bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterior Cervical Full-endoscopic Technique for the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy with Foraminal Bony Stenosis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shi Meng , Wang Cong , Wang Huihao , Feng Juntao , Zhou Lin , Cai Yuwei , Yu Zhongxiang
Published: September 2022

Background
In the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR), spinal endoscopy has been developed vigorously in the past 30 years. However, its effectiveness and subsequent problem of cervical spine stability have always been the controversial hotspots. This study aims to conduct a retrospective study using posterior cervical full-endoscopic technique for the treatment of CSR with foraminal bony stenosis, and evaluate its clinical effect and application value.
Methods
All 22 patients treated for CSR with foraminal bony stenosis using posterior cervical full-endoscopic technique were involved and retrospectively analyzed. The data collection included operation time, length of stay, wound healing, surgical complications, visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, intervertebral foramen diameter, intervertebral foramen area and cervical instability.
Results
The operation time was 141.6 ± 13.7 minutes. The length of stay was 6.0 ± 2.5 days. VAS and JOA at different time points after operation were decreased compared with before operation (p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between VAS or JOA at different postoperative time points (p > 0.05). The height, anteroposterior diameter and area of intervertebral foramen after operation were significantly increased compared with before operation (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Posterior cervical full-endoscopic technique shows the advantages of smaller invasion, faster recovery, significant effectiveness and fewer complications in our study. Meanwhile, it has little influence on the ROM and stability of the cervical spine. Therefore, it is a minimally invasive, safe and effective surgical method for the treatment of CSR with foraminal bony stenosis.
Seasonal behaviour of carbon mineralisation kinetics, microbial biomass carbon and enzyme activities in three natural ecosystems of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, North East India
Authors: Borah Palakshi , Gogoi Nirmali , Mahanta Sanjeev P.
Published: September 2022

Soil acts as an important source and sink for atmospheric carbon due to the activities of soil microorganisms. Any change on soil carbon cycle has a greater impact on the concentration of atmospheric carbon. These necessities the importance of soil biological parameters to predict the role of an ecosystem on carbon storage. However, there is dearth of information on seasonal dynamics of soil microbial properties and carbon mineralisation kinetics of semi-evergreen forests of North-east India that occupies about 25% of the countries forest cover. In this study, we collected soils from three natural ecosystems (grassland, forestland and wetland) of the Kaziranga National Park during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon season for two consecutive years. In grassland and forestland ecosystem, soils were collected at two depths (0–15 cm) and (15–30 cm). The collected soils were analysed for soil microbial biomass carbon, extracellular enzyme activities and carbon mineralisation kinetics. The studied soil parameters significantly varied with season and ecosystem. However, this variation decreased with increasing soil depth. Conclusively, our findings documented that soil properties, microbial biomass carbon, extracellular enzyme activities, and carbon mineralisation kinetics significantly differ across the seasons and ecosystems of Kaziranga National Park. Further research is needed to explore the composition and function of soil microbial communities in different ecosystems over the seasons to accentuate our mechanistic comprehension of soil carbon dynamics of the studied ecosystems of Kaziranga National Park under changing climatic scenarios.
Do different endplate region injuries affect the prognosis of post- operative patients with thoracolumbar fractures?
Authors: Yu Qiuyu , Su Lintao , Huang Liangliang , Guo Zhongyi , Han Yaozheng , Ma Jun , Kang Hui
Published: September 2022

Study design: This was a retrospective cohort study.
Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between the region of endplate injury and long-term transition outcomes in patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures.
Methods: A total of 452 patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures who underwent internal fixation between October 2014 and October 2020 and were examined by preoperative and postoperative CT 3D and MRI were included in this retrospective study. The effect of the region of endplate injury on the transition outcome of patients in terms of long-term spine height, Cobb angle and vertebral morphology was investigated.
Result: In the short term the rate of surgical improvement was greater in TE, with no significant difference between IRE and ORE(p＞0.05). However, both IRE and TE showed significant loss of intervertebral space height and Cobb angle, while the prognostic outcome of ORE was significantly better than that of IRE and TE in the long-term transition (p＜0.05).
Conclusion:Injuries to the inner 1/3 of the endplate are more likely to lead to a poor prognosis in patients with thoracolumbar fractures compared to the outer 2/3. However, more relevant studies are needed to confirm this in the future.
Improving Nutrition through Biofortification - A Systematic Review
Authors: Ofori Kelvin F. ,   Sophia Antoniello2, English Marcia , Aryee Alberta N.A.
Published: September 2022

