bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative Genomics Sheds Light on Global Deep Terrestrial Biosphere Communities
Authors: González-Rosales Carolina , Rezaei Somee Maryam , Bertilsson Stefan , Mehrshad Maliheh , Dopson Mark
Published: October 2023

Active microbial lineages inhabit the deep terrestrial subsurface (Fry et al. 1997, Lopez-Fernandez et al. 2018) with estimates suggesting deep subsurface ecosystems to host ca. 90% of the total bacterial and archaeal biomass on Earth and about 10-20% of all terrestrial biomass (McMahon and Parnell 2014, Bar-On et al. 2018, Magnabosco et al. 2018, Drake and Reiners 2021). This highlights deep subsurface ecosystems as a vast reservoir of genetic innovation that remains poorly characterized. The biological diversity of deep subsurface ecosystems seem to be influenced by parameters such as temperature, pressure, water residence times, and geochemistry (Drake and Reiners 2021).

The deep subsurface environment remains underrepresented in metagenomic databases, and yet the publicly available datasets are not synoptically analyzed in an integrated way. In this project, we collected a large set of publicly available and published metagenomes, published metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) as well as single cell amplified genomes (SAGs) originating from global deep oligotrophic terrestrial subsurface samples (>70 m). Reconstructed MAGs/SAGs from this survey were integrated in to our own existing Fennoscandian Shield Genomic Database (FSGD) (Holmfeldt et al. 2021, Mehrshad et al. 2021). This expanded global database of the deep oligotrophic terrestrial subsurface contains >4000 MAGs/SAGs. In this dataset, representatives of phyla Firmicutes, Desulfobacterota, Patescibacteria, and Chlroflexota were the most prevalent taxa. The presence of Candidatus Desulforudis audaxviator across different continents and samples highlighted its adaptation to different deep biosphere environments. In addition, novel bacterial lineages at the class level were identified in several locations, pointing to the importance and necessity of further studies to characterize deep biosphere microbial diversity.

This extensive study of the global deep oligotrophic terrestrial subsurface will reveal whether deep terrestrial populations are ubiquitous and how their distribution patterns are affected by different physicochemical variables such as water types and geology. By Identifying key populations present across multiple global groundwaters, our study will advance our understanding of the global diversity hosted in deep oligotrophic terrestrial subsurface ecosystems.
Establishment of a data visualization interface for the Digital Botanical Gardens Initiative
Authors: Wannier Maëlle
Published: October 2023

The Digital Botanical Gardens Initiative (DBGI) embarks on an innovative journey to curate, manage, and disseminate digital data from living botanical collections, with an emphasis on mass spectrometric evaluations of chemodiversity. Using semantic web technology, this data is linked with relevant metadata, propelling ecosystem research and guiding biodiversity conservation efforts. Central to the success of DBGI is the creation of an interactive platform for both humans and machines to assimilate this knowledge. This report outlines our efforts to design the prototype of a data visualization portal intended to evolve into the DBGI dashboard. Starting with a Plotly Dash application, the project transitioned to a Node.js application leveraging Javascript, HTML, and CSS for enhanced customization. This provides a basis for future improvements, some of which are proposed in the report.
12-Month Outcomes of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction With Proper Head Positioning but No Reference Marking for the Correction of Astigmatism
Authors: Chuckpaiwong Varintorn , Chansue Ekktet , Lekhanont Kaevalin , Tanehsakdi Morakot , Jongkhajornpong Passara , Nonpassopon Manachai
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

To investigate the 12-month outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with proper head positioning but no reference marking for correcting astigmatism.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of 3,541 patients (5,953 eyes) who underwent SMILE between July 2010 and April 2021. Patient positioning on the treatment bed was meticulously done in every patient to avoid face turn, head tilt, and chin-up or chin-down posture. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), manifest refraction, astigmatic outcomes, and adverse events were evaluated at 1, 3, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results:

The mean preoperative manifest spherical equivalent and manifest cylinder were −5.15 ± 2.24 diopters (D) (range: −0.13 to −12.88 D) and −1.00 ± 0.77 D (range: −0.25 and −6.00 D), respectively. Of all eyes, 88.4% and 98.6% had the spherical equivalent within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D of emmetropia at 12 months. The percentage of eyes with UDVA of 20/20 or better was 92.5%. Six eyes (0.1%) lost two or more lines of CDVA at the 12-month visit. The predictability of cylinder correction was excellent, with 88.1% within ±0.50 D and 98.9% within ± 1.00 D of astigmatism correction at 12 months. The mean correction index (CI) at 12 months was 1.09 ± 0.45 (range: 0.17 to 4.99), indicating a slight astigmatism overcorrection. The high cylinder group tended to have undercorrection with greater residual astigmatism, whereas the low cylinder group was likely to have overcorrection with lesser residual astigmatism (
P
< .001). No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions:

SMILE with proper head positioning but no reference marking produces safe, efficient, predictable, and stable outcomes for astigmatism correction over a 12-month period.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2023;39(10):683–692.]
New Nitinol-based Thermomechanically Adjustable IOL Technology
Authors: Lapid-Gortzak Ruth , Kohnen Thomas , Israeli Nir , Mitsel Philip , Shmukler Vadim
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the feasibility of new adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) technology.

