bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orthostatic Hypotension Following Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgeries for Spinal Deformity Correction in Adolescents: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Yang Ying , Chen Yaping , Tong Bingdu , Tian Xue , Yu Chunjie , Su Zhe , Zhang Jianguo
Published: June 2021

Study Design: Retrospective case series.Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for orthostatic hypotension (OH) in adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion for spinal deformity correction.Methods: The data of 312 consecutive adolescents who underwent posterior spinal fusion for spinal deformity correction in our center over 12 months were retrieved. Patient characteristics, including whether laminectomy or osteotomy was performed during the surgery, the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), perioperative hemoglobin albumin changes, perioperative blood transfusion, length of bed rest, willingness to ambulate, length of postoperative exercises of the lower limbs, and length of hospital stay, were collected and compared statistically between patients who did and did not develop postoperative OH.Results: Of 312 patients, 225 (72.1%) developed OH postoperatively, and all cases completely resolved 5 days after the first out-of-bed exercises. Significant differences in BMI, the incidence of PONV, the willingness to ambulate and the length of postoperative exercises of the lower limbs were observed. The mean length of hospital stay of the patients with OH was longer than that of the patients without OH.Conclusion: Our study suggests that temporary OH is a common manifestation following posterior spinal fusion for spinal deformity correction in adolescents. Postoperative OH may increase the length of hospital stay in these patients. Patients with PONV, who are not willing to ambulate and who perform postoperative lower limb exercises for a shorter time are more likely to have OH.
Outcomes Frequently Specified in Cochrane Reviews of Community-based Psychosocial Interventions for Adults with Severe Mental Illness: A Systematic Search and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Igarashi Momoka , Yamaguchi Sosei , Kawaguchi Takayuki , Ogawa Makoto , Sato Sayaka , Fujii Chiyo
Published: June 2021

Background: Outcome selection in intervention studies is a critical issue for synthesising evidence. This study is aimed to investigate outcomes used in Cochrane reviews assessing community-based psychosocial interventions for adults with severe mental illness.Methods: Cochrane reviews that evaluated a community-based psychosocial intervention for adults with severe mental illness were searched electronically and manually. We extracted all outcomes specified in the Methods section in each Cochrane review. Outcomes that represent the same concept and context were synthesised into an outcome term. Outcome terms were categorised according to the existing taxonomy.Results: We included 31 Cochrane reviews. Of the 214 outcome terms identified, 13 were used in more than half of the reviews: quality of life, mental state, economic outcome, admission to hospital, leaving the study early, social functioning, satisfaction, global state, relapse, adverse events/effects, carer satisfaction, employment, duration of admission. Most outcome terms were categorised into the life impact core area (57%), followed by the resource use area (21%).Conclusions: Our study provides a candidate outcome list for developing a core outcome set for severe mental illness and offers a basis for comparison for future outcome investigation on mental health research.
Patient Reported Urinary Incontinence and Sexual Impotency Following Multimodality Radical Therapy for Prostate Cancer: An Untold Story of Compound Toxicity?
Authors: Haisraely Ori , Lawrence Yaacov Richard , Lewin Ron , Kaidar-Person Orit , Weiss Ilana , Zimlichman Eyal , Berger Raanan , Symon Zvi
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To evaluate urinary continence and sexual potency following radical prostatectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy. Materials/Methods: Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) surveys of patients with localized prostate cancer treated with surgery followed by adjuvant/salvage pelvic radiotherapy (S+RT) were analyzed. A control cohort was primary radiotherapy (RT). Results: Surveys at least 1 year after treatment were available for 130 S+RT and 374 RT patients. For S+RT vs. RT, the mean urinary incontinence score was 68 [6.25 -100] versus 86.4 [CI-95 39.5-100] (p<0.001), confirming 6.5 points of clinically significant difference. The adjusted odds ratio for superior urinary function was 2.67 (1.7-4.1, p<0.001) for primary radiotherapy. The odds ratio of having both poor urinary and sexual performance was 0.29 in RT arm (0.14-0.58, p<0.001) when adjusted to age and ADT use, group risk stratification, co morbidities and smoking status. Conclusion: In this cross sectional study, Surgery with adjuvant/salvage RT was associated with significantly worse patient reported urinary continence outcomes at 1-year post treatment, lower odds of achieving perfect urinary continence and a threefold risk of reverse ‘bifecta’ with inferior urinary continence and sexual performance. Longitudinal studies of evolving toxicity are required to validate these findings.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression and Prognostic Value for Snrp Members in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Ziwei , Liang Jun
Published: June 2021

Background Heterogeneity and epigenetic modifications result in a difference in management and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). The family of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptides (SNRPs) plays a vital role in tumorigenesis and development. However, the expression and prognosis of these members have been poorly clear. Here, we discussed the expression levels and prognosis of SNRPs. Methods ONCOMINE, UALCAN, GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, STRING, and Metascape databases were used in this study.Results These results showed that the mRNA level of each member (B, D1, D2, D3, E, F, G) was significantly upregulated compared to normal tissues and was a higher expression in clinical stages of advanced cancer patients, relatively. Survival analysis were considered statistically significant, that is, high mRNA expression of SNRPD1 was associated with worse overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), progress-free survival (PFS) . And high levels of SNRPB or SNRPE predicted worse DFS or OS, respectively.Conclusion Collectively, our data revealed that SNRP members’ function as an oncogene served as a potential indicator of HCC.
Preoperative C-reactive Protein-to-albumin Ratio Predicts Anastomotic Leakage After Esophagectomy for Thoracic Esophageal Cancer: a Single-center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sugimoto Atsushi , Toyokawa Takahiro , Miki Yuichiro , Yoshii Mami , Tamura Tatsuro , Sakurai Katsunobu , Kubo Naoshi , Tanaka Hiroaki , Lee Shigeru , Muguruma Kazuya , Yashiro Masakazu , Ohira Masaichi
Published: June 2021

