bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies in Specific Hypersensitiveness
Authors: Brown Aaron
Published: January 2023

Summary and Conclusions

Two methods of applying the skin test in allergic conditions are in use: The cutaneous or scratch method of Schloss.The intradermal or injection method of Cooke.

Two forms of test proteins are in use: The dry powdered preparations made according to the methods described by Wodehouse.The fluid preparations originally used by Cooke and made now according to the methods described by Coca.

In a series of 78 comparative tests the superiority of the intradermal method over the scratch method has been shown upon the following grounds: In every case known to be clinically sensitive to a protein, the intradermal test with that protein resulted positively. The scratch test with the corresponding dry preparations resulted positively in only half the cases tested. The scratch test with the fluid preparations resulted negatively in 18 per cent of the cases tested.The intradermal method properly applied is not so painful as the scratch method and the resulting markings of the skin do not persist so long after the former method.Less time is required for applying the intradermal method and for obtaining the results than is needed for the scratch method.The same preparation can be used for testing and for treatment when the fluid preparations are employed.
Immunochemical Studies on Blood Groups
Authors: Leskowitz Sidney , Kabat Elvin A.
Published: January 2023

Preparations of B substance from human saliva varied in the amount of anti-B precipitable from an anti-B serum produced by isoimmunization of pregnancy although all of their hexosamine was specifically precipitable by excess antibody. B preparations from 2 horses also precipitated this anti-B and were shown by hexosamine analyses to be of comparable purity to the human saliva substances. Horse substances with little or no B activity by hemagglutination inhibition tests precipitated a portion of the anti-B from this antiserum. B substance from pseudomucinous ovarian cyst and a bovine stomach B substance precipitated less antibody from this antiserum and only about one-half of their hexosamine could be specifically precipitated by anti-B.
Studies on a Skin Test for Western Equine Encephalitis
Authors: Shinefield Henry R. , Longshore W. Allen , Lennette Edwin H.
Published: January 2023

In a group of 44 individuals who had had clinical Western equine encephalitis, dermal hypersensitivity was observed in 84% of the adults and 56% of the children one year later. On the basis of the present observations, a positive reaction may be tentatively defined as consisting of palpable induration of at least 5 mm or of erythema with a mean diameter of at least 15 mm. Reactions of this type and magnitude were not encountered in 108 normal control individuals tested. Positive reactions were of significantly larger area in adults than in children. Nonspecific reactions in control individuals were minimized by the use of a 1:10 dilution of skin-testing antigen. This dilution was ultimately used in testing “immunes.” Use of a 0.1-ml of a 1:10 dilution of skin test antigen did not serve as a stimulus for “de novo” production of either complement-fixing or neutralizing antibodies. However, this dilution of material appeared to “recall” complement-fixing antibodies in individuals who had had previous exposure to the disease.
Studies on the Hemagglutinin of Infectious Canine Hepatitis Virus
Authors: Fastier Lyle B.
Published: January 2023

Under specific conditions of temperature and of pH the virus of infectious canine hepatitis enters into a reversible association with fowl erythrocytes. By adsorption with these cells both the hemagglutinin and infective particle could be removed from tissue culture fluids containing ICH virus without appreciably reducing their ability to act as efficient complement fixing antigens. Variations both in susceptibility to heat and to precipitability with methanol have also suggested a closer association to exist between hemagglutinin and the virus particle than with the complement fixing antigen. A limited number of observations upon the growth of ICH virus in dog kidney epithelial cell monolayer cultures in relationship to the production of hemagglutinin and complement fixing antigen have been recorded.
Cross Reactions of Polyglucoses in Antipneumococcal Sera
Authors: Heidelberger Michael , Jahrmärker Hans , Cordoba Felix
Published: January 2023

The cross reactivity of Types IX and XII antipneumococcal rabbit sera toward glycogen, a limit dextrin, and a fraction of synthetic polyglucose is described and related in a measure to the chemical constitution of these carbohydrates.

The precipitation of antibody by glycogen and limit dextrin is reversed by the action of amylase present in the sera, but conditions are given for minimizing the effects of the enzyme.
Cross Reactions of Polyglucoses in Antipneumococcal Sera
Authors: Heidelberger Michael , Björklund Bertil , Larner Joseph
Published: January 2023

Quantitative data are given on the precipitation of antibody nitrogen from a variety of antipneumococcal horse sera by various glycogens and dextrins derived from them. The data are shown to be in accord with predictions made from a quantitative theory of the precipitin reaction and with the requirements of the chemical structures of the carbohydrates involved. Inferences are drawn regarding probable details of composition and structure of the specific polysaccharides of pneumococcal Types IX, XII, XX, and XXII.
Studies on Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus Combined Immunization in Children
Authors: Chen Bei-Loo , Chou Chi-Tao , Huang Chien-Tao , Wang Yao-Tung , Ko Hsiu-Hua , Huang Wang-Cheng , Ling Che-Fu
Published: January 2023

The immune responses produced by the primary course of DPT vaccination were analyzed on the basis of known variables of the population under study. Observations extended over one year after the last dose show that the pre-existence of latent diphtheria immunity interfered with the speed of tetanus antitoxin response, and the magnitude and maintenance of pertussis agglutinin response. The tetanus antitoxin response was most seriously affected one month after the second dose, when the solid protection ratio between the normal and the diphtheriaimmune group was 87.0%:34.4%. The pertussis agglutinin response was most seriously affected one year after the third dose, with a solid protection ratio of 50.0%:13.8% between the groups.

