bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of Metal Ion Release in Saliva of Patients Receiving Nickel–Chromium Crowns of Two Different Brands at Various Time Intervals Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer: An In vivo Study
Authors: Jain Riddhi , Vijayaraghavan Vasantha , Mundhe Darshana , Kadam Pankaj , Patil Rupali , Patil Seema
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate and compare saliva for metal ion release in patients receiving nickel–chromium crowns of two different brands at various time intervals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty participants were selected and divided into two groups, each group having 10 participants: Group 1 – nickel–chromium crown fabricated (Niveum) and cemented and Group 2 – nickel–chromium crown fabricated (Ruby Max White) and cemented. Saliva was collected before cementation of the crown and the 1st day, 7th day, and 30th day after cementation of the crown and subjected to spectrophotometric analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results:

In both the groups, traces of nickel and chromium ions were found on the 1st day, 7th day, and 30th day.

Discussion:

In Group 1 (Niveum), the traces of nickel ion were found on the 1st day (mean = 0.226), which increased on day 7 (mean = 0.433), and then a decline was observed in the number of ions on day 30 (mean = 0.218). The traces of chromium ion were found on the 1st day (mean = 0.100), which increased on day 7 (mean = 0.178), and then a decline was observed in the number of ions on day 30 (mean = 0.092). In Group 2 (Ruby Max White), after cementation of nickel–chromium crown, the traces of nickel and chromium were found on days 1, 7, and 30. The traces of nickel ions were found on day 1 (mean = 0.238), which increased by day 7 (mean = 0.455), and then a decline was observed in the number of ions on day 30 (mean = 0.224). The traces of chromium ions were found on day 1 (mean = 0.108), which increased by day 7 (mean = 0.191), and then a decline was observed in the number of ions on day 30 (mean = 0.102).

Conclusion:

The results showed that there was no significant release of nickel and chromium ions in saliva after 1 month for crowns made from Niveum brand and Ruby Max White brand.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE TO INTERDISCIPLINARY DENTISTRY

Crowns made of nickel chromium alloy are one of the commonly used treatment modalities in restorative dentistry. This in vivo study documents the fact that the presence of metal ions in saliva after restoration with a full metal crown is negligible thus allaying any fear of metal allergy/toxicity.
Oral Manifestations of Sinonasal Mucormycosis in Post-COVID Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Three Case Reports
Authors: Chandrashekaraiah Deepa , Kenkere Deepika
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Sinonasal mucormycosis is a debilitating disease known to affect the nose, paranasal sinuses, orbit, and brain parenchyma caused by a group of opportunistic fungal organisms called mucormycetes. The incidence of mucormycosis cases had increased during the pandemic. Mucormycosis commonly involves the rhinomaxillary region in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hematological malignancies, prolonged corticosteroid therapy, or immunodeficiency state but has lately been reported as one of the post-COVID-19 complications. For more than a century, diabetic patients have been considered as immunosuppressed due to defects in phagocytosis and microbial killing. Post-COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis often report to the dentist at an early stage with tooth pain usually radiating or later with facial swelling and periodontally weakened teeth. Early diagnosis of this potentially life-threatening disease and prompt treatment are of prime importance in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. This article presents three cases of sinonasal mucormycosis in post-COVID-19/non-COVID-19 pneumonia-like symptoms recovered diabetic patients. This paper stresses the importance of identifying oral signs and symptoms that will help in the management of disease at an early stage and about the oral rehabilitation options in maxillectomy cases.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE TO INTERDISCIPLINARY DENTISTRY

As healthcare providers, we play a vital role in the early detection of mucormycosis cases.
The Application of Ultrasound Guidance in Electrodiagnostic Studies – A Narrative Review
Authors: Wei Kuo-Chang , Wu Chueh-Hung , Wang Tyng-Guey
Published: December 2023

Electrodiagnostic studies, including nerve conduction study and electromyography, were conducted based on surface anatomy in a conventional manner. However, the anatomical variations and difficulty in the identification of target nerves or muscles render the accuracy of electrodiagnostic studies questionable. In recent years, high-resolution ultrasound (US) has been used to scan both the peripheral nerves and musculoskeletal system. Furthermore, an increasing number of clinicians have incorporated US into electrodiagnostic studies to achieve accurate sampling and prevent potential unwanted tissue injuries. In this review article, we present summarized information about the utility of US in assisting electrodiagnostic studies.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Thickness and Stiffness of Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia in Type 2 Diabetics Patients: A Cross-sectional Observation Study
Authors: Saroha Amit , Saran Sonal , Saxena Sudhir , Kant Ravi , Bhadoria Ajeet Singh
Published: December 2023

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can contribute to the development of foot ulcers, a known complication of DM with a high financial and social burden. Achilles tendon (AT) and plantar fascia (PF) are well known to play an important role in foot biomechanics. The present study focuses on the alteration in thickness and stiffness of the AT and PF in Type 2 DM patients compared with the normal controls.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 55 DM patients and 55 healthy volunteers as controls. The thickness of the AT and PF were measured using B-mode ultrasound and stiffness was measured using shear wave elastography. Both the thickness and stiffness in the patient group and controls were compared. The values were also compared with the clinical and demographic profiles of the patients.

