bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Extrusion Rate and Complications After Ventilation Tube Insertion: A Multicenter Registry Study on the Effectiveness of Ventilation Tube Insertion in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Otitis Media With Effusion—Part II
Authors: Yoo Myung Hoon , Cho Yang-Sun , Choi June , Choung Yun Hoon , Chung Jae-Ho , Chung Jong Woo , Han Gyu Cheol , Jun Beom Cho , Kim Dong-Kee , Kim Kyu Sung , Lee Jun Ho , Lee Kyu-Yup , Lee Seung Hwan , Moon In Seok , Park Hong Ju , Park Shi Nae , Rhee Jihye , Seo Jae Hyun , Yeo Seung Geun
Published: September 2022

Objectives. The impacts of ventilation tube (VT) type and effusion composition on the VT extrusion rate and complications in children with otitis media remain unclear. This part II study evaluated the factors affecting the extrusion rate, recurrence rate, and complications of VT insertion.Methods. A prospective study was conducted between June 2014 and December 2016 (the EVENT study [analysis of the effectiveness of ventilation tube insertion in pediatric patients with chronic otitis media]), with follow-up data collected until the end of 2017. Patients aged <15 years diagnosed with otitis media with effusion who received VT insertion were recruited at 15 tertiary hospitals. The primary outcomes were time to extrusion of VT, time to effusion recurrence, and complications.Results. Data from 401 patients were analyzed. After excluding the results of long-lasting tubes (Paparella type II and T-tubes), silicone tubes (Paparella type I) exhibited a significantly longer extended time to extrusion (mean, 400 days) than titanium tubes (collar-button-type 1.0 mm: mean, 312 days; P<0.001). VT material (hazard ratio [HR], 2.117, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.254–3.572; P=0.005), age (HR, 3.949; 95% CI, 1.239–12.590; P=0.02), and effusion composition (P=0.005) were significantly associated with the time to recurrence of middle ear effusion. Ears with purulent (mean, 567 days) and glue-like (mean, 588 days) effusions exhibited a shorter time to recurrence than ears with serous (mean, 846 days) or mucoid (mean, 925 days) effusions. The revision VT rates during follow-up were 3.5%, 15.5%, 10.4%, and 38.9% in ears with serous, mucoid, glue-like, and purulent effusions, respectively (P<0.001). The revision surgery rates were higher among patients aged <7 years than among those aged ≥7 years.Conclusion. Silicone tubes (Paparella type I) were less prone to early extrusion than titanium 1.0 mm tubes. VT type, patient age, and effusion composition affected the time to recurrence of effusion.
Differences in Fourth-Year Orthopaedic Away Rotation Opportunities and Fees Among Osteopathic and Allopathic Medical Students 1 Year After the Implementation of the Single Accreditation System
Authors: White Peter B. , Henry James P. , Partan Matthew J. , Choy Kenneth , Hogge Caleb A. , Katsigiorgis Gus , Bitterman Adam D. , Cohn Randy M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Fourth-year away rotations are well recognized as an important modifiable variable that has been shown to increase a student’s opportunity to match into orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of this article was to determine whether allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical students have equal opportunities for away rotations in terms of (1) eligibility and (2) fees associated with rotations after the single accreditation merger.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was performed during the 2021 application cycle (April to November) by reviewing all nonmilitary, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited orthopaedic surgery programs (n = 194). Each program’s website, affiliated school of medicine’s website, and visiting student applications service portal were searched. Eligibility criteria for an away rotation and associated fees were recorded.

Results:

Of the 194 programs, 18 (9.3%) of programs were found to have publicly published eligibility for away rotations that prohibited students based on applicant degree. Five (2.6%) programs/medical schools had fees that were larger for DO medical students compared with MD medical students ranging for $50 to $5,000. No programs/medical schools had larger fees for MD medical students compared with DO medical students.

Conclusions:

Although DO and MD degrees are equivalent degrees for licensing and credentialing and graduate medical education has transitioned to a single accrediting body, there remained discord in the opportunities for fourth-year away rotations between osteopathic and allopathic medical students. This study highlights the necessity for greater reform, consistency, and transparency among orthopaedic surgery residency programs and their affiliated institutions.
Workplace Social Capital as Buffer for Emotional Demands and Perceived Stress in Symphony Orchestras: A Danish Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Pihl-Thingvad Jesper , Kristensen Tine Taulbjerg , Paarup Helene M , Baelum Jesper , Roessler Kirsten Kaya
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCTION: High workplace social capital (WSC) is associated with improved occupational health in the common occupational areas. However, little is known on WSC and its effect on the emotional demands and stress seen in the work of classical symphonic musicians. AIM: To investigate
whether WSC moderates the associations between emotional demands and stress in the professional musicians working in Danish symphony orchestras. METHODS: This cross-sectional study builds on existing data collected on a sample of 341 Danish classical symphonic musicians. An interaction model
based on multiple regression with bias corrected boot-strapping was used to assess the moderating effect of low, medium and high levels of WSC on the association between emotional demands and perceived stress. RESULTS: WSC had a significant moderating effect on the association between emotional
demands and perceived stress: b = –0.01, t(212) = –2.40, p = 0.018. At low levels of WSC the effect of emotional demands on stress was strongest, declining at higher levels of WSC in a dose response pattern: low-WSC, b = 0.23, t(212) 3.20, p = 0.002, medium-WSC, b = 0.11, t(212)
= 2.40, p = 0.017, and high-WSC, b = 0.04, t(212) = 0.75, p = 0.455. CONCLUSION: The study indicates a buffering effect of WSC on the association between emotional demands and stress in the work of orchestra musicians. Thus, enhancement of WSC could be a potential stress-preventing strategy
in symphony orchestras and should be investigated in future studies on musicians’ mental health.
Knowledge Platform and Theoretical Basic Course About Embouchure and Embouchure Problems in Brass: Special Symposium of the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Dans- en Muziekgeneeskunde (NVDMG), Ede, The Netherlands, December 3, 2021
Authors: Woldendorp K.H. (Kees Hein)
Published: September 2022

On Friday, December 3, 2021, the Dutch Performing Arts Medicine Association (NVDMG) organized the first “Knowledge Platform Symposium About Embouchure and Embouchure Problems in Brass,” at Akoesticum in Ede, The Netherlands. The intention of this symposium was to create
a bridge between the brass world (brass players and brass pedagogues of several Dutch and Belgian conservatories) and physicians and therapists active in the treatment of embouchure problems. In the afternoon a “Theoretical Basic Course” about this topic was organized about the
fundamentals of embouchure and how to observe in a structural way at the individual embouchure.
The Effect of Health Promotion Program on Perceived Self-Efficacy and Self-Care Practices among Elderly with Multimorbidity in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Wungrath Jukkrit , Khumai Nuttida , Phrommasen Phinphot
Published: September 2022

Multimorbidity in the elderly is a major public health issue with serious consequences. This study investigated the effects of health promotion programs on perceived self-efficacy and self-care practices among the elderly with multimorbidity using a quasi-experimental study design from February to July 2021. The study samples were the elderly from Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, selected by a multistage random sampling technique. The experimental and control groups each comprised 40 elderlies with multimorbidity. All elderly participants took part in a 12-week health promotion program. The perceived self-efficacy and self-care practices of the study samples were assessed using interviews, and the group results were compared using the independent t-test. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied at a significance level of 0.05 for three different periods. Follow-up results after the intervention showed that the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores of perceived self-efficacy and self-care practice than the control group (p-value<0.05). The health promotion program enhanced perceived self-efficacy and self-care practices in the elderly with multimorbidity. It can also be applied to improve the quality of life of people in other age groups.
Predictors of Anxiety toward COVID-19 Delta Variant: A Cross- Sectional Study among Healthcare Providers in Java and Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Swarjana I Ketut , Putu Darma Suyasa I Gede , Nuryanto I Kadek
Published: September 2022

Health facilities are experiencing overcapacity, oxygen scarcity, and a limited number of healthcare providers due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), thus impacted on anxiety. This study aimed to determine predictors of anxiety among healthcare providers toward the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 371 healthcare providers in Java and Bali Islands, and the snowball sampling technique was used. Data were collected using a questionnaire and distributed through social media (WhatsApp), then analyzed using univariate analysis, bivariate analysis (Chisquare test), and multivariate analysis (multiple logistic regression). The results showed that 81 (21.8%) respondents experienced anxiety. The workplace (AOR: = 0.617; p-value = 0.011), a history of confirmed positive for COVID-19 (AOR = 2.965; p-value<0.001), and the respondent's comorbidities (AOR = 8.753; p-value<0.001) were significantly associated with anxiety toward the delta variant. Healthcare managers must regularly evaluate the psychological condition of their subordinates during the COVID-19 pandemic so that anxiety can be detected and overcome early through constructive self adaptation and positive coping mechanisms.
Scratch como introdução à programação na formação docente
Authors: Candiani Thais , Leme Josi Carolina da Silva , Paixão Guilherme Augusto , Benini Fabriciu Alarcão Veiga
Published: September 2022

O presente texto se configura como um relato de experiência baseado na atividade de extensão denominada “Programação como recurso pedagógico através do Scratch”, cuja ocorrência se deu entre os meses de novembro de 2020 e março de 2021. O objetivo do relato é apresentar a configuração do curso oferecido por meio do site do Instituto Federal de São Paulo, Campus São Carlos, bem como refletir sobre sua contribuição para a prática pedagógica de professores da Educação Básica que lecionam para crianças a partir de 04 anos. Apresentam-se: o tema e as características gerais dos conhecimentos envolvidos com os conteúdos formativos do curso em questão; os dados e o layout da plataforma na qual a formação ocorreu; e, finalmente, as contribuições do próprio curso tanto para os professores participantes quanto para a discussão acerca de elaboração de formação docente com uso de portais e plataformas educacionais, com ênfase para o site Scratch. A partir do contexto formativo em Ensino a Distância (EaD), baseado na Teoria Histórico-Cultural, pode-se observar alguns aspectos interessantes, como a oportunidade de participantes de diferentes localidades, geograficamente distantes; o desenvolvimento de habilidades como autonomia no estudo,  e protagonismo do cursista em relação à organização e gerenciamento de atividades; além do aproveitamento da proposta por um número considerado satisfatório de concluintes sem maior dispêndio de esforços. Os projetos didáticos apresentados como produção final dos professores-cursistas evidenciaram o aproveitamento satisfatório dos conteúdos relacionados ao recurso do Scratch, mas exigiram adequação do gênero textual visando a facilitar sua elaboração.
Evaluation of School Mental Health Promotion Program: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Borji Mitra , Naserbakht Morteza , Hajebi Ahmad , fazeli Asal , khorrami Zahra , Ranjbar Helia , Hajebi Amirali
Published: September 2022

Background
Due to the need to identify problems related to mental health among students and their proper management by offering specialized medical services to them, recently a relevant research project has been fully implemented in schools of all grades in Iran. Since the only way to measure the effectiveness and find the strengths and weaknesses of a program is to evaluate it, the present study aims to monitor and evaluate the mentioned project in order to improve the quality of project implementation, identify defects and shortcomings and upgrade the existing system.
Methods
The present study was a qualitative study using conventional content analysis that used a semi-structured in-depth interview to obtain information from a group of stakeholders. Selected instructors, teachers, principals, and designers of the School Mental Health Promotion Program were the target of the study.
Results
The findings of the present study were presented in four categories of program strengths, program weaknesses, factor the s preventing achievement of program objectives and recommendations for program improvement. It is to be noted that 14 subcategories were also devised, and finally, 50 codes were extracted. The overall results of the evaluation of the School Mental Health Program showed its effectiveness.
Conclusions
The new and practical the model of School Mental Health Program has opened a new perspective to school-based interventions. However, the expectation of full implementation and continuation of this program in the short term and with limited resources does not seem very realistic because making change is often challenging and fraught with problems and obstacles.
KidneyNetwork: Using kidney-derived gene expression data to predict and prioritize novel genes involved in kidney disease
Authors: Boulogne Floranne , Claus Laura , Wiersma Henry , Oelen Roy , Schukking Floor , de Klein Niek , Li Shuang , Westra Harm-Jan , Zwaag Bert van der , Reekum Franka van , Sierks Dana , Schönauer Ria , Li Zhigui , Bijlsma Emilia , Bos Willem Jan , Halbritter Jan , Knoers Nine , Besse Whitney , Deelen Patrick , Franke Lude , Eerde Albertien van
Published: September 2022

Genetic testing in patients with suspected hereditary kidney disease may not reveal the genetic cause for the disorder as potentially pathogenic variants can reside in genes that are not yet known to be involved in kidney disease. To help identify these genes, we have developed KidneyNetwork, that utilizes tissue-specific expression to predict kidney-specific gene functions.KidneyNetwork is a novel method that we used to enrich a kidney RNA-sequencing co-expression network of 878 samples with a multi-tissue network of 31,499 samples. It then uses expression patterns to predict which genes have a kidney-related function and which (disease) phenotypes might result from variants in these genes, based on established gene-phenotype associations. We applied KidneyNetwork to prioritize rare variants in exome sequencing data from 13 kidney disease patients without a genetic diagnosis.KidneyNetwork can accurately predict kidney-specific gene functions and (kidney disease) phenotypes for disease-associated genes. Applying it to exome sequencing data of kidney disease patients allowed us to highlight a convincing candidate gene for kidney and liver cysts: ALG6.We present KidneyNetwork, a kidney-specific co-expression network that accurately predicts which genes have kidney-specific functions and can result in kidney disease. We show the added value of KidneyNetwork by applying it to kidney disease patients without a molecular diagnosis and consequently, we propose ALG6 as candidate gene in one of these patients. We designed an easy-to-use online interface that allows clinicians and researchers to use gene expression and co-regulation data and gene-phenotype connections to accelerate advances in hereditary kidney disease diagnosis and research.
Improved Deep Neural Network for Real-time Detection of Some Publicly Prohibited Items
Authors: Ejiyi Chukwuebuka Joseph , Ukwuoma Chiagoziem Chima , Nneji Grace Ugochi , Monday Happy Nkanta , Oluwasanmi Ariyo , Qin Zhen , Ejiyi Makuachukwu Bennedith , Chikwendu Ijeoma Amuche
Published: September 2022

An important approach that has been put in place for the purpose of ensuring that people are secure and safe in public places is the security check mounted at the entrance of most public places. On some occasions, it is trained officers in this field that are used while in some places they are not professionally trained. For some other places, x-ray scanning machines are installed to do this task; for example, in places like airports and railway stations to help in checking for prohibited items thereby ensuring the safety of travelers and transporters. The use of these machines has helped in minimizing crime recorded in these areas significantly. However, some other places like hospitals, schools, and event centers may not have the luxury to install such devices and employ professionals that will work there, thereby exposing the people in such areas to safety threats. This raises a security concern since safety may not be guaranteed in such places. Additionally, because of the way that baggage is packed by people, some prohibited items may be smuggled into public places unnoticed even if x-ray scanners or some persons are employed to carry out security checks at the door. The tendency to perpetrate evil within the premises is possible if luggage with the prohibited item is smuggled in. It is with that in mind that we designed a real-time detection model on the basis of a deep neural network that is able to detect publicly prohibited items. We manually annotated the dataset we used and utilized the benefits of Deep Neural Networks (DNN) for the detection of the 9 classes of objects that we have in our dataset. We as well used different input sizes (416 * 416 and 608 * 608) for the training of the model and were able to compare the performance of the two different input sizes. From the result we obtained from the training, the image input size of 416 gave a better performance with an mAP of 76.75% as well as a speed of detection of 27.1 Frames per Second (FPS).
Pathogenicity of mycoproteins of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae to Bactrocera zonata
Authors: Wajid Muhammad , Qayyum Mirza Abdul , Saeed Shafqat , Ashfaq Muhammad , Yasin Muhammad , Aqueel Muhammad Anjum , Khan Khalid Ali , Ghramh Hamed A. , AL-Shehri Badria M. , Mohammed Mohammed Elimam Ahamed
Published: September 2022

The current study revealed the potential release of mycoproteins ofB. bassianaandM. anisopliaeand their lethal effects onB. zonata.After inoculation and precipitation of crude proteins in 95% (NH4)2SO4at 25° C, the crude samples were subjected to SDS-PAGE. The gel electrophoresis analysis revealed the presence of low molecular weight bands of 11kDa and 25kDa proteins fromB. bassianaandM. anisopliaerespectively. The pathogenicity of mycoproteins fromB. bassianaandM. anisopliaewas evaluated when second instar larvae, 3day old pupae and 3day old adults were subjected to protein concentrations. The larval bioassays revealed that significant maximum mortality of 73.3±3.3 and 86.6±3.3 was recorded at interval of 7 days when fed @ 10µl/g ofBbandMaproteins respectively. Low adult emergence of 33.3±4 and 37.5±5.3 was observed when 3day old pupae were treated with proteins @ 30µl ofBbandMaat an interval of 10 day. Low mortality of 38.0±3.7 and 48.0±5.8 was recorded when 3day old adults (♂and♀) were exposed to 30 μl protein fromBbandMaat an interval of 10 days respectively. The findings of the study conclude the production of proteins and their pathogenic effects. The melanization of the larval tissues, abnormal adult emergence and deformation in wing structures were found symptomatic after ingestion of the proteins. However, the purification process of these proteins, their persistence with respect to environmental regimes and their evaluation under the field condition further are needed to be investigated.
Necdin Inhibits the Proliferation of Osteosarcoma Cells and Lung Metastasis by Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Zhuangzhuang , Chen Shiwei , Shen Zhen , Wu Taiyong , Li Jian , Feng Yi , Zhang Long , Huang Lingan , Guo Li , Qiao Xiaochen , Li Yuan , Lv Zhi
Published: September 2022

The emergence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy has improved the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma (OS), but metastasis and recurrence have become the difficulty of treatment. Necdin (NDN) exists as a tumor suppressor gene in some tumors, but its role in osteosarcoma is not clear, while c-Myc is a clear oncogene. This study found that the expression of NDN is low expressed and c-Myc is high expressed in osteosarcoma. In vitro overexpression of NDN can suppress the proliferation and promote apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells and reduce its invasiveness; at the same time, NDN can inhibit the expression of c-Myc, MMP2, and MMP13. It has been confirmed in vivo studies that NDN is a tumor suppressor of osteosarcoma which can effectively suppress tumor growth and lung metastasis in xenograft nude mice. Transcriptomic testing found and western blot confirmed that NDN affects the expression of c-Myc, MMP2, and MMP13 genes by affecting key proteins of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our results show that NDN can not only inhibits tumor growth in osteosarcoma, but also inhibits the lung metastasis of osteosarcoma by affecting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.
The Relation Between Febrile Seizure and Serum Iron and Zinc Levels in Children
Authors: Bulut Oznur , Gayret Ozlem Bostan , Erol Meltem , Isikli Selen Mandel , Buke Ovgu , Ozel Abdulrahman
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Febrile seizures (FS) are the most commonly seen seizure type in children and its etiology is not fully understood. It is seen in 2-4% of all children. The most common factors contributing the etiopathogenesis of FS are fever, genetic predisposition and age. Other triggering factors include deficiency of iron, zinc and immunoglobulins as well as cytokine and interferon mechanisms. Methods: This prospective and sectional study includes children between the ages 5 months to 5 years, who came to the outpatient pediatric clinic of Health Sciences University Bagcilar Research and Education Hospital between August 2020 and May 2021. The patient group includes 53 patients who came to the emergency service with febrile seizures and came for a follow-up within the following month and the control group includes 53 healthy children who came for a routine checkup with no prior history of seizures or other illnesses. Results: The age of first time FS ranged from 7 months to 60 months with an average age of 19.6 months. 15.1% of patients had a first degree relative with a history of FS and 7.5% of patients had a family member with a history of epilepsy. Serum iron and serum zinc levels were statistically meaningfully lower in the FS group compared to the control group. (p:0.000; p:0.000; p<0.05 respectively)Conclusion: The occurrence of febrile seizures is closely related to serum iron and zinc levels. We can say that FS is triggered once these parameters are below a threshold.
Carbapenem resistance gene crisis in A. baumannii: A computational analysis
Authors: Zahra Nureen , Zeshan Basit , Ishaq Musarat
Published: September 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii)is one of the members ofESKAPEbacteria which is considered multidrug resistant globally. The objective of this study is to determine the protein docking of different ARGs inA. baumannii.In silicoanalysis of antibiotic resistance genes against carbapenem are the blaOXA-51, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-58, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-143, NMD-1 and IMP-1 inA. baumannii. The doripenem, imipenem and meropenem were docked to blaOXA-51 and blaOXA-23 using PyRx. The top docking energy was − 5.5 Kcal/mol by imipenem and doripenem and meropenem showed a binding score of -5. 2Kcal/mol each and blaOXA-23 energy was − 4.3 Kcal/mol by imipenem and meropenem showed a binding score of -2.3 Kcal/mol, while doripenem showed the binding score of -3.4 Kcal/mol. Similarly, doripenem imipenem and meropenem were docked to blaOXA-58, IMP-1, Rec A and blaOXA-143, with docking energy was − 8.8Kcal/mol by doripenem and meropenem each while imipenem showed a binding score of -4.2Kcal/mol and with IMP-1 demonstrated their binding energies. was − 5.7 Kcal/mol by meropenem and doripenem showed a binding score of -5.3Kcal/mol, while imipenem showed a binding score of -4.5 Kcal/mol. And docking energy was − 4.9Kcal/mol by imipenem and meropenem showed binding energy of -3.6Kcal/mol each while doripenem showed a binding score of -3.9Kcal/mol in RecA and with blaOXA-143 docking energy was − 3.0 Kcal/mol by imipenem and meropenem showed a binding score of -1.9Kcal/mol, while doripenem showed the binding score of -2.5 Kcal/mol respectively. Doripenem, imipenem, and meropenem docking findings with blaOXA-24 confirmed their binding energies. Doripenem had the highest docking energy of -5.5 Kcal/mol, meropenem had a binding score of -4.0 Kcal/mol, and imipenem had a binding score of -3.9 Kcal/mol. PyRx was used to dock the doripenem, imipenem, and meropenem to NMD-1. Docking energies for doripenem were all – 4.0Kcal/mol, whereas meropenem had docking energy of -3.3 Kcal/mol and imipenem was − 1.50Kcal/mol.
Analysis of Seasonal Variation and Dispersion Pattern of Ambient Air Pollutants in an Urban Environment
Authors: Sellamuthu Sadheesh , Jeyadharmarajan Jeyanthi
Published: September 2022

The level of air pollution increased in urban areas due to local atmospheric conditions and dispersion of various air pollutants. In this study, the air quality index was carried out in four places in the urban zone and investigated the seasonal variation of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 over one year (2021) by considering the meteorological parameters in Coimbatore. Furthermore, fluidyn-PANACHE, a CFD tool, has been used to simulate the dispersion pattern of gaseous pollutants in the selected locations. To track the model, the concentration details of gaseous pollutants were collected and pollutant dispersion under numerous atmospheric conditions (Humidity, Temperature, Pressure) was identified using fluidyn-PANACHE software. From the collected air samples and dispersion pattern, SO2 and O3 show higher concentrations in summer. Particulate matter and NO2 show higher concentrations in winter due to seasonal variations in energy use and atmospheric constancy. Pearson correlation coefficients indicate most pollutants are correlated in Coimbatore except Ozone. Compared to the AQI category given by CPCB, the selected four locations are in the moderate category. However, increased PM10 levels were observed at all the selected zones in winter due to the process of inversion and environmental conditions.
Statistical analysis and optimization for experimental model of output temperature a helical heat exchanger emerging in a cylindrical tank using the response surface method
Authors: Toujani N. , Saleh B. , BOUAZIZ Nahla
Published: September 2022

In this study, the performance of the helical coil heat exchanger is experimentally tested. The results are statistically analyzed using the response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the heat exchanger response under various parameters. The helical coil outlet temperature is measured as the heat exchanger response. The considered parameters, affecting the performance, are the inlet temperature and pressure to the helical coil in addition to the water bath temperature surrounding the coil. Also, the mutual interactions between these parameters and their influences on the response of the helical coil are evaluated. This study is carried out in two parts, the first part is devoted to perform the experimental tests, and the second part deals statistically with the modelling and optimization of these results. Design of experiments (DOE) is provided according to the full factorial design method. Three parameters with three levels lead to performing 27 experimental runs. Finally, the results are modelled by the RSM method, and the adequacy of the model is verified by ANOVA analysis. The analysis of each parameter effect was performed to identify and rank various critical parameters relative to their order of importance. A complete RSM statistical model with a full factorial design is established. The results show that the statistical model equation has an accuracy of more than 98% to predict the output response of the heat exchanger. The inlet temperature has a dominant effect on the response by 30%. The mutual combination between the investigated parameters shows that the most important correlation is between the inlet temperature and pressure. The developed model enables the optimization of the outlet temperature response without referring to the physical and thermal properties of the used fluid.
Isolation, molecular identification, and investigation of the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Psidium guajava
Authors: Anitha S , Manivannan A
Published: September 2022

Probiotics are non-pathogenic microorganisms that can interact with the stomach microbiota, and enhance their beneficial effects by improving the host immune system. These probiotics are generally isolated mostly from dairy and its byproducts. However, lactose-intolerant people and those who follow veganism are demanding probiotics from the non-dairy source hence for their purpose the present study focused on isolating lactic acid bacteria from Psidium guajava. The isolate was identified as Lactobacillus brevis using biochemical characterization and 16s RNA sequencing. Following this, a series of in vitro tests were conducted to determine the probiotic potential of the isolates including, survival in gut conditions (acid, bile, sodium chloride, phenol, gastric, pancreatin), lysozyme resistance, and survival at different temperatures. The isolate survived the harsh condition in the range of 77–99%. The safety assessment of the isolate was analyzed by an antibiotic susceptibility test in which the isolate was resistant to all the 26 antibiotics, producing no hemolytic and Dnase activity. The antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic organism showed a good inhibitory effect. Considering the enzymatic potential of L.brevis, the presence of protease, lipase, and amylase enzymes was identified. The presence of exopolysaccharide and biofilm production was confirmed by the standard method. The adhesion ability was investigated and the cell surface hydrophobicity was 50.2%, autoaggregation was 92% and co aggregation with E.coli was 55.2%. Cholesterol assimilating ability was confirmed by bile salt hydrosylate activity and percent assimilation was 55.4%. The result of these studies showed that L.brevis could be an excellent potential probiotic for application in the food and pharmaceutical industry.
Saccharin ingestion does not alter the metabolic response of regulatory and counter regulatory hormones compared to glucose ingestion – A double blind, cross-over study
Authors: Zifman Eyal , Evrani Merav , Pantanowitz Michal , Schujovitzky Dana , Eliakim Alon , Nemet Dan
Published: September 2022

Background: Previous research has suggested a correlation between consumption of artificial sweeteners, a paradoxical increase in weight and elevated prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. Our aim was to assess whether consumption of artificial sweeteners impacts the intrinsic hormonal profile in a different manner than consumption of sugar, thus contributing to a secondary increase in caloric consumption.Methods: A cross over, double blind research including 12 young, healthy males. Each participant was randomly assigned to drink a sweetened beverage containing either 50g glucose or 0.166g saccharin. Plasma glucose, insulin, adrenaline, noradrenalin, cortisol, leptin, dopamine, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) levels were sampled before and during the 3 hours after ingestion and dietary intake was assessed for 24 hours.Results: Plasma glucose and insulin levels were significantly higher, after ingestion of the glucose beverage compared to the artificially sweetened beverage. Plasma GH and noradrenaline levels were higher 180 minutes post glucose ingestion. No significant differences were found in the plasma levels of cortisol, leptin, IGF-1 adrenaline and dopamine, following glucose or saccharin ingestion. There was no difference in the 24 hours intake of total calories, carbohydrates, fat and protein. Conclusion: Consumption of a beverage containing saccharin was followed by a difference in glucose and insulin levels compared to glucose ingestion. No differences in other regulatory hormonal responses as well as in the 24h dietary consumption were noted. Larger prospective studies are required to evaluate the influence of artificial sweeteners on the risk of developing obesity and metabolic complications.
Evaluation of the effect of extraoral apicoectomy and retrograde filling for the sealing of the root canal system of mature auto-transplantation teeth
Authors: Liao Fenglin , Wang Hui , Zhao Jihong , Zhang Biao , Zhong Haoyan
Published: September 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of the use of extra-oral apicoectomy combined with retrograde filling for the sealing of root canal system without root canal therapy in the process of autotransplantation of tooth（ATT） .Materials and methods: Patients receiving autologous tooth transplantation in the Department of Oral Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University from 2019 to 2020 were screened. A total 22 patients were included. All the roots of the donor tooth were fractured during tooth extraction, and root canal therapy was not performed temporarily after repairing the broken end and retrograde filling with iRoot BP plus. The periodontal status of the donor teeth 1–2 years after operation was studied, and CBCT was used to assess the presence of ankylosis, internal or external resorption of tooth, periodontitis, periapical periodontitis and omission of canal closure. Results: 22 transplanted teeth of 22 cases were all capable of chewing, and 4 of them had adverse clinical or radiographic findings. Results show a retention rate of 100% and success rate of 81.8%. These figures are consistent with the success and retention rates of the traditional autotransplantation. 63.6% of patients were able to chew hard objects with the planted teeth, and 45.4% of the cases had food impaction.the chewing efficiency of the patient's transplanted teeth side accounted for an average of 82.0% on the healthy side. Conclusion: The extra-oral apicoectomy combined with retrograde filling of the transplanted teeth yielded good results．Clinical Revelance: In some special cases such as when the complex root canal system of the donor teeth cannot guarantee perfect root canal therapy, extra-oral apicoectomy and retrograde filling to seal the root canal system may be an alternative for patients with autogenous tooth transplantation.
Loss of tumor suppressor WWOX accelerates pancreatic cancer development through promotion of TGFβ/BMP2 signaling
Authors: Husanie Hussam , Abu-Remaileh Muhannad , Maroun Kian , Abu-Tair Lina , Safadi Hazem , Atlan Karine , Golan Talia , Aqeilan Rami
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, owing to its late diagnosis and resistance to chemotherapy. The tumor suppressor WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX), one of the most active fragile sites in the human genome (FRA16D), is commonly altered in pancreatic cancer. However, the direct contribution of WWOX loss to pancreatic cancer development and progression remains largely unknown. Here, we report that combined conditional deletion of Wwox and activation of KRasG12D in Ptf1a-CreER-expressing mice results in accelerated formation of precursor lesions and pancreatic carcinoma. At the molecular level, we found that WWOX physically interacts with SMAD3 and BMP2, which are known activators of the TGF-β signaling pathway. In the absence of WWOX, TGFβ/BMPs signaling was enhanced, leading to increased macrophage infiltration and enhanced cancer stemness. Finally, overexpression of WWOX in patient-derived xenografts led to diminished aggressiveness both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our findings reveal an essential role of WWOX in pancreatic cancer development and progression and underscore its role as a bona fide tumor suppressor.
Fecal microbiota transplantation modulates the intestinal microbiome and alleviates Escherichia coli infected outcomes in mice
Authors: Wang Yaping , Chen Xiushuang , Liang Ying , Liu Han , Alam Fakhar , Shahzad Asim , Wei Kunhua , Li Kun
Published: September 2022

Background: Given the crucial role of gut microbiota in animal and human health, studies on modulating the intestinal microbiome for therapeutic purposes have absorbed significant attention, of which the role of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been emphasized. Methods: In the current study, we evaluated the effect of FMT on Escherichia coli (E.coli) infected mice from the perspective of analysis of body weight loss, mortality, intestinal histopathology and immunohistochemistry, and the gut microbiome. Results: Results showed that FMT effectively decreased weight loss and mortality in infected mice to a certain extent, relieving the damaged structure of the intestinal villi driven by infection. Furthermore, the abundance of bacteria health-threatening, such as phylum Proteobacteria, family Enterobacteriaceae, Tannerellaceae, genus Escherichia-Shigella, Sphingomonas, Collinsella etc., were significantly increased, whereas those of beneficial bacteria (phylum Firmicutes, family Lactobacillaceae, genus Lactobacillus) were decreased in gut of infected mice. Moreover, we sought to investigate if the amelioration of clinical symptoms with FMT treatment in infected mice was associated with modulation in disordered gut microbiota. According to beta diversity, the microbial community results reflected the similarities between non-infected and FMT mice’s gut microbiota. The improvement of the intestinal microbiota following FMT was characterized by the significantly increased beneficial microorganisms and the synergistic decrease of Escherichia-Shigella, Acinetobacter, etc. Conclusion: These findings suggest a beneficial host-microbiome correlation might be built following FMT to relieve gut infections and pathogens-associated diseases.
Extended surgical resection for primary retroperitoneal sarcoma. Systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Hussein Osama , Shoman Ahmed , Elbalka Saleh
Published: September 2022

Background & Objectives: Retroperitoneal sarcomas are often advanced at presentation. Surgery remains the only available curative management. The extent of surgical resection is debatable. There is a strong cause for compartmental resection of the whole hemi-retroperitoneum, but high-level evidence is lacking. This systematic review examines published evidence for the effect of resection policy on the oncologic outcome.Methods: The PubMed was searched for “retroperitoneal neoplasms”, “surgery”, “surgical procedures, operative”, and “margin of resection”. Web Of Science™ was searched for “retroperitoneal neoplasms” and “surgical management”. English-language articles that investigated retroperitoneal sarcoma in adult patients with extent of surgery as an independent variable and oncologic outcome as endpoints were included.Results: Twenty-three articles were retained for analysis. All articles were retrospective. Meta-analysis showed equivalence of overall survival with extended surgery versus limited surgery and with sole tumor resection versusen-blocresection with contiguous organs. Multivisceral resection did not increase morbidity.Conclusions: The role of universal extended surgery and the subset of patients who may benefit from irradiation treatment remain open questions.
Adaptation and validation of a coding algorithm for the Charlson comorbidity index in administrative claims data using the SNOMED CT standardized vocabulary
Authors: Fortin Stephen Patrick , Reps Jenna , Ryan Patrick
Published: September 2022

Objectives
The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the most ubiquitous comorbid risk score, predicts one-year mortality among hospitalized patients and provides a single aggregate measure of patient comorbidity. The Quan adaptation of the CCI revised the CCI coding algorithm for applications to administrative claims data using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The purpose of the current study is to adapt and validate a coding algorithm for the CCI using the SNOMED CT standardized vocabulary, one of the most commonly used vocabularies for data collection in healthcare databases in the U.S.
Methods
The SNOMED CT coding algorithm for the CCI was adapted through the direct translation of the Quan coding algorithms followed by manual curation by clinical experts. The performance of the SNOMED CT and Quan coding algorithms were compared in the context of a retrospective cohort study of inpatient visits occurring during the calendar years of 2013 and 2018 contained in two U.S. administrative claims databases. Differences in the CCI or frequency of individual comorbid conditions were assessed using standardized mean differences (SMD). Performance in predicting one-year mortality among hospitalized patients was measured based on the c-statistic of logistic regression models.
Results
For each database and calendar year combination, no significant differences in the CCI or frequency of individual comorbid conditions were observed between vocabularies (SMD ≤ 0.10). Specifically, the difference in CCI measured using the SNOMED CT vs. Quan coding algorithms was highest in MDCD in 2013 (3.75 vs. 3.6; SMD = 0.03) and lowest in DOD in 2018 (3.93 vs. 3.86; SMD = 0.02). Similarly, as indicated by the c-statistic, there was no evidence of a difference in the performance between coding algorithms in predicting one-year mortality (SNOMED CT vs. Quan coding algorithms, range: 0.725–0.789 vs. 0.723–0.787, respectively). A total of 700 of 5,348 (13.1%) ICD code mappings were inconsistent between coding algorithms. The most common cause of discrepant codes was multiple ICD codes mapping to a SNOMED CT code (n = 560) of which 213 were deemed clinically relevant thereby leading to information gain.
Conclusion
The current study repurposed an important tool for conducting observational research to use the SNOMED CT standardized vocabulary.
Listeria species contamination in the milk-processing chain and decontamination proficiency of small-scale milk retailers
Authors: Kananub Suppada , Lertsakkongkul Papavarin , Aryatawong Patsara , Horhirunkhajohn Wilailak , Pinniam Nayika , Krajanglikit Praphaphan , Sonthong Kamonrat , Kasemsuwan Suwicha
Published: September 2022

Listeria is an important-foodborne bacteria. Many people prefer consuming milk products from small-scale retailers. These milk products are not of controlled quality and can cause listeriosis. We explored the possibility of Listeria spp. contamination in milk products from the farm and retailer level. The efficiency of vendors’ processing measures in eliminating L. monocytogenes was also evaluated. Milk samples in the current study were collected from bulk tanks and small-scale milk retailers. As part of the clinical trial, L. monocytogenes-added samples were tested for remaining bacteria after treatment with processing measures employed by the vendors. Descriptive analysis, Chi-squared test, and Fisher’s exact test were used for data analysis. The milk from the farm level presented 1% listeria contamination, which was confirmed to be L. marthii. Data analyses revealed that the location of the retailer was associated with the volume they routinely ordered per lot and the milk-processing time the vendors used to treat milk (p < 0.05). Knowledge on raw milk contamination is significantly associated with the stocking or processing of the whole milk lot. Male sellers reportedly treating milk less thoroughly than their female counterparts (p < 0.01). In clinical trial, L. monocytogenes was not identified after sample treatment.
The Impact of the Northern Ethiopian Tigray War on Hypertensive Patients’ Follow Up: a Brief Quantitative Study
Authors: Hailu Abraha , Gidey Kibreab , Zenebe Dawit , Berhe Ephrem , Kidu Meskelu , Berhane Samuel , Gebrearegawi Hailemariam , Tesfay Hagazi , Mehari Desilu , Kahsay Hagos , Msc Senait Alemayehu , Msc Kidanu Gebremariam , Gebregziabher Tesfay
Published: September 2022

Background: A tragic and brutal war has been ongoing in Tigray, northern Ethiopia since November 2020. More than 70 % of health facilities had been dysfunctional. The condition of the hypertensive patients follow up/care and other non-communicable diseases is not studied since the war started.Methods: This study was conducted in six zones of Tigrai from July 03-to August 5, 2021. Health facilities were randomly selected and data on patient’s follow-up of pre-war period (September 2020-October 2020) as well as the subsequent 8 months war period (November 2020-June 2021). Data were collected using a check list. The number of patients who had visits during pre-war and the 8-month war period were compared to assess the impact of the war.Results: Pre-war and post war data from 46 health facilities in Tigray region (31 health centers, 9 primary hospitals and 6 general hospitals) was collected and analysed. There were 2565 average monthly hypertension visits to health facilities before war period which dropped to 1211 during the war period, a 52.7% reduction. There was reduction of hypertension visits across all health facilities; with health centres 51.2% and hospitals a 53.5% reduction. Eastern and north west zone health facilities had worst impact of the war as both showed >85% reduction in clinic visits. The impact of the war was highest in rural areas especially remote areas than urban areas. There was no available data from western Tigray zone and some other zones’ health centres and hospitals due to war destructions. The impact of the war on hypertensive patients could even be higher in these areas.Conclusion: Due to the war, the care of hypertension had significantly decreased in Tigray. Reduction in the number of hypertensive patients follow up visits and hence care would lead to an increase in short and long-term morbidity/mortality from stroke, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure and sudden cardiac death among other consequences. We recommend humanitarian/development agencies and other organizations to consider morbidity from hypertension and all other chronic non-communicable diseases when planning.