bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A late 17th-century “Double Dutch” construction in the North Frisian Wadden Sea: the case of the Hörnum Odde wreck on the island of Sylt, Germany
Authors: Zwick Daniel
Published: August 2022

In October 2016 a previously unknown shipwreck emerged at the southern spit of the island of Sylt as a consequence of an ongoing coastal erosion process. Aside from its double-layered carvel planking, several other features reminiscent of 17th-century Dutch shell-first shipbuilding were observed. With a terminus post quem of 1690, this is the latest “Double Dutch” construction hitherto known, casting doubt on the long-held belief that this peculiar method of construction was a fleeting phenomenon of the early 17th century. Due to tidal currents and erosion, the sea swiftly reclaimed the wreck shortly after the investigation.
Building cheaply and simply: flat-bottomed boats with cross-planked bottoms around the world
Authors: Zamościński Krzysztof
Published: August 2022

In Poland and in some other countries of the world different kinds of cross-planked bottom boats have been and still are built. The author has undertaken to establish the places where they are built, their chronology and building techniques, and, on the basis of this information, to investigate the question of potential connections between individual examples. From this research emerges the ongoing process of diffusion of the cross-planked bottom boat idea. Everything indicates that it started in the second half of the 18th century in North America. It was adopted in different types of crafts – previously existing or new – and activities. The advantages are cheapness and ease of construction.
Hull characteristics of the Yenikapı 16 galley
Authors: Kocabaş Ufuk , Özsait-Kocabaş Işıl
Published: August 2022

The Theodosian harbour, unearthed during salvage excavations at Yenikapı by the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, has revealed many archaeological artefacts that have enriched the cultural history of Istanbul, in addition to 37 shipwrecks, which sank at different moments over a time span of approximately 600 years. The Byzantine galeai discovered are particularly important, as they constitute the ﬁrst archaeological evidence of galleys in the early medieval age. In this article, we shall describe the construction characteristics of one of these galleys, YK16, within the context of the other galleys.
Boa Vista 1: context and construction details of an early modern ship discovered in Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Bettencourt José , Lopes Gonçalo C. , Fonseca Cristóvão , Silva Tiago , Carvalho Patrícia , Coelho Inês Pinto
Published: August 2022

Archaeological excavations carried out in the riverside area of Lisbon in 2012 and 2013 revealed the remains of two ships: Boa Vista 1 and Boa Vista 2. Both were found in a wide anchorage used since Roman times, where they were deposited at some point between the mid-17th and the mid-18th centuries.This paper will present a preliminary analysis of the Boa Vista 1 construction. Some features are common in the Mediterranean, for example, a composite keel with butt joints and hook scarfs in the connection between floor timbers and futtocks. A particular feature of this ship is the hull’s protective wooden sheathing.
Accreditation Through the Eyes of Program Evaluation
Authors: Uysal Funda
Published: August 2022

Sustaining the quality in higher education requires the evaluators to decide in line with the standards, namely accreditation. In the accreditation process, although there are different applications in different countries, the institution or program generally makes a self-evaluation, and then a decision is made by making field visits by experts. In this process, the evaluators' decision whether the operation conforms to the standards can overlap with Provus' discrepancy evaluation model. In the discrepancy evaluation model, performance and standards are compared and it is decided whether there is a difference. This coincides with the accreditation process. In this chapter, the accreditation process is considered as program evaluation and this process is associated with Provus' discrepancy evaluation model.
Leadership on Ethical Bases in the University Environment to Improve Standards in Higher Education
Authors: Gurgu Elena
Published: August 2022

The chapter emphasizes the real values and principles that universities promote, in particular academic freedom, personal autonomy, justice and equity, merit, professionalism, honesty and intellectual integrity, transparency, respect and tolerance, responsibility, goodwill, and care. Especially in the days of dual learning, universities must respect the dignity of each of its members and promote academic integrity on ethical principles. Its members are committed to contributing to the democratic development and prosperity of society. The management of ethics in the academic environment is the coordination of all elements related to the moral life of a university. Ethical codes, ethics committees, ethical audits, ethical education of staff, techniques to create an institutional culture of a moral nature have all become increasingly widespread. Institutionalization of ethics in academia is a new reality for which universities must be prepared.
Integrating Sustainability Development Issues into University Curriculum
Authors: Gigauri Iza , Popescu Catalin , Panait Mirela , Apostu Simona Andreea
Published: August 2022

Sustainability is an important issue to be addressed by the accreditation agencies in order to ensure quality education at the degree programs offered by universities. Their joint effort needs to be focused to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and to achieve a common sustainable future for current and future generations. This chapter contributes to the knowledge and understanding of university education systems in terms of sustainability issues including in curriculum. It also facilitates further development of theory and practice of higher education institutions and accreditation agencies to ensure modern and quality education. The chapter highlights the importance of sustainability issues to be included in the university degree programs and courses.
An Overview of Accountability as a Competence in Higher Education
Authors: Hysa Desantila , Yunitsyna Anna
Published: August 2022