Results:

DM patients had considerably thicker AT and PF than controls (P < 0.05); mean values of AT thickness for DM patients and controls were 5.66 ± 0.54 mm and 4.61 ± 0.39 mm, respectively, and for PF were 2.53 ± 0.51 mm and 1.97 ± 0.19 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the stiffness of AT and PF was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in DM patients compared to controls, suggestive of softening of AT and PF in Type 2 DM patients. Mean values of shear wave velocity for DM patients and controls in AT were 5.53 ± 0.54 m/s and 7.25 ± 0.61 m/s, respectively, and for PF, 4.53 ± 0.89 m/s and 6.28 ± 0.88 m/s, respectively.

Conclusion:

We conclude that there is softening and thickening of the AT and PF in Type 2 DM patients, which can impair foot biomechanics.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography in Axillary Staging in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Rezkallah Emad Mofid Nassif , Elsaify Andrew , Tin Su Min Min , Elsaify Wael
Published: December 2023

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women all over the world and represents 7% of all cancer-related deaths in the UK. One of the most crucial elements in assessing a patient’s prognosis and chance of survival with breast cancer is the condition of their axillary lymph nodes. Ultrasonography (US) is now used as a routine preoperative diagnostic tool for pretherapeutic axillary evaluation. The aim of the current study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of US in axillary staging in breast cancer patients.

Methods:

We carried out this retrospective study for all invasive breast cancer patients who had surgery in addition to preoperative axillary staging using US during the period from January 2020 to February 2021. The final histology results were compared with the preoperative US findings to ascertain the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of AUS in axillary staging.

Results:

One hundred and twenty-eight patients were included in our study. The average age of diagnosis was 63.9 ± 12.3 years of age. We calculated sensitivity rate of 59.6%, specificity rate of 95.1%, positive predictive value of 87.5%, and negative predictive value of 80.2% with overall diagnostic accuracy of 82.2%.

Conclusion:

Despite the important role of preoperative US in axillary staging in breast cancer patients; it failed to detect metastatic diseases in 14.8% of our patients. These findings necessitate the routine histological evaluation of the axilla for more accurate staging of the disease.
Tongue necrosis and paracentral acute middle maculopathy as manifestations of giant cell arteritis
Authors: Meneguette Nathalie Stéphanie , De Castro Weldon Silva , Botini Lucas Nocetti , De Andrade Eric Pinheiro
Published: December 2023

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary vasculitis in adults. In general, the diagnosis is straightforward when characteristic symptoms such as headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, vision problems, or other ischemic complications are present. Atypical presentations of GCA have become increasingly recognized but we report for the first time a case of GCA presenting as partial tongue necrosis and paracentral acute middle maculopathy. This case adds to the literature and emphasizes the importance of rapid recognition of these atypical changes and optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of GCA patients.
A misleading case of sudden vision loss: Inflammatory chorioretinopathy superimposed on a diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Barbosa Renato Correia , Maio Tiago , Gonçalves Rita
Published: December 2023

White dot syndromes are a group of inflammatory chorioretinopathies that share pathologic features involving lesions in the external retinal layers and choroid. This report describes a case of acute visual loss due to a white dot syndrome superimposed on severe diabetic retinopathy (DR), leading to a challenging diagnosis. A 53-year-old man with severe DR was referred with acute unilateral vision loss, with the presumptive diagnosis of diabetic macular edema. The clinical examination and complementary diagnostic tests revealed the absence of diabetic macular edema but showed disruption of the outer retinal layers and choroidal thickening. Laboratory and imaging testing excluded other etiological factors, so an inflammatory chorioretinopathy superimposed on severe DR was considered. Following the initial presentation, without any therapeutic intervention, rapid anatomical and functional improvement was objectified. This case demonstrated that in rare cases, an inflammatory chorioretinopathy may go unnoticed in the presence of preexisting retinopathy, and the true cause of vision loss may initially be misdiagnosed.
Exposure to electronic gadgets and refractive errors among adolescents: A case–control study
Authors: Inchara N. , Jammula Sai Monisha , Praveen Kumar B. A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

The increasing use of electronic gadgets (e-gadgets) has dramatically changed the adolescent lifestyle. There are rising concerns about the ill effects of the high usage of illuminated screens on vision, especially in adolescents.

Objectives:

The objective was to explore the pattern of e-gadget use and its association with refractive errors (REs) among adolescents.

Methods:

A case–control study was carried out among adolescents attending a tertiary care hospital. Adolescents with REs (cases) were compared with those without REs (controls) based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two hundred matched adolescents (case-to-control ratio 1:1) were interviewed for exposure history to e-gadget use and pattern. The Chi-square test and odds ratio (OR) were calculated to find the association between e-gadget use and REs.

