bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manganese oxide nanomaterials: bridging synthesis and therapeutic innovations for cancer treatment
Authors: Balwe Sandip Gangadhar , Moon Dohyeon , Hong Minki , Song Joon Myong
Published: November 2024

The advent of precision medicine in oncology emphasizes the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies that effectively integrate diagnosis and treatment while minimizing invasiveness. Manganese oxide nanomaterials (MONs) have emerged as a promising class of nanocarriers in biomedicine, particularly for targeted drug delivery and the therapeutic management of tumors. These nanomaterials are characterized by exceptional responsiveness to the tumor microenvironment (TME), high catalytic efficiency, favorable biodegradability, and advanced capabilities in magnetic resonance imaging. These attributes significantly enhance drug delivery, facilitate real-time bioimaging, and enable early tumor detection, thereby improving the precision and effectiveness of cancer therapies. This review highlights the significant advancements in the synthesis and therapeutic applications of MONs, beginning with a comprehensive overview of key synthetic methods, including thermal decomposition, potassium permanganate reduction, exfoliation, adsorption–oxidation, and hydro/solvothermal techniques. We delve into the preparation of MONs and H–MnO₂-based nanomaterials, emphasizing their chemical properties, surface modifications, and toxicity profiles, which are critical for their clinical application. Moreover, we discuss the notable applications of H–MnO₂-based nanomaterials in pH-responsive drug release, overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR), immunotherapy, and the development of nanovaccines for synergistic cancer treatments. By addressing the current challenges in the clinical translation of MONs, we propose future research directions for overcoming these obstacles. By underscoring the potential of MONs to transform cancer treatment paradigms, this review aims to inspire further investigations into their multifunctional applications in oncology, thus ultimately contributing to more effective and personalized therapeutic strategies.

Graphical abstract
Erianin inhibits the progression of DDP-resistant lung adenocarcinoma by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and activating the caspase-3 for apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Tang Lingxue , Ruan Yiling , Wang Beibei , Zhang Mingjun , Xue Jie , Wang Tong
Published: November 2024

Background

Platinum-based chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the toxic side effects and drug resistance of chemotherapeutic drugs on normal cells are still a thorny problem in clinical treatment. Dendrobium is one of the three largest genera of Orchidaceous family, which has ornamental and medicinal value. Dendrobium is mainly distributed in the tropics and subtropics of South Asia, Oceania and other regions, with 1547 species of Dendrobium currently known. In China, “Shi hu” and “Tie pi shi hu” are well-known traditional medicines and have been included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Editorial Board of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2020). Erianin is a natural product isolated from Dendrobium and is considered as a potential anticancer molecule due to its remarkable anti-tumor effects through various mechanisms, among which induced cancer cell apoptosis, inhibited invasion and migration. This study preliminarily explored the mechanism of Erianin inhibiting the progression of cisplatin (DDP) resistant LUAD in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

The effect of Erianin on the proliferation of DDP-resistant LUAD cells was detected by CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay and cloning assay. Transwell assay was used to evaluate the effect of Erianin on cell invasion and migration. The changes of cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. Finally, the effects of Erianin on cell function and signaling pathway-related protein expression in vivo and in vitro were examined based on the enrichment analysis.

Results

Erianin could inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration, induce apoptosis, altered cell cycle of DDP-resistant LUAD cells, and reverse the resistance to DDP. Western blotting results showed that Erianin exerted its anti-tumor effects by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin cascade in DDP-resistant LUAD cells.

Conclusion

Erianin may exerted its anti-tumor effect in DDP-resistant LUAD cells by regulating the Wnt3/β-Catenin/Survivin/Bcl-2/Caspase-3/Cyclin D1 axis.
A linear model to estimate modal split in international freight transport, based on revealed preferences about cost and time saving
Authors: Hoffmeister Onno , Dalheimer Bernhard
Published: November 2024

We present a new model for estimating the distribution of international freight transport over transport modes that is directly applicable to aggregated data, allows estimations and predictions also when some modes are infeasible on some routes, and requires few processing time and memory space. It builds on the assumption that demand for transport by a given mode is driven by trading firms’ and consumers’ preferences about saving transport costs and time. In contrast to conventional mode-choice models, it is linear and grounded on consumer demand theory. Applying the model to international freight transport as recorded in the latest upgrade of UN Comtrade reveals an average cost elasticity of transport demand of − 0.32 and an average time elasticity of − 0.18. In addition, we find significant independent mode-specific effects. Cost and time elasticities are highly dependent on the type of commodity transported. The cost elasticity ranges from zero to − 1.9 and the time elasticity from zero to − 3.3 across commodity groups defined at the four-digit level of the Harmonized System classification. These findings suggest that policy measures, exogenous shocks or other events that change the relative transport costs and transit times across modes can cause modal shifts—for some commodities more than for others—thereby mitigating the loss in welfare.
Lead-it-EAZY! GMP-compliant production of [212Pb]Pb-PSC-PEG2-TOC
Authors: Pretze Marc , Michler Enrico , Kästner David , Kunkel Falk , Sagastume Edwin A. , Schultz Michael K. , Kotzerke Jörg
Published: November 2024