Food and nutrients are important for human growth and development. However, malnutrition and hidden hunger continue to be a challenge globally. In most developing countries, access to adequate food and nutrients has been a challenge. Although hidden hunger is less prevalent in developed countries compared to developing countries, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are common. The 2nd Sustainable Development Goal was set to help eradicate malnutrition and hidden hunger. Hidden hunger has led to numerous cases of infant and maternal mortalities, and has greatly impacted growth, development, cognitive ability, and physical working capacity. This has influenced several countries to develop interventions that could help combat malnutrition and hidden hunger. Interventions such as dietary diversification and food supplementation are being adopted. However, fortification mainly biofortification has been projected to be the most sustainable solution to malnutrition and hidden hunger. Plant-based foods (PBFs) form a greater percentage of diets in certain populations hence; fortification of PBFs is relevant in combatting malnutrition and hidden hunger. Agronomic biofortification, plant breeding, and transgenic approaches are some currently used strategies in crops. Crops such as cereals, legumes, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits have been biofortified through all these three strategies. The transgenic approach is sustainable, efficient, and rapid, making it suitable for biofortification programs. Omics technology has also been introduced to improve the efficiency of the transgenic approach.
The efficacy of the postnatal nasogastric tube position as a prognostic marker of left-sided isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Kono Jun , Nagata Kouji , Terui Keita , Amari Shoichiro , Toyoshima Katsuaki , Inamura Noboru , Yamoto Masaya , Okazaki Tadaharu , Yazaki Yuta , Okuyama Hiroomi , Hayakawa Masahiro , Furukawa Taizo , Masumoto Kouji , Yokoi Akiko , Usui Noriaki , Tajiri Tatsuro
Published: September 2022

Purpose:The prenatal diagnosis of the stomach position in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been a reliable prognostic factor, but few studies have focused on the postnatal position. We therefore evaluated the significance of the nasogastric (NG) tube position just after birth.
Methods: The Japanese CDH Study Group database enrolled 1037 CDH neonates over 15 years. In our multicenter retrospective study, 464 cases of left-sided isolated CDH with prenatal diagnoses were divided into 2 groups: NG tube below the diaphragm (BD; n=190) or above the diaphragm (AD; n=274). The primary outcome was the 90-day survival rate, and the secondary outcomes were mechanical ventilation duration, hospitalization duration, and recurrence rate.
Results: The BD group had a significantly higher 90-day survival rate (98.4% vs. 89.4%, p<0.001), shorter mechanical ventilation (11 vs. 19 days, p<0.001), shorter hospitalization (38 vs. 59 days, p<0.001), and lower recurrence rate (p=0.002) than the AD group. A multivariate analysis showed that BD (adjusted odds ratio, 3.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–13.30) was a favorable prognostic factor for the 90-day survival.
Conclusion: The assessment of the NG tube position revealed it to be a reliable prognostic factor of left-sided isolated CDH, therefore, it should be included as a routine assessment.
Prognostic model for older patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after surgery: a SEER population-based analysis
Authors: Tu Biao , Duan Sai-li , Wu Min , Wei Bo , Huang Peng
Published: September 2022

Background: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increased quickly amid the recent decades among the elder group of people age≥65 years. However, there are not sufficient evidence regarding the clinical features and outcome of older patients.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics and outcomes of 5,893 HCC patients older than 65 years from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database.
Results: A nomogram integrated 6 independent prognostic factors was conducted for HCC patients with age≥65 years, the C-index of the nomogram in predicting OS or CSS in elder HCC patients was 0.732 and 0.740. The predicted probability of nomogram is in good agreement with the actual observations as seen in the calibration curves The NRI of the nomogram also indicated better discrimination power than that exhibited by the grade or stage.
Conclusions: The nomogram based on six independent prognostic factors (including age, race, grade, SEER historic stage A, tumor size, and AFP) performed well and can work as useful tool to predict prognosis in HCC patients with age≥65 years old.
Evaluation and Cultivation Method of High-tech Value Patents for Mechanical Products
Authors: He Chuan , Shi Fan , Tan Runhua
Published: September 2022

Evaluation of high value patents is essential for the enterprise's technical layout and innovative product design. The existing research on the patent value mostly focuses on the discipline of management and information science, which needs the support of a large number of professional statistical information and is difficult to directly reflect the technical value. Since technological innovation is the fundamental means to enhance the sustainable competitiveness of enterprises. Therefore, a high-tech value patent evaluation and cultivation method for engineering designers is proposed. Firstly, the indicators for evaluating technical value are summarized based on the induction of patent samples and patent technical features, and the rationality of the evaluation indicators is verifier through empirical study based on improved evidence theory. Secondly, based on principal component analysis and factor analysis, a high-tech value patent evaluation formula and cultivation method is proposed. Finally, the proposed method is applied to identify the high-tech value patents in the cutting machine industry. The proposed method provides a clear guiding direction for the cultivation of high novelty patents and enterprise innovative product design.
Assessing death data quality through skepticism about death data accuracy
Authors: Tak Yae Won , Han Jeong Hyun , Park Yu Jin , Kim Do-Hoon , Oh Ji Seon , Lee Yura
Published: September 2022

