bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on SPDTRS-PNN Based Intelligent Assistant Diagnosis for Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhou Mengran , Kong Xixi , Bian Kai , Lai Wenhao , Hu Feng , Dai Rongying , Yan Jingjing , Hamrani Oumaima
Published: September 2021

Background:Breast cancer is the second dangerous cancer in the world. How to identify breast cancer quickly and accurately is of great help to the treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer data often contains more redundant information. Redundant information makes the breast cancer auxiliary diagnosis less accurate and time-consuming. Dimension reduction algorithm combined with machine learning can solve these problems well. Methods:This paper proposes the single-parameter decision-theoretic rough set (SPDTRS) combined with the probability neural network (PNN) model for breast cancer diagnosis. We structure fifteen models by combining five dimensionality reduction algorithms with three classification algorithms. We compared the accuracy and test time of fifteen models under different parameters or dimensions. We find that when the parameter value of SPDTRS is 2.5, the classification effect of SPDTRS combined with PNN is better. At this point, the number of 30 attributes of the original breast cancer data dropped to 12. Then the SPDTRS-PNN model is further optimized. We compared the accuracy and test time of the model under different SPREAD values in PNN, and established a better SPDTRS-PNN model.Result:We find the parameter value of SPDTRS is 2.5 and the SPREAD value is 0.75, the accuracy of the SPDTRS-PNN model training set is 99.25%, the accuracy of the test set is 97.04%, and the test time is 0.093s.Conclusion:The experimental results show that the SPDTRS-PNN model can improve the accuracy of breast cancer recognition, reduce the time required for diagnosis, and achieve rapid and accurate breast cancer diagnosis.
Wide-scale Pooled Sample Testing for COVID-19: Application, Optimisation and Probabilistic Analysis
Authors: Su Xiaolong , Zhou Man
Published: September 2021

Background Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become the most severe infectious disease affecting the world, which has spread around the world to more than 200 countries in 2020. Until COVID-19 vaccine technology completely matures, nucleic acid testing is considered as an effective way to screen virus carriers and control the spread of the virus. Considering that the medical resources and infection rates are different across various countries and regions, if all infected areas adopt the traditional individual nucleic acid testing method, the workload will be heavy and time-consuming. Therefore, this will not lead to the control of the pandemic. Methods After Wuhan completed a citywide nucleic acid testing in May 2020, China basically controlled the spread of COVID-19 and entered the post-epidemic period. Since then, although some cities in China, such as Qingdao, Xinjiang, Beijing, Dalian, have experienced a local epidemic resurgence, the pandemic was quickly suppressed through wide-scale pooled nucleic acid testing methods. Combined with the successful experience of mass nucleic acid testing in China, this study introduces two main pooled testing methods used in two cities with a population of more than ten million people, Wuhan’s “five-in-one” and Qingdao's “ten-in-one” rapid pooled testing methods. This study proposes an improved method for optimising the second round of “ten-in-one” pooled testing, known as “the pentagram mini-pooled testing method”, which speeds up the testing process (as a result of reducing the numbers of testing by 40%) and significantly reduces the cost. Findings Qingdao's optimised “ten-in-one” pooled testing method quickly screens out the infections by running fewer testing. This study also mathematically examines the probabilistic principles and applicability conditions for pooled testing of COVID-19. Herein, the study theoretically determines the optimal number of samples that could successfully be combined into a pool under different infection rates. Then, it quantitatively discusses the applicability and principles for choosing the pooled testing instead of individual testing.Interpretation Overall, this research offers a reference for other countries with different infection rates to help them in implementing the mass testing for COVID-19 to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
The ‘Real World’ Clinic Measured Visual Acuity Versus the Best Correct Visual Acuity Measurement in Patients Treated for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Kousha Obaid , Chaggar Amritpal , Pagliarini Sergio
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUNDIn ophthalmology clinics, the visual acuity (VA) is usually measured by non-refracting healthcare professionals (HCPs). We compared the ‘real world’ or clinic measured VA versus the best-corrected visual acuity measurement in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).METHODSDuring the same clinical session using Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) vision chart, monocular distance VA was measured by non-refracting HCPs in nAMD patients and compared to the monocular distance VA measured by an optometrist with subjective refractive correction (BCVA). The study was powered to detect a difference of >5 ETDRS letters between the groups and for HCP measured VA to detect a BCVA between 6/12 and 6/96 (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence condition of approval of nAMD treatment with licensed drugs in the UK).RESULTSData from 167 patients (324 eyes) were analysed. Absolute mean difference in BCVA versus HCP measured VA was 5.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.10-6.41) ETDRS letters (p-value<0.001). Using Bland-Altman method, limits of agreement between the two groups was found to be between 18.39 and -14.66 ETDRS letters. The prevalence of BCVA between 6/12 and 6/96 was 53.40% (95% CI 47.96-58.83%). In detecting this BCVA bracket, the non-refracting HCP measured VA had a sensitivity of 91.91% (95% CI 87.84-95.97%) and a specificity of 84.77% (95% CI 79.04-90.50%). CONCLUSIONSThe ‘real world’ HCP measured VA was found to have considerable inaccuracy and imprecision when compared to BCVA in nAMD patients. Unreliable VA measurement can have important implications in assessing and treating eye conditions, including nAMD.
A Risk Signature of Nine Autophagy-Related Genes Associated With Immune Microenvironment and Clinical Prognosis in Wilms Tumor
Authors: Ye Shaopei , Tang Wenbin , Huang Ke
Published: September 2021