Background

Recently, radiotheranostics comprising the true matched radionuclide pair 203/212Pb could serve as real dosimetric planning utility using 203Pb-radiolabelled pharmaceuticals before therapy with 212Pb-radiolabelled counterparts. 212Pb might act as the missing radionuclide therapy between standard β– therapies (e.g. with 177Lu or 90Y), in some cases leading to β– resistance and highly cytotoxic α therapies (e.g. with 225Ac) leading in some cases to renal insufficiency or even renal failure, due to the daughter nuclide 213Bi, which accumulates in > 90% within the kidneys during 225Ac therapy. 212Pb converts to 212Bi by β–-decay and the following pathway of decay bears in sum only one α decay, which certainly happens within the targeted tumour tissue. Following daughter nuclides (e.g. 208Tl), which could distribute in organs at risk have only β− or γ decay, which is not as cytotoxic as α decay.

Results

By ingenious customization of the standard cassettes of the ML EAZY it was possible to adapt the manual radiosynthesis of [212Pb]Pb-PSC-PEG2-TOC ([212Pb]Pb-VMT-α-NET) to a GMP-compliant synthesis module. The whole process of production, namely conditioning of C18 cartridge for purification, elution of the 224Ra/212Pb-generator, radiolabelling, C18 purification and sterile filtration performed automatically within one hour to access [212Pb]Pb-VMT-α-NET for patient application. [212Pb]Pb-VMT-α-NET was radiolabelled with high radiochemical purity > 95% and high radiochemical yield > 95% with molar activity ~ 15.8 MBq/nmol.

Conclusions

The Lead-it-EAZY process performed stable and robust over ten radiosyntheses and yielded sterile [212Pb]Pb-VMT-α-NET in high purity for patient application. By changing the precursor this process could easily be adapted to other 212Pb-radiopharmaceuticals.
Influence of the orientation of constructed blood vessels during the 3D printing on the measurement of the pseudo-oxygen saturation of an artificial blood substitute using conventional oxygen sensors: a test series
Authors: Jung Svenja , Hoffmann Martin , Winkler Dirk , Güresir Erdem , Kropla Fabian , Scholz Sebastian , Grunert Ronny
Published: November 2024

Background

The development of phantoms to reduce animal testing or to validate new instruments or operation techniques is of increasing importance. For this reason, a blood circulation phantom was developed to test a newly designed retractor system with an integrated oxygen sensor. This phantom was used to evaluate the impact of the 3D printed blood vessel on the measurement of the oxygen saturation.

Methods

A solution of nickel sulfate and copper sulfate was prepared as a substitute for real blood. The absorption spectra of these solutions were recorded and compared with those of blood. Subsequently, the oxygen sensor used was calibrated to the blood substitute. Additionally, blood vessels with a simplified geometry were designed and manufactured using inverted vat polymerization and an elastic material (Formlabs Elastic 50 A). To determine the orientation during the printing process, various vessels were printed. Measurements to assess the effects of disturbance (rotation of the vessels during measurements) on the sensor readouts were prepared.

Results

The impact of disturbances was verified through the rotation of the 3D printed vessels. It was demonstrated that a direct measurement on the disturbances led to outliers and higher values. An optimal orientation was determined to be a lateral placement (90° or 270°) of the sensor. Regarding the orientation of the vessels within the printing space, an orientation of 45° yielded the best results, as the individual layers had the least impact on the light emitted and received by the oxygen sensor.

Conclusion

The achieved results demonstrate the influence of the orientation of the vessel during 3D printing as well as the influence of the position of the vessel during the measurement using a conventional oxygen sensor.
An efficient and versatile e-voting scheme on blockchain
Authors: Wang Baowei , Guo Fengxiao , Liu Yuting , Li Bin , Yuan Yi
Published: November 2024

Voting plays a vital role in democratic societies. Adopting electronic voting can effectively increase voter participation and significantly reduce the financial burden on the organizers. In recent years, with the prevalence of blockchain technology, numerous blockchain-based electronic voting schemes have emerged. Compared with traditional electronic voting schemes, they have more favorable security features. However, existing schemes generally suffer from inefficient voting procedures, limited functionality, and dependence on specific blockchain platforms, making them challenging to deploy in diverse voting scenarios. This paper proposes an efficient and versatile electronic voting scheme on blockchain that addresses these problems using our proposed smart contract-based aggregated blind signature, zero-knowledge proofs, and threshold encryption scheme. In the paper, the scheme’s various features, including security, are analyzed in detail, and the scheme is deployed and tested on the Hyperledger Fabric and Ethereum blockchain platform. The experiment results demonstrate that the voting scheme satisfies the security requirement, and it has outstanding advantages in performance.
Vascular rescue–minimally invasive management of a post-spinal surgery fistulized ilio-iliac pseudoaneurysm: a case report
Authors: Aulakh Arshbir , Ankush Ankush , Kumar Aman , Malik Rajesh , Sharma Jitendra
Published: November 2024

