Lu Bingchuan , Luo Hao , Wang Zixuan , Guo Yuzhi , Ouyang Liliang , Gu Jin , Xiong Zhuo , Zhang Ting
Published: July 2022

Ovary disease is a major cause of female infertility and could disrupt the hormone balance, which may cause multi-organ disorders in the long-term effect. However, conventional artificial ovary techniques usually encapsulate follicles in 3D hydrogels and block the ovulation ability. In this study, we fabricated a biomimetic micro-cavity ovary by a microsphere-templated technique to recapitulate the ovulation process, where sacrificial gelatin microspheres were mixed with photo-crosslinkable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) to engineer an open cavity niche for follicle growth. The microcavity’s parameters were optimized to be suitable for follicle growth. With that, we showed that the micro-cavity ovary could support the follicle growth to antral stage and the ovulation of meiosis-matured oocytes out of the micro-cavity ovary without extra manipulation. The ovulated oocyte was characterized in a great quality. This technique would be of great advantage to be further applied in clinics that recover natural conception after in vivo transplantation of the biomimetic ovary.
The Effect of Different Surface Treatments on the Repair of 3D Permanent Resin Restorations by Composite Resin Different surface treatments and repair of 3D permanent resin
Authors: Sonkaya Ezgi , Kürklü Z. Gonca Bek
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The repairability of ceramic containing 3D printed materials has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to compare the repair bond strength of permanent resin blocks with composite by applying different intraoral surface treatments after aging in water.Methods: The study material comprised thirty-five 3D printing cubes, which were aged in 10,000 thermocycles. Surface treatments were applied to the seven groups as A. Negative control (untreated) B. Positive control C. Phosphoric acid D. Er,Cr;YSGG laser E. Sandblasting F. Hydrofluoric acid, and G. Burr abrasion followed by multi-primer and universal bond. The best 1×1×12 mm sticks were tested on a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Duncan test.Results: The negative control group reached a significantly lower micro tensile bond strength than the laser and sandblasting groups (p≤ 0.05). The repair bond strength of the positive control group didn’t differ significantly from that of the other experimental groups (p=0.374).Conclusion: The bonding strength of composite resin hasn’t shown a statistically significant difference when different surface treatments were applied to 3D-printed resin. It can be concluded that it is possible to make small repairs of 3D printed permanent restorations with the application of primer and bond.
The Electrochemical Corrosion Behaviour of compacted (Bi, Pb)-2223 superconductors in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Abdel-Gaber Ashraf M. , Najem Ahmad , Awad Ramadan
Published: July 2022

The corrosion behaviour of (Bi, Pb)-2223 samples compacted at 0.3–1.9 GPa in 0.5 M of HCl, NaCl, and NaOH solutions at 30°C was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization curves measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray emission spectroscopy (EDX). Polarization results showed that the increase in compaction decreases both cathodic hydrogen evolution or oxygen reduction and anodic (BiPb)-2223 superconductor dissolution in 0.5 M HCl, and 0.5 M NaOH. On the other hand, compaction mainly affects the anodic part of the polarization curves of (Bi, Pb)-2223 in 0.5 M NaCl solution. EIS measurements revealed that the highest protection of the superconductors was achieved in 0.5 M NaCl, while the lowest degree of protection was observed in 0.5 M HCl. SEM images show a random plate-like morphology fitted with the marker of (Bi, Pb)-2223 material. The compacted sample at 1.9 GPa indicates deformation of the grains and the formation of a micro-crack. The corrosion mechanism of the superconductor at different pH values was also discussed.
Multi-port DC-DC converter modelling
Authors: Arizaga-Ayala Francisco J. , Ramirez Juan M.
Published: July 2022

This paper is focused on bidirectional DC-DC converters in renewable energy systems. It discusses a triple active bridge (TAB) converter, including how to model, control, and simulate it. First, Kirchhoff's principles are used to identify the equations governing the converter's behaviour and then construct the system model. Next, the control system was developed using the plant's state-space representation. The closed-loop model Laplace transform and some simulator data provide the control technique. Finally, the simulator tools evaluate the system's stability and behaviour before and after management. The results show that the active converter may be used with renewable energy.
Risk factors of surgical site infection in combined anterior-posterior surgery for subaxial cervical fracture dislocation
Authors: Li Qing-Da , Yang Jun-Song , Li Shui-Xia , Wang Jing , Hu Jing , Wei Dong-Mei , Gong Han-Lin , Zhao Yuan-Ting , Liu Tuan-Jiang , He Bao-Rong , Hao Ding-Jun
Published: July 2022