Background
Death is a crucial measure in electronic medical record (EMR) studies, where it has significance as a criterion for analyzing mortality in the database. This study aimed to assess extracted death data quality and investigate the potential of a final administered medication variable as an indicator to quantify the accuracy of a newly extracted control group’s death data.
Methods
Data were collected through Asan Biomedical Research Environment, which comprised data from both the Asan Medical Center and The Korean Central Cancer Registry. The gold standard was established by examining differences according to death information sources through a chart review. Cosine similarity was employed to quantify the final administered medication similarities between the gold standard and other cohorts using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system code.
Results
The gold standard was determined as patients who died in hospital after 2006, when the final hospital visit/discharge date and death date differed by 0 or 1. For all three criteria, a) Seer Stage, b) cancer type c) type of final visit; as the mortality rate increased, the final administered medication cosine similarity with the golden standard increased.
Conclusion
This study introduced an indicator that can provide additional accurate death information and differentiate reliability. In the future, variables other than EMR could be used to further determine death information quality, in addition to the final administered medication.
Quantum dot nanobeads as multicolor labels for simultaneous multiplex immunochromatography detection of four nitrofuran metabolites in aquatic products
Authors: Liu Xiuying , Cheng Yuanyuan , Xia Fei , Fan Ling , Gao Xue , Sun Xiaofei , Li Xuepeng , Zhu Lijie , Li Jianrong
Published: September 2022

A multicolor immunochromatography assay platform based on quantum dot nanobeads (QBs) for the rapid and simultaneous detection of nitrofuran metabolites in different aquatic products is documented. These metabolites include 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), 1-aminohydantoin (AHD), semicarbazide (SEM), and 3-amino-5-morpholino-methyl-1,3-oxazolidinone (AMOZ). QBs with emission colors of red, yellow, green, and orange were employed and functionalized with the corresponding antibodies to each analyte to develop a multicolor channel. The visual detection limits (cut-off values) of our method for AOZ, AHD, SEM, and AMOZ reached up to 50 ng/mL, which were 2, 20, 20, and 20 times lower than those of traditional colloidal gold test strips, respectively. The test strip is capable of detection within 10 min in real samples while still achieving good stability and specificity. These results demonstrate that the developed multicolor immunochromatography assay platform is a promising technique for multiplex, highly sensitive, and on-site detection of nitrofuran metabolites in aquatic products.
Forecast of Global Solar Radiation on a Horizontal Surface by ANN for the City of Batna Algeria
Authors: Yahiaoui Samah , Assas ouarda
Published: September 2022

Solar energy is one of the longest-standing renewable in the world. It is available at no charge and could easily be exploited to reduce dependence on hydrocarbon-based energy. Solar radiation data plays an important role in the design, size, and efficiency of energy systems and renewable. However, these data are not available in all cases, particularly in isolated areas. Therefore, prediction of solar radiation values is often the only practical way to obtain such data. In fact, the measured sequences of radiation values are only available for some locations or regions in each country. Neural networks are classified among the techniques of artificial intelligence, its simulation of human reasoning characterizes it and neural networks have contributed to the development of several areas. In prediction, neural networks are used to solve complex forecasting problems. In this work, fifteen neural models are implemented for the modeling and prediction of global solar radiation over a horizontal surface using neural networks. The meteorological parameters are: duration of sunshine (S), hours of light (S0), total extraterrestrial solar radiation, temperature and humidity. Batna has been selected for this study, with its ten years (1996–2005) meteorological datasets collected from the HelioClim1 (HC1) database. The obtained results show that the news neuronal models are efficient for predicting daily global solar radiation with good measurement precision in this town.
Observational Real-Life Study on Regorafenib in Recurrent Glioblastoma: Does Dose Reduction Reduce Toxicity While Maintaining the Efficacy?
Authors: Rudà Roberta , Bruno Francesco , Pellerino Alessia , Pronello Edoardo , Palmiero Rosa , Bertero Luca , Crasto Stefania , Polo Valentina , Vitaliani Roberta , Trincia Elena , Internò Valeria , Porta Camillo , Soffietti Riccardo
Published: September 2022

Purpose: In the phase 2 REGOMA trial,
regorafenib improved overall survival, as compared with lomustine,
in glioblastoma (GBM) patients at first progression after
chemoradiation. Recently, some real-life trials showed similar
impact on survival but a higher rate of adverse events than in
REGOMA, thus raising concerns over tolerability. The aim of this
study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a lower
intensity regorafenib regimen.

Patients and Methods: Regorafenib daily dose
was gradually increased from 80 to 160 mg across the first 2
cycles. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)
were defined as time from regorafenib initiation and disease
progression or death. Results: Sixty-six GBM
patients were included. Median age was 60.0 years. Median PFS and
OS following regorafenib were 2.7 and 7.1 months, respectively.
Best RANO response to regorafenib were partial response (PR) in 10
(15.1%), stable disease in 17 (25.8%), and progressive disease in
39 (59.1%) patients. Forty-six (69.7%) patients presented adverse
events of any grade, and 21 (31.8%) grade 3-4 toxicity. In a
multivariable analysis, higher age and absence of MGMTp
methylation were significantly associated with poorer disease
control after regorafenib.