The data show that throughout the primary vaccination course, children younger than 24 months gave better diphtheria and tetanus antitoxin responses than the older children under a fixed dosage. Older children gave stronger pertussis agglutinin response than the younger children after the first dose, but weaker response after the third dose.

Sex played no role in the immune responses to primary DPT vaccination.
The Duration of Responsiveness of Lymph Node Cells Transferred to Adult Homologous Recipients
Authors: Dixon Frank J. , Weigle William O. , Deichmiller Maria P.
Published: January 2023

The antibody response which can be produced by lymphoid cells transferred to unresponsive adult homologous recipients has been extensively investigated. In most of these experiments the transferred cells have been challenged by the antigen either in the donor prior to transfer, at the time of transfer in vitro or in the recipient. The present studies were designed to learn how long lymphoid cells transferred to x-radiated adults might remain responsive to antigenic stimulation by delaying their exposure to antigen for varying periods after transfer. Comparable observations have been made by Sterzl in neonatal recipients of adult homologous lymphoid cells (1, 2).

A second objective was to look for evidence of antigenic competition in cells from donors immunized simultaneously and equally with two noncross reacting antigens. These doubly sensitized cells were transferred to x-radiated recipients and challenged with one antigen, with both antigens simultaneously and with both antigens at different times and the resultant antibody responses were measured.
The Effect of Deficiencies of Thiamine, Pyridoxine and Pantothenic Acid on the Macrophages of the Rat
Authors: Furness G. , Axelrod A. E.
Published: January 2023

The effect of a diet deficient in either pantothenic acid, pyridoxine or thiamine on the leukocytes of rats has been studied. A leukopenia with lymphopenia was found in all deficiency states. There were fewer leukocytes in the peritoneal cavity of deficient animals. Macrophages in cell culture from normal and deficient rats destroyed the avirulent E. coli and prevented any intracellular survivors from multiplying. Macrophages in cell culture from normal animals destroyed more virulent S. typhimurium than deficient cells. The survivors, however, multiplied more rapidly within normal mononuclear cells. The effect of these findings on the resistance of rats to S. typhimurium, a pathogen of these animals, is discussed.
Studies on the Factors Concerned in the Disappearance of Bacteriophage Particles from the Animal Body
Authors: Keller Robert , Zatzman Marvin L.
Published: January 2023

The fate and translocation of bacteriophage particles were investigated by observing the processes that follow single intravenous injections of large numbers of particles into normal dogs. The rate of disappearance of such particles from the circulation of dogs is rapid for an early interval of approximately 20 min. Later a more gradual disappearance is noted which lasts until the termination of the experiments at 90 min. The factors responsible for this process are discussed. Studies on the rate of urinary filtration of these particles have shown that the passage of such particles across the renal barrier, as assayed by samples taken from the ureter, is irregular but concentration dependent.

Organs of the reticuloendothelial system such as the liver and spleen, concentrate phage particles 196- to 873-fold, respectively, over that found in plasma at an equivalent time. They are thus active in this process in a manner analogous to the clearance of larger particles like bacteria.

On the basis of previous work and the recoveries of bacteriophage particles from samples of kidney, evidence is presented in support of the hypothesis that particles of this magnitude are distributed throughout the extracellular fluid volume.
Immune Response to Polypeptides (Poly-α-Amino Acids) in Inbred Guinea Pigs
Authors: Ben-Efraim Shlomo , Maurer Paul H.
Published: January 2023

The results obtained in guinea pigs of inbred strains 2 and 13 and the 100% immune responses obtained in F1 hybrids of these strains are compatible with the concept that the ability to respond immunogenically against synthetic polymers is genetically controlled and is a dominant Mendelian trait. Oligolysine-containing copolymers, glutamic acid-alanine (GA) and glutamic acid + methylated guinea pig plasma albumin (G+Me GPA) aggregate were found to be immunogenic for inbred strain 2 and nonimmunogenic for inbred strain 13. Copolymer glutamic acid-alanine-tyrosine (GAT) and glutamic acid-tryosine + methylated bovine plasma albumin (GT + Me BPA) aggregate were immunogenic in both inbred strains. Differences between the antigenic specificity of delayed type skin reactions and PCA reactions were found in the case of GLA, GLT, GLAT copolymers in strain 2, and GAT copolymer in strain 13.
Immunoglobulin Classes of Neutralizing Antibody Formed after Human Inoculation with Soluble Adenoviral Antigens
Authors: Lehrich James R. , Kasel Julius A. , Rossen Roger D.
Published: January 2023

Three volunteers were experimentally infected with adenoviral types 1 or 4, and six were inoculated with purified preparations of type 1 or type 4 soluble hexon and fiber antigens. Neutralizing antibodies and immunoglobulins were assayed after fractionation of serum by gel filtration, revealing generally similar patterns of antibody formation in men given infectious virus or soluble antigens.

