bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Power Sequence Model as a Bridge between Fundamental Natural Constants and Macroscopic Liquid Systems
Authors: Piringer Otto G.
Published: September 2022

A simple mathematical interaction function, with the limit value w = e2π/e, derived as a basis for modelling emergent properties of nanoparticles, nanodrops and liquids, has been further developed. A correlation between physical systems of uniform particles and fundamental properties of natural numbers leads to a model, which acts as a bridge between properties of macroscopic systems and fundamental physical constants. The four fundamental coupling constants, and the masses of fundamental elementary particles, including the Higgs and Z bosons, are derived by using this interaction function. A proposal for the mass of the electron neutrino is given. Finally, the nuclear binding interaction is modeled with the interaction function. Only the experimental values of the Planck constant h and the speed of light c are needed for the model.
Black Hole Entropy from Non-Dirichlet Sectors, and Bounce Solution
Authors: Park Inyong
Published: September 2022

In a series of recent works the relevance of gravitational boundary degrees of freedom and their dynamics in gravity quantization and black hole information has been explored. In this work we further the progress by keenly focusing on the boundary degrees of freedom as the origin of black hole entropy. Wald's entropy formula is scrutinized, and the reason that the Wald's formula correctly captures the entropy of a black hole is examined. Afterwards, limitations of the Wald's method are discussed; a coherent view of entropy based on boundary dynamics is presented. The discrepancy observed in the literature between holographic and Wald's entropies is addressed. We generalize the entropy definition so as to handle a time-dependent black hole. Large gauge symmetry plays a pivotal role. Non-Dirichlet boundary conditions and gravitational analogues of Coleman-De Luccia bounce solutions are central in identifying the microstates and differentiating the origins of entropies associated with different classes of solutions. The result in the present work leads to a view that black hole entropy is entanglement entropy in a thermodynamic setup.
Wound Healing Versus Metastasis: Role of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Lopez Tatiana , Wendremaire Maeva , Lagarde Jimmy , Duquet Oriane , Alibert Line , Paquette Brice , Garrido Carmen , Lirussi Frédéric
Published: September 2022

Many signaling pathways, molecular and cellular actors which are critical for wound healing have been implicated in cancer metastasis. These two conditions are a complex succession of cellular biological events and accurate regulation of these events is essential. Apart from inflammation, macrophages-released ROS arise as major regulators of these processes. But, whatever the pathology concerned, oxidative stress is a complicated phenomenon to control and requires a finely tuned balance over the different stages and responding cells. This review provides an overview of the pivotal role of oxidative stress in both wound healing and metastasis, encompassing the contribution of macrophages. Indeed, macrophages are major ROS producers but also appear as their targets since ROS interfere with their differentiation and function. Elucidating ROS functions in wound healing and metastatic spread may allow the development of innovative therapeutic strategies involving redox modulators.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих озабоченность (VOC) на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 17.09.2022 г. по 23.09.2022 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Краснов Ярослав , Чумачкова Елена , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: September 2022

В обзоре представлена информация по циркулирующим в настоящее время вариантам вируса SARS-COV-2 вызывающих озабоченность (VOC), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID с 17.09.2022 г. по 23.09.2022 г.
Planning and implementation of environmental pool management at Lake Red Rock, Des Moines River, Iowa
Authors: Calomeni Alyssa , Theiling Charles , Suedel Burton
Published: September 2022

This technical note complements “Environmental Pool Management: The 25-Year Evolution of an Engineering With Nature® Practice,” an ArcGIS Story Map available for public access on the Engineering With Nature (EWN) website (EWN 2021b), and communicates the planning and implementation of environmental pool management (EPM) at Lake Red Rock located along the Des Moines River in Iowa.
Rehabilitación de un caso con periodontitis activa y periimplantitis avanzada. Enfoque mínimamente invasivo.
Authors: Anitua Eduardo
Published: September 2022

