Comprehensive Strategy Research Articles

Proportional-retarded control of a quasi-zero-stiffness vibration isolator

This paper explores the control design and performance analysis of an active quasi-zero-stiffness vibration isolator utilizing the proportional-retarded (PR) control architecture. The PR architecture replaces the conventional “derivative” term in the proportional-derivative (or displacement-velocity) controller with the novel “retarded (time-delayed)” term, which is a new and effective way of active vibration suppression. Comprehensive gain-delay conjoint regulation strategies are developed for the strengthened isolation performance. For impact excitations, a complete stability analysis is conducted near the equilibrium position. Furthermore, a parameterized dominant pole placement algorithm is proposed to optimize the transient response of the PR-actuated isolator. Focusing on the rectangular pulse and long-duration step impacts, the algorithm adjusts the dominant poles to optimize the transient performance metrics, including the maximum displacement overshoot, steady-state displacement overshoot, and settling time. Regarding harmonic excitations, the delay-coupled effect is scrutinized for better low-frequency isolation performance, including the resonance frequency, nonlinear steady-state amplitude, multiple steady-state bands and nonlinearity elimination, equivalent active damping and stiffness, and absolute displacement transmissibility. In the case of random excitations, we demonstrate the superiority of the PR structure over the passive system.

Research and application of artificial intelligence in dentistry from lower-middle income countries – a scoping review

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into dentistry for improvement of current dental practice. While many studies have explored the utilization of AI in various fields, the potential of AI in dentistry, particularly in low-middle income countries (LMICs) remains understudied. This scoping review aimed to study the existing literature on the applications of artificial intelligence in dentistry in low-middle income countries. A comprehensive search strategy was applied utilizing three major databases: PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source. The search strategy included keywords related to AI, Dentistry, and LMICs. The initial search yielded a total of 1587, out of which 25 articles were included in this review. Our findings demonstrated that limited studies have been carried out in LMICs in terms of AI and dentistry. Most of the studies were related to Orthodontics. In addition gaps in literature were noted such as cost utility and patient experience were not mentioned in the included studies.

Unleashing the power of AI: a systematic review of cutting-edge techniques in AI-enhanced scientometrics, webometrics and bibliometrics

PurposeThe study aims to analyze the synergy of artificial intelligence (AI), with scientometrics, webometrics and bibliometrics to unlock and to emphasize the potential of the applications and benefits of AI algorithms in these fields.Design/methodology/approachBy conducting a systematic literature review, our aim is to explore the potential of AI in revolutionizing the methods used to measure and analyze scholarly communication, identify emerging research trends and evaluate the impact of scientific publications. To achieve this, we implemented a comprehensive search strategy across reputable databases such as ProQuest, IEEE Explore, EBSCO, Web of Science and Scopus. Our search encompassed articles published from January 1, 2000, to September 2022, resulting in a thorough review of 61 relevant articles.Findings(1) Regarding scientometrics, the application of AI yields various distinct advantages, such as conducting analyses of publications, citations, research impact prediction, collaboration, research trend analysis and knowledge mapping, in a more objective and reliable framework. (2) In terms of webometrics, AI algorithms are able to enhance web crawling and data collection, web link analysis, web content analysis, social media analysis, web impact analysis and recommender systems. (3) Moreover, automation of data collection, analysis of citations, disambiguation of authors, analysis of co-authorship networks, assessment of research impact, text mining and recommender systems are considered as the potential of AI integration in the field of bibliometrics.Originality/valueThis study covers the particularly new benefits and potential of AI-enhanced scientometrics, webometrics and bibliometrics to highlight the significant prospects of the synergy of this integration through AI.

Unmasking nipah: India’s battle against an emerging pathogen

The emergence of the Nipah virus as an infectious disease threat necessitates a thorough examination of India's multifaceted response. This commentary delves into India's tenacious battle against the Nipah virus, offering a detailed exploration of its response efforts, key lessons, and an extensive set of future recommendations. As a zoonotic pathogen originating in fruit bats, the Nipah virus presents a profound challenge to healthcare systems, demanding a comprehensive and adaptable strategy.

