bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety of early Hartmann reversal during adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer: a pilot study
Authors: Kim Dong Ha , Lee Kyung-Ha
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Most patients undergoing the Hartmann procedure for complicated colorectal cancer require chemotherapy because of their advanced status. Stoma created during the procedure is typically closed after the completion of postoperative chemotherapy. However, stomas can induce medical or surgical complications and disturb quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of Hartmann's reversal during postoperative chemotherapy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records. Between 2017 and 2021, 96 patients underwent Hartmann reversal for after colorectal cancer surgery. Among them, the number of patients who underwent Hartmann procedure with radical resection of complicated colorectal cancer and Hartmann reversal during adjuvant chemotherapy was 13. The clinical, surgical, and pathological characteristics of the patients were evaluated.

Results

Eight and five patients had obstructions and perforations, respectively. Two patients with synchronous liver metastases underwent simultaneous liver resection and reversal simultaneously. Five and eight patients received adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine and FOLFOX, respectively. The median interval between the Hartmann procedure and reversal was 3.31 months (2.69–5.59). The median operative time for Hartmann's reversal was 190 min (100–335). The median hospital stay was 10 days (7–21). Four patients (30.8%) developed postoperative complications, and the rate of 3 or higher grade according to the Clavien-Dindo classification within 90 days postoperatively was 0%. Except for 1 patient who refused continuation of chemotherapy, 12 patients completed the planned chemotherapy. Median total duration of adjuvant chemotherapy was 6.78 months (5.98–8.48). There was no mortality.

Conclusion

Early Hartmann reversal during adjuvant chemotherapy is tolerable and safe in carefully selected patients. In particular, it can be used as a therapeutic option for patients with complicated colorectal cancer with synchronous resectable metastases.
Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction based on response surface methodology using HPLC-DAD for the analysis of red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) isoflavones and its anti-inflammatory activities on LPS-induced 3D4/2 cell
Authors: Luo Zhengqin , Xu Yidan , Qiu Longxin , Lv Shiming , Zeng Cheng , Tan Aijuan , Ou Deyuan , Song Xuqin , Yang Jian
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Trifolium pratense L. has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiovascular disease prevention, and estrogen-like effects. The existing method for the assay of effective components is commonly based on a spectrophotometer, which could not meet the requirement of quality control. Furthermore, although there have been many studies on the anti-inflammation effect of red clover, a few have been reported on the regulatory effect of red clover isoflavones (RCI) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in porcine alveolar macrophages (3D4/2 cells), and its mechanism of action is still unclear.

Methods

The main components of RCI including daidzein, genistein, and biochanin A were accurately quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) after optimizing the extraction process through response surface methodology. The anti-inflammatory potential of RCI was carried out by detecting the level of inflammatory cytokines and mRNA expression of related genes. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory mechanism was explored by investigating two signaling pathways (NF-κB and MAPK).

Results

The optimal extraction conditions of RCI were as follows: the concentration of ethanol is 86% and the solid–liquid ratio is 1:29, with the herb particle size of 40 mesh sieve. Under the optimal conditions, the total extraction of target components of RCI was 2,641.469 μg/g. The RCI could significantly suppress the production and expression of many pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results of the Western blot revealed that RCI dramatically reduced the expression of p65, p-p65, IκB-α, p38, and p-p38. These results are associated with the suppression of the signal pathway of p38 MAPK, and on the contrary, activating the NF-κB pathway. Collectively, our data demonstrated that RCI reversed the transcription of inflammatory factors and inhibited the expression of p65, p-p65, IκB-α, and p38, indicating that RCI had excellent anti-inflammatory properties through disturbing the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

Conclusion

The extraction conditions of RCI were optimized by HPLC-DAD combined with response surface methodology, which will contribute to the quality control of RCI. RCI had anti-inflammatory effects on the LPS-induced 3D4/2 cells. Its mechanism is to control the activation of NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways, thereby reducing the expression of inflammatory-related genes and suppressing the release of cytokines.
Studies on the Inhibition of Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase/Phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) by 2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxychromen-4-one, a Flavonoid from Pistacia chinensis
Authors: Rauf Abdur , Akram Zuneera , Naveed Muhammad , AlMasoud Najla , Alomar Taghrid S. , Saleem Muhammad , Waheed Abdul , Ribaudo Giovanni
Published: October 2023