La enfermedad periodontal (EP) es una patología oral con una elevada prevalencia mundial. Existen diferentes tratamientos para su abordaje y la tendencia en los últimos años se dirige hacia los mínimamente invasivos. Cuando los implantes no pueden ser tratados de forma predecible a largo plazo, debemos plantearnos, además, la eliminación del implante con métodos atraumáticos y realizar un retratamiento del caso. Un punto a tener en cuenta tanto para la inserción de un implantedental como para su mantenimiento una vez afectado por periimplantitis, o para su recambio, es el estado periodontal del paciente. La enfermedad periodontal puede afectar el pronóstico de nuestro tratamiento en este tipo de situaciones. En el siguiente caso clínico, mostramos el tratamiento de un paciente afectado por EP y periimplantitis con un abordaje mínimamente invasivo.
Lateral retinacular release combined with MPFL reconstruction makes a meaningful role in the treatment of Recurrent Patellar Dislocation: by a digital tensiometer test
Authors: wenhao zhang , Mou Limin , Yuan Zhiyu , Han Mingzhan , Gao Jian , Aierdixing Abuilaiti , Ma Qiang , Xie Xiaochen
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction combined with lateral retinacular release (LRR) has become a common treatment for recurrent patellar dislocation, but it has not been feasible to find a reliable and definitive figure to compare the change in soft tissue tension on both sides of the patella before and after LRR. The aim of this study was to verify the change in graft tension by means of a digital tensiometer.
Methods: Fifty patients, aged 18-40 years, were included in this study, treated with MPFL reconstruction simplely and no other osteopathic surgery. After the graft had passed through the femoral tunnel, graft tension was measured by connecting a digital tensiometer, and the change in graft tension was analysed before and after LRR, together with pre- and post-operative knee function scores ( Lysholm score and kujala score) and radiographic angle (patellar congruence angle,PCA;PTA patellar tilt angle,PTA).
RESULTS: All 50 patients (52 knees) underwent MPFL reconstruction combined with LRR, with statistically significant differences in graft tension from 35.61±4.25N to 24.00±4.23N before and after LRR as measured by a digital tensiometer, and Kujala score and Lysholm score from 51.40±14.39 to 92.23± 4.74 and from 48.17±9.52 to 91.88±5.07, respectively, and PCA and PTA from 16.51±5.97° to 2.34±3.37° and from 25.43±4.53° to 11.62±2.54°, respectively, with statistically significant differences.There were no significant post-operative complications, with the exception of three patients who experienced slight discomfort at the patellar end when the weather became colder.At a mean follow-up of 53 months, there were 7 (14%) complications and no postoperative redislocations were observed.94% of the patients were satisfied with the results of the operation.
CONCLUSION: LRR is meaningful for patients with recurrent patellar dislocation and is effective in reducing tension on reconstruction grafts.
Subset of the periodontal ligament expressed leptin receptor contributes to part of hard tissue forming cells
Authors: Oka Hirotsugu , Ito Shinichirou , Kawakami Mana , Sasaki Hodaka , Abe Shinichi , Matsunaga Satoru , Morita Sumiharu , Noguchi Taku , Kasahara Norio , Tokuyama Akihide , Kasahara Masataka , Katakura Akira , Yajima Yasutomo , Mizoguchi Toshihide
Published: September 2022

The lineage of periodontal ligament (PDL) stem cells contributes to alveolar bone (AB) and cementum formation, which are essential for tooth-jawbone attachment. Leptin receptor (LepR), a skeletal stem cell marker, is expressed in PDL; however, stem cell capacity of LepR+ PDL is unclear. We used a Cre/LoxP-based approach and showed that LepR-cre-labeled cells were specifically detected in the perivascular area around the root apex, and their number increased with age. In the juvenile stage, LepR+ PDL cells differentiated into AB-embedded osteocytes rather than cementocytes, but their contribution to both increased with age. The frequency of LepR+ PDL-derived lineages in hard tissue was less than 20% per total cells at 1-year-old. Similarly, LepR+ PDL differentiated into osteocytes after tooth extraction, but their frequency was less than 9%. Additionally, both LepR+ and LepR− PDL demonstrated spheroid-forming capacity, which is an indicator of stem cell self-renewal potential in vitro. These results indicate that both lineages from LepR+ and LepR− PDL populations contributed to AB and cementum formation. LepR− PDL increased the expression of LepR during spheroid formation, suggesting that the LepR− PDL sits hierarchically upstream of LepR+ PDL. Collectively, the origin of hard tissue-forming cells in the PDL is heterogeneous, some of which express LepR.
Quality cost indicator: Reassessing the effects of health outcomes on healthcare expenditure. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Veghel W.H.P. van , Boon S. , Klem T.M.A.L. , Weel A.E.A.M. , Bugel JB , Birnie E
Published: September 2022

Background:
Healthcare expenditure has increased rapidly over the last decades. Despite conceptual differences, healthcare expenditure and health outcomes play a significant role in Cost Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) and Value Based Health Care (VBHC). Better health outcomes can prevent additional costs to treat symptoms, adverse events and/or comorbidities. Therefore a partially inverse relationship between health outcomes and healthcare expenditure can be expected. Because it can be quite difficult to utilize this relationship to one’s benefit we developed a framework to model the relationship and tested it for breast cancer and bariatric surgery.
Methods:
The Quality Cost Indicator is calculated as QCI = 100 – average total costs / (resulting outcome ^2 * 100) and rests on three main measures. (1) Optimal outcome which is accomplished when patients meet all the defined health outcomes which differs per diagnoses/treatment; (2) Resulting outcome, the proportion of patients who accomplish optimal outcomes divided by the total patient population; (3) Average total costs, all costs related to the treatment including costs of AEs and comorbidities. Costs were determined using the Dutch cost price model. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine if costs of patients achieving optimal outcome were lower than costs of those who did not.
Results:
For the bariatric surgery population, 60.75% of patients reached optimal outcome excluding health related quality of life (HRQoL) and 60.74% including HRQoL. For breast cancer surgery 86.88% (excluding HRQoL) achieved optimal outcome. In the bariatric population (excluding HRQoL) and the Breast cancer population, patients achieving optimal outcome had significantly lower cost than those who didn’t. With € 8,442.48 vs. € 9,546.89 (p < .001) and €11,565.65 vs. € 16,119.56 (p < .001) respectively. For both populations QCI values were highest in 2020 Q4 as costs were average and optimal outcome was highest.
Conclusions:
The QCI framework is useful for modeling the partially inverse relationship between health outcomes and medical costs in bariatric and breast surgery. Future research should indicate if the QCI framework is applicable to other (non-surgical) treatments. Finally, comparing hospitals using the QCI framework could be helpful for comparing/optimizing health outcomes and costs.
Disentangling the impacts of climate and land-cover changes on distribution of common pheasant Phasianus colchicus along elevational gradients in Iran
Authors: Asgharzadeh Mojtaba , Alesheikh Ali Asghar , Yousefi Masoud
Published: September 2022