Background

Aortoiliac injury after intervertebral disc surgery is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication. This case study emphasizes how crucial it is to identify this uncommon complication, which can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including leg oedema, heart failure, and deep vein thrombosis. This case is unique in that it presents with an uncommon post-spinal surgery complication of fistulized pseudoaneurysm of the common iliac artery and vein. This combination calls for an immediate diagnosis and careful care.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old female patient presented with progressively worsening orthopnea, accompanied by chest pain and palpitations. Her medical history revealed gradually increasing right lower limb swelling since three months, following a discectomy procedure for the management of lower back pain associated with a herniated lumbar disc at the L5-S1 level. Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated an arterialized flow within the right common iliac vein. Subsequent computed tomography angiography identified a pseudoaneurysm of the right common iliac artery, which had formed a fistulous connection to the right common iliac vein. This uncommon complication was likely attributable to prior disc surgery. The patient received endovascular intervention, which was executed in two primary stages: first, embolization of the right internal iliac artery was performed, followed by the exclusion of the arteriovenous fistula through the deployment of a covered stent graft within the right common iliac artery. The intervention successfully resolved both the pseudoaneurysm and the arteriovenous fistula.

Conclusions

This case report underscores the importance of considering vascular complications in patients presenting with unusual symptoms following intervertebral disc surgery, even after a significant time lapse. While both open surgical and endovascular approaches can yield good results in treating such complications, the endovascular method, as demonstrated in this case, is associated with minimal morbidity. This approach offers a less invasive alternative that can effectively manage complex vascular injuries resulting from disc surgery. Clinicians should be aware of this rare but serious complication to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management, potentially improving patient outcomes in similar cases.
Isolating the classical and quantum coherence of a multiphoton system
Authors: You Chenglong , Hong Mingyuan , Mostafavi Fatemeh , Ferdous Jannatul , León-Montiel Roberto de J. , Dawkins Riley B. , Magaña-Loaiza Omar S.
Published: November 2024

The classical properties of thermal light fields were instrumental in shaping our early understanding of light. Before the invention of the laser, thermal light was used to investigate the wave-particle duality of light. The subsequent formulation of the quantum theory of electromagnetic radiation later confirmed the classical nature of thermal light fields. Here, we fragment a pseudothermal field into its multiparticle constituents to demonstrate that it can host multiphoton dynamics mediated by either classical or quantum properties of coherence. This is shown in a forty-particle system through a process of scattering mediated by twisted paths endowed with orbital angular momentum. This platform enables accurate projections of the scattered pseudothermal system into isolated multiphoton subsystems governed by quantum dynamics. Interestingly, the isolated multiphoton subsystems exhibiting quantum coherence produce interference patterns previously attributed to entangled optical systems. As such, our work unveils novel mechanisms to isolate quantum systems from classical fields. This possibility opens new paradigms in quantum physics with enormous implications for the development of robust quantum technologies.
Exploring the relationship between dyscalculia and working memory in Egyptian children
Authors: Mohammed Salma Gamal Abdelgelil , Kadah Sayed Mohammed Saeed , Khattab Ahmed Nabil , ElNeshwey Hedia Muhey
Published: November 2024

Background

Dyscalculia, a specific learning disorder per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-5), involves difficulties in math domains. Research on working memory’s link to dyscalculia is crucial for effective interventions in children with the disorder. This study aims to examine the cognitive characteristics of Egyptian children with developmental dyscalculia by evaluating their performance in verbal and visuospatial working memory. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Unit of Phoniatrics, Ain Shams University. The study included 60 children, aged 8–11 years, split into two groups: 30 diagnosed with dyscalculia (with or without dyslexia), and 30 with typical development, matched for age and sex, and without any communication, language, speech, or learning disabilities. Both tests—the Test of Mathematical Abilities (TOMA-3) and the working memory test—were administered to both groups.

Results and conclusion

Cases group show notably lower scores on tests measuring dyscalculia and working memory when compared to the control group. The highest percentage of impairment observed is in visual memory. However, there is no clinically significant difference between phonological (auditory) memory and visual memory. The correlation analysis indicated that the visuospatial sketchpad correlates with mathematical symbols and computations, while the phonological (auditory memory) shows a significant positive correlation with word problems.
Genomic characteristics of Vibrio vulnificus strains isolated from clinical and environmental sources
Authors: Lee Jinkyeong , Shin Jeong-Ih , Cho Woo Young , Park Kun Taek , Chung Yeun-Jun , Jung Seung-Hyun
Published: November 2024

