bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Ipsilateral, Focal-Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation for Large Primary Nasal Pterygia Treatment
Authors: Thatte Shreya , Goyal Yashas
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The long-term success of pterygium surgery is subject to treatment of the limbal stem cell defect. The purpose of this study is to present an alternative method to conjunctival autografting in patients with large pterygia and consequently a large limbal stem cell defect.
Methods: 38 Patients with primary nasal pterygium of more than 5 mm limbal involvement were selected for the procedure. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation with human amniotic membrane graft placement over the bare sclera after pterygium excision was done. Patients were followed-up for a period of 12 months.
Results: From post-operative day 7, patients had significant improvement in complaints and ocular surface morphology. We reported only one case of graft failure which was a consequence of patient’s non-compliance with post-operative medications and follow-up.
Conclusion: Focal-simple limbal epithelial transplantation is an effective alternative to conjunctival limbal autografting in patients with large pterygia where preservation of virgin conjunctiva is prudent for future ocular surgeries.
Outcomes of Dementia Among Dialysis Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Taiwan
Authors: Shen Hsiu-Chu , Chien Chih-Chiang , Weng Shih-Feng , Wang Jhi-Joung , Kuo Jinn-Rung , Lin Kao-Chang
Published: January 2023

Background: High prevalence of cognitive impairment or dementia is associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The risk for dementia and its prognostic significance remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, correlations and outcomes of dementia in chronic ESRD dialysis patients. Methods: Using Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), we analyzed ESRD patients who received dialysis between 1999 and 2005 to determine the associations between baseline dementia and subsequent outcomes after dialysis. The cumulative survival rate after dialysis was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the risk factors for all-cause mortality. Results: A total 51,238 incident dialysis patients were examined in this study, including 867 patients with dementia. The prevalence of dementia was increasing with age. The proportional rate of dementia in elderly (?75) patients was 10 times higher than that in aged 18~44 years old of baseline. The co-morbidity with cerebrovascular disease was independently associated with dementia in dialysis population. The 1-, 5-, and 9- year cumulative survival rate were 82.1, 32.7, and 16.5% in ESRD patients with dementia, and 93.5, 62.8, and 41.6% in those without dementia (log-rank: p <0.001). ESRD patients with dementia were associated with 53% higher death risk than those without dementia (HR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.40-1.68). Conclusions: Dementia was associated with poor outcome and co-morbidities among ESRD dialysis patients.
Frequency of Primary Torsion Dystonia for the Population of Bulgaria – A Service-Based Survey
Authors: Semerdjieva N. , Milanov I.
Published: January 2023

Background: According to the majority of epidemiological studies for primary torsion dystonia (PTD), it is a rare disease, although there are some controversial data, showing much higher figures. Because the need of clarification in this field, the aim of this study is to estimate the frequency of primary torsion dystonia in the Bulgarian population. Materials and Methods: We made an official inquiry to the National Center for Health Information, and to the National Health-Insurance Fund for the total count of all the patients, registered with the diagnose of PTD for a period of a year. Simultaneously we examined the archive of the University Multidisciplinary Hospital for Active Treatment of Neurology and Psychiatry - UMHATNP “St. Naum” in Sofia, with a specialized department of Movement Disorders, for the period of 01.01.2008-01.01.2012. Results: Crude annual prevalence of primary torsion dystonia estimated in this study is significantly lower than most reported epidemiological findings on prevalence. Probably the actual prevalence is higher than that calculated in the current study, but this could be demonstrated by improving the collection of data and methods for screening and diagnosis. Conclusions: The downside of this study, as with most studies in this area worldwide, is that it is based on the demand of medical care. Thus remain not estimated all undiagnosed and and incorrectly diagnosed cases and patients that have not sought medical attention. The majority of the patients in our sample came from the South-Western Region of the country. According to distribution by form of dystonia, age, gender and time to diagnose our results with some exceptions are similar to those, reported in the literature.
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition Protects Against RotenoneInduced Neurodegeneration in vivo
Authors: Abdel-Salam Omar M.E. , Youness Eman R. , Omara Enayat A.
Published: January 2023

Neuropathologic and motor features of Parkinson’s disease can be induced in rodents by the pesticide rotenone. In this study, we aimed to determine whether nitric oxide synthase inhibition by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) could prevent neurodegeneration and biochemical changes induced by rotenone in rat brain. For this purpose, rats received subcutaneous injections of rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) every other day for two consecutive weeks and were treated at the same time with L-NAME at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally. Oxidative stress indictors, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, and nitric oxide as well as paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in brain, and the concentration of the antiapoptotic protein B cell/lymphoma-2 (Bcl2) in striatum were determined. Motor strength and coordination was assessed using wire hanging and stair tests. Neuronal degeneration was evaluated using hematoxylin & eosin-stained brain sections. Results: L-NAME reduced, in a dose-dependent manner the increase in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and nitric oxide and restored reduced glutathione levels in brain of rotenone-treated rats. Additionally, L-NAME prevented the inhibition of paraoxonase-1 activity and the decrease in Bcl2 concentration induced by the pesticide. It also prevented motor impairments in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, L-NAME treatment ameliorated the neurodegenerative effects of rotenone, as shown by the decrease in degenerated neurons in striatum and cerebral cortex. The results of the present study suggest that rotenone mediates its neurotoxic effects, at least in part by nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms.
ETV4 Mutation in a Patient with Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract
Authors: Chen Jing , Van der Ven Amelie T. , Newman Joseph A. , Vivante Asaf , Mann Nina , Aitkenhead Hazel , Shril Shirlee , Ityel Hadas , Schulz Julian , Schmidt Johanna Magdalena , Widmeier Eugen , Gileadi Opher , Costantini Frank , Thowfeequ Shifaan , Wenger Roland H. , Bauer Stuart B. , Lee Richard S. , Lu Weining , Getwan Maike , Kaminski Michael M. , Lienkamp Soeren S. , Lifton Richard P. , Tasic Velibor , Kehinde Elijah O. , Hildebrandt Friedhelm
Published: January 2023

