Literature Data Research Articles

Comparison and development of the descriptive model with polynomial structures to fit multi-component dynamic breakthrough curves with roll-up, stepwise, and saddle-shaped structure

Dynamic breakthrough curves with roll-up, stepwise, and saddle-shaped structures have been commonly observed in the adsorption/separation process, but could be rarely described by the descriptive model, which limits further analysis and explanation of the breakthrough data. In this work, two new descriptive models, including a general polynomial logistic equation (GPLE) and a general polynomial Gompertz equation (GPGE) are developed to correlate these roll-up, stepwise, and saddle-shaped breakthrough curves. Their correlation coefficients (R2) between the descriptive model and breakthrough data are higher than 0.95, indicating the good applicability of the two descriptive models. Taking some difficult-to-fit literature data as an example, by adjusting these characteristic parameters, six types of breakthrough curves can be fitted by the GPLE or GPGE model. Representatively, satisfying N=2.0, a1≠a2 or b1≠b2, CN<0 or CN<1.0 (∑1NCN=1.0), various roll-up or stepwise breakthrough curves could be fitted accurately. If N=3.0, the GPGE model could explain the multiple roll-up, the multiple stepwise, and the saddle-shaped breakthrough curves. As a result, two new descriptive models can be easily used by workers in various fields to analyze and calculate breakthrough data. Although some reasonable physical explanations need to be explored in the future, they will provide a modeling basis for studying multi-component dynamic adsorption behavior.

Simulation method of heat-mass transfer between hot wind and wet coating in the manufacturing process of pole piece

In order to improve the complex numerical calculation process for wet coating of pole piece, a three-dimensional numerical model of heat-mass transfer characteristics is established between hot wind and wet coating based on multi-field coupling theory of porous media and meshless parallel method, and its reliability is verified through literature data. Meanwhile, the difference calculation method and evaluation process are proposed for heat-mass transfer characteristics to solve this numerical model. The results show that the maximum errors are less than 14.7 % for this model. In addition, a scale modeling method is proposed to improve computational efficiency based on similarity theory. Meanwhile, the influences of different scale factors on temperature and humidity parameters are analyzed for wet coating. The results show that this method is accurate and reliable because the determination coefficient R2 of all parameters is more than 0.99. Meanwhile, compared with the calculation time of original model, the calculation efficiency increases by 44.6 % for the model with scale factor selected as 800. Finally, the variation and distribution of internal parameters are analyzed for wet coating during pore emptying process based on above simulation method. The results show that the variation trends of liquid film thickness, pore emptying rate, water saturation, gas saturation and effective gas diffusion coefficient are corresponding with the accelerated, uniform and decelerated drying processes of porous media. Meanwhile, the location of four-corner edges for wet coating is the weak link in heat-mass transfer process. Therefore, the heat-mass transfer characteristics for wet coating can be improved by increasing its initial thickness or adjust reasonable drying position in engineering.

Modeling of Dissolving Microneedle-Based Transdermal Drug Delivery: Effects of Dynamics of Polymers in Solution.

Dissolving microneedle (DMN)-assisted transdermal drug delivery (TDD) has received attention from the scientific community in recent years due to its ability to control the rate of drug delivery through its design, the choice of polymers, and its composition. The dissolution of the polymer depends strongly on the polymer-solvent interaction and polymer physics. Here, we developed a mathematical model based on the physicochemical parameters of DMNs and polymer physics to determine the drug release profiles. An annular gap width is defined when the MN is inserted in the skin, accumulating interstitial fluid (ISF) from the surrounding skin and acting as a boundary layer between the skin and the MN. Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) is used as a model dissolving polymer, and ceftriaxone is used as a representative drug. The model agrees well with the literature data for ex vivo permeation studies, along with the percent height reduction of the MN. Based on the suggested mathematical model, when loading 0.39 mg of ceftriaxone, the prediction indicates that approximately 93% of the drug will be cleared from the bloodstream within 24 h. The proposed modeling strategy can be utilized to optimize drug transport behavior using DMNs.

Opportunistic Features of Non-Clostridium botulinum Strains Containing bont Gene Cluster.

