bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Applications of Nanoparticles
Authors: Kanwal Ayesha , Bhutta Zeeshan Ahmad , Ashar Ambreen , Mahfooz Ashar , Ahmed Rizwan , Kulyar Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam , Li Kun
Published: December 2021

Human mortality due to drug-resistant infections is becoming more prevalent in our society. Antibiotics are impotent due to abuse and/or misuse, leading to new, more expensive, and more effective medicines and treatments. Therefore, it causes many short-term and long-term side effects in the patient. On the other hand, nanoparticles have exhibited antibacterial activity against various pathogens due to their small size and ability to destroy cells by various mechanisms. Unlike antibiotics for the treatment of patients' diseases and infections, nanomaterials provide an exciting way to limit the growth of microorganisms due to infections in humans. This has led to the development of a number of nanoparticles as active antibacterial agents. Therefore, the authors have carefully reviewed the recent developments in the use of nanomaterials for antibacterial applications and the mechanisms that make them an effective alternate antibacterial agent.
From a Star Pupil to a Troubling Role Model for the Western Balkans
Authors: Pozgan Jure , Bojinović Fenko Ana
Published: December 2021

This chapter examines the phenomenon of backsliding in the post-accession process of Europeanisation in Slovenia as one of the Central and Eastern European member states of the EU. It seeks to explain the rise of compliance problems with the EU's values (i.e., de-Europeanisation) in Slovenia, which turned a former EU star pupil into a troublesome member state. The chapter analyses sources of economic and democratic backsliding in times of polycrises in the EU that stem from the state's domestic environment and confirms the determining role of decision-makers over the political system. Given the importance and widely shared image of Slovenia as a role model for the candidate states in the Western Balkans, the chapter also addresses the potential impact of Slovenia's de-Europeanisation turn for its role as a bridge between the EU and the Western Balkans region.
A QCA Crisp Set Study in Matching Cross-Managerial Alignment With ERP Implementation Outcomes
Authors: Tahirkheli Sheryar
Published: December 2021

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is the most important methodological innovation in management and social science in the last two decades (Fiss et al., 2016). This paper attempts to use this innovative research method to study innovation in a Parent-Subsidiary ERP implementation project. A Crisp set QCA study is used to study 18 company-wide system projects in subsidiaries of a Multinational Enterprise (MNE). The generic applications of the innovation projects enabled the study to have a common denominator to gauge the innovation resulting in a variance of planned and actual completion dates. Although the data collected was from a completed projects log, the study took a subsidiary-innovation approach to measure the managerial alignments and the possible application of agency theory. Keywords: Subsidiary innovation, Parent-Subsidiary relations, Agency theory
Why Games?
Authors: Bawa Papia
Published: December 2021

The Phenomenological study investigated the perceptions of 4 Community College administrators and 2 faculty, who experienced for the first time, the process of curricular modification using Massively Multiplayer Online Games or MMOs in their Business and English programs. Since administrators and faculty are key stakeholders of any initiative for technology integration in curricular modification, the study contributed to filling the gap in the literature regarding such stakeholder perceptions and added new insights regarding easy and affordable ways to successfully and effectively integrate MMOs within the curriculum in Higher Education disciplines.
Implementing Gamified Teaching
Authors: Szendrői László , Dhir Krishna S. , Czakó Katalin
Published: December 2021

In this study, a gamification process was implemented in an undergraduate course of Economics that consisted 397 students. The primary purpose of the research was to empirically validate the effects of gamification in terms of the variables of engagement, motivation, entertainment, perceived relevance of the course, knowledge increase and participation. To ascertain these, a questionnaire was administered to the participants. The results indicated that gamification provided significant positive effect on all variables listed above except motivation. Additional objectives of the article were to link the effects to Marczewski’s player types, namely, Philanthropists, Socialisers, Free spirits, Achievers, Players, and Disruptors, and to measure whether there are differences between the types in terms of the variables indicated above. Gamification resulted in positive effects on all player types except the player type of Disruptors.
A Pro-Environmental Value Construct to Deal With Plastic Pollution
Authors: Ramasamy Alagu Perumal , Ananth Indira , Yang Wen-Chi
Published: December 2021

Plastics are man-made synthetic materials. They are made mostly from crude oil even though natural gas and coal could also be used for manufacturing plastics. The multiplicity of its uses together with its versatile properties has made it indispensable to modern living. The average life of plastics differs in various industrial sectors. The generation of waste depends on the mean-product lifetime of the product into which plastics have been integrated. And when this waste is not handled properly (recycled or incinerated under controlled environment), the problem of pollution emerges. Plastics in the form of microplastics have been found in food chains as well, threatening human wellbeing. A model to better understand the source - use and afteruse of plastics is the central focus of this article. It looks at the need for building a sustainable model to deal with plastic pollution.
Desafios e aprendizagens do diálogo e da profissão: com a fala os/as professores/as da educação básica
Authors: Costa Elisangela André da Silva , Pimenta Selma Garrido
Published: December 2021

