bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) migration to anterior chamber through a congenital iris coloboma: A case report
Authors: Glidai Yoav , Schwartz Shulamit , Cohen Eyal
Published: April 2019

Background: Ozurdex® 0.7 mg (dexamethasone 0.7 mg implant, Allergan, Dublin, Ireland), an intra-vitreal biodegradable implant indicated for cystoid macular edema due to variable causes. One of its known complications is implant migration to the anterior chamber, causing corneal edema that in some cases might be irreversible. Reported risk factors for device migration are open or defective lens capsule and prior history of vitrectomy. We present a case of dexamethasone implant migration through a congenital iris coloboma in a pseudophakic patient with intact lens capsule.
Case presentation: 56-year-old pseudophakic man with a history of congenital iris coloboma, myopia, retinal tears and a Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) with subsequent Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) which was resistant to anti-VEGF medications but responsive to corticosteroids. He presented with sudden painless decreased vision in his left eye, eight weeks after dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) injection to the same eye. Upon presentation he was diagnosed with corneal edema caused by anterior chamber migration of the implant. He was referred for immediate surgical intervention and the implant was extracted, with the edema completely resolved within two weeks post-op.
Conclusions: This is the first case reported of implant migration through an iris coloboma in the setting of intact posterior capsule. In addition, we describe a novel approach for implant removal surgery that is simple and efficient. This case sheds a light on another risk factor that should be taken into consideration in the management of this patient population.
Water hammer protective performance of a spherical air vessel caused by a pump trip
Authors: Shi Lin , Zhang Jian , Yu Xiaodong , Chen Sheng
Published: April 2019

The use of air vessels is an effective measure to control water hammer in a long-distance water supply system. The traditional shape of such vessels is cylindrical. In this paper, an innovative spherical air vessel is proposed to improve the force characteristics of the tank. A mathematical model of the spherical air vessel was established using the method of characteristics. A comparison was performed of water-hammer protection performance between the spherical air vessel and the cylindrical air vessel based on a practical water supply project. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis on the parameters of the spherical air vessel was performed. The results showed that the spherical air vessels had better protective performance compared with the cylindrical air vessels. Under the same protection requirements, the spherical air vessel can reduce the total volume and surface area by more than 10%. In addition, for a fixed volume of the spherical air vessel, the protective effect improves with the increase of the initial gas volume. Increasing the connecting pipe diameter of the air vessel is beneficial for low-pressure protection, whereas it is adverse to high-pressure protection; in contrast, altering the installation elevation has little effect on water-hammer protection.
Characteristics of impervious surface and its effect on direct runoff: a case study in a rapidly urbanized area
Authors: Li Chunlin , Liu Miao , Hu Yuanman , Zong Min , Zhao Minghua , Todd Walter M.
Published: April 2019

In recent years, many cities have experienced serious urban flood and non-point pollution issues due to hydrological process changes in rapidly urbanizing areas. Understanding the relationship between impervious surface and direct runoff is important for urban planning to protect the urban hydrological system. In this study, we used a mixed spectral decomposition method to interpret the long-term series of impervious surface of Shenyang, China. Direct runoff was evaluated by an improved SCS-CN (Soil Conservation Service curve number) model, and the relative influences of five underlying surface factors on the direct runoff of each period were analyzed by boosted regression trees. The overall impervious area was significantly increased in both the study area and built-up area from 1984 to 2015. The impervious ratio showed a decreasing trend in the built-up area and increasing trend in the whole study area. The runoff coefficient of the built-up area showed a significantly decreasing trend. The runoff ratio of the built-up area to the whole study area was increased dramatically, reaching 0.26 by 2015. NDVI (normalized distribution vegetation index), vegetation, and impervious surface were the most important urban surface conditions in the study area for direct runoff generation. The relative influence of impervious surface showed a rapidly increasing trend and then gradually decreased from 2000.
Anammox and partial nitritation in the mainstream of a wastewater treatment plant in a temperate region (Denmark)
Authors: Kamp Anja , Ottosen Lars Ditlev Mørck , Thøgersen Nikolaj Bang , Revsbech Niels Peter , Thamdrup Bo , Andersen Mikkel Holmen
Published: April 2019

