Significance Level Research Articles

Thickness of the Orbital Septum in Comparison to Periorbita and Periosteum.

To examine the thickness of the orbital septum in comparison to that of the periorbita and the periosteum of the frontal bone. Histological evaluation of 11 tissues around the upper arcus marginalis, including the orbital septum, periorbita, and periosteum of the frontal bone (5 right, 6 left) from 11 Japanese cadavers (age range: 63-91-year-old, average: 77.1, male: 5 cases and female: 6 cases) was performed. The specimens were fixed in 10% formalin and stained with Masson's trichrome. The thickness was measured at the 2 mm points from the center of the merging area of these 3 tissues (arcus marginalis). Statistical analyses in 3 groups were performed first with a one-way ANOVA and then with Tukey's multiple comparison test. Differences in ages or sexes were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. The significance level was set at 0.05. The orbital septum showed similar thickness with the periosteum of the frontal bone (p = 0.784), but was thicker than the periorbita (p = 0.021). The periosteum of the frontal bone was found to be thicker than the periorbita (p = 0.004). Differences between ages (p = 0.315) or sexes (p = 0.126) did not show statistical significance. The thickness of the orbital septum was similar to the periosteum of the frontal bone, but was thicker than the periorbita at the 2 mm points from the center of the arcus marginalis. These showed some variation in each case, though. Ages or sexes did not influence the septum thickness after 60 years of age.

An Algorithm for Simplifying 3D Building Models with Consideration for Detailed Features and Topological Structure

To tackle problems such as the destruction of topological structures and the loss of detailed features in the simplification of 3D building models, we propose a 3D building model simplification algorithm that considers detailed features and topological structures. Based on the edge collapse algorithm, the method defines the region formed by the first-order neighboring triangles of the endpoints of the edge to be collapsed as the simplification unit. It incorporates the centroid displacement of the simplification unit, significance level, and approximate curvature of the edge as influencing factors for the collapse cost to control the edge collapse sequence and preserve model details. Additionally, considering the unique properties of 3D building models, boundary edge detection and face overlay are added as constraints to maintain the model’s topological structure. The experimental results show that the algorithm is superior to the classic QEM algorithm in terms of preserving the topological structure and detailed features of the model. Compared to the QEM algorithm and the other two comparison algorithms selected in this paper, the simplified model resulting from this algorithm exhibit a reduction in Hausdorff distance, mean error, and mean square error to varying degrees. Moreover, the advantages of this algorithm become more pronounced as the simplification rate increases. The research findings can be applied to the simplification of 3D building models.

Prevalence, underlying causes, and determinants of maternal near miss in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMaternal near miss (MNM) is one of the newly adopted assessment parameters to gauge the quality of maternity care. In Ethiopia, several studies have been conducted to investigate the incidence, underlying causes, and determinants of MNM. However, the findings from those studies vary greatly and are largely inconsistent. Thus, this review aims to more robustly estimate the pooled prevalence, identify underlying causes, and single out determinants of MNM in Ethiopia.MethodsStudies were searched from international databases (PubMed/ Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases) and other potential sites. All observational studies were included. Heterogeneity between studies was checked using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics and small study effects were checked using Egger’s statistical test at a 5% significance level. Outcome measures were overall and specific underlying causes (obstetrics hemorrhage, hypertensive disorder pregnancy, pregnancy-related infection) rates of MNMs per 10,000 live births.ResultThe meta-analysis included 43 studies consisting of 77240 MNM cases. The pooled prevalence MNM per 1000 live births in Ethiopia was 54.33 (95% CI: 33.93 to 85.89). Between-study heterogeneity was high (I2 = 100%, P < 0.0001), with the highest rate observed in Amhara region (384.54 per 1000). The prevalence of obstetrics hemorrhage (14.56 per 1000) was higher than that of hypertensive disorder pregnancy (12.67 per 1000) and pregnancy-related infections (3.55 per 1000) were identified as underlying causes. Various factors, including socio demographic characteristics, previous medical and obstetrics history as well as access to and quality of care obtained, were associated with MNM.ConclusionAlmost six women encounter near miss among a hundred live births in Ethiopia. Obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive disorder pregnancy were the most common underlying causes of MNM. Both individual and facility level determinants were found to be associated with MNM. Considering the magnitude and identified factors, tailored measures should be taken at every stage of the continuum of care.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023395259.