Antibody activity was first detected in the immunoglobulin pools one to three weeks after inoculation. In 7 of the 9 men, neutralizing antibodies were present in both the IgM and IgG pools at this time. No serum samples were assayed earlier than 1 week after inoculation. IgM antibodies were found no later than 4 weeks after administration of soluble antigens, but were found up to 14 weeks after inoculation in two of the experimentally infected men. IgG antibodies persisted as long as the volunteers were followed, up to 50 weeks in one man. This persistence was also true for the heterologous responses studied. Antibody titers were low in the experimentally infected volunteers, and neutralizing activity appeared in their immunoglobulin pools a week later than in pools from subjects given soluble antigen preparations of the corresponding serotype.

Serum neutralizing antibodies of the IgA-globulin class were demonstrated in two volunteers, 2 and 3 weeks after inoculation of type 4 adenoviral soluble antigens. None could be detected in a volunteer who had been infected experimentally.
Changes in the Concentrations of the γc-Globulin and the γG-Globulin of Bovine Cerebrospinal Fluid with Maturation
Authors: MacPherson Catherine F. C.
Published: January 2023

The average γc-globulin concentration in bovine CSF withdrawn from newly-born colostrum-deprived calves was found to be 1.4 mg/100 ml. This level decreased sharply a few days after birth and the average value for 4-month-old animals was 0.44 mg/100 ml. The CSF of 3-year-old steers contained 0.22 mg/100 ml. Pooled fetal serum contained 2.8 mg of γc-globulin/100 ml. This level dropped by one-third at birth and then remained stationary up to 4 months of age. Bovine colostrum was found to have on the average 15 mg of γc-globulin/100 ml. About 0.01 mg of γc-globulin/g of wet tissue was found in cerebral white matter and spinal cord from calves. The cerebellum and cerebral gray matter contained one-third this amount. The γG-globulin was detected in the CSF of newly-born colostrum-deprived calves by immunodiffusion techniques but not quantitated. At 4 months of age the CSF contained 1.40 mg/100 ml and at 3 years of age 2.22 mg/100 ml. A small amount of autogenous γG-globulin was found in both fetal serum and in the serum of newly-born colostrum-deprived calves. Two weeks after birth the concentration of this protein had increased to 50 mg/100 ml. Pooled serum from 4-month-old calves had a γG-globulin content of 400 mg/100 ml.
Histocompatibility and Tumor Virus Antigens Identified on Cells Grown in Tissue Culture by Means of the Mixed Hemadsorption Reaction
Authors: Barth Rolf F. , Espmark J. Åke , Fagraeus Astrid
Published: January 2023

The mixed hemadsorption reaction, which essentially is a modification of the Coombs mixed antiglobulin reaction, has been used to demonstrate histocompatibility antigens determined by the H-2 locus on normal and neoplastic mouse cells grown in vitro. With this method hemadsorption was demonstrated with serum dilutions up to 1:100, while in contrast it was impossible to demonstrate H-2 antigens by indirect immunofluorescent staining or by an assay for cytotoxic antibody.

Furthermore, it was possible to demonstrate viral and/or “tumor-specific” antigens on embryonic mouse fibroblasts which had been infected in vitro with the Moloney agent.

This study provides confirmatory evidence for the persistence of histocompatibility antigens on cells which have been maintained in tissue culture for long periods of time.

Estimates of the minimum amounts of antibody nitrogen detectable by this method have been made, and this may be in the range of 0.002 µg to 0.0002 µg of Ab N/ml.

The sensitivity of the mixed hemadsorption reaction makes it particularly suited to the study of cell surface antigens whose concentration and geometric representation might otherwise render them undetectable.
Hypersensitivity to Ascaris Antigens
Authors: Strejan Gill , Campbell Dan H.
Published: January 2023

Guinea pigs were immunized with a crude preparation of Ascaris suum extract. Their sera were separated by preparative electrophoresis in agar and the isolated fractions were tested by agar immunoelectrophoresis for the presence of 7S γ-1- and γ-2-globulins, by cellulose-acetate immunoelectrophoresis for the presence of precipitating antibodies to Ascaris antigens and by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in guinea pigs. The results indicated that both 7S γ-1 and γ-2 anti-Ascaris antibodies had the ability to elicit PCA reactions although more 7S γ-2 was necessary for a positive skin reaction to occur.
Experimental Murine Cryptococcosis: Effect of Hyperimmunization to Capsular Polysaccharide
Authors: Goren Mayer B.
Published: January 2023

High levels of humoral antibody directed against cryptococcal capsule are stimulated in mice by immunization with cryptococcal polysaccharide conjugated to bovine γ-globulin (BGG). Mice so immunized manifest no increased resistance to 75, 5 or even ½ LD50 intravenous challenges with the large capsule homologous organism, and in fact show a slightly enhanced susceptibility to the disease as compared with unimmunized controls. An exploratory immunization with an antigen prepared by decapsulation of cryptococci with dimethylsulfoxide elicited a protective immunity, but only against low level challenge.