Climate and land-cover change are critical drivers of avian species range shift. Thus, predicting avian species' response to the land and climate changes and identifying their future suitable habitats can help their conservation planning. The common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a species of conservation concern in Iran and is included in the list of Iran’s protected avian species. The species faces multiple threats such as habitat destruction, land-cover change, and overhunting in the country. In this study, we model the potential impacts of these two on the distribution of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) along elevational gradients in Mazandaran province in Iran. We used Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) scenarios and the 2015–2020 trend to generate possible future land-cover projections for 2050. As for climate change projections, we used Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios. Next, we applied current and future climate and land-cover projections to investigate how common pheasant’s habitat changes between 2020 and 2050 using Species Distribution Modeling (SDM). Our results show that the species has 6000 km2 suitable habitat; however, between 900 to 1965 km2 of its habitat may be reduced by 2050. Furthermore, we found that the severity of the effects of climate change and land-cover change varies at different altitudes. At low altitudes, the impact of changing land structure is superior. Instead, climate change has a critical role in habitat loss at higher altitudes and imposes a limiting role on the potential range shifts. Finally, this study demonstrates the vital role of land cover and climate change in better understanding the potential alterations in avian species' habitats.
A brief study and one step ahead of plastic sustainability vs. genuine plastic recycling and upcycling including Advantages and/or benefits as well as future opportunities across the Globe
Authors: Haque Azizul
Published: September 2022

Plastic recycling is the reprocessing of plastic waste into new and useful products. When this job is performed correctly, can reduce dependence on landfill, conserve resources and protect the environment from plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling is essential because almost all plastics are non-biodegradable and thus build-up in the environment, where it can cause harm. Presently, almost all recycling is performed by re-melting and reforming used plastic into new items; so-called mechanical recycling. In an alternative approach known as feedstock recycling, waste plastic is converted back into its starting chemicals, which can then be reprocessed back into fresh plastic. This whole work demonstrates the Turning Residual / Old plastics into eco-friendly alternatives, Synthetic oil, Gas or Fuel & Nanomaterials and chemical recycling as an environmental win-win situation and reinventing Recycling from rubbish to resources including live experiments/examples.
Novel Pathogenic NPR2 Variants in Short Stature Patients and the Therapeutic Response to rhGH
Authors: Chen Hong , Zhang Suping , Sun Yunteng , Chen Jiao , Yuan Ke , Zhang Ying , Yang Xiaohong , Chen Ruimin
Published: September 2022

Objective
A heterozygous loss-of-function mutation in the NPR2 gene causes short stature with non-specific skeletal abnormalities, accounting for approximately 2 ~ 6% of all idiopathic short stature cases. The aim of this study was to analyze and identify pathogenic variants in the NPR2 gene, and to examine the therapeutic response to recombinant growth hormone (rhGH).
Methods
NPR2 was sequenced in three Chinese Han patients with short stature via whole-exome sequencing. In vitro functional experiments, homology modeling, and molecular docking analysis of variants were conducted to investigate putative protein changes and pathogenicity. Three patients received rhGH therapy for two years.
Result
Two NPR2 heterozygous variants were identified: c.1579C > T,p.Leu527Phe in patient 1 and c.2842dupC,p.His948Profs*5 in patient 2. A small gene model was constructed, and transcriptional analysis of the synonymous mutation (c.2643G > A) was performed in patient 3, which revealed the deletion of exon 17 and the premature formation of a stop codon (p.His840Gln*). Functional studies showed that both NPR2 variants, His948Profs*5 and His840Gln*, failed to produce cGMP in the homozygous state. Furthermore, the Leu527Phe variant of NPR2 was almost unresponsive to the stimulatory effect of ATP on CNP-dependent guanylyl cyclase activity. This loss of response to ATP has not been previously reported. The average age of patients at the start of treatment was about 6.5 ± 1.8 years old, and their height increased by 1.59 ± 0.1 SDS after 2 years of treatment.
Conclusion
we report 2 cases of novel pathogenic mutations in the NPR2 gene. We broadened the genotypic spectrum of NPR2 variants in short stature patients and provided insights into rhGH's efficacy.
Modeling Earthquake Data Using ETAS Model to Forecast Aftershock Subsequences Applying Different Parameterizations in Kermanshah Region, Iran
Authors: lafmejani davood kazemi , Shabani Elham
Published: September 2022