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the most common reason for chronic kidney disease in children. Although more than 30 monogenic causes have been implicated in isolated forms of human CAKUT so far, the vast majority remains elusive. To identify novel monogenic causes of CAKUT we applied homozygosity mapping, together with whole exome sequencing, in a patient from consanguineous descent with isolated CAKUT. We identified a homozygous missense mutation (p.Arg415His) of the Ets Translocation Variant Gene 4 (ETV4). The transcription factor ETV4 is a downstream target of the GDNF/RET signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in kidney development. We show by means of electrophoretic mobility shift assay that the Arg415His mutant causes loss of the DNA binding affinity of ETV4 and fails to activate transcription in a cell-based luciferase reporter assay. We furthermore investigated the impact of the mutant protein on cell migration rate. Unlike wildtype ETV4, the Arg415His mutant failed to rescue cell migration defects observed in two ETV4 knock-down cell-lines. We therefore identified and functionally characterized a recessive mutation in ETV4 in a human patient with CAKUT. We hypothesize that the pathomechanism of this mutation could be via loss of the transcriptional function of ETV4, and a resulting abrogation of GDNF/RET/ETV4 signaling pathway.
Endodontic Buildups - A Case Series
Authors: Rao Sheetal , Ballal Nidambur Vasudev
Published: January 2023

Disinfection of the root canal space is one of the main principles of endodontic therapy. Very often the teeth that need root canal therapy are also those that have lost a substantial amount of tooth structure. Hence, placement of rubber dam for isolation becomes difficult if not impossible. Improper isolation is one of the important reasons for a compromised root canal therapy. Having an access cavity that is four walled goes a long way in helping the goals to succeed. This case series gives an over view of the commonly used techniques for pre-endodontic tooth build up to enhance the isolation during endodontic treatment.
Effects of Botulinum Toxin A on Histology and Ultrastructure of Submandibular Salivary Gland in Rats
Authors: Abdelfattah Mohamed Yehia , Sherif Hany Abdel-Hamied , Dameer Hesham Ahmed , Abouzid Wael , Liu Zi-Jun
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) has been used for treating hyperfunction of various glands such as sweat, lacrimal, and salivary glands. However, the long-term histological sequences are largely unknown.
Objectives: The present study is to evaluate the histological and ultrastructural effects of BoNTA on submandibular salivary gland (SSG).
Methods: Eighteen 6-week-old male albino rats received 0.1 ml of either saline (sham group, n=9) or BoNTA (BoNTA group, n=9) injection in the right SSGs. Of 9 rats in each group, 3 were terminated at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after the injection. The harvested SSGs were embedded and sectioned at 6µm, and stained with H&E for histological study. Ultrathin sections (60-90nm) were cut from1 mm3 pieces harvested from the center of SSGs, and mounted on copper grids for ultrastructural study using transmission electron microscope (TEM). 
Results: All sham SSGs showed normal acinar cells with rounded nuclei and regular striated ducts (SD) with characteristic basal striations. By TEM, acinar cells exhibited rounded nuclei, mitochondria, and secretory granules at cytoplasm. Numerous mitochondria presented in SD. Compared with these features, 2-week BoNTA-injected SSGs showed loss of spherical fashion and basal striations in serous acini and SD respectively, and the cell boundaries were not clear. TEM further revealed irregular nuclei of acinar cells and SD, and swollen mitochondria. In 4-week SSGs, some acini and ducts lost their spherical fashion and in some areas, these structures disappeared. Ruptured mitochondria were observed in acini and SD by TEM. However, all 12-week BoNTA-injected SSGs seemed to have similar structures to those of sham SSGs. By using scoring system for semi-quantifying the histological structural changes of BoNTA-injected SSGs, 2- and 4-week BoNTA-injected SSGs showed significantly higher scores as compared with their sham counterparts. However, no significant score difference was found between 12-week BoNTA-injected and sham SSGs. 
Conclusions: Although application of BoNTA results in significant changes in histological structures and ultrastructures of SSGs, these detrimental effects seems to be transient, and the major recovery occurs in 3 months. Thus, BoNTA can be used for treating SSG hyperfunction.
Importance of Cone-Beam CT in Endodontics
Authors: Gulsahi Kamran
Published: January 2023

