bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transplantation of mitochondria from human malignant tumor cells as a method of tumor growth formation in the lungs of laboratory animals
Authors: Kit O. I. , Frantsiyant E. M. , Shikhlyarova A. I. , Neskubina I. V.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of the study. Obtaining lung cancer tumors in Balb/c Nude mice by transplantation of mitochondria isolated from human malignant tumors.

Materials and methods. Human lung cancer mitochondria were isolated using differential centrifugation on a high-speed refrigerated centrifuge. Mitochondrial samples were diluted with 0.9 % NaCl solution to a protein concentration of 3 mg per animal. Freshly isolated lung cancer mitochondria were once transplanted into the tail vein of male Balb/c Nude mice (n = 6) at the rate of 3 mg of protein per 1 animal in 0.4 ml of saline. Male mice of Balb/c Nude line (n = 4), which were injected with 0.4 ml of physiological solution into the tail vein once a day, served as a control group. All animals were killed by guillotine decapitation 4 months after intravenous transplantation of mitochondria isolated from lung cancer.

Results. After the introduction of mitochondria into the tail vein of mice, no changes were found in the animals’ behavior, coloration of coverings. No respiratory problems, and no allergic reactions to the introduction of foreign protein were detected. Respiratory problems in mice with mitochondrial transplantation occurred between days 113 and 123, when a drop in body weight ≥ 25 % was observed. A uniform formation of tumor nodes together with an active filling of the lung space with blood was clearly visible on lung preparations of a Balb/c Nude male mouse after intravenous transplantation of mitochondria from the lung of a patient with non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. Similar characteristics of tumor growth in the lung parenchyma of the patient and Balb/c Nude mice as direct recipients of tumor mitochondria involved solid structures consisting of fields, cells and strands of tightly fitting atypical polymorphic cells of the squamous epithelium with poorly developed cytoplasm. In addition, signs of adenocarcinoma included glandular and papillary-like structures and cell complexes with large nucleoli. Squamous epithelial cells were characterized by severe atypia and polymorphism. The shape of the nuclei was irregular in most cells, with large sizes, the color was heterogeneous, and the nucleoli were enlarged. Multinucleated cells, as well as pathological mitoses with clearly marked division figures, which testified to their proliferative activity, were encountered with a rather high frequency.

Conclusions. Application of intravenous transplantation of mitochondria isolated from malignant human lung tumor in male mice of Balb/c Nude line causes growth and development of malignant foci in male Balb/c Nude mice. This is previously unknown fact in experimental oncology, allowing the study of new properties of mitochondria of human cancer cells.
Contribution of Vladimir Lazarevich Bykov (1947–2022) to the development of Russian histology, cytology, and embryology
Authors: Shevlyuk Nikolaj N.
Published: December 2023

The main stages of the life and works of the renowned Russian scientist and teacher Vladimir Lazarevich Bykov are highlighted in this article. His scientific research focused on several fundamental and applied problems in histology, cytology, embryology, and pathomorphology (histophysiology of the thyroid gland, pathomorphology of various organs with candidiasis, morphofunctional characteristics of the oral cavity organs, analysis of the protective mechanisms of the mucous membranes of the digestive organs, history of morphology, and methods of teaching histology, cytology, and embryology). His library of educational literature on histology, cytology, and embryology is a modern encyclopedic body of knowledge on these academic fields. His contributions to the journal Morphology as an editorial board member (1992–2022) and editor-in-chief (2002–2016) are invaluable.
Postural balance impairment of the trunk in adolescents with mesial ratio of dentition before and after surgical treatment in the presence and absence of congenital cervical spine abnormalities
Authors: Nikityuk Igor E. , Botsarova Sofia A. , Semenov Mikhail G. , Murashko Tatyana V. , Vissarionov Sergei V.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND: In the presence of mandibular malformations and malocclusion, an abnormal morphology of the cervical spine is often detected. Latent neurological abnormalities in patients with possible disorders of spinal cord conduction function are promising in assessing the degree of postural balance impairment, which is well diagnosed by stabilometry.
AIM: To evaluate the dynamics of postural stability in adolescents with the mesial ratio of dentition, with and without congenital cervical spine abnormalities, before and after reconstructive operations on the jaws with a constructive bite.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical, radiographic, and two-platform stabilometric studies were conducted in 31 patients aged 15–17 years with combined dentomaxillofacial anomalies, having a mesial ratio of dentition. The main group included 10 adolescents with various congenital cervical spine abnormalities detected by multispiral computed tomography (CT). The control group included 21 patients who did not have CT signs of cervical spine abnormalities. The stabilometric parameters of the movement of the general body pressure center and the pressure centers of the contralateral lower extremities were evaluated in these patients before surgical correction of the bite and from 1 month to 1 year after it.
RESULTS: In the main group, postural balance impairment was noted, which was more pronounced before surgical treatment than those in the control group. This was manifested by frontal–sagittal violations of postural stability, pathological increase in the areas of statokinesiograms, linear velocities of the centers of pressure, and abnormally severe asymmetry of stabilometric parameters between the contralateral lower extremities. After the surgical correction of the bite, signs of postural balance deterioration were recorded in the control group: a significant increase in the coefficient, i.e., a sharp change in the direction of movement of the general center of pressure from 18% [15%–20%] to 23% [15%–31%], and the asymmetry of the linear velocities of the centers of pressure of the contralateral lower extremities significantly increased from 0.9 [0.3–1.6] to 2.2 [0.9–4.4] mm/s. In the main group, a positive trend was observed—a change in these parameters toward normalization: that is, a tendency to decrease the coefficient and a significant decrease in the rate of the centers of pressure.
CONCLUSIONS: To improve the quality of comprehensive diagnostics and medical rehabilitation of adolescents with congenital and combined dentomaxillofacial anomalies, additional radiographic examination of the cervical spine in combination with stabilometric and kinematic assessment of posture is necessary.
Correct Off-Site Determination of Seismic Sensor Orientation from Combined Analyses of Earthquake and Microseism Records
Authors: Park Seongjun , Hong Tae-Kyung
Published: December 2023

