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Horizontal root fracture (HRF) is a complex traumatic dental injury that affects the pulp, dentin, cementum, and periodontal ligament. This retrospective cohort study evaluated treatment outcomes in permanent teeth with HRF. We analyzed clinical and radiographic data from a dental trauma center (2006–2022). Permanent teeth with HRF with a follow up of ≥12 weeks were considered for outcome assessment (defined as clinical normalcy and radiographic healing at the fracture line). Prognostic factors were identified through multivariable logistic regression analyses (P value ≤.05). 125 teeth from 103 patients were included. After a median follow-up of 79 weeks, the overall favorable outcome was 92%. This includes teeth that received emergency splinting/repositioning at baseline (62.2%) and those that received subsequent endodontic intervention for the coronal fragment (baseline: 85%; subsequent follow-ups: 91.8%). Being male and incomplete root development were both significantly associated with a better outcome of splinting/repositioning (OR = 2.58; 95% CI, 1.06-6.24 and OR = 4.37; 95% CI, 1.16-16.41, respectively) and a reduced likelihood of requiring endodontic treatment (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.20-0.96 and OR = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.08-0.76, respectively). Treatment delays surpassing one week were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of requiring endodontic treatment compared to timely presentations within 24 hours (OR = 3.06; 95% CI, 1.07-8.77; P value <.05). With timely diagnosis and treatment, and close monitoring, HRF cases can achieve a 92% favorable outcome. Male sex and incomplete root development correlate with improved baseline outcomes and a reduced need for endodontic treatment. Conversely, delayed presentation increases the likelihood of requiring endodontic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous optimization of atrioventricular (AV) delay for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is mainly performed by electrical means. The purpose of this study was to develop an estimation model of cardiac function that uses a piezoelectric microphone embedded in a pulse generator to guide CRT optimization. Electrocardiogram, left ventricular pressure (LVP), and heart sounds were simultaneously collected during CRT device implantation procedures. A piezoelectric alarm transducer embedded in a modified CRT device facilitated recording of heart sounds in patients undergoing a pacing protocol with different AV delays. Machine learning (ML) was used to produce a decision-tree ensemble model capable of estimating absolute maximal LVP (LVP max) and maximal rise of LVP (LVdP/dt max) using 3 heart sound–based features. To gauge the applicability of ML in AV delay optimization, polynomial curves were fitted to measured and estimated values. In the data set of ∼30,000 heartbeats, ML indicated S1 amplitude, S2 amplitude, and S1 integral (S1 energy for LVdP/dt max) as most prominent features for AV delay optimization. ML resulted in single-beat estimation precision for absolute values of LVP max and LVdP/dt max of 67% and 64%, respectively. For 20–30 beat averages, cross-correlation between measured and estimated LVP max and LVdP/dt max was 0.999 for both. The estimated optimal AV delays were not significantly different from those measured using invasive LVP (difference −5.6 ± 17.1 ms for LVP max and +5.1 ± 6.7 ms for LVdP/dt max). The difference in function at estimated and measured optimal AV delays was not statiscally significant (1 ± 3 mm Hg for LVP max and 9 ± 57 mm Hg/s for LVdP/dt max). Heart sound sensors embedded in a CRT device, powered by a ML algorithm, provide a reliable assessment of optimal AV delays and absolute LVP max and LVdP/dt max. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CH 3 OH steam reforming is an attractive way to produce hydrogen with high efficiency. In this study, CuO.xAl 2 O 3 (x = 1, 2, 3, and 4) were fabricated based on the solid-state route, and the calcined samples were employed in methanol steam reforming at atmospheric pressure and in the temperature range of 200–450 °C. The results revealed that all samples have a high BET area (173–275 m2 g−1), and their crystallinity was reduced by increasing the alumina content in the catalyst formulation. The catalytic activity tests showed that the CH 3 OH conversion and H 2 selectivity decreased by rising the Al 2 O 3 ·CuO molar ratio. The methanol conversion enhanced from 13% to 85% by increasing the reaction temperature from 200 °C to 450 °C over the CuO·Al 2 O 3 catalyst, due to the higher reducibility of this catalyst at lower temperatures compared to other prepared samples. The influence of calcination temperature (300–500 °C), GHSV (28,000–48000 ml h−1. g−1 cat), feed ratio (C:W = 1:1 to 1:9), and