Results:

Age (17.3 ± 3.4 vs. 16.8 ± 3.3 years) and gender distribution between cases and controls were comparable. The e-gadget exposure among cases was higher than in controls (OR 1.4 P > 0.05); however, it is the duration of e-gadget exposure for >5 years was significantly higher among the cases (OR 4.6 P < 0.05). During e-gadget usage, sitting posture (OR 7.5 P < 0.05), poor lighting, indoor activity, and irregular sleep patterns were higher among cases. The purpose of using e-gadgets was predominantly for social media and browsing in cases and the educational or reading purpose among controls.

Conclusion:

Lesser duration, correct posture, and proper purpose of exposure to e-gadget are associated with lesser risk for REs. Results highlight the collective role of adolescents, parents, teachers, and doctors in education and lifestyle modification on e-gadget use.
Antimicrobial approach of abdominal post-surgical infections
Authors: Fiore Marco , Corrente Antonio , Di Franco Sveva , Alfieri Aniello , Pace Maria Caterina , Martora Francesca , Petrou Stephen , Mauriello Claudio , Leone Sebastiano
Published: December 2023

Abdominal surgical site infections (SSIs) are infections that occur after abdominal surgery. They can be superficial, involving the skin tissue only, or more profound, involving deeper skin tissues including organs and implanted materials. Currently, SSIs are large global health problem with an incidence that varies significantly depending on the United Nations’ Human Development Index. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical update on the latest available literature on SSIs, focusing on causative pathogens and treatment with an overview of the ongoing studies of new therapeutic strategies.
Indocyanine green fluorescence in gastrointestinal surgery: Appraisal of current evidence
Authors: Kalayarasan Raja , Chandrasekar Murugesan , Sai Krishna Pothugunta , Shanmugam Dasarathan
Published: December 2023

Applying indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in surgery has created a new dimension of navigation surgery to advance in various disciplines. The research in this field is nascent and fragmented, necessitating academic efforts to gain a comprehensive understanding. The present review aims to integrate diverse perspectives and recent advances in its application in gastrointestinal surgery. The relevant articles were selected by using the appropriate keyword search in PubMed. The angiography and cholangiography property of ICG fluorescence is helpful in various hepatobiliary disorders. In gastroesophageal and colorectal surgery, the lymphangiography and angiography property of ICG is applied to evaluate bowel vascularity and guide lymphadenectomy. The lack of objective parameters to assess ICG fluorescence has been the primary limitation when ICG is used to evaluate bowel perfusion. The optimum dose and timing of ICG administration need to be standardized in some new application areas in gastrointestinal surgery. Binding tumor-specific ligands with fluorophores can potentially widen the fluorescence application to detect primary and metastatic gastrointestinal tumors. The narrative review outlines prior contributions, limitations, and research opportunities for future studies across gastrointestinal sub-specialty. The findings of the present review would be helpful for scholars and practitioners to explore and progress in this exciting domain of gastrointestinal surgery.
Multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment nutritional support intervention for gastrointestinal tumor radiotherapy: Impact on nutrition and quality of life
Authors: Hui Lin , Zhang Ying-Ying , Hu Xiao-Dan
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal tumors are a major cause of cancer-related deaths and have become a major public health problem. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for improving clinical treatment effects, quality of life, and prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

AIM

To explore the clinical effect of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment (MDT) nutrition intervention model on patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

METHODS

This was a case control study which included patients with gastrointestinal tumors who received radiotherapy at the Department of Oncology between January 2021 and January 2023. Using a random number table, 120 patients were randomly divided into MDT and control groups with 60 patients in each group. To analyze the effect of MDT on the nutritional status and quality of life of the patients, the nutritional status and quality of life scores of the patients were measured before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

Albumin (ALB), transferrin (TRF), hemoglobin (Hb), and total protein (TP) levels significantly decreased after the treatment. The control group had significantly lower ALB, TRF, Hb, and TP levels than the MDT group, and the differences in these levels between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). After the treatment, the MDT group had significantly more well-nourished patients than the control group (P < 0.05). The quality of life total score, somatic functioning, role functioning, and emotional functioning were higher in the MDT group than in the control group. By contrast, pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting scores were lower in the MDT group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MDT nutritional intervention model effectively improves the nutritional status and quality of life of the patients. The study provides a rigorous theoretical basis for improving the prognosis of cancer patients. In the future, we intend to provide additional treatment methods for improving the quality of life of patients with cancer.
Association between the early high level of serum tacrolimus and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in ABO-incompatible liver transplantation
Authors: Han Ji Won , Choi Jong Young , Jung Eun Sun , Kim Ji Hoon , Cho Hee Sun , Yoo Jae-Sung , Sung Pil Soo , Jang Jeong Won , Yoon Seung Kew , Choi Ho Joong , You Young Kyoung
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Clinical factors predicting graft survival (GS) after ABO-incompatible (ABOi) liver transplantation (LT), and differences between recipients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unclear.

AIM

To analyze the impact of serial serum tacrolimus trough concentration in recipients with or without HCC) in ABOi living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODS

We analyzed a historical cohort of 89 recipients who underwent ABOi LDLT, including 47 patients with HCC.