Background: To explore the impact of related factors on the surgical site infection (SSI) after combined anterior-posterior surgery for subaxial cervical fracture dislocation (SCFD), and to provide a basis for formulating preventive measures.Methods: A total of 841 patients (531 males and 310 females, aged 24-68 years) with SCFD who received combined anterior-posterior surgery from January 2018 to May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether the postoperative SSI occurred, they were divided into two groups. Demographic data, American spinal injury association (ASIA) neurological impairment scale, comorbidity, diet, nursing, and operating room related factors (time interval from skin preparation to operation, whether preoperative urinary catheterization was performed, whether was the consecutive operation, the total number of person in the operating room, operating room temperature, relative humidity, operational duration, and whether there was an intern nurse involved in the operation) of the of patients in the two groups were analyzed by Logistic regression for the factors related to perioperative SSI. Results: SSI occurred in 44 patients with the rate of 5.2% (44/841). The results of univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the grade of ASIA scale, diabetes, lack of dietary care, time interval from skin preparation to operation, preoperative urinary catheterization, consecutive operations and the total number of person in the operating room (all P<0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis results show that the severity of spinal cord injury (grade A OR value = 78.431, grade B OR value =24.120, grade C OR value = 5.342, P < 0.05, respectively), diabetes (OR value = 3.114, p=0.014), lack of dietary care (OR value = 2.275，p=0.023), skin preparation to surgery time > 6h (OR value = 2.342, p=0.022), preoperative urinary catheterization (OR value = 4.476, P <0.001) and the total number of person in the operating room > 8 (OR value = 2.921, P = 0.014) were positively correlated with perioperative SSI. Conclusions: The occurrence of SSI in patients with SCFD who undergo anterior-posterior treatment is most likely multifactorial and emphasis should be placed on dietary care, enhanced glucose monitoring, and optimized operating room management.
Clinical Competencies of Dental students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran
Authors: Khoshrang Hossein , Dadgaran Ideh , Pourvakhshoori Negar , Pishkhani Maryam Khoshbakht , Peyrovi Fatemeh , Hendi Amirreza
Published: July 2022

Background: According to the indicators provided in the new curriculum concerning competencies of dental students for the practical skills by departments; We chose to assess practical competencies in various clinical departments through the lens of final year Iranian students and by the new General Dentistry curriculum approved in 2017.Materials and Methods: In this study, 66 final-year dental students of Guilan University of Medical Sciences during the academic year 2020-2021 were selected and participated by census method. In this study, the data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire using the latest version of the new curriculum of General Dentistry in 2017 and made available to students online. Data were analyzed using software SPSS 16 and descriptive and inferential tests. The significance level was considered p <0.05.Results: The mean age of subjects was 25.05 ± 2.20 years, of whom 46 subjects (69.7%) were female. According to the study results, 61 subjects (92.4%) were single, 49 subjects (74.2%) were from Rasht University, and the rest were from Anzali Campus. For acquired practical skills, the highest score was related to Restorative Dentistry (89.22 ± 14.56), Endodontics (88 ± 9.55), Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (87.54 ± 12.36), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (82.61 ± 14.33), Prosthodontics (81.17 ± 15.21) and Pediatric Dentistry (78.50 ± 16.13) (0.001> p) and the lowest score was related to Pathology (43.46 ± 19.89) followed by Periodontics (44.71 ± 9.48) and Orthodontics (62.21 ± 22.80) (0.001> p), respectively. Only the score of practical competencies in periodontics increased with age (p = 0.049). The mean score of competencies in Orthodontics (p <0.001) and Pediatric Dentistry (p = 0.033) in Anzali campus was higher than Rasht. Furthermore, no significant relationship was found between practical competencies and gender and marital status.Conclusion: According to the findings of this research, pupils sought practical skills in the majority of situations. However, it was not wanted in the periodontics and orthodontics departments. It seems that the authorities should do the necessary planning to provide proper and adequate education based on the curriculum in different departments of the faculty, especially Periodontics and Orthodontics to meet the needs of patients.
Outcomes and Pathological Features of Total Thyroidectomy in Patients with Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Farashi Ebrahim , Shilan Zahra , Bonab Samad Farashi , Rasihashemi Seyed Ziaeddin
Published: July 2022