Vibrio vulnificus, a gram-negative pathogenic bacterium, transmitted via undercooked seafood or contaminated seawater, causes septicemia and wound infections. In this study, we analyzed 15 clinical and 11 environmental isolates. In total, 20 sequence types (STs), including eight novel STs, were identified. Antibiotic resistance gene analysis commonly detected the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) in both the clinical and environmental isolates. Interestingly, clinical and environmental isolates were non-susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins, such as ceftazidime and cefotaxime, complicating the treatment of V. vulnificus infection. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.1 to 0.5, with clinical isolates showing a higher mean MAR index than the environmental isolates, indicating their broader spectrum of resistance. Notable, no quantitative (124.3 vs. 126.5) and qualitative (adherence, antiphagocytosis, and chemotaxis/motility) differences in virulence factors were observed between the environmental and clinical strains. The molecular characteristics identified in this study provide insights into the virulence of V. vulnificus strains in South Korea, highlighting the need for continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance in emerging V. vulnificus strains.
Clip and Blue—An Easy and Cost-Effective Prechemotherapy Localization Technique in Patients With Breast Cancer Planned for Breast Conservation
Authors: Sleeba Teena , TS Subi , Abraham Latha , Cyriac Sanju , Philip Arun , Joy Aswin , Prathap Anju , George Naveen , John Susan , Thomas Anand Ebin
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE

Breast conservation after systemic therapy requires accurate localization of the lesion and its margins, especially in nonpalpable tumors. The present study aims to describe a cost-effective technique of tumor localization using the combination of surgical clips and methylene blue.

METHODS

A minimum of three or four clips were inserted into the tumor to allow easy visualization of the clip mass. After insertion, measurements of the clips from the nipple and pectoral muscles were recorded to assess for clip migration. After chemotherapy, the disease and clip mass were localized intra-operatively using blue dye. A single-center review of breast conservations performed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy that used the above-described localization technique was undertaken. The primary aim was to assess successful detection and margin-negative resection rates.

RESULTS

The study included 65 patients, and the clip mass was detected on ultrasound following chemotherapy in all patients without clip migration. This detection was accurate even in cases of complete pathological and radiological response. Importantly, there were no procedure-related complications. Postchemotherapy disease localization was successfully achieved in all patients using the readily available and cost-effective methylene blue dye. No patient had an invasive margin positive at resection.

CONCLUSION

The combination of using multiple surgical clips and methylene blue is not only an extremely cheap and accurate technique for tumor site localization but also ensures precise surgical removal. The technique allows tumor localization even in low-income economies.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Oncology Clinical Trial Participation: Investigator Attitudes, Needs, and Motivation to Improve
Authors: Bransky Natalie P. , Walling Anne M. , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Glaspy John A. , Garcia-Jimenez Maria D.
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE

The perspective of all stakeholders involved in clinical trials is critical to addressing disparities in racial/ethnic minority (REM) clinical trial participation. Little is known about clinical trial investigator perspectives. To our knowledge, there are no published studies assessing differences in investigator perspectives on the basis of their primary role in clinical trials (ie, principal investigator [PI] or subinvestigator [sub-I]). Differences likely exist in investigator perspectives on the basis of having a more design-oriented (PI) or recruitment-oriented (sub-I) role.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous, pilot survey of 107 oncology clinical trial investigators at an academic center. The survey assessed five domains about disparities in REM clinical trial participation. We performed a subgroup analysis of mid- and late-career investigators (≥10 years of experience) comparing PIs (opened ≥one clinical trial in the past year) with sub-Is (did not).

RESULTS

Among 60 respondents, a majority (83%) strongly agreed disparities exist in REM clinical trial participation and that this is problematic (75%). Notably, 45% agreed they cannot directly address this problem. In the subgroup analysis, PIs were more likely to have received training about barriers/facilitators to REM clinical trial participation and strategies to increase participation. They were also more likely to endorse wanting help in this area.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest clinical trial investigators are aware of disparities in REM clinical trial participation but do not feel they can address them. PIs are more likely to have received previous training on this topic and to want help to improve their ability to address disparities. More studies are needed to inform targeted interventions and structural improvements to enhance investigators' self-efficacy for improving REM participation in oncology clinical trials.
The Intergenerational Legacy of Indian Residential Schools
Authors: Jones Maggie E. C.
Published: November 2024

From the late nineteenth century until the end of the twentieth century, the Canadian government collaborated with Christian churches to operate a network of boarding schools for Indigenous children to culturally and economically assimilate them. These children were taken from their families and placed into residential schools, where they were to be assimilated into the Eurocentric culture of the dominant society. Using a unique restricted-access database that asked Indigenous respondents about their family history with residential schools, in addition to questions on socioeconomic outcomes, I study the intergenerational effects of these schools. Despite previous research showing that residential schools increased human capital accumulation among attendees, I find that residential schools are associated with lower educational attainment among subsequent generations. I present evidence consistent with the notion that both cultural detachment and a breakdown in family relationships contributed to a reversal of the standard relationship between parents’ and children's human capital. Encouragingly, I find suggestive evidence that greater access to cultural centers might buffer the harmful legacy of this historical trauma.
Bias and Sensitivity under Ambiguity
Authors: Huo Zhen , Pedroni Marcelo , Pei Guangyu
Published: November 2024