Background: Postoperative anastomotic leakage (AL) is associated with not only prolonged hospital stay and increased medical costs, but also poor prognosis in esophageal cancer. Several studies have addressed the utility of various inflammation-based and/or nutritional markers as predictors for postoperative complications. However, none have been documented as specific predictors for AL in esophageal cancer. We aimed to identify predictors of AL after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer, focusing on preoperative inflammation-based and/or nutritional markers. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 295 patients who underwent radical esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma between June 2007 and July 2020. As inflammation-based and/or nutritional markers, Onodera prognostic nutritional index, C-reactive protein (CRP)-to-albumin ratio (CAR) and modified Glasgow prognostic score were investigated. Optimal cut-off values of inflammation-based and/or nutritional markers for AL were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. Predictors for AL were analyzed by logistic regression modeling. Results: AL was observed in 34 patients (11.5%). In univariate analyses, preoperative body mass index (≥22.1 kg/m2), serum albumin level (≤3.8 g/dL), serum CRP level (≥0.06 mg/dL), CAR (≥0.0139), operation time (>565 min) and blood loss (≥480 ml) were identified as predictors of AL. Multivariate analyses revealed higher preoperative CAR (≥0.0139) as an independent predictor of AL (p = 0.048, odds ratio = 3.02, 95% confidence interval 1.01–9.06).Conclusion: Preoperative CAR may provide a useful predictor of AL after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Hue and Cry for Fritillaria Cirrhosa D.Don, A Threatened Medicinal Plant in the Western Himalaya
Authors: Mathela Manisha , Sharma Monika , Kumar Amit , Goraya Gurinderjit Singh
Published: June 2021

The unique Himalayan ecosystems have given rise to highly adapted organisms and are repositories to the wild populations of diverse flora and fauna. The high value medicinal and aromatic plant species are an example of the same. Since time immemorial, these plants have been traditionally used by the local inhabitants and have eventually developed a high market value all over the world. Increasing market demand engenders over-extraction of species, unsustainable collection further catalyses decline in wild populations. The current communication raises high conservation concern on the rapid population decline of Fritillaria cirrhosa D.Don in the Western Himalaya. Harvested and traded with a new trade name i.e., ‘Jangli lehsun’ probably to disguise common Allium species, the species is facing tremendous decline in wild populations due to its illegal harvesting and trade in Himachal Pradesh. Further, Fritillaria cirrhosa faces threat due to unorganized, over-extraction or unsustainable and premature harvesting of the bulbs, coupled with illegal and hidden markets functioning parallelly. To ensure the long-term conservation of Fritillaria cirrhosa, prioritised conservation strategies such as strengthening of the Biodiversity Management Committees, in-situ conservation through identification of medicinal plant conservation areas, capacity building through awareness programs for the key stakeholders and sustainable harvesting would be the practical solution.
Transcriptome-wide Landscape of RNA Modification N6-Methyladenosine in Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Yang Junbo , Zhang Wei , Qian Yang , Zhang Nan , Chen Zixin , Lu Min , Ge Liyuan , Liu Cheng , Jia guifang , Ma Lulin
Published: June 2021

Background

As the most abundant internal mRNA modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is associated with various cancers. However, RNA modification m6A has not been studied in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC). The present study aimed to comprehensively analyze the global m6A modification pattern in chRCC.
Methods

Three subjects with chRCC were enrolled in our study. Transcriptome-wide m6A methylone and transcriptome analysis in chRCC and tumor-adjacent normal tissues were detected via m6A-SEAL-seq and RNA-sEq. m6A-modified mRNAs were further validated by m6A-immunoprecipition followed by quantitative real-time PCR (m6A-IP-qPCR). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to determine the candidate gene.
Results

We performed qPCR in six subjects of chRCC and found that the expression levels of m6A writer subunit WTAP, m6A erasers FTO and ALKBH5, and m6A reader YTHDF2 were significantly downregulated in chRCC tissues compared with corresponding tumor-adjacent normal tissues. In all three subjects, 12,841 confident m6A peaks representing 10,102 transcripts and 15,024 confident m6A peaks representing 11,396 transcripts were respectively identified in chRCC and tumor-adjacent normal tissues. Analysis of differential m6A levels identified 644 hypermethylated m6A peaks and 1,304 hypomethylated m6A peaks in chRCC compared with tumor-adjacent normal tissues. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that genes with hypomethylated m6A peaks (1,137) were associated with pathways in cancer. Compared with tumor-adjacent normal tissues, 3,911 genes were significantly dysregulated in chRCC, including 2,344 downregulated and 1,567 upregulated mRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the dysregulated genes in chRCC were significantly enriched in multiple metabolic processes. We identified two hypomethylated genes NOTCH1 and FGFR1, which might respectively act as a tumor suppressor and an oncogene in chRCC. Three m6A-dependent signatures were identified using Cox regression screen and LASSO regression. Based on the significant prognostic signatures, we build a m6A-dependent prognostic model, with the Concordance index (C-index) = 0.96. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank between the high-risk and low-risk group showed significant difference.
Conclusions