Background: The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased dramatically in recent decades. This study examined the features and outcomes of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (MPTC).Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 300 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Patients were classified into a multifocal PTC group and a unifocal PTC group. The pathological features of the PTC and the patients’ outcomes were analyzed and compared.Results: The occurrence of multifocality was higher in females than in males: odds ratio (OR): 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–4.67, and p = 0.01. Patients in the multifocal group had a larger tumor size (3.63 cm ± 1.66 cm) than patients in the unifocal group (2 cm, p = 0.02), and higher lymph node metastasis (LNM): OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.49–3.77, p = 0.0003. In addition, most patients in the multifocal group had a moderate risk of recurrence than in the unifocal group: OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.01–2.6, and p = 0.04. At follow-up, the thyroglobulin (Tg) plasma levels (p = 0.03) and disease recurrence were significantly higher in the multifocal group than in the unifocal group (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.15–6.44, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Patients with MPTC had a higher risk of disease recurrence, and multifocality was considered to be an independent prognostic factor for overall disease recurrence.
Co-morbidities and their management in women with breast cancer. An Australian survey of breast cancer survivors
Authors: Koczwara Bogda , Meng Rosie , Battersby Malcolm , Mangoni Arduino , Spence Danielle , Lawn Sharon
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Breast cancer survivors experience significant burden from comorbid chronic conditions, but little is known about how well these conditions are managed. We conducted a national survey of Australian breast cancer survivors to examine the burden of chronic conditions, their impact, and care alignment with the principles of chronic condition management.Methods: A study-specific survey incorporated questions about chronic conditions using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), functional status using the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES), and perceived quality of care for cancer and non-cancer conditions using the Patient Assessment of Care for Chronic Conditions Survey (PACIC). Members of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) were invited via email to complete the survey either online or through direct mail.Results: The survey was sent to 2,198 BCNA members and 177 responses were received (8.1%). Respondents were women aged 32-88 years (median 60.1 years). The majority were married (116; 67.7%) and had private insurance (137; 80.0%) and reported good to excellent health (119; 73.5 %). Other health conditions were reported by 157 (88.7%), the most common being chronic pain (27.1%) and fatigue (22.0%). When asked about management of comorbidities or cancer, less than 20% were routinely asked about management goals, helped to set goals, or asked about health habits. Conclusions: In this population of survivors with good health status and high rates of private insurance, comorbidities were common and their management, as well as management of breast cancer, were poorly aligned with chronic condition management principles.
Identification and evolutionary analysis of the GOLDEN 2-LIKE gene family in foxtail millet
Authors: chen Huafeng , Qin Lei , Tian Jinge , Wang Xianglan
Published: July 2022

GOLDEN 2-LIKE (GLK) transcription factors are members of the GARP superfamily and are involved in chloroplast development and stress tolerance. These transcription factors have been studied at the genome level across several plant species. However, no study has comprehensively analyzed the GLK family in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.). The present study discovered 59 GLK genes in foxtail millet. Multiple sequence alignment and gene motif analysis revealed the presence of Myb-SHAQKYF and Myb-CC-LHEQLE motifs in all the members. In addition, the gene promoters mainly had light- and stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements. Syntenic analysis showed that whole-genome duplications (WGD) and dispersed duplications contributed to the expansion of the SiGLK gene family. Gene expression analysis revealed that SiGLKs exhibited preferential expression in bundle sheath than in the mesophyll cells. Meanwhile, analyzing these genes in foxtail millet under abiotic stress demonstrated a significant role for SiGLK30, 38, 48, and 52 in regulating salt, cold, and drought stress responses. Finally, qRT-PCR confirmed that cold stress increased SiGLK52 and SiGLK31 expression. The study thus provides an overview of GLK gene evolution in foxtail millet and a clue to its function in bundle sheath and mesophyll cell and stress tolerance.
The understandability of diagnostic criteria towards the latest version of ICD: A national participatory research for a more democratic approach in the conceptualization of the term “depressive episode” amongst service users in Greece
Authors: Vasilopoulos Fotis , Skourteli Marina C. , Kouroglou Vasiliki , Angelou Virginia E. , Kalpaxi Penny , Mavreas Venetsanos , Stylianidis Stelios
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The present study was conducted in the framework of the wider international research of WHO for the revision of the ICD with regards to the understandability and relevance of the diagnostic terms of “depressive episode”.
Methods
Fifteen service users with a formal diagnosis of “depressive episode” were recruited from an outpatient service in Athens, Greece, and completed a questionnaire on the understandability of the diagnostic terms of “depressive episode” during a semi-structured interview.
Results
The results showed that most of the commonly encountered symptoms of “depressive episode” were understood, but did not necessarily reflect with accuracy the lived experience of the participants. Preliminary correlations with regards to socioeconomic and other factors emerged.
Conclusion
Overall, the findings aim to initiate a dialogue on the understandability of diagnostic terms, the way they impact the lives of people with a diagnosis, and possible ways of re-conceptualizing medical terminology.
Potential Usefulness of Tracking Head Movement via a Wearable Device for Equilibrium Function Testing at Home
Authors: Yamanobe Yoshiharu , Fujioka Masato , Ohashi Masanao , Ozawa Hiroyuki
Published: July 2022

Background
Many studies have reported the use of wearable devices to acquire biological data for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Balance dysfunction, however, is difficult to evaluate in real time because the equilibrium function is conventionally examined using a stabilometer installed on the ground.
Results
Total trajectory length (r = 0.818, p -false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.004) and outer peripheral area (r = 0.691, p -FDR = 0.026) values measured using the wearable device and stabilometer were significantly positively correlated.Root mean square area values were not significantly correlated with wearable device stabilometry, but were comparable.
Conclusion
These results indicate that wearable, widely available, non-medical devices may be used to assess balance outside the hospital setting, and new approaches for testing balance function should be considered.
Methods
Using a wearable accelerometer that measures head motion to evaluate balance and to examine whether it performs comparably to a conventional stabilometer. We constructed a simplified physical head-feet model that simultaneously records “head” motion measured using an attached wearable accelerometer and center-of-gravity motion at the “feet”, which is measured using an attached stabilometer.
Effect of Weather Conditions on the Occurrence and In-hospital Mortality of Stanford Type A Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Lin Qinmei , Wu Qingsong , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Xingfeng , Xie Linfeng , Chen Liangwan
Published: July 2022