Methods:

The foldable adjustable IOL consists of a nitinol mechanism placed in a haptic-optic cradle. Heating actuators on the nitinol mechanism with a continuous green laser achieve controlled movement of the mechanism and optic. Activation occurs in controlled steps: rotation in 1-degree steps over 360 degrees, and anterior posterior movement in 0.25-diopter (D) steps with a range of +1.50 D. The IOL was tested in vitro and in vivo in a rabbit eye. Foldability and unfolding were demonstrated through a 2.6-mm cartridge.

Results:

The adjustable lens mechanism was successfully tested in vitro and in vivo. Activation resulted in a change in optic position relative to the haptics and the capsular bag. Activation of the lever and ratchet mechanism showed radial advancement of the IOL clockwise and counterclockwise. In vivo rotatory movement was achieved after activation by the argon laser at 1 week after implantation. Anterior to posterior movement was accomplished by activating the circular spring actuator mechanism in the laboratory model. Uneventful folding and unfolding were performed.

Conclusions:

A new adjustable IOL with a mechanism that responds in measured steps had been shown to move as planned after activation by argon laser. This was successful in the laboratory in both radial and anterior posterior movement. The radial movement was also proven in vivo in an animal model. Further refinement of the prototype is currently being undertaken.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2023;39(10):662–667.]
A splitting lattice Boltzmann scheme for (2+1)-dimensional soliton solutions of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation
Authors: Wang Boyu
Published: October 2023

Recently, considerable attention has been given to (2+1)-dimensional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equations due to their extensive applications in solitons that widely exist in nonlinear science. Therefore, developing a reliable numerical algorithm for the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equations is crucial. The lattice Boltzmann method, which has been an efficient simulation method in the last three decades, is a promising technique for solving Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equations. However, the traditional higher-order moment lattice Boltzmann model for the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equations suffers from low accuracy because of error accumulation. To overcome this shortcoming, a splitting lattice Boltzmann scheme for (2+1)-dimensional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili-Ⅰ type equations is proposed in this paper. The variable substitution method is applied to transform the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili-Ⅰ type equation into two macroscopic equations. Two sets of distribution functions are employed to construct these two macroscopic equations. Moreover, three types of soliton solutions are numerically simulated by this algorithm. The numerical results imply that the splitting lattice Boltzmann schemes have an advantage over the traditional high-order moment lattice Boltzmann model in simulating the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili-Ⅰ type equations.
The mixed virtual element discretization for highly-anisotropic problems: the role of the boundary degrees of freedom
Authors: Berrone Stefano , Scialò Stefano , Teora Gioana
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we discuss the accuracy and the robustness of the mixed Virtual Element Methods when dealing with highly anisotropic diffusion problems. In particular, we analyze the performance of different approaches which are characterized by different sets of both boundary and internal degrees of freedom in the presence of a strong anisotropy of the diffusion tensor with constant or variable coefficients. A new definition of the boundary degrees of freedom is also proposed and tested.
Bioenergy Production from Tannery Waste via a Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell with Fly Ash Cathodic Electrodes
Authors: Pandis Pavlos K. , Michopoulos Eleftherios , Arvanitis Charalambos , Argirusis Christos , Stathopoulos Vassilis N. , Lyberatos Gerasimos , Tremouli Asimina
Published: October 2023

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are attracting attention for their application in simultaneous energy production and waste treatment, as innovative biochemical reactors. They usually operate under adiabatic conditions, utilizing microorganisms to treat wastewater compositions using mainly carbon-based electrodes as anodes and cathodes. During the past years, various anodic and cathodic electrodes with plenty of variations were used in MFC configurations. On the anode side metal-based electrodes are used while on the cathode, ceramic electrodes are currently introduced. In this study, a stainless steel anode is used in a single chamber MFC. Ceramic cathodic electrodes are used, coated with Fly Ash (FA). The mixed transition oxides of FA are tested as potential cathodic catalysts in the operation of the MFC. The FA powder was deposited by two methods: an ultrasound-assisted method and a conventional brush coating. Tannery liquid waste is used as the waste/substrate to be treated in the single-chamber MFC. The configuration with ultrasound-assisted Fly-Ash produced cathodic electrodes, led to the highest power output in batch operation modes and a high degree of simultaneous COD decrease of the tannery waste reaching the values of 0.44 mW/gcat and 85.6% COD removal respectively.
Fabrication and Study of 3D Printed ABS-Carbon Composite Anodes for Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Pandis Pavlos K. , Georgala Marina , Nanou Paraskevi , Stathopoulos Vassilis N.
Published: October 2023