A reflexão acerca dos impactos das políticas educacionais contemporâneas sobre o trabalho e formação dos professores indica o avanço da perspectiva neoliberal que nega a condição desses profissionais como pessoas e intelectuais, tentando reduzi-los à figura de técnicos que se adaptam às estratégias de regulação e buscam alcançar melhores resultados, com cada vez menos recursos. Dialeticamente têm sido registradas, também, experiências formativas orientadas pela valorização dos conhecimentos, trajetórias e experiências desses sujeitos. O presente texto objetiva refletir, a partir da dialogicidade e seus princípios, sobre os limites e possibilidades da aprendizagem da profissão professor diante das influências das políticas educacionais vigentes. Por meio de círculos reflexivos dialógicos realizados junto a treze professores foram discutidos aspectos que articulam vida, formação e trabalho. Os resultados, analisados a partir de Freire (1967, 1987, 1996, 2000) e de outros autores que apresentam a dialogicidade como perspectiva teórica, política e metodológica, apontam que a aprendizagem da profissão professor, no atual contexto, demanda uma orientação crítica e problematizadora que paute tanto as Situações-Limite que freiam as possibilidades de humanização, quanto os Inéditos Viáveis que resultam do esperançar como atitude política e eticamente situada diante da profissão e do contexto em que esta se insere.
Institucionalização da Educação a Distância: em que processo de institucionalização estamos?
Authors: Nunes Andrieli de Fátima  Paz , Silva Deoclécio Junior Cardoso da , Campos Simone Alves Pacheco de
Published: December 2021

Dentre as possibilidades teóricas de análise, optou-se pelo uso da Teoria Institucional, uma vez que ela permite analisar o processo de institucionalização da Educação a Distância (EaD) dentro das instituições de ensino superior (IES). De uma forma geral, a Teoria Institucional proporciona averiguar se a EaD é uma estrutura que está se consolidando ou não e como as IES estão trabalhando com esse novo arranjo (Tolbert & Zucker, 1999). Neste ínterim, este ensaio se propõe a analisar, a partir da perspectiva de Tolbert e Zucker (1999), em que fase do processo de institucionalização a EaD está no Brasil. A fim de levantar uma reflexão inicial, o arcabouço teórico trata da Teoria Institucional, dos processos de institucionalização e da EaD; ainda, foi realizada uma discussão acerca da EaD e sua institucionalização. Diante das considerações expostas, percebe-se que o processo de institucionalização da EaD é complexo e consiste em conhecimento e troca de experiências entre os agentes. Além disso, a EaD deve ser vista como uma modalidade e uma metodologia de ensino e aprendizagem diferente, a qual pode ser usada por si mesma ou de forma complementar ao ensino em sala de aula.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Sita Patricia Coradim , Vicentini Max Rogério , Lemos Italo Lins
Published: December 2021

Editorial do volume 43(2) de 2021.
El Lybro de magyka del virtuoso animal et señoreador de todos los otros animales dela tierra (Ms. 5-2-32, Biblioteca Colombina, Sevilla)
Authors: Duchowny Aléxia Teles , Oliveira Luíza Pereira de
Published: December 2021

El manuscrito 5-2-32 de la Biblioteca Colombina, en Sevilla, el Lybro de magyka, se trata de una guía astrológica, escrito en castellano con letra gótica cursiva cortesana del siglo xv. El objetivo de la investigación es su descripción, que se desarrolla en seis etapas: contextualización histórica y cultural del texto; descripción de su contenido; presentación de identificación y descripción previas; descripción codicológica; breve identificación paleográfica e historia y datación del códice. El documento, muy bien conservado, es anterior a 1527, año en que fue comprado en Sevilla por Hernando Colón (1488-1539), bibliógrafo y afamado cosmógrafo, hijo de Cristóbal Colón. Sin embargo, no es fácil saber con precisión su autoría, siendo el nombre de Juan Gil de Castiello el más citado hasta ahora. Se hacen necesarios más estudios para la plena comprensión de este documento, importante para la lingüística hispánica y para la historia de las ciencias en la península ibérica.
Pensando a oferta de refeições escolares no Brasil e em Portugal a partir do higienismo francês no início do século XX
Authors: Nogueira Lamy Garcia Pinho Francine , Alicia Martínez Silvia
Published: December 2021

Parte-se da perspectiva de que a alimentação escolar é inerente à própria cultura escolar. Desta forma, o objetivo deste artigo é perceber o despertar da necessidade da oferta das refeições em ambiente escolar no Brasil e em Portugal a partir da influência do higienismo francês no despontar do século XX. Essa percepção tem base nos discursos sobre a oferta de refeições pelas cantinas escolares francesas nos Congressos de Higiene Escolar e Pedagogia Fisiológica ocorridos em Paris nos anos de 1903, 1905 e 1910. Assim, a presença de cientistas brasileiros e portugueses nos eventos em questão sugere que eles poderiam ter sido influenciados a compreenderem as conclusões dos higienistas franceses como modelos de cantinas escolares que pudessem ser internacionalizados.
Functional Competence of NK Cells via the KIR/MHC Class I Interaction Correlates with DNAM-1 Expression
Authors: Shang Qian-Nan , Yu Xing-Xing , Xu Zheng-Li , Cao Xun-Hong , Liu Xue-Fei , Zhao Xiao-Su , Chang Ying-Jun , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Xu Lan-Ping , Liu Kai-Yan , Huang Xiao-Jun , Zhao Xiang-Yu
Published: December 2021

