bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da percepção da importância da gengiva na estética do sorriso por leigos e alunos do curso de Odontologia
Authors: Torres Neto Antônio José , Teixeira Hilcia Mezzalira , Guimarães Renata Pedrosa , Nascimento Alexandre Batista Lopes do , Ribeiro Rafael Antonio de Oliveira
Published: May 2023

O sorriso tem um grande impacto na estética facial. Por ser um conceito subjetivo e mutável, não há um único tipo de sorriso que seja considerado um padrão absoluto de beleza. A exposição equilibrada do tecido mole e duro durante o sorriso também tem um grande impacto na percepção estética geral. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a percepção do impacto da gengiva na estética do sorriso por estudantes de Odontologia e leigos. Realizamos um estudo descritivo-transversal, onde os dados foram obtidos através de um questionário com fotografias e posteriormente interpretados de acordo com a frequência das respostas. Foram avaliados um total de 220 pessoas, sendo 147 (66,8%) mulheres e 73 (33,2%) homens, dos quais 35,4% possuíam formação acadêmica em Odontologia. Observamos uma constante semelhança entre os grupos, mostrando que os leigos, mesmo sem ter um amplo conhecimento comparado aos estudantes de Odontologia, foram capazes de identificar características importantes em um sorriso gengival. A percepção da importância da gengiva na estética do sorriso é subjetiva para cada indivíduo e geralmente está relacionada à beleza e harmonia. Concluímos que a população é crítica na avaliação dos componentes do sorriso. Entre os acadêmicos, foi observada cautela e prudência na avaliação estética do sorriso. Dentre os diferentes níveis de exposição gengival, a imagem 2 com um sorriso médio de 3 a 4mm recebeu as maiores notas.
Manchamento de dentes por extrato de própolis verde: ensaio in vitro
Authors: Teodoro Elaine Cristina Martinez , Costa Natália Alves , Carvalho Claudemir de , Palhari Fabiana Tavares Lunardi
Published: May 2023

Na odontologia, a própolis tem despertado interesse devido aos seus resultados satisfatórios obtidos em diversas especialidades. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se o extrato de própolis verde aplicado em concentrações de 17% e 21% na dentina exposta de dentes bovinos hígidos foi capaz de promover um efeito de manchamento na respectiva estrutura dentária. Trata-se de um estudo experimental no qual foram utilizadas 40 coroas de dentes bovinos hígidos seccionados ao meio, em corte axial, no sentido mésio distal, a fim de expor a dentina. Os espécimes foram enumerados e divididos aleatoriamente em quatro Grupos (G1 a G4) para a realização do condicionamento ácido a fim de simular a dentina hipersensível e posteriormente receberam  aplicação das soluções de extrato de própolis verde, utilizado como possível agente obliterador no tratamento da hipersensibilidade dentinária, sendo: Grupo 1 (G1): ácido fosfórico a 37% e extrato de própolis a 17% sem escovação, Grupo 2 (G2): ácido fosfórico a 37% e extrato de própolis a 21% sem escovação, Grupo 3 (G3): ácido fosfórico a 37% e extrato de própolis a 17% com escovação e Grupo 4 (G4): ácido fosfórico a 37% e extrato de própolis a 21% com escovação. Na semana seguinte à aplicação dos extratos de própolis, os dentes foram submetidos a um procedimento de profilaxia e observou-se que em todos eles a solução permaneceu fixada, conferindo um efeito de manchamento tanto na dentina como no esmalte. Pode-se concluir que o extrato de própolis verde proporcionou um efeito de manchamento nos dentes bovinos estudados.
O uso da Língua de Sinais pela Família dos Surdos e Deficientes Auditivos: uma problematização necessária
Authors: Castro Elisabete Strelow de , Leon Adriana Duarte
Published: May 2023

Este estudo tem por objetivo identificar o conhecimento da língua de sinais pelos pais de estudantes surdos e deficientes auditivos da Escola Especial Professor Alfredo Dub e a influência deste no desenvolvimento de seus filhos. Para tanto, além de pesquisa bibliográfica, foi aplicado um questionário como instrumento de coleta de dados, o qual foi respondido por um grupo de familiares de crianças surdas em processo de alfabetização, visando identificar que concepções eles expressam acerca da língua de seus filhos e buscando averiguar a interferência do aprendizado desta língua por eles no desenvolvimento cognitivo destas crianças. O presente artigo está dividido em cinco tópicos com destaque para apresentação da escola onde foi realizado o estudo, a defesa da proposta teórica metodológica que está ancorada na pesquisa qualitativa, considerando a abordagem bibliográfica e a investigação exploratória, uma breve análise da Língua Brasileira de Sinais como língua materna dos surdos de nascença, a família dos surdos como suporte significativo para o aprendizado do estudante e por fim, a compreensão dos pais sobre os desafios na educação de uma criança surda.
Ácido hialurônico e as diversas formulações farmacêuticas no envelhecimento
Authors: Mira Jamilly Karyn de Souza , Cartágenes Sabrina Carvalho
Published: May 2023