RESULTS

The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year GS rates were 85.9%, 73.3%, 71.4%, and 71.4%, respectively, and there were no significant differences between HCC and non-HCC recipients. In multivariate Cox-regression analyses, tacrolimus trough concentrations below 5.4 ng/mL at 24 wk post-LT, in addition to the antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) were associated with poor-graft outcomes. In HCC patients, AMR [hazard ratio (HR) = 63.20, P < 0.01] and HCC recurrence (HR = 20.72, P = 0.01) were significantly associated with poor graft outcomes. HCCs outside Milan criteria, and tacrolimus concentrations at 4 wk post-LT > 7.3 ng/mL were significant predictive factors for HCC recurrence. After propensity score matching, patients with high tacrolimus concentrations at 4 wk had significantly poor recurrence-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Elevated tacrolimus levels at 4 wk after ABOi LDLT have been found to correlate with HCC recurrence. Therefore, careful monitoring and control of tacrolimus levels are imperative in ABOi LT recipients with HCC.
Application of electroacupuncture in the prevention of low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Xu Lu-Lu , Xiang Neng-Jun , Cheng Tian-Cheng , Li Yi-Xian , Chen Peng , Jiang Zhi-Wei , Liu Xin-Xin
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is one of the common postoperative complications in patients with rectal cancer, which seriously affects their postoperative recovery and quality of life (QoL). Electroacupuncture therapy is one of the characteristic therapies of traditional Chinese medicine. There are few reports on the prevention and treatment of LARS by electroacupuncture therapy.

AIM

To explore the clinical effectiveness of electroacupuncture in managing rectal cancer patients with postoperative LARS.

METHODS

A total of 50 patients with LARS after rectal cancer surgery were retrospectively selected as the research subjects. According to the treatment methods, they were divided into an observation group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). During the four-week treatment period, the control group received standard defecation function training, while the observation group received electroacupuncture care and traditional defecation function training. The anal pressure index (which includes anal resting pressure, anal systolic pressure, and maximum tolerable volume), European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL C30 (QLQ-C30) score, LARS Scale (LARSS) score, Wexner anal incontinence scale score, Xu Zhongfa five-item 10-point scale score, and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The experimental group showed considerably enhanced LARSS scores compared to those in the control group after four weeks of treatment. In the first week, second week, and fourth week, the LARSS score and Wexner anal incontinence scale score decreased, and the Xu Zhong method five-item 10-point scale score increased, with significant differences (P < 0.05). The experimental group showed substantial improvements in anal resting pressure, anal systolic pressure, and maximum tolerance volume after undergoing 4 wk of therapy in the untreated group (P < 0.05). The experimental group's QLQ-C30 score on the EORTC QoL questionnaire was higher than that of the control group during the 1st, 2nd, and 4th wk (P < 0.05). No significant variation between the groups in the frequency of adverse reactions (P > 0.05) was observed.

CONCLUSION

Electroacupuncture positively impacted LARS following rectal cancer surgery, effectively improving clinical symptoms and anal pressure indicators and patients’ standard of life.
Prediction of the lymphatic, microvascular, and perineural invasion of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu Yu-Liang , Zhu Hai-Bin , Chen Mai-Lin , Sun Wei , Li Xiao-Ting , Sun Ying-Shi
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Significant correlation between lymphatic, microvascular, and perineural invasion (LMPI) and the prognosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PENTs) was confirmed by previous studies. There was no previous study reported the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters and LMPI.

AIM

To determine the feasibility of using preoperative MRI of the pancreas to predict LMPI in patients with non-functioning PENTs (NFPNETs).

METHODS

A total of 61 patients with NFPNETs who underwent MRI scans and lymphadenectomy from May 2011 to June 2018 were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into group 1 (n = 34, LMPI negative) and group 2 (n = 27, LMPI positive). The clinical characteristics and qualitative MRI features were collected. In order to predict LMPI status in NF-PNETs, a multivariate logistic regression model was constructed. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by calculating the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve with area under ROC, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the lymph node metastasis stage, tumor grade, neuron-specific enolase levels, tumor margin, main pancreatic ductal dilatation, common bile duct dilatation, enhancement pattern, vascular and adjacent tissue involvement, synchronous liver metastases, the long axis of the largest lymph node, the short axis of the largest lymph node, number of the lymph nodes with short axis > 5 or 10 mm, and tumor volume between two groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor margin (odds ratio = 11.523, P < 0.001) was a predictive factor for LMPI of NF-PNETs. The area under the receiver value for the predictive performance of combined predictive factors was 0.855. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of the model were 48.1% (14/27), 97.1% (33/34), 97.1% (13/14), 70.2% (33/47) and 0.754, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Using preoperative MRI, ill-defined tumor margins can effectively predict LMPI in patients with NF-PNETs.
Hepatic vagotomy blunts liver regeneration after hepatectomy by downregulating the expression of interleukin-22
Authors: Zhou Heng , Xu Ju-Ling , Huang San-Xiong , He Ying , He Xiao-Wei , Lu Sheng , Yao Bin
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Rapid regeneration of the residual liver is one of the key determinants of successful partial hepatectomy (PHx). At present, there is a lack of recognized safe, effective, and stable drugs to promote liver regeneration. It has been reported that vagus nerve signaling is beneficial to liver regeneration, but the potential mechanism at play here is not fully understood.