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are electrochemical devices that exploit microbes for wastewater treatment with simultaneous power production. Concerning reactor design, electrode materials and operation modes, great achievements have been reported with an emphasis on developing anode materials to improve overall MFC performance. Anode materials (carbon cloth, carbon veil, carbon sponges) and their properties such as biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, surface area and efficient transport of waste play a very important role in power generation in MFCs. Despite their low cost, they present structural-based disadvantages eg. Fragility, and low conductivity issues. Additive manufacturing of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) due to its tailoring properties, has employed various polymer-based materials such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) for manufacturing applications. In addition, carbon-based composites and hybrid materials eg. electrically conductive PLA and ABS have already been fabricated and are commercially available to exploit good electrical conductivity and structural rigidness. In this research, FDM was used to fabricate custom-sized electrodes made of a laboratory-produced electrically conductive ABS filament. A parametric study of conductivity and biocompatibility properties of these electrodes in correlation to 3D printer parameters was investigated and reported. Furthermore, treatment with a combination of thermal, mechanical, and chemical procedures was performed to improve the crucial parameters of anodes for MFCs.
High Temperature Studies of Graphene Nanoplatelets-MOFs Membranes for PEM Fuel Cells Applications
Authors: Tawalbeh Muhammad , Al-Othman Amani , Ka'ki Ahmad , Mohamad Shima , Al-Jahran Amer , Unnikrishnan Vishnu , Zabihi Omid , Li Quanxiang , Shirvanimoghaddam Kamyar , Naebe Minoo
Published: October 2023

The wide applicability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is hindered by their dependency on the Nafion membrane as a state-of-the-art electrolyte. Nafion membranes can only operate at relatively low temperatures, up to 80°C. Therefore, any application of the fuel cell above this temperature would cause the PEMFC to lose its proton conductivity and mechanical integrity. For this reason, the development of Nafion-free membranes for PEMFCs has been studied extensively through the corporation of several additives over polymer substrates. The charge transfer abilities of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), among other properties, make them one of the possible additives. The objective of this work is to synthesize Nafion-free membranes based on graphene oxide, MOFs, ionic liquids, polyethylene glycol, and zirconium phosphate over PTTFE membrane as an alternative to Nafion membranes. The preliminary results gave proton conductivities in the range of 10-4 S/cm up to 150°C with graphene oxide MOF addition to all samples.
Development of Deproteinized Natural Rubber Latex Foam for Seat Cushions
Authors: Ramli Roslim , Chai Ai Bao , Kamaruddin Shamsul , Ho Jee Hou , De Focatiis Davide S.A.
Published: October 2023

In the transportation industry, seat cushions are crucial since they are directly responsible for the comfort and safety of the occupant. In this study, recently developed deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) latex foam is used to make seat cushions for the first time through the Dunlop batch foaming process. A CONFORMat™ pressure sensor system and a mannequin were used to investigate the pressure-relief performance of seat cushions made from DPNR latex foam. Flexible polyurethane (PU) and memory foam (PM) were used as a comparison. The study found that DPNR latex foam has a lower peak pressure value than PU foam, comparable to PM foam. The vibration transmissibility properties of the foam samples were examined using a UCON VT-9008 vibration machine according to ASTM D3580-95. DPNR latex foam has the lowest attenuation frequency, which could be related to the low stiffness and high resilience properties of the material. Overall, the findings suggest that the novel DPNR latex foam has both excellent pressure-relief and vibration isolation performance, making it an ideal candidate material for seat cushions intended for the transportation industry.
Development of Graphitic 2024 Al Alloy by Mechanical Alloying
Authors: Singh Raj Bahadur , Kumar Sanjeev , Sahu Khemraj
Published: October 2023

In this study, the 2024 Al powder with different weight fractions of graphite is mechanically milled using a high-energy ball mill for 3 hours each in the nitrogen environment. The milled powder is compacted at an elevated temperature. X-ray diffraction is used to phase analysis of milled powder as well as compacted specimens. Optical microscopy is used for microstructural analysis and hardness measurements are done for the evaluation of mechanical properties. The hot compacted specimens are also tested for their wear properties. Results show that there is no new phase formed during mechanical milling. But, after hot compaction of the milled powder, Al2Cu formed due to precipitation. No reaction is observed between the aluminum and the carbon (graphite) after milling as well as hot compaction. Microstructures of all hot compacted specimens are not showing pores, which, signifies full density after compaction. The formation of Al4C3 is not observed at any stage of processing. Therefore, graphite is uniformly distributed in all specimens, and the same is observed at grain boundaries of α-Al grains in the microstructures. Hardness increases with the addition of 1 wt.% graphite but it decreases with a further increase in graphite. The wear resistance of 2024 Al with 1 wt% graphite is the highest among all the compositions. The high hardness and wear resistance of 2024Al with 1 wt% graphite is the consequence of precipitation of Al2Cu during hot compaction and the presence of graphite which creates hindrances in the metal matrix. The presence of free graphite in the vicinity of grain boundaries acts as a solid lubricant which improves wear resistance of 2024 Al.
Development of novel topical cosmeceutical formulations with antimicrobial activity against acne-causing microorganisms from Coriandrum sativum L.
Authors: Nawarathne Nirmani Wishwakala , Wijesekera Kanchana , Wijayaratne Gaya Bandara , Napagoda Mayuri
Published: October 2023