In this study, the ETAS model was used to identify the sequence of aftershocks in Kermanshah, west of Iran. We appraise the model's ability to track aftershock sequences based on two main shocks from 2017 and 2018. This evaluation shall cover progress toward the objectives set out in the ETAS model and done focusing on the two main shocks of 2017 and 2018, as well as recommendations for the Seismic maps. The experiments were conducted to analyze the possibility of comparing model results and providing more accurate estimates of aftershock sequences for the Kermanshah region in four selected windows over time. The setting quality of the four windows that were investigated, in this study, by the model theory has been selected in a way to allow the comparison of the formation of aftershock sequences after the main shocks, especially the 2017 earthquakes and 2018 in the Kermanshah region. The results of this research emphasize the importance of recording earthquake events in the approximation of subsequent events and show that the model has a reliable skill in recognizing aftershock sequences, even if the number of main shocks is small. Also, choosing the period for research should be such that it does not interrupt the sequence of aftershocks.
Adsorption modelling and fixed-bed column study on milk processing industry wastewater treatment using chitosan zinc-oxide nano-adsorbent coated sand bed
Authors: Dinesha Bettathavarekere Lingamurthy , Hiregoudar Sharanagouda , Nidoni Udaykumar , Ramappa KotrappaThowdur , Dandekar Anilkumar Tukaram , Ganachari Sharanabasava V.
Published: September 2022

The milk processing industry produces a large amount of
effluent that contains a lot of organic contaminants. Effluents, if
improperly disposed of, can have serious environmental and public
health consequences. The goal of this study is to create
chitosan-zinc oxide nano-adsorbent coated sand (CZOCS) for getting
rid of milk processing industry wastewater (MPIW) in a safe way.
The developed adsorbent was characterised, and the presence of a
zinc coating on the sand surface was confirmed. The goal of this
study was to reduce organic contaminants in MPIW. There has been no
evidence of CZOCS being used for industrial wastewater treatment to
date. The effectiveness of the adsorbent and the performance of the
column were examined using column adsorption experiments. The
influence of filtration time and height of the bed on breakthrough
curves was also investigated. Different kinds of kinetic models
have been used to forecast breakthrough curves employing
experimental data. Statistical and error function parameters were
used to choose the best model. Among these models, the Thomas model
was shown to be the best fit. Breakthrough and exhaustion times
were shown to be higher as the bed height increased. The CZOCS has
high reusability and could be used for up to six cycles of organic
pollutant adsorption. Aside from that, novel CZOCS was used to
clean real MPIW, making it one of the most promising
adsorbents.
The CO2 balance of a sawmill
Authors: Bariska Mihály , Pásztory Zoltán
Published: September 2022

For a Hungarian saw-mill, the CO2gas mass has been estimated which has been generated by its construction and continuous operation. As measuring tool for the extent of CO2pollution, the forest area was assessed which would absorb the exhaust gases emitted by the mill during its existence. The mill had been erected on an area of 6 hectare [ha], and has been in operation for 90 years. The mass of CO2released into the air during this period was calculated to be roughly 105´340 t, while the gas mass still to be set free during a proposed rehabilitation time of 25 years was calculated to be a further 28´725 t, totalling 134´100 t CO2for the 115-year period of interest. In order to remove this mass of gas from the atmosphere during the suggested 25 years, an afforested area of roughly 1’341 ha was needed. After 25 years rehabilitation time, the forest area could be reduced to 281 ha which would cater for the mill´s future yearly CO2output. The redundant 1´160 ha may be sold to cover the expenses spent on the remedial measures. Financially, it might bring a light profit if it was realized as a joint venture by the mill, the host-community and a trust. The insight gained from this example is, however, rather disturbing.
SSDP Model with Inflow Clustering for Hydropower System Operation
Authors: Wu Xinyu , Yin Shuai , Cheng Chuntian , Chen Zhiyong , Su Huaying
Published: September 2022

Sampling stochastic dynamic programming (SSDP), which considers the uncertainty of streamflow, is a popular and useful method for solving release decisions of reservoirs. It is easy to implement the long-term operation for cascaded hydropower stations with poor inflow prediction ability. Furthermore, SSDP describes the empirical distribution by inflow scenarios considering the temporal and spatial structure of the streamflow processes instead of dividing the inflow into discrete representative values in stochastic dynamic programming (SDP). However, the computation time of the procedure will increase exponentially with the growth of reservoirs and inflow scenarios. Thus, the clustering method is employed to reduce the inflow scenarios in order to improve the efficiency and operability of SSDP in practical applications. The calculation results and the improvement on computation time consumption are analyzed with different cluster numbers in clustering algorithm. The principle of how to select the least inflow scenarios to represent all inflow sequences has also been proposed. Results show that the SSDP model with clustered inflows scenarios can significantly reduce the computation time. The least inflow scenarios selected by clustering algorithm can represent the empirical distribution of 56 streamflow scenarios without obviously decreasing energy and exacerbating the shortage of firm power in results in this study.
Adaptation, Implementation, and Evaluation of the HEARTS Technical Package in Primary Health Care Settings in Jordan to Improve the Management of Hypertension
Authors: Nsour Mohannad Al , Khader Yousef , Al-Hadeethi Omar , Kufoof Lara
Published: September 2022

