bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation challenges and lessons learned from the STREAM clinical trial—a survey of trial sites
Authors: Patel Leena N. , Gurumurthy Meera , Bronson Gay , Sanders Karen , Rusen I. D.
Published: January 2023

Background

Design and implementation of multi-country clinical trials for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) are complex for several reasons, including trial duration, varying levels of experience and infrastructure across settings, and different regulatory requirements. STREAM was an MDR-TB clinical trial that recruited over 1000 participants. We documented challenges and best practices/lessons learned from the site perspective to improve implementation of future trials.

Methods

We conducted a voluntary survey of trial staff at all sites to obtain information on challenges encountered and best practices/lessons learned from implementation of the STREAM trial. Respondents were asked to identify substantive aspects of trial implementation from a list that included: trial administration, laboratory strengthening/infrastructure, pharmacy and supply chain management, community engagement, regulatory and ethics requirements, health economics, and other (respondent designated) about which a practical guide would be useful to improve future trial implementation. For each aspect of trial implementation selected, respondents were asked to report challenges and best practices/lessons learned during STREAM. Lastly, respondents were asked to list up to three things they would do differently when implementing future trials. Summary statistics were generated for quantitative data and thematic analysis was undertaken for qualitative data.

Results

Of 67 responses received from 13 of 15 sites, 47 (70%) were included in the analyses, after excluding duplicate or incomplete responses. Approximately half the respondents were investigators or trial coordinators. The top three aspects of trial implementation identified for a best practices/lessons learned practical guide to improve future trial implementation were: trial administration, community engagement, and laboratory strengthening/infrastructure. For both challenges and best practices/lessons learned, three common themes were identified across different aspects of trial implementation. Investment in capacity building and ongoing monitoring; investment in infrastructure and well-designed trial processes; and communication and coordination between staff and meaningful engagement of stakeholders were all thought to be critical to successful trial implementation.

Conclusions

Existing practices for clinical trial implementation should be reevaluated. Sponsors should consider the local context and the need to increase upfront investment in the cross-cutting thematic areas identified to improve trial implementation.
Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep from Romania
Authors: Paștiu Anamaria Ioana , Mircean Viorica , Mercier Aurélien , Passebosc-Faure Karine , Plault Nicolas , Dardé Marie-Laure , Blaga Radu , Villena Isabelle , Pusta Dana Liana , Cozma-Petruț Anamaria , Györke Adriana
Published: January 2023

Background

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Limited epidemiological information is available about the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep in Romania, and a high incidence would have implications for both the economy and public health. To our knowledge, no studies are available about the T. gondii strains circulating in lambs. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep (serology), lambs (serology, bioassay, PCR) and sheep abortions (PCR) in Romania. Moreover, the study aimed to perform the genetic characterization of T. gondii isolates from lambs.

Methods

Serum samples collected from 2650 sheep (2067 adults and 583 lambs) were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) using a commercial ELISA kit. Likewise, 328 pairs of diaphragmatic muscle-serum samples were collected from lambs aged between 2 and 4 months. Lamb serum samples were analyzed using MAT for anti-T. gondii antibody detection. The diaphragm tissue samples from MAT-positive lambs (at a dilution ≥ 1:25) were bioassayed in mice. The T. gondii strains were genotyped using 15 microsatellites markers. Additionally, brain and heart samples from 76 sheep abortions were analyzed for T. gondii DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 529-bp repeat region (REP529).

Results

The results showed that more than half of the tested sheep were T. gondii seropositive (53.5%). The seroprevalence was significantly higher in adults (61.1%) than in lambs (26.4%). The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in slaughtered lambs, by MAT, was 37.5% (123/328). There were bioassayed in mice 56 diaphragmatic tissues from 123 seropositive lambs. Toxoplasma gondii strains were isolated from 18 (32.1%) lambs intended for human consumption. All T. gondii strains were confirmed by PCR. Six strains were genotyped using 15 microsatellite markers and belonged to genotype II. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 11.8% (9/76) of sheep abortions.

Conclusions

The present study showed the presence of T. gondii in sheep in all the regions considered in the study. The high prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and lambs, demonstrated by serology, molecular analysis and bioassay, highlighted that there is an important risk of human infection in consuming raw or undercooked sheep/lamb meat.

Graphical Abstract
The global prevalence of parasites in non-biting flies as vectors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Chen Yuancai , Wang Nanhao , Qin Huikai , Zhang Longxian , Zhang Sumei
Published: January 2023

Background

Non-biting flies such as the house fly (Musca domestica), the Australian sheep blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) and the oriental latrine fly (Chrysomya megacephala) may carry many parasites. In the present study, we performed a systematic overview of the different species of parasites carried by non-biting flies, as well as of isolation methods, different geographical distribution, seasonality and risk assessment.

Methods

A meta-analysis was carried out with the aim to review the global prevalence of parasite transmission in non-biting flies. A total sample size of 28,718 non-biting flies reported in studies worldwide satisfied the predetermined selection criteria and was included in the quantitative analysis.