Patterns of Zoological Diversity in Iran—A Review

Iran is a country characterized by high biodiversity and complex biogeographic patterns. Its diverse landscape and steep climatic gradients have resulted in significant faunal diversity and high level of endemism. To better understand these patterns, we investigated the historical environmental drivers that have shaped Iran’s current geological and climatological conditions, and, consequently, have shaped the current zoological distribution patterns. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the country’s zoological diversity and zoogeography by reviewing published studies on its fauna. We analyzed nearly all available catalogs, updated checklists, and relevant publications, and synthesized them to present a comprehensive overview of Iran’s biodiversity. Our review reports approximately 37,500 animal species for Iran. We also demonstrated that the country serves as a biogeographic transition zone among three zoogeographical realms: the Palearctic, Oriental, and Saharo-Arabian, where distinct faunal elements intersect. This biogeographic complexity has made it challenging to delineate clear zoogeographical zones, leading to varying classifications depending on the taxon. The uplift of mountain ranges, in particular, has played a crucial role in shaping faunal diversity by serving as barriers, corridors, and glacial refugia. These mountains are largely the result of orogeny and plate collisions during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras, coupled with the development of the Tethyan Sea and the uplift of several ranges during the Miocene. Despite these insights, our understanding of biodiversity distribution in Iran remains incomplete, even for some well-studied taxa, such as certain vertebrate families and arthropods. We highlight the existing gaps in knowledge regarding zoogeographical patterns and propose approaches to address these gaps, particularly concerning less-studied species and the highly diverse group of insects.

Search for thermonuclear burst oscillations in the Swift/BAT data set

This study comprehensively analyzes type I X-ray bursts observed by Swift/BAT from 2005 to April 2024 to search for X-ray burst oscillations (XBOs) in neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries. XBOs, periodic signals detected within type I X-ray bursts, typically range from 11 to 620 Hz and are often observed in the soft X-ray data of these bursts. Using the high-sensitivity and precise timing capabilities of the Swift/BAT, we found 50 type I X-ray bursts from 37 neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries. We conducted a detailed timing analysis of these bursts. For sources with known burst oscillation frequencies, our findings largely corroborate previous studies. However, many sources displayed low confidence levels in the oscillation signals, with Z12 values between 10 and 20. For sources without known oscillation/spin frequencies, we utilized FFT analysis to search for signals across a broad frequency range. This approach revealed potential oscillation signals, with several bursts showing significance levels exceeding 3σ, including those from MAXI J1421–613, XTE J1701–407, XMM J174457–2850.3, Swift J1734.5–3027, IGR J17473–2721, Swift J174805.3–244637, Swift J181723.1–164300, and X 1832–330.

Designing and evaluating a mobile app to assist patients undergoing coronary angiography and assessing its impact on anxiety, stress levels, and self-care

BackgroundCoronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to detect atherosclerosis. Patients typically experience anxiety and stress before and during the angiography procedure. Furthermore, self-care ability is crucial following angiography.AimThis study aims to describe the design and evaluation of a mobile application focusing on stress, anxiety, and self-care abilities in patients undergoing coronary angiography.MethodThe researchers developed a mobile application for patients undergoing angiography. The application provides information about angiography and tips for enhancing self-care following the procedure. An interventional study was conducted on 70 patients admitted to the angiography ward in hospitals in Kerman, Iran, between 2022 and 2023. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: control and intervention. The interventional group received the intervention application the night before angiography. Two groups completed the Anxiety and Stress Questionnaire (DAS) and Kearney-Flescher Self-Care Survey before the intervention. The researchers used questionnaires that had been prepared and previously utilized in other studies. The two groups completed the anxiety and stress questionnaire within three to six hours and the self-care questionnaire one month after angiography. SPSS 15 software was used for data analysis, with a significance level set at 0.05.ResultsThe study found that the majority of participants were women. Before the study, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of anxiety, stress, and self-care scores. However, after the study, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in average anxiety and stress scores (p < 0.001). Additionally, compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement in average self-care score (p < 0.001).ConclusionAccording to this study, AP can be effective in influencing the anxiety, stress levels, and self-care ability of patients who undergo coronary angiography. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety while increasing self-care. Instructive software is user-friendly, cost-effective, and can be recommended by nurses and doctors.

