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The retina has a very high energy demand but lacks an internal blood supply in most vertebrates. Here we explore the hypothesis that oxygen diffusion limited the evolution of retinal morphology by reconstructing the evolution of retinal thickness and the various mechanisms for retinal oxygen supply, including capillarization and acid-induced haemoglobin oxygen unloading. We show that a common ancestor of bony fishes likely had a thin retina without additional retinal oxygen supply mechanisms and that three different types of retinal capillaries were gained and lost independently multiple times during the radiation of vertebrates, and that these were invariably associated with parallel changes in retinal thickness. Since retinal thickness confers multiple advantages to vision, we propose that insufficient retinal oxygen supply constrained the functional evolution of the eye in early vertebrates, and that recurrent origins of additional retinal oxygen supply mechanisms facilitated the phenotypic evolution of improved functional eye morphology.

Trang Thi Hanh Do,1 Quyen Thi Tu Bui,2 Bui Thi Thu Ha,3 Thi Minh Le,3 Vui Thi Le,3 Quynh-Chi Thai Nguyen,3 Kimberly Joyce Lakin,4 Tung Thanh Dang,5 Loi Van Bui,5 Thien Cong Le,5 An Thi Ha Tran,5 Hien Thi Thu Pham,5 Tuan Van Nguyen5 1Faculty of Environmental and Occupational Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam; 2Faculty and Fundamental Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam; 3Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam; 4Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; 5The National Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, VietnamCorrespondence: Quyen Thi Tu Bui, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, 1A Duc Thang Street, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Vietnam, Tel +84 912 225 245, Fax +84 24 6266 2385, Email btq@huph.edu.vnPurpose: Detection of antenatal common mental disorders in low-resource settings like Vietnam is important and requires a reliable, valid and practical screening tool. Currently, there is no such tool validated for use among pregnant women in Vietnam. This study aims to assess the validity of the Vietnamese version of the 20-item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) by evaluating its reliability, factorial structure, and performance in detecting common mental disorder (CMD) symptoms, thereby identifying the optimum cut-off score for CMD screening among pregnant women in Vietnam.Participants and Methods: A total of 210 pregnant women from four rural communes participated in a face-to-face interview using the Vietnamese version of the SRQ-20, followed by a clinical diagnostic interview based on ICD-10 diagnostic criteria of CMDs. The reliability of the SRQ-20 was assessed by calculating the scale’s Cronbach’s alpha to measure internal consistency. Factor analyses were undertaken to examine the factor structure of the instrument. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the performance of the SRQ-20 against the clinical diagnosis and to identify the optimum cut-off score.Results: Internal consistency was good, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87. Factor analyses resulted in a 4-factor solution. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for detection of CMDs was 0.90. The optimum cut-off score of the SRQ-20 for detection of CMD symptoms among Vietnamese pregnant women was 5/6.Conclusion: The Vietnamese version of the SRQ-20 has the capacity to detect CMDs among pregnant women effectively and is recommended for use as a screening tool for CMDs in antenatal care settings in Vietnam.Keywords: SRQ-20, screening, common mental disorders, pregnant women, Vietnam

Tuan M Vo,1 Vy TN Tran,1 Thanh NT Cuu,2 Trang TH Do,3 Thi M Le4,51Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Tu Du Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital, Hochiminh City, Vietnam; 3Faculty of Environmental Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam; 4Department of Population and Reproductive Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam; 5School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, AustraliaCorrespondence: Thi M LeHanoi University of Public Health, 1A Duc Thang, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi, VietnamEmail lmt@huph.edu.vnObjective: To examine the association between various types of domestic violence (DV) during pregnancy (emotional violence, physical violence, and sexual violence) and pre-term or low birthweight delivery in women living in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten districts of Ho Chi Minh city during the period of January 1, 2015–July 4, 2016, with 1,099 women aged 18–49 years old who had delivered at least one child within the past 2years and were living in Ho Chi Minh city.Results: DV prevalence during pregnancy among women aged 18–49 years in Ho Chi Minh city was 23.4%. Emotional violence accounted for 16.8%; physical violence 7.3%, and sexual violence 12.4%. Results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that DV during pregnancy was associated with a 1.44-times increased risk of pre-term or/and low birthweight delivery (POR=1.44, 95% CI=1.04–1.99).Conclusion: Domestic violence during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of pre-term/low birthweight delivery in Vietnamese women. These findings suggest the need for DV screening during antenatal care. Once DV is detected, the victims should be provided with counseling services and referred to available local support services so that they are provided with timely intervention.Keywords: domestic violence, pre-term birth, low-birthweight delivery, Vietnam