A Comprehensive Strategy for Modelling the Conducted EMI of an Integrated Motor Drive in the Time Domain

A Comprehensive Strategy for Modelling the Conducted EMI of an Integrated Motor Drive in the Time Domain

Silicotungstic acid supported on Bi-based MOF-derived metal oxide for photodegradation of organic dyes

Abstract In this article, Bi-based metal–organic framework-supported silicotungstic acid (STA) was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and used as a precursor for the preparation of the Bi-based MOF-derived catalyst (STA@C-Bi-BDC). Using a combination of FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS, N2 adsorption–desorption, TG, UV-Vis DRS, and XPS techniques, the successful immobilization of STA groups on Bi-MOF-derived C-Bi-BDC was assessed. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared catalysts was investigated in the degradation of the RhB dye process under visible light. Within 120 min of visible light exposure, the high degradation rate of RhB (92.7%) by STA@C-Bi-BDC system was achieved, which was a lot larger than the STA (39.4%), C-Bi-BDC (59.2%), and STA@Bi-BDC (74.0%) system, and cyclic experiments exhibit that the STA@C-Bi-BDC is a relatively stable photocatalyst. More importantly, the catalyst shows high applicability for the degradation of other dyes. This study reveals a comprehensive strategy for the design of efficient Bi-based MOF-derived photocatalyst for organic dye-based wastewater treatment.

A Comprehensive Retrospective Institutional Study for Decoding Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background Oral cancer is found to be the thirteenth most common cancer as stated by the WHO (World Health Organization 2023). Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with deleterious oral habits such as smoking, chewing tobacco and betel quid, alcohol consumption, low socioeconomic status, sharp teeth, and various causative factors. Materials and methods A three-year retrospective analysis (March 2020-September 2023) was carried out with the available patient records in the Dental Information Archival Software (DIAS) used in a private dental college in Chennai. The demographic data such as age, gender, and habit duration and clinicopathological data such as the anatomical site; tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging; perineural invasion (PNI); lymphovascular invasion (LVI); and oral health-related quality of life were retrieved. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results Males (78.35%) more commonly reported OSCC than females (21.62%), and the majority of them were in the age category of fifth to seventh decades of life. The most affected region was the buccal mucosa with 33.3%, followed by the lower alveolus with 30.63%. The duration of harmful habits varied from one year to more than 40 years, and the majority of the patients had T4a staging (40.54%), followed by T2 staging (29.73%) with a habit duration of morethan five years. Approximately 22.52% and 0.9% had PNI and LVI,respectively. The correlation between the two variables was evaluated using the Pearson correlation test and was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05), i.e., habit to gender and staging with gender were p = 0.027 and p = 0.028, respectively. Conclusion The majority of cases reported were found to be at T4a tumor staging with a habitual duration of more than five years, and more than half of the study population had severe compromise in their quality of life. The presence ofperineural invasion and lymphovascular invasion has an impact on nodal metastasis, treatment choices, recurrence, and oral health-related quality of life. To address this challenge, oral health programs can implement comprehensive antitobacco counseling strategies, oral cancer public awareness programs to tackle the rising incidence of OSCC, and earlyoral precancer screening measures to enhance the prevention and overall quality of life of individuals with oral cancer.

Comprehensive strategy of white analytical chemistry and analytical quality by design to sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for in-vitro drug release kinetic study of Ibrutinib-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for leukemia via lymphatic targeting

Ibrutinib (IBR) is a drug classified as BCS class II, characterized by low solubility and high permeability. However, its oral bioavailability is limited to a mere 2.9% due to significant first-pass metabolism. To address this challenge, researchers developed IBR-NLCs (Nanostructured Lipid Carriers) using a DoE-based hot melted ultrasonication method to enhance its bioavailability and drug release profile. While various methods exist for IBR analysis in pharmaceutical formulations, human plasma, and rat plasma, a sensitive spectrofluorimetric method has not been reported for estimating IBR. To facilitate in-vitro drug release kinetic studies of IBR-NLCs, a sensitive and green spectrofluorimetric method was developed, combining principles of white analytical chemistry and analytical quality by design. This approach included a fractional factorial design for screening of method variables and a Box-Behnken design for method optimization. The developed method underwent rigorous validation following ICH guidelines. The developed method was applied to assess the in-vitro drug release kinetic study of IBR-NLCs in comparison to marketed formulations. Remarkably, the optimized IBR-NLCs exhibited sustained release of IBR which helps to decrease dose and dose frequency. The whiteness and greenness profiles of published and proposed method have been assessed using analytical greenness calculator, green analytical procedure index software, national environmental method index standards, and eco-scale assessment tool. The results confirmed that the proposed method is sensitive, eco-friendly, cost-effective, speedy, and user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for IBR estimation in NLCs. In summary, the developed method for drug release kinetic study of BR-NLCs, utilizing principles of white analytical chemistry and analytical quality by design, has not only improved drug release profile but also resulted in an efficient and environmentally friendly analytical approach.