Abrasive challenge effects on enamel and dentin from irradiated human teeth: an in vitro study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on the wear and surface roughness of in vitro irradiated human enamel and dentin subjected to abrasive challenge. Enamel and dentin specimens (n = 42) were prepared from teeth donated by healthy patients and those with head and neck cancer who had received radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The specimens were categorized into three groups: control, RT, and CRT (n = 14 per group for both enamel and dentin). These samples were subjected to an in vitro abrasive experiment using a brushing machine, followed by wear and surface roughness assessments with a confocal laser scanning microscope conducted before and after the abrasive challenge, considering both exposed and non-exposed areas. Statistical analysis used Shapiro-Wilk tests for normality, Wilcoxon tests for comparing two means, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A significance level of 5% was adopted. In enamel specimens, wear profile values ​​of CRT and RT groups were not different from the control (p > 0.05). The RT group presents lower step values than the CRT and control groups (p < 0.001). No significant difference in final surface roughness was observed in all groups (p > 0.05). In dentin specimens, no significant difference in wear profile and step was observed in all groups (p > 0.05). However, CRT and RT groups present higher values in final surface roughness (p < 0.001). The exposure to ionizing radiation (associated or not to chemotherapy) influenced the surface roughness of dentin and the wear (step) of enamel after the in vitro abrasive challenge.Trial registration: Ethical procedures were approved by the FORP/USP Research Ethics Committee (CAAE: 61308416.4.0000.5419), and Hospital do Câncer de Barretos/Fundação Pio XII (CAAE: 61308416.4.3001.5437).

The Impact of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis (P), a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supportive tissues around the teeth, is three to four times more prevalent in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), with a direct correlation between its severity and the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). This study aimed to evaluate the periodontal clinical parameters following non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) in P patients with or without type 2 DM. Methods: Forty patients with P were divided into two groups: Group DM/P and Group P. All the patients were assessed at baseline and at 90 and 180 days after receiving NSPT. The parameters evaluated included the HbA1c level, plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BoP). A statistical analysis was performed with a significance level set at α = 5%. Results: There were significant differences in the HbA1c levels between the DM/P and P groups at baseline, 90, and 180 days, as expected. Importantly, the HbA1c levels did not change after NSPT. Group P showed a significant reduction in both the PI and the BoP values at 90 and 180 days (p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, Group DM/P demonstrated a significant increase in the percentage of sites with a PPD ≥ 5 mm at 180 days (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, Group P exhibited an increase in sites with a PPD ≤ 4 mm and a decrease in sites with a PPD ≥ 5 mm at both 90 and 180 days (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that DM may compromise the effectiveness of NSPT, potentially hindering favorable outcomes during the follow-up period.

Navigating directed evolution efficiently: optimizing selection conditions and selection output analysis

Directed evolution is a powerful tool that can bypass gaps in our understanding of the sequence-function relationship of proteins and still isolate variants with desired activities, properties, and substrate specificities. The rise of directed evolution platforms for polymerase engineering has accelerated the isolation of xenobiotic nucleic acid (XNA) synthetases and reverse transcriptases capable of processing a wide array of unnatural XNAs which have numerous therapeutic and biotechnological applications. Still, the current generation of XNA polymerases functions with significantly lower efficiency than the natural counterparts and retains a significant level of DNA polymerase activity which limits their in vivo applications. Although directed evolution approaches are continuously being developed and implemented to improve XNA polymerase engineering, the field lacks an in-depth analysis of the effect of selection parameters, library construction biases and sampling biases. Focusing on the directed evolution pipeline for DNA and XNA polymerase engineering, this work sets out a method for understanding the impact of selection conditions on selection success and efficiency. We also explore the influence of selection conditions on fidelity at the population and individual mutant level. Additionally, we explore the sequencing coverage requirements in directed evolution experiments, which differ from genome assembly and other -omics approaches. This analysis allowed us to identify the sequencing coverage threshold for the accurate and precise identification of significantly enriched mutants. Overall, this study introduces a robust methodology for optimizing selection protocols, which effectively streamlines selection processes by employing small libraries and cost-effective NGS sequencing. It provides valuable insights into critical considerations, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of directed evolution strategies applicable to enzymes other than the ones considered here.