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) regulates skeletal and soft tissue mineralization by hydrolyzing nucleotide triphosphates and cyclic nucleotides, and is involved in the modulation of immune system. In fact, ENPP1 degrades 2′,3′-cyclic GMP-AMP dinucleotide (2′,3′-cGAMP), which is an agonist of surface receptor stimulator of interferon genes (STING), thus downregulating immune response. Consequently, ENPP1 inhibitors are being studied as adjuvant agents in infections and cancer. Pistacia chinensis is a medicinal plant endowed with several biological activities and traditional uses. In the current study, we report the isolation of transilitin (2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxychromen-4-one) from the methanolic extract of P. chinensis barks and the investigation of its activity as ENPP1 inhibitor. The compound was tested in vitro against snake venom phosphodiesterase, which is structurally related to ENPP1, and dose-dependently inhibited the enzyme. Moreover, molecular modeling studies were employed to assess the binding motif of the transilitin with the macromolecular target. Our findings support the traditional medical application of P. chinensis and its extracts by shedding new light on the mechanisms underlying their biological action.
Evaluation of DSSI Effects on the Dynamic Response of Bridges to Traffic Loads
Authors: Farrag Sharef , Gucunski Nenad
Published: October 2023

This paper presents results from numerical simulations validated by experimental results related to the effects of dynamic soil-structure interaction (DSSI) on the dynamic response of bridges. An in-service overpass was shaken using the T-Rex, a large-amplitude mobile shaker from the National Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) facilities. Studies implementing Finite Element Modeling (FEM) to develop time histories, response spectra, and eigenmodes were conducted in a forward-modeling problem setup. Two models were created to assess the DSSI effects on the dynamic response of the bridge. One model included elements that incorporate DSSI effects, while the other had fixed-base boundary conditions. The response from the DSSI FEM model matched the field results better than the fixed-base model in terms of the peak response amplitudes and identified natural frequencies and modes. The influence of a series of factors, such as the soil shear wave velocity, bridge height, bridge foundation embedment depth, and the corresponding rigidity, slenderness, and embedment ratios, on the bridge response is presented.
The Psychoneurobiology of Insomnia: Hyperarousal and REM Sleep Instability
Authors: Riemann Dieter , Dressle Raphael J. , Benz Fee , Palagini Laura , Feige Bernd
Published: September 2023

Chronic insomnia (insomnia disorder—ID) afflicts up to 10% of the adult population, increases with age and affects more women than men. ID is associated with significant daytime impairments and an increased risk for developing major somatic and mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety disorders. Almost all insomnia models assume persistent hyperarousal on cognitive, emotional, cortical and physiological levels as a central pathophysiological component. The marked discrepancy between only minor objective alterations in polysomnographic parameters of sleep continuity and the profound subjective impairment in patients with insomnia is still puzzling. We and others have proposed that alterations in the microstructure of sleep, especially in REM sleep (REM sleep instability), may explain this discrepancy and be at the core of the experience of fragmented and poor sleep in ID. The REM sleep instability concept is based on evidence showing REM time to be related to subjective wake time in insomnia as well as increased micro- and macro-arousals during REM sleep in insomnia patients compared to good-sleeper controls. Our own work showed that ID patients awoken from REM sleep more frequently reported the perception of having been awake than good sleepers as well as having had more negative ideations. The continuous measurement of event-related potentials throughout the whole night demonstrated reduced P2 amplitudes specifically during phasic REM sleep in insomnia, which points to a mismatch negativity in ID reflecting automatic change detection in the auditory system and a concomitant orienting response. REM sleep represents the most highly aroused brain state during sleep and thus might be particularly prone to fragmentation in individuals with persistent hyperarousal, resulting in a more conscious-like wake experience reflecting pre-sleep concerns of patients with ID, i.e., worries about poor sleep and its consequences, thus leading to the subjective over-estimation of nocturnal waking time and the experience of disrupted and non-restorative sleep. Chronic REM sleep instability might also lead to a dysfunction in a ventral emotional neural network, including limbic and paralimbic areas activated during REM sleep. Along with a postulated weakened functioning in a dorsal executive neural network, including frontal and prefrontal areas, this might contribute to emotional and cognitive alterations and an elevated risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Robust Collision-Free Guidance and Control for Underactuated Multirotor Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Ricardo Jr Jorge A. , Santos Davi A.
Published: September 2023

This paper is concerned with the robust collision-free guidance and control of underactuated multirotor aerial vehicles in the presence of moving obstacles capable of accelerating, linear velocity and rotor thrust constraints, and matched model uncertainties and disturbances. We address this problem by using a hierarchical flight control architecture composed of a supervisory outer-loop guidance module and an inner-loop stabilizing control one. The inner loop is designed using a typical hierarchical control scheme that nests the attitude control loop inside the position one. The effectiveness of this scheme relies on proper time-scale separation (TSS) between the closed-loop (faster) rotational and (slower) translational dynamics, which is not straightforward to enforce in practice. However, by combining an integral sliding mode attitude control law, which guarantees instantaneous tracking of the attitude commands, with a smooth and robust position control one, we enforce, by construction, the satisfaction of the TSS, thus avoiding the loss of robustness and use of a dull trial-and-error tweak of gains. On the other hand, the outer-loop guidance is built upon the continuous-control-obstacles method, which is incremented to respect the velocity and actuator constraints and avoid multiple moving obstacles that can accelerate. The overall method is evaluated using a numerical Monte Carlo simulation and is shown to be effective in providing satisfactory tracking performance, collision-free guidance, and the satisfaction of linear velocity and actuator constraints.
Analysis of Accelerometer Data Using Random Forest Models to Classify the Behavior of a Wild Nocturnal Primate: Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus)
Authors: Hathaway Amanda , Campera Marco , Hedger Katherine , Chimienti Marianna , Adinda Esther , Ahmad Nabil , Imron Muhammed Ali , Nekaris K. A. I.
Published: October 2023

