Nevin Manimala

J Vet Intern Med. 2023 Sep 8. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16838. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is an emerging treatment for sinonasal tumors in dogs. Reported results regarding tumor control and incidence of acute and late radiation morbidities are inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES: To determine treatment efficacy and prognostic indicators of SRT in dogs with sinonasal tumors and to quantify acute and late radiation morbidities.

ANIMALS: One hundred and eighty-two client-owned dogs with sinonasal tumors diagnosed cytologically, histologically, or radiographically that underwent SRT.

METHODS: Single-arm retrospective study by reviewing medical records of dogs treated with SRT (10 Gy × 3) between 2010 and 2015. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine overall survival (OST; from the first day of SRT to death by any cause) and disease-specific survival times (DSST; OST but censoring tumor/treatment-unrelated death). Tumors were staged using modified Adams criteria.

RESULTS: Median OST and DSST of dogs treated with 1 course of SRT was 441 (95% CI: 389-493 days) and 482 (428-536 days) days, respectively with skin/oral cavity acute morbidities observed in 3% of dogs. DSST in dogs with stage 4 disease showed no statistical difference compared to other stages (P = .64). Oro-nasal (n = 2) or naso-cutaneous (n = 11) fistula development occurred in 7.1% of dogs with median time of 425 days (range: 83-1733 days). Possible chronic rhinitis after SRT was recorded in 54 of 88 dogs (61%) where information was available.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Results are comparable to other reports of treatment of SRT. Acute morbidities were minimal. Modified Adams stage scheme appeared to be inappropriate for prognostication for dogs with sinonasal tumors treated with SRT.

PMID:37688322 | DOI:10.1111/jvim.16838

Cancer Sci. 2023 Sep 8. doi: 10.1111/cas.15943. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The first prophylactic vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and HPV18 was licensed in Japan in 2009. HPV vaccine effectiveness against high-grade cervical lesions has been demonstrated among young Japanese women, but evidence of its effects on invasive cervical cancer (ICC) is lacking. Using data from two different cancer registries, we compared recent trends of new ICC cases by age group using Poisson regression analysis. We also analyzed time trends in HPV16/18 prevalence among 1414 Japanese women aged <40 years newly diagnosed with ICC in the past decade. Based on the population-based cancer registry, the incidence of ICC among young women aged 20-29 years showed a significant decline from 3.6 to 2.8 per 100 000 women-years during 2016-2019, but no similar decline was observed for older age groups (p < 0.01). Similarly, using data from the gynecological cancer registry of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the annual number of ICCs among women aged 20-29 years also decreased from 256 cases to 135 cases during 2011-2020 (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, a declining trend in HPV16/18 prevalence in ICC was observed only among women aged 20-29 years during 2017-2022 (90.5%-64.7%, p = 0.05; Cochran-Armitage trend test). This is the first report to suggest population-level effects of HPV vaccination on ICC in Japan. Although the declining trend in HPV16/18 prevalence among young women with ICC supports a causal linkage between vaccination and results from cancer registries, further studies are warranted to confirm that our findings are attributable to vaccination.

PMID:37688310 | DOI:10.1111/cas.15943

Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2023 Sep 8. doi: 10.1111/luts.12501. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Diagnosing interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome presents a major challenge because it relies on subjective symptoms and empirical cystoscopic findings. A practical biomarker should discriminate diseases that cause increased urinary frequency, particularly overactive bladder. Therefore, we aimed to identify blood biomarkers that can discriminate between interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and overactive bladder.

METHODS: We enrolled patients with Hunner-type interstitial cystitis (n = 20), bladder pain syndrome (n = 20), and overactive bladder (n = 20) and without lower urinary tract symptoms (controls, n = 15) at Ueda Clinic and Nara Medical University Hospital from February 2020 to August 2021. The degree of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome symptoms was evaluated using the interstitial cystitis symptom and problem indices. Metabolomics analysis was performed on 323 serum metabolites using liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: In the Hunner-type interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome group, we observed smaller relative areas, including anandamide, acylcarnitine (18:2), linoleoyl ethanolamide, and arachidonic acid, compared to those in the overactive bladder or control group. Notably, the differences in the relative areas of anandamide were statistically significant (median: 3.950e-005 and 4.150e-005 vs. 8.300e-005 and 9.800e-005), with an area under the curve of 0.9321, demonstrating its ability to discriminate interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS: Serum anandamide may be a feasible diagnostic biomarker for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Reduced serum anandamide levels may be associated with pain and inflammation initiation, reflecting the pathology of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Furthermore, our findings suggest that abnormal linoleic acid metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

PMID:37688290 | DOI:10.1111/luts.12501

Polymers (Basel). 2023 Sep 2;15(17):3635. doi: 10.3390/polym15173635.