Investigating the Status of Mothers and Newborns' Access to Safe and Quality Care from the Perspective of Midwifery Personnel Working in Government Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim The present study was conducted to determine the status of mothers’ and newborns' access to safe and quality care from the perspective of midwifery personnel. Background Safe and quality care is recognized as a principle in providing healthcare to mothers and newborns. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted through random sampling on 270 midwifery personnel working in government hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2023. The data were collected using a questionnaire created by a researcher and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests in SPSS-22 statistical software at a significance level of less than 0.05. Results The average age of the participants was 34.41 ± 7.93 years. The results showed the status of mothers' and newborns' access to safe and quality care to be in the average range of 38.30 ± 6.67. The midwifery personnel have demonstrated adherence to scientific and specialized protocols regarding the way for childbirth and how to care for mothers and newborns to be the most frequent (51.5%), while the provision of emotional and psychological support to women who have given birth with newborn problems to be the least frequent (8.5%). Conclusion Midwifery personnel believe that the safe and quality care provided to mothers and newborns is adequate. Midwifery personnel are committed to following evidence-based practices, but need additional training and resources to support women in need emotionally and psychologically. This is particularly concerning given the potential impact of maternal mental health on both the mother and the newborn.

Incidence and predictors of unplanned 30-day hospital readmissions among heart failure patients in Ethiopia: a 5-year retrospective cohort study

The burden of heart failure increases over time and is a leading cause of unplanned readmissions worldwide. In addition, its impact has doubled in countries with limited health resources, including Ethiopia. Identifying and preventing the possible contributing factors is crucial to reducing unplanned hospital readmissions and improving clinical outcomes. The study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of 30-day unplanned readmission among heart failure patients at selected South Wollo general hospitals in 2022. A hospital-based retrospective cohort study design was employed from January 1, 2016, to December 30, 2020. The data was collected from 572 randomly selected medical records using data extraction checklists. Data were entered in Epi-Data version 4.6 and analyzed with Stata version 17. The Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests were used to estimate and compare the survival failure time. A Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to identify the predictors of readmission. The statistical significance level was declared at a p-value < 0.05 with an adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval. A total of 151 (26.40%) heart failure patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Among the study participants, 302 (52.8%) were male, and 370 (64.7%) were rural residents. The mean age was 45.8 ± 14.1 SD years. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis being an age (> 65 years) (AHR: 3.172, 95% CI:.21, 4.55, P = 0.001), rural in residency (AHR: 2.47, 95%CI: 1.44, 4.24, P = 0.001), Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AHR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.35, P = 0.012), HIV/AIDS (AHR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.24, 2.75, P = 0.003), Haemoglobin level 8–10.9 g/dL (AHR: 6.20, 95% CI: 3.74, 10.28, P = 0.001), and Mean platelet volume > 9.1 fl (AHR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.40, P = 0.004) were identified as independent predictors of unplanned hospital readmission. The incidence of unplanned hospital readmission was relatively high among heart failure patients. Elderly patients, rural residency, comorbidity, a higher mean platelet volume, and a low hemoglobin level were independent predictors of readmission. Working on these factors will help reduce the hazards of unplanned hospital readmission.

Loneliness and Social Health: A Study in Individuals Participating in Recreational Activities

In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between loneliness level and social health in individuals participating in recreational activities. The research group consisted of 300 people who participated in the study by random sampling method on the basis of volunteerism. Personal Information Form, Loneliness Scale and Recreational Social Health Scale were used as data collection tools. All analyses were performed using the SPSS 22 package program, taking into account the significance level of "p

Causal impacts of smoking on pain conditions and the mediating pathways: a mendelian randomization study.