O ácido hialurônico (AH) é uma substância endógena presente em vários tecidos e fluidos biológicos. Devido às suas propriedades físico-químicas, ele contribui para muitos processos biológicos em níveis intra e extracelulares, como hidratação da pele, lubrificação das articulações e cicatrização de feridas, além de seus efeitos anti-inflamatórios e antioxidantes. Por essa razão o AH tem sido aplicado como uma molécula antienvelhecimento na forma de produtos cosméticos. Desta forma, o presente artigo objetivou através de uma revisão bibliográfica descrever os benefícios das diversas formas farmacêuticas com ácido hialurônico no manejo do envelhecimento cutâneo. Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da literatura, a qual permitiu aos autores apresentar as diversas atribuições do ácido hialurônico em diferentes formulações farmacêuticas no combate ao envelhecimento. Como procedimento técnico foi utilizado os descritores de saúde, “ácido hialurônico”, “formas farmacêuticas”, “benefícios do ácido hialurônico” e “indicações com ácido hialurônico”. Os resultados obtidos permitiram observar que o AH hialurônico tornou-se um dos ativos mais promissores contra o envelhecimento cutâneo, estando presente em diferentes formulações cosméticas, podendo ser encontrado em hidratantes e protetores. Logo, as evidências sobre os resultados permitem afirmar que, as diferentes formas farmacêuticas contendo AH resulta em vários benefícios na prevenção contra envelhecimento na pele.
Nível de adesão ao tratamento de pacientes com diabetes mellitus gestacional no ambulatório de gestação de alto risco na cidade de Cascavel/PR
Authors: Venturin Maria Eduarda Santos , Pescador Marise Vilas Boas
Published: May 2023

A gestação é um fenômeno fisiológico que engloba inúmeras mudanças, sendo que as principais envolvem o metabolismo da mulher. Frente a isso, sabe-se que algumas alterações resultam em um curso gestacional irregular, resultando em maiores chances de complicações, interferências e óbito para o binômio materno-fetal, determinando, portanto, a chamada gestação de alto risco. Entre as diversas etiopatogenias há a diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG), a qual mediante efetividade da realização do seu tratamento resulta em redução de possíveis desfechos desfavoráveis durante e após a gestação. Desse modo, este estudo visou à realização de um levantamento quantitativo por meio da aplicação de questionários sobre o nível de adesão ao tratamento de mulheres diagnosticadas com DMG, bem como a identificação dos principais fatores que as impedem a aderência adequada em um ambulatório de gestação de alto risco da cidade de Cascavel/PR. Foram entrevistadas 42 mulheres, a partir da aplicação de um questionário geral, Teste de Morisky-Green e adaptação do questionário de atividades de autocuidado. De modo geral, a adesão e a realização das terapêuticas dietéticas, medicamentosa e a monitorização glicêmica ocorreram de modo efetivo, expressando um valor estatisticamente significativo (> 50%). Por outro lado, a atividade física foi o pilar com menor número de adesão e realização diária. Ademais, foi possível concluir que a condição financeira e o trabalho são os principais motivos para o não seguimento terapêutico efetivo entre as participantes que apontaram algum fator causal.
Intercorrências associadas aos fios de PDO na HOF – Uma revisão narrativa da literatura
Authors: Silvestre Angélica , Suguihara Roberto Teruo , Muknicka Daniella Pilon
Published: May 2023

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar em artigos científicos, livros nacionais e internacionais, as possíveis intercorrências durante e após procedimentos envolvendo fios de Polidioxanona (PDO). Trata-se de uma pesquisa com busca bibliográfica nos bancos de dados da Scielo, Medline e livros autografados. Os estudos apontam que o uso do fio de sustentação de Polidioxanona apresenta poucas intercorrências e que, caso estas ocorram, na maioria das vezes são de fácil resolução, embora raramente ocorram intercorrências graves. Com essa pesquisa concluiu-se que os fios de Polidioxanona, quando bem indicados e aplicados no plano correto da face, se prestam para um perfeito lifting, sem incisões ou reclusões do paciente. Observa-se uma rápida recuperação do paciente após o procedimento e bons resultados com o benefício da neocolagênese.
Determinant of parasite clearance and density on uncomplicated falciparum malaria infections in malaria-endemic area of Lampung Province, Indonesia
Authors: Suwandi Jhons Fatriyadi , Kurniawan Agnes , Susanto Lisawati
Published: May 2023

