bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Analysis of Fixation Stability according to Reduction Position for Internal Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Kim Cheol-Jeong , Lee Jung Sub , Goh Tae Sik , Shin Won Chul , Lee Chiseung 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In recent years, finite element analysis (FEA) has been instrumental in comparing the biomechanical stability of various implants for femur fracture treatment and in studying the advantages and disadvantages of different surgical techniques. This analysis has proven helpful for enhancing clinical treatment outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to numerically analyze fixed stability according to location using FEA. In this study, a virtual finite element model was created based on a clinically anatomically reduced patient. It incorporated positive and negative support derived from intramedullary and extramedullary reduction from the anteroposterior (AP) view and neutral support from the lateral view. The generated model was analyzed to understand the biomechanical behavior occurring in each region under applied physiological loads.
We found that in cases of intramedullary reduction, the risk of implant failure increases due to the substantial increase in equivalent stress on the nail. This risk is amplified significantly, especially in situations where bone strength is compromised due to factors such as old age or osteoporosis, which substantially affects the stability of fixation. Extramedullary reduction, when appropriately positioned, demonstrates greater stability than anatomical reduction. It exhibits stable fixation even in scenarios with diminished bone strength. In instances in which the bone density was low in the support position, as observed in the lateral view, the average equivalent stress on the nail appeared to be relatively low, particularly in cases of positive support. Additionally, the femur experienced lower equivalent stress only in the extramedullary reduction-negative position. Moreover, by comparing different reduction methods and bone stiffness values using the same femoral shape, this study offers insights into the selection of appropriate reduction methods. These insights could significantly inform decision making regarding surgical strategies for intertrochanteric fractures.
Frequent CT Scan Radiation Activates Interferon Responses and Antitumor T-Cell Immunity
Authors: Dong Jigang , Wang Zhongtang , Li Minghao , Li Baosheng , Fu Chengrui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to elucidate the impact of repeated whole-body computed tomography (CT) scans on systemic immunity, the tumor immune microenvironment, and tumor control. This inquiry was prompted by clinical observations indicating a decrease in the levels of IFN-β and IFN-γ in patients' blood following whole-body CT scans.
Methods: A Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft mouse model was established and divided into two groups: a control group and a group subjected to multiple whole-body CT scanning radiation (WBCTSs). The study monitored tumor growth trends across both groups and employed a comprehensive set of analytical techniques—including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry analysis, immunohistochemistry, RNA sequencing, and single-cell sequencing—to assess differences in cytokine profiles (IFN-β and IFN-γ), proportions of key immune cells, and gene expression variations between the groups.
Results: Repeated CT scan radiation demonstrated a trend toward delaying tumor progression. In tumors exposed to multiple CT scans, there was an observed increase in the proportion of CD8+ T cells and an upregulation of genes associated with IFNγ in CD8+ T cells and IFN-β in macrophages. Concurrently, interferon levels within the tumor tissue also showed an increase.Conversely, the radiation from multiple whole-body CT scans resulted in a decreased proportion of CD8+ T cells in the blood and spleen, accompanied by a downregulation of genes associated with IFNγ in CD8+ T cells and IFN-β in macrophages, as well as a reduction in serum interferon levels.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that repeated whole-body CT scanning radiation induces systemic immunosuppression as well as immune activation in tumor tissue. Multiple CT scans do not exacerbate cancer, but rather may act as a barrier to cancer progression.