Background: Autophagy is a biological process to eliminate dysfunctional organelles, aggregates or even long-lived proteins. . Nevertheless, the potential function and prognostic values of autophagy in Wilms Tumor (WT) are complex and remain to be clarifed. Therefore, we proposed to systematically examine the roles of autophagy-associated genes (ARGs) in WT.Methods: Here, we obtained differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (ARGs) between healthy and Wilms tumor from Therapeutically Applicable Research To Generate Effective Treatments(TARGET) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The functionalities of the differentially expressed ARGs were analyzed using Gene Ontology. Then univariate COX regression analysis and multivariate COX regression analysis were performed to acquire nine autophagy genes related to WT patients’ survival. According to the risk score, the patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that patients with a high-risk score tend to have a poor prognosis.Results: Eighteen DEARGs were identifed, and nine ARGs were fnally utilized to establish the FAGs based signature in the TCGA cohort. we found that patients in the high-risk group were associated with mutations in TP53. We further conducted CIBERSORT analysis, and found that the infiltration of Macrophage M1 was increased in the high-risk group. Finally, the expression levels of crucial ARGs were verifed by the experiment, which were consistent with our bioinformatics analysis.Conclusions: we emphasized the clinical significance of autophagy in WT, established a prediction system based on autophagy, and identified a promising therapeutic target of autophagy for WT.
The Implementable Needs of Woman With Maternal Near Miss Experience: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers
Authors: Abdollahpour Sedigheh , Heydari Abbas , Ebrahimipour Hosein , Faridhoseini Farhad , Khadivzadeh Talat
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Maternal Near Miss (MNM) case is defined as “a woman who nearly died but survived a life-threatening and failure organ during pregnancy or childbirth complication that the challenges of this group of mothers have not been addressed. Aim: This qualitative study of healthcare providers was conducted to discover the Iranian near miss mother’s (NMM) needs. Design: conventional qualitative content analysis Methods: In this study 37 participants of key informants, health providers, NMM and their husbands were selected using purposive sampling. Semi structured in-depth interviews were conducted for data collection until data saturation was achieved. Data was analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman. MAXQDA 10 software was used for organizing data and managing the process of analysis. Results: The analysis revealed the core category of "the need for comprehensive support". Eight categories included "psychological", "fertility", "information", "improvement of the care quality care", "sociocultural", "financial", "breastfeeding" and "nutritional" needs emerged from 18 sub-categories, were formed from 2112 codes. Conclusions: Maternal health policy makers should call on health provider centers to work on program designed to support NMMs according to standard guidelines designed to assessment needs.
Polyethylene Glycol Plus Linaclotide is an Effective Bowel Preparation Regimen for Patients with Bristol Stool Scale 1-2: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhao Kai , Wang Ge , Xia Suhong , Wu Jingwen , Zhou Wangdong , Zhang Mingyu , Liu Mei , Tian Dean , Liao Jiazhi
Published: September 2021

Background: To evaluate the effect of using linaclotide as an adjunctive agent with 3L polyethylene glycol (PEG) for bowel preparation among patients with Bristol stool form (BSFS) 1-2. Methods: Patients with BSFS 1-2 randomly received either 3L PEG (group A) or linaclotide plus 3L PEG (group B), patients with BSFS 3-7 received 3L PEG (group C) for bowel preparation. The primary outcome was the rate of adequate bowel preparation. The secondary endpoints were the polyp detection rate (PDR), acceptability and tolerability. Results: A total of 315 patients who underwent colonoscopy were enrolled. In per-protocol analysis, patient in group B attained significantly satisfactory bowel preparation rate than group A (77.9% vs 61.8%, PAB=0.049). The PDR in group B was significantly higher than group A (32.7% vs 15.7%, PAB=0.004), especially in rectosigmoid (25.0% vs 8.8%, PAB=0.002). Conclusion: 3L PEG plus 290ug Linaclotide can significantly improve the quality of bowel preparation and the colorectal polyps detection rate in patients with BSFS 1-2. The bowel preparation regimens is an effective and well-tolerated bowel preparation regimen.Trial registration: The study was registered at Chinese ClinicalTrials.gov (ChiCTR2100050437, 27/8/2021)
Controller Design for a Delta Robot Using Lagrangian Multipliers
Authors: Lee Fu-Shin , Lin Chen-I
Published: September 2021