Accountability is a crucial issue in university quality control processes. The answerability for performance is usually assessed at the institutional level, granting universities considerable independence. This study presents an overview of accountability as competence at the student level, following a bottom-up approach. The overview exemplifies cases from the design-based study programs. This chapter explores accountability in higher education in a bipartite structure: conceptual and empirical. The conceptual exploration draws a framework of values and principles which guide a designer's approach to the profession and practice, and accountability is one of them. The conceptual overview of accountability focuses on an exchange of reasoning and social practice of being accountable to others. It further discusses design accountability parallel to existing approaches of designing for accountability. The empirical exploration situates accountability in the design education domain as a crucial learning competence to be addressed within the learner-centred paradigm.
The Role of the Accreditation Process for the Quality of Higher Education in Bulgaria
Authors: Mileva Eleonora
Published: August 2022

In the chapter, the main characteristics of the process of accreditation of higher education institutions in Bulgaria and their impact on the quality of higher education are revealed. The functions and structure of the National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation and its activities are presented. The content and fulfilment of the accreditation criteria by the National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski” are examined. Special attention is paid to the process of developing and updating curricula as well as to the methods and approaches for stimulating students' participation in the educational process. Recommendations for future development of the quality of higher education in the country are given.
Swarm Intelligence Technique for Supply Chain Market in Logistic Analytics Management
Authors: Tian Qian , Yin Qingwei , Meng Yagang
Published: August 2022

Supply chain management has become increasingly important as an academic subject due to globalization developments contributing to massive production-related benefits reallocation. The huge volume of data produced in the global economy means that new tools must be created to manage and evaluate the data and measure organizational performance worldwide. Smart technologies such as swarm intelligence and big data analytics can help get clear data of the location, condition, and environment of products and processes at any time, anywhere to make smart decisions and take corrective schedules that the supply chain can run more effectively. This study proposes the swarm intelligence modeling-based logistic analytics management (SIMLAM) in service supply chain market. A generalized structure for swarm intelligence implementation in supply chain management is suggested, which is advantageous to industry practitioners. Different deterministic methods practically fail due to the intrinsic computational complexity of the problem of higher dimensions.
Statistical Growth Analysis of Rice Plants in Chhattisgarh Region Using Automated Pixel-Based Mapping Technique
Authors: Patel Bharati , Sharaff Aakanksha , Verulkar Satish
Published: August 2022

The statistical growth analysis of field crop has become a great challenge in agriculture. Analyzing the growth of crop through automation provides extensive significance to the farmers for getting information about the problem arising in plants due to irregular growth monitoring. The idea behind this work is the importance of mapping with pixel-based clustering technique for growth analysis in terms of height calculation of rice crop (rice variety is MTU-1010). Height measurement plays a vital role in regular assessment for a healthy crop, and the approach proposed in this work achieves 97.58% accuracy of 14 sampled datasets taken from Indira Gandhi Agriculture University of Raipur, Chhattisgarh; a real-time dataset has been prepared. Proposed work is used for analyzing vertical as well as horizontal scaling technique. Vertical mapping provides the height of a single plant whereas horizontal mapping using k-means clustering provides an average height of the whole field. This work uses machine learning, and image processing techniques are used for this work.
Use of Tranexamic Acid in Bleeding Control of Transabdominal and Transvaginal Hysterectomy
Authors: Bahadori Azadeh , Hirmanpour Anahita , Bahadoran Ensiyeh
Published: August 2022

Background:

Hysterectomy is one of the most common gynecology surgeries. This study aimed to compare perioperative bleeding in transabdominal and transvaginal hysterectomy.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed on 80 patients undergoing hysterectomy referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Patients were divided into two groups of 40; the first group (T) received 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) for 20 min preoperatively. The second group (S) received 10 cc normal saline as placebo. Blood samples were taken before and 12 h after surgery for assessment of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count, the prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and serum creatinine as well as volume of blood transfusion.

Results:

There were no significant differences between the two groups in heart rate, diastolic blood pressure (BP), systolic BP, and mean arterial pressure before, during, and after surgery (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in blood variables before and after surgery (P > 0.05) except the platelet count that was in the normal range in both groups after surgery (P = 0.022). The mean volume of blood transfused in the case group was significantly lower than the control group during surgery (P = 0.008) and 12 h after surgery (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

The prophylactic administration of TXA results in a significant reduction in need for blood transfusion and the duration of surgery. Given the lower risks of using TXA compared to the other drugs, it is recommended in hysterectomy to control bleeding.
Prazosin Improves Neurogenic Acute Heart Failure Through Downregulation of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Rat Hearts
Authors: Pan Jun-Yen , Lu Wen-Hsien , Wu Chieh-Jen , Tseng Ching-Jiunn , Chen Hsin-Hung
Published: August 2022