Tuan M Vo,1 Quynh TT Tran,2 Cuong V Le,3 Trang TH Do,4 Thi M Le51Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; 2Department of General Gynecology, Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; 3The Science and Technology Office, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; 4Department of Disaster Management, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam; 5Department of Population and Reproductive Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, VietnamBackground: About 40,000 infertile couples visit Tu Du Hospital, Vietnam for consultation and treatment of infertility per year. Depression in infertile female patients not only influences mental wellbeing, but also affects the effectiveness of infertility treatment. The study aimed to determine the depression prevalence in infertile female patients and associated factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during April–July 2016 with 401 infertile women visiting the Department of Infertility at Tu Du Hospital . The PHQ-9 scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. Face-to-face interviewing was conducted using a structured questionaire. Participants were also inquired about demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, infertility related characteristics and family and social relationships.Results: The depression prevalence was 12.2%, with a cut-off score ≥10 on PHQ-9 scale. Depression in infertile female patients was associated with infertility caused by the husband (AOR=3.09, 95% CI=1.44–6.63), infertility caused by both spouses (AOR=3.63, 95% CI=1.26–10.48), alcohol-addicted husband (AOR=4.83, 95% CI=1.32–17.58), and with wife’s previous antidepressant use (AOR=48.1, 95% CI=4.83–47.96)Conclusions: Assessment of depressive symptoms should be assessed at an early stage among infertile female patients for timely mental health support.Keywords: infertile female patient, depression, PHQ-9

Enhancing light emission from perovskite nanocrystal (NC) films is essential in light-emitting devices, as their conventional stacks often restrict the escape of emitted light. This work addresses this challenge by employing a TiO 2 grating to enhance light extraction and shape the emission of CsPbBr 3 nanocrystal films. Angle-resolved photoluminescence (PL) demonstrated a 10-fold increase in emission intensity by coupling the Bloch resonances of the grating with the spontaneous emission of the perovskite NCs. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) provided micrometer-resolution mapping of both PL intensity and lifetime across a large area, revealing a decrease in PL lifetime from 8.2 ns for NC films on glass to 6.1 ns on the TiO 2 grating. Back focal plane (BFP) spectroscopy confirmed how the Bloch resonances transformed the unpolarized, spatially incoherent emission of NCs into polarized and directed light. These findings provide further insights into the interactions between dielectric nanostructures and perovskite NC films, offering possible pathways for designing better performing perovskite optoelectronic devices.

Breast cancer, the most common cancer diagnosed among women, disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Based on an ethnographic study conducted in Central Vietnam in 2019, including observation and interviews with 33 women patients, we investigate how women and their families managed the financial burden of breast cancer care. Our findings suggest that in a context where health-related risk protection is poorly organised and out-of-pocket expenses are burdensome, despite the presence of universal health coverage, patients must rely heavily on informal arrangements to finance their treatment. They proactively researched available information and undertook extensive and ramified work to prove their deservingness for some types of assistance, including strategically disclosing their cancer status or using tactics to accelerate the process of applying for state welfare. Affected families must make hard calculations to prioritise the pressing health need of a member diagnosed with cancer and in many circumstances, forfeited the education of their young children. We offer theoretical understanding of 'patient work' beyond the routine management of the biological aspects of an illness. In addition, we demonstrate how engaging in those various coping practices can reinforce one's vulnerability to a vicious cycle of illness and poverty and amplify socio-economic inequalities among the affected community and the larger society. We argue this situation, if not tackled urgently and appropriately, can impede the progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) in LMICs amidst the non-communicable disease epidemic., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Eight new caffeyl hydrazide derivatives ( 4a-4h ) were synthesised via a convenient esterification of caffeic acid with some substituted aryl acid hydrazides. The synthesised caffeyl derivatives were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages. The fluorobenzoylhydrazide derivatives 4f , 4 g and 4h were found to be the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds with IC 50 values ranging from 11.90 to 24.17 μM, which were more potent than the reference compound L-NMMA (IC 50 32.8 μM). Additionally, synthesised compounds have been rationalised by using molecular docking studies which were performed in order to understand insights on the action mechanism of newly synthesised inhibitors against inflammatory mediator (iNOS). Obtained data indicate that compounds 4f, 4h , 4a and 4 g were observed to effectively bind to iNOS receptor with dock score values of -11.62, -10.81, -10.78 and -10.51 kcal/mol, respectively.