Correct sensor orientation is vital for seismological analysis. However, seismic sensors including both borehole and surface seismometers are often installed in incorrect orientations. Individual methods proposed for sensor-orientation determination suffer from their own limitations and uncertainty, leaving the estimates in question before on-site verification. We introduce a method to combine a set of seismic phase analyses, yielding accurate sensor-orientation estimates. The method determines the sensor orientations by weighted-averaging independent estimates from three individual sensor-orientation analyses that are based on earthquake-origin P waves, earthquake-origin Rayleigh waves, and microseism-origin Rayleigh waves. The earthquake-origin seismic phase analyses may suffer from seismic anisotropy along ray paths even with accurate source-location information. On the other hand, the microseism-origin Rayleigh-wave analysis is hardly affected by seismic anisotropy along ray paths, being applicable to any seismic station with a couple of hour-long records. The three analyses complement each other, which enables us to determine representative sensor orientations correctly. We apply the proposed method to densely deployed 377 seismometers in South Korea, examining the sensor orientations. The representative sensor orientations are determined stably with standard errors less than 1°, supporting the accuracy of results. Borehole seismometers are poorly oriented relative to surface seismometers. The proposed method is useful for instant examination of sensor orientations of seismometers in remote regions and borehole seismometers in which physical accessibility is highly limited.
Effect of Exchange Rates and Information and Communication Technology on Indonesia’s Economic Growth
Authors: Rumbia Wali Aya , Jabani Asrul , Adam Pasrun , Abbas Bakhtiar , Nur Muh , Pasrun Yuwanda Purnamasari
Published: December 2023

Foreign exchange rates as well as information and communication technology (ICT) are crucial in the global economy. Exchange rates affect trade balance, which influences gross domestic product (GDP) and economic growth. ICT also affects economic growth by reducing business transaction costs and increasing the income of investors and companies, stimulating national income and economic growth. This research examines the effect of exchange rate asymmetry and ICT on Indonesian economic growth, using annual time-series data on exchange rates, ICT usage (proxied by Internet, telephone, and mobile phone users), and economic growth (GDP from 1994 to 2018). The data were analyzed using a non-linear auto-regressive distributed lag model. The results show that the exchange rate exerts an asymmetric effect on long-term economic growth. ICT has short- and long-term positive effects on economic growth. According to the findings, the Indonesian government should stabilize the IDR/USD exchange rate through monetary policies to encourage economic growth. Monetary policy needs also to support IDR/USD exchange rate appreciation to enhance the trade balance, GDP, and economic growth. The economic growth of Indonesia, which is driven by ICT development, still needs to be sustained by the government initiating ICT development in cities and rural areas.
Regulating the New: Overland Telegraph to Generative AI
Authors: Nicholls Rob
Published: December 2023

The Charles Todd Oration is an annual event run by TelSoc and is named for Charles Todd, the Postmaster-General of South Australia, who was responsible for completing the Overland Telegraph Line from Darwin to Adelaide in 1872. The 2023 Oration was delivered in Sydney on 12 October 2023 by the author, Rob Nicholls, and was introduced by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland MP. The Oration examined the challenge of novelty to regulators. It looked at history of regulating innovation, promotion of innovation in the context of consumer protection, how regulators can deal with innovation, and minimising consumer harm.
Comments on snails of the genus Zoniferella from Ecuador (Mollusca: Achatinidae)
Authors: Cisneros-Heredia Diego F. , Valencia Roberto F.
Published: December 2023

The genus Zoniferella includes six taxa of land snails from Colombia and Ecuador, for which little has been published beyond their original descriptions. In this paper, we present new records of Zoniferella vespera (Jousseaume, 1887), expanding its range across northwestern Ecuador. We provide the first description of the colouration in life for Zoniferellasnails. We comment on the taxonomy of some species of Zoniferella, recognising the synonymy of Z. riveti (Germain, 1907) with Z. vespera but calling for further integrative taxonomic analyses before recognising further synonyms between species of the genus.
Significado del manejo del dolor agudo en médicos de urgencias en hospitales de Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Osorno-Upegui Susana Cristina , Mendoza-Serna Nora Marcela , Yepes-Delgado Carlos Enrique
Published: December 2023