Conclusions: Our study is the largest
observational real-life study on the use of regorafenib. Our lower
intensity regimen proved as effective as the standard 160 mg daily
schedule (mPFS and mOS being 2.7 vs 2.0 months and 7.1 vs 7.4
months in our study vs REGOMA, respectively). Moreover, we observed
a higher rate of PRs as compared with REGOMA (15.0% versus
3.0%).
Predicting the secondary metabolic potential of microbiomes from marker genes using PSMPA
Authors: Wei Bin , Zhou Zhen-Yi , Lai Cong , Du Ao-Qi , Hu Gang-Ao , Yu Wen-Chao , Yu Yan-Lei , Chen Jian-Wei , Zhang Hua-Wei , Wu Qi-Hao , Xu Xue-Wei , Xuan Qi , Wang Hong
Published: September 2022

Background: The efficient discovery of novel antibiotics is of great significance for us to fight against drug-resistant pathogens. Previously, a great deal of time and effort has been spent on screening and isolating novel antibiotic-producing bacteria from complex environmental samples, and the secondary metabolic potential of microbiomes could only be investigated after their genome sequences were available.
Results: Here, we present PSMPA, a web server and a standalone tool, for predicting the numbers of each class of bacterial secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in environmental samples using 16S rRNA gene amplicons, which could prioritize samples and bacterial strains with high potential to produce novel antibiotics at an early stage. The pipeline integrated PICRUSt2 and BLASTn, and relied on a comprehensive bacterial BGC atlas which contains 1,295,905 BGCs from 216,408 bacterial genomes. PSMPA showed good performance with the accuracy largher than 80% when applied to predict the BGC profiles in 5,000 randomly selected bacterial genomes. Then, PSMPA was applied to depict the distribution of BGCs in microbiomes from human gut, sea water, deep-sea sediments, and soil samples from several independent datasets, which uncovered plenty of novel strains that are rich in BGCs.
Conclusions: We presented a comprehensive bacterial BGC atlas and demonstrated that PSMPA is a usefull tool for predicting the secondary metabolic potential of microbiomes from marker genes. PSMPA would facilitate the efficient discovery of novel microbial secondary metabolites and enrich the resource for amplicon sequencing-based functional analysis. The PSMPA is available at https://www.psmpa.net.
A salvage technique using a fibrous sheath to avoid the loss of the central veins in cases of pediatric intestinal failure
Authors: Kondo Takuya , Nagata Kouji , Jimbo Takahiro , Kono Jun , Kawakubo Naonori , Obata Satoshi , Yoshimaru Koichiro , Miyoshi Kina , Esumi Genshiro , Matsuura Toshiharu , Masumoto Kouji , Tajiri Tatsuro , Taguchi Tomoaki
Published: September 2022

Purpose
The number of accessible central veins (CVs) affects the prognosis of patients with intestinal failure (IF). The loss of residual CVs should be avoided. We therefore evaluated the efficacy of a new CV catheter-exchange technique using a subcutaneous fibrous sheath (FS) in pediatric IF patients.
Methods
We retrospectively collected the CV catheter (CVC) data of pediatric IF patients managed from January 2009 to December 2019. The data were divided into two groups; Groups 1 (CVCs placed with the FS method) and Group 2 (CVCs placed by the primary or another insertion). The main outcome was the CVC indwelling time.
Results
Eighty-five CVCs were analyzed. The FS method was attempted in 47 cases and succeeded in 40 (85%). No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding characteristics. A log-rank test revealed an equivalent CVC indwelling time between the two groups (Group 1: 268 [126–588] days vs. Group 2: 229 [126–387] days, p = 0.256).
Conclusions
The FS method is highly recommended for pediatric IF patients, as its attempt showed a high success rate with an indwelling time equivalent to primary insertion. The FS method leads to the prolonged use of a single CV and thereby contributes to improving the outcomes of pediatric IF patients.
Diabetes prevalence and associated factors in the adult population aged 25–64 in the Humbo districts of Woliata Zone
Authors: Abebe Samson , Paulos Wondimagegn , Tschopp Rea
Published: September 2022

Background The burden of disease caused by NCDs is quickly growing in emerging nations, with substantial social, economic, and health repercussions. However, data on the prevalence of diabetes and related variables among adults aged 25–64 years in Ethiopia, particularly in drought-stricken areas, is limited. The goal of this study is to find out how common diabetes is and what variables contribute to it in adults aged 25 to 64. Methods From January to February 2020, a community-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken among adults aged 25–64 years in Humbo district, Southern Ethiopia. 587 people were chosen using a multi-stage sampling process. Weight, height, and fasting blood glucose levels were all measured. To enter data into a computer, Epi Data version 3.1 was utilized, which was subsequently exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, and statistical significance was determined at a p-value < 0.05. Results Diabetes was found in 5.9% of the research participants (95 percent CI: 3.8–7.8). Age 45–54 (AOR = 4.80, 1.25, 18.32), physical inactivity (AOR = 5.33, 1.37, 20.72), family history of diabetes mellitus (AOR = 6.34, 95 percent CI: (2.43, 16.55), and obesity (AOR = 3.26, 95 percent CI: (1.43, 7.42) were all significantly associated with diabetes, according to multivariable logistic regression. Conclusion The findings demonstrated the need of implementing educational public policies to encourage population behavior changes in order to prevent and control diabetes.
Correlation between Serum testosterone level and erythrocytosis in adolescent males- A Cross-Sectional study
Authors: Ben Ariel , Rana Abu Arisha , Tal Bechor Ariel , Michael Ben-Acon , Sharon Nechama , Yana Moshe
Published: September 2022