The Marselisborg WWTP (Aarhus, Denmark) fed the mainstream nitrification/denitrification tanks with excess sludge from a sidestream DEMON tank for more than three years to investigate if anammox can supplement conventional nitrification/denitrification in a mainstream of a temperate region. To evaluate this long-term attempt, anammox and also denitrification rates were measured in activated sludge from the main- and sidestream at 10, 20 and 30 °C using 15N-labelling (stable isotope) experiments. The results show that anammox contributes by approximately 1% of the total nitrogen removal in the mainstream tanks and that anammox conversion rates there are approximately 800–900 times lower than in the DEMON. A distinct temperature dependence of both anammox and denitrification rates was also confirmed, however, results from different temperatures did not significantly alter relative shares, e.g. anammox rates in activated sludge from the nitrification/denitrification tanks are also negligible at 30 °C. This indicates that the anammox bacteria abundance in the nitrification/denitrification tanks is too low to play an important role and that an adaptation to lower temperatures had not occurred. Additional in situ measurements in the nitrification/denitrification tanks further revealed that full nitrification dominates over partial nitritation. Dominant nitritation-anammox is therefore excluded per se and also nitrite shunt activities are not particularly supported.
Current Strategies and Future Perspectives of Skin-on-a-Chip Platforms: Innovations, Technical Challenges and Commercial Outlook
Authors: Bal-Öztürk Ayça , Miccoli Beatrice , Avci-Adali Meltem , Mogtader Ferzaneh , Sharifi Fatemeh , Çeçen Berivan , Yaşayan Gökçen , Braeken Dries , Alarcin Emine
Published: April 2019

The skin is the largest and most exposed organ in the human body. Not only it is involved in numerous biological processes essential for life but also it represents a significant endpoint for the application of pharmaceuticals. The area of in vitro skin tissue engineering has been progressing extensively in recent years. Advanced in vitro human skin models strongly impact the discovery of new drugs thanks to the enhanced screening efficiency and reliability. Nowadays, animal models are largely employed at the preclinical stage of new pharmaceutical compounds development for both risk assessment evaluation and pharmacokinetic studies. On the other hand, animal models often insufficiently foresee the human reaction due to the variations in skin immunity and physiology. Skin-on-chips devices offer innovative and state-of-the-art platforms essential to overcome these limitations. In the present review, we focus on the contribution of skin-on-chip platforms in fundamental research and applied medical research. In addition, we also highlighted the technical and practical difficulties that must be overcome to enhance skin-on-chip platforms, e.g. embedding electrical measurements, for improved modeling of human diseases as well as of new drug discovery and development.
Fenoldopam Mesylate: A Narrative Review of Its Use in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Noce Annalisa , Marrone Giulia , Rovella Valentina , Busca Andrea , Gola Caterina , Ferrannini Michele , Di Daniele Nicola
Published: April 2019

Background:

Fenoldopam mesylate is a selective agonist of DA-1 receptors. It is currently
used for the in-hospital treatment of severe hypertension. DA-1 receptors have high density in renal parenchyma
and for this reason, a possible reno-protective role of Fenoldopam mesylate was investigated.

Method:

We examined all studies regarding the role of Fenoldopam mesylate in Acute Kidney Injury
(AKI); particularly, those involving post-surgical patients, intensive care unit patients and contrastinduced
nephropathy.

Results:

Fenoldopam mesylate was found to be effective in reducing the onset of postoperative AKI,
when used before the development of the kidney damage. Positive results were also obtained in the
management of intensive care unit patients with AKI, although the clinical studies investigated were
few and conducted on small samples.

Conclusion:

Conflicting results were achieved in contrast-induced nephropathy.
Structure-based Druggability Assessment of Anti-virulence Targets from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Froes Thamires Q. , Baldini Regina L. , Vajda Sandor , Castilho Marcelo S.
Published: April 2019

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) represents a serious threat to health and the global economy.
However, interest in antibacterial drug development has decreased substantially in recent decades.
Meanwhile, anti-virulence drug development has emerged as an attractive alternative to fight AMR. Although
several macromolecular targets have been explored for this goal, their druggability is a vital
piece of information that has been overlooked. This review explores this subject by showing how structure-
based freely available in silico tools, such as PockDrug and FTMap, might be useful for designing
novel inhibitors of the pyocyanin biosynthesis pathway and improving the potency/selectivity of compounds
that target the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing mechanism. The information provided
by hotspot analysis, along with binding site features, reveals novel druggable targets (PhzA and PhzS)
that remain largely unexplored. However, it also highlights that in silico druggability prediction tools
have several limitations that might be overcome in the near future. Meanwhile, anti-virulence drug targets
should be assessed by complementary methods, such as the combined use of FTMap/PockDrug,
once the consensus druggability classification reduces the risk of wasting resources on undruggable proteins.
Relationship Between Hormonal Mechanisms of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypothyroidism Post-Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Goes Lucas G. , da Luz Eltchechem Camila , Wouk Jessica , Malfatti Carlos R.M. , da Silva Luiz A.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Obesity, diabetes mellitus may be related to the health, the relationship and
the physiological capacity of the production of thyroid hormones (TH), triiodothyronine (T3) and
thyroxine (T4).

Objectives:

The main aims of this review are to describe the relationship between obesity, appetite, weight
management, hormonal mechanisms of diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism post-bariatric surgery.

Methodology:

An in-depth literature search was conducted to identify scientific studies, which analyzed
the correlation between diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism post-bariatric surgery.

Results:

Bariatric surgery decreases hypothyroidism, reduces the need for pharmacological action (such
as levothyroxine), controls the weight and body fat and increases the sensitivity to leptin and insulin.