The novelty of this research is that the study utilizes Lagrangian multipliers for an articulated close-chain robot mechanism as time-varying states to augment an energy-based Lagrangian dynamic model, and the strategy facilitates the system computations while satisfying the forward/inverse dynamics and mechanism constraints simultaneously for the close-chained robot. Then, this article develops a controller based upon the augmented dynamics model for the Delta robot mechanism and drives its moving platform to track prescribed trajectories in space. As a result, the simulation results validate the effectiveness of the augmented system model in undertaking complex dynamics of close-chained robot mechanisms.
Whole‐Exome Sequencing of a Saudi Epilepsy Cohort Reveals Association Signals in Known and Potentially Novel Loci
Authors: AlAli Amein Kadhem , Al-Enazi Abdulrahman , Ammar Ahmed , Hajj Mahmoud , Cyrus Cyril , Aljaafari Danah , Khotha Inam , Abdulfatah Ahmed , Alsulaiman Abdullah , Alanazi Firas , Alanazi Rawan , Gandla Divya , Lad Hetal , Barayan Samar , Keating Brendan
Published: September 2021

Background
Epilepsy, a serious chronic neurological condition effecting up to 100 million people globally, has clear genetic underpinnings including common and rare variants. In Saudi Arabia the prevalence of epilepsy is high and caused mainly by perinatal and genetic factors. No whole-exome sequencing (WES) studies have been performed to date in Saudi Arabian Epilepsy cohorts. This offers a unique opportunity for the discovery of rare genetic variants impacting this disease as there is a high rate of consanguinity amongst large tribal pedigrees.
Results
We performed WES on 144 individuals diagnosed with epilepsy, to interrogate known Epilepsy related genes for known and functional novel variants. We also used an American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guideline based variant prioritization approach in an attempt to discover putative causative variants. We identified a 32 potentially causative pathogenic variants across 30 different genes in 44/144 (30%) of these Saudi Epilepsy individuals. We also identified 232 variants of unknown significance (VUS) across 101 different genes in 133/144 (92%) subjects. Strong enrichment of variants of likely pathogenicity were observed in previously described epilepsy-associated loci, and a number of putative pathogenic variants in novel loci are also observed.
Conclusion
Several putative pathogenic variants known to be epilepsy-related loci were identified for the first time in our population, in addition to several potential new loci have been identified which may be prioritized for further investigation.
The Effectiveness of Using Breastfeeding Program for Father via Facebook to knowledge, Attitude, Behavior of Supporting of 6-Month Exclusive Breastfeeding in Low-Income Country
Authors: thepha Thiwawan , Theeranut Ampornpan
Published: September 2021

Background: The six-month exclusive breastfeeding rate in the Northeast region of Thailand has recently significantly decreased in contrast to all other regions in Thailand. Facebook is world widely use to increase that knowledge, attitude and behaviour to support breastfeeding. Therefore, the aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of using 6-month breastfeeding program for father via Facebook to knowledge, attitude, behavior of supporting of breastfeeding in low-income country.Method: A quasi-experimental design was used. The study was carried out from September 2020 – August 2021. The data of experimental group and control group were conducted in two tertiary hospital in Khonkaen province, Northeast Thailand. The participants were husbands of postpartum mothers who were admitted to the Obstetrics ward , Khonkaen Hospital, 2A and 2B ward, Srinagarin Hospital. The demographic data were analyzed by distribution of frequency, mean, percentage and standard deviation. The t-test were used to analyse the mean score of knowledge, attitude and behaviour of father by SPSS version 27. Results: 72 father were included. The different mean score of knowledge, attitude, behaviors of father to support the EBF among baseline and 6-month were shown. In intervention group, the different mean score of knowledge among baseline and 6-month was significant at P-value 0.01. The mean of knowledge at 6 months (mean=19.78, SD=5.50) was higher than the mean of knowledge baseline (mean=16.42, SD=4.22). Similarly, the different mean score of attitudes among baseline and 6-month was significant at P-value 0.14. The mean of attitude at 6-month (mean=108.03, SD=19.89) was higher than the mean of behaviour at baseline (mean=101.81, SD=17.99). In addition, the different score of behaviour among baseline (mean=65.86, SD=7.01) and 6-month (mean=68.58, SD=10.42) was significant at P-value=0.16. The mean score of behavior at baseline is lower than the mean of behaviour at 6 months. In control group, these is only the different mean of behavior baseline and 6-month was significant at P-value=0.00.Conclusions: This confirm that FB is good platform to transfer the breastfeeding knowledge to father in low income country. In the future, this program can be improved and test in other country that has the same condition.
Complications of Ovarian Cancer Surgery in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital, Jakarta
Authors: Purwoto Gatot , Dalimunthe Boeyoeng Ego , Kekalih Aria , Aditianingsih Dita , Mazni Yarman , Wahyudi Irfan , Julianti Kelli
Published: September 2021