Bilateral nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) lesions, possibly caused by enterovirus 71 infection, cause severe neurogenic hypertension, leading to acute heart failure (HF), pulmonary edema, and death within hours. Alpha-adrenergic blockers attenuate blood pressure and ameliorate HF and pulmonary edema, thereby prolonging survival time. However, the molecular mechanisms of these blockers are not clear. In this study, we investigated these mechanisms in a rat model of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced HF. Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with prazosin 10 min after the microinjection of 6-OHDA into the NTS. Immunohistochemistry and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining were used for analysis. In the cardiac tissue of 6-OHDA-induced HF, in situ expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), and FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) increased, but in situ expression of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) decreased. DHE staining revealed several heart cells with high reactive oxygen species production. Prazosin treatment decreased TNF-α, FGF23, and FGFR1 expression in the heart of rats with 6-OHDA-induced HF. It also prevented cardiomyopathy caused by 6-OHDA-induced bilateral NTS lesions by inhibiting the FGF23-FGFR1 pathway and downregulating TNF-α expression. In situ, FGF23, FGFR1, VDR, superoxide, and TNF-α in the heart were found to be involved in acute HF in our rat model of 6-OHDA-induced bilateral NTS lesions. These findings are potentially useful for treating fatal enterovirus 71 infection-induced NTS lesions and HF.
A Method to Measure Oil Penetration into Hair and Correlation to Tensile Strength
Authors: Sureka Priyanka , Agrawal Tanu , Majumder Suman , Ritambhara Kr
Published: August 2022

Aim:

The aim of this study is to identify a new method to measure oil penetration into hair, compare penetration ability of two types of oil: Type 3 hair oil and coconut oil into the hair shaft and explore its correlation to a physical property of hair, tensile strength.

Materials and Methods:

The study utilizes the measurements of two parameters, thickness, and cohesive force to define penetration of oil. The hypothesis was that an increase in hair fiber thickness along with reduction in cohesive force would indicate higher penetration of oil into the hair strand. The tensile strength of hair was then determined by measuring the behavior of treated hair strands while an axial stretching load was applied.

Results:

In experiment of hair thickness measurement, there was a significant increase in the hair fiber thickness post oil application in both the test oils as compared to baseline (untreated control). However, this increase was higher in hair swatches treated with Type 3 hair oil. For cohesive force measurement, significantly lower force was required for hair swatches treated with Type 3 hair oil when compared to coconut oil. For tensile strength, both test oils exhibited increase versus baseline but increase in tensile strength was significantly more with type 3 hair oil when compared to coconut oil.

Conclusions:

The present study shows that conjoint assessment of hair thickness and cohesive force post oil application can be a suitable method to indicate the extent of oil penetration into the hair. Overall, the study indicated the positive influence of oil penetration on hair strength.
Recovery of Resistant Alopecia Areata Treated with Tofacitinib
Authors: Bhokare Anil
Published: August 2022

Tofacitinib has been reported to activity in the recovery of alopecia areata (AA) in several reports, mainly from Western countries. We report the case of a young Indian boy with resistant AA who was treated with tofacitinib-based therapy. Improvements in terms of hair regrowth were observed within 6–8 weeks of treatment with oral tofacitinib 2.5 mg BID tablets, and the hair regrowth was nearly complete by 5 months. There were no associated side effects and the treatment with tofacitinib was well-tolerated.
Characteristics of Patients with Hair Loss after Isotretinoin Treatment
Authors: Tran Patrick Thanh , Evron Evyatar , Goh Carolyn
Published: August 2022

Background:

Oral isotretinoin has been used to treat acne for decades. Although the side effects of isotretinoin are mostly predictable, one less common side effect of isotretinoin use is hair loss, typically telogen effluvium.

Objective:

This study is a retrospective report on the development of alopecia in patients on isotretinoin therapy.

Methods:

To characterize these patients, they were further compared to other patients in the same time period who were prescribed isotretinoin and did not experience hair loss.

Results:

Of 6330 patients with hair loss, 48 had been prescribed isotretinoin at some time between 2013 and 2018. Of these 48 patients, hair loss occurred concurrently or within two years after taking isotretinoin in 19 patients. When compared to controls, patients who experienced hair loss from isotretinoin were older, had greater cumulative isotretinoin doses, and had longer durations of treatment.

Conclusion:

Although the exact mechanism of how retinoids affect hair loss is still unclear, our findings suggest dosage or duration of usage may be associated. This information may be useful in counseling patients who may be concerned about hair loss when considering isotretinoin treatment.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection among Adults after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Samad Sameer Abdul , Jethani Jyoti , Kumar Lalit , Choudhary Aashish , Brijwal Megha , Dar Lalit
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of morbidity among hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients, with RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection carrying high mortality rates. There have been no large studies till date, describing the incidence, clinical features, and outcomes of RSV infection among adult HSCT recipients in India.