Conclusion:

The reduction of the stomach and intestine by bariatric surgery is an evolutionary and
beneficial action, because it may lead to a drastic decrease on numbers of conditions such as diabetes,
obesity, hypothyroidism, and others. Thus, new studies should also focus on patients’ post-operatory
conditions, such as lifetime, regulation and functioning of organs after reduced nutrition, and consumption
and delivery of nutrients to health maintenance.
Prognosis, Significance and Positive Correlation of Rab1A and p-S6K/Gli1 Expression in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Shao Xinyu , Cheng Zhengwu , Xu Menglin , Mao Jiading , Wang Junfeng , Zhou Chunli
Published: April 2019

Background:

Gastric Cancer (GC) is a frequently common malignancy. Recent studies have reported Rab1A as an activator of mTORC1, and the mTOR1 pathway is involved in regulating Gli1 expression in several cancers. Only a few studies have been performed to explore the relationship between Rab1A and p-S6K/Gli1in GC.

Methods:

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to explore the association of Rab1A/p-S6K/Gli1 expression and prognosis in 117 GC tissue samples and adjacent normal tissues.

Results:

Our results indicated that Rab1A/p-S6K/Gli1 was significantly overexpressed in GC tissues. High expression of Rab1A was closely related to the tumor size and the depth of tumor invasion. In addition, Rab1A expression was closely related with p-S6K/Gli1 expression in GC, and high level of Rab1A/p-S6K/Gli1 caused worse prognosis of GC patients. The univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that the expression of Rab1A was an independent prognostic factor. Moreover, both high Rab1A and p-S6K expression led to a worse prognosis when compared to a single positive expression as well as both high Rab1A/Gli1 expression also led to a worse prognosis than the single positive expression of Rab1A/Gli1. Strikingly, the overexpression of p-S6K also led to a worse prognosis in Rab1A positive patients, as did Gli1.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that Rab1A/mTOR/S6K/Gli1 axis played a crucial role in GC, which may provide a novel field on targeted therapy of GC, especially for mTORC1-targeted therapy-resistant cancers.
An Inventive Report of Inducing Apoptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Cell Lines by Transfection of MiR-4301
Authors: Avval Abbas J. , Majd Ahmad , Gholipour Naghmeh , Noghabi Kambiz A. , Ohradanova-Repic Anna , Ahangari Ghasem
Published: April 2019

Background:

Based on recent studies, new therapeutic strategies have been developed for cancer treatment using microRNAs (miRNAs). With this view, miRNAs manipulating techniques can be considered as novel therapeutic prospects for cancer treatment. In this study, we evaluated the expression of miR-4301 in human lung cancer cell lines and investigated its potential role in cell proliferation and tumor suppression on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cells.

Methods:

We used quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) to examine the level of miR- 4301 expression in human lung cancer cell lines (A549, QU-DB) and non-malignant lung epithelial cells (HFLF-PI5). Then, we investigated the effect of miR-4301 by transfecting it into these cell lines and probing for cancer cell viability and apoptosis using the MTT assay, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining.

Results:

Our results showed that the expression level of miR-4301 was significantly reduced in human lung cancer cell lines (P<0.001). When miR-4301 was transfected in lung cancer cells, their cell proliferation was suppressed and apoptosis induced. This decline in cell survival was confirmed by the MTT assay. Transfection of miR-4301 caused an increase in early and late apoptotic cells in all lung cancer cell lines tested.

Conclusion:

Our findings show that miR-4301 may act as a lung cancer suppressor through targeting of proteins involved in cell proliferation and survival. For this reason, targeting miR-4301 may provide a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this deadly disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Incidence of MicroR-4513C/T Gene Variability in Coronary Artery Disease - A case-Control Study
Authors: Mir Rashid , Jha Chandan k , Elfaki Imadeldin , Javid Jamsheed , Rehman Suriya , Khullar Naina , Banu Shaheena , Chahal S. M. S.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Genetic variants in pre-microRNA genes or the 3'UTR of miRNA target
genes could influence miRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression and thus contribute to the susceptibility
and prognosis of human diseases. Several studies have investigated the association of genetic
variants in the seed region of miRNAs with cardiometabolic phenotypes .Therefore the aim of
study was to investigate the potential association of miR-4513 rs2168518 C>T gene variability with
the risk of developing CAD and its association with different cardiometabolic phenotypes in an Indian
cohort to stratify CAD burden in the general population.

Methods:

The study was conducted on 100 clinically confirmed CAD patients and 100 healthy individuals.
Genotyping of MicroR-4513 rs2168518C>T gene variability was performed using Amplification
refractory mutation system PCR method.