Dysregulated host response against infection triggers sepsis that leads to multiple organ dysfunction due to uncontrolled inflammatory responses. Despite marked progress in understanding of sepsis, numerous clinical trials for treatment of sepsis have proven daunting and a new therapeutic approach is highly needed. CE9A215 (inotodiol), a fungal secondary metabolite, has been researched for its pharmacological activities and has shown potent anti-allergic effects. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activities of CE9A215 upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in vivo and in vitro for the first time. CE9A215 decreased the production of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-1β in a concentration-dependent manner in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Intriguingly, in human mast cell line LUVA, CE9A215 significantly lowered IL-4 and IL-10, and this effect could be beneficial for the clearance of bacterial infection. In addition, administration of CE9A215 improved the survival rate of LPS-stimulated mice and inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in blood. Moreover, CE9A215 enhanced the expression levels of plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1) in LPS-stimulated RAW246.7 cells. Liver PLTP level increased significantly in the CE9A215-administered group compared with the control group, which implies that CE9A215 promotes LPS clearance and neutralization by reverse transport of LPS by increasing the expressions of PLTP, ApoE, and ABCA1. Our results highlight CE9A215's potential as a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of sepsis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study provided an overview of the knowledge on the main sleep-related disorders and conditions affecting the prognosis of dental treatment: sleep bruxism (SB), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Current scientific evidence seems to suggest that these phenomena (ie, SB, OSA, GERD) belong to a circle of mutually relating sleep disorders and conditions where dental practitioners can play a key role in diagnosis and treatment., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this article., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of the authors was to determine whether socioeconomic vulnerability is associated with community water fluoridation (CWF)., Methods: The authors used US Census Bureau data to create 4 county-level vulnerability markers (percentages non-White, Hispanic or Latino, below the federal poverty threshold, education below high school), obtained county-level CWF data from the Washington State Department of Health, and evaluated associations using Spearman rank correlation coefficient and the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. The authors then interviewed 122 community members in Washington (December 2022-March 2023) and analyzed the interview data inductively., Results: A higher percentage of non-White people at the county level was associated with a significantly higher level of CWF (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.82; P < .001), whereas county-level poverty was associated with significantly lower CWF (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, -0.36; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.03; P = .02). High school completion was not associated with county-level CWF. Significantly larger proportions of Hispanics and Latinos lived in counties with higher CWF (P < .05). From the interviews, more participants thought tap water was healthy than unhealthy, but 41% had mixed feelings. Similarly, more participants thought CWF was acceptable than unacceptable, with 35% reporting mixed feelings. Negative views about tap water and CWF were more common among non-White participants., Conclusions: People in racially and ethnically diverse communities in Washington appear to have greater access to CWF, whereas those in lower-income communities have poorer access., Practical Implications: CWF is an important population-level strategy to prevent caries. Additional work is needed to improve access to CWF, especially for people from low-income communities., Competing Interests: Disclosures None of the authors reported any disclosures., (Copyright © 2024 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The emergence of multicancer early detection (MCED) tests holds promise for improving early cancer detection and public health outcomes. However, positive MCED test results require confirmation through recommended cancer diagnostic imaging modalities. To address these challenges, we have developed a consultation and work-up protocol for definitive diagnostic results post MCED testing, named SPOT-MAS. Developed through circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis and in line with professional guidelines and advisory board consensus, this protocol standardizes information to aid general practitioners in accessing, interpreting and managing SPOT-MAS results. Clinical effectiveness is demonstrated through a series of identified cancer cases. Our research indicates that the protocol could empower healthcare professionals to confidently interpret circulating tumor DNA test results for 5 common types of cancer, thereby facilitating the clinical integration of MCED tests.