Ancillary studies on changes in tissue fungal population with time in infected unimmunized mice, augmented by immunofluorescent examination of sera and tissue homogenates, yielded evidence that a dual natured immune response is stimulated by the infection: production of unprotective humoral anti-polysaccharide and stimulation of an at least partially effective defense mechanism that remains uncharacterized, but which may reside at the cellular level. It is suggested that the “immunologic paralysis” postulated as a consequence of cryptococcal infection is probably relevant only to polysaccharide antigen (soluble or capsular) and as such may have but little influence on active immunity.
OUTCOMES OF OVERT AND NON-OVERT DISSEMINATED INTRAVASCULAR COAGULATION USING THE ISTH DIC SCORING SYSTEM IN CHILDREN: A SINGLE-CENTER STUDY
Authors: Buaboonnam Jassada , Wnagkittikal Chonthida , Narkbunnam Nattee , Vathana Nassawee , Takpradit Chayamon , Phuakpet Kamon , Sinlapamongkolkul Phakatip , Sanpakit Kleebsabai , Karaketklang Khemajira , Pongtanakul Bunchoo
Published: January 2023

Background: Several disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) scoring systems are used for prognosticating the clinical outcomes of patients with DIC. However, research on children is scarce. This study compared the clinical outcomes of overt and non-overt DIC using the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) DIC scoring system.

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed data on children aged 1 month to 15 years diagnosed with DIC between 2003 and 2014.

Results: Of 244 patients, 179 (73.4%) had overt DIC, and 65 (26.6%) had non-overt DIC. The most common causes were infection (84.8%), tissue injury (7%), and malignancies (2.9%). The 28-day case fatality rate was significantly higher for overt than non-overt DIC (76% vs 15.6%; P < 0.001). DIC scores were significantly associated with mortality (R2 = 0.89). Each clinical parameter (platelet count, prothrombin time, and fibrin degradation products) was associated with mortality (P = 0.01). On multivariable analysis, the factors associated with death were platelet counts ≤ 50 000 cells/mm3 (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.08–5.42; P = 0.031); overt DIC score (OR, 7.62; 95% CI, 2.94–19.75; P < 0.001); renal dysfunction (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.34–6.37; P = 0.007); shock (OR, 39.62; 95% CI, 4.99–314.84; P = 0.001); and acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR, 25.90; 95% CI, 3.12–214.80; P = 0.003).

Conclusions: The 28-day case-fatality rate was significantly higher for patients with overt than non-overt DIC and concordant with ISTH scores. ISTH DIC scores can be used as a clinical predictor for DIC in children.
Humoral immune response after anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine “booster” dose in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Authors: SGHERZA NICOLA , Curci Paola , Rizzi Rita , Larocca Angela Maria Vittoria , Vimercati Luigi , Tafuri Silvio , Chironna Maria , Musto Pellegrino
Published: January 2023

Not Applicable.
Feedback in Medical Education
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh
Published: January 2023

A number of learning competencies have to be attained by the medical students during their training period, as very limited time is available for them. This calls for the need to help medical students in their journey to become competent by facilitating the process of acquisition of knowledge and skills. The purpose of the current review was to explore the importance of feedback in medical education, identify the potential barriers to its effective delivery, and identify the strategies to overcome them. An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was carried out on the PubMed search engine, and a total of 17 articles were selected based on their suitability with the current review objectives. Keywords used in the search include feedback and medical education in the title alone only. Feedback in medical education is one of the most essential strategies to enhance learning. The findings of some of the studies have shown that feedback is not always beneficial and that students feel that feedback is not that much important as medical educators believe about it. In conclusion, acknowledging the significance and scope of feedback in medical education, the need of the hour is to include the same in every stage of the teaching–learning process. However, the effectiveness of feedback is significantly influenced by a wide range of teacher-, student-, and environment-related factors, and there is a definite need to take appropriate measures to address the challenges posed by these factors.
Cardiovascular Health in Turner Syndrome
Authors: Abdullah Wasnaa Hadi , Jawad al-Gburi Abdulameer Jasim , Younis Al-Obaidi Saba Ryadh
Published: January 2023

Turner syndrome (TS) is the most frequent female chromosomal abnormality, with a higher overall mortality rate than the general population; cardiovascular events are a significant risk factor. Cardiovascular manifestations in TS include congenital heart diseases, in addition to acquired heart diseases such as acute aortic dissection, stroke, myocardial infarction, and hypertension. Growth hormone-insulin growth factor 1 axis abnormality, estrogen hormone deficiency, liability for diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia all are endocrine risk factors affecting cardiovascular health in TS. Heart anatomical defects should be closely monitored for progression and associated complications throughout the patient's lifetime by a skilled cardiologist.
A study on BK polyomavirus among kidney transplant recipients and nontransplants
Authors: Abed Ghufran Hammoodi , Al-Saeed Wisam Mahdi , Salem Asmaa Baqer , Abood Ahmed Sattar
Published: January 2023

Background:

BK polyomavirus (BKV) induces allograft malfunction in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and it could cause loss of the allograft, however, this virus does not cause any harm among healthy subjects.