The cluster of genes determining the production of botulinum toxins is an attribute of not only the Clostridium botulinum species. This cluster is also found in other members of the Clostridium genus, such as C. baratii, C. butyricum, and C. sporogenes. The occurrence of a botulinum-like cluster has also been recorded in strains of other genera, i.e., Enterococcus faecium, as well as in a Gram-negative species isolated from freshwater sediments; however, the biological activity of bont-related genes has not been noted. It can be said that the mentioned species have a dual nature. Another species with a dual nature is C. butyricum. This bacterium is a common human and animal gut commensal bacterium and is also frequently found in the environment. Although non-toxigenic strains are currently used as probiotics in Asia, other strains have been implicated in pathological conditions, such as botulism in infants or necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates. Additionally, C. baratii strains are rare opportunistic pathogens associated with botulism intoxication. They have been isolated from food and soil and can be carried asymptomatically or cause botulism outbreaks in animals and humans. In addition to the mentioned clostridia, the other microorganisms considered as non-toxigenic have also been suspected of carrying botulinum cluster Gram-negative bacteria, such as Chryseobacterium piperi isolated from freshwater sediments; however, the biological activity of bont-related genes has not been noted. Additionally, Enterococcus faecium strains have been discovered carrying BoNT-related clusters (BoNT/En). Literature data regarding the heterogeneity of BoNT-producing strains indicate the requirement to reclassify C. botulinum species and other microorganisms able to produce BoNTs or possess botulinum-like gene clusters. This article aims to show the dual nature of Clostridium strains not belonging to the C. botulinum species that are sporadically able to carry bont clusters, which are usually considered saprophytic and even probiotic, and bont-like clusters in microorganisms from other genera. The aim was also to consider the genetic mechanisms of botulinum cluster expression in strains that are considered opportunistic and the microbiological safety aspects associated with their occurrence in the environment.

Research on a zero water consumption operation model and feasibility for office buildings

ABSTRACT According to Taiwan's government policy on net zero emissions by 2050, building designs are moving toward zero energy and zero water consumption to achieve these challenge goals. Among these goals, establishing an independent water cycle within building systems is a primary objective. The present study examined office buildings as the research subject due to their crucial water usage characteristics, which can serve as a reference for other building types. We developed a water-use estimation model by conducting a literature review and data collection from existing green office building cases in Taiwan. The methods involved calculating the median annual water consumption per unit building area and discussing the current water-saving design status and water-saving rate. The findings indicate a median water-saving rate of 53%, which is far short of the goal of achieving a zero water building. This finding is primarily attributed to the infrequent use of water compensation in building designs. The feasibility of a zero water building is validated and determines its crucial operation. Consequently, design engineers can employ this methodology to compute water conservation rates for their designs, aiming for the construction of a zero water consumption building.

Identification process of time-related bias in pharmacoepidemiologic research based on a scoping review

Objective: To summarize the characteristics of pharmacoepidemiologic research involving diabetes patients, which were published in recent years, in terms of study design and analysis, and develop an identification process for time-related biases in pharmacoepidemiologic research. Methods: PubMed, Embase, CNKI and Wanfang were used for a systematical literature retrieval of relevant study papers published between January 1,2012 and September 26, 2022. Literature screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Based on the mechanisms of different time-related biases and the characteristics of included study papers in terms of study design and analysis methods, an identification process for all types of time-related biases was developed. Results: A total of 281 study papers were included, of which 58 (20.64%) specifically mentioned certain time-related biases considered in the study. Based on the scoping review results, key points to identify time-related biases were summarized, involving data source, study design, control selection, comparator drugs, matching the duration of diabetes, identification of the washout period, identification of the induction/latency period, identification of the initiation of follow-up, identification of time window, statistical analysis methods, sensitivity analysis, and other design and analytical elements, in the identification process for time-related biases in pharmacoepidemiologic research. Conclusions: Time-related biases are common in pharmacoepidemiologic research and might significantly impact the study results. Based on scoping review results, this study further developed an identification process for time-related biases in pharmacoepidemiologic research, which will help researchers identify and avoid time-related biases and improve the reliability of related evidence in pharmacoepidemiologic research.