Results

The global prevalence of parasites in non-biting flies was 42.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31.9–53.2%; n = 15,888/28,718), with the highest prevalence found for non-biting flies in Africa (58.3%; 95% CI 47.4–69.3%; n = 9144/13,366). A total of 43% (95% CI 32.1–54.4%; n = 7234/15,282) of house flies (M. domestica), the fly species considered to be the most closely associated with humans and animals, were found with parasites. The prevalence of parasites in the intestine of non-biting flies was 37.1% (95% CI 22.7–51.5%; n = 1045/3817), which was significantly higher than the prevalence of parasites isolated from the body surface (35.1%; 95% CI 20.8–49.4%; n = 1199/3649; P < 0.01). Of the 27 reported parasites, a total of 20 known zoonotic parasites were identified, with an infection rate of 38.1% (95% CI 28.2–48.0%; n = 13,572/28,494).

Conclusions

This study provides a theoretical basis for the public health and ecological significance of parasites transmitted by non-biting flies.

Graphical Abstract
Azithromycin attenuates wheezing after pulmonary inflammation through inhibiting histone H3K27me3 hypermethylation mediated by EZH2
Authors: Wu Shuqi , Tian Xiaochun , Mao Qian , Peng Chang
Published: January 2023

Background

Histone methylation modification plays an irreplaceable role in the wheezing diseases. The aim of this study was to explore whether azithromycin (AZM) attenuates post-inflammatory wheezing through inhibiting hypermethylation of histone H3K27me3 mediated by EZH2.

Results

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 227 children who underwent fiber-optic bronchoscopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for analyses. The expressions of IL-6, IL-2, NF-κB P65, EZH2 and H3K27me3 in the BALF of wheezing cases were significantly increased when compared with levels in non-wheezing cases (P < 0.05), while IL-10 was decreased (P < 0.05). AZM attenuated the overexpression of NF-κB P65, EZH2 and H3K27me3 in wheezing cases (P < 0.05) and shortened the time of wheezing in wheezing cases (P < 0.05). An in vitro model of inflammation was established using rat alveolar macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). AZM, SN50 (a NK-κB inhibitor) and GSK126 (an EZH2 inhibitor) attenuated the overexpression of EZH2, NF-κB P65 and H3K27me3 induced by LPS in rat alveolar macrophages (P < 0.05). AZM, SN50 and GSK126 normalized the decreased expression of IL-10 induced by LPS in the same samples (P < 0.05). Co-immunoprecipitation results showed that H3K27me3 interacted with EZH2 and NF-κB P65, and immunofluorescence data showed that AZM and SN50 inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB P65 nuclear translocation in rat alveolar macrophages.

Conclusion

Histone H3K27me3 hypermethylation mediated by EZH2 may be involved in wheezing after pulmonary inflammation. AZM attenuated wheezing after pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB P65-related hypermethylation of H3K27me3 mediated by EZH2.
Convergent transcriptomic and genomic evidence supporting a dysregulation of CXCL16 and CCL5 in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Li Xiao , Zhang Deng-Feng , Bi Rui , Tan Li-Wen , Chen Xiaogang , Xu Min , Yao Yong-Gang
Published: January 2023

Background

Neuroinflammatory factors, especially chemokines, have been widely reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is unclear how chemokines are altered in AD, and whether dysregulation of chemokines is the cause, or the consequence, of the disease.

Methods

We initially screened the transcriptomic profiles of chemokines from publicly available datasets of brain tissues of AD patients and mouse models. Expression alteration of chemokines in the blood from AD patients was also measured to explore whether any chemokine might be used as a potential biomarker for AD. We further analyzed the association between the coding variants of chemokine genes and genetic susceptibility of AD by targeted sequencing of a Han Chinese case–control cohort. Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed to infer the causal association of chemokine dysregulation with AD development.

Results

Three chemokine genes (CCL5, CXCL1, and CXCL16) were consistently upregulated in brain tissues from AD patients and the mouse models and were positively correlated with Aβ and tau pathology in AD mice. Peripheral blood mRNA expression of CXCL16 was upregulated in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients, indicating the potential of CXCL16 as a biomarker for AD development. None of the coding variants within any chemokine gene conferred a genetic risk to AD. MR analysis confirmed a causal role of CCL5 dysregulation in AD mediated by trans-regulatory variants.

Conclusions

In summary, we have provided transcriptomic and genomic evidence supporting an active role of dysregulated CXCL16 and CCL5 during AD development.
Allergen bronchoprovocation: correlation between FEV1 maximal percent fall and area under the FEV1 curve and impact of allergen on recovery
Authors: Durr Sarah-Marie , Davis Beth , Gauvreau Gail , Cockcroft Donald
Published: January 2023

Background

House dust mite (HDM) induces greater responses than other allergens during allergen bronchoprovocation (ABP) testing. The two standardized methods for reporting results of ABP tests are the maximal percent fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1, max; %) and the area under the FEV1vs time curve (AUC; %FEV1x min). The relationship between these methods has not been previously investigated.

Aims

We aimed to measure the correlation between FEV1, maxand AUC during the early asthmatic response (EAR) and the late asthmatic response (LAR), and to determine if the EAR recovery period for HDM would be longer than other allergens (cat, grass, horse, and ragweed).