Methods:

A prospective cohort of 100 adults who underwent HSCT was followed up for a maximum period of 18 months starting from the date of transplantation for any episode of respiratory tract infectious disease (RTID). Respiratory samples were collected for laboratory confirmation of the presence and subtyping of RSV by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The study population comprised of 66% (66/100) males and 34% (34/100) females. Autologous HSCT recipients constituted 78% (78/100) and allogeneic HSCT recipients constituted 22% (22/100) of the study population. The incidence of RSV-RTID among adults after HSCT was 0.82/100 patient months. Most cases occurred during the winter season and the predominant subtype was RSV-A (9/11, 81.8%). Lower RTID was the most common clinical diagnosis made at presentation (9/11, 81.8%). Female gender was predictive of RSV-RTID (log rank P = 0.002). All the RSV-RTID episodes recovered completely without targeted therapy.

Conclusion:

RSV is a significant cause of morbidity among adult HSCT recipients in India. Prophylaxis and treatment measures need to be instituted after a proper risk-benefit assessment. Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these results.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Triple Therapy versus Non-bismuth based Quadruple Therapy for the Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in Kuwait
Authors: Alfadhli Ahmad , Alboraie Mohamed , Afifi Mostafa , Dangi Abhijit
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Helicobacter pylori-induced chronic infection is associated with peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis, gastric cancer, and increasing antibiotic resistance. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of clarithromycin-based triple therapy and non-bismuth based quadruple therapy for eradicating H. pylori in patients with chronic gastritis in Kuwait.

Methods:

We enrolled a total of 603 treatment-naive dyspeptic patients with gastric biopsy-proven chronic gastritis secondary to H. pylori in a prospective, open-label, randomized study. Patients were randomized into two groups: a group received the standard triple therapy (omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin) for 14 days and a group received quadruple therapy (omeprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole) for 14 days. All patients were tested for the eradication of H. pylori by carbon-13 urea breath test 1 month after eradication therapy.

Results:

The overall eradication rate was 63.2%. The eradication rates in intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) population were 58.4% and 64.6%, respectively, in triple therapy group. In the quadruple therapy group, the eradication rates in ITT and PP population were 68.0% and 78.5%, respectively, with a statistically significant higher eradication rate in patients treated by quadruple therapy than the triple therapy (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that treatment regimen was the only significant predictor for successful H. pylori eradication. The most common adverse events were abnormal taste, headache, dizziness, and abdominal pain.

Conclusion:

Non-bismuth based quadruple therapy is more effective than standard clarithromycin-based triple therapy for eradicating H. pylori in patients with chronic gastritis.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04617613
Laboratory Cost Analysis of Conventional and Newer Molecular Tests for Diagnosis of Presumptive Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Yadav Raj Narayan , Verma Ajoy Kumar , Kaushik Gaurav
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a deadliest infectious disease. Lack of rapid test with low cost is one of the important challenges to eradicate the TB. The objective of the study was to analyze the laboratory costs of conventional and newer molecular tests, for diagnosis of presumptive multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) patients.

Methods:

A detailed laboratory cost of various conventional tests (Ziehl − Neelsen [ZN] microscopy, light-emitting diode-fluorescent microscopy [LED-FM], culture and drug susceptibility testing [DST] using solid Lowenstein–Jensen media and liquid media [BACTEC MGIT 960]) was compared with rapid methods (GenoType MTBDRplus line probe assay [LPA] and GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay). Laboratory cost was also calculated in terms of cost per TB and MDR-TB case detected by using different diagnostic scenarios.

Results:

Cost per test for ZN microscopy, LED-FM, LPA, GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay, solid culture plus DST, liquid culture plus DST was found as $2.5 (INR 156.8), $2.0 (INR128.9), $18.6 (INR1210), $13.8 (INR 895.2), $21.5 (INR 1396.6), and $29.1 (INR 1888.2), respectively. The laboratory cost for detecting TB and MDR-TB by diagnostic scenarios involving molecular DST was found to be less as compared to involving only conventional liquid culture-based test.

Conclusions:

The implementation of rapid molecular tests with selective use of liquid culture-based DST may be less in cost as compared to the use of culture-based DST alone, at high burden reference TB laboratory.
Antimicrobial and cytotoxicity properties of Plumeria alba flower extract against oral and periodontal pathogens
Authors: Kaur Jaskirat , Sanghavi Amee Dilip , Chopra Aditi , Lobo Richard , Saha Swagata
Published: August 2022

Context:

Plumeria alba, commonly known as frangipani or West Indian jasmine, is a traditional and ancient folklore medicine known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The extracts from P. alba obtained from the leaves, bark, and flowers, are commonly used to manage bacterial, fungal, and viral infections such as herpes, scabies, and fungal infections. The constituents of the P. alba plant have shown promising antihelmintic, antipyretic, and antirheumatic properties. Although studies have confirmed that extracts from Plumeria species are effective against microbial infections and cancer, its role in managing oral diseases, particularly the chronic inflammatory disease of the gums (gingivitis and periodontitis), has never been explored. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of the P. alba flower extract against oral and periodontal pathogens compared to chlorhexidine and doxycycline.

