Aspects Of Cost-effectiveness Research Articles

The effects of working memory training on working memory, self-regulation, and analogical reasoning of preschool children.

This study examined the effects of working memory training (WMT) on WM and fluid intelligence. A novel four-pronged model of mediated learning, cognitive functions, task characteristics and metacognition is presented as a conceptual basis for the Modifiability of a Working Memory Program (MWMP). Our basic assumption is that increasing WM depends on a synchronized combination of the four components. A group of typically developed preschool children (n = 62) participated in the experimental group, receiving the MWMP. They were compared with a control group (n = 56) of preschool children who engaged in a substitute program. This comparison allowed us to discern the specific effects of the MWMP. All participants received tests of WM, self-regulation and analogical reasoning before and after the intervention. The MWMP was administered to children in the experimental group for 10 weekly sessions, each lasting 40 minutes, in small groups of two children. The children in the control group engaged in didactic activities that were part of a school curriculum routine for kindergartners for the same length of time. We used ANCOVA analysis to compare the Treatment x Time with age and socioeconomic status as covariates. The findings revealed a higher improvement in some WM and self-regulation tests among children in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. However, no significant transfer effects were observed in analogical thinking. The findings confirm the effectiveness of a non-computerized WMT among kindergartners and support our four-pronged theoretical model. We also discuss earlier findings on far-transfer effects and educational implications. We suggest that future WM studies adopt the following: (1) the development of training methods that are theoretically anchored; (2) training procedures should not rely heavily on computerized exercises but can be adapted to group characteristics, educational settings and cost-effectiveness aspects; (3) varying the task characteristics and training strategies to stimulate task-intrinsic motivation; (4) identifying training strategies to produce cognitive improvements underlying WM; (5) intervention should target individuals in early development as much as possible; (6) development of training procedures that facilitate motivation; and (7) providing empirical evidence of far-transfer effects for WM training. The empirical evidence should link gains in WM capacity and achievements in academic and other life domains.

Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Donation After the Circulatory Determination of Death: Understanding Where the Benefit Lies.

Controlled donation after the circulatory determination of death (cDCDD) has emerged as a strategy to increase the availability of organs for clinical use. Traditionally, organs from cDCDD donors have been subject to standard rapid recovery (SRR) with poor posttransplant outcomes of abdominal organs, particularly the liver, and limited organ utilization. Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), based on the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices, consists of the in situ perfusion of organs that will be subject to transplantation with oxygenated blood under normothermic conditions after the declaration of death and before organ recovery. NRP is a potential solution to address the limitations of traditional recovery methods. It has become normal practice in several European countries and has been recently introduced in the United States. The increased use of NRP in cDCDD has occurred as a result of a growing body of evidence on its association with improved posttransplant outcomes and organ utilization compared with SRR. However, the expansion of NRP is precluded by obstacles of an organizational, legal, and ethical nature. This article details the technique of both abdominal and thoracoabdominal NRP. Based on the available evidence, it describes its benefits in terms of posttransplant outcomes of abdominal and thoracic organs and organ utilization. It addresses cost-effectiveness aspects of NRP, as well as logistical and ethical obstacles that limit the implementation of this innovative preservation strategy.

교사의 경력 전망에 대한 세대별 인식 분석

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate generational differences of teachers' perceptions on career prospects including promotion, turnover intention, and retirement age. Understanding these differences is essential for adapting educational practices to the evolving needs of the teaching society. Methods: A survey was conducted with 2,064 elementary, middle, and high school teachers affiliated with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. The responses regarding promotion, turnover intention, and retirement age were analyzed across generations X, M, and Z using frequency analysis and chi-square tests. Interviews on career prospects were also performed with thirteen teachers to gain in-depth insights into the generational differences and policy improvement. Results: Findings revealed that while all generations found promotion unattractive, they shared different perspectives regarding the reasons. The younger generation showed a higher inclination towards turnover intention and a lower commitment to remaining in the profession until retirement age. The most common motivations for turnover intention were low wages and increased violations with respect to the rights of educational activities across generations. Generation X teachers expressed discomfort with the promotion system through the interviews while Generation M and Z teachers considered the cost-effectiveness aspect of promotion. Conclusion: Generational disparities in teachers' perceptions of career prospects call for considerations in teacher policies. Subdividing promotion positions and expanding career paths will guarantee continued exercise of teachers’ expertise in the era of change.