Spices possess a diverse array of natural phytochemicals with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Hence spices could be employed to treat chronic dermatologic conditions like acne vulgaris which involves infection of Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus, and inflammation. Particularly with the emergence of antibiotic resistance, there is an utmost necessity for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the management of acne. Thus, this study was focused on the development of novel topical gel formulations from the seeds of Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) and to evaluate the antibacterial potential against some acne-causing bacterial species. Initially, the antibacterial effects of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts were screened against S. aureus and P. acnes by agar well diffusion assay. Thereafter, ethyl acetate extract of C. sativum was incorporated at predetermined three different concentrations into a novel topical gel base. Agar well diffusion assay and the broth microdilution method were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the resulting formulations. Interestingly, all three formulations inhibited the growth of P. acnes and S. aureus, with the highest activity in the formulation comprised of 15% w/w of the seed extract. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity and physical parameters like pH, color, and consistency of these formulations were retained during the storage period of 30 days, demonstrating their suitability as effective therapeutic alternatives in the management of acne vulgaris.
Design, construction, and performance evaluation of a solar tunnel dryer with an auxiliary flat-plate solar air heater for bitter gourd drying (Momordica charantia)
Authors: Peratheepan P. , Nishan C. , Ragel F. C.
Published: October 2023

A solar tunnel dryer and an auxiliary solar air heating unit compatible with the tunnel dryer were designed and constructed. The solar tunnel dryer has a collector chamber and a drying chamber, which are separated by a board with holes in top for air circulation. The drying experiments were conducted for sliced bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) samples in the solar drying system with and without using the auxiliary air heating unit for eight hours in the premises of Eastern University. In order to compare and analyze the performance of the solar drying system, controlled drying experiments were also carried out in open sun on equal mass samples of bitter gourd kept adjacent to the solar drying system. The temperature profiles of the inlet, interface, and outlet of the solar tunnel dryer were compared with ambient temperature, and the wet basis moisture content obtained during the system drying were compared with the open sun drying. The performance of the dryer system has been investigated in terms of temperature profile in the drying area; moisture contents, moisture ratio and effective moisture diffusivity of bitter gourd samples with time of the day. Analysis on bitter gourd samples reveal that the system with the auxiliary air heating unit exhibits enhanced performance compared to the dryer without the auxiliary unit. The moisture ratio decreases exponentially as predicted by logarithmic model. The effective moisture diffusivity values of bitter gourd drying were determined based on Fick’s Second Diffusion model.
Unraveling the intricacies of acute temporomandibular joint dislocation in emergency department: a multidimensional exploration of reduction techniques and success rate by emergency physicians
Authors: Vijay Kumar S S , Shekhli Shabbir , Jose Anila
Published: October 2023

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is a distressing condition that requires prompt management in the emergency setting. This retrospective study aimed to assess the success rate of TMJ reduction performed by emergency physicians (EPs) and evaluate the commonly used reduction techniques and sedative choices. The EPs achieved an overall success rate of 86.29% in reducing the dislocations. Among the successful reductions, 68.21% were accomplished in the first attempt, with only 7.29% requiring three or more attempts. Procedural sedation and analgesia were commonly employed, with midazolam (34.44%) and fentanyl (21.85%) being the most frequently used in successful cases. The Classic intraoral technique (29.14%) was the preferred method for successful reductions. No significant differences were observed in drug utilization or reduction techniques between the groups of successful and failed reductions. The findings demonstrate the high competence of EPs in managing acute TMJ dislocations in the emergency department. The study provides valuable insights into the commonly employed reduction techniques and sedative choices, offering important guidance for emergency medical practice.
Erratum: The increasing spread of the European barbel in the Italian large lowland rivers is threatening the native species
Authors: Antognazza Caterina Maria , Quadroni Silvia , Vanetti Isabella , De Santis Vanessa , Crosa Giuseppe , Zaccara Serena
Published: October 2023

This corrects the article published on Journal of Limnology 2022;81(s2):2136.
The Genbank accession numbers in the footnote of Table 1 are incorrect.
The correct Table 1 footnote is: “PAN, Panperduto Dam; SL, Somma Lombardo; PV, Pavia; OG, Oglio River; *unique haplotypes, GenBank Acc. No. OQ676377-OQ676381.”
Properties and errors of second-order parabolic and hyperbolic perturbations of a first-order symmetric hyperbolic system
Authors: Zlotnik Alexander Anatol'evich , Chetverushkin Boris Nikolaevich
Published: October 2023