Backround: Androgens and testosterone can induce erythrocytosis in several mechanisms. Adolescent males often present to primary clinics with an elevated Red Blood Cell values without Hemoglobin abnormalities. We investigated the correlation between serum testosterone levels and red blood cell values.
Methods: 91 adolescents who were referred to the Emergency department were included in the trial, for which a complete blood count and serum testosterone were obtained, along with assessing Tanner score. Patients were divided into two groups with high and low red blood cell count. Mann -Whitney U test was performed to compare Serum testosterone level and Tanner score between the groups. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the correlation between red blood cell count and Testosterone levels.
Results: Testosterone levels was higher in the erythrocytosis group 14.05 (SD 5.53) vs non erythrocytosis group 11.94 (SD 7.38) although it did not meet statistical significance (p-value = 0.168). There is a weak positive correlation (Pearson’s R = 0.146) between testosterone and erythrocyte levels.
Conclusion: In healthy adolescent males, whose serum testosterone levels are within normal range we observed erythrocytosis in 22% of patients. Testosterone levels was positively correlated with the Red blood cell count.
Trial Registration: Trial was registrated in the Israeli ministery of health database – date 27/10/2020 – MOH_2020-10-27-009444
The effect of low doses of Aspirin on the occurrence of rectal aberrant crypt foci (ACF)
Authors: Kowalczyk Marek , Sigorski Dawid , Dyśko Łukasz , Zieliński Ewa , Lucka Dana Zupanovich , Klepacki Łukasz
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are one of the earliest putative preneoplastic and, in some cases, neoplastic lesions in human colons. Many studies have confirmed the reduction of ACFs and colorectal adenomas after treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).
The objective was to compare the incidence of rectal ACFs and colorectal adenomas in a group of patients taking ASA.
Methods: Colonoscopy, combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue, was performed on 131 patients. The number of rectal ACF in the colon was divided into three groups: ACF < 5; 5 < ACF < 10; and ACF > 10. Patients were divided into two groups: the "ASA" group - subjects taking ASA 75mg daily for ten years; and "No ASA" group - subjects not taking ASA chronically. The incidence of different types of rectal ACF and colorectal polyps in both groups of subjects was determined.
Results: Normal ACF was found in 12.3 in the study group vs 87.7% control group, hyperplastic 22.4 vs 77.6%, dysplastic 25 vs 75%, mixed 0 vs 100%. Treatment with ASA affects the occurrence of colorectal adenomas. The amount of dysplastic ACFs was higher in the control group than in the study group. The increase in dysplastic ACFs decreases with age in both groups, with the increase greater in those not taking ASA.
Conclusions: Patients who take persistent, chronic (>10 years) low doses of ASA have a lower total number of all types of rectal ACFs and adenomas compared to the control group.
Patient Satisfaction and Cost Savings Analysis of the Telemedicine Program within a Neuro- Oncology Program
Authors: Liu James K. C. , Kang Richard , Bilenkin Arkady , Prorock Rachel , Whiting Junmin , Patel Krupal B. , Beer-Furlan Andre , Naso Cristina , Rogers Andrea , Castro Xavier Baez , Peguero Edwin , Mokhtari Sepideh , Tran Nam , Etame Arnold , Pina Yolanda , Spiess Philippe E. , Forsyth Peter , Vogelbaum Michael A.
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE: Unique challenges exist in the utilization of telemedicine for neurological and surgical specialties. We examined the differences in patient satisfaction for telemedicine versus in-person visits within a Neuro-Oncology Program to assess whether there was a difference between surgical and medical specialties. We also examined the potential cost savings benefits of utilizing telemedicine.
METHODS: 1189 Press Ganey surveys in the Department of Neuro-Oncology (982 in-person and 207 telemedicine) by surgical and medical neuro-oncology patients between 04/01/2020 and 06/30/2021 were reviewed. Survey results were divided into 4 categories (Access, Provider, Technology (telemedicine only), and Overall Satisfaction). Results were analyzed for the impact of telemedicine versus in-person visits, and gender, age, insurance, and specialty. Cost savings were calculated based on potential travel distance and lost productivity.
RESULTS: Survey results from telemedicine visits demonstrated that patients with private insurance returned higher scores in the Provider (p=0.0089), Technology (p=0.00187), and Overall (p=0.00382) categories. Surgical visits returned higher scores for Access (p=0.0015), Technology (p=0.0002), and Overall (p=0.0019). When comparing telemedicine to in-person scores, in-person scored higher in Provider (p=0.0092) for all patients, while in-person scored higher in Access (p=0.0252) amongst surgical patients. Cost analysis revealed that telemedicine allowed patients to save an average of 3.7 to 4.8 hours per visit time and a potential loss of productivity of up to $223.27 ±171.41.
CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine yields equivalent patient satisfaction when employed in surgical as compared to medical Neuro-Oncology patients with the potential to lessen the financial and time burden on neuro-oncology patients.
Propagation of different kinds of non-linear ion-acoustic waves in Earth’s magnetosphere
Authors: Alharthi N S , Tolba R E
Published: September 2022