A Brief Review on Essential Medicine

The World Health Organization (WHO) initially released its list in 1977, marking the beginning of the Essential Medicine Concept, a significant advancement in medical treatment. One of the most cost-effective aspects of modern healthcare is the appropriate use of vital medications. From expert judgement to evidence-based selection, the selection process has developed. In 1996, the first Indian list was published. Particularly in the public sector and in low- and lower middle-income countries, Essential Medicine Policies (EMLs) have had an impact on the provision of medications and led to a higher availability of essential vs non-essential medicines. Even yet, fair access is not guaranteed by the accessibility of necessary medications, particularly in the public sector.

REMOTE-ILD study: Description of the protocol for a multicentre, 12-month randomised controlled trial to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of remote monitoring of spirometry and pulse oximetry in patients with interstitial lung disease

IntroductionRemote monitoring of home physiological measurements has been proposed as a solution to support patients with chronic diseases as well as facilitating virtual consultations and pandemic preparedness for the future....

The impact of pH and temperature on the green gold nanoparticles preparation using Jeju Hallabong peel extract for biomedical applications.

The utilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has garnered significant attention in recent times, particularly in the field of biomedical research. The utilization of AuNPs in chemical synthesis procedures raises apprehensions regarding their potential toxicity in living organisms, which is inconsistent with their purported eco-friendly and cost-effective aspects. In this investigation, AuNPs were synthesized via the green synthesis approach utilizing Jeju Hallabong peel extract (HPE), a typical fruit variety indigenous to South Korea. The visible-range absorption spectrum of gold nanoparticles from green synthesis (HAuNPs) that are red wine in color occurs at a wavelength of λ = 517 nm. The morphology and particle size distribution were analysed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ImageJ software. The TEM images reveal that the HAuNPs exhibit a high degree of dispersion and uniformity in their spherical shape, with an average size of approximately 7 nm. Moreover, elevating the initial pH level of the mixed solution has an impact on the decrease in particle dimensions, as evidenced by the blue shift observed in the UV-visible spectroscopy absorbance peak. Elevating the reaction temperature may accelerate the synthesis duration. However, it does not exert a substantial impact on the particle dimensions. The outcomes of an avidin-biocytin colorimetric assay provide preliminary analyses of possible sensor tunability using HAuNPs. The cytotoxicity of HAuNPs was evaluated through in vitro studies using the MTT assay on RAW 264.7 cell lines. The results indicated that the HAuNPs exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to both chemically reduced gold nanoparticles (CAuNPs).

OP103 What To Include In A Health Technology Assessment Of Artificial Intelligence-Based Technologies: Results Of A Delphi Expert Survey

IntroductionClinicians are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) generated technologies for support in diagnosis, therapeutic decision-making, and prediction. Despite the increased focus on AI in health, an agreed HTA model for AI technologies, including consensus on new domains and topics to be assessed, is lacking.MethodsA Delphi survey was sent to a multidisciplinary expert panel asking about the importance of including the nine domains and associated topics presented in the EUnetHTA Core Model, as well as 20 additional topics identified through literature reviews, when assessing AI-supported health technologies. The Delphi survey was repeated twice among the same panelists and a nine-point Likert scale was used to identify the perceived relevance of each domain and topic.ResultsThe survey was sent to 87 various experts, with a total 47 of experts completing both Delphi rounds. The majority of panelists was knowledgeable of HTA (80%), familiar with the EUnetHTA Core Model (61%), and had adequate or high-level knowledge of AI (65%). The EUnetHTA domains most often indicated as “critical to include” were clinical effectiveness (82%), ethical aspects (81%), and cost effectiveness (77%), whereas organizational (59%) and social aspects (63%) were less often perceived as critical to assess. For the additional 20 topics identified through literature reviews, bias in data, accuracy in the AI model, appropriateness, and trustworthiness emerged as some of the new topics deemed critical to include in HTAs (all above 85%), whereas there was a lack of agreement on the relevance of including environmental (51%) and social sustainability (55%).ConclusionsThe study investigated in detail which issues should be included in an AI HTA core model. Current models need some adjustment and revision. At the same time, it is essential to open the discussion on including new domains and topics.

Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Post Exercise Systolic Blood Pressure Recovery in Patients with Impaired Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction after Recent Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background Ischemic Heart diseases (IHD) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide with an estimated 9 million deaths each year. Exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is one of the most important and cost-effective aspects of secondary prevention in patients with IHD. Post-exercise Systolic Blood Pressure Recovery (SBPR) represents an important hemodynamic parameter that is associated with the risk and severity of ischemic artery disease and future cardiovascular events. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to assess the effect of CR on post-exercise SBPR in patients with Left Ventricular Ejection fraction less than 45% following a recent Myocardial Infarction. Patients and Methods this study included patients with Left Ventricular Ejection fraction less than 45% following a recent Myocardial Infarction, presenting to Cardiac Rehabilitation Units. the study included two groups of patients. Study group included Patients on optimal medical treatment who are attending CR sessions, and control group included patients on optimal medical treatment who refused or failed to attend more than 50% of cardiac rehabilitation sessions. SBPR was assessed in each patient before and after the CR program. Results When compared to baseline findings, both groups had statistically significant improvement in LVEF, resting SBP, recovery SBP value and HRR. However, CR group had better improvement in LVEF, lower Resting SBP, lower Peak SBP, Better SBP recovery ratio and better HRR outcomes when compared to the changes in the control group. Conclusions Cardiac Rehabilitation after recent Ischemic coronary artery event can provide significant improvement in Systolic blood pressure recovery and heart rate recovery which are important haemodynamic parameters that are associated with the significance and severity of future cardiovascular events. Abbreviations IHD: Ischemic Heart Disease; CR: Cardiac Rehabilitation; LVEF: Left Ventricular Ejection fraction; SBP: Systolic Blood Pressure

Solar power forecasting beneath diverse weather conditions using GD and LM-artificial neural networks

Large-scale solar energy production is still a great deal of obstruction due to the unpredictability of solar power. The intermittent, chaotic, and random quality of solar energy supply has to be dealt with by some comprehensive solar forecasting technologies. Despite forecasting for the long-term, it becomes much more essential to predict short-term forecasts in minutes or even seconds prior. Because key factors such as sudden movement of the clouds, instantaneous deviation of temperature in ambiance, the increased proportion of relative humidity and uncertainty in the wind velocities, haziness, and rains cause the undesired up and down ramping rates, thereby affecting the solar power generation to a greater extent. This paper aims to acknowledge the extended stellar forecasting algorithm using artificial neural network common sensical aspect. Three layered systems have been suggested, consisting of an input layer, hidden layer, and output layer feed-forward in conjunction with back propagation. A prior 5-min te output forecast fed to the input layer to reduce the error has been introduced to have a more precise forecast. Weather remains the most vital input for the ANN type of modeling. The forecasting errors might enhance considerably, thereby affecting the solar power supply relatively due to the variations in the solar irradiations and temperature on any forecasting day. Prior approximation of stellar radiations exhibits a small amount of qualm depending upon climatic conditions such as temperature, shading conditions, soiling effects, relative humidity, etc. All these environmental factors incorporate uncertainty regarding the prediction of the output parameter. In such a case, the approximation of PV output could be much more suitable than direct solar radiation. This paper uses Gradient Descent (GD) and Levenberg Maquarndt Artificial Neural Network (LM-ANN) techniques to apply to data obtained and recorded milliseconds from a 100 W solar panel. The essential purpose of this paper is to establish a time perspective with the greatest deal for the output forecast of small solar power utilities. It has been observed that 5 ms to 12 h time perspective gives the best short- to medium-term prediction for April. A case study has been done in the Peer Panjal region. The data collected for four months with various parameters have been applied randomly as input data using GD and LM type of artificial neural network compared to actual solar energy data. The proposed ANN based algorithm has been used for unswerving petite term forecasting. The model output has been presented in root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error. The results exhibit a improved concurrence between the forecasted and real models. The forecasting of solar energy and load variations assists in fulfilling the cost-effective aspects.