Objectives
To investigate the seasonal, monthly, and daily distribution of the incidence of Stanford type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) and identify seasonality in the length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality of TAAAD in southeastern China.
Methods
We enrolled patients diagnosed with TAAAD from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2021. Participants were divided into seasonal, monthly, and daily groups according to the need for analysis. An analysis of variation was applied to compare the number of TAAAD in different seasons, months, and days. The χ2 test was used to compare in-hospital mortality among the four groups. Nonparametric methods were used for all comparisons of the length of hospital stay.
Results
Of the 485 patients, 154 were diagnosed in winter (31.8%), 115 in spring (23.7%), 73 in summer (15.1%), and 143 in autumn (29.5%). The daily, monthly, and seasonal distributions of TAAAD were significantly different (P = 0.04, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively). This study did not identify any significant decrease in maximal, mean, or minimum temperatures between the 3 days before TAAAD and the day of TAAAD. No seasonal effect on in-hospital mortality was observed (P = 0.89). However, significant differences were observed in the seasonal distribution of the length of hospital stay for TAAAD (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Our study confirmed that the incidence of TAAAD exhibits seasonal, monthly, and daily variations in southeastern China. Moreover, the daily incidence of TAAAD is higher on weekdays than on weekends.
Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor Promotes Healing and Alleviates Pain of Chemically-induced Oral Ulcers in SD Rats
Authors: Wang Fu , Li juanjuan , Wen Zihan , Lou Yue , Chen Jili , Gao Lu , Li Xiaojie
Published: July 2022

Aims Oral ulcers are a lesion in the oral mucosa that impacts chewing or drinking. The epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) have enhanced angiogenic, regenerative, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of EETs on the healing of oral ulcers using TPPU, a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor (sEHi), to improve the biological activity of EETs.
Materials and Methods The chemically-induced oral ulcers were established in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The ulcer area was treated with TPPU to evaluate the healing time and pain threshold of ulcers. CD31, Ki-67 and VEGF expression in the ulcer area was detected using immunohistochemical staining (IHC). TPPU on human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) migration was measured with a scratch assay. The tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was performed.
Results Compared with the control group, TPPU promoted wound healing of ulcers with a shorter healing time, raised pain thresholds. IHC staining showed that TPPU increased the expression of CD31 and Ki-67 with reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the ulcer area. And TPPU enhanced the migration of HGECs and the tube-forming of HUVECs.
Conclusions TPPU can promote ulcer healing, which is related to reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, promoting angiogenesis, cell proliferation and migration. TPPU also raises pain tolerance in the ulcer area.
How Axon and Dendrite Branching Are Governed by Time, Energy, and Spatial Constraints
Authors: Desai-Chowdhry Paheli , Brummer Alexander B , Savage Van M
Published: July 2022

Neurons are connected by complex branching processes - axons and dendrites - that process information for organisms to respond to their environment. Classifying neurons according to differences in structure or function is a fundamental part of neuroscience. Here, by constructing biophysical theory and testing against empirical measures of branching structure, we develop a unifying model that establishes a correspondence between neuron structure and function as mediated by principles such as time or power minimization for information processing as well as spatial constraints for forming connections. We test our predictions for radius scale factors against those extracted from neuronal images, measured for species that range from insects to whales. Notably, our findings reveal that the branching of axons and peripheral nervous system neurons is mainly determined by time minimization, while dendritic branching is determined by power minimization. Our model also predicts a quarter-power scaling relationship between conduction time delay and body size.
Enterococcus faecalis thrives in dual-species biofilm models under iron-rich conditions
Authors: Govindarajan Deenadayalan Karaiyagowder , Meghanathan Yogesan , Sivaramakrishnan Muthusaravanan , Kothandan Ram , Muthusamy Ananthasubramanian , Seviour Thomas William , Kandaswamy Kumaravel
Published: July 2022

Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) are pathogenic strains that often coexist as an intestinal flora in humans and are prone to cause biofilm-associated infections such as gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract infections. Earlier studies have demonstrated that E. faecalis biofilm can metabolize ferrous ions in iron-rich environments and promote biofilm growth under in-vivo conditions. However, the influence of iron transporters on dual-species biofilm growth and the nature of molecular-level interactions between iron transporter proteins and Fe2+ remains unknown. Therefore, we performed co-culture studies and found that Fe2+ at concentrations of 50 to 150 µM promotes the colonization of E. coli, and Fe2+ concentrations of 50 to 200 µM promote the growth of E. faecalis and dual-species colonies. Similarly, Fe2+ at concentrations of 50 to 250 µM promotes E. coli and E. faecalis biofilm formation 50 to 300 µM promotes biofilm formation of dual-species biofilms. Atomic absorption spectroscopy results reveal that Fe2+ ion augmentation in bacterial cells was increased to 4 folds in the single-species model and 11 folds in the dual-species model under iron-supplemented conditions. Furthermore, Fe2+ augmentation increased the antibiotic resistance of E. faecalis in both single and dual-species bacterial cultures. In addition, we have performed in-silico studies to determine a three-dimensional (3D) structure of ferrous iron-transporter proteins FeoB of E. faecalis and its affinity to extracellular Fe2+. Our model suggests that the FeoB facilitates the Fe2+ uptake in E. faecalis cells in the absence of iron chelator, 2,2-bipyridyl.
Standardized procedure prevents perioperative and early complications in totally implantable venous-access ports - a complication analysis of more than 1000 TIVAP implantations
Authors: Thiel Karolin , Kalmbach Sarah , Maier Gerhard , Wichmann Dörte , Schenk Martin , Königsrainer Alfred , Thiel Christian
Published: July 2022

Purpose
Since their invention 40 years ago totally implantable venous-access ports (TIVAPs) have become indispensable in cancer treatment. Aim of our study was to analyse complications under standardized operative and perioperative procedures and to identify risk factors for premature port catheter explantation.
Methods
1008 consecutive TIVAP implantations were studied for success rate, perioperative, early and late complications. Surgical, clinical and demographic factors were analyzed as potential risk factors for emergency port catheter explantation.
Results
Successful surgical TIVAP implantation was achieved in 1005/1008 (99.7%) cases. No intra- or perioperative complications occurred. Thirty-two early complications and 88 late complications were observed leading to explantation in 11/32 (34.4%) and 34/88 (38.6%) cases, respectively. The most common complications were infections in 4.7% followed by thrombosis in 3.6%. Parameters that correlated with unplanned TIVAP explantation were gender (port in situ: female 95% vs. male 91%, p = 0.01), underlying disease (breast cancer 97% vs. gastrointestinal 89%, p = 0.004), indication (chemotherapy 95% vs. combination of chemotherapie and parenteral nutrition 64%, p < 0.0001), type of complication (infection 13.4% vs. TIVAP-related complication 54% and thrombosis 95%, p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
Standardized operative and perioperative TIVAP implantation procedures provide excellent results and low explantation rate.
Resolving the matter of the relative rates of clocks in Special Relativity
Authors: McKelvie James
Published: July 2022

There are different interpretations of the Lorentz transformations of the Special Theory of Relativity (SR) concerning the relative rates of two clocks that are moving in uniform rectilinear relative translatory motion (Einstein’s definition of conditions necessary for SR, in [1a]). One school of thought holds that the clocks are “actually” going at different rates while another holds that it merely a matter of how the clocks are viewed, but with the clocks “actually” going at the same rate. These views are resolved analytically. A consequence that might be inferred from the first of the two postulates introduced by Einstein in his 1905 work [2], is verified by four arguments. The clocks are seen to have the same rates, contrary to one widely held opinion. There is no “actual” “time dilation” under SR conditions. That is, time does not pass more slowly in the reference frame of the “moving” clock. This alternative opinion – that the clocks are going at the same rate, but are observed to be going at different rates - is seen to be consistent. Experimental reports, which directly conclude that the clocks are going at different rates, are shown either to be seriously flawed or to not even comply with Einstein’s definition of SR.
Phenylalanine promotes phenolic compounds and quality of Qızıl Uzum grape (Vitis vinifera L.) fruit by regulating expression patterns of PAL and CHS genes and modulating the antioxidant system
Authors: Oosalo Afsaneh Allahveran , Naseri Lotfali , Alirezalu Abolfazl , Darvishzadeh Reza , Ebrahimi Samad Nejad
Published: July 2022

With the aim of quality improvement, the effects of foliar application of phenylalanine at 5 concentrations on grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Qızıl Uzum) berry compositions were studied. The studied parameters included antioxidant activity, total phenolics, total flavonoids, total anthocyanin, catalase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme activity, and phenolic compounds content based on HPLC analyses (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, syringetin, catechin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, resveratrol). Phenylalanine at 1000 μM increased total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and PAL enzyme activity. In addition, HPLC analysis revealed a significant accumulation of individual phenolic compounds by phenylalanine treatment. The highest values were recorded at 100 and 500 μM phenylalanine treatments. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR results showed that the expression of PAL and CHS genes was induced by phenylalanine. The highest PAL and CHS gene expression was observed at 500 μM and then at 1000 μM phenylalanine.
Prevalence of five curable sexually transmitted infections and associated risk factors among tertiary student men who have sex with men in Nairobi, Kenya: a respondent-driven sampling survey
Authors: Mwaniki Samuel Waweru , Kaberia Peter Mwenda , Mugo Peter Mwangi , Palanee-Phillips Thesla
Published: July 2022