Settings and Design:

This was an in vitro study.

Materials and Methods:

The ethanolic extract was prepared from the freshly plucked P. alba flowers. The antimicrobial properties of the extract were evaluated by testing the minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration, and well-diffusion assay against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus, Streptococcus salivarius, and Candida albicans. The results were compared to chlorhexidine and doxycycline. The cytotoxicity was checked by the against human-derived gingival fibroblast and keratinocytes.

Statistical Analysis Used:

One-way ANOVA for the mean zones of inhibition against all the microorganisms was done.

Results:

P. alba extract inhibited the growth for all the tested oral and periodontal pathogens at 25 μg/ml. The well-diffusion assay of P. alba extract was comparable to chlorhexidine but was not statistically significant compared to doxycycline.

Conclusion:

P. alba can be used as a promising alternative to chlorhexidine for the management of oral and periodontal infections.
Hemangiopericytoma of the gingiva – An exemplary differential of a masquerading tumor
Authors: Balagangadharan ManoVijay , Jacob Mathew , Bala Sekar , Periasamy Arulmani
Published: August 2022

Periodontal diseases are unique as a small number lesions appearing as inflammatory in reality are neoplastic in nature, and it is imperative that an accurate diagnosis be rendered to provide the appropriate treatment and management. One of the most common clinical presentations of gingival lesions is pedunculated soft-tissue swellings. We report the case of a 63-year-old female who presented with a painless swelling on the interdental papilla of 23 and 24 with a history of recurrences. The lesion was excised by wide surgical excision. This article presents a unique case of a vascular tumor that had clinically mimicked a reactive lesion and with detailed history, thorough clinical examination had provided clues to a vascular entity namely hemangiopericytoma which was confirmed by histological diagnosis. Oral lesions, particularly occurring in gingiva, most often appear clinically benign or innocuous thus necessitating the need for careful examination with investigations to render a diagnosis.
Clinical evaluation of periodontal status in subjects with multibracket appliances and the role of age and gender during initial months of fixed orthodontic treatment
Authors: Singla Sapna , Kamboj Monika , Gupta Priyanka , Lehl Gurvanit , Talwar Manjit
Published: August 2022

Background:

During fixed orthodontic treatment, the presence of various fixed appliances like brackets in the oral cavity for a long period leads to various changes in the oral microflora, ultimately affecting the periodontal health of the teeth. Hence, the current study was performed to clinically assess the periodontal status of the subjects undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment and to evaluate the role of age and gender during the first 6 months of treatment.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-one subjects (26 females and 15 males) in the age range of 12–28 years scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment were included in the study. Twenty-eight subjects were adolescents with a mean age of 13.96 years and 13 were adults with a mean age of 22.38 years. Plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were recorded at the beginning and the end of 1, 2, 3, and 6 months of the treatment, and pocket probing depth (PPD) was evaluated at the start and after 6 months of fixed orthodontic treatment.

Results:

The study showed a statistically significant increase in the mean values of PI (1.10 ± 0.264) and GI (0.929 ± 0.220) over a period of 6 months when compared with the baseline mean values, i.e., 0.557 ± 0.224 and 0.423 ± 0.329, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean PPD values exhibited no significant change. Effect of orthodontic treatment on adolescents/adults and between genders did not statistically differ.

Conclusions:

Fixed orthodontic treatment with multibracket appliances significantly increases plaque accumulation leading to significant inflammatory changes in the gingival tissues without any significant changes in the clinical probing depths of the pockets regardless of age and gender.
Plasma cell gingivitis
Authors: Joshi Muneesh , Prasanth T. , Kosala Manab , Bhandari S. K.
Published: August 2022

Plasma cell gingivitis (PCG) is a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. It is also referred to as atypical gingivostomatitis, idiopathic gingivostomatitis, allergic gingivostomatitis, and plasma cell gingivostomatitis which are characterized by bright fiery red gingiva with spontaneous bleeding on slight provocation. It is often confused with inflammatory gingival enlargement, erythematosus lichen planus, and other lesions. One such rare and benign entity is discussed in this article and managed after thorough clinical, radiological, histopathology, immunohistochemistry analysis.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9-1562 C/T promoter gene polymorphism in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Sarkar Puja , Muthuraj Thamil Selvan , Bandyopadhyay Prasanta , Ghosh Papita
Published: August 2022

Background:

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a major group of enzymes, released in inflamed periodontal tissues in large quantities, resulting in connective tissue matrix breakdown. One of the most predominant MMPs is MMP-9. Association between chronic periodontitis (CP) and MMP-9 gene polymorphism (GP) in some ethnic populations has been already established. The aim of the current study was to assess the association of single-nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP-9 gene with CP in Kolkata population, if any.