Optimizing Financial Performance: Deciphering the Interplay of Liquidity and Profitability in Bank Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

This study explores the intricate relationship between liquidity and profitability at Bank Muscat, Oman, examining various financial indicators such as Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), Total Deposits to Total Assets (TDTA), Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Total Loans to Total Deposits (TLTD), Liquid Assets to Total Assets (LATA), Liquid Assets to Total Deposits (LATD) and Liquidity Risk Exposure (LRE). The findings reveal that Liquid Assets to Total Assets (LATA) significantly correlates with Return on Assets (ROA), while other indicators show varied relationships. Notably, the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) has a substantial negative impact on both ROA and Return on Equity (ROE). Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), Total Deposits to Total Assets (TDTA), and Total Loans to Total Deposits Ratio (TLTD) have significant impact on ROE. Regression models exhibit exceptional explanatory power, highlighting liquidity and financial indicators' role in explaining profitability variability. Despite some liquidity ratios affecting profitability, others like Liquid Assets to Total Assets (LATA), Liquid Assets to Total Deposit Ratio (LATD), and Liquidity Risk Exposure (LRE) lack conventional significance levels. The recommendations encompass optimizing liquidity management, fortifying capital adequacy, monitoring deposit-to-asset ratios, evaluating liquidity risk exposure, assessing liquid asset allocation, and implementing dynamic risk management frameworks. Future research should consider comparative analyses across banks or regions, advanced statistical methodologies, and exploration of nuanced factors influencing liquidity-profitability dynamics, contributing to comprehensive financial management strategies for banks.

Overcoming Electronic Medical Records Adoption Challenges in Saudi Arabia.

In the digital era, the seamless integration of electronic medical records (EMR) stands as a pivotal milestone in transforming healthcare delivery, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront of this revolution in the Middle East. This literature review comprehensively explores the challenges and opportunities associated with adopting EMRin the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in alignment with the nation's Vision 2030 healthcare objectives. The review synthesizes research from various scholarly sources, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and regional databases, and focuses on literature published between 2010 and 2023. Our methodology included a strategic combination of keywords and a stringent selection criterion to ensure a focus on relevant EMR adoption studies within KSA. The review addresses key aspects of EMR adoption, including technical challenges, financial constraints, human factors, cultural and organizational barriers, privacy and security concerns, and policy and regulatory challenges. It also explores the integration of EMR with other digital health initiatives like telehealth, personal health records, and community pharmacy services. The findings reveal a complex interplay of factors influencing EMR adoption, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that address technical, financial, cultural, and policy-related barriers. The review concludes that while significant challenges exist, strategic approaches and solutions tailored to the specific context of Saudi Arabia can effectively facilitate EMR integration, thereby enhancing healthcare quality and efficiency in line with the nation's Vision 2030 goals.

Bacterial cytochrome P450s: a bioinformatics odyssey of substrate discovery.

Bacterial P450 cytochromes (BacCYPs) are versatile heme-containing proteins responsible for oxidation reactions on a wide range of substrates, contributing to the production of valuable natural products with limitless biotechnological potential. While the sequencing of microbial genomes has provided a wealth of BacCYP sequences, functional characterization lags behind, hindering our understanding of their roles. This study employs a comprehensive approach to predict BacCYP substrate specificity, bridging the gap between sequence and function. We employed an integrated approach combining sequence and functional data analysis, genomic context exploration, 3D structural modeling with molecular docking, and phylogenetic clustering. The research begins with an in-depth analysis of BacCYP sequence diversity and structural characteristics, revealing conserved motifs and recurrent residues in the active site. Phylogenetic analysis identifies distinct groups within the BacCYP family based on sequence similarity. However, our study reveals that sequence alone does not consistently predict substrate specificity, necessitating additional perspectives. The study delves into the genetic context of BacCYPs, utilizing neighboring gene information to infer potential substrates, a method proven very effective in many cases. Molecular docking is employed to assess BacCYP-substrate interactions, confirming potential substrates and providing insights into selectivity. Finally, a comprehensive strategy is proposed for predicting BacCYP substrates, involving all the evaluated approaches. The effectiveness of this strategy is demonstrated with two case studies, highlighting its potential for substrate discovery.

