bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Erosion Control from Trash Residues at Varying Land Slopes Under Simulated Rainfall Conditions
Authors: Singh Sachin Kumar , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , Kashyap P. S. , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Kumar Akhilesh , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Rohitashw , Elbeltagi Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Trash mulches are very effective in preventing soil erosion; reduce sediment transport rate, runoff rate and increasing infiltration. The study was carried out with the objectives to observe the sediment outflow from sugar cane leaf (trash) mulch treatments at selected land slopes under simulated rainfall conditions by using rainfall simulator of size 10 m × 1.2 m × 0.5 m with the locally available soil material collected from Pantnagar. In the present study, trash mulches with different quantities were selected to observe the effect of mulching in soil loss reduction. The quantity of mulch was taken as, 6 t/ha, 8 t/ha and 10 t/ha, three rainfall intensities viz. 11cm/h, 13cm/h and 14.65cm/h at 0%, 2% and 4% land slopes were selected. The duration of rainfall was fixed (10 minutes) for every mulch treatment. The total runoff volume was found to be varying with different mulch rates for particular rainfall input and land slope. The runoff distribution pattern was observed to be increasing with the increase in land slope. The average sediment concentration (SC) and outflow was found to be increasing with the increasing land slope, but SC and outflow decreased with increasing mulch rate for particular land slope and rainfall intensity. The SOR (SOR) for no mulch treated land was higher as compared to trash mulch treated lands. Mathematical relationships were developed for relating SOR, SC, land slope and rainfall intensity for a particular mulch treatment. It was observed that values of SOR and average SC had a good correlation with rainfall intensity and land slope for each mulch treatment. The correlation coefficients of developed models were found to be more than 90%.
Linguistic Markers of Intercultural Competence in Student Blogs
Authors: Hanegreefs Hilde , Pluymaekers Mark , Hoefnagels Ankie
Published: May 2022

This study combines insights from psycholinguistics and text analysis to identify linguistic markers of intercultural competence (ICC) in student blogs about intercultural experiences. By combining holistic ICC frameworks with a more analytical approach at text and word level, we were able to demonstrate that blogs with a high perceived level of ICC contain significantly more I-words, more insights words and less quantifiers. These markers of ICC constitute concrete cues for teachers when assessing reflective writing assignments and allow them to pinpoint concrete areas for improvement in their feedback and interaction with students.
Bacteriophages as Biocontrol Agents in Food Microbiology
Authors: Gildea Logan , Ayariga Joseph , Boakai K. Roberson
Published: May 2022

Bacteriophages have been recognized as potential biocontrol agents in the food industry. Bacteriophages have been proposed for a variety of applications within this industry including bio preservation, pathogen detection, and as an alternative treatment method to antibiotics in animal health. The potential applications of bacteriophages are widespread throughout the entire food production process and serve to enhance food quality, prevent foodborne illnesses, and enhance the efficiency of production. The ability of bacteriophages to lyse bacterial targets with high specificity and pose no threat to mammalian cells or natural microbiota is unique and relevant in terms of suitability for food safety. This review will outline potential and current applications of bacteriophages and their respective impacts on the field.
Acoustic, Phononic, Brillouin Light Scattering and Faraday Wave Based Frequency Combs: Physical Foundations and Applications
Authors: Maksymov Ivan S. , Huy Nguyen Bui Quoc , Pototsky Andrey , Suslov Sergey
Published: May 2022

Frequency combs (FCs)—spectra containing equidistant coherent peaks—have enabled researchers and engineers to measure the frequencies of complex signals with high precision thereby revolutionising the areas of sensing, metrology and communications and also benefiting the fundamental science. Although mostly optical FCs have found widespread applications thus far, in general FCs can be generated using waves other than light. Here, we review and summarise recent achievements in the emergent field of acoustic frequency combs (AFCs) including phononic FCs and relevant acousto-optical, Brillouin light scattering and Faraday wave-based techniques that have enabled the development of phonon lasers, quantum computers and advanced vibration sensors. In particular, our discussion is centred around potential applications of AFCs in precision measurements in various physical, chemical and biological systems in conditions, where using light, and hence optical FCs, faces technical and fundamental limitations, which is, for example, the case in underwater distance measurements and biomedical imaging applications. This review article will also be of interest to readers seeking a discussion of specific theoretical aspects of different classes of AFCs. To that end, we support the mainstream discussion by the results of our original analysis and numerical simulations that can be used to design the spectra of AFCs generated using oscillations of gas bubbles in liquids, vibrations of liquid drops and plasmonic enhancement of Brillouin light scattering in metal nanostructures. We also discuss the application of non-toxic room-temperature liquid-metal alloys in the field of AFC generation.
Identification of a Practical Digital Twin for Simulation of Machine Tools
Authors: Fujita Tomoya , Xi Tiandong , Ikeda Ryosuke , Kehne Sebastian , Fey Marcel , Brecher Christian ,   Advanced Technology R&D Center, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation 8-1-1 Tsukaguchi-honmachi, Amagasaki, Hyogo 661-8661, Japan,   Machine Tool Laboratory (WZL), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
Published: May 2022