AIM

To explore the effect and mechanism of hepatic vagus nerve in liver regeneration after PHx.

METHODS

A PHx plus hepatic vagotomy (Hv) mouse model was established. The effect of Hv on liver regeneration after PHx was determined by comparing the liver regeneration levels of the PHx-Hv group and the PHx-sham group mice. In order to further investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-22 in liver regeneration inhibition mediated by Hv, the levels of IL-22 in the PHx-Hv group and the PHx-sham group was measured. The degree of liver injury in the PHx-Hv group and the PHx-sham group mice was detected to determine the role of the hepatic vagus nerve in liver injury after PHx.

RESULTS

Compared to control-group mice, Hv mice showed severe liver injury and weakened liver regeneration after PHx. Further research found that Hv downregulates the production of IL-22 induced by PHx and blocks activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway then reduces the expression of various mitogenic and anti-apoptotic proteins after PHx. Exogenous IL-22 reverses the inhibition of liver regeneration induced by Hv and alleviates liver injury, while treatment with IL-22 binding protein (an inhibitor of IL-22 signaling) reduce the concentration of IL-22 induced by PHx, inhibits the activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway in the liver after PHx, thereby hindering liver regeneration and aggravating liver injury in PHx-sham mice.

CONCLUSION

Hv attenuates liver regeneration after hepatectomy, and the mechanism may be related to the fact that Hv downregulates the production of IL-22, then blocks activation of the STAT3 pathway.
Primary repair of esophageal atresia gross type C via thoracoscopic magnetic compression anastomosis: A case report
Authors: Zhang Hong-Ke , Li Xiao-Quan , Song Hong-Xia , Liu Shi-Qi , Wang Fang-Hui , Wen Jian , Xiao Mi , Yang A-Ping , Duan Xu-Feng , Gao Zhen-Zhen , Hu Kai-Lun , Zhang Wei , Lv Yi , Zhou Xi-Hui , Cao Zhen-Jie
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a life-threatening congenital malformation in newborns, and the traditional repair approaches pose technical challenges and are extremely invasive. Therefore, surgeons have been actively investigating new minimally invasive techniques to address this issue. Magnetic compression anastomosis has been reported in several studies for its potential in repairing EA. In this paper, the primary repair of EA with magnetic compression anastomosis under thoracoscopy was reported.

CASE SUMMARY

A full-term male weighing 3500 g was diagnosed with EA gross type C. The magnetic devices used in this procedure consisted of two magnetic rings and several catheters. Tracheoesophageal fistula ligation and two purse strings were performed. The magnetic compression anastomosis was then completed thoracoscopically. After the primary repair, no additional operation was conducted. A patent anastomosis was observed on the 15th day postoperatively, and the magnets were removed on the 23rd day. No leakage existed when the transoral feeding started.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic magnetic compression anastomosis may be a promising minimally invasive approach for repairing EA.
Duodenojejunostomy treatment of groove pancreatitis-induced stenosis and obstruction of the horizontal duodenum: A case report
Authors: Zhang Yu , Cheng Heng-Hui , Fan Wen-Juan
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a rare condition affecting the pancreatic groove region within the dorsal-cranial part of the pancreatic head, duodenum, and common bile duct. As a rare form of chronic pancreatitis, GP poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. GP is frequently misdiagnosed or not considered; thus, the diagnosis is often delayed by weeks or months. The treatment of GP is complicated and often requires surgical intervention, especially pancreatoduodenectomy.

CASE SUMMARY

A 66-year-old man with a history of long-term drinking was admitted to the gastroenterology department of our hospital, complaining of vomiting and acid reflux. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed luminal stenosis in the descending part of the duodenum. Abdominal computed tomography showed slight exudation in the descending and horizontal parts of the duodenum with broadening of the groove region, indicating local pancreatitis. The symptoms of intestinal obstruction were not relieved with conservative therapy, and insertion of an enteral feeding tube was not successful. Exploratory laparoscopy was performed and revealed a hard mass with scarring in the horizontal part of the duodenum and stenosis. Intraoperative frozen section analysis showed no evidence of malignancy, and side-to-side duodenojejunostomy was performed. Routine pathologic examination showed massive proliferation of fibrous tissue, hyaline change, and the proliferation of spindle cells. Based on the radiologic and pathologic characteristics, a diagnosis of GP was made. The patient presented with anastomotic obstruction postoperatively and took a long time to recover, requiring supportive therapy.