Hip joint degeneration - not only an issue of the elderly

Introduction: Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) is a condition characterized by ischemia of the proximal femoral epiphysis, leading to pain, limping, and potential hip joint deformities in children. Its etiology remains unclear, with theories implicating repetitive microtrauma, skeletal retardation, and vascular insufficiency. Diagnosis involves radiological assessment and classification systems to monitor disease progression, influencing treatment decisions and long-term outcomes. Material and methods: This study summarizes existing literature and clinical data on LCPD, focusing on etiological theories, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, risk factors, and prognostic indicators. Information was gathered from medical databases, peer-reviewed journals, and case studies to compile a comprehensive overview of the disease. Aim of study: The aim was to gather current knowledge on LCPD, emphasizing diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and factors influencing clinical outcomes. Special attention was given to discussing the efficacy of various treatment options and identifying prognostic factors that impact the disease trajectory. Conclusion: Effective management of LCPD hinges on early diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection, and careful monitoring of disease progression. Prognosis is influenced by factors such as age at diagnosis, extent of femoral head involvement, and maintenance of hip joint congruence. Further research is needed to refine treatment protocols and improve long-term outcomes for affected children.

Present and future distribution of the European pond turtle versus seven exotic freshwater turtles, with a focus on Eastern Europe

Freshwater turtles are often used as terrarium pets, especially juveniles of exotic species. At the adult stage they are often released by their owners into the wild despite their high invasion potential. In Europe these thermophilic potentially invasive alien species occupy the habitats of the native European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758), with new records from the wild being made specifically in Eastern Europe (Latvia and Ukraine) during recent decades. Assessing the potential of alien freshwater turtles to establish in new territories is of great concern for preventing invasion risks while preserving native biodiversity in the present context of climate change. We explored this issue by identifying the present and future (by 2050) suitable habitats of the European pond turtle and several potentially invasive alien species of freshwater turtle already settled in Europe, using a geographic information system (GIS) modelling approach based on datasets from CliMond for climate, Near-global environmental information (NGEI) for freshwater ecosystems (EarthEnv) and Maxent modelling using open-access databases, data from the literature and original field data. Modelling was performed for seven species of alien freshwater turtles occurring from the extreme northern to southern borders of the European range of E. orbicularis: the pond slider Trachemys scripta (Thunberg and Schoepff, 1792), the river cooter Pseudemys concinna (Le Conte, 1830), the Florida red-bellied cooter Pseudemys nelsoni (Carr, 1938), the false map turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica (Gray, 1831), the Chinese softshell turtle Pelodiscus sinensis (Wiegmann, 1835), the Caspian turtle Mauremys caspica (Gmelin, 1774) and the Balkan terrapin Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833). In Ukraine, the most Eastern limit of E. orbicularis distribution, were previously reported northern American originated T. scripta, M. rivulata, M. caspica, whereas in Latvia, Emys’ most northern limit, were additionally reported P. concinna, P. nelsoni, G. pseudogeographica and Asia originated P. sinensis. The resulting Species Distribution Models (SDM) were of excellent performance (AUC > 0.8). Of these alien species, the most potentially successful in terms of range expansion throughout Europe were T. scripta (34.3% of potential range expansion), G. pseudogeographica (24.1%), and M. caspica (8.9%) and M. rivulata (4.3%) mainly in Eastern Europe, especially in the south of Ukraine (Odesa, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia regions, and Crimean Peninsula). Correlation between the built SDMs for the native E. orbicularis and the invasive alien T. scripta was reliably high, confirming the highly likely competition between these two species in places they cooccur. Moreover, a Multiple Regression Analysis revealed that by 2050, in most of Europe (from the western countries to Ukraine), the territory overlap between E. orbicularis and potentially invasive alien species of freshwater turtles will increase by 1.2 times, confirming higher competition in the future. Importantly, by 2050, Eastern Europe and Ukraine are predicted to be the areas with most suitable habitats for the European pond turtle yet with most limited overlap with the invasive alien species. We conclude that Eastern Europe and Ukraine are the most relevant priority conservation areas for the European pond turtle where it is now necessary to take protective measures to ensure safe habitat for this native species on the long-term.

Changes in Erythrocytes and their Degradation Products under the Influence of the SARS-CoV-2

This review presents modern domestic and foreign literature data on the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 on red blood cells in COVID-19 and on the effect of the resulting erythrocyte degradation products on the body. The mechanisms of detoxification of these products and the possibility of considering them as biomarkers of this severe disease, as well as therapeutic targets for combating it, are considered in detail.

Concentration Scales and Solvation Thermodynamics: Some Theoretical and Experimental Observations Regarding Spontaneity and the Partition Ratio.