Aims:

This study was conducted to determine and compare the frequency of BK viremia between RTR and healthy subjects, and to find out its risks and its relation to their renal function.

Settings and Design:

This was a case–control study.

Subjects and Methods:

A total of 206 blood samples were collected from (106) RTRs within the first 2 years posttransplantation from the center of kidney diseases and transplantation, and (100) nonrenal transplant samples (healthy blood donors from the Iraqi Blood Donation Center in the Medical City of Baghdad. The large tumor antigen region of BKV was amplified by a real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Frequencies, percentages, Chi-square-test, odds ratio (OR), and confidence interval were used for statistical analysis by SPSS v. 28 (IBM, USA).

Results:

BKV was positive in 23 (21.7%) of RTR patients and 8 (8.0%) of control, which is statistically significant P = 0.005. RTR patients under tacrolimus (TAC) were at a higher risk, to had BKV viremia (P = 0.05). However, there was no significant difference neither in relative risk (OR = 0.904) nor the distributions (P = 0.839) regarding serum creatinine levels.

Conclusions:

A significantly higher BK viremia among RTR and increasing risk of reactivation with TAC immunosuppression should warn the nephrologists about the risk of this immunosuppression regimen on the renal allograft.
Tinnitus in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Das Somadatta
Published: January 2023

Background:

Tinnitus is a common otologic symptom found in the outpatient department of otolaryngology. Patients with COVID-19 infection have complained of tinnitus. However, in the present COVID-19 epidemic, it has received little attention.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to see how common tinnitus was among COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Materials and Methods:

This is a prospective study that looked at 28 COVID-19 participants who had tinnitus. COVID-19 infection was confirmed in all of them using a nasopharyngeal swab reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The detailed history-taking clinical examination of the ear was done for the assessment of tinnitus and its outcome was analyzed.

Results:

There were 28 COVID-19 patients presented with tinnitus out of 212 patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. There were 16 (57.14%) men and 12 (42.85%) women out of 28 COVID-19 patients with tinnitus, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.33:1. Seven (25%) of the 28 patients had hearing loss, whereas 4 (14.28%) had balance issues. Out of 28 patients, 5 (17.85%) had symptoms of migraine.

Conclusion:

This study shows that COVID-19 patients may be affected by subjective otoneurological symptoms like tinnitus. Tinnitus is more common in male COVID-19 patients than in female. The associated symptoms of hearing impairment and balance issues should be anticipated along with tinnitus. More research is needed to figure out the specific pathophysiological process that causes this subjective ringing sensation in COVID-19 patients.
The Effect of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Lipid Profile
Authors: Shuwelif Ali Rodan , Mihson Haider Salim , Maikhan Ayad Khani
Published: January 2023

Background:

Gallstone disease (GSD) is one of the most common surgical gastrointestinal diseases. Cholesterol is one of the constituents of gallstones. Hyperlipidemia and GSD are often linked to cholesterol in pathophysiology, and cholecystectomy is associated with hepatobiliary circulation affecting fat absorption. The aim of the study is to assess the lipid profile (LP) changes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods:

Prospective cohort study that included 200 patients with documented GSD and baseline measurement of LP, followed by LC for half of them, and two follow-up measurements of LP after 2 weeks and 1 month. Comparison of the LP between the two groups to estimate the difference that occur due to LC, after that, comparison of the two follow-up measurements with baseline to estimate the effect of these changes with time.

Results:

Total serum cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride level (TG) were significantly lower from control 1 month after surgery; on pairwise analysis, TG level was lower than baseline on both 2-week and 1-month follow-up measurements. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was higher than the control after 1 month, on pairwise analysis at 2 weeks, no difference from baseline was found, and a significant difference was found after 1 month. Both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very LDL (VLDL) were not different from the control.

Conclusion:

LC is associated with a reduction of the serum level of both TC and TG and an increase serum level of HDL after 1 month of follow-up.
Post-COVID-19 Candidiasis of the Tongue in an 18-year Old Male
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Jena Pragnya Paramita
Published: January 2023

Fungal infection in the oral cavity is considered a marker of immunosuppression in certain chronic conditions such as cancer patients on immunosuppression medications and human immunodeficiency virus infections. Currently, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is causing immunocompromised conditions of patients and inviting superadded infections such as local Candida infections such as oral candidiasis and invasive fungal infections. The role of opportunistic fungal infections in the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 infections remains less established. Overuse of antibiotics for the treatment of COVID-19 infections is also thought to hamper normal flora in the oral cavity which is also an important risk factor for aggravating opportunistic fungal infection in the body. Here, an 18-year-old immunocompetent male presented with a white patch on the dorsal surface of the tongue, which developed 1 week after relieved from COVID-19 infection. The microbiological test of the whitish patch over the tongue confirmed candidiasis.
The Benefit of Middle Turbinate Stabilization during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, A Comparative Study
Authors: Mohammed Ali Abed
Published: January 2023

Background:

The laterlization of middle turbinate and adhesion to the lateral nasal wall is a common coplication of fuctional endoscopic sinus surgery (FEESS) result in failure of initial procedure and obstruction of osteomeatal complex. Current procedure for middle turbinate medialization, include creation of controlled synaechia between middle turbinate and nasal septum (bolgerization) and fixation of middle turbinate to nasal septum by suturing using absorbale vicryl suture (conchopexy).