Biomimetics Through Bioconjugation of 16- Methylheptadecanoic Acid to Damaged Hair for Hair Barrier Recovery
Authors: Song Sang-Hun , Park Hyun Sub , Lim Byung Tack , Son Seong Kil 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The primary component of the lipid barrier on human hair, which is essential for defense against aging and environmental stresses, is 18-methyleicosanoic acid (18-MEA), which provides hydrophobic properties and protective benefits. Since 18-MEA cannot be regenerated once damaged, it is critical to develop technology that can permanently bind alternativematerials to hair. Once it was determined that 18-MEA was removed from the hair using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), pentaerythritol tetraisoosterate (PTIS) was hydrolyzed and observed via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)to confirm that mimic 18-MEA, 16-methylheptadecanoic acid (16-MHA) wasobtained at pH 4 or lower. The 16-MHA was bioconjugated to damaged hair from which 18-MEA was removed via a carbodiimide reaction using polycarbodiimide. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) confirmed that 16-MHA remained on the surface of bioconjugated hair even after washing. Observation of the endothermic reaction of moisture in the hair using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and evaluation of the moisture content confirmed that the hair bioconjugated with 16-MHA exhibited similar physical properties to virgin hair. This biomimetic approach has been demonstrated to restore both external structural integrity and internal moisture homeostasis.
Deciphering the role of the hendecad-repeat coiled-coil domain of TRIM72 in membrane curvature recognition
Authors: Song Hyun Kyu , Park Si Hoon 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligases are functional multidomain proteins involved in diverse eukaryotic cellular processes. A major subfamily of RING-type ligases is the tripartite motif (TRIM)-containing protein family, whose members contain RING, B-box, coiled-coil, and variable C-terminal domains. Although the roles of individual TRIM domains are well understood, the function of the coiled-coil domain remains unclear owing to its structural complexity. In this study, we investigated the structural details of the coiled-coil domain of TRIM72 to elucidate its role in facilitating interactions with both concave and convex membranes. Cooperative interactions of the coiled-coil/coiled-coil and B-box/B-box domains were found to drive oligomerization, aiding in the recognition of phospholipid layers by the PRYSPRY domains. These insights provide a fundamental basis for understanding TRIM family E3 ligases and highlight their conserved molecular architecture and pattern recognition capabilities through higher-order assembly.
Teeth with molar incisor hypomineralization in children have lower dental pulp oxygen saturation
Authors: Cavalcante Jade de Souza , Estela Carlos , de Carvalho Fabrício Kitazono , de Paula-Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia , Neto Manoel Damião de Sousa , Molena Kelly Fernanda , de Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this manuscript was to evaluate pulp tissue oxygen saturation (SaO2) in first permanent molars (FPM) with and without molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), to answering the question whether severe cases of MIH can have different SaO2 values.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 29 children (16 girls, 13 boys, aged 7-11 years) assigns 116 FPM. The FPM included were divided without MIH (G1, n = 48) and with MIH (G2: Mild MIH, n = 30 and G3: Severe MIH, n = 38). Pulp oximetry was conducted twice (each 30 seconds) in all groups.
Results:There were significant variations in SaO2 levels based on MIH severity. Median SaO2 in the control group was 94% (Q1=90%; Q3=98%), while MIH cases show SaO2 variations: Mild (79%, Q1=71.5%; Q3=83.5%) and Severe (68%, Q1=55%; Q3=75%) (p<0.01). FPM with MIH (G2 and G3) exhibit lower SaO2 levels than healthy teeth (G1), with severe cases showing even lower levels than mild ones.
Conclusions: This research contributes valuable insights into the association between MH severity and pulp oxygen saturation, offering implications for clinical management.
Clinical relevance: The pulse oximeter for measuring SaO2 in the dental pulp of teeth with MIH could be an alternative for thermal tests in children with this condition. Current thermal tests can generate fear and anxiety in pediatric patients.
Category: Original Article: Efficacy and safety of oral cyclophosphamide versus mycophenolate mofetil in childhood nephrotic syndrome: An open-label comparative study.
Authors: Dhooria Gurdeep Singh , Bhargava Siddharth , Bhat Deepak , Pooni Puneet , Goel Nancy , Kakkar Shruti 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The aim is to study the efficacy and safety of oral cyclophosphamide (CYC) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome for the proportion of children off steroids for at least 6 months (responders).