Methods

We retrospectively calculated the AUC and correlation between FEV1, maxand AUC during the EAR(0-2 h)and LAR(3-7 h)for each allergen. We compared EAR(0-3 h)and LAR(3-7 h)FEV1, max, AUC and absolute difference in FEV1, maxto the most recovered FEV1(FEV1, min). We performed pairwise comparisons of correlation and slope values using Fischer’s r to z transformation and t-tests, respectively. AUC and absolute differences in FEV1, maxand FEV1, minwere compared using a one-way ANOVA test, followed by apost-hocScheffe test.

Results

Correlation between the FEV1, maxand AUC during the EAR(0-2 h)(n = 221) was 0.807, and was 0.798 during the LAR(3-7 h)(n = 157 of 221), (difference p = 0.408). The EAR(0-3 h)AUC and FEV1, maxdid differ between allergens (both p < 0.0001) but the LAR(3-7 h)AUC and FEV1, maxdid not (p = 0.548 and 0.824, respectively). HDM did not have a larger AUC or FEV1, max, than all other allergens during the EAR(0-3 h)or the LAR(3-7 h). The absolute difference between the FEV1, maxand FEV1, minduring the EAR(0-3 h)did not differ between allergens (p = 0.180).

Conclusion

The FEV1, maxand AUC for both the EAR(0-2 h)and LAR(3-7 h)had excellent correlation, with no significant difference. Thus, significant bronchoconstriction will likely result in a longer recovery period. There was no evidence of delayed EAR(0-3 h)recovery following HDM challenges, so HDM did not induce a larger response compared to all the other allergens examined.

Registration: Not registered. This is not a clinical trial. (This study is a retrospective analysis of data collected during several registered trials.)
Black spruce (Picea mariana) seed availability and viability in boreal forests after large wildfires
Authors: Reid Kirsten A. , Day Nicola J. , Alfaro-Sánchez Raquel , Johnstone Jill F. , Cumming Steven G. , Mack Michelle C. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Walker Xanthe J. , Baltzer Jennifer L.
Published: January 2023

Key message

Black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) has historically self-replaced following wildfire, but recent evidence suggests that this is changing. One factor could be negative impacts of intensifying fire activity on black spruce seed rain. We investigated this by measuring black spruce seed rain and seedling establishment. Our results suggest that increases in fire activity could reduce seed rain meaning reductions in black spruce establishment.

Context

Black spruce is an important conifer in boreal North America that develops a semi-serotinous, aerial seedbank and releases a pulse of seeds after fire. Variation in postfire seed rain has important consequences for black spruce regeneration and stand composition.

Aims

We explore the possible effects of changes in fire regime on the abundance and viability of black spruce seeds following a very large wildfire season in the Northwest Territories, Canada (NWT).

Methods

We measured postfire seed rain over 2 years at 25 black spruce-dominated sites and evaluated drivers of stand characteristics and environmental conditions on total black spruce seed rain and viability.

Results

We found a positive relationship between black spruce basal area and total seed rain. However, at high basal areas, this increasing rate of seed rain was not maintained. Viable seed rain was greater in stands that were older, closer to unburned edges, and where canopy combustion was less severe. Finally, we demonstrated positive relationships between seed rain and seedling establishment, confirming our measures of seed rain were key drivers of postfire forest regeneration.

Conclusion

These results indicate that projected increases in fire activity will reduce levels of black spruce recruitment following fire.
Relationship between early-life stress and trait mindfulness in adulthood: a correlational study
Authors: de Moraes Vinícius Santos , Fernandes Mariana , Fernandes Maria Neyrian de Fátima , Gimenez Larissa Bessani Hidalgo , Camargo Júnior Elton Brás , Gherardi-Donato Edilaine Cristina da Silva
Published: January 2023

Background

To investigate the relationship between early-life stress (ELS) and the trait mindfulness level in workers.

Method

This study is quantitative cross-sectional and correlational research with a sample of 929 workers from a Brazilian public university. ELS and mindfulness assessment was performed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-BR (FFMQ-BR), respectively. The data were submitted to correlation tests adopting a significance level of .05 and a multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

50.0% of the participants obtained a score indicative of ELS exposure in at least one subtype among the five proposed by the CTQ, with emotional neglect predominating (63.0%). The group not exposed to emotional abuse had higher scores in the “describe—positive formulation” and “non-reactivity to inner experience” facets. Those that scored for physical abuse had higher values in “acting with awareness—autopilot”. However, the group exposed to sexual abuse obtained the highest score in the “acting with awareness—autopilot” and “acting with awareness—distraction” facets. The correlation between FFMQ-BR and CTQ overall scores showed a weak correlation with statistical significance. The multiple linear revealed that the facets of mindfulness were significantly associated by at least one type of early stress; however, no significant association was found between CTQ and FFMQ-BR overall results.