Materials and Methods:

Forty eligible individuals were recruited for the study and grouped as A and B: Group A (twenty periodontally healthy individuals) and Group B (twenty CP patients). Venous blood samples collected from all the forty individuals were used to isolate the genomic DNA. GP for MMP-9 gene was detected using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing method. The data obtained were then analyzed statistically.

Results:

A significantly different genotypic and allelic variation was observed in the control and test groups, with C/T genotype and T allele present in only CP group.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that there was no significant association between patients with periodontitis and MMP-9-1562 C/T promoter GP.
Clinicoradiographic evaluation of advanced-platelet rich fibrin block (A PRF + i PRF + nanohydroxyapatite) compared to nanohydroxyapatite alone in the management of periodontal intrabony defects
Authors: Mallappa Jayasheela , Vasanth Deepa , Gowda Triveni Mavinakote , Shah Rucha , Gayathri Gunjiganuru Vemanaradhya , Mehta Dhoom Singh
Published: August 2022

Background:

Several bone grafting formulations have been given clinically acceptable outcomes in treating intrabony defects. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF), an autologous platelet concentrate holds potential to be used for regenerative treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes in periodontal intrabony defects treated with advanced-PRF block (A PRF + i PRF + nanohydroxyapatite [nHA]) compared to nHA alone.

Methods:

Twenty-eight sites in chronic periodontitis patients having probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥6 mm and 3 walled intrabony defects (depth of ≥3 mm) were selected, randomly allotted into two groups: Group A was treated with A-PRF block and Group B with nHA (Sybograf™). Clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), PPD, relative attachment level (RAL) and radiographically linear and volumetric defect fill were assessed using cone beam computed tomography at baseline and 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

Intragroup comparison using paired t-test and intergroup comparison using unpaired t-test was done. Group A demonstrated significantly higher reduction in PPD and gain in RAL when compared to Group B (P ≤ 0.05) at the end of 6 months. Similarly gain in bone volume was greater in Group A (0.1 ± 0.05) as compared to Group B (0.04 ± 0.02) (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

Advanced-PRF block showed significant clinical and radiographic improvement as compared to nHA alone which depicts that, it may be an ideal graft to be used for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.
Use and Safety of the Precice Antegrade Femoral Nail in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Geffner Adam D. , Reif Taylor J. , Fragomen Austin T. , Rozbruch S. Robert
Published: August 2022

Context:

The Precice internal magnetic lengthening nail is used commonly for adult femur lengthening given its accuracy, precise control of lengthening, and patient comfort throughout the process. The nail is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children, although many practices continue to use it off label.

Aims:

We aim to support the notion that the implant is efficient, reliable, and safe for femur lengthening in skeletally immature pediatric patients.

Subjects and Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review of all skeletally immature patients who underwent treatment with a precice antegrade femoral nail to help establish the nail's safety and efficiency in this population.

Results:

We implanted 30 precice antegrade femoral nails (all trochanteric entry) in 25 patients (11 males, 14 females). The average lengthening goal for all surgeries was 47.62 mm (15 mm to 80 mm), and the average length achieved was 47.63 mm (15 mm to 80 mm). Twenty-four out of 25 patients (96%) achieved their lengthening goal within 5 mm. Average distraction rate was 0.97 mm/day (0.75 mm/day to 1 mm/day), and average bone healing index (time to consolidation/cm lengthened) was 19.69 days/cm (13.77 days/cm to 35.33 days/cm). Three patients experienced complications that required additional surgery, including a hip and knee flexor tendon lengthening, guided growth to correct a knee flexion contracture, and bilateral exchange nailing for implant fracture and delayed union. No patients experienced avascular necrosis of the hip, and all complications were ultimately resolved without permanent deficits.

Conclusions:

The precice antegrade femoral nail can safely and efficiently manage large lower extremity lengthening in skeletally immature children. Concurrent angular or rotational deformity correction was also possible, and postoperative complications were infrequent and manageable.
Intra-articular Osteotomies for Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis
Authors: Apte Aditya P. , Bhadiyadra Ravi , Chaudhary Milind
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:

Medial compartment osteoarthritis (MCOA) of the knee presents with varus deformity arising from the upper tibia or lower femur. High tibial osteotomies relieve pain by correcting the varus and improving the mechanical axis deviation (MAD). Closing wedge, opening wedge, and dome osteotomies are popular choices in the upper tibial metaphysis. These are all extra-articular osteotomies (EAO). Recently, attention has turned to detection and treatment of intra articular deformity arising from the knee to treat MCOA. Tibial condylar valgus osteotomy (TCVO) is an intra-articular osteotomy (IAO) which corrects the varus malalignment by elevating the medial tibial condyle and is usually fixed with a plate (Tibial condylar valgus osteotomy-plating [TCVO-P]). A second distal extra articular osteotomy, fixed with an Ilizarov fixator (tibial condylar valgus osteotomy-Ilizarov [TCVO-I]) is performed in some patients for better correction of the mechanical axis. The two groups were treated with different surgical approaches based on preoperative analysis of deformity. Hence this is a level IV study. We aimed to study the improvement in radiological parameters after TCVO in MCOA. We also compared the results between TCVO-P and TCVO-I.