Genetic counsellors (GCs) across the world are increasingly transitioning beyond clinical genetics services to meet the growing demands for genomic healthcare. This presents a unique opportunity for GCs to be 'genomic change agents' as they work in alternative models of care. Through various innovative models of mainstream care funded through a change program, we explored the views of GCs regarding their position as 'genomic change agents' and what may hinder or drive the success of their evolving roles. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, we conducted qualitative interviews with all twelve GCs employed by the change program in different models of providing genomics across five specialties in Australia. Audio-recordings of all interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive content analysis. Findings show that early in these new roles, participants held varied descriptions of 'genomics mainstreaming': some envisioned it as an end state exclusive to medical specialists practicing genomics while others saw the involvement of GCs as crucial. Participants believed they were uniquely positioned to expedite patient access to genomic testing and counselling and enhance medical specialists' capability to use genomics. Challenges included hesitancy of some medical specialists regarding the value of genomics in healthcare and potential tension arising from distinct perspectives and practice between genetic and non-genetic professionals. Participants anticipated a decline in the standard of care when non-genetic colleagues managed consent discussion and result disclosure. Our study underscores leadership support and peer connection with those in similar roles as essential elements for GCs' success in mainstream settings., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Aim: To compare apical root resorption and alveolar bone changes induced by the maxillary canine closure procedure performed on patients with Angle Class I malocclusion using NiTi closed-coil springs versus elastomeric chains., Materials and Methods: Thirty-one adult patients who had been instructed to undergo bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction completed a randomized clinical trial split-mouth study with a double-blind design. Elastomeric chains will be used on the left side, and NiTi closed-coil springs will be used on the right side for patients with even numbers. Elastomeric chains will be used on the right side of patients with an odd number, whereas NiTi closed-coil springs will be used on the left side of patients. For each patient, cone-beam computed tomography of the maxillary canine and lateral cephalometric radiographs were carried out before and after treatment to evaluate apical root resorption and perform cephalometric measurements., Result: The tooth root length decreased by 0.90 ± 0.60 mm in the NiTi closed-coil spring group. The alveolar bone level increased by 0.53 ± 0.66 mm on the buccal side and by 0.79 ± 0.72 mm on the lingual side. These changes were statistically significant ( P < 0.001). In the elastomeric chain group, the tooth root length was decreased by 0.92 ± 0.69 mm, and the levels of vertical buccal and lingual alveolar bone increased significantly ( P < 0.001). Compared to NiTi closed-coil springs and elastomeric chain groups, there was a 0.03 ± 0.878 mm difference in the tooth root length; however, this difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.878)., Conclusion: Elastomeric chains and NiTi closed-coil springs both generated tooth root resorption, but the results were comparable and the difference was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the elastomeric chain and NiTi closed-coil spring groups regarding the changes in alveolar bone loss around the maxillary canines., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry.)

In this study, we present a novel approach to injection molding, focusing on the strength of weld lines in polyamide 6 (PA6) composite samples. By implementing a mold temperature significantly higher than the typical molding practice, which rarely exceeds 100°C, we assess the effects of advanced mold temperature management. The research introduces a newly engineered mold structure specifically designed for localized mold heating, distinguishing it as the 'novel cavity.' This innovative design is compared against traditional molding methods to highlight the improvements in weld line strength at elevated mold temperatures. To optimize the molding parameters, we apply an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in conjunction with a Genetic Algorithm (GA). Our findings reveal that the optimal ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation values are achieved with a filling time of 3.4 seconds, packing time of 0.8 seconds, melt temperature of 246°C, and a novel high mold temperature of 173°C. A specific sample demonstrated the best molding parameters at a filling time of 3.4 seconds, packing time of 0.4 seconds, melt temperature of 244°C, and mold temperature of 173°C, resulting in an elongation value of 582.6% and a UTS of 62.3 MPa. The most influential factor on the PA6 sample's UTS and elongation at the weld line was found to be the melt temperature, while the filling time had the least impact. SEM analysis of the fracture surfaces revealed ductile fractures with rough surfaces and grooves, indicative of the weld line areas' bonding quality. These insights pave the way for significant improvements in injection molding conditions, potentially revolutionizing the manufacturing process by enhancing the structural integrity of the weld lines in molded PA6 samples., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Truong Giang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