Introducción: el dolor es el principal motivo de consulta en la atención de urgencias del mundo. El tratamiento del dolor suele ser inadecuado y los pacientes son dados de alta aun sufriendo de dolor moderado a intenso. Aunque las escuelas médicas enseñan contenidos alrededor del manejo del dolor durante la formación, pareciera no ser suficiente, en parte por la escasa comprensión que se tiene del abordaje sobre este que realizan los médicos en los servicios de urgencias. Objetivo: comprender el significado que tienen los médicos generales sobre el manejo del dolor agudo en los servicios de urgencias de hospitales de alto nivel de complejidad. Metodología: estudio cualitativo que usó teoría fundamentada. Se realizaron 15 entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad a igual número de médicos con experiencia laboral en urgencias de hospitales de alto nivel de complejidad de Medellín. El análisis de la información se realizó mediante la codificación abierta, axial y selectiva propias del método. Resultados: el significado del manejo de dolor comprende el reconocimiento de la vulnerabilidad propia en el dolor del otro la ausencia de enseñanza intencionada de la empatía y compasión, la fragmentación y desarticulación del tratamiento del dolor por el modelo de enseñanza flexneriano y la contradicción entre la naturaleza subjetiva del dolor y el paradigma de formación clínico positivista. Conclusiones: el manejo del dolor está afectado por evidentes conflictos con el modelo biomédico imperante, falencias en competencias como empatía, compasión y comunicación asertiva y la dificultad del médico para aceptar su vulnerabilidad y temor ante la muerte.
The Teaching of the Church in a Changing Cultural and Social Setting
Authors: Sitek Bronisław
Published: December 2023

The subject of this paper is to demonstrate the connection between the forms of preaching the Gospel in the context of today’s cultural, social, and political changes. Since the early days of Christianity, the Gospel message has been adapted to the changing environment. Currently, globalization and digitization are behind these changes. Information society is emerging, its main activities, including communication, being transferred to cyberspace. For this reason, actions aimed at adapting contemporary evangelical communication to this new situation need to be identified. There is a need for change in language and terminology. It is also necessary to utilize the latest IT solutions for evangelization. They should primarily operate in virtual reality, in which a significant number of people are already active. By doing so, it will be possible to follow Christ’s instruction to proclaim the Good News to all nations.
Ustawa o obronie ojczyzny – nowa jakość bezpieczeństwa państwa?
Authors: Chochowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2023

Autor omawia uchwaloną 11 marca 2022 roku ustawę o obronie Ojczyzny, która ma dostosować tzw. prawo wojskowe do wymogów współczesności i w ten sposób poprawić jakość bezpieczeństwa państwa. Celem rozważań jest próba odpowiedzi na pytanie, w jakim stopniu ustawa ta stanowi nową i lepszą jakość bezpieczeństwa państwa? Ponadto, wyciągnięcie wniosków i postawienie postulatów, których zastosowanie może wpłynąć na poprawę efektywności regulacji prawnych związanych z realizacją obowiązku obrony Ojczyzny. W pracy jako wiodąca wykorzystana została metoda dogmatyczna, a pomocniczo metoda historyczna i komparatystyczna.
Дослідження операцій прогнозуючого контролю засобів зв’язку, навігації та спостереження
Authors: Зуєв О.В. , Соломенцев О.В. , Заліський М.Ю. , Осіпчук А.О.
Published: December 2023

Засоби зв’язку, навігації та спостереження відіграють значну роль у процесі забезпеченні безпеки польотів цивільної авіації. Для підтримки надійності та ефективності використання цих засобів за призначенням застосовують системи експлуатації. Система експлуатації містить у своєму складі власне засоби зв’язку, навігації та спостереження, виконавців, документації, ресурсне забезпечення. Основними функціями системи експлуатації є: організація, координація, контроль технічної експлуатації об’єктів і засобів зв’язку, навігації та спостереження; проведення організаційно-технічних заходів щодо модернізації, підтримки експлуатаційної готовності й продовженню терміну служби цих засобів; планування, організація, координація й контроль робіт із сертифікації служб і об’єктів авіаційних засобів; планування, координація й контроль за проведенням льотних перевірок засобів; удосконалення й впровадження нових методів організації роботи, у тому числі на основі використання сучасних інформаційних технологій. Важливим процесом експлуатації є прогнозування технічного стану. У результаті прогнозування технічного стану засобів зв’язку, навігації та спостереження здійснюється оцінка значення сукупності визначальних параметрів. Практичне застосування алгоритмів прогнозуючого контролю  передбачає зменшення похибок прийняття рішень про стан об‘єкта за наявністю апріорної невизначеності. Кількісною мірою об’єктивності прийнятих у результаті прогнозування рішень є достовірність прогнозуючого контролю. Достовірність загалом характеризує ступінь довіри до прийнятих у результаті прогнозування рішень. Від достовірності контролю залежить не тільки об’єктивність власне прогнозування, але й ефективність функціонування систем експлуатації засобів зв’язку, навігації та спостереження. Ця стаття присвячена дослідженню питань щодо особливостей застосування прогнозуючого контролю та оцінки достовірності прийняття рішень у результаті прогнозування. При цьому наведені математичні співвідношення, що характеризують процес класифікації технічного стану під час прогнозування та подальшої оцінки достовірності прийняття рішень. Результати дослідження можуть бути використані під час розробки та модернізації систем експлуатації засобів зв’язку, навігації та спостереження.
ПРИНЦИПИ РІВНОСТІ, РІЗНОМАНІТНОСТІ, ВІДКРИТОСТІ ТА СПІВРОБІТНИЦТВА ЯК БАЗИСНІ КОМПОНЕНТИ ДЕМОКРАТИЗАЦІЇ НАУКИ
Authors: Кубальський Олег
Published: December 2023