A practical digital twin for machine tools is proposed in this study. The proposed digital twin is capable of time-domain simulation of machine tools and consists of a controller model, machining process model, and machine dynamic model. To predict the quality of the machined surface after the finishing processes, a precise dynamic model is required. The developed dynamic model consists of an interaction force model, vibration model, and friction force model. A linear auto regressive with exogenous inputs (ARX) model is adopted for the interaction and vibration models. Based on a systematic analysis of the disturbance forces of the machine tool, the friction characteristics are extracted to a displacement-dependent friction model and velocity-dependent friction model. A nonlinear Hammerstein model is adopted to identify the friction. Online identification systems based on the recursive least-squares (RLS) method are developed and tested for each model.
Energy Consumption Rate Evaluation Method Considering Occurrence of Defective Products and Misjudgment of Inspection Machine in Production Line
Authors: Hibino Hironori , Horikawa Takamasa , Arai Syungo , Yamaguchi Makoto ,   College of Economics, Nihon University 1-3-2 Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8360, Japan,   Department of Industrial Administration, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan,   Department of Systems Design Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita, Japan
Published: May 2022

In recent years, reducing energy consumption has become a key issue in the industrial world. Therefore, industrial corporations must develop methods of pre-evaluation and production management for reducing their energy consumption while maintaining productivity. Moreover, production lines occasionally generate defective products, reducing the productivity and wasting energy, which affects the energy consumption per unit of production. These production lines require inspection machines to exclude defective products. The layout and configuration of inspection machines change when defective products are excluded, which affects the energy consumption per product. However, no methods have been developed for evaluating the energy consumption per product by considering the number of defective products and the layout and configuration of the inspection machines. In this study, we formulated the energy consumption rate of a production line that generates defective products as the production planning and management method. Specifically, we developed a formula for the energy consumption rate of a production line by considering the defect rate of its production machines and the layout and configuration of the inspection machines. A simulation involving a semiconductor manufacturing line was conducted to validate the proposed theory.
Comparative Study of Gasless Transaxillary, Bilateral Axillo-Breast, Unilateral Axillo-Breast With Carbon Dioxide Insufflation, Retroauricular, and Transoral Vestibular Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Approaches at a Single Institution: A Retrospective Analysis and Lessons Learned
Authors: Lee Myung-Chul , Ahn Jungmin , Choi Ik Joon , Lee Byeong-Cheol , Ryu Junsun
Published: May 2022

Objectives. This study aimed to present our experiences with various approaches for endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) and to offer lessons for choosing an approach.Methods. The medical records of 701 patients who underwent ET via the transaxillary (TA), bilateral axillo-breast (BABA), unilateral axillo-breast with carbon dioxide insufflation (UABA), retroauricular (RA), or transoral vestibular (TO) approach between May 2008 and March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative pain and cosmetic outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scales.Results. The mean operative time of UABA was the shortest among the five approaches (TA, 194.65±51.13 minutes; BABA, 189.11±61.53 minutes; UABA, 118.62±30.23 minutes; RA, 168.22±45.63 minutes; TO, 196.10±40.19 minutes; P=0.02). BABA was the most painful approach, while TO was the least painful on postoperative day 1 (TA, 3.09±0.96; BABA, 3.59±0.92; UABA, 2.39±0.54; RA, 3.49±0.93; TO, 2.01±0.37; P=0.04) and day 3 (TA, 2.10±0.77; BABA, 2.59±0.88; UABA, 1.84±0.37; RA, 3.01±0.67; TO, 1.49±0.45; P=0.04). The TO group had the best cosmetic outcomes at 3 months (TA, 3.91±1.21; BABA, 4.52±1.13; UABA, 4.49±0.74; RA, 4.28±0.74; TO, 4.81±0.48; P=0.04).Conclusion. We present a single-surgeon experience of five distinctive ET approaches and the lessons from each approach, together with a literature review. This data may aid endoscopic thyroid surgeons in choosing from various ET approaches.
The Effect of Sex Hormone Deficiency on the Incidence of Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Smith Karch M. , Hotaling James M. , Presson Angela P. , Zhang Chong , Horns Joshua J. , Cannon-Albright Lisa A. , Teerlink Craig C. , Tashjian Robert Z. , Chalmers Peter N.
Published: May 2022

Background:

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the association between sex hormone deficiency and rotator cuff repair (RCR) with use of data from a large United States insurance database.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of insured subjects from the Truven Health MarketScan database was conducted, collecting data for RCR cases as well as controls matched for age, sex, and years in the database. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for matching variables were utilized to compare RCR status with estrogen deficiency status and testosterone deficiency status. These associations were confirmed with use of data from the Veterans Genealogy Project database, with which the relative risk of RCR was estimated for patients with and without sex hormone deficiency.