This paper characterizes the effects of ambiguity aversion under dispersed information. The equilibrium outcome is observationally equivalent to a Bayesian forecast of the fundamental with increased sensitivity to signals and a pessimistic bias. This equivalence result takes a simple form that accommodates dynamic information and strategic interactions. Applying the result, we show that ambiguity aversion helps rationalize the joint empirical pattern between the bias and persistence of inflation forecasts conditional on household income. In a policy game à la Barro and Gordon (1983) with ambiguity-averse agents, the policy rule features higher average inflation and increased responsiveness to fundamentals. (JEL D81, D83, E31, E37, E71)
Direito à cidade e à acessibilidade: uma avaliação de calçadas em Fortaleza
Authors: MENEZES CLARISSA SALOMONI , GIRÃO THAYS OLIVEIRA , TEIXEIRA ERIKA GOMES
Published: November 2024

O conceito de acessibilidade trata da possibilidade de transpor entraves para a efetiva participação de pessoas nos diversos âmbitos da vida social. Entende-se que diferentes barreiras (físicas, culturais, educacionais e atitudinais) afetam a autonomia, o desenvolvimento e a relação das pessoas com o ambiente. Dentro dessa ótica, a deficiência não é uma questão amarrada ao corpo ou a um traço de um sujeito, e sim está vinculada ao ambiente construído e às suas barreiras. Este trabalho surge de uma pesquisa de iniciação científica em que três dimensões da acessibilidade no espaço urbano foram abordadas, são elas: a) uma primeira diz respeito à acessibilidade em que foi estudada no campo legal, consultando recomendações e legislações que normatizam espaços públicos e privados; b) uma segunda em que o campo político será discutido além das normas, pois a pauta da pessoa com deficiência se efetiva, como outras, por uma luta política pela inclusão e direito à cidade; c) por fim, a dimensão do campo real, em que se fará uma avaliação do espaço construído por meio de fichas avaliativas em calçadas realizadas por obras públicas na cidade de Fortaleza.
Surgical outcome of clipping in anterior circulation aneurysms
Authors: Sajid Talha , Kiran Arooj , Rehman Adeel Ur , Iqbal Ismaeel Khalid , Khan Zubair Ahmed , Majid Abdul
Published: November 2024

Objective: To observe the outcome of surgical clipping in anterior circulation aneurysm in a modestly resourced hospital.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Punjab Institute of Neurosciences Lahore, from August 2022 to July 2023. Seventy five patients meeting the inclusion criteria of age <65, saccular aneurysm of anterior circulation, and Hunt and Hess grade one or two were enrolled through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected from patient records, and surgeries were performed by experienced neurosurgeons using pterional and sub-frontal approaches. SPSS version 26 was utilized for data analysis.
Results: Mean age 49.3733 ± 2.56 (Mean ± SD) years, 60% female. Most common aneurysm location: anterior communicating artery (37.33%). Post-operative complications: vasospasm (17.33%), hydrocephalus (6.66%), fits (5.33%), mortality (2.66%). About 91% patients had no complications or recovered within three months.
Conclusion: Surgical clipping of anterior circulation aneurysms is a safe and effective treatment, yielding favorable angiographic outcomes. Despite occasional complications, most patients achieved satisfactory results, especially in a setting having limited endovascular facilities or when coiling is not feasible. Future comparative studies with endovascular methods will further refine patient selection and surgical techniques.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.12(PINS).11119
How to cite this: Sajid T, Kiran A, Adeel-Ur-Rehman, Khalid I, Khan Z, Majid A. Surgical outcome of clipping in anterior circulation aneurysms. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(12):S32-S36. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.12(PINS).11119
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Αναδρομική μελέτη της ανάγκης εκτέλεσης επεμβάσεων χειρουργικής στόματος σε ασθενείς με αναπηρία που αντιμετωπίζονται υπό γενική αναισθησία και της επίδρασής τους στο σχέδιο θεραπείας
Authors: Θεοδωρίδης Γεώργιος
Published: November 2024