Methods: This is an open-label comparative study done in a Pediatric Nephrology clinic of a referral center on children between 3 months and 18 years with FR/SD nephrotic syndrome.
Group A was patients receiving oral cyclophosphamide (100, 25% female) with a dose of 2–2.5 mg/kg once daily for 8–12 weeks of therapy. Group B was patients receiving oral Mycophenolate Mofetil (n = 61, 18% female) (dose: 800-1200 mg/m2) for at least 12 months. Responders were defined as children off steroids for at least 6 months.
Results: In the CYC group, the proportion of responders was 50% compared to 54% in the MMF group (p = 0.614). The time to first relapse with CYC was 7 months (IQR 5.25–11) versus 7 months (IQR 3.5–12) with MMF (p = 0.092). The incidence relapse rate in CYC group was 1.77 relapses per patient-year compared to 1.295 relapses per patient-year in the MMF group. The difference in relapse rate was significant (-0.474; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.86 relapses/person-year) (p-value = 0.009). Multivariate analysis showed age less than 5 years at the start of medication was a significant factor in showing a better response with MMF (p-value =0.039, OR = 2.988, CI -1.055-8.468).
Conclusions: The efficacy of MMF was similar to CYC in terms of response (off steroid for 6 months) in children with FR/SD nephrotic syndrome. Whereas MMF showed a favorable response in the frequency of relapses, treatment failure.
Trial registration at Clinical Trials Registry of India: (http://ctri.nic.in;CTRI/2021/06/034421) (Dt: 28/06/2021)
5-Fluorouracil and Rumex obtusifolius extract combination trigger A549 cancer cell apoptosis: Uncovering PI3K/Akt inhibition by in vitro and in silico approaches
Authors: Ginovyan Mikayel , Javrushyan Hayarpi , Hovhannisyan Svetlana , Nadiryan Edita , Sevoyan Gohar , Harutyunyan Tigran , Gevorgyan Smbat , Karabekian Zaruhi , Maloyan Alina , Avtandilyan Nikolay 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, the objective was to explore novel strategies for improving the efficacy of anticancer therapy. The focus was on investigating the antiproliferative effects of combining Rumex obtusifolius extract (RO) with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in non-small A549 lung cancer cells (NSCLC). Key factors such as the PI3K/Akt cell signaling system, cytokines, growth factors (TNFa, VEGFa), and enzymes (Arginase, NOS, COX-2, MMP-2) were analyzed to assess the impact of the combination treatment. Results revealed that the combined treatment of 5-FU and RO demonstrated a significant reduction in TNFa levels, comparable to the effect observed with RO alone. RO was found to modulate the PI3K/Akt pathway, influencing the phosphorylated and total amounts of these proteins during the combined treatment. Notably, COX-2, a key player in inflammatory processes, substantially decreased with the combination treatment. Caspase-3 activity, indicative of apoptosis, increased by 1.8 times in the combined treatment compared to separate treatments. In addition, in silico analyses explored the binding affinities and interactions of RO's major phytochemicals with intracellular targets, revealing a high affinity for PI3K and Akt. These findings suggest that the combined treatment induces apoptosis in A549 cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Urban expansion and climate change in the Federal District of Brazil
Authors: Werneck Daniela Rocha , Romero Marta Adriana Bustos , Celuppi Maria Cristina , GOBO João Paulo Assis 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Brazil has made a voluntary commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of the National Policy on Climate Change, but adaptation and mitigation measures for urban areas to promote climate resilience are still lacking. In this context, this article aims to explore the urban thermal environment of Brasília, Brazil. The city was inaugurated in 1960 and its Plano Piloto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Lucio Costa based on the principles of the modernist movement. In order to evaluate the intra-urban distribution of surface temperature and vegetation, satellite images and remote sensing techniques were used to generate thematic maps. From this information, an exploratory analysis of spatial data was performed to identify clusters where the surface temperature has positive, negative or null autocorrelation. The results of the Moran indices pointed to the spatial dependence of the surface temperature, independent of the variability of the climatic seasons. Observing the urban fabric, the trend towards higher surface temperature values is associated with morphological characteristics such as soil occupation rate, absence of vegetation and shade and predominantly waterproofed surfaces.