The interaction of inhibitory receptors with self–MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules is responsible for NK cell education. The intensity of DNAM-1 expression correlates with NK cell education. However, whether DNAM-1 expression directly influences the functional competence of NK cells via the KIR/MHC-I interaction remains unclear. Based on allogeneic haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, we investigated the intensity of DNAM-1 expression on reconstituted NK cells via the interaction of KIR with both donor HLA and recipient HLA at days 30, 90, and 180 after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The reconstituted NK cells educated by donor and recipient HLA molecules showed the highest DNAM-1 expression, whereas DNAM-1 expression on educated NK cells with only recipient HLA molecules was higher than that on educated NK cells with only donor HLA molecules, indicating that NK cells with donor or recipient HLA molecules regulate DNAM-1 expression and thereby affect NK cell education. Additionally, the effects of recipient cells on NK cell education were greater than those of donor cells. However, only when the DNAM-1, NKP30, and NKG2D receptors were blocked simultaneously was the function of educated and uneducated NK cells similar. Therefore, activating receptors may collaborate with DNAM-1 to induce educated NK cell hyperresponsiveness. Our data, based on in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrate that the functional competence of NK cells via the KIR/MHC-I interaction correlates with DNAM-1 expression in human NK cells.
Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals Discrete Steps in Regulatory T Cell Development in the Human Thymus
Authors: Morgana Florencia , Opstelten Rianne , Slot Manon C , Scott Andrew M , van Lier René A W , Blom Bianca , Mahfouz Ahmed , Amsen Derk
Published: December 2021

CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells control immunological tolerance. Treg cells are generated in the thymus (tTreg) or in the periphery. Their superior lineage fidelity makes tTregs the preferred cell type for adoptive cell therapy (ACT). How human tTreg cells develop is incompletely understood. By combining single-cell transcriptomics and flow cytometry, we in this study delineated three major Treg developmental stages in the human thymus. At the first stage, which we propose to name pre-Treg I, cells still express lineage-inappropriate genes and exhibit signs of TCR signaling, presumably reflecting recognition of self-antigen. The subsequent pre-Treg II stage is marked by the sharp appearance of transcription factor FOXO1 and features induction of KLF2 and CCR7, in apparent preparation for thymic exit. The pre-Treg II stage can further be refined based on the sequential acquisition of surface markers CD31 and GPA33. The expression of CD45RA, finally, completes the phenotype also found on mature recent thymic emigrant Treg cells. Remarkably, the thymus contains a substantial fraction of recirculating mature effector Treg cells, distinguishable by expression of inflammatory chemokine receptors and absence of CCR7. The developmental origin of these cells is unclear and warrants caution when using thymic tissue as a source of stable cells for ACT. We show that cells in the major developmental stages can be distinguished using the surface markers CD1a, CD27, CCR7, and CD39, allowing for their viable isolation. These insights help identify fully mature tTreg cells for ACT and can serve as a basis for further mechanistic studies into tTreg development.
Normalized Adaptive Hybrid Control Algorithms for Helicopter Vibration with Variable Rotor Speed
Authors: Lang Kai , Xia Pinqi , Smith Edward C. , Shang Lina
Published: December 2021

Variable rotor speed technology implemented in a helicopter can improve the flight performance, reduce the required power, and increase the flight speed. However, variable rotor speed changes the frequencies of rotor vibratory loads and may produce helicopter fuselage resonance under
the excitation of the rotor vibratory loads. Active vibration control (AVC) has been effectively used in vibration reduction of helicopter fuselages. However, the frequency domain control algorithms that are currently used have poor adaptability in controlling vibration with variable frequencies
(i.e., during time varying rotor speeds). In order to effectively improve control convergence, adaptability, and effectiveness, the normalized adaptive hybrid control algorithms containing both the normalized adaptive harmonic control algorithm and the normalized frequency tracking algorithm
have been presented in this paper. Simulations of AVC with variable frequencies on a dynamically similar frame structure of a helicopter fuselage driven by piezoelectric stack actuators installed on the gearbox support struts show that the normalized adaptive hybrid control algorithms can
accurately track the changes in rotor load frequencies and can be effectively used in the AVC of a helicopter with variable rotor speed.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Is there a new treatment?
Authors: Rasul Kakil Ibrahim , Kerr David J
Published: December 2021

The authors report a novel, alternative approach to treat malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) targeting, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using anti-VEGF (bevacizumab) chemotherapy combination.
The epidemiology of malignant giant cell tumors of bone: an analysis of data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (1975–2004)
Authors: Beebe-Dimmer Jennifer L , Cetin Karynsa , Fryzek Jon P , Schuetze Scott M , Schwartz Kendra
Published: December 2021