reduction temperature (250–450 °C) was also determined on the yield of the chosen sample. The results revealed that the maximum methanol conversion decreased from 90 to 79% by raising the calcination temperature from 300 to 500 °C due to the reduction of surface area and sintering of species at high calcination temperatures. [Display omitted] • The CuO–Al 2 O 3 catalysts were synthesized by the mechanochemical method. • Various molar ratios of CuO:Al 2 O 3 were used in methanol steam reforming. • The CuO–Al 2 O 3 (CuO:Al 2 O 3 = 1:1) possessed the best performance in this process. • The influence of calcination temperature and processing conditions were studied on the catalyst efficiency. • The high reducibility degree of the sample with an equimolar ratio of particles is the main reason for its better activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phonocardiography (PCG) can be used to determine systolic time intervals (STIs) from ventricular pacing spike to the first heart sound (VS1) and from the first to the second heart sound (S1S2). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations between STIs and hemodynamics during atrioventricular (AV) delay optimization of biventricular pacing (BiVP) in animals and patients. Five pigs with AV block underwent BiVP, while PCG was collected from an epicardial accelerometer. In 21 patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation, PCG was recorded with a pulse generator–embedded microphone. Optimal AV delays derived from shortest VS1 and longest S1S2 were compared with AV delays derived from highest left ventricular pressure (LVP), maximal rate of rise in LVP, and stroke work. In pigs, VS1 and S1S2 predicted the AV delays with optimal hemodynamics (highest LVP, maximal rate of rise in LVP, and stroke work) by a median error of 2–28 ms, resulting in a median loss of <2% of pump function. In patients, VS1 and S1S2 predicted the optimal AV delay by errors of 32.5 and 37.5 ms, respectively, resulting in 0.2%–0.9% lower LVP and stroke work, which were reduced to 21 and 24 ms in 8 patients with a full-capture AV delay of >180 ms. During BiVP with varying AV delays, close relations exist between PCG-derived STIs and hemodynamic parameters. AV delays advised by PCG-derived STIs cause only a minimal loss of pump function compared with those based on invasive hemodynamic measurements. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01832493 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of oral disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) like dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has shifted treatment preferences in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) due to their convenience and potential to improve adherence. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in MS provide crucial insights into treatment impact, capturing the patient's perspective on disease burden, symptom management, and overall quality of life. PROFIT was a phase 4, open-label, prospective, single-arm observational study following patients treated with DMF over 12 months. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, focusing on changes in PRO scores and treatment satisfaction. A total of 419 RRMS patients were enrolled, with 305 completing the study. Paired t-test analysis was used to evaluate changes in satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Among 419 patients (72.8% female; mean age 34.0 ± 7.7 years), significant improvements were observed in treatment satisfaction across all TSQM-14 dimensions, including effectiveness (change: 13.01, p<0.001), side effects (change: 24.61, p<0.001), convenience (change: 35.21, p<0.001), and global satisfaction (change: 15.75, p<0.001). QoL improvements were reflected in the EQ-5D VAS score (change: 3.37, p=0.045). Sleep quality (PSQI) also improved significantly, with reductions in global sleep score (change: 1.6, p<0.001) and sleep disturbances (change: 0.33, p=0.003). WPAI-MS scores showed significant reductions in absenteeism and work impairment, while depression levels (BDI-7) improved at 12 months (change: 1.29, p=0.006). DMF treatment over 12 months demonstrated significant improvements in treatment satisfaction, QoL, sleep quality, and depression in RRMS patients. These findings suggest that DMF offers meaningful benefits for patient well-being, particularly for those transitioning from injectable therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient battery thermal management (BTM) is key to the safety and performance of Lithium-ion batteries. This study focuses on cooling a module of 15 prismatic Lithium-titanate cells at an 8C discharge rate using finite volume numerical modeling. Initially, the impact of Reynolds numbers and microchannel count on temperature is examined. Then, Phase change materials (PCM) are introduced to increase thermal management efficiency. Three