Lampung is a malaria-endemic region in Indonesia with an annual parasite incidence of 0.06 per 1,000 population. The socio-demographic factors, clinical conditions, and artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) types might affect parasite clearance and parasite density. This study aims to investigate factors that influence parasite clearance and parasite density in malaria patients. A retrospective analytic observational and a cross-sectional approach was used to conduct this study. A total of 66 malaria patients were examined to investigate parasite density and clearance, socio-demographic profiles, clinical conditions, and ACT types. To analyze data, univariate, bivariate, and multivariate tests were used. Age (P=0.045; r=0.238) and ACT type (P=0.021; r=0.273) were the only variables that had a significant correlation with parasite clearance. Age (P=0.003; r=0.345) had a significant correlation with parasite density. The most influential factors related to parasite clearance were the ACT type (dihydroartemisinin piperaquine) (P=0.017; odds ratio (OR) 0.109; 95.0% confidence interval (CI), 0.018–0.675) and age (P=0.030; OR 0.132; 95.0% CI, 0.021–0.823). Age (P=0.046; OR 0.320; 0.105–0.978, 95.0% CI) was the most significant variable associated with parasite density.
Expression of cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules in the Toxoplasma gondii-infected dendritic cells of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyung , Yuk Jae-Min , Cha Guang-Ho , Lee Young-Ha
Published: May 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite which can infect most warm-blooded animals and humans. Among the different mouse models, C57BL/6 mice are more susceptible to T. gondii infection compared to BALB/c mice, and this increased susceptibility has been attributed to various factors, including T-cell responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most prominent type of antigen-presenting cells and regulate the host immune response, including the response of T-cells. However, differences in the DC responses of these mouse strains to T. gondii infection have yet to be characterized. In this study, we cultured bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. These cells were infected with T. gondii. The activation of the BMDCs was assessed based on the expression of cell surface markers and cytokines. In the BMDCs of both mouse strains, we detected significant increases in the expression of cell surface T-cell co-stimulatory molecules (major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II, CD40, CD80, and CD86) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-1β, and IL-10) from 3 h post-T. gondii infection. The expression of MHC II, CD40, CD80, CD86, IFN-γ, IL-12p40, and IL-1β was significantly higher in the T. gondii-infected BMDCs obtained from the C57BL/6 mice than in those from the BALB/c mice. These findings indicate that differences in the activation status of the BMDCs in the BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice may account for their differential susceptibility to T. gondii.
Prevalence and molecular analysis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Chin State, Myanmar
Authors: Aung Ja Moon , Moon Zin , VanBik Dorene , Dinzouna-Boutamba Sylvatrie-Danne , Lee Sanghyun , Ring Zau , Chung Dong-Il , Hong Yeonchul , Goo Youn-Kyoung
Published: May 2023

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is caused by X-linked recessive disorderliness. It induces severe anemia when a patient with G6PD deficiency is exposed to oxidative stress that occurs with administration of an antimalarial drug, primaquine. The distribution of G6PD deficiency remains unknown while primaquine has been used for malaria treatment in Myanmar. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and its variants in Chin State, Myanmar. Among 322 participants, 18 (11 males and 7 females) demonstrated a G6PD deficiency. Orissa variant was dominant in the molecular analysis. This would be related to neighboring Indian and Bangladeshi population, in which Orissa variant was also reported as the main mutation type. The screening test for G6PD deficiency before primaquine treatment appears to be important in Myanmar.
Biliary ascariasis misidentified as a biliary stent in a patient undergoing liver resection
Authors: Chae Hochang , Suh Suk Won , Choi Yoo Shin , Sohn Hee Ju , Lee Seung Eun , Do Jae Hyuk , Park Hyun Jeong
Published: May 2023

Ascaris lumbricoides causes one of the most common soil-transmitted helminthiases globally. The worms mostly infect the human small intestine and elicit negligible or nonspecific symptoms, but there are reports of extraintestinal ectopic ascariasis. We describe a rare case of biliary ascariasis mistaken for biliary stent in a 72-year-old female patient with a history of liver resection. She visited our outpatient clinic complaining of right upper quadrant pain and fever for the past week. She had previously undergone left lateral sectionectomy for recurrent biliary and intrahepatic duct stones 2 years ago. Besides mildly elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, her liver function tests were normal. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a linear filling defect closely resembling an internal stent from the common bile duct to the right intrahepatic bile duct. A live female A. lumbricoides adult worm was removed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Despite a significant decrease of the ascariasis prevalence in Korea, cases of biliary ascariasis are still occasionally reported. In this study, a additional case of biliary ascariasis, which was radiologically misdiagnosed as the biliary stent, was described in a hepatic resection patient by the worm recovery with ERCP in Korea.
Nutritional interventions as a means to reduce chemotherapy-induced toxicity in paediatric cancer patients
Authors:   , van den Boogaard Winnie Martina Clara
Published: May 2023

Every year about 600 children are diagnosed with cancer in the Netherlands. The different forms of cancer can be divided into three main subtypes: haematological, solid or neurological tumours. Different treatment modalities are available, including surgical resection of the tumour, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Unfortunately, treatment itself can lead to short- or long-term side effects, which can last for a long time or even throughout the entire life. Prevention of these unwanted effects caused by therapy is preferable, so patients will suffer less from intense treatment trajectories. In this thesis, the way by which nutritional interventions can potentially lower the side effects, mainly of chemotherapy. Nutritional interventions encompass temporary changes in diet, e.g. fasting or dietary restriction, where caloric intake is lowered entirely or partially. Research in the aging field has shown that nutritional interventions can slow down aging through activation of the ‘survival’ response. This response leads to changes in metabolism where energy (derived from nutrition) is spent less on growth and proliferation, but invested in maintenance processes, such as DNA damage repair, stress signalling and antioxidant systems. Side effects of chemotherapy to the healthy tissues are (partially) caused by damage to the DNA. The damage to the DNA and subsequent development of side effects, could potentially be prevented or better repaired through activation of the ‘survival’ response. The thesis begins with a general introduction, followed by chapter 2 which describes the most commonly used chemotherapies and its most common side effects. Chapter 3 includes an overview of nutritional interventions that can be used alongside cancer treatment schedules, how to implement these interventions alongside treatment schedules and literature describing the results of clinical trials looking at the effects of nutritional interventions alongside cancer treatment in adult patients. In chapter 4 the effects of a culture medium mimicking nutritional interventions are described. Non-transformed cells appeared protected from the damaging effects of multiple chemotherapies. Chapters 5 and 6 describe the results of studies in young wildtype mice that have fasted before being treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. These mice appear to be protected against multiple side effects of anti-cancer treatment, including decreased appetite, body weight loss and, specifically for cisplatin, damage to the kidneys and liver. In chapter 7 and 8 study protocols of clinical trials are given for implementation of fasting in Wilms tumour patients and adult kidney donors, respectively. Both studies take place in a surgical setting, where one of the patient’s kidneys is resected. Aim of the studies is to assess the feasibility and potential enhanced recovery due to fasting. The thesis concludes with a general discussion.
ZIRCONIUM AND HAFNIUM DIHYDROXY­PHTHALO­CYANINATES: METHODS OF SYNTHESIS AND REACTIVITY
Authors: Chernii Viktor , Tretyakova Iryna , Fedosova Natalia , Denisenko Iryna , Dovbii Yan , Kovalska Vladyslava
Published: May 2023