Results:

The odds of RCR for female patients with estrogen deficiency were 48% higher (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.44 to 1.51; p < 0.001) than for those without estrogen deficiency. The odds of RCR for males with testosterone deficiency were 89% higher (odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.82 to 1.96; p < 0.001) than for those without testosterone deficiency. Within the Veterans Genealogy Project database, the relative risk of estrogen deficiency among RCR patients was 2.58 (95% confidence interval, 2.15 to 3.06; p < 0.001) and the relative risk of testosterone deficiency was 3.05 (95% confidence interval, 2.67 to 3.47; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Sex hormone deficiency was significantly associated with RCR. Future prospective studies will be necessary to understand the pathophysiology of rotator cuff disease as it relates to sex hormones.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Análisis de los niveles de lactato en salvamento y socorrismo a través del diseño de un test específico para 100m socorrista (estudio piloto)
Authors: Domínguez Pachón Ana María , Rodríguez Ferrero Jose Miguel , Martínez Castrillo Rubén , Cazorla Rey Iván , Solar Fernández Fernando
Published: May 2022

Antecedentes: El análisis de lactato en alto rendimiento es fundamental para planificar el entrenamiento de forma eficiente e individualizada, sin embargo no contamos con protocolos específicos para salvamento y socorrismo.
Objetivos: i) Diseñar un protocolo específico de valoración del lactato para la prueba 100m socorrista; ii) Conocer los niveles de lactato en socorristas especializadas en pruebas de aletas; iii) Proporcionar una herramienta de valoración específica que permita establecer pautas fisiológicas de control del entrenamiento.
Método: Para ello se diseñó un test progresivo específico consistente en: 5 repeticiones de 100m remolque de maniquí con aletas y tubo con descansos de entre 1 y 2 minutos. Dicho test fue realizado por 6 deportistas de categoría femenina de entre 17 y 21 años.
Resultados: Los resultados no se corresponden con los esperados para este tipo de tests.
Conclusiones: i) Ante la falta de estudios fisiológicos en salvamento y socorrismo se hace necesario diseñar protocolos que puedan establecer patrones analizables y trasladables a las sesiones de entrenamiento; ii) El diseño de pruebas de valoración de carácter aeróbico utilizando material específico es esencial para poder trasladar los resultados a contenidos de entrenamiento; iii) Los resultados obtenidos por las deportistas en el test no concuerdan con los esperados, lo que podría deberse a la incorrecta realización del test en cuanto a sus velocidades de ejecución, a la falta de experiencia de los sujetos analizados o al incorrecto planteamiento del test en relación a los descansos o las repeticiones planificadas.
Palabras clave: Ácido láctico, test progresivo, umbral anaeróbico, Lactate Scout 4, Beurer P30.
Initially Ground-glass Nodule-like Large-cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Lung with Sudden Growth Acceleration: A Case Report
Authors: Lu Yunwei , Sun Zewen , Li Hao , Chen Xiaofeng , Li Yun , Sun Lina , Yang Fan , Jiang Guanchao , Zhou Jian
Published: May 2022

Background: With the widespread use of low-dose computed tomography (CT) for lung cancer screening, the detection rate of pulmonary lesion manifesting as a ground-glass nodule (GGN) has been increasing dramatically. The volume doubling time (VDT) has been introduced in clinical practice to monitor the potential growth rate of GGNs during long-term follow-up periods.Case presentation: A 72-year-old never-smoker female diagnosed with GGN manifested abruptly accelerated growth with sudden decreased VDT from 400 to 36 days. A thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection was performed, and the diagnosis was stage IB large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the tumor highlights an EML4-ALK gene fusion.Conclusions: GGNs with long VDT do not guarantee an indolent tumor growth pattern. It is recommended that meticulous long-term follow-up with dynamic VDT monitoring may help select high-risk GGNs performing timely semi-elective surgical resection in clinical practice. EML4-ALK is most often detected in non-smokers and is associated with early tumor metastasis due to its potently oncogenic effect, which might contribute to the sudden growth and progression.
Control of spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) in sweet cherry and raspberry using bait sprays
Authors: noble ralph , Shaw Bethan , Walker Adam , Whitfield Charles , Deakin Greg , Harris Adrian , Dobrovin-Pennington Andreja , Fountain Michelle
Published: May 2022

Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura) is a major pest of fruit crops with global significance. Effective control is reliant on uniformly spraying insecticides on all crop foliage. To encourage pest attraction and ingestion of insecticides, phagostimulant baits can be employed in ‘attract and kill’ strategies. In semi-field trials we compared (1) full field foliar sprays of two insecticides spinosad and cyantraniliprole, with (2) reduced [40%] and (3) low [4%] rates of the insecticides to control D. suzukii and reduce insecticide residues in fruit in sweet cherry and raspberry. The low rates of the insecticides were also combined with baits, (4) Combi-protec, a proprietary mixture of plant extracts, proteins and sugars, and (5) molasses; treatment (6) was an untreated control. In both crops, when combined with baits, low rates of insecticides gave comparable control of D. suzukii in fruits compared with the full rate sprays in most cases and D. suzukii was significantly lower in these treatments compared with the untreated controls. Crop spray coverage was eight and thirty times higher in the full rate applications compared with the bait and low rate sprays, in raspberry and cherry respectively. The reduction in applied insecticide was achieved by lower concentrations and a narrower band spray applied across the middle of the crop canopy. Insecticide residues in raspberries were < 11% of those sprayed with full rates, while no residues were detected in cherries. This study demonstrates that bait sprays can be effectively employed on crops with complex canopies for D. suzukii control.
DevOps CICD in Higher Education
Authors: Lokaadinugroho Indrabudhi , Burhanudin Burhanudin
Published: May 2022