Background
Young men who have sex with men (MSM), are a key population at high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) yet are often underrepresented in research in settings where same sex sexual behavior is criminalized. We conducted a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) bio-behavioral survey to estimate the prevalence of five curable STIs: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and syphilis, and associated risk factors among tertiary student MSM (TSMSM) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Methods
Between February and March 2021, we recruited 248 TSMSM aged ≥ 18 years who self-reported engaging in anal and/or oral sex with another man in the past year. Samples collected included urine, provider-collected anorectal and oropharyngeal swabs for pooled CT/MG/NG/TV testing using multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), and venous blood for serological syphilis screening using Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) followed by Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) for confirmation of current infection. Participants self-completed a behavioral survey on REDCap digital platform. Data analysis was done using RDS-Analyst (v0.72) and Stata (v15). Differences in proportions were examined using the chi-square (X2) test, and unweighted multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with STI prevalence.
Results
RDS-adjusted prevalence of STIs was: at least one of five STI: 58.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 50.4–67.3%, CT: 51.0%, 95% CI: 42.3–59.8%, NG: 11.3%, 95% CI: 6.1–16.5%, MG: 6.0%, 95% CI: 2.6–9.4%, TV: 1.5%, 95% CI: − .3-3.3% and latent syphilis: 0.7%, 95 CI: -0.1-1.5%. Frequency of co-infection with more than one STI was: CT/NG: 5.7%, 95% CI: 2.7–8.7%, CT/MG: 4.5%, 95% CI: 2.3–6.7% and MG/NG = CT/MG/NG: 1.7%, 95% CI: 0.1–3.3%. Factors independently associated with STI prevalence were inconsistent condom use during anal sex with a man in the 12 months preceding the survey (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.03–3.47, p = 0.038) and the last sex partner being a regular partner (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.12–4.92, p = 0.023).
Conclusion
STI prevalence among TSMSM in Nairobi is disturbingly high and is associated with inconsistent condom use and having a regular sex partner. Tailored STI testing, treatment and prevention interventions are urgently needed for this population.
WITHDRAWN: Insights into the mechanism of transport phenomena within nanostructured thermodynamic systems
Authors: Chen Junjie
Published: July 2022

Non-equilibrium thermodynamics considers bodies of matter and energy that are not in states of internal thermodynamic equilibrium, but are usually participating in processes of transfer that are slow enough to allow description in terms of quantities that are closely related to thermodynamic state variables. For a thermodynamic process, the precise physical properties of the walls and surroundings of the system are important, because they determine the possible processes. Thermodynamics were used to describe how systems respond to temperature changes in their environment. The effects of different factors on the thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes were investigated to understand the characteristics of thermal transport in nanostructured thermodynamic systems. The results indicated that novel thermal properties absent in other materials have been discovered in carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are very efficient at conducting heat. The structure, purity, and alignment of carbon nanotubes play a fundamentally important role in determining the heat conduction properties of the nanostructured thermodynamic systems. At room temperature, a maximum specific thermal conductivity is obtained but Umklapp scattering occurs. The thermal conductivity may present power law dependence with temperature. The specific thermal conductivity decreases with increasing bulk density. Single-walled carbon nanotubes generally have high thermal conductivity. The presence of non-carbonaceous impurities degrades the thermal performance due to the low degree of bundle contact. Physical properties can be combined to express internal energy and thermodynamic potentials, which are useful for determining conditions for equilibrium and spontaneous processes.
Clinical-economic analysis of COVID-19 treatment drugs at the stationary level
Authors: Chakhoyan Ani A. , Sahakyan Albert E.
Published: July 2022

Background

A number of health system problems have arisen due to the coronavirus. Apart from these problems, the pharmaceutical sector was not left out either, as prescriptions for new virus treatments were unplanned and purchases were irregular.

Aim

To carry out an economic analysis of the drugs used in the COVID-19 department of the hospital.

Methods

For the study we used the clinical-economic methods: ABC/VEN analysis, ATC/DDD methodology and DU90% analysis method. Materials for the study were data on the use of drugs by one of the multidisciplinary hospitals in Armenia in the department of COVID-19.

Results

The ABC/VEN analysis of the drugs revealed that group A did not have non-essential drugs, and group B had non-essential drugs - 18.75%. The combination of the ABC/VEN and DU90% analysis revealed that the DU90% group lacked non-essential drugs, indicating that the hospital had purchased and used the most vital and essential drugs for the COVID-19 department.