Fluoroquinolone should be reconsidered as empirical therapy for adult inpatient urinary tract infections in tertiary hospital: a perspective descriptive study from the microbiological and cost-effectiveness aspects

Background: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) has become difficult to treat because of its increasing resistance characteristics to antimicrobial agents, especially to fluoroquinolone. The objective of this study was to describe the effectiveness of fluoroquinolone as empirical therapy for adult inpatient UTI. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital, a tertiary Hospital in Denpasar, Bali, from January 2020 until March 2020. All urine specimens were examined using bioMérieux VITEK® 2 System. Result: A total of 155 urine samples met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We found Escherichia coli (39.4%) as the most common microbes followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.3%). Most of the isolates are multi drug resistant organisms (MDRO) (52.9%) and 57% (49) of the Enterobacteriaceae isolates are extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs). The average duration of the empirical antibiotic therapy was 3.7 days for all fluoroquinolone. Ciprofloxacin (53.5%) is the most common empirical therapy, followed by levofloxacin (16.8%). Antimicrobial sensitivity tests showed that bacteria remained highly sensitive to amikacin (96%) and meropenem (94%). The sensitivity test for ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin was only 26% and 4% respectively. The suitability antibiotic results of fluoroquinolone as empirical therapy were only 20% from 110 isolates. The cost ineffectiveness of fluoroquinolone as empirical therapy is Rp.8,402,400 for 3 months. Conclusion: We concluded that both fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin) have a very low sensitivity rate and are not cost-effective, therefore the use of those antimicrobial agents as empirical therapy should be reconsidered.

Структурні зміни тa зміни гормонпродукуючої функції щитоподібної зaлози при перебігу вагітності в природньому циклі і при застосуванні додаткових репродуктивних технологій

Purpose - to evaluate changes in thyroid function that occur during normal pregnancy and in the use of assisted reproductive technologies, various disorders with their consequences for the mother and fetus, laboratory diagnosis and the best ways to treat these conditions. Common abnormalities of thyroid function, such as hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis and benign thyroid neoplasms, which disrupt menstrual cycles and female fertility, are considered, which, in turn, directly affect the course of pregnancy, and can lead to pregnancy termination, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, neonatal morbidity, including reduced fetal neurological development. It has been suggested that the harmful effects of thyroid dysfunction may also extend not only to pregnancy and childbirth, but also affect the neuro-intellectual development of a child at an early age. Early diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women and treatment of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy is an important and cost-effective aspect aimed at avoiding the occurrence of secondary complications in both the fetus and the mother caused by thyroid dysfunction. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Overlay journals: A study of the current landscape

Overlay journals are characterised by their articles being published on open access repositories, often already starting in their initial preprint form as a prerequisite for submission to the journal prior to initiating the peer-review process. In this study we aimed to identify currently active overlay journals and examine their characteristics. We utilised an explorative web search and contacted key service providers for additional information. The final sample consisted of 34 overlay journals. While the results show that new overlay journals have been actively established within recent years, the current presence of overlay journals remains diminutive compared to the overall number of open access journals. Most overlay journals publish articles in natural sciences, mathematics or computer sciences, and are commonly published by groups of academics rather than formal organisations. They may also rank highly within the traditional journal citation metrics. None of the investigated journals required fees from authors, which is likely related to the cost-effective aspects of the overlay publishing model. Both the growth in adoption of open access preprint repositories and researchers’ willingness to publish in overlay journals will determine the model’s wider impact on scholarly publishing.

Stents versus bypass surgery: 3-year mortality risk of patients with coronary interventions aged 50+ in Germany

ObjectivesDue to demographic aging, the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is expected to increase in the future, resulting in a growing demand for stent and bypass interventions. This study aims to investigate the mortality risk of patients following conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or endovascular procedure by the implantation of bare-metal stents (BMS) or drug-eluting stents (DES).MethodsBased on a random sample of 250,000 members of Germany’s largest health insurance ‘Allgemeine Ortskrankenkassen’ (AOK) from 2004 to 2015, incident CAD patients were analyzed by Cox Proportional-Hazard models. Risk adjustment was made for sex, age, other cardiac diseases, non-cardiovascular comorbidities and years since intervention. Due to later admission of DES and thus a shorter observation time, mortality was examined for 3 years since the intervention.ResultsBMS represented the most frequent procedure (48%). We found similar proportions of CABG (19%) and DES interventions (23%). After risk adjustment, the models showed a 21% (p = 0.004) lower mortality risk of patients with DES and also a 21% (p = 0.002) lower mortality risk of CABG patients compared to persons with BMS.ConclusionBased on a large-scale dataset, our study demonstrated survival advantages of CABG and DES interventions over BMS, with no differences between the DES and CABG groups. The results help to assess the risks of coronary interventions. Aspects of quality of life, severity of postoperative physical limitations, duration of rehabilitation, patients’ preferences, and aspects of cost-effectiveness for hospitals and society should be further considered.Graphical abstract