Accelerometers are powerful tools for behavioral ecologists studying wild animals, particularly species that are difficult to observe due to their cryptic nature or dense or difficult to access habitats. Using a supervised approach, e.g., by observing in detail with a detailed ethogram the behavior of an individual wearing an accelerometer, to train a machine learning algorithm and the accelerometer data of one individual from a wild population of Javan slow lorises (Nycticebus javanicus), we applied a Random Forest model (RFM) to classify specific behaviors and posture or movement modifiers automatically. We predicted RFM would identify simple behaviors such as resting with the greatest accuracy while more complex behaviors such as feeding and locomotion would be identified with lower accuracy. Indeed, resting behaviors were identified with a mean accuracy of 99.16% while feeding behaviors were identified with a mean accuracy of 94.88% and locomotor behaviors with 85.54%. The model identified a total of 21 distinct combinations of six behaviors and 18 postural or movement modifiers in this dataset showing that RFMs are effective as a supervised approach to classifying accelerometer data. The methods used in this study can serve as guidelines for future research for slow lorises and other ecologically similar wild mammals. These results are encouraging and have important implications for understanding wildlife responses and resistance to global climate change, anthropogenic environmental modification and destruction, and other pressures.
How Do Children Play with Toy Trains and for What Benefits? A Scoping Review
Authors: Hashmi Salim
Published: October 2023

Children play with different toys in different ways which may be associated with different developmental outcomes. While existing work has investigated different categories of toys, differences may also be present within specific toy categories. Therefore, understanding how specific toys promote play behaviours and their associated developmental outcomes has important implications for teachers, parents, caregivers, and researchers. To better understand how children play with toy trains, whether groups of children show a particular preference for toy trains and what (if any) associated benefits there are for playing with toy trains, 36 studies published in psychology and educational databases up to December 2022 were reviewed. A key finding emerged regarding the importance of the structured, realistic, and familiar nature of toy trains being important for facilitating pretend play as well as social collaboration behaviours during social play. Whilst findings in relation to gender-stereotyped preferences for playing with toy trains were mixed and no gender differences were found in research investigating play styles, neurodivergent children were found to have a preference for toy trains. These findings are important given that certain play styles, pretend play in particular, have been associated with benefits in children’s executive function, language, creativity, and social understanding.
Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensor Based on Poly (O-Phenylenediamine) for Sensitive Detection of Oxycodone in Water
Authors: Charkravarthula Pranaya , Mugweru Amos
Published: September 2023

This work was aimed at the development of a sensitive electrochemical detection method for oxycodone in water. Molecularly imprinted electrodes were formed by electro-polymerization process using o-phenylenediamine as a monomer. The electro-polymerization was performed on glassy carbon electrodes in the presence of oxycodone before the extraction of entrapped oxycodone molecules. Various electrochemical techniques were employed to monitor the polymerization and response of the fabricated electrodes toward oxycodone. These techniques included cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The oxycodone concentration was determined using SWV by measuring the change in the oxidation peak current of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− in a 0.1 mM acetate buffer solution. At the optimal electro-polymerization conditions, a calibration curve of the current versus the concentration of oxycodone indicated a linear response at a region from 0.4 nM to 5.0 nM with a detection limit of 1.8 ± 0.239 nM. The MIP-modified electrode’s binding isotherm was fitted using a Langmuir model and showed an association constant, KA, of 1.12 × 106, indicating a high affinity of oxycodone molecules to binding sites. This sensor has the potential to act as an alternative method suitable for the on-site analysis of oxycodone.
Effects of Malt Extract on Nutritional and Functional Aspects in Healthy Adult Dogs
Authors: Henríquez Lucas Ben Fiuza , Rentas Mariana Fragoso , Zafalon Rafael Vessecchi Amorim , Perini Mariana Pamplona , Marchi Pedro Henrique , Rodrigues Roberta Bueno Ayres , Vendramini Thiago Henrique Annibale , Gomes Cristina Oliveira Massoco Salles , Balieiro Julio Cesar de Carvalho , Brunetto Marcio Antonio
Published: September 2023