The non-linear propagation of different kinds of ion-acoustic waves (IAWs) in multi-component plasma involving proton beam, positive ions and isothermal electrons has been studied. Using the derivative expansion method of basic equations, namely the hydrodynamic and Poisson equations, they are reduced to a single evolution equation of the non-linear Schrödinger (NLS) equation. By applying this model to plasma formed in Earth’s magnetosphere, different waves can be predicted that express the properties of the plasma. Using the separating variables method and the G /G-expansion method, we derived the exact analytical solutions to the evolution equation by using different solution regions in which non-linear waves are defined. A comparison has been made between the solutions describing the differential equation in each region in which the solution can appear using the data on the Earth’s magnetosphere in the study by Alotaibi et al. (2021).
Determination of a Suitable Retrofit of R-134A Using Refrigerant Blends of R290 and R600 Aided by an Optimization Technique
Authors: Anaemeje J. C. , Owuama K. C. , Okafor O. C. , Madu K. E.
Published: September 2022

The effect of the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants on the environment through the attack of its halogen contents-chlorine and fluorine, on the ozone layer and the toxic nature of such refrigerants, has paid the attention of researchers to work towards getting suitable alternatives using hydrocarbons (HC) or its blends with HFC refrigerants. This study was centered on getting a suitable retrofit of R-134A with a good coefficient of performance (COP) and low global warming potential (GWP) using the blends of R-290 and R-600 HCs for use in refrigeration systems. An experimental testing rig was developed by assembling various measuring devices to the operational points of a vapor compression refrigerator. A mixture design was developed using the simplex lattice design (SLD) of design expert software 11.0. The response variables considered were COP and GWP. The experimental design was meticulously followed using 1kg for each refrigerant run, and the temperature and pressure values at the operating points were noted. From the results obtained, blend A had the highest COP of 2.5 and the highest GWP value of 3.93. Blend D had the lowest value of C.O.P. of 1.33, while blend B had the lowest value of GWP of 3.51. Also, the optimal blend was achieved at a mixture factor of 59% R-290a and 41% R-600. The response values obtained at this optimal mixture level were COP-2.05182 and GWP – 3.59. Therefore, the optimal blend obtained would be a better retrofit to R-134a and could be used in refrigeration systems.
Endodontic reintervention of a mandibular second premolar with four root canals: a case report
Authors: Moreira-Pinto Larissa , Peixoto-de-Araújo Lucas , Pinto-Carpena Lucas , De-Souza-Ferreira Nádia , Rolim-de-Sousa Ezilmara Leonor
Published: September 2022

Complex anatomical variations on root canals morphology are one of the most arduous challenges in the endodontic practice. The objective of this case report is to discuss the clinical management of a mandibular left second premolar with four root canals and four distinct apical foramina. This case report has been written according to Preferred Reporting Items for Case reports in Endodontics (PRICE) 2020 guidelines. A 74-year-old patient was referred to retreat a left mandibular second premolar. The patient complained of discomfort when chewing hard food. After obtaining consent from the patient to investigate the symptoms, a thorough clinical and radiographic examination was performed. The main clinical findings observed were a moderate sensitivity to vertical percussion and mild discomfort at palpation. The periapical radiograph showed a fusion-like root with multiple canals and unsatisfactory root canal fillings associated with apical radiolucency. Based on this investigation, a diagnostic of persistent apical periodontitis was made to the tooth, and nonsurgical root canal re-treatment was proposed to the patient. After written informed consent was obtained, the procedure was performed under magnification provided by a dental operating microscope with the aid of ultrasonic tips. During the access opening and fillings removal, four root canal orifices were observed. Therefore, state-of-the-art technology such as the dental operating microscope, ultrasonics, and cone-bean computed tomography image are strong allies to manage anatomical variations.
Multiple complex odontomas of the mandible: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Weslay , Gil de Farias Morais Hannah , de Macêdo Andrade Ana Cláudia , Sousa e Silva Nelmara , Rifausto João Lucas , Ranier Maciel Dantas Wagner , De Lisboa Lopes Costa Antônio
Published: September 2022

Odontomas are the most common tumor-like (hamartoma) odontogenic lesions in the gnathic bones. There are two main types: complex odontoma which is composed mainly of amorphous calcification, and compound odontoma which is characterized by irregular tooth-like structures. Odontomas are generally asymptomatic and in most cases involve only one quadrant of the maxilla or mandible. The treatment of choice is surgical removal. The aim of the present study is to report a rare case of multiple complex odontomas affecting the mandible and to review the literature on the clinical and pathological features of these tumors.
Possibilities and Limitations of CNV Interpretation Software and
Algorithms in Homo Sapiens
Authors: Zelenova Maria A. , Iourov Ivan Y.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Technical advances and cost reduction have allowed for the worldwide popularity
of array platforms. Otherwise called “molecular karyotyping”, it yields a large amount of CNV
data, which is useless without interpretation.