Background: Ovarian cancer remains as one of the deadliest gynecologic problems globally. Often appears in advanced state, its surgery proves to be a challenge for clinicians. This study aim to present complications surrounding ovarian cancer surgery.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study to analyze reports of intraoperative and postoperative complications in ovarian cancer patients undergoing laparotomy in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta from January 2018 to December 2019. Ovarian cancer patients undergoing laparotomy surgery were included in the study. Patients with a history of other cancers or having incomplete data were excluded from the study. Intraoperative complications included intestinal, ureter, bladder injury, and postoperative complications included paralytic ileus, surgical wound infection and sepsis were documented.Results: A total of 78 subjects were included in the study. The total proportion of complications was 19.2%. The most prevalent intraoperative complications were intestinal injury (12.8%), bladder injury (2.6%), and ureter injury (1.3%). Most prevalent postoperative complications reported were surgical wound infection (5.2%), sepsis (3.9%), while none of the patients had paralytic ileus.Conclusion: The proportion of intraoperative and postoperative complications in ovarian cancer surgery was still at alarming level (19.2%). Further steps are needed to ameliorate the rate of complications surrounding ovarian cancer surgery.
WITHDRAWN: Rider Weed Deep Residual Network-Based Incremental Model for Text Classification Using Multidimensional Features and MapReduce Framework
Authors: Abdalla Hemn Barzan
Published: September 2021

The increasing demand for information and rapid growth of big data has dramatically increased textual data. The amount of different kinds of data has led to the overloading of information. For obtaining useful text information, the classification of texts is considered an imperative task. This paper develops a technique for text classification in big data using the MapReduce model. The goal is to design a hybrid optimization algorithm for classifying the text. Here, the pre-processing is done with the steaming process and stop word removal. In addition, the Extraction of imperative features is performed wherein SentiWordNet features, contextual features, and thematic features are generated. Furthermore, the selection of optimal features is performed using Tanimoto similarity. The Tanimoto similarity method estimates the similarity between the features and selects the relevant features with higher feature selection accuracy. After that, a deep residual network is utilized for dynamic text classification. The Adam algorithm trains the deep residual network. In addition, the dynamic learning is performed with the proposed Rider invasive weed optimization (RIWO)-based deep residual network along with fuzzy theory. The proposed RIWO algorithm combines Invasive weed optimization (IWO) and the Rider optimization algorithm (ROA). The method mentioned above is solved under the MapReduce framework. The proposed RIWO-based deep residual network outperformed other techniques with the highest True positive rate (TPR) of 85%, True negative rate (TNR) of 94%, and accuracy of 88.7%.
Ontosonographic Maps: Toward a Theoretization of Soundscape Forms in the Anthropocene Epoch
Authors: Filipović Andrija ,   Faculty of Media and Communications, University Singidunum, Belgrade
Published: September 2021

This paper deals with the ways in which it is possible to conceptualize and map forms of soundscape in the epoch of the Anthropocene. After humans became a geological force, which is a role that used to be reserved for the planet itself, one can pose the question of how to understand this new condition through sound, as well as of the ways in which (re)production of the Anthropocene is heard and performed through sound. With the usage of the terms world, globe, Earth and the planet, a certain understanding of the human environment, current state of affairs, but also of the past and the future is projected. To these terms I connect different ways of production and reception of sound (bio-melo-technology, bio-aural-technology, zoe-aural-technology), and describe their mutual relations through the concepts of biosound, zoesound, necrosound, geosound, and petrosound. I produce this typology on the basis of ontosonographic methodology, and apply it to particular case studies such as popular music (k.d. lang, Lesbian on Ecstasy, My Bloody Valentine, black metal, noise), sounds insects make, and the noise produced by urban traffic. With the help of ontosonographic methodology I map forms of being and becoming through sound and as sound, which makes ontosonography a key concept for understanding the soundscape forms of the Anthropocene. Of decisive importance for understanding the Anthrpocene soundscape is the relation between biosound and geosound, which is produced through petrocultures understood as a multiplicity of practices of extraction and exploitation of fossil fuels. The dominant form of soundscape in the epoch of the Anthropocene is the petrosound. Also, a new way for understanding fossil fuels appears as a possibility, a way that is grounded in a non-binary way of thinking beyond the difference between Life and Non-Life. It remains as a task for further research whether to approach this petrocultural non-binarity through radical or absolute immanence or, perhaps, some other set of concepts more appropriate for the Anthropocene.
On the Link between the Protection of Minorities' Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Evaluation of Social Sciences and Humanities in the Republic of Serbia: Preliminary Examination of Cross-Study Results
Authors: Milenković Miloš , Pišev Marko , Ćuković Jelena ,   Department of Ethnology and Anthropology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade,   Department and Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade,   Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade
Published: September 2021

The results of theoretical and field research into a) the state of protection of minorities' intangible cultural heritage, and b) the evaluation criteria for social sciences and humanities in the Republic of Serbia, indicate a clear and concerning correlation. Seemingly paradoxically, social sciences and humanities in the Serbian language are in an equally unfavorable, undervalued position as is the cultural heritage of minorities relative to that of the majority population's. Analysis suggests that, although they mostly do not perceive themselves in this way, Serbian social sciences and humanities scholars are a vulnerable social group in the sector of science and higher education, in the same sense in which ethnic minorities and communities are in terms of government cultural policy. The paper, based on the conclusions of an analysis of selected cross-study findings of field and theoretical research over a number of years, also proposes how the existing vulnerability factors can be eliminated and future ones prevented, particularly through cooperation between these two, often mutually opposed groups.
A skeletal Class III malocclusion with agenesis and canine-bicuspid transposition: a non-surgical approach
Authors: Bellot-Arcís Carlos , García-Sanz Veronica , Paredes-Gallardo Vanessa
Published: September 2021

Background

The present case report describes the orthodontic management of a patient who presented with a skeletal Class III malocclusion combined with other dental anomalies. The malocclusion was complicated by agenic maxillary lateral incisors and a lower right second premolar, in company with the transposition of the maxillary canines and premolars.