Objective:

Is to compare between FESS with middle turbinate fixation to the septum by conchopexy or bolgerization technique to prevent laterlization of middle turbinate and thier impact on postoperative symptoms and signs and conventional FESS without fixation of the middle turbinate to the septum.

Patients and Methods:

The current stydy include 80 patients, they were divided into 3 groups, Group 1, include 30 patients underwent conventional FESS with medialization of middle turbinate only, using middle meatal pack, lest for 2 days. Group2, included 25 patients underwent FESS with Bolgerization method. Group3, included 25 patients underwent FESS with conchopexy by suturing the middle turbinate to the septum. Preoperative, postoperative, symptoms and endoscopy findings were compare among all the 3 groups.

Result:

Significant improvement is achieved in all groups and this improvement was founds to be significant stastically for nasa obstruction, nasal discharge, olfactory function, (P > 0.001)and for facial pain (P = 0.009). Bolgerization technique had better result in improving olfactory disturbance as compared to other methods. The pstoerative endoscopic findings improvement score was stastically significant for all groups with (P = 0.002) for the 1st group and (P = 0.001) fore the 2nd and 3rd groups. Regarding synaechia and laterlization of middle turbinate, in group 3 one of the patient had laterlization and synaechia between the middle turbinate and the lateral nasal wall (4%), 4 patients in group 2 (16%), and 10 patients in group 1 (33.3%).

Conclusion:

Conchopexy and Bolgerization are effective method to stabilize middle turbinate and preventing middle turbinate laterlization and synaechia following FESS with highly significant improvement of postoperative symptoms and endoscopic findings.
Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis in Pediatrics
Authors: Hussein Sawsan Ali , Ibrahim Basma Adel , Abdullah Wasnaa Hadi
Published: January 2023

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDAR) is a severe autoimmune disease caused by the development of immunoglobulin G antibodies against the NMDAR's GluN1 subunit in the cerebrospinal fluid. It is characterized by a wide range of clinical features including psychological manifestations, dyskinesia, and epileptic seizures. Intravenous methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange are the first-line treatments. Early diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and follow-up of the disease are crucial as it results in favorable prognosis. In the pediatric age group, relapse is possible.
E-cigarettes
Authors: Yeung Caitlin Hon Ning
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Given dramatic rises in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among adolescents and ongoing dilemmas regarding their harms versus potential for harm reduction, this study examined the current pattern of e-cigarette use, the perceived health effects of e-cigarettes and the association of e-cigarette with the use of other tobacco products among Hong Kong secondary school students.

Materials and Methods:

26,684 Hong Kong secondary school students participated in the territory-wide, school-based Hong Kong Secondary School Smoking and Health Survey 2016/17, conducted by the HKU School of Public Health. Data regarding demographics, self-reported harms of e-cigarette use, and its association with smoking intention, habits and quitting intention, was obtained and analysed.

Results:

Among Hong Kong secondary school students, 8.9% have ever-used e-cigarettes and the prevalence of past-30-day e-cigarette use was 3.0%. For those who had ever used e-cigarettes, 27.1% had their first puff before or at 11 years old. E-cigarette use among secondary school students was significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms (current users: AOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.13–2.23; ever users: AOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.22–1.53) and poorer perceived health status (current users: AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.08–2.27; ever users: AOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.14–1.56), after adjusting for confounders. Current adolescent e-cigarette use was also significantly associated with increased intentions of tobacco smoking (AOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.12–2.46) and waterpipe use (AOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.77–3.91) in the next 12 months, cigarette smoking status (including those who ever-smoked, experimented, quit and currently smoke), and waterpipe and other tobacco product use in the past 30 days. Moreover, Hong Kong secondary school students who used e-cigarettes along with cigarettes did not show significant changes in quitting intention.

Conclusions:

E-cigarette use was associated with poorer perceived health status and respiratory symptoms, increased use and intention to use cigarettes and other tobacco products, and no significant changes in quitting intention. This study does not support e-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool and shows that e-cigarettes are not safe as general consumer products. Their function as a gateway to smoking and their failure to reduce quitting intention in adolescents may renormalize the tobacco industry and reverse all tobacco control efforts.
The Complicated Simple Snoring
Authors: Cheng Esther Tin Wing
Published: January 2023

Primary snoring, also known as simple snoring, was historically regarded as a benign entity on the sleep-disordered breathing spectrum until recently, when more and more evidence suggested the otherwise. This article aims to provide an overview on the research directions of primary snoring and their relevant clinical significance.
Democracy and the Arab Spring. The effects of the revolutions in the Arab world
Authors: Demczuk Andrzej
Published: January 2023