A series of 14 conjugates of 2α,3β,23-triacetyl-madecassic acid and silybin were designed and synthesized. The madecassic acid unit was linked to silybin either directly at position C-7 or C-3; or through an amino acid linker (glycine, β-alanine, or 11-aminoundecanoic acid) at position C-3. The conjugates were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells using the MTT assay. The results confirmed that the conjugated compounds demonstrated a stronger cytotoxic effect compared to the parent compounds. Of these compounds, the most promising conjugate, compound 8, was evaluated for cytotoxic activity in the additional Hep3B, Huh7, and Huh7R human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and also for cell cycle changes and induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells. This compound caused a rapid and significant induction of caspase 3 activity and induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase - effects distinct from the activity of madecassic acid. This is the first study on the synthesis and cytotoxicity of madecassic acid-silybin conjugates, and of their testing against liver cancer cell lines and provides evidence for a distinct biological profile versus madecassic acid alone., Competing Interests: There is no conflict of interest to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Questing ticks carry various tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) that are responsible for causing tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in humans and animals around the globe, especially in the tropics and sub-tropics. Information on the distribution of ticks and TBPs in a specific geography is crucial for the formulation of mitigation measures against TBDs. Therefore, this study aimed to survey the TBPs in the questing tick population in Bangladesh. A total of 2748 questing hard ticks were collected from the pastures in Sylhet, Bandarban, Sirajganj, Dhaka, and Mymensingh districts through the flagging method. After morphological identification, the ticks were grouped into 142 pools based on their species, sexes, life stages, and collection sites. The genomic DNA extracted from tick specimens was screened for 14 pathogens, namely Babesia bigemina (AMA-1), Babesia bovis (RAP-1), Babesia naoakii (AMA-1), Babesia ovis (18S rRNA), Theileria luwenshuni (18S rRNA), Theileria annulata (Tams-1), Theileria orientalis (MPSP), Anaplasma marginale (groEL), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (16S rRNA), Anaplasma bovis (16S rRNA), Anaplasma platys (16S rRNA), Ehrlichia spp. (16S rRNA), Rickettsia spp. (gltA), and Borrelia (Bo.) spp. (flagellin B) using genus and species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The prevalence of the detected pathogens was calculated using the maximum likelihood method (MLE) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). Among 2748 ixodid ticks, 2332 (84.86 %) and 416 (15.14 %) were identified as Haemaphysalis bispinosa and Rhipicephalus microplus, respectively. Haemaphysalis bispinosa was found to carry all the seven detected pathogens, while larvae of R. microplus were found to carry only Bo. theileri. Among the TBPs, the highest detection rate was observed in A. bovis (20/142 pools, 0.81 %, CI: 0.51-1.20), followed by T. orientalis (19/142 pools, 0.72 %, CI: 0.44-1.09), T. luwenshuni (9/142 pools, 0.34 %, CI: 0.16-0.62), B. ovis (4/142 pools, 0.15 %, CI: 0.05 - 0.34) and Bo. theileri (4/142 pools, 0.15 %, CI: 0.05-0.34), Ehrlichia ewingii (3/142 pools, 0.11 %, CI: 0.03-0.29), and Babesia bigemina (1/142, 0.04 %, CI: 0.00 - 0.16). This study reports the existence of T. luwenshuni, E. ewingii, and Bo. theileri in Bangladesh for the first time. The novel findings of this study are the foremost documentation of transovarian transmission of B. bigemina and E. ewingii in H. bispinosa and also provide primary molecular evidence on the presence of E. ewingii and Bo. theileri in H. bispinosa. Therefore, this study may shed light on the circulating TBPs in ticks in the natural environment and thereby advocate awareness among physicians and veterinarians to control and prevent TBDs in Bangladesh., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper, (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Weld line defects, commonly occurring during the plastic product manufacturing process, are caused by the merging of two opposing streams of molten plastic. The presence of weld lines harms the product's aesthetic appeal and durability. This study uses artificial neural networks to forecast the ultimate tensile strength of a PA6 composite incorporating 30% glass fibers (GFs). Data were collected from tensile strength tests and the technical parameters of injection molding. The packing pressure factor is the one that significantly affects the tensile strength value. The melt temperature has a significant impact on the product's strength as well. In contrast, the filling time factor has less impact than other factors. According to the scanning electron microscope result, the smooth fracture surface indicates the weld line area's high brittleness. Fiber bridging across the weld line area is evident in numerous fractured GF pieces on the fracture surface, which enhances this area. Tensile strength values vary based on the injection parameters, from 65.51 MPa to 73.19 MPa. In addition, the experimental data comprise the outcomes of the artificial neural networks (ANNs), with the maximum relative variation being only 4.63%. The results could improve the PA6 reinforced with 30% GF injection molding procedure with weld lines. In further research, mold temperature improvement should be considered an exemplary method for enhancing the weld line strength.