Usually in order to obtain out-of-plane sub­stituted phthalocyanine complexes of zirconium and hafnium (PcML2), the reaction of substitution of chlorine atoms in dichloridophthalocyaninates PcMCl2 is used. How­ever, this method has some limitations because during this reaction, hydrogen chloride is released, which can initiate the hydrolysis of starting compounds sensitive to an acidic environment, in particular, β-ketoesters, which, in turn, can lead to the formation of by-pro­ducts and, accordingly, to a decrease purity and yield of target complexes. At the same time, in similar reactions in which the initial phthalocyanine compounds are dihydroxyphthalocyaninates of zirconium and hafnium  (PcM(OH)2), as a result of interaction with dicarbonyl compounds or carboxylic acids, water is formed, which does not have a negative effect on the starting substances or on the course of the reaction as a whole. Methods of obtaining zirconium and hafnium dihydroxyphthalocyaninates based on metal alkoxides and by hydrolysis of the corresponding PcMCl2 were investigated in the work. It was established that the synthesis of PcM(OH)2 based on the corresponding alkoxides occurs with low yields (25–40%), increasing the reaction temperature from 140 to 220oC does not lead to their significant increase. It was found that the hydrolysis of PcMCl2 should be carried out under more stringent conditions than previously described, which makes it possible to obtain PcM(OH)2 with high yields.

The reactivity of PcM(OH)2 was investigated when interacting with β-diketones and aliphatic carboxylic acids and compared with the reactivity of PcMCl2. It was established that the reactivity of PcM(OH)2 is similar to PcMCl2.  However, it should be noted that in the case of the synthesis of β-ketoesterphthalocyanine complexes, the use of the corresponding  PcM(OH)2 leads to a significant increase in the yield of the final products of the reaction compared to PcMCl2. This effect can be explained by the fact that hydrogen chloride is not released during the reaction with PcM(OH)2 and, accordingly, hydrolysis of the ester group does not occur.
Teaching Civics in the Digital Age: The Use of Traditional and Innovative Pedagogies
Authors: Owen Diana
Published: May 2023

The civic education of high need students often is shortchanged, contributing to a “civic empowerment gap.” This study examines differences in the pedagogies for digital citizenship employed by teachers of high need students and non-high need students. Are there differences in the pedagogies, activities, and digital media use skills teachers of high need and non-high need students employ in the classroom? Data on 700 middle and high school teachers nationwide are employed. The study finds that teachers of high need students are less likely to incorporate digital technology into the civics classroom. The disparities in the use of technology in the classroom are apparent for accessing information as well as civics-related activities. The inequities in civic education that contribute to the civic empowerment gap are growing in the digital age. Students in high need schools are not receiving civics instruction that keeps pace with the augmented requirements of engaged citizenship.
Non trivial zeros of the Zeta function using the differential equations
Authors: OUKIL Walid
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we investigate a relation between the differential equations and the non trivial zeros of the Zeta function.
21st-Century Skills and Lateral Thinking Dispositions of Nursing Students: An Example Global Pandemic
Authors: ÇOBAN Niran , GÖKTAŞ Sonay , GEZGİNCİ Elif , ŞENDİR Merdiye
Published: May 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the 21st-century skills and lateral thinking dispositions of nursing students during the pandemic process. Speed of technological changes accesses the highest level in the current century. Following the technology and usability rate is going down among the world population. The ability of new technology usage created a new social class in society. This differentiation

positively or negatively affects the social and economic status of modern human thinking ability, creativity, and life quality. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability of current technology usage made a big difference among people to access information and education.

Methods: This cross-sectional study is descriptive and relational. The research was conducted with 409 students studying at the Faculty of Nursing of a state university in Istanbul, Turkey.