The main objective of the article is to examine the Arab revolutions in the early 2010s in a context of establishing democracy, in order to determine what lessons can be learned from the experiences. It starts with an overview of the revolutionary movement – the Arab Spring, that swelled across the MENA region, overthrowing some long-standing authoritarian regimes. Next, it analyzes the uprisings to indicate political, economic and social successes and failures in parts of the region. Finally, in the summary of the study, based on the conducted examination, the author discusses the results of the analysis and explains why these findings are important and thought-provoking. Demokracja i Arabska Wiosna. Skutki rewolucji w świecie arabskim Głównym celem artykułu jest zbadanie arabskich rewolucji na początku 2010 r. w kontekście ustanowienia demokracji, w celu ustalenia jakie wnioski można wyciągnąć z tych doświadczeń. Praca rozpoczyna się od przeglądu ruchu rewolucyjnego – Arabskiej Wiosny, która rozrosła się w regionie MENA, obalając niektóre wieloletnie reżimy autorytarne. Następnie analizuje wystąpienia, aby wskazać sukcesy i porażki polityczne, gospodarcze i społeczne w niektórych częściach regionu. Wreszcie w podsumowaniu, na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań, autor omawia wyniki analizy i wyjaśnia, dlaczego wyniki te są ważne i skłaniają do refleksji.
Wpływ tzw. Arabskiej Wiosny na bezpieczeństwo Izraela – wymiar regionalny
Authors: Szydzisz Marcin
Published: January 2023

Arabska Wiosna była ważnym zjawiskiem w dziejach Bliskiego Wschodu. Wydarzenia, które miały wtedy miejsce, zmieniły sytuację w tym regionie. Artykuł jest próbą analizy wpływu rewolucji arabskich na bezpieczeństwo Izraela. Przedmiotem analizy jest ocena wydarzeń, które dokonywały się w państwach regionu: Egipcie, Syrii, Libanie, Jordanii, krajach Półwyspu Arabskiego. Autor będzie również pisał o działaniach Hezbollahu i Palestyńczyków. Wszystko to ma służyć odpowiedzi na pytania: czy, na ile i dlaczego zmieniał się poziom bezpieczeństwa Izraela w wyniku zjawisk zainicjowanych przez tzw. Arabską Wiosnę.

The impact of the so-called Arab Spring on Israel’s security – regional dimension

The Arab Spring was an important phenomenon in the history of the Middle East. The events that took place at the time, changed the situation in the region. This article is an attempt to analyse the impact of the Arab revolutions on Israel’s security. The subject of analysis is an assessment of the events that took place in the countries of the region: Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. The author will also write about the actions of Hezbollah and the Palestinians. All of this is intended to answer the questions of whether, to what extent and why Israel’s security has changed as a result of the phenomena initiated by the Arab Spring.
In Search of Economic Security and Societal Security. The Experience of Economic Migrants from Transnistria and Gagauzia
Authors: Herța Laura M. , Șerpi Mihaela
Published: January 2023

The main goal in this article is to explore the causes and nature of economic migration from the Republic of Moldova. The conceptual and analytical frame­work is based on the widening and deepening of meanings of security, as part of the transition from traditional, Cold War, state-centric understanding of security to the multisectorial approaches of security. Two relevant sectors of security are selected in this study, namely economic security and societal security, because they provide in-depth understanding of economic migration from Gagauzia and Transnistria. The methodology is based on interviews taken with migrant work­ers from the two regions and on interpretation and analysis of research findings. Before discussing the findings, we documented migration experiences of migrant workers who belong to different ethnic groups, tracing their pre-migration situ­ations and post-migration life. Also, we documented how their economic aspira­tions and ethnic identity shaped their migration intentions and perceptions of different countries of destination.

W poszukiwaniu bezpieczeństwa ekonomicznego i społecznego. Doświadczenia migrantów ekonomicznych z Naddniestrza i Gagauzji

Głównym celem niniejszego artykułu jest zbadanie przyczyn i charakteru migracji zarobkowej z Republiki Mołdawii. Ramy koncepcyjne i analityczne opierają się na poszerzaniu i pogłębianiu znaczenia terminu „bezpieczeństwo” w ramach przejścia od tradycyjnego, zimnowojennego, państwocentrycznego rozumienia do podejścia wielosektorowego. W pracy wybrano dwa istotne sektory bezpieczeństwa, a mianowicie bezpieczeństwo ekonomiczne i bezpieczeństwo społeczne, ponieważ zapewniają one dogłębne zrozumienie migracji ekonomicznej z Gagauzji i Naddniestrza. Metodologia opiera się na wywiadach przeprowadzonych z pracownikami migrującymi z obu regionów oraz na interpretacji i analizie wyników badań. Przed omówieniem wyników zostały udokumentowane doświadczenia migracyjne pracowników migrujących należących do różnych grup etnicznych, przyglądając się ich sytuacji przed i po migracji. Ponadto zbadano również, w jaki sposób aspiracje ekonomiczne i tożsamość etniczna migrantów kształtowały ich intencje migracyjne i postrzeganie różnych krajów docelowych.
Sytuacja, rola i znaczenie imigrantów z byłego ZSRR w Izraelu – między tożsamością radziecką a żydowską
Authors: Kosiorek Piotr
Published: January 2023