Results:

A significant difference was observed in the genotype distribution among CAD cases and
healthy controls. The frequencies of three genotypes CC, CT, TT in CAD patient and healthy controls
were 5%, 77%, 18%, and 28%, 45% and 27% respectively. A multivariate analysis showed that miR-
4513 rs2168518 polymorphism is associated with an increased susceptibility to CAD in codominant
inheritance model for variant CC vs. CT OR 9.58 CI (3.45-26.57), RR 2.3(1.75-3.02), P=0.001. Results
also indicate a potential dominant effect of miR-4513 rs2168518 C/T polymorphism on susceptibility
of CAD in dominant inheritance model for variant CC vs. (CT+TT) OR 7.38 (2.71-20.07), RR
1.96 (1.56-2.46), P=0.001. In allelic comparison, T allele weakly increased risk of CAD compared to C
allele (OR=1.50, 95% CI (1.09-2.26) RR 1.15 (0.94-1.39) P=0.044.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that CT genotype and T allele of microR-4513 rs2168518 is strongly associated
with increased susceptibility to CAD. Furthers studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to
confirm this result.
Analysis of the Plantar Pressure Characteristics of Action Flying Kick for Martial Arts Athletes
Authors: Fei Tan Jin
Published: April 2019

Martial arts as the quintessence of the Chinese nation, after a thousand years of forging, its contents are rich
and varied, the performance of a variety of forms, the value of its potential is enormous. This paper, regarding the action
flying kick the as a starting point in competitive of martial arts, analysis the plantar pressure characteristics of action flying
kick for martial arts athletes, and provided some quantization theory for the flying feet of jumping movements, give
some suggestions in the process to jumping which may be injured. Firstly, this paper discussed the methods and steps for
the analysis of the plantar pressure characteristics of action flying kick for martial arts athletes, summing up the process of
the plantar pressure analysis and the experimental process. Then, the paper given six Jilin province martial arts athletes
flying kick foot jump for bottom pressure test of the experimental results, and analyzed the experimental data in detail. By
analyzing the experimental results, it can reveal regular pattern of the diversification of plantar pressure, so as to provide
reference data for improving the effect of training and preventing injuries.
Adsorbent Performance of Solid Porous Carbon Derived from Waste Cigarette Filters
Authors: Zeng Bin , Zeng Wujun
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Solid porous carbon (SPC) with micro-mesopore structures was successfully
fabricated from used cigarette filters via carbonization.

Experimental:

The morphology and structure of the as-prepared porous carbon materials were
characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy,
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.

Results:

This novel carbon material allows the removal of organic pollutants from water. The
maximum adsorbed capacity of methylene blue could reach ~185 mg.g-1, which was attributed to
the high specific surface area (567.7 m2.g-1) and the micro-mesoporous structure of the samples.

Conclusion:

Furthermore, when genomic stability was maintained in the solution, SPC was easily
extracted. The mechanism for the fabrication of the proposed used cigarette filter is elucidated in
this study.
Age Classification Using Motif and Statistical Features Derived On Gradient Facial Images
Authors: Reddy Ayaluri Mallikarjuna , Krishna Vakulabharanam Venkata , Sumalatha Lingamgunta , Obulesh Avuku
Published: April 2019

Background:

Age estimation using face images has become increasingly significant in
the recent years, due to diversity of potentially useful applications. Age group feature extraction, the
local features, has received a great deal of attention.

Objective:

This paper derived a new age estimation operator called “Gradient Dual-Complete Motif
Matrix (GD-CMM)” on the 3 x 3 neighborhood of gradient image. The GD-CMM divides the 3 x 3
neighborhood in to dual grids of size 2 x 2 each and on each 2 x 2 grid complete motif matrices are
derived.

Methods:

The local features are extracted by using Motif Co-occurrence Matrix (MCM) and it is derived
on 2 x 2 grid and the main disadvantage of this Motifs or Peano Scan Motifs (PSM) is they are
static i.e. the initial position on a 2 x2 grid is fixed in deriving motifs, resulting with six different motifs.
The advantage 3 x 3 neighborhood approaches over 2x 2 grids is the 3x3 grid identify the spatial
relations among the pixels more precisely. The gradient images represent facial features more efficiently
and human beings are more sensitive to gradient changes than original grey level intensities.

Results:

The proposed method is compared with other existing methods on FGNET, Google and
scanned facial image databases. The experimental outcomes exhibited the superiority of proposed
method than existing methods.

Conclusion:

On the GD-CMM, this paper derived co-occurrence features and machine learning
classifiers are used for age group classification.
Performance Analysis of a Half Bridge Cell Based Asymmetrical Multilevel Inverter Topology with Minimum Components
Authors: Roy Abeera D. , Umayal Chandrahasan
Published: April 2019

Background:

In Multilevel Inverters (MLI) as the number of level increases, there is a
proportionate increase in the count of the semiconductor devices that are employed.

Methods:

This paper deals with an asymmetrical cascaded H-bridge inverter topology with half
bridge cells to produce seven level output voltage waveform. Nearest Level Control (NLM) technique
is used to produce the switching pulses. The operating principle of the proposed MLI and its
performance abilities is verified through MATLAB/Simulink and a prototype is developed to provide
the experimental results.

Results:

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is computed for proposed MLI for different types of
loads in simulation environment as well as in the developed hardware prototype. Comparison between
the proposed MLI and recent topologies demonstrates the advantageous features.