Endodontic diagnosis and accomplished root canal therapy significantly related to accurate radiographic examination. Currently, intraoral periapical radiography is the first imaging choice of the management of endodontic disease. However, with the development of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), three-dimensional imaging of the maxillofacial area can be obtained. CBCT allows the more definite diagnosis of periapical pathologies, root fractures, external and internal of root resorptions than 2-dimensional radiographs. However, CBCT imaging is not recommended in every clinical cases due to higher radiation dose than 2-dimensional radiographs. In this review article the aim was to emphasize the clinical implementations of CBCT in endodontics.
Oral Surgery in Patients Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs): A Practical Review of the Literature
Authors: Lupi Saturnino Marco , Farahani Mohammad Reza Dermenaki , Ronza Elisa Di , Cerri Michael , Baena Arianna Rodriguez y , Baena Ruggero Rodriguez y
Published: January 2023

Recently, four new oral anticoagulant – dabigatran etexilate (direct thrombin inhibitor) and rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban (Xa factor direct inhibitor) – have been approved for the prevention of venous thrombosis and cardiovascular events. As the number of patients taking these drugs is increasing, it is important that the dentist is familiar with these new oral anticoagulants, their indications, methods of action and in particular the management of the patients undergoing oral surgery.
This literature review is conducted to highlight the medical uses of these new oral anticoagulants and their pharmacologic properties, the clinical condition of the patient that may influence the choice to discontinue the DOAC and peri-operative management of the patient. Collaboration with the attending physician is crucial.
Wear Patterns of Adhesive Interfaces over Different Materials
Authors: Comba A. , Baldi A. , Bonito M. , Blanc E. , Notaro V. , Alovisi M. , Pasqualini D. , Berutti E. , Scotti N.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate differences in surface wear of enamel-material and dentin-material bonded interfaces obtained from upper molars samples and subjected to cycling occlusal load.

Methods: Forty-eight flat specimens of enamel-material and dentin-material bonded interfaces were prepared using different restorative materials with both CAD-CAM techniques and direct techniques. After the bonding and cementation procedures specimens were tested with a chewing machine with a stainless-steel ball on flat sliding contact (20N loads, 50.000 cycles). Wear analysis and comparison of the enamel or dentin substrates and the three restorative materials was performed using a 3D profilometer and analyzed with ANOVA test and post-hoc comparison procedures. Finally worn surfaces were examined with optical microscopy.

Results: Statistical analysis after simulated chewing cycles identified a significant influence of the factor “substrate” (p<0.05) and of the factor “restorative material” (p<0.05). The enamel results in being more wear resistant than dentin, and also more resistant than all the restorative materials tested. Considering the materials, the most severe wear loss was observed with micro-hybrid composite paste. CAD-CAM materials showed a wear rate significantly better both in association with enamel and dentin. An interesting wear pattern was found at the bonded interface level and the oval shapes obtained from the profilometer images underlined a repetitive wear pattern with the central zone more consumed and decreasing depth moving towards the perimeter. Initials signs of cracks were showed in enamel interfaces at the optical microscopy analysis.

Conclusions: Both the dental substrate and the restorative material significantly affect the wear behavior of a toothmaterial interface after cyclic fatigue. Thus, the initial null hypotheses were rejected.
The Mechanism of Formation of Structural Heterogeneitics in Polyaniline
Authors: Hakhnazaryan T.L. , Matnishyan H.A.
Published: January 2023

The regularities of polyaniline formation, the influence of various additions, conditions of synthesis of the main and intermediate, including hydrolysis, products on the structure of obtained materials are studied. Making use kinetic and thermochemical methods the mechanisms of polycondensation by N-phenyl-1,4-benzoquinonodiimine, initiation macromolecules growth as result of anilines addition to electrophile quinonoimine groups of the polymer are confirmed. The chemical aspects of reactions leading to formation of structural heterogeneitics, branchings, breaching of effective conjugation, termination and sewing together of chains are analyzed.
Application of Lignin Sorbents for Correction of Carbohydrate-Lipid Profile of Diabetic Patient's Blood Serum
Authors: Chopabayeva Nazira N.
Published: January 2023

Novel cost-effective sorbents based on hydrolytic lignin of cotton husk have been synthesized by two-step process including condensation of lignin with epichlorhydrin oligomer and subsequent amination of formed chloroderivative with polyamines. The results show the efficiency of lignin sorbents for the removal of water and lipid soluble toxic metabolites from blood serum of diabetic retinopathy patients. Due to high sorption activity of synthesized sorbents in relation to glucose and lipids, including triglycerides, cholesterol and its most atherogenic fractions (LDL-C, VLDL-C) their concentration reduced from pathological levels to physiological norm or the levels of optimum compensated diabetes. Considerable hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of synthesized sorbents in comparison with enterosorbent Polyphepan have potential for prevention and treatment of diabetes. Sorption correction of pathological process decrease risk of diabetic retinopathy progression and can delay irreversible vision loss among working-age adults.
Forestry Sector in India is Net Source of Green House Gases (GHGS)
Authors: Sharma Jitendra Vir
Published: January 2023