Η γενική αναισθησία στο πλαίσιο της νοσοκομειακής οδοντιατρικής συνιστά αξιόπιστη μέθοδο που διευκολύνει την παροχή οδοντιατρικής θεραπείας, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των επεμβάσεων χειρουργικής στόματος, σε μη συνεργάσιμους ασθενείς με αναπηρία, όταν οι άλλες τεχνικές ελέγχου συμπεριφοράς καθίστανται αναποτελεσματικές. Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν η διερεύνηση της ανάγκης εκτέλεσης επεμβάσεων χειρουργικής στόματος σε μη συνεργάσιμους ασθενείς με αναπηρία, που προσήλθαν για οδοντιατρική θεραπεία υπό γενική αναισθησία σε τρία δημόσια νοσοκομεία της Μακεδονίας, σε συνάρτηση με τα δημογραφικά και κλινικά τους χαρακτηριστικά. Εξετάστηκαν τα αρχεία 579 ασθενών που υποβλήθηκαν σε 672 χειρουργεία οδοντιατρικής θεραπείας υπό γενική αναισθησία. Αντλήθηκαν ανώνυμα στοιχεία, πληροφορίες και οδοντιατρικά δεδομένα που αφορούσαν την περίοδο 2008 έως 2022 και αναλύθηκαν με περιγραφική στατιστική και αναλυτικές στατιστικές μεθόδους κατάλληλες για αναδρομική μελέτη κοόρτης. Πραγματοποιήθηκαν συνολικά 6223 πράξεις με τις εξαγωγές να αντιστοιχούν στο 39.44% του συνόλου και τις υπόλοιπες επεμβάσεις χειρουργικής στόματος στο 1.14%. Από τα 5357 δόντια που έχρηζαν θεραπείας λόγω τερηδόνας, τραύματος ή περιοδοντικής νόσου το 45.81% οδηγήθηκε σε εξαγωγή. Δεν διαπιστώθηκε στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά στην μέση τιμή των εξαγωγών ή των άλλων χειρουργικών πράξεων μεταξύ των ηλικιακών ομάδων 3-12 και 13-63 ετών. Οι εξαγωγές συνιστούν μεγάλο μέρος του συνόλου των πράξεων χωρίς να παρατηρείται μείωση στην συχνότητα διενέργειας τους διαχρονικά. Οι υπόλοιπες επεμβάσεις χειρουργικής στόματος, αν και αντιπροσωπεύουν αναλογικά χαμηλό ποσοστό επί του συνόλου, χαρακτηρίζονται από μεγάλο εύρος καθιστώντας αναγκαία την ικανότητα του οδοντιάτρου στην εκτέλεση τους στο νοσοκομειακό περιβάλλον.
From neurorights to neuroduties: the case of personal identity
Authors: M. Astobiza Aníbal , de Miguel Beriain íñigo
Published: November 2024

Background The neurorights initiative has been postulated as a way of ensuring the protection of individuals from the advances of neurotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI). With the advancement of neurotechnology, the human nervous system may be altered, modified, intervened with, or otherwise controlled. However, how do neurorights safeguard legal interests when an individual consciously chooses to modify their experiences using neurotechnology? Neurorights—the protection of cognitive liberty, psychological continuity, free will, personal identity, and mental privacy—are challenged when individuals opt for ‘artificial memories’, implanted experiences, etc., disrupting their natural cognitive dimensions. The present article examines these complex dilemmas through a legal and ethical lens. Furthermore, it introduces the concept of a ‘neuroduty’ to preserve identity, a moral obligation that stands in stark contrast to the individual’s right to self-determination. In the same way that neurorights protect us from external interference in our nervous system, is it possible to think of a neuroduty to preserve our identity? This article explores the tensions between neurorights, neuroduty, and the potential misuse of neurotechnology. Methods First, we explore these dilemmas, investigating the often-blurred lines between neurotechnology, neurorights, and personal autonomy. Secondly, we focus into the concept of voluntary alterations of one’s own brain, assessing the wider implications such actions could have on both individual and societal levels, in the light of the concept of neuroduty to preserve personal identity. Also, we examine the potential repercussions on personal identity and interpersonal relations. Finally, we advocate for a reassessment and potential reformulation of existing neurorights frameworks to account for the personal autonomy to use advancing neuroscientific capabilities. Results Our examination reveals a complex interplay between neurorights and neuroduty to preserve personal autonomy. Conclusions This analysis will provide valuable insights for stakeholders, policymakers, and society at large, guiding the responsible integration of neurotechnology into our lives.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) in Extremities Amputations of Pedis Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-regression of Functional and Pain Outcomes
Authors: Novriansyah Robin , Husni Amin , Ismail Rifky , Bakhtiar Yuriz , Septarina Faiza Rizky Aryani , Tjandra Kevin Christian , Rahmawati Nurul Azizah Dian , Sudiasa I Nyoman Sebastian , Wicaksono Mohammad Satrio
Published: November 2024

Introduction Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) is an innovative surgical procedure initially designed for upper-limb amputations, which has shown growing potential for improving functional outcomes in below-knee amputees. TMR involves redirecting severed nerves from the amputated limb to nearby residual muscles, allowing these muscles to act as amplifiers for nerve signals, thereby improving prosthetic control. Recent advancements in TMR for below-knee amputations have highlighted its ability to reduce post-amputation complications, such as neuroma pain and phantom limb pain, while offering enhanced control over prosthetic limbs, thus improving mobility and quality of life. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted, sourcing studies up to May 2024 from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Springer, and Epistemonikos. The analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical trials. A meta-analysis was performed to assess phantom limb pain reduction, while study quality was evaluated using RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I, and ROBINS-E. Meta-regression examined the influence of variables such as age and sex on pain outcomes. Results Seven studies, including 363 patients, were analyzed. The meta-analysis showed that TMR significantly reduced phantom limb pain (MD: -1.74; 95% CI: -2.46 to -1.02; P<0.00001; I2=0%). However, the pooled risk ratio for phantom pain incidence (RR: 1.58; 95% CI: 0.61 to 4.11; P=0.35; I2=93%) indicated variable outcomes. Conclusion TMR significantly reduces phantom limb pain and improves prosthetic control, particularly for patients with SCC of the foot, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Analysis of the survival of agricultural exporting firms in Peru, 2009-2019
Authors: Morán Santamaría Rogger Orlando , Llonto Caicedo Yefferson , Supo Rojas Dante Godofredo , Llatas Díaz Willy Darwin , Wilson Huamanchumo Martin Hamilton , Jiménez Garay Ofrmar Dionell , Uribe Del Aguila José Alberto , Dondero Cassano Pietro Pablo Guissepi , Castro Mejía Percy Junior
Published: November 2024