Interventions to address parenting stress among caregivers of children with chronic diseases: An umbrella review.

Caregivers of children with chronic diseases suffer from great parenting pressure, which directly affects the treatment and rehabilitation of children, reduces the quality of life of caregivers and damages family functioning. Existing reviews have not systematically summarized and evaluated interventions for parenting stress in caregivers of children with chronic diseases. Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, OVID, CNKI, CBM, Wan Fang and Cochrane Library were searched for eligible reviews in November 2021 and October 2022. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, reviewed full texts of articles for eligibility, and appraised the quality of reviews using JBI. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Findings are reported in accordance with PRISMA checklist. Narrative summaries grouped findings by intervention types. Out of 2632 records, we included 21 systematic reviews for a synthesis. Interventions for parenting stress in children with chronic diseases were divided into seven categories. Cognitive behavioural interventions, psychosocial interventions, child behavioural and/or developmental parent interventions and synthesized interventions have shown high-level evidence in reducing parenting stress for caregivers of children with chronic diseases. Furthermore, outcome measures and intervention protocols were highly heterogeneous across interventions. This umbrella review suggest that reducing the parenting stress of caregivers of children with chronic diseases can directly target caregivers' parenting stress through cognitive behavioural interventions/psychosocial interventions and/or provide guidance to parents on the behavioural and developmental problems of children with chronic diseases. A more standardized approach to outcome measures is essential to assess efficacy and compare interventions across studies. The findings provide information and evidence for reducing parenting stress among caregivers of children with chronic diseases to guide the development of comprehensive intervention strategies. Patient or public contribution does not apply to this study.

Cost Assessment of Corticosteroid Therapy for Corticosteroid-sensitive Dermatoses in a Resource-limited Country

Introduction: Corticosteroid therapy is widely used in dermatology for treating various conditions. In France, the cost of corticosteroid treatment varies, and in Mali, a significant prevalence of corticosteroid-treated diseases has been reported. Given the prolonged treatment duration often required, understanding the cost implications in resource-limited settings is crucial. Patients and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study took place at the dermatology department of the University Hospital Center of Dermatology in Bamako. Data were prospectively collected from patients undergoing corticosteroid therapy over one year. Variables included sociodemographic data, clinical information, and medication costs. Results: During the study period, 24 cases of dermatoses treated with corticosteroids were identified among 125 hospitalized patients, representing a prevalence of 19.2%. Most patients were women (58.3%), with an average age of 37.5 years. Lichen planus (54.2%) and pemphigus (37.5%) were the most common pathologies. Many patients had extensive lesions before treatment, but the majority responded well to corticosteroids. Discussion: Despite study limitations, such as its descriptive nature, it provided valuable insights into the economic evaluation of long-term corticosteroid therapy. The predominance of women, the age distribution, and the prevalence of specific dermatoses were highlighted. The study also revealed the substantial financial burden of corticosteroid treatment, primarily driven by direct costs. Conclusion: The study underscores the financial challenges associated with long-term corticosteroid therapy in dermatology in Mali. The high costs adversely affect patients and their families, especially considering the socioeconomic status of many patients. Moreover, the findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive care strategies and the need for accessible healthcare solutions to address these challenges effectively.

