bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of MRI-based temporal tumor response and Epstein-Barr DNA level changes after radiotherapy leads to improved prognostic stratification of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lu Zi-Jian , Liu Li-Ting , Li Xiao-Yun , Sun Xue-Song , Liu Sai-Lan , Yang Qi , Guo Shan-Shan , Lin Chao , Qiu Hui-Zhi , Lin Huan-Xin , Mai Hai-Qiang , Tang Lin-Quan , Guo Ling
Published: January 2023

Objectives To investigated the prognostic value of temporal tumor response (TR) and plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA level changes at the end of radiotherapy (pRT0) and 3 months after radiotherapy (pRT3) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Methods A total of 651 patients with biopsy-proven NPC, treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, were retrospectively enrolled. TR and plasma EBV DNA levels were evaluated at pRT0 and pRT3. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint. Results Temporal change of tumor response (TRC) indicated that the refractory-disease group (where TR remained a non-complete response [non-CR] at pRT0 and pRT3) and slow-response group (where TR changed from non-CR to CR at pRT3) had a higher risk than the rapid-response group (where TR remained a CR at pRT0 and pRT3) in the 5-year locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS,P < 0.001). Temporal EBV DNA changes (EBV DNAC) indicated that patients with persistently detectable EBV DNA had the lowest 5-year distant metastasis-free survival rate (DMFS,P < 0.001). Our new risk classification (NRC) model combined TRC and EBV DNAC to classify the patients into three risk groups. High-risk and intermediate-risk patients had significantly lower 5-year PFS, overall survival, LRRFS, and DMFS than the low-risk patients. Multivariate analysis indicated that NRC was a significant independent prognostic factor for clinical outcomes, and this was also confirmed by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analyses. Conclusions TRC was better in predicting locoregional recurrence. EBV DNAC was better in predicting distant metastasis after radiotherapy. NRC greatly improved the risk stratification in NPC patients.
Applying multi objective particle swarm optimization algorithm for sequencing and balancing mixed model assembly line problem with setup times between tasks
Authors: tanhaie fahimeh
Published: January 2023

Mixed-model assembly is a particular set of production lines assembling a family of product models, with similar specifications. Designing paced assembly lines face two primary problems, Balancing and sequencing. The balancing quality is closely associated with the described production sequence. Although these two are problems of one assembly method but they do not take place at the same time, balancing pose a problem during the line designing, whereas sequencing becomes problematic at fluctuating demand of market. In the present research, we have presented a balancing and sequencing problem and proper times to setup the machines between tasks. Unlike a majority of published studies, this paper contains two successive tasks’ setup times in dynamic periods, in which periods also impact the flowing period. A mathematical description with a number of objective functions containing: reducing the inappropriate assembly lines sequence, reducing setup cost, and reducing the inappropriate products balance and the impact of this situation on incomplete tasks. This problem has a combinatorial nature, therefore, the exact techniques, for example combined integer linear programming cannot solve large-sized problems. Thus, the literature have presented several metaheuristic algorithms to solve the problems nearly optimal. This study uses multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm, a suitable approach, to create models and solutions. Various problems are designed in different sizes and compared, the decision variables sensitivity is investigated to prepare managerial intuitions. The findings propose that presented algorithm can solve the research problems more efficiently.
Survival through innovation in manufacturing SMEs in emerging economies evidence from Zimbabwe
Authors: Chipambwa Walter , Moalosi Ritchie , Molwane Olefile , Rapitsenyane Yaone
Published: January 2023

Globally Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have become engines for growth and most of these successful entities have grown into bigger companies through innovation. From the emerging economies perspective literature is scant on innovation especially in manufacturing SMEs and how they can leverage on it for success. This study sought to assess innovation in SMEs into furniture manufacturing in Zimbabwe. As SMEs seek to grow into larger firms, their ability to innovate becomes their key achievement if they remain operational. Though it is difficult to understand and collect information about SMEs innovation capabilities in the emerging economies it is important to try and unpack how they can leverage on some inherent characteristics they have as SMEs in developing economies. The study adopted a qualitative multiple case study approach where a total of 24 SMEs were interviewed after they were purposively sampled from the available database from the parent ministry. This study highlights the need for SMEs to invest in design education, register industrial designs, and improve social media presence, creation of clusters to lobby government support, and also training employees so that they can add more value to the design activities during production. The study also advocates for more support from government through design policy formulation that calls for active participation of all the SMEs concerned. The study findings will assist to develop special programmes for manufacturing SMEs to be innovative.
Gut-microbiota in Obese Children and Adolescents: Inferred Functional Analysis and Machine-learning Algorithms to Classify Microorganisms
Authors: Squillario Margherita , Bonaretti Carola , Valle Alberto La , Marco Eddi Di , Piccolo Gianluca , Minuto Nicola , Patti Giuseppa , Napoli Flavia , Bassi Marta , Maghnie Mohamad , d'Annunzio Giuseppe , Biassoni Roberto
Published: January 2023

