Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Audiol Neurootol 2021 Apr 13:1-8. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

ENT Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.

Background And Aim: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular progressive disorder, characterized by limb and bulbar muscle wasting and weakness. 30% of patients present a bulbar onset, while 70% a spinal outbreak, although most of them develop bulbar impairment later on. Due to the lack of an early biomarker of bulbar involvement, we chose to evaluate the role of stapedial reflex (SR) in order to predict preclinical bulbar impairment in ALS. Read More

J Surg Res 2021 Apr 10;264:375-385. Epub 2021 Apr 10.

Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China. Electronic address:

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the relationship between the aspartate transaminase and/or alanine transaminase ratio (DRR) and long-term mortality of patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a retrospective study among adult septic patients who were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital from January 2014 to December 2018. Baseline characteristics were compared between survivors and non survivors. Read More

J Surg Res 2021 Apr 10;264:334-345. Epub 2021 Apr 10.

Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington; Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Background: Unplanned hospital readmissions are associated with morbidity and high cost. Existing literature on readmission after trauma has focused on how injury characteristics are associated with readmission. We aimed to evaluate how psychosocial determinants of health and complications of hospitalization combined with injury characteristics affect risk of readmission after trauma. Read More

Waste Manag 2021 Apr 10;126:538-548. Epub 2021 Apr 10.

Department of Life Sciences (Agri-Food Science Area), BIOGEST - SITEIA Interdepartmental Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa 1, Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna 42124, Italy.

Grape stalks are a lignocellulosic biomass, which is a very complex material, whose easy and profitable fractionation to obtain its basic components is still not available. Therefore, alternative ways to try and make use of grape stalks are currently being explored. In the present study, the possible use of dried and milled grape stalks as filler in bio-composites was assessed using polybutylene succinate as a basic polymer. Read More

Urology 2021 Apr 10. Epub 2021 Apr 10.

Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address:

Objective: To assess both the safety and efficacy, in terms of symptomatic improvement, of botulinum toxin injections distributed in the bowel patch and the bladder remnant of failed augmented bladders.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective study was performed on patients with augmented bladders who had presented with clinical and/or urodynamic failure and had received an onabotulinum toxin-A injection at both the bowel and the bladder level due to refractoriness to oral treatment. The primary variable tested was safety, which was assessed by analysing the adverse effects according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Read More

Int Braz J Urol 2021 Jul-Aug;47(4):753-776

Divisão de Urologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo - FMUSP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on clinical and surgical practice, educational activities, health and lifestyle behavior of Brazilian urology residents.

Materials And Methods: A web-based survey was sent to 468 Brazilian urology residents from postgraduate years (PGY) 3 to 5 to collect data on clinical practice and training after 4 months of COVID-19. We also assessed health-related and behavior changes, rate of infection by SARS-CoV-2, deployment to the front line of COVID-19, residents' concerns, and access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Read More

Radiology 2021 Apr 13:202817. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

From the Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention (Y.J.Y., Y.M.W.) and Center for Big Data Analytics and Statistics (J.L.H.), Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; and Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC (K.M.Y., I.H.S., C.M.C., J.H.T.).

Background MRI, Tinel test, and rhomboid electromyography (EMG) can be used to predict whether C5 spinal nerve stumps are healthy and eligible for grafting in acute adult brachial plexus injuries, but their comparative diagnostic efficacies have not been evaluated. Purpose To compare diagnostic performances of MRI, Tinel test, and rhomboid EMG in predicting healthy C5 spinal nerve stumps that are eligible for grafting. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included consecutive adult patients with acute brachial plexus injury who underwent microreconstructions between January 2008 and December 2018. Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2021 Apr 13:1-8. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan.

Purpose: To investigate the psychometric properties of the Test d'Evaluation des Membres Suprieurs de Personnes Agres (TEMPA) for the affected upper extremity in a population of Japanese patients with stroke.

Materials And Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, single-center study involving 30 patients with stroke was conducted. The inter-rater reliability, the validity, and the internal consistency were assessed. Read More

J Clin Periodontol 2021 Apr 12. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Department of Periodontology, Center of Dentistry and Oral Medicine (Carolinum), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.

Aim: Comparison of the clinical efficacy (digitally volumetric, aesthetic, patient-centered outcomes) of tunnel technique (TUN) with subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) versus coronally advanced flap (CAF) with enamel matrix derivate (EMD) 5 years after gingival recession therapy.

Materials And Methods: In 18 patients contributing 36 RT1 recessions, study models were collected at baseline and follow-ups. Optical scans assessed recessions computer-assisted [recession depth, recession reduction (RECred), complete root coverage (CRC), percentage of root coverage (RC), pointwise (pTHK) and mean areal (aTHK) marginal soft tissue thickness]. Read More

Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021 Apr 12;18(1):52. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.