Methods

Dentoalveolar compensation of the anteroposterior jaw relationship was performed. The upper deciduous lateral incisors were extracted and the spaces closed, so that the first premolars replaced the missing lateral incisors while the canine transposition was maintained

Results

Satisfactory results were obtained which provided an improvement in function and occlusal stability, as well as smile and profile aesthetics.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the importance of an accurate diagnosis when many treatment options are available and clearly addressed.
The effect of the lateral cephalometric radiograph on orthodontists’ diagnosis and treatment decisions: a double-blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Currell Scott Derek , Roberts Sophie May , Abdalla Yousef , Esterman Adrian
Published: September 2021

Aims

To evaluate the influence of the lateral cephalometric radiograph on orthodontists’ diagnosis and treatment planning decisions.

Methods

Five patients with full pre-treatment records were selected to represent a spectrum of malocclusions. The records were provided in a web-based questionnaire emailed to 510 Australian registered orthodontists. Participants were asked to formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan for a randomised patient case. The control group received a lateral cephalometric radiograph whilst the intervention group did not. The two groups’ diagnostic accuracy was determined by a comparison with the formative diagnoses determined by five senior academic orthodontists. Their diagnosis and treatment planning decisions were also compared.

Results

A comparison of the orthodontists’ diagnoses revealed that the lateral cephalometric radiograph did not lead to an increase in the assessment accuracy of dental (p = 0.797) and skeletal (p = 0.273) relationships. Further analysis using logistic regression showed that the orthodontists’ years of experience did not influence the accuracy of skeletal diagnosis (p = 0.177). A comparison between the orthodontists’ dental (p = 0.689) and skeletal (p = 0.321) determinations did not significantly differ between the two groups. An assessment of the vertical growth pattern (p = 0.656) was also unaffected by the omission of the lateral cephalometric radiograph. When the two groups considered treatment planning options, there were no statistically significant differences related to the treatment options of growth modification (p = 0.720), orthognathic surgery (p = 0.101), and/or an extraction decision (p = 0.840).

Conclusion

Lateral cephalometric radiographs did not significantly influence orthodontists’ diagnosis. There was also little evidence to demonstrate the radiograph’s efficacy in treatment planning cases with no skeletal discrepancy or no significant labiolingual incisor movement planned.
Upper-molar intrusion using anterior palatal anchorage and the ‘Mini-Mousetrap’ appliance
Authors: Wilmes Benedict , Niegel Thomas , Drescher Dieter
Published: September 2021

The intrusion of over-erupted upper molars is an orthodontic problem of major difficulty. When conventional appliances are used, the extrusion of adjacent teeth is likely. However, in recent years, temporary anchorage devices have been used to avoid unwanted side effects. For this purpose, mini-implants have primarily been inserted in the alveolar process. However, due to many disadvantages associated with mini-implant placement between the roots of the upper molars, it is now preferred to insert miniimplants in the anterior palate, which ensures a low risk of failure or mini-implant fracture.

The ‘Mini-Mousetrap’ appliance (without a TPA) was designed as a less bulky alternative to the ‘Mousetrap’ (with a TPA), and is comprised of two mini-implants in the anterior palate and attached lever arms for molar intrusion. If a TPA is not used, molar movement must be monitored and the direction of the force adjusted to avoid unwanted molar tipping.
Application of Pont’s index to a Pakistani population: a digital stereomicroscopic study
Authors: Shahid Fazal , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Khamis Mohd Fadhli , Townsend Grant Clement
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the applicability of Pont’s index for predicting maxillary and mandibular dental arch widths in a Pakistani population.

Materials and methods

A Hirox digital stereomicroscope (SM) (HIROX KH7700 Japan) was used to construct digital models of fabricated plaster casts. Gender differences in the measured totals of the incisor widths, arch widths and expansion indices were evaluated. Pont’s correlations were computed between measured and predicted arch widths. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the differences between arch length and arch perimeter groups.

Results

Males had significantly larger mean values for the sums of the incisors, arch widths and expansion indices compared with females (p ≤ 0.05). There were significant differences observed between the large and small, average and small and the average and large arch length groups (p ≤ 0.05) in the maxilla, while a significant difference was observed only between the large and small arch length groups in the mandibular arch. Pont’s index predictions were consistently less than the actual interpremolar and intermolar arch widths for both genders. The dissimilarity in the predictions for interpremolar width averaged -4.33 mm for males and -4.21 mm for females while the intermolar width averages were -4.93 mm for males and -4.92 mm for females.