Smoking is a risk factor for multiple diseases. We performed mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to investigate the causal association of smoking initiation on pain conditions and the potential mediating pathways. Genetic associated with smoking initiation at the genome-wide significance level were selected as instrumental variables. Genetic associations with 10 pain conditions were derived from the FinnGen and UK Biobank study. Multivariable MR analysis was conducted to explore the mediation effects of depression, insomnia and sedentary behavior. A series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the stability of our research findings. Genetic liability to smoking initiation was associated with an increased risk of angina pectoris, dorsalgia, low back pain, pain in limb, pain in joint, pain in thoracic spine and sciatica in both FinnGen and UK Biobank study. These causal associations were largely mediated by major depression (2.9- 39.5%), sedentary behavior (13.0- 31.2%), insomnia (10.3- 33.1%) and combination of all three mediators (30.2- 65.3%). The effects of smoking on outcomes were partly attenuated after adjusting for depression, sedentary behavior and insomnia respectively, and the direct effect of smoking initiation on pain was diminished toward null after adjusting for combined three mediators. These results were robust to sensitivity analyses. Our findings illustrated the causal effect of smoking and a broad range of pain conditions, and major depression, sedentary behavior and insomnia mediate many of these associations.

Academic Administration of Administrators of Technical Colleges under the Office Vocational Education Khon Kaen Province

Background and Aims: A study of academic administration of administrators of technical colleges under the jurisdiction of the Vocational Education Office in Khon Kaen province. The goal is to investigate and compare the academic administration of administrators from technical colleges under the Khon Kaen Vocational Education Office, stratified by gender, education level, and work experience. Methodology: The population for this study consisted of 487 technical college teachers employed by the Khon Kaen Vocational Education Office during the academic year 2023, with a sample size of 215 people. The sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan tables and obtained via stratified random sampling. The research tool is a questionnaire. It has the characteristics of a five-level estimation scale. It inquires about the academic administration of administrators at technical colleges managed by the Khon Kaen Vocational Education Office. The confidence level is 0.95. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and testing statistics are all examples of data analysis statistics. The t-test and F-test are included as assumptions. Results: The findings revealed that (1) A study of academic administration among administrators of technical colleges under the jurisdiction of the Vocational Education Office in Khon Kaen Province. Overall, it is of a high standard. (2) Academic administration of administrators of technical colleges under the Khon Kaen Vocational Education Office, classified by gender and work experience, with no differences in any aspect. (3) Academic administration of administrators from technical colleges overseen by the Khon Kaen Vocational Education Office. Classified education level Overall, there is no difference. However, when considering all aspects of teachers with work experience In terms of curriculum development. The measurement and evaluation work, as well as the teaching media, differ with a statistical significance level of.05. Conclusion: The study discovered that academic administration among technical college administrators in Khon Kaen Province is of high quality overall, with no significant differences by gender or education level. However, differences in curriculum development, assessment, and teaching media were found based on teachers' work experience, with a statistical significance level of.05.

Association of spleen cells with stem cell traits with the development of hematogenous metastases

BACKGROUND: Spleen status is associated with survival in carcinomas. One of the mechanisms may be related to the effects of immunosuppressive hematopoietic cells originating from the spleen. AIM: To study the composition and quantity of hematopoietic cells with stem cell traits in the spleen and their association with hematogenous metastasis in patients with different nosological forms of carcinomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 40 patients with stomach cancer, cardioesophageal junction cancer, cancer of pancreas, splenic flexure of the colon, sigmoid colon, kidney, ovary and uterus. The subgroup with hematogenous metastases (15 patients) included 7 cases of stomach cancer, 1 case of cardioesophageal junction cancer, 4 cases of colon cancer, 1 case of pancreatic cancer, 1 case of kidney cancer, and 1 case of ovarian cancer. The subgroup without hematogenous metastases (13 patients) included 6 cases of stomach cancer, 4 cases of cardioesophageal junction cancer, 1 case of colon cancer, 1 case of pancreatic cancer, and 1 case of uterine cancer. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded spleen tissue sections served as the study material. The method of multiplex tyramide signal amplification — modified immunohistochemistry of tissue sections was applied, using antibodies to CD45, CD34, CD133, TIE2, VEGFR1, CD90, CD11b. The studied parameters were described as median (Me) and interquartile range (Q1–Q3). Differences in parameters were assessed using the Mann–Whitney criterion. ROC analysis was used to assess the prognostic value of the parameters. Differences were considered significant at a significance level of p 0.05. RESULTS: The study of spleen tissue with simultaneous determination of several markers on each cell allowed us to identify 20 phenotypes related to representatives of the continuum of hematopoietic stem cells and the continuum of stem cells with hematopoietic/angiogenic potentials, characterized by pronounced phenotypic diversity. In the general group, including all the studied nosological forms, the number of stem cells with the CD45–CD34+CD133–TIE2–VEGFR1– phenotype found in the lymphoid follicles of the spleen was lower in cases with hematogenous metastases: 43.313 (0.00–85.393) and 110.034 (83.050–197.915) (p=0.03), respectively. In the group of gastric cancer patients with hematogenous metastases, a lower number of stem cells with the CD45–CD34+CD133–TIE2–VEGFR1– phenotype [31.092 (0.000–37.987)] compared to the group without hematogenous metastases [119.962 (103.486–258.533)] (p=0.001), a higher number of stem progenitor cells with the CD45+CD34–CD133+TIE2–VEGFR1– phenotype determined in the lymphoid follicle [7901.164 (5705.314–8563.807) versus 4670.894 (3328.607–6473.649)] (p=0.035), as well as a higher number of cells with phenotype CD45+CD34–CD133+TIE2+VEGFR1+, identified in the red pulp of the spleen [131.396 (35.701–167.521) versus 21.524 (6.123–30.117)] (p=0.02), were found. CONCLUSION: The number of spleen cells with the phenotypes CD45–CD34+CD133–TIE2–VEGFR1–, CD45+CD34–CD133+TIE2–VEGFR1– and CD45+CD34–CD133+TIE2+VEGFR1+ is associated with hematogenous metastasis.