Conclusion

The results showed that emotional regulation might have effectively occurred in this specific population, even with the presence of some childhood trauma.
Canola meal phenolic compounds electrosprayed into capsules to increase the oxidative stability of canola oil
Authors: Zadbashkhanshir Kobra , Fadaei Vajiheh , Fahimdanesh Maryam
Published: January 2023

Nano-encapsulation is a developing area of study across several fields, including the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. In this study, nanocapsules containing polyphenols were made from canola meal by electrospraying, and it was determined how the capsules' walls affected their shape, encapsulation efficiency, ζ-potential, and particle size. Furthermore, the impact of nanocapsules on canola oil was examined using the TBA index, oxidative stability, and iodine value. Our findings demonstrated that spherical nanoparticles were produced using electrospraying, and that the amount of wall materials used to create them had an impact on their size. Maltodextrin/β-cyclodextrin at a ratio of 1:1 resulted in the smallest capsule sizes, with an encapsulation efficiency of 68% and an 80% release over 40 days at ambient temperature. The ζ-potential of each particle was negative. With a PDI of 0.074–0.650 and a mean size of 232.3–659.8 nm, the population of electrosprayed nanoparticles was found to be heterogeneous. By increasing nanocapsules of polyphenols to the canola oil, the oil stability and oil quality were increased. Our results showed that 800 ppm of polyphenols can improve the oil stability similarly to TBHQ, and therefore it is possible to use canola meal polyphenols as natural antioxidants in the oil industry.

Graphical Abstract
Tidal and internal tidal impacts in the Tasman Sea
Authors: Robertson Robin
Published: January 2023

Barotropic and baroclinic tides were simulated for the Coral and Tasman Seas off eastern Australia and compared to a simulation without tides. Both simulations included geostrophic currents and replicated a current analogous to the East Australian Current (EAC). Tides and tidal currents in most of this region are weak, generally 1–2 cm s−1, with the exception of the far northwest portion of the Coral Sea. Even these weak tides were found to impact the mean EAC-like current transport, enhancing it by 1–4 Sv in some areas. Southward flow increased over the continental shelf. Tides did not appear to impact eddy formation, size, or rotational speed; however, they affected eddy propagation. Cyclonic eddies propagated northward faster with tides than without tides. Tides impacted cross-shelf transport of colder water, with significantly more on-shore transport occurring with tides, particularly equatorward of the diurnal critical latitudes. Cross-shelf transport of nutrient rich water onto the shelf is important in this oligotrophic region. Although the prime source of vertical shear and mixing were mean currents and eddies, tides played a secondary role. Tides influenced mixing by increasing vertical temperature diffusivities to 10−4to 10−3m2 s−1over portions of the continental slope and over rough topography, particularly in regions near the diurnal critical latitudes (27°–30°). In conclusion, even small tides can significantly impact the circulation through their effects on the mean currents, eddy rotation velocities, eddy propagation, and mixing.
Expression of recombinant human Apolipoprotein A-IMilano in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhou Lu-Yang , Kong Jing , Huang Ze-Hao , Gao Ya-Di , Zhang Zhong-Xia , Zhou Yong-Jie , Wu Ruo-Yu , Xu Hong-Jun , An Sheng-Jun
Published: January 2023

Apolipoprotein A-IMilano (Apo A-IMilano) is a natural mutant of Apolipoprotein. It is currently the only protein that can clear arterial wall thrombus deposits and promptly alleviate acute myocardial ischemia. Apo A-IMilano is considered as the most promising therapeutic protein for treating atherosclerotic diseases without obvious toxic or side effects. However, the current biopharmaceutical platforms are not efficient for developing Apo A-IMilano. The objectives of this research were to express Apo A-IMilano using the genetic transformation ability of N. tabacum. The method is to clone the coding sequence of Apo A-IMilano into the plant binary expression vector pCHF3 with a Flag/His6/GFP tag. The constructed plasmid was transformed into N. tabacum by a modified agrobacterium-mediated method, and transformants were selected under antibiotic stress. PCR, RT-qPCR, western blot and co-localization analysis was used to further verify the resistant N. tabacum. The stable expression and transient expression of N. tabacum were established, and the pure product of Apo A-IMilano was obtained through protein A/G agarose. The results showed that Apo A-IMilano was expressed in N. tabacum with a yield of 0.05 mg/g leaf weight and the purity was 90.58% ± 1.65. The obtained Apo A-IMilano protein was subjected to amino acid sequencing. Compared with the theoretical sequence of Apo A-IMilano, the amino acid coverage was 86%, it is also found that Cysteine replaces Arginine at position 173, which indicates that Apo A-IMilano, a mutant of Apo A-I, is accurately expressed in N. tabacum. The purified Apo A-IMilano protein had a lipid binding activity. The established genetic modification N. tabacum will provide a cost-effective system for the production of Apo A-IMilano. Regarding the rapid propagation of N. tabacum, this system provides the possibility of large-scale production and accelerated clinical translation of Apo A-IMilano.