This study presented the first m6A transcriptome-wide profile of human chRCC, which may provide clues for the m6A methylation-based research on chRCC epitranscriptomic etiology and pathogenesis.
Identification and Functional Characterization of the CVOMT and EOMT Genes Promoters from Ocimum Basilicum L
Authors: Khakdan Fatemeh , Shirazi Zahra , Ranjbar Mojtaba
Published: June 2021

Methyl chavicol and methyl eugenol are important phenylpropanoid compounds previously purified from basil. These compounds are significantly enhanced by the water deficit stress-dependent mechanism. Here, for the first time, pObCVOMT and pObEOMT promoters were extracted by the genome walking method. They were then cloned into the upstream of the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene to identify the pattern of GUS water deficit stress-specific expression. Histochemical GUS assays showed in transgenic tobacco lines bearing the GUS gene driven by pObCVOMT and pObEOMT promoters, GUS was strongly expressed under water deficit stress. qRT-PCR analysis of pObCVOMT and pObEOMT transgenic plants confirmed the histochemical assays, indicating that the GUS expression is also significantly induced and up-regulated by increasing density of water deficit stress. This indicates these promoters are able to drive inducible expression. The cis-acting elements analysis showed that the pObCVOMT and pObEOMT promoters contained dehydration or water deficit-related transcriptional control elements.
Expressions and Significances of CTSL, The Target of COVID‐19 on GBM
Authors: Dong Qiang , Li Qiao , Duan Lei , Wang Hongyu , Yan Yunji , Yin Hang , Niu Liang , Zhang He , Wang Bo , Yuan Guoqiang , Pan Yawen
Published: June 2021

CTSL is one of the SARS-entry-associated CoV-2's proteases and plays a key role in the virus's entry into the cell and subsequent infection. We investigated the association between the expression level of CTSL and overall survival in TCGA and CGGA databases, in order to better understand the possible route and risks of new coronavirus infection for patients with GBM. Meanwhile, the relationship between CTSL and immune infiltration levels was analyzed by means of the TIMER database. The impact of CTSL inhibitors on GBM biological activity was tested. The findings revealed that GBM tissues had higher CTSL expression levels than that of normal brain tissues, which was associated with a significantly lower survival rate in GBM patients. Meanwhile, CTSL was very negatively correlated with purity, B cell and CD8+ T cell in GBM. CTSL inhibitor significantly reduced U251 cell growth and invasion in vitro and induced mitochondrial apoptosis. ﻿According to the findings of this study, CTSL acts as an independent prognostic factor and can be considered as promising therapeutic target for GBM.
Concomitant Gallstone Disease Was Associated With a Worse Prognosis in Non-Cirrhotic Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Chen Sha , Li Mengqi , Li Buer , Lv Tingting , Li Shuxiang , Li Min , Kong Yuanyuan , Zhang Dong , Ma Hong , Ou Xiaojuan , You Hong , Duan Weijia , Jia Jidong
Published: June 2021

Background & Aims: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare disease manifested as intrahepatic cholestasis, whereas gallstone disease is a common disease. Little is known on the prevalence and impact of gallstone disease (GD) on the clinical course of PBC. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and the impact of GD on the prognosis of PBC in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic PBC patients in China.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled PBC patients and followed them by reviewing of electronic records and structured, standardized telephone interviews. GD was defined as gallstones demonstrated on ultrasonography or history of cholecystectomy for gallstones. The primary endpoints of the present study were liver-related death and/or liver transplantation.Results: Among 985 PBC patients enrolled in the present study, 258 (26.2%) had GD, with 157 (22.9%) in non-cirrhotic patients and 101 (33.8%) in cirrhotic patients. No difference was observed in the prevalence of GD between women and men (p>0.05). Compared with PBC patients without GD, those with GD were older, more often coexistent type 2 diabetes, and had a more severe liver disease at baseline. Furthermore, those with GD had lower transplant-free survival and higher incidence of hepatic events in non-cirrhotic PBC patients (both p<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression showed that concomitant GD, older age, male sex, and higher bilirubin were independent risk factors associated with transplant-free survival in non-cirrhotic PBC patients. Conclusions: Concomitant GD was common and an independent risk factor that associated with a worse prognosis in non-cirrhotic PBC patients.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Risk Factors among Manufacturing Industry Workers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hapsari Ananda Ajeng , Kusmawan David
Published: June 2021