Patients and Methods:

We performed 64 osteotomies in 55 patients over the last 7 years. 30 (33 tibiae) had a TCVO-P. 25 (31 tibiae) had a TCVO-I. The mean age in TCVO-P was 55 years, and in TCVO-I was 48 years.

Results:

The mean preoperative (bo) MAD was more in TCVO-I at –37.4% and improved to a mean postoperative MAD of 53.8%. TCVO-P had a lesser mean bo MAD of –7.4%, which corrected to 46.4%. MAD was better corrected by TCVO-I (P = 0.0058). Correction of medial proximal tibial angle, hip knee ankle angle, ankle joint line orientation improved significantly in both groups. The knee joint line orientation was improved by TCVO-I (P = 0.001), but not by TCVO-P (P = 0.075). Joint line convergence angle (JLCA), spine edge angle, and spine vertical distance were all significantly improved in both groups. Condylar plateau angle was not changed significantly in either group.

Conclusion:

TCVO is an Intra articular osteotomy which effectively corrects the varus deformity arising from the knee joint in MCOA. An isolated TCVO-P slightly under-corrects the mechanical axis. TCVO-I is better at restoring mechanical axis to beyond neutral and is better for younger patients and with intorsion deformities.
Can a Checklist Protocol Improve Limb Lengthening?
Authors: Nogueira Monica Paschoal , Silva João Pedro Osseti Felicio , Paccola Ana Maria Ferreira , da Silva Prado Sandra Meire
Published: August 2022

Background:

In recent years, hexapodal external fixators and telescopic nails have improved the accuracy of limb lengthening and correction of deformities. However, careful follow-up in the postoperative period is extremely important; complications are still frequent and directly interfere with patient's outcome.

Aims and Objectives:

We have developed a follow-up limb lengthening reconstruction checklist.

Materials and Methods:

Like a flight checklist, professionals systematically record relevant data in every postoperative visit, to improve clinical management during distraction and consolidating phases.

Results:

LLR-Checklist was used in 53 consecutive patients, from 2006 to 2020. Average age was 11 (2-45) years. A pattern was found in the 18 patients with fibular hemimelia in relation to the use of antibiotics. Superficial infection was common. 21% of patients had delayed ossification in the regenerate. 25% of patients had nerve injuries; 9,4% of them had nerve decompression, all had total recovery. Contractures and pain improved with physical therapy.

Conclusion:

This checklist can improve quality in the treatment and is a valuable teaching tool for young practitioners.
Construction a CO2 Incubator for Cell Culture with Capability of Transmitting Microwave Radiation
Authors: Tayebi-khorami Mansour , Chegeni Nahid , Birgani Maryam Tahmasebi , Danyaei Amir , Fardid Reza , Zafari Jaber
Published: August 2022

Background:

The objective of this study was to design and construct a CO2 incubator with nonmetallic walls and to investigate the viability of the cells and microwave irradiance inside this incubator.

Methods:

Because the walls of conventional incubators are made of metal, this causes scattering, reflection, and absorption of electromagnetic waves. We decided to build a nonmetallic wall incubator to examine cells under microwave radiation. Incubator walls were made using polyvinyl chloride and Plexiglas and then temperature, CO2 pressure, and humidity sensors were placed in it. Atmel® ATmega1284, a low-power CMOS 8-bit microcontroller, collects and analyzes the sensor information, and if the values are less or more than the specified limits, the command to cut off or connect the electric current to the heater or CO2 solenoid valve is sent. Using a fan inside the incubator chamber, temperature and CO2 are uniforms. The temperature of the points where the cell culture plates are placed was measured, and the temperature difference was compared. Ovarian cancer cells (A2780) were cultured in the hand-made and commercial incubators at different times, and cell viability was compared by the MTT method. Microwave radiation in the incubator was also investigated using a spectrum analyzer. The survival of cells after microwave irradiation in the incubator was measured and compared with control cells.

Results:

The data showed that there was no significant difference in temperature of different points in hand-made incubator and also there was no significant difference between the viability of cells cultured in the hand-made and commercial incubators. The survival of irradiated cells in the incubator was reduced compared to control cells, but this reduction was not significant.