Purpose
– This study aims to answer two research questions which come from problems faced by a university and the solution proposed by the researchers is the implementation of CICD DevOps.
Design/methodology/approach
– This study used a true experimental design method with a pretest-posttest control group design approach that attempts a type of experimental design where the researcher randomly assigns test units and treatments (DevOps) to the experimental group (System Analyst, Programmer, Developer, System Administration and Database Administration), with the aim of systematically describing the facts and characteristics of the object under study precisely using primary and secondary data from a previous ticketing system and implemented DevOps.
Findings
– From the empirical data results, DevOps were found to be able to communicate and collaborate better as a team. DevOps also could increase the number of priority deployments that needed to be performed as continuous deployment; with good versioning code maintenance when the rollback is done by DevOps, there will be no downtime.
Research limitations/implications
– More effort is needed to identify all aspects that changed with the DevOps’ impact in an IT department of higher education.
Originality/value
– In higher education, DevOps could be well implemented to maximize agile software lifecycle development especially in server applications, system administration and database administration.
Agrivoltaics across the Water-Energy-Food-Nexus in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges for Rural Communities in Mali
Authors: Cheo Ambe Emmanuel , Adelhardt Nora , Krieger Tim , Berneiser Jessica , Santillano Federico Alberto Sanchez , Bingwa Brendon , Suleiman Nischa , Thiele Patricia , Royes Alvaro , Gudopp Daniel , Sidibe Amadou , Fahmy Karim Mohamed Tamer Mahmoud , Tambo Erick Gankam , Diallo Yacouba , Sogoba Bougouna
Published: May 2022

Small-scale, rain-fed subsistence agriculture and pastoralism represent the major activity for Africa. For Mali, this represents about 80% of the population employed by the agricultural sector and contributes to about 42% of the Gross domestic product (GDP). The overreliance on rainfall, competing for the most valuable lands, the increasing scarcity of water, the lack of innovative technologies and infrastructure has made the agriculture sector vulnerable to climatic and non-climatic risks including an increase in the number of land conflicts. In addition, inadequate access to affordable energy has also limited social opportunities for the poor communities, especially in rural areas of Mali. Water Energy and Food (WEF) Nexus solutions such as agrivoltaics are increasingly being deployed to improve access to water for agricultural uses, improve yields and incomes, reduce drudgery especially for women, enhancing resilience and microclimate, improve land use efficiency and food security. This innovative approach has opened new prospects to improve the quality of life for people as well as their environment as a whole. Agrivoltaics is rapidly gaining popularity in many countries but not yet in African countries. This paper presents a feasibility analysis, recommendations and future directions of agrivoltaics in Mali and in Africa as a whole. Furthermore, applications of agrivoltaic systems are discussed in terms of their socio-economic and environmental effects, emphasizing also the necessity of integrative thinking in the process of strategic planning for achieving security in water, energy and food.
Inactivated Whole Virion Covid-19 Vaccine Induced Painful Subacute Thyroiditis A Case Report
Authors: doganci Levent , Erkus Figen , Kilic Serpil , Durmaz Şenay
Published: May 2022

Painful subacute thyroiditis (PF-SAT) after viral vaccinations is a rare but often go unnoticed. A viral infection and some viral vaccinations may cause PF-SAT as an undesired consequence. Presenting symptoms are sore throat, weight loss, sleep disturbances and palpitation which all are quite similar to those seen in thyrotoxicosis. In the early phase of the illness, hyper thyroid function is a rule, followed by euthyroid and rarely hypo-thyroid phases. Treatment for SAT is usually successful with a very rare recurrence. Here, we report a case of PF-SAT, after immunization with whole virion inactivated Covid-19 vaccine, in a health care worker.
Effect of stakeholders’ perspectives on the Front-of-Pack Labeling regulation in Mexico
Authors: Durán Regina , Asmitia Edalith , Rivera Juan , Barquera Simón , Tolentino-Mayo Lizbeth
Published: May 2022