Background At the international level, the survival of exporting companies represents a critical issue in a context of heightened uncertainty and intensified competition within the framework of the country’s commercial opening. This is a context in which different companies are born and die as a result of the interaction between the market and other factors. The objective of this research was to analysis of the survival of exporting agricultural companies in Peru, 2009-2019. To this end, data from the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (Promperu) was utilised. Methods The methodological contribution of the research is based on the quantitative approach, of basic type with a descriptive elk; being the population that involves a total of data of the agricultural exporting companies of Peru in the period 2009-2019 and the sample is census and the non-parametric statistical technique used was the Kaplan Meier estimate for the estimation of the survival rate. Results Exports of Peru’s non-traditional agricultural sector in FOB value have had an average annual growth of 12% in terms of FOB value and 9% in terms of volume exported; the entry rate of new agro-exporting agricultural companies reached an average growth of 2.3% and the exit rate reached an average of 2.2% in the period 2009-2019. Conclusions The survival of exporting companies in the non-traditional agricultural sector is critical, where 89% of them survive only one year, while in the second year only 75% survive and in the sixth year only 33% survive.
Case Report: Case report: Macrophage activation syndrome due to multifocal tuberculosis in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: Riahi Salma , Ammar Sana , Hassen Houssem , Souilem Emna , Mbarki Donia , Dhaha Yosra , Ksiaa Mehdi , Bouatay Amina
Published: November 2024

Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) is a serious and life-threatening complication defined by excessive immune activation. While it’s commonly associated with rheumatic diseases, infections can also trigger MAS, with tuberculosis being a rare but significant cause. This case report discusses a rare occurrence of Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) caused by multifocal tuberculosis in an immunocompromised patient with Crohn’s disease receiving immunosuppressive treatment. The patient is a 26-year-old woman with Crohn’s disease who is being treated with azathioprine. She arrived at the hospital battling persistent abdominal pain, overwhelming fatigue, and fever. Upon examination, splenomegaly and ascites were noted. A chest X-ray revealed bilateral pleural effusion consistent with tuberculosis. A CT scan confirmed the presence of pleural, pericardial, and intraperitoneal fluid. Blood tests indicated pancytopenia, hyperferritinemia, and hypofibrinogenemia. The analysis of ascitic fluid suggested an exudate. The PCR test of the bone marrow aspirate was positive for tuberculosis without rifampicin resistance, and the smear showed hemophagocytosis images. The patient was diagnosed with Macrophage Activation Syndrome secondary to multifocal tuberculosis. This report delves into the complex relationship between MAS and tuberculosis, emphasizing the challenges in diagnosing MAS in such cases and the potential link to tuberculosis. The complex diagnostic landscape of multifocal tuberculosis, which can often mimic malignancies, underscores the importance of promptly detecting and starting anti-tuberculosis interventions for improved clinical outcomes and the prevention of associated complications.
Diamonds in the rough - reconsidering the scientific and heritage value of heat-altered stones in prehistoric archaeology through a systematic literature review
Authors: Cantelli Margherita , Terradas Xavier , Binder Didier , Regert Martine , Colonese André Carlo
Published: November 2024

Background Heat-altered stones (HAS) are commonly reported in prehistoric sites across several continents, yet they continue to be generally overlooked and systematic studies on them are scarce. Methods We performed a systematic literature review which consisted of searching journal articles, book chapters and books published in English, in Scopus and Web of Science. We collected information on their geographic distribution, chronology, composition, technological aspects and subsistence contexts from 73 records. Our aims were to assess the challenges and opportunities of analysing HAS, while highlighting that this class of artefacts is still largely an untapped source of information on prehistoric human activities. Results HAS have been documented since the Pleistocene, attesting that culinary and non-culinary activities using heating stones emerged among foraging groups subsisting on hunting, fishing and gathering. The high frequency of HAS during the middle and late Holocene testifies to the continuation of some practices over long time periods, amid the emergence of new food systems, and the introduction of new resources and technologies, such as domesticated plants and animals, and ceramic containers. A considerable lack of studies on HAS from Africa, Oceania, Asia, and South America was noted, all of which are key geographic areas for assessing the role of heating stones in human evolution, geographic dispersal, early cuisine and diet, and cultural transmission across the globe. Conclusions Our results highlight the persistent challenges archaeologists face in establishing fundamental definitions and diagnostic criteria for identifying HAS, while emphasizing the importance of HAS as essential elements for studying ancient foodways and cultural heritage. We call on archaeologists and cultural heritage managers to reconsider the heritage value of HAS and include them in specialised research agendas before significant knowledge of our past is lost.
Recovery and potential use for non-polyolefin materials after physical recycling of complex multilayers
Authors: Gutiérrez Vanessa , Mafé Miguel , Prins Lucie , van de Runstraat Annemieke
Published: November 2024