More than 275 million people are deriving their sustenance and livelihood needs from forests and causing forest degradation due to unsustainable harvest of forest produce. India is committed to achieve sustainable development of forests. The inadequate finance, capacity and research are key issues for sustainable development of forests in India. The consumption of wood and wood-based products has been considered for the estimation of emissions from forestry sector. The carbon sequestration has been estimated on the basis of productivity of forests and tree outside forests. The forestry sector in India will be a net source of Green House Gases (GHGs) till 2051 if policies and programs of forestry sector are implemented at the current pace and commitment. The forestry sector will also be net source of GHG till 2051 if the policies and programs suggested above are implemented moderately but the intensity of emissions will be low. The forestry sector may become net sink of GHG’s only if policies and programs are implemented aggressively with full commitment. The aggressive implementation of policies and programs will not only improve the quality of forests but also improve the quality of the life of the forest dependent communities by providing them a sustained livelihood which in turn benefit environment. The political commitment is very low for the forestry sector in India. If this continue in future, it would not be possible to achieve the scenario based on aggressive scenario. The Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) for forestry sector announced by the Government of India on 2nd October, 2015 are extremely difficult to achieve.
Inventory of Exhaust Gas Emissions from Maritime Vehicles in a Bay
Authors: ILEK Fatih , Elbir Tolga
Published: January 2023

An emission inventory was prepared for maritime vehicles in Izmir Bay, Turkey. The emissions were calculated by using emission factors for three vehicle types; the passenger boats, the ferries carrying on-road vehicles and passengers, and the ships used for freight transport. The data of vehicle types and numbers, engine specifications for each vehicle type, fuel consumptions, passenger numbers, freight amounts, etc. for maritime traffic in Izmir Bay were collected. Emissions of NOx, CO, VOC and PM were estimated using the data collected and the emission factors from EMEP/CORINAIR database. The emissions emitted by the vehicles used for public transport were estimated as 12 tons/year for particulate matter (PM), 112 tons/year for nitrogen oxides (NOx); 60 tons/year for carbon monoxide (CO) and 29 tons/year for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The emissions emitted by the ships coming to Izmir Harbour for trading were estimated as 24 tons/year for PM, 314 tons/year for NOx, 65 tons/year for CO and 30 tons/year for VOCs. Total emission in the bay were found 36 tons/year for PM, 426 tons/year for NOx, 125 tons/year for CO and 59 tons/year for VOC. The maritime emissions of PM and NOx in the bay are about 58 and 70 times lower, respectively than road transport emissions in the city.
Paenibacillus Naphthalenovorans Biofilms Interact with and Degrade Naphthalene as Observed using Various Microscopy Techniques
Authors: Aliyeva Saida , Petersen James N. , Park Bong-Jae , Abu-Lail Nehal I.
Published: January 2023

The role of Paenibacillus naphthalenovorans biofilm formation in degrading a model polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) (naphthalene) was investigated via an array of microscopy techniques. The early stages of biofilm formation near a naphthalene crystal that was deposited on a glass coverslip were assayed qualitatively by growing the biofilms in batch bioreactors using either a rich carbon medium or a medium which contained naphthalene as a lone carbon source. Our results demonstrated that the biofilm selectively grew immediately adjacent to the edge of the PAH crystal, leading to a biofilm that facilitated the PAH degradation. Moreover, because PAH compounds are often found in capillary spaces in the subsurface, quantitative capillary-experiments were executed to evaluate the ability of P. naphthalenovorans biofilms in the degradation of a capillary-bound PAH contaminant. These capillary-experiments demonstrated that a biofilm forms at the pore’s opening, and that, when compared to a diffusion process in a liquid medium, this biofilm substantially increased the rate at which the PAH is cleared from the pore. These results provide an enhanced understanding of the means of biofilm adhesion and development in a presence of the model PAH compound investigated. Moreover, the work presented here demonstrates approaches not used before for monitoring biofilm formation.
Investigation of Atmospheric Pollution by Biomonitoring of Major and Trace Elements in an Industrial Region
Authors: Kara Melik , Odabasi Mustafa , Dumanoglu Yetkin , Falay Ezgi Ozgunerge , Tuygun Gizem Tuna , Altiok Hasan , Bayram Abdurrahman , Tolunay Doganay , Elbir Tolga
Published: January 2023

Spatial variations and sources of atmospheric pollution by measuring of 48 major and trace elements were determined in Iskenderun industrial region using tree components samples (pine needle, bark, branch, stem and litter) and soil samples taken from 21 industrial sites and 6 background sites. The highest elemental concentrations were found at industrial sites and generally a decreasing trend with distance was observed. For most of the crustal elements, contamination factors (CF, element concentration in polluted area/element concentration in background area) were low (< 2). For Bi, Cr, Pb, Sn, and Zn, the Iskenderun region was classified as seriously contaminated (8 <   < 27), while for several elements, including Cd, Ag, Cr, As, Fe, Mn, Sn, Mo, Se, Pb, Ni, Sb and Zn the region was classified as moderately contaminated (3.5 <  < 8). Sources of trace elements in Iskenderun industrial region were investigated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA have identified four factors as crustal-resuspended particulate matter, iron-steel plant emissions, marine aerosol, and accumulation of nutrient elements on plants. Spatial variations of anthropogenic-based trace elements supported the finding that iron-steel facilities are their major sources in the Iskenderun industrial region. Results of this study confirmed that tree components and litter can be used as passive samplers to explore the geographical distribution of atmospheric pollution.
Interesting Details about Diffusion of Nanoparticles for Diagnosis and Treatment in Medicine by a New Analytical Theoretical Model
Authors: Sia Paolo Di
Published: January 2023