Background
In Mexico, the inclusion of a Front-of-Pack Label in the Official Mexican Standard-051 (NOM-051 for its Spanish acronym) has been widely discussed for years by different stakeholder groups. In 2019, the NOM-051 modification project was proposed, which included front-of-pack warning labels. To be modified, it went through a public consultation period where stakeholders sent their comments to be reviewed and considered. The purpose of this study was to analyze the perspectives of key stakeholders during the public consultation of the NOM-051 modification project in order to understand their positions and their effect on the final public policy.
Methods
To analyze perspectives, the 795 comments received on the website of the National Commission for Regulatory Improvement were analyzed. Identity, expectations, and demands were identified from each comment using content analysis in NVivo. In addition, frequencies and percentages were obtained. To identify the public consultation’s effect on the modification project, we compared the most significant changes made to the NOM-051 modification project with the outstanding demands of the stakeholders.
Results
56% of the comments were against the NOM-051 modification project. Industry and Business Interest Non-Governmental Organizations were against it, they considered that their revenues and profits would be affected. Public Interest Non-Governmental Organizations, academy and health professionals were in favor, they expected that eating habits would improve and demanded the front-of-pack warning label suggested in the modification proposal be maintained. The published regulation (NOM-051) demonstrates that the stakeholders’ main demands were considered in the policy development and their involvement was fundamental for the process.
Conclusions
The comments against the NOM-051 modification project were consistent with the literature, indicating that food industry stakeholders use all possible strategies to interfere in public health policies. The main issues used by the food industry to discredit the NOM-051 modification project coincide with those used in other countries to stop public health policies and with those used by the tobacco industry to avoid market regulations. On the other hand, those in favor looked after the interests of the Mexican population.
Perceptions of permitting physician dual practice with restrictions: empirical evidence of public hospital managers from East, Middle and West of China
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Chen Xiaolin , Cho William CS , Jia Leipo , Fan Xiaojing , Liu Qiaoman , Zhang Xiumin , Lv Yijun , Xu Huiqing
Published: May 2022

Background: This study aims to explore public hospital managers’ perceptions of permitting Physician dual practice (PDP) with restrictions in China.Methods: A cross-sectional study among 1,513 public hospital managers in 31 provinces of mainland China was carried out from January to October, 2019. Presidents in charge of medical affairs, and directors of medical affairs departments in Chinese public hospitals were recruited for this study. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to determine the factorial validity of perceptions of permitting physician dual practice with restrictions (institution-oriented restriction, IR; physician-oriented restriction, PR). Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to explore and analyze perceptions of permitting PDP with restrictions of public hospital managers with demographic and working-related characteristics.Results: Public hospital managers’ decision of prohibiting PDP, allowing PDP, and implementing PDP with restrictions was 5.7%, 8.9%, 85.4%, respectively. Mean scores of IR and PR were 16.49 ± 3.03 and 10.84 ± 2.55 respectively. General hospital managers (coefficient of -0.52; P <.01) showed less preference to IR; managers from public hospitals in the West (coefficient of 0.77; P <.01) and Middle of China (coefficient of 0.50; P <.05) favoured IR; managers with academic background of clinical medicine (coefficient of -0.37; P <.05) held lower PR intention. On the contrary, female managers (coefficient of 0.54; P <.01) and managers from public hospitals in non-provincial capital cities (coefficient of 0.35; P <.05) preferred PR.Conclusions: From the perspectives of the public hospital managers in China, permitting PDP with restrictions would be feasible compared to completely prohibiting or allowing PDP, which could be further enforced in terms of IR and PR. Moreover, public hospital managers hold a slightly more positive view about IR than PR.
Evaluation of the Effect of Propolis versus Calcium Hydroxide, Intracanal Medicaments, on Post-Operative Pain in Patients with Necrotic Pulp (A Randomized Clinical Trial)
Authors: Sirry Serene Mohamed Hisham , Marzouk Abeer , Gawdat Shaimaa , Omer ElSayed Abulfotowh
Published: May 2022

AimPropolis is an immunomodulatory, antioxidant, flavonoid-rich resinous product of honeybees. Propolis was reported as less cytotoxic and more effective against resistant microorganisms than calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) as well as biocompatible to the periradicular tissues than existing intracanal medicaments. The aim of this single-blinded randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of propolis versus Ca(OH)2, intracanal medicaments, on post-operative pain in patients with necrotic single canal teeth.MethodsForty-six participants, aged 20–40 years, with necrotic pulp in their single-rooted, single canal teeth were randomized into this parallel study, with 23 participants in Ca(OH)2 (control) group and 23 participants in propolis (intervention) group. Root canal treatment was done in two visits and the medicament was applied for one week in between. The participants were blinded to the medicament used. The participants rated their pain score by a numerical rating scale after 24, 48, 72 hours and at 7 days before medicament removal and canals obturated. The data was statistically analyzed by multivariate analysis and t-test. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05 for all tests.ResultsThe incidence of post-operative pain between both groups showed no statistically significant difference at different time intervals (p > 0.05). There was a non-significant, gradual decrease in post-operative pain of all 46 participants in both propolis (P = 0.17) and Ca(OH)2 group (P = 0.274), at different time intervals.ConclusionsThe intracanal use of both Ca(OH)2 and propolis were equally effective in controlling post-operative pain. Propolis can be used, as an alternative intracanal medicament, to Ca(OH)2 paste.This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04983524
Primary neuroendocrine tumor of the portal hepatic duct in adolescence: a case report
Authors: Wang Fanghong , Zhu Kexiang , Zhang Hui , Zhang Lei , Zhang Bo , Wang Fang , Zhou Wence , Li Xun
Published: May 2022