Imigranci z byłych republik radzieckich przyjeżdżali do Izraela w różnych okolicznościach, motywowani czynnikami natury politycznej, ekonomicznej, społecznej oraz kwestiami bezpieczeństwa. Ich największa liczba przybywała do państwa żydowskiego w ramach fali migracyjnej lat 70. XX w., oraz przede wszystkim „wielkiej rosyjskiej aliji” lat 90. tegoż wieku. Kolejna liczna grupa wyemigrowała w latach 2000-2009 oraz 2014-2019. Wzrasta także liczba osób pochodzenia żydowskiego przybywających do Izraela w związku z otwartą agresją rosyjską na Ukrainę. Wychodźcy z byłych republik radzieckich to kolejny komponent izraelskiej wielokulturowości. Wśród rosyjskojęzycznych przybyszy dość nietypową zbiorowością są oligarchowie, biznesmeni oraz miliarderzy, którzy również oddziałują na życie społeczno-polityczne kraju, szczególnie w sferze instytucjonalnej. Warta odnotowania jest także występująca obecnie tendencja łączenia elementów radzieckich i żydowskich w sferze polityki historycznej oraz uzupełnianie izraelskiej historiografii okresu II wojny światowej o wątki związane z ZSRR. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza roli i znaczenia społeczności rosyjskojęzycznych Żydów w Izraelu. Tekst stanowi próbę odpowiedzi na pytanie, w jakim stopniu i na jakich płaszczyznach można mówić o unifikacji dwóch zbiorowości – miejscowej izraelskiej oraz imigranckiej.

The situation, role and relevance of immigrants from former USSR in Israel – between Soviet and Jewish identity

Immigrants from the former Soviet Union came to Israel under various circumstances motivated by political, economic, social and security factors. Their greatest number came to the Jewish State in migration wave of the 1970s and, above all, the „great Russian Aliyah” of the 1990s. Next numerous groups emigrated in 2000-2009 and 2014-2019. Also the number of Ukrainian Jews coming to Israel increasing due to the open Russian aggression in Ukraine. Expatriots from the former Soviet republics are another component of Israeli multiculturalism. A peculiar community among the Russian-speaking newcomers are the post-Soviet oligarchs, businessmen and billionaires, who have an influence on the socio-political life of the country, especially in the institutional sphere. Worth noting thing is the current tendency to combine Soviet and Jewish elements in the field of historical policy and to supplementing the Israeli historiography of the Second World War with Soviet components. The main objective of this article will be to analyze the role and importance of the Russian-speaking Jewish community in Israel. The text will be an attempt to answer the question to what extent and on what spheres the merge of two communities – local Israeli and immigrant can be observed.
Radykalizm oraz ekstremizm wobec kwestii radykalizacji młodych muzułmanów w Holandii
Authors: Gul-Rechlewicz Violetta
Published: January 2023

Radykalizm oraz ekstremizm, to pojęcia, które w kształtowaniu polityki bezpieczeństwa państwa pozostają ze sobą w ścisłym związku. Przywoływane są zarówno w obszarze polityk krajowych, jak i lokalnych. Wydaje się konieczne odniesienie się do sfery definicyjnej wymienionych pojęć, które nierzadko są nadużywane oraz swobodnie interpretowane. Mimo że w większości państw nie ma prawnej definicji radykalizmu i/lub ekstremizmu, istnieje za to wiele programów rządowych odnoszących się do przeciwdziałania tym zjawiskom, ponieważ obydwa powiązane są z określoną formą przemocy, tj. z terroryzmem. Wyniki analiz terminologicznych i pojęciowych definicji ekstremizmu i radykalizmu wskazują na konsekwentne poszukiwania przez badaczy wspólnego mianownika interpretacyjnego, który pozwoliłby na skonkretyzowanie wyżej wymienionych zjawisk w ujęciu szeroko rozumianych nauk społecznych (w tym nauk o bezpieczeństwie).

Artykuł ma na celu wskazanie braku transparentności w zakresie definicji zjawisk/procesów w obszarze konceptualizacji zagadnień związanych z radykalizmem i ekstremizmem oraz próbę ich uporządkowania. Kontekstem rozważań są wydarzenia związane z radykalizacją grupy młodych muzułmanów z Delft (Holandia), której członkowie przechodząc proces radykalizacji zostali zwerbowani do Syrii.

Radicalism and extremism on issue of radicalization of young Muslims in the Netherlands

Radicalism and extremism are concepts that are closely intertwined in the formation of state security policy. They are invoked both in the area of national and local policies. It seems necessary to refer to the definitional sphere of the aforementioned concepts, which often seem to be abused and freely interpreted. Although in most countries there is no legal definition of radicalism and/or extremism, there are instead many government programs relating to countering these phenomena, since both are linked to a specific form of political violence, i.e. terrorism. The results of terminological and conceptual analyses of the definitions of extremism and radicalism indicate a consistent search by researchers for a common interpretive denominator to concretize the aforementioned phenomena in terms of the broader social sciences (including security sciences).

The article aims to indicate the lack of transparency in the definition of phenomena/processes in the area of conceptualization of issues related to radicalism and extremism, and attempts to organize them. The context of consideration is the events related to the radicalization of a group of young Muslims from Delft (the Netherlands), whose members undergoing the process of radicalization were recruited to Syria.