Standard flexible packaging in the market contains many components that differ from polyolefins (PO). These components can include barrier materials (Polyamides (PA), Polyethylene-terephthalate (PET), Ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), Polyvinyl-alcohol (PVOH), and aluminum), inks, lacquers, adhesives, fillers, and pigments. All these materials are insoluble in the solvents used for the physical, dissolution-based, and recycling of polyolefins, leaving them as a solid residue in the process. Characterization of the residue obtained after physical recycling of printed/metallized polyolefin flexible structures using the TNO Möbius dissolution process was performed to select potential applications, stakeholders, and/or secondary valorization routes. The residue resulted in a heterogeneous material composed of PET (60%), inorganic fraction (28%), and other organic components (12%). The potentially valuable materials from this residue are the PET and aluminum fractions. After a desk study, possible secondary recovery techniques for PET and aluminum were selected.
A mathematical approach to microvascular anastomosis for beginners and the effectiveness of chicken legs and partial meat from chicken legs and chicken wings as a training model
Authors: Kim Dong Young , Chae Seung Bum
Published: November 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to use a mathematical approach to understand the exact location and spacing of microvascular anastomosis, and investigate the effectiveness of a practice model using chicken legs and partial meat from chicken wings.Methods: The suture techniques used for microvascular anastomosis were analyzed mathematically. In addition, chickens of various sizes were dissected to measure the size of blood vessels and compared with the size of blood vessels found in partial meat.Results: When using eight- or nine-point sutures, the positions and intervals were different. Larger chickens had larger blood vessels. In the partial meat samples, the average size of the blood vessels was 0.8 mm for the radial artery, 0.45 mm for the ulnar artery, and 1.3 mm for the tibial artery.Conclusion: It is important to understand the location and spacing of sutures through a mathematical analysis of microvascular anastomosis, which enables suturing techniques to be improved. The practice model using chicken legs and partial meat from chicken wings was found to be useful for beginners.
Labor-Replacing Automation and Finance
Authors: Cheng Xin , Lyandres Evgeny , Zhou Kaiguo , Zhou Tong
Published: November 2024

We examine the effects of adoption of labor-replacing automation technology on corporate financing. Empirically, using Chinese firm-level panel data on deployment of industrial robots as an example of such automation, we find that robot adoption increases leverage and reduces cost of debt. We hypothesize that the underlying reason is that being a substitute for labor, automation provides a hedge against fluctuations in labor costs. A model based on this hedging argument delivers additional testable predictions concerning determinants of the relation between automation and corporate financing. These relations are borne out in the data, providing support for the proposed mechanism. Our evidence is inconsistent with alternative channels behind the observed relations.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Funding: X. Cheng acknowledges support from the Humanities and Social Science Foundation of the Ministry of Education in China [Grant 23YJC840004] and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China [Grant 2722023BQ052]. E. Lyandres acknowledges support from the Coller Foundation and the Henry Crown Institute for Business Research in Israel. K. Zhou acknowledges support from the Major Project of the National Social Science Foundation of China [Grant 20&ZD103], the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72432005], and the Excellent Young Team Project of the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province of China [Grant 2023B1515040001]. T. Zhou acknowledges support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72003206].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02658 .
Estimating Demand with Unobserved No-Purchases on Revenue-Managed Data
Authors: Li Anran , Talluri Kalyan , Tekin Müge
Published: November 2024

Problem definition: This paper studies the joint estimation of the consumer arrival rate and choice model parameters when “no-purchasers” (customers who considered the product but did not purchase) are not observable. Estimating this unconstrained demand even with the simplest discrete-choice model such as the multinomial logit (MNL) becomes challenging as we do not know the fraction that have chosen the outside option (i.e., not purchased). Methods have been proposed to use market share to pin down the parameter associated with the outside option. However, market share data are difficult to obtain in many situations, and in some industries, such as fashion retail, have little meaning as the items are difficult to compare. In this paper, we point out an additional difficulty that can arise in practice: Many firms monitor sales and optimize their prices and assortments within the sale period as part of their revenue management (RM) process, based on partially observed demand. This can potentially cause a revenue management induced endogeneity as the data used for estimation is the result of optimization (in turn based on prior data) to set controls. As we demonstrate, methods that work well on randomly generated assortments may do badly on optimized assortment data. Methodology/results: In this paper, we propose a robust method when the firm cannot observe no-purchases and has no market share information, and the data have been revenue-managed. We develop a two-step generalized method-of-moments (GMM) procedure that is based on a modified moment condition, and importantly, does not require instrumental variables (IVs), a significant advantage in practice. Managerial implications: In Monte Carlo simulations, the performance of our method matches existing methods when the controls are generated randomly, and is robust under all conditions, whether RM-induced endogeneity is present or not. On a large real-world data set from the fashion industry, subject to stock-outs and markdown pricing along with unknown management controls, our method provides robust estimates compared with existing methods without requiring any input on market shares, which is especially difficult to pin down at a category and season/collection level.

Funding: This work was supported by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council’s General Research Fund [Grant 14506423].

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.0291 .