Graphical Abstract
Analysis of the chemical composition and biological activity of secondary residues of Turkish Gall treated by semi-bionic technology
Authors: Jiang Shan , Zhang Sha , Jiang Xiangdong , Tian Shuge
Published: January 2023

In order to meet the contemporary concept of sustainable development, the reuse of biological waste has also been emphasized. Lots of papers nowadays study the extraction of primary residues. The disposal of secondary residues is often neglected. The chemical composition and biological activity of secondary residues of Turkish Gall (SRTG) were researched in this paper. We selected five methods to extract the SRTG, and the extraction conditions were water, hydrochloric acid buffer (pH = 2), artificial gastric juice (pH = 2), phosphate buffer (pH = 6.8), and artificial intestinal solution (pH = 6.8). The changes of phenolic components were determined by spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. The acid-base environment did not affect total polyphenols contents and gallic acid ethyl ester contents in SRTG. But it affected the gallic acid contents in SRTG. The contents of gallic acid in the hydrochloric acid buffer extraction groups were 1.63 times that of the water extraction group. The SRTG were extracted by hydrochloric acid buffer also had better inhibition on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, SRTG showed positive effects on 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl Free, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ·OH radicals, and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power. Some active components of SRTG can be effectively released through the digestion of simulated gastric juices in vitro. The change of active ingredients affects the antibacterial and antioxidant capacity. The results provide data support for the conversion of secondary residues into products, such as feed additives. The SRTG has certain contributes to the value of the circular economy.

Graphical Abstract
Contrast enhanced mammography: focus on frequently encountered benign and malignant diagnoses
Authors: Yang Mindy L. , Bhimani Chandni , Roth Robyn , Germaine Pauline
Published: January 2023

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is becoming a widely adopted modality in breast imaging over the past few decades and exponentially so over the last few years, with strong evidence of high diagnostic performance in cancer detection. Evidence is also growing indicating comparative performance of CEM to MRI in sensitivity with fewer false positive rates. As application of CEM ranges from potential use in screening dense breast populations to staging of known breast malignancy, increased familiarity with the modality and its implementation, and disease processes encountered becomes of great clinical significance. This review emphasizes expected normal findings on CEM followed by a focus on examples of the commonly encountered benign and malignant pathologies on CEM.
Cryptocurrency technology revolution: are Bitcoin prices and terrorist attacks related?
Authors: Song Yu , Chen Bo , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: January 2023

As a financial innovation of the information age, cryptocurrency is a complex concept with clear advantages and disadvantages and is worthy of discussion. Exploring from a terrorism perspective, this study uses the time-varying parameter/stochastic volatility vector autoregression model to explore the risk hedging and terrorist financing capabilities of Bitcoin. Empirical results show that both terrorist incidents and brutality may explain Bitcoin price, but their effects are slightly different. Compared to terrorist brutality, terrorist incidents have a weaker impact on Bitcoin price, showing that Bitcoin investors are more concerned about the number of deaths than the frequency of terrorist attacks. In turn, the impact of Bitcoin price on terrorist attacks is negligible. Bitcoin is a potential means of financing terrorism, but it does not currently play an important role. Our research findings can help investors analyze and predict Bitcoin prices and help improve the theoretical system of anti-terrorist financing, helping to maintain world peace and security.
A three-dimensional investigation of mandibular deviation in patients with mandibular prognathism
Authors: Osawa Kazuaki , Nihara Jun , Nishiyama Hideyoshi , Takahashi Kojiro , Honda Ayako , Atarashi Chihiro , Takagi Ritsuo , Kobayashi Tadaharu , Saito Isao
Published: January 2023

Background

Craniofacial disharmony in cases of jaw deformity associated with abnormal lateral deviation of the jaw mostly involves both the maxilla and mandible. However, it has been still difficult to capture the jaw deviation aspect in a 3-dimensional and quantitative techniques. In this study, we focused on 3-dimensional mandibular morphology and position of the condylar head in relation to the base of the skull in patients with mandibular prognathism, one of the most common jaw deformities. We used cluster analysis to quantify and classify deviation and clarified its characteristics. We also investigated the degree of correlation between those findings and menton (Me) deviation measured on frontal cephalograms, which is a conventional indicator of jaw deformity.

Results

Findings obtained from 100 patients (35 men, 65 women) were classified into the following three groups based on mandibular morphology and condylar position relative to the skull base. Then, reclassification using these parameters enabled classification of cluster analysis findings into seven groups based on abnormal jaw deviation characteristics. Comparison among these seven groups showed that the classification criteria were ramus height, mandibular body length, distance from the gonion to the apex of the coronoid process, and the lateral and vertical positions of the mandible. Weak correlation was also found between Me deviation on frontal cephalograms and each of the above parameters measured on 3D images.

Conclusions

Focusing on mandibular morphology and condylar position relative to the skull base in patients with mandibular prognathism, we used cluster analysis to quantify and classify jaw deviation. The present results showed that the 3D characteristics of the mandible based on mandibular morphology and condylar position relative to the skull base can be classified into seven groups. Further, we clarified that Me deviation on frontal cephalograms, which has been used to date, is inadequate for capturing jaw deviation characteristics.
Study of twenty non-metric dental crown traits using ASUDAS system in NCR (India) population
Authors: Chowdhry Aman , Popli Deepika Bablani , Sircar Keya , Kapoor Priyanka
Published: January 2023

Background

The non-metric dental crown traits (NDCT) can vary within and between the geo-populations. These play a critical role in the ethnicity determination and help in identification of an individual. A commonly used system for scoring these dental traits is “Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System” (ASUDAS).

Aim and objectives

Our study aims to evaluate the frequency trend of twenty NDCT traits in the India, National Capital Region population using ASUDAS, and check for any significant sexual dimorphism for each trait.