Анотація. В умовах соціально-турбулентних глобальних тенденцій проблематика демократизації всіх сфер суспільноїжиттєдіяльності набуває нової актуальності та значущості. В статті деталізується концептуально-теоретичний аналізбазових принципів демократизації сучасної науки. Серед них базовими визначаються рівність, кооперація, різноманітність тавідкритість. Принцип рівних можливостей забезпечує свободу і рівноправну гідність партнерів у науці. Принцип співробітництвапід час демократичної взаємодії сторін зумовлений складністю сучасного наукового пошуку. Принцип різноманітності відкриваєнеобмежений простір для розгляду нових ідей та альтернативних точок зору. Принцип відкритості забезпечує право вільноговибору напрямку наукових досліджень, утвердження критичного мислення, чесність та публічність науки.
КЕРОВАНИЙ ХАОС ЯК ІНСТРУМЕНТ РАДИКАЛЬНОГО СОЦІАЛЬНОГО КОНСТРУЮВАННЯ СУЧАСНОСТІ В КОНТЕКСТІ ГЛОБАЛЬНИХ ВИКЛИКІВ
Authors: Орденов Сергій
Published: December 2023

Анотація. У статті розглядається керований хаос як інструмент радикального соціального конструюваннясучасності в контексті викликів глобалізованого світу. Наголошується на тому, що теорія хаосу в геополітицівикористовується як інструмент штучного наростання ентропії і поширення деструктивності на соціальні сферисуспільств, що розвиваються. Це викликає дивергентні зміни в структурі суспільних відносин, що унеможливлюютьсоціальний розвиток та структурну перебудову, інституціалізуючи тим самим перехідність як лімінальну фазу, якастає певним типом стаціонарного стану перехідних суспільств. Наголошується, що такі дії за своєю природою єасоціальними і деструктивними для людини, суспільства і природи. Наслідком такої діяльності є збільшеннякількості соціально-природних проблем, що мають глобальний характер.
БІОСОЦІАЛЬНИЙ І ПСИХОГЕНЕТИЧНИЙ ПІДХОДИ У ВИВЧЕННІ АЛЬТРУЇЗМУ
Authors: Гуменюк Юлія
Published: December 2023

Анотація. У статті проводиться огляд наукових джерел різних років у галузі соціобіології, психогенетики іфілософії, в яких розкривається походження та сутність феномену альтруїзму та його еволюційне значення длялюдини. Окреслено суперечливі питання, на які протягом багатьох років намагаються знайти відповідь біологи,генетики, філософи. Розглядаються витоки основних припущень, переконань та помилок у поясненні альтруїзму. У підсумку з’ясовано, що альтруїзм – це здатність турбуватись про інших. Егоїзм і альтруїзм – протилежнонаправлені моделі еволюційної поведінки та відіграють важливу роль у формуванні соціальних відносин. Ці двафеномени є підконтрольними єдиному механізму психогенетичної спадковості. В даному руслі розглядаютьсядосить суперечливі теорії – концепція «альтруїстичного гена» В. Ефроімсона та версія існування «егоїстичногогена» Р. Докінза.
Child well-being in Vietnam: The roles of household welfare and early childbearing
Authors: Hoang Hue Thi , Ngo Phuong Thi Xuan , Nguyen Lan Thi , Le Yen Thi Bao , Tran Chi Khanh , Le Phung Trung
Published: December 2023

Children are important resources for nations' long-term and sustainable development; therefore, they have the right to have their well-being ensured from birth. Although multidimensional methods for researching child well-being in Vietnam have made some progress, most studies still focus on single aspects of child well-being. This paper analyzes the correlations between household welfare (measured by the asset index - an effective alternative tool to income and expenditure), early childbearing, and child well-being (in six constitutive dimensions) to provide a broad picture of the above relationships in the Vietnamese context. Using secondary data from the Vietnam Sustainable Development Goal Indicators for Children and Women (SDGCW) survey by the General Statistics Office (GSO) of Vietnam and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in the period 2020–2021, and applying Tobit and OLS regression models, the research results show that a high level of household welfare not only directly increases child well-being but also has an indirect positive effect on this indicator by reducing the early childbearing rate. Based on the research findings, several suggestions are made to improve household welfare; therefore, this paper can support the government in managing early childbearing rates and improving child well-being throughout the country.
Predicting Mortality and ICUs Transfer in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Using Random Forest Model
Authors: Najafi-Vosough Roya , Bakhshaei Mohammad Hossein , Farzian Mahnaz
Published: December 2023