The solvation thermodynamics (ST) formalism proposed by A. Ben-Naim is a mathematically rigorous and physically grounded theory for describing properties related to solvation. It considers the solvation process as the transfer of a molecule ("solute") from a fixed position in the ideal gas phase to a fixed position within the solution. Thus, it removes any contribution to the solvation process that is not related to the interactions between this molecule and its environment in the solution. Because ST is based on statistical thermodynamics, the natural variable is number density, which leads to the amount (or "molar") concentration scale. However, this choice of concentration scale is not unique in classical thermodynamics and the solvation properties can be different for commonly used concentration scales. We proposed and performed experiments with diethylamine in a water/hexadecane heterogeneous mixture to confront the predictions of the ST, based on the amount (or "molar") concentration scale, and the Fowler-Guggenheim formalism, based on the mole fraction scale. By means of simple acid-base titration and 1H NMR measurements, it was established that the predictions of differences in the solvation Gibbs energy and the partition ratio (or "partition coefficient") of diethylamine between water and hexadecane are consistent with the ST formalism. Additionally, with current literature data, we have shown additional experimental support for the ST. However, due to the arbitrariness of the relative amount of solvents in the partition ratio, the choice of a single concentration scale within the classical thermodynamics is still not possible.

Mantle melting in regions of thick continental lithosphere: Examples from Late Cretaceous and younger volcanic rocks, Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado (USA)

Major- and trace-element data together with Nd and Sr isotopic compositions and 40Ar/39Ar age determinations were obtained for Late Cretaceous and younger volcanic rocks from north-central Colorado, USA, in the Southern Rocky Mountains to assess the sources of mantle-derived melts in a region underlain by thick (≥150 km) continental lithosphere. Trachybasalt to trachyandesite lava flows and volcanic cobbles of the Upper Cretaceous Windy Gap Volcanic Member of the Middle Park Formation have low εNd(t) values from −3.4 to −13, 87Sr/86Sr(t) from ~0.705 to ~0.707, high large ion lithophile element/high field strength element ratios, and low Ta/Th (≤0.2) values. These characteristics are consistent with the production of mafic melts during the Late Cretaceous to early Cenozoic Laramide orogeny through flux melting of asthenosphere above shallowly subducting and dehydrating oceanic lithosphere of the Farallon plate, followed by the interaction of these melts with preexisting, low εNd(t), continental lithospheric mantle during ascent. This scenario requires that asthenospheric melting occurred beneath continental lithosphere as thick as 200 km, in accordance with mantle xenoliths entrained in localized Devonian-age kimberlites. Such depths are consistent with the abundances of heavy rare earth elements (Yb, Sc) in the Laramide volcanic rocks, which require parental melts derived from garnet-bearing mantle source rocks. New 40Ar/39Ar ages from the Rabbit Ears and Elkhead Mountains volcanic fields confirm that mafic magmatism was reestablished in this region ca. 28 Ma after a hiatus of over 30 m.y. and that the locus of volcanism migrated to the west through time. These rocks have εNd(t) and 87Sr/86Sr(t) values equivalent to their older counterparts (−3.5 to −13 and 0.7038–0.7060, respectively), but they have higher average chondrite-normalized La/Yb values (~22 vs. ~10), and, for the Rabbit Ears volcanic field, higher and more variable Ta/Th values (0.29–0.43). The latter are general characteristics of all other post– 40 Ma volcanic rocks in north-central Colorado for which literature data are available. Transitions from low to intermediate Ta/Th mafic volcanism occurred diachronously across southwest North America and are interpreted to have been a consequence of melting of continental lithospheric mantle previously metasomatized by aqueous fluids derived from the underthrusted Farallon plate. Melting occurred as remnants of the Farallon plate were removed and the continental lithospheric mantle was conductively heated by upwelling asthenosphere. A similar model can be applied to post–40 Ma magmatism in north-central Colorado, with periodic, east to west, removal of stranded remnants of the Farallon plate from the base of the continental lithospheric mantle accounting for the production, and western migration, of volcanism. The estimated depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary in north-central Colorado (~150 km) indicates that the lithosphere remains too thick to allow widespread melting of upwelling asthenosphere even after lithospheric thinning in the Cenozoic. The preservation of thick continental lithospheric mantle may account for the absence of oceanic-island basalt–like basaltic volcanism (high Ta/Th values of ~1 and εNd[t] &amp;gt; 0), in contrast to areas of southwest North America that experienced larger-magnitude extension and lithosphere thinning, where oceanic-island basalt–like late Cenozoic basalts are common.

Recurrent pericarditis in older adults: Clinical and laboratory features and outcome.