Introduction : Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is an occupational disease caused by continuous long-term acute exposure to intense noise with a noise intensity level higher than 85 dB(A). Noise being one of the potential hazard in the workplace, is the most common risk factor for health problems (22%), after workplace injuries (40%). The aim of this work is to synthesize evidence on risk factors related to NIHL among the manufacturing industries workers. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in the electronic search trough databases: SCIENCE DIRECT, PUBMED and GOOGLE SCHOLAR using appropriate keywords related to the theme. The keywords used in the databases were: “faktor risiko noise induced hearing loss” “industri” for national database, “noise induced hearing loss” AND “risk factors’’ AND “industry” for international databases. Results: 1.175 studies were identified from the search, thus 1.049 were screened following the removal of duplicates. Title and abstract were screened, resulting in 1.049 articles being removed, 212 articles left for full text assessment and 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Conclusion: Risk factors for NIHL among manufacturing industry workers include noise intensity, years of service, duration of exposure (hours), age, hypertension, risk behaviors and Hearing Protection Device (HPD) usage.
miRkit: R Framework Analyzing miRNA PCR Array Data
Authors: Tsagiopoulou Maria , Togkousidis Anastasis , Pechlivanis Nikolaos , Maniou Maria Christina , Batsali Aristea , Matheakakis Angelos , Pontikoglou Charalampos , Psomopoulos Fotis
Published: June 2021

Objective: The characterization of microRNAs (miRNA) in recent years is an important advance in the field of gene regulation. To this end, several approaches for miRNA expression analysis and various bioinformatics tools have been developed over the last few years. It is a common practice to analyze miRNA PCR Array data using the commercially available software, mostly due to its convenience and ease-of-use. Results: In this work we present miRkit, an open source framework written in R, that allows for the comprehensive analysis of RT-PCR data, from the processing of raw data to a functional analysis of the produced results. The main goal of the proposed tool is to provide an assessment of the samples’ quality, perform data normalization by endogenous and exogenous miRNAs, and facilitate differential and functional enrichment analysis. The tool offers fast execution times with low memory usage, and is freely available under a ΜΙΤ license from https://github.com/BiodataAnalysisGroup/miRkitl. Overall, miRkit offers the full analysis from the raw RT-PCR data to functional analysis of targeted genes, and specifically designed to support the popular miScript miRNA PCR Array (Qiagen) technology.
Characterization and Beneficiation of Ethiopian Kaolin for use in Fabrication of Ceramic Membrane
Authors: Zewdie Tsegahun Mekonnen , Prihatiningtyas Indah , Dutta Abhishek , Habtu Nigus Gabbiye , Bruggen Bart Van der
Published: June 2021

Kaolin (china clay) is a rock material that is very rich in kaolinite. A kaolin ore from Debre Tabor, Ethiopia containing 59.2 wt.% SiO2, 24.9 wt.% Al2O3, 2.4 wt.% Fe2O3, and 8.22 wt.% loss on ignition (LOI) was physically beneficiated, chemically leached, and thermally treated for possible industrial use, especially for ceramic membrane fabrication. The leaching experiments were carried out using oxalic acid solutions as leaching reagents for the iron extraction process. The effect of acid concentration, reaction temperature, and contact time on iron leaching was investigated. It was determined that the rate of iron extraction increased with the oxalic acid concentration, leaching temperature, and contact time. A substantial reduction of iron oxide (2.4 to 0.36 wt. %) from the raw kaolin was observed at operating conditions of 2.0 M oxalic acid, the temperature of 120°C, and contact time of 120 min. A maximum kaolin whiteness index of 81.4 % was achieved through this leaching process. Finally, the physically beneficiated, chemically leached, and thermally treated kaolin raw material was used to fabricate a low-cost kaolin-based ceramic membrane. After firing at 1100°C the ceramic membrane was found to have a mass loss of 11.04 ± 0.05%, water absorption of 8.9 ± 0.4 %, linear shrinkage of 14.5 ± 0.05%. It was demonstrated to be chemically stable, having less than 3 % mass loss in acid solution, and less than 1 % mass loss in alkali solution. The newly developed membranes have thus properties comparable to commercial ceramic membranes.
The New Complex High-entropy Metal Boron Carbonitride: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Guan Jingyi , Li Daxin , Yang Zhihua , Wang Bingzhu , Cai Delong , Duan Xiaoming , He Peigang , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: June 2021

Dense (Ta, Nb, Hf, Zr, Ti)(BCN) ceramics (HEC-2) were successfully synthesized via hot-pressing sintering. Results show that sintering temperature and (BCN) addition have great impacts on the microstructure and mechanical properties of HEC-2 ceramics. The microstructure and phase of HEC-2 bulk ceramics were characterized by SEM, XRD and TEM. It was found that high-entropy phase, oxide phase and BN/C phase were precipitated when HEC-2119 powders were sintered at 1900 oC. In addition, the Vicker’s hardness, Bending strength, Bulk density and Open porosity of HEC-2319 ceramic are 24.54 GPa, 522.00 MPa, 9.07 g/cm3 and 0.05%, respectively, whose molar ratio of metal to (BCN) is 1: 0.334. In this work, BCN high-entropy ceramics were sintered on the basis of powder preparation, as provided that sintering temperatures and components have great influences on microstructure and mechanical properties of HEC-2 ceramics.
The Development of Social Capital in Different life Cycles of Tunisian Agritourism Entrepreneur
Authors: Khazami Nesrine , Lakner Zoltan
Published: June 2021

The role of social capital in the early phases of development of a family business is well documented, but the dynamism of the entrepreneur's social capital in the agritourism business remains is relatively lesser studied area. The current research on an inductive, exploratory, and qualitative base aims to uncover the place and role of social capital in the establishment of agritourism enterprise, from concept formation to stabilisation. Results of the study highlight the importance of governmental help in financial and networking help for launching the enterprise especially in remote areas, where these additional activities are relatively lesser known. The role of the network is relatively weak in the risk analysis of the business. This fact enhances the vulnerability of enterprises.
Primary Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor of the Submandibular Gland: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: zhou jiayu , Li Qingling , luo baihua , fu xiaodan , ou chunlin , gao xiaomei , feng dengyun , yang keda
Published: June 2021