ABSTRACT

The increased demand for cladding in high-rise buildings has prompted engineers to explore alternative products utilizing recycled materials. However, ensuring fire compliance in these alternative claddings, which are predominantly composed of low-volume polymer-based composites, poses a critical challenge. Traditional experimental methods for fire evaluation are costly, time consuming, and environmentally impactful. Considering this, a numerical approach was proposed for evaluating the fire performance of glass-polymer composite materials, which contain a high proportion of recycled glass and a lower percentage of rigid polyurethane. A cone calorimeter test was simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to investigate the flammability of the novel glass-polymer composite material. This validated numerical model was employed to assess the combustibility of the glass-polyurethane composite materials and identify influential parameters using the Design of Experiments (DoE) method. Statistical analysis revealed that three material properties, namely, the heat of combustion, the absorption coefficient, and the heat of reaction, significantly influenced the peak heat release rate (pHRR) of the glass-polyurethane composite materials compared to other properties. Based on these findings, an empirical equation was proposed that demonstrates a reasonable correlation with the pHRR of low-polymer recycled glass composite materials. The outcomes of this study hold considerable importance for understanding and predicting the combustibility behaviour of low-polymer-glass composites. By providing a validated numerical model and identifying critical material properties, this research contributes to the development of sustainable fire safety solutions for buildings, enabling the use of recycled materials and reducing reliance on conventional claddings.

PMID:37688261 | DOI:10.3390/polym15173635

Polymers (Basel). 2023 Sep 1;15(17):3628. doi: 10.3390/polym15173628.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was a comprehensive evaluation and comparison of the physical and mechanical properties of a newly developed nano-sized hydroxyapatite fiber-reinforced composite with other fiber-reinforced and particle-filled composites. Commercially available eight composite resins (3 fiber-reinforced and 5 particle-filled) were used: Fiber-reinforced composites: (1) NovaPro Fill (Nanova): newly developed nano-sized hydroxyapatite fiber-reinforced composite (nHAFC-NF); (2) Alert (Pentron): micrometer-scale glass fiber-reinforced composite (µmGFC-AL); (3) Ever X Posterior (GC Corp): millimeter-scale glass fiber-reinforced composite (mmGFC-EX); Particle-filled composites: (4) SDR Plus (Dentsply) low-viscosity bulk-fill (LVBF-SDR); (5) Estelite Bulk Fill (Tokuyama Corp.) low-viscosity bulk-fill (LVBF-EBF); (6) Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (3M ESPE) low-viscosity bulk-fill (LVBF-FBFF); (7) Filtek Bulk Fill (3M ESPE) high-viscosity bulk-fill (HVBF-FBF); and (8) Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE): microhybrid composite (µH-FZ). For Vickers microhardness, cylindrical-shaped specimens (diameter: 4 mm, height: 2 mm) were fabricated (n = 10). For the three-point bending test, bar-shaped (2 × 2 × 25 mm) specimens were fabricated (n = 10). Flexural strength and modulus elasticity were calculated. AcuVol, a video image device, was used for volumetric polymerization shrinkage (VPS) evaluations (n = 6). The polymerization degree of conversion (DC) was measured on the top and bottom surfaces with Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR; n = 5). The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD, Welsch ANOVA, and Games-Howell tests (p < 0.05). Pearson coefficient correlation was used to determine the linear correlation. Group µH-FZ displayed the highest microhardness, flexural strength, and modulus elasticity, while Group HVBF-FBF exhibited significantly lower VPS than other composites. When comparing the fiber-reinforced composites, Group mmGFC-EX showed significantly higher microhardness, flexural strength, modulus elasticity, and lower VPS than Group nHAFC-NF but similar DC. A strong correlation was determined between microhardness, VPS and inorganic filler by wt% and vol% (r = 0.572-0.877). Fiber type and length could affect the physical and mechanical properties of fibers containing composite resins.

PMID:37688254 | DOI:10.3390/polym15173628

Polymers (Basel). 2023 Aug 29;15(17):3583. doi: 10.3390/polym15173583.

ABSTRACT

The thinking about metallic replacement has begun in a global context of reducing metallic alloys’ use in odontology. Among the materials proposed for their replacement, poly(etheretherketone) may present interesting properties, especially in removable dentures’ frames. The purpose of this study is to evaluate fracture resistance of PEEK posts-and-cores compared to non-metallic CAD/CAM materials and fiber glass posts. Forty extracted maxillary central incisors were prepared to receive posts. Samples were divided into four groups depending on whether they had been reconstructed with LuxaCam^® PEEK, Enamic^®, Numerys GF^® or LuxaPost^®. Samples were submitted to an oblique compressive test and results were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Student’s tests (or non-parametric tests depending on the conditions). Glass fiber posts and Numerys GF^® reveal a significantly higher fracture resistance than LuxaCam^® PEEK and Enamic^®. No exclusively dental fracture has been noted for the Enamic group, which significantly distinguishes these samples from the three other groups. In our study, it appears that the conception of posts and cores with hybrid ceramic never conducts to a unique tooth fracture. By weighting the results according to the materials used, our data, obtained for the first time on this type of PEEK block, cannot confirm the possibility of using PEEK for inlay-core conception, excepted for specific cases when the material is considered in a patient presenting allergies or systemic disease contraindicating resin or metal.