Methods

The maxillary and mandibular dental casts from 200 patients (100 males+100 females, age 18–30 years) reporting to the dental OPD of a Government dental college were evaluated. Twenty dental crown traits were scored as per ASUDAS protocol in each dental cast by three investigators independently. NDCTs were tabulated and the chi-square test was performed for calculation of the P value.

Results

The results showed that the trait cusp number (83%) and lingual cusp variation (79%) were the two most frequent NDCTs and Y groove pattern (13%) and premolar accessory cusp-4 (12.5%) were the two least frequent traits observed. Shoveling of the upper lateral incisor (P=0.007), tuberculum dentale (P=0.049), mesial ridge (lingual) (P=0.034), and hypocone absence (P=0.001) were found to show statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P < 0.05). Although grade-wise expression of shoveling in upper lateral had statistically significant sexual dimorphism and the frequency of higher expression grades was found more in females, overall dichotomy of expression was not significant. Similarly, although an expression of grade-wise tuberculum dentale, mesial ridge (lingual) and hypocone absence had statistically significant sexual dimorphism, an overall dichotomy of expression was not significant.

Conclusion

The current study shows certain NDCTs like cusp number and lingual cusp variation have a significant association with the NCR population. Sexual dimorphism was not significant; hence, future studies should be planned on a large sample with sex pooled data for each precise location and ethnicity in all the regions of India. This can be further correlated with different facial forms and dental occlusal patterns, for correlation with abnormalities in jaws and teeth.
Malpractice and lawsuits in radiology: what the radiologist should know
Authors: Biswas Som , Biswas Srirupa , Awal Sandeep Singh , Goyal Hitesh
Published: January 2023

Background

All medical specialties have an inherent intrinsic risk of malpractice lawsuits. Radiodiagnosis is also not averse to this risk as it involves making decisions under uncertain situations which determine patient management.

Main body

There is an increasing trend of malpractice lawsuits against the radiologist due to the increased involvement of the radiologist in the management of the patient and the ever-increasing reliance of the referring physician on the radiologist for making a diagnosis and guiding management. These lawsuits commonly occur due to patient mismanagement and lack of communication. In this article, we overview the medical malpractice law and the causes of litigations against radiologists. This paper also reviews the ways by which a radiologist can reduce the risks and consequences of these lawsuits.

Conclusion

Awareness of the main medico-legal issues and insurance in the radiology field is very important for the radiologist to protect himself from malpractice litigation.
Medication Payments by Insurers and Patients for the Treatment of Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kaye Deborah R. , Lee Hui-Jie , Gordee Alexander , George Daniel J. , Ubel Peter A. , Scales Charles D. , Bundorf M. Kate
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE:

The implications of high prices for cancer drugs on health care costs and patients' financial burdens are a growing concern. Patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are often candidates for multiple first-line systemic therapies with similar impacts on life expectancy. However, little is known about the gross and out-of-pocket (OOP) payments associated with each of these drugs for patients with employer-sponsored health insurance. We therefore aimed to determine the gross and OOP payments of first-line drugs for mCRPC and how the payments vary across drugs.

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study included 4,298 patients with prostate cancer who initiated therapy with one of six drugs approved for first-line treatment of mCRPC between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2019. We compared gross and OOP payments during the 6 months after initiation of treatment for mCRPC using private payer claims data across patients using different first-line drugs.

RESULTS:

Gross payments varied across drugs. Over the 6 months after the index prescription, mean unadjusted gross drug payments were highest for patients receiving sipuleucel-T ($115,525 USD) and lowest for patients using docetaxel ($12,804 USD). OOP payments were lower than gross drug payments; mean 6-month OOP payments were highest for cabazitaxel ($1,044 USD) and lowest for docetaxel ($296 USD). There was a wide distribution of OOP payments within drug types.

CONCLUSION:

Drugs for mCRPC are expensive with large differences in payments by drug type. OOP payments among patients with employer-sponsored health insurance are much lower than gross drug payments, and they vary both across and within first-line drug types, with some patients making very high OOP payments. Although lowering drug prices would reduce pharmaceutical spending for patients with mCRPC, decreasing patient financial burden requires understanding an individual patient's benefit design.
Gülru Necipoğlu, Cemal Kafadar ve Cornell H. Fleischer (eds.). Treasures of Knowledge: An Inventory of the Ottoman Palace Library (1502/3–1503/4)
Authors: Jackson Cailah
Published: January 2023

Değerlendirme.
Ahmet Mekin Kandemir. Mu‘tezilî Düşüncede Tabiat ve Nedensellik [Nature and Causality in Muʿtazilī Thought]
Authors: Demir Osman
Published: January 2023

Değerlendirme.
Klasik Sonrası Dönemde “İslam Felsefesi” - Çelişkili Bir İfade mi?
Authors: Kaukua Jari
Published: January 2023