Conclusion

Based on the results, a recommendation was made and sent to the pharmacist of the hospital, who will take into account these results when planning the purchase of drugs for the next year, aiming to reduce the use of non-essential drugs in the hospital.
Spatiotemporal Image Quality of Virtual Reality Head Mounted Displays
Authors: Zhao Chumin , Kim Andrea , Beams Ryan , Badano Aldo
Published: July 2022

Virtual reality (VR) head mounted displays (HMDs) require both high spatial resolution and fast temporal response. However, methods to quantify the VR image quality in the spatiotemporal domain when motion exists are not yet standardized. In this study, we characterize the spatiotemporal capabilities of three VR devices: the HTC VIVE, VIVE Pro, and VIVE Pro 2 during smooth pursuit. A spatiotemporal model for VR HMDs is presented using measured spatial and temporal characteristics. Among the three evaluated headsets, the VIVE Pro 2 improves the display temporal performance using a fast 120 Hz refresh rate and pulsed emission with a small duty cycle of 5%. In combination with a high pixel resolution beyond 2k x 2k per eye, the VIVE Pro 2 achieves an improved spatiotemporal performance compared to the VIVE and VIVE Pro in the high spatial frequency range above 8 cycles per degree during smooth pursuit. The result demonstrates that reducing the display emission duty cycle to less than 20% is beneficial to mitigate motion blur in VR HMDs. Frame rate reduction (e.g., to below 60 Hz) of the input signal compared to the display refresh rate of 120 Hz yields replicated shadow images that can affect the image quality under motion. This work supports the regulatory science research efforts in development of testing methods to characterize the spatiotemporal performance of VR devices for medical use.
Pyogenic spondylitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae: Should the possibility of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae be considered?
Authors: Hwang Joo-Hee , Lee Seung Yeob , Lee Jaehyeon , Hwang Jeong-Hwan
Published: July 2022

Background
Klebsiella pneumoniae is rare but the second most common causative agent among gram-negative bacteria that cause pyogenic spondylitis. However, there are no available studies on the serotype, virulence factors, and clinical characteristics associated with K. pneumoniae-caused pyogenic spondylitis. Accordingly, we investigated the clinical characteristics of pyogenic spondylitis, K1 and K2 serotypes, and virulence factors of K. pneumoniae.
Methods
We reviewed the microbiological reports of specimens collected between January 2014 and December 2019 as well as the medical records of patients with pyogenic spondylitis caused by K. pneumoniae. We also evaluated K1 and K2 serotypes and the virulent genes rmpA, iutA, mrkD, ybtS, entB, and kfu. Strains that possessed rmpA and iutA were defined as hypervirulent K. pneumoniae.
Results
Six patients with pyogenic spondylitis caused by K. pneumoniae were enrolled in the study. The capsular serotypes K1 and K2 were present in 66.7% (4/6) of cases, and the hypervirulent strains were present in 88.3% (5/6) of cases. All patients had community-acquired infections, and all strains isolated were susceptible to antimicrobial agents. Intravenous antibiotic treatment continued for 2–7 weeks, and no patient underwent decompressive operation or surgical debridement. There was no recurrence. One patient died from pneumonia with a septic lung.
Conclusion
Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae is a rare but important pathogen associated with pyogenic spondylitis.
Human Schlafen 5 promotes reversible epithelial and mesenchymal transformation in ovarian cancer
Authors: deng kui , zhang zhen , SHANG HONGKAI
Published: July 2022