Conclusion:

The simulation and hardware results confirm the suitability of the proposed
seven level MLI as the total component count, and the requirement of DC sources reduces
considerably.
Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry Educational Framework for the Development of Competency in Dental Programs
Authors: Charbonneau Anne , Walton Joanne N. , Morin Sylvie , Dagenais Marie
Published: April 2019

The Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD) recently developed a proposal that reflects its evolving understanding of competency‐based dental education. The ACFD proposal was developed into an Educational Framework for the Development of Competency in Dental Programs and has been adopted by all ten Canadian dental schools as the basis for their ongoing curriculum development and assessment. This framework identifies five global competencies that provide a big picture of the complex skills, knowledge, and behaviors that dental graduates must demonstrate. Detail for clarification and illustration is provided by more comprehensive “components” of each area that elaborate on the global statement and by a new dimension that assists with assessment: “indicators” of the specific knowledge, skills, and behaviors that can be measured as steps towards developing competence. In the information supporting understanding and assessment of the five key areas are both the existing national competency statements to facilitate the use of the framework by other stakeholders and a parallel set of knowledge, skills, and abilities statements developed by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) as the starting point for updating its examination blueprints. This article outlines the development, structure, and contents of the ACFD Educational Framework in the hope that it can serve as the foundation for a new Canadian national competencies document serving all national stakeholders.
Influence of Self‐Assessment on Dental Students' Performance on Technical Assessments in Periodontics
Authors: Deeb Janina Golob , Carrico Caroline K. , Laskin Daniel M. , Koertge Thomas E.
Published: April 2019

Self‐assessments were introduced into a third‐year clinical periodontics course to enable dental students to self‐assess and receive faculty feedback prior to technical assessment. The aims of this study were to determine if there was an improvement in the pass rate and average grade on the technical assessments following implementation of self‐assessments and to analyze the accuracy of the student self‐assessments by comparing them with faculty assessments. Scores from 106 third‐year dental students for four periodontal procedures were included in the analysis. Faculty and student self‐assessment scores, along with self‐assessment and final technical assessments scores, were compared, as were the average number of self‐assessment attempts for the various procedures and the pass rates. The average number of self‐assessments per student was 6.5 compared to 4.2 for the technical assessments. There was no significant difference between students' self‐assessment scores and faculty scores (average difference=0.005; p=0.7894). However, there was a significant increase in overall scores between students' self‐assessments and technical assessments (average difference: 0.30 out of 5; p=0.0001). There was also a significant difference in pass rate between self‐assessments and technical assessments (92.3% and 99.7%, respectively). The individual technical assessment with the greatest improvement was for scaling and root planing (average difference=0.47; p=0.0001), which also had significantly more self‐assessments (2.3 vs. 1.2‐1.7, p=0.0001). These results suggest that self‐assessment and the subsequent faculty feedback provided students with information that enabled them to improve their performance on technical assessments.
Dental Dam and Isovac Usage: Factors Influencing Dental Students' Decisions on Isolation Techniques
Authors: Imbery Terence A. , Greene Kelsey E. , Carrico Caroline K.
Published: April 2019