PMID:37688208 | DOI:10.3390/polym15173583

Polymers (Basel). 2023 Aug 26;15(17):3558. doi: 10.3390/polym15173558.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to develop polymer matrix tablets with modified release of dry Betula pendula leaf extract and to investigate basic parameters influencing the drug release pattern. To fully assess the statistical significance of the influence of the individual factors in the tablet formulation development as well as the combination of them, Tukey’s tests and a complete 3³ factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied. The following three factors were studied at three levels (low, medium and high): influence of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic polymer ratio Ethylcellulose (EC)/Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (40/60, 25/75 and 10/90), influence of HPMC molecular weight (500 kDa, 750 kDa and 1150 kDa), and influence of the compression force applied (1 t, 1.5 t and 2 t). The effect of these varied parameters on the drug release parameter t80 was evaluated statistically. Twenty-seven tablet models were formulated, including all possible combinations of the variables. The obtained drug release profiles demonstrated that a 25/75 (EC/HPMC) ratio was the most suitable for prolonging the release process. Increasing the molecular weight of HMPC from 500 kDa to 750-1150 kDa and applying higher compression force significantly influenced the studied t80 values and caused sustained drug release (t80 up to 7.97 h). The combination of the hydrophilic HPMC polymer with the hydrophobic EC can result in the formation of a promising drug-carrying matrix, offering effective control of the drug release process.

PMID:37688182 | DOI:10.3390/polym15173558

Sensors (Basel). 2023 Sep 4;23(17):7646. doi: 10.3390/s23177646.

ABSTRACT

In low-voltage distribution systems, the load types are complex, so traditional detection methods cannot effectively identify series arc faults. To address this problem, this paper proposes an arc fault detection method based on multimodal feature fusion. Firstly, the different mode features of the current signal are extracted by mathematical statistics, Fourier transform, wavelet packet transform, and continuous wavelet transform. The different modal features include one-dimensional features, such as time-domain features, frequency-domain features, and wavelet packet energy features, and two-dimensional features of time-spectrum images. Secondly, the extracted features are preprocessed and prioritized for importance based on different machine learning algorithms to improve the feature data quality. The features of higher importance are input into an arc fault detection model. Finally, an arc fault detection model is constructed based on a one-dimensional convolutional network and a deep residual shrinkage network to achieve high accuracy. The proposed detection method has higher detection accuracy and better performance compared with the arc fault detection method based on single-mode features.

PMID:37688107 | DOI:10.3390/s23177646

Sensors (Basel). 2023 Sep 3;23(17):7639. doi: 10.3390/s23177639.

ABSTRACT

Currently, strawberry harvesting relies heavily on human labour and subjective assessments of ripeness, resulting in inconsistent post-harvest quality. Therefore, the aim of this work is to automate this process and provide a more accurate and efficient way of assessing ripeness. We explored a unique combination of YOLOv7 object detection and augmented reality technology to detect and visualise the ripeness of strawberries. Our results showed that the proposed YOLOv7 object detection model, which employed transfer learning, fine-tuning and multi-scale training, accurately identified the level of ripeness of each strawberry with an mAP of 0.89 and an F1 score of 0.92. The tiny models have an average detection time of 18 ms per frame at a resolution of 1280 × 720 using a high-performance computer, thereby enabling real-time detection in the field. Our findings distinctly establish the superior performance of YOLOv7 when compared to other cutting-edge methodologies. We also suggest using Microsoft HoloLens 2 to overlay predicted ripeness labels onto each strawberry in the real world, providing a visual representation of the ripeness level. Despite some challenges, this work highlights the potential of augmented reality to assist farmers in harvesting support, which could have significant implications for current agricultural practices.

PMID:37688097 | DOI:10.3390/s23177639

Sensors (Basel). 2023 Aug 30;23(17):7536. doi: 10.3390/s23177536.

ABSTRACT

According to the survey statistics, most traffic accidents are caused by the driver’s behavior and status irregularities. Because there is no multi-level dangerous state grading system at home and abroad, this paper proposes a complex state grading system for real-time detection and dynamic tracking of the driver’s state. The system uses OpenMV as the acquisition camera combined with the cradle head tracking system to collect the driver’s current driving image in real-time dynamically, combines the YOLOX algorithm with the OpenPose algorithm to judge the driver’s dangerous driving behavior by detecting unsafe objects in the cab and the driver’s posture, and combines the improved Retinaface face detection algorithm with the Dlib feature-point algorithm to discriminate the fatigue driving state of the driver. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the three driver danger levels (R1, R2, and R3) obtained by the proposed system reaches 95.8%, 94.5%, and 96.3%, respectively. The experimental results of this system have a specific practical significance in driver-distracted driving warnings.

PMID:37687991 | DOI:10.3390/s23177536