Objective: This study investigated and compared the perceived stress levels and coping strategies of dental students in Indonesia and Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online in 2022 for dental students from the University of Indonesia and Can Tho University, Vietnam (n = 304). Perceived stress levels and coping strategies were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire about student sociodemographic factors, learning experiences, coping strategies, stress-related factors, and stress levels. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests., Results: This study showed the overall mean stress level was 23.9 (SD = 5.63), with a significant difference observed between Indonesian (24.44, SD = 5.14) and Vietnamese students (23.32, SD = 6.13) (p = 0.016), indicating potential variations in stress experiences. Key findings include a correlation between living arrangements and stress, as students living independently report higher stress (23.96, SD = 6.24) compared to those living with family (23.95, SD = 5.29) (p = 0.018). Fifth-year students exhibit lower stress levels (21.17, SD = 6.12) than other grades (p = 0.026). Multiple training sessions about COVID-19 are associated with better coping strategies (9.95, SD = 0.91, p < 0.001). The study also revealed different perceptions of COVID-19 learning experiences among dental students in Indonesian and Vietnamese dental students, with significant correlations observed between stress levels, coping strategies, and specific concerns such as graduation time and COVID-19-induced changes (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: This study shows students experience moderate stress levels, but the significant differences in stress experiences and coping strategies between the two countries highlighted the need for tailored approaches. Providing social support from faculty, family, friends, and peer dental students was one of the students' strategies to cope and minimize stress levels., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Mindfulness practices in schools have emerged as an educational effort that aims to promote the development of the competency and mental well-being of students. Specifically, mindfulness-based social-emotional learning (MBSEL) programs are an educational strategy that focuses on the improvement of social-emotional competence by cultivating awareness of the present moment through mindfulness activities. This study intended to investigate the benefits and limitations of the implementation of school-based mindfulness practice in a developing nation with a culturally diverse and multi-religious population. Using an interpretive phenomenological method, the researchers interviewed eight mindfulness practitioners experienced in teaching or overseeing MBSEL programs in schools. The findings demonstrated how a western-based mindfulness program can be matched with the fundamental concepts of eastern mindfulness practices, as influenced by the Eastern Trinity philosophy. Furthermore, the study emphasized the difficulties that emerged from misconceptions about the concepts of mindfulness practice and the position of school-based mindfulness programs within the scope of school counseling, which impeded the successful implementation of the practitioners of the MBSEL model. These initial findings elucidated the nuances of implementing MBSEL initiatives within the context of a developing country marked by a rich tradition of mindfulness practice and accessible resources for advancing mindfulness studies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Molecular surveillance of canine tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in Bangladesh has constantly been undervalued. Therefore, the emergence of new pathogens often remains undetected. This study aimed to screen tick-borne pathogens in stray dogs and ticks in the Dhaka metropolitan area (DMA). Eighty-five dog blood and 53 ticks were collected in six city districts of DMA from September 2022 to January 2023. The ticks were identified by morphology. Screening of TBPs was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing. The PCR assays were conducted to analyze the 18S rRNA (Babesia gibsoni, B. vogeli, and Hepatozoon canis), 16S rRNA (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys, and A. bovis), gltA (Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia spp.), flagellin B (Borrelia spp.) and 16-23S rRNA (Bartonella spp.). Three tick species, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (50/53), R. microplus (1/53), and Haemaphysalis bispinosa (2/53), were identified. Babesia gibsoni (38 out of 85) and A. platys (7 out of 85) were detected in dog blood. In contrast, four pathogens, B. gibsoni (1 out of 53), B. vogeli (1 out of 53), H. canis (22 out of 53), and A. platys (1 out of 53), were detected in the ticks. However, the detection rates of TBPs in dog blood and ticks were not correlated in this study. The phylogenetic analyses suggested that a single genotype for each of the four pathogens is circulating in DMA. This study reports the existence of B. vogeli, H. canis, and A. platys in Bangladesh for the first time., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Inflamm-aging is associated with the rate of aging and is significantly related to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and age-related degenerative diseases such as type II diabetes and osteoporosis. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficiency of autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSC) transplantation in aging-related low-grade inflammation patients., Methods: This study is a single-group, open-label, phase I clinical trial in which patients treated with 2 infusions (100 million cells i.v) of autologous AD-MSCs were initially evaluated in 12 inflamm-aging patients who concurrently had highly proinflammatory cytokines and 2 of the following 3 diseases: diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. The treatment effects were evaluated based on plasma cytokines., Results: During the study's follow-up period, no adverse effects were observed in AD-MSC injection patients. Compared to baseline (D-44), the inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly reduced after 180 days (D180) of MSC infusion. IL-4/IL-10 at 90 days (D90) and IL-2/IL-10 at D180 increased, reversing the imbalance between proinflammatory and inflammatory ratios in the patients., Conclusion: AD-MSCs represent a potential intervention to prevent age-related inflammation in patients., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number is NCT05827757, first registered on 13th Oct 2020., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: The mandibular foramen (MnF) and the mental foramen (MF) are essential anatomical landmarks that should be considered before any surgical procedures in the mandible. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the MnF and MF in relation to adjacent anatomical structures, as well as age and gender differences, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) projections., Methods: The study was conducted from August 2023 to January 2024 at the Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Vietnam. In this retrospective study, 50 CBCT images of Vietnamese patients were randomly taken for various clinical purposes. Furthermore, relevant data, such as gender and age groups, were selected to evaluate the correlations, along with specific inclusion criteria. Patients within the age range of 18-69 with a symmetrical mandible were included., Results: The distance of the MnF-MN was 29.6±5.0 mm (right) and 30.1±4.6 mm (left) in males and 25.0±4.2 mm (right) and 26.3±5.0 mm (left) in females. The distance of the MnF-posterior border of the ramus (P) was 16.2±3.6 mm (right) and 15.0±2.3 mm (left) in males. For females, it was 17.1±2.9 mm (right) and 13.8±1.7 mm (left). The distance of the MF-body mandible (MB) was 15.4±2.4 mm (right) and 15.6±2.0 mm (left) in males and 14.0±2.1 mm (right) and 14.3±1.6 mm (left) in females. The distance of the MF-mandibular midline (MM) was 27.0±2.6 mm (right) and 27.0±2.9 mm (left) in males and 25.3±2.0 mm (right) and 25.1±2.2 mm (left) in females. These distances showed statistically significant differences depending on gender (P<0.05)., Conclusion: It can be said that CBCT provides comprehensive information about the MnF and the MF for dentists in research and clinical practice., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Le et al.)