Bu makale, Dimitri Gutas’ın, post-klasik İslam felsefesi ve teolojisini, “felsefemsi” bir form veya felsefeye öykünen entelektüel bir faaliyet olarak nitelemesine eleştirel bir şekilde yaklaşır. Bu görüşün, felsefe tarih- yazımı için standart sağlaması gereken felsefe kavramının yanlış anlaşılmasından kaynaklandığını iddia ediyorum. Tarihsel süreklilikte boşluklara neden olma veya günümüzde felsefeden anladığımız şeyden kopuk olma gibi birtakım problemli sonuçları önlemek için, metafizik, bilim teorisi veya ampirik bilimlerin Meşşâî birleşimi gibi herhangi belirli bir tarihsel kavram yerine, pek tartışmalı olmayan bir çağdaş felsefe kavramından yola çıkmalıyız. Böyle bir strateji, felâsifeden olmayan pek çok klasik düşünürün yanı sıra post- klasik düşünürlerin, herhangi bir kısırdöngüye girilmeksizin veya normatif felsefe kavramı kaybedilmeksizin İslam felsefesi tarihine dâhil edilmesi için sağlam bir temel sunar.
Abul-Barakāt al-Baghdādī on Divine Foreknowledge and Human Free Will
Authors: Shehata Mariam
Published: January 2023

The present paper aims to explore the medieval philosopher Abū al-Barakāt al-Baghdādī’s (d. pre- 560 AH/1164-5) position concerning the problem of divine foreknowledge and human free will and argues Abū al-Barakāt to have considered the argument for compatibility between divine foreknowledge and human free will to be invalid. One can defend either divine foreknowledge or human free will; no other solution is available. By examining his accounts on this issue through the logic and metaphysics of his book al-Muʿtabar fi-l-ḥikma, Abū al-Barakāt defense of human free will shall become evident.
Realism Transformed: The Ontology of Universals in Avicennan Philosophy and Qutb al-Din al-Rāzī’s Theory of Mental Exemplars
Authors: Üçer İbrahim Halil
Published: January 2023

The onto-epistemological status of mental representations can be seen among the most controversial problems of Post-Avicennan philosophy. The problem has its roots in Ibn Sīnā’s attempt to get a predicational unity between the layers of being on one hand and in Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī’s criticisms of mental existence and universality of mental exemplars on the other. Al-Rāzī’s criticisms led the prominent followers of Ibn Sīnā to reconsider the Avicennan principle of the preservation of essences in multi-layered being and Ibn Sīnā’s conception of knowledge as an immaterial representation of nature. Against al-Rāzī’s criticism, al- Ṭūsī tried to narrow the ontological extension of essences and to redefine universal predication. Quṭb al-Dīn al-Rāzī’s involvement in the discussion took the restrictive efforts to the next level. In addition to al-Ṭūsī‘s restricting the ontological extensions of essences by only giving them an epistemological role, Quṭb al-Dīn al-Rāzī downgraded their epistemological roles as well and counted them just as individual exemplars (mithāl) in the individual’s mind. In addition to al-Ṭūsī’s hesitant rejection of universal natures in external world, he also clearly rejected the existence of universal natures in the external world. His first position led him to redefine the notion of correspondence and universality, and his second position led him to propose a non- explanatory interpretation of Ibn Sīnā’s hylomorphic substances. In this paper, I will discuss the continuities and discontinuities of his interpretations with respect to Ibn Sīnā’s strong metaphysical realism and his philosophical project’s aim to construct the unity of essences in a multi-layered being.
The Pithos painter
Authors: Paleothodoros Dimitris
Published: January 2023

Ο Ζωγράφος του Πίθος. Ο Ζωγράφος του Πίθου είναι ο χειρότερος αθηναίος αγγειογράφος του έστερος δ' αι. π.Χ., του οποίου όμως οι κύλικες γνωρίζουν πολύ μεγάλη διάδοση στην Μεσόγειο. Το αγαπημένο του θέμα, ο συμποσιαστής που φορά σκυθικό σκούφο, απαντά σε όλες τις περιοχές όπου βρίσκουμε αγγεία του ζωγράφου, ιδιαίτερα όμως στην Ανατολή και τη Μαύρη Θάλασσα. Αφήνοντας ανοικτή την πραγματική ταυτότητα του συμποσιαστή, ο ζωγράφος επιτρέπει διαφορετικές ερμηνείες από τους αγοραστές των αγγείων, που ανταποκρίνονται στις τοπικές ιδιαιτερότητες.
Kultūrinė lingvistika (etnolingvistika) ir lingvokultūrologija – dvi tyrimų perspektyvos / Lingwistyka kulturowa (etnolingwistyka) i lingwokulturologia – dwie perspektywy badawcze
Authors: Bartmiński Jerzy
Published: January 2023

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama dviejų beveik identiškų disciplinų – lenkų antropologinės kultūrinės kalbotyros (etnolingvistikos) ir rusų lingvokultūrologijos – priešprieša. Rusijoje etnolingvistika yra siauresnės apimties (liaudies kalba ir liaudies kultūra), Lenkijoje etnolingvistika apima ne tik tarmes ir folklorą, bet ir tautinę kalbą bei tautinę kultūrą. Taip pat skiriasi jų abiejų lokalizavimas: pirmosios – kalbotyroje, antrosios – kultūros studijose. Tačiau autorius daro išvadą, kad šie skirtumai daugiausia susiję su kitokiu požiūriu į tą patį kalbos ir kultūros santykį: kultūra kalboje (etnolingvistika) ir kalba kultūroje (lingvokultūrologija). Sprendimas dėl žiūros perspektyvos priklauso nuo stebėtojo (konceptualizuotojo).
Contextual influences on the role of evidence in e-cigarette recommendations: a multi-method analysis of international and national jurisdictions
Authors: Smith Marissa J. , Vittal Katikireddi Srinivasa , Skivington Kathryn , Hilton Shona
Published: January 2023

Background:

E-cigarette policy has varied across jurisdictions, contrasting with the previous coordinated approach of international tobacco control communities.