Malignant giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a rare tumor with debilitating consequences. Patients with GCT of bone typically present with mechanical difficulty and pain as a result of bone destruction and are at an increased risk for fracture. Because of its unusual occurrence, little is known about the epidemiology of malignant GCT of bone. This report offers the first reliable population-based estimates of incidence, patient demographics, treatment course and survival for malignancy in GCT of bone in the United States. Using data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, we estimated the overall incidence and determinants of survival among patients diagnosed with malignant GCT of bone from 1975–2004. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate demographic and clinical determinants of survival among malignant GCT cases. Based on analyses of 117 malignant GCT cases, the estimated annual incidence in the United States was 1.6 per 10,000,000 persons per year. Incidence was highest among adults aged 20 to 44 years (2.4 per 10,000,000 per year) and most patients were diagnosed with localized (31.6%) or regional (29.9%) disease compared to distant disease (16.2%). Approximately 85% of patients survived at least 5 years, with survival poorest among older patients and those with evidence of distant metastases at time of diagnosis. The current study represents the largest systematic investigation examining the occurrence and distribution of malignancy in GCT of bone in the general U.S. population. We confirm its rare occurrence and suggest that age and stage at diagnosis are strongly associated with long-term survival.
National Elevation Data Strategy update, fall 2021
Authors: Papasodoro C , Bélanger D , Légaré-Couture G , Tardif P , Turgeon-Pelchat M
Published: December 2021

The National Elevation Data Strategy is being implemented. This newsletter of October 2021 provides an update on the following: 1. Status of the 2021 LiDAR acquisitions 2. New elevation products and data 3. Improvement of the automatic extraction of building
footprints 4. Validation of LiDAR classification by artificial intelligence.
Mise à jour de la Stratégie nationale sur les données d'élévation, automne 2021
Authors: Papasodoro C , Bélanger D , Légaré-Couture G , Tardif P , Turgeon-Pelchat M
Published: December 2021

The National Elevation Data Strategy is being implemented. This newsletter of October 2021 provides an update on the following: 1. Status of the 2021 LiDAR acquisitions 2. New elevation products and data 3. Improvement of the automatic extraction of building
footprints 4. Validation of LiDAR classification by artificial intelligence.
Acknowledgement to reviewers
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: December 2021

No abstract available.
Acknowledgement to reviewers
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: December 2021

No abstract available
Acknowledgements to reviewers
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: December 2021

No abstract available.
The male nursing students' childhood traumas and attitudes toward violence
Authors: Çelik Sevim , Öztürk Ayfer , Karahan Elif
Published: December 2021

Context:

To prevent domestic violence against women, it is critical to identify men's attitudes toward violence itself.

Aims:

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the experience of childhood trauma and attitudes toward violence in male nursing students.

Methods:

This study included 276 male nursing students. Data were collected using a descriptive information form, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the Attitudes toward Violence Scale (ATVS).

Results:

Participants' mean age was 21.61 ± 2.01, 47.5% of them experienced violence, and 31.2% witnessed it. They had low levels of childhood trauma and negative attitudes toward violence. There was a weak-positive relationship between their ATVS mean scores and the mean emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse subscale scores (CTQ-SF) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Nursing training programs should include courses on violence and its perception in society to increase awareness. Because childhood trauma negatively affects the violence perception, there should be support programs provided to students who have experienced it.
Cross sectional study on burden and psychiatric morbidity in the caregivers of patients of major psychiatric illness in a tertiary healthcare centre
Authors: Akhilesh M. , Priyamkari Anupama , Kakunje Anil , Karkal Ravichandra
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and dementia can cause significant burden to patient as well as family members. About 14% of the global burden of disease is attributed to neuropsychiatric disorders. Half of the patients with psychiatric illness reported disability in all three domains of work, social, and family life.

Aims:

(1) To study if caring for patients with major psychiatric illness will lead to significant caregiver's burden. (2) To find the association between caregiver's burden and psychiatric morbidity among the caregivers.

Materials and Methods:

It is a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital after obtaining institutional ethical clearance. One hundred caregivers of outpatients diagnosed with major psychiatric illness including schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, dementia, and major depressive disorder for a period not <2 years were included in the study. The data were using recorded by means of Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and burden assessment schedule.

Results:

Caregivers of patients with major depressive disorder experienced significantly less burden than those with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Spouses of patients experienced significantly more burden compared to other family members providing care. The study also revealed that caregivers caring for patients with longer duration of illness were found to have higher chance of experiencing moderate or severe levels of burden and that, as the age of the carers increased, they were more likely to experience higher levels of burden and caregivers with lower per-capita income experienced severe burden (P = 0.022). It was observed that several carers had psychiatric morbidities with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (56.9%, n = 45) being most commonly reported. This was followed by Major Depressive episode, current at 22.5% (n = 40) and dysthymia at 17.4% (n = 31).