Determinants of Diarrhea Among Children Aged 1 to 6 Years in Flood-Affected Areas of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Frequent floods can contribute to the spread of various diseases and complications, some of which may result in diarrhea, especially among children. The current study aimed to find the determinants of diarrhea among children aged 1-6 years in flood-affected areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in flood-affected districts. Data regarding sociodemographic information related to diarrhea and anthropometric data were collected through a validated questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to find the determinants of diarrhea. In the presence of diarrhea, the prevalences found of stunting, wasting, and being underweight were 75.2%, 76.5%, and 74.1%, respectively, which is higher than those in children without diarrhea (stunting, 24.8%; wasting, 23.5%; and being underweight, 25.9%). In bivariate regression, children aged 2-4 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65, P < 0.05), large family size (OR = 7.46, P < 0.01), low income (OR = 2.55, < 0.001), bathing in ponds (OR = 3.05, P < 0.05), drinking of untreated water (OR = 3, P < 0.05), flooding (OR = 1.8, P < 0.05), children living in mud houses (OR = 1.5, P < 0.05), and usage of utensils without lids (OR = 1.96, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with occurrence of diarrhea. In multivariate regression, the identified risk factors (P < 0.05) for diarrhea in flood-affected areas included illiterate mothers, flooding, large family size, households without livestock, poor water quality, untreated water, and lack of toilet facilities. In conclusion, addressing the determinants of diarrhea identified in this study is crucial for mitigating the impact of frequent floods on children in flood-affected areas. Moreover, the higher prevalence of malnutrition underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies and proper water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to reduce the occurrence and determinants of diarrhea.

Unveiling the shadows - Substance use among para-athletes: A qualitative study with Swiss elite para-athletes

Background Despite the growth of para-sport, little research has been conducted on psychotropic substance use among Swiss elite para-athletes (McDuff et al., 2019; Rice et al., 2016; Weber et al., 2022). This study is among the first to explore this under-researched area, focusing on athletes’ perceptions and mental health concerns related to substance use. Methodology Adopting a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with fifteen (N = 15) active Swiss adult elite para-athletes from nine different summer and winter sports. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the interview data, focusing on athletes' perceptions and experiences related to substance use (Guest et al., 2012). Findings On the one hand, an increase in athletic level and professionalisation seem to leave little room for the use of substances that could be detrimental to athletic performance. On the other hand, the results suggest that stress, negative emotions, physical pain, and a background of substance use may be positively associated with substance use in elite para-athletes (Lardi et al., in preparation). Conclusion The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions and support systems within athletic federations. Proposed measures include the development of comprehensive prevention strategies, regulatory frameworks, and treatment programs tailored to the unique needs of para-athletes. This study contributes valuable insights into substance use among Swiss elite para-athletes, advocating for specialized interventions to support athlete well-being.

Screening and surveillance for hereditary colorectal cancer.

Hereditary colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that is caused by a genetic mutation. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, or who have a known hereditary syndrome, are at an increased risk of developing the disease. Screening and surveillance are important tools for managing the risk of hereditary colorectal cancer. Screening involves a combination of tests that can detect precancerous or cancerous changes in the colon and rectum. Surveillance involves regular follow-up examinations to monitor disease progression and to identify new developments. The frequency and type of screening and surveillance tests may vary depending on an individual's risk factors, genetic profile, and medical history. However, early detection and treatment of hereditary colorectal cancer can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates. By implementing comprehensive screening and surveillance strategies, healthcare providers can help individuals at risk of hereditary colorectal cancer to receive timely interventions and make informed decisions about their health. Specific examples of screening and surveillance tests for hereditary colorectal cancer include colonoscopy, genetic testing, and imaging tests. In this review article, we will discuss detailed screening and surveillance of hereditary colorectal cancer.

Comprehensive strategy for identifying extracellular vesicle surface proteins as biomarkers for chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant health burden worldwide. Especially, obesity-induced chronic kidney disease (OCKD) is associated with a lack of accuracy in disease diagnostic methods. The identification of reliable biomarkers for the early diagnosis and monitoring of CKD and OCKD is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as potential biomarkers in the context of CKD. In this review, we focused on the role of EVs as potential biomarkers in CKD and OCKD and developed a comprehensive list of EV membrane proteins that could aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. To assemble our list, we employed a multi-step strategy. Initially, we conducted a thorough review of the literature on EV protein biomarkers in kidney diseases. Additionally, we explored papers investigating circulating proteins as biomarkers in kidney diseases. To further refine our list, we utilized the EV database Vesiclepedia.org to evaluate the qualifications of each identified protein. Furthermore, we consulted the Human Protein Atlas to assess the localization of these candidates, with a particular focus on membrane proteins. By integrating the information from the reviewed literature, Vesiclepedia.org, and the Human Protein Atlas, we compiled a comprehensive list of potential EV membrane protein biomarkers for CKD and OCKD. Overall, our review underscores the potential of EVs as biomarkers in the field of CKD research, providing a foundation for future studies aimed at improving CKD and OCKD diagnosis and treatment.