Individual Characteristics Questionnaire, Multidimensional 21st Century Skills Scale, and Lateral Thinking Disposition Scale were used to obtain research data. The data obtained were analysed by number, descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: The results showed that nursing students were able to improve lateral thinking during pandemic. The male students have a significantly higher advantage of using technology compared with female students (p
The Turkish Validity and Reliability of The Adolescent Dysmenorrhea Self-Care Scale
Authors: SÜRÜCÜ Enise , ERGÜN Ayşe
Published: May 2023

Objective: Dysmenorrhea is a common health problem that negatively affects daily life and academic skills when not managed well. This study was conducted to examine the Turkish validity and reliability of the Adolescent Dysmenorrhea Self-Care Scale.

Methods: This methodological study was conducted in 7 high schools in Bursa, Turkey. The research was carried out with 1041 high school students who met the participation criteria. The Adolescent Dysmenorrhea Self-Care Scale was adapted to Turkish by using translation-back translation method. The validity of the scale was evaluated with the content validity index, confirmatory factor analysis, similarity and discriminant validity coefficients and reliability, item-total correlation, internal consistency coefficient and test-retest analysis.

Results: According to the evaluations of the 10 experts whose opinions were taken for the Content Validity, it is determined that each item scored above 3 (3.52-4.00), and the mean score was 3.92 ± 0.14 and the content validity index was .98. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was found α = .96. Confirmatory factor analysis fit indexes and similarity and discriminant validity coefficients showed that the scale has sufficient compatibility with the theoretical six-factor structure. Item total correlations of subdimensions were r = .20-.68 and Cronbach's alpha coefficients were .77-.65. Test-retest correlations of the Adolescent Dysmenorrhea Self-Care Scale and its subdimensions were found r = .87-.99.

Conclusion: Turkish Adolescent Dysmenorrhea Self-Care Scale is a valid and reliable data collection tool consisting of 40 items and six subdimensions.
Impact assessment of cold-adapted Pseudomonas jesenii MP1 and Pseudomonas palleroniana N26 on Phaseolus vulgaris yield and soil health
Authors: Suyal Deep Chandra , Khan Amir , Singh Ajay Veer , Agarwal Aparna , Pareek Navneet , Sah Vinod Kumar , Goel Reeta
Published: May 2023

The poor agriculture practices, fragmented land holdings, fluctuating climatic conditions, and minimal external inputs lead to nutrient deficiency in the Himalayan agroecosystems. Because of the risks associated with chemical fertilizers, their implication is a big question mark. Therefore, two previously characterized plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Pseudomonas jesenii MP1 and Pseudomonas palleroniana N26 were employed to enhance kidney bean productivity and soil health at farmer’s fields of Harsil and Chakrata regions of Uttarakhand Himalayas. The study revealed that MP1 and N26 treatment resulted in 25.62% and 37.23% higher grain yield than respective uninoculated controls at the trial fields of Harsil and Chakrata regions, respectively. Further, the bacterial treatments have significantly increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels in the soils. The soil diversity analysis revealed the dominance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria at Harsil and Chakrata, respectively. Further, the MP1 treatment had increased Firmicutes percentage over uninoculated control at both locations. Conclusively, the application of cold adaptive Pseudomonas jesenii MP1 and Pseudomonas palleroniana N26 improved the grain yield and soil health status of the Himalayan agroecosystems. Therefore, they can be explored as an eco-friendly alternative for the commercial production of kidney beans.
Race, ethnicity and postoperative pain in pediatric cancer patients: a single-institution retrospective study
Authors: Owusu-Agyemang Pascal , Feng Lei , Cata Juan P.
Published: May 2023

Background

Studies have suggested racial and ethnic-based disparities in the intensity of postoperative pain experienced by patients. The objective of this study was to compare the peak and average post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) pain intensity scores of children of non-Hispanic (NH) White race to those of children of other racial/ethnic groups.

Methods

Single-institution retrospective study of children (≤18 years) who had undergone cancer-related surgical procedures from June 2016 through April 2022. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between race/ethnicity and the peak and average PACU pain intensity scores.

Results

Of the 1,009 unique patients, 74 (7.3%) were Asian, 93 (9.2%) were NH-Black, 310 (30.7%) were Hispanic/Latino, 51 (5.1%) identified as “Other” race (NH-Other), and 481 (47.7%) were NH-White. The median age [interquartile range (IQR)] was 13.7 years (IQR, 8.2–16.6), and 517 (51.2%) were female.

In the multivariable analysis, the association between race/ethnicity and a peak PACU pain score greater than 3 was not significant (p = 0.062 for overall effect of race). However, upon comparing the peak PACU pain scores of children of other racial/ethnic groups to NH-White children, NH-Black children were 50.1% less likely than NH-White children to have a peak PACU pain score greater than 3 (odds ratio [OR], 0.499, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.304–0.818; p = 0.006). Patient race/ethnicity was not associated with an average PACU pain score greater than 3 (p = 0.778).

In the sub-group analysis of children who had undergone orthopedic or open abdominal surgeries, the proportions of children with peak and average PACU pain scores which were greater than 3 were not significantly different across racial/ethnic groups (p = 0.250 and p = 0.661, respectively).