CONCLUSION

GP often involves the descending and horizontal parts of the duodenum and causes duodenal stenosis, impaired duodenal motility, and gastric emptying due to fibrosis.
Exploration of Urban Wayfinding Changes in Response to Climate Change
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, Kim Min Jung , Um Gi Jun
Published: December 2023

This study explores the possibility of a wayfinding system that can reduce carbon emissions in cities facing climate change. First, we investigate the city's response to climate change, analyze the case of path-finding signs considering carbon emissions, and propose a sustainable wayfinding system design direction. Currently, more than half of the world's population lives in cities, and it is expected to increase to 70% by 2050. Therefore, many cities are adopting eco-friendly energy, improving transportation, and recycling waste to combat urban heatwaves and heat islands with the aim of being carbon neutral. Wayfinding systems, one of the utilities, can also reduce maintenance costs and reduce carbon emissions if they utilize sustainable recycled materials or natural elements, use renewable energy, and are expressed directly on roads or walls. In addition, various types of road signs can be implemented through the flexible installation space, and user experience-oriented information considering the surrounding environment will promote walking and cycling, further reducing urban carbon emissions. It is expected that this study will provide a new perspective in consideration of climate change in the design of urban public facilities.
Exploratory Research from the Perspective of Integrated Education for the Improvement of Color Education Curriculum: Focusing on the Goals and Teaching Areas of the IBDP Curriculum
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, Kim Yeawon , Chung Hyun Sun
Published: December 2023

Color education in university fails to take into account the importance of colors and their application rate in industries, and is performed under the false perception that it is the tool of design and arts to raise a small number of producers. In fact, colors are a critical medium to make it possible for humans to have a diversity of experience, to build one’s ego, to control one’s emotions and feelings, and to increase individuals’ sensibility, expression, imagination, and creativity. Accordingly, in the digital information era, people have to continue to observe and think of the true meaning and new instruction technique of color education. Therefore, this study tried to look into the progressive education in the education program of International Baccalaureate(IB), which draws a lot of attention as an innovative plan for raising talented people from the perspective of integrated education, and to put the arts education guides of the IB DP education program into the objectives of color education, main syllabus, and evaluation subjects, and to apply actively the principles of constructivism to color education aiming at well-rounded education. More specifically, it explored the essential meaning of colors discussed in related works, and set the goals of a general subject or a main subject for each competency to provide a balanced teaching-learning technique and professional & convergent subject into theory, activity of making, and activity of planning. In other words, its main section-‘knowledge theory’, ‘research essay’, and ‘creativity, activity, and voluntary work’-help to evaluate not only learners’ knowledge but their attitudes and values to accept colors. The arts education in the IB DP education program makes it possible for university students to take on the challenge of deep thinking, and to establish a learner-oriented education environment. Even though some problems of the evaluation program-somewhat abstract evaluation process or difficult tasks-are point out, the IB education program is judged to be a creative approach as an alternative to a university-level color education course to respond to a new turning point of education. In addition, it is expected that the contents proposed in a variety of teaching-learning cases are used as the explanation and guide of more universal and professional color education.
A study on resilience characteristics in the architecture of Lacaton & Vassal: Focusing on the French apartment Transfomation Projects
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, Oh Yun Sook , Kim Mina , Yoon Jae Eun
Published: December 2023

This study aims to investigate the characteristics of space through the architecture of Lacaton & Vassal and to analyze elements that enhance spatial resilience. By examining the architectural philosophy of Lacaton & Vassal, the study focuses on three remodeling projects in France to explore strategies and elements that strengthen spatial resilience. To achieve the research objectives, a reclassification of space resilience characteristics was conducted based on a review of previous studies on resilience, and criteria for analysis were established. This involved an in-depth analysis of the selected cases, comparing spaces before and after remodeling, and investigating five elements of spatial resilience in the remodeled spacesThis case analysis is expected to yield significant data, providing a theoretical foundation for remodeling methods to enhance spatial resilience in aging spaces in the future.
A Study on the Data UX Design Training Method for Understanding the Growth Management Framework
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, Youn Mi Ryeong , Lee Ji Hyun
Published: December 2023

Since the Fourth Industrial Revolution, when creating services and products and earning revenue, there has been an emphasis on not just focusing on sales, but on the rationale for the revenue and efforts to attract customers in an attractive way. To address this, the ability to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze data throughout the service process has been emphasized, and companies that collect data want their employees to test hypotheses and draw conclusions based on data. As a result, data is applied in a variety of jobs, but there are difficulties in learning data for non-professionals who have never worked with data. In this study, we interviewed junior-level incumbents who are working with data to find out when they started learning data and what kind of experiences they had during the learning process, so that non-experts can learn data-driven UX design more easily, and educators who provide data-driven learning services can provide education that meets the needs of users.
Service Design of AI-based Interactive Legal Consultation
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, Yoon Sun Ha , Chung Jae Hee
Published: December 2023