Background: It is not uncommon for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) to occur in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lungs, but NETs originating from the biliary system are relatively rare, accounting for 0.67% of gastroenteropancreatic system tumors. At present, less than 10 cases of extrahepatic biliary neuroendocrine tumors have been reported in adolescent. Case presentation: This report presents a case of a 17-year-old boy with a NET of the portal hepatic duct. Obstructive jaundice was judged from the laboratory examination and imaging findings. After the evaluation and multidisciplinary discussion, he underwent resection of the common bile duct, common hepatic duct, and gallbladder and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Pathological examination revealed a NET with the tumor invading the wall of the bile duct and surrounding adipose tissue. The patient had no NETs in any other organs or tissues. This case was a primary NET, not a metastatic tumor. Conclusion: The preoperative diagnosis of primary neuroendocrine tumor of the portal hepatic duct is difficult, and this tumor is often confused with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Surgical treatment is the only effective way to cure it. Once the diagnosis has been made, surgical resection should be performed as soon as possible.
A decade-long innovative collaboration network between hospitals and the biomedical industry in China: A social network analysis
Authors: Yu Wenya , Chen Hong , Tian Jiahe , Cao Zilong , Li Meina , Lv Yipeng , Chu Qiao , Wang Zhaoxin , Liu Xiang
Published: May 2022

Background: Innovative collaboration between hospitals and biomedical enterprises is crucial for ensuring breakthroughs in their development. The aim of this study is to explore the characteristics and examine the main roles of the associated key actors of an innovative collaboration between hospitals and biomedical enterprises in China. Methods: Using the patent data owned jointly by these two key actors within the country’s healthcare industry, a decade-long innovative collaboration network between hospitals and biomedical enterprises in China was established and analyzed through social network analysis. Patent data from the IncoPat global patent database, which is based on the International Patent Classification system, were extracted. Results: Findings show that innovative collaboration resulted in enhanced development within economically developed regions. Hospitals occupied a dominant position in the innovative collaboration network, whereas a biomedical enterprise located in Shenzhen had the highest degree, betweenness, and closeness centralities. Conclusions: Innovative collaboration between hospitals and biomedical enterprises in China is still low. Policy support and economic investments should be encouraged, especially in less-developed regions to enhance innovative collaboration between hospitals and the biomedical industry in China and other similar countries or regions.
Computer-assisted Gross Pathological Classification for Resected Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nakayama Hisashi , Okamura Yukiyasu , Mochizuki Susumu , Hojo Akihisa , Moriguchi Masamichi , Higaki Tokio , Takayama Tadatoshi , Tsukamoto Arata , Itoh Akiyoshi
Published: May 2022

Aims: We aimed to develop a computer-assisted system for the gross classification of resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate whether this objective classification can be used to predict patient outcomes.Methods: This study included 236 patients diagnosed with solitary HCC who underwent initial resection. We analyzed photographed images of the cut surface of HCCs using a new software to establish a novel gross classification system. Survival curves in each of the classified groups were compared. Results: The median (range) values for the equivalent diameter, circularity, and complexity of tumors were 2.63 cm (0.72–14.49), 0.49 (0.00–0.84), and 0.51 (0.16–1.00), respectively. HCCs were classified into three groups using hierarchical cluster analysis: Type I (circular type, n=130), Type II (rough type, n=92), and Type III (disordered type, n=14). Microscopic portal invasion was observed in 14.6%, 23.9%, 71.4% patients in the Type I, II, and III groups, respectively. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients with Type I, II, and III HCC were 31.5%, 24.7%, and 14.3%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with Types I, II, and III HCC were 65.4%, 54.7%, and 28.6%, respectively. Type II or III HCC were independently associated with death and an increased risk of recurrence. The conventional classification was not adopted due to its weaker power than the above-mentioned contributors.Conclusion: Our computer-assisted gross classification system for HCC indicated that this classification is closely associated with microscopic portal invasion, suggesting aid in predicting patient outcomes than that of conventional subjective classification.
A preliminary study investigating the neglected domain of mental health in Australian lifesavers and lifeguards.
Authors: Fien Samantha , Lawes Jasmin C. , Ledger Jessica , Drummond Murray , Simon Pamela , Joseph Nancy , Daw Shane , Best Talitha , Stanton Robert , de Terte Ian
Published: May 2022