Background: The objective of the present study was to identify prognostic factors associated with mortality and transfer to intensive care units (ICUs) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients using random forest (RF). Also, its performance was compared with logistic regression (LR).
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, information of 329 COVID-19 patients were analyzed. These patients were hospitalized in Besat hospital in Hamadan province, the west of Iran. The RF and LR models were used for predicting mortality and transfer to ICUs. These models' performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and accuracy.
Results: Of the 329 COVID-19 patients, 57 (15.5%) patients died and 106 (32.2%) patients were transferred to ICUs. Based on multiple LR model, there was a significant association between age (OR=1.02; 95% CI=1.00-1.05), cough (OR=0.24; 95% CI=0.10-0.56), and ICUs (OR=7.20; 95% CI=3.30-15.69) with death. Also, a significant association was found between kidney disease (OR=3.90; 95% CI=1.04-14.63), decreased sense of smell (OR=0.28; 95% CI=0.10-0.73), Kaletra (OR=2.53; 95% CI=1.39-4.59), and intubation (OR=8.32; 95% CI=3.80-18.24) with transfer to ICUs. RF showed that the order of variable importance has belonged to age, ICUs, and cough for predicting mortality; and age, intubation, and Kaletra for predicting transfer to ICUs.
Conclusion: This study showed that the performance of RF provided better results compared to LR for predicting mortality and ICUs transfer in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Perioperative Management Challenges for Post-Tuberculous Stage-III Empyema with Massive Pneumothorax Mimicking Vanishing Lung Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Phulli Roopali , Karim Habib Md Reazaul , Kurwe Mahesh S , Kesavankutty Manu P , Dantis Klein
Published: December 2023

Surgical resection is frequently the intervention required for post-tuberculous empyema or other sequels. However, pneumonectomy may not be feasible in some situations, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) plays a role in such a scenario. Whether a patient undergoes open resection of VATS, isolation of infected lung is integral to one-lung ventilation and better access to the surgical field, and a double-lumen tube (DLT) remains the preferred choice. Difficulties in DLT placement after pneumonectomy are reported; however, failure to isolate a lung by appropriately placed DLT is scarce or absent. A 28-year cachectic gentleman with poor preoperative lung function was suffering from endobronchial tuberculosis. He also had one episode of tuberculosis twelve-year back. At presentation, he had a massive pneumothorax and stage-III empyema as a sequel, including a rare finding of plastered mediastinum mimicking vanishing lung syndrome. He underwent uniportal-VATS under general anesthesia using one-lung ventilation. Complete lung destruction from active tuberculosis and its sequel leading to the plastered mediastinum and deformed airway pose a significant lung isolation challenge. U-VATS can be considered for therapeutic purpose where standard thoracotomy and pneumonectomy is contra-indicated. However, lung isolation in such patients is tricky and poses a risk. The present case highlights the challenges faced with lung isolation using a DLT and discusses the probable remedy to these problems.
Factors Associated with Psychotic and Depressive Symptoms in Methamphetamine Users
Authors: Karabulut Sercan
Published: December 2023

Objective: Methamphetamine use has been recognized as a prominent public health issue, which is associated with psychotic and depressive symptoms. This study aimed to assess factors that show a significant relation with psychotic and depressive symptoms in adults who use methamphetamine.
Method: We assessed 95 patients who had used methamphetamine within the last month and were admitted to the outpatient treatment clinic. Evaluation of all patients was carried out through face-to-face interviews, and their symptoms were evaluated using different scales. The Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms were employed to assess positive and negative symptoms of psychosis, respectively. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, while illness severity was evaluated using the Clinical Global Impression- Severity Scale. Additionally, functioning status was assessed using the Functioning Assessment Short Test, and withdrawal severity was measured by employing the Amphetamine Cessation Symptom Assessment Scale. Craving severity was evaluated using the Stimulant Craving Questionnaire, anxiety severity using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and insight status using the Schedule for Assessment of Insight Expanded.
Results: Among the demographic variables, working with family was associated with lower positive symptoms scores (OR = 6.31, P < 0.05). Parole/probation related admissions were associated with lower positive and depressive symptoms scores (OR = 15.06, P = 0.03; OR = 9.87, P = 0.02). Having suicide attempts, number of suicide attempts, and amount of methamphetamine used were found to show association with higher positive (OR = 13.59, P < 0.01; OR = 2.52, P < 0.05; OR = 3.48, P < 0.05, respectively) and depressive symptoms scores (OR = 10.35, P < 0.001; OR = 2.23, P < 0.01; OR = 2.3, P < 0.05). After adjusting for all variables, clinical impression and insight scores remained significantly associated with positive symptoms scores (AOR = 6.74, P < 0.05; AOR = 2.63, P < 0.001, respectively), while anxiety, amphetamine cessation, and positive symptoms scores remained associated with depressive symptoms scores (AOR = 0.48, P < 0.001; AOR = 0.11, P = 0.003; AOR = 0.36, P = 0.02, respectively).
Conclusion: This study appears to be the first to examine the associations between clinical variables and both positive symptoms and depressive symptoms in methamphetamine users. Increased attention should be paid to suicide history, anxiety level, amount of methamphetamine use and loss of insight to provide effective treatment in patients with methamphetamine use.
A Network Analysis Study to Evaluate Obsessive-Compulsive Beliefs/Dimensions and Personality Beliefs in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Common OCD Subtypes
Authors: Davoudi Mohammadreza , Pourshahbaz Abbas , Dolatshahi Behrooz , Astaneh Ali Nazeri
Published: December 2023