Low-dose Spiral Computed Tomography in Lung Cancer Screening

肺癌是全世界发病率和死亡率最高的恶性肿瘤之一，患者的早期诊断率低、预后差，已造成严重的社会负担。通过低剂量螺旋计算机断层扫描（low-dose spiral computed tomography, LDCT）对高危人群进行定期筛查的方法能够显著提高肺癌的早期诊断率，为肺癌的诊疗带来了新机遇。近年来，全世界多个国家开展了LDCT肺癌筛查项目并取得了良好的效果，但在筛查主体的选择、筛查频率、成本效能等方面也存在一些争议。本文将从LDCT肺癌筛查的关键因素、筛查效果、肺结节的管理和人工智能对于LDCT的发展贡献等方面进行综述，探讨LDCT在肺癌筛查中的应用进展。

A Comparison between Solution-Based Synthesis Methods of ZrO2 Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Applications

The present study is focused on the synthesis of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanomaterials using the hydrothermal method assisted by microwave irradiation and solution combustion synthesis. Both synthesis techniques resulted in ZrO2 powders with a mixture of tetragonal and monoclinic phases. For microwave synthesis, a further calcination treatment at 800 °C for 15 min was carried out to produce nanopowders with a dominant monoclinic ZrO2 phase, as attested by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The thermal behavior of the ZrO2 nanopowder was investigated by in situ XRD measurements. From the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, the presence of near spherical nanoparticles was clear, and TEM confirmed the ZrO2 phases that comprised the calcinated nanopowders, which include a residual tetragonal phase. The optical properties of these ZrO2 nanopowders were assessed through photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation (PLE) at room temperature (RT), revealing the presence of a broad emission band peaked in the visible spectral region, which suffers a redshift in its peak position, as well as intensity enhancement, after the calcination treatment. The powder resultant from the solution combustion synthesis was composed of plate-like structures with a micrometer size; however, ZrO2 nanoparticles with different shapes were also observed. Thin films were also produced by solution combustion synthesis and deposited on silicon substrates to produce energy storage devices, i.e., ZrO2 capacitors. The capacitors that were prepared from a 0.2 M zirconium nitrate-based precursor solution in 2-methoxyethanol and annealed at 350 °C exhibited an average dielectric constant (κ) of 11 ± 0.5 and low leakage current density of 3.9 ± 1.1 × 10−7 A/cm2 at 1 MV/cm. This study demonstrates the simple and cost-effective aspects of both synthesis routes to produce ZrO2 nanomaterials that can be applied to energy storage devices, such as capacitors.

Is 3D surface structuring always a prerequisite for effective SERS?

In this work, we systematically investigate and compare the need for 3D vis-‘a-vis 2D surface morphologies of SERS templates by considering all major aspects of uniformity, reproducibility, sensitivity and cost-effectiveness. Controlled Si nanostructured surfaces varying largely in their local height fluctuations are fabricated by adopting an effortless wet chemical etch process. To evaluate the SERS behavior, an Au (50%)-Ag (50%) alloy plasmonic layer is grown over these substrates owing to its high and stable SERS response. An initial assessment of the SERS activity is done by using Rh6G as a probe molecule. Apparently, the surface with 3D morphology shows a slightly higher response than the surface possessed with a few nm of surface roughness (2D). But from signal uniformity and reproducibility considerations the 2D morphology gives the lowest value of RSD of 5.56% in contrast to a high value of 27.13% for the 3D morphology. The 2D substrate also allows a LOD up-to 10−15 M and an EF of 7.1 × 107, thereby indicating a high sensitivity at par the best values reported till date. Further, detection of methylene blue and methyl parathion up to nM concentrations bear testimony to its universal applicability and ultra-sensitivity.

Effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and associated comorbidities: a multicentric prospective study in real life