The majority of patients with hypertension in Jordan have uncontrolled blood pressure. This study aimed to adapt and implement the HEARTS technical package in health care centers in Jordan and evaluate its effectiveness on hypertension management and control. The HEARTS protocol was adapted and implemented in six health centers followed by training of the healthcare staff on the adapted guidelines. Patients above 18 years old who attended health centers during the study period were recruited consecutively. The blood pressure of 852 patients was monitored over 4 months, using an individual patient treatment card. At the baseline visit, the proportion of patients with uncontrolled blood pressure was 71.5%. After 4 months of the implementation of the HEARTS protocol, the proportion of patients with uncontrolled blood pressure decreased to 29.1%. Of all studied characteristics, age was the only significant predictor of achieving blood pressure control. Patients aged ≤ 50 had a higher rate of controlled blood pressure readings after 4 months of implementation of the HEARTS protocol compared to patients older than 60 years (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.67; P-value = 0.028). In conclusion, the implementation of the HEARTS technical package has successfully achieved better control of the blood pressure of the enrolled patients after 4 months of implementation. To achieve better control of hypertension in the general population, scaling up HEARTS technical package is strongly recommended to integrate evidence-based strategies for hypertension control into routine care.
Implementing digital devices to increase mobility training for people receiving inpatient rehabilitation: protocol for a feasibility hybrid type II randomised controlled trial
Authors: Aravind Nisha , Treacy Daniel , Chagpar Sakina , Harvey Lisa A , Glinsky Joanna V , Sherrington Catherine , Hassett Leanne M
Published: September 2022

Background
People with mobility limitations can benefit from rehabilitation programs incorporating intensive, repetitive, and task-specific exercises using digital devices such as virtual reality gaming systems, tablet and smartphone applications, and wearable devices. The Activity and MObility UsiNg Technology (AMOUNT) rehabilitation trial (n = 300) showed improvements in mobility in people using these types of digital devices in addition to their usual rehabilitation care when the intervention was provided by an additional study-funded physiotherapist. However, it is not clear if this intervention can be implemented by hospital physiotherapists with a usual clinical load. The AMOUNT Implementation trial aims to explore the feasibility of conducting a large-scale implementation trial.
Methods
A pragmatic, assessor blinded, feasibility hybrid type II randomised controlled trial will be undertaken at a public hospital in Australia. There will be two phases. Phase I (or the Implementation Phase) will involve implementing the digital devices into physiotherapy practice. Physiotherapists from the rehabilitation ward will receive a multifaceted implementation strategy guided by the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) theoretical model. This implementation strategy consists of identifying and training a clinical champion; providing digital devices and changing the physical structure of the work space; providing education and training in use of devices; facilitating use of the digital devices through clinical reasoning sessions and journal clubs; auditing the recording of exercise dosage and providing feedback to the physiotherapists. Phase II (or the Trial Phase) will involve randomising 30 eligible inpatients from the same ward into either usual care or usual care plus an additional 30 minutes or more of exercises using digital devices. This intervention will be provided by the physiotherapists who took part in the implementation phase. We will collect data on feasibility, implementation, and patient-level clinical outcomes. The three primary outcome measures are: the extent to which physiotherapists document the dosage of exercises provided to participants; ability to recruit participants; and fidelity to the protocol of using digital devices to prescribe exercises.
Discussion
This feasibility study will provide important information to guide the planning and conduct of a future large-scale implementation trial.
Trial registration
: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry; ACTRN12621000938808; registered 19/07/2021.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number, clinical characteristics, surgical types and anatomical outcome of patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment during and after COVID-19 lockdown in Thailand
Authors: Somboonthanakij Sudawadee , Chanwimol Karntida , Jiaranaisilawong Prangkhwan
Published: September 2022

Background
The literature suggests that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treatment. We determined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number, clinical characteristics, type of surgical procedure, and anatomical outcome of primary RRD during and after lockdown compared with those parameters in the same periods in the previous year.
Methods
In Thailand, the first lockdown was from 3 April to 30 June 2020 (89 days). We evaluated data from an equal number of days in four periods. The medical records of patients with primary RRD who underwent retinal surgery at Mettapracharak Hospital during and after the first lockdown in 2020 and the corresponding period in 2019 were reviewed. The following data were analyzed: age, sex, laterality, lens status, symptom duration, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), macular status, number of quadrants detached, type of surgical procedure, and outcome.
Results
A total of 455 patients (455 eyes) underwent surgery for primary RRD. A total of 107 patients were treated during lockdown, 106 patients after lockdown, whereas 117 patients and 125 patients were treated in identical periods in the previous year, respectively. A decrease of 8.5% of RRD cases during lockdown and of 15.2% of RRD cases post-lockdown compared with those in the equivalent periods in the previous year were documented. No significant differences were found with respect to demographic features, clinical characteristics, type of surgical procedure, or the anatomical outcome of RRD patients among all time periods. However, a significantly lower prevalence of right-eye involvement and shorter waiting time for surgery after lockdown compared with those in the corresponding periods in 2019 were documented. The overall prevalence of success after a single surgical procedure was 85.3%.
Conclusions
We revealed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reduction in the number of surgical procedures for primary RRD during and after lockdown. Our findings could aid redefinition of a strategic plan for RRD management after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.
Trial registration:
COA014/2564; 28 October 2021
Nurse-driven intranasal dexmedetomidine administration as sedation for non-invasive procedures in children: a single center audit.
Authors: Goyens Emma , Allegaert Karel , Debuck Frederik , Lauweryns Julie , Toelen Jaan , Vanhonsebrouck Koen
Published: September 2022