The co-product malt extract has prebiotic constituents, such as sugar and beta-glucans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate how the malt extract inclusion in healthy dogs’ diet effects digestibility, fecal microbiota, fermentative metabolites, and immunity. Twelve healthy two-year-old dogs were used, randomly divided into two groups according to food consumed: control treatment (CT), without the addition of malt extract, and malt treatment (MT), with 1.0% malt extract inclusion (natural matter) during two experimental periods. The results obtained were analyzed by the computer software Statistical Analysis System (SAS, version 9.4). Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. No differences were observed in the apparent digestibility of nutrients and fermentation metabolites. However, a reduction was observed for metabolizable energy (p = 0.0004) in the malt diet. The predominant phylum for both treatments was Firmicutes (p < 0.0001), the mean of which was higher in MT dogs. The bacterial groups belonging to the cluster Clostridium XIVa and genus Faecalibacterium, which are responsible for producing short-chain fatty acids, were higher after MT consumption (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, MT dogs presented a reduction in the genus Bifidobacterium (p < 0.0001), which is responsible for producing lactic acid. There was also an increase in lymphocyte proliferation index (p = 0.0071) and rate (p = 0.0025) and in CD4+:CD8+ lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.0098) after MT consumption. Thus, the inclusion of 1.0% of malt extract in the diet had a prebiotic effect in healthy adult dogs.
Relationship between the Physiological Activity of Japanese Post-Fermented Teas and Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Horie Masanori , Iwahashi Hitoshi
Published: September 2023

Post-fermented tea is a beverage or food made by fermenting tea leaves with microorganisms. Four types of post-fermented tea are traditionally produced in Japan. Three of these post-fermented teas are produced by lactic acid fermentation in the Shikoku region. Post-fermented tea has physiological activities such as antioxidant, antiallergic, and fat accumulation inhibitory effects. The composition of catechins in post-fermented tea differs from that in green tea. Compared to green tea, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, and epicatechin gallate are reduced, and catechin polymers are formed in the post-fermented tea. In addition, post-fermented teas contain pyrogallol, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and D-amino acids. The lactate fermentation of post-fermented teas on Shikoku Island involves Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus as the dominant species in the fermentation process. L. planratum and L. brevis isolated from Ishizuchi-kurocha, one of the post-fermented teas of Shikoku, contain amino acid racemases that produce D-amino acids. In addition, L. brevis has a high capacity for GABA production. Furthermore, L. plantarum is likely to produce bacteriocin. Lactic acid bacteria, represented by the L. plantarum group, play an essential role in the physiological activity of post-fermented tea, including lactic acid fermentation. An attempt has been made to create new post-fermented tea (brewed tea) based on traditional post-fermented tea production methods.
Modeling and Dynamical Analysis of a Fractional-Order Predator–Prey System with Anti-Predator Behavior and a Holling Type IV Functional Response
Authors: Wang Baiming , Li Xianyi
Published: October 2023

We here investigate the dynamic behavior of continuous and discrete versions of a fractional-order predator–prey system with anti-predator behavior and a Holling type IV functional response. First, we establish the non-negativity, existence, uniqueness and boundedness of solutions to the system from a mathematical analysis perspective. Then, we analyze the stability of its equilibrium points and the possibility of bifurcations using stability analysis methods and bifurcation theory, demonstrating that, under specific parameter conditions, the continuous system exhibits a Hopf bifurcation, while the discrete version exhibits a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation and a period-doubling bifurcation. After providing numerical simulations to illustrate the theoretically derived conclusions and by summarizing the various analytical results obtained, we finally present four interesting conclusions that can contribute to better management and preservation of ecological systems.
A Study on Generalized Degenerate Form of 2D Appell Polynomials via Fractional Operators
Authors: Zayed Mohra , Wani Shahid Ahmad
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the significance of generating expressions, operational principles, and defining characteristics in the study and development of special polynomials. The focus is on a novel generalized family of degenerate 2D Appell polynomials, which were defined using a fractional operator. Motivated by inquiries into degenerate 2D bivariate Appell polynomials, this research reveals that well-known 2D Appell polynomials and simple Appell polynomials can be regarded as specific instances within this new family for certain values. This paper presents the operational rule, generating relation, determinant form, and recurrence relations for this generalized family. Furthermore, it explores the practical applications of these degenerate 2D Appell polynomials and establishes their connections with equivalent results for the generalized family of degenerate 2D Bernoulli, Euler, and Genocchi polynomials.
Stress-Dependent Petrophysical Properties of the Bakken Unconventional Petroleum System: Insights from Elastic Wave Velocities and Permeability Measurements
Authors: Pothana Prasad , Ifrene Ghoulem , Ling Kegang
Published: October 2023

The net-effective stress is a fundamental physical property that undergoes dynamic changes in response to variations in pore pressure during production and injection activities. Petrophysical properties, including porosity, permeability, and wave velocities, play a critical role and exhibit strong dependence on the mechanical stress state of the formation. The Williston basin’s Bakken Formation represents a significant reservoir of hydrocarbons within the United States. To investigate this formation, we extracted core plugs from three distinct Bakken members, namely Upper Bakken, Middle Bakken, and Lower Bakken. Subsequently, we conducted a series of measurements of ultrasonic compressional and shear wave velocities, as well as pulse decay permeabilities using nitrogen, under various confining pressures employing the Autolab-1500 apparatus. Our experimental observations revealed that the ultrasonic wave velocities and permeability display a significant sensitivity to stress changes. We investigated existing empirical relationships on velocity-effective stress, compressional-shear wave velocities, and permeability-effective stress, and proposed the best models and associated fitting parameters applicable to the current datasets. In conjunction with the acquired datasets, these models have considerable potential for use in time-lapse seismic monitoring and the study of production decline behavior. The best fitting models can be used to forecast the petrophysical and geomechanical property changes as the reservoir pore pressure is depleted due to the production, which is critical to the production forecast for unconventional reservoirs.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Psychological Well-Being of Caregivers of People with Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Soysal Pinar , Veronese Nicola , Smith Lee , Chen Yaohua , Akpinar Soylemez Burcu , Coin Alessandra , Religa Dorota , Välimäki Tarja , Alves Mariana , Shenkin Susan D.
Published: September 2023

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on the psychological well-being of caregivers of people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (PwD/MCI). Electronic databases were searched from inception to August 2022 for observational studies investigating the COVID-19 lockdown and psychological well-being of caregivers of PwD/MCI. Summary estimates of standardized mean differences (SMD) in psychological well-being scores pre- versus during COVID-19 were calculated using a random-effects model. Fifteen studies including 1702 caregivers (65.7% female, mean age 60.40 ± 12.9 years) with PwD/MCI were evaluated. Five studies found no change in psychological well-being parameters, including depression, anxiety, distress, caregiver burden, and quality of life. Ten studies found a worsening in at least one parameter: depression (six studies, n = 1368; SMD = 0.40; 95%CI: 0.09–0.71; p = 0.01, I2 = 86.8%), anxiety (seven studies, n = 1569; SMD = 1.35; 95%CI: 0.05–2.65; I2 = 99.2%), caregiver distress (six studies, n = 1320, SMD = 3.190; 95%CI: 1.42–4.95; p < 0.0001; I2 = 99.4%), and caregiver burden (four studies, n = 852, SMD = 0.34; 95%CI: 0.13–0.56; p = 0.001; I2 = 54.1%) (p < 0.05). There was an increase in depression, anxiety, caregiver burden, and distress in caregivers of PwD/MCI during the lockdown in the COVID pandemic. This could have longer term consequences, and it is essential that caregivers’ psychological well-being is assessed and supported, to benefit both themselves and those for whom they care.
The Cost of Universal Suicide Risk Screening for Adolescents in Emergency Departments
Authors: Grazier Kyle L. , Grupp-Phelan Jacqueline , Brent David , Horwitz Adam , McGuire Taylor C. , Casper T. Charles , Webb Michael W. , King Cheryl A.
Published: September 2023

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. As nearly 20% of adolescents visit emergency departments (EDs) each year, EDs have an opportunity to identify previously unrecognized suicide risk. A novel Computerized Adaptive Screen for Suicidal Youth (CASSY) was shown in a multisite study to be predictive for suicide attempts within 3 months. This study uses site-specific data to estimate the cost of CASSY implementation with adolescents in general EDs. When used universally with all adolescents who are present and able to participate in the screening, the average cost was USD 5.77 per adolescent. For adolescents presenting with non-behavioral complaints, the average cost was USD 2.60 per adolescent. Costs were driven primarily by time and personnel required for the further evaluation of suicide risk for those screening positive. Thus, universal screening using the CASSY, at very low costs relative to the cost of an ED visit, can facilitate services needed for at-risk adolescents.
Digital Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Preparedness of Dentists towards Providing Dental Treatment to People Living with HIV in Northern Brazil
Authors: Fonseca Ricardo Roberto de Souza , Laurentino Rogério Valois , Menezes Silvio Augusto Fernandes de , Oliveira-Filho Aldemir Branco , Frade Paula Cristina Rodrigues , Oliveira Roberta Pimentel de , Machado Luiz Fernando Almeida
Published: September 2023

People living with HIV (PLWH) continue to face stigma and discrimination during dental treatment in Brazil. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic, educational and professional characteristics of dentists working in the Northern Brazilian region and to identify the level of knowledge of these health professionals in relation to the care and management of PLWH using a digital form. Methods: This cross-sectional study was population-based among dentists and was conducted between July and December 2021. A total of 396 dentists were invited using the “snowball” sampling technique and received an anonymous digital form (Google® Forms platform) composed of four blocks of dichotomous and multiple-choice questions. After signing the informed consent form, dentists were divided into seven groups according to the amount of time that had passed (in years) since they had completed their bachelor’s degree in dentistry. A total of 25 questions referring to sociodemographic, educational and professional factors and knowledge about the dental care of PLWH were asked, and all data were presented as descriptive percentages and then analyzed using the Kappa test. Results: The average age was 31.9 years, and the states of Pará and Amazonas presented better knowledge about the dental care of PLWH. Dental prostheses (62/381-16.3%), orthodontics (57/381-15%) and periodontics (56/381-14.7%) were the most cited dental specialties, and demographic, professional and epidemiological characteristics showed a statistically significant difference regarding knowledge (<0.0001). Conclusions: The knowledge of dentists in Northern Brazil is partially high, although there is some lack of knowledge about the dental care of PLWH.
Mixing Meds and Milk: Evaluation of a Performance Gap Intervention for Provider Education in Breastfeeding and Maternal Medication Use
Authors: Bohn Kaci , Fernandez Alejandra , Stroever Stephanie , O’Neil Dara , Enderle Joan , Krutsch Kaytlin
Published: September 2023

The need for maternal medications is a known barrier to breastfeeding. Though most medications are compatible with lactation, healthcare providers use abundant caution, often viewing medications and breastfeeding as mutually exclusive. A dual intervention of an educational webinar and access to a mobile app for lactation pharmacology was used to enhance provider familiarity, confidence, and access to knowledge in medication use during breastfeeding. Surveys were administered before, one week after, and three months after the webinar to evaluate performance gap improvement. Usage data of the mobile app was collected over twelve months to monitor topic engagement. Results suggested the interventions temporarily increased provider confidence in maternal medication use during lactation; however, the increase was not sustained at three months. Even with one-time training and lactation-specific mobile app access, simply providing an informational resource is insufficient to support evidence-informed care for lactating patients. Longitudinal training on evidence-based medication safety is critical to care for the lactating dyad.
Investigating the Calcination Temperature and Grinding Time of Calcined Clay on the Mechanical Properties and Durability of LC3 Concrete
Authors: Nasiri Sina , Madandoust Rahmat , Ranjbar Malek Mohammad
Published: October 2023

The impact of the calcination temperature and grinding time on the mechanical properties and durability of limestone-calcined clay concrete (LC3) is crucial. In this research, calcined clay was produced within the temperature range of 700 °C to 900 °C, and the grinding time varied from 15 to 120 min. This study examines compressive strength and chloride penetration resistance using the rapid chloride migration test on LC3 concrete over a period of 180 days. The findings reveal that clay calcined at 800 °C for 120 min exhibited the highest specific surface area compared to other calcined clays. Furthermore, the compressive strength of LC3 concrete incorporating clay calcined at 800 °C for 60 min surpassed that of other mixtures investigated. Additionally, the chloride diffusion coefficient of LC3 concrete with calcined clay prepared at 800 °C for 120 min was lower than other mixtures.
Noise-Robust Pulse Wave Estimation from Near-Infrared Face Video Images Using the Wiener Estimation Method
Authors: Hino Yuta , Ashida Koichi , Ogawa-Ochiai Keiko , Tsumura Norimichi
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose a noise-robust pulse wave estimation method from near-infrared face video images. Pulse wave estimation in a near-infrared environment is expected to be applied to non-contact monitoring in dark areas. The conventional method cannot consider noise when performing estimation. As a result, the accuracy of pulse wave estimation in noisy environments is not very high. This may adversely affect the accuracy of heart rate data and other data obtained from pulse wave signals. Therefore, the objective of this study is to perform pulse wave estimation robust to noise. The Wiener estimation method, which is a simple linear computation that can consider noise, was used in this study. Experimental results showed that the combination of the proposed method and signal processing (detrending and bandpass filtering) increased the SNR (signal to noise ratio) by more than 2.5 dB compared to the conventional method and signal processing. The correlation coefficient between the pulse wave signal measured using a pulse wave meter and the estimated pulse wave signal was 0.30 larger on average for the proposed method. Furthermore, the AER (absolute error rate) between the heart rate measured with the pulse wave meter was 0.82% on average for the proposed method, which was lower than the value of the conventional method (12.53% on average). These results show that the proposed method is more robust to noise than the conventional method for pulse wave estimation.
Observation of Weibull, Lognormal, and Gamma Distributions in Electrodeposited Cu and Cu-Ag Particles
Authors: Sun Yunkai , Zangari Giovanni
Published: September 2023

In this work, the nearest-neighbor distances and Voronoi cell features of Cu-Ag deposits were analyzed and fitted with Lognormal, Weibull, and Gamma distributions. The nearest-neighbor distance distributions of the samples were compared with those of complete spatially random points, showing spatial inhomogeneity due to the nucleation exclusion effect. The radial distribution function was calculated, showing both influences from the grain size and the nucleation exclusion effect. Voronoi cells were generated based on the shape of the grains. The size, occupancy, and coordination of the Voronoi cells were examined and fitted. The results show that although the Cu-Ag deposits seemed to be governed by the instantaneous nucleation mode, the spatial distribution of the nuclei was more impacted by the nucleation exclusion effect than the Cu-only samples. This behavior is also justified by the grain size distribution generated with Voronoi cell size and occupancy distributions.
Brief Narrative Review on Commercial Dental Sealants—Comparison with Respect to Their Composition and Potential Modifications
Authors: Piszko Aleksandra , Piszko Paweł J. , Lubojański Adam , Grzebieluch Wojciech , Szymonowicz Maria , Dobrzyński Maciej
Published: September 2023

The scope of this paper is to compare different dental sealants and flow materials indicated for sealing pits and fissures considering their chemical formula. The narrative review aims to address the following questions: What is the essence of different dental sealants’ activity, how does their chemical formula affect their mechanisms of caries prevention, and what makes a dental sealant efficient mean of caries prevention? Another vital issue is whether the sealants that contain fluoride, or any other additions, have potentially increased antimicrobial properties. An electronic search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was performed. The following keywords were used: (dental sealants) AND (chemical composition). Additionally, information about composition and indications for clinical use provided by manufacturers were utilized. All of the considered materials are indicated for use both in permanent and primary dentition for sealing fissures, pits, and foramina caeca. The selection of suitable material should be made individually and adjusted to conditions of the sealing procedure and patient’s needs. Cariostatic mechanisms increasing sealants’ effectiveness such as fluoride release are desired in modern dentistry appreciating preventive approach. The review aims are to find crucial elements of sealants’ composition which affect their cariostatic mechanisms.
Polyurethane/n-Octadecane Phase-Change Microcapsules via Emulsion Interfacial Polymerization: The Effect of Paraffin Loading on Capsule Shell Formation and Latent Heat Storage Properties
Authors: Voronin Denis V. , Sitmukhanova Eliza , Mendgaziev Rais I. , Rubtsova Maria I. , Kopitsyn Dmitry , Cherednichenko Kirill A. , Semenov Anton P. , Fakhrullin Rawil , Shchukin Dmitry G. , Vinokurov Vladimir
Published: September 2023

Organic phase-change materials (PCMs) hold promise in developing advanced thermoregulation and responsive energy systems owing to their high latent heat capacity and thermal reliability. However, organic PCMs are prone to leakages in the liquid state and, thus, are hardly applicable in their pristine form. Herein, we encapsulated organic PCM n-Octadecane into polyurethane capsules via polymerization of commercially available polymethylene polyphenylene isocyanate and polyethylene glycol at the interface oil-in-water emulsion and studied how various n-Octadecane feeding affected the shell formation, capsule structure, and latent heat storage properties. The successful shell polymerization and encapsulation of n-Octadecane dissolved in the oil core was verified by confocal microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The mean capsule size varied from 9.4 to 16.7 µm while the shell was found to reduce in thickness from 460 to 220 nm as the n-Octadecane feeding increased. Conversely, the latent heat storage capacity increased from 50 to 132 J/g corresponding to the growth in actual n-Octadecane content from 25% to 67% as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry. The actual n-Octadecane content increased non-linearly along with the n-Octadecane feeding and reached a plateau at 66–67% corresponded to 3.44–3.69 core-to-monomer ratio. Finally, the capsules with the reasonable combination of structural and thermal properties were evaluated as a thermoregulating additive to a commercially available paint.
Zero-Pole Optimization of a Novel High-Quality-Factor Planar Helical Resonator
Authors: Kamali-Sarvestani Reza , Williams John D.
Published: September 2023

A novel micro-solenoid resonator has been designed, simulated, and measured. The solenoid core consisted of a DuroidTM circuit board with a relative permittivity of 2.2. The resonator design incorporated four embedded copper vias with a radius of 125 µm and three surface conductors to form a rectangular coil. A pitch size of 250 µm was used for a 3.02 mm thick substrate. To enhance the resonator’s performance at higher frequencies, a capacitance was introduced in series through the via. This additional capacitor effectively couples the inductance, resistance, and stray capacitance. The optimization of the quality factor was investigated through pole transfer analysis, resulting in an increased resonance frequency of 12.25 GHz and an elevated Q-factor of 306. Moreover, besides its very high Q-factor, this resonator offers a simplified design and easy integration. An analytical lumped circuit model was employed to investigate the design, and the measured S-parameters closely matched the analytical model and electromagnetic simulation results. The tuned resonator exhibited a superior quality factor compared to other micro-resonators.
Breaking Barriers in Cranioplasty: 3D Printing in Low and Middle-Income Settings—Insights from Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Bečulić Hakija , Spahić Denis , Begagić Emir , Pugonja Ragib , Skomorac Rasim , Jusić Aldin , Selimović Edin , Mašović Anes , Pojskić Mirza
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Cranial defects pose significant challenges in low and middle-income countries (LIMCs), necessitating innovative and cost-effective craniofacial reconstruction strategies. The purpose of this study was to present the Bosnia and Herzegovina model, showcasing the potential of a multidisciplinary team and 3D-based technologies, particularly PMMA implants, to address cranial defects in a resource-limited setting. Materials and Methods: An observational, non-experimental prospective investigation involved three cases of cranioplasty at the Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, between 2019 and 2023. The technical process included 3D imaging and modeling with MIMICS software (version 10.01), 3D printing of the prototype, mold construction and intraoperative modification for precise implant fitting. Results: The Bosnia and Herzegovina model demonstrated successful outcomes in cranioplasty, with PMMA implants proving cost-effective and efficient in addressing cranial defects. Intraoperative modification contributed to reduced costs and potential complications, while the multidisciplinary approach and 3D-based technologies facilitated accurate reconstruction. Conclusions: The Bosnia and Herzegovina model showcases a cost-effective and efficient approach for craniofacial reconstruction in LIMICs. Collaborative efforts, 3D-based technologies, and PMMA implants contribute to successful outcomes. Further research is needed to validate sustained benefits and enhance craniofacial reconstruction strategies in resource-constrained settings.
Long-Term Prognostic Value of Automated Measurements in Nuclear Cardiology: Comparisons with Expert Scoring
Authors: Angelidis George , Giannakou Stavroula , Valotassiou Varvara , Tsougos Ioannis , Tzavara Chara , Psimadas Dimitrios , Theodorou Evdoxia , Ziaka Anastasia , Ziangas Charalampos , Skoularigis John , Triposkiadis Filippos , Georgoulias Panagiotis
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Automated methods for the analysis of myocardial perfusion studies have been incorporated into clinical practice, but they are currently used as adjuncts to the visual interpretation. We aimed to investigate the role of automated measurements of summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score (SRS), and summed difference score (SDS) as long-term prognostic markers of morbidity and mortality, in comparison to the prognostic value of expert reading. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Nuclear Medicine Laboratory of the University of Thessaly, in Larissa, Greece. A total of 378 consecutive patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease were enrolled in the study. All participants were referred to our laboratory for the performance of stress/rest myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography. Automated measurements of SSS, SRS, and SDS were obtained by Emory Cardiac Toolbox (ECTb (Version 3.0), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA), Myovation (MYO, Xeleris version 3.05, GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL, USA), and Quantitative Perfusion SPECT (QPS (Version 4.0), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA) software packages. Follow-up data were recorded after phone contacts, as well as through review of hospital records. Results: Expert scoring of SSS and SDS had significantly greater prognostic ability in comparison to all software packages (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Similarly, ECTb-obtained SRS measurements had significantly lower prognostic ability in comparison to expert scoring (p < 0.001), while expert scoring of SRS showed significantly higher prognostic ability compared to MYO (p = 0.018) and QPS (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite the useful contribution of automated analyses in the interpretation of myocardial perfusion studies, expert reading should continue to have a crucial role, not only in clinical decision making, but also in the assessment of prognosis.
Lessons Learned from a Single Institution’s Eight Years of Experience with Early Cleft Lip Repair
Authors: Roohani Idean , Trotter Collean , Shakoori Pasha , Moshal Tayla A. , Lasky Sasha , Manasyan Artur , Wolfe Erin M. , Magee William P. , Hammoudeh Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: The traditional approach in managing wide cleft lip deformities involves presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy followed by surgical cleft lip repair between three and six months of age. This institution has implemented an early cleft lip repair (ECLR) protocol where infants undergo primary cleft lip repair between two and five weeks of age without NAM. This study aims to present this institution’s ECLR repair protocol over the past eight years from 188 consecutive patients with unilateral or bilateral CL/P deformity. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review was conducted at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles evaluating patients who underwent ECLR before three months of age and were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I or II from 2015–2022. Anthropometric analysis was performed, and pre- and postoperative photographs were evaluated to assess nasal and lip symmetry. Results: The average age at cleft lip repair after correcting for gestational age was 1.0 ± 0.5 months. Mean operative and anesthetic times were 120.3 ± 33.0 min and 189.4 ± 35.4, respectively. Only 2.1% (4/188) of patients had postoperative complications. Lip revision rates were 11.4% (20/175) and 15.4% (2/13) for unilateral and bilateral repairs, respectively, most of which were minor in severity (16/22, 72.7%). Postoperative anthropometric measurements demonstrated significant improvements in nasal and lip symmetry (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates the safety and efficacy of ECLR in correcting all unilateral cleft lip and nasal deformities of patients who were ASA classes I or II. At this institution, ECLR has minimized the need for NAM, which is now reserved for patients with bilateral cleft lip, late presentation, or comorbidities that preclude them from early repair. ECLR serves as a valuable option for patients with a wide range of cleft severity while reducing the burden of care.