Ovarian cancer is a disease with increasing incidence worldwide, and there is an urgent need for chemotherapy and biological targeted therapy.Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is an important initiation stage for tumor cells to acquire the ability to invade and metastasize.A growing number of findings suggest that human Schlafen family member 5(SLFN5) plays a key role in malignancy.However, the role of SLFN5 in ovarian cancer cells has not been fully elucidated.Samples were collected from patients with ovarian cancer diagnosed in Hangzhou First People's Hospital, and the expression of SLFN5 was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR.The relationship between SLFN5 expression and the progression and malignancy of ovarian cancer was analyzed by using the expression profile data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.The mRNA expression levels of SLFN5 related upstream and downstream signaling pathways were studied by fluorescence quantitative PCR.Silencing SLFN5 was performed by siRNA transfection.The expression of SLFN5 and transfer-related proteins was examined by Western blot.Transwell and wound healing experiments investigated the migration and invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells. TCGA database analysis results showed that in the population with high SLFN5 expression,compared with the group with low SLFN5 expression,OS was worse (P = 0.011).SLFN5 silencing had a significant inhibitory effect on EMT and invasion movement of ovarian cancer cells.RT-PCR method was used to detect the mRNA changes of SLFN5 in ovarian cancer tissue and adjacent tissue. It was found that the expression of SLFN5 in ovarian cancer tissue was increased, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). Together, these results suggest that SLFN5 may play a synergistic role in tumorigenesis and development of ovarian cancer cells, providing a potential target for future drug development for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Vulnerable and risk groups amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: Preventive behaviours, preferences, and perceptions
Authors: Resch Thomas
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesHaving an underlying medical condition or comorbidities, as well as being of advanced age, makes large groups of the population more vulnerable to detrimental effects of COVID-19. Among those effects are higher rate of hospitalization, increased mortality, and slower recovery. To protect these vulnerable groups and the population at large actions were taken by governments, particularly the implementations of preventive measures, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical.Study DesignThe data as whole stem from the Austrian Corona Panel Project (ACPP), which is a nationally representative panel-survey conducted in Austria.MethodsThis study makes use of panel-data from 2021 and 2022 in a longitudinal analysis through pooled regression models (n=2123). In addition, an in-depth analysis is provided with cross-sectional data from winter 2021 (n=1183) and by means or seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR). The predictor variables are age and two different measures of comorbidities. Dependent variables are preventive behaviours, preferences and perceptions. Robustness checks with control variables are carried out as well.ResultsBoth in the longitudinal and the cross-sectional analysis age above 65 years is the clearest predictor for all investigated preventive behaviours, preferences and perceptions. People above 65 years of age show significant patterns to be more compliant, to support stricter pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures and to perceive others’ preventive behaviours and opinions on measures more favourably. Having one or several underlying diseases, disorders or injuries correlates positively with most preventive behaviours, as well as with preferences for more stringent public health measures. By contrast age, people with comorbidities perceive other people’s compliance and opinions on preventive measures as less pronounced.ConclusionsPeople of advanced aged and those with underlying medical conditions exhibit stronger preventive behaviour, including vaccination readiness. They also support more stringent measures, even compulsory vaccination. These results can be interpreted as self-directed because vulnerable and risk groups have strong incentives to avoid becoming infected with COVID-19. It can be argued that such behaviours and preferences are directed at others to facilitate reciprocal actions by the public at large, and if necessary also to make preventive measures mandatory.
Uttarakhand COVID-19 Cases and Deaths: Comparing the Demographics and Suggestive Strategy to Prevent Similar Pandemics in Future
Authors: Joshi Gaurav , Gahtori Prashant , Pande Akshara , Gupta Omdeep , Nautiyal Anoop , Jasola Sanjay
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is causing a dramatic impact on human life worldwide. As of June 11 2021, later one has attributed more than 174 million confirmed cases and over 3.5 million deaths globally. Nonetheless, a World Bank Group flagship report features COVID-19 induced global crisis as the strongest post-recession since World War II. Currently, all approved therapeutics or vaccines are strictly allowed for emergency use. In the absence of pharmaceutical interventions, it is vital to analyze data set covering the growth rates of positive human cases, number of recoveries, other factors, and future strategies to manage the growth of fatal coronavirus effectively. The Uttarakhand state of India is snuggled in the lap of the Himalayas and occupies more people than Israel, Switzerland, Hong Kong, etc. In this study, we analyzed state COVID-19 data, fetched from an authenticated government repository using Python 3.9 from April 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021. In the first wave, plain areas of Uttarakhand covering the districts Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, and U. S. Nagar were severely affected and reported peak positive cases during the 21st – 26th week. Other hands, the hilly terrains of Uttarakhand districts, including Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, and Rudraprayag, reported a high number of positive cases between the 30th and 31st week, and other hilly districts reported an increase in Covid-19 cases during the 34th to 38th week. The highest recovery rate was attributed to the hilly district Rudraprayag. The analysis also revealed that a very high doubling rate was seen during the last week of May to the first week of Jun 2020. At last, based on this blueprint, we have suggested 6-points solutions for preventing the next pandemic.
THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TAXES IN ENSURING THE FINANCIAL CAPACITY OF LOCAL BUDGETS
Authors: Vysochyna A. , Storozhenko N.
Published: July 2022

Considering active implementation of the reform of financial decentralization in Ukraine, one of the key tasks facing the government authorities at various levels is to achieve balanced development of local budgets and ensure financial self-sufficiency of local governments. The solution of this problem is provided by expanding the sources of revenue base of local budgets (for example, crediting to the relevant local budgets excise tax from entities engaged in retail trade in excisable goods, increasing the share of environmental tax redistributed to lower budgets, etc.). At the same time, an important task that remains relevant even after the first and second stages of decentralization reform is to assess its real progress, especially in the context of identifying the impact of expanding sources of revenue on local budgets on their financial capacity. The aim of the study is to analyze the role of environmental taxes in ensuring the financial capacity of local budgets. The implementation of the task in the article is based on the use of statistical methods of data series analysis, in particular, comparative, discriminant and structural analysis. To fulfill this task it is analyzed in the article the share of environmental tax in the structure of total revenues and tax revenues of state and local budgets of Ukraine for 2011-2020, their absolute measure and chain growth rate. The analysis showed that the environmental tax is characterized by a low level of fiscal efficiency for both state and local budgets. In particular, the share of environmental tax in tax revenues for 2011-2020 ranges from 0.27% to 1.29%, while the average value is 0.52% (the highest share of environmental tax in tax revenues of the State budget was in 2013 and 2014, the lowest - in 2017). At the same time, the environmental tax plays a slightly higher fiscal value for local budgets: the share of the environmental tax in local budget revenues in 2011–2020 averaged 0.58%, and in tax revenues - 1.44%. The analysis of the structure of tax revenues of local budgets showed the growing importance of local taxes and fees and domestic taxes on goods and services after the reform of financial decentralization. In general, the analysis shows that the reform of financial decentralization has led to a transformation of the structure of tax revenues and the growing importance of certain groups of taxes and fees, whose role was much smaller in the pre-reform period.