Objective: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been considered a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder. Identifying this heterogeneity can lead to better diagnosis and treatment. The two most common OCD subtypes include contamination/cleaning and danger/checking. This study aimed to identify the network structure of OCD symptoms, personality, and obsessive beliefs in these OCD subtypes.
Method: 333 patients with OCD were included in the study (156 patients with the danger/check subtype and 177 patients with the contamination/cleaning subtype). In addition, 276 healthy individuals participated in this study. We used a network analysis approach to determine the OCD central symptoms [nodes]. The Personality Beliefs Questionnaire-Short Form [PBQ-SF], Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised [OCI-R], and Obsessional Beliefs Questionnaire-44 [OBQ-44] were used for network estimation.
Results: The results indicated that the network structure in healthy individuals was different from the network structure in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder [PwOCD]. In healthy individuals, "obsessive” personality belief and “danger” obsessive belief were the most strength nodes and formed the core of the central communication between symptoms in these subjects. Regarding the contamination/cleaning subtype, the most central symptoms include "washing" obsessive symptom, “danger” obsessive belief, and "wash" obsessive symptom. However, "perfect" obsessive beliefs, "check" obsessive symptoms, and “avoidant” personality beliefs were the most central symptoms in the danger/check subtype. These results demonstrated that each of the studied groups had a unique network structure, which is consistent with the heterogeneous nature of OCD.
Conclusion: Different OCD subtypes have different cognitive-behavioral network structures. According to the results of this study, these symptoms should be given priority in OCD theoretical models and treatment strategies.
Direct Effects of Marital Empathy, Body Image, and Perceived Social Support on Quality of Life of Married Women with Breast Cancer and the Mediating Role of Perceived Marital Quality
Authors: KavehFarsani Zabihollah , Worthington, Jr Everett L.
Published: December 2023

Objective: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide, and its incidence has increased recently. Diagnosing cancer can create many challenges, especially for married women. The aim of the present study was thus to evaluate the effect of the relationships among marital empathy, body image, and perceived social support on quality of life (QoL) and the mediating role of perceived marital quality.
Method: Married women with breast cancer (N = 160) were selected through purposive accessible sampling. Measures included body image scale, Batson empathy adjectives, multidimensional scale of perceived social support, perceived marital quality, and QoL. The research method was descriptive-correlational and using structural equation modeling.
Results: The best model obtained showed that all predictors directly predicted QoL: marital empathy, body image, and perceived social support (P < 0.001). Predictors (except for perceived social support by family, friends, and others) also worked indirectly through perceived marital quality to predict QoL (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Several variables predicted QoL for women with breast cancer, including body image and marital empathy. Most of such variables had both a direct effect and an indirect effect, working through perceived marital quality to affect QoL. Social support, however, had only a direct effect on QoL.
Psychometric Evaluation of a Persian Version of Beliefs about Emotions Scale in Community and Clinical Samples
Authors: Ghapanchi Ala , Abasi Imaneh , Rimes Katharine A. , Bitarafan Maryam , Zarabi Hamid , Derakhshan Fatemeh Sara , Derakhshan Mohammad Kamran , Ghanadanzadeh Sepideh , Whitley Helena , Whitley Helena , Shamsi Alireza
Published: December 2023

Objective: This research is primarily conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the Beliefs about Emotions Scale (BES) in community and clinical samples. The BES is a scale measure used for evaluating individuals’ beliefs in terms of how acceptable it is for them to experience and express their emotions.
Method: This study was conducted on two separate samples. In the first part, 300 individuals were selected from a general sample in Tehran using the quota sampling method. For the second part of the study, we used purposive sampling to gather data from 119 patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and 121 patients from Somatic Symptoms Disorder (SSD), whose disorders were diagnosed based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The BES structural validity was examined through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Additionally, test-retest composite and internal consistency indices were explored to investigate the reliability of the BES score. Finally, the associations of the BES score with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ), Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) scores were highlighted to investigate the discriminant and convergent validity of the BES score.
Results: According to CFAs, the one-factor model for the BES demonstrated a good fit with the data collected from both the clinical and community samples. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was satisfactory in the community sample (α = 0.84) and the clinical samples of SSD (α = 0.86) and MDD (α = 0.83). The community sample demonstrated high overall test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93, P < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.89 - 0.95). In terms of convergent validity, the findings confirmed that in the MMD sample, there was a significant relationship between the BES and almost all measures (including Depression (r = 0.39, P < 0.01), Anxiety (r = 0.21, P < 0.05), Self-Sacrifice (r = 0.27, P < 0.01), MPS-total score (r = 0.22, P < 0.05), DERS total score (r = 0.50, P < 0.01), and Suppression (r = 0.38, P < 0.01). However, in the SSD group, this finding was not found.
Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the Persian BES is a reliable and valid scale of maladaptive beliefs about emotions which could be implemented for both clinical and research aims.
Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of the Invalidating Childhood Environment Scale
Authors: Rahmati Farima , Aslzaker Maryam , Noori Mohammad , Abasi Imaneh
Published: December 2023

