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The Young's modulus degradation of a biodegradable composite based on the exposure time to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution was simulated by estimating the material's effective diffusion coefficient. The relationship between PBS uptake rate and material removal was investigated by comparing the finite element analysis and experimental results, and a criterion for the material removal of finite elements was proposed for an accurate material degradation simulation. The diffusion coefficient was calibrated to determine the best fit for the PBS uptake rate based on exposure time. The degradation behavior of a bone plate made of a fully biodegradable composite was analyzed using a calibrated diffusion coefficient; it was found that the screw hole parts were severely damaged owing to PBS uptake, which induced premature structural failure. To address this drawback, a hybrid bone plate composed of a nondegradable composite and a Mg wire/Polylactic acid (PLA) composite was introduced; its serviceability was verified using finite element analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop a novel quantitative disability assessment tool for patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). Methods: A total of 47 patients with IPD were recruited from two hospitals. A specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine utilized the modified Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale (mSEADL) as a reference, conducting a comprehensive medical chart review and an in-depth interview. The novel-developed disability measurement was calculated as ((mSEADL during the on-state) × (time of on-state)) + ((mSEADL during the off-state) × (time of off-state))/(waking time). Additionally, the degree of disability was assessed using the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index during the on-state. Results: Twenty-four participants (51.1%) exhibited the off-state during waking hours. In patients exhibiting an off-state, the mSEADL score was significantly lower during the off-state than during the on-state (p < 0.05). The novel-developed disability measurement demonstrated a higher correlation coefficient with the reference mSEADL (0.960) than with the K-MBI (0.808), with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that larger IPD patients exhibited an on–off phenomenon with greater dependency during the off-state. Therefore, the on–off phenomenon should be considered when evaluating disability in patients with IPD, with methods such as the novel-developed disability measurement tool in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the additional effects of cerebellar rTMS on the motor recovery of facilitatory rTMS over affected primary motor cortex (M1) in subacute stroke patients. Twenty-eight subacute stroke patients were recruited in this single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. The Cr-Cbll group received Cr-Cbll rTMS stimulation consisting of high-frequency rTMS over affected M1 (10 min), motor training (10 min), and high-frequency rTMS over contralesional Cbll (10 min). The Cr-sham group received sham rTMS instead of high-frequency rTMS over the cerebellum. Ten daily sessions were performed for 2 weeks. A Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) was measured before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 2 months after the intervention (T2). A total of 20 participants (10 in the Cr-Cbll group and 10 in the Cr-sham group) completed the intervention. There was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between the two groups at T0. FMA was significantly improved after the intervention in both Cr-Cbll and Cr-sham groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant interaction in FMA between time and group. In conclusion, these results could not demonstrate that rTMS over the contralesional cerebellum has additional effects to facilitatory rTMS over the affected M1 for improving motor function in subacute stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The aim of the report is to report the outcomes of the medial rectus (MR) disinsertion procedure for the management of large-angle esotropia (ET) patients. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series of patients with large-angle ET who underwent an MR disinsertion procedure between March 2012 to April 2022. The procedure happened accidentally during muscle surgery. The demographic and clinical data, including sex, age, visual acuity, pre- and postoperative angle of strabismus, duction limitations, results of intraoperative forced duction tests, and follow-up duration were collected from medical records. Results: Five patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 62.2 ± 9.8 years, and the mean follow-up was 24.8 ± 8.7 months. The ET at the primary position of gaze was 92.0 ± 17.9 prism diopters (PD) before MR disinsertion and 38.0 ± 29.5 PD after MR disinsertion only. Abduction deficiency was −4 before after MR disinsertion, which improved to −1 at the last follow-up. Conclusions: The results of MR disinsertion were not as frustrating as anticipated. MR disinsertion may be considered in patients with large-angle sensory ET who refuse surgery on the opposite eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the endotracheal tube cuff pressure (Pcuff) changes during pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the correlations between body mass index (BMI), pneumoperitoneum time, and Pcuff changes.