Background
Surf lifesavers and lifeguards have provided essential education, preventative, and rescue services to the Australian community for over 110 years. In this first responder role, surf lifesavers and lifeguards are inadvertently exposed to high risk and trauma related experiences, which may negatively impact mental well-being. To date however, there has been limited research into the mental health of surf lifesavers and lifeguards, and no studies at all on the mental health of adolescent surf lifesavers. The present study aimed to measure the exposure of potentially traumatic events (PTEs), post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), self-efficacy, social support, and stigma in Surf Life Saving (SLS) members.
Methods
An anonymous, online survey was developed (adolescent and adult versions) was created to measure the domain of mental health in surf lifesavers and lifeguards. Pearson’s correlations investigated relationships between PTEs, PTSS, social support, self-efficacy, stigma, age, years as a SLS member, and years patrolling. Spearman’s Rank was used for violations of normality.
Results
A total of 57 surf lifesavers/lifeguards aged 13–59 years were included in the final analysis. There was a significant positive relationship between exposure to direct trauma and PTSS, which in turn, were associated with greater negative stigma towards the mental health of others, and lower levels of self-efficacy. Male and female adults with PTSS reported lower social support, whereas for adolescent males, a positive relationship between direct trauma and PTSS was observed.
Conclusion
This research is the first to explore the mental health of Australian surf lifesavers and lifeguards. The results highlight the potential risks to mental health and wellbeing associated with this first responder role. More research to protect the vulnerability of this population is warranted.
Distraction osteogenesis in two cases of unilambdoid synostosis
Authors: Oka Chihiro , Hirokawa Daisuke , Homma Hirokuni , Yasumura Kazunori , Kobayashi Shinji , Sato Hironobu
Published: May 2022

Unilateral lambdoid synostosis (ULS) is a rare suture anomaly and its diagnosis and treatment remain controversial. We investigated how to improve their function and morphology through the review of two cases of ULS with improved function and morphology by the same unreported operative procedure. Moreover, we discussed the diagnosis and treatment of ULS. Case 1 involved a 15-month-old female, brought for consultation because of suspected right ULS. She was diagnosed with right lambdoid and squamous synostoses and approximately 15 mm descent of the cerebellar tonsil. Thus, we performed foramen magnum decompression, first cervical vertebra laminectomy, and skull lengthening. Case 2 involved an 18-month-old female. She also consulted for suspected right ULS. Computed tomography revealed right ULS and squamous synostosis and magnetic resonance imaging showed approximately 9 mm descent of the cerebellar tonsil. We performed foramen magnum decompression and skull lengthening. Both procedures included decompression of the foramen magnum. We enforced osteotomy of the affected side of the lambdoid suture by crossing the superior sagittal sinus and added horizontal osteotomy from the superior right squamous suture to the coronal suture. Three extension devices were placed, two and one in the lambdoid and squamous sutures, respectively. After skull extension and descent of the cerebellar tonsil, exertion of the left frontal bone was improved. In cases of ULS, the squamous suture fusion and the drooping of the cerebellar tonsils can be complicated. Extending the lambdoid suture upward and downward and decompressing the posterior cranial fossa may improve the morphological and functional prognoses.
A Rare Case of Human Urogenital Myiasis Caused by Chironomus crassicaudatus (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Kolkata, India
Authors: Banerjee Kokila , Dutta Arindam , Roy Subhendu
Published: May 2022

Infestation by the Dipteran insect larvae is one of the public health problems in tropical countries, including India. Calliphorid flies are reported to cause various types of myiases, including urogenital myiasis. Besides, non-myiasis-producing flies also occasionally invade human or animal tissues and cause myiasis. For the first time, we report here, an uncommon type of myiasis of the urogenital system due to an infestation by Chironomus larvae. A 19-year-old female patient from a poor socio-economic background from Kolkata, India attended the outpatient department with a complaint of passing worms in her urine with one-to-five larvae, several times a day, for four weeks. Another member of the family had a similar complaint. The larvae isolated from the patient were identified to be Chironomus crassicaudatus (Diptera: Chironomidae). It was probable that Chironomid flies breeding in and around the dwellings had infested the urethra. The patient was successfully treated with albendazole. Implementing overall environmental and personal hygienic living conditions, eliminating fly breeding habitats, and avoiding sharing of a common toilet facility are important measures to avoid such kind of fly infestation.
Exploratory study: use of OSCEs in teleconsultation to evaluate diagnostic hypotheses provided by a symptom checker
Authors: Vuillaume Laure Abensur , Turpinier Julien , Cipolat Lauriane , Dépil-Duval Arnaud , Dumontier Thomas , Peschanski Nicolas , Kieffer Yann , Barbat Boris , Riquier Thomas , Dinot Vincent , Galland Joris
Published: May 2022

Backround: The overloading of health care systems is an international problem. In this context, new tools such as symptom checker (SC) are emerging to improve patient orientation and triage. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic saw the emergence of teleconsultations. The OSCEs could be adapted in this sense for evaluation and training purposes.Objective: The main objective of this study was to explore the performance of a symptom checker against emergency physicians using OSCEs as an assessment method.Methods: We explored a method to evaluate a SC and physician with simulation. A panel of medical experts wrote 220 simulated patients. Each situation was played twice by an actor trained to the role, once in front of the SC, once in front of a physician. Like a telephone consultation, only the patient's voice was accessible. We performed a prospective diagnostic non-inferiority study. If primary analysis failed to detect non-inferiority, we have planned a superiority analysisResults: We cannot conclude if the SC is non-inferior. However, the emergency physician was superior compared to the SC in terms of principal diagnosis (81% versus 30%) and association of principal and secondary diagnosis (92% versus 52%). In terms of patient triage (vital emergency or not), there is still a medical superiority (96% versus 71%). There is also a non-inferiority of the SC compared to the physician in terms of interviewing time.Conclusions and relevance: This type of evaluation should be extended to other types of software in order to provide scientific evidence of the application of tools used in pedagogy to a more clinical research, but also to deepen the evaluation for educational purposes in the face of the advent of physician 2.0.
RAGE inhibition alleviates LPS-induced lung injury via directly suppressing autophagic apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Xiong Xi , Dou Jiaying , Shi Jingyi , Ren Yuqian , Wang Chunxia , Zhang Yucai , Cui Yun
Published: May 2022