Background: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a sporadic, highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. The abdomen and pelvis have been reported as the primary localization sites. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are few reports on primary DSRCT in the submandibular gland.Case presentation: We have reported a case of a 26-year-old Chinese man who presented with a mass in the right submandible. Imaging studies showed a hypoechoic mass in the right mandibular region. Intraoperative pathology revealed that the tumor tissue was composed of small round tumor cells and a dense desmoplastic stroma. On immunostaining, the tumor cells showed markers of epithelial, mesenchymal, myogenic, and neural differentiation. The EWSR1 gene rearrangement was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Based on the overall morphological features and immunohistochemical findings, a final diagnosis of DSRCT was made. The patient was treated with comprehensive anti-tumor therapy mainly based on radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Conclusions: DSRCT is a very uncommon disease in which submandibular gland involvement is rare. Considering DSRCT in the differential diagnosis of small round blue cell tumors, even in extraperitoneal locations, is beneficial for a precise diagnosis. The purpose of this report was to describe a cases of DSRCT of submandibular gland and review the literature on the other published cases of DSRCT over the past five years. Full recognition of the clinicopathological features will help to better diagnose this disease.
Long-Term Outcomes and Prognostic Predictors of Takayasu Arteritis Patients With Pulmonary Artery Involvement
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Gao Dongfang , Liu Xiaoning , Liang Yan
Published: June 2021

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, long-term results, and prognostic predictors of Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients with pulmonary artery involvement (PAI).Methods: A total of 806 TA patients admitted to Fuwai Hospital were screened for inclusion in this study. Clinical symptoms, imaging features, and prognosis were analyzed, and patients were categorized into those with and those without pulmonary hypertension (PH). Additionally, risk factors associated with cardiac death and repeated hospitalization were explored. Results: Among 806 TA patients, a total of 142 patients with PAI were included, 90.8% (n = 129) of whom had PH (diagnosed by right heart catheterization) and 9.2% (n = 13) of whom did not have PH. The median follow-up time was 54 months (range, 29–83 months). Sixteen patients died from right heart failure caused by PH. Patients with PH were significantly more likely to have worse outcomes than patients without PH (P = 0.027). The multivariate Cox proportional regression hazard model showed that 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and PH-targeted therapy were independent prognostic predictors of cardiac death and hospital readmissions.Conclusion: This study found that that a significant proportion of TA patients with PAI had PH. Patients with PH had a worse prognosis than patients without PH. Further 6MWD and PH-targeted therapy were independent prognostic predictors. In future, a multi-center clinical studies are needed to further clarify this issue prospectively.
Neurological Manifestations of Mycetoma
Authors: Elkhansa.A.Ali  , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Alhusseini Radi Tofaha , Abdallah Abdallah M. , Ibrahim Muaz A. , Siddig Amira , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla , Ahmed Abbasher Hussien Mohamed
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Mycetoma is a chronic specific granulomatous progressive and disfiguring subcutaneous inflammatory disease. It is caused by true fungi (Euomycetoma) or by higher bacteria (Actinomycetoma).Mycetoma mainly affects lower limbs, followed by upper limbs, back and rarely head and neck. Mycetoma is mainly transmitted through trauma with infected sharp objects.
Objectives:

To determine the neurological manifestations of mycetoma.
Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional community based study included 160 patients with mycetoma seen in White Nile state.
Results:

Almost 160 patients were included in the study, 90% of them were male. Two patients presented with entrapment neuropathy, one presented with proximal neuropathy, one has peripheral neuropathy, one has dorsal spine involvement presented with spastic paraplegia with sensory level, one has cervical cord compression, and one patient has repeated attacks of convulsion.
Conclusion:

Although it is rare, clinicians should highly suspect neurological involvement in mycetoma patients.
Clinical Management of Orofacial Odontogenic Infection: A Four Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Yew Ching Ching , Sivamuni Sathya Sailashinee , Khoo Su Ee , Yuen Kar Mun , Tew Mei Mei
Published: June 2021

Orofacial odontogenic infection, although arises from dental origin, can extend into the facial spaces and lead to debilitating complications. This study analysed the clinical pattern and management of orofacial odontogenic infection in a tertiary hospital namely Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Perak, Malaysia. We investigated any associations between socio-demographic factors, diabetic, comorbidities, smoking, pregnancy, antibiotic resistance, number and type of space infected towards prolonged hospital stay. All adult patients with orofacial odontogenic infections treated by Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from 2014 to 2018 were included. Clinical patterns were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed to measure various variables towards prolonged hospital stay. A total of 154 patients (78 male, 76 female) were included in this study with mean age of 37.95 ± 14.9 years. Key factors of orofacial odontogenic infection requiring admissions were swelling, pain, trismus, odynophagia, reduced oral intake, raised floor of mouth and dyspnea. Among inpatients, three factors were significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay, namely antibiotic resistance, multiple space and secondary space infection. Local prevalence data was reported. Pus culture and sensitivity tests were recommended for all inpatients with multiple space and secondary space involvement, in order to rule out antibiotic resistance and to improve recovery rate.
Fluoride and Functionalized β-tricalcium Phosphate (fTCP) Fluoride Toothpaste Affect the Primary Dentin Caries Surface: A Comparison by Estimation Statistics
Authors: Ly Trieu Kim , Kieu Thoai Quoc , Huynh Nam Cong-Nhat , Ngo Lan Thi Quynh
Published: June 2021