cases for optimizing the hybrid-BTM system are compared: nanoparticles (1%–5% volume fraction), copper foam (93 % porosity), and micro-encapsulated PCM slurry (5%–15 % volume fraction). The results indicate that an increase in microchannels improves the performance evaluation criterion (PEC) by 93.1 %. Additionally, using copper foam increases the PEC by 18.43 %, 17.44 %, 16.53 %, and 16.31 % at Reynolds numbers 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000, respectively. Furthermore, the BTM system using 5 % nanoparticles demonstrates the best performance, reducing the module temperature by 2.41 % in the presence of copper foam and by 1.78 % in the pure state. Moreover, while the MPCM slurry effectively reduces the module temperature to a desirable level, the high pumping costs significantly decrease the PEC. Additionally, the total entropy of the BTM system follows frictional entropy, although thermal entropy effects dominate the PCM. • Analysis of active and hybrid battery thermal management systems. • First and second laws of thermodynamics thoroughly examined. • Nanoparticles and foam enhance hybrid system performance. • Reducing battery module temperature enhances performance and increases safety. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop a double-layer film composed of an intelligent, gelatin-based film integrated with active polyvinyl alcohol electrospun nanofibers (PVANFs). Eggplant skin extract (ESE), a colorimetric indicator, was incorporated into the gelatin-based film at varying concentrations ranging from 0 % to 8 % w /w. The gelatin film containing 8 % ESE was identified as the optimal formulation based on its superior color indication, water barrier, and mechanical properties. Savory essential oil (SEO)-loaded PVANFs were electrospun onto the optimized gelatin film to fabricate the double-layer film. Analysis of the chemical and crystalline structures and the double-layer film's thermal properties confirmed the gelatin film's physical integration with PVANFs. Morphological examination revealed a smooth surface on the film and a uniform fibrillar structure within the PVANFs. Furthermore, the developed double-layer film effectively detected spoilage in trout fish while controlling pH, oxidation, and microbial changes during storage. • A double-layer film consisting of PVA nanofibers and gelatin film was produced. • The double-layer film showed acceptable mechanical properties. • The electrospinning of PVA on gelatin film did not change morphology of nanofibers. • The double-layer film was successful in the detection of trout fish spoilage. • The double layer film controlled the spoilage of fish samples during storage time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crown fractures are a common type of traumatic dental injury. Various factors may affect the outcome of crown fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes of immature teeth with a crown fracture. This retrospective cohort study included patients who presented to a dental trauma center from 2008–2018 with a history of a crown fracture of immature teeth and at least 6 months of follow-up. Outcomes of primary endodontic or restorative interventions as well as reinterventions were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare the unadjusted differences in survival time. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify potential predictors for complication and survival time, respectively. The success rates of the primary interventions for 99 teeth (72 patients) after a median follow-up of 22 months were as follows: cervical pulpotomy (90.4%), partial pulpotomy (85.2%), mineral trioxide aggregate apical barrier (80.0%), root canal treatment (66.6%), and only restoration (47.2%). Teeth that received vital pulp therapy were less prone to complications (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.53; P <.05), whereas those with concomitant luxation injuries were more susceptible to complications (adjusted odds ratio = 2.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–8.29; P <.05). Crown fractures had a relatively high favorable prognosis. Vital pulp therapy (partial or cervical pulpotomy) had the highest success rate, whereas cases that received only restoration had the lowest success rate. Teeth with concomitant luxation injuries had more odds and hazards of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Folded structures hold significant importance in aerospace technology due to their distinct design, effectively reconciling strength with a lightweight framework. Within aerospace applications, these structures fulfill diverse roles, serving as pivotal elements in aircraft wings, fuselage sections, and essential components of spacecraft and satellites. This study delves into the free vibration behavior of folded sandwich plates composed of a porous core and functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) coatings, resting on a two-parameter elastic foundation. Leveraging first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT), elasto-dynamic equations are established for each individual plate segment. Utilizing the two-dimensional generalized differential quadrature method (2D-GDQM), these equations are discretized. Subsequently, by applying boundary conditions to all six edges, including traditional clamped, simply supported, and free configurations, and incorporating continuity conditions for displacements, forces, and moments at the joint borders, natural frequencies and modal shapes are extracted for the folded plate structure. The validity of the proposed formulation and results is demonstrated by comparing them with numerical examples for both composite flat and folded plates. This comparison provides strong support for the accuracy and reliability of the present study. The study comprehensively examines the influence of various parameters on natural frequencies, including modal shape visualizations under different boundary configurations, plate thickness, crank angle, porosity parameter, core thickness, foundation stiffness, and CNTs distribution type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon immune challenge, recognition signals trigger insect immunity to remove the pathogens through cellular and humoral responses. Various immune mediators propagate the immune signals to nearby tissues, in which polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) derivatives play crucial roles. However, little was known on how the insects terminate the activated immune responses after pathogen neutralization. Interestingly, C20 PUFA was detected at the early infection stage and later C18 PUFAs were induced in a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua. This study showed the role of epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acids (EpOMEs) in the immune resolution at the late infection stage to quench the excessive and unnecessary immune responses. In contrast, dihydroxy-octadecamonoenoates (DiHOMEs) were the hydrolyzed and inactive forms of EpOMEs. The hydrolysis is catalyzed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Inhibitors specific to sEH mimicked the immunosuppression induced by EpOMEs. Furthermore, the inhibitor treatments significantly enhanced the bacterial virulence of Bacillus thuringiensis against S. exigua. This study proposes a negative control of the immune responses using EpOME/DiHOME in insects. [Display omitted] • Little was known on how the insects terminate the activated immune responses after pathogen neutralization. • C20 PUFA was detected at the early infection stage and later C18 PUFAs were induced in a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua. • At the late infection stage, EpOMEs play crucial roles in quenching the excessive and unnecessary immune responses. In contrast, DiHOMEs were the hydrolyzed and inactive forms of EpOMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Day case tonsillectomy compared with inpatient tonsillectomy has increasingly become a trend for many patients undergoing elective surgeries. Unjustified stays of tonsillectomy can be avoided by day case surgery, which consequently reduces treatment costs. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the cost and effectiveness of day case tonsillectomy compared with inpatient tonsillectomy. This cost-effectiveness study was performed on 300 patients from May 2017 to April 2018. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: day case (n = 150) and inpatient (n = 150). Consequences used in model included incidence of bleeding, blood transfusion, and reoperation frequency within 2 weeks after surgery and also the patients' pain during 24 hours after surgery. Costs were collected from societal perspective, so the costs included direct medical and nonmedical costs as well as indirect costs. One-way sensitivity analysis was conducted to measure the uncertainty effects of the parameters. The collected data were analyzed using software TreeAge and Excel 2016. Day case tonsillectomy was more cost-effective than inpatient. Mean total costs in day case and inpatient were $915.1 and $1227.9, respectively. Besides, the mean effectiveness was 0.921 and 0.914 percent, respectively. Also, 1-way sensitivity analysis proved the robustness of the results of study. Day case tonsillectomy is a cost-effective strategy and can be suggested as a good alternative for a wide range of patients after tonsillectomy. Supporting day case surgery for tonsillectomy cases can significantly reduce the financial burden. • Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgeries in the field of otolaryngology but may have complications such as bleeding, pain, and even death. • Day case tonsillectomy was more cost-effective than the inpatient one. • Day case tonsillectomy