Background: Advanced glycation end product receptor (RAGE) acts as the receptor of pro-inflammatory ligands and highly expressed in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). Autophagy in AECs has received much attention nowadays. However, the role between autophagy and RAGE in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore whether RAGE activation signals take part in disfunction of alveolar epithelial barrier through autophagic death.Methods: We established the acute lung injury animal model using C57BL/6 and ager genes knockout (ager -/- mice) mice. A549 cells were treated with siRNA to reduce ager gene expression. Autophagy was inhibited by 3-methyladenine. Lung injury was assessed by histopathological examination. Cell viability was estimated by cell counting kit-8. The serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of IL-6, IL-8 and soluble RAGE (sRAGE) evaluated by ELISA, further studied the involvement of RAGE signals, autophagy and apoptosis by western blots, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL test.Results: The expression of RAGE was promoted by LPS, which was associated with activation of autophagy both in mice lungs and A549 cells. sRAGE in the BALF presented a positive correlation with inflammatory factors, inflammation and apoptosis in lungs were alleviated in ager-/- mice than wild-type controls. Persistently activated autophagy contributed to cells apoptosis, while blocking autophagy by 3-MA protects from lung damage, ager knockdown inhibited LPS-induced autophagy and attenuated lung injury. RAGE knockdown by siRNA in A549 cells significantly suppressed LPS-induced autophagy activation and apoptosis. The expression of RAGE activates the downstream STAT3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: RAGE plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of AECs injury, RAGE inhibition alleviates LPS-induced lung injury via directly suppressing autophagic apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells.
The effects of dietary supplementation with mushroom or selenium enriched mushroom powders on the growth performance and intestinal health of post-weaned pigs
Authors: Dowley Alison , Sweeney Torres , Conway Eadaoin , Vigors Stafford , Ryan Marion T. , Yadav Supriya , Wilson Jude , O’Doherty John V.
Published: May 2022

Background
There is an urgent need to identify natural bioactive compounds that can enhance gastrointestinal health and promote pig growth performance in the absence of in-feed medications. The objectives of this study were to: 1) compare the effects of mushroom powder supplemented with inorganic selenium (inSeMP) to mushroom powder enriched with organic selenium (orgSeMP) to pharmacological levels of zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance and faecal scores for the first 21 days post-weaning (Period 1); and 2) compare the molecular and microbial effects of inSeMP and orgSeMP in these pigs on day 39 post-weaning (Period 2).
Methods
In Period 1, pigs (3 pigs/pen; 8 pens/treatment) were assigned to: (1) basal diet (control); (2) basal diet + zinc oxide (ZnO) (3100 mg/kg feed); (3) basal diet + mushroom powder supplemented with inorganic selenium (inSeMP) containing selenium (selenite) content of 0.3 mg/kg feed; (4) basal diet + mushroom powder enriched with organic selenium (orgSeMP) containing selenium (selenocysteine) content of 0.3 mg/kg feed. The inorganic selenium was in the form of sodium selenite and the organic selenium was in the form of selenocysteine. Mushroom powders were included at 6.5 g/kg of feed and contained a β-glucan content of 650 mg/kg.
Results
In Period 1, there was no effect of diets on average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed (G:F) ratio. The orgSeMP supplemented pigs had a lower average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to all other groups. The ZnO supplemented pigs had reduced (P < 0.05) faecal scores compared to the basal and mushroom group, while the orgSeMP supplemented pigs had lower faecal scores compared to the basal group during the 21-day experimental period. In Period 2, there was no effect of diets on ADFI, ADG and G:F ratio. The orgSeMP supplementation increased the caecal abundance of bacterial members of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phylum, including Lactobacillus, Agathobacter, Roseburia and Prevotella and decreased the abundance of Sporobacter compared to the basal group, while inSeMP increased the caecal abundance of Prevotella and decreased the caecal abundance of Sporobacter. Dietary supplementation with inSeMP increased expression of TLR4 and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene IL10 (P < 0.05) and decreased nutrient transporter gene FABP2 (P < 0.05) compared to the orgSeMP group.
Conclusion
OrgSeMP has potential, as a dietary supplement, to improve gastrointestinal health in pigs through improved faecal scores and modulation of the gastrointestinal microbiota.