In recent years diagnosis and treatment in medicine have important advantages by the use of nanoparticles. Of great interest results the modality, with which they diffuse into the human body, and/or in specific human organs; the diffusion is indeed one of the three most important parameters for transport processes in solid state physics and soft condensed matter, also at nanolevel. A new appeared analytical “time-domain” Drude-Lorentz-like model for classical, quantum and relativistic transport in nano-systems is demonstrating high generality and good fitting with available experimental literature data. The range of application is very large, due to a gauge factor inside the model, comprehending all sectors of medicine. An interesting analysis related to the diffusion of nano-substances in the human body through nanoparticles indicated in nanomedicine is considered in this paper.
Anticancer Activity of Multicomponent Nanostructured System «Gold Nanoparticles-Apitoxin-Chitosan»
Authors: Mochalova A.E. , Koryagin A.S. , Salomatina E.V. , Dydykina V.N. , Zotova Yu.D. , Smirnova L.A.
Published: January 2023

The anticancer activity of the multicomponent nanostructured drug “gold nanoparticles – apitoxin - chitosan” was revealed on white rats with implanted carcinoma under injecting encompassing of neoplasms. Drug at therapeutic doses when the apitoxin containing in it one degree lower than toxic (DL 50) effectively inhibits the growth of implanted tumor. On the 28th day after the course administration the external surface area of the tumor decreases in 5 times compared to control animals. Antitumor effect is also reflected as the normalization of free-radical processes. Indicators of biochemiluminescence (Imax) of animals reduces from 250 mV with implanted tumor in the control group to 150 mV of animals with implanted tumor which injected the drug. The value of leukocyte coefficient which characterizes the status of the animals organism (normal or stress), in experiments with the drug do not significantly differ from the normal values (5.36 ± 0.72; 6.73 ± 1.09 respectively) and appreciably higher than in control group of animals with implanted tumor that the drug is not administered (1.91 ± 0.15). Leukocyte ratio 1.91 shows that control animals are under stress.
Polymeric Coatings for Drug Delivery by Medical Devices
Authors: Anghel Sanziana , Mahmood Muhammad Arif , Matei Consuela Elena , Visan Anita Ioana
Published: January 2023

An analysis of the current landscape of therapeutics and delivery methods was conducted, aiming the field of drug delivery systems. Drug delivery biodistribution characteristics should be systematically understood, in order to maximize the function of these delivery systems. As a result, this review covers a history of the drug delivery systems, as well as the basic terminology associated with them, with a focus on the usage of polymers in the drug administration systems (particularly in form of coatings) and their application.

New trends in nanomaterials-based drug delivery systems, primarily for cancer treatment, were presented, involving a technology designed to maximize therapeutic efficacy of drugs by controlling their biodistribution profile.

There is a justified need to investigate drug delivery systems in form of thin films because, in comparation to bulk drug delivery system, which have a long and comprehensive history, there is still insufficient and fragmented understanding about the delivery of thin polymeric films, with research limited in general to very specific cases. Our efforts have been concentrated on these specifically polymeric drug delivery systems in the form of coatings. Understanding the dynamic changes that occur in a biodegradable polymeric thin film can aid in the prediction of the future performance of synthesized films designed to be used as implantable medical devices.

Extensive research is required to continuously develop new therapeutic systems in order to achieve an optimal concentration of a specific drug at its site of action for an appropriate duration.
A Case of Ischemic Stroke in a Patient with Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis and Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Parvu T. , Coclitu C. , Rusu O. , Ciobotaru A. , Mergeani A. , Bajenaru O. , Antochi F. A.
Published: January 2023

Recent studies showed that iron deficiency anemia was correlated with ischemic stroke in patients with carotid artery stenosis. It was also identified as the culprit of ischemic stroke in patients without any acknowledged risk factors for stroke. We presented a clinical case that highlights the importance of the management of anemia as etiologic factor of ischemic stroke, both as primary and secondary prevention.
Genetic Disorders Affecting Equine Blood Cells and Coagulation Factors: A-State-of-The-Art Review
Authors: Satué K. , Muñoz A.
Published: January 2023

Genetic diseases that affect blood cells and clotting factors in the horse are uncommon. Unfortunately, the prognosis is reserved, because the treatment in many cases is only symptomatic and when it fails, euthanasia of the patient is the only viable option. The detection of carriers is of pivotal importance in order to prevent the spread of these disorders in the equine population. This manuscript reviews the current state of knowledge of genetic diseases that affect red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets and clotting factors in the horse. The genetic diseases that affect equine red blood cells are defects in the activity of enzymes and cofactors involved in erythrocytes metabolism, such as glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, flavin adenine dinucleotide, glutathione reductase and glutathione. Therefore, their deficiency triggers methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia. Genetic disorders affecting granulocytes are rare in horses, but a Pelget-Hüet anomaly has been reported. Primary immunodeficiencies described in horses and arising from defects in the immune system are severe combined immunodeficiency, X-linked agammaglobulinemia and Fell pony immunodeficiency syndrome. Because of the immunodeficiency, foals usually develop fatal infections during the first weeks or months of life, caused for opportunistic organisms. Prognosis of these animals is poor. The most common genetic defect of platelet is Glanzmann thrombasthenia, which results in prolonged bleeding time and hematoma formation. Spontaneous bleeding or impaired hemostasis after trauma or surgery are clinical findings in types 1 and 2 von Willebrand disease. Hemophilia A, resulting from a decreased activity of coagulation factor VIII has also been described in male horses of different breeds, being the most common genetic disorder affecting coagulation factor in the horse. Prekallikrein deficit, although described in some horses, is a rare genetic coagulation factor deficiency.
Germline Predisposition to Myeloid Neoplasms in Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, Inherited Thrombocytopenias, Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Diagnosis and Progression to Malignancy
Authors: Kansal Rina
Published: January 2023