The Isovac system was introduced into the Virginia Commonwealth University dental curriculum with the intention that it would be used as a substitute when the dental dam could not be placed. The aim of this study was to determine the usage and factors that influenced dental students' decisions to use the dental dam or Isovac. All third‐and fourth‐year dental students (n=210) were asked in 2017 to complete a 26‐item survey. The survey asked about students' operative procedures completed using the dental dam and Isovac, their own and their patients' preferences, basic dental dam knowledge, full‐time and adjunct faculty recommendations of method, importance of factors influencing their decisions, and anticipated dental dam use after graduation. Comments were also allowed. A total of 164 students responded to the survey, for a 78% response rate. Of the respondents, 58% said they used the Isovac only when they could not use the dental dam. Among the eight general practice groups in which students are educated in delivery of comprehensive dental care, preference was significantly different for placement of Class II restorations. Overall, the students' dental dam knowledge was low, and the knowledge results were not associated with its use. According to the students, recommendations by full‐time and adjunct faculty members were significantly different. Factors ranked by importance from greatest to least for determining which isolation method to use were as follows: moisture control, procedure, patient comfort, application time, ease of placement, and attending faculty. Student comments overwhelmingly favored dental dam usage if a dental assistant was available. This study found that dental dam and Isovac use was not standardized among the general practice groups and faculty. Student education, faculty calibration, and increased use of trained dental assistants are required to ensure education is consistent among all general practice groups.
Effectiveness of Augmented Reality Mobile Simulator in Teaching Local Anesthesia of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block
Authors: Mladenovic Rasa , Pereira L.A.P. , Mladenovic Kristina , Videnovic Nebojsa , Bukumiric Zoran , Mladenovic Jovan
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile augmented reality simulator for local anesthesia training with dental students who are administering inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for the first time. Participants in this prospective study conducted in 2016 were 41 fourth‐ and fifth‐year students randomly divided into two groups: a control group with 19 students and an experimental group with 22 students. In addition to theoretical instruction and exercises, students in the experimental group used the mobile augmented reality simulator in a dental office 2h weekly for four weeks. The Sony SmartBand‐2 was used to measure all students' heart rate five minutes before and during anesthesia administration. After anesthesia, students in both groups completed a post‐clinical questionnaire evaluating their knowledge and skills. The experimental group had a higher average score and/or a more limited range of responses on each item of the questionnaire than the control group. The average time for performing IANB in the experimental group was 50.0±14.3 seconds, while the control group's average was 68.4±25.5 seconds. In addition, the group that used the augmented reality simulator had an anesthesia success rate of 90.9% compared to 73.7% for the control group. Students in both groups had a statistically significant increase in heart rate while performing anesthesia. Overall, the students who used the mobile simulator in addition to their education in augmented reality carried out anesthetic procedures for IANB in a shorter period of time and had greater success than the students who used only the conventional educational methods.
Internet-Delivered Tobacco Treatment for People Using Cannabis: A Randomized Trial in Two Australian Cannabis Clinics (Preprint)
Authors: Hindson Josephine , Hanstock Tanya , Dunlop Adrian , Kay-Lambkin Frances
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Tobacco use is disproportionately higher in people who smoke cannabis than in the general population, increasing the severity of dependence for cannabis use, decreasing the likelihood of successful quit attempts for both cannabis and tobacco, and increasing the risk of relapse for both substances. Opportunities to address tobacco use in people using cannabis are being missed.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of engaging tobacco smokers who were accessing treatment for cannabis, with a tobacco-focused internet-based Healthy Lifestyle Program (iHeLP; 4 modules). It was hypothesized that iHeLP completion would be associated with decreases in tobacco use and improved quality of life (QoL) and psychological health. It was also hypothesized that iHeLP completion would be higher in those who additionally received telephone support. Given that iHeLP aimed to improve healthy lifestyle behaviors, it was also hypothesized that there would be reductions in cannabis use.

METHODS

A total of 13 smokers seeking treatment for cannabis use were randomly allocated to iHeLP alone or iHeLP plus telephone support. Participants were engaged in iHeLP over 8 weeks and completed a 12-week follow-up assessment.

RESULTS

Results from 10 participants who completed the follow-up indicated that the acceptability of iHeLP was high-very high in terms of general satisfaction, appropriateness of services, effectiveness, and met need. Additional telephone support increased modal module completion rates for iHeLP from 0 to 2 but did not provide any other significant advantages over iHeLP alone in terms of cannabis use, tobacco use, QoL, or psychological health. Participants in the iHeLP-alone condition (n=4) reported a mean reduction of 5.5 (SD 9.00) tobacco cigarettes per day between baseline and follow-up, with a concomitant mean reduction in expired carbon monoxide (CO) of 5.5 parts per million (ppm, SD 6.91). The iHeLP plus telephone support group (n=6) reported a mean reduction of 1.13 (SD 4.88) tobacco cigarettes per day and a mean reduction of 9.337 ppm of expired CO (SD 5.65). A urinalysis indicated that abstinence from cannabis was achieved by 2 participants in the iHeLP-alone group and three participants in the iHeLP plus telephone support group. Between baseline and follow-up assessments, iHeLP-alone participants reported a mean reduction in days of use of cannabis in the prior month of 6.17 days (SD 13.30). The average reduction in the number of days of cannabis use for the iHeLP plus telephone support group was also 6.17 days (SD 13.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the small sample size, this study provides preliminary support for the use of internet-delivered, tobacco-focused interventions in tobacco smokers seeking treatment for cannabis use.
Evaluación de los factores de riesgo de embarazo en adolescentes en la comunidad de Las Tablas, Municipio Matanzas, Provincia Peravia, República Dominicana, durante el período noviembre 2017 - enero 2018
Authors: Navarro Ramírez Amelia , Domínguez Bellelyn , Rodríguez Charlotte Montes de Oca , Ramírez Díaz Ana , Barreto Rojas Nicole , López César , López Emilton
Published: April 2019

Introducción: la adolescencia se define como el período de crecimiento y desarrollo humano entre los 10 y 19 años. El embarazo precoz es aquel que se produce en este grupo etario, sin importar la madurez o dependencia de su núcleo familiar de origen. En República Dominicana, el 22% de las adolescentes han estado embarazadas.

Objetivo: evaluar los factores de riesgo de embarazo en adolescentes en la comunidad de Las Tablas, municipio Matanzas, provincia Peravia, República Dominicana, durante el período noviembre 2017 – enero 2018.

Metodología: estudio prospectivo, descriptivo, de corte transversal en el que se entrevistaron 45 adolescentes fértiles de la comunidad de Las Tablas.