Camptothecin (CPT) is an important alkaloid used for anticancer treatment. It is mainly produced by two endangered and overharvested Camptotheca acuminata and Nothapodytes nimmoniana plants. Endophytic fungi are promising alternative sources for CPT production. In the present study, fungi residing within explants of Ixora chinensis were isolated and their CPT-producing capability of their endophytes was verified via thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses and compared with standards. In addition, MTT and sulforhodamine B assays were selected to test the anticancer effect. The endophytic fungi collection of 62 isolates were assigned to 11 genera, with four common genera ( Diaporthe , Phyllosticta , Colletotrichum , and Phomopsis ) and seven less common genera ( Penicillium , Botryosphaeria , Fusarium , Pestalotiopsis , Aspergillus , and Didymella ). Moreover, the anticancer activity of extracts was assessed against human lung carcinoma (A549). Among eight potential extracts, only Penicillium sp. I3R2 was found to be a source of CPT, while the remaining seven extracts have not been discovered potential secondary compounds. Thus, other prominent endophytic fungi might be potential candidates of phytochemicals with anticancer properties., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Objectives: Depression in medical students is concerning, potentially fueled by many stressors including career choice-relating stress. Choosing Medicine is a life-long commitment, and low intrinsic motivation or excessive dependence on family can complicate this decision and adding stress throughout their training. This stress intensifies in the final year, as students lacking personal drive struggle to see themselves continuing the career. Given limited studies on this crucial topic in Asia and Vietnam, we explored direct linkage between career choice motivation and depression in final-year medical students., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 569 final-year students between June and July 2020. The Vietnamese Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and 16-item CCM questionnaire were used as survey tools. Univariate analysis was used for descriptive statistics (absolute and relative frequency, mean (M), standard deviation (SD). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between variables using STATA 5.1., Results: The depression among participants was about 24.6% (PHQ-9 cut-off ≥ 12). No difference in gender was found regarding depression. The most acknowledged motivator is securing employment (M = 4.14, SD = 1.02) and the least is parental wishes (M = 3.17, SD = 1.32). Familial influence on career choice significantly increased odds of having " moderately-severe depression " (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.04-1.32) and " severe depression " (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.10-1.68), whereas, career-choice motivators including satisfaction (OR = .76, 95% CI .60-.97), self-competence (OR = .80, 95% CI .66-.97) and career success (OR = .84, 95% CI .71-.99) were found to be protective factors for depression., Conclusions: Roughly a quarter of final-year medical students encountered depression. Occupational security ranked as the primary motivator, with parental wish being the least. Familial influence heightened depression risk, while career prospects, satisfaction and self-efficacy acted as protective factors. Medical career paths should align with intrinsic motivations and personal interests for better mental health outcomes., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Introduction: To explore the feasibility and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) with selective artery clamp (SAC) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC)., Methods: The authors recruited three men and two women who underwent RLPN for T1 RCC between December 2022 and May 2023 at a tertiary hospital. The median age of the patients was 32 years (range, 25-70 years). The tumour size ranged from 3 to 4.5 cm. The R.E.N.A.L scores were 4x, 5p, 8a, 5a, and 8ah. The median preoperative eGFR was 96.9 (74.3-105.2). Renal computed tomography angiography was performed before the surgery to evaluate the artery branches. The operation time, number of clamped arteries, warm ischaemic time (WIT), intraoperative blood loss, RCC type, postoperative hospital stay, changes in renal function, and complications were evaluated. The follow-up duration was 6 months., Results: The median operation time was 120 (75-150) minutes. One artery was clamped in four patients, while three were clamped in one patient. The median WIT was 22 (15-30) min, and the median blood loss was 150 (100-300) ml. No complications were recorded, and the resection margin was negative in all patients. The median decrease in eGFR was 6 (4-30%)., Conclusions: RLPN with SAC for T1 RCC is safe and feasible in clinical practice., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Aim: This article aims to report a case of face mask therapy and comprehensive orthodontic treatment for skeletal class III malocclusion in a 16-year-old girl., Background: Treating skeletal class III malocclusion in a growing patient is crucial, as it can help avoid the need for additional surgery. Early treatment also lessens the negative impacts of the patient's facial abnormality on their social life because surgery is only done later., Case Description: In this case report, a 14-year-old female patient presented with skeletal class III malocclusion with primary complaints of anterior crossbite. There was no relevant medical history. Face mask therapy and fixed appliance therapy were components of the treatment approach that successfully corrected the malocclusion. The total period of treatment was 20 months., Conclusion: The treatment resulted in a harmonious face, a well-aligned smile arch, stable dental and skeletal relationships, and significant esthetic improvements, including improved facial symmetry and profile., Significance: A growing teen who has a skeletal class III malocclusion and a maxillary deficit may be helped by a combination of face mask therapy and thorough orthodontic treatment. This case report outlines the use of the aforementioned technique to successfully treat a 14-year-old child with class III malocclusion and maxillary deficiencies.Early management of skeletal class III malocclusion in developing adolescents is vital as it can potentially eliminate the necessity for future surgical intervention, leading to improved treatment outcomes.Careful case selection, patient cooperation, and long-term stability enable a successful, stable, and esthetically pleasing treatment outcome., How to Cite This Article: Le LN, Do TT, P Le KV. Face Mask Therapy and Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment for Skeletal Class III Malocclusion: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):368-376., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None Patient consent statement: The author(s) have obtained written informed consent from the patient's parents/legal guardians for publication of the case report details and related images.Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).)