Conclusion:

Caring for patients with major psychiatric illness leads to significant caregivers' burden. It can also lead to psychiatric morbidities among the caregivers.
Prevalence and characteristics of abnormal Papanicolaou smear
Authors: Bhutia Tseten Wangyal , Lepcha Lhakit , Sherpa Ashok Tshering , Pradhan Priya Darshini
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer remain chief health complications for women globally. Cervical cytology by Papanicolaou (Pap)-stained smears is an effective means of screening for cervical premalignant and malignant situations. This study was designed to determine and assess the prevalence and characteristics of abnormal Pap smears in this region of Sikkim, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This retrospective study was conducted in the Departments of Pathology at Multi-Specialty Hospital in Gangtok, Sikkim. All Pap smears screened during 2018 and 2020 were included in this study. Approximately 1256 Pap smears were reported based on Bethesda III System (2001). All abnormal smears patients' data were collected and evaluated accordingly.

RESULTS:

Most of the patients screened during the 2 years belonged to the ethnic group of Bhutias (15.45%), followed by Rai (12.90%), and the majority were aged 31–40 years (43.78%). Epithelial abnormalities categorized as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, atypical squamous cells-high-grade lesions, low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion were found in 18.07%, 15.04%, 7.25%, and 4.77% of the women, respectively. The majority of the women with abnormal Pap smear were associated with inflammatory response, with moderate inflammation (33.07%), followed by severe (30.75%) and mild (24.36%) inflammation. The most common pattern was inflammatory which includes neutrophilic infiltration and reactive cellular changes with 66.6% of the case having irregular uterine bleeding (P = 0.002) followed by abnormal vaginal discharge (P = 0.3) and lower abdominal pain (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION:

Prevalence of abnormal Pap smears in Sikkim, India is relatively low compared with other states of India. In contrast, the prevalence of progressive glandular anomalies with inflammation was observed to be high.
Hard- and Soft-Tissue Cephalometric Landmark Detection when Using a Thyroid Lead Shield
Authors: Gorjizadeh Fatemeh , Panahi Roghayeh , Masoumi Milad
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to assess the detection of some hard- and soft-tissue cephalometric landmarks when using a thyroid lead shield.

Materials and Methods:

Two study groups were designed, and each group consisted of 50 cephalograms: the first group was without thyroid shield cephalograms and the second group consisted of cephalograms taken using a lead thyroid shield. An observer blinded about the aim of the study was appointed to identify 12 landmarks on the lateral cephalograms.

Results:

Out of 12 of landmarks, 3 landmarks had a significant relationship with the thyroid shield group. Landmarks of cervical point, second and third vertebrae were not detected in 20%, 30%, and 66% of cases, respectively.

Discussion:

Two hard-tissue landmarks (second and third vertebrae) and one soft-tissue landmark (cervical point) were masked by the thyroid shield when preparing a cephalogram.
The Effect of 660-nm Low Level Laser Therapy on Mandibular Lateral Movement After Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Noshirvani Farnaz , Momeni Hasan , Sadighi Alireza
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Limited jaw motion is a common complication after orthognathic surgeries that can negatively affect the patients’ quality of life, thus it is required to be properly treated. Regarding the growing interests in laser application in density, we aimed to evaluate the effects of 660nm LLLT on mandibular lateral movements after orthognathic surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve candidates of bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were included in a split-mouth, triple-blind phase 1 trial. On 1, 4, and 7 days after the surgery, a 660-nm diode low-level laser was applied to one facial side of patients, whereas the other side was kept untreated as placebo. Then, rightward and leftward mandibular movements from the maxillary midline were measured in millimeters (mm) on 2, 7, and 14 after the surgery. The measurements were then compared between the study groups using ANCOVA analysis.

Results:

Despite the constant improvement in mandibular lateral movements in both study groups, the rightward mandibular movements in LLLT group were significantly better than in placebo group on second (3.9 versus 3.2 mm, P = 0.015), seventh (5.6 versus 4.2 mm, P = 0.018), and 14th (7.1 versus 5.2 mm, P = 0.005) days after the surgery. Also, the leftward mandibular movements in LLLT group were significantly better than in placebo group on second (3.7 versus 2.1 mm, P = 0.021), seventh (4.9 versus 2.9 mm, P = 0.019), and 14th (6.7 versus 4.2 mm, P = 0.002) days after the surgery.

Conclusion:

LLLT can effectively improve both rightward and leftward movements of mandibular after an orthognathic surgery.
An Unusual Presence of Pulp Stones in a Pulp Chamber of the Permanent Maxillary Incisors
Authors: Sposito Otávio Silva , Martos Josué , Jacinto Rogerio Castilho
Published: December 2021

Anatomy of the root canal system determines the pathways of the endodontic treatment, which directly affect the success of the therapy. A pulp stone is often located in the pulp chamber and radiographically is viewed as radiopaque structures. This manuscript presents a case report of endodontic treatment performed in two permanent central maxillary incisors with pulp stones in a young female patient. Conclusively, the presence of pulp stones did not interfere in the quality of the endodontic procedures, and the outcome of the treatment was successful.
Evaluation of Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders in Children and Adolescents, Before and After Rapid Maxillary Expansion
Authors: Correa Marcelo Soares , de Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore , de Freitas Marcos Roberto , Guimaraes Antônio Sergio , Janson Guilherme
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) signs and symptoms before and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME), in patients with posterior crossbite.