is completely reasonable. This method reduces waiting time for selective surgery, implements a reservation system, and introduces the treatment centers for patients, which require significant changes in the manner of surgery [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some studies indicated night shift work can be associated with the higher risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the effect of both rotating and extended night shift work (12-hr rotating night) on MetS has not well-known. We aimed to examine and clarify the association among petrochemical workers. We recruited 1575 eligible workers in this study. According to shift work schedules the participants were divided into following groups: 12-hr fixed day and 12-hr rotating night. Biochemical data, including fasting blood sugar and lipid panel (TC, TG, LDL, and HDL) were determined by blood tests. Demographic data was obtained by interview at the time of blood pressure and anthropometric indices measurements. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) was applied to identify subjects with MetS. The Logistic regression models were used to predict risk of MetS and its components between study groups. The prevalence of MetS was showed 18.4% (290/1575). We found a significant difference between study groups in the prevalence of MetS (p < 0.05). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the 12-hr rotating night group in comparison to the 12-hr fixed day shift group according to unadjusted and full adjusted logistic regression models were estimated 1.26 (0.96, 1.65) and 1.34 (1.01, 1.76), respectively. Among MetS components, we observed the significant higher risk in TG and HDL (P < 0.05). This study suggests 12-hr rotating night shift as the high-risk group for MetS. More studies needed to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on postoperative pain and analgesic requirement in brain tumor surgery. A total of 60 patients with vitamin D serum levels ≤20 ng/dL were randomly assigned to 2 groups equally. The study group (n = 30) received intramuscular injection of 300,000 IU vitamin D before surgery. Preoperative serum level of vitamin D was 15.9 ± 3.8 ng/dL and 14.5 ± 3.6 ng/dL in the study and control groups, respectively (P = 0.13). Serum level of vitamin D on day 5 of surgery was 22.5 ± 4.3 and 13.7 ± 3.8 in the study and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). A percentage of 50% had pain scores >4 on the first postoperative day, which decreased with time. The median (interquartile range) of the visual analogue scale score during the 3 postoperative days was 3 (5), 3 (5), 1 (3), and 5 (7), 2 (5), 1 (3) in the study and control groups, respectively, with no significant difference. There was no difference in analgesic consumption between the 2 groups. Analysis through the generalized estimating equation model indicated that patients who had received vitamin D for a longer time before the operative time had an insignificantly less pain score. On the basis of the study results, one half of our patients reported moderate-to-severe pain scores on the first day after surgery. The pain in the study group was insignificantly less than that in the control group, but it seems that chronic high level of vitamin D may lead to promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution of water resources, specifically ground water, with heavy metals and metalloids has turned into one of the greatest worldwide concerns. Among several inorganic pollutants, arsenic and pollution of natural water resources with arsenic have gained much attention due to the high toxicity of this metalloid. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating adsorption of arsenate from water by a filter containing an iron matrix. The removal efficiency of all filter layers and the effect of the operational conditions including pH (6–9), flow rate (1–20 L/h), arsenate concentration (200–1,000 µg/L), turbidity (0–20 NTU) and chloride concentration (0–0.9 mg/L) were evaluated to optimize the process. Finally, the filter was applied for 10 h to adsorb As(V) from a water system contaminated with 510 µg/L As(V). The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated using SPSS software. Accordingly, turbidity and flow rate variables with the values of –0.545 and –0.517, respectively, had the highest correlation with the adsorption efficiency of arsenic. The observed trends of removal efficiency at different operational conditions suggested 500 µg/L initial As(V) concentration, 2 L/h flow rate, pH 7, 0 NTU turbidity and 0 mg/L calcium hypochlorite concentration as the optimal adsorption conditions. The optimal extent of removal efficiency was found to be 98.7%. According to the findings of this study, the proposed filter has a high efficiency of adsorptive removal of As(V) from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]