Conclusions

In this retrospective study of children who had undergone cancer-related surgery, NH-Black children had significantly lesser odds than NH-White children of having a peak PACU pain score of moderate or severe intensity. However, in the sub-group analysis of children who had undergone orthopedic or open abdominal procedures, peak and average PACU pain scores were not significantly different across racial/ethnic groups.
Wool cortisol as putative retrospective indicator of stress in ewes during the third trimester of pregnancy, and their newborns: effects of parity and litter size — an exploratory study
Authors: Zeinstra Elly C. , Vernooij Johannes C.M. , Bentvelzen Mireille , van der Staay F. Josef , Nordquist Rebecca E.
Published: May 2023

Stress is an important factor in animal welfare. Hair or wool cortisol concentrations are considered to be potential long-term indicators of stress experienced by an animal. Using Swifter sheep, we investigated whether ewe parity and litter size affect the wool cortisol concentrations in ewes and their offspring. We hypothesized that multiparous ewes and their offspring would have higher wool cortisol concentrations than primiparous ewes and their offspring, that ewes with larger litters and their offspring would have lower wool cortisol concentrations than ewes with smaller litters and their offspring, that male lambs would have higher wool cortisol concentrations than female lambs, and that the wool cortisol concentrations in the wool of ewes and their lambs would be correlated. Lamb wool grows in utero during the third trimester of pregnancy. In ewes, the shave–reshave method was used so that wool samples from ewes also covered approximately the last trimester of pregnancy. Our study confirmed that litter size affected ewe wool cortisol concentrations: ewes that gave birth to larger litters (i.e., 3 or 4 lambs) had higher wool cortisol concentrations than ewes that gave birth to smaller litters (i.e., 1 or 2 lambs). There was no evidence that the wool cortisol concentrations of the ewes and their lambs were correlated. Neither litter size nor parity of the ewe affected wool cortisol in the lambs. Our study confirms that wool cortisol can be reliably measured in ewes and their newborn lambs, and suggests that it may be useful as a retrospective indicator of stress during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Market of tissue engineering in Canada from 2011 to 2020
Authors: Cao Ning Tate , Muthukumaran Subhiksha , Chen Xiongbiao
Published: May 2023

Tissue engineering aims to produce tissue/organ substitutes to improve upon current treatment approaches, thus providing a permanent solution to damaged tissues/organs. This project aimed to perform a market analysis for understanding and promoting the development and commercialization of tissue engineering in Canada. We searched companies that were established between October 2011 and July 2020 via publicly available information and for these companies, we collected and analyzed the corporate level information, including revenues, and number of employees and founder information. The companies assessed were mainly searched from four different industry segments, i.e., bioprinting, biomaterials, cells and biomaterials, and stem-cells related industry. Our results have demonstrated that there are twenty-five tissue-engineering companies registered in Canada. These companies generated an estimated revenue of USD $67 million in the year 2020, most generated by the tissue engineering and stem-cells related industries. Our results also show that Ontario has the largest number of headquarters of tissue engineering companies among the provinces or territories of Canada. It is expected that the number of new products undergoing clinical trials is increased, based on our results of current clinical trials. Altogether, tissue engineering in Canada has shown a huge growth in the past decade and is forecasted to be an emerging industry in Canada for the years to come.
Tensile energy dissipation and mechanical properties of the knee meniscus: relationship with fiber orientation, tissue layer, and water content
Authors: Morejon Andy , Dalbo Pedro L. , Best Thomas M. , Jackson Alicia R. , Travascio Francesco
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The knee meniscus distributes and dampens mechanical loads. It is composed of water (∼70%) and a porous fibrous matrix (∼30%) with a central core that is reinforced by circumferential collagen fibers enclosed by mesh-like superficial tibial and femoral layers. Daily loading activities produce mechanical tensile loads which are transferred through and dissipated by the meniscus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to measure how tensile mechanical properties and extent of energy dissipation vary by tension direction, meniscal layer, and water content.

Methods: The central regions of porcine meniscal pairs (n = 8) were cut into tensile samples (4.7 mm length, 2.1 mm width, and 0.356 mm thickness) from core, femoral and tibial components. Core samples were prepared parallel (circumferential) and perpendicular (radial) to the fibers. Tensile testing consisted of frequency sweeps (0.01–1Hz) followed by quasi-static loading to failure. Dynamic testing yielded energy dissipation (ED), complex modulus (E*), and phase shift (δ) while quasi-static tests yielded Young’s Modulus (E), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and strain at UTS (εUTS). To investigate how ED is influenced by the specific mechanical parameters, linear regressions were performed. Correlations between sample water content (φw) and mechanical properties were investigated. A total of 64 samples were evaluated.

Results: Dynamic tests showed that increasing loading frequency significantly reduced ED (p < 0.05). Circumferential samples had higher ED, E*, E, and UTS than radial ones (p < 0.001). Stiffness was highly correlated with ED (R2 > 0.75, p < 0.01). No differences were found between superficial and circumferential core layers. ED, E*, E, and UTS trended negatively with φw (p < 0.05).