Prevalence of malaria among COVID-19 suspected cases in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Authors: Charles-Amaza Rahab , Jimoh Olanrewaju , Balogun Muhammad S. , Bala Hashim A. , Adeke Azuka S. , Olayinka Adebola 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Malaria and COVID-19 share some symptoms. Therefore, diagnosing these diseases clinically might be misleading, especially during an epidemic response. We determined the prevalence of malaria among COVID-19 suspected cases in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. This study was conducted in five selected health facilities in Abuja, with participation of 254 febrile patients attending COVID-19 screening centres in those facilities. Each subject was interviewed using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Samples were collected for malaria and COVID-19 testing. Descriptive statistical analysis was done and included means, standard deviations, and proportions. Results were presented in form of tables and figures. There were 254 participants with median age of 34 years (range: 18–80). The age group, 30–49 years had the highest representation among the participants (55.1%). Majority were females (53.1%), with tertiary education (66.9%), were businessmen/women (37.4%) and civil servants (24.8%). More than half of participants were married (54%). Only 2% tested positive for malaria, and 1.2% for COVID-19. No participant presented with co-infection. The prevalence of COVID-19 among patients presenting themselves for COVID-19 testing was low while the prevalence of malaria was also low. There is still a need to test all suspected cases of COVID-19 that present in a testing centre for malaria.
The national and sub-national patterns of age of menopause and its associated factors: An experience from Iran STEPS Survey 2021
Authors: Djalalinia Shirin , Farzi Yosef , Almasi Golaleh , Azadnajafabad Sina , Ahmadi Naser , Rezaei Nazila , Kazemi Ameneh , Rezaei Negar , Dilmaghani-Marand Arezou , Yoosefi Moein , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Ghasemi Erfan , Golestani Ali , Abdolhamidi Elham , Nasserinejad Maryam , Hajebi Amirali , Haghshenas Rosa , Fateh Sahar Mohammadi , BSc Kamyar Rezaee , Derouei Arefeh Alipour , Moghaddam Sahar Saeedi , Dastjerdi Marziyeh Vahid , Larijani Bagher , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani , Farzadfar Farshad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Menopause as an important health issue needs special attention and planning to provide extensive services and interventional programs to manage the complications and adverse health consequences. Benefiting from a national and sub-national representative sample, the present study aimed to estimate the distribution of age of menopause and its associated factors in Iranian women.
Methods: Present investigation was a part of the national survey of non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS 2021) in Iran. Through a systematic random sampling, under safety considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic, of the 28,520 adults who were found to be in included in the survey, 27,874 participants completed the questionnaires (step 1), 27,745 individuals were anthropometrically measured (step 2), and 18,119 individuals completed laboratory evaluation (step 3). Present study included 13291 females who had non-missing menopause values.
Menopause before the age of 45 years is considered "early menopause". Theovarian failure/surgical removal of the ovaries before the age of 40 years as; "premature ovarian insufficiency". The others group were; normal (40-50), and late (55 ≤) menopause.