Current guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pericarditis refer to the general adult population. Few and fragmentary data regarding recurrent pericarditis in older adults exist. Given the absence of specific data in scientific literature, we hypothesized that there might be clinical, laboratory and outcome differences between young adults and older adults affected by idiopathic recurrent pericarditis. We performed an international multicentric retrospective cohort study analyzing data from patients affected by recurrent pericarditis (idiopathic or post-cardiac injury) and referring to tertiary referral centers. Clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were compared between patients younger than 65 years (controls) and patients aged 65 or older. One hundred and thirty-three older adults and 142 young adult controls were enrolled. Comorbidities, including chronic kidney diseases, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes, were more present in older adults. The presenting symptom was dyspnea in 54.1% of the older adults versus 10.6% in controls (p < 0.001); pain in 32.3% of the older adults versus 80.3% of the controls (p < 0.001). Fever higher than 38°C was present in 33.8% versus 53.5% (p = 0.001). Pleural effusion was more prevalent in the older adults (55.6% vs 34.5%, p < 0.001), as well as severe pericardial effusion (>20 mm) (24.1% vs 12.7%, p = 0.016) and pericardiocentesis (16.5% vs 8.5%, p = 0.042). Blood leukocyte counts were significantly lower in the older adults (mean + SE: 10,227 + 289/mm3 vs 11,208 + 285/mm3, p = 0.016). Concerning therapies, NSAIDS were used in 63.9% of the older adults versus 80.3% in the younger (p = 0.003), colchicine in 76.7% versus 87.3% (p = 0.023), corticosteroids in 49.6% versus 26.8% (p < 0.001), and anakinra in 14.3% versus 23.9% (p = 0.044). Older adults affected by recurrent pericarditis show a different clinical pattern, with more frequent dyspnea, pleural effusion, severe pericardial effusion, and lower fever and lower leukocyte count, making the diagnosis sometimes challenging. They received significantly less NSAIDs and colchicine, likely due to comorbidities; they were also treated less commonly with anti-IL1 agents, and more frequently with corticosteroids.

Challenges of regulating commercial use of marine elapid snakes in the Indo-Pacific.

Marine elapid snakes are a diverse, predominantly Indo-West Pacific species group. The persistent removal of some species has an unquantified but potentially dire impact on populations. We conducted the first comprehensive review of the trade in marine elapid snakes based on published literature (1974-2022) and trade data from the only species (i.e., Hydrophis [Lapemis] curtus) whose trade is monitored internationally. Some species and populations were subjected to targeted harvest for their meat and skins for at least the last century; fisheries are possibly the most significant threat to populations of marine elapids, with the highest numbers being exploited either accidentally, incidentally, or opportunistically in Southeast Asian fisheries targeting other seafood, including demersal trawl and squid fisheries. Southeast Asia is the core region for exploitation of marine elapids. Annual offtake is >225,000 individuals of at least 8 species in the Gulf of Thailand. Of 72 recognized marine elapids (all non-CITES [Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora] species), Hydrophis curtus and Hydrophis cyanocinctus dominate the skin trade. Skins of H. curtus are traded mainly in East and Southeast Asia and, to some extent, Europe. Despite some baseline information on the trade of these species, the sustainability of their harvests, particularly in the context of the burgeoning and unmanaged nature of fisheries in the region, remains the major challenge. In an era of declining fish stocks, there has been an increasing trend to commercialize the harvest and use marine elapids that were once considered accidental bycatch and discarded. This trend will continue to pose a significant risk to these snakes unless appropriate fisheries and trade regulations are enforced. Applying the precautionary principle to prevent the overexploitation of sea snakes is an indispensable measure in which trade in regional populations should be regulated through CITES. Accordingly, management plans to identify core distribution regions of exploited species would be crucial for assigning national responsibilities to sustain species and populations in the long term.

Three-Layer Reconstruction of a Full-Thickness Nasal Alar Defect after Basal-Cell Carcinoma Removal

Restoring the integrity of the external nose presents a complex surgical challenge due to its three-dimensional structure and subunit divisions. The most frequent causes of nasal defects include basal or squamous cell carcinoma, animal bites and trauma. The reconstruction approach varies depending on factors such as the defect’s size, the affected subunit of the nose, the condition and quality of the surrounding tissues and the surgeon’s expertise. Commonly employed surgical techniques for nasal reconstruction include the forehead flap, nasolabial flap, Rieger flap, bilobed flap, and free autologous skin graft. We present a clinical case of a patient with a full-thickness nasal alar defect who underwent three-layer reconstruction with a combination of an inverted skin flap- for the internal lining, a conchal graft to substitute the missing alar cartilage and a forehead flap for external coverage. One of the challenges of nasal reconstruction surgery is to restore a full-thickness defect, especially the internal nasal lining. We offer a different perspective on this problem, showcasing considerable advantages, as there are limited literature data on this method.