Resultados: se obtuvo que un 20% (29 casos) presentó disfunción familiar como riesgo para desencadenar un embarazo adolescente. De las jóvenes con vida sexual activa, un 100% (12 casos) indicaron haberla iniciado a los 14 años o más. Un 69% (31 casos) han recibido información sobre el uso de los métodos anticonceptivos. Cabe destacar que 15 adolescentes (33%) han sido víctima de violencia en la comunidad.

Conclusiones: el embarazo adolescente es una problemática multifactorial, donde predominan la disfunción familiar, ser hija de madre con historia de embarazo adolescente, uso de alcohol y otras sustancias, entre otras.
Ecología de saberes y pedagogía: una crítica sociocultural frente a la crisis capitalista en Latinoamérica
Authors: Niño Arteaga Yesid
Published: April 2019

Este trabajo de escritura muestra un recorrido analítico a través de lasposibles dimensiones de una pedagogía latinoamericana, apoyándose enparte del pensamiento sociológico de Boaventura de Sousa Santos, se buscarepensar la relación histórico-ontológica de la pedagogía en la culturacontemporánea. Con dicha relación el documento se aproxima a construiruna comprensión del concepto de pedagogía a partir de indagaciones a larealidad sociocultural contemporánea, estableciendo en su eventualidaddiscursiva una crítica filosófica que involucra, la época, el carácter culturaly el sentido de lo humano presentes en el acto educativo. Sobre este puntoel documento presenta interpretaciones que posibilitan una dirección decrítica respecto a la crisis del paradigma del progreso asentado en el capitalismoglobal. Así el artículo establecerá posibles comprensiones desdeel ámbito hermenéutico que escindan una posible caracterización de lopedagógico y a su vez replieguen otro sentido en su discurso dando lugara la heterogeneidad que implica una ecología de saberes.
The EFFECT OF THE COMBINATION OF THE SESAME OIL AND VITAMIN E TO IMPROVE ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANE ON HYPERCHOLESTEROL RATS
Authors: Jurnal Badan Penerbitan
Published: April 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the combination effect of sesame oil and vitamin E to the number of abnormal erythrocytes, and MDA levels by the amount of hemolysis. Hypercholesterolemia that is grown by erythrocyte membranes were decreased conditions that leads to atherosclerosis associated with oxidative stress which leads to lipid peroxidation. Sesame oil (SO) has special antioxidants that also contains 85% unsaturated fatty acid, where 40% consists of poly unsaturated fatty acid. Vitamin E is a chain breaker antioxidant that prevents the multiplication of free radical reactions in phospholipids.

 Methods: This research using 6 treatment groups, 3 groups received an atherogenic diet, while the other 3 groups received an atherogenic diet and treated with a combination of sesame oil with the same dose, added with 0.02 ml of vitamin E.

 Results:  The results showed that the proportion of 1.2 ml SO and 0.02 ml of vitamin E, with the average amount (%) of hemolysis at 0.45% NaCl concentration was (5, 05 ±0.129), while in the control (33,87–1,919). The number (%) of erythrocytes is not normal (25,75± 2,473) while in the control (80,27± 4,631). Erythrocyte MDA level (0.229±0.039) µlmol / ml, while in the control (0.443 ±  0.013) µmol / ml.

 Conclussion:  This research shows that the combination of oil and vitamin E had a significant decrease in the number of abnormal erythrocytes, the amount of hemolysis and MDA levels. The MDA reduction is followed by a decrease in the number of abnormal erythrocytes and the amount of hemolysis.
ANTI-DIABETIC EFFECTS OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS: A REVIEW
Authors: Maqbool Mudasir , Gani Imran , Dar Mohmad Amin
Published: April 2019

Diabetes is a chronic endocrine disease with global prevalence and increasing incidence. Diabetes presents with a major health issue in all age groups in the present times owing to its multisystem involvement and serious complications. In spite of drug development and therapeutic interventions, successful treatment of diabetes still remains a challenge and worldwide research is focused on finding alternative modalities. By conducting sizable amount of analytical work, numerous traditional medicines have been found for diabetes. Substances and extracts isolated from completely different natural resources particularly plants have perpetually been a fashionable arsenal for dominant and treating polygenic disorders downside and complication arising because of it. Many medicinal plants have shown promising effects in experimental animals which can be extrapolated to humans also. In this paper, we will review various medicinal plants showing anti-diabetic activity in experimental animals.
Choosing scientific-technological priorities with a potential for creating new industries: a system of measurable indicators
Authors: Kurakova  N. G. , Zinov  V. G. , Tsvetkova L. A.
Published: April 2019

The challenge of building a robust technological base to ensure an advancing growth of the economy and global competitiveness of domestic companies can be achieved only by target-focused channeling of state funds and private resources into a limited number of priority areas. The purpose of the research is to develop a system with measurable indicators of scientific-technological areas, which will allow one to compare, range, and insightfully validate scientific-technological areas, which have a maximum potential for creating new industries in Russia with minimal risks and barriers. The article shares results of this system’s approbation. It is expected that using a system of such measurable indicators will help to rationalize management decisions, leading to the concentration of intellectual, financial, organizational and infrastructure resources on priority areas, which need to be developed for Russia it to meet its challenges.
Design of amino-functionalized chelated macroporous copolymer [poly(GMA-EDGMA)] for the sorption of Cu (II) ions
Authors: Surucic Ljiljana , Nastasovic Aleksandra , Onjia Antonije , Janjic Goran , Rakic Aleksandra
Published: April 2019