Conclusion

The results indicated that Pont’s index should not be applied to the Pakistani population. Maxillary and mandibular arch length groups and arch perimeters should be carefully investigated before applying any prediction formulae.
The Hawlix: a simple and aesthetic prosthetic-orthodontic retainer
Authors: Doğramacı Esma J. , Jones Vaughan S. , Jones Allan G.
Published: September 2021

This report introduces the Hawlix, a hybrid thermoformed and cold-cured retainer. It was developed to overcome the limitations that modified Hawley retainers possess when used in patients with bounded saddles, attributable to dental trauma or hypodontia. The Hawlix can be used as an intermediate retainer while a patient is waiting to receive restorative treatment. Some of the advantages of the Hawlix over the modified Hawley retainer include: superior aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, ease of manufacture, adequate resistance to fracture, preservation of a residual ridge, and precise space maintenance.
Small Colony Variants – The Cause Of Chronic Infections
Authors: Nowicka Joanna , Piątkowska Elżbieta
Published: September 2021

Some microorganisms are characterised by the ability to create specific morphological varieties called Small Colony Variants (SCVs). This characteristic was noted, among others, in Gram-positive cocci, mainly staphylococci, but also in Gram-negative bacilli. The properties of Small Colony Variants that differentiate them from wild-type colonies (mainly their small size) facilitate their intracellular survival (e.g. in epithelial or endothelial cells) as a result of which they can escape host immune response. In this way, SCV forms avoid the effects of complement components or antibodies. They are also characterised by resistance to antibiotics, mainly aminoglycoside or combination drugs, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The above features, which are important from a clinical point of view, namely small size and antibiotic resistance, make SCV one of the main causes of chronic, latent and recurrent infections which are difficult not only to diagnose, but also to treat. According to the literature, SCV of various microorganisms can be isolated from systemic infections of various organs and therefore from different clinical materials (e.g. blood, bones, soft tissues). SCV forms of Staphylococcus aureus are often isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis or osteomyelitis. The paper presents the characteristics and clinical relevance of this unique morphological form of bacteria.
Is There A Relationship Between The Intestinal Microbiota And Diabetes?
Authors: Wujkowska Alicja , Sińska Beata
Published: September 2021

Due to the total number of microorganisms and multitude of roles they play in the human body, intestinal bacteria are increasingly called the “microbial organ”. Proper composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome is necessary to maintain human health. According to the latest studies, the imbalance in the composition of intestinal microorganisms, called dysbiosis, can result in development of numerous diseases, including metabolic disorders e.g. diabetes. The incidence of this disease is constantly increasing. The pathogenesis of diabetes is complicated and not yet fully understood. However, it is known that many factors influence its development. Intestinal microbiota is increasingly mentioned among them. Based on a literature review related to the subject, it can be concluded that dysbiosis, intestinal barrier damage and endotoxemia adversely affect metabolic parameters.
Sztuczna inteligencja i automatyczne planowanie leczenia – o roli fizyka medycznego we współczesnej radioterapii w świetle doniesień ESTRO 2020.
Authors: Borowska Patrycja
Published: September 2021

Celem niniejszej pracy jest podsumowanie doniesień na temat roli fizyka medycznego w zastosowaniu sztucznej inteligencji i automatyzacji planowania leczenia na podstawie prezentacji ustnych, wykładów oraz sympozjów przedstawionych podczas 39. konferencji Europejskiego Towarzystwa Radioterapii i Onkologii - ESTRO (ang. European SocieTy for Radiation and Oncology).
Expression Analysis of Lanosterol Synthase Gene in Dynamic Accumulation of Triterpenoids in Sanghuangporus baumii
Authors: Wang Xu Tong , Sun Ting Ting , Sun Jian , Wang Shixin , Zou Li
Published: September 2021

Background:

Sanghuangporus baumii is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti- cancer,
anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. Triterpenoids are one of the main medicinal ingredients
found in S. baumii. However, the dynamic changes of triterpenoids content and its molecular
regulation mechanism are still unclear.

Objective:

Some studies have shown that Lanosterol synthase (LS) is a key enzyme involved in the
mevalonate pathway (MVA pathway) to produce lanosterol, which is a precursor for synthesizing
S. baumii triterpenoids. Therefore, the study of LS gene and expression characteristics can provide
clues for the further study of triterpenoids synthesis.

Methods:

The PCR, RACE PCR, RT-PCR, homologous recombination and prokaryotic expression
technology were used to research the gene characteristic and dynamic changes of LS transcription
level.

Results:

The S. baumii LS sequence included a 5’-untranslated region (129 bp), a 3’-untranslated region (87 bp), and an open reading frame (2,229 bp) encoding 734 amino acids. The S. baumii LS protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The transcription start site of the S. baumii LS promoter sequence ranged from 1 740 bp to 1790 bp. The LS promoter contained 12 CAAT-boxes, 5 ABREs, 6 G-Boxes, 6 CGTCA-motifs, and so on. The LS transcription levels were the highest on day 11 in mycelia (1.6-fold), and the triterpenoids content also gradually increased. The transcription levels began to decrease on day 13, but the triterpenoids content still increased.