Materials and Methods:

The sample was comprised of 22 individuals (13 girls, 9 boys), with ages varying from 7 to 14 years (mean: 9.1 years), with posterior crossbite. They were all treated with RME using the Hyrax appliance. They were submitted to a questionnaire of the European Academy of the Craniomandibular Disorder for evaluation of the presence of signs and symptoms of TMD at five different times: T0, T1, T2, T3, Tf (before treatment starts, 15 days after the beginning of the activations, 4, 8, and 10 months after installation of the Hyrax appliance, respectively). If any of the answers to the questionnaire were YES, research diagnosis criteria for temporomandibular disorders - axis I (RDC/TMD-axis I) was applied. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were applied.

Results:

The initial prevalence of TMD signs and symptoms was 18%. At T2, there was statistically significant improvement (P = 0.046) of TMD signs and symptoms in relation to T0. There was no statistically significant association between sex and TMD signs and symptoms in the five stages that were evaluated.

Conclusions:

RME temporarily influenced the TMD signs and symptoms in T2. However, there was a return of the TMD signs and symptoms 10 months after installation of the Hyrax appliance.
Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in North-Western India over 5 Years
Authors: Daga Prateek , Rawal Trilok , Gupta Piyush Kumar , Khatri Naresh Kumar
Published: December 2021

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy. CRC occurs more common in males than females worldwide. There are very few studies on the incidence of CRC in the state of Rajasthan. The present study evaluates its temporal variation and area-wise distribution.

Materials and Methods:

Five-year retrospective data on CRC incidence were obtained from Hospital-Based Cancer Registry of Regional Cancer Center (RCC), Bikaner, from January 2016 to December 2020. The collected data show the trend of CRC incidence over these 5 years. District- and tehsil-wise distribution of patients was also analyzed.

Results:

A total of 37,132 cases registered at RCC, Bikaner, from January 2016 to December 2020, there were 796 cases of CRC accounting for 2.14% of the total. Among these, there were 500 male and 296 female cases, respectively. The median age at the diagnosis of CRC was 53 years in females and 56 years in males. This 5-year data analysis showed an increasing trend of CRC incidence in the last 5 years. The highest incidence rate was found in the districts of Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Churu, with most patients coming from Bikaner tehsil of Bikaner district.

Conclusion:

CRC cases have shown an increasing trend in the past 5 years in Rajasthan with a higher incidence in the North-western districts. There is a need to early diagnosis through screening and find out solutions for reducing the risk of CRC in future.
Phospho Zinc Finger Protein
Authors: Bhatia Yeshika , Mondal Gautam , Islam Saimul , Ghosh Rishila , Dutta Sankhadeep , Ghosh Sudip K , Duseja Ajay , Panda Chinmay Kumar , Chatterjee Bishnu Pada
Published: December 2021

Context:

Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a dreadful complex disease generally occurring from chronic hepatitis B (HBV-CH) due to its latency, which leads to liver cirrhosis and ultimately liver cancer. To prevent cancer at root level, diagnosis of HBV-CH is highly necessary which based on clinical presentation, serum biochemistry, and viral markers.

Aim:

The aim of the present study was to detect and identify phosphorylated proteins in HBV-CH patients' sera, among chronic hepatitis B-induced liver cirrhosis (HBV-LC) and HCC by developing antibody against this targeted phosphoprotein by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This candidate phosphoprotein in patients' sera can be a noninvasive biomarker of HBV-CH.

Setting and Design:

Our experimental approach was to detect phosphoproteins in HBV-CH, HBV-LC, and HCC, their quantification by ELISA and Western blot. Identification of highly expressed targeted phosphoproteins was done by two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis followed by MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. Antibody is to be developed against synthesized peptide of targeted phosphoprotein of HBV-CH to use by ELISA. This will be a non-invasive approach to identify candidate phosphoprotein as biomarker of HBV-CH.

Methodology:

Our experimental approach consisted of three steps: (1) detection of serum phosphoproteins by Pro-Q diamond dye in HBV-CH, HBV-LC and HCC patients' groups as well as control subjects; (2) quantification of serum phosphoproteins using different phospho-specific monoclonal antibodies viz., antiphosphoserine (pSer), antiphosphothreonine (pThr), and antiphosphotyrosine (pTyr) antibodies by ELISA and Western blot; (3)identification of differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins in HBV-CH, HBV-LC and HCC by 2D electrophoresis (2DE) followed by in gel trypsin digestion and subsequently by MALDI-ToF-MS analysis.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Student's t-test and ANOVA was applied for statistical analysis.

Results:

There were four phosphoprotein bands namely at 25, 50, 70, 75 kDa in HBV-CH, HBV-LC, HCC and control subjects detected by ProQ diamond dye. Besides there appeared one more band at 60 kDa in HCC. The phosphorylation level at serine and threonine residues was highest in HCC patient groups among HBV-CH, HBV-LC and control groups whereas no phosphorylation level of tyrosine was observed among liver disease patient and control groups. Serum phosphorylated proteins were detected and quantified by Western blot. The results were corroborated to those obtained by ELISA. The differential expression of seven phosphoprotein spots was detected in HBV-CH, HBV-LC, HCC patients and control subjects by 2DE and were identified by MALDI-ToF-MS analysis.