The diagnosis of any genetic predisposition to any malignancy carries profound significance for the patient and the family, with implications for clinical management that differ from when there is no identifiable heritable cause. The presence of a genetic predisposition to develop hematologic neoplasms is under-recognized. Therefore, such genetic predisposition was added as a separate diagnosis in the diagnostic World Health Organization classification in 2016. Such genetic predisposition may occur in the absence of syndromic or physical signs; even a familial history may be absent in some individuals. Also, currently, surveillance guidelines for individuals who may harbor such a genetic predisposition but have not developed a malignancy are mostly limited to expert opinion. The application of genomic sequencing methods in clinical laboratories has allowed increased recognition of such germline predisposition. Very recently, evidence is beginning to emerge that sheds light on possible steps for progression to a myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia. This article provides an overview of the clinical aspects of the inherited forms of bone marrow failure syndromes, myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia, including for germline mutated CEBPA, RUNXI, ANKRD26, ETV6, DDX41, GATA2, and SAMD9/9L genes. Considerations for diagnosis are discussed for individuals and families who harbor a genetic or familial predisposition to developing a myeloid malignancy with future perspectives.
Randomized Controlled Trials on Relaxation Training in Complementary Treatment of Mental Disorders
Authors: Krampen Günter
Published: January 2023

Objective: Evaluation of the effectiveness of progressive relaxation (PR) versus autogenic training (AT) in the complementary treatment of anxiety disorders and depressive disorders implemented at the start of outpatient psychotherapy.
Method: Randomized controlled trials including unselected samples of 60 adult patients with anxiety disorders and 60 adult patients with depressive disorders. In each study, 20 patients were randomized to (A) psychotherapy only, (B) PR-introductions additional versus (C) AT-introductions additional. Outcomes were evaluated with reference to relapse, treatment readmission, and clinical scales, including two-year follow-ups.
Results: Follow-ups show that there are significantly fewer relapses and readmissions in Groups B and C than in Group A. Short-term outcomes of complementarily applied PR and AT are positive in anxiety disorders, long-term outcomes are more positive for AT.
Conclusions: Suggestions for the implementation of therapy in outpatients with anxiety and depressive disorders enhancing outcomes by the indication of complementary relaxation training at the start of psychotherapy are discussed.
Team Mental Models: Review, Analysis, and Integration
Authors: Rom Eldad
Published: January 2023

In recent years an innovative sociocognitive perspective for exploring teamwork effectiveness has been advocated by numerous researchers. This perspective examines ways by which team members develop mutual understanding. The general idea is that team effectiveness will improve if team members hold adequately shared cognitive representations, often termed as team mental models. Although this theory has significant potential for explaining teamwork effectiveness, there are several conceptual inconsistencies that impede its developmental potency. The purpose of the current article is to review and integrate the accumulated knowledge, thus facilitating future theoretical and empirical work. The paper reviews interdisciplinary groundwork relating to team mental models, analyzes recent empirical findings, and develops a conceptual framework from which conclusions for future research are drawn.
Nonlinear Effects of Performance-Avoidance on Self-Efficacy: A Cusp Catastrophe Model
Authors: Stamovlasis Dimitrios , Stavropoulou Georgia , Karastergiou Eleni
Published: January 2023

Background: achievement goal theory provides an explanatory framework for students’ academic behavior. Reports on performance-avoidance goal orientation have not always been consistent and satisfactorily interpreted. Aims: This study aimed to explore the relation between students’ performance-avoidance goal orientation and self-efficacy by fostering the nonlinear perspective. Methods: In the empirical data cusp catastrophe analysis was applied. Results: The nonlinear model was superior to the linear alternatives and the performance -avoidance goal acted as the bifurcation variable. Conclusions: The behavior of peformce-avoidance is explained as bifurcation factor, signifying a nonlinear system and supporting the complex dynamical system theory (CDS).
Equilibrium and Kinetics Adsorption Modelling Comparison of Zn(II) and Fe(II) on Phosphate Modified oil Palm Empty-Fruit Bunches Bio-sorbent
Authors: M. Zubir M. Zubir , Z. Muchtar Z. Muchtar , E. Rukmana E. Rukmana , R. Selly R. Selly , S. Rahmah S. Rahmah , J Jasmidi , H.I. Nasution H.I. Nasution , D Miswanda D Miswanda
Published: January 2023