Background: There has been increasing interest in using wearable activity trackers to promote physical activity in youth. This study examined the short- and longer-term effects of a wearable activity tracker combined with digital behaviour change resources on the physical activity of adolescents attending schools in socio-economically disadvantaged areas.

Methods: The Raising Awareness of Physical Activity (RAW-PA) Study was a 12-week, multicomponent intervention that combined a Fitbit Flex (and accompanying app), and online digital behaviour change resources and weekly challenges delivered via Facebook. Read More

Cancer Cell Int 2021 Apr 12;21(1):203. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, People's Republic of China.

Background: Long non-coding RNA is considered to be essential to modulate the development and progression of human malignant cancers. And long non-coding RNA can act as crucial modulators by sponging the corresponding microRNA in tumorigenesis. We aimed to elucidate the function of ACTA2-AS1 and its molecular mechanism in colon adenocarcinoma. Read More

BMC Oral Health 2021 Apr 12;21(1):190. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Nordic Institute of Dental Materials (NIOM), Oslo, Norway.

Background: Stainless-steel crowns (SSCs) are recommended for restorative treatment of young teeth severely affected by caries, fractures or dental developmental disorders (DDDs). However, despite recommendations and clinical evidence, SSCs are not widely used by general dentists, who favour extraction and more conventional restorations. The present study aimed to investigate the views of and use of SSCs among Norwegian and Finnish dentists. Read More

Chemosphere 2021 Mar 29;278:130389. Epub 2021 Mar 29.

Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade Do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal. Electronic address:

In this study, O and O/UVC processes were evaluated for the treatment of landfill leachate after biological nitrification/denitrification, coagulation, or their combinations. The O-driven stage efficiency was assessed by the removal of color, organic matter (dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD)), and biodegradability increase (Zahn-Wellens test). Also, fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) and size exclusion chromatography coupled with OC detector (SEC-OCD) analysis were carried out for each strategy. Read More

Radiother Oncol 2021 Apr 9. Epub 2021 Apr 9.

Oncologic Surgery Department, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon. Electronic address:

Objective: To compare the impact of two radiation modalities on loco-regional control, survival and tumour emergence, after node dissection for an unilateral head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary (HNCUP).

Materials And Methods: This is a multicentric retrospective study of 138 patients with unilateral HNCUP treated between 2002 and 2017. The absence of primary tumour was assessed by a systematic panendoscopy and positron emission tomography. Read More

Arthritis Rheumatol 2021 Apr 12. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Center for Translational Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

Objective: To fully understand the molecular mechanism of hypoxia-induced rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast cell (RASFC) activation via Notch-1 and Notch-3 signalling, and to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target.

Methods: Notch-1 and Notch-3 intracellular domain (N1ICD), Notch-3 intracellular domain (N3ICD), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were detected in RA synovial tissues via immunohistology. RASFC were cultured under hypoxic and normoxic conditions with or without small interfering RNAs, and N1ICD and N3ICD were overexpressed under normoxic conditions. Read More

Phys Eng Sci Med 2021 Apr 12. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.

The fabrication of brachytherapy surface moulds is considered laborious and time consuming that often result in repeated attempts due to incorrect catheter positioning or the presence of air gaps. 3-dimensional printing using low-cost and reliable materials has allowed the rapid creation of patient-specific surface mould applicators to be achieved using patient imaging data obtained via CT scan. In this study we investigate whether an alternative approach using photogrammetry techniques can improve this process and how camera settings and object texture affect the reconstructions. Read More

Wiad Lek 2021 ;74(3 cz 2):746-749

TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH, MUNICH, GERMANY.

Objective: The aim: Development of practical recommendations to further improve students' adaptation to a multicultural university environment as a factor in ensuring their health.

Patients And Methods: Materials and methods: The publication is based on the results of a comprehensive multi-purpose randomized epidemiological study using a standardized questionnaire. Questionnaire results (n = 355) were tested for paired correlations of all considered factors. Read More

Wiad Lek 2021 ;74(3 cz 2):726-730

BOGOMOLETS NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, KYIV, UKRAINE.

Objective: The aim: Was a comparative hygienic assessment of working conditions and occupational risk in the application of fungicide Amistar Extra 280, SC using slotted and injector sprayers.

Patients And Methods: Materials and methods: Sprayers Super Poly 110-04 (variant №1) and Guardian Air GA110-04 (variant № 2), and certified equipment were used. The occupational risk was assessed in accordance with the methodological recommendations proposed by the L. Read More

Wiad Lek 2021 ;74(3 cz 2):684-689

BOGOMOLETS NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, KYIV, UKRAINE.

Objective: The aim: Is to determine the actual energy costs of servicemen on the qualification course of special operations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to substantiate the adequate nutritional and energy value of their diet.

Patients And Methods: Materials and methods: The actual average daily energy consumption of 85 servicemen of the qualification course (hereinafter - Q-course) of special operations of AF of Ukraine was determined by time-table and instrumental methods. By laboratory, calculation and questionnaire methods, the compensatory possibilities of their actual nutrition were assessed. Read More

Wiad Lek 2021 ;74(3 cz 2):608-612

ACADEMY OF THE STATE PENITENTIARY SERVICE, CHERNIHIV, UKRAINE.