This study aims to compare the effect of fTCP-contained toothpaste in combination with 950 ppm fluoride on primary dentin caries surface to ordinary 1100 ppm fluoride toothpaste by using estimation statistics. Dental caries with deep lesion and dentin exposure from nine primary teeth were cut into two equal parts and randomly divided into two groups in a before-after study. Each group was brushed with one type of toothpaste two times per day for 28 days and rested in artificial saliva. SEM images of cavity bottom surfaces and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) were used to determine the percentage of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), fluoride (F) and oxygen (O) at six continuous measured areas from the surface of the cavity bottom into 45 µm depth before and after brushing. About 95% confidence interval of the mean difference was calculated by performing bootstrap resampling with 5000 resamples followed by comparison analysis. The percentage of Ca, P, F, O was shifted after treatment. There was no difference between the two groups. The SEM images reflected a similar illustration of EDX data. The combination of fTCP and 950 ppm fluoride in toothpaste showed equivalent effectiveness to the 1100 ppm fluoride toothpaste in primary dentin caries.
Simplified Fixed Technique for Correction of Anterior Crossbite: A Case Series
Authors: Nik Mustapha Nik Mukhriz , Ashari Asma
Published: June 2021

Anterior crossbites would normally require early intervention, especially when associated with mandibular displacements. The intervention would usually commence in children around the age of eight and nine, where treatment could be a challenge at this age. Therefore, a simple and quick treatment to this malocclusion would be desirable. This case series illustrates two cases of anterior crossbite with a functional shift that were successfully corrected using a simplified fixed technique, which involved a short-span nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) aligning round archwire, composite resin and glass ionomer cement (GIC).
Role of Speech Aid Prosthesis as Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aid for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Defect: A Case Report
Authors: Wadud Asikul , Tanveer Waqas , Chotprasert Natdhanai , Srithavaj Theerathavaj
Published: June 2021

Soft palate tumors pose the challenge during reconstructive and rehabilitating procedures. Surgical resection of these tumors leads to velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). The primary effects of VPI are hypernasality and air-flow escape, while the secondary effects are abnormalities in speech articulation. Surgical revision along with speech therapy is a common approach to the treatment of VPI. Prosthetic management by means of speech aid prosthesis helps to reduce resonance, nasal emission and consonants errors. This clinical report describes the different stages of rehabilitation of velopharyngeal insufficiency defect following resection of malignant melanoma of left posterior alveolar ridge and soft palate. The speech aid prosthesis helped to rehabilitate the velopharyngeal insufficiency defect and aided in the diagnosis of extent of speech function improvement by perceptual and objective methods.
Influencia del consumo de chicles con xilitol en el pH salival en niños del programa Qaliwarma en la institución educativa 22511 El Rosario – Ica
Authors: Núñez Mayte , Aparcana Pedro
Published: June 2021

Este trabajo tuvo como propósito la evaluación de los cambios de pH salival en niños de 7 y 8 años usuarios del programa Qaliwarma, antes y después del consumo de chicles con xilitol. Se comparó el pH inicial antes de consumir los alimentos del programa Qaliwarma y el pH final después de consumir los alimentos del programa Qaliwarma y el chicle con xilitol. Objetivo: El objetivo principal fue determinar la influencia del consumo de chicles con xilitol en el PH salival de niños del programa Qaliwarma en la I.E. 22511 El Rosario – Ica. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio experimental de corte longitudinal en el que se tomó una muestra censal de 100 niños a los cuales se les midió el pH salival antes del consumo de los alimentos del programa Qaliwarma; de los cuales a 50 se les administro chicle con xilitol, finalizado de masticar el chicle por 5 minutos se les volvió a medir el pH salival final con las tiras reactivas de pH. Resultados: Como resultado principal en el presente estudio se determinó que el consumo del chicle con xilitol si influyó directamente sobre la alcalinidad del PH salival en niños del programa Qaliwarma en la I.E. 22511 El Rosario – Ica en el año 2018. Conclusión: Se demostró que el consumo de chicles con xilitol influye en el pH bucal, actuando beneficiosamente en la salud oral.
Proceso editorial en tiempos de confinamiento
Authors: Alvites Huamaní Cleofé Genoveva
Published: June 2021

Cuando en el mundo se avizoraba el inicio de un nuevo año, con muchas expectativas y con la esperanza de dejar en el pasado el 2020, como un año funesto para todos. Aunque se había iniciado la vacunación en más de 50 países, la esperanza regresó y muchos pensaron que el tema de la pandemia pasaría a un segundo plano, lo cual no ha sido de esta manera, por el contrario, tanto los profesionales, empresarios, organización, instituciones y diversos profesionales tuvieron que reinventarse para seguir con sus metas, debido a que en muchos países el confinamiento continuaba y continúa, en algunos de manera restrictiva y en otros de manera intermitente.
Workplace spirituality, employee engagement, and professional commitment: A study of lecturers from Indonesian universities
Authors: Margaretha Meily , Saragih Susanti , Zaniarti Sri , Parayow Bena
Published: June 2021