Oil palm empty-fruit bunches (OPEB) bio-sorbent were modified by introducing phosphate(P) into the OPEB-cellulose structure (P-OPEB). This modification effect to increasing the surface area in purpose to enhancing the adsorption amount. Adsorption of Zn(II) was keeping the optimum adsorption by P-OPEB is higher than Fe(II). On the other hand, by using OPEB bio-sorbent, Fe(II) was adsorbed higher than Zn(II), but the adsorption amount by P-OPEB is higher than OPEB which indicated phosphate modified was effected to increasing the adsorption capability of OPEB. The properties of all adsorption systems are similar, refer to the Langmuir model, and kinetic models refer to the 2nd-order kinetics model, but Fe(II) adsorption fits better with the OPEB bio-sorbent. Besides being able to increase the adsorption capacity, P-OPEB also makes the adsorption process faster so that can be more efficient to remove Fe and Zn contaminants.
Amino acid Profiling of Some Fresh Water Fishes of Manipur
Authors: Nanaobi Hemam , Romharsha Hawaibam , Sarojnalini Chungkham
Published: January 2023

Using a Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) technique, we were able to determine the amino acid profiles of a few different types of fresh water fish. The fish were taken from various bodies of water in Manipur. Lysine, phenylalanine and isoleucine were discovered to be the most abundant essential amino acids, whereas glutamic acid, aspartic acid and serine were found to be the most abundant non-essential amino acids. Mystus ngasep had the highest values for lysine (6.220 g/100 g), glutamic acid (14.326 g/100 g), and aspartic acid (9.166 g/100 g), followed by Systomus clavatus (4.390 g/100 g) and Tor tor (4.121 g/100 g) for phenylalanine and serine. There were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between the fishes' amino acid profiles. Quantity of amino acids was used to determine quality of amino acids as well. From these findings, we can draw the conclusion that fish are a valuable resource for providing humans with essential amino acids and high-quality protein.
Development of a Dissolution Method Validation Technique Using UV-spectrophotometry for Bosutinib 500 mg Tablet
Authors: Anik Asif Hossain , Rahman Md. Sadiqur , Sarker Sabarni
Published: January 2023

Bosutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Any validated dissolution study of bosutinib by UV-spectrophotometric method is yet to be published in any literature. Thus, the current study is designed to propose a validated dissolution method of bosutinib 500mg tablet using UV-spectrophotometric method. The dissolution parameters were set according to the updated dissolution guideline set by FDA. Validation parameters such as specificity, linearity and range, accuracy, precision, robustness, and system suitability were checked according to ICH guidelines. After confirming linearity and specificity of the method, accuracy was indicated afterwards by the % relative standard deviation (%RSD) value of 0.8%. The precision of the method was confirmed by intra-day repeatability (average 96.2%, %RSD 1.6) and inter-analyst intermediate precision (analyst 1: 96.2%, analyst 2: 91.91%, %RSD 2.8) studies. Further, the method was not affected by deliberately changing parameters such as wavelength. System suitability study showed that %RSD of absorbance was less than 2.0 (0.1%) while experimenting with different replicates. In summary, the study indicated that the proposed validation method for the dissolution study of bosutinib is simple, cost-effective, and replicable in any laboratory setting.
Electroless Ni-W-P Alloy Deposition on Mildsteel using Lawsone as Complexing Agent
Authors: Thabassoom H. Asia , Florence J. Felicita
Published: January 2023

Electroless coatings have been used in many industries now days due to their good properties, such as corrosion and wear resistance, hardness and uniform thickness. Nickel sulphate and Sodium tungstate are used as Nickel and tungsten sources respectively, Sodium hypophosphite is used as reducing agent. The effect of Lawsone isolated from Lawsonia inermis Linn leaf extract and found that complexing agent Sodium citrate is replaced by Lawsone which enhances plating properties. In order to characterise Ni-W-P surfaces, SEM, EDAX, and XRD methods are used. We looked at the Ni-W-P corrosion resistance behaviour as well as electrochemical techniques such potentiodynamic polarisation curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Metal that is electrolessly deposited has good corrosion resistance.
Structural, Spectroscopic, Molecular Docking and Biological Evaluation of some Novel Benzofuran Derivatives
Authors: Netravati Lambani Narayana , Basavaraja Kalapura Mathada , Shilpa Kondareddy Gopinath , Bharathi Sharanappa Veerapur
Published: January 2023

Benzofurans display a wide array of pharmaceutical activities. The present work incorporates the synthesis of some novel benzofuran derivatives. The compound 1 (z)-3-amino-7methoxy-N1-(2-oxoindolin-3-yliedene)benzofuran-2-carbohydrazide was synthesized by refluxing carbohydrazide and isatin. The compound 1 formed the key intermediate for the synthesis of compounds 2a-c. The structures of prepared derivatives were established by physical and spectral methods such as elemental analysis, FTIR, 1HNMR and Mass. The molecular docking studies was performed to detect the behavior of compounds towards target proteins. The derivatives were further screened for antibacterial and antifungal analysis.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of Two Novel Schiff Bases Derived from Thiosemicarbazide and Mononuclear 3d Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Chourasia Karuna , Prajapati Bhanu Pratap , Kori Mithun , Kumar Kaushal , Yadav Ritu
Published: January 2023