Discussion: Energy dissipation, stiffness, and strength are highly dependent on loading direction. A significant amount of energy dissipation may be associated with time-dependent reorganization of matrix fibers. This is the first study to analyze the tensile dynamic properties and energy dissipation of the meniscus surface layers. Results provide new insights on the mechanics and function of meniscal tissue.
On a model-based approach to improve intranasal spray targeting for respiratory viral infections
Authors: Akash Mohammad Mehedi Hasan , Lao Yueying , Balivada Pallavi A. , Ato Phoebe , Ka Nogaye K. , Mituniewicz Austin , Silfen Zachary , Suman Julie D. , Chakravarty Arijit , Joseph-McCarthy Diane , Basu Saikat
Published: May 2023

The nasopharynx, at the back of the nose, constitutes the dominant initial viral infection trigger zone along the upper respiratory tract. However, as per the standard recommended usage protocol (“Current Use”, or CU) for intranasal sprays, the nozzle should enter the nose almost vertically, resulting in sub-optimal nasopharyngeal drug deposition. Through the Large Eddy Simulation technique, this study has replicated airflow under standard breathing conditions with 15 and 30 L/min inhalation rates, passing through medical scan-based anatomically accurate human airway cavities. The small-scale airflow fluctuations were resolved through use of a sub-grid scale Kinetic Energy Transport Model. Intranasally sprayed droplet trajectories for different spray axis placement and orientation conditions were subsequently tracked via Lagrangian-based inert discrete phase simulations against the ambient inhaled airflow field. Finally, this study verified the computational projections for the upper airway drug deposition trends against representative physical experiments on sprayed delivery performed in a 3D-printed anatomic replica. The model-based exercise has revealed a new “Improved Use” (or, IU) spray usage protocol for viral infections. It entails pointing the spray bottle at a shallower angle (with an almost horizontal placement at the nostril), aiming slightly toward the cheeks. From the conically injected spray droplet simulations, we have summarily derived the following inferences: (a) droplets sized between 7–17 μm are relatively more efficient at directly reaching the nasopharynx via inhaled transport; and (b) with realistic droplet size distributions, as found in current over-the-counter spray products, the targeted drug delivery through the IU protocol outperforms CU by a remarkable 2 orders-of-magnitude.
Genesis and interaction of magmas at Nishinoshima volcano in the Ogasawara arc, western Pacific: new insights from submarine deposits of the 2020 explosive eruptions
Authors: Tamura Yoshihiko , Sato Tomoki , Ishizuka Osamu , McIntosh Iona M. , Yoshida Kenta , Maeno Fukashi , Chang Qing
Published: May 2023

Sudden changes of eruption styles and magma compositions at arc volcanoes are enigmatic processes. Nishinoshima volcano, western Pacific, has had historical eruptions in 1973–1974 and from 2013 on and off to the present day. These eruptions were characterized by effusive Strombolian eruptions of andesite magmas until mid-June 2020, when they suddenly transitioned to violent explosive Strombolian eruptions that produced tephra fallout over a wide area. To understand this transition, we conducted marine surveys and sampling of the extensive submarine deposits of the tephra fallout. Our new data demonstrate that the full compositional range of the 2020 eruptions spans from basalt to dacite. We present evidence for magma mixing of newly injected basalt with andesite magmas. Nishinoshima consists of an andesitic main edifice surrounded by basaltic knolls: previous studies have shown that Nishinoshima andesite compositions can be generated by olivine fractionation of primary andesitic magmas that result from partial melting of hydrous mantle at relatively low pressures under the thin crust of the Ogasawara arc; knoll basalt compositions can be generated by partial melting of mantle at greater depths and were interpreted as older events of the volcano. We show that basalt magmas could have been generated throughout the entire history of Nishinoshima. In addition, we show that andesites from Nishinoshima and nearby Nishinoshima-Minami Knoll, which are only ∼8 km apart, have distinct subduction components. Together, these data improve our understanding of the diverse primary magmas responsible for the construction and continuing eruptive activity of an active island arc volcano.
The cultural context of training: the case of the interpreter in China and Australia
Authors: Guo Ning , Muurlink Olav , Doyle Shane
Published: May 2023

China and Australia differ markedly in cultural and social context, the demands placed on interpreters, and the training provided to interpreters to prepare them for professional duties. This paper aims to explore China and Australia’s translation and interpreting (T&I) training programs to elaborate on the “goodness of fit” of training and demonstrates how both the pragmatic and cultural context of interpreting (in both nations) explains anomalies in their training approaches.
The pathogenic p.Gln319Ter variant is not causing congenital adrenal hyperplasia when inherited in one of the duplicated CYP21A2 genes
Authors: Fanis Pavlos , Skordis Nicos , Toumba Meropi , Picolos Michalis , Tanteles George A. , Neocleous Vassos , Phylactou Leonidas A.
Published: May 2023

Objective

The study aimed to identify the pathogenic status of p.Gln319Ter (NM_000500.7: c.955C>T) variant when inherited in a single CYP21A2 gene (bimodular RCCX haplotype) and to discriminate between a non-causing congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) allele when inherited in a duplicated and functional CYP21A2 gene context (trimodular RCCX haplotype).

Methods

38 females and 8 males with hyperandrogenemia, previously screened by sequencing and identified as carriers for the pathogenic p.Gln319Ter, were herein tested by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and a real-time PCR Copy number Variation (CNV) assay.

Results

Both MLPA and real-time PCR CNV analyses confirmed a bimodular and pathogenic RCCX haplotype with a single CYP21A2 in 19/46 (41.30%) p.Gln319Ter carriers and who in parallel all shared elevated 17-OHP levels. The remaining 27 individuals that also carried the p.Gln319Ter exhibited low 17-OHP levels as a result of their carriership of a duplicated CYP21A2 with a trimodular RCCX haplotype. Interestingly, all of these individuals also carried in linkage disequilibrium with p.Gln319Ter two single nucleotide polymorphisms, the c.293-79G>A (rs114414746) in intron 2 and the c.*12C>T (rs150697472) in the 3’-UTR. Therefore, these variants can be used to distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic genomic contexts of the c.955T (p.Gln319) in the genetic diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Conclusion

The employed methodologies identified a considerable number of individuals with non-pathogenic p.Gln319Ter from the individuals that typically carry the pathogenic p.Gln319Ter in a single CYP21A2. Therefore, it is extremely important the detection of such haplotypes for the prenatal diagnosis, treatment and genetic counseling in patients with CAH.
Clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of GH/TSH cosecreting pituitary adenomas: experience of a single pituitary center
Authors: Yu Na , Duan Lian , Hu Fang , Yang Shengmin , Liu Jie , Chen Meiping , Yao Yong , Deng Kan , Feng Feng , Lian Xin , Mao Xinxin , Zhu Huijuan
Published: May 2023

Background

Growth hormone (GH)/thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) cosecreting pituitary adenoma (PA) is an exceedingly rare kind of bihormonal pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs). Its clinical characteristics have rarely been reported.

Objectives

This study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics and experience of diagnosis and treatment among patients with mixed GH/TSH PAs from a single center.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed GH/TSH cosecreting PAs from 2063 patients diagnosed with GH-secreting PAs admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1st, 2010, and August 30th, 2022, to investigate the clinical characteristics, hormone detection, imaging findings, treatment patterns and outcomes of follow-up. We further compared these mixed adenomas with age- and sex-matched cases of GH mono-secreting PAs (GHPAs). The data of the included subjects were collected using electronic records from the hospital’s information system.

Results

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 GH/TSH cosecreting PAs were included. The average age of symptom onset was 41.6 ± 14.9 years old, and delayed diagnosis occurred in 57.1% (12/21) of patients. Thyrotoxicosis was the most common complaint (10/21, 47.6%). The median inhibition rates of GH and TSH in octreotide suppression tests were 79.1% [68.8%, 82.0%] and 94.7% [88.2%, 97.0%], respectively. All these mixed PAs were macroadenomas, and 23.8% (5/21) of them were giant adenomas. Comprehensive treatment strategies comprised of two or more therapy methods were applied in 66.7% (14/21) of patients. Complete remission of both GH and TSH was accomplished in one-third of cases. In the comparison with the matched GHPA subjects, the mixed GH/TSH group presented with a higher maximum diameter of the tumor (24.0 [15.0, 36.0] mm vs. 14.7 [10.8, 23.0] mm, P = 0.005), a greater incidence of cavernous sinus invasion (57.1% vs. 23.8%, P = 0.009) and a greater difficulty of long-term remission (28.6% vs. 71.4%, P <0.001). In addition, higher occurrence rates of arrhythmia (28.6% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.004), heart enlargement (33.3% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.005) and osteopenia/osteoporosis (33.3% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.001) were observed in the mixed PA group.

Conclusion

There are great challenges in the treatment and management of GH/TSH cosecreting PA. Early diagnosis, multidisciplinary therapy and careful follow-up are required to improve the prognosis of this bihormonal PA.
Research and application of time-varying law of anchoring force of split-set bolt based on field measurement
Authors: Hao Yingjie , Zhu Mingde , Wang Chunlong , Yin Yantian , Hou Kuikui , Huang Peng
Published: May 2023

Split-set bolt is widely used in supporting stope and roadway surrounding rock in metal mines. The maximum pull-out force generated by the relative slippage between the anchor bolt and the drill hole can serve as an indicator for assessing its anchoring force, and the anchoring force of the grouted anchor bolt exhibits certain regularity over time. This pull-out test was carried out at different time points after the construction of the split-set bolt by using the drawing equipment, and the variation law of its anchoring force with time was studied. The anchoring force on per unit area of surrounding rock is selected as a evaluation parameter, and the reinforcement support scheme of surrounding rock is optimized from the aspects of stress release of surrounding rock in the initial stage of excavation and stability of anchoring force on per unit area of surrounding rock. The convergence monitoring measurement method of roadway surrounding rock is adopted, and the same bolt drawing area is selected to verify the feasibility of the reinforcement support scheme. The effectiveness of the reinforcement scheme is verified by monitoring and comparing the roof subsidence and the lateral convergence of two walls between two different support schemes.
Unravelling the mechanisms by which chronic hepatitis B infection is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes
Authors: Paramasivam Subashree , Krishnaswamy Sushena , Giles Michelle L
Published: May 2023

An independent association between chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the development of gestational diabetes (GDM) has been reported in the literature. Ethnic background and regional influences have been demonstrated to play a role in the reporting of incidence rates of GDM among women with chronic HBV. The mechanisms behind this association are poorly understood, but evidence suggests an inflammatory basis. Viral factors such as chronic HBV replication, quantifiable by HBV viral load, have been proposed to contribute to the increasing risk of insulin resistance in pregnancy. More research is needed to better characterise the association and determine if any interventions early in pregnancy for women infected with chronic HBV would mitigate the development of GDM.