Results: In 2021, 28.58% (95% CI: 27.67, 29.48) of 25≤ year-old Iranian women were menopause. In adult menopause, the prevalence of early menopause was 4.55% (3.88,5.22) and 11.63% (10.64,12.63) had late menopause. Based on the sub-national distribution of age of menopause; early menopause was the dominant pattern in the most of eastern provinces. The low physical activity, significantly decreased the age-adjusted Odds ratio of menopause (p< 0.05). The current smoking and hookah consumption, as well as the history of continuous smoking, were significantly associated to the decreasing in age-adjusted OR of the age of menopause (p< 0.05). These significant association also detected in widow marriage status participants; women with public sector employment and who had more than 12 years of schooling (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of present study could be used for promotion of health planning and interventions at national and sub-national levels. Special attentions need for early monitoring of women with a family history of early menopause, especially, who have life style risk factors. Consequently, special attention should be considered to probable factors confounding menopause age among Iranian women.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Ecosystem Service Value Functions in Response to Landscape Fragmentation in Boma-Gambella Trans-Boundary Landscape, Southwest Ethiopia and Eastern South Sudan
Authors: Ayal Desalegn Yayeh , Getahun Azemir Berhanu , Dagnew Amare Bantider 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Landscape fragmentation plays a crucial role in determining ecosystem service value functions of landscapes. Understanding the relationship between landscape fragmentation and ecosystem services in areas subjected to environmental vulnerability and biodiversity degradation due to anthropogenic and biophysical drivers is a key for improving ecosystem service functions and their sustainability. The study aims to investigate the Spatio-Temporal dynamics of ecosystem service values functions in response to landscape fragmentation in Boma-Gambella Trans-boundary Landscape, Southwest Ethiopia and East South Sudan. The study applied ArcGIS 10.7, FRGSTAT 4.2 and Benefit Transfer Approach to understand the effect of landscape fragmentation on spatial and temporal changes of ecosystem service value functions. The findings indicate that ecosystem service value functions are negatively associated with the increasing fragmentation of the landscapes into core, perforated, edge, and patch areas. The ArcGIS 10.7 results of the transition matrix confirm that a total of 20321.9 million ha of forest land has been converted to other land use land cover types. The results of FRAGSTAT 4.2 reveal that the core areas of the landscape in particular has been changed from 1.95 million ha in 2009 to 0.88 million ha in 2020. These changes and fragmentation result spatial and temporal changes in ecosystem service value functions of the landscape. The results reveal that there were a total of 627.65 million $US ha− 1year− 1 ecosystem service value function change between 2009 & 2020. The results of the study also reveal that regulating, provisioning, supporting and cultural service value functions of the forest land decreased at a net change of 198.05 Million $US ha− 1year− 1, with annual rate of decreasing change (18.0 Million $US ha− 1year− 1) from 2009 t0 2020. Moreover, regulating service value functions of the forest land significantly decreased with a net change of 127.65 Million $US ha− 1year− 1) at annual decreasing rate of change (11.6 Million $US ha− 1year− 1) from 2009 to 2020, indicating a higher susceptibility of the forest land to external factors which have been induced by agricultural land and settlement area expansion. The study, therefore, highlights need for understanding landscape fragmentation impact on ecosystem service value functions and the need to promote conservation and restoration of ecosystem services. The study recommends further investigations using high-resolution satellite imagery; detailed field surveys on the effects of landscape fragmentation on ecosystem service value functions; and facilitate conservation and restoration actions for sustainable utilization of the landscape's biodiversity and ecosystem services at various scales in similar biophysical settings as Boma- Gambella Trans-Boundary Landscape.
Luna Crater: India’s fourth Impact Crater in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat?
Authors: Basu Debdatta , Raychaudhuri Debjani 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Luna crater is a near-circular proposed impact structure within the low-lying, flat terrain of unconsolidated Holocene sediments of the Banni Plains of the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Detailed petrography including study of BSE images of thin sections of numerous iron-rich, glassy, vesicular impact melt fragments collected from the Luna crater, revealed an internal texture of dendritic iron oxides associated with high-reflectance metallic particles (pure Fe metal/Fe-Ni/alloys) within an amorphous glassy mixed composition silicate groundmass. The presence of the central depression, iron oxide dendrites, Fe-Ni metal, lechatelierite and the anomalous occurrence of siderophile impactor relevant elements Ni, Cr and PGE’s (Ru, Pd, Ir and Pt values of 92,5,22 and 8 ppb) in Quaternary sediments and the textural similarity of melt fragments with spherules/melts from several impact craters, are considered to be evidence for an impact origin of Luna Structure.