Method for Detecting Fire Indoors Based on Differences in Sample Averages of an Arbitrary Gas Environment Dangerous Parameter at Adjacent Observation Intervals

The object of the research is the series average of the dangerous parameters of the gas environment during the ignition of materials. The practical importance consists of using the difference between the average dangerous parameters of the gas environment on the intervals of absence and the presence of ignition to detect the ignition of materials. The theoretical substantiation of the method of detecting fires in premises is carried out based on sample averages fixed samples of current measurements of an arbitrary, dangerous parameter of the gas environment, which correspond to the general population of reliable absence and presence of fire. At a given significance level, the method determines the unbiased, uniformly most powerful fire detection rule. This allows you to determine how significant differences in sample means with a given significance level are due to ignition or are random. Laboratory experiments were conducted to verify the method of detecting the ignition of test materials. It was established, for example, that the maximum size of the effect ignition on the carbon monoxide concentration is typical for alcohol (exceeds the threshold by 8.9 times) and textiles (exceeds the threshold by 9.3 times). The size of the effect of the smoke density upon ignition of all materials is approximately the same and is determined by exceeding the corresponding thresholds from 4.62 to 3.9 times. The size of the effect on the temperature of the gaseous environment during ignition of all test materials is approximately the same order. It is characterized by exceeding the corresponding thresholds from 5.95 to 3.58 times. It is shown that the method of detecting fires allows to establish the extent to which the detected differences in sample means for samples from the general population of hazardous parameters of the gas environment are reliable with a given level of significance and are due to the ignition of materials or the action of random factors.

The industry demand oriented construction of intelligence medicine specialty in traditional Chinese medicine university: teachers’ perspective

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore the relationships between teaching competence, career development, industrial orientation, and specialty construction in the case of intelligent medicine specialties in universities of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the influencing factors of specialty construction.MethodsTwo-stage sampling with unequal probability was conducted to distribute self-administered questionnaires in the fieldwork. A structural equation model was built to investigate the influencing factors of specialty construction. Forty-two teachers were recruited and completed the questionnaire.ResultsThe study found that teaching competence, career development, and industrial orientation positively affect specialty construction at a significant level. Career development and industrial orientation play chain mediating roles in the effect of teaching competence on specialty construction.ConclusionsIn the construction of intelligent medicine specialties, a professional curriculum system should be built that caters to industrial demand and is combined with industrial development, the traditional mode of teaching should be transformed, and the transformation of theoretical knowledge into practical ability should be promoted. Innovations in teaching modes should be achieved by introducing information technology, and the teacher evaluation system should be optimized.