To evaluate the usefulness of a newly generated monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) in patients who underwent combined cataract and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) surgery for idiopathic macular hole (MH). A prospective study was conducted on 89 eyes of 89 patients who underwent combined cataract and PPV surgery for MH. The patients were divided into two groups: Eyhance ICB00 and Tecnis ZCB00. Pre-operative characteristics, post-operative visual outcomes, contrast sensitivity, and complications were compared between the two groups. A univariate regression analysis was performed to identify the factors that may affect the postoperative visual outcomes. Both groups showed significant improvement in mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) six months post-operation (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in pre-operative characteristics or complications between the two groups. However, the Eyhance ICB00 group showed a significantly higher uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UCIVA) value at 6 months after surgery than the Tecnis ZCB00 group (p = 0.014). Contrast sensitivity values were not significantly different between the two groups. The univariate regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between preoperative CDVA and minimum linear diameter of MH with postoperative UCIVA in the Eyhance ICB00 group. The newly generated Eyhance ICB00 IOL showed promising results in terms of post-operative UCIVA, with no significant difference in complications or contrast sensitivity values compared to the Tecnis ZCB00 IOL. These findings suggest that the Eyhance ICB00 IOL may be a useful option for patients who undergo combined cataract and PPV surgery for idiopathic MH, particularly for those who require intermediate visual acuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chaperonin containing T-complex polypeptide-1 (CCT) is an evolutionarily conserved chaperonin multi-subunit complex that mediates protein folding in eukaryotes. It is essential for cell growth and survival in yeast and mammals, with diverse substrate proteins. However, only a few studies on plant CCT have been reported to date, due to the essentiality of CCT subunit genes and the large size of the complex. Here, we have investigated the structure and function of the Arabidopsis CCT complex in detail. The plant CCT consisted of eight subunits that assemble to form a high-molecular-mass protein complex, shown by diverse methods. CCT-deficient cells exhibited depletion of cortical microtubules, accompanied by a reduction in cellular α- and β-tubulin levels due to protein degradation. Cycloheximide–chase assays suggested that CCT is involved in the folding of tubulins in plants. Furthermore, CCT interacted with PPX1, the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 4, and may participate in the folding of PPX1 as its substrate. CCT also interacted with Tap46, a regulatory subunit of PP2A family phosphatases, but Tap46 appeared to function in PPX1 stabilization, rather than as a CCT substrate. Collectively, our findings reveal the essential functions of CCT chaperonin in plants and its conserved and novel substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorocarbon gases are commonly used for nanoscale etching in semiconductor processing; however, they have the disadvantages of a long lifetime and inducing global warming effects when released into the atmosphere. In this study, the SiO2 etch characteristics and global warming effects of C3F6O gas chemistry, which has a low global warming potential, were compared with those of C4F8 chemistry, which is commonly used in semiconductor processing. Using Ar/C3F6O, the SiO2 etch rate was higher and the etch selectivity of SiO2 over the amorphous carbon hardmask layer was lower than the etch rate and etch selectivity using Ar/C4F8/O2, with all other etch conditions the same. Furthermore, using Ar/C3F6O exhibited more anisotropic SiO2 etch profiles by suppressing the bowing, narrowing, and necking effects compared to the etch profiles using Ar/C4F8/O2. The global warming effects were evaluated by calculating the million metric ton carbon equivalents (MMTCEs) from the volumetric concentrations of the emitted by-product species and process gases, and the results showed that, in the optimized conditions, Ar/C3F6O exhibited a lower environmental impact with an MMTCE of <24% than that of Ar/C4F8/O2. Therefore, it is suggested that the Ar/C3F6O gas mixture is a potential replacement for Ar/C4F8/O2 because of its lower MMTCE and acceptable SiO2 etch characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis regarding the postoperative pain, perioperative, and postoperative morbidity of powered intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (PITA) using a microdebrider as a method of tonsillectomy.Data Sources: Five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) in their entirety through March 2017.Review Methods: We included studies in which there was a comparison between groups of patients who underwent PITA (PITA group) and those who had extracapsular tonsillectomy (control group). Articles assessing effects of PITA in the pediatric patient were systemically and independently reviewed by two researchers. The outcomes of interest were intraoperative morbidity (operative time and bleeding), postoperative morbidity (postoperative pain, recovery time, tonsil regrowth, and postoperative bleeding rate), and improvement of sleep breath disorder (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] and symptomatic scores).Results: PITA did not significantly increase operative time or intraoperative blood loss. With PITA, there was significantly decreased postoperative pain, amount of analgesia, time to resumption of normal diet and activity, and incidence of postoperative admissions (due to dehydration or postoperative bleeding control) compared to those of the control group. In contrast, the incidence of postoperative tonsil regrowth was statistically higher in the PITA group than in the control group. The PITA improved AHI and obstructive sleep apnea 18-item questionnaire scores significantly, which were similar with the control group.Conclusions: With regard to intraoperative morbidity and postoperative morbidity, PITA is a safe procedure. However, there are high levels of heterogeneity with regard to several measured parameters. Therefore, further large, well-designed trials are required to substantiate our findings. Laryngoscope, 128:732-744, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The goal of this meta-analysis was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the effect of dexmedetomidine on perioperative morbidity following nasal surgery and on the adverse effects of dexmedetomidine.Data Sources: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.Review Methods: Two authors independently searched scientific and medical databases from their inception of article collection to March 2017. Studies that compared perioperative dexmedetomidine administration (dexmedetomidine group) with another agent under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or general anesthesia (control group) with outcomes of interest that were perioperative pain intensity; rescue analgesic consumption; or adverse effects such as hemodynamic instability, nausea, and vomiting (PONV), and operative bleeding were included in the analysis.Results: Perioperative pain scores and postoperative need for analgesics were significantly decreased in the dexmedetomidine group versus control group (other agent or general anesthesia). In subgroup analysis according to anesthesia type (general anesthesia and other sedatives in MAC), dexmedetomidine showed a similar effect on bradycardia, hypotension, and desaturation with general anesthesia, but it reduced PONV effectively compared with general anesthesia. Additionally, dexmedetomidine satisfied patient significantly. By contrast, compared with other sedative under MAC, it provoked bradycardia significantly.Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that systemic administration of dexmedetomidine efficiently can decrease intraoperative and postoperative pain without adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression. Dexmedetomidine also can decrease analgesic consumption. However, clinicians should be aware of the potential for intraoperative bradycardia; patients also should be educated regarding these possibilities.Level Of Evidence: NA. Laryngoscope, 128:573-580, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi nanoparticle arrays with the almost monodispersity were synthesized using a magnetically assisted physical method. The average size and the overall morphology of Bi nanoparticles could be controlled by the adjustment of several parameters such as relative powers applied to Bi and Co targets, substrate temperature, and growth time. It was disclosed that Bi nanoparticles grow larger at a higher relative power to Bi, higher substrate temperature, and longer growth time, accompanying the deterioration of well-developed faceted structures. This physical method may provide a facile and fast route to achieving quality Bi nanoparticle arrays with a certain extent of size and morphology controllability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thickness-dependent electrical, structural, and optical properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates have been investigated in the very thin thickness range of 20 to 120 nm. In this thickness range, the electrical resistance of ZnO film increased with an increase in film thickness. This unusual transition behavior was explained in terms of structural evolution from Zn-phase-incorporating non-crystalline ZnO to hexagonal-structured ZnO. A critical thickness for the full development of hexagonal ZnO crystal was estimated at approximately 80 nm in this study. ZnO thin films on PET substrates exhibit a high optical transmittance of > 70% and good endurance to bending cycles over the measured thickness range. The results of this study indicate that a trade-off should be sought between structural, electrical, optical, and mechanical properties for practical applications of very thin ZnO films on organic substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a regime switching model of schooling choice as a job search process. We adopt a two-state Markov process and the derived coupled Bellman equations are solved by seeking the root of an auxiliary algebraic equation. Some numerical examples are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the efficacy of honey in the management of oral mucositis during radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. Study Design Meta-analysis using MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library as data sources. Methods Two authors independently searched the databases for relevant studies from inception to June 2014. Included in the meta-analysis were randomized controlled studies published in English comparing the oral administration of honey (honey group) with placebo or no treatment (control group) in patients with head and neck cancer who were undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Excluded studies failed to report quantifiable outcome measures regarding oral mucositis. Outcomes of interest included the degree and incidence of mucositis, incidence of microbial colonization, and weight loss. Results Nine studies comprising 476 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The incidence of moderate to severe mucositis and the mean mucositis grade during the first 3 weeks of therapy were significantly lower in the honey group than the control group. Additionally, the onset of mucositis was significantly later in the honey group than the control. Although there were no significant differences in the incidences of microbial colonization and pain experienced between the two groups, the incidence of weight loss was significantly lower in the honey group than control group. Conclusions Oral administration of honey after radiotherapy could prevent moderate to severe mucositis and associated weight loss. However, because our results were based on an analysis of a small number of trials, further trials are required to confirm these results. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 125:2085-2092, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endonasal phototherapy can relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) for the patient. However, there is no consensus on whether or not endonasal phototherapy is effective in reducing the symptoms of AR. Objective: The goal of this meta-analysis was to perform a systematic review of the available literature on the effects of endonasal phototherapy on symptoms of AR. Methods: Two authors independently searched medical literature databases from their inception of article collection to July 2014. Studies that scored the nasal symptoms of AR and quality of life related to AR before and after endonasal phototherapy, and that compared the effects of phototherapy (treatment groups) with sham treatment (sham group) or antihistamine administration (antihistamine group) were included in the analysis. The outcomes of interest were total nasal symptom scores, disease-specific quality of life questionnaire assessments, and endoscopic findings (discharge and turbinate hypertrophy). Overall, a total of 13 trials met the inclusion criteria of this study, with a total sample size of 679 patients. Results: Phototherapy significantly reduced nasal symptoms compared with pretreatment values and improved quality of life. The endoscopic findings also significantly improved after phototherapy. In addition, the symptom score and disease-specific quality of life after treatment were significantly lower in the treatment group versus the sham group, and were similar to those in the antihistamine group. Conclusions: Phototherapy could provide nasal symptom relief and improve quality of life related to AR. However, when considering the insufficient evaluation of the efficacy of phototherapy according to the treatment methods and the high heterogeneity apparent in some parameters, further clinical trials with robust research methodologies should be conducted to confirm the results of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a polyol synthesis of highly branched hybrid crystals of Ag and AgCl (Ag:AgCl) using ionic liquid of 1-butyl-3-imidazolium chloride as a precursor and an efficient shape controlling agent. By rationally varying the concentration of ionic liquid, we achieved the control over structure and morphology of Ag:AgCl hybrid crystals in a way to have multi-arms grown from the corners of cubic seed particles. The formation of Ag:AgCl octapods relies on the preferential overgrowth on {1 1 1} facets of cubic seeds, enabled by the selective adsorption of imidazolium-based ionic liquids on {1 1 0} facets. The obtained Ag:AgCl octapods exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation, compared with those with cubic morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]