Purpose To audit the efficacy and safety of intranasal dexmedetomidine sedation for non-invasive procedural sedation in children provided by nurses of the procedural sedation (PROSA) team in the University Hospitals Leuven. Efficacy (successful sedation as sole sedative) and safety (cardiorespiratory monitoring, saturation) were hereby assessed. Methods In this audit, prospectively recorded data were extracted from the medical files in 772 patients between 4 weeks to 18 years old, who underwent sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine (2–4 µg/kg) by the nurse-driven PROSA team. Results 90.7% of the patients were successfully sedated (single dose, monotherapy), 60 patients (7.8%) needed an additional intervention during sedation, of whom 37 (4.8%) needed an extra dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine and 14 (1.8%) received an additional other sedative. Successful sedation rates were higher in younger children, and medical imaging was the most common indication. Sedation failed in 12 (1.6%) patients, with 10 of them failed to fall asleep. Adverse events were limited in number (n = 13, 1.7%) and severity: 4 patients had a low heart rate (one treated with atropine), one had an irregular heart rate, and 7 desaturation events were described. Hypotension was treated with normal saline in one case. Conclusions In this nurse-driven PROSA setting, intranasal dexmedetomidine is effective and safe for non-invasive procedural sedation in paediatric patients.
Sunitinib in patients with favorable and intermediate risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma – Lithuanian National Cancer Institute experience
Authors: Zalimas Algirdas , Urbonas Vincas , Dabkeviciene Daiva , Purvaneckas Jonas , Ulys Albertas , Jarmalaite Sonata
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Objectives
Sunitinib, according to the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommendations, is one of the recommended regimens for favorable and intermediate risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients. Our objective was to evaluate sunitinib efficacy as a first-line treatment for mRCC patients with favorable / intermediate prognostic risk in a real-world setting.
Materials and Methods
Patients with diagnosed mRCC and confirmed as appropriate candidates for the first-line systemic treatment were included in the retrospective study. The prognostic risk was evaluated according to the model of International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC). Patients received sunitinib as a first-line treatment.
Results
A total of 94 patients were enrolled from 2019 to the 2020 year. 67 patients were included for the detailed analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 62 years. Majority of patients had clear cell renal carcinoma with prior nephrectomy. Half of patients had more than 3 metastatic sites. Metastasectomy was performed for one third of the patients. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 23.4 (95% CI: 17.3-29.5), and median overall survival (OS) was 66 months (95% CI: 44.9-87.1). The age over 60 years was significant negative predictor for PFS and OS. Regarding IMDC model for disease risk prediction, the number of two risk factors in the intermediate risk group was a significant predictor for a shorter response to the first-line therapy.
Conclusion
In everyday clinical practice, sunitinib is an effective systemic therapy for favorable/intermediate risk groups mRCC patients. This tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) can be used as a first-line treatment in this group of patients, especially in countries where novel systemic treatment modalities are not available yet.
TGF-β signaling and N6-methyladenosine with ciRs-7 in cervical cancer metastasis
Authors: Zhong Guanglei , Wang Yuhan , Zhou Haijian , Fu Zhaojie , Chen Zhiliao , Yao Tingting
Published: September 2022

Background
Circular RNAs (circRNA) are a group of influential regulators associated with cancergenesis. However, there has been no report in cervical cancer on ciR-7.
Results
In situ hybridization showed ciRs-7 was upregulated and positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and worse overall survival. In addition, overexpression of ciRs-7 promoted cervical cancer metastasis in vitro and in vivo. It was also found that ciRs-7 could promote the orchestration of IGF2BP1 on the mRNA of SLUG and stabilize it from degradation. Silencing IGF2BP1 could promote cervical cancer metastasis. Additionally, effective ciRs-7 has been proven to activate TGF-β signaling factors known to promote EMT, including p-smad2 and p-smad3. Effective ciRs-7 in cervical cancer promotes metastasis via activating TGF-beta induced EMT and stabilizing SLUG expression through working as a scaffold between IGF2BP1 and SLUG mRNA.
Conclusions
Our study for the first time proved the potential role of ciRs-7 in mediating progression of cervical cancer.
Psychosocial and Mental Health Difficulties among Adolescents with Body Image Dissatisfaction
Authors: Medise Bernie Endyarni , Nasution Kholisah , Devaera Yoga , Prayitno Ari , Djer Mulyadi M , Ifran Evita Karianni Bermanshah , Iskandar Adhi Teguh Perma
Published: September 2022