The fecal microbiome of 55 obese children and adolescents (BMI-SDS 3.2+/-0.7) and of 25 normal-weight subjects, matched both for age and sex (BMI-SDS -0.3+/-1.1). Streptococcus, Acidaminococcus, Sutterella, Prevotella, Sutterellawadsworthensis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Prevotellacopri positively correlated with obesity.
The inferred pathways strongly associated with obesity concern the biosynthesis pathways of tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and methionine pathways. Furthermore, polyamine biosynthesis virulence factors and pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway showed higher abundances in obese samples, while the butanediol biosynthesis showed low abundance in obese subjects. Different taxa strongly linked with obesity have been related to an increased risk of multiple diseases involving metabolic pathways related to inflammation (polyamine and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis). Cholesterol, LDL, and CRP positively correlated with specific clusters of microbial in obese patients. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes-ratio was lower in obese samples than in controls and differently from the literature we state that this ratio could not be a biomarker for obesity.
Financial inclusion and sustainability in Asia using Bank-level statistics
Authors: Hassan Mohammad Maruf , Lu zheng
Published: January 2023

The promotion of shared prosperity, economic success, and the expansion of the financial sector all contribute to individual development supported by financial inclusion. In recent years, it has been a crucial component in helping to contribute to the relief of poverty and the acceleration of economic growth. Because of financial intermediation, millions of persons who do not have bank accounts will have access to a broad range of low-cost financial products and services and be able to use such goods and services effectively. Financial inclusion in the Asian area is generally considered relatively low. In addition, the issue of financial intermediation has been largely overlooked in the overwhelming majority of modern educational research that has been carried out on the subject. The governments in the area have voiced significant worries about the possibilities for economic turbulence brought on by widespread financial inclusion. As a result, the purpose of this study is to explore the connection between the accessibility of financial services and the dependability of the financial sector. To accomplish so, we will use a database that incorporates information obtained from 3071 financial institutions based in Asia throughout the period 2008–2017. In this study, we use a technique known as the generalized moment approach (GMM). Based on the results of this research, it is clear that a more equitable distribution of wealth may be achieved by expanding access to financial services, which strengthens the banking system's capacity to weather shocks. The fact that a more comprehensive monetary inclusion may be attained through increasing access to financial services lends credence to this view. Financial institutions might benefit from integration into the financial system by increasing profits, decreasing operational expenses, and increasing market share. Several directions for further research have been proposed based on the results of this work.
The nonspecific marker of PTX3 in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis and literature review
Authors: Li Hongxing , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic value of plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) pentraxin (PTX3) levels in pulmonary tuberculosis(TB).

Methods

Bioinformatic database GSE34608 was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus databases (GEO) in NCBI. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TB and control cases were analyzed using R software. Besides, plasma samples from 126 patients and BALF samples from 68 patients admitted to our hospital were collected to measure PTX3 levels by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.

Results

A total of 1179 GEGs which including PTX3 were obtained. In addition, the difference of plasma PTX3 level between TB, community-acquired pneumonia(CAP) and lung tumor was not statistically significant (P = 0.871), but BALF PTX3 level in TB was significantly higher than that in CAP and lung tumor (P<0.001). The area under ROC curve (AUC) of plasma PTX3 and BALF PTX3 level in diagnosing TB was 0.544 and 0.783, respectively.

Conclusion

BALF PTX3 level, not plasma PTX3 level, has the potential to serve as biomarker to differentiate TB from CAP and lung tumor.
Physical fitness of primary school children differs depending on their timing of school enrollment. Results from the longitudinal arm of the EMOTIKON-study
Authors: Teich Paula , Fühner Thea , Granacher Urs , Kliegl Reinhold
Published: January 2023

Previous research has shown that children who were enrolled according to the legal key date (i.e., keyage children, between eight and nine years in third grade) exhibit a linear physical fitness development in the ninth year of life. In contrast, children who were enrolled with a delay (i.e., older-than-keyage children, OTK, between nine and ten years in third grade) exhibited a lower physical fitness compared to what would be expected for their age. In these cross-sectional studies, age and timing of school enrollment were confounded. In the present longitudinal study, we compared keyage and OTK childrenat the same ageto separately examine effects of timing of school enrollment and age on six physical fitness components: cardiorespiratory endurance (i.e., 6-min run), coordination (i.e., star-run), speed (20-m sprint), power of lower (i.e., powerLOW, standing long jump) and upper (i.e., powerUP, ball-push test) limbs, and static balance (i.e., one-legged-stance test with eyes closed). 1,274 children (i.e., 1,030 keyage and 244 OTK children; 14,516 test scores) from 32 schools were tested in third grade and retested one year later in fourth grade. Both, keyage and OTK children, exhibited a positive longitudinal development in all six fitness components. However, keyage children outperformedage-matchedOTK children (both groups on average 9.5 years old) in all six fitness tests. In a post-hoc exploratory analysis, we tested the assumption that some OTK children are biologically younger than indicated by their chronological age. Specifically, one reason for a delayed enrollment could be a child’s perceived biological age at the school-entry exam. In this case, chronological age would correlate negatively with biological age of OTK children. Indeed, a simple reflection of chronological age brought the developmental rate of the chronologically youngest OTK children in line with the one observed for keyage children, but did not eliminate all differences. The mapping of chronological and biological age of OTK children and other possible reasons for lower physical fitness of OTK children remain a task for future research.
Socioeconomic feature on child feeding, as a determinant factor of nutritional status of children: the case of rural community at Dilla-Zuria district of Gede’o Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Genalle Tesfaye Gedecho
Published: January 2023