The attention paid by researchers and practitioners to the relationship between employee engagement and spirituality in the workplace is limited, as studies of the two variables still stand alone. This leads to an important and increased emphasis on strength and employee engagement that are built on the organizational culture to show an awareness of spirituality in the workplace. This study aimed to explore the relationship between workplace spirituality and employee engagement of lecturers in Indonesia and professional commitment as a mediator. The respondents of the study were 322 lecturers from state and private universities in Indonesia. Validity, reliability, simple regression, and path analysis were used to analyze the data. The results of the study showed that workplace spirituality had a direct effect on employee engagement, with the β value of 0.836, and the R-square of 70%, while professional commitment had a mediating effect on the relationship between workplace spirituality and employee engagement, with the β value of 0.162 and the R-square of 72.3%. The results suggest that the implementation of workplace spirituality and employee engagement is important for universities to improve the performance of their lecturers.
Educação empreendedora no ensino fundamental:
Authors: Santos Helaine Monique Araújo dos , Machado Diego de Queiroz , Osvaldo Acosta Reinaldo Hugo , Regina Amorim Soares de Alcântara Sonia , Rebouças Mota Winny
Published: June 2021

O ensino sobre empreendedorismo a esses alunos estimula a detectar e usufruir de oportunidades que agregam valores para a sociedade, ajudando-os a ampliar seus conhecimentos e a ter uma visão mais ampla de como obter uma melhoria na qualidade de vida. Nesse contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo geral compreender como o projeto Jovens Empreendedores Primeiros Passos (JEPP), do Sebrae, contribui para o incentivo ao empreendedorismo na educação de nível fundamental. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa, na qual foram aplicados formulários com 64 professores, entrevistas com 3 consultores e pesquisas em documentos institucionais. Dessa maneira, pode-se perceber que o projeto proporcionou grandes realizações na vida dos alunos, tais como: a valorização do meio ambiente, senso de coletividade, criatividade, aumento do desempenho, entre outras.
Análise das fontes de financiamento das micro e pequenas empresas
Authors: Ferreira Nogueira Alisson , Chaves Nobre Fábio , Holanda Nepomuceno Nobre Liana
Published: June 2021

As micro e pequenas empresas brasileiras são marcadas por uma desigualdade no que se refere ao acesso de crédito e financiamento, se comparadas às empresas de maior porte. Dessa forma, surge a necessidade de investigar o cenário das micro e pequenas empresas mediante o contexto da liberação de crédito. Diante disso, a pesquisa objetiva  averiguar as liberações de crédito para as micro e pequenas empresas por porte e se há associação estatística e significativa em tais liberações. A amostra foi composta de 269 empresas. Foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado para verificar as associações entre o porte e os tipos de liberação de crédito. Diante disso, foram elaborados quatro hipóteses para testar as associações descritas no trabalho.  Os resultados sugerem que não há associação significativa entre o porte da empresa e o tipo de recurso utilizado para financiar o investimento fixo no que tange o alongamento de prazos com fornecedores. A pesquisa evidencia que há uma associação significativa entre o porte e o tipo de financiamento com utilização de empréstimos bancários públicos. Por fim, há uma associação entre o porte empresarial e o tipo de liberação de crédito para pessoa jurídica voltados para MEs e EPPs, os MEIs são voltados para a liberação de crédito para pessoa física.
A Relação Entre Tributo Direto e Lucro
Authors: Francisca de Santana Roseane , Benassi Billegas Carareto Thaís , Antonio Lopes João , Gonzales Alexandre
Published: June 2021

O cenário de crise econômica brasileira durou onze trimestres, e abrangeu o período de junho de 2014 a dezembro de 2016, e provocou, segundo os dados da Receita Federal (2016), uma queda considerável no PIB nacional. Os mesmos dados apontam, ainda, para um impacto negativo gerado sobre o lucro do segmento siderúrgico e metalúrgico, que possui a maior carga tributária do país. Visto que a tributação direta está intrinsecamente ligada à lucratividade, buscou-se responder ao seguinte problema de pesquisa: Em que medida a crise econômica impactou o comportamento dos tributos diretos sobre lucro do setor siderúrgico e metalúrgico? Nesse sentido, o objetivo foi comparar se entre os períodos antes e durante a crise houve diferenças significativas no comportamento dos tributos diretos sobre o lucro. Para tanto, selecionou-se a amostra por meio do ranking das 500 mais da revista Exame, e posteriormente, foram coletadas as informações contábeis financeiras das empresas por meio do banco de dados Economatica®, assim como, por intermédio das demonstrações do resultado e das notas explicativas. Os resultados obtidos por meio do teste de comparação Wilcoxon indicam que, mesmo com a redução da lucratividade durante o período de recessão econômica, os tributos diretos não sofreram variações estatisticamente significativas, apresentando indícios de que a tributação sobre o lucro é estabelecida pelos ajustes fiscais lançados ao resultado, sendo, portanto, as normas e os procedimentos estabelecidos pelo fisco o fator determinante para a dinâmica do tributo sobre o lucro no setor pesquisado.
Bovinocultura de corte:
Authors: Galvão Bruno , Mata Daher Denilson
Published: June 2021

Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar os custos e a influência no resultado financeiro em propriedades rurais que se dedicam à atividade de gado para corte no município de Rondon do Pará/PA. A revisão de literatura apresenta uma abordagem sobre o desenvolvimento e a representatividade que a bovinocultura possui no Brasil, além de ressaltar a importância da gestão de custos para a atividade em questão. Em relação aos procedimentos metodológicos, adotou-se a abordagem qualitativa de caráter exploratório. Foi realizado um estudo de caso múltiplo com três propriedades rurais localizadas no Córrego do Surubiju, nas proximidades da zona urbana de Rondon do Pará/PA. Os resultados indicam os processos produtivos relacionados à bovinocultura, além de realizar um levantamento dos custos variáveis e fixos. Dessa forma, constatou-se que o produtor rural “A” possui melhores resultados em relação à lucratividade, pois auferiu, em média, R$ 818,00 por cada boi gordo comercializado. Os proprietários rurais “B” e “C” também alcançaram a lucratividade, porém não utilizam as ferramentas de gestão de custos e os seus resultados são menos rentáveis, quando comparados ao produtor “A”. Desse modo, é importante obter informações que envolvem a gestão de custos na bovinocultura, uma vez que nesse segmento os produtores rurais são tomadores de preço, ou seja, os preços são determinados pelo mercado.
Gênero e Comportamento Empreendedor:
Authors: Borges Alex Fernando , Fagundes Ribeiro Amanda
Published: June 2021

Objetivou-se neste trabalho identificar o comportamento empreendedor de empreendedores da cidade de Ituiutaba-MG, realçando suas similaridades e diferenças em termos de gênero. Para tanto, através de uma abordagem quantitativa de investigação, foram aplicados questionários estruturados a 120 empresários da cidade. A amostra compreendeu uma divisão igualitária entre empreendedores homens e mulheres. Os resultados apontam que características mais atreladas a questões associadas à atuação no negócio – como qualidade, eficiência, comprometimento, iniciativa e postura aberta à identificação e exploração de oportunidades – se fazem mais presentes em termos de comportamento do que aquelas ligadas ao poder e controle individual do empreendedor. Quanto ao comportamento empreendedor e gênero, apesar da diferença pouco significativa, verificou-se que os empreendedores homens possuem um perfil mais agressivo e voltado para resultados, enquanto que as mulheres empreendedoras trilham por um caminho mais sociável e conservador. Portanto, conclui-se que a pesquisa gera evidências da relação entre comportamento empreendedor e gênero, e também suscita a necessidade de estudos adicionais para explorar a realidade e gerar conhecimento a partir dela.
Moslem Sculptor (Negotiation of Sculptor at Prumpung Magelang Towards The Doctrine of Sculpting’s Prohibition on Islam)
Authors: Zuhri Muh , Rafiq Ahmad , Mustofa Ahmad
Published: June 2021

Normatively, Islamic doctrine prohibits figurative art in the form of sculpture or painting. The prohibition actually comes not from the Koran but from various narrations of the Prophet's hadith. However, it has been transformed into an orthodox doctrine for its adherents. This research does not aim to find the essential meaning of the hadith text which prohibits figurative art, but to find out how the Moslem sculptors, who live at Prumpung Magelang area, respond and negotiate toward it, so in the end they decided to compromise with their profession as a sculptor. Reception theory is used in this study to map the creative reasoning model of Moslem sculptors when negotiating with texts. Through the reception approach, and field data collection through in-depth interviews with several informants consisting of Muslim sculptors at Prumpung Magelang, this research concludes that the existence of the statue, according to the perspective of the Moslem sculptors at Prumpung Magelang is merely works of art so that in existence there are no theological problems.
Manifestaciones clínicas y complicaciones de la Neuropatía Autonómica y Sensorial Hereditaria Tipo II
Authors: Requena-Mendoza Alejandra , Cárdenas-Mendoza María Angélica , Argueta-Figueroa Liliana
Published: June 2021

La percepción del dolor es una respuesta adaptativa ante la presencia de eventos dañinos y potencialmente fatales. La Insensibilidad Congénita al Dolor, Neuropatía Autonómica y Sensorial Hereditaria Tipo II, o Síndrome de Morvan de causa desconocida, es una afección en la que se produce una pérdida de la discriminación de las señales dolorosas, así como de la respuesta emocional-afectiva. Debido a esto, la persona afectada no evade los estímulos dolorosos y, en consecuencia, puede infligirse daño a sí mismo. Incluso, durante el tratamiento de dichas lesiones pueden producir complicacionesgraves como se describe en el desarrollo del presente caso clínico. Este síndrome es muy raro, de ahí la importancia de dar a conocer las complicaciones que pueden ocurrir con el fin de que la comunidad médica detecte a tiempo a este tipo de pacientes. Este reporte de caso muestra el seguimiento durante diez años de un paciente femenino con diagnóstico de Neuropatía Autonómica y Sensorial Hereditaria Tipo II.
La paciente tuvo ingresos repetidos en los servicios de salud por procesos infecciosos en la cavidad bucal que involucró a múltiples órganos dentales, evolucionando a osteomielitis, por lo que tuvo que recurrirse a la mandibulectomía, incluso después de que se sometió a varios tratamientos farmacológicos.
A pesar de los esfuerzos por mantener a la paciente con la mejor calidad de vida posible, este caso muestra que un diagnóstico tardío conduce a un pronóstico y condición de vida desfavorables.