Objective: The aim: Is to investigate the impact of sports games (football) on the level of somatic health and emotional state of students in the process of studying.

Patients And Methods: Materials and methods: The study was conducted at Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture and Sumy State University (Ukraine) in 2018-2019. The study involved 87 male students of the main department. Read More

Wiad Lek 2021 ;74(3 cz 2):603-607

STATE INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE "RESEARCH AND PRACTICAL CENTER OF PREVENTIVE AND CLINICAL MEDICINE" STATE ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT, KYIV, UKRAINE.

Objective: The aim: Study of the indicators of quality of life of patients served by a multidisciplinary health care institution with the functionally-organizational model of coded prevention of chronic noninfectious diseases is implemented.

Patients And Methods: Materials and methods: To evaluate the effectiveness of the model's use we used the assessment of the dynamics of QL indices, which was assessed according to the EUROHISQOL 8-item index methodology among 376 patients aged over 18 years.

Results: Results: Most of the respondents (61. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2021 Apr 10:34894211007248. Epub 2021 Apr 10.

Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.

Purpose: The varied treatment options available to patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) can cause significant patient confusion. In particular, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become widely used for treatment of HPV-positive OPSCC. As patients commonly refer to the internet for additional information, we aim to evaluate the quality of online patient educational materials for TORS in comparison to other otolaryngology surgical procedures. Read More

ACS Synth Biol 2021 Apr 12. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center. 8198 Blackhawk Road, APG, Aberdeen, Maryland 21010, United States.

Cell-free expression systems have drawn increasing attention as a tool to achieve complex biological functions outside of the cell. Several applications of the technology involve the delivery of functionality to challenging environments, such as field-forward diagnostics or point-of-need manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. To achieve these goals, cell-free reaction components are preserved using encapsulation or lyophilization methods, both of which often involve an embedding of components in porous matrices like paper or hydrogels. Read More

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021 Apr 12. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Mechanics and Materials, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.

MXene is a generic name for a large family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides or nitrides, which show great promise in the field of transparent supercapacitors. However, the manufacturing of supercapacitor electrodes with a high charge storage capacity and desirable transmittance is a challenging task. Herein, a low-cost, large-scale, and rapid preparation of flexible and transparent MXene films via inkjet printing is reported. Read More

Turk J Med Sci 2021 Apr 12. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Background/aim: Frailty is associated with an increased risk of negative short-term and long-term hospital outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the role of frailty in predicting readmission, length of stay, and quality of life in the hospitalized older adults.

Materials And Methods: This observational study was conducted at Ziaiyan Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Read More

Int J Reprod Biomed 2021 Mar 21;19(3):283-292. Epub 2021 Mar 21.

Yazd Medical Genetic Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

Background: Menopause is the natural termination of menstruation which affects the quality and important aspects of women's life.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of regular resistance training (Ex) with vitamin D (Vit. D) and calcium (Ca) supplements in the postmenopausal period on muscle tissue in rats. Read More

Front Oncol 2021 25;11:593449. Epub 2021 Mar 25.

Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.

Background: Radiation brain necrosis (RBN) is a serious complication in patients receiving radiotherapy for intracranial disease. Many studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in patients with RBN. In the present study, we systematically reviewed the medical literature for studies reporting the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab, as well as for studies comparing bevacizumab with corticosteroids. Read More

Int J Appl Basic Med Res 2021 Jan-Mar;11(1):27-31. Epub 2021 Jan 26.

Department of Psychiatry, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India.

Context: Introduction of competency-based medical education in India has necessitated a diversion from traditional methods of teaching and assessment.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) as a tool for formative assessment of postgraduates in psychiatry at our institute.

Settings And Design: It was a prospective, quasi-experimental study carried out in the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMS, Rohtak (India). Read More

Am J Transl Res 2021 15;13(3):1483-1493. Epub 2021 Mar 15.

Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing, 100070, China.

Background: Astaxanthin (ATX) is a carotenoid pigment with effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and immunomodulatory actions. ATX has been proposed to exert neuroprotective effects and attenuate oxidative stress in mice after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) signaling pathway is stimulated after TBI and activates a compensatory mechanism against TBI. Read More

Int J Yoga 2021 Jan-Apr;14(1):83-86. Epub 2021 Feb 5.

Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Introduction: Tele-yoga is a cost-effective method of teaching yoga using cloud technology to relay from one source (trainer's venue) to multi-point video conferencing centers (participants' homes). However, there is a need to assess the tele-yoga trainer and the training itself to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Materials And Methods: The Tele-Yoga Trainers Assessment (TYTA) tool was developed through (a) review of existing tools, (b) key informant interviews, and (c) validation by experts. Read More