Objective: To understand the consequences of an invalidating environment, it is essential to have a measurement tool with appropriate statistical properties. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to render the ICES (Invalidating Childhood Environment Scale) into Persian and subsequently evaluate the psychometric attributes of this translated version.
Method: Data were collected from 1221 nonclinical participants, including 1053 females and 168 males, who were students at medical universities in Tehran, Iran. Several questionnaires, such as the ICES, CTQ (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), DTS (Distress Tolerance Scale), BIS-11 (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale), Self-Compassion Questionnaire, Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and EAT-26 (Eating AttitudesTest) were used in the study. The data sets were investigated through SPSS and R language to evaluate the ICES' reliability and construct validity. Additionally, Item Response Theory (IRT) was employed with the Graded Response Model (GRM) to measure the psychometric properties of each item in terms of difficulty and discrimination parameters.
Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that both single-factor and two-factor models fit well for both maternal and paternal versions of the ICES. The internal consistency, as assessed by Cronbach's alpha, was high and satisfactory for both maternal (0.87) and paternal (0.87) versions. Notably, the IRT analysis revealed that item 9 performed poorly in both maternal and paternal versions. Compared to the one-factor model, the two-factor model demonstrated a superior fit. Additionally, the test-retest reliability of the ICES over two months demonstrated good reliability for both maternal and paternal versions (0.98). Divergent and convergent validity analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between childhood invalidation environment and distress tolerance (r = 0.175, P < 0.01) as well as self-compassion (r = 0.142, P < 0.01), which were inversely related to the ICES. Furthermore, there was a considerably positive correlation between the invalidating environment experienced during childhood and impulsivity, as evidenced by r = 0.196 and P < 0.01.
Conclusion: This study established the favorable psychometric properties of the Persian version of the ICES, indicating that this version is reliable and valid to assess the Invalidating Childhood Environment in the Iranian population. However, further investigations are warranted to reevaluate its validity and reliability.
Impact of Spiritual End-of-Life Support on the Quality of Life for Leukemia Patients
Authors: Beglar Narges Yaghoobi , Rezaei Fateme , Izadipour Ehsan , TabaTabaei Seyyed Mahmood
Published: December 2023