Background:Adolescents’ psychosocial and mental health is affected by body image. However, adolescent body image dissatisfaction (BID) is noted as an epidemic problem worldwide and limited studies in developing countries were performed. This study aimed to assess the association between psychosocial-mental health difficulties and BID among adolescents in Indonesia.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study in high schools in Jakarta selected by cluster random sampling. The randomly selected students aged 14-18 from each school were provided with online questionnaires, including Body Dissatisfaction Scale (BDS), Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (KPDS).Results:There were 327 subjects who filled out the questionnaire completely and were included in the analysis. The common psychosocial and mental health difficulties in adolescents in this study were hyperactivity-inattention, peer problems, and emotional problems (30%, 20.8%, and 20.2% consecutively). The overall psychosocial and mental health scores were not statistically higher in the BID group, but the emotional symptom scores were significantly higher in the BID group (p=0.023). The correlation between stress level and emotional symptom scores is also strong (p<0.001, r=0.701).Conclusion:Public health interventions are needed to assist adolescents to improve their body confidence and develop a resistant coping mechanism.
Comparison between two different expansion protocols in early mixed dentition:Clear Aligners vs Rapid Maxillary Expansion
Authors: Lombardo Elisabetta Cretella , Fanelli Silvia , Paoloni Valeria , Cozza Paola , Lione Roberta
Published: September 2022

Background: to compare the effects of two different expansion protocols in terms of bi-dimensional linear, angular measurements, and three-dimensional analysis of palatal area on digital casts in patients with mixed dentition.
Methods: digital casts of 32 children treated with the RME (RG: 17 subjects), or with clear aligners (FG: 15 subjects) were collected. Linear and angular values were measured in both groups on the upper arch for each pre (T1) and post-treatment (T2) models, as well as palatal area. Unpaired t-test was used to test significant differences between groups (p<0.05).
Results: the comparison of T2-T1 changes for linear measurements between groups showed significant differences in the inter-canine width (+1.5mm in FG), in the first inter-deciduous molar width (+1.5mm in FG), in the first inter-molar distal width (-1.2mm in FG), in the inter-canine transpalatal width (+1.5mm in FG) and in the first inter-deciduous molar transpalatal width (+1.4mm in FG). The analysis of angular measurements showed a significant increase of the crown angulation for all the teeth in FG except for the second deciduous molars and for the first molars. First molars showed a reduction of this parameter. FG patients showed a greater increase of the palatal area.
Conclusions: the comparison between FG and RG groups pointed out that clear aligners system seems to be more efficient than RME in terms of expansion obtainable at the anterior segment of the arch with a better control of upper first molar crown angulation and a greater increase of the palatal area.
Fungal cell barriers and organelles are disrupted by Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)
Authors: Ntow-Boahene Winnie , Papandronicou Isabelle , Miculob Josephous , Good Liam
Published: September 2022

The similarities between fungal and mammalian cells pose inherent challenges for the development of treatments for fungal infections, due to drug crossover recognition of host drug targets by antifungal agents. Thus, there are a limited number of drug classes available for treatment. Treatment is further limited by the acquisition and dissemination of antifungal resistance which contributes to the urgent need of new therapies. Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is a cationic antimicrobial polymer with bactericidal, parasiticidal and fungicidal activities. The antifungal mechanism of action appears to involve preferential mechanical disruption of microbial cell structures, offering an alternative to conventional antifungals. However, the antifungal mechanisms have been little studied. The aim of this study was to characterise PHMB’s activities on selected yeast (S. cerevisiae, C. albicans) and filamentous (F. oxysporum, P. glabrum) fungal species. Fungal membrane disruption, cell entry and intracellular localisation activities of PHMB were evaluated using viability probe entry and polymer localisation studies. We observed that PHMB initially permeabilises fungal cell membranes and then accumulates within the cytosol. Once in the cytosol, it disrupts the nuclear membrane, leading to DNA binding and fragmentation. The electrostatic interaction of PHMB with membranes suggests other intracellular organelles could be potential targets of its action. Overall, the results indicate multiple antifungal mechanisms, which may help to explain its broad-spectrum efficacy. A better understanding of PHMB’s mechanism(s) of action may aid the development of improved antifungal treatment strategies.
Cinnamic aldehyde induces apoptosis of breast cancer cells via STAT3/cMyc pathway
Authors: Yi Xiaohong , Hou Lefeng , Tan Xue , Pei Tianli , Li Shengrong , Huang Lijun
Published: September 2022