Results:

The S. baumii LS sequence included a 5’-untranslated region (129 bp), a 3’-untranslated region
(87 bp), and an open reading frame (2,229 bp) encoding 734 amino acids. The S. baumii LS
protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The transcription start site of the S. baumii LS promoter
sequence ranged from 1 740 bp to 1790 bp. The LS promoter contained 12 CAAT-boxes, 5
ABREs, 6 G-Boxes, 6 CGTCA-motifs, and so on. The LS transcription levels were the highest on
day 11 in mycelia (1.6-fold), and the triterpenoids content also gradually increased. The transcription
levels began to decrease on day 13, but the triterpenoids content still increased.

Conclusion:

The S. baumii LS was cloned and characterized to help to understand the mechanism
of triterpenoids synthesis. In addition, we studied the relationship between LS transcription level
and triterpenoid dynamic accumulation, and we found that they had a certain correlation.
Neutrophil/Lymphocyte, Platelet/Lymphocyte, and Monocyte/Lymphocyte Ratios in Mood Disorders
Authors: Marazziti Donatella , Torrigiani Samuele , Carbone Manuel G. , Mucci Federico , Flamini Walter , Ivaldi Tea , Dell'Osso Liliana
Published: September 2021

:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorders (BDs), the most severe
types of mood disorders (MDs), are considered as among the most disabling illnesses
worldwide. Several studies suggested that inflammatory neuroinflammation might be involved
in the pathophysiology of MDs while reporting increasing data on the relationships
between these processes and classical neurotransmitters, hypothalamus-pituitaryadrenal
axis (HPA), and neurotrophic factors. The assessment of neutrophil/lymphocyte
ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in
peripheral blood represents a simple method to evaluate the inflammatory status. The aim
of the present paper was to review the literature on the possible relationships between
NLR, PLR, and MLR in MDs and to comment on their possible wider use in clinical research.
Thirty-five studies were included in the present review. The majority of them had
higher values of these parameters, particularly NLR values in patients with MDs when
compared to healthy subjects. The increase would appear more robust in patients with BD
during a manic episode, thus indicating that it could be considered as both state and trait
markers. In addition, increased NLR and PLR levels seem to represent prognostic elements
for the early discovery of post-stroke depression. The findings of the present review
would indicate the need to carry out further studies in this field. In particular, NLR,
PLR, and MLR seem to be promising tools to detect economically and easily the activation
of the inflammatory system and to perhaps evaluate the etiology and course of MDs.
Again, they could suggest some information to better understand the relationship between
inflammatory and cardiovascular disease and MDs, and thus, to provide clinical implications
in terms of management and treatment.
Headache in Multiple Sclerosis - Pharmacological Aspects
Authors: Gebhardt Marcel , Kropp Peter , Hoffmann Frank , Zettl Uwe K.
Published: September 2021

:

For decades, the headache was not considered a typical symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) and was
construed as a “red flag” for important differential diagnoses such as cerebral vasculitis. Meanwhile, several
studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of headaches in MS compared to the general population.
This is due to the heterogeneity of headache genesis with frequent occurrence of both primary and secondary
headaches in MS. On the one hand, MS and migraine are often comorbid. On the other hand, secondary headaches
frequently occur, especially in the course of MS relapses. These are often migraine-like headaches
caused by inflammation, which can improve as a result of MS-specific therapy. Headaches are particularly common
in the early stages of chronic inflammatory CNS disease, where inflammatory activity is the greatest. In addition,
headaches can also occur as a side effect of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs). Headache can occur with
most DMDs and is most frequently described with interferon-beta therapy. The aim of this work is to present
the prevalence of headaches and describe the heterogeneity of possible causes of headaches in MS. In addition,
important therapeutic aspects in the treatment of MS patients, in general, will be presented as well as different
approaches to the treatment of headaches in MS depending on the etiological classification.
Decreased Plasma Level of Lipoprotein Lipase Predicted Verbal Disfluency in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Early Cognitive Deficits
Authors: An Ke , Guo Peng , Zhang Haoqiang , Zhu Wenwen , Cao Wuyou , Shi Jijing , Wang Shaohua
Published: September 2021

Background :

Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) is the rate-limiting enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis
of triglycerides and contributes to the amyloid-β formation, which shows promise as a
pathological factor of cognitive decline in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to
investigate the pathogenetic roles of LPL and rs328 polymorphism in Mild Cognitive Impairment
(MCI) in patients with T2DM.

Methods:

Chinese patients with T2DM were recruited and divided into two groups based on the
Montreal Cognitive Assessment score. Demographic data were collected, LPL was measured and
neuropsychological test results were examined.

Results:

Seventy-nine patients with diabetes and MCI had significantly decreased plasma LPL levels
(p = 0.007) when compared with health-cognition controls (n = 91). Correlation analysis revealed
that LPL was positively correlated with clock drawing test (r = 0.158, p = 0.043) and logical
memory test (r = 0.162, p = 0.037), while lipoprotein a (r = -0.214, p = 0.006) was inversely associated
with LPL. Logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that LPL concentration was an independent
factor for diabetic MCI (p = 0.036). No significant differences were observed in the distributions
of rs328 variants between patients with MCI and the controls. Moreover, no remarkable
association was found among plasma LPL levels, cognitive performances, and lipid levels between
the genotypic subgroups. The trail making test A was increased in the GC group when compared
with the CC genotype in the control group.

Conclusion:

Decreased plasma level of LPL could probably predict early cognitive deficits, especially
verbal disfluency.
Complications and Outcome of H1N1 Influenza in a Tertiary Care Hospital
in South India A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kumar Bhargavi , Anees Mohamed , Manickam Santni , Thangavelu Saravanan
Published: September 2021

Background:

Influenza virus causes a highly contagious febrile illness ranging from
mild symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure and death. The H1N1 influenza
pandemic caused a worldwide public health challenge.

Objectives:

This study aimed to record the clinical outcomes and factors associated with poorer outcomes
in hospitalized patients.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with laboratory-confirmed H1N1 infection by real-time polymerase
chain reaction were included in this retrospective study. Data regarding the demographics,
medical comorbidities, complications, treatment details and outcome were obtained. Statistical analysis
was performed using SPSS version 16.

Results:

Among 295 patients, 143 (48.5%) were males and 152 (51.5%) were females. The majority
were in the age group of 18 to 49 years. Pneumonia (8.1%) and respiratory failure (9.2%) were
the most frequent complications. A majority (71%) required hospitalization of fewer than 5 days
and 32 (10.8%) required ventilatory support. There were no deaths reported in this group. Elderly
patients (age>50 years) (P= 0.002) with the presence of comorbidities (P= 0.000) had greater complications.
Elderly patients (P= 0.011) with the presence of co-morbidities (P= 0.000) required a
longer duration of Oseltamivir treatment. Female patients (P= 0.015) and patients with comorbidities
(P= 0.001) had greater ventilator requirements. Elderly (P= 0.002), female patients (P= 0.018),
and those with comorbidities (P= 0.000) required a longer hospital stay. Patients with cardiovascular
diseases and pre-existing lung diseases had overall poorer outcomes.

Conclusion:

The main risk factors were old age, female sex, cardiovascular diseases, Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease, and asthma. These parameters were significantly associated with increased
Oseltamivir treatment duration, greater complications, prolonged hospital stay and ventilatory
support.
Vaccines for COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Feasibility and
Effectiveness
Authors: Mehraeen Esmaeil , Dadras Omid , Afsahi Amir Masoud , Karimi Amirali , Pour Mehrzad Mohsseni , Mirzapour Pegah , Barzegary Alireza , Behnezhad Farzane , Habibi Pedram , Salehi Mohammad Amin , Vahedi Farzin , Heydari Mohammad , Kianzad Shaghayegh , Moradmand-Badie Banafsheh , Javaherian Mohammad , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Sabatier Jean-Marc
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Many potential vaccines for COVID-19 are being studied and developed.
Several studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. This systematic review
aimed to report on the current evidence concerning the feasibility and effectiveness of vaccines for
COVID-19.

Methods:

A systematic search was carried out utilizing the keywords in the online databases, including
Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. We included both human and non-human
studies because of the vaccine novelty, limiting our ability to include sufficient human studies.

Results:

This review showed several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to be currently under development using
different platforms, including eight vaccines that are adenovirus-based vectors, six vaccines that are
RNA-based formulations, one vaccine being DNA-based formulation, and other vaccines using other
platforms, including lipid nanoparticles. Although the safety and efficacy profiles of these vaccines are
still under debate, some countries have allowed for emergency use of some vaccines in at-risk populations,
such as healthcare workers and the elderly.

Conclusion:

It is crucial to gather as much clinically relevant evidence as possible regarding the immunogenicity,
efficacy, and safety profiles of available vaccines and adhere wisely to CDC protocols
and guidelines for vaccine production.
Microwave-assisted Organo-catalyzed C-C and C-X (Heteroatom) Bondforming
Reactions: An Overview
Authors: Kamanna Kantharaju , Amaregouda Yamanappagouda
Published: September 2021

:

Organocatalysis is a term used to describe small organic molecules that exclusively
include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, and phosphorus atoms that are used to
speed up chemical reactions. The researchers demonstrated a large area of applications in various
organic transformations catalysed by the organocatalysts due to their lower moisture sensitivity in
air, easy abundance, less polluting nature, noninterference with the final product, and costeffectiveness.
This highlights high demand and direct benefits in pharmaceutical intermediate and
fine chemical manufacturing compared to other conventional transition metal and enzyme catalysts.
This review article intends to compile literature-reported applications of the microwave accelerated
organocatalyzed carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formation reactions.