Conclusion:

This incubator has the ability to maintain cells and study the effects of electromagnetic radiations on the desired cells, which becomes possible by using this device.
Using Classification and K-means Methods to Predict Breast Cancer Recurrence in Gene Expression Data
Authors: Sehhati Mohammadreza , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin , Gholami Ali Haji , Sattari Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Background:

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast tissue and affects about 10% of women at different stages of their lives. In this study, we applied a new method to predict recurrence in biological networks made from gene expression data.

Method:

The method includes the steps such as data collection, clustering, determining differentiating genes, and classification. The eight techniques consist of random forest, support vector machine and neural network, randomforest + k-means, hidden markov model, joint mutual information, neural network + k-means and suportvector machine + k-menas were implemented on 12172 genes and 200 samples.

Results:

Thirty genes were considered as differentiating genes which used for the classification. The results showed that random forest + k-means get better performance than other techniques. The two techniques including neural network + k-means and random forest + k-means performed better than other techniques in identifying high risk cases.

Conclusion:

Thirty of 12,172 genes are considered for classification that the use of clustering has improved the classification techniques performance.
Implementation and Validation of a Novel Noninvasive blood Pressure Measurement Algorithm Based on Oscillometric Method with Obtaining International Hypertension Standards
Authors: Karimian Sahar , Yazdchi Mohammadreza , Hajian Reza
Published: August 2022

Background:

One of the most prevalent methods in noninvasive blood pressure (BP) measurement with cuff is oscillometric, which has two different types of deflation, including linear and step deflation. With this approach, in addition to designing a novel algorithm by the step deflation method, a sample of its module was constructed and validated during clinical tests in different hospitals.

Method:

In this study, by controlling the valve, the pressure would be deflated through optimized steps. By real-time processing on the obtained signal from the pressure sensor, pulses in each step would be extracted. After that, in offline mode, mean arterial pressure is estimated based on curve fitting.

Result:

A BP simulator, various modules, and an auditory method were used to validate the algorithm and its results. During clinical tests, 80 people (men and women), 11 dialysis patients, and 69 non-dialysis (healthy or with other diseases) in the age range of 17–85 years participated.

Conclusion:

The obtained results compared with the BP simulator are in the standard range according to the international medical standards of the British Hypertension Society (BHS) and the US Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), which are the global standard of comparison in this field.
Statistical Inference of COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Tajmirriahi Mahnoosh , Amini Zahra , Kafieh Rahele , Rabbani Hossein , Mirzazadeh Ali , Javanmard Shaghayegh Haghjooy
Published: August 2022

Background:

The world is experiencing another pandemic called COVID-19. Several mathematical models have been proposed to examine the impact of health interventions in controlling pandemic growth.

Method:

In this study, we propose a fractional order distributed delay dynamic system, namely, EQIR model. In order to predict the outbreak, the proposed model incorporates changes in transmission rate, isolation rate, and identification of infected people through time varying deterministic and stochastic parameters. Furthermore, proposed stochastic model considers fluctuations in population behavior and simulates different scenarios of outbreak at the same time. Main novelty of this model is its ability to incorporate changes in transmission rate, latent periods, and rate of quarantine through time varying deterministic and stochastic assumptions. This model can exactly follow the disease trend from its beginning to current situation and predict outbreak future for various situations.

Results:

Parameters of this model were identified during fitting process to real data of Iran, USA, and South Korea. We calculated the reproduction number using a Laplace transform-based method. Results of numerical simulation verify the effectiveness and accuracy of proposed deterministic and stochastic models in current outbreak.

Conclusion:

Justifying of parameters of the model emphasizes that, although stricter deterrent interventions can prevent another peak and control the current outbreak, the consecutive screening schemes of COVID-19 plays more important role. This means that the more diagnostic tests performed on people, the faster the disease will be controlled.
The Design of an Audit Test for 60Co Brachytherapy Treatment Planning System
Authors: Birgani Mohammad Javad Tahmasebi , Khorshidsavar Hadis , Bagheri Ali , Danyaei Amir , Abdalvand Neda
Published: August 2022

Background:

Auditing the treatment planning system (TPS) software for a radiotherapy unit is of paramount importance in any radiation therapy department. A Plexiglas phantom was proposed to measure the ionization of 60Co high dose rate (HDR) source and compare dose points in the planning system for auditing and verifying TPS.

Methods:

Auditing was performed using a Plexiglas phantom in an end-to-end test, and relative dose points were detected by a farmer-type ionization chamber and compared with the relative dose of similar points in TPS. The audit results were determined as pass optimal level (<3.3%), pass action level (between 3.3% and 5%), and out of tolerance (>5%).

Results:

The comparison of the collected data revealed that 80% of the measured values were ≤5% in the pass level, and 20% of the points were out of tolerance (between 5% and 6.99%).

Conclusion:

This study documented the appropriateness of the dosimetry audit test and this phantom design for the HDR brachytherapy TPS.