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is known to be activated in numerous cancer types, including more than 40% of breast cancers. STAT3 ’s downstream gene cMyc serves as an important target in cancer treatment. However, the clinical availability of small-molecule inhibitors that can target cMyc are lacking.Cinnamic aldehyde (CA) has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of a variety of cancer cells, including those in breast cancer; however, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study examined CA induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells via STAT3/cMyc pathway. The corresponding findings demonstrated that CA significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, MCF-7 cells, and 4T1 cells in both a time and concentration-dependent manner. CA was also shown to enhance the effect of cMyc inhibitor 10074-G5 and was observed to be better than 10074-G5 in the same concentration. CA also inhibited the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells, which may be related to the induction of breast cancer cells’ mitochondral apoptosis through the down-regulation of apoptosis-related proteins via STAT3/cMyc pathway. Accordingly, this study suggests that CA may serve as a novel cMyc inhibitor in breast cancer cells and should be further studied.
Enhancement the Nutritional Quality of Pretzels Using Sprouted Garden Cress
Authors: Gebreil Seham , Mahdy Samar , Asal Mostafa
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the nutritional quality of pretzels using sprouted garden cress seeds. Sprouting was performed in garden cress seeds at 3and 6 days to select the best sprouting conditions. Chemical composition, total phenols, flavonoids, and DPPH were performed on sprouted and un-sprouted garden cress. Sprouted and un-sprouted garden cress seeds were substituted at 0, 5, 10, and, 15% level with wheat flour in pretzels preparation. Chemical analysis, sensory properties and protein quality were performed on pretzels to assess its nutritional quality. After 3& 6 days, sprouting increased (P ≤ 0.05) ash (9.89, 5.88%), fiber (10.20, 8.61%), and protein (24.71, 25.92%). Sensory scores showed no (P ≤ 0.05) differences between pretzels with sprouted and un-sprouted garden cress at 5 and 10% for all attributes. Pretzels with 10% sprouted garden cress was the highest (P ≤ 0.05) of Zinc (20.1), iron (67.05), magnesium (494), calcium (1503), potassium (2885) and phosphorus (328 and 48mg/100g). In vitro protein digestibility (78.46%), total essential amino acids (3.8), total non-essential amino acids (4.8%) were increased in pretzels with 10% sprouted garden cress compared to un-sprouted seeds. Sprouted garden cress could be used to improve the nutritional quality of pretzels at 10% level of substitution with wheat flour with highly acceptability.This study leads to valuable addition and improvement of consumers diet, especially with the exploration of the potential of sprouted garden cress seed in a popular bakery snack like pretzels was very limited.
An epigenetic mechanism for differential maturation of amygdala-prefrontal connectivity in childhood socio-emotional development
Authors: Morris James , Skyberg Amalia , Newman Benjamin , Graves Andrew , Goldstein Alison , Brindley Samantha , Kim Minah , Druzgal T. , Connelly Jessica
Published: September 2022

Functional connectivity between the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been identified as a neural substrate of emotion regulation that undergoes changes throughout development. Amygdala-mPFC connectivity has been well studied in adolescents and adults, with a mature profile typically emerging at 10 years of age. Maternal bonding in childhood has been shown to buffer amygdala reactivity and to influence the trajectory of amygdala-mPFC coupling, which in turn may impact socio-emotional dysfunction later in life. The oxytocinergic system is critical in the development of social behavior and maternal bonding. Early life parental care influences the methylation status of the oxytocin receptor (OXTRm) in animal models and humans, and higher OXTRm is associated with lower amygdala-PFC functional connectivity in adults. Using a neuroimaging-epigenetic approach, we investigated OXTRm as a biological marker of functional connectivity maturation in middle childhood. We find that higher levels of OXTRm are associated with a more adult-like functional connectivity profile. We also find that lower OXTRm blunts the association between amygdala-mPFC connectivity and future internalizing behaviors in early adolescence. These findings implicate OXTRm as a biological marker at the interface of the social environment and amygdala-mPFC coupling in emotional and behavioral regulation. Ultimately, identification of neurobiological markers may lead to earlier detection of children at risk for socio-emotional dysfunction.
Gain variations as induced by the diffuse night sky background: the ASTRI-Horn experience
Authors: Impiombato Domenico , Compagnino Antonio Alessio , Mineo Teresa , Catalano Osvaldo , Giarrusso Salvatore , Maccarone Maria Concetta
Published: September 2022

ASTRI-Horn is the prototype of the nine telescopes that form the ASTRI Mini-Array, under construction at the Teide Observatory in Spain, devoted to observe the sky above 10 TeV. It adopts an innovative optical design based on a dual-mirror Schwarzschild-Couder configuration, and the camera, composed by a matrix of monolithic multipixel silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) is managed by ad-hoc tailored front-end electronics based on a peak-detector operation mode. During the Crab Nebula campaign in 2018-2019, ASTRI-Horn was affected by gain variations induced by high levels of night sky background. This paper reports the work performed to detect and quantify the effects of these gain variations in shower images. The analysis requested the use of simultaneous observations of the night sky background flux in the wavelength band 300-650 nm performed with the auxiliary instrument UVscope, a calibrated multi-anode photomultiplier working in single counting mode. As results, a maximum gain reduction of 15% was obtained, in agreement with the value previously computed from the variance of the background level in each image. This ASTRI-Horn gain reduction was caused by current limitation of the voltage supply. The analysis presented in this paper provides a method to evaluate possible variations in the nominal response of SiPMs when scientific observations are performed in the presence of high night sky background as in dark or gray conditions.