The Cauchy problems are studied for a first-order multidimensional symmetric linear hyperbolic system of equations with variable coefficients and its singular perturbations that are second-order strongly parabolic and hyperbolic systems of equations with a small parameter $\tau>0$ multiplying the second derivatives with respect to $x$ and $t$. The existence and uniqueness of weak solutions of all three systems and $\tau$-uniform estimates for solutions of systems with perturbations are established. Estimates for the difference of solutions of the original system and the systems with perturbations are given, including ones of order $O(\tau^{\alpha/2})$ in the norm of $C(0,T;L^2(\mathbb{R}^n))$, for an initial function $\mathbf w_0$ in the Sobolev space $H^\alpha(\mathbb{R}^n)$, $\alpha=1,2$, or the Nikolskii space $H_2^{\alpha}(\mathbb{R}^n)$, $0<\alpha<2$, $\alpha\neq 1$, and under appropriate assumptions on the free term of the first-order system. For ${\alpha=1/2}$ a wide class of discontinuous functions $\mathbf w_0$ is covered. Estimates for derivatives of any order with respect to $x$ for solutions and of order $O(\tau^{\alpha/2})$ for their differences are also deduced. Applications of the results to the first-order system of gas dynamic equations linearized at a constant solution and to its perturbations, namely, the linearized second-order parabolic and hyperbolic quasi-gasdynamic systems of equations, are presented.
Bibliography: 34 titles.
Regularization of distributions
Authors: Pavlov Aleksandr Leonidovich
Published: October 2023

Sufficient conditions are presented for the construction of a regularization of a distribution in the form $a(\sigma)f$, where $f$ is a distribution and $a(\sigma)$ is an infinitely differentiable function outside a closed set $N$ which has power-like singularities of derivatives on $N$. Applications of such regularizations to an effective construction of solutions of the equation $Pu=f$, where $P(\sigma)$ is a polynomial, are considered.
Bibliography: 14 titles.
Explicit form of fundamental solutions to certain elliptic equations and associated $B$- and $C$-capacities
Authors: Paramonov Petr Vladimirovich , Fedorovskiy Konstantin Yurievich
Published: October 2023

The main aim of this paper is to study the geometric and metric properties of $B$- and $C$-capacities related to problems of uniform approximation of functions by solutions of homogeneous second-order elliptic equations with constant complex coefficients on compact subsets of Euclidean spaces. In the harmonic case this problem is well known, and it was studied in detail in the framework of classical potential theory in the first half of the 20th century. For a wide class of equations mentioned above, we obtain two-sided estimates between the corresponding $B_+$- and $C_+$-capacities (defined in terms of potentials of positive measures) and the harmonic capacity in the same dimension. Our research method is based on new simple explicit formulae obtained for the fundamental solutions of the equations under consideration.
Bibliography: 12 titles.
Editor’s choice: Covid-19 and HIV are still very much with us
Authors: K Tumwine James
Published: October 2023

NIL
Health-related quality of life among children/adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Osuolale Kazeem , Salako Abideen , Musa Adesola , Odubela Oluwatosin , Adepoju-Olajuwon Fatimah , David Agatha , Gbaja-Biamila Tiitilola , Ezechi Oliver , Salako Babatunde
Published: October 2023

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is commonly used to assess the impact of health status on quality of life. The HRQL data obtained does not follow the assumption of normality and a non-parametric test was used to make inference in this study. This study compares the characteristics of children with HRQL classified as good, intermediate, and poor quality of life. The children and adolescents that have a good health-related quality of life had a mean rank of 75.5, intermediate, 27.0 while children and adolescents with poor HRQL had a mean rank of 8.5. The health -related quality of life differs significantly across the demographic characteristics. However, tertiary education does not differ significantly on HRQL. The Kruskal-Wallis’s chi-squared was 76.95 with two degrees of freedom and p-value < 2.2e-16. The p-value < 0.05 indicates sufficient evidence that HRQL of children and adolescents differs significantly across the three categories. Conclusively, children and adolescents in the three categories have different quality of life. It is clear that most of the children and adolescents had a good health-related quality of life once they have been taking their drugs regularly as prescribed by the physician.

Keywords: Quality of life; Kruskal-Wallis analysis; children.
Associations of blood glucose, helper T cells and cytokine levels with degree of periodontal lesion in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients accompanied by chronic periodontitis
Authors: Wang Cheng , Zhou Bing
Published: October 2023

Background: To explore the associations of blood glucose with degree of periodontal lesions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accompanied by chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Sixty-five eligible patients were included as a T2DM+CP group, another 65 patients with T2DM alone were included as a T2DM group, and another 65 patients with CP alone were included as a CP group. Their blood glucose, insulin, Th cells and cytokine levels and periodontal indices were compared. The correlations between each index and periodontal indices were analysed. The influencing factors for T2DM accompanied by CP were explored.