Conclusion:

Thus circulating phosphoproteins could represent important disease biomarkers because of their differential expression in liver diseases.
Dosimetric Comparison of Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy, and Volumetric Modulated arc Therapy in High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Aynaci Özlem , Çolak Fatma , Serdar Lasif Türker , Yöney Adnan
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

In this study, we aimed to compare the doses of the prostate gland and organs at risk (OAR) using dose volume histograms after external body radiation therapy options, Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and hybrid three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), in patients diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 14 male patients with high-risk prostate cancer who received prostate radiotherapy combined with elective nodal irradiation, were selected; the total prostate doses were 78 Gy in 39 fractions and pelvic lymph nodes doses were 56 Gy in 28 fractions. The target coverage was evaluated in the PTV with the following parameters: Dmean, Dmin, Dmax, CN, and HI, and each normal tissue was evaluated using percentage volumes of reference doses which were previously defined by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and QUANTEC criteria.

Results:

In target volumes, 95% of the targeted dose was adequately covered in all three of the 3BKRT, IMRT, and VMAT techniques. In terms of OAR, the percentages of volume exposed to high doses are much lower in the reverse plan IMRT and VMAT technique compared to the 3DCRT technique. There was no significant superiority between IMRT and VMAT in terms of reference values for rectum, bladder, femoral heads, bulbus penis, and small intestines.

Conclusion:

The superiority of IMRT and VMAT techniques over 3DCRT techniques has been clearly demonstrated, especially in terms of OAR, in patients with a diagnosis of high-risk prostate cancer. It is thought that one of these two techniques can be preferred by the possibilities in every radiotherapy clinic.
Genetic diversity of colistin resistance Nosocomial Acinetobacter baumannii strains from Iran
Authors: Seyyedi Maryam , Shapouri Reza , Zeighami Habib , Shokoohizadeh Leili
Published: December 2021

Background:

Drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is a global health problem since its ability to acquire new resistance mechanisms. Here, we aimed to determine the association of common types of A. baumannii and assess their drug resistance of A. baumannii and contribution of integrons (Ints) and oxacillinase genes in Zanjan, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

Among 68 isolated Acinetobacters from patients, 48 isolates were A. baumannii strains. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern and colistin resistance were determined by disk diffusion and broth microdilution, respectively. The presence of Int I, II, III, and oxacillinase genes examined using polymerase chain reaction. The clonal relationship of clinical isolates of A. baumannii determined by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis method.

Results:

The results showed the highest antibiotic susceptibility (58%) for colistin. 96% of isolates were considered as multidrug resistant, and 46% as extensively drug resistant, and 16% as pandrug resistant. Frequencies of Int I, II, III resistance genes were 60%, 28%, and 0%, respectively, and 12% of strains had no isoform of Ints. Frequencies of Carbapenem resistance genes were 74%, 24%, 100%, and 4% for blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-51, and blaOXA-58, respectively. The above samples were group into 26 pulsotypes.

Conclusion:

The studied A. baumannii strains had several resistance genes, and the colistin resistance showed an extraordinary ascending tendency that could be a severe issue in nosocomial infections, and the presence of high genetic diversity indicated a variation in A. baumannii strains and possibly a variety of sources of contamination or infection.
Boerhaave’s syndrome in a sixty-two-year-old Nigerian man
Authors: Ngubor Taamaka D. , Omokore Tomiwa , Nwachukwu Nwachukwu O. , Uduagbamen Peter K.
Published: December 2021

Boerhaave’s syndrome is a rare spontaneous transmural esophageal rupture from forceful vomiting. It is commonly misdiagnosed either from the non-specific presentation or its mimicking known premorbid conditions. Mortality could be very high and early with delayed diagnosis. We present a rare occurrence of this syndrome in which delayed diagnosis was due to premorbid conditions of bronchial asthma and hypertension and not symptom presentation and with a very good treatment outcome.
Efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl versus buprenorphine as an adjuvant to isobaric levobupivacaine in lower limb surgeries
Authors: Furia Preet Hiten , Sasturkar Vasanti Mukund , Kulkarni Sanhita J. , Joshi Pradnya Shripad , Bhale Pramod V.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Fentanyl and buprenorphine are the most commonly used adjuvants in spinal anesthesia. There is paucity in literature regarding the comparison of these two adjuvants when used with levobupivacaine.

Aim:

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of fentanyl and buprenorphine added to isobaric levobupivacaine.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective randomized double-blind study was undertaken on 60 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1, 2, and 3 scheduled for lower limb surgery. Group LF (n = 30) received 3-mL isobaric 0.5% levobupivacaine with 10 microgram (mcg) injection fentanyl and Group LB (n = 30) received 3-mL isobaric 0.5% levobupivacaine with 60 mcg injection buprenorphine. Characteristics of sensory and motor blockade, duration of postoperative analgesia, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse effects were recorded. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistical tests and a value of P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

The onset of sensory block and duration of motor block in both groups were comparable (P > 0.05). The onset of motor block, duration of sensory block, and duration of analgesia were significantly prolonged in Group LB than Group LF (P < 0.05). Six patients in Group LF and three patients in Group LB developed nausea, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.2801). None of the patients in either of the study groups had adverse effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, pruritus, or respiratory depression.