Objective: Patients with leukemia suffer from significant psychological, spiritual, and social symptoms. Therefore, the current research aimed to study the impact of spiritual end-of-life support on the quality of life for leukemia patients.
Method: To this end, the present quasi-experimental research with a pre-test and post-test design was performed. The sample included 60 cancer patients randomly assigned to intervention and control groups through the method of permutation block. The experimental group received spiritual support intervention for eight sessions of 60 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Patients filled out the questionnaire of World Health Organization Quality of Life. The World Health Organization conducts a three-phase assessment to measure the quality of life. These phases include a pre-test, which is conducted before any intervention takes place. Then comes the post-test, which occurs after the intervention. Finally, there is a follow-up assessment conducted two months after the post-test. The obtained results were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis and independent samples t-test using SPSS software.
Results: The findings from the repeated measures analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant interaction between time and group (P = 0.01). In other words, being compared to the control group, the spiritual support significantly increased the life quality of the patients in the experimental group. The experimental group witnessed a sustained enhancement in the quality of life for a period of two months following the intervention (follow-up, P = 0.01).
Conclusion: Ultimately, the provision of spiritual support has the potential to enhance the overall well-being of individuals approaching the end of their lives, offering solace and aiding them in comprehending the true essence and purpose of their existence.
Visual Performance of Two Designs of Myopia Management Soft Contact Lenses Compared with a Monofocal One in Young Adults
Authors: Signes-Soler Isabel , Roselló Sivera Silvia , Cantó-Vañó Javier , Giménez-Sanchís Inmaculada , Albarrán-Diego César
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To compare the visual performance of two distinct types of soft contact lenses (CL) aimed at slowing down myopia progression with the performance of a monofocal soft CL. Methods: In a prospective double-masked, crossover trial, 18 myopic adults (aged 18–30 years old) were fitted in a randomized order with three types of disposable CL: MiSightTM (dual-focus), MyloTM (extended depth of focus -EDOF-), and ClaritiTM (single distance vision). Measurements were taken after wearing the CL for five days with five days off in between at two different optometry centers. High contrast distance visual acuity (VA) with spectacles and for each of the different CL, subjective refraction, slit lamp exam, aberrometry, stereopsis, monocular and binocular amplitude of accommodation and accommodative facility, and horizontal phorias were measured. Results: The high contrast distance VA was better for the single vision CL compared to the myopia control CL. No significant differences were observed between the r two myopia control CL. The overall root mean square (RMS) was higher for the double focus CL (RMS = 1.18 ± 0.29 μm), followed by the EDOF CL (RMS = 0.76 ± 0.35 μm) and then the single vision CL (RMS = 0.50 ± 0.19 μm). The primary spherical aberration (SA) mean value was low for all of the three CL, without statistical differences among them. No other significant differences were detected. Conclusion: The overall RMS resulted in a higher value for the dual-focus than the EDOF CL, but no differences in high contrast distance VA and binocularity were detected between them. The monofocal CL’s performance was better than the myopia control CL.
High-speed Beveled Tip Versus Standard Tip Vitrectomy Probe: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Patel Shriji , Nair Archana , Taubenslag Kenneth , Scavelli Kurt , Mallory Paul , Moreno Tomas , Date Rishabh , Tamez Heather
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To compare the efficiency of the advanced ultravit beveled vitrector probe (10,000 cuts per minute) to the current standard ultravit highspeed (7500 cuts per minute) vitrector probe. Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients undergoing routine vitrectomy surgery for epiretinal membrane, full-thickness macular hole, and vitreous opacities. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo PPV with the ultravit highspeed probe (Probe 1) or the advanced ultravit beveled probe (Probe 2). The main outcome measure was time to completion of core vitrectomy and vitreous base shave. Results: Forty patients were enrolled in this study, 20 in each cohort. The average time to completion of core vitrectomy was 10.4 +/- 1.8 min in the Probe 1 cohort compared to 9.7 +/- 2 min in the Probe 2 cohort (P = 0.21). The average time to completion of vitreous base shave was 9.6 +/- 2.7 min in the Probe 1 cohort compared to 9.4 +/- 1.8 min in the Probe 2 cohort (P = 0.39). Conclusion: In the current study, the advanced ultravit beveled probe was noninferior to the ultravit highspeed vitrectomy probe when looking at the time to completion of core vitrectomy and vitreous base shave. The increased cut rate did not affect the efficiency of vitreous removal.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Risk Factors in An Iranian Cohort: A Case-control Study
Authors: Karimi Saeed , Payandeh Nastaran , Mahmoudi Nejad Azar Sahar , Nouri Hosein , Abtahi Seyed-Hossein
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the possible risk factors of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in an Iranian cohort. Methods: We recruited 39 consecutive CSCR cases and 80 age-matched controls with no ocular pathology from the same medical center from March 2019 to March 2021. Enrolled patients underwent complete ophthalmological examination and extensive history taking in a referral setting. Logistic regression analysis was performed to detect any possible association of potential risk factors with CSCR. Results: The mean age of CSCR patients was 40.69±7.71 years. The male-to-female ratio in cases and controls was 1:1.79 and 1.22:1, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that alcohol consumption (odds ratio, OR: 62.0, P <0.001), smoking (OR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.47-10.85, P <0.006), corticosteroid use (OR: 6.95, 95% CI: 2.64-18.28, P <0.001), and high psychological stress (OR: 13.34, 95% CI: 4.68-38.02, P <0.01) were significant risk factors for developing CSCR. Ischemic heart disease (P =0.550), hypertension (P =0.750), and hyperopia (P =0.467) were not associated with the risk of CSCR. The most common form of steroid use was oral in both groups. No pregnant female was present in the study sample, precluding the assessment of its potential association with CSCR.Conclusion: CSCR often affects individuals of productive working ages; thus, identifying its preventable risk factors is highly encouraged. Our results suggested that alcohol consumption, smoking, and high levels of psychological stress are independent, preventable risk factors for CSCR.
Changes in Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Channel of 661w Cells In vitro with Excessive Light Time
Authors: Zhang Yahan , Yin Rui , Liu Xin
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To determine the response time and protective mechanism of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) channel in 661w cells. Methods: 661w cells were exposed to 4500Lux visible light for three and four days at the following exposure time periods per day: 20, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180. Cells were incubated for the rest of the time without any other treatment. Cell activity and cell death rates were measured with Hoechst/PI (diphenylmethane/propidium iodide) staining. Western Blot was used to detect the levels of guanylate cyclase-activating proteins 1 (GCAP1), cGMP, and phosphodiesterase (PDE)6 in the cGMP-gated channel. Results: 661w cells showed low mortality within three days. The mortality rate increased from the fourth day, especially during the longer times (120 and 180 min) of light exposure. After three-day illumination, the level of cGMP increased after 20 and 90 min and the level of GCAP1 increased after 60 and 90 min. After four days of illumination, the level of GCAP1 upregulated after a time of 20 and 60 min, while the cGMP level decreased from 30 min. The expression of PDE6 upregulated at each light period. Conclusion: The survival rate of 661w cells was relevant to the time of light exposure. The changes in GCAP1, cGMP, and PDE6 levels over time were possibly related to cell metabolism and restoration after light-induced damage.
Acute Optic Neuritis: An Update on Approach and Management
Authors: Jamali Dogahe Sepideh , Pakravan Parastou , Pakravan Mohammad
Published: December 2023

This review discusses the physical examination and diagnostic tests necessary to diagnose optic neuritis (ON) and provides an update on the approach and management of acute ON. A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was conducted, limited to English-language journals and recent publications. A total of 160 articles were initially screened by title, of which 73 articles were included in the narrative synthesis. ON is an inflammation of the optic nerve that can be caused by different systemic and neurological disorders. It is commonly presented as a subacute unilateral painful vision loss, and based on its clinical manifestation, it can be classified as typical or atypical. Atypical ON is bilateral with visual acuity of worse than 20/200 or has an atypical demographic presentation for demyelination, such as a non-Caucasian male with optic disc swelling, for which neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), or other etiologies should be considered. Steroids and immunosuppressants are the main treatment options for ON, and timely treatment initiation is critical to preventing irreversible vision loss, especially in atypical cases.