The development of AI is having a significant impact on the legal industry, but in Korea, legal tech is still in the early introduction stage. The purpose of this study is to suggest service design of AI-based interactive legal consultation solving problems in the legal consultation process. After reviewing the previous research on legal services, information asymmetry, and legal tech, in-depth interviews and idea workshops with stakeholders were conducted and the service concept focused on explaining legal terms, providing similar cases and predictive information, and highlighting key points was created. The service concept was verified by stakeholders in the form of a mobile prototype. This study is significant in that it presents service design of AI-based consultation by reflecting the needs of various stakeholders, and can be the basis for legal tech services in the future.
Case Study on Agro-Healing from a Service Design Perspective for the Disabled
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, Lee Seung Hwan
Published: December 2023

In Europe, social farming began in the late 19th century after the Industrial Revolution as a way to create jobs and produce food by utilizing farmland as rural populations moved to cities and production decreased due to urbanization and industrialization. In Korea, the government began supporting the revitalization of social agriculture in 2018. Rural areas in Korea are in a serious crisis. We want to revive rural areas by fostering the 6th industry and tourism industry, but it is not an easy problem. Social agriculture requires the government to actively intervene and play an active role in creating jobs in rural areas and protecting rural areas in terms of food and security. In this study, we developed a program for a farm subject to a social agriculture revitalization support project, designed the program in terms of service design as part of healing agriculture for children with developmental disabilities and intellectual disabilities who are socially underprivileged, and analyzed the healing effect.
A Study on a User-Centric Service Design Direction Proposal for the Development of an Electronic Waste Collection Robot: Focusing on Sustainable Development of Electronic Waste in H University Campuses
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, Zhang Sai Nan , Song Ji Sung
Published: December 2023

The management of electronic waste represents a challenge in the advancement of environmental sustainability. At H University's campus, the necessity for improvement in this area has been identified, with major issues being pinpointed through literature and case studies, as well as stakeholder needs analysis. Surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted with students, faculty, and campus janitorial staff. The research identified design contents The goal is to enhance the efficiency of electronic waste disposal services on campus through the introduction of an ICT-based e-waste collection system. A service designt, based on deep learning models, in effectively implementing e-waste collection services at H University. This research provides innovative solutions for the effective collection of e-waste generated on campus.
A Study on the Design of Tetrapod-attached Solar LED Landscape Lighting for Revitalize Waterfront
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, Park Seong Hwan , Cho Joung Hyung
Published: December 2023

By applying solar LED landscape lighting to tetrapods, a type of sofa block installed to protect coastal facilities and block waves in marine waterfronts, it was proposed as an element that can increase the value of existing marine waterfronts, creating regional differentiation and urbanization. With the goal of researching a marine landscape lighting design that can express the identity of the company, we proposed three modular types of tetrapod-attached solar LED night landscape lighting designs using barnacles, an eco-friendly form, as a design motif, to create a tetrapod-attached solar LED design. presented the possibility of a differentiated waterfronts rather than physical control of problems arising from tetrapods.
A Nivat Theorem for Weighted Alternating Automata over Commutative Semirings
Authors: Grabolle Gustav
Published: December 2023

This paper connects the classes of weighted alternating finite automata
(WAFA), weighted finite tree automata (WFTA), and polynomial automata (PA).
First, we investigate the use of trees in the run semantics for weighted
alternating automata and prove that the behavior of a weighted alternating
automaton can be characterized as the composition of the behavior of a weighted
finite tree automaton and a specific tree homomorphism, if weights are taken
from a commutative semiring.
Based on this, we give a Nivat-like characterization for weighted alternating
automata. Moreover, we show that the class of series recognized by weighted
alternating automata is closed under inverses of homomorphisms, but not under
homomorphisms. Additionally, we give a logical characterization of weighted
alternating automata, which uses weighted MSO logic for trees. Finally, we
investigate the strong connection between weighted alternating automata and
polynomial automata. We prove: A weighted language is recognized by a weighted
alternating automaton iff its reversal in recognized by a polynomial automaton.
Using the corresponding result for polynomial automata, we are able to prove
that the ZERONESS problem for weighted alternating automata with weights taken
from the rational numbers decidable.
A DFT study of the optoelectronic properties of B and Be-doped Graphene
Authors: Agbolade L. O. , Dafhalla A. K. Y. , Zayan D. M. I. , Adam T. , Chik A. , Adewale A. A. , Gopinath S. C. B. , Hashim U.
Published: December 2023

The electronic and optical properties of Boron (B) and Beryllium (Be)-doped graphene were determined using the ab initio approach based on the generalized gradient approximations within the Full potential linearized Augmented Plane wave formalism (FP-LAPW) formalism. Our findings demonstrated that doping at the edges of graphene is notably stable. In both systems, Be-doped graphene proves more efficient in manipulating the band gap of graphene. Both B and Be induce P-type doping in graphene. B-doped graphene exhibits a negligible magnetic moment of 0.000742, suggesting its suitability for catalytic semiconductor devices. Conversely, Be-doped graphene displays a large magnetic moment of 1.045 µB indicating its potential in spintronics. Additionally, this study elucidates the influence of the dielectric matrices on the optical properties of graphene. These findings underscore a stable and controllable method for modelling graphene at its edges with B and Be atoms, opening new avenues for designing of these devices.
Yesus, Eunuch, dan Kesucian
Authors: Rahelia Vika , Martoyo Ihan
Published: December 2023