Good nutrition is necessary for a healthy and active life, and it has a direct impact on intellectual capacity, which has a positive impact on social and economic development. As it has a significant impact on children's rapid growth and development during their early years, exclusive breastfeeding and correct complementary nutrition are required for good physical, mental, social, and cognitive development. Children's nutritional health is influenced by a variety of factors, including access to food in the household and caregivers' awareness as well. As it has a significant impact on children's rapid growth and development during their early years, exclusive breastfeeding and correct complementary nutrition are required for good physical, mental, social, and cognitive development. A variety of factors influence children's nutritional needs, including access to nutritious foods and feeding practices. To better understand the factors contributing to malnutrition in children under the age of five, a study was conducted in the Dilla-Zuria district of Gede'o Zone, Southern Ethiopia. This study used a cross-sectional design with a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches. SPSS version 20.0 software was employed for analysis. Descriptive statistics, leaner regression, bivariate correlations, and qualitative inference were employed for analysis. Household socioeconomic features, child feeding practices, access to subsistence and food, and the mother’s autonomy to use the household’s wealth were used as independent variables, with anthropometric data from children under the age of five used as a dependent variable for determination of nutritional status. The findings of this study revealed that the caregivers' child feeding practices are heavily influenced by the socioeconomic features of the family when determining the nutritional condition of children under the age of five. To address the nutritional problem of children under the age of five in the Gede'o Zone, SNNPR Ethiopia, and maybe at the national level, an integrated holistic approach involving several sectors and sub-sectors with clearly defined mainstreaming duties has been advocated.
Needle Stick and Sharps Injuries among Healthcare Workers in an Oncology Setting: A Retrospective Seven-Year Study
Authors: Mubarak Sawsan , AlGhawrie Hadeel , Ammar Khawlah , Abuwardeh Razan
Published: January 2023

Needle-stick injuries (NSSIs) are one of the most common occupational hazards that need to be addressed among healthcare workers (HCWs) around the world, and they are one of the most common sources of infection such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors related to NSSIs and to assess related safety measures among different categories of healthcare workers at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan. This retrospective study using chart review was conducted at King Hussein Cancer Center, Jordan, Amman. This study targeted all healthcare worker who work in KHCC and got injured and report a NSSI within the period of 2015–2021. Data were obtained from the employee clinic as they received the needle-stick incident reports from the staff. Results showed that a total of 355 NSSIs were included in this study. Distribution of male and female was (n = 164, 46.2% and n = 191, 53.8% respectively). Majority of these injuries (61.6%) occurred during the day shift, while 38.4% of it occurred during the night shift. The rate of needle stick per 100 occupied hospital beds was ranged between 14.6% and 28.2%, with a maximum rate in 2019 (28.2%) of all reported incidents during the study period. Nurses were encountered as the most affected job category (n = 220, 62%), followed by housekeeping staff (n = 58, 16.3%) and the physicians (n = 45, 12.6%). Surgical floor (n = 65, 18.3%) was the most common place of occurrence of NSSIs, followed by Operating Room (OR) (n = 56, 15.7%), then Emergency Room (ER) (n = 37, 10.4%) and intensive care units (ICU) (n = 33, 9.3%). It was found that NSSIs occurred most frequently during blood collection (n = 94, 26.5%), followed by waste collection (n = 65, 18.3%) and during putting needles into the sharps box (n = 58, 16.3%).it was found that fingers (n = 216, 60.8%) and hand/palm (n = 117, 32.9%) are the most affected body parts. Incidents during use of the sharp item (n = 191, 53.8%) and while disposing (n = 65, 18.3%) were the most common. On the basis of work experience, NSSIs were more common in the early years of employment (less than 2 years’ experience). This research can help uncover potential risk factors and gaps in KHCC's existing preventative initiatives, as well as serve as a blueprint for future changes in preventive medicine and public health policies.
Endoscopic Treatment (Endoscopic Balloon Dilation/self-expandable Metal Stent) Vs Surgical Resection for the Treatment of De Novo Stenosis in Crohn's Disease (Endocir Study): an Open-label, Multicenter, Randomized Trial
Authors: Loras Carme , Ruiz Pablo , Romero Juan , Andújar Xavier , Berzosa Josep Bargallo , Martín Esther Bernardos , Boscá-Watts Marta Maia , Brugiotti Carlo , Brunet Eduard , Busquets David , Cerrillo Elena , Oliva Francisco Javier Cortina , Milanés Juan Antonio Díaz , Dueñas Carmen , Farrés Ramón , Golda Thomas , González-Huix Ferran , Gornals Joan B , Guardiola Jordi , Julià David , Lira Alba , Llaó Jordina , Mañosa Miriam , Marin Ingrid , Millán Mónica , Monfort David , Moro David , Mullerat Josep , Navarro Mercè , Roldán Francisco Pérez , Pijoan Eva , Pons Vicente , Reyes José , Rufas María , Sainz Empar , Sanchiz Vicente , Barrera Anna Serracant , Sese Eva , Montesinos Cristina Soto , Troya Jose , Zaragoza Natividad , Tebé Cristian , Sudrià-Lopez Emma , Mayor Vicenç , Fernández-Bañares Fernando , Esteve Maria
Published: January 2023

Background: Stenosis is one of the most common complications in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is the treatment of choice in short stenoses next to the anastomosis of previous surgeries. Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) could be a suitable treatment option for longer stenoses. To date, however, there is no scientific evidence as to whether endoscopic (EBD/SEMS) or surgical treatment is the best approach for de novo or primary stenoses that are less than 10 cm in length.
Methods/design: Exploratory study as "proof-of-concept", multicenter, open-label, randomized trial of the treatment of de novo stenosis in the CD; endoscopic treatment (EBD/SEMS) vs surgical resection (SR). The type of endoscopic treatment will initially be with EDB and if a therapeutic failure occurs, then a SEMS will be placed. We estimate 2 years of recruitment and 1 year of follow-up for the assessment of quality of life, costs, complications, and clinical recurrence. After the end of the study, patients will be followed up for 3 years to re-evaluate the variables over the long-term. Forty patients with de novo stenosis in CD will be recruited from 15 hospitals in Spain and will be randomly assigned to the endoscopic or surgical treatment groups. The primary aim will be the evaluation of the patient’s quality of life at one year follow-up (% of patients with an increase of 30 points in the 32-item Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ-32). The secondary aims will be evaluation of the clinical recurrence rate, complications, and costs of both treatments at one year follow-up.
Discussion: The ENDOCIR trial has been designed to determine whether an endoscopic or surgical approach is therapeutically superior in the treatment of de novostenosis in CD.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 04330846. Registered on April 1, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home
Development of PCR based SSR markers for Wilsonomyces carpophilus: A PCR based diagnosis protocol for early detection of shot hole disease infecting stone fruit crops
Authors: Khursheed Sehla , Farooq Mahiya , Padder Bilal A. , Khan Imran , Khan F U , Nabi Asha , Rashid Rizwan , S. Sana B. , Sofi Tariq A , Ahanger Farooq A , Hamid Sumaira , Shah Mehraj Ul Din
Published: January 2023

Background
The conidial Ascomycota fungus Wilsonomyces carpophilus causing shot hole of stone fruits is a major constrain in the production of stone fruits worldwide. Shot hole disease symptoms appear on leaves, fruits, and twigs. Successful isolation of the pathogen from different hosts on synthetic culture medium is a time consuming and tedious procedure for identification of the pathogen based on morpho-cultural characterization.
Methods and Results
The current research was carried out to develop a successful detection protocol for shot hole disease of stone fruits viz., peach, plum, apricot, cherry and almond using PCR based SSR markers that were designed from the Wilsonomyces carpophilus genome using Genome-wide Microsatellite Analysing Tool package (GMATA) software to detect the pathogen at early stages. Diseased leaf samples of stone fruits were collected and the pathogen isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and maintained on Asthana and Hawkers’ medium. For detection protocol, healthy and infected leaf samples of stone fruits were collected and DNA was extracted from the isolated pathogen cultures as well as from leaves infected shot hole disease along with the healthy control (DNA from healthy leaves of stone fruits). The successful amplification was observed in DNA extracted from all the pathogen isolates and from leaf samples with shot hole symptoms but was not observed in control (DNA from healthy leaves) thus confirming the detection of this disease from all the infected samples.
Conclusion
PCR based SSR makers were successfully designed for the for Wilsonomyces carpophilus causing shot hole disease in stone fruits and almond in nuts first time. PCR based detection protocol was successfully developed for the detection of pathogen directly from infected leaves of stone fruits such as peach, plum, apricot, cherry and almond among the nuts.
COVID-19 testing, infection and places of contamination in France, a national cross- sectional study, December 2021
Authors: Vaux Sophie , Gautier Arnaud , Soullier Noemie , Levy-Bruhl Daniel
Published: January 2023

Background: This study aimed to describe the use of diagnostic testing for COVID-19 in France until December 2021, the characteristics of people infected, and places of contamination.
Methods: Data were collected from the national 2021 Health Barometer cross-sectional study, which was conducted between February and December 2021 and included French-speaking individuals aged 18-85 years old selected through randomly generated landline and mobile phone numbers. Participants were interviewed about COVID-19-like symptoms in the previous 12 months, diagnostic testing for the disease, positive diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2, and the place(s) of contamination. Determinants of diagnostic testing and of infection were studied using univariate and multivariate Poisson regressions.
Results: A total of 24,514 persons participated in the study. We estimated that 66.4% [65.0-67.7] of persons had been tested for COVID-19 the last time they experienced COVID-19-like symptoms, and that 9.8% [9.3-10.3] of the population in France - with or without symptoms - had been tested positive. Diagnostic testing was less frequent in men, unemployed persons, and people living alone; it was also less frequent during the first months of the pandemic. The estimated proportion of the population infected was higher in healthcare professionals (PRa: 1.5 [1.3-1.7]), those living in large cities (>=200 000 inhabitants, and Paris area) (1.4 [1.2-1.6]), and in households comprising >3 persons (1.7[1.5-2.0]). It was lower in retired persons (0.8 [0.6-0.97]) and those over 65 years old (0.6 [0.4-0.9]). Almost two-thirds (65.7%) of infected persons declared they knew where they were contaminated; 5.8% [4.5-7.4] reported being contaminated outdoors, 47.9% [44.8-51.0] in unventilated indoor environments, and 43.4% [40.3-46.6] in ventilated indoor environments. Specifically, 51.1% [48.0-54.2] declared they were contaminated at home or in a family of friend’s house, 29.1% [26.4-31.9] at their workplace, 13.9% [11.9-16.1] in a healthcare structure, and 9.0% [7.4-10.8] in a public eating place (e.g., cafeteria, bar, restaurant).
Conclusions: To limit viral spread, preventive actions should preferentially target persons tested least frequently and those at a higher risk of infection. They should also target contamination in households, healthcare structures, and public eating places. Importantly, contamination is most frequent in places where prevention measures are most difficult to implement.
Anodal tDCS Over the DLPFC but not M1 Increases Muscle Activity and Improves Psychophysiological Responses, Cognitive Function, and Endurance Performance in Normobaric Hypoxia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Etemadi Matin , Amiri Ehsan , Tadibi Vahid , Grospretre Sidney , Valipour Vahid , Machado Daniel Gomes Silva
Published: January 2023

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to have positive effects of exercise performance and cognitive function in the normal ambient condition. Hypoxia is deemed a stressful situation with detrimental effects on physiological, psychological, cognitive, and perceptual responses of the body. Nevertheless, no study has evaluated the efficacy of tDCS for counteracting the negative effects of hypoxic condition on exercise performance and cognition so far. Hence, in the present study, we investigated the effects of anodal tDCS on endurance performance, cognitive function, and perceptual responses in hypoxia.
Participants and methods: Fourteen endurance-trained males participated in five experimental sessions. After familiarization and measuring peak power output in the first and second sessions, through the 3rd to 5th sessions, participants performed a cycling endurance task until exhaustion after 30 min hypoxic exposure at resting position followed by 20 min of anodal stimulation of the motor cortex (M1), left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), or sham-tDCS. Color-word Stroop test and choice reaction time were measured at baseline and after exhaustion. Time to exhaustion, heart rate, saturated O2, EMG amplitude of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris muscles, RPE, pleasure sensation, and felt arousal were also measured during the task under hypoxia.
Results: The results showed a longer time to exhaustion in DLPFC stimulation compared to the sham-tDCS (+30.96%, p= 0.036). The results also demonstrated that the RPE was lower (-10.23%, p= 0.045) and the EMG amplitude of the vastus medialis muscle (+37.24%, p= 0.003), pleasure sensation (+260%, p= 0.035) and felt arousal (+28.9%, p= 0.029) were higher in the DLPFC stimulation compared to the sham-tDCS. The choice reaction time was shorter in DLPFC stimulation compared to the sham-tDCS (-17.55%, p= 0.029) and no differences were seen in the color-word Stroop test among the conditions under hypoxia.
Conclusions: We concluded that, as a novel finding, anodal stimulation of the left DLPFC might provide an ergogenic aid for endurance performance and cognitive function under the hypoxic condition probably via increasing neural drive to the working muscles, lowering the perceived exertion and increasing perceptual responses.
Cu Donor Material Assisted Friction Stir Welding of AA2024 and AA6061 Dissimilar Alloys: Effect on Downward Force, Temperature Profile, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Bhukya Srinivasa Naik , Wu Zhenhua , Elmustafa Abdelmageed , Al-Allaq Aiman , Ojha Manish , Mohammed Yousuf
Published: January 2023

In this research, the authors investigated copper (Cu) donor material assisted friction stir welding (FSW) of AA2024-T4 and AA6061-T6 aluminum plates of 6.35 mm thickness. FSW joints were prepared at optimized process parameters at a constant tool rotational rate of 1400 rpm and welding speeds at 1, 2, or 3 mm/s. The Cu donor material of 25% and 50% thickness with respect to the workpiece thickness were selected to assist the FSW joining at the plunge stage. During the welding processes, it was observed that the downward force generated in the FSW process was gradually decreased after introducing Cu donor material. Temperature profiles proved that the inclusion of copper donor material increased the temperature at the beginning of the welding process. Post-weld analysis was characterized in terms of micro-hardness and tensile properties of the welded joints. The experimental results revealed that defect-free joints could be obtained when placing high strength AA2024 alloy at the advancing side with 25% thick donor material. Micro-hardness test results indicated that the hardness decreased from the base metal (BM) to the stir zone across the heat affected zone (HAZ) and thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ). The lowest hardness measurements occurred in the TMAZ and HAZ where tensile failure occurs. The maximum tensile strength improved by 130% with 25% Cu donor material as compared to as-welded condition. SEM Fractography images confirmed mixed modes of brittle and ductile fracture surface with tearing ridges and finer dimples after heat treatment.
Effect of experimental propolis-based toothpastes on dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Takeuchi Elma Vieira , Carneiro Alexandra Melo Pingarilho , Paula Brennda Lucy Freitas , Oliveira Roberta Pimentel , Barros Antônia Patricia Oliveira , Silva Cecy Martins
Published: January 2023

Background: Propolis is a natural product produced by bees, which has garnered attention due to its harmlessness and numerous beneficial biological properties. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the effect of toothpastes containing different concentrations of propolis (10% and 15%) on the control of dentin hypersensitivity (DH).
Methods: Sixty-six teeth with DH were randomly divided into three treatment groups (n= 22): placebo (toothpaste without active ingredient), 10% propolis (toothpaste with 10% propolis), and 15% propolis (toothpaste with 15% propolis). DH was assessed at three distinct time points (baseline, 15 and 30 days after treatment) by tactile and evaporative stimuli, using the visual analog scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A significance level of 5% was used in all analyses.
Results: All the groups showed reduction in DH during the study period (p < 0.05). The experimental groups (10% and 15% propolis) showed significantly greater reduction in DH compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05) after 30 days of treatment; however, the findings of experimental groups were similar to each other (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Toothpastes containing propolis at concentrations of 10% and 15% were equally effective in controlling DH, regardless of their concentration.
Trial registration: Registered on NCT05083052. Date of Registration: 19/10/2021
Functionalized Agarose Hydrogel with in Situ Ag Nanoparticles as Highly Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalyst for Aromatic Organic Pollutants
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhang Jihui , Song Yahui , Xu Xianmang , Cai Mengyun , Li Peichuang , Yuan Wenpeng , Xiahou Yujiao
Published: January 2023

In the present research work, a highly recyclable catalyst of Ag-based agarose (HRC-Ag/Agar) hydrogel was successfully fabricated through a simple and efficient in situ reduction method without the aid of additional surface active agent. The interaction between the rich -OH groups in agarose and the Ag nanoparticles can effectively control the growth and dispersion of Ag nanoparticles in the HRC-Ag/Agar hydrogel. Moreover, HRC-Ag/Agar hydrogel without freeze drying and calcination can be directly used as a highly active catalysts in reducing aromatic organic pollutants (4-NP, RhB and MB) by KBH4. HRC-Ag/Agar hydrogel also show great advantages in separation and reusability of catalysts due to Ag attach to the agarose toughly via the interaction between Ag NPs and –OH groups and the chemical reactant has no significant damage to the Ag NPs, which can maintain high catalytic efficiency with no significant loss during ten cycles testing. The advantages of simple synthetic procedure, no secondary pollution, strong stability and the product easily separated make the HRC-Ag/Agar hydrogel have great potential prospect for environmental applications. The successful synthesis of the material was confirmed through SEM, EDS, XRD, Raman and FTIR techniques.
Clinical ethics consultation in Japan: What does it mean to have a functioning ethics consultation?
Authors: Nagao Noriko , Takimoto Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2023