The Effectiveness of Rituximab in the Treatment of Refractory Manifestations of Patients with Systematic Lupus Erythematous: A Retrospective Study

Background: Rituximab (RTX) is a chimeric antibody that directly targets B cells, which has been suggested as a new treatment option for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) resistant to conventional treatments. Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to investigate RTX's effect on treating SLE patients with refractory manifestations. Methods: This study was conducted on SLE patients who were resistant to treatment. The patients demographic characteristics and clinical information were collected from their medical records, and the results were compared before and after RTX therapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and the significance level was less than 0.05 (P &lt; 0.05). Results: Nephritis (26.3%), cutaneous manifestations (23.7%), and arthritis, occasionally secondary to overlap with rheumatoid arthritis (18.4%), were the most common complications that made patients (n = 55) candidates for the RTX biosimilar (Zytax). Ten patients were excluded due to a lack of complete data, and seven patients died immediately after starting Zytax due to disease severity and complications. Improvement in arthritis and cutaneous complications was reported after RTX injection in 57.1% and 44.4% of patients, respectively. Creatinine levels decreased significantly in patients with lupus nephritis after RTX injection compared to before treatment (P = 0.006). Moreover, anti-DNA was significantly different before and after RTX injection (Z = -2.89, P = 0.004). Comparison of C3 (t = 0.63; P = 0.53) and C4 (t = 1.72, P = 0.101) levels before and after RTX injection showed no significant differences. Conclusions: Based on the results, RTX improved nephritis, arthritis, and cutaneous complications in lupus patients.

Comparative study on productivity of Hybrid Napier CO3 and CO4 with the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers

The present study aimed to assess the growth parameters, herbage yield and chemical composition of CO3 and CO4 (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) at the Livestock farm Eastern University, Sri Lanka from July to September 2018. Four different treatments; inorganic fertilizer 100%, Organic fertilizer 100%, Control and Inorganic+Organic fertilizer 1:1 (weight basis). Plant height, leaf length, number of tillers per clump, leaf area, yield and total ash content were measured at two-week intervals from the 4th week up to the 8th week and data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at 0.05 significance level. Results indicated that the productivity of CO3 is superior to CO4 in terms of growth and yield under (T4) CO3 with 1:1 mixture of inorganic and organic fertilizer. The highest (p&lt;0.05) fresh matter yield of 18.07 t/ha, with a dry matter yield of 3.83 t/ha was recorded in the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. A similar yield was obtained in CO3 with the 1:1 inorganic and organic fertilizer mixture. CO3 showed the highest total ash content (18.44%) on dry matter basis. Hence, farmers can save half of the cost of inorganic fertilizer by using farmyard manure along with half of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer for fodder cultivation

Soft and hard tissue evaluation for vestibular socket therapy of immediately placed implants in infected and non-infected sockets: a 1-year prospective cohort study

BackgroundImmediate implant placement using vestibular socket therapy (VST) proved to offer a successful treatment option in compromised sockets. However, the presence of active signs infection complicates immediate implants in sockets with defective labial plates, due to the possible contamination of the implant or the bone graft with existing infected tissues or oral environment via the fistula. This study, therefore, aims to explore the success of immediate implant placement using VST in managing infected compromised sockets.MethodsWe included 26 age- and sex-matched patients with 41 implants sites. Thirteen patients had 19 infected (group I) and 13 had 21 non-infected type 2 sockets (group N). Both groups were treated using vestibular socket therapy (VST) and a 6-day protocol. Implant survival, changes in facial bone thickness, and mid, mesial, and distal mucosal levels were evaluated 1 year after implant placement. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare both groups. Furthermore, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to study changes with time within each group. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.ResultsAll implants survived; no significant difference was found between groups N and I regarding apical, mid, and crestal bone thickness and soft tissue level, except at the mesial papilla, where the recession was significantly more in group N than in group I. Changes over time were statistically significant in the apical, mid, and crestal bone thickness in both groups. The mean bone thickness gain ranged from 0.85 to 2.4 mm and 0.26–1.63 mm in groups I and N, respectively. Additionally, the mean mucosal recession ranged from 0.29 to 0.51 mm and 0.39–1.47 mm in groups I and N, respectively.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study immediate implant placement in type II infected sockets using the 6-day protocol and VST achieved 100% implant survival, while maintaining the regenerated facial bone thickness with minimal mucosal recession.Trial registrationThe protocol for this study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov at 3/10/2021 (registration number NCT04787224).