Isolation, Identification, and Antibiogram of Colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii from Rivers in and around Kathmandu Valley

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen, poses an escalating threat in clinical settings due to the rise of multidrug-resistant infections. Despite its clinical significance, there exists a considerable gap in understanding its environmental dissemination.&#x0D; Aims and Objectives: The primary objective is to examine the distribution of A. baumannii and its antibiotic resistance in river ecosystems. Specifically, we aim to identify strains resistant to Colistin, a last-resort antibiotic, and elucidate the susceptibility patterns to other antibiotics.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Water samples from 10 rivers were collected and subjected to analysis using Leeds Acinetobacter Agar Base and a series of biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing, focusing on Colistin resistance, was performed using standard procedures.&#x0D; Results: Out of the 284 isolated strains, 14 (4.9%) exhibited resistance to Colistin, while demonstrating varying susceptibility patterns to other antibiotics. Notably, Gentamycin showed effectiveness against resistant strains (14.28%), while Ceftazidime resistance was complete. Colistin-sensitive strains displayed high susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin (84.44%) and lower susceptibility to Chloramphenicol (53.33%). Carbapenem susceptibility was observed across all isolates.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study underscores a concerning environmental presence of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in rivers around Kathmandu Valley, with Sundarijal being the exception. The findings emphasize the necessity of scrutinizing environmental reservoirs for pathogen spread, advocating for heightened awareness of potential health implications beyond clinical settings. Urgent attention is needed to comprehend and counteract the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance, necessitating comprehensive strategies and continued surveillance

A comprehensive quality evaluation strategy of Shensong Yangxin capsules based on qualitative, fingerprint and quantitative analyses.

Shensong Yangxin capsule (SSYXC), an effective Chinese patent medicine, has been recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, mainly for the treatment of coronary heart disease and ventricular premature beat. To further complete the quality evaluation of SSYXC, a comprehensive analysis strategy was established. Firstly, the components of SSYXC were qualitatively analysed using ultra-high- performance liquid chromatography-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. A total of 134 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized. Additionally, the fingerprint of SSYXC was established by HPLC, and the similarity of 10 batches of SSYXC was elucidated by similarity analysis. The result indicated that the consistency of chemical composition is good. Finally, to enhance the quality control of SSYXC, according to the results of the fingerprint analysis, the contents of the seven active components was determined, comprising morroniside, loganin, paeoniflorin, salvianolic acid B, palmatine hydrochloride, berberine hydrochloride and tanshinone IIA. In conclusion, the established method, comprising identification of components, fingerprint analysis and quantification of multicomponents, can be sensitively and comprehensively applied to the quality evaluation of SSYXC, which can provide chemical ingredients bases for quality control and the pharmacodynamic mechanism of SSYXC, which could serve as a benchmark for controlling the quality of other Chinese patent medicines.

Effects of Common Surface Modifications on the Mechanical Properties of Miniscrews: A Systematic Review

Aim: The objective of this systematic review was to offer quantitative evidence regarding the influence of surface properties on the mechanical stability of miniscrews. Materials and Methods: The comprehensive search strategy involved querying databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. PRISMA guidelines were followed to determine relevant studies according to specific eligibility criteria. The final search was conducted on 30 August 2023. In this systematic review, in vivo studies published in the English language were included. Results: A total of 364 articles were viewed, and 17 of them were considered for evaluation. Two of the articles are about human studies, while the rest are about animal studies. The number of miniscrew samples ranged between 18 and 144 (totaling 1097 with a mean of 64.52). Among the surface modifications in the articles, the sandblasting with large grit and acid etching (SLA) method was most frequently applied, followed by acid etching in second place. The control groups’ (machined surface) maximum removal torque (MRT) values varied from 2.05 to 50.50 Ncm, while maximum insertion torque (MIT) values varied from 7.23 to 19.25 Ncm. Conclusions: The development of novel applications to improve the surface properties and survival rates of miniscrews is ongoing. In future studies, emerging surface modifications should be evaluated clinically, taking into account their cost and associated harm to the environment.