Background
Previous research shows that healthcare ethics consultation (HCEC) services were available in 25% of Japanese teaching hospitals in 2004. Although a system for HCEC in clinical settings has been established in Japan, questions exist regarding its effective functioning. A functioning HCEC system is needed in Japan. Furthermore, its impact and barriers that prevent its functioning must be identified and addressed. This survey examines the current status of HCEC in Japan through a nationwide survey to determine the extent to which the latest system is used. We qualitatively analyzed the HCEC’s benefits and problems related to consultation services in hospitals to identify the key points for HCEC and create a correctly functioning system.
Methods
A national questionnaire survey was conducted among 1028 hospitals designated for clinical training. Next, semi-structured document analysis was used to evaluate the impact and difficulties encountered after establishing HCEC. The questionnaire comprised the presence/absence of an ethics committee and HCEC services and, if available, HCEC membership; when such services were implemented; service users; and the number of cases handled since inception. In addition, the respondents also provided their impressions of the HCEC system’s impact on their hospital by describing: a) the benefits of having an HCEC system, and b) the ineffectual or harmful aspects of the HCEC system.
Results
A total of 125 questionnaires were returned from teaching hospitals. Of these, 90 (72%) reported they provided HCEC services. Additionally, 36 respondents (34.6%) reported that their existing research and clinical ethics committees had conducted HCEC services, and 35 (33.7%) respondents reported having a newly established clinical ethics committee conducting HCEC services. Three positive effects of establishing and four challenges in managing HCEC were also identified.
Conclusions
This study determined the current status of HCEC services in Japan using a nationwide survey to determine the extent of their use. The difficulties with HCEC, such as problems with scheduling requests for ethics support, uncertainty about what kind of consultation should be provided, and misunderstanding of its function, were identified.
Pregnancy outcomes and obstetrical complications of twin pregnancies with endometriosis: A single center cohort study
Authors: Shin Joong Sik , Kim Sujin , Choi Jee Youn , Hong Kirim , Shim Sohyun , Jung Yong Wook , Seong Seok Ju , Jun Hye Sun , Kim Mi-La
Published: January 2023

Background: There are many studies regarding the increased relationship between pregnancy outcomes and obstetrical complications of singleton with endometriosis such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, placenta previa, and small for gestational age. However, there was limited evidence of twin pregnancies with endometriosis. The objective of this study was to compare the pregnancy outcomes and obstetrical complications in twin pregnancies with endometriosis or without endometriosis in single institution.
Methods: Between January 2011 and July 2022, a cohort of twin pregnancies delivered at single institution was retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent surgical treatment before pregnancy and had histological confirmation; had visual or histological confirmation during cesarean section; and those with antenatal ultrasonographic findings of typical ovarian endometriosis and underwent vaginal delivery were included in the endometriosis group. Pregnancy outcomes and obstetrical complications were compared between the two groups.
Results: A total of 1,951 patients were examined, of whom 143 (7.3%) were included in the endometriosis group. Maternal body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the endometriosis group (p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in maternal age, mode of conception, and chorionicity. There were also no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes: gestational age at delivery (p=0.619), rate of delivery before 37weeks (p=0.728), and mode of delivery (p=0.698). However, some obstetrical complications showed significantly higher rates in the endometriosis group: placenta previa (p=0.038), small for gestational age <10% (p=0.039), and postpartum hemorrhage (p=0.006). Logistic regression analyses performed after adjusted for BMI showed that patient with endometriosis had a higher risk of developing placenta previa (odds ratios (OR) 2.191; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.051-4.568), and postpartum hemorrhage (OR, 2.506; 95% CI, 1.444-4.348). After multivariable analyses, postpartum hemorrhage was significantly higher in patients with endometriosis (OR, 2.264; 95% CI, 1.265-4.054).
Conclusions: Twin pregnancies with endometriosis had a significantly higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage. To confirm these outcomes, further large prospective studies are required.
Trial registration : retrospectively registered
Immune regulation and prognosis indicating ability of a newly constructed multi-genes containing signature in clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gui Ziwei , Wu Nan , Du Juan , Shen Ningning , Yang Zhiqing , Zhao Na , Zeng Zixin , Yang Huijun , Lu Wei , Leng Zijia , Wei Rong , Ma Wenxia , Wang Chen
Published: January 2023