Biallelic TYR and TKFC variants in Egyptian patients with OCA1 and new expanded TKFC features

BackgroundOculocutaneous albinism type1 (OCA1) is caused by the TYR gene's homozygous and compound heterozygous variants. TKFC gene variants cause triokinase & FMN cyclase deficiency syndrome with variable multisystemic disorders.ObjectivesTo determine the potential disease-causing variants in two deceased patients presenting atypical OCA1 features by demonstrating three generations for a single family. The two deceased neonates had severe skeletal abnormalities and fatal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We also explored the potential mechanisms for the causative relationship between TKFC and multisystem disorders.Patients and methodsDue to the new emerging symptoms that weren’t reported before with the TYR gene, the following methods were performed: Sanger sequencing for the TYR gene, followed by whole exome sequencing, co-segregation, and computational analyses.ResultsExtensive parental consanguinity was found, and consequently an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was prioritized. Upon performing sequencing and segregation data, the following has been confirmed: positive co-segregation of nonsense homozygous NM_000372.5:c.346C > T p.(Arg116*) variant in TYR gene and multisystem disease-missense homozygous NM_015533.4:c.598G > A p.(Val200Ile) variant in TKFC gene in the two affected index patients who deceased due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Using computational analysis, we found that c.598G > A p.(Val200Ile) pathogenicity has led to the failure of L2-K1 active site closure due to the potential differential fluctuation between valine and isoleucine residues. Subsequently, disruption of endogenous DHA phosphorylation was found. Two potential mechanisms exploring the causative relationship between TKFC gene and multisystem disorders have been suggested.ConclusionsThis study presented a first family with the co-existence of biallelic variants in TYR and TKFC genes associating severe skeletal abnormalities and lethal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Neither of these genes would have been pursued in the standard genetic counseling. Such discovery is paving the way for more efficient genetic counseling. Comparing TKFC results with literature data showed that our relevant expanded TKFC variant is the 3rd worldwide.

Complications of deep infiltrative endometriosis of gastrointestinal tract

Objective: to summarize the literature data on the main complications of deep infiltrative endometriosis, including ileocecal. Endometriosis is a mysterious disease that can begin to develop from birth. Despite all the already existing theories of the origin and development of this disease, large-scale research is still required to obtain answers to numerous questions about the etiology, pathogenesis, phenotypes of this nosology and its connection with pain and infertility. Most often, external genital endometriosis affects various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The rectosigmoid junction of the colon is most commonly affected (81.3%), followed by the appendix (6.4%), small intestine (4.7%), dome of the cecum (4.1%) and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract ( 1.7%). In recent years, interest in the problem of ileocecal endometriosis, its timely diagnosis and treatment has begun to grow among practicing specialists. Today, deep infiltrative endometriosis is widely studied not only by obstetricians-gynecologists, but also by related specialists, such as general surgeons, coloproctologists and gastroenterologists, in connection with extragenital lesions leading to severe complications. Cases of intestinal perforation due to deep infiltrative endometriosis, bleeding, as well as cases of small intestinal obstruction have been described.

Importance of Electrostatic Effects for Interpretation of X‐ray Photoemission Spectra of Self‐Assembled Monolayers

AbstractThis paper reviews the relevant work regarding electrostatic effects in X‐ray photoemission from self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) which are application‐relevant ultrathin molecular films, coupled over a suitable anchoring group to the substrate. Whereas, in most cases, the standard concept of chemical shift is fully sufficient to describe X‐ray photoelectron spectra of these systems, consideration of electrostatic effects is frequently necessary for their proper interpretation. Due to the insulator character of the SAM matrix, decoupled electronically from the substrate, the introduction of a dipolar ´sheet´ at the SAM‐substrate interface or within this matrix creates a potential discontinuity shifting the energy levels above the ´sheet´ with respect to those below it. This shift is reflected then in the matrix‐related spectra, resulting in shifts and splitting of the characteristic photoemission peaks. Several representative examples in this context are provided and discussed in detail. These examples and other relevant literature data underline the importance of electrostatic effects in photoemission and suggest that they should be considered on the equal footing as the chemical shift ones.