Polymer-based, highly porous nanocomposites with functionalized ligands attached to the core structure are extremely efficient in the detection, removal and recovery of metals through the process of sorption. Quantumchemical models could be helpful for sorption process analyses. The sorption of Cu(II) ions by amino-functionalized chelating macroporous copolymers poly(GMA-co-EGDMA)-amine and sorption selectivity of the subject copolymers, ethylenediamine (en), diethylenetriamine (dien) and triethylenetetramine (trien), were successfully modelled by quantum chemical calculations. Considering the crystal structures from CSD and experimental conditions during the formation of metal complexes, the most frequent mononuclear complexes are those with the tetradentate teta ligand, while binuclear complexes are formed when the metal ion is in large excess. Although the en-copolymer was the most effective functionalized one, higher maximum sorption capacities (Qmax) were observed for the dien- and trien-copolymers, due to their abilities to form binuclear complexes. The enthalpy term has the greatest contribution to the total Gibbs energy change of reaction for the formation of mononuclear Cu(II) complexes (?Gaq), while the solvation energy of the reaction has the greatest contribution in the formation of binuclear complexes. The results of the study indicate that small amines with the ability to form binuclear complex are the best choice for functionalization of the considered copolymer.
Novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of ovarian cancer
Authors: Djurdjevic Srdjan , Stojanovic Sanja , Basta-Nikolic Marijana , Nikolic Dragan
Published: April 2019

Introduction. Ovarian cancer is an intra-abdominal, chemosensitive, chronic
disease and according to current protocols, it is primarily treated with
surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. In Serbia, 820 cases of ovarian
cancer are newly diagnosed annually. The aim of the study is to present the
results of surgical treatment in 304 patients with ovarian cancer, treated
during a 15-year period (2003 - 2017) at the Clinic of Gynecology and
Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad. Material and Methods.
Before the operation, clinical, gynecological, ultrasonography examination
and analysis of cancer antigen 125 blood concentrations were performed in
all patients. Based on basic diagnostics, additional pelvic, abdominal and
thoracic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies, together
with colonoscopy if needed, were performed. The selection of the type and
extent of surgical procedure was based on intraoperative assessment of the
stage of disease, intraoperative histopathological confirmation of ovarian
cancer, wish for fertility preservation and general patient?s condition.
Exclusion criteria were histopathologically confirmed benign or borderline
ovarian tumors, i. e. absence of cancer in the final microscopic specimen.
Results. The patients? age ranged from 19 - 88 years, with a median of 53.4
years. According to the International Federation of Gynecology and
Obstetrics staging, most patients had stage III - 98 (33.1%) and epithelial
ovarian cancer - 240 (84.2%). The most common surgical procedures were
hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy and omentectomy, whereas cytological
analysis was performed in 138 (45.4%) treated patients. Complications were
recorded in 13 (4.3%) operated patients with inflammation and wound seroma
being the most common (4 patients - 1.3% of cases). Conclusion. Ovarian
cancer treatment is planned individually, depending on the stage of the
disease, histological tumor type, patient?s general condition, wish for
fertility-sparing treatment and technical capacity of the institution where
the treatment is performed.
Cyclops syndrome - A complication after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Ristic Vladimir , Ilic Milica , Bjelobrk Mile , Harhaji Vladimir , Milankov Vukadin
Published: April 2019

Introduction. Cyclops syndrome is one of the causes of failure of anterior
cruciate ligament reconstruction. The aim of the study was to examine the
quality of life of patients who had this complication and its consequences
till the return to unrestricted (sports) activities. Material and Methods.
During an eighteen-year follow-up of 4330 patients, cyclops syndrome was
found in 71 patients (1.64%). This study included 60 of them, who agreed to
fill out a questionnaire and functional scoring scales. Results and
Discussion. The mean Tegner score was 5.95 and Lysholm score was 86.13
points. After the arthroscopic removal of cyclops lesion, excellent results
were found in 22 patients (36.7%), good in 19 (31.7%), poor in 16 (26.7%)
and very poor in three cases (5%). On average, athletes lose 10 months from
injury to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. It takes at least 6
months to return to competitive sports. If cyclops lesion occurs, it takes
approximately 10 months to arthroscopy, and on average 3 months of
postoperative recovery. Conclusion. Cyclops lesion is a complication that
significantly compromises the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction, in terms of functional scores, subjective symptoms, the
intensity of sports activities, and quality of life. Arthroscopic removal of
the cyclops lesion leads to satisfactory postoperative results, but athletes
lose 2.5 years on the whole, from injury to return to unrestricted sports
activities.