Aims and objectives:

A multi-method case study approach was used to understand the role of evidence and external and internal contextual factors in the development of public health recommendations across four purposively selected jurisdictions (WHO, UK, Australia and USA).

Methods:

Informed by Dobrow et al’s (2004) conceptual framework for context-based evidence-based decision making, four data sources were drawn upon: 1) 15 public health bodies’ e-cigarette recommendation documents; 2) seven development documents produced by the public health bodies; 3) sources of evidence cited in the public health bodies’ recommendation documents; and 4) 15 qualitative interviews with experts. Thematic analysis and citation analysis were conducted to aid triangulation of evidence.

Findings:

We found a complex interplay between internal and external factors which influence the role and use of evidence in the development of e-cigarette recommendations. For example, recommendation documents’ remit (internal factor) was influenced by various external factors such as epidemiology and policy history, with decisions made over time having reshaped the external context. Considering the findings with respect to evidence utilisation, we propose a modified version of Dobrow et al’s (2004) framework, highlighting the important interplay between internal and external contextual factors.

Discussion and conclusion:

This research suggests internal and external contextual factors mutually interact and influence how evidence is incorporated into recommendations. This dynamic interplay of contextual factors may help explain why different policy approaches are pursued concerning public health topics, particularly e-cigarettes.
Introduction
Authors: Moth Rich
Published: January 2023

This introductory chapter offers a brief overview of the theoretical orientation of the book. It also introduces the core argument of the book. This is that mental health services are action-environments which offer either enablements to or constraints on the articulation of models of mental distress (as ideational frameworks) and their enactment in the form of practices within the mental health services setting. Consequently, a satisfactory account of models must consider both the forms of knowledge and the situated contexts within which they may (or may not) manifest. The aim of the book, therefore, is to examine this interface between knowledge, practices and structural environments and understand the effects of their interaction and interplay.
1 Introduction
Authors: Chau Ruby C. M. , Yu Sam W. K.
Published: January 2023

This chapter aims to introduce the life-mix framework that provides a structure to guide the discussion throughout the book. This framework consists of five main elements, namely, life-mix preferences, policy strategies on productivism, welfare models on work and care, welfare outcomes and policy suggestions. The chapter is composed of five parts. After an overview of these five elements, it presents the objectives of the book, the study approach, the book’s contributions to current welfare debates and, lastly, the plan of the book. The chapter shows how the development of the life-mix framework is connected to existing welfare debates on women’s caring and working lives and studies on East Asian and non-East Asian welfare regimes. It also demonstrates how the life-mix framework can contribute to the critical examination of the uniqueness of the productivist nature of East Asian welfare regimes.
3 East Asian welfare regimes
Authors: Chau Ruby C. M. , Yu Sam W. K.
Published: January 2023

This chapter is concerned with the uniqueness of East Asian welfare regimes. It starts with a discussion of the culturalist and the productivist perspectives which are widely applied to the study of these welfare regimes. By comparing Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and South Korea with 20 non-East Asian countries in terms of their relative labour participation rate, the gender wage gap and other indicators, it is found that the influence of the traditional male-breadwinner model that associated with the cultural perspective is not as strong as assumed. By reviewing data concerning the health care and education provisions in these four sites and the 20 countries outside East Asia, it is shown that the supported adult worker model associated with the productivist perspective is not as dominant as the current literature suggests. By considering the welfare issues commonly faced by both East Asian and non-East Asian countries and territories, this chapter concludes that East Asia should be treated as an important but not the only observation ground of government strategies on productivism.
Safeguarding Adults Online
Authors: Bond Emma , Phippen Andy
Published: January 2023

From the denial of abortion rights in Ireland to sexual violence against British South Asian women in England, the state and its institutions continue to fail women. This book offers a counter narrative to contemporary injustices and a persistent culture of victim-blaming.The academic and activist contributions to this collection explore contemporary research areas and pursue new discursive directions in order to present a feminist criminology, built on feminist praxis, for the twenty-first century.
Providing a direct challenge to regressive and ineffective theory, policy and practice, this book resists the politics of gendered victimisation through extending feminist analyses of the state and documenting interventions into contemporary injustices.
Conclusion
Authors: Cummins Ian , Cummins Ian
Published: January 2023

Within the organisational culture of policing, there is the potential for mental health work to be seen as ‘not proper policing’. Responding to a mental health emergency or other situations involving a vulnerable adult requires a different set of skills to other aspects of police work. However, there are core skills that police officers use – critical thinking, communication skills, information gathering, negotiation and decision making. This chapter argues that mental health work is ‘core police business’.