Objective:

This study aims to review existing CNV interpretation software and algorithms to reveal
their possibilities and limitations.

Results:

Open and user-friendly CNV interpretation software is limited to several options, which mostly
do not allow for cross-interpretation. Many algorithms are generally based on the Database of Genomic
Variants, CNV size, inheritance data, and disease databases, which currently seem insufficient.

Conclusion:

The analysis of CNV interpretation software and algorithms resulted in a conclusion that it
is necessary to expand the existing algorithms of CNV interpretation and at least include pathway and
expression data. A user-friendly freely available CNV interpretation software, based on the expanded
algorithms, is yet to be created.
Pertumbuhan dan Efisiensi Penggunaan Energi pada Budidaya Selada dalam Plant factory dengan Beberapa Perlakuan Fotoperiode
Authors:   Institut Pertanian Bogor, Widodo Slamet , Setiawan Fuad Heru ,   Institut Pertanian Bogor, Solahudin Mohamad ,   Institut Pertanian Bogor, Sucahyo Lilis ,   Institut Pertanian Bogor
Published: September 2022

Cahaya merupakan faktor penting bagi pertumbuhan dan perkembangan tanaman. Elemen penting dari pencahayaan meliputi kualitas (spektrum cahaya) dan kuantitas (intensitas dan lama penyinaran/fotoperiode). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengamati pertumbuhan dan efisiensi penggunaan energi pada selada yang dibudidayakan secara hidroponik dalam plant factory dengan beberapa perlakuan fotoperiode. Selada dibudidayakan secara hidroponik dengan sistem Deep Flow Technique (DFT) dengan beberapa perlakuan fotoperiode (terang/gelap) yaitu 24/0 jam, 18/6 jam, dan 12/12 jam. Untuk perlakuan 18/6 jam sendiri diberikan dalam beberapa siklus terang/gelap berbeda yaitu 18/6 jam (1 siklus), 9/3 jam (2 siklus), 6/2 (3 siklus), dan 3/1 jam (6 siklus). Hasil pengamatan meunjukkan bahwa perlakuan 24/0 jam menghasilkan pertumbuhan dan hasil panen yang paling baik di antara perlakuan lainnya pada semua parameter pertumbuhan yang diamati. Dari efisiensi penggunaan energi, perlakuan 18/6 jam (1 siklus) dan 6/2 jam (3 siklus) memberikan hasil lebih baik dibandingkan perlakuan 24/0 jam. Hasil yang diperoleh ini bisa menjadi alternatif strategi penerapan pencahayaan buatan untuk memperoleh kondisi yang optimum baik dari sisi pertumbuhan dan efisiensi penggunaan energi.
Efektivitas Tribasik Tembaga Sulfat (93%) Terhadap Penyakit Cacar Daun Exobasidium vexans Pada Tanaman Teh
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Aini Luqman Qurata
Published: September 2022

Teh Camellia sinensis (L.) merupakan salah satu tanaman perkebunan yang memiliki nilai ekonomi tinggi. Penyakit cacar daun teh yang disebabkan oleh patogen Exobasidium vexans merupakan penyakit utama yang menyerang tanaman teh. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui efektifitas Tribasik Tembaga Sulfat (93%) dalam mengendalikan penyakit cacar pada daun tanaman teh yang disebabkan oleh patogen E. vexans. Rancangan percobaan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah rancangaan acak kelompok (RAK). Dosis formulasi Tribasik Tembaga Sulfat (93%) yang diaplikasikan pada penelitian ini yaitu 0.25; 0.50; 0.75; 1.00 g.L-1 dan kontrol. Data intensitas penyakit cacar daun pada tanaman daun teh dan hasil panen tanaman teh pada setiap perlakuan dianalisis menggunakan uji ANOVA. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan Tribasik Tembaga Sulfat (93%) pada semua dosis efektif dalam menurunkan tingkat intensitas penyakit cacar daun the. Aplikasi Tribasik Tembaga Sulfat (93%) dosis 0.75 dan 1 g.L-1 efektif dalam mengendalikan patogen E. vexans penyebab penyakit cacar daun teh. Aplikasi Tribasik Tembaga Sulfat (93%) pada tanaman teh tidak menyebabkan gejala fitotoksisitas pada semua perlakuan. Aplikasi Tribasik Tembaga Sulfat (93%) dengan dosis 1.00 g.L-1 dapat meningkatkan hasil produksi teh disetiap siklus penen dibandingkan dengan kontrol.
Coffee's Phenolic Compounds. A general overview of the coffee fruit's phenolic composition
Authors: R. Portillo Ostilio , Arévalo Ana C.
Published: September 2022

Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites ubiquitously distributed in the plant kingdom which come in a wide array of molecular configurations which confer them a comprehensive set of chemical attributes such as, but not limited to: nutraceutical properties, industrial applications (e.g., dyes, rawhide processing, beer production, antioxidants), and plant self-defense mechanisms against natural enemies also known as the Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR).However, despite the fact, that there is a large number of phenolic-containing food products (e.g., chocolate, green tea, wines, beer, wood barrel-aged spirits, cherries, grapes, apples, peaches, plums, pears, etc.), coffee remains, in the western hemisphere, as the main source of dietary phenolic compounds reflected by the fact that, in the international market, coffee occupies the second trading position after oil and its derivatives. The following discussion is the product of an extensive review of scientific literature that aims to describe essential topics related to coffee phenolic compounds, especially chlorogenic acids, their purpose in nature, biosynthesis, determination, metabolism, chemical properties, and their effect on cup quality.

Keywords: phenolic acids, caffeoylquinic acid, antioxidant capacity, metabolism, biosynthesis.
Macroinvertebrados acuáticos como bioindicadores de la calidad ecológica en tres microcuencas del río Sampile, Choluteca, Honduras
Authors: Rodas Vallejo Johan , Carranza Sánchez Jorge , Montoya Chang Dilia , Borjas Machado Gerardo
Published: September 2022

En la actualidad los cuerpos de agua dulce se encuentran bajo constante presión debido a una creciente demanda del recurso, destinada principalmente para las diferentes actividades antropogénicas que se desarrollan en zonas cercanas a ellos, generando impactos que provocan alteración (contaminación) en las condiciones fisicoquímicas y en la estructura de las comunidades biológicas, de allí la importancia de monitorear los cuerpos de agua para poder determinar su condición. El principal objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una evaluación rápida de la calidad ecológica utilizando macroinvertebrados acuáticos como bioindicadores, para ello se muestreó en la época lluviosa del año 2017 un total de 22 puntos localizados en diferentes cuerpos de agua que abastecen a comunidades en las microcuencas Santa Isabel, Calero y Calderas dentro de la cuenca del río Sampile en el departamento de Choluteca. Se aplicó el índice biótico Biological Monitoring Working Party - Costa Rica (BMWP-CR) para conocer la calidad del agua, los resultados indicaron que ninguna de las fuentes evaluadas presentó una calidad del agua buena, pudiéndose asociar a actividades antropogénicas que se desarrollan en el área de estudio, así como a la influencia de la época lluviosa en la que se desarrolló el muestreo.

Palabras claves: actividades antropogénicas, calidad ecológica, evaluación rápida, índice biótico, macroinvertebrados acuáticos.
Development of Open Backend Structures for Health Care Professionals to Improve Participation in App Developments: Pilot Usability Study of a Medical App (Preprint)
Authors: Dittrich Florian , Albrecht Urs-Vito , Scherer Julian , Becker Sören L , Landgraeber Stefan , Back David Alexander , Fessmann Kai , Haversath Marcel , Beck Sascha , Abbara-Czardybon Mona , Quitmann Henning , Harren Anna Katharina , Aitzetmüller Matthias , Klietz Marie Luise
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Efficient digitization in medicine still is in its infancy but undeniably has great potential for current and future challenges in health care. Thus far, the rollout of medical apps has not resulted in widespread use of smartphones in the German health care sector—the reasons for this have not been clarified so far. Nevertheless, the lack of user involvement in the development process and content creation might contribute to low acceptance of these products.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to outline an approach to involve medical expertise without any coding knowledge for developing medical app content and functions.

METHODS

An end user–operable backend was built. Its usability was evaluated using a usability evaluation test protocol. The results of the usability tests were evaluated by the app development team, and the usability test was repeated for optimizing backend usability. In total, 40 criteria to measure the ease of app usage were defined a priori. The usability test comprised 20 tasks that had to be fulfilled. Usability tasks were analyzed for completion, dropout, and test duration. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, digital videoconferencing platforms (Zoom and QuickTime Player) were used to complete usability questionnaires. Finally, several backend-based apps for several specialties (infectiology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and orthopedics) were developed by health care professionals as prototypes.

RESULTS

Initial usability testing was conducted with 5 participants (4 men and 1 woman; mean age 39.2, SD 5.97 years). All of them could complete the assigned backend tasks with only a few workflow interruptions and some minor errors. After usability optimization, the workflow completion time decreased from 5.03 minutes to 3.50 minutes, indicating a time saving. The basic backend structure was clear to all test users and the handling was intuitive to learn. Some minor errors in the backend occurred during the test rounds. The apps developed using the aforementioned approach are in clinical use as a proof of concept.

CONCLUSIONS

Backends offering operability for medical professionals might have great potential for app development in the mobile health sector. Sophisticated and time-saving usability are pivotal for the acceptance of medical software, as illustrated by the backend-based apps presented herein, which are in clinical use as a proof of concept. Basic interventions are essential and sufficient for adequate usability optimization. Practicable, well-structured software usability evaluation is possible based on the usability evaluation test protocol.

CLINICALTRIAL