Schiff bases are aldehyde or ketonic-like compounds in which an imine group replaces the carbonyl group and has been synthesized by condensing primary amines with an active carbonyl compound. Synthesis of two new Schiff base (NE)-N, 2-bis (2-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazine-carbothioamide and (2E)-N, 2-bis (3methoxybenzylidene) hydrazine- carbothioamide by Thiosemicarbazide with 2 methoxy benzaldehyde and 3 methoxy benzaldehyde via a condensation reaction. Metal complexes of synthesized Schiff bases have been synthesized via these Schiff base ligands with different metal ions. (Cu2+, Ni2+, Fe2+, Co2+etc) These compounds have been synthesized by the reflux method and characterized by a Spectroscopic Technique i.e., FT-IR, UV, 1H-NMR, and Mass (HRMS). The structure of the ligands was clarified by spectral studies which indicate the presence of two or four coordinating groups in ligands. Antimicrobial strain Bacillus subtilis fungi Aspergillus Niger is used for testing the antimicrobial activity. Results also indicate that the metal complexes are expected to be more biologically active as compared to the precursor. The structure of the ligands was clarified by the above spectral studies, which indicates the presence of two or four coordinating groups in ligands.
Massively parallel, real-time multispeckle diffuse correlation spectroscopy using a 500 × 500 SPAD camera
Authors: Wayne Michael A. , Sie Edbert J. , Ulku Arin C. , Mos Paul , Ardelean Andrei , Marsili Francesco , Bruschini Claudio , Charbon Edoardo
Published: January 2023

Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) is a promising noninvasive technique for monitoring cerebral blood flow and measuring cortex functional activation tasks. Taking multiple parallel measurements has been shown to increase sensitivity, but is not easily scalable with discrete optical detectors. Here we show that with a large 500 × 500 SPAD array and an advanced FPGA design, we achieve an SNR gain of almost 500 over single-pixel mDCS performance. The system can also be reconfigured to sacrifice SNR to decrease correlation bin width, with 400 ns resolution being demonstrated over 8000 pixels.
Multiscale joint segmentation method for retinal optical coherence tomography images using a bidirectional wave algorithm and improved graph theory
Authors: Lou Shiliang , Chen Xiaodong , Wang Yi , Cai Huaiyu , Chen Si , Liu Linbo
Published: January 2023

Morphology and functional metrics of retinal layers are important biomarkers for many human ophthalmic diseases. Automatic and accurate segmentation of retinal layers is crucial for disease diagnosis and research. To improve the performance of retinal layer segmentation, a multiscale joint segmentation framework for retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) images based on bidirectional wave algorithm and improved graph theory is proposed. In this framework, the bidirectional wave algorithm was used to segment edge information in multiscale images, and the improved graph theory was used to modify edge information globally, to realize automatic and accurate segmentation of eight retinal layer boundaries. This framework was tested on two public datasets and two OCT imaging systems. The test results show that, compared with other state-of-the-art methods, this framework does not need data pre-training and parameter pre-adjustment on different datasets, and can achieve sub-pixel retinal layer segmentation on a low-configuration computer.
Spectrally encoded dual-mode interferometry with orthogonal scanning
Authors: Lee Kye-Sung , Ravichandran Naresh Kumar , Yeo Woo-Jong , Hur Hwan , Hyun Sangwon , Bae Ji Yong , Kim Dong Uk , Jong Kim I , Nam Ki-Hwan , Bog Min Gab , Chang Ki Soo , Kim Geon Hee
Published: January 2023

Spectrally encoded confocal microscopy (SECM) is a high-speed reflectance confocal microscopy technique. Here, we present a method to integrate optical coherence tomography (OCT) and SECM for complementary imaging by adding orthogonal scanning to the SECM configuration. The co-registration of SECM and OCT is automatic, as all system components are shared in the same order, eliminating the need for additional optical alignment. The proposed multimode imaging system is compact and cost-effective while providing the benefits of imaging aiming and guidance. Furthermore, speckle noise can be suppressed by averaging the speckles generated by shifting the spectral-encoded field in the direction of dispersion. Using a near infrared (NIR) card and a biological sample, we demonstrated the capability of the proposed system by showing SECM imaging at depths of interest guided by the OCT in real time and speckle noise reduction. Interfaced multimodal imaging of SECM and OCT was implemented at a speed of approximately 7 frames/s using fast-switching technology and GPU processing.
Coded phase-sensitive OTDR with delayed polarization multiplexing for a WFBG array
Authors: Zhang Tianfang , Lv Jie , Li Wei , Cheng Linghao , Liang Hao , Guan Bai-Ou
Published: January 2023

Polarization fading degrades the performance of phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (φ-OTDR) seriously and has to be suppressed. A novel scheme is proposed in this paper to combat polarization fading, which features a quite simple transceiver structure by exploiting both polarization diversity through delayed polarization multiplexing and the aperiodic autocorrelation of pseudorandom binary sequence. The components of Jones matrix of a sensing fiber are then shown at those four peaks of aperiodic autocorrelation and can be obtained directly without complicated computation to give a polarization independent phase variation due to vibration. Moreover, the scheme does not require stringent match between the delayed time and the spacing between sensors. The proposed scheme is demonstrated through experiment on a weak fiber Bragg grating (WFBG) array, which shows a high crosstalk rejection ratio among sensors of more than 50 dB and a high dynamic range of more than 30 dB.