Conclusion:

Combinations of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine (3 mL) with fentanyl (10 mcg) and buprenorphine (60 mcg) show a good safety profile when administered intrathecally, although combination of levobupivacaine–buprenorphine is superior in terms of prolonged sensory block and longer duration of postoperative analgesia.
Comparison of the efficacy of homemade herbal disinfectants with chlorhexidine for decontamination of toothbrush
Authors: Singh Ankita , Palshikar Anuradha , Chatterji Tanushri
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

A toothbrush is the most common oral hygiene aid used, but maintaining and storing the toothbrush hygienically is commonly neglected. In India, people are not aware of the contamination of toothbrushes. Contaminated toothbrushes can act as a vector for the transmission or reinfection of various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The herbs, which have pharmaceutical properties, can be used as an alternative. The study aimed to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of 3% neem and 3% garlic on Streptococcus mutans and to compare with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash as toothbrush decontaminants.

Materials and Methods:

A triple-blinded randomized controlled trial was done on 120 subjects. The subjects were divided into four groups: Group I (distilled water), i.e., control, three study groups having 3% neem (Group II), 3% garlic extract (Group III), and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (Group IV). Subjects were provided toothbrushes and toothpaste for both baseline and intervention phases. The toothbrushes were collected after 14 and 28 days for microbial analysis in both phases. The data were analyzed and compared using appropriate t-test and analysis of variance. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

Garlic (Group III) was most effective at 98%, followed by chlorhexidine (Group IV) 96% and neem (Group II) 88% in reducing the level of S. mutans. Distilled water (Group I) showed only a 3% reduction.

Conclusion:

Neem and garlic proved to be as effective as chlorhexidine, and these herbal products can be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine as disinfectants for toothbrushes. These are the common ingredients that can be easily found in Indian households. It is herbal, cost-effective, and has no side effects so it can be easily used by every individual as a toothbrush decontaminant.
Perceptions of married women about reasons and suggested solutions regarding gender preferences for offspring in Katputli Nagar, Jaipur
Authors: Bharti Vivek , Kewalramani Suresh , Kashyap Amita , Kapoor Priyanka
Published: December 2021

Background:

In India, the preference for a son is strong. Due to many reasons in various communities, the strong desire for a son and discrimination against a female child are causing the non-preference of female children, resulting in a skewed sex ratio in India. The main objective of the study was to assess the perception of urban slum married women in the reproductive age group about reasons and solutions to overcome gender preference.

Materials and Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study on 1230 married women of urban slums of age group 15–49 years was carried out in Katputli Nagar in Rajasthan state, India. Information regarding reasons and solutions to overcome gender preference was asked. A predesigned semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection.

Results:

Out of the 1230 study subjects, the majority reason for the male preference was “propagation of family name” (53.3%), followed by “family safety” (46.5%) and “funeral responsibility” (44.8%), “financial help in future” (39.2%) and “old age support” (40.2%). “Family name spoilage if remaining unmarried” and “female offspring will not stay with them after marriage” were the most preferred reasons for female non-preference (59.8% and 58.3%), respectively, and “dowry” in 56.4%. Strict implementation of anti-dowry law and better implementation of educational aids for girl child might be strong changes (69.83% and 69.18%, respectively), followed by “improvement in the security of females” (61.95%).

Conclusion:

Propagation of family names was an important reason for the preference for males. Strict implementation of anti-dowry law and better implementation of educational aid for female children might be strong changes that could remove gender discrimination in society.
Hookah smoking and COVID-19 in India
Authors: Varghese Ryan , Karsiya Jainam , Deshpande Prasanna R.
Published: December 2021

In recent years, hookah smoking has gained popularity in India, especially among youth. However, its abuse increases the risk of COVID-19. The present letter discusses the harmful effects of hookah smoking, international policies for the cessation of hookah smoking, and the pressing need to have policies to mitigate hookah use and curb the spread of COVID-19 in India.
Hypothesized biological mechanisms by which exercise-induced irisin mitigates tumor proliferation and improves cancer treatment outcomes
Authors: Okechukwu Chidiebere Emmanuel , Okechukwu Chidubem Ekpereamaka , Agag Ayman , Naushad Naufal , Abbas Sami , Deb Abdalla Ali
Published: December 2021

Exercise has been linked to a significant decrease in cancer pathogenesis. Irisin is an exercise-induced myokine that is released from the skeletal muscle upon cleavage of the membrane of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5. Exercise has been revealed to raise irisin concentration in the blood and muscle cells via the upregulation of peroxisome proliferator receptor γ coactivator-1α expression. Exercise-induced irisin reduces the risk of numerous cancers by burning excess body fat. We hypothesized that exercise-induced irisin may mitigate tumor proliferation by inducing apoptosis and improving cancer treatment outcomes via modulating several signaling and metabolic pathways, mainly by increasing the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and acetyl-CoA-carboxylase, via deactivating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B Snail signaling pathway, by upregulating the apoptosis pathway through the inhibition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and via stimulating caspase activity.