Results: The levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of T2DM+CP, T2DM and CP groups followed a descending order (P<0.05). FPG, HbA1c, FINS, CD4+ Th1 cell, CD4+ Th17 cell, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) all had positive correlations with gingival index, bleeding index, probing depth and attachment loss in T2DM patients accompanied by CP (P<0.05). Periodontal lesions were more severe in T2DM patients accompanied by CP, and the severity was positively correlated with the levels of FPG, HbA1c, Th1, Th17, IFN-γ and IL-17.

Conclusion: High levels of FPG, HbA1c, IFN-γ and IL-17 are independent risk factors for T2DM accompanied by CP.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; chronic periodontitis; blood glucose; helper T cell; cytokine; periodontal lesion.
Study on effectiveness analysis of multi-media combined with PBL teaching in breast surgery
Authors: Zhang Xusheng , Guo Yiqing , Wang Ji , Zhang Xudong , Cheng Junsheng , Chen Haoqiang , Pi Qixing
Published: October 2023

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of multi-media combined with PBL teaching in breast surgery.

Methods: 56 interns who came to our hospital for breast surgery from January 2019 to December 2020 were randomly divided into two groups: traditional teaching control group (n = 28) and multi-media PBL teaching observation group (n = 28). Two groups' theoretical knowledge, skill operation, teaching quality, student's evaluation and satisfaction with the teaching model were compared before ending the internship.

Results: The total scores of breast examination, differential diagnosis, imaging reading, diagnosis and treatment scheme and total scores of the students in the observation group were higher than those of the students in the control group, and the total scores of body position, surgical site selection, disinfection and local anesthesia, surgical operation, postoperative treatment and clinical operation skills were also higher than those of the students in the control group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in medical history collection, professional knowledge and preoperative preparation (P > 0.05). The teaching quality of the students in the observation group was also significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the students' satisfaction with the teaching method, the teaching effect and the overall satisfaction in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Multi-media combined with PBL teaching can effectively improve students' professional knowledge theory level, operation skills, enhance students' enthusiasm and initiative, develop good clinical thinking habits, and have high teaching satisfaction. It is worthy of being popularized in the clinical teaching of breast surgery.

Keywords: Multi-media; PBL; clinical teaching; breast surgery.
Colorectal cancer in a region of western of Algeria: results of 581 cases in 5 years
Authors: Dahmani Bouchra , Boublenza Lamia , Chabni Naffissa , Behar Dalale , Hassaine Hafida , Masdoua Nabila , Nahet Amira , Meguenni Kaouel , Zetla Ilyes
Published: October 2023

Aims: The objective of this work is to evaluate the epidemiological profile of colorectal cancers, histologically proven over a 5-year period (2012-2016) in the Tlemcen region.

Methods: A retrospective study of 581 cases of colorectal cancer collected at the epidemiology department of the UniversityHospital Center (UHC) of Tlemcen between January 2012 and December 2016 was performed. Epidemiological data were processedusing SPSS version 25 and Microsoft Excel 2010.

Results: The epidemiological profile has shown that colorectal cancer in our region ranks 3rd in both sexes. There were 322 men(55.4%) affected compared to 259 women (44.6%) with a sex ratio of 1.2. A predominance of males is noted in 50-60 age group, while for the female sex, the dominance is between 60-70 years old. The mean age of CRC occurrence was 60±13 years, with an extremity ranging from16 to 90. A significantly higher rate was recorded for rectal cancer (43.7%) followed by sigmoid colon (5.7%). Variable rates were recorded during the 5 years with a peak in 2014 (27.9%).

Conclusion: Regular analysis of these data, if supplemented with additional data on diagnostic modalities like circular RNA diagnostic, will contribute to the assessment of the impact over time of public policies on nationally organized CRC screening.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; epidemiology; Algeria; Tlemcen province.
Garlic supplementation for the treatment of chronic liver disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xiaohui Liu , Jinqi Li , Xiaofang Xie , Zhiqiang Shi , Renxiu Niu
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The efficacy of garlic supplementation for chronic liver disease remains controversial. We conduct a meta-analysis to explore the influence of garlic supplementation versus placebo on the treatment of chronic liver disease.

Methods: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through September 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of garlic supplementation versus placebo for chronic liver disease. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.

Results: Four RCTs and 212 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for chronic liver disease, garlic supplementation is associated with significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and weight, but demonstrates no substantial impact on the incidence of adverse events.

Conclusions: Garlic supplementation is effective to treat chronic liver disease.

Keywords: Garlic; chronic liver disease; randomized controlled trials; meta-analysis.
An epidemiological investigation of gallstone disease among patients admitted to Shahid Rahimi teaching hospital in Khorramabad in 2016-2020
Authors: Azadbakht Saleh , Parvaee Raziyeh , Darabian Samad
Published: October 2023

Background: Gallstones are a significant global health issue, imposing enormous costs to patients and the healthcare system, annually.

Objectives: This epidemiological study aimed to explore the prevalence of gallstones among inpatients who were admitted toShahid Rahimi Hospital in Khorramabad City, Iran, from 2016 to 2020.

Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive-analytical study. The study population included patients who were admitted to Shahid Rahimi Hospital in Khorramabad City, Iran, who underwent abdominal ultrasounds from 2016 to 2020. The required data were collected using a checklist and patients' records. The logistic regression analysis method was used to analyse the obtained data in SPSS at the significance level of P<0.05.

Results: Of the 927 explored subjects, 232(25%) presented gallstones. The mean age of the patients with gallstones was 62.9 years. The most frequent symptom in individuals with gallstones was right upper quadriceps abdominal pain (63%). There was a significant relationship between gallstone and age, gender, epigastric pain, upper quadrant pain, hypertension, anemia, and family history.

Conclusion: The present study findings indicated that increasing age, female gender, the lack of epigastric pain, upper quadrant pain, anemia, hypertension, and a family history of this disease increased the risk of generating gallstone disease.

Keywords: Gallstones; epidemiology; risk factors; Khorramabad.
Inflammatory bowel disease associated knowledge in South Indian populations: rational Study
Authors: Gopalan Sathyaprabha , Nagarajan Srinivasan , Somasundaram Aravindh , Kulanthaivelu Thiyagarajan Manisenthilkumar
Published: October 2023

Objectives: The pivotal of the study was to compare the effectiveness of education in disease-associated knowledge of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients between pre-test and post-test using the IBD-KNOW questionnaire and patient educational resources.

Methods: This study used a patient proforma and IBD- KNOW questionnaire to perform the study prospectively by interviewing method. The patient selection was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria by convenient sampling technique from November 2018 to July 2019 at a multispecialty hospital. Knowledge scores and inter-item correlation were calculated between the pre-test and post-test by R Programming software with p<0.05.

Results: Among 40 patients with IBD diagnosis, the baseline sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. The response rate of IBD knowledge between the pre-test and post-test resulted in significant differences with varying scales but the response rate was lesser in the domains of management and pregnancy-based questions in the pre-test and post-test.

Conclusions: Recently there was a swift in IBD incidence, this may be improved by affording suitable patient education and counseling for further knowledge level in managing the disease by coping strategy. On comparison between the pre-test and post-test, this study recommends innovative educational methods to enable continuing education for chronic disease which can be easily accessible and reliable for IBD patients.

Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease; South Indian populations.
Risk factors for hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after intensive insulin therapy and blood glucose monitoring strategy
Authors: Cai Ling , Wang Weiping , Dai Lian
Published: October 2023

Background: To explore the risk factors for hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after intensive insulin therapy and the blood glucose monitoring strategy.

Methods: A total of 172 T2DM patients diagnosed from March 2019 to March 2021 were randomly divided into training (n=115) and test sets (n=57), and given intensive insulin therapy. After treatment, the training set was divided into hypoglycemia (n=35) and non-hypoglycemia groups (n=80). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Then 120 patients were divided into instantaneous scanning glucose test system monitoring (observation) and glucometer monitoring (control) groups. The diagnostic values of the two methods were validated using receiver operator characteristic curves.

Results: Course of disease, body mass index, fasting C-peptide and creatinine were independent risk factors for hypoglycemia, while instantaneous scanning glucose test system monitoring and glucometer monitoring were protective factors (P<0.05). The model had high predictive value. The observation group had shorter time of blood glucose reaching the standard, smaller insulin dose, and lower risk of hypoglycemia than those of the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: During intensive insulin therapy by multiple subcutaneous injections, the clinical effect of instantaneous scanning glucose test system on T2DM patients is better than that of glucometer.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; glucose monitoring; hypoglycemia; insulin therapy; risk factor.
Interferon in the treatment of ill adults with Covid-19 in the Republic of Guinea
Authors: Santiago Rodríguez Moya Valentín , Alfonso Águila Ladys , Mangué Camara Nohuou , Ditinn Cisse Sékuo , Mamady Doukure , Keïta Sakoba , Mamady Bakary Kava , Díaz Pérez Lianet , Díaz Casañas Elaine
Published: October 2023

Background: Effective and safe antiviral treatments are required to refrain the COVID-19.

Objectives: Investigate the efficacy and safety of interferon in the treatment of COVID-19.

Methods: The inclusion criteria were patients who gave their signed consent, with detection confirmed by RT-PCR of SARSCoV- 2, 18 years and older. Patients received therapy as per the Guinea COVID-19 protocol in the group B; the group A received the same treatment including administration of interferon. The outcome measures the time to negative conversion of SARSCoV- 2, mortality, patients transferred to ICU and safety, according to the reports of adverse events.

Results: 345 patients were included, 171 in the group A and 174 in the group B. After the treatments, the RT-PCR negative results were attained in the patients in the group A in 9.15±4.79 days and in those in the group B in 14.83±6.67 days. No patient in the group A had to be transferred to ICU, and they all survived; in the group B, 26 patients were transferred to ICU and six of them died. There were eight adverse events with causality relation with interferon administration.

Conclusions: The interferon resulted effective and safe in contributing to the viral replication conversion to negative results in shorter time and to survival.

Keywords: SARS-Cov-2; COVID 19; zoonosis; human recombinant interferon.
Heart failure in Nigeria: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: S Ogah Okechukwu , A Kushimo Oyewole , Adebiyi Adewole , T Onyema Chuka , C Uchenna Onubogu , E Adebayo Bosede , T Agaja Oyinkansola , A Orimolade Olanike , Durodola Amina , A Makinde Isa , O Akinyemi Rufus , A Adedeji Waheed , J Adekanmi Ademola , O Akinyemi Joshua , Adedokun Babatunde
Published: October 2023

Background: Heart failure is now a significant contributor to the burden of non-communicable diseases in developing countries like Nigeria which is experiencing epidemiologic and demographic transition. The epidemiology of heart failure in this country is poorly characterized. The aim of the review is to determine the prevalence of heart failure, the associated risk factors, the aetiology, management, and outcomes of the condition in the country.

Methods: Relevant databases such as PubMed /Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus, and African journal online would be searched for articles published in English from January 2000 to December 2021. The analysis will include observational studies conducted among Nigerian adults aged 12 years and above. Article selection shall be conducted by pairs of independent reviewers. Data extraction shall be done by 2 independent reviewers.

Results: The primary outcome would be the pooled prevalence of heart failure while the secondary outcomes would be to identify the risk factors and management of heart failure in Nigeria.

Conclusion: This will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of heart failure epidemiology in Nigeria which will hopefully identify gaps for future research and guidance for policy interventions.

Keywords: Heart failure; cardiac failure; cardiac dysfunction; heart dysfunction; systematic review; meta-analysis; Nigeria.
Knowledge of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Authors: Jemutai Kiplagat Sharon , Steyl Tania , Wachira Lucy-Joy , Phillips Joliana
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Exposure to risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) begins early especially during adolescence while morbidity and mortality occurs mainly in adulthood.

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of major NCDs (cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes) and risk factors among adolescents in a semi-urban setting.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to collect data. The study targeted students attending mixed secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. An adapted knowledge assessment questionnaire relating to chronic diseases of lifestyle was used for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25.

Results: A total of 1,281 students participated in the study. The results revealed that most of the participants (62.1%) had low levels of knowledge about NCD risk factors. Very few students in the present study recognized the role of family history and genetic predisposition as potential risk factors of hypertension (18%) and diabetes (24.7%) as well as the normal blood pressure (35.9%) and blood glucose levels (20.5%). Although most of the students identified alcohol and smoking as risk factors for cancer, half (51.6%) of them did not have the knowledge that regular physical activity reduces the risk of getting cancer.

Conclusion: Many of the adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya had low level of knowledge regarding NCDs and their risk factors. The findings of this study highlight the need for a school-based intervention programme to raise awareness of non-communicable disease risk factors among adolescents.

Keywords: Non-communicable diseases; risk factors; adolescents, knowledge; Kenya.
Observation of the clinical effect of immediate implantation and delayed implantation in the maxillary and maxillary molars
Authors: Yu Jie , Liu Xiaoping , Li Daning , Xu Yiming , Wang Chao
Published: October 2023

Objective: To study the clinical application effect of two kinds of implants in the upper and lower molars.

Methods: A selection of 120 patients (134 teeth) who underwent implant treatment in the upper and lower molars in the armyhospital of the Chinese people’s liberation army from January 2018 to June 2019 were divided into an immediate group (usingimmediate implantation) and a delayed group (using delayed implantation) using a random number table 60 cases (60 teeth) ineach group; differences in implant success rate, buccal keratinized gingival width before and after treatment, alveolar bone absorption, periodontal pocket depth, and gingival aesthetic indicators were compared between the two groups.

Results: The gingival aesthetics effect of the immediate group was better than that of the delayed group on the whole and thedifference was statistically significant (P<0.05); after 12 months of restoration, the implantation success rate of the immediategroup was 96.67%. The deferred group was 93.33%, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).

Conclusion: Both delayed restoration and immediate implant restoration can achieve good results in implant restoration treatmentin the maxillary and maxillary molars. However, immediate implantation has certain advantages in reducing the amount of alveolar bone absorption and maintaining the aesthetic effect of the gums.

Keywords: Aesthetics; alveolar bone resorption; delayed implantation; immediate implantation; molars.