BackgroundBiologics are currently one of the main treatment options for a number of diseases. The IgG4 monoclonal antibody dupilumab targets the Interleukin-4 receptor alpha chain, thus preventing the biological effects of the cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, that are essential for the Th2 response. Several controlled trials showed that dupilumab is effective and safe in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), thus resulting in approval by regulatory agencies. Aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in adult patients with CRSwNP stratified by common overlapping comorbid conditions.MethodsWe performed a multicenter, observational, prospective study enrolling adult patients with severe CRSwNP who had started dupilumab treatment in the context of standard care from January 2021 to October 2021. Data were collected from twentynine Italian secondary care centers for allergy and clinical immunology, all of which were part of the Italian Society of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (SIAAIC). A number of efficacy parameters were used. Patient data were compared using the Wilcoxon test for paired data. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 20 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA).ResultsIn total, 82 patients with nasal polyposis were identified. A significant improvement was detected for all the applied efficacy parameters, i.e. 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and bilateral endoscopic nasal polyp score (NPS) scores for CRSwNP, Rhinitis Control Scoring System (RCSS) and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores for allergic perennial rhinitis, Forced Expiratory Volume in the 1st second (FEV1) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) scores for asthma, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores for AD. A non-significant improvement was also obtained in the Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days (UAS7) for chronic spontaneous urticaria. Treatment with dupilumab was well tolerated.ConclusionsThese data suggest that dupilumab treatment in patients suffering from CRSwNP and associated comorbidities may be suitable. Such outcome, although confirmation by trials is warranted, suggests the possibility to treat different disorders with a single therapy, with favorable effects especially under the cost-effectiveness aspect.

Extracted saponin from Anabasis setifera plant as a biosurfactant for stabilization of oil in water (O/W) nano-emulsion based on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) kernel oil

Abstract Saponin was extracted from the Anabasis setifera plant and used to stabilize an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion based on date palm kernel oil. Different amounts of the extracted saponin were used with a constant oil concentration (1.5% w/w). The droplet size distribution, emulsion droplet size value (d-ave), polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential of the emulsions were determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS). These parameters were measured and compared after seven days of emulsion preparation. The best results (d-ave = 41.7 nm, PDI = 0.1 and zeta potential = −29.8 mV) were obtained for the CMC of saponin. Both the oil and the surfactant were specifically extracted and used from the nature of Saravan in the Baluchestan region of Iran. This research presents a green and cost-effective aspect for potential formulations of nano-emulsions that can be used in the food and cosmetic industries.

CT Colonography and Colorectal Carcinoma: Current Trends and Emerging Developments.

Colorectal carcinoma is the third most malignant and second leading cause of death from cancer. The cruelty of this entity is that it takes decades to be symptomatic and is known to be detected late in its timeline by a screening technique. The fatality of this carcinoma only means heightened importance of screening guidelines to be laid down and strict follow-ups by the healthcare providers. A novel method, a potential competitor that could now replace the present screening techniques for colorectal carcinoma, is computed tomographic colonography (CTC) or virtual colonoscopy. Though it first came into existence in 1994, this method is yet to be deeply studied and scrutinized for it to be the next benchmark modality. This review has mainly focused on the various features of CTC. It is contrasted against the gold standard colonoscopy for its superiority, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, patient logistics, and role in detecting extra-colonic lesions. The main focus would be laid on CTC being a screening modality. The review also emphasized why there is a need for the current healthcare providers to incorporate this modality into their practice widely. Although much has been said about CTC and its various aspects of cost-effectiveness, about it being replaced or supplemented for cancer screening, a collaborative effort has to be made by both the fields of radiology and gastroenterology to investigate the outcomes of this not so new technique in daily practice and to avoid misinterpretation of the results due to lack of skill and proficiency.

Evaluation of three resin cements in the production of cone beam computed tomography artifacts in teeth with fiberglass posts

The present study analyzed the presence of artifacts in endodontically treated teeth restored with fiberglass posts (FP) cemented with different resin cements by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in order to evaluate the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). A total of 60 mandibular premolars were selected to assemble the phantoms in order to simulate a clinical situation. The teeth were allocated to 6 groups, in which G1, G2 and G3 were endodontically treated teeth restored with FP cemented with Nexus 3, Duo-Link, and Allcem Core resin cements, respectively; G4: endodontically treated teeth restored with FP; G5: teeth treated only endodontically; and G6: healthy teeth. Mean gray scale values were analyzed in the axial images of the cervical, middle and apical thirds of the post length. CNR analysis was conducted on all groups except G5 and G6. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean values of the middle third region regarding the groups analyzed (p=0.026). However, artifacts were observed in all studied groups. The statistical difference observed between the cervical and apical thirds when the groups were evaluated together did not characterize the absence of artifacts between the resin cements, even when only the FP was present. Consequently, the choice of a resin cement might be based on ease of handling, better working time, cost-effectiveness, activation modes, substrate conditions, and clinical aspects. In summary, image quality was found to be compromised by artifacts in the presence of FP through CBCT with or without the resin cements in the root canal.