Background clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common renal malignancy, although newly developing targeted therapy and immunotherapy have been showing promising effects in clinical treatment, the effective biomarkers for immune response prediction are still lacking. The study is to construct a gene signature according to ccRCC immune cells infiltration landscape, thus aiding clinical prediction of patients response to immunotherapy.
Methods Firstly, ccRCC transcriptome expression profiles from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database as well as immune related genes information from IMMPORT database were combine applied to identify the differently expressed meanwhile immune related candidate genes in ccRCC comparing to normal control samples. Then, based on protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and following module analysis of the candidate genes, a hub gene cluster was further identified for survival analysis. Further, LASSO analysis was applied to construct a signature which was in succession assessed with Kaplan-Meier survival, Cox regression and ROC curve analysis. Moreover, ccRCC patients were divided as high and low-risk groups based on the gene signature followed by the difference estimation of immune treatment response and exploration of related immune cells infiltration by TIDE and Cibersort analysis respectively among the two groups of patients.
ResultsBased on GEO and IMMPORT databases, a total of 269 differently expressed meanwhile immune related genes in ccRCC were identified, further PPI network and module analysis of the 269 genes highlighted a 46 genes cluster. Next step, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis of the 46 genes identified 4 genes that were supported to be independent prognosis indicators, and a gene signature was constructed based on the 4 genes. Furthermore, after assessing its prognosis indicating ability by both Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis, immune relation of the signature was evaluated including its association with environment immune score, Immune checkpoint inhibitors expression as well as immune cells infiltration. Together, immune predicting ability of the signature was preliminary explored.
Conclusions Based on ccRCC genes expression profiles and multiple bioinformatic analysis, a 4 genes containing signature was constructed and the immune regulation of the signature was preliminary explored. Although more detailed experiments and clinical trials are needed before potential clinical use of the signature, the results shall provide meaningful insight into further ccRCC immune researches.
Genetic variants associated with Osteosarcoma risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hassanain Omneya , Alaa Mahmoud , Khalifa Mohamed K. , Kamal Nehal , Albagoury Aseel , Ghoneimy Ahmed M. El
Published: January 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of primary bone malignancy. Common genetic variants including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with osteosarcoma risk, however, the results of published studies are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to systematically review genetic association studies to identify SNPs associated with osteosarcoma risk and the effect of race on these associations. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus from inception to the end of 2019. Seventy-five articles were eligible for inclusion. These studies investigated the association of 190 SNPs across 79 genes with osteosarcoma, 18 SNPs were associated with the risk of osteosarcoma in the main analysis or in subgroup analysis. Subgroup analysis displayed conflicting effects between Asians and Caucasians. Our review comprehensively summarized the results of published studies investigating the association of genetic variants with osteosarcoma susceptibility, however, their potential value should be confirmed in larger cohorts in different ethnicities.
Comparing the effects of LLLT and gaseous ozone as a preventive measure on MRONJ following tooth extraction: A rat model
Authors: ÖZALP Öznur , GÖKSU Oğuzcan , TORU Havva Serap , ALTAY Mehmet Ali , SİNDEL Alper
Published: January 2023

Objectives
MRONJ is a well-known severe and challenging side effect several medications since no effective treatment have been developed till date. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of low-level laser therapy and gaseous ozone on the onset of MRONJ following tooth extraction.
Materials and Methods
A total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 10 rats each. The groups L, O and C received weekly intraperitoneal injections of zoledronic acid (0.06 mg/kg), while group S received saline solution for 4 weeks. After the 4th injection, all subjects underwent mandibular first molar extraction and adjunctive laser, or ozone were applied according to the groups. All the rats were euthanized at 4 post-operative weeks for comparative histomorphometric evaluation of bone healing in extraction sites.
Results
Laser and ozone groups demonstrated significantly higher bone formation compared to control group (p < .05), while no significant difference was found between laser and ozone groups (p = 1,00). Furthermore, the greatest bone formation was observed with the sham group (p < .05).
Conclusions
Findings of the current study support that adjunctive LLLT and ozone therapy following tooth extraction may help to prevent MRONJ and improve bone healing in subjects under BP therapy.
Clinical Relevance:
Since the introduction in 2003, great effort has been devoted to developing a certain management protocol for MRONJ. Several publications have appeared in recent years documenting promising results of adjunctive LLLT and ozone application in treatment of MRONJ. However, experimental data is limited on this regard and the present study, for the first time, aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of LLLT and ozone in prevention of MRONJ.
Prevalence and Relationship of Fabella Presence in Primary Knee Osteoarthritis Patients in a Tertiary Center: A Retrospective chart review Study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlJuhani Wazzan , Alomar Razan Hussain , Alanzi Abdullah , Sultana Khizra , Aldihan Dalal , Alharbi Rana , Allahidan Raghad
Published: January 2023

Background
The fabella is a sesamoid bone usually embedded within the tendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius, articulating with the posterior surface of the lateral femoral condyle. Recently, the fabella was associated with primary osteoarthritis. The current study aimed to estimate its incidence and distribution in patients with osteoarthritis in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and its effect on disease severity and deformity in osteoarthritic knees.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review study and included 901 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis between January 2016 and December 2020. All data were retrieved from the hospital data management system using a customized data collection form which included baseline demographics of the patients and specific parameters for the study such as type of knee deformity, Kellgren-Lawrence classification, OA severity, and location of fabella.
Results
Overall fabella incidence in 901 patients was 21.9% (22.4% in females, 20.1% in males) with no significant difference between sexes (χ² = 0.515, P = 0.473), but was more prevalent among older patients age 50–60 years; prevalence 28.6% (χ² = 11.178, P = 0.025). The Kellgren-Lawrence classification stage was significantly higher in knees with fabella because 117 (59.4%) patients were classified as stage 4 (χ² = 9.694, P = 0.021). Genu varum was the most prevalent deformity occurring concomitantly with fabella in osteoarthritic knees, observed in 122 patients (61.9%).
Conclusion
The presence of fabella was positively correlated with older age and higher severity of primary osteoarthritis.