Impact of maxillary expansion on the sagittal skeletal and dental parameters of growing Class II patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

A "spontaneous" correction of the Class II malocclusion has been described after maxillary expansion (ME) treatment. The aim of the present review was to systematically summarize changes in the sagittal dentoskeletal parameters of growing Class II patients after ME. The study protocol was developed according to the PRISMA statement and registered in PROSPERO before literature search, data extraction and analysis. The PICO model was followed in the definition of the research question, search strategies and study selection criteria. Randomized and non-randomized studies on the sagittal effects of ME published in English language without date restrictions were electronically searched across the Cochrane Library, Scopus and MEDLINE/PubMed databases. Changes in sagittal dentoskeletal cephalometric parameters were analysed. The risk of bias in randomized and nonrandomized studies was assessed using the Rob2 and ROBINS-I tools, respectively. A narrative synthesis was performed, focusing on the investigated population, intervention, comparison, and main outcomes. Pairwise meta-analyses were used to compare the outcomes assessed in subjects who underwent ME versus untreated subjects. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, four were included in the pairwise meta-analyses due to the presence of a control group. Slight but significant improvements in OVJ (MD: -0.36; 95%; CI [-0.69 to -0.01]; p = .04) and 6/6 molar relation (MD: 1.5; 95%; CI [0.69 to 1.61]; p < .0001) were found in patients who underwent ME compared with untreated subjects, whereas no improvement in skeletal parameters was observed. However, the limitations of a small body of moderate-quality evidence and possible confounding factors should be considered. Evidence on the sagittal skeletal and dental effects of ME in Class II patients is still ambiguous, suggesting the need for more clinical trials, including appropriate control subjects, randomization and blinding during outcome assessment.

Partial Residual Plots as an Integrated Model Diagnostic Tool in Model-Based Meta-Analysis.

The use of partial residual plots (PRPs) was explored as a model diagnostic tool in Model-based Meta-Analysis (MBMA). Mathematical derivations illustrating the concepts were followed by an MBMA example using publicly available literature data of anti-depressive treatments with fluoxetine and venlafaxine. An Emax dose-response model was identified for venlafaxine while a constant drug effect combining all dose levels vs. placebo was identified for fluoxetine. The larger the mean baseline Hamilton Depression Rating (HAMD) score, the larger the expected drug effect (P = 0.0122), based on the likelihood ratio test. Mean baseline HAMD score (range) was 25.4 (23.5, 29.4) and 20.8 (15, 26) while mean placebo change from baseline (range) was -9.02 (-12.2, -4.8) and - 6.22 (-10.9, -1.3) for venlafaxine and fluoxetine, respectively. Average baseline HAMD score appeared larger for venlafaxine compared to fluoxetine, albeit a wider range for fluoxetine. Placebo response seemed lower but also more variable in fluoxetine compared to venlafaxine studies. Observed data points tended to deviate from model predictions when the mean baseline HAMD and placebo response values associated with those data points differed substantially from the corresponding values used for the model prediction. Normalizing observed data addressed this, providing a "like-to-like" comparison with model predictions in PRP when assessing the effect of one covariate (dose) after normalizing for other covariates/effects (placebo response and mean baseline). PRPs provide a robust integrated diagnostic tool in MBMA that uses all data to show the correlation between response and any covariate while controlling for other covariates included in the model.

A review of the perioperative management of direct oral anticoagulants for pediatric anesthesiologists.

Although direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been used in the adult population for over a decade, DOACs use has begun to rise in pediatric populations since FDA approval of rivaroxaban and dabigatran, DOACs offer several advantages for pediatric patients, to other anticoagulants, including a similar safety profile, minimal lab monitoring, and ease of administration. The rise in DOAC use has led to an increasing number of pediatric patients managed on DOACs presenting for elective and urgent procedures. Perioperative management of anticoagulation is often challenging for providers due to the lack of expert consensus guidelines and the difficulty in balancing a patient's thrombotic risk with bleeding risk for a given procedure. Using the most up to date literature, we provide a focused review on the perioperative management of DOACs in pediatric patients. This work presents a focused review for pediatric anesthesiologists on clinically available DOACs, perioperative monitoring and management of DOACs, as well as options and indications for reversal. While consensus expert practice guidelines are still needed, we hope this work will familiarize perioperative physicians with these agents, recommended uses, and potential perioperative management.