Artikel ini menyajikan beberapa pandangan yang berkaitan dengan tafsir mengenai kasim (eunuch) pada Matius 19:12. Alternatif tafsir yang ditemukan menyediakan kemungkinan untuk variasi gender inklusif dalam penggalian kata dari bahasa asli ayat ini, khususnya tafsir mengenai kondisi eunuch yang tak bisa menikah atau tak memiliki kemampuan untuk memiliki keturunan, baik yang disebabkan secara natural dari rahim ibunya, oleh orang lain maupun sukarela atas keinginan diri sendiri untuk pelayanan atau Kerajaan Allah. Kala itu, masalah “ketidakjantanan” adalah hal yang memalukan/tidak terhormat, tetapi dirangkul oleh Yesus. Seperti upaya tafsir pada umumnya, ayat ini memang terbuka pada penafsiran dari berbagai pandangan. Namun, kita tetap dapat melihat benang merah maksud dan tujuan penerimaan Yesus terhadap kondisi eunuch ini. Bukan kebetulan Yesus mengungkapkan topik eunuch di Matius, dan hanya di Matius disebutkan kondisi natural eunuch, atau eunuch dari lahir (dari rahim ibunya). Secara garis besar kata kasim memang biasanya mengacu kepada laki-laki yang dikastrasi baik secara sukarela maupun disebabkan oleh orang lain, tetapi dalam hal natural eunuch, dapat dipastikan berbicara tentang anomali genetik, yang pada zaman sekarang dapat diidentifikasi sebagai varian dalam interseks.
Mencintai Alam dalam Naungan Yang Ilahi
Authors: Atmoko Ricky
Published: December 2023

Perhatian kaum Injili terhadap alam secara umum mengikuti paham dualistik dan utilitarian yang dipengaruhi oleh pemikiran Agustinus. Untuk lepas dari jebakan dualisme, saya menafsirkan konsep dual Agustinian uti (cara atau menggunakan) dan frui (menikmati atau bersukacita karena) menggunakan dua konsep Hindu seva (tidak mementingkan diri) dan svarupa (bentuk sesungguhnya). Dengan itu, saya mengonstruksi sikap mencintai alam—yakni segala ciptaan—di dalam naungan Ilahi. Saya menggunakan metodologi teologi komparatif reinterpretasi dari Catherine Cornille, yang membuat konsep dari satu agama tertentu menjadi lebih dipahami ketika diperbandingkan dengan konteks agama lain. Pertama, konsep Hindu svarupa dapat mengubah tendensi dualistik dari frui yang tadinya terarah “kepada” naungan Ilahi menjadi lebih non-dualistik dengan berada “dalam” naungan Ilahi. Dengan demikian, svarupa menjadi penting dalam menafsirkan ulang frui. Kedua, konsep Hindu seva menarik makna uti supaya tidak terjatuh dalam mode utilitarian dalam berelasi dengan alam tanpa kasih. Begitu juga saya menemukan seva bermanfaat untuk reinterpretasi saya akan konsep uti. Dengan memahami pandangan Agustinian uti-frui yang biner melalui seva dan svarupa, saya hendak mengembangkan paradigma lingkungan hidup yang non-dikotomis dan non-utilitarian. Bergerak melampaui dualisme Allah-ciptaan membantu umat Kristen untuk melihat kasih Allah di dalam dunia material. Begitu juga, memakai pandangan non-utilitarian membantu kita untuk lebih perhatian terhadap impak jangka panjang dari perlakuan manusia terhadap alam.
Teologi Sahala
Authors: Tambunan Elia
Published: December 2023

A book review of Teologi Sahala.
The Crucifixion of Jesus: Torture, Sexual Abuse, and Scandal of the Cross
Authors: Chandra Fang Fang
Published: December 2023

A book review of The Crucifixion of Jesus: Torture, Sexual Abuse, and Scandal of the Cross.
Manufacturing Excellence Using Line Balancing & Optimization Tools: A Simulation-based Deep Framework
Authors: Ullah Md Rahamat , Molla Selim , Md Siddique Iqtiar , Ahmed Siddique Anamika , Abedin Md. Minhajul
Published: December 2023

The pursuit of operational excellence and continuous improvement in the manufacturing sector has led to the convergence of two prominent methodologies, Lean and Six Sigma. This abstract provides an overview of the comprehensive framework discussed in this paper, which blends the principles of Lean and Six Sigma to drive transformative enhancements in manufacturing processes. The proposed framework extends beyond surface-level improvements, delving deep into the intricacies of production systems. It encompasses a holistic approach that addresses process efficiency, waste reduction, quality enhancement, and cost optimization. By synergizing Lean's emphasis on eliminating waste and Six Sigma's focus on process variation reduction, this framework approaches a comprehensive strategy for manufacturers to succeed in operational excellence. Through real-world case studies and practical insights, this paper highlights the tangible benefits of adopting the Lean and Six Sigma deep framework and its potential to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape