bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisión de la literatura científica contemporánea de estudios por imágenes de las calcificaciones de la glándula submandibular
Authors:   , Rozas Pozo Marco Gilberto
Published: November 2024

La sialolitiasis es una de las patologías más comunes de las glándulas salivales mayores y se presenta con mayor frecuencia en las glándulas submandibulares. Entre el 80 y el 95% de los sialolitos se desarrollan en las glándulas submandibulares; entre el 5 y el 20%, en la glándula parótida; y solo el 1%, en la glándula sublingual. Los sialolitos se forman dentro del parénquima y los sistemas de conductos asociados. En el conducto de Wharton, del 80 al 90%, y solo el 15% en la glándula. La sialolitiasis es la causa del dolor e inflamación de la glándula salival al obstruir el conducto y evitar la secreción salival, antes, durante y después de la ingestión de los alimentos. El objetivo de esta revisión fue realizar la descripción actualizada de los distintos métodos de diagnóstico por imágenes, utilizados para el estudio de las calcificaciones de la glándula submandibular, a partir de diferentes estudios reportados en la literatura científica contemporánea, con la finalidad de establecer el diagnóstico correcto. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en las principales fuentes de información, incluidas Medline (vía PubMed), Elsevier, SciELO y LILACS, usando los términos de búsqueda con una limitación de fecha de los últimos 5 años en promedio. Los artículos seleccionados incluyeron información referente a calcificaciones de las glándulas salivales. Los estudios por imágenes de las calcificaciones de las glándulas salivales se pueden obtener con radiografías convencionales, sialografía, ultrasonografía (US), tomografía computarizada (TC) y resonancia magnética (RM).
Motivación y productividad en los cajeros de Plaza Vea El Cortijo 2022
Authors:   , Avendaño Capcha Fiorella Alicia
Published: November 2024

El objetivo de la investigación consideró analizar si la motivación incide en la productividad de los cajeros de Plaza Vea El Cortijo - Barranco 2022. En cuanto a la metodología, se empleó el diseño no experimental, de enfoque cuantitativo, con alcance explicativo- causal. La muestra tipo censal, conformada por 50 cajeros de Plaza Vea El Cortijo. Con respecto a la recopilación de datos se dispuso como técnica la encuesta y el cuestionario como instrumento, el cual contó de 19 ítems. En cuanto al tratamiento de datos en referencia al entorno inferencial se aplicó la regresión lineal para calcular si el modelo es adecuado y tiene capacidad predictiva. Para la hipótesis general el R2 hallada fue de (0, 688) indicando que la incidencia es moderada, concluyendo que la motivación incide significativamente en la productividad, destacando que la comunicación, el reconocimiento y las condiciones laborales juega un rol crucial en la motivación de los cajeros de la entidad investigada y que a su vez esta condición repercute significativamente en la productividad en metas, establecida por la tienda.
Frecuencia y tipo de alteraciones radiográficas en las articulaciones metacarpo y metatarsofalángicas en caballos peruanos de paso, clínicamente sanos, entre uno a tres años de edad, de tres criaderos del distrito de Cieneguilla, Perú
Authors:   , Cobilich Rizo Patron Margarita
Published: November 2024

El Caballo Peruano de Paso (CPP) es una raza de caballos de gran importancia para el Perú, principalmente destinada a exhibición, deporte y trabajo. Debido a su relevancia para el foco de desarrollo económico alrededor de su crianza, es importante la evaluación de alteraciones en su aparato locomotor, principalmente durante los primeros años de vida. Esta información no ha sido documentada en detalle en el CPP, a diferencia de otras razas de caballos en donde sí se ha estudiado. Por ello, este estudio ha evaluado la frecuencia y tipo de alteraciones radiológicas en las articulaciones metacarpo y metatarsofalángicas en CPP jóvenes (1 a 3 años de edad), pertenecientes a tres criaderos del distrito de Cieneguilla, Lima, Perú. Se evaluaron 67 ejemplares clínicamente sanos de CPP (22 machos y 45 hembras) mediante diferentes tomas radiográficas, utilizando un equipo de radiografía digital (cinco tomas para ambos miembros anteriores: D30Pr-PaDiO, LM, LM Flexionada, D10Pr45L-PaDiMO y D10Pr45M-PaDiLO; cuatro tomas para ambos miembros posteriores: D30Pr-PlDio, LM, D10Pr45PiDiMO y D10Pr45M-PlDiLO), las cuales fueron analizadas, distribuyéndose los resultados por localización anatómica y tipo de alteración. Además, se evaluó la asociación entre la frecuencia de las alteraciones y las variables de edad, sexo, altura, peso y tipo de manejo de CPP. En general, se reportó la presencia de alguna alteración radiográfica en el 76.1% (51/67) de los ejemplares estudiados, siendo la presencia de osteoartritis el hallazgo más común del presente estudio en 43.3% de los caballos, seguido por la presencia de anormalidades radiolúcidas en la cresta sagital del tercer hueso metacarpiano o metatarsiano. Dichos cambios tuvieron una correlación positiva con las variables de edad y peso en los CPP estudiados. Esta evaluación descriptiva servirá como información radiográfica base de las articulaciones metacarpo y metatarsofalángicas de los Caballos Peruanos de Paso para poder correlacionar a futuro estos hallazgos.
Composición y abundancia del zooplancton de los alrededores de la Isla Asia en las estaciones de otoño y primavera del 2021
Authors:   , Lizarbe Palacios Mary Isabel
Published: November 2024

El zooplancton está compuesto de consumidores primarios que influyen en la biodisponibilidad de los nutrientes y el flujo de energía a niveles superiores de las redes tróficas. Su presencia y composición está, en parte, sujeta a cambios estacionales, dependiendo de la disponibilidad del fitoplancton cuya abundancia a su vez está influenciada por las variaciones en los parámetros fisicoquímicos del ambiente marino. Isla Asia es un área natural protegida por el Estado Peruano que alberga una gran diversidad de especies bentónicas y planctónicas. Estas forman parte de los biorecursos de aprovechamiento para la pesca artesanal de la zona. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar la composición (grupos, estructura, y diversidad), abundancia y biomasa del zooplancton en los alrededores de Isla Asia en las estaciones de otoño y primavera 2021. Se colectó muestras zooplancton en cuatro puntos alrededor de Isla Asia en los meses de mayo y octubre 2021 las cuales fueron identificadas hasta el taxón más específico posible. Se calculó la abundancia y biovolumen obtenidos por puntos y estaciones de muestreo. En total, se observó una mayor abundancia del zooplancton en otoño con 171,805 ind.100 m-3, mientras que en primavera se registró 91,770 ind.100 m-3. Se registró un total de 16 grupos taxonómicos entre ambas estaciones, 15 taxa en otoño y 14 en primavera. La mayor diversidad (H’) fue encontrada en otoño. Además, la estructura del zooplancton se agrupó más cercanamente según la temporada de la colecta, indicando que el ensamble del zooplancton puede variar según la época del año. Los grupos taxonómicos predominantes durante ambas estaciones fueron: Copepoda, Hydrozoa, Vertebrata, Cirripedia, Branchiopoda y Decapoda. Las especies más abundantes fueron Acartia tonsa (Copepoda) (otoño y primavera) y Obelia sp. (primavera). Debido a su abundancia, la presencia de A. tonsa es clave para...
Determinación de presencia de conductas estereotipadas y asociación con las características de una población de caballos deportivos en un club ecuestre de Lima-Perú
Authors:   , Palomino Falcon Louise Angela Scarllett
Published: November 2024

El confinamiento de caballos de deporte puede ocasionar comportamientos inusuales, conocidos como "conductas estereotipadas", que suelen relacionarse con un manejo inapropiado, problemas de alimentación frustrantes y niveles elevados de estrés debido a las demandas del deporte, entre otros factores. Actualmente, no hay estudios específicos que cubran completamente la diversidad de estas conductas estereotipadas observadas en los caballos. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron determinar la presencia de conductas estereotipadas y evaluar la asociación con las características de la población (edad, sexo y tipo de deporte). Se evaluaron 60 caballos (entre 3 y 20 años) tanto machos como hembras. El monitoreo se realizó durante diez días consecutivos, de diez horas/día para cada caballo (7:00- 12:00 y 13:00-18:00), con un total de 6000 horas. Los resultados de cada tipo de estereotipia fueron reportados mediante frecuencias y número de episodios. Se observaron conductas estereotipadas en 50% (30/60) de los caballos evaluados (IC 95%: 36.8% a 63.2%), siendo principalmente estereotipias de tipo locomotoras (balanceo del tren anterior [14/60, 23.3%] y deambular estereotipado [10/60, 16.7%]), en comparación a estereotipias orales (aerofagia [1/60, 1.7%] y lamer objetos [9/60, 15.0%]). No se observó asociación estadística entre la frecuencia de estereotipias y las características de la población. Por otro lado, en animales con estereotipias, el número de episodios tuvo una mediana de 23 [rango intercuartílico: 13-56]), el número de episodios estadísticamente mayor en caballos de raza Zangersheide que en caballos Pura Sangre de Carrera (PSC) o criollos (P < 0.035). Con respecto a los patrones de estereotipias, la mayoría de los animales presentaron solo estereotipias locomotoras (20/60, 33.3%), comparado a estereotipias orales (7/60, 11.7%) y solo 3 animales (5.0%) tuvieron ambas.
Asociación entre la calidad de la dieta y los comportamientos de higiene con el estado nutricional de niños de las instituciones educativas de la comunidad nativa de Teoría, Junín-Perú, 2023
Authors:   , Gomez Paucar Ste Fany Karen , Davila Cueva Hypatia Steffany
Published: November 2024

Fundamentos: La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la asociación entre la calidad de la dieta y comportamientos de higiene con el estado nutricional de niños de la comunidad nativa de Teoría, Llaylla - Satipo Junín -Perú, 2023. Métodos: Investigación observacional de diseño transversal, de carácter censal, que incluyó a 120 estudiantes de nivel inicial y primario. Para la recolección de información sobre la calidad de la dieta y los comportamientos de higiene, se aplicaron dos cuestionarios y se realizaron mediciones antropométricas. Para la valoración del estado nutricional se utilizó el programa WHO Anthro para menores de 5 años y el programa WHO Anthro Plus v1.0.4 para niños mayores de 5 años. Con respecto a los análisis estadísticos, se empleó el software JASP. Resultados: Del total de los escolares que participaron se destaca que en el grupo de 3 a 4 años 61,54% tenía una talla baja severa, y en el grupo de 12 a 13 años el 25% presentaron sobrepeso. Tanto en el grupo de escolares y preescolares el 71,67% requirieron cambios en su dieta y el 97,5% tuvieron un comportamiento de higiene negativo. Además, no se obtuvo una asociación significativa entre la calidad de la dieta y comportamientos de higiene con el estado nutricional en preescolares y escolares (p>0,05). Conclusiones: No existe relación significativa entre la calidad de la dieta y comportamientos de higiene con el estado nutricional de los preescolares de 3 a 4 años y escolares de 5 a 13 años.
Toxicidad del glifosato sobre Pisum sativum L. y su efecto en los suelos francos arenosos aplicando un consorcio bacteriano
Authors:   , Cruz Inca Kevin , Suna Alagon Lourdes
Published: November 2024

Introducción. El glifosato (GLI), es un herbicida común que puede en exceso afectar tanto a las malezas como a los cultivos agrícolas. Objetivo. Evaluar la toxicidad del GLI sobre Pisum sativum “arveja” en suelo franco-arenoso aplicando las bacterias Ochrobactrum anthropi y Pseudomonas aeruginosa en forma individual y en consorcio bacteriano. Materiales y métodos. Para el estudio, se establecieron 96 macetas en un invernadero. El suelo contenido en estas macetas fue previamente mezclado con GLI, el cual fue sometido a análisis edafológico. 48 macetas contenían únicamente suelo con grupos bacterianos, y las otras 48 macetas presentaban tanto grupos bacterianos como P. sativum. Resultados. Se observó que P. sativum expuesto a 17,42 mL L-1 de GLI redujo significativamente su crecimiento con respecto al control. Sin embargo, este efecto negativo fue eliminado con la aplicación del consorcio bacteriano, resultando tener una mejoría en el desarrollo de las plantas. Se analizó que el GLI afectó negativamente el peso fresco de la raíz (PFR) y peso fresco del tallo (PFT), especialmente a concentraciones de 8,71 mL L-1 y 17,42 mL L-1. Los resultados proponen que la presencia de las bacterias en suelo con GLI afectaron el pH y la conductividad eléctrica del suelo, mientras la materia orgánica no fue afectada. El potasio disponible en el suelo aumentó con la aplicación de GLI, pero la presencia de bacterias redujo este efecto. El fósforo disponible en el suelo aumentó con P. sativum en suelos con GLI al 17,42 mL L-1. Conclusiones. El GLI a concentraciones de 8,71 mL L-1 y 17,42 mL L-1 afecta el crecimiento del tallo y de la raíz del P. sativum, pero la inoculación bacteriana atenúa este efecto y modifica las propiedades del suelo. Esto subraya la relevancia de la interacción entre herbicida, microorganismos y suelo en la agricultura.
Asociación entre síntomas depresivos y riesgo nutricional en pacientes adultos mayores atendidos en consulta externa del hospital María Auxiliadora; Lima -Perú, 2018-2022
Authors:   , Hilares Berrocal Mayra Cristina , Guerra Gallarday Miluska
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre síntomas depresivos y riesgo nutricional en pacientes adultos mayores del hospital María Auxiliadora. Material y métodos: Se extrajo datos de historias clínicas del Hospital Nacional María Auxiliadora, en consultorio externo de geriatría entre 2018 y 2022, excluyendo 2020 y 2021 debido a la pandemia por SARS CoV2. Se analizó información sobre edad, sexo, estado civil, grado instrucción, comorbilidad e IMC. Para este estudio se utilizaron la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica (GDS-15) y Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Se utilizó la prueba estadística chi2 para evaluar correlación entre nuestras variables y se realizó un modelo de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta cruda y ajustada para analizar los factores asociados teniendo en cuenta un IC 95%. Resultados: Se obtuvo que existe asociación entre la presencia de síntomas depresivos y riesgo nutricional en pacientes adultos mayores (chi2 p<0.001), dado que los síntomas depresivos incrementan la probabilidad de tener riesgo de malnutrición en 3.53 veces en comparación a los que no los tienen. [ RPa: 3.53 (95%: 2.57 – 4.86). Nuestra muestra estuvo conformada por 311 de pacientes, de los cuales 168 presentaron síntomas depresivos (54.02%), los pacientes con riesgo de malnutrición fueron 181 (58.20%), además al realizar el ajuste con las demás covariables no tuvieron significancia estadística. Conclusión: Es necesario cuidar y dar seguimiento a todos los pacientes ancianos que manifiesten síntomas depresivos pues podrían padecer riesgo nutricional, esto con el propósito de contribuir en su estilo de vida , pues se demostró que si existe asociación en nuestro estudio.
La contribución de las noticias en la predicción del tipo de cambio en el Perú: 2017-2021
Authors:   , Paredes Perez Ines Gabriela , Villanueva Pariona Saul
Published: November 2024

El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar si los titulares de noticias publicadas en línea contribuyen en la predicción del rendimiento diario del tipo de cambio sol-dólar en el Perú durante el periodo 2017-2021. Para ello, se analizaron los titulares de noticias publicadas en el portal web del diario “El Comercio” y se identificaron aquellos relacionados a palabras clave como dólar, crisis e incertidumbre. Las noticias fueron extraídas mediante la técnica de raspado de datos de la web o web scraping. El análisis empírico se basa en la estimación por máxima verosimilitud de un modelo de regresión dinámico con errores GARCH para predecir el rendimiento del tipo de cambio nominal. Los resultados muestran que los titulares de noticias publicadas en línea contribuyen al pronóstico del rendimiento del tipo de cambio, siendo los más relevantes los titulares de noticias asociados a la palabra crisis.
Adicción a las redes sociales y procrastinación en estudiantes de la carrera de medicina de una universidad privada de Lima Metropolitana
Authors:   , Chipana Asparrin Giomara Maricruz , Huamani Collazos Maria Elena
Published: November 2024

En la investigación actual se consideró determinar si existe relación entre la adicción a las redes sociales y la procrastinación, así como los niveles de cada variable. En el aspecto metodológico se empleó un enfoque cuantitativo y se optó por el diseño no experimental de corte transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 349 universitarios de la carrera de medicina, quienes respondieron dos cuestionarios “Adicción a las redes sociales” y “Escala de procrastinación general”. Los hallazgos alcanzados mediante el proceso estadístico Rho de Spearman mostraron un r = 0.521 y un p valor = 0.000<0.05. Esto indica que encontramos una correlación directa y positiva entre ambas variables, lo que señala que aquellos estudiantes que presentan altos niveles de adicción a las redes sociales tienen una mayor tendencia a posponer sus responsabilidades académicas. Por lo que se sugiere realizar programas o talleres psicoeducativos para promover el uso responsable de las redes sociales y prevenir el incremento de los niveles de procrastinación en la población de estudio.
Study on Damage Evolution Law of Coal Pore Structure under Multipass Pulsating Hydraulic Loads
Authors: Deng Qiucheng , Chen Xi , Ma Guoliang , Fan Chaonan , Ge Shaocheng , Zhou Gang , Fan Nan
Published: November 2024

Coal seam water injection prefracturing to reduce dust is one of the important measures to control coal mine dust. At present, the hydraulic load used for coal seam water injection can be divided into pulsating hydraulic load and conventional hydraulic load. Pulsating hydraulic load can produce a more complex pore-fracture network under the same equivalent pressure as conventional hydraulic load, which is of remarkable significance for improving the effect of coal mine dust control. This study is based on the self-built pulsating hydraulic fracturing experimental device and combined with the nondestructive 3D reconstruction technology of computed tomography (CT) scanning, aiming to investigate the evolution law of coal fracture propagation under various pulsating peak pressures and loading times at the microscopic level. The results show that the primary pore structure governs the trend of coal damage. The arrangement directions of pores and small fractures can be made to slope in the direction of water injection by the pulsating hydraulic load, and the higher the pulsating peak pressure, the better the fracture penetration effect. The propagation of pores with a diameter of 100–500 μm is the main cause of the fracture section formation, and macropores that have a diameter larger than 500 μm constitute the principal part of the pore structure, indicating the propagation and penetration of fractures; the average surface porosity increment of coal increases with the increase of peak pressure. Under different pulsating peak pressures and loading times, the pore fractal dimension of coal samples all have a bimodal distribution of small and large peaks, but varied pulsating peak pressures also have an impact on the distribution range, number, and occurrence stage of this distribution.
Developing Block 2 Angola: A Multidimensional Approach to Managing Development Risk
Authors: Morris R. L. , Romero R. R.
Published: November 2024

Management

Summary

This case study focuses on a $380-million project involving development of eight new offshore fields in Block 2 Angola, which became a success story despite facing major obstacles during early phases of the project. This study highlights how a multidimensional approach to managing risk and uncertainty, coupled with excellent cooperation with partners and government, can lead to an economic success.

With the interruption of the Angolan peace process in 1992, Block 2 was directly affected during the construction phase of the project. For a 2-year period and until the signing of the Lusaka Peace Accords in 1994, which re-established a cease-fire in Angola, mitigation of risk and uncertainty became the primary driver in completing this project. As a minority shareholder in Block 2, Texaco Angola (Texaco Panama Inc.-Angola) as operator needed to gain consensus among all its partners and the government for a revised development plan, taking into account some very divergent views of the risks facing the partnership. Ensuring the security of personnel, continuity of income, and maintaining sound project economics were required to gain the consensus needed to move ahead. A complete redesign of the development concept ensued while in the construction phase. The result was that this project was completed approximately 3 years later with acceptable economics. Unconventional and innovative design, financial hedging, and project-management solutions are highlighted to illustrate how this was accomplished.
WITHDRAWN: Application of poly(Clove Oil)-Based Organo-Hydrogels for Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Dudu Tuba Ersen , Alpaslan Duygu , Turan Abdullah , Aktas Nahit
Published: November 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Spinal muscular atrophy is also a disorder of spermatogenesis
Authors: MAGOT Armelle , REIGNIER Arnaud , BINOIS Olivier , MILLET Anne-Laure BEDAT , DAVION Jean-Baptiste , DEBERGE Louise , GHORAB Karima , GUYANT Lucie , LAHERANNE Emilie , LAFORET Pascal , LEFEUVRE Claire , MALLARET Martial , MICHAUD Maud , OMAR Chahla , PAKLEZA Aleksandra NADAJ , NICOLAS Guillaume , NOURY Jean Baptiste , PEGAT Antoine , PERE Morgane , SALORT Emmanuelle CAMPANA , SOLE Guilhem , SPINAZZI Marco , TARD Céline , VUILLEROT Carole , PEREON Yann
Published: November 2024

Background
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients benefit from pre-mRNA splicing modifiers targeting the SMN2 gene, which aims to increase functional SMN production. The animal toxicity affecting spermatogenesis associated with one such treatment raised questions about male SMA patients’ spermatogenesis.
Methods
This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to July 2023. The study involved adult male patients with genetically confirmed SMA type 2 (SMA2) or SMA3 from 13 French neuromuscular centers. The patients’ general data, motor severity, urological history, exposure to certain factors, parenthood, and spermogram results were obtained. All patients were enrolled prior to exposure to risdiplam.
Findings
Sixty-eight patients were enrolled ( 36 SMA2 and 32 SMA3 patients). Forty-one patients had fertility data (parenthood history and spermogram analyses) and underwent 33 spermograms. Fertility disorders were identified in 27 of the 41 patients (65·9%, 95%CI: 51·3%–80·4%) in particular SMA2 patients: 19 cases (90.5%, CI: 77·9%-100%) (SMA3: 8 cases (40%, CI :18·5%-61·5%). Among the patients with available spermograms, 81% (27/33) had abnormal sperm concentration; 30% presented azoospermia. These abnormalities were significantly associated with SMA type (more prevalent in SMA2 patients, p < 0·001), disease motor severity, which included age at the loss of walking ability and wheelchair use duration (p < 0·001). The Motor Function Measure (MFM) determined that the sperm counts were also correlated with disease severity (p < 0·01).
Interpretation
The fertility disorders were correlated with SMA severity and were particularly evident in SMA2 patients. In the latter, sperm concentration positively correlated with MFM. This study is the first one to link fertility disorders with spermogram abnormalities in SMA males. Understanding spermatogenesis in SMA is crucial, especially with new therapies such as risdiplam. Consequently, conducting systematic spermogram studies prior to SMA treatment is recommended.
Ethical Issues in Providing Comprehensive Abortion Care to Adolescents: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Authors: Der Amanda Debuo , Ganle John K.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Globally, abortion rates among young women is a public health concern. In 2021, 17.8% of abortions occurred among adolescents in the Eastern region of Ghana, who struggle to access comprehensive abortion care (CAC) due to conflicts over decision-making capacity and parental consent requirements. This study explores the ethical issues surrounding CAC provision for adolescents in the New Juaben Municipality, Eastern Region, Ghana. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study approached was used to explore the ethical concerns of healthcare workers providing CAC to adolescents. Twelve healthcare workers, comprising midwives, a physician specialist, a physician assistant, and a nurse, who had provided CAC services for at least 6 months were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using ATLAS.it software. Thematic analysis was conducted, with relevant quotations used to support the findings. Findings: This study revealed that some midwives provided biased and persuasive counseling to adolescents. Other ethical issues uncovered were confidentiality, coercion of mentally ill to accept post-abortion contraceptives, and contemplation with conscientious objection. Minors required parental consent for CAC, but mature adolescents provided informed consent. Where minors object to parental involvement, the loco parentis is used albeit strict parental involvement is required in advanced gestational age. Healthcare providers resolved ethical dilemmas related to informed consent through personal discretion and consultation. Confidentiality and conscientious objection were handled through consultation and referral. Task sharing ensured appropriate counseling and confidentiality. The Ghana Health Service counseling guidelines were often used for post-abortion family planning counseling. Conclusion: This study identified several ethical concerns related to CAC for adolescents, including biased counseling, compromised autonomy, confidentiality, beneficence, and conscientious objection. Appropriate resolution of ethical issues is important to improve access to CAC services for adolescents. Values clarification and attitude transformation training is required to orientate healthcare workers to provide unbiased and non-directive counseling. Clinical Trial Number: Not Applicable
Protein sequence classification using natural language processing techniques
Authors: Perveen¹ Huma , Weeds² Julie
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to improve protein sequence classification through natural language processing (NLP) techniques, addressing the need for precise, automated methods. The research focused on comparing various machine learning and deep learning models to determine the most effective approach for classifying protein sequences into 75 target classes.
Methods
The study evaluated models such as K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Multinomial Naïve Bayes, Logistic Regression, Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Decision Tree, Random Forest, XGBoost, Voting and Stacking classifiers, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and transformer models (BertForSequenceClassification, DistilBERT, and ProtBert). Performance was tested using different amino acid ranges and sequence lengths.
Results
The Voting classifier outperformed other models with 74% accuracy and 65% F1 score, while ProtBERT achieved 76% accuracy and 61% F1 score among transformers.
Conclusion
Advanced NLP techniques, particularly ensemble methods like Voting classifiers, and transformer models show significant potential in protein classification, with sufficient training data and sequence similarity management being crucial for optimal performance.
Evaluation of renal allograft function by diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion weighted imaging
Authors: Li Wenxin , Ge Shiliang , Gao Feng , Zhang Jun , Liu Xiaolu , Li Meng , Gan Tian
Published: November 2024

Objective:
To investigate the value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging techniques in allograft kidneys.
Materials and Methods:
This study was approved by the institutional ethical review committee, and written informed consent was obtained. We included 84 eligible kidney transplant patients and 30 age-matched healthy volunteers. All subjects underwent DTI, mono-exponential DWI and pCASL scans using a 1.5T MRI scanner. Cortical and medullary fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and cortical renal blood flow (RBF) were measured. Recipients were categorized into three groups according to eGFR. The study compared among the groups, evaluated the correlation of each parameter with eGFR and their diagnostic efficacy in discriminating between different functional states of transplanted kidneys.
Results:
(1) Cortical ADC, medullary ADC and cortical RBF decreased with the decline of allograft renal function and were positively correlated with eGFR (cortical ADC: r= 0.513, p < 0.001; medullary ADC: r= 0.489, p < 0.001; cortical RBF: r= 0.615, p < 0.001); cortical-medullary FA values did not show such a trend.
(2) Cortical RBF values had the maximum AUC with high sensitivity and specificity when distinguishing between groups 1 and 2 (0.919, 95.7%, 71.4%)and between groups 1 and 3(0.969, 85.7%, 100%), and we found that when distinguishing between groups 1 and 3, combining it with cortical and medullary ADC values , respectively, increased the AUC(0.980); and when distinguishing between groups 2 and 3, cortical ADC values had the maximum AUC(0.798) with high specificity(91.3%).
Conclusions:
DWI and ASL are valuable in assessing kidney graft function. The diagnostic validity of cortical RBF values is higher in different groups of transplanted kidneys.
Enhancement of the catalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles toward methanol electro- oxidation using La-doped-Ta 2 O 5 /MWCNTs supporting materials
Authors: Wu Bohua , Lu Xicheng , Du Fengxiao , Liu Yifan , Wang Xiaoqin , Xiong Shanxin
Published: November 2024

In this work, La-doped Ta2O5 was synthesized as support for Pt nanoparticles by hydrothermal method. The prepared Pt/Ta2O5-La/MWCNTs catalysts were characterized by TEM, XRD and XPS. These characterization methods confirm that Pt nanoparticles were successfully supported on La-doped Ta2O5/MWCNTs. The TEM reveals that the catalyst particle size on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes is mainly between 2 nm and 10 nm, with an average particle size of 4.8 nm. The further electrochemical characterizations including CV, show that Pt/Ta2O5-La/MWCNTs catalysts have larger electrochemical surface area, better electrocatalytic activity and higher stability towards the methanol oxidation reaction compared to the carbon supported Pt catalysts. The excellent electrocatalytic performance is mainly contributed to the smaller particle size and more uniform dispersion of Pt nanoparticles. This work demonstrated that Ta2O5-La/MWCNTs is a promising anode catalyst support for direct methanol fuel cells.
Exploring Medical Students' Preferences and Challenges in Clinical Pharmacology Education: Insights and Improvement Strategies
Authors: Tobaiqy Mansour
Published: November 2024

Background
Medical students receive foundational knowledge in clinical pharmacology, bridging the gap between pharmacology and clinical practice. While several studies have investigated clinical pharmacology teaching methodologies, few describe the teaching and learning of clinical pharmacology in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to explore medical students' preferences for teaching and learning methods in clinical pharmacology, identify current strengths and challenges, and provide suggestions for improvement.
Methods
In April 2024, a cross-sectional online survey was distributed via WhatsApp to second and third-year medical students at the University of Jeddah, KSA. The survey invitation explained the purpose, voluntary participation, and anonymity of responses, with informed consent obtained. A 24-item English questionnaire, including a Likert scale and open-ended questions, was developed based on prior research and pilot-tested by five medical students. Data were analyzed using Minitab 17, employing descriptive statistics and Chi-square (χ2) tests to explore variable relationships.
Results
Ninety out of 395 medical students completed the questionnaire (22.8% response rate). Students (43.3%, n = 39) found the curriculum comprehensive and relevant for medication management but lacked cohesiveness. Significant challenges included understanding course content (56.7%, n = 51) and passing exams (43.3%, n = 39). Additionally, 56.7% (n = 51) felt overwhelmed by the volume of information and struggled to practically apply pharmacological knowledge. Interactive teaching methods, such as case-based discussions and simulations, were deemed inadequate, and hands-on experience opportunities needed to be improved. While 43.3% (n = 39) expressed satisfaction with their education, 36.7% (n = 33) remained neutral, indicating uncertainty about the instruction's quality and effectiveness. Half of the respondents (50%, n = 42) called for adding root cause analysis and systems-based approaches to improve medication safety in the curriculum. Key teaching demands: autonomic pharmacology (44.3%), pharmacokinetics/dynamics (39.8%), and cardiovascular pharmacology (37.5%).
Conclusions
Findings suggest the need for more cohesive clinical pharmacology curricula, enhanced interactive teaching methods, and increased use of technology and practical applications to improve learning outcomes.
Deformation behavior of additive manufactured 316L stainless steel using in situ neutron diffraction
Authors: Chen Zhiping , Jiang Zhenjun , Wang Fuzhu , Zhao Dandan , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Chen , Hao Jianfei , Tong Mengmeng , Chen Bin , Kong Hao Jie , Wan Bingbing , Li Runxia , Wang Biao , Liu Gang
Published: November 2024

Manufacturing of metallic components using additive manufacturing technique is of great interest for the industrial applications. Here, the mechanical and microstructural responses of a 316L stainless steel (316LSS) built by selective laser melting (SLM) with XOY and XOZ directions were revealed by performing in situ neutron diffraction tensile tests. The tensile strength of the XOY-printed samples reaches 700 MPa, while the tensile strength of the XOZ-printed samples is less than 600 MPa. The diffraction peaks of the XOY and XOZ oriented SLM-formed 316LSS samples underwent significant changes during the tensile deformation process. The lattice constant of the printed samples in the tensile loading direction increased, while the lattice constant of the printed samples in the direction perpendicular to the tensile loading decreased. As a result, deformation anisotropy mechanism of additive manufactured 316LSS based on in situ neutron diffraction is due to the difference of fraction of nano-sized dimples, twin boundaries, diffraction peak transformation and lattice constants during tensile tests at room temperature. Therefore, choosing right printing direction plays a vital role in forming of metal parts using SLM for further application.
TLK1 as a Druggable Target in TMZ-Resistant Glioblastoma: Evaluating Small Molecule as a Promising Drug Candidate
Authors: Kirubakaran Sivapriya , Priya Bhanu
Published: November 2024

The acquired resistance to existing therapies poses a grave concern in achieving successful therapeutic outcomes. Temozolomide (TMZ), a widely used alkylating chemotherapeutic in Glioblastoma therapy, often encounters resistance, necessitating the investigation of the underlying mechanisms of TMZ-acquired resistance. To study TMZ resistance, a cell-based model system was generated by intermittently exposing glioblastoma cells to increasing concentrations and time of TMZ over six months. The survival response of cells at higher concentrations confirmed TMZ-resistant cells, which exhibited a phenotypic shift toward a mesenchymal-like state, with decreased epithelial traits, indicating mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). This transition likely facilitates the stabilization and clonal growth of TMZ-resistant cells. Subsequent analysis revealed elevated expression of TLK1, a DNA repair protein, thus reinforcing its potential involvement in mechanisms associated with acquired resistance. To explore the therapeutic aspect of TLK1 inhibition, we utilized an in-house developed TLK1 inhibitor, J54. The inhibition of TLK1 in TMZ-resistant cells enhanced cytotoxicity, indicating TLK1 as a potential target to combat TMZ resistance. Moreover, TLK1 inhibition reduced cell migration and invasion, implying its role in promoting metastasis. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the role of TLK1 in the context of TMZ resistance, highlighting its potential as a valuable target for therapeutic intervention.
Evaluation of minimally invasive Pouch technique with multilayered Leukocyte Platelet Rich Fibrin versus non-invasive Hyaluronic acid gel injection in the reconstruction of Interdental Papilla in the Esthetic Zone: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Alleithy Aya , Abuel-Ela Hala , Sarhan Susan
Published: November 2024

Background
Interdental papilla deficiency is of high concern from the esthetic and functional perspectives. Several invasive approaches have been reported for interdental papilla reconstruction. However, the long-term success of invasive approaches is still controversial, therefore this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Hyaluronic acid gel injection compared to multilayered leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin in reconstruction of deficient interdental papillae.
Methods
In this randomized clinical, double-blinded study, twenty patients with deficient interdental papilla class I or II in the esthetic zone were selected, then patients were randomized into two equal groups: group A (Multilayered L-PRF) and group B (HA gel). Sample size calculation and power analysis was designed to have adequate power to apply a 2-sided statistical test of the research hypothesis that there is no difference between groups. The predicted sample size (n) was a total of (20) cases. i.e. (10) for each group. The clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed at 3 and 6 months, As well as evaluation of patient satisfaction between the two tested groups.
Results
Both groups showed significant improvement in all clinical parameters at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Assessment of patient satisfaction showed overall improvement in both groups after 6 months, with successful reduction of the black triangle height.
Conclusions
Both injectable HA and multilayered L-PRF gave successful results and can be safe adjuncts to the invasive surgical techniques.
Trial registration:
The study was retrospectively registered in an appropriate registry and has been identified with the registration number (NCT05953896) with the date of registration (19-7-2023).
Long-Term Control of Recurrent Metastatic Castrate Sensitive Prostate Cancer with Radiotherapy: A Case Report.
Authors: Grewal Shan , Gouveia Andre , Hu Spencer , Tsakiridis Theodoros
Published: November 2024

Background:
Localized prostate cancer (PC), one of the most diagnosed cancers among men, has a relatively favorable prognosis; Metastatic PC, however, has significantly lower survivorship. Standard treatments for metastatic PC include androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but this treatment diminishes the patient’s quality of life, and frequently progresses to castration-resistant disease. There is therefore interest in determining when ADT can be postponed or avoided. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has shown promise in managing the oligometastatic disease setting.
Case Presentation:
This report describes a patient with metastatic PC who underwent a total of nine rounds of SBRT with limited ADT. Initially diagnosed in 2012 with pT3a prostate adenocarcinoma, the patient was treated with surgery and radiation without ADT. The first PSA relapse occurred 6 years post-diagnosis with metastatic foci in the rib cage and spine. The patient refused systemic ADT and opted for local palliative radiotherapy with successful clearance. Novel metastatic foci were identified 10 months later, again treated with SBRT alone for a rapid biochemical response. PSA steadily rose until July 2022 when imaging revealed the spinal metastasis recurred plus novel nodal positivity. Finally, ADT was administered alongside SBRT, resulting in undetectable PSA levels by September 2022. The patient has since maintained biochemical remission with eugonadal testosterone levels.
Conclusions:
While ADT is crucial for metastatic PC, its adverse effects necessitate alternative strategies. This case demonstrates the potential of metastasis-directed radiotherapy like SBRT in managing metastatic lesions, delaying or reducing the need for ADT.
Bone marrow versus peripheral blood stem cells as the graft source for allogeneic transplantation from HLA-matched relative donors in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma: A nationwide retrospective study by the ATL working group of the Japan Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Authors: Itonaga Hidehiro , Fukushima Takuya , Kato Koji , Muranushi Hiroyuki , Tokunaga Masahito , Fukuda Takahiro , Kawakita Toshiro , Kato Takeharu , Mori Yasuo , Nakachi Sawako , Suehiro Youko , Kuriyama Takuro , Fujioka Machiko , Onizuka Makoto , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Ohbiki Marie , Atsuta Yoshiko , Fuji Shigeo , Yoshimitsu Makoto
Published: November 2024

Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) or bone marrow (BM) is selected as the graft source in the setting of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from HLA-matched related donors. To clarify the prognostic impact of graft sources in patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), we performed a retrospective study using a propensity score analysis. In the entire population, 124 and 274 patients received transplantation with BM and PBSC, respectively. In the inverse probability of treatment weighting method, BM transplantation achieved comparable overall survival (OS)(P=0.593), chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)- and relapse-free survival (CRFS)(P=0.317), and GVHD- and relapse-free survival (P=0.569) to PBSC transplantation. In the propensity score-matched subset (BM, n=120; PBSC, n=120), no significant differences were observed in OS (P=0.350), the incidence of relapse (P=0.335), or non-relapse mortality (P=0.924). PBSC transplantation showed faster neutrophil engraftment (P<0.001) and a higher incidence of severe acute GVHD (P=0.006) than BM transplantation. The development of grade I-II acute GVHD was associated with better OS in both BM (P=0.001) and PBSC transplantation (P=0.009), indicating the benefit of acute GVHD-associated graft-versus-ATL effects. The present study demonstrated that BM grafts provided a curative outcome along with graft-versus-ATL effects, similar to PBSC grafts, when patients underwent transplantation from HLA-matched related donors.
LSD1 is a targetable vulnerability in gastric cancer harboring TP53 frameshift mutations
Authors: Wang Suzeng , Yang Chunyu , Tang Junhui , Wang Kaiqing , Cheng Hao , Yao Surui , Huang Zhaohui , Fei Bojian
Published: November 2024

Background
TP53 mutations are linked to aggressive progression and chemoresistance in gastric cancer (GC). Frameshift mutation is the second most common mutation type of TP53. However, the consequences of this mutation type in GC were not well understood, and targeted therapies for cancer patients harboring frameshift mutations were also not established. Histone methylation significantly influences tumorigenesis in TP53-mutated cancers, and related inhibitors are emerging as specific therapeutic strategies.
Methods and Results
By treating GC cell lines harboring various TP53 mutation types with a library of histone demethylase inhibitors, we identified that GSK690, a reversible inhibitor of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), selectively inhibits GC cells harboring TP53 frameshift mutations without nuclear localization sequence (NLS) (termed TP53 Frameshift NLS), which accounts for 89% TP53 frameshift mutations in GC patients. GSK690 showed significant specific inhibition in vitro and in vivo against this subtype by promoting G1/S cell cycle progression via inhibiting the LSD1-CCNA2 axis. Importantly, dual-luciferase assays and ChIP-qPCR confirmed that the loss of transcriptional repression activities of p53 in drives LSD1 upregulation in TP53 Frameshift NLS cancer cells.
Conclusions
In summary, our results indicate that the nuclear localization deficiency of p53 accounts for increased expression of LSD1 in TP53 Frameshift NLS GCs. GSK690 inhibits cell cycle progression and tumor growth by suppressing aberrantly activated LSD1-CCNA2 signaling in this GC subtype, counteracting malignant proliferation and thereby providing a precise therapeutic strategy for GC patients with TP53 Frameshift NLS.
Highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ ions and antibacterial activity using a Schiff-base derivative
Authors: Alnajeebi Afnan M. , Yahya Rana , Shafie Alaa , Ashour Amal Adnan , Felemban Mohammed Fareed , Tayeb Faris J
Published: November 2024

A simple and highly effective Schiff-base fluorescent chemosensor (S1) was synthesized and characterized by 1HNMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The synthesized chemosensor was applied for the selective and sensitive detection of Hg2+ ions. The chemosensor exhibited a strong 'turn-on' fluorescence response in a CH3OH/H2O (1:9, v/v) solution due to complex formation (S1-Hg2+) which block photo induce electron transfer (PET). The chemosensor showed significant sensitivity with very low detection limit of 0.002 ppm, making it suitable for trace-level Hg2+ detection. Furthermore, the S1-Hg2+ complex demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, broadening its utility beyond sensing. This dual-functional system offers significant potential in environmental and biomedical applications.
Biomechanics of cage for Stand-alone extreme lateral interbody fusion
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Gao Shangju , Li Wenyi , Wang Shuai , Li Ting
Published: November 2024

Background: To analyze the biomechanics of Stand-alone eXtreme lateral interbody fusion (Standalone XLIF) cage using finite element analysis.
Method: The L3-5 CT image data of a healthy adult male volunteer was selected to establish a normal lumbar vertebrae finite element model. Fix the lower edge of the L5, apply 500N pressure on the upper edge of the L3, and apply a torque of 7.5Nm, calculate the range of motion (ROM) of L4-5 under flexion, extension, left bending, right bending, left rotation, and right rotation.Then, the L4-5 intervertebral discs were excised, and the cage was implanted to establish a Stand-alone XLIF model. On this basis, bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF) was added to establish the BPSF model. Analyze the ROM of L4-5 and the maximum stress of cage under all motion patterns.
Results: The ROM of L4-5 segments in the validation model under various motion states was basically consistent with previous reports. The lumbar finite element model was validated effectively. The range of activity of BPSF in each working condition was significantly lower than that of Normal and Stand-alone. Compared with BPSF, Normal and Stand-alone increase by 925.9%,1034.6% and 1107.4%,1146.2% in flexion and extension, respectively. Stand-alone had higher range of activity than Normal in flexion and extension, but lower in left bending, right bending, left rotation and right rotation. The maximum stress of stand-alone cage was greater than that of BPSF under all working conditions, and increased by 363.2% and 1899.4% in flexion and extension respectively compared with BPSF.
Conclusions: Stand-alone XLIF is poor in maintaining the stability of the fusion segment, and there is a higher risk of cage subsidence in the later stage.